ARMENIAN REFORMS.

Manawatu Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 7978, 19 May 1904, Page 2

ARMENIAN REFORMS.

Turkey is still struggling with the Armenian problem, and the condition of affairs in this Asiatic province remains a monument to the magnificent stolidity of the Ports in the face of an angered Europe. The efforts of the Powers to reform the administration of Macedonia have failed hopelessly, but this recent failure is only a reduced facsimile of the Armenian failure in 1895. We learned lately that there have been terrible conflicts in the Sasun district, where the Turkish troops are occupying the villages. Ifc was in this very district that the worst atrocities of 1894 occurred. The story is worth recalling briefly. The peasants were already paying heavy tribute to tho local Kurdish Beys for their protection -when the Ottoman officials endeavoured to collect special taxes on behalf of the Porte. These taxes had long been a troublesome matter, and there -was always the religious issue in the background, so that the occurrence of a few minor fights surprised no one. The authorities, however, represented to Constantinople that a serious insurrection had broken out, and Zekki Pasha, the military governor at Erzinghian, was sent to suppress it. Barbarities and atrocities of the most revolting character were perpetrated, and when the accounts reached "Western Europe there was such a storm of popular indignation that the Powers were simply compelled to take action. A. commission of inquiry was appointed to investigate the whole affair, a series of charges being readily formulated. There was no doubt that the truth had been understated rather than exaggerated in the newspaper accounts, and the evidence more than sustained Mr Gladstone's famous declaration that the Turkish Government was " a disgrace to civilisation at large and a curse to mankind." In May, 1895, just nine years ago, the British, French and Russian Ambassadors at Constantinople jointly presented to the Sultan a memorandum expressing the horror of their Governments at the awful atrocities that had been committed, and embodying reforms which they considered necessary for the' peaceful government of Armenia. The whole ground of Government appointments, religious freedom, policing, administration of justice and taxation was covered, and it looked as though the Porte was at length to be tied down to a definite attempt at government on civilised lines. The Porte adopted its customary policy of raising vague objections and doing nothing, and the negotiations dragged on till October. The Armenians in Constantinople and elsewhere joined in the agitation for reform, and there were many riots all over the Turkish Empire, culminating in a ghastly massacre of Armenians at Trebizond. In view of the gravity of the position the British fleet was ordered to Lemnos, and remained there in spite of all the Sultan's protests. Under moral pressure of this kind the Government at length accepted the scheme of reforms, which, by the way, was so mild that Mr Gladstone could only speak of it as a triumph for the Sultan. The reforms are supposed to have been carried out, but the Armenians are still struggling against Turkish oppression, and Europe has apparently forgotten their existence,

"It seems to U9 that the utterances wo condemn are very unwise," says the editor of a Napier newspaper.

It is expected that the Discovery and Morning will leave Lytteiton for 'England about June 6th. The Druids will hold a series of indoor games with the Rifles' Social Club the first of which will take place on May 26th. J The Holiday Association will meet tomorrow morning to consider the proposal to close the shops at an earlier hour during the winter months. Mr W. Dix will bring a first-class company to Palrnerston on Monday evening next, giving a one-night performance at the Lyceum Theatre. It has been decided to extend the date of the closing of tenders for tho Palrncrston North Opera House to Tuesday, May3lst. Kimbolton Qun Club will hold a handicap pigeon match on June Sth. Two potnfioes taken from a bag grown at gumeroa turned the scale at 21b soz. The Australian Mutual Provident Society requires agents for the M.inawatu and "Wanganni districts respectively. Won't go out to-night mother, Payne's slipper's too comfortable.1!* Tho Manawatu Cadets intend holding a military ball on tho Bth June, and already an energetic floor committee is busy putting a polished surface on the floor of the local drill shed. A house occupied by Frederick Carrington on Newall Road, Warea, Taranaki, was totally destroyed by lire on Monday night. Nothing was saved, and there was great difficulty in recovering eight children. Owing to the general slackness of orders, the Hawke's Bay Sawmillers' Association has decided to close down all sawmills under its jurisdiction for one day in the week, commencing on Saturday next. A milk supplier yesterday morning refused to give ipfgrmation to the Cbrißtchurch Inspector of Dairies, who was inspecting the milk supply. It is underitood action will be taken in the ! matter. The Auokland University Professorial Board has nominated F. Sinclair, M.A., for a Rhodes' scholarship. Professor Tubbs represents the Auckland College at the Conference for making a final selection. Cycles £2, 100 to select from. Must be turned into money, Clarkson's, Coleman Place.*

