Evening Post. THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1881. WHIPS AND WHIPPINGS.

Evening Post, Volume XXI, Issue 152, 30 June 1881, Page 2

Evening Post. THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1881. WHIPS AND WHIPPINGS.

? The precise functions of a Parliamentary whip have never, we believe, been "officially" defined. They are rather understood than expressed. It is commonly supposed that they partake of a pastoral—or shepherdlike— character, the "silly sheep" tended by these " gentle shepherds " being members of Parliament. To the whips of eaoh patty is confided the important and sometimes onerous task of gathering all scattered Parliamentary sheep into their respective folds when a division is pending, and to see that all are safely rounded in when the fateful bell rings forth its solemn warning that a vote is to be taken by which the fate of a Ministry or a country may be irrevocably sealed. Doubtless the whips have other special functions, weighty and momentous, and "too numeroufl~to mention." We take that for granted. But we never yet heard, ] •>n any really trustworthy authority, that a •vhip's duties included the leading of an attack on his own side, or pressing to an alverse division a motion which the leaders of the party had strongly opposed. We should have imagined, in our verdant innocence, that about the last tning expected of a whip, especially a Ministerial whip, would be that he should strain every nerve to v>ring about a signal defeat of his party, and that he should actually carry into effect this remarkable endeavor. It would appear so essential to the due discharge of his flagellatory functions that a whip's self-abnegation should be complete, and that ho should be content to merge bis own individuality almost entirely in that of his party, that such a proceeding as that just mentioned would seem among the wildest and remotest of improbabilities. And yet this actually happened last evening. One of the Ministerial whips, Mr. Hußsrhouse, moved a resolution to the effect that those districts through which Government railways have been constructed, or are being constructed, should be rated to pay the difference between working expenses (including interest on cost of construction) and receipts from Bach railways. This was theoretically and per se a very just and reasonable proposal; indeed, it originally formed a main feature in the great Public Works policy. But its enforcement just now would be, as the Premier justly pointed out, quite impracticable, Hnu apart from this, the motion involved so large and grave a question of policy that it*, premature and irresponsible introduction by a private member could not fail to embarrass the hands of the Government. It was obviously therefore an indiscretion so amazing' as to be, we should fancy, almost unprecedented for a Ministerial whip to bring it forward at all without the clear approval of his chiefs, still more so for him to press it iv defiance of their distinctly

conveyed disapproval, and most of all to push it to an absolute double defeat; of the Ministry. It was a singular and interesting spectacle to see Mr. Hursthocse, Sir George Grey, Mr. George, and Mr. Mo c s all " pulling in the same boat" with such refreshing vigour. But it did seem to argue a most singular degree of party disorganization, and lack of Parliamentary discipline, for a Government to be "whipped by its own whip." ___

It has now been definitely settled that the Hon. the Colonial Treasurer will deliver his Financial Statement on Tuesday next, and wiil bring down his proposals in regard to lopal finance on the following day. Both will be looked forward to with great interest. The Government have decided to offer facilities for the vaccination and re-vaccina-tion of grown persons by instructing public vaccinatora to vaccinate persons over the ago of 14. Jjx answer to Mr. Ballance yesterday afternoon, Mr. Hall said the best way to get over the Dogr Tax difficulty would be to give counties power to levy a tax of not less than 5s upon dogs, and provision would probably be made during the session. In answer to Mr. Eeid yesterday afternoon, as to whether the Government intended to give effect to Captain Hume's recommendation to select retired military and naval officers for vacancies in the offices of Superintendents of Prisons, Mr-, Dick said the Government would see no injustice was done to old officers, and that in 1 all appointments the merit 3of the case would be considered. At least one of the Lords" wants to know whether it is intended they shall be "reformed" or not. This afternoon the Hon. Mr. Menzies will a9k the AttorneyGeneral whether the Government propose, in this session, to bring in a bill to alter the constitution of the Legislative Council, in accordance with the indication given in the speech of the Hon. the Premier lately at On Wednesday next Mr. Oliver will more that a Select Committee be appointed to inquire into the management and working of the^ New Zealand railways, and to report their opinion on any changes which may appear to them desirable to introduce ; the committee to