The Otago Daily Times. THURSDAY, MAY 20, 1886.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 7568, 20 May 1886, Page 2

The Otago Daily Times. THURSDAY, MAY 20, 1886.

The debate on the Address-in-Keply appears to have been exceptionally mild and uninteresting, but we fancy that it would be a mistake to infer from this that the session is going to be of a similar character. On the contrary, we think'we can discern signs in the debate that a storm is brewing, and that the dissatisfaction with the administration of the Government was only repressed for the purpose of adding to the force of attack on a future occasion. There are a few ominous sentences to be discovered beneath the heap of chaff and platitudes accumulated during the debate. The Opposition, like the famous French general, have merely retreated to make a better spring when the policy of the Government is fairly disclosed.

It may be, of course, that the House is so weary and sick at heart from the continuance of the depression that they will keep the Government in from sheer fear of getting a worse. These times spoil men's nerve. They mistake timidity for caution, and bear the ills they have instead of putting the shoulder to the wheel and removing them. The Governor's Speech shows that Ministers have grasped the situation in this respect. They in-' tend to work' the Atkinson " bogey " and to avoid stimulating the House by too much policy. " Leave us quiet, and we will give you peace" is their device, and the general sense of the country approves of their intention to confine legislation to much smaller limits than has been usual. To avoid awkward measures will, however, be no small trial to Ministers so fond of flapping their wings. Sir Julius Vogel loves a big sensation above everything; and if Mr Stout is. a man of small things, his geese are all swans. To avoid beating the drum and blowing the trumpet will go against the grain of both the Premier and the Treasurer.

There is some more satisfaction to be gotfromaperusal of thereportof Tuesday night's debate. The under-current of the debate showed that the House intends to re-echo the opinion which the country has so plainly expressed about retrenchment, and Ministers have had the cue given them so strongly that even at the eleventh hour we should not be surprised to find them crying " Economy !" louder than anybody else. But we should be surprised to find them carrying it out practically and efficiently. There lies the rub. Paper reductions are only worth the confidence which we place in the men who enforce them. To cut down the Estimates is only the first half of a policy of economy, though members will have to be determined yet to achieve that. But we want a thorough economical reform, not a mere flash of the pan of pinch-penny to-day to be followed by lavish reaction. The South Australian way of effecting' retrenchment is better than no retrenchment, and positively good so far as the necessity for the House insisting upon a substantial reduction in the expenditure if the Government will not do so. But after the experience of last session Mr Stout will hardly consent to occupy the humiliating attitude submitted to by Mr Downer. He has eaten enough humble pie, and knows the bitterness of the after taste. Nor can this " stand and deliver" Avay of doing things ever be satisfactory. Haste involves crudity and means waste of power. , We do not want to demoralise the Civil Service, and it is desirable to avoid any reaction, to which injustice and excess always lead. The element of permanence is an essential condition of satisfactory retrenchment. We can go further and do better than South Australia if the House has the heart for it.

True economical reform is a work which - can only be done by an Administration sincerely impressed with its necessity. The House may exit down the Estimates by .£50,000, or even £100,000, but that will do little good unless the Government are prepared not merely to propose a scheme for putting these reductions in force with the least possible injustice and the most careful discretion, but to carry out both its letter and its spirit—to make economy their first consideration in the thousand-and-one acts of administration which do not come under the eye of Parliament except for ratification. Just as now we all feel that the administration of the Government is carried out in a spendthrift spirit, so the real need of the country is an Administration animated by a burning zeal for economy. That has been our object in persistently exposing all the petty extravagances of the present Government.

We fully agree that the House will be wise to demand a reasonable prospect of a more economical Administration before it dismisses the present one. All we ask is that they should not let the depression affect their morale and extend to their energy ; that they should not allow their judgment to be affected by an unreasonable want of confidence in the possibility of ameliorating the situation and a slothful desire for peace at any price in the short remaining time of the present Parliament. Let them rise to the height of the emergency. Keproof was tried last session and failed painfully. The House should draw resolution from the existing straits either to improve the present Administration or to remove it.

