THE FALLING REVENUE.

Evening Post, Volume LXIX, Issue 95, 23 April 1895, Page 2

THE FALLING REVENUE.

Tho Premier of New Zealand may oonsider it a "splendid result" that tho Customs revenno of the colony haa fallen by a sum of £85,503 in a Biugle year. We cannot share his exultation, nor will any porson who reflects on what such a fall means to the people. If they havo been unable to pay as much duty this year as they paid last year by £85,.'.'03, it means that they have consumed nearly half a million's worth less of dutiablo goods. The population of the colony, Ministers delight in telling us, has inoreased, instead of decreased. There have been more mouths to feed, more backs to olotbe, more feet to shoe ; and yet in all theso and other similar purposes the people have had at least £150,000 less money to spend. Their spending power has been reduced to that extent, and the reduction means that they havo bad to deny themselves wonted comforts, necessaries, and luxuries to that value. Let our readers think what this means. It is not the rich and the well-to-do who feel the pinch of hard times and deny themselves. It ia the poor and the hard-working—those who have to earn the money before they can spend it, and who if they do not earn cannot spend, however necessary the purpose may be. The falling off in the Customs revenue represents hardship to the poor, a lessened wages fund, and restricted means to those dependent on the sweat of their brow. What widespread and untold hardship and suffering is represented in this reduction of Customs revenue, whioh the Premier declares ia such a splendid result of the fourth year's Liberal administration. And then in conjoint splendour shines the falling off of £22,517 in railway revenue, telling its tale of roduced production, restricted trade, and congested circulation of the people. These aro the triumphs of Mr. Seddon's Government. It is on these reßults the Premier has the audacity to congratulate tho country. We regard such results as disastrous and alarming—as tho commencement of a downward course, the ending of which bids fair to be general ruin.

We learn irom tho South that an accident recently happened to the express train from Dunedin to Christohuroh, something having gone wrong with the cylinder. The express was delayed some time. There is an uneasy feeling arising among travellers on the Government lines. The trains do not run so punctually to time as they used to do, and there is, whethor justified or not wo cannot say, a feeling abroad that the rolling stook is not bo carefully attended to as it used to be, and that, for tho sake of keeping down expenditure, safety is not so much guarded. As we have said, wo do not know what justification, if any, there is for such a feeling, but its existence must be very injurious to the railway traffic. To Bave a few thousand pounds at the risk of possible danger would be the worst form of extravagance, and onco tho fooling we have alluded to spreads, tho lessening of receipts will Boon show the folly of a ponny-wise policy, for it moans the loss of pounds. We hear from a Southern corrcsSondent that this feeling is in the air, and le sooner the Department tries to create a better feeling of security tho bettor. The loss of many officers, the fact that tho Bailway Service is being used for rewarding political Bnpportors, and that it is being disorganised by a system of espionage being encouraged, mußt all tend to oreate a dread of railway travelling. And so Nemesis is on the path after mismanagement and wrongdoing. The loss to the Service of Messrs. Maxwell and Hannay, we are afraid, tho colony has not yet recognised. The Government has wisely paused before carrying out its threat against tho Midland Railway Company of commencing an aotion at law for breach of contract, with a view to superseding the arbitration proceedings. Notice of this intention was given by Mr. Gully, us Crown Solicitor, on 11th April, it being Btated that the writ wonld bo served after the Easter vaoation, but aa the result of correspondence on the subject with the Company s representative, Mr. R. Wilson, the Crown Solicitor on Saturday last wrote to that gentleman sayings—"l have to in- " form you that the whole question is now " under consideration, and that tho Govern- " ment will shortly decide what steps ought " to be taken in tho interests of the colony. " Meantime the writ will not be served." If the Government considers the interests of the colony that writ will never be served. It would be a most unjustifiable thing for the Government to plunge into litigation of this kind without authority from Parliament. Dunedin was not the first or only place where the Hon. Mr. M'Kenzie boasted of the speoial knowledge of Ministers regarding the condition of the Bank of New Zealand prior to the crisis of June, 1894. In the House in August last he said, in reply to a member on the other side—"We knew a great deal nfore about the Bank of New Zealand than the honourable member and his