The Otago Daily Times. FRIDAY, MAY 2, 1884.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 6930, 2 May 1884, Page 2

The Otago Daily Times. FRIDAY, MAY 2, 1884.

Isr the classic plays it was the custom to rescue the hero in the hour of his direst distress by the intervention of a divinity who, from the apparatus used to bring him upon the scene in a manner out of the ordinary, was called the deus ex machind. This divinity used to put everything to rights just when matters were at their worst, and although the " machine" is no longer used, and gods are not in the habit of appearing upon the earth in this nineteenth century., the device has been adopted by modern playwrights. What has brought it to our mind at this moment is the mysterious manner in which Sir Julius Vogel has dropped down upon New Zealand in her hour of need. The putting things to rights has certainly yet to bo effected, but the manner of his appearance is exactly analogous with that of the Greek divinity. Sir Julius left England at a moment's notice, without anyone here being aware that he was coming to the Colony, and the direct steam service affords an exact parallel to the machine of the ancients. Whether Sir Julius has any intention of completing the analogy we do not pretend to know. His health would probably prevent his re-entering the political arena, even if his business engagements allowed of it. But the warm interest which he has always taken in the affairs of this Colony makes us believe that he would at least consent to give us the benefit of .his experience and advice upon the existing situation, if he were suitably invited to do so. It is not necessary to be an unqualified admirer of the policy with which Sir Julius' name is identified, or to approve of every act in his political career, to recognise that he is the greatest statesman this Colony has yet produced, and that his ability and experience make him specially qualified 'to give the Colony advice which may be of value. With all the faults in the carrying out of the Public Works policy^—most of which were entailed by a departure from the original scheme—■ there is no one to-day who will doubt that on the whole it has been of immense benefit to New Zealand. And the fact that it is through faults in the carrying out of that policy that much of the existing depression has arisen makes it peculiarly desirable that its originator should point out where departures from the scheme havo occured, and advise as to what remedy ia practicable. In making the Financial Statement in 1873, we find Sir Julius reminding the Parliament that it had previously been his duty "to endeavour to stimulate the Colony to a sense of its own resources—to urge tho colonists, in spite of depressing influ-

ences, to continue the heroic work of colonisation." And then he went on to point out that " the courage which conquers success in times of difficulty is fittingly followed by prudence iir prosperity." Well would it have been for New Zealand if this counsel had been more generally accepted and acted upon.

In these days, when so many minor luminarie3 are propounding microscopic schemes of reform, it would be worth hearing what the father of the Public Works policy of 1870 has to say to the present position and future prospects of the Colony. When Ministers and Opposition join in pitting district against district, and local jealousies are fostered to serve party purposes—when centralisation threatens to absorb all power and influence, and local government is being reduced to a mere pretence, great service may be rendered by an exposition of policy by one who has done so much in his time to bring about an entirely different state of affairs. Tho principle laid down by Sir Juuus Vogel in 1573 was based on " diffusion, not centralisation." Ho protested against a system which affords " a few splendid and isolated examples of prosperity, with depression and stagnation elsewhere —silk on the surface, rags beneath." "We want," he said, "New Zealand to be prosperous, not because a few largo capitalists are successful, but because you may march through the length and breadth of the land and everywhere be greeted by a happy, contented, and flourishing population." A great deal has been said and made out of Sir Julius Yogel's alleged declaration that it had cost the Colony a million and a-half of money to purchase political support. As a matter of fact what ho did say was: "We have sanctioned (lie. borrowing of £10,000,000; but it is bitterly mortifying to mo to know that only £6,500,000 is for railways. There is a difference of £1,500,000, and every honourable member must know that it is represented by the expedients to which we have had to submit in order to purcluise support from tha provinces—in order to induce them to allow us to carry on the Immigration and Public Works policy."

