A VETERAN CAMPAIGNER.

Evening Star, Issue 18120, 9 November 1922, Page 4

A VETERAN CAMPAIGNER.

A nice variety of political shadings is presented to tho electors of Dunedin Central by tho candidates who are competing for their suffrages. They have been classified as Independent, Labor, and Independent Liberal-Labor. That includes, potentially at least, every typo of view, except the views of. Reform, which a constituency could expect to have for its choice; and Mr Statham, who stands now as an lendepcndent, began his chameleon career in politics as a Reformer. Mr Maslin, who commenced his campaign last night, prefers for himself the designation of Progressive Liberal to tho ono which ranks last in our list, but that scorns to be a distinction without a difference-. “Progressive ” was included, if we remember rightly, in tho processional name adopted by Mr Wilford for his party, of which “Liberal-Labor” is an abridgment, and solicitude for Labor, of tho moderate not tho extremist kind, forms a leading passion of every political candidate. Mr Maslin’s designation, therefore, whichever ono of the two that have been named be given him, is one that links him up with all the parties and opponents of party, except official Labor and Reform, represented in these elections. It gives him a wide charter. Another distinction of the Central nomination is that the three aspirants in the field include only ono official candidate. Die . Liberal-Laborites are apparently satisfied that in any real emergency that may arise Mr Statham, if hn should bo elected, will prefer their cause to that of Reform, despite his statement that, for all his temporary alliance will them, lie never has been and never will be a Liberal. On whatever uncertain basis it may rest, it would seem that they have preferred that hope to the cfianccs of- Mr Maslin’s return, or surely the latter candidate would have borno their hall-mark. On this point we may h>ar more as the campaign proceeds. But who is Mr Maslin? His political word has been so unique up till this timo that wo think it would bo a pity if it \(oro spoiled by success in this election. Be is tho rare typo of campaigner who enjoys election contcbts for their own sake, apart from the satisfaction of winning them. Otherwise, it seems natural to conclude, ho could never have gone on contesting them so long without success. If any candidate in New Zealand has boon do eated so often as Mr Maslin for so many electorates, wo are at a lass to think who-ho can he. But his heart is still as eager for the conflict. From 1893 to 1896, which is very near to thirty years ago, he sat in tho House for Rangitata ns a Liberal, and in every election since then, with only two exceptions," he has boon a candidate and an unsuccessful one. Though he began his career, and is standing now, us a Liberal, lie opposed the Liberal Administration in its later years as vehemently as he is now opposing Reform,

His career has been as varied ns Mr Statlmm’s m a longer period. In 1911 ho stood for Ashburton, but failed to reach the second ballot. In 1914 he came nearer to success,’tho lion. Mr Nosworthy defeating him by no more than 147 votes. In 1919 ho reached third place for Clutha, which was to him an unknown electorate, with a thousand votes less than were recorded for Mr Malcolm. And to-day he is standing for Dunedin Central, where he is as little known as he was in Olutha at tho beginning of tho last campaign. Political candidature evidently is his hobby. As the Irishman had only to find a Government to bo against it, Air Maslin has only to scent an election to be in it. It was a typical speech which he made last night trouncing tho Massey Party, hut less trouncing might have been more effective. If a vigorous command of political language and a passion for destructive criticism were the only qualifications which constituencies aro apt to seek in the members whom they elect to represent them, Mr Maslin would have been elected for one of tho many constituencies he has courted years ago. As it is, tho effluxion of thirty years since ha was returned for his one brief spell in Parliament finds him “ still nursing tho unconquerable hope, still clutching tho inviolable shade.” But that image is unjust to him. It suggests something less than happiness, and all tho indications are that Mr Maslin derives as much delight from fighting elections, the pleasure of dealing r.wingeing blows, and the intoxication of tho conflict as others do from tho winning of their contests. He has learned—or to his long record suggests—that to travel joyously, if not hopefully, is better than to arrive. A seat in Parliament would make a dull reward for lus unquenchable spirit. It might lead him never to contest another election for fear of winning it. Give him “the glory of going on, and still to bo.”

