THE WOMAN'S SUFFRAGE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 220, 16 September 1893, Page 4

THE WOMAN'S SUFFRAGE.

The action of tho Premier yesterday relative to the Electoral Bill should end fo r ever the charges of insincerity which have been industriously circulated by the Op. position regarding the attitude of tho Government towards woman's suffrage. It appears thab whon the Bill, as it finally passed both Houses, came before the law officers of the Crown for the revision of its technical details, certain faults in wording were discovered. The usual course in such cases is to send the Bill down by message from tho Governor for tho removal of such flaws, and the corrections are made withoub discussion. It is unprecedented, after a Bill has boon subjected to an ordeal like that which the Electoral Bill was exposed to at every stage in its passage through both Houses, for members of either Houso to misuse the legislative forms, with tho object of defeating a measure which has already been discussed clause by clause. The Governmenb learned, however, that steps had been taken by certain opponents of woman's suffrage in the Council which would have jeopardised the Bill and probably defeated the constitutionally-expressed will of Parliament. Under these circumstances, the Premier determined not to expose tho measuro to any danger. The Bill, as it passed both Houses, has been forwarded to His Excellency for signature, and its technical defects will be remedied by a separate Bill. There is not the slightest doubb that the Government might have killed the Bill in the Legislative Council at any stage, and oven now could secure its defeat without any overt act of their own. That they havo honestly fought for tbe enactment of the law should now bo manifest bo everyone, despite the assertions to the contrary which have been maliciously circulated by persons who wore themselves doing their utmosb to secure the defeat of the measure. If the women receive the franchise they owe it to the Seddon Government alone. Not only was tho Bill framed by them, and carried by the power of their majority j but for the firmness, tact, und resourcefulness of the Premier, tho measure could never have been piloted safely through the Legislative Council in view of tho compact and powerful party arrayed againsb it.

The Auckland public will be glad to hear that the New Zealand parcel post system has been extended to New South Wales, From tho Ist of Octobor next parcels may bo sent by parcel post to the sistor colonyThe rates fixed are 8d for the firsb pound, and 6d for every succeeding pound up to 111b. Tbe local post office will givo every facility for packing. Hitherto there has been no parcel post between New Zealand and New South Wales, and the public were only able to send packages up to one pound in weight.

An old woman, 70 yoars of age, named Ann Cartie, died suddenly at Henderson last night. She had been in ill-health for some months past. An inquest will be held on Monday before the Depuby Districb Coroner, Mr J. Bollard.

The members of the Harbour Board are to have a big debate on Tuesday. At 2.30 in the afternoon the adjourned meeting takee place to consider as to the receiving and delivery of goods on the wharves. In the evening at 7.30 o'clock another special meeting will bo hold to consider the bylaws of tho Board as revised by tho Works and Tariff Committee.

Mr C. R. Rasmussen, licensee of Huker. unui Hotel, died suddenly at midnigh^ Dr. Hall and Mr J. Bell, the distric b coroner, have gone out to hold an inquest.

Mr H. Wilding, member of the Board uf Education, has booked his passage to leavo here for England via Sydney on Tuesday noxt.

A passenger who recently arrived ab Sydney from the South Soa Islands, gave an interesting account of a visit he lately made to Savage Island, or Niue, in the South Pacific, about 1,500 miles north-east of New Zealand.. The islanders subscribed liberally some time since towards the building of a mission vessel at Sydney—tho Niue —for service in New Guinea, and they are probably tho most enthusiastic Christianised Polynesians the London Missionary Society's barque John Williams visits in the course of her cruise. Notwithstanding the groat disadvantages under which the islanders aro placed they contributed last year $3,499 to the support of religion. The island has no well-established Government. It is independent, no foreign Power having considered it worth looking after. Tho entire exports from the island amount to only 25,000d01. annually. Of that sum copra yields about 14,000d01., and the remainder is from the sale of fungus, arrowroot), hats, and mats. The native population is 4,500, all Christianised, and divided among 11 villages, in each of which is a school, and in nine a fine large stone church as well as a school. Tbe missionaries have accomplished much in the way of lifting the people from the depths of the degradation in which thoy were found by Captain Cook. Then oach tribe or village considered all others deadly enemies, and a constant watch, especially at night, had to be kept to avoid a surprise. They are said, howover, never to have practised cannibalism.