At its meeting last night the Tcrraco F.rul School Committee resolved to ve(;irsf the school children to subscribe to ih'j New Zealand battleship " tinji.in ikin " fund.

Wiili tiiis issue Messrs Rose and Co., of the Bon Marche, circulate an inset, concerning r- cash discount sale of ladies' jackets and mantles, which will afford interesting reading to buyers of these goods. The sale commences to day, and continues for nine days only.

For bedsteads and bedding. Best value in town at Pegden's.*

In the course of his evidence at an inquest at the Auckland Hospital, relative to a death under chloroform, Dr Collins, the senior medical officer, stated that lust yi nr 999 chloroform cases were dealt with, and there was not asinglo mishap. The record of the hospital in such cases is a percentage of one in 1600.

There was a a large attendance at the draught horse sale held by Messrs Alnahams and Williams on behalf of Mr R. D. Knight yesterday. Out of 67 horses offered 50 were sold, the lot (ineiuding the spring carters) averaged 38J- guineas, the biggest price being 71 guineas for a four-year-old mare by Quality King.

Second-hami machines, 80s upwards, easy terms. Dayton Depot.*

The Government nominees for the High School Board of governors have been declared at last. They are Messrs W. T. Wood, M.U.R., W. Park and W. Collingwood. The first meeting of the lioard will be held on Monday.

Yesterday morning the body of John Coveney, 50 years of age" was found in the Mangatcra stream, near Dannevirke, in about IS inches of water. The deceased was seen last ovening proceeding to to Otanga mill. It is supposed he fell over the end of the road bridge at Mangatera.

Letters received by the SurveyorGeneral state that the work on the African Gold Coast, for which a number of New Zealand surveyors were engaged by the Imperial authorities, is approaching completion. The New Zealanders stato that they have not found the climate trying and nil havo escaped serious illness. Two of the party, Messrs Haszard and Strctton, intend returning to New Zealand at the close of the present season.

Emmanuel Congregational Band of Hope held its monthly meeting on Tuesday evening, the Eev. S. BaKer presiding, when the following programme was given :—Reading, Mi3s Buchan ; phonographic selections, Mr F. Smith ; violin, Mr A. Poad; recitations, G. McDowall, S. Hall, L. Hardie, and W. Stout; duet, I. and S. Smith; songs, Miss Toms and Mrs Leigh. Misses F. Baker and E. Rawlins presided at the organ.

Centaur cycles £20. Rudge-whitworth cycles £18 18s, Premier cycles from £17 17s, Clarkson's.*

At the meeting of the Terrace End School Committee last night, presided over by Mr G. J. Scott, the report of Inspector Milne was received. It referred with warm praise to the satisfactory state of the 'school and the good work being accomplished by the teachers. The Committee showed its appreciation by passing a hearty vote of thanks to the staff.

The prisoner Anderson who obtained temporary liberty by diving through a railway carriage window had a narrow escape from death. When he went liead first through the window the southern bound express was steaming past, and he was knocked about by the carriages before he reached the ground. His escape from being cut to pieces was, indeed marvellous. \Vhen arrested at Martinborough Anderson was wearing a new suit of clothes, and was riding a commandeered hack.

