The Evening Star MONDAY, AUGUST 6, 1906.

Evening Star, Issue 12884, 6 August 1906, Page 4

The Evening Star MONDAY, AUGUST 6, 1906.

The formation of the Ward Government is • now complete, and the list The New of Ministers does not differ Ministry. j n a single detail from tho forecast upon which wo ventured two days before Kir Joseph Ward's wrival in the Colony. The Premier is to be congratulated upon his prompt and unerring perception of tho trend of publio fuuniofl. «m! *lao njjou. having engaged the

services of a body of politicians who, with reasonable aid from Fortune, are likely to secure and maintain the confidence- of the country. No doubt the task which ho was railed upon to perform had its unpleasant side, but the difficulty was eased to some extent by tho commendable attitude finally adopted by Messrs Mills and Duncan, wtw will resumo their place in Parliament as ordinary representatives, bearing win, them the good-will and suitable acknowledgments of the country. With affable but unwavering firmness Sir Josepn Ward has put aside the perverse, counsellors who wished him to take a narrow and oblique view of the requirements of the situation, and we are delighted to hear that ho administered a well-earned snubbing to a small coterie of parliamentary busybodies who sought to lead him astray at tho eleventh hour. His strong sensehas been proof against the various fallacies which have been supported with more or less specious pleading by inconsiderable sections and negligible individuals, and there is not the slightest reason to believe that tiny thought less worthy than that of tho public interest has had a moment's part m his anxious deliberations. In short, the Premier has justified the confidence of those who trusted him to display strength and lucidity at a notable crisis in tho political liistory of New Zealaud.

An ill-wisher, bent on finding fault, would bo Irani pressed for criticism even of a seemingly rational order. For the first time in nearly ten years the Colony possesses a Alinistry that is consistently strong and resourceful, with the'power of balance and distribution, as distinct from the mastering influence of one or two or three individuals. Even in the new Cabinet, no doubt, some elements are much stronger than others: level uniformity is neither desirable nor possible; but there is not a single Minister who am plausibly be described as weak or superfluous. Sir Joseph Ward has retained four of ha eld colleagues in the Seddon Government, and this quintet (including the Premier) will genre as an admirable nucleus of administrative experience. It is liardly necessary to dwell further upon the qualities of Messrs HallJones, Carroll, Pitt, and M'Gotran. Mr Hall-Jones, as an ex-Premier and as a statesman wbo did the country signal service at a cruoial moment, will occupy a position of moral precedence, so to speak, among Sir Joseph Ward's other colleagues; and we are glad to know that the important department of Railways, as well as his old portfolio of Public Works, has been committed to his care. It is to be hoped that Mr Can-oil will display a little more energy in the discharge of hiss Ministerial and parliamentary duties in the fut ire, raid thus place his remarkable abilities in a somewhat clearer light. Messrs M'Gowan and Pitt will be expected to increase the respectable reputation they earned as members of the Seddon Government. The. people of Dunedin, without distinction of party, are ready to congratulate the Hon. J. A. Millar 011 his elevation to Cabinet rank. They feel that the honor has been fairly earned by valuable and consistent services rendered to the LiberalLabor party and to the country. In inviting the member for Dunedin Central to his councils Sir Joseph Ward has given an earnest of his progressive intentions, as well as of his desire to foster the alliance between Literalism and Labor. At the same time—and this is Mr Millar's peculiar distinction—the appointment is approved and even welcomed by that commercial section of the community which is sometimes supposed to be hostile to industrial claims and aspirations. Mr Millar may not po.-isess genius or eloquence, but he is an it-carnation of practical sense and knowledge of men in the average, and we shall bo greatly disappointed if he does not make a satisfactory Minister. Hia grip alike of principle and detad, his adequate powers as a debater, his ready'sympathy with allcWses of people, and his full knowledge of the conditions under which they live and the improvements they desire—these qualifications, together with a lucid perception of the falsehood of extremes, mark liim as tbo -right man in the right place as a member of the Liberal Government and as Minister of Labor. Hie citizens of Dunedin will expect him to keep in mind his obligations as a representative, but they will be ready to interpret those obligations in a reasonable way, and will not ask him to act in Cabinet as a. biased and irreconcilable advocate of provincial interest* We have sufficient confidence in his fidelity to believe that he will remember his former engagements and see that Otago secures a fair share of Ministerial favor—or perhaps we should rather say its obvious rights—without any prejudice to the comprehensive national view which, a*, a Minister of the Crown, it will be his duty to maintain. For instance, lie would do well to have a long talk on equal terms at an early da.to with his colleague rho Minister of Public Works, with a view to inducing that excellent, but sometimes over-cautious administrator to entertain a rather largo idea of the immediate necessities of the Catlin Kiver Railway. We repeat that Mr Millar assumes his new honors and responsibilities amid tho sincere felicitations and best wishes of the people of Dunedin and neighborhood. Our congratulations? are also due to the Hon. Robert. M'Nab and the Hon. George Fowlds, who, as we were bold enough to predict, have been entrusted respectively ■with, the portfolios of the Lands andEdnca"tion Departments. .Some captious folk have endeavored to represent the member for Mataura as holding reactionary views on the Land Question, bub this attempt to prejudice his claim upon the Premier and the Liberal party was as unfair as it was, happily, unsuccessful. The new Minister of Lands- may not be a disciple of Henry George or a sworn opponent of the Freehold in any form, but (as will be seen by reference to bis remarks as reported jri another column) hia opinions are liberal, and we are confident that his administration will be enlightened and energetic A heavy responsibility will rest upon Mr Fowlde as Minister of Education, seeing that no portfolio is of greater importance at the present time, but what we know of him encoura"eq ua to believe that he will prove equal to the burden. We shaJL JiftYC something' furtier to

