The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. THURSDAY, SEPT. 26, 1907. DOMINION DAY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2195, 26 September 1907, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. THURSDAY, SEPT. 26, 1907. DOMINION DAY.

Sir Joseph AVard is firohahly in his heart of hearts thoroughly disgusted at the manner in which his great achievement in obtaining the gracious permission of Edward, Rex., to have the designation of New Zealand changed was received by those immediately concerned. On his return from the Imperial Conference, where Sir Joseph herd very capably represented the colony, the Premier made light of the substantial service lie had performed in bringing forward the questions of cheaper cablo rates, preferential treatment for colonial vessels using tho Suez Canal, the All Red Route, and kindred topics, but with hated brccvtli he hinted at a surprise packet which in its importance would overshadow all liis other deeds and earn for him the lasting gratitude of an adoring people. When the great secret was revealed, and it bea.une known That this great achievement merely referred to the change of nanio from “Colony” to “Dominion,” there was a general feeling of disappointment. To thoughtful persons oamo tho conviction that from a purely commercial point of view the change was advisable, but with the general public the first impression was that an old friend was being discarded for one who might prove by no means so desirable. The word “colony” had been associated with tho early history of the country, and with all its ups and downs. It had been good enough for the old pioneers, and, liko thorn, wo had been proud of tho term “colonials.” Now all this was to be dropped, and without warning, for reasons that af■ncr—mii~were "necessarily-naseil—. largo extent upon conjecture. However, once the first shock to sentimental feelings had been overcome it became generally recognised that from a business point of view the niovo was a wise one, blit it is somewhat premature to expect the public to wax enthusiastic over a change that was in tho first instance looked upon by many, if not as a foolish blunder, at any rate as quito un-

necessary. Under tho circumstances, Sir Joseph AVard is justified in taking steps, as head of the Government, to see that what is really a momentous occasion is celebrated in a fitting manner by public bodies, but it is not surprising that shopkeepers aiid workers do not feel called upon to

make personal sacrifices in the same cause. The shopkeeper who lias liis rent and current expenses to pay at the end of the week considers that he is already prejudiced by the number of holidays, and does not readily fall in with the suggestion that ho should loso a day’s business because of what he terms "this Dominion fad.” The artisan, working for a small wage ■that is barely enough to keep has home together, does not relish the loss of a day’s wages when ho can seo no definite benefit, and altogether the holiday appears to be as unwelcome, generally,speaking, as a rainy day in Gisborne. Locally, it seems probable that Dominion Day will bo ushered in with somewhat better grace than is being exhibited in other parts of the country. The formal ceremonies have been- happily devised, and are quite in harmony with the spirit of the occasion. . His Worship the Mayor will formally muko known the Royal proclamation at the Firebell Tower, and subsequently will proceed to Peel-street for the purpose of unveiling the memorial that has been erected to the memory of the late Mrs. Seivwright. In the' afternoon those who are inclined for outdoor amusement will find ample . pleasure in the regatta arranged by the local rowing clubs. From to-day then wo are no longer a colony, but a full-fledged Dominion. The record of the last half century may justly be said to belong to the pioneers, those men and women who braved the perils of a long, arduous voyage and tho uncertainties of existence in a new and almost un- ,

known country, that their children might enjoy life under happier auspices than was possible in the crowded centres of the Old World. They found a land fertile almost "beyond belief, and wonderfully favored in climatic and other conditions. They toiled early and late, endured untold privations, and when necessary fought for the right to occupy the country. These pioneers not only made the country safo to live in, but they opened up the lands by road and railway, and by the keenness of their commercial vigor provided us with important industries that have caused the young nation to progress by leaps and bounds.

The future belongs to the younger gene ration, to the New Zealanders born, and it remains for them to prove worthy of the great sacrifices and the splendid achievements of the early settlers. It is not sufficient that they should merely rest on their oars, enjoying the prosperity earned by their parents. If New Zealanders are true to themselves they must believe that they have been entrusted with the opportunity to build a great

nation, a now Britain across the seas.. Given, such a faith, and tho energy and determination to give effect to it, then the '‘good old colony” can safely be relegated to the past as a page of glorious history, and the budding nation can confidently enter upon, a new stage of its career as the Dominion of New Zealand.

