OUR LONDON LETTER.

Otago Witness, 14 December 1893, Page 50

OUR LONDON LETTER.

(From Ooti Special Correspondent.) 20 and 31 Fleet street, London, October 7. THE WEEK.

Two speeches, one by Mr Goschen the other by Lord Randolph Churchill, alone have saved the past week from being utterly devoid of political events. Even then events were Bomewhat of the small potato order of architecture. Both speakers as a mitter of course denounced Mr Gladstone end the Home Rule Bill, and defended the House of Lords. There was nothing new in either arguments or the invective used, and both speeches, like that of the Prime Minister the week before, fell utterly flat. If the coal strike be not quite dead, it is at any rate rapidly dying. The men continue to "dribble in" by instalments. Before long all will be at work again who can get taken on. But some will not be. The employers are growing more and more sick of this sort of thing, and less and less disposed to be played fast aud lose with by the men as they have been in the past. Meanwhile coal has gone up rapidly and the poorer classes are already sufferieg severely. What a prolonged winter strike would mean it ifi hard even to gue^s. Heaven save U3 from the actual experience of such a horror ! The scheme broached of a great national coal trust, in other words of a huge " corner " or monopoly, seems to hang fire. It has been coldly received. Consumers form the majority of the public, and they see plainly it means a combination to keep up the pri eof coal. This is not re'.Liue 1. Cholera sef-ius to bo f^st <];. ing out in t'ae places in England where it had obtained a footnold. No fresh cisos have boon n-corded lately, and e i ven the House of Commons and its preciiie'-s :ei.in to have escaped further visitation e.f the dread post. Mr de Jong is still undergoing trial in Holland for the supp"sed murJor of his two (supposed) wives. 'I he body ot neither victim can be found. Tho biooduou-ids hwe been employed, aud all the skill ot the detective force called iato requisition. Meanwhile Mr do Jong himself, who seein9 a scaug, &illy, sslf-satisfied puppy, remains quite ea'm, and smiles blandly at the abortive proceedings. Ifc has been lately proposed to hypnotise him in order thit fee may be made to confess where he concealed Ljs victims' bodies, and ifc is even declared that the law of Holland would sanction such a performance. Seeing, however, that hypnotism is supposed mt-rely to cause the patient to reflex what is in the mind of the hypnotiser, it is manifest that the acceptance of any evidence then elicited would involve a grave miscarriage of justice. But I do not suppose the msd idea will be seriously carried out. Meanwhile tho " Maidenhead " mystery remains as mysterious as ever. The inquest on the victim of the Bath horror is sMil in progrees, and the young man is still in custody on suspicion of murdering his passionate and jealous sometime fiancee, Elsie Luke. One curious feature has burned up in the case. There was great difficulty in indentifying the skeleton, all of whose distinguishing characteristics had been obliterated b^r ds-eay, and whose garments had mostly perished beyond possibility of recognition. But the first thing those boys noticed in that lane was a girl's ,very small and very neat Oxford shoo sticking up. On investigation they founel a skeleton foot inside that shoe and then a skeleton body attached to the foot. Now, at the inquest, a shoemaker was called, who instantly recognised the shoes as having bsen sold by him to the missing girl Elsie Luke two years ago. He recollected the fact because Miss Elsie was very particular about her shoes, and would only have a particular kind, which he had some difficulty in providing for her. So the poor girl's little bit of personal vanity has furnished the sole means of her identification. At the same time it is not easy to see why her erstwhile sweetheart should have murdered her. It was more likely to be the other way, as she was f uriously jealous of him, and was in the habit of personally assaulting any other girls to whom he paid any attention. Whether this very awkward and disagreeable habit led to a fatal fracas nobody of course knows, excepting the accused, who is unlikely to throw any light on the mystery. Much interest is, of course, aroused in the great yacht race between England and America, and between the English Valkyrie and the American Vigilant, for the recovery of the first honours which America has so long held at our expense. At the preliminary canter Valkjrie was winning, when the wind failed, and a postponement btcame inevitable. In the opinion of experts the two yachts are remarkably well matched, each surpassing the other i 3 some points and beiug inferior in others. The month of S-ptember just