All Sorts Of People

Free Lance, Volume III, Issue 148, 2 May 1903, Page 3

All Sorts Of People

THE Wellington Hospital Trustees, at their meeting the other day, granted six months' leave of absence to Miss Neville, who is leaving early next month on a trip to the Old Country. Miss Neville is one of the most skilful nurses in surgical oases in Wellington, and that is saying a great deal. In the hospital she is professionally known as Sister L&vina, and, by virtue of ten years' continuous service on the staff, she is the senior of the sisterhood of that institution. Sister Lavina was trained in her profession m the Wellington Hospital, and Miss Neville has well earned the holiday she is about to enter ut>on. ♦ * * News of the death of that sweetvoiced coloured tenor, Wallace King, whoyoh was received from California last week, has not come as a surprise. "Sally Homer" King was one of the most popular of the ballad singers on the Dixian circuit. It was thought by many that the old man would end his days in Wellington, a® the attack of mental decay struck him here, and he was an inmate of our hospital for some time. In his latter days, he was very anxious to get back to that Dixie's Land of which he so often sang, and a number of friends 1 and admirers provided the wherewithal for him to proceed to his Old Kentucky Home. But he got no further than Oaklands (near 'Frisco), where he passed away. ♦ * • Wallace King, m his best days of up to five years ago, was one of the most expensive members in a vaudeville company. He was brought out to Australia and New Zealand some fifteen years ago. as a member of a high-toned male quartet (the four singers being coloured mem), in the Mammoth Minstrels combination, of which other members 1 were Billy Speed, Irving Sayles, and Charles Pope. Wallace King was on the Rickards circuits for year before coming over to join Mr. Dixs company. He was always one of the most unobtrusive men to be found among prfessional entertainers', and his entrances and exits upon the stage gave him the appearance of a man who hoped he didn't intrude But, his sincing of "Sally Homer" will linger long as a pleasing memory to all who heard Wallace King. * * * One of the surprises in town last week was the announcement of the retirement of Mr. William Jones from the secretaryshiD of the Wellington branch of the New Zealand Federated Seamen's Union. Mr. Jones has been so closely identified with the affairs of this Union that it is better known as "Jones's Union" than bv its official designation. This, of course, in contradistinction to "Young's Union," which is officially known as the Australasian Seamen's Union. The mention of these two Unions recalls to memory the strong rivalry that has been shown by each towards the other during the last three or four years. The public has heard frequently of the Jones versus Young faction®, both in and out. of the Arbitration Court. Is not the time now ripe for amalgamation p * * • Mr. Jones has been the life of the Union with which he has been so long connected, and it seems to be a waste of enerey that two Unions having the same object in view should continue to work as rivals. Mr. Jones has been a popular official in all his dealings with

