West Coast Times. SATURDAY, MAY 9, 1885.

Though the prospects of war with Russia over the Afghan frontier question are apparently less gloomy, yet somehow there exists an uneasy feeling that the arrangements with Russia are not of a satisfactory nature, while there is also a suspicion that the terms of the peaceful settlement; are not honorable to England. This feeling is shown to exist by the attitude of nearly the whole of the Colonial press. It may have arisen through a disbelief iv the diplomacy, and a belief in the yielding and pacific tendencies of the Gladstone Ministry in dealing with foreign questions involving peace or war with a first-class European Power. Whatever it may have sprung from it does exist, and a singular confirmation of the justness of the instinct was given by Reuter in two cable messages which we published yesterday. We are told that the resignation of General Sir Peter Lumsden is announced, i( owing to his ch'scontonfc with the fiction of England on the Afghan frontier question." Can a more severe condemnation of the Afghan policy of the Gladstone Ministry be imagined ? Sir Peter Lumsden has spent the best part of bis life in serving his country in India. During the years 1852 to 1856, he served in various expeditions against Indian frontier tribes. In 1857, he was despatched on a political mission to Afghanistan, and remained for a year at Candahar. He received the special thanks of the Government for bis services on that occasion. In 1858 he joined the Gwalior force under Sir Robert Napier, and in 1860 he was witb the army in China. In 1865, he was with the Pehota'n force, and in 1874, he was appointed Adjutant-General of the Indian army. Since then, he has been employed on the north-west frontier of our Indian Empire. He possesses an intimate knowledge of the Afghan people and country, especially of the hill tribes of the frontier. Such is a brief sketch of the life of a man who now resigns his appointment, dissatisfied with the action or inaction of the Government he served so well. It is noticeable that no hint of any personal discontent is given. Sir Peter Lumsden is not an ambitious man disappointed. He has not been passed over or slighted. On one occasion the advice he gave the Afghans to resist the Russian advance was endorsed by the Imperial authorities. He seems satisfied with the honors he has won, but he evidently does not consider it an honor to serve the British Government any longer. It is hardly probable that General Lumsden would have sent in his resignation unless he was heartily weary of the policy of England with respect to the Afghan question. He is on the spot. He possesses exceptional knowledge of the Afghans and the Russians. Much was entrusted to him. Doubtless his advice was sought by his Government but, ifßeuter's story of his resignation be true, then it is certain enough that what advice he gave was not followed. We look upon his resignation as a severe reflection upon the Government, and we are assured that when the facts of the relations between the Imperial Government and himself come to be thoroughly understood, it will be found that by acting on his reocmmendations much parleying and all danger of war would have been averted. Taken in connection with General Lnmsden's resignation, it is ominous of danger to note that the Victorian Government have just received from Mr Murray Smith, their Agent-General in London, a warning that it is still doubtful whether peace will be maintained between England and Russia. On the other hand, Reuter states that Russia bas invited King Christian of Denmark to arbitrate on the " Penjdeh incident," to which that personage has responded that he will do what is asked, if the invitation emanates from the British Government also. The last bit of news we are in possession of, is that Air

Gladstone's organ, the Daily News, states that Russia assures England that she ha 3no intention or desire to seize Herat, an assejtion which very few will be found to credit. While all nausfc hope for peace, yet it does not appear that peace is assured.

The San Francisco mail will arrive by to day's Christchurch coach. The Post Office will be open to the public half an hour i.fter its arrival.

The events in connection with tho fire on Thursday night prove tbe necessity for the formation of a salvage corps in Hokitika. Similar corps are formed in all the principal toirns of New Zealand, and the comparative immunity from fires which we have hitherto enjoyed is probably the reason we have not bad one formed here. At the late fire, a large quantity of goods removed from Mr Hay's shop were destroyed through the carelessness of those engaged ia taking them out. Men and boys seemed to lose their heads completely, and glassware, bottles, &c, were dropped on the pathway or thrown into the gutters. Mr Hay also states that a great many articles were abstracted from his premises, Buch as clothing, bedding, &c.> besides goods taken from the shop. It is to be hoped that these were only removed to a safe place end will eventually fiad their way back to their owner. Oar community hitherto has been singularly free from crime, and it wott'd not be pleasant to contemplate the existence of those amongst us who would take advantage of the misfortunes of a fellow-citizea by robbing him of what was spared by the flames. Whatever the cause, the things are missing, and a salvage corps would prevent a recurrence of a similar experience. It is difficult to restrain a large assemblage on an occasion like a fire, and a body of men acting in concert would neutralise the dangers resulting; they would also be very efficient aids to the Fire Brigade.

