Pars About PEOPLE

Observer, Volume XXIV, Issue 19, 23 January 1904, Page 4

Pars About PEOPLE

J.A. MILLAR, M. H. R. for • . Dunedin, may be looked upon as pretty certain to find a place in the Cabinet whenever reconstruction takes place. Sir Joseph Ward's speech at Dunedin when a presentation was made to Mr Millar last week, is the straw that indicates the direction of the political wind.. He would hardly have spoken so definitely in public as to Mr Millar's qualifications for ministerial ofhce, unless he had the approval of his chief in the matter.

After the last elections Mr Millar was understood to be the leader of a strong party of southern Ministerialists who were dissatisfied with the personnel of the present Cabinet. Trouble was looked for on the assembly of the new Parliament, but Mr Millar's election to the Chairmanship of Committees put an end to speculation. However, he and Mr McNab were still kept in mind as the strongest men among southern aspirants to Ministerial rank, Before he entered Parliament, Mr Millar was an officer in the Union Company's service, and he was one of the batch of Labour members who were borne into public life on the crest of the political wave ■created by the great maritime strike. To Aucklanders he is of special interest as one of the most strenuous opponents of the Frisco service.

The question is, which of the present Ministers is to make way for Mr Millar ? An odd coincidence seems to give the answer. Only a few days ■before Sir Joseph Ward spoke, one of the Southern papers indicated Mr Duncan as the Jonah — stated that the Premier would not face Parliament again with the Hen. Tarn as Minister •of Lands. The queer thing about it is that the paper alleged that the information was given to it by Mr Millar!

Arthur Cleaves face was a study after •one of the races on the second day of the Whangarei meeting. He had staked his money and lost; and^lumly>», •he turned to his race-book for consolation. Horror! he couldnV find the name of his selection in the list. Had 4ie dreamt that the horue was running? « And, if so, what had his money gone upon ? Handicapper Kvett and " Luminary " Mackenzie, and G. E. Alderton rallied round him, and on learning the reason for his dismay, offered sympathetic and brilliant suggestions. And when " Mac " made the discovery that Mr Cleave had been wasting his time over the previous day's racebook, they concluded that Arthur Cleave was not quite so up-to-date as is his wont.

Tom Johns's record of thirty-seven ■years' Christmas puddings eaten at the Thames is nearly equalled by that of Mine Manager " Bill " Bureb. William's interest in the Thames at Christmas time is largely of the sporting kind. From 1867 to the season just past, he has never missed the race meeting on Boxing Day, and it is one of the regrets of his life that other interests called him away last month ana smashed up his record. Mr Burch, by the way, retiree from mine management from the Waitekauri Company in about a fortnight. He purposes -spending the remainder of his days on his ranch in the Kaipara— that is, if 'hid active spirit will let him rest when rumours or mining booms and race meetings are in ithe air. ■ -

Dr H. Dean Baimford, who lias; just; entered into partnership with Mr Alin C. firtlwn, as barristers and solicitorsj is the young law student of the name whose University career Auoklahders have watched for the past few years, and who won the degree of Doctor of Laws last year; Dr Bamford was fornaerly managing clerk io Mr A. Hanna. Mr Brown, the other member of the firm, has been in practice at Dargaville for the last couple of years.

••• «•« •••■ , Sergeant Fred W. Wylie, of Galatea, was one of the heroes who fell in the South African war. His bravery is well attested by his superior officers and all those who fought with him. He it was who, as a member of the Fourth Contingent, recaptured, unaided, a 15-pounder gun and took two prisoners in the action at Hartebeestefontein, on March 26th, 1901, for which deed he was promoted to King's sergeant, by command. Subsequently, he joined the Seventh Contingent, and was killed while leading an attack at Klipfontein, on 26th. The volunteers and public of Rotorua determined some time ago to keep alive the memory of Wylie's valour, and they accordingly raised a substantial sum by subscription, and commissioned Mr W. Parkinson, of Victoria-street, to erect a memorial in the Sanatorium Grounds, in the form of a white marble statue of the deceased soldier, with a drinking fountain at its base. The work has just been completed, and the unveiling of the statue will probably be one of the events of the coming carnival.

