ESTABLISHED 1875 The Manawatu Daily Times the Oldest Manawatu Journa Published Every Morning. SATURDAY OCTOBER 4,1902 NOTES

Manawatu Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 7548, 4 October 1902, Page 2

ESTABLISHED 1875

The Manawatu Daily Times. The Oldest Manawatu Journal Published Every Morning. SATURDAY OCTOBER 4,1902 NOTES.

Those who are inclined to grumble at the conditions of life in New Zealand will perhaps find a measure of consolation in • the opinions M-hich Mr Tom Mann has formed and expri s.^ed concerning our industrial state. Tpm Maun is admittedly one of the highest authorities upon the industrial problems of the Empire, for he has not obtained his. information or his experience in theoretical schools, but bj' living amongst and by going amongst the people. His sojourn in New Zealand, it is true, was not long, but he travelled freely, and made the questions associated with the living of the people his especial study. The result of his enquiry is that lie would be glad to see the same conditions prevailing in the Home land. The housing problem is to his mind far from solved in New Zealand, but with that exception he thinks the workman has much to be thankful for in a country where he receives 7s 6d per week more for an hour per day less work than the artisan or labourer does in England. So far as wo know Tom Mann has no reason to inflate the value of this colony as the place in which to live, and we may therefore accept his testimony as a genuine compliment to New Zealand.

It is interesting to note some of the opinions expressed by visitors to the Coronation festivities regarding England as a country, and especially regarding London as a city. Everyone appears to have been impressed.with the immensity of everything they saw, and with the hospitality of the people, and in ibis connection some of the New Zealandcrs have gone so far as to declare that their greatest difficulty was to escape being killed by kindness, lv some directions, however, they were not so favourably struck witlr'what they saw. " What do we think of London ?" said one colonial

trooper, " It's a big city years behind the times.. You can't get about. The twopenny tube is the only modern thing in the way of- traffic, Why, in Sydney and Melbourne the electric cars go twenty miles an hour in the main streets. No, we haven't such crowd?, but we've bigger crowds than you have in the :' London suburbs. Going down from I Shepherd's Bush to Kew, lot instance—r j you don't do more than crawl." When ! leaving England the Algerian repve- I sentative is said to have expressed his ! thankfulness that ho was '" going back to civilisation.'1 To hini the leadon skies of London were exceedingly depressing, the rush and bustle "in. the *

streets was extremely undignified, and above ;>ll he thougi c tho immodesty oE the women who could go about unve"iled was a fure and certain sign of barbarism. Although highly delighted with the treatment they revived, the Indians were likewise not soi ry at the prospect of returning home, their feelings being probably expressed in the quaint remark of a Bengali who smilingly said, " England very good; India very better."

But although generally admitting that they have had a good time it appears that there was a gced deal of grumbling amongst the New Zealand Coronation Contingent just prior to leaving for home. The cause of the discontent was the old trouble of shortness of funds, a condition of affairs for which they blame the Government. There are, however, two sides of the question, and perhaps when all has been heard it may be found that had the men husbanded the niouey at their disposal during the early days of their visit they would not have been in difficulties at the end of it. When selected to go to England the members of the contingent agreed to accept £20 as pa3'ment for their services, but then no one counted on the Coronati-n being postponed, and the men's caoo is that as they were asked to stay six weeks longer, they are entitled to some further remuneration. Upon an appeal being made to the Premier he held tbe men to the letter of their agreement, and argued that £20 for a two months' stay in England is very handsome pay indeed. This might have been so it the men had received the £20, but the weak part of the Premier's position is that up to this time the men had only received £15, the balance being kept back for the home journey. In takiug this precaution ihc authorities were perhaps justified, for some of the men would to a certainty have spent all they could lay thei? hands, on, caring little whether they had anything left to bring themselves back with. We shall probably he:ir more of the matter when the Contingent arrives in New Zealand, but upon investigation it will probably be found that those who have been careful have had enough, and" those who have been piodigal are the ones who are complaining.

We are glad to see that a movement is about to be set on foot to give Mr Seddon a fitting reception upon his return to the colony, and we note with especial pleasure that the demonstration is to be of an entirely non-political character. The adoption of this course will enable many to take a part in con-, gratulating the Premier upon his dignified and successful representation of the colony iv England who would naturally be excluded were the welcome purely of a party nature. Mr Seddon went to England as the representative of the colony, not of a party, and as such he returns, so that it is open to all who are satisfied with his ambassadorship to greet hiu on his home-coming, without compromising themselves in any way. There are some, we know, who pretend to think that Mr Seddon has not loomed very largely in the eyes of the British miblic, but unless they thought he ought to usurp the crown we confess we are at a loss to understand what they expected of him. As the representatives of larger units of the Empire a certain amount of precedence had to be given to Sir Wilfrid Laurier and Sir Edmund Barton, but on all occasions Mr Seddo 1 was equal to the calls made upon him, and he is therefore worthy of the thanks and congratulations of the people who sent him.

