CURRENT TOPICS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11399, 17 April 1899, Page 4

CURRENT TOPICS.

Tho introduction into the Dominion Parlia-

ment by Sir Wilfrid Laurier A pacific of a bill authorising the Gocable. ■ vcrnmenl to co-operate with

Great Britain and the Auslra^ linn colonies in the construction of a Pacifio cable brings a- scheme of the utmost importance to the British Empire once more into prominence. We have sketched moro than once tho plans for the connection of the Australian colonies with the American continent by submarine cable, and also Sir Sandford Fleming's later conception of an all-red cable which shall completely girdle tho Empire. The arguments in favour of Ihe Pacific cable are, from an Imperial point of view. simply incontestable. AVhat the absence of the cable involves was forcibly pointed out in a recent number of The Times. Tho Eastern and Western limits of the Empire havo no direct connection with each other across an ocean which has become the theatre of an increasingly interesting political development ; naval detachments stationed at Hongkong. Wei-hai-wei, Auckland, Sydney, and Esquiinaull can communicate only by telegraph in a loop line encircling two hemispheres ; an Australia which is about lo federate has no telegraphic communication with tho .Western Drovinces of Canada, which ar.

SfeLia. rapidly opening under ihe influenco of gold !t*fl«7i' discoveries; and such island colonies as Fiji 7 4 ' ~ havo no nioaiis whatever of swift conimuuica- '.-■?; 1 -i ti°n with tho heart of the Empire or tho ' jj"'■ world. All this has, in Iho language of Tho ■7A 'Times, become an anomaly lo which it is J .; moro than timo to put an end. To tho adi.-, vantages which, from this aspect of Iho qucs- ..■ ' U ' tion, tho construction of a Pacific cable would ;; j . present may bo added Iho serious disadvan- ,- .!'!.'! tago attendant upon the fact that each of Iho -!;-7 ! present cablo linos connecting us with the ■ ''ii/. mother country could, iv the event ol war, i.'! be al once interrupted in the Mediterranean or elsewhere, and tho communication he--7 tween Great Britain and Egypt, Tudia, and 7:-5 " other Eastern as well as Australian stations, 7■'■'.j|'!; might at any moment be entirely broken off, ■."■'■i\i for Iho Eastern Extension telegraph cables ,7'.'%j.! skirt hostile shores and aro in many points in ■!S | such shallow waters that lhey cull bo out /M ' without .difficulty. Thai is a prospect too ■■'si: serious to contemplate with any degree of i equanimity. So far a.-i Iho cost of eoiislriicI tion of aPaeifio cable goes the question of • financial risk lo the Governments which, are 7jl'' expected to guarantee the cost is practically ' ll.;' eliminated. The maximum cosl of laying tho ..!§.. cable and maintaining it in repair for threo .->!_ years is estimated at £1,800,000. it is protM'[ posed that the capital for its construction 'if!1' should be raised under thu joint guarantee, "Sj in certain proportion:!, of tlio Governments "■■oj of Canada, Australasia, and Great Britain, !.': ll and it io estimated that the total yearly cosl, fill including interest, working expenses, and 7:, v charges for repairs, would amount to about Ml £160,000, but it is reckoned that tho cable /"Wi Mould at unco command traffic to the valuo 4fj of £180,000 per annum—and this, 100, with /w. a reduction o^ one-third m the cost of cabling. ■7.,]. Such a reduction in tho cost of the lelegra- ,!|| phic correspondence which now to a largo !!.!( extent governs the trade between Great Bri.'.'Sj. tain and the Australasian colonies would :I % have considerable value for the business world :■/ : of both countries.

The very complete information which is issued with the annual report the trade and statement of accounts of OP A rOBT. the Wellington Harbour Board

