Evening Post. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1893.

Evening Post, Volume XLVI, Issue 117, 15 November 1893, Page 2

Evening Post. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1893.

ME. DTJTHIE'S SPEECH. r ♦ 9 Mb. Duthii's speech last night was on * honest, outspoken, uncompromising denunciation of the Government and all its works. j From an electioneering point of view it can ' scarcely be classed as a prudent or judicious r deliveranoe, bnt Mr. Duthib has the . courage of his convictions, and lie Bays right 9 ont what he thinks. He smote the Ministry 5 hip and thigh, and there was muoh truth (. and point in his Boathing criticism. The ) publio has a, short memory, and Mr. DtrTHlB * did well to remind his bearers at the outset I of the broken promises of Ministers in regard to the rednctiqn of the inland postage. Mr. Dothie is one of the very few men in the late House who understood the public finance and were capable of speaking I on it, bat his manner of dealing with the snbjeot last night was far aborethe heads of the audience he was addressing. Few of those present were able to " foliow. him or to appreciate the force and effeot of his figures and reaioning. In Mr. JJuthix's political platform, so far as he

oxponndod it last night, wo find littlo to tako exception to, but we confess wo cannot admire the rather more than Eomun virtuo which Mr. Dothie prides himself on having exhibited iv regaid to the Te Aro [foods shed question. \Ve may not bo inclined to di-ipnto with him the stitement that the would have boon moro usefully expended on the extension of the line towards Woodville, but that was not tho point at issno. The money is now not to bo expended at either end. If it were to bo saved to the conntry by not being expended in Wellington we woald have less reason for complaint, but tho non - expenditure in "Wellington simply moons that tho money will be expended elsewhere. Taking Mr. Ddthie's own argument that tho goods shed was pot absolutely required, we contend that it at least would have done no harm if erected, while the expenditure would have been of appreciable value to trade and labour in the city. Mr. Duthie, in his excess of public virtue on this question, overlooked the homely wisdom of the proverb which warns us against looking a gift horse in the mouth. Mr. Duthie Bhould, on behalf of his constituents, have taken what the Government was willing to givo, as ho might bo qnite sure that if he did not accept the gift someone else would readily do bo The most patriotic Otago or Auckland member would certainly never deolino a vote of public money for the improvement of his City or tho benefit of his constituents, however much he might donbt tho wisdom of or necessity for the proposed object of expenditure. We do not think Mr. Duthie would have laid himself open to any imputation had he accepted what was offered, asking no questions for conscience' hake. Tho interruptions to which Mr. Duthie was subjected last night were not creditable to the Party which had organised them, and whose policy it is to drown and smother, if possible, all honest and independent oriticism of Mr. Seddon and his Government. Snch tactics arc, however, self-condemnatory. They bespeik a conscionsness of how very badly Mr. Siddon can stand such criticism. The disinterested observer who libtoncd to Mr. Duthis last night would probably arrive at tho conclusion that he was too thorough to quite please his hearers, or snit a City electorate at the present moment. Truokling is now the way to win popular favour.

So tho Government has " chucked " Mr. Fraser, and declared him unworthy of tho anpport of all good Liberals. Tut. Frasor's offence is that he has declined to be bribed, or to sacrifice his principles to hia personal interests or to the interests of the Ministry Mr. Seddon will tolerate no independence of thonght or action. Ho showed this very clearly in regard to Mr. Earnshaw, treating him aa he ia treating Mr. Fraser. Blind, unswerving obedience to the Dictator who has impudently and on falso pretences grasped the reins of power, is now tho only accepted test of Liberalism. Mr. Seddon carries out to the extreme tbo doctrine which Mr. Fraser wa3 himself tho first to promulgate — that tho true Liberal ia tho man who will blindly do what the Government tell him, and that it is tho duty of the electorates to return " broomsticks or Chinamen " if tho Premier requires them so to do. Mr. Fraser, perhaps, has not really much cause to complain because he is judged on the principlo he haa himself laid down. But he must fool rather sore at biß own words tuns rising in judgniont against him, and condemning him to exclusion from tho Government ticket Of course, Mr. Frasor's real offence i 3 le.