IN THE LIMELIGHT.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12347, 18 October 1909, Page 7

IN THE LIMELIGHT.

THE PREMIER AND MR MASSEY

The Prime Minister remarked in the House of Representatives on Thursday night (says a message w> the "News") that extraordinary efforts ware mad© to magnify -what the Leader, of the Opposition said and did. "If the hon. gentleman sneezes it is turned into a thunder clap so far as the Press Association is concsrned. If he coughs tho hon gentleman has provoke* an earthquake. I.don't object to it. I am glad to see every member of this House occupy his proper position, but T think it is rather funny -when you commence to know the facts." Sir Joseph mentioned that beforo the last general election, he and Mr Massey travelled by the same ti^ain between Temuka and Ashburton. Mr Massey at the rear and Sir Joseph at the front of tlie train. At Ashburton stition, Mr Massey met a number of friends and was told that there wag some difficulty in selecting the Opposition candidate. Sir Joseph said that he had intended to go out on the platform and meet Mr Massey. but on learning the circumstances he thought it tho right thing and the gentlemanly thing not to do so.—(Hear, hear)—but the Press Association sent out from end to end of New Zealand that "Mr Masgey was vn the Ashburton platform and was received by the p-wple -while Sir Joseph Ward remained in his carriage."

Mr Massey said that when he arrived at Ashburton he found 100 to 150 people on th© station who wanted him to address them. He told them that as Sir Joseph Ward was on the train it would hardly be grood form to do so, but he promised them he would if they put an Opposition member in. "They did so," concluded MrJVTassey. "and lam gioing to keep my promise!" "And I will go back to Ashburton." rejoined Sir Joseph, "and I hope to be able-to show that the Government i? better than the Opposition."

Cabinet has decided to declare the National Park at the Southern Sounds and Lakes a sanctuary for native birds. This splendid park comprises an area of not less than two million acres. This means that many of our native birds, including some very interesting species that were.in danger of extermination, will now have an excellent cliance of being preserved for all time. The action of the Cabinet is understood to be due to tho efforts of the Hon Thos. Mackenzie.

The widow of the late Mr W. P. James, S.M., Masterton, has petitioned Parliament for a compassionate allowance. The late Mr James wasi in the public service for forty-two years'. It was his intention dining his last illness to retire, but before the necessary arrangements could be concluded he passed away. Had his services been dispensed with he would ha.ye been entitled to over £2000. She had only received as compassionate allowance the sum of £1150, representing two years' salary. In view of tine long period that he had been in the service and the efficient manner in which ho had performed his duties eh© prayed that a further sum should be- allowed her.