The Guardian AND EVENING STAR, With which is incorporated “ The West Coast Times.” SATURDAY, APRIL 16th, 1921. THE WEEK.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 April 1921, Page 2

The Guardian AND EVENING STAR, With which is incorporated “ The West Coast Times.” SATURDAY, APRIL 16th, 1921. THE WEEK.

Tiik extreme Labor party continues to do the best asset Reform has behind it. The I’alea election this week gives point to this \ iew- jtisL as the vote splitting (li<l at the general election where the three party system obtruded. At Baton, Labor undertook a hopeless task. It was a forlorn light from the. outset, but the party elected to carry on, and the result is another “victory” lor Reform. The candidate elected has received a minority vote in relation to tiio total votes cast, The Liberal candidate put lip an excellent fight against great odds. Just.what these odds were is indicated by the following:— The “Dominion” on the Patea byelection :

As a fanning district the Patea electorate is particularly concerned at the present time to have behind it a party that is capable of watching over its interests at what all must regard as a critical time. Mr Dixon is a supporter of the party in a position to do this, ancl this fact, apart from his own personal claims to consideration, will no doubt weigh heavily with electors on polling day. Just so. Government of the people for the benefit of the primary producers. The ideal government of the people by the people for the people has no place in the morals—we mean the inuiHirals—of the Reform Party. Possibly, however, the “Dominion” has spoken more candidly than it intended to. But this is not more frank tlnju Mr Massey’s indignant disavowal of any intention to use Imperial butter in order to .reduce the retail price of that article in New Zealand. The result of the polling will maintain Mr Massey’s prestige for the time being. It would not have been pleasant for the Prime Minister to leave the country with the knowledge ranking in his mind that his candidate had been defeated for Patea —a veritable strong-hold for Reform in the past. But thanks to the friendly aid of extreme Labor he has the satisfaction of knowing that nothing so dire could ; come to pass. The Liberal party may j take some degree of satisfaction from j the result of the polling. It indicates ( that in a constituency which has been i actively Reform over a long period, the j Liberal candidate has polled exceeding- | ly well. The full strength of the Government party was arrayed against him , also the full vocal strength of the Labor party which endeavoured in parti- • cular to discredit the Liberal party. Through this ordeal the Liberals have emerged with credit and the honors of the fight on their side. They have more than held their own, and Patea should be something of an inspiration to tin 1 Liberals throughout tho Dominion.

During the next twelve months political parties will he adjusting themselves in a rather material manner. The newly created organisation embracing progressives and moderate labor must exercise a good deal of influence on the situation. There must be ultimately a considerable fusion between the new party and the Liberals, for tbe latter have all tbe prestige of progressive legislation and fair treatment for moderate labor as their undeniable, record. To attempt to appropriate the political thunder of the Liberals, without securing the aid of the stalwarts whose record in genuine performance is so satisfactory, will be to do things hv halves, and to fall short of the goal which should he in sight. Patea, therefore supplies a. key to tbe political situation, and that is the need for a fusion and organisation on a common ground ensuring national progress with moderate attainments for the labor section. That way lies safety and security in regard to genuine political reform, and it will he the inevitable course to follow to ensure ultimate success.

Mb Massey is sailing immediately on his important mission to the Motherland. He will carry with him the best wishes for a successful outcome to the

several tasks ho has before him. His work will be difficult at times, and he may not bo able always to fully meet the demands made upon him, but wo may be sure that it will not be for any lack of purpose or energy on Ins own behalf. Mr Massey has proved himself a tireless worker, and as he has a great experience, he will be a very useful representative. In the com plex international questions ho may not have the legal knowledge and acumen to deal promptly and decisively with matters suddenly arising, but no doubt the best advico obtainable will be at his disposal, and his own general experience will prompt him to mo\e circumspectly. Of great importance to the Dominion will be his mission in rei gard to trade and finance. Here his I training as Minister of Finance will i Rave fitted him to handle the issues capably. Mr Massey will have a good Ideal to do on behalf of the primary ' producers in regard to freights and ■ markets, There is also the clearing up ■ Of matters regarding the imperial trad- : in g and profits on Dominion products, i Particularly, also, is the question of a loan of substantial proportions to meet ! the urgent requirements of the coun- : trv of matters of immediate and ! direct concern to the Dominion, this : ia a section of the Prime Minister’s proI gramme of special interest. It is well- : known tlvat the Treasury is in need of ! funds. The Public Works fund has i been exhausted and is now trenching ! temporarily on revenue. It is most de- ’ sirnble to refund what has been overI drawn in this respect and secure an ndj diUontil amount to carry on the public I works of the country. They are being [ restricted at present and with uneini plovment growing the position will bc--1 come acute if a loan is not obtained The terms will give Mr Massey much concern. It will be the dearest money New Zealand has had to take up on the open market, and that is not a pleasing record. But there is a pres- | sing need for the money, and the Prune | Minister will have to make the best financial hargltin he caii,

