THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 1893.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9270, 4 August 1893, Page 4

THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 1893.

The Ministry are now making an attempt to deal with the roadless condition of the northern counties, and they are entitled to every sympathy and assistance in the effort. From a variety of causes, the North is exceedingly difficult to improve in this respect. All the counties contain large areas of inferior land, from which only a small sum can be obtained in rates. Even the experiments the counties have made in selling land for unpaid rates have not been successful. The owners in most-cases allow the county authorities to sell, and the latter cannot get enough to pay for the cost of proceedings. They have therefore had to abandon that as an unprofitable business. Then there are considerable areas of Crown lands, from which now no revenue is obtainable. One evil aggravates another ; for, even where these Crown lands are of good soil, they cannot be taken up and utilised, because they are inaccessible from want of roads. Then there are the native lands paying no taxation. It is one of the points of the policy of the Government to impose taxation on native lands but in all probability, even if their legislation passes, not much will be obtainable for a considerable period. In introducing a novelty of this kind, one step will have to be taken at a time.

When Mr. Seddon was here, he was interviewed by representatives of the northern counties, who placed their condition before him. Ail he could promise them was additional powers of taxation. This was not exactly what they wanted. If Mr. Seddon could have •seen his way to give them only a part of the money he spends on " co-opera-tive works," they would have been rejoiced. They have already more powers of taxation than they know what to do with. They would be glad if they could enforce the taxation they already impose. The representatives of the counties pointed out for one thing that the roads made by the settlers were in many cases destroyed by the kauri gum and timber traffic, while those who dug gum and cut timber paid little or no rates.

The North of Auckland Counties Vehicle Licensing Bill, read a second time in the House a few evenings ago, gives the counties concerned power to tax all vehicles using the roads, not those simply plying for hire. These

latter the counties have the power to tax now. A similar Bill was passed last year, and made applicable to the Westland Counties; but, according to Mr. Duthie, it has not been a success. Mr. Buckland pointed out that the measure would be a hardship upon the traffic between Devonportand LakeTakapuna. The latter district is heavily rated as it is, and is the means of doing what is done in the way of making and maintaining of roads in a considerable district outside of its bounds. If a rate of, say, £5 were imposed on every vehicle using the road between the Lake and Devonport, it would be felt as a great hardship, especially by small settlers, who use carts for conveyance of milk and vegetables. Although close to Auckland, and having in this way many advantages, the County of Waitemata finds it impossible to make roads. The Wade Hiding, comprising the country to the north of theOkuraCreck, comprises some 75,000 acres. In this there are about TOO miles of road, and yet the whole amount that can be raised from rates and licenses is £275 per annum. Of this the Waiwera Hotel pays £50 for license and rates. And we may mention that one-sixth of the amount goes to the Charitable Aid Board. The revenue of the whole county amounts to only £2643, while the Government subsidy is £407. A local body in this position is absolutely helpless so far as the construction of roads and bridges is concerned. We observe that Mr. Jackson Palmer, who represents Waitemata, said that while he voted for the second reading " he reserved the right to reverse that vote on the third reading if his constituents so desired. He had not heard from them on the matter." No copies of the Bill have yet been received here, and it takes some time to elicit opinions from settlers in thinly-peopled districts. So far as the County of Waitemata is concerned, we are afraid that the Bill will be of very little use. Further North some benefit may be obtained, but quite inadequate to the immense necessities. And after all, the additional taxation is a new burden on the district, look at it how .you like. The Government ought, as part of the public works scheme, to have undertaken the construction of a main road from the Waitemata harbour toMangonui, and to have appropriated to the making and maintenance all the money paid as county subsidies. There is no hope of any such project now. The demands for co-operative works on the Cheviot estate and elsewhere are too great. Meantime it would be interesting to hear what the Northern settlers think of the new measure, whether it is likely to be of any benetit. The letter we print in another column in regard to roads in the North, from "Senex" is quite pathetic in its way. Thirty years ago ho came out to New Zealand, and settled at Albertland. Then the maps showed the Great North Boad stretching from Auckland to the place of settlement. Thirty years have come and gone, and the Great North Boad is as much a delusion now as it was then—probably, indeed, it is worse now than at that early date. And yet in the meantime, a great public works scheme has been born and has died, after a feverish and troubled existence. Some forty millions of debt have been accumulated on the colony, splendid roads have been made in some places, and luxurious railways in others. But " the roadless North "is still "the roadless North." The settlers there in such a winter as we are now passing through are in a pitiable plight. We are afraid that the Northern Counties Vehicle Licensing Bill will not be of much benefit.

