Greymouth Evening Star AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE THURSDAY, DECEMBER, 7th, 1911. PSYCHOLOGY OF AN ELECTION.

Greymouth Evening Star, 7 December 1911, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE THURSDAY, DECEMBER, 7th, 1911. PSYCHOLOGY OF AN ELECTION.

Of course, comments Mr T. P. O'Connor, in writing of his electioneering experiences, a good deal depends on whether you are going through that experience for the nrst time or have had several times already. To the Parliamentary candidate who goes through an election for the-first time it is one of the most delightful and even intoxicating of experiences ; to the hardened and expei'ienced electioneer it is one of the hardest and often most exasperating. The neophyte, accustomed to the obscurity of private life, taken by even his best friends at a moderate valuation,, going to his business every morning and returning from it every evening, without attracting any particular notice, his name unknown outside his own family and his immediate chxle of friends or associates, suddenly iinds himself a, public character. Instead of being mentioned in the newspaper three times in the course of his life—when he i s born, when he is married, and when he dies —he suddenly finds himself filling columns of space for weeks in succession. His name becomes know to tens of thousands of people ; he is at once raised above the orclinary masses of humanity; he, in short, becomes a public character. A public character is inevitably a person in whom the public take a certain amount of interest ; witness the columns which are filled in almost all our journeys with, not merely the art, but the doings, the sayings, the intimate life of actors and actresses. The young politician suddenly discovers, also.one of the most curious of all facts connecter! with political lifethai is, that he ceases at once to be his own individual self, with nothing ill his character to call either for special praise or special blame ; for every politician has two individualities, hi* own and the individuality that either, love or hatred confers upon him. Indeed,

