THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 1923. POLITICAL VICISSITUDES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18802, 3 March 1923, Page 6

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 1923. POLITICAL VICISSITUDES.

The Labour Party iu New South Wales has been proving itself faithful —after its fashion. It has been indulging in a heavy washing of dirty linen, and from the reek of the laundry have issued results well adapted to point a moral or adorn a tale. In April last the name of Dooley was one to conjure with. It was that of the Premier of New South Wales, the pinnacle and apes of the party which makes political machinery its specialty. If Mr Dooley as head of the Labour Government was oven theij more or less an automaton, bound to comport himself as the machine dictated, none the less was his place exalted and his stature magnified. To-day, such are the rapid contrasts which Time’s whirligig occasionally provides, he is an outcast, expelled from leadership and from the Labour movement by the party’s relentless executive. This swift reversal of fortune might serve as a text for a sermon upon vaulting ambition or for a discourse upon the bonds of comradeship. Blow, blow, thou winter wind!

Thou aro not so' unkind as man’s ingratitude. The wind that has now bereft Mr Dooley of two mantles in quick succession has been cyclonic. It came first from the general body of the electors, weary of the Government which ho headed. Then it veered about and came straight from his own party, and its breath was rude. The outcome is that Mr Dooley finds himself willy-nilly outside the fold in which he ranked among the elect, and the gate is barred against him. Meanwhile in his place in the New South Wales Legislative Council sits Mr J. B. Suttor, unperturbed but with deprecating smile, as one who should say, “Here’s a coil about nothing.” This gentleman's share in the business may bo explained in a few words. He was elevated to the Legislative Council by the Dooley Government without possessing, it is alleged, the necessary qualifications for appointment under the auspices of the A.L.P. : in other words, he was not upon the list of the faithful, and was not eligible, so it is claimed, and deep were the murmurs of the stalwarts who had borne the heat and burden of the day in the ranks of Labour only to find themselves thrnst aside in his favour. The party committee which investigated the dark mysteries of his appointment reported that Mr Sdttor was a member of an obscure country Labour league in an irregular way, and that his eligibility for nomination under league rules was the result qf “faked tickets.” It is not likely that the body of electors in New South Wales will be much concerned as to whether Mr Suttor was a bona fide member of a Labour league for three years or not. It may on the other hand be rather amused at the denouement, and Mr Suttor may conceivably achieve some little notoriety. As the shafts of envy cannot interfere with his enjoyment of his lifeappointment the brunt of the Labour Party’s dissatisfaction has fallen upon the head of Mr Dooley. The investigating sub-committee expressed its belief that Mr Dooley was well aware of the circumstances surrounding “the corrupt appointment,” and that he placed himself above the Labour movement in advocating such an appointment. Its report was adopted, which means that Mr Dooley’s defence or explanation was not considered satisfactory. Other issues have no doubt impinged upon the leading incident in the general squabble, but the party has found its scapegoat, and the machine has not gone without its victim. Evidently Mr Dooley had a premonition of what was coming, as he was recently reported to have said that there were certain persons in the movement who were trying to hound him out I of it, as they had tried before, but “even if he were expelled he would remain in

the movement and fight for his honour.” In the light of the freedom that has now been conferred upon him by the executive of his party, he will have more leisure to ponder over the beauties of the machine and the vicissitudes of a political career. In the message from Sydney relating to his ejection from the Labour Party it is stated that this was the consequence of a published statement in which he described some of the members of the executive as “crooks.” “If it were so it was a grievous fault.” And grievously has Mr Doqley answered it. But consolation may come to him.

