The Press. THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 1865.

Press, Volume VIII, Issue 872, 24 August 1865, Page 2

The Press. THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 1865.

A newspa-PEB whose political creed is I summed up in one article, the wisdom of being always on the winning side, is sometimes not a little embarrassed by being forced to choose between two [opposite parties, either of whom may eventually prove the winners. Many a newspaper in the late Confederate States found itself in this awkward position during the civil war ; but necessity is the mother of invention, and wits sharpened by the emergency discovered various means of eluding the horns of the dilemma. The plan most commonly adopted was to employ two or more editors, each of whom representing one of the contending parties had his innings in turn, so that the paper, furiously Federal one morning, on the next came out uncompromisingly in favor of Secession 5 thus whichever side might win in the end, it could fairly boast that the successful cause was one it had always supported. The " Lyttelton Times" seems to have adopted this useful American invention. Our contemporary's political principles, when not inspired by personal pique, are of the most chameleonlike character. It reflects with instinctive faithfulness every varying shade of the influence immediately predominating. If any great political question should chance to excite the public mind, our contemporary remains discreetly silent till it has watched the progress of the fight sufficiently to be sure of the result, and not till victory is certain does it venture to hoist its colors. It is a great master of the Pickwickian philosophy, and always shouts with the mob, or if there are 1 two it shouts with the largest. This is not a very honorable or a very dignified but it is safe and profitable, and therefore it is the course adopted by the " Lyttelton Times." But sometimes it becomes necessary to allude to some event the result of which is doubtful, and then the American dodge proves very serviceable. The "Lyttelton Times" writes on both sides. It first takes what, it guesses to be the most popular view, and seeks to escape the consequences of a possible blunder by recanting its opinions in a following issue. It first praises and then attacks, or we can hardly say attacks—for our contemporary is no straightforward hitter—but insidiously maligns. It delights with a pretended air= of candour to prove that " black's not so black, nor white so very white;" to sneer at the man it is affecting to befriend; to misrepresent his motives, and blacken his character with implications and inuendoes.. We have had a fin© instance of this during the last week. The appointment of Mr. EitzG-erald as Native Minister gave . jrwe . to too much [ comment to be passed without • remark. But the "Lyttelton Times," ■ forced to deal with an nnplea«ant»ub-l<

ject, treated it after its kind. Its first article was manly, generous, and spirited. The writer spoke his mind plainly about Mr. FitzGrerald's " Maori proclivities " and " chimerical proposals for Jfative Q-orernment," but did hearty justice to the many services he had rendered the colony, expressed cordial good wishes for his success in his new sphere of duty, and concluded by earnestly appealing to the Middle Island members not to allow any difference of opinion regarding this appointment to lead to the overthrow of a Government which on the whole was satisfactory to the country. This J article was written by a gentleman ; J we wish we could say as much for the next, that of yesterday, when the second writer took his turn. We are certain that all who read the article in ! yesterday's " Times," looked on it as nothing better than a spiteful cowardly attack; the writing of a man who wished to insinuate into the public mind what he dared not say in plain terms. The writer appears bitterly annoyed and disappointed at the accession of Mr. Pitz Gerald to office, and desires stealthily to undermine his position. Accordingly he commences by distorting and wresting the meaning of a few sentences in which Mr. FitzGerald, in his speech to the House on bringing forward his Native Bills, alluded to his previously expressed opinions on Native affairs, and endeavors to twist them into a confession that those opinions were opposed to what he really held, and were simulated for some motive unexplained. "We do not think Mr. Fitz Gerald need be careful to answer such a charge. Whatever may be thought of his views in Native matters, his sincerity and consistency has never been questioned even by his warmest opponents, and of the latter quality this very speech is an additional illustration. The measures which he has introduced as Minister in 1865 are in substance precisely the same as those he urged on the House in 1862, having for their object the enforcement of one uniform law, its privileges as well as its penalties, over Maori and European'alike, and the recognition of the Native title to land. But in the interests of the colony we protest against these hap-hazard charges of dissimulation