The Oamaru Mail. SATURDAY, MAY 27, 1911.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXIX, Issue 10777, 27 May 1911, Page 3

The Oamaru Mail. SATURDAY, MAY 27, 1911.

The citizens crowded in front of Mr Massey last night at the Opera. House. They had heard so little of or from the Leader of the Opposition and so hungered and thirsted after a political entertainment in the nature of a theatrical display without money and without price that they ventured out in a swarm. Mr Massey was in his customary good form, both physically and oratorically; and, if all that is necessary for tlio good government of New Zealand is a loud voice, then Mr Massey should not any longer be necessitated to declare his superior claims to the consideration of its people. But Mr Massey has neglected us. North Otago and South Canterbury have been allowed to grope in political darkness through all the years of Parliamentary government, and Mr Massey lias failed to take them by the hand. During all the time that the big properties were being cut up and thousands of people wore making homes upon them, Mr Massey and his followers and his friendly newspapers cried out, in agony and indignation, as the British Lords did when they were forced to at last contribute to the defence of theirown wealth. "It is confiscation." "Wages will be reduced." "Hands will be dismissed." . As the mouthpieces of the great landowners they proclaimed that these benefactors of the human race would leave "the God-forsaken country" and take their cash and their benefactions and their benedictions with them. The beautiful fields of New Zealand were to become a horrid haunt of happy smiling men and women and laughing rosy cheeked children and the poor sheep would have to find pastures new. John M'Kenzie, the greatest apostle of closer settlement, perhaps, the world lias ever known, was denied a sufficiency of funds by the Opposition to carry on his acquirement of estates. There were no Crown areas whose.eyes had not been picked out. The tens of thousands of anxious southern landseekers had worn out their hearts waiting for sections. Cheviot was taken and the Tories screeched like the bird of ill omen that the country's money had been wasted in wanton speculation. To touch a big estate,, or even look longinglv over its fence, was to risk your head. Then came a string of big properties the acquisition of which was a signal for bitterness. John M'Kenzie fought every one of his waking moments to accomplish the noble task ho nad set himself against such long odds —against the opposition of Mr Massey and his friends and weaklings of his own party who had apostatised under the malign and sinister influences of the Opposition. Though the cruel ordeal hastened Sir John M'Kenzie's death he won his cause and won back land at reasonable prices which would have been impossible under any other system. But the solicitude of the Opposition for the great landowners led them to exert all their powers to inc]-ease the cost of resumed estates. Waikakahi. for instance, was offered at £ I 10s an acre : but- the Opposition having refused to grant Sir John M'Kenzie the vote for which he asked, the purchase was delayed and it cost £6 15s. Was that Opposition act of benefit to the farmers and the seekers after land who settled upon the estate? Now, however, after all the fighting has been done, and when, in spite of his opposition, every large estate in the vicinity has been resumed and settled with satisfaction to the vendors and to the lessees, Mr Massey comes to Oamar.i and hypocritically harangues its people on the ethics of political life, declares tile superiority of his judgment and the snotlessness of his honor. What will our readers think of the man who, after opposing the Land for Settlements scheme in order to win the. approval and support of the landed classes, now proclaims his approval of the acquisition of estates under it so as to win the affections of the farmers and the general public? There can be no other verdict than that either his judgment was as faulty in this case as it was in regard to the Advances to Settlers and Old Age Pensions schemes, or that his fealty to a class was the price lie had to pay for the privilege of being head of the Opposition. This Napoleon is to deliver New Zealand from the clutches of a political set who have for. 20 years blocked his way to office with its emoluments ; but lie preferred to make the assault by untrodden paths, when the. back of his antagonist was turned. There is now no need to wonder why Mr Massey refused to go to the Coronation.