prospeots of the Ward Government: meanwhile be it emphatically noted that the new selections add to the effective Liberaliflm and general strength of the Executive and that Sir Joseph Ward has perfectly appreciated tho import of the situation.

At the Moray Place Congregational Uruich yesterday morning the Rev. W Saunders referred to the loss the Church had sustained in the recent death of Mm J. B. lhomaon. There passed away, he said, last Sunday evening at half-past ten one Qt their number who was moat widely toowu and honored. The Church had lost two members who in their day and genera- ? <? d wroußht a great work—Mr Jago and Mrs Thomson. In this colony Mr Jago was known everywhere and everywhere u A, Mre Tno « lfio n better known in the Old Land-. One had made his name here, the other in Glasgow; one wrought till he was called away, the other laid down her chief work years ago; the work of one was known principally in New Zealand, that of the ovber wherever the English language la spoken. Her memorial is, indeed, her work. Wo all knotv something by which to remember her who was so recently with us, and something of the work she did. Air Saunders read the tributes of admiration and gratitudo that were paid to the early life and work of Mrs Thomson by the late Dr Smile? (author of ' Self-Help') and the famous divine, Dr Guthrie. Poor, friendless, unknown, by her own unaidod efforts and from pure love of her fellows, she laid the foundations of what is now known us the Foundry Boys' Society of Ulasgow. The .speaker hoped that 'they as a congregation would place in their church a tablet or window as a permanent memorial of the work and life of the sister who had boon taken from them. Mr J. F. Arnold, M.H.R., at the strangc.rif tea yesterday: '• From my experience of three ParlTamentG, I can assure you that Parliament is very much above the average Status of the community. Tho temptation in political life to do that which is doubtful is even less than that whioh you would meet with in an ordinary professional or n-.ercantilo calling. You may go for days in tho House without hearing a single word to offend the cur; and although it may be true, as you perhaps feel inclined to remind me, that there is such a place as Bellamy's, where drink is supplied, I do not suppose that 5 per cent of the trade done at Bellamy's is in alcoholic beverages. A considerable number of the members of Parliament are Christian men, and I ask you to discount very largely what you may hear from time to time from people who are not qualified to express an opinion as to the alleged evil character and surroundings of members of Parliament."

