THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 1900.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11808, 10 August 1900, Page 4

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 1900.

His Worship the Mayor has arrived at the conclusion that on the whole Dunedin compares in municipal matters very

;avourably with any of the other cities

in the colony. Undoubtedly, as he admits, it is much behind Wellington and Christchurcli in regard to sanitation, but we may trust that its inferiority in this respect will not be permitted to exist much longer. Mr Chisholm is himself ■thoroughly in earnest in the desire to improve the sanitary conditions of Dunediu, and if the ratepayers only support

him adequately no great time will elapse before a commencement is made with works for the efficient drainage of Dunedin and suburbs. "The most picturesque and attractive city in *the colony," the Mayor says, " must not continue to be the most insanitary," and the-great bulk of the citizens, who are proud of Dunedin and jealous of its good name, will echo this sentiment. The system by which the sewage of the city is disposed of is as faulty and as objectionable as it well can be. It is hardly possible that any other system coitld be adopted which would not be.an improvement upon that which is locally in vogue. We have also advocated in the past that the mode which the City Council adopts for the disposal of house refuse should be abandoned in favour of the destructor system. But the facts given by the Mayor to us a fortnight ago, and repeated in the memorandum presented by him to the City Council on Wednesday night, tell rather strongly against that view. The experience in England has been that the destructor system, besides effectively disposing of city refuse which is sent to it, can also be made remunerative by the utilisation of the power which is generated. In the case of the town of Heckmondwike, the experience of which wo recently quoted,

he cost of producing 10 effective horse-

power per hour for each 10,000 inhabitants from the refuse works is smaller than the cost of producing a similar power in an ordinary factory. But the authorities at Heekmondwike do not seem to have utilised the waste heat

from the destructor furnaces. Other local authorities in Great Britain have, however, done so. A notable case in point is that of the municipal borough of

St. Pancras. Seven years ago the Vestry of St. Pancras was expending £15,000 for the removal of household refuse. It determined to adopt the destructor system. After this had been done it was pointed out by electricians

that a vast amount of heat was generated and run to waste in the atmosphere by the long chimney shaft. The Vestry of St. Pancivs thereupon resolved to test the question of whether that waste heat could not be utilised in raising steam for electric dynamo machines, whereby a current might be produced for lighting the parish lamps. The experiment proved so successful that the Vestry of Shoroditeh followed in the example of St. Paucras, with the result

that, whereas it hud been paying 3s 3d per ton for the removal of household refuse; it now, by disposing of this rub-

bish in its own crematorium, realises a profit of about 2s per ton. Incidentally the parish of Shoreditch sells power by clay to factories. At night it lights the parish on the penny-in-the-slot principle. In the town of Darwen, in Lancashire, also, electric light is obtained from power derived from the refuse, and power is sold as well to private consumers. Other towns in the United ' Kingdom have had an encouraging experience ■of the destructor "system. Front that circumstance we were led to believe that its introduction here would besides being desirable from a sanitary point of view, lead to a saving in expenditure. The comparative statement which the Mayor has provided of the cost of burying the rubbish in Dunedin and of burning it in Wellington destroys that impression. The rather primitive method which is followed here of disposing of refuse costs the ratepayers about £500 per annum. In Wellington, however, where a destructor was obtained about 10 years ago, at a cost of nearly £4400, the disposal of the refuse of the city entails an annual expenditure, including interest charges, of £3680. The Wellington method is admittedly more ; satisfactory than the Dunedin method; I but the question is whether it is so much more satisfactory as to render it ', tlesirable that, at the cost of a largely I increased expenditure, it should be I adopted here. It is to be observed that the Mayor's comparison between the

annual cost in Wellington and Dunedin is somewhat misleading, for virtually the entire population of Wellington is contained within the city ' boundaries, whereas one-half of the population of Dunedin resides in the suburbs. The cost of the destructor system for the disposal of the refuse collected within the city of Dunedin would not, therefore, on the basis of the Wellington figures, equal the cost in Wellington, but plainly it would largely exceed the cost of the plan pursued here. It is not pretended by any one that the local method is so sanitary or so effectual as it should he. We have frequently had occasion to complain, not only of the eyesore created by the heaps of garbage that were deposited on the Southern Recreation Ground, but also of the menace to health which these accumulations constituted when they were left exposed to the heat of the summer sun. But we must admit that latterly there has not been any real cause for complaint oil either of these grounds. The refuse has been spread and covered with little delay after it has been tipped. And so long as it is promptly covered with soil it may possibly be regarded as innocuous. At any rate the method then loses a. great deal of its objectionableness. Moreover, it must be acknowledged that the definite object with which this rubbish is being spread at the Southern Recreation Ground is one that it is desirable to attaiu. In its present state that ground, which should be one