colleagues think." This was no doubt true, yet Mr. M'Kenzie now tries to make out that Ministers knew no more than the general publio did about the Bank. Accounts of Sohool Committee Elections, Wairarapa News, and a report of tho Potone Rifle Club's competitions ,'ooonpy onr fourth page. To - day being St. George's Day the Government and legal offices and Banks in Wellington were olosed. The Premier is baok again in Wellington. Policemen have already been sworn in under the £10 a month regulation, which it is now semi-offioially denied haß yet been approved by the Defence Minister. Cabinet will, at an early date, oonsidor a Bill which has been drafted to reform the whole system of charitable aid, the Premier having promised to introduce a measure of that kind next session. The time allowed the Tariff Commission for completing its labours has been extended by a fortnight. The report is to be sent in by the 14th prox. There was a clean sheat, bo far as oriminal business was concerned, in the Magistrate's Court to-day. The adjourned annual meeting of the New Zealand Times Company wbb held yesterday afternoon, Mr. A. Warburton, Chairman of Directors, presiding. The report and balancesheet wore adopted, and Messrs. A. Collins and E. Samuel were re-eleoted directors, the nomination of Mr. C. M. Luke being ruled to be informal. Messrs. Deacon and W. M'Lean were re-appointed auditors to the company. Voteß of thanks were passed to the literary, commercial, and meohanioal staffs for their services during the past year. At a subsequent meeting of directors, Mr. Arthur Warburton was re-elected Chairman and Managing Direotor. Important changes are about to be mode in the staff. The cable steamer Terranora returned from Cook Strait and Worser Bay this morning, is the weather at present prevents operations in connection with the laying of the new cable. A fresh start will be made when the weather moderates. The Connoil of the Chamber of Commeroe has resolved to oiroulate among the various Chambers of Commerce and Agricultural and Pastoral Societies in the oolony oopies of the paper on the frozen meat industry recently read before the Wellington Chamber by Mr. D. J. Nathan.

Tho Government has despatched Mr. J. E. Marcb, Superintendent of Village Settle- l ments, to Australia, in order that ho may bo ] l)lo to fnrnish a report upon tho village '. settlements and labour colonies of Now South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. It turns out that our late distinguished visitor, Mr. Morton Frewen, who so disinterestedly endeavoured to convert us all to Bi-motahsm, was the emissary of a New York silver syndicate— at least so say the Sydney Morning Herald and the Argus. He has in Australia been endeavouring to buy for his principals the Central Broken Hill silver mine, but tho shareholders would not sell. Half of those present at the meeting of householders in the Te Aro Sohool district last night were ladies. Ihey manifested great interest in the proceedings, and took an active part in canvassing for support on behalf of some candidates. One lady was particularly prominent in endeavouring to secure the rejection of a certain candidate, and took no pains to conceal her triumph at the Bnccess of her efforts when the result of the ballot was declared. The recent gales have almost completely dostroyed the boat jetty at Martin's Ferry, Evans Bay. The little pier was much used by boating and yaohting men and also by the Permanent Artillerymen, and thoreforo it is hoped the Government will Bee its way to place the jetty in good order again, or at any rate snbsidise the work. Great difficulty is now experienced in securing snitable vessels fur the carriage of coal from Newcastle to this colony, as at present they are very scarce. Of late most of the sailing vessels arriving here from Newcastle have been chartered for extended terms for tho round trip from Kaipara to Australia with timber and back to a New Zealand port with coal. Householders jn the Mount Cook Sohool district distinguished themselves last night by the election of a woman, Mrs. M. A. Tasker, to a seat on the Sohool Committee. When, however, the now Committee met after tho householders' meeting, Mr. James Robertson challenged the right of tho lady to sit on tbe Committee, on the ground that she was a married woman, living with her husband. Mrs. Tasker, who took the objection in avery matter-of-fact way , assumed Bhe would be given an opportunity of being heard. So long as it was fair and above board she was satisfied. At the same time she felt confident that she was within her rights. Ilio Chairman explained that the objection was merely raised in order to have the question of the right of women to sit on committees tested. It was then resolved, on tho motion of Mr. Robeitson, Bcconded by Mr. Henry Roborts, " That the Seoretary be instructed to approach the Education Board, and ascertain if Mrs. Tasker, a married woman living with her husband, is a legally qualified member, of the School Committee." The Board of College Governors met this morning. There wero present Messrs J. R. Blair (Chairman), J. Young, C. B. Izard, and A. H. Miles. Tho salary of the Seoretary (Mr. 0. P. Powles) was increased to .