Wellington in Topsy-Turvydom. .

Free Lance, 15 December 1902, Page 18

Wellington in Topsy-Turvydom. .

HOW long we had been dozin~ goodness only know s. All w e lecollect is that the sensation was delightful, and that an eager murmur of voaces suddenly awoke us It took several moments to gather oui scattered w it 9. Then, we began to peroeive our singular whereabouts. We were reclining upon a lounge on the saloon deck of an air-steamer, which, at an elevation of only 400 or 500 feet, w as making rapid progress from the ocean towards Wellington. There was no mistaking the familiar outlines of Pencarrow Head with its lighthouse, the curve of the rook-fretted shore from Island Bay round to Lyall Bay, and behind us the well-remember-ed peaks of the Kaikouras. But, by what strange chance did we find ourselves on a vessel which navigated the air as easily as a first-class steamer ploughs her wav through the water P We had never been mixed up with aerostatics before. Balloons and ballooning were entirely out of our line. We pinched ourselves to make sure it was Quite real. Yes, there was no doubt about it. There were our fellowpassengers, laughing and chattine m twos or threes all round us, some resting on deck chairs like ourselves, some promenading; the deck smoking their cigars, some leaning against the deer>waisted sides of the vessel, scanning the distant city which was momentarily rising into nearer perspective. A whole series of questions rose to our lipa — How came we there ? Where had we been ? How long had we been unoonscious? But, a moment's reflection coupled with tlhe utter absence on the part of the other passengers of any curiosity about us, or any sign that we were strangers there, rendered us shy of making inquiries that might seem absurd. It would be better to let things develop as if we were just as much at home as anyone there. We strolled to the bulwarks, and glanced down and ahead. An involuntary exclamation of deep astonishment escaped from our hps. and caused our nearest neighbour to turn sharply round and reerard us curiously. There was no mistaking that dimpled face, those sparkling eyes under the pince-nez and that neatly-tailored rotund form. It was, beyond the shadow of a doubt, the George Robins of Wellington, Thomas Kennedy Macdonald. But, Kennedy Mac transfigured and idealised. This glorious creature was> the very glass of fashion, and the mould of form. Art and skill had exhausted their resources upon his adornment. By the universal deference that was paid to him, it was easy to see he occupied some very exalted position. And vet, affability beamed in his aspect. The recognition was mutual. Our surprise, however had not been extort-

Ed by liis appearance, but by the sight which met our eyes v> hen wo looked down at Seatoun. Instead of the straggling fringe of tiny cottages we remembered, there ■« as a spacious flagged esplanade abutting on a noble beach lined with bathing machines, and furnished with all the latest comforts and conveniences of a first-class wateringplace such as Newport Brighton, or Nice. The cottages had disappeared, and mansions and palaces occupied their place. Luxury and refinement were stamped broadly over the place. Fountains, statues, grottoes, gardens, theatres, strikine hotels saluted the eye on every hand.

Mr. Macdonald noted our astonishment. "Ah, of course, you've been away for many years now," he said. We were grateful for the information.. It was a starting point from which to gather some news about ourselves. "Well, I reckon, we have hustled along at a rather smart pace during the eight years since 1902," he resumed. "You remember the reconstruction of the Seddon Ministry, and the general election that took place at the end of Ninetythree? That was the beginning of the Great Boom which revolutionised New Zealand, and turned Wellington topsyturvy. "The popular oarty with King Dick at its head, went in bald-headed for straight-out State Socialism. Then, when Champasme Witheford, E. M. Smith. Fred. Haybittle, and myself entered the Ministry, we let in, the latest of up-to-date notions — the referendum on the popular initiative the replacement of individualicm with collectivism, eauil remuneration and uniform privileges for all, and, finally, an annual redistribution of billets! positions,