indicates how well Wellington is served by its contral position and the possession of a lino natural harbour. Tho shipping return gives proof of a, remarkablo growth of trade lo the port. The Harbour Hoard was established eighleeen years ago, aud tho return goes back to 1882. In that year the arrivals at the port oi' Wellington numbered 1522 vessels of all classes, representing a tonnage of 356,107 tons. In 1893 the number of arrivals was 2370 vessels, or an increas. of 55 per cent. Tho aggregate tonnage of these vessels ' was, however, 1,328,052 tons, and Uik represents an increase of 272 per cent., illustrating how the tendency has been to build larger and larger boats in order to meet the demands of trade. The same return throws a not uninteresting light on tho subject of the decline of the sailing vessel for the purposes ol ocean trading. In 1882' the arrivalo at Wellington of vessel: from tho United Kingdom numbered 32. Everyone of these was c. sailing vessel. The direct, steamers had not then mado their advent. That was an event which the following year witnessed,'and with it the decline of the sailer immediately commenced. In no year'since 1882 nave as many as 32 sailing vessels from the United Kingdom arrived in Wellington. The next highest number of arrivals of sailing vessels in any ono year since 1382 was 25. That was the number that arrived in 1883 and 1881.' The direct steam service was then in its infancy, although it had already made its influence felt in causing a shrinkage in the arrival of sailers. In 1883 half a dozen steamers direct from the United Kingdom reached Wellington, in 1884- there were nine, in 1885 six, and' in 1886 five. After that year there was a sudden jump to 18 in 1887, and 6ince then tho number, though fluctuating from year to year and.not showing any regular increase, has always stood high. Last year it stood at 26, irrespective of other 26 -which reached Wellington via coastal ports in the colony— altogether, one direct steamer per week on an average. On the othor hand, the number of arrivals of sailing vessels has steadily decreased,, and last year the low-water mark of all these eighteen years was reached, the total arrivals direct from the United Kingdom being six only. Since then the New Zealand Shipping Company has announced its intention of wholly disposing of its sailing fleet. It must be recognised tljatthfl day. of the sailing vessel for long over-sea voyages in a trade on which all the' difference between the loss and profit on a- shipment may depend upon the voyage being accomplished within a certain time- has very nearly parsed. In some services the sailer may still prove useful, and it is noticeable that the number of Bailing vessels that last year reached Wellington from intercolonial ports was larger than in any year since 1886. These vessels were probably in most cases colliers, and it is likely that the bulk of them would be barques. There were almost certainly no brigs amongst them, for the arrival of a brig in Wellington the other day was the means of calling attention to the scarcity of that kind of rig nowadays, this particular brig having been the first seen in Port Nicholson for more than twelve months;'

The French colonial policy is the despair of French explorers. Lieutenant FBANOE Hourst, who has led an expediON the lion up the Senegal to the highNlGEit. est navigable point on the

Niger and descended that river, has boen the last explorer to give expression to his despair. He complains that it is like preaching to the desert to advocate a rational colonial policy in France. He has, how-ever, very definite ideas as to the shape that his country's plans on the Niger should take, and he contends that the French Soudan offers an excellent field for settlement. He frankily admits that Britain has been more successful than France in the matter of colonisation, but it is gall and wormwood to him to have to make the admission. "All the colonies available for peopling have," he says, " already been appropriated by our English rivals. Australia wa3 the last of them." Lieutenant Hourst saw nothing hut Greok gifts, even in tho courtesies that on his explorations were extended to him by the

'rivals" of whom he is so envious. The Niger Company's officers treated him and his companions with the utmost consideration, placing everything at his disposal. This he insists on regarding as " only a clever bit of diplomacy," and he fears more the "sham friendliness" of the company than its open hostility. The result of Lieutenant Hourst's exploration was to show that the trade of the French Soudan can only find an outlet by way of the Senegal, an interdict having been laid by Nature on the navigation of a great part of the Niger, which, below Ansongo is " simply one 'hopeless labyrinth of rocks, islands, reefs, and rapids." The fearful Labezenga-rapids were enough to daunt the most intrepid explorer, and Lieutenant Hourst declares that not all the gold in the world would tempt him to make the trip under the same conditions as those under which' he negotiated it. " Ten times a day at least," he writes, "we had to face these awful rapids, to go through all the agony of suspense, succeeded by the awful sensation of passing over the obstacles before us, whilst the boat seemed to rush from beneath us and plunge into the foam, from which it seemed impossible for it evor to emerge. . . .

I don't mind in the least owning that we were afraid, that we knew what fear was day by day for a whole month—foai in the day. at the passage of every fresh obstacle, and yet greater fear in the night, for then nightmare exaggerated the horrors of the light." Any attempt therefore to turn the Niger to account for the carriage of merchandise would simply result in failure. Lieutenant Hourst consequently urges upon France the necessity of finishing a railway between Kayes and Koliborc—373 miles in length— whicli would unite the 622 miles of the navigable Senegal with the 1056 miles of the Niger whicli can be navigated by steamers. The next link, he maintains, should be an alliance with the Tuaregs, the most powerful tribe on the Niger.

