THE OTOGO DAILY TIMES SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 1886.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 7653, 28 August 1886, Page 2

THE OTOGO DAILY TIMES SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 1886.

For years past the mercantile and pro-

fessional clashes in this city have chosen to consider municipal affairs beneath their attention. At last, if we may judge from the semi-public meeting held at the Garrison Hall

last evening, they are awakening to

tln-ir duty and interest in these matters, and there is some pro-, mise that they will endeavour to take iheir proper share in the management of the city. This is very welcome news, even though it conies somewhat la'e. It has need d a Barnes and a Dowling street accident to discover that a certain amount of education and of experience of the larger commercial affairs cannot with impunity be dispensed witli in the chief magisirate of a large city. The state of the municipal finances tells its own tale as to the average capacity of recent Councils fur the discharge of the duties entrusted to them. There are exceptions, no doubt, but it is evident thnt theie is need of new blood in the Council, of more business knowledge and general ability in particular, and of a reorganisation ff the management in general. Towards this end the Association established last evening should be of some use. There are strong objections to the principle of members binding themselves to vote blindly for a list of candidates sleeted at second-hand, but there is sore need of some association to bring out candidates for municipal

duties and to keep an pye upon municipal matters. Although the Association was initiated semi-privately, its subscription is within the reach of every ratepayer, and by calling a public meeting for Monday to consider its nominations it shows a disposition to work upon as liberal lines as are possible for an as sociation which, although not formed on any party or class basis, necessarily partakes of the nature of a " caucus." It can scarcely fail to bring out some better candidates than would otherwise have offered themselves for election to. the Council, and if it only succeeds in making the mercantile and professional classes take an interest in city affairs it will clo good. But it should be a 1 le to extend the sphere of its' influence more widely than that, for

he dissatisfaction with the present state of municipal affair-) is not confined to any class of rat* payers, laid

the leading spirits of tho Association are men -of liberal minds, who enjoy extensive confidence among all classes. Nevertleless if tiie A-sociation wishes to be successful, we would venture to hint that the influence of the poorer ratepayers in its counsels must be real and their adherence sought.

Tiik Invereaigill people have shown a good deal of enterprise in Inking up the quciition of prospecting at Big Bay. From tho reports recently published" and endorsed by the Minister of Mines, it scorns there is good ground to believe that there is an extensive goldliold in this region as yet only very imperfectly prospected. A meeting was accordingly culled at Invorcargill lo arrange for sending a party til' thirty men there, mid a committee Was formed to carry out tliis proposal. Mr Todd, tho principal spokesman, urged that it was a "sin" for peoplo to be leaving the colony to go to Kimberley when we have in all probability valuable' Holds still untouched nearly at our own doors. The Minister of Mines bus expressed his willingness to find free passages for a party of prospectors to Big Bay, and to subsidise any amount up to _£_._>() that may bo subscribed to the extent of Hi for £1, and a party has boon formed at Invercargill, eaoh man subscribing £;■_. We do not know what system will bo adopted as to disposing of any gold gol, but wo think that for six mouths .it least all tho gold should go into one common fund ; that the men should get some minimum wage—say £1 a week and " tucker"—as a first chargo ; that then a certain lixed portion of the remainder should go to capital account, to recoup the lirst outlay, and tlie remainder should be equally divided among Lhe mon, perhaps with the exception of the head man, who should receive a slightly larger share. Wo are anxious to see some such co-operative association for opening now ground fairly in operation. The dilliculty with regard to prospecting has been the desultory nature of many attempts. One or more members of the party get discouraged before thoroughly testing the ground, and so promising schemes have again and again como to nothing; and yet it ought not to be impossible to bind a party of men together for at least a fow months by common interests, protected by a written agreement. We cannot believe that the merchants of Dunedin would bo backward in promoting such associations if only thoso who advanced the money could be fairly protected; and wo aro convinced that if the practical difficulties could be overcome much might bo done to develop alluvial mining in various parts of this provincial district at less risk, if at less prospective benefit, than is the caso with quartz mining. The new lind on Mr Kitchener's land, for example, will no doubt require capital fairly to test and develop it, and it appears that satisfactory arrangements can bo mado with the owner of the land which would enable this to be done. Wo shall watch with interest the results of the Big Bay venture, and commend the example of the Invercargill people to the consideration of those in Dunedin most interested in the further development of our goldfields.

