The Evening Star. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1902.

Evening Star, Issue 11700, 4 October 1902, Page 4

The Evening Star. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1902.

The session—the last of the thirteenth Parliament of New Zealandrthe terminated yesterday, having Wlnd-np. oeen shorter than usual, al-

though a good deal of business of one sort or another "was got through. Ninety-three pubKc Bills 19-618 passed, and three hundred and four reports submitted from Select Committees. The Government had practically their own way throughout, and there being no organised Opposition there were no party fights or want-of-confidence debates. There were, indeed, no debates •worthy of the name and of the traditions of the House, and the utter hopelessness of assailing the Ministerial position deprived the proceedings of any political interest. It is not a desirable state of things that the constitutional safeguard of the interests of the people, which an Opposition affords, should be absent from the Legislature, and it is good for Ministers themselves that they should be confronted in both Houses, especially in the popular Chambw, by a party who subject their policy and measures to the closest scrutiny and prevent their running riot under the intoxication of unlimited power. Sir William Russell, it may be noted, has kept very much in the background, and tho "lead on the part of meittbers nob in sympathy with Ministers has been taken by Mr James Allen, who has distinguished himself by several able speeches, and may be expected to be an important factor in any new combinations which may be developed in the new Parlia-' nient. The opportunity of the Appropriation Bill, it would appear, was toot avAiled of for a comprehensive review of the work of the Beßsidn from a Ministerial or other point of view. Mr Allen, however, emphasised previous criticism of the Government finance, declaring that the present policy and methods of administration must inevitably result in. additional taxation. Sir William Bosse3l,-«a.-the same-lines,.entered.

a final protest against the heavy loan expenditure. ' There was extravagance, he implied, attd Wess, in every department, and 116 «ifd HA envy the task oj those who Sooner or later would have to set the affairs of the Colony in order. In the brief discussion on the Bill, many complaints were made as to the withholding by the Government of Treasury returns absolutely required to the proper, understanding of the financial position. This is a very old story, and the tune-honored excuse is invariably preferred every session—namely, that the non-presentation of these returns to Parliament is due to a block in the Printing Office. But this block does not prevent the printing ttf voluminous papers of no public interest whatever, which the establishment turns out by the ton, such as the evidence in full taken before Royal Commissions, which, in most cases, might just as well be recorded in manuscript, being only useful for reference.

The matters to which the attention of the Government was especially called on the third reading of the Appropriation Bill were, among others of lesser note, the South African steamer service and making provision for returned troopers by settlement oa the land or otherwise. Mr James Allen wa3 reasonable, we think, in the suggestion that,-in the first instance, at all events, it would be advisable'to restrict any arrangements to a cargo service. Passenger accommodation on the sumptuous system of the great Australian lines was hot, he declated, required. In regard to the returned troopers, Mr Witheford was, of course, to the forej and urged the Ministers to give an assurance that something .practical would bo done in order to prevent these men leaving the Colony for South Africa, allured by the somewhat tempting offers of.local Governments. Me did not think that there was any sincere desire on th£ part of the Lands Department to assist people who Wanted to settle on the land. In his general reply to the speeches on the Bill the Act-ing-Premier stated that the.question as toreturned troopers was receiving attention;. A scheme was under consideration by the Minister of Lands, but it would involve heavy espenditurei and therefore required deliberation. There is no question but that the difficulties in the vriy of such settlement as urged by Mr Witheford are very serious, since, however easy the terins on which land could be acquired, successful settlement is not practicable without capital and experience, which few of the returned troopers aire likely to possess. These men have indeed been treated very liberally. On the Supplementary Estimates a vote of £25,000 has beea taken for extra remuneration to them for the period Subsequent to their receiving pay from the Imperial Treasury.