oi avocations in the industrial hive by means of a Grand State Lottery." Mr. Macdonald broke off his interesting explanation to invite our attention to Miramar, which now lay dnectly beneath us. What a fairy transforma,tion scene! The level pastures and verdant upland slopes of Miramar, dotted over with sheep and steeped in silence were now completely changed. A city larger and gayer and more pretensious than the Wellington of old had taken its place. Long lines of spacious streets flanking noble buildin.es. and bordered by graceful trees. Squares and fountains and ample recreation reserves, All the evidences of elegance, refinement, and an opulent population Unquestionably, a fashionable suburb. In the streets luxurious motor-oars, palataal electric tram*, a splendid double-decker river steamer, crowded with people, at tlie wharf. We uere perfectly mystified. Our companion recalled us to ourselves.

"You will observe that the place is en fete," he remarked. "A Marcomgram, just to hand from Fred. Townsend, tells me he is being installed as Mayor, and presses me to attend the installation, to be 1 held in the Town Hall to-night. It is to be a superb affair. Look, there he is, haranguing the crowd from the Seddon monument." We looked through the binoculars, which were handed to us, and the figure of Fred. TWnsend sailed into the field of vision, clad in sumptuous mayoral robes, a cooked hat on his head, and a massive chain of office round his neck. Willie Tustin stood beside him, m the position of town clerk, arrayed in wig amd gown" and looking profoundly wis<e Round about them, in their robes of office Aldermen E. G. Zohrab, Rawson, Doug-hity, Mao Evan, Herbert. Shortt,

Veateh, Harry Price, Oasey, and others who were strange to us. As we were rapidly nearing our journeys end, we were impatient to get some information about the air-ship, Where she sprang from and how we came to be on her. We could see she was an entirely novel invention— to us. She was of a cigar-shape amd was balanced in mid-air by means of an enormous balloon. She was constructed of some new metal hard as adamant, and polished as the finest steel, far lighter than aluminium, and buoyant as cork in water. The propelling machinery was small and compact amd the steering gear— operating fans round the sides and beneath — was a marvel of ingenuity and skilful contrivance, bhe was beautifully fitted up with accommodation for about a hundred passengers, and when the signal went for luncheon, with an operatic overture on a magnificent errammophone, sounding just like a. full band, we marvelled at the richness of the appointments the choice-ness of the menu, and thp admirable way m which the meal was served by the well-dressed stewards,. This, of course, was a later experience. Between Seatoun -id Wellington in an aar-shm there was no time for making notes or taking meals. Mr. Macdonald, in a scrappy sort of way, gave us some information to go an with. The vessel was the State seromotor, John Ballance, one of the line which plied regularly between London and Wellington, calling at the Cape en route. They carried passengers and mads only, and made the trip in a fartnight 1 the record was ten days. The skipperßi.were experienced seronaute, and the engineers were accomplisnoJ electricians as well. Finally, \fr. Macdonald explained, in reply to a rather direct question, that some years ~o he had retared from the Ministry, suul, on submitting himself last year, as usual, to the Annual State Lottery, he had drawn the position of Grand Supervisor of the Tourist Department, which necessitated constant air-travelling betweea America Europe, and New Zealand. On the present trip he had some royal princes, a great array of nobility, and many world-famous people on board. In far less time than we have taken to tell the story we had passed over Miramar, and reached the city. The feromotor, dropping softly as a flake of snow had settled on the surface of the water, and with a few strokes of her propeller had glided into her berth beside a handsome jetty near the Glasgow Wharf. No fuss, and no noise. Electric trams and electric motor-oars were in waiting, and our luggage, having been marked beforehand, was all despatched for us.

