GREYMOUTH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIV, Issue 33, 11 December 1896, Page 6

GREYMOUTH.

(From an occasional correspondent.) At last Sunday's services Rev. Father Carew preached on the Re"l Presence. During his discourse the rev. gentleman dwelt very forcibly on the irreverent behaviour of some of the rising generation, who persistently block the end passage of the church during Divine service. Of course the root of this evil is the carelessness of Catholic parentß, many of whom seem to think their duty is accomplished when they have fed and clothed their offspring. The theory class for next years' musical examination is well filled. This shows the confidence the public have in the good nuns as teachers of music. The pupils of this class, presided over by Sister Mary Agatha, have frequently gained the highest marks in the Colony. A class of cookery has also been established by the nuns. This is indeed a sensible and practical way of conferring a boon on the rising generation, who. it is to be hoped, will be saved from the horrors of frying-pan cookery. Desperate efforts were made to oust Messrs. Hannan, Larkin, Ryall and Harris from their respective seats at last county election. All the old members were, however, returned. Even Mr. Musson's long advertisement, commencing, in the style of Antony's famous oration, "Friends, countrymen, etc.," failed to shake the electors. No doubt Mr. Musson's photo, in his famous " knocking out" attitude, -will now be withdrawn from the public gaze. The footpath in front of the photographer's window was blocked by young colonials eager to catch a glimpse of their hero's photo. Such is colonial fame. The contest between Mr. Finn and Mr. Russell was unusually keen, the latter gentleman being a large storekeeper with far-reaching influence at his back. Mrs. F. W. Martin and two children and Mrs. Quinn arrrived here during the week from Western Australia. The ladies daughters of Mr. Sheedy — who were exceedingly popular on the coast, were welcomed to their old home by a large circle of friends. It will be remembered that Mrs. Martin's husband, who died some time ago at Freeniantle, where he held a high position under the Western Australian Government, was for many years district engineer for Westland. Mr. Bell, the opponent of Mr. Guinness for Parliamentary honours, has evidently a mania for contesting elections, he having contested the mayoral seat, with the result that he was defeated by Mr. S. Koglund by a large majority. Mr. Bell favoured us this week with his views on matters political. He was especially bitter on the members of the Upper House, speaking of them as •' vermin " and in other choice terms. To my mind the Legislative Council deserve the thanks of electors for blocking bills, which, if passed too hastily would do harm. The Upper House need not be alarmed. They will survive Mr. Bell's attacks. He himself if returned would be a thoroughly independent member, but when the members of the Upper Chamber show a little independence by refusing to pass all tne Government bills he would abolish the " kennel " as he calls it at once. What a liberal spirit is here shown— something of the spirit of the French community — " join our cause or be executed — liberty, fraternity and equality." The Prohibitionists are hard at work promulgating their views. No one disputes their assertion of the evils of excessive drink, but to reduce the whole population of New Zealand to one level by rendering it impossible for a hardworking man to procure a srlass of beer is downright tyranny, the perpetration of which would be a financial blunder, at the same time creating the terrible evil of sly grog selling. When Mr. Ziman bought up the mines at Reef ton he stated that in a short time he would have one thousand nien employed at the mines. It is now stilted that less men are now employed than was the case prior to his advent on the scene. It will be bad for the district it after all this scheme is only a speculation in scrip on the London market. We must only live in hope that Mr. Ziman, who is virtually king of the position, will turn out trumps.