Grey River Argus. and Blackball News

Grey River Argus, 20 January 1912, Page 4

Grey River Argus. and Blackball News

Delivered • every morning in Greymoutb. Kuinara, Holtitika, DoTdsou, Wallsend, Taylor ville, Brunnertoii, Stillwater. Ngahere; Blackball, Nelson Creek, Almura, Ikninatna, Waiuta, I Reefton, Gronoduu, Rnriauga, Bnuollie, Cobden, .Baiter's, Kobiri, Patarn.. Kairaata, Aratika, Kotuku; Moana, Rura, Te Kinga, Rotomanu, I Poerua, Txiclibonnia, Jaoksons and Otira;

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20th, 1912

According to the. remarks passed at the Borough Council meeting on Thursday evening even the ■ cyclonic energy and marvellous ability " f o U r respected Mayor seem to have failed to a lamentable extent in getting the. streets of the town :>rito- &.'mPthiE S : like proper shape \The M nor Bus Company complaiiied x of ' th's" of the road- frpm- the Post Office *'o the Cemetery. Cr. Sheedy capped this by saying that the streets are in a dis-. graceful coniditipn, ' .although, loan money is lying- idle in tih 3 Bank, while same of the most iiecess'ary work of the borough is being neglected. Wihats was tlie money borowed for ? Apparently ito look at so that it can be said f^Shat the ibprough has money to its; credit, although interest is being paid on money lying idle. But our., civic authcrikies never seemed to possess much financial knowledge except for. the ' purposb tof borrowing and spending more freely than judiciously. Cr.. Byrne*, who was wont to be » sioiicsre admirer of the new order of things, endorsed Gr. Sheedy's statement and said thati- the streets Avere a disgrace to the borough and the councillors. No* one likes to be harsh or unfair in passing judgment upon gentbmiein who must reasonably be supposed to be doing their very best for the ratepayers who honoured them with their confidence; but their "very * best" seems to be ,in ithe . opinion of some other councillors a very poar apology for efficiency. For there is no escaping the sweeping condemnation of fcorough administrations that fell from :Cr. Byrne, when; . he sard that aithoughi thsy/now have an engineer (and ene who does at lea&t move abput and tries to examine the requirements of the town for himself) "a draughtsman, an overseer, wi^h maintenancs mem, and yet "their aftairs are worse than ever;" He instanced Grogan'-s- Lane as a sample of how work was done and yet not done. A more striking instance could notl be found aniywhere. The good macadam tihat was at first laid down was allcw-.-ed: to a little frayed and out of repair. It was all picked upy carted away/ and rielaid with fresh macadam and (tar. In a very short time tihat was, Ltf possible, in a \vors3 state than' it was before being picked up. The engineer says that that was because the traffic was allowed on it too soon. • .Possibly so ; but why was traffic allow-' ed on dt before the matjerial was f-ady to Ib^ar it? Was the omniscience oi the. Mayor allowed to overinale ifche professional experience and advice of the Borough Engineer? We do not pretend to know; "but. colour would seem to bo given to. such a supposi'fc-on by ■the remark of the engineer, when he said thati, beiing a-n-ar.e of tine staite of the streets when he came ihers/ he put . on a gang of . men to do the necessary work of clearimigtihem, when the Mayor told him- to take them off, as ne did not wish to expend money out of the genieral revenue! Thus His Worsihip usurped at idnce the positions of Borough Engineer and controller' :pf. finance. If the way in Avhich/Grogan's Lane has beeni dealt with is a sample' of his ro^e of engineer, the paying of interest upon unproductive loan money very "forcibly reminds one