If Seatoun and Miramar had been a surprise, modern Wellington was a perfect miracle. Magnificent boulevards stretched right along the harbour front, beyond Kaiwarra on the one side and "round the rocks" on the other. No thoroughfare was less than 99ft. wide. More land had been reclaimed from the harbour; bill slopes had been lowered, and terraced to the top-most heights. Splendid piles of architecture towered aloft on every hand. Handsome villa residences, and lovely gardens and shubbenes. captured one's gaze everywhere. It was high noon, and we felt a bit nonplussed as we realised that our good friend Kennedy Mac was gone. The metropolis had grown to the proportions of Melbourne, and so changed that it was a bit difficult to pick up the old land-marks. Locomotion also was difficult, for the streets were thronged with holiday people, and the fact was soon borne in upon us that it was Christmas Eve. Sounds of martial music struck on our ear, and, following the crowd, we soon found ourselves in Lambton Quay. A glittering military cavalcade was approaching. Just at that instant an excited individual, with an open note-book, and a fountain pen, dropped — from the clouds, apparently — and landed lightly on his feet beside us. We thought we knew that intent face.

"Tom Mills?" we ventuied. "My name," he assented, as he frantically scratched down a few hieroglyphics. "Hulloa! By Jove! It's you, is it? Here, come along, and get your air - togs on." And, hustling us into a handsome shop hard-by, in a brace of shakes we were being fitted up with wings and floats. Then, we noticed, for the first timo that Tom was furnished w ith pneumatic floats or paddles to his feet, and wings to his shoulders, a kind of life-balloon, to his waist, and an inflated ruffle like a hfe-belt to bis neck. He took us by the hand, and we soared straight up some 30ft, just above the procession. "That's the Wellington Garrison Band, on horseback," he said. "They've been mounted ever since Lieutenant Herd took them on that triumphal quick-step through the United Kingdom. How they gathered in the dollars, too ! Some of the crowned heads of Europe wanted to keep them, but King Dick would not hear of their staying." "But what is this parade all about?" we asked. "Is it a funeral?" "Bless my heart," was the answer, "don't you know ? Why, this is FieldMarshal Sir John Duthie's departure for Europe, to witness the German military manoeuvres, at the special invitation of the Kaiser. It's a close nublic holiday." "Do you mean our old friend, the Iron Duke, of Willis-street?" we asked doubtfully. "Of course, who else?" replied Tom. "Look, h^re he comes, on his war-charg-er'"

It was even so. In spite of ail the trappings of war, there was no mistaking that keen, grey eye, the firm lines of that set mouth, the close-trimmed grey moustache and beard. A crimson sash spenned his scarlet coat, some order sparkled at his neck, medals covered his breast, and at frequent intervals he raised his plumed hat to bow to the cheering multitude. He was surrounded with a glittering staff, prominent amongst which was Lieut. -Colonel Collins, who exchanged a friendly nod with us. "He's a general now," said Tom, laconically. An open carriage followed, at an interval. We looked for King Dick but, to our amazement, we beheld Allan Orr reclinino- on the cushions, and saluting the crowds as he passed along "Is Allan Orr — — ?" we started to ask. "Sir Allan Orr, Bart " corrected the busy Mills. "Knighted last yeair when he succeeded Sir John Crewes as Pre-

mier. Crewes has since gone Home as Agent-General " "And who aie Ori's colleagues, and whre in Heaven's name is King Diek p and — and — ? "Hold on hold on — one at a time. Where have you been buried these five or six years? Why, Dick like the rest of us, has played many parts since the Grand Lottery came into vogue. He is Chief Director of the Gaiety just now, and lolly as a sandboy. Last year he was 1 a oable-fcram conductor. "My conscience '" we exclaimed. "And Sir Allan's colleagues?" "Well, there are some of them m the next carriage. The fashionable gentleman \\ ho rides with Allan is his private secretary Andrew Collins. Perhaps, you've heard of him?" Another stylish turn-out, and in it two important functionaries. One was Mr. Henry Fielder, in ermine-trimmed robes, a cocked hat on his head, and a. chain of office round his neck. The other was a much smaller figure, in a gown and with a wig.on its head. We felt sure we had seen it somewhere on the stage. Looking narrowly, we ■perceived ait last it was none other than Charlie Zaohariah, whose Gobo in "Les Cloches," was worth remembering. "Fielder is Lord Mayor of Wellington now," explained Tom Mills, as he fluttered past, and Zachanah is Town Clerk." "And, where's -J. G. W. Aitken in this procession?" we queried. "Oh. he suddenly cleared out about a fortnight ago " chirrupped Tom ; "it is believed on his honeymoon, for the ladies have been westering him to get married these seven or eight years past. He will come back a Benedict, all right." We fluttered down with our winers and floaits to seats on the telegraph wires, and bad a good look at the next carriage. It certainly was a bit of a startler. T. B. Dwan, Charlie Izard, Tommy Tay-

