THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. MONDAY, MARCH 25, 1889. SPLIT IN THE CABINET. CITY VALUATIONS. DEATH OF MR. EDWARD P. W. MILES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 9320, 25 March 1889, Page 4

THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. MONDAY, MARCH 25, 1889.

SPLIT IN THE CABINET.

CITY VALUATIONS.

DEATH OF MR. EDWARD P. W. MILES.

For the first time during the last eighteen years the exports are largely exceeding imports, an evident and cheering sign that the colony is recovering from the depression under which it laboured. It proves also that the people have adapted themselves to the new condition of affairs following the cessation of the great expenditure on public works. In 1868 the condition were much similar. There had been a large war expenditure for several years, concurrently with great yields from the goldfields. One of these sources was abruptly stopped and the other sensibly diminished. Depression followed, and the prices of our produce in the London markets also fell and added to the difficulty. But the inherent vitality of the colony soon asserted itself. The imports which had been greatly in excess during the period of inflation rapidly decreased. The people practising a rigid economy on the one hand and turning their energies to new directions on the other, increased production so rapidly that in 1871 the exports exceeded the imports by no less than one million one hundred thousand pounds. Then came the public works policy with its loans and large expenditure, and the balance was again turned against us. In 1887 the loan expenditure had fallen to little, and the low prices of produce again added to the depressing effect.' But the volume of production steadily increased, and in 1888 the scale was again turned, the exports exceeding the imports by three-quarters of a million. There is every reason to believe that the excess during the current year will be nearer two millions. The decrease of the public works expenditure will not then be felt, and the colony will not only cease to be a borrower, but begin to pay off the debt which the policy of public works caused so rapidly to increase. The varied products of New Zealand have from year to year fluctuated in individual amounts, but the aggregate of exports, with a few insignificant exceptions, has never ceased to advance from the earliest days of the colony. Nothing could more clearly indicate its onward path and the sure foundation on which it rests. Thirty years ago there were no manufactures, and but small home consumption, yet our total exports in 1867-58 were only £369,394. In 1887-88, when wool, wood, and leather are largely turned into finished products for home use, and our own consumption of the raw product lias enormously increased, the year's exports were no less than £6,866,169. This is an enormous growth for so short a period, and requires no comment to enforce its

significance. An ir»v*~+-;r~.17 of the i tems closes some interesting £a? *?* wool had just beguL S to * n extent among our product? 1 ? *? an ? valued at £176,579 In iL- D . d ?** grown regularly and sSiJn year to £3,073,729 TnT y ' year b ? ad<& the home nmnufactu " ?** ** we/have referred," anf°wS (^v X 7 acquired a high and ifJ e sit-ead reputation. Gold £t exported to the value o? * ° nly in 1857. In 1866 ? v, i £40 ' 44 2 £2.844.517, but haTfalL h sli^ h 1 is only £747,891 ir! i S£7 *%ff.M off is very large but ft has been ihegap is more than amply ffiSft the expansion in other and safer ? 7 .ions to which those formerly m gold turned t&ffgg? t on. In m/thmg is. this more manS than m the development of our abun£ coalfields which are beginning no?of to supply the home demand but to Iprospect of extensive" export Fl was exported only to the value of £*n in 1857, and has varied much with U prices m the London market but t, current year will probably see the W not less than a quarter of a m jlfi 0 ' I he mills are everywhere fully at wor the demand is active and the nri e remunerating. Kauri gum" is an V clusively Auckland product. Its Yah in 1857 was only £35,254. In isg 7 was no less than £362,440, hag m= ■' tained a high position in our expor for several years, and shows no s en '■ reduction to an appreciable eiW Grain and pulse ;of different kivj' scarcely figuring at all in'l3s7 ta« valued at £444,888 in 1887. 'deeplWtfi low prices ruling in that year %J. value tor the current year will be le-v much greater. Prices. are better b J the drought in Australia has opend a large demand for cereals n that quarter. Our own cross op magnificent, and large districts & described as "seas of yellow gra if> Ihe frozen and potted meat trade -a--, only opened in 1882 with an export? £19,339. In 1887 it showed the rWpec able total of £555 : y31. Butter arf cheese are beginning to rank arnoc our most promising exports, and creai enes and dairy factories are rapid/ spreading throughout the countrv. Th absence oi droughts, which are ui. known m New Zealand, and the price which our best dairy products ar bringing hi London, foreshadow in thes items-a -quick and.' appreciable exten sion.

