The Evening Star FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 1906.

Evening Star, Issue 12900, 24 August 1906, Page 4

The Evening Star FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 1906.

'J'mk second and concluding stage of the debate on the Address-in-The Reply does, not call for ex-•.A.hIrPNS-ln.lJepl.r.tended notice. The early close of the discussion is matter for congratulation, seeing that no rueful purpose could be served by desultory comments on tho foreshadowings of a policy which will not be expounded definitely till next week. We hope that in future the Governor’s Speech will be reduced to about a third of its customary length, and the subsequent debate to little more than a brief formality. The Financial Statement i« to make its appearance on Tuesday, and then Parliament and tho country will be in possession of the main features of the Ministerial policy. There will bo no ground of complaint if the ensuing discussion is lengthy and searching, as the present position undoubtedly has the character of an important juncture, and a largo number of members will want to have their say. The speeches delivered last night were, for the most part, colorless and negligible, though Mr Hogg gave the Leader ol the Opposition and his party a bad quarter of an hour, and showed clearly that he has no intention of betaking himself to the Cave of Aduliam because he has not been included in tho Ministry. It goes without saying, too, that Mackenzie bad 6ometii«g-.to

worth hearing, and his plea on behalf of tho struggling' settlers in the back-block--of Otago and other provinces was cogent timely. The “bush exiles” nre sorely m need of faithful advocates, and if their interests were likely to bo furthered bv tho formation of a “country party“ we should be disposed to give Mr Rutherford our blessing. Nothing is less likely, how- , Vtr ’ proposed faction of the member for Hurunui would be chiefly engaged in Mitring up strife between town and’country and putting difficulties in the way of progressive legislation. We are glad ‘that Mr Mackenzie was left out in the cold, as his co-operation would give the so-called party an influence which we do not wish it to possess. It will be observed that the member for Waikouaiti did not fail to comment on the way in which Otago has been neglected in tho matter of acquiring estates for close settlement. “The result “was that Otago was losing population. “He called for justice to Otago.” This call should be echoed by every representative of tho province, and not in reference to land settlement alone, important as that .subject is. Adequate provision for railway construction (especially a *. Gatlins), an equitable arrangement of the Harbor Board difficulty, and the aciivc prosecution of a close settlement policy within casv reach of Dunedin these are the chief objects of tho cry of “Justice for Otago," and it would he hard to say which is the most urgent. Wo should he the last to encourage a spirit of narrow and greedy provincialall that we ask is a fair share of public money and honorable treatment in administrative concerns—and these Ota-ro has not had of late. '

Tx another column will be found a letter addressed to ns by the now Tl, « member of the Harbor Harbor Hoard Board. Candid judges will Appointment, probably agree that we have reason to complain of the way in which Mr Belcher has taken oar moderate and not unkindly comments on his appointment. Ho seems to be bent on justifying the misgivings to which WO gIVYO expression on Tuesday, wxl lus “ pugnacious” epistle betrays a complete misapprehension of the tone of our article. We did not reflect upon the Minister of Labor. said that he had displayed considerable boldness, and that time would show whether he had also displayed insight and wisdom. The appointment was made on Mr Millar’s recommendation, and Mr Belcher's reference to tho Governor and the Cabinet is a mere quibble. Wo gave Mr Belcher some pointed advice, obviously suggested by bis controversial characteristics; but, so far from prejudging him, wo said that “wo “should bo sorry to prejudice the new “member's chances of usefulness, and we “shall be very glad if his conduct falsifies “the misgivings which we cannot altogether banish.” It is possible for a man to bo a useful member of a public body without being a polite letter-writer, and we still hope that Mr Belcher will prove that this is so. But his reception of our well-meant comments cannot be regarded as an auspicious start. As a member of the Harbor Board (or in any other capacity) he can rely on receiving fair treatment at our hands, hut be may also rest assured that no angry and unreasonable remonstrances—no array of “ pugnacious ’’ epithets—will prevent its from giving expression to any criticisms or comments suggested by our view of the public interest.

There is no word of the ’Frisco steamer Sonoma, She is now four days overdue at Auckland. The local agents (Messrs Neill and Co.) have wired to Auckland to know if she is signalled, but no reply was to hand at time of going to press. She is time-tabled to leave Sydney on her return journey on September 3. The last steamer, the Sierra, brought the Premier and landed him punctually on time. We understand that a numerouslysigned petition praying Parliament to abolish pigeon-shooting as a cruel sport will shortly 7 be sent to the City members for presentation. It was decided at a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Competitions Society that it bo an instruction to the musical judge that no extra marks be given for playing from memory in the instrumental numbers. All the" arrangements for the festival are well forward, and numerous entries .ore reported from all over the colony. As a sort of corroboration of the report spread locally of a slight shock of earthquake felt yesterday morning, a Gore message states that a alight ehock was felt yesterday morning at thirteen minutes past seven, the shock larding about twenty seconds. It w;w felt here at about 7.20. It was reported to the Hospital Board yesterday (says Wednesday’s ‘ Timaru Herald ’) that a legacy of £soo'has been left to the hospital by the will of a man recently deceased at Temuka. The Government subsidy on legacies is one-half, so that the Board will have £750 to spend on some useful object. His Honor Air Justice Cooper fixed the following dates this morning for the compensation cases :—M'Cutcheon v. the Minister of Railways, 12th November, at 11 a.m.; Laing v. the Citv Corporation, 14th November, at 10.30 a.m.; Smith v. the City Corporation, 15th November, at 10 30 a.m.

