The Evening Star. SATURDAY, JULY 12, 1890.

Evening Star, Issue 8267, 12 July 1890, Page 2

The Evening Star. SATURDAY, JULY 12, 1890.

The protest against the disgraceful waßte of time in the House which was The Political yesterday forwarded to the Position, members for the City, expresses, wo believe, the yery general opinion of the country. The debate (if such a loose, purposeless discussion can be called a debate) upon the Financial Statement has now dragged its weary way along for a fortnight ; whilst hours yesterday were consumed in the impudent attempt of the Opposition to pack the Committee appointed at the instance of the Government to inquire into and report upon the preposterous charges promoted by Mr Hdtohison. There is evidently a determination on the part of Mr Ballance and his party to obstruct all necessary and useful business, and to stick at nothing in order to accomplish the desired end of making the present an entirely fruitless session. It u nothing to them that measures of very extreme importance, especially to the working classes, await attention ; that circumstances, fast becoming critical, render immediate legislation in certain directions absolutely necessary in the best interests of the people. In the minds of these unprincipled politicians the possibility c\f snedeas in their disreputable tactics overpowers all other considerations, and they have no scrupLo an to the instruments or means they employ. YVorsted

in direct attack-, -.ir.ibie eithsr i'o shake the policy of the Cabinet or suggest an alternative, they abuse their poaition as representatives, and exhibit the depths of degradation to which faction can lower, it is difficult really to conceive what ultimate purpose can be in view. The Treasury becdiea are absolutely aafe from their prefatory hands, since Ministers practically have a dissolution in their pockets, and would lie justified in resorting to this with nr without Supply. Asa mere obstructionist taction, again, they are, by their present line of conduct, killing themselves with the i enstituencies to which they profess so earnest an anxiety to appeal forthwith. Rvery day what popularity they had in limited circles is decreasing, and their chances of even making a respectable losing light at the impending elections are being diminished. Unfortunately, under the present Standing Orders, it is in the power of a minority to make themselves an intolerable nuisance in Parliament, and to be for a time literally a curse to the country ; but we would warn Mr Ballance that there are limits to the patience of the people, and that he is likely to evoke a condemnation by public opinion which will prove politically his death warrant. We tell him the honest truth when we affirm that, whatever differences of opinion there may be as to the Government, there is none whatever among any Bection of the community as to the inexpediency (to say the least of it) of supplanting them by any Ministry which he could form from his present associates. What a possibility even to presume—the affairs of New Zealand in the hands of Mr Baixance, Dr Fitohrtt, Mr W. P. Reeves, Mr Hutchison, Mr Seddon, and Mr H. S. Fisn ! Ministers may rest as secure as Charms 11. did from assassination. "They will never be fools enough," that gifted monarch said, alluding to the discontented among his people, "to kill me to make James king !" When Mr Bat.lan'ck made hia " want of confidence " speech on the Ist inst., we affirmed that he had made out no case, and we feel sure that everyone who has followed the debate will come to the conclusion that, beyond vituperation, empty denunciation, and reckless misrepresentation, there has been little or nothing in the speeches of his followers. The statement of the financial condition made by the Treasurer has not been in the least shaken, nor has it even been attempted to be shown that any other course than that which ho proposes is reasonably practical. It is nil very well to condemn certain forms of taxation, but it is necessary to raise revenue by some means or another: and those who would abolish existing means must be prepared to suggest others which will better effect the same purpose. If the Opposition can devise any kind of taxation which will not press upon the resources and touch the pockets of the people, will raise the required ways and means, and yet be popular, they will indeed deserve well of the State. As yet, however, they have not got further than to denounce the Property Tax and propose a substitution which would be essentially defective, in that it would not, without absolutely unjust incidence, bring in money enough. The land administration lias been set up, it would seem, as a sort of " Aunt Sally " for every yokel of the party to have a fling at. The same old falsehoods are repeated over and over again. There is not even tho relief of a change of key. It is, indeed, time, p.s some of the Dunedin citizens said in their protest yesterday, that "the real work of Parliament" should betaken in hand, and this tlow of " idle words cease.