Last evening a meeting of the members of tho Newton Ramblers Cricket Club was hold in tho Edinburgh Castle Hotel. There was a good attendance, and Mr P. Quinlan presided. A list of rules was submitted by the Managing Committee and adopted for use. Ib was decided to hand over the property of the old Ramblers Club to the newly-formed institution. A number ot now members were enrolled, and black and silver were selected as the Club colours, Tho election of officers resulted as follows:—Captain, W. Robertson ; Vicecaptain, C. F. Baker ; Selection Committee, Messrs Miles, Drum and Robertson ; Managing Committee, Messrs Drum, Mitchell and Baker,

Ab St. Benedict's Roman Catholic schoolroom, Newton, last evening, the fifth of a series of fortnightly entertainments organised by the Rev. Dr. Egan, for the social benefit and amusement of tbe, parishioners, was given to an appreciative audience. Mosb of the songs wero encored, and tho recitations and sketches caused much applause and laughter. A featuto of the evening waß dancing with a skipping rope by Mr W. Wiggins. Songs were contributed by Misses Carrigan, Corden, Fitzpatrick, Good, O'Neill and Mr C. Good, and recitations by Messrs Stead and Tate. Misses A. Mcllhone and O'Neill presided at the piano, and a most enjoyable evening was brought to a close by a humorous sketch by Messrs Corbett, Stead and Tate.

The sugar season ab bhe Fiji Group is once again in full swing and large consignments of the raw material will soon be arriving for treatment at the Colonial Sugar Company's refinery at Chelsea. Several shipments havo already been brought up by the steamer Taviuni, the regular trader botween this port and tho Group, but in future and up till about January next, there will bo three steamers constantly employed, to such an extent have the operations at Fiji expanded. The Union Company's cargo steamer Poherua ia due here shortly from Suva with a full cargo, on discharge of which she goeshonco to Port Kembla to load coal for Fiji, and so on to tbe conclusion of the season. The Upolu, trading between Auckland and tho Tongan and Samoan Groups, will also during the eeason make regular calls at Fiji, to load sugar at the plantations, and on her presenb trip, which was started on Thursday evening, she will initiate the extended running. Tho operations at Fiji have developed so rapidly during the past few years that the estimated quantity exported each month during the season is about 2,000 tons. The buik of this comes to Auckland for treatment, although aconsiderable amountis forwarded to Molbourne for a similar purpose. At Nasouri, where the chief plantations are situated, the operations are said to bo the largest of their kind in the world. Coolie (Indian) labour is principally employed, and co greab is tho number thab villages are rapidly springing np all over the Group and forming quite a distinct feature. The workmen are very frugal, and true to their Asiatic principles they scrapo and save to such an extent that the majority have handsome balances to their credit. Polynesian labour is also used.

The monthly meeting of Sb. Sepulchre's Band of Hope was held in the schoolroom last evening, Archdeacon Dudley presiding. Rev. J. Haselden gave a most instructive and interesting address, nnd the following programme was also rendered:—Piano duet, Misses Preece; song, Mr Kissling ; violin solo, Mastor Ramsay; piano duet, Misses Allies and Lewis; recitation, Master C. Short; piano duet, MrsTunksnnd Miss Baker; song (with banjo accompaniment), Mr Nairn ; dialogue, Masters A. Short and E. Grainger; piano solo, Mias Baker; violin solo, Mr Gilbert; and dialogue, "The Happy Family," Mrs Snow and Mr Black, instructed by Mr Nairn.

Tho sixth scholars' Scripture examination in connection with the Auckland Sundayschool Union is fixed for noxt Friday, the 22nd. The subjecb this time is the "Life of St. Paul," from the commencement of his second missionary journey to the end of his career. The Committee appointed to carry onb the examination has received over 600 entries from tho various schools. Besides town and suburbs, Hawera, Patea Napier, Waikato and tho North, will be represented. Country scholars will be examined locally. Candidates tickets havo been senb out to school superintendents, and an advertisement in another column urges candidates to apply ab once for their tickebs if they havo not received them, and to be in attendance ab 7.15. sharp on the night of the examination. The Union will give two prizes in oach of tho four divisions, which have been allotted by ago, and certificates of threo grades will also be awarded. The Revs. S. F. Prior, Jas. Blaikie, R. Scott West and F. C. Dews'bury, have kindly taken up the duties of examiners,

A requisition asking Councillor Charteg Atkin to allow himself to bo nominated f ot the bffice of Mayor is being circulated fo t signature. Already between 60 and 70 business men have signed.

During Thursday night Mr McDonald the licensee of the Masonic Hotel, Opotiki' died very suddenly. When the Waiotahi left the cause of doath had not been ascertained.