At a meeting of the employees of Mr J. B. Clarkson, held ,) esterday afternoon, a Cycle Touring Club was formed. Its objects will bo to further cycling generally and to preserve ihe interests of cyclists, and at the same time stimulate interest in cycle touring. The first general meeting to eleot officers, frame rules, and arrange tours will be held on Friday eveniug at 8 o'clock at Coleraan Place. AH cyclists are cordially invited to attend.

At Christchurch, Mr Haselden, S.M. gave judgment in the cases in which Ross, Hislop, Jago, Langley, and Barton, bookmakers, were charged, under the city by-laws, with betting in a public place, tp wit, the City Hotel right-of-way. Bach defendant was fined £5, and between them to pay the costs, seven guineas. The Magistrate held that though the right-of-way was a private one, it was not only a place of public resort but also a public place. He cited several English cases bearing on the question.

Covers 12s 6d, tubes ss, cheapest place for cycle sundries. Dayton Depots

There aro two consumptive patients now undergoing the open-air treatment at New Plymouth hospital, and in both cases remarkable results are shown, although the only accommodation available is the hospital verandah. One of the patients, who arrived in a very weak and emaciated state three weeks ago, has gained over 7Jb in weight, and the other increased by s£lb in a fortnight. Dr Leatham is well satisfied with the effect of the treatment.

There lately passed away at Motiti Island, near Tauranga, Himiona te Orenui, chief and prophet. Himiona prophesied there would be another Tarawera eruption, preceded and presaged by the appearance of a comet. Next time a comet came (says the Wellington Post), there was a heavy rise in the stock of the wily seer, and the Maoris gathered together and prayed very hard. The eruption did not come, and Himiona assured his people that their prayers had averted it. If it had come he would have assured them that they had not prayed with sufficient faith. The rules for prophesying are the same the world over. -

" Allday's English war cycle, 2 rim brakes, free wheel, £20. Dayton Depot.*

A welcome social was tendered to the Revs. Mather and Beggs at the Cubastreet Methodist Church last night, Addresses of welcome were delivered by MrT. R. Hodder (chairman), Mr Bishop (on behalf of the local preachers), Mr G. N.Bennett (for the circuit), andßovs. I. Jolly and E. Richards on behalf of the other Nonconformist churches, Several musical items were contributed, materially brightening the proceedings.

The licensees of the Island Bay and Kilburnie Hotels did not lose much time in opening their log-closed bars after the licenses were renewed yesterday afternoon. Supplies were at once ordered from town, andlkuor was ou sale during the evening. The Park Hotel and the Grosvenor Hotel re-opened their bars today. There were no demonstrative rejoicings when the bars were opened, either last night or to-day, and there were no "open-house" privileges for patrons. The hours of closing tho hotels in the Newtown electorate will be the same as that observed in the city—lo p.m.—Post.

Owing to tho stupidly sensational way in which the Wellington newspapers haiVe been in the habit lateiy of "dishing-up " the cas.es of poor, people •whoso ill-fortune it has been to seek sustenance from the Benevolent Trustees, that body has decided to exclude the press while applications for relief are bejng heard, This has raised the ire of the Post, but it is a very desirable precaution, by way of protecting unfortunates from the graphic " descriptivity " of the ambitious junior reporter.

At one of Mr Lloyd George's meetings in Flintshire, the chairman a Welsh deacon with strong convictions but no sense of humour—introduced the Parliamentarian thus :—" I haff to introduce to you to-night the member for Carnarvon Borough. He hass come here to reply to what the Bishop of St. Asaph said the other night about "Welsh Disestablishment. In my opinion, gentlemen, that Bishop of St. Asaph iss one of the biggest liars in creashon ; but, thank God, yes, thank God-we haff a match foa him to-night." The story is toli with great gusto by Mr Lloyd George himself.