-s his prononnced views on the Temperance question than tho belief that ho would prefor Sir fiobort Stout to Mr. B. J. Seddon as tho Liberal leader. Ministers would treat Sir Robert Stout, if they dared do so, as they havo treated Mr. Earnshaw and Mr. Fraser. But they have not the courage to do this. Mr. Seddon trembles, as welllic may, at the name of Sir Robert Stout, and tho thought of him weighs heavily on his breast aa a nightmare. He would, aa we have before pointed out, treat Sir Robert as Macbeth treated Banquo if ho could but screw his courago to tho sticking point, but he is forced to lot " I dare not wait upon I would," and so we find Sir Robort Stout's name nominally retained ou the Ministerial Liberal ticket, although wo know well that with characteristic treachery every influence at tho command of Ministers is being covertly used to injure bis candidature and divert his snpport. Tho Fraser episode is highly instruotive. It should open men's eyes to the real character of the Seddon Government. Is it not a mookory to talk of purity of election, of this beiDg a free country, of the protection of the ballot, of the independence of Parliament, and tho right of free choice of representatives, when we find the Government trying to bribe an objectionable candidate into retirement by tho offer of a seat in the Legialativo Council, with a seven years' pension of £150 a year, and then when tho offer ia indignantly refused turning round and declaring that tho man who has dared to reject sucb a proposal ia unworthy to bit in Parliament at all? The Mr. Fraser of to-day, who persists in abiding the decision of the electors, and is accordingly drummed out of the Liberal ranks, is tho eaine Mr. Fraser whom tho Government yesterday, or last week, deemed a fit and proper person to be called to the Legislative Council. His principles are unaltered. If he ia now unlit to sit in the Houso of Representatives, how can the Premior possibly explain or justify his offer to put him into the Legislative Council? Mr. Seddon presumes upon the credulity and blindness of the people. Despite facts and figures, the Wairarapa Star continues to assert what even Ministers have had to admit to be false — that the preaont Government has reduced tho publio debt. According to our contemporary's peculiar system of arithmetic £38,144,070 is less than £37,281,764. The former Bum was stated by Mr. Ballance in his first Financial Statement to bo the net amount of tho colony's indebtedness. The latter sum ia that at which Mr. "Ward in hia Financial Statement this year stated the net debt. The Star evidently does not believe Mr. Ward. Having been completely bowled out in its attempt to reply to oar challenge- to name another caso than thoso of Sydenham to which clause 21 of the Liquor Act conld poaßibly apply, our contemporary the Miniaterial organ has sinoe presorred a judicious silence. Possibly it is indignant with thoso who placed it in a falso position by at first naming Ohingaiti aa a case in point. We very quickly disposed of that absurd contention, and now tho Ministerial organ seems compelled to let judgment go by default. We now enter up the conviction of the Premior of having smuggled clanso 21 through the Houso with the object of interfering with the due courso of law in cases pending before the Court of Appeal, and of having carefully conoealod tho effect and intent of the clause from the Houso. The Government organ also fights shy of any attempt to justify the Premier's Feilding assertions as to Mr. Ballanco'a political testament, and does not venture any attempt to repel the chargoa of deliberate fabrication whioh have been preferred against the Premier. Tho -electors oan draw their own conclusions. Mr. Worth has, like Mr. ODea, exercised a very wise discretion in retiring from the contest for tho representation of the City. Neither would have been likely to have saved his deposit if he had gone to the poll, and their persistence wonld only have bolpod to spoil sport. There aro two or three of tho remaining candidates who would do well to follow tho example of Messrs ODea and Worth, by retiring from what is for them a perfectly hopeloss contest. Reports of election speeches by Messrs. Dathie, Newman, and Bell, will be found on the fourth page. Throngh pressure npon our space, we are obliged to place some election advertisements on tbo fourth pago, where a nuaib%r aro printed to-day, Mr. Bell stated at his meeting at Newtown last night that he would nevor again serve on a municipal body until the functions of municipalities were extended. It ia understood that Mr. C. F. Worth intends to become a candidate for the Mayoralty. The Hon. W. M'Cullough iH about to pay a visit to Europe. Mr. Justice Richmond left to-day for Nelson and Blenheim on circuit work. The Labour Bureau this morning forwarded 22 men to tho survey works at the Wellington Forest Reaerve at Eketahuna. The Chairman remarked at the meeting of the Chamber of Commoroe " yesterday that notwithstanding tho deputations which had