THE OTOGO DAILY TIMES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 8555, 25 July 1889, Page 2

THE OTOGO DAILY TIMES

THURSDAY, JULY 25, XBS9.

The Government won a Pyrrhic victory in the small hours of yesterday morning. Though so overwhelmingly successful on the immediate issue oven to the point of overcoming all attempts at delay and any inclination to "stonewall," they have suffered a diminution in credit they could very ill afford. They could ill afford it because this is the first important measure this session in which they are meeting with any success, and it is only too evident that in this measure they have been guided purely by tactical motives. The moderation' of the city members in the conduct of the debate, contrasted with the brutal way in which the Premier forced the measure through, heightened the impression unfavourable to the Government; and • the debate itself brought out in strong relief the unfairness and impolicy of the penalty inflicted upon the four large cities. If ever a Government was out-argued it was on this occasion; but, secure in their majority of country votes, they had not even the decency to defend their proposals. It was altogether a sorry sight; and, beyond the discredit to the Government, we fear that a damage has been done to the general conduct of public affairs by the sense of injustice raised in the towns, and the starting of a definite issue of town against country, which may lead to very mißchievous results before we hear the last of it. If no other argument could prevail with the House, that should have commanded attention which was brought forward by Mr Barron, that it was undesirable to disturb the quota settled by the last Representation Act— the change is so entirely wanton. The existing Act gives a large advantage to country constituencies, which the party who on principle object to giving a vote of unequal weight on residential considerations were quite prepared to leave unquestioned. But because the towns have yielded an inch the country members have insisted on taking an ell. The only argument adduced on behalf of the country members during the debate was Mr Bruce's allegation that the shiftless tended to gravitate into the towns; but it is equally true that the intelligence of the colony shows a tendency to gravitate thither, and that wits are kept sharper by the constant conflict of town life. Mr Menteath, too, scored heavily in his remarks as to the practical effect of the country members in promoting extravagant public works expenditure. The utter unreasonableness of placing the small towns on the footing of sparsely settled districts was well exposed by this gentleman. Upon the principles on which the country party proceed, or pretend to proceed, this is altogether indefensible: it demonstrates only too well the compact they have entered into to secure their desires. Besides Messrs Menteath'e and Barren's, forcible speeches were delivered against the greed of the country members, and the weakness of the Government, by Mr Withy from the point-of view of strong common sense, and. Mr Humphreys, whose maiden effort was highly creditable. It can hardly have been pleasant for the Government to notice how they had weakened the confidence of many of their own supporters, but their action over the tariff last year showed that they are no longer sensitive in this direction. The one redeeming feature of the Bill' is the proposal for the amalgamation of the city constituencies, which we are glad to notice is receiving general approval, and should do much to improve the quality of the city representation. This may be taken as to some extent a set-off for the reduction of the proportion of that representation, though it does not affect the injustice and unreasonableness of that reduction.

In the Legislative Council yesterday it was agreed to suspend the Standing Orders in order to allow the Dunedin Exhibition Bill to go on. The bill providing for holding licensing committee elections once in three years, instead of annually, passed its second reading.

The House of Representatives sat until 4 o'clock yesterday morning before the second reading of the Representation Bill was carried. There was no afternoon sitting, but on the House meeting in the evening the opposition to the Representation Bill was continued. Several attempts at a compromise were made, but none were successful, and when the telegraph office closed at 2 o'clock this morning stonewalling was going on, the galleries having been cleared.

We are in formed by telegram from Wellington that the cablo message published yesterday morning regarding the repayment of the 5 per cent, loans means that the ordinary course will bo followed of raising a loan for the special purpose of paying off the debenture-holders of the old stock. This loan will be offered at 3J per cent.

His Honor Mr Justice Williams, sitting in bankruptcy yesterday, heard a summons calling upon the official assignee to return a deposit of £250 that had been made as portion of an offer for the purchase of the assets in the estate of Proctors, Jones, and Co. The negotiations for the purchase fell to the gronnd, but the assignee claimed the right to retain the deposit as an asset iv tho estate. After hearing evidence and argument, his Honor made an order, ia terms of the summons, for the return of the money, bu' declined to visit the costs of the proceedings upon the assignee and supervisors.

Mr 0. Bills, of George street, received on Tuesday night six live kiwis of tho Apteryx australis species, which were uaught in April last by Mr H. Whito and party while prospecting for tin at Kopaka, on tho east coast of Stewart's Island. It has probably never happened before that so many kiwis have been seen together in other than their native haunts, and it is not surprising to learn that hundreds of persons visited Mr Bills' premises yesterday to inspect the birds, which are perfectly tame. They are excellent specimens, and are each over 2ft 6iu high. Mr Bills has offered the birds to the Exhibition Commissioners, but failing satisfactory terms in Dunedin it is hiß intention to send them to Melbourne, where he has no doubt of obtaining a ready market.

The Rev. Dr Somerville, who, it will bo remembered, conducted a mission in Dunedin Eome years ago, has just returned to Scotland after conducting a special mission to the Jews on the Continent and the East. Dr Somervillei by request, addressed the Free Church Assembly on the result of his mission, in which he urged tho continuance of the work. He held that the conversion of Israel was evidently to be followed by surprising effects on the world at large. Till Israel was brought home progress among tho heathen would be comparatively halting.

