People We Hear About

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIX, Issue 26, 27 June 1901, Page 10

People We Hear About

A contemporary reoords that a curious coincidence has been experienced by Mr. James O'Connor, M.P. for West Wicilow. In 1798 his grandfather was shot as a rebel on Dnnlaven Green. The soldiers who fired the death volley were under the command of Captain Saunders. Eight years ago the grandson of the man who was shot was a candidate for V ahament for West Wicklow, while his opponent, Colonel Saunders, was the grandson of the man who who commanded the shooting party. Mr. O'Connors majority at the late election was 1789, figures which corresponded exactly with the year in which his grandfather met his death.

Sir John MoKenzie's land legislation has created for him more political enemies than any other publio man in the Colony, yet there in not one of his opponents who will say that the new knight has not always been actuated by the highest motives in doing what he believed to be for the interests of the great bulk of the people of the Colony. He is the father of compulsory Land Purchase for closer settlement in New Zealand, and few will say to-day, after an experience of some years, that the measure has not been productive of great benefit. Sir John in his native Highlands saw the evils of landlordism, when human beings had to make way for the hare and the deer, which were to provide sport for the aristocracy. He deter* mined, when he entered political life in this Colony, that no efforts of his should be wanting to prevent the introduction here of the evils of dual proprietorship of the soil. Sir John is a native of Ross-shire, where he was born in 1838. Over forty yean ago he came out to New Zealand, settling in Otago, where he has been ever since engaged in pastoral and agricultural pursuits. After filling local public offices with considerable credit to himself, he sought a wider field for his abilities, and after a short period in the Provincial Council he entered the House of Representatives as member for Waihemo. Since then until a year or two ago Sir John has been a leading figure in the House. About a year ago a severe illness necessitated his resignation of the Waihemo seat. Coincident with an improvement in health is the conferring of an honor whioh persons of all shades of political opinion hope he will enjoy for many years.

During the week messages from all parts of the Colony poured in on Sir J G. Ward, congratulating 1 him on the honor oonferred upon him. The new knight was born at Emerald Hill, Victoria, in 1857, and was brought to this Colony when quite a child. At the age of 13 he entered the postal service, which he left three year* later for a merchint's office. His next move was into the Railway Department, where he remained until he was 21 years of age. Then he started on hie own account as a grain exporter, and worked with such skill and enterprise in extending his operations and enlarging his connection that he very soon found himself at the head of a very large concern. After filling fieveral local public offices with mnoh ability he entered Parliament for Awarua in 1887, and has represented that constituency since then with the exception of a brief period. In consequence of circumstances over which he had no control he became involved in financial difficulties a few years ago, and found it necessary to retire for a time from publio life. With characteristic energy he set about putting his financial affairs in order, and after a brief period he paid every penny of his debts in addition to several sums for which he was not directly responsible. His English creditors were so pleased by his action that they presented Lady Ward with a handsome carriage, and his New Zealand creditors followed suit with a splendid pair of horses. It is not necessary to refer to the many reforms which Sir J. (j. Ward has introduced into the Railway and Postal Departments since he recently took office, but the initiation of the universal penny poetage into this Colony will ever be associated with his name, and stand to his statesmanship and credit. His efforts on behalf of a cable to England that would pass solely through British territory are well known. Whilst in Parliament hin name has always been associated with progressive legislation, and no reasonable man can contend that there is anything incompatible with true democratic principles in Sir J. G. Ward accepting honor at the hands of his Sovereign. A refusal to accept such would be considered bad taste, and attributed to a desire to pander to the opinions of a few extreme Radicals. Political friends and foes admit that he deserves his honor, and hope that he will live long to enjoy it.

A WORD OF WARNlNG.— According to the opinion of many doctors in New Zealand, that dreadful scourge, Consumption, has obtained a strong hold in the Colony, and anythingthat will tend to counteract its terrible ravages should be welcomed as a boon and a blessing to mankind. It is well known that a Blight cold, neglected in its earlier stages, is frequently the precursor of phthisis, and many a valuable life could have been saved had an effectual remedy been applied before the disease had established itself in the system. Such a remedy is to be found in TUSSICURA, and the innumerable testimonials received by the inventor of this preparation, which has earned a world-wide reputation, prove conclusively that it is a certain cure for all pulmonary complaints. A dose of this mixture, administered when a person is suffering from a bad cold or a harassing cough, will not only give instant relief, but will also strengthen the organs affected, thus preventing more serious trouble in the future. Prevention is better than care, and for this reason no household should be without a bottle of TUSSICURA, as its timely administration will obviate suffering in after-life and preserve the constitution from disease. One feature of the preparation should not be overlooked— namely, that it is applicable to both the adult and the infant, all that is necessary being the adjustment of the doses to the circumstances, according to the directions. — *%