"LEAVE IT TO ENGLAND !"

Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 139, 13 June 1911, Page 4

"LEAVE IT TO ENGLAND !"

The rather mysterious message about "conspiracy laws" that reaches us to-day as an Imperial Conference item, refers to one of the many proposals which the Conference is evidently inclined- to leave to England to settle. Mr. Fisher had undertaken to recommend to England "measures to prevent defeat or evasion of conspiracy -laws of other parts of the Empire," the primary object of this suggestion being to prevent the secret importation of Chinese or other undesirable aliens. But this motion evidently involves grave questions of public policy for the whole Empire; and the discussion that arose over it apparently merged in the general debate upon the proposals put forward independently by Australia and New Zealand for the establishment of an Imperial Court of Appeal. Taking these brief hints along with what we already know of British and Colonial sentiment about the influx of aliens into the Empire, we may conclude that the general feeling of the Colonial delegates just now is that it would be safer to leave all such questions for England to consider before forcing any practical suggestions upon the attention of the Imperial authorities. The Colonial Office is apparently prepared to suggest some modification of the existing system of Appeal which may provide the macliinery for dealing with such difficult and dangerous questions as alien immigration as they arise. And certainly if England is yireparcd to move in the matter, and to alter the existing constitution of tbe Empire in such a way as to meet our requirements, it will be at once safer and more dignified to accept such an offer than to Insist too emphatically upon striking out an independent course for ourselves.

The following is Mr. D. C. Bates' weather forecast for 24 hours from 9 ajn. this day:—"Winds freshening, and there are indications for a south-easterly heavy gale, hacking. Very heavy rain may be expected, with collier weather. Glass rise fast soon." Mr. J. T. Stevenson, F.ILA.S., advises:—"There are in dieations for a heavy gale between south and east, with rain aud colder weather." The bad state of Russell-lane, I'arneli, was the subject of an indignant letter to the Parnell llorough Council last evening. It was pointed out that since last Saturday's rain the lane has been !in a "condition dangerous to traffic, and as it was used by a large number of SI. Oeorge's i Bay residents, it was considered some 'steps should be taken to have repairs effected. The matter was left in the hands of tbe Mayor (Mr. B. S. Ilriggs) and Mr. W. Thomas, to take action. The opinion of a school inspector, as expressed in a report on a matter affect- ' ing school management, was paraded in a libel action at the Auckland Supreme Court this morning. One witness was I asked if he agreed with the opinion. "I pay due deference to Mr • —■ — opinion but 1 am old enough to hold an opinion ! of my own," replied the witness. In another instance a witness who is an inspector also disagreed with the opinion. "Even inspectors disagree," observed Mr. Earl. "So do doctors," remarked his Honor, "and even lawyers," and, after a pause, added: "What is more surprising still, judges disagree." It is proposed that a public meeting should be held at Mount Eden to protest against the action of the Auckland City Council in removing the crest from the first spur on Mount Eden for tho purpose of making a reservoir. The work of the dcspoilers is now plainly evident ■from the top of Symonds-street and oter parts of the city, and if the excavation is continued, nearly a quarter V? an acre on the most prominent spur overlooking the city will be marred by -the use of the pick and shovel. What is falsification? The question has been raised in the course of the hearing of the libel action, Masson v. Richardson, in relation to tbe marking of school registers. It was suggested that whether a register was incorrectly marked through inadvertence or with intent, it amounted to falsification, and was a serious matter for the guilty teacher. Mr. Crow, secretary of the Education Board, and a former schoolmaster and inspector, stated that custom was responsible for the definition of all errors deliberate or accidental as falsification. Inspector Cox held a similar view, but Mr. Justice Edwards declined to accept the interpretation given as being hopelessly contrary to tho meaning of the English language. And his Honor went so far as to suggest that the Education Board should be the last to provide a wrong meaning for an English word in general use and containing a definite significance. His Honor remarked that a charge of falsification was a serious one, and the word could not be construed to cover something done by mistake, but only to condemn an act of wilful intent. Witnesses were called on the other side, who declared that an error in compiling the register could not be regarded as falsification. The case of Itemucra Road Board v. Auckland Tramways Company -was called at the S.M. Court -this morning, -when ■ Mr. McGregor appeared for the plaintiff and