THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 1890.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8284, 17 June 1890, Page 4

THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 1890.

Is it possible that the House of Representatives, when it meets in a few days, will plunge into the discussion of a want-of-confidence motion 1 It is said that the leader of the Opposition means to press such a motion as an amendment to the Address-in-Reply. For the Opposition to take this course, and for the House to enter into such a debate, would simply be, to use a vulgar phrase, for which we must apologise, "a piece of cheek." At the last general election there was a loud and irresistible cry that the number of members should be reduced, with the hope and expectation that the reduction would result in less waste of time, less jobbery and corruption. Members were obliged to reduce the number of the House, but they have been ever since squirming to get out of what they did. To get them to swallow the reduction it was enacted that the law should not come into force till the end of the present Parliament, and the members have contrived to have four sessions in a triennial Parliament. It is the merest rule of common sense and of honest practice, that when a Parliament makes a change in its constitution, or in the electoral body, at the mandate of the country, it should

dissolve, so that it might be truly representative. Tins Parliament did not do that, but has hung on. And now these members will commence to discuss, in the most haughty and self-conscious manner, the question, " That this House has no confidence in the present Government." Why, the country has no confidence in the present House ! Every action of a representative body infers that it has the confidence of those it professes to represent. But the present Parliament voted years ago that its members should be reduced, and now new districts have been marked off, and no member lias a district which he can say sends him to Parliament. And surely in these circumstances it would be a deed of folly to discuss whether the House has confidence in the present Government.

[ Besides, in, such a case, there ought to be some recognised principle involved. We can understand a vote of want of confidence if a Ministry came down with a whole set of schemes embracing a change of policy and some new departure in administration. But no such thing is to be attempted according to the latest Ministerial utterance, that of Mr. Richardson. The Government only ask to be enabled to lay the financial position before the colony, to do only what is absolutely necessary in the way of legislation, and then to dissolve. The Opposition has no counter policy. They can only say that half-a-dozen of them want to become Ministers. But surely the House would not have the front to attempt to form a new Ministry from the present members, even if a dissolution could be avoided.

On the whole, we do not think that a want-of-confidence motion will be attempted. It would be too great an outrage on the country's sense of decency. It is far more likely that some Opposition member 'will move that three months' supplies be granted to the Government, and that the House immediate dissolve, with the view of having a, r session before the end of ythe ear. There is a good deal to be said for this course. It is a confession that the present House is incompetent. Sir Harry Atkinson ought to have dissolved last session, when it was shown that nothing could be done. When there is a complete electoral change there ought to be, as soon as possible, a new House, and a Ministry having the confidence of that House. At present the House does not represent the country. If Sir Harry had dissolved last session, by this time we should have had a new House, and perhaps a Ministry able to see what the country sorely needs. We pleaded hard for a dissolution last session, but the present Ministers were successful in their opposition. They opposed the motion for a dissolution, not because they wanted to do needful legislation, but because they wanted to hold on to their seats as long as possible. To a motion for an immediate dissolution Ministers will probably reply that they mean little else—that all they want to do is to pass a few measures to enable administration to run more smoothly, and that then they will dissolve, and in this way the cost of a second session would be saved to the country. The retort to this will be that in this way Ministers will manage to cling to their seats for nearly another year.

But all party schemes may be affected by the state of Sir Harry Atkinson's health. If he can by any means struggle through the session the Ministry may continue untouched until the new Parliament meets. Rut if he is compelled to retire we do not see tnat any reconstruction is possible or advisable. We shall then have all tilings new.

We must say that we would be content to go on with the present Ministry, and should be glad to avoid the cost and the annoyance of a second session, if they appreciated the present position of the country. What we see at the present time is that, with all things favourable to us, with good seasons and good markets, still we are losing our population. The returns published the other day show that during the month of May the colony lost nearly 1000 people, Everyone who has " views" about imports and exports, argues whether this, that, or the other thing is a favourable sign or an unfavourable sign. There is no mistaking this. Sir Harry Atkinson would have had to retrench two years ago had not the Protectionists come to his aid, and enabled him to load the Customs. The result has been wholly mischievous in every direction. There is just one reason why people are leaving the country, and only one, and when we see that our politicians recognise it we shall be glad. That one sole reason is, that we are too heavily taxed.