waited on Ministers nothing hod been done as to tho increaaed accommodation at the Supreme Conrt, though other places had been given now courts, and thiß whilo the buildings hero wero quite inadequate. The Benevolent Trustees have decided that thore is no necessity to alter the rules of the Ohiro Road Home, as if carried out with discretion they will, it is thought, be ample for all requirements. A police station has been established on Thorndon-quay, three houses distant from the Railway Hotel. Constable Black has been placed in charge. The Town Clerk asks the oitizons to observe to-morrow aa a holiday on acoount of the Agrionltural Show. There were 144 passengers for all ports by the Tarawera, from Sydney, this morning. Of these 98 landed at Wellington. Mr. Warbnrton, the Pnblio Trustee, who has been absent for some days on business connected with the surveying and leasing of tho West Coast settlement native reserves inthe Taronaki district, returned to town to-day. Mr. Wilson, the office solicitor, has also been absent, on a tour of inspection of properties in tho Nelson distriot. One of the Trustees in the estate of the late Bernard Gallagher, of Greytown, applied to tho Chief Jnstico in the Supreme Court to-day for an interpretation of the testator's will with regard to his (the Trustee's) power of realisation, and as to whether the widow's contention that she was entitled to the absolute control of tho estate during lifetime was oorreot. His Honour intimated that the plaintiff dearly had disoretiopary power of realisation, and that the widow could not olaim control, and was only entitled to the income. His Honour directed that the stook and effects should be disposed of without delay. The caso was adjourned for tho purpose of the parties endeavouring to effect a settlement, thus avoiding the necessity for the administration of the estate through tho Court. Mr. J. J. Devine appeared on behalf of tho Trustee, and Mr. C. H. Izard for the widow. At the quarterly meeting of the Chamber of Commerce yesterday afternoon, the President referred feelingly to the death sinoe the last meeting of Mr. W. H. Levin. Mr. Levin was desoribed as on ornament to the community. Resolutions were also passed •ia favour of a- subsidy to the Vancouver mail service, with Wellington as first port of arrival, and' a New Zealand 1 port asjjhe last port of departure . ~

Mr. James Barns, of the Government Printing Office, writes to usas follows : — " I sco a paragraph in your paper this evening abont the death of a M.L.A. on board a Queensland steamer. lam afraid your conjectuio is wrong, and that the Mr. Burns, M.L.A., who died was my brother, inembor for Townsville in the Queensland Parl ament. I hare no more information yet than what appoared in tho public proas, but I am afraid it is too true. I had a letter from him dated 2nd Novombor, in whioh he informed me he had got done with his Parliamentary duties, and expeoted to lea/c for home on Saturday, tho 4th The steamer leaves Brisbane for Townsvillu on the Saturday. The news came hero by cable on Tuesday, and was in the evening papers of that day — just this day week. He said nothing about being ill, in fact wrote in pood spirits ; but the cablegram said suddenly. His came was George B. Burns, aged about 43. He leaves a wife and four children." At Newtown last night, Mr. Bell refused to receive written questions. As his reason for this he Boid that at the Opera House the other night he nearly road out two monstrously improper questions which had been thrown to him on the stage, and he would never put himself in that position again. The audience evidently approved Mr. Bell's resolve, as it applauded him heartily. The weekly meeting of the Benevolent Trustees was held yesterday. There wore present— Key. H. Van Staveren (Chairman), Messrs. E. C. Kirk, G. M. Kobbell, J. H. Heaton, C. E. Willeßton, T W M'Konzie, and 8. Lancaster. A widow with a family and only a small income was granted 8s a week for a month. It was decided to send to the Home an old man recently from England, who is unable to do hard work and who is in a destitute state. A womnn suffering from rheumatism was also sent to the Home in order to reonporato. It was resolved to send back to Dunedin an asthmatic old man. An application from a Into inmate of tho Home to be allowed to return there was doolined. One of the steerage passengers by tho Tarawera from Sydney — a man named John Short— died on the voyage on Monday, from dysentery, and was buried at sea. Deceased, who leaves a widow and family residing in Christehurch, was a Bhcarer, and had been employed on a station in Now Sonth Wales. Tho appeal made by John Nankivoll, lioensee of tho Metropolitan Hotel, againßt couviotion for Sunday trading, was disposed of by his Hononr tho Chief Justfco this morning. Hiß Honour, in giving judgment, snid the defendant could have escaped con- \ iction had he satisfied tho Magistrate) (Mr, J C. Martin) that ho had taken all rnasonablo precautions to ascertain whether tho purchaser of the liquor was a bona. fide traveller. He failed to Batisfy the Magistrate on this point. Tho question was whether, the evidence being all ono way, ho was bound to hold that the Magistrate ought to lmvo been satisfied that all reasonable precautions had bcon taken. In his opinion it was entirely a question of fact for the Magistrate, and ho could not review his decision. The appeal was accordingly dismissed, with .