THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 1893

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9179, 20 April 1893, Page 4

THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 1893

Our English agricultural correspondent, in his letter published a couple of days ago, refers to the oftreiterated complaint that New Zealand meat is frequently sold as English, and lie then expresses the opinion that there are not many housekeepers such utter dullards as to be unable to distinguish frozen meat from fresh. Like most other statements, of this ic may be said that it is both correct and incorrect. Undoubtedly, among the large body of betterclass consumers, accustomed to the best joints, properly cooked, the difference between imported and English meat is easily discernible—the term imported in contradistinction to frozen is used advisedly, it being quite a custom for the high class buyers, in England, of epicurean tastes, to send their meat to the local ice-houses for a week or two to "hang it," or make it crisp and nutty. It cannot, therefore, be altogether due to the fact that meat has been subjected to a low temperature that any prejudice against it exists. Yet there is a prejudice, and that a very strong one ; in fact, nothing is more common, should a joint turn out badly, either from indifferent cooking or other causes, than to blame the butcher for "sending New Zealand instead of English " meat. Few home butchers with the most coveted of connections have not had to meet this charge at one time or another. With such a class of custom it would be running too great a risk for the butcher to sell other than what he professes. But there is a vast body of meat-sellers whose custom is a floating one, and whose business for the greater part, if not wholly, is done on Saturdays and on Sunday mornings, when so great is the pressure that it is by no means uncommon in certain working-class portions of London and other large towns, for a man to give 15s or £l for the day, for nothing better than an open doorway which for the nonce is turned into a butcher's shop. Humble as this may seem, many make a comfortable livelihood in this way. These persons of course sell cheaply, and it is easy for them to get rid of anything they choose, it being more than possible that the customer of one day will never be seen again. It is these, and those who supply restaurant keepers, who are the chief sinners in selling one class of meat for another ; that; is of course outside the legitimate colonial meat trade, which is a large one, where the purchaser knows what ho is getting and pays a less price for it. This being the case, what would be the effect of the process of marking which, our correspondent says, is being pressed upon Parliament by the home producers 1 This, be it remembered, in their own interest. From an ethical point of view, of course it is better to sell a thing for what it is than for what it is not. But would the proposed change mean an increase or decrease of New Zealand exports 1 Viewed in this regard, there is very great ground for the latter contention. The average Britisher is about the most conservative and proud personage living; his social superiors won't eat imported meat, neither will he—if ho knows it. That is to say, vastly the major portion of English people will not. What, then, is the state of tilings at present existing? Legitimate traders in imported moat exist in every town, and they amply supply all the wants of those who care to buy it. Therefore the legitimate trade is not to be increased by marking. Does it not then follow that just in proportion to the magnitude of what may bo called the deceptive trading, that which would not have existed but for deception, so will our exports be cut of! by the marking process. If there be no deceptive trading, then there is no need for branding ; if there be such trading, then the larger it is the greater will be the effect upon the export. It must be apparent that where people knowingly reject imported meat, when they can got it readily, in any quantity, at from 3d to 4d per lb less than English, there must bo some very strong objection to it. That being so, marking, instead of overcoming the objection, must rather tend to intensify it. Knowledge of this in a great measure is at the bottom of the demand of the home graziers ; they know they cannot ask for direct protection, but they hope for the betterment of their present position by seeking to keep in constant play the prejudices of the consumer. Far better would it be for New Zealand if stops were taken to see that the meat is properly handled after it reaches its destination. It leaves the colonies all right, and, generally speaking, arrives at the home port as fresh and clean as a daisy. Once there, however, as far as the greater part is concerned, it is exposed to the