Passing Notes, by "Civis," and reports of yesterday's local courts appear on our fourth page

Sir Robert Stout yesterday afternoon visited tho Ashburn Hall Private Lunatic Asylum. He intends to leavo for Christchurch this

morning.

Three declarations of insolvency have been filed during the past week—viz., Henry Johnson (of Dunedin), agent; Patrick Keligher (ol Dunedin), hotelkeeper; and John I-lerewan: Wilson (of Akatore), farmer.

We regret to learn that Mr J. 13. Bradshaw, member for Dunedin Central, was seized with an apoplectic stroke on Thursday night. We learn from Dr Wanless that he is hopeful that his patient is in a fair way towards recovery.

The Premier received by the San Francisco mail the following letter from the Hon. W. E. Gladstone, in reply to his covering the resolution of the 50 members of tho General Assemby cabled to the right hon. gentleman immediately after the defeat of his Home Rule Bill:— " 10 Downing street, Whitehall, Loudon, June 18,1880. Sir,—l am desired by Mr Gladstone to express his best thanks for the gratifying message which he had the honour to receive hy telegraph from 50 members of the General Assemby of New Zealand.—l am, &c., G. W. Sfencer Lyttelton."

A meeting of the Otago Rugby Union Football Committee is to be held this morning to decide whether the footbnll.match with Canterbury will be played during the afternoon or postponed till Monday. Due notice of the committee's decision will be given early in the forenoon. Footballers are requested to meet on the ground at 9 o'clock this morning to assist iv clearing off the snow. As some misunderstanding has arisen regarding the charge for admission to the stand, we are requested to stato that the half-crown tickets admit to both the ground and stand. The admission to the ground alone will be one shilling. If the weather is at all fine it is probable that the match will be played.

The late floods and the present severe weather have caused great mortality amongst cattle iv the Waikouaiti district. The Palmerston Times says:—"Among the heaviest sufferers are Mr Galbraith, who has lost 29 head (small and great); Mr W. Russell, 10 or 12 head, including 3 working bullocks; Mr G. Maxwell, 10 or 12 yearlings; Mr R. Fry, 3 cows; Mrs Barnett, 2 foals and 3 cows. Several serious slips have occurred, we understand, in the Hawksbury bush. By one the dwelling house of Mr Stuart was lifted off tho piles a distance of 24ft, and a large chasm has been left at the back. An exteusive slip on Mr Mill's laud adjoining is also reported, which has materially damaged the surfaco of the ground. There are also other landslips in; the same neighbourhood, from which more or less damage has been inflicted."

At a special meeting of the Forbury School Committee on Thursday evening, attended by Messrs D. Jones (acting chairman), Price, Bellet, Berwick, and Wix, Mr Hardy was selected for the position of third assistant. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr J. Braithwaite for a series of historical pictures which he had presented to the school.

Mr T. Pratt, M.H.R., member for the Southern Maori district, addressed the Kaiapoi portion of his constituency on Thursday, and after reviewing the work of the session was accorded a vote of thanks. He announced that the Government intended causiug a Native Lands Court to be held at Kaiapoi about the end of September, for the adjustment of such claims as may be brought before it.

The funeral of Noel Lees, who died so sudleuly at the High School on Tuesday, took ilace yesterday and was attended by the whole

if the High Schoolboys. The Revs. Dr Belcher

and A. R. Fitchett conducted the service, the introductory portion of which was given at St. Paul's Church, where the Dead March was played by tho orgauist, Mr J. C. Norman, as the procession left the church.