£7 7s costs. Mr. Gully argued the case for the Crown, and Mr. fckcrrctt for the appellant. Applications for papers for tho approaching second and third grade drawing examinations in connection with tho Tochnical School closed yesterday For the second grade papers thero wore 173 apjriicationF", and for tlio third grade 27. Tho third grade examination takes place on the 29th instant. One of tho unique entertainments of the young, ladies o£ St. Andrew's congregation is to be given next Monday evening at bt. John's Schoolroom, in aid of the Home for the Aged Needy. Patrons may expect a genuine treat. This morning a middle-aged man named Frederick Hermann yon Schoeneberg was brought before Mr. Martin, R.M , charged v ith having assaulted Inspector Pcnder yesterday afternoon, and also with having used insulting words to him. Evidence was given by Inspector Pender, Major Messenger, and Mr. ~D. Haggett, as tn tho assault and tho use of bad language. At the request of Mr. Jolliooo, who had been retained by defendant's wife, defendant was remanded till Monday next, there being doubts as to his mental condition. The attendance at the Flower Show yesterday was larger than usual, and in tho evoning the proceedings were enlivened by a programme of music contributed by MininVs String Band. The school children's prizes for hand bouquets, which were not obtainable np "to the time of going to pross yesterday, have been awarded as follows : — Girls.— l 2 years and under — May Dixon, 1 j Jessie Wallace, 2. Fifteen years and undor —Janet Wilkinson, 1 ; Dorothy Tripe, 2. Boys. — 15 years and under— Charles Barr, 1. Special prizo lor best bonquet selected from all exhibits in girls' schools — Janet Wilkinson. Mii>s A. Cooper was awarded first prizo for shower bouquet, and Mr. E. M'Nab first prizo for the best dark rose in tho show. The judges wore as follows :— Pot plants, Mr. F. Cooper ; rosos, Mr. E. Triggs ; cut flowers, fruit, and vegetables, Mr. Goo. Gibb ; bouquets, Mrs. fiurne. Tho special prizes given for bouquets and floral designs were awarded by the ladies -,vho presented them. Tho Show remains open this evening, and is really worth a visit. Tho steamer Eotorna took to Nelson today five neglected children from Canterbury; also two children named Morris, committed by tho Wellington Resident Magistrate. A third member of the Morris family, a little girl, has been sent by the Bench to St Joseph's School. The Resident Magistrate directed to-day that a warrant should issue for the apprehension of Joseph Osman Ward, who failed to answer to a summons charging him with having, on the 11th October, obtained £8 by false pretences from Elizabeth Payne A young man named Eobert W. Taggart was charged with having Btolon stable requisites valued at 30s, the property of tho Hon. W. W. Johnston, for whom ho was till lately gr.-om. Mr. Skerrett defended the accused. Evidence showed that the property and the accused were simultaneously missed. Detective Campbell stated that when arrested the prisoner denied all knowledge of the property, and stated that tho prosecution had been spitefully instituted by Mr. Johnston's coaohman. None of tho property had been recovered. The case was adjourned to Friday next, the acousod being' liberated on his own recognisance of £5. It is proposed to shortly hold an election for foundation members of tho Institute of Accountants. - ! The Committee of the Kennel Club mot hist evening at the Central Hotel, and completed their arrangements for the show, which opens on Friday.- The draft catalofruo was submitted, and ordered to be printed. Already a number of dogs have arrived, notably Captain W. E. Walker's team of English setters from Nelson. The show of collies will be the finest ever witnessed in tho Australasian colonies. Exhibitors are reminded that all dogs must be at | the Drillshed on Friday morning at 9 o'clock, and that the judging will commence punctually at. 10 a.m. The prioes of admission appear in our advertising colnmns. We have seen a bicycle of the " Humber" class, manufactured by Mr. James Sexton, of Tory-street, who has recently added the making of bicycles to his other industries. As regards weight, strength, make, or finish, it compares favourably with imported machines. Its weight is 381b, and it has been made to tho order of Mr. G. H. Gibbons, an employd on the Government