The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, Morning News, and Echo. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1895.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVII, Issue 273, 17 November 1896, Page 4

The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, Morning News, and Echo.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1895.

for the oante that hois asaiaUmcs, For the wronj that no&ds resistance, i'or iht future in tha distance And ths gcod that ire can go.

Nowhere so much as in politics do men strive to appear consistent, aad nowhere is consistency more difficult of attainment. We might, perhaps, add that nowhere may a foolish desire to appear, or even to be, consistent, lead to graver results. Of course this is not the popular philosophy. The popular belief is that a politician should at the outset of his career pledge himself to some cast-iron set of political principles, and to the end of his days never depart from them. In theory, at least, he is not to be suffered to change with changing conditions, or to alter his first view of a question, which may have been a very erroneous view. The result of this must be detrimental to the character of our public men unless they choose to set popular sentiment at defiance, which few public men are brave enough to do. The great majority ot politicians insensibly become bondsmen to public opinion and iive in dread of departing in word or deed from the faith which they originally delivered to the electors. They are very much in danger of reversing Holmes' excellent advice, •'Don't be •consistent' but be simply true," as their rule of conduct and in doing and saying not what they may ! consider the best to do or say, but

simply what is best reconcilable with what they have already said or done. In the present electoral campaign we shall have instances of this, and we may expect to have many more instances in the elections of the future, until public opinion is educated to a higher standard and politics are freed from the misrepresentation and dishonesty that at present disgrace them.

But while honest politicians may be allowed to change their views as increased light and experience shall dictate it is very undesirable that there should be any inconsistency in the written letter of the law. It is proverbial that such inconsistencies d& exist in the statutes ot every country ; nay, are they not found in our municipal regulations? And they must continue to exist even after the most careful codification. But it should be the business of our law givers to see that all glaring contradictions are done away with as soon as possible, especially if these contradictions involve such a patent inconsistency in regard to some great general, principle that no one can avoid commenting on it.

Inconsistency of the kind we have just alluded to is particularly apparent in our laws for. the hesitation or prevention of gambling. We are not at all blind to the difficulties which stand in the way of legislation to check gaming. When you begin to put down the vice, you become aware how deeply the passion has penetrated into all avenues of modern life, and are puzzlvd to know where you are to draw the line between what goes by the name of legitimate speculation and what is denounced as gambling pure and simple. But without going very deeply into ethical distinctions, one can find in our New Zealand gambling law inconsistencies that are nothing short of monstrous.

As an instance, take the way in which we have dealtwtth what are known as consultations. There is, unfortunately, no necessity to explain to New Zcalanders what a consultation is, or how this species of lottery is conducted. As every one is aware, consultations belong to gambling pure and simple, and in some respects the worst form of gambling. They minister to nothing but mere greed, and the desire to grow rich without labour. They have not one extenuating circumstance connected with them, such as is occasionally claimed for other forms of gambling. The degrading influence of them has been acknowledged in every colony of Australasia except Tasmania by the various Governments declaring them to be illegal. Only Tasmania no*v officially countenances these lotteries within its gates. To the credit of New Zealand be it said,' this colony was the first to prohibit consultations. That prohibition was followed later on by another, which put an end to the sweep promoters of Australia adverting their consultations in the colony. The second piece of legislation was a natural corollary to the first. It was right and proper that, having removed cne of the great temptations to gamble frora among us, the public should be prote^ed against the allurements of outsiders. There was a financial as well as a moral reason for the second precaution. It was undesirable that the money of our people should go out of the country, even if oue did not take into consideration the vicious object for which it went.

