Evening Post. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1875.

Evening Post, Volume XII, Issue 126, 25 November 1875, Page 2

Evening Post. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1875.

The addresses of three candidates for the representation of the city in the House of Representatives are now before the electors. Messrs. Pearce and Huuter seek re-election, and a third candidate has come forward in the person of the Hon. VV. Gisborne, so that as there are ouly two seats, a content ia now inevitable. . Mr. George Hunter's address may be summed up in a very few words. He was elected to support the public works policy of the present Government ; he has supported it all' through, except on one point, aud- he leaves the electors to infer that if he is again returned to Parliament he will continue to support it in the.future. This is not altogether satisfactory.- Of course, as the Colony is committed to the public works policy, it is absolutely necessary that it*should be supported, if properly, energetically, and economically administered. .Now, it is*a notorious fact, that in some degree the Public Works poSfey has been characterised by extravaganojgfeud jobbery in its administration. Should be satisfactory to learn whether Mr. Hunter's support of this policy is to be blind and unquestioning or discriminating and critical. The electors do not wish a representative to support every proposal which emanates from the Government, but to judge of such on their merits, to closely scrutinise their details, and to approve or oppose just as the particular thing is good or bad. With reference to the abolition question Mr. Hunter's explanation is sensible and satisfactory. He opposed the Abolition of Provinces Bill ( last session from conscientious convictions which he entertained against it ; but now that it has passed, he considers Provincialism practically moribund, and hopeless of resuscitation. Moreover, he recognises that public sentiment is against any attempt to re-establish the old form of Government, and therefore purposes, if elected, to assist iv passing laws which w'fil carry out to the fullest extent the principle of local self-government. This' Bhows that Mr. Hunter is nut wedded to a system which is no longer suited to the altered circumstances of the times, but fully recognises the necessity fur a change, which has so long been growing up. it follows, naturally enough, from this declaration of policy, that Mr. Hunter will oppose separation of the ' Colouy, or its division into four Provinces. Mr. Pearce says very little, but promises, like his colleague Air. Hunter, to' come before the electors and explain his views at length. He approves ot the abolition of the Provinces, and declares for Colonial uuity, with one Parliament and one system of legislation for the whole Colony. Mr. Gisborne is more explicit and detailed in the' Exposition of his political creed than any of the other candidates, de admits the necessity for an entire change in provincial institutions, declares that provincial legislation should cease, and provinces, as political States, no longer exist ; but is nevertheless of opinion that the abolition question should, • before being dealt with by Parliament at all, have been submitted to the- free consideration of the people at the general election. With this opinion we ieartily agree. . For an expiring Parliament to pass a measure making an important Constitutional change and abolishing part of the representative institutions of the Colony was wrong in principle, utterly unjustifiable in practice, and calculated to establish a precedent involving dauber to the political rights and liberties of thts people. Fortunately, the resistance of a determined minority in the Assembly secured that betore the measure actually came into operation the voice of the electors should be taken upon it; but this does not alter the fact of the original wr. .ug-doiug. Mr. Gisborne, however, is content that abolition should take place, aud that administrative bodies, with mure extended local powers than those possessed by municipalities and road boards, should be electei for suitable districts and counties. Mr. Gisborne sptaks nut boldly ou the very points about which the other candidates have been altogether silent. His condeinuatiou of tiie system of colonial finance , is well-timed and merited, and comes with much weight from a geutlemau poshis official aud political experience. " Change in the incidence of taxation, reduction of expenditure, more effective

control by Parliament, and frugal administration," are all parts of a political pro* gramme, which cannot fail to prove acceptable to the electors. Not less so is his declaration as to the necessity of settling the immigrants tfpon the land, a most important part of the immigration scheme, which ministers have left almost entirely neglected. The introduction of the elective principle in the constitution of the Legislative Council is also a proposal, the necessity of which will be generally admitted. Altogether, Mr. Gisborne could not have put forward a political programme more likely to secure support than that now before the electors, and when it is remembered that he is a gentleman of high culture, excel cut abilities, and long experience of public life, we cannot doubt that the electors will be prepared to give bis claims the most favorable consideration.

