THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 1893.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9715, 18 April 1893, Page 2

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 1893.

Wiies" Mr Perceval was appointed Agent-general in place of Sir JFrastcis Dillon Bell, a good many people wondered whether the comparatively untried man would fitly fill a post hitherto reserved for political veterans. We think that men of all parties will agree that during his tenure of office Mr Perceval has fully justified his appointment. In perfecting the machinery for satisfying inquiries at the office in Victoria street he has shown considerable fertility of resource, and those who desire information concerning New Zealand will now have no difficulty in getting what they want. This is a matter of no mean advantage to the colony, and when it becomes generally known that the Agent-general's office is a real live centre of information, we have no doubt that it will be productive of very great advantages. At the Colonial Institute, and, indeed, everywhere where colonial affairs arc being discussed, Mr Pejickval is in evidence, and appears to win golden opinions as the natural result of his courtesy and ability, lie has now set himself a new task—namely, that of attracting immigration of men of means to these shores. Jf he is successful in doing this it is very difficult to calculate what the advantages will be to the colony, which beyond all other tilings wants small farmers with some capital to go on to the land. Immigration was for several years a mere party question in the House, the last Government each year proposing a vote of some .£OO,OOO, and the then Opposition steadily opposing it. Practically little or nothing has been clone for many years to encourage the inflow of persons or families, and just now the increased prosperity of JN'ew Zealand suggests the present as a very proper time for making especial efforts to induce a suitable class of immigrants to come here. It is, of course, well understood that there is little or no opportunity in this colony for the class of indoor workers, such as clerics; nor do we think that capable mechanics should be introduced, since there arc enough here already, and perhaps more than enough growing up among us to supply all present or immediately prospective requirements. The money basis upon which the Agentgeneral starts requires, therefore, some modification. l'"or instance, the farmer possessed of c£loO is much better value at present to the colony than the stonemason with double that amount. The mere possession of .£IOO and £50 additional for every child over 12 years of age is not quite sufficient

to guarantee a suitable immigrant, though it goes some way towards it. Jn the hands of a practical outdoor man it is no doubt of infinite value to the colony, -which needs, above all other things, men who will devote themselves to production, not mere interchange of products. By recent advices we learn that numerous inquiries arc being made, as was to be expected, and we shall not be surprised to learn that the Agent-general has succeeded in inducing a stream of. the best class of immigrants to come here. It is here that the present good fame of Kcw Zealand stands the colony in good stead. When our name ever appeared as a by-word in the columns of. the London press, the rural population conceived a natural notion that, no matter how good our land and climate, New Zealand was no place to settle in. With the returning flood of prosperity the position is reversed, and_ a powerful sentiment evolved that Kew Zealand is the place in which to make money, lint the great distance of the colony from Great Britain stood in the way. Mr Perceval has no doubt a difficult task before him in endeavourin^ to induce farmers with moderate capital to come here, but there are many favourable conditions on his side, and no more useful undertaking could well be proposed. It seems that he has begun at the very bottom, which we take to be the question of passagemoney from London to Kew Zealand. i This has always been a very _ heavy handicap against us, since this has stood out as the most expensive colony to come to. But we question whether the figures propounded by Mr Perceval and agreed to by the IS'ew Zealand Shipping Company are low enough to induce any considerable number of people, who would otherwise have gone elsewhere, to come here. The cost of a passage to Canada may be roughly estimated at from £o to £7 10s, and by arrangement with the New Zealand Shipping Corupan}' the cost to New Zealand is to be £13 for the steerage; in the other classes there is a reduction o f £B—viz., from =£,'36 15s to £23, and from £26 5s to .£lB ISs. This strikes us as making two bites at the cherry, and as not at all likely to be effective in attracting many passengers to change their destination. Any reduction, to be of real use, must bring the passage money to New Zealand to at least something like the sum charged to America or the Cape. It is like^ a threepenny newspaper reducing its price to twopence. The magic penny is effective and nothing else. So important does this matter seem to us that we think Government might well aid with a vote so that a real reduction might be made for the right sort'of people. It is not to be expected that the shipping companies should bear all the cost. But then comes in the question of suitable people. Upon this point Mr Perceval seems to be fully alive, and very determined not to make any mistakes ; he intends, indeed, to bo so particular in inquiring into the antecedents of those to whom he gives shipping orders as to make his certificates a kind of character of respectability. The project is a very excellent one, if somewhat bold, and we trust the Agent-general will be able to carry it out successfully. lie will have the sympathy of both parties in the House in his undertaking. The one point upon which all are agreed is the necessity of settling the waste lands with bona fide producers. A few hundreds of such men as it is proposed to send out would be worth a great deal to the colony, and it might be worth while to make special arrangements for their settlement. If this is not done by Government no doubt there are many large landowners, and especially landowning companies, who would be glad to negotiate. Meantime we wish Mr Perceval the best success.