the shipowners of Wellington and he lias done much to better the condition of the men in \i hose interest he has spent so much tune and energy. His passing out of Wellington will be a loss to seamen and water-side workers, for he had much of the conciliatory SDirit in his make-up. Mr. Jones has astonished the community by the announcement of his change of occupation. Like Tom Mami, the English Labour Leader, Mr. Jones has decided to become a licensed victualler, and proceeds to Nelson to become Mine Host of the Wakatu Hotel. The state of Mrs. Jones's health has necessitated this change. * * * The Scenery Preservation Society held its seventh annual meeting last week and the Chairman (Mr. John Richardson) was eheeriiigly optimistic concerning its future. Optimism is a fine and useful ingredient to have in the composition of a body which depends wholly for its existence upon tihe pockets of the public (individually, not in the mass). Optimistic Mr. Richardson was as he deserved to be: rewarded by being re-elected chairman of the S.P.S. It isi interesting to note that his enthusiasm has been with him and the Society ever since its first meeting, seven years ago. He was 1 present at the organisation of the Society, and so were some others, but where is that party now ? Only three I—Messrs.1 — Messrs. Ridhiardson Geo. Wright (of the District Lands and Survey Office}, and W. Callaghan (of the General Post Office -staff) — have maintained the fervour of enthusiasm down through those seven years. * * * Mr. Richardson, is now president, Mr. Wright has been re-elected one: of the two vice-presidents!, and Mr. Oallaghan. re-elected treasurer. The latter gentleman has done much moire than any other dozen men in building up the finances of the Society and he well deserved the special vote of thanks accorded him at the annual meeting. Of the latter-day enthusiasts of tlhe Society, Mr. "Jim" Speed, who was re-elect-ed secretary, carries in the position, that energy which always marksi hisi services m other directions, notably in aquatic matters. * * * The Committee of Management contains some whole-hearted optimists za Messrs. G. A. Hurley (noted in tennis and ping-pong tournaments), N. Yon Stunner (who apparently can spare a thought upon other than acclimatisation matters), J. S. Jameson (a great worker for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Society), D. Joshn (well-known to swimming men), W. T. Glasgow (of tlhe Customs Department), T. Ward (the surveyor) and W. L. Meek and F. Bolt on (representing the legal fraternity). The people of Onslow Borough have paid a great compliment to Mr. R. B. Williams bv re-electing him without opposition, to the office of mayor. Mr. Williams, who is a lawyer, practising in the city has been devoted in his attention to the affairs of the borough during the past year, and fairly won the compliment paid him by the people of his district. It is no small task to carry out the duties of mayor of a borough which contains within its area the worst portion of the much-discussed Hutt-road. Mayor Williams has used every endeavour to get the road put into condition, even going to the extent of taking a deputation, to the Premier to urge the Government to assist the Council in getting: rid of the Slough of Despond. Mr. Williams is a native of one of the Southern States of America, and he first visited New Zealand as a member of the Fisk Jubilee Singers. He dropped out of this musical party, married a Victorian lady, studied our law, and, passins: his examination was admitted to the Bar.

That aggressive body, the Clyde Quay branch of the Liberal and Labour Federation of New Zealand, probably feels that a great deal of its activity is derived from the strong personality of the president of the branch, Mr. John Stratford, who has been the head of the Clyde Quay Liberals since the formation of that branch, and who was again reelected to the principal office at the annual meeting, held last week. Mr. Stratford, who was a prominent operative baker before going into business with his son, has always been a keen politician, and has evinced especial inte2*est m the affairs of the branch over which he presides. At its social gatherings, he makes a particularly good host. * * • Mr. Stratford's first lieutenant in, the affairs of the branch (Mr. G. O'Loughlin) has been as keen as mustard in the performance of the secretarial duties of the branch, and will continue to do so, as he also- was reelected to the office, like hi® president, last week. Mr. O'Loughlin, who is a youn>or man, always wins the journalistic expression "indefatigable" whenever he has the direction of any social function connected with his branch. It is largely due to the exertions of thee two executive officers that the Clyde Quay branch to-day has a membership of close upon seven hundred Liberals. * • • "Banjo" Patterson, editor of the Sydney "Evening News." wiE wander less in future. "Banjo" is married, and, like the "sport" he is, he married the daughter of Squatter W. H. Walker, of Tenterfield Station, New South Wales. "Banjo" is an excellent pressman. He went to Africa when, the war was on, and. as Colonel Rimington 1 , of the famous "Tigers," said, "rode like an angel," angelic beings always delighting in equestrian exercise. "Banjo" had a camera, and "Banjo" was a "fiend" of the deenest dye. For instance Mr. Patterson one morning noticed that a fatigue party of New Zeala/nders were bound for the rear of the camp, with picks and shovels. He followed. * # » The men dug a big trench to bury all the camp refuse in, and "Banjo" fixed up has engine. "What's the matter with calling this "A Dear Departed Comrade p " asked "Banjo," of the sergeant in charge. There was nothing the matter with it. The men finished their work, and raised ai little mound, and then stood bare-headed and motionless while Banjo snapped the last rest-lng-piace of bully beef tins, biscuit oases, and stable refuse. The photograph is prized in many homes as a historic record of one of the first of the "last sad rites" accorded to a oolonial in Africa. * * • "Banjo" was blunt. There was an aristocratic youth on the transport service. He was a complete dude, even to the monocle. He probably wasn't any good except to ride alongside the waggons. One day "Banjo" happened alonf the line of transport. The youth wanted to talk, and seeing "Banjo" was tihe only man about with an officer's uniform on, addressed him. They talked about Australia. "D'you know," said the callow youth, "I — aw — was almost a colonial once. When I — aw — left Oxford I — aw — tossed up a pennay, heads faw the awmy, tails for the kawlinays, and bai Jove, it came down heads'" "Banjo" moved uneasily in the saddle, and tiheoi, turning to the officer, said "My word, but that was a lucky toss!" * # * Canada has a great attraction for Mr. > G. F. Smith the able first lieutenant of the secretary of the Wellington Harbour Board. A Canadian by birth, and the inheritor of something of an estate in the Dominion of ice and wheat, Mr. Smith never hears the word "holiday" but his thoughts fly thither. He hungered so after his native land a few

