INSPECTION OF VESSELS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13891, 1 May 1907, Page 4

INSPECTION OF VESSELS.

At Auckland the Minister of Labour and Marino has had his attention drawn to tlie desirability that the Department over which ho presides should manifest some particular energy in the matter of tho inspection of vessels. That the necessity for an inspection of the Auckland ferry steamers should have been the special subject of a deputation's representations indicates that recent events have made residents of tho marine suburbs of the northern city feel the least bit nervous as to the staunchness of all the craft on which they travel so frequently. This is not surprising altogether, any more than it is possibly not uncalled for. Prevention is better than cure, and if, through length of service or other reasons, there are deficiencies in an) of tho Auckland ferry steamers that ought to be remedied, it were much preferable that this should be disclosed by thorough inspection rather than by some unfortunate mishap which that precautionary operation might have prevented. Undoubtedly it is tho case of the steamer Te Aroha which has stirred up feeling on an admittedly important matter, tho fact that it is an ill wind that blows nobody any good being again emphasised. The To Aroha incident has shocked the Marine Department, with its reputation' for drastic methods of inspection. The big trader Surrey, venturing into New Zealand waters with defective furnaces, was unfeelingly detained pending the establishment of a more satisfactory equipment, though this has involved considerable delay. Tho aged and insignificant Te Aroha slipping quiotly out of Auckland the other day, surveyed—"seaworthy, but in need of nursing," according to witnesses,—yet evidently with a rotten covering-board and in the opinion of the Court of Inquiry unfit to undertake the voyage slw started upon, rather spoils tho picture. Tho Te Aroha came to grief in due course, and her foundering might have been attended with much worse results than it wns. Had the steamer arrived at her destination safely nothing would have been heard of tho unfortunate conditions uuder which, as is clear, she went to sea. And her fato may servo the good purpose of encouraging ship surveyors and ownors to he more careful, and it has brought about what tho Auckland deputation asked for, as is indicated by Mr Millar's assurance that all tho steamers of the older class, both wood and iron, trading in Aucklandl Harbour are to be thoroughly inspected in the very near future. As Minister of Marino Mr Millar has brought knowledge and ability to boar on the working of his Department, and has given a good deal of personal attention to the question of determining the seaworthiness of vessels. He scarcely needed, wo imagine, a Te Aroha incident or Auckland deputation to stimulate him to greater activity in the matter, and his reply to tho deputation may be considered a veiy satisfactory and reasonable statement calculated to allay apprehension that .was not unnaturally excited. The desire apparently entertained by tho Auckland Trades and Labour Council that a Royal Commission should be set up to inquire into the seaworthiness cf vessels registered and trading in Auckland Harbour seems extravagant. All the Royal Commissions in tho world, and all tho inspection of vessels imaginable cannot eradicate fogs, leeshores, gales, and other ocean dangers, or make the lot of the small trader on i our coasts other than somewhat hazardous. Moreover, as Mr Millar wisely pointed out, inspection of vessels is a good and a .necessary thing as far as it goes, but it does not go very far after all. Defects that are visible may be remedied, but there may easily bo a weakness in a vessel which even the m jst careful inspection will not disclose. Inspection, in .short, cannot be infallible, and any system of inspection instituted cannot hope to bo more than the best possible under the circumstances. The Minister of Marino could not be expected to go further than he did in his reply to tho Auckland deputation.

For some time past members of the Otago Harbour Board have realised that dredge 222 can do little moro than maintain the existing depth throughout the challen from the harbour basin to t.he Heads, and it has been freely admitted that more dredging machinery is required to supplement Iho big dredge if substantial improvement of the present channel is desired. Wo understand that ,aa a preliminary step a responsible official will proceed to Timaru to-day to inspect tho Tiinaru Harbour Board's suction dredge with a view to reporting upon its suitability or otherwiso as an auxiliary dredge for Otago Harbour. Tho Timaru dredgo was recently docked at Port Chalmers for examination by an export from Tasmania, acting under instructions from the Slrabaji Harbour Board, but apparently tho latter body Ikm not so far signified. •«&» intention to jjurchaae.