When the New Zealand Government passed these laws they conferred a' real boon on the community, but the financial and moral beuefit of their acts has been largely neutralised through a strange and unaccountable neglect. The sweep promoters of Australia, or rather of Tasmania, for they are confined to that colony now, ca-onot open agencies here or advertise' in our journals, but they can quite as effectively notify the New Zealand public of their existence, and of what they have to offer- Our mail bags from the other side contain hundredweights of matter advertising oweeps. These letters find their way ai! over the country, being distributed by the postal authorities in the ordinary way. Sometimes they come in such enormous quantity that the local postal staffs cannot cope with the labour of stamping them with the destination mark ordinarily impressed on postal matter. You find them in the most remote bush camps, where the hardworking settler can ill afford to play with fortune; and many are the sanguine mortals who catch greedily at the golden chance dangled before them. The extent to which these missives, are distributed, especially in the country districts, is extraordinary. The promoters do not confine themselves to one class, or to those who may on former occasions have been their patrons. Their advertisements penetrate into every house. In the North we have seen them in gumdiggers' whare and clergymen's house"- The pestal authorities lend all their machinery and complete organisation to the perpetration of a species of gambling which Parliament has endeavoured by most strjngent legislation to suppress.

Here is inconsistency with a vengeance. Leaving out of sight the probability that some of these consultations may be huge swindles—in which case the Post Office would be aiding and abetting crime—the countenancing of these lotteries by receiving and distributing the advertisements is in direct contradiction ot the spirit of the law, and the administration in suffering such a thing is fatally undermining the power and dignity of the law. But the postal authorities do not merely distribute the advertisements of the promoters, they receive and transmit the money ot the New Zealand investors in the form of postal orders; and Parliament practically winks at the scandalous afiair. We have ao means of aseer-

taining how much money goes annually to Australia to be invested in these sweeps, but if we wished to get the information with some approach to exactness, the first pUce where we would make inquiries would be at the Postal Department of the Administration. The authorities there shauld have little trouble in telling approximately how much we, as a people, spend' in gambling beyond our own shores. We believe the amount must be enormous, and in the next Parliament we would like to see a return asked forontbe subject. At any rate, the question is one which at this moment it is very "opportune to discuss, and we commend it to the notice of the electors. Most people will agree with us that here is a glaring inconsistency that should be remedied.

A Prosß Association telegram from Welliagtoa states that tbe Monewai with the EnzVub mails of 31st October lefts Sun Francises es 12tfa November (time table date).

The reception of the Righto Rev. Dr. LaniSan and his distinguished visitors at) Sb. Mary's Convent, Ponsonby, after tbe consecration, was conducted in a right loyal manner. At tbe front entrance two children carried a large banner with the words "God Bless our Belored Bishop " written'on it. At the hail door all the Sisters, orphans, and lady boarders were assembled, and a chorus of welcome wan sung by tbe children. Tha verandah was feafcooned with evergreeoe, and " haeremai's," and welcotriea oa protty bannerets spoke the sentiments of the Conranb inmates. The party immediately proceeded to the large dining hall ot tbe Sisters, which wa3 beautifully decorated for the occasion. A sumptuous banquet, catered by Mr Canning, was done ample justice to. The clerical party then departed for the Bishop's Palace. A rauaical entertainment will be given in -honour of the new bishop by the pupils of tbe Convonb High School, Ponsonby, on Tuesday, 24tb inst. ffa understand a varied and interesting programme has been prepared for the occaeios,

A man, named Alexander, rrkilo attempting to walk along the gangway which connects fcba Northeoto ferry tee with the Queen-sfcroat Wharf, about 5.30 p.m. yesterday, foil over fche edge into a waterman's boaO that was moored inaida tba enclosure. He was in a state of intoxication at the time, and Constable Bird, who came to bia assistance, took him to the lock-up, aad a charge of drankenne*B wag entered against bim. Strange fco say, bis fall, although from a considerable height, caused no serious injury to the man.

At the Police Courb to-day fewo first offender* for drunkenness wore cautioned and discharged. One wai stated to have fallen oft' the Queen street Wharf into a boat, and to have had a narrow escape from, being killed. A ca?e in which Patrick Hickey is charged with having left his cab unattended on the Queen-street Wharf on the 16th October was further adjourned till Monday next. Mr Gotter appeared for the defendant and Mr MeVeogh for tho Harbour Board. Two other cases were struck out. Mr H. W. Northcroft. S.M., presided.

