THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES MONDAY, APRIL 8, 1895.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10328, 8 April 1895, Page 2

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES MONDAY, APRIL 8, 1895.

It ■would be as unjust to deny the Government credit for their benevolent intentions as it ■would be unwise to hastily assume that the scheme they have just propounded is the long-looked-for key that is to ttnloek the unemployed difficulty. That variety of criticism known as the destructive is proverbially easy, but we are not insensible to the evident fact that the proposals contain much that is at all events worthy of a trial. That, however, the scheme will put an end for all time-to the difficulty is not to be, expected., And, moreover, it is. the very irony of fate that compels a Minister for Labour to cast about for some means of relieving the unemployed, whose distress is in great measure attributable to the legislation introduced and threatened by himself and his colleagues. A. striking feature of the proposal, as outlined in our telegrams of Saturday, is the combination of land settlement with partial employment. It is on the wisdom of the regulations affecting the settlements that the success of the experiment ■will largely depend. The sections allotted to each labourer, or family, as the case may be, must be of suitable area, quality, and position. The work now projected to aid the settlers in making homes for themselves can only be of a temporary nature, except where there are bush lands that may employ the projected sawmills for some time. The

prop of Government support must not be too hastily withdrawn, nor must it be too long maintained. If Mr Reeves has studied the Australian settlement schemes aright he will have found, that the very quality of self-reliance they were designed to foster has either been stifled by unsuitable conditions, or never evoked at all. If the happy mean can be struck between pampering and cold neglect, the Minister will have made a valuable step in advance. Providing the unemployed with work in a Government sawmilling business has an attractive appearance, except, it may be, for those already engaged in the industry, who may fear, possibly not without good grounds, that the competition may be conducted on lines unfair to them. The Government are doubtless placing a good deal of reliance on the European demand for colonial timber for street-paving purposes, and we sincerely trust that the experimental shipments which are being despatched from the colony will prove its suitability and result in the development of a profitable trade. The extracts we published on Saturday from the letter of Mr Aekim, of the Victorian Agent-general's office, show that blue gum and stringy bark, in consequence of the way they warp, are not suitable for street paving, and if certain JSTew Zealand woods prove to bo adapted for the purpose they should quickly come into demand if they can be supplied at rates that will enable them'to compete with jarrah, which has already proved itself a valuable wood for the purpose. Tt is in all probability very largely upon the successful introduction of paving blocks to Europe from this colony that ,the success of the sawmilling experiment will mainly depend, although the Government apparently believe there is a market in Australia for other timbers. It is to be presumed that it is not the intention of the, Government to set up sawmills for the 'supply: oi ordinary timber to New Zealand purchasers. If such be :the. intention* there is no reason why a stop should be made at sawraillino;. tfo doubt many of the unemployed are phy sically unsuitable for bush work, and will clamour to be set. up in more congenial lines of trade. In such an event, ire should find the Government encroaching in every direction on private enterprise, and in effect assuming to itself" the function of " universal provider," thus attaining at one bound the wildest dreams of the advanced Socialists, of whom Mr Reeves has recently said he is not one. Of course the sawmilling business will not lie available in all cases, as. the experiment is to extend over the who.le colony, and bush land is not available every where. The Government will therefore probably find it difficult to fulfil its obligation to provide the. settlers with partial work until they can stand alone.' Eoad works can only be of a temporary 'character, and even the improvement ?f adjacent Crown lands has practicable limits, or, rather, has limits beyond which it is impracticable, so that there are difficulties in that direction. There.is certainly' this to be... said in favour ofthe sawmilling scheme: it will help ,to prevent the ruinous and criminal wasfr of the forests that too frequently jjrec■des settlement, and may perhaps inculcate the lesson of. forest conservation that has been neglected in all the colonies. Another feature ef the proposals is .tho cooperative .^principle, .*n it. is intended the works shall be carr ri«d out. That principle we have consistently upheld, although we have regretted the errors that have been made in practice. Experience has ' shown how numerous arid varied these errors have been, and we are afraid the department has not profited by that -experience." It is to be hoped that it will not continue to shut its eyes to those evils, and that it will adopt measures to prevent them spoiling their new scheme. Generally, it may be observed, the fault of what may be termed ameliorative legislation has been that it has entirely, left out of consideration that intangible element known as human nature. This nescience characterises it all, from the New Australia chimera down to the Shops and Shop . Assistants Act.: No doubt' a serious weakness of the scheme is wHat may be termed its emollient character. It has the appearance of assuming that if the present1 number of unemployed be provided for, the difficulty will be at an end, and that if any further numbers find themselves out of employment it will have arisen from their own fault and stamp them as undeserving. Nowy nothing can be more certain than this: the news that the Government of this colony intend to provide employment and the opportunity of making homes for all the deserving unemployed will fly like wildfire to the Australian colonies. There, to a far greater extent than in this colony, the unemployed unfortunately swarm. With the ridiculously cheap intercolonial fares at present ruling through steamship competition the Australian unemployed will hasten' to this favoured colony. They will take the places of the absorbed unemployed. Even if they are debarred by the recency of their arrival from participating in the advantages pf.the scheme they will add to the difficulty to be grappled with. Is the Government to go on indefinitely employing the unemployed? If so, it will find the task a Sisyphean one. Unless, therefore, the scheme propounded has for a corollary some method for preventing the creation of want of. employment, it can only be a palliative. We do not think it has been found that recent legislation has had that tendency. Indeed the effect has been so far to make the- employment of labour more and more harassing and vexatious, and to create a not unreasonable impression that the Government think an. employer is a person who must be rigidly .restrained under drastic pains and penalties. That is what we intended to convey when we termed the scheme an emollient one. It starts with the assumption that the unemployed are an excrescence on the body politic which can be removed with the surgeon's knife of special legislation. It has apparently never occurred to the Government that the diseased conditions that produced the excreseenee still remain, and must manifest themselves in fresh outbreaks. Still emollient treatment is better than none, and there are in the scheme some features that we should like to see submitted to experiment.