Mr J. JT. Arnold, M.H.R., f peakuig at tho strangers' tea at the Y.M.C.A. yesterday, said that, in his opinion, gambling was doing more harm than drink, and at least 75 per cent, of it was caused by the fact that tho totalieator was recognised by the Government. To his mind, the cutting off oi the telephone from certain offices°was simply playing at reform. Indeed, he thought tho only object tho Government could have was to try to make the community believe that it was striving to do something, whereas it was the cause, by not abolishing the totalisator, of the continuance of the evil in its present form. Neither was the action fair, inasmuch as a number of these supposed law-breakers were following recognised commercial callings. If the totalisatorwere abolished the business of the bookmaker might increase upon the racecourse, but betting would diminish by at least 75 per cent, at the street corneia'and m offices, steps, and factories, and especially among young men who, knowing nothing about horse-racing and caring less, and having little experience, fell into the hands not of tne professional bookmaker, but of any unscrupulous amateur who might J* willing to give totalisator odds. A tourist bureau excursion which reached Svih'-v from Melbourne last week was ariar,:_ i i>y the New South Wales Inteilijren<.> Department, and was advertised ext(;r.s;veiy throughout Victoria as ' A Week in the City of July Sunshine.' A week in Sydney, with accommodation at the Hotel Australia, the auxiliary trips on the harbor, to the Hawkesbury River, Bulli Pass, Medlow Bath, and all tho sights of the' Blue Mountains, for £lO 10a, was an announcement that caused a good deal of talk in Victoria, and the up-to-date policy of the New South Wales department was warmly commended on' all hands. The party o'f tourists who accepted the invitation was so extensive that it was found necessary to rim a special train to accommodate them. The Melbourne visitors were to enjoy a harbor excursion; then to go to Hawkesbury by rail, returning via Newport bv river steamer and coach; Thursday was spent in exploring tho beauties of the Bulli Pass; on Friday the tourists left for Medlow Bath, and after being shown the beauty spots oi the Blue Mountains returned to Sydney on Saturday afternoon. On Sunday a " ten days' trip to the snow at Kiandra" started, and probably some of the Melbourne visitors would join in this excursion. The tour was quite unique as au Australian holiday experience, and, as elaborate preparations had been made by tho townspeople for the reception of the visitors, proved rnest enjoyable. Victoria is already awake, and preparing to follow the load so capably given. Mr Bent recently sent Mr J. E. Boyce, of the Victorian Tourist Department (newly born), to Sydney with jnsfcructior.6 to "make straight the paths " for a New South Wales excursion trip over Victorian beauty spots. At a reunion of Taranaki war vsterans, Captain Mace brought to mind the fact that the Taranaki Ride Volunteers were the first British volunteers under fire. They led the advance, and were left in the lurch at night fall by the regulars; but for the sailors none knew what would have become of them. Captain Mace made a strenuous appeal for the erection of a memorial. There was already £BO or £9O promised, and he asked the Mayor of New Plymouth to take the matter up. Judging from the numbers present last evening at Albany street School, and the reception given to the City missionary, it would appear that there is ample scope for aggressive work in the neighborhood of Pehchet Bay. The room in which tbe Sunday evening services are being held is well lighted, and suits nicely for a, considerable gathering of people. It was explained that the room had for years been used for the Bible-reading class at which the late Mr John Ferguson had often presided at tlie organ, until the place was too small for the 250 boys and girls who are enrolled in that class; and, further, that, as helper to the late Dr Stuart, Mr Duncan Wright had long years ago conducted a similar service within a stone-throw of the school. Naturally the workers are encouraged, and with some energy and " go" are hopeful of good things. With a well-balanced choir the singing was bright and cheering. Other volunteers will bo made welcome.

A shop and three rooms on premises situate in King street were damaged bv lire about seven yesterday evening. The premises are the property of the Standard Insuranco Company, the stock and furniture belonged to Mr John Lister (the occupant), and they were insured in the Standard Office for £70.. It appears that Mrs Lister had gone out about 5.30, leaving a fire m tho kitchen range and some clothes drying near by. Everything then appeared to be rigjjfc. Mr Lister was lying down upstairs with an infant. The fire is supposed to have originated from the kitchen. -«* brigaue were quickly on the scene, but the and four rotims were damaged before the flames were mastered. The Kaitangata Coal Company have decided to close the Kaitangata. mine for a short time, to enable them to out off about 20 chains of the old air return. It was at-, first thought that this would be unnecessary until a new air shaft was put down, which would have cut off about 90 chains of the old air course; but rather than risk anything that might result in accident, the directors have decided to take the safer course and close down. The Castle Hill j mine is not affected by this' decision, and will continue to work two shifts daily as | usual. Immodiate steps are being taken to remedy the cause of the stoppage, and the company trust that within a brief period they will resume supplies from the Kaitangata. The work of sinking She new air shaft will continue without break. So far pvcrything has gone alomr in » most i satisfactory manner. j

There, are in Parliament five members whose fathers took part in the Maori wars A Press Association message from Auckland to-day gives further particulars »n connection with tho mysterious 6hooting affair which occurred at Newton on Saturday night. James Furlong, twenty-three years of age, rushed into bi3 mother's he had been shot by a-man whom be could not describe. Dr Davis, who examined Furlong, states that the bullet wound in Furlong's neck is not a serious one, but it is evident that the woa-pon was held within a few inches of Furlong's throat. This does not; agree with Furlong's statement that his assailant fired across the street at him.