The Alameda, with the inward mails, left San Francisco on March 31, her contract date. The Mariposa arrived at San Francisco on April 13, also contract date.

The Supremo Court was occupied from 10 a.m. till 1 p.m. yesterday with the case Gray t. Miller, an action for dissolution of partnership and £300 damages on account of alleged fraudulent representation. Sir R. Stout appeared for the plaintiff, Robert Gray, of Puerua, and Mr A. S. Adams for the defendant, Walter Miller, sheepfarmer, of the same district. In the pleadings the plaintiff alleged that disputes had rendered it impossible to carry the partnership business on with advantage, and that he had been induced to put £300 into the business by fraudulent representations. The allegations of fraudulent representations were specifically denied. After the luncheon adjournment, and before the conclusion of the plaintiff's ease, Sir Robert Stout announced that the parties had agreed to a settlement, and the case was discontinued. Mr Adams, for the defendant, remarked that he had evidence upon which ho could rely to rebut that given for the plaintiff, but that there was no objection to the partnership being dissolved, and that an agreement had been come to. The terms in which the action was discontinued were that the defendant should pay to the plaintiff within three years the sum of £300, the partnership to be dissolved, the defendant to pay all the liabilities of the firm and to receive all the debts duo to it, each party to pay his own costs. The court after the settlement of this caas was announced adjourned until this (Tuesday) morning, when the ease Edgar v. Fitzgibbon will be taken.

The Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Society have sent the following circular to a number of the leading farmers and producers of the province :—" lam instructed by the committee of this society to ask you to send to me at your convenience (but not later than 6fch May) your opinion as to the management of the State railways—i.e., whether you think that they should be worked as at present—entirely free from political control—or whether the old system should be reverted to—of management under the direct control of Parliament. The next session of Parliament is expected to open in June, and the committee have noticed that several members (none of whom, by the w.ay, contribute to the railway revenue) have expressed strong opinions in favour of the old system. The agricultural and pastoral interest is the backbone of the colony, and the farmers are the best customers of the railways, and have more practical experience as to their management than politicians can possibly have. Whatever, therefore, the opinion of the producers of Ofcago may be, it must of necessity cany a great deal of weight with their representatives in the House when tho question comc3 up for discussion." The Customs officials seized 5000 cigarettes on the premises of Joseph Mynn, storekeeper, Lyttelton, yesterday morning. They had been landed by one of the stewards of the steamer Tainui at G. 30 a.m. Our luvercargill correspondent telegraphs ; — " The Hon. Mr Rollestou, leader of the Opposition, arrived hero by yesterday afternoon's express. He says it is business of a private nature that has brought him clown, and that liis visit has no political significance, but now here he intends to stay a week or moro and make himself better acquainted with the various districts of Southland before returning. If it is the wish of. the residents that he should give a public address he will be quite willing to do so." Our Southland correspondent statca that Mr Kenneth Fraser, butcher, Gore, had four (mo stags hanging in his shop yesterday which had been stalked on tho Blue Mountains in the Tapanui district. They were in line condition. Mr William Murray has been appointed a member of the Port Chalmers Licensing Committee, vice Dr Drysdale, resigned.

A petition has been filed in the Supremo Court by George Nicoll, a carpenter, of Duuedin, for a dissolution of his marriage on the ground of his wife's adultery, and £1500 damages are claimed from Walter MacNcil, who is named as the co-respondent.

