THE HON. J. G. WARD AT OAMARU.

Auckland Star, Volume XXV, Issue 143, 16 June 1894, Page 4

THE HON. J. G. WARD AT OAMARU.

The speech delivered by the Colonial Treasurer ab Oamara last night, an extended report of which is published in out columns, is clear and instructive, as all Mr Ward's public utterances are. , At the outset, Mr Ward pnb before his audience a few figures explaining - beyond dispute the thoroughly sound financial position of the colony at the presenb moment. He showed them that while in 1890 the public debt per head was £59 3e it was now reduced to £57 9s, and that while at the former period the interest charges amounted to £3 per head they were now leßsened by Se. He reminded them that New Zealand stocks were now quoted at 103 in the London market—a proof of the confidence the people at Home feel in the colony—and he explained how the conversions, instead of being made for the purpose of "collarißß_the sinking fund, had effected an annual saving to the colony of £53,482. Having presented this pleasing picture w. the people of Oamaru, Mr Ward devoted bis attention to that very different deleneation of our public finances which bas ; been executed by the Auckland branch: of the National Association and spread broadcast over the colony. This work oi, art represents us, not only as having do eurplus, bat with an excess of expenditure over revenue of £393,000. But, a* thd Colonial Treasurer points out, the Association's abstract, when examined closely,, reveals very clearly that the deficit wbicft they pretend to have discovered does no* The balance-sheeb published by the Association was doubtless expected to prove a bomb-ehell amongst the Liberals, and w the uninitiated in intricate financial questions the leaflet did perhaps <^*f little doubt of the methodsof the present Government. But nowthat Mr Ward has taken np the harmless missive and demonsfcratta its hollowness, we are not "»iy » hear much more about it. Bub before dismissing it we would like to quoM Mr Ward's criticism of the Society from which ib emanated. entertain, «*J he, " very strong opinions »bout «7 association or organisation «*fc**ns£ broadcast uuder the title of 'fcatwnai. J statement which, upon the face of »*»" *™ true, stating that there has been an excew of expenditure of £393,000, instead of. surplus of £283,000." ir-Ward In other portions of his speech, Mr Witt refers to the success that has attaaW'Sl co-operative system in dealing with the un employed. Though we have stJl this senwj difficulty to deal with, ib » Sfratf J«S " know that the methods adopted bythe fej verntnent have alleviated the dutrefflwil* ceptibly of late years, wbUe the pnvaw debt has decreased. . ftß .<• One imporbanb remark made *7™| Colonial Treasurer w»s tb»t bo had learaw

*r« tralift was try*"* t0 exclude our ***! a'andhe declorod thab though he f 0 v^'in favour of a retaliatory policy, <2?L oeD ised thab our people muab be ■■PfiStrichiog on bhe various industries ffi colony, Mr Ward referred bo bhe *' IfvOf settling the land, and pointed 'f'/bah the Compulsory Land Acquisi--0 Bill was the only remedy for the nl unsatisfactory tenure of largo E reT He spo'to of tlic succeßß oi tiiQ '" ktißd of l»"d already made by the * Ot ,nment, and in thab connecadverted to the cheap money L«.« Of which we have heard so tf h Whab the Government proposes *rtn in this matter bhe Treasurer & not discloso, bub ha promised in ft fortnighb or three weeks thltmiblic would know all aboub it. He tWL his audience, however, thab bhe BXrv business of the banks would not if affected by bhe scheme. The speech »received with greab enthusiasm by tho IL audience present, and waa regarded £, most1 hopeful and encouraging proaddress.

