THE GOVERNMENT AND GEN. BOOTH'S SCHEME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8955, 12 August 1892, Page 3 (Supplement)

THE GOVERNMENT AND GEN. BOOTH'S SCHEME.

Wellington, July 28. The correspondence regarding General Booth's scheme and its trial in the colonies was submitted to Parliament to-day.

The first letter is one from the Earl of Onslow to the Premier, stating that His Excellency had had an interview with General Booth, and had given him some particulars of the systems of land tenure in New Zealand. Lord Onslow expressed the opinion that it was highly desirable that the Government should give General Booth an opportunity of putting his scheme to , a practical test. The main features of it did not materially differ from those of the village settlements scheme. If it proved & failure, the worst that could happen was that the Government would have incurred some expense in roadmakinj', perhaps in building a school, and they would have to set against that and any advance which would be made that their land would be in a more or less improved condition. Lord Onslow suggested that two conditions should be laid down, namely, that the first batch of immigrants should have first undergone probation on the farm colony in England, and that a guarantee should be given that to the best knowledge of the officers most capable of judging in the Army none of those first sent had been convicted criminals. He also thought that the settlement should consist of persons chosen from all the ranks of the Army. If General Booth was willing to comply with these requirements, the Government should submit proposals to Parliament to set aside a block of 5000 acres of land in a bush country, and throw open for sale or selection within five years another biock of 5000 acres adjoining. A peppercorn rental should be exacted for the first thirty years. The Government in reply, stated that an opportunity should be afforded to General Booth to give his scheme a trial in New Zealand, and they were prepared to ask for a general power in the Land Bill to set aside five thousand acres of land with an adjoining five thousand acres for settlement for his or any other similar organisation. Ministers agreed to the stipulations mentioned by Lord Onslow. They considered that the tenure should be perpetual lease, bnt with regard to the price or rental special privileges should be granted. The question as to whether the rent should be perpetual or for a longer time than thirty years was under consideratian with a view that Legislation should be introduced. As to the passage money being secured upon the land the Army would have the right, under the ordinary settlement conditions, to make their own regulations and byelaws. In a further letter the Hon. W. P. Reeves informs an officer of the Salvation Army that the land now at the disposal of the Government for settlement in such colonies as General Booth proposed was mostly situated in the southern part of the North Island, and was rough bush land.

There are now nearly 20,000 acres of land in orchard in New Zealand. The Auckland Poultry Show balancesheet shows that £72 12s 2d has been carried to the general account, for prize money for next year's exhibition. The art union tickets disposed of raised the sum of £232 Is. The Public Trust Office advanced £80,392 on mortgage of real estate during the past financial year, the average rate of interest being £5 13s 7d per cent. In the previous year £46,340 was so advanced, at an average rate of £5 19s 8d per cent. During the present financial year the Government Insurance Department lent £185,720 on mortgage on real estate, the average interest being £5 15* 6d per cent. In the previous year £53,430 was so lent, the average rate of interest being £6 lis 5d per cent. The Roslyn Tramway (cable) made a profit last year of £1025. The directors recommend a dividend at the rate of 7J per cent., writing off £300 for depreciation, and carrying forward the balance. The total number of passengers carried was 299,527. Last year no less than one hundred and twenty-five thousand tons of coal came from New South Wales to New Zealand. If this quantity had been mined in this colony, the miners would have had £25,000 more in wages distributed amongst tnem, and the colliery companies £60,000. A choral wedding was celebrated at St. Mark's Church, Remuera, on July 28 by the incumbent,' the Rev. Isaac Richards, the occasion being the marriage of Miss Irene Ada Pirie, youngest daughter of Major Pirie, of this city, to Mr. Edward Phillips Turner, G.E., of Launceston, Tasmania. The beautiful suburban church was profusely decorated with arum lilies.

A return laid before the House on Aug. 3 shows that during the past year the total number of owners in the colony having less than 1000 sheep was 9963 who paid in sheep tax £2942 16a. Those who owned less than 5000 numbered 1635, who paid £3220 4s. Those who owned less than 20,000 were 526, who paid £5306 Is, and those who owned upwards of 20,000 were 169, who paid £5501 10s.

The amount voted last year for the San Francisco mail service was £15,258, bub £17,859 was expended. This year the sum appearing on the Estimates for the service is £18,500. The Hon. Mr. Ward states that this increase is practically due to the fact that the Imperial Government have refused to continue paying transit charges from New York to San Francisco. Both mail services, however, are now on a proper basis- that of payment by results. .

Auckland exhibitors were very successful at the Poultry Show held in New Plymouth. Mr. E. Haywood telegraphed to the secretary of the Auckland Poultry Association, giving the prizes won by the Auckland exhibitors as follow Messrs. Reid Brothers : Champion cup, 2 specials, 7 firsts, 5 seconds, and 2 thirds. Mr. E. Haywood : Three specials, 8 firsts, 5 seconds, 2 thirds. Mr. F. Holmes : One special, 1 first, 2 seconds. Mr. W. Grey : One special, 1 first, 2 seconds, 1 third. Mr. A. A. White : One special, 1 first, 1 second. Mr. J. Coleman: One second.

