MR HAMILTON COMPLAINS.

Southland Times, Issue 18746, 4 December 1919, Page 4

MR HAMILTON COMPLAINS.

Mr J. R. Hamilton tells us in a letter published this morning that he was “pain fully surprised” by the statement we made in an editorial on Saturday that ‘‘the expectations we at one time held in regard to him had l>een disappointed during the last four or five years.” Mr Hamilton, while giving us credit for “being fair at all times and on all subjects,” charges us by inference with unfairness in this comment, and goes on to suggest that during the war he did his full share of patriotic war work but did not think it necessary to keep his work and his name “continually in the limelight.” We can assure Mr Hamilton that our desire still is to be scrupulously fair, and if we have done him an injustice we

shall promptly and fully acknowledge it. But our mind goes back to the raising of the fund for soldiers and their dependents and Mr Hamilton’s attack upon the Southland League in connection with the administration of tho fund. If Mr Hamilton was not. actuated by animus towards the league, what did he afterwards do to assist in (he administration of the fund? We recall that Mr Hamilton used this question to make a charge against the League of having tried to get a totalisator permit for a trotting meeting in Invercargill and when he was challenged to prove his allegation lie failed to do so, but made another, and worse, charge that the secretary of the League had falsified his minutes in order to conceal the League’s connection with this matter. If Mr Hamilton was genuine in his criticism why did he not afterwards assist in (he administration of the fund? Why did he no) form a branch of the War Funds Association at Winton and act on the central executive at Invercargill? If Mr Hamilton did all his work for this fund sub rosa he can perhaps toll us about it now without putting too severe a strain on his modesty. Again we may he doing Mr Hamilton an injustice, but it is not within our recollection that he was a tower of strength to the recruiting movement in this district. The call for recruits was so urgent at one time and such prominence was given to it, that those engaged in the work could hardly escape publicity, but we do not remember (hat Mr Hamilton s name was conspicuous. As a candidate for Parliament, seeking the votes of the electors, Mr Hamilton is now entitled to give a full account of his recruiting work without incurring any taunt of seeking the limelight.” Then ns regards electrification, the most, important public project ever sub* mitted to tho people of this district, Mr Hamilton may have addressed meetings in favour of the enterprise all round Winton and canvassed industriously for signatures to the petition and agreements, but if ho did we have not yet heard of it. Here again Mr Hamilton is justified in claiming full recognition of his services, and we arc ready to make full acknowledgment of them as soon as he tells us what they were.

The Mararoa was to bring down an Australian mail from Wellington on Tuesday night and the Invercargill portion should reach here to-day. The s.s. Kigoma, which brings home draft 298 of returned soldiers is reported to have left the United Kingdom on November 21. She is due at Wellington on January 20, and has on board 66 officers, 3 nurses, and 242 other ranks. Her civilian complement comprises 23 men, 112 women, and 30 children. The return of business in bankruptcy in the district of Otago *md Southland for the month of November, 1919, furnished by the Official Assignee (Mr W. W. Samson) shows that there were two bankruptcies recorded during last month for the district, making 16 bankruptcies on hand in the Dunedin office, and 16 on hand in the offices at Invercargill, Gore, and Cam aru. Riverton is now the proud possessor of a brass band with 28 playing members. Instruments have been bought from the Bth Regiment Band, and have been paid off, so that the baud will start free from debt. The first practice was held on Tuesday night when there was a full muster. SergeantMajor Hunter, who has been secured as bandmaster, is a veteran, instrumentalist. A man who assisted in the -judging of Jersey cattle said that he had been judging cuttle for a great many years, and the Jersey class at the Stratford Show was the best that had ever been seen in New Zealand; nothing like it could bo seen in Australia, and he believed that a better class had never been Seen in the world. This is fulsome praise, remarks the Taranaki News, but it came from a man who spoke in all seriousness and whose opinion on Jersey cattle is respected by every breeder. The fact that the Southland League has convened a conference to discuss the possibilities of the manufacture of cement in Southland recalls to mind the fact that some thirty-five years ago Captain F. J Thompson started experimental cement works in Bluff at Green Point, and made cement which stood up to the requirements of the Government test. After satisfying himself that the proposition was sound, Captain Thompson left for Sydney to obtain machinery and finance, but unfortunately, lost his life in the wreck of the “Ly-ee Moon” between Melbourne and Sydney, and that ended what might have been a flourishing Southland industry to-day. What has at least the semblance of an attempt at incendiarism was discovered by Mr Gavin Dickson, blacksmith, on Sunday morning (says the Tuatapere Guardian). A smell of something burning had been noticed on the night, previous by some members of his family, but the matter was passed over. Next morning smoke was seen coming from under the dwelling-house and on investigation Mr Dickson found this proceeded from a smouldering sack, a good part of which had been consumed. How it got into its position under the house is so far a mystery. Had the Wind on the night in question been from the opposite direction, the result might have been a serious conflagration. At the recent exhibition of the Otago Art Society, Mr F. Brookesmith exhibited an oil painting, “Wind on the Heath, Near Invercargill,” which was very favourably commented on. One critic wrote: “The picture is well named. One could never imagine it to be taken in still weather. Grass and frees are bending before what is evidently a fierce blast, and the details of the foliage are well brought out, the trees standing out boldly in relief. In the immediate foreground arc sheep browsing, while gorse in bloom lends an attractive tone in contrast with the other pigments employed. The farmsteads nestling among trees in the mid-distance add to the idyllic charm of the scene.” The picture was sold to a Dunedin buyer at the artist’s price, £2l.

