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New Zealand Mail, Issue 957, 4 July 1890, Page 28

"Mr Fisher’s notices of motion about the Bank of New Zealand and its affairs reminds us of many things that have happened within the last few months. Of all those things, that which most surprised the public was the conduct of Mr Buckley in attacking the institution that he had actually been piloting through its difficulties at a great crisis. Since then he has given us all matter for even more surprise. In order to make good those criticisms of his against the defence of which he had been met, he did a thing which makes one’s hair stand on end to even think of. He published the confidential letters of Mr Murray, the bank’s chief officer and director, written to him in his official capacity. The critic in Fairplay, whose article has suggested Mr Fisher’s motion, makes great use of these letters in support of his indictment against the bank. But he declines pointedly to approve of Mr Buckley’s conduct. He does as Judge Denniston did the other day—refuses to adjudicate on a question of taste. These letters of Mr Murray’s thus betrayed are no doubt the statements of Mr Buckley which were characterised in a cable message the other day as.damaging. They, with the allegation about the LBO,OOO and the statement that the New Zealand Government has the preferential position among the bank’s creditors, make up the article in Fairplay. Opinions may differ about the bank’s position ; opinions differ about most things. But there are two things about which opinions can not differ. The first is that the bank’s business is excellent: the second is that Mr Buckley’s conduct in publishing confidential communications is contrary to every rule of honour recognised in every civilised community.

Mr Samuel has been described as an amiable philanthropist. He looks the character we feel quite certain. If he would only refrain from doing anything he would not spoil the effect of his looks, Or if he would only turn his attention to some other method of helping the human race than the method of the Divorce Court, he might he of some little use yet in his generation. But Mr Samuel’s high mission will not permit him to strike at anything less than the sanctity of marriage. The matter is very serious. Mr Samuel has a Bill which has turned its back on justice, which laughs at expediency, which sets at nought the solemn promises at the altar, and defies the dictates of common sense. It would be well if Mr Samuel were to cultivate a philanthropy a little less disastrous to the public welfare.

We have heard of “much cry and little wool,” but the Petone Company gives us a new version of the old saw. With them it is little cry and much wool. They have bought their share of the three and a half million pounds of wool which the Financial Statement mentioned as the aggregate local purchase of the past year. They have done it with profit to themselves and with advantage to the country round about them. Their position, as summed up at the close of the Chairman’s statement, is remarkably sound and encouraging. The common objection to the management of colonial industrial enter, prises, the objection to the company system one hears in the stree' at every corner, is that it is in every way bad. Of a truth there is some foundation for it. Every one knows that, for every one has at his fingers’ ends a number of cases which he can rattle on about for hours. The prevailing idea is disastrous to colonial industries. When a large colonial concern like the Petone Factory makes h success it is a national advantage We observe with regret that, the Chairman, who basso long guided the business of the Company, is retiring. He leaves a very successful business behind him. Long may it prosper 1

Sir George Grey had one of his annual series of tussles with the lawyers the other night, who all behaved after their manner. None of them care in the least about the contemptible change which the veteran wants to make in their profession. The majestic Samuel, the dapper Fitchett, the fiercely elegant Fitzherbert, the douce earnest mild voiced Downie Stewart, these and all the other legal gentlemen only oppose Sir George Grey out of a pure desire to amuse themselves. The most extraordinary thing is that they cannot see that the mere they fight the more thev persuade the public there is a great deal in what Sir George Grey says. There is, as a matter of f of, only a little Latin which is probably more than nine out of every ten lawyers in the House remember of that noble language. Why Sir George Grey should persist in his attacks is even more incomprehensible. He wants the door of greatness thrown open to all. But if a man has not grit enough to master the general knowledge examination, he has not grit enough to carry him far on the road to greatness. Take away the

examination, he will collapse very soon after liis entrance into the profession. But the veteran has begun his crusade, and is sure to triumph. " He opened the profession by abolishing articles ; he will presently open the door wider by sweeping away the examination ; he will not rest until every man is his own lawyer ; and then he will turn his attention to the rights of the ladies. After that he will agitate for the admission of the unborn millions. But the idea of the unborn millions in wigs and gowns will be too much for the lawyers. A Bill for their admission, instead of appealing to their sense of humour, would move onty them to fierce and protracted resistance.

The Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science, which is to meet in Christchurch next year, does not intend to confine itself to the Southern City. After the bus 1 ness of science it intends to devote itself to pleasure, with the laudable idea of seeinu the country. Unlike that distinguished traveller and hasty observer Mr Froude, the Association has not jumped to the conclusion that all parts of New Zealand are exactly alike. Having seen the pleasant gardens and rich champagne country round the Cathedral City, the Association proposes to travel, visiting among other places the wonders of the Northern volcanic region. We hope they will enjoy their excursion to Ruapehu and adequately admire the beauties of the Northern interior. If the country were only properly roaded, there would be nothing left for them to desire. As their reports of the land will give a great stimulus to the tourist traffic, we should lose no time in roading the country for the visitors. Our scenery is one of our. good assets.

The Manawatu Railway is a very fine concern, but the Colony is not going to buy it just yet. Why should it? Because, it was suggested during the discussion the other night, the railway would pay a dividend provided it were relieved from property-tax and local taxation. That probably touches the reason why the idea of buying the railway was brought forward. It serves, at any rate, to remind the House that Parliament has treated the Manawatu Company infamously. Firstly, when the Company had issued its debentures under the law which made the debentureholders liable for property-tax, the Legislature altered the law and threw the liability on the Company. The Legislature, in other words, changed the law without safeguarding existing interests. So far it was a mere mistake. But the Legislature refuses to do anything to restore those interests to their original position. Having gone further, the Legislature has stepped from mere error to dishonour. Secondly, the law throws the Company’s property into the camp of every local body as lawful prey, and every local body devours it with the insatiable maw of rating. But the Company’s railway is a road and ought not to be rated at all. Moreover, but for the Company’s railway many of the local bodies would have no property to rate, and some of them would not be in existence. Here are two injustices. The House has been reminded of them by the discussion of the other night. The House ought to remedy them. But to buy the railway just now is altogether out of the question. Some members complained about the rates. Can they wonder the Company turns a deaf ear to their prayers ? If they were to listen to the prayers of the Company for redress, perhaps the Company might alter its rates. To break their property-tax contract with the debenture-holders, to hand them over to the local bodies which they in great measure have created, from whoso expenditure they derive not a farthing of benefit, and then to abuse them for unsuitable rates, is like nothing so much as knocking a man down and kicking him for falling. No* .that is not the proper treatment for a Company so well managed and in every way such a credit to the Colony.

The Mayor and Corporation went to the wrong people when they went to the Commissioners about the extension of the railvoiy to Te Aro. But they went to the people who know more about it than anybody else. They went also to the people who have something like a veto in the matter. The Railway Commissioners have evidently thought the matter out in all its bearings. Their views are wide, ran ing between Mr McKerrow’s timidity about the traffic at the Queen’s Wharf, and Mr Maxwell's far-seeing proposal to carry the line by-and-bye right on to Island Bay. The Public Works Office with M nister and newly-appointed Engineer-in-Chief are not “in it” beside the Commissioners. It is of course beyond a doubt that to keep a city of the size and shape of VS ellington without the advantage of the railway system is a barbarism. For a paltry L 13,000 we can have the railway line brought, to Tory street, past the healt of tlie town, well on towards the opposite side of the city where the railwaystrikes it, right through the busy parts, the Rialto where the merchants most do congregate, and the adjacent portions. Mr Menteath toldhisconstituents the other day that he found himself unable to vote last year for this small expenditure, unless he agreed also to vote for the Otago Central and the Northern Trunk extensions and sundry other developments of the Minis-

terial programme. What a hollow pretence of justice! The importance of Wellington and her contributions to the revenue entitle her to this paltry expenditure. Besides, the proposed extension will pay, and the country' is, we understand, on the look out for lines of that description. As everybody agrees that this line will pay, and as Wellington has a claim, let it be made at once.

Everybody seems to he abusing the great African us—and everybody seems to be buying his book. A more rugged lion the drawing-rooms have never seen. Yet he is invited into them even though his fellow guests sneer at his attempts to introduce African manners into London. A more rugged litterateur it would be impossible to imagine. He lias no grace of style, no power of description, no imagination. Everything he does requires an editor. Yet no man has sold books to such advantage, because no man has such a story to tell. The discoverer of the Congo, the founder of the great Congo Free State, the liberator of Emin, must have something to say that for itself is worth hearing. Ho quarrels with everybody ho comes near, yet he makes men carry him to great successes in spite of their natural and national weaknesses. On the Congo, as soon as he heard Gordon was coining he began to sneer at Gordon. On the search for Emin, as soon as he came near that great man he began to abuse him. Arrived in London, Lord Salisbury has to tell him to hold his cantankerous tongue Yet Stanley Africanus is the hero of the hour, and the dollars flow in from every side. Of this material are the conquerors of history made : —The Pizarros, the Cortes’, the Clives. If an English expedition has to march conqueringly from Zanzibar to Cairo he is the man to lead it. And he may do it yet. The romance of that career is by no means over.