The civil caso M'Phcc v. AVright. Stephenson, and Co.. an action upon a contract for the sale of oats, was resumed at the Supreme Court at 10 o'clock on Saturday morning, and another stage in its progress was made. Mr John P. - Newman's cross-examination was concluded, Mr Robert David Munro was eallcd and examined, and the evidence in chief of Mr John Wright, jun.. was taken. At 3 o'clock Ihe court was adjourned, and the cross-examination of Mr AVright will commence at 10 o'clock (his (Monday) morning, at which hour the sitting of the court will be resumed. The ease has already occupied six full days, and the end is hardly in sight. There arc half a dozen expert witnesses still lo be called and examined, so that it seems improbable tho case will conclude to-day.

It was expected that a silting of. the Supreme Court in Chambers would bo held on Saturday last, but this was not possible, the civil case that had been recommenced on Tl-.m'id.-v not, hemp- concluded. The same

cause will almost certainly render necessary tho postponement of other cases that woro set down for hearing, but at present it is nat possible to intimate what business will bo takon.

At about 8.20 la3t night a firo wan discovered in Mr Thomas N. Clark's grocery storo and fruit shop, in Albany street. Tho alarm was given from tho King- streot indicator and tho brigado woro quickly on tho spot, and soon succeeded in extinguishing tho flames. A^ery littlo damago was done, only

a few pounds' worth of stock being destroyed,

Mr Clark states thai he was on tho premises at half-past 4 in the afternoon, when everything seemed all right, and he cannot account for the origin of the fire. The stock was insured in the Now Zealand ofiice for £75; but whether tho building, which is the property of Mr Robert Long, of Woodhaugh, was insured or not could not be ascertained yesterday.

The silting of tho City Police Court on Saturday was presided ovor by Mr S. G. Smith,

.1.1. Mary M'llroy was convicted and discharged for drunkenness, not having been beforo the court since 1896. Thomas Ritchie was charged with tho theft, from a dwelling, on the 4th inst., of a watch, chain, and a locket, valued at £2 10s, tho property of Joseph James. Detective M'Grath asked for a remand till Tuesday, as accused had only been arrested tho previous night, and hud mado some statements the truth of which required investigating .before tho case was proceeded with. The ease was remanded, bail being allowed, accused in £50 and two sureties of £25 each. This was all the business.

A second trial of Mr Markbam Brown's firo escape took place on Saturday-at the Grand Hotel. A large crowd 'gathered ■in front of tho hotel, and half a dozen mon— one carrying a portmanteau, and others with dummy babies in their arms—descended safely by means of the escape from the upper storey of tho building into Princes street. In some instances the men came down very quickly; but two or threo of them had some difficulty in. getting a start owing to the piece of iron piping which slides down the main rope and to which the -"life belt" is atlaehed getting caught in the ledge below the window. There ivas also a tendency on the part of some of tho men to cling lightly to the main ropo and ''thus retard their passage, instead of allowing their whole weight to hang on the life belt. Mr Brown intends to get over the difficulty of the iron pipe catching in the ledge of tho window by attaching wheels to it. The trial on Saturday suggested the possibility, oven if the alteration were made, of a person being kept dangling in the air for an indefinite time. . ,

We learn from tho convener of the Church Extension Committee of the Presbyterian Church that two of the threo ministers sent for have been appointed by the Colonial. Committee of the Free Church of Scotland, and may be expected in about six weeks. The two appointed aro the Rev. J. B. Hall, who has been working in connection with the North Leith Fjx.- Church, and the Rev. H. K. Laurie, who has for three, years done good work at Gibraltar. Both are young and highly spoken of by tho Home authorities, and no doubt will bo gladly welcomed by the Otago Presbyterian Church and the congregations at present vacant. ■' I

During the hearing of the case now before the Supreme Court, Mr Hosking on Saturday made jocular reference to the very diminutive character of one of the exhibits of oats, and cautioned the witness not to eat one of the grains as appeared to bo tho practice with experts when handling samples. Mr Justice Pennefather thereupon remarked that the,caution called tp his remembrance what happened iv Ceylon, where a gentleman who had undertaken to lecture on the banana, in the early part of his lecture ate the only specimen he had of the fruit, and then had to stop his discourse because he had nothing left with which to illustrate it.

