THE ADDRESS-IN-REPLY.

Evening Post, Volume XLI, Issue 138, 13 June 1891, Page 2

THE ADDRESS-IN-REPLY.

♦-— Ministers have negotiated their first fence in safety, and tho Address-in-Eeply has beon passed praotically without debate. Tho headless Opposition mado a faint show of desiring time, but tho Premier was firm — discourteous his opponents said, although we scarcely think him amonablo to the charge— and refused to adjourn unless the usual courso was adopted of somo one representing the Opposition replying to tho speeohes of tho mover and seconder. If the Opposition had been in 'earnest or really desirous of discussing the past administration of tho Ministry, and its policy so far as disclosed in the speech, it could easily have put up some prominent member, and so carried on the debate in accordance with established custom. Mr. Eolleston, Mr. Bryqe, Sir John Hall, tho Hon. G. F. Richardson, Mr. Macarthur, and others woro available, and could readily have found material in the Speech itself, and in those of the mover and seconder and tho events of the recess, to have initiated a particularly warm debate, which they could then havo fairly claimed should be adjourned. They have now lost their opportunity for a general roviow of the policy and administration of the Government, unless, indeed, they raise tho broad issue in a direct manner by tabling a vote of want-of-confidence. We do not think tho House or the country have lost anything by the collapse of the threatened debate Once commenced it would have been a long one, and have occupied time which can be much moro profitably spent in attending to real businoss. The speeohes of Messrs. Magiu're and Buick were perhaps, as 'set speeches, superior to the average deliverances on such occasions, but politically they do not call for any special criticism or remark. Mr. Maguire will probably bo an incisive speaker in general debate, but Mr. Buick is of a more formal class of speaker, and apparently relies a good deal on preparation. His is a style of oratory of which the House will soon get tired. It cannot bear being prcachodat, and if Mr. Buick wishes to rank as a debater, he will have to trust more to the inspiration of the moment and less to prepared effects. One Scobio Mackenzie is enough in any House. _______________

Mr. Fisher's financial statement yesterday fell very flat, indeed, on the House. Mr. Ballanco handled him beautifully. In dulcet tones, he acknowledged the assistance which he affected to boliovo the member for Wellington desired to render the Government in devising a satisfactory fiscal policy, and thon he went on to demonstrate how unfortunate it was that tho Government could not benefit by these kind intentions, as it was perfectly evident the hon. member did not know anything of the subject with which ho was proposing to deal. A few figures quiotly quoted served to show 'the utter nonsonse of what Mr. Fisher had gravoly propounded as a policy calculated to effect fiscal and social regeneration for tho colony, and the laugh was fairly turned on the amateur financier whon it was pointed out how inconsistent his proposals woro with the policy he had himself been a party to whon in offioe. It was scarcely necessary for Mr. O'Conor and Mr. Taylor to jump on the member for Wellington after the Premier had dono with him. The question trat on the Order Paper by Mr. Fisher, as to whether the Government intend this session to introduoe Mr. Pyko's Private Schools Bill, or some similar measure authorising State payments to denominational schools, may probably lead to some light being thrown on certain singular cir> cuinstancos which occurred on last election day. It will be remembered at an early stago of the polling Mr. Jellicoo, the denominational champion, suddenly found the support on which he relied withdrawn, and it became apparent that it had been transferred to Mr. Fisher. Possibly this may now be explained. If the democratic members have any regard for tho reputation of their Party tiiey will endeavour to put some restraint upon the tendency to what may be termed Parliamentary buffoonery. Otherwise the actions of the less careful members will tend to give grounds for the chorus now so constantly raised as to the degeneracy of Parliament. Yesterday afternoon, for example, Mr. Taylor maundered away for upwards of half an hour in an utterly irrelevant manner, apropot of nothing' in particular. * Dissatisfaction at tho performance was apparent on the countenances of members on both sides.

