THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 1892.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8854, 16 April 1892, Page 4

THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 1892.

One man one vote has a ring of finality about it, reassuring to the votaries of political rest, but we fear that disappointment is in store for those languid politicians, inasmuch as the system even now is threatened on both flanks, —on the one side by its authors, the advocates of quantity against quality, who naturally consider the plan incomplete until it shall have included in its operation women as well as men; on the other, by the large and influential party which demands some guarantees for a safe and advantageous use of the franchise, based upon a tangible interest in the colony, who are also in favour of women's right to the franchise. Further, the permanence of manhood suffrage may be endangered by investigations having for their object an inquiry into the solidity of the basis upon which the present electoral structure has been erected. Such discussions, it may be observed, are not likely to have any immediate consequences. The flood tide of socialistic democracy is

still rising by turns are being confounded «Ji , c " marks levelled, while this *>*• process is not born of any 0 l • 9 necessity, of any evident advant " be. gained : it is simply the consJf *° of an advancing wave of opinion l? 1 obeys some unknown law, the exist of which is only revealed by fa , reaching and irresistible effects p the action of all forces, moral as Li, physical, tends to a culmination So *' or later, consequently also to a de 3°^ r at last, which may be hastened determined resistance, whereby .'l" the downward progress of such v ° may be quickened and their infl,,/** diminished. Thus, an inquiry i nto If foundation upon which rests * versal suffrage, although ap par J' ineffectual for enlightenment at t! present epoch, may open the way J* clearer view in the future, and i n a " case it ought to result in a ben? comprehension of the reasons ? ' putting all men upon a level i n ° r spect of their electoral rights au d powers.

What, then, are those reasons under which the governing influences 0 { nation are handed over, not alone to the rank and hie of the army of 0 1 C ,° pation, but also to the camp follower* whose interest in its success is limited to the spending power of the com. missariat. The only grounds for such an innovation with which we are ac. quainted are, first, the assumed iW common to all members of the same community, to take part in its councils' and secondly, that as all contribute tc thecustorns revenue, by which the costoi government is in part defrayed sc every adult male is entitled to the re. presentation which is the only legitimate warrant for taxation. We are not aware of any other fundamental reasons for conferring the electoral frau. chise upon the adult population at large, than those just mentioned ; i u any case they have been held to be sufficient by majorities of the Governmerit and Legislature of New Zealand and the destinies of the colony are now confided to the discretion of the majority of the people. Now, the principle under which it is assumed that every citizen can claim the right of being com sultedinthemaiiagementof publication is, in the present case, not fully stated. consequently the deductions what may be drawn from such premises cannot be other than inconclusive. If to every inhabitant belong the right; claimed for him in virtue of his citizenship, then to him also appertain the reciprocal duties of supporting th; State by his person, by his purse, by his influence. In such case there can

e no rights without corresponding responsibilities, but in all countries, .New Zealand included, there are large numbers of persons, unable or unwilling to perform their part of this implied contract, a fact which goes to vitiate vitally the doctrine of universal right without responsibility.

Coming now to the second ground upon which universal suffrage is made to rest, viz., the payment of taxation through the use of dutiable goods, this reason is only available in countries where such duties are levied. However, as protection is still the rule and freetrade the exception, we will endeavour to show other grounds of invalidity than are attorded by the absence of Customs dues. By the theory it follows, that the smallest contribution to the revenue secures the same political advantages as the largest, a doctrine which is repudiated ia municipal elections, and which is inconsistent with the principle upon which it rests, viz, that of reciprocity. Thus, if taxation be made the test of eligibility to the franchise, then a minimum amount of taxation cannot confer th» maximum extent of representation; the two factors in the question must bear a proportional relation to each other, or otherwise the formula must be amended so as to convey its exact meaning, in which case it would not obtain currency as a fair proposition. i\*fl taxation without representation sounds well enough as a general principle, but the minimum of taxation an equivalent to the maximum of representation could not as a dogma find general acceptance, nor, indeed, would it be received at all as a basis of political rights. It would therefore seem that the grounds set forth in support of the one-man-one-vote system are fairly open to impeachment, and in effect will not bear investigation, while the objections to it are patent and potent. In the business of life, power and responsibility are convertible terms, and in order to pro« duce a successful result, the means must be commensurate with the end. Skill and intelligence, and perseverance, are the qualities Jemanded for the due execution of ordinary work, and constant experience teaches the dangers of ignorance and of irresponsibility. Yet the possession of this warning knowledge, held necessary to the safe discharge of the duties of life, is set aside as useless when we come to con* sider the question of how the world is to be governed. Then, other guides than those of experience come to be relied on. We ignore the dangers arising from selfishness, from prejudice, and from indifference, and give credit for qualities which have never at any time been displayed by the masses of mankind. No doubt it is a very easy thing to give a vote, to move a resolution, to introduce a Bill, but the danger of a mistake made in taking the first step, in voting for the wrong man, can only be measured by the magnitude of the interests imperilled by bad laws. It would, therefore, be only reasonable that some guarantee should be taken against this serious risk, instead of leaving the tirst step by which all the rest are determined to the operation of chance-medley.