There appears to exist in ■■ country districts some misconception as to tho regulations for admission into the Dunedin Hospital. The Tapanui Courier quoted the cose last, week of a man from that district, who alleged that, on consulting a medical man, who pronounced him to be suffering from an internal complaint, ho was refused admission into the Dunodin Hospital unless he paid £5 down, which he could not do. On referring the matter to Mr P. Miller, chairman of the Hospital Trustees,-he stated that he knew nothing df the case beyond the fact, that it was not urgent. Tapanui is in the Tuapeka Hospital district, and the hospital rate is paid to the Tuapeka County Council, so "that the man referred to Should have gone to the Tuapeka Hospital; for treatment, or have brought to Dunedin an order from the district hospital for admission to the Dunedin institution. Any person residing outside the Dunedin district has, before admission, to pay for one month's board and residence at the rate of 28s per week, unless able to produce an order from the district hospital. These regulations are fixed by the law, and the trustees can only carry thorn out. In all urgent cases, however, admission is .granted, and the district from which the patient comes is charged with the cost. Sometimes this is recovered after a fight, but sometimes no payment has been received. The instructions 'to the house surgeons are to err on the side of humanity when considering questions of admission.

During his visit to London (says the Christchurch Press) Mr F. Waymouth, secretary to the Canterbury Frozen Meat Company, arranged with Lloyd's to formulate rules for the classification of vessels engaged in carrying frozen meat. These rules have now been framed and brought into operation. They are very stringent in their requirements, and will afford an additional safeguard for shippers. The Fifeshire and the Morayshire have already received classification certificates under the new regulations.

The Chancellor of the University of New Zealand (Sir James Hectpr), in suggesting (says the Post) the faculties of "Medicine" and "Technology" as specialties for the Victoria College, said he merely offered these suggestions—he had no actual right to make them. A faculty was also wanting for the Auckland College, though that institution had already distinguished itself in a-most wonderful way, sweeping away all the university scholarships and prizes for physics and chemistry. . Sir James went on to say that in order to be able to read the ordinary magazines profitably they must havo a very large amount of knowledge, only to be. gained by actual contact with things themselves. There was no use blinking the fact that university colleges must have laboratories established on the most efficient lines, otherwise their teaching would be fruitless. It was quite ridiculous to see how many people at the present time were absolutely ignorant of the most essential points of knowledge of electricity, for instance, and many other subjects only to be learned through a course of practical study.

The Rev. Dr Waddeli announced at St. Andrew's Church last night that he intended during the. coming winter to give four lectures in connection with St.--Andrew's Literary Institute on the follo-.ving subjects: — " Christina Rosset'ti: Saint, Singer,and Seer, " "A Study of 'The Mill'on tho Floss',"

" Tho Prospects of Literature and Art in New Zealand," and " How to Write a Novel." He further stated that lectures would also bo given by Mr A. Wilson and Sir Robert Stout.

Our Nico correspondent informs us (says the Daily Telegraph) that t)ie mischievous statements published in London lo the effect that her Majesty had been made the subject of discourteous manifestations at the Casino at Nice, are absolutely devoid of foundation. The artisle who impersonated the Queen (among other exalted personages) declares that tho story of her being hissed is a complete fabrication. The Nicois are very indignant ovc what they consider fo' lie all insult to their country and good taslc.' Nowhere, lhey assert, even in her own dominions, is the Queen more beloved and appreciated, since she has endeared herself to her southern hosts in a thousand ways. Anybody who in Nice ventured to raise a hostile Voice would run a very distinct danger of being lynched on the spot.

A pleasing reminiscence of the energetic times when our forefather., really tackled Ritualism (says the London Daily Telegraph) was given by a gentleman at the meeting of St. Saviour's Vestry. Sonlliwark, during a discussion on a proposal to erect an altar screen, filled with images of the Madonna and various saints, in the newly-restored cathedral of South London. One of the opponents was Mr Fry, and he proudly remarked: "My family has always dissented from the Romanising movements in the church, and at the time of the Puseyite commotion my grandfather pulled tho vicar's nose across this very table."

The Marlborough, Southland, North Canterbury, South Canterbury, AVellingion, Taranaki, Nelson, and Otago Education Boards'1 have replied to the circular issued by the' AAttnganui Education Board, agreeing to the suggestion lo hold a conference of Education Hoards at AVcllington. The Auckland and AVeslland boards do not agree with the proposal.

