The Evening Star. FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 1903.

Evening Star, Issue 11863, 17 April 1903, Page 4

The Evening Star. FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 1903.

The nominations for the City Mayoralty and for the representation of ■nniripsi the several wards in the Elections. Council took place yesterday, and in every instance the elections arc contested. It is notable that the business men of the community—the leaders in the world of com-

j nr-erce—continue to demonstrate entire , apathy as to civic affairs, and to show no j disposition to interest themselves actively in the administration, or to give services which could not but be valuable to their fellow-citizens. So it is, however, and the results ultimately may not improbably he unsatisfactory to those whose material interests are heavily bvolved in the work of local government being efficient and economical. The two Councillors who" aspire to the Mayoral Chair are personally unexceptional, and their appeal to the district electors is practically on official merits. In regard to respective qualifications, the electors who have followed the course of proceedings in the Council during the last two years should l»e wed able to form a judgment. Councillor Scott has proved himself a live meinUr of the Council, and, as chairman of the Tramways Committee, has been much before the public, discharging arduous duties with assiduous energy and marked intelligence, lie lias, we cannot but think, by sheer hard work and devotion to the interests of the Corporation, established a claim to the favorable consideration of the citizens. In regard to Councillor Maitland, there is nothing to be said against him. He has given due attention to his duties as a Councillor, and has devoted much attention to finance, and as chairman of the Gas Committee be has sought to render the ratepayers signal service by endeavoring to popularise the Gas Department and to cheapen the price to the consumer by making it uniform, as ought to have been done years ago. But his recent address was not constructed on happy lines altogether. Self-praise is proverbially no recommendation, and his confident assumption of being a “ superior man ” to his opponent will hardly tend to improve his position with the burgesses. The palpable unfairness of his personal references to Councillor Scott is certain to alienate sympathy. Such remarks naturally challenge criticism, and comparisons between his own services and those of bis opponent are not likely to be to his advantage. The ward elections excite very little interest, and the probabilities are that the bulk of the present members will be returned to the new Council, the opposition to them being neither concerted nor based on any question of policy. The candidates who are new to municipal affairs have not even suggested any new departure. It seems in all the wards to be simply a case of “ Tweedledum and Tweedledee,” and probably but few of the burgesses will take the trouble to vote. New blood, no doubt, might be infused into the Council with advantage; but we say without purpose of offence that members are wanted of a different stamp to those more recently introduced—men of independent mind and constructive powers as well as mere administrative ability. The Mayoral election for the Borough cf Mornington is of very general interest and importance on account of the special circumstances of the contest. As Mr Gow declares, Mr Annand, by his candidature, practically challenges the present Mayor and Council as to their administrative capacity, and impugns their good judgment, specially in regard to the tramway purchase. We I have already expressed the opinion that His ! Worship has made out a good case and ali together justified the action taken, and bis address yesterday evening must, we think, j carry conviction to every unprejudiced mind. The negotiations with the Tramway Company were undeniably conducted from first to last in a proper way, with ability, reasonable care, and in accordance with custom and precedent in busines of the character of this acquisition of private property by a corporation. Valuators were appointed by mutual agreement, and their award necessarily had to bo accepted, since, in fact, if had the force of law. The Mayor and Council have acted throughout with commendable energy and promptitude, and have got things now so well in train for the reinstatement of the service that this, to some considerable extent, will soon be effected, to the great convenience of the hill residents. The proposed extensions in several directions will, we feel assured, be universally approved throughout the borough, and are certain to bring about a marked enlargement of settlement and population, with a corresponding increment of the Corporation revenues. The great majority of the district electors will probably be of opinion that the Mayor and Council have done the best they possibly could in the interests of the borough, and they will act wisely, we think, in re-electing them, so that the Council may complete the undertakings they have initiated.