Our to-day's supplement contains a fuller report of the Poultry and Dog Show, Parliamentary report, correspondence, feminine fancies by Martha, our London correspondence, yesterday's courte, a sketch ot Mr Christie Murray's new play of ' Chums,'a paper by Mr A. Lee Smith r.n 'Trade Unionism in its Relation to the Land Question,' the concluding paper of ' Three on a Glacier,' and a quantity of interesting matter.

Air K. JI. Carow, 11.M., presided at the I'ort Chalmers) Court this morning. Caroline Wilson (for whom Mr I'latta appeared) made application for a protection order against lior husband, Samuel Wilson. The case was adjourned until the 2(>th inst.—The case of C. Anderson v. 0. Cope was adjourned till the '.T.th inst.

'dim the I'unman ' w;a produced at the l'liiiccHi.-! Theatre lu'st evening for the third time, and again drew a good house, which was quite alive to the morits of the performance, judging by the applause, which was frequent. The drama went with great smoothneßß and effect, the various members of the company fully earning the approval which was bestowed. '.Jim the Penman' will be repeated to-night. A capital concert was given in St Matthew's Schoolroom last evening before a rather limited audience. Seeing the quality of the concert and the object for which it was given (to increase the funds of the Sunday school) it is to be regretted that the attendance was *o moderate. Mr Denscm secured an encore for his siDging of 'Ora pro nobis,' as did also Signor SquarUe and Herr IJarmc-yer for their violin and piano duet. Miss Matheson and Mr Joel also sang in an appreciable manner. The Torpedo division of the Port Chalmers Naval Volunteers mustered yesterday evening for instruction in submarinomiuing. There were present Captain Thomson, 1 chief petty oflieer, 2 first-class, 2 secondclass petty officers, 1 bugler, and 30 seamen. Chief Petty-officer Pacey, assisted by mem-bei-3 of the permanent Torpedo Corps, acted as instructor. The members of this company are making good progress in this important part of their work. Instructions in signalling, knotting, splicing, twisting cables, and connecting up lines of mines has been given, and the men arc to bo exercised on laying out and raising the mines. Samuel Perry, a laborer employed at Glenomaru, was received into the hospital to-day suffering from severe burns on the face, head, arms, and hands. It appears that he had been shooting, and was engaged placing another charge in his gun when a cask of powder which was standing near was upset. Perry could not have noticed that the cask had overturned, for ho threw a lighted match which he had used in lighting his pipe upon the powder. The result was that he sustained the injuries mentioned. 110 is not in a dangerous condition, and the probalitiea arc that he will recover.

Mr IT. C. Poulson, a sporting writer of the Sydney ' Daily Telegraph ' and formerly of Auckland, met with a serious accident in Sydney yesterday. He was riding through the streets when hie horse bolted, aud dashed into an approaching cart, the shaft of which penetrated his lelt thigh, perforating the limb and fracturing the pelvis. The sight was sickening as Air Poulson hnng impaled for a few moments and then fell to the ground. lie was removed to the hospital, and it is thought that his injuries are mortal. The horse was severely injured, and had to be destroyed. The monthly meeting of the George street SchoolGommittee last ovening was attended by Messrs Simpson (chairman), Hayncs, M'Donald, Cramond, Anthony, and the Rev. Air Smith. An apology was received from Mr Adams. The head-master reported that the number of pupils on the roll was 843, the average attendance for the month having been 732, the wet weather having affected the attendance. Notice was received from the Education Board, that Mies Jane Campbell had resigned her positiou in the school owing to illhealth. The intimation was received with general expressions of regret. 'lt was decided to close the school for the midwinter holidays from the 25th inst. Mr Haynes moved "That this Committee considers that the uniformity of school books throughout New Zealand was desirable, and that the secretary write the Education Board, requesting them to endeavor to have effect given to the resolution." This was seconded by Mr M'Donald, and agreed to unanimously.

