The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, AUGUST 16, 1901. IMPORTANT TO FARMERS.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 188, 16 August 1901, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, AUGUST 16, 1901. IMPORTANT TO FARMERS.

The deputation 'which, waited upon members of Parliament yesterday in regard to the Factories Bill took up a subject that is of great importance to this district. It is emphatically laid down that if the Bill becomes law iu its present form some of the colony’s most reliable industries will have to be shut down or else that the farmer who is now poorly enough treated must be content to take less for the raw product. No legislation that can be carried into effect by the Government will ensure an increase of prices in the Home markets, and that is what the freezing and wool-scouring industries must depend on. As for the Factories Bill, it has been so clumsily drawn up that even a staunch Ministerialist journal like the Auckland Star raises a strong protest. That journal states that tho new “Factories Act” professes to be a consolidating measure, but in reality it introduces new principles of the most far-reaching kind. Hitherto the regulation of adult factory labor has been wisely loft for adjustment to the Courts of Conciliation and Arbitration, which, after careful investigation of the conditions affecting an industry, have settled hours and rates of pay for ordinary work and overtime. But apparently the Government have lost faith in the Arbitration Court, because the new “ Factories Act ” proposes to fix hours and pay on arbitrary hard and fast linos for all industries. If adopted it will I over-ride the awards made by the

Arbitration Uourt alter prolonged investigations in several industries. The Auckland journal specialty refers to the recent award given by Mr Justice Cooper at Christchurch iu the boot trade, which has been accepted by the whole colony. This provides for eight hours’ work per day, time and a quarter for overtime, and a rate of pay which seems to be regarded by both workmen and employers as providing a fair working scale. But if the Factories Act passes in its present shape working hours - will be reduced to 45 nominally, but rear y 44, because owing to the clause compelling a four hours’ intervals for meals work must end at noon on Saturday. Overtime is restricted to thirty days in a year, and is to be paid for as time and a-half. Besides paying this high rate for overtime, sis holidays oil full pay must be given every year. Now, it is notorious that the boot-making tiade 1 is in a stagnant and perilous condition. Notwithstanding a 221- per cent, tariff, the importation of boots, especially from America, has increased considerably, and a very small increase in cost of production would lead to further importations and loss of employment to many workers. What has been stated of this industry is true of all others. The conditions affecting their working should only be changed after careful investigation. As to the effect on the pastoral indas-

try, prices are now so low that there is no margin for further charges. I: thero is to be a greater burden thrust on the farmer something will have to break, and if the farmer breaks the “wreckers” who are now seeking to cry down the credit of the colony and cause a financial collapse, may safely relax their efforts, for the collapse will come all right if the farmer is brought down. It is to be hoped that these facts will be recognised in good time by the Premier and others, concerned.

THE BUD A PESTH PROPOSAL Tile actiou taken in Buda Pesth in regard to barmaids not being allowed unless they were over the age of forty prompted a representative of Christchurch Truth to go the rounds of hotels interviewing the barmaids. That apparently was a congenial task for the reporter by the light and airy way in which he gives scraps of the conversation, but the grave editor, with no taste for flippancy, insisted on prominent prohibitionists being also interviewed. Among those included in the list was the irrepressible Mr T. E. Taylor. He was as ready to speak about barmaids as about liquor. “It is not fair,” he said, “that we should demand from a woman that she should always bo artificially good-natured, and it is demanded of these girls that they should be attractive in appearance, and iutelj ligent. Whilst l believe that the majority of them are women of excopi tional ability, so far as intelligence, it | is a deplorable thing that thoy have to | sell these particular endowments for I this purpose. It is undoubted that if ! there were no womon in bars the amount of liquor consumed would bo greatly diminished.” Ho considers it perfectly natural that licensees should desire the services of these attractive women, but of course ho is opposed to it being allowed. 110 | went on to givo his opinion as to j tlio difference between a woman serv- ; ing behind a bar and serving behind a ; counter. In the case of a woman oin- \ ployed in an ordinary business, a man | goes in and buys what he wants and comes away, but the charm exercised by the ladies behind tiro bar keeps the customer in the bar, and makes him spend more than he intended. Mr Taylor thought there was not much prospect of anj r legislative interference in this colony with tho present state of affairs regarding tho employment of barmaids ; whilst the licensing system remains he did not think peoplo would make any demand in that direction. Public opinion is, he considers, rapidly drifting into two clear divisions —those who believe in the system as a system, and those who are opposed to it, the “moderates” don’t count. The proposal to prohibit tho employment of women under forty years of age in bars would not, in Mr Taylor’s opinion, help matters; licensees wanted young and attractive women, and if only elderly ladies could be employed, noue would be employed at all. One groat mistake liad been made in our licensing legislation by permitting women to hold licenses, “I am quite satisfied,” lie said, “that there are many honorable women engaged in this particular business, but I am equally satisfied that it is a business that the State should prevent any woman engaging in. ' ome inquisitive people may want i } j;now how it comes about that Mr Taylor knows so much about the fascinating Hobo, It is, however, a recognised fact that an attractive barmaid does materially aid the business, and there are few employed behind the bars who are not of the attractive class alluded to by Mr Taylor.