Sir George Grey was decidedly the most fit and proper person to propose resolutions protesting against the annexation of the 2STew Hebrides. He

first saw the importance of the Pacific

Islands to "Australasia, and had the

British Government listened to his

warnings the present complications would never have arisen. Besides this

he occupies a position outside, and in a

certain sense.above pai-ties which specially fits him to express the national feel-

ing. Nevertheless, we are somewhat in

sympathy with the evident feeling of the House yesterday evening, that his resolutions were too sentimental and too

much spunoutfor practical effectiveness.

ISTor was his speech all that might be wished. We should be the last

;o defend the policy of the Govern-

ment throughout the various phases of the negotiations, but it was'useless and

absurd to accuse the Premier of want of patriotism, where there was obv'i-

ously only want of sense and thought. Nor are the Home Government likely to be brought to reason by calling Lord Granville a " trickster." The omission of these personalities would greatly have increased the weight of Sir George Grey's speech.

It was only natural that Major Atkinson should make capital of the want of union between the Colonies in this matter to urge the advantages of the Federal Council, but this argument will fall to the ground if, as seems probable, the several protests of the various Colonies prove efiective. We quite agree with him, however, as to the desirability of a united Australasian policy in the Pacific, so as to get the full power of. all the Colonies behind the immediate interests of each one. For

the rest, the tone of Major Atkinson's speech was admirable in its patriotism. The way in which he laid aside all party spirit and avoided personalities was a pleasant contrast to the bickerings between Sir George Grey and the Premier.

The Premier's speech seems to have ' been unusually weak. It must strike everybody that if he can find " seven good reasons" against the annexation and urged them so strongly for so long, his subsequent falling away from his own arguments wanted a very forcible explanation, which he entirely failed to give. It does not require an excess of patriotism to see that the fact of France having agreed with Germany to do us a wrong is no reason for England to submit to it. Germany counts for much in the Pacific as elsewhere ; but right is right, and England is not yet an extinct Power to be kicked by France whenever it suits Germany to permit. Taking the Premier at his'own word, the history of his negotiations seems to be that he fought valiantly up to a certain point and ran away at the very moment when staunchness was most needed, tempted to desert by the offer of Rapa and the fear of Prince Bismarck. If the battle is won it will be in spite of Mr Stout. Indeed, throughout his speech there ran that vein of excuse which, according to the French proverb, amounts to accusation. The Premier's proposal to refer the question to a select committee savours too obviously of an attempt to draw a red herring across the scent even in the form in which it has been adopted. It would have been far more effective under the circumstances if a short resolution of an unmistakable character had been passed last evening, without the delay attendant upon a committee and a general debate of the Pacific question. We fully recognise that true appreciation of the position with regard to the New Hebrides is only to be obtained by a full understanding of the great Pacific question, of which it forms only a small part. The importance of the Colony arriving at a definite Pacific policy is pressing more and more upon us every day; but it seems to us that it would have been better to deal with the immediate difficulty in the New Hebrides on its merits, without entering too much into the general principle. There are special features in the New Hebrides case which will weigh much more with the Imperial Government and in international councils than any general declamation of Pacific rights, and we fear lest the raising of the latter might have an adverse effect upon the present issue. A prompt denunciation of the French claims would have been worth far more than any number of elaborate arguments.

Local reports and letters to the editor appear on our fourth page.

A slight improvement in Mrs Irwin's condition was reported yesterday. Miss Vivian, another of the sufferers by the Dowling street accident, is progressing favourably towards recovery. The inquiry into the death of Mrs Finch is to be resumed at the Resident Magistrate's Court

this morning. An elderly man, named John Gordon, met with an accident in the Dowling street cutting yesterday morning. He was leading a horse in one of the drays down the cutting towards Princes street, when the dray capsized, and one of the shafts struck him on the leg. He was unable to walk and it was thought his leg had been broken, but on being taken to the Hospital it was ascertained the injury was not a very serious one, the bone being merely bruised.