railways, stationed near Feilding. Mr. Sexton has gone to considerable expense in fitting up his workshop for manufacturing and repairing bicycles, and has now a small but perfect plant. Local cyclists will bo somewhat astonished at the resources of Mr. Sexton's admirable littlo factory. A mpoting of the ICacori Working Men's Cricket Club was held last night, when tho following subscriptions were received ; — Mr. Field, JE2; H.S., ss; Mr. T. M. Wilford, 2 guineas, also a trophy for the best all-round man. Bats were promised by the captain and vice-captain for the best batting and bowling averages. The Primitive Methodists of Sydney-streot held their annual soiree last evening. A largo number of people sat down to tea, and afterwards an adjournment was made to the ohurch, where a capital concert, interspersed with suitable addresses from local ministers, was provided. All the performers acquitted themselves well, notably Miss Neilson, whose harp solo reoeived an enthusiastic enoore. Last night the Palmer-Beaumont Company concluded its season at tho Opera House with a conoert which was artistically highly successful, bnt financially was only moderately so. Every performer was enoored. The Fetone Borough Counoil met on Monday evening. Present— The Mayor (Mr. E. C. Kirk), Councillors Jaokson, Gaynor, Lusty, Damant, Corner, Crice, Burnley, Austin, and Hollard. Tho Engineer was instructed to do repairs in Cuba-street, leading to tho Show Grounds. Mr. Bsere's lottor re Waltonville was referred to tho Borough solicitor. Tho question of providing bettor accommodation for the fire-engine and plant was deferred until next meeting. It was daoided to fix a limit to the Council's overdraft. The inooming Mayor was appointed to the Hospital Board, and tho prosent Mayor as a delegate for the election of the other Trustees. Messrs. J. M'Kewsio and D. Walker presented a petition from tradespeople asking that tho present by-laws re hawking be enforced, and for an amendment of the by-law as to hawking fruit other than that grown in the district. It was decided to consider the application when the by-laws aro being revised, whioh will he at an early date. The Finanoe Committee reported the overdraft to be £823 5s lOd. Accounts were passed for payment for the amount of .£ll3. The Council went into Committee to consider the drainage question. Tho Mayor moved in favour of an underground system of drainage, which was ultimately adopted by 6to 4. It was deoided to submit the proposal to ft meeting of ratepayers to be held next Monday. There was a well-filled hall at the fifth of the series of chamber-musio concerts, whioh .took plaoe in the Bowon-streot Schoolroom last night. The instrumental gems were the Schumann quartet in E-flat (op. 47), played by "Messrs. Parker, Spaokman, and H. F. Edgor, and Miss Dugdale, and a pianoforte solo by Mr. TrimnelT. Haydn's quartet in D-major, for Btringß, in whioh 'Messrs. Spackman, Cohen, Edger and Miss Dugdale took part, was a woloome novelty, although • trifle weak in some of the passages. Mrs. Miller, who was in excellent voioe, s»ng Goring Thomas' "Morning Bright" and Sullivan'a "My Dearest Heart," and was warmly applauded. Tho sixth and last concert will be given on the 30th instant. Tipping by olairvoyance is not to be relied on. The Foilding Star points ont that at a reoent performance in that district the clairvoyant named Cremorne as the horse to win the Melbourne Cup. When the race oame off, Cremorne was absolutely hut. The annual District Meeting of the Foresters of Wellington is to be held in the Foresters' H»U, Lunbton-quay, to-morrow. The meeting is to be asked to sanction the establishment of women's ooucts. In the evening there will be a imoke concert in the Tory.»tie6th»U.

The chess matoh between Colonials and All-comors was played at tho Wellington Chess Club's rooms last night. There wero 11 players on each side, and the rosult was a victory for the Colonials by 7 to 4. Tho captains, Messrs. Barnqs (Colonials) and LittleJohn I All-comers) drew their game, as also did Messrs Wood (C) and James (A). The winners on eaoh side were — Colonials, Messrs. W. Mackay, Skeet, J. Turnbull, S. Mdokay, E. Petheriok, and Jones ; All-comers, Messrs. Lelievro, Brown, and btill. Mr. Edward Tregcar is announced to deliver » publio lecture on " Woman's History and Mission " at a meeting to be hold in Thomas' Hall on Monday evening next, under the auspices of the Citizens' Institute. In the hands of so able a lecturer, the subject should draw a large attendance. It will be seen by fin advertisement elsewhere tbat C. Smith closes to-morrow at 1 p.m., instead of Wednesday, ou nccouut of the Agricultural Show. To Aro Hoxise will be closed to-uiorrow, for Agricultural Sh"w. Q. & T. Young, watchmakers and jewellerr, LftiLbton-qaay, make a spec at at mimcoment in mother column. • Francis Sidey & Co will sell to-morrow, books, &0. 3