The Temuka Leader WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13, 1879.

Temuka Leader, Issue 169, 13 August 1879, Page 2

The Temuka Leader WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13, 1879.

The Assembly is now dissolved, and the members are m many places alieady in the field canvassing the electors. Many new men are spoken of—some good, some very second class. Almost every seat will be contested, and the Opposition will soon see that their conduct in the last Assembly is not approved of by the country. One thing is very remarkable. The persecution to which Sir George Grey has been exposed at the hands of the Conservative party, contrasted with the dignified attitude' of the Premier, lias done morn to set him right with the people tlianAiill the speeches that could have been in his favor. The Opposition complain that the Government are making efforts to secure the return of Liberal ihembers, while at the same time they are ransacking heaven and earth to find members to put to oppose the Government party. Taking up any of the Opposition papers one cannot help being amused at the way they try to make out the Premier an imposter, and the belabored, twisted statements thut are made in the hope that the uninitiated may turn round and side with them. Take our contemporary the ‘ Timaru Herald for instance. Not a leading article appears without every fifth or sixth line being besmeared with tbc name of Sir George Grey or the Grey Govern-ment-or Grey ism on the one hand, or Mr Wakefield and his great abilities on the other. To obtain a copy of the ! Herald ’ without detecting a current of abuse of the one, and a sea of laudation of the other, would be an impossibility. The writer may fancy this is the best way to obtain a name and popularity ; lie may be fancying in this, as in other matters, that all men are blind but himself, and that he alone is able show them the way that they should go. v, Like as in the case of Sir George Grey alid his enemies, however, instead of getting the. people to curse him, they are blessing him. So with the ‘Herald.’ No daily m the colony has fallen so much during the last six or twelve months thin the £ Herald has ; and no writer in the colony is so highly spoken of as the editor of the ‘ Timaru Herald.’ The name of Wakeffielcl, member for Geraldine, who is wellknown to be the writer of these articles, has become notorious all over the colonies—it is even, we aro told, placarded on the walls of the Assembly rooms in 'Wellington as a mark or a butt to shoot at. There is an old saying, “It is not good to be well spoken of by everybody, so on the other hand it is not good to be evil spoke r> of by everybody. The member for Geraldine is just now spoken of all over as the man that cannot be trusted. Surely there must be something wrong when a man has so many enemies. Every journal, even those who support his party, have a down upon him and hold him up to ridicule. His cleverness they readily admit, and that he will serve his party well during the time he is on their side, but no man is able to say how long he will hold the principles lie propounds. He is ever ready to scan the political horizon, and ever ready to trim his sails to catch the passing breeze. If a Land Tax is unpopular with his constituents, or a portion of them, ho is against it ; if a Beer Bill is objected to by another portion of them, he is opposed to it ; if denominational education is in favor amongst a portion of his constituents, he is in favor of that. Triennial Parliaments are too short, but it is not impossible ho may now agree that even a socular education, if it will moot their views, is best. A loan docs not suit some of-his supporters, consequently he is not in favor of borrowing ; in fact he is now set down as a trimmer, and not without good reason. With his friends, we admit his cleverness. Intellectually he is clever, morally he is weak. -This class of men will never learn. Egotism in such is impossible to be eradicated. They live a sanguine life ; they die a martyr’s death. Nothing will teach them —nothing will warn them. Pity they drive away from them by Ilnur harshness and wholesale slandering of others those with better judgment and better principles than themselves.

