THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. TUESDAY, JULY 1, 1879.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5498, 1 July 1879, Page 4

THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. TUESDAY, JULY 1, 1879.

Yv t e publish telegrams from Wellington narrating the facts connected with the disruption. in the Cabinet. The whole affair is lamentable enough, and although it ia unfortunate for any Government that only a few daye before the meeting of Parliament, the disagreements between Ministers should become a public 3candal, and should necessitate resignations, it is really a consolation in the circumstances, as f.uch deplorable events have occurred, that we are now within a few days of the time when the Assembly is appointed to meet. As yet, only Mr. Ballance has resigned, and the rest of the Ministers may arrange their differences. But such scenes as we record to-day must be injurious to the reputations of any set.of men, and must seriously interfere with the due carrying out of the business of the country. At the present crisis in native affairs, the utmost calmness and promptitude is required. The finances of the colony are by no means in a satisfactory position, and the utmost c;ire and good management will be required in going to the London market for a loan. Altogether, the affair is a most lamentable one. Wβ apprehend that no one could be found to justify the action which appears to have been taken by Sir Georgo Grey.

The resignation of a. second member of the Goreriiment just on the eve of the eession of Parliament is wholly without precedent in the history of representative Government in New Zealand. Yet it was not wholly unexpected by those who knew anything of what was going on, and it is even possible that the Premier is not altogether displeased at this second resignation. We are told in the curt language of telegraphic news that dissensions in the Cabinet have led to Mr. Balance's resignation, and it is tolerably contain that nothing else could account for changes which, in the face of a House about to meet, containing a strong element of opposition, as it assuredly must contain, must be eminently hazardous to the very existence of the administration. What these dissensions are about we are of course left mainly to conjecture. When the Attorney-General resigned a few days ago in ; spite of ' the entreaties of his colleagues and his constituents, we confess we had more than a suspicion that his reasons were more urgent than could fairly be set down to pressure of his private practice as a lawyer. In the resignation of the Colonial Treasurer we are not troubled with reasons which may prove unsatisfactory, but yet which we can hardly, with due civility, cast on one side altogether. Mr. Ballanco may, as has been hinted, have resigned because the Premier was bent upon introducing into the Cabinet a new Attorney-General of whom he did not approve. He may have felt dissatisfied with the management of matters at Patea and Taranaki—districts in which ho takes a deep interest, and where he has many frieuds. It is even possible that he may have been ready to take offence from a suspicion that the office of Colonial Treasurer in the coming eession of the Assembly was not likely to prove a bed of roses. Perhaps all these reasons had their sharo in the extreme step now taken. It is, indeed, nearly certain that Mr. Ballamce has not cordially fallen in with the views of the Premier in many matters. A newspaper in which he was largely interested, and over which he was believed to have some considerable influence, did not hesitate

