The Otago Daily Times. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1882.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 5247, 18 February 1882, Page 2

The Otago Daily Times. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1882.

The Good Templars and other total abstinence associations have, "we think, acted with great judgment in respect to the ensuing election of licensing committees. No attempt has been, made, judging from the nominations, to pack the committees with irreconcilables, who would nob be able, in accordance with their convictions, to consent to the granting of certificates for any class of license or; renewal; but men of moderate opinions have been put forward, whose integrity and intelligence are notable, and who, it is believed, will, if elected,' administer the Act as a Licensing Act certainly, but with "a view to restricting the liquor traffic within fairly reasonable limits. Mr J. T. Smith, the Grand Worthy Chief Templar, in the middle of last month issued from the Grand Lodge Office an " Appeal to the Ratepayers of Now Zealand," in which he very fully sets fortli the views of the Order ia reference to the elections, pointing out that the duty to be discharged by those privileged to vote is a very important and responsible one, which should be exercised with, the greatest judgment and discretion. He does not urgo the selection and support of candidates pledged virtually or directly to prohibition, but, on the contrary, reminds the ratepayers that the functioiiu of the committees will properly be confined to regulating the traffic—functions which ho maintains should be

exercised in diminishing the " legalised temptations to intemperance." The total abstinence reformers, it is well known, hold to the opinion that drunkenness, and the evils'inseparably connected therewith, are increased in the same ratio as the opportunities for drinking, and they have evidently oorne to the sensible conclusion that the newLicensing Act should be made use of to the fullest possible extent in the direction of lessening the number of licenses, rather than strained to the extent of prohibition. " You can, doubtless," says the head of the Good Templars to the ratepayers, "if you choose to exercise your influence and power, lessen the number of houses Housed for the sale of strong drinks, and tkrtruby diminish the temptation to intemperance and all its associated evils. Then again, you will have a fair opportunity of preventing an extension of the liquor traffic. . .

It is most essential, in order to carry out the provisions of the Act successfully, to secure the election of suitable men on the licensing committees—men of undoubted integrity and unswerving principle, who will honestly and faithfully administer the Act with a view to secure the greatest good to the greatest number of people." The general provisions of the Licensing Act have been fully explained in previous articles, but in consideration of elective licensing bodies being so soon to become an actual fact, and the ratepayers of this^ city being called upon to elect the' members for the current year, we believe it to be desirable that the powers and functions of the committees should be very clearly understood, these powers and functions being considerably more extensive and more specifically defined than those of the licensing bodies which are now superseded. The licensing meetings are to be held quarterly—in March, June, September, and December; but it is especially to be noted that new publicans', New Zealand -wine, accommodation, and bottle licenses can only be granted at the annual licensing meeting, which, is the one held in June of each year. Applications for no such licenses are, however, to be entertained unless the ratepayers have previously determined,in manner provided by the Act, that the number of any class of licenses may be increased. The advertised notices of the ensuing March quarterly licensing meetings are in this respect defective, in that they set forth that applications for "licenses " will be received. Wholesale aud conditional licenses can only be granted at this meeting, and application fur these licenses need not necessarily come before the committee at all, as the chairman has power to grant them at any time. Between the time of the election of the committee and th.3 annual licensing lneetisg next June, a poll will have to be' taken in each licensing district throughout the Colony to determine whether any new licenses shall ,or shall not ba issued. If the ratepayers say " No," the question is settled for three years ; if they t vote "Aye," then the* committee are by no means obliged to grant any new licenses, but are left to the exercise of their own discretion. The duties of committees are practically confined, at three out of the four meetings, to the consideration of applications for transfer 3 and removals of licenses, except during the current year, when renewals may be granted; whilst only in districts where the ratepayers have- decided in favour of an increase will they have the power of granting new licenses. There is very ample provision in the Act for preferring objections to the issue of certificates, either for licenses, renewals, transfers, or removals, and it must be clearly understood that all these stand exactly in the same position with regard to the judicial and discretionary power of the committee to grant or refuse the same. Ten or more adult male or female residents may object by petition or memorial, or any adult male or female resident personally, and it is not necessary for objectors of the latter class to give the applicant any previous notice unless the objection be in regard to character. Any inspector of licensed premises (police officers are inspectors ex officio) may in the same manner object personally, and the council of any borough or county may authorise any person to appear on behalf of the ratepayers to support objections. The grounds of objection may be either as to the character of the applicant, that the premises have not reasonable accommodation, that the license thereof is not required in the neighbourhood, or that the quiet of the place in which the premises are situated will be disturbed if a license is granted. The committee may of their own motion take notice of any matter or thing which, in their opinion, would be an objection to granting any application ; and there is a mandatory clause which enacts that every committee " shall exercise their discration in granting or refusing any certificate for any description of license" (this includes renewals, transfers, and removals), "and shall not be obliged to grant the same merely because the requirements of the law. as to accommodation or personal fitness of the applicant are fulfilled, unless, in their opinion, there is a necessity for the public-housa or other establishment for the sale of intoxicating liquors for which application is made." The committee have, further, express authority, at any quarterly licensing meeting, to determine and put an end to any license then current if it be pn>ved to their satisfaction that the house is oonducted in an improper manner, or that the lioensee is openly and repeatedly intoxicated, or that any conditions on which the license was granted have not been fulfilled in a satisfactory manner. Renewals may be granted at the meetings to be held in March, September, and December of this year for licenses expiring during these several months respectively; but such renewals are to be only for the period intervening between the grant of the renewal and the annual licensing meeting. After December (1882) renewals of any description of license are only to be granted at the annual licensing meet ings each year.

