THE OTOGO DAILY TIMES SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 1886.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 7647, 21 August 1886, Page 2

THE OTOGO DAILY TIMES SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 1886.

The Corporation of tlio Oity of .Dunedin controls sums of such magnitude, and tho responsibilities of ratepayers arc of such a serious kind, that it is necessary from lime to time to call tho attention of the burgesses to tlie particulars of their Jinancial position. We aro not alarmists, nor do we see anything in the figures wo shall lay beforo our readers to justify any aspersions being thrown on our commercial credit. Still the figures are undoubtedly very large, and the burden to bo borne by the ratepayers is a serious one, especially in view of the fact that tlie income from rates is likely slightly to diminish, and at anyrate cannot be expected to increase for somolittle time. The total sum, then, for which the

; City of Dunedm is liable is L 600,000, and the annual charge for bondholders' interest is L 33,585, while the present ; rateable value in the city is L 291,971. ■ As an annual rate of Is 3d in tho , pound only produces L 18,245, it would ' seem at first sight that we were in a bad ■ way. Wo have put the figures in this fashion, however, only to emphasise our point, which is that an increased ■ expenditure of any kind must very shortly be met by an increased rate; but there are other sources of income meantime which more than meet the apparent deficiency of LISOO per annum as stated above. The principal sources of income other than rates are: Rents L 13,000, licenses L 7500, cemeteries LIOOO, subsidy LIBOO, sundries LISOO, making in all L 24.500. Adding, however, charges for interest, sinking fund, and bank charges and commission to naked interest, we find the annual outg-i for accrued indebtedness to be L 42,500, and the annual income from rates, rents, licenses, cemeteries, stibsidy, and sundries the same sum, or L 42,500. The total sum of our indebtedness— viz., L 600,00 however, be divided into three portions in order to clearly understand the position. The municipal debt commonly so called is L 300,000, while the debt on the waterworks account is L 200,000, and that on the gasworks account Ll 00,000. Let us look first at the municipal debt strictly so-called. The annual charge here of a fixed character amounts to just £22,566 ; this includes interest, sinking fund, and bank charges, or £4318 per annum more than the product of a one and threepenny rate, leaving only £20,000 per annum to carry on the business of the town for which the Corporation exists, this sum being derived from rents and other items above named, which are inelastic in their character, and at present more likely to diminish than to increase. Rents, as everyone knows, are just now an extremely precarious souvce of income, and cannot be expected to increase for years to come; while licenses, again, four-fifths of which come under the heading of " spirits," cannot be called growing revenue. We trust that the income arising from cemeteries will not increase with any rapidity at anyrate, and the subsidy of LIBOO is the most untrustworthy item of all. During the year ending March 31, 1886, however, the City Council spent some L 26,000, more or less, on ordinary city works, the ever increasing overdraft supplying for the most part the difference of L6OOO. It is quite clear from these figures that the brake must be put on with some severity, and that the city cannot afford and must not be betrayed into undertaking any new works. The minds of the City Council have not at present reached beyond the notion of cutting down salaries. To manage receipts and expenditure totalling Llos,67G'we find the sum of

L 3909 set down as expended on

salaries. The whole strictly municipal affairs of the city that is do not cost the ratepayers quite 3J per cent, in salaries. It is surely a somewhat fatuous proposal to deduct a huge cantle from the salary of the town clerk by way of supplying funds perhaps for filling another Dowling street blunder. But we are not now about to deal with the

late ingenious effort at retrenchment; we merely cited it as the latest illustration of the imperfect financial notions of our present councillors. The truth is the affairs of the city are grown too big for the capacities of the men who manage them. There are

two or three notable exceptions in the Council, but the majority have not the experience, the training, or the capacity to deal with the larger questions of' finance that come before them. We have no wish to be personal, but desire to draw the attention of the inactive and indifferent among the citizens to the gravity of the occasion, and the injuries that may accrue to property in the future if the more capable of our citizens studiously refrain from coming forward in civic affairs, as if they were beneath them, leaving their control to the less capable. Mr Jenkins put the consequences of this indifference very happily in his lectures on "Inner England." He says :"As a matter of course if half the people are indifferent the otlier half will take advantage of it; if the best decline the work the worst will accept it. And I have of ten noticed that the men who most decry the tyranny of majorities are those who keep themselves free of the sacrifices, toils, and responsibilities of municipal affairs. Local government is apt to become the prey of State harpies; you will find at length that not the .fittest man, but the most cunning demagogue, is the one who, taking the people by the ears, acquires the right to govern them."

