WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1893.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 259, 1 November 1893, Page 4

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1893.

A cablegram from Washington informs us that the Silver Repeal Bill has passed the Senate by 43 to 32 The decision is of interest far outside the boundaries of the great Republic and will meet with the approval ot tb e leading financial authorities throughout the civilised world. In the United States it will prove a Crushing blow to the owners of silver mines who have been enabled during the last few years f under the protection of an unjust legislative enactment to acquire immense fortunes at the national expense. But to the great body of the people the 1 effect of the repeal measure will be like the removal of a nightmare, and the welcome news will be received with heartfelt thanksgiving. Whatever the merits of bimetallism may be, nearly all honest financiers are agreed that a sound basis for a currency cannot be obtained in the manner provided under the Act which was adopted in America under pressure by the silver States. The adoption of a gold standard by the United Slates will do more than anything else could have done to bring bimetallism to the front as an international question. We dealt at length a few weeks ag° with the evils caused by the Sherman Silver Act passed in 1890, whereby the United States Treasury were compelled to purchase 54,000,00002 of silver annually. It was argued by the silver party at the time that if the Government consented to purchase to that amount the price of silver would be permanently raised. On the other hand, il was predicted by financiers that the attempt to monetise all the silver produced by the mines of the United States, would prove a disastrous failure. The event has shown that the warnings given were based on sound judgment. One immediate effect of this legislation was to stimulate the production of silver, not only in America, but throughout the world. The steady (all in the price of the white metal was a fact that could r^ot be glossed over, and the serious loss that the nation has suffered is shown by tbe fact that the* Treasury has 124,292,53202 of uncoined silver in its vaults. The cost ot this accumulated hoard amounted to $114,299,920, but it is worth, at the market price of silver to-day, only $103,411,386. The over-valuation of silver has tended to drive gold out of the country, and the net gold in the Treasury, which in 1888 amounted to $218,818,000, fell on the 30th June last to $95,485,413. When President Cleveland came into power he was pledged to repeal the Sherman Silver Act. The interested upholders of that measure, like the ancient silversmiths who made shrines for the goddess Diana, saw that their craft was in danger, and- at once prepared to resist with all the forces that bribery and menace could hold to their side. But the current of events proved too strong for them. The depreciation in the silver dollar and the falling off in the gold reserve were facts that could not be blinked. The action of the Indian Government with regard to the demonitisation of silver came opportunely to strengthen the hands of the American Repeal Party. When the House of Representatives, which may be regarded as expressing the national sentiment, assembled for business no time was lost in placing the views of the people on record. The House declared for the unconditional repeal of the Sherman Silver Act by a majority of 131 votes. But the chief hope of the silver party rested in the Senate; which is not so much representative of the people as of the States forming the Union. But even if they had suceeded in throwing' out" the measure m the Upper House, the victory could only have been a temporary one. The S>At«might for a time have thwarted tei*

wishes of the people as the Legislative Council, has done in"this colony, but in the end the will of the cation must have triumphed. Senator Bland and the silver party were prepared to yield something, but they hoped to effect a compromise which would fall short of repealing the obnoxious Act. The Repeal Bill was stonewalled with .a persistency and obstinancy worthy "of a better cause. Senators opposed to the measure provided themselves with beds in the Chamber, and Senator Allen, who seems to be the Fish of the American Assembly, spoke fifteen hours against repeal. Tbe galleries were crowded with excited spectators, and throughout the country an intense feeling of indignation was aroused by the action of the obstructionists. A | fruitless attempt was made to stave off the threatened reform by a proposal that the Sherman Act should continue in force for 18 months with a limited issue of bonds. It is evident from the cablegrams that great pressure has been brought to bear upon the President, and it was said that he approved of the silver compromise providing for continuance of purchase by the Treasury until October, 1894. This statement we are inclined to doubt, although it is possible President Cleveland may have been induced to consent to a proposal that emanated with the democratic party if no better terms could be obtained. Senator Vorhe.es, the leader of the Repealers, has throughout steadily declined to agree to any compromise. It has been evident during the last few days that the opposition was breaking down, and the announcement that the Bill has passed is a magnificent triumph for the repeal party. The nation must suffer for a time from financial dis-arrangement caused by fighting against the laws of trade. There can be no doubt that the price of silver will fall still lower and that the closing of various mines will be the cause of a great deal of individual suffering. It will take some time to recoup the losses and adjust the difficulties connected with the currency, but it is at any rate a matter for congratulation that the silver barons will be no longer able to enrich themselves by plundering the American people.

