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Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXIX, Issue 10956, 22 December 1911, Page 3

In the midst of the unseemly rapacity for office it is enlightening to read the views 011 New Zealand's political situation expressed by the London Times: "Sir Joseph Ward is the only man adaptable enough to patch up a Ministry that can collect a majority behind it" and, therefore, it is straining language to talk of his defeat, although his position is unstable." This is a paraphrase of what has been written by even the more rational Opposition papers in regard to the crisis. Sir Joseph Ward will yet live down and triumph over his rnesent utterly unjustifiable unpopoularity as he did that which arose from another essay of his enemies to make their own microscopic virtues loom large by a crusade of defamation. It would be fortunate for the country if arrangements could be made with the unclassified and Labor members which would avert another election, with its expenses, unrest, hatel'ulness, and damage to trade. It is quite possible that if an agglomeration of the Progressives could be brought about — and we have no doubt that it will be — Sir Joseph Ward would have a majority large enough to enable him to avoid the shoals which would place the State ship at the mercy of reactionary pirates. The Auckland correspondent of the Otago Daily Times supplied that paper with a symposium of sickly compliments to Mr Massey, who has, it seems, Ijcen receiving telegrams, and even cablegrams, congratulating him on his victory, which is still, however, on paper only, and likely to remain there. But Scriptural quotations, which have been used for base purposes ever since the temptation in the wilderness, are conspicuous in the unfragrant potpourri of adulation. Some hystei'omanic, who prefers to suffer in secret, has mixed Massey .up with holy things and Jerusalem so inextricably'that no one can. tell which is which; and a sanctimonious confection is reputed to emanate from Christchurch, the city which opened its arms wide to Worthington and Clampe'tt. In this Mr Massey is told that he has "been faithful over a few things," and so forth. Very few, we should say. Mr Massey must have wondered when he received missives which attributed to him inspiration from such a source. It will never be known, we fear, whether these congratulations were genuine, or whether they emanated from the Opposition factory of things that are false.

The following from an Irish paper regarding the Earl of Seaiield, who was born in Oamaru, may be of interest to our readers: —The Earl of Seafield, who has come into his vast family estates by the will of the late, Dowager Countess, a daughter of Lord Blautyre, is connected with many notable Irish families on the paternal as well as on the maternal side. The sixth earl married one of the Eyre Maunsells of Limerick, and his fourth son married another. The Eyre Maunsells were first cousins of the late. Major G. T. Evans, of Oamaru. The ninth carl married Caroline Louisa, second daughter of Eyre Evans, of Asliill Towers, Co. Limerick, and sister of the late Major G. T. Evans. The present earl's mother, the Dowager Countess, who married the tenth earl, is a daughter of Major George Evans, and sister of Messrs Evre Evans, T. C Evans, and G. M. Evans, of Oamaru, also of the Limerick family. ■ The Evans family settled m Ireland in the fifteenth century, and claim descent from Elystan Glodfrydd, Prince of Fferlvs. The founder of the Irish branch, the Right Hon. George Evans, of Bulgaden Hall, Co. Limerick, was'a barrister, and took an active part in the Revolution, and on the accession of William he became M.P. for Charleville Co. Cork, and was sworn on the Privy Council. He married in 1679, Mary Eyre, daughter of Colonel the Right Hon. John Eyre, of Eyrecourt Castle, ' Co. Gahvay, and their eldest son, George, became first Lord Carbery. From this union also sprang the EyreMasseys, who later became ennobled as Lords Massey and Clarina. The present Earl of Seafield is through tins line connected with, amongst other noble families in Ireland, the. Earls ot Fitzwilliam, Arran, Clancarty, Bandon, Listowel, and the families of Gainsborough and Bantry, of which the titles are now extinct.