Our Arrow correspondent telegraphed yesterday as follows :—" A very sudden and ominous change has taken place this morning. After a spell of several days of fine weather a strong warm wind rose this morning and rain followed at about noon. By present appearances at sunset there is every likelihood of a flood of some size, as the rivers are rising rapidly. The only thing that can prevent a flood is the rain turning to snow on the hills, of which up to the present there is no indication."

Tho residents of Woodhaugh .appear to be iv a great state of perturbation on account of the condition of the Ross' creek reservoir embankment. In response to an urgent application by a deputation, the Maori Hill Council resolved last evening that the Mayor of the City be waited on to-day with the view of having immediate steps taken to lessen the clanger.

News has just come to hand that the Sydney board of directors of the Australian Mutual Provident Society have accepted the tender of Mr James Small, builder, for their new building to be erected at the corner of Princes and Dowling streets, and the work will be commenced forthwith.

We regret to learn that Mr Henry P. Lance, brother of the member for Cheviot, died at his residence at Okeover, near Christehureh, yesterday evening, after an illness of about a week's duration. Mr Lance was a member of the governing boards of Canterbury College and cf Christ's College, and also of the newly-formed North Canterbury Charitable Aid Board, and had been connected with the working of various local institutions in North Canterbury for many years; but he was perhaps best known in sporting circles, as an owner of racehorses, for many years in his own name, and latterly in partnership with the Hon. W. Robinson, one of whose daughters he married. Mr Lance had a genial, pleasant manner, and was much liked by all with whom he came in contact. He must have been about 55 years of age, and was the son of a Somersetshire rector of old family.

At a meeting of the policy-holders in tho Government Life Assurance Association held at the Thames, it was resolved to forward a memorial to Parliament praying that the Government should, without delay, resume the entire control of the Department, and that postmasters should be district appointees of the Government in matters of insurance.

A confirmation of young ladies will be held at the Synagogue, Moray place, on Suuday next. This is tho first ceremony of tho kind which has taken place in Dunedin, and the general public are invited to be present. The ceremony will, we understand, bo a very im-

pressivo one.

, Mr E. H. Carew, R.M., was in attendance at the Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday, but the only cases that had been set down for heading -were either adjourned or struck out.

The late captain of the ill-fated Taiaroa (says the Lyttelton Times) in conversation with one [of our staff, expressed the opinion that sufficient weight had not been given, in the judgment and the newspaper criticisms passed upon him,to certain contentions of his defence. Captain Thompson-, especially and strenuously denied that he had ever left the steamer in the carpenter's charge. He1 was on deck and about until six o'clock, when he went below, leaving the steamer in the mate's charge. As regards the alteration of the course at 4 p.m., he had this done himself, and was satisfied by subsequent observation that the vessel was keeping the altered course correctly. Until five o'clock he saw the land plainly, and knew exactly where he was as regarded it. At no time was the shore a lee shore, because the wind was rather off than on to the coast. He did uot heave the lead, because, as the chart shows, there are no soundings along the course from Cape Campbell to "Waipapa; the water is too deep. He holds that the steamer was in her proper course when he went below.

Anew style of kerosene lamp is being introduced to the public for which many advantages are claimed. Among these that it gives a bright, clear, steady light, is smokeless, emits no smell, is economical in its consumption of oil, and will not explode. No globe is used, the draught required to deliver sufficient oxygen at the point of consumption being created by a noiseless fan, driven by clockwork fixed in the base of the lamp.

Our cablegrams yesterday announced the death, at the age of 71, of Sir Thomas Erskine May, late Clerk of the House of Commons. Sir T. E. May was educated at Bedford school under Dr Brereton, entered the public service as Assistant Librarian of the House of Commons in 1831, and Clerk of the House of Commons in 1871. His public services were rewarded by the Companionship of the Bath in 1800, and he was promoted Knight Commander in July, 1860. He has written "A Treatise on th°. Law, Privileges, Proceedings, aud Usage of Parliament," published in 1844, which, being acknowledged as the Parliamentary text-book, has passed through six editions, and has been translated into German and Hungarian ; a " Constitutional History of England since the accession of George 111., 1760-1560," in 1861-63, which, commencing where the great work of Hallam concluded, continues the history of our laws and liberties to the present time. The latter work has been reprinted in the United States and translated into French and German. Sir T. E. May's most recent work is " Democracy in Europe: a History," 2 vols., 1877. In 1854 he collected and reduced to writing for the first time the " Rules, Orders, and Forms of Proceedings of the House of Commons," which were adopted and priuted by command of the House. He contributed to the Penny Cyclopedia numerous articles relating chiefly to political economy and historical biography, and has written for the Edinburgh Review, the Law Magazine, and other reviews.