more than once to assail Sir George Grey | more bitterly than was dacent under the circumstances ; 'an&'it'waS not in human nature to retnaia yery cordial after those things had happened. On the whole, the late. Colonial Trea r surer has proved less of a success than most of his friends anticipated. He was 'just one of those politicians likely to secure a considerable reputation upon credit. As a member he was by no means talkative, but given to making a few set speeches in each, session upon important questions, which, carefully prepared and sonorously delivered, commanded a certain degree of influence in the House. Ah a politician, he was strongly attached to the policy of abolition, and in many respects professed views which would be considered even ultra - Liberal, in an Assembly where few were very Conservative. In 1875 and 1876 he wan a strong and consistent opponent of the party led by Sir George Grey. In the House, indeed, his utterances were always moderate in tone, but in other ways he committed himself to statements which were unfortunate in view of his subsequent change of front. In the session of 1877 he began, as a good many others did, with a very considerable amount of dissatisfaction with the Atkinson Government and their policy, but apparently a settled dislike to the Opposition and its leader. The formation of a Middle party formed the bridge over which the late Treasurer passed by a comparatively easy stage to join the Opposition by the time the session was half over, and perhaps it would have been well for his own reputation had he, like Mr. Bryce and othere similarly situated, rested content with giving a cordial support to the new administration. He was not, however, proof against the seductions of office, and after the session was over, joined Sir George Grey's Ministry as Treasurer and Minister of Education. That he has worked steadily and hard no one denies, but he has not in general estimation given any indications of great or original talents for that finance which was at all times his favourite subject in debate, when he was free from the responsibilities of office. His want of success in this direction was eagerly hailed by the Opposition, who could not of course forgive his desertion, followed by his acceptance of office, and the extreme party of the Premier never had any great affection for one of the latest converts from the other side of the House, who perhaps appeared to some to have received too great a reward for his tardy adhesion to their party. On the whole, if the late Treasurer has not been politically fortunate, as we are willing to admit, he has not, it would appear, much of the stuff in his composition which commands good, and overridus ill, fortune in politics. He has not, like Mr. Stout, left tbe House, and we venture to believe will again be a candidate for office at no distant date, but his political career is not likely to gain much from the events of the past two years. Distrusted by the party whose ranks he deserted in 1877, only to accept office their adversaries, he can scarcely hope to be loved by the party whose administration he leaves a few days before a critical session begins. Nor have the success of his financial proposals or the correctness of his financial anticipations, given him that place in public estimation which would enable him to treat with disdain the likes and dislikes of party politics. But if the late Treasurer leaves the Government in no very enviable position, so far as he is himself concerned, his secession at this moment is likely to prove in the highest degree embarrassing. The military manosuvre of changing front in face of a powerful enemy, is said to be critical in the highest degree, and its equivalent in politics is, nine times out of ten, fatal to an administration. Sir George Grey has, at this moment, to find substitutes for two of the ablest men in his Cabinet; and the two ivho, in debate, were perhaps his most valuable allies. As we have already suggested, it might be possible, temporarily at least, to do without an Attorney-General, but it is clearly out of the question to meet the House without a Treasurer. There are but a few men in the House who are suited for the office of Treasurer, and of these few fewer still are likely to be available under the circumstances. The man to whom the party, and we believe the Premier himself would mo3t naturally turn in the emergency, would be Mr. Montgomery, member for Akaroa, and formerly for some years Treasurer of Canterbury Province. Unquestionably, the adhesion of Mr. Montgomery would bring strength to the Government if that adhesion can be secured. That the effort to get him will be made, we have not a doubt, but we have grave doubts of its success. The member for Akaroa was a leading member of the Middle party in 1877, and was then, as is well known, pressed to accepr. office as Treasurer. He refused to accept it then, when it may fairly be admitted, it prosented more points of attraction for a cautious man (as Mr. Montgomery certainly is), than it does now. And, should the attempt to secure the member for Akaroa as Treasurer fail, there is no other prominent member of the House of long standing who could well be substituted for him. The member for Parnell might, indeed, accept the portfolio, and might even fill the position with credit to himself and. the Cabinet; but the House would inevitably resent the attempt to govern the colony by a Cabinet of Auckland members. Provincial distinctions and jealousies are far from dead, and if the Premier is driven, as it very possible he may be, to make the experiment, we fear that he will find that this, the least desirable feature of the system he has loved so well, may render the success of his Government wholly impossible. The position is, indeed, moet critical, and it will tax even the long experience and undoubted talent of Sir George Grey, to find a way of meeting the Assembly on the 11th, with a Ministry which will command its respect, and secure the support of its members.

By an announcement in our advertising columns it will be seen that the degree of Master of Arts will be conferred on Mr. W. St. Clair Tisdall, in the Choral Hall, on Thursday next at 3 o'clock p.m., by His Honor Mr. Justice Gillies, on behalf of the Chancellor of the JN'ew Zealand University. It is intended to make the presentation as imposing as possible, and to have the degree conferred with the eclat befitting the occasion. All University graduates, members of the Colonial Legislature, clergymen and others interested in higher education, are invited to be present. We trust that this invitation will be generally responded to ; for, in honouring our fellow-citizen, who has achieved academical distinction, the comma-

