The Evening Star THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 1906.

Evening Star, Issue 12899, 23 August 1906, Page 4

The Evening Star THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 1906.

tfo one who has kept in touch with Drainage Board questions during The Drainage the last two years will be Board. greatly surprised to learn that a point has been reached vhea it is imperative for the Board to do wmething. A crisis in the history of the drainage scheme has arisen; and it is essential for the Board to know exactly where they are, and for the ratepayers, who nave to bear the burden, to bo made acquainted with, their intentions. At the outset, however, it is permissible to eay that nothing is now happening or has happened that the present Board have not anticipated, and there is therefore no ground for panic. The departure of the late engineer has necessitated change and inquiry, and these have emphasised the Sfcfiriencies, financial -and otherwise, of the

drainage and sewerage proposals. It will 1» within the recollection of our readers that in the course of a series of articles published hi this journal in 1904 much of what has since been admitted was first publicly stated in regard to I>rainage Board affaire. Those articles were not, however, met by tho officials of the old Board and a section of tho public in a generous spirit. The motives of the writer were impugned, and we were threatened with libel actions. Yet all that was stated, in brief, was that the drainage scheme as designed could not be constructed for the sum of £200,000, nor even twice that amount; that it would not bear the pressure placed npon it, nor fulfil what it was claimed it would do; that there were faults in construction ; arid that thero was no complete scheme formally elaborated and reduced to black-and-white. Tim* has amply justified our contributor, and we recall the gist of his predictions hi order to allay any feeling of alarm to which hasty and superficial inquiry may give rise. All that was said in 1904 is known to the present Drainage Board, and their policy has alwaysbeen guided by a, full knowledge of tie financial and technical weaknesses they had to encounter. When, therefore, the late engineer (Mr Anderson) left the Board's employ, the question arose whether it would be better to engage a thoroughly competent engineer, whose duty it would be to examine and report on the scheme as a whole, as a condition precedent to engaging a permanent official, or that the latter be secured without taking any such course. It may be remembered that when writing on this subject on the Bth inst.—the day after Mr Scott's proposal to get a report from a consulting engineer, preferably Mr Oardue, of Sydney, had been rejected in favor of offering Mr Manchester the position he has just declined—we said :" By this proposal "it might have been possible to entrust "this latter work (carrying out a scheme " based on such a report) to Mr A. Slinger, "whose capability for it no one denies.' " However, as matters have gone, the deci"sion to appoint a permanent engineer at "a, salary of £6OO practically leaves no "room for the present engineer, and it "seems that his three years' experience "of the work and his thorough acquaint- " ance with all the details of the scheme—- " demerits and all—are to bo lost. This is "to be regretted." As a matter of fact, Mr Manchester*s visit here in response to the offer made him has to all appearance brought about the adoption by the Board of the proposal discarded in its favor. As soon as Mr Manchester became acquainted with the condition in which the scheme now stands he pointed out the necessity for a report by a consulting engineer of experience and standing. This morning's meeting of the Board showed that a majority of members has now recognised this, and decided to have it given effect to. And with this has come recognition of two other facts-th.it to enablo such a report to be furnished a great deal of information as to what has already been done *ill have to be supplied to the consulting engineer, and that there is practically only one man (Mr Slinger) who can supply that information. It was known to the Board that for several reasons Mr Slinger would not undertake the permanent engineership unless a report were furnished. That matter having been settled, it was not surprising to hear one member say that the proposal to retain Mr Slinger's services, instead of allowing him to leave the Board to enter the Dock Trust's employ, was " the essence of common sense." The chairman of the Board's Works Committee, who has an intimate knowledge of Mr Slinger's work, said to-day: "If he goes away he takes " with him all this information, and it will "be a serious business." Mr Small went on to remind the Board thai it would be a more difficult matter to get a competent engineer to apply for the position than it was before Mr Manchester camo over. Other members of the Board agreed with this view, and Mr Marlow put tho position in a nutshell when he said: "Is it advisable "to part with the only man acquainted "with the details of tho scheme? The "more incomplete our plans are the more "important it is to retain the man who "knows." To us- it seems that the Board did perfectly right in acting as they did today, and it may be as well to hint here tliat parsimony in the matter of the consulting engineer's fee would be a mistake. A thorough report on past work and a definite scheme and plans of future necessary work are imperative. No further steps should be taken without them, or ib may be a case of confusion worse confounded. The right man must be entrusted with this work, and the difference between getting the right man and the wrong one is of infinitely more importance at this undoubted crisis than the difference of a few hundred pounds in the fee.

