THE Bay of Plenty Times AND THAMES VALLEY WARDEN.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1884, 3 September 1885, Page 2

THE Bay of Plenty Times AND THAMES VALLEY WARDEN.

" The Spirit of the Times shall teach me speed. KINO JOHN, ACT IV.

THUBSDAT, SEPTEMBER 3, 1885.

THE MASTEES OF THE SITUATION.

As we anticipated the Ministry came off >: ■. victorious from toe trial of strength to which the Opposition challenged them. Still there was not much to boast of, and some of the elements of their success may hereafter prove to them a source of perplexity. In a word we have an uncomfortable feeling that, when a Ministry is saved from defeat by the block vote of the Maori members, there are sure to he breakers ahead somewhere. The unpleasant question 18; at once raised as to whether the anomalous position of the native members in the House is consistent with the freedom of representative Government. . 3?or many reasons we should deplore the raising of this question; but the fact of all the native members talcing part in a i division 'intended to decide such que«- --' tioßs as that of expenditure and the

contingent one of taxation, and voting in favour of these items being increased, while their own lands are exempt from burdens, has undoubtedly led people to call in question the desirableness and constitutional nature of such a state of things. Hitherto this anomaly has been kept out of sight pretty well by a sort of tacit arrangement whereby the Maori votes were divided especially on such questionsas those named, and people have winked at what would not bear investigation. But, on this occasion the Government were pressed very hard and efforts were made successfully to induce all the Maori members to vote in their favour. It would have been better for those members themselves and better too for the Government if they had abstained from voting altogether rather than take up a position relative to the exclusive taxation of property pertaining to Europeans which was certain to cause extreme irritation. In that case, it is true, the Ministry would have been defeated ; but, though we aro desirous of seeing them continue in office, it is yet open to question whether victory won by such means may not eventualy prove more disastrous thau defeat would have been. That however is rather a consideration for the future. The fact remains the same that, whether by honest or doubtful stratagem, the Ministry did join and are now master of tbe situation. They may be taunted with the circumstance that a majority of the European representatives has ceased to have confidence in them, but they will not pay much heed to that, if the majority of four votes that kept them in office last Saturday morning can still be relied on. Eor that is a worthy majority and will enable them, if they are careful about the matters they bring forward, to obtain the sanction of the House to their proposals. * Two important questions are here suggested, however, which cannot fail to influence the result of future decisions in, the House. These are, will the native members continue to give a block vote for the Ministry ? and, will the Ministry make the East and West Coast Bailway a Ministerial question ? These two questions are closely connected, and will exert great power over a considerable number of members. Judging from report it is not at all likely that the Maori members will again go all into the same lobby j and, should Government make the vote for commencing the East and "West Coast Eailway a Ministerial affair, as the Canterbury members insist on their doing, ,it may be accepted as certain that the native votes will either be withheld or divided. In either ease the defeat of the Ministry would be then inevitable. The only chance therefore of the Ministry continuing in office till the close of the session is by either postponing the East and West Coast Railway or allowing it to take its chance with other matters on the estimates. On all sides it seems to be accepted that, under, no, circumstances, is there .any hope of getting this vote passed, and it is the knowledge of this that makes the Canterbury members threaten to desert the Government unless they stake thereon their Ministerial existence. It is certainly a trying position for the Ministry to be placed in, the more so that, if they do make this vote a Ministerial affair, there are others of their supporters who will then join the Opposition. In either case defeat stares them in the face and the only way in which that can be confidently escaped is by the Canterbury members receding from their dictatorial position. It is rather too much that they should insist on imperilling the Government for their sake alone, and we hope the Ministry will have the firmness to resist their demand. Why should the whole Colony be encumbered and its legislation stopped for their sakes ? If the Canterbury, Westland and Nelson people wish that railway let them avail themselves, as has been done by the settlers even in the despised Bay of Plenty, of the Acts which enable local parties to undertake its construction. What right have these people more than we have, to demand that they shall be relieved of their responsibilities and have these cast upon the Colony as a whole ? This confederated selfishness must be resisted unceremoniously and the Ministry, by taking this attitude, will be more likely to retain the reins of power and act fairly by the Colony as such. . <

