THE BOROUGH BY-LAWS.

Mataura Ensign, Volume 11, Issue 773, 18 May 1888, Page 4

THE BOROUGH BY-LAWS.

It cannot be necessary that by4aws should be in bad English and we sympathise with the Councillors in the desire they manifested to put them into better shape. At the same time it is quite easy to understand how the laws got, as it were, mixed up. It has been stated that the code for this Borough is a copy of one in force ia another municipality which was approved by a good firm of solicitors. This one is turn was probably espied from another somewhere else, and so on, and so on. In the course of. these transmissions and adoptions, additions and alterations have been made until at last the code, which was in all likelihood sensible enough when it left the hands ef the fpamer, has become a thing of shreds and patches. The Grore Councillors found that to put the laws in decent order was a work, if not beyond their strength, too laborious to undertake. In truth the Council need not feel in any degree hurt at having to to abandon the task, because it is one which should be dealt with leisurely by a committee on which there ought to be a few literary experts. Most of the laws could be easily amended verbally so as to read intelligibly, and some want removing from their present position and putting in another place. The work would be rather laborious, but presents no serioas difficulties. We cannot admit that because badly worded laws are good enough for Dunedin they are gopd enough for Gore, and if the laws came to be tested in the Courts we seriously doubt if some of them would he held to be good, The intention even^ of th.c most ridiculous of our by-laws is clear enough, but it is not the duty of a judge

: to enquire what was intended to be con- ■ veyed. His business is to interpret the law as he finds it, and if he found it to be nonsense he would probably say so and dismiss the case. To revise and ' reprint the by-laws would cost some : expenditure of time and money, and the I Gore Councillors may not see their way ' to go into the matter. They may be content to let the laws alone, and add

their patches for the further mystification of those who come after them or those who adopt their code. But if. they should see fit to seriously undertake a revision of the by-laws we think they would be doing a very useful work. As an example of the absurdity of the laws as they stand we may quote the following. Part II commences thus : " Any person guilty of any of the following offences, omissions or neglects within the Borough of Gore shall, on being convicted of any such offence, neglect, or \ omission, be liable to pay any penalty not exceeding five pounds." Then follow a list of offences, and they read sensibly enough for some distance, when the wording of the opening paragraph is lost sight of and it cannot in any way bo hitched on to the clauses it is meant to regulate. Thus the 45th clause is as follows : " The proper officer of the Council may at all reasonable times enter and inspect any such registered premises as aforesaid." What " offence, neglect or omission " is set forth in that ? There are many others equally absurd.

An occasional correspondent wrtes from Waikaia as follows : — ln anticipation of the prosecution of the work on the RiversdaleSwitzers line, and the bottoming of the shaft on Mjstery Flat, which events mast considerably add to the present population, an enterprising individual contemplates erecting extensive premises in the township as a store on strictly cash principles, selling at fully 50 per cent under prestnt prices.

The meeting of the Gordon Chess and Draughts Club called for Tuesday evening was not, in the opinion of those present, sufficiently well attended to warrant any definite actien being taken , yet in reference to the Mataura Club's challenge.

On Wednesday evening the Gore Brass Band turned out in force to bid farewell to one of their number — their late secretary and treasurer, Mr C. W. Bowtell, who' is leaving for Victoria. The band first played some selections opposite the post office to an appreciative audience, and thereafter adjourned to O'Kane'a, where Bandmaster Mansford presented an illuminated address expressing the esteem in which Mr Bowtell was held, and the regret with which the band parted with him. The address was illuminated by Mr Nash. The remainder of the evening was devoted to conviviality, and the gathering dispersed at & seasonable hour with hearty good wishes for the guest in his nevr sphere of labor. It may be mentioaed that the Gore Amateur Dramatic Club also testified to Mr Bowtell's worth in an address signed by the members.

It will be seen from an advertisement that Mr Williams lost no time in stepping into the breach when roller skates were required for the town : he bought a large selection, and has been selling them with a rapidity that is no doubt satisfactory to a trader who thoroughly believes !n the old saw " fcimali profits : quick returns." They were largely used at the rink last Tuesday evening, when they could eitaer be bought or hired as wished. We understand that Air A, T. Williams has made application to the Borough Council for the me of the Town Hall every Friday evening for riukin^ purposes. We hear that besides Mr Williams' application another one— for every unoccupied night— is likely to come before the Council at its next meeting.