nifcy is/Sndirectly honouring itself. These occasions of public rejoicing are, in this new country, unfortunately too rare—the best powers of body and of mind being generally devoted to" the aconmnlation of wealth—and they should be regarded" as "red-letter" days in the history- of the' community. Mr. Tisdall" has achieved his honours worthily, each successive step being gained., by studious application and diligence. The earlier portion of his education wag obtained at St. John's College,'and tho latter at the Auckland College and Grammar School, nnder.Mr. Farquhar Macrae. He graduated from the Grammar School, and has latterly been engaged in tuition in one of the branches o£ that institution. His examination papers were in due course forwarded to the Chancellor of the New Zealand University. The result is the proceedings of Thursday next, in which the degree of M.A. will be cenferred upon Mr. TisdalL Perhaps the honour could be conferred by no more -fitting hands than those of Mr. Justice Gillies, who in bis place in the Legislature of the colony, and as the Chief Magistrate of this Province, spared neither personal service, time, nor money to foster and develop that higher education which is essential to the wellbeing of this Province, if it is to hold its own with its wealthier and more munificently endowed Southern competitors. Ee is himself an illustration of what force of character and natural ability can do for a man, who, aa he wats wont to aay in public meetings, " had had occasion in the vicissitudes of colonial life to tend his own cattle and shear his, own sheep." In these colonies there are practically no barriers to literary or political distinction, which may not be overcome by an honourable ambition, and the knowledge of the fact should prove the strongest incentive to our colonial youth to address themselves afresh to study and to work.

Oar Australian telegrams mention two circumstances, the connection between which is not particularly clear. The first is., that the Tasmanian Volunteers have been called ont in Launceston for active service, under the Mutiny Act, and the second, that Pastor Ohiniquy lectures in. that thriving city. While it is a moot point whether the ca.use of the Prince of Peace ia subserved by the labours of Father Hennuberry or of Pastor Chiniquy, owing to the party feeling and bitterness which seems to be the necessary outcome of their respective missions, there can be little deubt that, as a British subject, the latter is fully entitled to that right of free iipeech for himself, and in right of assembly for his friends as the former. If Pastor Chiciquy is propagating falsehood, a discerning public will speedily distinguish the pinchbeck from the precious metal, and treat the imposter according to hia deserts. If, oa the contrary, he speaks the words of truth and soberness, then a " shillelagh " is the worst possible method of silencing hie testimony,, and can only lead to his having sympathisers by thousands instead of hundreds.

The financial year in connection with the Government expired yesterday, and the various department were busy to a late hour completing their returns. So far as the Customs is concerned it will be seen that there is a falling off at this port of about £3600 for the present quarter in comparison with that at June IS7S,' and about £800 less than that for the corresponding quarter at 1577, but under the circumstances the decrease will prove lighter we imagine than that of any other of the principal.ports in the colony. The duties for the month of June amount to £14,952 Ss 4d; for the quarter ending yesterday, £47,554 7s Sd, against the sum of £41,182 ICa 9d for the corresponding quarter in IS7S.

A private lettergfrom Grahamstown states that it is generally understood that the Government intend creating an hon. lord of the Upper House for the Hauraki goldfields, but it is not yet known with any certainty who is the fortunate resident that is to receive Her Majesty's gracious commands tc take part in the Council's deliberations. It will be seen from a telegram elsewhere that the Government have, at last, settled the long-standing claim of Mrs. Meurant against the colony, by forwarding to Auckland the £2000 voted by Parliament last eession. The Meurant claim figures very early ia the history of constitutional Government, and the wrong inflicted on her was one of the ecandels that disgraced an administration which was only possible when Nsw Zealand was " a Crown colony of a severe type." The unjust judge at last yielded to the widow's importunity, and redress has been accorded after lapse of a quarter of a century. Mr. Hugh Carleton fought the widow's battles in the House of Assembly and out of it, amidst much obliquy and ridicule. It will be gratifying to him to hear that " the wrong that needs resistance," is a thing of the past; and there is little doubt that the tidings will give him a new lease of his life.

