The Clutha Leader. BALCLUTHA: TUESDAY, AUG. 7. THE NEW MINISTRY.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXXIII, Issue 2036, 7 August 1906, Page 4

The Clutha Leader. BALCLUTHA: TUESDAY, AUG. 7. THE NEW MINISTRY.

Tho members of the new Ministry forme! by Sir J. G. Ward were sworn in yesterday afternoon, und, tin: names and allocation of the various port folios will be found in another part of this issue. Sir Joseph only arrived in the Colony a week ago from his trip in Europe and America, and has not had nnuii time to consider the formation of his Cabinet. But doubtless he has given the matter full thought during the intervening weeks since lie heard of his late chief's death, and the ministry he has selected, has been what public opinion almost without exception, pointed to as the most likely one. Messrs T. Y. Duncan and C. H. Mills are now no longer members of the ministry. Of the latter's claim to Ministerial rank, the general opinion did not seem to be ever very high, and the wonder with many is how he managed to attain the position,, and having attained it, how he managed t/o keep it so long. In the case of Mr Duncan, it is remarkable that the greutest objection to him as a Minister emanated from tho Ministerial side, both in the House and in the country. While it could not by any means be said that he was a brilliant Minister, yet we mustssaty t we never could altogether see the force of the objections that were urged against him. Undoubtedly' however, the new combination makes for strength, and, we should add also, for progress on sound and judicious lines. No one can urge that the new Ministry will be a "one-man Ministry." Sir Joseph himself would not wish it to be such. He has chosen as his colleagues the strong men of his partymen who have proved their independence and their ability, and they are not likely to be dominated by any one man, even if that man had the desire to dominate, which we are fully persuaded Sir Joseph has not. And in this respect one feature of the Parliaments and politics oi this colony for the past ten or a dozen years will be absent in the future. Of the Premier, Sir Joseph Ward, it can safely be said that his methods will be thorough and business like. The business of Parliament and of the country will be conducted on business-like lines, and he will bring to bear on the administration of the affairs of the country the application and the grasp that have been so much exemplilied in his management of the Railway and Postal Departments in recent years. Under his conciliatory and pruetieul methods we look forward to seeing the business of the country so far as Parliament is concerned, being transacted in a session of about two months duration instead oi nearer four as has been too often the case in the past. Of Sir Joseph's ability, personal and administrative, no one has any doubt whatever. The Hons. McNab and Millar and Fowlds are new to Ministerial office, but they have for some time back been looked upon as likely to attain Ministerial rank. As Minister of Lands and Agriculture the Hon. Mr McNab should prove a capable and progressive administrator, bringing to bear as he does a store of prae tidal knowledge and experience. He will at the same time exercise a moderating inlluence on the more advanced section of the party. He is a steady, level-headed Parliamentarian, and we congratulate our neighbouring constituency of Mataui'a on its representative being made a Minister of the Crown. Mr J. A. Millar has improved considerably in public estimation during recent years, and has brought a considerable amount of ability and common sense to bear in the discharge of his duties as a member for the city of Dunedin. Some of his criticisms on the finances of tho late administration evidenced a soundness of view and grasp of affairs that inspire; confidence that he will make a good Minister. The other new Minister, Mr Fowlds, has a good reputation in the North, where he is better known than in the South. His single tax ideas will not find favour in the country districts, but his views in this respect are not likely to gain the ascendancy in the Cabinet. Of his special abilities for the port folio of Education, not a great deal is known in this portion of the colony. He is not overburdened with offices, however, and will have ample timo to devote to the administration of the important try as a whole, we should say it has been put tinder his charge. The lion. Hall-J ones has been given charge of tho railways in addition to that of works, and the remaining Ministers, Hons. Carroll, McGowan, and Pitt, remain much the same as before, excepting that the Hon. Mr Pitt now takes Defence. Looking at the Ministry as a whole, we should say it hgs the elements of stability and progress on moderate line's. We do not think it will be likely to be led to extremes ' in any direction, or to favour one part of the community more than another. There will be a disposition on the part of all shades of opinion to give the new Ministry ample opportunity to develop its policy, and being reasonably well satisfied with the. personnel to judge it by results.

At a sheep sale at St._ Andrews, near Timaru, on Friday, a line of 4 and 6 tooth crossbred breeding owes sent forward by Mr D. Murray realised the handsome price of 529/- a head.

