The Evening Standard AND POHANGINA GAZETTE. Guaranteed Largest Circulation In the Datrict. THURSDAY, JULY 15, 1897. A QUESTION OF WAGES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XXXIII, Issue 6079, 15 July 1897, Page 2

The Evening Standard AND POHANGINA GAZETTE. Guaranteed Largest Circulation In the Datrict. THURSDAY, JULY 15, 1897. A QUESTION OF WAGES.

One of tho mojst glaring instances of skinflintism thnt it has been our misfortune to he£r of for a long time, occurred at tho meeting of tho Pitzherbert Koad Board on Tuesday last, when Dr Lemon arose in all his _ financial majesty to protest against the increase or sixpence per day being made to the wages of the surface men employed by tho Board. Regardless of every consideration, a except saving his own pocket, which 1 is already fed by a good fat pension ~ of £350 per annum from the public I purse, this gentleman, who for years has luxuriated upon the velvet ot a rosy billet, would deny the worker upon the roads a sufficient wage to - enable him to obtain even bare necessaries. For certainly he could never hope to atain to anything higher in the domestic scale upon a daily wage of Gs, and if the elements should be unpropitious, then the relentless knawine of " broken time " eats into . this weekly pittance, and makes his i life a hand to mouth existence. But j Dr. Lemon's pension, unlike the I roadman's wage, knows no terrors J from unfavourable weathor. Wet or Idry the mill grinds on, and steadily the golden sheckcls are multiplied to ] his credit, with tho result that whilo | i this pleasant operation proceeds he j forgets tho time he, as a struggling mechanic, worked in a dingy carpenter's shop in Wansbeck-street. "What would he have said in those days of a speech such as he himself delivered on Tuesday ? Ho would have expressed, as we must express, disgust at a duplicity which professed a desiro to maintain a high standard of wages, and at the same time sought by practical methods to reduce them to starvation point. Warden Clapperton was light when he applied the term J< sweating" to the scalo of pay previously given by the Board to its employees. ' A good honest day's work is expected , of these men, and we believe the i Board honestly gets it, but at a price ' far below what is paid by most ' private employers, and as the Chair- ! man and Warden Conlan forcibly ( stated, far below what it is really i worth. According to tho ethics of \ labour, " the labourer is worthy of ' his hire," and what is exacted from the private employer in this respect J cannot be conceeded to the public I t body. Indeed, the public bodies i should bo tho first to affirm the 1 principle of a " living wage," and the % last to sacrifice it for the sake of B individual greed. There was no a evidence that the Board was so hope- t

Ilessly involved that this step was not justifiable, but tho fact that it is nearly £300 hotter this year than last year points rather in the opposite direction, and therefore it is gratifying to find that a majority of the Board were bold onough to do what probably no ratepayer, except Dr. Lemon, will object to, namely, to give the first extra expenditure to the humbler servants of the Board. So far from being extravagant, this is rather a step in the direction of economy, because no employer loses j anything by treating his servants! well, and we feel certain that this will be the experience of tho Board ere twelve months have expired. In the meantime Dr. Lemon should re- ; member that fortune has been kind ' to him. Ho has lived well on monies ' partly . drawn from heary Customs , duties paid by these very laborers, ; and his pension is still ono of the ' many imposts that prevent the lessen- J ing of that burden; therefore, it is ' just as well to point out to him { protty plainly the indecency of tho s course of action he desires pursued c towards men who are now earning j: tho public money they receive by 1 1 their hard labor. d

Returned.—Mr Burton, of Apiti, who went to New Guinea recently in search of gold, was a passenger from Auckland to this district on '.Tuesday.

One Better. —There lias been a good deal of fuss in the South Island about a man in receipt of charitable aid being appointed a J.P. (says the llawera Star). Wo hear of an appointee in the North Island who cannot read even printed matter. Which is the worso appointment ?

Pan Him Out.—An old constituent of Mr Seadon's says that if he were to appear anywhere in the vicinity of the celebrated Kumara sludge channel in his Court guise, his digger friends would want to pan him out to see how many pennyweights he would go to the dish.