weather, bundled about with Z/ >'' more care or regard for If would be bestowed upon a sack «{ ill ~ . vtt 9tcool. IS: passed from oik* not over savoury a W" another, and more often than notes B through the open streets on ordi Ift and not too particularly clean, rail^ 1 B trollies. Th« public see and draw It impressions of imported meat froa W> pile of dirty sloppy carcases, the J,' {'"' of which would make the gorge • v %'\ of # any well-fed person. That unknot P portion destined to be sold as E n i- Mf meat may be taken better care of—? one, however, sees that. . But the £ 111 sold as New Zealand meat befor reaches the actual consumer, is w, \m% very frequently, most disg UH ti n y Alter this ; let tin; meat be kept c ] R» and treated properly after deliy 8 from the ship, ami the prejudice SKI sink. Had handling is the big obstZi ■ '•' ' and until a, better system prevails a' 1 Iff obstacle must remain. The aim ntu home feeder is to brand that which T thinks will be deemed the iuf,.,.^f The object both of the colonies arid a' Wi home consumer should be to see th'i' good produce should be properly treju fell and kept in a state tit for food. (Jn HI this is done there will be no n>,J |§J reason to entertain prejudice against '§ * imported meat than there would \ ■ against the frozen home delicacies J PH the epicure. §§

The roar for retrenchment, o!which*l heard so much some yean, ago i n ft. i Zealand, is now prevalent over all 4. I! colonies of Australia. The position of a Minister in these colonies is certain),! not to be envied. He is besieged. LI deputations of unemployed The id« 1 has been strenuously incubated dliHiil the last few years that the overrun..: can do anything, and especially lind work for all who are out of & 1 nloyment. That idea in itself lias don! 1 great harm to the colonies, and has mH the Ministries into much extravacaJ,!' ■ and wasteful expenditure. One won 1 / think that the present condition J affairs would drive such a notion completely out of the minds of both wort ing men and politicians. In New Z» land the Ministry still uphold it. %* energy and industry of the coionkj by greatly increasing the exports id • by furnishing abundance of labor 1' privately, have enabled the GoverHf. meat to take sums out of revenue hi' the expenditure of which Minista 1 imagine that they are preventing an I want of employment. But in Aurtrali Ministers see hundreds of idle men ii I the streets and yet they are compelled to discharge every week scores of public servants from every department. The I New Liberal programme has as one of id chief planks that the Government must 1 find work for every man out of employ- I ment. It would puzzle any sdrocate'of 1 that platform to show how the proposal | could be carried out at present 1 South Wales or Victoria. Additional I taxation can only be imposed to a I limited extent, because to overdo that 1 would be to kill the goose that lays the I golden eggs. Further borrowing is out of the question. The unemployed 0! the great Australian cities must find I work in the country at a rate lower I than they care to work at, or they must 1 leave the colony for some other where I work is more plentiful. Queensland b in pretty much the same condition Victoria and New South Wales. Sir 1 Thomas Mcllwraith, in a recent J speech, said that the colony had J borrowed thirty millions; the annual I charge was £1,200,000; the reproductive works produced .£500,000, leaving £700,000 to be raised by luxation. Th I only measures that can tw Uke.n,'i I cording to Sir Thomas, are to increase the exports, and to retrench the ex-1 penditure. How can it be expected I that any contrivance of politicians can I obviate the effects of years of extravagance and recklessness? Prosperity hi ■. only be regained through suffering I New Zealand had its period of severe;trial, when it lost population by several thousands a-year That suffering to ■ had its effects, and we are now ii. a position to bo envied by our neiehhours. But we will not see what id' us good, and the cry is that the change i has been brought about by Mr. Se3|: don's co-operative works and ti)|| Labour Bureau. Il

