The Evening Star TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1910.

Evening Star, Issue 14525, 29 November 1910, Page 4

The Evening Star TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1910.

It is pleasant to bo able to congratulate the Hospital Saturday AssoHospital eiation on the signal success Saturday, of their latest appeal to the benevolent feelings of the civic, suburban, and provincial community. Now that all has ended well, no harm can be dono by stating that there were misgivings in some quarters concerning thn prospects of this year's collection. There was a. certain amount of controversy in respect to the specific uses to which the money should be allocated, and timid folk were disposed to fear that this difference of opinion might act as a restraint upon the liberality of the public. The event has shown tho groundlessness of these pessimistic doubts. The man in the street (who, by tho way, has secured an increase of his proverbial importance since the institution of Hospital Saturday) docs not inquire too closely into tho details of financial administration. Ho takes for granted that the coins which (to tho dulcet tune of 'Pay, pay, pay') he drops into the present-day equivalent of the littlo tambourine will do good in some way or other; and even the boldest would think twice before daring to excuse himself to the fair collectors on the plea of disagreement with the details of the policy of the Hospital Saturday Association.. It is true that something lemains to be said about thoso details, in connection with certain but we da not propose

to enter into the subject to-day. Our present purpose is merely congratulatory; and assuredly it would be impossible to make too laudatory mention of tho ladies who devoted themselves so indefatigably on Saturday to assisting the cause of humanity. No doubt some of the collectors find the work thoroughly enjoyable, but thero are many, possessing less confident vitality, who feel the strain and bear it in a spirit of dutiful self-sacrifice; and even thoso wJip appreciate the fun of tho business, so to speak, must get very tired before tho long day's task is done. All houor to the faithful and enchanting band ! —and, incidentally, tho scrvicesof the mere men helpers (including the bank officials) should not pass unrecognised.

The Law of Libel Act Amendment Bill passed its second readThe Libel Bill, ing in the House-of Representatives yesterday by an overwhelming majority, tho voting being 53 to 18. These very satisfactory figures indicate that thero is not likely to be much difficulty in connection with tho subsequent stages: nor is any serious trouble to bo apprehended when the proposals reach tho Legislative Council. Moreover, in view of tho conclusive result of the division, the newspapers of the Dominion can afford to adopt a lenient and forbearing tone iu commenting on tho attitude of the small minority who raised tho standard of unreason and of resistance to a ju&t reform which has been too long delayed. The Leader of tho Opposition voted with the " Noes," ostensibly on the ground that the Bill ought to have been introduced at an earlier stage of the session. Mr Massey seems to love to have his name recorded in the lists of antireformers; but, though he carried tonic of his party with him (most of tho " Noes" being Oppositionists), it is gratifying to observe that Mr James Allen, Mr Hemes, Mr Eraser, Mr Herdmaii, Mr Anderson, and other anti-Ministerialists refused the specious invitation and eup[>orted the cause of Tcaeon and justice. Tho " Ayes " included all the Dunedin and suburban representatives (with the exception of Mr G. M. Thomson, who, thero is reason to believe, would have been on the same side if he had been present, and to whom, in passing, we would tender an expression of sympathetic gocd-will). In the minority are to bo found only five South Island members (Messrs Malcolm, Scott, Hardy, Nosworthy, and T. E. Taylor), and only two representatives of Otago constituencies (C'lutha and Tuapeka). As regards the discussion, very little comment is necessary ; for it would bo a work of supererogation to refute Mr T. E. Taylor's patent inaccuracies and audacious irrelevancies. We shall only dwell upon one point. Mr Taylor had the hardihood to declare that thero had been no demand for the Bill. Did you ever! Why, tho newspapers throughout tho Dominion have been demanding and demanding, and pleading and pleading, for nearly a quarter of a century. It would be absurd to suppose that Mr Taylor knows nothing of the. incessant efforts of the Journalists' Institute (dating back to the early nineties) to win for the newspapers of Now Zealand privileges similar to those granted to the Tress of tho United Kingdom in 1886; or that he has forgotten the definite proposals of reform which were thwarted, just when they seemed to be on tho point of consummation, by the extraordinary tactics of tho lato Sir John M'Kcnzie (peace to his aslice:) and a number of vindictive politicians of less note But fur those factious intrigues a measure would have been passed fifteen years ago that would have had tho signal distinction of giving a lead to the Einpiio by supplying the most liberal, the most comprehensive, and the ablest codification of the law relating to libel and slander to be met with in any part of the English-speaking world. But we are wasting toi> much time and space on Mr Taylor and his vagaries. Wc have only to add that while tho journalists of New Zealand ate grateful to Sir Joseph Ward and his colleagues—as well as to tho fifty-three members who gave their approval last night to a belated act of justice—there will not be full content until the full demand is conceded and the Legislature sees fit to endow the Press of this Dominion with the degree of protection afforded to tho Press of Great Britain, Queensland, and Tasmania. In other words, there should bo protection for fair ami bona fide reports of the proceedings of any mooting legitimately convened for the discussion of matters of public import. Our last word, however, shall not be a word of dissatisfaction. We are duly thankful for half—or, say, three-quarters—-of the desired loaf.

