TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1881.

Evening Post, Volume XXII, Issue 127, 29 November 1881, Page 2

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1881.

TO-MOBROW'S ELECTION. To-morrow the citizens of Wellington will have to decide whom they will elect as their Mayor for the ensuing year. They have three candidates to choose from. Ono of these has already occupied the ohair five or six times, bat unfortunately labours under the idea that the Wellington Mayoralty was created on purpose that it might form a snng permanent " billet " for himself. He has done very fairly out of it hitherto. By using it as a stepping-stone to Parliament, he has added the .£2OO Parliamentary honorariom to lhe which forms the Mayoral salary. What Mr. Hutchison has done for his £5i)Q a year we have never yet bee a told. He has talked enough forhalf-a dozen men, but there is a shrewd old homely proverb which warns ■us that " Fine words batter no parsnips." Mr. Hutchison has distributed verbal butter in quantities sufficient to make his hearers bilious for life, but the parsnips of practical action still remain nnbnttered at his hands. We give him dne credit for feathering his own nest with as muoh "skill and dexterity" as Dibdin's "Jolly Young Waterman" feathered his oars, out the ratepayers' nests are left bald and unfeathered 50 far as he is concerned. We do not intend to allude on this occasion to any past acts of commission on his part.

We have determined from the first that we would, so far as poesible, " let bygones be bygoneß," ,and avoid saying a single harsh word about either of the candidates whose pretensions we are compelled on public grounds to oppose. But, without raking op old scores, or in any way assailing the candidates personally, wo contend they are yet proved to be totally ineligible for such a position. We simply baae our present oppo ; sitioH to Mr. Hutchison on these two facts— lst,, that ne has held the office too long already ; 2nd, that he has done nothing for the public good during that lengthened period of office, notwithstanding all hia protestations. His especial art ia to talk highsoundin? moral sentiment, and to gush copiously about the " poor working men," who, we fancy, have found out by this time what his sympathetic feelings and touching phrases are really worth in practical results. He himself now admits he has held office too long, and that he stood pledged to retire if a candidate came forward who was worthy to be bis successor. We fear Mr. Hutchison's ideas' on this point of relative worthiness differ too widely from ours to be at all re:oncileable. He does not think there lives in the whole, world a man worthy to sudceed him as Mayor. We think there are very few men on the Wellington Bnrges3 Roll who would not form a very desirable change to Mr. Hutchison. In this way, however, he endeavours to shield himself from the charge of pledge-breaking. He says loudly that he would retire in favour of a worthy successor, bnt he adds softly to himself that there is not a living soul whom he would recognise as fit to succeed him. To-morrow's polling will show whether the ratepayers are again to be gnlled and deluded by Mr. Hutchison, or whether they will succeed at last in emancipating themselves from their " old nan of the sea." Of Mr. Fisher we have nothing more to say than we have said dm ing the last few days, because we simply decline to believe the ratepayers so besotted a 9 to elect as their Mayor a snbordinate officer in the Government pay. Nor need we devote very many words to Mr. Young's advocacy, a3 hia merits have besn so cordially recognised by the electors that it would be almost purplnsage on onr part to dwell on them. Mr. YeuNG's claims to support aro that he is no needy place* hunter or paid Government offioial, but an honourable, independent, and liberal citizen, and an able and successful man of business — no small recommendation this either, for the man who has managed his own business successfully is likely to do the same for that of the city. Mr. Young has shown his capacity to grasp the full bearing of municipal politios. He has given a practical demoristration of his indifference to the emoluments of office by pledging himself, if elected, to hand over the salary to some deserving charity. He proved himself a very capable and useful City Councillor, and, unlike the present Mayor, served an horourable apprenticeship in that position before aspiring to the highest civic honours. He displayed his patriotism and unselfishne: s by promptly responding to the call to the Front, whither he went in command of his volunteer company, regardless of the injury thus done to his election prospects. He must have known full well that his enemies wou'd not ba idle behind his back and during his absence How these have been already working underground is very plainly indicted by the persistency with which they now extend their attacks under the congenial form of anonymous letters. These cowardly and skulking adversaries, whose idea of fighting iB to shoot a man from behinl a hedge, or to blab him in the back, now find ample and enjoyable employment in writing the contemptible anonymous effusions whioh adorn the columns of a contemporary, will surely find that they have utterly mistaken the character of the Wellington citizens to whom they thus appeal. The Wellington citizens are not sneaks and cowards like those precious writers, but honest Britons who love fair play, and who burn with generous indignation as they read the disingenious attempts to mislead and trick them, in order to bring about Mr. Young's defeat. \N c hope and believe for the oredit of honesty and fair play that all these disreputable dodges will receive a fitting rebuke in the result of tomorrow's polling. If such proceedings were triumphant, it would be an evil day for Wellington. There is, however, no fear of such a disaster if Mr Young's supportera will work heartily and vigorously to the last. The contest may be a close one : it will be well at any rate to assume that no votes can be spared, but with due organisation the result should not be even doubtful. Before we again have an opportunity of addressing our readers the polling will be nearly over. We therefore offer a last word of advice to the Wellington ratepayers in regard to the eleotion, and that is— Go early to the poll, and bring as many others as you Can to VOTE FOR YOUNG !

