A DOGMATIC MINISTER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 54, 22 February 1908, Page 2

A DOGMATIC MINISTER.

iPKOTLST FUfiM THE ISAM.) CONTEST LXEUTIYI'.. . .. j The Band Contest executive has nothing to thank the (iuverumenl for iu ihe matter of facilities for the big event, next week. The train arrangements, with the exception of those now completed by the Caledonian Society for Wednesday, seem to have been made io suit the convenience of the Wcbb-Tresid-der race at Wangaimi rather than the convenience of the public or the desires of the Band Contest executive. But Ihe Minister for the Interior, Hon. Dr. Findlay, has executed the master stroke of official obstinacy by declining to allow the (ioverninent offices to be closed in order that the (.loverninent employees may attend the contest. -The following telegram was received from him yestcr-

"Keferring to vour request to Hon. Mr. McNab us to holidays for (lovcrnmen.t officers during approaching Band Contest.. 1 regret I cannot see my way to closing the (Inveriiment "dices, but I should be prepared to consider an application to grant leave to such officers as desire to attend the contest on one particular day to be indicated hv vou.— J. (!. Findlav."

To this unexpected and highly un satisfactory communication ihe Mayor as chairman <>f tbe executive, replied:

"Minister Interior-, Wellington —Baud Contest executive consider it unfair that (loverninentollicers should have to make personal application to Departmental he ids for leave to ait tend main functions of Band Coutesl. Crest disappoinlvieut here at decision. Town closed three

afternoons. Will be a vn-y unpopular a: I if (iovernment ollVes not closed. Notice dilferent treatment; at Wangarr.ii for sculling race, 't'hursdav afternoon big day.-10. Dockrill. Clminiuin." Why Ihe .Minister should refuse this ordinary application is a mystery. When the private employers have, decided to allow employees a half-holiday on three days a week, it is lard to understand upon what grounds the Minister for the

Interior bases his reply, lint we suppose he bus reasons. When tlie conta-st was held here in l'Jta the I loverninent offices closed on two afternoons, but on this occasion the ollicials must go, ciiu in hand, and ask for leave. More thaii

that, if leave is granted at all, it is li. he on a day lixed by the executive, and not to suit, tlie wishes or the convenience or the officers themselves. Those who have learned of this edict from Wellington are not sparing j„ their condeninalion of the system which tolerates siudi a thing ; ,s this. If is the more inexplicable wile,, it is observed that not only :I rc tlie (.ioverninent offices closing in M'angauui for the Wcbb-Tresidder race, but the. goods ollice. we observe from the notice of the arrangements, i- heing closed. Surely New Plymouth i, emit led to at least no less favorable treatment. ' raTERESXKJG ITEMS. Mr. -I. W. Bcrnts,,,,, fruiterer. llyU- '"-- that he has removed to premises iaiel;. occupied by the Hygienic Bakery. I-nil supplies ol fredi .ruit and vegeianles are aluav, available at this store, and customers may Tl .|y on every at tenlion being given to orders. In another column .\| r . Newton King r.dverliscs entries lor his annual sheep .air to be held at Ihe Waiwakaiho \ards on Mondav, 2ml March.

The Hygienic Bakery proprietary insert in tin-, i.-sue a notice of inter,.-!; lo luiie-.

An advertisement elsewhere notifies ■ hat Messrs. (lilinnu, and Clarke bive I ren appointed district agents tot- the \orkshire Life. Fire, and ' Aceiievnt Insurance Company. All classes, ot insurances (including live stock) .vill be ■■■{■ Cried by this lirm.

Messrs. (lilmour ami Clarke report Mosaic of Mr. Lindsay's 1211 acres at M,tngorei. ami .Mr. Simpson's lb acres and dwelling at Westown.

The -New Plymouth (IrocerS notify dates and time of closing during Contest,

Visitors and bandsmen will be accorded a hearty welcome at tlie Whitelev Memorial Church on Sundav, when the Sunday School celebrate their anniversary. The rehearsal last m>lit "aye evidence of the careful fraining" bv the conductor, and all who aiv in svmpatuv M'lh Ihe Sunday School work 'will find pleasure in listening to the beautiful selections to be rendered at this anniversary.

Every ye;,r the claims „f our voung '"",' „ ""', ! ,v " lmi "-' more imperative, aieM.he pubbc are generously respond'mrio bisdeniaud. The Whitelev Sun. day School (his year U expecting a fulfilment of tins prediction. A feature of Hie anniversary is tho singiiiL'. and this vear the choir is |„ 11Bsist Mie «„„,, School. _ 'llk. Whiloley orcbestra ire a.so assisting. .\s annaunced in our col |»nns the Rev. S. .1. Serpell. former n,i„-is-'er of New TlyniouH,. is conductiii'r ; 'li sey|..(.s „|, Siinilay.—Advt.