ended completes the driest period of seven months ever yet known in England. So says Mr J. G. Symons, the world's greatest authority on questions of rainfall. Even now such rain as we do get is brief in duration and trivial in quantity. The winter promises to be proportionably as fiae as the spring and summer have been and the autumn is. ANGLO-COLONIAL NOTES. " Notes from New Zealand " are published by the Dumfries Chronicle. It is remarkable how often your colony makes its appearance iv the columns of the English, Scottish, aud Iri&h provincial press. ' According to the Liverpool SJercury " the reports from New Zealand are of a brighter character " than from the other colonies, bub ife is added " that also there i 3 no pressing demand for labour." The Mercury goes on to say "New Zealand, however, is full of resources, and a man with trads in his fisgpts and a little capital ia his pccVe l ; may do well." Florence M. Rjley, writes ia the Manchester Courier an interesting paper on "Life iv New Zealand." She describes very pleasantly the chief features in New Zealand life and s-cenery and is jubilant over the passing of the wooieii'd franchise. In an f>r tide on "Women Suffrage in New Zealand," the Queen says : " The working of the question of ft male suffrage will be closely watched in gpite of the great differences that exist in the relative proportion of the sexes, and the different conditions of life in England and New Zealand." It is remarked by the Pall Mall Gazette that ♦•Lord Ouslow, when Governor of New Zealand, maintained friennly relations with the Labour party," so that his coming paper on "State Socialism and Labour Government in Antipodean Britain" is not likely, it thinks, to be lacking in sympathetic treatment. " Trade Notes from New Zealand," in the Birmingham Post, refer with admiration to tie prosperity and progress of the city of Wellington, N--W 'M A md, and with regret for tlirj deatu of Sd- Samuel Dj,uks in that eiby. Mr Danks having beeu formerly a tradesman Jin Wednesbury, not far from tho Midland metropolis,

"jNew Zealand," says the Cardiff Mail, "has led the way in constitutional changes of vast reaching importance before to-day, and this its latest political development [women's franchise], by a kicd of reflex action, is bound to influence British opinion all the world over." The New Zealand Jubilee Gold Mines Company is favourably noticed by the Money Market Review, and the claim which the company's object ia to acquire and work is described as " large and rich." •'After 20 years' trial," says the R'alto, "the system of State insurance in New Zealand has proved itself thoroughly sound and successful." Iv the opinion of the Railway News, "the Railway Commissioners of New Zealand are to be congratulated on the very satisfactory results of the working of the railways of the colony during the past year." A most unfortunate article in the Wellington Evening Post of August 5, as to the frightful destitution and poverty existing in Wellington, New Zealand, has done an immensity of harm Commenting on that unlucky article the Newcastle Chronicle says : " The condition of the colony appears to be deplorable," and proceeds to quote the startling assertions made. Surely the Post's statements must be exaggerated ? If not the matter is very seriou", and in any case the publication of such startling allegations cannot fail to be productive of mischievous results in England. According to the Pall Mall Gazette "a higher tone was given to the statesmanship of New Zt aland, as compared with that of Australia, owing to the wider responsibilities which the former had to assume in connection with the Maori wars aud the social problems generally. The Scotsman (Edinburgh) publishes an article en "Farming in Auckland," founded on a private letter from a Scotsman who has been a resident some jears in the Auckland province. The writ.:r winds up his letter somewhat forcibly, not to say bitterly. " Mosfe of the farmers," he says, " are mortgaged to the teeth, and every spare penny has to be paid away to meet the demands of the bank." This, however, does not lead to any cutting down of expenses. The gentleman farmer of Waikato must keep hi 3 buggy and pair, riding horses for himself and his wife, aud perhaps for everyone of his family. He spends perhaps a fortune in horse shoes, saddlery, bridles, and the riding gear ; and he wastes days and weeks out of every year riding here and dining there, his farm meanwhile taking care of itself. He musfc also be a member of a hunt club, and spends his lOgs for subscription besides maintainirg a horse for that, and spending valuable time in tearing over the couutry behind a pack of dogs after a miserable little hare." Even this does not fill up the measure of his sins. " lie is a