CORRESPONDENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 10837, 22 August 1898, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

DRINK AT THE EXHIBITION. TO THE EDITOR.

Sir,—Allow me to thank you for your courtesy in consenting to publish my letter under the above heading in your issue of to-day. _ I have been too long accustomed to editorial misrepresentation and abuse in the Herald to bo in the least surprised at your latest effort in that line. My object in writing was to point out to your readers facts well within their rango of knowledge, and inferences they are quite intelligent enough to • appreciate. That having been accomplished, I can survive the usual dose you servo out of anti-prohibi-tionist criticism. There was not a word in my letter to justify tho assertion that I represented Auckland to be worse than any other place,in regard to drunkenness. There is enough of it here, Heaven knows, to sicken the heart of any man who is not brutally callous to the moral condition of his fellows, but precisely the same heart-breaking story can be told of any other city in the colony. The one outstanding fact everywhere is that every increased facility for the sale of drink weans an increase of drunkenness, and it is that undesirable fact that makes it eminently undesirable that the sale of .should be permitted in connection with the Auckland Exhibition. You wax highly indignant at what I said with regard to scenes ol drunkenness in connection with public functions, and you call upon me to bring evidence in support of such a statement. It is rattier unfortunate that in making such a demand you state that as a fanatical prohibitionist my statements on such matters are made " regardless of truth." Of what value then, in your eyes, would be any evidence I might submit on the matter in dispute? You first disciedit your witness and then call upon him to prove his own Words. Under the circumstances you can hardly be surprised if 1 decline to accede to such a peculiar request.—l am, etc., August 18,1893. Wu. Jas. Williams. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,— opposition on this point seems to me unpractical and devoid of that appreciation of facta very common with the Prohibitionist party. As stated, thore are two hotels close to the Exhibition grounds. Auckland is not a prohibited district, and nothing can interfere with the free sale of liquor at those public houses. The first result of prohibition within tho Exhibition would, therefore, be to make the proprietors of these hotels a present of a large sum of money that would otherwise come to the credit of the Exhibition. But a second, and far more important matter is to place the sale of such refreshments outside the control of the committee of the Exhibition. In common, I suppose, with nine-tenths of tho community, I look upon the allegations as to disgraceful scenes to bo anticipated as mere claptrap and ' humbug, and further, that the relegation of the sale of

such refreshments to the public houses out-. side is calculated to increase rather than. diminish the possibility of disorder. It will bo tho first duty of the committee to take efficient measures to see to the maintenance of proper order and decorum, a duty it will bo far more difficult to carry out if the sale of wine, beer, etc., is carried on just outside their control. Then, in common, I believe, with a large proportion of the community, I demur to being relegated to a publio house for any refreshment I require. Further, I consider this tin "excellent opportunity to afford special facilities for the sale of 'light colonial wines of the best quality, and at the lowest prices. Taking the experience we have as to the almost total absence of drunkenness in countries where the climate is similar to our own, and where cheap local-grown wines form a staple item in the diet of the people, I have at least as much confidence in the benefit of cultivating a taste for good light wines as I have faith in the result of the efforts of the Prohibitionist party, involving, as they appear to do, the ruination of the digestions of its devotees by a flood of oceans of tea. Let me add that* I give place to no man in an abhorrence of drunkenness, and deplore certain colonial habits of "shouting." which have an inevitable tendency in that direction, and lead to many a good fellow's downfall; but there will always be weak members of tho community, and all the efforts of all the societies in the world will not keen such humpty dumpties on the ton of the wall. But, also, I have some regard for the liberty of the subject, and consider that a healthy growth of self-respect and self-control, combined with the force of public opinion, will in tho present and future, as in the past, prove the proper cure for the evil of drunkenness, without sowing the seeds of evil inseparable from the tactics of the prohibitionist.