A meeting of the Waikai* School Committee was held at Mr Lawrence's residence oa Monday, 14th inst. Pregent— Messrs A. Christie, W. Fyfe, Lawrence (chairman), aud J. Brown (secretary;. Two small accounts were passed for payment. The chairman read a letter from Miss Vial, intimating her intention of giviug up her contract for cleaning the school at the termination of the present quarter. The letter was received, aud the chairman requested to call for tenders at once for the cleaning of the school", rooms, and also for the general work in connection with the school premises for the ensuing twelve months. This being the whole of the business, the meeting adjourned to Monday, lli.h June.

At Wednesday's meeting of the Otago Land Board, John Ford was declared lessee of perpetual lease section 7, block XI, Greenvale, 239 acres, at the upset of Ll per acre.

Mr Valentine has been bringing under the notice of the Government the necessity of improvements at the Arthurlon Crossing, and has received a promise to have all that he requires carried ouf.

The new Loan Bill, introduced by message in the House on Wednesday, does not contain the provision against any further borrowing for three years which appeared in this Act of last session.

To Taranaki belongs the honor of being first to win a match against the English footballers, the game which was played on Wednesday ending in their favor by one try to nothing. Some surprise has been felt at the result, because few were aware how many good players there are in Taranaki. Last year they beat Auckland, and the team which met the Englishmen was said to be 25 per cent better than last seaion's. Their average weight was about 12at 41b.

Miss McSporran, sister of Mrs R. McCallutn, of Edendale, met with an accident on Tuesday morning which shows how careful people ought to be to keep dynamite detonators in safe places. The lady was sweeping in the kitchen when the broom struck one of these caps, and an explosion ensuing she received some nasty cuts about the eyes. Fortunately the sight was not injured and the patient is doing well under the care of Dr Stockwell. Scarcely a weeK passes that accidents, to children especially, are not recorded in connection with these detonators.

The Skating Rink was opened last Tuesday night, when a fair number of the sterner sex put in an appearance, but only two or three ladies. Tha • supply of skates waa limited, and this prevented the seane from presenting quite as lively an aspect as otherwise it would have done. There were not many experienced skaters in the hall, and the rapid succession of dull thuds was par« ticularly noticeable when the band ceased from time to time from its labors. Both. by. standers and skaters, however appeared to enjoy the fun thoroughly, and we have no doubt that rinking will soon be all the rage.

The singing clas3 about to be commenced by Mr Stevenson at Mataura is likely to have a Urge attendance. Thirty-two pupils joined it on Monday night last, and it is anticipated that nearly as many more will joia next Monday, the opening night. Arrangements have been made with the lodge of Oddfellows to have the use of their hall. The membership fee is only 2s 6d per quarter— just enough to cover the expenses of management.

Latest cablegrams state that the wheat market is improving. — The Emperor is improving but Prince Bismarck is unwell. — The Imperial Government are in a dilemma on the Chinese question owing to ths aatioji of the Australian colonies, — Th^ere is increased uneasiness in JSurops concerning the pros-, pects of vfar,, and the condition of- Britain's defences is 'creating some excitement at Home.— The House of Commons has votg^ L 850,000 for the completion of am au.£iljary squadron of ships by March. 18.QQ.~- Sir Chas. Dilke fears that Russia a,nd. France may atn tack England and points out that both of thesie powers are buildiug an enormous number of fast cruisers, — A good harvest ia expected in Victoria,

Messrs John Brown (Switzers) and John Alex. Algie (Wyndham) are appointed Registrars of Electors . for Waikaia and Mataura respectively vice Mr A. 0. Hendorson.

A former resident of Gore, Constable Pratt, is gazetted clerk of the Resident Magistrates' Courts at JBalclutha and Kaitangata ; and clerk of the Licensing Committees for tho Districts of Pomahaka and South Molyneux vice Sergeant H. Green.

