THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1890.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8384, 11 October 1890, Page 4

THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1890.

Will the Parliament which we are now about to elect be better than the last ? It seems somewhat doubtful. And yet, above all things, the colony at this time wants the services of good men, whose future depends upon its being wisely governed. It wants the services of men who have a stake in the country, and who for their common sense and good judgment are looked up to by their fellow-citizens. If the House is not a better one than the last, whose will be the fault ? We want to say » few -worC-\ at present to indicate how aa improvement might be made.

There is nothing very attractive about the position of a member of the House of Representatives. The honorarium is small, so that no one will go to Parliament for that. This is something to be thankful for, for of all the misfortunes that could

happen to a country the severest is that it should be governed by a set of men who are professional politicians, and who have no interest in the country except the money they draw from its treasury. This paltry consideration becomes the first in their view, and they sell themselves, and plot and scheme, and sacrifice the public interest, to what they think will promote their election. Then the position of a member makes it necessary that a man shall spend three months at least of every year in Wellington. In other lands, the chosen of the people go from the provinces to the capital, where they have around them the amenities of a large city. But in New Zealand we shut them up for the session in the most disagreeable place of residence in the colony. We think it was Mr. Reader Wood who said once that to attend Parliament was simply to undergo three months' imprisonment with hard labour. And that was said when there were no such men in the House as Mr. Fish and Mr. Seddon. These men, and one or two others of the same tone, took possession of the House last session, i.nd we believe that their violent and interminable harangues are responsible for the resolution of some good' men not to try to get back. For a man of any intellect, with any gentlemanly feeling about him, we cannot imagine anytliing more "wearisome and disgusting than to have to listen for three months together to the everlasting loquacity of some of the foremost Opposition orators. The tortures of the Inquisition were nothing to it.

This is not an attractive picture. Some features may in course of time be improved, but at all events we have to send representatives to Parliament now, and the best men we can get. It is obvious that we cannot send the best men we have, unless these men become candidates. And they are not likely to become candidates under the present circumstances. In England the bringing out of suitable candidates is an important function of the party leaders, and the greatest care is taken to select good men. Here everything is haphazard. The electors probably have to make their choice between two men who press themselves upon them. In ihe circumstances, considering that we are sending those men to discharge an arduous and disagreeable duty, we ought to look about for gentlemen in whom we have full confidence, and ask them to come forward. We ought also to make the election an easy matter for them, and if necessary subscribe the expenses. We must do this, or something like it, if the country is not to be ruined by being put in charge of those who have no interest in it. We must do this, or something like it, if the next Parliament is to be better than the last. It could scarcely be worse.

Look at what happens now. A man comes out as a candidate, and most of his friends tell him he is a fool for his pains. If they do not tell him so they, think so. Perhaps he is a fool to begin with, and then he believes everybody who tells him that he is just the man whom the district and the country want. But what happens as soon as

an announces himself as a candidate) ? Why, the scene is scandalous, and the electors ought not to allow it. He is like a living victim thrown into a pack of hungry wolves. He is surrounded by a crowd of men who demand to be " put on" at so much per week. If he does not consent to " bleed" they will spoil his meetings, and "make things hot for him." Elections about Auckland have sometimes cost as much as £750, nearly all of which went in blackmail, If we ask a man to come forward, and he consents, he should be relieved from all this degradation. We have often thought that it was no wonder that members showed signs of deterioration after a contested election. They never seemed to recover moral tone after passing through one or two elections. They saw so much during the contests of the very seamiest side of human nature that they lost faith in humanity, and became demoralised themselves. It was really no wonder, we thought, after what they passed through, that they became in the House corrupt jobbers, and sought to recoup themselves by any means in their power for what they had endured during the elections.

Now is the time to make a beginning on a new line. There are not a few men in the community perfectly fit for the office in every respect. But such men will not push themselves forward under the present conditions. The man chosen should be of proved capacity amongst his fellows. He must have nothing to gain by political intrigue. He must have a good record as being strictly honourable and moral. New Zealand must be hir country to such an extent that he will su fer by its depression, and will advance with its prosperity. His interests must be absolutely identical with the best interests of the community. Let us look round, and when we find such a man, ask him to go to Wellington to take part

in conducting the affairs of this colony, so much misgoverned in the past. This is our only chance to improve the course of legislation, and to save New Zealand from many calamities. We ought.not to count it a favour to give a man our votes. The favour is all the other way at the present time. • If the electors sit down and wait for men to come forward, they will be offered a poor ohoice. When the poll-ing-day comes they will have to select from the few rotten oranges in the market. We are quite aware that to commence the work of obtaining a good candidate is a matter of difficulty as tilings stand here, but it must be done if the House of Representatives is to be proved.

