THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. MONDAY, AUGUST 27, 1888.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9143, 27 August 1888, Page 4

THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. MONDAY, AUGUST 27, 1888.

' Whatever may be the result of the diplomatic conflict between. France and Italy over the annexation by the latter of Massowah on the IWI Sea, the incidents attending it have thrown light into the international complications of Europe. What particular object Italy may have had in desiring an outpost at once so ungenial in clime, so difficult to hold, and promising so meagre commercial advantages, may be difficult to discover ; but while the other principal nations of Europe have been extending their colonial possessions, and especially parcelling out the Dark Continent amonc themselves, it has the aspect of being somewhat ungracious on the part of the French Government to raise objections to such a moderate acquisition on the part of Italy. No doubt the jealousy which the latter Power has shown towards the pretensions of France in relation to the Southern coast of the Mediterranean lias been a principal cause in this objection to Italy's extension of her outposts ; for it is apparent that but for the influence exercised by Italy in the councils of Europe, Tripoli as well as Tunis would have by this time admitted the paramount influence of the Republic. The position and ambitions of France in North Africa have for many years been a source of strained relations between the two Powers, and more than anything else have impelled Italy to entrench herself in the Triple Alliance.

This irritation between the Powers has been recently aggravated by the action of France in calling in question the right of Italy to occupy Massowah, and the bitter and even defiant tone of the Italian Minister shows that very little would suffice to pi "age the two nations in hostilities. In that reply the Italian Premier denied the necessity for Italy notifying the Powers of her intention to take possession of Massowah ; accused France, as a Power having no interest there, of purposely intriguing in the place to increase the difficulties of the Italian Government ; and gave the climax to the defiant reply by saying that Italy will defend to the last her interests in the Red Sea. In other circumstances such a message as this would have been to France a declaration of war, and would doubtless have been promptly accepted as such ; and that it has not been so accepted, but that on the contrary the French Government has lied in such a manner as was intended to close their remonstrance, is significant of the change that has come over the external relations of France. The independence, and almost insolence of the Italian reply clearly shows the altered position which the Triple Alliance holds in relation to the great northern Power, whose supposed friendship for France, holding out the prospect of an alliance in the future, as a possible contingency, has been so long the dread of Prince Bismarck. This is the first practical illustration that has been afforded of the understanding that has been effected by the Emperor William with the Czar, and it seems clear that the result of it is that France now stands alone in Europe. That this is so is more clearly shown in the fact of the Italian Premier following up his defiant message by a visit to Bismarck at Berlin ; while it is at the same time announced that the Austrian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Count Kalnoky, is proceeding also to Berlin to take part in the interview. When to tins is added the fact than an attempt of the Porte to enlist the sympathy of Germany against the Italian occupation of Massowah, has met with a sharp rebuke from Count Bismarck, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs at Berlin, it is evident that approval of the conduct of Italy by Germany and Austria is a foregone conclusion. Our cable messages to-day tell us that one of the objects of the Conference between the three Ministers, representing the Triple Alliance, is to consider how far the Alliance, is bound to make common cause in the event of one of the three Powers being involved in war ; and the inference is not a strained one, that a possible pending collision between Italy and France is the crucial point to which their consideration will be directed.

In all these circumstances we are not surprised that it is stated by cable that " It is believed that Germany is fomenting the quarrel between France and Italy." Indeed, without such intimation. we would have been iustified