Once Mr. Blake appealed to Mr. Speaker in the interests ot Parliamentary propriety, but that official had to confess that under the Standing Orders he was powerless to interfere so long as members kept reasonably near the mibject under debate. Next in order Mr. E. M. Smith took the House into his confidence as to certain details of his own household economy and matters of equally little concern to Parliament. It wa3 plain that both speakers were put up to talk ont ' the question then under notice. Possibly this may sometimes be necessitated by Party tactics, bat surely Homebody can be found whose stonewalling ahull not bring the proceedings of the High Court of Parliament into public disrepute. Mr. Henry Smithies is a very Rip Van Winkle amongst Parliamentary petitioners. Mr. Smithies is a solicitor who some quarter of a century ago lived in Dnnedin, where some of his professional acts did not meet with the approval of the Judges or other legal authorities, and ho was brought under the suspensory operation of the Law Practitioners' Act, 1C66. Mr. Smithies protested vigorously, and fought a hard battle in selfdefence in the Courts and in Parliament session after session for many years. But the profession was against him, and he failed to obtain any appreciable relief. The nonprofessional public, we think, generally held that Mr. Smithies Was rather hardly used, and that whatever faults lio had committed he had been much too severely dealt with, his punibhmont being out of all proportion to his offence. For some years nothing has been heard of Mr. v Smithies or his case, and we believe ho haa been absent from the colony. Now, however, ho once more appears as a petitioner for relief from the operation of the punitive Act. A report of yesterday's Parliamentary proceedings, and our special Woodville letter, will bo found on our fourth page to-day. In any of the Continental armies an officer who was convicted of cheating at cards would be expected to blow his brains out, unless he was also willing to bear the odium of cowardice An English oflicer so exposed marries an American heiress. There may bo some doubt which is the braver conrae to pursue, but there caii be nono as to which is the more prudent. Sir W. Gordon dimming is a canny Scotchman. The Post Ofßco authorities inform us that the R.M.S. Alameda, with English mails of 16th May, left San Francisco for Auckland on 28th May. The R.M.S. Mariposa, with the colonial mails of 23rd May, arrived at San Francisco from Auckland on 11th inst., both contract date. The recent appointments have increased the number of Justices of the Peace available for duty in Wellington to 63. The position of Clerk in the Supremo Court oißce rendered vacant by the death of Mr. Sisson has been filled by tho appointment of Mr. H. M. Lee, formorly Clerk of the Resident Magistrate' 3 Court at Leeston. Mr. Leo took up his new duties yesterday. Soveral of thp dolegates to the Municipal Conference, which opens in the City Council Chambers at noon on Monday, havo arrived. The remaindor are expected to reach Wollington to-morrow. About forty delegates will be present, and their deliberations will probably last more than a weok. Before the business commences, the delegates will be welcomed by the Mayor in his own room. Tho Maori will ease commenced in tho Supremo Court yostorday has been adjourned till Monday. The testimony of the corrospondont of an Auckland contemporary to the success of tho Northorn Village Settlements is quoted by the Now Zealand Farmer. The writer says he traversed the districts during the month of January and tho beginning of February, and was '" utterly surprised at the magnificent crops of tho village settlers. Throughout the settlement peace, happiness, and contontment practically reigned supreme. The settlors were in nearly every caso in comfortable circumstances, whilst some are rapidly becoming independent." The Chief Justice, accompanied by the Registrar of tho Supreme Court (Mr. Cooper) and Messrs. Travers and Jellicoo, coiuißel ifl the case, left for Longbnrn by special train this morning for the purpose of viewing the land referred to in the suit of the Manawatn Road Board v. the Wellington and Mauawatu Railway Company. The Molrose Borough Council will hold a speoial meeting next Tuesday evening jfoi tho purpose of transacting the following