North Otago Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1891.

North Otago Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 7264, 12 October 1891, Page 2

North Otago Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1891.

Mu Ballanck has losb little timo in addressing the electors of Wanganui T^is speech, to judge from the condensed report, was moderate iu tone, and, from the Government point of view, a fairly good one. Bub it was a piece of special pleading throughout. The Premier of course claimed thab all their measures were good, and hold that it was unfortunate that so many of them should have foundered in the Upper House. But he uttered no threats ngainst the Council, so thab it is possible he has come to tho conclusion that it acted conscientiously as well as constitutionally in putting a check on so much of the proposed legislation. IIis speech was plausible enough, bub it contained nothing new — no fresh reasons for approviug of that legislation and no hint as to the future action of tho Government, except that it is their intention to bring forward again the bills which were rejected or dropped. The Premier's defenco of tho large sum spent in travelling expenses was ingenious rathor than satisfactory — viz., that L700 was not much to spend in finding out how Ldr,000,000 could be most economically and profitably spent. Bub nearly half of that sum goes for interest, and a large proportion of tho remainder could not be affected by their travelling experience. Tho truth is that ib was only tho public works expenditure that could bo so aftected, and we think they might have seen all that it was necessary to see in thab department ab considerably less cost. Tt is, however, so far satisfactory toboassuredthat the Government mean to keep to tho limib practically prescribed for travelling expenses, viz — LI 000 a year, and quite enough to. A good deal of the travelling is on their own private affairs, but the Ministerial conscience, and the political conscience generally, is nob particulKrly delicate. Mr Ballance went over the list of their measures, somo of which were laudable enough, bub the real question is, whether tho general effect of their legislation and attempted legislation has not boon to unsettle things in the colony, and make the foreign capitalist chary about investments. Mr Ballance pooh-poohs the lafctor idea, bub facts are stubborn things, and cannot bo sot aside in such a summary fashion. Ib is certainly a facb that trade has becomo much worse since tho present Government came into office, enterprise being ab a standstill, and capital as well as people leaving the country. Wo will nob positively aflirm that all this is tho effect of tho Government proposals, but ib is ab leasb odd thab the revival of tho exodus and the deepening of the depression should havo happened at tho very time when wo wore assured that a restoration of prosperity would take place. As to borrowing, tho Ministerial statement is thab ib will not do to go on the London markeb for somo years, bub thab money enough bo carry on bho work of colonisation can be got in the colony at a moderate rato of interest. It may be taken for granted then thab next session one item of tho Ministerial programme will be a home-loan, if wo may so call ib. Bub Mr Ballance and his colleagues will havo bho country to reckon with in tho matter, and if borrowing should be sanctioned, it will no doubb be asked why wo should not borrow directly from the British capitalist instead of through agents in tho colony ab higher interest, for that is really whab borrowing in bhe colony means. The version which Mr Ballance gave of bhe Bryce episode, which was his next subject, was, of courso, bho Governmenb version, and calls for no special nobice. Speaker, Premier, and " great Liberal party" wore all bo blame, and so to somo extenb perhaps was Mr Bryce himself, who is doubtless apt to be influenced, as Mr Ballance said, by a morbid sense of whab he considers due bo himself. Had he posseased a less sensativo nature, he could very well havo afforded to treat

with contempt the censure passed upon him by the said intolerant and illiberal great Liberal party. From blaming Mr Bryce the Premier turned to the equally congenial task of de fending his " beauties" for their attempt on the Treasury. Mr Ballanco, as keeper ot the public purse, was quite willing to give them the L240 a year which they wore good enough to vote thomsolves. Thatsuni.hesaid, was not more than sufficient to enable working men to leavo their trade and come | up to Parliament. Mr 15allance must surely have an exaggerated notion of working men's earnings, uot to say that the payment of members ought not to be regulated in any such manner. If LI 1 50 and travelling expenses, with an occasional extra honorarium, is not enough to recompense working men for three months' attondanco at the seat of Government, then let their pay bo supplemented. But why should the honorarium bo, raised all round merely on tlioir ac count 1 Mr Ballancp and his followers will probably find that this indecent lmsto to increase the honorarium has lowered the party in tho estimation of the public, and that ib will bo still more difficult) to accomplish their purpose next session. The Premier next defended the graduated land tax, which, ho said, would, at all events, not drive the largo estates out of the colony. The land would remain ; but that, as we havo a 1 ready said, is not tho question. He also practically admitted that he was a land nationalisor, and seems to think it is a right thing for every Government — at least for his Government — to thrust its fads upon tho country whether it wants them or not. Politicians who act in this way virtually claim a divine right and infallibility. Tfc is tho height of absurdity in a few theorists to claim to legislate for tho community against its wishes, for if there is one thing moro certain than another, it is that tho bulk of the people consider land nationalisation arrant nonsense. The Premier, after ref erring to the services of tho Government Labor Bureau, the idea of which, if we mistake not, was stolen by Mr W. P. Reeves from tho Salvation Army, concluded by saying that " he claimed that in all departments of legislation and administration tho Government had shown an honest desire to promote the progress and welfare of tho colony, and that the earnest efforts they had made hadbeon successful." Granting their claim of honesty, wo yet doubt the wisdom of their policy and the efficiency of their nd ministration, and it is surely a very plain matter of fact that they have been anything hut successful.