So far as an opinion can be formed, tha nominations for the Dunedin city and suburban licensing committees are of such a character that the ratepayers can hardly go wrong in electing any of the candidates. There is, howeyer, an important consideration which should not be lost sight of. The only meeting of the yesxv at which any real business has to be transacted is the aunual meeting in June, at which time Parliament will most certainly be in session. It seems, therefore, a mistake to elect on the committees members of the House of Representatives, who, with the best intention possible; cau hardly be in two places at once. We are, indeed, surprised that under the circumstances gentlemen holding this position should have allowed themselves to ba nominated, since they must either neglect their Parliamentary duties or be absent from the only licensing meeting during the year at which there will be anything to ba done, except what is more or less formal. There seems a disposition amongst

our representatives, which should not be encouraged, to monopolise every office — elective or otherwise — which they can lay hands upon; and consequently soveral local bodies exercising important functions are left during at least a third of the year without their most active members. The Education Board is a case in point, upon which there are three members of the Assembly, whilst even the Dunedin School Committee has two. The larger ambition should be allowed, we think, to absorb the smaller; but we find tho3e same pluralists nominated for each of several licensing committees. The ratepayers had better elect gentlemen who are likely to be able to attend to the work.

The outbreak of typhoid fever at the Industrial School, resulting already in three deaths, seems to require some special inquiry on the part of the Government as to whether there is anything about the milk or water supply, or the drainage and other surroundings, that would account for it. The most modern opinion in regard to typhoid aeems to be that it is much more likely to be the result of some such causes than from any contact on the part of a visitor to the institution, which seem 3to be the theory put forth on the present occasion. We hope the worst is over, and that the •numerous patients are now all in a fair way of recovery; but recent experiences iii Christchurch show how necessary it is to diligently search out causes, and to take precautions against their recurrence. It seems that the specific poison of typhoid is very virulent, and that the emanations from a single patient, where there is want of care and cleanliness, may taint a water or milk supply, and. rapidly spread disease through a whole town. Ordinary disinfectants are of little avail unless the fertile sources of the poison are entirely cut off from possible contact with the healthy inmates. If a careful medical investigation has already been made 5 it would be well if the result were made public ; and if not, the sooner it is made the better. We very much fear that the institution is too crowded.

In our supplement this morning will be found two reviews (on "The Two Lawyers" and "The Great Romance"), an article on the statistics for 18S0, some notes on Victoria by a recent visitor, our American; Australian, and London letters, Passing Notes by " Civis," Sporting Notes by "Beacon," and several extract articles, one of them of particular interest to those who have followed the recent discussions on geological matters.