believer in long credit when it is he that owes the money, and 12 mouths' credit is nothing unusual. Indeed, dealers of all kinds seem so much unused to prompt payment that I have been twice charged for goods paid on delivery." There are exceptions, the writer admits, but the rule holds good. He concludes :—": — " Of course the farmers rail at the times and say they are bad. Verily they are bad enough, but the men are worse." This is ft nice picture ; is it not ? October 13. ANGLO-COLONIAL NO TES. Mr Bayno's letter of explanation as to his strange conduct iv declining the Lincolu College principalship, after evincing such keen anxiety to be appointed to that post, has at last reached the Agent-general. His reason proves to be that the authorities of the Royal Agricultural College at Cairo so urgently impressed upon him the injury he would do to that institution by resigning at that particular time, and not only depriving it of his own exceptionally valuable services, but also throwing all the work out of gear in the middle of a term, that Mr Bayne did not feel at liberty to disregard these representations, and so cabled his refusal. The anxiety of the Cairo authorities to retain him is, however, distinctly complimentary, and accentuates the regret which is felt that his services should be lost to New Zealand. Apparently, however, the die iq not yet finally cast. Mr Bayne has cabled later, inquiring whether the appointment be still open, and stating that he has written again on the subject. Hopes are therefore entertained that he may have discovered some modus vivendi, and have seen his way to reconcile his duty to his present employers with his desire to enter upon the new sphere of action. The matter concerns all Few Zealand, for it would be an unquestionablo benefit to the whole colony to secure the presence and skill of so eminent an expert in agricultural science. The Aorangi sails to-day a full ship. Quite a number of the special settlers approved by the Agent-general go out in her under the reduced-fare arrangement. They take out a considerable sum in capital, and are assured to be highly qualified for colonial fetblers. The Aoracgi contingent number some 50 " scute." I Had that the Colonisation Company's notification that they will not require their settlers to "buy a pig in a poke," but will refund the land purchase money if the purchasers, on arrival in New Zealand, can find none of their land to suit them, lus had a very good effect. It is a practical demonstration of confidence in the value and attractiveness of the land available, which does not fail to impress intending 6ettlers. Mr Leonard Harper, of Christchurch, has been staying for some time past with his son, the Rev. Coley Harper, near Swindon, in Wiltshire, and probably will remaiu there until the end of the month. I understand, from a friend who met him there, that ho h^s no pro&cnt intention of returning to New Z -aland. The Rev Coley Harper, by the wiy, exp'iets to leave for New Zealand early next month to enter upon the duties of incumbent of Patea, to which post I hear he has been appointed. Before startiug Me Harper will undergo a ceremony which pome men — even clergymen — find a nervous and tijing one. He is about to be married to a young ltu.y of Yurk&Lire, the daughter cf a wealthy ironmaster near L- eds where Mr Harper was formerly carate. From all I hear of the young lady, I anticipate I bat she will be found a very agreeable acq 'isition to New Zealand society. Mr Ha>ptr is at present locum tenens of the Wiltshire parish already referred to. Report speaks very highly of his personal character and abilities, and clerical qualifications, but very poorly of his physical health. Aa a matter of tact, I believe he has been ordered to leave England for a more genial clime, on account of weakness of the lungs Lst us hope New Zealand's famous climate will set him up. Lunching with Mr Edward Pearce the other day, 1 learned that he has bad an exceedingly pleasant time in England. He has been visiting relatives and old friends during the greater part of his stay, but he has also been ia tho thick of the London season and thoroughly enjoyed it un*il the melarcholy news came of the death of his partner and beloved friend, Mr W. H. Levin, which natiKnlly has completely sad toned ' tho <: portion of his visib. Lord Onolow and Mr IVarce were warm personal friends during tho former gentleman's New Z. -aland Governorship, aud tho Earl lost no

