THE PEACE CONFERENCE,

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 162, 11 July 1899, Page 4

THE PEACE CONFERENCE,

The cabled announcement that Count Mouravieff, Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, is likely to suffer through the C_ar's dispiea-sure at the practical failure of the Peace Conference nicy be taken as another evidence of the tortuous char„eter of Russian diplomacy. In f_ce of the unabated activity of Russia in increasing armaments w-hile the Conference was in session, and the action of her representatives at that assembly in only proposing such limitations on war as would be ot advantage to Russia, it .is difficult to believe that the circular issued by the Czar was prompted by a sincere desire to inaugurate a reign of universal peace. Two .explanations are offered for the apparent inconsistency between the dear's peaceful profession and the policy pursued by the nation. The one assumes the personal sincerity of .Nicholas and the hostility of the ruling nobles. Upon thi.s supposition Aye can understand why the failure of the Conference may be visited upon the Foreign Minister. The other theory supposes that Russia, being deeply embarrassed financially, ardently desires a relaxation of the terrible strain of armaments in Europe, so long as a free hand can be preserved in China, and that the Czar _• circular was an artful device, suggested by his advisers, to secure this relief. That Russian finance is in a rather desperate condition hardly admits of doubt. The vast military and civil expenditure presses with great severity upon a poverty stricken, improvident people, and the schemes of expansion in the eastern portions of the Empire, although designed to Contribute materially in the end to the national greateness and prosperity, are at present unprofitable, and impose a severe strain on the revenue. The character of the proposals formulated by the Russian representatives at the Conference indicates that the. financial destructiveness of war presented. itself in a more flagrant light to the Russian Government than its revolting violation of humanitarian principles. One of the proposals most strenuously pressed by the Russian delegates was a prohibition against the adoption of any new rifle for ten j'ears. The Russian forces are armed with a firstclass modern weapon, but the progress of invention in military equipments is so rapid that some expensive improvement may any day compel the substitution Of a new firearm for those now in use—a very costly business. The other delegates rejected this proposal. -.The limitation of naval expansion for three years was another Russian suggestion, which aimed at saving expenditure rather than limiting the horrors of war.'

So far as.the Conference has,done anything of value, it has rather been in the way of modifying war's most hideous'features than preventing an appeal, to arms for the adjustment of international disputes. It has settled the application of the Red Cross rules to naval warfare, and has recast the war regulations drawn up by the Brussels Conference. Arbitration as a substitute for war has not been materially advanced by the Conference, its deliberations having failed to produce a Workable scheme for enforcing the submission of any international complication involving a casus belli to a permanent Court of Arbitration. With regard to the settlement of financial disputes and questions of interpretation of conventions, more success was achieved, and,, in this way the cause of arbitration may have been materially advanced. ■ Changes of this sweeping character are not.effected at a single stroke,, and the Conference may in future years become a landmark in the evolution of nobler methods governing the brotherhood of man and the comity of nations.

' At the Supreme Court this morning His Honor Mr. Justice Conolly sitting in chambers granted probate to the executors . named in the wills of Thomas Jones ahd George Jennings (deceased). In the case Boss v. Ross (divorce) Mr Cooper appeared in support of motion,for directions as to trial. Leave, was granted respondent to appear within GO days after service.

The City Council authorities announce that pressure in the following places will be reduced to-morrow (Wednesday) from G a.m. to 10 a.m.: — Higher levels of Mt. Eden district, Kyber Pass road, as far as Arawastreet, Symonds street, from reservoir to Kyber Pass road, including East street, as far as, and including, Gladstone street, Dundonald street, Burleigh street, Nugent street, as.far as school, and Grafton road from Kyber Pass to Carleton Gore road.

The installation of N.G. and investiture of officers of Lodge Wynyard No. 57 (A.C.) took place in the lodgeroom, Eden Terrace, last evening. There was a good attendance of visitors and members," the Grand Lodge officers present being: D.D.G.M. Bro. R. .Armiger, and Past Grands Bros. C. Proude, A. Mclntyre, and C. Page. The duties of installing master were performed by Bro. R. Armiger in his usual efficient manner. The following officers were elected for the ensuing term:—P.G., Bro. H. N. Latimer; N.G., Bro. A. R. Dunn; V.G, Bros A. Wilson; Permanent Secretary, Bro. Thos. Moncur; Treasurer, Bros. A. H. Coates; Recording Secretary, Bro. W. E. Smithyman; Chaplain, Bro'. McFarlane; Wardens, Bros. Doull and F. Wilson; Organist, Bro. H. Newbegin. Bro. E. Armiger, D.D.G.M.., addressed the members on the welfare of the Lodge, and the'order in general. His remarks were highly appreciated by the brothers present.