Our Wellington correspondent sends us a very interesting budget of news by telegram this morning. He asserts that it is extremely likely Mr Fulton, M.H.R. for Taieri, will be the Government's choice for the position of Chairman of Committees of next Parliament.

The Forbury School Committee at a meeting held last night, voted for Messrs Rutherford, Ramsay, and Fraer for election to the Education Board.

The influx of goldcabled as having taken place from France and North America has had the effect of sending up the Bank of England reserve appreciably. Last week the amount stood at the alarmingly low figure of £9,900,000; to-day's message" states that it is now at £11,750,000. Discouraging advices, however, come from New York, heavy failures having caused a semi-panic on the Stock Exchange there. , :

A seizure of several unstamped hogsheads of beer _,waa effected by the Customs authorities yesterday morning. It appears that the locker at Scoular's Bond, Mr Crowther, observed a dray, in which were a number of apparently unstamped beer - barrels, passing along the street, and on closer examination he found that the beer was from Strachan's Vicj toria Brewery, and that no stamps were affixed" He accordingly ordered the beer to be taken to one of the railway-sheds, where it has been since detained. , A quantity of tobacco, about 1201b, was also recently discovered in the bread-tanks of the ship Westland, which arrived from London a short time ago, and as it had not been reported to the Customs officer at the Port, it also has been detained.

The sale of Mr John Anderson's Wyndham flock of sheep, held at Clinton on Thursday, realised the handsome sum of £4300. We understand that the sheep purchased by Mr James Smith, of Greenfield, are for Mr Edward Green, of Nelson.

The polling for the election of a licensing committee for Dunedin South will take place at Winter's store, Stafford street, to-day. The poll opens at 9 a.m; and closes at 0 p.m. The nominations take place in the following districts to-day :—North-East Valley East and West, St. Leonards, Kensington, Port Chalmers South, and East Taieri.

A public meeting was held at the North-East Valley Schoolhouselast evening for the purpose of forming a branch of the Trades and Labour Council. Mr George Calder. occupied the chair; and after the objects of the Council had been explained by its delegates the following motion was moved by Mr Smith, seconded by Mr Dryden, and carried unanimously:— "That a branch of the Otago Trades and Labour League be formed in the North-East Valley." Mr George Calder was elected chairman, Mr J. T. Dryden secretary and treasurer, and. Messrs Freeman, Howard, Simms, Diack, and Smith members of committee.

The new restaurant in connection with the Coffeo Palace lias just been opened, and it ought to meet the demands of the public who patronise the institution for some considerable time to come. Even more accommodation is provided by it than exists'in the old restaurant, and it has been fitted up in an exactly similar stylo. No doubt it will prove a great convenience.

A sitting of the Supreme Court in Bankruptcy, for the disposal of unopposed motions will bo held before the Registrar on Monday next.

At .St. Joseph's Church to-morrow, subscriptions towards tho presentation to his Lordship the Most Rev. Dr Moran, on his return from Europe, will be received at all the masses, and at vespers in the evening. A large number of donations have already been sub" scribed for this object. His Lordship wil* arrive eai-ly next month ; it is therefore ex" pected that a large sum will be realised to-morrow.

The following requisition has been presented to tho officers of the Dunodin Young Men's Christian Association:—" Dunedin, 15th February, 1882.—1n view of the misleading and dangerous character of recent lectures in this city under the guise of science, we, tile undersigned, feel that in the interests of true religion some steps should at once be taken in order to counteract their tendency, and we suggest that the Rev. A. C. Gillies, now in this city, and who has done good service in this direction in Australia, be requested to deliver some of his famous lectures under the a.uspices of this Association." (Here follow signatures.) A deputation waited on Mr Gillies yesterday, and he has consented to lecture on the following subjects, viz.:—(1) "History versus Infidelity"; (2) "Reason versus Freothought"; (3) "Science and Scripture " —on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of next week. Admission will be by tickot, which may be had free at the Young Men's rooms, Moray place, and from Messrs Wilkio and Co , J. Horsburgh, and the IBqok DepOt, George street.

