ESTABLISHED 1875. THE MANAWATU DAILY TIMES The Manawatu Daily Times. The Oldest Manawatu Journal. Published Every Morning. TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1904. NEWTOWN LICENSES.

A gentleman suffering from " the stings and arrows of outrageous fortune" once spoke his mind to the vague firmament and proclaimed : " The law is a hass!" The Privy Council of Great Britain has for the thousandth time endorsed that emphatic verdict in connection -with the Newtown licensing case. In November, 1902, the Newtown people, by a majority of 19 persons over a three-fifths majority, ordered that four hotels were to be closed. At least that was the prima facie show-1 ing. Then a lot of inquisitive persons started to dissect the votes, and discovered that the usual per centage of dead men and minors having crossed out the top line, the poll was | invalid. A prohibitionist committee having been elected in the meantime, refused to renew the licenses on the ground that it had no jurisdiction so to do. The * Supreme Court and the Full Court upheld this view, and one fine day the shutters^ of the unlicensed pubs went up with a bang and have remained up ever since. Now the Privy Council of England says that it is right, and all the other tribunals were wrong, and has ordered that a mandamus must issue and licenses be granted. It can only be a matter of time now, therefore, when the local beer pump will be in operation again, and the thirsty Newtownite will be able to quench his thirst on the spot instead of going to the chemists for painkiller or taking a journey on a horse tram to the distant city. In the meantime the Newtown hotels have been dismantled, the furniture has been carried out to pawn, and the old connections of the " trade"' have transferred their thirsts elsewhere, the " goodwill" haß vanished, and "flourishing businesses" have become just about as remunerative as a dead sea apple. It is pertinent to remark just here that if these hotels had previously existed for the convenience and accommodation of the public, which is the legitimate, statutory functions

of hotel , it would not have been necessary for them to be closed abruptly by their proprietors upon the advent of p.ohibition. The fact that they wore so closed is surely an indication of the potency of alcohol and the impotency of less exhilarating fate when it becomes a question of paying rent to a brewe>*! Those who wonder why nearly three-fifths of the people of Newtown voted " nolicense," may make their deductions from the facts as shown. If the decision of the Privy Council were likely to bring finality, a good purpose would have been answered, but not so ; the trouble is just going to commence. The prohibitionists will never be satisfied until they put the matter to the test, and the publicans will no doubt strive to postpone tho evil day. At one time the laud question seemed likely to monopolise the attention of Parliament at its next session, but it is certain now that the licensing question will overshadow everything else. If Parliament were constituted of clean and honest men, it would not take long to evolve amending legislature to protect decent publicans and oust the drink-shop element, but as is well known the House is full of brewers' marionettes and the Legislative Council is fuller. Keform will be retarded but it will come. It will be retarded at the instance of the very men who, if they were wise, would hasten reform in their own interests. A large moderate section of the community does not want prohibition, but it will vote prohibition so long as "the trade " buries its head in the sand and refuses to listen to reason. The Newtown "victory" will be a victory of a very disastrous character if it is flauntingly flung in the teeth of public opinion. It may be possible for the publicans and brewers to procure a delay in reform legislation—it may be possible for them to astutely jerk their Parliamentary marionettes into procuring an immediate dissolution and thus secure a postponement of the next licensing poll until 1907—but if they do they will bring an overwhelming avalanche upon their heads. The Newtown case is a solemn warning to " the trade " to come in out of the wet. We hope it will haye the good sense to comply.

The Beautifying Society will hold a meeting at the Borough Council Chambers to-night at 5 o'clock.

A sub-contract for the Clarendon Hotel has been obtained by Mr A. France.

The Union Company's tender for the new Working Men's Club building was £1,539.

Tho first consignment of bricks for the Clarendon contract arrived from Dannevirke yesterday, enabling tho contractor to start operations immediately.

In the course of a visit to Foxton the Sanitary Inspector found some ■ things that did not meet with his approval. It is understood some old buildings will be condemned.

