The Evening Star SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1903.

Evening Star, Issue 12067, 12 December 1903, Page 6

The Evening Star SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1903.

Wb are loth, to discourage any movement

calculated to arouse the citiA fittepajm' Z ens to an attitude of greater Association, vigilance in respect to the

conduct of municipal- affairs ; but we cannot honestly say that tie new Ratepayers' Association have a prospect of enjoying notable or prolonged vitality. With due respect to the gentlemen who fulminated at the Choral Hall last night, to cannot help feeling that there was" a lack of prestige, about the inception of the undertaking ; and it cannot be said that the promoters atoned for this want by any striking display of tact or argumentative cogency! There was plenty of menacing thunder, but very little in the shape of specific indictment ; a superfluity of vague jeremiacs, but hardly any clear light and leading. The municipal reformers must treat their subject m a more direct as well as a more elaborate fashion if they wish to make a permanent effect upon the ratepayers; and they would also do well to improve the general tone of their utterances, for it has to be confessed that the tone of some of the speeches last night was not very high or inspiring. Our readers are not likely to suspect us of holding a brief on behalf cf the Drainage Board or their engineer: cur criticism of the Board and their somewhat assertive officer has been frequent and free ; but we must deprecate the mingled virulence and vulgarity of some of the language used at the meeting. It is neither humorous nor mannerly to indulge in puerile puns on Mr Noble Anderson's name; and there was more dogmatiHm than argument in manv of the statements made regarding the selection and carrying out of the drainage scheme. It is too late in the day to be Protesting against- the choice of the engineer's scheme, of which the best must now be made; while it is only fair to the Board to say that the charges of wholesale extravagance were prophetic rather than retrospective. It is all very well for a speaker to assure a pubfic audience that a municipal scheme will cost nearly twice as much as the estimated amount; but the implicated officials, to say nothing of his audience, have a right to ask him to produce the facts and figures upon which his vaticinations are based. Our own impression is that the majority of the ratepayers are watching the Drainage Board pretty closely, and that the effect of this increased vigilance will be shown at the next election of members. Even if it were not so, we question whetier public apathy or ignorance would be startled into intelligent action by anything that was said last night The fact is that the promoters of the Association have misused their opportunity. " Impartaal vigilance" should have been their motto; but they

the very start; and, not satisfied with this mistake, they hare allowed their polemics to be largely a matter of unsupported assertion. Perhaps it is not too late to modify the direction of the movement, and the Association will have our best wishes if they can manage to correct their initial blunder. But if they cannot or will not do this, brief life is likely to be their portion.

Apparently it will be the New Year before the Eight Hon. the Premier reaches the West Coast, Mi Seddon having consented to come to Dunedin on the 23rd hist, to unveil the memorial tablet erected at the Caversham Industrial School to former inmates of that institution who took p«rt in the South African camoajon. Intimations having been made to the Health Department from various sources that a man at Port Chalmers suffering from caut-er of the jaw had been left shamefully neglected in his hut, a searching inquirv was made, with the result that far from these .-statements having any truth in them, the unfortunate man bad up to the time of his death not only been allowed by his employer the sum of 50s a week throughout liis illness, but a nurse also was provided for him.

When a dog has not been very christened he's not particular about the nam© you call him. It takes him some time to make sure whether he should answer to Fkio or Towser. Some of the promoters Oi the newiy-formed Ratepayers' Association seem to be in like case. The first speaker at last uighfs meeting lost himself m a small forest of nomenclature at the eal oi his speech. He faded away something after this fashion: "If I understand aright from these shareholders—these directors of this Board—this shareholders' association—this—" and then he dodged into safety under eover of a timely laugh. The unofficial list of successful candidates in connection with the musical examinations of the Associated Board of the Royal Academy of Music and the Roval College of Music, so far as concerns all "but the pupils of the Convent (whose returns are sent drrect), is now confirmed us correct, wrth the addition that the junior local centre silver medal has been awarded to Miss Margaret Milne, pupil of Mrs Blandford, L.k.A M., for pianoforte. By instructions *Er n F - ■** Parker - the resident clerk ;u Wellington, there will be no public function for the distribution of certificates. Details of marks have been sent to the various candidates and teachers, and the medal and certificates will be delivered when received from Wellington.

