The Otago Daily Times. SATURDAY, JULY 26, 1884.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 7003, 26 July 1884, Page 2

The Otago Daily Times. SATURDAY, JULY 26, 1884.

It has always been held to be the great beauty of the British Constitution that it broadens down from precedent to precedent, each new departure being a step towards widening its basis and increasing the power of the people. If,.therefore, we point out that the movement which has been set on foot for suggesting the fitness of Mr Dick for a seat in the Upper Honse is quite unprecedented, it is not because we disapprove of it. On the contrary, it seems to us that if the doora of the Legislative Council had been opened only to those who had first secured such a proof of appreciation by their fellow citizens as Mr Dick is now getting, its personnel would have been superior to what it now is. It is a peculiar compliment which Mr Dick is about to receive, but one which he thoroughly deserves. For 20 years past, in the Provincial Council and the General Assembly, as Superintendent of Otago and Colonial Secretary of New Zealand, he has rendered the public good and faithful service, and bo borne himself as never to lose the respect and eateem of those who havft been most opposed to him. We would go further than the gentlemen who are getting up the requisition, and say that it will be a great pity if the Colony does not secure the services of Mr Diok in the Upper House. Men of his character and experience in public affairs are not so common in New Zealand politics that we can afford to allow them to retire into private life when there is no good reason why they should do so. Mr Dick is peculiarly fitted to be a member of the Opper House. In that les3 stormy atmosphere the diaposition to give way which was his chief failing in the Lower House will not tell against him to the same extent, and the dignity of his manner will carry greater weight. 'We believe that Mr Dick would be more truly in his element in the Council than in the Assembly, and that he would achieve there s, still higher position than that which was aocorded to him "by general consent in his Old sphere. We sincerely trust that not only will Mr Djck be induced to rescind a hasty hustings promise, but that the new Premier will offer him a spat in the Upper House without delay. It would ba difficult for him to make a choice at ones more graceful, more popular, and more useful to the Colony at large. In any case, Mr Dick happily stays amongst us; but there is another of the latg city members who not only leaves Parliament^ but Dunedin. The "city of matchboxes," as the Jate member for Dunedin Central once humorously called it, has held out inducement to Mr Bracken which will deprive us of a citizen thg,n whom it would be hard to find one moze pppular throught out Dunedin. It is one more injustice to Ofcago—the Jatest and, we trust'the last instance of the operation of that fatal whirlpool of Centralism which draws to Wellington our talent and our monoy alike ! We are sure Mr Bkaoeekt will forgive us this last joke at his expense, as he has forgiven many others. It scarcely needs our hearty recommendation to forward the proposal made by a correspondent in our columns yesterday, that we

should not alow Mr Buacken to leave ua without some token of the esteem and regard in which he ia universally held. It i 3 not only by his talent as a poet that Mr Bracken' ha 3 reflected honour^ on this community. As a journalist his witty and vigorous pea has been a potent influence amongst us, and if we assert that he has.done Dunedin more service than he has afforded it amusement, it is not because we appreciate "Paddy Murphy" less, but Me Bracken more. Even through the heat of the recent contest it wa3 noticeable that no opponent could be bitter to him," and that all were obliged to recognise that he had always done his best in the House for his constituents, his province, and the Colony. Post, journalist, public man —these are perhap3 the most honourable titles to public esteem; but can anyone forget the work which Mr Bracken has accomplished in local matters, where theie is little honour or reward obtainable, and a great deal of time and trouble to be taken ? On committees the name of Mr Bracken has become a standing dish, yet there was hardly one of which he was not the moving spirit. At concerts, entertainments, in friendly societies, wherever the cause of religion or charity was to be served, Mr Bracken's aid has always been kindly lent. Nor, if he will permit us to do so, can we count it th 6 least amongst his public services that he has always had a kind word —and usually a joke and a smile into the bargain—for everyone who enjoys the pleasure of his acquaintance. No man is more free from social prejudices, and none ha 3 shown more really sympathetic interest with the manual labour classes. If his dee s are better than his words, so is his heart better than either. We trust that, in spite of the hard times, Mr Bracked will receive a testimonial which will really betoken the hearty appreciation in which he is held by the community, and the sincere regret which is felt at his departure.