Tho Awamoko Library Committeo have decided on having a concert on tho 30th inat. A meeting of directors of the Caledonian Society will bo held to-morrow in the County Council Chambers, at 8 o'clock p.m. The annual meeting of tho Waitaki Col'ie Dog Club will bo hold on Saturday next iti tho Terminus Hotel, Sandhurst, at 8 p. w. Intending members are requested to bo present. Mails for tho Australian Colonies, India, China, and Japan, via Sydney, and for Europe and United Kingdom, via Sue/, (for specially addressed correspondence) ; also for Franco, Algeria, South and East Africa, per French packet, close at Auckland, per Talune, on Tuesday, tho 13th, at 3 p.m. There was a fair attendance at the lnst performance of tho Hugo Minstrel Company on Saturday evening, when a good performance was successfully gono through Miss Clovoland s singing of " Piggy Back," and Miss Verne's singing of "Tho Bridge," were items especially well received; Tho Hon. J. M'Kenzie, accompanied by MossrsT. Duncan, M.H R., and MrKarron, of the Survey Department, on Fridoy went over tho land at Livingstone shortly to b<j opened for settlement. Tho Minister expressed his satisfaction with the quality ef a portion of the land for small allotments. On Messrs M'Konzie and Duncan's arrival at Ngapara on Friday night from their visit to Livingstone, a smoke concert was hold in honor of tho Minister of Lauds. Tho concert was held in Treahy's Terminus Hotel, and Mr N. Meldrum occupied tho chair. A very enjoyable musical evening was spent. The education returns for tho Otago district show that the average attendance for tho quarter was 9950 boys, and 9056 girls, making a total of 19,006 ; being 106 more that the average for tho previous quarter, and 369 less than that for the corresponding quarter of 1890; At Oamivru tno attendnnco was as follows ; Middle School, 445 ; South School, 424 ; North School, 406. Tho following mysterious paragraph lias found its way into our offico ; One of tho highest honors within tho power of a minister to grant was conferred the other evening on a gentleman who has earned the title of tho Mayor of Ng-p-r-a. Tho occasion was a festive one, but tho festivencss of the occasion had nothing to do with tho •• subsequent proceedings," at least so I am informed. It was purely a case of rewarding merit. The gentleman who is to bo called to tho Upper House (for that is tho goal of his ambition) will be an ornament to — Wellington. He can sing a good song, and make an impromptu speech on any imaginable subject, from tho Dog Tax up to Sir George Grey's Every Man His Own Lawyer Bill. In tho neighborhood the elevation of tho " Mayor' 1 to n peerage is looked upon with favor, and nothing short of a gr.int in nid of a now drainage scheme, or a fire boll, is expected from tho appointment. No man could bo prouder of tno position than the recipient, who is now daily engrossed in roading up constitutional subjects in back numbers of the Family Herald. The meeting broke up in time for- the train in tho morning. Writing of tho Akarman-Canaris Company, tho Ashbnrton Mail says : It is quite safe to saythat this is tho best combination that has ever occupied an Ashburton stage, and it was much t j bo regretted that the hall, instead of being only moderately filled, was not packed to the door, for thoao who were absont missed an experience they do not i have once in a blue moon —now the most intense wonderment at conjuring tricks, more cleverly porformed and detection defying than wo have been hitherto accustomed to ; side-splitting laughter provoked by clover comedians ; the sweet yet strange vocal music of a lady who in one ballad can produco tho deep toue of a. rich baritone, or robust tenor, and the shrill notes of a high soprano ; tho extraordinary acrobatic feats of a young lady, who combines with those wonderful agility and giacc as a dancor ; good ballad singing by a, sweet voiced tenor ; the rope-tying mystery again repeated iu tho enchantod cabinet, with greater mystery than over ; tho oddities of an exceedingly odd negro giant of less than two feet In stature ; tho whole winding un with a nigger extravaganza that would induce laughter till tho tears ran down tho cheeks of a tobacconist's wooden Indian. Our Awamoko correspondent writos : Tho usual monthly mooting of tho Aw&moko Blue Ribbon Army was hold in the Awamoko ichool on Thursday evening last. There were about fifty preient. The Rev: Mr (Steven (president) ocoupiod th» clmir,

