PROTECTION IN CANADA.

Auckland Star, Volume XIX, Issue 146, 21 June 1888, Page 4

PROTECTION IN CANADA.

So many conflicting statements hav e ' been made from time to time with re. gard to the effect produced by the adoption of a protectionist policy in Canada,, that the letter from Mr J. M. McLachlwv published in another column, will be perused with very great interest. We have no doubt that tho village which the letter describes is typical of many manufacturing villages and towns which have sprung up all over the Dominion under the shelter of the tariff laws introduced by Sir John Macdonald and accepted as the fixed policy of the country. The beneficial results to which the Canadian manufacturer bears testimony are of a three-fold character : Ist, The turning ef important manufactures from a loss to ft profit, 2nd, An increase of wages to the workman, added to ingreased .nd more regular employment, 3rd, A market provided for many classes of farm produce that were before unsaleable and thrown to waste, £ .9 last pejst k tf» one which we

desire to lay special stress upon just now. We are constantly tsld by free traders that the burden of a protective policy will be thrown most heavily upon the agriculturist, because tho farming industry of New Zealand cannot ba protected. This is to a certain extent true. But it is also true that the New Zealand farmer is in an exceptionally bad fix as far as his perishable produce is concerned. We are so isolated that a very large portion of the produce of the farming industry can only be got rid of at a ruinous sacrifice in our overstocked local markets. The markets, even of the adjacent colonies, are already closed or are closing against us. Every day the farmer is feeling more intensely the want of better local markets. Our population has becomo unequally balanced—the producers of farm produce are out of proportion to the consumers, and by increasing the numbers of the latter class the farmer will plainly be very greatly benefitted. Probably no portion of the community will derive more benefit from a protective policy than the farmers, and it is noticeable that as a rule agriculturists favour protection, while the trading and importing class, and the whole army of non-producers, naturally go in for free trade. The small extra outlay a farmer may be put to in the cost of his clothing—an increase which will certainly be temporary, for the growth of local manufacture and competition will soon bring matters to a balance—cannot seriously discount the benefit he will derive from better prices. This has been the experience in Canada.

While on this subject of protection to farmers we regret to see it stated in our Parliamentary telegrams that the Premier, yielding to the representations of some Dunedin manufacturers who are evading the duty on manufactured jam by importing fruit pulp and canning it here, mediates waiving the impost proposed under the new tariff upon fruit pulp. In a country like New Zealand, capable of supplying the whole of Australasia with fruit, it is atrocious that special inducements should be held out to manufacturers to import the materials for jam-making from abroad. Preserving fruit should be an industry natural to the country, and only when it advances claims to consideration as an aid to fruitgrowing is it entitled to support under the tariff. The shipment of Tasmanian-grown fruits over here in the form of pulp instead of sending them fully manufactured is, to our mind, an evasion of the tariff which, instead of receiving encouragement from the Government, ought to be specially prohibited by stringent Customs laws. We hope the farming section of the House will veto any proposal for the exemption of fruit pulp, and make it bear exactly the same duty as manufactured jam.

The Premier of Tonga, having previously been instructed by His Majesty King George of Tonga, should the Emperor's illness end fatally, to cable his condolences and sympathy to the present Emperor and German nation, sent a cablegram on Saturday last to thab effect. Yesterday a reply was received informing the Premier that the message had been laid before His Germanic Majesty, and that he had directed that his thanks should be conveyed to King George for his kind expression of condolence.

The literary staff and representatives of the various departments in the Auckland Evening Star met last evening in the editorial sanctum for the purpose of congratulating the late chief reporter, Mr Jas. M. Geddis, upon his appointment to tho " Hansard " staff, and wishing him every success in his new sphere of labour. The object of the gathering was explained by Mr T. W. Leys (editor), who congratulated Mr Geddis on his appointment, which was looked upor\ as a prize in the profession. Mr Leys also spoke of the kindly relationships that had existed between Mr Geddis and the office for many years past, and expressed the best wishes for his future success. He then presented to Mr Geddis, on behalf of his late co-workers, a handsome photographic shield, executed in Mr J. Hanna's best style. Congratulatory speeches were also made by members of the staff, and Mr Geddis replied in feeling terms, expressing his thanks for this hearty expression of goodwill. He alluded to the pleasant relations that had existed throughout the staff ever si,nce he had been associated with ib. Mr Geddis entered upon newspaper work when the "Southern Cross" was in existence, and after the expiry of three weeks he obtained employment in. the "Herald," where he remained for the following eight years, the last three of which were on the reporting staff Subsequently he joined the staff of the Dunedin "Age," with which he was connected for thirteen mqnths, and he has been chief reporter of the Auckland Star since March, 1879. Mr Geddis left.for Wellington by the s.s. Wairarapa at noon to-day, taking with him the best wishes of a large circle of both friends and acquaintances. The Wellington " Post," referring to Mr Geddis's preferment, says :—" The Hansard staff may be complimented upon having received an undoubted acquisition to its strength. Mr Geddis will arrive from Auckland early next week to take up his duties."