Mr Ward, R.M. at Wanganui, yesterday delivered judgment in the [case brought by the Town Cierk against J. P. Watt, brewer, for selling bottled beer without taking out a wholesale license, under the Licensing Act, 1881. The defence had been that a brewer's license under the Beer Duty Act of 1880 was sufficient. Mr Ward did not consider a brewer's license entitled a brewer to sell beer otherwise than in duty-stamped casks or hogsheads. He based his judgment on the decision given by Mr Justice Richmond in a Napier appeal case. A fine of 10s was inflicted, the magistrate considering that the defendant had some colour for his action, as the Customs officers were satisfied that he was right.

Next Saturday the second of Herr Scherak's Saturday afternoon- concerts will be given at St. Matthew's schoolroom. The programme is to include the celebrated quintett by Schubert called" The Trout" (forpiauo/violin, viola,'cello and bass); Herr Scherek is to play Mendelssohn's Capriccio with orchestral accompaniment by a quintett of stringed instruments.

A presentation of a handsome, marble clock was made yesterday to Mr William Wright, at Messrs Innes and M'Farlane's cothing manufactory. Mr Wright has been compelled to retire from business through ill-health. Mr M'Farlane in making the presentation of the clock^ which was suitably inscribed, referred to the good feeling which had hitherto existed between the employes and Mr Wright, and hoped that a change of climate would result in Mr Wright's health being restored. A suitable reply was made by Mr Wright.

The Rickards-Raynor company gave another successful entertainment last evening. Mr Rickards' character songs and the inimitable performances of the Raynor Bros, caused, as usual, the greatest merriment. Mr Edgar Austin, too, was very successful with his lightning sketches. Altogether the entertainment is a very good one, although there are a few items that might be left out without detracting from its merit. The same programme will be gone through this evening.

Mr D. M. Spedding will sell field and opera glasses, microscopes, &c. to-morrow. Messrs M'Landress, Hepburn, and Co. will sell brick buildings for removal on the 25th inst., and on the sth June freehold property in the township of Maryhill.

Mr Montagu Pym will sell household furniture, books, &c. to-day. Messrs J. A. Uuthie and Co. will sell oats, wheat, barley, &c. at Milton on Tuesday. The nominations of auditors for the borough of Mornington will take place on the 21st inst. The nominations of auditors for the borough of Green Island must be made by noon on 26th inst. Dunedin May Hacks, Forbury Park—Saturday 22nd, and Monday, 24th May. First Race, each day, starts at 12 o'clock.

Ouk profession has taken advantage of the late cold weather and turned out a specialty in the shape of " Cervalatwurst," made of veal and pork in the shop in the presence of numerous onlookers, who are thus patronising the establishment so extensively. Most other kinds of small goods are thus made, especially our delicious pork sausages and our prima quality of " Viennas." No more dark, dingy cellars. Prime meat of every quality, and at the lowest possible remunerative prices at A. Dobntvell's.—Advt. At The London, in George street, ladies can choose from immense variety of Dress Material. Heavy Homespuns, Bjd, lO?d; the new Curl Cloth in all shades ; splendid selection Black Cashmeres, 7s 9d,956d, 10s 6d dress; ladies'rich Cloth Dolmans, 14s 9d, H33 6d ; useful Ladies' Ulsters, 7s 9d, 10s 6d; 300 Girls' Ulsters, 2s to 3s lid; 100 Stoekingette Jackets, for winter wear, nicely braided ; also Long Plain Jackets. The best value in Dunedin; perfect fit in every case, bee our milinery window. You will really be surprised at the value. All goods marked in plain figures.—Pricb and Buxlexd.—[Advt.] If you want Millinery, see our richly-trimmed Hats—window full, all one price, 10s lid; every hat worth 16s 6d to22stid. Also clearing. Satin Bever Felt Hats, Is ll^d, worth 6s Bd to 8s (id; 1000 Girls' Hats. 6d and 9d. Try our six-button Evening Kid Gloves, 3s 9d ; Silk Gloves, for evening wear, very cheap: Ladies' Silk Mitts, 9d, Is OJd, Is 3d ; Cashmere Mitts, 6£d. Lovely Silk Squares, now Is o£d. Splendid stock of Hosiery, Corsets, Umbrellas. Dress Department crowded with bargains—good Velveteens, Is -ljd, Is lijd; rich Cashmere, 8s 3d, 9s (id, 10s (id; Dress Homespuns, always wear well, 7|d, lO^d. All goods sold for cash only. Customers from the country can save by buying from us 25 per cent. Try the London, in George street.—Prick and Bulleii), Managers.—(Advt.)

