FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 1884.

Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 98, 25 April 1884, Page 2

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 1884.

THE PREMIER IN DUNEDIN. It was a bold thing for Major Atkinson to do to invade the headquarters of the Constitutional Association and suggest to Mr. Reynolds and his frionds that ' 'Anti-consti-tutional " would be a more proper title for their pet association. Evidently the Major knew that he was addressing a hostile audience, and he never appears to so much advantage aa when he has an enemy in front of him. At Hawera he was tedious without being exhaustive, diffuse without being precise, and argumentative without being convincing. He had no one to fight with. He knew he was secure of his audience, and having sole possession of the field, he could not really work up the excitement to any high pitch. The result was that his speech read very tamely, and was generally disappointing. At Dunedin things were very different. As he stood on the stage of the Queen's Theatre and saw the circle, pit, and stalls crowded with men whom he knew were his bitter opponents, who had been misinformed as to figures and entirely misled as to facts, who had been carefully educated in selfish localism by a class of semi-professional village politicians knowing little or nothing of the colony as a whole, he most have recognised the difficulty of the task he had undertaken. His courage is, however, equal to any emergency, and on this occa • sion he did himself what, in relation to another set of circumstances, the burden of his speech advised his hearers to do— he rose to the occasion, and with an unanswerable array of facts and figures, with an energy and fire which he only displays when hard pressed, and with a closeness of logical argument which has rarely been excelled on the political platform in the colony, he at-

tacked, sapped, and totally overthrew the very foundations upon -which the Otaero Constitutional Association and all tho other pet delusions of the Otago people have been built. His speech must have carried dismay into the enemy's camp. It will, no doubt, have a great effect in making the Otago masses enquire and think for themselves. They can no longer accept the facts and figures of Messrs. Reynolds, Stout, Fish, and others of that class, as gospel. They have heard the other side. Probably many did not before realise the fact that there was another side. However, they know it now, and if Major Atkinson's speech simply induces thoughtful men to look into the case for themselves, he will have done a great deal for the good of the colony by his Dunedin visit. The result of the meeting shows that he has dono good. We have no doubt that the utmost etforts were made beforehand to ensure the carrying of the amendment which was proposed, but yet those efforts failed. Only one-half of those present voted at all, and of the other half only a minority, as declared by the Mayor, were willing to pronounce judgment against Major Atkinson and his administration. Evidently he had given his audience something to think and enquire about. We hope they will do both, and so become independent of the fake guidance of the Otago Constitutional Association.