It is more with pity'than with pleasure we see these defects in the member for Geraldine, but as they'are there, and ever will be, he must forgive those who differ from him in the Assembly, and out of it, when they say he is riot fit for being a Minister of tire Crown. Should ho, by some unforeseen turn of the wheel of fortune in his favor, find himself on the Ministerial benches, we predict that it would not be a week before that Ministry came to grief. Far-seeing Sir George was aware of this, and;- notwithstanding the endearing words that-used to pass between them, the Premier knbw he dared not present him to his colie:-, gees as a fellowworker with them, hence the unjust spite lie has against tho Premier. Yery shortly wo will see the same game nlnved over again. Major Atkinson, Mr. G. McLean, or one or two others, who just now are the pink of fashion, with him, will come in for their turn of ..punishment. We do not care for alwayfdlaying hare the faults of our member, but’'the present is a time when men who wish tyoll to their country must and do speak out. We are on the eve of a new election, and this election is one of great importance. Mr. Wakefield has intimated that he intends to stand again. The grodsr part of tho electors in this end of the district do not believe in him or his principles, and have no sympathy with his party cry against Sir George Grey. This is cleaHy proved by the largo requisition that was: got up, asking Mr. Barclay to stand. Mr. Barclay, being deceived by misrepresentations made use of by a subtle elector in Geraldine, was induced to pledge In’s word not to oppose Mr. Wakefield. BuH for tin's he would have driven tho present member from tho field, being a local man; and independent in his views. But although Hie member for Geraldine has, by his friends, been able to drive the candidate from the field, he will not he allowed.-to walk the course, and we would advise ‘all electors not to pledge 1 o any one, as. another will he in tho field, whose more in unison with the elocctora. and' who will faithfully watch over the interests of tho district. TJio Geraldine electorate is too ivnpo ’taut (o he made an offslmt 'for Timaru to'pour

to pour out i’s filth end rubbish uponWith Mr. BAfield, proprietor of the ‘ Herald,’ a member for Timaru, and Mr. Wajefiold, its editor, a member for Geraldine, would they not work the oracle between them ? ys Mr. Wakefield found the Timaru people would have nothing to do with bin, ao let us hope the Geraldine electors wiil also show their independence. If the present member had any courage at all, when he sees the electors are tired of him, he would withdraw from the course. Any high-minded man would do so, but not he. The knowisdge of the fact that no other constituency would look at him, makes him stick tl e closer, and if he can get in even by a casting vote, he will bo thankful. If the electors still support this candidate after*all they have seen and heard after the way lie lias been bartering away the interests of the district, they would only get wnat they deserve were they to awake and find that flie measure calculated to benefit the district were spoken against by the member which they had allowed to blindfold them, and then buffet them. Again we warn electors not to pledge themselves

Children’s Concert. — A movement has been set on foot by our kind friend Mr Cox—so long known and respected amongst us—to get up an evening’s entertainment for the children in the distract. Mr Cox wishes that all those who take a pleasure in seeing children enjoying themselves will kindly attend a meeting in tha schoolroom on Friday next, 15th instant, at 7 p.m., for the purpose of appointing a working committee and other matters. It is, we believe, intended to hold the entertainment about the first week in September, the." same to be free to childrens and only a nominal charge to others. There is no necessity for ys urging; all to take an interestjin this business. Who is there tha does not like to see children enjoying themselves ? It is a long time now since anything of the kind has taken ’place here. On the last occasion it was a great success. The number of children during the interval has increased lai'gely, and’doubtless they will be able not only to enjoy looking on, but some of them wall likely take a part in it in some way or other. Our musical friends will, we feel sure, give it their hearty support. Mr Cox was well known for the good he did in this way wheir jin the North Island, and we have only to mention this gentleman’s name in order to secure a good attendance, as this is no sectarian affair. Remember the school-room on Friday next, at 7 p.m. Particulars as to programme, &c., in future advertisement.

