NOTES OF THE WEEK.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10619, 14 March 1896, Page 4

NOTES OF THE WEEK.

We cannot but regard it ag exceedingly questionable whstber Mr justice,Cokolly was rignt in admitting GAVIS M'lnty/kis Pakk to probation. The man pleaded guilty to stealing a large sum of Government money. It was stated that, as he forfeited his compensation, and was guaranteed by tha Civil Service * guarantee fund,, the Government would loan nothing. AH that, however, had very little r.o do with tha character of his offence. It is evident that the judge was aotnatsd hy a feeling of pity in admitting him to 12 months' probation. In trntb, however,' his offence was of. the gravest character. The fact that ho stole a large Bam of money which was entrusted to him as a public officer is hardly mitigatad by the circumstance that he had given way to drink. The ground on whioh his Honor put the matter was that the man bad not falsified his accounts, and that he had made prompt confession, and the kind of reinstatement whioh is implied in the fact that the Government had the means of repaying themselves. Though we do not feel justified as a rnle in criticising the sentences of judges, we cannot help thinking that this was a case for a term of imprisonment, even though a moderate one.

The ever-present question of charitable aid expenditure and its burdens was discussed in a verj melancholy tone at the meeting of. tho Benevolent Institution Trnatees last Wednesday. Aud well it might ba, as it is impossible to present the subject in a cheerful aspect, and eqnally imposaible to take a-cheerful view of it. Two or three expressions used by members are calculated to cause grave uneasiness. Mr BIUDGMAN c-aid: " Poverty is increasing every day, and every individual is getting poorer every day." We are compelled to acknowledge the truth of the first of these two propositions ; but we should be sorry to have to accept the second. Tho average age of the adult population is rising, as we are not now, as formerly, receiving crowds of young immigrants from Europe. The heavy residuum of broken-up families left on the community is one cause of the increase of pauperism. As to whether the community is getting poorer, as suggested by this speaker and Mr Green, we have no abeolute test. In good years it apDearo to be imnroviak its .HosiSlon;

in bad years— i.e., in yeara of low prices—its position appsars to go back. The fact is that tho community as a whole is heavily indebted, and its poverty is easily put to the strain. We are confident; however, that on the whole tho wealth of the country ia increaninir, though, wa niHst admit, slowly. Mr Guess's statement was more pointed : " The fact is that white the Government is employing men in the country districts tbe trustees are supporting tbe wives and children of theae men." It we may judge from the fact that " Hear, hear" greeted this statement it was based on *ome actual knowledge common to those present. If it ba so, then we can only say that It is a pretty clear indication that ths system of Government support given in this form, is a bad one. We have always suspected this to be trie case, though not on this particular ground. Unfortunately, Government support when given is based on motives which ara quiet distiact from those which actuate mere^ administrative bodies like these trustees. Until State pauperism in every form ia treated as a whole and upon a uniform system its administration will continue, so to speak, to conflict with itEelf in this way. We are glad to see that Mr Farnie has challenged the correctness of the statement made by Mr Gbben, and we hops he is right. We are not sure, however, that Mr Fabnie has full mean 3of knowing all the ins and outs of tbe question. It is rather the duty of the board to investigate such matters, and we hope that thay will, in conjunction with Mr Farnib, do something iv the way of ascertaining the facts which will satisfy tbe public.

It is certainly unpleasant to have to read that General Baeatieki did not wait until the battls was finiahed.snd took no steps to gather up the fugitives. In plain English this means that Baratieri saved his skin while his routed army was flying bafore an enemy, and that he saved this at the cost o£ using his supports to protect himself rather tban the fugitives. Let us hope for tbo credit of a bravo but unfortunate people that this is not true. Ttiera is another feature of this question which affects not only Italy, bat the whole world. It is now stated—though, at the same time, denied in Germany—that Italy ia so weakened that sbs may be obliged to withdraw from the Triple Alliance. It is impossible to snppose that this defeat has weakened her to this extent. Her weakness Whs well known before this. Her Guanoes are in bad order; her psopie are enormously taxed; her armaments ara unbearably heavy. All this comes o£ attempting to play the part of a great Porcor, which in her situation is really impossible. It may be that the IO3S of this battle is the final blow which will cause her to abandon an xmtenable position. The resnlb will be somowhat serious. Definite results can only ba guessed at, but when an important diplomatic arrangement breaks np Powers are likely to strive for some other. Probably the best possible would be that Italy should take a secondary placa in a more general alliance of south-eastern States with Germany and Austria, but the mere attempt to form such an allianca would cause much trouble. With the threat of Italy withdrawing, it. if» not wonderful tbat some of the best Bpirit3 in Germany should sed the desirability of trying to repair ths damage dono by the Emperor to the friendly understanding with England.