ait the next meeting of the City rvmncil Cr. Kidd will move bhe K. resolutions: - (1) "That ,! new work be undertaken by ! M, Council without firet referring it to ! th« Legal and Finance Committee and h L r eporb thab ib ia within the annual tome of the Council." (2) "That, bhe !«nlntion of this Council passed on the X February, 1885. withdrawing the jLe of debentures for the conversion of he balance of tho unconsolidated portion If the loan of thab date be rescinded and L Council instruct bhe Finance CommitL to arrange the issue of debentures under the Act of 1879 for the purpose of taking up tne unconaolidated portion of w ch loans as may from time to time become da«." , The Auckland Naval Artillery paraded )ait svaning in large numbers ab the North ' Sh«w under tha; command of Lieub.Commandanb Little and Lieub. Clemens. I ybj Garrison Band under Bandmaster { Banter, marched the troops to the fort at ' the North Head,where the gunners manned i five guns. There were five debachmenta, I each of whom waa inspected and instructed )iy Lieutenant-Colonel Goring. The submarine mining debachmenba were under ' the command of Instructor Boyle, and they : were instructed on the structure, power. and uses of the Whitehead torpedo. While the drill was in progress the Garriioa Band played a number of solections in Church-atreeb,and a collection was taken up in aid of the Ambulance Corps, but ib waa poorly responded to. As an evidence of the ease with which imported gladioli adapt themselves bo bhis climate, ib may be mentioned that last February Mr Adam Porter received some bulbs from Paris, and planted them Bhorbly afterwards. By the 27th of May the bulbs were in flower and produced excellent tpikos. Mr John Dillon, M.P., writing from Dublin to a friend in Auckland, says : — "Mr Davitt is meditating on a trip to Australia and New Zealand soon, bob he has not yeb settle on the bimn. 1 shall let) you know the: moment ho does definitely lettle. I hope all my Auckland friends are well. There is no country in the world in whose future I take a warmer interest than in that of New Zealand. Somehow, from the first nighb i landed in Auckland I felt as if 1 were at borne, and tha longer 1 etayed the more attached 1 became to the country and the people. The situation in Ireland is steadily improving." A meeting of ladies interested in the formation of a female branch of the Ancient Order of Foresters, waa held lasb night in the Foresters' Hall, Karangahape Road, when there was a large attendance,_ many ladiea being present. Bro. E. Chisman, D.C.R., presided, and on the p'atform were also Messrs J. Robinson, S.C.R., H. T. Garratb, D.S., Jus. Stitchb.ury, D.T.,and Henry Mclntyre, D.B. Mrs H. T. Garratt addressed the meeting, and pointed out the many advantages men derived from being tforestere, and then referred to bhe fact that oow ib was proposed bo extend the same benefits to wqmen. Mr E, Nordon and Mr H. T. Garratt both addressed the meeting, and before the gathering dispersed about thirty ladies signified their intention to become members. It waa decided to open tha branch sn Monday, June 25th, Dr. Darby being chosen medical officer. The attention of Auckland merchants and others who are desirous of purchasing a firab-clasa business in the Bouth<Upart of the North Island, is directed to an advertisement in another column, in which tenders are invited for the purchase of the itock in trade and plant (also for bho lease of the premises) in the eatate of bhe late Frederick Ireland, of Palmerston North. Aa showing some extent of the business carried on, ib may be mentioned thab three carta are despatched daily for the country districts, and one is engaged in town delivering the whole day. The shop, which ia well known to the public of Palmerston North and the surrounding districts, is situated in bhe Square and is a credit bo the town. It is builb of brick, is as near fireproof aa possible, and is pronounced to be one of the besb between Auckland and Wellington. The programme for bhe first of a series of three orchestral and chamber concerts, to be held in St. James'a Hall under the management of Mias Clarice Brabazon and Mr S. Adams, appears elsewhere in this issue. For the opening nighb, on Monday ereDtng nexb, Monsieur Henri Casier, late primo tenor of the Montague-Turner Opera Company, will render two aongp, "Let Me Like a Soldier Fall " and " Cujus Animam." This gentleman's lendibion of Rossini's famous aong on a former occasion is said to have never been equalled in the calony, and his contributions on Monday nexb are, therefore, being looked forward to with great interest. Items will be also contributed by the favourite soprano, Mias Lizzie Warren, who is down for "The Carnival," and will take part with Mr Horace Stebbingin the favourite dueb from "Madame Favarb," " In the Dusk of the Twilighb." The other performers will be Mias Davis, Master Gerald Ralph, and Clarice Brabazon. Miss Brabazon will give two pianoforte solos, "Balmoral" and an intermezzo descriptive ot a sleigh ride to Moscow, with bell effects, the latter itself being well worth going a long way to hear. Full particulars are advertised. At the City Hall to-night a first-class programme will be provided by Miss Amy Vaughan and her Amazon Company, including several now artistea. Mr Chas. Naylor will introduce his laughable finale "Good-Bye, Maria." A new tirao parb has been prepared. Popular prices one shilling and sixpence will be charged. ' Messrs Rashbrook and Bridgman are now i" the midst of a great clearing sale of a seasonable and fashionable drapery stock, and they issue through the Star today a circular intimating to their friends and the public what they are doing. The shelves of each department groan with the weight of materials arrayed to be sold ab sale prices. Those householders who are stocking, Messrs Rushbrook ask to step in and see their values for cash. " Phosphorus and Bone-making " was explained yesterday by Mr J. A. Pond, Provincial Analyat, to bhe children attending the Chapel-atreeb School. The lecture ttas illustrated by well-known experiments, which the children watched with keen appreciation. MrG. Thwaibes, headmaster, thanked Mr Pond for his kindness, and bbc children gave him three cheers as be left the »chool.

