The Taranaki Herald. PUBLISHED DAILY. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 1898. THE WANGANUI SEAT.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9395, 23 March 1898, Page 2

The Taranaki Herald. PUBLISHED DAILY. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 1898. THE WANGANUI SEAT.

Our morning contemporary takes evident comfort from ottf statement that there is a difficulty in getting a suitable Liberal candidate to oppose,Mr Cnrson with a view to winning back the Waugauui scat. Tho writer, however, ia entirely in error in concluding that this is evidence that the Liberal cause here is in a bad way, and that tho Seddon Government lias fallen into disfavour with the Liberals of the electorate. This is not so. Suitable candidates for Parliamentary honours are liot ' very plentiful On either tide, and go scarce here that the Conservative party in Wanganui have had to accept Mr Carson as their champion for years, despite the fact thai lie j failed on several opeftslous \o score a victory, and only managed after many struggles to win the seat by a narrow majority. The fact of the matter is that suitable men do not care to spend their time and money in such contests, as they are averse to giving up the time a seat in Parliament would require, to the neglect of their own affairs. Host of Mr Carson's supporters, fov instance, would have infinitely preferred supporting either Mr I<\ R. Jackson or Mr David Peat to the present member, but neither of the two gentlemen uamed would consent to oome forward, hence Mr Carson's longdeferred victory. There ts the same trouble in getting ft suitable candi- ■ date hero to tlo battle for the Liberal cause', as those of ihe jiji'ly who would be accepted by the members ' of that organisation refuse to come forward. It may not be patriotio on their part to so refuse» but it is not to be wondered A,b, considering tho fact that to do so would entail endless worry, great expense, and a serious loss of time which they think should be devoted to tlieir 6wn affairs. It suits our contemporary to try a»A make its readers believe that their real reason for declining Parliamentary honors is their dislike of the Seddon Government, but we are perfectly certain that were Mr Seddon to seek the suffrages of the ele6tors of Wanganui as Mr Carson's opponent, the Iftttel- would suffer defeat. However, Mr Seddon is not likely to desert his old constituency, which has so long sup ported him successfully, and placed him at the head of the affairs of the colony. That he is not the political ogre painted by Mr Carson and his organ, thoso who know Mr Seddon best can testify. His colleagues have over and over again repudiated the stories so sedulously circulated by the Opposition that the Premier overrules them in Cabinet, and is virtually " boss " of the Government. As head of tho Goveanment and leader of the House of Representatives, the Premier naturally stands first in the Liberal Party, but that he has anyihing of the American " boss " about him no sane person will believe. The Parliament and people of New Zealand would not tolerate such o, person in office a day, nor allow such practices as those so long pursued by the Tammany ring in New York. To liken Ministers to that unholy band of public de9poilers is to place a very low estimate on the intelligence of the puhlic of this colony, who are perfectly aware of the utter impossibility of any set of Ministers in New Zealand acting as the chiefs of the Tammany ring Lave been guilty of doing for years past. Our contemporary denies that the Conservative Governments of the past have been administrations opposed to progress and supporters of stagnation, claiming that to them the country owes every Liberal measure now on the Statute Book I Might we ask the write? which Conservative Government gave us the Lands for Settlement Act, the substitution of the Land and Income Tax for the Property Tax (which latter was a tax on improvements and progress), the Cheap Money for Settlers Act, the different Labour laws which have done so much for the workers of New Zealand, aud many other progressive laws which the Conservatives bitterly opposed, and would repeal to-morrow if they were able ? The same writer also claims that to the Conservatives belongs the credit of opening up our back country. This is entirely untrue. It was the late John Ballance to whom that credit isjusHy iae, as it was he who purchased the Waimarino Block of half a million acres, which the Conservative Government that succeeded the StoutYogel Ministry did nothing to open up, and it was due to his interest in theopening upof the Wanganui River that a start was made in snagging it, and the Wanganui River Trust Board set up. We could go on multiplying instances of a like character, but have quite enough to show how shallow are our contemporary's claims on behalf of his Conservative friends, who, when in office, studiously neglected the interests of Wanganui and the surrounding districts, doing all they could to draw the trade of our inland settlements to Napier, which was treated as a favoured child, whilst Wanganui was neglected, and let struggle through its difficulties as best it could.

