The Evening Star FRIDAY, JULY 20, 1906.

Evening Star, Issue 12870, 20 July 1906, Page 4

The Evening Star FRIDAY, JULY 20, 1906.

Dr Hocket has reason to be gratified by tuo eagerly appreciative »r Hocken's manner jn wMch mm[ _ offrr > fioent offer has been treated by the men of light and leading who have expressed their views in our columns during the last few days. The "symposium" has surely established one conclusion: the offer must be accepted. Tho difficulties, considerable as they are, must be surmounted, seeing that tho loss of such a golden opportunity would be equivalent to a civic disgrace. Tho thought of failure, as one of our correspondents puts it, «' should be banished as unthinkable," unless future generations are to bo encouraged to scoff at the fatuous apathy of their forebears. We shall regard this point as settled, then: Dr Hocken's collection is to bo secured for Dunedin. Turning to the question of ways and means, we are now hi possession of much valuable material in the shape of practical suggestions; and though, naturally enough, there is some diversity of opinion, the possibilities of the case and the main trend of recommendation are sufficiently clear. We wish to draw special attention to an important aspect of tho situation noted by tho Director of the Colonial Museum and the Sector of the Otago Boys' High School. It is necessary to face the question of the utilisation, as well as the mere housing, of the collection. As Mr Hamilton says, the manuscripts, etc., should not be ""simply "put away without being catalogued and "examined and made ready for reference "by students of the early history of New "Zealand." Mr Wilson reminds us that " Dunedin is not without examples of valuable collections of books which have "suffered for want of a proper curator." These are not considerations of secondary importance: they should bo anxiously regarded from the outset, closely connected as they are with tho question of the due provision of space. Mere storage would not bo a complex matter, but the Hocken Library must not bo a dead and uninfluential thing: it must bo living and operative, exercising a utilitarian influence in the highest sense. Curatorship, the adequate arrangement of the collection, facilities of utilisation, allowance, for subsequent additions—these points must all be borne in mind by those to whom the task of making definite provision may finally bo allotted. Many people would like to see tho collection located in the Public Library. Wo believe, however, that this idea must bo eliminated from tho number of practicable proposals. It is easy to say that tho plans of the Public Library could be altered; but in point of fact it "is too late for any rearrangement of this kind. Much more feasible is tho suggestion that an attempt should bo made to effect a union with the projects which the Trustees of the Art Gallery and the Early Settlers' Association have in hand: indeed, we do not think it likely that a more suitable scheme will come to light. It seems to us that the Mayor of Dunedin, fortified with the information we have secured, might now proceed to invito the two bodies just named to confer with a committee—nominated, say, by His Worship and DrHockpn —with a view to arriving at -a preliminary understanding. The possibilities and difficulties could bo threshed out at this conference ; some estimate of financial requirements might be drafted; and if the negotiations promised a successful issue, a public meeting, to strengthen the hands of the promoters, should be subsequently convened. Of course tho monetary aspect of the matter is the most important and difficult. Many of our correspondents tliink that tbo municipal rates might furnish substantial aid, but it is noticeable that tho councillors who took part in the symposium had no promises to make in this direction, and we must confess that we are not sanguine. Somo help, no doubt, might bo expected from the City Council, but not, wo think, any sum approaching tho full amount required. On the other hand, generous assistance, to say the least, should be given by the Government. We agree with the Rector of tho Boys' High School that the collection should be regarded as national in character, and surely there is no basis for Mr Downie Stewart's- misgivincr that the acceptance of a Government grant "would give good ground for seeking to "lodge tho collection in the Wellington "archives." Happen what may, the collection is not going to leave Dunedin : that is settled. We have no doubt that Ministers, with the approval of Parliament, will take a reasonable and enlightened view of the position, and will recognise that the national import of Dr Hocken's collection will not be impaired in any way by its location in Dunedin, the scene of the donor's honorable career and disinterested labors. At the same time, while holding that liberal help may be claimed from the Public Treasury, we cannot shut our eyes to the probability that the people of Dunedin will have to bear a share of the expense. Tho Hocken Library will bo national, but itwill be local in point of ready accessibility, and the local community must be prepared to pay something for this appreciable advantage. Still, we think that the grants from the Government, the City Council, and other organisations might bo expected to provide considerably more than half the total amount required, so that the burden imposed upon private generosity would not be very heavy. By some means or other the collection has to be secured. Failure is "unthinkable."

