THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 1888.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9030, 17 April 1888, Page 4

THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 1888.

Perhaps it is a little premature for us to enter into the political speculations which appear to bo engaging attention at Wellington. The papers published at the seat of Government are inclined to look far ahead, and to regard the meetings and intrigues of politicians as the chief controlling forces in New Zealand politics. But it must be confessed that there is something in the present position of the Ministry not altogether satisfactory, and which lends colour to the anticipations which have been indulged in. Sir H. Atkinson is evidently not disinclined to get out of the politics of New Zealand. He has seen a good deal of the outs and ins of politics during the last thirty years. He has had the good fortune to have been able to hold office during his political life to a greater extent, we think, than any other politician. He has endeavoured not to be too obstinate in his political principles, and has had a large share of the sweets of ofiice. It is not to be wondered at that he now considers that he who has aided Sir J. Vogel and others to have trips to Europe should himself have a spell in London. It is natural, too, that he should desire to air his Knighthood in a more brilliant sphere than the colony, and where he would have more leisui'e and opportunity than he ever can have as a member of a Ministry in New Zealand. If report speak truly, also, Sir Harry Atkinson could scarcely afford to indulge in the pleasures and grandeurs of London at his own expense. He has held office in many Ministries, but he has not enriched himself. He must live at home as Agent-General, or what has probably been the dream of many years must go unfulfilled. Now, he may think, is his opportunity. If he does not seize the chance now he may never have another. A change of Ministry would throw him into the "cool shades of opposi-

tion," and the very hope of the great office in London would pass away for

ever. We have already expressed our opinion on several occasions that at the present time, when New Zealand must strike out a new line, and, instead of

having its name associated with continual borrowing, commence anew a

ireer as a colonising country, it would

be advantageous to have at home a man like Sir George Grey, who could direct to New Zealand the attention of people in every rank, and could greatly aid in any new colonising movement.

But it is not with this question that we desire to deal at present, but with the statements made that Sir Harry Atkinson is holding political

conferences with Sir R. Stout, with the view of passing the Premiership into his hands, and leaving for England at an early period. Two gentlemen are mentioned, and it is said that Sir H. Atkinson is willing to pass the Premiership to either of them—Sir John Hall and Sir R. Stout. He inclines to think that Sir R. Stout would be the most ac-

ceptable, and therefore is sounding him in the matter. There are a great many objections to the carrying out of such a scheme. Sir R. Stout was the head of the last Ministry ; he was responsible for their policy, and for all they did. It is only a few months since the country pronounced a decided verdict against that policy, and cast Sir Robert and his

Dlleagues out. Sir Robert has nowhere

recanted. He still believes in borrowing, in extravagance which would have made the country bankrupt in a few years, and in fads on various subjects which greatly injured the colony. Against him, on all these points, the electors decided emphatically. Last session only made a beginning in undoing the mischief which Sir R. Stout and Sir Julius Vogel did, and the work must be continued for several sessions to come.

Wβ know already that much of the legislation proposed for the corning session is exactly contrary to Sir Robert Stout's notions, and goes on exactly contrary lines to his desires, and even, it may be said, to his obstinate prejudices. What, for instance, would Sir Robert Stout say to the sweeping reductions which have been made in the Education Department? We cannot think that, even if Sir H. Atkinson were to make proposals to Sir Robert Stout, the latter would agree to them, seeing that he would have to come into office surrounded by col-

leagues inimical to him and to his policy. As for Sir Julius Vogel, he has stated that he would never again take office except as Premier, which was tantamount to saying that he had been compelled to acquiesce under Sir Robert Stout in a policy he did not believe in.

Sir Robert Stout could not therefore

hope to have him as a colleague. Certainly the country would never stand him again.