There is a dangerous culvert near Barrett's land— now in the occupation of Mr Perkine* on the Kanieri road. The planks of the culvert have worn so wide apart, that accidents to equestrians especially, may etsily happen. Last ereniog, Mr Gates of Rosawas riding into Hok ; tikn, when his horse got both fore hoofs stuck between tbe planks, and threw his rider on to his face. Mr Gates luckily escaped with some contusions, and the horse with a slight cut or two. Some attention ought to be paid to this and other culverts along the road.

"The horn, the lusty horn," which Shakespeare says " is not a thing to laugh to scorn," is a decided nuisance when blown by unmusical lips at all hours of the day and night in a town. It may be a cheerful instrument in the glades of a forest, but it is aggravating and depressing in Revell street. If every coach driver were to imitate the example of one or two Jehus here, and invest in one of these instruments, life would become on intolerable burden.

It is understood that the amount of Mr Watson's accepted tender for the HokitikaGrey Railway contract is £2295 instead of £1295 as telegraphed erroneously from Wel» lington by the PreHs Association.

The funeral of Mrs Thomas, wife of Mr Duria Thomas, an old and respected rcoideni of the Kanieri, which took place yesterday, was largely attended by the friends of Mr Thomas and the public. Fully two hundred persons followed the remains to the cemeterj.

A scratch football matoh will take place on Cass Square at half .past two this afterweather permitting. Members of the club are requested to bo on the ground early.

Mr Moss, stationer, local agent for Ada Mantua's sweep on the Dunedin Queen's Birthday meeting, announces that Ada's Hokitika list will close on Thursday next.

Some surprise has been expressed that ench an amount as £300 should be owing to the Harbor Board for wharfage dues, which by a fiction are supposed to be paid before tho goods leave the wharf. The Board seme time ago passed a resolution that no credit should be given for these dues ; but that resolution has become a dead letter* Why there should be any inconvenience in collecting these moneys, one fails to see. If the collection of the dues were leased to a contractor, the difficulty would soon vanish. The members of the Board seem strangely indifferent to credit being given, though they have had on more occasions than one to pay interest for overdrafts. Perhaps the member of the Board who moved in this matter at the last meeting, will go a step further, and demand that a list of those persons owing money for wharfage, with the exact sum due by each person, shall be laid on the table. In the event of this being done, it is likely that the outstanding moneys will not mount up to a large total

Tickets in Fidelity Company's consultation on the Queen's Birthday races are now rapidly being disposed of. Immediate application should be made to the local agents, Mr J. Hudson, Cleveland Hotel, and Mrs Hall, Golden Age Hotel.

There is great excitement in Canterbury over the quartz reefs at Wilberforce and at Browning's Pass. A public meeting was held at Kanieri on Wednesday night to urge upon the County Council the necessity for constructing a road to the latter place. We trust the matter will not be allowed to drop out of Bight, the advisability of opening up communication with the country in the vicinity of Browning's Pass must be patent to any thinking man . Years ago Mr Browning, who explored that district expressed his firm conviction that gold bearing quartz reefs would be found, and subsequent events prove that his impressions were correct. Besides quartz reefs, there is every indication of copper and tin being found in the locality. The distance is, we understand) only 27 miles from Hokitika, and some portion of the road is already constructed, so it will not be a very costly undertaking.

Mr Greenwood, Dentist, has arrived, and may be consulted at bis rooms, Hamilton street, opposite the Fire Brigade Station, till the 18th inst.— Advt.

We believe that if every one would üm American Co.'s Bitters freely there would be much leis sickness and misery in the world and people are fast finding this out, whole families keeping well at a trifling cost by iti use. We advise all to try it. Read

' The Hon. Treasurer of the Benevolent Society desires to acknowledge receipt of £1 from Mr L. Raphael, of Hokitika, as a subscription to the society.