On Friday evening last a most enjoyable social was held in the Presbyterian Church, Byal Bush, the object being to raise sufficient money lo provide prizes for the Sunday School pupil*. The Rev. Mr Ponder, of Wallacetown, acted as chairman. A lengthy programme was gone through and was thoroughly enjoyed. Recitations were given by Mr R. Marshall, Masters L. Carnie and N. King and Misses Jean Wilson and I. Fowler; solos by Miss Pert, Mrs Burdon, and little Miss Burdon, and a duet by Misses Pert and Myron. Several items were contributed by the church choir ami Mr P. Schroeder (choirmaster), and Mr McDowall (Sunday School Superintendent) deserve great praise for the whole-hearted manner in which they worked to make the entertainment such a thorough success. At the conclusion a hearty vote of thanks to the performers was proposed by Mr John Olllcer and was carried.

R is seldom now-a-days that the express does not carry away from (he Invercargill station at least one honeymoon couple. But of all days in the week Wednesday seems the most popular for taking the eternal vows. Yesterday no fewer than four pairs were ushered on lo (he platform and into their respective carriages 'midst showers of confetti. Doubtless to those so subjected there is consolation in the thought: “1 suffer not alone.” The fact remains, however, that to be married on Wednesday will be quite the proper thing to do if these streams of wedding groups continue to appear before the single public on that day. One Presbyterian minister who yesterday launched two couples on the matrimonial sea, commenting on the popularity of Wednesday in this connection, suggested that, if a dictionary is issued in Invercargill at any future time Woden’s Day will be show'n in an alternative form—Wedin’s Day,

On Saturday next, December 6, the 13th annual Hospital Saturday collection will be held, and as there have not been many appeals made to the public this year the committee trust that one and all will give liberally for this good cause.

It has been decided by the Railway Department to run excursion trains for the Riverton regatta. Fares from Invercargill will cost 5/- first-class and 3/- secondclass. Similar concessions will be made to excursionists to the Bluff regatta on January 2.

At Christchurch, George and Alice Larcombe were awarded £2OO as compensation for the death of their son, a boy of 14 years, upon whom they were partially dependent. Deceased was a teamster in the employ of Colin Stewart, of Chertsey, and died as a result of a kick from a horse.—Press Association.

The hearing of the charges against alleged participants in the disturbances at Wesley Hall in Greymouth on October 20 during the visit of the Rev. Howard Elliott was concluded yesterday at Greymouth. Three charges were dismissed. Two men were fined £2 and costs, one was fined £6, and two were committed for trial on a charge of doing damage to the hall.—Press Association.