Mr. Stanton (Mr. T. Cotter) for the defendant company. It was arranged that the case should lie set down for healing on the 20th. The claim is for £10 as damages for 'breach of agreement in not extending the tram service to the end of Mountain-road, and for not in the interim keeping a 'bus service going. Mr. Kettle asked if they wished to make an earl}' start, as, if so, he ■was ready to sit at 9 a.m. The legal gentlemen, however, expressed the opinion that 10 o'clock would be quite early enough. Mr. Kettle agreed, adding, however, that h.c liked to encourage early rising amongst the profession. The Auckland Society of Arts Exhibition was well attended all day yesterday and again this afternoon. The following sales of pictures have been made since our last report:—No. 5, "Near Dakc Taupo," by W. Wright, also No. 19, "Te Kopu, Raglan." by the same artist; No. 133, " Buller Gorge," by C. 11. Howorth; 184, "Yellow Autumn," by Miss A. Dennison ; 215, "The Fisher Folks Quarter.] Whitbv," by R. Herdman Smith, F.S.A.M., _lf>. "Island Bay. Wellington." by E. Wri_ht: 103, " Frione, Earro Maggiore," by C. Moorse; SOS, " Mabinapua Creek." by J. D. Perrett; 326. "A Calm Day. Auckland Harbour." by Mrs. J. E. D. r *picer: 344, "Lake Kanieri," by J. D. , Perrett. The Bank of New Zealand will open a branch daily near the top of Syraonds- j ?tree'c, commencing on Thursday. 13th j lnst. The following additional subscriptions J nave been received at the "Star" office towards the Mrs. Falls relief fund: — Employees of Campbell and Ehrenfried . Co. £4 3/0, Robertson Bros. £5, em- 1 plovres Robertson Eros £1 11/, B.A. £1, S.li.M. 2/0, C.W.S. 5/, J.AV.S. 15/, and j J.M.S. 10/G, !

It is understood that among the matters j considered by the executive of the New - Zealand Federation of Labour during its meeting in Wellington yesterday was the attitude which would have to be taken in. connection with the supply of coal to the ships of the British navy if a strike were declared at any time. Lieutenant Sydenham, Admiralty agent at Westport, interviewed the executive with a view to eecuring an assurance that Admiralty coal orders could always be filled. The result of the interview is not available. Last evening prior to the organ recital in Pitt-street Methodist Church, the trustees of the church tendered a complimentary dinner at Buchanan's to those who had been connected with, the recent improvements of the church. Mr. T. W. Jones acted as chairman, and after dinner the following toasts were honoured: —"The King," "The Organ Advisory Committee," "The Organ Builder and Architect," -and "The Heads of the respective Contracting Firms." At the meeting of the Auckland Provincial Industrial Association, held yesterday afternoon, the arrangements for the holding of a shop display of New Zealand-manufactured goods during I Coronation week -was discussed. A report from Mr. A. W. Page, who had canvassed the retail and wholesale firms in the city, showed that there was a general keenness on their part to make tho show a success. The following were present at the meeting:—Messrs. B. Buttle, J. W. Wiseman, J. Wilson, G. Eraser, A. McColl, S. J. Nathan, and S. J. Har-1 butt. The following were elected as members of the association:—Messrs. M.I McLean, C. Seagar, O. Peagar, brothers ' yhnrpe, R. IT. Swales, F. Taylor, and A. X. Pickford.. The following military cadets have boon selected by examination for training nt the new Military Training College in Australia, to be opened on dune 22: — IT. (x. Allen, New South Wales, formerly of Auckland; I). K. Carpenter, of Auckland; R. Logan, of Olago-, V. G. .Tervis, of Dunedin; X. M. Weir, of Chrißtclmrch; ('. IT. McLelland, of Keaton, Wellington; C. Carrington, of Christchurch; M. J. K. .Jennings, of Christchurch; K. Miles, of New Brighton; A. U. .Bryan, of Westport. The lads are to assemble in Wellington and will leave Sydney by the Warrimoo on Friday. Mr. W. S. Wills, M.A., the distinguished American lecturer, who is to tour New Zealand under the auspices of the Trades and Labour Council, delivered his final lecture in Auckland in the Choral Hall last night. The attendance was large, 'and the speaker received a splendid hearing, the applause being frequent and whole-hearted. Mr. Mills, besides being a splendid orator, is a man of wide learning and understanding, and much interesting material was forthcoming in his address upon the question of public ownership of .monopolised industries. Having dealt with the ideal and the practicability of the scheme which ho propounded. Air. Mills procoded to refer to the necessity for the welding together of all labour parties. The whole secret of organisation, he said, was to drop all arguments as to forms and ceremonies, to waive differences of opinion as to names and platforms, and to stop the quarrelling of parties whoso aims were actually sympathetic. The way to achieve success was to be the best possible socialist, or labourite, or unionist, he could be. The meeting closed with a hearty vote of thanks to the speaker. The Executive Committee of the New Zealand Educational Institute had an interview with the Minister -of Education (Hon. G, F-owlds), and discussed tho resolution adopted by the Teachers' Conference early in the year. At that interview, it is now made public, the Minister expressed his disappointment with and disapproval of the attitude that teachers have taken up in relation to the issue of free books. He pointed out that ho had had to submit to three ad--1 verse votes in Parliament on the question, and the present system had been devised to ward off what was the only alternative to it, viz., the introduction of a uniform set of text-books. This, in his opinion, would be calamitous. He was afraid that the objection of teachers to the system arose from the fact that they did not like the little extra trouble involved. An interesting case, containing some features probably unique and involving the position of the Crown in reference to State advances to miners, came before the Warden at Waikaia on Tuesday last (says the "Otago Daily Times"). The Muddy Terrace Company some time ago took up a sluicing claim at Waikaia, and for its further development they obtained from the State a substantial loan. In order to secure repayment of the loan the company assigned to His Majesty the King the whole of the claim and mining privileges bj- way of mortgage. The effect of this is that the King ibeeame the legal owner of the claim. On Tuesday a suit came before the Warden, _—r. "_"-o-u_<r, by which a man named Hugh Nelson sought to obtain from the court a decree of forfeiture of the claim on the ground that the original application was irregular. The summons had been Issued and served upon the Muddy Terrace Company, but the Crown had not received any notice of the suit. Mr. Hay, who appeared for the company, instructed by Messrs. Duncan and MaeGregor, pointed out to the Warden that the Crown was interested under tho agreement. He contended that the Crown was the real defendant and should therefore have been joined. as a. po.Tty. Mr. Inder. -wbo appeared for the plaintiff, contended that there was no power to join the Crown. The Warden decided that the King should be made a party, and adjourned the case to enable the plaintiff's Counsel to consider the position and take the necessary steps. If the Crown is joined the peculiar question arises whether one of the King's l-ourts eau forfeit >or Ibonttseate the King's property. The Pharmacy Board of New Zealand recently addressed the Minister of Internal Affairs, pointing out the pressing necessity for revision of tbe Sales of Poisons Act, as evidenced by the number of cases of poisoning occurring from the use of "Lysol," and the recent nicotine poisoning case in Wellington. The Minister has replied, 'stating that the matter is to receive consideration. No less than 30 legal gentlemen or their clerks were in attendance in connection with debt oases at the S.M. Court this morning. As none of these luminaries of tbe law appear without fees, it is manifest that -the non-payment of accounts, while curtailing serious loss on some of the litigants, is a good thing for gentlemen belonging to the Law Society. Sir W. J. Stewart, speaking at Waimate on Thursday, announced that he wouid be meeting the people in a few weeks in the cour?e of bis candidature. This, says the "Press." is the first announcement that Sir William has made since the night of last election, when be announced that he would not seek reelection. He is evidently going to contest the Waitaki seat. Fruit trees, their foes and friends. Read the "Farmer" Fruit Number. Cn .f«|? everywhere.

In addition to the new Lyric Theatre, which is now in course of erection, in Syahonds-street, it has been announced that an -p-to-date music hall and picture theatre is to be established in Durhamstreet West, immediately opposite His Majesty*- Theatre. A local syndicate has just acquired the old saleyards which were .ecenitly purchased by Mr. Arthur Cleave from the N.Z. Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited. Ifc is proposed to convert the hall, which, at present occupies the site, into a place of entertainment capable of accommodating some 1200 persons. Work is to bo started at once, and tbe new theatre will be -ready for occupation by tbe end of September. The total cost to the syndicate is estimated at £16,000. The hard frosts at present being experienced throughout Central Otago have practically brought about a suspension of rabbit trapping (says the Otago "Daily Times"). The season has been open for about three months, and owing to the exceptionally fine weather during that period probably more rabbits have come to hand than during any other season in the history of the industry. In fact, it is computed that at the height of the season from 70,000 to 80,000 rabbits per week were coming into Dunedin. However, tbe hot weather experienced some weeks back seriously affected the condition of the rabbits, and the percentage of rejects was at times exceedingly heavy. Advices from London are to the effect that the market there is Still very weak, and that there were carried over from last season 00,000 rjr 70,000 crates of rabbits, which had been stored in London freezing chambers, anil the fact of these being placed on the