The Press. THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1867.

Press, Volume XI, Issue 1369, 28 March 1867, Page 2

The Press. THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1867.

The last English mail has brought news that the scheme for the confederation of the British provinces in North America has been finally arranged, and that a Bill for carrying it into effect will be brought before Parliament during the session just commenced. The scheme has been under discussion j in some shape-or other for several years. It was first broached by the two maritime provinces who proposed to form an alliance between themselves and the two adjoining islands of Newfoundland and Prince Edward's Island ; but was afterwards taken up on a larger scale by the then Government of Canada, who extended the federation to the whole of the British possessions on the North American Continent. The latter arrangement when completed was referred to the Home Government, and met with cordial approval, but subsequently some difficulties arose which brought it to a stand and threatened to upset it altogether. The opposition came chiefly from Nova Scotia, and was led by Mr Howe, a well-known colonist. The malcontents argued that the proposed confederation would not in the least benefit them in the case of a war with America(apoint which had been strongly urged) because they were fully able to protect themselves by sea—the only way they could be attacked; while, they contended, they would be swamped in the general Parliament, and their interests neglected in favor of those of their larger neighbors. On these grounds the islands refused

to consent; but negotiations have been

going on, and we presume some pro. visions have been introduced to meet their particular objections ; anyhow the opposition has been: overcome, and the Legislatures of all the provinces have resolved in favor of Confederation by a large majority. The scheme however has emerged considerably shorn of its original proportions. A proposal to bring up the rights of the Hudson's Bay Company and include their territory, has been dropped—probably because an Imperial guarantee was required for the money, which Parliament was not considered likely to grant, and the western settlements of British Columbia and Vancouver's Island are therefore necessarily excluded. The two islands of Newfoundland and Prince Edward's Island are also left out—why, we have not seen stated. The Confederation therefore will consist, at all events for the present, of only the two Canadas, ~Nevf Brunswick and Nova Scotia, but there is no reason to suppose that it will not in course of time extend itself to the dimensions originally contemplated. It is worthy of notice how strong is the desire now-a-days among almost all the peoples of lho world to form themselves into large and powerful States. The days of small States, such as those which figure so largely in the history of the Middle Ages,' seem to be past Thus the Italians, after years of suffering and many fruitless attempts to escape from the thraldom of a foreign yoke, have achieved the long-desired end of fusing the congeries of isolated, independent and often hostile communities that formerly occupied the peniusula into one united kingdom, which has taken its place as one of the great powers of modern Europe. In Germany again a similar work has been performed. Host of those miniature kings, princes, electors, dukes and so forth, who had shared among them bo much of the

remains of what was once the German Empire, and whom, after they had been driven out by the first Napoleon, it suited the purposes of Russia, Austria, and Prussia —the Holy Alliance, as they called themselves —to restore to their thrones, have been again expelled, this time never to return, and their petty .principalities have been incorporated into the Prussian monarchy. Austria, on the contrary, Prussia's ... constant and hitherto successful rival, had to succumb in the recent struggL?, because her strength was paralyzed at the critical moment by dissensions among the discordant nationalities that are ! included under her rule —dissensions which on a former occasion brought the Empire to the verge of ruin, and which its statesmen are now wisely endeavoring to appease by constitutional reforms. On the other .side of the Atlantic the same principle has received the most remarkable demonstration. The people of. the Northern States of America have just concluded a war which for loss of human life and lavish expenditure of money stands unparalled in history, solely because j they would not endure any disintegration of the Union. They were willing to encounter any losses and make any sacrifices, but to cut their dominions asunder and lower their country in the eyes of the world and in" the scale of nations, was a thing they would not hear of for one instant. Of course in so prolonged a struggle other feelings were engaged, and other interests at work, but the one great feeling which animated the Northerners, through many reverses and times when victory seemed receding further and further, from their grasp, was their invincible determination to maintain the Union inviolate. We are glad to observe that something of a similar principle is asserting itself among the Australasian colonies. There is a growing impression that these large and flourishing communities have reached that stage when- having many interests in cbtnmon which would be much promoted if united action on the part of all were substituted for the separate and often contradictory efforts at present made by each for itself, they require some, we cannot quite say federation, but some . faint approach to it, as for instance, some kind of a general council in which any matters of general interest could be discussed and arranged for the advantage of all concerned. There are many such questions. The three colonies of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia have been almost at war with each other — would have been had they been independent —over their border duties. The tariffs of most of the colonies are barbarous affairs, Tasmania being far ahead of any with its proposals for intercolonial free trade. Then there are such questions as the postal services, defence against foreign attack, and others, on which combined action would give beneficial results not to be obtained otherwise. The present Postal Conference is ~ the] first step taken in that direction, and will, we hope, furnish a precedent for many more such. We understand that the members propose before they separate to take into consideration, in an informal way, the other subjects we have alluded to; and if they can come to any understanding, or see ground for believing that satisfactory results would follow from further discussion, another conference will no doubt be arranged, which in time may lead to another, and so on till a meeting of delegates from the colonies of Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand, —a sort of intercolonial Parliament, for the settlement of all questions in which they have a common concern—becomes in time an annual institution. The union will probably never go beyond that, and it will be a work of time to accomplish it so far, for the colonies have nothing to impel them towards it but a sense of mutual advantage slowly overcoming mutual jealousies, and are not, as is the case with the North American provinces, driven into coalition by the dread of a powerful and aggressive neighbor— though a war with Russia or America would teach Australia an unpalatable lesson even on that score. But the time will surely come when the series of republics that will occupy these islands, bound together by common descent and by an alliance formed in their infancy, will be the mightiest power iv the southern hemisphere, and perhaps will play a part in the nextj era of the "world's history not less important than Britain has played iv j that which is now drawing to a close.