lor of Ghnstchurch, and Fred. Piram "How came such a mixture to be brought into the one Cabinet?" we asked. "Easily enough — Elective Executive'" answered Tom.

portentiously dignified, the Leader of the Opposition (the Right Honourable P. J. O'Regan, P. 0.), and seated together, the City members — Rev. H. Van Stavaren (who, we were told, was also Mayor of the splendid fashionable suburb of New Jerusalem, on the other side of the harbour), Dr. Chappie, and Mr. E. G. Jellicoe. We stiuck off at right angles from the line of procession, and soared away to pick out a coign of vantage at the Queen's Wharf, where the Imperial first - class cruiser King Dick was waiting to receive the distinguished passenger. A

smart equipage with outriders and attended, by a mounted guard, had. just driven up to the vessel's side. There was no mistaking the stalwart figure in Windsor uniform, which stepped down

lightly to the wharf, and acknowledged the ringing cheers of the populace by bowing to right and left. We rushed forward with extended hand, and impulsively exclaimed, " How are yon, Arnelius ? Glad to see you." A whisper in our ear : " Beg pardon, old man, Lord Amelius Smith, now," and we turned, and with a look thanked the tactful private secretary, who was none other than that eminent public, servant, spick and span Frank Andrews, the best mimic and amateur actor off the stage. We made the necessary correction just m time, and received a gracious welcome from Lord Amelius. Ec was pleased to remark m a confidential undertone that these dress functions were an infernal nuisance — they interfered so

abominally with one's private occupations. Far instance, he was in the midst of an exciting game of billiards with Dr. Cahill, the vice-regal physician, when he was suddenly called away to dress for Field-Marshal Duthie's embarkation. We asked His Excellency how he had so rapidly attained his present lofty position,, pleading absence in foreign countries as an excuse for our ignorance In his former capacity of Ministerial private secretary, we had always recognised that he was destined for higher things. Lord Amehus was not spoiled by good fortune He laughed pleasantly, and said . "Call it luck. I was always a bit speculative and so, when the Grand pottery Scheme came into play I declined tihe option wihch was allowed old civil servants to retain their billets for five years I preferred to take my chance m the lucky bag. First two years my luck was right out. The first ticket 1 drew was for drummer in a Salvation Army band. Next year, I was cast for an auctioneer's clerk, under ST^ UltG ¥7- After that, the luck STT'p "J s H ccessi « n I became Ad-jutant-General of the Forces and Clerk of Parliament. Year before last I was Director of Public Amusements, and made myself so popular in that billet that SL Zt amiUal eleotian of Governor took olace— you see, we have elective Governors now— l was returned in sueW^d n » joSeph Wwrd > "°TLord J'^ U Ti come l on b( >ard with me. Hanged^if I m not keeping the Admiral waSThe naval magnate was in full dress and along with his flag-lieuteSt S waiting to receive Surely we knew that tanned and wea-ther-lmed face ? Could it be-but S the trippers' friend." fasHon^fT 1 "- 6 mutter <**, after the rastoion of Dominie Sampson. Admiral Jones was not ashamed to l£ b i^» V> °' ld times - "Who'd 'aye g^ht." he said, "when that thSe Manne Scandal was on the tapes, that IJavy Jones would one day be Ruler of the New Zealand Navee7 Yet here he's climbed right a-top " ' "Howsomever," he added, "I had some HE*."" 1 dd T V ? S befOTe X»* thl S First year I drawed I had to take charge all ritM n TT^ DD y sßays Bay - That aJI ngh<>—l had had some practice at it when running the Duchess: And I alfus did like picnic parties. But it rairly broke me up when I had to put in a whole year as rouse-about on a Wairarapa wool farm, and after that had to put m a term as night-watchman." Ihe tale of Admiral Jones's adventures was snapped off. After reviewing fef 7?S? PS i?\ ff ont£ ont rf the Post-Officet Field-Marshal Duthie had arrived smA was embarking with full military honours. J We seized the opportunity to regain tne wharf, and disappear among the crowd. It would be a fine chance to have a quiet look at the transformed city. But the hope of getting away by ourselves was soon frustrated. In dodging here and there, to get through the mass, of people, we stepped incautiously, and with full weight, uoon a fashionable patent-leather boot. It contained a ripe corn, for the owner thereof expressed himself with great heat and emphasis.

