Greymouth Evening Star. MONDAY, JANUARY 31st, 1910. THE BRITISH ELECTIONS.

Greymouth Evening Star, 31 January 1910, Page 2

Greymouth Evening Star. MONDAY, JANUARY 31st, 1910. THE BRITISH ELECTIONS.

'l'm; surmise thai the Nationalists would hold the key in tlio new British Parliament is conclusively borne out by to-day's cables, which show that although the Liberals are now the strongest individual party in the House of Commons, they are nevertheless in an actual minority as compared with the total membership. Liberalism, however, appears to be fairly safe, for it can always count on the undivided support of the Labor Party (holding thirty-eight seats) whilst the probabilities are that the Nationalists will adhere to their compact and keep Mr. Asquith in office, till at least he has had the opportunity of reforming the House of Lords. Indeed tli-.' only possible cause for the Nationalists deserting the Liberals would be a very definite promise from Mr. Balfour, pointing to Home Rule. That idea, however, can be dismissed, for Mr. Redmond is too astute a tactician to throw away a brilliant opportunity that has come his way by coquetting with old and bitter opponents. As a matter of fact, Mr. Asquith has much more to offer the Nationalists than the Conservatives, We are, therefore, not going far wide of the'mark in assuming that there will be a Liberal-Labor-Nationalist combination against the Unionists, who will find themselves in a minority of about eighty in a full House. With the continuity of the Liberals in oflice assured, the question naturally arises:—What of the future? It: seems tolerably certain that the first business will be the reformation of the House of Lords. The decision of the electorates has been unmistakeably in favor of the powers of the hereditary chamber being modified. Even the Unionists recopnise the temper of the people on the question, which is of paramount importance to the democracy and are already making offers of a compromise. Such a procedure after a bitter election is remarkable, but indicates a willingness on the part of the Unionists to save their face by acceding; to a moderate scheme of reform. And it is only right that the powers of an' arrogant, ( irresponsible chamber should be

amended. The House of Lords should no longer be responsible simply to the wealthy classes who control it, but to the people of the country. Until this alteration is effected, we can hardly expect Liberalism to make much progress. Of course, much depends on i the Opposition and the Lords themselves. If a reasonable compromise is accepted, all may be right, but if the Peers remain unyielding, then a period of political strife, followed by another general election at an early date, might be expected. As to the fate of the Budget, it is as yet too early to judge, for although the Liberals will be able to command a majority in Lhe House it is doubtful whether it will be sufficient to enable

the Finance Bill to be forced through in its old form. With a majority of 350, the Government's task was not an easy one. What then will it be with a majority of less than one hundred ? Time will reveal its own secret, but

present appearance do not betoken an easy passage for the Budget, in sup-

port of which the country has hardly given such an emphatic mandate as was desired by the Liberals. Future events in British politics will be watched with the keenest interest.

A special meeting of the Greymonth Wharf Laborers' Union will be bold in the Lyceum Hall to-morrow evening at eight o'clock. The usual monthly meeting of the Sir George Grey L.O.L. Lodge will be held in the Druids' Hall to-morrow evening at 3 o'clock. The sale of furniture !><• Mark Sprot and Co.. to take place to-morrow afternoon on account of Sir J. Patorson, at the Post Office Hotel, has been withdrawn. A defendant in a licensing case to-day, when asked if he were a Good Templar, said to Sergeant Egan : "Yes. I am when I can't got' it." During the influenza scare eucalytus oil came into such demand that over 200.0001 b was sent to England from California. The tree has been planted in immense suantities in that State. A special meeting of the Greymonth District High School Committee will be held in the Education Board office at half-past this evening to consider matters in connection with the annual picnic.

Tenders are invited in our advertising columns for the erection of a five-roomed cottage (labor only). P]wcifications for which may be seen at the Ikamatua Sawmill Company's office, Arney street.