business :— (1) To pass a special order rt taking land under the Public AVorks Act. 1882, for tho location of a portion of the Ohiro-road ; (2) to strike a rate for the current year, in accordance with the reporl of the Finance Committee, tho said rate to becomo payable in one sum on 30th June, 1891 ; (3) consideration of the annual balance' sheet. Tho operations of the Wellington Wooller Company for the past six months havo boen of a very satisfactory character, and it it probable that an interim dividend will be declared next week. There was a very large gathering of settlers at Pahautanui yesterday afternoon, who wore anxious to pay a last tribute of respect tc tho memory of tho late Mr. William Jones, senr., whoso sad death formed the subject oi a coronial enquiry at Pahautanui yesterday The deceasod gentleman arrived in Wellington in tho year 1841, and consequently he was a colonist of half a century's standing, Mr. Jonos has left five sons, four daughters, and 45 grand children to deploro their loss. Latest additions to the Telephone Exchange are:— Mr. F. Kohn, private residence, Goldiosbrao ; Mr. Wardrnp, Managei Union Bank, private residence, Auroraterrace ; Mr. A. M. Smith, Private Secretary to tho Premier, private residence, Tinakoriroad. Tho agitation which has commenced foi the romoval of a oortain convenience froni the neighbourhood of Martin's Fountain certainly deserves support. Tho situation is far too prominent, and it is a great pitj that snch a site should be so occupied. The City Council might easily find a more retired position for the not ornamental structure. A syndicate, of which Captain Conway is the representative head, has chartered the 8.8. Eowena, with the intention of proceeding to the wrecks of the steamers Rangitoto, ai Jackson's Head, and the Koranui, at the French Pass, in search of salvage. The steamer, which will leave here on Tuesday, will tako three diver's to perform the necessary work under water. Mr. Briggs, mato of the South Sea Island trader Linda Weber, who has been a patieni in the Hospital for several days past, suffering from tlysentry, snecumbed on Thnradaj afternoon, and out of respect to his memory the flags on the shipping were to-day flown at half-mast. Tho fnneral of the deceased gentlemen took place this afternoon. The sudden death is announced of Mr. F. Rich, one of the best-known residents oi Campbelltown. He was found dead in bed, The Trades Hall was crowded to excess last night, tho occasion being a mooting oi delegates from the various Trades Uuions ir tho city, who had been convened to decide what manner would be most befitting by which to extend a welcome to the Liberal mombers, and more especially to tho socalled labour members, who at the present aro attending to thoir Parliamentary duties. The chair was occupied by Mr. R. Lauchlan and nearly overy trade was represented in the room. Eventually, and after n lengthydiscussionacommitteewasappointed to draft an addross to the Liberal members, and it was also decidod that the- address should bo presented a,t the Opera House on an early date, duo notice of which will be given. It is intended that tho meeting shall be essentially a representative one bo far as the various trades are concerned, and the committee anticipate that there will be a very large assemblage of persons present on the occasion. Addresses will, it is expected, bo given by many of the Liberal members of Parliament, and whilst a cordial welcome will be extended to the whole of the representatives of the people present at tho meeting, it is intended that the central figure shall be Sir George Grey, who it it expectod will give an account of his recent visit to Australia. The Midland, Rival, and Wellington Cricket Clubs have resolved to give their support in furthering tho Oriental Bay Recreation Ground scheme. The Foresters' Brass Band will play tomorrow afternoon in the Basin Reserve for tho purpose of raising a fund to assist the relatives of the late Mr. A. Payne. Tho deceased was their chief support, and they are now loft in straightened circumstances. The object is one doserving public 00-opera-tion to render tho desired assistance. Tho programme of the band' s selections to-morrow was published in yesterday's issue. Madame Patey's fourth concert last night was a huge success. Madame was heard again in