By the mail steamer Zealandia on Monday, Mr J. P. Campbell, of the firm of Russell and Campbell, left for Samoa upon business in connection with the Samoan land claims of Messrs William McArthur and Co. He is not likely to be away more than two months.

A private letter from Normanton informs us that the cargo of the schooner Orpheus was sold, after a lot of trouble, for 20s, less less 2s per 100 Customs duty; It was the best cargo ever brought there, having been in stack for two years, re-dressed, and shaky ends sawn off. Captain Taw would nob havegot the pricehedid only for the fears of the big timber firm over there being some financing done over it, and also that a large ship loading ab Pugeb Sound with Oregon pine for this firm had nob arrived. It is anticipated that when this load does arrive it will put New Zealand timber out of the market for a time, its cost being 3s 6d, and freight Bs. The writer, does not speak in a very cheerful strain about the work over there, it being difficult to obtain.

The various skating rinks .were well patronised last evening, the Columbia offering special attractions in the shape ot a hurdle race and exhibition of fast skating. The hurdle race was well contested and highly amusing, and resulted in a win for Mr Bennett. Mr L.Dixon had a contest against his usual opponent, "Timo, ana got over the mile in 4min. 18sea, thus breaking the New Zealand record,, and con firming bis title as champion skater of the coloßy,

Tho vessel* in nort ««j shipping firms had thei^fl <* ft* ™sfc high to.daroufcV^ fl%i memory oi the lite ■&£*?£«* &r i back. Hfa bSv a JJ^Jare, in the Waihora, and 2?tS M this afternoon. CapWn W? beb^ known and hi g u/^J^»-.*«« *E circbs inAuckkJi,?^'" Pippin, for his wife and family symPa*y _ .eft .On Monday evening w, w . "JK and instructive leE^"^ oloffy " was delivered CSV* /" *W meting of the Sune/ gj?» •* the provement Society Thf- Mutual 1.. tendance of members and a2**a a &°o(* «*. persons being p resenfc . *>t?0 which listened to moSiSSS Kmght phrenologicanySL'.^ of 13 persons, afte™ffitt^ thanks was accorded to the wf 7^6 * pleasant and instruStiS «w^' » brought to a close. evemn £ «as The Eureka Rink in 5k n^ Vw was crowded last night &&P>^ there being a |^ B«JMi mile race. Four rvmnw gmt ™ais one. L. PelhamandKSlB 6?^ and Mr Watson, iSS™ . X Pel^ Warren, and Mi s SLS® A iMr mouth. The race w™ fi •1 S? slr style in CaS^ifi. was hot work was manif^edW 1H * that the winning lad^E^ST ft ««* at the conclusion 5 thT^l^ ments are now in ptoWL carnival. Progress for a grand

atTttTohcrcZ^%Ucbar^^ 0"9 ing been drunk. A man iS °Z h?' Geary charged A^S^t^ manded until next Thursday £? ™" . Last evening Mr William ParfcmW: £ is leaving the employment of Effig? Clark and Sons to accent, ™P, • ■■an*in the office of the S zSan^ 606 Mercantile Agency S_®SBWJ sented by his late fellow employ^ ?Jl*' handsome diamond ring h2 „Wi ß inside the words «WP S. £? tha ployeesof: A.C. and &, WsSfcfwSfr Rees made the presentation,. and sfeteri that all were pleased to hear of hi, „„ had won the confidence and respecTof the firm and was highly esteemed by a ° Z hands in the establishment, not od. m account of his: ability, but also ?or\£ kindly manner he showed to all withwhom he came m contact, and he leaves £ house carrying the best wishes of 3l X his future success in his new sphere. [ I The mortal remains of the late Mr S J Edmonds, gum merchant, jvere interred yesterday afternoon in the .Symonds-street, Cemetery A large number of friends followed the hearse, while a still larcer number were in attendance at the mn . The Rev. James Chew, pastor of Beresfordstreet Congregational Church, read the burial service. The Rev. T. Hamer th°n made a few remarks to' the assembled friends. He referred to the fact that over 30 years ago the deceased had joined his church in Albert-street, and that since that date he had continued a consistent member. Both ministers engaged in prayer, after which the mourners dispersed.

