THE MAIL SERVICE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 136, 9 June 1911, Page 4

THE MAIL SERVICE.

When it was first rumoured from Wellington that an attempt was to be made to cut Auckland out of the intercolonial mail service, and to substitute a second Sydney-Wellington boat for the steamer that now runs once a week between Sydney and Auckland, we must own that we found it difficult to take the proposal seriously. Wellington humour is not always very subtle, and we preferred to believe that this -was only a rather clumsy joke perpetrated by some of our journalistic contemporaries in the South for the sake of "drawing" the Aucklanders. However, it appears that we did the Empire City an injustice; for the Wellington Chamber of Commerce is now solemnly supporting this preposterous suggestion. "The needs of the Dominion," this august body asserts, "would lie best served, if the inward European mail, which now leaves Sydney for Auckland on Wednesday, were to leave Sydney direct, for Wellington on Monday."' The advantage claimed for the new arrangement is that it would enable

the incoming mails to reach Wellington on Friday and Auckland and Dunedin by Saturday evening at latest; always supposing (hat it ran "on time." But Wellington, in its anxiety to secure for itself every possible convenience and advantage, calmly ignores Auckland's interest in tlie present, service. As we have already said, the Auckland-Sydney connection is one of the oldest established steam services in the colonic.-; and quite apart from its commercial value, it is an immense benefit to the many thousands of people who are induced by preference or necessity to start for Australia from this end of the Dominion. If for no other reason, because Roloma is close io Auckland, and most, of the tourist traffic from Australia naturally comes through Auckland, it would 'be exceedingly bad business for this country to cut out the Auckland-Sydney service. But Wellington is not only anxious to secure advantages for herself to our serious detriment; she is prepared also to get. the country to pay for them. Government is to be approached with a request for a subsidy, and every effort is to be made at any cost to monopolise for Wellington the 'benefits of the intercolonial trade and the conveniences of the Australian mail service. Ai to subsidies, we may point, out that the present Wellington-Sydney service, which ronnects with the Suez boats, has so far proved a very poor investment for this country. As it is, the time allowance is cut so* fine that the Wellington boat sometimes fails to connect at Sydney with the Adelaide express; and even when the arrangement docs not break down what advantage does the country gain? This week, for instance, the Vancouver mail closed at Auckland on June 7, and it is timed to arrive in London on July 11. The 'Suez mail closed the next day. on June 8, aud it is supposed to get to London on July 17th. That is to say the Vancouver mail is at least five days faster than the Suez, and it is quite as punctual and dependable. With these facts to assist, our judgment we can see little excuse for Wellington's demand for an additional subsidy on the lines suggested by the Welling! on Chamber of Commerce. Nov can we agree that our own Chamber of Commerce is taking the best practicable course in -asking for a three days' service between Sydney and New Zealand. In our opinion the cost of such n service is prohibitive, and the advantages to be gained are problematical. If only the incoming mails could be depended on to reach Auckland in time to catch the Southern mail on Sunday nipht every week, we do not think that Auckland or any other part of the Dominion would have, much cause to complain. Or two days might be saved by timing the Auckland steamer to leave Sydney on Monday instead of Wednesday, which would secure connection with 'he Wellington express on Friday night, even allowing four days for the passage across. The intercolonial service might easily be improved both as regards mails and passenger accommodation; but we can see nothing to be gained by making excessive demands out of all proportion to our actual needs. As to Wellington's ridiculous suggestion that Auckland should be cut out of the Tunning altogether, and that Wellington should have two Sydney boats a week while we have none, we hope that it will serve the useful purpose of opening the eyes of our politicians and public men to the ''vaulting ambition" of the Empire City, and its resolute determination to concentrate in its own hands all the advantages which should justly be shared with the other centres of the Dominion.

Following is Mr. D. C. Bates' weather forecast for 24 hours from 9 a.m. this day.—"A storm area appears to be approaching from the westward; stroii" westerly winds to gale; expect unsettled and cloudy weather; rain probable, glase fall."

Wo understand that among the bequests made by the late Mr. D. L. Murdoek is one for £, 1000 to the Jubilee Institute for the Blind. As the Government contributes £ for £ on each bequest, the Institute will, therefore, benefit lo the extent of £2000.