her great rendoring of " 0 Rest in the Lord," and had to repeat it in responso to an encore. "By the Sad Sea Waves," and " Ye Banks and Braes" were her other selections, and being heartily recalled in each instance she substituted Needles and Pins" and " The Minstrel Boy." Miss Rossow earned encores at each appearance, her chief contribution being "Angels ever Bright and Fair." Mis.s Wood's pianoforte items were particularly well received, and Messrs. Jones and Waters did their fair share in the contract. To-night Madame Patey is to sing, amongst others, " There is a Green Hill Far Away," which Gounod wrote oxpressly for her. Owing to the small audience at the Oddfellows' Hall, Petone, tho Georgia Minstrels entertainment did not take place last night. The case of Dimes v. Dimes, a petition by the husband for a decree nut, was heard in tho Divorce Court this morning, Mr. Justice Richmond prosiding. Mr. Skerrett appeared for the petitioner (John Dimes, a plumber), who sought for a dissolution of marriage on the ground of adultery. Mr. Devino was for the respondent (Esther ' Dimes). Evidence in support of the petition was to the effect that the couple were married in Wellington in April, 1880, and livod happily until 1889, when petitioner sent his wile and only child to Christchnrch for a holiday. When she was about to return she wrote stating that ho need not meet her. He, however, met her at the steamer, and saw William Owen, their milkman, speaking to her. He spoke to Owen a few minutes subsequently, and Owen pretended that he had not seen her Bince she had been away. The petitioner found that his wife had given Owen a photograph of herself, and he then forbade Owen to como to the house. Subsequently he found out that she had been in a room with Owen at the house of a woman named Miller, and when he taxed her with it she admitted it. and said she waß sorry she had not cleared out with Owen. Shortly after this she left the house. The petitioner stated that he had reason to believe that after this she had acted improperly, and she admitted to him that she had done so, adding that she was sorry for what had taken placo. He denied that he had subjected her to cruelty and driven her out of the honse. The further hearing of the case was adjourned till Tuesday. The case of Cederlund v. Cederlund was adjourned until 10th July.

Mr. W. M'Lean, one of the newly-appointed Justices of the Peace, took hia seat on the Bench at the Magistrate's Court this morning for the first time. The Telegraph authorities inform us of the opening of a telephone station at Ohariu, the offics hours being from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Sundays, when the office will be closed. Telegram-i will be delivered regularly. _ In addition to the buainess already mentioned, which will be considered by the City Council at the special meeting to be held on Tuesday next, the following matter!) will also be debated:— To further consider the alteration made by Mr. DeCastro of the heads of agreement in the electric lighting contract and to consider and deal with the question of electric lighting generally. The conference of delegates from the various Trades' Unions of the four principal centres of population in the colony will take place in the Trades' Hall sometime next week, the actual day, however, has not yet been fixed, nor can it be until the whole of the delegates urrive. It is expected that each of the large cities will send threo representatives. The chief object of the conference is to dncnsb the provisions of the various Labour Bills, which will shortly engage the attention of Parliament. Other questions, however, affecting all classes of artisans in New Zealand will in all probability bo considered. The only case appearing on the chargesheet at this morning's sitting of the Magistrate's Court was that of Carnell v. Carnell, in which a husband charged his wife with having committed wilful damage to his property. Defendant pleaded Not Guilty. The informant commenced his evidence, but as it appeared that ho was not present when the damago was committed, the Bench allowed the case to be adjourned until next Tuesday, in order that other witnesses might be summoned. Defendant, who was under arrest, was released on giving an undertaking that she would not annoy her husband until the case came on for