Our cable messages this morning state thab the French expedition in Western Africa has been defeated by the natives who captured four officers and a large number of privates. By the floods in Tennessee, two hundred and fifty lives have bee lost. Further anarchist outrages are reported from Spain. The Khedive ° Egypt has been invested, with great ee» It would appear from a J> le,DO " , despatch that the defence in the c.u Deeming, accused of the Windsor murder, to be based on the plea of insanity. * other day we published a message « London giving the substance of»J. view with the Victorian Agent-General, which he spoke of the condition of Vic as one of financial collapse. This opiu seems to have caused irritation m J bourne, where it is apparently : reg v as either indiscreet or unwarrantable.

Munro, howevJ has B ij> explained that his remarks wJ incoritly reported and that what he pid abor collapse referred nottothecolol, bub .'the banks which had succumbed! The Hebald\ Monty Summary, for transmission bji the 3xt outward ban Francisco mail, fill beublished next Inday morning, 22i|d. Tse desirous of forwarding the summary) their friends in Europe, America, fccwill have ample time to do so, as the nepaper mad closes on Saturday next, i half-past eleven a m., up to which hoi orders tor mailing the summary will alsoe received at the Publishing Office, Quee»treet. This mail will bo duo in London Wednesday, 2i>Lh May. . The splendid cirgo earner Mamari, of the Shaw, SavillJ andAlbioa Co. a line, arrived in harbou yestday morning from London, via Ttjerifl. Capetown, ami Hobart. She briib a lrgo general cargo for here and Soutltrn p,vU. Captain Muxwell is still in cjnmanipf the steamer, which comes intchort in. very clean and neat condition, sjuowhatdifferent to the general-run of tb large cargo steamers coming here. MiSaviLLa son of one of the owners, comesjn the steamer, occupying the position f purftr. The steamer ■_roes from here to iellingtm. A report of she voyage and paqcularsof the cargo appear in our shippiri coiutin.

Captain Tongo (sll continues in a critical state at Freemsms' Hall. It is expected that the erisi ill be turned to-day, and as the patient i holding his own as well as could bo aiteipated, hopes are entertained that the «ange to-day will be a favourable one. ltvvill be some time, however, before he ca be removed from the hall to his ownvi utments. Mrs. Tonge wishes us to exnss her gratitude to the many friends woshow their sympathy with herself and filly.

We learn that althirh considerable progress has been mad en the collection of the agricultural ret us for the four counties outside of thcity, some districts are still behind in seiing to the chief collector some of the apers left by the sub-collectors for tilling anil transmission. These remarks apply toob«onville, part of Waikomiti and Howie Ridings, and one or two other places. Tho penalty for neglect in such cases riders the owner or occupier liable to a ti of £'20, and this course will be followe should the information not reach the pper officer during tho next few days. ose who failed in doing their duty "in th respect should at once" comply, or they rill be proceeded against.

The shooting season sv imported game commences 0:1 the "intof May, owing to the first day of the puth falling on Sunday. Shooting licenses -e £1, and obtainable from any post otic which is also a money-order office. Its possession will not entitle the holler to sesame, which can only be done by licensA dealers. Ryan anomaly in the Act, a censeholdev may shoot, a hen pheasant, lit it is illegal to have it in possession. The season for native game, coiumqnciST this month, expires at the end of Jul, and no license is required in this case.

