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New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 9404, 10 January 1894, Page 4

Wk are assured on good authority that Ministers have never discussed the subject of borrowing. It has never yet been before the Cabinet, formally or informally. Ministers have not pronounced against it, nor have they resolved that at any specific time they will propose a resumption of borrowing." The pressure, on this subject is likely to come from the South. Something like stagnation has been experienced there during the last few years, and a number of leading men have declared themselves in favour of going in for another loan. The Otago members are exceedingly anxious to have the Otago Central pushed on, both asa means of forwarding settlement in the interior of the country, and as affording work in the province. In the North the desire to Dorrow is not so strong ; but a demand might arise if the gumfields were to continue as dull as they have been for the last twelvemonths. In regard, however, to the progress of settlement here, there is no question' that a loan would be a positive injury. During the last few years most satisfactory advancement has been made in bringing in our waste lands. During the years in which loan money was being, freely expended, very little was done in the extension of settlement. Indeed, it was quite the other way for very many left their places in the country, where they were making perhaps little more than a living, to crowd round the places where high wages were being paid out of loan money. That is proved in various ways— the figures showing the land taken up, and by the great falling off which occurred in our exports. If we desire to stop the progress of settlement in the country—if we desire to restrict our exports—if we desire that taxation shall be increased can bring about all these evils by going in for another loan. Let the Ministry oppose any movement next session for a loan, and it will rally to its support a large : number of persons who have hitherto been opposed to it.

The occurrence of a fire a day or two ago on board the s.s. Nairnshire whilst lying in Sydney Harbour taking in frozen meat, adds one more instance to the roll of fires on board frozen meat ships. Had the fire occurred at sea, we might have had another "mystery of the sea," attended by a great loss of property and life. The frequent occurrence of fires on frozen meat ships naturally draws attention to the cause of their frequent recurrence?. Mr. J. C. Firth maintains , that in many . cases these fires have been caused by the spontaneous combustion of the charcoal with which all frozen meat ships as yet are insulated. In the case of the Nairnshire, we are told that a number of carcases have been burnt, but the origin of the fire is said to be a mystery. In the absence of more definite information than our telegrams supply, it cannot of course be affirmed with certainty that the fire was actually caused by the spontaneous combustion of her charcoal insulation. But, in the absence of any other ascertained ■ cause, f the'' contention '■ » that the fire on board the Nairnshire was caused by * the spontaneous combustion of her charcoal insulation does not appear to be an unreasonable one. The question of insulating ships with charcoal—not only ; frozen I meat ships,; but the cool rooms for carrying f fresh provisions I for 'passengers and ; crews in nearly all* steamers—is undoubtedly assuming a very grave importance. In the interest of steamsbipowners,and still more for the safety of both passengers and crews, it is of the utmost importance whenever- a; fire occurs on such steamers, that the most searching investigation be made as to its cause, for

[.if charcoal is found to be rM-dangeroutf ! as alleged, the sooner \ its use as an in« \ sulator is discontinued the ' better* for I all concerned. ' * ' '■: I ,-*■ x > \