A Press wire from Palmerston North states that, in response to the request of a large number of leading settlers, Mr A. H. McHardy, president of the Manawatu A. and P. Association, has decided to contest the Palmerston North seat at the next election. At a meeting yesterday afternoon of the committee of the Borough Council re the gas question, certain proposals were formulated, which will be submitted to the Counoil at its next meeting. Three persons, who had imbibed too freely in liquor yesterday, were this morning brought up at the Police Court beforo Mr H. «Sarjeant, J.P. Two of them, who had lieen previously convicted for the same offence within six months, wore fined ss, in default 21 hours' imprisonment. 'The other was convicted, aud ordered to come up for sentence when called upon. The Wanganui Steamship Company's Manaroa looked'quite trim this morning, , when she arrived in port after her overhaul on the slip^at Wellington. The travelling public will be interested to know that increased passenger accommodation has been provided on the steamer, and new coal bunkers erected. Professor Rontgenof "X Rays"f ame dislikes being lionised. He recently intended to spond a fow days in Florence, but hardly ! had his arrival become known when 200 stttdepts turned out to^greet him. He told them bluntly they would have done better to attend their lectures. Later, on hearing tlmfc other demonstrations were planned, he took the first train and left the city,

Messrs Horton and Wilson, propriotois of the New Zealand Herald, are nt present oh a visit to Wa»gd,nuli A general meeting of the AVanganui Collegiate School Old Boys' Football Club will be held at Ckavannes' Hotel this evening. Mr Chavannos and his son Chailey leave on Saturday to compete in the Maryborough Gun Club Handicap ofJSIOO. to be shot for on Tuesday next. A meeting of Justices of the Pcafio will be held at tho Courthouse on Friday week, Ist April, at 11 a.m., for tho purpose of revising the jury list for the district of Wnngamu. A cable from London states that in the billiard match Roberto y, Weiss, ill which the latter raoolved 6500 in a (lame of 21,000, tile score at half-time stood— Roberts 9709, WelsO 13,455. A. Robertsoa, baker, \yns fined £i in the Magistrate's Qouvt iH Nap'usr yesterday on a charge of {ailing to cany scales on a bal'ei's cart. Fortune and Black were fined £2 for selling light weight broad and £1 for failing to stamp loaves. Mv G. F, Cramer has disposed of his Now Plymouth branch of tho fancy goods businest) a portion of the stock being retrioVed to Ilawura, and the balance to the main shop in Wanganui where the new and choice goods will be offered at 40 percent reduction. The lad Wright, who was found shot, lying on his mother's grave In the Holensvillo (Auckland) cemetery last Saturday was a nophow of Mr S. Wright, of Wanganui. The mother of deceased died aboiit twelve months ago from heart disease. Pumping Is being continued tky ana night at the foitrtk petroleum bore at MotiH'oa, and about the same quantity of oil is coming up with tho water as on the lastjeport— something under two barrels a day. It is hoped that the continuous pumping will l»a*o tUo effeot of draining and freeing {torn water the strata beneath the packet 1 . Several A&iv haVe gone over tho Kairaaflijwa ranges froiri the Napier side into the Bangittkeyistrici. One stag knocked down Mr, BUliq, brother of tho Tokaanu hotelkeeper, and gored him seriously in the thigh. Tho night was dark, and no one was at hand at the moment to render assistance, so that Mr Blake had a narrow escape, It was erroneously stated by us last evening that the cycling events had been eliminated from the Board t>f Control's spoi ts meoting en Easter Monday. What we intended to stito was that tho amateur cycling ev«nts had been struck out. Tins step, it may bo mentioned, was taken in view of the amalgamation of the local Amateur Cycling Club with the New Zealand League of Wheelmen. A pecnliar but tragic incident occurred at Hobart a few days ago. A Mrs Fisher was walking arm in asm with her husband across a yaul wheie a mare was standing, when Mr tfishtr remarked that he thought of. selling the animal, and his wife said, " No, not whilst I am alivo." She went to pat it, when the maio kicked her under the chin, causing iiibtaut death. Tho mure was a pet of tho deceased's. Rflference was made in these columns yesterday to tho presentation of the British flag flown ab tho memoiablo battle of Moutoa in May, 18(14. We wore shown the ensign to-day by Mr John Batefe, at his office, and it is worthy of note that considering tho lapse of years tho tieasurod piece of bunting, measuring about 15ft x Oft Gin, is in such an excellent stato of preservation. Mr John Walker, who donated the flag, wan at tho tnno of tho battle, niiil-carrior between Wellington and Wanganui. A meeting of ladies and gentlemen inteiested in the formation of ft lawn tennis club in connection with tho grounds in Cook's G.udons will bo hold in