North Otago Times. TUESDAY, APRIL 6, 1880.

North Otago Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2455, 6 April 1880, Page 2

North Otago Times. TUESDAY, APRIL 6, 1880.

Much has been aaid and written concerning the conduct of the volunteers who attended the review which was held ten days ago at Ohristohurch. Before the review came off there woro not wanting cynical obsorvora who predicted that the affair would bo characterised by a predominating topay-turviness and feeble organisation. This assumption these critics justified by pointing to the fuss mado with regard to arrangements for billeting the men, and indeed at the time people were naturally enough tempted to think that the preparations were being attended to by a committee of hens all fluttering to find now roosting places, or a company of nervous housewives all anxiety about the shifting of their furniture into new premises. For weeks prior to the review tho telegraph columns of the newspapers teemed with village gabble from Christchurch about the herculean labors of those who were acting as the billeting committee, and more childish fuss was made about finding quarters for some two thousand men than there need have been had the number been two hundred thousand. This argued badly for the roviow, for it »howed that the directors of the affair had exceedingly crude notions of organisation, though they deserve credit for their ingenuousness in not seoking to screen their ignorance and fusaineas from the public. However, after tho most heroical endeavors and a wasting of brain tissue and nervous force that might have been sufficient for a year's campaigning, quarters were found for the men, and the review did take place in due course. What the review amounted to, though, and what is the reaiduary result of it as a military exhibition or manoeuvre, it would be exceedingly difficult for anyone who witnessed it, or has read the reports of it, to say. Perhaps the beat way to test its value would bo for tho MinUter of Defence to offer prizes for short essays written by officers and men showing the advance they have made in a knowledge of militat/ matters through having taken part in tho review. We believe that a competent committee of experienced military officers would find the ■ essays full of entertainment and originality, though deplorably devoid of evidence .that the writers had learned anything

from tho business or work of tho roview 2)cr se. Uselosi, however, as the review may 1 have been in this respect, it lias been abundantly rich in matter to interest and instruct; the student of colonial manners. A true and tersely written record of its incidents and episodes could not fail to become a vade mecum to all future gonerntions. in matters of good breeding and manly behavior. The study of tho little book might also enable the readers of after times to realise the meaning of the phrase which refers to tho breaking loose of what St. Pbteu might loftily desoribo, in the language of Parliament, as " that other place." In the record, at least, our descendants would bo able to read of the brave behavior of thoso gallant mon who did battle against the monotony of their journey to the review by gulping down strong drinks and belching forth biasphomy ; by robbing the breadstalla of old men, and pillaging the shops of defon coloss women, whose livelihood and tho livelihood of their childron depended upon the money thoy obtained for their small goods and wares, to which goods and wares our citizen soldiers helped themselves abundantly but with urbanity, going away, however, without paying tho poor people any money. For this, though, there is ample warranty, and the volunteers, being deeply read m polite literature, doubtless know that an eminent authority declares thqt they should take who have the power. Then there are other episodes — that of jovially " bursting up " tho inoffensive open air roligious meeting in Cathedral Square, Christchurch, and that other, where a number of brave fellows, with an amount of moral or Dutch courage wonderful to witness, rushed upon the public stage of a theatre to display their agility and relieve the tedium of those who wero wearily awaiting the uplifting of the curtain and the beginning of the play. Besides these associated efforts, there Was tho soldierly conduct of little officers of cadets and others, who, probably fresh from readingProfossorTußFßLsdrookii's Philosophy of Clothes, manifested a big notion that everything depended upon clothoa, that their uniforms entitled them to do as they pleased ; and who consequently haughtily persisted in smoking in railway carriages set apart for non-smokers — persisted in this assertion of their privileges until carried out by the waistbands of their unmentionables by train guards who " stand no nonsense." There wero other similar adventures too numerous to mention, but those wo have quoted will serve to show that the citizen soldiers of tho Middle Island of Now Zealand are gentlemen imbued with a bravo spirit that raises thorn above obedience to .conventional usages, while, at the same time, it keeps their bosoms aglow with a most delicate consideration for the feelings and rights of other people. They nobly respect all men and women too, because, we presume, they worthily respect themselves — realise the manliness of their own characters, and well know the oonduct which best becomes gentlemen who belong to the volunteer force. And now so-called enquiries are being hold into these matters, and the result ij the enacting with great eclat of the little farce of "please, sir, it wasn't me, sir," so frequently played with success in public schools for boys. But if commanding officers have respect for their own authority, and any regard for the future status of tho volunteer force, they will petition the Minister of Defence to institute a rigid inquiry, so that every offender may bo summarily expelled from his respective oompany; so that the honorable members ooff f he foroe may be able to show when tho next review comos round that, purged of individual trash, tho volunteers are entitled to, and are well able to retain, the respect of the public. But even should the offenders bo utterly expelled, it is to be hoped that at tho next review true military law and ordor will bo enforced ; that there will be an experienced chief commander, capable of keeping his officers to the strict routino of their duties ; that men will not be permitted to travel otherwise than in charge of responsible officers, and never allowed to leave their quarters except in small numbers and for briof periods, — all offenders against order to be visited with expulsion from participation in tho review or some other adequate punishment. Unloss some such reform as this is instituted volunteer reviews will continue to be veritable shams, and tho silly and tho vicious will from timo to time bring unmerited reproach upon their respectable brethron in arms.

