THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES FRIDAY, JULY 26, 1895.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10422, 26 July 1895, Page 2

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES FRIDAY, JULY 26, 1895.

ISio general surprise will be felt in this or the neighbouring colonies at the defeat of the ill-assorted Partces-Djgbbs combined Opposition. The alliance was an unnatural ene and ,was suspected by the adherents o£ both politicians. It was so palpably the work of the two high contracting parties rather than the outcome of any political movement that the people of the premier colony could scarcely help acting in such a manner as to show plainly that they did'not care to be made to "answer the personal convenience of politicians of whatever degree. The meeting point of the ill-mated pair was Federation. Had there been' a general demand in answer , to a genuine want calling for statesmanlike, action in the direction of Federation J the combination might have looked for success, but until some species of pressure brings the masses' to see some advantage in Australian Federation it ■will remain the occasional toy of politicians outside the sphere of practical politics. We have > always maintained that, though ' many thinking men are genuinely anxious to see Federation brought about, there is no real popular movement in favour of so large an idea in any part of Australia, still less in that continent as a whole. Ifc will ■ require more patriotism and more of j the spirit of self-sacrifice before the I group of colonies can be blended into a second Great Dominion than there is any sign of at present. The wellremembered breakfast table at which Sir Henry and Sir George met a few ■weeks since after years of bitter strife may some day be surrounded by a halo of light which is not at present'visible : poetry grows as reality fades. In the meantime it is hard to avoid the near view of a near-sighted present, such as was once well expressed in the language, of the greatest, most -unselfish, and most single-hearted- of all Australians, Mr Geoege Higinbotham : " The fact is we have all been at il for the last 20 years. We have all been struggling for office—all of us, —and in that struggle we have forgotten everything. We have forgotten our duty as legislators ; we have forgotten our rights as a Legislative Assembly. . . And having forgotten all these things, why now we have nothing else to do but to recriminate upon one another.'"' Had all the politicians of Australia been put upon their trial the first to stand acquitted would have been lie who candidly included himself in the charge; the present leaders of the New South Wales Opposition would not have been quite in the same flight., Looking at the glimpses which our cablegrams give of the observations of the press, v/e may fairly form, the opinion that the leaders of public sentiment ,on both sides are congratulating the colony on its deliverance from a reign oil humbug; but it is plain, too, that they are congratulating the colony on the fact that it has not allowed itself to be snared into exchanging the old lamp of Freetrade for the new one of imaginary Federation. ISlew South Wales is depressed, like the rest of Australasia, and, indeed, the rest of the world; but her firm adherence to sound fiscal policy.leaves her at this moment in a sounder financial and industrial condition than any of the colonies. The old comparison between the fiscal policy of that colony and that of her rival Victoria may now be made with something like definite results. The people of New South Wales have made it and have re-made, it, and now have again re-made it, with the result we now see. This colony cannot, of course, expect to derive much instruction from what has just taken place. If we are not committed to still further Protection, it is because everything has to be bent to conceal the exigencies of a i hard-up Treasury. We may, however, j congratulate ourselves on the fact that j the action of thjs colony has contributed in a slight degree to the results we have seen, as there ia good reason to think that the conclusion of the Adelaide treaty did in some manner not easily followed affect

the course of ivents in New South Wales. It is suggested that such treaties retard Eederation ; but we are satisfied that when the true impulse towards Federation sets in it will require something more than these flimsy barriers tc> stop it. The history of the United States shows how under extreme pressure very discordant elements may unite; that of Canada shows that under less obvious pressure the impulse may arise in a natural way within a '.prescribed area, and may there bear down wide differences of race and religion, and may in time override the apparently greater obstacles of geographical severance. So it will be one day in Australia, and perhaps in : all Australasia ; but the ground movement has not yet set in which will cari-y it. With regard to the immediate position, we have yet to see exactly what the New South Wales Ministry will, propose. It ha 3 already announced the sweeping away of Protection, and made it clear that that is to be done at once, despite the fact that individual interests may suffer through the fall in stocks. We have no reason to fear that it will prove otherwise than for our good. JSew Zealand is properly an exporting country, and only tempts the evil one when she attempts to disgust the neighbouring colonies by wantonly excluding the few things they can send, us. ■ A mere threat years ago to levy a protective duty on coal had the effect of -producing a retaliatory measure oven in New South Wales. The cost of that step to this colony can never be known, but the warning ought not to be disregarded. If the Adelaide treaty t has been correctly represented to the public it would embarrass the Government in attempting to bring about similar reciprocal relations with New South Wales, but this should not prevent the general removal of duties which really only touch that colony. We are satisfied that the turn which affairs have taken will in the end prove beneficial to us. As for its effect on New South Wales, it can scarcely be doubtful.

