MONTHLY SUMMARY FOR Europe and America.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 135, 9 June 1898, Page 5

MONTH LY SUMMARY FOR Europe and America.

OUB HOME LETTER

AUCKLAND, N.Z.,

June 9, IS9S

It js announced that Parliament meet three weeks hence, and although it is possible that circumstances may necessitate the opening being postponed, it will not be for any length of time. The Premier in his recent speech at Feilding indicated pretty fully what the Government programme for the session was, so that so far as that part of the business of the House which is directly controlled by the administration isconcerned, we know, iv a general way. what to expect. Such matters ns the extension of the municipal franchise, the reform of local government, the liquor traffic, technical education, old age pensions, and State fire insurance are all sufficiently large "and important to merit a whole session to themselves. Mr Sedckm has thrown out some hints regarding the attitude of the Government towards these subjects, which taken in conjunction with proposals already ventilated, enable ns to form some conception as to the lines on which he intends to proceed. His suggestions for the reform of our local government system indicate come sweeping changes, and doubtless when this matter comes before the House it "will be vigorously canvassed. The demand for technical education which the Bill of last session, if it had passed, would have done somethiug to till is becomiug more urgent every day. In every other part of the world the absolute necessity for equipping the rising generation more efficiently for the battle of life is recognised, and if we do not teach our young colonists as the youth of other countries are being taught, they will be shut out from participating in the opportunities offered to skilled labour elsewhere, while the stranger without our gates will be able to step in and take, the bread out of their mouths by virtue of his superior skill. Technical education is one oP the subjects to which the House should give its earnest and earliest attention. Defence is another matter which, in view of the unsettled condition of the world and the dangers that may threaten us as part of the most disliked nation on earth, should not be. lightly treated. With regard to the proposal of the State to take over the business of fire insurance we are disposed to thing that the time is not ripe for such a step. Notwithstanding what has been written respecting the profits of fire insurance companies, we question very .much if they are so largo as is represented. Indeed we have seen figures which prove that fire insurance now-a-days is far from the lucrative enterprise it once was, and to inaugurate a scheme of State fire insurance on the lines that were originally indicated would in our opinion be incurring a larger risk than the Government could wisely take un.

The speech delivered by the Hon. A. J. Cadinan at Paeroa on May -'8 will repay perusal. It is characterised by that sound, practical common sense for which the Minister of Railways is distinguished. Mr Cadman is not an orator, but no member of the House of Representatives receives a more attentive and respectful hearing, because he rarely speaks unless he has something of interest and value to say, a quality that is appreciated in the great talking shop at Wellington.

MrCadman's answers to the captious criticisms with which the Government are frequently assailed were very much to the point. He claims, and succeeded very well in establishing his position, . that the Government policy is one of progress and advancement, as distinguished from Conservative stagnation and privilege on the one hand and advanced socialism on the other. It is not surprising, therefore, that Ministers fail to satisfy the parities wMch represent these extremes. When dealing with the subject of finance he made several important statements: among them is specially worthy of note the fact that although the debt of the colony has increased £6,133,074 since 1891, when the Liberal Party came into power, the interestcharge has actually decreased £116,840 a year. The reduction is partly due to better financial arrangements, but much of the borrowing has been for purposes which entailed no burden on the tax-payer. The advances made to settlers and the money spent upon the purchase and subdivision of big estates are directly reproductive.

Mr Cadman challenged an examination of the results achieved by the Government in their administraton of the public service; and in connection with the railways especially, wh.cb come immediately under his own direction, he was able to show a most satisfactory improvement. Since Ministers took over the lines from the Commssioners, the public have received greater facilities at a smaller cost, while at the same time the revenue has increased until it i-epresents H per cent, on the £16,000,000 borrowed for the construction of the lines. Of course, as Mr Cadman pointed out, this is still less than than the money cost the colony, the rate at which it was borrowed averaging 41 per cent., nevertheless when the indirect advantages are taken into account the colonial revenues have undoubtedly gained enormously from the railway expenditure; it has been an excellent investment in whatever light w e regard it.

As Minister of Mines, Mr Cadman has been kept in close touch with our goldfields, and he replied to some of the criticisms which have been directed against the Government in this connection. His remarks on the. subject are worthy of careful consideration.

