ALL SORTS OF PEOPLE

Free Lance, Volume I, Issue 50, 15 June 1901, Page 3

ALL SORTS OF PEOPLE

WHEN the Royal visitors are here next week, sharp-eyed, observant folk will notice one silent unobtrusive man, who is never more than a few feet away from the princely presence. This is Detective-Inspector Christie, who has been charged with the sacred mission of shadowing and shepherding the heir to the throne. He had the same duty to perform for Uncle Alfred when that gay and festive scion of royalty toured these colonies over thirty years ago. Christie's disguise is so complete, and his manner is so extremely quiet and composed, that, unless one is specially told about him, he never excites any attention. But, all the time, he keeps his eyes very wide open, and if any doubtfuls get too close in the crush of any function it is Christie who, by some slight movement of the hands, the head, or the eyes, telegraphs his commands, and has the interlopers promptly removed. * * * At the first Parliament House reception in Melbourne, this keen detective was observed by those 'm the know" to make a faint motion with his hands towards two separate people who were pushing forward to present themselves. Without fuss or palaver, they were promptly button-holed, and escorted to the street, and no seemed to be one whit the wiser. Much the same thing happened the other day m Sydney. Twice during the Government House crush, Christie merely nodded in a tired sort of way towards someone in the crowd — which someone was promptly led into outer darkness. The public would much like to know what the two were suspected of — high treason or a tendency to sneak the spoons. * * * Detective - Inspector Christie was born at Hillend, Scotland, in December, 1846, and was educated at the Madras College, at St. Andrew's. He went out to Melbourne in 1865, and entered the detective force of that city two years later. For ten years he remained there, winning distinction by some remarkably clever captures. On© of his best was the Halliburton tweed robbery, and another good one was drapery stolen from Mr. Davidson, a well-known outfitter in Melbourne. Both were clever and daring cases of store breaking, but Christie traced the stolen goods, and, with two other detectives, captured six of the gang, after a desperate fight. On the occasion of the Duke of Edinburgh's visit, Christie was specially chosen to attend on him. and accompanied him in the warship Galatea to New South Wales and New Zealand. The Duke was anxious that Christie should go Home with him, to become one of the Palace detectives, but he elected to return to his old post, which he did, after receiving handsome presents from Prince Alfred and staff. • • • In 1876, Christie resigned from the Melbourne detective force, and was presented by the Mayor with a purse of 300 sovereigns, which were subscribed in the city. He devoted the next five or six years to athletics, and was for two years the champion sculler and boxer of Victoria. In 1883, he was appointed Detective-Inspector in the Victorian Customs Department, and this position he now holds under the Federal Government. He has unravelled some most difficult and intricate Customs frauds, and over on the "other

side" they say of him you never know where he is or where he will turn up next. But since Prince George came to these colonies you have only to find the Prince in order to discover Christie "mighty adjacent." * * * Miss Laing-Meason-Meason, daughter of Timaru's well-known civil engineer, is looking forward to renewing her acquaintance with the Duchess of York. She is a gold medallist of the Royal Academy of Music (London), an honour she secured at Home three years ago. It happened that on the occasion of the presentation of medals, Princess May, who is an accomplished musician herself, presided, and it was from her hands that the fair Timaruvian received her medal. Miss Laing-Meason is to play a piano solo at the municipal reception to be given to the Duke and Duchess during their stay in Christchurch . • ♦ # A pleasing innovation was introduced by Mr. A. L. D. Fraser, member for Napier, at his political meeting last week, when he gave his constituents his impressions of Parliament, and dealt with multifarious other matters affecting the community. He engaged the Frivolity Minstrels to discourse slow, soft, orchestral music prior to starting, and divided hi 9 discourse into two parts, allowing an interval, in which, the male portion of his audience could retire to make the usual inquiry about an unregistered dog. or listen to further musical selections by the "Frivs." It was a good idea, and Mr. Fraser had a crowded house. An irreverent local paper suggests, however, that he should extend the programme next time, and include conjuring tricks and a tightrope performance. * * » It came out during the hearing of the hairdressers' dispute, before the Conciliation Board, that a master barber, who said that to-day almost the whole of his patrons are horny-handed sons of toil, came out to the colony as valet to Lord Glasgow. • • # Pressmen are bound to> make a goodly show at Auckland and Rotorua this week, as recording angels of the Royal visit. The doyen of them all is Mr. R. A. Loughnan, who has been appointed official recorder of the New Zealand tour for the Government. "R.A.L." is one of the best-known of our writers, having grown grey in New Zealand journalism. After occupying the editorial chair of the Lyttelton "Times" for fifteen years, he came to Wellington some twelve years ago, to edit the New Zealand "Times." After six or seven years there, he took a trip to Australia, and gathered experience in Melbourne and Sydney. There is not the slightest doubt that his commission to describe the Royal visit to this colony will result in the production of a bright and most picturesque volume, for Mr. Loughnan is a graphic and very engaging descriptive writer. The official photographer, whose shots will illustrate R. A. L.'s book, is Mr. G. Reid, a young man who is employed in the lithographic department of the Government Printing Office. * » » Other journalists who have gone North, with sharpened pencils and pockets filled with scribbling paper, include Mr. James Oakley Browne, who has been specially commissioned to describe the tour for the Press Association , Mr. Pierce Freeth, who is representing the "New Zealand Times"; and Mr. Malcolm Ross, who is doing the work for the usual triumvir-syndicate, the "Evening Post," Christchurch "Press," and "Otago Daily Times." Mr. Albert Cohen came all the way up from Dunedin to represent the "Star" during the tour. Albert did "star" work for his own journal and the Lyttelton "Times" at the Australian festivities, turning out altogether some forty columns of descriptive writing.