Bank of Mew Zealand stock sold ab 2s 6d a share higher to-day, Bales being reported ab £3 33 6d, but the markeb closed with further shares offering at the same figure wibhoub securing buyers. Sales of New Zealand Insurance took place at 61s 6d, and 12s was offered unavailingly for Waiotahi, while buyers of Silvorton raised their price twopence per share. The vital safeties for May gives the esbimniied population of Auckland, 1894, ab 31,263 ; Wellington, 33.756 ; Christchurch, 16,704; and Dunedin, 23,002, the death rate for the month in Auckland being nearly double tbab of either Wellington or Christchurch, and just one more than thab of Dnnedin. For the birth rate, Auckland heads the Hsb with 115, as against Wellington, 104 ; Cbristehurcb, 93 ; and Dunedin, 79. The total berths in the various boroughs throughout the colony amounted to 391, the same figure aa the previous month. The total deaths in May were ten less than those of April. Of the total deaths, 83 were males, 67 females, 38 children under five years of age, and 27 children under one year. Some of the deaths were persons of very advanced yeara. Ab Dunedin one woman was 96 years of age, in Auckland there were two men of 82 and one 89 years of age. A verdict of " Accidental Death " was returned yesterday afternoon by the jury that inquired into the circumstances connected with the death of Mrs Ryan at Parnell, who was killed by falling downstairs. At the ordinary monthly meeting of the Devonport School Committee last night, after the regular business had been disposed of, Mr G. Poacocke moved the following resolutions :—" Tbab this Committee respectfully expresses its opinion that the reduction of the salaries of teachers recently decided upon by the Board of Education is calculated to injure the cause of education in this provincial district by discouraging the entrance into the teaching profession of the beat intellects, and by creating a feeling throughout the ranks of our teachers that) their salaries are insecure, being subject to arbitrary and sudden fluctuations, in order to mako good deficiencies arising from the financial mismanagement of the Board itself." Several members expressed their agreement with the motion, bub supported an amendment suggeeted by the Chairman, Mr O. Mays, thab in lieu of the words after "fluctuations" the following be inserted :—" And under these circumstances the Committee trusts thab the reductions now proposed to be made will^ be restored to the teachers affected attheeairlieab possible moment." Mr Peacocke accepted this amendment, and the motion seconded by Mr Bartley was then carried unanimously. With regard to the supply of stationery to schools, the Committee entirely approved of the change in the system"resolved upon by the Board. The contributions of the Wellington district to the stud sheep sales ab Sydney number over 1,000. Of these between 800 and 900 are sent under the auspices of the New Zealand Land Association. The funeral of the late Mr William Griffiths, proceeds from his late residence Franklin Road, to-morrow (Sunday), ab 2.30 o'clock to St. John's Wealeyan Church, and thence to the Symond-sbreeb Cemetery. " An Evening with Mendelssohn," illustrated with choral and orchestral selections by that great composer, was given lasb evening ab the Devonport Congregational Church by a choir from the Beresford-afcreeb Congregational Church, with the assistance of some well-known instrumentalists. The church was crowded, and the affair was a great success. When the Rev. R. Laishley suggested a similar meeting in the near future, the proposal waa greeted with moat enthusiastic applause. Mr Hooten, who presided ab the organ, was the lecturer, and gave a very concise history 'of Mendelssohn's life and work, interspersed with some of the gems of music from the composer's varied compositions, rendered by choir and orchestra, consisting of solos, trios, quartettes and choruses from "Elijah," "Sb. Paul," "Songs Withbub Words," " Midsummer Night's Dream," etc. The "March of the Priests" and " Wedding March" were exceedingly well rendered, as were also tha choruses, which reflected credit on Mr Hooton's training. Especially worthy of note was the -chorus " How Lovely are the Messengers." The soloists were the Misses Edmonds and Davis and Mr Cousins. During thd evening a collection was taken up on behalf of the church funds. An interesting social gathering was held in the Alexandra-street schoolroom lasb evening, when aboub 100 were present, mostly young people. Mr Goldie presided. During the evening, Mrs Kerr, in a short appropriate address, presented Mr and Mrs W. Jaffery with a beautifully-bound family Bible, as a token of esteem and respect from bhe Sunday-school teachers, and asa kindly memo, of their recent marriage. Mr Jaffery, for himself and wife, thanked the teachers for their veryl kindly wishes, and explained thab above all books he valued the Bible, a book that he and Mrs Jaffery had decided to take as a chart; for life. The old people of the Cosbley Home were on Thursday evening treated to an excellent entertainment of vocal and instrumental music, originated by Mr Edwin Cox, who is frequenb visitor to, and sympathiser with, the old people of the Home. The performers were:—Mesdames Allen and Moss, the Misses Cox and Marley, and Messrs Cox, McLean, and Moss. Miss Player ably presided at the piano. The Rev. W. Morley, President of the Australasian Wesleyan Metbodisb Conference, arrived from Sydney by the s.s. Monowai, and waa welcomed by the Rev. S. F. Prior, ab whose request he consented to preach to-morrow evening ab Pitb-street Church. Ib ia understood that bhe object of Mr Morley in coming to Auckland ab the present bime was to consult with the trus;ees of the Wesley College, Upper Queenstreet, as to the question of secondary education in connection with the interests of bhe denomination. Bandmaster Wesb, who has had extensive experience in the selection of musical instruments, is offering a fine lot of wind, brass, and stringed instruments at his shop in Karangahape Road, where musicians will find their wants can be supplied at moderate prices. Ab Sb. Patrick's Cabhedral to-morrow, Mozart's No. 2 mass will be sung by the choir, with full orchestral and organ accompaniments. Messrs Esam and Arthur will sell on Monday nexb, all their mart, unredeemed and over-time pledges, as clothing, jewellory, tools, etc., from Mr L. H. Neumegen, yictoria-streeb. The public always appreciate genuine bargains ; this was shown again to-day by the rush of buyers ab Geo. Fowlds1 sale of Edwards and Bennett's stock.—(Advb.) Colonial bweed trousers have never before been offered ab 5s lid, and in ordinary times bhe mills would want thab for the material. You can only get them at Geo. Fowld's sale.—(Advb.) A suib of pure all-wool New Zealand tweed, made to measure by our own staff of firsb-claas workmen ab 52s 6d, cash prices. —Smith and Caughey.—(Advb.). Smith and Caughey's sbock of boys' clothing is tho largest and cboicesb. A pure wool New Zealand suit for a boy eighti or nine years old ab 8s 6d, remarkable value.—(Advb.) Robert Rew begs to call the attention of heads of families to his large and varied stock of groceries and provisions now Belling ab lowesb cash prices.—(Advb.) Milne and Choyce call attention to a numbe p of evening dress materials and eau7is ** Ssbs than half price. See their window, -(Ad vt.) j