Sir Josepln Ward made very light of the Opposition's alarming prognostications as to the condition, of tbb Colony's finance, for which he said that there was no justification whatever. The Customs revenue continued buoyant, and, as well as the railway receipts, showed & material mcreaso last month on the corresponding |>eriod in 1901. "There waa not," he declared, "the "slightest ground for fearing that any ir-.- " crease in taxation would be necessary.''

The judgment delivered by Mr Justice Williams yesterday in the appeal case King v. Ward, which was unavoidably held over owing to pressure on our space last evening, was one of very wide importance. The effect of it is to* make a prohibition order applicable to and binding in any district, instead of merely having force in the district named therein, as has been hitherto regarded.

A change of programme will be given at the Alhembra Theatre to-night, when the present clever combination will'make their last appearance but three in Dunedin. Callahan and Mack introduce new features and several old Irish melodies. Mr Frank Clark produces a new farce, entitled 'A Lady's Companion,' and new Songs. Mr Ernest Fitts has a new ballad, while the Ranger Sisters do something not .yet sc*n bv their admirers. Miss Fanrng and Messrs Cowan and. Lloyd will also be heard in fresh turns, while new pictures, in addition to tie Coronation series, will be shown by the vitagraph, A second and sucessM performance of the operetta 'The Yellow Rose of Texas' was given in the Foresters' Hallj Port Chalmers, last night before a large audience. From start to finish the piece went well, soloists and instrumentalists alike doing excellent work. The last social for the season of the Albany street School ex-Pupils* Club waa held last evening in the Albany street Gymnasium, and was largely attended. Abo.it sixty couples took part in the grand march, which started at 8.30, and that number was increased as the evening wore on. The general arrangements were in charge of the Committee, and Messrs I. W. Cowie and J. R. Kitt acted efficiently as M.C.S. During the intervals songs were sung by Miss Preen,' Messrs Smith, E. Carter, and others. Though the exact terms npon which Mr Musgrove booked Madame Melba are kept a profound secret, it is generally understood (says the Sydney ' Referee') that at least it is £SOO a concert. The tour so far booked embraces twelve concerts, for which she will draw probably £6.000, but as Adelaide, Perth, and New Zealand—say, six move concerts—have to be added, her trip should cost Mr Musgrove between £9,000 and £IO,OOO. A few days ago the police raided a suspected opium den in Walke? street, and secured several tins of opium, two jars nearly full Of the drug prepared for smoking, a pipe, and some bowls. The Chinese occupants of the house made no attempt fit concealment, being apparently taken by surprise. It is possible that a prosecution may be the outcome of the raid, but no information has so far been laid. This morning Mr A. S. Adams asked the stipendiary magistrate to order the examination of a man charged with drunkenness with a view to his incarceration in the Inebriates' Home. If the Act was to be of any use, this was, he said, the very case in which it might do good, as the person referred to was quite unable to control his passion for drink. As tho State provided liquor bars to corrupt men, the least it could do was to -provide asylums to keep them in when they needed looking after. Mr Graham said that he did not think the Government contemplated providing a pauper home, but looked to tho inmate's friends to pay the expense of his keep. As to the revenue from licenses, it went not to the Government but to the municipal bodies. Mr Adams: Then this is a case that shows the unwisdom of the Government in allowing such a condition of affairs to exist. Mr Graham: That is going into a very wido question. Mr Adams proceeded to submit that the Inebriates' Homes were not for paying inmates primarily, but for those unable to pay, otherwise there could be no object in Betting up such establishments, for patients who nad friends able to pay could be maintained elsewhere. Mr Graham remarked that in a case of absolute impectinioaity a patient could of course be commuted. He would look into this case when it came before him.

Mr E. E Carew, S.M., granted two females old age pensions of J3lß.each at the Magistrate's Court, Port Chalmers, thi3 forenoon.