Mr Twopeny having wound the Exhibition up, has wound himself up for a plunge into politics. The faithful foxterriers will not be with him, because, as we understand, some careful discreet persons who directed the destinies of the Otago Daily Times some years ago were possessed with the fantastic idea that the appearance of dogs of that breed was fatal to the dignity and the prospects of their establishment. But though he is without the fox-terriers, Mr Twopeny is, we have been assured by some contemporaries, safe to be returned ; inasmuch as he has by his boldness, enterprise and good management secured the labour vote. Mr Twopeny has watched politics from the editorial chair and the gallery above the Speaker’s canopy. In the latter case he has seen the outer shape of many Legislators. In the former he has become familiar with the inner man of not a few. He ought to know something of politics. Raw to forms he will be. But in the main things he ought to be able to steer himself if he keeps his head. That is the rub, especia'ly when men are excitable and frothy.

We are able at last to understand the hesitation of that Hebraically shrewd financier Mr Goschen in the matter of the cable subsidy. The Canadian-Pacific people have shown us why, very plainly, Mr Goschen is like a certain animal between two bundles of hay. With the insinuating Sir J. Pender on one hand, and the urgent Pacific-Canadian on the other, he is unable to decide on what side to throw the prestige ar.d weight of the British Treasury. The Pender side happens to be ready, while the Pacific people are only preparing. But that is not a reason why Agents-General should be urging Mr Goschen to recognise the colonial claims by supporting the Pender side. Their duty is to urge their several Governments to give them instructions. We cannot have .them giving themselves the airs of ambassadors plenipotentiary.

When the Maritime Council waited on Sir Harry Atkinson they pointed out that there was reason to believe that the law which provides compensation to injured workmen or their representatives regards a sailor as not entitled to any compensation at all. “Two men at work on the same slings,” said Mr Millar in his pointed way ; “bang goes something—both killed—one a sailor ; t’other a wharf hand ; only the wharf hand gets any compensation.” Truly it appeared as if the cherub who sits up* aloft had been prevented from attending to the wants of poor Jack. But as soon i s his voice in the guise of Mr Millar’s accents reached the Premier’s ear he promised amendment. It was but- common sense, to say noth ng of justice. There were otlvr defects of the Employers’ Liability Act which the deputation from the Maritime Council pointed out, principally about the time within which claims might he made for compensation, and touening the amount of the compensation itself. These defects the Premier also agreed to have remedied. The Bill for amending the Employers’ Liability Act now before the 11 - use is the result. Any one reading it will see that bir Harry has been as good as his word. Another measure which he promised the deputation is one proposing to amend the Shipping and Seamen’s Act in the direction of giving wages to Jack ashore, when m that portion through illness. These Bills ought to he passed this year whatever else is done or not done. Justice is justice.

It has often been said that the Tories are great abroad and small at Home. Even now we have two illustrations—in the African agreement and the Licensing Bill. The first has won the admiration of every nation in Europe, while the second is the target for all the caricaturists and smart writers in the United Kingdom. From. Mr Punch, with his admirable cartoon of the foundling “ Baby Bung ” left at the door of the County Council, downwards, everybody is funny at the expense of the Government. What possessed them to revive this compensation project, in spite of the violent objections it provoked last year, nobody seems to understand. Why they should have offended a strong section, of their own followers appears even more incomprehensible. The} 7 have sent the Unionist whip back in disgust to his constituency, as the only course open to the chief of the teetotallers in Great Britain. It looks like the madness which precedes dissolution. We may after all have the general election before the expected time.

