The Evening Star SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1912.

Evening Star, Issue 14999, 5 October 1912, Page 6

The Evening Star SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1912.

It is not often that the Parliament of New Zealand proceeds The Upper towards legislation by House. way of resolution. Sub-

sequent procedure by way of Bill is, of course, just as necessary as when the preliminary step is dispensed with—as it is in ninety-nine eases out of a hundred. In the closing days of the Seddou Administration that statesman began his move towards Reform of the Land Laws by submitting resolutions framed by his Cabinet after receipt of the Report of the Land Commission of 1904; but ho did not live to carry tiie necessary Bill through Parliament. The Massey Government, in seeking to carry out one of tho chief planks in their platform—Reform of the Legislative Council—proceeded in the usual manner by Bill. It was introduced into the Upper House, but never reached tho Lower, because the Council, • while not killing it outright by the straightforward means of rejecting it oti the second reading, quietly shelved it, thus in a manner saving their face by substituting a- lingering death for instant execution. After this rebuff Mr Massey is wisely leaving nothing to chance, and is fortifying his Government's prospect of success with the .Hill in the House of Representatives by first getting that body to affirm the main principles which tho now Bill is to embody. He succeeded in doing so last night, and the more thau two to one majority which lie commanded when divisions were called for must have been gratifying to liim. The House has thus emphatically affirmed that the nominative, scheme of appointment to tho Council is to be superseded by . the elective system, whereby 40 members are to be returned by the direct vote of the electors of the Dominion, the elect-inns being conducted on a Proportional Representation system operating in largo electorates, the tenure, of office being two Parliaments, and half the seats being declared vacant at each General Elec-, tion for the House. These, then, are tiie main tilings for which the Bill will provide; but it is quite evident that for the present Mr Massey will remain satisfied with having carried his resolutions, and that the Bill will not be introduced this session. The first of the series of resolutions which tho Prime Minister moved yesterday stipulates that it should be passed by the present Parliament, and probably it will lip one of the first measures taken up next session, so as to leave tho Council no excuse for not dealing with it- thoroughly, and definitely deciding its fate one way or the other. The Council will exhibit more misplaced temerity than most people give them credit- for if next session they deal lightly with a measure coming to them as a mandate from the people's representatives, which last night's decision justifies us in believing will be the case.

The principal opposition which Mr Massey encountered yesterday scorns to have been based on a fooling, real or protended, that if Proportional Representation is a proper system to adopt in regard to the Council it is also proper to apply it to tho House. But in large electorates, in which much greater variety of interests enters than is the case with the present parliamentary constituencies, the. need for Proportional Representation is infinitely greater. That system may or may not be adopted in regard to Lower House grouped electorates. From what both Mr Massey and Mr Allen said last night, the presumption is that the Government will not only not oppose it, but not unduly delay it. And there is a deal of horse sense in the procedure vulgarly known as "trying it on the dog. - ' "We leave tiiis aspect of the question with the remark that the demand for Proportional Representation in the House of Representatives lias been evolved very suddenly by the Liberals. Wo do not remember their liavi; .; raised it in 1905, for instance, when Mr Seddon was returned to power with a following wliich outnumbered the Opposition by nearly five to one—a proportion which no one could claim reflected faithfully the relative strength of Liberal and Conservative feeling in New Zealand even at that time. The size of the electorates is nob more'thai) hinted at in the resolutions, but both Opposition and Labor members declared that largo electorates will favor the candidate with the fat purse. Proportional Representation, however, is the very system which affords a safeguard against exclusive representation of the classes in contradistinction to the masses; and even without that safeguard, the present constitution of the Senate of the Commonwealth Parliament seems to show that the fears expressed by Messrs Witty, Payne, and Atmoro are groundless. As to the suggestion to abolish the Upper House, it is hardly worth serious discussion. For years there lias been in existence a catchword that tho Council must be either "ended or mended" Now that there is good prospect of amending its constitution, not many will be found to advocate so extreme a step as departure from a system nniversaliy adhered to throughout the Empire.

