THE BARE MAJORITY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15826, 26 July 1913, Page 8

THE BARE MAJORITY.

Tire advocacy by Mr John MacGregor, in the open letter to the Prime Minister which has been published by us, of a reduction of the majority of votes that must be Tecorded in favour of prohibition or no-license in order to make an affirma- . tive decision by the electors effective, ia not supported by the sound, logical argument that is usually employed by him in his discussion of political issues. He is of opinion that the existing law imposes a decidedly unfair handicap upon the prohibitionists—an infamous handicap the ficv. W. J. Williams calls it in a letter this morning—and that, as "there is absolutely no principle involved in the threefifths majority," the Government should favourably consider the suggestion that a majority of 55 per cent, might be made effective to bring about national prohibition or local no-licenso. But on -what principle would the adoption of a 55 per cent, majority be founded? The proposal that a bare majority should suffice to decide the licensing issue one way or the other is intelligible. It may at least be plausibly defended upon the ground that it embodies the democratic principle that the majority should rule. Any proposal which disregards the principle of simple majority rule necessarily involves the election of an arbitrary figure. And no great principle can be invoked in favour of an enactment' that a 55 per cent, majority shall avail to carry a prohibition or no-license vote any more than can be said to be affirmed in the adoption of the three-fifths majority. The proposal that the majority should be 55 per cent, possesses, in principle, no virtue that may not equally be claimed'in favour of a proposal for a majority of any other proportion between 60 per cent, and 50 per cent. This is recognised by Mr G, B. Nicholls, who has contributed to the latest issue of the official organ of the New Zealand Alliance an article in which he contends thflt the aim of the prohibitionists should be "to secure the com : plete removal of any handicap on prohibition or no-license issues." As we have said, this is. an intelligible argument even though it is not one which, in our judgment, may suitably be applied in the case of issues that affect the social customs of the people and that have an important economic as well as an important sooial aspect. Any proposal, however, to fix the requisite majority midway, between the present statutory requirement and the simple majority of one rests on no logical foundation. The most that can be said in favour it is that, as the prohibitionists complain, it is hard for them to poll a 60 per cent, majority. That is not a plea that is specially entitled to very serious consideration. If it were, and if the prohibitionists Avere not a numerous body, it mi«ht be pushed to the extent of the advocacy of a reversal of the existing conditions, so that a 40 per cent, vote might be rendered effective in favour of prohibition or no-license. •

A Press Association message from Christchurch states that Constable Carney, of Lyttelton, while arresting a man last night; was shot in the left arm. He was taken to the Hospital at Christchurch, where it was found, that the bullet was embedded in. his arm.

Mr Hugh Mitchell (secretary of the Otago branoh of the New Zealand Farmers' Union) has received two letters from the Prime Minister's office acknowledging receipt ot tho resolutions from tho' union in regard vto the proposed Board of Agriculture and the charges imposed by, the Government on tho importation of 6tud stock. Tho lottos stated that theso resolutions would' receive full consideration at tho hands of Parliament.

The domestio course given to girls at the Technical School.is a very complete one.' Apart from tho theoretical part tho freeplace girls are given an excellent practical training in cooking, sewing, and everything connected 'with the domestio sido of life. The students are taken out by a competent efficial and aro shown how to buy foodstuffs, and then they learn to prepare dishes for a three-course, dinner each day. This

meal, by the way, is not wasted, but :s

supplied to other students attending tho day classes at the school at a charge of 6d, which covers tho cost of the articles used. Miss Little, the superintendent of this de-

partment, explained in detail the various

dntiea performed by students in tho different grades of the domestic science course to a Daily Times reporter yesterday during

tho time the girls were engaged in their morning's work, and also showed him the

menu for yesterday's luncheon, thereby demonstrating tho efficicnoy and economy taught in this department and at the eamc time showing what can be dono in tho way of providing excellent meals at a very small cost