Mr E. H. Garew, 8.M., presided at the Magistrate' 3 Court, Port Chalmers, this forenoon, when Walter C4eorgo Man- was charged, on the information of J. E. Ryan, truant officer, with neglecting to send two of his children to school during the week ended August 31. Accused, who did not alpearj was fined 2s in each case, without costs. Civil Side: James Craig v. A. E. Kelly, claim £3, balance of account for good's Supplied. Mr Park appeared for the plaintiff, for whom judgment was given for the amount, with 16s 6d costs. * The bluejackets and royal. marines of H.SI.S. Torch, now' at Port Chalmers, are expected to land to-morrow forenoon (weather permitting), when they will attend .their resjectD7ep!acea'!of worship.

Ftmr little chaps, whose ages ranged from thirteen to eleven years, were brought be-„ fore the Police Court to-day on a charge of theft. Inspector O'Brien said that the eldest, named James Moir, was caught in the act of stealing a pair of rabbits at the railway station yesterday, and oh being searched at the police station £2 lis 7d was found in. his pockets. He first ftud that the money was his mother's; subsequently he admitted that ho lent a hand to steal it from the Trinity Church Sunday School Gymnasium last night. The * magistrate heard the evidence, Which showed that four of the boys -went to the gymnasium last night, to look on, and while the people's backs were turned the elder Moir put up his younger brother to rifle the drawer of a table, with the result that he found a ca&h box containing £4 19s 2d. James Moir smuggled the cash box outside, and shared the contents with his brdther and two others, one of whom ottered back his " dividend" when ho saw it .was money, and, Moir refusing to receive it back, the holder said he would give it to the first fellow they met. As a matter of fact he did give away 13s to another boy. The. empty cash box was found in a tree at the fear of the fire brigade station. Moir had Opened the box With a toy chisel;,and he and his young brother spent 3d oh .lollies, 3d on mandarins, and had also bought; a purse. Most of the money was handed back when Detective Livingston inquired, and he reported that the parente were all respectable people. His Worship ordered James Moir to be whipped; the younger Moir was convicted and discharged.; the other two were diifebarged.

The monthly meeting" of the Port Chalmers District High School Committed was held on Thursday evening, when there were present Messrs J. M'Lachlan (chairman), E. Bauchop, D. M'Gregof", J. Nelsbhj and A. Thomson. Correspondence was leoeived from tk©\ Education Board and from Mr E. G. Allen, M.H.R., acknowledging receipt of Committee's resohitidhs re increasing grants to education boards and school committees, and from the local Tenhfe Club asking permissiori to top dress part of playground, which application was .granted. The rector reported that the attendance for the quarter ended September was 429.3, atid the number on the r011,486, being 16 more than at tlie corresponding date last year. Mr R. Bauchop was appointed auditor for the typewriter's accdunt, and .Messrs J. Thomson and J. Sniaill a visiting committee for the ensuing month.

We learn that as tie outcome of a desire to present the Key. J. R. Ward with some m'etnento of his stay in Dunedlh and of appreciation of his work amongst us—a desire which hag been largely voiced by residents uhoj although not members or adherents of the Bxptist Church, have attended the rev. gentleman's ministrations—a smill committee has been formed for the purpose of giving effect, to this desire. Mr J. N. Brown, of the National Bank, is convener, Mr I\ Graham secretary, and Mr Alex. SligO treasurer. A social and presentation to welcome returned troopers; was held in the Town Hall, North-east Valley, last evening,_ when there was a very large gathering. The ball was tastefully decorated with. flags. Cr Evans occupied the chair. The following, contributed songs during the evening:—Mrs. Gibson, Messrs. Mackenzie, R. TyrreDj Flyh, Misses M. Wily and Hehdrick, and a recitation wSs given by Mir Vivian. The ckainnan announced that it was hifi pleading duty to present the medals on behalf df the residents to the troopers vho liad just returned from service hi South Africa, He stated that forty-one had gdno from the North-east Valley to fight for their country, which, ho thought, . wa£ a record for. a suburb. Twenty medals had already been presented, and there were twenty-one more. Tlie following are the names:—-Sixth Contingent: Trooper Beattie. Seventh: R. Meffeh, J. Short, C. Bjernquist, S. Ivemy. Eighth: A. Brown* L. Skinner. Ninth: Sergeant lvemy, Troobers Watt,. J. 15. Brown, G. Jelly. C. Mitchell, H. Howard, J. Taylor, J. Reid. Tenth: R. Peebles, A. Bland, D. Barclay, H. Deans, A. Pratt, J. M'Lean. After the medals had been presented three hearty cheers wore given for the troopers. Sergeant lvemy suitably responded on behalf of the troopers. A telegram from Mr J. A. Millar, M.H.R., was read apologising for his inability toy attend. Dancing was kept up till an early hour this morning.