and dishonesty. The " Lyttelton Times," on whom political principle lies so lightly, may think any weapon fair that can be used for the overthrow of an adversary ; but regarding the integrity of its public men as of essential importance to the well-being of a community, we protest against the practice of indulging in such idle and mischievous insinuations, because it necessarily tends to lower the standard of public life by accustoming the public to receive charges reflecting on the honor of their statesmen and legislators as customary weapons of party or personal spire-. In the latter part of this article the " Times" writer applies himself to Mr. Fitz Gerald's policy ; and here too his remarks are disingenuous, unfair, and suppressive of all such I facts as it does not serve his purpose to produce. He speaks of the policy as mysterious, contradictory, and certain to have no effect; and mention-1 ing one Act only, the Native -Bights Bill, he asks in a tone of triumph* how if the Natives do not wish to be the Queen's subjects, and contemn the Supreme Court, its officers and its laws ? But does he not know, or is he wilfully concealing the fact, that Mr. FitzGerald brought forward three Bills, one of which was for maintaining the Queen's peace throughout certain districts of the colony ! Here at least is a Bill which if carried into effect must have *a tangible result. The truth ie that the plans of the present Native Minister do indicate a distinct policy—-that which he has always advocated— the obliteration of the word Native from our legislation, and the dealing with any Maori who violates the law precisely as an Englishman would be dealt with. This is a plan that has never been tried yet. The Natives have been alternately coaxed , and i bullied, but they have never been treated like British subjects under the ordinary British law. But the " Lyttelton Times" oracularly declares that the Maoris can never be treated like British subjects; why, it does not condescend to explain, and perhaps-has never thought it necessary to put the question to itself.' However, it is not our present purpose either to expound or defend Mr. ifttzGej-ald's policy, the practicability tor otherwise of which will soon be made manifest. But of one thing we are quite certain, that if , it should turn out unexpectedly prosperous, no one will be louder in its applause than the " Lyttelton. Times," or more eager to claim credit for having from the very first predicted its success. ' Elbctobal. —A large and influential meet: ing of those interested in the return of Mr. E. Jollie, for the Heathcote district, was held in White's hotel last evening, and steps were taken, to procure his return as member for that district, and from the number of rotes that have been - promised, it is highly probable that his return may be calculated upon as certain. Kb other candidate has come forward as yet to ««stMtti)MmßtaN& ■

In Mbmokiam.—Wβ understand that the Freemasons of Christchurt?h hare subsidised for the purchase of a stained-glass window, in memory of the late Archdeacon Mathias, to -be placed in St. John's Church, Latimer square. The design -will be furnished by Messrs. Bury and Mountfort. Staisbd-glass Windows. —By the Indian Empire some very beautiful stained-glass windows have arrived for the Roman Catholic church, at Brackenbridge. These windows are from designs by Messrs Bury and Mountfort, architects, and are to the order of tne Hon. F. A. Weld. They are three in number, and are intended to be placed betiind the altar. The centre one hus the figure of our Saviour, in highly-colored glass, with the legend " Mater dolorosa, ora pro nobis" in legible old characters, underneath. On the right, proper, is a figure of St. Joseph with a lily in his hand, with the legend, "St. Joseph, ora pro noiis; " on the other side is a figure of St. Philomena, with the same legend beneath. Stained glass, of a very neat design, has also been received for the quarry lights of the eide-windows of the church, nave, and porch. The glass for the quarries is of! solid plate, of the very best description, from the manufactory of the Messrs. Chance, end that of the main windows from the manufactory of Messrs. Heaton, Bulter and Boyne, of j London. The windows are at present at the offices of Messrs. Bury and Mountfort, who have kindly consented to allow them to be inspected by the public. Presbttebt of Cautkebttbt.