of the finance of our great; £rand- ' mothers who carefully Hid their sovereigns away Am an old stocking; or the .more -miodern but equally futile financiers who while chasing around/ : after a farthing allow pounds^ to- sl)3p by -them unobserved. Cr. ' Russsll's .-• remark's were noti at all out of place \yh.en he isaid ithat the PuJblic Works Committlee should pay mp^e attentipii to their duties, and ■ that die work done to improve *iGrpgan's Laanic had only succeeded in puijting^ iV an. a worse conditipn than it ever. has been. Let it be hoped that sp shpdking- an example of borough management 5e not to be taken as a sample of all our borough engineering. '.'. •It was pretty bad in the past, ibuti^vve weare .prepared to forgive and forget all . : thaf if the future would show an..improvement. This' may, come in tims, but itl; wpuld be a little premature 'to. say that -we ibave yet arrived at a state •. of .■complete tefheiency. How could •that be expected so" long as the Mayor .tells U\e Engineer to t^ake hisr men bff the streets, as he "did not yf ant to expend yoney put of the . general '"', revenue 1 ?" Perhaps His ..-.- • Wprsbip knbws pf spme Pccult device by which the streets can be kepti up'"without-.-spending loan money or t-hat of gerie.ral revienue. Work at any "time hasto be ;paid for, but more! esproLlJy'ir. these times- when it is "Labour's day out,'* when the worker "»« arts ph.e ' . "full. fruits of his labour. : ' It vrr/uJo! be v&n^ good, now that . iiie W:»vks Committee are to pay more fittcntion' . to. their dutues, that ithe Finance Com- . rnittieie should lidd a 11 eating specially for the cpnsideration rf '.he'f-rUn-cial position pf thejborough.- if they ■did that they wpuld probably- discover a good dieal that would interest ."♦hem as the natufarcustodians of the irons-' tary transactions of the "Borough Council. As both committees have by virtue of their offices undertaken cer■tain resppnsibilities they are bound to' be able to tell the ratepayers "that they ihave hpnestly and effectively dis- ; chai-ged the trust reposed them. It would be manifestly . .quite .unfaj.r for the councillprs to shirk their legi-. * timate .duties by leaving thfein itb fall;; on the shoulders of the Mayor .and , Town Clerk, each of "whom \\iill probably tfolimkj that .ihe is. sufficienitly hamdicapped with, the variciis 'liitle ' cares and Tespansibilities qui^e'put-' side of the functipns of either the Finance 6r Wprks Cpmmittee..

ACCORDING 'to. a XVel^ongtoii telegram in yasterday morning's issue .of- thispaper it would appear that the Seamen's Conference ba s settled ' the question) of preference to u>raionists . in a manner satisf acfQry to 'Che Union. Workers of all classes ' attach enormous importance- to that concessionas indeed they well might, for when granted .it must give unusual power to" uiVionism, a power, too, that it is not' entitled to. As to the justice or fairness of it. that is another, matter altogether. Hence the difference of opinion that) pi^evails on the question. Entirely disinterested' persons ars not easily presuaded to admit ;thatunion 7 ists have any ri:(ght->to ban, persecute, or starve another worker who objectsto become a.- unionist. v lf it -so happened in- this changing world that non-unievnism took the • place that unionism now occupies those of the latter persuasion would ■ regard '.it- as veiy tyrannical if , they were forced to become roton-umionists" against their convictions as ' members of. a f rae community ; and they would 'be exercising their inalienable right as free agents in protesting with all their mights against such despotism. -Because unionists subscribe funds for tha of defraying the cost or trying to improve their working- conditions in 'tfhe way of better Wages and easier hours, thati gives thiem no rigiht ta demand ithe power that -may enable them to harass. and persecute the fellow-workmen who may have reasonable objections against becoming a unionist. We are not all Compelled to be Oddfellows,, or Freemasons, or* Orangemen,' i6r Knights of Labour (though none or very few may escape toil- of !some kind), wibile any of ■those friendly orders would have aa much rigihjt to compel men to j pin; as unionists would have to try to force all non-unionists to become unionists. Though Mr. Hughes, Atiorniey-fe^ne- ' ral of the Australian Commonwealth argues that unionists should be gfanV ed tfiat power, but his arguments a great deal more ingenious than \ convfincing. They may be creditable to 'Mm as a professional pleader, but at the same time they can never de^ str'oy the right of t(he individual as something sacred. and not to (be invaded or. taken away by any associatiora', whose constitution is liable to be^^ altered at amy <S'.me. Preference, to unionists is a more far-reaching 'and important power' than many may imagine. It is a direct and decidectfy tyrannical interference with . the liberty thati ©very member of a free community has a perfect right to' enjoy; and any thing iftiat deprives •the individual. .of what he has a perfect rigiht to do with as pleases 'him •best, should be avoided and 1 discour-. aged in whatever shape or plausible guise dt may be putt forward. Let every worker toy .'.'"all means ,be given all the power and -privileges that -he may ibie fairly ocmsideired to 'be entitled ito; but withhold from him at all hazards the .power of being able -to persecute and ostracize >a feilow-work-nianr simply because he objects' to become a^unionist. He may in* all other respects be a model citizen," , a 'kind father and found husiband, «- loyal and disinterested friend; buti solely because he chooses to exercise his as a free human being to hold "aloof from unionism to ithe average unthinking purely selfish unionist he 'is not considered good 'enough for this world. The fact that the greatfer part of a day's sitting of the ; Seamen's Conference was occupied. over the discussion'of the question of preference -to uniionf.sts is evidence enough; to show that great difference of opinion exists on the matter. .Though -it is said to . haive been settled "to the^ sa^actibiii of the Union," we should- like inpre definjite and specific -ihformation . on tine point. So far/ at^any rate>?il;i& not statutory law,' which is something to be thankful for in. thes^ days '.of militant unionism.

