MONTHLY SUMMARY FOR Europe and America.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 182, 2 August 1900, Page 5

MONTHLY SUMMARY FOR Europe and America.

OUR HOME LETTER

AUCKLAND, N.Z.,

Thursday, August 8, 1900.

■ The scheme of colonial defence outlined by Mr Seddon calls for very close study before one can fairly protend to criticise it in detail. We may assume that the Premier gave Ditich careful consideration to the matters he deals with before submitting his proposals, and until we have had time to examine them as carefully our survey must of necessity be superficial. The features of the scheme are: the improvement of our harbour defences; an increase of the volunteer force so as to bring its strength up to 18,000 officers and men; the formation of an Imperial reserve open to service within certain limits to be arranged between the Imperial and Colonial authorities; the formation of rifle clubs and cadet corps; and the strengthening of the Australian squadron.

Probably in these days of intense national enthusiasm the question of the cost of such a scheme would be the last to occur to us. Shall we, who so freely gave our sons to the service, of the Empire, grow cool in our patriotic devotion from mere monetary considerations? When we have poured out our" blood, shall we grudge our gold? It is a natural and a praiseworthy feeling, but we cannot lose sight of the fact that the matter of cost is a very important one, and that the time may come when, in a less exalted spirit, we shall question the advisability of saddling ourselves with the financial burdens Aye may now be quite prepared to shoulder. No one, therefore, has a right to doubt the patriotism of those members of the House who have objected to Mr Seddon's scheme on the ground of expense, holding that the colony is more urgently in need of roads and railways than of soldiers. Everyone must see that the whole thing resolves itself into a matter of money and the colony's ability to bear the expenditure. Mr Seddon admits this to be the case when he puts in the very forefront of his scheme the question of ways and means. He proposes that the capital necessary to complete our harbour defences and equip our forces should be advanced by the Imperial authorities, the colony taxing itself to pay,interest and repay the principle in a reasonable time.

By such an arrangement we would be able to carry out any comprehensive scheme of defence in a manner least burdensome to ourselves. But, at the best, the annual cost incurred could not be slight. Assuming a volunteer force of 18,000 to be raised, half infantry and half mounted troopers, and the capitation grant to be as at present, a sum of £54,000 would be required annually. Add to this another £18,000, or £1 per man, for equipment, £8,000 for camp expenditure, and the cost of such a body would be £80,000. Field and other batteries would further increase the expense. * To this • has also to be added the interest on the cost of our new arms, and new rifle ranges. Mr Seddon states that some 30,000 magazine rifles would be required, costing £120,000, and he estimates the expenditure on new ranges at £20,000. Eoughly speaking, that means another £4000 per year. "We may say that the cost of the new volimteer force • would exceed £100,000.

The outfit, up-keep, and payment of the Imperial reserve would, of course, be arranged on another basis. The proposal is that the Imperial Government should find the capital for field batteries and general equipments of the force, the colony paying a sum equal to, onerhalf .the interest at half cost. With the members of the Maori race, which it is proposed to enrol, the Premier considers it would be-^possible to raise a reserve of 10,000 men. These would be paid a capitation grant of ,£5. a head, <and another £50,000 would be necessary for camp, expenses. The burden of that £100,000 would certainly not fall on •the colony entirely, but would be partially borne by "the Imperial authorities. On the most favourable calculation, however, the ' cost to its would necessarily bo considerable. Other expenses the scheme entails are the subsidies given to rifle clubs, which would be organised and supported almost precisely on the same lines as the Swiss rifle clubs are, and to cadet corps. Lastly, Mr Seddon intimates that a strengthening of the Australasian squadron is necessary, and proposes that this should be done by raising the class of vessels and increasing the number of cruisers, the cost of which would be borne by the colonies on the basis -of the present agreement. Our contribution to the cost of the Improved squadron, as also the probable sum necessary to complete our harbour defences, arc not includedinthe

above rough estimate of the expenditure the scheme entails; but we have shown sufficient to indicate the character of the proposals and the large cost they must necessitate.

The details of organisation are matters for military men to arrange, and the military features of the scheme, so far as the Imperial reserve and the Australasian squadron are concerned, must, of course, be subject to the approval of the Home authorities. But assuming that a scheme on these lines' won the financial, aid and general support necessary from the latter, the point that remains to be settled is whether Xew Zealand is willing and able to adopt it. In a broad sense we are both willing and able. There is no doubt that if it were a question of preserving our freedom and the integrity of the Empire, we would and could undertake much more than is demanded of us by these proposals. But when our ability and willingness are not measured by such momentous issues we may take another view of the matter, and reasonably ask ourselves, and carefully deliberate, how far our own circumstances, and our relations to the Empire, and the Empire's relations to the world at large, demand and justify the adoption of such a comprehensive and comparatively costly scheme as this. Mr Seddon's suggestions are not to be answered at once. They require to be closely studied in many lights.