The Lynch Family of Bollringors appear this oroning in tho Volunteer Hall, and as the company is a good ono there should be a large attendance to witness their peiformanco. Owing to the demand for catalogues of the stock and properties to bo sold on account of Messrs Fleming and Hedley, it has been found necessary to issue anothor edition. This will bo ready in a day or two, when those interested can obtain them from the local auctioneers or the vendors. There will, we beliovo, be several alterations made in the running of trains about the middle of this month. We understand that the mid-day train will be discontinued, as it has been found that to continue running it would only entail expenditure without a probability, for uomo time at least, of anything like an adequate return. It haa been •aid that the railway authorities aro under tho impression that a decided saving can bo ofieoted in tho department by lessening tho rate of speed at which trains travel. The wear and tear would, by this means, bo reduced to a minimum. Whether there is any foundation in these rumora will soon appear. At all events, it is understood that the alterations will be in the direotion of effecting a still further saving. A committed meeting of the North Otago Benevolent Society took place last evening, at tho Secretary's Office. There 1 were present Messrs Milligan (chair), Greenfield, Ogilvie, M'Farlane, Mirumi, Stevenson, M 'ln tosh, Falconer, Headland, Allen, and the Rev. Mr Gifford. After the minutes had been confirmed, the inward correspondence was read. It was resolved that Mr Kerr'i letter bo acknowledged and his resignation accepted, and the secretary was instructed to notify the same to Mr Kerr. It was decided to pay Mr T^ohey's account of L 2 for ilannel supplied to Mr Gleeson. Mrs O'Brien's case was considered by the meeting : the ,oorres«