of the most valuable of the corporation reserves, is practically valueless, and it will remain so until it is raised by some few. feet. Slowly, . and bit by bit, by the deposition of rubbish there, the level of the reserve will be raised. Already a. considerable improvement has been effected, and the Mayor confidently expresses the opinion that " the next few weeks, when the planting and trimming of that portion of the Oval which has been raised to the permanent level' are finished, will convince the most incredulous that the method being adopted is the best in the interests of the city." The.end, he argues, justifies the means. And' when he tells us at what a, comparatively low cost the local system is carried out, and when he points to the improvement which through its agency is being effected, he makes out a very fair case against the adoption of a system which would involve a much larger expenditure, and at the same time necessitate a stoppage of the steps which are being taken to raise the level of the Oral. We should be better satisfied, however, if, some plan could be devised by the corf poration 'whereby the more offensive kinds of refuse might be separated from' the material discharged on that reserve, and be carted elsewhere. This would, in all likelihood, not add materially to the cost of the disposal of tjie rubbish. It would, however, decrease the danger to health which, unless the strictest precautions are taken, is attendant tipon the deposit of garbage in the neighbourhood of a residential locality.

Mr Barclay has probably no great hope of the ultimate survival of his " firstborn." That portion of his Shops and Shop Assistants Act Amendment Bill which proposes to include chemists' shops among those that are required to close for an afternoon in each week certainly may be passed by the Legislature, but the ridicule. which has been heaped in Parliament itself upon the proposal to give a weekly half-holiday to •domestic servants—or " house assistants," as the junior member for Dunedin prefers to call them—is assuredly an ill omen as to the attitude of the 'Legislature respecting that feature of the Bill. So far as the proposal to give chemists' assistants the benefit of a statutory weekly half-holiday is concerned, there is probably a good deal to be said in its favour, and not much to be said against it. And it is a strong argument in its favour that the master chemists of Dunediu have themselves asked that there should be a compulsory closing of their shops on one afternoon in each week. Their premises were not exempted from the provisions of the original Shops and Shop Assistants Act; but in 1895 a clause exempting them was inserted in the amending Bill which was then before Parliament. Mr Barclay's proposal regarding the establishment of a weekly half-holiday for chemists' assistants is, therefore, to revert to the status in quo.. The legislation which he seeks to enact in the interest of domestic servants is on a different footing We are not at all satisfied that, as a matter of fact, the proposal is in the interest qf domestic servants as a class. Mr Barclay suggests that the domestic servants of the colony are " a race of helots." That is picturesque, but- it is not convincing. There are probably a number of bad mistresses by whom no sort of consideration is shown for the comfort or welfare of their servants, and from whom their servants are in need of some protection. But these are precisely the mistresses who, at a time when there is a scarcity of domestic servants, ' have to go without paid help in their houses. Their names are recorded iii the black books of the servant girls. Their evil reputation spreads through the entire class of domestic servants.

But we refuse to believe that they are more than an insignificant minority of ciio total number of mistresses. In the threat majority of the houses in which they arc employed the domestic ser-

1 vants, if they are competent, tidy, and tractable girls,—for the^e are bad servants as well as bad mistresses, and it is curious how frequently they drift into the direct relation of employer and employee,—really find home, 'iney are granted half-holidays and " evenings out," and in a great many cases receive also an annual holiday of probably a fortnight's duration. They are really better off than if they were in the same category as shop assistants who receive a weekly half-holiday, but not an annual holiday. There is no demand from them for the proposal embodied in Mr Barclay's Bill, and it would be of doubtful advantage to them if the proposal were enacted. Of course 'there is the case to be considered, also, of the domestic servants who have bad mistresses. Any proposal to secure for them better treat 1 ment than they receive commands our sympathy.' But we fear that if Mr Barclay's proposal were adopted it would simpiy result in the curtailment of what little advantages these girls now receive, and would fail to confer upon them a. more than corresponding benefit. After ■ all, while domestic servants are at a premium in the labour market, as they.are just now, there is no reason why, if they are trustworthy and capable girls, they should remain with bad mistresses. .