years ago that he resigned his post of tasteistant-secretairy and assistant-engi-neer and decided to return peTmanently to Canada. But, when the Board decided to send Secretary Ferguson on his world's tour, it wrote urgently to Mr. Smith to come back to has old position, and, as a special favour, to take charge during Mr. Fergusons absence. So the Canadian returned to Wellington. • • * Mr. Smith has had much and varied experiences in his life, including service in the British Navy, from which he retired when holding a lieutenant's commission. During the sittings of the Conciliation Board and Arbitration Court when the Harbour Board was concerned in cases being heard, Mr. Smith appeared as the Board's representative. He livened things xw considerably, and had a standing challenge, which he issued to all union witnessefe, that there was no work, no matter how laborious, which they had done, or were doing, at which he had not had experience, and could prove himself a match. Mr. Smith, who is a bachelor, and has a little farm which he has kept well-tilled by his own hands out Khandallah wav, is to return to the colony from Canada six months hence. « • * That keen-eyed old gentleman) Mr. Wiikam Smith, of the Government Printing Office, has a memory that takes >urn clear back to the "iorties 1 " in Auckland. He talks about the Wangawanga, which was the first steamer that ever came to Auckland as you would of the Mararoa. She was registered Al, and her gross tonnage was 75 tons. Auckland could not attord a boat of her dimensions then-at-days, so Auckland sold her to Wellington, and she was the nest egg of the New Zealand Shipping Company. Mr. Smith came to Wellington something over a score of years ago as foreman printer on the "New Zealander." • * • In infant Auckland, he served bis apprenticeship with the "Southern Cross." He was known in Auckland as the "walking nautical register," and it was said in. the ear L** days that he knew the name of the boat which brought out every settler in the province of Auckland. If settlers forgot the name of the boat themselves, they dropped' a line to "Bill Smith," and found out. There is a yarn told about a person who sought the suffrages of tine electors in the dim and distant past. After setting forth his many virtues in kaleidoscopic colours, the candidate remarked he was ready to answer questions. IJp rose William Smith, and asked him what ship he came out in? The audience smelled a rat, and concluded that the. ship may have brought him away for his country's good. We don't know whether the query smashed' the candidate's chances, or whether the ruling passion for dates of ships' arrivals had been Mr. Smith's excuse for making cold perspiration bedew tlh'e speaker's brow. • * * Wanganui had the exhilarating influence, a fortnight since of a Grand Lodge session of the 1.0. G.T. For many times that enthusiastic Templar, Pastor E. H. Taylor, of the Thames 1 , who has faced the general election music many times, was re-elected Grand Chief Templar. A Wellington' delegate (Mr. George Petherick) was also honoured with re-election to the office of Grand Councillor. Mr. Petheriok is a wellknown bootmaker, and has long been a prominent member of the cold watelr Order. Strange to relate, a Vine (H.G.V., Wanganui) was put in the office of G.E.S. Mr. D. C. Cameron was again re-elected grand secretary. Mr. Cameron was the erentleman, who headed the poll the other day at the Dunedin licensing elections. He has been grand secretary of the 1.0. G.T. almost from the very foundation of the Order in New Zealand.