It will bo noticed that the Taieri Land Drainage Bill has emerged West Taieri from the Local Bills Drainage. Committee of the House, and there is no ground for supposing that it will not become law this session, unless (as has been not unknown in the case of previous measures dealing with this subject) it encounters in the Upper House obstacles which may prove too much for it. The promoters of the Bill have kept faith with the objectors to it in its original form. A maximum has been fixed to the rating permissible in any given year, instead of there being no specifiod limit to the amount of the special rate; the land in the drainage, district, is to be reclassified forthwith, instead of at any time within two years; and the reclassification is to provide for the land being classed in one of six grades, instead of four; while a fair compromise seems to have been arrived at in regard to the personnel of the Court by whom appeals against classification are decided. The Bill now embodies the compromise offered on behalf of the Western Taieri Drainage Board by their chairman (Mr Gibson) at a meeting of objecting ratepayers held at Moraona some little time ago. That being so, we can honestly congratulate both partie3 to what has been an unfortunate dispute, and express the sincere hope that under the proposed newlegislation nn efficient and not too costly drainage gchame will bo pushed to completion with the utmost concord and despatch .

Indications point to an early crop of soft fruits in the Toviot this "year. .So far the weather has been very good, and in favored localities strawberries arc well forward. It is expected, indeed, that the first consignment of straw berries will be on the market before the end of this month.

The Gas Committee of the City Council met yesterday afternoon, and had the report of Mr *E. Roberts, consulting engineer, on the gasholder foundations read to them. Nothing, however, was done, it being decided to defer consideration of the whole mutter until next Thursday, when the committee will hold their ordinary meeting.

A very pleasant function took place at List night's official opening of the Coronation Hall at Portobcllo. Speeches, which were of local and of patriotic interest, from reminiscent and other points of view, were given by the chairman of the Road Board (Mr J. M. Dickson) and other gentlemen. On behalf of the visitors, and as the Mayor of Port Chalmers, Mr D. A. De Mans congratulated the district on the acquisition of such a sightly, serviceable hall, which could not but serve the greater convenience of residents and make for the more rapid advancement of the place. A good concert programme was submitted, after which dancing took place. The ferry steamer Tarewai conveyed City visitors to Port Chalmers in time to' catch the last train to the City. Mr l.angguth, the Austrian Consul, is petitioning Parliament for an inquiry into Judge Edwards's conduct of the case' Maxwell v. Langguth. Petitioner (savs an Auckland P.A. wire) complains that the Judge made disparaging remarks about lu's nationality and speech, such remarks being calculated to influence the jury adversely to bis case.

The Sydney boat arrived this morning with abdiit 800 cases of frnit, Coming to a good market, excellent prices aro expected to be obtained on Monday, although cables from Svdnev state that prices over there are. higher than those ruling here.

Professor Helleman has probably met with some, vexing experiences at the Dunedin competitions. Such things seem to be the fate of music judges everywhere. But so far as we know he has been made the butt of less complaining than any of the previous judges. Fewer complaints about his judging have come to this office, at any rate. He has already given 38 final'decisions. Out of this large number, involving as much thought as would suffice to rule a kingdom, wc have a doubt about onlv two, and in those two cases if, may be frankly admitted that something ma'v be said for as well as against. The most of the complaints that have so far come to light are of the " f don't like" sort, unaccompanied with reasons, and therefore of no value. The professor is doing good work. He knows.

In reply to a recent requpst bv the Town Clerk of Port Chalmers that war vessels should periodically visit Otago Harbor. Mr )•]. H. Clark, M.P., has forwarded a memo, from the Prime Minister, in which it is stated that the Admiral has informed the (Jovernor that H.M.S. Cambrian will visit Port Chalmers next month. The first shipment of California!! oranges will arrive next month. Hohartfruit is nearly finished, and the next supply of C-alifornian apples should come to a good market. Cr W. Downie Stewart has now definitely decided to contest next- year's citv mayoralty. It k understood" that Cr Shacklock will also be a candidate.

A man who appeared at the Hastings Court on Tuesday la&t in support of an application for a prohibition order against a woman who resided in his house stated that the defendant consumed as much as 14 bottles of brandy in a week, and sometimes three bottles'per day. She. had seldom been <;ober during * the pa.«t four mo utile, and on Saturday morning last locked herself in a room,'and was drunk ti!! 10 o clock on Monday morning. There is a better demand for potatoes for Melbourne, so there is not likely to be any falling off in prices until this season'.'-; supply is finished.

The Hon: I)r Pomare. Native representative in the Cabinet, informed a Christchurch reporter yesterday that lie wished to deny the startling rumors about the spread of leprosy in the Islands. He said that theie were about 55 cases of leprosy in the Cook Islands, but there were other islands in the Pacific which were in a worse condition in this respect, and there were probably 20 <ases to every one in the Cook Islands. All the patients in the Cook Islands were isolated, and they were in no way a danger to other people. "It was also stated,'' Dr Pomare continued.