— 1 am, etc., Arthur Bint. TO THE EDITOl:. Sir,—l regret that by your sub-leader in yesterday's issue you should accept the roll of n " bar"' special pleader, and that you should put the worst possible face upon the case of your opponent, the plaintiff. I do not read in the ltov. W. J. Williams' letter any accusation whatever against the people of Auckland. The essential statement Mr. Williams makes is that, "While numbers of people doubtless could and would partake of such drinks without becoming offensive, there are, unhappily, many others to whom the chance of obtaining such drinks would become an occasion for indulging to a disgusting excess. Is this a true or an untrue statement and.forecast? I. hold it true, and if so it justifies the strongest possible protest against an Exhibition " bar :" and I submit there is here no calumny upon tho people of Auckland, but a courageous plea on their behalf. For making such a plea it is unjust and unworthy to excite personal prejudice. Why ignore the facts stated byMr. Williams that, for those who need " alcoliolio refreshments" there are two hotels "within two minutes''walk," and, that'"it lias been found possible to hold similar exhibitions in other parts of the colony without a ' bar.' " Doubtless, in these instanees_ the proposal to have one was previously and fully discussed and rejected, and, as 1 think, most people will say, wisely so. A holiday, gay time, exceptional social gaiety, tho hot, thirsty, Bummer season, and an attractive Exhibition " liar" would, I fear, to many a jolly young fellow make over-indulgence in drink an easily-besetting, a "well-circumstanced sin." If the committee can prevent this, they are under moral obligation to do so, and, I think, but for the unavoidable absence of the president (.Mr. Kent), the voting of yesterday would have had a different result, as I know he his decidedly opposed to tho proposal.— am, etc., Edwin Cox. August 19, 1893. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—The discussion at the committee meeting discloses the fact, that in the opinion of several of tho gentlemen piesent it was definitely decided not to havo intoxicating liquors on sale. As soma doubt existed as to whether such liquors were on salo at the Wellington Exhibition, 1 wired an inquiry. The reply received was: "Secretary of Exhibition says no." Notwithstanding your sub-leader, which was more pungent than polite, intoxicating liquors produce intoxication. The standing in the community of the drinker does l ot lessen tho effects. If proof is necessary, tlio recent Queen's Birthday ball at Wellington will furnish it, where, notwithstanding the presence of the elite of tho capital, one of the foreign Consuls present so misconducted himself that apologies were tendered to Lord Ranfurly. The importance of education v universally admitted, and the advice freely given is, educate the young. In connection with the matter under discussion, wo may remind all concerned that example is before ire-ci-pt, and ask their co-operation to keep the drinking-bar out of the Exhibition. If the community would voico their sentiments, I feel sure from Hie expressions of opinion I havo heard that Iho proposed drinking-bar would bo generally condemned.— am, etc., E. Frexcii. TO THE El/ITOR. Sir,—Whilst agreeing with your leader upon the above subject, I cannot say tho same for tho letter in to-day's issue signed " Boswell." Like Dr. Bakewoll, I have travelled in many countries, and I can conscientiously say that I never met with a moro orderly community than the general public in this fair city of ours. " Boswell " (if taken seriously) and W. J. Williams are each extremists, and by being such do more harm than good by their extravagant expressions of opinion. " Boswell" proposes (not seriously, I presume) to dispense with the sale of tea and oilier light refreshments at the Exhibition, because he claims to havo discovered the evil effects of drinking tea. Let me recommend " Boswell," now that he can secure good teas cheap, to no longer buy the injurious teas ho refers to. I would like to add that space lias been sold to firms for the purpose of tea and refreshment rooms, so that the public can rely upon tea being sold at the Exhibition. I trust that no mere of your correspondents will say or imply that good tea can—if taken in reasonable quantities—do anybody harm, or if takon to excess can injure anyone but the drinker. Can the samo bo said for alcoholio liquors? Most certainly not.—l am, etc., ELfINDALE. 75, Queen-street. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—On perusing your sub-leader if the 18th inst. on "Drink at the Exhibition," I tf.gethcr with several others, stood aghast and wondered if Sir. Williams had lost his usual common sense, lint on turning to the letter itself wo found that tho leader did not fairly represent it. If there was not a law of libel in this colony, overwhelming evidence could be produced to prove that some of " the people of Auckland do indulge in beastly orgies'' when under the influence of drink, and that the orgies are not confined to the so-called "scum of society" by any means, If the respectable colonists do not watch the Government, this fair colony, civic and general, will bo ruled by a power infinitely more evil in effect than the Tammany organisation of New York. Trusting that the evil that, according to the late W. E. Gladstone cause;, more misery than war, pestilence, and famine combined, will bo kept from the Auck land Exhibitor).l am, etc., Constitutionalist. AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL. TO THE editor. Sir,lt seems to be fully apparent- to a largo portion of the public of Auckland that some change and improvement is needed in our present City Council. New blood and new intellect are both equally re quired. Comparing with 15 or 20 years back, tho Council has, as a whole, unmistakably degenerated in tone and /standing. This ought no so to be, and more particularly in that of a city so prominent and progressive as Auckland. The remedy lies with the people themselves, and who need only to shako off present indifference and sloth. Now is the opportunity. It is pleasing to observe one new and good name announced, that of Mr. John Batger. Men are wanted of broad commercial and financial experience, and ,vho aro able to look at a matter on all its s'des, and in all its liearings; in short, capable of seeing a little beneath Iho surface of tilings in general. Besides this, men, too, .ne wanted who will, as councillors, be devoted