THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1927. AN AGE OF REVELATIONS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20292, 28 December 1927, Page 8

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1927. AN AGE OF REVELATIONS.

“The fact is we are living in an age of ‘ revelations.’ The public seems to be hankering after this sort of thing and while it lasts there will be people found to provide them with it.” This philosophic remark by Lord Sydenham is applied to the recent publication of the previously suppressed portions of the Greville Memoirs, which a few weeks ago provided a somewhat lively topic of discussion in the Home papers. Opinions have differed on the question whether the suppressed parts of the famous diaries should ever have been permitted to see the light of day. The suppression of them by Henry Reeve, to whom Greville entrusted the manuscript on his death, was undoubtedly an act ol discretion. But that was 50 years ago. According to Sir Sidney Low, Reeve rightly left aside “ the heap of malignant and largely mendacious tittletattle which formed the main subject of the hasty and careless jottings now thrown upon the world,” and had Greville been alive to-day he would not have permitted these pages to be printed. Greville, he observes, was not a scrupulous or delicately-minded person, but he had some sense of decency. It seems to be the general opinion that the unexpurgated edition will detract from rather than add to Greville’s reputation. What his first editor suppressed were naturally those parts of the chronicle the recital of which would have given pain to the illustrious lady who then occupied the throne. As it was, Queen Victoria was sufficiently horrified when the Greville Memoirs were first published in 1874. Her indignation at what she regarded as the treacherous disclosures of a confidential servant—Greville had been Clerk of the Privy Council for 40 years—was expressed in strong terms in her letters. It is fairly suggested that to-day, with this new edition of the memoirs at hand, no reader will turn to the bewildering mass of Greville that has been familiar over the past 40 years; that-readers will seek out the suppressions, and Greville will consequently appear to them as a scandalous book, entirely out of its true perspective—an impression that will only be corrected by full reading, for on the things that matter it is full of interest. Sir George Arthur, the biographer of Lord Kitchener, takes the view, on the other hand, that these diaries are being published quite late enough. It was surely much better, he suggests, that they should be issued now, when their accuracy can be tested by persons still living, who go back into the times touched upon, or whose parents lived in those days. The volume containing, inter alia, the hitherto suppressed portions of the memoirs has been attacked from two points of view—the publication of indiscretions and the method of editing. Mr Edward Shanks, assistant editor of the Mercury, writes: “ The suppressed parts of Greville’s Diary are of great importance to all who care for our history. They are a national possession, and the English public has a right to inquire how they came to be presented to it in a way that robs them of so much of their value. What should we think if a newly-discovered play by Shakespeare were to reach us first in a film version prepared at Hollywood?” As for the “ indiscretions,” it will be gathered that, while there is nothing in the unexpurgated memoirs casting the smallest reflection upon the high personal character of Queen Victoria herself, there is a good deal of illumination of an unflattering kind respecting certain other exalted personages. A painful revelation has reference to the very ill relations that subsisted between the Princess Victoria and the youthful Queen Victoria and her mother, the Duchess of Kent. But, then, wo have it from Sir George Arthur that concerning Greville’s “account of the Duchess of Kent, and the suggestion that she was a little light in her conduct with Sir Johu Conroy, that is as much a matter of history as the relations of Mary Queen of Scots with Bothwell and those of Queen Elizabeth with Leicester.” The editor of the Greville Diary is criticised for quoting the extract:—“September 17, 1855: The Queen, he said, was going on better than formerly: uot a badhearted woman, and kept in order by fear of her husband, who she thought would poison her, of which he is very capable.” Mr Edward Shanks points out that it is impossible to discover the precise application of this sentence without knowledge of the context, which is precisely what has not been supplied. He observes that while strange rumours about the Prince Consort were current during the Crimean War, and Greville occasionally reported wild stories, it is almost incredible that either he or the person unspecified—probably Lord Clarendon—should so calmly have put the Prince down as “ very capable ” of murdering the Queen. This commentator adds that further reference to the diary from which the extract quoted was taken suggests that it may have been said of some other royal personage Regarding the merit of Charles Greville as a chronicler there seems to exist a curious diversity of opinion. Sir Almeric Fitzroy, who for 25 years held the same post as Greville, considers that “not excluding Walpole, no diarist in this country aimed at and maintained such a high standard of reliability.” Lord Esher expresses a very different opinion-. “Greville was an old gossip, and knew a lot of people, and was very deaf. You cannot trust a single word he says. He just put down all the gossip he heard. Greville himself was a very ill-natured fellow.”

