The Gisborne Standard AND COOK COUNTY GAZETTE Published every Tuesday, Thursday, AND Saturday Morning. Saturday, August 25, 1888. NOTES.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 187, 25 August 1888, Page 2

The Gisborne Standard AND COOK COUNTY GAZETTE Published every Tuesday, Thursday, AND Saturday Morning.

Saturday, August 25, 1888. NOTES.

Be just and fear not; Let all the ends thou aim’st at be thy country's. Thy God's, and truth's.

A PAINFUL CASE. The case of the unfortunate young man Pickard is a very pitiful one. On Thursday he was remanded on a charge of having no visible means of support; but a previous knowledge of the young man's nocnntrioities convinces us that for other reasons it |s not wise for the poor young fellow to be allowed his freedom, except with the precaution that his movements are watched by a competent guardian. It is well known that Pickard has been under the control of such a person, but at intervals he takes a freak in Ins head and makes away. He reminds one very much of Dickens’ Barnaby Budge—foolish to the last extremity, but one whom it would be cruelty and perhaps unlawful, to oon-ign to that horrible institution which is the refuge of so many of the unfortunate units of humanity. The question then is what is to be done with him! The adjournment was made on account of other charges being pending, and also for the purpose of having a mental examination made. Pickard is entitled to every sympathy, but the safety of the public must first be considered, and the question is what can be done in his case so as to secure satisfaction both ways ’ As the matter stands it is not for us to make any suggestion, but there seems to be nothing more serious with him mentally than the occasional freaks whjcb he takes in his head, though there is always the danger that this folly may lead to something more serious. THE MAHIA FIZZLE. When the first reports were made concerning the alleged find of gold at the Mahia it threw a ray of hope on our at present gloomy prospects, but from the first we urged caution, and up to this moment that seeins to have been more than warranted by the results,

A couple of “ skits ” were given on the subject, but while their silliness was clear at first sight, there was also an object to gain and we believe it has been achieved—that was to prevent a foolish rush without the slightest prospect of success being first offered. For aught that we know the Mahia may one day prove a successful field for prospectors, but if there is anything in it the proof will come in good time. There have been too many bitter experiences caused by such reports, and had there been a rush in this instance—as was very nearly the case—it would have led to much hardship being inflicted on local business people, who would most likely have had to suffer the greater part of the loss, while, on the other | hand those from whom the reports originally emanated, would stand to lose nothing and to gain a great deal, no matter how things turned out. There is no doubt that there signs of the existence of gold round the Mahia way, but there has so far been nothing to indicate a profitable field for mining. ANOTHER BUBBLE PRICKED. A few weeks ago there was a great deal of talk on the report that over a million and a half of the capital invested in Victoria would overflow in the direction of New Zealand. The supposition was so much talked and written about that many began to regard it as a positive certainty, and the main point for speculation then was as to what spot would be first chosen for the operations of the speculators. But now a cruel Melbourne correspondent has caused the dream to vanish. The journal he represents explains it thusly:— There will be no insane speculation in landed property; no Victoria capital poured into the country in a flowing stream; the gambling golden age, for the present vanishes like the baseless fabric of a vision. Nobody should be sorry. Those visions generallyend, to slightly tamper with the quotation, in leaving an ugly wreck behind.. The fact is that there is still plenty of money in Melbourne ; but not the chance of any overflow of the stream in our direction. We were told the other day, on whht appeared good authority, that a great quantity'.of Victorian capital was about to be sent over here for investment in landed properties. The leading journal in Melbourne, was in consequence, good enough to speak very handsomely as well as truthfully of this colony and its resources. But the subject seemed soon to get involved in an atmosphere of doubt. Our special representative at Melbourne, who went from here with special instructions to enquire into this question, hag sent us word that he can find no trace of the alleged movement. In fact, he reports that he learns from financial authorities to whom he had introductions, that there was nevei any ground for believing that any such movement ever existed, or was going to be, and there is no reason for believing that it ever will be For the present, those Victorians who are toe busy with the amusement of speculation an content with five per qent investments which abound in their own country.