These delicate attentions which New Zealand has of late been paying io fair Polynesia are bring- regarded by jealous eyes, and it is plain that we are not to be without a strong rival in our wooing. Mr. Seddon's suggestion for the incorporation of the Cook, Fiji, and Friendly Islands with New Zealand has attracted the by no means favourable notice of New South Wales, and the attitude of that colony in. the matter will be the subject of certain questions in the Xew South Wales Assembly this week. Hard, indeed, it may seem to some of us that we are not. to be permitted to make our own little arrangements quietly in this remote corner of the Pacific without being interfered with by our great neighbour. One might have hoped that the colonies oi Australia were too fully occupied at this time1 in consummating their own union to pay much regard to the movements o? little Maoriland; or that the victorious Commonwealth, in the bright morning of its great achievement, would loiok with a magnanimous eye on the independent attempts of New Zealand to federate with those islands of the Pacific which have much in common with her, and like her are without the pale of the great Australian Union. We cannot hide from ourselves thai the opposition of New South Wales, since the establishment of the Commonwealth is a much more serious thing for us than formerly. The expression of her interests, where they do not actually conflict with those ofthe Commonwealth as a whole, must now carry much more weight and command more attention in Imperial Councils. Mr. Chamberlain, commenting on Mr Seddon's suggestion tho other day in the House of Commons intimated that 'before anything wan done it would have to be discussed be* tween New Zealand, Great Britain and the Commonwealth. The Sydney "Morning Herald" is quite right iv emphasizing this~ reference to the Commonwealth as an admission of great importance. Australia Fcdera must of necessity exercise a voice and influence the affairs of Australasia as the five colonies never did, and must in no small degree shape British policy in the Pacific. But are we, then, here in New Zealand, to be entirely over-ruled in all our external relations by the Commonwealth? Is Australia to virtually dictate what our policy shall be beyond our own shores? Such an interference with our independence would surely bo a gross injustice. The assumption :on the other side is that Mr. Seddon's proposal has for its objects the capturing of the Island trade, and, as the "Daily Telegraph" puts it, "the creation of a lever for obtaining reciprocal trade relations with Australia." The idea of New Zealand wishing to set up a eiounter-federation of its own with these other islands is dismissed. We cannot deny that a desire to establish a closer trade relationship with the-islands prompted, in a large measure, the federation proposal. It was most natural it should. But Australia makes a mistake in supposing that there is no serious sentiment in favour of such a federation as suggested, apart from the immediate benefits 1o be derived from it. Presuming we preferred to keep apart, are we to be debarred from- entering into any closer relations with any of our island neighbours who are willing to join us? tor is Australia to control the future of all these communities/ There are many cogent reasons why New Zealand might be more closely •joined to the Cook, Fiji and Friendly Islands with advantage to all parties concerned. Our geographical position with regard to them—Auckland is 600 miles nearer Fiji than Sydney is—is, the first great advantage that might be pleaded in our favour. Then, a still more important point, perhaps, lies ir our' ability to deal with the natives. Our treatment of the Maoris has been singularly successful from every point of view, and from its broad humanitarian character has won commendation on all hands. With the experience Aye have thus gained, there is no British community in the whole Pacific, or indeed the whole world, more competent than we are to grapple successfully with the native problems which,, as civilisation spreads over these islands, will have to be faced. The Australian method of dealing with the natives was the summary one of exterminating them. Our conscience is clear of any such stain. In the islands it is believed that their ultimate destiny is to be federated either with Australia or New Zealand. Among the white population the preponderance of opinion is in favour of union with this colony. And among the natives, so far as their views on the subject are clear and can be obtained, the feeling is all for New Zealand. These considerations and many others justify us In hoping that if it should come to be a question of New Zealand's federating with some of these groups, the opposition of Australia

will not count for so much as might at present appear. The Fiji correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph" says that since Mr Seddon's visit there has been a revival of a desh-c for annexation either to New Zealand or ITew South Wales. The utterances of Mr Seddon incline public opinion towards New Zealand, for reasons clearly set forth in a letter to the local press by a member of the legal profession. He shows that from a geographical, physical and climatic point of view, Fiji should be attached to New Zealand, which woudl naturally from the head and centre of a federation embracing- all the islands between 165 degrees west, and 150 degrees east, under British control. Free trade between New Zealand and Fiji would be an immense benefit to both colonies. A large meeting at Levuka affirmed the desirableness of steps being taken to bring about federation with New Zealand.

