Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1917 THE REDEMPTION OF AUSTRALIA

Hokitika Guardian, 8 May 1917, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1917 THE REDEMPTION OF AUSTRALIA

On Saturday laet Australia had the opportunity of redeeming its reputation for the reoreant vote cast on the conscription question a few months ago. The Federal election which eventuated ou May sth was the outcome of that poll in consequence of the schism which broke out in the Labor Party then holding political power. The fusion which took place between Labor aod Liberals was m opposition to the Political Labor League which had espoused the antiooDßcription cause. This party dominated the Senate and paralysed the efforts of the Government. In this impasse, an appeal was made to the country and now accordingly to the Sydney press, the vote is claimed as a great national

viotory for the fusion party. It will be some time before the finals can be known, bnt as the Nationalists have to win thirteen oat of eighteen seats which are being contested fur the Senate, it will be seen they have a big task to accomplish, and to perform it will, indeed, ba a triumph, From all appearanoes tbe Nationalists are going to have a sweeping victory in the Honße of Representatives, where they were strong already. In this connection it is pleasing to note that Messrs Hughes and Cook are returned with

large majorities, and that the Ministers generally have polled exceedingly well. Probably it is on this that the hopes for the final success of the Nationalists are based. The Senate victory, we have been led to understand, rests chiefly with Queensland and South Australia. If the Nationalists can capture some of those seats the suocess for the patriotic party is assured. This does not look too hopeful at the time of writing because we were told by a message last night that the Political Labor League candidates were leading in Queensland —where Labor has a very big hold in the voting power. The Sydney Morning Herald voicing a prononnced loyalist view, regards the result nevertheless with great satisfaction It reads in the result of the polling signs that tbe Australian nation is bent on seeing tbe war through, and it is to be regretted that such an issue should ever be in doubt in such a glmioas country as Australia. It rejoices because the people

refused to be bluffed od the conscription issue, meaning thereby the attack of the F.LL. candidates on the Nationalists, that if the latter went back to power the conscription issue would be raised, and wby, may we ask, should this question not be raised in any British community in the light of war events just now ? Finally, the Sydney press takes delight in discovering that by votmg the Nationalists into power, they prevent the caucus rule of the Labor party'and ehow the natural antipathy to the imported doctrines of the I. W.W., of which Australia altoady has bad a taste. It is perhaps toe soon to regard the redemption of Australia from its antiwar attitude as an accomplished fact, bnt the nation seems to be in the way to that desirable goal. Australia seems to present a lesson and an example which we here in New Zealand might ponder over. While there is much to admire, there is much to avoid and abhor, in the political bis tory of onr nearest neighbor. NBW Zealand has escaped some of the possible entanglements, and for this good fortune we may be thankfal. Bat there is an outstanding lesson for ns still to learn and take ta heart and we should not miss it.

Owing to the flooded state of tbe rivers it is doubtful whether the South coach will reach Ross this evening,

Th© Unism Company’s steamer Maori may resume her running in the ferry service next Friday. For the week ©noting Ist May cheese to_ tho value of £196 was exported filorn Hokitika. The estates of 125 deceased persons were placed under the charge of the Public Trustee during the month of April. The revenue collected in the Hokitika Postal District for last quarter amounted to £1829. The postal revenue was £853 and telegraph £976. The imports to Efckiuika for the quarter ending March 31sb were valued at £1222, a decrease of £2 oven the corresponding quarter of 1916. THie excess of deposits over withdrawals in tho P.O. Savings Banks as at 31st March last way £1,298,621, compared with £980,792, the excess of the corresponding period of 1916. The sum of £137 4s 8d wai the amount paid to the Hokitika Post Office last quarter for press telegrams. The revenue from, ordinary telegrams was £325, while £l6 was realised frem urgents.