A coroner's inquest was held at the Golden Fleece Hotel, JEJawksbury, on Thursday last, beforo Mr J. W. Murdoch, to inquire into the origin of the fire which destroyed Hawksbury House on the 31stHit. 'After a number of witnesses had been examined thjq jury returned an open verdict. Tljo house, which, was the property of Mr. J. A, Tawnsend.,' w<is valued at £1700, and was insured for £1000,

Yesterday, afternoon, at; tho Arthur street School, Mr James Waddcll Smith, fourth as sistant, who has been promoted to the position of second assistant in tho William street School, was presented by the teachers with 12 volumes of Tennyson, and two volumes of Macaulay's Life and Letters, in recognition of the respect and esteem in which he has been held as a conscientious toacher during the past four years.

Mr William Farley polled 59 votes at the election for a councillor for Linden Ward Roslyn, yesterday, the number polled by the other candidate, Mr A. Hill Jack, being 38. Mr Farley was thus elected.

Considerable interest was taken in the string-binder contest, held at Mr Jamos Shand's Abbotsford Farm, West Taieri yesterday.. Six machines entered for competition but bamuelson'H English machine broke down' fit half-past 3 o'cloqlc, and had to rotire

The judges left the field at 5 o'clock to consider their decision, which resulted in a tie between the Wood and Al:Connack machines, each gaining 23 points, and a recommendation was passed that another trial in a heavier crop should take place to decide the best machine, Mr Shand offering to again place a portion of his crop at the disposal of the Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association, in which to hold the final contest.

The cricket match between the English Eleven and the Eleven of New South Wales was commenced yesterday. The Englishmen were all disposed of for the small score of 133, and when the stumps were drawn for the day the New South Wales Eleven had put to gether 86 for the loss of one wicket.

Mr M. W. Green, M.H.R., was elected an honorary member at the meeting of the Trades and Labour Council on Wednesday evening.

An extraordinary charge of trespass was preferred yesterday at the City Police Court against a Chinaman—Chum Goon. It appears that Chum Goon is utterly indifferent to popular prejudices, and when choosing his camping-ground for the night is in no way deterred by the unpleasant associations that have grown up around a morgue in this benighted country. On the evening of the lGth inst. a police officer (acting upon " information received") entered the Morgue, and although it was at that time empty, observed preparations which would be entirely unneces-, sary in the case of a legitimate occupant. A cheerful fire was burning; a saucepan (the saucepan of Chum Goon) was upon the fire, containing fish (the. fish of Chum Goon), emitting a most savoury odour, and Chum Goon himself shortly appeared upon the scene, evidently disposed for mild conviviality. On being ordered to remove his household gods, he refused point blank, and, in the language of the police-officer, "showed signs of fighting." The defence of the accused was unique and simple in the extreme. This Colony, the buildings in it, and consequently the morgue among othoro, belonged to him \>y anoootrnl title, inherited through his father, now reposing in Dunedin cemetery. Strange to say, the' Bench declined to hold this a valid excuse, and testimony being forthcoming as to the prisoner's insanity, remanded him for medical examination.

A lecture was delivered last evening in the HalloftheY.M.C.A. by Mr R. N. Adams, the subject chosen being " Regenerated Palestine."' Mr M. W. Green, M.H.R., occupied the chair, and introduced the lecturer in a short and appropriate address. Mr Adams, in the course of his remarks, referred in detail to the boundaries of the Holy Land as indicated upon Scriptural authority, and enlarged upon its central position, both as regards geographical situation and its standing as the chief spot* whence Biblical instruction has been delivered. He subsequently touched at some length upon theories as to the future of the country and the probable changes that would take place prior to the fulfilment of Scripture "prophecy. The lecture was listened to throughout with attention by those present, and Mr Adams was heartily applauded upon concluding.

At the meeting of the General Assembly of theNewZealandPresbyterian Church in Christchurch on Thursday evening, a deputation from the Presbyterian Church-of Otago was to be heard on the subject of the proposed union of the two branches of the Church of New Zealand.

The Customs authorities in Victoria are making large seizures of smuggled tobacco and spirits from Chinese dealers in Melbourne and Ballarat;

The crops in Clinton and surrounding districts are, like those of so many other places, very light this season. From the statistics already collected, it seems the average yield will be much below those of former years. Harvesting is being vigorously prosecuted under favourable circumstances.