_ The Manuka, Moana, Marama, and Wimmera will probably bejwithin wireless range to-night. %.

Miss Watson resume&i teaching pianoforte on Monday. -22nd inst. Her address is "The -Terrace."

The repairs to the Ross Goldfields transmission, line have been commenced under the supervision of ,Mr H. M. Smyth. -:

Members' of the. United Football Club meet at the Opera House to-day at 1.30 p.m to- attend the funeral of their late club member, Mr > John Campbell. ■'"*.'■'■-;

The Borough Council are inviting separate tenders for removal of house refuse, removal of. night soil, extra carting, and -gas works carting. For particulars see advertisement in this issue. ,-•,.• ■

Although Friday's weather forecast ,gave some hope of a break in the .'weather for the better, yesterday was about as disagreeable and dismal as it could well be for the greater part of the time. \ • .

The Borough Council give notice in 1 this issue that the western bridge •on Marsden Road will be closed for horse and' vehicle traffic to-day (Saturday), 'Sunday and Monday," " 20th, 21st and 22nd Tanuary. owing to re- .- construction.- \

- The funeral of the late Mr John Campbell, will take place this afternoon leaving St. Patrick's Church at 2 o'clock. The cortege' is sure to be a very- large one as deceased was very popular with all sections of the com-munity,-and his early death is sincerely mourned, f

At the Auckland Police Court a lad who admitted the theft of some money from the clothes of a man who AVas in swimming, was sentenced to reformative treatment for a period not exceeding two years.

. The "Dominion" says that there are rumours afloat as to the nullifying of two^other elections, apart from McCallum's. the one in the North and the other in the South. In' all three cases the members affected ■ are supporters of the Ward Government.

Mr G D. Greenwood's thoroughbred, (Pearl dOr, broke a fetlock joint on the owner's run last week, ending her racing career. The mare was one of MM Greenwoud's purchases at the sale of the late Mr G. G. Stead's horses, and cost the purchaser £2000.

We Have to acknowledge with thanks a very serviceable blotter from Peter Dawsbn, Ltd., through the courtesy of Messrs Kettle Bros. The excellent blotter is ' quite in keeping with the splendid brand of whisky manufactured by. the firm.

. At All Saints Tennis Courts, Hofiitika to-day, ten representatives of the United Club, Greymouth. will meet the same number of All Saints players in the following order: — Gooch v. Phillips. Mabin v. Rundle, G. Wilson v. Moss, Wild v. Chapman_JFolly v. Eddy Rev. Barnett v. Sotheran, Sherman v. Watson, Stapleton y. Irvi^S*, Hug-hes v. Morris. Dawson v. Hargreaves.

The Reef ton Times comment on the dilatory manner in which the construction of the railway from. Reefton to Inangahua Junction is being carried on. It says the railway can never be payable until the Junction is reached. Meantime the engine lies idle in the shed- at Reefton from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. The.Cronadun factory sends up its cream by cart, and heavy goods for Cronadun lumber up in the shed till Saturday comes.

In the list of successful candidates at the recent Civil Service Junior-Ex-amination appear the names of ten pupils of the local Catholic schools, namely, Georgina Craig, Kathleen Creagh, Margaret Duggan. Teresa Greaney, fiileen preen, Catherine McLaughlin, Bridget Ryan, from the Convent School, Greyimouth, arid William. Johnston, Michael Mullins and Alban Whitaker from the Marist Brothers' School.

The Works Committee of the Grey Borough Council spent a busy afternoon yesterday inspecting certain t requirements in the borough. On visiting the cemetery they found that the contractor for filling in was taking the < material off a road reserve and at oner instructed him to cease work. Several lamps were ordered to be erected, and footpaths attended to. It wouk be in the interest of the town if the works committee made more heiuent visits of inspection.

In the Greek Church in the marriage office there is a mutual promise of fidelity, love; help and kind treatment. The Society of Friends. has a very Brief marriage vow. The man first, the bride after him, address the meeting in these words: "Friends, I take this my friend to be my wife [husband], promising through Divine assistance to be unto her fhim] a loving and faithful" husband fwife] until it shall please the Lord by death to separate us." No vow of obedience is required from the wife.