In the Bhort letter which Sir Julius Vogel sent to the electors of Christchurch North in lieu of an address, he claimed to himself credit for having) in tha short time ha has been here, succeeded in producing a change in the social and commercial as well as in the political situation. And he deserves that credit. There can be no doubt" but that the confidence he showa in the future has reacted upon the minds of the colonists, at least in the Middle Island, and that from the date of his Qisborne address a more hopeful spirit ha 3 pervaded the community. After the Ashburton address this was more sensibly felt, and during the last two days in Dunedin everybody seems to be agreed that things have taken a turn for the better. Whether Sir Julius Vogeii will be able to justify this confidence remains to be seen, but it is a singular tributo to his influence and power that from his sick-room, as it were, he has been able to accomplish this much. It was an elec-. tioneering exaggeration of Sir Julius when he spoke of the Colony having been thrown back for a generation by the timidity of the recent Administration, and taken literally, such language ia. altogether unwarrantable and absurd. Kevertheless it hit the right nail upon the head. It was one of the greatest faults of the Whitaker and Atkinson Government that they were altogether destitute of enterprise. The only time they ever attempted a bold stroke wa3 when the influence of Mr Service at Melbourne and Sydney led them into the Federation policy, and that they dropped like a hot potato when they fouud it was likely to meet with opposition. It has been one of the things we have never been able to understand, why Major. Atkinson did not go to the country on his Federation policy. We do not mean that this would iv any way have altered the result of the elections, but it would at least have been something to die for—something with which he could identify his name. As ifc is, there -wa3 literally no question of policy before the country during the elections. " Died from inanition of ideas" will probably be the verdict which history will record upon the Atkinson Administration. From Sir Julius Vogel we are at least sure of an enterprising policy and a vigorous administration, and that tho temper of the Government will be reflected upon the people we have little doubt. The time to buy, in commercial phraseology, will not last much longer. Prices, like people, will probably before long be looking up, and no one will be more glad of it than ourselves. At such a moment we would be the last to damp tho energy which has been so. long restrained, but nevertheless we would utter a word of warning against exaggerating the good as the evil has been exaggerated. Because we have been teetotallers for the last few years, there is no reason why we should make ourselves tipsy upon the return of better time 3. "Moderation," as well as " Progress/ should be the word of the season.

Passing Notes by " Civis" will be found on our fourth page.

The cholera ia said to be spreading in the southern districta of Prance. The idea of founding a Belgian colony in this country appears to be well received in Brussels, and it is stated in our cablegrams that a representative will shortly pay us a visit to make the necessary arrangements.

The Australian Cricketers have been treated to a day's leather-hunting by the representatives of the County of Sussex, with whom they are now playing a match. The Home team remained at the wickets the whole day, and at the close had a total of 387 with nine wicket 3 down. On the "occasion of the last meeting between the Australians and Sussex the former compiled 613, one of their largest Bcores in one innings, and had "one of the easiest wins on record," as Sussex only made 2SB in both innings.

Councillor Barnes has two notices of motion on the order-paper for Monday evening's meeting of the City Council—viz.: "That in future all road-sweepings from the main streets be storod in a dep6t for disposal."—" That the Reserves Committee be requested to ascertain whether any of the Corporation reserves near the railway, the leases of which are falling in, would be suitable for a public C9metery."

An action for libel is likely to arise in connection with the late election (writes a correspondent at Lawrence). On Saturday extracts were printed, purporting to be from " Han sard," under the heading of " The lie direct to J. 0. Brown," and circulated in the outlying districts. Those statements were refuted by Mr Brown to the satisfaction of a large audience in the Town Hall on Monday evening, but those misrepresentations could not be contradicted in other-places before polling-day. Mr Brown considers he has thereby been injured with his farming constituents, and has placed the matter in the hands of hia solicitors.

Owing to there not being a quorum of members present the ordinary monthly meeting of the Clutha County Council, which was to have been held yesterday, was adjourned for a month. However, nothing of importance required attention.

The Lyttelton Times says that it is the duty of Major Atkinson to resign before the House meets and advise the Governor to send for Sir Julius Vogel.

At the declaration of the poll forWaitaki (says our Oamaru correspondent) Mr Duncan expressed his readiness to retire if at any time the electors could get a better man, and one more to their liking. It is generally understood here that the members for North Otago will be prepared to give Sir Julius Vogel a general support if he becomes the leader of the Liberal party, but they are pledged to oppose any borrowing policy.