It is to be bopud that the rise in wool may be permanent. Though it amounts to several pence since it was at its lowest—about 12 months ago,—it does not yet bring this important commodity up to a level which caa be termed high prices. Oa the contrary, in tho days of rich squatters these prices would have beon considered poor. Iv ths day of small things, however, we have to be thankful for figure 3 which render sheepraising remunerative, and if we can only retain prices like these our farmers can stand the ordinary fluctuations of the moat market. These fluctuations, which come very often, comicg on the top of low prices for wool, render the whole business 'very precarious. Few people' realise the extent to which the price of wool governs our prosperity. In the first place wool totals Bomewhore about half the value of our exports. When 10 per cant, is suddenly added to the value of these exports without adding to the cost of producing them, the sudden increasa of wealth produced ia enormous). In tbe case of a squatter with medium-sized flocks it means something equivalent to giving him £1000 a year extra income. In tha case of an ordinary farmer it adds from £100 to £200 to bis attenuated income. To add such a sum for one or two years often means the payment of an ovetdraft, the reduction of a mortgage, or tha building of a new house. The result in any case affecth tho whole community. No othor mode of increasing the wealth of the community is so far-reaching in its effeots in tbe sense of distributing wealth into every pocket in the colonj. High prices are not to be expected, but a few years of moderately good prices would mend the fortunes of this colony very materially.

The lecture delivered by Mr A. W. Maubais to the Theosopbical Society on Monday last must have proved eminently satlßfaotory to his audieflce. It is well, for instance, to have grasped the truth that this is a fundamental proposition, of Eastern philosophy: "An omnipresent, boundless, eternal, immutable principle beyond the reach of hnman conception, unthinkable and unspeakable." It need 3a, five air of authority to be able to teach concerning that which is "beyond the reach of human conception"—snch experiments can only be safely performed on a Dunedin audience. To speak concerning that which is "unthinkable and unopeakabie" is, sines Mr Wortljington's sudden departure, possible in Christchurch, but we donbt whether it is profitable. The Seventh Standard and tbe High School combined have not yet led to our population becoming capable o£ grasping " ths eternity of the universe in toto, the playground of numberless universes incessantly appearing and disappearing in a regular tidal sequence of flux and reflux." They have hitherto felt so far content with one universe as not to have learnt to decline that particular noun in the plural. For a more practical handling of tho question a fufenw generation will await the time when Mr A. Wilson's letter on technical schools has been auswered by the Hon. J. MaoGeegor. " Tbe identity of all boulb with the universal Ocr-soul" is intelligible at leaat to those who have read of the ancient heresy o!i Pantheism in its multitudinous forms. Tho confidence with which the lecturer works out this proposition and its kindred topic of reincarnation to tho end is no doubt comforting to followers of: this new yet very old belief* But how sh^H we obtain any real knowledge of the subject 2

We are sorry to sse that a difference, resulting in a deadlock or something like it, has arisen between Jutsge Barton and the Government. Jddgo Barton was appointed a jndgs of. the Native Lands Court by the Atkinson Governmsut, and it has always been admitted that, despite his peculiar temperament, he mado an excellent judge. The appointment of a lawyer of repute, who at the same time was a painstaking and determined man, was a otsp in the right direction, but it is not forgottsn that trouble occurred now and then. Oaca, if wa recollect aright; thore was friction with a brother judge who knew Maori and did not always await the slow methods of the interpreter. When Jndgo Bap.ton was appointed to tha Validation Court, trouble arose again over soma details, and the court found that it couldn't atari; —at any rate it wouldn't start until certain things had been done or undone. All this demanded a good deal of patience on the part of the Native Minister, but the patience was forthcoming, ns Government felt that in dealing with a man of talent a little room must be allowed for the play of eccontrioUy. B? the exercise of forbearance a great amount o£ work was got over. Now it appears that a new trouble has cropped up. Judge Babton claims his travelling expenses for a time when he was absent from the coldny, and practically intimates his intention of going out on strike if his claim is not admitted. Wo presume that this absence was oa leave and not on tho bnsine^s of his court. In these circumstances it isi not surprising that the allowance should be refused, " following tho regular rnle." Of. course Government may be all wrong and Judge Barton quite right, but we can only judgo by appearances and perhaps a pardonable resort to ancient history. It would not be fair to rake up the scenes in which ha figured years ago beyond saying that they throw a little light on the present crisis when questions of reasonableness and temperament arise.

The Hon. J. G. Ward arrived by the Dorth express last evenine. He remains in town for a few dwa, '

The sharp.frosb of Thursday night and Friday morning has, it is feared, considerably damaged tha potato crop in tho Taieri district. Ths "haws" have been blackened, and tho growth of the tabsrs ha» no doubt been stopped. Prior to the frost the crop was not eip'ected to be as good as usual. Farmers have certainly been unfortunate in the matter of weather this

Mr Paulin at 8.30 last evening intimated that the weathor over the western portion of this islaDd will be stormy after the next 18 hours, and all ship captains are warned of a large atmospheric disturbance to the south of 4-ldeg S. and west of i7oa"9g. E. Strong N.W. to S.W. to S.E. winds. Baromster unsteady.