The; Port_ Chalmers Volunteer Fire Brigade held inch- final practice for the vcar nu Thursday. IVo reeks were used,'one under Captain Smith (No. 1), No. 2 under Lieutenant Colthorpe, each taking different wards, and although from a fireman's point of view few calls have been made during the year, the gear has been kept in fin*, class order, while the mains have been scoured out, thus giving the citizens a *ure supply of water. Samples have been submitted to the Council, it being the desire of the latter that the Brigade shall scour the mains.

The members of the Arbitration Court, arrive by Monday's north express, and leave for Kaitangata the following morning, where the miners' case will be taken a: half-past two. Over sixty witnesses are to be called. In the application form for national scholarships the teacher of a school from which a candidate enters has to certify that tho candidate has attended that school for the preceding six months. It is obvious that in the case of a candidate who Has attended more than one school in that period the requisite certificate could not be given. Tho secretary of the Education Board informs us that advice, has been received from Wellington to the effect that the application will be accepted if the teacher of the school from which such a candidate enters certifies that the candidate "has been instructed in a public school in this education district for the last six months." To-day Constable M'Kenzie (Kaitansrata) and 'Constable MacP.ae (Milton) raided the Clab Hotel at the former place, and seized a ten-gallon keg of beer. lue premises; in question are occupied by David Jones, whose hotel at Palmerston was closed as a result, of the Retraction vote in June last. The Club Hotel at Kaitangata was closed at the same time on Prohibition being carried in the Bruce electorate. Jones had recently taken over the house. A prosecution for sly grogselling will ensue.

"A few days ago," said a speaker at the ratepayers' meting last night, "I met with a fine-looking man, a fine young fellow, who seemed to be one of Nature's noblemen, and (this with a don't-carc-who-con-tradicts-me air) "he spoke the truth, although he was a plumber."

The Live Stock General Insurance Company send us a calendar for ISO 4. Now is tho time for replenishing for Xmas. Bny your cups, saucers, plates, etc.. at Hall's sale, 222 Princes street south. Everything must go.—[Advt.] Mr H. Gamble will lecture in the Club House, Moray place, on Sunday evening, at 630, on ' Aro the Dead Conscious ?'

Important Notice.—First series art post cards New Zealand scenery, by Morris, photoEr*pher, Danedui. Sold by all stationers.— [Advt.] At the monthly meeting. of the Protestant Defence Association, in the Trades Hall on Monday evening, a lecture, entitled ' The Divine Authority cf the Bible Proved by the Latest (1S02) Evidence of Astronomy,' by Mill. N. Adams. The lecture is to be illustrated by several diapprams.

Ladies' manicure, face massage, pedicure, electric scalp massage, shampooing, etc., specialty at Hendv's Hairdressing Rooms. Telephone 902.—{Advt.] An exhibition of pictures by Miss Passroorc and p'roils will be held in the Old Wesleyan Church. Careill road, on Wednesday next, continuing till Saturday. Open daily, aftertoon aid evenings. Admission free. ' From Plough to Puipit' will be the subje<r*. of an address by the Rev. G. H. Cole in tho Garrison Hall on Sunday afternoon. Mr Cole will deal with incidents" in his own life. Mr Colo will preach again in the Garrison Hall in the evening, when he will take as his subject • The Empty Bottle by the Well.' This will bo Mr Cole's last service in the colony, as he leaves on .Monday for Melbourne The D.LC. are now showing their second shipment of ladies' sports jerseys. They are to be had in various colors, and ran from 12s 6d to 23s 6d. The local market has been quite bare of these goods for some time, and at Home the demand has been so great that the manufacturers have only lately been able to cope with it. As the" supply is limited, intending purchasers should make their selection early. The DJ.C. are also showing novelties in gloves, hosiery, lace goods, handkerchiefs, etc., for the holiday season.—[Advt.] J The Strath Taieri Caledonian Society hold their annual sports at Miadlemarch on New Years Day. The Railway Department advertises trains lor Onnstmaa Day in this issue. See brilliant window display an latest novelties in men's hate—straws, Panamas, Brazilthe celebrated Glovfitte and H.B. hard hats unequalled for style; also all newest novel! cZZ tw' t,es X Collars - New Zealand Clothing Factory, Octagon.—[Advt ] To meot the convenience of the large number of people who will undoubtedly betevel partment has made arrangements for the nitming of extra express trains between Duned.n and Chnstchurch on the north line and south Extra express trains on the noHh VSt •' i comm r ßce "mning on Saturday next Uvh mst., and continue until Thursday 7th i"K' rQiese J train s start from either end at 10.20 a,m., and reach their destination at /.*b p.m., and make the same stops as the ordinary express trains. Between Dunedm and Invercargul extra express trains run on December 23, 24, 30, and 31, and January 1 2, and 4. The train from Dunedin, leaves hero at 10.5 a.m., reaching InvercargiU at 4.14 p.m., while tho train from Invercargul leaves there at 12.5 p.m., arriving at Dunedm at 6.15 pjn. Intending passengers would do well to take advantage of these trains, and thus secure comfort in travelling, which will probably_ not be available in the ordinary ex-' press trains. To meet the farther convenience of the public, arrangements have now been made to provide dining cars on the DimedinChristchurch extra express trains. Everyone interested in artistic house decorations should inspect the metal ceilings and SailjOTerJngs atJßrjaco<te.~{£<*Tfc,l