Tho dwneis of stables in the city should

take warning from three cases which came

before the City Police Court yesterday that if their premises hayo cot boon licensed in /accordance with tho city by-laws they should lose no timo in taking out a license Thcro may, of course,, bs buildings in use as stables which will not bo passed by tho city inspector, and in such cases a license will not be granted. In tho interests of publio health it is highly desirable that whero a stable does not comply with the by-lawa it should be speedily demolished and an up-to-date structure erected 'in its stead. A Wellington Press Association telegram states that it is notified in the Gazette that as the number of femalo applicants already qualified for cadetships in the public service is very greatly in excess of the number of suitable vacancies likely to occur for thorn , in 1913 and 1914, it has been decided not to admit female candidates to the pu'olio service entranco examination of November, 1913. This does not affect tho admission of girls to the intermediate examination for scholarships, senior frco places, and othor purposes to bo held at the same time. The contractor for tho erection of the King Edward Technical College is making rapid progress with tho work, and it is anticipated that tho workshops will all bo in use not later than nest February. Tho contract time for the completion of the college #o(3 not expiro until December, 1914, but it is anticipated that tho building will bo finished some timo before then.

Detective-sergeants Connolly and Ward

yesterday arrested Henry Sinclair M'Kay on a charge of breaking and entering Messrs Methven and Co.'s premises in Crawford street and stealing therefrom copper to tho value of £10.

At a special general meeting of members of the New. Zealand Commercial Travellers Warehousemen's Association last night it was unanimously decided to join the New Zealand Federation of Associations. This step is mainly tho outcome of the resolution which was adopted at the conference of tho Australasian Federation last Easter. Members of tho local association aro hopeful that this step will result in nothing but good to all concerned. 'Their views mayf be summarised in the words of Mr James Brown on the carrying of the resolution last night. "I believe in my inmost soul," he said, " that the results of this small meeting will prove that this has been a red-letter day in the history of our associations in New Zealand."—(Applause.)

Mr R. Breen, secretary of the Otago Trades and Labour Council, visited Milton this week ■with a view to inducing the workers at Bruce Woollen Mills to form u branch of tho Otago Woollen Workers' Union. Ho addressed a well-attended moeting, but after fully discussing the question the workers decided to tako no action, giving as their reasons that they were- satisfied with their conditions under tho present award.

A first offender, charged with being drunk the previous evening, was brought beforu Mr John Mill at the Port Chalmera Polico Cqurt yesterday, and was convicted and discharged. '

The Oamara branch of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants has. (a Press Association message states), passed the following resolution:—" That the Oamaru branch has every. confidence in tho ability of the members of the executive to conduct all the business entrusted to them in the best possible manner in tho interests of membere generally, and especially approves of their recent action in withdrawing from tho Labour Congress at Wellington when, in their judgment, they saw it would bo detrimental 10 tho best interests of tho department ami members of. tho Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants."

At a meeting of tho Ehmedin Brewers, Bottlers, Bottlewashers, and Aerated Waters Union of Workers a resolution was passed approving of the principle of co-operation.

This morning 26 candidates will sit at tho Duncdin Technical School lor their examination in shorthand under tho civil serviceregulations. The test is that they shall be able to write 100 words per minute for five minutes and then transcribe it either by means of a typewriter of in ordinary writing. Tho time allowed each candidate in which to transcribe the notes is 35 minutes. Mr Mouat will superviso the examination.