The passing hence of thiee such representative citizens as the Hon. Dr. Grace Captain Babot, and Mi. W. T. L. Ti avers within a few clays is a severe loss to Wellington, and a more than usually haad blow to the community. For 1 each, in his diffeient sphere, was a strong force, and the medical faculty, marine circles and the legal community all lose leaders. But tihe great of the three departed ones was Mr. Travers, whose end, at the great age of 84 %ears was of the saddest and most painful land. Yet, through it all, from the time when, on stumbling, he told the railway official to "Let go (knowing that the official was liable to do the greatest hurt in an effort, to do o-ood) until the moment of his death he was the keen-witted easy-tempered gentleman he had been throughout his long and useful life. It is given to few men to play successfully^ all the parts on life s stage which Mr. Tracers played. As scholar soldier, statesman, lawyer, and scientific investigator, he was equally successful So active had been his Me. and leveTposed for a photograph , and yet heTa? an authority on P^P^^ook he was on everything, in which he took a more than- passing interest. Among th<Tmany bite of literary work which TJ&ot* the Crawford* took^po«* - s,on. and modernised the land- 1™ Th« closiiK day o! Mr. Travers's pubhc We SmarkLl by the part he to* m a remarkable >■"»<*%■» ZeaAppeal ° 1 K-iToif «f the New Zealand Bar, and on behali ot me -^*T M rr. a(vers Sand-Expressed in words not to be SndersW that there are men o^independent thought and action m legal as mother circles of active publ chfem our colony. To the deceased lawyers family we offer sincere condolences. Our "Patent Gazette" occasionally yields some interesting copy. *or instance, the latest issue, .^^l™" eently teUs us that Legislative Councillor the Hon. Jeremiah Twomey, has taken out provisional rights for an improved paper-folding apparatus, capable of being attached to wharfdale . and other printing machines or tor maependent use. Mr. Twomey is a journalist, though in his application for the patent riehte he calls himself a newspaper proprietor and general printer. He is the owner of the "Temuka Leader," which he has been running for nearly twenty years. The coming to Wellington of Mr. Bert Royle is an incident of more than ordinary interest. For severa years he had accompanied the Pollardian Party around the colony as the representative of Mr. J. C. Williamson, and during his travels Mr. Royle made many friends in New Zealand. Therefore in returning to us to continue to represent the great J. C. W. his friends are pleased that he should have fixed upon the Empire City as his headquarters. It is am indication that we are to have more frequent visits from the Williamson companies. For many rears Mr. Royle was private secretary to Mr. Williamson, and, as he is very clever with his pen, his hand figured largely in the making of pantomimes and localising comic operas for Australia - Mr. T. E. Donne, the bustling head of the Tourist Department, is smiling, and no wonder. "The Army and Navy Illustrated," of March 14th, gives New Zealand one of the finest alvertisements it has ever had. A four-page supplement, beautifully illustrated is issued, and contains a mass of information about this country that will make all the liverless Army men of Britain pack their kits and steer for Rotorua. Elsewhere it gives a fine picture of MajorGeneral Babineton and his staff, the portraits of Sir J. G. Ward, Mr. Donne, and Dr. A. S. Wohlman the Government Balneologist. many charming views 1 of Rotorua, and much complimentary letterpress. Besides, it has a full-page advertisement from the Tourist Department. The paper's energetic New Zealand representative, Mr. J. MuiT, of Wellington, is chiefly responsible for the publicity given to this bit of Empire through the medium of the British Service periodical.

At the Zealandia Rifles social, the at/her night, some nice tilings weie said about that enthusiastic volunteer officer, Lieutenant Hobbs. You remembei ~ the Zealandias were at the Fox ton manoeuvres recently. It seems\that the ZealaindJas had to supply a guard one night, and that the company could not muster the complement of men. Lieutenant Hobbs fell m himself, and did his share of sentry go. But we know a better yam than that dealing with Mr. Hobbs and his attention, to duty. J * * * Years ago the genial dentist was a sergeant in the Ohmemuri Rifles. Curiously enough, the marriage of thei seigeant was fixed for the same time as the battalion camp at Auckland. At the time fixed for the wedding, the sergeant was on guard. 'Tis said that Mr. Hobbs asked permission to leave camp for an hour. A brother non - com. took his place as sergeant of the guard. Punctual to time the sergeant oame back, and took over his duties. Nobody knew at the time that that gentleman had been away fixing up the most important event in, the life of any man • * * Lieuteiuaait Hobbs is a shooting-man, and he pointed out at the spree that an infantryman who could not shoot was about as useful as a cavalryman who couldn't ride. He has been one of the "first flighters" in military shooting circles for at least fifteen years. The corps' coloair-sergeant, Willis told the assembled convives that the Zealandias had sent thirtv-tbree men to the front. Fourteen of them went away m one Contingent, but they only mustered ■seventeen at Foxton ! • * * Captain Morrison strolled in during the evening, and the^ rafters rang. The fact is, the Zealandias, thinking, that as Captain Keir was resigning, the old skipper might like his old job, were much disappointed that he couldn't accept.. Anyhow, it is a satisfying thing to any man to hear a friendly veil like the one that rent the 1 air on this occasion. However, the eenial Morrison presented a cup. to be won straight-out, at the butt®, and it did duty for a "lovine cup " as it was large enoushi to hold lots of beer. Of the past and present Zealandias a volume might be written. We spare you. • » • The name of Mr. W. F. Greenaway is the most prominent up Dannevirke way at present. This timber king, who but a few years ago was an ordinary