The fences on the railway-line neap the scene of the late fatal accident are not yet in a proper state of repair. Some few weeks ago a cow got on to the line, and was killed by a passing train, and this week a goods-train ran into a mob of sheep that had strayed on to the line, the result being that 15 of the animals were killed.

A great deal of telegraphing has been done from Gore and Clinton to Wellington on the question whether town districts will be entitled to auctioneers and publicans' fees. Various opinions have been received, the Hon. T. Dick having first telegraphed that they would not be so entitled, and thenjthat they would. TheTopotunoi*- Chronicle says"on-th«i. subject:—"The Colonial Secretary is now confident that both auctioneers and publicans' fees belong to the town district, while the Colonial Treasurer is doubtful about the former. Even these two gentlemen, it appears, do not agree on the subject, and Messrs Thomson, Haggitt, Stout, and the Chairman of the Inglewood Town District differ from both. At what conclusion can we possibly arrive, when such a difference of opinion exists among the high authorities ?"

The war between Germany and France cost Germany no less than 123,453 men and 6247 officers, 40,031 of whom were slain in battle or died of their wounds. The German forcees that took a share in the war amounted to 1,451,944 men, including 33,101 officers. On the French sine under arms there were 1,100,000 men, the whole making more than 2 ) 000,000men bent on slaughtering one another.

A telegram from Perth, Western Australia, in the Melbourne Age, dated 9th inst., says :— " Last night, at 9 o'clock, the captain of the Volunteers received a telegram that a suspicious vessel was in sight off Fremantle. .Within half an hour a large body of Volunteers and artillery marched to the Btation, where they heard it was a false alarm. This morning it is stated that the telegram was only a ruse to test the efficiency" of the Volunteers, but it appears that the Government have really received certain information from the Colonial Office relative to a Fenian expedition from San Francisco."

The Supreme Court of New South Wales has delivered judgment in a case of some public importance as limiting the liability of the Government to depositors in the Postoffice Savings Bank. A depositor's book was Btolen, and the thief contrived to withdraw the whole of the money deposited. Under the circumstances the depositor sought to recover from the Government. The Court decided that this could not be done, inasmuch as the Government was protected from liability by a regulation made under the authority of the Savings Banks Act.

"iEgles," in the Australasian, writes : —" A joke is none the worse for its point being against one's friends, or even against ones-self. Mrs MacTaggart, who has been a country subscriber to a Melbourne weekly for many years, sent to the local newsagent this intimation :— Don't send the any niore. The paper is no good for my business. I can't make up small parcels in it. Send me the Australasian in future.'" This almost comes up to a country dame we have heard of in Otago, who, of the two papers published in her district, preferred to subscribe to the one which made the bost curl-papers.

An extraordinary poisoning case at Landsborough is recorded by the Ararat Advertiser by which no less than five persons narrowly escaped death. It is reported that " a young woman named Jessie Mair brought home to her mother's house a tin of white powder> which she called baking-powder, on Friday last, and suggested to her mother the advisa. bility of making some scones with it. This was done, and two lads of the name of Hallow having dropped in just as the scones were cooked, they wero invited to sit down with tho family and eat them, but no sooner had some of the scones been swallowed than fits of vomiting simultaneously attacked all those whq had partaken of them. Suspectingthat something was wrong, Mrs Mair threw the remainder of the scones outside, wheii a number of fowls were immediately, killed through eating the poisonous stuff. The remainder of the. powder was then thrown into the firo, and medical assistance obtained for. thY sufferers, five in num.b,or, With the exception of severe internal pains for about 24 hours, no oviLofFects have beon felt by the poisoned on,es, and they are therefore out of danger. The strangost part of the affair is that .the young woman referred to abovo, refused to eat the scones after advising her mother to make them. The police are now endeavouring to ascertain where Jessie Mair got tho powder that bo nearly effected a most disastrous tragedy."