pondenoo in connection therewith was road,^ And tho president wa» requested to comploto the transaction on her behalf. Mr Montagu, tho, hoi), treasurer, wroto tendoiing his roiignation. On tho motion of ,Mr Greenfiold it was accepted with regret, and tho thanks of the cnmmittoo were tendorod to him for hit services. It was resolved that tho thanks of the committee bo given to tho Jockey Club for their donation of L 6 6s. Oil the proposition of Mr Headland, seconded by Mr M'Farlane, Mr Mirami wag unanimously elected honorary treasurer. Tho Visiting Committoo's report was read and adopted. It was dooided to allow Mrs. Bishop's 12s Cd per week for one month. The secretary was instructed to state tho case as to Gordon's child to Mr Newton for his opinion as to any right of maintenance (opt of the estate), of tho child boiug illegitimate. Reporting for tho month of March tpo Master, Mr Hosketh, stated that there were six children remaining in the institution. Ho mentioned four individuals, twa adults, v and two children, as having been admitted for relief during the month . Eight domestic servants had also been admitted ; five hid obtained employment, and threo still remained in tho Home. Tho Society's cottages were in a fair state of repair; a gift pf clothing from a lady for children in the Homo was duly acknowledged. Mr Hosketh's report was rocoived as read. Tho report of tho committee on tho Home was read and discussed, and ordered to lie on the table for further consideration at tho dext mooting. Accounts Amounting to LBO 12s were ordered to bo paid upon bOing' certified to by tho Visiting Committee. ' It was resolved that tho President and the Visiting Committee wait on Mr T. W. Parker, R.M|., to Urge upon him to ' send Young's 'children to tho Industrial Homo immediately, Jwd' failing his doing so, that Mrs Ypung bo written to, to obtain her order upon Mrs Sullivan's oaro, and saying that as long as she pays 7s 6d per week, tho Society will take charge of the children. The following tenders were accepted for tho supply of milk, coals, and groceries : Mr Black, for milk, at 4d per quart; Mr John Orr, for, Newoastle coal, at 48a per ton, and for Shag Point do, at 25s per ton ; Moasrs Spence and Bee, for groceries. After the usual vote of thanks to the chair, the meeting terminated. In tho present disturbed stato of the publjo mind wo would recommond the " genus larrikin " to bo careful. Those who are jn tho habit of casually straying about in promises Other than their own at night timo are likely to oomo into contact with "what Paddy gave the drum "—namely, a jolly good thumping, that is judging from a cir-' cumstanoe which has lately como under our notice. A friend of oil's, resident a few miles southward, bethought; himself ono evening lately that ho had noglected to clono tho gato leading to his abode. He, theroforo, wont out quietly in his slippers, taking with him a hunting whip. When he arrived at tho gato ho heard a noiso in tho direction of his stablo, and on looking up saw a man,, who at tho same timo detected him and at onoo bolted. Tho runaway had an aoopmplico, who was insido the stable, and ho shoi uly made hia appearance leading out one of our friend's horses. Missing his mate and thinking that there was something wrong he bolted too, but ran down to the open gate right into our friond's hands. Our friend, after challenging the runaway who would not stop, struck at him hard with his whip, with tho offocfc of knocking him over splitting his car open, and subjecting him to a headache for a day or two moro or less, Every decent hoii3oholdor will join us in saying, "and seived him light too." The following figures, given by tho Wool Trade Review, show tho importation of colonial wools (Australian and Capo) into Fnglish ports during the years named : 1834, 16,279 bales, 1844, 70,908; 1854, 183,381 ; 1864, 371,486 ; 1865, 432,551 ; 1866, 455,812 ; 1867, 541,059 ; 1868, 633,134; 1869, 633,959; 1870, 673,314; 1871, 693,201; 1872, 661,601 ; 1873, 706,871 ; 1874,816,189; 1875, 873,383 ; 1876, 938,292 } 1877, 964,300; 1878, 951,550 ; 1879, 978,420. The importation for 1879 is brought up to December 17th, and thows an inoroase upon the year just closed of 26,870 balei. So far as prospects aro concerned, we have r£asoit to be i; ero that business is better alrc.dy, and that it w'U now gradually improve. Wools *re still at a reasonable figure, sufficiently so, we think, should trade sprig up as antieip -ted, to bo romunor^tivo both to tho grower and to tho manufacturer. Neither do we look for llio present to any g.'eat altora'ion in tho prices for wool. We look forward to a good «upply from all our colonies, as they have not been so much troubled with drought this year. The la'to J. H. Challis, who bequeathed LlOO.OOO to the University of Sydney, commenced l'*e as a clerk. His handsomo' &lft will increaso tho funds' of that Univelsity to LlO.OOO a year. Dr Fraser, the clever and accomplished Bishop of, M*nohester, is about to bo married. Ho is almost elderly, and there if a quaint rumor that his courtship has extended over a quarter of a century. In tho bankrupt estate of J. S. Capstiok, of Wanganui, the liabilities were given at L2OOO, and tho assets at L23C 0. However, at a recent meeting, the trustee stated that ho might possibly get L2O out of the estate. The creditors woro astonished that, tho assets should turn out no better, and tjrey adjourned tho meeting with a view to haVo tho bankrupt examined as to the stato of affairs. A new remedy for consumption has been announced in Vienna, Dr Kroezak, of Insbruck, the assistant of Professor Prokop, of Ilokitanski, has employed it with remarkablo success, and he regards it an a specific It is the Natron benzoicum, or bonzoate of soda, tho vapor being inhaled from an attenuated solution, Mr Honaro Tomoana, M.H.R., wrote to tho Napier Telegraph on tho 30th ultimo in tho following terms : "I am told that there was a paragraph in tho morning paper of today that To Whiti's religion was fast spreading amongst tho natives of Hawko's Bay ; and also stating that in the ovent of hostilities breaking out on tho West Coast these new converts would ediat their services against tho Europeans. I wish to lot all the Europeans know that there never will bo any war party go from amongst the natives rofetred to in tho paper. £ U the natives of the hapus of Hawke's Bay will remain by the side of their European friends. I regret to see tho slightest doubt thrown upon the Loyalty, of our Maori friends. The natives of this coast have seen enough of tho evils of fighting, and will bo guided by my advice." There was a novel scene in the Unitod States Supreme Court, Washington, on . February 2nd. It had juit been movod that the Hon. Joel Parker, of New Jersey, Demooratic candidate for the Presidential nomination, bo admitted to tho bar of tho Court. Mrsßelvft Lookwood, who wai admitted to