Thk Progess League made a useful departure from the stereotyped course of monthly meetings during the -week, by inaugurating a series of public lectures. Dr Holloway who has opened the series took for his subject the plant life of ferns and lychapodiums. If it had been known in advance that address would deal with such familiar friends as the ferns we have all about us, doubtless

more folk would have made an effort to

Iki present. As it Was in relation to the surrounding circumstances of other attractions in the way of entertainments, the attendance was quite good. Hokitika is a busy little town in the way ol

making its own entertainment, and there is always a difficulty in seeking for a “dear” night on which there is no other competing entertainment or social gatherings. Oil Wednesday. the evening of the lecture, there were three other attractive events in progress, so that on the whole Dr Holloway should he flattered liv the attendance drawn to his lecture. The address revealed a very close not to say an enthusiastic intimacy with his sublet, aiid ihe liudi- | tors were more than interested —they ! were instructed. Shakespeare has told us that there are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in our philosophy, and the intimate revelations of how ferns and lychapodiums reproduce themselves was a verification of the creative mysteries we have alsuit us, yet personally take but little heed of. Indeed we are often altogether indifferent and heedless of the bounties of nature all about us. We accept them as a right, unthinking of the regular and well ordered methods of nature bv which our wants are supplied or the beauty of the universe maintained for our enjoyment. We forget, as one writer has put it “that the stars come nightly to the skies,” or ‘‘that there are hedgerows and groves where the birds are always singing/’ As to longevity, lychapodiums are the second oldest example of plant life known oil oiir globe. Away back in the distant ages 25 or 30 millions of years ago, lvehapodiums flourished as the giant trees of those pre-historic days. The plants are dwarfed now, but nature is carrying on her process of reproduction no less wonderful and mysterious than in those distant ages. It is good to awaken the mind to these facts and to realise what a beneficent nature is doing all the time for us and our environment.

To-day the Progress League is seeking to take up a branch of work of value to the farming community. The parent body in Christchurch —the Canterbury Progress League—true to its n." ■■

not disposed to stand still—it is seeking to progress, to advance. So a system of rural education for the country t

■ out of touch with the centres, is being I established. Farmers' bureaux are be- ' ing established, whence can lie organised activities for the benefit of incieased production. A winter school is to , he established where the sons of i’ar- • mers and young men going on the land can get hold of the first principles of their work, without gleaning the information in the costly school of experience. Lincoln College, Canterbury, is likely to lie the locale of this year’s school, and there for a stipulated period the temporary students will be accommodated and daily and nightly for the limited period receive a store of information as to the scientific side of the farm’s work. Professors from Canterbury College are to give freo lectures oil various subjects relating to the soil and its productivity, and the movement affords a genuine opportunity for those on the land to enlarge their i knowledge and experience of subjects of practical use in their avocations. Ini addition the bureaux are intended to | take up district work, such as cow , testing, the most profitable feed crops to grow, and other adjuncts pertaining :to increased productivity. It is a very 'useful move and should have the support of the farming community in whose interests the movement is launched. This is a district which has yet to come into its own in regard to pastoral and i’ericiiltural pursuits. There •is no doubt it has a future no less substantial in regard to dairying than the West Coast of the North Island. The dairying interests here now are at that stage when they cannot look back-

they must progress. 'The present movement will help in that direction, and the improvement to result will add enormously to the wealth of the district, present, and prospective, for the return will he annually rmitring—ap

endless crop as long as the farmers care to put their minds and their backs into their work. The movement should have therefore whole-hearted support.

The entries for Monday’s fat stocksales at Arahura appear in this issue. The Pacific Cable Board notify—- “ Please cease diverting, as we can now handle business without material delay.” Householders throughout the districtare reminded that the annual meetings to ele#t School Committees in the various districts will he held on Monday night next at 7.30 p.m. The census will be taken throughout New Zealand oil Sunday night. By this time all householders should have received their census schedule which fid ly explains the requirements. Householders should have their papers completed by Monday morning. Any householder who has not received a

schedule should at once communicate with Air A. 14. Stuart, Postmaster and Census Enumerator, Hokitika.

“The Crown has no right to stagemanage ;i criminal prosecution,” said Mr M .Myers in the Supreme Court, Wellington, in the course of his address in the application for a new trial by F. J. Smith, who is at present serving seven years’ imprisonment. Air Myers contended that tho appearance of “the girl in the case,” who had worn a rather ‘risque’ dress during the Police Court hearing of the case had been attired, by order ol the police, as a “Puritan maid” when the case came up for hearing in the Supreme Court. Mr Alyers considered that tho police—the prosecutors - had no right to em--1 ploy such “stage-managing” tactics in a criminal case.

i At a meeting of the Committee of the Hokitika Bowling Club held last t evening the President, Air R. S. Galbraith in the chair, a circular from the Dominion Association in reference to suggested alterations to the tournament rules was received and given coni siderable consideration. Replies were I agreed upon to be rcoinmended to the centre. The rules to govern the competition between ‘ Hokitika and Grey Clubs for the tro- . phics presented by Mr AY. Reynolds, on i lines of those for the Ballinger Buckles, were approved, and it was also resolved that the Secretary write ! to the donor and convey the appreciation of the Club for his generous gift. It was resolved to commence top-dress-ing the green the next day, and the asphalting of the footpaths was refer* I red to Messrs Stevenson and Nahler to I arrange. The meeting then terminated.