This colony's congratulations to Federated Australia contained the fellowills' message, to the Premiers oC the neighbouring colonies: "Permit me, on behalf oil the Government, to heartily congratulate your colony upon the passing of the Australian Commonwealth Bill. Although our suggestions were not agreed to, we firmly believe the measure to be in the best interests of the federating colonies and the Empire generally. We wish the Commonwealth every prosperity." That these cordial expressions of goodwill arc heartily reciprocated is abundantly manifest by messages which reached Mr. Seddon yesterday. Mr Lyne replied': "I have, on behalf of New South Wales, to thank you for your message of congratulation and wishes for the prosperity of the Commonwealth, t hope that before long New Zealand will form part of it." The message from the Premier of Victoria ran: "Accept my very warm thanks for kind congratulations and good wishes." An even still more cordial cablegram was received from the Premier of Queensland,who said: "Thanks for message of congratulation on passing of Commonwealth Bill. We share your belief that the measure will .serve the best interests of the federating colonies and tha Empire generally, and look forward to the time when New Zealand will join the union."

The Christchurch Drainag-e Board has resolved, in compliance with a request from the City Council, to take steps to promote the passing of a Bill authorising the raising of a special loan, not exceeding £25,000, to complete the sewerage system in the city. The terms of the loan will be 25 years, and in the Bill powerwill be sought to enable the Board to compel owners of buildings to connect water closets with the-" sewers, and if deemed expedient, to enable the Board to advance out of the loan the whole or part cost of such connections.

Professor Eastcrfield and Agricultural Department have been conducting experiments in the poisonous tutu plant, with a view to obtaining complete knowledge of its properties. It is thought such knowledge would be of value in medicine, and a sample, drug has been forwarded to the University of St. Andrew's, Scotland. A valuable tannin extract can also be obtained from the bark of the tutu, and, from the fact that the plant has been put to various uses by the Maoris, there is a possibility of establishing an industry from its cultivation. A shipment of ducks for the Government Poultry Farms came to hand by the Papanui.

The annual meeting of the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Institute of Journalists was held in the Commercial Hotel on July 12, Mr G. M. Main presiding. There wits a good attendance of members. The following officers were elected: —President, Mr F. Baxter; treasurer, Mr A. Jackson; secretary, Mr E. M. Hacket; committee, Messrs F. Kollett, W. S. Douglas, Thos. Cottle, Danvers Hamber, W. Lane, A. E. Greenslade, W. Toy and W. Blomfield; representatives of the branch to the annual meeting in Wellington,' Messrs N. B. Burton and A. L. Muir; members of the Council of the Institute, Messrs A. M. Ferguson, "VV. S. Douglas, G. M. Main and N. E. Burton. A cordial vote of thanks was accorded to Mr G. M. Main for past services as treasurer to the branch.

The local football championships were concluded on July 21, when City, by defeating Newton, annexed the cup for the season. The win was a very narrow one, there being1 a difference of one point at the conclusion of play, the scores being thirteen to twelve. City, who have won the senior cup for the first time since the inauguration of the district scheme, have secured a triple victory, their first and second junior teams having also won the championships in their respective grades. On the No. 2 ground Suburbs, by defeating Parnell, won their second game this season, thus forcing Parnell to occupy the lowest position in the list of winning te,ams. Graf ton. who were matched to play North Shore, forfeited the game. City have had one loss this season; Newton, who occupy the second place, have lost two, and (3 raff on, the third team, four matches.

At the weekly meeting of the directors of the N.Z. Insurance Company held on July 31, Dr. ,T. L. Campbell retired from the Board of Directors after serving on it for 23 years. Dr. Campbell is taking this step as he desires to be relieved from all business cares. Mr Matthew Clark, of the firm of Arch. Clark and Sons, Limited, has been appointed to fill the vacancy. The company sustain a great loss in Dr. Campbell's retirement, as he has served them long and faithfully.

Parliament has increased the Governor's salary to £7200, In movingl the second reading of the Bill, the Premier pointed out that the Govex*nor's allowances were abolished in 1887, owing to a temporary emergency. The position of the colony had since improved, and the present Bill simply restored the salary to its former amount. He deprecated any personal reference to the person now representing Her Majesty, and appealed to the House not to discuss the subject in an acrimonious spirit. He contrasted the salary paid to the Governor of this colony with the larger amounts paid in Australia and Tasmania, and predicted amid laughter that the Governor of New Zealand would one of these days be a Governor-General, and declared that he had it on the highest authority tha we had been deprived of the services of at least one nobleman because the salary was inadequate to enable them to fittingly; fill the position. '." ~ .-fr"

