Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE THURASDAY, DECEMBER 17th, 1906. EIGHT HOURS BILL.

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 December 1908, Page 2

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE THURASDAY, DECEMBER 17th, 1906. EIGHT HOURS BILL.

How far .New Zealand has progressed in connection with industrial legislation is brought vividly to mind by a cablegram received to-day from London, wherein it is stated that a keen and bitter opposition is being evinced to the "bank to bank" proposal of the Miner's Eight Hours Bill, which the House of Lords is being requested to reject. Nearly twenty years ago, eight hours per day—or as the Trades Hall demagogue not inaptly termed it: eight hours work, eight hours pleasure and eight hours sleep—obtained general recognition in this dominion and we can sav without fear of contradiction that not even the employers themselves would now care to go back to the bad old clays of long hours of employment. But while in a new country like New Zealand it is a matter of comparative ease to pass into law reforms of a drastic and far-reaching nature, the same conditions do not obtain in the Motherland, where the old Conservatism retains a strong following in the country owing to the influence of vested interests. The House of Lords—that unhappy survival of mediaeval times—is a case in point. It is supposed to be a reforming chamber but in reality it is simply the barrier which the vested interests effectively control to permit the passage of measures which the requirements of the : masses dictate as desirable. Since the accession of the Liberals to power we have had many instances of progressive reforms being contemptuously thrown out. Of theso, tho rejection of tho Licensing and Education bills, stands out as most noteworthy. Now tins antiquated Chamber, which has allowed the Miner's Eight Hours Bill to slip through its second reading, is being pressed to modify the original measure out of recognition. Such a movement is influenced by vested interests, for their own economic benefit, the tear being ever present that a reduction in hours means a large reduction in the output, though colonial experiences must inevitably discount such an apprehension. The bill is being clamoured for by thousands of miners throughout Great Britain and in addition has the whole-hearted support of the Labor and middle classes. Inus wo have another phase of the industrial war, and in this case, as has frequently happened in England, the House of Lords has assumed the role ot champion of capital against the demands of the masses. The struggle is one between aristocracy and democracy, but there will yet come a time when the sceptre of the House of Lords will be shattered beyond repair and in place thereof we shall have a chamber, modelled on modern lines, assisting to work out the destiny of all, and not being a protector of property as.at present obtains.

Mr J. 131ackmore secured a very fine trout weighing 61bs in the river opposilo the Grey Brewery last night. The latest addition to the Telephone Exchange is Mrs Walsho's Nursing Home at Omoto Road, number 274. Tenders for the supplv and delivery of timber at the Paroa mill close at the office.of Stratford, Blair and Co. on Saturday at noon. Particulars from advertisement.

The following will represent Omoto against Oobdcn at Omoto on Saturday : Bennett, Moynihnn, Wickcs, .Jacobs, Cridiths, Carse, W. Hill. Skoals, Strakor, Davidson, Martin, and Sharpc. Mr G. L. Taeon, ,1.1'., presided at the Magistrate's Court this morning, and dealt with a first offender, charged with drunkenness. The accused was given a caution, convicted and discharged. Hibernians are reminded that the quarterly mooting will be held tonight, when there is important business to be transacted. Tito. Secretary will Ik> in attondanco at 7 p.m. to receive contributions.— Advt. Kettle tiros., who have just unpacked eight crates of fancy tea and dinner sets, are making a magnificent display of the' nxiods in their showroom, Mawhera Quay. Watch their advertisement appearing in to-moriwv's issue. A lady lost a purse containing a sum of money this morning near (lie goods' sheds, ami as she is not too well oil, the person finding same will bo doing a charitable act in returning same to this office,

Mr J. Lewis, bootmaker, of Tainui street, adyertises that his premises will 1)0 closed from to-morrow to January 7th.

A concert and ball are anounced jflhs held at Kokiri to-morrow evening i£r%.d of the local .school fund. Good music,,aj? ; excellent floor and a sumptuous super are promised to nil who patronise it. Punctuality and accuracy are stepping stones to success in any walk of life. Encourage your eons and daughters to practise these desirable habits during the New Year by supply in" them with one of Gilbert Bros's reliable watches. The Treasurer' (Mrs Casserly) and the Secretary and Trustee (Mrs Manners), of the Ladies' Scddon Memorial Fund, Westport, have remitted the sum of £3OO to the Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, for the purpose of having a Seddon memorial clock erected on the new post office at Westport. The amount is to be subsidised by the Government. Attention is called to the advertisement in another column of a social for the sailors in port, to be held in the Rest to-morrow evening. A good programme has been prepared and refreshments all that could be .desired. The admission is within the reach of all. Anyone wishing to spend a pleasant evening cannot do belter than attend. Griffen and Smith landed an immense shipment of fruit per Arahura, about 500 cases, comprising bananas, oranges and apples. This huge quantity the firm expect to have a, very lively demand for, and it is advisable for those who wish to purchase for Xmas to immediately do so, as with the immense output the firm have such a large quantity, is quickly disposed of.

