Evening Post. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1883.

Evening Post, Volume XXVI, Issue 141, 13 December 1883, Page 2

Evening Post. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1883.

AFTER THE CONFEBENCE. » Jtjdodto .from the apparent unanimity with which the late JJydnoy Conference agreed to the definite resolutions which wero ultimately passed, 0110 would have bccu disposed to imagine that a degree of pleasant concert prevailed among the various colonial delegates, which is, unfortunately, quite a new and exceptional experience in connection with .intercolonial conferences.

One was inclined to exclaim, parodying the words of Shebidan, "When they do agree at an Australian Conference, their unanimity is wonderful!" But the fuller reports, brought by the mail, of the discussions which preceded the adoption of those resolutions suggest harassing doubts whether those amiable birds who, as the hymn tells us, "iv their little nests agree, ' ' were really typical of the colonial delegates in conference assembled. On the contrary, there seems to havo been a sad lack of harmony and good feeling among the representatives of the different colonies. Apparently they were at one as to the desirableness of keeping away foreign convicts and of checking i foreign aggression in the Pacific. They also appear to have recognised _ that to effect these aims, they must enter into softie sort of combination for joint action. Accordingly they passed tho resolutions in favour of Australasian Federation to which we have alluded onli previous occasion . But it turns out that there was a striking display of jealousy and suspicion as between the Victorian and New South Wales dele* gates, who were mutually distrustful and each watchful of attempts at overreaching' on the part of the other. This in itself does not augur promisingly for there being any practical outcome of the proceedings. It is all very well to pass resolutions in favour of federation, but these have to be subsequently ratified by the respective Parliaments of the colonies concerned. Nay, more than this, they have to receive tho cordial and active support of the people of these colonies, otherwise there is little chance of any tangible result. The tone of the speeches in the Conference debates doe 3 not, it must bo confessed, afford much promise of such cordiality. The sequel is still less encouraging. According to the latest telegrams, thft.retnrn of the Victorian delegates to Melbourne has been tho signal for a peculiarly virulent outbreak of intercolonial bitterness. The Victorian delegates opened the ball by attacking, with much acerbity, the conduct of tho New South Wales representatives, and the New South Walos Parliament has been prompt to rotort, with equally sharp animadversions on the attitude of the Victorians. Melbourne deems Sydney apathetic, unfriendly, and distrustful — Sydney looks, on Melbourne as crafty, selfish, and designing. Between these two xtools tho Federation scheme runs a great risk of falling helplessly to the ground. There is every reason to fear that the old jealousies between the two chief colonies of Australia, which have exhibited such a marked revival since the late Conference, will tend rather to strengthen than to subside. It is hard to conceivo those two colonies uniting in any Federal bond while the present feeling continues. Yet an Australasian Federation which did not include both Victoria and New South Wales would be a self-evident absurdity and contradiction in terms. Whether Federation is or is not the panacea for existing and menaced ills that its advocates believe it to be, may perhaps be open to argumont. But at any rate the question should be dealt with on its intrinsic merits, and we should greatly regret to see the movement fall to pieces solely on account of mero intercolonial rivalries and jealousies.

