The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, OCT ODER 14, 1927. POLITICAL PARTIES.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 October 1927, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, OCT ODER 14, 1927. POLITICAL PARTIES.

The quidnuncs are all busy probing the general political issue. Raglan appears to have roused folic to a reality of the drift in political thought which is going on. This change in opinion is not confined to opponents of the Government only, but also to supporters of the Government who are plumbing the depths with some anxiety. Even the Reform press has grown frankly critical of the Government and the sayings and doing of Ministers. There seems to be a desire for a change in the air. An enterprising pressman interviewed Sir Joeph Ward, and the optimistic Liberal was responsible for a very fair summing up of the position. Sir Joseph reviewed the general outlook in terms which were quite fair, and indicated that he is in close touch with the trend of events, and has his finger well on the pulse of the political situation On top of all this there is the undoubted movement for a new political party. For lack of a name it is being called the “United Party.” It appears to have had its birth in the. Auckland province, where the Government or Reform has invariably polled well. Tile Dominion organiser of the United Party is Mr A. E. Davy, who (significant again) was some time a Reform organiser. So it

appears there is a distinct organisation afoo. Mr Davy has toured the East Coast and held political meetings in camera in the four centres, where only a faithful few were invited. The secret history of this new organisation has been well kept which speaks well for Mr Davy’s powers of organisation. However, he has gone back to Auckland recently after a tour of the Dominion, and he has expressed himself as delighted with the prospects of the new party. “It has been a revelation to me,” said Mr Davy. “A sure sign of the widespread dissatisfaction that is rife is the readiness with which the representatives of the citizens of the Dominion have welcomed the new movement. Further evidence may be found in the adverse resolutions—practically votes of no-confidence in the Government—passed by groups of farmers and business men. Still more evidence was shown after the Raglan byelection by the headings of the leading articles in the big daily papers. ‘The

Writing on the Wall’ and ’Labour Star in Ascendancy’ were two that appeared.” Mr Davy said that from the many whom he had met during his tour he had not been given a single rebuff. On the contrary, thoughtful men everywhere had hailed the new movement with relief. Many were of the opinion that the new United Party was the only solution of the present difficulty. They felt that if it was a question of Reform and Labour at the next general election the extreme Socialist Party would occupy the Treasury benches. An organisation to which recruits from Reform, Liberal, Nationalists or 6a ne Labour were equally welcome was what the Dominion was seeking. Strong branches had been formed in the main centres of both islands, and a fully representative conference had been arranged to take place in Wellington during this month. It will he seen that the movement is approach?

ing a climax, and great interest will lie centred in the lifting of the veil and the revelation of the secret as to the new leader. For, after all, tile success of any political party in New Zeaand will depend upon the strength or personality of its leader. This country has been dominated in the past by able leaders who would brook no interference with their right to lead, and they reigned long. In the most notable cases in recent times, death alone broke the spell and caused them to give up office. The political horizon is not notable for any outstanding figure capable of leading at the moment. The United Party may have some man in the box to spring upon the nation, but it appears to us the better way would bo for the organisers to get together and create strength for a political party by a lino of fusion which would give the Government the po«er it is at present lacking in. When this was talked of before, Reform felt so numerically strong that it preferred to walk alone. It has now begun to totter, and before its fall it would be well to take stock of conditions, and in the light of circumstances, reconsider the advisability of a recasting of the party on truly national lines. Sir Joseph Ward has referred to the short and simple political faith which would suffice and that advice would be well worth considering. New Zealand, wo hope, will not drift into the same political condition as befcl New South Wales. There is experience enough there to avoid such a pitfall, and a real united party could do that and make the country safe for democracy for many years to come.

It would appear that there is going to he some public demand for a searching investigation into the operations of the State Forest Service. The President of the New Zealand Timber Growers’ Association has started the ball rolling, and it is not unlikely the game will be continued vigorously. A correspondent yesterday referred to some points on which explanations were needed, and no doubt many others would crop up once a public investigation were decided upon. The local bodies in their own interests should make the most of the opening now offered, and check the further plundering of their funds. Indeed, we shall he surprised, now that the position has been given some publicity, if the ratepayers do not force the local b :dy to do its part and recover revenue which has lieen lost unfairly. The Government has shown too much disposition of late to plunder local body funds. There is the case of the highway income. The Government not only “borrowed” £350,009 from the Highways Board (without making any provision to repay it), but also with-held the annual subsidy to the Board. One effect of that “high finance” is that the Highways Board has refused .so far to declare the Kokatahi road a main highway and contribute half the cost of

maintenance, the chief necessity f r the expenditure being the serious damage dono to the road by heavy traffichauled over the road for export by the Government railways. So the Westland County Council is being caught between a double pressure on its finance. The State Forest Service “collars” its royalties which might lie devoted to the upkeep of the road, and the Highways Board refuses to help because the Government Treasurer takes its money for other purposes ! The consequence is that the cost cf maintaining the road falls entirely oil the ratepayers. How long is this penal condition to last? One way to end it would he to overhaul the finance of the State Forest Service as the gentleman in Wellington has suggested, and see if the money cannot he put to better advantage than under the present policy. At least the local bodies should not be doubly penalised by Government Departments to keep the rest of New Zealand going. Westland is being treated very exceptionally and redress should bo demanded. The County Council, pending an enquiry, seems to be taking the only course open of making a legal claim on the Crown for financial relief by getting hack at least some of its own money to save the present drain on the ratepayers.