The Mornington School Gymnasium, recently erected, has just boon taken over by tho school commilteo from the contractors, Messrs Foster and George. Tho building measures 74ft by 34ft, unci the walls aro 16ft in height, resting on a concrete foundation. The roof is sarked with T. and G. red pino, and the tie-beams and king-posts are made of dressed Oregon. II is tho largest hall in Mornington, and, being easy of access, as it is adjacent to Elgin road, will no doubt bo much used for lectures, concerts, and social gatherings. The opening will take place on Friday evening next, and to celebrate the event a grand social will bo held, regarding which particulars aro given elsewhere.

Thero wns another vory largo attondanco at tho Princess Theatre on Saturday night to hear tho Jubilee Singers in their miscellaneous programme, and everyone appeared to bo delighted with tho manner in which tho jubilco melodies, plantation songs, and operatic selections were sung. The first part included such well-known airs as " Old Black Joe," "My old Kentucky Home," and " Climb up, yo littlo children," the solo parts in the first two being taken by Mr 10. M'Adoo and Miss Gibbons with considerable success. Subsequently Mr Mills amused the audioi'ico for a brief space, and Miss AVebb having sung " Sunshine and rain," Jalvan went through his clever juggling performance in a most creditable manner. The concert concluded with operatic selection from "The Bohemian Girl" and "II Trovalore," the singers being Miss Anderson, Miss Robinson, Madame M'Adoo, and Mr Collins. Another chango of programmo is announced for tonight, when all tho choice jubilee choruses and plantation melodios will be given, in addition to a number of new items.

The Alhambra Theatre was crowded on Saturday, when a change of programme was presented by Fuller's Waxworks Vaudeville Company. Professor Powell, besides giving an exhibition of " Punch nnd Judy," also entertained the audience with a number of conjuring tricks. Mr Horace and Miss A. St. George contributed some selections on the sleigh bells, and also took part in the duet "England and Ireland's Own," which concluded with a tableau. Both items were well received, the last mentioned eliciting an imperative encore. Miss Jeannie Johnston and Mr Thomas Curran also obtained a'recall for their pleasing musical 3ketch "There'll come a time." Mr Curran's dramatic song " The charge of the 21st Lancers " appeared to be greatly appreciated; Mr AY. Sylvain and Mr Fred Bluelt caused much amusement by their comic songs; and Mr Horace St. Goorgo and Miss Jeannio Johnston each afforded those present much pleasure by their solo singing. The performance was brought to a conclusion by an amusing farce, which had the effect of sending' the audience home in a high good humour. During the evening a person who disturbed tho performers was promptly ejected, and Mr Fuller is fully determined to put down anything in the shape of larrikinism.

The defaulters' list and burgess lists for the Borough of Maori Hill are now open for inspection.

Mr H. S, Valentine will sell on Wednesday photogravures and mounted photographs. On Friday he will sell, on the premises, Roslyn, Household furniture, American organ, etc.

Shareholders in the South British Insurance Company can now obtain dividend warrants.

',' Mr Alfred 11. Burton will give the fifth of his " Evenings With Great Authors" to-morrow night in tho Choral Hall.

Sales of grain and produce will bo hold to-day a3 follow:— Messrs Donald Reid and Co., 10 a.m.: jMessrs Dalgety and Co., 10.30 a.m.; Messrs Moritzson and Hopkin, 11 a.m.; Otago Farmers' Co-operative Association, noon. Tho N.Z.L. and M.A. Company will hold a sale of wool to-morrow in the Agricultural Buildings. Messrs Maclean and Co. will hold a sale of sheen at Balclutha on Thursday.

,lohn Hist.oe. oldest established Watchmaker and Jeweller, 74 Princes street. Good assortment Watches, Clocks, and Jewellery. Spectacles suit all sights.—Advt. G. and T. Young, Jewellers, Princes street, are making a special display of goods suitable for Wedding and Birthday Presents, and offer exceptional value. Repairing and manufacturing by skilled workmen.—Advt. Carter and Co. have just landed ex Papanui their third shipment new drapery. Grand variety; lowest prices. Try Carter and Co.— Advt. M-o-s-t R-e-1-i-a-b-l-e! For punctual time try Peter Dick, Watchmaker and Jeweller, opposite Coffee Palace, Moray place, Dunedin. Charges strictly moderate.—Advt.