The Licensing Act Amendment Bill, which was read a second time in the House of Representatives yesterday morning, is the greatest victory the temperance party have yet achieved. The attempt to stonewall the Bill broke down, and after a discussion lasting from 7.30 on Wednesday evening to seven on Thursday morning, the second reading was carried by 26 to 9. The present Bill provides that a poll shall be taken in March, 1894, and thereafter in the month of March in every third year, at which the following questions shall be put :— 1. I vote that no publicans' licenses be granted. _ 2. I vote that the number of publicans' licensesbe reduced. 3. I vote that the number of public ins' licenses may be in4. 1 vote that the number of publicans' licenses may not he increased.

As regards the constituency, it is provided that before any poll is taken, the clerk of the licensing committee shall add to the ratepayers' roll of the licensing district the names of all persons (not already in such ratepayers roll) appearing in the roll of electors for the election of members of the House of Representatives who reside in the licensing district. The roll is therefore the Parliamentary roll. If the. majority of votes are in favour of the proposal that no licenses are to be granted, or that they are to be reduced, or that they shall not be increased, then that determination shall be binding on the licensing committee. If the vote is that the licenses be reduced then the number of licenses shall not be. more than one license for every 700 inhabitants in the licensing district. Such is the measure which has been read a second time, and it will be seen that the points are, that a bare majority may put an end to all licenses in any district, not an absolute majority of the names on the roll, but a bare majority of those who take the trouble to record their votes ; next, that if the hotels in a district are closed, there is no means of reopening them; thirdly, that no compensation is provided. The Bill is therefore of a very stringent character as respects hotels. It is, however, very different from the Direct Veto Bill, which would prevent any man from obtaining a supply of beer or spirits from a merchant. But, although the second reading has been carried by a large majority, it must not be assumed that the Bill will become law. Members have a habit of voting for bills promoted by the temperance party, when at the same time they are willing enough to create obstacles to such Bills becoming law. Then it will be observed that the Premier voted for the Bill, but that he said that if the decision of the House was in favour of the Bill "the Government hoped to be able to carry a measure that would be fair and reasonable, which would give satisfaction to all." It is diflicult to guess what like a Bill would be which would "give satisfaction to all." But the Government now stand pledged to bring forward a measure. It will have to be considerably different from the present if it is to satisfy even all the Ministers, for Mr. Reeves stated in his speech that " he was not able conscientiously to support the direct veto by a bare majority without compensation."

■ —gm The revolutionists in South America continue to keep themselves in evidenoe Numerous conflicts between them and th« Government supporters have occurred involving much bloodshed and loss of life.' The financial crisis in America is now lees acute, and a better feeling prevails in financial circles throughout the States The immediate effect of the miners' strike in England has been to greatly increase the price of coal, the rates having advanced six shillings a ton since the strike bean The industrial struggle which has been entered upon is not, however, likely to be of long duration, as already there if a welcome disposition on the part of the mino owners to enter into negotiations for a compromise. Mr. Gladstone" who was originally in favour of excluding the Irish members from the House of Common; is now as strongly in favour of their retention, and has addressed a letter to his constituents justifying the opinion he now holds. No one, however, is likely to be convinced by his assertion that the fear that the Irish members will be able to control legislation on English and Scotch questions is ridiculous, or that it is perfectly right and fair that Ireland should have not only a Parliament of her own, but full representation in the Imperial Parliament, a privilege accorded to no other integral part of the British Empire. Mis? Shaw, the special correspondent of the London Times, is still continuing her series of letters to that journal, embodying the results of her observations in Australia. In her opinion the "cultivated'' classes in the sister colonies are only capable of being aroused by two dangers—danger to public finance, and danger to federation. As for the public, as distinguished apparently from tire "cultivated" classes, they are apathetic about federation. The proceedings against avies and Millidge have broken down on a purely legal point, lb appears that among the grand jurors who returned the presentment was an alien, and tho Court ruled that this was fatal to the case, and accord quashed the proceedings. The Australian cricketers have all at once bounded into fame, by making the phenomenal score ol 843 in their first innings, against the beam of tho combined Universities.