■ The girl of eleven and n-half years of ago who had been missing from her homo lit Maryhill Terraco since Tuesday morning was found yesterday afternoon by 4>ho police near the Botanical Gardens. She stated that she went to the beach on Tuesday morning, came into town in tho afternoon, went to tho pictures at night, and slept out near the Gardens. A large Australian mail reached Wellington yesterday by the steamer Ulimaroa from .Sydney. The Dunedin portion, consisting of thirteen bags and one hamper, came to hand this afternoon. The postal authorities have received advice stating that the steamer Waiotapu, which loft San Francisco on November 4 for Auckland, has on board, four bags of mails and 821 parcel receptacles for New Zealand.

There was a clean sheet at tho City Police Court this morning. Our Christchurch correspondent telegraphs that the executive of tho South Island Motor Union last night doubled to send on to the Hon, J. G. Coates the name of Mr J. S. Hawkes as tho union’s nominee for the position to bo created under tho Main Highways Act of areprefionjtativo of motor organisations. A jumble sale and sale of work was held in tbe Choral Hall on Wednesday in aid of the Labor Party Campaign Fund. Mr J. W. Munro, M.P., opened the sale. Business was carried on during tho afternoon and evening. In the evening items were given by Mrs Gilchrist (song), Miss Alexandra and Miss Manrais (piano duet), Mr and Mrs Gilchrist (duet), Miss Aitoneson and Mr P. Neilson (recitations), and Miss B. Martin (dance). In a guessing competition for the name of a doll no one guessed tho right name (Moyxa),

Tn the Magistrate's Court this morning, before Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M., judgment, by default, with costs, was given for plaintiff in the case J. and J. Arthur v. Thomas Harris (Geraldine), £2O 13s 9d for clothing goods supplied. “In construing logilsation creating grounds for divorce, T think tho courts should bo careful not to go beyond the. limits of absolute certainty,’” said Mr Justice Hosking, at Wellington, on Saturday, in pronouncing judgment, on tho lines of that delivered earlier in the week by the Chief Justice, on the intention of tho Legislature in regard to separation orders, in the amending Divorce Act of 1920, which has been the subject of so much contending litigatign in the past two years. Tho definition of grounds for divorce was, he said, eminently tho province of the Legislature, and it was_ not for the courts to extend any such definition by analogies of any theory of a beneficial construction.

Fong Chow, a Chinese, with others of his countrymen, lived in a boarding-house in Suva (writes tho correspondent of the Auckland ‘Star’). In tho same house some Samoan women also had rooms. Some of these people used the verandahs in common. One night a Samoan woman named Yea had hung out some washing _on a verandah, and bringing out her sleeping mat, lay down on the verandah, as she said, to watch her clothes. A Chinese named Fong Chow came out and sat on a chair. Evidently the presence of the Samoan annoyed him, for he told her several times to clear out. She in turn got angry, and a quarrel resulted, in the course of which Fong seized the chair and swung it down on the head of Yea. By the time the police arrived Yea was distinctly tho worse for wear 1 , and was taken to tho hospital, where she expired in a few days. Fong Chew has been committed for trial.