Mr M'lntrye, Government Audit Inspector, has made a semi-official statement to the Thames Borough Council and Harbour Board re the extent of I. C. Dean's defalcations. It shows the total amount to be £2495, made up as follows: From the Harbour Board for past two years and a half, £878; Borough Council, two years and three months, £1617. The books have not yet been audited beyond these periods.

A young woman named Rose Ayers lost her life in tbo Tuki-tuki, Hawke's Bay, last week, and nearly caused the loss of two others. A Mrs M'Greevy was driving a spring cart across the river, Miss Ayers, holding Mrs M'Greevy's baby, being also iv the cart. When in the middle of the stream, one of the reius broko and the horse turned down stream. Miss Ayers became exoited, and iv Bpite ef Mrs M'Greevy's remonstrances, left the cart, giving the baby to its mother. She hung on to the trap for a second or two and was then, carried away. Mrs M'Greevy jumped after her to save her, but could not. The horse moved on to the bank, and the poor woman was left iv midstream with her baby in her arms. She kept her presence of mi.id, however, and holding the child above her head waded ashore, crossing one place where the water was up to her 6bouldrrs. Some men ciime along almost immediately, and two of them recovered the body of Miss Ayers half a mile down stream. At the inquest on the drowned girl the jury added a rider that " Mrs M'Greevy is deserving of all praise for her courageous conduct in endeavouring to save deceased at the risk of her own life, while at the same time having her baby to retcue from peril."

Messrs H. Craig and 00. hsve just completed arrangements for running a tri-weekly conch to Nenthorn, in conjunction with their Palme'rston Hoe, leaving the latter place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, The firm has also seenred the mail servise between Palmerston and Nenthorn. '.

Tho evangelistic services conducted by Mr D. Wright iv Knox Church are being largely attended. Dr Stuart and the office-bearers of the church nightly assist Mr Wright, the latter giving the principal address of the evening. These meetings will be continued till the close of the week, finishing on. Suuday evening in the new Euox Church.

An oil painting, by^Mr J. D. Perrett, of the head of Lake Wakatipu, from near Greenstone, is being now exhibited in Mr M'Grogor Wright's window in the Octagon. The subject is of a class that h extremely popular with colonial artists, though Mr Perrett has not previously completed a large work of this kind. He has depicted a sunset effect such as, next to an early morning effect, is best calculated to produce a beautiful picture. Tho general tone ia capital and the drawing ia good, excepting that the outline of the hills is somewhat hard. In the background snow-capped EarHslaw reHrs his form majestically against tho sky, while in the still waters of the lake the reflection of the heights is seen. The colouring is generally warm and harmonious, the reflections being tho weak part. In many respects, however, tho picture, which bears traces of careful workmanship, is a more than satisfactory one, and Mr Perrett's friends will note with pleasure his steady advancement.

On Tuesday evening, the Rev. Btyan M. King, curate iv charge) of St. Martin's, NorthEast Valley, received a surprise visit from the girls of his choir, who presented him with a very tasteful picture as a birthday present. Mr King, who has been seriously unwell for some time, is now improving in health.

A portrait of Biahop Moran, which is to be presented by the altar boys and choir boys of St. Joseph's Cathedral to the bishop on his return from Rome, is now on view iv the premises of the Dresden Pianoforte Company. The portrait is from the studio of Mr C. C. Ross, of the Octagon, and is prepared by a new process on bromide. It is an enlargement of a photo, by Morris. It is certainly an excellent likeness, and in tho matter of the flesh tints is distinctly superior to the majority of portraits that we have seen.

At thu Resident Magistrate's Oourt yesterday a renewal of a pawnbroker's license was granted to Samuel Goldston.

There was a good attendance at the Palace Skating Rink last evening, it being tho third night of the carnival. The first prize for tho most handsome ladies' costume waß won by Miss Sharp, who assumed the character of a school girl-Miss Davis, as Daughter of the Regiment, being second. The palm for tbe most com'c costume worn by any of the gentlemen was given to Mr Williden, who wax dressed as a tramp—Mr Bills being second. Oa Saturday evening next a High School Junior football match will be played.

Messrs B. C. lieynolds and Co. adverse particulars of Mrs Oomtantine'u sale of furs &a. to-morrow.

The annual general meeting of shareholders In the Neiv Zealand Refrigerating Company will be held on August 7. Mr J. C. Arbuokle will sell on July 31 freehold properties, furniture, and bakery plant at Lawrence. Mr John Thompson will Bell on August 10, at Lawrence, farms at Tuapeka West, Tuipeka East, and Orookston,

At the present time the unusual phenomena can be observed that the froßt haa killed the turnips. This means cheap tattle and sheep at present, and a very dear price latoron. Paterfamilias should Uyiu a stock of fine legs of mutton and buttocks of beef to make into hams, like in the good old way at Home, for the time of scarcity. The best shop to givo your orders for same is the Dunedin Co-operative Meat Supply Company, George street.—[AnvT.] To-day Fv-fb and Cumikg will offer the stock of Drapery and Clothing in the bankrupt estate of H. B. Carter and Co., Invercargill, bought at a tremendous discount for cash. You Bhall see the bankrupt stock spread out and piled up as you ye never jet Been it spread out and piled up in New Zealand. This grand occasion will be memorable as an event in the history of bankrupt stocks. ,'l'will be worth coming hundreds of mileß to the sale.—Fsfk and Cumihg. 88, 70, aud 72 George street.—[Advt.] Explorers and athletes, try the magic properties of the kola nut in Hudson'B Kola Chocolate.— [Advt.]