The Evening Star WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1911.

Evening Star, Issue 14741, 6 December 1911, Page 6

The Evening Star WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1911.

We wrote yesterday about the political issue, but to-morrow The Licensing will also decide au|SSU9. other question, which perhaps excites a still more lively and general interest. Wo trust, by the way, that the two polls will never again bo. taken on the same day, or oven in the same season of the year. Tho passionate sentiments provoked by the Prohibition controversy have a tendency to obscure and confuse the more important considerations connected with national politics, and it can hardly bo doubted that this lias a prejudicial and injurious effect upon the exorcise of that judicial faculty which should bo notably in evidence at election time. It may bo surmised that few minds aro influenced by words spoken or written on the evo of the fateful day, and wo do not propose to present an elaborate argument on tho licensing questions, national and local. Still, it may bo worth while to offer a final plea in the name and for the sake of moderation and rational liberty and economic prudence and a sormd social and moral philosophy. Wo recognise the philanthropic disinterestedness of tho motives by which, in a rough-and-ready way, most Prohibitionists aro actuated. Just as there is “a lot of fine confused feeding” in tho haggis, so thero is a lot of fine confused feeling in tho heart of tho No-license enthusiast. But tho very ardor of his (and, still more, her) humanitarian sentiment prevents a lucid appreciation of those important matters to which wo referred just now. Ho (and again especially she), in blind eagerness to take what appears to bo a short cut to tho millennium, cannot bo induced to pay heed to such ideas as rational liberty and economic prudence and sound social and moral philosophy. Tho abiding principles of equity and human rights count for nothing to the minds of people who (to adapt a famous phrase) aro inebriated with tho exuberance of a lop-sided philanthropy. These folk verily believe that Prohibition would be a godsend to Dunedin and to New Zealand. But listen (as they will not) to the warning of tho veteran thinker and observer, who during long year’s has sounded tho depths of philosophy and civic polity, and whose disinterestedness is at least equal to that pf tho enthusiasts whoso fallacies he unerringly exposes. Thus writes the Eov. Professor Salmond : Yes, Prohibition will work marvels. The house will be swept and garnished. You will have a fine talo to toll of lessened crime, of better food and clothing, of heavier savings at tho bank, of new carpets and hangings, and of smaller numbers of miserable men and women at street corners : and that is good. But tiro reform is from tho outside. Wait a while; tho recoil comes, and the old devil is there again with seven other moro wicked spirits, and wo even know their names—tho spirit of falsehood and hypocrisy, tho spirit of defiant contempt of law, the spirit of perjury, the spirit of meanness and cowardice, tho spirit of mutual revilings, tho spirit of subterfuge and contraband trading, the spirit of universal insincerity and moral humbug—and, verily, tho last state will bo worse than the first. Apart from this aspect of tho question, wo believe that from tho economic and material point of view tho carrying of No-license in Dunedin would mark tho inception of a period, perhaps a long period, of serious local depression; and our misgivings in this respect apply with still greater force to tho prospects of tho Dominion as a whole in the event of National Prohibition being put into effect. Wo know that tho majority of responsible business people aro of this opinion, and it is not surprising that they view with anxiety and even irritation tho possibility of commercial dislocation at tho bidding of people who, in their light-hearted and light-headed way, refuse to give this sido of the question a. single thought. Wo aro not appealing to the sworn Prohibitionists —'they aro hopeless. There is, however, a large number of “moderate” men and women not connected with tho liquor traffic and not addicted to No-licenso enthusiasm who aro desirous of voting in conformity with tho principles of sound reason and responsible patriotism. These people, wo feel euro, when they consider tho matter thoroughly and dispassionately, will decide to exorcise tho franchise in such a way as “not to hurt”—not to hurt tho legitimate freedom of rational citizens, not to hurt tho material welfare of the City and tho Dominion, not to hurt tho lives of many hundreds of workers who aro employed in what is (pace tho extremists) a reputable trade, not to hurt tho moral fibre of tho .people and the fair fame of “God’s Own Country'.” Striko out tho bottom lines.