Amongst those who are to contribute vocal items at the Returned Troopers Concert on the 24th inst. are the Misses Sommerville (Wellington) and Eyans (Wairarapa) and Mr Robinson, of Wellington.

The case of Theresa Evans v. Daniel Patrick Hurley, alleged breach of promise, has been settled out of Court. Mr Cooke appeared for plaintiff and Mr P. Baldwin for defendant.

Second-hand machines, 30s upwards, easy terms. Dayton Depot.*

When the Govornor opens the bazaar in aid of the Maori Girls' School on May 21st, at Bishopscourt, a farewell address -will be presented by Kihirini Eewiti, on behalf of the Maoris of the Kaipara district, about 50 of whom will be present.

Dr McArthur, S.M., at Wellington yesterday imposed a fino of £20 and costs on the Union Steamship Company and convicted Captain Stewart and ordered him to pay £3 12s costs for allowing the collier Kamona to proceed to sea on dirers voyages without a full crew. Intimation has been received that John Don, about fifty-five years of age, living alone at Onoimi, near Secliff, Dunedin, committed suicide on Friday by cutting his throat.

Frank Duthie, aged 28, fourth son of James Duthie, of Dunedin, while on a visit to Cardrona, fell off the La Franchi Company's dredge, and was drowned. His body has been recovered.

Premier cycles 1117 17s, Centaur cycles £20, Tribune Blue Streaks £20. Clarkson's, Coleman Place.*

Charles Rodger, a son of the Rev. D. D. Rodger, died at Eangiora on Sunday as the result of a slight flesh wound sustained on Thursday, at Stoke, through the tine of a harrows penetrating his boot. Blood poisoning was the cause of death.

News has been received at Christchurch of the death, at Perth, of F. J. C. G. Scott, headmaster of the Gloucester street school, who was taken ill on his way Home.

The fruit-growing industry has mado rapid strides at Hastings. Five years ago a consignment of fruit could be got away in the van of the railway express. Now the Fruitgrowing Association require four railway trucks eaoh morning during the season. The output per week was greater now than it was per annum five years ago.

For bedsteads and bedding. Best value in town at Pegden's.*

A young Aucklander, "Wm Eadeß, was arrested at Wellington on the arrival of the Waikare from Sydney, charged with the embezzlement of £40 at Tamworth. He was remanded for a week. The defence alleged that it was an attempt to recover a civil debt by a criminal process.

The latest " boom " in the Tourist Department is the Rotorua-Waikaremoana route, tho one recently travelled by the Governor in his journey to the Urewera Country. Lord Ranfurly's trip was a "hit-up" advertisement to the route, and the Department has lost no time in coming out with the announcement that the journey can be made much more easily than formerly, and there is no necessity for camping out.

John James Northey, shipwright, of Napier, died from the results of arsenic self-administered. He had suffered from influenza, and being depressed m spirits had been drinking heavily. He went to a boatshed and, on returning, said to his wife, " I have done it this time." Subsequently he told a doctor he had taken arsenic mixed with wator. Medical measures were taken, but Northey succumbed.

This is the very latest—A. E. Clausen gives you a book worth 3s 6d, by buying 6lbs tea.*

Bing, Harris' warehouse at Dunedin was burglariously entered on Saturday night. Goods, principally jewellery, to the value of £300, were stolen. The entrance was effected by breaking the back window.

When the case of Maurice Walters, under remand on bail on a charge of deserting from H.M.S. Mohawk, was called on this week, Walters did not appear, and his bail was estreated, a statement being made that he had left a letter indicating his intention of taking his life. Yesterday a coat was found on the Ocean Beach, containing lettors and papers belonging to Walters. Tho police are somewhat sceptical about his having committed suicide.

According to the Government Viticulturalist the experimental vineyard at Wairenga has given an abundant yield, and the quantity of wine produced promises to excel that of any previous year. The industry is at present undergoing great expansion up north. The Government intends to establish another viticultural station at Whakapirau, in the Kaipara district, this season, and an extensive vine nursery for stocks will be at once placed there.