The banquet to Mr. Donald Reid, which was held on Tuesday evening at Mosgiel, afforded a further opportunity for an expression of Opposition opinion on the Abolition of Provinces Bill. Mr. Reid, in a forcible speech, reviewed the arguments advanced by the supporters of abolition, and, like Mr. Macandrew, showed that Otago had everything to lose and nothing to gain by tho measure. " The Opposition had been blamed because they did not propose a scheme. It was the duty of the Government, when they undertook to entirely sweep away the present system, to bring forward a matured scheme to supersede that system. They had not done so, for" the local Government Bill of last session proposed to establish a far less liberal system than that existing already under the Road Boards Ordinance. The Superintendent proposed a board of works for Otago. There was as much difference between that scheme and the scheme of the General Government, as there was between day and night. A great deal of nonsense was being talked as to what was to supersede the present system. He did not mean to say it was so perfect as they might have it. Some of the provinces — Taranaki, for instance — might be abolished with great advantage to all concerned. There was much in the idea of the Superintendent of having a federal government for the two islands. That would confine itself simply to collecting ¦ revenues sufficient to defray the expense of the federal government itself, and for meeting the claims of the public creditors. There was nothing to prevent such a scheme of government, nor would it be objectionable to the outside creditor. It then should be left to each island to undertake, through its Provincial Council, those matters which more essentially were of a character that was not .federal, such as roads, railways, the administration of waste lands, and all other matters that were not purely federal. The question of the number of provinces he was not going to touch upon. He thought it very likely that for a time at least two in each island would be better." The other speeches were less matter-of-fact and more enthusiastic. Sir J. Richardson waved the banner of separation, and Mr. Macandrew talked of Otago defying the wo tld with a united phalanx of twenty-two members all pledged in favor of separation and against abolition. This is tall talk, but sadly impracticable.

Sir Julius Vogel's return to New' Zealand again is postponed. Information has been received by the Government that instead of coming by the mail steamer from England this month, ne will not leave until next month, and then will come out via Melbourne. The time now named for his arrival in New Zealand is January next. We have become so accustomed to these repeated postponements that we now can receive the news of each fresh delay in the return of the " great and good" ex-Premier with remarkable calmness and equanimity. We shall believe in Sir Julius Vogel's intention t<» return to thi3 colony when he actually has lauded here, and not before. His arrival en route at San Francisco, at Honolulu, or even at Melbourne or Sydney, would not be in the least degree convincing to our sceptical modern minds that he did not conceal some design for another Midden and brilliant feat of locomotion either Europewards again or in some other equally unexpected direction. We must by no me .ins be understood to imply the slightest doubt of Sir Julius Vogel's intended return. Of course he means to come back, since he says so, his colleagues say so, and' his newspaper organs say so. We only wish to guard ourselves and our readers against another bitter disppointment against once more having our hopes rudely dashed to the ground. If vSir Julius Vogel should bestow upon New Zealand the light of his countenance in January next, it will be indeed a gleeful inauguration of the year 1876. But if — through some sudden and wholly unexpected complication of affairs cela va sans dire — this glad event should not come to pass, why then we all shall accept the inevitable with what resignation we may, and shall not utterly refuse to be comforted, because Sir Julius is not here. It is true there would , be one district which would then be in a lanientable state, and reject all consolation. What would become of poor Wangauui, if she lost her fond hope of electing Sir Julius Vogel, and of receiving a quid pro quo in the shape of that £100,000 ? Alas! "Her last fond hope of Eden blighted!" ¦ •