Wo understand that the Hon. Mr. Diok, Minister of Education, haß consented to distribute the prizes in connection with the Newtown School to-morrow week. Tho Secretary of tho Post Oftice Department has been advised that the b.s. Australia, which left Anokland with a supplementary mail on tho 19th Novomber, arrived at San Francisco on the 9th instant. The mail should bo delivered in London about Christmas Day. The fortnightly Bitting of the Hutt Court was hold yesterday, the presiding Magistrate being Mr. H. S. Wardell. Tho only; case called on was one in which Mr. William Beetham sued Messrs. Farrelly Bros, for the recovery of £29 Is lOd, amount of account. A set-off, amounting to £26 15a lOd, was filed, and after i \ idonce had boon taken, judgment was given for £10 0a 6d. Mr. Gully appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. Brown for the defendants. From further information we have received relativo to the Harbour Board's silt punt, and the means by which the trapdoors woro lopsened, it appears that on Monday morning the dredgemaster had a great quantity of tho stuff shovelled ont, and afterward employed a hydfanlio "jack" to force the doors open, this result not being accomplished till late on Tuesday afternoon. Yesterday afternoon, as a man named Wooldridgo was going on board tho barque Jubilee, he slipped and fell, dislocating his left shoulder. He was taken to Dr. Diver's surgery, where the dislocation was reduced. The ordinary fortnightly raeoting of the Wasto Lauds Board was hold at noon to-day, when thero wero present— Messrs. Holdsworth (Chairman), Bnnny and Mason. The schedule of land Bold since last meeting showed that 800 acres 1 rood 16 perches had been disposed of at £1200 10s 6d. No business was brought up for transaction, and the Board then adjourned. The adjourned annual meeting of the Regatta Clnb waß held at the <Pior Hotel last evening, the following members being present : — Messrs. Hill, Waters, Mills, Scott, Wallace, Pope, Widdop, Moo, A. G. Johnson, and Johnston Thomson. Mr. Johnson was voted to the chair. The balance-sheet (a prdcis of which appoarod in Saturday's issue) was read and adopted. A letter was read from Mr. E. C. L'atkin, tendering his resignation as a member of the olub. The I election of officers was then proceeded with. Mr. S. S. Downes was re-elected treasurer. Mr. Widdop was roqnested to continue in the offico of secretary, but declined, stating that pressure of private business prevented him from giving; proper attention to the duties of the position. Mr. Hill said it seemed to him that there was no alternative but to let next year's regatta slip away. A groat amount of apathy was shown in the .matter by the club as well as the general publio, and as it was not fair that half-a-dozen people should be obliged to carry the thing through, he for one deolined to take part in the arrangements unless the members turned up in good numbers. Mr. W. R. Wators cenonrred in the remarks of the provions speaker, and pointed out that ont of the 20 members of the committee only six were present at tho annual meeting, whilxt the only officer who hod attended was the secretary. Mr. Mills agreed that it was too muoh to ask half-a-dozen gentlemen to undertake all the work attaoned to the regatta. The Chairman remarked that the officers appeared to be the greatost culprits in the matter of attendance, After further discussion, it was decided to adjdurn until Saturday evoning next, in the hope that a larger number of membors will be presont. A correspondent writes : — " A farmers' meeting was held in the Oddfellows' Hall, Lower Hutt, on Tuesday evening. Mr. M'intosh oooupied the chair. Mr. A. Rush spoke strongly on the treatment of the company butchers toward the Hutt farmers, and said if they had a beast to sell it would have to be a very fat one to realise £5, and yet butchers' meat was very expensive. He also said that if a farmer had six dairy cows, which would be a nice littlo dairy farm in tho Hutt, and if his batohor's account amounted to £2 per month, at the end of the year he would have to Bell five of them to pay it, and there would be only one left to feed the babies with. (Laughter.) He (Mr. .Rush) strongly urged that they should support a local butcher who would give the Hutt farmers a fair price for their animals. He also spoke on butter, potatoes, and fruit. Ho said almost every kind of fruit was' imported except strawberries, and ho was Burprised that strawberry-growers did not unite and fix a paying price on them. Mr. Harris, after a few romorks, proposed that a committca bo formed, which was carried unanimously. A committee of nine being then selected, the meeting adjournocl." Our readers will well remember tho excoptionaliy sad case of Flora Grant, who was so shockingly maimed through being accidentally run over by a tram-car on the 16th ult. Wo mentioned shortly afterward that a fund was being raised on behalf of tho poor child. Subsequently tho Freethonght Association gave a lecture, the proceeds of which wero devoted to Flora Grant's benofit. Tho sum raised was £2, which will be handed over to the the child's parents or their accredited representatives if they will call at this" office. While referring to this subject we desire to throw oat a suggestion. ¦ The poor littlo girl's case is an exceedingly sad ono. She is grievously injured for life, and is rendered almost incapable of doing anything for herself, having lost all the fingers of one hand and nearly all those of the other. Her parents, too, are in ill hoalth and poor circumstances. Such a oase calls loudly upon that generous liberality for whioh the people of Wellington have always been so honourably noted, in tho3e instances of deserving need. We would suggest that tho members of the Amateur Dramatic Club, who invariably show themselves so ready to render assistance in the cause of charity, might give a special Christmas holiday performance in aid of Flora Grant. We feel sure it would bo warmly appreciated and largoly patronised. For our own part we shall bo most happy to do all the required printing and advertising without making any cbnrgo &t all. ?Jr. W. B. Edwards, of Messrs. Moorhouso, tdwarda, and Cnttcn, has loft for Gisborno, to attend the Supremo Court sessions, in conuoction with which ho holds uo fewor than cloven briefs.

