THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1881.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6271, 22 December 1881, Page 4

THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1881.

When, at the time of the financial crisis, the reduction of expenditure on public works, and a consequent surplusage of labour in the South Island the Government stopped assisted immigration and dispensed with the services of the immigration agents, it took a 1 course dictated by the circumstances j of the hour. The system of nominating immigrants hasbeenpermitted a languid existence, but has been much restricted. It ought not to have ensued, however, that, because the colony "was not in a position to devote any portion of its funds to assisted immigration, and the condition of the labour market was such as to prevent immigrants finding employment, the question of immigration should be allowed to go loy default. Subsequent to the circumstances which compelled the Government to review the policy of the country there occurred in England a desire to emigrate amongst farmers requiring no pecuniary assistance, and the Government have pursued with regard to them a policy of abstention which was applicable only to quite a different class. The encouragement of the immigration of persons having money, and requiring land, involved no expenditure of moment, and we are therefore at a loss to understand why tho Ministry has adopted the expedient of resting on its oars. The tendency of the immigration of the persons to whom we refer would be twofold : it would create a demand for labour, and provide the funds with which to procure it. The more successful the efforts of the Cabinet the larger the resources at its disposal and the number of assisted immigrants. The employers of labour and the employed would have increased the revenue by the consumption of dutiable articles, increased the contributions to local revenues, lightened tho burden of taxation by adding to the number of shoulders to bear it, and have increased the operations of trade. One of the disadvantages connected with assisted immigration is the difficulty of providing that tha supply shall not be in excess of the demand. But this disappears with respect to the immigration of capitalist-farmers, because the funds received from them for the purchase of land, is in some sort the measure of the number of assisted immigrants that would be required, and is restrictive of that number, if no other funds be used. The result being complex, more assisted immigrants would be required, but only in such numbers as would be provided for by a moderate allowance from the general revenue.

If these premisses be sound, there appears no reason whatever why the Government has abstained from bending all its energies to promote the immigration of farmers, and overwhelming reasons why it should have done so. It was by no means requisite that for the attainment of this object the Ministry should have resuscitated the immigration machinery with which it had dispensed. Its utmost needs could have been met by a more restricted system, and by one better adapted to the circumstances. All that appears to have been done is to lock the door and throw away the key. The Government will admit that nothing could be more advantageous for the colony than an influx of English farmers, and that being so, what is their explanation of no attempt having been made to ensure it ? It is probably to be found in two facts, the tendency of all Colonial Governments to be entirely absorbed by the duties of administration, and the particular indisposition of our own to enter upon anything savouring of an increase of expenditure. We have endeavoured to show that as the farmers require no pecuniary assistance to facilitate their arrival in the colony the promotion of their advent would in no way be a resuscitation of assisted immigration. As regards the expenditure which would have to be incurred it appears equally easy to show that it would be very limited, and by no means commensurate with the advantages to be obtained. We do not go so far even as to say that the Government should employ immigration agents as it has been accustomed to do. It would not be requisite to issue pamphlets, as has been done by the United States and Canada. Such agency as would be required, presuming that any were requisite, and it probably would be, could be supplied by the employment of fitting persons in suitable spots, who could receive a commission on the land which they were the means of being taken up. It is quite possible that such a system would not be effective, but in that case the measure of the expense would be

