Evening Post. TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 1886. THE POLICY OF RE-DISTRIBUTION.

Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 24, 15 June 1886, Page 2

Evening Post. TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 1886. THE POLICY OF RE-DISTRIBUTION.

Tho powers of penetration possessed by our morning contemporary aro simply marvellous. It can actually sco as far through a briok wall as anyone in the world. Tho way it can domonstrato that two and two will mako either four or five, as occasion suits, is also very wondorful. This morning it most clevorly puts this and that togethor to prove that tho views we expressed yesterday on tho subject of readjustment of representation aro somebody elso's views. Such a process of reasoning is of conrße^ natural to a journal whioh has noither mind nor opinions of it" own, and has to draw inspiration and take ideas from somo one else. Fortunately wo aro not in a liko position. It is our custom to consider facts for ourselvos, and to oxprcss plainly and fearlossly tho conclusions to which they ! load us. This wo havo dono on tho question of ro-distribution. If our contemporary, or anyone elso, can show us how an oquitabie I readjustment can bo effeotcd wo would gladly accept it, but wo fear that any attempt in that direction just now might produce very undesirablo and unsatisfactory resultH. As to the views tho Colonial Treasurer or any of his colleagues may entertain on this subject, wo can only say we know absolutely nothing of thorn. Wo havo neither sought nor been favoured with thoir confidence. We romombor, however, that tho Colonial Treasurer once upon v timo entertained vory strongly the opinion that Wellington should not be represented in Parliament at all — that it should bo liko Washington, politically a kind of neutral territory. Wo need hardly say that if tho Colonial Treasurer's viows on this point aro nnaltorod, we very strongly object to thorn. Whether ho holds these views still or not, wo are aware that many other members of the House do so. If tho question of redistribution wero reopened now, wo do not think that, with such figures as the congns presents before them, members would in their voles be much guided or restrained by any very roligious respoct for tho principlos on which tho redistribution of 1881 was professedly based.

Tho Honso mot at 7.30 last night, whon Major Atkinson sug^Obted that an adjournment should tako place immediately, as there was an important mooting of policyholders in tho Govbrnment Assurance Association to be hold that evening. Tho Government offered no objection, butllr. Guinness called for a division, whon tho" question was put. Forty members voted for and 30 against tho adjournment.