A meeting of subscribers to • The Picturesque Atlas of Australasia ' was held at Portobello on Thursday night, and another at the drill hall, Sandyiaount, last night. Very strong feeling was expressed at both meetings, and statements were made to the effect that subscribers had given in their names for the part dealing with New Zealand only, whilst they find they are expected to receive and pay for the complete work. Resolutions were moved at both places, and unanimously agreed to, that united action bo taken by the subscribers to defend the case in the Magistrate's Court, at Dunedin, in the event of their being sued for the whole work. Mr Fraser (of the firm of Fraser and Stilling) has been retained by the subscribers to defend their cases, and a secretary was appointed to communicate with ejuntry districts, where persons have hgeq similarly situated, and announce to them the action which the Peninsula subscribers are taking, and request their co-operation in endeavoring to resist the aotion of the publishers. The cases'are set down for hearing on the 21st inst.

Ths ximaru noapitai Board have a little difficulty with the local friendly societies, who wish a rednotion of the charges for treating their members. The lodges offer to guarantee the redooed charge for all patients sent into the hospital by their authority. The hospital authorities, however, want the aocietiea to contribute 2£d per week per member, which will support a speoial ward providing six beds all the year round. The annual meeting of the Port Chalmers Fire Brigade was held on Thursday evening, v.nder the presidency of Captain Mitchell. The secretary's report and treasurer's balance showed the brigade to be in a very satisfactory condition. Votes of thanks were anjorded to the treasurer and secretary (Messrs Simmons and M'Donald). The election of officers resulted as follows:—(laptain. If. Mitchell ; lieutenant, J. Thomson ; senior foreman, O. Palmer; foreman hose reel, C. Colthorpe; hon. secretary, W. M'Donald ; hon. treasurer, W. F. Willmott; auditors, Messrs Palmer and M'Donald. The appointments of pioneers and branchmen were left in the hands of the officers. One new member was elected. Captain Mitchell was presented with a long Berviee clasp.

Settling for Waterloo coursing takes place a Philp's Hotel this evening. Mr Campbell will continue Goßpol meetings in Caversham Hall throughout next week, except on Saturday. A grand sacred concert will bo held in the North-eait Valley Presbyterian Church, on Friday evening, July 18. Proceeds in aid of Sunday school funds. There waa a good attendance at the City Hall rink last night. A grand fancy dress carnival will be held on Thursday and Friday, July 'M and August 1. The rink will be open each evening next week. The ladies of the Cargill road Mutual Improvement Class provided the last evening's entertainment. Songs were contributed by Miss Perry and Mrs Spence (who presided), and a reading by Miss Woods.

