OUR WELLINGTON" LETTER.

Timaru Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 1087, 17 August 1874, Page 3

OUR WELLINGTON" LETTER.

[from our own correspondent.] Wellington, Aug. 11. The debate on the Licensing Bill commenced last night and continued until halfpaat one thie morning, when the House was fairly knocked up aud therefore had to adjourn to this moruiug. Mr Fox opened the ball and, after disclaiming with intense disgust the intention attributed to him by "a local paper" [alias the Evening Post, Mr Pox's bite noire) of making a "sensational" speech, proceeded to deliver one of the most rabid, absurd, lunatic, and morbidly ultrasensational orations even he has yet achieved. He described with due theatrical gesture the baneful effects of the "liquor trade" — " ruined homes, broken-down colonists, destitute widows' children turned into the streets as Arabs, and the thousands of miseries which flowed from every one of these institutions, which the law permitted," as contrasted with the "unlimited wealth of these great brewers aud distillers, vvhcoe families indulged m all the luxuries of life, who themselves rode m golden coacheß, were carried to the grave m golden hearses, and buried m golden coffins ;" — he referred to the horrors " now carried on m dark collars and concealed back corners instead of m the blazing light of day." He said that Mr Yogel was " building houses with his left and feeble hand, and pulling dowu and destroying homes with his right and strong hand." He declared that every man iv gaol was brought there by strong drink, and that of those m luuatic asylums threefourths were driven thero by their own intemperance, aud the remaining one-fourth by the intemperance of their parents. Re also remarked that "any petition- in favor of the liquor traffic, if offered to a woman for signature would have been pitched back into the face of the person offering it, and then would have been turned out of the house." He considered it miserable and barbarous, unmanly aud cowardly to make a boast of no woman having signed the petition. Those who got up petitions m favor of the liquor traffic were beasts and degradedl)eings ; "they were not men, who could do such a thing," and bo on for a couple of houm, to the intense amusement of hon. members, who, sad to relate, are so depraved as always to laugh when Mr Fox is most pathetic and passionate. And this sort of rant is what he deems thoroughly statesmanlike and not at all " sensational." After the insane and " tempestuous bawliugs" of the member for Raugitikei, it was pleasant to hear the rational and sensible reply of the Premier, who, however eccentric he may bo iv matters financial, or relating to South Sea bubbles, is always shrewd and practical m ordinary work-a-day affairs. He told Mr Fox he had quite as great a horror of intemperauce as himself, but ho looked at the subject from the common sense point. The Jfennissive Bill was qnite unworkable, and must either be repealed or amended. It was absurd trying to make people sober by legislation. It had been tried often, and invariably the experiment failed. Mr Yogel concluded an admirable speech by urging the House to deal with the matter practically and like men of business, not as mere sentimentalists, but fairly and equitably. The House then went into committee, and Mr White, member for Hokitika, made one of his vigorous onslaughts on Mr Fox's bill of last session, which he denounced «■ a " wretched measure," censuring the Government for allowing it to become law. A long, weary discussion followed, each clause being fought over almost word by word, but m the cud Mr Fox was beaten at every point. The House iv fact, wns utterly weary of Mr Pox and his monomania, and would have none of him or it. Whenover he spoke — after his ono funny effort — members precipitately retreated to Bellamy's, whence thoy would return to vote against him. The only amendments carried were those proposed by Mr Yogel himself; and at longth the " apostle of intenipcrato temperance " began to tire of the struggle. At half-past one tho bore himself entreatod for an adjournment, which was very reluctantly granted, several members wishing to sit all night, and finish the nuisance out of hand j one — Sir Cracroft Wilson — remarking that " another dose would be quite insufferable." You will have received tho main features by telegram, and I neod only state that, on the whole, Sir VogeL'g Bill romnins practically intact. To-night, we fire to hay another meet of tho same kind. No one, however, dreams of Mr Fox's amendments being even gravely discussed. His last year's bill was so utterly hopeleßS and deplorable a muddle, that ovoryone is tired of him, and the sooner ho goos to England again, as he talks of doing, the better will the country be pleased. Mr Vogel's announcement of his intention to take steps to abolish. Provincial Gorerninents m the