A robbery look place in the residence of Mr Luscombe, photographer, at Caversham, last Tuesday. The thief secured & gold albert (valued at £6}, a maltese cross (valued dt £1 ss), a redding ring (valued at £1 ss), a pound note, three half-sove-reigns, 10s in silver, and a lioit shilling, valued in all air £ll lis. The robberytook place between two and five o'clock in the afternoon. There is no clue so far as to the perpetrator. A small robbery of about 5s from a till is also reported to* have taken place during the Tr&ek in Gebrse street. fa

Tho Otago Rowing Club opened their season tins afternoon with the usual procession and general display. The Weather •vras all that could have been desired, and the attendance of spectators at the wharves and the various boatsheds Was large. As we go to press everything is going off 'swimmingly" to the strains of the Mormngton Band. The water is bright With the uniforms of the rowers, and the wharves with the dresses of the spectators. . The funhy men " in a boat are causing general amusement, and everyone looks happy.

£ oot J? r eve, 7 foot at a Price for everv Purse." The City Boot Palace new shin? nients (now opened) comprise all the latest and best m modern footwear for ladies, ecnte boys, girls, and Utile folks. The prices are the most reasonable, and bring reliable goods within the reach of all intending purchasers Inspection invited. City Boot Pakce.— | Advt.J

The sale of work.at Green Island in connection With the Presbyterian Church was continued yesterday afternoon. The pin*, pong tables Were in good demand. The Sadies nail-driving competition was Won bf, Wrs G. Harraway, Mrs R. Hill being second • shooting competition, C. Moreland 1 W Walters' and H. Watt 2: gentlemen's naill driving was won by Mr R. Thomson. Everyone interested in artistic tiouso decorations should inupoct the metal ceilings and ttall coverings at Briscoe's.—TAdvt.l Services are to be held everv Sunday evening in the new Town Hall. St. fillda.' They will be connected with the Methodist Chtirch CargiU road. .The first is to be conducted to-morrow evening, at 6.30, by tho pastor, the Rev. Jos. Ward, and a Sunday school is to be formed in the afternoon at 2.30, An vertisenicnfc appears in another column specially inviting those who do not frequent any place of worship and children attached to no Sunday school to attend.

Just opened, ox Paparoa, 2,000 Ika night lamps. At Ritchie's Staffordshire House George street.—£Advt] At First Church to-morrow morning the Eev. James Lyall, the Scottish-Americau evangelist, will conduct the service. Mr Lyall Comes to DUftedin with a good record of work in other parts of New Zealand and m Australia. His method i 3 said to . be thoughtful and instructive as Well 83 inspiring. In the evening the service will be evangelistic in form, and "will be conducted by the Rev. James Gibb.

To keep a bath fresh and inviting it should be painted with Pyramid Bath Enamel, To be had from painters, ironmongers, etc., tir Smith and Smith, Duheditt.—fAdvfc.] A special meeting of the Dunedin Stirling Club will be held at Court's Hotel on TueS day evening. .

