WELLINGTON TOPICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 December 1920, Page 1

WELLINGTON TOPICS.

THE LATE HON. GEORGE JONES

A LIBERAL STALWART.

(ttur* Special .Correspondent).

WELLINGTON, December 17,

Much regret is being expressed in political circles here at the death of. Hon. George Jones, which was announced from' Oamaru this morning. Mr Jones was retuidied to the House of Representatives, iti 1880 as member for Waitaki, but’tlie demands of his growing newspaper business, prevented him seeking re-election the following year, and it was not till 18A3 when lie went to the Legislative Council as one of the most capable and progressive of the Liberal stalwarts that he returned to active participation in politics. His knowledge, enthusiasm and personal charm made him a very real force in the Coun-

cil and lie will he remembered with warm regard and esteem by Reformers, Liberals and Qeigocrats alike. WELLINGTON’S NEEDS.

The Prime Minister was held up b,v a very determined deputation yesterday I demanding; the settlement of the route of the Rimutaka deviation and a definite undertaking in regard to the longpromised Wellington railway station. Among the members of the deputation were such faithful followers of the Government, as Mr J. P Luke, Mr It. A. Wright, Mr W. H. Field, and Mr G. R. Sykes, but these good Reforders joined heartily with their colleagues in telj ling Mr Massey that their patience was exhausted and that they were out to get justice for the capital c ity whatever might happen. However, the Minister kept on smiling and finally dismissed the deputation with a promise to give its I representations his closest personal at- | tention. ANOTHER CANDID FRIEND, i The “Dominion'" this morning in the course of an editorial makes no bones about placing the blame for the delay in connection with the two works with which the deputation concerned itself upon the shoulders of the Government. “This;" it says after reciting , Mr Massey’s promises, “is as nearly as possible the position that existed two years ago, and the details of yesterday’s

discussion demonstrates that the Govi ernment is responsible for the waste of time that has occurred.’’ “Unless", the local journal goes on to say by way of emphasis, “Ministers make good and diligent use of 'tlieir powers in this direction, the public undoubtedly will have some awkward questions to ask.” Mr Massey is suffering the experience that has befallen every other political leader that has allowed his eyes to wander beyond the needs of the capital city. | THE GAMING ACT. | It is understood that the adjourned ■gaming cases brought before tho stipendiary magistrate Here this morning are tho first fruits of the Minister’s deter- [ millation to have the provisions of the > new law enforced by the police—or by some other constituted authority. Th 0 ! police excuse tlieir inactivity by saying . it has been impossible to detect bookmakers actually making wagers, but it i is notorious that betting has been going on in the city since the amendment of ■ the Gaming Act only a little Jess openly , than it did before. This was made obj vious enough by the cases before the * court to-day, and there ought to be no further difficulty in rendering the new | law a real terror to evil doers, whether | l'Ty ers or backers.