“Under the rigid, almost Prussian organisation of Labour parties,” says the Timaru Herald, “the ideas of the individual member, if he has any, do not count. He is no more than a unit, obeying general orders.” For support of this statement we need go no further than the preliminary announcement by Mr George Davis, the official Labour candidate for Roskill, who explained to a meeting of electors that the policy for which he stood was not his own, but that of his party, adopted at a conference of 400 representatives of labour organisations held at Wellington in 1913. Bound hand and foot to a six-year-old platform—and they call themselves “Progressives!” A motion of thanks to and confidence in Mr Clutha Mackenzie in Auckland on Monday night took an unconventional form. On the chairman asking for any such motions there was a distinct pause. Then an elderly man, who, in asking a question, had proclaimed himself as a fanner and a stranger without a vote in the electorate, rose and said: “Being a stranger here, I think the electors arc very backward. I hope every father, every brother, every mother, sister, and wife of a soldier will vote for Mr Mackenzie on the grounds of common sense.” The reference was to the candidate’s disclaimer of any sympathy vote. This was promptly seconded and carried by acclamation.

On Friday morning six stalwart policemen went over to Takapuna by the Bayswater steamer for the purpose of removing a party of Maoris, about a dozen in number, from land occupied by them for very many years (says the Auckland Star). The land comprises a large block, in respect of which judgment was given in the Supreme Court some time ago vesting the property in the Roman Catholic Church. It has been leased to a syndicate, and the latter has been compelled to invoke the aid of the law to obtain possession. The eviction passed off without any uncommon features. The sheriff, bailiff, and policemen, on putting in an appearance at the entrance to the pro-’ perty, were slightly impeded by a few Maoris, headed by a woman, who got in the way of the officers, but showed no disposition to violence. The sheriff read the declaration, and then entered the shanty used by the Maoris as a living room. Everything was bundled out, removed in a cart, and deposited at the roadside, and after this it was intended to pull down the whole of the building.

At one of Mr Clutha McKenzie’s meetings in Auckland two queries • of a personal nature were sent up (reports the Herald). The first suggested that literature disparaging the Reform Party was freely in evidence at the Soldiers’ Club; had Mr Mackenzie made any move in the direction Of countering this? The candidate did not appear to know much about the matter, “but I may say this,” he remarked, “the Soldiers’ Club has not said one good word to me, nor offered me a single congratulation on my candidature. If thin kind of thing is going on at the club, however, I would be glad to meet those responsible and argue things out with them there.” The second question’ was as follows: “Does the candidate consider his disability of blindness any serious drawback to a position as member of Parliament?" The reading drew forth an immediate and decidedly hostile demonstration. “Don’t answer it!” “Shame!" sounded from all parts of the hall. Mr Mackenzie, however, Was quite unperturbed, and in a telling little reply referred to the great work done by many blind men for the benefit of their fellows, notably Sir Arthur Pearson, and by many blinded soldiers. An outburst of applause followed his remarks.

Mr F. W. Haybittle, of Wellington, who has just returned from a cruise in the Hinemoa, has given the Post some details of a visit to Enderby Island. The party walked across country to a seal colony, and it was, he says, “a tough proposition, and once wo thought we had lost one of the ladies. We found her, however, waist deep in an oozing swamp, bedraggled and wet, but still full of life and enthusiasm. At last we came upon the seals, and what a feast for our cauieras! There'must have been anything from 180 to 200 of them, including great bulls, on guard, cows innumerable and yearlings. It was a great and thrilling spectacle. Occasionally a ferocious-looking bull would resent the too near attentionr of a stereoscopic lens enthusiast and charge, with the result that, camera, in one hand, our photographic friend would be doing a sprint worthy of that Marathon hero Dorando. In the meantime the crew was busy lassooing two youngsters, to be carried to our haven —a great and almost superhuman task, for they weighed about a hundredweight each. Two good specimens were secured, placed in sacks, and we started the arduous return journey. Those with only cameras to carry felt as if they were beaste of burden; what, then, could have been the experience of the third officer and his boys who tackled the job. Visitors to the zoo who will watch the antics of the survivor (for one died on the trip to Bluff) will never appreciate the difficulties overcome ere she was eventually landed amongst the collection of zoological attractions at Newtown Park.”