—This Court met in St. John's Church, Lyttelton, on Tuesday evening last, according to appointmena, for the purpose of conferring with the congregation on the steps to be taken for obtaining a settled minister. The Rev. C. Fraeer, moderator, commenced the proceedings with devotional exercises. In a short opening address, he announced that he had that day received a letter from Professor Lumsden, of Aberdeen, intimating the appointment of the Rev. J. Gow, of Carruyhe, to this Presbytery, probably in the west Christchurch country district. It was, however, the hope of the Presbytery that he would be settled on the West Coast Goldfields, the claims of which in the meantime seemed paramount to those of any other quarter. Mr. Fraser then briefly indicated the course which the Presbytery proposed to take in regard to the special occasion of the meeting, and impressed upon all present the duty of mutual forbearance, and of setting aside all personal feelings in order to unite in doing what was most fitted to promote the interests of the church, and the spiritual benefits of its members. A memorial was then presented to the Presbytery, with seventy-six signatures, "That Mr. J. D. Ferguson should be ordained as minister of the congregation. Mr. J. G. Fyfe, M.P.C.jbrought forward the motion, which was seconded by Mr, Wishart. An amendment was moved by Mr. Adam Chalmers, and seconded by Mr. John Hunter—" That the Presbytery be requested to apply to the Free Church Colonial Committee for a minister to this church, without delay." On being put to the the amendment wae lost, and the original motion carried. In order to enable the Presbytery to ascertain more accurately the sentiments of the entire body of communicants and adherents, papers were drawn up to be signed by the two parties according to their views, and to be submitted to the Presbytery at their next meeting, when the case should be finally decided. It was most gratifying to perceive that the steps taken by the Presbytery -won the entire confidence and a pproval of all present, and that the opportunity given for the frank expression oi their differences of opinion gave some promise of these differences being ultimately adjusted RA TBPAXBKS , MUTUAI PbQXBCTIOH Society.—A meeting of this society was held last evening, at the Lyttelton hotel. Mr. Allen, the chairman of the society, presided. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The secretary, Mr. Wynn Williams, informed the meeting that since the last meeting, Mr. John Ollivier had joined the society, and had paid into the funds the sum oi one guinea. Mr. Smith moved, and Mr. Papprill seconded—"That in the opinion, ol this committee, it is necessary to take"immediate steps to test the validity of the City Council Ordinance. ,, The resolution was carried. Mr. Wynn Williams proposed the second resolution. He thought that the matter should be at once set at rest. If the ratepayer acted up to his resolution, the case might be at once taken before the Judge in . Chambers, and whatever decision the Judge gave, either pro or con, the case could be brought before the Court of Appeal at Wellington in November next. ,• Kβ would move—" That Mr. Travers be retained, and instructed to move in the Supreme Court for a Quo Warfanto, calling upon' the chairman and members of the City Council to show, by what authority, they take -ujMm themselves the duties of chairman and members of a City Council for the City ol Christchurch," Mr. Oswald seconded ' the motion, which , was carried. The New Zeaxand Baa.—Mr. Cecil Allen Coward, the eldest son of J. W. 8. Coward, Esq., who was a pupil of the late Rev. 0. Alabaster, has passed his matriculation examination for the Bar at the Inner Temple. This gentleman was tjhe only, one that passed without being sent back for faulty Latin translations, and was congratulated at the termination of the examination, and told that he was a credit to* the youths of .Hew Zealand. Temfebancb.—A. movement is: on foot by the members.of the Total. Abstinence? Society to erect a Hall for themselves.- - has bee n proposed to hold a bazaar in aid of the' requisite funds, and-the co-operation of the lady friends requested towards this end. A subscription has-also been started* ; " : ~>l AcczpsNT.—An accident occurred yesterday in ihe Avon, near- Victoria bridge. Two horses had been driven in dray into the river, for the purpose of being watered, and as the driver was turning his team by .some means the dray was upset, and. the horeee consequently became in danger of being drowned. Several on-lookers however went to the assistance of the driver, and subsequently the horses were released and the dray dragged out. Tjhjs DieXASBJD Caxekb Act.—Wβ call the attention of thoeeintereeted in cattle transactions, to a proclamation which appears in our advertising columns of to-day, prohibiting the introduction of cattle into thu province, iron*, all Aueteahan porte,: from the Cape of Good Hope, and iron* the Provinces of Otago, Southland and Ancklanri, these being deemed infected districta within the meaning of the Act t anda; jgbSat ith»prori*-m-ttw>n v ietttecL] Xbepanaitiea &ribe importation iaf afeeaaed e-Mfle tm ■Iμ fan/ «at fcrfh.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COXTRT Kaiapoi—August 22. [Before W. B. Pattxi, Esq., 8.M., C. Dtmiar Esq., J.P., and T. W. Whitb, Eaq., J.pV* R. J. Greening, of the Kaiapoi hotel *. charged with haWng hia chimney on fi«. the 13th inst The defendant B £S had occurred through an accident, a trarerti. having thrown some grog into the fire, „£ vras fined 10s. * ena EUen Neilsen was fined 5a for harinir tt horse wandering at large. *"»..