" that these lepers are handling the fruit at Earotonga which is shipped to New Zealand, bill 1 can only characterise this as being absolutely false. They are never near the fruit, and to say that the fruit is contaminated—and this has been said—is absurd. No. They are isolated from everything like, this.' and axe not the menace, they are alleged to be." The onion market has been firm during the week. Shipments have been brought down from the North, and it is expected that on Monday -week about 800 cases will arrive from San Francisco. Prices should average 14s to 15s per case of 1001b, The secretary of the Drainage Board Las received word that His Excellency the Governor has signed the Board's Bill, which now becomes law. The main object of the Bill is to arivo the board power (o borrow £100,000.' .Mr Arklc (Ihe chairman) explained this morning that, it was not intended to borrow the money right away. Without taking the. £IOO,OOO into account, they had made iinandal arrangements for the, next nine months, whereby they would spo : id £4.000 a month on labo'r alone. This would pretty nearly see the scheme through. Cable advice from Suva state* that 1.700 cases of fruit left there on 'Thursday for Dunedin. On account of citrus fruits being dear, and also the fact that there i.s only a light -shipment of bananas from liarotonga, prices should range from 13s to 14s per ease. Petitions addressed to the Minister of Railways are being signed by residents of the Taieri who desire an improved railway service. One important request is that all suburban trains be run to Mosgiel township, thus serving a radius of about 20 miles, a.nd the. people also ask for an improved service from Outram to Mosgiel township. As to this matter, the petitioners assert that, in addition to the local traffic at present shut out by departmental mismanagement, a very ' large tourist traffic would develop rapidly if the facilities asked for are granted, and the Outram branch would be redeemed from its present unprofitable stale. North Taieri fanners and housewives! complain that their passenger service is inconvenient. The 7 a.m. train is too early, as they have their farm and house work to attend to; and the 4 p.m. is too late, as they want to be returning homo about that time or a little later. They sav that if Mosgiel township were made the terminus, for the suburban trains, and a passenger train run from Outram to connect with either the 11 a.m. or 1.15 p.m., a great many people would travel by it who are at -jn-eeent almost isolated with a railway line at their door, which in operated in an unsuitable manner. The demand for rhubarb has been keen during tiro laet few days owing to the hot weather, and prices obtained averaged l£d pei - lb, so that growers may be well pleased with themselves. A matter of great interest to shippers and importers was decided at Auckland yesterday by the Chief Justice, (Sir Robert Stout). Partridge and Co. claimed from A. H." Nathan the sum of £145, the value of a case of cigars landed from the Xiwaxu for plaintiffs, but not delivered. The question at issue was the effect of a clause in the bill of lading stating that the goods were to be taken from the ship, and if the consignee was not then ready they were to be stored at the consignee's risk. The Judge held that this clause was unenforceable, if the contention of the defence was thai the ship's contract could be performed by dumping the goods on the wharf at airy time, though the consignee had no notice of their arrival, leaving them on the wharf exposed to all weathers or to dishonest peopk-. He held that there had been no true delivery, and (ra.vc judgment for £145, the value 'of the case.

Mr Paulin predicts":— N.W. to S.W. winds and electrical rain within 24 hours. ■ The Dunedin branch of the National Peace, and Anti-Militarist League passed the following resolution at their monthly meeting this week:—" Pending the inevitable modification of the Defence Act and the repeal of the compulsory clauses, this league strongly protest against the establishment of detention barracks under the military authorities." Copies of the resolution were ordered to be sent to the Premier and members of Parliament for Dunedin.

Our Cromwell correspondent advises that a strong nor'-west gale has been blowing since yesterday. The Lyttelton Marine Band, which, under the conduotorship of Captain W. S. King, will take part in the contest commencing on October 14, will arrive in Dunedin on- Saturday next. The Mayor of St. Kilda has' granted the band permission to use the rotunda at St, Kilda on Sunday afternoon. October 13, and the bandsmen will present an attractive programme, which will include Elgar's dainty morceau 'Salut d'Amour,' Mascagni's de"lightful intermezzo from ' Cavalioria Rusticana,' a contest arrangement- from Donizetti's melodious opera • The Daughter of the Regiment,' and several solo numbers and high-class concert marches. The band are said to be. in excellent form. A reduction of £1 per ton on sugar of all grades (except tablets) is notified bv the Colonial Sugar Refining Company as from to-dnv.