In the House of Representatives yesterday the Workers' Compensation for Accidents and the Factories Bills were read a second time pro forma. The remainder of the sitting was devoted to another debate on the Ministers' Salaries and Allowances Bill, .wliioii eventually passed by 41 to 15.

In the. Legislative Council yesterday the Millers' Hours of Labour Bill and two local bills were passed. The Noxious "Weeds Bill was reported from committee with some amendments. . The debate which , was commenced on the second reading of the Abolition of Debt Limitation Bill was not concluded when tho Council adjourned.

Jn "The Life and Times of Queen Victoria," of which part 3 is just issued, the Queen's literary tastes are set forth aa follows:—"Like most people deeply occupied— Darwin, for instance,-*-she reads novels largely, but—also like Darwin—is not go much concerned about' the quality of them or their claim to be called literature. The philosopher loved a story which. Jiad a happy ending, and did not trouble himself much with demands upon his intellect, and so does the Queen. She likes to have a book read aloud to occupy the time which, according to her regular and settled routine of work, falls vacant—generally in the afternoon. The maids of honour have this to do among their many little occupations, and. the Queen works or knits, or otherwise employs her hands, while this is going on." .

In connection with the recent tram accident and the comment that was made in the columns of the press as to police constables lack of knowledge of ambulance work, it may be stated that some; time ago *.he Dunedin centre of the St. John Ambulance Association communicated with -the local police authorities with the object of arranging lectures for those constables who desired to equip themselves with .the knowledge requisite in cases of emergency. Owing, however, to a difficulty arising in the matter of securing a lecturer the project was deferred, but recently'it was'revived, and communications, it is understood, have passed between the officers of the asjo-. oiation here and Inspector Pardy. . The*result has bean that arrangements will probably be completed to form a class for the members of the force. It may be pointed out that' it is never too late to learn ambulance work, and therefore the class need by no means be confined to the younger constables. On the contrary, one of the most capable first aid men connected; with, the local, centre,.of .the St. John Ambulance Association is an elderly gentleman, who took up, the work when, he was advanced in years. In. taking steps to impart this useful and'(one would think) almost indispensable knpwledge to. police constables, the St. John Ambulance Association is doing a work .for which it merits ■■ the thanks of the community. It may be added that under the present regulations it is compulsory for a candidate for the police force to pass an examination in ambulance work while still •in his probationary stage. On success of this and one or two other examinations his application for permanent admission to the force depends..

The executive of the Canterbury Jubilea Industrial Exhibition, have evidently determined to leave no stone unturned to make the exhibition popular and attractive. The committees of two of the principal sections— the working exhibits and home industries— have issued full schedules of the competitions, which are open to all young workers, in "the various trades, and others, the object being to stimulate and encourage all branches of industry throughout the colony. In another column will be found a list of the competitions, for which valuable prizes are offered, and the schedules can be obtained on application, at the offices of the Industrial Association, where further information can be obtained. ' The permanent buildings now being erected are rapidly approaching completion, and a contract been signed for the enaexes. Owing to the great demand for space, it has been found necessary to extend tha annexes twice, and, with, the permanent buildings, tlie whole will cover 134,000 square feet, all of which has been taken up by exhibitors. All the buildings are to bo lighted by electricity, Messrs Turnbull and Jones, of Wellington, being the contractors. His Excellency'the Governor and Lady Ranfurly have accepted the invitation to formally open the exhibition and Industrial Hall on Thursday, Ist November, and the exhibition will remain open for three months.

i The Wanganui Chronicle has unearthed tha latest anomaly in railway charges. It asserts that the second class return faro from Wanganui to Greytown is £1 7s Bd, while a similar ticket for Wellington, 56 miles further, cos'.s but £1 7s 9d. Our contemporary wishes to know whether the department is aware that, under certain circumstances, it may have to. carry a passenger 112 miles for one penny.

Although not much lias been beard of the local branch of the Ministering Children's League, of which the Countess of Meath js the founder, the members have been working assiduously. The first sale of work will be held in the Moray place Congregational Schoolroom this afternoon and evening, the proceeds of which will bo devoted in aid of Dr Barnardo's homes. The goods for the sale have been prepared by the pupils of Miss Ree3's school. A good musical programme has been provided for the evening entertainment. A branch of this league has been in existence in Ohristchurch for six years, and, as a result of their labours, a convalescent Jiospital was opened recently, the whole cost (£550) having been met by the children alone. If the Dunedin branch obtains the support it deserves, an equally gratifying result may crown their efforts in the near future.