Qn another occasion he thus referred to the "log-rolling" propensities of members: "Wo cannot get 70 members to study local question*?, interesting enough to six other members, but with which it is not the business of the 70 to interfere. What you may, it is to bo feared, get members to do ia this — that one sis will say to another six, 'No doubt you are right about your bridge; we believe every word you say, because we have a bridge in a similar position. Bridge us, and we will bridge you.'" This process has been yet more largely developed since the abolition of the provinces, and there is no question but that it ha 3 added considerably to the sum total of our public expenditure.It ia " diffusion, not centralisation," that we want. In Sir Julius Vooel's original scheme immigration, public works,' and settlement were combined. Each he rightly deemed to bo dependent on the other?, and by settlement he meant the diffusion of the people over the land. "To the bonafide occupier—the person who takes no more land than that on which ho can make two blades of grass grow where one grew before—we may give tbe land and profit by the transaction. But to speculative capitalists,'is io right that land should pass for such prices only as it commanded when laud products were less valuable, when money was dearer, when the country was not opened up by raihvays,.or population settled on it V Of immigration ho said very trnly, " A large increase of the permanent, population of the Colony ia an absolutely necessary accompaniment of the Public Works policy." And the proposals then made included as a most prominent feature the settlement of immigrants on the lands of the Colony. How widely this broad and libemi policy has been departed from is matter of history. As a result we have fallen into dire tribulation, and no satisfactory remedy for our present troubles, has yet been propounded by the Government or the Opposition. We feel confident that any address on the situation from Sir Julius Vogel will be welcomed by all.classes and conditions of men who set the welfare of the Colony above that of party. And nowhere could such an utterance be delivered with better grace than in the city which, if we mistake not, first gave Sir Julius a seat in the Parliament of which he subsequently became so distinguished an ornament.

The reports of tho Takapuna inquiry, Com pensation Court, and Police Court appear on our fourth pago. We regret being compelled to hold over the address delivered by Dr Brown at the opening of tho University session last evening.

The Conference of European Powors on Egyptian affairs has beon finally agreed to, France having consented to join, but without waiving her demand that tho entire question shall be discussed. A Koyal marriage has taken place at Darmstadt—that of Prince Louis of Badenborg to Princess Victoria o£ Hesse-Darmstadt. It was attended by the Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales. A sad catastrophe has occurred at Ilavanna, a powder magazine and a gasometer having exploded, causing great loss of life and damage to property. The Fenstanton'B frozen meat from thin port is Belling in London at sjjd and Gd per lb.

A painful case of murder and suicide has occurred at Temuka. Mr J. W. Garland, of the Arawhetaua Hotel, rose from his bed yesterday morning and, with a fowling- pieco, shot bis wife as she lay asleep, and directly afterwards shot himself, death in both cases being instantaneous. They leave four children. The deed was a premeditated one on Garland's part, as a letter was found on him—written to the polica inspector, at Timaru — giving directions as to the disposal of his property. No direct evidence is available as to the cause that prompted the crime, but domestic unhappiness is hinted at as having been at the bottom of it.

The Hon. W. Rolleston on Tuesday had a narrow escape from drowning while crossing the river Waiau in a buggy. The seats of the buggy gave way, and M r Rolleston, Mr W. ALow, and the driver were precipitated into the stream. The two latter scrambled back into tha trap, but Mr Rolleston was washed away, going under the water several times. After great difficulty he managed to reach tkd river bank, but his escape was a very narrow

The inquest on the body of Edgar King, who waa drowned while crossing the railway, bridge over the Taieri River, was held at Greytown yesterday, when a verdict of "Accidental drowning " was returned, and no blame was attached to anyone. The deceased was a widower, and a man well advanced in years. His family aro, however, all in a position to do for themsolves. He had not been long in the Colony, and just prior to meeting his death hs intended to proceed to Auckland to engage in a business which ho had formerly carried on there. Lately he had been working at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. Hia married daughter (not his wife, aa previously stated) and family were on board the brig Camille, on the way to Auckland, and have proceeded on their voyage. Hia funeral takes place tomorrow, and the remains will be interred in the Greytown Cemetery.

Mr Montgomery Bpeaks in Christchurch on Monday night, and Major Atkinson in Wellington on Tuesday. Sir George Grey will probably leave Auckland on his Southern tour today.

The Takapuna inquiry concluded yesterday with addresses by the coimsol appearing respectively on behalf of the captain and the second officer. The Court has already intimated that it holds the damage to have bean

caused by the vessel striking off Cape Egmont, and that tha aceidant was caused by careless navigation on the part of Captain Jones and inexperience on the part of Mr Sommer, the second officer. The official finding of tha Court will, however, ba given this afternoon.

The session of the Otago University was opened yesterday evening, Dr Brown delivering c very interesting inaugural lecture applicable to the new Medical Schoal which has been fouuded. The library wa» densely crowded, and the students at the roar of the hall, as Usual, did' their best to enliven matters by frequent interruptions and abortive efforts at chorus singing. The proceedings, notwithstanding this.passod off very satisfactorily.