North Island, has created a great sensation as might, he expected. Thero is so much diversity of opinion that it is very hard to predict the result of the resolutions to that effect which he is to move on Thursday. It seems certain that tho practical result will be the reconstruction of parties, which I predicted early m tho session, and the formation of a strong Provinchil Opposition party. The Superintendent of Otago oponly states his decided disapproval of the measure; and Mr Yogel will lose m him one of his staunchest supporters. Meanwhile, an appeal to the country seems inevitable. If the Premier be beaten, he will appeal <is a matter of course. If he be victorious every effort will be used to force a dissolution, as it is generally considered that the " cry" would bo a very bad ono for him to go to the country with. The debute is tolerably certain to be both long and acrimonious. Mr Von der Heydo has duly taken his seat, and the prescribed oaths. A petition haß been presented ngainst his return, as you are awnre on (ho ground that he has not been naturalised m this colony ; but it is not thought that the affair will bo seriously contested when the unsuccessful candidate, Mr J. S. Macfdrlane, hears that unseating Mr Von der Heyde would not give him the seat, but. merely result m another election, which would be morally certain to give tho seat to the sitting member, who easily could get naturalised m the meantime. The Ward-Chapmnn Committee huvcju'it brought up nn interim report. They consider that Judge Ward's charges against Mr Justice Chupman hare not been substantiated, and that the latter had not been guilty of partiality or unfairness. They also adviae that both District Judges and Judges of the Supreme Court ehould be moved about from one place to another, instead of remaining permanently resident m one locality. A rather absurd breach of privilege case turned up m the Legislative Council this afternoon. The Hon. Copt. Fraser complained that when he. and some other honorables were iv the gallery of the House of Representatives the previous evening a curt note was sent up by the Speaker, commanding them to uncover. *Thi« order " hats off" the j hon. member considered an insult, and a breach I of privilege. In this ridiculous idea he was supported by another hon. solon, Mr Robinson ; but these two worthy simpletons were much astounded when they were very properly informed by their brother Councillors and by their Speaker, that they had behaved m a very rude and improper manner and that the other Speaker's rebuke was well deserved. It is to be hoped these discourte-

ous senators will profit by the merited rebuke Mr Yogel last night expressed a hope, m which everyone will concur, that the session would not last longer than next week. As the provincial abolition debate is very likely to take a week m itself, and the South Sea scheme hns not yet even been touched, I fear that ths Premier's hopes m that direction at least, are doomed to disappointment. Post and Telegraph Office, Geral-. dine.— The General Government invite tenders for the erection of a post and telegraph office at Geraldine. Board op Works. — An adjourned meeting of the_ Board of Works waa held on Friday morning. Thero were present — Messrs Luxmoore (Chairman), Hall, Gray, and Teschemaker. Letters were read from the Government, stating that £15,550 had been paid to its credit at the Bank of New Zealaud. Mr Hall proposed, Mr Gray seconded, and it was resolved—" That iv reply to the Provincial Secretary's memo m re Timarn Borough Council's application re rating of Landing Service, the Board prefer thi discussion thereon being deferred to a fuller Board." Mr Hall proposed, Mr Gray seconded, and it was resolved — "That the Board approves of the steps taken by the Chairman «nd Mr Teschemnker m reference to Mr A. TurubnU's application re feneiug injured by their contractors." Mr Tesehemaker proposed, Mr Gray seconded, and it was resolved— "That Mr Hillary's request fora week's leave of absence during the present month bo granted." Mr Teschemaker proposed, Mr Gray seconded, and it waa resolved — " That the Chairman be authorised to sign a cheque iv favor of Mr A Turnbull, manager of the Pareora estate, m discharge of claim made by him against the Board for injury to fences, etc." Mr Hall proposed, Mr Teschemaker seconded, and it was resolved—" That the Secretary be instructed to forward to Mr Rochfort a copy of the terms of big engagement, being similar excepting salary to the present Engineer's engagement." Accounts amounting to £4251 17a lid were passed for payment, and tho meeting terminated. Donation.— On behalf of the Timam Hospital Commissioners we have been requested to acknowledge the receipt of a donation of £10 to the Hospital, being the ' amount paid by tho Board of Works to the C. and O. Association for damage done by bridge works to certain fencing on the Pareora estate. T.O.G.T.