only the measure of the effectiveness. The distribution of pamphlets -would require agency, but all, and far more than pamphlets can do, can be attained by the publication, in the public journals of the information a pamphlet would contain. Here is an agency ready to hand, with all the means for distribution, with the advantage of no question as to the discharge of the duty, aud that the expenditure vroukl be defined. The circulation of the papers used would be the circulation of the information, and would be merely a matter of how many papers were used, of how large would be the circulation, and what the expenditure. By having recourse to the public journals of England mo3t of the advantages of personal agency would be obtained without the disadvantages. After all, newspapers are commercial undertakings, and as these would receive no despicable sum from the publication, amongst their reading matter, of the authoritative representations of the Government, they would readily assent to the condition that they should form the subject of comment in their leading columns, which in many instances would ensue as a matter of public interest. We simply propose that as regards the public lands I of this colony the Government should have recourse to the same system of advertising which extends the business of tradesmen, has made the fortunes of many others besides Professor Holloway, and in which the Waltham Watch Company is now expending a vast sum. And why not 1 Why should the means which have proved effective in the case of individuals prove less so with respect to a colony 1 Surely our dignity is not so poor a thing as to suffer by the adoption of this course because it is so general. If the Government is resolved to do nothing, then nothing, we say, can be of any avail; but unless that be so, and unless it has some better plan, the suggestions we make should receive its attention, because of the importance of tlie question and its involving so largely the interests of the colony.

A correspondent, " Justitia," who recently addressed 113 a letter on the subject of the arrest of I'lummer forwards us another communication, apparently not for publication, but in justification of the course taken by Mr. Partly in making the arrest, and directing our attention to the skill he has displayed in conducting the prosecutions against the prisoner in the Police Court. We do not care to recur to the mode of the arrest, having no doubt that it was improper, and the fact that Mr. Partly had information which seemed to indicate the prisoner as the perpetrator of the late burglaries does not alter the circumstances, although he might deem them a justification of his proceeding. But there can be no doubt that in working up tlie cases against Plummer Mr. Partly has shown unwearied energy and great skill. It is no mean tribute to the aptitude of this gentleman for the duties he discharges that it is admitted by the members of the legal profession with whom he has to contend. In the recent prosecutions the difficulties were unusually great, and it is the more to Mr. Pardy's credit that he has been so successful in their management. Possibly this success may attract the attention of the Government to the anomalous position he occupies, discharging at a less salary and with less rank than before the reductions duties properly appertaining to the higher rank. We pointed out on a previous occasion that Mr. Pardy now occupies an anomalous position as regards rank and salary, and it seems to us that if he is to discharge his duties efficiently for public purposes the Government must reconsider his case.

The annual meeting of the Citv Council took place yesterday, when His" .Worship delivered a brief address, reviewing the proceedings and operations of the Corporation during the past year. The tenders for the annual contracts were also opened, and disclosed some remarkable eccentricities in tiie discrepancy in prices. Two Councillors remarked, from their own experience, that some of the articles tendered for were put down at higher rates than they could be obtained retail at the shops in town.

Te Ngakau, so well known for many years pasu as the most active and influential man amongst the Kingites, paid a visit to Auckland yesterday, and, in company with Mr. Sheehan, had an interview with the Hon! Mr. YYhitaker. Te Ngakau is quite inclined to further the friendly relations that have lately come about with Tawhiao, and stated so yesterday.

The Hon. F. Whitaker and Mr. J Sheehan, M.H.R., left for the Thames yesterday. We believe Mr. Whitaker is going to settle some of the long outstanding native land purchase-i in the Piako and that he will be assisted by Mr. Sheehan!

The Domain authorities are on the alert to prevent the spoliation of the ferns and evergreens growing in the Domain by persons desirous of decorating their shops, premises, or homes, or those who want to make a profit by supplying the materials. It may chance that those who do not take warning may have to content themselves with a Christinas dinner in Mount Edc-n Gaol. Owing to the omission of the word " not " Mr. Peacock, M.H.R., at the meeting of the Board of Governors of the Grammar School, in our report yesterday, is made to say that he would have the designs for the boarding-house exhibited in public until the decision had been made. It should have been "not until,"' &e. Our Alexandra correspondent writes :— As usual on the approach of Christmas things are very dull here. Our sports on Boxing-day are expectcd to be largely attended ou account of Tawhiao's presence in an official capacity. M e learn that sixteen informations have been laid, or will be laid, against publicans for breach of the Beer Duty Act, and one against a brewer. Mr. Lai.shley will appear for the Crown. We understand that "Thorpe Talbot," who gained the prize of £100 offered by tile proprietors of the Leader for the best tale, is a resident in this province. The letter intimating tliat he had gained the prize stated that there had been no difficulty in coming to a decision, although there were more than fifty competitors. "Thorpe Talbot" is of course merely an assumed name, but probably the author will republish the story under his own name in book form. The train which leaves Auckland for Mercer on the evenings of Christmas and New Year at a quarter-past four o'clock, will proceed on to the Waikato stations for the convenience of those who may wish to proceed beyond Mercer.