£lO5 per annum. Tho action of the Chairman in arranging for a fence dividing the Girls' High School grounds and Mrs. Sampson's property was approved. Reference was made to the improvement in the finances of the Board, and satisfaction was expressed at tho prosent state of affairs. The credit balance to-day was £.161 63 Id, and payments were authorised as follows : — College, i6I9G 18a 9d ; Girls' School, .£lll 13s 3d, leaving a balance of .£392 14s 9d, to whioh have to be added the following :— Feos due College, £141 4s 4d ; Girls' High School, £119 18s 3d ; rents due, £317 2s Id ; making a grand total balance of £970 19a od. The Chairman said he thought the Board ought to congratulate itself on having secured such an able man as Mr. Barrett to tako charge of tbe workshop at the College. Mr. Yonng suggested that facilities should also be afforded the girls to acquire a technical knowledge. The Chairman said that the Board would be only too pleased to see the girls at the Technical School or at Mr. Barrett's classes. Tho Chairman referred to the re-election of Mr. Izard as a member of the Board, and spoke of his services in tho past. Messrs. Miles and Young also made some complimentary remarks. Mr. Izard expressed his acknowledgements. Upwards of 20 retailers of dairy produce met at Bowley's Rooms last night to consider tbe price retailers have to pay farmers, for milk. A desultory conversation took place, but nothing of a definite nature was arrived at. It was, however, decided that the Chairman (Mr. W. Burbage) should, if he saw fit, convene another meeting of the trade. , Large quantities of kanri timber have been for some time past exported to Australia. Just now it would seem probable that a large and profitable trade with South Africa will be established. South Africa has hitherto drawn its timber snppliea from the Baltic provinces and America, but kauri has entered into tho competition with profit to tho dealers. A South African resident, who arrived in Wellington a few weeks ago is sanguine that a largo and profitable trade can be opened up, as the kauri has already a high reputation at the Cape, where it has also been found to be peculiarly adapted to tho climate. Two largo shipments have already been despatched by thekauri Timber Company, and the barque G. M. Tucker has been chartered to load 350,000 feet of kauri timber at Kaipara, two-thirds of whioh will be landed at Capetown and the remainder at Algoa Bay (Port Elizabeth). Captain Holm expects to make tho voyagejbetween Kaipara and Capetown, with averago luck, in two months. He intends, after discharging, to proceed to Angoncy Bay (Madagascar) to load timber tor Mauritius. The half-'deckod Bailing boat Spray broke from her moorings yesterday morning, and drifted ashore. A new steel wire rope with which she was moorod to a buoy kinked and broke. There was a heavy swell on at the time, but luckily she landed botweon two rooks. Three planks were damaged and the bolts through the keel wore broken. Her owner (Mr. Claude Banks) had only ]ust given her a thorough overhaul with a view of selling her. Mrs. Spencer desires to thank those friends who co readily responded to the appeal made on behalf of distressed seamen, and from whom gifts of money, meat, bread, and ttlotbing have been received, which onablcd the Superintendent of the Sailors' Rest to dispenseabout 100 suppers tounemployed eeamen wbo had no monoy or roof to shelter them through the late severe weather. Tho funds are now exhausted. Tho Dunedin Star, in noticing Captain Russell's recent speech in that city, Bays : — " Statements which have hardly a shadow of foundation havo been repeated so often that they are very generally believed, and the position of Ministers, based as it is on assumption and assertion, haa come to be considered as unassailable. The eloquent, earnest deliverance of Captain Russell must •pen the eyes of men and women of all ehade3 of opinion. He appeals direotly to tho common sense and intelligence of the people againßt a policy and a system of administration which, under the pretence of the greatest good to the greatest number, havo already wrought serious mischief, and, if allowed to continue, will surely bring the colony to grief. We aro not sanguine onough to expect the immediate conversion to a rational mind of that section of the city and suburban constituencies who elected the sitting members, and have expressed themselves satisfied with their conduct in tho House ; but there is little question that Captain Russell has given all of them food for reflection, and shaken the faith of a good many. It was to have been expected that, coming to Dunedin as a stranger, and with a high reputation as a public man and a private citizen, he should have been cordially received; but he can hardly have been