BRITISH MINING CONDITIONS

The cable yesterday furnished a summarised report of an interview between Mr Bonar Law and a deputation representing the Miners’ Federation, which asked for the institution of an inquiry concerning present wages and conditions. The mining industry is experiencing a “boom,” which, though.immediately connected with the exceptional demands for coal in consequence of the French occupation of the Ruhr district, is also a normal development of the not-, able expansion of trade which marked the year 1922, when the output approximated to that of the record year 1913. The expansion has not been accompanied by an increase in the rate of wagesj and the position of the working miners is admittedly unsatisfactory; but to say this is not tantamount to assuming that blame attaches to the colliery owners. If wages have been low, so (in spite of the large output) have profits. A quotation from the latest available Monthly Review issued by Barclay’s Bank may throw some light on the situation. “This achievement [the expansion of the coal trade] has been secured at the cost of great sacrifices to. colliery owners and workmen. The latter have worked throughout the year at an average wage of a lower purchasing power than that of 1913, and the owners have been satisfied with a rate of profit not only considerably below the pre-war rate, but much less than the standard .rate contemplated under the original terms of the National Agreement of June, 1921. These sacrifices could not continue indefinitely. Neither labour nor capital will remain in any industry for a long period if denied a subsistence wage or a subsistence rate of profit.” The writer goes on to note that during some months in 1922, when the industry was carried on at subsistence level, there were unmistakable indications of widespread aud graye unrest among the miners, and of financial difficulties embarrassing some of the owners. A$ the same time there was an unusual absence of industrial disputes and an unusual degree of co-operation between employers and workmen. It will be remembered that after the great strike in 1921 following on the decontrol of the mines, National and District Boards were established to determine the wages payable, the determination being based upon “the proceeds of the industry” in the various districts. Present conditions are controlled by the agreements made at that time, for the maintenance of which the Government is responsible. The arrangement has not worked as well as was expected or at- least hoped, but Mr Bonar Law holds that the present " boom ” time is not opportune for revision or even for investigation. The grounds for this judgment are not easily obvious, though it may be regarded as certain that the Prime Minister would gladly take any practicable step to relieve the situation. At the beginning of January it was reported that thfe prospects for the year were very encouraging. “The home demand is increasing; there is no sign of any imminent contraction in the foreign demand,” —as a matter of fact there has been a very large increase of coal export on account of the Ruhr occupation,—“employers .and workmen are co-operating as they have not done since 1913; and prices are moving upwards.” It will be unsatisfactory and puzzling if these improving conditions of trade do not lead to improved conditions of living for the workers, more especially if they are shown to exist on a permanent rather than an ephemeral basis.

The Tramways Department of the City Council is at present preparing’ the necessary information to enable it to obtain an Order-in-Council for the Opoho line. As soon as the Order-in-Council has been granted a start will be made with the work. The last of the special work required for taking the oars into the new portion of the tramsheds is now nearing completion, and the lines will be in use some time next week. Another cross-over has still to he put in before the service will derive the frill benefit of the new work. At 5.40 last evening a collision occurred in front of the railway station between O’Briens motor lorry and Waldren’s taxicar. The motor oar escaped scathless, and proceeded on its journey with its passengers, but the lorry had the front springs broken and also the radius rod, and it had to bo towed away by another vehicle. No one was injured. It was decided at the meeting of the Water Committee of the City Council on Thursday night that the working of a second, shift at the Southern Reservoir should be discontinued after the end of this week. Cr Begg (chairman of the committee) informed a Daily Times reporter yesterday that this decision had been come to as a result of the bad weather, and also on account of tie reduced amount of daylight. Cr Begg added that it was still expected to have the reservoir in commission again by next summer, and he anticipates that the actual excavation operations will be completed by August of this year. The crusher is now being got in readiness to proceed with the concreting of the sides of the basin, and some of the men who .were employed on the second shift will be retained for this work. , Regarding the complaint which was recently made by the Importers and Shippers’ Association as to the delay in obtaining delivery of the cargo landed ex the Remuera and tlio Athenic, the District Traffic Manager of Railways informed a Daily Times reporter last evening that the Remuera commenced discharging on February 9 and finished on February 19. The first of the cv’.rgo was put out of the trucks at Dunedin on February 9, and the last of -t on the morning of February 20. The delay in the discharging operations at Port Chalmers was due to the fact that a large quantity of iron rails were being loaded into the hold containing the general cargo for . Dunedin. In respect to the Alhenio the last of her cargo was unloaded on February 21. The goods were available in Dundin as they were discharged from the vessel, but as the papers did not come to hand for several days after the ship’s arrival consignees could not obtain the orders for delivery. The hulk Countess of Enroll, which sank three weeks ago at Queen’s wharf, wa« successfully refloated yesterday morning (says a Wellington Press Association message). The coal was discharged from her holds by a crane, and divers completely blocked up her ports and openings. The vessel was then pumped dry and floated on her own accord.