\ Mr. W. Carncross, member for Taieri, is a very modest man, and one who disapproves of presentations on principle, but he had to accept a handsome gold albert and pendant from the miners of Fernhill the other day, in recognition of successful efforts made by him on their behalf. It transpires that it was intended to present him with a purse of sovereigns at the end of the session, but he scotched the idea, saying that poorly-paid working men wanted all the golden coins they had without giving them away. The reason of the gratitude of these miners to Mr. Carncross is that some six years ago the Fernhill line was purchased by Government from the Fernhill Coal and Railway Company, and, in order to recoup the colony the cost, the department at once placed an unreasonable extra rate of 4jd per ton on all coal that passed over the line. * * # The tax made it difficult for the owner, Mr. Gray, to compete with other mines in the vicinity, and he was obliged to lower the rate of wages paid to his men. Every application made to the department proved unavailing, and, when the Hon. Mr. Ward took charge, a fresh effort was made; but his answer was not altogether satisfactory. Mr. Carncross pegged away quietly, however, and ultimately succeeded in achieving his object — -the removal of the rate ■ — the result being that the miners are now receiving the standard rate of wages, and are gratified in consequence. ♦ ♦ * Mr. William Naughton, President of the New Zealand Bookbinders' and Paper-rulers' Society, writes us in respect of the article in last issue touching female labour and the recommendation of the Conciliation Board "that no female labour be employed upon the schedule of work drawn up. Mr. Naughton says ■ "Your article so far as my trade is concerned is based upon false premises, and my Society, in its demands, does not claim a single item that will involve loss of employment to a single female, the work enumerated in the schedule never having been work upon which females have been employed. That portion of bookbinding for which females are eminently suited is still reserved for them, and is not included in the schedule submitted." We accept with satisfaction Mr. Nauprhton's assurance that the effect of the recommendation will not be to deprive any female of her employment at the bookbinding trade, and that the schedule referred to comprises work upon which females never have been employed. The newspaper reports rather suggested the contrary inference. It is just as well therefore, that the misconception should be cleared up. # * * Lawyers who attempt to bully and bounce the bench sometimes "fall in." Something of a scene occurred at the sitting of the Mataura Licensing Committee the other day, when Mr. W. F. Inder, who appeared for a hotelkeeper, objected to Sergeant Fleming reading a report about a charge that had not then been heard, but was hanging over his client's head. There were some hot passages between the pair, and then Magistrate Stratford interposed, and told Inder that he would have to mind his stops, or else he would find himself in trouble. * * • After further heated parley, lawyer banged a book down on a table round which the bench was sitting, and gave vent to an exclamation of disgust. He was made to apologise for this, but even then things did not run smoothly, and, after another row, the chairman ordered Inder's arrest for contempt, fined him £2, and required the money to be paid forthwith. This brought the unruly lawyer to his senses; he said he did not intentionally mean to offend anybody, and contended that the Bench had no authority to imprison and fine him. But the chairman went on with the business, and took no further notice.