consist of Mr. E. Wood, Mr. Ormond, Mr. Kelly, Mr. Shephard, Mr. Saunders, Mr. Bunny, Hon. Mr. Kichardson, Mr* Wright, Mr. Macandrew, and the mover. Mr. Reid is to ask the Miniister of Justice this afternoon if it is the intention of the Government to introduce this session a new Prisons Act, dealing with sentences, remissions, powers of gaolers, punishments, &c. ? Mr. Hutchison will moya on Wednesday next that it be an instruction to the Library Committee to oonsider and report upon what arrangements could be made, with , the view of granting to the public generally, while Parliament is not in session, a more libeial use of the books in the Parliamentary Library, and Of affording facilities tor reading and reference to those interested in any particular subject. Mr. Andrews, M.H E., is of opinion that every member of the General Assembly should, by virtue of his membership, be ex officio a visiting justice to ihe gaols, lunatic asylums, and industrial schools of the colony, ami will move a resolution to that effect in the House on Tuesday next. We understand that the Bill for empowering the Government to grant assistance in land to private companies undertaking the construction of approved railways is now being drafted by the law officers. A general opinion seems to prevail that the proposed aid to the extent of one-fourth of the cost of construction will be hardly sufficient inducement to capitalists to take up such an enterprise. It is thought that one-third might be adopted instead as a maximum proportion. We hope that the various political parties will agree to sink their differences so far as to get this important measure through Parliament during the present session, so as to avoid the serious loss of time and opportunity which would result from the matter being postponed to another session. The following tenders were received by the Public Works Department for the Kopu contract of the Waikato-Thames railway : — Accepted —H. M'Deemott and Griffith, Thames, .£1489. Deolined —E, Quinn, Thames, .£1716; P. Trainor, Thames, .£1791 ; J. Darrow, Thames, £1844 ; J. Sheath and Co., Newton, ,£1914; Hart and Horn, Thames. .£2233; Wilkie and Crawford, Patea, .£2246 ; W. Simms, Thames, .£2372 ; E. fcmith, Thames, .£3070. A deputation, consisting of Messrs. Reeves, Madden, and Hutchens waited on Councillor Brown this morning, with a requisition from ratepayers of Cook Ward, asking him to call a public meeting and explain his action in reference to the Te Aio Reclamation. In doing so, Mr. Keeves explaiaed that they quite recognised the fact that Councillor Brown had acted in the most disinterested way in voting as he had done, because as a contractor, he would be benefited by the carrying out of the reclamation. They thought, however, he should have let the proposal go to the ratepayers. Councillor Brown promised to communicate his reply in writing to Mr. Reeves, and ihe interview then terminated. Towards 1 midnight yesterday the detective authorities effected the arrest of a nan who, judging from appearances, was on the point of quitting the colony with a fraudulent intent. It seems that some time ago the man in question, whose name is Henry Ferris, was entrusted with the care of a pianoforte, valued at .£SO, belonging to Miss Sarah Mountain. Yesterday afternoon Miss Mountain chanced to be passing the house tenanted by Ferris in Cambridge Terrace, and observed that the house was unoccupied. The matter was reported to the detectives, who a few hours later found Ferris on board the barque G. M> Tucker, appointed to leave Wellington at 4 o'clock this morning for Newcastle, N.S.W. He had taken passages for himself and five children under the assumed name of Harvey, and when arrested a considerable Bum of money was discovered on his person. He was brought up at the Eesident Magistrate's Court this morning, charged with feloniously converting the piano to his own use, he being tho bailee thereof. On the application of Chief Detective Brown, who stated that he had been unable to snbpcena the necessary witnesses, the case was adjourned till to-morrow. Mr. Gordon Ailin has been instructed for the defence. We are glad to see it explained that the delay of the Stella in starting for tho Brothers, in response to the request for medical aid, was due to the fact that her boiler was undergoing an overhaul at the time the message arrived, so that she could not be earlier got ready to leave. The ordinary fcrtnightly meeting of the Waste Lands Board took place this morning. Present— Messrs. J. G. Holdsworth (chairman), T. Ma3on, H. Bnnny, and E. Pearce. An extension of time in which to pay instalments on deferred payment sections was granted to Messrs. Eli Smith and A. W. Kird. It was agreed to allow deferred payment section 1577, Kairanga district, to be transferred from Mr. T. Scales to Messrs. Epbinson and Gladstone. The proposed expenditure of £15 by the Manawatu Highway Board, in opening up roads to certain deferred payment sections, was approved. A letter from Mr. J. Viles, relating to a disputed boundary of section 187, Hutt, was postponed for consideration at the next meeting. The Chief .Surveyor reported that surveys of the following blocks were in progress for settlement purposes :—SOOO: — 5000 acre 3 near Otaki ; 5000 acres, Tokomaru Block ; 5000 acres, Aohanga ; 10,000 acres, east and south of MauricevUle ; and 1500 acres, west of Carterton. The survey of the Wanganui harbour endowment block of 25,000 acres was reported to be well advanced, and a large portion will shortly be ready ior sale. The schedule of lands sold since the previous meeting showed^he number of acres applied for to be 67 acres 2 roods, and the price realised .