Last evening Dr. Giles, and Messrs. J. C. Firth and G. Mueller, the members of the Gumfields Commission, arrived from Whangarei by the Northern S.S. Company's steamer Wellington. Last night for the first time there was a count-out of the City Council when important business was pending. The business got along very well until a dispute arose with regard to a road crossing in Karangahape ward. The ward members did not have their way and they left the Council Chamber in a body. This left the Council without a quorum. Tho result was that the most important business for which the Council assembled was lost, namely the Health Officer's report, as to reporting cases of infectious diseases, a telegram from the Attorney-General on the matter, and the Bill to be introduced by Mr. Taylor and to be supported by the Government to amend the Public Health Act, a measure which though brief is stringent and specific. The regular sitting of the Resident Magistrate's Court was held yesterday, before Mr. U. S. Bush, R.M. The list of civil cases was comparatively small, and tho greater number were undefended. Only two cases were defended, and one which was re-instated on the application of Mr. Napier, was withdrawn.

To-day is Arbour Day, a Government holiday for the planting of tree«, in which ail public bodies, school committees, etc., are asked to join. The local governing bodies about Auckland have declined to take any part in the request for a public holiday. Some of the suburban school committees had determined to make it a fete day for the school children, but Jupiter Pluvius has interfered, and there is hardly a possibility of any planting taking place in the neighbourhood of Auckland today. The annual inspection of the Parnell public school, which was commenced on Monday, was terminated yesterday, and all preparations were made for tree planting in the school grounds to-day, but the holes dug to receive the trees are full of water, the soil upturned is washed away, and tho committee very wisely decided to adjourn Arbour Day indefinitely. Tho children, however, get a holiday to day.

A reception tea was given by the ladies of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, at the Young Men's Christian Association last evening by way of welcome to Hie Rev. L. M. 1«i11 on his advent to Auckland to commence bis prohibition crusade, It tool; place in the social hall, and there was a crowded attendance. After tea the public meeting took place, Mr. C. (J. Hill presiding, addresses of welcome to Mr. Isitt were made in appropriate terms by Mrs. Schnackenberg (president of the Women's Christian Temperance Union), Miss Dewar (secretary Young Women's Christian Tempera; cvgrthmhuk« Union), Auckland Total Abstinence Society (Mr. Joshua Robinson), Mr. E. Withy (New Zealand Alliance), Mr. W. Kerr (President Prohibition League) Rev. a. F. Prior (Ministers' Association), Captain Leßoy (Independent Order ofGooc Templars), Mr. VV. J. Macdenuott (secretary Band of Hope Union). The Young Women's Christian Temperance Union al*c presented an address to Mr. Isitt, in which they gave him a cordial welcome to Auckland. They recognised that the work ho was doing in connection with the temperance movement was of the highest importance, and they earnestly honed that he might be spared in health and strength to pursue Ids efforts at present to secure the direct veto until they are crowned with complete success, followed by the entire prohibition of the liquor traffic. Mr. Isitt, in replying, expressed his thanks to the ladies and to the leaders of the various temperance organisations, for the kindly and cordial sentiments expressed towards him. He stated he was indebted to the Mew Zealand Alliance for his present position, and for all lie knew on the question to the teaching of such men as Sir William Fox. The Alliance had thoroughly educated the country districts, and the Prohibition leagues the towns, each doing its own mission in its own sphere well. He honed to see them amalgamated and concentrating their strength. Mr. Isitt explained the position of affairs in Sydenham, by which the temperance party had been deprived of the fruits of their legal victory, and the Government had blinked at it. Mr. J. Coupland moved, and Mr. J. C. Tunks seconded, a vote of thanks to the ladies of the Women's Christian Temperance Union for the excellent tea provided. Mr. R. French moved, and Mr. Priestley seconded, the following motion, which was carried unanimously ; — " That, this meeting of temperance workers beg to congratulate Sir Robert Stout and the members who voted with him on the splendid victory secured in the second reading of his Bill, and trusts that it will pass into law this session." The meeting closed with the Benediction by the Rev. E. Best. A meeting of mission workers takes place this evening in the Alexandra-street schoolroom.