lb is stated in our cable messages this morning that the Emperor of Germany will be accompanied on his visit to the Czar by General Von Caprivi. The Austrian Government arc endeavouring to minimise the effect of the War Minister's speech on the European situation. The feeling against England on the part of the Portuguese is still very bitter. The proof sheets of Stanley's new book on Africa have been stolen. It is reported that he lias been appointed Governor of tho Congo Free State. Several of the members of the House of Representatives leave for Wellington today by the s.s. Takapuna, to attend the session of Parliament. Wo have received from the Minister of Mines and Agriculture of New South Wales a copy of a description of the Jenolan Caves, written by Mr. J. J. Foster, and published by authority of the Government. The work is dedicated to Lord (Harrington, Governor of New South Wales, by the author. The work gives an interesting account of the accidental discovery of tho caves in IS4I by two policemen in search of the notorious bushrangor, McEwan. The work is an interesting one for tourists, for it nob only describes the caves themselves, but the various routes to them, and the characteristic features of each route. Via Tarana the caves are 120 miles by rail and 36 miles by coach from Sydney, but there are other shorter routes, the most interesting of which is that by Mount Victoria. The book is essentially a work of reference, and tho descriptions are highly interesting. A y unique and novel question puzzled the .) udgo of the Supreme Court yesterday, in regard to banking matters. There was a dispute between the National Bank of New Zealand and one of their clients, which was left for the Judge to ""decide, and ib was this. The client had current accounts in the National Banks at Wellington and Tauranga. He overdrew his account in Wellineton, and was charged interest on his overdraft, bub he argued that he had no right to be charged interest beeauso he had a credit at the Tauranga bank. The question in its present form is one which has not been raised before. There are no cases exactly in point, and Mr. Justice Conolly has taken time to consider his decision. The report of the case published elsewhere will give our readers an outline of the varied points involved in it,

We regret to state that Air. Samuel Turtle succumbed yesterday morning at the District Hospital to the injuries he sustained through falling down stairs on Saturday night week at the Masonic Hotel, Devonport. He was found, it will be remembered, lying in an unconscious state at the foot of the stairs, having fallen whilst going up to his bedroom. Dr. Parkinson had' him forwarded to the District Hospital, but little hope was entertained from the first of his recovery. Day by day the patient's symptoms deepened into those of inflammation of the brain. Latterly he became comatose, and died at a quarter to six yesterday morning. Dr. Daldy held a post mortem examination, and found that death had been caused by fracture of the base of the skull in two places, leading to inflammation of the bruin.. At the inquest (Dr. Philson, Coroner), after hearing the evidence adduced, the jury returned a verdict of " Accidental death." The deceased was a single man, 49 years of age, a native of London, his only surviving relative being a sister in County Antrim, Ireland, in whose favour prior to his death he made his will. He was in good circumstances, and pending other arrangements Mr. Foughey is attending to matters pertaining to his business. Deceased was a member of the firm of Morpeth and Cox, and managed the Thames branch of their business. On Mr. Morpeth's death he came to Auckland and carried on the business. He was well known in Australia, on the West Coast, and on the Thames, and recently became a member of the Auckland Brokers' Associa tion. Yesterday the various coastal steamers had their flags half-mast high as a token of respect for the deceased. Owing to Mr. Turtle being a member of the Sir Walter Scott Lodge of Freemasons, Thames, the brethren have arranged to bury him at the Thames. The funeral will leave the Hospital at half-past one o'clock this afternoon, and meet thes.s. Rotomahana at the Queenstreet Wharf at a quarter past two by which vessel the remains will be conveyed to the Thames. At the meeting of the Brokers' Association, yesterday afternoon, it was resolved to close the Exchange ali noon, to-day, in order to afford an" opportunity for the members to attend the funeral of Mr. Turtle. To-morrow (Wednesday) deceased will be interred at Tararu Cemetery, with Masonic honours. Our Thames correspondent telegraphs as follows:— The sad intelligence of Mr. Samuel Turtle's demise was received here this morning with regret. The deceased was well-known here, having been a resident for almost '20 years, and was highly esteemed and respected."

The New Zealand Financial Reform Association, started a few months ago in Auckland has madejrapidjstrides. A recent issue of the Otago Workman, a weekly paper published in Dunedin, and having a very large circulation among the working classes, devoted a considerable amount of space to a loading article vigourously commending the objects of the association to its readers, and earnestly urging the public to form similar organisations and work in harmony with the Auckland people. In and around Auckland, at Whangarei and several places in the Waikato district, volunteers are taking the matter up ; all work being voluntary. Parties willing to help to lift New Zealand out of its present unhappy position, can procure signature sheets and all information from Mr. John Douglas, land agent, Queen-street, or the honorary secretary, Mr. James Muir, West Tamaki.