Hia Excellency the Govornor returned to Auckland from the Dargaville district last night. No criminal business was brought before the Resident Magistrate's Court to-day. This is the first time for at least six months that a blank sheet has boen presented. A serious danger to the health of the citizens exists in the unprotected state of the mouth of the large box-drain running down Willis-street, turning into HarbourBtreet, and emptying into the harbour at the bottom of that thoroughfare. The drain is about four feet square, and connected with it are a large number of closets leading from the adjacent premises. During the present Bcarcityof water it is of course impossible to keep the drain flushed, and consequently f«ul gases are generated which, if they succeed in escaping back into the premises in qnestion, must undoubtedly result in an epidemic It so happens that the mouth of the drain is in a most exposed position, and whether the wind blow from tho north or the south is favourably placed for receiving the blast at low water, and thus the feverbreeding odours may be scattered far and wide. Already numerous complaints have been made with regard to this alarming nuisance, and it shows unpardonable negleot on the part of the municipal authorities who hove allowed the drain to get into its present condition. Formerly there was a door to proteot the mouth of the drain at low water, but this has disappeared. It ought to be replaced at once, otherwise the powers that be may have exceedingly calamitous consequences to answer for. Mr. Edward Shaw made a personal explanation to-day, at the Supreme Court, with regard to tho cause of his non-appear-ance when the caße of Riddiford v. Ti Go was called on yesterday, resulting in the | case being adjourned till to-day, to the inconvenience of the plaintiff, his counsel, aud witnesses, the oase haying been fixed for yosterday. Mr. Shaw said he understood that the case would not come on yesterday, but was appointed for to-day, and consequently he told his witnesses, who lived some distance from town and whose expenses of attending were rather heavy, that they would not be required. His Honour said this hardly accorded with the statement of Mr. Brown yesterday, who said no such understanding hod been come to between the parties. It was unfortunate that such a difficulty had arisen. It had put tho Court to inconvenience as well as the plaintiff. Mr. Shaw apologised for the inconvenience ho had caused under a misapprehension, and with regard to the costs of the adjournment which bad been found necessary, the plaintiff's counsel said he would be satisfied with nominal costs, which were fixed at two guineas. We understand that the committee appointed by the City Council last night met Mr. Joseph Saunders, the contractor for tho "VVainui-o-mata waterworks to-day, and arranged for the construction by him of a two-foot flaming, Mr. Saunders undertaking 1 to hold the city indemnified from all damage. Tho price was to be arranged subsequently. A somewhat singular application was made at the Resident Magistrate's Court to-day by Mr. Richmond (from Messrs. Bailer and Gully's office), who asked that the case Scott Bros. v. Dudden, which had been struck out at a previous sitting because of the non-appearance of the plaintiffs, should be reinstated. Mr. Riohmond explained that the defendant had since left the colony, and could not be served with another summons. The case had been struck out because his clients had forgotten it was coming on that day, and he thought it was only right it should be replaced on the list. George Peck, assistant bailiff, proved that when he served the first summons the defendant told him he waß on the eve of doparting for Melbourne. His Worship (Mr. "VVnrdell, E.M.), after some consideration, decided to grant the application. A question arose during the hearing of a case at the civil sittings of the Supreme Court to-day with regard to yearly tenancies under the law of property. His Honour Mr., Justice Riohmond eaid that since the Ist January last there hod been an alteration in the law with regard to this subject by somebody, and he asked the Bar if anyone could tell him how such alterations came to be mode. Mr. Bell said the alteration referred to had crept into the statute, bnt steps would be token to remedy it. His Honour said it was monstrous that somebody with a crotchet should be allowed to bring about such alterations without consulting any persons whoso opinions ought to be asked regarding such an important subject as the law of property. Mr. Bell said the alteration had boen made in committee. His Honour went on to say that there were other alterations made in the same way, and he would not be doing his duty if he failed to take notice of theso matters occasionally. They could be remedied no doubt, but the persons who_ recommended the alterations to the Legislature had not the least idea of what thoy were doing. Councillor Petheriok was again unfortuiwte at last n>ght's meeting of the City Counoil. The three notices of motion which have been placed on the Order Paper from time to time were again moved by him yesterday evening, and, as was expected, none of them w-re seconded. In speaking to them Councillor Petheriok repeated his conviction that it would be desirable that the whole time and attention of the Inspector of Nuisances and the City Valuer should be devoted to the service of the Council, and that Mr. Edward Reeves should bo requested to pay the arrears of rent in connection with the lease of a portion of the Town Belt. Councillors apparently did not see the matters in the I same light as the new member for Te Aro Ward, and all three motions fell to the ground. A fourth notice of motion was moved by the same Councillor, and was to the effeot that the City Surveyor should report as to tho cost of laying out for recreation purposes the reserve adjoining Mr. M'Carthy's house off Ohiro-road, Te Aro Ward. Councillor Newman seconded the resolution, remarking that it was of a very harmless nature. Councillor M'Kenzie was proceeding to say something about " cheap notoriety" when Councillors Danks and Maginnity left the room, leaving no quorum present. The attention of the Mayor was called to this fact and an effort was made, but without success, to increase the number of Councillors present. The meeting consoquently broke up before the motion could be discussed. Some rather strong remarks were made by the Mayor at the meeting of the City Council yesterday evening relative to the conduot of Councillor Petherick in connection with what are known as the " Wainui-o-mata Refresh* ment Accounts." His Worship mentioned that he had that day received a letter from Mr. Widdop, one of the city auditors, complaining that he had been interfered with in the execution of his duties by Councillor Petheriok. The letter in question, together with one written to the auditor by the Councillor mentioned, was read for the information of the Council. Councillor Petheriok alluded to the fact that certain moneys had been expended in purchasing refreshments for Councillors who had visited Wainui-o-mata, and pointing out, that in his opinion, suoh expenditure was illegal, warned Mr. Widdop that if he passed the amounts he wonld render himself liable to certain penalties. His Worship said he considered Councillor Petherick's conduct was quite unjustifiable. There was certainly no special provision in law which would enable tho Council to incur such au expenditure, but he thought that no sensible man would cavil at such an expense. The visits paid by the Council to Wainui-o-mata had resulted in good, and the money spent had been well expended. In the interests of tho public it was necessary that Councillors should pay another visit to the works there, but he for one would never go out again and make himself a target for any common informer, who inferred that he (the Mayor) and others undertook the journeys for the purposo of getting refreshments at the expense of the ratepayers. Councillor Petherick did not reply. Amongst the passengers from the South by the Kotorua yesterday wero the Rev. I. Zachariah, of Christchurch, and the Rev. B. Lichtenstein, of Dunedin, who have come up to Wellington in order to take part in a ceremony «f circumcision which is to be performed at the Jewish synagogue hero in a few days.