These are wise words beyond all doubt, and singularly apposite to the occasion in Dunedin. It is not by only cutting a few hundreds off the salaries of the responsible officers who deal with the city revenue and expenditure that the necessary equilibrium is to be preserved. In the municipal account alone—leaving gas and water accounts out for the present—it is clear that there is immediate necessity for cutting down expenses, and that a stop must be put to any new w.orks of even the most trifling character unless we are prepared to have the rates largely increased. A rate of threepence in the pound produces L 3649, and during the past year the equivalent of almost a

sixpenny rate has been expended in addition to the one and threepence now imposed. We shall take another opportunity of dealing with the water-

works and gasworks figures, which tell the same tale—viz., that new works

in gas or any continuation of the

reckless expenditure on the water

supply will entail—in the one instance, higher gas rafcs; and in tbe other, since 7 per cent, is the highest amount that can be charged for water, an increased city rate. It is sufficient now

to say that if'they do not want Dun-

edin property depreciated by an enor-

mous increase in ratesj it will be well

for prudent, citizens to interest themself more than they have done in civic affairs.

Passing Notes, by " Civis," appear on our fourth pngo.

The Premier, Sir H. Stout, left Wellington for Dunedin yesterday in tho Mawhera.

Thoßailwaydcpartment aro making strenuous efforts to restore railway communication both north and south, and, as will bo seen by tho announcement elsewhere, a limited service will be available on both hies to-tlay.

Mr Robert Hay, C.8., who is investigating the leak at the Ross Creek reservoir, has been somewhat retarded in his operations by tho recent heavy rains, and therefore will not be able to arrive at any very decided conclusion with regard to the source of the leak for some days yet.

Tho number of unemployed on tho various relief sections under tho Public Works department is 281, distributed as follows:—Kensington road, 15; Water-of-Leith, 30; defence worksOcean Beach, 72; Taiaroa Heads, 20; torpedo depot, 14; Blount Hydo and Silverpeak sections of tho Otngo Central railway, 130. On Tuesday morning next 45 men will leave town for the Mount Allen section of the Otago Contra 1 line. It is anticipated that considerable damage has been occasioned on the line by landslips, hut tho department has not yet been able to obtain definite information on tho subject.

Mr G. F. Dodds (president of tho Federated Seaincu's Union) with Mr Hanagau (president of the Auckland branch of the same society) left yesterday by tho s.s. Tarawera to attend thu fourth Intercolonial Trades Union Congress to be held at Adelaide on the 2nd prox.i at which meeting in all probability the difference existing at present between the Australian Steamship Owners' Association and the Federated Seamen's Union of Australasia in the matter of the proposed reduction of the seamen's wages, which the owners state is necessary on account of tho competition caused by foreign and British vessels carrying cheaper labour, will be brought up; and no doubt a satisfactory arrangement, by which colonial steamship owners can be protected against this competition, will be arrived at.

It is anticipated that upwards of 700 firemen will attend the Intercolonial Fire Brigades' Demonstration to be held in Sydney on thu 9th November. Visitors from New Zealand, Tasmania, Victoria, and South Australia are expected to take part in the competitions.

A rather curious case was heard beforo Mr Beetham, 8.M., at Christchurch, where David Baxter aud his wife Margaret claimed £10 damages fron^C. B. Hoddinott, a debt collector, for trespass. Defendant had knocked at the door and then entered and examined every room in tho plaintiff's house, claiming to do so on behalf of an insurance company. Mr Beetham, in giving judgment, said ho had no doubt Mr Hoddinott had done this as a. matter of business, but in his opinion, he had been guilty of grossly rudo and improper conduct. He believed he had obtained admission to the house by false representations, and not that he had been sent by an insurance company. He had hazarded conjectures to Mrs Baxter to make her believe that he was so sent; but the document produced simply authorised him to go iound and collect premiums for the Equitable Company; ho had intruded himself into this man's house in au unmistakeably rude and abominable manner; he had not been rudo in speech, but in the mode of his eutrauce. It was a mattor of unwarrantable intrusion iuto tho house of another man, and judgment would be for £2 and costs.