The following notice of motion has been tabled by Mr J. "W. Gray to be moved at the next meeting of the Borough Council : — "That in future there be an undera Landing that the Mayor or Chairman presiding at the meetings of the Council shall exercise hia easting vote only in accordance with parliamentary usage, viz., shall vote in favour of existing state of things." Necessity is the mother of twins, invention and suggestion, — and the necessity of lessening tramcar accidents in Auckland has given birth to a valuable suggestion by a Mr Sobersky, who proposes a contrivance by which these accidents, if not altogether prevented, will at least be reduced to a minimum ; which is, that a light framework of netting be affixed to the front platform of tramcars. By this means passengers would in all cases bo saved from fai' ; ng under the car or horses' feet. A musical enterte ; .mnent in connection with the Wesleyan Church, entitled "An Eve with Shakespeare and Tennyson," is advertised to take place on September Bth fast. Judging from the success which attended their last entertainment, we have no doubt that the coming one will be equally good, and can confidently recommend those who wish to enjoy a treat not to miss this opportunity. "We believe that if every one would uso American Co's Hop Bitters freely there would be much lees sickness and misery in world, and people are fast finding this out, whole families keeping well at a trifling cost ( by its use. We advise all to try it. Bead

The Mutual Improvement's programme tonight will be a debate on thesubjeot, "Which is preferable for a youig man, — town or country life ? " As this is the first debate of the session, an unusual amount of interest is expected to be taken mit, and possessing tbe further attraction of being "visitors night," a large attendance is anticipated. The public need hardly be reminded that all are welcome. The last few weeks of fine weather have had the effect of drying 1 the roads. The bush road,. v .generally so bad towards the end of winter is this year reported.to be in fi -st rate order, and if we are to judge by the loads the waggonß are able to take, there certainly must be a great improvement on the usual slough of despond through which vehicles of all Irinds generally have to plough at this time of the year. The range over which our local rifle club shoots is a mosb difficult one to score on, and only those who are well up ri meteorology, and know exac^y the difference of each particular wind on the direction of the bullet, can hope to make good shooting 1 . The scores published in last issue, although somewhat below the average, aro by no means bad, and show what pains and practice the club has taken to arrive at its present state of efficiency. It is pleasant to think such talent exists among our citizens, and gratifying to know that in the event of Russian trouble, such experienced marksmen are within, orr reach. At Invercargill last week a claim of £1000 for breaoh of a promise of marriage was brought by a dressmaker, Miss Jolly, against Mr Officer, a schoolmaster. The juiy returneda verdict for the plaintiff for £75. "Post cquitem sedet atra cam," and sometimes behind the milkman too. On Tuesday morning 1 as one of our local milk vendors was driving into town part- of the harness gave way, and the horse becoming frightened, bolted. He scarcely knows himself" how it happened, and the horso wouldn't tell. Enough that the cart was broken aud the milk spilt. Damage is, however, considered slight. Mr John Lundon, who has lately returned from Samoa, is the bearor of several important letter from Malietoa (king of that island) to Sir W. Jervois, Mr Stout, and S?v Greorge Grey. Malietoa blames a German resident at Samoa for the present state of affairs there, and asks that a British ship of war be stationod at Apia. He concludes by urging that the prayer of their petition that Samoa may be joined to Britain, or New Zealand should be granted. Mr J. H. Upton recently elected chairman of the Board of Education, Auckland, has been compelled to resign that position by the advice of his medioal officer, on account of tho state of his health . Mr S. .Luke was unanimously elected his successoiv A pamphlet has been issued from the offico of the Agent- General setting forth New Zealand as a suitable country for the growth of a variety of valuable products, and