Mr J. E. MacManus, secretary to tho General Laborers' Union, states that he has received numerous applications, which ho has been una'.e to fulfil, from sheepowners in need of shearers. There arc not nearly enough shearers available to supply tho demand. This is attributed to the unsettled conditions that have existed for the past fc.v months. The medical superintendent of tho consumptive sanatorium has been instructed to act re. tho notification from tho Chief Health Officer that the Department of Public Health is prepared to receive into the working camp for consumptives at Karerc any sanatorium patients who, in the opinion of tho medical superintendent, are tit to work in tho open air, but not fit to return to 'their occupations. The revenue of the gas department of tho City Corporation for the past halfyear amounted to £27,228 12s 2d, of which £22,204 16s Id was derived from sales. The expenses camo to £20,783 10s 2d, leaving a net profit of £6,445 2s. The profit for the corresponding period of last year was £3,215. Tho revenue of the water department totalled £16,134 8s 6d, the water revenuo itself coming to £15,974 3s 4d. The expenses wore £10,606 18s 2d, leaving a net profit of £5,527 10s 4d, as against £5,409 14s 8d last year. Tho tramway revenue totalled £32.940 4s Id, and the expenses £30,240'1is 2d, leaving a net profit of £2,699 12s lid, as against £1,867 10s 2d last year.