At a meeting of th members of the Auckland Bowling Chi, held yesterday, on the green, Mr. Fratr, vice-president, presiding, it was decide to entertain the representatives on their rturn from Napier. They have elected a cormittee, consisting 0; Messrs. Frater, Colon, Cozens, Tait, Winks, King, J. J. Kollad, Edwards, and Dr. Hooper, with powei to add to their number, to carry out tie arrangements, which take the form of ; luncheon on the ground, on the day of th. proposed match between the club and th) returning reps. from the Napier tournament. The following skips were appointed by th? club of their competing three rinks, turnery, Messrs. Frater, Culpan, and Winks and they will select their men. The natch will be played on a Saturday, and t is anticipated" that the friendly match and the social function will bring about a lace gathering of the members of the club ,nd their friends.

The butchers notify elsewhere that frit price of meat will be raised by the trade »r. Monday next. They .have refrained from stating the rate o: increase, which seen.* like prolonging the agony to the heads of householders.

The Northern Athlectic Club's Autumn Meeting will take place in the Domain ."ricket Ground, on Saturday, the 30th instant. The events comprises 100 Yards, for boys under 16; 200 Yards, Half and One Mile, One Mile Walk, 300 Yards Hurdles, 1(H) Yards Cup, High Jump, and One Mile Bicycle Race. All these events are handicap'. There are also 100 Yards Sick Hurdles, Tug-of-War, and 300 Yards Sailors' Race, post entries. Nominations close on the '23rd inst.

The coroner, Dr. Philson, held an inquest yesterday concerning the death of Mr Thomas Gibbins, who died somewhat suddenly at his residence in Day-street Newton, on Thursday afternoon. The evidence went to .-how that the deceased had been in bad health for some time past, and a verdict of "Death from natural causes" was returned.

The address presented by the citizens of Auckland to Sir George Grey, on his eightieth birthday (Thursday last), was illuminated and written in black letter in a most artistic manner by Mr. James Slator, architect and draughtsman, Canada Build- ' ings, Queen-street. .

Messrs. F. E. Joseph and Fred Leo j notify elsewhere to the Auckland policy- i holders in the Australian Mutual Provident ' Society that they are candidates for the? office of directors. Mr. .Joseph is a partner I in the firm of Montefiore, Joseph, and Co., of Sydney ; is a member of the Committee < of the Chamber of Commerce, at Sydney, ' and is one of the New South Wales Commissioners for the representation of the , colony at the Chicago Exhibition. Mr. Lee i states that the opening of branches outside Australasia will, as heretofore, meet with his opposition. Mr. W. Veto Read, late traffic manager New South Wales railways, is also a candidate for the office of director.

Mr. ..lames Slator, architect, Queen-street, writes to say, in reference to the paragraph about "a young person finding a silver watch and chain,''' that the watch is a 'lickel Waterbury, with a brass chain, and diat a3 the finder know.-* the owner, it will be returned in due course, consequently there was no necessity to inform the police. No money was picked up or found. We may state that the circumstances were given us •'ported to the police authorities.

A very interesting exhibition was presented at the Foresters' Hall, Newton, last night, when there wiu« a large attendance. It was a limelight exhibition of the principal personages and scenes in the celebrated Passion play, which created such a furore when performed in 1890 at Ober-Ammer-gau, The picture", which are projected on i 20 feet screen, are bright and lifelike, the Colouring and features blending most harmoniously. The accompanying descriptive lecture was read by -Mr. George Aldiidge in i clear and distinct manner, and the exhibition from first to last was watched with intense interest.

In our advertising columns will be found a list of meetings of householders convened for Monday, the '25th instant, for the election of school committees. Mr. Blades, chairman of the City Schools Committee, was re-nominated yesterday. Dr. Walker, '<* member of that committee, we underHand, does not intend to stand for reflection.

