THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 1895.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10377, 4 June 1895, Page 2

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 1895.

We do not doubt that many of our readers have perused "with no small interest the valuable letter from our Canadian correspondent, published in our issue of Saturday. These are days of intercolonial expansion, so to speak ; the scattered communities of the Empire are drawing closer to each other by all available means of communication, and, are endeavouring to multiply or improve those means. It is the day of a Pacific mail service and (at least) of talk about a Pacific cable which shall

touch no soil that is not .British. Colonial trade unions are in the air, and if the idea of Imperial Federation has not yet taken to itself an obvious practicability, the union of hearts (to use Mr Gladstone's much-criticised phrase) has become something very like a reality. The North is watching and learning from the South, and vice versa, Ho doubt, the Ottawa Conference effected much towards blending Canadian and Australasian sympathies,

especially in regard to commercial conditions, and our correspondent notes "the vigorous propagandism of Mr Lee Smith:," iSfew Zealand's representative at the conference, as a factor in the

work. It is not strange, moreover, that the Canadians are the issues of our political experiments.

Probably they do not grudge us the honom- of the pioneer. They are

willing enough that New Zealand should be the corpus for the experiment, whatever it may be ; they will note results, ! and follow or eschew pur example when experience, the Nemesis of' so many experiments, has taught her lesson. For instance, the Canadians w.ant to know all about woman suffrage. True, we are told that "there has never been a agitation in Canada for the extension of the franchise to women " ; but does that signify much? Was there a genuine agitation ;in New Zealand?. Certainly there was nothing like a general agitation, and

yet the concession was obtained. Our

correspondent, puts a good many questions on the subject, though (as he himself recognisesj the time for deliberate judgment has hardly arrived. " What we are now waiting to learn is how this radical departure will bear the test of

time '•'; and the Women's Franchise

League would probably .be at one with us in' saying that time has not yet' given a" verdict. Mr Led Smith had some justification for telling the Canadians that an improvement had been' effected in the moral tone of the Legislature—using thei word "moral" in a somewhat special sense. If we were to use it in a general sense, there are considerations which might give us pause. For instance, the first Parliament partially elected by women is the Parliament

which allowed Air Seddow to transact the Sergeant-at-Arms business, and which has, on the whole, shown more, party subservience than any of its, predecessors. It; has also.* to be borne in mind that many admirable and useful members were rejected at the last general election, and we believe that there is some danger lest feminine political influence should serve tta discount experience and- education as qualifications in a parliamentary candidate. "But we are quite ready to admit that the gloomy vaticinations of many people have not been confirmed as yet, and we see no particular reason why they ever should be. A still more important admission must be made. Our correspondent at Ottawa asks:

"How has this new burden affectec the moral tone of the women themselves? Has it introduced a ne^ cause Cor domestic discord ? " "We art quite satisfied' that the possession ol the franchise has not lowered tlit moral tone of the women of New Zealand, and we have heard of no cases oi domestic discord. We never die attach the slightest importance to thai particular bogey. Whether our enfranchised women are " happier " if another < question : doubtless some oi them are more " contented." Oui advice to the Canadians is to wait, say ,10 years. The worth of. New Zealand'e ample experience will then be at theii service.' Another matter relating to women is dealt with in our correspondent's lettei —a matter in regard to which perhaps New .Zealand, in its turn, may learr something from the northern colony, " It is true of Canada that women arc entering the professions in numbers sufficiently large to threaten serious economic disturbances in the near future.' The word " professions " is apparent!} meant to cover nearly every kind oi employment, while there is special reference to clerical work—the work of the lay clerk, that is. The civil service, for instance, is crowded with women, who have been admitted during the last seven years in fax greater numbers than young men Hence the male youth is having a bad time and is perforce a bachelor Things are not so bad as this in New Zealand, but there ,is a gradual tendency in the same direction, and the problem is an exceedingly difficult one. It is certainly not to 'be solved ?bv repetition of old-fashioned prejudices about " woman's sphere"; as a matter of fact, the number of women who must work is increasing every year, and it cannot be pretended that there is anything unwomanly in clerical and ordinary ad- ! ministrative work. The Women's Franchise League desires that men and women should receive equal pay for , equal work, and it may be that the 1 recognition of this principle would lessen ■ the difficulty. The step, as we said the 1 other day, would hardly be practicable E as an immediate and compulsory thing; but we believe "that, were it taken^ the number of employed women would ; rapidly, decrease. Hundreds of women are only employed because their ser--3 vices can be had cheaply; and under 5 a system of equal payment men, .in the large majority of cases, • would be given the preference. It may .'' be plausibly asked, however, whether it would be a good thing for a large number of women to lose their employe ment, or for avenues' to be closed to s women who need work. Still (again s in the large majority of , cases) :t it is more important that men c should have , work than that v women should have it, seeing that = so many women possess male relatives who can support them if need be. Our correspondent notes that in Canada 2 one result of the " rush of women into all the available avenues of work is to tempt many of them to take employment who really do not need )to." Even against this there can be no hard and fast • rule, but as regards . Q-overnment work it is certain that cases of this kind, when the condition of things is obvious, should be excluded. — The young woman who has no imme- _ diate need oi: work is in a different n , position even from that occupied by Vi the 3 roung man who has no need: v . the latter has a more obvious,, expecta- | n tion of responsibilities. Under normal _ a circumstances a woman does not look ['. forward to the task of supporting a ' husband and children—not yet.