in coming to this conclusion, V many years past it has been r ° r cognised as inevitable that, scion 6 * or later, and possibly at any 'mornenT and with the smallest of p rov ' cation, war must break out bet\v ° France and Germany. Tlio , *' n * . j utj enormous armaments maintained by e . , had become so oppressive that w'~ itself was regarded almost in the Ij,,^ of a relief ; any increase of armament, in the one demanding an equal if r lo t superior increase in the other, whit each Power seemed watching for u " change in international friendship's"/ alliances, to be the signal for precipe tating the collision. At no period before could Prince Bismarck lvp found so favourable a conjuncture , circumstances as at the present \> whatever means achieved, and subject to whatever conditions, an understand ing has evidently been arrived at v,i t!l Russia, by which that Power will refr- • from interfering between Germany France. The fear of Russia has hitherto been the dark cloud that was resting over the hopes of the Iron Chancellor Because of it he was evidently prepared to sacrifice Austria, notwithstanding the alliance that had been solemn!ratified ; and it is no doubt the gratification of the desire of many a lon* and anxious year that lias now ee „ achieved through the friendly visit 0 the young Emperor to Russia. {' 0 strike the first blow, however readv is not after the fashion of the crafty [ diplomatist, and we can readily understand how the impatience of Italy to check French extension in the Medi-,

terranean, has been availed of by Prince Bismarck for bringing about ai the most opportune moment the colli sion for which he has been so long pre paring. That France will be wary oj being drawn into the trap may be ex pected, and we are told that M. Goblet lias sent a final reply to the Italian Premier, and that it was expected that the matter was now likely to dropbut the humiliation of having to submit to such a defiant challenge from Italy will be keenly felt by that sensitive and high-spirited nation, and for the want of further irritation, Germany's oppori tunity is not likely to be allowed to I pass.

j Our readers will have noticed from Our readers will have noticed from time to time in the Herald references to the movements of Mr. McCalluw, who has been appointed Inspector of Dairies by the Government. lie has visited various districts in his progress northward, and it will be observed that he has almost uniformly been "coldshouldered by the settlers as one whose services were not desired. We are not able to speak of the qualifications of Mr. McCallum, but in the absence of anything to the contrary it is only fair to assume that he is qualified for the position for which he has been selected by the Government; and from reference to the manner in which lie has been spoken of by some who are admittedly entitled to speak on the subject of dairying, we are inclined to believe that lie is, perhaps, the best the Government could have obtained in the colony for the purpose, and that his experience and skill are such as might be of beneii: to the makers of butter and cheese. Ac the same time we are not in the least; surprised at the reception which iu» been accorded to the Inspector of Dairies, and which, as may have been noticed, was apparently prepared for him before his arrival in any district, and before he had had opportunity of showing whether his information was or was not worthy of being received. For, as a rule, the rural settlers of tin; colony are pre-eminently a class who have nothing to learn ; who have already acquired the knowledge of all that is to be discovered or invented in the pursuits in which they are engaged, and who, as a result of their extensive knowledge and experience have generally come to the fixed conclusion that '' farming will not pay." That such a class should resent as an impertinence the idea of their being taught anything by any man, is entirely in the nature of things; and accordingly, before even seeing this instructor in dairying, they have characteristically arrived at the foregone conclusion that lie can teach them nothing. We have no doubt that many New Zealand settlers smile with contempt at the idea o, there being actually State Schools 01 Dairying in Denmark, in Germany, and in France : and at the statement that the teachers of dairying go forth on periodical tours through the farming districts, and give instructions on the spot to those who are engaged in the manufacture of butter and cheese. They must wonder at the stupidity that reigns in those countries, and can only regard it as a mere prejudice on the part of the people of England, who, in spending sixteen millions a year tor foreign cheese and butter, give the preference to those countries whose dairies are conducted under the guidance of experts skilled in the art; and we have little doubt that there are hundreds of cowkeepers among our New Zealand country settlers, who would be quite prepared to undertake to tell the students and graduates of the Schools of Dairying in Denmark all about it. We do not, for a moment, imply that there are not those who send excellent butter and cheese to market in New Zealand; but we venture to think that they are not the people who look askance on the action of the Government in sending an expert to visit our dairies and gi ve su ?.' gestions as to the more modern improved methods of dairying; but as we know that a large proportion of - Zealand-made butter, after standing 101 a few days, is fit for nothing but cat grease, such a spirit of inert resistance to improvement gives but little encou ragement to the hope that we SIJ conquer the London market with 01 _ agricultural products. The Americana have a proverb that " obstructors lie> reform ; they die and until the gen ration passes away, the burthen of wios song is that" farming will not pa). a" a generation arises which has •> moulded on modern ideas and instruc in the scientific advancement and tical appliances of modern times, 1 1 to be feared the colony must be hea\ . handicapped in the tierce strugg* modern competition. It is quite t = sible that settlers may know e\ t . thing that the new Dairy lnspec able to tell them, and they may be even to teach their teacher, . 11 . s hopeless element in the biisni J. that, before they have heard what has got to say, or have even se » they have generally made tq minds that anything they do no . about perfect butter-making •> worth knowing. As mis or nounced in our columns, the 4 ur of Dairies has at Jengtn icacm ° own district ; and it will he m to observe, from the recep * [ers in given to him, whether th . ffer the Auckland provincial dis.tr from those further South m n p > made up their minds that t it j. knowledge is closed-that there nothiner further to be leai