the Borough Council Chambers on Fiidny evening nost at fM o'oldclc. The lcvolling of the grottucts for tho tennis com t« U now ne&ring completion, the prison gang having beon engaged in the tvoik for a number of months, and it is necossary that steps should at once bo taken to tojidiess the sand with clay and soil before the seed 1b sown. As Cook's Reserve is so convenient, there should bo no difficulty in forming a strong club. Some very nedessary repairs ara being effected at the local Courthouse, which has been in a dilapidated condition since the big earthquake some months ago. Not only wore the chimneys knocked down, but the plaster on tho walls and ceilings in most of the looms was cracked, and the building has since been in anything but a satisfactory condition. The pity is that the Courthouse, whioh has done good service in the past, did not entirely t collapse, in which case there might then have beon a poisibihty of the erection of a building more in keeping with tho requirements of the place. While walking along Collins-Street, Melbourne, recently, Mr J. T. Taylor, of Geelong, picked up £400 iv four £50 notes. Next day he was called on by a Mrs Neale of Richmond, who explained that she had been at the Australian Mutual Provident office the previous afternoon for the purpose of paying some money ia respect to the life polioy of her sou but was informe 1 that the money had already been paid in West Australia. ,Wlten she was leaving the offico she removed the four £50 notes from her pocked to tho breast of her dress for greater safety »s she thought, and it was not till half-past eleven p.m. when she was about to retire to bed, that sho discovered her loss. The money -was at once handed over to Mrs Neaje, who returnod to Melbourne wiJh a light heart, after hafing left £1 for tho finder. Tho Rev. R. M. Ryburn <3on<Jucted a pretty wedding at the residence of tho bride's parents at Aramoho yestorday, when Miss Jane Cam is, daughter of Mr John Currie, was united in wodlock to Mr Henry Livingstone. The bride was dres&od in a handsome cream lustre, with white brocaded silk amd lacs trimmings. She also wore a geld broooli and bangle, and carried a sbotter bouquet, gifts of the bridegroom, The attendant bi idesmaids were Miss Vincent and Miss J. Gellately. The former was attired in a pale green costume, cream silk and laco trimmings, and the latter wore a cream serge dress, trimmed with figured satin and lace. Both wore gold brooches, presents from the bridegroom. Mr William Livinggtono, brother of the bridegroom, was best man. After the geremony the guests wore entertained at " breakfast " and m the evening a social gathering was held in the Aramoho Boating Club's Hall. Mr and Mis Livingstone loft for a short trip to Napier in the afternoon. The bride's travelling dress was of green, with pale pink silk and lace trimmings and picture hat to match. Mr W. P. Stuart, late of Hastings, took over possession of the Newmarkat Hotel, Wanganui, yesterday, and will be pleased to renew acquaintanceship with old friends and to make new ones, guaranteeing the best all-round accommodation to patrons, who can also rely on tho finest quality of liquors being kept. During the eight years Mr Stuart was in Hastings, tho Albert was the rallying place of the Scotchmen, and the popularity of the hotel was undoubted. Mr Stuart, who was champion bcotch dancer of New Zealand, holds many medals as evidence of his profioiency. Moreover, he was chieftain of the H.B, Highland Society and one of the directors of the H.B. Caledonian Society. He has always taken a great interest in the Caledonian Society's sports and in athletic associations generally, and was a member of the H.B. Cricket Club, so that his residence here will be of distinct benefit in connection with out-door recreations. The sale and transferrance of interests in the Newmarket Hotel were negotiated through Mr D. Whytock, representing Messrs Zohrab and Co., of Wellington. McFarlane's patent horse-cover is now fully recognised by experts as an article far in advance of anything of the kind previously offered to the public. Its advantages, among3t others, are that it does away with the annoyance usually caused by the ordinary covers becoming displaced, as in the case of the horse rolling ; then, there is no crupper used, consequently the horse does not snffer from ehaftng, etc. ; and again the mode of attachment is simplicity itself, the straps for fastening going round each hind leg as shown in the drawing in another column. It is hardly necessary to add that orders from all parts of the colony are constantly being filled and thorough satisfaction is the lesnlt. Mr J r . McFarlane, whoso shipchandlery and sailmaking premises are in the Avenue, WanganiKi (near Taupo Quay corner) is a direct importer and rstailer of calicoes, sheetings, table linens, towels, flannels, merges, blankets, curtains, leather bags, travelling trunks, etc., all of the very best quality and at the lowest possible prices.