We should think that Sir H. Atkinson could far more easily attain his object in another way. He is pretty sure of keeping office at all events till the dissolution of the present House. By the Representation Acts Amendment Act of last session, "on the expiration by effluxion of time or other sooner determination of the present

General Assembly," the House of Representatives will be reduced by twentyone members. If, therefore the House were to give a majority against the Government on any important point, Ministers would, following the bad practice which has prevailed of late years, ask for and obtain a dissolution. The House are not at all likely to give them the chance of a dissolution. The members know that twenty-one of them at all events are signing their own death warrants. Members have no disposition to hurry on that catastrophe. The Ministry, therefore, can confidently look forward to two years of office, during which they will do

well to keep firmly in mind the lessons of the last general election. We cannot afford the luxury of having Sir Robert Stout again as Premier. We must have men of more prudence and practical wisdom, who will see that there shall be no extravagance in administration, and that the work of colonisation shall be promoted. The Premier cannot forward his views on the Agent-Generalship by any premature grasping at the office, and, especially, by showing a disposition to serve his own personal inclinations, by throwing the affairs of the colony into the hands of one whose policy he has emphatically condemned, and whose measures he is even now in the process of reversing. It is quite certain that some time

since Sir Robert Stout was not disin

clined to go home as Agent-Genera' In all probability the Premier is awar

of that; and it may be that all this speculation at Wellington has arisen from Sir Harry Atkinson having broached the subject to Sir Robert Stout in view of the vacation of office by Sir Francis D. Bell in October next. So far as we know at present, Sir Robert is not likely to accept, as the sacrifice would be considerable. It is therefore premature to criticise his qualifications for the office. We may remark, however, that in any controversy into which he might be led in vindication of the colony, he might do more harm than good by his rasping manner ; and, moreover, his exceedingly advanced and free views on almost every subject, would not tend to make him acceptable as a representative of the colony.

It may be hoped that as foreign enterprise and foreign capital flow into the Thames district they will import with them a little more public spirit than seems to have actuated the Thames County Council in relation to the new hydrogen-amalgam process which was to have been put in operation in that district yesterday morning. The extraordinary story is told by our Thames correspondent in another column, and will not tend, we fancy, to raise the local executive authorities in the estimation of the community. One could have understood an administrative body such as the County Council—the members of which are individually interested in exploiting the auriferous ranges among which they dwell, and whose corporate functions are to develop the district in every way possible—coming to the promoters of such a new process and saying, "We wish you well, and for the welfare of the district we shall make no charge for a month or two for our water supply, until such time as you have got your works over the experimental stage and you are in full working der."

But we certainly do find difficulty in understanding the conduct of such a body in stopping the supply of water without any notice or even explanation or apology, at the very moment when the machinery of the new development in gold-separation had begun to move. By a rare good fortune the inventor of the process himself, after voyaging from the other side of the globe, was on the ground, had been for several days watching assiduously and taking part in the preparations; and was there to see if everything moved aright, and to correct any errors or remove any difficulties at the first starting in New Zealand of a process that may possibly be destined to revolutionise our goldfields. And yet at this moment, with the knowledge that the inventor had to leave forthwith for Auckland to address a public meeting in the evening, and to start by the Australian steamer of the day following, to keep rapid engagements on his return journey to Europe, all of which urgency had been made known through the public press, they interpose to prevent the inventor being witness to the trial of his own machinery. Anything more paltry or unworthy of men charged with the important interests of a district has not characterised a public body in these parts for a long time ; and it seems to indicate that the Thames County Council has not the grit for administering a district, in which we hope to see soon the great boom of the colonies. In the conservation of the Big Pump, in seeing to its various ailments and ministering x> its oft-recurring necessities, the local magnates of the Thames seem to have exhausted all their vital energy, in fact, they are "pumped" out, and seem to have not spirit enough left to realise their responsibilities in relation to enterprises that may yet throw even the Big Pump into oblivion. The paltry sum for the sake of Avhich they exhibited themselves in this rather mean and contemptible way, was only existing in the form of a liability because of the negligence of the Council's own officers in not having enforced payment at the hands of those who should have long before liquidated the amount. But even if it had been owing by the present owners of the property—which it admittedly is not—probably any public body in the colony—except the Thames County Council—would have had the good sense and good manners t< not have made the demand and enforced it at such an unseemly season. Indeed, every circumstance surrounding this affair serves to show how monstrously unwarrantable was the action of the County Council. They have a claim for payment of the water, but equitably that lies against a party other than the owners of the hydrogen-amalgam process. These proprietors have paid the money, and so ought not to be injured by an attempt to screw it out of them instead of the person who has it in hand. Then, again, this water supply, respecting which the County Council act as veritable Shylocks, is available because of a water-race made by the colony and handed over to the County Council to administer for the benefit of the goldfield. Strange, too, it is that this same County Council are notorious as continual sturdy beggars from the Government, under the plea of encouraging the goldfield. This occurrence makes one think that their desire is less to promote the welfare of the district and its great industry than to keep themselves going in a nice, comfortable way. Taking everything into account, and in the face of such an incident, the Thames County Council stands out prominent as the champion mean body of New Zealand.

