The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. FRIDAY, SEPT. 6, 1907. THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2178, 6 September 1907, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. FRIDAY, SEPT. 6, 1907. THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

Sir Joseph AA’ard is probably beginning to realise that tho attainment erf his long-cherished ambition to become head of the colony’s political affairs is not entirely without its disadvantages. Tho Premier lnnl down his programme at the commencement of tho session, and as he viewed the various items no doubt felt that it was good. AVith his Land Bills safely placed on the Statute Book, his public works polioy sanctioned, a highly protective tariff adopted, and many- other important projects aniade into law, the prime mover in this epoch-making legislalation would surely loom as a political hero amongst his countrymen. Alas, for human hopes and vanities 1 The session is well advanced, and nothing of importance has been achieved. The Land Bills have been mutilated out of all recognition, and so disastrous lias been the conflict with' opposing forces that the Premier hesitates to submit tho remnant to tlio mercies of a harsh, unsympathetic House. Goaded on by the Opposition, who taunted him with wasting the country’s time, Sir Joseph, after repeated delays, placed the Tariff beforo the House, and he has not been long in discovering that it is one thing to enunciate a policy but quite a different matter to place it on the Statute Book. Even the late Mr. Seddon had tho saane fact brought forcibly to liis notice on many occasions, and he was a much stronger leader than hiis successor will ever he. Members of Parliament liavo an awkward method now and agji'in of asserting same independence of thought, and though the faculty had almost disappeared through long disuse during the Seddon regime, it now appears that it has only been dormant after all. The. fact of tho matter is the followers of the Government miss (the strong hand of the late Premier. During his reign they frequently rebelled, hut tho master mind and (marvellous diplomatist had his own methods for restoring order, and any dissatisfaction was rarefy registered in the lobbies. AV.lien Sir Joseph AA’iard assumed the reins of office the Government members were prepared to give him loyal support, and the Opposition proffered fair treatment. His remarkable vacillations over questions of policy, however, particularly in regard to the Land Bill, have evidently weakened the loyalty of his followers, as it has certainly bred contempt amongst the Opposition and ,-j large seotion of the public. Those then are the factors which have led to the severe rebuff received in connection with the Tariff proposals. It is true that the discussion of this measure is supposed to be free from tho baneful influence of party politics, and a defeat of the Government i 6 not recognised as evidencing want of confidence, but at the same time Sir Joseph AVard’s own admissions show how his wishes as political leader of the House have been disregarded. A wiser mail than ho would probably havo allowed the incident to pass unheeded, and endeavored subsequently in party to so ariunge matters that it could not he repeated. Instead of this the Premier has advertised the weakness of his hold upon his party, and his angry threats as to what they may expect if their attitude is persisted in will in all probability have an entirely opposite effect to that intended. Under tho circumstances- it .is particularly significant that Sir Joseph has brought down a Licensing Bill tho provisions of which will not ho needed unless a dissolution of Parliament takes place. It is scarcely likely that members will go the length of compelling tho Premier to seek refugo in a dissolution, for the majority wall much prefer to retain their seats until effluxion of time again compels them to woo the electors. St-ill, .the position is full of nterest, and there may at any time be startling developments.

For the supply of Khitarntalu gravel tenders wore yostorday opened bv the M'ayor. That of Newman Bros, at Is 81 d per yard was accepted, other tenderers being; -AV. Barron Is 9d, J. Lynch Is 9d, M. B. Hickey Is lOd, C. Lovell Is lid, Kcaney 2s. A special invitation has been extended to the inmates of the Old Men’s Homo to attend the Biorama performance on Saturday afternoon. Mr. AA r . AA’obh has kindly offered to convey them to and from tho Theatre.

Tho Cook County Curious Coons hold a successful rehearsal at tho Oddfellows’ Hall last ovoning. There was a largo (attendance, and tlio various items were taken up .with great spirit, under the ha-ton of Mr. Alex. Groy, musical director, Mr. Sutoliffe presiding at tho piano.

At tho Baptist Tabernacle last evening Mr. AV. Corrie Johnston delivered ian interesting and forceful address, entitled “Faith. Tho attendance was meagre, the numerous counter attractions no doubt militating against a good muster. Tho speaker’s subject for to-night will be entitled “Tho Sealing of tho Spirit,” when tho lecturer oxpects a good attendance, all being cordially invited.

A service of song, entitled “Undo Tom’s Cabin,” was rendered by the Salvation Band and Singing Company at tho Banucks last evening, there being about 200 present. Adjutant Dickens presided, and opened tlio proceedings with prayer and song.' This being tho initial programme hold under tlio auspices of tho Honorary League, tho largo attendance was most oneoun iciing to all concerned. Tho connective reading was entrusted to Mr. AV. Miilier, who performed this part of the programme in a capable manner. Mr. 11. (Tones presided at the organ. Tlio second annual military social, under tlio auspices of the Gisborne Rifles, was held last evening in His Majesty’s Theatre. There about luO couples present. Tho committee wero assiduous in their efforts to promote tlio success of tho function, and the result was entirely satisfactory to all concerned. Tho M.C.’s were Sergauit J. Somervell, Privates A. Pritchard and J. Fielder. The music, provided by Miss R. Moore’s orchestra, left nothing to he desired on that score. Extras were played bv Misses E. Rice and L. Law. The catering was entrusted to Mr. D. E. Dustin, with excellent results. A word of praise is due to the secretary, Sergeant J. A T . Scott, for tho energetic manner in which ho worked for the success of the function. The floor was in perfect order, and dancing wns indulged in till tho small hours of tho morning.

Referring to Brigadier Perry s Salvation Army Biorama Company, to arrive in Gisborne on Saturday, the Blenheim Express states that this biorama never fails to attract the public, and long before the doors opened crowds of people had assembled in tho streets awaiting tho entertainment. ' “No description,” the writer continues, “would do justice to tho pictures, which were at least equal to any that havo yet been seen here, and the popularity of Perry’s Biorama is not likely to suffer from last night’s performance, but the company will stand higher in tho public estimate than ever beforo. Many of tho pictures wero in themselves sufficient to give an equivalent in pleasure for the charges at. tho door, and the gratification of the audionco was manifest is they applauded each picture, not one of which fell below the high standard already fixed by the company in tlieir very high-class entertainment.” The fist programme will be a matinee on Saturday afternoon at 2.30. A full programme will be given. Some 1000 children attended the matinee at AVanganui. Every item is to be of an interesting character, both to young and old.