The effect of the striken in Australia is now being felt in scarcity of coal in Sydney. The supplies for commercial purposes are almost exhausted, -while those for household use are not obtainable. So far as the shipping: is concerned, traffic appears to be carried on without much inconvenience, but unless the coal difficulty is surmounted, there seems likely to be a prospect of serious embarrassment. Our European cable messages report a somewhat mysterious occurrence, in which the Emperor of Russia is said to have been wounded, while hunting, by the explosion of a dynamite shell. Madame Meloa has scored another great success in Paris. Rumours are still current respecting the solvency of certain London financial firms who have embarked extensively on transactions in Victorian stock.

Up to the time of our going to press there was no sign of the mail steamer Alameda from San Francisco She will probably reach port early this forenoon. The direct mail per R.M.s. Aorangi, which bears London dates of August 24, will be brought up from the South to the Manukau to-morrow, and be distributed on Monday morning. The San Francisco steamer Alameda which is due today brings dates to September 6. '

The Hon. G. F. Richardson left Dunedin for the North yesterday afternoon.

Among the passengers by the mail steamer for Sydney will be Mr. E. G. Parker, geologist, who is en route for the Malay Archipelago, Borneo, and the Malaccas. He is acting for a New Zealand and Australian syndicate, who have in view obtaining concessions in working in those quarters for gold, coal, and other minerals. Mr. Parker states that the enterprise will be a big thing, and floated on the London market. He has been staying in Auckland during the last few months for the benefit of his health, and hopes to return here in about a twelvemonth.

The Union Steamship Company have issued new shipping orders in order to prevent mistakes as to the terms on which they carry freight, and new shipping notea which will facilitate the receipt of goods ab their port of destination, and also prevent the occurrence of mistakes. A circular has been issued by the company, defining the conditions of the " red bill of lading or order" and the " black bill of lading or order," as they will be respectively known, and shippers will have the option of shipping cargo under one )r the other. Under the red bill of ladirg the company will assume the liabilities of carriage which are not covered by an oidinary New Zealand policy of marine insurance; and the rates per cent, for goods consigned to main ports, roadsteads, ports where cargo has to be lightered, and at Hokitika, Patea, and East Coast by-ports between Auckland and Gisborne are given. The valued must be declared before shipment.

A meeting of the shareholders of tha Kquitable Insurance Association, at which 14,600 shares were represented, was held at Hokitika, when Mr. Sinclair, one of the directors, explained the position of the company, and the action which the directors had taken in relation to the increase of their fees. After considerable discussion, the following motion was unanimously passed :—" That this meeting having heard Mr. Sinclair's explanation respecting the directors' fees, is not satisfied to admit the plea put forward by the board, as as excuse for having illegally drawn so large an amount of money for . their services, in direct violation of the articles of association, for a period of over six years, the same being quite unwarranted by the disastrous nature of the business of the association, and whilst shareholders were paying heavy and continuous calls, and therefore sees no reason for altering the previous resolutions arrived at on the subject, and again urge upon the directors the necessity for immediate compliance, in order to avoid extreme measures being resorted to."

At tha Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday a number of judgment summonses were disposed of, but an order was made in only one case, that of Thomas Ussher v. Joseph Draper, a claim for £1 12s 6d. The Court ordered defendant to pay 4s a week. In the defended case of Charlotte Surman v. Stephen Hooker, claim £2 8s 4d, for groceries supplied, judgment, which was reserved from Thursday, was given yesterday in favour of the plaintiff; with costs £1 7s.

The number of applicants at the Charitable Aid Board has been somewhat small of late, the '•chronics" being headed off from applying owing to the demand for free labour. All through the strike the strikers have kept away from the offices of the Board, and there has been but one claim, and that an indirect one, which could be regarded as at all referable to the strike.

The glare in the sky which was observed at midnight on Thursday night proved to be, as was predicted, caused by a fire in the Remuera district, which resulted in the total destruction of a cottage situated in Orakei Road, owned by Mr. W. Goldie, ranger of the Auckland Domain, and occupied by Mr. W. M. Gossett How the fire originated is not known. Mr. Gossett states that when returning home at about eleven o'clock he saw the fire breaking through the roof of the cottage, and upon going inside he found his wife and family fast asleep and totally unaware of the danger which surrounded them. He got them out as speedily as possible, and saved a few articles of furniture, but the flames had too strong a hold of the building to give a chance for the few neighbours who turned out to extinguish it, and the house was burnt to the ground. The building was insured for £85 in the Union Insurance Office, but Mr. Gossett was uninsured, and is a considerable loser through the occurrence.