OA& of tire- Hellaby lads, lately returned from the Wellington Couege, has left behind him a reputation for pluck. When he first attended the school an attempt was tuade by the other boys to subject him to a '•ragging by wfty ; of paying ing. But when half-a-dozen big fel-, lows undertook to duck his head under the pump, or some other horse- play of the kind, he turned on his persecutors and gave each of thjnr in turn a sound drubbing. Also, as he was still full of fight, the aggressors conceived a wholesome respect for the burly Auckland boy, and from that time forward he. has been quite a hero among his schoolfellows.

. District Judge Kettle, mentioned as being likely to be transferred to Auckland from the Palmerston-Wanganui district as S.M., is one of the strongest-backed men on the magisterial bench to-day. For years he has fought the Executive Government, by persistent petitions to Parliament, to get the magistrates placed on the same footing of independence as the Supreme Court Judges — appointed to hold office during good behaviour. At present, they are liable to dismissal by any Ministry they may displease. So far, Mr Kettle has not accomplished his purpose, but he has gained many advocates of the idea in Parliament. Auckland can do with a man of such independence, seeing that it is coupled with undoubted ability. But, unfortunately, it seems that if Mr Kettle is sent to us it will entail the removal of Mr Brabant, a magistrate in whom the public have confidence, and whom they can ill spare. Now, if Mr Hutchison went elsewhere !"

King Richard's constituents in Southern couldn't make enough of him when he was with them '.'last week. The accounts of hi* journey tell of all sorts of public ebuUitior>B of gratification. Okarito ' disfcricjt, for instance, tamed out a cavaloade of horsemen and horeertrbmen to act as an eseortt— the *omen including the yoath and beauty of the neighbourhood, for they knew DiokV appreciation , bf » pretty facfjandiagvir^. Olcaritb stands in history Jets a place that staggered Lord Onsiow yrhen he visited it; |fhie address that the residents presented to His Excellency wound up with the unique sentence :— :" Nbw* boys, tliree cheers for the (governor, and then -invite him and our Dick to the hotel and shout for. all hands.". They make no pretence to fine writing' oii the Coast, but they know what hospitality is;

N. R. McKenzie, the choice of the Whangarei School- Committee ibr their headniastership, is well known around Auckland. For several years he was assistant master at Reinueraj where he left an excellent record. Since then he has been in full charge at Kohukohu. Mr McKenzie holds a Dl certificate, and has been classed by the inspectors as an "excellent teacher.

Whatever New Zealand papers raay think of the alleged poem on "Hiawatha" lines, with which B. E; Murphy won the annual pike that the Rev. Dt Stuart left to Otago University loir the best poem of the year, Melbourne Table Talk pays it no compliments. The production it declares to be a travesty for which a third form boy would have been ridiculed in the olden time. Murphy is described by his Victorian critic as a poet of the cheap, jingling, parody class, who has broken out in a weak imitation of "Hiawatha " that should tuake Longfellow turn in his grave and thank the gods that he has passed from this vale of tears to the great silent land of eternal peace. There are 236 lines in the poem, which is commonplace, unimaginative, and about as un poetic as a cheap newspaper history of New Zealand done up in short and long lines after — long after — the manner of of Longfellow.

Charles Cameron Kingston was not taking any interviews when he landed in Auckland. As one of the leader* of the Radical Party in the Commonwealth, Mr Kingston would have been a valuable fish for the daily papers to have landed, for Australia itself is all anxiety to learn his intentions just now. Accordingly, the Herald and Star reporters tempted him with their daintiest bait. But he was too old a hand at the game to be caught. Besides, had he not come away from Australia for the very purpose of escaping from political turmoil, and allowing matters to settle down after the elections ? Whenever the subject of politics was broached, Mr Kingstob would smile blandly and talk about the weather, or some other equally interesting topic. And so the interviews panned out only most ordinary commonplaces.