The Olympia Skating Rink opened last evening, the hall being well filled with skaters. Judging by the attendance at the opening session the succoss of the new rink for the winter season is assured. It is notified in the New Zealand . Gezette that His Excellency the Governor has heen pleased to reappoint Mr. Robert Houliston to be a member of the Westland Land Board as from 24th May 1917. The appointment of Mr 0. M. Mblfroy to a commission in the New Zealand Field Motor Service Corps is notified in a recent issue of N.Z Gazette. Lieut Malfroy’s commission dates from Dec 1915. His Excellency the Governor hay ap- : proved that Oapt. Ebenezer Teiclielman be struck off the strength of the N.Z. < Expedtiionary Force, and absorbed ’ with his original rank and seniority— t viz, Major, as from the 16th August, 1907. 3 The Minister of Internal Affairs stated - on Saturday that "! the Government had received a kinematograph, film de-script- •* ive of the Battle of the Ancre. The : film, which is of 5000 ft, will be made j available for exhibition throughout ] the Dominion.

A contribution lias been received through Mr W. D. Mackay in charge of the Woodstock hchoo) to the Belgian Belief Fund. The contributors were— Elsie Stoop, Muriel Spence, Edward Growcott, Reuben Bell and Thelma Upjohn. She amount, 14/, has been forwarded to Mr Cyril J. Ward, Acting Belgian Consul at Christchurch. Private Pascoeof Hokitika returned by the boatwhioh reached Auckland with sick and wounded ou Saturday, The boat is due at Lyttelton to-morrcw, and Mr and Mrs Pasooe have left to meet their son who has lost a leg as a result of an accident on board ship, whereby he contracted synonitis. It is understood the leg was amputated on board ship while the patient was returning to New Zealand.

With reference to the recent discoveries of limestone in the Totaru Riding it is reported that there is a fair body of stone in sight at Hodgson's creek, and about fifty chains of a tramway would bring the material to the main road ac Clare’s, about two miles and a half from the Ross railway station Unlimited stone is showing in Collins’ creek, mere than would do the whole West Coast for generations to come. The latter is very accessible, only a few chains from a road and a mile nearer the railway station than the product from Hodgson’s creek. Coal creek was also explored, but there only broken patches of stone were found and no substantial body. The coal was of poor cla e s and limited, being mostly what was considered poor lignite: There was a crowded attendance at the Princess Theatre last evening when Mr Pollard presented a double star attraction. The first was a-Blue Ribbon feature “ The Battle Cry for Peace ” an American mission conveying the dangers likely to befall that country if war bro’-'e out, with a very stirring realism of war’s horrors. Incidentally it introduced some magnificent pictures of ]Ne»v York by day and night delineating the sky scrapers and streets, and giving a glimpse of Coney Island. The other star was “The Old Folks at Home,” a tale of home life and the only son’s dissipation, with a murder and a trial. It gava a fiue exposition of the father and mother, the former part being taken by Sir Herbert Tree. John Parkhill was somewha f shy at first about ‘‘No Rubbing" Laundry Help, but now ho is one of its staunchest supporters and sells a lot of it at the low prioe of 1/per packet with Thinker Note Book given free.

A meeting of the Committee of the Overseas Club will be held at the rooms at 7.30 o’clock this evening. The Public Trustee inserts a noti-ie in this issue in the_estate of Samuel Wal. Jace late of Wat&roa and m the partnership of Messrs. Samuel and James R Wallace. The deposits in Savings Banks in the Hokitika Postal District last quarter amounted to £IO,OBI and tho withdrawals to £9682. Greymourh was again- the only postal district in tlie Dominion to show an exceiyi »f withdrawals over deposit!. The number of New Zealanders in Hospital in England 'ait .the end of January was 3240, states a London correspondent. Of theso 329 men and tan officers were in British Hospitals*, and 3015 men and 67 officers were in different New Zealand hospitals.

Four members of the 27th Infantry Reinforcements at Trentham were tried by District Court-martial on the 27th April on charges of disobeying a lawful command given by their superior officer. The finding of the courtmartial has now been promulgated. Each of the four accused has been found guilty and sentenced to 84 days’ imprisonment with hard labour. One man belonged to C. Company, and the three others to H. Company.