Mr Paulin sent us the following forecast at 8 o'clock last evening:—"Sttonj to moderate S.W. wind", chunging to N.W. and E. ; flue for about 16 bouts. Indications still very unsettled, and fresh atmospheric disturbances approaching from the south,"

At the meeting of the City Council on Wednesday night, Cr Haynes will move— "That tha Works Committee be authorised to have the breastwork at the Water of Loith in Leith street done in accordance with tbe eurvoyor's report, at an estimated cost of £250." Th« ouuncil will ballot out one member of the Octiiu Bench Domain Board, and elect a member in lieu thereof.

The usual monthly meeting of the Dunedin branch of the Otngo K.luoatioual Institute, - held on SaUud»y in the Normal School, was attended by Messrs W. A. Paterson (president, in the chair), A. Stewart, J. L. Ferguson, W. Hudey, J. Jeffery, R. Haie W. Groy, H. Fioher, James Robertson, B. G. Wbelt.r, J. M. B. Garrow, J A. Jomw.n (hou. sec), and Miss«T Marks, Wiiiham, aud Home. Several of Messrs Blackie and Son's (jublica.tioi.s were laid on th« table for the inspection of teachers Mr J. MB. Garrow delivered a lecture on "Phonography," giving anouflinH cf the hintory of shorthand,'then a brief account of Sir Isaac PHinm's life, and lastly an explanation of the different features of phonography. On the motion of Mr Whetter, seconded by Mr Jeffery, a vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Garrow for his lecture.

The following candidates have been recommended by the examiners for scholarships at Otago University :—A J. Crawford, Richardson scholarship ; S. A. Moore, Sir Walter Scott scholarship ;* Bliss Winifrede 0. Bafchgate, Women's ncholirahip. The Richardson scholarship is worth £40 per annum, and the Walter Scott £15. Both are tenable for three years on condition that the holders keep terms in the faculty of art:) in the Otago University. Messrs K. A. Cameron, J. R. Gilmour, and G. Tait have passed the medical preliminary examination.

