THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1894.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10033, 26 April 1894, Page 2

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1894.

Tub air of bold confidence with ■which the Government has put forward its request to be allowed to annex Samoa almost suggests that it has received some encouragement to lead off in this direction. Without the diplomatic sanction of Germany and the United States such an annexation would be an unfriendly act, if not a hostile one, on the part; of Great Britain, and it may be assumed as certain that the Home Government ■will not sanction it without first consulting these Powers. The relations between them and the United Kingdom go beyond the case of Powers exchanging pourparlers in the direction of abstaining from annexing or acquiring by treaty a given territory; these Powers have recognised a King and a Eoyal Government in Samoa, and have erected an international court which could not subsist were the treaty to come to an end and the kingdom to become British territory. So~far as Germany is concerned it is open to suspicion that she and her people have got sick of masquerading as a colonising State. Most of tho good tilings of the -world were picked up before she owned a ship. She has naturally avoided offending the susceptibilities of France in Africa and Asia, -while in tropical New Guinea and the pestilential portions of Africa in which her lines have fallen she has found that the art of colonising is not learned in a day. It is possible that she may begin to see that success in this direction lies in concentration, and that as her subjects will be as well off under British as under Samoan or even German rule, tho upholding of the Samoan kingdom is not worth the trouble. As to the United States, so long as their treaty rights in connection with Pango Pango Harbour are maintained there is no reason why they should not consent to an annexation. This, however, must be said with a reservation The Americans are not fond of giving up rights, and their press does not take kindly to giving up anything to Great Britain. Daily cablegrams show a division of opinion among the German press as to tho proposed annexation. From America we have as yet no indication of public opinion, but we can surmise that it would not be very favourable from a recollection of the almost savage yet unprovoked storm of disapproval with which the President's dignified announcements respecting Hawaii were received. As to the desirability of New Zealand acquiring Samoa, we do not think that there can be two opinions about it. The expense of maintaining and governing it would be small. It Avould send us several tropical products which we now purchase from more distant places. 11 would absorb a certain amount of our manufactures, andmost of its. trade would be done through our commercial houses. AH these are the least things, however. It would under a settled Government, with a fair guarantee for the safety of property, open up a great field for enterprise in tho way of planting, which would in time aif6rd a fine opening to our young population. It is now evident that Jamaica and other West Indian colonies are growing rich again by the raising of,fruit alone; such, too, is the destiny of Samoa. It would be too much perhaps to hope that Samoa may become a coffee growing country. It has undoubtedly suitable land, but the fungus which dogs the steps of the coffee planter would probably follow him there. Should it prove otherwise, this too would be a source of wealth, which alone would secure solid prosperity for tho country. Samoa is about one-fourth the size of Fiji, and has a native population of about 30,000 intelligent and tractable people. They are not yet quite civilised, but what remains of their barbarous head-hunt-ing practices would soon disappear under firm rule. For some years past they have had civil wars and quarrels bordering on war. These have proved a source of anxiety to the treaty Powers, and have at times led to complications. Samoa is in reality divided into three imperfectly amalgamated States, with people separate in views and habits, even, wo believe, to the extent of using different dialects and professing different branches of tho Christian religion. All this would not disappear under a Governor, and there is no reason why it should; but diversities would at once soften down, as has been the case in New Zealand and more recently in Fiji. The people of Samoa are probably the most interesting in the Pacific; they arc in truth tho pick of the Polynesian race. Their robust frames and well rounded limbs show them to be, if we may judga by photographs, a handsome, ■well-nourished people. Save that they are to some extent afflicted with obscure diseases peculiar to localities, they are a healthy people, and they seem to have suffered less than other islanders from the effects oi contact with European races. The country, too, is generally healthy if the localities which give rise to special diseases are avoided.

We are not ashamed to confess that there is a certain amount of ambition at the bottom of our desire to see such an annexation brought about. It seems to us pretty obvious that in process of time most of the island groups in the Pacific will fall under British dominion. Other nations will tire of what to them are useless and expensive toys, but what to us would become valuable dependencies. It lias always seemed to us that New Zealand occupies the central extra-tropical position which should enable her to command and rule the various groups of islands. Sir Julius Vogel perceived this long ago. His plan was perhaps premature, but it embodied the idea of sovereignty, which will slowly become dominant. A powerful colony owning lines of steamships and having cruisers in its waters is much more capable of governing such countries than a nation, however great itself, unaccustomed to deal with colonies, which has embarrassing questions at home, and moves from a base 14,000 miles away. Still less is the great self-contained Republic, destitute as it is of all idea of foreign politics and foreign posseg*