Under these circumstances tiie activ demand shown at the recent Crowi land sales, as telegraphed by our We] lington correspondent, will not be sur prising. The purchases are chiefly h small blocks, the healthiest and nice wealth-producing of all settlement, am the kind for which our climate anc conditions offer the strongest induct ment. The revival of confidence resuming from the improved prospects It agricultural and pastoral production s marked. The Government has ben forced by the people to retrench, ari profiting by past experience they ha< set their faces firmly against any furth i borrowing, except for the most urgeit and clearly profitable works. Faeiig the difficulties that, resulted from tie previous inflation, the .fruits of thai energy and economy are legible in th» two great facts—the increa-se in exports and the decrease in imports to whicl we have referred. With.such resource ami power of recuperation, with i climate which stands us' in !such god stead, and vrith the country now open«i up and accessible in all directions, tie unfailing faith of New'Zealanders in the future of their country cannot feij to meet the fullest justification.

It will be seen by reference to our advertising columns that His Worship the Mayor has convened a meeting of subscribers to the Royal Squadron Naval Sports this afternoon at half-past four, at, his office, Municipal Buildings. His Worship requests gentlemen who are unable to attend, and willing to subscribe or assist, to write him to that effect, and make suggestions, etc. There were four persons in the lock-up last evening for drunkenness. _ The last arrest was at nine o'clock last night, when Sergeant McMahon and Constable Cargill found a man lying on the pavement in Swanson-street, who seemed to be suffering from alcoholic poisoning. They took him to the police-station, bub nothing could bo made of him, and he was unable to give his name, or furnish any account of himsolf. A card was found on him, which on being examined was found to be a Gospel Temperance Mission pledge-card, filled in, apparently, on Thursday last. The poor fellow had, apparently, broken out afterwards, and felt some qualms of conscience, as his name was partially defaced on the card, so that his identity could not be made out. Yesterday was a great field day with the Salvationists. In the morning Commissioner Howard led the Holiness meeting, also the forenoon service, assisted by Major Rolfe and Staff-officer Howard ; at the afternoon service Captain Strong, of Gisborne, took part, and at the evening service Lieutenant Harlow, from the Thames, Lieutenant Duggan, from Hamilton, Waikato, and Lieut. (Mrs.) Thomas, from New Plymouth. At the afternoon and evening services Rangi, tho Maori chief from Gisborne, and Staffofficer Howard sang some sacred solos, accompanyingl themselves on the harp. Sir William Fox was on the platform.. There wore large congregations at all the services. To-night being the sixth anniversary of the Auckland corps will be celebrated by a soiree. At the after-meeting Commissioner Howard will give an address entitled " All Round tho World," in which he will give an account of Salvation Army work generally. On the 9th of March a second saloon steward on board the Aorangi, named Edwards, died suddenly of consumption.

The Royal Horticultural Society's show was opon all day on Saturday, bub the attendance of the general public was at no time worthy of the real excellence of the exhibition. The best attendance wae in the evening, when the Garrison Band, undor Bandmaster Hunter, enlivened the proceedings by playing a number of selections outside the shed. ' One reason, doubtless, why the attendance was not better wag that the weather was showery and threatening. It is much to bo regretted that thoro was not a larger attendance to encourage the Society to continue these interesting and instructive shows, for if they are allowed to drop through for want of support it will be, as oppressed by His Worship the Mayor at the opening of the show on Friday, a provincial calamity. We may add that during the afternoon the Very R«v. Monsignor McDouald attended, accompanied by about twenty children belonging to his Sundayschool at Pantnure, to whom he afforded the pleasing treat of inspecting the show, and they were evidently highly delighted with what they saw, while their worthy pastor was warmly greeted and welcomed by large numbers of his Auckland friends. It is gratifying to find that the Saturday evening concerts at the Sailors' Home aro still maintaining their popularity, and among the class for whose benefit they were organised. At the entertainment on Saturday evening in the Mission Hall there was not standing room, and many stood in the corridors, or listened at the opon windows. The programme was furnished by the Good Templar Pennant Lodge of H.M.s. Lizard, assisted by friends. Chief Templar H. C. Martin, of the lodge, presided. The programme wae as follows :—Piano solo, Mr. Forbes; song, "The Golden Ring," Brothor Snolling (H.M.6. Lizard); song, "Good-bye Till I Meet You again," Sister Williams; song, " Just to Please the Ladies" (encored), Brother Gilbert (H.M.e. Lizard; recitation, "The Common Sailor," Sister Gardiner; song, "Jack's Como Homo To-day, "Where the Irish Praties Grow," Brother Rogers (H.M.e. Lizard); song, "As Wo Rested on Our Arms Reversed," Sister Walsh ; song, " Erin, Dear, Good-bye," Brother Reed (H.M.s. Lizard); song, " You Get More Like Your Dad Evory Day," Brother Allen ; song, " Poor Little Joe," Sister Teannery. Most of the itoma had to be repeated, owing to encores. Miss Foster (who played the pianoforte accompaniments) delivered a brief temperance address, and the Chairman thanked those present for their attendance, and the friends who assisted in the programme. The proceedings were brought to a close with "God Save the Queen."

