NEWS FROM THE CAPITAL

Taranaki Daily News, 3 January 1930, Page 10

NEWS FROM THE CAPITAL

CHRISTMASTIDE BUSINESS

UNSEASON ABLE WEATHER.

(Special Correspondent.) Wellington, Dec. 30.

Business people in Wellington, at any rate those closely interested in Christmas trade, report another satisfactory holiday turnover. The weather generally was not much to boast about, Christmas Day itself being the only real taste of summer weather experienced during the week, but neither wind nor rain seemed to lessen the crowds of shoppers that thronged the streets. Again buyers appear to have been well disposed towards articles oj higher quality and better type than was the case a few years ago, though, of course, the demand for the old favourites at minimum prices still continued. The exodus to holiday .resorts of one kind or another, in both the North Island and the .South, was larger than ever, and many of the excursionists will not return to the city until well on in the New Year. Sunday was one of the most boisterous days ever witnessed in Wellington at this time of the vear.

PROMISCUOUS ADVERTISING.

Many people in Wellington, and many more beyond the capital city, will cordially endorse the protest made by Mr. M. Methell, the chairman of the Amuri County Council, the other day against the disfigurement of town and country by the atrocious advertisements displayed by the Railway Department for the purposes of publicity and profit. Excuse may be made for the department’s own advertising since in the way of business the public must be kept informed as to the facilities of travel within their reach. But this could be very well confined to the premises of the department, which arc widely scattered over the whole country, and to the newspapers, to which the public naturally look for information. But the department's. trading advertising, that is the advertising plastered about the cities and tlie highways and byways extolling the virtues of wares of various kinds, add 'nothing to the welfare of the individual and ultimately precious little to the revenue of the State.

POST OFFICE DISMISSALS.

The announcement of the dismissal of six operators from the Post and Telegraph .Department for using office telephones in connection with the Takapuna Jockey Club’s races a month or so ago has occasioned much surprise here, and is the subject of some heated criticism. It is understood that the operators concernqd—one of whom, it is said, has been in the service for thirty-four years, and would have been entitled to superannuation during the forthcoming year —have appealed against the decision of the presiding magistrate and the secretary of the Post Office, and as matters stand a good deal of sympathy is trending their way. But this is a matter which cannot be legitimately discussed just now. One thing certain, however, is that the incident, whatever its ultimate outcome may be, will materially affect the" passage of the Bill promoted by the Racing Conference for the legalisation of the transmission of investments to the totalisator during the progress of a race meeting.

DEFIANCE OF THE LAW.

The grave news from Samoa has not arrested the progress of Christmas-New Year festivities here, but officially it is regarded with concern, which will insist upon the maintenance of law and order in the interests of the whole community. Sir Joseph Ward is giving personal attention to the matter and adhering to his previous statement in regard to the responsibilities of the Dominion. “The Government,” he declared, shortly after assuming office, “will not be coerced into tolerating an open defiance of the law, or into negotiating with any body of Samoans who adopt that attitude. Abandonment of defiance of the law is the fir.-t and essential step to an adjustment of any grievances.” This is the Government’s policy to-day, and happily it is endorsed in substance by all the contending parties here. 'Che Samoans have in their own hands the remedy for such occurrences as the one just reported, and with its application will begin for them an assured period of prosperity.