The new railway regulation, under which the carriage of freights is limited: to certain days unless a special request is made to | have it forwarded at once, as, otherwise, inconvenience would be created, I is viewed by merchants and farmers alike with apprehension. All changes in public services which curtail existing privileges are, naturally enough, unacceptable. It is, however, proposed by the Minister for Railways that he must economise wherever he can without interfering with the facilities to which the public have a right and which are indispensable in connection with their everyday operations. If Mr Millar's idea is that he can do all that is required' by means of the curtailed service, then all will be benefited; but :'t is obvious that, if disappointment is not to be the result of the change, consignees and consignors must not omit to inform the Railway Department when they want their goods forwarded without delay, and' the Department will he under an obligation to act with reasonable consideration. Inconvenience would often be averted if farmers who are wanting seed and other requisites, | would look a little ahead promptly, so that both the merchant and the Rail- | way Department might be afforded ample time to execute and forward their I orders. It will be understood that, if an order is sent so that it is received . just too late to go on one of the schedule 1 days, much precious time may be i lost; yet there is always the privilege of making the transport of an order "urgent," so that it will not be unnecessarily delayed; but we understand that the Department will not permit a perpetual demand for urgency—that urgency must be the exception rather than the rule, though it is prepared at all times to send immediately where urgency is really required, and this has I been the experience of merchants. The I working of the regulation will evidently depend upon the manner in which it is administered. Its primary object being to save truck spare, the Department has

unloaded consignments from one truck and placed them in other trucks, so that confusion has been created, and the consignee, having been advised by I'the merchant of the number of the ' truck in which his order has been forwarded, has awaited- the arrival of that truck in vajn whilst his merchandise has f l, the siting in the truck Z+u hl ? h * Ilas transferred' T 3? antCr iftT bra » all intermingled, so that tl\« J? ,FCre signees got the n-oods Tfe g . con ~ who informed „ 5 ° nf ii,- • merchant Kr,i c,n wittsr. injustice which certain of our settlers suffered through the Department's stubg.tTomSef"' I '' "" "II

WWI U t mS 'J 1 , . whidl Mr Duncan Sutherland moved his very sensible vote of thanks to Mr Massey last night were niore appropriate than, perhaps ho roac , r , Massey is certainly, as \[r Sutherland' said, "funny and' humorous. but Ins is the kind of humor that palls. It cannot he said of him that age cannot wither nor custom stale his infinite variety." The only things which lent variety last night- were the hall and the audience. The speech consisted of the same old dirge on "finances" and diatribe 011 "misrepresentation," and Mr Sutherland may be pardoned for calling them /'funny." It is evidently just what the public have thought them. But a political oration from a great leader ought not to savour of Josh Billings, or "Tho Innocents Abroad."

The following wore the registrations made in • group 15 for this week: — Area 51 (Duntroon): Cadets 14, Territorials 22; area 52 (Alexandra): Cadets 44, Territorials 19; area 53 (Oamaru): Cadets 30, Territorials 26; totals for week: Cadets 88, Territorials 67; total registrations in group 15 to date: 1246. Mr Waddell's remarks at Mr Massay's meeting did' not- do him honor. He said that j'he was not a politician himself." but" that Mr Massey's speech had: given 'him something to 'think ever." We detected by his opening remark that he was not- a politician, for he &ai:l that the Opposition had been a great inilvonce for good.'' etc. That is to say, the ..wiiei- of a thoroughbred is to attach a L"l"<iesdnle behind him to check his progress As Mr WmUielf is not a politician, i.- may as well be told that the Opposu'oji has done nothing better than delay i.' passing by others of the excellent reforms —T-io.h they now themselves are compelled no admire and commend. If I\Tr Watkleli wants a change of Government, perhaps he will take an opportunity of explaining why. and what sort of Government he would like. He might, also say why so go-aliead a colonist would- turn out a Government when the country was prosperous in order to try his luck with nondescripts.

A special meeting of the Borough Council was held last evening for the purpose of confirming the resolution making and levying the rates for the year. Councillor Milligan was voted to the chair - , other members of the Council present being Councillors Paterson, Watson. Vernor, Mitchell, Searle, Ireland, Miller, and Snadden. The formal resolution, was adopted on the motion of Councillor Searle, seconded by Councillor Vernor.