Forbury, Macandrew road, and Kensington Public Schools have been closed owing to the prevalence of measles, and Caversham shut its doors this morning for a week’s holiday, about 100 of the "children being away. Tho kindergarten at St. Peter’s is also closed, and St, Patrick’s School is going through the same expert eroe. The managers of St. Patrick’s School have done a wise thing in consulting the local health officer as to the date of rcopeninm Dr Ogston agrees that this .school may & reopened on Monday, when be will send an inspector to look at the children and advise.

In a memorandum to head-masters of schools Dr Ogston gives advice as to how to detect measles. As this complaint is now a general trouble in and about Dunedin, the signs thereof ought i o bo widely known: —A child ill or about to be ill with measles may have a slight fit of shivering, looks watery about the eyes, has a cold in the nose, and a short cough or sore throat. The rash light-red spots, separate from one another—may appear first on tlie temples and forehead, later on the back and sides of the chest. The skin is usually moist, with perhaps abundant perspiration, while the child is feverish. Tho duration of the infection is from two to four weeks, and the patient should not he readmitted- to school till all cough has disappeared and the branny shedding of the -skux has ceased.’’

In dealing with a charge of drunkeunoss at the Police Court this morning, Mr mddowson, S.M., said that in future when a man came before him a second tune ho should inflict a severe penalty, and see if that would tend to act as a deterrent.

An illustrated lecture and concert in connection with the Hamilton-Garmong mission drew a large “house” to the Garrison Hall last evening. It had been intended to show over two hundred 20ft views as an essential part of an illustrated lecture, but owing to some defect in the apparatus this part of the entertainment was considerably marred, and the lecturer only got through his task with difficulty. The other part of the entertainment, consisting of selections by the Tabernacle Chorus and solos by Hr Garmong, proved very enjoyable. Cooper heard the special case of Columb and others v. the Otakia Drainage Board, submitted by Mr Woodhousc, as representing the arbitrator in tho recent Moraona cases. The sole point in issue was whether. under the provisions of the Public Works Act, claimants could be awarded costs. After hearing argument, His Honor held that, as the award did not exceed one-half of the amount claimed, the claimants were not entitled to any costs.

Furniture and house furnishings.—You want something durable at moderate prices. Visit Sanders, 86 George street,—[Advt,] The interior of the, Moray place Congregational Church is to be renovated and decorated at considerable expense, and already a large part of the necessary funds is in hand. With the object of assisting in' raising the balance required, Mr David'Cooke is giving a series of three organ recitals. The second of these is to be given on Monday evening, when a varied programme will be submitted. Mr Courtney Hood will make his first appearance as a vocalist before a Dunedin audience, and Mr A. Ibbofcson will also assist. Admission will be free. Will intending house-fumishers visit our stores; get satisfaction, and save money. See our windows for bargains. F. and F. Martin, Octagon.—[Advt.] The general manager of the Atlas Assurance Company has received advice that the Atlas are not interested in tho fires resulting from the earthquake disasters in South America. 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.] Mountain King Asthma Powder gives immediate and refreshing relief in obstinate eases. [ lo9 ] The Wolesley Sheep-shearing Machine Company (Messrs Nimmo and Blair, local agents) offer a trophy valued at £lO 10s for the most points in sheep, to be competed for at the Otago A. and P. .Society's summer shows. It must be won three times (not necessarily in succession) before becoming the property of the winner. Boot buyers should go at onoc to Simon Brothers, George street, for stock-taking bargams.—[Advt.] The final for the charity banner will be played to-morrow at Culling Park between Northern and Kaitangata. Match commences ac throe o’clock. Admission 6d, boys sd. For stiff joints, neuralgia, lame back, contracted muscles nothing equals Witch’s Oil [lo9] Mr Morris invites special attention to the new picture photograph, “the artist proof portrait in carbon.” These pictures are the very latest and best achievements in modern photography. They are exquisite examples of the highest-class portraiture. See specimens the Studio, Princes street.—[Advt.] The Public Works Office has extended tho time for receiving tenders for workers’ homes, Windle Settlement, until Friday, tho 31st inst. Have you a sore that won’t heal? Witch’s Ointment, a mighty healer. [lo9] , The Telegraph Department is advised that Berne advises communication via Galveston JJ.S.A.) with Santiago is re-established, and that the conditions for other places remain unchanged.