A meeting of the building committee of St. Peter's Church, Te Aro, was held at the schoolroom on Tuesday evening, the Yen. Archdeacon Stock in the chair. The business was mainly of a formal nature ; but one very gratifying feature was the announcement that the sum subscibed already amounts to nearly £1,200. Such a sum collected in so few months,. and so soon after the great effort made to clear off the debt on the old church, must be deemed very satisfactory, and promises well for the speedy realisation of the whole sum required ; especially when the usual auxilary methods of raising the wind are resorted to, such as bazaars, concerts, and so forth. It has been arranged that in future the .committee shall meet on the Ist and 3rd Tuesday in each month. We have been requested to correct an error that his been committed by several Australian papers, and also by the Home News, with reference to the ships City of Auckland and Lutterworth. It will be remembered that on their last voyage from England, the former brought 25 tons and the latter 40 tons of gunpowder, and in alluding to this it has been stated that both were immigrant ships. This is a mistake, for neither vessel brought out any immigrants on the last trip, though both of them did on previous voyages. This, no doubt, caused.. the error, which unfortunately may have very serious consequences. The idea of immigraut vessels carrying such large quantities of powder is simply horrible. Nothing of the kind could occur on ships chartered by the Government of this colony, for in addition to such vessels beiug forbidden by the Passengers Act to carry powder, a clause is inserted in he charter party expressly prohibiting vessels bringing immigrants from conveying powder, or indeed anything that would be likely to cause combustion. The extensive circulation which the erroneous statement has received, has probably acted to the prejudice of the colouy, by increasing the apparent dangers of a voyage. The special practice of. the Central Fire Brigade ou Lambton Quay last evening was exceedingly successful. The brigade mustered to the number of 33 under command of Captain Moss, and went through their evolutions with remarkable skill, rapidity, and promptness. At one time

