Pars About People.

Observer, 24 July 1909, Page 4

Pars About People.

THERE is no longer any mystery concerning the identity of the mdi

vidual to whom is imputed tbe letterto the Prime Ministerwhichissaid to have given Detective Cassells a trip to tbe Old Country as a Ministerial bodyguard. . The letter in question has appeared in print, and bears the signature of R. Chisholm Robertson. Whether that signature is genuine or not may be a question, but the person indicated is a mining engineer who certainly came to New Zealand a couple of years ago, and who considered that he ha*d pledges of support from Sir Joseph Ward, and complained loudly that these pledges of support had not been redeemed. Also, it is evident from the published terms of the letter that Robertson, or the writer who purported to be Robertson, cherished feelings of resentment on account of the Premier's failure to provide him with a billet. At the same time, the expressions used are those of a person who plumes himself upon his righteous self - restraint, rather than one who really contemplated any desperate deed. As thus : — " Were I less of a Christian than 1 am, I would go and shoot you down like the dog that you are. I shall, however, leave you to Him 'Who is not mocked.'" This is not a threat to shoot, but a reason why he refrained from shooting. .

The real Chisholm Robertson — whether he wrote the reproach to the Premier or not — seems to have been a man of professional standing in the Old Country. This much can be inferred from the fact that he was a member of a Royal Commission which was set up by the British Government to inquire into the working of the Coal Mines. Also, he acted as correspondent for several of the best Scottish papers in South Africa during the Boer War, and was entertained by the leading Glasgow citizens, with their Lord Provost in the chair, before setting out ; while he has held responsible positions as a mining engineer ia India and Borneo. What he was promised by Sir Joseph Ward before coming to New Zealand, or whether he was promised anything, there is no evidence to show. His friends, however, state that the best offer made to him on arrival was a navvy's pick and shovel on the Main Trunk railway line, which he declined with thanks. Eventually he went back to the Old Country, working his passage.

Fred Andrews, whose business at Opononui makes him a universal provider and friendly adviser to the Maoris of the district, rolled into one, sometimes receives quaint communications from his dusky customers concerning their wants. Not long ago, a native settler who was afflicted with pains in the internal regions, brought him a note that ran as follows : — "Sir, — Please give him 2 Packs of Absom Salt. Please tell him how to use it. He's got a Bellyack, a Diaera Deaceise. — Miti Moa." Another distressful appeal tor medical comforts ran in this way: — "Sir, — I now write to you and say please to send strongest medicence for cough. I have suffered 3 weeks of such distress and is very hurtful at my back. — Yours, TlNl." Yet another coloured gentleman, who evidently planned an expedition into the bush, adjured the storekeeper to •• Send my 50 Garrett and my Cun " — implying that he required cartridges and his fowling-piece. With such humorous glimpses to brighten the every-day routine, Fred finds that he can get along fairly well without references to his Mark Twain, or Max Adeler, or even " Mercutio."

A. J. Entrican, H M. Smeeton and R. Tudebope were the only City Councillors who accompanied the Rev. JEL Mason on his recent quest for water at the abattoirs. Still, if like attracts like, they ought to have been sufficient to attract an inexhaustible supply of cold water, representing as they do the prohibition section of the Council. Pass the lyre — They've always sworn by Adam's ale, And so 'tis plain they oughtei Be able quickly to prevail In any search for water. • ■ ■ W. F. Massey wants the Government to take over the control of all the main arterial roads, including tbe Great South Road. Can it be possible that Saul also is among the prophets? In other words, can it be possible that William Ferguson Massey, Leader of the Opposition, who is in the habit of condemning the Government and all its works, believes that tbe said Government could adequately maintain the roads? Or is this apolitical move on Mr Massey's part ? Does be consider that the Government might perhaps fail to maintain the roads, and thereby bring about its own undoing? Like theimmortal sausage, Mr Massey's latest proposal is a mysterious perpetration, the true significance of which no man can fathom. Nevertheless, Acting- Premier the Hon. Taihoa

Timi Kara ought to feel complimented at this touching testimony of the faith that the Leader of the Opposition reposes in the Government.