A claim of £3000 compensation made by Mr John Andrew against the Municipal Corporation of Dunedin, for land taken in the construction of the Silveratream water-race, was heard yesterday by Mr Justico Williams and Messrs H. Driver and R. Gillios (assessors). The claimant's caso was not concluded when the Court rese. The hearing' will be continued to-day. At a meeting of the Committee of the Constitutional Reform Association, held last evening, it was decided to convene a public meeting for Tuesday evoning to discuss the objects of the Association. Tho fancy fair at Port Chalmers in aid of tho funds of tho Benevolent Institution will bo opened on Holiday evening by Mr Vincent Pyke, M.H.R. Tho installation of tho officers of the Good Intent Lodge, No. 3, 1.0. G.T., took placo last evening in tho schoolroom, Caversham. Bro. Parkinson, D.D.G.W.0.T., assisted by Bros. Stevenson and Lindsay,. installed the officors aa follows :—W.C.I, Bro. Craig, jun.; W.V.T., Sis. Thorn ; W.S., Bro. C. R. Thorn, jun.; W.F.S., Bro. Gulliford ; W:T., Bro. Fiudley ; W.C., Bro. Williams; W.M., Bro. Henderson ; W.1.G., Bro. Joseph Craig; W.0.G., Bro. Yates, jun.; W.R.H.S., Bro. Yates, sen. ; P.W.C.T., Bro. Craig, sen.

An exhibition and bazaar, which has been got up by a number of the ladies of the Dunedin Freethought Association to supplement the Lyceum building fund, was opened yesterday. The exhibition will bo continued during tbo week. This evening the music will be supplied by the ladies' orchestra, and on Monday a Bruce auction and grand ball will bo held. •

Only about half-a-dozen ratepayers attended the public meeting called to consider street matters in the Musselburgh ward of the St. Kilda Borough Council. Tho Mayor (Mr Gourloy) and one councillor wero the only representatives of the borough, and no conclusion was arrived at with regard to the opening up of the Queen's avenue. Tho ratepayers are apparently quite apathetic in the matter.

* Mary O'Kourke, an elderly married, woman, waa yeatorday committed for trial at the next sittings of the Supreme Court on a charge c* atealing £120, tho property of Mrs Titzpatrick, late of tho Bay View Hotel, St. Kilda.

By the steamer Te Anau, which left Port Chalmers for Melbourne yesterday, some 20 good-looking hacka and roadsters brad by Dr Coughtrey were sent away. The animals appeared to be in fine condition, and should command a good price on the other side.

Tho Borough Council of Cromwell have npjjointod a committee " to inquire as to the approximate cost of lighting the two main streets of the borough by electricity."

A new employment for schoolmastere has been suggested at Invnrcargill. The News statea that at tho School Committee meeting on Tuesday evening, when the question of some small repairs to ono of tho buildings came up, Mr Hanan remarked that ba thought it would be a very good thing for ovory schoolmaster to bo provided with a small cheat of toola, and thoy could then undertake any repairs during their sparo tims, The rest of the members did not, however, seem to think a motion on the subject necessary.

The immigration officer, Dunedin, hna received notice from the Agontganeral that 135 Government emigrants were to be sent por steamer Aoraugi, which is due here on the 13th inst. Thore were nlso 25 to be forwarded by steamer Victory, which cornea direct to Wellington, and thence to Port Chalmers. The majority of them have been nominated by friends in the Colony, •

Tho Cromwell Argus undorstands that Afr S. JI. Dulßliesh, clork of Courts at Cromwell, has come under the operation of the Civil Service retrenchment policy now being so energetically, if not over wisely, carried out by tho Government, That gentleman has been notified to hold himself ready for removal to Christcbnrch, or accept tho alternative of a retiring allowance. As the position offered Mr D.Uglie3h ia by no means an improvement on the one ho now holds, it ia probable he will elect to accept tho alternative, in whicli case the service will lose a very efficient and wellinformed goldfields officer of over 20 years' experience.

The New Zealand Times contributes the following political goaaip, of which probably that which is new ie not true, &c,: —"It is eaid in Dunediu that three members of the Upper House are tired of its Boreno atmosphere, and long for the turmoil and buatle of the other Chamber. These 'Lords' are the Hons. George M'Lean, Beynolds, and Oliver. The first-named had definitely resolved to resign, and offer himself for election in Dunedin, but, unfortunatoly, again fell ill, and feels himself unequal to the task. The Hon. Mr Reynolds is trying to gain the ear of the public, and, if hia chances of election Beam good, he will reaigu—of course not until after the session. The Hon. Mr Oliver will, it is said, quit the Upper Chamber, and woo some Southern constituency if hia health will allow him. Mr Fish's popularity is unabated, but Mr Bracken's is waning, and so is that of Mr Green—tho one with a conscience. Mr Downie Stewart will contest Dunediu. It is said that Mr Stout will not bo a candidate at the general election.1'

