Evening Post

Evening Post, Volume XXIV, Issue 40, 6 September 1882, Page 2

Evening Post

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1882. ■ • ■ THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT QUESTION. «. Commenting yesterday upon the curious ease and celerity with which the measures of Local Government Reform introduced by the present Ministry hare travelled this session in the direction of the Statute Book as compared with their chequered experience in the two former sessions, we traced the history of the Local Government Reform movement up to its present stage. But we admitted that that history still left unanswered the question, why events should have followed this apparently inconsistent course. And we promised that we would endeavour to supply a satisfactory answer. It may, perhaps, be thought that an adequate theory of causation may be found in the wearied and disorganised condition of the House. We do not think so. To some extent, no doubt, this is a factor in the rapid settlement which a long-disputed question is now undergoing in Parliament. Members are so utterly tired of the session that they would do a great deal and go to considerable lengths to get rid of it and its hideous boredom. So would the country. But the country would not, and the members dare not, go to such lengths as to pass legislation which thu latter knew would be highly unacceptable and repugnant to the former, on -a most important subject in which everybody must be more or less interested, even for the sake of expediting the much-desired prorogation. For members to support measure* which they knew to be

diametrically opposed to the wishes and interests of their constituents would be simply to commit political suicide, and they know that too well, as certain votes very plainly show. Therefore we must seek further for the real cause. Some perhaps will say that the very large preponderance of opinion in favour of the scheme on tho part of the local bodies chiefly concerned, as given in the replies to Major Atkinson's celebrated circular, has convinced the House that the proposals meet the general approval of those bodies, and that, therefore, Parliament is willing to accept them. But even thia, which is no doubt in a very material degree a just view, leaves another step to be taken to reach the real cause. For it still is open to be asked— Why have,, so overwhelming a proportion of the local bodies approved the scheme ? It seems to us that only one answer can reasonably be given to this question. We can see no other feasible solution of the problem than this— that the bodies interested in the matter have so decisively declared for the Government scheme because they deem it suited to their wants and the best that can be devised to meet those wants. No other hypothesis will explain the remarkable fact that when the question was taken out of the scope of party politics, by being referred direct to the bodies mainly concerned, those of the North Island almost unanimously, and those of the South Island by an immense majority, declared strongly in favor of the scheme. There is no getting over this plain fact, and no way of escape from the conclusion to which it so directly points. By choosing bo late a period for sending round the circular the best means was adopted of procuring an unbiassed opinion, I by removing the question from the influence of the Parliamentary representatives of the various districts, who might in some cases have nsed their influence for party or "log-rolling" purposes. The result is that we have probably obtained real and unwarped views on a subject of a thoroughly practical and properly of a non-political character. It is probable that the local bodies arrived at their conclusion — that the Government proposals were the best obtainable, by following two distinct courses of thought, both, however, leading up to the same point. They must havo satisfied, themselves, in the first instance, that tho scheme did actually suit their needs. But they must also have considered whether they were likely to get anything more suitable. They might be convinced that the plan was positively a good one, but before definitely deciding on its merits they would naturally weigh carefully the question in its comparative aspect, that is to say, whether any better one was likely to be forthcoming. Here, we should say, they had an easy task. The present proposals have now been before the country for two whole years. They have been violently attacked on party grounds, and as fiercely abused for local or personal reasons. Yet they have stood firm and unshaken. They may seem at a cursory glance complex and somewhat cumbrous, but they satisfy the bodies for whose benefit they have been devised, therefore this complexity must be more in appearance than in reality. And eager as the Opposition have been to use the question as a weapon against Ministers, and ready as certain Ministerial supporters have been on individual grounds to aid them, nobody has been able to suggest any preferable method of grappling with the subject. The scheme, as we have said, has been before the public for two years, without anyone having found it practicable to frame a better one, or to devise any substantial improvement in its general provisions, although of course there may be room for modification in its details. We have