The residence of Mr Joseph Oanliffe, compositor, consisting of six rooms, and situated in Havelock street, Moroington, was totally destroyed by fire list evening about 7 o'clock. The fire occurred while the family were absent at church; The property was injured, it is believed, for £150; but fall particulars were cot obtainable last evening.

The Ray. P. J. Murdoch, of Camberwell, Victoria, who is the second of the ministers from " the other side " to fill tbe pulpit of the Kent Church in accordance with the arrangements made for supply during the absence on furlough of tho R»jv. J. Gibb, conducted the services yesterday for the first time. Iv the forenoon he .preached from the text St. Matthew xviii,\2-3: "And Jeans culled a little child unto Him, and sot him in the midst of them, and (aid, verily, I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become ss little caildreD, ye ■hall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." Mr Murdoch's evening subjeot was "Jesus before Pil&te." '

The harvest thanksgiving services which were held at Trinity Wesleyaa Church yesterday were both, well atteude A The church had been nicely decorated for th* occasion with evergreaus, flowers, and com, nud in front of the pulpit were displayed a collection of fruits and vegetables. The Rev. 3; 3. Lawis was the preacher for the day. In the morning the subject of his disooulve was ''The Bountiful Giver," hia texs beiug ralceu irom Psilm !xv, 11; "Thou erownes' the year with Thy go^dnesa; and Thy path: d.-.ip fatnisfts " <U' th« evening service his thome was, " The First Word from the Cross." The choir sang the "Te Deum" as an offertory iv ihe tuorniag, and in the evening th^y contributed "And God said Lsfc iho earth" (Simper). Appropriate hymns wero also sung during both Borvices, and collection^ wore takea up on behalf of the poor. The' flowers aad fruits which were sent to the church it is intended to forward to tbe hospital. -~,.

We regret to hear that the health of Bishop Moran is sgiin oiusipg anxiety to his friends.

The Norfch-Easb Villey-,'eohop'l'children, to the number of 800 or 900, accompanied by nearly 350 adults, left town on Saturday morning by special train for sWarrington," whsre they picnicked. The weather unfortunately broke shortly, after they left; towa, and the ontiDg was partially spoilefi'in con«et[aeuce.

Mr'Carew, S.M., viVited Outram on Saturday and heard charges 'of uting obscene language on tho railway platform, insulting behiividar to the »tatioum4»ter, and using thraatuningt Unguage, preferred against AutuDio Swi'.alU. Accused, who'pleaded guilty, was convicted on ■tha fiivti two charges aod ordered to come up for semence when called upon. For using threu'irniQg language he was fined 40s and costs (£1 13.)

Iv our advertising c.iluinns will he found the announcemeMt of a couveutioa of temperance delegates and workers," to bo he'd in the' Y.W.C.A. Rooms, Mor^y place, on Fridty, Saturday and Monday, ,18th. 13th, and 15sh intt. The programme of, subjects i* given, and seema to be of a '.practical ch»r*otei*. It U exprcted that the convention will attr*cc delegates and'•! leading temperance workers fr.im all ' partß of Otago, and will be thoroughly representative in character. As this is the first general convention of the kind to be held in our citr, tha Temperance party are looking forward to it with considerable interest.