Thk letter written by Mr T. Mackenzie, M.H.R., to the Right Hon-

UitcMifbi orable the Premier in regard Gold Dredging, to the despoiling of agricultural land by gold dredging operations opens up a subject of close and immediate interest, involving evils not easy to cope with in a remedial manner. The working of riparian ground and the land adjacent by dredges is absolutely destructive of the soil, and in most instances converts the very choicest rural localities the rivgr frontages—into barren expanses of shingle and graveL This is fast becoming a very serious matter in the interior of Otago, settlement being materially impeded there owing to tic liability under the existing laws of the choicest locations being occupied for mining purposes, and turned into desolate wastes. Too often there is no compensatory advantage to the Colony in the gold returns realised, but the face of the country is swept away on the purely speculative chances of the claims taken up proving payable, which most frequently, as so many have learned by sad experience, is not the case. Mr Mackenzie takes a com-mon-sense view of the position, having evidently full comprehension of the difficulties that present themselves in the way of any restriction of mining occupations by legislative enactment. Some years ago proposals to this effect would have met with most violent oposition in this district, and no member of the House would have ventured even to ventilate the idea. But under changed conditions people have begun to realise the truth of the old proverb that ail is not gold that glitters, and that in the matter of the goldfields the game is not worth the candle if the precious metal is to be obtained at the sacrifice of the staple productive resources of the country. In one case within our knowledge an important horticultural enterprise, requiring extensive appliances of capital and labor, may not improbably be abandoned in consequence of

the Tin certainty of undisturbed tenancy of suitable land, the locality being within a proclaimed goldfield, and offering facilities ■for gold dredging. There is general apprehension among selectors and settlers in the river valleys of the interior, and we quite believe that Mr Mackenzie will be warmly supported in his efforts to rouse the Government to take effective and practical measures to check the systematic desolation of valuable rural land. “It may not matter much,” says the honorable gentleman, “where only small patches—a few acres “more or less—are destroyed, but, as a “ matter of fact, stretches of several’ miles, “ thousands of acres in area, of most valu- “ able land are in course or in danger of “being washed away merely for the sake of a trifling amount of gold, in some instances hardly enough to pay wages. “ Surely, then, it becomes-tie duty of the “ Government to step in and say it shall not be done.” There is, we may point out. full power vested in the Governor under the existing statute law not only to abolish any mining district, but to withdraw any Crown lands from any mining district, or exempt any Crown lands from mining or from any specified mining purpose.” Ihis latter power might certainly be exercised so as to stop the flagrant abuses of gold dredging, even if the extreme course should bo adopted of prohibiting dredging altogether, except in the river beds, and absolutely protecting all riparian ground from dredging operations. Provision might advantageously be made for classifying auriferous land, so that proclamation might further be made as to the branches of mining which may be pursued in the different localities and under the varying circumstances. The subject, we suggest, might be primarily dealt with by a commission of experienced Goldfields Wardens, who could subsequently consult with the Minister and the standing joint Committee of both Houses of Parliament, to whom all mining questions are referred. Some effective scheme of this much-needed reform might reasonably be expected to be thus formulated, and the countin' bo saved from irreparable injury.

There was a numerous attendance at Hie Alhambra Theatre last evening, and the programme provided by Fuller’s Entertainers seemed to afford satisfaction to ail present. There will be ihe usual matinee tomorrow, and a new programme will be presented in the evening. Speaking at the meeting of the Oaversham Council last night, Cr Ruston expressed the opinion that steps shoidd bo taken to back up tiw City in trying to get the Municipal Act altered in regard to the election of councillors. The old way, with one or two councillors retiring in rotation instead of the whole Council retiring simultaneously, was, in his opinion, much better, as it generally took a member about two years to get into the ordinary run of things. Cr Burgess considered tliat the old state of things would lie much better for the borough, especially in the event of a totally new Council being elected. The mayor agreed with both councillors, but did not think it would be advisable to agitate lor an alteration of the law, because ratepayers would not reject their councillors it they had any faith in them, ‘‘-If a General Election was good enough for the governing body of New Zealand, then it is good enough for a small body like this,” was LT Cole’s opinion. In tho course of his remarks at Mornington last night Mr W. Gow made repeated and pointed reference to “ the man who doesn’t know.” Near the close of the met ling a ratepayer rose to protest on behalf of those who did not know. There were a good many of them; they wanted to know, and they did not know then much more than they had known before. He appealed to the chair for protection.