sions, capable of doing justice in such a quartet. It is true that some day questions may arise as to whether the true destination of the Pacific jslands is not to be an Australasian Dominion held as outlying territories of a great federal State. This may be so, but it must be observed that the anxieties of the last few years, and perhaps the natural selfishness of peoples unaccustomed to self-sacrifice, has postponed federation indefinitely; while there is no reason why, at a future date, whatever colony acquires dominion in the Pacific should not hand over its dependencies to the federal State. The position and condition of Samoapolitical and social—-is a topic ■which has not yet been much ventilated in this part of the colony. Sir Robeet. Stout, who recently visited the kingdom, is, from his position in the StotjtYogel Government, well versed in the history of attempts to bring about a closer connection with it. Several other New Zealanders have become familiar with its people and institutions, and our State papers on federation and annexation from time to time afford collectively a good deal of information available to those who wish to learn more about this interesting country.

Mr Paulin telephoned last night aa follows : — "Strong to moderate S.W. winds; some rain showers in morning, but clear in afternoon. Indications improving, and barometer further rise."

The mayor intimated at last night's meeting of the City Council that he would at tho next meeting propose a resolution having for its object the promotion of legislation for the acquisition of abattoirs for the city.

Fears are entertained for the safety of two prospectors who left the Wilson River goldfleld to work their way overland to Orepuki neatly live weeks ago. Their supplies were only intended to last a fortnight.

We are informed that two slight shocks of earthquake were felt in Dunedin on Tuesday night. They were evidently slight, as no vibration was felt by those at work ia the Daily Times office. An Arrowtown telegram states that three heavy shocks wero experienced there, the time being 10,10.59, and 11.30 p.m.

Iv reply to the resolution of the Workers' Political Committee concerning the Gtago Central railway, the Hon. Mr Seddon has sent a letter intimating that the Government, consistently withiiheir appropriations therefor, are pushing on the Otago Central railway as expeditiously as possible.

Mr John Roberts, who intended to resign his position as chairman of the Benevolent Institution Trustees, as his business engagements prevented bis regular attendance at meetings of the trust, has acceded to the wishes of his fellow members that he should continue to hold his present position.

■A preliminary statement of the position of tha Dunedin City giuking fund was submitted to the City Council at last evening's meeting of that body. The receipts from the City Corporation in respect of the various accounts during the year were stated at £4862 and interest amounted to £7736 10s 2d. The amount of the fund at 31st March last was £141,232 2s.

Our Auckland correspondent telegraphs:— "The Whangapoiia householders have elected three ladies and; a Maori as members of the School Committee. One of the ladies has been elected chairman—or rather chairwoman. Another of the ladies is tho wife of one of the male members of the committee."

At last night's meeting of the Sout?i Dunedin Council it was stated that the position of the borough's finances was such that absolutely no works of any description could be undertaken. The Inspector reported that the Cargill road draiu was practically useless, and was not worth repairing, but no iuuds being available the council could only'receive the report. Under theso circumstance!) Cr Scott gave notice that he would move at next meeting that a poll of tho ratepayers bo taken as to the advisability of raising a loan of £5000 for the purpose of carrying out necessary works in the borough.

Two additional cases of typhoid fever—one in Upper London1 street and one in Cumberland street—were reported at last night's meeting of the City Couucil.

The resolution recsritly passed by the Workers' Political Committee to the effect that the action of the City Council re printing contract was very inconsistent, seeing that last year, under similar circumstances, they would not give the work of advertising, &c. to the lowest tenderer for the reason that they (the council) considered it was too low to enable the payment of reasonable wages, was referred to at last night's meeting of tho council by the mayor, who said that the reason for which the council refused to accept the lowest tender for advertising was not because they thought proper wages could not be paid, but because they thought tho advertising medium was not sufficiently good.

Mr Forrest, the well-known miller at Moßgiel, whose sad accident; whereby he lost his hand at the wrist, was recorded by us last week, is making rapid progress toward recovery; indeed, the recovery so far may be noted as phenomenal, since: Mr Forrest has not been absent a single day from .his business Bince the accident.

A youth named t Albert Smith, eon of an Ormondville settler, met his death (says a contemporary) in a very simple manner. He trod on a nail, which inflicted a painful wound and caused him to jay, up,, The place was apparently healing all right, and had almost ceased to pain him; when on Wednesday last, six days after the accident occurred, lockjaw set in. Medical aid was called in, but was tf no avail, the unfortunate young fellow, who was 18 years of age, dj ing early on Friday morning.

The Timaru Herald is informed that the Land Company offered a block of the Levels estate, 1300 acres, in the angle of the estate nearest Timaru, to tho Government for cutting up purposes, and that the Government have made a return offer for 500 acres of it.