It is somewhati strange that although a volunteer regulation was issued during the height of the " khaki fever " providing that all volunteers must have a khaki equipment, whatever other uniform they might possess, it has not been complied with in all cases. Possibly the more recent passion for "full dress" has diverted attention from the service article. When the regulation was issued, corps were given till July, 1904, to comply. It is understood that those who have not done so may expect some unpleasantness when the matter of capitation comes to be considered. Mt Leslie Harris and Miss Rosina Buckmann visited the Duinedin Hospital thie afternoon and gave an hour's enjoyable concert, which was steady enjoyed by the patient*.

The question of compensating the relatives of Messrs Anderson and M'Kay, who lost their lives -while in the employment of the Milburn Lime and Cement Company through inhaling arsenuretted hydrogen, has been settled. Under the agreement Mrs Maekay receives £7OO, and the representatives of Anderson £l5O. We understand that Mr Solomon conducted the negotiations on behalf of Mrs M'Kay, Mr Macassey for Anderson's relatives, and Mr Hanlcn for the company. A resolution was passed at last night's meeting of tho Trades and Labor Council protesting against tho policy of the City Council in giving twelve months' leave of absence on full pay to some high-salaried officials while at the same time dismissing kJw-wages men in the dead of winter on the ground that the finances of the Council would not permit of their being employed.

At a meeting of residents of Mosgiel held last night to consider tho question of erecting a memorial to tho late Mr Seddon, it was decided to erect a, firebell and tower. Messrs W. M'Leod, A. Scrivener, G. R Burns, J. Smeaton, and the Mayor (Mr Aitken) were appointed a committee to draw up subscription-lists, etc.

Tho Committee of the Chamber of Commerce request the Harbor Board to reconsider their conditions of tender for receiving and delivering cargo so as to provide for tho omission of clause (b) of the tender form. This Committee are of opinion that it 6hould not bo in the power of any contractor to enforce penalties under the Board's by-laws, but that all penalties for storage, etc., should be directly enforced by tho Board. The present regulations appear to have worked satisfactorily, and, in tho opinion of the Committee, might advantageously be continued.

seafaring man employed at the docks at Cape Town lias been presented by his wife with quadruplets, comprising three boys and one girl. This unusual occurrence caused much interest in the neighborhood, and large numbers of people bombarded tho residence for tho purpose of viewing the four children. The husband is named Bacialia Bossies, and is fifty years of age, and ho is captain of the steam cutter Stella, plying for hire at the docks. Tho mother is Louisa Bossies, thirty vears of age. Ikith the mother and four'babies are doing very well. Some day men may be able to walk on air. Meantime it suffices to tat on air. A Dunedin invention makes this possible We refer to the "Pneumatic ChaL Silencer." which K. Ramsay and Co. are placing on the market, commencing at Dunedin, where it is already commanding orders. The invention is perfectly simple —nothing more or less than a cup-shaped rubber to screw into the teet of a chair. The rubber is something like a very thick bilb'hrd-cue tip, hollow under' neath, a- screw sunk into the cup. All that the buyer has to do is to bore a short- hole in each of tho chair legs, screw on the attachment with the fixing tool provided, and he has a chair that is on cushions, and therefore easy to the sitter. That, however, is only one of the advantages of the attachment. Its principal value is in stopping all noise when a chair is set down or shifted; and another point that will be appreciated by housewives is that the tearing of _ carpets and the scratching of linoleums is prevented. So far as wc can discover, this simple device is one of the most useful ever patented, and it is a matter for congratulation that the idea is bom in New Zeaiand. The proprietors are fully protected against imitations. On the unrighteousness of the local fisherman comment is sometimes made. The case against him is that he throws his fish overboard when the "catch" is too big and the Dunedin market glutted. This is supposed to have its effect in keeping up the price of fish. The fisherman sees the position differently. He avers that when the market is over-stocked ho cannot sell his fish at any price—people do not want them, whether the figure he puts on them is high or low. That is why he sails sorrowfully out to sea betimes and "dumps" them, or, at all events, used to do so until the uses of the refrigerator were understood. In the ease of fi.*h this was only recently. Compared with the practice of the fishermen at Home, the local man comes out well. A clipping has just been brought under onr notice wherein it is stated that the fishing boats at North Shields recently came in loaded to tie gunwales with herrings. The Shields and other markets could not tako the "catch," so vast quantities were sold to a manure factory at tyd per thousand. Eventually the factory was glutted. The rest of the herrings were then taken out to seaand thrown overboard.