Tho monthly mooting of the Mornington School Committee was held on Tuesday evening. All members of the committee wero present, Mr James Patton being in tho chair. At a previous meeting the committee- discussed the need of more playground for the children on account of the continued increase- of the number on the roll. A deputation consisting of Messrs Haslett, Patton, and Lamb was appointed to place tho matter before the board. It was reported that the deputation had done so and had got the promise of the board to come up and sec the school. Tho members of tho board came up next day, and their decision was awaited. Tho head master reported that tho average attendance for tho quarter ended June 30 was 530; and the roll at the present time was 573. On the Ist inst. Mr Walker had ceased duty as second assistant, and his placo had been idled temporarily by Mr Closs. Mr Partridge will take up his duties on August 1. Miss Wilson, who had been on the staff for fivo years, had been appointed to a position in the Duncdiu Technical School. Miss Wilson had proved herself to be an excellent teacher, and while glad to see members of tho staff receiving well-deserved promotion, much regret was folt at losing tho scrvicea of so capable a teacher. The increased attendance entitled them to an additional teacher, and a pupil teacher had been appointed. The annual visit of the inspectors took place dast week, when Dr Don and Mr Bossenee spent four days at tho school. Tho report on their visit has not yet come t-o hand Two girls in Standard VI who sat for special examination were successful in gaining proficiency certificates. The Works Committee and Visiting Committee , reported that everything was working first-rato at tho school. Mr G.'W. Skene reported that the school gardens were now prepared and he was ready to receive tho donations of roses, etc., promised by fce-vera! gentlemen in tho district.

The attendance at the day and evening elates of tho Technical School is being well maintained; in fact, if anything, it has increased since tho opening of the present quarter, and all tho departments aro being kept very busy. Quite a number of boys arc taking advantage of the opportunity provided for them to gain a knowledge of tho various trades to which they intend applying themselves. Engineering appears to fascinate a considerable number of the boys attending tho school, and a look at tbu engineering workshop by 'a Times representative served to show how diligently these embryo engineers applied themselves to the taslcs set them. Tho director of the school (Mr Angus, Marshall) informed tho visitor that ho had a standing order from ono firm in Dunedin for all the boys ho can turn out of the school, whether they aro to be engineers, clerks, or commercial men. This speaks volumes for tho training received By tho boys, and shows that business men are seized with tho value of a boy who has gone through a course at the school.

Referring to tho movement to obtain from Parliament somo financial redress for Captain Attwood, of the Elingamite, who was, after some years of agitation, exonerated of blame for the 'wreck of the vessel, the Sydney Shipping List says:-" Captain Attwood lias had a hard and most strenuous light to gain even attention, to the crying injustice he had suffered so long. Deprived of his certificate, a certificate that had borne no stain proviously, and then with his means of livelihood in his proper vocation taken from him, was bad enough, had the vessel been lost through negligenco of the most culpable type, but with h'.e innocence so firmly established so long as it had been, to defer recompensing him, as ho had every right to expect, nay, demand, until it cannot be put off a moment longer, is certainly a thing that but adds support to our contention that Australasian Governments certainly do things in a peculiar way to assist :'n making the mercantile marine an attractive calling to the youth of to-day."

A good story is told concerning the general desire for vaccination created by the smallpox scare and two children who reside with their parents within half a mile of the Wanganui Post Office (says the Chronicle). The youngsters are a little boy and girl, aged six and four and a-half years respectively. Thoy overheard their parents discussing the epidemio and tho advisability of getting tho children vaccinated, and decided on a plan of their own. Donning their hats they set out down the 6trcet, walking hand in hand. On their way they met a man in a motor car, and addressed him thus: " Where is tho man who puts holes in the arm?" The motorist laughed, and -directed them to one of the public vaccinators. The youngsters wended their way to the doctor's residence and a6kcd whero the man was who put tho holes in tho arms. Dr Wall vaccinated the boy in the arm, and tho little girl, seeing that she had to remove her dress, said: "Put the holes in ray leg," a suggestion that tho doctor adopted, and sent the children away happy. It can be imagined that the parents were somewhat taken aback when the children returned and explained their mission.

