The Evening Standard AND POHANGINA GAZETTE. Guaranteed Largest Circulation in the District. WEDNESDAY, JULY 14, 1897. MR WARD'S CANDIDATURE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XXXIII, Issue 6077, 14 July 1897, Page 2

The Evening Standard AND POHANGINA GAZETTE. Guaranteed Largest Circulation in the District. WEDNESDAY, JULY 14, 1897. MR WARD'S CANDIDATURE.

The announcement made in our columns on Monday night that the Hon. J. G. Ward had placed himself in the hands of his supporters, and left it for them to determine whether .he shoulcLjgain be a candi~dstfrTor] their' aJ-rftsi" came a.-?\a surprpe to most people. It has been a' rule consistently followed in this colony that when a member has been compelled to seek tho shelter of tho Bankruptcy Court, ho has resigned his seat, and abstained from taking further part in politics until he recovered his financial equilibrium, that it has come to be regarded as part of the law that ho must do so. Such, however, is not the case; Mr Ward is evidently prepared to brush aside all precedent and take full advantage of the loopholes in the law. We say loopholes, advisedly, becauso it was evidently not the deliberate intention of tho Legislature that a man should sit in Parliament who has placed on record in a Court of law his inability to pay his debts, when tho same Legislature has ordained that a bankrupt may not hold a seat on a Licensing bench. But there is evidently a piatus in the Electoral Act at this point, which may stand Mr Ward in good stead. Tho Act provides that every male person who is a qualified elector is qualified to hold a scat in the House of Representatives. At the same time it provides that certain persons shall not bo "entitled to become qualified electors. No alien, lunatic, public defaulter, or person convicted of treason or felony is entitled to be registered, but bankruptcy is not an electoral disqualification, and therefore, in strict law, a bankrupt is not debarred from being elected to the House. But further on the same Act provides that the seat of any member of tho House of Representatives shall become vacant if, amongst other things, " ho is a bankrupt within the meaning of the laws relating to Bankruptcy." But it must be remembered that Mr Ward resigned before he became a bankrupt, and therefore his seat is not rendered vacant under this clause, but by virtue of his resignation, it ,is just possible that this tacticali' move on liis part may enable him to evade tho penalty of his bankruptcy. On the other hand, it is a moot point whether ho can hold his seat after re-election, or whether it will not immediately become vacant again until ho obtains his discharge, for surply " he is a bankrupt within tho meaning of the law " until he gets his discharge, and if this is tho correct reading of the Statute then there is no sense in reelecting Mr Ward, because ho is simply elected one moment and his seat is declared vacant the next. So much for tho legal aspect of tho question, but what shall we say of its ethical side. Surely tho most ardent admirer of Mr Ward must admit that it would be infinitely moro becoming if ho followed the example I set by every other public man in his position, and retired from political life for a period sufficient to enable his affairs to bo properly adjusted, and then, if the accusations which have been so freely made against him, both in his public and private capacity, aro as false as he says they are, ho will bo able to re-enter the arena with an untarnished reputation, having gained rather than lost political standing. On the other hand, if his dealings have been either corrupt or criminally negligont, then his proper place is in retirement, JJut until his affairs havo been thoroughly in vostigatcd by the Supremo Court, neither one version or tho other of thb story can - bo acceptcd with confidence. Supposing the law admits

of his holding a scat in the House, unless Mr Ward is totally devoid of all sense of the proper fitness of tilings, lie must fqcl how inconsistent "it is that lie slixmld sit there and assist to pass laws relating to bankruptcy or the recovery of debts whilo tho shadow of insolvency hangs over him. We wish Mr Ward well, and therefore we do not desire to see him adopt a course that will tend to degrade the parliamentary status and at the same time bring discredit upon himself. Teriiace End. — Mrs Fenn has resigned the position of assistantmistress at the Terrace End School. Secretaryship.—Mr C. A, Bridge has been unanimously appointed secretary to the Egmont A. and P.Association, from five applicants. • Football.—We learn that both the first and second fifteens of Wanganui Collegiate School are going to meet the first and second of Te Aute College at Palmerston North on July 28th. Judging by recent form the games should be fast and furious.

Official.—Mr J. K. Logan, Superintendent of Telegraphs, returned to Palmerston from Napier last night, where he has been on a tour of inspection. He returns to Wellington via Pahiatua, for which place he left today.

Unemployed. —Mr Fred Pirani, M.H.R., interviewed the Minister for Public Works this morning, and asked that work should be found for a number of unemployed in the district. Mr Hall-Jones said he would communicate with the department and sec what could be done.

Prodigious.—New bridges must be scarce in Taranaki. At the opening of the Tikorangi bridge, 200 ft long, the Hon W. Hall-Jones, Minister of Public Works, is to be present, and the Acting-Premier would also have attended only for pressure of public business. A bullock is to be roasted whole and a monster public picnic is to be held in honor of the occasion.