The rejection of the Fisheries Treaty by the American Senate has been followed by , menace from President Cleveland, which ha« produced a great sensation. He proposes to suspend the privilege of free transit for Canadian goods across United States territory, and otherwise to pursue a policy of open ' hostility towards Canada. The London Times regards the message as an electioneering dodge. Signor Crispi has arrived in Berlin, on a visit to Prince Bismarck. The King of Denmark is also in the German capital on a visit to the Kaiser. It is stated that the object of the Italian Premier's mission to Germany is to liave cleared up certain points in tho Triple Alliance compact, about which there appears to be some doubt. The relations between France and Italy in regard to the Massowah difficulty continue to afford cause for anxiety. Dinizulu has been captured by the Boers, and handed over to the British authorities. It is reportei that Barry Sullivan, the actor, is dying.

In connection with the resolution passed at the late meeting of the Chamber of Commerce, the following telegrams have passed : -The Minister of Public Works on Friday >ent this message : Be Chamber's recommendation to lease railways. Government of opinion that it would not be in the interest of the colony to do so. Government intend set up commission shortly after House rises.—E. Mitchelson." To this Mr. Milne, to whom the first message was addressed, replied : "Do not understand telegram. Do you propose a commission of inquiry, or set up commissioners to manage railways? — J no. Milne." To this the Minister replies: " Commissioners to manage railways in accordance with Act passed last session."

Some very fine specimens of antimony ore are at present at Mr. John Chambers' office, Queen-street. They were brought from the Great Barrier by Mr. Prescott, the well-known prospector, who discovered the reef when looking for gold under the mountainous portion of the island, at a depth of about 700 feet under the top of the highest hill. Mr. Preseott. informs us that there are two reefs, each upwards of six feet in thickness. Experts pronounce tinore good, and there is plenty of water close at hand for dressing the ore for shipment.

The time for handing over the Onehunga waterworks (September Ist) is now rapidly approaching, and during the coming week the Council will have to provide a sum of £1300, the balance due to the contractor. At present the waterworks fund only amounts to £'200, while the general fund has a sum of £600 to its credit, which, if burrowed for the waterworks, will still leave a deficiency of £500 to be met by the Council. To-night the new Mayor and councillors will take their seats, and as it has been rumoured that they have propounded a scheme to get the Council out of any immediate difficulty, there will doubt less be a large number of ratepayers present to hear a solution of the difficulty. Up to the present the general rate has not been struck, and the knowing ones" cpenly assert that the difficulty cannot, be overcome without levying rates equal to Is P i i:i the £1, independent of the water-rate. The newly-elected members, however, liave not as yet shown their hand, and it remains to be seen whether they can meet the deficiency of £500, and provide funds for starting the works and forming an efficient tire brigade.

