All Sorts of People

Free Lance, Volume IV, Issue 186, 23 January 1904, Page 3

All Sorts of People

MR. George Allport, Under-Secre-taiy for the Marine Department, remembers something of his early days and juvenile struggles. The Lance let in the light of a "ha'penny dip" on to his career last week, but here is the effect of the incandescent burner. George remembers the time, in the sixties, when he and his father rode from Nelson, crossing the Maungatapu mountain, where just before the BuTgess-Levy gang had murdered Matthieus Kempthorne, Jimmy Battle, and another. All was not whisky and bowls in his early Wairau days. His home in the wilderness of flax, raupo, and ti-tree wasn't an architeuctural poem. There was no eight hours working day, and there were floods.

Mr. Allport recalls an incident of these floods. He and two sisters were left at the farm of their parents. During their parents' absence the floods came, and washed off most of the Allport habitation. The children, lived in the top half of what was left of the hou ?^- When the water went down, the cmldren built a raft of flax sticks, and, with a sapling for a mast, and some sheets for sails, journeyed far before relief came. Georpe gained the groundwork ot his now complete knowledge by riding fifteen miles two nights a week to attend Bishop's School, at Nelson, which was presided over by Mr. ■&&***& Lee, later inspector of schools in Wellington. Mr. Allport is indebted to Mr. Lee for much educational help both in and out of school.

"Swaggers" had to be held off with a gun in those days. They didn't always "cotton" to jobs. They of course, demanded "tucker" as a right. Mr. Allport, senior, on one occasion, gave some desperadoes bread, which they threw at hu» head without thanus. While they were demanding money, little George hopped away for a gun, whereupon the "swaggers" got under cover, and eventually left without saying where cheques, post-office orders and cash would reach them. George was one night sleeping the sleep of the tired farmer, when someone broke into the house. The same gun wasn't far away, and the future under-secretary "let go at the man. He naively remarks that a certain Sydney tioket-of-leave gentleman, who had settled in the neighbourhood, didn't appear in public for some time, and then he seemed to have a slight impediment in his gait.

There was no prohibition in those days. The publican believed that the Church had an ill effect on trade. The kcal hotelkeeper, therefore, filled up the wildest Hibernian in the district, and sent him to church to break up the meeting. A mild, but muscular, Christian, froze on to Pat, and a bloody battle ensued. Pat went away to get tied up with flax, and the Christian v. ashed himself in the creek near-by, returning in time to sing "The Old Hundredth." Mr. Allport taught for six months under Mr. Mowbray, at the old Thorndon School in Sydney-street, in 1874. Mr. Allport has been Premier— ot the Union Debating Society. He was admitted to the bar by Chief Justice Prendefjast, having studied law wtfch the intention of petting Dromotion ni the Justice Department. But, the Marine Department wanted him, and there he is.

Quaint to hear the news, per cable, that the. Duke of Portland warned a V.M.C.A. meeting against betting. We don't quite know whether his sporting Grace bets, but we have a distinct recollection that he won the comfortable sum of £60,000 in stakes in a single year. The Duke is appallingly rich, and he didn't want the money. He has been in the habit of handing over his racing gains to the Duchess, who has. in turn, handed the whole to charity as it came alonpr. The Duchess is one of England's loveliest women, and she is evidently charitably inclined. ♦ • * The Portland trammer track, at Welbeck Abbey, is out of sight of touts, spielers, bookmakers, and others, for it is underground. The tan is lit with electricity, and the track is artificially ventilated. as everybody knows, His Grace of Portland has trained "some of the best" far from the eagle eye of the "guesser" and tout. On the success of any of his horses, the Duke has a model of the beast made in diamonds, for presentation to the Duchess. Her collection! is large, and, of course, includes the famous "Donovan." The Duchess calls the collection her "diamond stud." • * * « Mr. H. B. King, of Nelson, has joined the ever-increasing army of New Zealand verse writers. His effort, "Bill's Philosophy, and Other Verses," it, before us, and "Bill's Phlosophy" is the worthier portion of a worthy book. Bill's poetry is neither sonorous, distinguished, or mellifluous. Take this instance as an example ■ — " And just so long as Earth goes round She'll want the chaps to till the ground I guess a thousand years from now There'll still be sweat on Adam's brow." Of course, Bill doesn't mean Adam the First but, like other poets, he must have his little joke. Bill thus hits the church — " I guess it ain't lehgion, It isn't Simon pure ; Soft cushions for the wealthy, And hard seats foi the pool " Which isn't very sound logic, but demonstrates the author's -democratic turn of thought. The philosopher discouises of "Tombstones." Hear him — " If he's done wrong, don't praise the dead, A he is better left unsaid ; The monument's all right, but oh ' Leave out the lies — the Judge'll know." # * » There are several verse sermons in the little book, showing some skill in. the writing, but lacking poetic soul and fire. It may be said, however, that the lessons taught in Mr. H. B. King's little book are well worth studying, whether they oe set out in pros© or verse. Perhaps, they are most easily remembered in rythmic form. * * * When a policeman gets a move, his lot is likely to be a better one. Constable Luke, who is well-known in Tara-naki-street and the precincts of Mount Cook, has taken two moves lately, so that he should be a very happy Robert, though his front name is Jay. He took unto himself a wife, and then a new station (Wairoa). Constable Kennedy, who trod the wearying beat at Wairoa prior to the coming of Robert the Apostolic, has been moved on to Tauranga. The law-abiding folks of Rongotea, where cows give much milk, have been disappointed because the Justice Department has transferred Constable Breen, the Bustler, to Bulls. The Bustler was one of the most active of the Department's mounted constables, and the members of the Devil's Own at Bulls are chuckling at getting such an enthusiastic emissary of the law for their district. Put a bit of blue paper into Breen's hands and it is delivered like an urgent Mareonigram. H& is still remembered at Palmerston North as a speedy Mercury. Constable Gleeson has changed places with Breen.