Not Lucrative.-If we are to believe a statement made by a witneßß in the local Magistrate's Court on Monday, cab-driving in New Plymouth is not by any means a lucrative business. The witness in question asserted that last week all lie received for cab hire was twelve shillings. He further remarked that last year he came out £50 on the wrong side of the ledger, as the result ol the twelve month's business.

Brotherly Love.—A very painful accident occureed to a little daughter of Mr Thompson at Pohangina on Saturday afternoon by which she lost two fingers. It appears that the little girl was on the swing when her little brother attempted to cut it down with an axe, with the result as before mentioned, The child was at once taken to Ashurst where her injuries were at once attended to and she she is progressing favourably.—Advocate.

llawera School.—At the Wanganui Education Board meeting yesterday, a motion by Mr Fred. Pirani was carried, instructing the chairman to consult the Board's solicitor as to the best method to adopt to obtain the shorthand notes of the inquiry held by the Hawera School Committee, motions by Mr Hurley (for' the Board to hold an inquiry) and MrSpurdle (for an inquiry by Royal Commission) being withdrawn.

Fatal Ride.—At Melbourne on Monday last a verdict of accidental death was returned at the inquest on William Lawson Robinson, who was killed in a cycle road race on Saturday, by his machine collapsing while going at the rate of twenty miles an hour. The evidence proved that the machine was too light for road racing, arid that the deceased's attention was drawn before starting to the fact that the front forks were bent back. He replied that it was all right.

About Right.—Mr Meadows (the representative of a London produce firm) declared at .the Wellington -fwuKlit-KwiucMon-Confcrence that regularity of delivt fy oi dairy pioduce was of tlie utmost importance to them ; more so than the rate of freight. He said the time would soon come when they would find they could not carry butter in the same steamers as meat, as it was frozen too hard and injured the article.

Reform Wanted.—Speaking at a meeting of the Wellington Philosophical Society Mr T. L. Travel's said that circumstances had not enabled him to alter the views which he had formed 20 years ago in reference to the highly unsatisfactory condition of this colony in regard to its surveys. He expressed himself strongly to> the effect that it was very desirable our surveys should ateonce be put on a more satisfactory footing.

Antarctica.—Concerning Antarctic exploration, about which Dr Hector discoursed so pleasantly, Captain Cook wrote " The risk one runs in exploring a coast in these unknown icy seas is so very great that 1 can be bold enough to say that no man will ever venture further than I have done, and that the lands which may be to the south will never be explored." But Cook was wrong, for Koss went further, and others will yet go further than Koss.

Astonished.—A somewhat startling explosion of gas occurred at the old Prince of Wales Hotel, Wanganui ,— now being used as a family boarding house by Mr Max Bouisson—last evening. Mr Bouisson, at about 7 o'clock, went into one of the front rooms for the purpose of lighting the gas, striking a match as he entered the door. One of the jets had, however, been left on, and the room in consequence was full of gas, the result being, of course a serious explosion. Mr Bouisson was knocked senseless, while one of the windows, framework andall, was blown bodily across the street.—Chronicle.

Cliff Road.—The Fitzherbert Road Board in committee yesterday decided not to take over the Cliff Road until about twenty chains receive another four yards of metal per chain, and that the Board is of opinion that it would be unwise in the interests of the district to allow the contractor to attempt to complete his contract at present, and have therefore decided to extend his time until the last day of October. The Fiizherbert Bridge proposals were also considered in committee, and the Chairman was instructed to interview the Mayor and arrange details in connection with the deputation to the Government on the matter.

Cruelty.—Dr Lemon mentioned at yesterday's meeting of the Fitzherbert Road Board that the attention of the Society for the Jfrevention of Cruelty to Animals should be directed to the owner of a cow with a broken leg which had been left for hours on the main road at Fitzherbert until the Overseer had mercifully put an end to its existence. Blood-tracks showed that the animal had walked for some distance along the road before forcing its way into the swamp where it was eventually shot. The Overseer stated he had seen Mr De Blois, constable to the Society mentioned, but he had replied that Fitzherbert was not within his jurisdiction.

Severe.—The Pahiatua Herald says : —The alleged sports of which the Manawatu Rugby Union is composed are most certainly non-believers in the principle of fair reciprocity. The Bush Union wrote to the Manawatu Union, asking that a day be fixed to play the return match at Palmerston, and received a reply that the Union team was prepared to play the m!jtch but would not allow the visiting team a percentage of the gate money, When it was known that the Bush Union allowed the Manawatii reps 7. r > per cent of the gate money when the match was played in Woodville, it must be at once admitted that the Manawatu Union is acting in an unsportsmanlike and unbusiness manner. In consequence of the refusal to allow a share of the gate it Is improbable the Bush Union will send a team to Palmerston.

Drapery Sale.—The last fifteen days of the great drapery sale at the UF3A. have commenced, ni-I bargains are stated to be the order uf the (lay.