Tho Waimate Temperance Reform Union held, a social on Wednesday evening to celebrate the great advance made in tho Prohibition vote at the recent election. Heavy rain fell all the evening and the attendance suffered in consequence. Several congratulatory speeches were delivered, interspersed with musical items, and refreshments were handed! round. The following resolutions were passed: "That this meeting voices its thanksgiving for the splendid results of the recent polls; for the increased vote for local option, the largest yet cast for the Dominion; for the magnificent National Prohibition vote with its majority of 60,000; and for the fact that a majority of the members elected to Parliament are pledged to reduce the majority necessary to overcome the liquor evil." "That this meeting emphasises the claim of the temperance party that the only democratic basis for the settlement of the liquor question is by a simple majority of those who vote."

After the prizes had been presented at the break-up of the Middle School yesterday, Miss Swinard, probationer, was presented by the children of her class, on the occasion of her leaving the school to continue her training at the college in Dunedin, with a handsome'gold bangle. Mr Earl, who made the presentation, said that the Inspector spoke very highly of Miss Swinard's capabilities as a teacher. He (Mr Earl) entirely endorsed his remarks, and ventured to say that she would take a very high position in her profession. ' He wished her every success in her future career.

We have to acknowledge the receipt of a nicely-got-up calendar from Mr E. Piper, agent for the North British and Mercantile Fire Insurance Company! Weak and delicate children are given a new lease of life by using Stearns' Wine of Cod Liver Extract. Delicious tasting, easily taken,' flesh producing and strength promoting. 1

At a special meeting of the Totara. School Committee, held last evening, Miss Edith Hall (Awamoa) was recommended to the Education Board for the position of junior assistant in Totara School. Miss Hall's name was placed 1 first by the Education Board out of five applicants. Miss Hall's testimonials are of a very satisfactory character. Arrangements have been made fon the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company's s.s. Tokomaru to load wool and frozen meat here about 12th or l'3th January. Non-commissioned officers of the Dominion Territorial Forces, in view of promotion and efficiency examinations by which their destinies arc made or marred, should not fail to procure "Section and Company Drill Made Easy" in accordance with the latest Infantry Training Manual. "Section and Company Drill Made Easy" is complete in detail and profusely illustrated', so that the object of the author, viz., the saving of infinite trouble to thosa studying the official infantry training, should bo easy of attainment. It comprises one of "Messrs Gale and Polden's useful. military series.

At the break-up of the Middle School yesterday, the Chairman .of Committee (Mr A. Riach) presided, and the prizes were distributed by Mrs Riacn. Mr E. P. Lee, M.P., briefly addressed the children and presented the dtix medals (being the donor of one and Mr James Craig the donor of tho other). Under tho direction of their teachers the children went through, a programme of action songs and recitations, that was much appreciated by the visitors. In spite, of the inclement weather, there was a good attendance of parents.

There has been a heavy fall of sleet and snow in the Upper Waitaki district. Shorn sheep have suffered severely, many deaths being recorded.

Letters of administration in the estate of James Robertson, late of Tokarahi, have been granted in the Supreme Court at Dunedin, on the application of. Messrs Hislop and Creagh. Rheumo will banish those pains. Relief —permanent and lasting—is within tho reach of every sufferer from Rheumatism, Gout, Sciatica, or Lumbago. A few doses of Rheumo will quickly cure. Rheumo removes the Uric Acid from the blood —the cause of the trouble. All chemists and stores, 2s 6d and 4s 6d per bottle. TS Messrs Baldwin and Rayward, whose local representative is Mr E. Piper, Thames street, report that amongst the many applications for patents they havo just "filed are: —A. G. Limn, Auckland, refillable loose-leaf pocketbook; G. N. Larkin, North Sydney, washing domestic crockery ; W. J. Alexander, Christchurch, tramway cleaner; A. J. Hainsworth, Wellington, electrical water heater.

Opposition in Oaniani is keen in the trade. I'm on top for value, so buy your Loewc or other pipes from me. I stock all the leading brands of tobacconists' sundries; also choice walking sticks for Xmas presents. In wishing you the compliments of tho season, I desire you to know that iny business will be'elosed on Monday and Tuesday next. —Cecil Jackson, Crown Hairdressing Saloon, next Post Office. An up-to-date plants enables the Mail Office to turn-out all classes of job printing expeditiously and at lowest prices. Get the Mail's quotations before placing your order.