Captain Edwin wires— Barometur falling at plaoes southward of New Plymouth after ten hours; sea moderate on both coasts : gales,,probably with rain, may be expeoled nt all places south of New Plymouth after from 10 to 20 hoitfd. A Sale of work will be held in the Christ Church Schoohoom on Friday evening next, the proceeds to be devoted to liquidating the debt on the lodge room of tho local division of the Good Templar Order. Mr Smith completed the artesian well to-day for Mr Benefield at Aramoho. At a depth of 353 ft a good flow of waterabout 50 gallons a minute- -was obtainod, water rising 22ft above ground level. The well was put in hear the hollso so as to bo awft.V fionl tile hill, but Mrßeneiield pur- j posos Utilising the water for the whole of his Nursery. ! Mr D. Davies, engineer, local representative of Messrs Crossley Bros., gas and oil engine makers, has just completed to tho order of Messrs H. I. Jones and Son tho erection of one of Crossloy's 1^ h.p vertical gas engines, We understand that Mi 1 Davies has several more of tho same manufacture to arrive under older for this district, proving their undoubted excellence and the advancement of the district in general. We beg to draw the attention of our readers to tho advortisoraont of Messrs F. R. Jackson and Oo.'s opening sale at Mangamahu at Messrs Ellis and Robinson's yards, which takes place on Friday next, 25th instant, at 1 p.m. Ovor 2000 good sheep will be offered, besides cattle and hoi'sesi For our oouhtry friends' sake we hope this sale will be thd success it dosarvflS, its It must be a great convenience to tho settlers to have a market opened at their doors. Tho Manaroa this morning: took out a big anchor, uoiineoted with tho stranded barquentiue St. Kilda by a three-inch steel lldwser, and dropped it overboard I about hftlf (I mild td seaward of the 1 St, Kilda. To-day a number of hands are enlployod jettisoning (jargo of coals', and it is expected that ( the barqaentine will bo hauled off to-night. The weather is all that could be desired for carrying out the operations for floating tho vessel. Mr n. T. Johns has jnst completed for Mis Donald Rf)ss x diwol| designed, compact j and substantial looking dwelling-house in Bates-itreot. Tho building is of sk rooms, together with bath-room, lavatory, linen pioss, etc., and is iitted with gas. Tho contractor has Bhown oxcollent workmanship throughout; tho painting and decorating by Mr Dowo ; bricklaying, Mr Jones ; and the plumbing, MrGallately — all adding to tho general effect of comfort and convenience. Miss E. Krnll, who on Monday severed her connection with tho teaching staff of the Wanganui Girls' College, owing to illhealth, was, previous to her leave-taking, piosented with a silver comb and a set of •iilvei mounted brushes, in a handsome case. Tho presentation was mado on behalf of tho pupils of tho College, who regret veiy much that circumstances have compelled Miss Krull to icsign her position as visiting teacher. Tho brushes wore suitably engraved at Mr 11. Black's establishment, At tho weekly practice of the Orchestral Club last night a vory handsome present from Mr Walter Imnott was donotod to the Club,— namely four standard works of music, with all the full oichestral parts, both wind aud Btring. A hearty vote of thanks to Mr Impett for such a thoughtful piesent was proposed by Mr John Stevenson. The practice under MiHerbert Collier, was vory satisfactory, and the several selections for the fh'ht concort of the senson woio rehoaiscd with good effoot. The pieces themselves will bo much appreciated by the honorary members and their friends on thoir performanco in about six weeks' time. Recently the Club has imported through Mr Collier, from England a set of kettle drums, also a French horn, which instruments materially' incroaso the effectiveness of tho orchestration. Two new mombors were oleotod last night.