According to tho Sydney Sun, Mr George Marlow has practically severed his connection with the firm oi George Marlow, Ltd., which he created and raised to such an important position in the theatrical world. A deal has ibeen accomplished by which Mr Marlow parts with tho wholo of his interests in George Marlow, Ltd. A sum in the neighbourhood of £50,000 is to be paid to Mr Marlow. A deposit of £1000 was paid a few days ago, and the purchasers havo 28 days within which to complete the deal. Tho wholo of the purchase money, with the exception of £15,000, is to bo paid within that time. The sum of £15,000 is being secured to Mr Marlow by a mortgage. He will retain the lease of the Princess Theatre, Melbourne, which he bought personally from J. C. Williamson, Ltd., and has sub-let to George Marlow, Ltd. That still has nearly two years to run, and the difference between the price paid for the lease and the rental paid to Mr Marlow represents a nice figure over and above the purchase money received for his interests in tho company. It is only a few years ago since Mr Marlow commenced the task of building up the prosent business. It is a striking cxamplo of the rich rewards awaiting successful theatrical enterprise that in loss than, five years lie has been able to sell his interests for nearly £50,000. Under the deed of sale Mr Marlow is bound for a period of fivo years not to engage in tho direction of theatrical enterprise in Australasia.

A sum of £1000 has been promised by the Minister of Finance to the Victoria League of Auckland to enable it to erect a memorial to commemora'to tho deeds of soldiers and sailors who fell in the New Zealand wars. Steps are now being taken by the league towards the accomplishment of tho idea which it has promoted for several years, its fi ret concern being to secure an appropriate design for the memorial. It has been found impossible to compile a complete-• list of all tho mon who died in active service, and the monument will therefore bo erected as a commemoration of the sum of their loyalty and courage. Publicity is 'being given to tho schemo in the four cities of tho dominion, and in Sydney and Melbourne, and to the league's invitation for designs. Authors of designs will bo free to suggest the material to bo used in tho construction of the memorial, but the cost must not exceed £1000. The author of tho selected design will be entrusted with tho carrying out of the work. Designs are to bo sent lo the league not lacer than January 10.

A great flutter has been caused in feminine circles at' Richmond, Virginia (says a cablegram to the Sydney Sun), over the arrest of a young laxly by tho name of Blossom Browning, who shocked official eyes by appearing in the streets of the city gowned in a slit skirt. Tho charge preferred against her was that of indecent exposure. Miss Browning was greatly indignant at being taken into custody. The dross, she argued, represented the latest fashion, and as she bought it in a licensed department store, 'and it suited her taste, she should be allowed to wear it. "Is thorc anything indecent in a shapely limb that tlie' Almighty has given me?" demanded the lady, arid the officer to whom tho question was addressed had to admit that there certainly wasn't. Miss Browning was subsequently brought before tho court, when the hearing of tho caso provided no 6mall amount of diversion. The defendant' 6 lawyer argued that the sale of the skirt in a licensed department store permitted the purchaser to wear the garment. Tho judge, however, couldn't see that it did. " You may have a license," ho said. " for tho sale of firearms, but that doesn't authorise you to commit murder." That settled tho matter, and Miss Browning was ordered to pay a fine of £5. "Well," she exclaimed in. disgust, "I'll just go to New York, where the people are not so prudish," and with that parting shot, and with her slit skirt still on, she quitted the court.

At S. Matthew's Church, Stafford street, to-morrow the annual dedication festival services will be held morning and evening. The annual meeting of tho Money Club will bo held on Wednesday, 30th inst. At the. Unitarian servico in tho Club House Hall to-morrow evening the Rev. W. F. Kennedy will preach on tho ethical, social, and religious teaching of Victor Hugo's groat novel, " Lea Miserables." A° notice to shareholders in No. 2'group of the Duncdin Starr-Bowkott Building Society appears in this issue. Tho Rev. Robt. Fairmnid will speak on "A Man's Worth" at tho men's mooting in the Young Men's Christian Association rooms to-morrow afternoon, The name of Mr J. Fatcrson, of Timaru, was inadvertently omitted from tho list of passengers by the Wave Queen who were present at the jubilee meeting. Mr •J. G. M'Leod, through indisposition, was prevented from attending. Anniversary services will bo held in tho Dundas Street Methodist Church to-mor-row. Tho Rev. A. Pybus (morning) and the Rev. F. Road (evening) will bo tho preachers. A special servico for young people will be conducted by tho Rev. 11. L. Richards at 2.30 p.m.