The Rev. J. T. Hinton occupied the chair at the meeting of John btreet Mutual Improvement class. Readings and recitations were contributed by Miss Davis and Messrs S. Earland, Cole, Thorn, and the chairman. We thank Mr Braithwaite for a copy of the ' Pall Mall Gazette'* ' usual reproduction of the principal pictures of the London galleries shown at the current exhibitions. The pamphlet is a marvel of cheapness and skilful reproduction. To-morrow morning members of the Loyal Orange Institution parade to attend the annual sermon, which will be preached in the Dnndas street Church. On Monday evening Willbm Johnston Lodge hold a tea and concert in Kattray street Hall. A meeting of servants will be held in the Y.W.C.A. Rooms, Moray place, on Monday evening, for the enrolment of members in ths Domestic Servants' Union. Messrs J. A. Mi.lar, Hutchison, Todd, and others are expected to address the meeting, and memlKirs of the Union will also speak, dealing with tin ir grievances. Colonial Manufactures. Messrs Brown, Ewing, and Co. are tii'ering (for fourteen days) tho retraining portion of tho Roslyn worsted and woollen exhibit at fully 25 per cent, less than mill prices; also all colonial blankets, flannels, ruga, dress tweeds, ladles' knitted fckiitw, men's hosiery, etc , at tale prices for fourteen days. See four large show windows oompletely filled with Mosgiel, Cimaru, Kniapoi, and Wellington manufacture. — (A DVT. J A lecture on 'Life Insurance,'given by Mr Murray-Aston at the Dunedin Youths' Mutual Improvement .Association Rooms last evening, drew a large gathering of members of the Association ami friends. The subject was hand ed in an interesting manner by the lecturer, who was frequently applauded, and who also gave a few songs and readings in an acceptable manner. At tho termination of the evening votes of thanks were accorded to Mr and Miss Aston (who had acted as accompanist) by acclamation. Miss Matbeson, who is cuo of Mr Barth's pupils, is about to proceed to the Old Country to finish her musical studies at the Royal Academy of Music, London, and it is intended, on the eve of her departure, to give her n com--1 pltmentary concert as a mark of the esteem in which she is held by her friends and the muaical portion of the public. A capital programma will be presented, and as a good deal of lntorest is taken in the joung lady's future it is hoped that her friends will rally round her on this occasion and give her a fi'ting "send oil'." Ttio half-yearly meeting of Conrt Excelsior, A.O. Y., was held in the Conrt room, Mornington Council Chambers, on Thursday evening, O.lt, Ilro. Kcwish presiding. liro. V. li. Smith (auditor) read the balance-sheet which showed the balance from last, lialf-year io be ' 1.::7S 10s 10J.I; the receipts, T.IOK (is :M; expenditure, X.32 17s lid ; wortbof court, LlOl "ps Ud, being an increase of L2"> Sj .1.1 ; while the "membership stood at forty-nine. The olliccrs for the ensuing six months were icfitalled as follows: C.R., Bro. John Thompson; H.C.R., Bro. William D;nn ; treasurer, Bro. G. F. Allen ; secret ry, P.ro. .Tohn P.atorson (reelected); 9.W., Bro. A. Millar; J.W., Bro. W. Mearns; S.H., Bro. W. Neill; J. 8., Bra. Kewish; provinclil auditor, Bro. A.J. Mor.im>ii ; district delegate, P.C.R., Bro. John Paterson. It was resolved that P.C. R. Bro. W, Q Kewhh be presented with a framed and glazvd P.P.R.'s certificate and neck ribbon, and that his name be placed on the respect board. The receipts wero LlO lis. Mr J, Gaut, an artist who has won same distinction in other lands, is now in Dunedin, and proposes to stay, having taken rrnms in tho Octagon, and made other arrangements for tho reception of a few pupils in drawing and painting. It i» a recommendation that Mr Gaut waeapriz3 winner at bouth Kensington, nnd those who may desire to ocularly judge his ability may do so without trouble, for in the window of the Wertbeim depAt there is on view a large painting In oils called 'Sunrise,' being a view of tho Upper Harbor, with the Tar*wera just approaching her berth at the whatf. The sabjeot is treated in on effective manner, and the picture is one that will stand close inspection. Mr Gaut comes here imme diately from the North Island, and before going there he spent some time in Australia, where, dming tho cu'rency of the Melbourne Exhibihition, lie so'd a figure picture for 150 gaineas, the Hon. W. J. Clarke being the purchaser. Wo hope that Mr Gaut may become a per manent resident of this City. We have to acknowledge receipt from Mosarß Howdcn and Monciief, teedsrren, Princes street, of a copy of their supplementary seed list for the present season. Taken in conjunction with their full catalogue, this forms amoßt complete list, giving the names, habits, and prices of tho vast assortment of seed 3 on sale by the firm —vegetable, agricultural, and floral. Several pages of novelties in the 11 oral department are named and describe! very fully. We have pleasure in drawing attention to the fact that this rising firm encomages local industry by having their annual lists printed in the colony, instead of sending the work away, as is done by some older-established hou.ses. It is perhaps somewhat invidious to praise our own work, but the most critical will agree with us when we say that this list will stand companion in every way with any imported.

The June number of the ' Centennial' contains a lyric from the pen of J. Brunton Stephenß, which the editor saya the author cilia 'An Australian National Anthem,' bat which is in reality the only Australian national anthem yet published. Among the articles are an interesting or.o by Mr W. B. Worsfolil on 'The Novel v, the Pulpit," and one entitled 'A Reviewer Reviewed,' in which Mr Hodgkinson, M P., of Queensland, dea's trenchantly with a recent reviewer in ' Macmillan' on ' Australia from Another Point of View.' ffe evidently fancies that the ' MacmUlan' contributor is not unknown to fame in New Zealand, for he says:—"Thogenius which desolated NewZcaland with unproductive debt, which built railways without hope of traffic, and dredged harbors where no ships cist anchor, will find an unfettered field for its ingenuity in the 975,920 square miles of territory to which it is alleged he has directed the attention of his associates. The bitterness of a renegade is proverbial, and when there is added thereto the consciousness of failure to profit by exceptional opportunities, gratitude itself cannot assume a more malicious form. One does not look, however, for la haul politique from a man whose soul is immerged in loans, and it must be confessed that the unkind allusions to colonial debt must rank In the nostril of any New Zealander luxuriating in the financial bequests left by this sneering critic,"