"busihworker," has somei startling Morganismg business on hand. Besides owning dens,© forests, vast tracts of territoiy, sawmills, town halls and board ing"-houses, he is jtist now paying large prices for Dannevirke „ town property, and generally distributing w ealth as though it were as plentiful as sawdust. Mr 1 . Greenaway hinted at being a mayoral candidate, but, as no Bush' deputation waited on him, he didn't stand. •» • • i The suddenness of the death of Mr. John Beauchamp, licensee of the Tramway Hotel, Adelaide-road, which occurred ati the end, of last week, came as a shook and surprise to his many friends ill town and country. He was only fortytwo years of age, and looked good enough for another term of forty-two vcars. But he had a weak heart, and, during recent months, had enough excitement and shock to test the soundest constitution. When the local option noil was held in November last, it will be remembered, Newtown declared for Prohibition This meant that the Tramway Hotel, which was just inside tihci city boundary, and iust outside tine Newtown boundary. would get the trade of the Newt own thirsty souls. ♦ * * No-license at Newtown increased the value of the Tramway Hotel's goodwill greatly , in fact, it was said that Mr. Beauchamp was offered £4000 to transfer his license. He was so reioiced at the prospect that he kept open house one night to celebrate his streak of good luck. But that was what led to his downfall. For, in the heartiness of his rejoicing, he gave away one bottle of liquor too much, and got an endorsemenib upon has license. Then., farther, came the Quashing of the Prohibition verdict of Newtown. So that troubles were helped udoti the licensee of the Tramway Hotel. * * + Here is a new yarn about the Premier. Dare say he might recognise it as having actually occurred. Perhaps not. Says the> yarner "I knew Dick Seddon before ever he dreamed of becoming Premier of New Zealand, or a member of its Parliament. In those days he possessed a horse, which, while being shod, would always endeavour to he dow n, and I have seen Dick, who used to bring in the horse to be shod stoop, and resting his hands 1 on his knees, place himself under the horse's stomach, then hold up the brute until the last nail was driven in his shoes." He's engaged now in holding up the "old chariot."

Mr. D. C. Ingram, the alert cornier-"* cial traveller, who was in ' Wellington,,/ last week because his firm, Austin Walsih an t>o., the tobacco people, of Auckland, ' -sent him, is a versatile young nuan, - Jknown, perhaps, better in Wellington than, in the Queen City. "Sports" will remember "Dave" as in the "rag" trade, and as secretary for the Drapers' Cricket Association. Also, he was one time secretary and bugler to the Zealandia Rifles., By the way, he turned up at the corps' social last Thursday night, and told a yarn about the skill of the Zealandia marksmen in hitting' moving targets, one of them, in has time having sent a Morris tube bullet, with telling effect, into a comrade. • • • • Then, Mr. Ingram sings, plays cricket, writes verse and sporting gossip, and has been a member of the Auckland Amateur Operatic Society. For quite a while he was the Wellington dramatic and sporting contributor to the Auckland "Sporting and Dramatic News." Also, he is a "doggy" man, his passion being the production of Ayrdale terriers. He owns the champion Beana of Fernland. As vice-president of the Auckland Kennel Club, he was a great success, and he judged the exhibits at the show before- last in Auckland. He is on© of those chaps who do a little of evervthano: and he holds medals and trophies for proficiency in all sorts' of sports. His firm has recently purchased large tobacco plantations in Fiji, and Mr. Ingram is around telling you where you may get a, good smoke.