Ab the Guessing Competition ab the Waikato Agricultural and Pastoral Association Show on Friday, a bullock, a cow, and three sheep were pub up to be estimated. The bullock weighed, when dressed, 1,0991b and Mr Vosper, of Pukurimu, came nearesb with 1,1031b, Mr T. Finch being second with 1,0711b. The guesses ranged from 1,1601b bo 9101b the latter being made, strange to say, by a butcher. The cow weighed 8861b, Mr C. Roberts guessing 8821b, Mr Pickering - being nexb wibh 8961b. The three sheep weighed 1831b, Mr W. J. Hunter guessing 1841b, Mr J. Baugh |183_lb, and Messrs H. G. Carter and IW. C. Moyan 1831b each. Again the butchers were oub of ib, one guessing 168, one 160, and another 1671b each. For the ox the butchers were: 910, 980, 1,015, 1,017, 1,0201b. Strange to say that oub of 51 guesses ab the ox, only three were over the actual weight, viz., J. Marshall 1,145, Broadbenb 1,160, and Vosper (bhe winner) 1,103 lbs. The sheep weights varied from 2451b to 1601b, and the cow from 9511b to 710lb. Variety enough for anyone surely. Particulars to hand of bhe poisoning case ab Te Apiti, Hawke's Bay, show that on Wednesday morning several perions partook of porridge ab breakfast. Shortly afterwards they were seized with great pain and attacks of vomiting more or less severe. The cook, who was amongst the sufferers, stated he took a lump of what seemed to be salt from a basin in which salt was usually kept, and breaking ib in two, placed a piece in each of two saucepans which he was using for the meal. He now feels confident ib musb have been some other substance, bub thab is difficult bo prove, as tho boy employed in the kitchen threw what remained in the basin on to the fire to prevent others being similarly attacked, he (the cook) being too ill to attend to whab bhe boy was doing. All who partook of the porridge have now thoroughly recovered. Through a mistake in telegraphing, it was advertised thab Mr Palmer would address the electors ab Taupaki on Friday. Ib should have been at Deacon's barn, Kumeu, where Mr Palmer speaks on Friday nexb. A rumour was currenb iv Whangarei during lasb week that payable silver had been discovered on Parahaki, opposite Whangarei township. The assay made of the ore by Mr Clark-Walker yielded 59ozs bo tho bon. Ib was a kaolin ore resembling in appearance cement, and has* been identified as being exactly similar to the Parahaki kaolin. That silver does exisb on this hill has been known for some considerable time, bub being all private property those who know most about it had no interesb in following up the discovery. A new steam-trawler was recently built ab Wellington to the order of MrN. Fernandos by Messrs Paull and Roberts. Mrs Fernandos chistened her the Ithaca, after the name of the island in the Mediterranean on which the owner waR born. The steamer is a triple-skinned vessel. The planking is of seasoned kauri, her lengtti being 50fb and her beam ll^ft. She is to be driven by an engine and boiler formerly on a Governmenb launch, and ib is expected that in tine weather she will be able to steam about Seven knots an hour. The Ithaca is rigged as a schooner. She will be able to spread a good deal of canvas, and it is anticipated that in a decent breeze, without the aid of steam, she will be able to make very good progress. Mr Fernandos intends her to run from the fishing gounds in tbe Sounds of Picton and the mouth of the Wairau, so as to tranship her cargoes of fish into the steamers coming to Wellington. The summer time-table of bhe Northern Union Steamboat Company, running on the Kaipara River, appeared in lasb evening's issue. The new company have greatly improved the facilities for travelling on theso rivers, and bhe new bime bable will afford travellers the opportunity of visiting the various places on the Wairoa and Otamatea rivers, without much lose of time. The Company have also opened up a service between Dargavillo and Tangiteroria, which is likely to be permanent, as the Government have recently granted a subsidy, which -ill help the Company in continuing this desirable connection. Messrs Cousins and Atkin, of Elliottstreet, had a splendid exhibit of vehicles at the Waikato Show. This firm has made a special study of the Waikato trade, and their business and pleasure vehicles may be seen in every part of thab district. Amongst the many styles shown were the following : — The station buggy : Front seat carries bhree; the hind seat, being portable, gives plenty of storage room for luggage, etc. The wheels, axles and undergear were extremely light and of the finest quality, steel being used in the place of iron. The Clifton jump-seat : This is an entirely new style, introduced and patented by bhe firm this year. The front seat carries three passengers, and tbe hind seat folds in under the front seat—converting it into a single buggy. Single seat buggy on double Concord springs : A new style of undercarriage, light and easy riding. This vehicle was the most admired of any in the Show. Double