What's coming over our Education Board? Its chair seems to be a seat of thorns, and the chairmanship an uneasy position. After many years' service, Mr. J. R. Blair lesigned the presidency of the Board, and got as far away as South Africa, so that the Board could not call him back again. Rumour now has it that Mr. Bradey, who, at the time, thought it was "just lovely" to succeed Mr. Blair, has been driven into resolving to lose himself in a tour of the world as a means of vacating the thornyseated chair. * * * His friends certainly grew suspicious when they noticed how strenuously Mr. Bradey devoted himself to mastering the intricacies of the latest type of automobile. Now, they know why he has qualified in the autumn of life for an engineer's certificate. He wants to use the speediest means of getting away from Mercer-street and a Board which has an overdraft big enough to start a revolution in South America. It is proposed to ask the Premier to take up the chairmanship of the Wellington Education Board. Please don't, Mr. Seddon — w e don't want you to leave the colony iust yet. ¥■ * * Mrs. Lucy Brandon, who passed away at her residence, in Hobson-street, in the middle of last weok, was better known to the past than to the present generation of Wellingtonians. As Miss Poole, sister of the Rev. Samuel Poole, who was in charge of the Te Aro Anglican pariah in the early fifties, she came to Wellington in 1853. Before a year had gone by she had become the wife of Mr. A. de B. Brandon, who was destined to make a name for himself in the history of the colony. He became a member of the Legislative Council, and his eldest son (the Major) became mayor of our Empire City. One of Mrs. Brandon's daughters was the wife of another M.L.C. (Mr. Larnach). Mrs. Brandon, lived a retired life since the death of her husband (in 1886). She passed away full of years (75), and is survived by three sons (who are all wellknown in the city) and four daughters. The "boy" of the Federal House of Representatives is Mr. C. E. Fraser, member for Kalgoorhe (W.A ). The "boy" is twenty-five years old, and is an engine driver. He is a prominent unionist, and a very fluent speaker. He looks much older, however, than little Harry Bedford, New Zealand's youthful politician. * * It is just as hard to induce some city men to enter public life as it is to keep others from rushing in where angels fear to tread. Mr. James McLellan, the well-known representative for galvanised ware, is the latest case in point. A large and influential deputation of business men found it a very hard task to induce Mr. McLellan to allow himself to be nominated for the seat on the Harbour Board which is being vacated (through effluxion of time) by Mr. Nicholas Reid. The iron merchant was almost a man of iron in his determination not to be drawn out into the fierce light which beats upon the public man. When his brethren of commerce told him that he was the ablest of the Board's critics. Mac only smiled a twinkle of the canny Scot samnle. * * * But, when he was told that the times needed a level-headed, fair-dealing importer in the councils of an important institution, he smiled no longer. For, as a Scot, he recognised his owa worth and the need of the times for men of worth. Therefore, Mr. McLellan yielded to the pressure of friendship brought to bear upon him, though rumour has it that he would have liked to have been saved from his friends what time they tempted him with his duty to his fellowimporters. Be that as it may, he is one of the right type of citizen to occupy a seat in the councils of the wise iij directing the affairs of the harbour.