"We are glad to learn that the smallness of the salaries of some of our localpublic servants were brought auder the notice of the Hon. the Minister of Jnstice during his recent stay here, and that. a favourable consideration of all deserving cases was promised when the Estimates came under review. A correspondent brings under our attention that in most of our principal institutions there are large supplies of clothing, &c, used, which are not advertised as being open for tenders like other supplies ; and hopes, as the Colonial Secretary ie in Auckland, that he will make inquiry and remedy this state of things when he returns to Wellington. The General Government has purchased, from a Mahurangi settler, a site for a Courthouse and offices, police quarters, and a lockup ; and will, it is stated, invite tenders during next moath for the necessary buildings, to further the convenience of business connected with the administration of justice, the holding of Licensing Courts, and the security of persone apprehended for crime. The Government buildings will be ia the centre of the township. The district engineer, Mr. James Stewart, will proceed to the Waikato during the present week, to make arrangements for the erection of a suitable residence for the chief Rewi at Kihikihi, in accordance with the instructions of the Hon. the Native Minister. The structure, when completed, will be an interesting feature in the township. Last evening the Sunday-school Teachers Association connected with the Diocesan Synod held their anniversary conference. It was opened by an evening serviee at St. Matthew's Church, after which the public meeting was held at the Young Men's Christian Association Rooms. The Right Rev. Dr. Cowie, Bishop of Auckland, presided. There was a full attendance. The principle feature -was the reading of an address by Mr. Neil Heath on the working of Sunday-schools. He alluded in terms of condemnation to the class of building generally used. He insisted on good light and ventilation, and recommended the American system, which he fully described. He proceeded in an intelligent and graphic manner to point out to the teachers the best mechanical aids in their work of instruction in the various Sunday-school classes. The address waa listened to attentively, and at its close a vote of thanks wa3 accorded to Mr. Heath. The benedictiou, pronounced by the Bishop, brought the proceedings to a close. The Customs authorities announce that the Bonded warehouses will be closed to-day and to-morrow, for the purpose at stock taking.

The Union Saih and Door Company re« port that last Thursday's rain created a freshet at Tairna, and brought down 4000 lo 8 8*? , tho booms. This makes close upon 11,000 logs brought down to the booma einca the'winter raina set in. AH the "jams" have been cleared, and there are now no obstructione to further supply. The quantity of lotja now available -will k eep both mills at Tairua fully employed for the next twelra months. - , The meeting held yesterday in regard to the pumpiag operations of the Thames, although of a conversational and preliminary nature, was of an important character, j£ was evident that the course o£ events hajj brought the parties interested into closer juxtaposition. The resolution of the noting has been forwarded by telegraph to the County and Borough Councils of the Tham-y, and Messrs. C. J. Stone and J. M. OUv,-b have; been appointed a committee to wait w>. the corporation and City Council to asctr. tain the action they propose as to carrying out the spirit of the resolution. A reporc of the proceedings at the meeting appear* ia another column.

We have received a copy of the last usaa of St. James's Chronicle, and which is quits up to its predecessors. The leading paper ia by Mr. F. Hammond (Ss. James's), on "Time;" and the second, by Mr. T. MeMaster, on " Hints to Youths on Leaving School." The "Portrait Gallery" (oy Scrutator") has been, enlarged, to aa to embrace clergymen who take an interest in literary societies, as well a3 members of sucli bodies, and thi: snbject sketched in the present isiine is the Rev. W. Morley, President of the Pitt-stieet Literary Association. "Scrutator" says:—"As a speaker, Mr. Morley is fluent', thoughtful, and practical. Though holding fast to the old landmatte pi orthodoxy, Mr, Morley does not believe in burking inquiry, or suppressing discussion on any of those great religious problems which present themselves to every thonghtful mind. He believes that every man should be able to give ' a reason for the faith that is within him,' and that the cause of truth is best advanced by full, free, and open discussion. Personally, Mr. Morley ia a man for whom one conceives at the firsi an instinctive liking. His entire freedom from affectation, his kindly sympathy, his pleasant smile, and his frank good humour, all combine to win for him that cordial respect which comparatively few persons inspire in young men." Aithough the Chronicle has only turned into its second quarter, it has already had to endure the first great trial of journalism — defaulting subscribers—if one may judge from an earnest and affectionate solicitation made by the editor to "square-up." As it is doubtful whether that prosaic request will be attended to on its own merits it is backed up by a poetic appeal in the "Poet's Corner"—addressed to subscribers with bad memories.