THE EX-PREMIER. The retirement of the Hon. HallJones from the Premiership in favour of Sir J. G. Ward is in accordance with the statement by the former as an honourable man when he assumed office some six weeks ago. Them .was no question that Sir Joseph was the natural successor of the late Mr Soddon, but the position came to the Hon Hall-Jones under circumstances that were not of his seeking, and it is quite conceivable that had he been an ambitious man, and not weighted with any great scruples, lie would not have had much difficulty in making out a very good case in favour of bis retaining the Premiership. That he has acted a straightforward and honourable part, ana has not been actuated by considerations of personal advancement redounds to his credit. Of the manner in which he has discharged the duties of the premiership during his short term of ollice, there is no one who can speak in terms other than of thorough satisfaction. He was called upon to undertake the ofl'cc without warning, without expectation, and under circumstances that were delicate and trying in the extreme. But, blessed with a cool head and good judgment, he has carried out his duties in a manner that has, won the approbation not only of men on his own side of politics, but of men of all shades of opinion both in the llou.se and out of if ; and he has immeasurably strengthened his iiosition in thi' counliy. His inherent honesty of purpose, his quiet determination and his general ability have evidenced themselves in many ways during the past, six months.

COMMKKCIAI, RELATIONS WITH THE FAR LAST.

A few months ago Mr -J. Graham Gow was commissioned hv ihc New Zealand government to visit the Far Fast in order to arrange if possible for the participation of Japan and China at the coming' New Zealand Exhibition, and also we may suppose, to promote general commercial relations between our country and the Far East. The immediate result of Mr Gow's mission has been somewhat disappointing. .Japan has declined to take anj' official part in our exhibition, though it has been stated that no hindrance will be placed in the way of private enterprise in this direction. The reason oH'cially assigned for the refusal is that the, budget for the year had been already arranged when the proposal of the New Zealand Government was received, ano that the short space of time before the close of the Japancso Diet did not admit of special financial arrangements for a new grant. Another reason assigned by some Japanese is that the proposed Japanese exhibition in .Manchuria (which, however, it seems Chin-i has declined to sanction) would absorb all the money and energies available for such purposes. Both reasons are plausible enough, and the lirst may lie accepted as sufficient. But to many persons it occurred on the lirst notification of the refusal of .Japan to take part in our exhibition that some feeling of olfenee against New Zealand had at least something to do with the rejection of New Zealand's olTit. We class Japanese as undesirable immigrants, and tax them XI (10 a head before we allow them to set foot on our shores. They nun- naturally feel some resentment, and say that they can do without our trade, and that they decline to come to promote the success of an exhibition in the colony that habitually excludes them. China i also officially declined to support our exhibition, and leading Chinese merchants to whom Mr Gow urged the benefits to accrue to China by her being represented at an international exhibition proved likewise obdurate. Mr Gow's reports on the result of his mission, particularly a report of an interview recently published by the ! "Post," are well worth consideration as throwing light on the state of feel- ! ing in the Far East towards Australasian restriction laws. Mr Gow says that the Chinese everywhere regarded the poll tax as an insult, and expressed resentment at New Zealand's unfriendly attitude. He does not regard his mission as wholly vain, since it will conduce to a better understanding of the state of feeling in the Far East-, and of the results to which this may lead. He met many educated intelligent Chinese, who are keenly desirious of knowledge of Western institutions. There is also a large class, as in Japan 40 years ago, which is opposed to all foreign innovations. But the former class, representing the best intellect of the country, and having the natura, forces of the age on their side, will prevail, as the progressives prevailed in Japan. But even enlightened-Easterners are susceptible of resentment at insults to their race. They will welcome Western arts, science, u nd institutions, but they will not enter into friendly relations with Western peoples who treat them as an inferior race. It is vastly for China's interest to promote intercourse with foreigners, and trade with America and Australia would contribute greatly to her prosperity. But with all human beings, both for good and ill, feeling often over-rides considerations of interest. And China is not now, as Japan was 50 years ago, dependent on Westerners for enlightenment.. Japan is both able and willing to act as her instructor. It is probable that Australian, and in proportion, New Zealand, trade with the East might soon become considerable. The opening of Manchuria, the great expansion of commercial enterprise in Japan, the establishment of Singapore a* a great naval basis, and the progressive westernisation of China combine to furnish markets for our produce and openings of various kinds for colonial enterprise. It will be a pity if we are boycotted, but we can scarcely wonder at a boycott in retaliation of our exclusion laws. Probably no one will he found to deny the need for imposing a check on the entry of low class Chinese. We want also to exclude white immigrants who cither by character or the conditions of their entry might be inimical to our social well being. Surely it is not beyond the bounds of human ingenuity so to frame our immigrant laws as without any invidious distinction of race to render the entry of masses of lower class Chinese impossible. Some people may say that if trade with the Far Hast is to mean the renunciation of a "white Australia" and a "white New Zealand," then let the trade go. But there is more in the matter than mere questions ol trade. Japan is now a first-

class Power ; she has in every way vindicated her right to equality with European peoples. China is now entering on.the path chosen by .Japan 50 years ago. Fler people ure probably in native menial power equal to most Europeans 1 , mid more than equal in physical ami moral endurance. There can be little doubt that long before this century has run out China will be one of the greatest nations in the work.. It is well to ponder this, to realise as Mr Cow says that all Chinese are not coolies, and that in dealing with better class Chinese, we are not treating with savages. Ah Mr Cow says we should facilitate and welcome tile entry of Chinese scholars, business men, and tourists. The Chinese have intelligence and fairness enough to accept the restriction of low :'!ass Chinese labourers. Rut they will uol accept indiscriminating and insulting restriction. Should wo accept it in their place ?

