HOW TO DEAL WITH LABOUR.

Evening Post, Volume L, Issue 36, 10 August 1895, Page 2

HOW TO DEAL WITH LABOUR.

It was rather instructive on Wednesday night to listen to the Hon. Mr. HeoveB 1 speeoh. He said that the Government relied upon the Land for Settlements Bill as the only remedy in dealing with the want of employment in the colony. It was rather a damaging admission, so far as the Labour Party is oonoerned. We always understood that it was the Labonr Bureau and the various Labonr Bills whioh have been fathered by Mr. Reeves that were to sottlo the labour trouble of this oolony. Apparently Mr. Beeves has given that np, and he now wishes to rely upon the Lund for Settlements Bill, the administration of which rests with the Hon. Mr. M'Kenzie. If this ia to settle the Labour question, we oannot see why it could not have been settled before now, because there was no diffionlty in the Department obtaining land, and the vote given by Parliament baa not been exhausted — in foot, not more than half has been Bpeat ; nor did Parliament in any way prevent Mr. M'Kenzie from purchasing any land he pleased. The diffionlty has been that he has really had a plethora of offers. Up to the present tints there has only been necessity for purchasing one eßtate oompulsorily — one near Oamaru— and in this case the oompany was willing to Bell, the only question being that of price. It is absurd, therefore, to say that there has been no opportunity for obtaining suitable landa for settlement, and we again say that if this were requisite for a settlement of tho Labour question, nothing whatever has oomo in the way of the Ministry carrying its proposals out. Of oourse, it means that the Labour Billa of the Hon. Mr. Beeves-the Conciliation Bill, the Shop Honra Bill, the Factories BUI, *0., *o.— have all faUed, and he now relies on tho Land for Settlement* Bill as a. solution of tha unemployed question. This, a* we have Baid, is a moot damaging ad-

mission— in faot, it ia a proclamation that tho Labour Department, so far .ib affecting labour, hai been a huge failure Wo aro afraid that the other schemes of tho Ministry are also failnros. Thoro oan bo no doubt that this year the unemployed question is in a worse state than it has ever been in the colony. There has never been such distress as lias been witnessed this year in the South Island and in a great portion of tho North Island, and there is nothing in the proposals of tho Ministry, either in tho Budget or elsewhere, to deal with tho question.

Wo have never been able to quite symp" thiso with the pnrely sentimental objection to tho use of Mount Cook aB a prison sito. It was no doubt an error of judgment to appropriate such a very fine sito to such a purpose, but that tho prison being there inflicts any social or moral injury on Wellington we have never been able to see. At the same time, wo wish it had not been placed there. Being there, the only questions wbiuh can legitimately arise are whether snoh a central prison is needed, and whether the building is adapted for the purpose for which it has been ereotedP Tho first question must, wo fear, be answered in the affirmative. A largo oentral penal establishment is needed by tho colony. The second question we are not so sure about. The most reoent theories of prison management and construction are, we believe, rather opposed to the lines followed in the design of th a Mount Cook Giol. On this point, howover, we do not feel competent to offer any decided opinion. If the building is suited to tho purposes for which it has been oreoted, then wo hold that there is nothing to justify its not being applied to that purpose. To talk of pulling down a suitable prison building is an absurdity only equalled by the idea that a building erected as the Mount Cook Gaol has been for penal purposes could by any architectural skill be converted into a Buitable bnilding for a Uni<-. voraity. The option is between utilising the building and palling it down altogether. It conld never be made suitable for a University College. It is not a Now Zealand University which is wanted, but a modest University College. No very large or pretentious building is required for such a College. The Mount Cook site— if the buildings were cleared away, aud it could be utilised for leasing in the ordinary mannor —would , no doubt, prove a valuable endowment. There is not, however, tbe slightest probability of its being obtained for suoh a purpose. To pull the present building down would be a wasteful exfcravaganco if it can be used for prison purposes. Wellington must unfortunately have a gaol, but it docs not need two. If Mouut Cook oan fulfil all needful reqniromonts, the present Terrace Gaol could bo dono without. The buildings are not of much acoonnt, and the sito ia a pleasant one. It might possibly bo obtained as an endowment for tho University College. Thoro would be more chanoe of getting it than there is of getting the Mount Cook site.