The condition of the German Emperor grows worse. It is now pronounced to be dangerous. His temperature is rising, and bronchitis is feared. He has been again compelled to take to his bed. Thousands of Russian troops have appeared on the Galician frontier, causing great alarm at Cracow. The authorities have sent the women and treasure into the interior. General Boulanger has been returned for the Nord by a majority of a hundred thousand. In a speech the French Premier made a covert allusion to the new Deputy, when he declared that the Republic required no protectors in time of peace or dictators in time of war. Mr. Gladstone having been asked by some of his constituents to state clearly whether lie repudiated boycotting in Ireland and organised resistance to law, gave an answer which almost justifies the description given of him by Mr. John Dillon, the Home Ruler, "that Mr. Gladstone's reputation for honesty in politics is a ialse reputation, and based upon the power of skilfully misrepresenting facts." A terrible tragedy is reported from Queensland, a station manager having murdered four station hands, and attempted to shoot a fifth. The Rabbit Conference in Sydney commenced its sittings yesterday. The delegates are Dr. Wilkinson, Dr. Maclaurin, Mr. E. Quinn, representing New South Wales ; Prof&sssor Allen, Mr. E. H. Lascelles, and Mr. A. N. Pearson, representing Victoria; Dr. Stirling and Dr. Paterson, representing South Australia; Dr. Bancroft, representing Queensland ; and Mr. Arthur Bell, representing New Zealand. The principal schemes to be dealt with by the Commission are those of M. Pasteur and Brs. Ellis and Butcher.

A cablegram from Sydney in to-day's issue states that " the prospectus of the Broken Hill Marototo Silver and Gold Company has been issued, with a capital of £85,000, the object being to purchase and work a block near Hikutaia, New Zealand." We have not been able to ascertain the ground taken up for the above company, but at all events it is not connected with the syndicate for which Mr. H. S. Meyers has been acting. In all probability it refers to a piece of ground for which Mr. G. S. Jakins has been in negotiation.

The annual meeting of the Auckland Auxiliary of the British and Foreign Bible Society was held last night in St. James' Church, Mr. T. Peacock, M.H.R., presiding. The annual report was adopted, and the Rev. Mr. Robjohns, deputation from the parent Society, gave an interesting account of the progress and aims of the Society. An outline of the proceedings appears elsewhere.

At the bankruptcy sitting of the Supreme Court yesterday, His Honor Mr. Justice Gillies gave judgment in the claim of the Official Assignee against Brown, Campbell, and Co. for recovery of a sum of £42 14s, proceeds of an execution in a case —Brown, Campbell, and Co. v. S. Jackson, jun. His Honor ruled that as the act of bankruptcy was committed on the sth by Jackson leaving the colony, and the execution did not take place till after, the property vested in the Official Assignee. A similar ruling was given in regard to an execution in a case Raymond v. Jackson, 4 and costs were allowed in each case.