Yesterday, about noon, the people ia Qoeen-street were alarmed by seeing a horse dashing furiouely down the street on the footpath on the east side. It-a'ppeara that the horse had been vsken to Mr. Monro's shoeing forge, at the back of the Thietle Hotel, and as John Men?, a man in the employ of Mr. Monro, was taking the horse to the stable, it took fright near the theatre, and ran on to the footpath near the Greyhound Hotel. As the rider only had a halter on the horse, he lost all control of thn beast, and not until it had galloped down the street to the toll-house at the entrance to the wharf could it be stopped. Fortunately there was no damage done; although the street w?.s crowded at the time. We are requested to sc.'ite that Captain Wray was the Resident Magistrate at Paten who gave judgment ag&inst Tamati, the native thief. Owing to a wrong reading of the telegram the name was printed May. Captain VVray's judgment is greatly to be commended, and the sentence dealt ont to Tamati will be a salutary lesson to the native aggressors in the district.

Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather last night there was a large attendance of members and visitors at the meeting of the St. James's Discussion Class. A lengthy discussion took place at the proposal from the Young Men's Christian -Association for the establishment of an alliance between the various literary associations of Auckland. The proposal was declined on the ground that the Young Men's Christian Association were reserving to themselves the right of refusing to allow the.discussion of questions in their rooms which they considered unsuitable. Mr. J. Blacl-man read a most amusing and interesting story, entitled, " Mise Stainley's Marriage," in which were detailed the amour of Solomon Twister and Matilda Staiuley; the opposition of old Stainley ; the elopement of the lovers; the Hnal repentance of the irate parent, evidenced by his dying blessing, and a valuable bequest in hia will. Mr. G. A. King followed with an entertaining sketch of " The Apparition." The scene was laid in New Zealand, and among the incidents described was a pig-hunt. The writer described the alarm caused by the appearance of a spectral pig (the one that had been slain in the hunt), and the subsequent explanation—the device of a practical joker. Mr. W. Brigham related "Old Practicai'a Story," in which the imaginary narrator, who was an old bachelor, told hie tale of blighted love, and the reason he had never married. All the tales were extremely creditable ones, and the meeting was a most successful one. Next Monday evening, the Chinese question ■will be discussed in the form of a debate : " Ought Chinese immigration to' British colonies to be repressed by the legislature ?" Mr. W. Cooper will open in the affirmative, and Mr. J. D. Schmidt will reply in the negative. John Brodie Russell, a respeeiable-looking man, apparently about 23 years of age, was charged yesterday morning, at the Police Court, with breaking several panes of glass in windows in houses in Shortland-street. Prisoner said he lost all recollection of what he did after 9 o'clock on Sunday evening, and had it not been for the interference of Constable Dodd, he might have broken more. He was sentenced '.o five months' imprioonment with hard labour, in default of paying the Sues imposed.

The. proceedings in the District Court were of »n unusual character. Oar report in another column mast be read to make them intelligible to the general reader. Learned judges may be put into what is called a " quandary" the same as less eafe individuals. It appears that Judge Penton had expressed eome opinion, about the " Great bull-stag ca&e," and yesterday was taken to be hia last sitting as Judge of the District Court. Mr. Hesketh "requested" him to refer the hearing of an application fcr a new trial in the case of Te Wheoro v. Hawke to his successor on the ground of personal feeling against the defendant. The learned counsel's reasons for this unusual " request" appear in. the report? Mr. Tyler, for the plaintiff, iiisisted upon the of his client to be heard before a Court of law. His Honor expressed his willingness to grant the reqeest, and coasnlted with a well-known member of the profession as to the c&use he should adopt. The result of this conference was that he had no power to postpone an, application for a new trial. The application was then made and opposed, but His Honor took time to consider hi* decision.

Lecocq's comic opera " Girofie Girofla " was repeated again yesterday evening to a very good house, considering the inclemency of the weather. To-night the same opera ■will bo repeated. To-morrow evening Mr. Harding will take his benefit.