The Citizens' Band will play on the second beach, St. Clair, to-morrow, at 2.45 p.m., weather permitting. The Naval Band will play at tie Gardens to-morrow afternoon. The winning numbers of the art union of pictures by L. W. Wilson, which were drawn yesterday at 150 Prmees street, may be seen in our advertising columns. The entertainment given by the N.E. Valley public school children last evening was such a> success that it has been decided to repeat the programme on Monday evening, when those who were unable to be present will have another opportunity of attending. A new Christmas card, "The Great Waiinangu Geyser," by Muir and Mcodie, to be, had at all booksellers [Advt.] Mr Ernest Boot, surgeon-dentist (late of Hunter and Boot), has resumed practice in Central Rooms, above Montague's (opposite City Hotel). Entrance from Moray place.— [Advt.] The Rev. R, M&ekie will preach in South Dunedin Presbyteriaa Church to-morrow, morning and evening. In the evening the subject will be 'lt Cuts: It Cuts! Sharper than a Damascus Blade! It Cuts!' A noises appears to members of I.O.OJ?. in our advertising columns. A drag will leave Manse street corner for Portobelio each Sunday morning at ten o'clock. The friends of the free kindergarten movement arc reminded that the closing ceremonies in connection with tire two schools in the City take piace next week—at the Walker street branch at 1030 on Wednesday, 4 and at Yaralla branch at the same hour next day. A large attendance of the parents of the pupils may be anticipated, as well as of the general public, as an attractive programme has been arranged for both functions.

Gresham and Boot, dentists, 63 Princes rtreet (opposite Bible, Tract Depot).—[Adrt.] The National Insurance Company seVid us calendars for 190-1-.

The work of the Girls' High School drawing classes will be exhibited in the studio on the mornings of Tuesday and Wednesday next.

For that tired feeling this hot weather try one of our American sea foam dry shampoos. Only at lles's, hairdresser.—[Advt.] At a Committee meeting of the Gaelic Society held last night it was resolved to hold the New Year ceilidh (social) on the first Wednesday in January (the ordinary monthly meeting night of the society), instead of New Tear's night. Particulars will be duly advertised.

fhe monthly meeting of the Burns Club will be held in the Choral Hall on Wednesday evening. A short address on 'James Quinn, tho Gimmerburn Poet,' will be delivered by Mr J. J. Ramsay, and some members of the Taieri Bums Club choir will assist in the musical programme. A visit will repay house furnishers MartinHooper's sacrificing sale two stocks furniture at Octagon. Crowds call. No one asked to buy.—[AdvUl

Having had a particularly favorable season, the * queen of flowers" this year holds undisputed premier place, and so the display on Wednesday next, 16fch December, in the Garrison Hall should be one to be remembered. The numerous other summer flowers in their brightest colors will help to form a brilliant show.