The labour P/epartmcnt reports for Wellington says thc-re. is a decided turn for the better in the matter of clerks and " pen-pushers," there being but few names on the books. This, it is surmised, is probably due to the largo number that have obtained fcmpo.ra.ry employment on the census, to the general improvement of trade in the city, and, in a smaller degree, to the Exhibition, which, doubtless, lias afforded work to quite a few. The department has had only one application iv the last couple of months, and this was from a first-class man' who would not accept £3 per week.

The vital statistics for the month of April show that in Auckland City 96 births and -45 deaths were registered, the deaths bearing a proportion of 1.02 per cent for 1000 of population. TYi Auckland and suburban boroughs (estimated population 81,690) 107 births and 0.3 deaths were registered. In Birkenhead 3 births and 2 deaths were registered; Devonport, 15 births, 7 deaths; Newmarket, 6 births, no deaths-, Grey Lynn. 11 births, 2 death:--, rarncll. o births. 1 death; Mt. Eden, 20 births. 4 deaths; Northcote, 1 birth 2 deaths. Wellington City (estimated population 72.0011 is credited with 13.3 births and 3,3 deaths; Greater Wellington (78.243). 144 births, .34 deaths,. Christchurch City (57.6-12). 121 births, 43 deaths: Christchurch and suburbs (04.S.'ifVi. 1.32 births. 40 deaths. Dunedin City (41.5001. 11 births. 3S deaths; Greater Dunedin (64.402), 145 births, 52 deaths. Thames (4000), 9 births, I death.

Two attempts to burn down schools have recently been reported to the Education Department. One was in Southland. The Board, owing to the movement of population, had decided to remove a school for some distance, despite protests on the part of some of the parent's concerned, and let a contract for the removal. While the work was in progress the building was twice discovered to be on fire, under circumstances which pointed to incendiarism, but it was found impossible to fix the blame on anybody. Another case was in Marlborough, and occurred just' before the children assembled for school. The fire was right underneath the school, where the flooring was only a few inches from the ground. In this instance also no trace of the offender was discovered.

A queer story is related by the men of H-M.s. Cambrian, now in Picton (states the local paper), about one of their number who has succeeded in gaining his discharge from the British Navy. The sailor in question did not take kindly to the service, and deserted the ship at a southern port. After a short period on land he was arrested at Lyttelton, and received due punishment for his misdemeanour. The man's opportunity came for a daring stroke on the next occasion that he was allowed on shore. Suffering acutely from alleged toothache, he paid his respects to the dentist, and rejoined his ship in almost a toothless condition. The novel scheme proved effective, for he was paid off and discharged at Picton. and is probably by this time considering whether "the cure is not worse than the disease." Anyway, lit is not thought at all likely that any more of the Cambrians will follow his I example.

Probably never in (he whole history of the Angli-can Church of the Province of New Zealand (which includes Melanesia) have, there boPn so many changes in the Bench of Bishops as during the last twelve months (says a Christchurch exchange). During that period Bishops Neligan (Auckland), WalHs (Wellington), and Wilson (Melanesia) have resigned, the two first-named being replaced by Bishops C'rosslev and Sprott, while the successor of Bishop Wilson may be announced at any time. As the Primate (Bishop N'evill, of Dunedin). who is about til" same age. as Bishop Mules, foreshadowed his early resignation at the last General Synod, two more vacancies will soon have to be filled, namely, the Primacy nnd the Bishopric of Dunedin. The Bishop of Ohristchupch (Dr. Julius), who after Dr. Kevill is the senior Bishop by consecration, will almost certainly be the next Primate. If so, the Primacy will come back to Christchurch after being held by Wellington (Bishop Hadfield), Auckland (Bishop Cowie), and Dunedin (Bishop Kevill). Bishop Julius's predecessor (Bishop Harper) was also Primate.

The Hon. D. Buddo. speaking on Monday at the opening of the Rahotu Post Office, said he came from a district which had been fortunate to sell land out of which they had made roads, erected briges. public buildings, etc.. and therefore made no demands on the estimates. He had never yet taken exception to the expenditure of money for opening up the North Island, and tho same might be said of his colleagues who came from Canterbury. He did not come there envious of their prosperity, but wishing them good cheer and prospects of better things. There was no doubt that at present a spirit of parsimony and economy had taken hold of the Opposition, who. having supported all loans, had come to the conclusion that it was time to stop borrowing. He. ventured to state, however, that it would be a long time before the Government would be advised to stop borrowing as long as they could see that the expenditure was warranted. He pointed out that from a visit to Parihaka that morning it appeared to him that its glory had departed. In regard to the question of unexpended votes, he pointed out that the money would not go far enough. They must recognise that roads and railroads now cost three times as much per mile, not due so much to the price of labour, hut because all the easier ones had been made.