The recent prediction by an American astronomer about unearthly storms on the planet, as the result of seven other planets being in conjunction on December 17, has frightened many people here, says a Wellington exchange. “There are lots of them down on their knees out our way,” said a suburban resident to me the other day, while in some instances people have even gone the length of placing their valuables in greater security than they are supposed to be in at present. The acting Government Meteorologist has done something meantime to calm the shattered nerves of such people. People have been calling upon him and telephoning him for ‘some reassuring word,’ and he has given it to them. Long-distance weather forecasting, he points out, is not. an exact science. Indeed, the weather cannot be predicted with any great degree of certainty for more than 48 hours. Since the public desire is for long-range prediction, there may be found, says the assistant astronomer, in nearly all countries individuals who attempt to satisfy this desire, and their predictions are sometimes published in magazines, and even in newspapers. Some years ago, in America, one such forecast caused such a stir in a certain town that the day before the storm was supposed to arrive many people abandoned their homes and left the place. Beyond that nothing happened. With regard to astronomical control of the weather, if there is such an influence, it is so slight (hat it cannot be taken into consideration in weather forecasting. People should not concern themselves when long-range forecastings are published, as they often have been in the past, and, I suppose, will be in the future, but the official meteorological organisations never countenance such forecasting, knowing it to be impossible to look so far ahead.

The Eastern Extension Cable Co. an* nounces that the Capetown-St. Helena cable has been restored.

The Evening Star understands that, the Crown Solicitor (Mr W. C. Macgregor, K.C.; will, by direction of the Solicitor-General (Sir J. W. Salmond), apply for a change of venue to Wellington in the charges of illegal operation against Hayne and Neylon in which two Dunedin juries disagreed. The application will come before Mr Justice Sim in the course of a few days. .

On Thursday evening at Mataura Island Mr G. J. Anderson was asked' if it was a fact that the Government had stopped the free railage of lime on the railways. In order to make quite sure of the fact and to allay wild rumours which were being circulated Mr Anderson communicated with the Minister of Agriculture (Hon. W. Nosworthy). He has received the following reply: “Free railage of lime on railways still in operation .up to 100 miles from kiln.”

The following members were present at the weekly meeting of the Repatriation Committee yesterday; Messrs M. Thompson, J. Alsweiler, W. D. Burns, C. E. Borne, J. S. Baxter, C. S. Longuet, J. Taylor, A. McKenzie, G. Skerrett. The resignation of Mr L. S. Graham (R.S.A. representative) was accepted owing to his at present undergoing treatment in Dunedin. Six business loans totalling £llOO were granted. One subsidised worker was subsidised in a new trade. Two furniture loans totalling £IOO were passed.

When advocating the payment of an annual amount to the British Navy as against the establishment of a local navy, Sir Joseph Ward, during his Riverton speech on Tuesday night, had risen to a height of dramatic oratory with “who protected our shores from the merciless German pirate, who enabled our troops to be transported in safety to distant ports; and who guarded our produce when it was shipper! overseas in the war days?” Then a small voice at the rear of the hall was heard to answer: “H.M.S. New Zealand." The remainder of Sir Joseph’s remarks on the subject was submerged in the laughter.

The Tramways Engineer (Mr E. G. Foster], who returned to Invercargill yesterday from attendance at the conference between delegates from the TVamwaymen’s Union and from the various employing bodies in regard to Dominion conditions of work and pay, is hopeful that the meeting will be productive of good results. Chatting to a Times’ reporter he remarked that, although only a framework in regard to pay bad been decided on so as to allow of alteration to meet centre conditions, something of a definite nature had undoubtedly been attained. The conference throughout,' he said, had been of a most amicable nature, and he was very glad that it had eventuated.

The quicker the sale the lower the price. Just so. Quick sales for prompt cash is the best method of doing business. Small profits; quick returns. —BAXTER’S.—(Advt.)