11 Whereas it has been found dtsirable, for the upe, convenience, and enjoyment of the Waimea Plains Railway, to take further land near Pyramid Station, in addition to land previously acquired for the purposes of the said railway " (we nota from the 'Gazette '), the Governor has proclaimed and declared that section 559, Hokonui, lla Or 13p, sh*ll be set apart as a railway reserv*.

Holloreaifs Pills.— The sudden changes, frequent fogs, and pervading dampness sorely impede the vital functions and conduce to ill-health. The remedy for these diseases lies in some purifying medicine, like these Pills, which is competent to grapple with the mischief at its source, *nd stamp it out without fretting the nerves or weakening the system. Holloway's Pills extract f 10m the blood all noxious matters, regulate the action, of everjr disordered organ, stimulate the liver and kidneys, and relax the bowels. In curing chest complaints these Pills are remarkably effective, especially when aided by friction of the Ointment on its walls. This double treatment will ensure a certain, steady and beneficent progress, and sound health will soon be re-established.

' Amongst our business men may now bo classed Mr J . G. Ward, whose advertisement elsewhere in this paper to-day indicates that he is carrying on business as a grain merchant, etc., at Invercargill, Gore, and Bluff Harbor. Mr Ward has doae a lot for the farmers in the past, and they are not likely to forget him now. Thus the Winton correspondent of the invercargill morning paper when speakine of the company that is to occupy the Gore Town Hall to-night :— Hrs Rogers arid her talented family paid us a visit last Friday The Exchange Hall was engaged for the oc» casion and was more than half filled. There was a goodly number of adults present but the children turned out in stronger force. The performance went off very wellindeed*; none of the actors (and there were one or two very young) made a slip of any kind. Mrs Eogers deserves great ciedit for the way i she has trained them, and I can assure her j that all, and more especially the children, many of whom, had never witnessed anything of the kind before, w«re highly pleased and amused."

The weekly meeting of the Gore Literary and Debating Society held on Wednesday last was fairly well attended, the president (Rev. J. Hobbs) occupying the chair. ; The essay of the evening was by Mv Gbdby. who gave a paper on " Dieams," which (drew forth only a moderate amount of criticism, and that not of a very trenchant nature. Mr God by was duly thanked for his contribution, and thereafter some impromptu speaking was indulged in. Mr H. Scott first dealt with the benefits and prospects of the Gore Swimming Club, and "Roller Skates " (Mr H. Dolamore), " The value of warmth " (Mr Scoullar), " Fogs," (Mr Mac Gibbon), « The Beet Sugar Question " (Mr Fraser), and 11 Theories regarding the origin of our Coalbeds" (Mr W.'ia. McCaw), followed in quick succession. The last named subject evoKed the greatest amount of discussion Mr McCaw having introduced some very debateable matter in his opening remarks Some of. the other subjects were treated intelligently Owing to a piano not having been arranged for there was an absence of one of the usual features ai the Society's meetings — the music — and as there was some delay in getting into the hall the usual fire also went by the wall. Next Wednesday evening Mr Fraser reads a paper on "The Chinese Question," and there will be some readings, etc., if the discus-ion does not occupy the whole j^?ening.

A singular accident happened on the main road near Jacobstown on Tuesday evening The daylight had about faded completed away when Mr Hare, manager of the Colonial Bank at Gore, was riding iato town in company with two ladies. At a bend of tfee road they came suddenly upon a curt ia which Messrs Falconer and Jeaking wero driving home. Mr Hare turned his hone sharply to one side, but one of the shafts of the cart entered the horse's flank and passed right through, coming out through the thigh on the other side. Mr Hare wai of course thrown from the saddle, but luckily escaped without injury. The unfortunate horse bled profusely and died almost, immediately. It w»s extremely lucky that the accident was no worse, Mr Hare's eicap* being mogt providential. Only one civil case-— and that undefended —came before Mr Hevell, R.M., at yesterday's sitting of the Gore Court : J. amenta v. Craig and McKemie, claim L4l lls 3d

on a promissoly note that had been presented for payment at the Bank of Australasia and returned to the Bank of * New Zealand marked " N.S.F." Evidence to that effect was given by Mr Allan, clork to 1 the Bank of New Zealand ; and Mr Arcb. Fletcher, who appaared for plaintiff proved the signature of the defendant firm to the note, and also stated that, though payment had been applied for, it had not been made. Judgment was given for the amount, with LB 15s coits.

