THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1896.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10600, 21 February 1896, Page 2

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1896.

There is certainly no occasion for prohibitionists and Good Templars to quarrel about allocating the amount of credit which, as they think, is due for the work which has been accomplished in connection wifch the liquor traffic during the last few years. To all practical intents the two bodies are one. Good Templars.wear regalia and affect ritualistic methods: therein lies the only differentiation. This has been' made very clear at the Good Templars' Convention held this week. r " The absolute prohibition of the manufacture, importation, and sale of intoxicating liquors" is one of the avowed aims of the order ; and this being the case we must nofc allow sympathy with good intentions and appreciation of philanthropic work to outweigh our sense of the injustice and tyranny involved ~in the policy promulgated on Wednesday. In so far as the Good Templar is an abstainer he is exercising his liberty in a perfectly legitimate, and probably very wise, fashion; in so far as he tries to rescue those who have become slaves to drink through abusing their liberty, he does a work for which we give him all honour; butl when he goes on to claim a right to destroy the liberty of the community as a whole, and to dictate to law-abiding and temperate persons as to what they shall not drink, the common sense and good feeling of the world must part company with him. It is a curious fact that the chairman of the convention, after quoting the;'. plank " which we just now mentioned, and showing the essentially prohibitive nature of Good Templary, rebuked Mr Fish for wandering from the subject of Templary to that of prohibition. Mr Fish, who does not display the proverbial immoderation of the convert, had been giving his brethren some excellent counsel. Inasmuch as Mr Fish is, in one sense at least, a prohibitionist, we join issue with him, but we admire the courage and the political sagacity which he displayed in cautioning his less thoughtful friends against .extravagance and tyranny. He warned them that they must ignore neither the political aspect of the question nor the opinions of the large mass of people who thought differently. "If he decided to implant his views upon the community as a whole, he must go about effecting that end in a politic and moderate way, because to win a battle other than by the moral support and moral conviction of the people would be to win an illusive fight, and to strengthen their enemies in a future battle to such an extent that they i would overwhelm the prohibitionists

entirely." And much more, which we have not space to quote, to the same good purpose. But intolerance is of the very essence of prohibition, and it -was deemed necessary to suppress this disconcerting neophyte. We fear that Mr Fish hardly knew what he was bargaining for when he joined this very exclusive order. Still, it is just possible that he may succeed in inducing some of his brethren to give their voice for a more sagacious policy; and anyhow it is something to find a Good Templar publicly declaring that "unless the prohibitionists had a considerable section [i.e., we take it, an overwhelming majority] of the community with them, to pass a repressive law by a bare majority would be to court utter defeat in the future." We trust that Mr Fish will effect many conversions in course of time.

| At the same time it must be confessed that the speeches delivered and the resolutions passed on Wednesday afford little ground for confidence, ln an article on the lessons of the OhristI church election we deplored the j tendency, or rather the absolute determination, of the advanced Tern! perance party to subordinate all the important political issues of the day to the one pet aim. We suggested that the prohibitionist would be all the better as a politician and a citizen if he took to himself two or three additional ideas. While he is passionately reiterating his solitary dogma, the country is being grievously misgoverned. Whilo he is making prohibitionist orthodoxy the one test of political soundness in a candidate, he is in many cases helping to perpetuate a regime of political impurity without a parallel in ,the history of New Zealand. Only let the member for the district vote for the bare majority, and he may please himself about supporting dishonest finance and reckless.empiricism and the policy of spoils to the victors. And tlie 'member, wary man, gives his pledge and subsequently his vote —caring, it may be, as much about prohibition as about Buddhism. Straining at the gnat of the three-fifths majority these people of tlie one idea are ready to swallow the camel of all manner of political malfeasance. And we see no sign of repentance. " How to Organise a Grand Combination for the General Election and Licensing, Votes "■ was the imposing title of a paper read at the convention, and the motion carried in connection with this subject makes mention of prohibition, and prohibition alone, as the end to be -kept, in view in choosing a candidate. iW.Oreover, we deeply regret to say that, in spite of ali that has been urged against such a proceeding, the convention resolved to further "the election of licensing committees who, :in the event of prohibition not being carried, will reduce the number of licenses in each district to tlie full extent allowed by ; - the amended Alcoholic Liquors Sale Control Act!" In other words, candidates for the licensing bench are again' to be asked to pledge themselves not to carry out their duties in a judicial spirit, with careful attention to the circumstances of the ease and the evidence brought before them. As a matter, of fact, the giving of such' a pledge ought to be an absolute disqualification for election to the licensing bench, and we protest with all the emphasis at our command against this endorsement of a principle which strikes at the very root of justice. Bad as this pledgedemanding business was in 1894, it will be worse in 1897, seeing that the Act of last session fixes a minimum of 10 per cent., to which extent the committee must make reductions if a vote for reduction has been carried. This provision makes it impossible for reduction to be carried' out in a merely farcical ■ manner, and there cannot be the shadow of an excuse for further indulgence in the bad practice of extorting pledges. We would gladly have written of tho proceedings at the Good Templars' Convention in a more sympathetic strain. Excellent motives, philanthropic zeal, practical unselfishness—these qualities are highly honourable, but in the prohibition agitation they are accompanied with doctrines which we cannot but regard as at war with the eternal principles of justice and freedom. Tnus it is that our appreciation of the excellent side of Good Templary is necessarily mingled with a censure of the other and dangerous side—a censure that would not be adequate if it were not severe.