“ Can I go to gaol ? *’ asked a man who had been fined in the Police Court at Auckland, addressing Mr Poynton, S.M. Tho defendant had been convicted of purchasing a mouth organ from a boy under tho ago of sixteen years. Tho man was a second-hand dealer, named Leonard Onslow Dowker. Ho admitted tho purchase, but said he had asked the ago of the boy, who had declared that lie was over sixteen. This, however, the boy denied. “Gan you what?” asked tho magistrate. “ Excuse mo, but can I to gaol?” repeated lire defendant. ‘ I domt see why I should pay, when I did ask the age.” “You can go to gaol if you like,” said Mr Poynton. Ihe default is seven days' imprisonment 1 would take time to think over it if ■* where you, however. Go when they issue a warrant for you.” “T have only a few- months to live, and if von send mo to a home, I will stay there,” said Fredrick Lyness alias Black alias Wilson, seventy-nine years ot ape, and a native of Ireland, who appeared before Mr F. K. Hunt, S.M., at the Magistrate’s Court, Wellington, on Saturday, on a charge of having begged alma in Courtenay place. Evidence was given by Constable Bennett, and Senior-sergeant Lander tendered a copy of _the previous record of tho accused. His Worship ; 100 convictions! Why tho man has been in gaol on and off for tho past twenty years.” Tho. old man pleaded that he was very weak, and asked to bo sent to a home. His Worship: “I don’t think any homo will Lake yon.” Tho accused was remanded for one week to enable tho police to arrange for his committal to the Ohiro Home. On© of the latest contributions to the Armenian relief fund is a cheque for 3gs from Sir George Fenwick.

The Mayor of Dunedin 'has completed the arrangements for the observance of Armistice Day on Saturday, the day after to-morrow, and he requests the public to fall in with this scheme i Bells to bo rung continuously for five minutes before 11 a.m. At tie first stroke of 11 o’clock by the Town Hall hi I all motion on the streets to be suspended for two minutes. Tho only break of silence will be the sounding of tho ' hast Post’ by the Senior Cadets Bugle Baud from the stops of the Cathedral. At the oxpirgtioni of the two minutos tho Town Hall bell is to briskly ring a few strokes, Then tho assembled crowd will sing tho hymn ‘ 0 God, Our Help,’ led on comets by Messrs E. Kerr and 0-. Judd, after which the Bugle Band will blow the 4 Reveille.’ In tho evening there is to be a service in St. Paul’s Cathedral, attended by the mayor and councillors and the officers of H.M.S, Veronica.

A horrible example of brutal savagery was witnessed in Suva on October 26 (reports tho correspondent of tho Auckland ‘ Star ’), when a number of natives killed a cow as the piece do resistance at a wedding feast. The killing and feasting would have excited little comment, but the method of killing used has caused a very strong feeling of indignation in tho town. Tho natives paid a Hindu the sum of 10s for tho use of a paddock, in which to kill and cook tho cow. The animal was got into tho paddock, and then a scene of pandemonium began. From all sides the natives advanced to the attack armed with knives and axes, with which they smashed and hacked the poor boast, whose screams were heartbreaking. So piteous were the dying screams of the cow that they caused a stampede among some other cattle in an adjoining paddock and drove the cattle almost insane with fear. The place was like a shambles when the hideous butchery was over. Tho Hindus, who worship the cow, were in a very nasty mood for a time, and grqatly resented the killing right among their residential location. The local Press made a violent protest against such a ghostly horror being allowed right in tho middle of the city. It is described as a reaction in ghastly mockery of some of the fiendish orgies which wore so common in tho old savage days. The Fijians are very cruel to animals, and have no feeling of sympathy with tho sufferings of any dumb brutes.

At last night’s meeting of tbe City Council Or .Shaddock stated that good progress was being made with the extensions at Waipori. A number of riveted, pipes for tho pipeline were on the ground, and a number of the welded pipes had been landed. Ho invited tho critics of welded pipes to have a look _at them, adding that ho was not running down the locally-made pipes. The two pipes were really separate classes of work-. In reply to Cr who suggested that the welded pipes had been more than five months in coming to hand, while tho locally-mado one were even further ahead, Cr .Shaddock said Iho did not remember when the contract was signed; but in any case tho extensions would not be delayed by tho pipes.