The Oamaru Borough Council is going in for retrenchment, and by reducing salaries and curtailing expenditure in other directions, a report brought up by a committee indicates how a saving of £642 Ss may be made. Mr J. Church has resigned his position as auditor of the borough. He concludes his list of reasons for

taking the step by stating that the council in virtually making a special audit insofar as the

.ork of the auditors has been traversed, has

illegally gone beyond it 3 powers as set forth in tho Corporations Act, and if he wero acting as one of the auditors he would have to refuse to pass the expenditure incurred in employing an accountant from Dunediu.

At the inquest held at Pembroke before Mr Hickson, coroner, touching the death of James Moylan a verdict was returned to the effect that death was caused by a lit of apoplexy, brought on by excessive drinking. Moylan (says the Cromwell Argus) was one of the early and fortunate miners on the Criffel, the claim owned by himself and Hawthorne being one of the richest yet discovered on that field. Unfortunately, deceased does not seem to have made the best use of the wealth he had recently acquired, and a more or less dissipated course has led to his death. Moylan was an intelligent and fairly well-informed man, and it is cause for regret that he should have been cut off from

life when things were promising well for him.' and that by his own weakness and folly. During the eight months of the current year this makes at last three victims to drink in the Wanaka district—lsbell, Chalmers, and Moylan—a state of matters that brings anything but pleasing

reflections. One of the oldest settlers in this colony, Mr J. H. Marriott, died in Wellington on the 25th inst. (says the Wellington correspondent of the Lyttelton Times), aged 87. He came to Wellington bythe ship Sir Thomas Parkes, in 1812, and lived hero till his death. He founded the first Wellington Lodge of Oddfellows, aud was well known for many years in amateur theatrical circles. In 18-14 he helped to build the Olympic Theatre iv Manners etreet, executed the scenery

and decorations himself, and manufactured from whale oil the supply of gas by which the theatre was lighted, this being the first introduction of gas into Wellington. He was a very fine Shnkesperian scholar, aud had published a volume of poetry himself. Before coming out to the colony he had been a reporter on the staff of tho London Times. The deceased was the father of the celebrated London actress Miss Marriott, who was his second daughter. The old gentleman had for many years kept a bookseller's shop in this city, and only retired from active life last year.

In noticing the death of Mrs Lamond (of Waitepeka), the Clutha -Leader snys she was me of the uui-liest residents in the disirict. Mrs Lamond belonged to Olleushee, Perthshire, ■icotliuid, und along with her husband (who died about 18 months ago) and family arrived in Qtago by the Robert Henderson on February 12, 1858. Mr Lamond purchased a. farm in Wnitopekain 1801.

Tho exceptional success of tho Salvation Army ut Clinton (reports the Clutha Leader) is said to be duo in n great measure to the patronage and active assistance of the genial host of tho Prince of Wales Hotel. That gentleman has beun v regular uttemlor at the army meetings, taking along with him as many of his household and acquaintances as possible. He contributes liberally to the funds of the army, and makes large purchases of the War Cry every week. Every bottle of whisky or other liquor sold nt the liotel is wrapped up in a War Cry. With a view to still greater success in Clinton ho urges thnt a detachment of "Hallelujah lasses " should be told off for duty in the township, and offers to pay their travelling expenses and provide thorn with the best accommodation the I'rinco of Wales can supply, all free, gratin and for nothing.

Jlr 01. F. Richardson, M.H.R. for Mataurn,has intimated to the Portrose portion of his constituents that he hns been informed by the Minister of Public Works that the detail survey of tho Edeiidale-Fortrosc is scarcely oomplete enough to allow of tenders beiug called, but it will be pressed forward and a contract let os soon us possible. The Minister for Marine has promised to direct tho Marine Engineer to report; upon the obstruction in the be,d of the Mataura river a short distance from the port when inspecting and reporting on the harbour.