■ The Gore Amateur Dramatic Club' are likely to put " The Eaee for a Dinner ,»' on the boards shortly as a benefit for a townsman who lately tuffered considerable pecuniary loss. The play will be preceded by a concert.

At a public meeting at Inrercargill on Monday night it was decided to accept the offer of the New Zealand Fire Brigades 1 Association to hold the next demonstration in Icvercargill. Committees were appointed to arrange preliminaries, and a meeting in furtherance of the object is likely -to be held at Gore. The In^ercargill waterworks will be finished by the date of the demonstration.

Government settlers are in a very distressed. condition nil over the colony, and already several petitions for relief have been presented from them this session. With a view of eliciting the views of the Government on the matter Mr Valentine askad the Minister of Lands on Wednesday whether it is his intention to introduce a. new Land Bill containing provisions for the relief of Government settlers by a revaluation, and whether, pnch relief will apply not only to those settlers at present in arrears but also to those who have capitalised their arrears and are not now behind. The Hon. Mr G. F, Riclaardsoa said the Government would introduce a bill dealing with the whole question.

The meeting of the School Commisrionerfl at Dunedin on Tuesday morning was attended by Mr J P Maitland (in the chair), the Hon. Dr Mancies. the Hon. W H Reynolds, Mr J Green, and Mr WH Pearson. The question of the disposal of a block of l»nd surveyed for settlement on Run 194, Waikaia, was brought up, but consideration was deferred until the plans come to hand. On the motion of 3>r MeDzies, it was resolved that the Southland Land Board be requested to coasider the advisability of giving pub« licity to the provisions of section 20 of the Land Act of 1887, which exteada the term of deferred-payment licen&ea for a period of four years.

The Southland Bailding Society held their annual meeting on Wednesday evening. Their dividend is at the rate of 8 per cent per annum. Mr Bain, who was ia the chair, and who was subsequently re-elected president for the twentieth, year, stated* that the ©n}y m.ew feature this year was th,9 large number of properties "which had fallen into, the Society's hands, larger than that during any of the previous nineteen years oE its existence. Some of these properties had been disposed of satisfactorily, Ihe directors doing their best i& realise upon them because they th.£wgjht toat if any loss had to be su%is<s tike sooner ife was net the bette^ " '

*

On Wednesday night la9t the Rev. J. M. Davidson, on behalf of the teachers and scholars of the Mataura Presbyterian Sunday Shool, presented Mr T. Mac Gibbon with a handsome gold locket on the occasion of his having Mataara on a visit to the Home Country. In making the presentation, Mr Davidson referred in feeling terms to Mr Mac Gibbon's long connection with the Sunday School, of which he has been snperintendent for about 12 years. Mr Davidson also thanked him for his services as a lay reader in connection with the church. Mr Mac Gibbon suitably responded.

Brewer and Trembath announce a clearing Bale.

Further particulars re lignite area at Pukerau. .Robert Birrell, Invercargill, sells trees. J. G. Ward inserts a business notice. Cowper and Wilson, Invercargill, hare farmers' and builders' requisites. Queen's Birthday— excursion railway fares. Tenders wanted for gravelling Main street. The Borough adds to its by-laws. I. S. Simeon sells municipal leases on June 23.

Green and Souness hold a clearisg sale near Riveredale on 31st inst. Tenders for painting and plumbing. Leap year ball at Gore. Dr Copland preaches in the Oddfellows' Eall ob Sunday.

Laundress and general servant wanted. Cash buyers wanted at Granite House . T. Hewitt purchases pigs. Waterproof coat lost. Tenders for alterations to stable. The Waikaka Kaffirs appear at Otama next Friday in aid of the Library funds. Tenders for clearing gorse and broom at Ardlussa.

Harvey Lodge meets next Wednesday. F. "W. Thompson, dentist, visits Gore. Visitors to Dunedin are reminded of the accommodation at Mrs Silk's. Trees will be sold by Shanks and Coj tomorrow.

Pupil teacher and sewing mistress wanted at Otama. Green and Bouness sell trees and furniture to-morrow.