A general meeting of members of the Hokitika Poultry Club will lie held on Monday evening at the Public Library at 7.30 p.m. To-night at the Soldiers’ Hall the final for the tournament aggregate in the R.S.A. euchre will take place, play commencing at 8 o’clock. Four attractive prizes are offered for to-night’s play. The aggregate prizes will he presented at the final night of the season, next Friday.

Tiie entertainment in aid of the wireless fund, being organised by Miss James of Grevmouth is being put back a fortnight to allow for the preparation of a playlet by Miss James’ pupils. It is entitled “Princess Tenderhcart,” a very pretty play, and will be staged at the Princess Theatre on December Bth. in connection with some special dramatic work which Miss James and her pupils will feature.

The Soldiers’ Hall last evening was again packed for the juvenile Band ball. The children attended in large force, and besides there was a good attendance of adults. Everything went- with a merry swing from start to finish, and with the novelties provided, the younger set enjoyed themselves to their hearts content. The music was supplied by Ross’ Orchestra, several extras being given. The supper served was excellent, the juveniles being well catered for. After supper dancing was continued, and thus ended one of the best juvenile balls held in the town.

We offer exceptional value in “Fuji Silks” 30in. wide in all the wanted colours, the shades are saxe, lemon, powder blue, pink, sky and lavender at 2s 6d; extra heavy weight natural at 2s 6d, 40in. crepe-de-chene in white lavender, blue, grey and shrimp, special price 4s lid. Schroder and Co.— Advt,

For Sewing Week—See Addison’s range of cotton fuji in all dainty shades, also all shades in colored fuji with laces to match. —a art.

The final night of the aggregate at the Returned Soldiers’ Euchre Tournament will be held this (Friday) evening at 8 o’clock, when the following prizes will be for competition:—First, set of four Pyrcx dishes; second, set of military brushes in case; third, 7-piece salad set; fourth, E.P. mounted honey jar. Roll up early for the final night. Supper provided. Admission 2s. Eight o’clock.—Advt.

Much interest was taken on the waterfront at Lyttelton in a largo whiting displayed for sale in the launch of Air C. Robinson, a local fisherman. The fish weighed eight' pounds, and All- Robinson states that it is by far the largest ho has ever seen in his 30 years’ experience at fishing. Whiting usually average somewhat under a pound in wenght.

An unusual acident occurred on the Remuera Bowling Club’s greens on Saturday. A skip sent up a fast howl which drove straight through to the jack. The latter was propelled with force against another howl and cannoned off it to hit a bowler on the back of the neck. The blow was a severe one and dazed the player for a few moments, hut he apparently suffered no serious ill-effects.

About midday on Tuesday workmen engaged in laying new gas mains at the bottom of AJibot Road, Xgaio, accidentally “tapped” the water main, which was carrying a pressure of 18511). The immediate result was that the pipe burst, and a six-inch stream of water shot skywards to a height of about thirty or forty feet, descending on a nearby store. The occupants of the store became really alarmed, as the stream of falling water “was very like a. heavy thunderstorm..” The water flooded three rooms and the cellar, doing a large amount of damage to stock.” Several residents were without water for four or five hours.

The death took place at the Grey Hospital yesterday morning of Mrs Alma Elvio Coleman, wife of Mr Ernest James C'oleman, of Bell Hill. Deceased was a native of Havelock, Marlborough, being a daughter of the late Thomas Scott (for many years a hotelkeeper there), and was 3!) years of age. She had been in ill-health for a considerable time, and had been an inmate of the. Hospital for the past five weeks. In addition to her husband, she leaves three sons and two daughters. Her mother resides at Havelock and she lias brothers and sisters there and in the North Island, also other relatives in the Grey District.

At a meeting /of the Greymouth Power Board, Air J. Lythgoe, engi-neer-manager of the Board tendered Ibis resignation on account of illhealth. The resignation was accepted with regret, and it. was resolved to relievo Air Lythgoe of his duties in four weeks, the Board granting him leave for the balance of the three months’ notice required under his contract, in recognition of the long period of overtime lie has worked for the Board. A committee set it]) to report on the administration of the Board and the .sale of current reported that the cost- of generation was 2.28 d per unit, and the selling price averagpd I.Gfid per unit making a. loss of a halfpenny per unit or approximately £2BOO sterling in the units generated for 1 1 -'' five months' ended August, 1927. The Committee recommended that every endeavour should he made to reduce overhead expenditure.

