THE Bay of Plenty Times AND THAMES VALLEY WARDEN,

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XIII, Issue 1760, 4 November 1884, Page 2

THE Bay of Plenty Times AND THAMES VALLEY WARDEN,

"TheSpiritofthe Times shall teach im speed.' •—KINO JOHN, ACT IV.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1884.

THE AMENDED BESOLUTIONS.

There is an unpleasant feeling of disquietude which forces itself upon the mind as each report of the proceedings in the House of Representatives is "brought before the, public. The impression grows upon one that the soreness of defeat is still irritating the present opposition, and while quite admitting the want of tact in the course pursued by the two leading spirits in the present Cabinet in their endeavour to out-manoeuvre the Upper House, it is due to the Government that they should have the opportunity of working out their policy without being met at every turn with a check. Is it not rather a struggle between the two Islands more than, a, question of principle and constitutional form? The option of rejecting a measure is undoubtedly a safeguard, and in the particular case which has brought the matter to a head there is no lack of evidence that a strong feeling of distrust prevails, and it would seem that there is danger of a rupture, whioh would be perhaps more injurious in its effects than the evils complained of in the bills which were deemed obaoxious. The strained position is to a i considerable extent due to the partial j way in which measures for one part! of the Colony have been furthered in past sessions to the detriment of the other part, and a jealous eye is kept upon the policy how being developed lest there should be a repetition of the same thing. ■ The fact is, be the cause vhat it may, thai the course of legislation does not proceed smoothly, and this is much to be regretted. Taken w a whole, the policy of the Governnent is generous in its proposed benefits to the Colony, and the exercise of a little patience would not only jlear the political atmosphere of the existing clouds, but help to moderate iae over-zealous, whose one desire 'jaems to be to have everything done at once. The position taken up by the premier has its points of commendaion, and though there is not any likelihood at this juncture that the threat of a dissolution would be carried out, yet it is clear that the relations letween the Government and their sensors are very strained, and the possibility of another crisis is not so very remote. Such an issue would be calamitous, and prove disastrous indeed to the country, (rhich has already sufr'ered enough from combative delay. Phe Legislative Council has taken a decided stand, and has resisted what they deemed injurious to the Colony, and there they have the support of the people. If measures can be forced through the Lower House in the manaer complained of, the clear duty of uhe Upper Chamber is to place its veto upon such measures, and thus arrest cheir progress. Then is the occasion for the Government to so modify and amend their measures that they will retain what is beneficial, whilst eliminating the objectionable features. This seems to be the course that has been adopted with reference to the resolutions in connection with the District Railways Bill. The division did not take aparty direction, Major Atkinson acting in concert with the Goyernment. It is rumoured that there are ulterior purposes in view j this may or may not be true, but the point of immediate moment is that this vexatious question, by judicious yielding, may yet produce good fruit in the action of the opposing parties in their relations to one another. The Premier's statement after the delivery of the Public Works Statement necessarily evoked strong criticism. Sir George Grey, who is looked upon as virtually the man who holds the reins in his hand, and by his lead can determine the life of the Ministry, spoke strongly as to his views of the position of affairs, and he was quick to discern the implied threat. The political barometer may be justly said to be very i sensitive. The storm was not far off, and it is to be hoped that the heavy squall -which betokened what was behind may be sufficient to clear the air for some time, and that public business will make rapid progress.

We are glad to see that the local Cheese Factory has made arrangements to send two Sample Cheeses as exhibits of local industry to the Auckland Show.

The Taupo correspondent of the Hawko's Say Herald writes that a prospector searching for gold near Kuapehu, has found indications of coal about six miles from the Marton line of railway. These indications would appear to point to a good seam of coal.

Our readers will notice that a special excursion trip is arranged for the convenience of the public, who wish to visit Auckland for the Cattle Show. The new steel steamer Clansman will start an hour later to afford every facility to all who wish to avail themselves of this opportunity.

Tho last lot of English Trout brought to Tauranga by Mr Chaytor have been liberated in the following localities, Mangorewa river, the larger|near the Bridge. Waim&pu river above and below the falls. Waifoa, river near the falls above the atone bridge. Waitao in each branch of the river, Mr Gardiner secretary to the acclimatisation society undertook tho liberation of these fish.

