WELLINGTON NOTES.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 November 1918, Page 4

WELLINGTON NOTES.

INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC

DISLOCATION OF PUBLIC SERVICE

(Our Special Correspondent)

WELLINGTON, Nov. 11. The influenza epidemic, not in the most virulent form, but still serious enough, is spreading like wildfire through the city and suburbs. There is scarcely a home in which there are not one or more sufferers, and every public department is crippled. Schools are being closed and entertainments postponed or abandoned, while there is a proposal to prohibit picture shows and public gatherings of every kind. The public hospital is full and emergency hospitals are crowded as quickly as they are provided. The inhalation chambers which at first were regarded as an excess of official zeal are now being largely patronised, and people who have passed through them frequently certain ly seem to enjoy some measure of immunity from the worst attacks of the disease. The municipal and health authorities are fully alive to tlie gravity of the position and are sparing no effort that may alleviate the trouble. PEACE EXPECTATIONS.

Wellington went mad on Friday over the premature announcement of the signing of the armistice by Germany and is still decorated with flags and streamers in expectation of the good news being confirmed at any moment. Meauwliile nothing else—save the influenza—appears to matter to the community very much and business and pleasure are being carried on in a halfhearted. fashion. The ,klea that the Government has information it is reserving for disclosure at some psychological moment still persists, but the Prime Minister declares he has no farther information than the public already possess and there is no reason to doubt this is actually the case. It is known, however, that Mr. Massey has been invited to London and this must mean the end is certain and very near. THE LIQUOR ISSUE.

The deputation from the Moderate League which waited upon Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward on Saturday flid not extract a great deal of information from the Ministers concerning thenintentions in togard to the Liquor issue. The one point upon which the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance were emphatic was that there must be reform of some sort. All parlies had expressed dissatisfaction with the existing licensing system and it was the duty of the Government to provide the means by which the electors might get something better. Sir Joseph Ward urged it was most important tliat the country should have an opportunity to express an opinion upon the Efficiency Board’s proposal, national prohibition, but he did not accept this ns the only alternative to national continuance. He evidently had it in his mind that State Control should he made a third issue on the ballot paper and there is a growing feeling that a majority of his colleagues are with him on this point. PARLIAMENT. Under the existing conditions Parliament is finding it difficult to take itself or its business very seriously. -Members who came to Wellington determined to make a fuss about this or that or the other tiling are accepting the inevitable with the utmost composure. Even the Labour members are feeling that while the future of the whole world is in the melting pot in Europe it is impossible to give serious attention to the comparatively petty affairs of this outlying portion of the Empire. Everyone realises there are great things to be done here—tilings affecting the destiny of a young nation—-but for the moment they are held in suspense by common consent. But important measures will have to he discussed before Mr. Massey and Sir .Joseph Ward leave for London, and it is finite possible their discus sion may throw some light on the politi cal events of the immediate future.

PEACE CEi.ETHtATIOXS

MIXISTEPS’ SPEECHES

WELLINGTON, Nov. 13

The most impressive feature of the pence celebrations yesterday was the }rroat gathering outside the Town Hall at which the Prime Minister, the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Defence addressed as many thousands of people - as could be packed within the ran sec of their voices. The crowd was in high flood temper with itself and with the world at large, and though it cheered when it pleased and interjected when it liked, it gave each of the Ministers a most cordial reception and an appreciative hearing. It was a matter of common remark, however, that the warmest demonstrations of approval were reserved for Sir James Allen, the Minister of Defence, who during the early stages of the war was easily the best, abused member of the Ministry. Sir James imparted to his words touches of reverence, concern and high resolve that appealed to the temper of the vast assembly and won him forgetfulness for all his past sins of commission and omission. THE CEDI INAL OE EUROPE. But the practical notes of the moment were struck by tlie party leaders, Mr. Massey would not modify the terms of the armistice by as much as a hair’s . breadth. He would impose a burden upon Germany by way of loss of territory, reparation, indemnity and the rest that never again could she raise her \ head among the, nations. He believed this was the view held by the great majority of the British people and their Allies at the present time, and in any case it was the view he would try to express to any Council to which he might be called. The restoration of the German colonies was unthinkable. It would he a mistake amounting to a crime and inviting trouble in the future. Sir Joseph Ward, though speaking with scarcely so much warmth as j his chief displayed, expressed practi- | enllv the same views. The criminal of j Europe must he subjected to a long j term of reformative treatment before he J could he trusted at large among the nations. DUAL REPRESENTATION. Though it is generally taken for granted that. Sir Joseph Ward will accompany Mr Massey on his impending i trip to London, members of the House are by no means unanimous in thinking this course necessary or desirable. Prominent members on both sides of polities have expressed the opinion that either of the party leaders could satisfactorily represent the views of the Dominion in regard to the peace terms ‘ to the Imperial authorities, and that the other might remain here to push on the post-war work which already is crying aloud for attention. The difficulty standing in the way of this arrangement is, of course .the question of precedence between Sir Joseph Ward and Sir James Allen. If Mr. Massey went away alone Sir Joseph in' the natural order of things would become Acting Prime Minister. He certainly has shown himself loyal enough to the party truce to be trusted in this position, but apparently Mr. Massey is disinclined to hand over the leadership to a former political opponent. In that case the simple solution of the problem would appear to be to send Sir Joseph Home.

THE RESIDENT MINISTER, The authoritative statement that the

offices of Resident Minister and High Commissioner in London are to he combined and filled by one person has set the quidnuncs speculating afresh as to who will he appointed to the position. Sir Francis Bell has been a popular tip since the idea of a Resident Minister was first mooted, and it is admitted on all hands that by political experience and personal gifts he is admirably quali fled for flic distinction. But during recent years the office of the High Commissioner has tended more and more towards a great commercial agency and less and less towards a. centre of political activity, and it is suggested in some quarters this has not increased the attractions it might have offered Sir Francis. It is certain that neither Mr. Massey nor Sir Joseph Ward is looking towards the position with any favour, hut there is a growing feeling that Sir James Allen could be induced to exchange the strenuous life of the Defence Office for the more placid atmosphere of 1 1 io London Embassy.

Private advices from Wellington state that the Hon. C. A. C Hardy, M.L.C. who has been seriously ill with bronchitis, supervening on influenza, is now progressing favourably. Caucuses of the Reform and Liberal Parties are being held at Wellington. Election prospects are one of the matters under discussion. Members aro preparing for next year’s general election. and they want some lines of procedure, laid down by the party leaders before they leave for the Peace Conference. Policies and programmes are once more in the air.