• Win. Anthill was fined 10a for a sinuW offence. uw JohnDeir, for the same offence was *1. fined se. also having wilfully evaded the tolls at the QovewT menthndge, and was fined 20s, and costs - William Ellen was charged -with haniT stolen three fowls, the property of A Porte? " The case was dismissed, the Resident MariL trate remarking that it was disgraceful t£ manner m which both plaintiff and defendant had removed property with intent to dcS the ends of the law. «««* Win. Tindall, a bushmaa, was ehareedwiflt having stolen an iron wedge. The case, betas of so trivial and foolish a nature was a£ missed. ™* cmi cases. Judgments for full amount and coete were given in the following cases: C. Dudley v J. M. Frazer-£5 14e 6d ; fc. son—lss ; Staunton v. Lawrence— £2 • Shni v. Parker—£4 Is Id. ' Funston v. Trealevan—£l3. Plaintiff nan, suited. *• Black t. Hobbs—£s. Plaintiff non. suited. v Sixteen cases were settled out of Court" • The Court sat from 11 a.in. till 3.15p.jn. KAIAPOI-MUNICIPAL COUNCIL. The Council held their usual fortnighthr meeting on Tuesday, August 22, wht-o the ' following members were present :—Dγ Dudley (chairman) Messrs. Hewling, Lock, Black Dobbs and Weston. The minutes of last meeting havioc been read and confirmed, The Chairman stated that he had seen the' Sergeant of Police respecting ;he footpath*, and had found the police could not in nmim • interfere in cases where the footpaths werenot : duly proclaimed, and he should suggest thai a committee be formed to make out a list of all the footpaths in the town which were fonabd and get the assent of his Honor the Superia' tendent, and then have them proclaimed in :Y the " Gazette," "*■"»,. It was resolved that the Chairman: & " Dobbs, and Mr. Hewlinge form the conm»itteeL who should prepare a list of all the fonneZ footpaths which are not proclaimed in tar l ' town of Kaiapoi. *. The Clerk then read hia report for the fort» night ending August 22, in which it in* stated that Mr. Hadley had finiehed his contract for sinking the artesian well in Cookeon street, having sunk it to the depth of 15O'feet,~ as per contract. Hβ would, if the CounS ~ : required it, pull up the piping to wbwe «§U'i* overflow was met with, viz., at 323 feet far £2. The footpath in Black street has been ~ repaired, and the tender of E. Hmitefc" (£2 9s), for the work, was accepted. - •' ; Mr. Lock proposed that the cost of sum- , mons be refunded to four partiee who, lad' "" been summoned for their rates,.as he thought- ' the notice given them had not been suffioJefiKc % he thought that the Clerk ought to bare =3 called for the rates twice at least after leaving the first notice, before issuing any by doing it in such an off-hand manner it wtvS hkely to bring the Council into bad repUtej^ - and not only that, but he (Mr. Lock) that unless the proposition was seconded. would find a greater difficulty in collecting wfcM next instalment of the rate that was Derail due. ~???ffis Some animated discussion ensued, subject dropped without 9 seconder to resolution. , The Chairman Wormed the had ascertained that the wett hnd-}&k&mtioS according to contract, and it was Council to decide whether they tinue the einking or draw- the pipes'''nn^^f* where the overflow was aiet with. [-U '->'^^ffM It was proposed by Mr. Dobbs, by Mr. Lock—"That Mr. Hadley be«iJHBJffS to draw up the piping to the the overflow had been met with, for £2. • V^JE Mr. Hewlingß eiid that he could not by BW?§fl means agree with ffie resolution, and htbsgjMos;. the Council to consider the expense. been pat to in sinking the last 25 feet, sum of £50. It was quite probable they drew?up the pipes, again the eiijttßtelss£'~S|: tamed at the former depth might. &c at but temporary, and. might eventually choked by the loose sand into which just driven; in which case the be entirely thrown away; ' Hβ ffhouH propose an amendment—" Xhafe' issue tenders for continuing present well in Cookeon be advertised for." The and the original motion , Mr. Dobbs aiked if the site on which, the -well was raplt l^^MßJljj^ - The Chairman informed 'Mr| DobbV wM subject Was receiving - The Chairman- thetrreali .a. letter ragg Ehodes, Esq., which he Bulting to the^Cbunoil r thought a man in Mr. have written; be published. The v. j^aj^Bfi^^^ . " Sib,—l have this'day 1 from your-contemptible ffi W earn of £A for, a buiWingi ffi p annum. If the people of ; I much incHned to pay, as tbey 1 for payment of an nnjost Wm | gainer by some- thoueand& ' not time to appear on the day iam to protest against an unjußt^charge^;;^^^^^^ " To the Qerk, K^iaporMtfnlrip»lisßßßay|K Enclosed was a cheque fo? also the coete of . A letter was read,,from .V^, : member for Xaiapoi, which thet'Counca a& grant placed on the f tion, ic,of tbe Court-boOß^^fc^^^g^e ing ft, information at «q early date. c It'ire projKwediby Mr. unanimously—V That be presented to Mr. Wilson, for a bell to the'town otT&tfap<n?' f *fSgjsjHß It was resolved that the foflpwlng Jflg|i| E sj§ be paid:—Mr. ,Hadley, twenty-five feet ofjthe £50: H..Hunter (contract),' ffRjffiBBSxgSKEBmM placed' on the fwtpath m Blatk to : CPriniee, for a'lainp;lK IM? .-«H| The following tenders for pairing the footpath' In the Island eoppffage, *se*f B. Thompson, £2 15», B. Hunter £2 7s, thereupon +* . ; '^:^^^^^i