The Wellington Meat Export Company's balance-sheet recommends a dividend of 8 per cent., absorbing £3122 14s Bd. It is proposed to write off 10 per cent, depreciation on the plant, £2172, and to reserve £2645, leaving £962 to carry forward. During the year, new works were com pleted to deal with 2000 sheep and 70 cattle per day. The output during the same period was 121,694 sheep, 5225 lambs, and 3560 cattle. The report remarks that in common with most, if not all, freezing companies, this shows a falling off in the quantity of stock offered for freezing, but the directors look forward confidently to an increase this year. We have to hand the statistics of the Tonga Islands for the year ended 31st December last, and printed under authority by the Government Printer, Suva. These statistics were compiled from official records in the departments under the supervision of the Collector of Customs. The imports and exports show a considerable increase, and the British still take the lion's share of trade, Germany a good second, and the Tongans third. Customs revenue shows an increase. Natives, under 19,196 ; foreigners, 353, of whom 206 are British and 90 German. Tho natives hold 817 acres, and the German 797 acres. The statistics are very complete, and afford the fullest information as to the position of the little kingdom. A series of meteorological observations are appended taken at Nukualofa and Neiapu. Tawhiao, the Maori " King," has broken the record, for on Saturday, July 30, at the native Parliament House, at Maungakawa, he delivered the shortest " Speech from the Throne" we have ever met with. It was as follows: — " Listen to my words, my friends, the chiefs, and all assembled ; pay great attention to my words, for I will not hold back anything I have to say. The lands are the Government's now. In former days they were ours. Let my words now be published throughout the island so that Pakehas and Maoris can all see and hear ; that is what I wish. I do nob wish for us only to hear, but that all shall hear. I wish all visitors to return to their separate kaingas." He then asked tho Maungakawa and Maungatautari natives to remain and meet a representative of the Government. Porani Te Ori Ori said:"Suffice it! Leb me and my people return to Maungatautari till the arrival of the Government official. When he arrives we will meet you again." . This was a short session with a vengeance, and ib certainly denotes that Tawhiao has " caved in," and intends owning up to the pension, which has been proffered him by the Government/. ■ . .

Serious floods were experienced on the West Coast towards the end of July, occasioning the loss of fencing, sheep. several head of cattle, " and damage to bridges and culverts. * j£'• A farmer oil the north line has recently (says the Lyttelton Times) threshed a paddock of eighteen acres of red clover and cow grass, which produced the handsome yield of 6cwt per acre, the half of which be Bold at s£d and the balance at 6d. • f The Auckland Phonographic Association held its quarterly speed examination at the Young Men's Christian Association On July 20. There were several candidates, the only successful one being Mr. W.J. P. Gaudin, who secured a certificate, for 80 words a minute.'

The accounts of the Auckland Harbour Board for the quarter ended 30fch June last were laid on the table at a meeting of that body on July 19. The statement shows that the moneys received during that quarter amounted to £10,382 7s 9d, while £9276 lis 5d were paid away. ■ -- The Auckland Irish Federation League have cabled to Mr. Gladstone their " heartiest congratulations," and the Liberals of Wanganui have sent the following message to him : — Liberals here congratulate you on your victory in the English election campaign." The shooting for the Champion Belt by the Hamilton Rifle Volunteers took place at the butts, Hamilton, on the 30th July. The day was fine and the competition keen. The Howden medal was also shot for. Both belt and medal were won by Lieutenant Kirk. Last year Sergeant Alexander carried off the prizes. The cable repairing steamer Terranora returned to Wellington harbour on the 3rd August, having been successful nt twenty minutes past one o'clock p.m. that day in completing the repairs to the single core cable across Cook Strait. The whole of the wires connecting the two islands are now working as before the gale in Msy last. We understand that Messrs. McArthur and Co. have arranged to purchase the whole output of the Onehunga Woollen Mills for the next five years. This will involve a sum of no less than £125,000, and shows that the above firm has confidence in the commercial future of the province, and is determined to encourage a deserving local industry. Further experiments have been made afc the Onehunga Ironworks with the ironsand, some 4£ tons being puddled, shingled, or hammered and rolled. Those conducting the operations state that the iron produced was the pure product of the ironsand without admixture with any other metal. Mr. E. M. Smith, M.H.R., has been informed by telegram of the successful result of the experiments, which will be further continued for some time.