A special meeting of the Grey Education Board will be held next Monday evening to deal with an important question of finance which has arisen, and which necessitates the ordinary meeting of the Board being held a week before the ordinary time-table date of meeting. A five-roomed cottage ;tnd quarter-acre section, fenced, with garden, fowl house, and run, situate at Rut anga, is adver-

tised for sale, particular;; of which may be obtained from Mr George Groom on the premises. The cottage is only recently built, and as the owner is leaving the district he is prepared to sacrifice the property. A fire occurred at Dunollie at 2 o'clock yesterday morning, whereby the cottage belonging to Mr Oscar Backman was totally destroyed by fire. The inmates had harielv time to escape in their nightclothes, rid iosl all their belongings. "Mr Backman estimates his loss at £2O, including a valuable cornet and £5 in notes. The fire is supposed to have been caused by a spark from a smouldering heap near by. Some friction is reported to have occurred at the Westport Coal Company's Denniston mine, the rope Ikjvs having demanded an increase in wages and having asked the Miners' Federation to force the position hy a strike, which the Executive could not see its way to do. It was decided, however, to draw up an agreement covering milling operations on the hill for presentation to the Company. This is to be considered clause by clause to-morrow. A few of mir lines suitable for Xmas Presents.—Autograph albums 1/- to 11/6, postcard albums 9d to 21/. framed pictures 2- to 30.'-, photo frames 5d to 12'6, fire screens 1/- to 13/-, photograph albums 8/6 to 22 6, fountain pens 2/- to 30/-, gift books 6d to 21/-, Bibles 1/- to 50/-, prayer and hymn books 1/- to 11'6. Come and inspect the Xmas stocks at B. Dixon's, Tainui Street, next door to the Public Trust Office—Ad rt.

When several cast's of riding bicycles on footpaths had been heard to-day. the Magistrate (Mr A. Crooke) said it did not seem that the fine of 5s was a deterrent, and he should have to increase the fines in future, as the practice was a very dangerous orte. Sergt. Egan : ; aid that many of them held it was cheaper tTian the wear on the tyres. The Magistrate exclaimed at this, and it is probable the fine will be increased in the future. In connection with last session's New Zea hind Society of Accountants Amendment Act, Mr E. W. Hunt, secretary of the New Zealand Society of Accountants, announces that applications will be received for registration on the form to lie obtained from any Chamber of Commerce in the Dominion. These applications should be scil io Mr Hunt. 158 Featherstone Street. Wellington, on or before March 31. 1910, when they will be considered and dealt with. Should any be received after that date the Council will satisfy itself that there has been sufficient justification or excuse for the delay. Alex. Lennie is still at tha Club.—Adrt.

Xrnas gifts for ladies.—Dressing case* 10 6 to 50/-, writing folios and desks 1/- to 50/-, companion sete 3/6 to 30/-, manicure sets 2'6 to 30/-, glove and handkerchief boxes 1/- to 9 6, a set of purses 1/- to 30/, hand bags 4/6 to 22/6, S.M. Bottles 2/6 to 12 6, music cases 1/- to 15'-, hand mirrors 1,3 to 20-, jewel caws 2 6 to 30'-, S.M. brush seta 15/- to 30/-, S.B. brushes 15/- to 20/-, brush sets 6/6 to 20'-, spectacle cases 2- to 20/-. Hundreds of other lineß at B. Dixon's, Tainui Street, nest door to Public Trust Office.— Advt. Xmas Presents for Gentlemen.—i'urses 1/- to 12 6, wallets 21- to 25/-, collar boxes 2- to 6/, writing folios and cases 1/- to 50/-. dressing cases 10/6 to 90/-, tie boxes 2'- and 2,6, cigar and cigarette cases 3;6 to 30'-, ink stands 1'- to 21'-, smokers'sets 2/- to 10 6, shaving paper pads 1/- to 56, letter cases 2- to 30/-, stud boxes I,- to 2.6. cull hoxe.o 2/6. Come and inspect these lines at B. Dixon's, Tainui Street.—Advt.