time in renewing the friendship on Mr Pearce's arrival in England. It must be said of Lord and Lady Onslow that they have been very nice in England to most people whom they knew in New Zealand. Lady Onslow and Miss Buller were constantly seen about together, at theatres and elsewhere during the season, and other ex-residents of New Zealand have found the former Governor and his charming wife very pleasant friends in the mother couutry. The Earl and Countess are at present visiting friends in Scotland, but return to town shortly. Mr Pearce leaves on his return to New Zealand by the Orient on the 20th, via Melbourne, going thence to New Zealand either direct or via Sydney, according as the intercolonial sbeamers suit ; but most probably by way of the Bluff, as he has business to transact at Christchurch en route. He will be accompanied by his sou Mr Charles Pearce, and also by his youngest sister, Miss C. Pearce, who is going out to stay with her brother for a year certain, and perhaps longer if she likes colonial life and ways and people. The Rev. T. Flavell— the übiquitous and indefatigable — is at present at Porlock, near Taunton, on S P.G. duty. He does not expect to be back in London before November. He writes in rapturous terms of admiration of that " charming bit of England — hills, vales, sea, moors, all combining in a picture of perfect beauty." Mrs Richmond and Miss Bartleaan, and Mrs and Miss Street, aU of Dunedin, return to the colony by way of Melbourne, Sydney, and Auckland. They have booked by the P. and O boat Himalaya, which sails on the Bb'a December. Mrs Burton Irtland, Miss Ireland, and Mr Ireland jun. (of Auckland) are going out by the P. and O. Victoria on the 27th inst. Messrs Charles and Robeit Gillies leave by the Campania's next trip for America en route for Auckland. Mr George Holdship goes by the Carthage from Marseilles to Bombay, thence to Delhi, Calcutta, and other places of interest in India, finally proceeding to Auckland. Mr G. W. Holdship goes out by the Orotava on the 17th Novt mber. DAIRY PRODUCE NOTES. No New Zealand dairy produce was exhibited at the dairy show, or, indeed, any dairy prcducj from any of the colonies. From what I can hear there would have been no great eagerness to welcome colonial competition had it been forthcoming. I heard of a colonial in-vont-or who was promptly shelved when his colonial origin became known. English producers are not very fond of oversea competition on their own ground. Experts tell me the only improvements worth noticing this year as of interest to the colony are (1) the enlargement of the " disc churn," which is now made of much greater capacity than before, wicli the view of its applicability to " creameries," as, I have explained to you, butter factories are called here ; and (2) the Kay-Dowling refrigerator for cooling and aerating milk and other liquids. This is a colouial invention, aud has, it is said, superseded, wherever tijed, the ordinary foim of cooler, over which it claims fully 50 per cent, superiority in cooling capacity. Its special feature} :s.re stated to be its separated corrug\ied oval tubes, which give increased strength wlfcli Urger cooling surface and uniform distribution ; its drip wires, which assure perfect a«riit on ; its movable ends, which facilitate cleansing ; and its general strength, lightness, compactness, and simplicity. It is alleged that this refrigerator has a cooling capacity of 55gal p r hour, as against 35gal in the case of the best ordinary refrigerator. j The reason no New Zealand produce was shown is explained to be the absence of any really fi<*st-elass New Zealand butter or cheese at the present time. There is none in the j market. Messrs Coey and Co. write: "No butter has been shown ; we, however, expect some may be in the Ruahine, due shortly. It would have been a pity to show old stuff." Messrs Reynolds and Co. say they intended to exhibit some New Zealand butter, but there was none available of sufficiently prime quality. Messrs^Reynolds tell me [to-day, by-tne-bye, that although the butter market is rather dull Danish butter is up 4s for next week, which will help up New Zealand butter a little. " Preservitas " seems to be speedily gaining in favour as a good preservative of butter in lieu of salt. The exclusion of preservitascured butter from Brazil is now clearly shown to have been due to a trick, owing to rivalry bttween two French firms. As I have specially mentioned the improved disc churn, &c — the " New Era " it is called — I may say that its advantages as claimed include perfection and rapidity in churning, washing, bnuing, and drying the butter, perfection of grain, and absence of danger of over-churning Those, of course, are the maker's claims. I expect to hear more next week about the real ( pinion of outside experts who have made experiments. I met Mr Joseph Nathan, of Wellington, at the dairy show yesterday. He is looking unwell and evidently still feels his domestic loss most acutely. He thinks of returning to New Zealand next month, probably by way of America, but this is not yet settled. Mr