Speaking at the opening of the Young Women’s Christian Association’s new rooms yesterday afternoon, His Excellency the Governor said that he had always heard that in New Zealand the poor did not exist, but that was absolutely contrary to Scripture, which said that the poor we had always with us. He was aware that there was a large number of poor among us, and in many cases they were too proud, and would rather die than ask for charitable aid. There were, no doubt, many in the town who had been affected by the dredging boom, though he could not speak with confidence on that point. There were many poor people throughout the colony who had seen better days, and a visit to such a place as the Association’s Rooms must cheer them up, and he hoped that visiting would be extended as far as possible. It was not always the religious side of the question that required to be kept uppermost so much as to cheer up people, and he could assure them that a visit of only a few minutes to persons who were in distress very often cheered them amazingly. Among the questions put to Mr Gow at his meeting at Mornington last evening were two in regard to employees under the new regime. One ratepayer wanted* to ki ow if the old tramway hands would be kept on by the Conned, and another if Mr Lowden, the late company’s engineer, would also he among the Council’s staff.’ Air Gow replied to the first question that it had been decided that all those old employees who were, considered suitable would be retained. As to the other query, the questioner was ruled out of order, owing to his proceeding to make a speech. He asked leave to move recommending Mr Lowden for reappointment, but on the same ground the motion was not taken. Mr J. Mill, J.P., presided at tho Port Chalmers Police Court this forenoon, when a first offender, for drunkenness, was convicted and discharged.

From Mr Lindsay, the inspector of f,ii> tcries, we learn that the number of registered factories in Dunedin and suburbs for the year ended the 31st March last was 667, employing 6.375 males and 3,007 females, a total of 9,382. These figures compare favorably with those of the preceding year. The number of factories showed an increase of 07, The amount of overtime worked may also he taken as an indication that Dunedin is prospering industrially. The 9 382 hands worked no fewer than 163,470 hours during the year. Since i.be beginning of the year starting with April the registrations have been made freely, and there is every promise of the total being larger than that of 1902-03,

Judging by the tone of the public meeting held at Morning!on last evening in regard to tramway matters, there are those in the borough not altogether satisfied with the present state of affairs. Mr Cow’s remarks were pretty freely punctuated by interjections of a more or leas bantering nature, and one or two suggestions were thrown out not indicative of absolute concurrence in the Council’s mode of procedure. Tt is only fair to say, however, that the majority of those present listened to the speaker’s remarks with apparent interest, and seemed content enough. Mr Graham, S.M., speaking from the Police Court bench to-day, called Subinspector Green’s attention to the dripping of water from George street verandahs on rainy days, stating that complaints had been made by ladies whose clothes were soiled by dirty water dropping on them. His Worship pointed out that it is on offence against the City bv-laws to permit verandahs to leak on to the footpaths, and requested the sub-inspector to see that the shopkeepers were warned, and if necessary proceeded against.

A drarman, charged to-day with breaking the City by-laws by leaving a cart unattended in High street, was defended hv Mr Pavnc, who said that the facts would be admitted. It was true that the dray was left near Nimmo and Blair’s, but it was drawn to the side of a wide street, and left under the oversight of Mr Thinford or his clerk, whilst the carter proceeded to Poslvn with another dray drawn bv the horses belonging to both. The bv-laws permitted this to be. done when loads had to be, taken up steep grades. Mr Graham. K.M., said it must be clearly understood that the act complained of was a breach of the by-laws, but as it was a case ia

no damage was likely to be caused, and as defendant had swom that he lost no time in returning for the second cart, the case would be dismissed with a caution. Mr Payne remarked that he thought Hie police should not take proceedings in such cases, but the magistrate replied that they were bound to act - when they saw a by-law broken, and Sub-inspector Green added that if the by-law was felt to be oppressive the parties aggrieved should apply to the City Council to amend it. His Excellency 'the Governor, accompanied by Lord Northland, paid a surprise visit to the Otago Chess Club’s rooms yesterday. Lord Ranfurly remarked that on the occasion of a former visit he had been supplied with a silver key, so that he could walk into the room whenever he felt inclined to do so, Eis Excellency left for the North by train this morning. A large number of people assembled at the North-east Valiev Baptist Church to hear the Rev. J. Tikle speak on India. The lecture was illustrated by over 100 limelight views. The lecturer dealt principally with the districts of Brahmanbaria and Chandpore. He gave a running description of the life and work of the Brahmans and Hindoos, dealing with the work done by the representatives of the New Zealand Baptist Missionary Society. The main points emphasised were the hospital work in charge of Di North, who is doing splendidly in alleviating the suffering of the natives, and the work among the children, mostly in charge of the sisters. Mr Tuklo himself works among the educated men and students. The lecturer gave his audience a good idea of the life and customs of the natives, and spoke very strongly on the idol worship of the Indians His address wa-s brimful of life, and was wed worth hearing. The limelight part was in charge of Mr R. South, of the Bible Depot.