the politician becomes almost like n pawn in a game. For this reason all those who have been on the inside of political life are always very sceptical as to the judgments passed on historic characters by their contemporaries. Applying their own experiences, they know how little they resemble the portraits; painted ,of them either by their admiring friends or their bitter foes. They know that both praise and blaime proceed from the same motives, and that these motives are to a certain extent entirely outside their real individuality. They represent principles and interests which are in antagonism to certain uf their interests. Their eulogists and their friends are usually thinking, not of them, but of thenown principles and their own interests, and bestow praise or blame exactly in proportion to their sense of the degree to which the unfortunate politician helps either the principles or the interests. It is quite possible, however, that a young candidate may take some time before he grips this primordial act of political life. He may easily allow his head to be inflated by all the wonderful virtues attributed to him, or he may easily shiver under the stones and arrows which are thrown at him by his political opponents'. But, anyhow, lie cannot help being gratitied by the immense amount of attention which he receives for the first time in his life. He not only sees his name in the papers, but, passing through the streets, he sees it 0:1 hoardings, on placards, on every kind of document that the resources of the printing office can produce. And his name is associated with stirring appeals, with great causes, with great, names. He finds that on his candidature depend some of the mightiest interests of the nation. If he be returned the greatness of the nation will be secured, if he should be beaten the flag of the Emjire will be lowered. Gifted with a sense of humour and a little modesty, he may not take these things too seriously, even if he be a neophyte; but even then, it is all very intoxicating, especially when it is all so new. The thing,- perhaps, which he will find most exhilarating is the public meeting. Many things drive a meeting at an election to frenzied enthusiasm ; many national figures excite tre-' mendous attention; but, after all, thechief figure in every election contest is the candidate, You may rouse an audience to a storm of cheers when you bring down the argument of your political opponent to absurdity ; you may by some passage of lofty eloquence—if that be within your powers—rouse them to even a bigger storm ; but usually the storm rises to a cyclone when the candidate makes his appearance, and the cyclone rises to a simoom when the candidate'declares that he is going to win. For, after all, these-are concrete realities of the situation, this is what sporting people call the "result," and the "result," as everyone knows, is what counts. It is a sound instinct which fixes, therefore, on the candidate and the prophesy of tlie poll as the most important and inspiring factor in the public meeting. Fancy a man, then, hitherto, as I have imagined, confined to the mild admiration of his family and friends, suddenly finding that when his name is mentioned, and still more when he rises to his feet, finding before him hundreds, perhaps thousands, of men and women who cheer themselves hoarse in their desire to give him welcome. And fancy, also, how these cheering thousands hang on his least work witha concentration of attention that has in it a certain pathos, as all keen and generous humane motion always has. For the moment these crowds of people and the candidate art- one. He embodies their interests, their convictions, their passions, champion their standard bearer, and if he have, any of the popular acts, he soon becomes their darling, for whom they are willing, not only to shout, but to fight and even to die. Man will to the end of the world insist on creating his idols, and at election time the idol is the candidate who represents his views. Indeed, even to an old and .seasoned campaigner there is always tremendous inspiratioh in a great public meeting. A man must have nerve of steel or the blood of a fish who is not exhilarated by the spectacle pf thousands of human being eagerly listening to him, looking at him, following his last word, noting his smallest gesture, studying even the shape of his features or the cut of his clothes. There are occasions, too when even the season tighter must find himself submerged by a great, wave of terror and humiliation when he sees how large a part he is filling in the souls of these eager multitudes. I defy even the stoutest veteran not to be occasionally attacked by a stage fright when, looking on the vast space of< great hall and the innumerable eyes' concentrated upon him, he reflects that it is his business to reach the ears, the minds, and the hearts of all this vast accumulation of his fellow men. In that respect, the larger; the hall and the bigger the audience the greater must be his fright; for he has a greater sense of the difficulty of his task. That is very often the reason why even practised speakers prefer a small to a large hall, and arc more at home with a small than with a great audience. The secret of a good oratory. I have always held, is to speak on your legs and t'o ten thousand people as if you were seated and speaking to one. But that is a difficult attitude of mind to maintain if you stand in a great hall and before a vast audience. It is almost impossible not to think that you must strain your diction above the common. As a matter of fact, if it be a good hall, you need do neither one nor the other. The speaker ought, to take a leaf out of the book of the actor, who, even in a vast threatve, does not try to speak above the tone of ordinary conversation, and acts best when he is acting most naturally—that is to say, with the reserve and the quietude of ordinary life. But still, the feeling persists and requires a great deal of painful conflict, and very few men, even among practised speakers, succeed in exercising 'the splendid self-control which is required to maintain the ordinary tone and the ordinary language of life, even in a spacious hall and before an audience of several thousands. Take it all in all, an election is a pleasant experience. It lifts a man out of himself ; he forgets for the moment his ordinary cares, he forgets his health, ho forgets everything in his cause and in his audiences, and for the time being he is living life at its best—that is to say, when it is fullest of excitement, occupation, and movement. Of course, the penalty has to be paid some time or other for all the exertion and all the anxiety. But the penalty doesn't come till it is all over. "Or perhaps the electioneer has, even during the election, perhaps on the same day, the two states of experience, the exaltation and the depression. Many men at election time only begin to be really alive when night comes and when their work really begins. But whether it comes sooner or later, the reaction dees come. And, unfortunately, the candidate has nobody to fall back upon for any sympathy or help. He finds that he is but a symbol or a pawn in the great political fight. He is supposed to have neither nerves nor a brain that can be wearied nor a digestion that can be upset. He has no sooner addressed one meeting than he is asked to go to the overflow; and from the overflow lie may have even to pass to the openair meeting; and an open-air meeting to moat m*n is t*h time* as laborious as an indoor meeting. He is expected to pass from one place to another, to

travel by-day and to travel by night, to eat when he can find time —usually his dinner is at midnight—to be'patient and good-humoured and fresh, to come to the. thirtieth meeting as if it were his first, to be at the beck and call of everybody. It is all delightir., in its way, but it is great wear and tear. Tt is the love that kills.

In the recent examinations for marine engineer's certificates, 289 candidates were successful out of the total of 356 who sat. Ihe drst sailing race of the season for Mr G. T. Moss's trophy will take place on Saturday afternoon next. 11. is expected that the Westport Coal Company's! output of coal for the current ycai will constitute a record for an annual period. The day of high prices has gone for ever. New English bicycles selling at the quick-march price of £7 10s. —At filter "iigham's.—Advt. The election returns as they come to hand to-night will be posted in the Star' Office window. The poll in Westland «.pdfe Puller closes at 6 p.m. so that returns .should be coming in from 6.30 p.m. onwards. A great sale of new prints, linens, de-l.-ines, piques, linens at half the original price. C. Smith, Limited, the wholesale drapers, have purchased a manufacturer's stock at half the original price, which are now open for inspection. Come and see the bargains, at C. Smith's, Ltd. -Advt, There was a tremendous sea running along the coast last night a/id at about eleven o'clock water was nowmg down the right-of-way at the foot ci Weld Street. Hokitika. Some of the teneins and outbuildings of the west side of Revolt Street were washed away.

