Evening Post. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1893. THE SUBURBAN ELECTIONS.

Evening Post, Volume XLVI, Issue 122, 21 November 1893, Page 2

Evening Post. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1893. THE SUBURBAN ELECTIONS.

♦ The contests for Otaki and Wellington Suburbs are interesting, as in each case involving a straightforward issue. Each iB a political duel, tempered only by consideration of tho personal fitnesß of the two mon. The Government is somewhat unfortunate in its choice ot' champions. Mr.DoNADDFitASKR comes before the Otaki electors clothed in a newly-turned coat. A more miserably inadequate excuse than that which ho has put forth to justify his change of political costume we have never met with. He admits that he was a Conservative in Rangitikei, and his reason for ceasing to be so is that a meeting of the Party was called withont his getting notice, and so lie was prevonted from urging that Mr. John Marshall instead of Mr. F. Y. Lkthbridoe should be chosen as tho Opposition candidate. On his own showing, personal pique is the foundation of his Liberalism, but we think ho does himself injustice, and that ho had much more substantial reasons for his volte face. Mr. FRAbEB evidently knows nothing of politics. His speeches are a queer rehash of conflicting ideas, made up apparently from scraps which he chances to remember, more or loss correotly, of a lesson someone has been trying to teach him. Ho iB, however, a very decided Skinflint, and thinks political economy should begin and end with cutting down offioial salaries. We would suggest that a good deal more money could be saved by preventing the perpetration of political jobs in the Native Land Purohase Department, and in other ways. Mr. Fraser, if elected, would bo a very choice specimen of the broomstick order of legislator. Influenced by a commendable spirit of gratitude, he would doubtless "alwayß vote at his Party's call, and never think of thinking for himself at all." His opponent, Mr. J. G. Wilson, is a man of proved ability and large political experience. We do not always agree with Mb views, but they are the result of careful thought and honest conviction, and as such command respeot. As a local representative he has been wellnigh perfect. No district in the colony has had its wants attended to more indefatigably or its requirements met more successfully than the district represented by Mr. Wilbon. On tho lowoat grounds of Bolfinterest the olectors of Otaki would make a serious mistake should they be so ill-advised aB to prefer Mr. Fraber to Mr. Wilson. In the Wellington Suburbs district the contrast between the two candidates ia perhaps even greater than in Otaki. Dr. Newman has proved an admirable and attentive representative of local wants and requirements. Ho has been onergetic and nnceoaing in his efforts for the benefit of his constituents. In the Honso he has steadily risen in estimation as a usefnl publio man, always wellinformed on his subject, and speaking dearly, foroibly, and ably. His influence in the House has been considerable, and he has gained the respeot of even his opponents. No man deserves better of the women of hia district, 'for he fought manfully for their enfranchisement, and his perseverance and influence in the lobby and with the other Chamber aided in no small degree tho passing of that great reform. Common gratitnde should ensure Dr. Niwman the vote of every woman in the distriot. His opponent, the Government candidate, is an nnfledged youth, sublimely ignorant on the questions upon which he presumes to speak, apparently quite innooenC of any fixed political principles, and of somewhat lax political morality. He often talks the veriest nonsense at his meetings, and hia utterances at different places upon the most straightforward issues are utterly irreconcilable one with another. No doubt if Mr. Wilford got into the House he would do as he was told for a time, but even the Party he supports, or is supported by, could have very little confidence in his stability of purpose. As to influence in the House, he would have none. He would represent a vote and nothing more. Mr. Wilfobd requires a few moro years of political education before he is qualified to fill any public position of responsibility. His crude and superficial ideas and flippant Btyle can only pleaae the unthinking. The olectors of the Suburbs would sacrifice their own best interests in preferring to be represented by Mr. WIiiFOBD rather than by Dr. Newman. We do not, however, anticipate that any such calamity is likely to befall.