The result of the voting on the question of the introduction of an organ into the Anderson's Bay Presbyterian Church was announced by the Rev. Mr Cameron on Sunday to be aa follows :—ln favour, 104 members and 59 adherents ; against, 7 members. The matter will be brought before the Dunedin Presbytery at the next meeting.

At the Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday morning judgment was given for the plaintiffs, with costs, in the following undefended cases : James Horsburgh (for whom Mr Sim appeared) v. Newton Fairs (Hawera), claim £26 ss, on a promissory note and for books supplied ; Henry Sharp v. Louis Roberts, claim £3 18s, for meat supplied. Mr E. H. Carew, R.M., occupied the bench.

At the City Police Court yesterday a boy named Bransgrove was charged with stealing a pound note from Mr .Lethaby's shop in the Arcade. When first charged with the offence accused denied it, but on Mr Lethaby suggesting that a policeman should be called in to search him in order to see whether he had the note in his possession he ran away. He was pursued, and subsequently captured, but it was found that he had no money in his possession. Aftc-r hearing the case the chairman on the bench said: "There seem to be some discrepancies in the evidence. The bench is not quite satisfied that the pound was taken by the boy, but under any circumstances he had no right to run away from the police. I am inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt. He will be fined 205." Mr Solomon immediately pointed out that though the bench was not satisfied the boy had stolen the pound, yet they indicted a fine of 20s. The only meaning that could be taken out of the decision was that the boy was fined for running away from the police. One of the justices then stated that he was convinced the boy had stolen the pound, while hi 3 colleague expressed a contrary opinion. As the bench disagreed counsel for the defence argued that the boy was entitled to an acquittal. After much argument this course was adopted, and the boy was discharged on the understanding that the police or Mr Lethaby could, if such were considered desirable, lay a fresh information. Mr M. Cohen has been invited to attend the Educational Congress in connection with the Chicago Exhibition, and his been nominated ono of the honorary vice-presidents of the department of educational publications. At the Supremo Court yesterday morning, Sir R. Stout intimated to his Honor Mr Justice Ward that in the case of BUiir and another v. Stevenson and others, which was partly heard, a settlement had been come to between the parties, and that the court would not be further troubled with it.

A meeting of delegates from the Dunedin Poultry, Pigeon, Canary, and Dog Society and the Otago Poultry, Pigeon, Canary, and Dog Club was held last evening for the purpose of discussing tho question of amalgamating the two societies. There were present—Messrs Buckland, M'Keich, and Mariarcher from the Dunedin Society, and Messrs Brownlee, Aitken, and Fergusson from the Otago Club. Mr Buekland was appointed chairman. After a conversational discussion, Mr Mariarcher moved—"That it is advisable and in the interests of the two societies that they be amalgamated uuder the title of the Dunedin Poultry, Pigeon, Canary, and Dog Society." Mr Brownlee seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Mr Aitken moved —" That Messrs BuckUnd and Myers, presidents of the two societies, ba appointed trustees of the properties of the respective clubs." Mr M'Keich seconded this, which was also carried unanimously. Mr Buckland congratulated the delegates upon the result of the meeting, and thanked the delegates from the Otago Club for so gracefully accepting the title of the parent society. He hoped that all would unite and make the proposed new society a thorough success. Mr Aitken coincided with Mr Buckland's remarks, and hoped that the committee to be appointed would work amicably together. He would do his utmost to make the new club a success. The respective committees will, we understand, meet on Wednesday evening to receive and approve or otherwise of their delegates' repoits.

The Hobarfc police have arrested two men named Frederick Holmes and John H. Hatton on charges of stealing drapery of the value of about £100 from Messrs Murphy and Ford, of Invercargill. The men were given a large quantity of goods to sell, and started for Dunedin. Here they shipped on board the s.s. Waihora on the 7th inst. The Hobart police were com muDicated with, and tho two men were arrested and remanded until the arrival of an officer with the warrant to bring them back.