The matter of the closing time of mails was discussed at a meeting of the council of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce yesterday, and a sub-commit-teo afterwards interviewed Mr. Robertson (secretary of the Postal Department) on the subject.. It was felt that the time between the closing time for mails and the departure of trains or steamers might be lessened. Mr. Robertson met the committee very cordially, and promised to look into the matter carefully, and, if possible, to effect some improvement in this direction. The committee, also asked that the Department should give some further information regarding accounts for telephone bureau connections. This matter has caused some trouble to hotels and business houses through outsiders using the telephone, and leaving the proprietor to pay the charge. It is often impossible afterward to find out who Is responsible for the payment, and what is asked is that the Department should record the name of the user with the date and name of the bureau. Mr. Robertson promised that, if approached by tho hotelkeepers and others interested, he would go into the matter with them, and, if possible, meet their requirements.

Tho Society of Arts Exhibition now open at Coburg-strect still continues to attract the puhlfc in large numbers. The following additional sales are reported: No. 5, "Near Lake Taupo," by W. Wright; 17, "Second Beach, St. Clair," by M. I/. Passmore; 19, "Te Kopu, Raglan," by Walter Wright; 09, "A Riverside," by Walter Wright; 10$, "Winter Evening Pleasures," by R. Williamson; 116, "Violets," by Francis H. Wright; IS4, "Yellow Autumn," by A. Denison; 215, "Chrysanthemums," by M. Walker; 249, -Island Bay," by F. Wright: 263, "Brione," by C. Morse; 269, "rjome From Foreign Parts," by Arthur Lloyd; •285, "Roses," by A. K. Butler; 290, "Roses," A. R. Snolli.ng; 303, "Mnhinapna Creek," J. D. Perrett; .32(5, "Calm Day," J. O. D. Spicer; 344, "Lake Kanleri'," J. D. Perrett; 347, "Study ol Roses," Agnes 1). Smith. To-morrow afternoon the Ladies' Committee will provide afternoon tea free of charge to visitors, and the opportunity thus given to art lovers to discuss contemporary work over the tea cups is sure to be availed of as usual. There, will be a meeting of Old Girls at the Girls' Grammar School, Howestreet', on Saturday, dune 10, at 3 p.m. The headmistress and staff hope that all Old Girls I including Old High School Girls) will make an efTovc to attend, as the meeting is held with a view to reorganising the Old Girls' Association and inviting the Association of Old Girls belonging to the school when it was the High School, with the old Grammarians. Henry Treanor appeared before Mr. C.

'-'. Kettle. S.M.. to-day to answer a '.-barge of not. contributing towards the maintenance of bis son in the Industrial School. In answer to the Magistrate, witness admitted that he might spend 2/(5 per week on drink, a little on tobacco, but nothing on the fotalisator. Mr. Kettle said some parents seemed to think once the State took the children it should keep them. An order was made to pay 2/6 per week.

At the monthly meeting of the Board' of Directors of the Young Men's Christian Association, held last evening, Air. . Grimwade stated that the members of a ' club of young men were meeting once a month to study the V.M.C.A. movement, in India, where a New Zealand secretary, has recently gone to promote the Association work. The Treasurer JR. B. Gelston) reported that finances were satisfactorj-, and that there was a credit balance over the month's expenses. The General Secretary reported on the work as a whole, stating that there had been a general advance in every department. The total number of members on the Association roll had now reached 606, and during the month of .May the membership fees from both old and new members surpassed any previous months for four years at least in the records of the Association. A very large number of visitors and strangers called at the rooms during the month, and no fewer than 65 applications had been Toeeived for work. Out of these 65 applications the Employment Department had been successful in placing 2.1 in permanent positions, and 17 in casual situations. During the past three months 105 men had secured positions through the agency of this department. In addition to this j work scores of young men had been advised on local conditions and had been [referred to respectable homes for board and residence. The total attendance at all meetings in the Association rooms for 1 the month amounted to 4915.