S. A. Sweetman wishes to notify the uublic that her establishment will be opened every evening during the month of December. A good opportunity for inspection. —Advt. Just to hand.—A large consignment of ah the latest novelties in aluminium ware. Watch the window, as a special display will be shown of these goods. Ladies and girls' handbags in modern shapes and sizes. Toys in abundance and presents suitable for all.—S. A. Sweetman, Matt hera Quay.—Advt. 1 In the musical examination, piimary theory section, recently held r-.t Hokitika,'under the auspicies of the Associated Board of the Royal Academy of Music and Royal College of Music' of London, two pupils of Miss Davie* of Hokitika, were successful in passing, namely, Miss Mary W. King, 70 marks; and Miss Daisy M, Foote, 69 marks. ■ ; ■ If marriage is an outward and visible sign of prosperity, Dunedin must be considered to hav« been a prosperous community this year (telegraphs our 'compendent). For the eleven months ended en Thursday, the Registrar recorded 682 marriages which number equals the total foi last year, which was-v. record. As December is a popular month for mating, it is expected that ths total for this y 'twill reach 700. When' at Karamea the Hon. R. McKeinie, in reply to a question, said he recognised the necessity for better communication between Westport and Karamea, especially in regard to the conveyance of mails, and should be very pleased indeed to render every possible service in his power to attain that, end and would try to obtain a six mail per month service. The population had doubled during the last few years, and-no doubt .there was a much increased amount, of cargo. He would gladly assist in the.matter. "My experience tells me," said Mr C. C. Kettle, S.M., at the Auckland Magistrate's Court yesterday, "that a large number of young women who get married find the marriage ties irksome to them. They prefer the easy life—a life of gaiety and' enjoyment. As an old magistrate, knowing what I do, I see a great change that has come over a great number of young men and' women. I see this constantly, and it weighs heavily upon me. If the homes are to be unhappy and broken up,, then the country must, go down wit"h them."

An interesting event took place at the Wainoni Zoo on Saturday last, soys the Times. The African lioness presented the Zoo with a small famdw of cubs, numbering four. At least, it is believed that there are four of them. The proud father of the family is yiie 1 fine African lion which is now at Wainoni. Mrs Lion' is in rather a fretful temper, and shutters have been put up in front of her den until she accjmmodates herself to her new responsibilities. ••• ' .. Within the last week, says the "Timaru Post," a newly-joined cotistible from Christchurch has been in Timaru going about in plain clothes makiig himself acquainted with persons ,'uspected of carrying on bookmaking businesses. As the result of the Christ - church constable's investigations lour Timaru residents will .appear at the Magistrate's Court this week to answer charges of making bets with the constable. The same policeman was on s duty at the Christchurch races, but on that occasion he himself was <bf victim, for a smart pickpocket sUC2**l ed in abstracting £7 from one o!Mbe constable's pockets. At the Wellington Supreme Court yesterday before His Honour, the Chief .Justice, further evidence was heard on behalf of the plaintiff in a case in which Pierre Chaplin, a, ship's cook, claimed £l5O damages from Mr. W. T. Young secretary of the Wellington Section of the Australasian Federated Seamen's Union on the ground that he has been prevented from obtaiirig employment. Two witnesses were nearcand the defence will be taken on Friday.

His Worship the Mayor (Mr. Murdoch) has received the following communication from His Excellency ' tho Governor: "Now I have compleoel my extended tour and returned to Christchurch, I should like to write and express my appreciation and thanks for the cordiality of the welcome, that you and your fellow citizens of Kumara accorded to me during my flying visit to your town. My daughter, to whom- I gave tho nugget you kindly to me on behalf of the diggers,' teSTZ appreciates the gift, and desires Kioto render to you her best thanks."- Kumara (Times. . . In spite of the wet season, the keepbusy price of £7 10s is doing giant's work with a batch of new English bicycles.—At Kitchingham's. —Advt. We recommend Roslyn suite for. styla and lasting wear, from 32/6, all clothiers. —Advt. Another shipment of those world-famed Fiister and Rossmann's sewing machines—prices that will help you to save money. Hand machine, walnut base with fast, and loose wheel, with full set of attachments for the low price of 665. Time payments can be arranged.—W. McKay and Son, leading drapers. —Advt. Good things are often tied up -in very small parcels. Because an individual or article does not measure up to normal size it does not necessarily follow that good Qualities are lacking in proportion. This truth is emphasised in the "Ensignette" camera, a miniature camera that will slip into a man's vest pocket or a lady's hand bag. It measures but 3 7-Bin by 1 7-Bin when closed, yet it takes splendid clear pictures 2iin by These pictures can then be enlarged to any size. For every day use the "Ensignette" is an ideal camera. It takes up no more room than «y cigarette case or a box of matches, and is the only really small folding camera that is self-contained. It is sold complete in a limp leather case for 355, or r k if fitted with a Goerz lens, £7. Posted Iree to any address by Harrington's, New Zealand, Limited (successors to Imperial Camera Co.), 42 'Willis Street, Wellington. —Advt. .:. , .... .-...,:, ;' .-,, ■-.

