THE DAILY OTAGO TIMES. MONDAY, APRIL 30, 1894.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10036, 30 April 1894, Page 2

THE DAILY OTAGO TIMES. MONDAY, APRIL 30, 1894.

Tub present Ministry is likely to be known in history aa the Banqueting Ministry. Epithets less neutral and less pleasant may also be applied to ifc, but of this distinction it ia at least secure. And considering the general Ministerial propensity towards conviviality, ifc would indeed be matter for surprise had the result of the last Waihemo election been allowed to go without its celebrative banquet to the tune of " Our Jack's come home today." Moreover, since one of these nights and suppers of the Ministers was to be celebrated, what more appropriate place could be chosen than Shag Point? "Was it not from that melodiously-named spot that "the boys" issued forth on the night before tho election to have "a little diversion" by way of breaking-up Air Scobie Mackenzie's meeting at Palmerston ? And is ifc not fitting that those same pleasant fellows should have their beads patted and their electoral methods blessed by Mr Scobie Mackenzie's successful opponent? True, they did no good to their hero's cause, but they meant well, and a politic man will not give the cold shoulder to ardent devotion. So at Shag Point the feast was held, and thither flocked the faithful, if not from the east, certainly from the west, from the north, and from the south. Dunedin and suburbs sent a considerable posse of legislators to Bwell the Ministerial triumph, and though that arch-banqueter, the Premier, had to send an apology, the Colonial Treasurer had an opportunity of observing the redoubtable Shag Pointers at close quarters. Needless to say, all was peace and gladness and mutual adulation, with kindly and admiring references to the famous Palmerston demonstration of the night

before the election, and suitable anathematising of Mr Scobie Mackenzie Scrupulosity is felt to be out of place where song and mirth are high, and certainly the guest of the evening did not give way to overscrupulousness in his references to the campaign of last November, though we fear he must have suffered many a twinge of conscience later on in the stilly night, when the lights were fled, the garlands dead, and the banquet hall deserted. Still one must not be too hard upon post-prandial utterances at a Shag Point " diversion."

The principal speeches at the banquet (which, by the way, was not very happily fixed for the first anniversary of Mr Ballance's death) were naturally delivered by the two Ministers. The Colonial Treasurer does not appear to have beeu in his best vein, but he made the important announcement that thero would be no borrowing during the present year. "His opinion was that there was no necessity for the colony to borrow at all, either at present or for some time to come ; and the present Government wero determined, so far as they could, to indulge in a policy of selfabnegation for a time, believing that the colony could gather way without j reverting to the old system of borrowed millions." We think that this declaration is upon the whole satisfactory. The problem—to borrow or not to borrow ?—has lately begun once moro to interest the public mind, and it is recognised that sooner or later the exigencies of reputable public works are likely to necessitate recourse to the money market. The uses of the' next loan are beginning to be talked about, and rules for its management beginning to be laid down. Still, though the days of further loan money aro now being openly looked forward to, it is much better to get along without further loans as long as possible than to go to the money market merely because the state of New Zealand securities promises a cordial response to any demand which may be made. The question how far it is right to carry on public works out of ordinary revenue will, no doubt, call for discussion and settlement in the present Parliament; but it is the opinion of most people in the colony that meanwhile the decision of the Ministry should remain undisturbed. There is ono almost amusingly disingenuous sentence in Mr Ward's speech to which wo may draw attention: "While the Government had been accused of anxiety to go in for sly borrowing, he said that if the public took up some of the leading papers, they would find that it was being advocated that the Government should borrow, and that showed tliat while the press were anxious to kill the Ministry hy stating they were going in for borrowing, they were really anxious tliat the colony sliould do what they were condemning." Now, ilr Waed is perfectly well aware that, the main indictment against the Ministerial finance has been not so much that the Government were anxious to go in for sly borrowing as that they refused to regard their sly borrowing as borrowing at all. For instance, we do not know that the conversion operations would have called for much criticism if the Government had frankly confessed what the nature and effect of those operations wore. But Ministers persisted, even to the point of , utter irritation, in boasting of what they had done with the finances of the colony without having recourse to any sort of borrowihg; and each time the audacious claim was advanced it became necessary for the independent press of the colony to expose the audacity. Mr Waiid has not relished the exposure, but he has only himself to blame for the unpleasant experience. He says there is to be no borrowing " at present or for some time to come." Let us hopo that tho determination includes indirect borrowing as well as borrowing of the ordinary kind; or at least let us hope tliat if any operations involving indirect borrowing should be promoted tho Government will ingenuously acknowledge tho true character of tho business.

