Grey River Argus AND BLACKBALL NEWS. (PUBLISHED DAILY.) SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1904

Grey River Argus, 17 December 1904, Page 2

Grey River Argus AND BLACKBALL NEWS. (PUBLISHED DAILY.) SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1904

A kkw days ago a little mild excitement "was created by an article in the Southland Times alleging that existing relations between the Premier and Sir Joseph Ward are not by any means of a cordial nature. As our contemporary is rather a staid [journal that avoids sensationalism of all kinds, a good many thought that possibly there was really something in the assumption. Others ridiculed the statement as a mere mare's nest. For. ourselves, we passed it by as only another instance of making a mountain ont of a molehill, and that -while there might "be some slight foundation 'for the assumption of our Southland contemporary it was nothing to dwell on or "make a song abont." It would not be a, very wonderful matter if there should be a momentary tiff between even such great men and close colleagues as the Right Hon the Premier and Sir Joseph Ward. Both most probably have men's natural failings, and each, as we know, can show a temper of his own. However, if there should be anything beyond this it would be cause for general regret, as the one seems to be the natural complement of the other in the conduct of the public business of the colony. One aspeqt of the matter, trumpery as it may seem, that struck us as something rather to be deprecated, is that our high and mighty Premier cannot square his shoulders and leave Wellington for any other part of the colony for a day or two than the wires are kept buzzing with his sayings or doings. Somehow or other he contrives to be the centre of a whirlwind of interest and about nothing very particular after all when coldly looked at. We know that Mr Seddon dearly loves this kind of display. Not to be enjoying notoriety would, with his temperament, be dismal indeed. He mnst be posturing in some way or other in the public r gaze, especially when prancing ronhd the colony on his frequent excursions — and he is never happier than when on the wing. Sir Joseph Ward and all the other colleagnes of the Premier can move more up and down the colony and get through their public business without the least fluster or excitement. Bnt that the Premier cannot play so

modest a, role is jjrobably only one of the penalties he haa to pay for his greatness. To us his numerous and diversified deliverances down south seemed) not a little amusing owing to the ingenuity lie displays in ever keeping his eye on the main chance. He always contrives to say something that will please his listeners for the moment and supplement it with some shining vetmlosity that will raise their hopes for the futnre. In the art of saying a great deal that means very little ho is unrivalled. He talked to tho Christchurch people most seductively abont the Midland Railway and made them as happy for the moment as he has done so many times before. He explained to the farmers at Omakan how he at least was in no way responsible for the snail's progress of the Otago Central dnring the last 25 years, though, they are now probably no wiser than they were before. He was a little franker with them, however, than he always is, for he twitted them with their attitude towards labour and the rates of wages. The truth is that the Farmers Association is a sore point \vitli Mr Seddon. He finds it rather a Sisiphyian task to reconcile the interests of the farmers and the labour unions. But to come back to the alleged want of harirony between Mr Seddon and Sir Joseph Ward, which, after all, and however little there may be in the allegation, is still a matter of some interest to the public, As soon as Mr Seddon and Sir Joseph Ward saw the statement of our Southland contemporary, they wired a joint telegram to the Otago Daily Times in complete contradiction and stating that tlie relations existing between them are of the " most harmonions kind," and at which information the Dnnedin daily expressed the most profound satisfaction. So did the Southland Times — in a way. This is how our contemporary deals with the matter^ in his rejoinder, and we reproduce it merely as a matter of some little public interest: — "While we accept the statement we must be allowed to point out that the facts mentioned in the former article point to a very different conclusion. It is, we suppose, a quite remarkable illustration of the familiar truth that appearances are deceptive. In explanation of the fact that the Premier and Sir Joseph Ward travelled apart on the train journey to Omakan last week, it is pointed out that while Sir Joseph Ward started from Dunedin at 5 30 a.m., the Premier joined the train at Naseby. If the Premier had joined a different train, the statement might have had some force as an explanation, but inasmuch as the Premier joined the same train it is immaterial whether lie started from Dnnedin or not. As the act of discourtesy towards Sir Joseph Ward to which we alluded, and to which the Premier has given a denial, we simply repeat what occurred. The Premier, knowing that Sir Joseph Ward bad to address the Omakan gathering as Minister of Railways, and that he intended to return to Dnnedin by the train leaving at 2 30 p. in., continued to speak until after '2 15 Avith the result that Sir Joseph Ward either had to content himself with, a few cursory remarks or keep the train waiting. Possibly in filling so much time the Premier was labouring under the illusion that lie was making an effective speech, but, even so, bis treatment of a colleague for whom be asks us to believe lie cherishes the most friendly feelings, was quite inexplicable. It looked like discourtesy, but in accepting the Premier's disclaimer of any intended slight upon Sir Joseph Ward, we mnst conclude that his ideas of politeness arc as peculiar as his conception of veracity. We had other grounds than those mentioned in Tnesdays's article for the opinion expressed that the Premier and his next in command did not "pull together," but we dismiss them all from onr mind. It is pleasant to know that onr friends in political circles in Wellington have been entirely wide of the mark in their conclusions and inaccurate in their observations. As between ordinary men, the little things they have noticed would bear only one construction, bnt as between the Premier and Sir Joseph Ward they have no significance. They arc merely the expression of little idiosyncrasies, say of Mr Seddon's "rugged blnffness" of speech and delneanour. The fact that Mr Seddon appears in company with. Sir Joseph Ward just as seldom as possible is not to be attributed to a desire to avoid comparisons which might be odious, but simply to the exigencies of public business. In this case, in short, the only construction which the facts would bear in normal conditions is entirely wrong. They area hnndred and" one points of evidence in snpportof our expressed opinion that all is not Avell between Mr Seddon and Sir Joseph Ward. On the other hand, there is the Minsterial statement that they have the warmest regard and admiration for each other. Well, we do not expect cither the Premier or • the Minister of Ruaihvays to say anything else. What else could they say ?"