A Stuff “ Quarter Half-And-Half ” fob Printers. —There has been a great deal said and written amongst members of the “Fourth Estate” with reference to quick “ sotting,” but we imagine the following scrap will surprise a good many gentlemen of the printing fraternity, more especially those who earn their living by the “ thousands,” and who think that “ 10,000" is a good day’s work. In a well-known morning newspaper office, not a hundred miles from Timaru, one of the hands was taken “suddenly ill” (?)> and not being different to the general run of comps.—who, if they have the slightest illnese> think they are]“ in articulo mortis,” and must lay up for a time —he thought it was best to take the proverbial week. A day or two afterwards, the other compositor, wishing to he in the “ fashion,” also thought it best for his health to have a week’s “ recreation.” Fortunately for the office, a comp, was—to use a hackneyed expression—“ on his travels,” and, applying for work, was immediately put on as “ grass.” He started on copy exactly at ten o’clock, and in ten hours had “ snatched ” together 26,520 ! —a total which, we have reason to believe, has seldom, if ever been eclipsed by any one single man in the> same length of time. This will bo rather a stiff “ pill ” for some of the “ duffer ” comps to swallow, most of whom think it a good day’s work to pick up 8,000 or 9,000 Btamps - Tliis paragraph •will doubtless cause a good deal of controversy and competition amongst the “nonpareils,” but, in case they should want to lose their money, we shall be quite willing to oblige them by giving them the address of the gentleman in question.

Foiled’ —Wo aro informed by Mr. B Thomson, of Temuka, that a most determined attempt was made at his kennels Hie other day to remove one of his valuable greyhounds. It appears that two parties went to the kennels, and, by a considerable amount of coaxing, induced Hie trainer (Harry) to shew them the dogs. lie refused fo-t a time to grant them their request, having a suspicion that everything was not alright, but eventually yielded. One dog after another was shown, and remarks, made that this one was looking well, and that one - rather thin, etc. At last, the door of tho kennel containing the object of their visit was unlocked, Harry, retaining firm hold of the handle. No sooner did the dog appear than a grab was made for tho coveted prize. But Harry was as quick as his visitor, and the result was that a scuffle took place, lasting about 20 minutes, in which Harry’s previous and hard-earned knowledge in Hie art of self-defence proved of inestit.imablo service, but, finding that the hardships *of a consklcragle number of years over and above that of his adversary was beginning to tell on him, ho deemed it necessary to call for assistance from the adjoining yard. No sooner, however, did reinforcements appear in sight than Hm canine covetors made their exit considerably faster than they had anticipated, and much to their disappointment, as they had an accorapheeyhr waiting with a fourwheeler ready to/receive the prize. In the meantime a messenger had been despatched in hot haste for Mr. Thompson, who in a very short space of time arrived upon the field of battle, hunting-whip in hand, but just too late to see the would-ho abductors disappearing in the distance. The clog, we are informed is none Hie worse for his rough handling, ho no doubt —expecting that he was about to go forth to some "Waterloo Cup, or President’s Cup contest —must have thought that his trainers had assumed a peculiar stylo of (raining to that hitherto affected.

Temuka Dramatic Cled—This Club Las been reorganised, and intend to give an entertainment on the evening of the Temuka races, viz., tlio 19th September. Wo understand the proceeds are to be given in aid of the proposed Band for Temuka, and as the Crown Christy Minstrels have collapsed, we hope that their efforts to assist so good an object will be fully appreciated by the inhabitants of the district.

Sowethixo rcii Catholics. —The ‘ Freeman’s Journal.’ a Roman Catholic organ, in articles on elections, asks Catholics te sink altogether their claims on the education question at the present time, in order to support candidates pledged to support Sir Q-. Grey, as by pressing their claims they might embarrass and; weaken him, which the ‘ Freeman ’ considers would be a serious calamity to the colony.

Yolttxteeii ?News.—At a public meeting held at ISTew Plymouth on July 27, the following resolution was carried unanimously : “ That this meeting desires the Chairman to convey to the members of the different Yoluntecr Corps throughout the colony its most hearty thanks for their gallant conduct in offering themselves for active service in the event of a ditarlaice on this coast, and to state that, although their services may not bo required, the offer of such substantial and unexpected help in the hour of need will never bo forgotten by the people of Taranaki.”

Temuka Racks. —A committee meeting

was held on Monday last at tho Crown Hotel’ Temuka, Dr. Hayes in the chair. It was resolved that the acceptance fee for Temuka Cup remain as first advertised, viz., £2. Also that instructions be given to Mr. Williamson for the selling of the privileges at the forthcoming races. A sub-committee having been appointed to inspect the course and report unon it at next ’committee meeting, to take place at an early data. The meeting then terminated.