market at the opening of the season - affected it considerably. J Mr. A. D. Dobson, Christchurch, city surveyor, who has recently visited Dunedin, states that the streets of Christchurch compare more than favourably with those in the southern city, in Dunedin there are hardly more than a : mile and quarter of tarred macadam streets, while in Christchurch there are nine miles of streets with tarred tops, and about two miles and a-balf of tarred macadam. . He regards Park Terrace as a model road, and from Peterboroughi street to Bealcy-avenue, it cost only £22 1(1/ a chain, including metalling, tarring and all other expenses. Mr. Dobson, strongly defends his streets from attacks made upon them, and, as evidence that they are not as bad as some people say they ate, he repeats the statement of an engineer from Birmingham, who, on visiting Christchurch, expressed surprise at the length of "nice, fine, clean streets possessed by a population of about PO,OOO persons." A new five-storey brick building is to be built in Albert-street for Mr. Neville Newcom'b, and the following tend-ers ■have been received by tbe architect, Mr. T. W. May:—J. T. Julian and Ron, £4061; R. Orr, £5593 10/; W. Masscv, £5060; Eve and Son. LV7OS; W. Ball, £5760; J. Webster, £0059; F. Nelson, £6235; L. McKinstry, £0587; J. J. Holland, £6640; G. Braithwait, £6736; F. Frankham, £6971. Mr. Julian's tender of £4961 was accepted, and including the cost of party walls and excavating already done, will bring the cost of building to about £5700. The interest taken in the Sheffield Choir concerts in Auckland may be judged from a glance at the box plan, the booking already being very heavy. Chorus members of the Auckland Choral Society are reminded that the performance with the Sheffield Choir is fixed for Wednesday, June 2Sth. Rehearsals will be resumed to-night, June 13th, the whole evening from 7.30 to 9.30 o'clock being devoted to this work. For the erection of a laundry for the Dominion Laundry Company, in Hobsonstreet, the following tenders have been received from Messrs. E. Mahony aiid Sons, architects: —F. C. Jones, £4569; H. C. Small, £4511; F. G. For-tzer, £4350; J. L. Burfoot, £4330; James Webster, £4320; W. Massey, £4130; J. J. Holland, £4100; J. T. Julian, £4097; W. J. Hood, £3845; L. W. Orr, £3757; W. J, Grevatt and Son, £3747. The lowest tender, that of Grevatt and Son, has been accepted. An attempt to draw distinctions led to some amusing anecdote at the Auckland. Supreme Court this morning. The point involved was under what circumstances a pupil sent on school business and being absent from instruction most of the dayshould 'be legitimately marked present. Mr. R. N. McKenzie, headmaster of the Mt. Eden school, gave it as his opinion that if a boy was sent to school by his parents and then sent on an errand connected with school business, he should be marked as present; and witness showed, in addition, that wtien boys were attending cadet camps and the winter show they were marked present by order of the Education Board. Mr. Earl asked the witness if the instances he quoted were parallel with a boy being sent for school requisites or for a. sergeant of police. "At the show or in camp the boys are trnder control, and receiving instruction," pointed out counsel. "And while on the other errand they are receiving civic instruction," promptly retorted Mr. McKenzie. Counsel admitted that it might be instructive to come, in contact -with the police and hear the law expounded, and his Honor interposed: "It depends in what capacity tbe contact with the -police assumes." The question of an urgent message was also raised, and Mr. -McKenzie remarked that if a teacher was in danger of assault it -would __ a matter of urgency and expediency to send for the police. 'Tt would he futile to wait for the assault and se-n-d for the police next day," added the witness. "For instance," pointed out his Honor, "if a house was on fire it would be a matter of urgency to send a boy for the fire brigade." The Defence Department in this issue call tenders for the supply of uniforms - for the Senior Cadets. There are "strong points" in our suits for the little men. Strong make, strong cloth for "strong boys."—Geo. Fowlds, Ltd.—(Ad.) I Wet weather! Umbrellas, raincoats, mackintoshes, and all wet weather requisites at our famous low prices.— Smith and Caughey, Ltd.— (Ad.) Red, white, and blue art muslins for Coronation decorations, flags, brooches, and badges, at McMaster and Shalders', drapers. Queen-street. — (Ad.) Bust the trust! Smoke Royal Standard Tobacco. I like it; so will you.—(Ad.) If you have half a dozen fruit trees in your garden, it will pay you to buy the special Fruit Number of the "N.Z. Farmer," now on sale at all newsagent's. Every plug and tin of Royal Standard Tobacco bears the "union label." No connection with the Combine, — (Ad.) Bridgman and Bridgman's clearance sale of -winter goods starts Thursday morning. Promises closed all day to-morrow (Wednesday) for marking down stock.— (Ad.) Wet weather! Umbrellas, raincoats,' mackintoshes, and all wet weather requisites, at our famous low prices,— .Smith and Caughey, Ltd. —.(Ad.),