Mr Kingston is one of the few colonial statesmen entitled to the prefix " Right Hon." Our own King Richard is another. The distinction arises from their membership of the Privy Council, to which all the colonial Premiers who were in England for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897 were appointed. Mr Kingston was at that time Premier of South Australia. For years his influence overshadowed the colony, and he. passed into law. such measures as women's suffrage, the State bank, factory legislation and industrial conciliation. In the wider field, he was one of the creators of the Commonwealth Constitution, and became Minister qf Trade and Commerce in the first Federal Ministry. Some months ago he. threw up his portfolio because he could not carry his colleagues with him upon an advanced labour Sill, and to-day, with his friends of the Labour Party holding; the balance of power in the land, the Right Hon. C. C. K. must be reckoned as the coming man in the Commonwealth. All the more galling to the Star and Herald not to be able to "draw" him.

Bishop Leaf hanatid Father Patterson Gabled jtbto -week thai Kaiser Wilare still as fresh in heart as when they Ham's eldest son threatens to kick were small boys— more power to them over the paternal traces and Tstke-iato for it. They were in the front row of private life unless his imperial lather Wirth's Circus audience on Tuesday interferes less in his personal affairs, night, and their beaming countenances' There may be some connection between told that they have not Outgrown the the prince's rebellion and a romance delights of the circus arena. When that was current last year. It was to the thought-reading Howiirds lighted the effect that this same prince had let upon one- of the Bishop 1 s seals and his affections light upon a young something of Father Pat's-- no, it V'^p.^n/oipleteisii'^btoi'Qd^and had dewton't one oJ those cigars^-andtUe c'ared his readiness to sink his rank as blindfolded man described the things heir to the Prussian throne in order to and stated who they belonged to, y6ii be happy and lowly with her. An should have heard the audience clap ! example of this kind was set by a The public know how to appreciate Scandinavrian prince some years ago. clergymen who can share in both the Cupid laughs even at kings and pleasures and the trials of the masses, emperors.

For some weeks Paul. Hansen has graced Queen-street with a panama hat which must have cost; or mint of ' money. Queen-street must, Irowev^r, dp without that ornament in the future. Last week Mr Hansen started off to visit some friends at Waiheke. From the first the fates seemed to fight against him. Tramway managers' clocks are no more infallible than other people's, and so it happened that he reached Qaeen-street wharf half-an-hour late for the Waiheke boat. Misfortune No. 1. However, the Cororaandel steamer was going that day, and as the captain undertook to land him at Waiheke, Paul still found means of getting to his destination. About an hour after leaving the wharf the breeze carried the valued panama overboard, and Paul had reluctantly to assent to its abandonment to the wuves.

After casting about on board for a substitute, Paul struck a bargain with one of the sailors for. another straw head -gear. It did r.ot altogether please his fastidious taste, but still it was better than nothing. The landing at Waiheke was safely aeeomplished, except for a blight damping of the immaculate Hansenian suit, but five minutes after the boat's crew had rowed off, the cutting easterly wind brought to his recollection the fact that he had left on board a brand-new overcoat. The enjoyment of that holiday at Waiheke was considerably discounted by reflection over the losses it entailed.

Nellie Reid, the little daughter of the laird of Motutapu, has become a firm favourite among the yachtsmen and other? who share her father's everready hospitality. Last week little Nellie received a presentation that is unique. The members of Ara Masonic Lodge, 348, 1.C., were visiting the island on their annual picnic, and Worshipful Master A. Lee, as spokesman for the lodge, pinned upon the little two-year-old's breast a pretty pearl and gold brooch, with an inscription carried out in the same manner as those on the lodge jewels. Mr James Reid spoke in hearty acknowledgment of the courtesy shown to his child, and characteristically wound up by inviting the company to celebrate the occasion. Miss Reid, when she grows up, will probably be proud to know that she was the first of her" sex to receive a presentation from an Auckland Masonic lodge.

