ALL SORTS OF PEOPLE

Free Lance, Volume III, Issue 159, 18 July 1903, Page 3

ALL SORTS OF PEOPLE

THE New Zealand representative footballers, who dumped their new jerseys into a sack on Saturday afternoon, and dragged the sodden mass away with difficulty, were the same stalwart but irreproachably dressed men who faced the send-off dinner at the Trooadero on Saturday night. When the mighty men of valour sat down to their soup, they all, with one accord, remarked, "Why, it's hot!" and swore that it was mote comforting than a wet skm and a flowing field. We mention this, because soup m Wellington is generally not hot. * * * King Dick had not been footballing that afternoon, but he was a fairly hearty trencherman. He sat on the right hand of that ardent sport. Chairman G. F. G. Campbell, president of the New Zealand Rugby Union, and was in his happiest vein. King Dick thrashed out some knotty questions with Dr. Newman over the festive board, but there was no fight. Mr. Seddon in replying to the toast of "Parliament," remarked that one of the finest players who ever came to New Zealand was Seddon. The youngsters there Fazed at the twenty stone of Premier in admiration, and took his word for it. * *■ * But, Richard was not taking any credit to himself really. He was referring to the dashing forward who captained the English team of 1888. King Dick was sorry he himself could not get away to Australia this trip. He felt that he would be a good man in a scrum. "What price me as a 'lock'?" asked the Premier, proudly. And the longing in the footballers' eyes was a thing to be remembered. It would have done your heart good to hear the reception the dapper Dr. Newman got. When the doctor wasn't talking football to the crowd, he was fighting old battles over again across the table. * *■ * Sir Joseph Ward asked the boys to bear up. They had fared pretty badly at the hands of the Wellington team that day, but it was no criterion. When they had played together a little more, they would come to herht as all other New Zealand teams had done before them. Modest Mr. Norris, secretary of the New Zealand Rugby Union, who is managing the team, looked at the stalwart men around him and said, without any undue inflation, that he believed it was the best combination that had ever left New Zealand and the team believed it, too. for it kicked the floor with a kick aggregating many tons. * # *■ By the way, that bald-headed veteran, "Jimmy" Duncan, who captains the team, was 1 persuaded to rise and say something. Jimmy, who wears a scar over his left eye, received on the field of battle a fortnight ago, arose, dragged forth a chair, put his right foot on it, looked around, and said he was "Jimmy Duncan, the has-been." James said that he had played a little football in his time, and he intended letting the people who allowed he used to be a footballer know that he was still a footballer. James does not appear to be suffering from delicate health, and his appetite appeared to be in fairly good working order. Like King Dick's Kitchener, "he's the right man in the right place."