His Excellency the Governor has always been a critic at heart, and his criticisms, tactful though they are, hare given offence in some ultra-thinrskin-ned quarters. Recently, he asked: — "What was the use of a Governor visiting public institutions unless, when he saw need for reform, he said so?" You may be very sure that the big plums are on top when His Excellency visits public institutions, and if he cam detect mismanagement surely he is to be commended. Shortly, Lord Ranfurly has been something better than, a figurehead, and we oupht to' be glad. He has not been content to moon around with his eyes shut. If the Governor is to be debarred from "stepping out of his proper sphere," when he steps out to protest against inefficiency, this country has no right to call itself democratic. * * * The Rev. B. F. Rothwell, of Gisborne, may be orthodox in his creed. The titles he takes for his sermons are not commonplace. Lately he preached on the subject of "That Foolish Fossil whose Universe was a Dinner-table and a Wine Cellar." * # * The sensation, of last week down Christchurch way was the very sudden, and wholly unexpected death of Mr. Heaton Rhodes Parkinson, who was a leader of the "smart set," Master of the Hounds, and who has been a very conspicuous figure in the social circles of the City of the Plains during recent years. It was generally thought that suicide was the cause of death, but at the inquest it was brought out that H. R. P. had given a hint of the pursuit of some enemy. He was his own worst enemy, however, as his brief life history shows. The son of parents who, in the early Canterbury days, were the employees of the Rhodes's, he was born, some twenty-seven years ago. and was named after a member of the noted famiiy. *■ * •* Mr. Parkinson pere in the course of time made much money, and, when he passed away, left his three sons the handsome legacy of from ten to twelve thousand pounds each. Two of the sons their fortune into land, becoming farmers. H. R. P., however, determined to have a good time, and became a leader of fashionable society. He made a tour of the world, and then settled down in expensive bachelor quarters, in which he had a very fine collection of china. A destructive fire, however, extinguished the colleo tion. It was current gossip a year ago that he was to marry a young widow of wealth and beauty from Australia, and he actually began the task of preparing his future home, purchasing among other little items a three hundred guinea piano. But, it was not to be, and there appears to be mystery about his passing hence. * * # Professor Sylvester, at Dunedin.: — "I would rejoice to see Euclid honourably shelved, or buried 'deeper than did plummet ever sound' out of the schoolboy's reach. The early study of Euclid made me a hator of geometry." We know 150,000 people who want to shake hands with Professor Sylvester. * * * Captain A. La Boste Barirop used to be a private in a New Zealand! Contingent. He was known as "The Morning Post" by his ©ompanic-ais, because of the marvellous aptitude he possessed for finding out things. He was drafted into the Intelligence Department in South, Africa on account of this aptitude, and before he knew where he was ha was made an officer of tho South African Constabulary. Now, we hear that the ex-private is captain, and chief of the C-imiml Investigation Department for the whole of the- f)range River Colony. Captain Bartrop is a son of Major Bartrop, a stipendiary magistrate of Viotcria. The captain was for some years at civil engineer in New Zealand.