CoiONiSTs , Societt IK Ltttei.ton.—We are glad to find that workmen are employed in preparing the foundation for the building of the Colonists' Society.

Seating Bjsk. —Mr Joha Kohler reopened Coker's hall last evening as a skating rink. There xrns a very good attendance, and the skaters, by their mishap.*, afforded considerable amusement to the onlookers.

West Coast TeaFFlc.—Return of cattle and glieep driven past Rangiriri station on their road to Hotitikft during the week ended the 20ih March—Cattle: Murch 14th, 5 ; lUth, 27 ; 20ih, 47 ; total, 7'J. Sheep : March 17th, 260; 19th, 160; total, 420.

SCHOOL AT MOTTNT GREY DoWNS. —A meeting of the inhabitants of the Mount Grey Downs district was held on Tuesday last at the school-house, at which it was decided to form the district into an educational district, and to provide the necessary funds for the purpose. Lyttelton Harbob Works. — Preparations are being made for filling up the lagoon which of late has proved such a nuisance to the town. Messrs Fisher and Co., the contractors, have leased the shed at the back of Matheson's Agency store, where the men employed will be accommodated with bed and food at a reasonable rate. Arrangements are being made for their reception, and we trust chat the work will progress rapidly.

LXTTELTON YOLITNTEEH ARTILLERY. —At a meeting of the members of the No. 1 Lvttelton Volunteer Artillery Lieutenant D. Davis was elected as First Lieutenant, and Gunner George Tayler as Second Lieutenant, for the Battery. A subscription was raised for Bugler Atkinson in acknowledgment of his services, and a motion was passed that lie should be provided with a new bugle, such bugle to be the property of the Battery.

An Escaped Lunatic. —One of the handa employed on a back country station, subject to fits of derangement, lately ran away, and wandered about by himself on Mount Torlesse and in the adjoining bush for about three weeks. He was occasionally seen, but no one was able to catch him until Sunday last, when a detective, assisted by a party of men, succeeded in capturing him. He was found to be in a very reduced state, having subsisted entirely on carrots during the whole time.

Boat Launch at Kaiapoi.—On Tuesday evening last a party of gentlemen interested in aquatics assembled to witness the launch of anew four-oared racing boat, built by Mr R. H. Matthews. This boat is intended for a private company of shareholders, and from her pretentious and racy appearanco we put her down as likely to prove a dangerous customer to any now on the river. The length of keel is thirty'seven feet, with a beam of three feet. In every respect care hae been bestowed in her construction, as she is strong, substantial, and possessing the necessary light draught. At the hour appointed she was carried by her crew from the builder's yard to her future element, and launched with a lusty hurrah for The Cure. The crew, Messrs Day, Matthews, Clark, Clarkson, and Wood, then enjoyed a few pulls about the river to test hor merits.