It is pleasing in the extreme to be enabled to chronicle the fact of a rise in mutton in the Home market, and the more so that it appears probable it is not regarded as merely temporary, as will ba seen from the following cable mcssagereceived yesterday morniDg by the New Zealand and Australian Land Company from their head office in Edinburgh : —" Mutton market is advancing. Ought to obtain very increased prices in London during autumn, commencing about end of August. Should there be no increase in the prices in the colonies ship on consignment." The Dunedin office of the company informs us that a long time has elapsed since they were instructed to ship on j consignment.

The meeting of the Otago Central Railway League which was to have bsea held last evening was adjourned until Monday next. Tho meeting was called for last night by mistake.

The R.M.S. Mariposa, with the inward San Francisco mails on board, left San Francisco on Thursday afternoon, time-table date.

We are pleased fro learn from the Oamaru Mail that the Hon. J. M'Konzie is able to attaad to the necessary business of his department. He is taking a rest, in the hope of recovering his wonted vigour preparatory to sesaional work.

At the annual meeting of the City Licensing Committee yesterday all the publicans' licenses, with one exception, were renewed for another 12 months, the exception being iv the c ase of Mrs Braiin, to whose application in respect of the Great Northern Hotel objection was. taken by the committee on the ground that she had been duriug the past year couvioted of selling liquor without a license at the racecourse. That case was adjoutned till the 11th inst. to enable the objection to bo met. The applications of the licensees for an extension of hours until 11 p.m. wcjre refused, and Mr Wardrop, on behalf of the committee, intimated that the policy of refnsiu g conditional licenses would be adhered to.

The criminal sessions of the Supreme Court commenced yesterday before his Honor Mr Justice Williams, and during the first day's sitting no less than 11 cases were disposed of. Two cases only remain, one of which—the charge against O'-Bpen of criminal assault— will be taken to-day; and the other—the fraudulent bankruptcy charges—will' be heard on Wednesday.

Some amusement was paused at' the conclusion of a lecture, under the, auspices ■of the Knights of-' Labour, at the Choral 'Hall' last evening by the capture of the meeting by one of the enemy in the person of Mr F. Mallard. The lectuier, Mr F. HL'Lester, who was introduced as the recording ijecretary of the Dunedin Assembly of the' Knights'".-, of Labour, had spoken for about an hour and a-half on the subject of a State bank, and in the course of his address had advocated that the Groyernment, instead of going on the London market to borrow'moneyfor lending under the Advances to Settlers Act, should make their own money. Mr Mallard, taking advantage of this contention and of the evident favour with which it was receded by tho^e present, asked the chair-; man, who is the Master Workman of. the if the meeting was prepared to censure the Colonial Treasurer for not adopting the policy enunciated by Mr Lester. "I wonld leave yon to censure the Colonial Treasurer," was, the chairman's ;reply,! and MrVMaHwd : pronlptly "accepjied the ehajlenge jn the' direction of ironically proposing a ' motion iip . the effect that in future the- Government rfiould raise their loans on the lines indicated by Mr Lester. The motion resignedly put by the chairman, and carried without dissent. ' \-'^

Some time since, aft?r the prosecution of a woman in the Supreme Court for keeping a house of ill-fame, -some unfavourable com menfcs appeared in the Christian Outlook regarding remarks made by the Crown prosecutor. An explanation of what occurred in the caso was made yesterday. When asked for information regarding the character of the accused in a case then before the court, Mr Haggitt commenced by reading, without comment, the police report, and continued:

"Sometimes I get abused for reading the police report, but it is my duty to read just what they report. Some time ago I raad the police report in f)he case of a woman, and because that report was favourable an article followed in the Christian Outlook abusing myself roundly."