At the meeting of the Newton Boroogh Council held last Right fche names of those receiving charitable aid and inmates of tho Costley Home, etc., forwarded from the Hospital and Charitable Aid Boad were laid on the table. In tho course of an isformal discuseiun oh the matter ife was pointed out) that charitable aid cow absorbed 23 por ceat. of the whole rates. In 1.895. Newton contributed £130, and received in relief £95'6a ; Arch Hill contributed £57, and received in relief £142; Onehunga contributed £15&. and received £203; Parnoll contributed £258; and got £S9 in relief. Newton is assessed at £175 this year, or £45 additional.

Thjß Auckland University College Council mot yesterday afternoon, there being preaenc :—Sir G. M. O'R-orke (Chairman), Hi 9 Lordship Bishop Cowio, Rer. W, J. Williams, Messrs J. J. Holland. F: E. Bauine, Alaclaurin and C. T. Major. A resolution was passed thanking Mr J. McCoah Clark for having given tho use of a globe to th^ College on the same terms on which the uso ot a telescope wa» given in December 1894. THo question of i»-! creased accommodation for tbs physical laboratory was referred to the Chairman, Rev. W. J. Williams, Messra Maclaurict and Bauine, to consult with Prof. Brown. The Chairman said tho work would cost | aboub £150 and this sum might be taken from the £1,500 tbe College had on fixed deposit The Re?iatrar and attendant wore granted holidays from 19th December to 2nd January. The Registras was also given from 21st December to Ist February to compile catalogue tor library. The offer of Messrs Pullan, Arcnit&ga and Co. to continue loaso of house, ground, etc., at) Green Lane for a period of two years at £120 per annura waa accepted. Tha recommendations of the Professorial Board relative to awards (as published) wero agreed to, except in thecaseof mathematics, Mr R. A. Crump having lodged a complaint. A letter was read from Mr Crump on tho matter, in which he said that he had bean disappointed thab Mr Bamford had been rocomrni?ndcul to the Council for the premium given for tho highest) marks in t!ia mathematical examination of the year. He had been informed that he (the writer) had obtained the highest marks, and that Professor Seagar had said thab he was nob eligible because he had not attended eiifficient locliures.. He attended tho lectures for the firat term, after which ho obtained an exemption, aa ho was earning his living. The regulation on the subject could nob possibly bo rend to debar a scudent in his position. This was referred to tbe examiner. It waa roporterl that in the Sinclair scholarship awarded to Misa A. M. D. Dinaen, Miss (J. Busten and J. C. iJill ran vary closely in the competision. Mr Bauma accapned tho appointment of Editor of the Syllabus, aKii it was agreed that next year a premium ho oil'ered for French, as iv other subjects. The Criminal Sittings of the Supreme Court commence on Monday next. Tbe following ensos are sot down for trial :— Charles Cross, Pake Crous, Kiri Bristow Johnson and Oko Oko, theft of bullock by killing tho tame ; Walter Woodcock, maiming and woueding a mare ; Wm. Andrewßattray, theft; Henry Hawthorne, theft; Thomas Thompson, tfaeft of a horse ; Wm. Johnstone, alias Twining, indecent assault (three chargee); Wm. Knox, breaking and entering a factory ; Sol. Solomon, alias Samuels, obtaining money by false pretences (fivo charges) ; Wm, Bourke, breaking and entering a shop and stealing.

Exdotecbivo Khby, in hie speech to the jury in the Wellington Supreme Court yesterday said when he waa taken over to Sydney he was nob in hia righb mind, and when he came to bia senses, went on board the Tarawera, to return to Now Zealand. He hinted that he was nearly driven to suicide. Ha said he intended to pay those who bailed him out, after serving his sentence.

In our report of tha ladies' hunting competition at Potter's Paddock on Saturday last we were in error in stating that Miss Kerr-Tayler won the second prize.—Tho young lady was Miss Amy Taylor, of Mangere, who rode Colonel Dawtoa's Ike,

Smith and Caugbey have cleared a warehouse stock of linoleums in good patterns. They will offer theso at la lid, usual price 2a lid.-(Advt.)