prepared for bo enthusiastic a greeting as that whioh met his appearance on the platform. That he made a most favourable impression is evident by the frequent bursts of applause throughout his address, and the hearty vote of thanks carried by acclamation at the termination." The usual grumble about want of uniformity in school-books was made by householders last night. At tho Mount Cook meeting it was explained that the School Committees' Association was endeavouring to secure the adoption of a national system of school-books, under which the same books could be used in any school throughout the colony. The Mount Cook Committee had resolved that it must be consulted before any new books wore introduced. The receipts in connection with the Operatic Bazaar amount so far to about £500. The attendance last evening was very satisfactory. A first-olass musical programme was gone through under the direction of Messrs. F. J. Oakes and J. Kearsley, jun. Selections from "The Mikado" and "Luorezia Borgia" were given, the contributors being Mißses M'Kcegan, Gibbs, Curtice, C. Koss, N. Gallagher, and Messrs. W. Robs and W. Platts. Tho Fan Gavotte was also repeated. Tho bazaar will be olosed this evening, when a " sooial" will be held. The following is a list of the winners of art unions last nfcht : — Messrs. W. Organ, Bridge, Kenny, Reid, Black, Daniel, Hume, T. A. Munt, M. Eller, Foley, D. Biren, F. Daley, F. Quinn, Sutton, T. O. Ray, T. Minogue, Naughton, L. Killeen, J. C. Ross, M. M'Carthy, Thomas, E. A. Pelman, Gasgoine, Glenn, Pear man, Siegrief, Donnelly, Estall, Reid, Turner, Cosker, Bird, C. O'Driaooll, L. Coogan, J.Robinson, Foley, O'Malley, Mesdameß Eller, Burke, Waters, and Siegrief, Misses James, Hogan, Rigg, Burns, Siegrief, Daley, Toots, Kenny, O'Malley, and Halpin. A well-attended meeting of persons interested in the farewell meeting to the Rev. L. M. Tsitt, whioh is to take place in the Opera House next Monday, was held last evening, and was presided over by the Rev. Mr. Baumber. It was felt that after nearly 20 yoars of aotive service in the oolony Mr. Isitt well deserved his proposed trip. Mr. Isitt, in the course of his travels, will pay an extended visit to the no-lioense districts of America, to study the workings of Prohibition in that oountry. Leaving Christohuroh to-day, he is expeoted to speak at Petone to-morrow. From there he will afterwards go direot to Napier, where he will address meetings on the 25th and 26th, and returning by way of Levin, he will speak at that township on Saturday, the 27th. preaohing there on Sunday, the 28th, and return to Wellington to take part in the farewell on tho 29th, at whioh his Worship the Mayor will preside. There was a large attendance at the meeting re the proposed No. 2 Co-operative Building Sooiety of Wellington last evening, the Foresters' lower hall in Tory -street being well filled. Mr. Kitto, Chairman of the Provisional Committee, presided, and briefly sketched the history of the movement. Applications for about 60 more' shares were received. The Sooiety was then formed. Mr. Crewos was unanimously elootod Secretary and Mr. 0. W. Tringham solicitor. The proposed rules were read by Mr. Crowes, and with but one alight amendment were unanimously adopted. Nominations of persons to be candidates for the Directorate were reoeived, and the Chairman deolared the nominations olosed, but as the hour was late, it wan unanimously resolved that the eleotion should take place on a future oooasion, when arrangements for registration will also bo made,

The following plaintiffs obtained judgment in the Magistrate's Court to-day, Mr. Martin, S.M., presiding :— Cook & Laing v. T. G. Corbett, £17 17s 3d ; W. R. Cook v. J. Rosaiter, £1 3s 4d ; same v. S. J. Wright, £3. The statutory meeting of householders held in Newtown Sohool last evening decided to make it a recommendation to the incoming School Committee that prizes should not be distributed at the midsummer breaking-up. The Masonio Newspaper Company (Ltd ) has now been registered under the Companies Act, and the New Zealand Craftsman will be issued under the new proprietary on the Ist of June. Great improvements are to be made in it. Captain Grey, of tho Terranora, has placed a buoy in Cook Strait, off Sinclair's lead, E. iN., Ohao.l Point, N.E. by N. ± N., magnetic bearings. The following is something of a novelty in the way of an application for work. It is one of many which have lately been received by the City Council, but it is the only case in which the writer has " dropped into poetry " :—": — " Sir— l am a perfect stranger, and friends I have got none. Work is out of question, and my last ponnd is done. Me little ones is crying, and therentiscomming due. Now, all I want is labour, and I have asked everyone but you, and if you will bo so kind as to shove me into work, sir, (I am willing and able and knows how to do any kind of work) me and the little ones will be for ever oblidged to you. I am, sir, your obedient servant, ." If any of our readers