Personal.— Mr T. Ilamer, private secretary to the Premier, was a through passengerfrom Auckland to Wellington to-day. He has been staying at the Hot Lakes for the benefit of his health, which is considerably improved.

Deputation.—The Mayor and Mr VV. Kendall, chairman of the Filzherbert Road Board, leave for Wellington this evening with reference to obtaining a £ for £ subsidy on the amount that is to be spent on the additions and alterations to the Fitzherbert Bridge.

Fitziierbbrt Bridge.—The Mayor (Mr W. T. Wood) interviewed the Hon W. Hall-Jones at the railway station this morning in reference to a subsidy for the Fitzherbert bridge. The Minister stated that the matter was in the department of the Minister of Lands, although he would be only too willing to do what he could in the matter.

Acknowledgement. — Sir, — Kindly permit me to use your valuable paper for the expression of my gratitude to friends of Palmerston North and district for the evidences of their respect and esteem for the late Mrs Quintrell and their sympathy with me.— Yours, &c, F. Quintrbll.

Incapcitated. — Mr E. Greville, Audit Inspector, who lias been lately engaged auditing the books of the various local bodies, has been granted sick leave. An attack of la grippe, aggravated by a multiplicity of " special loans," is stated to be the immediate cause of the temporary retirement.

Departmental. —'Several changes have taken place on the stafl' of the local railway station during the last few days. Mr Arnold, as stated before, is now installed as chief clerk. Mr Rickerby, who was transferred to Auckland, has been replaced by Mr Brown, of Auckland, who has just commenced duty. Mr Bridge has been transferred to New Plymouth, We understand it is the intention of the employees at the station to present Mr Bridge with a token of their esteem, and a substantial amount has been collected fur this purpose. The presentation will take place at an early date.

Mutual Improvement.—The Cubastreet Mutual Improvement Society met last night, when there was a good attendance and a capital debate. Before proceeding to the business of the evening, nominations were taken of candidates for parliamentary honors, the election of which is to take place at next meeting. The following were nominated Messrs Carl Anderson, J. Grace, Meatyard, Adams, Grove, R. Malcolm, and W. J. Pallant. Bach candidate is limited to 15 minutes and 5 minutes for questions. It was resolved that the opening hour for next meeting be 7.15 sharp. A vote of sympathy was unanimously passed to the secretary, who is ill. Mi Adams led in the affirmative, the subject being, " Would a boys' institute be beneficial to Palmerston North," and if so, "On what lines should it be run." Mr Meatyard opened in the negative, and Messrs Satchell, W. J. Pallant, J - Grace, E. Grove, Mrs Wing and Eev J.Wrigley also spoke, when the affirmative was carried almost unanimously. It was decided to allow other than the present members to compete for the prize story on August 17.

Heavy Traffic.—A long informal discussion took Dlace at the Council Chambers this morning on the refusal of the Manawatu Road Board to recognise any responsibility in the great damage which is being done to certain streets at Terrace End by metal cartage for the Manawatu Board. In the absence of official intimation from the Board, and it being only an informal discussion, nothing definite was fixed upon, but the suggestion was made, and in ail probability the Council will obtain legal advice upon the matter. The question of extraordinary traffic is certainly becoming a problem that needs immediate solving if those in office have any regard for the roads or the public funds available for expenditure in t'ys diri'cUon. With to-day's issue we circulate an inset from Messrs C. M. Ross and Co., of the Bon Marche, announcing the commencement to-morrow morning of their Annual Stocktaking Sale, which we venture to say will create a slight Btir amongst buyers of drapeiy. When they come to reading of new and fashionable dress materials of reliable qualities at half their former prices, and Ladies Jackets of the present season's importing from 10s 6d to 22s 9d, clearing at 9s Cd, and 30s and 35s Jackets clearing at 15s Cd; Ladies Capes from 17s Gd to 22s Gd, clearing at 12s Gd, the balance of the season's Millinery from 10s to 30s being cleared at 5s and 10s, as well as heaps of other similar bargains, they will undoubtedly come to the conclusion that a very sweeping clearance of stock has been determined on previous to stocktaking at The Bon Marche. —Advt.

At the present time settlers in this and the adjoining districts are spending their labour and energy in clearing their land of the last remnants oi primeval forest in the shape of stumps. Their labour is rendered ten times more effective by the use of Trewhilla's Patent Stumping Jack. This splendid little tool is easily carried and worked by one man and will be found a perfect marvel. To be obtained of The United Farmers Uo-op. Association, Palmerston North.— Adyt. .

Te Aro House, Palmerston. North Branch, the Square, are showing a splendidly assorted stock of men's and boja' tweed suits and trousers, men's and youths' macintoshes and tweed overcoats, Mosgiel and Kaiapoi under clothing, ties and shirts in endless variety at James Smith and Co., Te Aro House, the wholesale and family drapery warehouse.—Advt,