hearing. This morning, at tho establishment of Ballingcr Bros., Mr. Stewart, on behalf of the employe's, presented Mr. A. Ballinger, the junior member of the firm, on tho eyo of his marriage, with a handsome set of ivory handle carvers and a silver card basket. Mr. Stewart, in tho course of a neat little speech, referred to the high esteem in which Mr. Ballinger was held by tho employes, and Mr. Ballinger replied in suitable terms, after which tho healths of Mr. Ballinger and the bride elect were drunk in bumpers. In response to an invitation from tho Mayor of Onslow, Mr. W. Littlejohn, a large number of the residents of Khandallah and Crofton mot last evening at the newly-erected hall at Khandallah. The Mayor explained that he had invited the pooplo together in order to lay before them the steps which had boen taken in order to provide a building for the district where the people could meet together on Sunday for worship and (luring the week for social entertainment. Some of the ladies of Khandallah had laid this matter before Mrs. White, of Khandallah, with tho result that the latter offered a site, and eventually erected the present building from plans prepared by Mr. J. A. Carson. Mrs. White now desired to be rolieved of the control of the property, and a deed had been prepared and executed vesting tho same in the hands of Messrs. Nairn, G. H. Vickers, and Littlejohn for the purposes already mentioned. As there wore sufficient children in tho district for establishing a public school, the property had been offered to the Education Board, I>ut ou going into the matter the Board decided not to take it over until tho road connecting Khandallah and Crofton had been mado. Tho trustees were now anxious that free use should be made of the building for the moral and social interests of tho residents of the district. The thanks of the residents were duo to Messrs Duthie and Co. and Mossrs. Cameron & Christie for having gratuitously provided the lamps, and to Messrs. A. Whito and D. Hobbs for their services in carting material to the building. The meeting received Mr. Littlojohn's speech most heartily, and passed a unanimous vote of thanks to him for tho interest he had taken, and for tho gift of a bell for tho building ; also to Mrs. White for her generoua gift. Separate committees were then formed for maintaining Beryices on Sunday, and for providing entertainments to raise f nnds for liquidating . the debt on tho building. At tho conclusion I of tho meeting, Mr. Littlejohn announced that the Rev. Mr. Paterson had kindly consented to conduct services at the hall at 3 o'clock to-morrow, when he hoped there would be a- good attendance. The usual weekly session of St. John's Lodge, No. 23, 1.0. G.T., was held in the Lodgeroom, Courtenay-place, last evening, there being a fair attendance of members considering the state of the weather. Tho following sisters occupied the chairs through tho evening : — Sister Fitzgerald, C.T. ; Sister Deborde, V.T. ; Sistor Trevor, C. ; Sistor Perry, son., P.C.T. ; Sister Cooke, G. The special committee re District Lodge brought in their report, which was accepted. It was decided to leave the matter till next lodge night. Sister Debordo resigned her position as V.T., as she was leaving for Palmerston, and Sister Trevor was appointed to fill the position. A voto of condolence and sympathy was passed to Bro. A. J. Bennett, of tho Pioneer Lodge, on the death of his late father, and the Secretary was instructed to forward the same. Several reports of visiting- committees were received. Tho lodge then went into harmony, and several very good songs and recitations were given. The item for next week is lodge drill and roll call, which should attract a large attendance of members and visitors. The lodge wns closed in the usual manner at 9.45, a pleasant and instructive evening having been spent. Another interesting entertainment was given in the Bible Christian Mission Hall on Thursday evening, whon Mr. Neno disconrsod on the effects of alcohol on the human stomach, brain, and mind, and Mr. Crewes gave a talk on " Courtship, in tho light of Phrenology." Some songs and recitations were also givon, and a scries of phrenological examinations made. The adjourned annual meeting of the members of tho Australian Mutual Provident Society was (say 3 the Sydney Morning Herald of the 22nd May) held yosterday in the society's office, Pitt-street. The meeting was held for the purpoao of declaring the results of the ballots that have been taken for two directors and one auditor. Mr. Thomas Littlejohn read tho results, which wero as follows : — Directors : Mr. Thomas Littlojohn, 35,233 votes; Mr. James B. Hill, 23.798; Dr. Alexander K. Marson, 15,709 ; Mr. Benjamin Short. 