A case of considerable importance to commercial men came before the Supreme Court yesterday in bankruptcy jurisdiction. It was an application by the Bank of New South Wales to order the Official Assignee to admit proof of debt in the estate of Jakins and Son. It appeared that the father and son became bankrupt individually—not as a firm—and the other creditors contended that the bank should not be allowed to claim on the joint estate. His Honor, however, ruled that, as there was an ostensible partnership, the bank had the right to rank as a creditor on the joint, but not on the separate estates. His Honor's judgment and arguments of counsel are reported in another column.

A crowded meeting was addressed afc. St. James , Hall yesterday evening by Mr. B. C. Molloy, M.P., on the subject of "Home Rule." During the proceedings, and whilst Mr. Molloy was in the midst of his peroration, the gas in the hall suddenly flickered, and went out. Mr. Molloy was not in the least disturbed by this untoward occurrence, and he continued his speech, whilst the audience remained in their seats, though at first a slight confusion was observed. As the gas could not be re-lighted, a number of candles were procured, but as may be imagined, the light from these was very feeble, and did little more than " make darkness visible."

By the s.s. Manapouri, which arrived yesterday from the South, His Grcce Archbishop Redwood, of Wellington, was a passenger. He comes to Auckland in order to be present at the ceremonies in connection with the opening of St. Benedict's Church on Sunday next, and during his stay in this city will be the guest of Bishop Luck. From Gisborne he was accompanied by Rev. Dr. Egan, who was visiting that district in his capacity of Diocesan Inspector of Schools. We understand that a conference is to be held this evening between the members of the medical profession in Auckland and the City Council as to the sanitary condition of the city, the causes of the cases of typhoid fever that have lately prevailed, and the best means to obtain any improvement. The usual Gospel Temperance meeting was held on Sunday evening in the Fores', ters' Hall. There was a fair attendance. Mr. Brame occupied the chair, and an earnest address was delivered by Mr. Whitelaw. During the evening a resolution was read to the meeting by Mr. Marcroft, expressing regret at the near departure of Mr. Brame and family from Auckland, and hearty good wishes for their future. A[r. Brame responded to the kind sympathy shown him in a forcible speech, brielly reviewing his past life.

The ratepayers of the Mount- Albert; district will have an opportunity tomorrow of voting either for or against the introduction of publichouses in their midst. The licensing laws of the colony place the control of the liquor traffic in the hand? of the ratepayers, and the vote on the local option clauses of the Licensing Act wag decided on the two previous occasions against introducing a licensed public-house in the Mount Albert district. During th e past few days the district has been actively canvassed by both parties, but the committee of the Mount Albert Local Option Association do not expect to obtain the large majority which they polled at the election of Licensing Committee, for the very obvious reason that they believe the other side reserxed their strength on that oce;w sion. An address to the ratepayers of the district will be found in our columns this morning, and will repay perusal.

As some feeling has been produced among those attending the Home Rule Meeting last night, on the supposition that the vagaries of the gas were owing to some one, from malicious motives, tampering with the gas meter, we are in a position to say that there is no foundation whatever for such an idea. The key of the box containing the gas meter was all the evening in the pocket of the caretaker of the building, and no one had access to the meter. The irregular action of the gas was entirely owing to the fact that a new gas meter had been placed in the building, and this was the first occasion on which it had been used. The technical classes conducted by Mr. W. I. Robinson at the Training College, Wellesley-street, have commenced favourably for the session. On Friday evenings the subject is " Applied Mechanics and the Steam Engine," and the course is expected to extend over the year. There are sixteen students, most of whom are engaged in mechanical and engineering trades. To sea-going engineers and students preparing for the Marine Board examinations this class course will be very useful. To men having the care of boilers and machinery, instruction in such class work is a necessity, while to all students in practical mechanics the progress made in the use of highpressure steam, boiler construction, and the economical working of machinery must prove of interest.