An inquest was held at Cromwell to-day on the body of Cecil Williamson, aged twelve, who was shot by his brother, aged seven, with a pea rifle. A verdict of ." Accidentally shot" was returned.

Cr Cole has tabled a notice of motion as to tram fares—" That the maximum fare be twopence within the Greater Dunedinarea, the Post Office being the starting point." This notice of motion was received by the Town Clerk on Friday last. We mention the fact so as to show that Cr Colo is acting on his own idea, and not becauso of our article which appeared on Saturday. • The determination of the police to proceed against any licensee who p rmits the game known as " devil's pool" to bo played on his premises has caused great dissatisfaction among the billiard-markers of tho City. Two licensees have expressed their determination to continue allowing tho game to bo played, so that the position may bo tested in court. It is understood that the action of the police is based on a decision of Mr Justice Cooper under the Licensing Act Amendment Act of 1904. The decision declared " devil's pool" to be gambling. And here follows an awkward position. If it is gambling in a licensed lionse it is gambling in an ordinary billiard room, and comes .within the scope of tho Gaming and Lotteries Act. Yet tho keepers of billiard rooms other than those of licensed premises have not received notice from the police. As they say in ' Tho Mikado': " it's the slip-shod way in which these Acts of Parliament are framed."

As he lias been receiving a good many notifications of late in regard to caes of measles, and as these now appear to bo spreading through the city and suburbs, the local Health Officer is circularising the different schools, asking teachers to keep a close watch for symptoms, and to isolate and report any measles cases that como under their notice.

In connection with 'the scarcity of butter, we understand that the whole of the export stock of the Taieri and Peninsula Company from October to February has been inquired for and sold at 10|d per lb—the record price ever received by the company for butter for export. Prices in. the .North ■lsland are now touching 10^d. Esther Wilson, a widow, seventy-fivo years of age, and an old ago pensioner, was found in a state of collapse yesterday in her cottage in Scotland street. She lived there by herself. She would seem to bo a victim to intemperate habits. Her pension was held in trust and handed to her in small amounts. On Tlursday and Friday she recoived the last of her July pension. She did not complain of wanting food or assistance, but spoke of a pain in her side. A neighbor who had not se>in her since Friday became anxious, and with the assistance of a constable effected an entrance. The old woman was lying on the floor with little clothing on her, and in a state of collapse. Dr Do Lautour was called in, and expressed an opinion that she was suffering from exposure and starvation. She was removed to the hospital, and is now doing very well. She knew that there was money in the house (12s 9d). There'was no reason for her to abstain from food. The police suspicion is that she had had a few drinks, wnich left her weak and helpless. The poor old woman has no children or relations in the colony. The Prpsbytery of Dunedin meet in First Church to-morrow morning. Dunedin Navals' and Highland Rifles' annual dance, August 3rd and 17th respectively. Mr Hendy is now booking hairdressing appointments for same. Telephone 902. -[Advt.] Sick and nervous haadachea occur with both rich and poor. Take Tamer Juice. [lo9] The St. Clair Comedy Company intend staging the faroical comedy 'Jane' in aid of the fund being raised in connection with Dr Hocken's collection. Mr Morris makes the most charming portrait studies of all children. Their portraits are beautifully soft, naturally lifelike, and totally unstudied. Charges, 21s per dozen, cabinet size. See specimens in vestibule, the studio. Princes street.—[Advt.] The. test of time proves that Tussicura' ; ha-s no equal for coughs and colds. [lo9] The usual monthly meeting of the Victoria Jubilee Convalescent Fund Committee was held in the Town Hall on Friday, when there were present Mesdames Theomin (in the chair). Colquhoun, Morris, Ewen, Mackerraa, Reynolds, Phillips, Israel, Martin, O'Neill, Johnston and Miss Hutchison. The following subscriptions were received:—Mrs J. A. Johnstone £1 Is, Mrs Bowler, sen., ss, Mrs F. R. Chapman £1 la, Mr G. P. Farquhar 10s 6tl, Mrs W. H. Cut ten 10s 6d', Miss Kelsey ss, Mrs Keith Ramsay £1 Is, Mrs fcnikin 10?, Mrs Wm. Brown £l. Mrs Joachim 10s, Mrs Hosking JOs 6d, Mrs C. W. Kerr 10s 6d. Tamer Juice is a purely herbal compound of great value for liver troubles. [lo9] Wo remind the public of the lecture on ' Kwhard John Seddon' by Mr M. Cohen at St. Clair on Wednesday evening. Mountain King Asthma Powder—a preparation of sterling worth. [lo9]