His Honor Mr. Justice Gillies, and Messrs. A. Board man and H. <». Wade, the assessors appointed to act with him as a Court of Compensation in the claims of Messrs. Niinmo and Tinne, for land taken by the Kaiim Railway Company, will proceed to the Northern Wairoa to-day for the purpose of inspecting the land in regard to which compensation is claimed, and the surrounding of the claim. It is possible that some evidence may be taken at Dargaville during the visit of the Court.

Our Whakahara correspondent writes :— " I regret to announce that Rockvale. the residence of Mr. S. Webb, was totally destroyed by tire about four a.m. on the Kith ins:., and that nothing but a piano and a few small articles were saved. The family had barely time to escape. The cause of the tire was, it is believed, a foul chimney. There was no insurance on the building. Besides the ordinary household furniture, a gold watch, sewing machine, dairy utensils, three or four saddles and bridles, photograph books and mementoes which can never be replaced, and between £5 and £(j in cash were unfortunately destroyed."

It is stated that the fruit-growers of California recently imported from Australia a consignment of a species of " bug" which has been found to be useful in the Australian fruit gardens, as it preys upon the injects which are so detrimental to the well-being of orchards. The consignment appears to have satisfied the Californians, as they wish Congress to sanction the importation on a large scale. If with the '• bu°:s" the Americans could take a few thousands of their surplus rabbits, the Australians would have no objection to increase their list of exports.

We have received a copy of the Tonga Government Gazette, containing the full text of the treaty of friendship made between the President of the United States of America and His Majesty the King of Tonja. which was ratified at Nukualola on the Ist of August. It is,signed by His Majesty Jioaji Tubou, also by Mr. George H. Bates, representing the United States, and the Rev. Shirley W. Baker, Premier of Tonga.

The first meeting of the Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science v, ill open at Sydney on the 2Sth instant, ana as Mr. S. Percy Smith, president ot the Auckland Institute, and Mr. J. A. Pond, ex-president, have gone to Sydney to represent the Institute, the proceedings of the Association will no doubt be of considerable interest in Auckland. Mr. H. C. Russell, 8.A., F.R.S., F.R.A.S.. fee., will preside at the conference, and all the colonies will be represented by their leading scientists, who will assemble at the great hall of the University, when His Excellency the Governor of New South Wales will welcome the members from the other colonies, and ti.v president will deliver an address. The Tang.- of subjects to be dealt with in the presidential address is very great, and will occupy the sittings of the 29th and 3 f| th These will be followed by popular •scientific lectures, to be commenced on the flight of the 30th, when Sir James Hector v.'ill deliver an address 'on the volcanic eruption in the Hot Lake district of New Zealand. The conversazione of the Royal •Society of New South Wales will be held in the great hall of the University on the sth proximo, and all members of the Association are invited to be present. A number of excursions are also arranged, and the visiting members will have ample room to enjoy themselves and see the principal objects of interest in and around Sydney.

On Saturday the Bootmakers' Union "called out" on strike those of their member.- who are in the employ of Messrs. Garrett Bros., Wakefield -street. The cause °f the difficulty is stated to be the employ merit by this firm of too great a number of boys and improvers, and correspondence ha» recently passed between the Masters' Association, Bootmakers' Union, and Garrett Bros, on the subject, but the latter refused co comply with a demand that they fiiould discharge the improvers and regulate the employment of boys, and this is the reason for the extreme step taken by the Union. The men called out have, howler. intimated that they will not accede to tie request made to them, and it is anticipated that they will resume work to-day as •isual.

Two men, named James Egan and -Michael Head, charged with fighting in Queen-street, and three others, arrested on charges of drunkenness, occupied the police cells last night.

. The Rev. Father McManus, who has been In charge of the Helensville and Dargaville "i-Hricts, is expected shortly to arrive in Jywn to replace the Rev. Father Gillan at Patrick's Cathedral. The latter gentleman, owing to his ill-health, will reside at •bishop's House, Ponsonby. The districts Vacated by the absence of Father McManus *'11 be visited occasionally by the Cathedral pnests.

