THE GLADSTONE MINISTRY ON ITS TRIAL.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1807, 28 February 1885, Page 2

THE GLADSTONE MINISTRY ON ITS TRIAL.

The telegrams show that the Gladstone K. Government is now on its trial in both 'Arises of Parliament, motions having iNgJ^en submitted in these respectively strongly condemnatory of the policy pursued in Egypt. How the motion in the Peers' House will be disposed of admits of no doubt. It is certain to be carried, as the one brought forward there last session was, with a large majority. Whatever may be said to the prejudice of the Lords among the Radical sections of society, all will admit that they are far more sensitive and resolute than the House of Commons on all points relating to the preserving and extending the honor and interests of the Empire. The general ■^-feeling, therefore, prevailing in the United Kingdom that the name of England has been disgraced in connection with the management of Egyptian affairs, and especially the Soudan rebellion, will be more intense among the Peers of the Eeaim, and is certain to evoke from them an adverse judgment on the policy of the Government. What may be the result of the debate now proceeding in the House of Commons is less certain. The Government party is undoubtedly composed of a large majority of the members ; and. should they prove staunch, they will - manage to pull the Government through. But will they prove staunch ? This, to say the least, is doubtful. There are few, if any, among the moderate Liberals who have not during the last six months felt ashamed of the muddle into which, through the weak and vacillating action of the Government, all matters relating to Egypt had been brought. Loyalty to their A party, however, constrained them to & eupportanadministration whose foreign W' policy they in heart condemed, and to this the survival of the Government to s this day is undeniably due. But will \ their loyalty on this occasion bear the N . strain that is sure to be put on it? The members of the popular House are extremely sensitive on the subject of public opinion, and they cannot fail to be aware that there is not one man in fifty among any one class of society who has any real sympathy with the views and action of the Government on the question of the Soudan rebellion and the management of the expedition for the relief of Khartoum.

This decided state of public feeling they might in ordinary circumstances have felt themselves free to disregard ; but, in view of the early prospect of having to appear before the constituencies at the election of a new Parliament, they are sure to allow it in some measure to affect their vote. The fall of Khartoum and the lamented death of Gordon, and the fact that both these events are chargeable against the blundering dillatoriness of the Government, have caused the anger of the people to mount to a high pitch, and at that pitch it is likely to remain for some months to come. In these circumstances, not a few of those who have hitherto supported the Government in their general policy, though disapproving of their Egyptian policy, may, now that the latter is specially arraigned, feel constrained to vote according to their convictions and irrespective of j)avty considerations. In this event there can be little doubt of the Government being loft in a minority. That the Conservative party are calculating on this result would appear from the announcement made by the Marquis of Salisbury, that in the event of it being shown that the Government has lost the confidence of the country, they are prepared to form an administration and assume the responsibilities of office. This is a manifesto intended to remove any apprehension that the interests of the Empire might suffer if, at this critical period, a dissolution of Parliament were to take place as the result of a vote adverse to the present Ministry. All things considered, therefore the probabilities are that the vote of censure in the House of Commons will be carried, or lost only by •" narrow majority, so narrow as to compel the Ministry to resigD, and that they will be succeded by another whose members will be a pledge to the people that the interests of the Empire will not be sacrificed at any one point in deference to the unpractical views of political doctrinaires. At all events, we shall not have to wait long to see, as the debate, according to reports, was expected to close last night, and the result may be published in our next ordinary issue. But, whatever the result may be, whether for the next few months the destinies of the Empire are to be guided by Conservative or Liberal leaders, the supreme wish of all loyal subjects of the Queen will be that success may attend our arms, and that matters may be so conducted as to maintain the prestige of the British name.