The announcement made on Thursday that an all-British fleet was being formed to preserve to England a share of the Atlantic trade, must have afforded general satisfaction, for when a few months ago it looked as though. Mr Pierpont Morgan was going to sweep the seas with his powerful combine it was feared in many.quarters that England was losing her grip, and Britain no longer ruled the waves. The arrangement nowffade with the Cunard line, however, proves that John Bull has not been asleep after all, and the most encouraging feature about the new combine is the part which the Government are playing in it. That they should embark in commercial pursuits is altogether a new departure, lev it has been an established canon with British statesmen for many years that such ventures belonged only to private enterprise, and the acknowledgement that the state may engage in the steamship trade will perhaps only be the forerunner of many similar steps towards what some will probably regard as state socialism. No doubt the hand of the Government has been considerably forced by the enterprise of Mr Morgan, and the need for fast cruisers and transports in the time of war has also contributed towards the share they hare taken in establishing a rival to the American combine, but whatever the circumstances, it is a most important admission on the part of the Government that they may legitimately help to nationalise the country's steamship service, for it only requires an extension of the same principle in order to make the state a partner in the coalmines and railways, as many advanced thinkers hare long contended it should be.

Messrs Abraham and Williams' stock report appears on our fourth page.

Rev A. Huat, of New Guinea, will conduct the services at the Congregational Church to-*Horrow morning and evening.

Yesterday afternoon Mr H. Gillies received a telegram from Mr P. McHardy, in which the latter stated that his mother had expired suddenly yesterday morning while travelling between Waipawa and Blackhead, her residence.

Two Southdown ramI',1', consigned to Mr K. Ellis, of Wellington, and one, a Shropshire ram, for H. H Bridge, of the Napier district, arrived by the Rimutaka from England.

The total receipts from all sources at the recent agricultural show ia Melbourne were £6510 2s Bd, and the total expenses £3606 9s, leaving a profit of £2934 11s Bd. '

During the September quarter, 14 applications were received at the S.M. Court for old age pensions. 10 were granted, 1 refused and 3 are pending.

The members of the Lioensing Benoh paid a visit of inspection yesterday to the Ashhurst hotels.

The handsome marble clock presented to Mr J. Conlan bj the Pitzherbert settlors last evening was obtained from the establishment of Mr J. Mortensen, ihe well-known jeweller.

A school concert will bo given shortly by the scholars at Fitzherbert East school. • The children are now beia" instructed by Miss PrendergasC, Mrs McKeiizie, ana Miss Nathan.

Those on tho look out for a good investment in land should take notice of a special ofter made by Messrs Leigh and Cox, the well-known land agents, in this is me. This is tbs goodwill of a lease of 923 acres in tbe Takapau district, specially suitable for dairy farming.

A well attended meeting of those favourable to the carrying of the drainage loan was held at the Council Chambers last night. Mr F. J. Tasker occupied the chair, and sevoral matters relating to tbe work on polling day were discussed.

A notice of special interest to sufferers from rheumatics and gouc appears in anotber column from Messrs O'Connor and Tydeman, the well-known jewellers, who advertise a novelty in the shspa of an electric ring. It is olahned that the (1 fferent metals used in the manufacture of thesu rings cause a small bur, con tinual current of electricity to p.iss through the body, and that sufferers from rheumatism have derived considerable benefit from wearing them. Atameetiog of the Public Woik3 Committee held yesterday afternoon, tho question of re-naming the streets was considered, and it was resolved to recommend the Council to number the streets and abolish tho mimes. It is proposed to divide the whole Borough into four blocks, taking Main, Rangitikei and Fitzherbert-streecs as the inner division lines, and the extreme boundaries of tho Borough the ou:er divisions. Tho blocks will tbufl be numbered 1, 2, 3 and 4. 'she number of the strefts'will bo in each block No. 1 to tho number of streets in the block.

By the permission of the chairman of directors of Abraham and Williams, Ltd., the nineteen designs submitted for the Eacing Club's stand have been hung in the cempany's board room fer the inspection of members of the committee i only. In their deliberations, the corn- ; mittee will be assisted by Mr G. G. i Schwartz, of Wellington, provided, of j course, that gentleman ia not one of the ! competitors. Included among the I designs is one at least from New South Waies. The working plans accompany, ing the designs number over 60, bo the committeo will have no easy task in _ coming lo a dechiou as to the most suitable one &o accept,

The Rev. A. C. Luvry, of Feilding, will conduct thp service at tbe Caba-st. Church to-morr..w night, ar:d Messrs Tonka Brothers nt Longburn.

Rev. T. G. Hammond, who was the first Methodist Minister stationed in Pa'merston, is now visiting this town, and will preach in connection wi'h the work of missions to-morrow, as notified elsewhere.