j Aynsley's ice cream.—Eclipses all others for purity and delicionsness.—Advt. How to vote.—l vote that Budge and Tomkies, of Mackay Street, continue l/> do repairs to bicycles.—Advt. ■ The Westpprt coach arrived at Reefton yesterday with the mails at the usual Hour, the landslip on the side of the Cascade Creek having been cleared to admit Or wheel traffic. '....-.

Tlie members of the E Company, Greyirtouth . Territorials, are hereby "notified that there will be no more parades until further notice.—Advt.

.The nominations for the Parliamentary elections have closed, and all sorts of men ha v# been nominated. On December 7th those v with least merit will be put out, and on December 14th the chosen members will be known to the country. There will be, great excitement til! then, but • it is preferable to take things calmly and drink Crescent blend tea, which soothes the nerves and gives the palate pleasure. You can get it from your grocer at 2s - per lb,—Advt. "Mi*With regard to the rumour that the Maintenance men propose to secede from , the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, the Dunedin branch has unanimously resolved:—"That the maintenance members have no knowledge of any intention to secede from the society. They ■clearly see that this dastardly canard has ■emanated from those who do not wish them any good. Further, they have a letter conception of unionism than to entertain any £uch idea, and wish to emphatically repudiate such nonsense."

BA., letter from a woman in Newtown, Wellington, was read at the Southland Sawmill Workers' Union meeting on Saturday night, stating that she had read ill the papers that the sawmills in Southland were at present bery busy. Her husband, who was a fireman, could not obtain work in Wellington, and she wished to know if sawmill work could be procured for him in Southland. Her husband held a' second-class certificate. They had two children, and they found it very l'ard to live in \Vellington, where, the stated, things were in a very bad way. Jfp action was. taken in the matter.

'MA movement has started amongst the rhaintenance men in the railway service in Dunedin, the object of which is to form a union separate from the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants. The reason.- for this step is understood to be that the maintenance men—gangers, surfacemen, and general laborers—are dissatisfied with the very meagre increase in pay obtained for married men, and the absence of any incerase for single men. It is considered that they will be able to secure better treatment if they have a union of their own. There are about 2000 men in this department of the railWay service throughout the Dominion. There, was a good supply, but no demand for unskilled labour at the present tirnel A few men have been sent to the Cass and others to stone breaking at Kumara. Carpenters and bricklayers are fairly busy. Blacksmiths are kept regularly employed. Carriage builders report that there is no demand for new vehicles, hut good second-hand' ones command ready sale. Cabinetmakers and upholsterers are fairly busy, but painters are quiet. Tailors and dressmakers are busy, and many are working overtime. The engineering trade is fairly busy, and boot depots report an improvement in trade. Grocers are dull, with the exception of a .large demand for last season's eggs. (Doubtless this is in anticipation of the declaration of the polls to-night.—Ed., G.E.S.) Saddlers are fairly busy. Sawmillers are very busy and the coal mines are improving.

Ice cream: its effect on children and the annoyance caused by itinerant vendojs, was the subject of a discussion at Monday night's meeting of the Lower Hutt Borough Council. The matter was introduced' by a recommendation j

the Works Committee, which read as follows—ThatjJ, the Council pass a by-law legarding the vending of ice cream in the bcrough, and that the medical officer be asked to report upon the effect the consumption of ice cream has upon children. The Mayor explained that the cleric had received a complaint from a resident, and the committee thought the time had arrived to take some action. The Wellington City Council had a by-law, Avhich could be used as a basis. The recommendation was agreed to. .

Having completed a tour of the King Country, Bishop Crossley, Anglican Bishop of Auckland, is still more convinced than ever of the heed for more clergymen for the backblocks. He could place 21 men if he had them, he informed a reporter in Auckland, and he could increase that number by four if he had them and the means. "One of my clergy there," said the' Bishop, "showed me a touching letter from a settler. He had called on the settler, but unfortunately found that both/ he and his wife were away from home. The settler, in writing, expressed his deep regret at having missed the clergyman's visit, stated that he had been seven years out from Home settled there, and during the whole of that time he had never seen the face of a clergyman. He asked piteously could the Church do nothing to help these lonely pioneers in the way of providing an occasional service to! cheer and inspire them in their work."