£53 10a. * The polling for the vacant seat for Thorndon in tho City Council is taking place to-day. The election has, of course, been deprived of all excitement by the fact that I Mr. Fisher has retired, leaving Dr. Newman in undisputed possession of the field. The polling had to take place as a matter of form, owing to insufficient notice having be^n given by Mr. Fisher of his intention to retire. The following are the acceptances for the sculling handicap to come off on the 9th July proximo:— W. Taylor, W. White and A. H. Stock, scratch ; W. H. Wilson, 10 seconds ; H. S. Pollen, 20 seconds ; W. W. Smith, 25 seconds. At the Lower Hutt Eesident Magistrate's Court yesterday, Mr. Shaw, E.M., committed to the Lunatic Asylum two boys named James and Thomas Terry, whom JL>rs. Tripe and Wilford pronounced to be of unsound mind. In the judgment summons case, Burt t. Haase, a claim of .£l3, the defendant was ordered to liquidate the debt at the rate of £2 per month ; in default 28 days' imprisonment. Ihe only other case before the Court was that of Shaw v. Oakley (an application to have the defendant bound over to keep the peace), but it was stated that the defendant had left the colony, and the police had been unable to serve the summons. The case was adjourned for six weeks, to enable the defendant to be served in the event of his returning to the colony within that period. The Excelsior Lodge held its weekly session ia the Bechabite Hall last evening, whon a further addition to its membership was made. A petition in favor of amending the licensing law 3 was signed by every member, and forwarded to thj Hon. Sir W. Fox for presentation to the House of Representatives. After having spent a very pleasant evening the lodge was closed in due form l

During the month ending today there ware 93 births and 29 deaths registered in the Wellington bistrict, and the number of marriage certificates issued ware 11. It appears the accident at The Brothers, on account of which medical aid was so urgently requested, happened to ono of the lighthouse-keepers named Davis, who had sprained his knee . Ho was conveyed to Wellington for surgical attention. To-day the licensed victuallers of the city attended at the Custom House for the purpose of paying for their annual licenses. A special jury has been applied for and granted in the case of Mr. J. H. Whitelaw, i late Superintendent of the Mount View Asylum, whose trial on charges under the Lunatics Act takes place at the ensuing sitting of the Supreme Court. We understand that a number of residents in the Wairarapa are making an effort to get a special cheap train put on for the pur* pose of enabling them to witness the performance of the " Pirates of Penaance." No doubt if a sufficient number of persons signify their desire to patronise the excursion, the department will do aIL in its powor to accede to their wishes. A sow and prospective pigs were the subject of a rather amusing case heard at the Resident Magistrate's Court this morni'ig. Mr. Charles Mudgway sued Mr. Wil'.sm Gibson to recover £10, being the estin ated value of a sow that was expect°d to produce a litter of 14 or 15 pigs about Christmas Rest, and which was alleged to have been shot by the defendant. "Mr. G. Allan appeared for the plaintiff and Mr. Gully for the defendant. The parties live on adjoining sections at Poriraa. Early one morning ab ut a fortnight ago Mr. Mudgway's sow managed to wander on to Mr. Gibson's section, and the latte reproducing a gun, fired at the sow and wounded her in the flank, at the same time remarking that " that was for the bow's breakfast." The animal diei five or six days afterwards. During the plaintiff's cf oss-examihation the witness was unable to inform Mr. Gully whether the sow was what is known as a " Captain Cook," or '" ranger biio"d:." (Laughter.) He never knew Captain Cook so far as he was aware. (Renewed Jaughter. ) The animal was an extraordinary good breeding sow. For the defence it was submitted that the shot was not intended to kill the sow, but was meant to exercise a moral effect upon her and teach her better manners. Judgment was given for £5, at which price the Court fixed the value ol the animal A meeting of delegates representing the licensed victuallers' trade in New Zealand was held this morning at the Queen's Hotel, Lambton Quay, and was attended by Messrs* Walker and Bould (Wellington), Peddia (Napier), Wataon (Otago), and Stephenson (Auckland). It was decided to endeavor to obtain an amendment of certain clauses in the I licensing Bill on its recommittal. Respecting