Wellington comes out well in the last property-tax valuation. While Otago and Auckland each once in turn the leading city (with the colossal future) have each decreased by the value of two and a-half millions, the Wellington province has increased by just that sum. That was in 1888, two years ago. During these too years the same process has been going on. The forest has been falling, the grass has been growing, the fires filling the landscape in the summer have been prophesying of beeves and muttons to come and butter and cheese. The Property Tax Commissioner does not know officially of these things; we infer them from other sources. The meat companies are building sheds, slaughter houses, freezing stores ; the shipping companies are adding to their fleets ; the merchants are flocking here from other parts and building great stores for the headquarters of a trade once centred in Otago, the very place which shows the decrease corresponding to our increase. From all of which it is pretty evident that when the next returns are published the Wellington increase of two and a half millions will be found to have been bettered, ’Tis a flourishing place, Sirs.

“Half a league, half a league, &c.” How fond we all are of hearing the words ! How fond some of us are of reciting them, with that emphasis which nobody else of course can be expected to possess ! How often do we crush the incompetent by declaring that “ Someone had blundered !” By all of which means we show our appreciation of the chivalric heroism of the men who obeyed the famous order to “ Charge for the guns.” It has now been ascertained that the small remnant of these fine fellows are for the most part in a battered and forlorn condition, spelling starvation according to the various methods practiced in official workhouses and unauthorised cellars. Melbourne has collected some thousands of pounds for them, and cabled some hundreds of the money. Christchurch has long been stirring in the matter—What of Wellington? We are afraid “ Someone has blundered.”

The honours of the debate were with the Opposition on Tuesdaynignt. The Opposition leader made a strong attack on the Financial Statement, and his lieutenant, the member for St. Albans, sustained him well. Between them came the Minister for Lands, who wearied the House and threw his colleagues into a state of perspiration. His speech was the chief incident of the debate. Full of matter it was, which could no!-, be found at the right moment; deadened by pauses which were filled in by conversational buzz, it came to a .lame conclusion, which was not suspected to be a conclusion until the Minister sat down. In former fights the Premier’s reply to the leader of the Opposition was always one of the features of the debate. For the opposite reason the speech of the Minister for Lands was the incident of the debate last night. It is a powerful argument against what the member for St Albans called the delegated leadership. The delegation system will not do. The Opposition leader’s criticism about the judicial appointment, fearless and pointed, received no satisfactory reply. * What ’he said about the Ministerial policy remained to a large extent unanswered. His fi-.anciai attack will read rather better for the Minister’s reply. The member for St. .\lbans was brilliant as well as fluent. He did not shrink from finance, and the land question found him able to seriously grapple with its intricacies. His review of the history of land administration in Canterbury was excellent, and he has done nothing better than his description of the pa3t year’s experience of land purchase in his province. It was full of knowledge, remarkable in tact, and not one of the many people to whom he had occason to refer could have taken the least offence had they been listeiiiuv. They would certainly h ve laughed as the Home laughed at the pleasant humour with which they were brought before the public. If the Government wish to justify their claim to public confidence they will have to answer these speeches.

The rumour of Sir Julius Yogel’s third advent to New Zealand finds people undecided about his views. On one side we hear that he is going into politics, on

another there are many reasons why he is not going to do anything of the kind. The people of Nelson—good, easy, grate! ful Nelson— belong to the former category. They think that Sir Julius could never come here except for politics ; they feel very grateful that their country was included in the route of the Midland Railway, and well they may ; they are sending round a requisition to Sir J uli us to be their member in the next Parliament. Sir Julius, Member for Sleepy Hollow ! It will be one of the funniest combinations. This little story is valuable chiefly as showing that the people of Nelson are in the category of people who are good and true. It need not make anyone believe that Sir Julius Vogel, who is very probably coming out, has any idea of trying another fall in the political wrestling ground.

If the sailors who are anxious for Parliamentary representation depend on the Registration of Electors Bill, they are doomed to disappointment. Certain town members are saving them from the impending fate by asking for a measure which shall allow them to vote in any! electorate they may happen to be within a certain time of the election day. Anything more idiotic it would be impossible to conceive. The men want a specialrepresentation, so that they shall have a special representative whose business it will be to look after the sailor and his many requirements. They want the Cherub to come down from his place aloft and look after poor Jack in Parliament. They are offered a share in the ordinary representation of some electorate they know nothing about and care less. Ifc i 3 bread for a stone.

For the first time in its history the Upper House thought fit to ignore the attack made on the Government in the Chamber. The Attorney-General Actually went on with the business, and the Council seemed quite ready to follow him, It appeared as if the drowsy calm of the upper region was not to bo disturbed by storms political, until Mr Shrimski rose to his feet. The veteran, however, in a few pithy sentences, pricked the unusual bubble, whereupon the Council conformed to its old usage by adjourning.