Perhaps ouo of the saddest sights in the world (says a Home paper) is the ceremony of a lovely young girl taking the veil and burying herself alive in a convent. There lately died ■in Baltimore a nun of the name of Agnes Gubert, who, according to Rubenstein's testimony, possessed tho richest and most wonderful voice ever known within the memory of man. The operatic impressario Strakoseh offered her in his time £10,000 for a six months' concert tour, which she, however, refused, in order to tako the veil and bury herself and the enormous fortune which was in her voice within the gloomy walls of a convent.

The Timaru Herald states that the Timaru Woollen Factory has stopped running, pending the meeting of shareholders to consider the position. Thecompany has no pressiugcreditors— is perfectly solvent, as there is material in stock ■ and uncalled capital sufficient to moro thau wipe off all liabilities,—but the mill ceased work because it was not clearly seen where the next fortnight's wages were to come from for the employes.

It is a somewhat remarkable cireumstanee that notwithstanding the downpour of rain here, unbroken fine weather has been experienced at Invercargill for the past three weeks, and the water supply is actually bt-coming scarce., Little or no rain fell in the interior of Otago, even so close to Dunedin'as Lawrence.

There is still another person charged with incendiarism at Auckland, the latest addition to the long list there being a man named Lawrence O'Brien.

The evangelists from Mr Spurgeon's college (Messrs Mateer and Parker) continued their services at Hanover street Church last night, when there was a large attendance. The interest has gradually increased during the week, and it has been determined to continue the services nightly till next Friday. Mr Mateer gave an address ou the " Road to Heaven." He noticed three ways that men were travelling in—the way of the wicked, the way of the formalists, aud way of holiness. Mr Parker sang two solos from the Sankey collection. His singing will be to some the feature of the gatherings. To a fine voice and distinct utterance, Mr Parker unites a marvellous finish. He is evidently a cultivated singer, and also a master of the harmonium he plays.

A sad scene was witnessed in Milton on Sunday (writes a correspondent), when nearly every resident in that place assembled to follow to the grave the remains of a young lady who was

dearly beloved by all. The name of Miss Selina I White was identified in the minds of all with works of kindness and disinterested willingness to always render assistance forany good object In church matters she was the right-hand supporter of the Wesleyan minister (Mr Taylor), the star of the choir, and the life of the Sunday school, having gained the affections of all the children. Beiug so talented, her assistance was always appealed to when someone was wanted to take a leading part in any sacred concert. Her interest in temperance matters was equally strong, and it was owing to her presence and

zeal that Mr Burnett's recent mission was so

successful. She was the flower of the familyi and as domesticated as she was musical, the attention to home duties being her first study. Fully one thousand mourners followed to witness the coffin lowered into the cold grave. A most impressive discourse was delivered by the Rev. Mr Ruthwell, who referred in touching terms to the Christian life of her who was gone to that better land, and urged the sorrowstricken parents to seek relief in the thought of having au angel in Heaven.

j At the usual weekly meeting of the Trinity Church Literary and Musical Society held on Thursday evening, very ably written "Notepaper Essays' on musical composers were read by various members—Miss Chapman taking Beethoven; Miss Smart, Mozart; Miss Hindle, Mendelssohn; Mr Spence, Handel; and Mr Lane, Balfe. The latter gentleman also gave a song, aud piano solos from the composers' works were contributed by Miss Smart and Mr Faulkner (blind organist). Tho Rev. W. Morley presided.

I The departure of the first batch of recidivistes, respecting which certain English papers have published such interesting details, appears (writes the Paris correspondent of the Sydney Morning Herald) to bave been adjourned until the Greek kalends. I stated months ago that the French Government showed uo anxiety whatever to put that singular law into operation which France owes to the geuius of M. Waldech Rousseau; I cannot discover one sign Of greater enthusiasm in this direction now. On the contrary, all the news that we cau gather on the subject tends to show that the Government grows more alive to the practical difficulties surrounding the scheme. j