The meeting opened with the singing of " The Groat Physician." Mr Ronton (vicepresident) gavo a very appropriate reading -an extract composed by Neil Dow, tho great temperance advocito. Miss M'Lood sang in splendid voice, "A soldier's orphan." Miss A. Smillie gave a capital reading entitled " Out of tho slough," which showed tho ruinousness of drink. Messrs W. Home and 1\ King gavo a dialogue entitled "Tho magistrate and prisoner," which created a. good deal of amusement, and also showed th • h artfulness of drinking to excess, Mi«s II Fridd sang in excellent •tylo "Out in t!ie old.". Miss Maggie King gftvf a good lc.iding, showing _ that persons cannot, bo too young to be abstainers. Miis Baib.u.i HonsRiMg in a capital voice "The pilot." The pr. sident gave a reading entitled "Atottil wroek," which was •well received. Tho prr'-ident then introduced Mi" \V. Soth Smith of Ngapara, as representative of the delegates of tho Prohibition Association. Mi 1 . Vj e;h-Smith apologised for tho di'lcgitOT • ot ipp°aring. Ho showed mmy benefits Rp<'iuging from tho Association, and urged tho necessity of helping hands A' tor tho be> ecliction was pronounced the meeting closed The Melbourne correspondent of the Globe says that the farmers in several country districts aro holding meetings and passing resolutions confirming tho decision arrived at by tho farmers' conference recently held in Melbourne to tho effect that Now Zealand should be "excluded" from tho proposed Commonwealth. Tho farmers aro convinced that wore tho present tariff removed Now Zealand would flood them out of their own market with grain and other farm produce. They aro even now complaining that low prices are ruling owing to a glut occurring as tho result of good seasons in tho neighboring colonies. The New Zealand farmer is an ever present bogie to tho Australian agriculturist, who fears him more than a fire or a flood. The determination of the Acclimatisation Society to issue fishing licenses to persons under 12 yeara of ago at a 5s fee is calculated to advance tho interests of the Society. At tho present timo licenses ate issued to youths under 15 at 10s, but it was considered that this was too high a fee for those under 12 years of ago. Besides tho cxponsivenesa to a youngster of procuring the necessary gear for fishing, there is the question of imbuing the rising generation with a knowledge of tho work the Society is carrying out, so that as they grow older they may take an active interest in that woik. Most of those who indulge in fishing have served their apprenticeship to tho art in the Old Country, and unless some concession wcro made to tho rising New Zealander it was felt that the work of acclimatisation would bo likely to cease with tho " old hands." Tho action of tho Society is, however, calculated to dispel this despondent view of tho matter. The monthly meeting of the North School Committee took place on Friday night, when there were present — Messrs Annaud (chairman), Meldrum, Mollison, Filchor, and Mitchell (hon. secretary). The headmaster's report showed that (luting the month there had been a substantial increase in the number of pupils attending the school, but that tho average attendance was still affected by sickness. Tho headmaster also intimated that tho cantata of " Rip Van Winkle" was in preparation, and it was decided to perform it on Friday, tho 4th December, in aid of tho prize fund. Mr Fitzgerald wrote offering the services of a company of minstrels formed from the Supils in the upper standards, and it was ecided to accept tho offer for tho evening of Tuesday, tho 27th instant, in aid of the pen and ink money. Tho question of the use of Whitoombo und Tombs' books in tho school was raised on complaints from several parents, but it was decided to allow the matter to stand over pending further information. After tho passing of the accounts Messrs Annand, Kennedy, and Mitchell wero appointed tho visiting committee for tho month. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to tho chairman. Ask your grocer for Ninian Hyslop and Co.'e " Imperial " Indian and Ceylon Tcau. Best in tho market.

Dress and Mantlemakino. — We bog to intimate that wo have secured tho Bervices of Miss M'Ewan, as Dress and Mantlo Maker, also an officiont staff of oxporionced assistants, and are now prepared to execute all orders in a First-class Manner. Ladies entrusting Miss M'Ewan with their orders may confidently rely on getting everything to bo desired in regard to Fit, Style, and Finish. Tho Charges will bo found mob A . reasonable. — We are, yours obediently, Jamls Macdonald and Co., Zoalandia House. Gkntlkmen should have ittlo difficulty in electing their winter suits and overcoats this season at James Gemmell's Tailoring Establishment, tho variety of reliable and fashionable first-class woollen and worstod suitings, overcoatings, and stylish trouserings boing very extensive. Gents' suits to older from 70s upwards. Waterproof overcoats at lowest rates. Peter Cormaok is now taking orders for now winter suits at from. L3 10s up war Is, Having opened out a lot of special tweeds for tho season ho ia prepared to execute orders on the shortest notice at lowest rates.— Peter Coumaok, Tees street. How an Obstinate Cough was Cured. — An aged lady of my acquaintance was for many years troubled with a chronio cough, so severe that she seldom had an hours' quiet loop. After spending all her substance in medicine, she was persuaded to try B /tor's Lung Preserver, which, undo God s blessing, soon cured her. Rev. 3. So lars. — Vido "Hook for Every Home. Maxtor's Anti-Neuralgio Pills are a positive euro for Neuralgia. Price, Is 6d por box. Post free for 19 stamps.