The Evening Post will be published, as usual, to-morrow. Following are the vital statistics for Wei-" lington during the past month (November), which virtually ends to-day, the public offices being closed to-day :— Births, 122; deaths, 25 ; marriages, 18. In reference to a paragraph in our last issue, stating that the Hon. Mr. Oliver did not decline to receive a deputation regarding the railway time-table, the Hon. Mr. Huckley called on us to-day and asserted positively that Mr. Oliver did decline to receive the deputation, on the ground that it would be useless, alleging as a reason that as he was only tho locum tenens of the Minister for Public Works (Mr. Hall) nothing would be likely to result from tha interview. Therenpon Mr. Buckley telegraphed to Mr. Wilkin, of Upper Hutt, giving this as the substance of the interview with Mr. Oliver. We &till think that a deputation should lose no time in waiting on Mr. Oliver, as we urged yesterday. In the course of his speech at Thorndon last night, Mr. Andr< w Young referred to the now famous " leather medal." In the first place, he explained that it was not presented to him at all — the question was asked if he knew the mint it was struck at. (A laugh.) He did not take it as an insult to the volunteers at all, but Bimply as a joke, and nothing more — (hear, hear) — and he was sorry to see that the prinoipal was getting the blame of what some might oonsider an impropriety on the part of some over - enthusiastic supporter. He (Mr. Young) did not blame Mr. Fisher in the least. He took the matter for a mere jest, and if it had been intended as an inanlt to the vjlunteers, no man would have been quicker to resent it than he would. (Cheers.) The latest instance of the " how-not-do-it" policy which has baen narrated to us has a somewhat amusing aspect, and relates to a department that, to do it credit, ia not usually associated with such proceedings. Recently the Post Office authorities have erected a pillar-box at the corner of Bowenstreet and Lambton Quay, but it has hitherto proved the reverse of the "boon" anticipated by a contemporary. It was freely patronised by the unsuspecting public, so we are informed, until at last it occurred to one business man, who had posted an important letter, to inquire whether the box was cleared regularly or not. To his astonishment he found that the pillar had not been cleared, and that the letter-carrier had not even received a key, and did not expect one until the middle of the week ! People who have posted letters in the new box incline to the opinion that it would have been much better had a key been supplied and arrangements made for clearing the box immediately it was erected. Mr. Young is evidently not one of those candidates who are afraid of " the questions." At his meeting last night he said that if he were not able to answer any questions that might be put to him on municipal matters he was not fit to stand as a candidate for the Mayoralty. (Cheers ) Aa those present seemed a little backward in speaking, Mr. Young jocularly urged them not to be bashful, remarking that he used to be afflicted that way himself, but it had since been " taken out of him." (Laughter and applause.) Only one question of minor importance was asked, the audience appearing perfeotly satisfied with Mr. Young's deolaration of his views. A meeting of gentlemen interested in the Anniversary Regatta, on tha 22nd January next, was held at the Pier Hotel last evening, Mr. Quick in the chair. Ten only were present, but these formed themselves into a Regatta Committee, with power ta add to their number, and, from the spirit that was displayed, there can be "no doubt that the matter will be brought to a successful issue. Messrs. Brandon, juu., Mills, and Waters were appointed a sub-committee to draw up rules for the club. Canvassers were appointed to collect subscriptions for the regatta. The secretary reported that there was a balance in cash of JJ3O from the last year, and also two silver cups on hand. After a vote of thanks to the chairman, the meeting adjourned till Monday, 12th Deoember, when the sub-committee will bring up their framed rules for approval. A great many in Wellington, aa well as elsewhere, will hear with great regret that Mr. Masters, lately one of the members for the Greymonth district, died in Melbourne on Sunday last. The sad news was sent to Mr. J. S. M. Thompson of this city, who was an intimate frie-d of the deceased, whom he had known for many years, when both were in business in Greymonth. Mir. Masters will be greatly missed in that town where he carried on a large ironmongery establishment, and where he was highly respected, not only in connection with his business, but for his openhanded charity and social qualities. Though he had been in bad health for some time his death was. we underatand, unexpected. Mr. F. Hardcastle, R.M., ia at present absent in Wanganui, but ia expected to return to-m"rrow.

