Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star THURSDAY. MAY 3. 1917 THE LINE OF LEAST RESIST. ANOE.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 May 1917, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star THURSDAY. MAY 3. 1917 THE LINE OF LEAST RESIST. ANOE.

It is hot to be expected that the statement from the Acting Premier in regard to the strike situation will find general favor or give any measure of public sali&faotion. We are told by the Minister that the position “ was influenced by the gravity of the at ion,” and that in consequence of the compact with the miners, whereby the War Regulations were treated as a dead letter in respect to certain offenders, *' a serious ca'amity has been averted.” But what guarantee is there that a new Bet of circumstances may not arise to-morrow cr next wees, when “ the gravity of the position ” will be made again to justify the Government’s isupinenese. If otherwise, then we may take it that “ the serious, calamity” is not averted, it is only postponed. It was “up ’’ to the authorities to deal with tbi strike weapon in a manner that would brook no misunderstanding. Instead of that, the weakness of the Government when occupying the strongest of positions n that the bulk of the public were behind them, has introduced an atmosphere that the strike wll be resorted to again and again for every trifling grievance. This is happening already, end it will go on happening

till the Government are prepared to pnt down the disorder and negation of the law with a firm, unflinching hand. It is painful, in view of the remarks of the Magistrate in the North Island when sentencing the " go slowers,” to know th9t the scene in the Court of Justice was a mere sham, a trayesty. That behind the force and majesty of the law there stood a weak and wobbling power which was yet etrong enough to unlock the gates of the prison, and make these offenders against the safety of the country, free men. We do not know that any amount of special pleading by Sir James Allen will justify that position. It will surprise us if the Cabinet were unanimous in its decision. If sc, then the National Cabinet as at present constituted must forfeit & large measure of the public confidence it has hitherto enjoyed. In the working out of this ill-favored compact the people appear to have bean grievously misled. The public of Hokitika had an opportunity of learning, as they thought, from tho mouths of the Ministers themsalves ,]uat what the Government action would be; and we all thought it wonld ba one of uncompromising determination to enforce the law of the land. When Sir Jamßs Allen said bo tolemnly here that “ the Government would do its duty,” and Baid it in voice and strain in sympathy with the gravity of the situation, he was applauded to the echo, the public believing that here, at last, was a mao determined to see law and order vindicated, and some national security attained. So, when- the Hon Mr MacDonald with fine, declamatory heroics gave us his see-it-throngh speech, here again it was thought is another strong turn who will not budge from what be believes to

ba fair and right. Mr MacDonald judged and rrjadged the ecomy without for their nefarious aots, and he was no leas condemnafcry against the enemy within, yet within a few abort hours of his fervid address here he was coming to terms with those who were responsible for brirgiog the country to the abyss of a national calamity. Having oome to the terms it has to be admitted, of course, that the Ministers were honorably bound to carry out (heir part of the compact. But our complaiot is that there was a compact at all to begin with, for that in itself cut away the security which is SDpposod to exist by the efficient maintenance of law and order, come wbat may, Besides this compact is shown already to be quite one-sided. Already, notwithstanding that Sir James Allen claims that “ihe coal mining industry is again in full operation,” there have been strikes at Runanga, Paparoa and Pupooga- Is the Ministry blind to these events, or are they going to continue winking at this flaunting of the position ? Thus, while the Government make terms and give concessions, the men on their . part accept the terms and the concessions, and then begin the job over again by starting is fiesh strike. The situation promises to be interminable and all the while the people have to pay and continue to endure the dislooa/ion brought about by the irresponsible®. Just bow long the folk will put up with this we are bsginuing to wonder.

A notice in the estate of the late Mr B. H : rter of Ross appears in this issue. Tlio Red Cross Society meet at the ambulance rooms thiy evening at 7.30 o’clock.

Tlie total number of men from the West Coast district drawn in the Seventh Ballot was nearly three hundred. Owing to tho death of Brother Frank Cassidy the Euchre Tournament of iSt. Mary’s Club has been abandoned this week. The tournament will be held as usual next Wednesday evening.— Advt.

The usual Public Service Entrance Examinations -for 1 shorthand-writers and typists will be held on the 26th Mav, 1916. Applications close on 11th May.

A miner named Dow, injured by a fall of coal in Millerton mine ou Monday, was removed to Westport Hospital. Facial wounds and a fractured limb constitute tha nature of the injuries

A pionrer of Westport in 'he person of Mrs Wiliiam Lloyd passaiawayat the district hosp’tal on Tuesday. Deceased was 83 years of age. She is survived by onedaugk er (Vlrs A. G, Scott), with whom the community sympathises in her loss,

Advice was received by-cable yesterday that Sergt Arthur Reynolds of this town, who is on active service,.his received a commission, and been promoted accordingly. The many friends of L : eut Reynolds will be pleased and proud to hear of this distinction won by a Hokitika boy on the field. About 9,30 on Tuesday evening, in Seddon Street, Kumara, a cottage occupied by Thomas Dawson was burnt to gropnd. When , the fire was (noticed the residents rushed into the building and found the occupant asleep in chair, and it was with great difficulty they awakened him. The fire brigade were quickly on the scene and succeeded in saving the adjoining buildings. In a cable to his mother, Mrs. Shepherd Buller Road, Reefton, Captain Norman Shepherd on Tuesday informed her he had been promoted to the rank of. Major. The newly-appointed Major was mar lied in London on April 20th. io Miss Smith daughter of Mr. E. M. jSmitli of Greymouth and his many friends on the West Coast will heartily congratultae him upon his recording the double event.