The gold returns from most of the leading mines have been satisfactory this month. The Waihi Company's output was the largest for any-one month this year, being £23,382, which makes the yield from January to July for 1000 amount to £153,561. This is more than the output for 12 months in 1897. At the Waihi Company's reduction works, Waikino, all possible despatch is being made so as to get another 100 stampers at work within the next three or four, months. In the Waihi Gladstone mine, operations have been resumed by a local syndicate, that purchased the property at auction. The result lias so far been very satisfactory, as the Empire reef, has proved to be worth £2 16/ per ton. The Waitekauri Company's battery ran longer than usual before cleaning up this month, consequently the yield was a large one, totalling £8525. A dividend of 7 J per cent, was paid by the Talisman Company, and that property has now been taken over by /the Talisman Consolidated Company. The crushing power is to be increased to 70 head, and the work of preparing a site is well under way. At the Woodstock mine, the lode at No. 5 level has opened out to Oft. in width, most of which is of a payable character. This augurs well for further developments when the shaft is sunk. At the Thames, the only matter worthy of special note this month was a decided improvement in the return from the May Queen mine. Coromandel returns generally have shown a falling off this month, but Scotty's secured £239 from 15 tons of ore, and 501b of picked stone. Encouraging reports have come to hand latterly from Bunker's Hill and the Hauraki No. g mine, the former securing a parcel of picked stone this week. The. Kauri Freeholds Gold Estates yield this month was £2323. The Statement of the. Minister for Mines shows that during the financial year the output of gold and silver was '£1,554,011, being an increase of £440,313.

A further instalment, of King Country laud comprising 37,300 acres, surveyed into 41 sections, chiefly in the Orahiri block, Kawhia County, was opened on July 20 at Te Awainutu and Auckland. There were C4l applications received at both places, covering 31 sections. Mr G. Mueller, (Commissioner of Crown Lands, conducted the ballot at the Town Hall, Te Aw'amutu immediately on arrival of the Auckland train at four o'clock on Friday. The drawing occupied four hours, and a total area of 27,500 acres was disposed of, chiefly under the O.E.P. tenure. A large percentage of the applicants were from South, and of these 21 were successful in the drawing. The land is chiefly forest country west of the railway at Otoroihangu. '•

It is reported that since the Samoar/ Group was taken over by Germany, trade has become duller and duller, and that many of the business men arc leavjng the group. Tin officiriltl are being replaced by German;?. Mr R'einhardt, who has been 'appointed Collector of Customs, was a passenger to Apia by the Moana.

In connection with the Premier's visit to Karotonga an exchange of money orders has been arranged, to come into force as from the Ist prox. It is believed this will not only be a great convenience to the inhabitants of the Cook Island!, but- will - break down the heavy exchan<-o payments which have been necessary on account of the want of a proper system of remitting small sums. It should also have the effect of substituting British currency for the depreciated Chilian dollar. The rates of commission on money orders will be the same as on order's drawn on the Australian colonies.

The petition of Mr James Coates, receiver on behalf of the debentureholders of the Midland Railway Company, presented to Parliament, sets out the financial position of the Company. Since the Crown took possession about £1,384,395 has been expended in and about, the construction of the railway. The debentureholders having failed to substantiate their legal rights to recover these moneys," the Crown having taken possession, and declared intention to confiscate the line and everything pertaining thereto, the debentureholders are now depriveel of the whole of their security, for all the other assets of the Company have been sold or are fully mortgaged. They have exhausted all legal remedies, and find their so-called first charge on the railway is an illusion and valueless. The petitioners, therefore,"pray Parliament, to consider their grievance, the injury they have sustained", and the moral and equitable claim they have in view of the circumstances on the Crown for redress.

The Customs' duties for the quarter ended June 30 amounted to £494,124, against £460,716 for the corresponding quarter last year. Auckland suplied £118,093; Wellington, £113,762; Christchurch, £7.3,648.; and Dunedin, £ 100,013. The beef dutywas £20,247, against £ 18,973. The revenue returns for the Juno quarter show ordinary revenue £1,107,421, against £ 1,9,45,701 in 189$); territorial revenue, • £27,631, against £ 30,722. Customs figure at £462,690; stamps, £186,076; postal, £27,617; railways, £388,461. ' Permanent appropriations absorbed £801,906, and annual appropriations £542,848. The two latter amounts in the corresponding quarter of last year were £ 851,099 and £ 512,970. The balance at the end of the quarter was £449,859. The Public Works Fund showed a balance in hand at the end of the quarter, of £321,840.

The postal revenue for the June quarter was £67,383, against £68,805 in 1800. Telegraph revenue, £52,109 a'ffainst £45,28.1. Money orders issued amounted to £296,360, paid £261,804, both showing considerable increase. The Savings Bank shows an excess of deposits over withdrawals of £108,994, against £92,954 in 1899.