A Press Association telegram from Wellington states that the Acting Prime Minister will go smith at, the end of the week. Mr Hall-Jones will address his constituents at Timaru in tho early part of jiext week.

Tho Airedale Estate (2670 acres) in North Otago is now in course of survey into allotments, and will Ik* opened for selection shortly. The survey of the Ashley Downs Estate, 3700 acres of which were recently acquired oy tho Government, near Clinton, will bo undertaken within a few weeks.

An uvea of 222 neres in the Kurow district (a portion of what was known its Logan's Farm) is to bo thrown open for selection on May 21. Tho allotments, 12 in number, vary from 11 acres to 41 acres, tho land boing admirably adapted tfor dairy farms. Tho rentals run from J<a per aero to 23 per aere per annum. Tho land adjoins tho Tahiuvai Settlement, a successful dairying area, whicii was opened 12 years ago under similar conditions. There is a good supply of water on tho ground, which will enable tho settlers to irrigato their holdings,

Tho vital statistics fov t.lio last month were, as follow:— Births, 130; ; deaths, 69: Marriages, 63. For tho month of April last year tho figures "were:—l3irths, 158; deaths, 58; marriages, 87. Last year tho Easter season fell in April, which accounts for tho larger number of marriages in that month.

Mr J. D. Ritchie, Secretary' of Agriculture, arrived in Dunedin on Monday night. Yesterday, in company with 'Mr D. D. Hyde, Government Poultry Expert, ho visited the poultry station at Milton, whero ho found everything in good order and the birds in splendid condition. About. 500 birds of various breeds arc kept for laying purposes, in order to detcrmino tho best breeds. Tho breeding pens arc all being tested by Ihe uso of trap-nests, so that only the eggs of good layers aro sent out. Thcro is a lino lot ot cockorcls and pullets of the 'best breeds for salo at present. Mr Ritchio goes nortJi this morning,

Five beautiful pictures of Ngauruhoo and Ruapelm, and their orator lakes, taken by Dr P. Marshall on tho occasion of his ascent in Deeembor last, form 1 part of tho illustrations in tho Otago Witness, published today. The reported activity of theso volcanoes gives especial valuo to these photographs at tho prcsont time. Two pages aro taken up with «>mo charming pictures secured about Lako AVanaka and in tho journey to the 1 West Coa6t by way of tho Haast Pass. Tho Governor's visit to Cromwell forms tho subjcct of two illustrations, and two more aro given of the proceedings in connoction with tho turning of the first sod by the Acting Prime Minister of tho Gorc-Waikaka railway. Some snapshots of Karitano and some of the residents make an effeotivd picture. Among the otlier illustrations is one depicting a rescue at sea, a photograph of a party of residents of Invercargill visiting the Sphynx and tho Pyramids in Egypt, viows in tho Owaka and Westland districts, snapshots taken at tho rccent coursing mooting, eta.

A farmer named Peter Flannory, residing in tho Middlemarch district, was found on tho 26th April between Clark's Junction Hotel and tho Deep Stream bridgo in an unconscious condition, and was taken to Mount Gowry Station. He was found by a Mr Craig, a resident of Maori Hill, his horso and trap being somo little distance away. From tho few particulars available it appears that Mr Hennery's horso stumbled on a dangerous part of the road, with tho result that his trap was capsized and he was thrown out. Ho wad attended by Dr Cattail, of Outram, and Dr Rosa Collier of Middlemarch, and on their recommendation lie was brought to the Dunedin Hospital last evening. An examination shewed that the baso of his ekull 'was fractured, and small hopes of his recovery are entertained. ; i

Tho flag at the Town Hall was it lialfmast yesterday aa a mark of res|>cct to the memory of tho lato W. M. Bolt, M.L.C., whose sudden doath took place near AVaipori Falls on Monday afternoon. Tho Governmnot offices and many business places in Dunedin showed similar tokens of respect. Mrs Holt and family have received a largo number of messages of condolence from members and ex-members of tho Legislature.