Sporting reminders. — Greymouth and Reefton acceptances are duo to-night. The Grey River Argus Company have appointed Mr Whitesmith their agent at Blackball. We acknowledge the programme of sports to be held in Ross on Boxing Day. Anyone wishing to see same can do so by calling at this office. The funeral of the late Thomas Smith will take place at Brunner this afternoon. The remains of Mr John Sutcliffe will In* interred in the Greymouth Cemetery this afternoon. The racehorses White Ribbon and Mooii arrived by the Haupiri this afternoon to take part in the Reefton and Greymouth race meetings. The Hinemoa for West Coast Sounds and Bays will leave Bluff about the 27th inst. For choice vegtables consisting of cauliflowers, cabbage, radish, lettuce, onions, peas and potatoes vi.Mt Qun, Kum Wah nncl Co. Delivered to any part of the town. Order early. — Advt. Messrs Harley and Co will offer by auction at their rooms this afternoon one bay cob, five years, broken to saddle and harness. The auctioneers will also sell an extensive line of groceries, furniture and sundries. , Mails for the United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, Continent of Europe*, also Hawaiian Islands and Samoa via San Francisco will close here on Friday, 30th December. Money Orders at 4 p.m. and registered letters at, 5 p.m. on Thursday, 29th. W. M'Kay and Son have an insert with this issue setting forth a few of the lines stocked at their well arranged and largely stocked establishment en Mawhera Quay. For the Christmas season and New Year holidays the firm will offer to their numerous customers and the public generally great inducements. The variety and quality cannot bo surpassed. If you want things to your liking visit W. McKay and Son, Mawhera Quay. What magnificent] cauliflowers, and look at those splendid peas, and Oh what splendid tomatoes! These were seme <f the remarks at A. J. Frank's store this afternoon. The firm received a large consignment by the s.s. Haupiri and addition to the above the public can be supplied with cabbage, new potatoes, lettuce, radishes, spring onions, cucumbers, cherries, etc. You can also secure at this shop Christmas cards, toys, glassware and fancy goods of all descriptions, and there is the confectionery of which you can purchase the choicest ever seen on the Coast, and remember at Wellington prices. It is worth your while to pay them a visit. Among the many fine displays • f Xmas stock shown by our business community may be noted the show of perfumery and fancy toilet articles, etc, made by Parkinson and Co, Chemists. For I the time being tho aesthetic side of the drug and chemical business is brought prominently forward, pills and ointment taking a back seat. There is a fine selection of the most fashionable odours in attractive design and appearance and as a suitable Christmas gift a satisfactory selection can quickly be made.

