CORRESPONDENCE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CVI, Issue 12588, 24 August 1901, Page 9

CORRESPONDENCE.

Correspondents are requested to inake tlte.ir communications fts brief is possible. Ins . signatures td Idbteta that ire, ndt bUo- . fished In full -will be marked with an asterisk, i-hiis, * JOHN SMITH. SINKINU FUND SEIZURES. TO THE EDITOR. • Sir, —Possibly indre- acrimoflioils and nested discussions have taken plate in the House of Representatives in connection with the ’flanking Funds than with any other subject since the -passing of the Consolidated Stock Act in 1884. It was stated when the Act became law that the idea of “ seizing ” the accumulated moneys, intended to pay off certain old loans, was found in the pamphlet I issiled during the year in question. The late Scr Harry Atkinson professed Dot to understand how the Act could be made Workable, bilb ttei- . ther that gentleman nor any Of his successors in office cVcr hinted at the desirability of repealing an Act tfhidk hM, during the past sixteen years, been chiefly used as a substitute for direct borrowing in the London market. Automatically, so to speak, the Acts of 1877 and 1884 enable the Treasurer to issue inscribed stock at current rates aiid with ally necessary premium, in exchange for debentures on old and higher interest-bearing loans. , As the interest on inscribed stock is less, our annual interest charge orl th§ old loahs is less, although the premiums make the - gross indebtedness larger year by year. This is, of coUrse, irrespective of fresh di- , rest borrowing. The Aot of 1884 differed froth that of 1877, inasmuch as provision Waa made for' “releasing” the sinking fends, say; at the end of each year, and issuing’in substitution new. stock .at cUrtent rates and with the premium required by consolidation arrangements. I have never yet seen a perfectly clear definition of the entire " releasing ” process, with its ultiWate influence upon the public indebtedness and annual Charge iot interest up to the date of redemption of the substituted stock. To say, for instance, that the conVMtriodtf Of 1893 increased the Indebtedness by and at the same time lessened the annual charge by £23,571 seems to imply that if the old 1 debentures exchanged for stock had only two years to run, the increased burden would be more than wiped out in that time by the' gain effected in charge for interest. Therefore the tables of information should be extended so as to give the final and total financial loss or gain. The year 1894 was-memorable for the attack made upon the Ooiondal Treasurer in connection, with conversions and borrowing. A brief examination of Table E In that year’s Financial statement (p.. 30). shows that Sinking Funds to the value of over two millions sterling had been “released,” half » million: of which was devoted to the Public Works Fund, and one million and a half used to pay off the short-dated debentures temporarily issued. It would appear that debentures issued for the money “ released ” amounted to over om million (£1,213,442), or over seven hundred thousand, pounds in excess of the net money handed to the Minister of Public'Works. This appears to> be like borrowing a million, supposing the Government to “ lift ” the money for all debentures not paid off or exchanged, simply for conversion purposes. The information i* too meagre to make one certain that the above interpretation of the case is accurate, and it certainly appears desirable to let the tepresentativea and the electors know more definitely the actual change in. debt and. Vterest up to the maturing of the debentures (or stock) issued against the “released” sinking funds.' It is impliedV but by np means dearly stated, that the- debentures so issued will eventually wipe’off-the original debt, as the sinking funds - were Mtlculaited to do. Hoping that eomeo-nd having aooess to the latest statistics will throw further light upon the matter,'—l am, etc,. • ••. iis io hodiate j H. CHRISTCHURCH HOSPITAL. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—-I beg, through the medmm. of-.yOur paper* to thank Dr Crook* andutke nurses at the Christchurch Hospital their.attention and kind treatment■ towards.,ms whilst am inmate during the -last three weeks. I cannot but speak in the highest praise of all the staff for their universal attention. —I am, etc., a GISSICK. SELWYN ELECTORATE. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—Can you tell us, the electors of Selwyn, what has become of Mr C. A. C. Hardy, M.H.R., as we are getting very little for our money. No deeds, nor no Words. I d'o not see of his having'taken any part in the talk of the House, and as we, overlooked, his being, a new chum last session, we cannot do so again. The electors want something for their £2BO, if only words. Perhaps Mr Hardy is not in Wellington, but staying at sleepy Hakaia. —1 am, etc., . ' SELWYN ELECTOR. SHOPS AND OFFICES BILL, TO THE EDITOR, Sir, —Kindly allow me space in your widely wad paper for a few remarks on the above Bill I observe that there have been many meetings amongst a certain set of employees, protesting against the passing Of Ibis Hill, but ah one who has suffered f from long hours of overtime work in Other establishments, without/ any compensation Of pay or otherwise, 1 Wfl. I am in a posi- . iion to speak bn the question of the Bill on the opposite side to the fortunate bank clerks. Managers of hanks may: be generous to their #mployees, and have a sort of give and taka -system in their offices; but the gen- ■ •ratify of masters or managers do all the take and none of the give, and will keep thefe employees night after night at overtime work, without the smallest extra pay, and never.think of granting an hours grace On an occasion, or have the rale of an annual holiday to allow their weary employees a r«t or change. In these establishments this new Bill will come as a relief from oppression, where the employees ; have all to gain and nothing to lose, and many hundreds will wish to see the Bill passed and become law as quickly as possible.—l am, etc. *A SUFFERER. SMALL BIRD S^NUISANCE. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—Might I through your columns call the attention of fanners and others to the urgent necessity of taking stringent measures to‘ reduce the number of sparrows before the season is too far advanced? If the Hood Boards were to act simultaneously, Ond provide all farmers in each. district with weM-poisonedl wheat, the nuisance would be greatly abated. If it had been done during the snowstorm’, I believe they might have been almost exterminated. 170 time should be •lost now if the farmers are to be protected from a heavy perceufcage of lose in the ensuing harvest-. I would suggest that broken -wheat (chick) dhould be Used and thoroughly well pickled, as much has boon used simply fed the birds. Hoping the matter may be taken up promptly &nd carried out effectively,—l oat. Oto., A FARMER’S WIFE. GRAND NATIONAL HOLIDAY. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—l saw in. Friday morning’s issue of wur paper, a request to Mf A. E. G. Rhode* for a public holiday to be declared on the date of the Grand National Meeting. Now, I do not seethe slightest reason for a holiday on- that occasion. I have no I doubt that the class of people who have made such a request are those who hold positions in which holidays make no difference to their wages, and are so taken up with the races that they cannot bo there and at work too,- therefore a request is made for a public holiday. To- the average working" man a holiday means a day’s, wages, and we cannot well afford to lose

that time on such a trifling occasion. Ilia my firm conviction that it is not so much the racing that attracts the people to the course as the allurements held out by the totalisator. Take that away, and I feel sure, there Would not be half the interest taken iti the racing that there is. I think ! it is about time the totalisator was abolish--1 ed; for it, along With the drink traffic, (both licensed by the Government), are two Of the greatest evils ill the colony, and the sooner they are both got rid of, the better it will be for the community. I sincerely trust that no steps will be taken- in the matter of declaring a public holiday on the occasion Of the Grand National Meeting, and that the efforts’will end where they have Started.—l am. etc., A WORKING MAN. THE LINWOOD BOROUGH RATES. To THE EDITOR. ■ Sir, —Saving been a ratepayer in Linwood for twenty-five years, I was greatly surprised on receiving my rate account for 1801 at the exorbitant rates upon my cottage of four rooms and scullery, with one-eighth acre section. In former years my rates were £1 per year, and a few years later they were increased to £1 7s. This year, my rates on the same cottage, with no alterations whatever, have increased to £1 18s 6d) NOW I fee our worthy Mayor and CoUßhillors have adopted a sanitary rate of lOs per pan a year, and I would ask our worthy Mayor if that amount is paid yearly to the nightsoil contractor? If not, why this extra charge of 7s per pan venrly? I, for one of the ratepayers, do mart emphatically object -to this exorbitant rate. Again, I am charged 4s extra mi the general rate for the visit of our Royal Duke to Christchurch. Well, being an*old man-o’-warsman myself, I can tell - the Linwood Councillors that if his Royal Highness knew they were taxing -the working man for his reception-, you would not havfe seen much of their Royal Highnesses in Christchurch, or I know nothing of Naval officers. I should'also like to ask our Mayor where this Linwood Park is situated. 