Vaccination is very brisk in the Ota'go and Southland district. , Tho Health Office in Dunedin issued 640 vaccine tubes in tho month of April—a record.

A special meeting of tho Sohopl Commissioners was held yesterday; presentMessrs AV. Dallas (chairman), T. MacGibbon, D. Jiorrie, and tlio Hon H. Fcldwick. Ono hundred and fifty applications wero rcceivod for tho position of ranger, and it was resolved to appoint Mr G. T. Martin, of Milton, to tho position.

Riohards's Manuherikia Hotel, at Omakait, and contents were totally destroyed by firo on Monday night. : Tho property was insured for £1300, but in what offico or oHi cos is unknown. A telegram 6ays that Mr Fraser, hotelkoepcr, Punodin, owns tho ono (presumably tho hotel) and Messrs Speight and Co. tho other (probably tho stock).

The circumstances under whioh tho sudden death of tho Hon 'W. M.. Bolt took place on Monday discloso somo peculiar coincidences. Tho deceased gentleman was not included among tho guests originally invited, as the occasion was purely a municipal one. . Ho felt, however, not only & natural desire to see tho picturesque place at which the Waipori is harnessed, but a conviolion that as a public man ho should bo familiar with tho conditions. Ho mado known his desiro, and an invitation was promptly and cordially extended to him, and to him was allotted tho duty of replying to tho toast of " Parliament." Mr Bolt also displayed unusual determination. Ilis younger companions in tho vehiclo urged him to retain his seat, but ho insisted upon getting out in order to easo tho liorees. After a little time a faintncss camc<l him to seek a rest, and ho was again urged (o resumo his seat. Nevertheless lie insisted upon walking, and was ovorcomo a sccornl timo. Even then ho would not remount, but on the third occasion Nature assorted herself. After he was seated, and tho vehiclo moved forward, ho fell hack doad, without uttering a word. Some of tho party, which had eol. out under tho happiest auspices, did not succeed in reaching tho city until 6 o'clock yesterday morning.

Mr liugli Mitchell, provincial secretary of tho Otnga Branch of the Now Zealand Farmers' Union, reports that the annual meeting of the Dunrobin branch of (ho union was held on Wednesday last. Tho balanco sheet showed a small credit, balance. Tho following office-bearers wero elected for the ensuing year:—President, Mr A. Gillies M'Kenzie; vice-presidents-Messrs A, Haugh, D. M'lxmnan, and W. Barclay; secretary, Mr W. C'appell; treasurer, Mr 0. S. Duff.

Tho first of a course of winter lectures, under the auspices of the Dnnodin Athenieum Committee, was given in the Victoria Ilall last nif»lit by Professor Benham, Professor of Bidogy in tho Otigo University. There was a large attendonce. Tho subject of Mm lecture wai " Colour in Nature." Dr Bonham, in flit course of his most interesting remarks, which extended over close on two hours, pointed out how wonderfully Naturo had provided that animals, birds, insects, etc., should be so marked or coatcd that'to their enemies they were quite indistinguishable from I heir environment. Harmony with tho surroundings led to concealment. This was admirably exemplified in the lantern views which accompanied the lecture. It was liardly possible, even on very closo inspection, to pick out a bird or a rabbit in its seclusion. At tho conclusion of the lecture a hearty vote of thanlu-was accords Dr Bcnham,

An absurd rod-tape •epilation exists which prevents oountry peoplo obtaining facilities for attending technical clasecs. Any person who resides within 60 miles of Dunodin can havo freo railway travelling. But if any farmer or other person commit© tho impropriety if living beyond that distance ho is barred by the regulations not only, of getting free travelling, but. even of getting tho concession should ho pay his faro from his home to tho 60-mile limit. Mr Thomas Mackenzie, has brought this matter under tho department's notice several times. Yesterday he received a reply from the Hon. Mr Fowlds stating iJiafc it did not seem neooeeary to make regulations that would encourage young pei,tpns to travel Jong distances for a few heirs' tuition. Mr Mackenzie, in his acknowledgment to Mr Fowlds, slated that he saw ho reason why people going into tho back country should not lie given an opportunity of enjoying the privileges of education as well as those living in cities or within 69 miles of cities. It was a oase of taking away as far as possible every benefit from country people remotely situated.