DEMOCRACY AND EDUCATION. Considerable interest has been evoked in political and educational circles in England by an address on “Democracy” delivered by Lord Grey of Falloden at Birmingham on October 21, and it is certain that serious students of politics and civics will be fully repaid for the attention they may give to a searching and illuminative examination of a crucial problem. Lord Grey preserves the fine traditional connection of practical politics and philosophic culture which is sometimes supposed to be nearly obsolete. The literary-political flavour of Disraeli and Gladstone, Rosebery and Balfour, is pleasantly perceptible in ail the utterances of the statesman who directed the foreign policy of Great Britain so sagaciously both before and during the Great War, and who, as he is only in his sixty-fifth year, may still have a prominent part to play on the stage of public life. Inheriting the Whig tradition of his ancestral house, and tempering that tradition with a more definite Liberal colour, Lord Grey takes, as might have been expected, a balanced view of the conditions and prospects of democracy. It may be

■d that his attitude towards the subject of popular governmental control is soberly sympathetic and shrewdly critical. He is not enthusiastic or even surely confident, but his reflection and observation lead him to moderate optimism rather than to pessimistic apprehensiveness. Weighing the merits and drawbacks of the democratic system, he arrives at the conclusion that it is to be preferred to any of its rivals, though it falls far short of ideal achievement. “A true estimate of the merits of democracy,” says Lord Grey, “ is best reached by comparing it with all other systems of government that we see in operation or of which history tells.' A thoughtful comparison will no doubt make us observe that almost every system of government has some advantages that are peculiar to itself as well as disadvantages; but there is none that in such large measure combines stability with progress and order with liberty.” It might, perhaps, be hinted that there is a shade of truism in this remark; but Lord Grey’s treatment of a rather difficult subject is preserved from triteness by the quality of originality which he is able to impart. The Birmingham address should be studied in its entirety—read (as the collect says), marked, learned, and inwardly digested—for the tenor and trend of an elaborate argument cannot easily be summarised. Special notice, however, may be taken of Lord Grey’s comments on the relations of education and democracy. Tennyson’s “ Knowledge comes, but Wisdom lingers,” might have been the text of this portion of the address. Education, Lord Grey remarked, leads to strength and stability of character, personal and national, provided that education is not regarded merely as knowledge. There is a wholesome corrective lesson, for New Zealand as well as for other countries, in these observations:

It is possible to overrate the effect of knowledge in the working of democracy. Knowledge is no doubt a factor, but is not the decisive factor

in influencing conduct. . . . Knowledge is of the greatest value in preventing wrong decisions, but it does not of itself lead to decision and action. We should therefore admit and urge its great value to a democracy; but do not let us expect it to create in a people the character - and qualities that make democracy succeed. Education

will not save a democracy where the people have not yet acquired, or have ceased to possess, these qualities.

In this connection, and at this season, it may be pertinent to recall a dictum, much discussed at the time, pronounced by a distinguished scientific professor in Dunedin at a Christmas prize-giving ceremony. “ Education,” said Dr Parker, “is not the accumulation of knowledge ; it is the training of the physical, mental, and moral faculties.”

In the City Police Court yesterday before Mr A. Lowrie, J.P. and Mr R. Ferguson, J.P., a married woman pleaded guilty to a charge of drunkenness. Senior Sergeant Quarterraain stated that the accused had not been before the court previously, but the police had received numerous complaints about her drinking habits. He had no objection to her being convicted and discharged on condition that she consented to the issue of a prohibition order. He mentioned that she had a child about 10 or 12 years of age, and he wished to warn her that if she continued to drink to excess there would bo a danger of the child being taken away from her. The Accused said she did not admit that he drank to excess, but stated that she was quite agreeable to the issue of a prohibition order. The accused was convicted and discharged on condition that she took out a prohibition order, and was told that she must clearly understand that unless she pulled herself together there was a iossi bility that her child would bo handed over to the State.

Several anglers staying at Wairakei had good fishing last week in the Waikato River, above the Huka Falls, and it is apparent that the condition of the fish in the river at present is better than that of the lake fish (states the New Zealand Herald). The best day's catch taken by one rod on the fly consisted of seven rish weighing and during 12 days a total of 50 fish was secured by the same rod. The largest fish, taken by another rod, was a 91b rainbow. An Auckland angler familiar with the Waikato states that after examining and fishing the river between the Huka Falls and the Aratiatia rapids ho found that there were not so many young fish in this portion as mere were above the falls, though there were to be seen a number of largo and old fish. He concluded that this portion of the river is not stocking itself, and suggested that the stocking of it by the department would bo a profitable undertaking. The joys of teaching are not without surprises (remarks the Timaru Post). The Clandeboye School sent 10 pupils for the proficiency examination. The results are: Eight proficiency, one competency and one failure. The boy who failed stands third in marks in the whole school; last year he was second, and the year before he was third, so that from the consistency ol lus work better things were expected Two of the boys who gained their proficiency were considered doubtful by the master. Their general unconcern entailed upon the master constant concern. Remarking upon the unexpected happenings, the master said: “Probably their general unconcern was conducive to their success in the examination room, while the strange surroundings were perhaps the other boy’s undoing.’’