It has been suggested that the death of so great an Englishman as the late Mr Gladstone should not be allowed to pass in the colonies without some public demonstration of mourning and respect, and at a crowded meeting held in the Opera House it was resolved to raise a fund for the purchase cf a bust or portrait of the deceased statesman for the Auckland Art Gallery. Although we are politically independent of the Mother Country, occasions like this make its feel that in spirit the British Empire is one and indivisible. We share in the glorious, achievments of its statesmen, its. warriors, its noble sons who win

dstmctxon in the fields of literature, ons TT a r ?- n- art- As Reborn Brith 1 Partlc\pat e in the world's aduupon our Empire and on our race. sDol-e„eat • iot Ml' Gladst0 »c has been <tK«L?i b? an, African writer as the worlds loss.' His matchless gifts and great influence iv mature life iwf ', b, etni llsed 011 toe side of libeity and humanity, and among the r wf SlonS 0J! re §Tet elicitt^ by his W»\ Hn°l? We beliere !ir« ™°re irom Greece and Italy. Iv the prenf'nf °.t LJ eath 6Ven tlle achievements of the statesman and unequalled ChanBri?uw h0/ tr ilpped the fetters from j litish trade, become subordinated to the feeling of profound respect and adm.ration winch everyone must feel to the character of a noble and good man who consecrated his rare talents to the public service. However much one may differ from some of the public acts of Mr Gladstone-and to W made no mistakes in a.life such as his would place him in the rank of the divine rather than of erriimhumanity -all must acknowledge the loftiness of his aims and ideals, and the earnestness with which he pursued them. A study of his life, so singularly free from the sordid selfseeking- to which lesser souls aro prone, hfts us into a higher plane where only the exceptional gifted may walk. I his aspect of Mr Gladstone's character, apart from his sixty years' service to the Empire, may well call 2w- a h ( . CiU* t>', an(l "»«ni™o"s demonstration from Englishmen everywhere shm.ii *U!; B' cst, ion that -Auckland should not lag behindhand in this matter is one that commands our most earnest support.

mmn n!*^'* Mv. 2o' the "nm-uncee-roent of a memorial meeting in Abbotts Opera House in connection with the death of the Hon. W. E. Gladstone drew a crowded gathering of Auckland citizens to the building. The Opera House was filled to overflowing, bir George Maurice O'Rorke, M.II R Speaker of the House of Represent^ tives.dehvered an oration on the life and works of Gladstone, and his remarks were listened to with the deepest attention throughout the address which lasted about an hour. Mr Peter Dignan, Mayor of Auckland, presided. The following ladies and gentlemen were amongst those who occupied scats on the platform:--Bishop Lenihan, Rev.'M. Brodie, Rev. V. Croke, Rabbi Goldstein, Hon. W. Swanson. M.L.C., Hon. W. T. Jennings. M.L.C., Mr W. Crowther, M.H.R., Mr J. J. Holland, M.H.K., Mr T. W. Leys, Mr F. E. Binime, Mr Frank Dillingham (United States Consul), .Mr J. A. Tole, Mr John Batger. Mr F. G. Ewin^ton, Mr W. J. Napier. Mr O. Mays,' Mr G. Higgins, Mr P. A. Philips, Dr. Hooper, Miss Hooper, Mr Arthur Myers. Mrs Nieol. Mrs Duffy. At the clor.e a meeting of those intrested in the proposal to secure a permanent memorial of Mr Glacstcne in Auckland was held on thy stage of the theatre. After some discussion it

wnfc resolved 'that those present resolve themselves into a committee for the purpose of obtaining sullicient funds to purchase either a bust or aportrait of the late Mr Gladstone. Tho committee have decided to cable to the Agent-General, at London, with a view to ascertaining ibe i-o>t of a bronze bust of Gladstone. The Hon. W. Jennings and Mr F. E. Ban me were appointed at a meeting of the committee on June 7 to make the necessary arrangements.

We" think the committee appointed at the public, meeting on May 20 to carry out some permanent memorial in Auckland of the late Hon. W. K. Gladstone acted wisely in not aiming at too ambitious scheme. The proposal that our Art Gallery shall have in its collection a worthy portrait or bust, or both, of the eminent statesman is one that ought to command the support of every citizen, and it should be a pleasure to contribute towards such an object. If is desired that the memorial shall be as representative and popular as possible, and subscriptions down to ihe smallest coin have been freely received.

The long-looked for rain arrived during the month, with the result that there' is now no lack of water for motive power, and all the batteries arc running full time once more. Notwithstanding the fact that the Waihi return was not quite so lago this time as at last mail, still the returns from the Ohincmuri mines tot up to nearly £30,000, with one or two more yet to come in. At Ihe Komata Reefs battery 93 per cent, of the assay value of the ore was saved this crushing by the*wet process, which must be highly satisfactory. The return this month from the Woodstock showed slight improvement, and those from the other leading mines were about the usual average. At Coromandel a little more gold is being got by the Kapanga Company and its tribnters, while the yields from the Hauraki Associated and Hauraki mines were once more satisfactory. The Royal Oak return was also a good one, 10A tons of ore having yielded £1007, and the Tokatca Consols obtained £273 from 44 tons of ore. A little more gold was won from Thames mines this month, and also from those at Kuaotunu, but in the latter place only low grade ore is being treated, most of it being won in ordinary development Avorks. The. Coromandel Harbour Board has decided to discontinue levying wharf dues, which Vvill.be satisfactory news for English companies. The Minister for Mines, when addressing a goldficlds constituency recently, mentioned the, fact that the^Govcrnmcntwas subsidising prospectors in order to encourage the mining industry as much as possible. Waihi shares sold at high prices on the Exchange during the month, 105s and 107s being paid.' Waihi-Silvertons were dealt in up to 6s 3d. Waitekauri, Monnataiari and May Queen shares were on the other hand offered at lower rates. Hauraki Associated shares improved slightly in value, and Monowais rose from 4s 10c! to 6s.