Amongst those round the table was Dick Isaacs, who, as a biographer of Dunedin football has few equals. He has a catalogue of Duncans deeds ready to launch at the least pretext. He talked N.Z. football with Alex. Laurenson. Then, there was "Off-side" McKenzie, the lengthy hero, who has represented New Zealand on four different occasions, including two trips to New South Wales, and is still eagerly sought as an arbitrator when knotty football points crop up. Alec. Campbell, whose wet work with the whistle during the afternoon had_ not damped his perennial flow of spirits, bears a name associated with the heyday of Wellington football. * * * Other "has-beens" were there, of course. George DLxon's beaming countenance shone radiant across the festive board, flanked by the not unhappy expression of "Bio," of the "Observer. " Mr. De Costa, immaculately dressed, trifled with a chicken's wing and the battles of the past, and that ex-repre-sentative footballer, Mr. James Allen, M.H.R., who is as great. a thorn in. the Government side as he wa9 in the side of an opposing team, was glad to "let up" for once on the sins of the Government, and hark back to deeds of derrrng-do in other fields of sport. The team did not give their war cry. It is a good war cry, and if they don't give the Australians the translation, it won't hurt. "Woe, woe, to you," isn't reassuring. * * ¥■ Like the first national conference of delegates of the Farmers' Union held in Wellington last year, the conference here last week brought together a representative and interesting group of the most active-minded leaders of the union throughout the colony. The union can no longer be called a growing power, for a combination which contains 20,000 units may well be considered fulL-grown in a country whose total population just turns 800,000. And yet, the leaders of the farmers themselves 1 consider that the union is still in its infancy, from both the membership and tihe influential points of view. One member at last week's conference stated that the delegates at this conference represented one hundred millions of capital ' The Lance takes that statement with a very large grain of salt, as did also the speaker's co-delegates ; but it may readily be granted that there was an aggregation of much wealth represented at the conference, and that delegates have no small opinion of the capacity of the union. * * * It is interesting, by the way, to pick out the men of substance, as well as the substantial men, who were delegates at the conference. Perhaps, the biggest squatter of them all, as he was the most aristocratic, was Mr. W. AclandHood, president of the Gisborne branch, and brother of Sir Alexander Acland-Hood M.P , one time captain in the> Grenadier Guards, who served in the Egyptian campaign in 1882, and is the proud possessor of thiee country seats in England. Mr. Hood has a large station inland from Tologa Bay, and has flocks to the number of 12,000 sheep. He is a youngish man, a keen farmer, and greatly interested in farmer politics. * * #■ Another man of wealth, and whose voice was perhaps the most frequently raised during the sittings of the conference, was Mr. John McQueen, who is the king of Gore, and the autocrat of Southland. A oanny Scot, a man of much property and great influence in commercial matters, a power in freezing company circles, with a finger in almost every financial pie in Southland, Mr. McQueen delights in hearing his own voice.

The younger generation of well-to-do men was represented by Mr. DArcy Chaytor, the delegate from Marlborough. Mr. Chaytor is something of a unique character, even in our colonial life. A member of an. old English family, which settled in Maiiborough long ago, he qualified for the law, but preferred to go upon the land, and he is now a successful producer. On the outbreak of the South African war, Mr. Ohaytor was one of the most eager for the fray, and when New Zealand decided to take part in that war he was one of the first applicants for a commission, and got his star. He served with credit to himself and to the Contingent, returned to Mairlborough full of enthusiasm for the mounted infantry movement, and to-day is known in military circlesi as Major Chaytor. ♦ ♦ » In its re-elected president (Mr. J. G. Wilson) and vice-president (Mr. G. W. Leadley) the union ha® two exceptionally capable officers. Mr. Wilson resides at Bulls (Rangitikei), is a pastoralist with many acres of land much cattle, and more sheep, is a noted and ample breeder of lambs is interested in many phases of life, and has for wife a lady who has a literary reputation not only in New Zealand, but in the Old Country. For Mrs. Wilson has been a maker of books of stories and sketches and poems, and Mr. Wilson himself is no mean critic. He at one time was one of our legislators, but in these latter days he seems to have lost the taste for political life, and has thrown the whole of his energy into the affairs of the Farmers' Union. •* * * Mr. Leadley is known in all parts of North Canterbury, and hi® residence is at Ashburton. He is largely interested in the agricultural and pastoral affairs of Canterbury, and is a man of much influence in his district. The wonder of his friends has ever been that he did not go in for politics, but he seems to be under the impression that politics is not the game it is "cracked up" to be. Mr. Leadley has a somewhat grim sense of humour. A man with a strong, raucous voice, he sometimes, like the Premier will express regret for a seeming lack of educational polish by explaining, "You see. I had to go out to work very young. My father put me behind a, three-horse team and a doublefurrow plough when I was thirteen years of age. It might have been better for me had I been sent to school !" * * • Another officer who was re-elected by the conference was Mr. A. E. Russell, of the Manawatu, who has been treasurer of the executive council since its formation. He is a brother of Sir William, and bears a striking resemblance to the well-known political leader. Alongside Mr. Russell sat his nephew, Mr. A. H. Russell, one of the two delegates from Hawke's Bay, a young man who is the chairman of the provincial council of his district, though he was attending his first national conference. A. H. R. is a nephew of Sir William Russell, is a son of yet another Captain Russell — for theie are military gentlemen in this noted family other than Captain Sir William — and is himself a captain of a mounted rifle corps. Like his two cousins, who went through the South African campaign, A. H. R. was' fired with the soldierly instinct of the family but was one of the number of young men whom circumstances forced to stay at home. * * • Captain Russell's fellow-delegate £rom Hawke's Bay was Mr. M. Tansey, an Irishman of much vigour of speech and extremely radical views. He caused something of a fluttering in the peaceful dove-cot of the conference one afternoon by referring to his fel-