At a largo and enthusiastic meeting of delegates to the Labour Day Association, held in the Coffee Palace last evening, the presideni (Mr G. A. Pearcej was in the chair. Tin programme was finally adopted, and will be printed shortly. A spirited discussion took place regarding the action of the Dunedin Jockey Club in deciding to hold a race meeting on Laboui Day. The secretary was instructed to write to the Jockey Club pointing out the unfairness of holding a meeting on that day, and asldng if they could see their way to alter the date. ;

Mr Charles Faning, after a most suecassful season of fourteen weeks at the Alhambra Theatre, will be accorded a, complimentary benefit this evening. Ho has become sach a favourite with patrons of this place of amusement that it is safe to predict a crowded house for the occasion. Mr Faning is a host in himself in providing amusement, and ho will give to-night an original finale entitled "A Football Match in Five Minutes." In addition to the compact little company wlu'eh usually appears, Mies Harrison and Messrs Jack M'Kay, Harry Emanuel, and Will Hays will aaoist.

An extraordinary story of levyiryq; blackmail by two boys 14- and 15 yean of age was told at the Caulfield (Victoria) Court a few days ago, when James 'V. Green and George Coppel were charged with that "in company, between May 30 and Juno 16, thoy did feloniously, with menace, demand £15 10s of Berthold Hebcnstreit, with intent to steal the same." Bertio Hobejistreit, who is about 11 years of age, and the son of a well-known pork butcher in Glenhuntly road, was detected by Green smoking a cigarette, and Green threatened to tell Mr Hebenstreit unless Bertie gave him a shilling. The lad was so frightened that he stole the shilling out ot his father's till. Soon after, threatened again, he .stole another. A few days passed, and Green said his uncle knew of the deed, and this drew out 2s 6d to quiet the uncle. Green told Coppel that he had struck a gold mins, and the two concocted a letter, alleged to be signed by the former's father, and by this and other means obtained £13 8s 6d, all of which was stolon from Hebenstreit's till by the boy. The amount of cunning shown was astounding, but' it was. hinted that the real culprit was a man who went to pony races. The charge was altered to larceny, so that the boys should not be sent to gaol, and they were liberated after a severe lecture, their respective fathers being' bound over in £100 to answer for their good behaviour. .

Messrs James Samson and Co. will hold a sale o£ furniture, etc., at -,their rooms to-mor-iO'.v afternoon. .

Tenders are invited for additions and alterations to the Alexandra Presbyterian Church..

Owing to the--death of Mr John gtephenson, Messrs Wright, Stephenson, and Co.'s premises will be closed to-morrow. '■

' A meeting of grocers' assistants will be held in the Coffee Palace on Monday, 13th inst.

The Mataura Borough Council invite tenders for the supply and erection of two arc lamps.^ All claims against the Golden Roxburgh Dredging Company must be rendered to the liquidator before August 23. The City Council will hold a sitting on Monday, 13th inst., to hear and determine objection to trie burgess lists. ; • Notice is given that the general (mumcipaJ) account, the water supply, and gas supply account, and the balance sheet for the year ended March 31 aro open for inspection. - The Dunedin Orchestral Society will give the second concert of their thirteenth season in the Garrison Hall on Thursday, 16th inst. ■ A notice referring to "the proposed Dunedin waterworks extension loan appears in our advertising columns. . ~ The annual five-aside Association football tournament will be held at Bishopscourt tomorrow afternoon and following Saturday. There are 26-teams competing. _ ■ The place to purchase presents is undoubtedly G andT Young's, watch and jewellery establishment, 88' Princes street. You can always rely upon getting value for your money them, See advt. first page. w , , John Histoi-, oldest established Watchmaker and Jeweller. .74 Princes street. Good assortment Watches, Clocks and Jewelleij. Spectacles suit all sights.—Adv.. _ Ths most Beliable Cough Cure is Baxter s Lung Preserver; it is a really excellent preparation! it will cure coughs, colds, sore throats, the terrible hacking cough of consumption and all affections of the throat and lungs. It is also unequalled in cutting short the paroxysm in Asthma. Baxter's Lung Preserver is the cough cure of the century; it can be given to young and old with paifect safety. Sold by all chemists in bottles-Is 6d and 2b (Sd.-Advt. Who' is Peter DioK?-The most reliable Watchmaker' and, Jewellw. opposite Coffee Palace, Moray place, Dunedin. Charges strictly mTo-day^cSerV Great Sale. Tremendous bargains in all departments. Come early and see for. yourselves.. Carter's Great Sale.—Adve.