Beauty of design, and particular attention to the niceties of manufacture, are the distinguishing features of the Children’s Dresses, Coats, and all the garments that are necessary for the Children’s wants; also attention is specially drawn to the exceptional bargain prices of these goods;—Children’s Muslin and Voile Dresses, ranging from 7/6, 10/6, 12/6 to 27/6. Also Maids' and Misses’ Dresses in navy, cream, and white pique, and very dainty Poplin Dresses from 14/6 to 42/6. We have a grand display of Children’s Coats in wool, check, etc., prices from 16/6 to 42/6. Also a splendid variety of Maids’ Ready-to-weara and Panamas, from 6/11, 7/6, 8/11, 12/6, to 15/6.* An inspection of these values will convince you why the Progressive Drapery are H. & J. SMITH, Ltd., Tay street, Invercargill and Gore.—(Advt.)

You should read! “The Desert of Wheat" (Zane Grey), “The Joyous Trouble Maker" (Gregory), “Big Flat" (Oyen), “A Pagan of the .Hills” (Buck), ‘The Sage Brusher” (Emerson Hough), “Lamp of the Desert" (Ethel Dell), “The Unpardonable Sin” (Rupert Hughes), “The Heart of Arethusa" (Fox). These and a host of other delightful books now showing at Hyndmiin’s. Dee street.

A fsw specials for boys and men at THOMSON & BEATTIE’S White Sale now iu full swing. Boys’ Poplin Washing Suits in Sports and ’Varsity styles, 16/6 for 11/6. ’Varsity tops in Poplins and other strong Cotton materials, 10/6 for 7/6, Men’s Flannel Tweed Trousers, cuff bottoms, sires 0 and 7, worth 27/6, Sale price 18/6. Men’s Natural Underwear, wool and cotton, Sale price 7/6. —(Advt.)

“It's amazing,” what a difference a little packet of ‘NO RUBBING LAUNDRY HELP” makes in the Weekly Washing. Ail dirt disappears and without rubbing. Cartons (Supply for 7 washings), 1/-. All Grocers. —(Advt.)

By stocking only dependable and proved makes of Ladies’ Corsets, PRICE & BULLEID, Ltd, can be relied on for supplying buyers with Corsets that will give every satisfaction. The qualities are superior and the models are the very latest. Price A Bulleid, Ltd., guarantee ©very pair they sell.—(Advt.)

“Friendship Cutteth Grief by Halves” (Bacon).—BAXTER’S LUNG PRESERVER is every day making new friends. Here la wbat one of them says: “Allow me to compliment you on your lung preserver. It ia some cold killer. Yesterday my throat waa a continual reminder of its existence and my nasal organ was a perpetual nuisance. I took three doses of "Baxter’s," now my frontal ornament is once more a useful member, and my throat has ceased front troubling ‘cause the cold bug is street.”—B. Crawford, 20 Symonds street, Auckland. Get a large 2/6 bottle from Chemist or Store to-day.—(Advt.) MASTERS, Ltd., were the originators o| the 10 per cent, discount to returned soldiers. Other storekeepers have copied ua and we now go one better. We now invite ail discharged soldiers and those waiting discharge to have their military bats reblocked, free of all cost, by the only hatter in Southland. We still give a 10 per cent, reduction to all returned soldiers.—* MASTERS, Ltd., Dee street.—(Advt.) Nip that cold in the bud by treating it instantly with “NAZOL.” Taken on sugar on inhaled, “NAZOL” never fails,—. (Advt.) The Leading Hatters for Men and Boys. Headwear of every description. UNDRILL’3 (opposite Post Office). —(Advt.) Good news: To hand shipment of Table Rice, Cocoanut, Lemon Peel, Seeded Raisins, Cream of Tartar, Baking Soda, Edmond’s Baking Powder. Above can be supplied in reasonable quantities to suit customers at BAXTER’S--(Advt.) RAILWAY TRAVELLING. Qoaod up carriages and vitiated air make the tystem susceptible to disease microbes which are rapidly dispelled by cleansing and healing “Filenzol.”- - (Advt.) Every lady likes to be well dressed. Today THE “ECONOMIC” Ladies’ Outfitter* are giving special price reductions on Millinery. If you wish to be well dressed join the crowd. —(Advt.) Form the good habit of inhaling “NAZOL” and you’ll keep free from coughs and colds. Eighteenpcnce buys sixty doses.— (Advt.),