Sensational. — If, remarks the Wyndham Farmer, only half of what is alleged in connection witli the Hallcum Matthews abortion charges bo true, some truly sensational developments may be expected when the police show their hand. It is understood that Dr Torrance, the third party whose name has been freely mentioned over the case, has turned Queen's evidence, and that the polioe hold his written confession. Wangakhu liniucE.—At a special meeting of the Wanganui County Council yesterday, only one tender was received for the erection of a temporary bridge over the Wangaehu River—that of Mr Langland, whose price for a high level bridge was £330, and for a low level structure £32u. It, was resolved not to accept any tender, and it wasjj decided that C'ra A. Higgi", J. O. Patersoa and E. E. Fletcher be a committee to deal with the qseatiasrof., putting on a cunt, with power to act. Fatal RACE.—The H.B. Herald says: - News has been received of the death of Mr Arthur Haven Hill, who was for some time on the Mangatarata station, near Waipukurau, Deceased a couple of years ago loft for England, from whence he proceeded to Natal, and joined the Mounted Police there. Whilst riding in a hurdle race at a sports meeting his horse fell with him, pitching him on his head, which resulted in the base of his skull being fractured. He never regained consciousness. Only Paupers.—A correspondent of the Wanganui Herald, allnding to the treatment accorded the occupants of tho Old People's Home at Wanganui, asks the Chairman of the Charitable Aid Board:—ln all seriousness, would

he like to be lying sick on a straw bed, with a straw pillow under his head, three short blankets over him, and a thin cotton counterpane ; a rope tied round his skin and bones to keep him in bed (and prevent him disturbing others by his unnecessary requirements) and his mattress unaer him described by his caretaker as a " mass of dung."

Pasteurization.—The Egmont Post says :—A lot of notice is being now given to the pasteurization process of treating milk, and Dairy Factory Directors are being pestered with offers to supply these machines. It is a very moot question whether any monetary good can be traced to the product when treated by this process. In America for the last 2 years this system has been extensively tried but to all intents and purposes it has been abandoned, as results have shown Vhat no good accrued from the use of these machines.

Unfortunate.—A serious accident happened to a boy named Ross, son of the roadman between Waverley and Momohaki, during the early part of the week. He was playing with a bow and arrow with aWther lad, when the latter accidently shot the arrow into his eye. Dr Harvey was summoned and attended to the suiferer, who he ndvised should be removed to the Wanganui Hospital. Yesterday the lad was operated on and, with the concurrence of Dr Harvey, the injured eye was taken out, tfle doctors deciding tli.it it was impossible to savp it. The little smferer is progressing as favourably as the circumstanced will admit.—Herald.

Day op Reckoning.—The Government is pressing for the lease rentals in a number of the Auckland mines which have been floated for speculative purposes, but upon which no work lias been done, or is likely to be done. This step has caused a flutter of dismay, as it must inevitably lead to the forfeiture of the ground (writes the Otago Daily Times' correspondent). In one respect the action of the authorities will be one of service, inasmuch as it will knock on the head a number of bogus companies—as far as any real mining work is concerned—and lead to the ground being thrown open to the prospecting operations of bona fide miners.

A Contrast. — That pohutukawa trees are of very slow growth is evident from the two trees of that variety which were planted some three j'ears ago at the Thorndon Esplanade by Messrs Seddon and Ward, on the occasion of the letter's glorious, return from England after iloating the 3 per cent. loan. These trees are now only a little over a foot in height. A curious difference has made iteelt manifest in the growth of these historic plants. That planted by Mr Seddon, rejoicing in its planter's series of triumphs, has spread out luxuriously, almost " swelling wisibly " with a sense of its own importance ; while that stuck in the ground by Mr Ward bears all the signs of a life-long struggle against adversity. Its branches are wilted at the end, and a blight seems to have fallen upon it. What coincidences occur in life!— Post.