had plenty of crude ideas aud Utopian whimsies, such as Sir Geoegb Gbey's "blank" bill to establish a score of independent principalities, or the Pro-vincial-restoration phantasie of Mr. Macandeew and Mr. Moss ; but all these have been promptly laughed out of court. We have had abundance of "tall talk," fervid and excursive eloquence, passionate and gushing spread-eagle declamation about the "right of the people to govern themselveß." But nobody has propounded any mode of enabling the people to do so, which has proved able to bear comparison with the one which Major Atkinson is now carrying so triumphantly through the new Parliament. Therefore we do not see.how we can logically escape the conclusion that it is a case of " survival of the fittest." A STRANGE STORY. ? A curious tale comes from Auckland. We express no opinion as to its probability or improbability, but it is sufficiently interesting to be given for what it is worth. The story goes that Mr. Macandrew and certain other members of the so-called "Great Liberal Party," having some time since come to the conclusion that it was hopeless trying to wrest the seals of office from the present Ministry so long as Sir George Grey remained in the House as a disturbing influence and practically holding the balance of power, cast about for some feasible means of getting rid of the obstacle in their road to office, and ultimately determined on a certain course. According to the tale, they addressed a letter to Mr. Gladstone, as the head of the English Liberal Party, and speaking as the mouthpieces of the " Great Liberal Party " in New Zealand, suggested that the understood intention of Sir Arthur Gordon to retire from the Governorship of New Zealand afforded an eligible opportunity to further the Great Liberal Cause in this colony by appointing Sir George Grey as Sir Arthur Gordon's successor. This, they thought, would tend greatly to the permanent settlement of the Native Difficulty, Sir George's views being at one with those of Mr. Bryce on this question, and as he, by declaring his determination not to take office again, had substantially abandoned all political leadership, while he was already an ex-Governor of high reputation, he might with propriety be installed at Government House once more. Moreover, it would be a graceful compliment on the part of the English Liberal Government to the New Zealand Liberal Leader. The story does not go on to say whether Messrs. Macandrew and Co. privately explained how all-important it was for their political interests to get Sir George Grey out of the way, but that is a mere detail which does not affect the beauty and completeness of the tale. Now we come to volume two. This proceeds to relate how Mr. Macandrew and his friends received a very courteous reply from Mr. Gladstone, cordially reciprocating the high-souled and Liberal sentiments of his correspondents, and hinting, in language of diplomatic vagueness, that their suggestion had great merits, which would receive the favourable consideration of his Government, but evading any direct assurance on the subject. Lastly, we come to volume three of this pleasant romance, which alleges that Sir George Grey, notwithstanding all the disclaimers of his friends, means to proceed almost immediately by mail steamer to England, and that then, unless he shall be satisfied on certain points, he will endeavour to secure election to the House of Commons for an Irish constituency, and will give the Gladstone Government "fits," possibly undertaking tho leadership of the "third party" in the House of Commons, and so utilising the experience he has acquired in a similar capacity in New Zealand, Such is the Auckland story, told very circumstantially and professedly on "trustworthy information. Unfortunately, many reports of a sadly inexact character aro circulated under an equally pretentious imprimatur, but this is really such a very nice and enjoyable tale that it would be quite, a pity for it to be proved a mere canard. Is it simply the biggest of the many "whoppers which Tiave found currency this session ? Or is it a "fiction founded on fact?" Or is it — but never mind the other alternatives. We tell the tale as it is told to us. It is not our business to believe or disbelieve it, and out readers may do just as they like.

The present programme for <he remainder of the session seems to be to finiah the Local Government and Loan Bills, then (on Friday) taka the Public Works and Supplementary Estimates, to sit on Saturday, and on Monday morning to finish, and to prorogue on Tuesday. It is expected that moat of the members will leave by Monday's steamer, vis., by the Rotomahana for South and Wanaka for Nelson, the Hinemoa taking up the Taranaki and Auckland members. I f conrse this arrangement may ba interfered with by subsequent events, but suoh is the present plan. In the Legislative Council yesterday afternoon an animated disoasson took place over the conversion of the "strangers' room" into a smoking room. After this momentous subject had been solemnly debated at great lergth, it was resolved, on the motion of Air. Nurse, "that it be an instruction to the House Committee to oanse the room designated as ' atranges' room' to be reserved fir the purpose for which it is set apart." The Telegraph authorities advise that the Turkish route is interrupted beyond Buna.