The loca examination in musical knowledge (theory) under Trinity College, London, held last month was attended by over a hundred candidates. Yesterday the local secretary posted to the College nearly seventy entries for the "practical" examination to be held in or about October next by Mr Myles Poster. These entries comprise one in the higher division, 11. seniors, 22 intermediates, IS juniors, and 17 in the primary or preparatory division. Intending candidates may enter during the present week in time for the English mail leaving Auckland on Monday next.

At the meeting of the Parnell Borough Council last evening the vexed question of Crescent Rd. was again brought forward. The Streets Committee recommended that the road should be taken over from the General Trust Board, but the majority of the Council were against this proposal. Cr. A. P. Friend stated that he had been given to understand that: the original plans- and details of contract let by the Trust Board had now been discovered by that body, and he thought the Council had no doubt committed itself, in the year 18S5 to take the road over. A proposal to defer discussion till next meeting was then withdrawn. On the motion of Cr. Friend seconded by Cr. Tewsley it was agreed that on the plan of Crescent Rd. being submitted to the Council, .no further objection to take the road over from.the Trust Board would be raised, and the Council would complete the footpath at an estimated cost of £34 if the' Trust Board would contribute one third of the cost. The Parnell Borough Council took steps last evening to celebrate Arbor Day. A committee was set up consisting of Mr H. Campbell (the -Mayor) ! and Crs. Friend, Tewsley and Fitt, who will have a plan prepared of reserve at Blaekett's Point, where the trees will be planted. They will also visit the ground and make all 'noeesUary preparations for the planting. The Council subscribed privately £5 5/ towards preliminary expenses, and 'they invite donations from Parnell reLsidents. A letter was read from .Messrs D. Hay and Son offering facilities to the Council on Arbor Day. They recommended . the planting of I certain N.Z. native trees, which they ! could supply at 1/ per tree. The letter ! was referred to the sub-committee ! appointed. ■ In the Magistrate's Court yesterday afternoon' Mr 'H. W. Brabant, S.M.. Igave judgment in the case Brian and Co. v. Furness and Co., an which Charles Honor in the name of the plaintiff firm sought to recover £7 17/6 the value of goods supplied to defendants during the time he was a member of the firm. Defendants counterclaimed for £8 5/1 for goods sold to Brian and Co. before Honor became a partner. Brian had absconded last February, and although subsequently adjudicated a bankrupt had never! been brought back. His Worship held ; that although both parties were innocent persons who. had been made to suffer by the fraud of another, yet there was nothing in the case to take it, out of the ordinary law of partnership, and he therefore gave judgment for the plaintiff for the. amount claimed, £7 17/6, with costs, £1 16/,, and dismissed the counter claim. Mr Reed appeared for the plaintiff,. and MrGregor for the defendant. _ -. . I The Suburban Poultry Fanciers . coming show promises to excel anything of its kind held m. Auckland. Close on 1,000 birds have been entered, which constitutes a record for New Zealand in poultry. Entries have been received from New South Wales, Napier, Christehurch, Taranaki, Huntly, Whangarei, and pukekohe. The show opens on Thursday,' July 20th, at the Drill Hall.* Cups and art union prizes will be on. view this and next week .at Mr J. H. Dalton's tailor shop, Qne.en street.

The Maggie Moore-Roberts Company, are about to visit Thames, Paeroa,' Waihi, and Te Aroha. Mr Ward, the company's advance representative, left for Thames yesterday afternoon. The company will probably open there .on Thursday night.