The Colonial Prizes.—No. 6 Company fired yesterday at No. 3 range, Hillsborough, for " representative men" to proceed to Wellington to compete for the colonial prizes. It will be remembered that the late firing was disallowed by the officer in command, and a fresh order issued that all companies should fire on their own range, and the firing yesterday was the first of these events. The day was very fine, and but little wind blowing. The scores made were, however, very small. Lieutenant Hawkes was in charge of the squad, Captain Rookes also being present to watch the proceedings on behalf of the General Government. The following scores were made: —

* Withdrew after firing at the first range. Cricket. —A match was played yesterday between the Eleven of Christ's College and the Eleven of the Victoria Club, Governor's bay. The College won the toss, and sent their opponents to the wicket to the bowling of Messrs. Brittan and Condell. The Governor's bay men were disposed of for a total of 15 runs, of which 8 were off the bat. The College then went in and scored 47 runs, 39 being hits, the remainder extras. In their second innings the Victoria team made only 21, thus falling short of the first innings of the College by 11 runs. We append the ecore :—

GOVEENOn'S BAY. First Innings. Second Innings. A. Pbippe, b Condell ... 0 runout ... 2 J. Manson, b Brittan... 0 b Condell ... 0 — Pearson, b Brittan ... 0 b Condell ... 0 J. Harding, b Brittan ... 4 c Dobson, b Condell ... 0 W. Phipps, b Condell... 3 c Dobaon, b Condell ... 0 Eev. E. A. Lingard, b Brittan 0 b Brittan ... 1 — Bamford, b Brittan... 0 b Brittan ... 3 J. Smith, b Brittan ... 0 b Condell ... 0 J. Phipps, b Condell ... 1 not out ... 1 M. Filton, not out ... 0 b Brittan ... 0 — Arnold, b Condell ... 0 bCondell ... 2 Byeß,&c, 7 Byes.&c .... 12 15 21 THE COLLEGE. Condell, cJ. Manson, b Pearson... ... 3 Brittan, c Lingard, b Pearson ... ... 9 Dobson, b Pearson 0 Harper, b Pearson 0 O'Connell, cA. Phipps.bPearson... ... 8 Scott, b Harding ... 1 Mathias, b Pearson 6 Gordon, b Pearson ... .., ... 2 Potts, c Lingard, b Harding ... ... 0 Baker, b Pearson ... ... ... ... 3 Fitzherbert, not out ... ... ... 7 Byes, 3 ; wides, 5 ... ... 8 47 Miss Aitken in Me&bottene. — The theatrical critic in the " Australasian," of the 16th instant, thue epeaks of Miss Aitken : — " Miss Aitken's benefit at the Theatre Royal was in many respects a remarkable occasion. It was the genuine recognition of a high degree of merit, which has not been forced into prominence by any illegitimate expedients The house was crowded in every part. The dress circle overflowed, as it is wont to do on some opera nights, but with infinitely better reason ; and I have to congratulate Miss Aitken that so large a portion of the public at last declared themselves sensible of her great worth. That large gathering seemed a sort of honest confession that the neglect which, for some unaccountable reason, had bo long been manifested towards her should be atoned for, at least in 6ome measure. At this moment I have only to say, that to all reasonable people on Friday night Miss Aitken's lolanthe could not fail to present itself as an example of the highest style of the art of embodying poetic creations of the highest degree. I can easily understand that to a taste utterly vitiated by the over-stimulation of purely sensational acting, both the play and the actress might present themselves as laekiDg in appetising qualities. But I should not like to bulieve that the gemril taste is vitiated to tins extent; the warm enthusiasm with which iliss AitJu-n was greeted satisfied -mc that for the wholesome refection of true acting, as distinguished from that which is simply meretricious, tho common appetite is not destroyed."

Name. I to O "V ' Si 51 H lO re O *- o e K" 1 §! 3 Sergeant Rule Corporal Frew Private Pat on ♦Private Ward Private Jackson Private Ballard 11 10 19 0 12 17 11 16 13 0 14 4 9 4 7 0 11 0 31 30 39 0 37 21