Notification of Sunday services as enumerated below appears in our advertising columns:—Presbyterian: First Church, Knox Church, St. Andrew's, St. Stephen's, South Dunedin, North-east Valley, Musselburgh, Roslyn, St. Clair, Ravensboume. Anglican: All Saints', St.. Matthew'?, St. Peter's. Methodist: Trinity, Garrison Hall. Mornington, Dundas Street, Cargill Road, Roslyn, St. Kilda. Bellcknowes, Woorihaugh, North-east. Vallev. Congregational: Moray Place, King Street, Leith Street, St. Clair. Baptist: Hanover Street, Roslyn, South Dunedin, Mornington, Cavereham. Primitive Methodist: Dundas Street, Kew, Abbotsford. Ravensbourne, Anderson Bav, North-east Valley. Church of Christ: Tabernacle, South Dunedin, Filleul Street, Mornington. Theosophistfi. Clrristadelphifuis. Choral Hall. Albany Street School. Unitarian. Evangelistic Mission. Plavfair street, Cavershani.

Baxter's Lung Preserver immediately relieves suffering, and thoroughly cures a cough or cold. Is lOd the huge 'size bottle, at chemists' and stores. Get it now.—fAdvt.]

Mr Morris, photographer, Garden Studio, 554 George street, (near St. David street), exhibits some beautiful ladies' portraits in sepia on left-hand side of tho Zenith Studio vestibule, in Princes street. Appointments made in Zenith Studio, or telephone 2,279.—[Advt.]

All entries for amateur events at Labor Day sports will close at 9.30 p.m. 12th inst. The sports will be he'.d this year at Winpitui racecourse, and as the track is in excellent- order a record entry is expected. A glass of Speight's beer at lunch and supper is better than all the tea in China. —[Advt.] Particulars of the various competitions to be held in connection with the Dunedin Industrial Exhibition in the Brydone Hall, commencing on November 22. are advertised in this issue. There will be a monster art union, for -vhich £250 hi prizes are offered. Phosphate tonic, obtainable Wilkinson and Son's, at 2s 6d, braces tip the nerves and tones up the whole system.—[Advt-.]

The D.I.C. are showing some very attractive bargains in ladies' nainsook and calico combinations, chemises, while underskirts, infants' frocks and overalls, oddments in corsets. These goods are slightly soiled, and are marked at about halt usual prices.—[Advt.]

The Rev. E. Herbert Hobday's themes tomorrow at Rcslyn Baptist Church will be. "Gardens of Grief and Gladness' and 'The Arms Everlasting.' J. C. Caldcr, dentist, 3 doors south of Cargill's Corner. Telephone, 2..4Sl.—[Advt]

Those who intend making the trip to Lawrence in connection will) next Thursday's school excursion are notified by advertisement in this issue of certain arrangements in regard to commissariat. The. Acme Photo Company, George street, ate making quite a new show of exquisitelyfmished photographs. Country visitors are delighted with their portraits. Tel. 965.—[Advt.] The last meeting of this session of the Rnslyn branch of the Brotherhood movement will be held to-morrow afternoon in the Methodist Church, Kaikorai. Mr Arnold will deliver an address.

U.A.O.D. Otago Lodge members are reminded to attend on Wednesday, 7 p.m., Indies' night—sweethearts and wives. The Rev. W. F. Kennedy will give an address on ' John Page Hopps's Confession of Faith' at the Unitarian service in the Trades Hal! at 7 p.m. to-morrow. Ladies recommend Martin's Apiol and Steel Pills. Sold by all chemists and stores. See you get the genuine.—[Adyt.] Mr W. S. Percy, who is well and favorably known by the Australian and New Zealand theatrical public, has become a devotee of the moving picture world, and has produced a drama'i: story of the wild and breezy AusIrnlinn diggings, which for. rapidity of movement, tense, and exciting situations lias not been approached by the West American film makers. This three-reel picture nielocrranna, ' All for Gold,' will bo shown exclusively by Haywards' Pictures on Monday evening at Bums Hall, and continued for the week (Monday, October 7 to 12, inclusive). —[Advt.] Just opened, new photographic goods: be-st brands of plates, papers, mounts, etc., always in stock. At Gill's, Frederick street; tel. 1.14 L Agent for Harrington, N.Z., Ltd.— [Advt.] The Rev. W. J. Ashford. the new pastor at, the Congregational Church, St. Clair, will speak to-morrow evening on ' Ships that Pass in the Xi<;hf.' Mr D. Hutton will be the soloist.