Protection is by its advocates held out us n. boon to the working man, increasing the employment open to him. How it aotually affects the working man in this direction is shown by some recent figures given in tho report of tho Chief Inspector of Factories for Victoria, whero Protection has bcon rampant. In 1890 there wore 47,613 persons employed in registered factories. In 1891 there were only 34,208. In four years tbo industries whioh have been protoctod to the hilt have oeased to find employment for, upwards of J. 3,000 workers. * The Review of Reviews, speaking of the New South Wales elections, aud tho verdict in favour of Freetrade, says : — " Tho greatest of tho colonies has thus a definite fiscal creed, which will be translated into law with courage and promptitude, and this fact will powerfully inflnonoo tho trend of politics in tho colonies generally." On the fourth page wo publish our reports of yosterday' s Parliamentary proceedings, tho Eduoation Conference deputation to tho Minister for Education, interesting notes on tho "guying" of tbo Premier by Maoris in hiß up-country tour?, and somo letters to the Editor. Tho Imperial and Asiatic Quarterly Roview and Oriental and Colonial Record for July contains a long article on Now Zealand by Sir Robert Stout. We notico in tho article somo predictions that have become verified. It must have been written before the annual accounts wore published, but Sir Kobert predicted a fall in our Customs, &o. A deputation from tho Wellington Soonery Preservation Sooiety has boon appointed to ascortain, if possible, what plan of the proposed new recreation ground has been laid down by the City Council. The society is anxious to learn what is proposed to be done, so that it may assist in ornamenting the ground. It is aUo tho intention of that body to make an offer to boautify tho plantation reserve close by tho proposed recreation ground, which it overlooks. Tho accident to the New Zealand Shipping Co. 'B stoamor Tongariro has caused alterations in the time-table of tho fl.iefc. 'ihe Aorangi, which left London on tho 26th nit. for Wellington, will take the place of the Kaikonra, while tho Tongariro, which Bhonld havo loft Lyttleton on her homeward trip ou Tnursday, will fill in the homeward date of the Kaikoura. Tho Aorangi will return to London as a cargo boat, white the Kaikoura, Bimutaka. and Ruapohu will extend their stays at Homo some weeks longer than usual, in ordor to again fall in with tho proper time-table running. The Painters' Union met last evening, Mr. T. Brooker, President, in tho chair. Tho deputation which waited npon the Minister for Labonr in reference to work for tho painters of Wellington generally announced that the hon. gentleman had promised to do his best to accede to the requost. Snveral candidates wero eleoted. It was decided to hold a social gathering on the 23rd instant. A party from Government Honso was present at the performance of " Tho Land of the Moa " last evening. The Premier has signified his intention to attend this evening. The audience will also include the Wellington and Manawatu representative football teams. On Monday evening " A Prodigal Son " will be produced. Mr. F. Rogen landed yesterday from the b s. Flora two beautifnl collies, which had been on exhibition at this week's Dunodin Dog Show. There wero no fewer than 14 entries in one class, and 11 in the other, and in eaoh claes Mr. Rogon secures first prize Tho competition was very keen, and the result must bs very gratifying to tho owner. Frederick Arnold, who was released from gaol only yesterday morning, appeared to-day before Mr. Martin, S.M., on a charge of the theft of a hat from To Aro House, and was sent baok to prison for three months. Detective Neill mado the arrest. Richard Tnbman, an old man, charged with being a rogue and a vagabond, was remanded till Monday. A youth named John Stewart, arrested yesterday by Chief Deteotivo Campbell on board the Flora on hor arrival from the Sonth, was remanded to Dunodin to answer a charge of having broken and enterod the bouse of Alcsan'Jor Nicholson, at Tomahawk, Otago, and stolen a quantity of clothing. In the oivil oase Goo. Bradley v. S. S. Moore, a olaim for .