i. -i - - V Mr. Trovers writes to us to say he had t fully considered the question of treaty r obligations when advocating the absolnte s exclusion of Chinese, and can find nothing to i- prevent legislation in that direction. If ree turned to the House, Mr. Travers says he will ; test its feeling withont delay, and if a measure s to exclude Chinese is passed he has no fear of t any treaty obligations preventing its opera0 tion. Wo fear Mr. Travera is not well r acquainted with the history of the anti- ■ Chinese movement in the Australian colot nies and in America, or he would know that it has been held by tho highest authorities that - snoh legislation as he proposes is ultra vires. The latest intelligence from Amenoa bearing on this Bubjeot ia as follows :— " The State 1 " Department at Washington is in receipt of ■' "a letter from Li Hung Chang, tho Yioeroy, % "to the President of the United States. " According to thia letter, China will take [> "no action -in regard to the Geary Law " (although keenly feeling its unfriendliness " and injustice) until the next session of the " American Congress, when it is hoped that " the measure will be repealed. Should this " not be the' ease, China will immediately " take steps in retaliation. Friendly rela- , ' ' tions between China and the United States " will be interrupted, and operations will be " made to expel Americans residing in China. " In the meantime, however, eipeoial care

' will bo taken that Americans resident in ' China will bo in no wise molested or inter- C ' fered with." It is not to bo supposod that C ;he Imperial Government would allow New v Setilan'l to invite reprisals of the kind re- a 'erred to, involving British snbjects in China , 1 jr to involve the Empire in an international t lifficulty. a

Tho manner in which oi r morning oontomporary, the Ministerial organ, is wobbling j,bout amongst the professedly Liberal caniidateß for the city 13 exceedingly amusing. A few days ago it excommnnicated Mr. Macdonald with all the accompaniments of boll, book, and candle. A few days afterwards it was prepared to clasp cither Mr Macdonald or Mr. Yosrel to its maternal bosom, as the Ministry might determine Yesterday it denounced Mr. M'Lean as qnite unfit to "represent tho City, but to-day Mr. M'Lean is paraded as a paragon of political virtue, whose fidelity deserves tho highest reward. Why don't Ministers tell their organ whom they wont to get in ? Why don't they pnt forward for Wellington a Government ticKot, as they have put one forward elsewhere? It would seem that they aro afraid to do so. Too many lovers puzzle a maid, and tho bashful Seddon is bewildered by the number of aspirants for his favour. It seems, by the way, that Mr. M'Loan proposed in a direot manner for the Government snpport. But he did not get what he sought. Here is the Premier's diplomatic roply :— " I am in " receipt of your letter of yesterday requost- " ing the support of the Government. Personally, I am in favour of this support " being cheerfully given, for you have ever " been loyal to the Liberal Party, and have " proved yonrsolf an earnest, painstaking, " and energetic member." The Premier, it will bo observed, is very careful not to pledge the Government to Mr. M'Lean. Personally, he is in favour of such a course, but ho may have to sacrifice his porßonal feelings toother considerations. Mr. Seddon is not the Government whon it docs not suit him. At other times he is. Evidently the Government, despite Mr. Seddon's personal appreciation of M'Lean's services, would very gladly be rid of , that gentleman if it could find any decent pretext for dropping him.