The first sale of Ostrich feathers has lately been, held in Adelaide. The bidding was brisk and the feathers fetched from 9s to 14s 6d each.

The case against larrikins for breach of the Borough bye-laws on the 19th October, was heard before the Mayor and Mr S. L. Clarke, and after hearing sundry evidence was dismissed. The case of tho prosecution having broken down. The defendants were represented by Mr Bromfield.

We learn that Mr William Kelly has been returned for the Eotorua Riding in the Tauranga County Council unopposed. Mr Kelly will be a useful member in this Council as he has had expei'ience of public business and his past experience as an M.H.R. may be of use in bringing forward the matters connected with that portion of the County he will now represent.

Our Wellington correspondent informs us that Captain Morris is still laid ,up with his hurt knee, and that it will be some little time before he is allowed to get up and move about. This is most unfortunate, and just at a time when, with a closing 1 session, there are so many matters needing- his attention before the House is prorogued.

The Federation and Annexation proposals were to have been brought down on Friday evening for consideration, and it was rumored that Mr Moss intended moving an amendment to the effect that it is not desirable to federate with Australia, and it was impossible to forecast what would be the outcome of the debate. It seems that few members of the House take any real interest in the question. Major Atkinson is a strong federationiat, and many of his party will be sure to follow him without question, and the feeling is that the Colony will undoubtedly be commended to some scheme of federation. The question is as markedly important in its bearings as the absence of interest in the matter is apparent.

Much to the surprise of every one, the nominations for seats in the County Council for the representations of the Waimapu Riding exceeded the number of vacancies. The impression was that there would be no competition for honors but the prophets were mistaken, and the result of the poll will be anxiously looked for.

At ?the Auckland Wesley an District meeting (Financial Sessions) last week the following items were brought forward in connection with Tauranga : — Report for the past year, reduction of debt, £45 ; expenditure sanctioned for the ensuing year; orection of a parsonage at a cost of £300.

The Beetroot Sugar Bill has given rise to considerable discussion. Sir Julius Yogel has spoken upon the importance of this industry. Reports were certainly favourable. The results on experiment were decidedly encouraging, and after - long debate the second reading of the bill was agreed to on the voioes on Wednesday last.

The Standing Orders Committee of the House of Representatives brought up an important recommendation on Wednesday last to this effect. "That in future sessions, the House should sit at 10 a.m., that the Speaker should leave the ohair from 1 till 2 p.m., and that the House should rise at 5 p.m. The occasion of this recommendation for the alteration of the standing orders is,owing to the impossibility of having a notice of motion brought forward during this session.

A good story is told by old identities at the expense of Mr Dick, whose Parliamentary career has been brought to such a sudden termination. The story runs — says the Auckland Star — that in the old days of Provincialism a scare existed in Ofcago in consequence of the rapid spread of thistles, and their extermination was prayed for on all hands. Mr Dick was then Provincial Secretary, and, impressed with the necessity of suppressing the evil, he introduced a measure having that object in view. There was, however, strong opposition to the bill on the part of some of the " canny " Scots, so with the object of convincing the sceptical few of the rapid growth of thistles, Mr Dick had two placed in flower pots and took them to the Council Chamber. He was first there, and had arranged the potted thistles on either side of him, when Mr Fultou, now member for Taieri, strolled in. Immediately afterwards the sound of many feet indicated the approach of the members, and Fulton, affecting anxiety, exclaimed, "Quick, quick; put away your thistles, the Councillors are coming?" "Why?" Mr Dick innocently enquired. "Well," Mr Fulton rejoined, " if they see them they will think you haven't finished your lunch yet ! "

Of the countless good stories attributed to Artemus Ward, the best one, perhaps, is one which tells of the advice which he gave to a Southern railroad conductor soon after the war. The road was in a wretched condition, and the trains, subsequently, were run at a phenomenally low rate of speed. When the conductor was punching his ticket, Artemus remarked, "Does this railroad company allow passengers to give it advice, if they do so in a respectful manner ? " The conductor replied, in gruff tones, that he guessed so. "Well," Artemus went on, "it occurred to me that it would be well to detach the cowcatcher from the front of the engine, and hitch it to the rear of the train, for you see we are not liable to overtake a cow, but what's to prevent a cow from strolling into this car and biting a passenger? — N. Y. Herald.