£729 6d, value of broad supplied, his Worship gave judgment for £i Cs 6d without ooßts. Mr. Hindmarsh appeared for the plaintiff and Mr. Wilford for the defendant. The annual re-union of ihe Wellington Builders' Association was held in Bodley's new rooms last night, tho President (Mr. H. Edwards) in the chair. An excellent supper was provided by Mr. Bodley. In addition to tho usual loyal toasts the following were honoured: — " Parliament," proposed by Mr. A. Johnston, and acknowledged by Sir llobfc Stout and Mr. Dnthio, M H.R.s (Mr. Duthie afterwards gave an address on his observations of the bnilding trade in Brussels and New York) ; " The City Counoil," proposod by Mr. H. J. White, and responded to by the Mayor ; " The Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners," proposed by Mr. A. Johnston, responded to by Messrs. W. W. Hale and F. W. Scott; ?l Our Guests," proposed by Mr. J. Trevor, responded to by Mr. T. Foley ; " The Press," proposed by Mr. J. Bronsden. Songs were given by Measrß. Trevor, Hale, Miller, M'Kay, Emeny, and Gardner, and recitations by Messrs. H. J. White and A. Wilson. " Auld Lang Syne" terminated a very enjoyable re-union. iMr. Georgo M'Grogor, son of Mr. A. H „ a ™>i?9C. Inspeotor of Maohinery, and at £?««.«*?*£ of the Talune, passed h ". e ," m i na *'^ on Thursday for aohiefeng. - ■> ->.-ti^ tt t e . The sixth v .< u.il Bj'°oial v _n._ u)( o /"th 8 D Battery took plaod\j»t Tiomas' TTall last night. Fully 150 peopß?. were presont, in spite of tho weather, and tbo affair proved most enjoyable. The hall was very tastefnlly decorated. Tbe Volnntoor officers present included Col. Fox, Sir Arthur Douglas, Captain Paterson, Lieutenant-Commanding Warren, Lieutenants Hume and J. Dnthio, and Sergeant -Major Richardson, N.Z.A. The dance musio was supplied by Minifies String Band, Sergeant Jeffreys and Gunner M'Gillvray acted as M.C.'s, and the supper was provided by T. Rowell & Son The management committee oonsisted of Lioutenant-CommandingWarron, Lieutenant Rolleston, Sergeants Jeffreys (Seoretary) and Petheriok, Corporals Coombs andJorgansen, Bombordior Godfrey, and Gunner M'Gillvray . The Treasurer of the Boys' Institute aoknowledgOß receipt of the following subscriptions : — H. D. Bell, JS2 2s sW. Ferguson, .£1 ; John Christie, 10s ; shilling list— om- i ploy<sD.l.C.,B3 6d. The annual meeting of the Pott Nicholson Yaoht Club was held in the Empire Hotel last evening. In the absence of the Commodore (Mr. E. W. Mills), who sent an apology, the ohair was taken by the ViceCommodore (Mr. G. Mcc). The report and balance-sheet were adopted, on the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr. A. G. Johnson. Tho eleotion of office-bearers resnlted as follows : — Patron, the Earl of Glasgow (re-eleot3d) ; Commodore, Mr. E. W. Mills (re-elected) ; Vice-Commodore, Mr. G. Mcc (re-elected) ; Rear-Commodore, Mr. A. H. Tnrnbull; Committoo, Messrs. M. lining and J. R. Gibbons (re-eleoted), A. E. Dean, J. M'Lean, jun., and J. F. WinstanInj ; Starter, Handicapper, and Timekeeper, Mr. A. G. Dixon (re-eleoted); Seoretary, Mr. J. B. Sp'oed (re-elected); Treasurer, Mr. J. H. Jaok; Auditors, Messrs' W. R. Symons and W. E. Hall (re-elected); Measurers, Messrs. E. Gell (re-eleoted) and F. Carrington. It was deoided that a sooial gathering should be held next month, and a committee, consisting of the Vioe-Commo-dore, Rear - Commodore, Seoretary, and Messrs. A. G. Johnson and W. H. Morrab, was appointed to oarry ont the arrangemento. A disoussion .took place as to the next championships, and it was stated that in all probability the raoes would take place at Lyttelton on Ist January. Correspondence between the club and the Harbour 3oard in referenoe to the proposed yaoht harbour was read, and gratification was expressed at the probability of a shelter being obtained. ' ' ' ; The Superintendent of the Home for the Aged Needy, Adelaide-road, desires to thank dr. Woodger. florist, of Molesworth-street, or ornamental shrubs for the garden. - .