| Tlic District Racing Committee met at Grey mouth last evening. Present: i .Messrs Coates (Chairman), Walton, { Kettle, Perolti ami Evans. Racing I dates for Nelson Club, March 2 anil -1, ]<;22, were approved ; as also the summer and autumn dates selected by the Westland Club. Several licenses were granted. An application from Nelson for a license was refused; and a South ' Westland application was struck. Fines imposed at the recent race meetings at Westport, Kumara, Hokitika, Greymouth and Reefton were confirmed. The suspension of the jockey Cotton for careless riding at Reefton, was reviewj ed, some of the members of the District Committee having witnessed the incident. It was resolved to increase the suspension to two months. All persons and horses taking part in the recent race meetings at Wataroa and InterWanganui were disqualified. Those participating in the Okarito meeting at Christmas had been disqualified previously. It was stated there was a movement afoot to have the clubs at the southern centres registered, and the opinion was expressed if action were taken the applications would be facilitated as far as posable. A suggestion was put forward also that where the stakes at these unregistered meetings exceeded £IOO for the day. it should he a recommendation from the Racing Conference to the Minister of Internal Affairs not to grant permits to race, as the meeting then went beyond a purely settlers’ meeting. It was also pointed out that with the number and class of horse in the southern district very attractive meetings could be arranged. Before the District meeting closed the Chairman moved a vote of sympathy to Mrs K. J, Smith on the lamented death of her husband, whose husband had been a valued member of the Committee. The motion was seconded by Mr Evans and carried, the members signi- !'- mg their assent by standing in silence. Racing dates for Westport and , Reefton were deferred, the Reefton Club awaiting the decision of the Grevmouth Club, which it is understood will bold a three days’ meeting at the New Year and one day at autumn. These dates are to be selected next week for submission to the Racing Conference for approval.

AA 7 e are making a splendid display of seasonable novelties in the millinery, fancy and dress department. We shall he pleased to see you, and an early visit is desirable. Schroder and Co.— Advt.

For Bronchial Coughs, take Woods’ Great Peppermint Cure

A good thing has many imitations. Order “NAZOL” by name. Refuse subsetitutes. No cold is Nazol-proof.

Some folks are ungracious enough to say that Hokitika housewives should not play the “violin” while NO RUBBING Laundry Help does the weekly washing, but we say away with such cold-hearted heathens and “on with the play; let joy he unconfined.”—W Perry and Co., Ltd., wholesale agents for 1 NO RUBBING.”

North British Rubber Hot Water Bags, with the “Unique” never-lenk stopper, have the North British Rubber Co’s trade mark stamped on the neck—the emblem of quality.

Just Landed a consignment of 200 cases of choice apples—Pearmains, Jonathans, Pippins and Cookers (401 b. cases) 9/- to 10/- according to variety. ’Phono 2. Paterson Alichel and ‘ o. — Advt.

Inhaled or taken on sugar, “NAZOL” gives wonderful relief from coughs, colds, or sore throats. “Smile, and the world smiles with you; rub, and you rub alone” because NO RUBBING Laundry Help washes all clothes clean without rubbing or injury. Is packet does 7 weekly washings perfectly.

A joint meeting of the Committees of the Overseas Club and Returned Soldiers’ Association will be held at the Soldiers’ Club room this evening at 8 o’clock in regard to rooms accommodation. McLean’s Pictures last evening proved very enjoyable, a capital programme being screened, while the full orchestrasupplied an excellent musical programme. On Tuesday next the special star attraction, “Red Lantern,” will he screened. A launch has now been placed on Milford Sound by the Tourist Department. The absence of a suitable launch at this resort has been the subject of numerous complaints in the past, and the launch now established should be in great demand during next season. The launch is capable of carrying 30 passengers. The Reef ton Jockey Club made a profit of £404 out of its recent meeting. A vote of thanks was passed to the Secretary (Mr A. M. Carroll) for his i very efficient conduct of the meeting 1 and a fairly substantial bonus was voted to him. It was decided to put the sum of £2OO on fixed deposit in the P.O. Savings Bank.

Hardwaremen, chemists, and rubber dealers everywhere sell North British Rubber Hot Water Bags. Thousands and thousands are giving satisfactory service in New Zealand, in regular use. Sc the brand on the neck.

Splendid stock of new seasons goods just arrived at McGruer’s. We are very pleased and well satisfied with the fine styles and wide variety. There are autumn costumes, hats, frocks, coats, skirts, fancy goods, underwear, scarves, and hosiery in big variety. The quality of the goods is higher and the prices more moderate than those that have been seen for many a day. McGruer and Co., Hokitika and Greymouth.— Advt.

Woods’ Great Peppermint Cure. For Coughs and Colds, never fails

Schroder and Co. have much pleasure in announcing the arrival of their first shipment of millinery in velours, heavers, velskin, and the newest fancy straws. Also splendid assortment of furs Coney plush coats and the latest in tweed coats, jumpers. Inspection invited.—Advt.

No cold can grip when “NAZOL” is used. A powerful and penetrating germicide, it gives instant relief and wards off influenza.