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Hokitika Guardian, 25 March 1924, Page 2

Tub Westminster election at Home was a stirring event. It resulted in the election of the Conservative candidate. .Special interest was aroused by the presence of Air Winston Churchill who recently broke from the Liberals and who stood as an Anti-Socialist, with evident leanings towards the Conservatives. The Labour Candidate finished third on the list, hut a.s the constituency was not mi employing district, this is not surprising. The area covers the essentially business part of London, and the commercial element would not readily support Labour with the talk of a capital levy. Mr ChurchilPs platform was prohaby grounded on that fact, too, for as an uncompromising opponent of Labor and its Socialistic ideals, it would be only in such a centre as Westminster that he could hope to regain a seat in Parliament. Although like the Churchills, a stormy petrel in politics, he fills a useful mission. He

lias capabilities, as h<> lias adaptabilities. for lie lias been a somewhat inconstant party man. On the present occasion ho was out in strong opposition to the Government, breaking with the Liberals liocaiise as a party they had assisted the Labor Government to power. His defeat, narrow though it was, was therefore something for Labor to appreciate. Both the Conservatives and Labor can afford to appreciate tile position, which it can be well understood is a sreious blow to Mr Churchill. The latter, however, has hud iii.s lips and downs in the political arena, and is not likely to become a spent force because of his latest set back. His ability is recognised and appreciated, and forceful man that be

is, he is sure to be heard of again. The result of the election does not affect the political situation as much as it would were Hr Churchill to have been elected. That is another way of saying the outcome has been helpful to the Government in keeping a keen critic and opponent out of office at all events a little longer.

A movement is being launched this i- evening to finalise matters in relation to the Soldiers’ Club. The Club was _ resolved upon a considerable time ago as the citizens’ memorial of appreciation to those who had served in the war. The district was first concerned in honouring the memory of the fallen. That duty discharged in a fitting manner, it became obligatory to honor the other promise, and a commencement was made in establishing the soldiers’ hall. The latter was bill half of tile scheme, for the essential matter is the club room, where tbe men and their friends may foregather and pass pleasant evenings in congenial companionship. A very central site has been secured. The situation is probably the best obtainable in the town, and the location will meet the convenience of all concerned. The hall in eon junction with iho club room will assist to maintain the buildings, and provide an income in addition to the local Club receipts. There is no doubt when finally erected and in occupation, the edifice will he a very useful addition to the town. A men’s club room quarters are much required here in any ease, and as it is proposed to include honorary civilian membership, the new institution can be made to serve a very good purpose by filling a long-felt want. But it is in the interests of the men that the chief enthusiasm in regard to the project should he aroused. There is tile need for some place where the men may congregate, and where there will be facilities for pastimes and initruction, which will add to the amenities of life. The district, has never >een liehindhand in its attention to :he needs of the returned men, and his avenue which is now opening will i(Ford further opportunity for a generius impulse to do the right thing in a ray that-will be most helpful for the omfort and convenience of our returpd soldiers.

An advertisement in relation to five strayed cross bred ewes appears in this issue. Messrs Newman’s Cars will leave the Garage to-morrow (Wednesday) morning at 9 o’clock for the clearing sale at Waitaha. The third annual meeting of the Hokitika Beautifying Society takes place to-night at 8 o’clock in the Town Hall. The Committee meets at 7.30 o'clock.

Those interested in the returned soldiers’ welfare are icminded that a meeting of ladies and "gentlemen will he hela at the Soldiers’ Club to-night at 7.30 o’clock to organise a general committee for a bazaar to be held in July in aid of the building fund for the Soldiers’ Club movement.

Our offer of Duchcsse chests from 60s to 90s. bedsteads at 4os and 59s 6d. Morris Chairs at 50s and 555, have shown us that Westland people appreciate our offer and we have received numerous orders for these lines. We now oiler for one week a dining room collapsible table at 70s, which is worth double. Send your orders now whilst the stock lasts. Harley and Co. Ltd., House Furnishers, Greymouth.

Sir Walter C. F. Carnc-ross, Speaker of the Legislative Council, has been reappointed to the Council for a fourth term of seven years. He has been a member of the Council since March 18th, 1903, and in 1910 lie became Chairman of Committees. During the absence of Sir Charles Johnston, on account of illness, m 1911, and succeeding years, Sir Walter acted as Speaker and he was appointed to that office on Sir Charles’s death. Sir Walter is well known as a journalist and newspaper proprietor. That the vendor of a motor-car as well as the purchaser is directly responsible for Ihe cancellation and registration of the number when tho car concerned changes hands is a fact not generally known as was evidenced in the Invercargill Magistrate’s Court, when several motorists appeared to answer charges of having failed to give notice of a change of ownership. John Crooks pleaded guilty to such a charge and was fined Is and cost 17s, while Tlios. Bird, who disposed of the car to the person concerned, was fined 10s and cost s.

The Hailway Department’s excursion from Christchurch to Timaru on Saturday was fairly well patronised, close on 200 passengers, tho majority from the city, making the journey. This is the second popular excursion that the Department has run on the Canterbury railways this year, and though advantage oT the cheap rates was not taken to the extent anticipated, they have proved profitable. It is intended to run a special excursion to Otira on Good Friday, when it is expected large numbers will avail themselves of the opportunity of travelling through the tunnel, and of seeing some of the magnificent West Coast scenery.

Trench mouth, or Vincent’s disease, is rather prevalent in Auckland, ns it is throughout New Zealand (states the “New Zealand Herald”). Fortunately, it has not assumed the 'proportions of an epidemic, being ntucli less common than in the first year or two after the World War. Medical authorities and dental and throat specialists. howeVcr, point out that, while there is no reason whatever for undue public alarm, tho incidence of the disease is snffieient to command close attention and the general exercise of .simple precautions against possible infection. The disease, now best known as trench mouth, is a disagreeable malady, and may become very dangerous if neglected. it is caused by a particularly virulent micro-organism whose ravages in the mouth of its victims are distressing.

The programme for the Irish National concert which is to be held tomorrow (Wednesday) evening at the Princess Theatre is inserted with tin's issue. Among the items to .be contributed is a pianoforte solo by Miss Moll.ii- Kerridge. This talented young lady who lias the honor of the degree of Follow of Trinity College, London, will no doubt add to the enjoyment of the programme. The committee have also been fortunate in securing the .services of Mr C. Hoggin, a visitor to Hokitika. This gentleman lias a pure baritone voice of exceptional quality and will contribute such old favourite songs as “Off to Philadelphia,” “Father O’Flyim,” etc. Mr Hoggin lias had long experience in choir, opera and concert work and the public may look forward to something of a very high order in vocal circles. The tickets are meeting with a ready sale and with the splendid programme to he rendered the public are in for an unusual treat.

A great, part of the popularity of tile Hull Sir AI aui Pomare is doubtless due to Ids unfailing sonso of humour and his genial jokes. To return thanks for thanks and cheers does not give a man much opportunity, but at the AVaipiata San atonum on AYodnesday Sir -Maui made it the occasion of quite an

entertaining little speech says the “Otago Daily Times”). To begin with, he expressed regret that file cheers had not been really British. They were Kgyptian, being derived from the two Kgyptian words, “Ilu,” meaning the land, and “Bn,” the Sun God, and the whole meaning “Kor (tod and the land.” lie went on to complain with reference to certain names for which the district is noted that they had forgotten all the pretty -Maori names, lie suggested that they should put hack the Maori names like AA’aipiata, which meant “shining water.” He trusted that ifope would always burn bright and shining for those who came to AVaipiata, and that they would drink of the living waters. (Applause).