The N.Z. Accountants and Auditors' Association (registered) intimates, that the annual exam,inat'iqn of I»h.e Association wil{ be held, 'thyaugho ; ut the colony on November 14th next. The examinations are for the Fellows',- Associates' and Students1 grades, and are avilable to members of either sex ; sb a matter of faot, there are several lady memberswho have already qualified by examination. The syllabus of examinations has been rearranged and now supplies fuller information than the old issue, and includes a complete descriptive list of members and the positions held by them. Intending candidates may procure copies of syllabus, past examination papers, and other particulars from the registrar of the association, Mr J. Henry Mackie, Mercantile Chambers, whose telegraphic address is Henry Mackie, Auckland,

An interesting article describing the results of an experiment carried out by a Taranaki Dairy factory to see whether shaking interfered with milk tests, ap- ■ pears on our fourth page. Also late cables.

A number of young men in the town are adopting an excellent mean of selfimprovement. From fifteen to twenty of them meet weekly and discuss, without the assistance of notes, questions of present moment. In this way they extend their knowledge and accustom themselves to public speakiug.

Mass meetings arc to bo held at Whangarei, Kawakawa, and other northern towns, to urge the Government to finish the fifteen miles of railWiiyJinc, joining Hukurnnui and Kawakawa. The estimated cost is £100,000. The present Whangarui section of twenty three miles returns over 7 per cent on the total cost of £176,000.

Inner tubes ss, Oceanic covers 12s 6d, Ueflex Clippers £1 3s 6d at Clarkson's.*

The Government PomologNt will visit Greylown shortly and give ocular demonstration to settlers in connection with fniit-growinjj. Mr Boucher was recently in the district on a special visit, and condemned some 3 50 Uees out of a nc.v orchitrd consisting of several hundred young plants. These fruit trees were obtained from Australia, and unless they recover hy next season must be rooted out.

Superstitious people, if any such remain, will probably hold that it is as a portent of the war that sharks have once again appeared in the Baltic f-ea after an absence of nearly a hundred and fifty years. Sharks are still to be met with in the Mediterranean, but • the northern seas have lon;,' been rid of them. But now fishermen report that in the narrows of the Caitegat and the Belt theso dangerous fish are once more to be seen, and that they follow the boats to attack the nets as they are being hauled in. It is also said that some of the fishermen have had narrow escapes of their lives. There are shoals of sharks in the North ben, and along the coasts of Germany and Norway they are found in considerable numbers.

The opinion of the president of tfyo National Council of Women in regard to the Premier's proposals for chocking infant mortality is interesting. That official says that she and her colleagues feel deeply thankful for the stand taken by the Premier, and would take an opportunity of expressing their thanks publicly. They would also, however, remind him that he had not gone nearly so far as they wished, and had suggosted. The matters ho had dealt with had all been considered by their Council long before, and they believed that he had as yet touched only the outskirts of a very great and important subject. They had already formulated more advanced ideas, and they intended to place these before the Premier and the public, and urge greater reforms than had yet been suggested.

Tribune " Blua Streaks " £20. New Zealand atency. Clarkson's, Coleman Place.*

Mr Eemington, M.H.R., has been violently protesting to the Wanganui newspapers that he didn't say the things he was reported by the Manawatu Daily Times to have said to aback country audience about Mr Seddon being a loud-voiced tyrant, who, at caucus, told his more unruly followers stentoriously to "sit down, will you ! " But Mr Beiuingfcon's denial simply amounts to this: "He didn't know it was loaded." We can name a place where Mr Remington, in a burst of confidence (and in order to explain away one or two awkward local questions) imparted to the assembled settlers quite a number of Cabinet secrets. He may have thought he was only " tickling the ears of the groundlings," but one or two of the said groundlings havo very retentive memories. Mr Kemington seeks to cast the onus on to " Our Mangaweka Man," but, as far as wo are aware, the representative of the Times at Mangaweka knows nothing about the incident. We do.