Bishop Lenihan recently went out for a motor drive in the direction of Otahuhu. Being aware that the roads in that direction were dusty in summer and muddy in winter, the Bishop had equipped himself in garments suitable for the occasion. Consequently, his identity was pretty effectually shielded from the public gaze. Father Kehoe, late Principal of St. Patrick's College in Wellington, was with the expedition, and was accommodated in a motor car which followed that of Bishop Lenihan. On their arrival at Otahuhu, Father Kehoe was bailed up by a native of these parts, who had a grievance to put before him. " Your Lordship," began the Otahooligan, " I " " I'm not His Lordship," said Father Kehoe ; " you'll find him in the car ahead." Then an elongated grin developed on th ? physiognomy of the Otahooligan. " Now, quit your chaff, your Lordship," said he. " I know a Bishop when I Bee one. That chap ahead there ain't a Bishop. Look at his togs." And it took Father Kehoe all his time to convince the Otahooligan that " the chap ahead " was really and truly Bishop Lenihan.

It was recently announced that Foster Fraßer, the English journalist whose writings on Siberia, the Balkans, and American industry havebecome almost text • books to the masses, intends to come to Australasia with the view of "writing up "" the colonies in his next literary break. Naturally, it was assumed that he purposed making a lightning tour after the manner of Sala, Froude, and other celebrities, and summing us up from lightning " impressions." It seems, however, that Foster F. has another string to his bow. The "muchtravelled" Smythes have caught him as their next lion, and under the guidance of Carlyle of that ilk he will gather in shekels as he travels, by the delivery of lectures on places and people be has seen. Which suggests that other journalists on their travels are missing goiden opportunities. We don't hear that either Henry Brett or Editor Sholto is making London ring with illustrated lectures on New Zealand and its capabilities. Strange that their burning patriotism, to say nothing of the chance of eking out " exes," has not suggested something of the kind before now.

Judge Kettle recently remained that people do not allow enough air into their houses. Just so. And those unfortunate people who have had occasion to sit for an hour or so in the Police Court on a baking-hot summer day have frequently been constrained to make the same remark anent that hall of justice. " Your houses," Mr Kettle said, In manner most severe, M Appear to me to be quite frfie From any atmosphere." " Great Scott !" the people all replied, "That fact we don't admit, oh ! If you declare we need more air, We'll quickly answer • ditto !'" ■ « •

Some ignorant employers in Dunedin have been heaping scorn and ridicule upon George George's suggestion that apprentices should be compelled to cut into their employers 7 time by attending technical classes in the day time. From which it is obvious that these southern loons do not understand the full majesty and grandeur of George George. If G. G. makes a proposal,, that proposal has to be carried through, no matter how it may affect the employers. And,, anyway, what does the welfare of the employer mattei, compared with the welfare of George George's scholastic establishment? Kindly list to the following touching ode : — Never mind the bawbee, if the might y G. G. J Ordaina that employers must lose 'em. We must make it a rule that to G. G.s great school AH apprentices go — 'twill amuse 'em. At wise George's feet 'tia a positive treat To sit, and to list to Ms teaching. Yes, employers may swear, but they'd best have a care Ere the the methods of George they're impeaching ; Or he'll lay them out quick with a logical brick, And he'll crush them with scora and derision. And 'tis true they should learn that they never can turn G. G. r when he's made his decision.

Should Lord Kitchener accept the invitation of the Government to pay a visit to the Dominion, it is highly probable that he will have some caustic comments to pass on our defence system. "K. of K." has the reputation of being a gentleman who is in the habit of saying exactly what he thinks without caring two straws whether his utterances give offence or not. Some years ago his younger brother, MajorGeneral Walter Kitchener, toured the colony, and caused considerable indignation in volunteer circles by certain doubts which he cast upon the efficiency of our citizen army. It is more than likely, however, that the elder Kitchener will be even more outspoken, which is rather a black lookout for certain of our local warriors who happen to have an exceedingly good conceit of their own ability and importance.