praotioe before that Court by special Aot of tlio last Congross, roso immediately, and in a shrill, piping voico, moved the admission of a lawyer from South Carolina, who sho testified npon honor, possossod the necessary qualifications for praotico before the Supremo Court of tho United States. The lawyor, whoso admission she moved, rose and proved to be ft negro. Joel Parker and tho negro then stepped forward to the olork's desk, placed their, hand* upon the name Bible, and ,\voro sworn ' \ together, standing very noar to the niohe whoro the bust of Chief Justice Taney, the author of the Dred Soott decision, is placed. Tho most visionary prophets of thq last daoado would scarcely have ventured to predict that a negro, upon the motion of a woman who is a qualified coun•ollor boforo that Court, and a Democratic candidato for the Presidency, would have been enrolled among the Counsellors of tlio Court together.- ' ' New Zealand is scarcely singular as a place where banki-upticies flourish'" and inoroase. There wore 803 insolvencies in New South Wales last year. There have been 102 since Ist January, 4880. It is, said that Dr Somorville'B Kvangoliatio work in Nismos has led the Christiana of that oity to begin a settled mission for the people. The aamo has occurred in other towns of France whero Dr Somervllle has preached. ' A paragraphist 'n tho We"'ngton Evening Post has been going ' lto ecstasies over a huge radish that " weighs 4&lbs, measures 13 inohoi in ciroumferonce at tho thickest part, is 3 feet long from tho end of tho roots to 1 the top of tho foliage, while tho bulb itself is 18 inches long." In the education of tho blind at Boston, an excellent atqp has been taken. They are now taught to tune pianos, and are extremely successful in thoir work, which is prdfs'o'd by leading musioians. Tho city has for throo years entrusted to thoso blind tuners all tho pianos in tho publio schools. A writer in the Molva of St Petersburg remarks that some of the richest territories in Russia are still almost unexplored. Although she has been in possession of Siboria — "that Russian California which might bo made an inexhaustible source of wealth to tho ' whole Russian nation " — for 300 years, sho has not derived any advantage from it. "We might," he says, "have become as rich through Sibeila as England has through India ; yet wo turned it into a penal settlement instead of making it a colony and Opening its natural resources to us by means of good roads with Contral Russia." Tho immense minoral wealth of tho Caucasus, too, has boon scarcely touched. Extdusivo coalfields in the government of Kutais, and the iron mines in tho government of Tiflis, represents so much dead capital. No iron goods are manufactured in the Caucasus, though tho raw matoiial is there in abundance, Tho soil and olimato aro admirably adaptod to tho cultivation of tho vino, of tobacco, and the silkwoi.n; yet the wine produced is of a very inferior kind, theto is but little tobacco, and the silk of tho Caucasus is poor in quality. Muoh has been said lately about a development of the beot-root-sugar industry in Transoaucasia ; but little hoi been done, although the plan has the best prospect of success. The writer concludes by expressing a hopo that the promised establishment of technical and agricultural school* in the Caucasus will assist in the development of manufactures by spreading technical acquirements among tho people."