to the public weal wholly, and show themselves to be devoid of seeking any party or personal interests. Surely at this present special juncture a half-dozen or more new and true names, well fitted for the position, could be brought forward. Here are a few reliablo names, and, as it is in the public interests of our picturesque and important city they are given, let it be hoped that no breach of .ordinary etiquette is thereby incurred. Suggested: Messrs. Carr (auctioneer), Devore, Dacro, Frater, Hobbs, Hull, Harclie, Holden, McLachlan, McLeod (MoLeod Brothers), Oliphant, Edward Bartley (architect). —I am, etc., N.Z. THE KAURI GUM INDUSTRY BILL. TO the EDITOR. Sir,— set apart certain areas on Government gumfields for the exclusive use of settlers in their immediate neighbourhood I wculd be a grievous public wrong. The anj restricted privilege of digging gum on all I such land enabled many of these settlors (n i acquire, ,and afterwards maintain, their ! holdings. Why, then, should others who are ! struggling for the same goal be debarred from 'similaradvantages, already greatly curtailed ; through koenei competition and diminished i yield of gum? It would be nonsense to say that there will still be plenty of room after the areas in'question have been confiscated and monopolised by one class of persons, because every acre is absolutely indispensable

to meet the- present and future needs of the. i outside' publico Furthermore, all those ng-1 gers who may have squatted on the same I spot for. years, with the ultimate view of i settling thems»lve; on adjacent land, will I have to move elsewhere, and thus lose all in- j centivo to realise a very laudable ambition, ' . should they happen to find themselves within I ' tho alienated areas. | 1 In advocating such a measure Mr. Houston I j may possibly win the settlors' vote, but he j , will assuredly forfeit that of the main Doily j of diggers, whose interests will hare been j so cruelly assailed. | The proposed residential qualification nl | I one year is alike objectionable both in regarl i 1 to liritisji immigrants and European aliens ] generally. Englishmen will be excluded i i from an industry, which, of all others, affords j ; work for all who cannot obtain other emply- ■ , ment, but are willing to work hard and got . on; and differential legislation in such a mat- . ter, affecting European aliens whose icspec- i tive nations are in tho enjoyment of untrammelled intercourse with tho Mother Country and all her colonies, would be Highly ' invidious. This fact is further accentuated ; in tho case of Austrian;. The report of the : gum commissioners show that these men are ] highly desirable citizens in every sense but one, viz., " they do not come to stay.'' I am i inclined, with many others, who have no political axe to grind, to question tho latter part of this conclusion; indeed, there can be but little doubt that the younger men will, in course of time, became settlers of an excellent stamp. It is humiliating and untrue as well to contend that New Zealand, with her lialf-millii n people, cannot afford room for a few Additional thousands in a single industry. What, may be asked, will be her condition in the near future, when her population lias in- ' creased, as increase it must, to an extent at- ; i together beyond that of tho comparatively i , small body of Austrians which we now un-' • prwo to turn from our shores? Far better j ' would it he to devise means for the develop- • ment of her other resources, in place of letting • it go forth to the world that New Zealand i is unablo to bear tho strain of even a trivial addition to hei present ridiculously small ; population.—l am, etc., (J. Poroti, August 16, 1898. THE SHORTHAND WRITERS' ASSOCIATION SPEED CERTIFICATES. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—You cannot but admit that an <■ 'urational examining body granting certificates : of competency, which they ask bmriness ant ; professional people to recognise, ought not j to allow their examining staff to teach and coach candidates. I am not antagonistic to : tho association, but, if our speed certificates are. to be of value, it should be recognised. that shorthand teachers taking part in the proceedings as examiners and readers to their own pupils is a reproach upon the administration of the society.— am, etc., A Member of the Association - . PREFERENTIAL TARIFF. to TilE EDITOR. _ Sir,— have read with considerable interest (ho special pleading of Mr. Carl Scegner, in the course of the interview with your representative. Some of his remarks were of such an ex parte and misleading nature as to call for comment. Mr. Seddon's action in introducing the proposal to favour British imports to tho extent of five per cent., is evidently in accordance with the arrangement agreed to at tho conference in London between tho Colonial Premiers and Mr. Chamberlain, which led up to the denunciation of the German and Belgian commercial treaties by the Mother Country. Those treaties were made and ratified in 1865, and finally ceased to have effect on the 30th ult. During their existence they contributed in a large measure to tho expansion of the manufacturing industries of Germany and Belgium. Whilo they wero in force our colonies could not pass any fiscal measure whereby Great Britain could benefit. We intend to change all that. Canada lias led the way, Sir Wilfred Laurier having introduced a measure similar in many respects to Mr. Seddon's, so that vfc are not moving in the dark. Mr. Seegner holds out the threat of retaliation. Well, wo do not hear that Germany is discriminating against Canada. And, again, take the cases of France, Holland, and Spain, which enjoy preference in their colonial