low-delegates as a party of "hide-bound conservatives." He was called upon to define the term or withdraw the epithet, and he preferred to withdraw, remarking that if they didn't know what he meant not even Webster could teach them. Mr. Tansey spoke so favourably of the Government at times that he was accused more than once of holding a brief for Mr. Seddon, and there was much speculation as to when the "budding Minister of Lands" was going to receive his portfolio. * * -» The humourist of the conference was Mr. T. W. P. Smith, of Kaitaoa, which is many miles north of Auckland. Mr. Smith is a man of much length of beard and solemn visage, and isi given to illustrating his arguments with a story. He had accused the Government of utilising grants made by the House for needed works in the country to help swell the surplus, and said that "they covered up this robbery of the settlers by cunning artifice." Then, came a story : "I was out visiting a friend in the far north the other day," said Mr. Smith, "and the good lady of the house started to get tea for me. She brought out a funny-looking teapot, by which she set great store. I was looking at that teapot. It had a lot of curious raised figures on it that I believe people call the Grecian heroic age style of -thing. She asked me what I thought of it. I replied that it was pretty, but asked her did she think the figures on the pot had enough clothes on for a respectable family table? At this the daughter of the house chipped in quickly with the remark, 'Oh, Mr. Smith, we cover that with the tea cosy.' " Whereat the conference laughed consumedly. * # * The oldest of the delegates present was Mr. Edward Acton, from Temuka, a white-haired gentleman, who took everything very seriously, and he had for fellow-delegate Mr. W. S. Maslin, one-time M.H.R. for Geraldine, an exauctioneer, and a lively debater. Another very active-minded delegate was Mr. H. Buckland, of Palmerston South, and Mr. H. F. Recce of Rangiora, also entered very keenly into the debates. Taranaki was principally represented by Mr. Boddie, a gentleman of much common sense, who did not speak frequently, and who was brief and concise in raising his voice before the conference. * * * The Wellington contingent consisted of Messrs. W. J. Birch, W. Matheson, and H. J. Richards, who were not in any way backward in representing their province. Mr. Richards, who is now a farmer at Te Horo, was at one time a resident in this city, and he was looked upon as one of the leading men in the conference. The national organiser, Mr. A. J. McCurdy — the ex-telegraphist, who has been so conspicuously in the public eye since he left the Government service to pom the organising branch of the union — also was there, more silent than it is usual for "Mac" to be ; and Mr. W. Hunter, of Palmerston North, the general secretary, was courteous and indefatigable. * * * * The Home and Colonial "Universities' Conference, just held in London, is of interest to New Zealanders, as the New Zealand University was represented by a brilliant young New Zealander. The cables spelt him Dr. Bainford. The New Zealand representative, however, was Dr. Harry Dean Bamford, M.A., LL.D., son of the Registrar of Deeds, at Auckland. Dr. Bamford is the youngest doctor of laws in New Zealand, and for many years he drove a clerical pen for Mr. Andrew Hanna, the well-known Auckland barrister. Dr. Bamford, who is a lawyer by heredity, his father, grandfather, and greatgrandfather also having worn wigs, is a clever satirical writer, and his con-