Yesterday Mr Jeffreys, of Bunnythorpp, was knocked off his bicycle through a collision with a trap white turning tbe corner of Manchester-street in Feilding. He sustained a severe shaking, and his bicycle was badly damaged.

The Methodist mission was brought to a close last night, when a crowded congregation assembled at tbo Broad-st. Church. The Rer. I. Jolly opened with prayer. Powerful addresses were deli vered by tha Messrs Tonks, and the meeting was of The most encouraging character. A number of persons testified to blessings received dariag the mission.

There was landed by the Monairai at Wellington yesterday an immense iron machine weighing some six lons. This machine is for a local laundry, and is believed to be one of the largest pieces of laundry machinery ever imported into the colonies.—Post.

The Christchurch Press says :—Detectives Herbert and Quirke arrested a young woman at ten o'clock last night on a charge of stealing, in Wellington, a hamper containing ladies' clothes to the value of £15. the property of Mrs Charles Dahl, of Palmerston North. The accused will appear before the Court this morning, and a remand will prob >bly be asked for to Palmerston North.

The bankruptcy returns for the rpast quarter show there were only two schedules filed during the past three months, making 17 in hand at the present time. Assets realised totalled £287 2s Id, paid in dividends £120 Is 10J, costs of. administration £li 8s lid. Releases granted 196, transfers 2, annulled 2, open 17, total 217.

The following are the S.M. Court returns for the past quarter :—Aggregate amount sued for, £2092 12s lid; amount recovered, £1160 Is lid; plaints entered, 216; fees paid in stamps, £121 8s; licensing fees paid, £3 12s. The criminal returns for the same period show 236 persons were apprehended, 37 were discharged for want of evidence, 23 were dismissed, 3 committed for trial, 154 were summarily convicted, and 19 • were otherwise dealt with. Criminal fees paid totalled £16 14s 6d and fines £24 2s.

Lord Kanfurly entertained, a number of sailors at Government House on Wednesday evening, A competion for the best wish, for the Governor's success in the fishing season resulted in an interesting collection of answers, the successful one selected by Lord Eanf uuly himself, being to the effect that, seeing that his Excellency has caught such a prize as Lady Ranf urly, he need uever expect to catch anything better— a sentiment that was enthusiastically endorsed by the sailor companions. During the .proceedings Mr Moore presented the Countess with a gold brooch from the sailors of Wellington, the design being two crossed oars with a lifebelt in the centre.

Last evening the settlers of Fitzherbert East tendered a farewell social to Mr and Mr J. F. Conlan and family, who are leaving the distiict to reside at Oroua Downs, and also presented them with a handsome marble clock suitably engraved. Captain Gardner made the presentation, referring in a neat speech to Mr Conlan's sterling qualities as a settler, and also as a warden in "the County Council. .The Mayor also made similar remarks, and after Mr Conlan had "replied, hearty and repeated cheers were given for the family. Songs were rendered by Miss Mabel Nathan, and Messrs Permain and Hartley. There was a very large attendance and a most enjoyable evening was spent.

At the meeoing of the Campbell-street School Committee held last evening, there were present—Messrs Palmer, Swallow, Barnicoat, Clarkson and Perrin. The headmaster's report showed the average attendance was 416 out of a roll number of 511. The inspector's report on the recent examination was read and considered very satisfactory. The report was of a complimentary nature, particularly so in regard to the two highesr standards, and special reference was made to the excellent drill of the cadets. A vote of thanks to the headmaster and staff was recorded. Mr Gabites was appointed assistant in succession to'Mr liiggins. A. vote of thanks was passed to Messrs H. M. Simmonds and T. Childs for a supply of material for the school cricket club. Messrs Barnicoat and Perrin were appointed a visiting committee for the month.

At a meeting of the Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club, held last night, tho following programme wa3 decided on for the sports on Monday, 10th November, to commence at 1 "p.m.:—loo yds Maiden Race. 100 yds and 220 yds Handicap, 440 yds Handicap (Bracelet), 880 yds Handicap, One-mile Handicap, 150 yds Club Handicap, 220 yds Club Championship, 100 yds Public School Championship, 220 yds High School Championship, One-mile Walk, 120 yds Hurdle Handicap, High Jump, Long Jump, Putting the Shot, Coupling Practice for Fire Brignde, Physical Drill and Bayonet: Exercise for Cadet Corps, One-mile and Half-mile Bicycle Races, and several other events, making a total of 25 for the day. Messrs Burbush and Rush were appointed handicappers, and Mr H. Cooper starter. It was deoided to engage the Municipal Band to play at the sports. Arrangements were made to have a refreshment booth on the ground, also a supply of hot water for picnic parties. The programme will be published next week. Several promises of trophies were received. Two new members were elected. A meeting will be called at an early date to make . further arrangements. The Rev. C. C. Harper was appointed a vice-president on the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Assooiation, and Mr Vincent the olub's delegate to the council.