At the banco sitting of the Sum* Court to-morrow, a mining caie of » interest comes before the Court. Thean!?^ from tha decision of fcho Warden i n a case, W. Aitken v. Fredk. Swindley i,,* k down for Brgument. '" If tho authorities do nob adopt'ttrn' measures *o prevent bicyclist* riding »1 nighc witfaonb lights we shall ereloagh c of some ahocking, perhaps fatal, accident Every evening Poasonby and Nowton«rt swarming with lampless bikes, frequenti! ridden at top speed, and the practice iab coming so common that the law is m o !» marked by evasion than by observance, v is no doubt difßculb to identify a bicyclisfe rushing along tho street at night, bud " shocking exampls " might be made of an. delinquents who are caught, for th« bemfik of others, and law-abiding bicyclists should do all in their power to assUt in puwjo» « efcop to such a dangeross practice.

A prohibition gathering was held W evening in the Pitb-streot Wed ß j. B Chnrch under the auspicea of tneChriitL Endaavour Association. Owing to th« ahortnoss of the notice given, the atte». danca was nob large. The Rev. W. j' Williams presided, and gave an address," Speeches were 'also delivered by Jju Grindrod and the Rev. W. GUtot. Mr Nenrion sang " The Better Land." Mr» B d Miss Caley sang the .duet, " Love Divine," Various selections were also rendered by the choir, under the leadership of Mr \Y F. Forbea. _.>. . ' Tho complimentary conoerfi to bs u O , dered to Miss Celia Dampier should crori quite a sQCcest. The programiae is on. usually variad and complete. It«tna wtlj bt giyen by Miss Harding's orchestra, Mr W. H. VVebbe'a quartette clase, memberVof the Auckland Banjo, Guitar and Mandolin Club, Mesdames Sboeßtnitb, Borlau »»4 Kilgour, tha Misses Lorrigan, Rita-Tole Amy Bates, Ada Wood, Celia Dampier' l Messrs G. M. Reid, Casier, Alex. Smith wi Aif. Bartley. The full programme will bt fouad in another column, and from ill appearances the little violinist willbarti bumper house. ,

A sale of work in the Public Ball, Onbhuaga, in connection with St. Pettr'i parish is. to be opened to-morrow (Wednesday) by the Primate at 2.30 p.o. Besides the sale of work, special prizei giVen by Mrs E. D. O'Rorkei Dr. Scott, *he Mayor,' and Mr H. E. N. Tanner, will be awarded for different kinds of bonqiuu, Prizes given by Mrs Handley and Mr G, Browne will be awarded for dolls droned by children. Au auction will conclude tU sale.

The closing social gathering in oonnoe. tioa with thewiater course of lectors;, ate., of the V.M.C.A. will ba held on''Friday, 4th December. A reception will be ghen the same evening to Mr and Mrs J. L. Wilson, who are expected to arrire by the mail steamer Monowai.

Arrangements have been made for tin appearance in Abbott's Opera Hons», ghort|y, of Alfred Wood's Dramatic Co., which has juut completed a very tucnii* ful ueason at Her Majesty's Thwtro, Sydney, and who will appear hera in a series of the latest London successes. Tha firsts production will introduce Mr Wood* in his celebrated impersonation of Jock Dudley in " Hands Across the Sea," on*of the most; sensational and nucceaslnl o( modern pl&ya. Amongst tha other memberi of tho company are Messrs E. J. Coghlao, George Melville, Alfred Boothman, J. A. Patteraon, W. Marshall, J. Norbetk, E. p., Marsland, W. J. Manaiag, Fred. Barrett, Harry Willard, Misses Mille RichardiOD,: Btryl Temple, Emily Grssham, and Matii Miiton. Special attention haa bean paid to the ecenery, which has been specially painted by Kinchela and Ricketts, md thore will be Daartellbas taeehanical efifcti by J.Sturgeon. Popular prices of admim* will be charged, and seats may be roseroi a t the usu&l booking ottica. - I";;