The Meadowbank Tennis Club held their annual "social" in the Druids' Hall on Thursday, the function being productive of much enjoyment. Two Hours of progressive euchre resulted in tho award of prizes to Miss Simkins and Mr Patterson, and consolation trophies to Miss Ellis and- Mr Barry. For the remainder of the evening over forty in pies found much pleasure in dancing and hearing musical items by Messrs G. Dorward, F. Meldrum and W. Annand. Dance music was kindly contributed by Messrs Dorward, Annand, J. and H. Brown, and Mr A. Miller was an übiquitous and attentive M.C. It is satisfactory to know that the scheme of defence—a people's army, for the people, manned by tlie people, ror the countrv's good—is being comprehended. 'His Worship the Mayor ot Naseby (Mr T. B. M'Nc-il) lias, without any assitance from the military stair, gotten together a class for instruction. -Nasebv's Mayor has written to the o-roup officer as follows"If you seiH. an instructor over to Naseby he wul have a class to start on of at least !•>, including two or three who are not compellable." An instructor has been detailed to take this class every Thursday evening. Similar classes arc in full swiii"- at Oamaru, Alexandra, Duntroon, and Kurmv. Others arc starting at Cromwell, Waikouaiti, Palmerston, Hampden, and, possibly Windsor, to say nothing of the country centres. When parades commence the three-mile radius system will probably be adopted. Those eligible to serve, but who have not. vet registered, in New Zealand's fighting forces would do well to ponder the following salient facts: Registration for the current year closes at 7 p.m on June 2nd., when all who have broken the law by failing to register on their own account will be penalised to and be registered forthwith. New Zealand, the most enthusiastically patriotic portion of a far-flung Empire, has in her wisdom decided to possess a fighting machine of her own, and in order that the faint-hearted and slothful shall not vampirise the valiant and self-sacriiic-tng. the people have resolved that all between 14 and 21 years must register. It is foolishness to he fined first and then registered afterwards. It is infinitely worse to be classed as a coward and a "skulker. Though no one in group 15 may come under the latter categories, those who do not register by June 2nd will find some difficulty in persuading New Zealand and the great Powers who are watching so closelv to the contrary. The scheme has been everywhere clearly expounded; the necessity for it is everywhere realised. There is no excuse.

Our Kia Ora correspondent writes: — The Kia Ora Literary and Debating Society commenced their session on Tuesday night with a question-box evening. Each member supplied a question and also drew one to answer. There was a good attendance, and several new members made very creditable first attempts. 'The questions ranged from the sublime to the ridiculous, some being old and time-worn, while others called forth helpful and interesting discussions. Some difficulty was experienced in providing for next meeting, Tuesday, June Gt.h, the subject for debate being "Should we obey Mrs Grundy?" It" was finally left for Messrs Wallis and Slater to lead. If the attendance and enthusiasm is to be jiidged bv its first meeting the Society" should_ have a very successful session before it.

A meeting of the. Management Committee of the Rugby Sub-Union was held last night. The Ashbnrton Union intimated their inability to send n team to Oamam this season. A transfer was granted to J. A. Shea from the Thintroon Club to the Upper Waitaki Club. It was decided to play all fixtures _< n the 3rd of June on the Caledonian ground, the games to commence, at the following times: 'Second Grade—Athletic v. Excelsior, at 9.45 a.m : Old Boys v. Waitaki High School, at 11.15 a.m. Seniors —Athletic v. Upper Waitaki. at 1.15 p.m.; Excelsior v. Old Boys, at 2.30 p.m. Our Awamoko correspondent writes: The Awamoko School Committee decided at their meeting last night to select Mr John Wilson, of. Warepa School, as head teacher for Awamoko. — The weather, for the last week or so has been of a very raw and frosty nature, but to-day (Friday) is. almost like a summer day. Farm work is progressing very .rapidly, several farmers are busv sowing wheat. The area does not seem to he up to the usual in this locality so far.