The voice was familiar, and we had started to apologise when a heavy hand came down on our shoulder, and Bob Bannister spoke "It's all right, dear boy, but no more larks on my understanding. Hello, where did you sprintr from? Here, Brookes, oome here." We soon gathered the strength of tihe situation. Robert hadevoluted. Fate — otherwise the Grand Lottery — had out him adrift from the Press, and, along with M. J. Brookes, of the Dresden, he was running the Hot Lakes of the North Island. T. E. Donne and Percy Dix, he explained, were managing the Cold Lakes of the South, while Maloolm Roes kept a watchful eye on the glaciers.

"Any practical jokes lately?" we asked, as we thought of old times.

"Rather I" chained in Brookes. ' You remember that yarn about Bob and the peaches. Well, it wasn't a circumstance to one that I worked off on him the other day. You see " Alas! this "good thing" got no further. A courier -arrived hot foot from the Tourist Department, bearing imperative orders from T. K. Macdoenald to attend ixnmediat&ly in order to take charge of His Serene Highness the Prince of Kickemoff and suite for Taupo and Rotorua by the favourite Wanganui river route. Brookes murmured "Another time," and. vanished. It waj ai very hot day, and, as Robert offered no objection to our suggestion that we should liquidate, we bore up for a very imposing hostelry on the Quay that had more than once arrested our eye and compelled our admiration. It occupied the site of Barrett's Hotel, and seemed to be doing a very brisk business, for crowds of well-dressed people were constantly passing out and in.

We halted in dismay upon reaching the broad footpath, for along the facade of the supposed hotel ran the sign, mounted on a gilt grill, "State Dispensary No. 8. R. D. Hanlon, manager." "What's the matter?" asked Robert. "State Dispensary '" we faltered, and pointed to the lettering. "What?" "You don't really mean it now?" "Is it autually the first time?" And, after eaoh pause, Mr Bannister was seized with a fresh paroxysm of laughter. Finally he shook himself together, and, saying "Come on, you'll find the physio all rigut'" marched us straight into the establishment. We entered a chemist's shop, richly fitted up, and looking like an art studio. At its further end, we passed through a richly brocaded poitiere. and found ourselves in a handsome hall, furnished with small tables and elegant chairs and lounges. Behind the bar-countei, which extended across the upper part of the hall, about a dozen smartly-dressed shop-assistants were busily employed serving out drinks or propelling foaming draughts into pewter measures in exchange for sliusi of paper

We produced some money, hut our companion promptly handed it back. "No use here." he said. "Don't you know this country runs a State Bank, and has been under national pi >bjbition for years past? If you want a malt refresher now, or a stimulant, it is only medicinally you can get it, and one of these State Dispensaries is the place.