Three-quarters of a oenrtury will have olapoed on March 23 of this 'ear sinco the arrival at Port Chalmers of tho ship John Wickliffe with the first contingent of passengers organised by the Free Church of Scotland -Lay Association to found tho province of Otago. About a month later arrived with a much larger contingent the ship Philip jLaing, which had taken her departure from Glasgow a day earlier than tho John Wickliffe from Southampton. In connection with this memorable occasion the Otago Witness, to be published on Tuesday, March 20, will issue on illustrated supplement of 24 pages that will servo to tell the story of tho progress made by the settlement as the result of tho labours of tho hardy and adventurous pioneers and those who followed them. Some of tho views will be of tho early days of tho settlement, followed by way of contrast by views of the sumo locality of to-day. As a further illustration of progress views will be given of the chief towns and boroughs in Otago and Southland, of early Dunedin and Invercargill, and of these centres of to-day, also views typical of the chief industries of the province, and of the religious, educational, humanitarian, and social service institutions. The letterpress will include concise reviews of the progress made in agricultural, pastoral, and industrial affairs. The issue will contain the news of the week and the usual features. As it is intended to print only a limited number of copies over and above the ordinary issue orders for copies should be sent at once to local agents or to tho manager. The Hon. W. Downie Stewart infused many touches of humour into a speech which ho delivered before the Fire Brigades’ Conference yesterday, but perhaps the best story which lie told was one against himself. He did not know much about tho practical work of a fire brigade, he said, as ho had never served in a brigade; but he had been served by a brigade. On one occasion when seated in his home reading he waa interrupted by three stalwart firemen, who curtly told him that his chimney was on fire and then with all despatch proceeded to extinguish the fire. When this had been done he asked them to accept some light refreshments, and, in expressing their thanks, took occasion to remark that tho hospitality extended to them would not prevent their host from having to appear before the court. “In due course,” added Mr Stewart, “I appeared before a magistrate, and although I was Mayor of the city at tho time I was fined 5s and costa” While watching tho team of one of the visiting fire brigades at practice yesterday morning a local business man had a narrow escape from being knocked over 1 by tho water coming from the load. Tho incident, which seamed to appeal to his sense of humour, had a sequel that few would have expected, for it set him thinking. On meeting the secretary of the Brigades’ Demonstration (Mr E, S. Wilson) he remarked that he appreciated the work of the hrigadesmen. Questions that he asked about the source of the income necessary to conduct demonstrations being answered, he remarked, “Dm, rather precarious. I’ll give you twenty-five pounds!’’ It was stated at the last meeting of tho City Council that the residents of Gallon Hill wore experiencing some inconvenience owing to the low pressure of water in this locality. In reply to a question yesterday, Cr Begg (chairman of tho Water Committee) stated that building operations had proceeded so rapidly at CaJton Hill that the present Sin main waa insufficient to fulfil the requirements of- the residents. The city engineer had therefore been instructed to proceed at onoe with the construction of a larger main. Word has been received in Christchurch (says a Press Association message) that Cabinet lias granted a subsidy of £IOOO to the Bridge of Remembrance War Memorial which is under construction at Christchurch.

A Hamilton Press Association message reports that at a meeting of suppliers and committeemen of the New Zealand Dairy Company the following resolution was carried;—‘Tlhat in view of a statement appearing in the press reporting the spread of the oattle tick in the Waikato this meeting Strongly urges the Stock Department to make immediate exhaustive investigations to ascertain the facts and to take such action as may be necessary for the safety of the dairy industry.”

A man was airested at MiddWraxch on Thursday on a charge of failing to observe the terms on •which he was granted probation. He was brought to Dunedin yesterday, and will appear before the City Police Court this morning. Owing to a critical dispute over the employment of non-unionists, Mr Steve Borebarn, of the New Zelaand Workers’ Union, has received instructions to proceed to the -Uilbum Lime and Cement Company’s lime quarry to-day in order to endeavour to bring about a settlement.

An interesting discussion took place at the annual meeting of the United Fire Brigades Association’s Accident Society yesterday with reference to the speed with which brigades should proceed to the seem© of a fire. Various phases of the matter were referred to, roost of the speakers emphasising the necessity for taking every precaution to safeguard the lives of the firemen. It was pointed out that tho Government could not take any action and tho question was one for settlement by the municipal authorities. Some of the speakers expressed the opinion that they ocrald trust to the discretion of the drivers of the motor engines, hut others did not agree with this view, contending that some definite course of action should be laid down. Eventually it was decided to bring tho matter before the Municipal Association, with a view to scouring a Uniform course of action.

