THE NEW PREMIER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1787, 19 June 1906, Page 2

THE NEW PREMIER.

Jm supplying a pen sketch of tho now Pi orator to its readers, tho Wellington Poit has tho following : For years he had a hard row to hoo, for which his politioal

opponents joored at him for haviog given up bis independence, taunted him with inconsistency, made tho most of his laok of knowiodge of bis department, and generally made things as unploaßant as possible, , That is all but forgotton now, and the faol that it is no longer borne in mind is a efcrikmg exemplification of the steady do* termination of tho man and of his quie Lerfcinooity. Through taim’s and gibes Mr Hall Jodob persisted in sticking always olosely to his work, which in time was made to iaoludo the oontrol of hospitals, I asylums, and charitable aid, roads and bridoeß, inspection of maohinery, and so on, and it has for some years past beeD conerally rcoognhod that his acquaintance with the details of hiß department is sosretly equalled, certainly not excelled, by any other member of tho Ministry. As a Bpcakor he is by no moans remarkable, but of late years (except when ho was pleased to be facetious), the Houso has always listened to him with attention, and on many f occasions has expressed itself in terms of high praise at his evident grasp of detail and the quiet and effective mannor in whioh he has presented his oaso. Nor has his connection with tho Seddon Government been one of absolute agreement, for on one occasion at leoßt he displayed a distinct touch of tnai independonoe which in the early days ot his political career led him to resign from the office of Whip and beoome a political I free lancet It was during the time the Duke of York was visiting New Zealand, when thooolony was turned upside down ti do honor to the Royal visitor. The Minister for Public Works is never ostentatious, but ho wont on his way quietly end 86tenel y' leaving those who preferred that class of amusement to lot off the fireworks and mako themselves as prominent as they pleased. Certain arrangements, however, were plaoed in the bands of Mr Hall Jones, who suddenly discovered that his plans had been interfered with, and that his wishes bad been absolutely disregarded. What actually happened then is only a matter of rumor. It is known, however, that Mr Hall-Jones left without notice for Rotorua, leaving, it is said, his resign .lion behind him. Tho trouble was fixed up, ana the Minister for Publio Works returned to the Cabinet. But it was apparent thereafter that ho stood on firmer ground, and there was not wanting evidenoe that hiß display of independence bad considerably increased tho strength of his position in the Government.

The Arowhana station requires a shepherd. Tenders will be received up to noon on Thursday for the lease of 20 acres, with dwelling and out-building, at present occupied by Mr W. McOliflkie, Mangapapa.

The Gisborne hotelkeepers will close their premises on Thursday nest from 1.30 p.m. to 5 p.m., as a mark of respect to the memory of the late, Premier.

The quarterly meeting of the Gisbourne Chamber of Commerce will be held in the Farmers’ Union Club rooms to-morrow afternoon at I o’clock, when all interested in the New Zealand Exhibition are requested to attend. Advice has been received by Lieut. C. Hellier Evans from Colonel Webb, TXTniiinnrfnn. that volunteers are to day afternoon at 2 30. Officers m uniform are to wear a monrning badge until July 11th. A meeting has been convened by the Mayor for all interested in the arrangements for a memorial service to ■ the late Premier to bo held on Thursday next. The offer of Mr W. Miller for the free use of His Majesty’s Theatre for the occasion has been accepted. The meeting will be held at the Borough Council Chambers at 3 p.m to-day. A presentation of a lady’s companion was made to Miss Daisy McKende by St. Andrew’s choir, on the occasion of her departure to Gore. Miss Violet McKende was made the recipient of a Bible by the teacher and scholars of her Sunday School class.

Messrs Nelson Bros ’ lightermen had an exciting experience early yesterday morning. When going out of the river, a heavy sea broke completely over the loaded barge, those on board having to hang on to save themselves from being washed overboard. In making the river later, the empty barge was carried by a big wave almost on top of the tug-boat Tuna.

A small house at Makaraka, owned and occupied by Mrs P. Sorry, was destroyed by fire on Saturday. There was £IOO insurance on the contents in the Manchester office. The building was uninsured.

Advice has boon received by Dr. Lowe, of Wellington, that at the Dental Examinations in Dunedin, Messrs A. H. Kothenberg, of Wellington, and Cyril Bharp, of Gisborne, head the list of successful candidates.

The Customs Department will be closed on Thursday next on acoaunt of the funeral of the late Premier. Tbe Matawhero stock saleß have been postponed until Friday next, owing to the funeral of tbe Premiot taking place on Thursday. By the Atbenio, which arrived at Wellington from London yesterday, Mr F. W, Taylor is a passenger for Gisborne, | Thrco offenders for drunkenness were brought before Mr Matjtbewson, J.P., at the Magistrate's Court yesterday. Two wore discharged with a caution, and the third was fined £3 and costs. Mr Hali-Jones is a man who has excited no animosity and who is reepec'od on both sides of the House. The business of tbe colony will not suffer under his temporary superintendence, and muob less desirable men have attained to Premier ships in the turmoil of colonial politics,— N.Z. Herald.

I la connection with the lite Mr Seddon’s I funeral, it is cllioially notified that the Wellington Pott and Telegraph Offices I close on Thursday, 21st, from 2 to 5 pm. I All other offices in the colony close for one hoar from 2.30 until 3.30 p.m. In adothei: column of this issue appears an advertisement of the entertainment promoted by the Trinity Girls’ Union in aid of their piano fund. The entertainment takes pi ice at 8 o’clock this evening in Tiinity Schoolroom, and judging from the programme submitted to U 9 there will certa’nly be no lack of amusement for all tastes. Several old favorite? will contribute items, and there are performers [ who are quite now to Gisborno aud'enoeß Among these we may mention Rev. H. N Wright, Mesers London, Hickson, and Brownlee. A stroDg committee of Union members are busily engaged in preparing for the entertainment, and patrons will find nothing left undone. The price of admiesion is fixed at Is, children being half price. The Rev. L. Dawson Thomas, president of the Girls’ Unioo, hopes that all parishioners and townspeople will bo present.