Last evening the Ramnern Muilui Society gave a performance of Coweo'i caotata, " The Pvcse Muidan " in Sb. Lnk«'i Hull, Remuera, before a large attendance. The performance was sll round a eucceuful one, and the reßulfc was very creditable to. the Society. There were about forty singers and an orchestra of twenty members. Mr J. McMillan-conducted, and Miss M. Heywood actsed as piaiiib Tieesoloiats were : Mist Crowther, soprano! Miss Tilly, contralto: Mr Claude KJB»lir»g, tenor; anil Mr Brace, baritone, aod they all acquitted themselves creditably. Mbi Tilly especially did well, considering that sho took up the part at very ehorbnotiw (on Saturday last), ewing to the illneii o( Mi«B Thorpe, who was originally allothd tbo contralto solos. The nolos wen pleasingly rendered, and the cboiOßM «(i tho orchestral work wero_ effective »wl showed careful and contiaued trainine. Altogether the audience were bighljf pleased with the p«rform»Dca of 6ba Society, which-id the fiaal coaeerb of tin eeasoa.

The good qualities of the Rtmtor bicycle for racine wer© strongly in eridencs at the Cycling Club's sports on Satordty. A. Campb9.ll rod* a Raaibier in tbemiidM bicycle, and the five mile handicap M local riders, both of which event! he »oi, aud F. Hunt was on a Rambler wb«n b» won the Five Milo Cycling Club Handier Hoodry, who won the costutnt race, «| Forbes, who secured three third prize" m one second, also used Rambler machinM. Two of these machines in use during jM afternoon were only 171b weight. On »« whe'.e the ridiag by the competitors w>° rodo Ramblers, proved this mat* to ton many good qualities which should en»u« a ready sale for the machine ia Ne^ >*? land. The agante hero aro iieisn Dox»r and Crozior, of Victoriaatreet. '

Sir John Power and Son, dlitffo* Dublin, established a.d. 1791. SpeeiuM* still whisky, perfect purity insured. M" fine flavour and delicacy of this vamj » well known to the trade and to cone.utt>«* Protected by tha guarantee of th«Gowr«" rnenb and the dißtillers, and ty>ine "»>' cases shipped direct from distillery *(» house. Cases, octaves, and W*™ n A '^ Ehrenfried Bros., agoatß. AmW™ (Adt.) Jusb opened, a choice assortment «r » " new grass lawn " in crepoa wj » stripo now so much worn at Home »» ( Australia.-Smith and Caugfeey, »«•..■ Merchants, etc.—(Advfc.) , 180 dozen of white and ooblf j» Turkiih toweli. A job hne w • Tongariro.-Smith and Caugbey.-(A aY J. Tonson Garlick's new carpeb w^ room on ground floor now opencoverings laid superbly.—(Advfc) Bush vugs and blankets. Big]?"I'^ in the abova now showing at c"01"1 Caughey's.—(Advt.) ■ -, The best makea in hosiery. &***' m brellas, at Judd's Drapery Warehouse. 6 Queen-street.— (Advt.) ■ A big shipment of lace curtß>nMjy Tongariro. Smith and Caugbey » ft ceived a fipecial shipment of the * j,,j white and ecru, bought by onr.r r., heiD}?'' on exceptional terms. The abotJ, cleaf «l excess of our usual indents, we tM .^ our well-known low cash prices.—t The latest styles in prints, "*V°*\& millinery, etc. — Judd's Draper houae, 276. Queen-fitreeb.-(AOT^/ . Always ask for the Waterway D fßn)o ,i calicoes, longcloths and sheeting. g | ff ,yi for purity, for reliability » «•» : > t]J •> keeps a perfect white, ™ ,whey, *"' obtained from Smith and Wg^ agents.-lAdvt.) ,; o> •■g.^jj The B.c. Tongariro, now i»JUiW! broughb Smith and Caughey »D" , fip r»r Bhipmenb of the »^jj^ g calicoes, longcloths and f e. B" f { i, (W tomers can now be snppu» " price and quality. —(Ad?G.J I