" Allday's English war cycle, 2 rim brakes, free wheel, £20. Dayton Depot.*

Hermann Wallath, builder, New Plymouth, met with a fatal accident on Sunday. He had olimbed to the tower of a windmill on his place when, it is supposed, a sudden change of the wind caused the wheel to strike him, and he fell to the ground, a distance of twenty feet. The ground was paved at the spot, and Wallath fell on his head and shoulder, his skull being fractured and spine injured. He lingered for twelve hours. The deceased was an elderly man, and * leaves a widow and six children,

On the fourth page will be found late I nbles reading matter, rifle shooting i IH-n-phe.*-, and Wellington market roI j.or.s. Xi.-ere are twelve notices of motion for tne JSorough Council mooting to-night. The North Island Trunk liailway will be opened for Taihape as far as Utiku in t. few days' time. Over two hundred pigs were forwarded from Feilding during last week, says our Feilding Correspondent. The first concert of the *:inth season of the Palmerston Orchestral Society will take placo at the Lyceum Theatre on Juno 7th. One hundred second-hand cycles to select from and prices from £2. Clarksou's.* Several Eketahuna resident!* (says the Express) have been purchasing water at 4d a tin. This is a district noted for its moisture. " If we are to maintain our place in the industrial race we must educate, oducate, educate," remarked Sir Robert Stout last night. The Chief Justice, in Chambers, yesterday, granted probate in the will of the lato James Donald, of Bunnythorpe, to the executor. The application wa3 made by MrE. 0. Hurley.

The Kimbolton Rifle Club fired for the gold medal on Saturday. Pitts still leads by seven points. Another competition has yet to be fired.—Feilding Correspondent.

Numerous farmers in the district are placing Lheir potato crop-; in sh o market (says our FeiLiing correspondent). Some of ihein have been content to accept an offer of £2 per ton.

The Feilding Borough Council held a special meeting yesterday, says onr Feilding correspondent, and decided tbat the tender of Messrs Mophan, Fergusson and Co.. Wanganui, for the supply of steel mains, etc., be referred to Mr Mestayer for advice thereon.

Replying to the statement of a local clergyman that "'surely Wanganui people already get too much amusement without encroaching on the day of rest," a correspondent of the Herald says : Holy Moses, I have been hero three weeks, and the only dissipation has bi.cn a church bazaar.

Dr Paterson can be consulted at A. A. Lissaman's. chemist, the Square, Palmerston North, from 11 to 1 aud 3 to 5. Specialties: Surgery and diseases of women and children. Residence, Empire Hotel.*

There was a full muster of tho committee of the Feilding Poultry Association on Saturday. Numerous special prizes were forthcoming for the show, and it was decided that the prize money should exceed last year's. A schedule was drawn up, which will be published in a few days. — Feilding Correspondent.

Inner tubes 5s ; Reflex Clipper covers £1 8s 6d. Clarkson's, Coleman Place.*

The Supreme Court was occupied the whole of yesterday morning in hearing counsels' addresses in the tobacco burglary case. The Chief Justice's summing up was strongly adverse to the accused. The jury convicted Moore and Gardinei of breaking and entering and stealing, and Hum Kee of receiving stolen goods. Prisoners wero remanded till to-day for sentence, evidence as to character and Probation Officer's report to be taken.

Under the heading " A Counterblast to tho Premier," ' 'G.M.K." writes to the Post: -"I am informed that tho ladies of New Zealand are as able and willing to increase the population as their mothers and grandmothers before them, if the Premier will on his part provide them with reasonable help in the shape of generals and nursegirls. At the present time it is quite impossible to get them where there are children, even at a price that is quite prohibitory."