The death, wbicb. occurred yestarday morning, of Mr John Dick, has removed another of the rapidly diminishing band of old ideutitfes. Me Dick, who was », brother oi the Hon. Thomas, Dick, was born at Edinburgh in 1817, and, after being educated in Edinburgh and Bathgate, went to London in 1833. He decided upon adopting printing as his trade, and served his time in London with Dr Simpson, Having completed his period of apprenticeship, he crossed the Atlantic Oeeiu to America, where he wasi introduced to Mr W., Lloyd Garrison, through whose influence he was enabled to start ftti anti-slavery p»pec at Rochester. Subsequently Mr Dick want, to Gin&da under engagement to Mr George Bro«n, of the Toronto Globe, and he held the management of that paper for seven years. Towards the end of 1861 Mr Dick cam? to this colony, and, settling in Duuedin, *&s entrusted with the management of the Colonist newspaper. About 186t, however,- he enterad into partnership with the late Mr William Mills, and established the business of Mills, Dick, and Co., which is still oodtinned under thai; title. The deceased gentleman was of a retiring disposition and took no part in public affairs, but.by those who enjoyed his friendship he was highly esteemed and will bs deeply, regretted. .Of his family there are three survivors. |

At the last ordinary meeting of the West Harbour Lodge, U.A.0.D., the newly-installed D.P. (Bro. Wyrui) was present, and a fair attendance of msmbtrs. Bro. Minn was appointed delegate to the U.F.S. Dispensary. Tha EeoreUry was instructed to convey to the parents of the boys who wero drowned in the harbour the sincere sympathy of the members D.P. Bro. Wynn was accorded a hearty welcome for his attendance. One new member was proposed for initiation.

A sitting of tbe Mosgiel Assessment Court was held on Saturday, before Mr E H. Cirew, S.M. Thomas Smith objected to the valuation roll on the ground that it was not madn out in accordance with the act, bub hia Worship decided that the matter was outside of his jurisdiction and overrule1! the objectioa. At Grojtown and Ontram no valuation rolls were made out, as the county rolls are used in fixing the rates ; consequently do sitting of the coutt was hold at either of these place*. A nitting was hald at Green I«Und, and there being no objection, his Worship simply signed the roll. The Assessment Court for the Taieri district was adjournftd till to-morrow morning.

Considerable exoitetnent was caused in Ophir on Thursday evening, March 28 (says the Dunstan Times), when it was reported to the police that a lad named Healey bad been found in an insensible state on the hills at the back of the township of Ophir. On the l»d regaining con« sciousness he stated he hud been attacked by a man and stabbed in the bead. Constable Leeee, assisted by a number of residents, immediately started in search of the would-be aseassin. Old drives were examined, and suspicious characters who had been in the neighbourhood were hunted up. It, however, transpired the following morning, greatly to the relief of the inhabitants, that this youthful George W«sbiugton had been sent to bring home the cows, but had started climbing the rocks for young pigeons, when ho fell and sustained the injuries to his truthful pumkin.

The usual meeting of the Pork Chalmers District High School Committee on Friday evening was attended by Messrs Morgan, Nea^, Cook, Gardner, Walker, Thomson, »nd Kettle. Mr Perrin was grouted the^uie of & room for the pnrpo»n of tenoning drawing. The rector reported 577 as th>i number on the roll for tin week, the average nt'e^dance bsiug 513. A letter from Dr Chil'.i.n with reference to appliances and material u»td for teaching the 6cienc« classes was n-I'e-ieit to the Visiting Committee to consult with the rector and report. A special vote of tbanks was passed to the Visiting Committee for their i>blc management in connection with the picnic, and the secretary was requested to write to Mr Dryden thauking bim fur the use of his paddock, and for permitting the whole party to inspect the Mosgiel Woollen Factory. Tile question of a wnttr supply for school purposes wao cHsciiSded at some length, bub it was deemed inadvisable to deal with to large a subject at the close of the committee's term of office. The audited bnUnce sheet was submitted, and it was decided to hold another meeting to prepare the annual report. Votes for £16 10s 8d were passed lor payment.