A meeting of the political committee of the Trades and Labour Council will be held in Robson's Rooms, this evening, at halfpast seven, the business being of importance.

Last night a supper was given at the United Service Hotel by Mr. Martin, the new lessee. Amongst those present were Mr. and Mrs. Vivian and their dramatic company.

A public meeting was held last evening in the Parnell Mission Hall, Alpha Road, in connection with the classes for Bible instruction, held by the Rev. R. J. Williams in the Parnell Public School. There was a large attendance of the pupils and their parents and guardians. The principal business of the meeting was the presentation of prizes. Sir William Fox presided, and gave an address, the principal feature of which was the importance of Bible teaching in the cause of temperance. The Rev. Mr. Williams explained the character of the work in which he had engaged, that of teaching the Bible in the public school at Parnell. There were two classes, one of which was held on Tuesday mornings, for the children of the Ist, 2nd. and 3rd standards, and the second on Thursday for the higher standards. Thert were 120 children on the roll, and the gifts which were to be distributed that night were presented by the Scripture Gift Society. There were sixteen prizes, and the test was the correct repetition of the first 28 verses of the first chapter of St. ; John. Sir William Fox then presented the' prizes, addressing a few appropriate remarks to each recipient. Mr. Scnofield, a member of the Parnell School- Committee, gave an address on the value of Bible teaching in education. Several hymns were sung during the proceedings, and the meeting was closed with the Benediction. The creditors of Thomas Quoi have decided to give him time to make an offer foe the assets and business.

Detective Kirby has arrived from Welington to take charge of the Auoklari branch of the detective service as chit detective. For the last two years he ha been chief detective at Wellington, an has been fifteen years in the eervice, bavin; originally served in the detective foroe i Wrles, but came out and joined the Ne» Zealand detective service. Ho former! scrved under Inspector Broham in Timaru and was engaged on the Hall case. Detective Kirby will commence his duties in . few days, being at present engaged ii settling his family. lJetective Chrystal during his fulfilment of tho duties of tin office, has, we understand, given ever' satisfaction to his superior officer, Inspecto' Broham, as he has to the public, by hit courtesy and attention to the matter! brought under his notice as acting chlei detective in charge. By the Monowai, which left Sydney on Thursday, Madame Marian Burton is » passenger, with a complete concert company. Madame Burton in England was tor some years the principal contralto of the Carl Rosa Opera Company, and also in Mr. Sims Reeves' concert tours. In Australia lately she has given in the Melbourne Town Hall ten concerts, in conjunction with Mr. Charles Santley, with immense success. Tho Argus, in speaking of her singing, said that "contralto music had never been sung so well before in Melbourne." Recently in Sydney Madame Burton divided the musical honours with Mr. W. T. Best at the great organist's farewell recitals. In all probability Mr. Horace Poussard, the celebrated French violinist and composer, who visited New Zealand some years ago, in company with M. Douay, will be a member of the company, while Mr. Henry Stockwell is mentioned as the tenor. With a view of putting an end to the practice of playing cricket and football by boys in some of the back streets a number of boys appeared in the Dunedin Court yesterday, but at the request of the police were let off with a caution. The Auckland Yacht Club held its preliminary annual meeting last evening in the Harbour Board otlico. There was a good attendance of members, Mr. G. Wiseman presiding. The officers for the -'suing year were nominated according to the rules, and their election will be proceeded with ai ' a further meeting to be held on Wednesday next. Other routine business was transacted. A meeting of those interested in fdjtaiin; a boilermakers' union was held at tb Assembly Rooms, Rutland - street, la* night. There was a good attendance. Aft* discussion, it was decided to form a unioi and to amalgamate with tho Wellington Boilermakers' Society. A committee, corseting of Messrs. Barber, Elliott, McQuilan, Hassall, and Hides, was elected b draw up rules. We are requested by Mrs. Chamberlin b correct a misapprehension that might haie arisen from the wording of her speech it the meeting of shareholders of the Souh . British Insurance Company. She was tut ; left destitute on the death of her husbanl, as all his property was left to her and for ] daughter, a considerable amount being let in cash. But through bad management for income was being squandered by other, and she had now to come to public meetings ' the same as a man. and look after things f»r ' herself, or she would be left destitute. '