Otago Model Yacht Chib hold a meeting in the club shed on Mohday evening. Just arrived, ft. shipment of choice diniier and tea sets, suitable for presents. Montague's Corner.—£Advt,l Full particulars of Herr , Zimnicrinaim'g third annual -concert, to be given in the Garrison Hall on October 8, appear elsewh°Ffr An admirable programme has been arranged including Such'well-known artists, in &dd£ tion to Heft' &mmehnaun, as MrS Hudson Mrs Wakefield Holmes, and Sir James Jaeol Popular prices will bo charged, attd a large audience may be reasonably anticipated. Ladies' hair trimmed or tinged, Is, at Hcndy's Hairdressing Rootns, Princes street; Shampooing, waving, . hair-dyeing, etc., a specialty. Hairwork of all kinds executed.— [Advt-.]

The 5.3. Express- will leave the Rattray street Wharf oh Wednesday, at 9 a.m., carrying the 'Evening Stat' piehic pars dowh tho harbor. Those who Wish to tak? past in a marine eteuxsiOh should consult tfife a'tti vertiseinehtC ii Calior Write io? hew season's Ahgib-iSpeefai and Humber cycles; best VSlue. Ahgib, Princes street.—{"Advt J

The North-east Valley Band will play hi the Gardens at 3 p.m. to-morrow. - ' ' We have received the Coronation number of the London 'Graphic,' which constitutes" a complete pictorial record 6T all the ceremonies attending that historic evpiit. The triain features of the procession, both going and" returning from the Abbey, are admirably depicted, while the Service and the" various forma dnd ceremonies inside the Abbey are illustrated in the fullest maimer by various Special artists from the. tune their Majesties enter the Abbey to the/ act of homage and the crowning of the' Queen. The number contains two extra supplements, one depicting the actual crowning of the King, the other a largo four-page plate representing a general view of lie scene after the Queen's Corbnatidn. The number constitutes a valuable add absolutely authentic souvenir of one of the grandest historical pageants in the annals of the English Crbwii. Photographs of children are rdadß a fcpecittlty by Mr Morris, photographer. Prhifces street. Charges. 21s Der dozen.—fAdvh] Thfe Half-yearly inecliSgs bf the Otago add Southland Auxiliary of. the Baptist Uriißil will be held in connection With the Maori Hill. branch of the Hanover street Church on Wednesday next (I<abor Day). The Rev. A. V. G. Ohandlet will.preside. The ing prayer meeting -will be iield at '2.30. Papers oh interesting topics wili Be read at three, and after discussion thereon the business of the auxiliary will be ttkhSactfed. A public tea- will be held in. the eveniiig; and at the after-meeting speeches will b6 given by the Revs, Bennett; Bbrenaih,- and Buckingham ahd Mr J. H. MacL'areri. . Gresham and Boot., dentist's; 63 Prince* ttreet (opposite Bible, Tract DebotJ.-^Advt.] Tbe Green Island Rifle Volunteers Hold a social hi the Volunteer Hall on the 7th.

The Kaikorai Brass Band will play on the Town Belt above ttie did quarry to-morrow, at 2.45 pan. Mr-Charles Samscm %ilt addreSs the electors Of Mosgiel in the Volunteer HalL MosgieL oh the 14th October.

A .bazaar in aid of the" hew dipii fund ■will be held ihJ3t. Peter's. Hall; Caversfiam; on October 29 and 30 and November 1. A job lot of boys' superior colonial school suits will be offered.this week at 7s ild, 8s lid; must be cleared to make room for new stock; also odd knickers, 3s 9d; odd vesta, 3s 6d. N.Z. Clothing Factory, dctaeon.— [Advt-j

wA .P£& / or the election df a cortncilior fbr West Waid; Maori Hill, will be taken St Mrs R. Shbrrffi's residence, Wakari, bn Thursday next, between 9 a.m; and 7 p\ih. A far ewill meeting to Miss Fear, wtto has spent a year in the Missionary Traihijjg Home, Castle street, and is leaving for Auckland in hopes of starting for India at the end of the year, will be held in the Y.M.C.A. Rooms on Monday, at 7.30.