A special meeting of the Johnsonville Town Board was held yesterday. Present— Messrs. Bannister (Chairman), Bould, Sannders. Bottler, and M'Phereon. A letter was read from the Manawatu Railway Company, asking permission to widen a road leading to the Johnsonville railway station, known as Dr. Taylor's road. Permission was granted. Some formal business was transacted, and the Board adjourned. At last night's meeting of the Regatta Club it was decided to vote Mr. William Widdop, the retiring secretary, a donation of £10 10a. Meßßra. Wallace, Hill, and others referred to the satisfaction felt at the I admirable manner in which Mr. Widdop had disoharged the duties of the position, and regret was expressed that the funds of the club would not permit of a larger amount being voted, The anniversary of the Hope of Wellington Tent, 1.0. R., was celebrated by a social gathering at the Rechabite Hall, Manners-street, last evening. Toa was served at 6.90 o'clock, and about 200 sat down at tho tables. Bro. Swallow, Chief Euier, occupied tho chair at the Bnbiequent proceedings, and stave an adafess oil the subject of temperance. 'Sijhgs, which were encored, were given by Misses Fraser and Hill and Mr. A. J. Bennett. Master W. Dixon contributed a couple of reoitations, and an amusing reading was supplied by Bro. F. H. fraser. The secretary's report showed that the Tent numbered 116 members, and that the funds, which were only £&43 in 1878, now amounted lo .£1727. Master Lovell presided at the piano. There was again a largo audience at the Theatre Royal hist night, when tho Polk Comedy Company repeated their performances of "The Strategist," which was as successful as ever. The comedy is announced for representation again to-night. The Guards are reminded that judging distance practice for those who have not yet attended the same, takes place this evening at half-past six, and class firing for tho second period at 4.30 to-morrow morning. The accounts for the late Olde Englyshe Fayre have been so far made up that the full amount of the gross receipts is now known. Tho very handsome sum of £1324 17s lOd was taken at tho Fayre, by far tho largest result of any bazaar yet held in Wellington. The expenses have not yet been definitely caloulated, but at the most liberal estimate which has been formed as to the cost of the affair, its deduction is expected to lcavo a net profit of fully £1100. This is, indeed, a remarkable success, and ono on which the St. Peter's parishioners and their friends may justly be congratulated. This morning Constable Cullinane apprehended a young man named John Parker on suspicion of lunacy, and on the accused being taken before the Resident Magistrate he was remanded to the Mount View Lunatic Asylum' for medical examination. Parker, whose age is 27, is a cook by occupation,' and is evidently afflicted with religious religious mania. The now Wesleyan Church at Petone was opened on Sunday by special services, conduotod in the morning by the Rev. R. Bavin (President of the New. Zealand Conference), and in the evening by the Eev. S. J. Garliok. Yesterday tea and public mootings were held, each being numerously attended. Addresses were delivered by the Revs. R. Bavin and S. J. Garliok, and Messrs. Stone and Clements. The church is a neat and substantial building, capable of seating about 130, and has been built at a very small coat, several Pdtone and Lower Hutt residents having given labour gratuitously. The debt remaining is estimated at about £60. The ladies connected with tho Lower Hutt Wesleyan Church contributed £15 to cover the expense of seating, and Mr. Joseph Hall, of the Lower Hutt, presented a very neat and handsome rostrum. The site on which the church is erected was prosonted by Mr. E. Jaokson. Mr» Udy ocoupied the chair at the public meeting, and made a fow interesting remarks on the progress he had witnessed since landing at Potono over 43 years ago. This is now tho second ohurch in tho district, the Church of England having had one established for the past two or three years. The residents of Petono are to be congratulated on this additional sign of progress. A very enjoyable concert was given at the Johnßonville Schoolroom last evoning in aid of the ohurch funds, and there was a fair attendance. Some Wellington amateurs kindly went out in the evening, and so helped to make it pass off well. Mr. Edwards was in good voioe, and Ban? " It is not love" and "Tho bloom is on the rye" in a capital manner, and Miss Linton, a young lady new to Wellington audiences and who will no donbt prove an acquisition, gave *' To the woods" and " Should he upbraid" in excellent style, tho iteMec being quite the gom of the evening. Miss Brown gave the song \" Yes, sir," and " We'd better bide a wee," and Mr. C. F. Keyworth gave a humorous rocitation, *' The two thumpers," and a song in character, " Jack's yarn," in a manner that elicited great applause. Soveral glees and part songs were given, and Mr. Greer and 'Mr. Sam Benson contributed tho comic element, the latter gentleman, as usual, evoking onthusiastio encores for his songs " Open your mouth and shut your eyes " and " The country carrier's cart." Mr. Stobbings was very successful in his two solos, and the accompaniments were excellently played by Mrs. and Miss Jordan and Mrs. Orbell. After the concert the room was oleared for dancing, which was kept np till the early hours, the music being kindly supplied by the above-mentioned ladies. Great oredit is due to Mr. and Mrs. Orbell, who have been mainly instrumental in getting up this and several other similar entertainments, and