An interesting letter from Mr. Travors on tho volcanic eruption appears on tho fourth page. # The sham attack and dofonco of Wellington is, wo .boliovo, to tako placo on Saturday noxt if the weather is fino. 'The result of the election of a Director of tho Government Insuranco Association as announced last night was certainly a surprise, not as to tho gentleman at tho head of tho poll, for Mr. Shannon's return was a foregone conclusion, but because of tho very small nnmber of votes roooidcd. Out of 23,000 polioyholdors, only 4(527 recorded thoir volos. Ator all tho tonting, canvassing, travelling about, spooonmaking, advertising and printing of tho last two or throo monthß, this is .a very poor result indood, and does not tond to show that tho policyholdors value very highly tho privilcgo of holf-govorninent, or are as anxious as thoy are represented to beito get the ontire administration of affairs into their own hands. It is worth noting that although Mr. Graham was hopelessly beaten at yesterday's poll, ho actually polled 94 votos more than last year, when ho stood second on tho list of successful candidates. Messrs. Fisher and Shannon appear to be completely masters of tho situation in respect to the Government Insurance Association special meeting. They hold a sufficient number of proxies to carry any proposal thoy liko, and it is therefore scarcely worth while to waste another night in disoussing resolutions the fate of which is already scaled. It must be romombered, howovor, that the decision of the meeting of policyholders has nologal effect, and amounts to nothing more than a recommendation to Parliament, which, in considering it, will no doubt also consider the circumstances under which it was arrived at. Whatever decision tho policyholdors of the Government Insuranco Association may arrivo at in regard to the proposed abandonment of the intention to ereot new buildings in this city, according to the prizo design, tho gonoral public will certainly havo cause for regret if tho building is not erected. If tho prizo design (which, by tho way, has never yot been publicly exhibited) is, as we arc bound t« assumo it to be, superior to some of -the 'unsuccessful designs (whioh havo boon shown); ' tho orcction of the building would add a markod feature to tho architectural beauties of the city, whilo in doll times an expenditure of .£35,000 is not a matter to be dpspis'ed. "S. S." writes. :—" Sir— l trust you will advocate that several .professional men be sent to the scene.of the earthquako at Rotorua, to report to the Government and people of New Zealand, which wonld be a valuable record of the. disaster,; and also for the future history of our land." ' A spocial meeting of the Harbour Board is called for the 24th, for tho adoption of bylaws as printed and submitted to tho Board at its mooting on tho 10th instant. Tho section of railway between Mastorton and Manricevillewas opened yesterday. An excursion was made from Wellington, tho spocial train reaching Mauricoville about 1.30 o'olock and . leaving on the roturn journoy a,t •4. A luncheon was held -at Maurioeville to celebrate the event. Amongst tho visitors from Wellington were several members of Parliament, and a number of leading citizens. ¦Amongst tho objects of interest whioh will b^hown at tho Art Association's convorsaziono at the Museum to-morrow evening will bo a number of original sketches by Mr. Barraud, including a portfolio of- views of the Pink and White Torraoeß, Lake Eotorna, and many other placos in the neighbourhood of the rocent terrible volcanio oruptions. There will also bo several portraits from Miss Sperroy's studio, one of a well-known lottil identity, which Miss Sperrey has kindly presented to be raffled'for the benefit of tho funds of tho Old Men's' Home. A gentleman who has reoontly returned from Home is also lending somo sketches by wellknown artists at Home, which ho has oolleoted during his travels., ,The proceedings will bo enlivened by instrumental music by Mr. Spiller's band, and it is hoped that arrangements will be mado for some songs by Miss Eramina Trahair, ' a recent acquisition to Wellington musical cirolea. , Messrs. Johnston & Cd. have been advised that tho stcamor Tamsui loft Foochow on Sunday. la?t for .Wellington with the first of the new season's tea. Her' cargo consists of 600 tons for this port, 375 for Dunedin, 850'for 'Auckland,* 280 for ' Lyttelton, 140 for Nelson, 50 for Napier,' aha 20 for Inyer-catgill.'-.Shfr is* duo hero about tho <7th of next month. „ , - : Wo understand that the' sorew steamer Neptune is to be brought down from Auckland and placed in the trade between Wellington and -Blenheim. - She is about the sijiQ of tho ,Wiihi and, is owned .by., -Mr. Logan, a brother of, the' well-kno^n. yacht builder in Auckland. ' ' "''' The attention of the Navala ia directed to a notice in another column.