At a meeting of those interested in school rthletics hold in the British Hotel last •liffhb, it was decided to form a Schools Amateur Athletic Club, with the object ol holding with the co-operation of the Auck. land Amateur Athletic Club, an annual schools championship spot ts meeting. The officers elected consisted of Dr. McArthur (President), Messrs Tibbs, Bruce, Hosking and Mcintosh (Vice-Presidents), and Mr A. P. Burton (Secretary and Treasurer),

In the forthcoming production of Offenbach's opera "Madam Fnvart" by tho Auckland Amateur Opera Club, Herr Schmitb will, as heretofore, be musical direcbor, and Mr Archdale Tayler will undertake the sbago management, for which post thero is nono better qualified. Already a greab deal of interesb iB manifested in the event

The free lectures on " The Art of Reckoning, or Arithmetic Made Easy," which aro given daily ab 205, Queen-street, by Mr C. Frusher Howard, Fellow of the Society of Scienco, Letters and Arts, of London, havo attracted much attention during the week, and have been largely attended by those curious to make a closer acquaintance with an easy method of reckoning. The lectures will be continued daily next week, as advertised. Mr Howard is certainly a marvel as a ready reckoner, and his methods, which aro based on tho soundest scientific principles, are very simple. The ability to make business calculations with case, accuracy, and speed, is an invaluable acquisition, and it is this art that Mr Howard teaches. His lectures are especially adapted to that large class of persons who find it difficult or impossible mentally to grasp and retain complex numbers.

Another successful meeting took place in Sb. Stephen's Church last night in connection with tho Mutual Improvement. Sooiety, The Rev. T. F. Robertson occupied tha chair. After the reading of the minutes by the Secretary, Mr H. Brookes, the programme of tho evening was commenced. This comprised the reading of three essays of fifreen minutes' duration by three of tho members, namely " Shorthand," Mr W; Russell ; "Gambling Hells of Gemany," Mr H. Gittos; " Lifo and Bustle of Queenstreot," Miss G. Whitelaw. Aa Mies Whitelaw was unable to be present, ber paper was read in excellenb style by Mr P. R. Dix. Various cribicisms of an interesting and amusing nature followed each paper.

Great preparations are being made for the Dorothy Quadrille Assembly plain and fancy dress ball to be held in the Choral Hall on Friday next. The Committee are sparing no expense or trouble to make ita success. The best musicians are engaged. A 'bus will leave the Three Lamps, Ponsonby, ab 7.30 p.m., reburning after tha ball.

. St. John's Ponsonby Wesleyan Sunday" school hold their anniversary to-morrow* The preachers for the day are :—Morning, Rev. S. F. Prior; afternoon at 3, Rev. A, H. Collins; evening, Rev. C. H. Laws. Usually these anniversary gatherings are a great success, and the preparations at St. John's for to-morrow are of a special nature.

The cantata to be givefi by the New* ton Musical Society in aid o' the Epiphany Church funds, on Jlonday next, should prove attractive. There are upwards of 100 children's voices, to\mi by Mrs'J. R. Simpson, and an efficient.* chestra, the whole under the baton of Mr!, R. Simpson. The connective story will be read by Mrs Kitson. ' -

Mr R. Hobbs circulates through tho Star to-day, a neatly printed circular. It is evident Mr Hobbs spares no effort in bringing his drapery price-list right before the eyes of the public.

The twenty-first of tbe series of People's Popular Concerts will take place noxb Wednesday. The popular Auokland soprano, Miss Alice Rimmer, is engaged, and she will sing, with Mr John Fuller, the beautiful duet, " Maying."

The third term of Sb. Andrew's Collego Boys' and Girls' High School, beginß Monday, bhe 18bh insb.

Sb. John's College Boarding School will nob reassemble unbil Tuesday nexb.

No other medicine has won for itself such universal confidence as Ayer's Sarsaparilla, Ib la bhe mosb powerful combination of vegetable alteratives ever offered to th a public, and is acknowledged to be the besb blood-purifier.—(Advt.)

Lasb day of J. Tonson Garlick's furnishing cash sale on which he will allow the 25 per cent, discount is Monday, 25th inst. Do not forgot.—(Advb.)

Rushbrook and Co., of Queen-street, are showing all the newest materials in dress and fashionable attire for the season, and have another large shipment arriving by the direct steamer Indramayo, now due,— (Advt.)

Ab the public sale, Victoria Arcade, you can purchase ab the following prices:— Men's tweed suits, 15s 6d ; sac coats, 7s 6d; stiff felt hats, ls 6d; merino sox, three pairs for ls; boys' sailors suits, 4s 6d j linen collars, ld ; cuffs, 6d ; studs, 6d set; Bteel trunks, 7s lid.—(Advb.)

Mr Geo. Campbell, the well-known tailor, who was for some years in business in Queen-streeb, has taken charge of the tailoring departmenb ab Rushbrook and Cos. The firm announce bhab bhey are now open bo bake orders, aud guarantee satisfaction. -(Advt.)

Lasb day of J. Tonson Garlick's furnishing cash salo on which he will allow the 25 per cent, discount is Monday, 25th inst. Do not forget.—(Advt.)