A magnificent consignment of aoout £300, imported by His Mayor as a present to the Aucklandv h ~ Public Library, wag on view vestrr,], ee Mr. Uptons stationer's shop r> r ,.l y are being made for their recent-™ fication in the Library. reCept ' on an * clajjj. Some surprise was cxnr«s=;ed t when it became known that the Go'vetn"^ l7 had given permission for raffling, art <Sjc., a. the Roman Catholic Bazaar * ■ 33 ' that the application o£ the Rev m respect to the St. Matthew's 'rv Bazaar, wa3 refused by the i.. -' 1 General. The explanation is "l "? ra6y " satisfactory. It appears that 'the p tr v dictmes, in view of the present hi applied many mouths ago to the W e 'r ' authorities, and received from the Secretary, the Hon. Mr. Dick ' a which is couched in very exn'li c : t t' mK ' The Anglicans in their late baz->-r the contrary ;to have gone upon"i JY'™ ° n •' Sufficient unto the day is the evii'-'i and with a stringent aiming CO V : Act then in full force, the Attorno-.r 4 * did not feel justified in violatm--'V'! nc ' ra ' visions, and the consequence St. Matthew's people found thei>_i s e! v <.~ i • high and dry in possession of a im*.* n " ie!: ' choice and valuable articles, wiVei", Jer , of only be easily disposed of on tliunion" principle. * lrt

We are glad to welcome home our f >: townsman, Mr. B. Tonks, after through America and Europe. l{e r ..... I f~ r to Auckland on Tuesday by the Rotoirit"* 4 via the South. !Uh - n -i. The annual report of the librarian of Free Public Library (Mr. Shillington) I \ ' City Council contains the followim, i tion : - The average daily attendance clothe past year has not been less than "inn ° the working days, and on Saadav-T." 0 The number of signatured °;n^ Ut \ isitors' Look during the year » ij.n m the Ladies' 800 l 160 for ioL There has beon no damage to bocl-V periodicals, or newspapers. One r>- , ' \ olurnes aud six newspapers havp * - astray during the year. The opening of th» library on Sunday has proved a success am i meets with general approral. idiitbi VB t °^n maile t0 the libra T durin- ft! yearonOD volumes in miscellaneous litet the donations to the library K-rV l i teJ btates Exhibitio? IS/G (0 \ols.) Br. Hector; Catalogue W bourne Free Library (1 vol ) f n -«t Catalogue Sydney Free Library (fVnIV Committee ; Catalogue Sir G. G-evVs African Library {1 vol.), Sir George Gre\Catalogue New Zealand General A« c -nhW Library (1 vol.), Sir G. Maurice O'Rcrke. loVolunies, by A. Boardman, I-"3<i. - uomy (illustrated), Dr. Simms, M.D.- T\Vdvp Lectures, Dr. Sitnms, M.D. • Works (3 vols.), J. Milne. Tl« r»n a -'4 in Visitors' Book continue to k>' C o':n mendatory to the institution."

The annual meeting of th« Gol.'en Pah Gold-mining Company (Coron-ande)) which was announced to be held yesterday afternoon, was adjourned, owinj to •> quorum not being present. The directors' repoit stated that wortc had been carried on for several months with encourasinrr result* one parcel of quartz being treated for4Vj-» gold per ton. The winter rain, however' together with the stoppage of the Union Beach pump, caused the mine to he flooded and since then no attempt has been made to work below the water mark.