The Hon. James Carroll has friends everywhere, but he has a regular panegyrist up in Auckland. This individual has rushed into print with a encomium which will cause the Native Minister to blush vividly. "Timi Kara," he says, is a very sucessful blend of the Maori and European blood. He is a gifted young statesman and orator ; about the best -looking man in the NewZealand Legislature, and certainly the best speaker in Parliament. "Like the korimako, the sweetest singing-bird of his native forest, Timi Kara ia endowed with the most mellifluous of voices, the heritage of his mother's people." • • • He is a well-educated, polished gentleman, and, as a Cabinet Minister, "he has the happy i knack of getting through the multitudinous tasks of his elevated and responsible office with a celerity and despatch which are the envy of his less brilliant colleagues." No flaws in that picture, anyhow. Still, the artist need, not have pointed the finger of scorn at those "less brilliant colleagues" who fail to rival the Hon. James's celerity in despatching his multitudinous tasks. Everyone knows his phenomenal capacity for downright hard work. ♦ • • [ Mr. C. R. Chapman, of Dunedin, has been in hot water ever since he took it upon himself to write asking Millionaire Carnegie for a contribution towards a free public library for Dunedin. The local papers have been full of letters from indignant citizens, who resent the idea of appealing to the generosity of a Yankee instead of subscribing the required funds themselves. The Hon. W. M. Bolt was particularly strong on Mr. Chapman for surrendering the self-respect of the citizens by begging abroad: and another correspondent pointed out that if the millionaire did respond the amount of the donation would likely be £500 — an average of about 2£d per head of the population. Mr. Chapman made a huge mistake over this business. Dunedin does not want any charitable aid from Mr. Carnegie towards establishing a free public library. * * • Much disappointment was felt by Wesleyans from Three Kings to the Bluff when news reached the colony that the General Conference, which sat in Queensland's capital city the other day, had appointed the Rev. Wm. Morley, D.D., secretary of its most important fund — the pastors' provident fund. Dr. Morley is perhaps the best known Wesleyan in New Zealand. He has been for many years a progressive figure in his Church's work — head of its training college, the Church's historiographer as that monumental work "The History of Wesleyan Methodism in New Zealand," which he edited, testifies, and he is still its connexional secretary. What the New Zealand Church will do without him is a question which the next General Conference will probably dibcuss>. Under present arrangements, he is to begin his work in Australia with the opening of next year. Dr. Morley will, occasionally, thereafter be seen in this colony, for the New Zealand Church is a contributor to the fund of which he is to be the director. • • • One of the mysteries of Wellington is the gentleman who is popularly known as % 'Dr." Wright. Whence came he? and who is he? are queries often asked on the Quay. His urbanity, gloves, and cigar are inseparable, whether seen in city or country. He has recently performed service for the Empire. That is to say, one evening last week he appeared at the Choral Hall, and, by request of the management of Fuller's Empire Vaudeville Company, he came forward to sing. His appearance provoked great applause, catcalls, and general disturbance. Patiently Dr. Wright faced the gibes and the hubbub, smiling urbanely as though receiving a favour from Princess May. Presently people wondered what he was doing there, and, in their wonder, suspended

their noise awhile — and Dr. Wright started to sing "Ben Bolt." And the astonishment grew upon that audience, for, ass it listened, it found that the man whom they had chaffed could sing — and thundeious appreciative applause was his I * * * The mus fiom Dunedin that Mr John Ro^b had an apoplectic seizure on Saturday nirht. lesulting in paralysis of the 'eft side, has caused deep and general 1 egret in Wellington. Everyone who knew anything identified with Mr Ross with the firm of Sargood, Son, and Ewen, of which he is the man.igi id partner for New Zealand. And, Wervone who has, at any time, been b -ought into contract" with the big-framed big-hearted, sanguine-hued man wiih the hearty voice and the gennl s^ule must have set him down as one of the best of good fellows. * * * The mercantile hou'.e of Sargood was founded in. Melbourne in 1848, and, in the eailv fifties Mr. John Alexander Ewen loined the firm, and in 18(>3 it established its New Zealand branch in Dunedin under the style of Sargood, Son, and Ewen Next year, Mr. John Ross took service in it, and rose steadily into prominence, until, in 1883, he was admitted to the partnership, and went up to Auckland to erect a branch warehouse there. In 1887. Mr. Ross returned to Dunedin to act as resident general managing partner of the New Zealand firm. In 1892, Mr Ross came to live in Wellington, and made his home at Inverlochie House in Abel Smith-street rormerlv the residence of Mr. Kennedy MacdonaVl. No citizen was more popular than he He was president of the Wellington Bow'ine Club, and all mib-hc-snirited movements commanded his ready sympathy and active assistance. « ♦ • In March, last year, failing health obliged Mr. Ross to take a trip Home, and to spend some time at the German spas, trying the effect of their healing waters. He came back to the colony in December apparently much improved in health. In April last he once more took up his residence in Dunedin. Just a fortnight ago he was in Wellington on a visit, and although he did not look the hale and robust John Koss of previous years, there was nothing to denote that he was on the verge of a breakdown. His friends, who are numerous in all parts of the colony, hope that his useful life will be spared for many years yet. * * * The lesemblance of Stipendiary Magistrate Dr. McArthur to the Minister for Posts and Rails has been responsible for several amusing mistakes, one of the best of which occurred last week at an up-country Canterbury town. Word had been spread about that the Hon. J. G Ward was in town, and the inevitable preparations were made to "dcputatiomze" him. One man waited on the visitor, and placed his little grievance before him. Hereminded the "Minister" that a promise to make certain improvements at the railway station had not been kept. The S.M. quickly dropped to the situation, and solemnly replied that "the matter would be kept steadily in view." But the reply upset the gravity of those present who were aware of the mistake and peals of laughter told the deputation that someone had Sundered * • • Jt seems to be taken for granted in military circles that whoever is to be the new Commandant of our Foices>, it will not be Colonel Robin, C.B. If this be true the charges made by that letter-writing West Coaster may have had something to do with it. Peop c, at any rate, have been waiting to see what action the Colonel would take in respect of those same charges. The latest rumour hath it that Colonel Robin is to be given the command of the Auckland volunteer district, succeeding Colonel Banks, who is at present on active service. This is the only post, outside the Commandantship, vacant just now, and it is worth nearly £100 per year. Before going to the war, Colonel Robm was a member of the Dunedin coach-making firm of Robin and Son he was the son. Jolly James Bain, the button-burst-ing "boomist," late of Dixs, who is touring the colony "on his own, palmed a good joke on to the meek and mild Miltomans the other evening. During the interval, whilst the unsuspecting folks were recovering from their "Bain and blessing," the serious James came before the curtain, and, in an enthusiastic and excited manner, informed his audience that "a gentleman from the newspaper had just a few minutes before received a press message that De Wet had been captured at last' And then Bain called upon his loyal and patriotic brethren of the Empire to give three cheers for the King' The response tested the rafters of the hal , and after their creaking had ceased, James the Joker added— "l only want to tell you that it's only a rumour 1' N.B.— They did not slay him.

