Mustard and Cress.

Northland Age, Volume 1, Issue 17, 6 December 1904, Page 2

Mustard and Cress.

The Mangonui County has its own engineer, or Clerk of Works (whichever name most fits the positioh), and in appointing Mr. W. F. Thompson there is no doubt that a most competent man has (been selected. Certainly Mr. Thompson will not have an easy position and ho will find that it is a very different thing to act as an officer of the County instead of sitting as a member. Wo shall watch the results as regards works, but feel confident that paid supervision will greatly improve the manner with which contracts will be carried out. Councillors deserve the thanks of the ratepayers for superintending public works in the past, but it is time that the change to officialism had come.

The election in the Victoria Valley Riding will take place shortly, and it behoves ratepayers to choose carefully from such candidates as come forward. There is no necessity to select a practical road inspector, and the greater the knowledge of business possessed by the new councillor the greater the service will hje be able to render the Coune.il. It is to be hoped that every ratepayer will record his vote, and that Fairburns and Victoria Valley will sink any petty prejudices so that a really good man may be returned.

The Mangonui Poet Office is completed, and we can congratulate ourselves on the excellent results. The convenience to the public, in the new office, is greatly increased, while the building itself is an ornament to the township. We would point out the necessity for the immediate opening of the telephone bureau, but have some doubt of the present staff being able to cope with the extra work entailed. By the way, did we notice that man of many parts—Mr, J. T. Gillibrand —putting the finishing touches on to the building ? We would like to know where Mr. Gillibrand’s capability ends.

It seems a grave pity that the district should be put to the expense of quart ml y meetings of the Licensing Bench. From what we hear of this last meeting there was practically no business requiring attention, and a number of gentlemen travelled long distances to no useful purpose. Such meetings are expensive and we would be glad to see a change in the direction of annual meetings only, the

Stipendiary Magistrate having power to deal with any minor matters which might arise during the course of each year.

If vigorously enforced the Amendments to the Alcoholic Liquors Sale Control Act may be of inestimable service in towns, but it is of questionable value to the country people. During the course of a long journey of fifty miles, at no point would a traveller have the right to refreshments. That the public should be liable to be fined for a breach of the Act is only just and right, but that the bona fide traveller in country districts should not have any chance of refreshment (and .also be liable to a fine if attempting to obtain a‘stimulant) is most severe. It is again apparent tlmt laws which arc a necessity of town life are frequently injurious to the pastoral population. For magistrates and judges to severely criticise the action of the police seems the usual -course. The police have been reared on criticism, abuse, bad language and insults; they take kindly to the treatment and thrive thereon. That a Supremo Court Judge should publicly “slang” (there is no other word for it in this instance) a Stipendiary Magistrate seems to the writer to be somewhat wanting in good taste. A short letter from the Judge to the Magistralo would surely have been as effective as the public comment. It must be remembered that in country districts the S.M. is, to the people, the incarnation of law and order, and anything which tends to reduce the public opinion of the Magistrate is detrimental to the community as a whole. “When in doubt, play trumps!” In the political card game there is only one trump, and it’s a joker. If there be any one political job requiring handling with finesse, call for the Premier. Mr. Sodden is finding a way to cover the sins of friends and foes alike; and the Shops and, Offices Act, which is the cause of much vituperation in the towns of the Colony, may be said to have been rescinded at the will of King Dick. At any rate, wq do not expect this Act to bo effectively worked until it has again been revisad by the House of Representatives. SIDNEY HERBERT.