Until tba severe shock of lost mouth in England, there had been no earthquake of a disastrous naturo sinco April 1580, when part of St. Paul's and the Temple churches in London were destroyed by a violent shock. Previous to that, there had beon a neriea of earthquakes, all of more destructive character than any which have been recorded since. In 1089 ono was felt severely in almost all parts of England, and the next in sequence was a severe ahock felt chiefly in Lincolnshire, in 1142, In 1274 again tho whole of England was disturbed, and the town of Glastonbury was completely destroyed, and in 1318 a still greater shock waa felt. ' It is estimated that the total number of earthquakes recordod in. Great Britain has baen about 255, but nearly all have been very slight, and unaccompanied by serious loss of life. The last shako recorded was in March 1871, when two alight shocks were successively felt in Yorkshire and the North-west of England generally, but no noteworthy damage resulted, In October 18C8 a slight shock was also felt in the West of England and southern portion of Wales, arid in 1750 London experienced a very mild ono.

An exceptional duel has taken place in Paris, between M. Lepelletier, head editor of the Reveil, and M. Viardot, a musician. The origin of tha quarrel was of a private character, and the weapons pistols; distance, 25 paces. Two balls were exchanged without effect; tho combatants insisted on a second round. This time Viardot was hit, the ball flattening itself on his breastbone. Ho declined to return his adversary's shot, but Lepellotior demanded as a right to be shot at, «o the wounded Viardot, without taking aim, pointed h\a pistol in the direction'where Lepelletier stood, and lodged tho ball in his thigh. Both wounda are very ugly.

The concert tendered as a benefit to Signor Carmini Morloy takes place to-night in the Princeßs Theatre. A capital programme hoa bees prepared, and as it is now some time since a high-class concert has been given in Dunodin, probably there will be a good attendance of lovers of music. The opening item will be a pianoforte duet by Herr Scherek and Mr Barth, and Mr Barth and Mr Coombs will contribute a duet on piano and cornet during the evening. Madame Morley, Mrs Clutaam, Mrs Babor, and Mr Baber will give vocal selections ; and Signor Morloy himself is down on tho programme for two solos—one, "Fra Poco," from " L.ucia diLammermoor," and the other " Ah, si ben mio," from " II Trovatoro.'. The concert ought to be an excellent one.

Messrs F. S Canning and Co. will sell property in Gore on Saturday, May 10.

Messrs Stephcnson and Co. will sell the Bchooner Edinburgh on Monday.

'I ho North-Kant Valley Licensing meetiDg will bo he'd on Saturday, Juno 7. A special meetiDg ol the D.Y.M.O.A. will be hold this evening

The New Zealand Agricultural Company announce thftt thoy aro prepared to indoinnl'y nil purchasers of their land after May 1, against tho Walmea railway rate.

Mesßrg James Samson and Co. will sell unredeemed pledges to morrow. Tho dates and hours of Professor Black's popular chemistry classes at the University are advertised. The professor will dellvor a course o( chomlatry kcturoj to teachers on Saturdays during May, June, and July. Mr M. Pyra will sail furniture in York placo on Mondiy. ' .' ■ ■ Mr p. M. Spedding will sell oh&lri on luejd»y.

Tho National Mort^asio and Agency Company will hold a clearing sale at Woodstock Station, near Woodlands, on Wednesday, May 7. Fpr weddings, wedding broakfasls, dinners, ana bal[s, the Grand Hotel crystal, &c. on hire. During the whiter season Bpccinl arangoruenti lor permanent gUO3t9.-;[ADVT,] I beg to return ray sincere thar.ks to tho public for ths libers support 1 have received during tho short time I have been in.business, and to aim,.unco tlmt I will contnuo to keep tho primcat Merit that can bo produced, and will sell nt tho moat reasonable price. I realio my own small goods, and guarantee them free from cithor bull or 35j cow boef. The GcruMn da isago is ■' magnificent," suitable to tho ta'sto o! tho raout fastidious. E. T. Lawrekob, butcher, 20 George street (near cornor of Octagon).- [advt ] Take Nojke.—Having lost cattle nud Bhcep through tho stea'ing propensities of some of our neighbours in the Kaikosai, we will in future give n reward of £5 for such. information as will lead to tho convictbn of trs'puaera or thieves on' our paddock"! at Kaikoiai. Thij ia doco in self-protection. — DoaxwßH- asd Rbsnik. I'.S.—Tho cheapest shop in t jwu to prime meat, olther for caah or crodib.—[Advt ]