One of the first questions suggested by consideration of the new appointments to the Cabinet is, How many Ministers does Mr Seddon intend the country to be saddled with ? Messrs Seddon,' Waed, M'Kenzie, Cadman, Caeboll, Walker, Thompson, Hail-Jones— this is the list at present, and we presume that an Attorney-general will be appointed shortly, in which case the number will be nine. But Messrs WaiiKeh and Thompson are apparently to be unpaid members of the Executive, so that the prospective number of paid Ministers may be stated as seven—one in excess of the number sanctioned by Parliament in the Act of 1887. As a matter of fact, the spirit of that Act has never been strictly observed, first Mr Waed and afterwards Mr Caeeoll having been paid by special provision. But the Government introduced a Bill last session proposing to provide for the payment of an additional Minister, and the House, in rejecting that Bill, obviously expressed a desire that the Act of 1887 should be observed. If Mr Caeeoli, is to become an ordinary Minister ;under the Act, there is- really only one more vacancy: yet, presuming that the Attorney-generalship is not to go unfilled, Mr Seddon proposes to make two further appointments. The transaction not being complete, our criticism is tentative ; but there ia clear ground for vigilance, since experience teaches us that Mr Ssdbon wonld think nothing of arranging an evasion of the decision of Parliament. It is possible, of course, that there may be something in the rumour of Mr Cadman's resignation, in which case the matter would wear a different aspect. It may be interesting to note that the present Minister for Lands spoke as follows in the House of Bepresentatives on October 13, 1887: — " In the present financial condition of the colony the number of paid Ministers should be reduced to five. ... I

move this ; addition firmly believing that the government and administration of this' colony could be carried on with five instead of seven Ministers." But at that time Mr Jonu M'Kenzie was in Opposition, which makes all. the difference. Our own "opinion is that the number of paid Ministers should be

six, and that there should he no extra arrangements, such as that by which Mr Carroll has hitherto been paid. The appointments that are understood to have been made do not call for much comment. We had something to say about one or two of the names when rumour was first busy with them. The selection of Mr Thompson, which will hardly evoke' enthusiasm, seems to point to a possibility of Mr Cadman's withdrawal; and, if so, the change will not bo for the better. Mr Walker will' at all events not he a' source of weakness to the Ministry, and it may be said that Mr Cabholl has earned his promotion. We imagine that he*will eventually take over the Native department, if Mr Seddon intends to discharge the duties of Minister for Labour. Mr HallJones's appointment is something of a surprise. It was no doubt desirable that one of the regular Ministers should be a representative of Canterbury, and though the name of Mr Ham>Jones's qualifications is not legion, a much less suitable man might have been chosen. It is fair to note, too, that Mr Seddon

has selected a member who has by no means beer, notorious for party subservience ; indeed, it is not quite easy to understand how the new Minister for Justice will, manage to square his views on certain questions with those of his chief. We shall watch _Mr_ HallJones's Ministerial career with interest, in the spirit of remarks which he made in the course of a speech on Mr Ward's Budget of 1894 : "We have had a good deal of talk in the course of this debate as to Liberalism and who are the real Liberals. Sir, it is not what we claim for ourselves. It is not what we say, but what we do. If you are going to employ a man as a shearer, a labourer, a carpenter, or anything else, you do not take that man at his own valuation. You watch to see what the man does, and then you can form an opinion as to what he is worth."

The argument on tho motion for the appointment of official liquidators to the Colonial B»nk was -continued yesterday, and occupied the Supreme Court all day. There are still nine affidavits to be filed, and po;sibly there mvf bo some argument upon them affecting tha question of the application for inspeetiou, but the case for and against the permanent appointment of the provisional liquidators was concluded, and Mr Justice Williams intimated that judgment would probably be given daring tho coming week.