Mr A. Morrison, M.H.R., has addressed four meetings of his constituents during tbe past week, and at each place of meeting he obtained a vote of thanks and confidence. (

The following transactions in land have taken place daring the past week:—Hun li, Lake County, containing 18,800*, selected as a paetoral run by James Dunsy, at an annual rental of £15; sections 9 and 10, block VII, Upper Taieri, containing la lr 28p, selected by John Cambridge for onon, at a capital value of 25s p«r acre ; section 11, block XI, Tautukn, containing 99a Or 35p, selected by Michasl Welsh on lease in perpetuity, at a capital value of 17s 6d per acre; section 17, block XI, same district, containing 84a 2r lp, selected by Lawreuce Power on lease in perpetuity, at a capital value of 12s 6d per acre; section 9, block Xf, same district, containing 95a 2r 23p, selected by Alexander Little on lease in perpetuity, at a capital value of 15s per acre; section 19, block XI, same district, containing 88a lr, selected by James Milligan on Wee iv perpetuity, at a capital value of 10s per acre ; section W, block SI, same district, containing 99a lr 24-p, selected by F. W. Hunt oa lease iv perpetaity, at a capital value of 12s G3.

The monthly meeting of the Kaikorai School Committee, held last night, wan attended by Messrs Scott (chairman), Calder, Matheaon, j Moir, Fraer, Duncsn, and Roberts. The head master repotted that the school attendance i was fair, various epidemic 3 himg somewhat prevalent. The number on the roll was— Bojs, 415; g!r!s, 401 ;— 'total, 816. The i average attendance since last meeting had I hec-n—Boy?, 388 ; girls, 370 ;—total, 758. It ■ was decided to greint the Roslyn Tennis Club | the- use of the ground on the couth. ei«3e of the school on coudiiiou that they provided the ! necessary wire netting to protect shrubs and I prevent trespassing on neighbouring property. Accounts amounting to £3 13s 6d were passed for payment. Slesurn Scott, Calder, aud Fraer were reappointed si visiting, committee. The committee passed a motion condoling with Mr Crawford, one of thsir number, on the loss of his wife.. Mr R. H. Wane, a visitor, from England, who was staying with relatives at New Plymodth, was choked by a plum stone on Saturday evening. Deceased came to the colony thKe months ago for the benefit of his health. He leaves considerable property in England. ! Attention is again being attracted to the consumption of übsiatbe in Francs, and some startling statements ia connection therewith are being made. Men as a rule take the | absinthe diluted wifh water, sipping it j slowly. But' the women, to the con- j sternation. of the doctors, insisS as a rule ion drinking it " neat," with most terrible I results to their conotUutions. The number of j brilliant men whom France has lost through the abuse of the opalescent but poisonous fluid, i from the great pool; Alfred de Massed, who used to be picked up drunk and half-dead nvery j night in the street*, down to the celebi-ited I actist and caricaturist, Andre Gil!, is simply S fjppulling. An idea of the extent oE tho evil may b3 gathered from (he recent returug of tba j Ministry of l'iuanna, which shows that at tho ! present moment there is a marchsnd de yin, or French abointha seller, to every three bouses iv the French metropolis.

The children from the Kaitangata School, with their teachers aad some of the parents, wera brought to town yesterday by train, and, after enjoying themselves, returned iv the afternoon. The children attending tUn AVaitati School were conveyed to Pnlceteraki smd back by train.

Mr A. G. Kidston-Hunter, analytical chemist, ia establishing a school of pharmacy in Dunedin, and tho Pharmacy Board has agteed to recognise •it as an official school. Mr Kidston-Hunter has made arrangements to open the school after Easter, and anyone desirous of obtaining information osn do so by communicating with him.

A very attractive programme is being prepared for the concert to bo given on Wednesday evening by Mdlle. Tcebelli, the famous vocs.list. As already announced, the Dunedin Liedsrtafel and Mr A. Salvini will assist, and acraugements have also been made for the appearance of Miss Annie Mosley (violinist), and Mr Jesse Timson will be the accompanist.

TO-MOBROW'S CHURCH SERVICES. St. Paul's Cathedral.—Holy communion S a.m., matins and mid-day celebration 11 a.m.; preacher, the Bishop. Evensong 0.30; preachur, Rev. I. lticbards.

Trinity Wesleyan Church.—Key. J. .1. Lewis, moinin? and evening. Subjects: " Christ's Lambs" ami " The Prenchc's Model."