The Clutlm Mounted illillcs hold their Dili annual ball to-light.

There was an exodus of a million people from London in five days of last week for llie summer holidays.

The eclipse of the moon on Saturduy night and Sunday morning was plainly visible in I'.alclutha, the sky being clear, although the night was stormy.

'Magistrate McCarthy yesterday lined Margaret M'Aulili'e Cot) and costs ( CIO !!/-) lor keeping liquor for sale in I nvei eai'uill, a No license district. This is the case in which he reserved judgment after a six days' hearing.

A concert in Ic■ ill arrange,! for August 21th in the Oddfellows' Hull in aid of tlir Wcslcynli enlargement scheme. Tlic following artists will conic from i)i" cdin and talc pari in tlic pro-gramme-Mrs l.oring, .Mrs Campbell, and Mrs Blaak.

The question of compulsory preferi Ji"e to I'nionists was discussed in a spirited debate at Friday night's meeting of the Milton Men's Social Institute. The Vote at the close was in the negative by ten votes to four, The half-yearly meeting of the Balclutha Brass Hand was held last evening when the balance sheet submitted showed a credit of £|,s 5/H. Plans are at present being prepared for the proposed band room, Mr Waiden, of Dunedin, having them in hand. A concert in uid of the coming contest expenses is to be held oil October '2<>th.

A man whose business keeps him travelling about the country a good deal informs us that lie never saw the clay roads so bad its they arc now. The, moment you get olf the metal the roaos are almost impassible for any but the lightest trailic. The continuous damp weather is the cause, Air Alex. McNeil is making good progress with the additions to the local Weslevan Church. The end wall is being brought out Is feet (bringing il out to the street line), and the extension will provide seating accommodation for about 100 extra persons. The entrance will be by a porch at the south side of the building. The Halcliitha Literary Society meets on Wednesday evening in the Classroom of the Presbyterian Chunjh. The programme for the evening is "The .Merchant of \ ejjice," readings from which will be given by quite a number of the members. The introductory paper will lie given by the Rev. Mr Currie.

All the latest advices from America and Continent tell us tlwu leathers of all kinds an? still advancing in prices. It. is, then-lore, good news for the heads of fumilies to know that l'or u short time the hoot, buyers of Haloiiitha will not have to pay the higher prices, as Simon I'ros, are holding their animal sale, and are determined to pull down prices to real bargain values.

Mr I). M. Fea, the well-known auctioneer, continues to sell prime ox beef at his rooms in Manse St, Dunedin, with this dillerence, however, the auctioning of it was too slow, and it is sold over the counter for ca. h. Finisiiing his original Kiniail supply of ;>0 head, lie found a " good tiling " in the business, and is now busy working oft a line of JaO head he pu. chased at Strath Taieri and I'ortobello ; after that he lias another lot coming from Kintail. lie has - considerably altered his rooms and has set aside a portion as a permanent meat shop. On Saturday afternoon the place was packed with customers, and the large stall could barely supply the customers. Th<> cash takings amount to as much as £IOO per week. Mr Feu's enterprise is evidently popular with city customers and is meeting with success, A branch of business that was onlv started as a side show and as a means to an end has developed into unexpected proportions and shows signs of pcrnianancy. Such things are only possible in a city. Remarkable progress is shown in respect to building enterprises on the part of the Y.M.C.A. in Australasia. The Melbourne Association has re-riv-ed gifts enabling it to purchase und open a building costing .CSODO. The Sydney Association, with a property valued at .CHl,00(1, proposes an extension scheme involving an expenditure of an additional tV-VOOO, towards which nearly £7OOO has been subscribed. The Association at lirisbane lias received a gift of a property worth at least £25,000. A central site has been purchased, ami a modern association building is being erected. The llolmrt Association has received it city site and sufficient in money gifts to enable it. after another tiIOOO has been raised to open a new building free of fiebt. The Wellington Association, as the result of the generous gift of a wealthy lady in that, city, possesses a valuable block worth at least JKOO, and after a 31 days' effort nearly £H,OOS has been raised for the purpose of erecting and equipping an, association building. The Adelaide Association is at present endeavouring to rid its building —(a leasehold property)- of the debt of CfiOOO by Hist July. Nearly £SOOO had been subscribed a month ago. T. Ross's genuine sale of winter goods now on ; everything in the shop reduced, and, upccially, you should see the new winter jackets, from 5/11 ; childrens winter coats, from -1/11 ; flannel and flannelette blouse-, from 1/(5 rich fur necklets from 2/6 ; muffs to match from 5/6 ; children's heavy knitted wool bloomers, from 2/6, ladies' 'l/9; and all gloves, stockings, ties, laces, umbrellas, and everything reduced to lowest bargain sale prices at T. Boss's, 130 Priaces St., Dunedin.