tributions to the University "Olla Podrida" were always illuminating. His omce mate for many years was Mr. Selwyn Mays, also now a solicitor. Mr. Maj s is a son ot that well-known and recently-deceased Auckland gentleman, Mr. Oliver Mays, the loss ot whose son "Jack," in the South African war, probably helped to hasten his end. Jt * * Sir James Hector, who, for so many years, was a prominent figure in our scientific circles, left Wellington quietly last Sunday, bound for the scenes at Ins youth and young manhood in North America. Many a man who had done less for our country has received a big send off when they departed from our. shores, but Sir James was allowed to 20 without any public recognition. Ihis was no doubt, due to his unobtrusiveness. He did not seek the glare of newspaper searchlights, but went along doing his work quietly and alone. The only presentation he received before leaving the colony was a cigaretteholder from Ins staff at the Museum but even that, though small, delighted the departing one. * * * The very last thing done bv Sir James, as head of his department, was the sending of advanced copies of the latest issue of the "Transactions of the New Zealand Institute" to the Governor and the Premier. The thirty odd volumes of the "Transactions are a monument to Sir James Hector s editorship, and only himself knew how much time and trouble the getting out of those volumes cost him. We sincerely hope that he will enjoy his trip abroad. * * The Rev. Charles Stuart Dalrymple, a young parson, who is at present m Hawke's Bay gathering health is rather a quaint sort. He was asked to "take the pulpit" for a brother parson last Sunday week. In his address he got off inter aha the following — "The buxom, brigU-eyed, rosy-cheeked, bouncing lass, who can darn a stocking, make her own frocks, command a regiment of pots and kettles, feed the pigs, chop wood, milk cows, wrestle with boys, and be a lady withal in company, is just the sort of a girl for me, and for any worthy mantomarrv. * * * "But the pining, moping, lolling, screwed up, waist-mortgaged, musicmurdering, novel-devouring daughters of fashion and idleness — you are no more fit for matrimony than a pullet is to look after a family of fourteen chickens. The truth is, my dear girls, you want more liberty and less fashionable restraint, more kitchen and less parlour, more exercise and less sofa more pudding and less piano." The eirls don't think the Rev. George is horrid, really. * * * The Christian Endeavourers, of Wellington, who were very much in evidence last week, heard a disappointing piece of news. The president of their New Zealand Union, the Rev. Hugh Kelly, M.A., of Auckland, but very well known down here, is about to leave the colony. He is doing his share towards the many changes which are taking place in the Presbyterian Church in havine accepted . a call to St. Andrew's Oarlton, near Melbourne. Though he bears an Irish name Mr. Kelly is a Scot, and when a student did much slum work in Glasgow before slumming became popular and fashionable. He had ministerial charges in Otago and Canterbury before coming to Auckland, where he has been in oharge of the church at Parnell these six years. Mr. Kelly will be much missed in Christian Endeavour circles in New Zealand, for, besides bein^ at the head of the movement, he is the editor of its organ. * * * The old order changeth, giving place to the new. The new Senate of the New Zealand University last week started its career under entirely nncrw r leadership. Sir James Hector, for so many years Chancellor, had resigned that position but the Rev. J. C. Andrews, who for many years was second in command to Sir James, was not given the mantle of Elijah. Mr. Andrews was not even re-elected ViceChancellor, but was relegated to the ranks. The ex- Vice, who was last year the head of the Yorkshiremen in Wellington, is now -a-days a farmer — as the Agricultural Department has much reason to remember in connection with the rabbit nuisance — is a Master of Arts of Oxford, and when in his prime — he is an old man to-day — was a fine and keen scholar. * * •*• He chose the career of a pedagogue and for a long time was head of Nelson College, an institution which has turned out some fine men. In the course of time, after Mr. Andrews had turned squatter, Mr. Joynt — now registrar of the New Zealand University — became head of the Nelson College which position he resigned to take up his present position.