It is not often that Napier supplies a thoroughly genuine and sensational romance (says tho Daily Telegraph), but tlio following true tale may provo of interest to our readers. Jinny months ago a youug tradesman of the place was keeping company with ono of those charming girls for whom Napier is so famous— thanks to what tho mayor would call our magnificent climate. Ho was young in years—only 19,—and the father getting a wrinkle of how the land lay, got au introduction to the sou's sweetheart, and, to make a long story short, soon succeeded in displacing the son from his position, and eventually married the fair ono. About 10 days ago tho husband had in the course of business to spend some lime in tho country, and took his departure, leaving his wife and son in charge of tho household gods. His back had not been long turned when, as if by magic, the old attachment between the son and his now stepmother revived, and the husband had scarcely reached his destination when the pair packed up their belongings and made tracks South,

where they now are. The fond father and clot

ing- husband acquired this valuable information some three days ago, so what tho upshot of the elopement may be we know not, though a divorce suit with a sou a3 co-respondent would be a decided novelty.

A writer in the Fortnightly, referring to the ruptured state of parties in England, says:— " There is littlo to look upon with pleasure amidst this cleavage of party ties and rending of old associations. The reputation of many prominent men has suffered, aud of very few has been enhanced. Lord Hartington is among

the latter. Private animosities are known to

have no influence on his action. His attitude during this session has in no degree alienated the respect of the Radicals towards him, and he has never risen so high as in his speech on the

first reading of the Irish Bill,

Whatever the

future may have in store for us, though Elijah.--mantle may be buried with him, Lord Harting-

ton must remain a great controlling power in onr political lifo."

We shall soon hear of a Hebrew strike (says the Hebrew Observer). In New York there are I Jewish trades unions, organised by the Jewish Working Men's Association, which was started by eight young men on Bth January 1885. The latter have founded no less than 14 union; i whose membership varies from 50 to 2000. The result is that, excepting the branch of labour controlled by the engineers, the most thoroughly organised trades in tho metropolis are those which include Jews. All the unions organised by the Jewish Working Men's Association send delegates to the Central Labour Union. The accounts interest us not so much from the point of view of the organisation of the working men as the revelations it makes to the outside world of the extent of Jewish mechanical industry. Here are not only Jewish tailors and shoemakers, butchers and bakers, but also cloak makers, hat aud cap makers, suspender makers, purse makers, and fringe makers; and nearly aU in the hundreds. Here is a labouring army of over 5000 persons, enough to make a grand parade by themselves Take these facts in connection with the success of the Hebrew Technical Institute, and the winning of prizes for inventions by its young pupils, and this answers the question of the uninformed or prejudiced : Can Jews be mechanics ?

Mr W. G. Rees, sheep inspector, has pointed out to the Timaru Herald that a telegram from Wanganni was incorrect in stating that the silver medal awarded to Constable Ryan was the first awarded in New Zealand. Mr Rees points out that the Royal Humane Society's silver medal was awarded to a Maori named "Jack" so long ago as 1563. The circumstances which led to the award are briefly these:—lv ISG2 Mr Rees employed Maori Jack on his run at Lake Wakatipu as boatman. In January of the year stated two gentlemen—Mr Rodgers and Lieutenant Mitchell—were on the lake in a boat in charge of Maori Jack, when a sudden squall struck the boat and capsized it. Jack managed to get the gentlemen named out of the water and placo them on the bottom of tho boat. Time after time the men were washed off, and yet regained the boat with the assistance of Jack. But at last Mr Rodgers, terribly exhausted, sank beneath the surface of the very troubled waters of the lake, and Jack, who was by this time pretty well exhausted himself, saw that the only way to save his remaining companion and himself was to cut away the mast. He had no sooner decided on doing this when he dived, successfully cut away the mast, and righted the boat. He then assisted Lieutenant Mitchell in, and getting in himself, the boat drifted on shore, after its two occupants had been fully three hours in the water. When the boat got to shore Mitchell was all but exhausted, but Jack wrapped him up in some blankets which were fortunately at hand, then left him aud walked over 18 miles of fearful rough country to Yon Tunzelman's station. This gentleman after seeing to Jack's wants went over to Mr Rees' station, and at 2 o'clock in the morning the party set out in Mr Rees' large boat, and succeeded in finding Mitchell, who by this time was almost dead. However, he received every ciire and attention, and in the end finally recovered. As to Maori Jack, his courageous act aud great personal bravery were at once fully recognised by the people of the district of Southland, and a subscription list being opened) £300 was very soon gathered. This was presented to Jack, and a few months afterwards the Royal Humane Society awarded him their silver medal.

