ESTABLISHED 1875. taawatu iaiiy Times. The Oldest Manawatu Journal. Published Every Morning. MONDAY, MAY 6, 1907.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXIV, Issue 104, 6 May 1907, Page 4

ESTABLISHED 1875. taawatu iaiiy Times. The Oldest Manawatu Journal. Published Every Morning. MONDAY, MAY 6, 1907.

According to the Hon. Hall-Jones, the tax-gatherers were very busy last year and extremely successful with their nets. He does not put it quite in this way, but the fact remains. His figures show that last year less than a million people —only 340,230 of whom are classed as breadwinners, or money-earners— contributed nearly eight and a halfmillion pounds to the Treasury— over £23 per head of breadwinners. There may be people who can find satisfaction in this fact) it certainly shows ability to stand spoliation. The Minister also dwelt on what it pleases Government to call "remissions " or " concessions," but as the revenue has enormously increased it is clear that these were merely "reductions" which led to larger and more profitable business. He still claimed credit for reduction of the rate of interest, though the price of money is governed by laws which no Ministry can successfully regulate. If it could we would not find our Ministry paying such high prices for loans when they go a-borrowing —and they have had quite sufficient practice in borrowing to have become perfect adepts. According to the Acting-Premier there is a surplus of £717,825. Whether there will be 1 any of this left after the liabilities existing on March 31st last have been paid is very doubtful, as for the last ten years there has been none. The so-called surplus is admitted to be only "excessof receipts over expenditure," and there may be even a million of liabilities to be set against it. A man who received £1000 a year, spent £500 of it and o.ved £2uoo at the end of the year, might just as reasonably claim that he had a surplus of £500. But we question whether he would be inclined to pay income-tax on his alleged surplus. But if the surplus was genuine it would merely prove that | about three-quarters of a million pounds more than was needed has been taken from the pockets of the 340,230 breadwinners, and withdrawn from profitable use in industry and commerce. It is also evident that the mantle of the financial juggler, who is at present away, has fallen upon the Acting-Premier, or that he has been well instructed in the art of concealment. The previous year there was alleged to be a surplus of £788,795, and all that can be shown of this is £13,795. Where has the three-quarters of a million gone? It is not accounted for in the figures given relating to the revenue, and if it is included in the expenditure, then the balance is wrong to that amount. It is true that a portion was transferred to public works fund, but wa3 not this done to pay off liabilities existing vhen it was alleged that there was a surplus 1 If not, then where are the public works? Som* day we may get a true statement of the financial position of the colony, but that day will not dawn till another set of politicians are in office and find it desirable to expose the financial methods of their predecessors. Tlien, in turn, they may themselves devise other and superior means of concealing facts.

As the excitement in connection with the election for Taranaki is practically purely local, the rest of the colony can view it more dispassionately than in a period of general strife. The tirst feature to attract attention is that it is a party contest, a question of whether a supporter or an opponent will get in. There appears to be practically no principle at stake, as all the candiates are agreed on what is really the main questions. This of course is because 110 supporter of leasehold would have a chance of winning that particular seat. This is just what happens in a general election. The interests of the people are subordinated to those of party. Another unsatisfactory feature is that party leaders are taking part in a contest which should be left to the decision of the electors themselves, without interference by those who are really outsiders, and we regret exceedingly that Mr Massey was so ill-advised as to adopt a course he has frequently condemned others for following, because this indicates that he also

places party above principles. Another feature of this election, which is not uncommon, is that there is one candidate on the one side, and two on the other—the Ministerial Under our present system of placing party first, an election always offers opportunities to the ambitious. If it is seen that the superfluous candidate will ensure the election of the single candidate on the other side, of course every inducement will be given to one of the two to stand aside. This, of course, will mean the giving of an equivalent by Ministerial patronage in some way, but, of course, at the expense of all the people. Sometimes this means putting a round supporter in a square holed Government billet, or finding

him a place in the House of Rejects, dignified by the name of the Legis-

lative Council. Of course it is difficult for a Ministry to absolutely promise the latter as a solatium for retirement, because if the "selected" candidate fails to win, the vacancy may be required for him. Ministers, however, who have full and unchecked control of the public purse, have easy ways of getting over such difficulties as may be thus created.