Mr E. Heywood will prosido at the Sun'day afternoon recital at tho Octagon Hall. A good programme has been provided. The secretary of tho Money Club reports that loans to tho amount of £200 worq granted and applications for 15 shares received at this-week's meeting of trustees. Tho Young Men's Christian Association will hold its anniversary tatival on August 8. His Worship the Mayor (Mr W. Downie Stewart) has kindly consented to prosido at the public meeting. Mr Alex. Jameson, M.A. (National secretary of tho Y.M.C. Association's of New Zealand) will bo one of tho speakers. It is proposed to hold a monster tea meeting beforo the publio meeting.

Notices of tho following Sunday services will bo found in our advertising columns: — Anglican—St Paul's, All Saints', St, Matthew's. Presbyterian—First. Russell Street, Knox, Stuart Hall, St. Andrew's, Kensington, Roslyn, South Dunedin. North-East Valley, Opoho. Congregational—Moray Place, St. Clair. Baptist—Hanover Street. Methodist—Trinity, Woodhaugh, Central Mission, Cargill Road, Kcw, Fairfield, Abbotsford, Dundas Street, Ravensbotirno, Northeast Valley, St. Kilda, Anderson's Bay, Broad Bay, HighclifT. Salvation Army. Tlieosopnical Society. Church o( Christ—Tabernacle, Roslyn. Unitaiians. Hill-climbing Extraordinary.—July 12, Wheeler's Hill, Melbourne: 2J Douglas and sidecar first and fastest time, beating all machines.—Wikon, Dunedin.—Advt.

The Big Sale.—The first week of our sale has been attended with phenomenal success. All previous records are broken. Be suro and got your share of the bargains offered. —Mollieons Limited.—Advt

Tho rider of the victorious Rudge in the Isle of Man trophv race, Mr A. R. Abbott, stands over 6ft and scales over 13 stone. His racing was splendid, and lie was always well ahead of every single-cylinder machine. Not one of the competing Rudgcs developed a single defect in the gruelling race.—Wimponny Bros. 40 Moray place, Dunedin.--Advt.

Needing a nice hairbrush? We have just mado a special purchase of real ebony hairbrushes, and for 7s 6d you can get a really nice one. Bristles are the be6t—G. and T. Young (Ltd,), 88 Princes street—Advt.

Your Eyes.—A new discovery for removing cataracts, films, white speoks, etc. without operations. Send for particulars and testimonials. Free. E. W. Hall, herbalist, 117 Armagh street, Christchurch—Advt.

We recommend for watch, clock, and jewellery repairs A. J. Shaw, 13 Rattray street. Absolutely tho best in Dunedin.— Advt.

See the new stock of porcelain statues, pictures, and photo frames, lowest prices; make handsome presents—Chiaroni's Gallery.— Advt.

Broadway's Mixture is most highly spoken of bj sufferers from rheumatism and gout; it gives immediate relief. Obtainable From Wilkinson and Son, chemists, Princes Btreet—Advt

" The mind is often depressed, temper uncertain, sleep disturbed "—when you suffer from constipation. Indigestion, headaches, frequently piles, add to the misery. Tako " Wahoo"; it cleanses, removes causes, and heals. A wonderful medicine I " Wahoo." 2s 6d bottle.-Advt.

For Chronio Chest Complaints, Woods' Great Peppermint Cure, Is 6d, 2s 6d.—Advt

A. E. J. Blakeley, dentist, Bank of Australasia, corner of Bond and Rattray streets (next Telegraph Office). Telephone 1859.Advt.

Who is Peter Dick?— The most reliablo Watchmaker, Jeweller, and Certificated Consulting Optician, 490 Moray place (off Princes st,), Dunedin. Charges moderate.—Advt