His Excellency the Governor and Lady Ranfurly returned to Wellington after 'a very pleasant trip to Australia by the steamship Monowai on May 15th. His Excellency has since paid several Visits to South Island towns, He will open Parliament on the 24th instant.

During the month the Premier^ Minister for Lands, and Minister for Railways have addressed public meetings in various parts of the colony, justifying the legislation passed during their term of ollice, and giving an outline of their programme for the future. The more important of these speeches are reproduced in this issue.

Admiral Pearson with H.M.S. Royal Arthur, thenew llagshipof the Australasian station, has just completed a visit to the various ports on the east coast of New Zealand. The Royal Arthur made a short stay at this port 'and left for New South Wales on Monday afternoon last.

All the principal farmers' clubs and agricultural and pastoral associations in the colony will be represented at the .Conference in Christchurch on

June 16. Papers wil be read on important subjects, such as technical education in farming, the rabbit nuisance, tree planting, and irrigation and land drainage. A large number of associations have given notice to bring up subjects for dimension, including the dipping season lor sheep, the small birds nuisance, noxious weeds, the Rabbit Act, licensing of stallions, Queensland tick pest, importation of live cattle from Australia, mortality amongst lambs, dairy schools, crass seed, inspection of abattoirs, and the. veterinary qualifications of stock inspectors. The question of a central governing body in agricultural and pastoral matters and the question of ear-marking will also be considered.

Hie "Gazette" contains a number of appointments to-tho Commission of the leaee. The appointments in the Auckland provincial district aro as follow :—Oscar TO Whangarei ; Daniel Campbell, Waihi; Noil Campboll, Waipu; William Crawford, Maungakaramea ; William John (tray, Katikati; Thomas Hill, Raglan; Joseph Little, Surrey Hills; Donald MoGrrefeor, YVhangarei Heads; James McGturk, Waikato; John Murray, WaiteIcauri; It. Shakespeare, Little Barrier ; k-Sn ow, Waitekauri ; Thomas Turnbull, Whangainata; William Dudding, Wliarehme; James Miller, Onowhero; Robert Neville, Waikiekie j Thomas Wilson, Faparoa.

Mr Adolphus Bergin, who claims to have invented an improved method of treating New Zealand flax, by which it is strengthened and freed from' the side rib and anm, and the oakum made equal to Russian, is in treaty with New South Wales capitalists for working his patent there. He declines to exhibit his process to the New Zealand Flax Commission without a guarantee of adequate, reward. On June G the Irish centenary of 1708 was commemorated locally by Irish citizens. In the morning a solemn Requiem Mass was held at S"t. Patrick's Cathedral for the repose of the souls of thoao who died in the rebellion 100 years a«o. The Irish rebellion of 170S was the demand of Koman Catholics and Ulster Presbyterians for political liberties long enjoyed by Irish Protectants. More than 100,000 lives are believed to have been sacrificed. The cost, including the value of property destroyed, has been estimated at more than £15,000,000. According to Lord Castlereagh 137.&H) troops were employed. In the evening a commemorative gathering tookplace in St. Benedict's Hall. A iirst-clasK vocal and instrumental programme was presented, and Bishop Lenihan gave an address. The Hey. Father Kehoe sang --Tlic Memory of the Dead.''

The Police Commission was occupied at Wellington on May nhearingCommissioner Tnnbrid^cdelailtiie proposed alteratioiiHand reforms. lie said he considered it necessary that all classes should be abolished and recruits taken from all clashes of the community, that they should undergo physical and mental examination. The Government should provide uniforms. Appointments of constables and sergeants should bo left in the hands of the Commissioner. Men should begin at lis and riwj to '.)-> per day, according to years in the service : ser-

gcaius, irom v» on to ids iki ; inspectors, from £300 to £100; detectives to be paid as sergeants ; a. lodging allowance of Is per day to be granted to men without quarters after three years' service. lie said it is impossible to get an eflicicnt force withonl pensions. The minimum should be three-tilths salary. He would deduct four per cent, from salaries, and all fines under Licensing, (hiiuing and Police Offoix-'s Act should be paid into the pension fund. Government Departments receiving graiuitioits or services from t lie police should par in an annual grant lo the fund. He did not consider the colony should lw called on u> pay much more than i I now paid a* retiring allowances. Police Kiirgeonsshonld be appointed iv every important centre. The louche said is now under-nianned. It required 50 more men in the rank*. Sub-Inspectors should be created lo enable Inspectors to devote more time to thoroughly inspecting station", which ought to be done at least once every quarter. Sergeant Majors should he abolished. Leave should be allowed to accumulate to 28 days, or if a man desired to go outside the colony, to six weeks. The licensing laws should be amended to make persons found on licensed premises during prohibited hours punishable. He believed this would enable the police to check illegal trading, and do away with a good deal of the present outcry.