The annual meeting of the Auckland Athenaeum took place last evening at the rooms of the Auckland Society of Arts. Dr. Girdler presided, and arrangements were made for the forthcoming session. Arrangements are also being made for a debate on the question " Is it desirable that New Zealand should give in her adhesion to the Australasian Federation scheme V An Australian gentleman resident in the city, is prepared to take the affirmative, but there is some difficulty in getting some one to take up the negative sido of the question, as the members of the Atherueum are almost unanimously in favour of Federation. The usual course of lectures will shortly be made up and announced.

On Friday last a boating party had a narrow escape of being drowned at Whangapoua. The following are the particulars :— Messrs. Pulham, Richards, and Mclsaacs proceeded in a large open boat to Kuaotunu for the purpose of bringing Mrs. Richards and children, and throe other ladies, who came down from Auckland by the s.s. lona, back with them to Whangapoua. In crossing the bar at Whangapoua there was a nasty swell, and the boat capsized, but fortunately all escaped.

The Hon. Mr. Rolleston has definitely decided to stand for Halswell in opposition to Mr. Saunders. Present indications point to a spirited contest for Chriatchurch city. Mr. Reeves is making a bold bid for the working man's vote.

Dr. Greenwood, a very old pettier, died at Motueka on Sunday', aged 87. He was the first inspector of schools here, and the Principal of Nelson College for some years. He was also Sergeaht-at-Arms in the House of Representatives in the early days of tlic colony. He and his wife, who died a few months ago, were model settlers, exercised great hospitality, and were most useful to all around.

The adjourned meeting of the Waitakerei Licensing Committee was held on Monday, a! Swanson. Present : Messrs. West (chairman), Brown, Heath, and Sinclair. Mr. T. \V. Seaman represented the clerk, who was unable to be present; Mr. C. Buddie, on behalf of the Bank of New Zealand ; and Mr. Cairns, the purchaser of the Oratea hotel and adjacent land, were also present. After hearing Mr. Buddie's arguments in favour of renewing the license, and a petition in favour thereof, the committee, by the casting vote of the chairman, refused the renewal of the license on the ground that the house was not required in the district.

The well-known scenic artist, Mr. H. N. Thornton, has been engaged by Mr. Christie Murray to proceed South to paint the scenery for the production of his play of "Chums" in Christchurch and Dunedin. The engagement has arisen through Mr. Murray being so highly pleased with the scenery which Mr. Thornton painted for the production of the play in Auckland.

A social gathering in connection with the celebration of the Jubilee of the Wesleyan Church in New Zealand was held in the schoolroom of Wesley Church, Taranakistreet, Wellington, on June 14. The Rev. J. Berry occupied the chair. The Rev. W. J. Watkin, of the Hutb, a son of one of the early missionaries, in the course of some interesting remarks, mentioned that the Wesley..n Church had begun operations at Whangaroa, north of Auckland, Go' years ago, and the land on which the- first place ot worship there was erected was still the property of the Wesleyans. The Church had prospered in this colony, and the jubilee which was about to be celebrated was to show gratitude to God for all His mercies since the arrival of the first missionaries. Referring to local Church affairs, he pointed out that the early Wesleyans in Wellington first worshipped in a Maori tenement. A brick building was then erected, but no sooner had it been completed than it was wrecked by the great earthquake of IS4S. A church with a spire was then built, and after a while it was destroyed by fire, the present building in Taranaki-streeb taking its place. The Rev. W. Morley, who has been appointed travelling secretary of the Jubilee movement, explained that ib was proposed to raise a sum of £15,000 by the Jubilee movement throughout the colony. It was considered most desirable that home mission work should be extended, and a portion of the money raised would be devoted to that object. It was also proposed to assist distressed trusts, and another proposal was to add £2000 to the loan fund, so as to bring it up to £10,000.

Mr. E. W. Cole, of the Book Arcade, Melbourne, has received the large number of five hundred and seven essays, in response to his invitation for contributions on the federation of the world question. Twothirds of the writers support federation in the broad sense, and one-third oppose it. The names of the two successful essayists, to whom prizes of £10 are to be awarded, will be announced shortly. Mr. Cole now invites additional essays up to Monday, the 21st of July, to go into his forthcoming book. An advertisement on the subject appears in our columns.