We are informed on good authority that amongst the largo number of men employed on co-operative works in the Masterton district are many who bave only been a few months in the colony. Yet all these men have been duly registered as electors, und our informant states that they have been I urged or induced to sign false declarations as to their term of residence in tho colony by officers in the Government employment, who assured them it wonld be all right. Our informant adds that he knows several men who have thus got their names placed on the roll, who arrived in New Zealand early in last May. This iB a serious matter and deinandß strict enquiry. Probably tho same thing has been done in othor disl riots. The Masterton roll eliould be thoroughly scanned and compared with tho records of the Labour Bureau regarding tho uica it has sent up to the distriot. If any have claimed the franchise after less than twolvo months' residence in tho colony and thioo- months in the district, they should be at. once proceodod against, and anyone Aho has suggested or connived at the fraud should also be punished. Our report of last night's meeting of shop assistants, sundry rino-sbooting, lawn tennis, and cricket scores, and letters to tho Editor appear on the fourth page. A number of letters to tho Kditor are still crowded out. An English mail will come to hand by the Wakatipn, due hero to-morrow. Five large ocean steamers — the Ruapehu, Waikato, Coptic, Star of England, and Star of Victoria — aggregating about 21,000 tons, wero lying alongside the Queen's Wharf this morning. There were also a number of smaller steamers, the total tonnage at the wharf being about 30,000. The quarterly criminal session of the Supreme Court will bo held next Monday by the Chief Justice. The following is the prosent state of the calendar : — James Mannix, larceny ; Thomas George Frasor, larceny j Frank Philpott, alias J. H. Smith, falso pretences ; Patrick Scott, alias J. Williams, larceny; Edward Cloke and Wm. Burton, larceny (five charges) ; Wm. Thomas, perjury ; William Tavorsham, sodomy ; Henry Valleile, larcony ; Richard Coyne, mahoioußly wounding; Edward Alex. Haggen, criminal libel ; Joseph Knight, burglary ; Dennis Driscoll and James Morris, uttoring counterfeit coin ; Wm. Noblo, perjury ; Alfred Joseph Kirk, breaches of tho Bankruptcy Act; Edward Wado, demanding liquor by monaocs ; Ellen Blake, attempt to murder. Mr. Blow, Under • Sccrotary for Public Works, has returned from an inspection of the railway works between Eketahuna and Woodvillo. About 200 men are employed on the co-pperativo principle Tenders are now being invited for the iron girders leqnircd for the bridge over tho Makakahi stream, and instructions lmvo been given to have the concrete work carried out on tho cooperative system, the Government supplying the material. Plans and specifications of the bridge to bo erocted across the Maugatainoko River are in hand, and a contract for its constrnotion will !je let at an early date. The undertaking is one which the Pnblic Works Department does not feel justified in letting on the co-operative principle, owing to tho largo quantity of Ironwork. At tho present rate of progresa, the Department anticipates that it will be possible to run right through to Napier in about two years' time. A request was recently made to the Technical School that it should examine persons anxious to seoure licenses as plumbers and issue certificates to those who are considered proficient. Last evening a deputation from the Tcohnioal School Committee waited on tho Publio Works Committee of the Courieil, and pointed out that in order to undcrtako the duty asssistanco in the matter of providing suitable bnildings and appliances wonld require to be given. Tho matter was referred to the Building By-Law Committee for a report. The ordinary meeting of the City Council, which was to have been held on Thnrsday, will not take place until next Friday week. Imprest supplies for the next fortnight for wages and salaries up to the end of tho present month were granted at last night's Bpecial meeting. In going astern as Bhe was leaving' the Queen's Wharf last evening, the Wairarapa collided with the corner at the north end of No. 3 bortb, bending the pilo and damaging the planking. It is stated that a largo hole was also made in the steamer's stern. Re the best bullock suitable for shop trade at tho late show " A New Chum " writes to ns: — "The first prize bullock (Shorthorn) and the one commended (Hereford) in the above class having been killed