On Friday la->t we published an item to tho effect that a few days before .the eruption fcome tourista wero standing on the borders of Lake Tarawera, when they saw a large war canoe, apparently gliding along , the plaoid water, the Maoris standing upright using their paddles. This, it vtas. stated, was regarded as an omen of the evil which lias since befallen the tribe. Headers would probably look upon this as purely' imaginative. Thero i->, however, if the evidence of a woll known gentleman, who alleges he saw the spectacle, may be accredited, and wo sea no reason to difbelievc his statement, incrcditablo though it may appear, tome truth in the statement. He is now in Wellington, but on tho day in question was on a visit to fiotomahana with some members of his famil}'. He vvny not on tho bank of tho luke as stated in the telegram, but was in a canoe propelled by bomc Maoris. While hkirting the southet-n shore, thoso in the tonrieti' ciinoe distinctly saw* a Maori war cancc #liiiinjf along, nearly parallel to and apparently racing them. The Maoris in tho tourist-.' canoo hailed thoso in tho war uanoo, h:il received no answer, and as tho former rounded tho bend in the direction of Kotomabana, the latter hhot out ot view in a north-easterly direction. The Maoris immediately became terrified, nnd oxclitimud, "Tuipo!" They caid there wn« no war canoe in tho district, and therefore this must be a plumtom indicative of ovil. Whon tho natives and tourists roturned to Wairoa, thoy made enquiries of the oldest natives, all of whom declared that such a canoo as described had never been seen by them. Mr._ M'Roo, who has beon 17 years in Te Wairoa, nlso baid ho novor knew a war canoe upon the waters of the Lake Country. The gentleman spoken of above, states that tho day was beautifully clear, and there was nothing in the atmosphere to cause an optical delusion. Thero is no feasible explanation of tho phenomenon ; the fact of its appearance can scarcely be doubted. Tawhaio's demand for a separate Maori Parliament, which was recently submitted to the Native Minister by a special delegate, has, we learn, been definitely refused. Mr. Ballanco has informed Tawhaio that ho cannot sco his way to grant tho request, and doos not think it would be beneficial to the nativo raco to grant it if it wero possible. A special parado of tho Guards was hold last ovening for the purpose of enabling Colonel Sir Goo. Whitmore, Commander of tho Forces, to inspect the new valise equipments. Tho Colonol went up and down the ranks, and made a careful inspection of the equipments, and expressed himself pleased at the fino soldierliko appearance of the men. Tho company thon had a march-out, headed by the Garrison Band, and on returning ,to tho Drillshcd were ditmiissed. Colonel Whitmoro was accompanied by Captain Coleman, A.C. Forco, and Adjutant Quick, Wellington Garrison Volunteers. It is worthy of noto that tho Guards aro the only corps in tho colony provided with valise 1 equipments, and for this reason are prcparod to ontcr on activo service at very short notice. Subscriptions to tho amount of 480 havo now boeu promibod towards tho propobed salt water baths at Kilbirnie. It has boen decided by tho Committee to make an early slurt, with the construction. As an inducement to tho subscribers to pay and become shareholders at once, it lias been suggostcd, and is under consideration, that tho chargo for family tickets _bo raised to 30s for such as have not promi&cd or subscribed bofore the completion of tho baths. Should tho lists romain unfilled, the Committeo will bo undor the necessity of advancing the necessary funds,-to bo repaid during next season. T lioho who have promisud "arc requested to pay up as soon as possible. Tho boy fcjydnoy Smith, charged with having thrown stones from a "shang-hai " was again brought up at tho Magistrate's Court yostorday afternoon. Evidence having been given for tho defence the Magistrates dismissed tho information. From yesterday's Tiinaru Horald we learn that tho ship Lyttelton was in chargo of tho pilot when tho accident occurred. Tho Hospital Steward acknowledge with thanks the receipt of old linen from Mrs. R. Barlow and Mrs. Hamorton, Austinstreet, and illustrated papers, &c, from Miss Mudgo. An interesting paper on "Lighthouses" was read last evening by Mr. R. H. Wilson at the Vivian-streot Mutual Improvement Socioty. Tho writer, having obtained personal acquaintance in lighthouse duties, was able to treat his subject in a thoroughly practical mannor. Ho succeodod in putting his information beforo the Socioty in a clear and concise form, yet fully describing the various styles, lights, &o. The President (Rev. H. H. Driver) occupied the chair. Next weok tliore will be a debate on " Should pnblicans bo componsatod for loss of license." Tho Waterloo Lodge No. 403, S.C., at their monthly mooting, hold last night, voted tho sums of 45 rospeotivoly to the Wellington Hospital and tho Benevolent Society. Cheques for tho amounts havo boen forwarded to-day. A meeting of tho Committee appointed to carry out the concert and dance at tho Volunteer Drillshcd to-morrow, in aid of tho Garrison Band was held last evening, when all tbfc final arrangements were mado. Bandmaster Cimino will superintend the musical portion of tho ontertainment, and SergeUnt Robinson, of the D Battery, will attend to tho refreshments. The Committoe aro doing all in their powor to mako tho entertainment a success. A large of tiokets had been dfsrionert of,.' and tho attendance promises to bo very largo. A football match was played at Newtown yesterday afternoon between a team representing the Bank of New Zealand, Colonial Bank, and Bank of Now South Wales, and another composed of officers