Hoesb Killed ox the Railway.—A a the 8.20 train left the station on Friday last it came in contact with a horse. The cowcatcher took it up and pitched it over the crossing, killing it :on the spot. The horso which, was a valuable one, belonged to Mr Rutland, builder, and wo understand this was the first time it had by accident strayed within enclosure, being strictly kept within Mr Rutland’s premises ; we arc able therefore to sympathise with him in his heavy loss. Horses are a great nuisance to the railway officials, parties turning them out regardless of their endangering life by throwing tho train off the line, which wo expect to hear of at any moment. It is therefore but right that trespassers should be punished, but in Mr Rutland’s ease Bo is not to blame.

Mail Notice. —Tho next English and European mail, via San Francisco, will close at this office on Friday next, tho lotli day of August, at 2.30 p.m. Money orders and registered letters close at 5 p.m.

Bishop Selwyn’s Advice, —The ‘Bruce Herald’ is responsible for the following ; When the late Bishop Selwyn was residing in Auckland, a neighbor used to drive his dairy cows into on." of tu-*> Bishop’s grass paddocks after dark, and sake them out very early the following morning. The h'.ffiop, on one of his servants complaining of the trespass, asked ,at what time tho cattle were taken out. “ Six o’clock, sir,” was the reply. “Well, then," said the Bishop, “you get up an hour earlier, and milk all tho cows. ” The servant did as ho was told, and ever since that tho dairyman sought fresh fields and pastures new for his cattle.

The Eiectioh. —Wo understand that the Eov. G. Barclay will net contest the seat for Geraldine against Mr. Wakefield, hut we understand that another gentleman, whose qualifications are undoubted, will come forward, and wo are sure ho will meet with a large amount of support.

Football. —Tho football tournament to come off on the 22nd inst. at Christchurch is now beginning to attract attention, and all the teams are in hard practice. Canterbury plays Otago first, then Wellington plays Otago, and then Canterbury. The Canterbury team is the favourite.

Temuka School Committee. — A meeting of the above committee took place last night. Present —‘Messrs Wilson (chairman), Storey, Grey, Hooper, Wills, and Brown. Tho minutes of tho previous meeting were read and confirmed. A letter was read from the Board of Education in reference to examination of school. Several accounts were then passed for payment, and one from Mr Henson was deferred for enquiries to he made as to a certain charge in the account. It was resolved that the Chairman and MrGray should ask the overseer to place some shingle on the footpath leading from Milford Road to the master’s house. Messrs Mooper and Brown were appointed visitors for tho next month.

Up to Snuff. — During the FrancoGerman war r couple of hundred Uhlans arrived in a Norman village. One of the peasants hurried to a neighbouring hamlet to warn a well-to-do farmer that he might expect a visit from the unwelcome raiders. The former-was equal to the emergency. Calling liia wife and daughters, all went to work with a will. Torri|qui!ts, tattered petticoats, ’dilapidated gdwns, were thrown over the backs of the •’cattle, enveloping them np to their horns ; their feet and their heads were bound with straw ; and then the sheep and goats were treated in the same fashion. Bottles of medicine were scattered about ; a large trough was filled with water, and in its midst was placed an ample syringe. Up came the Uhlans, but at sight of the strangely attired animals aud--the monster squirt they hesitated. At last quo of (lie troopers inquired ■what wa&. tWc matter. “ The plague, that’s all,” said the farmer, lie had to answer no more questions ; his visitors turned their horses’ heads and galloped off at their beast speed, to make requisition elsewhere.

A clever Tuscaroran was tried at Elko, Nevada, for cattle-stealing. The jury in-quitted him without leaving the box, and upon his return home a friend inquired as to the result of the trial. «• No cause of action,” said (he party. “ I merely killed the ox in self-defence, and of course I was acquitted by an intelligent JuO r -”