The Chamber of Commerce was to have met yesterday afternoon, but as tbe meeting was Used during the race week by inadvertence, it was decided to postpone it to a future date.

Mr Paulin advised us at 11.45 last night :—> "Light to moderate N.E. to S.E. winds, floe for about 24- hours, barometer unsteady, indications becomiug unsettled."

A flying visit is being paid to this colony at j present by two noted German scientists, Dr C. j Scbmeisaer- s,nd Dr Vogelsang, who occupy tho position of royal mining commissioners in their own country. The learned doctors arrived at tho Bluff by tho Mararoa, from Melbourne, on Tuesday, and came ou to Dunediu by the express. They were met by Professor Ulrich, with whom they passed the following day acquiring a knowledge of mining matters in this part of the colony, their inquiries extending from 10 a.m. till late on in tbe afternoon. The Professor strongly pressed, the commissioners to visit the works of the Blue Spur Consolidated Company, the information he supplied them with in connection with the company's operations proving of great interest, but unfortunately it was impossible to do so, as they ore expected back in Germany in the beginning of July. Their visit to this colony has been principally in connection with tha West Australian gold measures, the German Government having sent them out to get information with a view to reporting on West Australia as a field for the investment of German capital. They have spent about five months in that colony, and during that time have gained much valuable information. They left Dunedin by Thursday's express, en route for the West Coast, via the Oiir&'Gnrge. They will visit some of the West Coast mines, including those of Reefton, and thence proceed , via Nelson to Wellington, where they will interview the Minister for Mines and Sir James Hector. Before leaving the colony they will visit the Coromandel, the Waihi, and other miues in the Auckland district. From Auckland thty proceed to New South Wales and Queensland, and thence home by California and other American mining centres. Drs Schmeisser and Vogelsang are courteous snd agreeable gentlemen, and they made a most pleasant impression on those who had the good fortune to meet them during their short sojourn in Dnnedin. The meetings held on Cup Day in the North Dunedin Presbyterian Church Hall were continued last night by the Rev. George Soltau, when ft large number again gathered to hear the address given on " The Man of Prayer." Some hymns were again vary beautifully rendered by a choir under tbe lead of Mr Brunton. To-night another meeting will be held, when the topic will be " Lord, Teach Us to Pray." , A first offender, charged with drunkenness, was convicted snd discharged by Mr E. H. Carew, S.M., at the sitting of tho City Police Court yesterday morning. All the other cases were either struck out or adjourned. The following further results of voting by i School committees for tbe Education Board are to hand :—Cljde and Gimmerburn—Messrs Ramsay, Mackenzie, and Gallaway ; Otiako— Messrs Ramßay, Gallaway, aud Dr Stenhouse ; Portobello and Kalianui—Messrs Green, Mackenzie, and Gallaway; Port Moeraki—Messrs Ramsay, Gallaway, and Dr Stenhouse.

On the 24th January Messrs H. Wise and Co. obtained from the Chief Justice of Tasmania an interlocutory injunction restraining Gr. F. Wilton from publishing his " T»saianian Town aud Country Directory " on the ground that it was an infringement of "Wise's Tasmanian Post Offico Directory," duly entered at Stationers' Hall, London, and copyrighted. Subsequently the defendant applied to dissolve the injunction, but the Chief _ Justice refused the application. His Honor said he was satisfied the defendant had appropriated to a substantial extent the results of the labour and expenditure of the plaintiffs. It was alleged that defendant had employed tho same man a3 had been employed by Wise aud Co. for tho compilation of the directory, but had reproduced for Hobart alono 50 errors, mostly in tho way of spelling names.

The Purakanui School held its annual picnic on Priday in a paddock adjoining the school, kindly lent for tho occasion by Mr Mawson. Although the morning looked dull, the day kept beautifully fine for outdoor sports. The children, teachers, and parents turned out in full force and made the day one of pleasure. After lunch the games were begun, and kept up with great vigouruntil tea time. Bach child received a prize. Tho majority of the committee were on the ground, and, assisted by willing hands, worked hard to make the picnic a success, which thoy succeeded in doing. After tea the children were dismissed well pleasedwith their day'B enjoyment.

The third production of " Saved from the Sea" by Mr Bland Holt's company waß given in the Princess Theatre last evening. There was another crowded hopse, and the performance was received with enthusiasm, the efforts of tbe different mombersof the company (all of whom acquitted themselves admirably) aud Mr Spong'a splondid scenic effects eliciting unstinted applause. The mechanical arrangements were executed without a hitch, and tbe production waa in every sense of the word a success. "Saved from tho Sea" will be repeated this evening, when the last opportunity offered to the public of witnessing ii will occur, as, Mr Holt's season being of only short duration, Mensrs Shirley and Landeck's drama has to. make way to-morrow night for Mr Haddoa Chambers's play " The Fatal Card,"

There are 16 pupil teachership. vacancies in tbe Otago schools, aud tbe Education Board have received about 160 applications from candidates for the positions.