Style. — The Hon. Hall-Jones, Minister of Public Works, who arrived in Wellington the other day from the South had (says the Wellington correspondent of the Cliristchurch Press) a fine carriage and pair and a coachman in livery, with a cocknde in his hat, waiting for hiin on the wharf. Subsequently a man out of work called on the Minister, but the latter could do nothing for him. The man says that Mr Jones told him that though he could do nothing for him at present, there would be plenty of work for everybody when MrSeddon came back, and that the Government then intended to put further taxation on the large land ownora and to burst up more Kg estates. , Thiß story is current gossip in Wellington at the present moment, and if it is not absolutely accurate the Minister should be afforded an opportnnity of contradict ing it,

Odituary.—The many friends of Mr Jeremiah McCarthy, of Linton, will regret to learn of his death, whicli took place early yesterday morning under exceptionally sad circumstances. When his wife went to call him, he was lying on the floor, partly dressed, quite dead. He was generally liked amongst a large circle of acquaintances, and as the pioneer settler of Fitzherberfc West, wasjhighly esteemed. The funeral will leave his residence for the Palmerston cemetery to-morrow at noon.—The Jdeath is recorded of Mrs Minnie Mather, of Taikorea, which took place yesterday. The funeral will leave Mr Mather's residence on Saturday, at noon, for the Rongotea cemetery. Rank.—The New York Herald says a \ great to do is being made in both s Washington and New York society circles over the behaviour of certain | prominent Americans who attended | the coronation of the Czar. It seems I that Colonel John McCook, who represented the United States Army at the I coronation, has lodged a complaint J that Mr John Logan wore an unauthorised uniform on that occasion with his breast covered with his father's old war medals, and that at a reception he and liis mother pushed in ahead of the American Minister and official party. Mr Logan has retorted to this in a public letter, in which he says that Colonel McCook's statements we false and malicious. Moreover, lie isserts that the colonel himself wore ilie uniform of a colonel in the United j states Army, to which he is not eniitled, Mrs Logan, in a long interview, ilso rushes to the defence of what she ialls her " noble handsome boy," and lays she can make disclosures that will i lause Colonel McCook's ears to tingle. )ther prominent people ivho were also i >resent at the coronation are taking 1 ides in the quarrel, which is highly i liverting society circles in New York. <

Thanks.—The Tiritea School Committee return thanks to those who assisted at the social last night. Trksi-ass —At the Court yesterday an information laid by C. Gartner charging J. Little with trespass, was dismissed by Mr Greenfield S.M. Accident.—Mr A. Bedford, one of the Alhambra players had his collarbone broken through colliding with another player during the progress of yesterday's match. iNEiiitiATE.-At the Court this morning Sundar Sine charged with being chunk was fined ss, in default twentyfour hours imprisonment. Mr H. J. Hayns, J. P. presided. Borough Estimates.— Also included m the estimates for the current year is the usual grant of £150 to the Eire Brigade, and £10 to that useful but hitherto much neglected body the .Salvage Corps. Committed. —Mr ,and Mrs Healy were committed for trial at Wellington yesterday on a charge of cruelty to ! their nephew. In the course of the case it was stated that the boy would share in a fortune of £30,000. TwEunkral.— The funeral of Mr Walter Rutherfurd's son. the late Dudley Innes Rutherfurd, took place this afternoon. Tnere was a large attendance of friends of the bereaved parents. The Rev. W. Thomson conducted the funeral service^*" Musical.—ln our report of the Hospital concert last nicht we inadvertantly overlooked the fact that Miss Stevenson gave a p-etty rendering of the well known song "The Gift" and that Miss Annie Millard's piano solo-.was-brghiyappree.iateaO All the'ttecompaniments were played by Madam Thompson. Bye-Laws.—At a committee meeting of members of the Manawatu Road Board held this morning the bve-laws recently framed with a view of dealing with heavy traflic were considered and it was decided that the Board should adopt them as proposed by the conference of delegates from the various local bodies in the district. A Feat.—ln.giving evidence in the ease at Wellington against Mr and Mrs Healy, for cruelty to their nephew, Mr Hutcheson M.H.R., said Mrs Healy tried to make him believe that the bruises on the boy were self-inflicted, and that he got up in the night and kicked himself between the ehoulderblades.

Johnny All Sorts,—A Christchurch paper recently published the following comprehensive " wanted ",—" Billiard marker for first-class hotel; respectable single man with knowledge of music, keep books, and a little carpentering." The wage to be given is not stated.