At Hen- Benno Scherek's afternoon concert to-day Mr G. H. Hall, the leader of the orchestra for Messrs Rignold and Allison's dramatic compauy, now playing at the Princess Theatre, will take part. Mr Hall has considerable reputation as a solo violinist, and ln's presence will add considerably to the enjoyment of those who attend.

Mr Donald Stronach will sell sheep dip on Monday.

The regulations and bye-lavs for Dunedin Hund. Ed are published in another column.

Messrs James Samson ana Co. will sell household furniture, kc, to-d..y. Tickets for tlie anniversary ball of the City Guards are ol.ta liable from members.

The annual meeting of the Patients and Prisoners' Aid Soc ety will be held on Monday. The nomination of candidates for the four wards of the city iv pbioe of city councillors retiring by rotation takes place on the.llst inst. There is in addition au extraordinary vacancy for Leith Wind, and nominations of candidates are due on the '2nd Srpt-mber.

r>ominiitions for the annual election of a councillor for each of the four wards in the borough of Port C aimers must be made nn the lst mst.

Messrs Wright, Stephenson, and Co. will sell draught and li»ht harness horses to day; on Tuesday th'-y sell dairy cows, fat cattle, liorsi's, drays, harness, kc, at St. John's Wood, Nor.h-Unst Valley.

Frozen mutton to be obtained this week nt the shops of A. Dornwiill, Dunediu and Port Chalmers. Usual prices. Largest si.ow of meat ever seen in any shop. Pay a visit and see for yourself. Nothing mysterious in my shops.—[Advt.l Spring is coming, and with the clouds and storms of dreary winter let us hope tho dark cloud of depression'so long enveloping our fair count' y may also pass away, and once more we may b.tsk in the sunshine of prosperity. Mr Cuming has been sending us tons of Aew Hoods for spring and summer, considerably astonished ns with one .ot- viz., SOU do/.en large Siinlials fur ladies and gentlemen ("bile nnd colour-), to sell at the fabulously low price of Id (une penny) each. Our Warehouse, 112 and 91 George street, now crammed from (1 or to cei'iiig with new gonils. Visit. Inspect.—Pvkk ami Cu.minii.Aiivt ]

Flooded with new reliable drapery and clothing a- Carter's. Just landed, iCHOIio worth new goods ex lonic and Itiiiiutnkii. Carter and Co.licgapcclnllv 1... point nut, th -it they are xn ■ offering any damaged stock. Sole tliis.- All keen buyers of cl'raprrv ami el.'tlfuiH should see out- prices ior new f slilo'tm guilds, at extt-em. l.iw rices, before bitvitifj d,inm K ed goods soaking wilh sewage water, flint will rut in no time and requires Itimigatlufr before it can be m»iL—Caiiteii and Co. (uiumntee nil fiowls to bo reliable and marked at the lowest possible prices. Call early and ace for yourselves. Note address: co and 62 George street, Dunediu.—[Advt.]

"In our candid opinion it would prove a most dilliuult tasli tv find a ginger ale nianulautiU'ed bilbo b»st linns In thn Knglisli mineral water trade to .uirpuss that of Thomson and Co.. ot Duneilin."— lixtr.'iet from "The London Mineral * liter Trad Rminler anil Advocate," January 1, ISHIS — [Advt.J