The people of Dunedin will bo surprised to bear that Mr Alexander Hector and Wilson, Rector of the Otago Editor. Boys > ffigh gchoolj Us ac . cepted the editorship of the ' New Zealand Times'—tie well-known organ of the Liberal party in Wellington. For our own part, -we have heard this rather ■startling news- with mixed feeling. As representing jouraaiiem, we are glad, for Mr Wilson's exceptional literary ability and civic virtue will be a valuable acquisition to the Press of the Colony; but w© do not relish the thought of the local loss. We have had a little tilt with the Rector now and again, and have had occasion to admire his controversial dexterity; but, winning or losing, we have always been proud of his gifts and general merits, and we- do not like the idea of losing him. Of his scholastic services there will be time enough io speak when he actually lays aside the rectorial ferule, but we may just say that he High Sohool Board of Governors will mve an anxious task when tbey 6et themselves (as they promptly must) to fill the place of one who has eerved them 60 faithfully, , so successfully, and for so long a period. Mr Wilson is not a young man, and he displays no small amount of courage and moral vitality, so to speaE, in deciding to start a new career after engaging in srbool work for more than thirty years. It is true that the distinctly literary side of journalism is not new to aai aa iiu*

side his success—we might even say his distinguished success—may be regarded as a foregone conclusion. Other branches of editorial activity he may find to be more taxing and; less grateful. We fear that he will sometimes be obliged to effect a compromise with the fastidiousness of his literary taste. We take leave to welcome him to the formal ranks of journalism, and we trust that he will never have cause to regret what is necessarily {from a personal point of view) a momentous decision. But, as has been said, there will be much regret in Dunedin.