the S9veral manufactures and industries fo.' wHch encouragement is held out by the Government. The committee appointed to enquire into the proportions the codlin. moth and other insect pests have assumed in the colony, have recommended the Government to prohibit the importation of infected fruit, and make the penalty for any breach of the law confiscation of the fruit and a heavy fine in addition. One often hears the expression, "Oh ! so and so's an odd fish ; but one seldom hears a definition of what constitutes this doformity. Colonel Trimble, who is evidently somethiua: of a scientist, on Wednesday last in tho Houpo of Representatives explained the exact meaning 1 of the expression. Talking- of Mr Stout and Sir Julius Yogel, and endeavouring to explain how diametrically opposed they wore, lie said : "When the. head and the tail of a fish grow together, that is a monstrosity, in fact an odd fish ! A man named Charles Stewart has lately in Auckland adopted rather a unique and injrenious way of turning a dishonest penny. Representing that his sister in Freeman's Bay was in dire distress, he went the usual rounds collecting 1 subscriptions. Hie little game was however discovered, and he is now enjoying Government hospitality in Mount Eden, where he will have ample time to devlsa fresh plans for misleading the unwary. Thursday night was unusually prolific in fires. A large conflagration seemed to be going on somewhere in the direction of Te Puke, and tha sky towards Katikati was lit up for some hours by a large fire in that district. From the following we may see that the cry of bad times and depression has two sides, and that when we enquire more deeply into the matter, things are possibly not so bad as they seem; — -"At the annual meeting 1 of tho Christchuroh Chamber of Commerce, MrG. G. Stead said 'he considered that as a period of exceptional depression is generally followed by a corresponding period of activity, we may be certain that the depression would not long continue. He quoted statistics to show that notwithstanding the severe depression from which individually we were suffering, the national wealth of the colony had not been seriously affected. With the superabundance of food, the many valuable minerals, and the inexhaustible supply of raw material, we were able to carry on almost every known manufacturing industry. He did not think, if the colonists were loyal to themselves, there would be any fear of the future." 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 Ist September at 7 p.m. Present — H. S. Brabant Esq., Vice-president in the chair, Messrs C. A. Clarke, W. M. Commons, G. H. Whitcombe, R. Home, and D. Lundon. The Secretary, Mr Fitzgibbon Louch, read the minutes of last meeting 1 , which were confirmed. One application for a loan was read and passed conditionally. Eleven fully paid-up investing 1 shares were allotted. Amounts received since last meeting £686. 14s. 8d; oheques issued £132. 3. Total loans advanced jG9,710. Total shares allotted 2,163, Sir Charles Warren has been recalled to England from Sonth Africa. Mr H. O. Forbes, who intends to explore New Guinea, has arrived at Brisbane. The usual monthly meeting of the District School Committee will take place this evening at the Council Chambers at 7 o'clock. Captain Edwin wired at 1.45 p.m. today: — " Expect bad weather between north and west, and south-west. Glass fall within 12 hours but rising after 16 hours from now. Indications are bad." A vor}' severe north-westerly gale passed over the town on Monday night last. At the Mount the wind was terrific, and from many other places reports have reached us of its severity. It is with regret we have to record the death of Mra Dobbyn, of the Gate Pa, who expired on Monday last. Mrs Dobbyn was the wife of one of Tauranga's pioneer settlers and during her long sojouu amongst us was universally beloved and respeoted. Her many friends will miss one who was always ready to lend a helping hand ii tima of distress. At thewoniination for Borough Councillors yesterday, the number of candidates not exceeding the number of vacancies to be filled, the three candidates nominated were declared duly elected, viz., Messrs Robert Home, R. C. Eraser, and C. F. Hulme. Has all interest in the management of Bororgh matters disappeared, or is the responsibility attached ' o civil honors too great ? ]