We have received from the International Harvester Co. a pamphlet ontitled " Blackmailers exposed." " This deals with certain attacks that have been made on the company, and purports to show that these attacks were actuated by most ignoble -motives.

Mr F. 11. Hart who has occupied the position of editor of the Mat aura Ensign for the past eleven years has been appointed sub-editor of the Christchurch Press, and leaves Gore next mouth to take up his 'new duties. Mr ilart will carry with him the best wishes of many friends.

Two boys at Cromwell named Williamson, about 11 and 7 years of aje, were out shooting with a pea rille, when by some means not clear the younger boy was shot. The bulletpassed through the boy's wrist and then into his side, lodging in the kinney. The father anil tjie mother were absent at the time. When they reached home the boy was sinking and died shortly after.

Speaking at a meeting on Friday afternoon, the Rev. W. Curzon Siggers gave an instance of city perils versus country boy. He said that, in response to a letter received, he had investigated a case in which a boy had been landed in the immoral atmosphere of an immoral lodgi.ig-hoj.se, kept by an immoral proprietress. The boy had been led there by a board-a.id-re-sidence advertisement.

1 quite approve of the rule which pro\ides that tnerc must be no smoking in your hoys' homes," said Mr -Justice Cooper, speaking at the formal opening of the boys' home in Moray Place, Dunedin, on Friday, "but 1 don't think 1 should disapprove of your having a smoking room with the Young Men's Christian Association, or even a billiard table, if funds permitted. These things are conuected with similar institutions in America." A very fair audience turned out to hear the lecture given by Mr \\. Downie Stewart, of Dunedin, at Owaka on Tuesday evening last. The lecture was jpntitled " Snapshots in Siberia and Russia," and Mr Stewart liaa the good fortune to be able to speak of his subject from lirst hand information. The lecture proved highly interesting and instructive. The lecturer, from the start,, made himself at home with his audience, and all agreed that his account of the trip was well worth hearing. The lecture was illustrated by a number of views oi the country taken by Mr Stewart himself. Mr I). Murray, of Glenfalloch, on Saturday purchased from Air W7 Gardiner, of Papakaio, the well-known horsebreeder, a three-year-old kilt by the famous sire Agitator, The colt is by the same dam as .Johnny Souter, a well-known champion in Southland. Mi' Murray's new purchase has a splendid pedigree behind him, and competent judges speak of him as a really line and promising colt. if the inducement is sullicient, Mr Hurray will place the colt at the disposal of C'iutha breeders during the incoming season.

The intention of the Government to amend the act so as to provide for the slautiliteriny of pigs at nbbatoirs was discussed by the Auckland A. and P. Association. The chairman said t lis was an important matter for farmers v.lio would not be allowed to kill pios on their farms. No doubt the, department was right in protecting t :e public against diseased meat, but there should lie 110 needless restrictions plated on farmers. The secretary for Agriculture had said that if the flux were left in the carcase the meat could be properly inspected for disease. A member said the proposal would kill the pork industry. Jt was resolved t > express the opinion that some method of inspecting pi<-!'s should lie devised whereby, wiiile protecting the public, provision could be made !■ >r farmers to continue killing a limited number of piys on their iarms per week.

An unusual case was mentioned in Chambers in Dunedin on Friday. in LSD 7 letters of administration were granted in the estate of an ex-resident of Port Chalmers who had not been heard of by his relatives for 10 years, ifad permission was given to his brother to sell certain property consisting of over 700 acres in the Auckland district. This land had been neglected, and when the man left the colony in ISSI he did not give it into the hands of un agent. As a consequeuce, the County Council threatened to sell the land for nonpayment of rates, in order to secure the estate, the broke? (brother) took it upon himself to lease the laud as a farm. Later, letters of administration were granted, and the land sold four months ago. The wanderer wrote to the Registrar of Lie Supreme Court- stating that he had been informed that his estate had been administered, and asking on what grounds. Tho Registrar forwarded copies of the affidavits before the court at the time, and there the matter rests for the present. There is little doubt that the proper claimant has written, as he has given the correct numbers of the sections and the districts—one in Waiopu and other in Pariki. in his letter the waudcreu mentions that since leaving the colony he has been resident in London, Western Australia, Victoria, and N.S.W. Messrs D. Reid and Co. advertise for sale a 4-horse team with harness, etc.