The case of obstruction which wisj before the Police Court yesterday will,l \ it is to be hoped, encourage the police' - to be a little more energetic in keeping! the public footpaths free of obstruction?' "' That they have been somewhat lax if this respect cannot be denied. TVjj < have allowed all sorts and conditionskfl assemble at street corners to the inconvenience and annoyance of the generalp public. There are two or threes favourite' rendezvouses in Queen-street' r of the loafers and idlers. There, at ill" • ' ; hours of the day and night, do they congregate. Their language is not choice and their manners are disgusting. These are the pests of the pavement, to whom the police might usefully ]'! J direct a litvle of their attention. The t i footpath is intended for the use of tl»|| j public, and no one should be permitted D to obstruct it, whether he be a hoodlum ■ ] or a gentleman. h, ,v

The debute on the Homo Rule Bill il H proceeding in the House of Commons. Mr- B , Goschen is stated to liave made a brilliant ■ speech, in opposition to the measure, strongly ■ i, attacking the financial proposals contained ■ , therein. Lord Randolph * Churchill also ||| spoke very strongly and forcibly again**"" ■ , measure. Mr. Motley, the Irish Secretary, ■ ' in reply, twit t ho Opposition with rely* I on mere prophecy instead of argument. v \ Opposition, however, have not been* cient in argument, bat in an of* change such as is proposed by Mr.**! stone's Bill, the element of prophecy*? from a friendly and hostile etamip*' must largely enter. Mr. Gladstone P* ! dicta that certain result* «ill folio* * passing of his Bill ; the Opposition pre* that other results will follow. Neither »w i bo right. No ono can read the future, »' I is a matter of pure speculation. The Mart)* I of Salisbury is to address the people 01 I Ulster early In May. The Do wag* Duchess of Sutherland,' who, previous » her marriage with tho late Duke, acquit some notoriety in connection «'' J* relationship with him, has been sentence to six weeks' imprisonment for contend of Court, in destroying certain pal* which she had been ordered to P 1 * serve. The sentence appears a some*' 1 ' harsh one, considering the nature of' ■ , documents destroyed, and steps are W'J I taken to quasi] the sentence on the <:«>* I that a peeress cannot be sentenced H> | civil action. The shipping dispute « ■ remains undecided, but it is believed » ■ the negotiation* for a settlement will pro ■ successful. A drought extending orer ( ■ weeks has been experienced throue 1 § ( England. Mrs. Maybrick is reported * ■ have again attempted suicide. lve !'\ i I live cases of small-pox are reported m Perth, Western Australia. Serious dew m tions have been discovered in conncc ■ with the Imperial Bank in Melbourne, a | m two officials have been arrested. " The Herald Monthly Summary, for &*£ If mission by the next outward San *[*~], I mail, will be published to-morrow (t"W ~ Those desirous of forwarding the * u,u " ' §| to their friends in Europe, America, I will have ample time to do so, as the n g paper mail closes on Saturday next, a «| past eleven a.m., up to which hour■ J vf for mailing the summary will also be ret j| at tho Publishing Office, Queou-stree fc W mail will be duo in Loudon on WedntfW | 24th May. M

' via Excellency tlit Governor, Lady BbSwS family, nd the v.<e-regal r?v will leave on Satrday by [he s.s. Btoemoi tot Welling* Duru* their Sv here they have grealy enjoy.l them''SiVin various ways-ychting,. flooting, Si pleasure trips— m leavi* Auckland with pleasant rommiSQncos 0 the city and its citizens. Yesterday Sir Patrick Bu«loy Attorney General and Colonial Sop-elan had an Interview with His ExcolUnoyAe <-overnor Sir Patrick has v't vt decided whether ho will leave today fit W oilingron by the East Coast outo.or wait till Saturday, and go in he aj. Hineraoa. Yesterday ho received larjja number of Informal deputations, -ub tone wero of public interest. Tod* Sir Patrick will receive a deputation rom the Friendly Societies at the M inters' com, Government Buildings, Cusom-slrcet, at ten o'clock. It is presurod tlut tho object the deputation has in tew ii to discuss the ,tatemonts muds in Wellington to the Government respectig tha alleged _ insufficiency of the wethers' contributions to provide the benefits sromistd. Tho mail steamer Mamma, with tho English and Americar mails.is due from San Francisco tomormv, and proceeds on to Sydney shortly after arrival Tho Union S.S. Company's steamer Maflnapiia will leave the Manukau vith th Southern portion of the mails shortly after tho Alameda arrives. The Monovti, with the outward mails, is also duo fmn Sydney to-morrow, and