The annual mooting of members of tho Gisborne Racing Club will bo held this evening at the Argyll Hotel. Tho shareholders of tho Timaru Morning Post have resolved to convert it into an evening paper—a retrograde step.

The Sonoma, which loft Auckland on July 27th, arrived at San Francisco on August 13th, ono day late. Clifford road, between Hall street and the west side of Ballaneo street, YVhataupoko, is closed for traffic pending repairs.

A meeting of the New Zealand Natives' Association will bo held this evening al eight o’clock to consider several matters oi importance.

The meeting of dairy farmers to have been held at Matawhero to consider tho question of the establishment of a cooperative dairy factory was postponed on account of the unfavorable state of the weather. The United States Post Office has prohibited tho transport of letters addressed to “ Tattersall,” Tasmania. But the New Zealand authorities still pretend that they cannot chock the enormous flood of money to Tattersall.

A preliminary enquiry into the grounding of tho scow Ururoa was held by Mr McLaurin, Collector of Customs, yesterday morning. Tho evidence of the captain, first mate, and a seaman, was taken, and this will bo forwarded to the Marino Department at Wellington, and in a few days it will be know whether a magisterial enquiry will be necessary. Twenty-one applications were received for section 21, block 8, Hangaroa. The ballot will bo hold to-day at the Land Office, Gisborne. Section 2, block 9, Ngatapa, lias been selected by Thomas L. Needy for occupation, with right to purcase. The section comprises 1405 acres. Section 74, 1 rood, 5 perches, To Araraoa, has been selected by Thomas McLachlan, under the Native Townships Act.

At tho Magistrate’s Court yesterday, before Mr Barton, S.M., tho following eases were dealt with Common, Shelton and Co. v. James Powell (Mr DeLautour for plaintiffs), judgment by default for the amount claimed, 17s Od, costs 7s. James Erskine v. Frederick Oxenhain (Mr G. H. Lysiiai- for plaintff and Mr Jones for defendant); judgment for plaintiff by consent for «£1 Bs, costs 16s. J. A. Lucas v. W. B.d.ibiiigtou (Mr Jones for plaintiff); judgment by default for amount claimed, £2 Bs, costs 23b.

Tlie mwri.K.e cf Mr Janies Todrig Witty, .son of Mr J. W. Witty, of uisborne, to Miss Alice Bach, took place yesterday afternoon at the residence of Mrs Piesse, aunt of the bride, the Kev. Robert Gardner, of Matawhero, being the officiating clergyman. Tho bride was becomingly attired'' in a handsome creme sorgo wedding dress, trimmed with creme silk, with veil and wreath. Misses Florence Witty and Jcssie Tiossc were the bridesmaids. Miss Witty wore a fawn costume, trimmed with creme silk, Miss Piesse a pale blue dress trimmed with white satin. The wedding presents were numerous and of a costly character.

“ Spectator,'' in the Napier Telegraph, thus comments on the football match between Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa at Napier on Saturday : —" Beaten, but not disgraced,” well sums up the result of Saturday’s match. It must be admitted the better trained team won. The visitors had ail the advantage of having had the experience of three previous matches together —two of which had been played under precisely similar conditions as to weather as Saturday’s match. The Hawke's Bay team, as is always the case, had to take the field only a fe\y days after selection, and naturally compared very unfavorably to the visitors in the matter of combination. Individually, there was not a great deal to choose between the opposing teams. In tactics, the visitors gave our men a few points, especially in line and scrum work, and in both departments our boys doubtless picked up a “ wrinkle ” or two. The visitors’ back division were a very safe and even lot, their defence being particularly sound.

Mr AY. Dougins Lvsnnr intends giving the dairy industry a practical test at his Makarori station. At the Grand National races at Christchurch yesterday the Gisborne horse Tauhei was beaten by a head in the Islington Handicap. A lot of electroplated and silverware will bo sold at Messrs AY lie and Mason’s auction mart at noon to-morrow. The firm will also offer n account of Messrs Bull and Sons a el .ec Lt of fruit trees, plants, etc.

At a meeting oi the Star of New Zealand Lodgo of lleehabites, held last evening, Sister Goorgeson presided. Four new candidates wore initiated, and two were proposed. A considerable amount of routine business was transacted. AVe are destroying our manufacturing industries by our arbitrary and vexatious Labour Legislation, and the startling truth is being withheld from the workers by that section of the press which professes an advocacy of their cause. —Auckland Observer.