13,702 ; Mr. W. V. Road, 10,052; Mr. Robert Gilfillan, 9430; Mr. R. P. Richardson, 6403; Mr. W. R. Riley, 558G ; Mr. William Briggs, 3633 ; Mr. J. H. M'Phillimy, 2683; Mr. W. H. Chard, 2645 : Mr. P. E. Joseph, 2-129. Auditors : Messrs. Nevillo Dowling, 4304 ; ' Thomas Piutt, 3449 ; W. Cullen Ward, 514. The two first-named directors and the firstnamed auditor were declared to have boon elected, and they and tho other candidates having returned thanks, the meeting closed. At a special meeting of the directors held after the termination of tho business of the adjourned annual meeting, the Hon. J. P. Abbott (Speaker of tho Legislative Assembly) was, on tho motion of Mr. T. Littlejohn, olected Chairman of the Board, and Mr. J. T. Walker Deputy-chairman. G. W. Smart announces elsewhere that ha has a largo Btock of ball dresses on hire or for sale. He also draws atteutiou to tho fact that his grand art union will be drawn this month, and that only a few unsold tickets remain. On Monday next T. Kennedy M&cdonald &Co. sell by auction, at their Exchange Hall, at 2.30 o'clock, the lease for 14 years, of two shops in Courtenay-place; also leasehold property in the Gisborae distriot, with buildings, plant, machinery, Ac J. H. Bethune & Co. announce in our advertising columns thut they will sell by auction, without reserve, on account of whom it may concern, at their rooms, Fentherston-street, on Tuesday next, at 2 o'clock, a large shipment of splandid china and earthenware, ex Nelson, direct from Messrß. Tidmarsh and Brown's manufactory, London ; after which a quantity of superior household furniture (removed for convenience of 9ale), handsome walnut piano, E.P. ware, pictures, and sundries. W. Murrell, of London House, Buckle-street, directs attention to his well.assortnd stock of this season's new goods, j\nb opened up. Cooperative prices- rule, aud the public are offered great bargains. The nauie3 of the gentlemen from whom tickets for the Wellington Rowing Club Ball can be obtained are stated in our advertising columns. Shearers are notified elsewhere of the terms oftored by Mr. Henry Wright, as agent for the Pnstoraliats' Union, to shear in Queensland. How to scouro "brilliance with economy" in illumination by gas is demonstrated by the G.C.PA. in another column. The order of services at St. Peter's Church for to-morrow are udvertised. At Free Methodist Church, Conrteuay-place, to-morrow, Rev. H. B. Bedstone will take fortis morning subject, " Fulfilled Prophecies ; " evening, " Getting ready for the coming of the Son of Man." Tha choir will render suitable music. At Wesley Church, Tnranaki-street, to-morrow morning, Rev. J. J. Lewis preaches on the subject " Have the Wesleyans abandoned the teaching of John Wesley ? " At the Vivian-street Baptißt Church to-morrow, tho Rev. P. H. Coruford will conduct the morning and eveuin? services. Services will be held in the Wesleyan Churchps to-morrow as follow :— Wesley Church, Tarannki. street, 11 a.m. aud fi.3o p.m., Rer. J. .T. Lewis Moleaworth.3treet, 11 R.m., Rev. C. H. Laws; 6.30 p.m., Mr. Randerson. Newtown, 11 n.m and 6.00 p.m., Bey. W. H. Beck. At the Christians' Chapel, Dixon-street, tr. morrsw evening, at 6.30, Mr. A. F. Turner will preach as usual, his subject being, " The Openin» of Lydi&'s Heart." There will be a Gospel temperance meeting- at Bechabite Hall, Manners-street, at 8 o'clock tomorrow evening. The usual Bethel service will be held by Mr. D. Hall, missionary, at the Seamen's Best, at 11 a.m. to-morrow. At the Terrace Confrregational Church to-mor-row, the services will be conducted by the putor, Bey. G. J.Allen. At Webb-street Primitive Methodist Chnrch tomorrow, Bey. C. E. Ward will preach mornin? and evening. At Newtown, Bey. J. Dumbell will occupy the pulpit in the morning and Mrs. Wright at night. The Freethousrht Association meets to-morrow evening, when Mr. Bolt, of Dunedin, lectures on, " Agnosticism viewed as a religious reformation."