'•W-alHgeV-favo ante opera of "Maritana ". •■will be produced at the Theatre Royal on "Thursday night, and for that night only, for the benefit, of Miss Leaf. It is hoped that -there will Iβ a fuli hous,e, in recognition of the invariably careful and painstaking performances during the season of Mr. Riccardi's opera tronpe. Mr. John Henry Shaw ba3 been gs::etted Assistant Law Officer to the Now Zealand Government,' vice Mr. E. Stafford, resigned. The bazaar in aid ef the clearance of the debt or Irost f.md at the anited Methodist Free Church was opened last night for the purpose of disposing of the balance of goods that wag left over from Saturday. Although the weather was unfavourable to a large gathering, yet the result proved satisfactory. The auction, conducted by Mr. R. Arthur, realised £30, making a grand total of £280. This sum far exceeds.the most sanguine expectations of the promoters of the undertaking. The success is all the greater when it is considered that all fictitious aids to success, such as raffles, &c, were strictly prohibited. The takings may be regarded as the genuine free-will offerings to the church and its friends, and as such the promoters of the bazaar must feel highly gratified at the large success which has attended their efforts. William Wilkinson appeared at the Police Court yesterday, in answer to a charge of stealing a watch and chain worth £10, the property of Hugh McCorraick. As the prisoner's solicitor was unable to appear, the case was remanded until to-day. The Victoria Fire and Marine Insurance Company which was established in Melbourne in 1549, has been re-organised with a capital of £1,000,000 sterling. Messrs. John Reid and Co. have been appointed agents for this province. The July number of the Church Gazellc_ has been published. Among the items of diocesan intelligence it contains is the fact that Mr. Benjamin Tonks has been elected a member of the Synod, in place of C. C. McMillan, who has gone to Europe. On June S, a new church was opened at Tauhoa, Kaipara, by the Kev. H. O. Sparling. The leading article is the concluding portion of the article upon " The Mosaic Cosmogony." Then follows a notice of the late Rev. Thomas Samuel Grace, who died at Taurariga on the 30th April last. An article upon. "The Sunday-school Teacher" follows, ic which his work is described. " Miracles, and the Rsligious Teachings of Children," both extracts, complete the list of articles in the present number. The remainder of the July number is filled up with readable extracts. The annual meeting of the Care G.M. Co., which wa3 to have been held yesterday, lapsed for want of a quorum. In regard to the probabilities of a dissolution the Wellington Post has the following : —That there will be a determined effort made to defeat the present Ministry soon after Parliament meets, and before its policy can be fully laid before the country, is, we believe, a matter of certainty. The attack will scarcely be on any one of the new proposals, but will be based on general ground?, including, of course, all administrative laches which can pos»:l)iy be raked up. Probably. Sir William Fox, who is considered *bz most likely leader, will enUeavour to repeat the tactics of IS6S, when he led a successful attack on the Stafford Ministry. Of course, if defeated on any particular important item of policy, the Ministry would have a claim, which could not be well denied, to appeal from the House to the country, but if the question at issue is a general one, relating rather to administration than to policy, it will rest very much in the discretion of his Excellency the Governor whether a dissolution be granted them or not. It is believed that Ministers have not much to expect from Sir Hereules Robinson. His relations with them are perfectly cordial and courteous in regard to ordinary matters, but it is understood that he has taken occasion to make known to them his complete want of sympathy with the principle of their proposed measures, and his objection to what is generally known as a "Liberal" policy.. In fact, Sir-Hereules Robinson is, as all who are familiar with hi 9 career know, a thorough-going Conservative, and this fact is not likely to dispose him to any display of favour towards his present advisers. The etraDge views he entertains on the subject of granting a dissolution are also well-known, as they were fully expressed in New South Wales.

TJp to a late hour last night, only one avrest was made by the police, that cf James McEwen, for assaulting hie wife. In our advertisement columns appear a notice respecting Jane Armstrong, lliry Ellen Kelso and others interested in the estate of the lata John Johnston Kelso, of lisburn, Ireland. A large mushroom was on view at the shop of Mr. Brewin, seedsman, yesterday. It weighed over lib. Oozs., and was grown by Mr. J. Cunningham, Clerk of the Police Court, in his garden at Ponsonby. A resident on the Terrace informs us (Wellington Post) that the windows of on house were covered with saline incrustations on Sunday, from the salt spray borne his the gale, to snch an extent that the glass •was rendered quite opaque and white as if frosted. _ An interim dividend in the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, at the rate of 10 per cent, per annum for the six months ending the 30th June, is now payable, at the company's offices. Queen-street. The annual meeting of the ratepayers in the Turanga Highway District is advertised to be held in the school-house on the 26th July, at 11 o'clock, for the purpose of electing trustees, be.