In his address on tho League of Nations in the Burns Hall last evening, Archbishop Julius said it was popularly supposed that the League existed for the repression of war; but, as a matter of fact, its aims were far wider than that. 'Several commissions were formed at the last council of tho League. The first commission dealt with legal and constitutional matters, the second with the organisation of the League. There was a commission for the reduction of armaments, ono for finance, and one for social matters—such as the traffic in women and children, the question of the Russian refugees, and the circulation of obscene literature. Tho League was dealing with great international questions, which could not be dealt with by any individual nation. The archbishop emphasised the statement that war would never be end.ed u util all the causes of war were removed.

The Veronica, one of tho King’s natty sloops, is to am re at Dunedin from tho south on Saturday of thia week and remain hero till tno following Saturday, when she is to go on to Oamaru. So the mayor is advised from tho Bluff by the captain of the sloop.

Ono of tho most popular and also ono of the most hopeful efforts of tho Dunedin Amenities and Town Planning Society on tho way of beautifying our city is to promote garden competitions. Dunedin is supplied by its corporation with public gardens that are a delight to the' people at largo and an interesting resort for botanists. It is the of tho Amenities Society to encourage citizens to improve and maintain private gardens, and thus add by the hundreds to the attractions of the district. In pursuance of that policy the society has this year again put forward a programme of competitions that is likely to meet the desires of the citizens and effect the purpose in view. Tho first of those competitions is imminent. It is tho competition for the Butterworth Cup by gardens measuring not more than a-quonter acre, on which the outside labor employed has been for not more than twenty-four half-days in the year. This competition drew numerous entries last season, and doubtless will do so this season. Tho entries close on th> 14th inst., and tho gardens are to be judged not later than the 18tb. The Liberal Party docs not intend to bring out a candidate for either tho Dunedin West or tho Dunedin North seat. Mr Moller, as already announced, has decided not to stand for Dunedin North; now Mr London finds tliat for business reasons he cannot accept nomination for Dunedin West; and tho Liberals do not propose to ask anyone else to come forward.

Every conceivable cause for war could bo found in the County of London, said Archbishop Julius in the course of his address on tho objects of the League of Nations in the Bums Hall last night. There were racial differences, and every' conceivable religion under the sun was represented. There were also political and economic distinctions, and yet the 7,000,000 people of London were controlled by the pair of gloves of a policeman. The law was only effective when it represented the force of 1 opinion, and it was opinion that lay behind tho control of theso 7,000,000 people. The Empire contained every conceivable element of division, strife, _ or cause of war—racial, religious, political, and economic—and yet the'people worked together on the whole luippily controlled by common opinion. There were more Scotsmen in London than in Glasgow, more Jews than in Palestine, and there were Irishmen and Italians, and yet all these different nationalities lived and worked in harmony in that great city. Was there, he asked, any unifying influence for the world of nations ? fie said there wan, but it could only be found from a common source. Tho'Kingdom of God was tho one centralising influence which covcrecf all the nations of the world. He thought the only hope of peace was the realisation that God was the King of all the earth.

“A great thing was done when the League of Nations was founded said Archbishop Julius in the course of his address in the Bums Hall last evening. The act, he continue*, had been bailed with joy and hope by' a sick and anxious world; but because of the high hopes founded! upon it wo had suffered disappointment. The League bad done much more than it might probably have, been expected _ to, and it had shown already what it might do when its powers were extended and its influence increased. In a very_ little while rumors of war broke out again, he continued, and 1 the League of Nations was unable to stop it. Then yet more recently the warning of impending war had driven us to despair, as the league seemed impotent, Ho thought, however, that wo were expecting too much. It was quite unreasonable to suppose that a system which had operated for so many years should suddenly come to an *end by the creation of such a league. Tf there was ever going to be freedom from war the change must come from the heart of tho people and not from any organisation. The League was only a baby, and he had no hesitation in saying that although there waa a very' strong opinion behind it the League had not yet been in a position to express it. Tho archbishop mentioned that the membership included some of the very highest and greatest men known in world diplomacy and a very considerable number who were not in favor of the old and tortuous ways of secret diplomacy.