The Stipendiary Magistrate had considerable diffionlty .to-day in dealing with the caso ot Thomas Dickaon, chargod with a breach of tho Bankruptcy Act in having failed to keep proper books Diokson had been remanded for the Probation Officer's report, and this waß favourable to him. Mr. Martin said this was the first case of the kind nnder the Aot, as in all previous cases there hud been tbo element of fraud. The Crown Prosooutor had stated that there was no suggestion of fraud in the present case, but merely ignorance of tho proper way in whioh bonks should be kept. He (Mr. Martin) had made porsonal enquiries, and had found that thoro was truth in the acoused's statements that tho books of the firm in which he had learnt his trade, and tho books of the retail grocers genorally, were kept in a similar manner to his own. The difficulty was to know what to do with the aocusod. The Legislature had made no distinction botwoen fraudulent book-keeping and a mere ignorance of a proper Byßtem. Ho thought the only thing" to do was to bind the accused in his own recognisance of £10 to come up for sentence when oalled upon. Mr. Hislop appeared for tho accused. The libel action initiatod by the Government Insurance Department against Christohuroh Truth has been Battled. Tho proprietors of Truth agree to two publications of an apology in eaoh of the chief oentres, and will pay oostß. The ladies in charge of the Soup Kitchen daring tbo last week have been — STosdames W. A Chappie, W. E. Woods, R E. Bannister, Haucox, Smith, T. W. Hislop, and W. Urown, Misses Kirk, Pinny, and Foster. Donations of money and materials have been made by Bfesiames W. D. Dumball, Brcnton, YVilkinson, Warnock, Burn, Brown, an(3 Pinny, Messrs. Varcoo, Thompson, G.Webb, | Burbidge, M'Carthy, Barber & Co., tho Gear Meat Company, and other sympathisers. Sir John Hall has presented Parliament with a copy of Anseli's famous Jubilee portrait of Her Majesty, whioh is her favouritepiotnre of herself. It was painted for Sir John by speoial permission of Her Majcßty, by an artist whom she had engaged to make copios of other pictures. Ihe pioture, whioh ia some 10ft x fift, is to be hung in the lobby. Tho copy is remarkable for the admirable work in the drapery and accessories. Mr. D. A. Baxter, who has for some time post discharged the duties of accountant in the local branoh of the Now Zealand Loan and Morcantile Company's business, ib about to fill a similar position in the Napier office. He will bo succeeded here by Mr. W. M'Cutcheon, from the head office. The Conference with regard to frozon meat is to' open on the 20th instant. Through Lloyd's Weekly enquiry is made for Albert F. Cross, who came to New Zealand in 1886, and was last hoard of from the Stores, Holloway-road, Mitohelltown, Wellington, in February, lßß7. A Blip occurred this morning on the Government railway lino to the north of Haywards station. A quantity of clay and mnllock came down, blocking the lino, and necessitating an interchange of passengers, mails, and luggage between tho two early trains. Tho debm was cleared away sufficiently to let the train from Masterton through to time. A meeting, representative of various religious bodies, was held yesterday at tho Corporation offices to consider the sabjoot of Scripture lessons in tho publio schools. There were present :— The Mayor ( Vlr. C. M. Luke), iii the chair, the Bishop of Wellington, Revs. J. Paterson, R. Coffoy, W. Banrabrr, J. Ward, B. J. Murray, J Gray, C. A. Tiedall ; Messrs. J. G. W. Aitken, E. Andcreoii, J. W. Davis, R. C. Hamorton, J. M'Lean W. Moxham, 0. P. Powles, and G. Tiller; Major-Gonoral Schaw acting as seoretary. The following wore unable to attend from various causes, but are in full sympathy with the movement: — Tho Yen. Archdeacon Fanconrt, Revs. C. H. Sprott, W. C. Waters, J. K. Elliott, and W. Shirer. Tho Bishop of Wellington sketohed the history and present state of this movement, and read the resolution of tbe last Synod of tho Anglican Church, and the draft of the Bill to be introduced into Ptirljamont tliis session, for whioh he bespoke support from all denominations and all classes of society. Tho subject was discussed very fully, and the following resolutions were carried unanimously (the Mayor and the Roy. J. Gray reserving their opinions, for the present, as to the entire suitability of the Irish National School Book of Scriptural Lessons) : — 1. "That wo aprreo to the petition now to bo brought before Parliament in favonr of the introduction of the Irish National School Book of Scriptural Lessons into tho publio sahools of the colony, and wo will work cordially together in furtherance of this object." 