The Premier loaves Wellington this evening for Timaru. He comes on to Dunedin on Monday, but a pressing engagement will prevent hie visiting the Otago Central and opening the Chatto Creek section of the line.

The total defalcations of George White who was secretary to the Napier StajrrBowkett Building Society, arc understood to amount to £1,003. Tho General Committee of the Otago League met last night and re-elected Messrs T. R. Clrristie. W. Gow, and W. Henderson to the Executive. The Executive then held a meeting and discussed business, much of which was in the direction of enlarging the usefulness of the Leaguo and strejigtlTenixig the membership.

In the Magistrate's Conrt yesterday afternoon the case of Charles Henry v. George Walkem was heard before Mr H. Y. Widdowson, S.M. It was a claim for £4 15s for material and labor in connection with alterations to a certain lollie manufacturing machine. Mr T. K. Sidey appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr B. S. Irwin for the defendant. The defence was that the machine as altered was useless, and the work done was not in accordance with the instructions given. After hearing evidence, His Worship nonsuited plaintiff, with costs (£1 13s) to defendant

The monthly meeting of the Society for Protection of Women and Children was held yesterday, there being present Mr R. Chisholm (president, in the chair), the Rev. W. Curzon-Siggers (vice-president), Mesdatnes Dennfcton, Ewen, Fry, Staff-captain Blincoe, Miss L. Cohen, Mr J. A. Torrance, the Rev. W. A. Sinclair, and Mrs A. Ansall (secretary). Apologies were received from Dr E. Siedeberg and Mrs Withers. The secretary's report was approved, with several resolutions left in the hands of secretary to deal with. The treasurer's statement was tabled, and all accounts passed for payment.

At a meeting of the Loyal Orange Lodge at Invercargill yesterday the following resolution was passed : —"That this lodge is totally out of sympathy with the opinion alleged to have been expressed by the Nelson Lodge in reference to Sir J. G. Ward becoming Premier, as it is absolutely against the principles of the Orange Institution."

The Corporation are evidently determined to put a stop to tho pernicious" habit of expectoration in the public streets. At th.3 Police Court this morning two men were charged with offending against the by-laws in this direction. One was fined a shilling and costs (7s), and the second defendant, who did not appear,' was fined 2a 6d and cost;?.

Corporal punishment continues to be practised in some of our schools. The Hawera District High School Committee have just held an inquiry in public into three complaints of parents against the[ staff of the Hawera High School of punishing girls with a ruler or supplejack. The offences for which the beating was inflicted were sums imperfectly done and the carrying home of "tales" regarding the severity of the punishment. After hearing the explanation of Mr Strack. the head-master, the Committee expressed the opinion that the explanations made would help td clear the atmosphere, and enable things to go on better in future. There should be more mutual confidence between parent, children, and teacher. It was decided that there was no need for taking further action in the matter. We understand that the Committee of one of the Dunedin public schools have had complaints formulated againsta male teacher of strapping girls for trivial offences—certainly such as are outside the Otago Education Board's regulation on the subject—and that the (head-master of the school in question has liad Ms attention pointedly directed' to the matter'.