The anniversary services in connection with the Dome Valley "Sunday-school were held in the Wesleyan Church on Sunday and Monday; the 17th and 18th instant, when sermons were preached on Sunday morning by the Rev. J. J. Mather, and in the afternoon and evening by Mr. W. C. McDowell, 8.A., the whole of which were well attended. At the afternoon service prizes were distributed to the children of the school, the value being in accordance with the attainment in Scripture subjects and punctuality in attendance. The church had been tastefully decorated with banners, mottoes, and floral wreaths by the lady teachers and elder scholars, ably superintended by Mr. Witham, the superintendent of the Sunday-school. On Monday, the 18th, a tea meeting was held, when a considerable gathering of friends was the result. After tea, a public meeting was hold, when Mr. McDowell, much to the delight of the young folk and instruction to the older ones, gave an exhibition by means of a magic lantern of photographic views which he had taken while in the Holy Land. At intervals the choir of the church gave selections of music, which again brought into notice the efforts of Mr. Witham in the creditable way in which the music was rendered. After having been entertained for upwards of two hours, votes of thanks to those who had assisted, and to Mr. McDowell, were passed by acclamation, when the meeting was brought to a close by singing the Doxology. The Rev. Mr. Mather ably occupied the chair. The proceeds went to the Sundayschool fund.—[Own Correspondent.] Messrs. Baker Bros, call attention in our advertising columns to their " printed list of properties and businesses for sale and to be let in - various parts of New Zealand." The catalogue is well arranged, easy of reference, and its size gives some idea of the extent of the firm's large connection. The circulation amongst hotels, places of resort, and in other ways, is about 10,000 in the year. It is an excellent method of bringing.together buyer and seller, and the fact that Messrs. Baker Bros, had the other day an application from Fiji for one of their property lists from a gentleman coming to New Zealand shows how effectively they are distributed since his arrival. Mr. Baker has distributed over 1000 of these lists in and about Auckland. We are requested to state that it was the tender of Mr. E. L. Smith, of the Ponsonby Club Hotel, which was accepted for the canteen at the Easter encampment of volunteers to be held at i'ukekohe, and Mr. Maxwell, who did not tender for the canteen, tendered for messing the troops. In our advertising columns will be found an announcement of Mr. J. H. Keep, who has commenced business in Fort street as an indent and commission agent and hardware and general mercantile broker. Mr. Keep has acquired an intimate knowledge of the colonial trade, having been for five years associated with Messrs. Keep Bros., Australian Jand colonial merchants, of Birmingham and London. Since 1879 he has been connected with the New Zealand hardware trade in Wellington, and for the past six years with T. and S. Morrin and Co. of this city. Mr. Keep's English and Australian connections should give him special advantages, and his many friends in the colony will, we are sure, wish him success in the business he has now entered upon. Mr. Wm. Jones, formerly secretary of the Peace Society and a member of the Society of Friends, who is now making a tour of New Zealand, will arrive in Auckland by the s.s. Manapouri to-day, and will address a public meeting in the Y.M.C.A. lecture hall on Friday evening next. Mr. J ones has no official position at present, but as secretary of the Peace Society he has in times gone by interviewed most of the eminent statesman of Europe in his efforts to substitute international arbitration for the arbitrament of Avar in settling disputed questions. Tenders are invited elsewhere by Mr. James Hislop, architect, of Dunedin, for the erection of the first or main portion of the New Zealand Exhibition buildings. A notice to contractors in reference to cutting open water races for the Waihi Gold Mining Company will be found in our advertising columns. Election of a councillor for Borough of Devon port will take place on the 10th prox., and nominations on the 3rd. A notice in reference to the Remuera Seminary, Portland Road, Parnell, which is a select boarding and day school for young ladies (Mrs. Law, principal), will be found in our advertising oolumns.