Mr. Small, the School Truant Officer, Was yesterday engaged in Parnell wakiaj up careless parent*, who render themselves liable to penalties for permitting their children to absent themselves fron school. He distributed some fifty notices, and if due attention is not paid to ths warning thus given summonses will ba issued to enforce compliance. The committee have had numerous complaints in regard to the carelessness of parents in neglecting to send their children to school, or in keeping them from school without reasonable excuse, and they have now determined to enforce the compulsory clauses of the Act. Among other valuable works destroyed by the tire at the old Government printing office? were Mr. Maskell's work on " Scale Insects'' and Mr. Gordon's work upon " New Zealand Mines." A young man 19 years of age, son of Mr. T. H. White, of Taupiri, was admitted to the Waikato Hospital yesterday, suffering from intestine obstruction of six days' duration. As symptoms of peritonitis had already set in, Dr. Kenny expresses but littla hope of the patient's recovery.

The Otahuhu people are to have a musical treat on Tuesday evening. The fine choir connected with the Gospel Temperance Mission are to repeat the service of song; Father, Come Home," in the Public Hall. There will be a chorus of 50 voices, and to improve the volume of sound it is intended to erect a staging in the hall. Mr. E. C. Carr is to give tho connective readings, and the Rev. Mr. Steele will take the chair. Prior to the service there will be a few musical selections, in which several wellknown amateurs are to assist.

There were no charges of any sort for hearing at the Police Court yesterday morning. Mr. W. C. Walker, the justice in attendance, said that he congratulated all those sitting before him on this very happy occasion, and that he hoped tho same experience would be the lob of whoever sat in his position for many weeks to come.

The re-appearance of the Rev. Charles Clark next Monday evening, when ho will present his "New Dickens' Entertainment," outfit to be a more than usually interesting event. Mr. Clark is naturally regarded in a different light from the other platform " stars" who have visited New Zealand and Australia, for during li years he was a resident in the colonies. But it is not generally known that this celebrated entertainer, whose fame is now almost worldwide, .commenced his career as a professional lecturer in this city. Towards tho end of January, 1875, he delivered his first lecture in the Choral Hull, under tho management of Mr. R. S. Smythe. This lecture was the first of a tour which lasted for nearly five years, and included .New Zealand, Australia, United States, Canada, and South Africa, so that his welcome on Monday night will be as it were a welcome home.

The annual concert given by Miss Alice Rimmer.ind her pupils, assisted by friends, came oil' last Wednesday evening at the Helensville Town Hall, before one of the largest and most appreciative audiences that has assembled in tho district. There were several songs and duets by Miss Rimmer's pupils, and a violin and piano duet by the Misses M. A. McManus and Maggie Stewart, that were very creditably rendered. • Herr and Madame Tutschka, from Auckland, gave respectively violin Bolus and song, notably "Coming Through the Rye," which were rapturously received. Miss Lewis sang most sweetly " The Song That Reached My Heart," and, on being encored, gave " Rothsay Bay," which was also well received. Mr. Little, sen., gave a comic song to the amusement of tho audience, and Dr. Bell and Miss Rimmer Bang " May and December," in character, admirably, and received an encore, while the duet between Misses Rimmer and Howard, "Elfin Call," was similarly treated. Miss Rimmer also rendered in her cultured voice "Cambriana," and, on being encored, gave most pathetically 'The Swanee River." The sweetest gem °f the evening was by this accomplished cantatrice, "Scenes That Are Brightest," for which Mr. Cheriton played the accompaniment. It was also redemanded. Mrs. Ra.e tang "Close to the Threshold," Mr. Beale playing the obligato. Messrs. Beale and Cheriton assisted the ladies in two

quartettes, which were very successful, and delighted the audience. The accompaniments were played by Mrs. F. Little and Mr. (heriton. Dr. Bell sang "Strangers et "in good style. Miss Rimmer may be congratulated on the success of her con-

cert, and that, through her popularity, she has been enabled to have the assistance of a 'l the musical talent in the district.

The final dance this season of the " FanBonby at Home" will be held in thePonsonby Hall on Friday, the 24th instant, and will be plain and fancy dress. In order that the committee may make arrangements to complete no tickets will be issued after Wednesday, the 22nd instant. The children's dance «<> connection with the "At Homo" takes place the following Friday. It is notified elsewhere that all members of the various Friendly Societies are urgently requested to attend a meeting to be "eld at the Academy of Music, Lome"feet, on Monday evening next, at halfpast seven, when an address will be delivered by Edmund Mason, Esq., Registrar* ptiriendly Societies, upon matters of great wterest to all concerned.