Edwin J. King, music seller and musician, of Wellington, a bankrupt, stated nt a meeting of his creditors yesterday that when the Governor arrived, he (the bankrupt) had expected to get some work from him, but his Excellency bad seen fit to engage Government officials to supply string bands. Bankrupt commented adversely on such a proceeding, nnd expressed the opinion that this sort of competition was unjust and unfair on the. part of men who had got billets. Mr. S. Cimino (a creditor) agreed. He haxl played with bankrupt, and was well aware of this kind of competition. It was most unfair. Bankrupt, in further explanation of his filing, declared that the picture shows were taking all the money. People went out to these places, instead of, as formerly, going in for music at home.

At the Salvation Army conference at Melbourne next month, at which this Dominion will be represented by several officers, a proposal will be made to separate the New Zealand Army from the Commonwealth Army. At present Salvation Army affairs in New Zealand are controlled by a commissioner in Melbourne. This leads to endless delays and explanations, which, it is felt, retard the work. Brigadier Albiston, of Christchurch, stated yesterday that he has good hopes the separation would be brought about, and that New Zealand would be ultimately declared a territory, with a commissioner of its own. Iru that case, it would be responsible only to the General in London. There were thousands of points, he said, on which the connection with Australia proved to be irksome, apart from the delay and inconvenience caused by the time occupied in communicating between the two countries. The different law conditions and ideas made it impossible for a commissioner resident in Australia to grasp details of tho work here. At present tho two islands of New Zealand are under separate commands, under the present commissioner, Brigadier Albiston being in charge of the South Island and Colonel Birkenshaw in command of the North IslandIt is felt that it is desirable to have a better arrangement in this respect, and this, it is urged, will be brought about by the appointment of a New Zealand commissioner.

The meeting held at the Choral Hall last night to sound Auckland's hope for tho consummation of the proposed AngloAmerican arbitration treaty, was enthusiastic, and several of the speeches were exceedinly interesting. Including the Mayor no fewer than ten speakers addressed the meeting, among the number being Professor Mills, who represented America at the recent Internation Peace Conference in London, and the general tenor of the remarks was an earnest desire for the day to arrive when the sword shall be cast into ploughshares and into the industrial machines of a bloodless warfare. A time limit was put on the different orators, and al though, as was inevitable, the frontiers were in some cases overmarched, the chairman contrived so to handle the lever that the speakers had all said their say and the. resolutions had all been enthusiastically carried before the clock struck ten.

The current issue of the "Trade Review" remarks:—"The bulk of our season's produce has now gone forward and the realisation of this continues to provide an ample supply of money. The balance of exports over imports for the March quarter was over 3$ millions, and for the June quarter, also there will be a substantial balance, probably about a million. This is a considerably smaller balance than that of the Juno quarter last year, owing to the heavy increase in imports that is going on, and a decrease in exports, which for April and May are nearly half a million behind the same two months last year. There, are evidences on all sides that money is in good supply and lending rates are easy, with a general prospect of continuing so for the present."

Dr. Newman described some of his experiences in his recent travels, and bis opportunities of collecting information regarding the origin of the Maori at a meeting of the Wellington Philosophical Society. At the British museum, he suggested that some of the Maori antiquities might be exchanged for some of the Dominion Museum duplicates, but was assured that it could not be done without an Act of Parliament, which the Commons were too busy to pass. Pursuing his investigations in Burma!) end Thibet, he found that curios were sold as Thibetan and Burmese which, in his opinion, were pure Maori. The Maoris conquered Burmnh in the year 1000, and, in his opinion, remnants of the race wpre left in Burmah. where fbe young ladies in greeting the stranger, did not say "Tena kohe," but "Tena. noke," which was much the same. He found an image in a Singapore museum remarkably like the Maori kttmara god Rongo. and was told (hat it came from an ancient aboriginal tribe which passed through Java. Practically all the patterns of the Maori caning could be traced back 'to India., and the legends had the same origin. Having been around the world and seen a great many museums, it was n great satisfaction to him to be able to s?.y that Mr. Hamilton's book on Maori art was one of the finest books on native art ever published, and that the Auckland and Dominion Museums were to be praised because they had not confined attention to one or two big features, but had taken note of so much of the small details of the Maori life.