A correspondent of the Pall Mall Gazette describes the scene in the Houso of Commons on June 25, when Parliament broke up:—lt was a singular sign of the times to observe that the Irish members, with oue exception, observed the custom of doing reverence to the Queen's utterances by removing their hats—a compli- _ ment which in former years they were studiously cousistent in honouring rather iv the breach than in tho observance. The solitary exception was Mr Byrne, who erred, however, through happy ignorance rather than from artful intent, for when it dawned upon him that the balance of custom was in favour of sitting uncovered he at onco took off his hat. Then came the handshaking witb the Speaker, and the members slowly filed out, the last man to have the honour of quitting the House in the memorable session of 1886 being Sir George Balfour,

It seems remarkable (says tho Sydney Morning Herald) that though New Kouth Wales has this year n very poor crop of wheat, and has to depend for more tlinii half or its supply of breatlstuffs on its neighbours,yet Hour and wheat are quito as cheap as in the other colonies. The explanation of this fact is, of course, that our ports aro freo. Breadstulfs havo been poured into the colony from Victoria, New Zealand, and South Australia, and the competition has given us wheat and flour at prices ao low its those at which thoy are procurable in Melbourne, Adelaide, or Christchurch. The colony buys from them till, and though they havo to send their surplus 500 to 1500 miles, tbey do so, and have to be content with prices which they accept at horao. IF a duty of 2s per cental were imposed on breatlstuffs, as charged in Victoria, we should havo to pay -fd per lb more for our bread.

A sad spectacle was witnessed (says the Melbourne Ago) at tho City Police Court, where John Gahan, formerly a solicitor in extensive practice in this city, was brought up on a chargo of vagrancy. For a long time Mr Gahan, by his dissipated habits, has ceased to have any business, legal or otherwise; and latterly he has wandered about tho streets, literally starving, begging his daily food and shelter from the lowest class of persons in tho slums around Little Bourke street. His appearance in the court was pitiable in the extreme to those who had known him in his better days of prosperity. The once well-dressed popular lawyer now shuffled into court as an old broken-down man, clad in wretched rags, and wearing old dilapidated boots which k-ft his naked feot exposed to viow. His long uncombed hair nnd tangled beard, nowquito gray, and his dirty raiments, denoted the utter neglect of his person which ho suffered, whilst his hollow cheeks told a painful tale of privation. He was sent to prison for 12 months.

The Benevolent Dramatic Club repeated thei r performance of " Blow for Blow " at tho Princess Theatre last evening. The audience, though not a lorge one, was appreciative, and seemed to thoroughly enjoy the play. The acting all through was better than on the first night, and the services of the prompter were hardly ever required. Some of the principal parts were effectively played, and it was evident that all that was wanted was a little more practice so as to get tho full effect in some of the principal dialogues. Mr H. Norman played the varied character of Charley Spraggs very successfully, and tho lively dialogue between he and Miss Kitty Wobbler (Miss Julia Ward) in the second aot was loudly applauded. Miss Jewitt created a favourable impression in her double part of Mildred Craddock and her twin sister MrsPetherick; and Miss L. Home did woll as Lady Linden. Of the other characters Dr Grace" represented by Mr C. F. Mouat, was tho best The performers were twice called before the curtain. We understand that another performance of the same play will be given shortly, probably during the race week.

The twenty-fourth annual ball given by the Dunedin Naval Artillery iv the Garrison Hall last evening proved a very great success. About 200 couples wero present, including the following officers:—Lieutenant-colonel Stavely, Commandant Goldie, Majors Andrews and Reeves, Captain Smith, Lieutenant Hislop '(Wellington Navals), and Lieutenants Jacobs and Notman. The following corps were also represented:—South Dunedin Rifles, Wakari. Rifles, Peninsula Navals, Port Chalmers Navalsi Irish Rifles, Highland Rifle's, and the Artillery' Two Highland pipers, and a member of the Armed Constabularly, and several firemen, likewise attended the ball. Petty-ofiicer Price and Gunner M'Arthur acted as M.C.'s; the music was supplied by Mr Parker's string band; aud Mr Broadway catered.

It has not been decided whether to play the trial football match to-day, arranged by the Rugby Union, at Mosgiel or in town. If the Caledonian grounds can be secured, it is probable the match will take place there. Intimation of a positive character will be given during the morning.

Mr Charles Robert Chapman announces himsel as> candidate for Leith Ward.