The Grey River Argus, in its leading columns, refers to the unemployed question* which is unfortunately obtaining some prominence in Greymouth just now, and suggests that the Harbor Board might proceed with some necessary and essential work concurrently with ihe present contract, to relieve the distress which is very Berious. It appears that on the formation of the Harbor Board, a number of men flocked to Greymouth anticipating plenty of employment, and these are in exceßß of the number required.

The Bank of New Zealand shipped by the s.s. Mahinapua, on her last trip, 56630z Bdwts 6grs gold bullion. The shipment being made up as follows:— Hokitika, 30650z sdwt6gvs; Greymouth, 15290z ldwt; Westport, 10690Z 2dwt.

Mr W. Perry and Mr W. H. Webb return thanks in our advertising columns to those who came to their assistance at the late fire.

"Pedlar" in the Sydney Mail has the following about the late General Gordon:— lie did much silent preaching through his life. 16 has been said, indeed, that his presence was a perpetual sermon. This was the manner of it— a youth of the inner world of England told the story. "I saw Gordon once," he said. "How;" "Well, it was in this way. I was in the hall of 'The Hag," and I saw a man come across and go upstairs. He was dressed in slop hat (cost seven-and-six perhaps) pitched back on his head, trousers worth five shillings (fearful at the knees), light overcoat just like you can see hung up at twelve»and-six, and a bad black tie twisted about a Byronic collar: His boots were bad too, but I could see that he had fine feet, and his hands would have set a sculptor longing. He turned and leaned accrosa the banister, and I saw the face you are familiar with in portraits; but they can never paint the sad sweet eyes.'' Just then Slzbuse of the Blues came out and gripped me by the arm. "Look, look!" said he; "that is Chinese Gordon." And his tone, what was it, reverential? Reverential: I Bhould think sol Can you imagine now some young officer of tbe Jewish guard might have touched another as be saw a certain figure pass, and have said, 'That's—?" Well, it was just about the same — We scarcely need remind our readers that the name left blank at tbe end of the paragraph is that of one held in the highest estimation by Christians of all denominations, and regarded by them as the author of their Salvation.

The first caße which has arisen under" The Workmen's Wages Act 1884 " came before Mr Justice Johnston at Christchurch on Friday. According to the Press the case was as follows ' — "A contractor entered into a con» tract with the Mother Superior of the convent at ABhburton to build a school connected therewith. On the strength of such contract he obtained a supply of timber from the agent of a timber merchant in Invercargill. The wages of tbe men in his employ had, during the continuance of the contract, got into arrear. Subsequently th c contractor assigned Ilia right to rnouey accra* ing due on the contract to the timber merchant, notice of which was given to the Lady Superior on the sth of the month. On the 12th the workmem, under the provisions of the Act obtained orders as against the moneys of the contractor from the Resident Magistrate at Ashburton. The timber merchant, however* set up bis assignment, and claimed the residue of contract moneys remaining in the hands of tbe Lady Superior on account of the contract. She paid the money into the Supreme Court to await its decision. It was contended that his assignment overruled tbe claims of tbe men, inasmuch as at tbe time they took action under the Act as against the contractor there were no funds belonging to him in the hands of the Lady Superior, the legal estate therein having passed to his assignee. On the other hand it was contended that clause 14 of ' The Workmen's Wages Act, 1884 ' gave absolute priority to the workmen's wages over atf others. The clause is as follows : — ' The wages that may be outstanding on any contract or undertaking shall be a first charge upon any money in the hands of tbe contractee which has accrued or may accrue and become due to the contractor on account of such contract or undertaking.' His Honor upheld this contention, and made an order for the payment of the money to the workmen."