At the Adelaide criminal sittings a straDge development occurred in the case of Charles Lewin, a young man who pleaded guilty to stealing jewellery and wag sentenced to fifteen months' imprisonment with hard labour. Mr Anderson, who appeared for the prisoner, said that he had heedlessly pleaded guilty under the impression that a friend had deserted him. Evidence was calle-l to show that the man was thoroughly innocent of felonious intention. The judge said that the prisoner appeared to be really an honest man, and entitled to freedom from tho punishment hanging over him. He ordered Lewin to be released.

The greatest curiosity of late years, according to the statement of a Texas paper, lives at Oak Hill, a post village. She is a blind girl, who has, from a few acres of land cultivated by herself, cleared 200dol each season by the sale of vegetables. She began, we are told, without capital on an unfenced pieca of uncultivated land. There is now a neat fence around her domain, a well and pump in the centre, aud in addition to purchasing these she has paid for a piano and a hack in which to tales her vegetables to market 20 miles away. Every evening during the dry season she waters a certain number of plants until she has gone over the satire piece, when she begins again aud goes over it in the same way. Sho detects insect life, we are told, by her acute sense of hearing, and grass and weeds are easily distinguished by the sensitive lingers of the blind gardener.

Dr Anderson, of Christchurcli, lectured last week on the deleterious effects of home lessons. The diseases to which children arc subject through boo much home lesson work he divided into five classes—No. 1, neurotic, or diseases of the nerves and brain ; No. 2, diseases of the blood aud circulation ; No. 3, diseases of tho general health; No. 4, attentions of the eyes ; and No. 5, diseases of the throat, ears, &c. He was not prepared to say that all the diseases coming under those headings were directly attributable to home lessons, but there could be no question that in many instances they were attributable in a great measure to that cause. Parents, tho lecturer said, should not be too anxious to push their children on in their school work, but should make physical development aud health their first consideration. It was better to have a strong body and a partly trained brain than a well educated brain in a broken down body. It was not necessary, however, to go to either extreme if judiciousness were used, lfc was necessary that all young children should have plenty of fresh air and exercise. Ordinary drill and gymnastics were good exercises in their way, but they would not take the place of a child's ordiuary play. A good merry romp was better than a half-hour's drill.

Tho Pelorus Guardian states:—"Captain Dalton, the pioneer saw miller of the Marlborough district, states that his bush land in tho Waitohi Valley averaged him over 25,000 ft to the acre. And when we know for a fact that only a portion of the valley live miles and a-half in length kept three largo sawmills going for nearly 20 years, it gives an approximate) calculation as to what an immense quantity of valuable timber we have in this district, and by the Government

taking over tho tramway and extending it for about live miles we could have four or live sawmills at work within the next 12 months. This would give ample employment to ail those who took up any light-timbered sections, and as the heavy logs were removed, other lands would be open for selection, and thus a prosperous class of settlers would be created and fixed in the same locality."

A number of gentlemen met at the l'ort Chalmers railway station yesterday afternoon to bid good-bye to Mr John Morgan (of the linn of Morgan and Cable), who left by the Penguin for a trip to tho old country. Ho will visit the Chicago Exhibition en route.

Hungarian papers report tho tragical death of a young bride. On the 4th of February the only daughter of a rich pianoforte manufacturer married a landed proprietor, and the two started on their wedding tour to Italy. They came first to Vienna, and stayed at the Imperial Hotel. The morning after their arrival the husband went out and left the young wife before the fire reading. A spark flew upon her dress, and in an instant she was in flames. She sustained such injuries that she died.

A case of great cruelty to a lunatic is reported from Pressburg, whore a man named Michael Ragy, formerly an innkeeper, but latterly confined in the local asylum, was placed by the warders in a bath of boiling water, and held there for several minutes, notwithstanding his Boreams, and the struggles which he made to release himself. Ragy was horribly scalded, and died in great agony two hours afterwards. Two of the warders have been arrested on the charge of causing his death.