An important alteration in the time of the Chriatchurch-Dunedin express will com 9 into force on and after Thursday next. It •will leave Chriatchurch at 8.15, or 15 minutes later than at present, and will be accelerated to reach Dunedin an hour and five minutes earlier than now, the time thus being reduced by an hour and 20 minutes. A corresponding change i* made in the Dnnedin-Christ-church express. We hope the authorities will see their way to grant us a similar improvement on the Wellington-Mastertdri line. Dr Neill formally handed over the charge of the Lunatic A§ylura to-day to hia successor, Dr. King. Dr. Neill leaves for Dunedin to-morrow. He has done valuable service in improving the Wellington Asylum, and his departure is much regretted, although his successor is reputed to be an equally able specialist. The Appeal Court sat this morning, when the case of Siegfried Franck v. Stead and others (members of the committee of the Canterbury Jockey Club), and Hobbs and Goodwin, was considered. The plaintiff, Franck, some tim 9 ago patented an invention styled "The Totaliaator," and claims an exclusive right to all profits arising from the use of that instrument. The defendants, Hobbs and Goodwin, allege that the so-called invention is nothing new at all, but merely an adaptation of an instrument of the kind used in France for many years, and styled tho pari mutuel. They, therefore, in defiance of Franck's alleged rights, constructed machines of the eatne kind, but deny that they have in any way infringed any patent rights that Franck may possess. The committee of the Canterbury Jockey Club accepted proposals from Hobbß and Goodwin for the use of their totalisators, and these were in operation in consequence at some of the principal race meetings in that provincial district. Mr. Franck at once instituted proceedings in the Supreme Court t :> recover damages for alleged infringement and claimed heavy damages. The case was recently heard in Chriatchurch before bis Honor Mr Justice John-ton, the result of which was that a case was stated for submission to the Appeal Court, which came on a3 above. Mr. Harper, with him Mr! Bell, appeared for the plaintiff, Franck ; Mr. Jc-ynt, with him Mr. Johnston, for Hobbs and Goodwin and the members of the Christchurfh Jockey Clnb Committee, who had pormitted tho use ot the instruments complained of. Tho real quostion at issue is whether Siegfried Franck is or is not the inventor of the totalisator, and whether the patents he has secured have been obtained in such a manner as to render them inviolable. The case creates graat intarest in racing circles. It was proceeding when we went to press. The Gating and Lottori *s Act v*ill be put into force without respect of persons at the race meeting to-morrow. The police are going to enforoe it in the strictest manner. Even if investing in a half-orOwn sweep is indulged in under tin vigilant eye of the force the offenders will be invited to meet Mr. Hardcastlo, R.&I. A sitting in bankruptcy was held to-day at 12 o'clock, before the Kegiatrar, in consequence of the Judges being engaged in tli9 Appeal Court. The only business was hearing the application of Thomas Soholes, storekeeper, Bideford, for his discharge. There was no opposition, and ihe application was granted. The Public Work 3 Committee are desirous of having the custodian of the Newtown Reserve made a special constable, and recommend that the Superintendent of Pol'ce be communicated with to this end. Mr. Hutchison, in his speech last night, stated that " all the Council waited for before commencing tho Te Aro Eeolamation was tho completion of arrangements with the Harbour Board." This evidently was intended to convey the idea that there had been some delay on the part of the lattar body. It would have been only honeot had Mr. Hutchison explained to his hearers that the necessary plans wero not sent by the Corporation to the Harbour Board until last Saturday, and will be considered at the Board's next meeting, which takes place the day after to-morrow. Mr. Hutchison, as a member of the Harbour Board, knew this quite well. Why was he not candid enough to tell the " wholo truth " for onoe ? Dr. Buller, at his meeting at Karori last night, urged that the natives should be treated with kindness but firmness. As showing the value of the latter, he instanced a case where 500 natives came down the Waitemata Harbour to avenge the disgrace of a chief who had been fined for stealing a pair of boots. Several of the influential chiefs went to Government FJouse and represented their case to Colonel Wynyard. He received them kindly, but told them that if within an hour they wero not all gone from the harbour, the guns of Fort Britomart would fire on them. The deputation left, and another one immediately after visited Government House and asked for another hour's delay. "No," was the reply j " begone^ within-tae bonr or we fire Oh you," and the 500 natives disappeared without tlelay. That tribe was, said the doctor, evec afterwards our friends and allies, but had they not been firmly dealt with they would probably have sacked the city of Auckland. As showing their extreme selfishness, he stated that when he was commissioner at Foxton, carrying out the " flour and sugar policy," a native came to him and said he was starving. Dr. Buller went to the store and ordered a bag of sugar and bag of flour, when the Maori looked at him at-d asked, "Well, but who's to pay mo for taking them home?" The Public Works Committee recommend that the kerbing and channelling of Cottlevillo Terrace, previonsly sanctioned by the Council, be proceeded with at once. A very full muster of the volunteers of the city put in an appearance last night at the monthly inspection, no less than 347 rank and file showing up. Lieutenant-Colonel Pearce commanded, with Staff PergeantMajor Bell in attendance. The number was made up as follows: — Wellington Guards, under Captain Randall Johnston and SubLieutenant Blundoll, 43, including b*nd; Naval Brigade, under Captain Charles Johnston, Lieutenants Bennett, Hislop, Wallace, Waterhouee, and Fitzherbert (Petoni contingent), Paymaster Cruiokshank, and As-sistant-Paymaster Keyworth, 120, band included ; D Battery New Zealand Artillery, under Lieutenant M'Credie, with SergeantMajor Hyde, 51, including band ; Engineers, under Captain Simpson, Lieutenants Gell and Tait, 31 ; City Rifles, under Captain Crowe, Lientenant Walden and Sub-Lieu-tenant Ballinger, 47. The usual inspection of arms and accoutrements having been gone through, the battalion, headed by the band, marched through the Te Aro end of the city. The bands of tho Guarda, and Naval Brigade played alternately on the march, but the Artillery band broke off at the Drill Shed, their uniforms not having arrived, lha others, however, played throughout, and, as usual, acquitted themselves admirably. The Hospital is sadly ia want of linen of any kind, and rags, white or coloured, are also needed. We are sure that this nee 3 only be mentioned to procure an ample supply from the ladies of Wellington, and any gifts of the kind will be sent for to any part of the city if intending donors will kindly leave their address either at the Hospital or with Mr. Fitzgerald, chemist, Manners- street. . The privilege of using the Newtown Park for their annual fete, on Boxing Day, has been granted to the Foresters. The patronage of the Council will probably bo given on the occasion. Under the heading of " Dangerous Buildings," a correspondent, signing himself "Parabola," write 3to us as follows: — " Allow me through your columns to call the attention of the proper authorities to the bnilding in course of construction at the junction of Tory-street and Courtenay Place containing timber less in size than what is ordered in thj building regulations for such a structure. As thus far constructed, it is obvious that it has obtained the sanction of the City Snrveyor, in contradiction to the regulation in this respect. If this structure is thus to be allowed to p-oceed with these undersized timbers in its c instruction, then it is evident that the building regulations may be set at defiance, and thus the authority of the City Council set at naught ; and consequently that theso regulations cannot have been formed in the true and honest interest of her Majesty's Bubjects in Wellington at large, but in the favour of those who by some private knowledge know how to work the thing." After the parade last night, the City Rifles were formed into a hollow square for the purpose of presenting Sub-Lieutenant Ballinger with the very beautiful gold star given^by Sir. J. King for rifle competition by the corps. It had to be won three times before becoming the property of any member, and out of sir contests t>ub-Lieufcenant BaUenger had been successful ia three. Colonel Pearce made the presentation, at the same time congratulating tho recipent on the excellent shooting he had shown to secure the prize. One new member was elected before dispersing. On Monday night the cold was so extreme at Karori that water standing in the open air was thickly frozen over. Several potato crops, it is said, have been destroyed by the frost. There was a very large attendance at the regular session of the Pioneer Lodge, held last evening, at the Good Templar Hall. In response to an invitation by the Harmony Committee, many of the members and visitors brought flowers, and these being arranged about the room, gave it a very pleasiner effect. A committee of sisters wa3 appointed to distribute the flowers to the Hospital and other places. After the customary initiatory ceremonies were over, songs, &c, were given by members. Next Monday the lodge will js officered by sinters.