Interesting.—lt was the "Trent" bikes which were first and second in the road race to Awahuri and back yesterday. The riders say they are the finest machines they ever rode upon, and the ease with which they can be driven was the cause of their success. The local agents are Messrs Grace, Clarke & Co. Bowlino.—At a committee meeting of the Bowling Club held last evening at the Occidental Hotel, it was decided to hold the annual smoke concert at the Occidental Hotel on the 11th August, when the prizes won during the season will be presented. Messrs Cohen, Drew, Nash and Scott were appointed a committee to arrange a musical programme. The W'ESTRALrA.—Messrs Huddart, Parker and Co.'s line new steamer Westralia, which replaces the Anglian in the New Zealand trade, is due at Wellington from Sydney, via Auckland, Gisborne ana Napier, about 9 o'clock to-morrow morning, and sails for Lyttelton and Dunedin at 3 p.m. She leaves Wellington again next Thursday afternoon for Napier, Gisborne, Auckland and Sydney.

Vkoetaijle.—Mr Orbell, representative of the Taranaki district for the Agricultural Department, is just now distributing epeoimens of the stoekeye tuberifera, a vegetable of which a small supply has been obtained by the Department from South America. In appearance the tuber is small and not appetising, but we are assured that it is a very tasty vegetable and most prolific. The experiment will be of interest.

Agricultural.—lt is now evident (writes a Southern correspondent of the Dunedin Star) that the area of land to be sown in grain throughout the Middle Island will be enormous, and with a favourable season New Zealand will put up a record in grain industries in 1898. The general idea is that oats will be dear before next harvest, as enormous quantities will be required for seed and feed, owing to so much land being prepared for grain this year.

X Rays.—The Hokitika Guardian says :— We were shown yesterday by Dr Mackenzie a photograph of the foot of a young lady, a local resident, which was taken with the Rontgen rays. Some two years ago the girl ran a needle into her foot, a portion of it broke off and the remainder worked its way into the foot, causing inconvenience at times, though its exact locality could not be ascertained. In the photograph the portion of needle can be plainly seen lodged close in by the bone. It will be an easy matter now to remove it if considered necessary.

Younrs' Club.—We direct the attention of our readers toon advertisement in another column, calling a public meeting in the Theatre Royal at eight o'clock to-morrow night, to consider some of the necessary details in forming the much needed louths' Club. The election of officers, the selection of suitable rooms, and deciding the scope of the club's operations will be the principal business. On the same evening the organising committee will meet in the Council Chambers at 7 p.m., to prepare for the public meeting, and a full attendance is requested-

! Rev. G. Soltau—-The Mission conducted by the Rev. G. Soltau in St. Andrew's Church will terminate in that building with the Sunday services. The Theatre Royal has been secured for the five nights of next week, Monday to Friday, for the c6ntinuation of this work. On Monday night Mr Soltau will give a lecture to men only, entitled " Yourself. " Hundreds of men have been glad to hear this lecture which is illustrated by incidents of a personal nature, gathered by the Lecturer in the course of his travels in America, India, and the Colonies. The other four nights will be open to all.

Tiritea Social. — There was a crowded attendance at the social given in Mr Forster-Pratt's woolshed, Fitzherbert, last evening, and a very enjoyable evening was spent. The first part consisted of a concert, and a dance until the small hours concluded the | affair. At the concert, which was particularly good, songs were given by Misses France and Buckman, and Messrs Walter Grace, George Kendall, Young and W. Rankin, a recitation by Mr Lilly, and violin solos by Mr Cuthbert. Mr VV. Rankin played the. Ac- j compaiiiments, as well as at the dance, being assisted in the latter by Measrs Cuthbert and F. Kendall (violins), and C. Pickering (cornet). A liberal supply of refreshments was provided to which full justice was done, and Messrs W. S. Stallard and R. J. Munro made efficient M.C's.

Cvcr.irra.—The road bicycle race to j Awahuri and back yesterday resulted in a win for Walter Grace, Stevens second and S. Thacker third. The winner's time, with a handicap of seven minutes, was oGrain. 41sec, Thacker riding the distance from scratch in 53miu. 12sec. There were several mishaps during the race, both the first and second men falling, and Rogers punctured his tyre, tirace wins the silver cup presented by Mr Rogers, the : second prize being a pair of military brushes in case, presented by Mr f>. U. Harris, while the third prize, a silver medal presented by Mr S. i'hacker and won by himself, will bo presented for future competition. Mr VV. T. Wood acted as judge and Messrs Hyde and Morriman as timekeepers. — The nominations for the road race to be held by the Cycling Club will close with the Secretary, Mr J. F. Manning, on Saturday night.