2 "That in order to carry ont the objects mentioned in the first resolution a joint committee bo formed, and that tho persons present at this meeting (or named as b»ing unable to bo present) be members of this committee, with power to add to their number — Mr. C. Luke, Mayor of Wellington, being chairman, and Major-Gonoral Scuaw being secretary." The committee is to meet on the 22ud Lust, at 3 30 p.m. The exhibition of the Academy of Fine Arts closes this evening. Tho weekly meeting of the Women's Ddmooratio Union was held last night, Mrs. Tasker, President, in the chair. A resolution was passed strongly protesting againßt extra taxation on material that will affect female employment such as shirtmakinß, Ao. For next Friday night male members are invited. Otago papers note the death of Mr. J. S. Dalzoll, of Pukeuri, near Oamaru. Mr. Dalzell was a very old settler, and in 1857 took up tbe Centre Hill station on the Five Rivers Plain, Southland, in conjunction with tho late Mr. Y. D. looklmrt, of Hakotarainpa, Canterbury. Mr. Dalzell leaves a widow (daughter of the lato Me. John Hardy, Tokoraairiro, Otago) and sevcal children. Mr. Maughan Barnott'B musical society now numbers 158 voices, and fresh names aro coming in every day. This result in little over a fortnight's time gives every promißO of success, especially as tho different parts are oxcellently balanced. Those interested who have not yet intimated their intention of joining aro roqnested to do so as early as possible, in order that tho epooial circulars just isauod to membors may be forwarded at once. The ontiro proceed') of the oonoort to be giveu by Miss Medley and Mr. A. F. Hill at Thomas' Hall ou Monday aro to be devoted to the relief of tho unemployed. Amongst the performers will bo Madame Eveleen Carlton (who has given her services for the occasion without fee), besides tbe concertpromoters and Miss Wood and Mr. E. J. Hill. Onr renders aro reminded of the Manchester Unity Oddfellows' concert and danae, which takes place on Thursday next. Bishop Wallis will deliver an address, and a firstclass programme has been arranged. Tho full programme will appear in Wednesday's issue. A Pplendid programme has been prepared for the concort ia Trinity Wesleyan Schoolroom next Monday evening. The fourth of Mr. Maughan Barnott's concerts will be given in tho Art Gallery on Wednesday afternoon next, commencing at 4 o'olook. On Friday next at 2 o'clock, J. H. Bethuno anil Co. will sell by auction, at their rooms, a choice collection of plants from Mr. C Duncan's Jjinden Vole Nursery, Porirua. J. O. Chapman will hold a clearing sale of lionseliold furniture aud opossum run, capes, &c, at the Exchange Auction Booms, Lambton-quoy, ou Thursday next. A. G. Taiue & Co. advertise for sale at their rooms on Fndny, at 1.30, sausage casings. This week's Cbristcliurcli Press contains somo illustrations of celebrated racehorses, and African and other viows. Tho budget of ladies' news from all parts of New Zealand iB of interest to lady readers. Applications are invited by tho Feathenton Dairy Company for tho position of manager of its cheese factory. Acocks & Williams have rpmovod to premises next Post OfEco Hotel, Grey-street. The order of services at St. Peter's Church for to-morrow is advertised. At the Wesleyau Churches to-morrow, *errices will be conducted as follow :— 'Wesley Church, Taraimln-stroot, 11, Hot. J. T. Nott ; 6.30, Her. J. A. Luxford. Molosworti-stroet, 11, Eev. w. Ban in. bor; 6.30, Hot. B. J. Murrar. Trinity Church, Nowtown, 11, Eev. J. A. Luxford ; 6.30, Boy. J. T. Nott. Tbe subject of the event- ~.'r~non it Thorndon Wosleyau Church, Sloleaworiu ">f~at, will bo " A Hard Question." The preachers are advertised. At the Terrace C' Tegational Church, tomorrow, the servicOß i.j, 1» conduotod by tho Boy. J. Heed Glnssou. At the CourtetuiT-place fli«-c:, fi serfices will be conducted by the X.'» *>,T Clowes. i The 2 -s inthePrhnitiToMethddiatChuroh, Sydns T .s_«ot, to-morrow, -will be conducted by the Beys. E. Drake and J. Guy. The preachers for the other Primitive Methodist churches ore advertised. The services in connr-'aon with the Baptist Church, Vivian -streot, UMuurrow, will be conducted by thoEov. J. V r.'liottin the morning, and in the OTcning by i 3' • Tun. C. Dallas ton. There wm boa sermon in the Catholic Apostolic Church, Webb-street, to-morrow evening at 8 oclook. Subjeot: " Tho Translation of the First Fruits Prefigured by tho Taking Away of Elijah." The Forward Movoinent sorvicos for to-morrow are advertised. In the Forward Movement Hall, at 6.30 p.m., the Bey. W. A. Evans will lecture ou what the State con do and what it cannot do." At the Church of Christ, Dixon-stroet. tomorrow evening, Mr. A. F. Turner will preach. The services in connection with the United Control Mission are advertised for to-morrow. A sacred concert and " social " will be held on Tuesday evening. ' Mr. W, TV. Collins will delivor a lecture in the Criterion Theatre to-morrow evening.