Comments on Passing Events.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XIX, Issue 1906, 24 November 1886, Page 2

Comments on Passing Events.

(By Colonial.) Wellington, Nov 20, 1886. Tee Mayobal Election. Up to the day of nomination it was gene* rally thought it would result m a walk over for Mr 8. Brown, and public feeling was apparently dormant. But from after events it must be concluded that this feeling was in what may be termed a soda water state, for no sooner had it become known that Mr Fisher was nominated than public feeling was all of a fizz, Mr Fisher’s action acting like acid. I was unaware till the present occasion that there were so many adjectives in the English language, but these adjectives have been flying about indiscriminately. They have not always been applied to the candidates, but to disputants engaged in controversy as to the merits of either candidate. For instance, I heard two disputants finish up their argument (?) with the expressions “ Tour a liar ” and “ Your another.” This was the finish up of a rather “ warm " conversation between two intelligent men. To give expression to all the straight forward Anglo-Saxon that has been used within the last few days over the above election would horrify your readers and therefore I will not make the, attempt. It is a matter of doubt how the election will end, but it is generally admitted by his opponents that Mr Fisher is the better man of the two as far as ability to fill the position is concerned. On the other hand he has lost many warm supporters and has not apparently gained any to fill their places. 1 have beard of 2to 1 being offered on Mr Fisher, but I would be rather inclined to take the one rather than the two Mr Brown is not a good speaker and therefore may spoil himself in his attempt to gain votes by oratory. However, to say the least the result is hard to foretell. Self-reliance.

A* far as New Zealand is concerned Mr Weld afterwards made Governor of a neigh* homing colon;) was perhaps (he first to adopt as his policy the principle of selfreliance when he insisted on the withdrawal of the Imperial troops, and declared that the only real hope of the country was in relying on itself. This was, of course, more partion* larly in reference to our relations with the Maoris. That policy was in every way a success. But after adopting this policy in the first instance the principle was gradually lost sight of and we dwindled down again to looking for outside assistance. On this occasion it was not troops but money which was desired, and Sir Julius Vogel seized the opportunity and made himself famous by being, the means of its introduction. Selfreliance at once faded away and like all spendthrifts borrowing was continuous as the only means for our salvation. From this state we sank still lower and looked for the State to do everything for ns, a feeling which was entertained and fostered by (be HallAtkinson Government. From this state of ruinous apathy we have been slightly worked ■) by Sir Bobert Stout advocating a similar policy of self-reliance as that advocated by Mr Weld something over twenty years ago, only on this occasion we have had the maintenance of hospitals and charitable aid thrown directly on our shoulders. This policy is bearing a certain amount of fruit, but not without a little grumbling on the part of the public. The above remarks were called forth in consequence of a procession I saw the other day from the Wellington Catholic College. A few years ago the Catholics of Wellington determined to have a college of their own and the result at the present time is that they now possess Jone of the best colleges and finest buildings in New Zealand. The other day I had the pleasing sight of witnessing about one hundred and fifty scholars under the care of eight masters marching along in procession, headed by a brass band of players from the College scholars towards the railway station on their wav to hold their ennnel

pionio. While Ido not uphold any kind ol exclusiveness, I certainly cannot help but admire the worthy example the Catholics have shown in this respect as to what can be done by unity and self-reliance without State assist* ance ol any kind. The New OPEti. Horn. This was opened on Wednesday and according to Ur Leitob, the actor, it is the best theatre in the Southern Hemisphere. The same gentleman also remarked that the stage was co-partner with the Folpit and the Press. Whatever may be the general opinion on that matter it would teem to be more popular than either, or to put it in other words, its appreciation by the public is more apparent than in the other oases. Before the doors were opened the street in front wae literally blocked and in a few minutes after the doors were opened the theatre was come pletely filled. It would, however, have been more in accordance with the name of the building if it had been opened with an jpera company, as the “ Silver King ” is rather a dismal piece k with which to open a aew theatre. However, the building itself is veil worth » visit io any case, 1