The half-yearly meeting of Court Pride of Dunedin, A.0.F., was held on Tuesday evening. The auditors presented their balancesheet and report for the quarter ended 24th June, which showed an increase in the sick fund of 1-80 4s 2d, and the management fund of L 37 18a 4d, the total profit for the quarter being L 124 2s 6d, raiding the reserve fund to f.G,327 14s Id, or a fraction over L3O 17s per financial member (a value reached by no other court in New Zealand, and only m* passed by four courts in the whole of the Order). The whole of the reserve fund is well Invested, the net interest and rents received during the quarter b»viDg amounted to Lll3 os 9J, while the expe l dituro in the sick and funeral fund (to which this interest belongs) amounted to LBO Is 83, leaving a clear profit of L4O 4a Id from this item alone, in addition to members' contribution". The election of officers for the ensuing six months resulted as follows:—C.R., Bro. G. Carr; S.C.R., Bro. A. A. Wilson; treasurer, Bro. A. S, Adamß (re-elected); secretary, Bro. J. Wilson (re-elected); assistant secretary, Bro. Joseph Haig (re-elected); S.W., Bro. W. Kroon; 1.W., Bro. B. Barnett; 8.8., Bro. Thos. btewart; P.C.R., Bro. W. H. Munro. Auditor Bro. Jas. Hunter was re-elected; delegates to district meeting, P.C.F.s. Bros. J. Wilson, G. Morgan, and Alex. Watson. The installation of officers wis conducted by retiring 0. R. Bro. B. Loraine, assisted by Bros. Ibottson and Woodland. It was resolved to present P, 0. R. Bro. R. Loraine with a framed certificate and neok ribbon in recognition of his services in the chair. The membership has inoreated daring the last term, and now stands at 21$, 205 of whom are financial. One new member was initiated,

The New Zealand Alliance advertise a public meeting for Wt dnesd»y evening, to introduce a hit agent of the a lliance and to consider the Local Option Bill before Parliament. Tha second of a series of socUla provided by the Enterprise Lodge, U. A.0.D., for members and their friends was held in the Sonth Dunedin Hall last •Toning, which proved a most enjoyable affair, there being a large attendance. Mesdames Smith and Henderson gave selections, and soDgs were also contributed by Messrs Richardson, hj. Woods, G. Hudson, B. Paine, and W. Wood (song and dance), several of the items beln* encored ; Master Phllp sang ' The Midshipmite; Mrs Stokea and Misses Home, Pitcher, Aitken, and Hendetson contributed the instrumental selections.

The adjourned summoned meeting of the Oaversham Lodge, M.U.1.0.0.F., was held on Wednesday evening in the Edinburgh Oastle Hotel; N.G. Bro. Wilson presiding. G.M. Bro. Parsons, on behalf of the lodge, presented P.O. Bro. Crawford with an emblematical certificate, for which he suitably replied P.O. Bro. Jones, of the Hand and Heart, and P.P.G.M. Bro. Deacon, of the Dunedin, responded to the second toast, and D.P.G.M. Bro. Lake on behalf of the District. One new member was initiated. The receipts were LC 10. Gd.

The election and installation of officers of the Juvenile Druids, U.A.0.D., was held last night at Milton Hall, when Bro. I. Isaacs, D.P., Installed the brothers as follows:—Bro. J. Wyllie, A.D. ; Bro. J. Hill, Y.A. ; Bro. C. Bird, F.S. ; Bro. H. Holmes, treasurer; Bro. C. Lelliot, I.G. ; Bro. S. Rush, O.G. ; Bro. J. Andrews, M.S. ; Bro. ,1. Parker, M.C. ; Bros. W. Easton and J. Andrews, A.D.B ; and Bros. Alexander Renwick and J. Haymes, V.A B, Bro. Thomas Stonebiidge forwarded a handsomely framed diploma to be competed for by introducing members. After several songs the auditoiß (Bro?. Stronach and Hill) gave their report, and complimented the lodge upon its po.-ition.