FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1871.

North Otago Times, Volume XV, Issue 598, 10 February 1871, Page 2

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1871.

Owing to the fact that lecturers for both private and Government offices are now, to use a theatrical term, "starring it in the Provinces," the question of Life Assurance is obtaining a larger share than ordinary of public attention. This is a matter for congratulation, inasmuch as there is no one thing more important than the exercise throughout society of that forethought which makes provision for the future — a forethought which not only obviates a large amount of individual suffering, but also saves to the community and to the State very heavy charges ; — as, for instance, if a man die suddenly, without having made provision for those dependent upon him b5 insuring his life, and having no property to leave, his family are at once plunged into pecuniary distress, and in one •way or another become a burden to society or to the country — while, if he have insured his life, those whom he leaves behind are placed in a position of comparative independence. The wisdom and prudence of Assurance being admitted, the question comes, in what office to insure. Now, here the public must judge for themselves, and it is not within the province of a newspaper to recommend one more than another, but these considerations may fairly be taken into account, viz., that by insuring in a Colonial office, whether Government or private, instead of in a British or other office having only agencies here, the

money of the insurer is kept and invested in the Colony, instead of being sent out of it. Again, that seeing that the prime requisite in Assurance is security, there can be no private office able to give security more complete than the security offered by the Government — in other words, there can be no better guarantee to the assurer than the guarantee of the whole state. That guarantee is the guarantee of the Government Assurance and Annuity Office. As regards the scalo contained in the schedule to the " New Zealand Government and Annuities Act," we believe it will be found equally liberal with that of any piivate office, the rates of premium being as follow for an insurance of £100. payable at death, viz : — For a person 20 years of age, £28 Is. 8d. ; 30 years of age, L34 9s. 6d. ; 40 years of age, £41 19s lid ; and so on. the above being the amount payable in a lump sum without annual premium. If the assurer pays by annual instalments, the figures are, for each £100 assured, as follow :— 20 years of age, £1 10s. 4d. ; 30 years of age, £2 0s. 6d. ; 40 years of age, £2 14s. 8d. The payments to secure immediate or deferred annuities appear to be calculated on a similar scale, and as we gave a tabulated statement only a few months back it is unnecessary here to repeat it. Every intending assurer must make his own choice as to the office in which he will insure, but no man having anyone dependent upon him should delay in making that choice. Branches in connection with the Government office are opened at all the principal Post-offices, so that abundant facilities are at hand for those who desire to guard the interests of themselves and their families.

The period for the registration of persons qualified to be placed upon the Electoral Roll has again come rouud, and we cannot too forcibly impress upon every member of the community the necessity of at once complying with the requirements of the Act. The public have a duty to perform in this matter of so solemn a character, that any neglect at the present crisis would be criminal. It is a reproach, that in this, and other electoral districts in the Middle Island, scarcely half the number of qualified persons have taken the trouble, by means of registration, to place themselves on the Electoral Roll. To this neglect is in a large measure traceable the supreme power of the North, as compared with that of the South, and the consequent mis-government which is so loudly complained of — mis-government which never could have occurred, had the people been true to themselves. Every individual member of society has his political responsibilities, and if he neglects to discharge them he perpetrates a public wrong. The chief of these responsibilities is the securing of the franchise, and wisely using it after obtained. We acknowledge the system of registration to be cumbersome and defective, and that a great reform is desirable; but as long as the Act remains unchanged, it is the duty of everyone to comply with its requirements. Recent elections for the General Assembly have shown the gross folly and danger arising from the public indifference displayed in this matter. In many districts members have been relumed not because they possessed the confidence of the people, but that their party had been careful to register, while the majority bad neglected to do so, so that to the candidate whose views they approved they were unable to give the best of all support, viz., a recorded vote. The political activity which has been displayed in this district latterly justifies the belief that the errois of the past will not be repeated in the future, that the people are now