Mr ( R. Patterson, the newly elected member of Nelson Land Board, at the latter's meeting protested against the issue of a pastoral license to Mr Colvin for land on the western spit Buller river as being against the public interest." The Commissioner as chairman, held that- Mr Patterson was interested, seeing that he had some time ago applied for 27 acres of the land, and refused to ■ record "his vote. The Commissioner added that Mr Patterson could have his rempdy later, and lay a specific charge.

The prettiest calendar issued this year i's in the from of a transfer placed on every genuine B.S.A. Bicycle. Sold by BUDGE and TOMKIES, M.cIlroy's Buildings, Mackay Street.

Aitkeri and Peters' great summer sale is the scene of many tempting bargains. Ladies' Dresses, usual' prices 12s 6d, now 7s 6d; Ladies Print Dresses, usual price 17s 6d, now 12s 6d : Ladies Print Dresses, usual price 12s 6d, now 7s 6d to clear. Ladies Embroidered Blouses 5s 6d and 6s 6d. to go at 2s lid; Moire Underskirts, usual 4s lid, now 3s 6d; White Embroidered Underskirts from. 2s lid upwards. Hundreds of other bargains too numerous to £vote. You are wasting valuable time and money if you 'don't visit Aitken and Peters' at orice and secure some of "She astouniV ing" bargains offering. Note the address, Mackay Street.

The Presbyterian General Assembly has received Mr-W. J. Cookson and Mr ; 'D. W, Morgan as Home Missionaries in full standing. In accord■■ftnee with the Assembly's regulations, therefore, the Westlarid Presbytery lias referred these gentlemen to the Session of St. John's Church, Greymouth, for ordination to the Eldership, arid, accordingly, it has been arranged that they shall be ordained at the service in St. John's Church tomorrow, morning;-. The r subject of the .•Rev R. Stewart's address will- be Polity." and .suitable hymns "will be selected. A large attendance is requested.

In connection with the resignation of Bishop Mules, it is expected that tRe machinery for the election of a successor will be put in motion at an early date. In- accordance with the procedure in such cases, the ActinfftPriinate (Bishop Julius, of Christchurch) will submit the resignation of Bishop Mules to the other Bishops of New Zealand, and upon their assent (or that of a majority of them) to its acceptance being; signified, it will take effect as from the date as ftie Bishop 0 may fix. (The Acting-Primate will then .direct the Bishop's Commissary (the Rev T. P. Kempthorne) to convene an extraordinary session of the Nelson Diocesan Synod to take into consideration the election of a new Bishop.

New Year Gifts at Trathen and Coy's. Fancy Neckwear, Handkerchiefs^ White Kid Glove* 2s 6"d and 3s lid per pair, Tan Kid Gloves 2s lid to 5s 6d per pair. Belts, Hosiery, Juilts, Curtains, Towels etc. Everything useful ; thus economy. Boundary. Street.

THE GREATEST SALE on the West Coast. The . Thomas and McBfe'^th Summer Clearance. Every summer article reduced in price, # in most instances to half price. Prints usually 6d now 3d. Prints and tnuslines uually 8d and 9d now 4d. Ladies, Millinery 255. for 10s 6d. The best bargains are to be found at TKOMAS and .McBEATH'S. Mawhera Quay, Greymouth.

Big Summer Sale now on at W. McKay and Son's. Enormous reductions on summer goods left, on hand. Prices: Ladies' Linen' Costumes 35s for 10s 6d in nill. blue, heliotrope. .Damaged Blouses for Is lid each. Moreen ' Underskirts for 2s 6d and 2s la. Pick this bargain up, 2s 6d double wdth repp: for hangings, now Is 6d in green, also red. McKAY and SON, The Leading Drapers.— Ad vt..

.The remainder of our ladies^ costumes- and robes .we have marked down at ridfculous prices to effect a total clearance. White and Coloured Musline Roibes at 8s lid, 9s lid, 12s lid and 17s 6(3; Ladies', Linen Costumes', all colors, at 13s 6d» and 17s 6d each. White Blouses 3s lid upwards. Ladies' Sunshades from 2s 6d each at half cost price.— TRATHEN 'ad CO, Boundary Street..

Two Useful Lines for Housewives.— Packets of Jam Pot Covers, containing 30 square covers of vegetable parchment and 30 round tissues specially prepared, price 4d "a packet, postage Id extra. Also Rubber Jar Rings for Jam Pots, standad size, price 4 6d per dozen, postage Id extra. Procurable at B, DIXON'S, Bookseller and Stationer, Tainui Street.