The steamer Hawea, whioh arrived from i the South shortly after noon to-day, brought up the Manapouri's Australian mails. Considerable merriment was caused in the House during tha small hours of this morning by a little incident, of which the honourable and conscientious member for Dunedia tost was the hero. A division had been called on the question that certain words be added to a clause in a Bill then under consideration, and just as the tellers were about to hand their lists to the "chairman, preparatory to the result of the division being announced, attention was directed to the faot that the member in question had failed to record his vote. He wa3 lying fast asleep on one of the corner bonohes, where he had remained for Borne time utterly unconscious of what was goirg on around him. Probably, in his dreams, he was engaged in taking lives" by the million on bebalt of the Life Assuranoe Society, to whioh it iB said he has just been appointed. If so, his pleasant dreams most have been rudely disturbed when, complying with instructions issued by the Chairman, an offio r of the House went up to Mr. Green and shook him out of his peaceful summers. Asked wbioh way he intended to vote, the hon. gentleman, amid much laughter, was understood to ejaonlate with a halfdazed air, that he would "vote with the majority." Afterward he blurted out that he would " vote for the Till as it stood.' This, too, was unsatisfactory, and being pressed again he finally declared at random he would " vote for the ayes." We understand that the Government decline to reoommend the increase of wages asked for by the Hansard printers, on the gronnd that the present prices are fully eqnal to the general rates paid for work of that class. A return, presented to Parliament yesterday, shows that t'amatu, Thames, and Ashburton, have only one liosnsed pawnbroker a piece; Wellington and Timarn have 2 eaoh; Christchurch and Inveroargill, 3 ; Auckland, 5; and Dunedin no fewer than 11. Pawnbrokers mnst surely be a profitable trade in Dunedin, to attract so many practitioners. After we went to press yesterday the hearing of the charge of perjury preferr. d against ¦John Joseph Clayton by his late partner, John A. Hongu°z, wa>- continued. A number of witnesses were examined for the prosecution, their evidence teuding to prove that the statement given by the accused in the witness box on the occasion referred to in the indictment was entirely at variance with that given subsequently. Mr. J. H. Shaw having closed his case, Mr. Mprrah (from the firm of Brandon, fehaw and Brandon), who appeared for the defence, submitted that the prosecuting counsel had failsd to prove the case, and asked his Worship to dismiss the information. Mr. Hardcastle held that no evidence had been adduced to show that wilful and corrupt perjury had been committed, and diemisaed the oase, at the same time expressing regret that suoh trivial matters were brought before a court of jußtioe. A case of assault against the same person was also heard, the complainant being Houguez. Mr. J. H. Shaw appeared for the proieoutor and Mr. Morrah for the defendant. A fine of .£2 and oosts was inflicted. The oase of John Tnlly v. the Hon. John Martin was brought to a close in the Supreme Court after we went to press yesterday. As our roaderß arc aware, the olaira was for .£SOOO damages for alleged negligence, in allowing scab-infected sheep to trespass on tbe defendant's land and tbui infect his sheep. The defendant denied the several counts. After taking evidence on behalf of the plaintiff, his Honour the Chief Jnstioa upheld the objections raised by Mr. Izard-(l) That Mr. Tully'a oounsel bad failed to prove that the defendant wai aware that his cheap were soabby before plaintiff's stock became infeated._ and (2) that thera was no evidence of negligence on the part of the defendant Sir George Grey, G.C 8., who is state! in a oable message from London to be seriously ill, is, so far as we are sware, no relation to the New Zealand Btntesmau of that name. He will be remembered as Home Seoretary in Lord John Kussell's admin stratum in 1816, and also held office in both Lord Palmerston's administrations. He retired from public life in 1874. The ordinary meeting of the Benevolent Institute was held at the Corporation Buildings yesterday. Present— Mr. Holdsworth (ohairman), Revs. H. B. Bedstone, H. Van Staveren, and P. Kerrigan, Councillors Allen, Danks, S. Brown, and Messrs. J. E. Snvth, C. P. t'ovrlea (treasurer), and A. G. Johnson (seoretary and relieving officer). After granting rations to a poor woman, recently