The case of the Wellington Gas Company v. Patten was concluded in the Appeal Court yesterday, and their Honors reserved judgment. Notice is given in another column that till unauthorised parsons posting bills on the Evening Post boards will be prosecuted. Our readers are reminded of the bazaar to be ope"ned by Lady Hamilton Gordon at the Tinakori-road churtih-room oe Ist December. There is every probability of the undertaking being a great success worthy ot the excellent object for whioh it is being held. It ia only proposed to hold it for the one day. The Ma3terton-Opaki race privileges were sold by Messrs. J. lom'3 and Co. on Saturday, realising £136 153. The gates fetched £32.

Holiday Excursions — To all persons contemplating excursions and picnics during the holiday season the question often recurs, " What shill we wear ?" Style, suitability , and inexpensivent'3S seem to be indispensably necessary. Nothing can be more suitable than tho charming, becoming, and dool-looking Pompadour and Zephyr Cloth Costumes, now exhibiting in the show-rojir.B at Te Aro House, while the cost is in some oases less, and m no case more than the colonial charge for making alone. Those who prefer to select their , own dress materials may have, at Te Aro House, a larger choice of an inexpensive kiud than have ever been previously shown in Wellington. New prints, from 3}d to G\d por yard, and soft woollen fabric 3, from 6Jd to Is, should be a Strong inducement in causing an early visit to Jakes Te Aro House.— [Ad vt.]