A special summoned meeting of tho R.A.P. brethren of Purple Star, L.0.L., in convened for Friday evening. Tolographic work was delayed to a considerable extont yesterday owing to a breakago of tho lino over tho Rimutakn range. Tho Imprest Supply Bill wns put through all stages in tlio House or Representatives on Tuesday evening, and was later pnssed by the Legislative Council. In tho fat stock soction of tho forthcoming Show, the To Puru station (Air. H. White) has donated tlio first prize of 3 guineas for tho best two bullocks. In tho House of Representatives on Tuesday afternoon Air. J. Allen drew attention to the necessity for reducing the time limit for registration of the birth of a child in order to olieck infant destruction.

A limelight ontotainmont, entitled “A Trip Through Alnoriland,” is to he given in AVes’ley Church this evening by Air. C. Palk. The pictures are a now lot. Tho proceeds of tho entertainment are to bo dovoted to tlio Ladies’ Guild. The Deputy Assignee (Mr. J. Coleman) reported yesterday that no tenders had been received lor tho hook debts in the bankrupt estates of C. J. Knopp, D. Al. Orr. and S. T. Stanton. Oifiys will be received privately.

Arrangements for the forthcoming A. and P. Show are well in hand, and tlio matter of appointing judges has beon satisfactorily completed for tho main section. The following list of judges indicates that this important work will be in the hands of highly qualified gentlemen -.—Draught liorsos, Mr. J Grant, Invercargill; harness horses,’ Mr. J. Alcßao, Alastorton; blood horses and hacks, Air Al. Baird, Hastings; ponies, Alv H. Gillies, Palmerston North; stud cattlo other than dairy, Air. J. J. Bayliss, Wagga Wagga, N.S.W.; dairy cattlo, Dr. Lovinge, Christchurch; fat stock, Air. H. Gillies; Lincoln sheep. Air. AV. AA’ilson, Egmont; Romney sheep, Air. R. Gray, Alasterton. For the subsidiary sections the appointments aro not yet announced.

Brigadier and Airs. Albiston and party, who arrived yestorday morning, were accorded a warm welcome at tho Salvation Army Barracks last evening. His Worship the Alayor, who was to have declared tho Salo of Work open, apologised for non-at-tendance on the score of indisposition, and the ceremony was performed by the Brigadier, who spoke in an interesting strain of tho Army’s organisation and work, and the origin of the self-denial scheme. After the opening a pleasant half-liour was filled in with a musical programme, selections being given by the Band, a song by Alajor Dutton, one of the visitors, and a recitation by Bro. Alilnes. Attention was then turned to the stalls, which were varied in character, attractively got up, and profusely laden with a large assortment of goods. The attendance* was good during tho evening, and excellent business was recorded at the stalls. Tlio bazaar will he open this afternoon and evening, also to-morrow night. Alusical items will bo rendered each evening.

AYith regard to specifications,- a point cropped up at the Borough Council meeting that may be of interest to local bodies. In tho specifications for Abattoir road, the Borough Engineer provided that a bonus of £3 per week be paid tho contractor in acf vance of contract time. This corresponded with the penalty imposed for not being up to contract time. Councillors remarked upon the provision, which is an innovation so far as Gisborne is concerned, and the Town Clerk was inclined to doubt whether the Council could allow the bonus, as Air. Alartin advised that gratuities could not legally bo given by a public body. The Engineer said that it -was quito legal, and lie had opinion from Air. Skerrett, one of the loading counsel in New Zealand, that penalties could not be enforced unless'there was some corresponding bonus offered for completion within contract time. In other words, the stipulations, could not bo all on one side. Cr. Mann said that Air. S'kerrett’s opinion could be relied on as sound, and favored tho bonus. Cr. Sheridan said that the bonus could not be classed as a “gratuity”— it was a very wiso provision to offor a reward for expeditious work. Tho elauso drafted by tho Engineer was finally approved by tho Council.