The last night but one is announced of tbe clever combination which has appeared at the City Hall during the past four weeks. The Faust Family, Messrs Hagan and Gourlay, and Miss Fraser have made themselves very popular here during their stay. Their performances evidently hit the public taste, everything thoy do beiug clever, humorous, aud at the same time refined. There was a good attendance at the City Hall l»3t night, when the programme of the previous evening was repeated with tha same sucoesa. There is no doubt that for the two ensuing evenings large audiences will assemble to bid them farewell. For to-night and to-morrow evening a specially attractive programme is being prepared.

There was again a very large attendance at Messrs Fitzgerald Bros.' Circus last night,whsn the performance of the previous evening wan repeated, The various itcmß on the programme were csuried out in a manner which elicited the warmest demonstrations of approval from the audience. One of tho most remarkable features of the performance was the contortion act of the brothers Eulair, who twisted themselves about iv a wonderful way— indeed, it was djGicnltto coucoive that they could ba surpassed in their own particular line of business. Mdlis. Antonio's 'performance on the aerial trapeze was also exceedingly graceful and clever, aud her sonsational drop from the roof of the pavilion into a net a few feet from the ground was watched with almost breathless interest. Profesaor Peart's div» from the roof of the marquee into 3ft of water likewise excited a considerable amount of wonder; while the remarkable exhibition given by that intelligent animal Mahomet, known as "the talking horse," was received with the heartiest applause. To-night the troupe g'i7e another performance.

The operatic carnival was continued at the Garrison Hall last night. There was a crowded attendance, and the many beautiful dances were gone' through under tho direction of Signor Borzoni with the utmost success. The characteristic composition " Tho Battle of Sedan" wai also performed, and.was received with many demonstrations'of approval, the limelight pictures shown by Mr If. W. Simms being much.more clearly depicted than on tha previous occasions. To-night the carnival will be opened again, and a matinee will be held ! to-morrow, when each child who attends will receive a present. A good programme is being prepared for the beneSt tendered by the combined theatrical compauies at present in Dunedin to Mr and Mrs Martyn Hagan at the Princes. Theatre oa Monday afternoob. The box plan will be open to-day. _ . •» - 7 The Colonial Sugar Refining Company has advanced the prices of sugars. Tlie auuual meeting of the United Hercules Hydraulic Sluicing Company (Limited) will be held on Wt'.dne-day next. Messrs Wright, Stephenson, aud Co. will hold a stock sale at Palmerston to-day. A notice to the cmditors of the Croesus Consolidated Quartz Mining Company (Limited) i appears in our advertising columns. The Hillside workshops picnic committee thank a number of gentlemen for donations. Tlw Vincent County Council invite tenders for contract No. 318. Mefsra Moritz.on and Hopkin will sell a buggy to-morrow.

The official inspection of the Dunediu Corps of the St. John Ambulance Brigade will be held on Saturday afternoon next, when Colonel Wales and tin) member.-- of the Central Committee will review the ambulances on the hill at "Waverley. The inspection is fixed for 5.30 p.m.

Mr It. Staunton, of 157 High street, Chriatchurch, suffered for 14 years from indigestion in all its forms. One bottle "Wahoo" made anew man of him. 2s (id, all chemists and grocers.— Advt.

Last week Carter's great sale. Tremendous bargains iv all departments. You can't do better than try Carter aud Co. for drapery and clothing.—Advt.

John Hisi.or, 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.—[AnvT.].

Mollison and Cos. tremendous summer sale commences to-day (Friday), 31s I. Jauuary, and will continue for four weeks.—Mollison and.Co., 195 and 197, George street, Dunedin.—Advt.

Messrs Kjpn and Co., surgical and mechanical dentists, notifythat theyhavecommenced business opposite Cargill's Monument, Princes st.—[Advt.] Xmas and,. New ■ Year Presents.—Three shipments opeued this month. Stock full in all departments with latest novelties.—G. and T. ■Soung, direct importers, 83 Princes street. —Advt;

ili.e-.sis A. and J. At'lfAiti.ANj. beg to cail attention to their advertisement over tho leader. Any orders entrusted to them will receive the best attention.— ranvr.l

Who is Peter Dick ?—The most reliable Watchmaker, Moray place, Dunedin (opp. Coffee Palace). Watches cleaned, os ; mainsprings, 4s 6d.—Advt.