As in New Zealand, so in. England. Judge Bucknell, during a divorce suit heard in Gloucestershire "I am pained to observe that day after day, except at this moment, the public gallery has never been empty cf tv/o or three women — I won't call them ladies — listening to the filthy details which have been laid before the Court. I think it is a great pity such things a~e allowed. Gratifying to know that the papers did not report the said details, the judge commenting on what appeared to him to be the good taste of the press. * * * The Rev. T. R. Thurlow, of the Wairarapa, lectures. Just lecently he made many references to Leonta.^ The reporter of a daily paper asked Him for a few minutes conversation. The first question the reporter asked was — "Who is this Leonta ? We have searched all our classical dictionaries, but cannot find the name." When Mr. Thurlow said that Leonta was "a lot of wind gone mad," that reporter did not ask any further questions. * * * Mounted-Constable Dart, who passed his law examination last month, has been taken from patrol duty, and put to clerical work in the Inspector's office. It isn't very brilliant promotion, but still it is some recognition of his diligence in self-education. If, however, the conferment of an ordinary quill-driving billet is the full measure of the Department's estimate of the value of a qualification in law. it will not surprise people to find Dart take his wares to a market where they will be more appreciated. * * * Mr. "Bob"" Rcss, a\ ho was married at Pahautanui last week to Miss Nellie Bradey, the youngest daughter of the chairman of the Education Board, is well-known to softgoods warehousemen in three centres of the North IslandAuckland, Wellington, and Napier. He is a member of a family well-known in the Queen, City of the North, has been a resident of Wellington, and is at present in charge of the Napier branch of Messrs. Archibald Clark and Co.'s business. * * * Clement Wragge is coming' The lengthy weather pronhet. who served Australia so faithfully by predicting sychems and Melbas and other visitations, i? going to lecture in New Zealand. Pretty dry stuff talking about weather, you think. Never believe it. Clement Wragge is the quaintest lecturer on whom the gaslight ever fell. He thinks it is funny to appear in Oriental garb, sit down, and smile at the audience. He is a comedian. He will fire a lecture teeming with scientific terms at you, and then say, "Oh, dash it, let's have some fun !" and sing a "chantey." As well as being the ablest meteorologist this side of the line, dement Wragge is one of the most striking personalities and original characters. You ought to be glad he is coming. * * * Ex-M.H.R. Riccarton Russell is so graceful. In referring to that phenomenal young man, Mr. Bedford, M.H.R., he calls him "the senior member for the city of drizzle and kilts." Christchurch would have dearly loved some of the drizzle a while back. The City of the Plains was contemplating a call to Dr. Macarthy, the rain-maker. * * * Congratulations to the Wighton family on the success of Robert of that ilk. He has just been appointed representative for the Australian Commonwealth for Messrs. Crocker Sons, and Co., a very important London firm of manufacturers of softgoods. The salary is some £500 per annum and expenses. The young Wellingtonian — he is the son ■of one of our best-known Scots, and in the daysi of his youth "walked" the warehouse of Messrs. Bing, Harris, and 'Co. — was in town only the other day, t>n his annual pilgrimage to see his own folk and do some business. He could have included New Zealand in his new sphere of work but apparently was satisfied with the Me Continent as his working ground. May success attend his ways. » * * By the dea J h of Tamdiau Mahupuku, the Maori race of the Wairarapa particularly, and of the colony generally, loses a sincere friend. The old chief was, perhaps, the most progressive of all the natives, excepting Timi Kara, whose policy Tamahau backed up with all his influence, and that was not email. Not only the policy of Mr. Carroll, but that of the Seddon Government was wholly and enthusiastically supported by the old chief, whoso mana extended through the Wairairapa right up the East Coast to Napier. It was said that there was, according to the ancient privilege of chiefs, a Mrs. Mahupuku in every pah up the Coast, but the chief - tainness resided at the chief's headquarters, Papawai. Old Tamahau was seen at his very best and in his greatest dignity at football matches in which either the Papawai or the Greytown teams took part. During the time of play he paraded the touch-line with a staff, and woe-betide the natives whose excitement led them to overstep the mark. As a host, too, he was one of the best.

We've heard of an M.H.R. being asked to wash up the dishes while the fair elector put the baby to bed, and of another M.H.R. who was threatened with the loss of the votes of a grown-up family of six if he didn't clear the noxious weeds off a Government road at once. The latest little favour asked of a Canterbury M.H.R. by a strange woman, per letter, is for the loan of £10. The lady requested the M.H.R. to take a free ride on the railways to her address so that she could explain why she wanted the £10. The "splendid generosity" spoken of in the lady's letter naturally hasn't shown itself up to date. She won't vote for him any more, so there !

Somewhat different were the ceremonials which surrounded the marriage of the sisters Violet and Olive Rawson. It cost th© authorities of St. Peter's Church something like £20 to restore the damage done to the sacred edifice by the crowd when Miss Violet was married there to Mr. Duncan, a short time ago. The ladies of Wellington overflowed Willis-street, and climbed over themselves in their endeavour to see the ceremony, and the bride had to struggle to get into her place. Last week her younger sister was married to Mr. J. Abbott, a well-known city man. Was there a crowd of witnesses this time? Not much. Though many would have liked to have been there, the place of

ceremony was kept strictly secret, and, for once, woman was credited with success in keeping a secret faithfully. The marriage took place very quietly — at Karon! Hundreds of little dressmaking girls were keenly disappointed, and thought it was mean of somebody to rob them of such a sight. * * * Two years ago the Primitive Methodist Conference honoured Wellington by selecting one of her citizens, Mr. Chas. M. Luk& to its presidency. Sitting at Wanganui last %reek, the Conference again turned the compliment on the Empire City by electing Mr. J. Embury, one of our footwear merchants, to the vice-presidency. By the way, for the first time in the course of a quarter of a century Mr. Luke failed to attend the Conference this year, which was the subject of much remark and generally with regret, for he wielded much influence in Methodist circles. No doubt, he was too busily engaged in the contest with Mr. George Webb for the vacant seat on the Board of Hospital Trustees, which contest Mr. Luke won easily, despite the luck of a party of Chinamen which was said to be there in the Webb interests. It is a paying thing for the hospital funds to have a contest, as a vote costs- an annual subscription of ss, and many new subscribers joined the list of contributors to the Hospital this year.