are disposed to give the man work his name and address can bo obtained at the City Counoil Offices. The Court of Appeal commenced its bnsiness to-day with the Dunedin case of Thompson v. Phillips and Ungherer, The plaintiff had claimed in tho Supreme Court an injunction restraining the defendants from infringing his trade mark in respect of aerated water bottles, together with damages for use of his bottles. The defend ints denied having infringed the trado mark or wrongfully converted plaintiff's bottles to their own use, and Mr. Justice Williams decided the case in their favour, chiefly on the ground that the plaintiff, having chosen to treat his bottles as an artiole of commerce, could not complain if they were used for the only commercial purpose for which they wero adapted. Plaintiff now moves for a reversal of this judgment, and for judgment in terms of his original claim. The case is being argued before the Chief Justice, Mr. Justice Conolly, and Mr. Justice Denniston Sir Robert Stout and Mr. Hosking (Dunedin) appear for the appellant, and Mr. Skerrett for the respondents. Counoillor Myers will move at Thursday's meeting of the City Council " That the open trench now running alongside the steps in Moore-street bo covered in, or the nuisance caused thereby be in some other way abated.' ' Constable Moffatt convoyed a man named D. Page to the Hospital last night for treatment for a severely sprained ankle, caused by falling down in the street. Tbe annual general meeting of the Wellington Law Society was held last evening, in tho Supreme Court Buildings, when the report and balance-sheet for the past year were adopted, and the following officers elected for the ensuing year :— President, Hon. T. W. Hislop ; Vice-President, Mr. A. Gray ; Treasurer, Mr. J. C. Andrew ; Counoil, Messrs. E. D. Bell, M. Chapman, W. B. Kdwards, C. B. Morison, W. H. Quick, and S. T. Fitzherbert ; Auditor, Mr. E. F. Hadfield ; Councillors of Law Reporting, Messrs. H. D. 801 l and T. W. Hislop (rc-eleoted). Another meeting of the Publio Workß Committee of the City Counoil was held last evening, when it was decided to recommend : —That the Councillors for Thorndon Ward bo appointed a committee to enquire into the complaint of Mr. G. Yon Sohoen with reference to tho embankment at his premises in Hill-street ; that the residents of Kussollterraco be asked what amount they will contribute to the cost of covering in the watercourse thero ; that the question of repairs to Bunny and Davis streets be allowed to stand over for n short tinio until tho question of liability Ims been settled by the case shortly to bo brought before the Supreme Court ; that necessary notice be served on the owners of tho property at the head of Cottlevilleterraco to take prompt measures to prevent tho stream of water from overflowing the street ; that the Tinakori - road culvert between Park and May-streets be repaired j that consideration of the request of the residents of Caroline-street— that the street may be placed under control of the Corporation, and a lamp erected there— be held over for a time, but that in tho meantime the channels in the street be cleared out as opportunity offers ; that the wooden breastwork at Mr. M'Luggago's property, Cottlevillo-terrace, damaged by the late storm, be repaired ; that the schedule prepared by tho City Surveyor to be carried out during the current year be agreed to as amendod by this Committee ; tbat tho higher part of Coromandel-strect be lowered as formerly agreed upon, if the consent of all parties concerned oan now be obtained ; that the amount already appropriated for tho lowering of Hanson-street be retained for that purpose, in order that tho work may be done when all tho parties concernod have eiven their consent. Tho People's Popular Entertainers announce a new programme for their performance at the Exchange Hall to-morrow evening. For the Medley-Hill clmmlor music conoert, which is to take place next Saturday evening, a programme of especial merit is promised. The chief novelty will bo Roinecko's " Undine " Sonata for flute and piano, but other items new to Wellington are Svendson's Romance for violin, and two new songs written by Mr. Alfrod F. Hill. The art union drawing in aid of the new Catholio Church at Petone, is announced to come off on Friday, the 26th, in the Oddfellows' Hall, Potone. Attention is called to an advertisement in another colnmn re services in Petone, Johnsonville, and Pahautanui. Tho ethibit of pianos and organs now to bo soen at tho Dresden Piauo Company's warehouse is very special. .Francis Bidey and Co. will sell to-morrow, at Srarama - crescent, high-class furniture and furnishings. Tins is a favourable opportunity for parties fiu-msbing, as Mrs. Leicester is tearing for Euglaud, aud all lots will bo sold without reserve. A. G. Taiue ana Co. advertise a lot of furniture, books, &c, for their sale on Friday. Towusend and Paul will sell to-morrow, cliaff. Freeman K. Jackson will sell to-morrow, at Johnsoimlle, stock.