In the carrying out of one's duty you often run up against many difficulties. The ordinary business man meets them in business transactions and they are soon overcome without any broken shins or bruised body. Not so the Customhouse officer, as was instanced at a raid on a Chinese house in Mackey Street. The genial "Tom" Redmond went in to see that no opium smoking was. being carried out. He went into a room which was occupied by s. Chinaman who had been fined quite recently for the offence. The Chinaman nt once recognised the Customhouse officer, and remembered him. Without the slightest warning he sprung upon Redmond like a cat upon a mouse. Then a real old tussle took place, which lasted for several minutes. Both were rolling about the floor, and the Chinaman was using his feet to perfection. It was some time before Redmond would get the better of him, as he was as nimble as an ?el. The Chinaman when all other efforts had failed dug his teeth into Redmond's arm, -nflicting a horrible gash. After an effort Redmond managed to throw his assailant off, and at once went to the doctor to get his arm attended to. The result of the Chinaman's kicking powers were plainly visible on the shins of the Tinfortunate officer, and his suit of clothes are practically ruined. The Chinaman will be brought before the court on a charge if assault. A new showroom in the block of brick buildings recently built by Mr Kettle, is being opened for Novelties' Depot on Saturday. Mr Urquhart has hitherto found it impossible to display samples of the stock, but now, with this fine room, it is different. Entry can be made from Waite street or through the present premises, and the public are invited to walk in and look round. The most pleasing feature of Xnias is the interchange of felicitations. Acts which perpetuate friendship or sink the animus of years are reserved for the happy season; and, if Christmas meant I nothing else these doing would gratify its high festival. There are many ladies and gentlemen who are desirious of presenting some little gift to a friend. The procuring of these presents will be a pleasure to those visiting B. Dixon's establishment where a large and beautiful I stock of novelties are on view. A perusal of his advertisement in this issue will repay those in search of choice pre- , sents. Several announcements appear ov<;r ' I our leader this morning in whn'i Mvsms Gilbert Bros, the Tainui street jewellers, give particulars of the most di siral/ic' articles suitable for Christmas gifts. This firm is now showing in their nicely arranged window, and inside show cases, an excellent selection of tempting jewellery jand presentation goods especially imported for the Christmas season. The goods, which are of latest design, are new, bright and sparkling, and every article is marked in plain figures at tempting figures. It is a delightful sight to observe mothers and fathers at the approach of Christmas procuring presents for their ! little ones. We believe it gives them as much joy as to the little ones on receiving the presents. Christinas mornings are the happiest periods in the parent's lives. To procure^ exactly what will please presents rather a difficulty.- We have inspected the grand assortment of stockings, hampers ojnd ;prize packets Griffen and Smith are displaying at their Union store, and we are sure at this business heads of families will easily have the difficulty solved for them. For a few shillings a fine assortment may be procured, and these goods give more genuine pleasure to the little ones than costly presents that are soon broken and laid aside. Presents for those of mature years Griffen and Smith are displaying Cadbury's delicious Chocolates done up in artistic boxes. They are most suitable to be sent through the post any distance. In crockery-ware and glass-ware no business on the Coast has such a stock as the Union store and we would advise housekeepers to here replenish their Christmas supplies. Parliament appears to exist at present solely for the purpose of harassing the people and making work for the lawyers. From all over the colony come reports cf people appearing before the Courts and being fined for breaches of the laws on various subjects, and the amount of sta-tute-created crime in this colony is becoming truly enormous. The politicians boast, not of the quality, but of the number of the statutes they enact, and they really do not seem to understand the meaning^ of the laws they pass. The Hebrew meaning of paradise, signifies an Eastern garden. There is another possible derivation. On the Nilgiri plateau in Southern India dwells a peculiar people, called Todas. From the plateau there uprises a steep mountain known a? Miikarte Peak. The Toda theory of death is that when the breath grows laboured and the sweat grows on the brow, the soul is climbing the steep slopes of Mukarte. When at last the body is at rest, they say the soul has departed into "para desam," which signifies iv their language, " the neighbouring country." Field-Marshal Viscount Wolseley, in a letter to the secretary of the Lewes branch of the Tariff Reform League, issues a ' serious warning of what the consequences will bo if the country fails to adopt a policy of Tariff Reform. "I firmly believe," he writes, "that unless some strong action is taken by the people of this country in the direction aimed at by the league we shall at no very distant time lose- nil' our Colonies one after the other. Should our Colonies leave us, we shall sooner or. later inevitably cease to be* a first-rate-Power, and have little influence in the. direction of the world's great affairs." Hearing a noise in his house late at night, Jules Degoux, of Strasbourg, crept stealthily downstairs wjth a revolver, and fired in the dark at a figure he indistinctly saw emerging from the dining room. On procuring a light he found he had dangerously wounded his wife, who had come home unexpectedly. The Court of Tennesse, U.S., has\ decided that an advocate has a perfect right to shed tears before a jury. This important- judgement was given in response to s defendant's allegation that the jury's feelings had been unfairly turned against him by the teal's shod by the counsel for the plaintiff. Where am I going to spend my Christi mas Holidays? Wall, what do jsou think? At New Plymouth of course, and see the Palace of Arts and Industries which everyone is talking about. Just [ lock at the advertisement and you will sec that there is to be a collection such as the colony has never before seen : Machinery in motion ; dairy appliances, pictures, Home, foreign and colonial products "*■ 1 manufactures from a motor car '■■ * mouse trap, besides no end of side .•••••.";. Then the Carnival alone will be w-^TVh going across" the colony to see. The Maori Village and Native Entertainments, Military tournament, Champion Chopping Swimming and Diving Contests; Sports of all kinds; Marine and Mountain excursions ; Grand Displays of Fireworks ; and a Children's Carnival. It seems to me tliiii-- they have rolled the Crystal Palace and the Italian Exhibition into one, and brought it to New Plymouth. Tf you don't go with me and take your friends you will miss the greatest treat of your life. This is what the Man in the Street said, and he is quite right. While the U.S., Squadron was on its recent visit to Britain, a sailor from the American steamer Cleveland unexpectedly met his brother, a seaman in the British Navy, at Torquay. The two brothers one serving under the Union Jack, and the other under the Stars and Stripes, fratenised in the fullest sense of the term. Senor Anasagasti the Argentine Commissiouer to the St. Louis Exposition, confirms the old rumour that the greatest cataract in the world exists on the Igauzu River, between Brazil and Argentina, about 700 miles north of Buenos Aires. The Iguaza Falls are 210 feet high, 13,000 ft. wide, and are half again as great in volume as those of Niagara. We have just landed an exceptionally choice lot of linoleums and floorcloths. The designs of these are the best we have ever shown and are already com manding a ready sale. Those refurnish ing should inspect these without delay, the price being very low. W. MTKay and Son. — Advt. 1 ■