1 see we have a new tax for that this year. I suppose this - is a . favoured spot for a few of the swells to run their youngsters in and to play golf. I, as a ratepayer, would suggest to cut it Up in sections, and sell it for working men’s homes, as wo have a splendid park and Museum in Christchurch, large enough for all. AO I am a working man, and have to graft hard for my bob an hour before I got it, I do greatly object to our Councillors charging me a small rent for my own property. X ask, what is -the use of a working man struggling to get a email home, and then, having It swallowed up with rates. I trust that if our worthy Mayor and Councillors call on me for my vote at the next election, they will get it, I hope you will excuse my long letter,.but I feel very sore on this question, 1 assure you.—l am, etc., A. CHAS. OPPENHEIM. LIBERALISM. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—lf the Right Hon the Premier had supported the 1 Elective Executive Bill instead of continuing the strongest opponent of this- truly Liberal measure, I should- have concluded that Ids Liberalism was developing, and that his passing of a Referendum Bill was proof of the progress he was making. It was amusing to see the political puppets, who have always voted against this Bill, changing front at the word of k command and voting to order for the Bill. 1 don’t think that under the present Condition of the Legislative Council the Referendum Bill as passed will ever be called into use. It is only after the Legislative Council - has- been packed as full as possible of creatures who will pass or oppose Whatever the Premier desires that he (the Pjtgmkff) discovers the Referendum is a Liberal.:-measure that must be passed. I canno-t. understand how a professed democrat ucan- Continue to oppose the Elective Exceptive Bill, which undoubtedly embodies in the highest degree" the principle of Government by the people, which you de-findlnaT-LiberahEm, and with which defini-tion-’'l agree. Can Mr Seddon be truly daEedf.-a- legislative leader when he has to ho 'continually driven by the force of pub-lic-opinion? That he is a great Parliamentary tactician I think all will agree; bub that he is a Liberal leader or a Liberal at heart is open to question.—l am, etc., -- OBSERVER. COLOMBO STREET CROSSING. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—l have wasted some weeks for some abler pen than mine to take up the subject of the Sydenham tram service. On July 11, I think, the members of the Council paid a visit to their dumping ground -at Chaney’s Corner- (a very good outing), and X am sorry to say that they had to . -wait a few minutes at Colombo Street crossing. I feel very sorry for -the few fathers that were there; the railway servants ought to be made to know better than to keep such men waiting. But how about -the tram on June 22, which left 'Christchurch about 1.45 p.m. We were -packed in like sardines, but all went right until we -got to -the railway crossing, when a train -backed into the tram and' knocked six inches off the rails. No one was hurt, according to the daily papers, but how about the lady who fainted on the -platform? Now, that was all we heard, and I think after all we have heard about the shunting from the. Council, the least they can do is to ask for an enquiry into the cause, and have removed the man that is to blame. A little more steam would have sent some of us -to our long home, which will be the case some day if there is not more care taken. I think it is a disgrace that there was nothing- done, and I hope -this will -wake some one up whose -duty it was to report it.