Up to a late hour last, night rain continued, having lasted for over 4S hours with little intermission. Mr. Cheeseman states that the rainfall on Wednesday was 1J inches (about 150 tons per acre), and that) the rainfall for July was 534 inches. The average rainfall for July for the past '25 years is 4 61 inches.

From information received by the police there is reason to believe that the voinan whose body was found on Takapuna Beach a week ago, was Mrs. Smith., wife of a gumdigger at Taupaki. A woman named Annie Ackland has informed the police authorities that the description of the •petticoat and chest protector found on the body answers to those of articles which she had given to Mrs. Smith. Mounted Constable Kelly went to Taupaki, and ascertained from Smith that he was in town with his wife at the residence of a woman named Clements, in Cook-street, and that ho left for Taupaki, leaving his wife to follow, but that she had never come up. The police have no doubt that the body, from the identification of the ok' blue blanket as a petticoat and the chesl protector, is that of Mrs. Smith.

Yesterday Detective Chrystal arrested a woman named Agnes Austin on a charge of stealing a silver watch and chain value £7.

Yesterday a man named Barnes was arrested on a chargo of wandering about begging for alms.

The Suburban Concert Company weekly concerts will commence on Tuesday next, in the Foresters' Hall, Newton.

The fruiterers of Auckland and suburbs have forwarded a petition to tho Hon. VV. P. Roeves, claiming to be exempted from the operations of the Shops and Shop Assistants Bill as regards compulsory closing on Saturday. Tho petitioners sec forth in their petition that more fruit is sold on .Saturday afternoon and evening than in lie balance of the week. It is also pointed out that many varieties of fruit will not keen from Friday night till Monday morning, thus causing great loss to the vendors. It is argued, further, that temperance people have an equal right to get refreshment in the shape of fruit on Saturday night as have others to got drink at the publichouses. A similar petition has been signed by the auctioneers, pointing out that the compulsory closing of the premises of the fruiterers on Saturdays will prejudicially affect their customers—the fruitgrowers.

This evening one of tho series of lectures of the winter course, under tho auspices of the Young Men's Christian Association, will be given in the rooms of that institution by the Rev. (i. Mac Murray, M.A., on "The Civilisation of Ancient Nineveh anil Babylon'' (with limelight illustrations). Theexploration of these ancient cities have thrown a flood of light upon the authenticity of Scripture, and upon dynasties long torgotten, which have played their part in tho worlds drama. The subject which the rev. ' lecturer has taken up is one which will ever bo interesting to thoughtful students of history, ami in the hands of one who is competent to handle it should attract a large attendance to-night to the lecture hall of the Young Men'.- Christian Association

In the July issue of tho New Zealand Country Journal the editor notifies as follows in regard to the lire that took place at the end of June, in the rooms of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association :—" Many of our readers will read with regret that a tire broke out in the Association's rooms on the morning of June 29, at one a.m., which completely destroyed a number of valuable oil paintings. Happily the library (probably the finest of its kind in the colonies) escaped comparatively uninjured. The records of the Association, although considerably damaged, were also saved. Unhappily, however, a large and varied assortment of specimens, the collection ot years, were destroyed, together with some manuscript matter. As the property was well insured, it is probable that the majorityof the paintings "ill be replaced by copies from duplicate paintings in the colony. The origin of the tiro is unknown. The rooms were, however,occupied by a meeting of a kindred society thenight on which the tire occurred." The loss of the specimens is to be deeply regretted ; at the same time the fact of the library not sharing the same fate is a matter for congratulation.

The text books for nurses in connection with St, John Ambulance Association have arrived by the s.s. To Ko.i, from London, and the nursing classes are all commencing operations—in the Central (Young Men's Christian Association), I'onsonby, Parnell, Mount Eden, Remuera, anil Devon port. A litter an 1 stretcher have also arrived. A corps of the Ambulance Brigade has also been formed, the object being to have the litter stati one 1 for public use near the Queen street Wharf, where it Can be available either by road or rail, and accessible to the police. At Onehunga, a large class is beine established, comprising railway and wharf officials and the employes of the Onehunga Iron Works and Woollen Factory. A "first ail" class is being started at Birkenhead, and the Association is in communication with Dr. Brewis, for one at Hamilton.

On Wednesday night a quantity of tobacco (-Oibsj was stolen from the pre mises of Mr. Keid, grocer, Upper VincentStreet. He saw i; in the shop on shutting up in the evening, but next morning it was cone, though there was no sign of the shop having been broken into or the lock tampered with. A small sum in coppers was left in the till untouched. The police are inclined to the belief that it is a case of larceny rather than of burglary.

