Greymouth Evening Star, AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1901. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 2 December 1901, Page 2

Greymouth Evening Star, AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1901. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

The scare in Sydney, consequent upon the alarming statements made by the Mayor and Health Officer, that the plague was certain to make its appearance this summer, is being taken more quietly by other colonies this year than last. The Wellington Health Department do not consider it necessary to quarantine vessels arriving from (Sydney as a precaution against plague, but there will be .a rigid examination of all such ships; and rats caught in the chief ports will be frequently examined, their special susceptibility to plague bacillus rendering their condition an excellent guide as to the degree of danger to the public. While it is wise to take all necessary precautions it is possible, as was fcha case last year, to carry precautionary measures a trifle too far.

And while upon health notes, it is not very pleasing to learn that we have in the colony a real case of that dreadful disease, leprosy. Yet such is the case, for a Press Association message from Wellington to-day states that the report, as to the case of the suspected Chinaman at Falmerston South, is that be is suffering from leprosy in its early stages. He has been isolated in a place two miles distant from any other habitation. It will be remembered that some years ago a scare was got up at Greymouth in regard to a Chinaman, now departed to the "hunting ground of his ancestors," who was said to be affected with leprosy. Medical evidence tended to j

show that it was not a case of leprosy, but it was unpleasant enough. Now we have a real case, and it is not pleasing, for the very greatest caution will have to be taken to prevent infection. '0:0

No one is so bitter as "the erstwhile friend turned foe." Hence we are not surprised at Mr. Meredith's speech. This is the gentleman the Premier told the House wished for some extraordinary land concession. Since the story was told Mr. Meredith has been as bitter as gall. Last week addressing his constituents, he severely criticised the Premier, and concluded with a long statement with reference to the Glentui incident. In replying to questions as to which side of the House he would be found next session, he stated that he was Liberal by conviction, and would always support Liberal measures and a pure Liberal Administration. He could not follow Captain Russell, although he considered him the most gentlemanly, honourable, and upright man he had ever met, and on whose veracity he would stake his life, The Premier, on the contrary, was most insulting to members of the House, and was too autocratic. The time was drawing

near, "when, in the interests of the colony, a change would have to be made in the Government. Mr. Meredith in other words says Captain Russell’s policy he cannot agree with ; he thoroughly agrees with the Ministerial policy but having a personal dislike to Mr. Seddon will not follow him. What the member for Ashley intends to do is not very clear, but it must have been so to his constituents who gave him a vote of confidence.