A concert in aid of the Beresfordstreet Sunday School Festival Fund was given in the Schoolroom last evening. The Rev. J. Parker presided, and there was a good attendance. Vocal items were given by Miss Smith, "The Last Milestone"; Mrs Graham and Miss Edmonds, "Tell Her I Love Her So"; Miss Hannken, "The Bel-ringer"; Misses Wrigley and Fincham, ''Life's Dream is O'er"; Miss Wood, "The Blind Girl fo Her Harp"; Mr.Hoyes, "I am Waiting"; Mr Fincham, "The Miner"; and Mr.East; Messrs Lovett and Hooton rendered an instrumental item, Mr Steele gave a recitation, and the Young Colonial Orchestra rendered two selections, "Coryphee"and "Springtide Revels."

The secretary, of the Marine Departments Wellington, has written to the Harbour Board notifying that the Governor-in-Council has approved of the plans for the construction of a wharf at Brick Bay.

The N.Z. Shipping Company have written to the Auckland Harbour Board asking for an allowance on- account of the extra cost incurred by that company having to remove an old silt basin discovered at the corner of Customs-st. when digging for foundations of the new building. A letter has been written by the secretary of the Auckland Gas Company to the Auckland Ilarbour Board stating that as the company had been unable to arrange with Mr Fallon for the observance of the terms proposed by the Board as the conditions on which an extension of time to deposit material in Freeman'- Bay should be granted by the Board, Mr Fallon had been informed that he must either arrange with the Board himself for the.extension of such time to deposit material, or make arrangements to deposit such material elsewhere. The Spanish-American War Syndicate -Kinematograph Company give an entertainment in the Onehunga Public Hall on Thursday evening. Yesterday afternoon a young man, who was slightly inebriated, while looking down the fore hold of the s.s. Westralia, overbalanced himself and fell down the hold, a distance of over twenty feet. He was not hurt in any way, and after brushing his clothes he calmly climbed up the ladder and walked ashore. Messrs A. W. McArthur and Co. have written to the Harbour Board re machinery for Calliope.Dock, stating that there, had been one or two variations of the original tenders, which involve slight increases in the amount, of contract. The monthly meeting of the Mount Eden Baptist Band of Hope was held on Friday evening. An excellent programme was provided. Master Douglas McLeod was in the chair, and Master G. Champion gave the address. Recitations were given by Masters I Hughes, Taylor, and Dinnison, Misses I Howard, Hughes, and Stevens; diaIdogues by Misses Hughes, Champion, ! and Taylor,- and Misses Freeman; sej lections on the violin and' auto harp [by .Misses Morton; duet by Misses ! Rolland; action song by twelve childj rev trained by Miss A. Hughes; selec- ! tions on the graphophone by. Mr I Little. The programme was much j appreciated by a large audience. ! Ah advertisement elsewhei-e notifies | that a public meeting on the subject of .Australasian Federation will be held j jin the V.M.C.A. Rooms to-morrow { evening. ''.'... j In reference to the decision of the | Harbour Board to use other woods ithan kauri for decking the wharves, I Messrs Cashmore Bros, have 'written asking the Board to reconsider the matter as they considered it a loss to . Auckland, having- the timber here, for the money to be expended elsewhere. ' • . ! The secretary of the United Fire Brigade has written to the Harbour ; Board asking assistance towards a purse of sovereigns as a testimonial , to Mr John Hughes, late superinten- . dent of the Fire Brigade, the object being to enable that gentleman to start in some small business. j Mount Eden Bowling Club concert I takes place in St. Barnabas' Hall on [July 24th. L The monthly meeting of St. John's I Band of Hope was held in the school- j room. Ponsonby, last evening. There j j was a good attendance. The Rev. W. j Ready occupied the chair. The proI gramme was provided by the junior nienlbeis ox the Sunday school. The ; following contributed vocal and mii strumental items:—Piano duet, Misses iThornc; ~ong, Master L. N.eale; recijtation, Miss Richards;,song, Miss L; Leminon; lccitation, Mr Price; piano-.'f-.irte solo, Miss Bell; song, Miss E. Butler; violin solo, Miss E. Carder; recitation, Master Ready. A temperance address was given by Mr Reader, home missionary, Coromandel. • Mr E- Turner, auctioneer, will sell household furniture, etc. ,at 12 o'clock to-morrow. ... • Ask for C.S. Corsets;, clock spring ': steel, practically unbreakable.—(Ad.) j