If the representatives of Australasia had any sense of shame they must surely have felt embarrassed on hearing the statesmanlike speech of Mr Asquith. In admirable style

e showed them to be but a set of

hucksters striving to drive a bargain with the Motherland for what they consider to be their own advantage

—to barter her freedom for a mess pollage. Fortunatc-ly for the Empire they were met by a statesman who, with his colleagues, at present stands in the breach to defend the Empire from the attacks of those whose misdirected zeal and blundering ignorance, if unchecked, would bring about its disruption. Had British statesmen attached any weight to the specious self-interested arguments of the Deakins and Lynes, the first step would have been taken to develop complications between Britain and her dependencies, and arouse jealousy among the latter. While studied in his courtesy, Mr Asquith clearly exposed the shoddy nature of the so-called "preference" to Britain which has been given by some of her colonies, and while tell-

ing his hearers plainly that Britain will not depart from the principles that have made her great and prosperous, he also indicated that her colonies should follow her example. Though this was not said in so many words the inference from his remarks was plain. Had he not studied the feelings of the Premiers he would doubtless have tendered the advice plainly—"Reform your

foolish fiscal methods. Pull clown the barriers you have erectcd against trade and commerce, Avhich are the

lifebloocl of the nations. Extend the principles which ha\e made the Empire great and powerful, and aim at perfect freedom. Thus, and thus only, will you achieve success in aiding in the progress and development of your countries, and in the work of Empire-building. So far you have been Empire wrecking."

It was noticeable that in Mr Asquith's speech the only one of the Premiers who received commendation was our own, Sir Joseph Ward, to whose action we referred in last issue. Sir Joseph is a clear-headed business man, and could not fail to make some suggestions of value, such as those relating to cheaper and faster communication. Wo have little doubt, indeed, that in time Sir Joseph will be found on the side of those who believe in freedom of trade, and that his present visit will do much towards his education in this respect. The unshaken determination of British statesmen to be true to a sound principle, and the injurious effects of protection in these colonies, will combine to force him to abandon the "preference " ideas with which he is now imbued. It is natural that he should at present feel disappointed, and he has scarcely had time to realise the full force of British objections, or the beneficial effects of freetrade. British statesmen, however, have studied the lessons of history and are well versed in political economy. They are content to leave experiments to the less-informed colonials, and instead of taking up hare-brained theories they prefer, as Mr Asquith said, " dealing with facts." Briefly referring at present to Sir Joseph s t suggestions relating to the Suez Canal charges and faster steamers, we may remark that both these are worthy of commendation. But to be of any. benefit lower charges and faster services must be accompanied by freer ports. If there were no dues levied at Suez and if steamers could achieve the impossible by voyaging from London to New Zealand in a clay, every advantage otherwise derivable would be nullified if our tariff barriers kept out the supplies the vessels brought. In this connection we observe that the prosy protectionist, Mr Deakin, bleated before the Conference that "Britain is losing her hold of the Australian markets.' This wail was supremely ridiculous, because the policy fostered by Mr Deakin and his supporters has been to raise the highest possible barriers against British goods, and even against British people.

We commend to the notice of those v.iio call themselves " Liberals " the fact that certain workmen in Australia put their bands into their own pockets and subscribed for a hand-

some marble tablet in memory of Mr Sedclon. This is being brought to New Zealand in triumph by Mr C. H. Mills, who probably does not realise that outsiders have done what the members of his party should have done, freely and willingly, if they had any sense of genuine gratitude, or any real respect for a leader who was gathered in by the scythe of the Great Reaper when in the prime of his power. But of course those Australian workmen were animated by sincere admiration of the qualities of Mr Seddon, and their action was no due to any sense of favours yet to come. So far it is the one genuine expression of feeling that has been exhibited—the only one that is not tainted. Commercial news on page 3. A man was arrested on Saturday night by Detective Quirke for using obscene language in a public place. The Compensation Court at Dunedin dismissod a claim brought against the City Corporation for J2175, damages for loss consequent on land being taken for street-widening purposes on Hillside Eoad. A man named Johns was knocked down by a trap at the intersection ot' Mainstreet West and tho Square oil Saturday night, at 8.30 o'clock. Ho fortunately escaped with a few bruises. While playing in a football match for lied Star against Greytown, at Masterton, on Saturday, W. Darvill had his right leg broken below the knee. He was accidentally kicked by an opposing player. The concrete bridge which was erected some twelve months ago by the Kairanga County Council near Bunnythorpe, over the Mangaone, at a cost of <£600, was completely destroyed by the recent flood, and the road is now impassible for traffic. The Bev. Father O'Meara, of Feilding, leaves for a trip to the Old Country, via Canada, on 10th inat. His locum tenens is Dean Bensfield. one of the pioneer priests of the early days. The second competition of tho Bunnythorpe Rifle Club took place on Saturday and resulted as follows: —J. Fowler 55, J. Jepson, jun. 52, Ward 51, R. Stewart and T. Fowler 47, J. Jepson, sen. 41, MEberhard 34, Hensen 32.