Recently the American Department ot Stale issued the results of an inquiry on the use of electricity in different parts of the world as a power in driving farm machinery anil implements, and in the propagation of plants. In addition to America there are only four countries where experiments have been made with electricity in the direction in quest ; namely, England, Germany, Fiance, and Belgium. The report states that the late Sir William Siemens, working at Sherwood with an apparatus consisting of a vertical dynamo machine, a regulator or lamp, and a threehorse Otto gas-engine, established the following conclusions : —l. Thai electric light i" both tthci.ious in producing chlorophyl in the leaves of plants, and in promoting grow'h. '_' That plants do not require a period of re«t during the twentyfour hours of the day, but make increased and vigorous progress if subjected during daytime to sunlight, an i during the night to electric light. 3. That the light is efficacious in hastening the development of flowers and fruit. Toe flowers produced by its aid are remarkable iorintt n-e colouring, and the fruit both for bloom and aroma. I. That the expense of electrohorticulture depends mainly upon the cost of mechanical energy, and i-< very moderate when natural sources of such energy, as waterfalls, can be made available. At the Paris Exhibition the conservatories were lighted by electricity, and the gardener thought the plants and flowers thus lighted ha I a more lively air than those dependent on gas or any other light than the sun and moon. The lights were kept, burning continually, and this perpetual light gave increased vigour to the plants; but the expenses, so it was affirmed, were greater than the results obtained. Attempts have been made to pass electric currents in buckets where seeds were washed preparatory to sowing in order to destroy microbes invisible to the naked eye. ft has been claimed that the germinating power of the seeds was thus increased. In Belgium and in England electricity has been successfully employed as a motor for threshing and dairy machines.

The annual soiree in connection with St. James' Presbyterian Church, was held in St. James' Hall last evening. there was a large attendance. Tea was served at half-past -mx. The tables were presided over by Mesdarnes Macnicol, Steele, and Misses Macnicol, Ramsay, Ballantyne, Brigham, Megill, Parker, and Tudehope. During the evening the following programme was very creditably rendered. Glee, "Awake /Eoliau Lyre," Choir; duet (piano and organ), "Elegy" (Ernst), Miss Wad, 1,-11 and Mr. Walton ; song, "The New Kingdom," Mi- Austin ; song, "True Till Death," Mr. Edgar Walton : chorus, duct ami chorus, "Hail, .ludea, Happy land " (Handel), Choir ; song, " Remember Me No More,'' Mis* Li. Harvey; song (selected), Mr. McCro-krie ; song, "The Meeting of the Waters," Miss Falls; recitation, "Mrs. Caudle's (Umbrella) Curtain Lecture,'' Miss ,J. Pollock ; violin solo, Ist air (Be Boriot), Master R. Walton; song, "The River of Years," Miss Ella Ramsay ; son-, "The Wolf," Mr. 11. MeGibbon; duett, " When the Wind Bloweth in from the hea," Mrs. Edmonds, and Mr. E. Walton; song, "The Sailor Boy," Mr. Clarke Johnson; anthem, "In Jewry God is Known," Choir. Addresses were also given by the Revs. Macniccl (chairman), Collins, Monroe, and Sonimerville.

With reference to the "Scottish Night," to be given next Meek by the GourlayWalton Dramatic Company, we have already stated that they have entered into correspondence with the Caledonian Society and the Burns Club, for their patronage and assistance on the decision. The secretary of the former society has replied on behalf of the committee, statin" the society will have much pleasure in according their patronage, while the secretary of the Burns Club writes: "The Burns Club is very pleased to become a patron of your special ' Scottish Night,' one ol the subjects being the posing of a statue of Burns. The club is ever anxious to support any movement having for its object the furthering of Burnsiana."

The ordinary meeting of the Pitt-street Literary Society, which was to have been held last evening, was, owing to the death of Master .Joseph Pascoe, postponed.

The Columbia .Skating Rink was well attended last evening. On Monday evening there will bo a one-mile amateur championship.

The Misses Alba, who %i\e. a .short series of concerts commencing on Monday evening next at the Choral Hall, hold au "At Home " to-day at the Grand Hotel.