—l am, etc., ONE OP THE PASSENGERS. THE INSURANCE OP SEAMEN. „ TO THE EDITOR Sir, —Can you see any reason why there should not be a clause inserted in the Employers' Liability Act making it compul-, spry for ship-owners to insure their employees for the sum of £25 for the purpose of a new outfit in cases like that of the barque Lizzie Bell, where the men land in a destitute condition? Seafaring men are mostly single, -and do -nob require anything when t-hey are dead, but when they land in a destitute condition they require help, and a-s they risk their lives and all their personal belongings in the 'shipowners’ service, I think it is only right that they should be insured lor the amount I mention-. Ships often come to disaster soon after leaving the port where they have engaged their crew, and' in that case the men have no wages due to them, and are absolutely destitute. As their only chance to start again is to ship as soon as they can get another ship and get a month’s ad* vanoe of wages to procure a new outfit, you can. form some idea of the hardship they often have to suffer when they get caught in weather like that which lias lately been, experienced in the Tasman sea. It is the usual thing in Church on Sunday to ask God to help those in peril on the sea, and I think it is time to back up our prayers with legislative action. Seamen are nited by laws made ashore; there are no Parliaments at sea, and the average sailor is just about as absent-minded ns Tommy Atkina, and trusts to those lie leaves behind to look after his interests. We are not true to our trust when we leave him out of our thoughts. He has to battle away in all weather's that the merchant may have his correspondence as regular as* possible to time-table date, but the merchant- sitting in a cosy office has no thought to spare for his humble servant, the seafaring man, so it has devolved on me, a working man, to give- him a gentle hint that it is his duty to see to this-,question at the Chamber of Commerce in'the-first instance, and then pass it on to the Government to deal with.—l am, etc., JACK ASHORE. THE ARBITRATION COURT. TO TUB EDITOn. Sir, —In your issue of August 6, I was much surprised at the Premier’s reply to a deputation, in Wellington, with reference to the Conciliation and Arbitration Act. He said .that four hundred employers being,

cited in one dispute was riding the thing to death. NoW, if that is so, lie is cbm detuning the Work of his own liliivd l . Wily not four hundred, or four-thousand, if there are that many employers in the district? They need nob all attend the Court, any more than all the members of a Union need attend; but they should all bo cited, and give them a chance of defending their case, or appointing some of their number to do so. Again, he said that if the Court did not get its riork feqUared up, an additional Judge would have to be appointed. I say that it is Mr Seddon’s bivfi fault, as head of affairs in this colony, that the arbitration work is so far behind, not the fault of the Labour Unions. The wOl-k first commenced to get sadly behind when Judge Martin was taken away from his work to do Supreme Court work, 'towards the end of last year. Then the Arbitration Court was left without a President in the first days of January, but it Was April 22 before Mr Justice Cooper was appointed and able to set the Court in motion. Thus the work of ‘the Court' Was allowed by Mr Seddon (who now thinks that the arbitration work is. more important than that of the ordinary Supreme Court) to accumulate to such a-n extent that both employers and employed are singing out, and he wants to eftrt the blame on the Unions. I, as president of one of the largest Unions in Canterbury, -strongly resent this. I Will give just one instance of how the Colirt work has been delayed, and -not by the Unions. A case was filed- for the Arbitration Court in November last; Wa have not lost one hour, or Spared any time, or even money, to get the case settled, but Wehhave not, the pleasure of seeing our award in print yet, on August 8, that is nine months after. I say again, it is not our, but the Premiers fault. —I am, etc., E. J. COOKSLEY. THE LABOUR QUESTION. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I am not alone when I say we are beginning to view with serious apprehension what is to be the outcome of this continuous struggle between capital and labour. Since the introduction of tile Arbitration and Conciliation Act, Christchurch has been one scene of -turmoil; day after day some dispute has com© before the phblic, -from the house you live in to the shoes you wear, all has been brought to the front, and although ’ onr worthy Premier was not credited with the words: “ New Zealand- has had enough labour laws,” lb seems that Something of the- sorb was brewing in his mind. I should be sorry to say anything to make matters worse, or be the oho to cry* “Wolf,” but a disinterested practical man said to nic recently that the present state of things could not last. There had been, three or four rises in timber- within twelve months ; carpenters, plasterers, bricklayers and labourers have . had a substantial increase, and now painters want to place themselves in proportion, above all trades. They assume -to be nearly equal to -a carpenter, whose tools need replenishing through Wear