arrived in Wellington, who was vainly endeavouring to support herself and large family by letting rooms, the committee considered onoe more the only other case callirg for special mention, that, namely, of Mrs. Brooks. It will be remembered that only last week the committee instructed the eeoretary to make arrangements to send Mrs. Brooks and her daughter Home by the very next steamer. Yesterday, however, it was reported that of the £18 subscribed towards providing Mrs. Brooks with a passage, and whioh unfortnnately had been handed over to her, she had already spent over £6. The committee accordingly decided to stop the supply cf rations forthwith, «s so long as she was thus spending money she could not be eaid to be a destitute person. The treasurer said they were short of funds jaet now, and suggested that the City Conncl should be asked to snpply them with .£2OO, as they would not be getting any money from the Government till the end of September 'Ibis was agreed to, and the committee adjourned. A well-attended meeting of the general committee of the Wellington Poultry Show 'was held at the Central Hotel last even rg, Mr. C. Hill in the chair. Tho principal topic of discussion was the prizes. It was unanimously agreed that 7s 6d and 4a Bhould be offered respeatively for the first and second prizes in poultry, pigeons and Oinaries, and at Ids and 5s lor dogs, the same schedule in faot as prevailed at the Aehburtsn chow. Mr. E. E. Edmunds, the secretary, stited that seven private prizes had already been offered, wbioh would take the pace of those proposed by the committee, but he hoped that others would be forthcoming before the list was published. The chairman agreed with having the prizes the same as those given at Christchurch and Ashburton, and trusted that the pnblio would support the Bhow worthily. Tbe Committee of Management is composed as follows : — Messrs. A. M'Donald, C. Hill, T. Dwan, J. Maoarthy, J. Mag nnity, J. E. Hayes, Sydney Smith, C. Kohn, D. Cameron, J Monteitb, N. Jamieson, J. H. Smith, J. Coogan, M. C. Hiokey, E. Cohen, And J. T. Glew. It was stated by those present at the meeting that grea» interest has been taken of late by the publio in the show. The committee did not deoide where the show was to be held, as opinions were divided whether it should be held at the Drill-shed or at St. George's Hall. A final meeting of the Buildiug Committee of the Petoni School was held at Petoni on Monday evening, the Rev. T. Fanoonrt in the ohair. The Seoretary reported that the proceeds of Mr. Ashcroft's lecture would enable the Treasurer to pay all liabilities. The Seoretary was directed to write to the Hutt Vestry tolling them that the room was entirely free from debt. A new oommitteo was el''oted to arrange entertainments, in order to provide funds for tbe por/chate of an American organ and books for the school. A respectable looking man named Thomas was arrested yettorday on a charge of wife desertion at Christohuroh. He was remanded to that plaoo by Mr. Hardcastle this morning, and left by the s.s. Penguin at noon. " A_ Juror" has brought under notioa an ingenious devioe whioh he says is becoming very common among persons summoned to serve on juries in this oity. The " dodge " consists in arriving immediately after the jury are empannolted. The judge readily accepts an excuse for the slight delay in arrival, and tbe jury being sworn, tha late comers escape seivioe altogether as the reward of their astuteness. . ¦ * We hive received the following loiter, signed "J. danger, 'taranaki-street," in regard to Parliamentary messengers : — " In answer to the letter in your paper of last evening signed ' Liberty,' I beg you to publish these few lines. I think it is right to a oer'ain extent that there fhould bs an alteration in the management of the messengers' department. I certainly agree wi'h Liberty ' that they have long hours, but others employed at the same plaoe have quite as long. Messengers as a rule get a rest on Sunday, and in the early part of the tensions from Friday night until Monday morning. Now, sir, I believe that there are others employed that get no Sabbath at all, having to work even harder than on the other days ; how Bhould that class be paid? I believe there is only one of the servants, outside the messengers' staff, that gets 10s per day. No doubt they are found in food (or should be), which mußb be very scanty, or otherwise tho long hours and hard work tell on them, a* they begiu to show an unhealthy appearance. Then, apain, 'Liberty' says something about those men who must be respectable. Surely