The lecture on Tuesday cveninj at the Mount AKert-hall by Mr. Ewington, in aid of St. Luke's Sunday-school, was thinly attended, doubtless owing to the hc;wy rain which lasted till past S o'clock. The Eev! J. Haselden, who presided, compliment*! those present on their heroism in venturing through such a soaking rain. The lecture was greatly appreciated, and Mr. A. K. Taylor moved a vote of thanks to tie lecturer, which was carried with acclamation. Already we have given a full report oi this lecture. """

In oar issue 011 Monday appeared ti» letter of a correspondent stating that steaa communication is to be opened between Orewa and Auckland, and that the steamer was owned by Mr. Dunn. This w<: hive learned is an error, the steamer ben* th« property of Mrs. Dunn.

To tue Editor: Sir,—ln your report o: our annual meeting 011 the of xli- l'j;h in the Albert Hail, a slight error crept ia relative to the calling in of a second doctor if necessary, the society to pay tlio cost. Such is not the case. If a meiiiber Irishes to cali in a second medical man the member must pay, and not the society. In case ths surgeon of the society has to call in the services of another doctor, it lies between themselves to settle the matter,—Yours, &c., W. Feexev, Secretary.

The examination for Distriofc Scholarships is proceeding at the Training College, Wei-lesley-street, under the supervision of the Inspector of Schools and the Principal of that institution. There are 91 candidates-M boys and 37 girls. Examinations are al-o going on at the Thames and at Hamilton. The number of candidates at the Thames is 11—0 boys and 5 girls. And at Hamilton 1-I—s boys and 9 girls. The total number of candidates is 116. The subjects ot elimination are : English language, arithmetic, geography, history, primary laws of health, political economy, agricultural chemistry, ■writing, and reading.

Yesterday afternoon the warehouse oi Messrs. Oppenheimer and Co., Custom-house-street, was the scene of a good desl of attraction, in consequcuce of a consignment of electrical apparatus just landed having been placed on view. These goods are from the manufactory of Mr. Kdwarl Paterson, London. On enquiry we learn that the various articles can be soul here a: a price which is small indeed, as compared with the sum hitherto usually charged for similar articles in Auckland. There were a number of Leclauchc batteries, door-Lei! pulls, telephones, receivers, transmitters, insulated wire, speaking tubes, &c. Many oi the articles are quite artistic, and deserve the attention of those who may be inclined to utilise the subtle agent, electricity, for aiding them in carrying on their daily business. This firm has also on exhibition one of Messrs. Maunsou Brothers French buhr stones, fitted up in an iron frame. The stones are 3inches in diameter, and, with a 13 horsepower engine, are said to be capable of producing half a ton of flour per hour. The Northern Steam Shipping Company announce a number of excursions, charming in their variety, for the holidays. Tr.e Glenelg will go to the Kawau, the Wellington to Waiwera, and the lona to Motatapu on Boxing Day. The lona will also make ;n [ excursion trip to Port Charles, Tairua, and Mercury Bay, at noon to-morrow, returning on Saturday. The Fingal is open for charier on Boxing Day. The Devonport Ferry Company ofier grcJinducements for travelling on Monday ana Tuesday next. The ordinary time-table will be suspended, and boats will run evsry quarter of an hour to and from Devonport, and hourly to Northcote. The new te' Victoria will be brought into rn'iusitioi The return fares will be—to Devonport, tid; to Northcote, 9d. The valuable paintings, articles of ivory earrings, ornamental glass no, v mosaics, and bric-a-brac referred to at lengti ill yesterday's issue, are now on view at the auction mart of Messrs. B. Tonks ana C«-, Queen-street, where they will be disposed oi by auction this day at 11 o'clock.