It will be in the recollection of oup. readers that a young man named Hugh Johnstone broke a leg. through a fall, at Otahuhu, where he resides, on the 2 4th!of May. It is; with great pleasure that we now record that a subscription .for the assistance of his wife and child, taken ap by his fellow-workmen at the Chemical Afatinre Works at Wesißeld, has reached the sua of six pounds. "-■ A further Bum has also been raised by the employees •aMie-neighbour-ing factory of the Union Soap and Candle Company, and a subscription list opened ab the Tenlplar Lodge for the same object.

Dr. Giles,, R.M., was occupied tha greater part of yesterday afternoon at the. Police Court in taking evidence-for the prosecution in the charge of breaking out of the Thistle Hotel, preferred against William Anderson Crombie. The evidence was published in yesterday's issue. Mr W. J. Napier appeared for the'accused, and cross-examined at some length. When the case for the prosecution had terminated, Mr Napier obtained an adjournment of the case until Saturday next, when the defenea will be gone on with. ... • , j.,'

A meeting of ladies interested in the 63 tablishment of a kindergarten and. creche in Auckland West was held at the Ponsonby Hall yesterday afternoon. There was a large attendance, and Mrs Peacock (Vice-President) occupied the. chair. It) was stated'that the amount subscribed to date was £50, and it was decided that the name of the proposed institution should be "Auckland West Kindergarten, that it should be situated in Freeman's Bay, and that its operations should extend over .onsonby and Freeman's Bay to Hobson-street. It was also decided that some of the wealthy residents of Auckland should be written to, asking : them to .subscribe towards a dinner similar to that given at the central school through-Mr Dilworths liberality. On Monday next a ( meeting of ladies resident this side of'-Pwemimßftj will beheld in furtherance of the obiecte above mentioned, which appear, to have every prospect of successful results.-, .... ■ A large gathering of friends and soldier* of the Army met for tea^nd genegg poses last night in thePubhc Hall, Otahuto There was a _ood attendance,, and W meeting was ably conducted (according to her own ideas of worship) by ColoneJ and Mrs Taylor, Major Loverock andab°s captains and officers of «»n«»oW« tricf. . The Colonel g^'sOme^JJ accounts as to the the Army, andearnestly asked Jor^nnWe™ to serve in the Army, officer beingb«uj wanted. The Army Band from Anoßian played a selection of racy tunes, «Jg Farrikins baptised the &&£*ss shower of rotten eggs. The tea ™*aU could be desired, and refl^s^™X the ladies of management, who did all l could for the comfort of visitors^,^_ A concert was given .in the WJ*J school last evening which jM jggJJJ ised. Instrumental duets $£$$&& Misses Revitt and Suiter, and otner pw JfaSrit* and Miss &WQ^ That We Two," Miss Rev W»*&J* an d Tat," and Miss Masters ", j*JJ*Jg of a also a character song. J,ne Picture" was recited by S.W while various pupils san* gj jfifo "This is the East, Mj ,V* n oft he Land,"'^Children's Voi e^ J^ Coopers," and ine olßn recited, while ."Papa's Letter a 8 F^ yet another pupil gave thelLgWan a in costume. After the interval an tion of waxworks took place. Q!ft The Committee of St. m „ vjn Auction met last ey enmg, w.»g „. the chair. The W^jtj ceipts from all sources, £110, exp^. q{^ leaving a net balance to ™f p c"7 ded 6 oBW> fund oi.£lll, to which r^.^tSofthanki small sums not yet got in.. ,vv &Jieet s, were passed to the ladies^ the « „, the ladies and gentlemen Jo^ to»U the entertainments, the press,. those who had contributed|«gg 0 f the ing or by donations to thei^ fcthe r,re< undertaking. It was resolvedUJ sent committee, with power-tom, fl number, be formed into a r» Augmentation CommitteeJo^P^ of carrying out any .ft»?W?« reduction (?Hh9 parish depti._ ~