seat Concord buggy : A sample of one of the most popular styles bhe firm build. Very lighb undergear and wheels, and when the hind seat is folded in looks lighb enough for a single buggy. The Waikato wagon, another vehicle exhibited, is an original design of Cousins and Atkin, and especially suited to bhe Waikato ; it is also fitted with the Clifton jump seat, and gives plenty of room for parcels, etc. Tbe undercarriage is in bwo Concord and two elliptic springs, proved by the firm to be the best gear known for hard work. Mountain waggon : This is a very roomy trap, and especially suited for stations ; portable hind seat ; undercarriage same as Waikato waggon. Singleseat buggy, on Concord gear: This is a very roomy buggy, carries 5 in seat, and plenty of storage room unde.neath. This buggy was fitted with the patenb horse releaser, which was shown to advantage, and practically demonstrated by driving a horse and releasing same by simply pulling a strap, much to the astonishment of the crowds that gathered. This is a very useful invention, and should be used by all. The firm was represented by W. H. Atkin and their Waikato agent, John Ferguson. We learn to-day thab the firm have senb 8 vehicles of various sorts to the Hawera Show, held on November 2nd, also thab bhey have forwarded a very handsome lady's phaeton bo Gisborne by to day's steamer. The.much abused Cricket; Ground makes up in picturesque beauty what ib lacks in utiliby for cricket purposes. A picture of the Cricket Ground and a full page picture of the Domain appear in the mail number of the " Graphic " issued today. By advertisement in another column, the members of the National Association and bhe public are reminded of the meeting to bo held in the rooms, 123, Queen-street, i tomorrow (Thursday) evening. A large attendance of members is urged, and ladies are cordially invited. A meebing of tho Drury Presbyterian congregation was held lately, at which it was agreed to erecb a new church on a central site, which has jusb been purchased, and liberal . subscriptions have already been promised on the spot amounting to about £55. An appeal will be made to the other congregations of the charge and to friends in Auckland and in other charges. A concert will also bo held to increase the funds for the proposed new church. A meeting of the Onehunga Prohibition League waß held laßb nighb in bho 1.0. G.T. Hall, when Mj H Field delivered an interesting lecto on "Prohibition." It is expected that Mi* Muir will be chosen as the prohibition candidate for ihe Manukau, <

Those who have the management^ Potter's Paddock are leaving no stone un**,; turned to make the favourite ground com- - tortable for the many purposes for which it ■ %•■ is used by the public. The grand stand v'; being thoroughly renovated tbroughoub and the whole re-painted, while all of the other !'.' surrounding buildings are likewise being done up. A commodious iron building it in course of erection for the Auckland Agricultural Association Show this month) in which the local industries will be Bhow_% A new racing brack has also been laid down for the Auckland Trotting Club meetings aba cost of £450, and followers of the buff stabe bhab ib is the best track in the colony. The whole of the brack is railed round in a substantial manner. The saddling enclosure has also been enlarged. Followers of the favourite sporb of polo have nob been neglecbed, and bheir portion ot the ground has been pub in first class order. The whole has been carried oub under bhe watchful eye of Mr J. S. Kidd, the manager of Potter's Paddock. Ab the Pukekohe R.M. Courb, before Messrs T. Wilkenon, J.P., and G. Russell, J.P., Jeremiah Hickey No. 1 was charged wibh assaulb with intent to do grevious bodily harm to Jeremiah Hickey No. 2. Dr. Carolan examined the plaintiff, and found him suffering from a scalp wound in tbe head, and an injury to the back, confining him to his bed. The case was remanded until Thursday, November 2. Bail was allowed £25 iv himself, and £25 in other surety. Jeremiah Hickey No. I applied for a cross summons against Jeremiah Hickey No. 2, which was granted.—(Own correspondent.) The following guests were staying ab the Okoroire Sanatorium during the week ending October 28th, 1893 :—Mr J. L. Castaer, Sydney; Mr and Mrs Nelson, England; Mr Kilgour, Christchurch; Mr Tiller, England; Mr Sharland, Mr Baker, Mr L. D. Nathan and son, Auckland; Rev. P. Walshe, Melbourne ; Mr and Mrs McLean, Blenheim ; Miss Tatbersall, Auckland; Mr Hislop, Mr Gibson. s On Thursday lasb, 26th inst., a smoke concerb and dance was held in Swanson, as a send-off to Mr F. Kohn, bhe late Hon. Secretary S.C.C., who ia leaving the districb. The Red Rose and Cosmopolitan Minstrels assisted. Owing to the shorb notice of Mr Kohn's departure, an illuminated testimonial which is being prepared will be forwarded to him on completion. Mr Erikson kindly threw open his residence, and a most enjoyable evening was spenb, dancing, etc., being kepb up bill daybreak, when the