by the Gear* Company to know thoir weight for the guessing competition, weights of which appear in your issue this evening, and as there was a good deal of discussion as to the award of this prize, would tho Gear Company's manager kindly inform us through your columns which he considered the best carcase of beef when dead. I take it that the best is not necessarily the heaviest, but that worth most per 1b to the butcher and consumer." A remarkable performance was witnessed in the cricket match at Karori tin Saturday between the Rival tbird and the Karori first, C. Spiers, a member of tho latter team, taking ten wickets at a cost of one run. He bowled nine men, and caught tho tentli off his own bowling. Thiß is, we believe, a world's record. Messrs. A. H. Turnbull (President), D. B. Caldwell, D. P. Howdon, and W. Prydo will represent tho Hutt Golf Club at the Golfing Tournament in Dunedin on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of next week. Thc-y intend to leave by the Waihora next Monday. The Tailoresses' Union held its quarterly meeting in tho Exchange Buildings last evening, the Hon. J. Riff?, M.L.U., presiding. The report was satisfactory, inasmuch as it showed that a substantial addition had been made to tho funds and there was an increase in the number of members. Tho meet'nps of tho Union will in future bo held monthly. It was docided that the Secretary (Miss Playle) should write to the Tailors' Society suggesting the advisability of amalgamating the two bodies. The balance-sheet of the late social gathering showed a satisfactory surplus. The entertainment given by the young ladies of St. Andrew's Litorary Society m St. John's Schoolroom last evening proved highly snocesßfnl, and as the rosnlt a substantial Bum is expeoted to be handed over to the funds of the Homo for the Aged and Needy. The Rev. H. Van Staveren, during an interval, thanked the porformera in the name of the Trustees. The ladies desire to express thoir thanks to Mr D. D. Hyde for the loan of wigs, Ac, and to Messrs. E. J. King and Son for allowing them the use of musical instruments. The following are the prinoipal recommendations decided upon by the Pnblic Workß Committee of the City Council last evoning :— That a copy of the City Surveyor's report with respeot to the water supply at the high lovels be sent 1 to the petitioners in the neighbourhood of Auroraterrace and Wellesley-rood, and that tho matter be further considered at the next meeting of the Publio Works Committee; that a reply be Bent to the petitioners for assistance in covering the stream at the back of Ellice-street that the Counoil is unable to contribute towards the work, as thoy had been advised that any expenditure on Buch work would be illegal, and further that the parties causing the nuisanoe be called upon to take steps to abate it within 14 days ; that the question of cleansing the main thoroughfares of the City on Sunday morning be referred to the Finance Committee for consideration and a report; that the petitioners for asphalting on the went side at the northern end of Grant-road be informed that the Council will oomply with their request if they will pay for the completion of half of the footpath ; that a further portion of Jervois-quay be formed, so as to give aoceßS to the weighbridge recently erected there ; that proceedings for taking the property of Mr. L. Hook, of Grainger-street, be postponed until after the 31st Marjh^ next; that the right-of-way applied for by Mrs. Lookwood, off AroBtreot, be not granted; that consent be panted to the extension of Harper-street, in accordance with the amended plan sent by Mr. F. London ; that the larger water service applied for at the i'otono Railway Workshops bo not granted; that sanotien be given to the transfer of tho lease of house and lands at the Karori Cemetery from Messrs. Soruby and Mooro to Mr. A. G. Tame. Elsewhere in this issne there appears the report and balance-sheet of the United (Fire and Maiine) Insurance Company (Limited), for the year ended 30th September, 1893. The report shows a very steady inorease of business, aB compared with the previous year, with a very muoh lower percentage of losses. In addition to paying the sharesholders a dividend at the rate of 12fc per oent. per annum, the directors 'are able to materially inorease the reserve funds, whioh now stand at J!61,500. The prinoipal office for New Zealand is in Wellington, Mr. J. S. , Jameson being the Resident Seoretary.' The members of the local board are Messrs. Nioholaa Reid and Martin Kennedy.