Several bills passed their second readiDg3 in the Legislative Conncil yesterday afternoon, among them-being- the. Family Homes Protec- I tion Bill, the Criminal Code Amendment Billj the Adoption of Children Bill, and the Evidence Further; Amendment Bill. The Contagious Diseases Act Repeal Bill met with strenuous opposition from several members of the Council, and the debate upon the motion for its second reading was adjourned. Several local bills were advanced a stage in the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon, and the Duoedin Drainage and Sewerage Bill, after undergoing some amendment in Committee, wes read a third time and passed. In the evening tha Corouers' Inquest Bill and the Threshing Machine Owners' Lien Bill passed through Committee — the former after tho Minister for' Justice' had unsuccessfully attempted to alter its ' whole character by proposing the abolition of juries at inquests—and also passed their final stages, aud Mr J. A. Millar secured the second reading of the Coal Mines-Act Amendment Bill.

Mr Paulin forwarded the following forecast at 10 35 last night:—"Squally N.W. to S.W. winds; genoral indications stormy and cold with heavy raia and sdow showers."

The ship Waimate, which arrived at Port Chalmers yesterday from London, encountered, oa May 22 v. derelict ship, or rather thß remains of one, for of the Ba'.aette, a veEsel of 1614- lons, there was nothing left' but the shell, the ship having been completely burnt out. As the derelict was lying right in tho track of vessels and was dangerous to navigation, Captain Worster, of the Waimate, had a rivet knocked oat of her bottom, the effect of, which ; would, in his opinion, be'to sink her in a couple of days; It may be remembered that our cable messages on June 10, contained particulars of the destruction of the Sslsetts by fire while she was oa her voyage from London to Melbourne. The fire was discovered in the lower hold on April 17, and, despite a gallant struggle by the officers and men, gaiued steadily until on the following day the crew, when preparing to start in the boats for the nearest land, which was about 1500 miles distant; were picked up by a passing ship. The hull pMhe abandoned ship had thus held together for about five weeks, floating about in mid-ocean, be'ora 'the Waimate came across it.

The followiog resolution was passed by the Dunedin Assembly Knights :O? Labour last night:—" That the assembly earnestly urge the Premier to push on the announced Local Government Bill, ao that it may become law with reasonable despatch, in order, that the large number of psrsous.vrho have been disfranchised by tho failure of ' The Rating Act 1893' to extend the franchise, as was contemplated, to three monthi' tenants, may have an. opportunity of,taking part in this year's municipal elections." It was further resolved—

"That this assembly thoroughly endorse the principle of State fire insurance, and that we ask our city and, suburban members to give active support to the proposal to adopt national fire insurance."

The. committee appointed by the Preibyterlan Synod of Oiagoand Southland to watch over the interests of the church and of public morals have decided to petition the Legislative 'Council against the bill which the Lower House has passed sanctioning marriage vtitb. adec2a3ed brother's wife, aud to petition both branches of the Legislature regarding ths Hon. John BJaeGkegor's Dirorce Bill. Tha committee ezprsss approval of the latter meaoure as equalising the eeses in the matter of divorce, ?jid as granting diroice on the sole grounds of adultery and desertion, but recommend t'aat desertion should be for five yenrs and-not for three, as.proposed in the bill. '■ Mr Michael Daviti, M.P., will, after all, visit this colony. He will probably arrive in Dauedin about ther end of August, and will stay a month in New Zealand. ' The Rev. w; .0. Woodward (of the Bluff) delivered a lecture on a recent trip to Lake Tarawera, at the Dundas street Methodist Church last night, to a large audience, who listened most attentively throughout, and marked their appreciation by repeated applause. Mr W. King occupied the chair, and made a few introductory remarks. The rev. gentleman took his audience with him from Auckland, travelling into the interior, through the King country, and visiting Lakes Rotorua, Rotomabana, aud finally Tarawera. Many humorous incidents were introduced into the lecture, and were given with telling effect. .The proceeds were in aid of the colonial mission in connection with the Primitive Methodist churches. A hearty vota of thaukt was accordod at the close of the lecture.

The council of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce has forwarded to the Wellington members the following resolutions adopted with reference to certain bills now before Parliament : —" Juries Act Amendment: The council consider that the abolition of special juries would be detrimental to the interests of justice in cases whera commerce and trade are concerned." " Asiatic and Other Immigration Restriction: That the provisions of this bill would impose grievous burdens upon shipowners without any commensurate advantage to the community."

We regret that na were led into an error in stating yesterday that Mr James Milla intended leaving the colony on a visit to Great Britain. Mrs Mills hss lsft en a visit to England, aad Mr Mills merely accompanied his wife as Ear as Lyttelton.

We understand that the Roy. Mr Tait, in response to a request from the trustees of'the Miners' Association, has courteously agreed to re-deliver his lacture in eid of the fuuds of tbe association on Wednesday eveuing next. Ii respective of tha deserving n&tura of the object to be benefited, Me Taii, Js lecture was so thoroughly eujoyed by those who keard it last Monday that he is certain to have a very large audience.