The Committee of the Employers' Association met yesterday, ancf. decided _so observe Saturday, the 3rd June, as the King's Birthday. This morning Mr W. F. Massey was the guest of several of North Otago s public men. The visitor was taken on a motor tour through the country, by way of Papakaio .and: Elderslie. Those who accompanied M r Mosspv in his car

were the Hon. T. Y. Milligan. Mr J. Buckley Gardiner, jun. Gentlemen a large party were conveyed 1 in motor cars. We have to acknowledge receipts V £1 6s from Mr John Mahoney, of LorneJ towards the funds of the Oamaru Hospital. This is this year's result of a special collection that Mr Mahoney makes annually on behalf of the institution. Statistics prove that sanity can be measured by the feet, both in men and women, but the rules for the two sexes are the inverse of one another. Ih the Paris Academy of Sciences M. Edmond Perrier read a report by Messrs A. Marie and MacAuliffe, which appears conclusive. Sane men have large feet and sane women small feet. Conversely, beware of the small-footed male and the large-footed female. Out of 100 normal men, according to the IS have small feet, and out of 100 insane men only 24 have large feet. The proportions for women are almost exactly reversed. Twenty-three sane women out of 100 have large feet, and, on tha contrary, only 18 per cent, of mad women have small feet. The ancient pipular opinion that a small foot is a. beauty in woman is thus proved sound. Even "the Chinese may be justified sf, by reducing a woman's foot, you may increase her sanity. It is not often that an engine, after once leaving the metals, regains them, but that is what happened at London Bridge station. The train to which tho strange mishap occurred was ono duo from Streatham Hill at 5.30 p.m., and it was entering the station when tho engine left the road. Tho train ran on for 110 yards, and then tho engine remounted the rails. One hundred ol tho chairs upon which the sleepers rest were broken off, and considerable damage was done to the permanent way, but the engine was undamaged and none of the passengers wero hurt. It is supposed that the radial wheels of the engine, while off the metals, struck a "diamond" crossing, which caused the engine to regain the line. The M'Donald Picture Company state that they have procured another brilliant programme for this evening's entertainment at tho King's Hall. Tho * list is said to bo a magnificent one and to contain some of the best pictures yet screened before an Oamaru audience. The programme is composed of scenic, dramatic, and comic pictures of the best character, and all should prove extremely interesting. This comprises the third change of programme for tho week, and if it is—as is said : —better than the others, it should he well worth seeing. The usual prices (Is and 6d) will admit; ladies 6d to chairs and children half-price.

The following is the result of the Waimate Homing Pigeon Society's raco from Christchureh, according to tlio I secretary of the Club: Mr T. H. Wilce's '"MacQuarrie, jimr," 1478 yd lOin. per minute, 1: Mr J. S. Butcher's "Young Patrick," 147S yds 7ins per minute, 2; Master Cecil Butcher's "Silver Queen," ■'66vds, Ift Gin, 3. Garrison Band have completed all ar.-r.ngements in connection with the c*ouo-.-.rt which they are to give, conjunction with the U' Versal Company, on the even-' of week. Tlie puigranim>vocal, and instruini::> f a! by best amateur performers - Farther detail? will be ; Thursday. Recovery from wasting and ing diseases is hastened, by uso PHOSPHOL. Phosphoi begins with When you have been working hard—strain of. 'he steady grind ing on you—weuk atid nervous — Stearns' Wine of Cod Liver gather renewed energy. Fresh Bargains this week .at he;i<l':> Mil' End Salt.-. Mrs f. E. Ratson, having the business carried on by Burhci, Lid., will open rooms Ist in Wear strn-D, next 1° The victorious the cup j English car a road, clearance, light prices.—SEARLE, for South The latest model • CYCLE has a J.A.P. fitted with auto-variable justs itself automatically gear when climbing hills. to land. —SEARLE, sole agent, Oa^^^^^H Fresh Bargains this week at head's Mill End Sale. 67a^^H Almost every article used is somebody's invention. The more it lilk a need the mom valuable it is. Tho simplest of these —such as toe-plates, barbed wire, screws, etc. —realised enormous fortunes. If you have a marketable idea, take it immediately tr. a rciiable firm of patents agents, like Baldwin and Rayward, whose local representative is Mr E. Piper, Thames street. They will give you sterling advice. Peppermint Cure. Never fails— Is 6d, 2s 6d.