When the news of the Privy Council's verdict in the Newtown case arrived at Woodville the local paper was just going to press, but the editor soared to the emergency. He wrote:—"^ committee of men holding ;ibsoluteJy fanatical ideas on the question decreed that the law of the land could be evaded, and they deprived not only the hotelkeepers of their living, but held that the liberty of the subject must be curtailed. That they have been defeated is the most satisfying news received for a long time, and to this we say Amen ! Amen !" Then ho bolted out to the nearest hotelry breasted the bar, and demanded in stentorian accents a lemon squash 1

The first sitting of the District Court at Pahiatua will be held to-day before Judge Ward. There is no criminal business, bnt three important civil cases are set down for hearing, including a claim for £200 for alleged slander. The plaintiff is Miss Fogarty, a barmaid, and the defendants Tim Cotter and wifa, licensee of the Club Hotel. A man named A. Eobertson some three weeks ago alleged he was " gone through " in the Club Hotel, and the barmaid alleges that Mr and Mrs Cotter accused her of being connected with the disappearance of the money.

In regard to the shortage of bricks in Palmerston local brickmakers and builders do not hesitate to state that there is a great opportunity here for the esfcabliehment of a works capable of executing large orders. At present 'there are two large kilns in the town, but from the fact that on more than ono occasion during the last twelve months contractors have had to buy outside for speedy jobs, it oan be assumed tbat they are quite unable to cope with the large demand.

Smith, Hurdle and Dowdall, tho youths convicted of robbery and assault at Feilding, came up for sentence in the Supreme Court yesterday. Mr Baldwin called Dr. Monckton, EL Holman, P. Desmond and W. Huddlestoue, who spoke as to prisoners' industry and respectable parents, and letters from Messrs Haggitfc and Chamberlain were put in. Mr Baldwin asked that prisoners be allowed out on probation. His Honor said he did not intend to let them go back to Feilding for two years at least. If counsel could find situations for them on farms, away from the hotels, ho would see what could be done. Mr Baldwin said he would endeavour to place the youths as suggested, and they were remanded till Thursday.

Covers 12s 6d, tubes ss, cheapest place for cycle sundries. Dayton Depot.* The ways of the local railway authorities are dark. Yesterday morning a local farmer, after having given due notice, brought a valuable pig to the local station for consignment to Christchurch through the New Zealand Express Company at Wellington, but as Brother Hayseed had omitted to inform the local manager of the company about the arrangement the Department would not take possession of the pig, which had to be sent back to tbe farm until the following day. If the animal's legs had' been firmly tied with red tape it might have had a chance, because it would in that event in ono respect hare complied with the regulations.

Mr Trussell, the judge at the Marton contest, interviewed by an Advocate reporter, said:—lt should be borne in mind by bandsmon that the object of a band contest should be not so much the gaining of prizes as to secure an education in their work, and it was satisfactory to note that some bands recognised this. I would recommend bandsmen to base their work on the following guiding principles: Let refinement be your chief object; brass band work should not consist of making a big noise, but of interpreting music in as refined a manner as possible. That which distinguishes a great performance on a violin or a piano masterly interpretation of the composer's ideas also applies to the work of a brass instrument. In this connection light and shade is everything, and only when this is combined with unison and good tone can a finished performance be expected.

A writer in the Dunedin Star refers to the increase of drunkenness in that city, traceable, he alleges, io the closing of hotels at ton o'clock. Thus he reasons : " As long as tho public are iv a licensed hotel they have to submit to the rules of decency and moderation, but when they retire to the sly grot*--house they oan act just as they please, and stay as long as they please, without any apprehension of being interfered with by tho police." The writer contends that the ten o'clock closing has been to a great extent responsible for tho multiplication of illicit trading places, where late drinking and drunkenness have provoked the disgraceful exhibitions which are now so common. If this statement is trustworthy it means, not that respectable citizens are raising a justifiable protest against a harsh regulation, but that tho scum of Dunedin city is sotting the law at defiance. It is simply an indication, if it is the truth, that the police canuot or will not do their duty. It is an indication also that further restrictions are required to keep witnin decent limits a certain class of persons incapable ot self-control.

A man said business was his line, We showed him several which were fine, Now he keeps smiling all the time The smile that won't come off, Brophy.*