desirous of enrolling, and of carefully exercising the political privileges placed within their reach. They are beginning to realise that although the popular candidate may be elected, he does not go to Parliament with the prestige which he would have possessed had the Electoral Roll contained the names of all who posses&ed the necessary qualifications of a voter. It is not our present intention to discuss the reforms required iu the Registration Act — they are too numerous, — but to urge the necessity of compliance with the requirements of the Act at the present time. In order to enable everyone desirous of so-doing, to do so with the least possible trouble, we subjoin the particulars of the qualification required, and the means of obtaining the form of application. In so-doing we would emphatically impress upon the minds of our readeis that as the period allowed for registration is only from the 1st January to the 31st March — if this opportunity is neglected there will be no other for a year — no time should be lost. The necessary forms of claim can, we believe, be obtained from the Returning Officer, T. W. Pakkek, Esq , K.M. Those, whoever, who may be unable to obtain printed forms may send in written ones, provided the following instructions are carried out, viz. : — The Christian name and surname of the claimant must be given in full, his place of abode and the nature of the qualification, also the place where the property in respect of which the claim is made is situated, and the name and description of the same ; underneath which particulars is to be written : " I, , do hereby give you notice that I claim to have my name inserted in the list of voters for the electoral district of — *-, and I declare that my name and place of residence, and the nature and description of my qualification are stated truly above." To this notice the claimant must sign his name, and the date, before an elector, the Registrar, or a Justice of the Peace. The following are the qualifications which entitle to a vote, as defined in the Act : — Having a freehold estate in possession, situate ■within the district for which the vote ia to be given, of the clear value of fifty pounds above all charges and encumbrances, and of, or to, which he has been seised or entitled, either in law or equity, for at least six calendar months next before the last registration of electors : Or, having a leasehold estate in possession situate within such district, of the clenr annual value of ten pounds, held upon a lease which, at the time of such registration, shall not have less than three years to run : Or, having a leasehold estate so situate, and of such value as aforesaid, of which he has been in possession for three years or upwards next before such registration : Or, being a householder within such district, occupying a tenement within the limits of a town (to be proclaimed as such by the G-overnor for the purposes of this Act), of the clear annual value of ten

pounds, or without the limits ol a town, of the clear annual value of five pounds, and having resided therein six calendar months next before such registration. The claimant must be of the full age of 21 years and upwards, and claims for registration in the Waitaki District must be addressed to T. W. Parkeu, Esq., R.M., Oamaru, the Registrar for the district.

RELIGIOUS.— We are requested to intimate that the ■Rev A. B. Todd purposes to hold divine service at Waiareka Schoolhouse on Tuesday, 14th imtant, at 7 p.m., an.l at Elderslie the following day at the same hour. The Dock works. —The contractor for these woiks is, we obsprve, busy erecting shods for the reception of his plant and material. Db WEB3TEK.— It will be seen by a requisition and reply published in our advertising columns that this gentleman has consented to come forward to contest the seat for the Oamaru Country District in the Provincial Council with Mr Hutcheion. No. 8 O.B.V.— This company is showing gratifying signs of renewed spirit. There was a good muster at the Inspection Parade, on Tuesday, and after drill 11 members were sworn in. Oamaru Baces. — The Oamaru Bace-meeting is fixed for Friday, 17th March. The card, which will be found in another column, comprises seven events, the amount of cup-money being about L200. Bombardment of Paki8.— A telegram received by the Suez mail states that the bombardment of Paris began on the 27th December, by the Saxon artillery opening fire on Fort Avron. From a telegram published in the " Argus '* we learn that Fort Rosny is the point of attack, being bombarded by the Saxons from the heights of Avron. Quarterly Licensing Meeting. — The f next sitting of the Licensing Bench will be held on Tuesday, the 7th March. All applications for new licenses or transfers must bo lodged with the Clerk of the Court on or befoie Moutliiy, the 29th inst. Garrick Club. —We are glad to call attention to an advertisement by which we learn that the Garnet Club is actually coming to life again, and we are promised a capital bill for Wednesday, the 22nd. As this will be the last time we can hope to see the Founder of the Club make his appearance, we fesl sure that the house will be a bumper. Kakanui. — We aie glad to see that the people of Kakanui, following the example of other districts, have initiated a series of popular entertainments, the first of which will take place at Mr Cruickshank's, on Friday, 3rd March. Tne School Master Abroad. — A country correspondent sends the following : — At a recent school committee meeting, it was proposed that a new map of the two hemispheres should be procured. " But, why not get thb whole four at once and save expense," exclaimed a member whose zeal was, fortunately, not so limited as his geographical knowledge. In vain the teacher urged that there were but two hemispheres, he knew better, at last a compromise was effected, and it was arranged to get two hemispheres now. and the other two next time. Bifle Shooting.