The Rev. R. B. S. Hammond addressed another largo audience in His Majesty’s Theatre last evening, dealing principally ■with the sly-grog business. He maintained that sly grog-selling was the offshoot of License, and did not follow in the steps of Prohibition. Thu speaker made his points effectively, and at frequent intervals applause was readily forthcoming, choiring that a large majority of tho audience coincided with the views of tho speaker on the question. At the end of the address tho meeting sang lustily their battle song, 1 Strike out the top line.’ Mr H. Y. Widdowson, S.M., presided in the Police Court 'this morning. Alexander 1 Crichton was charged with drunkenness and with resisting Constable Heard while in the execution of his duty. The subinspector said that when accused was arrested at Caversham yesterday afternoon he resisted violently and kicked. His Worship lined him 8s or 24 hours on tho first charge, and 20s or 7 days on the second. James Stewart, a prohibited person, charged with procuring liquor, was fined 20s or seven days. Fred wide G. Partridge was charged with disobeying two orders for tho maintenance of his children. Ho was sentenced to seven days’ imprisonment on one charge, and to six weeks on the second. Mr A. f> Adams appeared _fox. the -wife.

To-day’s Burnside stock sales produced the largest yarding of cattle for some three or four years, 372 head being brought forward. This is generally regarded as ample evidence that there is an abundance of grazing to be had in Otago. The Postal Department advises that the Moeraki will not reach Wellington from Sydney till 3 p.m. to-day. What is known as the “ Spanish treasure” trick is in evidence just now. Three persons that we know of—one in Canterbury, one in Dunedin, and ono at Coal Creek—have each received a letter professing to bo written from a Spanish prison. Tlic writer claims to bo a distant relative of the addressee, and promises, in return for monetary help, a share in a vast fortune that is lying at a bank or in safe deposit. The whole thing is an impudent swindle, and it is hardly likely that anyone in this country will bo gullible enough to fall into the trap. Tho following cablegram from Borne appeared in the Sydney ‘ Sun ’ on November 26:—Speaking yesterday at a secret session .of the Consistory, over which he presided, tho Pope referred to tho anniversary of the Italian Government’s spoliation of the Vatican’s temporal power, and to tho impunity with which Protestant sects opposed tho Church openly in Borne. His Holiness characterised tho Masonic Order, especially as it was constituted in Portugal, as a malevolent sect, who hated God. Tho session closed with a prayer that disaster to tho Church might "be averted in Spain. Tho secretary of the General Laborers’ Union wrote to the Drainage Board last evening that about 20 men in his union had been oat of work for some time. Ho asked if tho board could find room for some, of them, so as to tide them over tho Christmas. The letter was referred to the chairman of the board, tho cliairman of tho Works Committee, and the engineer to act.

Just prior to the opening of the students’ No-licence meeting at South Dunedin Hall last night the noise seemed to herald a fiasco, but as time passed the rowdy party—a gang of youths at the age to attract the attention of a drill sergeant —soon lost their dash, and in the end became almost as docile as sheep. Perhaps tho novel manner in which Mr D. C. Cameron, jun. (chairman), opened tho meeting took the heart out of the youths. The chairman announced that the - first business of the meeting would bo the collection. This was what the man in tho street calls a nasty knock in tho eye. When Mr Mazengavb was introduced there was a lot of howling and hooting, which almost drowned the cheering from at least 90 per cent, of the audience, which filled the hall to tho door. Ho look it smilingly, and went on with his speech. Several interruptions led to the ejection of one or two of the noisiest young men. After this tho meeting became very tame indeed. Occasionally, it is true, the party that did not want to hear about the evils of liquor tried to sing that idiotic concoction ‘ Yip-I-addy-I-ay,’ but the singing had no fire. The speaker had a fine “ passage,” and was loudly cheered at the finish. One incident deserves censure. A hooligan threw a small bottle across tho hall. Tho missile struck a girl’s hat, which fortunately was well decorated with, fal-de-rals. She was not hurt. It is a pity that tho thrower was not caught and ducked in the harbor. Such horseplay is criminally dangerous. Messrs Cornish and Adams also spoke, and the meeting closed without the predicted riotousness. Mr Justice Williams eat in Chambers this morning. Probate was granted re Ellen Upton and Charles B. Allen, and letters of administration re Ann Snell. As to an agreement, between Daniel Searfe and another, Mr Callan moved to confirm tho Registrar's report, and tho Court agreed, a vesting order to bo made on the Registrar being satisfied that tho amount duo, less taxed costs, has been paid into Daniel ficarfe’e account. In Tosh v. Cleat, Mr Stephens applied for leave to deliver interrogatories, etc., to tho plaintiff, and an order was made by consent. At a meeting of tho Dunedin Presbytery yesterday morning three candidates presented themselves for examination for tho ministry'. It was resolved to take them on license. The licensing ceremony took place in First Church last evening. The Moderator (Iho Rev. R. E. Davies) presided, and there was a fair congregation present. The Rev. G. 11. Balfour preached from Ephesians iv., 8. Concluding, he addressed those about to bo licensed, advising them to remember their divine commission and to work for the one great end. The candidates —Messrs J. S. Young, J. D. Wilson, and J. H. Thomson —were then presented by tho Moderator, who put the prescribed question to them, after answering which they signed the formula and wore declared duly licensed. Tho licentiates were then addressed by the Rev. A. W. Kinmont, who exhorted them to keep to high ideals and to always remember that they were engaged in the great work of their Lord and Master. The Hon. T. Y. Duncan has received this wire from the Minister of Railways: —“The statement that I lowered tho wages of railwaymon is absolutely false. Last year the wages of iron machinists were increased, and this year £IO,OOO was added to tho wages of tho second division, exclusive of £36,000 statutory increase for first and second divisions. .Satisfaction has been expressed by all the tradesmen, engine-drivers, and shunters for the consideration that has been extended to them, and tho married men have had their wages brought up to 8s 6c! per day instead of 8s oijd, which, in itself, means an additional cost of £7,000 per annum to the country.” His Honor Judge Gilfeddor presided over a sitting of tho Native Laud Court to-day at Port Chalmers. Mr H. P. Parata acted as interpreter. Application No. 1 (investigation of Mutton Bird Islands) was adjourned sine die. Several applications for confirmation of mortgages were heard. Messrs Fraser, Irwin, Platts, Payne, and Erihann represented the applicants. The majority of the mortgage cases were not completed, owing to tho Governor’s consent not having been obtained previously. .Several other cases were dealt with during the afternoon. Tho Court sits next at Invercargill on the 13th inst. None but tho weathcrhlind could have been deceived by the look of the sky early, this morning. By 9 o’clock the clouds were again in conflict, and in a few minutes the N.E.. wind had once more beat back to the S.W.. Then people looked at their barometers, and found that during the night the reading had dropped from 29.50 to 28.30. Mr Conn declares this to be the lowest reading of the year. Yesterday afternoon, the Dunedin Presbytery in view of In© near approach of the Local Option poll, decided nem. con. to renew their recommendation to their people to support No-license. The rainfall at Upper Kew for November equalled 5.76 in.