: The Mararoa does not leave for Melbourne till to-morrow. , ■

At Outram on Saturday, before Mr B. H. Carew, S.M., Andrew and Jane Guthrie, of Otakia, were charged on the information of inspector Aitken, of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelly to Animals, with illfcreating a horse. Mr W. Allan, solicitor, of Mosgie', appeared for the society. Evide^ca was given by Constable Ciirmody and Inspector Aitken for the prosecution, and by Mrs Jane Guthrie for the defence. Hid Worship' dismissed the case against Jar,e Guthrie. He considered that the horse hid been cruelly treated, but an Mr Allan did bos prets for a heavy penalty, owing to the poor circumstancen of the defendant Andrew Guthrie, he fined him Is and costs (£1 2s 6d)/ His Worship warned bim that if he came before tho court again he would nob escape bo lightly. ■■ . '..■'■'■. , ;

The Southland Times state* that Mr M'Kay (Government goologist) and his assistant (Mr Linck) have.received instructions to proceed to Fiord county for the purpose of making a thorough geological exploration of the district. It is understood tht-y will go over the country to the lie id of Chalky Inlet, thenco making their way through the new lake system to the west arm ef Masapouri, by way of the valley of the Seaforth and Spey rivers.

Mr W. H.. M,iUoc.r, in au article on ths last census in the Pall M.'Jl Magazine, which is illustrated by diagrams, states that there wero in Scotland in 1881 no fewer than 7000 dwell-> ings consisting of one room without a window; in 1891 the number of these miserable hovels Bkd f»llen 'to 398, Altogether, Mr Mallock think*, the results of the census show that, "whilst the wealthier clashes hsve not greatly changed their position relative.to thft community, there has been a great growth of wealth amongst the people generally, and an immense secession to the ranks of the lower middle classes." And how many of the wealthier classes can be described as the " idle rich," of whom the Socialistic agitator makes so much? Ah astonishingly small proportion; Of males .between -20 and 65 there are cot more than 250,000 returned by the censustakers as "unocuupi'id," and of these some 50,000 are mentally or physically incapib'.e of supporting! themselves^'while, a similar nttmber are men above the age of 55, who htve retired from business or are pensioners of the ~:tato. Mr Mallock, therefore, eetim&tes that the whole number* of unoccupied mencapable of work, yet hot working because tnpy have no necessity to do so, is under 150,000 ; *nd that the result oHheir all' giving themselves to industry would be to shorten the toil of the ocenpied electee by about one minute in the hour. !•....'■

A Cariirtchuroh correspondent reports that a letter lately received from Mr Chapman, who went from Christehurch a few years ai'.o to Btudy art in Paris, states that he has already met- with sucoess in his profession. He has exhibited on more than one occasion at the Paris Salon, and.has been fortunate enough to find friends among the Americans whs frequent the artistic capital of the world. /He has had Several American ladies as pupils, and painted the portrait of" a wealthy gentleman from the United1; States, who has taken him to New York with,the' view of staiting him there in the practice of his art. .. „■'.•■.-■: . .C. ■'■

,Mr Hcfbert-Jonesgiveihis final dioramio lt<iture on" Our.Country: The World's W°nderf laad "to-night at the' Garrison Hall, when he will introduce some of the best descriptions and the finest pictures of the principal sights, &c. of both islands of New Zealand. Popular prices are announced. Mr Herbert-Jones has made special provision for school children, and as his lecture furn'shes an excellent gfeogrtpby lesson, no doubt parents will bs glad to avail themselves of the opportunity of sending > their children. Ib should be nofed taat the lectnre tv-night coinmoacee at 7.30 and will be concludad at 9A5,.Jn lime to allow people from the Port to catoh thiiir train at 10 o'clock. For Mr J.: J. Kennedy's benefit at the City Hall to-morrow evening an attractive profiramme bai b»en arrauged. Miss Prarjp?s Rossy Mr, Luna?, Mr Greenaway, Miss LUla Wilde, and all the People's Company will appear.;; Additional interest attaches to the ■f.iot that the Kennedy Company have now pl.iyed 12 months in Duuedin, and will thus on Tuesday evening celebrate their anniversary.