— On Wedne«day next, Dr Carr will give a lecture on the philosophy of temperance m the Timaru Mechanic*' Institute, for the benefit of the Alexandra Lodge of Good Templars. A number of musical amateurs have promised to take part m the entertainment, and Mr Bilton will preside at the pianoforte. Entkrtainsient.— Mr Chapman and Miss Ida Bouuifon appeared again at the Mechanics' Institute on Friday and Saturday cveuing, the attendance on both occasions being belter than on the openiug night. Several new and clever sleight-of-hand tricka were introduced by Mr Chapman, and Misa Ida BonnifoQ occasioned much surprise by her second sight performances. Thin evening Mr Chapman will give an entertainment for the benefit of the widow and family of the late Captain Hart, and considering that the object is such a good one. we hope to see an overflowing house. TiMARtr Agricultural and Pastobai; Association. — A pretty full meeting of committee was held on Saturday, at the Criterion hotel, Timaru. The Secretary was requested to write to several gentlemen to ask them to act a* judges m tho various departments at the October show. Tha following resolutions were proposed and adopted— " That for the gold medal offered to the largest prizetaker m the agricultural produce classes the points count a3 follows — viz, that where two prizes are given the usual rule of the Association be adhered to, and that m classes m which but one prize is offered three (3) points be counted." — " That the third clause under 'general instruction for judges' be struck out." The Oamaru Breakwater. — The North Otago Times, of August 14, saya — Since our last issue another section has been added to this all important work. We are glad to be m a> position to be able to state that the 3Mne degree of caution appears to have been exercised m this, as m all the previous efforts of the contractors. The work is one of an apparently indestructible character, and ab the same time one of a nature that can be carried on only m fine weather, and with a smooth aud calm sea. Should the weather continue as at present we trust soon to have to report tbe completion of another section. We should mention that each section of the work represents an extension of seventeen feet. Travelling on Sunday. — The following circumstances may be of interest as bearing on the subject of an enquiry which was made by a Waimate resident m our columns some short time since : — The Batiiurst Free Press reports that on June 7 two men named Smith and Yates were summoned by constable M'Guire for ' travelling through William-street, on the Lord's Day, with their waggons. Mr Rotton, chairman of the Bench, said that for his part he would not fine the defendants, as tbe act under which they were summoned was a very old one, and not kuown to many people. Whilot Dr Palmer was m Bathurst this subject was discussed, and he (Mr Rotton) was under the impression that it was then decided that those who were compelled to travel on the Sabbath through the town, could do so by passing along the streets on the outskirts, and ho did not think that they should be punished for it. The rich could drive through the town m their buggies without being molested, and why fine the poor men who drove their waggons through the streets on the same day ? He was not agreeable to fine these men until this Act was amended. Mr Stranger, his brother magistrate, said he dissented from the remarks of Mr Rotton. It was admitted that these men were follow- • ing their ordinary avocation, and those who drove about did so for a different reason. He considered that such a practice should be put a stop to at once. The defendants were each fined Is, and 5s 6d costs, which sum was paid. Customs Revenue.— The total amount of the Customs revenue at the several ports of New Zealand duriug the quarter ending 3oth of June, 1874, was £286,794, against £231,262 for the corresponding quarter of 1873. The total amount of Customs revenue collected for the financial ye»r ending 30th June, 1874, was £1,108,677. The Greenstone Trade —ln visiting the premises of a wliolesal« jewellery firm m Dunedin the other day, a contemporary says we casually, observed on the floor of the sale room, several immense blocks of greenstone, this led us to make enquiries as to the use of such, from whence obtained, value, Ac., when we ascertained that a large trade is now done m this stone, which is obtained from Greenstone Gully, Grey river, the article being worth £8 per cwt. to the Dunedin iapidists, who convert it into the many precious trinkets which arc now formed of this mineral, one Dnnedin lapidary film employing alone no less than six hands. Machine power is employed m the process of dressing the stone, iustead of, the (low and very tedious process adopted by the Maoriea m forming their war hatchets, &c, by rubbing one piece of greenstone against another.