A deoislon of interest to polioyholders in life insurance offices has been given in America. The poiut was whether the policy waa invalidated because the person insured answered a question as to whether he was suffering from disease in the negative—that, at the £ime, being his belief—though it subsequently turned out that he had the disease in an incipient form. The lower Court held that the answer was untrue, if the person assuring had disease, no matter whether he knew it or not. The Supreme Court hold that the amount of the policy was recoverable, unless it could bo shown that he waa conscious of the existence of disease. Telegraphing last eranicg, our Qamaru correspondent says :—The Qamaru Harbour Board to-day made several reductions in the port charges, the principal reductions being in the charge for use of warps, whjch has been a source of some dissatisfaction. This alteration was urged by Captain Whitson, of the ship

Dunedin, who, in a flattering letter upon the port, pointed out that now tho harbour had so nearly approached completion, the wear and tear upon the warps was not nearly so great as when the only shelter was that provided by the breakwater. He pointed out further that the present high charge for moorings was calculated to " give shipowners and underwriters at Home the idea that the harbour is not so safe as it really is." The reduction was supported by the harbourmaster, and the Board decided to grant a substantial concession to vesseh lying in the port over 14 days. The charge upon stone was reduced by one-half.

At the annual dinner of the " old boys " of Christ's College, held in Christchurch on Thursday evening, the proceedings were of a most enthusiastic description. Mr Mathias, who is about to proceed to England to continue his studies, in replying to a toast said it was the fashion for everybody to claim something, and he did not intend to be behindhand. His claim was that of his family than any other had been educated at Christ's College— he had had 10 brothers there, and the second generation was now coming on.

A man whose real name is said to be James O'Flaherty, but who is generally known by the name of Flarty, attempted suicide in the lockup at Outram yesterday morning. He was committed from Invercargill on a charge of larceny, and it appears was searched but not stripped upon his arrival at v Outram, where he was to have been brought before the Court yesterday. A constable visited him several times during the night, but shortly after 8 o'clock in the morning, upon entering his cell, found him in the act of attempting to cut his throat with a br .ken table-knife. The prisoner was attended at once by Dr M'Brearty, and subsequently conveyed to the Dunedin Hospital, where he remains at present. The wound inflicted is not dangerous. O'Flaherty, it appears, had the knife concealed beneath his clothing before leaving Invercargill.

The agricultural editor of the " New Zealand Industrial Gazette and Pastoral and Agricultural News," a magazine which is steadily extending its circulation among the agricultural community in both Islands, as a result of its thoughtful and timely articles on the agricultural topics of the day, makes the following complimentary remarks on the Otago Witness :-" When I had the privilege of cod. ducting a paper in a Southern district many years ago, much of its space and a great amount of my attention were given to those subjects of interest to farmers and graziers, and it i 3 with pleasure I note that ever since many of our weekly papers have given great prominence to agricultural topics. . . . '. It is almost invidious to single out any -one of these as being preferable to another, for the conductors of each paper are to be congratulated on their judicious selection and treatment of subjects incidental to farming life, and as they are published in widely-separated districts, with differing conditions of soil and climato, it is almost impossible to daliver a fair judgment. But, being better acquainted with Otago and the circumstances of its farmers, I must express my preference for the Otago Witness. Ita various editorial articles on farming are evidently written by men of practical experience, and its selections from other papers and sources are valuable contributions of agricultural knowledge. No one who is a constant reader of the Witnesa can fail to be benefited by the mass of carefully-written and critically-selected articles on every agricultural topic which are presented every week for bis perusal, and further reference may be, if he takes the trouble to cut them out, and so place them that he can re-peruse them."

_ Thomas Speed Sibbald, fellmonger, of Burnside and Caversham, was the only petitioner to be adjudged bankrupt during the past week.

The Managing Committee of the Burns Statue Concerts have, notwithstanding the fact of their arrangements being complete, very generously agreed to the request of the Knox Church Organ Committee to postpone the concert in aid of the Statue.Fund, announced to take place on the 30th inst., until Wednesday 20th prox.

We learn from the Timaru Herald that the Mayor of Timaru has received a telegram to the effect that his Excellency the Governor expects to reach the Bluff by tho Waihora on Monday next, and that he will go on by special train to Timaru, where he will stay the night. His Excellency's visit will be purely unofficial.