there are respectable men among the unemployed, who would gladly acoept tha uniform, and even less wages, if they had the opportunity, and very likely there won d not be suoh a crag on the Benevolent Institution. Now, sir, I don't wish to do those men any injury, but there are men employed as messengers that are wealthy, some storekeepers, others property-holders, that can live riftht through the reoaes like gentlemen, and not do a stroke of work unless it suits them, but at the same time grasping to take thebretdout of the mouth a of the women and children of the unemployed in Wellington. Therefore, I think a change in that department would greatly benefit not a few | families in this, the Empire City of New ' Zealand. ' Live and let live.' "

A quarterly meeting of the HuttLioensing Committee was to have been held yesterday, but there being no applications no meeting was held. We understand that a requi-ition ib being signed, asking Mr. Geo. Fisher to offer himself for re-election to the offics of Mayor. The Philharmonio Sooiety iB making great progress with Balfe's "Mazeppa ' and Maofarren's " May Day," which it is to give at it* coming oonoert in October. Tha third rehearsal was held last evening at the Bechabite Hall, when "Mazeppa" was gone through for the third time with marked sucooss, one of the most effective choruses in the cantata, entitled "Revengo," being sung by tha members without any extraneous musical aid. Mr. Hautrie Weet, who conducts the rehearsals, expressed himself extremely satisfied with the manner in which the sooiety had acquitted itself. The first chorus in "May Day" waa also tried last evening. Ont of a total of nearly 70 members, we are informed, there is an average attendance at the rehearsal* of nearly 50. At the quarterly finano'al meeting of the Hope of Wellington Tent, 1.0. R., held last night, the following were appointed a committee to manage the Reohabito Hall property ; — Messrs. J. Kellow, J. Collins, J. Swallow, J. Okell, W. Bedmond, W. Cook, and J. Edward*. Mr F. H. Fraser waa appointed secretary. It wa* stated that the Government had refused to transfer the policies of the present temperance insurances into the new temperance branoh on account of the amount of olerical work it would entail. The opinion was unanimous that as the oreation of a temperanoe branoh was an admission that teetotal policy holders had been unfairly treated in tbe past, no exouse suoh as that offered ought to prevent jußtioe being done to them in the future. It was stated that this refusal had taken the present temperance insurers so much by surprise, that but for the end of the cession being boclobo, combined action would have been taken to remedy what is a gross injustice. Members of the Naval Brigade are called upon to assemble at the Volunteer DriUshed at 7 o'clock sharp this evening. Mr. R. W. Cary is managing a series of suburban concerts in Melbourne, in whioh, it is aaid, he has been very successful. Next Saturday the City Biflea will held their annual rifle matoh between the married and Bingle members. There will be five shots each at three ranges— 2oo, 3oo, and 500 yards. Last year the matoh was won by the Bingle men, but the married men, who have been reinforced during the year by SubLieutenant Ba) linger and Sergeant Fraser, exppot to head the list on the present occasion. A very exoiting contest is confidently expeoted. The married team is composed as follows :— Lieutenant Wolden, Sub-Lieu-tenant Bnlh'nger, Quartermaster-Sergeant Davis, Sergeants Bowie, Ballinger, «jnd Fraser, Corporal Henn, Volunteers Jackson, Ross, and Chuck ; emergencies, Volunteers M'Ginnity and Barnes. Single— 'Captain Crowe, Sergeant Hale, Volunteers Ballinger, Randall, Croucher, Burton, Bright, Moore, Gannaway and Smith; emergency, Volunteer Tollins. " Tho World " was witnessed by another large audience last night, having apparently lost none of its attractiveness by repetition. The graceful Terpsiohoroan performance ot Miss Tilly Lake in the final aot waa mnoh admired, aud the darueuse was recalled. This evening "The World" will be produced for the last time, the management having decided to plaoe the equally sensational play, " New Habylon," on the boards to-morrow. To-night's performance will be under the patronage of Sir James Prendergast and suite. It is announced, in connection with a private theatrical entertainment to be given at the Princess Theatre this evening, that a special tram will leave Government Buildings at 7.35 p.m. and take paeaengera to the jnnotion of Tory and Vivian-street, return, ing at 10.S0 p m. The