loaves for A pit Honolulu, nnd San Francisco, on Saturny, at two p.m. « Yesterday tho New Zealan Shipping Co.'s steamer Kaikoura rriverl at Wellington from London. Th Auckland passengers and mails are expecsd to come on by the Union S.S. Co.'s stumor Takapuna, due in tho Manukau n Saturday morning. We understand that t!u Registrars of Electors have received inatrtuione to have the rolls printed, aud tontles are being called for. The rolls are ths year to be printed in a somewhat differed form to that adopted hitherto. Thoy wjl bo healed ••Provisional Roll, 1893." Cairns received within the next week will b in time to bo put on the new rolls. Yesterday Mr. Hesketh, solicitor for Alexander Scott, lying under se.tence of death, bad an interview with Sir latrick Buckley (Attorney-General), but it vas of a private jhirJCter. Some parties who have into-fjji.-il themselves in th« petition for a reprieve, also saw Sir ,'atriok, but he directed them to forwarc it to Wellington to the Government, where all papers con- * nected with the case will be sent. The Minister of Justice will bring the case before ft full meeting of the Cabinet next week, when His Excelleicy tho Governor will have arrived in Wellington. His Excellency has nob yet had any of the papers relating to tho Scott caso submitted to hint. The demeanour of Scott, in gaol, fans undergone no material change. The City Engineers had their usual Instruction from the Permanent Force at the Drill-shed last evening. One detachment mustered at seven o'clock and had an hour's practice at lamp signalling In tho dark 'shed, after which they fell in with their comrades in the large room for a coarse of instruction in knotting, splicing, etc. The legal difficulties in connection with tho transfer of old St. Paul's Church tdto to the City Council, and the allotment in Syraonda-streot to the trustees of St. Paul's have now been successfully surmounted. A meeting of the vestry of St. Paul's will take place shortly, to take into consideration the plans for the new church, which have been prepared by Mr. Skinner, architect, and which will be submitted for approval. It is understood that Sir Patrick Buckley, who visited tho Rotorua Sanatorium, to avail himself of tho benefits of the baths for rheumatism, has been greatly benefited by his stay there. Ho states that as soon is the Rotorua railway reaches the cross roads—the Oxfordßotorua Road,—there will be a great accession of tourists, as the drive is under an hour into tho township. In his opinion, the passenger traffic will bo greatly increased by Aucklanders taking the run up on Friday and returning on Monday morning. Of course, when the line is carried right through, tho passenger tmUic will ba greatly multiplied, and Sir YMtta\L'MKyita Sails to see where suitable accommodation on a large scale is in process of being provided for the state of things which will ensue next tourist season. Yesterday a man named Alfred Ashenden was arrested by Constable O'Brien at Waimauku on a charge of larceny of a box of clothing from Frank Parker. It will be remembered that Mr. Parker's portmanteau went amissing at one of the city hotels, where he hud been residing, and he sued the landlord for its loss but lost tho case, the magistrate deciding that under the circumstances detailed in evidence the landlord was not liable. Detective Chrystal in vestigntod the matter and got some of tho contents of the portmanteau. Further inquiries led to the arrest of Ashenden on the gnmfields. Tho accused will be brought up this morning at the Police Court. The paragraph in yesterday's issue referring to the amended cemetery by-laws, which are about to bo confirmed shortly ata meeting of the City Council, has come as a surprise upon a large number of the citizens, who had no idea that it is contemplated in future to charge Protestants fii more In fees than Jews and Roman Catholics for burials, on the ground that tho City Council intend to appoint a chaplain, while the two denominations named will provide their own. It seems that the same heartburning has arisen at Purewa Cemetery, whore a chaplain's fee is charged, whether the chaplain performs the service or not. On inquiring At the Diocesan Office, yesterday, the secretary stated that a chaplain's fee was notchurged, but " a cemetery fee," and that non-Anglicans had to pay the fee the same as Anglicans. Tho reporter, however, was shown at an undertaker's the bill received for a burial at Purewa. The undertaker took outaPresbyterian clergyman to conduct the burial service, but his receipted