,A case of accidental poisoning occurred at Ashburton early on Thursday morning, says the Christchurch Press. An elderly woman named Mrs Ellen, who had been ill during the night, sought relief by taking what she thought was painkiller. She, however, made a mistake in the bottle, and, instead of painkiller, took soma liniment containing poison. She was discovered by a neighbour in an insensible state, and Dr Ross was called in, who administered the usual remedies. Mrs Ellen is in a critical condition, but it is thought she will recover.

We learn from the Lyttelton Times that on the last homeward trip of the b.s. Ruapehu, Mr S. C. Parr, on behalf of the Canterbury Acclimatisation Society,-sent eight Paradise ducks and three Blue Mountain ducks to Dr Sclater, secretary of the London Zoological Society. The birds reached England in good condition, and the recipients, when the steamer left on her return voyage to this Colony, sent on board for transmission to the Canterbury Society an extremely well-selected assortment of English and. other waterfowl, which were placed under' the charge of the butohsr of the vessel. Unfortunately, the cold, rough passage was very unfavourable to the birds, and in spite of the attention with which they were treated, a Muscovy drake, a pair of teal, a pair of pintail ducks, and a pair of widgeon died. One of the lastnamed was landed alive, but died soon after being placed in the gardens. Nine birds, however, have been received in Bafety, though of course none the better for their voyage. They comprise two tawny or barn owls, a couple of Mandarin ducks, two English wild duck, one Muscovy duck, and a pair of teal. - In his letter on the subject, Dr Sclater stated that.he had been unable to get any shoveller ducks in time to send them by .the Ruapehu, so that there is a probability that specimens of these birds may be forwarded by a future boat.

A mania for suicide prevailed at Vienna for some time past, which culminated lately in a most horrible scene 'in the beautiful Stadt Park. An unfortunate wretch had deliberately concealed himself, and after stuffing all his clothes and pockets with paper soaked in petroleum, set himself- on , fire. When discovered he vas ablaze from head to foot. He was taken to the hospital, where death speedily put him out of bis misery. The body was, of course, utterly unrecognisable, and has not been identified.

"Sending coals to Newcastle" (says a London paper) was once believed to be the height of commercial folly ; but nous avons changitout cela, and while electric-lighting companies have "been expatiating on the undoubted ad. vantages of setting up " installations " in the Colonies, " where coal, and consequently gas are so dear," we ara actually importing coals from Australia for the manufacture of gas in England; and we are informed that the ship Port Jackson has arrived at Liverpool from Sydney, New South Wale?, with a cargo of 3100 tons of Australian cannel coal for the Liverpool Gas Company. Though it has not been before made public, it is understood that the Company have received previous cargoes of this cannel, which is credited with great gasproducing qualities.

The Fiji Times of June 25 reports that the ketch Patience returned from a Line Island cruise on June 21, bringing fuller particulars of the recent native disturbance. It appears that a number of returned labourers from Hawaii, captained by one Kalakua, landed on the island of Nanuche, and behaved most riotously. The residents besought the assist, anca of the King of. Apimania. This redoubtable potentate set sail in the Kate Macgregor (Captain Heyward), and landed on the island with a fighting force well armed and supported by cannon. A great battle ensued, in which Kalakua was shot through the body by a cannon-ball, and his men completely routed. Forty men were killed on both sides —a fearful slaughter for a native battle. Even in the Line Islands history repeats itself, and thorefore, having delivered Nanuche from its invaders, the victor completed his work by retaining possession and assuming the sovereignty of the island.

A charming matrimonial romance was brought to an abrupt ending recently in one of the law courts of Rome. A young fellow of 26 yeara of age, of handsome and elegant appearance, aud a young creature of 17 years of age, hia wife, were charged with theft. He had been cook and she housemaid in an Irish gentleman's family. A robbery having oc. curred in this family, the young couple were suspected and imprisoned. When they were brought before the Benqh both'burst into tears. As soon as they could be calmed the youDg man, as usual, was asked his name, and coveripg hi? face, he replied that jie waß doun

Ricaido Strozzi, a legitimate descendant of one of the most illustrious families iv Italy. The wife, though not of so noble a birth, is also of a very good family. They had fallen in love with each other, and run away, travelling about in disguise in order not to be discovered. At last; being penniless, they had entered the above, family as servants, as already stated.' Fortunately their innocence was proved as clear as day. The coincidence, of their flight with the day of the robbery was thoroughly explained, and they were set at liberty amid the cheers of those present. It is not stated whether the stem parents, relented or not, or whither the young couple went.