Private E. W. Gibson writing from Frame to a donor says—“l received the cigarettes kindly sent by you for whioh please accept my sincere thanks.” Another letter received by Mr J. W. Thomson, Okarito says— I "Yqey many thank* for you j. gift of tobacco just received. Your kindness is greatly appreciated and with my best wishes for your welfare. Arthur E. Marlow Pte., B.E.F, F-a* ce, Jan 8, 1917.

The Westland Acclimatisation Society met last evening when it was resolved, subject to a favorable report, to resume trapping trout in the Koiterangi streams this season and hatch the ova at Lake Kanieri hatchery. It was reported that the Inspector of Fisheries, Mr L. F. Ayson, would be in the district shortly, to continue the work of introducing quinnat salmon into the Hokitika River. Reports of a favorable and promising character was also made as to the appearance of these fish in the local river already. The Hon Secretary (Mr J. King) reported the finances to be in an improved condition, thanks to the grant from the Government. It was- resolved to have the accounts compiled, audited and published for general information, The ceretaker (Mr W. RidlaDds) reported that mailers at Lake Kanieri were satisfactory, and that steps were being taken to trap trout for stripping purposes in Kanieii river. The hatcher? was in readiness for the season's operations, and the grounds bad been improved by Cranage and tillage. The launch takings were satisfactory, and showed a fair return for the year. The annual meeting was fixed for next month. Various routine matters were dealt with, and the meeting adjourned. Among those reported to-day end have drawn prizes in the last ballot are T, M. Ingram, W. ShaS-ey, L>. Buchanan, Herbert Andrews, A. E. Oliver, W. Zeigler, L W. White, Jas Toohey, G. Thomas. The death took place this morning at the Westland Hospital of Denis Keogh, a eingle man, aged 75 years, who had been a resident of the Coast For a number of years. Deceased had been au mutate of the hcspitsl for a jonsiderable time, being a resident of Bokitika at tbe time of his admieion. The death is announced at Dunedin of Mr Alfred Lee Smith in Ins eightieth rear. Hewis called to the Le&is'ative Council by the Sed.don Government and leld a scat for some years. He repreiented New Zealand at the Imperial Conerence held at Ottawa in 1899. Mr jeo Smith was a Nationalise, and when he first Irish delegation, in the person of Jr John Dillon and S r Thomas Esmond lsited New Zealand, they were his

guests at Green Island, during their stay in Dunedin, Referring editorially to the coal strike the “ Railway Review ’ says.— “The miners have too rough-and-ready a" method of adjusting grievances. They were aiming at the profiteering classes when they downed tools, but the first people to suffer were the wageearners, particularly those in inland towns, who would hive been deprived of necessaries bad not a decisive step been t<ken to conserve railway coal supplies for absolutely essential transport of foodstuff-. Though slower aad less showy, the confitutmnal method of redressing grievances is more affective and permanent ” Reference to he acute stage now reached by the shipping difficulty was made by the Hen W. D. S. Mao*

Do: aid (Minister for Agriculture) on Friday. “Everything is going on satisfactorily so far as the requisitioning of wool, hide*, skins, etc. is concerned,” said the Minister. “Our chief difficulty, of course, is in regard to the shipment of frozen ewes and lambs, the wether mutton, ox, -beef, aod cheese required for the troops being given the preference. As a result, some of the meat freezing work’s jin the Auckland district are getting congested There is also a gteal scarcity of shipping epaca for butter. The tonnage difficulty is becoming acute. The cable news in this issue aj* credited to the “ Times ” has appearid in that journal, but only where ixpressly stated is such news the jditorial opinion of the “Times.” WOLFE’S SCHNAPPS possesses virtue of a remedial kind. For Chrome Chest Complaints Woods Great Peppermint Cure. 1/6, 2/6 Mr Edgar M. Philips, piano tuner and salesman representing Messrs Webley Sons and Gofton Ltd, is now in Hokitika. All orders left at the Excelsior Book Depot, Eevell St will receive prompt attention.—Advt, For Influenza take Woods’ GreatPepper* mint Cure. Never fails. 1/6, 2/6.