Messrs James Samson and Co. will sell household furniture, kc. to-day Mr D. M. Spedding will sell English ale on Tuesday.

alessrs Donald Held and Co.'s sale of freehold property on the Taieri Plain is postponed till tho 4th prox.

Messrs Wright, Stephenson, and Co. will sell horses, drays, and harness to-tlay. Jlr Montagu Pym will sell freehold property in Port Chalmers and in the North Harbour and Blueskin district on the 4th prox. The concert next Friday in aid of the Union Football Club will be under the patronage of the officers of tlie Itugby Union, the Canterbury and Otago interproviucial teams, and members of tho various football clubs.

Messrs Morrison and Mitchell will sell household furniture to-day, aud provisions, drapery, &c. tliis evening. The third anniversary services in connection with the Caversham Presbyterian Church will be held on Sunday night. The Hey. J. Frazer-Hurst will preach in the morning and the Hey. J. Gibb in tlie evening. The annual meeting of the Taieri Agricultural Society will be held on 2nd September. A petition to be adjudged a bankrupt has been filed by Henry Johnson, of Dunedin. Creditors meet on Tuesday. Messrs D. and 3. Bacon run conveyances from Dunediu at 5 a.m and 1 p.m. eacli day to connect with the Southern trains at Waihola. Tlie sale of books by Messrs 3. A. Park and Co. winch commences to-day will be continued on Monday and Tuesday next. They will sell at 11 o'clock to-day nails, toe-plates, &c. The twenty-sixth anuiversary ball of that oldestablished corps the City Guards will be held on the 10th proximo. A number of notices to ratepayers from the Waikouaiti County Council appear elsewhere. Once upon a time butchers in Dunedin charged about as much agaiu for their meat as they bought it at. Since the advent of A. Dornwell that has been altered. Now, you wonder where the profit comes from, for if it was all profit it would not be too much unless you are doing a very large business, when of course it would be wortii picking up. The present is another struggle for the survival of the Attest. Time will tell. Theouly place you can rely upon your sausages being clean, wholesome, and tasty is at A. Dortwkll's and his branches, all supplied from George street Factory before the public's eye.—[tovT.] Arrival of the lonic with £5000 worth of new drapery aud clothing for Carter and Co. Owingto their great increase in trade during the Inst twelvemonths Carter and Co. are determined to sell their goods at a Binaller margin of profit than heretofore, and will commence with this lonic shipment. Ladies are invited to call and see the latest novelties., Gentlemen should not fail to see the wonderful value we are offering in clothing. New goods being marked off for every department. Please note address and call early.—Cakteb and Co., the great ready-money drapers and clothiers, 60 and 62 George street, Dunedin— [Advt.]

List of new goods just opened at The Londox

in George street, ihe noted establishment for good value i—IOOO gross new metal buttons, 2_[d, 3jd, 4Jd dozen; 3000 pairs evening silk gloves; six-button kid gloves, 8s 6d; gents' evening kid gloves, 2s 6d; SO boxes tinsel frillings,- pretty muslin work, 2£d, 3Jd, 4jd; handsome long jackets, 18s 6d, 21s ed; jersey bodies, braided and plain, 6s lld, 8s lld; Yak laces, Bjd; splendid lot coloured laces; 1000 girls' hats, 3d and 6d. Call and inspect. The Loudon.— Pmce akd Bullwd.—[Advt.]

Visit at once tbe Annual Clearing Sale at Fyfe and Cumixg's Beady Money Warehouse, whore they sell at all times desperately cheap, but during their annual sale goods almost given away. Especially would P. and C. call attention to the accumulation of remnants now being offered at one-quarter their value. See remnants flannels, remnauts calico, remnants dresses, remnants velveteens, remnauts ribbons, remnants laces, remnants frillings, remnants embroideries. Odd lot soiled blankets, must be soldat any sacrifice.—The Ready Money Warehouse, 92 and 04 George street.—[Advt.]

"In our candid opinion it would prove a most difficult task to lind a ginger ale manufactured by the b*st iirms in the English mineral water trade to surpass that of Thomson and Co., of Dunedin."— Extract from "The London Mineral Water Trade Kecorder and Advocate," January I,lßß6.—[Advt.]