The Melbourne papers have been very severe on the rowdyism displayed by the students of tho Melbourne University at the " commencement " ceremony. The Australasian says : We believe that there is but one opinion among all rational people as to these displays of educated larrikinism. They are public nuisances, and must be promptly abated. They have been permitted, and even encouraged far too long. The public ceremonials of our public educan tional institution are not to be interrupted and degraded by conduct that puts Little Burke street to the blusb. But although no public meeting could tolerate these disturbances, they become still more serious when they are habitually committed in the Uni» versity. It appears from a statement made by Professor M'Coy that the recent demonstration was no mere idle outburst of exuberant spirits, but was the result of a deliberate organisation: Placards have been found in the University grounds calling upon the undergraduates to roll up, and to refuse to sit as they were directed along each side of the hall, but to keep together, and show a firm front. If such conduct is permitted, there is an end of all discipline, And, apart from any other consideration, what an example such insubordination is for students of a humbler class, for those poor street Arabs who are trying to struggle from their native atmosphere of disorderlinesa into some tolerable degree of self restraint. We are glad to«observe that the University authorities propose to act in the matter, and we trust that no mistaken lenity will be allowed j to save the culprits from the punishment they so well deserve.

The feeblest system may be fortified against the effects of unwholesome air and rapid changes of temperature, by the occasional use of that celebrated tonic and invigorating cordial, Wowh's Sohhapfs.— Ad.

The name of VinoeritPyke U&", daring the past thirty yeare, been a Household word in colonial literary, aijii pblit|c"&Urircles. The clever author of " WildJ TO Eaderby "is as well-known as is fhe genial njember for Dunstan. But thpugft Mr Pyie^ abilities as a novelist and legislator hay^ejufned for him a wide reputation, few people beyond hia more intimate acquaintances are aware of the fact that he has also distinguished himself bb a Volunteer on many a festive oocaßion. It is gratifying to find that, notwithstanding the pressing cares of political life and the congenial labors of literary employment, the martial fire of his youth still burns ia the 'einß of the popular veteran. We have the best authority for staling that Mr Pyke has joined the Trained Band which is now being formed here. The member for Dunstan. can sniff blood like an ancient war horse, and if the Muscovites should dare to show their S nosss here they will find to their cost that " there's life in the old boy yet."— Dunedin Herald.

Mr R. T. Booth, Gospel Temperance Missionary, is now in Duuedin.

A rather good story is told at the expense of a gallant general commanding one of the Englieh out«districts. At the time when the Souakim Expedition was being got ready he was summoned by telegram to LondonNo appointment as CommandeE-in-Chief of the Souakim force has as yet been made, and he went to the War Office full of high hopes. These hopes were still further raised by the first words the Duke said to him. »«I have sent for you, General ,to ask you if you are prepared to accept the command of—" The General's face beamed in anticN pation of the high honor about to be conferred on him. "The command, 1 ' went on the Duke quietly, " of the Volunteers at the Brighton Review." I believe the now disappointed General declined the honor. What made the disappointment more bitter was that this gallant officer had, as a matter of fact, been talked of for the Souakim command, and he knew it; but the selection was not approved in certain high quarters.

A rather remarkable discovery is reported by the New Zealand Times to have been made by the workmen engaged in removing debris from the scene of the v Te Aro House fire. Ou one of the shelves which remained intact in the carpet department five little kittens, two or three weeks old, were found lying on a mat, alive and well. The fire had been burning all round the shelf but had not in any way harmed the playful kittens.

Much interest is taken in the militia at Timaru, and I am sure (writes the correspondent of the Lyttelton Times) the whole population will gladly turn out to see them perform the graceful goose-step. Corpulent burgesses, balanciug themselves on one foot, always present an imposing appearance.

A Wise Deacon.— "Deacon Wilder, I want you to tell me how you kept yourself and family so well the past season, when all the rest of us have been sick so much, and have had the doctors running to us so often." " Brother Taylor, the answer is very easy. I used Hop Bitters in time, and kept my family well, and saved large doctor's bills. Four shillings' worth of it 'kept us all well and able to work all the time, and I will warrant it has cost you and most of the neighbors! =610 to £100 apiece to keep sick the Bame time. I fancy you'll take my medicine hereafter."

Valuable Discovery for the Hatr.li your hair is turning grey or white, or ailing off, use " The Mexican Hair Renewer," for it will positively restore in every case Grey or White hair to its original color, without caving the disagreeable smell of most " Restorers." It makesthe hair charmingly beautiful, as well as promoting the grown of the hair on bald spots, where the glands are not decayed. Ask your Chemist for " The Mexican Hair Kbnkwver," sold by Chemists and Perfumers everywhere at 3s 6d. per Bottle. Wholesale depot removed to 33, Farringdon Rr ad, London.