Telephonic communication between Afbburton and Christchurch has been established as from to-day.

o F r ?,.rr c ‘ ion , wi , U ' tho e,erfion members hml Sne ? f tho University of New Zealand. any graduate residing in Ota<m whose nain-e is not on the bonks of the Otago University can be placed on tbe register on application to the registrar.

T. Ross for blouses. Hundreds to select trom in flannel, flannelette, and silk. Full sizco, pretty patterns, and latest shapes. Price, from 2s lid. Also a new lot of large lace collars in Paris, black, and sequin. SSS ’ direct importer.

Mr D. A. De Mans announces in this issue that be will be a candidate for the position of Mayor of Port Chalmers.

• Ufmtographs of children are made a specialty by Mr Morris, .photographer. Princes street. Charges, 21a per dozen.—[Advfc.] The Wjikari Football Club open the season wit i n match at Wakari Park to-morrow afternoon.

ui coiumi and Boot, dentists, 63 Princ»s street (opposite Bible, Tract Depot).—[Advt] The Anglo Co. are now fitting to their cycles the latest improved two-speed hub. Inspection is invited at their depot 6 Princes street.—[Advt.]

Mr H. A. Le Cren announces that he will be a candidate for the councifiorship of First Ward, Mornington.

Tho D.I.C. are now showing a magnificent assortment of the new W.B. and La Vida erect form corsets. The introduction of these corsets has entirely revolutionised the corset trade of the world, and most of the leading makers are now attempting to copy their models. The D.I.C. invite ladies to visit their fitting rooms, and be fitted by one of their corset experts. There is a special erect form for each different build and figure, and a perfect fit is guaranteed.—{Advt.] A special meeting of the Otago Rugby Football Union will be held in the Stock Exchange room to-morrow at 8 p.m. During Nellie Stewart season at Princess’s Mr Hendy respectfully invites ladies to book hairdressing appointments at earliest convenience. Telephone 802.—[Advt.] Mr Thomas Scott will address the electors in tbe Mission Hall, Walker street, to-night. Opened this day, 50 grey rain coats, °2ss and 295; 63 cravenette coats at 22s 6d. At T. Ross's, direct importer.—[Advt.] A special series of meetings commence in the South Dunedin Salvation Army Barracks to-night, and extend up to Monday next. Lieutenant-colonel Gilmour (who is in charge of the Army’s operations in New Zealand) will conduct the series, assisted by a strong staff of officers from Christchurch and elsewhere.

Wanted known—The assigned stock of F. Montague and Co. will be ready for sale cn Saturday morning at ten o’clock. Purchased at 10s in the £, Look out for bargains.— [Advt.] A magnificent stock of waterproof and rainproof tweed overcoats for men, boys, and youths in all the newest styles now showing at New Zealand Clothing Factory, Octagon,— [Advt,] 5 Furniture, up to date in stylo and workmanship; carpets and toilet ware. Henry Sanders, 86 George street. —[Advt.] The Cricketers’ Carnival Committee meet to-morrow evening at eight o’clock. Conquest’s Cough Cordial is a standard cough medicine, skilfully compounded, and the most reliable remedy in tbe market. Sold by nil chemists and storekeepers; Is 6d per bottle.—[Advt.l Simon Brothers (George street shop) intimate opening up of special shipments of evening shoes, warm slippers, and rubber goods. Inspection invited.—[Advt.] It’s tea we fly to when we feel we need what olher dnnks have not got to offer us. Anyone who has reached middle age, and who speaks riie truth, will tell you that for solid comfort, and for good solid ground for gratitude there is nothing to beat a good cup of tea. Our Windsor teas, in addition to being full-bodied, are rich in the cup and of finelvdefined flavor, very grateful, very comforting. A. and J. M’Farlanc, tea' importers.—[Advt!]