first of a series of monthly oonoerts, to be given by the Kechabites, in their hall, Manners-street, takes place on Thursday evening. As several favourite vocalists have promised their services for the occasion, and a very attractive programme has been arranged, the entertainment should be well patronised. The schoolroom of St. Mark* Church was well filled hut evening, on tbe oooasfon of a concert given in aid of the building fund. The entertainment waa opened with a glee, which was followed by Miss Randall and Mr. Page giving a duet. Mis* Parkes reoeived an encore for the song "To tho wood-)," bb did also Miss Bandall for her Binging of " She wore a wreath of rose*." " True to the last," by Mr. Widdop, was fairly well Eung, and the same may be said of Mrs. Kayll's song, "Her bright smile." Miss M. M'Caul made her dilui with "Mary of Argyle," and acquitted herself creditably. Miss Hutchinson was applauded for her singing of " Won't you buy my pretty flowers " A trio by Mis* Bandall, Mrs. Howard, and Mr. Manning gave satisfaction, but the other trio on the programme was not at all a success Mr. C. C. Howard gave a reading from the Ingoldsby Legends, whioh created some amusement A number of glees were given during the evening under the conduotorehip of Mr. 0. 0. Howard. Mr. Manning supplied the instrumental music. Ben Allah, alien Franois Whitney, a travelling illusionist, brought a oharge at Nelson on Monday against his partner, Robert Johnson, of stealing a box of "magio paraphernalia." The case ended in the obarge ot laroeny being dismissed and Ben Allah being fined 5s and oosts for being diuuk in Court. Ihe vocal, instrumental, and literary er* tertiinmeut to be held in the Wesley < nnrch Sunday Schoolroom to-morrow evening, in aid of the f ands for finishing the classrooms, promise* to be a very auooessful affair. A variel and attractive programme (which will be adverts 3d in to-morrow's issue of the Evening Post) has be n prepared, and ihe performers inolude some of the best local amateurs. Messrs. Barraud and Son announce that they have received a new and varied assortment of fanoy goods, artißts' materials, <fco. It is announced that Dr. Wilkins, oculist and aurist, from Chriatoburoh, will arrive on the 17th inßtant instead of the 10th, as previously advertised. To-morrow Mr. F. H. Wood will hold a sale of Btock at the Waira apa and East Coast Pastoral Sooiety's Yards, Carterton. He will also sell fruit trees, camellias, Ao., from the tursery of Mr. M'Cardle. Mr. F. Siday will sell to-morrow, furni* tore, 40. J ' • " [

. The residents in Newtown and Adelaideroad Bhould travel by the tram-oars and Bee the grand exhibition of new spring goods at Te Aro House — advt. '1 he residents in Thorndon and adjacent localities should travel by the tram cars, and inspect the latest and most fashionable novelties in ladies' attire for the spring at le Aro House — Advt. There will be three speoial show days during this week at T* Aro House, on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. — advt. If you wish to see the largest, ohoioest, and best-solected stock of dress fabrics, pay an early visit to Te Aro House.— Advt. If you wish to ccc an elegant androohTohe selection of the most charming fashions in Parisian and English millinery, call early at Te Aro House. — Advt. If you wish to purchase laces, now so very fashionable, you will find an immense assort* ment of every make, shade, and quality at Te Aro House.— Advt. The windows of Te Aro House will be illuminated on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings from 6 to 10 p.m. — Advt. Gp.avbs k Flgmino's Sale still continues Saturday and during week they will sell 5000 yds embroidery at Id per yard, 9000 yds lace from 6d per dozen ; also, a great variety of new fabrics for evening wear, all shades; also, manufacturers' Btoek wool twecdß, 1b 4-jd, 1b 6d, 1b 9d, 2s per yardsplendid value. Mothers should come and buy them for their boys ; they are selling like ripe cherries at Graves ft Fleming* Great bale, Corner House, Te Aro.— Advt. The prema'.ure decay of beauty in many of our women, and tbe rapid advances of age, argue an unhealthy condition of the system, or a palpable ntgleot of their sani* tary status. What is commonly called ennuv, is nothing more or lee* than lassitude resulting from some defective organism or speoial affeotion. It matter* not how delioate the frame, how sensitive the system, how exquisitely strung the nerve 3, moderate doses of Udoupho WoLrc's Aromatic Schnapps will eradicate the causes and produoe the most beneficial results. — Advt.