CURRENT POLITICAL RUMOURS. MR. FISHER AND HIS COLLEAGUES. REPORTED DISAGREEMENT. THE OBJECT OF HIS VISIT TO AUCKLAND. [BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Saturday. When rumour obtains general acceptance it is looked upon by the public as fact; if it be not fact it serves the purpose of fact in the minds of those who make it a lever of attack. This evening the absence of the Commissioner of Customs from Wellington is regarded as indicating a rift in the Cabinet through which all sorts of official secrets are rushing out. Ib is said that there is a difference of opinion among the members, bub the Hon. Mr. Fisher is credited with an opposition to the other members of the Government which is calculated to imperil its existence. Mr. Fisher is expected hero to-morrow, bub recent telegrams say that he is not likely to leave the Northern capital until Monday or Tuesday. Whether or not any charge of inconsistency can be brought against the Government, it is impossible for an outsider to say, but the present rumours are being taken advantage of to formulate the following charges against the Ministry : —• (1) That it has superseded the orders given by the Commissioner of Customs to prosecute those firms which were reported by the Customs expert as having committed a breach of the Duties Act; (2) that it has permitted to lapse the orders made for the collection of particular penalties ; (3) that it has withdrawn from the decisions taken by the Cabinet in certain cases. Ib is not to be wondered at that tho Post leads a body of political malcontents against the Government stronghold, for strong the Government is affirmed to be, nob only by ibs friends, but by those who take no prominent part in public affairs. Tho following is the burthen of to-night's leader : — It is common rumour that not only has the deliberate decision of the Commissioner of Customs in regard to these import seizures been arbitrarily overruled by his colleagues, but they have also reversed his decision that certain beer duty prosecutions should not take place. The present visit of the Commissioner to Auckland is believed to be in connection with the very serious differences of opinion, culminating in something as nearly as possible approaching a row, which is said to have occurred in the Cabinet over these matters, Mr. Fisher's object being to enlist the sympathy, or take the advice, of Sir Frederick Whitaker as to the position he has been placed in. Whether this is so or not we cannot, of course, state positively, but the fact that serious differences have arisen is, we believe, beyond dispute. Tho Commissioner of Customs will be able to explain in good time tho object of his visit to Aucklaud. lb may very well be said that as head of one of the mast important departments connected with the public revenue, he should ask the advice of Sir Frederick Whitaker as to the cost which a public prosecution of the kind would entail upon the taxpayers. Sir Frederick Whitaker, as Attorney - General and a member of the Cabinet, is tho proper person to consult upon such points. Why should a greater breach of Cabinet etiquette be imagined when less would do, if the objects were nob bo discredit the Government? That many questions of great public importance have arisen in connection with the Customs Department may be admitted, without compassing a general disruption of the Cabinet. Parliament will bo more likely to say that Ministers have done well in avoiding costly litigation, and saving to the revenue the money that a posse of erudite lawyers would be likely to require for arguing in Court questions that appear very simple and plain bo the intelligence of mere laymen.

The following are the valuations of various wards of the city this year beforo and after the holding of the Assessment Court: — January 15, After Assessment 138!). Court. Grafton .. £11, - £11,585 Karansrahapo.. 24,434 ... _ 23,5'.W Kast .. .. 107,2:13 „ .. 103, North .. .. 77,341 .. ... 74,056 South .. .. 65,307 — - 53.377 Ponsonby .. 43,032 _ - 42,795 Total .. £323,200 .. - £313,022 By reductions from March 20, ISSS, to January 15, 1880 £16,058 Assessment Court to March 20,1539 184 Two years total reduction _ £26,842

— —^ Mr. Edward P. W. Miles, head of the firm of Miles Bros, of London, Miles and Co., of Christchurch, and Miles and Archer, of Timaru, expired somewhat suddenly of syncope at the residence of Mr. Hanmer, Manawaru, Te Aroha, on Friday morning last, and his remains were brought to Auckland by train on Saturday evening for interment, Mr. Hanmer accompanying them. The deceased gentleman had for a great number of years been connected with New Zealand enterprise, taking a large interest in colonial matters in his capacity as head of the firms referred to, also as director of the Union Bank of Australia in London, as director of the New Zealand Shipping Co., and as director of the London and Westminster Bank, and other important institutions in London, lie has been identified with the colonies for a great number of years, having first started a large business in Melbourne, but ho came to New Zealand in the early days, when Lyttelton was first founded, and, seeing a good opening, he transferred his business to Christchurch, where it has been carried on successfully ever since. Since Mr. Miles went to London permanently ho has frequently visited New Zealand, and on this, his last, visit, he had been nearly twelve months in the colony. He had been in failing health for some time, but feeling somewhat recovered, he came up last Tuesday, and proceeded to Te Aroha on a visit to Mr. Hanmer, intending to leave for England by the mail steamer Alameda, ina San Francisco, on her next trip. On Thursday night ho was taken ill, and died on Friday morning, at the age of 60 years. As Mr. Miles was under medical treatment, a certificate as to the cause of death was procured, thus obviating any necessity for an inquest.