A meeting of bhe New Zealand Natives' Association ia convened for Wednesday evening nexb, for the election of officers and for adoption of the constitution. All members and intending members are invited to attend. A remark was made aba meebing of a local charitable institution the other day, that bbc public were appealed to so often for their assistance to charitable objects, that when a really deserving case did come along id waß treated with tho same scant ceremony as the reab. Thab would seem bo apply in an especial degree to the case of the family of bhe late Mr MeCornish, whose sudden death ab bhe Opera House a short bime ago our readers will recollecb. Mrs McComish has been left to provide for a family of no less than eight children, five of whom are under 15 years of age. The eldesb son is 24, but having himeelf a wifo and family bo support) is unable bo conbribute anything, and the nexb bwo sons (18 and 15) are ab presenb oub of work, whilst bhe only one of the girls who is able to work is earning bub very little. What) makes matters worse is that a few years previous. to hia death Mr McComish had taken a house from the local Building Society, and although ab bhe bime of hia unexpected decease he had already paid bhe sum of £294 towards its purchase, the amount) of £140 is still due. A benefit concerb waa recently gob up by some of the musical artists in the ciby.but that, ib seems, realised only £13, which Mrß McCornish baa since had to pay away in keeping the youngest children. The labe Mr McComish was one of those who are ever ready to give their services voluntarily for any charitable purpose, and in responding to the present appeal to the public for their financial sympathy for the distressed family ib ia only righb thab thab fact should be borne ml mind. A subscription lisb in aid of the widow and family is being opened ab Shis office, and any subscriptions for bhis really deserving case will be thankfully received towards the relief of the temporary distress which Mrs McComish has been so suddenly subjected to. ■ An important subject will be dealb wibh ab bhe Auckland Institute on Monday nighb by Mr E. Witby, who will read a paper on " Tho Economic Effects of Various Land Tenures." The eaaayisb does nob proposo dealing wibh bhe subject from a scientific poinb of view, bub historical facts will be considered from their liberary or economic side, and the writer will point oub whab he considers faulty conditions attached to bbc presenb system of land tenures. The ladies of Sb. Patrick's Cathedral have made arrangements for their annual social, which ia bo be held ab the Catholic Institute, Wellington-streeb, on Tuesday evening. 31sb July. The social promises to be a great) success. Te-morrow morning ab nine o'clock a steamer will leave the ferry tee for Motubapu, and after landing passengers will proceed to one of the fishing grounds, where good epprt may be obtained, returning1 to Mobubapu in bhe evening. We beg to remind our readers thab the complimentary benefit tendered to the popular comedian, Charles Faning, takes place in the Opera Hous'o to-nighb. A very large variety enberbainmenb has been prepared fdr bhe occasion. Footballers and athletes are expected to attend in force, the entortainment being under their patronage. ■Smith and Caughey are showing a magnificanb assortmenc of ladies jackeba in* eluding bhe New Dudley ab 15s 6d and a special lobab 27s 6d worth 35a.—(Advt.)