As for the Minister for Lands, we havo already hinted at the character of the speech which he delivered at his own high festival. A sense of truth forbids anything like praise or congratulation. Mr Jorts M'Kexzie's address at Shag Point suffers grievously from the inevitable comparison with iMr Scobie Mackenzie's recent speech at Palmerston. Between M'Kexzie and Mackenzie the difference is not great; but between these two speeches, in respect of style and tone and feeling, there runs an ocean of difference. A similar difference was observable at the time of the Waihemo campaign, when tho Minister's most noteworthy method of argument was to style his opponent tho biggest liar in New Zealand. "High falutin" is the Jlinisters description of Mr Scobie Mackenzie's Palmerston speech: it is a favourite word with people who wish to belittle sentiment whicii they do not possess and are unable to appreciate. And what word can we find wherewith to describe Jlr Jons M'Kexzie's extraordinary defence of the demonstration at Palmerston on the nighfc before the election? "He was satisfied that nothing was dono that night that was wrong or disgraceful." Here is a lesson forthe electors of Kew Zealand worthy of being put side by side with that other lesson whicii the Premier recently taught at "Waitemata ! Organised bands of obstructionists are to be allowed to set out from ono part of a constituency with tho deliberate intention of breaking up a lawful public meeting in another part of the constituency; they may behave liko savages and make it impossible for would-be hearers to catch a word of what a candidate is saying; and not only may they do this with impunity, but (provided they arc of the right colour) they may depend on receiving the grateful benediction of one of her Majesty's Jlinisters, who will felicitate them on what lie calls their " littlo diversion" and observe that " nothing was done that was wrong or disgraceful." 'i'he thing seems incredible. "Who would not laugh if such a man there be *? Who would not weep" if a Minister of tho Crown " were he ?"

Mr Paulin sent us the following forecast at 5 p.m. yesterday :—" Weather indications still remain very unsettled. The atmospheric disturbances noticed yesterday passed southward, but indications this afternoon shitw further depressions to the W.N, W. Moderate to strong N.E. to E. winds and mist on east coast. Most likely flne for 24 hours, and barometer fall again."

The Hon. J. G. Ward, Colonial Treasurer, returned to Dunedin on Saturday afternoon from Shag Point, He will remain in town to-day, and will form one of the party that will proceed up the Otago Central railway to-morrow an the occasion of opening the extension to Rock and Pillar,

The banquet at Shag Point on Friday night last to the Hon. John M'Kenzie, Minister for Lands, was continued till about 2 o'clock on Saturday morning, and practically the whole cf those present, including tho women and children, remained at tho festivities till tho bitter c-nd. The proceedings were of the most orderly description throughout, and a novel feature in connection witb them consisted in tbe fact tbat the toasts were honoured by the fair sex as well as by the men. Owing to there being no telegraph office at Shag Point, it was necessary for our reporter to forward his message on Friday night to Palmerston for transmission to Dunedin, bicyclists being employed to carry the " copy " from the sceno of the festivities to the telegraphist—a distance of several miles,—and under the circumstances our report was shorter than it would have been if there had been a telegraph oflice at Shag Point, while it was impossible to record the concluding portion of tbe proceedings. The toast of "The New Members of Parliament," felicitously proposed by Dr Fitchett, was acknowledged by Messrs J. A. Millar and A. Morrison, M.H.R's.; and " The Ladies," " Tho Presf," and "Tho Chairman, Vice-chairman, and Secretary" wero also honoured, the lastmentioned toast being given by tbe guest of the evening and responded to by Messrß W. Torrance, A, Goodley, aad J. H'Caffrey. Songs were rendered by tho Hon. J. G. Ward, Messrs T. Duncan, M.H.R., Hosie, Raudell, I and others, and a bagpipes solo was a feature I of tho entertainment.

The police have been informed that a labourer named James Murphy has been missing since Monday last from a two-roomed cottage in Walker street, in which ho lived by himself. Ou tbe night of the previous day, Murphy, iv company with a man named John Galbraith, also a resident of Walker street, purchased loz of laudanum from a chemist in Princes street. The missing man, who is described as being of eccentric habits, left tbo door of hi*3 cottage locked and his belongings are all ius'.de the house. He is an Irishman, about 50 years of age, about sft sin in height, and dark complexion and with dark hair, and a full black beard and moustache. A man named William Oliver was arrested by Constable Fouhy at Roxburgh on Friday last on

a warrant charging him with stealing two

horses, valued at £32, the property of Mr Edward Menlove, of Windsor Park. The offence is alleged to havo been committed

between the 6th and 9th inst. Tho horses wero traced by the police, one being in the possession of the accused when he was arrested, while the other, which had been sold at Blacks to a Dunedin dealer named William Alexander, is said to havo been purchased by the latter from tho accused. Oliver, with tho horses, will be taken to Oamaru this morning, aud the man will thero answer the charge preferred against him.