On the 6th April the East Taieri Church was crowded to its utmost capacity by a large meat" ing assembled to do honour to the Key. William Will, who, on the 18th February, had completed 40 years of ministry in the district. Harvest operations had prevented the congregation from commemorating the event sooner, but the delay did not cause their enthusiasm to cool. Brother ministers from north and south attended to add their congratulations to those of the congregation, and several unable to be present had sent letters expressing their great esteem for Mr Will and their regret at being absent. Among these letters was a very touching one from the aged DrHislop, who was tho first schoolmaster in East Taieri and one of the original ciders. The Rev. Me Todd (of Oamaru) read part of Dr Hislop's letter to the meeting, a.i Mr Will felt himself unable to read the very flattering expressions of reverence and admiration which tho letter contained. Messrs W. Jaffray (of Saddle Hill) and J. Allan (of Bellefield), two of tho few remaining early settlers who were in tho district beforo Mr Will arrived, were chosen by the congregation to be their spokesmen on the occasion. In a few appreciative words, after referring to the first years of Mr Will's ministry, they begged him to accept, as a token of the congregation's continued lovo and veneration, the gifts they now offered. These consisted of a solid silver salver and a case made of Now Zealand wood filled with silver knives and forks having mother of pearl handles. Salver and box were inscribed with the words: "Presented to the Rev. William Will by his congregation on tho fortieth anniversary of his ministry at East Taieri. February 1894-." Mr Will, in returning thanks, said that, although he was not far from entering his seventieth year, he felt, barring a little stiffness of joints and lapses of memory, as Btrong and vigorous and as capable of work as he was 40 years ago. About nine speakers followed (all but one being ministers of the Presbyterian Church) with speeches full of eulogy towards him whom they styled " tho Father of the Church." The church had been tastefully decorated by the young people, aud the choir sang several pieces between tho speeches. Before tho happy and successful meeting terminated, a gloom fell on all by tho last speaker intimating that Mrs Will's illness had assumed a sudden ami it was feared a fats! aspect. . ,

The Workers' Political Committee have received intimation from the Premier that the subject of old age pensions is receiving the attention of the Government, who' are favourable to a committee being appointed to inquire into and report upon the matter next session.

Three bakers were each fined 40s and costs (8s) in the New Plymouth Police Court yesterday for making bread of short weight and selling it.

The Kennedy-Deering Dramatic Company again placed the Californian mining drama,

" My Partner," on the boards at the Princess Theatre last evening bsfore an appreciative audiencei The principal performers sustained their parts in a thoroughly successful manner, and their efforts met with the entire appreciation of the house. The success which has attended the representation of "My Partner" has decided the company on producing it again this evening.. For to-morrow night " Pygmalion and Galatea" and " 6'Callaghan on His Last Legs" are announced, and on Saturday there will be a matinee performance of " Little Lord Fauntleroy."

There was a large attendance at the City Hall last night, when the Pajne Family of musicians and bellringers gave their final performance in Dunedin. As on previous occasions the vocal items, the selections on the bells, and the instrumental music, were all greatly appreciated, the audience being very liberal with their applause. To-night the company appear at Port Chalmers, and on Friday evening at Roslyn.

The Payne Family of musicians and bellringers have arranged to give a people's concert in the Garrison Hall on Saturday evening next.

The committee of the A. and P. Society invite members and friends to meet on Saturday to bid farewell to Mr W, Cuningham Smith Messrs Park, Reynolds, and Co. will 801 l salvage stock at Sawyers' Bay on Saturday. Messrs Donald Reid and Co. will hold their next Taieri horse and stock fair on Tuesday, Bth prox. Mr John Grindley (for the Farmers' Agency Company) will hold a sale of stack at Clinton on Thursday, 3rd prox. •,

Consult Peteb DiCK.tbe most reliable Watchmaker, Moray placa, Dunedin (opposite Coffeo Palace). Watches cleaned, sa: mainsprings, 4s 6d.-[ADVT.]

John Hislop, Watchmaker and Jeweller, 74 Princes street. The oldest established house in town. Repairs of all kinds. Good assortment Watches, Clocks, and Jewellery. Spectacles to suit all sights.—{Advt.]

Messrs A. and J. M'Farlans beg to call attention to their advertisement over the leader. Any orders entrusted to them will receive the best attention.—{Advt.]

G. and T. Youno, 88 Princes street, are now selling Taylor's first quality Bowling Green Bowls at 19s; extra quality, 223 6d a pair. G. and T. Toung have an efficient staff of watchmakers and jewellers. Repairs a specialty j moderate prices. Advt.]

" In chest affections your sodawater, when combined with milk, contains more nutriment than beef tea." — Dunedin Practitioner to Messrs Thomson and Co.—TAdvt.]