When visiting Queensland recently .Ur U. Redmond, of Wellington, made a stay at Rockhampton, which he believes is destined to be the Riv.era of Australia, as its winters are superb. Mr Redmond was visiting t.ie local botanical gardens in company with the curator, when the latter suddenly addressed him with, ‘‘ Now I’ve got something that will really interest you. What do you think of these? ” indicating throe lino uees in full foliage. To the visitor’s great sur prise (says the Domin’on they were three well-grown New Zealand kauris, full-boletl and between 50ft and 60ft in height, really fine specimens of the great tree that is so rapidly disappearing from the forests of the north. Mr Redmond learned that these trees had been planted nearly 50 years ago, and though doing well, were still youngsters of their giant species.

It was up along the north line. The various occupants of a temporary calico abode included a new arrival to the Dominion. He was inclined to be sceptical regarding the dangers attendant upon rural existence in this young country, and openly boasted that he would like to see the beast or thing that would disturb hia equanimity. Nemesis duly came. Retiring to his bunk one night, something unspeakably chilly but big and unquestionably mobile struck terror into the heart of the boastful one, who arose with alacrity and incontinently fled. Subsequent investigation revealed a “moored” eel of considerable bulk as the cause of the panic.

The Chairman of the Wellington Hospital Board stated at a meeting of that body last week that notification had been received of the Minister's approval to the establishment of a post-graduate course for nurses at Wellington The board resolved —“ That the general principle of the estabhshmen’ of a post-graduate course for nurses be approved, and that, in order that the boards of the four centres may arnv at some uniformity with regard to details, the following suggest.ons be forwarded to Auckland. Christchurch and Dunedin for favourable consideration: (1) That each lospital board shall provide at least two pupils for this course. (2) That, six months’ mave on pay be granted to the selected puj-ils, who will return to the service of the board for two years at the end of the term. (3) That the pupils pay their own fees, hoard and lodging. (4) That the term be from March 1 to August ■31.” Mr F. Castle said the suggestion had been made that other boards than those in the chief centres should be communicated with Mr Duke remarked that the question would be considered at a meeting of the executive of the Hospital Boards’ Association early in the New Year.

In his post-sessional address at Nelson last week, Mr H. Atmore, M.P., said the recent session was not a record in length of sitting, but the House sat for 105 days or 776 hours; and as the estimated cos., per hour of parliamentary sessions was £6O, the cost was £45,560.

“ The Hastings orchards ire as good as the best in Now Zealand,” stated an orchard inspector a few days ago. ”At present there is more development in orchard extension in Hastings than any where. The production an acre leads that of any other district. I can quote where orchards produce over 1000 '">ushels an acre of marketable fruit, The iverage production in the whole district exceeds 600 bushels an acre, while the Nelson figure, for example, runs between 200 and 500. Thu alluvial soil of the Hastings plains, witn cultivation, holds the moisture in spite of the dry seasons, with the result that the trees maintain their vigour and production. The quality of the soil, with the remarkable climate, suits the tree growth. I recall one peach orchard that gave two bushels a .tree in the third season after planting. The Hastings orchards are übject to late frost, but damaging frosts are extremely rare,” continued the inspector. “ They are never severe enough to affect materially the district output, although they may affect individuals The visitations of hailstorms are no more frequent than in other fruit districts. What is more important, however, is the fact that all the diseases are under control, and there is no serious difficulty in fighting any of them.

Speaking of the Onakaka iron deposits at Nelson last Wednesday night, Mr H. Atmore; M.P., said the directors of the company had been successful in obtaining the promise that the dumping of Indian iron by the Tata Company would tie stopped. The iron was produced by Indian labour, which was paid lOd per day of 12 hours, whilst the lowest wage paid at Onakaka was about 15s per day of eight hours. The imported iron was being sold at £l4 per ton prior to the advent of the Onakaka Company, which sold its iron to-day at slightly over £6 per ton. The pig iron was of such high quality that an Australian firm had imported nearly 1000 tons, although it was subject to a duty of £3 per ton when it entered the Commonwealth. It was obvious that if the New Zealand company was starved out by the dumping practices of the Indian company the manufacturers of iron goods in New Zealand would have to pay the high prices formerly charged by the Indian company. This was surely a case where the determination and persistence of a local company should receive adequate protection from unfair competition, especially in view of the fact that it could produce cheaper than any company in tho world where the product was handled by white labour.