Mr Park, tho Acting Under-Secretary of tho Marine Department, paid an official visit to the Hatchorv on 'Pucsday afternoon, being accompanied by the Hon. Geo. M. Thomson and Mr W. (1. Howes, member's of the board. The stock of English turbot and tho, numerous .specimens of native fishes in tho aquarium tanka were inspected with interest. . Tho appointments of the station wore found to bo in first-class order. Mr W. Adams (curator), Mr Broadley (assistant curator and inspector of fisheries, for Otago), and Mr M. Young (biologist) have; been busy -this spring in hatching out arid liberating largo numbers of solos and flounders. Other species of fish are now engaging their attention, and it is hoped that progress will bo made in working out the life history of the garfish. A further step in rearing rock oysters will be undertaken shortly.

The newspaper room nn the Dunedin Public Library is undergoing a thorough Bpriilg-deaniug, as a preliminary to the fresh kalsomining of the walls,' the rcvamishing of the stands, and so forth, so as to bring this room up to tho bright and unstained condition of tho other lAoins in the institution. It is years since the newspaper room had its last shino-up.

A mooting held an tho Town Hall at Port Chalmers yesterday evening in connection with celebrating the diamond jubilee of the local District High School proved very interesting. Reminiscence. was„the order of the evening, and some good speeches were made. Dr A. Cameron, referred to his .schoolboy days at Port Chaljmcrs as a very pleasant memory. Other speakers also recalled happy, times. The civic welcome to visitors by the mayor (Mr J. Watson) was expressed in very cordial terms. The principal speech of tho evening was by the Ecv. _W. M. Grant, who had, after much difficulty, compiled the history of tho school from the very early days up to tho present. Speeches and V vocal programme by_ the school children provide another jubilee entertainment this evening.

Merriment and pleasure were the keynotes of the weekly gathering held in the social hall at the Central Fire Station in Cumberland strpet last evening. Tho attendance of friends and relatives of the firemen was again larger than usual, and many well-known adult and juvenile performers contributed to a really excellent and enjoyable programme. Once again the feature of the entertainment was tho well-executed national dancing Iby the juveniles. The function whs again capably managed by Miss Excelda Duncan and Fireman Geo. Boss. The piano accompaniments were played by Miss_J. Fraser and Mr L. Duncan, and the pipe music for the national dances was supplied by Mr D. M’Kay and Fireman Geo. Boss.

It is well that as the years roll past we should keep in memory tho blessing brought to the world on Armistice Day, 1918. With this end in view, tho annual thanksgiving service will! ho held in St. Paul’s Cathedral at 7.50 p.m. on .Saturday. Prayers will also bo used, at the request of Ills -Majesty tire King towards securing peace in the East.. Tho mayor and city councillors, officers .and men of H.M.S. Veronica, returned soldiers and nurses, Boy Scouts, St. John Ambulance nurses, and other public bodies and 1 associations will be present. Sergeant-major Napier will play the ‘Last Post’ and ‘Keveille.’ The offertory will go towards tho soldiers’ memorial window.

The nip for nippy winter weather—Watcon’p, No. 10. fine old Scotch whisky.— [Advt.l Brisk demand for “Keep Smiling” Boot Polish, “No-Rubbing" .Laundry Help, and “Keep Smiling” Sand Soap, Sneddon and Son.—[Advt.] Tho United ‘Starreßowkett Building Society invites applicants for shares in No. 7 group. “ Creme de Mcnthe,” superior tooth paste (in tubes), Is 6d.—Todd’s White House, Qewgo street.—[Advt.] Watson's No. 10 i» a little dearer th« most whiskies, but is worth the money.-* [Advt.] Ladies recommend Martin’s Aplo! and Steel Pills. Sold by all chemists and stored. See you gat tho genuine.—[Advt.l