TrtE first night's debate in the House of Representatives on the AdPMliamenK dres3-in-Repty appears to have been of average calibre. The mover and seconder evidently acquitted themselves with credit, though the son of the late Premier had rather too much to say about the history and conditions of the West Coast, while Mr Poole made one incidental remark of a irordant and uncharitable character for which, it seems to us, ho should have been taken to task by tho Chair. The Leader of the Opposition was in a captious mood, and Ins reference to the two ex Ministers was singularly perverse and infelicitous. VHe sympathised greatly with those genJ tlemen- in their present position, and ' could sco no reason for their exclusion from the Government." There are none so blind as those who will not see, but Mr Massey's vision would bo clearer if he were to remove the colored spectacles of Nj doubt the strengthening of the Government tends to hamper the designs of the Opposition. Mr Mills at least—if we may judge from his magnanimous and clear-sighted utterance of last week—is not likely to thank Mr Massoy for his gratuitous and rather offensivo sympathy The Premier spoke on the matter with legitimate warmth, declaring that it was an insult to himself and his old colleagues to talk of their having been ill-treated. The new arrangement, he added, had been accepted in a friendly way on both sides, after full discussion and with mutual appreciation of the special circumstances. No one will grudge Mr Massey his ironic pleasantry regarding the alleged incompatibility of Ministerial views, as he wad evidently hard-pressed for materials of criticism; but the allusions to the Minister of Education and the Single Tax are becoming stale. They never had much point, an-t the less advanced section of the Liberal party will not be frightened by Opposition hints of economic revolution. The members of a Massey Administration might be free fro.n differences of opinion, bound together as they would be by a dominant reactionary principle; but variety of sentimjn: is an almost inevitable characteristic of a progressive party. Another of Mr Massey's criticisms was strange, to say tho least, if indeed there is no error in the report. He declared that " the undertaking most wanted in this country—''roading the out-districts—was ignored" in the Governor's Speech. Yet the Speech contained a promise of special provision "ior the extension of roads and telephones "to outpost settlements"; and the Premier, in his reply, took occasion to remind the House that the Liberal Government nad spent over two millions sterling on roads during the last five years. Ministers are blamed for not placing in the Governor's mouth a detailed statement of policy, but we hope that the complaint will be entirely disregarded, and that on future occasions the Speech will be much shorter. It is surely not- too much to ask the Opposition to wait for the Financial Statement, which is to be produced with commendable promptitude. Mr Massey is "grievously disappointed" that a Harbor Board Bill has not been announced, and we agree with him as to the desirability of such a measure; but the absence of specific mention m the Governor's Speech does not necessarily men that no proposals will be offered, seeing that the subject is not of the first political importance. On th« other hand, the silence of the Governor or the Government concerning the question of the Legislative Council has naturally given rise to more or Itss pointed comments, and it would now appear that Ministers have no intention of formulating a scheme. The Premier nruie a striking pronouncement on the subject last night, virtually declaring that the Council was neither to be ended nor mended. He would say that Mr Massey's ideal of a Council electsd on the Hare system was retrograde and impossible. The abolition of the Council would be more democratic. For himself, he did not believe m the abolition of the Council. I. he Government did not intend to meddle with the Council, as the country had not asked for anything of the lind. This question always found the Seddon Government at sixes and sevens, and the divergent utterances of Sir Joseph Ward and Mr Hall-Jones show that the new Ministry are similarly situated. We have always been inclined to favor a trial of the plan which the Premier describes as retrograde and impossible, but we are bound to confess that there has been no noticeable manifestation of public opinion in support of such a step. On the other hand, many competent observers are of opinion that a majority of the electors would approve a policy of abolition. If the system of nomination is to be continued, it will behove the Government to exercise scrupulous care in the selection of Councillors. The dominant party may fairly lay claim to the balance of power; but, this having been secured, appointments should be made without primary regard to party considerations. We confidently expect to see the name of Sir William Russell in the next list of nominations.

The Compensation Court case of Wright v. the Drainage Board has been adjourned until Monday week. His Honor Mr Justice Cooper this morning fixed the next sitting of the- Bankruptcy Court for the sth of October. The Drainage Board met this morning, and received a letter from Mr E. Manchester withdrawing from the enginoership. It was then resolved to aek Mr Cardue, of Sydney, to come over and report upon the schepae; also to offer the appointment of engineer to Mr Slinger for a term of three years, and Mr Slinger being at once asked for a reply, he said he would accept the position, on the understanding that a consulting engineer be called in, if the Board could arrange with the Dock Trust for his honorable release from his engagement with the Trust. The Board accepted this condition. Mr Manchester left for Australia, by the Warrimoo this afternoon. It was generally understood that the report of the tramway traffic manager on the question of tram fares, etc., would have come before the Tnmways Committee at their meeting yesterday. But, though v~e have some reason for believing that that report has been made, it has not yet appeared officially ho far as tbo Committee are concerned. As a result, it is probable that a motion asking for the report will be made at the next Council meeting. The monthly meeting of the Dunediu and Suburban Presbyterian Office-bearers' Association was held last evening in First Church class room. The subject for discussion was 'The Office-bearer on Duty.' The leader (the Rev. R. Mackie) showed what a thorough knowledge he has of the office-bearer's duty by the brotherly and instructive way in which he dealt with the subject. Nearly all present took part in the discussion.