no fewer than nine jets were playing in full force, and the number was increased, diminished, or the direction varied to suit the supposed changes in the imaginary fire, with singular readiness. Altogether last night's practice must impart a feeling of additional security both to the citizens and the insurance companies. Mr. Boardman, travelling agent for the South British Company, expressed in cordial terms his high satisfaction with the result, and several other companies were represented among the spectators. If the prices paid for the privileges of having booths, selling cards, &c, at the approaching races are to be taken as an index to the success of the meeting, it will far. surpass any of its predecessors. There was exceedingly keen and lively competition at Mr. Duncan's auction mart to-day for the various lots, and while the bidding for the booths was going on, the competing hotel-keepers were frequently cheered by their friends. This year the gates are reserved by the Club, yet the proceeds of the sale reach the very handsome figure of £292. Mr. Urwin, of the Post Office Hotel, appeared determined to obtain the sole right of selling fermented and spirituous drinks, and despite strong opposition, bought boohs Nos. 1, 2, and 3, at £35, £40, and £42, respectively. Mr. Jones, of the Melbourne Hotel, after a sharp contest, secured No. 4, the Grand Stand booth, at £50. Mr. Morgan bought three refreshment booths at £9 10s, £10, and £16, and Mr. Dowsett one at £9 103. The fancy bazaars sold at £3 10s, and £2 15s, Mr. Gell buying one, and Mr. Lustey the other. Mr. Biddle secured three stables, two at £3 10s, and one at £2 10s, and Mr. Lustey one at £4 ss. Messrs. Blundell Bros, were the purchasers of the right to sell the authorised card, at £60. The prices obtained are very much higher than -those of last year, and prove that the best judges of such matters expect an extremely large attendance, and a brilliant meeting. At the meeting- of the Education Board yesterday, aftftr we went to press, Mrs. . Tarn, formerly of the West Rangitikei school (who was strongly recommended by the R-ev. J. Ross) was appointed headmistress of the new Buckle Btreet school. We are requested to state that she is not placed under Mrs. Wilkinson as stated by a contemporary, but takes the chief position in the school. Yesterday's cricket match, Press v. Stage, resulted in favor of the former by 4 runs on the Ist innings, the respective scores being 63 and 59., In the 2nd innings the Press made 80 and the Stage had scored the same number, with four wickets to fall when time was called. The Wairarapa coach, on its way to town ye-terday, found the Waiohine too high to cross, and it became necessary to forward the mails and passengers across the river on horseback. All passed safely but one passenger, who was washed down the stream, and only succeeded in getting ashore by a very close shave. The mails and passengers^ then were put on board a spare coath on this side of the river, and reached town without any further mishap. We learn that Messrs. Jacob Joseph and N Co. , of this City have been appointed sole agents in this province for the sale of Messrs. Bisquit, Dubouche, and Co. 'a, brandy, in the place of Messrs. Krull and Co., and have taken over all the stock held by the latter tinn. A return cricket match will be played on Saturday afternoon next on -the Albion Ground between the Lion and Phoenix Foundries. The following team will represent the Phoenix Foundry :-— Robertson, Stowe, Luke, Gell, Milner, Milne, Bates, Reed, Carey, Standrin, Press. •The N.Z.S.S. Company announce by advertisement in another column, that return tickets at single fares will be issued by the Company's steamers at and to all ports from 15th December to 31st January, and will be available up to 15th February. A match will be played at the Hutt on next Saturday afternoon between the Hutt and the second eleven of the Star Cricket Clubs. The names of the Star team are as follows, namely : — Belcher, Bond, Houghton, Turner, Wills, Adams, Linklater, Gell, Stohr. Mould, and Webb. Emergency — Munt. A coach will leave M'lntosh's New Zealander Hotel, at 1 o'clock sharp, with the Stars. To-day in the Court of Appeal the arguments in Whitlock v. Parsons were concluded, and ' their Honors reserved judgment. Arguments were commenced in Vennellv. Brandon. Mr. Allan appeared for the appellant and Mr. Izard for the respondent. Mary L. Griffiths, aged about 14 years, was arrested this morning on a charge of stealing a ring from the shop of Mr. Gunderson, Willis -street. The girl came into the shop on Wednesday afternoon, when Mr. Gunderson's daughter was minding it in her father's absence. Griffiths said she wanted to see the father, and when the girl left to call him, the theft was committed. On disc ivering his loss, Mr. Gunderson at once suspected Mary Griffiths, but he did not know where to find her ; however, she again came to the shop this morning, and was then given in charge. She made several statements as to how. the ring, which was found on her, came into her possession, at one time saying another little girl took it, but at last she confessed her guilt. It appears that the mother, who does not possess a good character, is in the country, and her daughter Mary and others have been for some time without proper control. This morning the young prisoner was brought up at the Resident Magistrate's Court, and was remanded to Monday. - A writer of a trip through Central' Australia says : — " The spiders' webs are very numer us and strong on this road, and they give you rather an unpleasant check if they catch your face whilst riding. I have seen some whip-crackers made out of these webs which are far superior to any other, and it is impossible to break them. I have heard that one of the men on the line collected a large ball of it, which he sold in Melbourne for manufacturing purposes for a considerable sum. I firmly believe that if this web were collected in any quantity it would be utilised to a great extent, as its strength seems superior, and quality equal, to silk." Professor W. Stanley Jevons, in a treatise on scientific method, asserts that "if the whole population of the world, say one thousand millions of persons, were to deal cards day and night for one hundred millions of years, they would not have exhausted one hundred thousandth part of the possible deals of a pack of cards." We have been requested to call attention to Mr. R. J. Duncan's great clearing sale of drapery and clothing at the warehouse, Wulisstreet, opposite Mr. Anderson's stores, on Friday and Saturday. The balance of the stock-in-trade is being offered without reserve, as the premises must be vacated before the end of the month, so that those in search of drapery and clothing have an excellent opportunity afforded them of laying in stocks. Sale on Friday and Saturday, 2o"th and 27th November, commencing at 11 o'clock each day, particulars of which are to.be fouud in our advertising columns.