The new Chancellor of the University is Sir Robert Stout, who is too well known as publicist and Chief Justice to need extended notice. Sir Robert was fairly entitled to the new honour bestowed upon him by the Senate for lie has been ai member these fifteen years past, and has served an apprenticeship in every phase of the education movement in the colony — even to having been a school teacher — and was at one time Minister of Education. * ¥■ * The new Vice-Chancellor is the Hon. C. C. Bowen. M.L.C., who has also in his tune been a Minister of Education. In fact, he can truly claim the title of the father of our education system as we know it to-day, and which has been in force since he passed the measure through Parliament in 1877. Right down the years since 1872, Mr. Bowen has been closely identified with the education movement in Canterbury, and, like Sir Robert Stout, well deserves the honour conferred upon him. * ■* -* In the latest addition to the clergymen of Ehmedin, Mr. Frank Nichol, who arrived by the Rimutaka last week, and was given a reception by the Congregationalists of Wellington, the Otago footballers will find an enthusiastic admirer of the game. Mr. Nichol played the Rugby game for his house at Oxford, and was also a member of the University team some years ago, and, on going up to London, he played for the famous Saracens. * * * He is still young enough to play the game, and if the Dunedinites cannot secure him as a player they should certainly nobble him as a referee. The footballers of Christchurch still _ remember with pleasure the e;ood influence and capable services of the Rev. Mr. Hoatson, who went on to the field every week as a referee, and also carried the whistle in big matches. Like Mr. Nichol, who is to have charge of the little church at Ravansbourne, Mr. Hoatson was a Congregationalist.

Congiatulations to th© Hon. John Rigg on his election to the chairmanship ot the Committees of the Legislative Council. From the occupancy of a "frame" in a printing office to the cliairmanship of .deliberations m our House of Lords is a record of which a labourite might well be proud. When Mr. Rigg was sent to the Upper House as the direct representative of trades unions by Premier Ballance, it was little thought that the oil of conservatism would ever mix with the water of labour. Yet the impossible has happened. * * * La&t yeai , the Hon. John Rigg came within one vote of the chair, being just beaten by Mr. W. C. Smith. This year Mr. R-igg was unopposed for the chairmanship of Committees. He has mastered not only the rules of Parliament, bat the prejudices of the old conservatives of the Council. As he is stall a young man, the Speakership is not only in view of his horizon, but so popular is he with legislators that a Ministerial portfolio is not beyond his achievement, judged by his position today. ■i * *■ Mr. Felix Tanner, the diver, who \\ as employed on the w reck of the Elmgamite. and who now threatens to go round the world in a barrel, is an eccentric individual. While in Waihi, Felix (who is happily named!) used to give entertainments. One of his "turns" was to hanar himself from a gallows erected in the hall, to demonstrate the kind of neck he possessed. It is related of Felix that in a little squabble he once had with a large miner (he is but sft hn), the miner told him to go and hang himself, never having seen him perform this sample feat. Felix hied him away to the miner's shanty, and when the miner came off shift there was the little man suspended by the neck. Remorse filled the soul of the miner, and, horrified, he seized a knife and cut the poor fellow down. Then, Felix opened his eyes, and smiled.

Mr. William Nation, who passed away last week in Christclmrch, was well known in typographical circles in Wellington and Canterbury, and was familiar to old identities in the craft all over the colony, and Nelson particularly, in the early days. He could have written a very interesting history of the craft, for he arrived in Nelson away back in 1857, and was the founder of the "Colonist " a paper which was a power in those days of yore. If ouir memory serves us rightly, Mr. Luckie, now of the Government Life Insurance staff, was a one-time editor of the Nelson "Colonist," coming out from Scotland especially to fill its chair. * * * From Nelson, Mr. Nation went to Christchurch, and there worked on the "Press." Later, he came to Wellington, and was a resident of Greytown for many years. He passed away at the ripe age of eighty-five. One of his sons is the well-known proprietor of the "Farmer," a little paper published at Shannon, and two others occupy good positions in printing houses in our own city. /