We learn that M. Leon Caron, conductor of the orchestra with the present Opera Company, has composed a romantic opera, entitled "Mata-Mfti." Competent musicians who have hoard portions of the music, describe the work as being of a high order of excellence. It will be produced shortly in Melbourne,

It appears that the illness c Pastoi ' Birch was caused by blood p 3oning caught whilst visiting a dying voman. He fought against the attack to »e last, bub on Tuesday last, at Mrs. Stone's funeral, had to hold on to the gi ;e railing to support himself. It is st ed that; the rev. gentleman is now almost estored again, but Dr. Girdler, whose atte ion has been unremitting, strongly ises a change of air and scene for a wet or ten days, and suggests his taking a to in the Clansman to Russell. The Minis Association have kindly taken up hi vork of preaching and visiting the sick >r him. The Rev. Mr. Lee, the new minister at Grafton Road, has mistaken the Thursday night service for hi at tk« Tabernacle. * Last evening about nine o'clocj a telephone message reached the polij statto* from Symonds-streeb that there is a man there in charge of a cart who was 1 a state of intoxication. Sergeant Don Tin and Constable Addison started in qi st of the inebriated carter, but although i sy found the horse and cart, there was no jn of the driver high or low. After a fruit ss search in the side gullies, the officers ook possession of the cart and drove Pie horse down to Crowther's stables for he night. No doubt the owner or driver ill put in an appearance to-day. There is a flutter among the smbers of the police force over the junior ei minations which commence to-day, under he supervision of Inspector Broham. lere were some 17 candidates, but La ippe and other causes reduced the nuner to 13. Several candidates are from t> country and the Thames. It is runured that there is heavy wagering in the orce as to who will, or will not, succeed n getting safely through the "little go* In that case it would be just as well uring the examinations in the matter | Acts of I Assembly for the police to rsort their memories on the provisions of {o Gaming ' and Lotteries Act. The Anti-Poverty Society ho! a public meeting this evening, when Dr. >allis will maintain the principle of prate land ownership against the follower! of Henry George. Rev. Dr. Hooper, i Mount) Albert, will reply on behalf of;he AntiPoverty Society, from Henry] George's standpoint. The discussion is Uely to be an interesting one, as both gentemen are practised public speakers and debtors. The contractor for the Greyhomd block of buildings is making excellent progress with his contract, considering ire interruptions of wet weather and other causes. A start is being made with the rotting, and when that is completed the interior work will be carried on web or dry. | i Among the passengers by theMariposa for 'Frisco were Mr. R. K. Garjck, gum merchant, of the well "known firm d Stewart and Garlick ; Dr. Leech, of the Oraige Free State, who; has been paying a visj; to this colony ; and Mr. Lockhart, chairman of the Scottish and New Zealand Investment Company (of Edinburgh). By the s.s. Takapuna this norning Messrs. Erskine Scott and J. Stuarn agents for Mr. Harry St. Maur and Mr. DX'hristie Murray respectively, proceed to Christchurch to make arrangements for the production there of the latter's new drama "Chums." The St. Maur Company are doing excellent business at the Thames, and will play there till to-morrow; and then leave for Christchurch and Dunedin by the s.s. Mararoa on Thursday. Among the passengers by the s.s. Takapuna from the South yesterday was Mr. John Ross (of Sargood, Son, and Ewen), formerly of Auckland but now of Dunedin. Mr. Ross is up on one of his periodical business visits in connection with the Auckland branch. He leaves again on Thursday for Wellington by the East Coast route, and hopes to have the pleasun before returning to Dunedin of opening th( handsome new business premises of tha firm in Wellington, which are now close oi completion. On account of Mr. C. E. Button's illneS the lecture advertised in the winter course of the Young Men's Christian Association for Friday next) is postponed till Fridiy, 27th insfc. At the Thames Police Court yesterdiy, Samuel Mears, a well-known grocer, was charged with selling a bott'o of Wendell's grape wine on April 30 without being duly licensed. He pleaded guilty, and was fined £1 and costs. Some of the mascer bakers, it appears, are still holding out against the Operative Bakers' Union, and ome, it is alleged, whe signed the list arc working their men beyond the hours agr.-ed upon. An investigation is being made into these allegations. The Union has voted £5 to the Tailoresses' Union. The recent wet weather has made Karangahape Road rather muddy, and yesterday the mud-scraper was at work. Some of the city footpaths are in a very bad state at present, and a judicious application of scoria ash would prove a boon to pedestrians. Yesterday Mr. Samuel Jagger was in a critical condition, and is unconscious. Some doubts are entertained now of his recovery. There is a splendid collection of books at Messrs. Samuel Vaile and Sons' salerooms, t« be sold by auction to-day at eleven o'clock, amongst which we notice a set of Pinkerton's Voyages in 17 volumes ; Masterpieces of Industrial Art and Sculpture, three volumes; Gallery of British pictures, a fine proof copy; " Finden's Beauties of Moore," proof impressions ; Marcoy's South America, tour volumes : several fine copies of Shakespere"s works, etc. _ We do not think a finer library has ever before been brought to the hammer in Auckland, and all lovers of good books would do well to avail themselves of this opportunity of securing best editions of standard works in elegant bindiqgs.