As stated in Thursday's issue of the Herald, the names of seven of the candidates for the position of headmaster at the Mount Albert School, were referred by a committee of the Board of Education to the Mount Albert School Committee, as being those of the seven gentlemen whom they considered most eligible for the post. The latter body met on Saturday last, when they selected Mr. Neil Heath for the appointment, and the usual formal recommendation has been sent to the Board. We understand that Mr. Upton, the Chairman of the Board of Education, has notified Mr. Heath of the decision of the Committee. Our Matakana correspondent writes :— "An old resident, in the person of Mrs. Morgan, wife of Mr. Charles Morgan, formerly of Glen Edin, passed away on the 4th instant, at the age of 68 years. She was a native of Dorset, and arrived in the colony in 1860, in the ship Excelsior, settling in this district with her husband immediately after ; and during the long period of twenty-eight years never was once out of the district, a fact unique in local history, although until very recently she had enjoyed goodhealth. The deceased lady was of a very cheerful and amiable disposition, and had a large circle of friends, a fact evidenced by the large cortege that followed her remains to the cemetery. There are surviving her Mr. Charles Morfan (her husband) and three sons (Messrs. Idward, Frederick, and James), of whom the two former are married. The Rev. R. McKinney conducted the burial service."

At a meeting of the creditors of Henry Jackson, held yesterday morning at Mr. Lawson's office, the resolution passed at a previous meeting, "That the ofier of the debtor, of a composition of 6s in the £, cash on all proved debts, be accepted," was unanimously confirmed, the majority of the creditors being present or represented. Mr. W. F. Buckland, the debtor's solicitor, intimated that the money would be forthcoming immediately after the Supreme Court had sanctioned the resolution.

In commenting on the action taken by the Premier to obtain an English expert's opinion as to the best means of preparing New Zealand butter for the home market, the Hawera Star says :—" If the expert can also give information which will lead to a better knowledge of the cheapest method of getting the produce to consumers when manufactured, so much the more valuable will his services be. There is a great mystery hanging over the English market. Good prices seem to be realised there, and yet the net returns to the producer are small. In time knowledge will be gained as to how the difference between high prices to consumers and low prices to producers is to be bridged, but any action which could hasten that time would be very welcome. The railway charges might receive attention in the meantime. We have been informed by a Wellington merchant that it costs more to send butter from here direct to Wellington by rail than it does to send it to New Plymouth, thonco to Lyttelton and back to Wellington. We have not the means of checking the statement, but it is beyond dispute that the charges are heavy."

At St. Andrew's Church lasb evening a lecture upon " John Knox, the Scotti?li Reformer," was delivered by the Rev. E. A. Telfer. There was a moderate attendance. The Rev. A. Carrick presided. In his preliminary remarks Mr. Telfer stated that he had been born and bred a Presbyterian, but that having taken up his abode in a place where there was nobody but Metodists he was driven, by stress ot weather, to become one also. Mr. Telfer then in graphic language described the ljfo and character of John Knox, and the stirring events of his time. He was frequently applauded, and at the close of his lecture a vote of thanks was, on the motion of Mr. A. Bell, heartily accorded him. At intervals sacred selections were rendered by St. Andrew's choir, and Miss Tait also sang a solo with great taste.

The directors of the Civil Service Supply Association have notified to Mr. George White that having lost confidence in him, " there is no other course open but his resigning, or being relieved forthwith. Mr. George W T hite answers by an indignant letter repudiating the reasons given by the directors, and asserting that the institution has " been managed with forethought, prudence, and success."

The manager of the Amy Sherwin English Opera Company, Herr Hugo Gorlitz, arrived yesterday by the s.s. Manapouri, to conclude arrangements for the operatic concert! season at the Opera House, which is to commence on Friday next. The box plan opened yesterday at Kidd and Wildman s, with every promise of a big sale, as a great number of the best seats were immediately taken up. The season is to be for one wee* only.