Nathan tells me that his firm will go in more largely than ever for the development of the New Zealand dairy trade. He is very sanguine about it. He has just placed at very satisfactory prices a considerable shipment of last season's butter. He does not anticipate much competition on the part of English buyers in the colony this season after the frightful way they burned their finger 3 last season. Of the N^w Zealand flax trade and its prohe gives a deplorable account. Only yesterday, he says, 250 toi s of "fair"AuekImd 11 »x on being offered faund no bidJeri.t any higher rate than £17 ; that was the best price genuinely offered, aud the flax was bought in at a nominal £19. Even £17 would repre? sent much less to the producer, being " c.i t.," which means that at liae>b 5 p&r cent, would hive to come off. Tae reason is that Manila aud sisal are so cheap and abundai't. The former can be supplied iv any quantity at £-0, anl tha latter at £18 Sisal fibre is, he tells me, mu.h brighter than mobt New Zealand flix, and so is worth £2 more. A new ilix machine has just been invented, and is under " private and confidential" trial before b-iing patented It is expected to do great things ia the way of thorough and Gconomical cleansing of the fibre. I may have more to tell of this next week. By-the-by'e, Mr Gray (of Coey and Co \ whq advised the dairy arrangements on board the new steamer Gothic, has been requested by the Queensland Government to furnish a report on tne colonial dairy trade for their information and instruction. You may remember my mentioning that Mr M. Keever, another menibfr of this firm, had accompanied Mr Wilson, the Australian dairy expert, at his request, on a visit to Australia and New Zealand, with the object of further developing the dairy trade. Mr Valentine, the dairy expert whose services have been retained by New Zealand, leaves immediately for New Zealand by way of America. Much regret ia expressed that this eminent expert in all matters connected with

the dairy trade was not allowed longer time in this country before his departure for New Zealand so that he might have delivered addresses ia Glasgow and other large cities as ; he did in Manchester and Liverpool, where he produced a most favourable impression and did much toward improving the New Zealand dairy trade so far as those cities are concerned. It is not thought, however, that his efforts in the direction of establishing a direct stexm service between New Zealand and Liverpool will have any immediate result. Nothing is likely to be done in this way at present. The connection between Liverpool and America in respect of produce is so very intimate and complete, and Liverpool is so entirely the receiving and distributing port for most American produce, that it will be very difficult for New Zealand to obtain a footing there. But something may be done in time, and meanwhile Mr Valentine has rendered good service to the colony by agitating the question so prominently. Much is hoped from tha promise of the English railway companies to co-operate with the shipping lines in arranging through rates for New Zealand produce shipped from New Zealand for the large English and Scottish towns. Next to a direct shipment this is the best thing that can be done. But while the colonial produce has to reach the large inland and northern cities and towns by a process of filtration through the hands of intermediaries, Mr Valentine fears the trade will be limited, because the distant places will always suspect that the best qualities are retained for Loudon, and only the inferior sent on to the provincial towns. The gardens of the Imperial Institute have beeu closed for the winter. It used to be delightful in the glorious summer evenings of prtvious months to bit iv those prettily illuminated gardens listening to excellent mu-,ic and watehiDg the many graceful and brightly-clad feminine figures that flitted by. But the evenings are too chilly now for this to be longer feasible or safe, and so the gardens are to remain closed until the spring. Of course this means also the temporary shutting up of the New Zealand frozen meat kiosk. Its contents — edible and mechanical — have been removed for the winter, both to safe quarters. The same machinery may return again, but I fear the meafc and butter has been so safe'y ttowed away that we shall not see them again. However, doubtless they will have worthy successors, and assuredly the show has done good service to the New Zealand produce trade. While Mr Val( ntine is in America on his way to New Zealand he will inspect all the improved machinery invented by our ingenious Yankee cousins and used in their local dairy work. He hopes in this way to pick np a great deal of information that will bo found very useful in New Zealand.