A young Auckland bride started upon her housekeeping full of good resolutions as to paying cash on all transactions, and so avoiding debt. But the very first shopping expedition caused her a shock. She went to a poulterer's shop to purchase a spring chicken. When she had made her choice, and asked that it be put aside, the salesman politely asked, " Trussed, madam?" "Oh, dear no, I wish to pay for it now," was her indignant reply. Subsequently, she related the incident to her husband, as an evidence of the unhealthy state of business, when tradesmen try to encourage a system of dealing on trust rather than insist upon cash transactions.

Harold F. Wyatt, who claims to be an envoy of the Empire Navy League, is fully convinced of the importance of stirring up in these far seas a live interest in the British Navy, and is doing his utmost to create that interest. Mr Wyatt's address at last week's public meeting was a forceful review of the history of British colonisation and of the arguments in favour of maintaining the navy at the maximum attainable strength. It would be more to the purpose if Mr Wyatt could show us what New Zealand can do in the matter that she is not doing. Last year she cheerfully raised her contribution to the Australian Squadron to £40,000 per annum, and her Premier put forward earnestly the Admiralty scheme for the manning of part of the squadron by New Zealanders and Australians.

But is Harold F. Wyatt an accredited envoy _of the Empire Navy League? An estimable local building contractor, who has some doubt on this point, endeavoured to put a question at the meeting the other night, with the result that Christopher James Parr, posing as Deputy Mayor, or the Mayor's Deputy, strove to get him arrested.

Indeed, Mr Parr carried the matter wjfch such a high hand that he was prepared to lay a charge himself against the building contractor of disturbing the meeting. Fortunately, the constable who was called in had more common sense than Christopher James Parr, and the contractor was not arrested. All the same, there were many people in the audience who would like to have heard that question put to Harold F. Wyatt.

It is not true that W. J. Speight was the caterer for Insurance Manager Kirker's big open air fete of last Saturday. That was only the Star's little pleasantry. The Star is not strong on local people's identity, and occasionally it mixes up persons of similar names, with results that are amusing. W. J. Speight happens to be the Auckland district agent for the Government Life Office. In his time he has filled many parts, but caterer has not been one of them. However, the incident is retoinißcent. It is not the first time there have been mistakes over the Speiffht clan. . .

_Wheh he represented City East in Parliament twenty odd years '- ago, >v.-*.v*<*s $ne of tlie inQwt active bine ribboni!^ [ft^hie oofony; ami the Grand Something of the RecJhiibite Girder, One day the news came to Napier that Mr Slight was a passenger by the East Coast steamer. The temperance people of the town

saw a glorious chance to do homage to one of their little idols. So theyprepared an elaborate address setting rorth Ins important services to " the cause, and formed aninfluential deputation to go off to the steamer— she nad «o anchor in the roads in those days— and present it. Gorgeous in the regalia of their societies, the deputation clambered up the Bhip's ladder and sent a meHsage to the saloon asking whether Mr Speight could receive them. The gentleman to Whom the request was addressed cauie forward with a puzzled expression. What had he to do with Good Templars, and Hechabites, and Bands of Hope? I n point of fact, the cold-water delegates tound themselves face to face with— Mr bpeight the Dunedin brewer !

When the friendly societies of Auckland formed a medical staff of their own last year, its members *yere im. pudently threatened with ostracism by the heads of the Doctors' Trades Union. They were ostracised right enough till Christmas time, but the tramway accident made all the difw ference. There were a number of lodge members concerned in the accident, and it was remarkable how soon the telephone was set to work by the Union doctors to solicit the Dispensary practitioners, as a matter of medical etiquette, to leave in their hands the cases given to them by the Tramway Company. Courtesy could be paid when there were fat fees at stake, lne purse is a great leveller, after .all