company broke up with three ringing cheers for Mr Kohn. The music was supplied by Messrs Bellamy (piano), and Erikson (violin). Aba meeting of the Mayfield School Committee held lasb nighb, Mr Wibheford in bhe chair, the erection of a new school ab Hellyer's Creek was unanimously approved. The annual gabhering of bhe Wesleyan Home Mission is to be held this evening in the Pitt-street Church ab 7.30. The meeting will be one of considerable interesb from many points of view. The Rev. W. Morloy, the Connexional Secretary, whoba» been on the wing for many months, touring all over tbe Country, will be the principal speaker, and he has accumulated * stores of material, which he will distribute to his audience. The missioner to the gumdiggers, the Rev. Mr Bridgeman, will also give an account of his exciting travels, and the men he has met. The choir will muster to do justice to the musical portion of the programme. " Elocubion " was the topic of an essay by Mr R. H. A. Potter ab the meeting of tbe Athenaeum Literary and Debating Society last evening. The subjecb was treated in a good and concise manner. Recitations on " Sebastian, the Painter," and "Cataline's Defiance" were delivered by the essayist after the reading of his paper, and were well received. The meeting next week, which is to take the form of a social evening, will be held on Wednesday instead of Tuesday, An open meeting in connection with the Mystic Tie Lodge, 1.0. G.T., was held in the Papakura Public Library on the 26th October. The Rev. T. Norrie was Chairman and delivered an appropriate speech. Songs were rendered by Sis. McLeod, Bro. Philpobb, Bro. Rhind and Mr Griffiths (encored). The Chairman and Bro. Shepherd gave readings, and Mr Richardson a recitation, which was encored. Several odes were interspersed. A very enjoyable concerb was given in the Masonic Hall, Pukekoho, on Friday, 27th inst., by the Pukekoho Musical Society, assisted by other friends, in aid of bhe funds ot the local Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Findlay being in the chair. The items, all ot which were well received, were contributed by the Pukekohe Musical Society, Rev. Griffiths, Misses Piggot, Finlay, Larvan, Beloe, Smith, Conolly, Beloe, Mesdames Pilgrim and Findlay, Dr, Carolan, Messrs Wright, Crowther, Madill, and Porter. The Rev. A. H. Collins will deliver his racy lecture on "©race, Grib, and Gumpbion," ab bhe Tabernacle bo-morrow (Thursday) evening. There will be no charge, bub a collection will bo made in aid of the Gumdiggers' Mission Fund. Mr Harry Long ia constantly prosecuting Mission work in bhe districts north of Kamo. The usual meeting of Sb. John's Boys' Club took place on Tuesday evening in the Bchoolroom. Mr G. Bettany occupied the chair. The evening was taken up with bhe continuation of the annual liberary competition. Instrumental and vocal music were the items down on the programme for competition, and resulted as follows :—Solo singing (maximum number of points, 40): Mr E. Griffiths, Ist, 32 points ; Mr T. Garland, 2nd, 24 points ; Mr H. Bubler, 3rd, 21 poiiits. As entries for instrumental music were few, they were taken in one class, with the following resulb :—Mr T. Finer, piano solo, lsb, 28 poinbs ; Mr B. Scotb, flute solo, 2nd, 22 points. An amusing item was a tin whistle compebibion, wbich ended wibh the following result :—Mr E. Griffith, Ist, 37 points ;Mr H. Butler, 2nd, 34 points ; Mr C. Green, 3rd, 28 points. Ab bhe close a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the judges (Messrs P. R. Dix and fl. Simmonds) for their impartial judging. A festival service takes place to-nighb ab All Saints' Church, Ponsonby. The Rev. G. Mac Murray will preach. The promenade fete in the City Hall, in aid of the reduction of the liabilities of Sb. Paul's parish, bids fair to be a brilliant affair. The sale of work opens ab 3 o'clock in bhe afbernoon, when the Mosb Rev. Dr. Cowie will make a few remarks. Amongsb bhe attractions will be a flower stall and also a stall for the sale of candy. For the evening an excellent enberbainmenb has been arranged. Minueb and shell daaces will be given by lady amateurs. A number of tableaux and plantation songs will be performed and sung by children, while Mr Leslie Dix will give" a character song. Other vocalists are Mrs Cooper and Mr Ferriday. A violin solo is to be contributed by Herr Zimmermann, and Mr Keesing delivers a recitation. The fete will remain open until Saturday night. For perfect fitting trousers, try New Zoaland Clothing Factory. Our cutter, Mr Jaggs, has an unsurpassed reputation for giving fib, sbyle and couiforo. Riding, hunbing and cycling breeches a specialby. Latest London style.—(Advt.) We have just effected some large purchases of clothing from the Kaiapoi Mills, ab special •• job " prices. These goods include boys', youths' and men's suits and trousers, and are all marked ab specially low rates. We*%re the largest buyers of Kaiapoi clothing in tbe city.—Smith and Caughey, Queen-streeb.--(Advb*)