The Rev. Father Patrick Lynch whose death was recorded yesterday at Sydney, was the eldest son of the late Air Daniel Lynch for many years the well-known proprietor of the Occidental Hotel at- Hokitika, and a. brother of Air J. D. Lynch of Greymouth. The deceased, who was widely known throughout New Zealand and Australia, was born at Cootehill, County Cavan, Irclad, 69 years ago, and came to New Zealand with his parents in the sixties. He was educated at Dundalk College, Ireland, and ordained at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Dunedin, where he later became Administrator. Subsequently ho devoted his attention to missions through Ireland, Australia and the Philippines. Early this year, the late Father Lynch paid a visit to his brother, Afr J. D. Lynch, of Greymouth, and to his sister, the Rev. Alother Prioress of the Dominican Convent, Dunedin.

A wedding of New Zealand interest took place at St. James’s Church, Piccadilly, London, on September 3. when -Miss Louisa Bean, eldest daughter of the Rev. Canon and Mrs AY. S. Bean, 0.8. E., of Chrstcliurch, was married to Mr E. G. L. AA'hiteawav, of Feltham, Middlesex. The Rev. Selwyn Bean officiated, assisted by the Rev. G. Pound, of Coombeistynehead, Devon. Owing to the fact that the (bridegroom’s family are in mourning, the wedding was a quiet function, and there were no bridesmaids, ibe bride, who was given away by Sir Herbert Daw, wore a charming blue chiffon velvet picture frock, with a graceful cape effect, the lung skirt of which was finished off by scallops. She carried a A’ictorian posy of beautiful flowers. Mr G. Braccv was best man. A reception was held at the Hotel Victoria, Northumberland Avenue, after tbe ceremony, Mrs Bean wearing a black charmeuse dress with oriental blue trimming, and a black hat trimmed with blue ospreys. Mr and Mrs AA’hiteaway will spend part of their honeymoon at Tregenna Castle Hotel, St. Ives, and will then motor round Devon. Mrs AA’. S. Bean will spend a week in AVales before returning to London in time to join tbe Mooltan via Suez on September 23. She expects to arrive in New Zealand some time in November.

The dinkiest house frocks, overalls and children’s rompers are made frnn colored tobralcos and zampa cloth with new galoon trimmings. AA'ith such trim and tasteful patterns the most everyday garments are made chic and attractive. Inspection invited. Addison’s.—Advt.

Nothing ldoks smarter than the fashionable jumper as now worn. AA’e have tbe very latest styles in sleeveless and waistcoat shape in striped and plain fuji silks and extra heavy quality in striped spun silk, at prices - from 10s 6d, 18s 6d, 25s 6d to 37s Gd. Schroder and Co.—Advt.

There’s always somebody coughing. It may be you next. Take “ Nazol.” Goes to the root of the trouble and gives prompt relief. Ready for use, 60 doses Is Gd.—Advt.

Cable advice from London states that after 20th. September, 1927 (in London) prices of sheetings and calicoes will have to be advanced. AYe advise people to buy sheetings now and recommend McKay’s, Hokitika, for best .values.—Advt. The most economical floor and furniture polish is “Tan-01.” Gives a dry, brilliant gloss that losts for a long time. Does not smear. All grocers. —Advt. AYhftebnit netting made to sample of netting supplied by professional Hokitika wliitebaiter is now on sale at McKay’s at 3s 3d a yard. The netting is extra strong and the mesh is considered just the right size* —Advt.

The Order of Alasses and Devotions in St. Mary’s Parish on Sunday, October 16th, will be as follows : —Arahura 10 a.m., Hokitika 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

A Christchurch paper says: Old Tenterfield has made wonderful improvement since being put into work by R. Adamson a few weeks back. He is as sound as possible, and there is every reason to suggest a success or two for the Australian-bred gelding over the sticks later in the season.

To the public generally we wish to draw special attention to J. Tennent’s new location in Revell Street, next door to the Divinia Beauty Parlour. Business will be carried on here in future and customers may rely upon the same quality, value and expert service for which the name stands.—-J. Tennent, Hokitika and Greymouth.

T)he usual jfortnigjhtly meeting of AVestland Lodge No. 89, 1J.A.0.D. v was held in the lodge room last evening, when a fair attendance was piesided over by A.D. Bro. R. Furness. The officers roll was called and attendance noted. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed, outward correspondence rend and approved, inward read and received. Bards reported sick members improving. Sick pay to the amount of Cll 10s was passed for payment. One new member was balloted for and proved successful. The date of the Robinson Shield competition was fixed for November 4th. All competing teams are in constant training for the event which is going to he the biggest Ritual competition ever held on the Const. The lodge then closed in harmony. Children’s coughs need careful watching. “ Naz.ol” is the best remedy, and may prevent serious trouble later. Penetrating and soothing. 60 doses for Is 6d.—Advt.

New Fadeless Curtains in coloured, allover and striped patterns, just opened up at AlcKay’s. Prices Is lid, 2s 9d to 5s 6d yd.—Advt.