bolonging to tho National Bank, Bank of Australasia, and Union Bank. The game ended in a draw, neither Ride being able to score. Tho play was slightly in favour of tho toam representing the Bank of Now Zealand, Colonial Bank, and Bank of New South Walos. Messrs. C. Smith and J. J. Stagpoolo acted as umpiros, Mr. H. Roberts discharging the duties of reforeo. An adjourned meeting of persons willing to form a party to proceed to tho Kimberioy goldfiolds was hold at the Te Aro Hotel last evening. There was a largo attendance It was statod that about 15 men had paid tho first deposit of 45. About 20 more in the room signified their intention of joining the party, and it was arrangod that as soon as 50 join tho party should loavo in ono of tho sailing vessels. The mooting was then adjournod until Saturday. Tho adjonrncd annual meeting of the Kaiwarra Licensing Committee was hold in the schoolhouse at noon to-day, to consider the application mado by William Bartloy for a license for tho Waterloo Hotol . Prosent — Messrs. Ovcrend (in chair), Durcll, Wainwright, Colenian, and Gardner. Mr. J. Thompson, who appearod for Mr. Gilnior, tho lc«soo_ of tho promisos, and in support of the application, Baid ho had gone over the building with tho Chairman of tho Committee, and Avould undertake., on bohalf of his cliont, that tho premises should be placed in such ropair 'as to justify tho isßtie of tho licenao. Mdnnted Constable May represented tho police, and stated that Inspector Shearman did not considor tho houso fit to bo liconsod in its present state of ropair. After consideration, the Committee decided to grant tho liconse subject to the condition that the house should bo re-built bofore tho 28th February noxt. This concluded the bns'ine'ss. Tho usual weekly meeting of the Rescue Lodge of Geod Templarswas held last night in the lodge room, No. O.AthontDum Buildings. No business of importance being bofore the lodgp, harmony was entered into with spirit, proving that tho members aro perfectly ready for their appearance bofore tho publio on the occasion of the anniversary of the Star of Wellington Lodge, which is to bo held next Thursday, when a good programme will be offered to the publio. "Peep o* Day" was produced at tho Thoatro Royal last evening by Mr. Grattan Riggs, supported by Mr. Charles M'Mahon's company, who were with him on the occasion of his lost visit. Tho performance was a very successful one, and was witnessed by a good downstairs house. " Peep o' Day" is a drama of the sensational type so much in favour now-a-doys. The interest of the audience is maintained throughout, while parts of tho dialoguo and some of the situations are so amusing as to send the people home itt| an excellent frame of mind. Mr. Riggs' portrayal of the character of Barney O'Toolo was a most faithful ono. It did not afford him very good opportunity of showing what ho can do in the way of impersonating Irish characters, but in spite of this ho acted in such a manner as to do the fullest justice to the part and acquit himself with great credit. As Captain Peep o' Day and Harry Kavanagh, Mr. Robert Inman was excellent. Mr. C. A. Fenton took tho part of Stophon Purcell, tho villain, admirably. Miss Emma Bronton, in the rote of. Kathleen, was very natural, while . Miss Madge Inmqn made a very good Irish hag. - The remain- 7 ing characters wero fairly well taken. vln the first act Miss Addio Cappor /gang "Mavournoen DeiKsh" with muchtasto, and Miss Jessie Grey was encored for the graceful manner in whioh she danced an Irish jig. The piece will bo repeated this evening. An entertainment in aid of the fnnd to purchaso & piano for To Aro School} was hold in tho Lyceum Hall last evening' and was numerously attended, tho place 'being crowded. Tho "affair was regarded as a, great success. The following was the programme : — Parti. — Duet (pianoforte), Misses Sidoy ; dialogue from " The Hoir at Law, " Masters Page, Twis's, and Shaw ; song, "Old Fashions," Miss Stanford; recitation, "Richard I. by his Father's ,Bier," Miss Grace Bishop ; duet (pianoforte' and violin), Misses Page and Pilcher ; duet, " Pulaski's Banner," Masters Page and Prousc ; recitation, " Charge of tho Light Brigade/ Master A. Palmer. Part CC — Pianoforte and violin, Misses Pago and Pilcher; Charado Scenes, song and chorus (between tho scones), "¦ Write mo a letter from Home." A sale of useful and fancy articles, held in the schoolroom Woodward-streot, dn^aid of tho building fund of the new Congregational Church, was openod by the- pastor at 2 o'clock this afternoon. Tho room is nicely decorated, and has a very attractive appearance. There are four stalls ladon with a varied assortment of wares. One ib devoted to refreshments, another to pot plants, Ac, and tho others to needlework, clothing, and fancy goods. The sale will be continued until, lo o'olock this evening. >? „ At the meeting of Court Robin Hood.^No. 4428, A.0.F., last night, the following brothers were nominated, as officers for, the ensuing' term',' in view of the election) which takes place at tho next Court meeting, 28ih I inst:— -For C.R., Bros. W. G. Swan.andJ. ! Y. Hogarth; for S.C.R., Brtw. W.'J/Davjdson and J. Y. Hogarth ; for S.W.", Bros. D. . Kavanah; O. Hearnoy, and W. J. Davidson!; for J.W., Bros. G. Boharell, O. Hearney, i D.-K&Tanah, and J- E*;Jhoiuton; for^STBI,Bros.G. Beharell, J. Arnold, and D. ICava-, I nab. ; for J. 8., Bros. J. Arnold, O. Hearney, Hi- J. White, F. Frandy, G. A. Dempsey, and jVJThiteford; i iotf Treasurer,. Bro. J. W. Ward; for Secretary, Bro» J. F.a Webber 1 ; for Assistant Secretary, Bros. J. T. Bovia andH. J. White; for Surgeon, Dre. G. G. Gillon and G. W. Cole. '

Messrs. Laery & Campbell will hold their usual market Bale to-morrow.