— Twelve of the members of No. 8 Company competed for the second set of District Prizes on Monday Afternoon last. The shooting was, on the [ whole, fair. The following scored upwards of 30 points (ranges, 300, 400, and 500 yards, 5 rounds, 2nd class target) : — Piivate C. Boss, 46 ; Private J. Henderson, 45 ; Private Bule, 45 ; Captain Steward, 42 j Private J. King, 41 ; Private J. S. Anderson, 39 ; Sergeant W. Boss, 37 ; Private H. Aitken, 36 ; Ensign Sumpter, 33. Meat-PreSBRVING.— The New Zealand Meat-preserv-ing Company commenced operations on Tuesday, at their Kakanui Woiks. As the staff will be much increased in a few days, a laige quantity of the important article of export to which the Company devotes its attention, will be turned out, and we have no doubt, from the pains taken in its preparation, will occupy a high position in the market. The Superintendewcy.— Mr Macandrew addressed the electors last evening, in the Volunteer Hall. The report of the proceedings is too lengthy for our space, in this issue. We shall give it in our next. After Mr Macandrew's address he was subjected to a very severe cross-examination, and ultimately a vote of thanks was passed almost unanimously. Pleuro-Pneumonia at Moeraki,— Some time since it was reported that pleuro-pneumonia had broken out among the cattle in the Moeraki District. We are now in a position to state that Mr Inspector Logan, and Mr Sub-Inspector Bayloy, have recently made a careful inspection of the whole of the cattle in this district and that not the slightest sign of disease was discovered. Provincial Council.- -It -will be seen from our advertising columns that a numerously signed requisition has been presented to Mr D. Hutcheson, requesting him to allow himself to be again nominated as a candidate for the representation of the Oamaru Country District in the Provincial Council of Otago, and that he has responded to the request. Bank of Otago —We regret to learn that Mr Henry Clapcott, who has been for the last four and a half years Manager of the Branch Bank of Otago here, has received notice to hold himself in leadiness to proceed to another branch. His position, as Manager, will, we believe, be supplied by Mr Christie, now at Molyneux Ferry, though that gentleman will find it difficult, in other respects, to fill the gnp created by Mr Clapcott's removal. More institutions than one in Oamaru owe a great deal to Mr Clapcott's energetic assistance. Duiing his residence in Oamaru he has made a great many friends, and, so far as we know, not an enemy. He will carry away with him the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens and their best wishes for his future piosperity. Bbsident Magistrate's Court.— There has been but little business at this Court since our lost. On Tuesday there weie two small debt cases, viz., Fiance v. Harrison. — Claim, L3 10s. No appearance of defendant and judgment was given for plaintiff with costs. There were other cases by the same plaintiff on the list, but they were settled out of Court. Lindsay and Laurenson v. J. Fleming.— Claim, L15J 16s. 5d. No appearance of defendant ; Judgment for plaintiffs with costs. Boundary Creek Hotel.— A supper and ball, to celebrate the opening of the Boundary Creek Hotel under the new propi letorship, viz., that of Mr Bobert Smart, a well-known and generally respected citizen of this town took place on Wednesday evening. Several private traps and buggies went out with visitors, and others availed themselves ot Mr Paterson's four-horse break, which started about 9 o'clock to repair to the scene of festivity. Altogether theie could not have been less than 80 to 100 persons present, every room being crowded. The supper was very tastefully laid out, and the viands varied and excellent. Mr Steward occupied the chair and Mr G. B. Taylor the vice-chair. The usual loyal toasts having been given and duly responded to, that of " The Army, Navy, and Volunteers," was given by the Vice chairman coupled with the name of the officer commanding the Oamaru Company, who briefly responded. The Chairman then proposed " Success to the house," in a few remarks, in •which he expressed the good wishes of all present for the prosperity of their host, and added that the manner of their reception to-night was an earnest that the new proprietor would spare no pains to secure the comfort and enjoyment of his visitors. Drunk with musical honors. The company then adjourned to the ball-room where dancing was kept up with spirit until the sun was high.