The St. George's Rowing Club held their

tenth annual ball in the Choral Hall on May 18. A large number of the invitations issued were accepted, and the assemblage was the largest and most brilliant ever held under the auspices of the Club. The ball was tastefully decorated with greenery and bunting. Below the gallery, immediately opposite the entrance, was a most eiicctivo central figure, consisting of the St. George's Cross ami the Club's colours, Hanked by the Union .lack and the Stars and Stripes, intermingled with foliage, and set oil' with streamers of red and white. The walls on either side were decoratcil with crossed sculls, around which the club colours were artistically woven, nikau being used as a relief. From the ceiling depended strings of bunting, kindly lent for the occasion by Messrs Ross and Ansenne, dagger Unci Co., and the master of the St. Kilda. The floor, which had been specially prepared byMessrs Winks and Hall, was in excellent order, and this, combined with the coolness of the night, made dancing most enjoyable. The anteroom on the right was used as a promenade, while that on the left was set apart for the supper, which was prepared by Mx ¥■ -Stilwcll, and partaken o) shortly before midnight. A programme of 1(5 dances and three extras was gone through to the music of Mr E. Burkes string orchestra. . All the arrangements for the ball, were satisfactorily carried out by the. secretary (Mr W. B. Colbcck), assisted r by a strong committee, the members of which were : Messrs A. Mcliardy (club captain), J. , McCrae Brighani, F. Murray, M. A. Philips, E. A. Anderson, H. J. Whitley, It. Steggalt, T. Russell, J. W. Winks, C. Palmer, H. R. Bloomfield, H. G. Kissling, S. F. Carter, H. B. Gordon, J. P. Stephenson, A. D'Arcy, C. E. S. Gillies, W. .Tagger, I-'. E. N. Croinbie, F. Upfill and W. R. Holmes. Tho guests departed shortly after two a.m., one and all voting tho function to have been a most successful and enjoyable one.

The first day's racing of the North N.Z. Grand National Steeplechase Meeting on June 4 and G attracted a record attendance for the time of year. During the afternoon the sum of £8,41)8 passed, through the tofalisafor, which is £3,000 in excess of the corresponding day of last year. Oliai, the winner Of the Grand National Hurdle Race, put up a time record for the event. He is owned and was bred by Mr J. R. McDonald, who has a big estate at the much-talked-of Horowhenna Downs (Wellington province). The win proved very popular. Several accidents occurred during the day. In the Selling Steeplechase W. Olive was badly thrown from Ballyhooley through the horse making a faulty jump. He was attended by Dr. Walker. In the Maiden Hurdle Race Alf Collins also got a nasty fall from Thelina. He had a collar-bone broken besides other injuries. 'Dr. Walker ordered the man's removal to the Hospital. Some other mishaps occurred, but the jockeys were not hurt. At the second day's racing (on the 6th) everything passed off well. There were several spills, but neither the riders nor the horses sustained injury. The Great. Northern Steeplechase

was won by Muscatel in record time for the race. The Bum of £10,900 was passed through the totalisator for the two days, against £12,840 last year.

Ihe Takapuna Jockey Club scored heavily over tho first day's racing of their Winter Meeting on May 24th. Everything went oil without a hitch, and" the races wore got off well to time. No less than £6,017 was passed through the totalisators, which sum is £1889 in excess of,the corrcspondkig day last year. Castashore provedthe eoiune hero of the day, winning the Birthday Handicap and Royal Handicap in easy fashion. In the lirstnamed race Rex and Merry Maid fell, and John Stewart, .who rode the Easter Handicap winner, got a nasty spill, but he soon got all right again. The Winter Meeting was brought to a conclusion on May- 20th. The weather was most unpleasant, but it did not damp the ardour of the large number present for speculation, the good sum of £5,330 being passed through tho totalizators, making a grand total of £12,118, against £9,938 at the corresponding meeting of last year. In the Victoria Handicap the racehorse Dayntrce fell in the straight, and his rider, Manning, came heavily to the ground. However, ho managed to scramble under the rails, and got oft with a severe shaking. During the running of the Steeplechase a man named Browniie.Avhowasstandiiig with many others at the water jump, got knocked clown by the horso Kapai. He also got oil' with a shaking and some few bruises.