The New Zealand Herald states that Mr J. iT. Walklato, who was recently appointed general managor of tho Auckland Eleetrio Tramways Company, will act as chic f executive officer under Mr J. M. Hansen, who will continue to act afi solo representative of tho board of directors and chief attorney for the company. Mr Walklate will attend to all details of management, and will, also act as chief engineer, but 'Mr Wilkes has been engaged to look after tho electrical portion of engineering matters under Mr Walklatc'a direction. Mr Hansen's duties as tho company's reprcsentativo aro so manifold, and arc increasing so rapidly from year to year, that such an appointment as Mr AYalklato's was absolutely necessary.

A good audience gathered in (lie Ilanovcr Street Hall last night, when the Rev, W. Lamb delivered an earnest address bused on St. Matthew :;i, 28; "Come unto Mo. . . . and I will give." The speaker said, that Jesus Christ, who uttered this invitation and promise, was the most gracious personality who had over appeared on earth,- and .His gifts were larger and choicer than any other could confer. He gave sympathy to all who sorrowed, a sympathy acquired . by personal experience of life's trials. lie govo.pcaco to ttie trcnibleil, a peaeo which remained unruffled amid all the storms that raged abound tho trustful heart. 110 gave an immorlality of happiness to all who camo to Ilim. He gave beauty to life, victory over death, and radiant hope for the future. Rut of all, and inclusive of all, Christ gave Himself to all who believed in Him. Mr ■Arthur Cooko sang tho solo, "If you could see Christ standing hero to-night." Tho final meeting of tho mission will be held to-night. Thank-offerings in aid of the expenses incurred in advertising, etc., will lie taken up, Mr Lamb's services have been highly appreciated by tho audienocs that Jiave assomblcd night by night.

It may not bo .genorally known that tomatoes can be grown with distinct success in tho open air of Duncdin and its suburbs, but we hayo had forwarded to us some samples, grown in a privato garden at Caversham, which, would do credit to many of thb- professional growers of northern and milder climates. Brought up without any special nurture or protection, and in an only moderately sheltered spot, these tomatoes have riponcd and assumed such dimensions that their woight ranges from eight to cloven ounces. Such sueoess should surely tempt othe-rs to venturo upon tho cultivation of this attractive fruit.

An application will bo made to Mr Just.ico Williams in Chambers, probably next weok, for an order admitting the destruction .of t-ho books and documents of the old Colonial Bank. Their weight runs into tons. '

A' special meeting of tho newly-electcd Mornirigton School Committee was held on Monday evening; present-Messrs ,T. Hope (chairman), Henderson, Ford, Holgate, Kapior, and Rev. D. tT. Murray. The chief business was tho consideration of the question of asphalting the boys' playground. Tho tenders for tliQ work were opened, and after discussion that of Joyce and Seholfield, being the lowest (£24), was aceopted. Mr J. Ford was appointed chairman of tho Works. Committee,

At tho Broad Bay Wesloyan Church on Friday overling a welcome social was tendered to tho Revs. W. Grigg and R. F. Williams, tho now milliliters of tho Oarsjill Road circuit. Mr J. ]!. Shacklock was m tho chair. After an introduction by the chairman, various items were rendered l*y friends, and on behalf of. the church members a speech of welcome was given by Mr Nonlgren. After short earnest addresses l>y tho Rev. Mossre Grigg and Williams, refreshments wero provided by the ladies.