The late Duke of Sutherland, whose 92 wills are now giving Somerset House the toughest task they have yet encountered in probate work, by his last will, dated December 1590, left the Duchess £100,000 and £4000 per annum. By a codicil dated November 1891 a further £30,000 is bequeathed to the Dowager Duchess, and the amount is to be paid within 12 months of the Duke's decease. Miss Baird benefits to the extent of £L 2,000. The Dowager Duchess by the will has all the Sutherland jewels for life, and the will contains an express stipulation that she need not make an inventory of them unless she be so disposed. The furniture, statuary, wines, &c. at Stafford House, London, are also left to the Dowager Duchess, and a further £30,000 to purchase a house in London. These bequests are made to the Dowager Duchess absolutely, with the exception of the family jewels, which are for life only. The Duchess Dowager has also the mansion house, Lilleshall, given to her by the Duke's will.

The death has occurred at Crewe of one of the best-known engine drivers in the service of the North-Western Railway Company, in the person of William Jame3. Deceased, who had been president of the Locomotive Insurance Society, was the hero of the Bangor railway disaster. He had crossed the Menai tabular bridge in charge of the Irish mail train, and was travelling at a terrific speed, when he saw directly in front a broken down goods train. James immediately shut oil steam and reversed his engine. His mate leaped and escaped. James decided to resaaiu, though he said afterwards he regarded it as certain death. His engine ran right through the guard's van of the luggage train, smashing it into matchwood, mounted on the top of two preceding tracks, and then rolled over with him. His ribs were battered in, but he eventually pulled through after a long illness and resumed his duties. His funeral took place a few weeks ago, and was largely attended.

Referring to the death of Sir Charles Clifford, the leading English Catholic organ states that it was largely through Sir Charles Clifford's tact and firmness that Anglicanism was never recognised as the State religion in New Zealand. The Tablet narrates a curious story which has probably been forgotten in the colonies. It says:—"At the opening of the session a question arose as to who should say prayers. Itdidnotgreatlymatterwhosaidthem, but it was important to avoid the appearance of having an Anglican clergyman merely becausehe wae an Anglican. The natter rested in the first instance with Clifford as Speaker. Anxious to be conciliatory and not to rub people up the wrong way, and yet determined not to admit any pretension at variance with the most perfect religious equality, Clifford explained his position to a triendly parson cf the name of Lloyd, at,d asked him to be in the precincts of the House on the chy when Parliament opened. Accordingly in the beginning of. the proceedings, after the election of the Speaker, the new Speaker rose and said he thought it would be the wish of the House to commence with some form of public prayer, and as there was no such thing as an established religion he proposed that the sergeant-at-arms should go out and ask the first clergyman he met, of whatever denomination, to;come in and officiate for them. The sergeaut-at-arms accordingly went out, ' and the first clergyman he came across, as you may suppose, was my friendly confederate the Rev. Mr Lloyd, who-at once came in and read the prayers.' The difficulty was solved, everybody was pleased, and the principle was saved."

The Pester Lloyd has been showing in a series of articles how easily the Russians can when they like land 30,000 or 40,000 mea in Constantinople some 12 or 15 hours after leaving Odessa. It speaks with an air of knowledge of a secret agreement between Russia, Franco, and Greece for co-operation in the Mediterranean, and declares that the three combined fleets would be strong enough to kesp the British warships from going to Constantinople, and that Greek coaling stations being, by the treaty referred tOj closed to tho English, our vessels shortly after the outbreak of hostilities would be compelled to return to Malta. The writer significantly takes no account of the Turkish fleet: "The three largest ironclads have been lying unarmed since 1878 in tho arsenal of Constantinople, the machines and iron parts eaten up with rust, and the new vessels, whether laid down or ordered from foreign dockyards, will not be finished for year 3." Repoits continue to reach London from Vienna and Sofia of Russian intrigue in Bulgaria. The second and final production of " Erma " took place at tho Princess Theatre last night, there being a very poor attendance upon the occasion. Those who were present, however, appeared to greatly enjoy the play, and frequently showed their appreciation of the efforts of the performers in a very demonstrative manner. The acting of Mi?s Marian Willis was specially recognised, she being the recipient of a nice floral offering during the evening. To-night "The Lancashire Lass " will be staged for the first time.