Today Hunter's Artillery Band will hold 'heir annual picnic at the beautiful island of Mntutapu. The Eacrlo has been chartered, and will leave the Ferry Company's tee at half-past nine, and again at half-past one p.m. for those whose business will not allow them to go by the earlier boat. The hand will be present in full strength, and will play choice selections of music on the lr 'p, and at intervals during the day. Heturn tickets have been fixed at the moderate sum of Is 6d, hot water included. The steamer will return at a suitable hour if" the evening, and it is confidently expected those who patronise it will spend a lr ''jst enjoyable day. The programme of the Foresters' Sports, to he held at Cnehungaon the ISth instant, appears as an advertisement elsewhere, and it will be seen therefrom that a capital > "ay's amusement is promised. The entries are numerous, and the handicapping is *ure to make the events close and interesting- The crews of the warships in the 'arbour have been invited to attend, and have promised to be present. i our corps of volunteers at Christchurch nave got up private camps for the Easter

The Montague-Turner Opera Company left Sydney on Thursday last by the s.s. Mararoa, which' is due here on Tuesday morning. Subscription tickets for the season have been selling freely during the week, and intending purchasers are reminded that this will bo the last day on which these can be obtained, whilst subscribers who have already bought are requested to call at Wildmau's during the day and mark off their seats, as the plan will be open to the public on Monday for booking at ordinary rates.

It appears that agriculture in all its branches will be well represented at the great Chicago Exhibition of next year. In addition to important and representative collections of farm stock of all descriptions, there will bo a large exhibit of cereals, both American and foreign, and also of all kinds of farm produce. Tho latter will be international as far as possible, and in order to make it so, a strong appeal is being made to foreign countries ,o assist in every way they possibly can. A very complete exhibit of this character will bo made from all the States of the United States. Among the important features of the latter exhibit, there will be a special display of potatoes and other tubers during the two weeks boginning Monday, 11th Soptembor, 1893, and a special display of susjar-beets during the two weeks beginning 9th October, 1893. These will bo in addition to the regular exhibit, and will be of products grown during 1893. Illustrations of planting, harvesting, important procosses connected with tho manufacture of food products, systems of irrigation and drainage, and nil subjects connected with farms will also bo presented in proper form. At a meeting in London of the Agriculture and Food Products Committee of the Koyal Commission, it was resolved to recommend the Chicago authorities to givo separate prizes for Suffolk sheep. The Oxford Down Sheep Breeders' Association communicated to tho committee their intention to offer champion prizes for Oxford Down sheep at the exhibition, and it was announced that various other Societies were likoly to give champion prizes for their breeds. This Chicago Exhibition bids fair to be the biggest thing in tho show line ever held on this globe.

The departure of Mr. T. M. Jackson, the well-known tenor singer, who is about to proceed to Melbourne to devote himself solely to the musical profession, will bo greatly regretted, for he has gained deserved popularity here, not only from his talents as a singer, but also from his urbanity and cental disposition. The farewell concert to be given him will take place in the City Hall, on Thursday next. It is tendered under the auspices of the Auckland Amateur Opera Club and Auckland Orchestral Union. The programme comprises attractive items by the- Orchestral Union, under Mr. Arthur Towsey, and by Mrs. Cooper, Miss Reeve, Miss Warren, and Messrs. A. L. Edwards, Percy Dufaur, 0. M. Reid, and C. Chambers. Mr. T. M. Jackson will sing " Ida was a Twelvemonth Old," from ■' Princess Ida," with orchestral accompaniments, and "The Message" (Blumenthal). The Academy of Music, Lome-street, is to bo opened to-night by Miss Amy Vaughan and her popular Amazon Company, with whom will appear Mr. Harry Cowan. As it is sotre months since Miss Vaughan has been in Auckland, her friends will no doubt heartily welcome her, and assist her in this new undertaking. Master Creswell, a young singer, and two musichall artists from London arc in the company. The programme will comprise several novelties—songs, dances, farces, and sketches.

A handicap sweepstakes will be shot for on Wednesday next at Potter's Paddock, at two o'clock, when 200 pigeons will be provided. Nominations will be received up to Monday next. Tho match will be under the Hainley Gun Club rules.

A special general meeting of the Auckland Rugby Union will bo held in the British Hotel on Thursday next, at eight p.m. in order to consider proposed alteration in the boundaries of the following districts : Fonsonby, Suburbs, Parnell, and Newton.

The interior walls of the handsome Church of St. John the Baptist, Parnell, have been painted a light blue colour, which is very attractive. In addition to this, the indefatigable parish priest, the Rev. Father Lenihan, has made other improvements to the church and its surroundings.