The monthly meeting of the Independent Political Labor League was held last night, when a large number of delegates from various unions and members were present. General business was got through, and the following resolution was . carried unanimously :—" That this branch of the Independent Political Labor League endorse the action of the citizens' meeting in their protest against the action of successive Governments in their encroachments on the Harbor Board's endowments." Considerable discussion took place over' this question, and some strong comments were .made over the dilatory attitude of the citizens (and workers especially) on political and municipal affairs. A resolution wag also carried congratulating Mr Belcher on bis appointment to a eeat on the Harbor Board.

Our parliamentary correspondent wires: An additional batch of justices of tho peace will bo gazetted to-night. Among those hailing from Otago are Messrs Ormond, Hughes (Maniototo), James John Marlow (Musselburgh), Mungo Allison (Hawea Flat), Timothy Duggan (Matakanui), and John Sheppard (Lauder). It is understood that the improvements in connection with the gasworks, for which a sum of £50,000 was recently set aside by the City Council, will be fully under way in two months' time. Steps are being taken to commence the foundation for the now gasholder forthwith.

r An open meeting of the newly-formed Zionist Association was held at Synagogue Chambers last night, when the Rev. A. T. Chodowski (vice-president) delivered a most interesting address on 'The Genesis and Progress of Zionism.' He treated the subject mainly from the historical standpoint, showing that the movement had made immense strides, notwithstanding the untimely death of its founder (Hertzl), and that its objective was religious as well as political. In the discussion that took place the following took part: The Bev. Dr Nisbet (who voiced the hope of tho Christian community that the Jews would find a permanent home in Palestine, as had been divinely promised; and who expressed the wish that the lecture might bo published in full for the benefit of those who had been unable to hear it); Mr J. Neil (who gavo some instructive personal reminiscences of his visit to the Holy Land a little over four years ago); the llev. W Thomson, the Rev. D. Maclennan, Messrs <J. A. D. Adams, J. Campbell, and R. .Sinclair; also the chairman (Dr Heinemaxra), who declared that the late Dr Hertzl, as well as Dr Max Nordau, his successor, had distinctly affirmed that the Zionist movement was essentially a political one. A vote of thanks to the rev. lecturer was carried by acclamation. At the close of the proceedings a gramophone exhibition was given by Mr L. Morns. The director of technical education at Auckland (Mr George George) reported to the Education Board yesterday on the lessons learned by him during 'his recent visit to Sydney. He considers that as regards manual training (including handwork) Auckland is considerably ahead of New South Wales in building and equipment for this branch of work. Generally he reports, there seems to be less public interest taken in technical education in Sydnev fchan in Auckland. Once the Seddon Technical CoUege i 3 completed technical education will be equal, if not superior, to that in any other town of the same size of the British Empire. In pursuance of the instruction by the ?i ra i Da ?tu Board ' Mr Slin S er vesterday blocked the connection of the railway station with the main intercepting sewer. The man Turner, who was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment at the Supeme Court this week for obtaining monev by means of a forged telegram, w£s taken to bhnstchurch this morning to answer a charge there of receiving £IOO from America by similar means. H™°i 0W S g ,?? e recent "oommendan?" by A Mr G /™ th ' the Committee of the w ? ° i f, d P ~ Societv a motion to the effect that in their opinion it would be m the interests of the frozen meat industry that an indelible brand, in cheating that the meat is of New Zealand origin, should be stamped on each carcass prior to shipment. Flllton ». ih I ,e respected secretary of the Otago .Agricultural and Pastoral Society, is now -,n comfortable quarters the room behind his office has been doubled in size, suitably furnished, and made into a proper board room, commodious ,->nd easily accessible to the public. The amusement, side of the summer show at lanuna Park is to be made more important and more interesting this year. 4. Victoria Cross raee, a donkey race, a needle-threading race are amongst the new items, and we are to have a motor-driving competition. " A meeting of ladies connected with the liarlv bettlers Association was held yesterday. Mr J. B. Stevenson presided. Satisfactory arrangements were made for the forthcoming social. One of the " sore points " in connection with the recent dispute between the Dunedin Gas Stokers and Cokers' Union and the Corporation was the selection of the lorenoon of the shifts. Engaged as they were in an occupation not too healthy and naturally desired to be considered eligible for foremen a positions. An easier time and an increase of Is 6d per day went With such promotion. Besides, the stokers had experience m carbonising, which is am essential part of the foreman's work ™, Preface of selecting foremen from the before. We understand, however, that S$ I M r ?? < S tcome of the conciliatory atatude of Mr Hungerford, the new manZ ger, this point and others were conceded Some time ago tie Committee of the Athenseum found it necessary to Hve a warning to subscribe™ of a certain" ckus The class includes those who mutilate books and those whose feelings so far get the better of them that they must write their comments over what they read. The caution was given on tags warning the man with the email penknife and the smaller conscience that mutilation, if detected meant prosecution. These tags were attached to many of the magazines. This may have stopped cutting, but it has not checked pencilling. Articles about Russian tyranny always seem to draw out the greatsouled readers who patronise the table where the " heavy " magazines lie, and pencilled comments on these are frequent. But it is on the literature touching the liquor question that the controversial penciller breaks all bounds. In the current number of the organ of "the trade" several paragraphs have " Mad! " written across them. Then follows the paragraph about the twenty-eight casks which were said to have gone to Oamaru. On this the penciller is brief and to the point. His remark is • " \ lie!" '