Although no sluggard the Premier has evidently gone to the ant for instruction in connection with his scheme for the preservation of infant life. From an interesting article on " The Wonders of Ant Life," by H. C. McCook, in the March issue of Harper's Magazine," the following, wich is apropos of the Premier's scheme, is extracted :—" The queens of ants, bees, wasps, and termite wear the crown of maternity—no other. Queenhood is simply motherhood. It follows, naturally, that tho highest concern cf such communities is the nurture of their young. Indeed, we may well say that all the admirable economy of these model republics bears upon the wholesome nurture of children. The courtiers that encircle tho ant queen and follow her every movement with reverent vigilance are simply watchers for the tinyatoms of life that she continually drops. They belong to the Commonwealth, not to the mother. These eggs are at once seized and borne to the nurseries and committed to the nursing detail., When hatched into larvte they are fed, cleansed, exercised, and tended until they pass the pupa stage. If the function of maternity is centred in tho qaeen the nursing function is distributed throughout the entire citizenship."

The chief recommendation of an Auckland politician is that he shall be able at a moment's notice—or less if necessary—fco turn on the indignation valve to full pressure and fulminate violently against anyone having the temerity to make a suggestion calculated to prejudice the little village at the base of Mount Eden. Freddy Baume, Auckland's most recent political experiment, is about the smartest man off the mark at tnis kind of thing that the northerners have encountered. The other day the Hon. C. Mills made the perfectly Bane and reasonable remark that Wellington, from her geographical position and harbour facilities, is destined to become the great distributing centre of New Zealand. Mr Baume immediately rushed off to a social gathering of a coursing club and of course gave the Minister's statement a flat denial. He said Mr Mills was a member of the Ministry, and as such had no right to prejudice any port of the colony against the other, and a lot of other balderdash to the same effect. The outfit ot a politician doesn't amount to much nowa-days. The Auckland variety is not even required to have brains. His text is to yell " Hooroosh!" when Auckland is being boomed, and " Baa! " when Auckland is being criticised. This ensures him his seat for all time.

E9ferring to the natives and their ways, the Auckland Observer says:— When Sir George Martin was Chief Justice of Now Zealand, and residing in Auckland, his wife took under her patronage a young Maori girl, practically adopted her, and ultimately took her away to the Old Country. The little girl was given the beat education that money could buy. When she returned to the colony she was able to speak three languages, and to display all the accomplishments of the daintily brought-UD young women of her day. In course of time she married Pautotara, an influential rangitira of the Thames district, and from her husband's xank and her o,wn personal character and refinement of manner was made, much of by sooiety, both at the Thames and in Auckland. A rich contralto voice was one of her endowments, and for some time Mrs Nikoriina was much sought after at charity and other concerts on the goldfield. By and bye the longing for the old free and easy life of her own people seized upon her. The E.uro-: peun civilisation had only heen a veneer after all. She appeared vless and less in European society, and finally withdrew from it altogether; she abandoned the tasteful and fashionable modes of dress that had been her wont, adopting the billycock hat and bright coloured blouse and skirt so dear to her dusky sisters. The result was that she became quite indistinguishable from the general run of plebian Maoris —unless she could be surprised into English conversation, when the purity of her language at once betrayed, ?h'e effects of a superior eduQaJ^on. Mrs Nikorima'B case is only one of in any that il-. lustrate tb,e innate weakness of the Maori for Ijhe ways of his ancestors. Tin^e after time h,av,e young Maori men, educated in the secondary schools of the polony, drifted baok to the life of la?-y comfort of their father's homes. Probably no person of her race has ever drunk more deeply of the sweets of European society and European civilisation than Mrs Nikorima, and yet she abandoned them all for the primitive ways of the Kaianga. To-day she is occasionally to bo seen about the streets of Auckland, but is entirely unconspicuOUB, and n.q one aoquainted with her history would suspect that she is a person of much greater culture than the average European with whom she rubs shoulders.