account MM as follows: "To breaking ground, I On; miking grave, 10s ; cemetery chaplain, 10s." The other day a gentleman intended to bury a relative at Purewa, but on ascertain- ">(; that he would have to pay the chaplain's «o,'refused on principle to do so, as he did Hot require his services, and the interment took place at Waikomiti. It appears that *hen the Purewa Comotory was first opened *o chaplain's fee was to those *ho required his service, bub latterly a retolutloa was passed which brought about th* recent change. It is stated that tho change whs brought about through a deputation ot ministers of various denominations *pptowmiog the trustees. A number of I***"** se»t en ] a y inspected the amended *»«»«?hj.bwe and when the City Coun"aeeu to confirm them more is likely to ba heard about tho matter. i •' , *'ery pleasing ceremony took placo yes**™Vafternoon at tho Institute for the "™, when the pupils presented an illumi "7" arJrJre!s to Mr. Thorno9j who is ""wqobhing tho duties of secretary. Tho ant Wi«i the more pleasing, as the wholo matter had been arranged by tho pupils J" 9 "« elves-even tho wording of the adST being their own composition. Mr. . fine, , * principal, gave a resume of the wk of the Institute since its inception, * mi explained the steps which led to tho P»enution. The senior pupil, Robert that M pro , ~0 '> '" a neat little speech, t L . ,r / ■'•homes be requested to accept ."'address. This was seconded by a '"leboy, Ernest Chitty, and supported by gttU Roid. Messrs. Bates, Abbott. Hill, ,rc has, and BoylftD, bore testimony to tho th! i , * vlc Mr. Thorites had rendered th. :jj ,r ' uto Mr. Tighe then presented ledL address, which Mr. Thorites acknowanm ■ '" a 80e,,c1 » full of feeling, and thsnT n for the spontaneous action of tin ,? U P ,|SI 'i and explained that he was giving had j work only because his own business couiH e " t ' od t0 such a " extent that ho Ins V? m «nage that and the work of the ln "lmt« at the same time. iasii? l neet «'>g of the committee of the lane, «? . branch of the St. John Ambufflil. C '? ty ' held in th « young Men's L„ ll » Association Rooma-theßev. Dr. IMh« rM,dln K-«teps were taken to make ! leeturp ° nts for the ensuing winter season's | ftMooiet ° ther WOrk connocted with I Ban„ te » ll! 4 .' ri « on «' named William Balensv i • WftH brou Kht down from Helen,, l !' rTT beeu Ben tenced by the wHat-f! enCh t0 bhrc » mouth/imum °nt for vagrancy. I

At a meeting in Onehunga of subscribers to the fund raised there for tho relief of tho sufferers by the floods in Queensland, the hon. treasurer (Mr. G. J. Jackson) submitted a statement showing the receipts and expenditure. The* subscriptions amounted to £68 3s Bd, of which £63 19s has been expended in flour, beef, and potatoes, which have boon duly forwarded to the Mayor of Brisbane ; and £1 Os Gd in incidental ex-penses-—such as postages, printing, and advertising. lb was unanimously resolved that the balance in tho treasurer's hand—some £3 odd—bo voted to the fund for the relief of the sufferers by tho hurrlcano which recently devastated the Now Hebrides Islands, and the money was accordingly handed over to tho Rev. Mr. Ferguson, the local Presbyterian minister, who expressed thanks for tho donation. Dr. Erson, Mayor of Onehunga, presided at tho meeting. Tho sitting of the Police Court yesterday was a rather prolonged one, lasting well into the afternoon. Tho charge of obstructing the footpath in Queen - street brought against Ernest C. Forbes, of Kemuera, occupied several hours. Dr. Giles considered that there had been en obstruction, but nob of a very grave nature, and Imposed a fine of os and costs. William David Hunter was sentenced to two months for stealing a pipe and watch chain, and committed for trial for the theft of a watch. The first case under the Factories Act was dealt with yesterday, John Van Breda being chargod with having failod to register his factory. Tho case was dismissed, whereupon Mr. McAlister, who represented tho inspector, said that if such was the decision of the court, everyono might snap his lingers at the Factories Act. Dr. Giles said that ho would not permit any such remarks. They were entirely oub of placo aftor he had given his decision. Mr. MoAlhiber apologised, and said he was simply referring to the importance of this conclusion of the first caso under bhe Acb. Ab the regular Wednesday evening sorvico ab St. Mary's cathedral church, Parnell, the rite of confirmation was conferred on six young ladies by tho Right Rev. Dr. Cowie, Bishop of Auckland, who