Air G. T. Dawson annually exports from Tapanui district 20,000 dozen eggs and 20,0001bs of butter. The butter (says the Courier) is of the “ good old sort,” and is mostly powdered. No dairy-keeper has yet put in a separator to supply the town with fresh up-to-date butter. In the course of ah interview, Air Barton informed Air Aliils, of the Union Company, that the Commonwealth is not at present in a position to deal with the question of subsidy to the Vancouver Line, more especially as the existing contract with New South AValos had still two years to run. However, he would be glad to receive all possible information on tho subject.

The Star of Gisborne Lodgo, No. 61, of the 1.0.0. F., held a successful meeting last evening at the Lodge-room, Alasonie Hall. Bro. L 11. Colebourne, Noblo Grand, presided. Two candidates were elected, three new members were initiated with the usual impressive ceremonies, and nine now members were proposed. The officers of this Lodgo work with great enthusiasm in all the ceremonies connected with initiation and degreo work, and bid fair to become a strong Lodge and oxercise a good influence on the community. Dr Fisher is now the Lodgo Surgeon in Dr Hughes’ absence.

A lecturer at the Dairy Conference stated :—Look at tho necessary qualification of a good factory manager. He must bo a buttor and chcese-maker, thoroughly understanding the minutest detail of that work; must have a knowledge of engineering, plumbing, carpentry, tinsmithing, knowledge of chemistry, bacteriology, book-koeping, and ho must also bo a man of tact to enable him to deal with the number of patrons that he is called into touch with daily, to say nothing of dealing with the number of his assistants that his business requires. Can you find in any other calling in life an occupation that calls for such a store of resourco as tho dairying industry '? I think not.

The Napier Telegraph has no love for

sympathisers with the Boers. In an article it states “ Since the Boers bought up the Daily News, sent its editor about his business, and appointed in his stead an Oxford-trained half-breed to plead their cause and abuse Chamberlain, very little has been done to justify the expenditure and tho trouble. But the point actually at issue is of quito another description. It is whether those who bought the Daily Nows might not have made bettor use of their money. They might have bought ammunition with it for their friends tho brigands, instead of throwing it away merely for the small pleasure of seeing in print such flights of fancy as Labouchere and Lehmann are capable of when ‘ in the vein.’ ”

The Christchurch Press devotes an article to the subject “ Complexions for Sale,” and concludes “ There is no question, from a hygienic viewpoint, of tho folly of painting tho face. It is deleterious to the health of the skin. Fortunately, in these fresher, purer lauds there is not tho headlong rush for pleasure there is at Home, and our girls and women wear their own sweet colours, and liavo no need to buy them in tube or box. Simple food, pure air, a fresh free life, and oxereise, these are Dame Nature’s rouge and belladonna. The woman who is iifty and desires to look twenty-five, may buy her Bloom and her Creme if she choose. But fifty has its charms as well as twentyfive, and nothing is more pathetic than a woman who, to capture her lost youth and loveliness, only succeeds in making herself a laughing-stoek to tho frivolous, and an object of pity to the sober-minded. Take it in any way one chooses, an artificial complexion is an abomination. If it bo badly done, it is an offence against art; if so skilfully as to avoid detection, it is a sin against morality. Let us stick to our colors in New Zealand, be they what they may, and only improve them by Nature’s pigments.”

The annual social in connection with Loyal Gisborne Lodge, Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, was held last evening in the Academy of Music, and proved a most enjoyable function. The hall was tastefully decorated for the occasion, with Hags and evergreens, whilst tile stage was transformed into a drawing-room. Many omblems of tho Order were to bo seen on the walls, and attracted a good deal of attention from the dancers. Notwithstanding the unfavorable state of the weather, there was a large attendance, upwards of seventy couples attending, and every one spent a most pleasant evening. A number of representatives from other Lodges were present, including Bro. H. A. Pool (Rechabites), Bro. R. Robb (American Order of Oddfellows), Bro. E. Fdo (Foresters), Bro. P. Maher (Druids), and Miss O’Connor (Lady Rechabites Tent). The regalia worn by the visitors and many of the members of tho Loyal Gisborne Lodge was very handsome, and together with the pretty dresses of tho ladies, gave the hall a bright and attrac-

tive appearance whilst dancing was proceeding, The best of music was supplied by Mrs Fernandez, and Mr J. Craig saw that nothing was wanting with regard to supper. The committee, who aro to be congratulated upon the success of tho gathering, consisted of the following : Bros. Ambridge, Quigley, F. Cox, B. S. Cox, W. Cox, T. Adair, G-. Holmes, Kirk, Nasmith (2), P. Sohwabe, Goldsmith, Humphreys, Jeunc, and Walland. A special word of praise is duo to Bros. Ambridge and Quigley, whounaortook the secretarial duties. Bros. T. Adair, C. H. Ambridge, and G. Holmes made first-class M.C.’s. The Hoor was in splendid condition for dancing, and reflected great credit upon the caretaker, Mr G. F. Henderson.