A fancy dress ball, under the auspices of the Masonic brotherhood, was held on Tuesday night in the Masonic-hall at Onehunga, and passed off very satisfactorily, there being about forty couples present, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, which deterred a great many who had taken tickets from attending. The committee of management consisted of Bros. \Y. Dunivoodic, C. V. Hill, A. Robb, and several other officers of the Order, the whole of whom were indefatigable in their exertions to minister to the comfort of the assembled guests. Bro. J. J. Austin discharged the duties appertaining to the office of conductor in a very efficient manner. The responsible duties of caterer were fulfilled by .Mr. D.illen, of Auckland, and gave the utmost satisfaction to all concerned. Mr. Eady's string band supplied the music, and dancing was ki.'pt up from about !) p.m. till daylight next morning, witii the exception of one or two intervals which were devoted to singing. The .following ladies and gentlemen appeared in costume Miss J. Vjiuse, Highland Lassie; Miss E. Shcltlrick, Spanish Flower Girl; -Mrs. Thorpe, Mary Queen of Scots; Mrs. Mills, Bride: Miss Hood, Buttercup ; Mrs. Dunwoodie, Starlight : Mrs. Dallen, Amina; Mr. Dallen, American Flag; Mr. Wheeler, Harlequin; Mr. Dunwoodie. British Tar ; Mr. Crowthers, Trump Card ; Mr. J. Shcldrick, Chinese Mandarin ; Mr. W. Farrell, Sergeant ; Mr. Haslett, Officer. His Worship the Mayor, the Mayoress, Miss Mulgan, Mr. Mulgan, and a number of other ladies and gentlemen were in e.-ening dress. Mrs. Mills sang with good effect the " Shamrock, Rose, and Thistle," which elicited marked applause. Mr. Sheldrick's Chinese song was well executed and duly appreciated, but the song of the evening was Miss Vause's "Jessie's Dream, 1 ' which fairly brought down the house. Mr. Wheeler, as the Harlequin, was a source of amusement to the guests throughout the night. The proceedings were conducted in a very masterly and Orderly manner, which reflected the highest Credit on the management. It is to be hoped that on tiie next occasion on which the niembers of committee may be called upon to { fulfil similar duties that the weather will i prove more propitious.

The first performance by the Auckland Choral Society this season takes place this evening under the conductorsliip of Herr Carl Schmitt. The performance will consist of Handel's "Messiah."

The following is the return of sick treated at the Provincial District Hospital for the tveek ending Saturday, December 17, ISBI : —Remained last return, 19S: admitted since, I.'! ; discharged, 13 : died, 1; remaining, 205— S7 males, IS females. Arrangement of cases : —Zymotic, 13 ; constitutional, 9 ; local, 56; developmental, 10; violent, 12. One death occurred, viz., J. McA., male, aged 30 years, on 11th instaut, of phthisis pulmonalis. Thanks are returned to Herr Carl Schinitt for the sum of £'20 Gs., forwarded by Mr. F. Templer, for the benefit of the patients at Christmas. A -Sporting Man- Di.-c >v?.rkd Hidden inas Auckland Hotel—See to-morrow's OuatEßviiß. " Artful Dodgek's ''Xoteson the Coming Races in to-morrow's Observer. Tiie Russian Conquest of Australia— Suo to-morrow's Observer. On the 20th and 27tJi instant, Mouday and Tuesday next, the b.mks and insurance companies are to be closed, Tuesday being appointed as a special holiday* To-day Mr. "W. Dowden will sell by auction a quantity of books, albums, inctures, and fancy goods, as Christmis presents. Messrs. \Yhitaker, Russell, and Buddie request all persons to whom the Totigan Government are indebted to send in their accounts to them before the Ist January next. The half-yearly meeting of the shareholders in the Cure Hold-mining Company is advertised to be held in the company's otiice, at noon, on the oOth instant, to receive the directors' report and balancesheet. The half-yearly meeting of the Shareholders in the Xew Zealand Insurance Company is advertised to be held on the 11th January at 2 o'clock to receive the directors' report, elect directors, auditor?, kc. The transfer books are to be closed on the 20th inst. until after the meeting.