You ought to make early appointments for your Christmas sittings for portraits with Mr Steadman at our studio. The Acme Photo Co., George street; telephone 965. [Advt.] The Dunedin Philharmonic Society’s filial concert phis year will be held in the Garrison Hall on Tuesday next. An excellent programme has been arranged, which includes: Overture to the opera * I Vesperi Sicilian! ’ (Verdi), Vorspiel ‘ Die Meistersinger Von Numbers’ (Wagner), ‘Slavonic Dance’ No. 2 (Dvorak), march ‘Call to the Fight’ (Srjuarise); Prelude and Duetto front the opera ‘ Kigoletto ’ (Verdi; Miss G. Helen Gard’ncr and Mr J. Ja go; intermezzo duo for flute and horn (Tilt; flute, Mr J. The New Portrait Studio.—The photographic business in Princes street for many years known as Morris, photographer, will bo continued in the name of the Zenith Portrait Studio, under the management of Mr 11. Spensley Clarkson (late manager of the Baker studios of London and Birmingham).- Needless to say,- the high standard of portraiture wii) he maintained, and improved upon by the latest methods of printing and finish. A splendid new collection of specimens in vestibule for inspection. Mako early appointments by telephone 353.—[Adrt.l The fundamental facts about the features of Wallace’s hats axo mainly matters of materials, mixtures, and methods of, making. Buy your hats, caps, shirts, and ties from the house that specialises in men’s wear, takes care of you at all times, has up-to-date styles and all good sellers, end none better than the best. Always pleased to see yon at Wallace’s Golden-Hat Shop, Princes .street,-—. lAdvtJ •

’Stewart; hom, Mr W. B. M'Kinlay); violin solo, ‘ Fantasia Appassionato,’ Miss Rita Isaacs; vocalist, Mr W. E. M'Kinlay. Mr Morris, photographer, will open,' at New Year, a new business to bo named tho Garden Studio, at the corner of George street and Regent road.—[Advt.J To those about to get married.—House furnishers should not blunder by failing to call ond tree opr tremendous stock and get out low prices for furnishing a homo complete from factory to the home. Wo will meet you and discuss terms if required. F. and F. Martin, Octagon.—[Advt.] A glasu of Speight’s beer at lunch and supper is batter than all the tea in China.— [Advt.l The No-license headquarters to-morrow in South Dunedin will be tho Salvation Army Barracks.