The permanent collection of the Victoria Art Galleries, in Dundee, has acquired a fine picture by Scott Lauder, R.S.A. It is the gift of Mr. A. J. Buist.

There -will be no meeting of the Auckland Catholic Literary Society on Tuesday next.

The Loyal Good latent Lodge, 1.0.0. P., M.U , are invited elsewhere to attend the funeral of their late brother Thomas Gibbins, P.G.

The members of the Loyal Good Intent Lodge are notified that in consequence of Monday being a holiday, the usual lodge meeting will be held on Thursday next.

The licenses for billiard and bagatelle rooms, bowling and skittle alleys, theatres, public halls, and places of public amusement and meeting, expiring on the 30th instant, require to be renewed before that date, at the Municipal Offices.

• This evening (weather permitting) Alexander, the celebrated Blondin, will open, for a short season, in a large marquee near the North Shore Ferry Tee. Previous to the performance, there will be a grand torchlight procession through Queen-street at halfpast seven.

The anniversary celebrations and harvest festival of the Salvation Army will be held this evening Sunday and Monday, in the Albert-street Barracks, when Staff Captain and Mrs. Edwards will lead, assisted by Ensign Wilson, several field officers, and the lasses' brass and string band On Monday picnic to St. Heliers Bay, leaving by steamer at half-past nine a.m., and in the evening an anniversary tea and musical meeting.

The chairman of the Ponsonby School Committee notifies that householders in the district must send in writing to him, not later than eight p.m., on Monday next, the names of nine persons, being resident householders, nominated by them for election, to serve upon the committee for the ensuing year. Forms and particulars obtainable from Mr. Bloonifield, chemist, Ponsonby Road.

An Industrial Exhibition is to take place at St. Thomas' Schoolroom, Union-street, on Tuesday and Wednesday, the 26th and 27th instant. The exhibits will consist of the work of the Sunday-school children, and also any other interesting articles that may be lent for the occasion. On the two evenings there will be a concert, farce, spellingbee competitions, etc., and other attractions have also been arranged. The price of admission has been fixed at sixpence—a sum within the reach of all.

The ecclesiastical notices appear in the eighth page. At All Saints', Ponsonby, the Rev. W. Calder will conduct both services. As will be seen in the notices concerning ecclesiastical matters the Pitt-street Wesleyan .Sunday-school are holding their anniversary services to-morrow, to be followed by soiree and public meeting on Wednesday next. Special sermons will be preached morning anil afternoon by the Rev. C. H. Laws, who is expected by the s.s. Gairloch, and evening by the Rev. J. Berry. The children for some time have had special music in preparation for these services, and this will add considerably towards the interest of the proceedings. The Rev. C. li. Laws, who comes to Auckland from the South as successor to the Rev. J. H. Simmonds at St. John's Wesleyan Church, Ponsonby, will preach in that place of worship to-morrow evening. The 34th anniversary - services of the Auckland Tabernacle Sunday-school will take place on Easter Sunday. The preachers are the Revs. R. J. Lambert morning and evening, and Rev. G. D. Cox in the afternoon. The commodious gallery will be erected to seat the scholars singing the special hymns, and give increased room to the congregation. The fruit soiree and public meeting will take place on the following Tuesday, when addresses will be given by the Revs. R. J. Lambert, J. D.GiTmore,G. D.Cox,and others. As announced in our columns elsewhere, the Rev. H. J. Lewis will deliver his farewell sermon to the Freethinkers, etc., of Auckland, tomorrow evening, in the Newton Congregational Church, Edinburgh-street. Mr. Lewis has, on various occasions, replied to the attacks made on the Protestant religion by prominent Atheists and others, and by his addresses drawn large congregations. He intends to bid his Freethinkmg friends a very pleasant and sensible farewell, and doubtless many will avail themselves of the opportunity of hearing, for the last time, the rev. gentleman's exposition of the doctrine of Faith and Reason. Sunday evening service in the City Hall, at eight p.m., the Evangelistic Choir will sing several Easter hymns. Mr. J. "T. Arundel will give an address. Meeting this evening, at 7.30, in the Y.M.C.A. Rooms, with address to workers.