The first Christchurch prosecution under the Hospital Act forbidding the use of a bouse as a private hospital for more than two patients unless licensed took place yesterday morning (says a Press Association message),' when Emma. Irving was charged with having four maternity cases at her home. She pleaded that the doctor sent two emergency cases, and in one ease a baby was bom half an hour after admission. ahe magistrate, in imposing a fine of £1 and costs, said it was necessary that private maternity hospitals should be under the strictest supervision, and unless registered such supervision waa impossible. Owing bo the non-arrival of the official list of matriculation certificates for Wellington (says a Christchurch Press Association message), several students have been refused enrolment at the Canterbury College. However, the trouble is only temporary, and no delay has occurred in regard to the lectures of the students concerned. The registrar of the college says that the late arrival of the matriculation list is annoying, but enrolment has been granted to all who produce certificates. Figures from the chief electoral office show that Mr P. Fraser, M.P., received bBP,7 votes at the Wellington Centra! election in December instead of 5567, as was published some weeks ago (says a Press Association wire from Wellington). Mr W. H. Bennett’s final figures wore 1625 and Mr A. B. Siovwright’s 1550. Mr Fraser, who had a majority of 42C2 over Mr Bennett, received the biggest vote of any of tho candidates at the general election, the second on the list being Mr M. J. Ravage (Auckland Central), whose total was 5694, and the third Mr F. N. Bartram (Grey Lynn), who polled 6643. The largest absolute majority at the election was secured by Mr Massey, who defeated bis only opponent for Franklin (Mr J. Rea) by 2750 votes. The second largest absolute majority vote was recorded by Mr Fraser, who polled 2652 votes more than his two opponents combined.

Special services -will be held at the Methodist Central Mission tomorrow. The Rev. Percy Paris will conduct the morning service. In the evening the Rev. Percy Knight, 8.A., will bo the preacher, and Mrs Wilfred Andrews the soloist.

At Trinity Church to-morrow morning thoro will bo a service of dedication of deaconesses and missionary sisters. At the evening service tho Rev. Isaac Shimtnin. a distinguished minister of the British Wesleyan Conference, will speak. Mr Bind will conduct services to-morrow at the Tailoressoe’ Social Hall, and at tho South Dunedin Town Hall.

Addresses will be given in the Mornington Baptist Church to-morrow by Messrs Jefferson and Powell. A lantern lecture will also be given on Wednesday, when Mr Powell will describe his missionary work in China. The autumn show of the Dunedin Horticultural Society will be held in the Art Gallery on Wednesday and Thursday next. Entries will close on Monday evening.

A mooting of ladies will bo held in the Town Hull on Monday evening, when a scheme for raising the balance of tho money required to complete Dunedin's war momorial will bo discussed. Tiio idea has been suggested by Major Dampen, and it is thought it will appeal to Dunedin citizens jus a good moans of raising tho necessary amount required to complete tho memorial.

The United Starr-Bowkctt .Society advertises £36CO for disposal on March 5, and invites membership for tho new No. 7 grauo. Tho secretary cf the Dunedin and Suburban Money Club advises that loans to the amount of £320 were applied for at this week’s meeting of trustees. Mr J. S. Codings, organiser of the Queensland Labour Party, will deliver a lecture in tho Empire Theatre to-morrow at 7.30 p.m. on “Labour Pule in Queensland,”

r lhe next Dunedin wocl sale was originally fixed to tie held on Saturday, 10th insl., hut to meet tho wishes of won] buyers it has been arranged to commence tho sale at 8 a.m. on Friday, tho 9th inst. Notices erf the following Sunday services will be found in our advertising columns: —Anglican; St. Paul’s, St. Matthew’s, All Saints’. Presbyterian: First, Knox, St.| Andrew's, Iloslyn, Chalmers. North-East Talley, Caveraham. Methodist: Central Mission, Trinity, St. Kilda, Dundas Street. Baptist: Hanover Street, Mornington. Congregational : Moray Place. Wesley; Cargill road. Salvation Army, Dowling street. Church of Christ: Tabernacle. Thoosophists: Oddfellows’ Hall. Miss Jinks: How young you are looking now! Do tell mo your secret. Mrs Binks: “No-Dubbing” Laundry Help, that’s my treasured secret. "iNo-Rubhing” does tho hard work, while I do the light.—Advt.

You want nothing but the best of workmanship in your suit or costume, at prices you can afford to pay. Quality not sacrificed for price.—G. H. Roberts, tailor, Stock Exchange Buildings.—Advt. To bo able to buy a. single garment at wholesale prices should prove a great draw to tho shopping community of Dunedin. Should it be true that a Wholesale Warehouse intends to sell direct to the public, w© anticipate a record attendance the days their doors are opened.—Advt, Arista crepe knitting silk, in. two blended colours, also plain, is to bo had at Mollisons Ltd. in all the best shades. —Advt.

Try Watson’s No. 10 in hot milk for nightcap. Induces sound, refreshing sleep. Greal whisky.—Advt. A. B. J. Blakeley, dentist. Bank tf Australasia, comer of Bond ana Rattray streets (next Telegraph Office;. Telephone 1859.Advt.

Choice Jewellery.—Just landed, large selection diamond rings, watches, brooches, pendants, and silver ware. Compare values.— Peter Dick, Jewellers, 490 Moray place.— Advt.