We presume it is a safe thing now to hail Mr. S. Clark Johnson as the poet laureate of New Zealand. At any rate, he is the author of that Ode of Welcome which Mr. J. Maughan Barnett has set to music, and which is embalmed in the Government "Programme of Cc ebrations" amongst other precious data. It is to be sung in Wellington during the visit of the Duke and Duchess. Up till this time, we had not suspected Mr. S. Clark Johnson of the divine afflatus. Evidently, he is a man of versati'e gifts. He makes an excellent inspector for the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company. Up on the Wellington bowling green they reckon he is a pretty cool hand at the popular game of "kissing the kitty." In Auckland, he has more than once filled a pulpit and preached a sermon when a parson wanted a rest. And here, now, he has charmed King Dick with his "Ode of We' come " and got it on the official programme. There are some things in that ode which we don't understand — as, for instance, why a b'essing should be invoked on "the regal feet" — but, we'll ask the poet next time we see him In the meantime, we take off our hat to him. • • * The tragic end of Mrs. Atkinson Plunket, at Christchurch, last Friday, bv drowning in a shallow fountain behind her residence, calls back to mind the days when the Temp'e of Truth and its students created such a furore in the Cathedral City. The deceased lady was better known as Mrs. Worthington, and came to Christchurch in 1890 with the notorious A. B. Worthington, from the United States. In that country she was first of all the wife of Dr. Plunket, but a divorce had been granted, and she came to New Zealand as Mrs. Worthington, and brought the children of her first marriage with her. • « • Most people will still remember the rupture between the Worthinertons which virtually burst up the Temple of Truth, and in the end obliged the versatile male apostle to seek fresh woods

and pastures new. It caused a great deal of scandal at the time, and Mrs. Worthington, who had assumed the title of Sister Magdala as head of one of the societies she had formed in connection with the Temple, won a large amount of sympathy. She came to Wellington, and delivered a lecture m the building that used to be known as Thomas's Hall. She was a strikinglooking woman, with regular features, dark eyes, and silvery hair, and a woman, too, with some intellectual power. • • • At the time of the rupture things got very warm for Worthington. Sister Magdala published some serious charges, .tfinaily, she took up the work of mentai healing, founding the institution known as the New Zealand School of Mental Science, which she has been carrying on ever since. In this work she was associated with Miss Franc Garstin, who was in Wellington some months ago managing Mr. Colville's lecturing season at the Trocadero. Worthington, it may be remembered, went away, but returned to Christchurch in 1895, and married a Miss Jordan. Public feeling became incensed, hostile demonstrations were made against him, and, as a consequence, he soon left for the "other side." • * • Less than six months ago, Sister Magdala married Mr. J. S. Atkinson, a wellknown Christchurch dentist, and caused some surprise at the time by announcing in her marriage notice that she would still be known as Mrs. Plunket. The deceased lady's health has been very poor for some time past, and her mental faculties were not what they had been. Her daughter was adopted at the time of the sensational charges by a well-known Christchurch citizen, and the son went to America to his relatives. It may not be generally known that by her marriage with Mr. Atkinson, the deceased lady became a relative of one of the colony's political families — that of the late Sir Harry Atkinson.