A concert and ball arranged by the South Dunedin Volunteer Fire Brigade was given in Naumann's Hall last evening. Song 3 wore contributed by Miss Didham, Messrs Torrence, Hare, Kirk, and Robertsen ; while Miss Peters played a violin solo, for which she was encored, and Mr Jack gave a couple of step-dances. The music for the ball was supplied by Mr Parker's band, Branchman Price and Foreman Carey acting as M.C's.

A concert in aid of Knox Church organ fund was given in the old church building last evening. There was a very good attendance; and the Rev. Dr Stuart presided. The programme was a varied one, including a cornet solo by Mr C. Coombes; vocal solos, duets, &c. by Mrs Israel, Mrs Hislop, Miss Camp, bell, Miss "Gillies, Miss Baume, Messrs Jago, .Ro3e, R. Brown ; and pianoforte solos by Miss Strachan and Mrs Petrie. The various items were successfully rendered, and encores were frequent.

The Garrison Band will give their fifth promenade concert in the Garrison Hall this evening. A special feature in this evening's programme is an unaccompanied duo for two clarinets. The other items in the programme are of a nature to meet with popular satisfaction.

A concert in aid of the Robert Burns Statue Fund, which i 3 beiDg looked forward to with considerable interest throughout the district, is to be given at Outram next week.

f.wH," Jx me\ ?T? on, a"d Co- wm se« household 55?s^^4^ lOCk ***• and in «"> •"•*•« wlKMo^dSlX? WKnOXOhUrChOIfgIUI Tho service of uong «' David Livingstone " will bo ZpridVn 6 f^-^Ya'ley Presbyterian Church tSH''-, The service w.ll be rendered by the chcir of the Haikorai Church, and will be in aid of the

Mr George Sawkina will deliver his first leature in Stoufwill'Sr " aM' when Mr

Meard Birratt and Co. wil sell the stock of a hairdresser and tobacconiit at fcouth Dunedin on Monday. Mr D. M Spedding will hold a salo of r^alfur?, ex Coptic, to-day. ' The football rratch between the Dunedin and the Slogan team 9 has been poßtpjned. The caitiog business of Jauieo Ljmbton and Co. has been purchased by Margaret Lambton, and will be carried on a? Latbbton and Co. Messrs CUrka Brcs. and Co. will household furniture atoaverthim at noon to-day; at 2 o'clock they Sill Household furniture at their room?. Messra M'lijndress, Hepburo,aid Co.sell fruit trees to-day.

A new firm of auctioneers, Messrs Batratt and Co., will t>day inaugurate a weekly sale of f.lra ist every class of goods and produce Beginning at half-put 11 o ekek with poultry, hones, a; d cattle, general farm produce follovv?. Then comts the sale of a pony at 1 0 clock, fruit tree 3at 2, and hou-thold furniture at 3. In the evening carcasses of ra iston, !>•»-'•• of potatoes tei,[furnUure, boots, &3. will be to d ;"and to suit the worning classes, tha inuttoa will to sold by the s;de and tho potatoes by the baj,'. 6. H. Glover and Co , 101 Prince slreef, are now showing a splendid as ortment of hard hats male from Kew Zealand labbic fur, manufactured by Christys, of London. Sse window.- [Advt.] : We learn that Signor U. Alorley. v.ho was about to quit tha Colony, has, at the earner-1 desire of Eeverol pupils, abandoned the idea. It is not our intention to Bet forth the benefits which result from ttaduni: under a competent maestro, bus we lieartiiy endorse the action of thosa who ha.c !>eou the means of persuading Signor Moriey to r\m.in amnnj us and give our aspiring vccalia s the bemfV, of his talents ai an instructor. His terms will be found in oat advertising1 columns. Dornwell And Rksnie havo much p'.eaaure in being able to supply prime beef, muttau, and veal from 2a per lb; prime joint* Id and 2d per 1b extra. The emallgoods are the b.st pocsibio. Sraakerl mutton hams, 4d; American pirk hams, 9J ; coined bsef, very cheap. Cajts supply the tame lor eish. - f \dyt.l Tun Grand lloini,.-Mr A. 41. Garland, in the Ohu.go Tribune, Sijs of D.muliu:-"It certainly nas the best hotel to be found in the Australasian Colonies; at least this i 3 the v-iii.l i,-f sveryona who has had opportunity for ptrsauol'.y making a comparison."- [Advt.]