We have much pleasure iv calling the attention of our readers to an extensive purchase of black silk finished fast pile velveteens. Over 100 boxes of this beautiful material (equal in all respects to silk velvet and far more durable) has been purchased by the well-known firm of Fyfe and Cumikg at such a discount as nothing but the utter stagnation in every industry could bring about. The ordinary retail price of this beautiful velveteen is 3s but Fyfe and Cuming have decided to give the public the full benefit of their fortunate purchase, and they are marked to sell at Is yard.—Address 92 and 94 George street.—[Advt.] Tiie Coffkk Palace is the most comfortable and economical hotel in New Zealand. Visitors have all the comforts of a home, with all the advantages of a first-class hotel, free from the evils usually attending the traffic in strong drink. Billiards, 6d per game.

The Grand Hotel, Dunedin.—During the winter and spring months a few permanent guests will be accommodated at reduced rates. Terms according to location of rooms. The Hotel is delightfully comfortable in winter, being entirely free from draughts, whilst the luxury of the hot spray and hot shower baths is not to be found in any other hotel in the Colony. Special arrangements will be made with any country family desirous to spend the winter in Dunedin.—[Advt..]

The s.s. Coptic has just arrived with Cahtkr and Co.'s Second Winter Shipment. Magnificent lot of Flannels, direct from thepremier Rochdale mill, from 6?d yard. Heavy stack of Yorkshire Blankets from 6s lid, 8s lid, 10a lid up to 36s pair. Try Caktbr and Co. for Blankets—cheapest in the Colony. Stocks of Shirtings, Plnidings, and all Winter Goods at the lowest possible prices. Novelties in Millinery, Mantles, Ulsters, Dress Materials opening up to-day. New Gloves, new Umbrellas, new Hosiery, Lace, &c. Please note address •. Cajiter and Co. , the Cheapest Drapers and Clothiers in the Colony.—[Advt.] There would be demand for the labour of every man under a well-ordered social syßtem. Our present position is the result of the neglected responsibilities of the capitalists and governing class. Avoid indigestion and all its attendant evils by using Hudson's Cocoa.

To meet the times, G. E. Dbbmer has reduced the price of his popular Rheumatic Hemedies to ss.— [At>VT.]

—A Homo paper recently offered a prize for the largest number of words made from the word " enthronisation." Tho competitor who secured the prize sent in 928 words, 152 of which were disallowed, leaving 77G words. The vast majority of answers ranged from 300 to 400 words. Plurals were not allowed.

—Alongside the main Mersey tunnel a smaller one, seven feet in diameter, is carried. This exists solely for the sake of ventilating the larger one, and out of it the air is sucked by exhaust fans with such force that it is said the whole body of tho atmosphere is changed every seven minutes.

Scott's Emulsion of Puke Cod Liver Oil with llvPopitospiriTiss, very Palatable and Efficacious in Wasting Diseases.—Dr C. T. Bramser, Rochester, N.Y., says: "Alter having vised Scott's Emulsion with decided benefit upon mys»U\ I have taken great pleasure in recommending it since in the various conditions of wasting iv which it is indicated."