Mr. W. Lant Carpenter, who is the representative in London of the University _oi New Zealand, will deliver a lecture on «io colony on the 14th instant, at the fcssei Hall. He also intends to lecture in tne North, and is receiving this week a li«w preliminary coaching from Mr. Kennawa? —[London Correspondent, March 9.J

"~The Hon. G. Fisher (Minister of Education) visited some of the industries of tho city yesterday, among which was Mr. Parjj er 'gValvanised iron factory. To-day he will visit tho Kindergarten School and some of the Marist Brothers' schools, chaperoned by Bishop Luck. To-morrow, at half-past ton a.m. ne will receive a deputation from the Political Reform Association. It was to have taken place to-day, but postponed es above.

The iate manager of the Southern Cross Petroleum Company, Gisborne, Mr. Rapp, i» at present in town, being en route for San Francisco. His object in going to California is to induce some of the capitalists there, \rhere he is well known, to invest in such enterprises on the East Coast. He intends to lay tho whole matter before them, with reports, maps, &c, so that they will bo in a position to come to a fair judgment on tho business. Some 'Frisco capitalists have been in communication with him during the past three years, as to investing in oil ground on the East Coast. Mr. Rapp is going on his own responsibility, and will defray his own expenses. He loaves in the Alameda, but has no definite arrangements made as to when he may return.

* The exhibition of the Auckland Society of Arts was fairly attended yesterday. Paring the evening Mr. Impey's band played a number of choice selection?. Among the visitors yesterday was the Hon. G. Fisher, Minister of Education, who expressed himself as greatly pleased with the exhibition. In our report of the competition in drawing of .pupils attending public schools, we omitted to state that the third prize was awarded to Miss Florence Berry, of Newton East School. The preater part of tho work latterly in connection with the Exhibition has fallen upon ?.lr. J. L. Holland, one of the members of committee, the Secretary of the Auckland Si>eiety of Arts, Mr. G. T). Whitcombo.having, unfortunately found it. impossible to carry out tho details, owing to his wife having fallen a victim to an attack of typhoid fever. He will have the sympathy of the Society and the public in the peculiarly trying circumstances in which ho is placed. ' The Exhibition opens again to-day Bt noon, but will bo closed in the evening (for this night only), owing to the practice pf the Choral Society.

Inspection parade of Royal Irish Rifles this evening. A meeting of the Auckland Football Association will do held in the Y.M.C.A. Rooms to-morrow evening at 7.30.

Tenders invited for leasing Mercer refreshment rooms, receivable up to noon of Wednesday, -nil May.

Mr. F- G. Ewinston acknowledges with thanks receipt of large parcels of illustrated wul other papers, sent by Mrs. I). Nathan and Mr. G. B. Owen, for the patients in the Lunatic Asylum.

At the old Baptist Church, this evening, Rev. .T. A. Dowie and Mrs. Dowie announce tint they will begin a series of services in connection with the six days' mission of healin;.' by faith. The former will deliver a discourse, entitled. " The Beautiful Gate of IHvine Healing," while Mrs. Dowie will narrate, " Some of the Miracles I Have Seen."

The proprietor of the Pier Hotel, Mr. Bennett, yesterday started a novelty in the shape of an "American luncheon, which was taken advantage of by a number.

The annual meeting of the Links Football Club will be held in" the Y.M.C.A. Rooms this evening, at half-past seven, for the purpose of electing its officers.

The committee of the Y.M.C.A. have appointed Professor Moss (late of tiie Boys' Rt-stl as physical instructor, and to take tne management of their commodious and excel-lently-fitted gymnasium. A grand display will take place on Friday night, at eijjht o'clock, when a varietv programme, consisting of exercises on the horizontal and parallel tars, vaulting horse, trapeze, &c., will be s;one through. Professor Moss will also give an exhibition of some of his extraordinary feats of strength. Professor Moss will conduct classes for systematic physical exercises.