One of the most remarkable uses to which paper has been put of late years is the manufacture of hxylonite, a substance which at the will of the manufacturer, may be made in imitation of horn, rubber, ivory, tortoise shell, amber, and even glass. The uses to which xylonite are adaptable are almost infinite, but perhaps the most extraordinary is the manufacture of cathedral windows. The discovery was made about 15 years ago but it is only within the past few years that a company has been formed for its manufacture. The basis of xylonite is a plain white tissue paper made from cotton and linen rags. The paper is treated first to a bath of sulphuric and other acids, undergoing a chemical change. The acid is then carefully washed out and the paper treated with another preparation of alcohol and camphor, assuming an appearance very much like parchment. It is then capable of boing worked up into plates of any thickness, rendered almost perfectly transparent, or given any of the brilliant colours that silk will take. It is more flexible than either horn or ivory, and less brittle. Combs or other articles made of it in imitation of tortoise shell are said to be so perfect in appearance as to deceive the eye of the most practised workman in that substance.

The Tidy Houskwige. — The careful, tidy housewife, when giving her house its spring cleaning, should bear in mind that the dear inmates are more precious than houses, their systems need cleansing, by purifying the blood, regulating the stomach and bowels, and she should know that there is nothing that will do it so surely as Hop Bitters, the purest and best of all medioines, Look for

A recent issue of the Auckland Sb&t hag the following i- While p-as'aing through Sydney on his return to ttew Zealand, Tawhiao had a "korero" with. Captain William Jackson Barry, at the Coffee Palace where tile *' King " resided. . The lively and. veracious Captain talked with Tawhiao on the subject of England ahd Maoriland, and before the party separated made a short speech in the Maori language, and also translated it into English, He said that it was a great pity that the King Country had not been opened years ago, and he hoped that the King would be the instigator of opening it 6n his return to New Zealand as the oaptaiti is certain that the country abounds with mineral wealth ; by this means the King can lease his lands and thereby receive a great revenue, and instead of living in Maori pahs, can reside in grand houses and drive his carriages like the richest noblemen. The King shook hands all round, and after promising to remember the captain's words, the party broke vp 1 .

The Chinese were the first inventors of prinking, the first inventors of gunpowder, aiid the magnetic needle. They were the first to hatch eggs artificially ; the first to have chain pumps and artesian wells. Their great wall and great canal were made in t'<e remote ages of the past. Their penal code is two thousand years old, and their Civil Service examinations, which we are just learning to imitate, they have had for the last two thousand years When our barbarian forefathers were wandering about the northern coasts of Europe, ignorant of letters or of any of the fine arts, the literary Chinaman, dressed in silks and satins, was lounging on his sofa and drinking tea from painted porcelain oupa.

A very curious fifteenth century MSi volume was sold in a London auction room recently for £980. It consists of 257 folio leaves of vellum, ani contains nnnatnreg of extraordinary beauty, illustrating the early history of ■Nomandy and early English history. The first of the series represents the arrival of Duke Rollo at Rouen, and among others aye the death of Edward the Confessor, the coronation of Harold, the landing of William the Conqueror, the battle of Hastings, the funeral of William, the coronation of ftufus, and the death of Richard Cceur de Lion at Chaluz, all executed in the highest style of Burgundian art, < and with the minutest detail of architecture, costume, and armour.

Wood pavement is to be given up in London, and the old McAdam's system restored. The former is said to have not only failed to realise fche expected advantages, but has led, according to Professor Tindall's report, to serious affections of the eyes and lungs ; that is, by continual watering, tbe wood became saturated with street filth, and then, under the influence of the hot sun, gave forth a pernicious species of dust.

Good Resolutions. — At the commencement of every new year hundreds and thousands of our young men— and old as well— form resolutions for their guidance for the coming year. Many keep them, while others break them. To suoh we wish to give a word of advice. In order to sustain your determination of leading a better life in the future you should use Hop Bitters. The judicious use of Hop Bitters strengthens, cleanses, and purifies the stomach, bowels, blood, liver, nerves, and kidneys, and is just what you want to build up and invigorate yourself. — Greenbuah Dem. Read