clause 126, it was resolved to ask that 10 hours might be the limit during which barmaids are to be employed. Other resolutions were arrived at, and the delegates agreed to wait on the members for the city with a view of submitting to the Government the views of the licensed victuallers. The printers of the colony are up in arms against printing being carried on in the Lyttelton Gaol, and Mr. Hutchinson, on their behalf, yetterday presented a petition against the practice. The petition asserts at the outset, " That labor executed at the printing office conneoted with the Lyttelton Gaol, owing to additional facilities rendered recently, is competing against free labor, which tends to cause depressior and privation, and also to materially reduce the status of a large section of the people of the colony. That, in view of the foregoing, the said office should either be abolished altogether, or its operations confined to printing required by the peual service only." After giving some facts in support of the contention, the petition proceeds thus : " \our petitioners would respectfully submit that the contest entered into is of an unjust nature, for it deprives the profession of its only capital, that is, labor— the universal agent for building up a country. Already the members of the profession have experienced the fullest effect of the depression of the colony, and trust they will not be called upon to combat with the evils of criminal competition. Your petitio* ners wish to draw attention to the fact that a few years ago a movement similar to that now complained of, affecting other industries, was started in England, and the House of Commons, in recognition of the justness of a petition presented, very materially curtailed the movement." The petitioners then pray that the House will afford such relief as may seem to it fit. At the Theatre Royal last night, " The Pirates of Penzance" attracted another lirge audience, and, on the whole, the performance was the most successful yet given. The opera improves greatly on closer acquaintance. Its keen, original satire grows more appreciable, the numerous "points" become more telling, and the beauties of the music more and more attractive. Last evening the applause was of a very enthusiastic kind, and several encores were obtained. In the Sergeant's song, Mr. Hydes introduced a few lines referring to the Thorndon election, and his reference to the "new man" for the city evoked not a little applause. The opera will be repeated this evening. While driving past the Lower Hutt school yesterday, a lad named Smith was struck on the head with a stone, supposed to have been thrown by one of the scholars. The blow rendered him giddy, and a few moments afterwards he fell out of the vehicle, without, however, sustaining serious injury. If the act is proved to have been a wanton one, it is to bo hoped the offender will be brought to justice. The anniversary services in connection with the Wesleyan Sunday School, Moles-worth-street, were held on Sunday last. The three servicss were conducted by the Eevs. W. Kirk and W. J. Habens and Mr. J. Knowles. The singing of the children, thanks to their able training by Mr. Todd, was deserving of high praise. On Tuesday the annual tea and public meeting was held. The tea was gratuitously provided by friends, and was partaken of by 170 persons. The public meeting was addressed by the Eevs. H. B. Bedstone, D. Dutton, and VV. Kirk, and Mr. Moxham. The report showed that there were 158 scholars on the roll. Altogether, this Sunday School Anniversary was the most successful that has ever been held at Molesworth-street. "Keep to your j-Right" writes to the Editor: — "In Wellington there is far less traffic on the footpaths than in Sydney, Melbourne, Dunedin, or Auokland; but locomotion is much less easy. Why is this ? Beoause pedestrians (ladies as well as men), forget the simple rule, keep to your right." The Naval Brigade assembled last evening at the Drill Shed for usual drill. There were over 100 of all ranks present. The men were exercised by the officers at company drill and gun drill ; afterwards several candidates were proposed for admission into the company. Subsequently the usual company meeting for transaction of business was held, Captain Johnston occupying the chair — all the other officers being present. Ihe subscription lists, in aid of funds for purchasing a brig, were called in to get the amounts collected. Seaman Nash had collected Borne £11 odd, Petty-officer Stock some £10 10a, -and several other members handed in amounts varying from £5 to £10. The time for calling in the lists was extended for another month. We understand that the officers' list is now in the hands of Lieutenants Wallace and Waterhonse, whose energy will most likely supplement the funds very considerably. "Observer" writes to us, under date Hill-street, 29th June : — '" Seeing your remark in last night's paper that, because two clocks in the Observatory, whose pendulums oscillate in exactly contrary directions, were stopped last Sunday by the earthquake, therefore the stoppage of clocks, however situated, is not a