Among tho arrivals yesterday, per s.s. Clansman, are the following: — James Ashbury, Esq., M.P. for Brighton ; P. Comiski, of Auckland Cattle Company; and M. deHarven, well known in connection with the Belgian settlement projects. This gentleman is on his way to Whakatane and the East Coast settlements. Attention is hereby directed to the advertisement from Messrs Dounes and Co., of Philport Lane, London. This firm has special advantages to offer, and a perusal of their notice appearing in our business columns is commended to hotel-keepers, ■wholesale dealers, and others. The secretary of the Cricket Club, has received a proposal for the visit of an 1 Auckland eleven to this district shortly. The committee and members of the club are requested to meet on tho ground afc 2 o'clock to-day, to consider the proposal. A scratch practice match will be played and arrangements made for further practice. A telegram dated London, February 24, states that at a meeting of the Conservative "Party, the Marquis of Salisbury stated the Tories were fully prepared to assume office should the present administration be found not to retain the confidence of Parliament. We are requested to inform all old constabulary men of good character and exvolunteers, that we are prepared to take the names of all applicants in this district who desire to join Captain Bennett's Free Naval Contingent for service abroad, and that such list will be forwarded to Captain Bennett, in Auckland, each mail day. It is anticipated, and rightly too, that this district possesses many men of proved experience for field service that will prove a proud addition to Bennett's Auckland Contingent. Captain Bennett, the gentleman who has so ably volunteered to raise men in Auckland for active service and thereby saved that district from being called lnkewarm while our Mother England appears to be not only menaced by the Egyptian question, but also by tho Eussian bear, is the same man who volunteered for the Cape with 500 men, and afterwards commanded the Southern contingent of bluejackets, 126 strong, at the last West Coast trouble, but more particularly known in this district as the smart accountant in bankruptcy from Auckland. We have seen a sample of tomatoes, taken from Mr T. Hunter's garden, Cameron road. Of the six fruit cut, they each turned tho scale at a pound weight, and are of exquisite form and colour. Mr Hunter's constant care of his garden is now rendering him his due reward. Certainly fru't and vegetables can be grown here to perfection. The s.s. Douglas will, weather and other circumstances permitting, go to White Island on Tuesday next, calling at Ohiwa to land Opotiki passengers and mails, and proceed on to White Island, arriving there at about 1 1 a.m., and leaving for Tauranga about 7 p.m. The senate of the New Zealand University met on Wednesday. Tho Vice-Chancellor announced the Government intend giving 4 scholarships, and promote scientific and technical education. Doctoes G-avb Him Up. — "Is it possible that Mr Godfrey is up and at work, and cured by so simple a remedy 'f" "I assure you it is true that he is entirely cured, and with nothing but Hop Bitters, and only ten days ago his doctors gave him up and said he must die." " Well-a-day ! If that is so, I will go thjs minute and get some for my pooa George. I know hops are good." Read

There is something ■wonderfully touching about the two words with which Genera] Gordon — the martyr — concluded his letter from Khartoum, dated .December 14th, "Come quickly." These words have a fulness of meaning when emanating from a man of Gordon's character and nerve which cannot fail to arrest attention. The credit of England was at stake as well as his own !?fe, both have been sacrificed by tlio miserable time serving attitude of the English Cabinet. The future historian wi 11 . record a page in history alike remarkable for stubborn folly in the loaders and heroic submission in the victim of their policy. On Wednesday evening, a number of natives returned to town from the WhangaImata gum-diggings. These natives belong to the Ngati Rangitihi tribe, residing at Jtfatata, and have for some months past been employed in the search for kauri gum. Until recently they had been veiy successful as the prices kept up, but owing to the fall in prices lately, they have resolved to wait awhile for a recovery of the market. Their sojourn at Whangarnata has enabled them to replenish their store-houses, and they speak as if desirous of soon returning to their diggiug operations. The ordinary monthly meeting of the directors of the Tauranga and Katikati Permanent Building and Investment Society, was held at their board room, Spring street, on Tuesday, 24th February, at 7 o'clock p.m. Present— H. S. Brabant, Vice-President, in the chair ; Messrs W. M. Commons, J. H. Sheath, A. W. Burrows, C. A. Clarke, and Robert Home. The secretary, Mr FitzGibbon Louch, read the minutes of the last meeting, held on 19th January, which were confirmed. Six applications for loans were road; five were granted conditionally, and one decried. Two fu n y paid up investing shares and twenty-one borrowing shares were allotted. Amounts received since last meeting, £257 7s; cheques issued, £191 10s lOd ; total loans advanced, £8,350 ; total shaves a.".otled, 1,060|-. The £600 paid to the Eotorua natives, on account of the £9,000 due them for rents, was drawn in one cheque of £000. This was found to bo of no use, and was then divided into lesser sums, but as some of these were as much as £95, they could not ho cabled at Rotorua; finally a number of £10 and £12 cheques were issued. It seems curious that it never occured to the officials to send a. special messenger to Tauranga, who could have got the money from the banks and paid the natives. It was estimated thtt the natives would receive about .£1 a head by the distribution of this provisional payment. One of the questions asked by a deputation which waited on the Native Ministev during his recent visit to Rotor ua, was, whether the Thermal Springs Act would ho repealed, so as to allow the Europeans to obtain land within the distiict. The Nati ;c Minister replied that the Thermal Sprin ; s Act would remain in force ; and it was thj intention of the Government to havo 000,000 acres surveyed and cut up into small blricks, and then leased for 21 years. At the end of that term the leases would be put up to public auction, and the incoming tenant would have to piirchase all improvements at a valuation. We again remind our readers, that MiRalph Hood, the renowned pianist, performs on Thursday night, March sth, at tho Tem- | peranoe Hall. The press describes Mr Hood's performances as marvellous, and his farewell ooncerta throughout Auckland and Waikato, have met with the greatest success. Such a musical treat is soldoia heard in Tauranga, and will no doubt be appreciated. Mr Hood will shortly leaTe for Melboure via Southern ports, where lie intends giving pianoforte recitals. Tickets for Thursday's concert may be had at Bodell's store, '■ traud, where plan of Hall may be seen, Doctor Taylor, the well-known ei.hte.f of Science Gossip, will sail for tho Australasian Colonies on the Bth April, by one of the steamers of the Messageries Maritime. There are very few publications that combine real scientific resoarch with pleasant reading, und Doctor Taylor's journal may justly r.'.nk among' the first in this category. Jock Graham — the joek — is getting r.^ady to visit the Hot Springs, but before ho starts, lie is getting a petition signed for presentation to the House of Representatives, through Mr Brahshaw, M.H.R., and as Jock Graham informs us, he is obtaining signatures at the rate of 3 yards per diem. A demonstration awaits Jock at Ohincmutu and Whakarowarowa for Ins services in making known, the wonderful virtues of the healing springs through his Hot Lakes Guide, gratis. Joc:k is spoken of in the following manner in tinOtago Daily Time: --"The document is a petition which Mr Jock Graham intends having presented before Parliament next session, praying for compensation "for the. loss of the use of his limbs, owing to exposure ; and hardships while he acted as mail carri.tr in the early days of Otago." Tho petition with signatures attached is already ovei' twelve yards long, and when sent to Wellington will be much moro formidable in dimensions." The fact is Mr Graham is a celebrity, but unlike most of that yenm, he is likely to meet with his reward during his lifetime, and verify tho proverb that a " living dog is better than a dead lion." Tauranga ia indebted to Jock in no small way and he will bo welcomed on his arrival. A telegram, of the 25th instant, from Melbourne, states : — That at a special meeting of tho Presbytery of Melbourne, held on tho previous day, a resolution was passed declaring the "recent conduct of the congregation of the Scots Church, an act of contumacy and rebellion, and that tho time had arrived to separate those willing from tho unwilling to acknowledge the authority of tho church, and instructing tho session to take steps towards that end." Feels Young Again. — "My mother was afflicted a long time with neuralgia and a dull, heavy, inactive condition of tho whole system, headache, nervous prostration, and was almost helpless. No physicians or medicinos did her any good. Three months ago she began to use Hop Bitters, with such good effect that she seems and feels young again, although over seventy years old." — A Lady in R I Look up.

