The Thames Star. Resurrexi. TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 1697. MR SEDDON'S MISSION HOME.

Thames Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 8617, 23 March 1897, Page 2

The Thames Star. Resurrexi. TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 1697. MR SEDDON'S MISSION HOME.

A great deal of desultory talk is being indulged in as to whether the Piemier will go Home or not to be present at the record reign celebrations. Everyone agrees that he should go Home, and everyone—both Government and Opposition—solemnly abjures any desire to place obstacles in the way, but still difficulties —real or imaginary—presentthemselves. Probably the Premier's " don't care " attitude arises out of the natural inclination ol the politician to conceal his hand, and this view of the case seems to find favor with the Ministerial paper, the New Zealand Times. In a receut issue the Times says:—" Mr Seddon has disappointed the Opposition by his calm and even cold demeanour, 'lhey had hoped that he would display anxiety to proceed to

England in response to the invitation of tho Secretary of State for the Colonies; instead of which he hasinude it perfectly plain that his first duty is to the people of New Zealand, aud. that, unless he can see his way clear, he will certainly not absent himself from the duties of his high position. The covert sneers of certain of his opponents have now changed into open hostility, and broad hints are now given that if tho Premier attempts to arrange for the journey every obstacle will be put in his way. The Opposition wished to get the Premier into a position where they might make terms with him and demands upon his Cabinet; but it is now abundantly clear that if they attempt any such thing the Premier of this colony will simply decline the invitation, and the whole responsibility will be cast upon his unscrupulous opponents." We think there can only be one ending to this little game of political bluff. The game will be played out almost to the limit, and then Mr Seddon will cheerfully depart without having to come to any disadvantageous terms with the Opposition. Still, it is a pity that a matter of such material importance caunot be settled without further manoeuvring, for to any casual observer who does not trouble to look below the surface of colonial politics, it would seem that the colony's statesmen are lacking in the spirit of loyalty.

The temperance candidates for the Ohinemuri Licensing Committee district of Ohinemuri are:—Horatio Nelson Bagnall, mil ■ owner, lurua; John. Nieholls, farmer,' l'uriri j Joseph Lewis Walton, grocer,' Thames; Andrew White, missionary, Waihi.' These goutlemen'a policy if elected will be 10 o'cjock liceuges, and assisting the police in the exccutioaof theu- onerous duties.

▲ call of one penny per scrip share has ' been made on tho capital of the City of Gisborne G.M. Co., payable on tho 14th day of April, 1897.

Me R. R. McGbeqob announces in another column a salvage sale to-morrow, at 11 o'clock, at the scent; of the late fire at A.h Cheo's, Pollen street.

Mb John Griqo, pianoforte turner, notifies that he has removed to Queen street, be-

tween Walter and Pahau streets,

A fbbb exhibition of some valuable oil paintings is at present being held in the Miners' Union Hall, and is deservedly attracting a good deal of attracting a good deal of attention. The pictures include views of Now Zealand scenery and other artistic subjects, and arc of a high order of merit.

A meeting of the committee and subscribes to the Indian Famine Relief Fund will be held to-morrow. We are requested to state particularly that the time is 4 p.m. and not 7.30, as previously advertised.

The fracas which led up to the Police Court \ proceedings this morning occurred at the Omahu Schoolroom last evening. It is stated that for some time past there has been friction between Mr F. Lough, master of the Omahu School, and his Committee, and Mr Innes called a meeting of settlers last evening to consider the question of the conduct of the School, Mr Lough being requested to attend. The assault took place after the. meeting. Lough states that Innes struckj him with his fist, knocked him down amongst some Indian clubs, and nearly throttled him; also that he (Lough), when released, struck Innes with a club. The wounded man was brought into I town, arriving at the Hospital at 'about 1 o'clock this morning, Innes is a stalwart man 6ft in height, has i been a settler at Omahu for some time, 1 and was formerly engaged in carrying the ■ produce of the neighbouring settlers to ; town. Lough, who appeared in Court today with a bruised eye, states that he was so severely throttled that he can scarcely swallow. Ho secured bail shortly before 1 1 o'clock, Messrs C. Short and R. B. McGregor being the sureties. On inquiry at the Hospital this afternoon we learn that jMr Innes' condition is very seriou3, the i blow having fallen on his temple. He has ' improved since admission, but has not yet regained consciousness. The following candidates—understood to ibe the representatives of the Prohibitionist , party—have been nominated for the forthcoming Licensing Committee election:—A. ' G. Catran, Pollen street, stationer, nominated by E. J. Priestley, of Mary street, and H. Lowe, of Pollen street; William Deeble, of Rolleston street, grocer, nominated by p. S. Pyne, of Queen street, and C. J. Ellis, of Kurunui; George William Horn, Kuaotunu, mine manager, nominated by Wm- Wood, of Pollen street, and John Danby, of Pollen street; Alfred Henry Purnell. Mary 6treet, miner, namiuated by William Cook, Karaka Creek, and Johm Muir,Williamson strtet; Joseph Roberts, Mary street, grocer, nominated by H. D. Driver, Pollen street, and Robert Scott, Willoughby 1 street. Messrs Horn and Deeble are the only candidates who sat »n the last committee, in the election of which the temperance ticket headM the poll. The other members of the old committee were Mr Thomas Hammond ; (deceased), and Messrs Whitehead and Jones. We understand that the last-named gentlemen now reside outside the bounds of the electoral district.