According to the statement of several persons a distinct earthquake shock was felt in Dunedin between 7.20 and 7.30 this morning. One gentleman's knowledge of the tremor was so decided that he was able to say that the direction of the quake was from oast to west. The authorities have received no official reports, but the assertions of private individuals are convincingly emphatic. A fact of interest which may here be mentioned is that on Sunday last, when the sea was calm, a sudden and unaccountable swell "was observed in tho ocean.

The Rev. 0. H. Laws, minister of Trinity Church, can always be depended upon to have something worth listening to. This remark bears special reference to his ability as a lecturer; and the announcement in another column that Mr Laws is to deliver his address on ' The Romance of Polar Exploration ' at Wesley Church, Glenaven, North-east Valley to-morrow evening is sure to attract a lar'e attendance. The many fearless and daring attempts made from time w time to solve the mystery in which the Northern region of frozen ocean and everlasting- snow has enwrapped itself make the narrative Sir Laws has to tell a most fascinating one. If you have a chill or cold, go and procure a bottle of Tussicura. [lo9] Ladies who appreciate elegrant coiffures should not fail to visit Hendy's well-known hairdressing rooms, where every branch of hairwork is executed by expert artistes only. 104 Princes street.—[Advt.] On Friday, August 24, a concert will be hold in Stuart Hall in aid of the Otago branch of the Bombay Missionary Settlement for University Women.

The road to Jiealth paved with good digesfcl£n'"7Brag<a Vegetable Charcoal, invaluable for indigestion, diarrhoea, fevers, etc Powder, 2s, 4a, 6s; biscuits, Is, 2s, 4s; all SSStt-SSRi Wig *°" *•* *»*+ The following Rugby matches will bo played on the Caledonian Ground on Saturday afternoon:—Maniototo V. Vincent County, at 1.30, and North Otago v. South Otago at 3 o'clock! Mr Morris makes the most charming portrait studies of all children. 'are beautifully soft, naturally lifelike, and totally unstudied; Charges, 21s per dozen, cabinet size. See specimens in vestibule, the utudio. Princes street.—[Advt.] Tamer Juice does not gripe, but is a sure laxative and hver tonic Qo9] The Telegraph Department is advised that messages may be accepted for all places in Chili.

To promote proper assimilation of your food take Dr Ensor's Tamer juice. [lo9] The New Zealand Insurance Company declare a dividend of 2s per share, now payable at the local office

Giddiness, swimming of the head cured by taking Dr Ensor's Tamer Juice. [lo9]