George Buller, whose hand holds the treasury key of the Allan Hamilton Dramatic Company, can look back upon nearly fifty years of theatrical experience in Australasia. With the exception of Harry Lyons, another veteran. of the road, now in Victoria, there is no other living man whose record stretches back so far. Mr Bailer's connection with the stage dates from 1861, when he appeared as a youngster in a pantomime produced by the late Hon. George Coppin at the old Pantheon Theatre, in the Cremorne Gardens, Melbourne. Not till long afterwards did he take to the business professionally. In the interval he spent a chequered life as storekeeper, country postmaster, and in a variety of other pursuits, including ten years as commercial master of the All Saints' Grammar School at St Kilda, wheie, by the way, the Hon. Alfred Deakin, the present Prime Minister of the Commonwealth, was associated with him as a fellow pedagogue.

It was about 1881 that Mr Buller finally entered the showman's life. An eye affection, amounting to almost total blindness, compelled him to abandon school work. Just when he was recovering his sight, Fred Maccabe paid his first visit to Australia, introducing the monologue entertainment. Struck with the possibilities of the new line, Mr Buller took it up on his own account. Being a skilled violinist, and also possessed of a singing voice acd powers of mimicry, he travelled the theatrical routes of Australia as one of Maccabe's first imitators, and carried on the venture for several years. On one of Maccabe's subsequent trips, it fell to Mr Buller's lot to act as his business manager, and frequently to drop into halls where the bills of his own recent entertainments were still displayed.

This trip with Maccabe, which included New Zealand, was notable for a queer venture that shook up the then somewhat sedate town of Auckland. While the season here was in full swing, the idea occurred to Maccabe and Buller that there was fun, and possibly lucre, to be made out of a properly run baby show. Accordingly, they arranged and held in the Choral Hall the choicest display of infantile creation that Auckland has ever known. The prizes offered ran to £100, and another £50 waß spent

upon luxurious fittings in the way of cots, shell grottoes, and summerhouses in which the exhibits were displayed. Some 150 of Auckland's fond mothers exhibited their prinked-out darlings for the admiration of the crowds who flocked to the Choral Hall for three days and nights, and the baby show was made the sensation of the hour. Its conductors got from it all the amusement they had hoped for, but none of the profit. The liberal prize money and heavy expenses killed it as a business spec, and large as the takings were they actually lost money.

Upon the Maccabe tour Mr Buller spent three years, and then he was engaged for a considerable period in big affairs in Melbourne. Notable amongst these were the management of Payne's Fireworks, and the introduction of the Chinese festival displays, as a feature of a huge bazaar organised for Melbourne society ladies, with Lord Hopetoun as President. This undertaking involved the running of three theatrical shows, in addition to the bazaar proper. In a season of thirteen days, it realised a profit of £6,700. Incidental to the bazaar entertainments, Mr Buller brought out Maltby and Rollason, the first trick cyclists who visited the colonies.

After this came Mr Buller's long association with the celebrated Dampier family, which extended to ten yeare. In that period he not only acted as business manager and treasurer to the company, but donned the sock and buskin. From Shakespearian tragedy to melodrama, he has run the gamut of stage productions. One of his favourite characters was the First Grave-digger, which he frequently played to Dampier's " Hamlet." Thin era included a visit to London, where he played with the Dampiers in "Robbery Under Arms," at Wilson Barrett's Prinoess Theatre. Mr Buller can boast that he has performed in every theatre in Australia and this Dominion. Among the shows which he has business-managed in New Zealand, besides Maccabe's and Dampier's. have been Leslie Harris the monologuist, and a succession of Harry Rickards's companies. For the last four years he has been connected with Allan Hamilton's enterprises, and, veteran as he is, the enthusiasm for his profession is still strong upon him.

Investor: What's all this terrible burst of frenzy on the Sharebrokers' .Association about ? Exchange Expert : Well, you see, somebody sent a telegram to someone elee about breaking gold in a mine, and that someone looked at it before showing it to the Sharebrokers' Association. _ . , , .

Little Sholto (just after dir.ing icith the Earl and Countess of Crewe) : Heaven help me, Henry Brett! After all my gigantic efforts to build upon aristocratic, pure, and highly -intellectual press jor New Zealand in general, and my " Herald " in particular, during my absence my staff have spoiled all by publishing the life and crimes of a notorious criminal to boom the circulation.