Speaking at Shag Poiut on Friday night in response to the toast of " The Ministry," tho Colonial Treasurer remarked that he noticed recently that a paper commented on the fact that bo did not sit at a desk in Wellington nnd watch the columns of a ledger. Ho had, ho said, never heard of a more preposterous thing. No previous Treasurer had been guilty of such folly. It was tho duty of the Treasurer to get proper returas, tv grasp the position, and to direct tho Treasury in tho important and difficult operations that went on from time to time, and if bo could not discharge thoso dutic3 he ought not to be Treasurer. Tho hon. gentleman also wished to siy thia : that, whilo ho had the cordial assistance of his colleagues and of the officers of the Treasury, iv every important matter connected with the finance of the colony bis colleagues trusted him implicitly and he conduc'cJ them without let or hindrance frjm anyone.

The inspector of polico received a telegram on Saturday morning from the constable stationed nt Middlemarch stating that ho hid just been informed that a man, whose name wis not given, had been drowned on Friday evening at Ramsay's crossing on the Taieri river near Hyde.

The reason for imported and native game opens to-morrow for one month. Tho season for Bhoethg fa'low deer closes to day.

It was mentioned in > Knox Church yesterday forenoon that the health of tho Key. Dr Stuart was slightly improved.

Replj iug to an address presented to him by tho progressive members of the London Cunnty Council, Lord Rosebery expressed tho opinion that at last tho community had woks up to its liabilities and dutirs'to all ranks and classes, and thit the spirit now animating tho psoplo was that politics should not be merely a game in wbich the pawns were sacrificed to the knights and castles, but a living and ennobling effort to carry into practical life the principles of a higher morality. He referred to lhe solicitude shown by the Government towards tbe working classes, as evidenced by the adoption of the eight hours day in some of tho Government depigments, in the development of the labour Bureau, and in other ways.

Tbe femalo supporters of the Hon. John M'Kenzie propose to entertain him at Palmerston on the Queen's Birthday.

Tho hospital returns for the past week are as follow-.—Remaining from previous week, 99; admitted during the week, 25; discharged, 12; deaths (Hcary Knowles, Edith Baird, James Mcon*y, and James Caile), $; totil remaining, 109.

Mr Spofforth tells a good story, in his paper in an English review, in illustration of the height of intercolonial jealousy. Charles Bannerman, an expert swimmer, coasting along New s'ealand in a terrible storm, was asked wbat ho would do if they wera wrecked. "First," ho said," I'll save Alick" (his brother), "then Murdoch, then yourself." "But what about the Victorians ?" Spofforth asked. " Let them drown," he replied; "d'you think I'm going to risk my life for them ? "

Responding to the toaßt of "The Army, Navy, and Voluntcors," at tha gathering at Shag Point last Friday evening in honour of tho Minister for Lands, Major Murcott, after a proud reference to the distinction gained by the ancient branches-of tho service, pathetically asked, " Whero are tho volunteers ? " Ofiicers had, he said.tent in their resignations on account of tbe report furnished to tho Government by tha commandant. Colonel Fox would do away with tbo country corps, but ho (Major Murcott) regarded them as valuablo institutions, and, after 15 years' servico as an active officer, believed that they afforded ono cf tho best means of discipline for tho youth. If it was only to keep down larrikinism it was a good thing in tho country to organise volunteer corps He thought Colonel Fox's report was most uncharitable and ill-humoured, and it was, said Major Murcolt, unjust en bis part to treat drill instructors in the inhuman way ho did by Bending them, at their time of life, about their business.

Mr James Mooney, of St. Clair, a very old colonist, died ou Situiday last, baviog succumhed to an attack of apoplexy which seized upon him about a fortnight ago. Mr Mooney was a native of Halifax, Nova Scotia, but loft for Victoria wheu quito a youug mau, arriving in Melbourne in 185 L After several years' stay in Victoria, during which ha was chiefly engaged ia mining pursuits, he camo to Otago in 1661 and worked for somo time in Gabriel's Gully. He afterwards went, to Wetheistones, where ho remained for a number of years. Removing to Tapanui, he 6tayed there a few years, and lioally camo to Dunedin, where for some time he was in business as a storekeeper. Mr Mooney w»s widely and favourably known io Tuapjka, and hi-i decease will bo regretted by a large number tf old friends and acquaintances. He h.-aves a widov, five son?, and throe daughters, all of whom aro grown up.

