People We Hear About

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXVII, Issue 3, 21 January 1909, Page 108

People We Hear About

Of the ten Ministers of the Crown forming the present Cabinet, seven are Scotsmen by birth or descent. Perhaps, for the first time in the history of the Dominion; the Cabinet does not contain "an Englishman. Mr. P. Hally, who has been appointed a Conciliation Commissioner, is a native of Dunedin, and is in his fortyfourth year. He was educated at the local Christian Brothers' School. He has always shown a deep interest in industrial affairs, and as the advocate of better conditions for workers he gained the respect of both employers and employees. Mr. Hally held a seat in the Dunedin City Council for a period of fotir years, but retired from all " public offices and from business on his appointment as inspector of awards in the Labor Department. In concluding a notice of his career, the Otago Daily Times says: llt is not yet known whether Mr. Hally'^new appointment will necessitate a change of residence, but seeing that he is so well known and respected in this industrial district all parties concerned, whether employers or employees, will consider it a distinct misfortune if it should be so. He is embarking on a farther experiment in industrial legislation — one in which sagacity and fair-mindedness are of the first importance — and he does so enjoying the confidence of all concerned.' The young King Manuel of Portugal, who on Sunday, November 15, attained his nineteenth birthday, was the recipient of messages of greeting and good wishes from King Edward VII. and the British Government. Little . of the nature of - festivities attended the anniversary — the terrible deaths of the King's father and brother being yet too near to permit of any public rejoicings on the oc- • casion. In the comparatively short space of time that has elapsed since the tragic events which so suddenly called upon the boy-king to assume the burden of Royalty he has displayed a remarkable dignity and tact, • and has evidenced that he realised to the full the heavy responsibilities which rest upon him, and that he possesses a thorough comprehension of the very difficult situation in which he is placed, and the important mission which he is called upon to fulfil. He devotes himself thoroughly and conscientiously to mastering the affairs of State, which is a good augury for his future ; and he possesses a singular charm of manner, which he is believed to inherit from his grandmother, Queen Maria Pia, a princess of the Italian Royal Hoxise, whom he is also said to resemble greatly in character and appearance. His name, Manuel, which has a traditional association with good fortune in the history of Portugal, was bestowed upon him at the instance of Queen Maria Pia. The Earl of Granard, who was married on Thursday last to Miss Mills, daughter of an American banker, is the eighth holder of the title. His father was a convert to the Church in 1869, and received from Pius IX. the Grand Cross of St. Gregory in recognition of his zeal in religion. The present earl, who was educated at the Oratory School, succeeded his father in 1889. He is thirty-five years of age. He was appointed a Lord-in-waiting in 1906, and is Master of the Horse, a position, which brings him constantly into direct communication with the King. His appointment to the latter post revived a story which was told repeatedly and accepted as authentic, when Lord^ ' Granard obtained in -1906, on the formation of the present* Administration, his first office as one of the Lords-in-Waiting. He was a captain in the Scots' Guards, and subjected to a good deal of chaff for his political principles. When the late Sir Henry Campbell-Baimerman was "forming his Government Lord Granard received a telegram purporting to come from the Prime Minister desiring a personal interview with him, and naming an hour at which, he was to call. Lord Granard, who was stationed with his regiment in tho country, got leave of absence for an occasion of such importance, and was congratulated by his brother-officers. He waited on Sir Henry CampbellBannerman, only to be informed that the Prime Minister was overwhelmed with work, and could not see him. He told the servant that, there jyas some mistake, as the Prime Minister asked him to call, and gave the servant the telegram to show Sir Henry. An answer was returned that the Prime Minister would see him. Sir Henry CampbellBannerman was very courteous. Lord Granard told tho circumstances which had induced ,him -to call, and concluded that a practical joke had been played on him by his brotherofficers. Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman was much pleased with .his manner and bearing, and sympathised with him in the hoax to which he had been subjected. He left the house somewhat crestfallen, but pleased with the kindness of the Prime Minister, whom lie had not previously met, and a very short time afterwards was made one of the Lords-in-Waiting. ..^