Local Industry. — There are now (say a the " Lytteltou Times,") to be seen at the Christchurch RailwayStation thirteen goods waggons— ten low-sided, and three high-sided— constructed on the premises under the supervision of Mr Beverly, the locomotive superintendent. The workmanship of these waggons will stand favorable comparison with those imported from England and Melbourne. There it also a large waggon being made fire-proof for the carriage of powder, kerosene, and other dangerous combustibles. Thb Gold Fields. -The " Daily Times » of the 31«t ult., says :— The yield of gold during the past year shows a large increase, and, as an individual instance of E[ood fortune, we may mention that two miners in the Luke district have obtained L30.000 worth of gold from their claim. Facts such as this speak for themselves. Pbovinciai Adminibtbatioh. —An answer to a question put to a candidate upon a recent occasion, helps to illustrate a curious and somewhat equivocal phase in the administration of Provincial revenue, the answer is by Mr Murcott, and, as reported in our issue of February 3rd, is as follows :— " He did not know why Mr Leggatt had not been paid the money voted for him, and thought it was leading the people astray by voting money for certain purposes, and then not paying the same." Actuated by a spirit of curiosity, we have made enquiry, and find, that upon two occasions a sum of L50 was voted by the Council, for payment of Beachuiaster's salary, at Moeraki, and placed upon the appi opriation ordinance of each session, and that the Government on each occasion declined to "pay the money, we are unable to say upon what grounds the objection to pay was based, we presume the votes did not pasi the Council without due enquiry being made into their necessity. Were it not for the oblique light thrown upon the subject by Mr Murcott's answer, it is probable the affair would have continued to remain in darkness. As it is, we trust that the member for the district, whoever he may be, will make it his business to pnquire into the matter, and, that we shall be spared the scandal of what, so far as we have means of judging, at present, appsars to be a repudiation of an admitted liability. We understand this is the only money voted for the payment of the Beachmaster's salary at Moeraki since 1866 . Another Prophet.— The Rev. W. Kirton, lecturing recently at Kaiapoi on "The Present Ciisis," said " he had given the subject his close study for over thirty years, and held the opinions of Elliot and Cumming before those opinions were published' by them. He alluded to the popular opinion that the world was to be gradually converted, tind considered such a supposition absurd. He thought the Church at present was in a state of tribulation ; that Christ would come and reign personally and destroy the man of sin, and just prior to this advent the world would experience a short, sharp crisis —which crisis, he believed we were now eptering upon — times of revolution, war, and bloodshed ; the beginning of the pouring out of the seventh vial referred to in prophecy. The slaughter now going on in France at this moment, in his opinion, indicated this. It was evident other Powers would be drawn into the war, and Europe broken up and reformed into three great confederacies, Prussia absorbing the smaller kingdoms. The ten kingdoms are already assuming a pew form ; they will exhaust their present form in war, Russia will become the dominaut power, aud foi m a confederacy to rob the Jews of the Holy Land. Then will fall judgments from Heaven, and Christ suddenly commence hia reign." Horticultural Society. —The usual monthly meeting of the Horticultural Society took place on the 3rd instant. There were present Messrs Falconer (in the chair), Simpson, Hartley, Isdaile, Paterson, and Lemon (Secretary). The minutes having been read and confirmed, the prize-sheet, as drawn up by the sub-com-mittee, was read and adopted, and the Treasurer was authorised to pay the respective amounts. It was also resolved, " That the advertisement with reference to the special prize of 10s. not having been replied to, the money be paid as originally determined. 