Theiefoie, as soon as> you know the ropes, you'll get the medical supervisee of your street 01 section to let you have a stock of prescriptions for regular use. And, until you can be allotted to a job, you had bettei open a,n account at the State Bank, and get an advance of "credits." That is the currency of New Zealand now. You know Jim Coates? Well, he's general manager of the whole concern and will fix you up. We took out our "prescriptions" m half-and-half, and received our pewter from the hands of an old acquaintance — T. G. Macarthv. He seemed very busy.

'How do you like State ownership oi everything, Mi. Macarthy?" we asked. "'Oh, I'm quite reconciled to it no^\ , and rather like it." he replied. ''It relieves you entirely from anxiety and re^ sponsaMhty. In. the old days, when the prohibitionists were rampant pub-lic-house property was very insecure, and any day a popular vote might spell ruin . Remember Newtown, and poor Corby. Now, the blow has fallen, I can sleep peacefully. The master and the man — the bishop and the bill-sticker — all p-et the same monthly allowance in bank credits — and when you save them up the most you can do with them is 1 to purchase a long holiday, or complete idlene&S', for yourself. And, if you want to be idle, you withdraw altogether from the Annual Lottery. That is the price for the luxury of doing nothing." 'Didn't you find it a bit infra die. to go behind the bar?" "Devil a bit. Lots of other big-wigs have Tiad to peel off their coats, and tuck up their shirt-sleeves under the new order of things. Robert Hannah is working merrily away at a bench in the cobbling department of one of the State) boot factories (it used to be his own), John Kirkealdie is measuring out laces and selling ribbon® like tihe youngest counter-hand and Davy Nathan has joined the Government army of dairy experts, and when he is not grading butter, he's showing the ohawbacons how to make cheese." "And all satisfied?" "Well, say rather all trusting to the next turn of Fortune's wheel. Next Lottery may make me Lord Mayor of Wellington or send me out delivering goods for a State grocery. By the way, that's Harold Beau champ's duty just

now, and, by the powers, here's the man himself." Harold was clearly a little blown with his exertions, but still jolly of countenance, and portly round the waistband as of yore. He brought in a case of goods on his shoulder, and then came forward with his subscription for a modest quencher. He gretted us warmly,enlarged on — ~^xwn» v/i open-air exercise, and called us to witness how much, better everything seemed to thrive under Socialism. "Who's running Bannatyne's m your absence?" we blurted out irrelevantly. "Bless your heart," he answered, with a laugh, "that's long ago merged in the State Department of Maritime Commerce, along with the Union Slumping

Company, Levin and Co., Turnbull and Co. and a host of othei placesi. Let's see, who's tike prosent head of the Department — Arthur Peaice, no — his term expired two years ago — ■Gerald. Fitzgerald (he's Public Trustee now)— Why, A. H. Turnbull and John Murrell, of course, are ]ouit managers this year. By the way, John was telling me only yesterday he would not mind getting an engagement at the State Opera House, as leading tenor. His voice was never in better order." Custom was thickening ait the Dispensary, and we excused ourselves, and left. Robert had long sance flown, — an obedience to another courier from the Tourist Department. The manager of thei State Dispensary was dictating orders to a shorthand writer, in hisi private office, as we were passing out. He I caught our eye, and came forward with the c'.d-timc geniality.

"How do, Mr. Hanlon, business brisk ?" "Yes," he said, with a smile, "but I manage to keep up with the procession. You would hardly believe how the public rush the patent medicines I put up. My dear boy,, my testimonials would fill a, volume. Just received a couple of lovely ones from Sir J. G. Findlay far my piquant political sauce, and from Mr. A. R. Atkinson for my acid drops. As for Mr. T. W. Hislop, he simply swears bv my anti-L ilious pills, and Fred. Piiaiu lias given me leave to mention that since he tried my political bitters he has used no other." We heartily congratulated friend Hanlon, and passed on.