Principal Milnes, of the Normal School, was not inclined to sit quiet under the imputation of bad manners that was hurled against his pupils by the " Star." Mr Milnea has heaved a return thunderbolt against the reptile press in the shape of an assertion to the effect that one of the reporters who accompanied the Gubernatorial party on the occasion of that party's recent visit to the school, entered the sacred portals with his hat still upon his head, and with a pipe in his mouth. Honours now appear to be easy.

Yet another youthful prodigy has come to light, in the person of Bertie Moselen, a promising young gentleman aged six, who resides at Totara North, and who is said to be a coming champion rifle shot. There can be no objection to youthful prodigies in the violin and piano lines ; but when it comes to a youthful prodigy stalking about the landscape with a gun — well, that youthful prodigy's next - door neighbours have good reason to feel apprehensive with regard to the safety of their windows, if not of their lives and limbs. Presumably, the paternal relative of Bertie Moselen is anxious that his offspring should emulate the example of Cadet Willie Friar, of Onehunga. The ambition is laudable enough, no doubt, so long as the youngster's anergies are confined within reasonable bounds. Oh, of infantile phenomena we have a little list— | There's the infant piano-thumper, and j the infant violinist. ' There are other skilful infants who in some ways take the bun — But preserve us from the infant who is handy with his gun ! • • • Nobody who happened to meet John McDougall Simpson, late head attendant at the Costley Home, a week or so ago, would have imagined that he was even then suffering from a malady that was to end fatally in a few days' time ; for Mr Simpson was a living picture of health and sturdiness. Last week, however, he contracted peritonitis, to which he succumbed on Sunday. A great portion of Mr Simpson's life was passed amid scenes of sickness and suffering. For many years he held a position as attendant at the Avondale Mental Hospital, and there he acquired a considerable knowledge of clinical work, a knowledge that fitted him admirably for the position which he afterwards held at the Gostley Home. Previous to going there, he was for about four years in the employment of t|^|^U|^y^ > ]^e*g;;

partment. Mr Simpson was a native of Edinburgh, but came oat with his parents to Dunedin in the early days. In his youth he achieved considerable success as a tenor singer in the southern city, and even at a more mature age he was a vocalist of no mean order. • • • George Marlow, the bland gentle- %, man who has lately been dispensing blood and thunder with a lavish hand at the Opera House, is in partnership with Edwin Geach, and what is puzzling Mr Marlow is the qnestion of how nanny speculations — theatrical and otherwise — Edwin is in. According to Mr Marlow'a account, his enterprising partner is financially interested in nearly every theatrical business in Australasia. A short time agoi Mr Marlow invested some money tin a theatrical concern in which he hadn't the slightest idea that Edwin had any interest, and a little later he, received a letter from Edwin welcoming him vv as a co-partner. But the last straw came a few weeks ago. Mr Marlow had just disposed of some mining shares, and when he went to collect the cash from the broker, he casually inquired who the purchaser was, "Edwin Geach," was the reply. " Heavens above us !" exclaimed the petrified George. "Is there anything in the whole of Australasia that that man hasn't got an interest in ?" Apparently there isn't. i m. • • | Though lost to sight of the Auckland veterans, for whom he did so much while here, Lord Kanfurly still keeps for them a warm place in his memory. Of this his continued interest in their Home at Epsom is ample proof. For instance, during the present jear our ex-Governor has collected Borne £70 in England in aid of the funds of the institution, and in a letter just received by Major Knyvett he expresses the hope that he will be able to obtain a good deal more, though he does find that at Home, just as in the colony, spare cash is not easily extracted from those who hold it. Incidentally, Lord Ranfurly expresses his appreciation of the work done by Major Knyvett and the No. 1 Company of Garrison Volunteer Artillery in putting into proper order the last resting.- place of the veterans in the VVaikaraka cemetery, and states his opinion that the one blot on the arrangements connected with the Home was the want of a neat burial: place, with proper memorials upon ; which the names, regiments wdmedidi^