About the beginning of tho year a case was heard before the S.M. at Auckland, in which Messrs Guthrie, Bowron, and Co., of Dunedin, were charged with making a false declaration in regard to certain goods which were indented by them for a client. The facts wero briefly these: The shipper in London (Mr F. Watts) had given a second invoice showing details of freight and insuranco, thinking this course was necessary for Customs purposes. The totals on "tho two invoices were the same. The difference was that in ono the freight and insurance from tho f.o.b. port wero indicated, and in tho other the actual cost at the works, with the charges to the f.o.b. port, was shown, and on which Mr Watts thought the duty was actually payable. It was explained during the hearing of. tin? case that Guthrie, Bowron, and Co. had forwarded both invoices to tho Customs, showing that they had acted in good faith. Tho magistrate 'imposed a lino of £25, stating in effect that, though tho iirm had mado a technical breach of tho law, it was apparently inadvertent. Representations were made to '.he Minister of Customs, and Guthrie, Bowron, and Co. have now received a letter from the Secretary of Customs which states:—" After carefully reviewing your case, the Minister of Customs is satisried that, although a technical breach of tho law took place, there was on the part of your iirm no attempt to avoid the duty. The Governor has therefore been moved to remit the amount of tho fine—viz., £2s—which will bo returned to you through the Department of .Justice." A report was before tho Hospital Committeo last night from Dr Falconer in reference to providing separate cooking arrangements for tho nurses' home at the hospital. To carry out this project would necessitate certain structural alterations at tho institution, and it was decided that l)r Falconer be instructed to confer with tho Board's architect with a view to submitting a detailed estimato of cost, and a report on tho subject of tho alterations that would be required. The profit and loss account of the electric power and lighting department of the City Corporation for tho past half-year shows:—Lighting revenue, £6,745 19s; power revenue, £9,526 15s lid; public lighting, £1,090 17s Sd; sundry revenue, £429 3s 3d; or a total of £17,792 15s 7<l, there being a net prolit over expenses of £2,805 2s.'ld. There was a loss for the same half-year of 1909 of £217 8s 2d. A Wanganui P.A. wire states that an extraordinary case, in which Constablo M'Crea, of Kaetihi, was charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice, was concluded in the Court last evening. It was alleged that .M'Crea tried to dissuade two natives at Pipiriki from giving evidence in a Supreme Court case in Wanganui. It appears that a nativo had mortgaged a horse to one Arthur Smith, and the former alleged that the horse had been sold, and that a document which he had signed had been concocted by M'Crea, who had given the native and lus 6ieter some whisky. The native was in the box for two hours, and his evidence was very contradictory. Two other statements repudiating the allegations were produced, which witness at length admitted were correct. The sister of witness and other natives gave evidence Mr Haseklean, S.M., fiaid he had listened with great attention to the evidence, and failed to find one tittle to support tho information. Ho dismissed the case. Counsel applied for costs for M'Crea, but as the eaee was an indictable one costs were not allowed. Tho magistrate said ho would recommend the Government to pay the constable's co6ts. j It is recommended by the Hospital Com- | mittec that tho present appointments to the honorary medical s*an', together with the contracts in connection with the hospital, be continued from tho 51st of De- ! comber to the 31st of March nest. | Detective Ward arrested a man named John Kettles to-day on a charge of forging the name of Timothy Carey, at Gisborne, to a Post Ollico Savings Bank withdrawal slip, by which he obtained £l3 19s. As a result of the Henry-Potts mission, which concluded last night, an endeavor to form a Y..M.C.A. in Palmerston North is to be made (says a P.A. wire). Tho services were well attended throughout tho mission. Mr A. Hardgrave, well-known as a representative footballer for many years, and who w<is presented with the Royal Humane Society's me da! on Thursday, saved a lad from drowning at ITenui Beach (Taranaki) on Saturday evening, and another man. who had gone to tho assistance of the youth was brought ashore by Mr E. P. Fanlunh. This makes the eighth case of rescue from drowning by Mr llardgrave, who is a very powerful swimmer. The profit and lots account for fho City Corporation's Woodhangh quarry for the half year ended tho 30th September shows a loss of £l3s—equal to 3d per cubic yard of material produced. As the quarry is not so busy in the, summer months a.s in tho an even greater loss may ho looked for during the current half year. It is expected that tho election of the new Taieri Draimrro Board will take place in about two months' time. In accordance with an amendment to the Taieri Land Drainage Act the present Boaid will carry j on until the date of the election. j The departure of t!ir> Terra Nova from Otaao Harbor was referred to at last night's meeting-of the Port Chalmers Council'. Tho mayor (Mr V. W. Plalls) said it, war- owing to Mr Join; Mill's gcneious and Uioimhlful art of coaling the voswl free of charge that wan responsible for her making Port"Chalmers her final port of departure. Although he was in London, Mr Mill had not forgotten Port Chalmers. The Council resolved to minute their appreciation of Mr Mill's supplying the cxphiiiiii; vessel with fuel, and it'was also rewived to send him a copy of i-ho rnimite. The fact was mentioned that Ihe borough had supplied free of charge all the w;:tcr required by the Terra Now. Scots to whom the English is a difiieullv mav now read Burr.fi—or pr.rt of him —in Gaelic. Mr Chalks M'Phater has jus 1 -, complied a translation of meet of the poet's works, and sent half a dozen eayly copies to his old friend Mr Dugald M'Pehr£on, of Dunedin. The Theological College Committee offer the following scholarships to he competed for by students for the ministry of the Presbyterian Church at the matriculation examination. 1910. and the entrance examination for 1911 :—To- students for tho ministry on passing the matriculation examination, 1910: Tho Reid-Stobo No. 2 scholarship, value £25 a year, for three years; the St. John's (Wellington) scholarship, value £25 a rear, for three years; the Auld Lang Svno Club scholarship, value £2O a year, for'three years. To students entering the Theological College. 1911: Manson Mission scholarship, of the value of £25 a year, for three years; Irvine No. 1 scholarship, of the value of £2O a year, for three years; Irvine No. 2 scholarship, of tho value of £ls a year, for three years : Addington scholarship, of the value of £2O a year, for three years. The city treasurer has prepared a report showing the position of tho municipal trading concerns for the half yoar ended September 30. Each of the departments show increased profits, the gross profits being £17,475, as compared with £10,274 for the half year ended September. 1909. The net profit of tho gas departinont is £6,445, as compared with £3.215 for the corresponding half of tho previous year. Tho water department shows an "increase of £702, and the tramways department an increase of £1.260, and an increased not profit of £832. Tho revenue, of the electric power and lighting department has increased from £15,022 to £17,792, while the outgoings have decreased from £12,677 to £11.923. After showing per cent, for depreciation amounting to- £3,066, tho not profit for the half year is £2,803, or an increase of £3,020 over the corresponding half of 1909, which resulted in a loss _of £217. The treasurer writes: "As this department has now reached a paying etage, I would suggest that_ tho sinking fund payments should bo increased. At present tho contribution is J,- per cent, on £130,000 only—eqiul to lees than 4s por annum for each £IOO of the whole loan, an altogether inadequate amount. I may mention that tho sinking fund would repay only 8 per cent, of tho Joan at maturity—i.e., for a term of 25 years, or equal to 312 years to repays the -wholeu loan."