An adjourned meeting of the ratepayers f fhe Northcote district convened tor the oft Hoi considering the valuations of P urpfv was held at the Gladstone Hall, remote last evening. Therewas a moderand Mr Hawes prea l The Charman read a petition 6 77 A in accordance with the wishes .the previous meeting as follows :-« The m of the undersigned rateDayers PfA!, Lrthcote and Birkenhead districts I ,lblv showeth : - That thoy view with ,i m the probable appointment of Mr Thomas Seaman as property-tax valuer, A respectfully submit the following a n ,"._-l That he is collecter, paid by fonSon'by the Highway Board, and that as the highway rates are based on the onerty-tax valuations, he has a direct Ptirpst in making the said valuations f S as possible. 2. That, being Plicated in the Stark purchase, he ta a? high a valuation as he can on P"her properties in the district, so as to •istifv his excessive valuation of Stark's nerty. 3- That being a resident of the Slfirict and having friends and enemies therein,' and being ab the same time nroperty-tax valuator, he is in a position to List his friends and punish his enemies through the agency of a Government tax. And we therefore pray that Mi- Thomas Seaman may not be appointed property-tax valuer for our district." Some discussion end, anc j jt was pointed out that ib would be well to ascertain*Mr Seaman's views on tbe subject of valuation before adopting the extreme steps of adopting such a petition. On the motion of Mr Bruce, seconded by Jir Faulkner, it was agreed, "That a deputation t>9 appointed to interview Mr Seaman, and ascertain his views on the subject of the valuations, and what course he would pursue were he again appointed valuer." Messrs W. Wilson, Lind, A. Bruce, Faulkner'and Hilditch were appointed the deputation to wait upon Air -Seaman tomorrow.

Mr Oswald's Shaksperian Class held their fortnightly meeting hist night, when the play of the " Merchant of Venice " was presented. The leading parts were ably sustained by Messrs Qneere, Walters, and S. Herbert, and Misses Burton and __?. Herbert. During the evening Mr Oswald delivered an interesting address on the origin, plot, and leading characters of "Midsummer Night's Dream," tiic play arranged for July 4.

Mr W. H. Webbe delivered the fifth of his course of lectures on music last evening at the School of Music, Hobsonstreet, the subject being " Pianoforte Playing," which ho treated in a masterly manner, pointing out tbe general faults of pianoforte-players, and explaining the mode of practice necessary to ensure a good performance. The lecture, which lasted about three-quarters of an hour, was listened to with great attention by a crowded audience.

The annual social gathering of the congregation of St. Sepulchre's Church is to be held in the Schoolroom, Symonds-street, this evening. There will be the usual tea at half-past six, and at half-past seven a selection of music will be given interspersed with readings. The charge of admission is one shilling. The roll of singers includes the names of Mrs Burgess, Miss Bleazard, Miss Mackey, Messrs Edwards, Martin, Hamerton, Charter, and Chambers,

There are some pictures now on view at the gallery of Messrs E. and A. Aldis, Coombes's Arcade, Queen-street, which merit the special attention of all lovers of fine arts. The first is a " View on the Waihou " with Te Aroha in the middle distance, situated at the foot of Te Aroha mountains. The outline of the mountain gives one an idea of its loftiness. The fine range of hills and the water are of great beauty; the transparency of the latter is finely rendered ; the foreground also is excellent. A " Creek Scene " at Puhoi is an excellent work. Bright Sol is setting in golden glory. The majestic rata tree is a fine gives great value to the picture. Ihe water and the moss-covered boulders iave but little to be desired. Last, but not least, is an extensive view from Waitakerei Ranges, looking towards Auckland, entitled "West Coast Road." In the extreme distance are the Coromandel Ranges, next the Ponsonby part of Auckland, North Head, Mount Victoria, and Waitemata. The distance and atmospheric effect in this picture are well-developed, and the foreground is true to theNewZealandbush. These paintings are the work of the young and talented artist, Mr A. Aldis, son of Mr E. Aldis, under whose careful training ho has made such rapid progress.

The Dunedin Education Eoard is taking steps to secure uniformity in school books in their district.

A concert will be held this evening in the Newton Congregational School-room, Edin-burgh-street, when a good programme is promised. The first part will be sacred, and the second secular. Misses Walker, Colegrove, and Goodson, Mrs Bartley, and Messrs H. Wells, Hookey, Cook, Murray, Colegrove, Able, Gatten, Ellyett, and Airston, will be amongst the performers.

We hear from Mr EdwardLeydon that Mr Dampier was the largest buyer of boots at his auction to-day, he having purchased about 5-6ths of bhe quantity offered for sale.

The Rev. C. Worboys, pastor of the Avondale Presbyterian Church, delivered his popular lecture on "Love, Courtship, and Marriage" last evening in the Avondale Public Hall, when there was a good attendance.

To prevent disappointment to their numerous patrons, Messrs R. Hannah and Co., of the Cash Boot Palace, announce that their establishment ctoses at 6 p.m. daily, with the exception of Saturdays, when they close at 10 p.m. 1 heir repairing branch is in full operation on the premises. Skilled workmen only are employed, and the charges to the public are to suit the times. -172, Queen-street.—(Advt.)