A seaman named John Smith, belonging to th« ship Delrnira, has been arrestod for disobeying the lawful commands of tha captain, and. will appear at the Police Courb thi3 morning. In the District Court at Oamaru, yesterday, before Judge Ward and a jury, Jacob London was charged with not having kept such books of aoconnts as to sufficiently disclose his business transactions and set forth his financial position, and- further; with contracting a debt to M'Leod B:oj. at a time when he had no probable prospect of paying it. Ths accussd, who was defended by Me D. D. Macdonald,

was acquitled, Mr Oollfct Dobsori, the well-known and favoiu-ita aptor, who takes a benefit on Saturday evening next, at the City Hall, is a familiar figure on the New . Zealand stage, his professional acquaintance with Dunedin audiences having extended over a term of fiye'or six yeaia. He' is a native of Canterbury, aud n the .days of those late lamented and esteemed gentlemen and .sportsmen—W/ V. Rlillton and Henry Rnsc—had the distinction of representing that province in the football fisld and also in the , aqnatio world. : He was selected to accompany the first team of footballers to Sydney (under the captaincy of Mr Millton); but being unable to arrange for leave ;of absence did not go. ' ' ; ■

.. The amount of customs revenue received yesterday on goads cleared for consumption was £2503 i7s. ... . ■ ■-~. :.;■-■; . ',- . •.".■:.

The annual meeting of the. Chamber of Commerce will be held this nfternoom ■ •'■

Messrs Park, Raynolds,' and Co. will sel superior household furniture at their rooms thi afternoon:' ; - : --.-■.■ ; ■ •• ■ .:

. The tenth annual ball of the Dnnedin Engineers will be held in the Garrison Hall this evening. A public meetinc,to arrange for Che celehratiou of Arbor Day : will, bb held in the , Council Chambers, Port.Chalmers,'to-night.. ..,'',..■ Messrs Wright, Stephenson, and Co. will sell draught and light harness horses to-morrow at their salfiyar'ds. , ■'■:'' i . '

The Otago Hunt Club - notifies in bur advertising columns the two final meets of the season— Haifwhyßiish to-morrow, afternoon and Anderson's .Bay (above Mr Scobie "Mackenzie's residence) on Wednesday. .Both of these will n0... doubt attract Inrge attendances. ' ...:.'

"The Cathedralg of Mnttland," to be shown by Mr ¥.'W:'.S.im'ms mr St.'".'Paul's Schoolroom tins evening, should pro^e an' attractive entertainment, and, with the choial effects added by St. Paul's ohbir, aii interestiilc; «xpV».natory"lebture by Mr StatKam, and isolosby llis3JVivi-in, Messrs Blenkinsopp," F... L. : Jones, A; Garrick, and Hi Dickinson, should ; afford a; plfeasant eveiina's amusement. The proceeds are in aid of. St. Paul's choir fund. ; .'.>, ... ■;_' ...'. .',.J;-..-.'.., ■.

The annual meeting of tbe Boslyn Tramway Company will be held on the Gth prox. In connection-with the Duuedin Fanciers' Club's show on, the .2nd and 3rd prox.,' cheap -excursion'''tickets to town will be issued by the morning trains on each day. Entries for the Southland Poultry Association's annual show close ou Saturday night. Tenders for the stock-in-trade of Mr B. Tallenfc, of Akaroa, will be received by Messrs Cook and Gray until the 3>d prox. Mr P. Nevlon, an elderly gentleman, who resides in Walker street; suffered for over a year with liver complaint and indigestion. He took Loasby'S "Wah<-o," and was cured in four days with les3 thari,bne bottle. 2s 6d. Grocers and chemists.—[Ad vt.J Messrs Kinn and Co., surgical and mechanical dentists, notify that theyhsivecommencad business opposite CUrgill'n Monument, Princes si.—[Advt.] Having admitted Mr 11. H. Scott into partnership, we shall now trade under the litlp of W. and R. Scott, Tailors and Clothiers (late W. Scott and CoV—[Advt.]. John ,Hi slop, Watchmaker ancl 'Jeweller,-1 74 | Princes street. The oldest established house in town, llspairs of all kinds. Good assortment Watches, Clocks, and Jewellery. . Spectacles to suit all sights.--[Advt.] Mot.lisoN and ' 'o.'s annual sale now on. : Sond for price list of 12prsges. Post free. Mollisouand Co., drapers and clothiers, 195 and 197 George street, Imncdin.—[Advt.] Ms'-srs A. and J. il"b"arcane beg to call attention to th6ir advertisement over the leader. Any orders entrusted to them will receive the be3t attention.—r Advt.] See'G.'and T. Young's Christmas advertisement

on first page, and note that watch, clock, and jewellery repairs receive pornonal nupervision of Sir f. G. Young. Competent workmen only employed. Satisfaction guaranteed, llodorata prices.—{A.DV.] Specially prepared sortawater for invalids, as supplied by Thomson and Co. to the Dunedin and Wellington Hospitals, Union Company's entire fleet, and other public institutions. In nearly all cases of sickness Thomson and Co.'s Bodawater is hold in high esteem by physicians for its purity and wnolesome actiou in assimilating with milk and other nutritious liquids. Labelled with name auil trade mark.—fArtYT.]