There was a good attendance at the City Hall last night, when Mr J. F. Floyd, evangelist, preiichtd his farewell sermon prior lo his departure from Dunedin. Hi-i text waa taken from II Corinthian*, xiii 11, " Finally,brethren, farewell. Be perfect, bo of good comfort, bo of one mind, live in peace; aud thu Qod of love and peace shall be with you." Inconitaeuoiugtn discourse te referred briefly to the sadness of patting, and lo his owu sorrow at leaving those with whom ho had laboured in extending Christ'd church in this city. He then pointed out that although all partings were fraught with sadness, there was a great deal of pleasure and oonsolation in the thought that, however they

might be separated by distance, all Christians wera working for tho same end, and would finally be re-united to part no more. He then proceeded to say farewell to the different classes of persons that attended his services; and exhorted the members of the congregation to be faithful to tbeir Christian duties.

The Railway Commissioners have .decided to issue workmen's commutation tickets in parcels of 12 instead of 50—tbe lowest number hitherto procurable. The prico will be proportionately about the same. It has also been decided, in the interests of small settlers, to carry bone dust in parcels of scwt arfd upwards at the same *ate as large quantities.

Mr W. Ayerat Ingram's pictures will be again on view this week in the A.M.P. buildings, and the proceeds resulting from tbe small charge made will go to the free art gallery fund. Tbe number who have visited the collection so far is disappointingly small, and those who bave assisted with time and money in founding a public art gallery may well be surprised at the apathy displayed, by the public in everything connected with the whole movement.

A meeting of the Roslyn Parliamentary Union will be held this evening to enrol membera and adopt rules. Measrs Park, Reynolda, and Co. will hold their fortnightly sale of properties on Monday, 7th May. Messra Wright, Stephenson, and Co. will sell draught horsea from Windsor Park next Saturday, and will hold a clearing aale of horses, cattle, sheep, and contractor's plant at Waiwera on tbe lOilt May.

Mr John Thompson will sell at Lawrence on Thursday draught horaea, wasgon, harness, &c. Messra Donald Reid and Co. will sell grain and produce to-day. Tho annual meeting of the Waikouaiti Licenaing Committee will be held on Thursday, 7th June. A tea and public meeting will be held to-morrow evening in the Wesleyan Mission Hall, South Duuedin, in connection with tho Sunday school anniversary and to welcome the Ray. R. Taylor. Measrs Wilkie and Co. have turned out an artistic show card for the proprietors of the Tiger brand of tea. A street Arab ia repreaented, standing on the back of a companion, writing on a wall the merits of the particular brand in question, while a fox terrier looks on highly interested. The address presented to Sir W. Cuningham Smith on Saturday waa beautifully illuminated by the Caxton Company. We have received the May number of tbe " Katipo," the journal published in the interesta of the post office and telegraph servico. Somo particulars are given of the revolution brought about in the work of the telegraph offico hy the introduction of "translators."

There appears in our advertising columns an important announcement intimating the absorbtion of tbe old established firm of William M'Arthur and Co. by Messra Sargood, Son, and Ewen. We are informed this ia the fourth large soft goods business this enterprising firm have taken over, and they deserve the success such pluck and energy merit. For Household Requlaitea and Wedding PreEcnta viait Montague's Fancy Bazaaii.—[Advt.J

Consult Peter Dick, tho moat reliable Watchmaker, Moray place, Dunedin (oppoaite Coffee Palace). Watches cleaned, sa; mainsprings, 4s 6d.-[An«T.] John Hislop, Watchmaker and Jeweller, 74 Princes atreet. The oldest established house in town. Repairs of all kinds. Good assortment Watches, Clocks, and Jewellery. Spectacles to suit all sights.—[AnvT.l Messrs A. and J. M'Farlane beg to call attention to their advertisement over tho leader. Any orders entrusted to them will receive tho beat attention.—[Advt.] i-t" In cheat affectionß your sodawater, when combined with milk, contains moro nutriment tban beef tea." — Dunedin Practitioner to Measrs Thomson and Co.—fAnvT.l G. and T. Youno, 83 Priuces street, are now selling Taylor's first quality Bowling Green Bowls at 19s; extra quality, 22s 6d a pair. G. and T. Young have an oflicient staff of watchmakers and jewellers. Repairs a apeeialty; moderate prices. Advt]