trade to tho extent of 20 per cent, to 50 per cont. I have yet to hear that Germany has adopted any retaliatory steps towards these nations. The German exnort trade to England is, in round figures, £40,000,000, and to France, £8,000,000. If, therefore, she finds it to her advantage not to discriminate against tho latter country, thero are a few million more reasons why sho should not with the British colonies. No, Germany is too well aware of a good thing to take any chances. Mr. Seegner states that Great Britain cannot manufacture certain articles even with (ho advantage of five per cent. That may ho true of toys and fancy goods, but it is absurd to argue that Great Britain, with her capital, brains, and facilities in the way of cheap coal and iron could not quickly revive industries which she has allowed to lapse. He evidently is not aware of the efforts the Mother Country is making by educating her artisans, and by her merchants and manufacturers throwing off their conservatism, to regain her trade and prestige. I am perfectly convinced that, given fivo years' enjoyment of a preferential tariff of five per cent.—we do not ask for more—we should at tho end of that time bo able to meet and beat the Germans or any Continental competitor both for quality and price. Mr. Seegner is rather unfortunate when he instances the direful result which would accrue to the colony being denied the blissful and civilising influence of the German piano (sic). Only bloated capitalists could then indulge in the luxury of a piano. Mr. Seegner cannot be aware that there arc at least 12 English manafucturcrs who turn out pianos that for price, appearance, and lasting qualities would equal, and in some cases excel, those of Gorman make. At the present time lam of the opinion that there are quite as many English as German pianos imported into Auckland. The Consul emphasises the fact that Germany would discriminate against our wool, gum, etc. That is improbable, because they must have the raw material, and the motif of German tariffs has always been to crush imported manufactures, but free all imported raw material. As regards our staple, wool, the German manufacturer and merchant must buy from British colonies, for, with the exception of the Argentine, it is not produced in any quantity o'sowhere. Supposing they did discriminate, it would handicap their manufacturers, assist British, and very soon the market lost in Germany would be more than recouped in Great Britain. The balance of trade between this colony and Germany is decidedly in favour of the latter, almost in tho ratio of five to one; not, of course, by German' Consular figures, which do not include the vast amount of German goods that are forwarded via London and appear as British in the Customs returns. Regarding New Zealand exports, wo find that 78 per cent, are sent to Great Britain, 15 per cent, to British possessions, and seven per cent, to foreign countries. Not much foreign market in that, Mr. Seegner. There is no hesitancy in declaring which is our best market, and our German friends cannot reasonably demur at our hastening to cultivate it by a preferential and ultimately a reciprocal tariff. In conclusion, I hopo that the House will give effect to tho proposal of Mr. Seddon, for I feel convinced that the benefits that will accrue to New Zealand will bo enormous, It is unnecessary to point out what an important factor this preferential tariff will be in increasing the consumption of this colony's products at Home. Despite all assertions to the contrary, there is a strong layer of sentiment underlying trade movements nowadays. I havo seen 20 large sugar refineries shut down at Home, and 30,000 workmen turned adrift, through the pernicious operation of the foreign bounty system. And yet, when wo talk of a gentle retaliation, Mr. Seegner thinks it bad business. The British workman is quite alive nowadays, strikes to the contrary, of the meaning of Continental competition, and would naturally, in buying, give preference to colonial products. Probably the initiative taken by Canada and New Zealand may be the thin end of the wedge, the ultimate result of which will be the formation of an Imperial Customs' Union, according reciprocal treatment to British and colonial manufactures and products. Germany has benefited so long by British laissez fairo, that they must not grumble at our natural desire to see a measure made law which will considerably assist our efforts in regaining our colonial trade. I trust that the importance of the subject justifies the trespass on your space.— am, etc., | F.W.T. Early in June hiring fairs for farm servants were held in various towns' in the northern counties of England. As is customary in the northern counties, the hiring for the halfyearly term next ensuing is part in cash and part in kind, but it does not come under tho Truck Act, the servants being boarded and lodged in the houses of the employers, so that, taking tho weekly keep of a servant in husbandry, male and female, at 8s per week, this and tho cash wage brings up the total amount to a higher total than is paid in most southern counties. The following rates for the half-year were obtainable, and these rates may be taken as a fair criterion for tho nor- . thorn counties:— men, who take charge of the farm in the master's absence, £19 to £20; first-class men servants, £16 to £18 r second-class, £13 to £15; boys and youths, £4 ' to £11; dairymaids. £11 to £12: first-class women servants, £9 to £10 second class, £7 to £8; girls, £4 to £6. Women servants were especially scarce, and dear to hire. •■-. "What Tea is most enjoyable J" j Arthur Nathan's famed " Reliable," - ,' And it's the cheapest Tea einployabb. .1