In tlie Supreme Court Christchurch on ! Saturday Mr Justice Chapman admitted John Broadribb Cook to probation on a charge of forgery. Thomas Bell, for breaking and entering, got twelve month's imprisonment. Thomas Livingstone, for ai son, got two years. We have been requested to mention that large number 3 of post cards bearing on the back imitations of New Zealand postage stamps are still being posted for places beyond the colony, and to inform our readers that the delivery of such post cards is prohibited by international regulations. Mr W. J. Williams, of Feilding, returned with his dogs from Oamaru on Saturday. He states that the judging was excellent, and the ground ideal to course on. Lord Cardigan got caught in the slips, hurting his right foreleg badly, which threw him out. It appears that his holder would not liberate him at a weak hare. His Worship the Mayor and his energetic councillors have had a busy time during the last few days inspecting the damage caused by the floods. The Mayor speaks in glowing terms of the energy displayed by councillors. A vast amount of work will have to be dealt with during the present week, but the Mayor is confident that they will be equal to the occasion.

The Executive Council of the New Zealand Athletic Union has decided that exemption from disqualification cannot be allowed to competitors taking part in proprietory sports where betting is carried on. A decisive line of action has been agreed upon, resulting in a Bill to be presented to Parliament for the suppression of betting.

Yesterday afternoon the patients at the hospital and a, number of visitors were treated to an excellent programme of music by the Palmerston band. The Mayor (Mr Essex), in thanking tho band for their kindness, said he trusted their visit,? to the hospital would be more frequent, as Dr Martin had assured him that music h«,d a most beneficial and cheering influence upon the patients, who would require fewer visits from the medical staff if they had more of such entertainment.

The attention of our readers is directed to the advertisement of Mr P. C. Hanley, the well known and capable musician, who has decided to permanently reside in Palmers ton. He is prepared to accept engagements for socials, private dances, etc., in town and country. Mr Hanley has also vacancies for a limited number of pupils for the pianoforte. Terms and all particulars can be had at his studio i Palmerston Buildings, Cuba-street.

A pleasing ceremony took place at the High School, Palmerston. on Friday afternoon, when the pupils assembled to present their much respected teacher, Miss Lynch, with two silver vases mounted on a tray. Miss Lynch, who for the past two years has been connected with the school, left Palmerston by express train on Saturday for Elthara, where she will take up her duties at the High School.

Two American doctors declare that after a long series of experiments they have ascertained the weight o£ the human soul. This they state averages about one ounce. Thoy carefully noted the difference in weight at the moment of death of patients who expired on bed:; mounted on scales which registered the minutest fraction of difference. They allege that it is a physical fact that at the moment of dissolution the body becomes about one ounce lighter, and that there is no other possible explanation than that it is the release of the soul which causes the difference. They do not, of course, profess to know how or when the soul first enters the body or whether it is then an ounce in weight or increases to that weight subsequently.

Gentlemen's underwear in all garments —only reliable bx'ands stocked. Winter is approaching. Ross and Co., of the Bon Marehe, can supply all your requirements.—Advt.

The last train from Wellington to Palmorston on Saturday night succoeded in getting over the flooded portion of tho line near Shannon, and arrived at its destination at 10 p.m. We have been asked to state that the five who subscribed the amonnfc of the fine, =£5, for broaching one bottle of ale, the property of the U.F.C.A., were not then employees of that firm. Tho flax graded at Auckland in April was t>2i)o bales, valued at £27.000, an increase on April last year of 314 tons. A. M. Leniban, a railway fireman, ■was fined £5 at the Invercargill Court for having used indecent language to Walter Pearce, enginedriver, and was committed for trial for having sent a threatening letter to hirn. The facts were that Pearce bad occasion to report Leniban for neglect of duty, which caused the arrival of the train at Winton to bo delayed thirteen minutes, and strained relations arose.