A serious and painful accident occurred on Friday evening to Mr. J. C. Morrin, Messrs. Heather and Co.'s well-known town traveller. He was in the act of leaping from a fence, when his left foot caught, and he fell heavily to the ground, breaking his leg above the ankle. He was conveyed to his residence in Wellington-street, where his injuries were attended to by Doctor Hooper.

A meeting ot the Auckland Institute is to be held in the Museum Buildings this evening. Two papers are to be read. The first one, by Mr. .las. Adams, 8.A., is an account of an expedition made for botanical purposes to the top of the Moehau mountain, lie highest peak of the range immediately behind Cape Colville, and a locality invested by the Maoris with a " tnpu " of singular force, often mentioned in their traditions. The mountain does not appear to have been ascended by Europeans prior to Mr. Adams' visit, and the vegetation found on the summit is remarkable for being largely composed of southern plants, not hitherto recorded from the north of the Taupo plateau. Dr. Bakcwell is also to read a paper, entitled "Darwinism tested by Logic," in which he endeavours to showthat the theory of evolution does not rest on such a sure foundation as most scientific men suppose. The meeting commences at eight o'clock.

Special services in connection with the anniversary of the Ponsonby Baptist Church were held yesterday, when Pastor Gilmore preached, there being good attendances in the morning and evening. The anniversary soiree will be held on Wednesday.

An outdoor meeting, convened by the Auckland Ratepayers' Association to be held at Quay-street on Saturday afternoon, to consider the retrenchment proposals of the City Council as affecting the stonebreakers in the employ of the latter body, fell through because of the inclemency of the weather.

Some consternation (says a Southern paper) was iv.used in the lobbies recently among members interested in acclimatisation by a new arrival from England by the R.M.s. Ruapelm showing a cage full of sparrow hawks, which he had brought out. under the impression that they would be gladly welcomed as enemies to the small birds, as he had seen the small-birds nuisance written about in the papers. An effort is being made to prevent his letting loose these hawks, as it is feared they would soon exterminate the quails, tuis, pigeons, and other desirable birds as well as the unpopular sparrows.

'•The Pirates of Penzance '" was repeated at the Opera House 011 Saturday night for the benefit of the wardrobe fund of the company, and went off with great success, the principal numbers being repeatedly encored. There was a good attendance in the lower part of the house, especially the stalls, but. the dress circle was rather poorly patronised.

" Hans the Boatman" Companv will arrive from the South to-day, and will appear at the Opera House this evening.

Smith and Caughey beg to intimate that every department lias just been replenished with new spring goods ex steamships Ruapelm and Coptic. Smith and Caughey are also advised by their London buyers of further immense shipments by the s.s. Tainui (now almost due) and other steamers and sailing vessels expected at an early date.

Smith and Caughey would direct special attention to a fresh shipment of their celebrated Black French Merinos and Cashmeres, well adapted for mourning and general wear ; also pure silk rainproof crapes.

1 he Arehhiil Brick and Tile Company are advertising good ordinary bricks at '25 per 1000. Bricks at the present time in Melbourne are quoted at 4~>s at the yard.

A recital of sacred music will be given in St. Sepulchre's Church, Kyber Pass, on Thursday next, at eight p.m. The programme includes several new anthems, solos, and other pieces by members of the choir Admission will be free, but a collection will be made in aid of the choir music fund.

An entertainment in aid of the Scripture Gilt Association will be held this evening in the Ponsonby Hall. There will be various musical selections and readings, and the Rev. J. S. Hill will give a limelight exhibition.

This evening an anniversary entertainment will be given in the Pitt-street Schoolroom in connection with the Pitt-street Wesleyan Band of Hope. Further information will be found in another column.

An advertisement .ears elsewhere giving notice of the annual election of city councillors, which takes place 011 Thursday, September loth.