Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, DEC. 29, 1892. First he would and then he would'nt.

Manawatu Herald, 29 December 1892, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, DEC. 29, 1892. First he would and then he would'nt.

It is almost ancient history how the hon. Mr Seddon became mightily interested in the Chicago Exhibi tion, and how, for reasons not fully net forth, he cooled down in his desire for exhibits. Since parlia ment has been prorogued Mr Seddon has had another attack, and desired, in anticipation of the expected alteration in the American tariff, that the " social pests " of the j colony should make an effort and show samples of the fleeces ot th^ir flocks. He also, half keartedly, thonirht that the hemp industry should also be repi'esented. Onireaders will be aware of the very peculiar misunderstanding that arose between the Minister and the Chambers of Uommerce, the Minister asserting that the Chambers insisted upon the exhibits being purchased by the' government., the Chambers asserting on the other hand that they never did make such a proposal. Td appears peculiar that such a misunderstanding could possibly have arisen. It was suffi ciently useful however for the Minister as a peg to hang a reason on for refusing to do anything towards seeing the colony properly represented at the Chicago Exhibi t : on. Our member, Mr J. G. Wilßon, always ready to give his political opponents an opportunity to do what U right, wrote on the 19h iost to the Minister of Mines asking if the Government would, mind yon, not purchase, but simply def ay the expense of sending an exhibit of ten tons of flax tb the Chicago Exhibition. Here was a chance given to the Minister to show his interest in an industry which has done more for labour than any other in the colony. Here was an action likely to secure the continuance of it, but no, the old fit, from hot having been i-host n as the colony's representative at such a pleasant gathering, hus come over him and he refuses. The reason given is " that parliament during last session having decided that the Colony should not be represented at the Exhibition, there is no appropriation from which the cost of sending the exhibit could be paid 1" Most virtuous of Ministers we salute thee. May that close attention to the wishes of parliament and the exceeding caution in. not spending J620 or £80 without authority, always guide you, but could you not have saved the amount out of your travelling expenses? This is the way our Liberal Government attends to the wants of our working classes, they are ready to set up departments to look after their interests, as then posts are found for their friend', but when if comes to an outlay of 4)20 or £80 to which Nothing would directly result, it is too much, the wishes of parliament, as interpreted by a disappointed man, are paramount. It is important -that such an exhibit should be made, and wetrust'the hempm Hers wi'l come to i some arrangement to make up a i ' donsignroent. How would it be to j get a requisition to the government to do that which our Representative' has requested, but signed by all the handst employed at the mills, it I

might r b« the means of awakening ; \\o Winisfcftr (■■() tii_- claims these mii haw: to his attention ? Any- ' how thei-e is not much time to losCj and thfi millers \\o<\ better advance the freight, fov tnafc is wiiat it piMCticallv is", iluti th-- ; kemp is sold, •than to hare ho exhibit. Of course any reasonable Minister would, hare been only too pleased to have met the millers, but then the Minister of! Mines is not- reasonable. '