SoJie remarkab'e scoring was wa3 accompUh*dat Chioheiter, on July 13, by the West of Scotland Clnb against the Priory Park Club. Lillyvvjute, tho Sussex professional, bowled. J. S. Oartick put up the highest score on record of 419, in which were an eight, 2 sixeß, 2 fives, 30 fours, and 34 threes. After a great match the Players drew with the Gentlemen, at Lords on July 4, Scores : Pliyers, 352 (Shrewsbury not out 34 and R<acl 45) ; Gentlemen, 172 ami 372 (W. G Grace ; /6, W. TOY Read 159, M. C. Kemp 60 not out). Harrow defeated 'Eton on July 11 by three wickets after a Bplendid rna'ch. Scores : Ft)n, 265 and 151 ; Harrow, 324 (E. Crawley 100, A. K. Watson 135) and 96 for seven wickets. Since the ioau«u -ation of the con teets iv 1818 each eohoo) bn now won 25 matches ard 10 have been dr.iWD. Mr G. A. Sala ha 3 been presented with an honorary meraburahip of tho South Auctral:an GfO^raphical Society, Mr Ssrla d;sclaimed aud knowled£e of the 6ckuce, but said he would try to make the EnsjH-ah people understand what mianor of people foe Ausbraliaas wee, the nature of their country, ita magutficenfc resourcss. and its almost il'hnitable future. A novel surgical operation was (the A B e state*) performed at tha grounds of tho Melbourne Zoological and Acclimatization Society, when the Sosiety'a honorary veterinary su'gfioi), Mr W. T. Ken lall, M.R.U.V. 3 , succeeded in removing a large tumour from tho lower jaw of the old South African liohesa. The animal being very ferocioua, it was ueocs-ary place her under the itiflu nee of chloroform. . This wai successfully done by Dr. LeFevre, who manag-id to keep her q'liefc afttr using about 5'K of ch'oroform. Tho operation was .witnrssed by several radical gentlemen, wh 9 expressed their approbatiou of the manner in which tho animal was cc ured and the operation conducted. News is to hand from Moresby Inland of an outrage coinmibtetl by returned I-land labourers. It is reported that two white men wr re attacked and killed by s >nic natives who had recently returned to tho Island from Australia. Marshal Booth; after a visit to, and inspection of, the Chinese quarters of Sydney aod Melbourne, strongly, denounce tho influx of Chinese into Th^sa ishiub of the Sout ! i< m Seas, a"< promoting an evil wh'ch it will t»krf many years t-i eradicate. The The pictuie he sket.l'es of the syafcenrvio debauchery by Glonaoun of y>uu2 qMs in these cities by m ans of opium n Jacnealjible. At aa election of two directors of the Mutual Life AasociaMon, Sydney, Messrs Watt ari3 Dickioson w* re returned l>y very lar^e mnjoritics. . Mr DcMnson was a refcuirj director, and Mr ' Watt, of Gilohri6t, Watt, aud Co., was formerly on the Board. The steamer Tuna, bound from Shjelc's to Napier, ran ashore near Aden, and U erpecked to hecome a total wivek. The crew have abandoned the vessel and landed. It would seem that tho agitation which recently took place in reference to the . extenrion of the Thames Valley railway has nob bee.i without ifcu influence upon Government, for in the Public Works Statement a promise is given, for the erection of Bridges on the Hikutaia EeetJon, a.id the preparation of plans for the remaining portion of the line to Te Aroha. A. boxing lmtoh betwe-n Dan Lea, of Cbrjstchnrch, and E Donoyan, of . Auckland, to a fi i*h for £10 a- ide came off at the Theatra Royal Christcliin'ch when Lea won on. a foul blow. Both men wei'e cautioued ou the fourth round, aud on the fifth Donov&n hit I. is opponent when, ou his knees, and the referee immediately awarded the fi^ht to Lea The Oxferd crew started from Dover at fifteen minutes after tpn o'clock on July 25 to row accross tho Channel to Calais. The weather at the time of the start was fine, and there was a At&d calm. The crew expected t) reach Calais ,at two o'clock in the afternoon. A great crtVwd of 1 ersons witnessed the starting of - the boat. At thirty minutes after ten the boat was one mile out but at a quarter to eleven o'clock it was making slow pro^res^, tho tide was causing it to. drift eastward The boat ariived at ala ; s at eighteen minutes to three p. m. Oxford maintained an average of 32 strokes to the minute. Upon their arrival at Calais fie municipal authorities met them fid offered them wine 'and lunch. The crew returned to Dover in a tug.