The many friends of Mr. F. Bruhn of the Railway Department .will regret to hear of tho death of his wife which took place at Westport yesterday afternoon after a short illness. Decoas" ed who was a daughter of Mrs. F. White of Greymouth, was well-known in Hokitika, having resided here for a number of years. Two little boys are left behind, and to them and her relatives the sympathy of tho community will be extended. Mrs James Phand of Sale Street received the following telegram yesterday —"Regret to inform you that a cable received states as result of commissioa of enquiry it has been found that your son 6/929 David L. Shand, pceviously reported missing was killed in action on Sept 23rd last Please accept my sincere sympathy in. the loss you and New Zealand have suffered. (Sgd) J. Allen, Minister of Defence.”

An examination of engine drivers was held on Monday by Mr P Me Kcnzie, Inspector of Machinery at' Greymouth, whin the following candidates pissed Second class stationary ; K D. Meharry (Cronadun), J. J. Coghlan (Oapleston), W. J. Evans (Reafton), E. p. Meibom (Reefton), T. Qualtar (Westport). Locomotive and traction : P. R. Feary (Te Rings). Third class marine : A D. Wilson.

A good story against himself was to'd at the Anzac dinner o< Saturday by Colonel Hnghes, D 5.0.. who, like many heroes, is by no means a tali aDd imposing figure. Going aooard a transport he asked a tall, stout man where his cabin was. “What’s your name, sunny ?” asked the fit man, (Laughttr). “Hughes—Colonel Hughes with the emphasis on the “colonel,’ ” was the reply. “But,” said Colonel Hughes, “he was not a bit impressed. (Laughter). He looked at me and said, “Good God, and you a colonel ? ” For Child ren’s Hacking Cough at night Woods’ Great Peppermint Cure. 1/6, 2/6. *

Mrs M. Gooch strongly recommend “No Rubbing” Laundry Help in cartoons for washing silks, linens, mus. tins, woollens, etc. Thinker Note Bo.k free with every packet “ No Rubbing,”

A cheering cordial that restores mental vigor—WOLFE’S SCHN APPS. The cable news in this iesue aj.' credited to the “ Times” has appeared iu that journal, but only where expressly stated is such news tha editorial opinion of the “Times.”

The Jane left Okuru last evening for Bruce Bay to load wool and sheep. She is’due here to-morrow morning.

The braw cold nights are corning on and residents of South Weit'and will have an opportunity of buying a supply of warm clothing from Tytaon* and Co, traveling ropte en a ive, Mr J. Sbivas, who will go ts far south as Wataroa, abiut the middls of this month.—Ad v\

Mrs W. A. Comport of Bimu was advised by telegram yesterday as follows . —'"Eegret to inform you that cab'e re* ceived reports that Court of Enquiry declares your sou 8/3282, W. C. Comport, previously report d missing, is now re. por ed killed iu anion, Sept 16th, Please' accept my sincerest sympaiky iu the loss which you and New Zealand have sus. tained. (°gd) J. Allen, Minister of Defence.” Messages of sympathy were also received the Givernor, and through the latter from the King and Queen. The deceased, who was a native of Bimu, was the eldest son of Mr and Mrs Comport of Bimu and 34 years of age. He waa a strapping man 6ft 2in height, ard was working at Stuart and Chapman’s sawmill' at Bimu when he enlisted, going away with the E'ght Bern-

forcements. Mr and Mrs Comport s family have b-en doing their bit m the great struggle. The fourth son, Albert was killed at Pczierres on July 9ch;of last year, while two other sons have bem' in the fighting line, Chirles being now invalided to England and John was recently reported to be wounded in France. The pareutr ant relatives will have tli3 deep sympathy in their loss, wlv had been feared for sonn months, owing to the inability of hearing any news of Wil- . liam, who had ! been reported missing since tie great Somme offensive. For Chronie Chest Complaint s Woods Great Peppermint Cure. 1/6, 2/6. The leading spirit for more than oO years-WOLFE’S SCHNAPPS- r : “No Rubbmg ” Laundry Help popularly known as the abolisher of washboard slavery is what we recommend for washing woollens, muslins, mechanics overalls etc, / We give the Hunker Note Book free with every 1/ packet of "No Rubbing.” Paterson, Michel and Co Mr Edgar M. Phi’lips, piano tuner and salesman representing Messrs Webley Sons and Goftou Ltd, isnow.in Hokitika. All orders left at the'Excelsior Book Depot, Revell St w.li receive prompt attention. —Advt,

For Influenza take Woods’ Great Peppermint Cure Never fails. 1/6, 2/6. Women who require a stimuland should try WOLFE’S SCHNAPPS.