An exceptional assortment of hand-made furniture is offered at lower prices than ever. Banders, 88 George street.—TAavtJ Attention is directed to the organ recital to be given by Mr David Cooke in the Moray place Congregational Church to-night. The programme has been arranged so as ie afford as much variety as possible. Miss Claik and Mr Jas. Jago will contribute vocal items, and Mr E.. Schuack will play a cornet &o]u This month F. and F. Martin, Octagon, are offering furniture and furnishings at lower prices than ever. Great sale of remnants of linos, and floorcloths. Keep money by purchasing at their great sale.—-[Advt.] A woman's friend is Dr Ensor's Tamer Juice —never fails to afford relief. [lo9] The annual card tournament in connection with Unity Lodge, T.0.0.F., and Cavershani Lodge, M.D., will take place in the Friendly Societies' Hall, South Dunedin, on Monday evening.

Last few day 3of T. Ross's sale. All jackets, furs, blouses, umbrellas, stockings, lined gloves, etc., to be cleared out at still further reductions.—f Advt.]

In our report of yesterday's meeting of the hospital it was inadvertently stated that Mr Garrow, in intimating that the Governor would be present at the laying of the foundation stone, applied for a cheque for £IOO in connection therewith. What Mr Garrow really asked for was a refund of tho £IOO paid to the Trustees from the Bazaar Committee, which was subsequently voted to the Maternity Home.

Simon Brothers, of George street-, are giving substantial inducement with their stocktaking red-actions.—[Advt.] To-morrow's principal Rugby matches aror Kaikorai v. University, Caledonian Ground; Alhambra v. Dunedin, Carisbrook Ground. Mr Morris invites special attention to the new picture photograph, "the artist proof portrait in carbon." These pictures are lie very latsst and best achievements in modern photography. They aro exquisite examples of the highest-class portraiture. See specimens the Studio, Princes street.—[Advt.]

The Dunedin Engineers are this evening promoting a gathering of all thoso who have at any time been connected with the company, with a view to celebrating tho twentyfirst anniversary of the corps, which took place on the 28th April last. The'social is to be held in the Carlton Dining Rooms this evening, and invitation cards have been sent out to all those whose addresses can be ascertained. In order that no one may be omitted, an advertisement is inserted inviting all who may not have received previous intimation to be present. The occasion will also be taken to present the shooting prizes to tho successful competitors in last season's matches.

Large quantities of Mountain King Asthma Powder are now exported to Sydney' and Melbourne. [lo9]

Artistic hairdressing for evenings, etc., a specialty by Mr Heudy, who secured diploma of honor at the hairdressing comootitions held in London last year. Hairdressing fiom Is.—[Advt.] Tho Firth Pumice Company, Limited, Auckland, arc putting on the market " Puiiueine,'' a patent compressed sand scan. It. does not crumble -aw.iy when wet, and retains its original hardness after use. Mr A. T. Firth, who is representing the firm, is now in Dunedin. He arranged for free distribution of about full-size blocks (11£oz each), and portion of the City has already had simples, since which an immediate demand has set in. Grocers are row receiving orders, and owing to the run on " Pumicine" Mr Firth will be compelled to curtail the free distribution until fresh supplies conm to hand. Large consignments arc expected by the Talune, due on the 26th in3t., when all orders will be provided for. Mr H. F. Moss, Liverpool street, is the Otago agent. [1213]

For weak and tender throat, chest, and lungs nothing equals Tussicura; a remedy of merit [lo9]

The six pictures belonging to the Tourist Department are at present on ixhibi<7im in Mr David Scott's window in Princes str.-ti