Don't forget "White's for bicycles,— B.S.A. at £l2 guaranteed.—Advt.

Those in search of dolls and Christmas

toys for the children should pay a visit of inspection to B. Dixon's establishment, Tamm Street. Some distinct novelties are

leing shown this year. See our window fihow, everything marked in plain figures. Our prices are the lowest possible. If you are doubtful come and see for yourselves. Our values speak, you will not g t ) away disappointed.—Advt. ' See the new English bicycles, EadieCoaster brake and good tyres, at the hammered down price of £7 10s.—At Kitchingham's.—Ad yt. Xmas is coming on apace. What about your Xmas toys for the children? Your selection will be sure to please if you buy from B. Dixon, Tainui Street. A special display of Xmas dolls and toys may be seen in our window, to-night. We have many new and novel lines for your inspection this year, but we cannot show them all in the window, so kindly come inside and see them. Our prices defy competiL. Mgn,. they are the lowest possible. Come *¥xd see for yourselves.—Advt. All the annual volumes are now in : Boys' Own Paper, Girls' Own Paper, Chatterbox, Our Darlings, Young Engiwad, Sunday at Home, Young Australia, The Wonder Book, Empire Annual, Child's Companion, Child's Own Magazine, Our Little Dots, Happy Hearts, Children's Friend, etc., etc. Pears' Annual just to hand 1/- each.—Procurable x*. B. Dixon's, bookseller and stationer and fancy goods importer, Tainui Street. — Advt. A large batch of new English bicycles jiist arrived. The clearing movement in full blast is making them go fast.— At Kitchingham's.—Advt. Ladies! We have another lot of very fhi3 ladies' costumes, made by the celebrated Boslyn and Kaiapoi warehouses in Christchurch and Dunedin. They are beauties; come and see them. The price is one-third off the usual, 70/- for 45/-, 80/--for 55>, 90/- for 59/6, a bargain, as C: Smith, Limited, the wholesale draper, clothier, boot importer and house furnisher, Greymouth.—Advt. .Now is the time. Order your Xmas cakes at the Victoria tea rooms. —Advt. ■ For household wants in ironmongery at the lowest prices, try Walter Scott and Co., Tainui Street.—Advt. The popular Boslyn writing pads (copyrighted), 6d and 1/- each from all storekeepera.—Advt. ''Have you. tried "Glazo" linen polishing tablet f It is very easy to use, and gives splendid results. For fronts, cuffs »nd collars. Sold by all stores, 6d a table.t.—Advt Wbope bieer ifl bjeat? Why, Pesm'» Kumars, Ask anybody.—Adrt.

Mr J. P. McLean, J.P., presided at the Police Station this morning and oon\icied and discharged a first offender on a charge of drunkenness.

To-night the Presbyterian Bazaar will again be open at Trinity Hall, when it is hoped to clear all the goods at bargain rates. In addition to various competitions will be the exhibition of the election returns as they come to hand, arrangements for the receipt of messages having been made. With this issue Mr Cairneyj the wellknown jeweller, announces that he is now ready with his Christmas display o? jewellery, silver and E.P. 'ware. With thi; enlargement of his shop he is now able to display his stock to better advantage and all are invited to see the beautiful display of gift suggestions suitable for everyone. He also announces that during the month of December litis giving away free to all purchasers ot goods to the value of 20s and upwards n copy of the famous picture "The World Forgotten," and, as there is only a limited supply of them, an early visit is necessary to secure one of these beautiful works of art.

For years, at different times, it has been thought that the limit in size had been resumed in guns. When Armstrong and Whitworth's factory turned out the 100-ton giant of twenty years ago, it- was thought that no more powerful weapon couid ever be made. The progress has, however, been steady and sure since that lime; through all stages, 10-inch, 12-inch, .tnd 13-inch, until the latest is reached. This gun is at Sandy Hook, the experimental station for the United States Artillery, and as yet has only been fired experimentally. As each round costs approximately 1000 dollars (£200) this is not to be wondered at. The weight of the aim itself is tremendous, but the projectile, capable of ranging 20 miles, turns the scale at 24001b5, or rather over a ton-

Call at Aynsley's for an ice cream; the ieß+ in town.—Advt.

"Nanol" in more «hve than ever, ba *use the experienca of not hundreds, Siroata, bronchitis and influenza. Bold ▼erywher*.—l/4 p«r bottle of 69 does? -Ad»t

Colds in the head, chest or throat, dsappear as soon as you bring "Nazcl" ito operation. It is the latest English emedy and it works effectively. No old is "N**ol" nroof—Advt.