An enquiry into the doath of James Hornby, whose demise was recorded yesterday, was held at the Hospital this morning, by Dr. Johnston, District Coroner, assisted by a jury. The only witness examined was Dr. Lavinge, of the Asylum, who gave evidence that the deceased had died from Natural Causes. A verdiot in accordance with the medical testimony was returned. The deceased, who had relatives in the Marlborough district, was an elderly man, and had been ill for about six weela prior to his death. In connection with the recent new arrangements made in regard to District Judgeships, the following appointments are gazetted : — Mr. B. Hardcastle to be District Judge of Wairarapa ; Mr. G. B. Davy to be Deputy of District Juage of Wellington and Wairarapa ; and Mr? C. ti Rawson to be Deputy of the District Judge of Wanganui. Members of the Bicycle and Tricycle Club meet at Martin's Fountain to-morrow, at 2.15 p.m. Mr. Dwan's committee meet this evening, at 9 o'olook. The Petone Christy Minstrels are annonnced to give on entertainment at the local drillshed next Monday evening. It will be followed by a dance. The Treasurer of the Wellington Benevolent Institution desires to acknowledge receipt of a subscription of £5 from Mrs. Richmond. v The Chess Club have received a challenge from Auckland to play a match at an early date. We presnme that it will be accepted if a convenient day can be fixed upon, bnt the Wellington Club are bound to play against Christchurch first, their challenge being first received. The value of a Chinaman's oath was assessed in a rather equivocal manner at a civil trial in the bupreme Court. Young Ti was presented for examination. Expectation ran high, as it was thought the witness would entertain the Court with the execution of a gallinaoeouß biped by way of demonstrating that the oath was binding on his conscience, or that he wonld smash a saucer or " blowee matchee," or at any rate "kiss nm book.'' Expectation, however, was rudely disappointed. Counsel for the plaintiff at onoe solved the difficulty relating to the administration of the oath by announcing to the Court that the learned counsel on the other side and himself had agreed to dispense with the oath altogether in the case of the witness. " I think," observed his Honour, "that course is just as good as any other." The witness's evidence was then taken without theoath. " Fiat justitia mat ccelum" is a motto which must have occurred to the minds of all who happened to be in the Supreme Court at the time of the earthquake which took plaoo this morning. The building shook to an alarming degree, causing the windows to rattle with a loud noise and the gas-globes to shake till they were almost on the point of falling. The Court suspended proceedings until the "shake" had exhausted itself, and while it lasted no small amount of consternation was depicted on the faces of everybody present. His Honour was well protected by the canopy from the effects of broken glass descending from the roof of the Court had such a catastrophe eventuated, but the members of the Bar were seated immediately underneath the glass roof, and stood in momentary danger of being injured. Possibly, however, they might have been protected from injury to some extent by reason of the wigs they wore. When it was all over, his Hononr, with a sigh of relief, ejaoulated, " What a noise it makes !" Poople who wish to take advantage of the opportunity afforded by the Union Steamship Company of visiting the beautiful islands of the Paoifio in suoh a fine and well-appointed steamer as the Wairarapa have little time to lose, aa it is notified that names must be given in and deposits paid by the Ist May, and that unless a sufficient nnmber have been booked by thai; date -the excursion will have to be abandoned. Anything more enjoyable than the trip promises to be could hardly be imagined. The season chosen is the most favourable time of the year, both for escaping the winter unpleasantnesses of New Zealand and also for visiting tho tropic \1 scenes of beauty afforded by the islanr ¦ comprised in the tour. In Buoh a magn -sent steamer as the Wairarapa ithe excu-sion, moreover, must be made under the most favourable- circumstances possible. Wire laths are sa'.d to be taking the place of wood laths in the erection of new buildings. It is claimed that a building in which they are used is absolutely fireproof, so far as taking fire from inside is concerned, and that no building can'be considered fireproof in whioh wood laths are naed, no matter how else constructed. The value o£ tho telephone patent is enormous, and we' very muoh doubt (saya an exchange), if it conld now be purchased for .£25,000,000. It is probably by far the most valuable Bingle patent which has ever been issnod. An English judge lately refused the expenses of three tradesmen who prosecuted men for stealing goods from their shop-doors, on the ground that by exposing their goods in the way mentioned they held out a temptation to steal. A picked eleven of lawyers from Liverpool played a cricket match with a picked eleven of lawyers from Manchester. The day was beautifully fine, and a large company had assembled to sne whioh set of lawyers had the most practice. With the first ban of the seoond ovor, however, a dispute arose, and the twenty-two lawyers gathered round the umpire to urge the point. The argument continued with no sign of abatement till 5 o'clock in the evening, at whioh time tho nmpire died. Great astonishment is felt that he held out as long as he did. We are requested to announce that there will be a special display in the windows of Te Aro House this evening. Messrs. Laery & Campbell will hold their usual market and horse sales to-morrow. Messrs. Sidoy & Co. will Bell to-morrow, building, furniture, &o.