A rather curious case is reported by the Groy Rivor Argus as having been dealt with in the Resident Magistrate's Court by Mr Stratford. It appeared that William Thomson went on to a borough reserve a few days ago and cut and stacked half a cord of wood, intending to cart it away on a future occasion. In the meantime William Kilner happening to come jO^--spied the timber, and «•»•- ""'* 1 vu> . .-. ' —ereupon carted it "■>me. _ therefore claimed 7a Gd as tho value of tho wood. Tho Magistrate, however, considering that neither plaintiff nor defendant had any right to the wood, nonsuited plaintiff.

The Kaikorai Good Templars' Hall was crowded to excess last night, when an amateur entertainment was given in aid of the funds oi the Koslyn Volunteer Fire Brigade. " Superintendent A. Hill Jack occupied the chair. The programme, though a Bomewhat lengthy one, was up to the usual standard; and the audience seemed thoroughly pleased with the manner in which the various items were rendered. Mr A. D. Denovan contributed a number of humorous Scotch songs in his usual happy style; and Messrs W. Packer, W. Sinclair, D. Buchanan, W. Wiggins, W. Eraser, and Black also rendered good service. The hall was tastefully decorated for the occasion, and above the stage was the Brigade's motto—" Ready, aye ready " —in ornamental letters. A farce and a display of fireworks brought the programme to a close, after which the hall was cleared for dancing. The funds of the brigade will bo considerably augmented by the takings from the entertainment.

The box plan for Mr Williamson's dramatic season, opening at the Princess Theatre on Monday, is now open at West's music salooon. The scale of charges (6s, ss, 4s, 2s, and Is) for the opera season to be inaugurated by "Patience" on the 27th i 3 advertised this morning, and the box plan will," as regards it also, be open on Monday.

Mr Denton lectures for the last time in Dunedin on Sunday evening in the Queen's Theatre, on "Scientific Evidences of Man's Future Existence."

The Fidelity Company will close on Dunedin Cup about Monday, 20th February.—[Advt.]

We have been requested to call attention to the fact that on Monday evening the Montague-Turner Opera Troupe will remove from the Princess Theatre and appear sit the Queen's.

Messrs Wright, Stepheuson, and Co. will sell horeeß to-day at the Provincial Yards.

An extraordinary general meeting of the Westport Colliery Company will be held in the office Yosiel street, on March 7th at 3 p.m.

Mr James Campbell will sell' fat and store cattle at North-East Valley on Tuesday.

Mr R. Donaldson, a nana.-uto s OT central Ward .Licensing Committee, advertises an address to the ratepayers.

~,Mlr M- Pym wiU aell ilr P- a Neiu'B tow« residence (Silverwood), on Saturday, 4th March.

Messr3 Maclean and Co. will sell horses to-day at Dunedin Tattersall's, Maclaggan street.

Messrs Q. T. Clarke and Co. will sell a number of properties at South Dunedin on Saturday, 4th llarob in Wataon's Hotel, High street.

Messrs Bastings, Leary, and Co. will sell furniture on Tuesday at their rooms.

llr D. 11. Spedding will sell picture-frame moulding and an assortment of boots on Tuesday.

The following will play for the Roslyn C.C. in their match against Reid and Gray's CO. on the Oval today at 2.3o:—Bannatyne, John Dick, Duncan, Gibson, Godfrey, 11. Godfrey, Liggins, Jl'lntOßh, Morrison, Martin, and Vivian; emergencies—Arlidge and Burt

Messrs Whitelaw and Co. will sell shares to-day.

Messrs Donald Keid and Co. will hold a clearing sale at Mr Wm. Marshall's farm, Mosgiel Bush, on 28th inst7.

Mr Derjier.—Dear Sir,—Having a bad attack of rheumatics, I was induced to try your remedy, which, I am happy to say, speedily .gave me relief.—X. Hamilton, Bay View Terrace, Dunedin.—[Advt.]

John Harborow, Professed Shirtcutter, Manse street, Dunedin.—A Sample Shirt, to measure in 24 houra if required. Shirts re-fronted, &c- flannel drawers, pants, nightshirts made to order. Jackets, pygamas, or sleeping suits in any material. Collars and cuffs, newest shapes and styles. N.B. Gentlemen waited upon at their private residences if required.—[Advt.]