A somewhat rare occurrence in the way of second sight is reported of Mr. Douglas, settler, on the South Road, says the Hawera Star. For a number of years the old gentleman could not get through his reading without the aid of spectacles. Now, however, though bordering, we believe, on eighty-seven years, and known as the oldest settler in the district, he can read small print quite well and does not require to use glasses. This may well be termed second sight. Asshowing the greatprogressof the Devon, port Borough during the past few years, the following figures may prove interesting:— In the year 1883 a rate of Is on property in the borough realised the" sum of £330, and the total revenue amounted to £377 16s 4rL This year the rates amount to £906 16s, and the total revenue to £1268 13s. Thia information is embodied in the application which is to be made to the Government Life Insurance Department for a loan of £15,000 to carry out the proposed waterworks in the borough, A very interesting match took place on Saturday, July 23, at the Mount Eden Range between the Smokers and NonSmokers of the Auckland Garrison. The conditions were seven shots each at 200, 300, .and 500 yards. Some very tall shooting was made, nine of the competitors making over 70 points each. At the 200 yards" range the smokers wore nine points to the good; their opponents, however, gained two on them at the 300 yards range, and making a splendid score at the 500 yards, won by 38 points. According to valuations made uuder the land and income tax, the ratable value of property in the Gisborne harbour and country districts, including YVaiapu, is £2,350,098, against £1,693,375 for the previou valuation, being an increase of £657,323. The borough valuations show a decrease of £22,164, from £324,798 to £302,614. The net increase for the whole harbour district is £634,539, or 30 per cent, on tlje valuation made less than three yearn ago. A large area of property in the northern district, that has hitherto been exempt from Harbour Board taxation, has not escaped under the present valuation. The Wellington Building and Investment Company made a profit for the year of £3000. A dividend of 9 per cent, is recommended, and in their report the directors say that the changing conditions and uncertainties of the future have imposed on them the duty of exercising the utmost vigilance and circumspection in the conduct of the business of the company. Could the directors hope that a period of rest were possible, and approaching, the prospects of both lenders and borrowers would be improved. The directors have satisfaction in noting that the Colonial Treasurer listened to representations of this and other societies with reference to the proposed taxation c last year. A return of the ccst to the State of the proceedings in the Court of Appeal in respect to the appointment of Mr. W. B. Edwards as judge is as follows Messrs. Mackrell, Godlee and Co. for fees to counsel in London, £500 ; Sir Robert Stout, fee as counsel for arguing case in the Court of Appeal, £105 ; Mr. H. B. Vogel, as solicitor and junior counsel in the Court of Appeal, £78 15s; costs paid to Crown solicitor, £125 7s ; disbursements to Crown solicitor, £21 17s; cost of reporting and transcribing report of proceedings, £73 5s ; cost of passages of Hansard reporter, £13 12s; cost of printing report of proceedings before the Court of Appeal, £152 7s 6d : total, £1070 3a 6d.

At Christchurch on Wednesday morning, the 3rd August, Justice Denniston gave judgment in the case of Bailey v. Ross, an action brought by the widow of the late Benjamin Bailey, of Timaru, to have David Mitchell Ross removed from the position of executor and trustee, under the will of her husband, and to have probate issued to herself in lieu of the defendant, and to have a bequest of a moiety of deceased's property—on an alleged secret trust to —revoked, on the ground that it did not express the testator's intentions. It was contended that Ross had deceived Bailey as to the contents of the document he was signing," and had executed a secret trust when he found he could nob retain the property himself. His Honor pronounced against the will, which was dated in 1888, revoked probate thereof, and granted probate of previous will, dated in 1885. Costs were given against the defendant. An interesting event took place at the Mount Albert Wesleyan Church on the 21st July—namely, the marriage of Dr. Thomas Spencer Lawry, of Symonds-street, to Miss Florence Mabel Battley, second daughter of Mr. Frederick Battley, general manager of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company. The church was filled with spectators, both families being well known and highly respected. The marriage ceremony was performed by the Rev. H. H. Lawry, father, and the Rev. A. C. Lawry, brother, of the bridegroom, the bride being given away by her father. The bride looked very pretty, the bridal dress being of white Surah silk, with blouse bodice and corslet waist, trimmed ruchings and chiffon, and bell skirt with long train trimmed with ruchings. The bridal dress was furnished from Messrs. Milne and Choyce'e establishment, the well-known dressmakers and milliners. The bridesmaids we're : Miss Upton, who wore white cashmere, trimmed with lace and ribbons Miss Gome, whe wore a similar costume; and Miss Carr c.nd Miss Battley, white cashmere . trimmed with-swansdown. 'The groomsmen - were Mr. W. T. Dodds, Dr. Roberton, Messrs. P. F. Battley, and A. W. Houghton. Mr. Carr presided at ; the organ, and played the " Agnus Dei" (Mozart) as a voluntary, and i Mendelssohn's " Wedding March" as the • happy couple left the church. The hymn sung was " The Voice that Breathed o'er Eden." About fifty guests adjourned to Laurel Bank, the residence of the ii bride's parents, where - a very pleasant afternoon - was spent. The newly-married pair lef on their honeymoon amid showers of rice, and the best wishes of their friends for their future happiness. The presents were numerous and costly.