The only case at the Magistrate's Court yesterday morning was one in which A. T. Price was the plaintiff and William Brebner the defendant, the cUim being for £20, moneys alleged to have been advanced for. the defendant1 on his behalf and at his request. There was no appearance of the plaintiff, and Mr W. C. MacGregor.appeared for the defendant, who did not admit the claim. The case was struck ouji with professional costs (21s) to the defendant. Mr E, H. Carew, S.M., presided.

The halfcaste lad Charles Parker, who pleaded guilty at the Supreme Conrt yesterday to a charge of placing an obstruction on the railway line at Euketeraki, received the maximum sentence—namely, two years' imprisonment. The accused pleaded gnilty of the act simply, and that plea was accepted. Had it been possible to convict hjm on the second count—placing the obstruction with intent to cause danger,-—he would have been liable to penal servitude for life.

The nsnal fortnightly meeting of the Otago University Debating Society was held on Friday eveniDg in tho chemistry room; fijr L. A. Line, M.A., in the chair. The musical part of the programme consisted of a pianoforte duet (Spanish Dances) tastefully played by the Misses Bauchop ; a violin solo ('* Morceaux de Salon ") by Mr C. Barrett, who received a round of well-deserved applause; and Bongs were rendered in good style by Messrs J. Orkney and D. D. Anderson. Then followed the debate,

"Should the Mioiog School be Abolished?" Messrs G. I?. K. Adams ,and J. O'Shea led on the affirmative side and Messrs Mosley and Brugh on the negative.' After a very lively discussion, in which Messrs Cutten, B.A;, Howell, 8.A., M'Nab, 8.A., .Strahan, 8.A., Matthews, Mqore, Will, aad Hatton took part.

the question was negatived by an overwhelming majority. A hearty vote of thanks to the, chairman closed the proceedings.

A scene occurred at the Timaru Main School oh Thursday afternoon, a woman horsewhipping one of the under masters. The woman appeared at the Police Court at Timaru yesterday and was fined 10s and costs. She complained that the teacher boxed her boy's ears, the lad at the time suffering from diseased

The regular monthly meeting of the Cavershaui School Committee held last night wag attended by Messrs Rutherford ■■ (chairman)^ Martin, Stevenson, Tbdd, Tennant, Williams, Sidey, Batlin, and Morrison. One of the Visiting Committee reported that the attendance at school had decreased owing to families leaving the district, and the committee recommended certain repairs to be done, the supervision of which was remitted to Mr Williams. A letter was received from Colonel Webb declining to detail an artilleryman to act as instructor to the boys on the ground that the men were otherwise engaged. In connection with a letter from the' secretary of the Dunedin and Suburban Schools Conference, the chairman said-that he intended to bring before the conference a new methed of electing members to the Education Board. The question of kindergarten teaching wpuld alao probably be brought forward. On the motion of Mr Stevenson, seconded by Mr Williams, it was resolved— '! That this committee does not approve of kindergarten teaching being made a part of our primary education system." Several small accounts were passed for payment.

The popularity of the Second Tiyoli Specialty Company shows no signs of decreasing, judging from the uoremitting demand by the audiences for additional numbers tp those set against the names of the performers. Last night's performance was accorded the same hearty welcome as those preceding it received, and everyone appeared to ba thoroughly satisfied with what was put forward for their amugement. To-night the company appear in the same bill, and on Wednesday an amalgamation of companies—" first" and " second " — takes place, and Mr Charles Naylor, a tenor singer, will appear. The combination should prove a powerful "draw."

The musical sketch which Miss Gwen Davies will submit at the opening concert of Miss Gwen Davies's Musical Sketch and Concert Company at the Choral Hall to - morrow evening is entitled " At the Play," and contains several reminiscences of Mr Corney Grain, whose friendship Miss Davies enjoyed for a number of years. This sketch is said to be exceedingly humorous, and the success achieved by Miss Davies has led to the inclusion of such items into nearly all concert programmes in Australia. We are informed that there has been a good demand for tickets.