Mr A. W. Yarrall is showing a number of high-class leather goods suitable for Christmas and New Year presents, including ladies' handbags, purses, watch wristlets and wrist purses; also gentlemen's collar boxes and hairbrushes in case with best ebonv backs and best bristles. Pie invites inspection, and warrants all articles of the best make and new.

For downright good workmanship and satisfactory prices, there is only one man in the race, and that is Louis Nees. He is making a speciality of fitting all Kinds of coasters and free wheels for the Xmas touring, while his bike repairs stand the test of time. An extra large shipment of pram and bike tyres is just to hand, and are being fitted at most reasonable prices. His motto, "satisfactory work at satisfactory prices" is just O.K. Some delicious drinks are being placed on the market this summer in tlie form of "Sharland's Pure Fruit Extracts." For a single shilling there can be purchased at any grocer's what is nractically an inexhaustible bottle. At any rate, there can be depended upon over 100 delightful and refreshing drinks as a result of this exceedingly small expenditure. Sharland's fruit extracts are made in various choice flavours, of which lemon, pineapple and raspberry are among the chief, The Murchison correspondent) of the Inangahua Times reports the follow ing chapter of accidents. Mr William Williams had his right hand blown off with dynamite on Saturday. at Mr O'Rourke's. He was brought down and is progressing favourably at Downie's Hotel. Mr Robert M'Wha was also thrown from a trap on Saturday night and received concussion of the brain. He is improving. The Executive of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants recently paid over the sum of £ISOO to the Railway Department in accordance with the agreement arrived at to the effect that this amount would cover the period of broken service caused through the strike of 1890. This sum was paid over by cheque signed by the president, treasurer and secretary of the A.S.R.S., who have since had the cheque ';oto-lithographed and sent to every member of the Society a. 5 a memento of the occasoin.

Mr Guinnesfi's prizes for competition among the children of the Taylorville State School resulted as follows: —Boys No 2 John Brownlee (Standard VII) 1, No. 3 Duffon Carson (Standard VI), 2. Girls —No. 11 Doris Langdon (Standard VI), 1, No. 13 Jessie Junk (Standard VI) 2. Owing to the equality of the papers the examiner considered it advisable to divide the sovereign prize into a first and second prize of 12s 6d and 7s 6d respectively. The examiner was the Rev. Jas. Hay, of Brunnerton, and many thanks are duo,to that gentleman for kindly assistance in judging the competition. The benefit performance to be given tonight, in the Town Hall in aid of the Dixon Memorial Fund should attract a very large audience, as no doubt it will, apart from the merit of the object in view the programme is an exceptionally good one, the amateurs engaged in it being well coached in their respective parts., and the selected songs being of a humorons character. The laughable absurdity. "Fun in a barber's shon." will conclude . the first part, and durincr the second part . another mirth-provoking comedietta, "Much Married," will be staged, and a local and highly humorous sketch "School of Academy," in which are introduced some personal hits at local celebrities, will bring the performance to a close. j We notice that people are still wasting their time and money in circulating ' a chain letter purporting to be recommended by one Bishovv_ Lawrence, but which the said Bishop is said to have repudiated. As each person who receives one is advised to write nine copies and distribute to nine persons on_ nine con- ; secutive days one- can easily imagine its , inmfcn.se circulation ton-ether with the j waste of time, paper and stamps of those..; who follow out the instructions, and the irritation of temper caused to those who refuse to be made the victim of a hoax.'.| There is nothing in the prayer to warrant j its circulation, for it is asking the Lord { to do something which He has already j promised to do for all men. j The Christmas festival will be celebrated at Holy Trinity Church with the usual services, while more than ordinary interest this year will be centred in the musical" festival on Christmas evening. | The programme for which will consist ■ entirely of selections from one composer, and ■he the greatest in oratorio music, j namely, Handel. Choi-uses, soli, duets, > and instrumental items from five of his ■ oratorios, will be given—" The Messiah," : "Judas Mac'cabaeus," "Jeptha," "Samp- j son," and "Theodora." The members of the choir have been diligently rehearsing ( for many months past, and should give a j pleasing and faithful rendering of what , is undoubtedly some of the best classical i music ever written. '

The following will represent Cobden ■ "A" team versus Omoto at Omoto on ; Saturday, play commencing at 1.30 p.m.: S P. Quinn, J. Smith, G. Nelson, W. Chap- ' man, D. Hugh, F. Hugh, H .Beckett, G. j Beckett, Drensfield, J. McCarthy and J. j Mason. Emergencies—J. Thomas, B. •McGlashan, O'Brien. Cobden "B"team . Tcreus Grey at Cobden—R. Musson, R. . Thomas, W. Thomas, McAlister, W. < Young, McMurtie, W. Williams, Brock, j P.. Robertson, Blith, Gillincham. Emer- \ ■ gencies—S. Ewart and A. Merrie. j At a recent meeting of the Nelson Education Board, Mr Smith moved: — j ■That tho February meeting of the ; Board be held at Keefton and West- j port." Mr Beuke seconded the motion j Mi- Lock said there might be more ex- j cuso for a meeting on the Coast this ] time than heretofore, as a lot of West . Coast business had been deferred, j Vow that they had three members ? from the West Coast he did not think > there was any necessity for the Board j to pay an annual visit, to tho Coast. | The motion was carried, Mr Lock dis- ■ seating. I Mr John Leak, gardener and haw- | ker of vegetables and fruit, has grown I the most prolific crop of peas this sea- < ; son that has ever been seen in this ? part of the dominion on his section at < North Beach between Cobden and '