The male part of the consumptive sanatorium at Ploasant Valley now has its full complement. The question of providing further accommodation is'shortly to receive consideration. There ie every reason to believe (says a P.A. telegram) that the man who went out in a boat at Auckland on November 12 and has not been seen since, although tho boat wae washed ashore, is William James Morrish, of Oriental Bay. Morrish's brother-in-law, who inquired into tho matter, is satisfied that tho man who went out in tho boat was Morrish, who waa thirty-two years of ago. He had been a traveller for Messrs Arch. Clark ;uid Sons, and had served in tho Sixth Contingent. Mr Widdowson, S.M., sat at tho City Polico Court this morning, and punished David Rao for two offences. Yesterday morning Constable Gardiner saw Rao drunk in tho main road at South Dunedin, and advised him to go homo. Kao thereupon walked to the centro of tho road and mado uso of a filthy expression to tho constable. Tho accused pleaded guilty to both charges. Sub-inspector Phair said that Kao had scived a sentence of two months' imprisonment for obscene language, and that he had five previous convictions for drunkenness. Mr Irwin pleaded for a fine, saying that Kao ordinarily behaved himself, but when ho took drink he went mad. Ho was onco a jockey, and suffered some injury to his head. There was no ono clso about when he used the obscene expression. Tho magistrate imposed a lino of 10s for drunkenness and £5 for the, bad language. Mr Irwin said that as executor under Rao's mother's will he had money to pay tho fines with. The Hospital Committee have approved of tiie report of tho Benevolent Committee to pipe and fill in tho grounds at the Benevolent Home, and devote all the available ground to growing vegetables. The advertisement of the Tourist Department for a Jish-curer and assistant marks a new departure, states tho 'Kotorua Times.' Effort is going to bo made to minimise tho waste of good, ediblo fish which goes on in tiie season. The question of handling am*, retailing of fish is a very complex one, involving a great deal of consideration. If tiie trout fisheries are no! to develop into a pot-boiling institution for the support of indigent anglers, niiii-h discrimination will have to be used. If' the proposed depot will receive and forward lisii iiiven by sportsmen to tiie Auckland Hospital and kindred institutions it will have licrved one good purpose. An incident of interest occurred at the Terra Nova this forenoon, causing much moniment among the onlookers. Several casks of beer had been sent down to the fillip as a parting gift, and same of them had been taken on board, when an ollicial •whose words carry weight ordered the beer to be put back m tho railway trucks. The bluejackets winked at each other, and one of them, with mixed facial cxprcw-ions, inquired " What's gone wrong with tho condensed milk':" A bystander on the wharf volunteered an opinion to the effect that tho kegs of beer Mould experience a warmer hospitality if distributed amongst the oversea steamers laid up at the adjacent wharves. " The' truest words I've heard this many a day," rejoined a man in the garb of a merchant stoker, and a smalt coterie commenced to compute how many gallons of beer each cask contained, as the railway people shunted tho untapped "refreshments " up the wharf. The Sanatorium, Hospital, and Benevolent Committees of tho Hospital and Charitable Aid Board recommend that, in reference to the request of tho Ladies' Benevolent Advisory Committee, members of that Committee be appointed as co-opera-tive members of tho Sanatorium Committee, that the question of adding to their number should stand over and receive consideration when new committees are being formed next year. Our London correspondent wrote on October 21:—An immense wr.ath from tho Canterbury branch of the Navy League was a prominent feature of the decorations at the foot of Nelson's Column to-day, which is Trafalgar Day. There were also lloral mementoes from tho Otago, Wanganui, and Wellington branches, and tho New Zealand tributes also included a wreath sent to London from tho Dominion in a block of ice. The offering of the Navy League itself was a largo laurel wreath, tied with red, white, and blue, and bearing tho French and Spanish colors as a tribute to tho sailors of Franco and Spain who fell lighting at Trafalgar. The English mail despatched from Dunedin via ISiindisi arrived in London uti the 25th inst., due date. The resident medical superintendent and Dr Cameron have been requested to suggest a scale of charges to cover all classes of patients using tho X-rays at tho hospital. Thero will be a special charge for private patients sent there by medical men. For a satisfactory lino of furniture at reasonable price visit Sanders's Furnishing House, 175 George street.—[Advt.] For some time past the Young Women's Bible Class of First Church have been busily engaged working for missions, and as a result of their efforts a sale will be held to-morrow afternoon and evening. The Russell Street Class have provided a llowcr and sweets stall, and the junior C.E. Society a Christmas tree. It has been decided lo give the proceeds towards tho Training Institute and Homo and Foreign Missions. Our aim in portrait, photography is to keep ahead. Wc do keep ahead, and wo intend to keep ahead ail the lime. The Acme Photo Company have moderate charges only. Telephone 965.—[Advt.] Tho very !;ucst and inost up-to-date photo picture is tho " artist's proof portrait," by Morris photo, Princes street. Call ond seo specimens. Telephone 859.—[Advt.] Speight's ale and stout are acknowledged by the Dominion public to bo the best on the market.—[Advt.] Ladies know them to have no equal. Martin's Apiol and Steel Pills, sold by all chemists and stores throughout Australasia.— [Advt.] Thomas Fogg, dental surgeon, has removed to his new premises at the corner of George and Park streets. —[Advt.] Eighteen mi!e3 by water for one shilling. Sec to-day.—[AdTt.]