The csst of characters of the sensational drama " Ransom," which is to be produced at the Princess Theatre to-morrow evening by the KJostyn-Dalziel Company, is published this morning, together with & synopsis of the scenery and events in the drama. Songs and ballads will be rendered by Misses Dora Mosfcyn and Nsllie Raynham. and Messrs Heymott and Blake.

The bench at the City Police Court yesterday morning was occupied by Messrs J. N. Brown and W. Bridgman, J.P's., the only business being a charge against two young men Darned Edward Robinson and Joseph Jackson of disturbing an audience in the City Hall on Saturday night. Sergeant O'Neill having explained that the two accused, being the worse of liqnor, had commenced quarrelling and fighting in the hall at a quarter to 8, the j Bouch fined them 103 each, in default two days' imprisonment. We received during last week the following Bums towards the missing fishermen fund: —J. Schofield, Waitati, 10s; A.T R., '53; J. 8., 2s 6d ; collected in the Dunedin Amateur Boating Club's shed, £1 12a 6d; Sympathiser, £2; subscribed by special collection at the Moray Place Men's Institute, £2 25"..

The annual meeting of the Otago Golf Club will be held this evening at Mr J. R. ScoWs office.

Mr Hay, dentist, intends removing to premises at the corner of High and Clarke streets.

. .Messrs Jame3 Samson and Co. will sell household furniture and effects to-morrow, on the premines, corner of George and Hanover streets.

Messrs Scott Bros., produce, merchants, have removed to premises in' Princes street, known as Guthrie and Larnach's. .

The Presbytery of Dunedin' meet in First Church this morning; The Railway 'department announce cheap excursion fare 3 for the winter show at Invercargill on the 12th June.

Mr J Mathews, coachbuildcr, has disposed of his business to Mr J. J. Dixon.

"For six months I suffered intense agony, an tried everything without success: One bottle ' Wahqo! completely cured me.— Mrs Luxam, South Dunedin." 2s ; 6d, grocers and chemists.— [Advt.] . '••■ '"' '■

Don't forget Montague's annual stock-taking sale is now on.', Premises crowded daily with customer's!— [Advt.] *" '"" ' .'

. The premises of Frank Hyams, watchmaker and jeweller, Princes street, will be closed to-day (Tuesday) from 1 o'clockj in preparation for his sale, which commences to-morrow (Wednesday). See advertisement on third page.—[Anvr.] MotL«ON:'ANp Co:! draper^, George, street, are offering 200 pairs of soiled l£Dj>rliish blankets at extraordinary prices—from 7s lid up; Worth lls 6d.-[ADVT.'] '"•'■■■ :-: . ' ■ '■;■ .

See G. and T. Yourftfs Christmas advertisement on' first page, and note that watch, clock, and jewellery repairs receive personal'supervision of Mr T. (*. Young. Competent workmen, only employed. Satisfaction1 guaranteed. Moderate prices.—[Adv.] Specially prepared sodawater for invalids, as supplied by Thomson and' Go. to the Dunedin Hospital, Union Company's" entire fleet, and other public ih«titutions.: In nearly all cases of sickness Thomson and Co.'s ; soda water is held in high esteem by jhyßicians for its purity and wholesome action in assipailating with milk' and other nutritious liquids.-'Labelled with '•■ naino and ■ trade mark.—fAnyT.] ' ' ■'■"... .!T%: ;'" '..,' ' Anyone requiringa,gpo4 serviceable waterproof at'a'low figure cannot do better than inspect W. Scott and Co.'s stock. 'See advertisement . third page.—[Advt.] :.'"..-. ''.-.. 'lieHsrs'A. aiid J. MTarlane beg to call attention to their advertisement over the leader. ■ Any orders entrusted-.to them will .receive the best ; ; attention.—[Advt.]'; _'- " '' ■' V ;;','.' '.'■'■'■ '■■.■■■..

JOh^ Him or, watchmaker'and Jew-II r, 74 Princes street. The oldest established house in town Repairs of all kinds. Good assortment Watches, Clocks, and Jewellery. Spactaclea to quit all sights.—[Advt.]