On the door-step, we stumbled over William McLean, and begged his pardon. He told us that Tom Inglis and he had built up the motor-car industry to its present huge dimensions. In conjunction with electric trams and seromobiles, it had driven, horse-flesh out of the traction business. He gave us a card of admission to the Spiritualistic Temple for a series of lectures on, "The Summer Land," and went on his road rejoicing. Inquiring our way, we reached the State Bank, which occupied a pile of biddings covering most of the block where formerly the Union Bank stood.

A youth in silver-buttoned uniform accepted our past /board doubtfully, and

afterwards, with slightly less hauteur, conducted us into the presence of the general manager, Sir James Coates. He was engaged ooi an afternoon snack, and invited us to join him Finding, we were fully refreshed, he fin-" isihed his meal, and then proceeded to satisfy our th rst for information. His office, like that of the Chief Jusr tape (Lord Stout), the Auditor-General (Sir J. E. Warburton), and the State Prosecutor (Sir Francis Bell), was not subject to the Annual Lottery. Officers like these could only be shifted on a mandate from the people, declared by referendum on their own initiative. No ooam wae circulated within the country Every year the Colonial Financial Stated ment showed the net surplus profitfe produced by the entire people, and this sum being equally divided among the workers, determined their "credit" for the ensuing year. It was paid' out in coupons every month. The majority amassed "credits," and were able to take frequent trips abroad. Some overdrew and sank into debt. When they got two years in arrears, they were declared insolvent, and deported from tihe country. Sinvlarly, all aliens had to undergo a probation of two years before beinis admitted to the full rights of citizen^ ship including, of course, particioatiom in the Annual State Lottery, Sir James, although he had won his knighthood by the success with which he had organised' this- remarkable State Ban* experiment, was getting tired of the fates which it. nlaoed upon him. "I was destined to win renown at golf," he said, "and, hang it, I oan't get enough golf to do myself justice. Between you and me and the gaite-post, I've half a mind to let the State Bank slide, amid go m systematically for golf. Then your Duncans, your Gillieses, and your (xollans may look out for tropical work." We wrung his hand in sympathy, arranged for an advance of "credits,"" and got out on the foot- walk.

A stylish motor-oar was coming leisurely alung the street, and a couple of leading citizens lounged gracefully <£ iT^^- TW were bell-topjexed their buttonholes, and were smokinz cigars. Evidently, a coupletf Srs^ssSLf OTeign *™* &«■* To our intense surprise, they stopped the oar, and, with friendly smrtes, beckoned us to step on board. 'Twas only S| n W6^ recog^d Daa McKenzie wn- "*?* run the R^ fe y Union in WeUmgton), «d George Wobb, the oIS time skipper of the Phoanix' Cricket Club. And, they gave us pretty soon Eight hours as the ideal working day was long ago an exploded principle Four hours^UO till 12.30-now sufl need for everyone, and every afternoon except Sunday, was devoted toSSEX Uon. Recreation, in fact, was now on© ot the largest and most important con corns of th* State. IhwJTT^S the^ent which held the body politic Every legitimate branch of snort formed a State office in the ReoreStion .Department, and was presided over bv a recognised enthusiast at the ojs statt ot officials was proportioned to ttie extent of support which that particular recreation met with from the people. Messrs. McKenzie and Webb were the State Controllers of Rugby Football and Gncket respectively, and, although they had just left their offices, they insisted on returning and showing us right over the vast Recreation Buildings. Large and beautiful suites of offices club-rooms, gymaasia, etc., were aliotted the various forms of sport, and the walls wore adorned with pictures trophies, and banners. We found Mr C P. Skerrett installed as i* « te Co^troJler of the Polo Branch and Mr. P. C. Freeth in charge of the (Continued on page 24.)

Then followed in separate carriages, the Speaker (Sir Geo. Fisher), looking