WELLINGTON TOPICS.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 May 1918, Page 8

WELLINGTON TOPICS.

NEW LORDS, LIST NOT YET COMPLETE. (Special Correspondent.) Wellington, May 8. Notwithstanding the efforts of tho prophets and tlhe quidnuncs, the o'Tidal list of the new Legislative Councillors contained several surprises. Mr. Chas, Louisson's name liad been mentioned among the "probables," wut the particular interests with which ho is associated were so well represented among the "certainties'' that tho report of the honor awaiting him was not generally credited. Tlie astonishing addition to the list, however, was the name of v A. L. D. Fraser, a gentleman w3io has not yet lived down the revelations which followed upon the disagreeable "Hine charges," and whose only later claim to distinction rests upon his retirement from the Hawke'a Biav byelection. It is understood*that the appointment of Mr. G. J. Smith is delayed in consequence of his holding a salaried position in connection with the Defence Forces, and that later on the addition of his name will complete the score of new lords. TEE GENERAL ELECTION. A belated message from Auckland published this morning gives the substance of a statement concerning the further postponement of the general election, made by Mr. Massev on the eve of his departure from the "Queen City" en route for the Old Country. The statement adds nothing to what the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance already have said on the subject, but its puWication has* given some of the disgruntled politicians an opportunity to reiterate their former denunciation of the Government's action. It is significant, however. that a great majority of the sane workers who a year ago were complaining of tlhe postponement of. the appeal to the electors are now recognising tilt it was the only in cans '"ny which their adeqmte representation in Parliament shortly after the war could have been assured. An election at the end of the current year inevitably would result in the return of tlhe National Government secure in its position till 1931.

SOLDIERS' CLAIMS. The somewhat startling evidence being extracted from unwilling witnesses by the chairman of the War Expenditure Commission has produced a fresh crop of complaints concerning the treatment of sick and wounded soldiers and the dependents of those have iost their lives. The newspapers have been deluged with letters on the subject, and their reporters have been kept busy investigating specified cases. The result, speaking generally, has been to show that a yery large proportion of fjhe complaints rest, on the very flimsiest foundation or have arisen from some misunderstanding that could have been easily removed if tfte aggrieved parties had placed themselves in communication with the proper authorities. The Government, urged on by a Parliament that certainly has not been unmindful of the claims and the needs of the men and their dependents, is not unwilling to do its duty, but to obtain satisfactory results it must have the co-operation of the sufferers and their friends. A SYMPATHETIC MINISTER. This was the burden of a speech delivered at a gathering of Druids to welcome returned soldiers by t he Hon. A. livers, the Minister of Munitions and Supplies, who during the aibsence of Sir Joseph Ward lias had the burdens and worries of the Treasury added to his daily lot- Provision, he said, had been made for all soldiers incapacitated, or partially incapacitated from taking their place in the industrial life of the community, and he would like to have tlie names of those who thought they had not received the assistance to whidh they were entitled. He asked them to submit the whole position to the Government, and he was sure it would receive earnest and sympathetic consideration. Word 3 of this kind, coming from Mr. Myers, are the best assurance the public possibly can have of the desire of the Government to do its full duty towards the sufferers from the war. The Minister indulges in no heroics, hut what lie says he does, and returned soldiers should respond frankly to his cordial invitation. , j