delivered an appropriate address. The young ladies were becomingly dressed in white and had flowing veils. A native, Honaro Ruku, has beon committed for trial at tho next sessions of the Supreme Court by the Kawakawa Bench on a charge of horse stealing. The children's tea of the Tabernacle Sunday-school was held last evening, in the school-room. There was a crowded attendance. The pastor (Kev. J. Blaikie) presided. After the good things had been discussed, a programme of musical selections and recitations was gone through. An action song was given by a number of the pupils. One of tho visitors, the Rev. 8. F. Prior (Wesleyan), tho now superintendent of the Pitt-street circuit, delivered a brief but interesting address to the children. He said ho took a special pleasure in children, and when he wont back to his old circuits, nothing gratified him more than bo hear the little ones ask when'he was coming back again. Ho felt it to bo the greatest compliment he could receive. For some time past there has been a falling off in the attendance at the Jubilee Kindergarten. Thero! is reason to believe that the attraction to the institution in the time of depression, in the minds of many of the parents, was tho cluily hot dinner provided for the children, rather than any great appreciation of the blessings of education. Matters are now improved in the labour market, and tho parents are more indifferent, in consequence, to the benefits received by their offspring. At the close of last year the average attendance was 70, and last week tho average attendance was only a little over half that figure. Tho creche is still maintaining its usefulness, half-a-dozen infants being left daily in charge of the matron by working mothers, while they go oub to earn money by washing and charing, etc. We ans informed that the intention of the committee of the Auckland Coursing Club is that tho stakes with which the meeting is to be inaugurated at Avondalo shall not be limited as to number of entries to 32 or any other number, but the only limitation is that all nominations must be made by members of the club. Seldom has All Saints', Schoolroom contained a more enjoyable- party than that which wits convened last Tuesday evening under the auspices of the All Saints' Cricket Club. The music was supplied by Mr. Fred. Reed and the school orchestra. The Rov. Mr. Calder, in an interesting speech, congratulated the club on the strides it had made, and hoped that rno mutual improvement class projected wJuld be organised, and that social gatherings would be arranged for the winter months. Songs by Mr. W. Horace Stebbi'ig, a duet by Misses Short and Stabbing, a violin solo by Mr. Cooke, and a recitation by Mr. J. Parr, were capitally randered. Great credit is due to tho committee, who spared no efforts to make the event a success. The hall was beautifully decorated with evergreens and bunting, and the supper table was laid pub in excellent sbylo. Messrs. Cruicksh*nk and R. Speighb were efficient M.C.'s. There was a fair attendance at the meeting for business men yesterday in tho New Zealand Insurance Company large room. The address, which was given by the Rev. W. C Robinson, of Sydnoy, whose subject was "The Blessing of Difficulty," was much appreciated. The first heat of tho St. George's Rowing Club crews in the pair-oared conbosb for the handsome challenge cup presented by Mr. C. F. Thomas, tho vice-president of the club, was rowed last evening, when Mcllardy and White met Mar finer and Mellsop. Tho course was one mile and ahalf, starting from a point in Hobaon's Bay and finishing at tho Railway Wharf. McHurdy and White led for the last halfmile, after which tho boats raced even for half a mile, when Marriner and Mellsop took tho lead, and eventually passed the winning-post a little moro than a length ahead, aftor a finely-contested race. The second heat will bo rowed this evening. The annual meeting of the Auckland Amateur Opera Club was held last evening, in the Choral Hall, Mr. Fred. Earl presiding. After referring to the decease of Mr. Mumford, late lion, treasurer, the Chairman propose a vote of condolence to Mrs. Mumford. The report and balance-sheet (which have already been published in our columns) wero road and adopted. Messrs. Cotterrell, Worrall, Earl, Reid, and Edmiaton wore elected committeemen for the year, and tho election of secretary and treasurer was left to the committee, who will arrange for tho production of another work. This evening tho Onehunga Musical Society will perform Cade's "Crusaders," in the Society's Hall.