The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 1909. AN OUTSPOKEN MINISTER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2531, 18 June 1909, Page 4

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 1909. AN OUTSPOKEN MINISTER.

Frankness is in itself a most estimable quality, but it is not, 'unfortunately, the most useful attribute for one who desires to become a successful politician. At any rate, this ,is the experience of the Hon. A. AV. Hogg, who a few months ago was, for reasons best known to Sir Joseph Ward, raised to the rank of a Cabinet Minister. At the time he was appointed we suggested that to place so rank a socialist at the head of the Labor Department was surely a risky proceeding, but the Premier evidently thought that while placating the Socialistic element he could mould the now member to his own will. Such, however, has not proved to he the case. The Hon. , Mr. Hogg has only retained the samo views which he held before being honored with Ministerial rank, but lie has also exercised the right to proclaim them in the breezy irresponsible manner which was his wont as an ordinary member. Anyone who glances at the .report of his latest speech, published in another column, cannot fail to realise tliat the presence of such an irresponsible demagogue in the Cabinet is a distinct menace to the country. At the same time we do not blame the ex-Minister of Labor in this connection. We believe that lie conscientiously- holds the views to wlflch ho gave utterance, and the fact that lie was prepared to give voice to them in the way ho did is evidence of his thorough sincerity. But it is Sir Joseph Ward who is to blame for the unfortunate position which arose. He knew full well Avhat the views of Mr. Hogg were before he appointed him, and he displayed extremely poor judgment in placing him in a position where his dangerous doctrines would receive the attention usually reserved for the utterances of a Minister of the Crown. Under the circumstances Sir Joseph Ward has-been practically compelled to ask for the resignation of his impetuous colleague, and it has been promptly forthcoming.

Tho monthly meeting of. the Cook County Council will bo held to-day.

The annual meeting of the Poverty Bay Employers’ Association is to bo hold at the Farmers’ Union rooms at 8.. p.m. to-day. : r'*A k' ' 'V • •. •

Subscribers to the Gisborne Orchestral Society are requested to book seats for the Society’s concert, to he hold on' Tuesday next, as early as possible, to enablo tho management to make adequate comfortable seating arrangements.

Sergeant Hutton, officer in charge of the local police force, loaves for the south by tho steamer on Sunday evening, on holiday leave. He will he absent from Gisborne for about a fortnight, during which time Detective Rawle will ho in charge.

“We all know that professional men charge outrageous fees,” said Mr. H. Bright during the hoaring of a civil claim in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday. “I suppose your remark does not apply to the legal profession?” inquired Mr. Barton, S.M. “Of course not,” replied the solicitor.

The “brick” social, so called because each lady and gentleman who attended will ho credited with Laving supplied a brick for the new children’s creche, which was held in His Majesty’s Theatre last evening, was a great success. About 100 couples were present,- including the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr. and Mrs. AV. D. Lysnar), and dancing was indulged in to music, supplied by Messrs A 7 ita Bros.’ orchestra. The supper was provided by Mrs. J. Erskine, and it is anticipated that tho social will he the means of a substantial sum being added to the AVomen’s Guild Creche Fund.

Tho usual meeting of the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners was held last night, the principal business being the election of a district councillor to represent tho Society at tho Manchester conference, to lie held in July, 1910. Bro. G. Powell, of the AVellington branch, was unanimously supported for the position, as also for the office of District Secretary for New Zealand. After an interesting discussion, in which tho majority of the members present took part, it Avas unanimously decided that the time was ripe for somo scheme of universal military training being brought into force.

Tho wholesale wine and spirit business of Mr. J. F. Pettie having been absorbed by Messrs Parker Bros, and Sheridan, the licenses of Air. J. CParker and Mr. Pettie, though granted at the annual meeting of the Licensing Committee, were not taken up. A special meeting of the Licensing Committee was held yesterday, there being present: Air. AV. A. Barton, S.AI. (chairman), and Alessrs A. Dewing and G. E. Darton. A wliolesolo license A\as granted in tho name of Alessrs Parker Bros, and Sheridan. The committee also granted a temporary transfer, of the license of tho AVaerenga-a-hika hotel from Almond Clement to Alfred Sharp.

New books to hand by the last English mail are “The Ring and the Alan,” by Cyrus Townsend -Brady; a capital story, and easily tho best thing that author has ever written. The characters are full of strength, the situations are dramatic and forceful, and throughout tho book runs the charming personality of a woman and a sturdy dominant man. The book is a pleasure to read. Emerson Hough’s new story “50—40,” or “Fight,” is a passionate story of a woman who shaped the destinies of America. There are fire, force and courage in the well-drawn character, and readers avlio enjoyed this author’s fine story, “Tho AN av of a Alan,” Avill find eA'en better reading m “50—40.”