the thanks of the audiences are due to them for the trouble they must have taken. By advertisement in another column it will be seeu that it is proposed to run the steamer Tui to Colhngwood during tho Christmas holidays. As the locality is noted for i,ta soenory, shooting, fishing, Ac, and as the Golden Ridge, Anatori, and Johnston's United Mines, are situated in tho district tho proposed excursion is an excellent opportunity, both for sportsmen and for shareholders in the Collingwood mines. We extract the following from the first annual report of the Direotors of the New Zealand Leather Manufacturing Company :— " The businesses taken over by the company proved, on examination, to have been somewhat injured in consequence of disorganisation arising from the length of time required to float the company and the necessary transfer of the vendors' interests. At an early date your direotors felt that it would be impossible to carry on the large manufacturing and export trade necessary to make a satisfactory profit without extensive additions to both buildings and plant. The requisite extensions have been effected at the Ghnznee-street works and at Berhampore, with the result that the company's boot factory and tannery now rank as among the most complete of their kind in the colony. The experience of your direotors with respect to snpport from retail traders in the city of Wellington has been somewhat unsatisfactory, and in order to obtain a fair share or the local trade, it has been found necossary to open a branch retail shop in Willis-street. The experiment has proved successful. The aim of your directors has been to give the company's manufactures a special reputation for quality and cheapness combined, rather than to make a large profit. That this policy has been a wise one is proved by tho fact that the demand for the company's goods is increasing daily, and thoy are admittedly of better value than that of other manufacturers in the colony. The importance of the company's operations as a local manufacture may be judged from' this, that the number of employes in the service of the company at present is over 100, and that the annual expenditure in sabries and wages amounts to nearly £10,OOQ£ Looking forward to a large development ot.the company's business, and the necessity for inoreased capital, it will be advisable at an early date to. issue tho unallotted balance of the company's shares. Your directors trust that these shares will bs readily taken up by presentshareholders and their friends." Tho profit and loss account shows a oredit balance of -£101 6s 7d, whioh, the directors recommend, should be carried fori«ard. They add that tho present complete organisation of every department, and the increasing output of goods will, it is believed, leave a most satisfactory margin of profit on next year's balance-sheet. The report terminates with the following paragraph :—": — " In conclusion, your directors nave to acknowledge the valuable services rendered to the company since its formation by their coUe&gne, the managing director, Mr. G. H. Luxford. Without his untiring efforts the company's works and business would not have been in their present complete and satisfactory condition. To tho various heads of departments, Messrs. William and John Staples, Mr. Locke, and , Mr. Mowbray, the shareholders are indebted for the zeal disployed in connection with the business operations of the company." At a Presbyterian tea meeting at Blenheim the Rev. Mr. M'Nicol became quite facetious. He is reported to have said— Some men thought it contrary to their religious opinions to be gay or to laugh, and were always pulling a long face. Who had taught them to laugh f Certainly not the Evil One, but the Lord himself. There wore occasions when laughing was out of place, bnt exousable. He remembered an instance in a church when a boy in the gallery loworod a string with a bent pin on the end of it, and entangled it in an old gentleman's hair; when the boy pulled at tho string the hair came off in the shape of a wig, and it was ludicrous to see the old gentleman's vainattempts to catch at tho wig as it asconded in the air. He then traced tho origin of social parties from the time of Eve, whon sho held a garden party, Adam being the only other ono presont.

His Honour Judge Hardoastle returned from Wanganui this morning, and resumed his magisterial duties at half -past 10 o'clock. " Point," in the Taranaki News, regrets that the ladies of New Plymouth do no stake any interest in the noble game of cricket, and contrasts their conduct With that of Mrs. Goring, of Parihaka, who confers honour on the cricket club by taking the prominent part of floorer in their matches. For such distinguished assistance the club must feel grateful and proud. Messrs. J. H. Bethune & Co. will sell tomorrow, at 2 o'clock, at their rooms, absolnteljkwithout reserve, by order of the mortgagee, under conduct of the Registrar of the Supreme Court, freehold land and cottage off Glenbervie-terrace, having a frontage to Parliament-street, also freehold land and dwellinghoose, having a frontage to Riddiford'street, and a building allotment adjoining having a frontage to Amey-street. The above sate presents a good opportunity to anyone desirous of acquiring small and comfortable freeholds. Messrs. Hasell & Co. will sell to-morrow, the two-story building situated on Lambtonquay, lately occupied by Messrs. Crockery and Co. (to bo removed within seven days.) Messrs. Francis Sidey & Co, will Bell tomorrow, dress pieces, &o. Messrs. Laery and Campbell will sell to-morrow, fruit.