1 ' Dr Webster and Messrs Locke and Robertson having vacated their seats through non-attendance, the following gentlemen were elected members of Committee, viz., Messrs J. T. Evans, G. Sumpter, and Fulton. Mr J. Honor was re-elected to his seat. It was resolved that the next Show take place on the 1st Saturday in Maich, and that it open at 1 and close at half -past 6 p.m. ; also, that persons exhibiting be required to declare in which class they intend to compete. The following gentlemen were appointed judges : — For pot plants and cut flowers, Messrs Kidd, Bicknell, and Diehl ; for fruit and vegetables, Messrs Watson, Isdaile, and Falconer. It was further resolved, "That the following gentlemen be appointed stewaids to take charge of the door and tables, viz., Messrs Lemon, Falconer, Simpson, Paterson, and Evans, and that they take charge of the door in the order Darned j also, that Mr Evans attend in the morning to receive the exhibits." Messrs Simpson and Main were appointed to the duty of decorating the hall, and Messrs Fulton and Simpson to stage pot plants and flowers— Messrs Hartley and Main being allotted similar duties with regard to the exhibits of vegetables and fruit. Resolved, " That the Secretary state on the prize tickets what the prize is awaided for in each class, and that he provide a suitable book for keeping a record of all exhibits— each class to be numbered and kept separate." Messrs Simpson aud Evans were appointed a Report Committee, aud, after making airangements for advertising the Show, the Committee adjourned. Government Insurances and Annuities.--Accord-ing to announcement, Captain Baldwin appeared at the Masonic Hall on Wednesday evening to deliver a lecture on the advantages offered by the Government scheme of Lifo insurance and Annuities. From one two hundred persons were present. His Worship the Mayor (J. XJdall, Esq.,) occupied the chair. Upon Captain Baldwin coming forward he was received with signs of disapprobation. He bad not got through his introductory remaikb before a poition of the audience — which had by this time considerably increased in numbers — evinced a disinclination to listen to the lectuie, ciies of "Harper, Black and Co," "What did you say of Harper when in California," and like expressions, preventing the speaker from proceeding with what promised to be a pleasing and instructive address. The Chairman several times appealed to the meeting to allow Captain Baldwin to proceed, and that gentleman, amidst considerable interruption, stated that he knew that the distuibance arose not from disapprobation of the scheme he had come to advocate but from a misconception with reference to himself —when he arrived here he heard that a statement had been given currency to the effect that while in San Francisco he had spread reports detrimental to the character of Mr Harper, late of this town. He would assure the meeting that such statements were entirely untrue, and he had taken the opportunity of disabusing the minds of those gentlemen who he had been informed had received letters upon which the false reports he had mentioned were based. If the meeting would allow him to go on with his lecture, he would be most happy at the conclusion to satisfy it of the correctness of his statement. For a time Captain Baldwin was allowed to proceed, but the interruptions soon became more and more demonstrative, and despite the efforts of the chairman, it became evident that those assembled were determined not to hear the lecturer, and the chairman leaving the chair, the meeting was dissolved. We cannot but deprecate the course taken by a portion of those present. Capt. Baldwin having denied the charges which had aroused the indignation of those wbo believed he bad done harm to a gentleman whom they knew and respected, common courtesy should have induced them to have abstained from further demonstration. In the absence of absolute proof of the truth of the charges which aroused their indignation, and in face of a distinct denial of tho.se charges, the result of the meeting is calculated to bring odium upon the whole community.