The man Davis, wounded in the fracas in Shortland-Btreeb in the early part of the week, is still in a precarious condition. On Thursday Dr. Wilkins thought ho was taking an unfavourable tarn, but last niighb the patient gave tokens of improvement, and the doctor is now ' rjeful that he will pull through all right. ibe wounds in the face are severe, but nature is doing its work in knitting the flesh and healing them up.

\ It is stated that some travellers in South America, in crossing an arid and desolate tract of country, were struck at one spot w\th a striking contrast. On one side there wts a barren desert, while on the other thftre was luxuriant vegetation. This was due to the presence of the rain tree (Tatnai caspi). This remarkable tree grows to a heiVht of sixty feet, with a diameter of thrie feet at its base, and it possesses tho of strongly attracting, absorbing, and oonlensing the humidity of tho atmosphere. Wafer is always to be seen dripping from its truth, in such quantities, too, as to convert the soil Surrounding into a marsh. In sumner especially, when rivers are nearly driei up, the tree is most active. It has been remarked that if this rain tree were utiliod in the arid regions near the equator, the pople living in misery on account of the unproductive soil might derive great advaitage, as well as those of more favoured counries where the climate is dry and droughts not unfrequent. Asomewhat unusual thing in window dresing may be seen at Smith and Caujhey's in connection with their spring shor of flowers, feathers, and millinery— one of the windows is festooned with buches of gaily-coloured roses, wreaths, chfsanthemums, and, in fact, quite a hortiedtural show. On each side stands a miiature Eiffel Tower, decorated with flotrers. A mossy bank covered with daisies foms a front, with here and there splendid spcimens of New Zealand forest and sea fowl. A fine specimen of a British seagull i; seen disporting itself on a large mirror, \hich does duty for a pond. Kiwis, rabHts, and other denizens of tho bush servo o make a novel and interesting display. The other window will prove particularly | Interesting to the ladies, as it shows a full display of new millinery and straw goods. The windows will bo lit up by gaslight tonight.

Not long Bince the San Francisco Bulletin contained the startling intelligence that, owing to the rapid development of electricity as a motive power, there would be thrown upon the market some 50,000 horses now in use. It appears to be a fact from which there is no getting away that before long the horse-breeding industry will be seriously affected by the use of the electric motor, the employment of which, if prognosticated prove correct, will eventually become the popular thing. The carriage of the future, both public and private, will be moved by the electric motor, the power to operate which will be furnished by a light and efficient storage battery. Electricity will be the motive power of the future, because it will be cheaper than horseflesh. An electric motor has only to be fed when working; a horse's digestive organs have to be kept in food at all times, whether working or not.

The complimentary concert which the friends of Mr. E. O'Hare are tendering him, will take place in the City Hall on the evening of the 27rh instant. It promises to be an entertainment of more than the average order of merit, as the programme has been carefully arranged. Amongst the musicians will be Misses Quina, Freda Marsden, Lorrigan, and Messrs A. L. Edwards, G. M. Reid, BartJett, George, Bradney, and Charter, while Messrs. Montague, Cooper, and Forrest, will perform one of their popular comediettas, and Professor Carrollo will give an exhibition on the horizontal bar. The tickets are going off rapidly, and a bumper bouse is almost certain.

Dr. G. Tenius, of Vienna, has discovered a process for the manufacture of artificial leather from beech wood. He states that solid sole leather can be obtained, which he claims to be superior txrmnimal leather in firmness and durability, and can be worked up in the same way as animal leather, nailed and sewed. The best wood for the purpose is taken from 50 to 60-year-old trees, cut in the spring, which must be worked up immediately, bark peeled off, steamed, treated with chemicals in a kettle under pressure, and exposed to several more operations which the inventor does not mention, as he wants to have them patented. From the prepared wood, strong and thin pieces are made by means of pressure.

A special feature of the anniversary services (the 38th) of Beresford • street Congregational Church to-morrow will be the presence of an orchestra consisting entirely of ladies.

The usual ecclesiastical notices, lectures, addresses, etc., for Sunday, will be found in the eighth page.

In our advertising columns will be found the full programme of the concert at All Saints' Church, Co be given on Monday evening by the choir, assisted by ladies and gentlemen of musical abilities.

A meeting of the Auckland Operative House-painters' Onion will be held on Monday evening, at the Foresters' Hall, at halfpast seven, when the adjourned discussion on the working by-laws will be held.

A Christmas tree will be held in the Catholic Institute by the ladies of St. Patrick's Cathedral on Thursday and Friday, Novemvember 27 and 28.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the H.A.C.B.S. will be held in the Catholic Institute on Wednesday, at eight o'clock.