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Hokitika Guardian, 7 February 1918, Page 2

Tut: news published yesterday in regard to tin? political issues, disturbing . liic public mind of late, sots at rest all 1 further guessing as to probabilities. The decisions follow the general line of I prophecy given out by the knowing j political quidnuncs. Sir John Dennis- | ton resigns from the Supreme Court , Bench, Mr. lTerdman succeeds him. Mr , Guthrie (Reform whip) takes the vacant seat in the Cabinet, the portfolio being divided up among Ministers, the Attorney-Generalship falling to the Leader of the Legislative Council. There remains now the filling of Mr, Herdman’s seat in the House, and for this there will he a contest. Mr. Luke (National Candidate) Mr. Holland (Labour) and Mr. Brandon (supporter of Reform) arc the likely candidates. Mr. Myers, who protested against Mr. Luke’s selection by Mr. Massey, has retired from the arena, and Mr. Brandon takes his place. It is not unlikely the latter will he persuaded to retire also. In any case Mr Luke's election appears assured. Next comes a s hort parliamentary session in April to prepare for the departure of Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward. It must be, necessarily, a brief session, confined mainly if not entirely to financial matters —and the extension of the life of Parliament. Both adjusted, j the real work of of Parliament will not he taken up till the end of the war. A general election this year is not one of the probabilities. Its contingent date rests oil the terms on which the life of Parliament is further extended. In this, as in other shrouded matters at present we must wait and see.

Tin.; large audience which assembled in the Princess Theatre Inst evening and displayed such enthusiasm over the production of the comic opera by oiir local amateurs, must have .been rathei proud of Hokitika. The little town provided a performance which brought out talent equal to the host it i s pos- | sible to see on any stage to-day. This _ is no small achievement. The work selected for production is something of a classic, and to achieve success demands artistic treatment. It is within our j personal knowledge that Mr. Tom * -u-,

lard whose opinion might bo accepted as final, on the matter, has described the local performance as equal to the best work even of a professional company. This is very high praise indeed. But it was warranted by the fact that the cast of characters is of exceptional strength. The audience heard some of the best voice s last night it is possible to hear in that class of performance. The latent talent which Hokitika held in some of the characters which delight cdly surprised the audience last night, is capable of ranking with tho best professional voices to be heard in New Zealand to-day. Then there i s every right to claim a high per centago of good looks for our performers, while daintiness of action, gracefulness of deportment, and clever interpretation of stage, characters, were all factoi's to add to the impression created. The opera was staged with great completeness, and the mounting and dressing result in some very effective pictures. Altogether Hokitika has achieved a record of high degree and all associated with the production are to be complimented on the completeness of the all-round success. •