The annual meeting of members of the Tauranga Acclimatisation Society is [announced to take place on Monday afternoon, at i o'clock, at the Government Buildings. The holders of shooting licenses for this district, for the 188-4 season, are invited to attend and take part in the procedinga. To-morrow will ho the 19th anniversary of the death of the Rev. Mr Volkner, who was barbarously murdered at Opotiki in 1866. The Sydney Morning Herald of the 11th inst. contains the following : — ''The Acting Colonial Secretary yesterday received a telegram from the Premier of New Zealand, intimating that he had received a message from the Agent-General of New Zealand, to the effect that it was probable that proposals would be made by Germany to give lip her claims on New Guinea, in exchange for Samoa ; and stating that New Zealand had protested most strongly against such proposals, and expressing the hope that the Government of this colony would instruct its Agent-General to protest also, because if snch proposals were carried out, the control of the Central Pacific, it was alleged, would rest with Germany. To this telegrom Mr. Dalley replied that he had received no official intimation whatever of any German proposals for the exchange of New Guinea for Samoa, and deemed it premature to base any protest upon such rumour ; but that, if the report were true, he was unable to agree with the view taken of the situation by the Government of New Zealand." The Auckland Institute have lately obtained some exhibits from America which will be interesting to many who do not care to look at merely scientific objects. First, models of two famous nuggets, supposed to be the largest ever found in the world. One was found in Siberia in 1842, and was a solid mass of gold weighing 961bs. troy, the other was the "Welcome Nugget" found near Ballarat, and weighing 21G6ozs. There are also in the institute facsimiles of 15 of the most famous diamonds. The Koh-i-noor, or Mountain of Lights, found at Golconda in 1550, and which belonged in turn Shah Jehan. Aurungzebe, Nadir Shah, and afterwards to Runjeet Singh. Ultimately, it was surrendered to the Queen, and was brought to England. Its original weight was nearly 800 carats, but it was reduced by the unskilfulness of the artist to 279 carats. It has been stated that the value of the Koh-i-noor is scarcely compatible, but that two millions Stirling was a justifiable price, if calculated by the scale employed by the trade. There are also shown models of the famous Orloff diamond. presented to the Empress Catherine, and now in the sceptre of Russia; the great Mogul diamond ; the Pigott diamond ; the S!anci diamond ; the Star of the South diamond, and other famous gems. — Herald