Oarkie's Terrace. They are of the kind known as the Duke of Albany a pea that grows fully 10ft in height and more and is wonderfully prolific in yield. A sample was brought to our office to-day which shows the excellence of the pea, but a visit to Mr Leak's garden is a treat. The seed was procured from Messrs Holder and Sons and it was on their recommendation that Mr Leak adopted them. It is with extreme regret that we have to announce the death of Mrs Toomey, wife of Mi' James Toomey, of Hokitika, which occurred at Reef ton on Wednesday morning, at which place Mrs Toomey has for some weeks past been under medical treatment. Her death was quite unexpected, Mr Toomey only having left by Wednesday morning's train touring her home, consequently the shock will be all (he greater to Iter friends and relatives. The sympathy of the whole community will go out to the bereaved husband and two children in their particularly sad loss. The late Mrs Toomey was born in the County of Kerry (Ireland), and was well known throughout Wcg/and. She fur many [years took an active part in Benevolent' Society work, having been a member of the Ladies' Benevolent Society for a number of years. Wo join in expressing to Mr Toomey our sincere sorrow in his liereavomcnt.

iVor fancy leather goods you cannot do halter "than to purchase at B. Dixon's, Tainui street. The new stocks just opened up for the Xmas trade are the largest and best assorted ever shown in Grevnionth. Presents for lady or gentleman may he chosen with ease here. As life goods are imported direct from tho llor.ie factories you may depend on Betting good valuo for your money. Nest door 'to Public Trust Office, Tainiu street.—Advt, Hvervone knows that Sarnty's is the right place for cheap and reliable dra,,ory. Address-Next to Whittaker's, Boundary street,—Advt.

Attention is directed to tion of railway tween Greymouth and urns opt "-ijL , t in February 15. made and it is essential if Stcure seats to apply "^t and Co. who would advise liuim. So so, and save disappointment fbi the main holiday dates. Tt is with extreme regret that we record Si ath of James Scully winch occurred at the Greymouth .Hospital «S morning For some ti.no past internal complaint, but afataLteimW ation was not anticipated till a week iSTwheu he became worse and .M to ft removed to the Hospital The clc cWwas a'son of Constable ScuU> X was well known in this to and of Mrs Scully, now a postmist es Prominent member of the Stai >don rviWe at the breaking-up, Mr <f in certain subjects b,P^ on >' „ t KoTh% « pleS te say /have S ; successful man in my career, I mers, under w men sra»" i ]g fertilisers and diftere n> vai eUes otw* "V 7 ftSSdi with, have the «g^H Ip ftJn£i the res"iS'rs Ross and Sutherland of the New Zealand, have «i Franco . n nt\fSe Z =?on. C ffi was of Material but it iiffi nWindiff erently gjAnr Un other hand ,the fair fame ot «e has been 'prefer America, and a New ■was waited on aitei n=> wan ted to nopolis by a inerchant who wan know more ft^ ol "\ f these state of «ie people o enclosing one dollar for postage. close on 20,000 aozen v- thc total amounted ,to oyer th ' fact difference being ) "^ountec Hoi that this season the local c throughout been good, with pn responding .high. Th purpose £ry uniform throughout there were no such thinftas cool Bterage the ma ket wouKi o g at low andXn during the would be WT"V and high prices off-season a f™ 1 ?"* Now however 1 tt uniform price « the *rt o 4 W n !t DuSdin on ,centage of men amongst the mM -attending Sunday Presbyterians follows 42.4 per Bay 48.1, Wel,,Wanganui 41.1, H»ww w | stla3K l 57.2, j lington 41.5, {*«•* 435 Oamarn Christehurch 39.9, lunaro , ft Kent S'"X"StiS A.S»«»' » ■ curate and exha wo t wtTo secure the refigure. The omy .* vs sL ac t u al counts of qSisite precision is Lads at the services or say four eeeutive Sundays. Thewwe or-.th, m ?^a S aiet y/S .tU^or» the hcJMar., and toe «m n>ggto , ? , ; pleasant shave, bee.J. w. of safety rwoM.-Advt. s Don't forget to i^J^V^ for Xmas present are^now^ B '- D W' lines are too nm street, ine ?>"" . we WO uld numerous to £ them. Mk you to toect from the Tehy been imported oi The Home markets « *e pnecj Trust Offica.—Advb