reliable guide as to direction, I think it will be of interest, if the fact is recorded, that a clock which had not been going for some time, and the direct on of whose pendulum was about N.N.W. and S:S.E. (or, to be exact, that of Molesworthstreet), was set going, while, in the fame house, another clock placed at right angles to it was stopped. At a house near mine, a chimney, recently bnilt on ground made many years ago, was moved four inches Irpm the cave, the boarding and fireplace being somewhat damaged. At Te Aro. the dampers in a kitchen range were opened by the shock, and the inhabitants were surprised at finding a cheerful fire blazing to receive them in the morning," Donations to tho Hospital have been received from Mr. B. Burrett and Mr. J. Baird, the former donor sending a parcel of literature, and the latter two pair 3of crutches. The Conrt Sir George Grey, A.0.F., held its half-yearly summoned meeting on Tuesday evening, for the election of officer! and transaction of other important business. A very large number of members, and also several visiting brethren, attended The following members were duly elected officers for the ensueing half-year : — Chief Banger, Bro. J. J Harris ; Sub-Chief Eanger, Bro. E. Brandon ; Senior Woodward, Bro. J. iloreland; Junior Woodward, Bro. W. Rix ; Senior Beadle, Bro. W. Garrett; Junior Beadle, Bro. J. Robertson ; Treasurer, Bro. B. A. Page ; Secretary, Bro. A. V. Knapp. The following Pa»t Chief Bangers were also nominated for the various district offices : — D.C.E.. Bro. O. D. Finch; D.S C.E., Bro. O. I>. Finch; D.S., Bro. J. T. Boris ; D.T., Bro. A. Whitford ; D.8., Bro. J. F. Adams. A meeting of the Wdlington Co-operative Stores Company (Limi^d) is advertised to be held at Asher's lar*re room, Manners-street, next Saturday evening. The object of the company is stated to be "the supply cf groceries, provisions, wines, spirits, &c, at wholesale prices to ita members.

The City Volunteers will assemble at the Drill Shed on Sunday next at 10.15 a.m., for the uaual monthly church parade. Members of the Choral Society are re. minded by advertisement of a practice tomorrow evening, at the Athena; am BuildingsAtteution is directed to the announcement that a lecture will be delivered by Mr. Seaver to-morrow evening at the Upper Hntt. The Bubject being an interesting one will doubtless attract a large audience. The Empire Carriage Factory, Courtenay Place, is now leased by Messrs Eou3e and Hurreil, whose advertisement, published on another page, sets forth that every description of coach, carriage, &c, may be obtained at the factory. We are requested to state that in connection with the great sale of surplus stock at Te Aro Housa, the windows of that establishment will be lighted up from 6 to 10 p.m. this evening. The sale of books, stationery, &0., now being carried on at Alcorn's old shop, on Lambton Quay, will, during the rest of the week, be kept open till 9 o'clock each evening. Messrs. Okel & LinnelL of tho San Frandisco Seel Depob, have just received a fresh supply of seeds, which may bo inspected on their new premises, Courtenay Pla:e, formerly occupied as a chemist's shop. To-morrow, Messrs. T. Kennedy Ma3donald & Co. will hold an important sale of property, shiire3, and furniture, in their mart, .Panama-street, at 2.30 p.m., viz. — Thrpe building allotments situated in Macdonald Crescent will be sold at the risk of former purchasers, also a valuable h. use property in Alasterton ; two residences and a building site on the Terrace ; the residence occupied by Mr. C. M'Kirdy, JUlice-s^reet ; a number of shares in various public companies, and an assortment of lurniture, &c. Messrs. Alfred A. Barnetfc will hold a sale to-morrow of land situated at Petone and Palmeraton North. Messrs Plimmer, Eeeves & Co. will sell tomorrow, produce. To the wi^es and families of many honorable members of both Houses of Parliament, row assembled in this city, and also to the ladies resident in Wei ington and its environs, it may be a matter of interest to know that lately there have been completed to special order in the mantle making rooms of James Smith, Te Ako Hoc-e, t'ubastreet, some very elegant Ladies' Jackets, m the latpst designs. Tho materials have been rich black Satin do Lynn and heavy pile black Genoa Velvet, trimmed with deep fur, and lined throughout with quilted silk. It is hardly necessary to state that for richness of appearance, exquisiteness of fib, and perfect finish they could not be exceeded by anything from the most fashionable modiste of the West End of London. What more graceful and fitting present could au honorable member make ?— [Advt.] Trai.e Mark, AValtham, Mass.— The Amebi/!an Watch Company, of Waltham, Massachusetts, U.S.A., hereby give notice that their trade mark, " Waltham, Mass.," is new registered in the Australian Colonies of Victoria, New South Wale 3, and New Zealand. Proceedings will be taken against any copying or imitating same, or any vendors selling or offering for sale watches bearing colorable imitations or in any way infringing our rights. — American Watch Company, Waltham, Mass. — [Advt. I