All Saints' Climcb.—Services at S a.m., 11 a.m., 3 p m., aud 6.30 p.m. Preacher, Key. R P.» Cscheniaille.

St. Matthew's Church.—Services morning and evening Preacher, Rsv. K. P. Hood.

Cargill Road Wesleyan Church-Rev. W. B. Marten (of Oiimaru). morning and evening. Mosgiel Church: Messrs C. Taylor and H. Kodila.

Central Mission, Garrison Hall.—Key. "Hush Bsggs, of Way College,. South Australia, mornins aud evening. Disciples of Christ.—Mr Mazengarb, morning and evening. Suhjects : " Worldly Anxiety" and " The Homes of To-day."

North-Kast Valley Presbyterian Church.—Mr Jamieson. mornios and evening.

North Duuedin Presbyterian Church. — Rev, I. K. M'lntyre, morning and evening.

Messra Park, Reynolds, and Co. will continue their Bale of furniture at Royal tarrace to-day. The Farmers' Aeency Company hold a stock sale at Clinton on Friday uoxt.

Messrs J. Samson and Co. will soil unredeemed pledges to-day. Consignees of goods per barque K. A. C. Smith, from New York, dre requested to pass entries, tec. The trustees of the Neluoa School of Music invite applications for the position of piunoforta teacher.

Walter Guthrie and Co. (Limited) invite appli-. cations for the position of secretary to the company. Attention is directed to advertisement re prize competition for poetry r* Morris'o Electric 'Wash. The mmitbly nifoting of tho Burus Olub will be held on Wednesday evening next.

Mr W. A. Wallou will sell furniture, ice. at the Dunedin Furniture Halo Rooms next Wednesday.

The common jurors summoned for Monday are discharged from attendance.

'Die Farmers' Agency Company will hold their annual ram fair at Btirnsidn oa Thursday next.

Messrs Donald ileid and Co. will hold thoir Taini horee and stock fair on Tuesday.

Messrs Wright, Stepheusoo, and Co. will hold their annual rain and owe fair at Burnside on Thursday. 19th March. The liev. George SoUau will hold hia last mission services in the City Hall from ihe 23rd to the 27*h inst.

The Waikouaiti County, Council have a notice to ratepayers in our advertising columns. ljjX!irnin<ikions of candidates for admission to the Incorporated Institute of Accountants of New Zealand will begin on Juno 15.

All claims against the estate of the late Mary Ann Reynolds must be sent in to Messrs Callan aud Gallaway by the 11th prox.

The balance sheet of the Otftgo Dock Trust is now open for inspection. A special meeting of the trust will bo held on the 2nd prox. for the purposu of receiving and passing the annual accounts.

Th" Greyraouth-Poinfc Elizabeth Railway and Coal Company notify that they havo disposed of their business to Messrs .Totm Mill mul Co.

I'rofessor BickertJin, of Christchnrcb, professor of chemistry and Colonial analyst, fays Loasbv's

" Wahoo" is purely herbal. Sufferers from indigestion unanimously voto. it the only specific remedy for that trouble. 2s (id ; all chemists and grocers.—Advt. John Hisi.or, Watchmifeer and Jeweller, 74 Princes street. The oldest establish! house in town.' Repairs of all kinds. Good assortment Watches, Clocks, and Jewellery. Spectacles to suit nil sitcbta.-CAnvT.].

Carter and Co nre-mow making their first autumn show. Large shipment just arrived «x Aorauei. Novelties in all departments'. Prices strictly moderate. See Carter's windows.—Advt.

Jn Jloi.iilSON anU Co.'s advertisement it will bo noticed that their first display of this season's autumn and winter goods will he on Tuesday, 10th March, and following days. Lady custoniois sue specially invited.—Advt. Buyers of Boots would do well to remember that Simon Brothers, George street, aro making special reductions this week.—Advt. Messrs Kn>u ANi> Co., surgical and mechanical deutists, notify that theyhuvecommuncud huaitiess opposite C&rgill's Moaumeufr, Princes st.— [Advt.

Mo-sis A. and J. M 'I''a.<...,,M'. beg f> <">U attantion to their advertisement over the leader. Any orders entrusted to them will receive the best attention.—'aiivt.l

Xmas and New Year Presents.—Three shipments Aliened this month. Stock fnll in all departments with latest .novelties.— G. and T. V o uxa. dixsct importers. 88 Princes street.—Advt

Who is Peter Dick t— Tha most reliable Watchmaker, Moray place, Dunedin (opp. Coffee Palace). AVatches cleaned, sa; mainsprings, 4s 6d.—Advt.

Wende^'s pure jrrapß wines may be had from Mercer Broa., D. Booth, Wilsons, C. B. Miller, Peterson, and Carolin, grocors.—Advt.