A progress report on the investigations of Dr P. Marshall, F.R.G.S., into the building stones of the Dominion has been received by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. The tests, which include the determination of specific gravity, crushing strength, absorption of water, and porosity, have been made of all samples obtained. A few samples a re yet required from Nelson and Westland and the region of the West Coast Sounds. Photographs of buildings constructed in New Zealand stone are also required. Dr Marshall is incorporating the results of his investigations in a booklet, for which most of the manuscript is ready. The spirit'd Christmas, heightened by an excellent community disposition, permeated the Pleasant Valley Sanatorium, where the patients, in fancy dress, entered with zest into a senes of varied revels over the week-end. An outstanding feature which impressed visitors to the institution on Boxing Day was a parade in force of the outdoor patients, male and female. The “ Wairunga Highland Band ” was an exceedingly clever conception. Coloured rugs were deftly improvised into kilts and plaids for a selected sextet of lady “ pipers ” ; foliage from the trees surrounding the pretty grounds provided capital sporans, while the “pipes," also cleverly improvised, lent a touch of realism that caught on immensely. A procession, with the “ band ’’ and a stately lady pipe-major, chain-marched past the quarters of the bed patients, and a competition for the most effective costumes or impersonations was subsequently judged and prizes presented to the winners by the resident medical officer. A very successful concert, organised and conducted by the patients, was held in the pavilion in the evening Tasteful decorations and an ample Christmas tree were other seasonable features. It is doubtful (says the Stratford Rost) if there will be much support for the Dunedin coroner’s plea that an age limit of 60 years should be placed on drivers of motor cars. Mr J. R. Bartholomew stated that he had presided over more than one inquest where a motoring fatality was due to an elderly driver. Most coroners could tell of far more car tragedies where the youth of the driver was responsible. It is not age but temperament that is the chief matter. Elderly people are usually cautious, hesitating to take risks at which younger people would smile, and it would be interesting to have statistics recorded giving the ages of drivers convicted or accused of negligence. The usual Christmas meeting at Ratana this year was attended by about 30,000, which is the smallest gathering of the kind yet held, but this is accounted for (reports our special correspondent at Wanganui) by the fact that another big gathering is to be held on January 25, when a ceremony will take place in connection with the temple. Last year it was officially opened, but the interior was not then complete. The Christmas gathering is said to have been most enjoyable. Among those present was the Japanese bishop.

The annual summer conference of the New Zealand Student Christian Movement will be opened to-morrow at the Waitaki Boys’ High School. The movement is fortunate in having the fine buildings and grounds at Waitaki for it? annual gathering. -\bout 170 student? from all the university college? and training colleges in New Zealand will meet m conference from December 29 to January 5 The chief subject of study is “ The Personality of Jesus Christ.” There will lie addresses and discussions also on “The Pacific,” ‘‘Science and Religion," The Modern Missionary,” “ The Spiritual Interpretation of History.” Among the speakers attending the conference will be Bishop West Watson, of Christchurch, Dr Holloway, of Otago University, Mr Walter Nash, of Wellington, and officers of the movement Miss Doris Gavin, whom the N.Z.S.C.M. maintains as a worker among students in India, will be present at the conference and will speak about India.

The prolonged spell of fine weather still continues (reports our Queenstown corre-> spondent). The drought has become a very serious matter for the farmers, and soma of the crops are already past redemption. The crowd of holiday makers here is the largest ever known in the history of Queenstown as a tourist resort, dose on 200 people are under canvas on the camping grounds. The bowling tournament yesterday attracted a record entry.

The Dunedin Euchre Assembly will hold its last tourney of the season to-night in the' Waratah Tea Rooms. Arthur Malcolm, Rheumatic Expert, is retiring shortly. Read new' advertisement on another page of this issue.—Advt. The new “Dorothy’' Wedding Ring is the popular shape. Its comfortable, too. At Williamsons, next the Bristol. —Advt. Many years' experience, plus the most up-to-date equipment scientific optometry ca. suggest, entitles W V. Sturmer, G.A.0.C., D. 5.0.1., Octagon, Dunedin, to guarantee complete satisfaction in all eye troubles. Advt.

A E. J. Blakeley and W. E. Bagley, dentists, B. k of Australasia, corner of Bond and Rattray streets (next Telegraph Office) Telephone 12-359. —Advt. Xmas Jewellery.—Compare our values. Just landed, large selection Diamond Rings, Reliable Watches, Jewellery, and Silverware. —Peter Dick, the most reliable jewellers, watchmakers, and opticians, 490 Moray pin re, Dunedin. —Advt.