This morning, before the Chief Justice, in Chambers, Mr. Bnldwin, on behalf of tho Official Assignoo, moved for tho issue of a warrant under tho Bankruptcy Act for tho arrest of Win. .loseph Meek, of Palmorston North, boardinghouso-kceper, on the ground that he was about to abscond with a large amoint of his property. A petition was filed yesterday by G. A. Tattle and another praying to have Mr. Meek declared bankrupt, and affidavits were put in showing that there was reasonable ground to believe that the debtor was trying to leave the country by way of Auckland. His Honour, aftop hearing argument, made an order for a warrant to be execnted in Auckland on a telegraphic copy, and appointed theXHficial Assignee here receiver and manager of the debtor's estate. Mr. Martin, R.M., presided at the Magistrates' Court to day. Several first offenders were punished for drunkenness. Frederick W. Lowe and Edwin C. L. Dawe pleaded Guilty to a charge of drunkenness, and were also charged with assaults on two members of the Permanent Artillery, named E. G. Whitehouse and L. Renish, who wero at the time aoting as assistant constables. They wero sent to gaol for 14 days' hard labour. August Berggreen, for having refused to take his turn at the wheel on board tho steamer Waikato when ordered to do so, was eenteuccd to two days' hard labour, and ordered to forfeit days' pay. Grace Estall, who did not appear, was committed to gaol for six weeks' hard labour for having used obscene language in Cuba -street. Three respeotable - looking lads — named Llowolly n Robson, William Mill, and Walter Bushwore charged with having lighted gorse in he Wellington College grounds, near some wooden buildings in course of erection. Bush was discharged, bnt the others were fined 10s each, together with 9s costs each, or four days' imprisonment. Thos. Whittaker, for having trotted his horse round the Evening Post corner, was fined sa, with 7s costs. Gertrude Clarke, aged 19, pleaded Guilty to having stolen a gold watch valued at .£6, the property of Ann Hannah. The girl was rooentfy a subordinate in a visiting theatrical company. His Worßhip remanded her for a week, to obtain a report fr<-m the Probation OfHoer. A married couple meanwhile undertook to provide for her. Robert Tretheway was summonod for working a horse while it was in an unfit condition. Mr. Skerrott appeared for tho defendant. Trethoway's dofence was that he merely exeroised the beast, in order to sco whether the animal, after having had a long rest, was fit to work. His Worship considered thau the cruelty had not been of a wilful character. Defendant was fined 4s, togothor with -£1 16s costs Yesterday the New Zealand Land Association shipped per s.s. Wairarapa four prize fat bullocks on account of Mr. Alexander M'Kenzie, of Feathcrston. Tho animals wero exhibited at tho show last week, wiierc they were greatly admired. They aro being sent to Dunedin for exhibition at the coming show, and will be afterwards sold. John Brodio, merohant, was to-day adjudged bankrupt. The settling-up in connection with tho Porirua Races takes place at the Porirua Hotel to-morrow night. A benefit concert and sacred gathering is to be held at the Lowor Hutt Oddfellows' Hall to-morrow evening in aid of Mrs. Parke, a widow, whose house was lately burned down, there being no insurance upon it. It has been decided that the proposed bowling match between the Thorndon and Wellington Clubs shall not take place next Saturday. The sale of sections in tho Makohino, Ngamatea, and Mangnmabu Villago Scttlcmonts, &c, advertised by the Commissioner of Crown Lands, has been postponed. Our readers are reminded of tho Christy Minstrel entertainment by the Orpheus Club at St. Mark's Schoolroom this evening. In Kirkcoldie & Stains' new ndverhßcments special mention is made of new shipment? of ladies' sailor hats. The firm also announces the amvil of a shipment of ladle?' kid glore*. Further particulais will bo found m our frout p.igo iiud over the leading article. Francis Sidey A Co will sell to-'oorrow, furniture, &c. Gcorgo ThouißS A; Co. will sell to-morrow, furniture, &c. Churchward & Co. will sell tn. morrow, produce, *c. Freeman B. Jackson & Co. will lell to-morrnv , at JohnnonTille, stock.

EiaSRTONE appreciates comfort and elegance, combined with oorreot fashion, in wearing apparel. All these qualities may be obtained to perfection at TeAro House. The latest styles from the London and Paris houses aro oarefully seleoted by Home agents, and forwarded by every mail, so that ladies may rely upon getting the most recent productions from the centres of fashion, at Te Aro Souse. Notwithstanding dull times, the dressmaking department has been taxed to the utmost to keep pace with tho constantly increasing demand upon its resources, the number of orders being far in advance of any previous record. Ladies wishing to have their drosses made in first-class Btyle should, therefore, lose no time in interviewing Miss Begg, at Te Aro House. — Advt. Rochester Lamps are par excellence, the most agreeable parlour and reading lamps obtainable, and everyone now has a splendid chance of obtaining one Free of Cost by purchasing a ponnd packet of " Matchloßs " Brand Tea. See Wardell Bros.' advortisoment on our first pagfi.- Advt.