ANGLO-COLONIAL NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2355, 13 April 1899, Page 45

ANGLO-COLONIAL NOTES.

(From Oto Own Correspondent.) LONDON, February 3. Samoan affairs are still being discussed, though it is agreed that nothing definite can be done toward final settlement until all three Governments interested have been placed in full possession of the actual facts which led .up to the recent outburst. However, there seems to be strong objection everywhere to letting Germany secure more influence than she has at present.

Some very timely remarks were made at the 'Article Club after-dinner discussion on " Commercial Exhibitions " this week, by Mr VV. P. Reeves. He urged that English manufacturers should show their customers in other parts of the world what they were capable of producing. 'One of the problems which business men had before them was to exhibit their products in the continents of the world, and he indicated that it was in the Far East where exhibitions of these products would prove of great practical value.

Within the last few days the Postmastergeneral has had to draw attention to the fact that large numbers of letters addressed to New Zealand and other colonies not yet converted to Imperial penny postage, are being sent at the Id rate, instead of at-2£d. This has been the means of many .letters having to be surcharged, a fact which advocates of Mr Hertniker Heaton's reform think will help on indirectly, the lowering of the rate by the Governments still holding aloof, because the colonists having themselves to pay the surcharge will be more likely to bring pressure to bear upon their Postmasters-general. One writer refers, though good-hum ouredly, it must be confessed, to the "unamiable attitude shown by the colonies still outside the pale of Id postage, "to the generous desire ?r? r °i'2 ?er union wfth* 11 the Empire " shown by the Mother country. Of course it iB taken for granted that the ideal will be attained in time. Lecturing at the People's Hall, Deptford, Roadway, last Monday evening, Mr Sydney Webb, L.C.C., chose as his text, " Some Australian Impressions." Incidentally, he devoted a few criticisms to America, ho -and Mrs Webb having m their recent trip to Australia stayed awhile at New York and Chicago, -the chief lesson there learned appears to be one of thankfulness that British municipal government is not like theirs. Nowhere in America, New Zealand; or Australia did he nnci any local administrative body so energetic or so progressive as the London County Council. In New Zealand the inclusion of women in the electorate did very little if anything, tb affect the balance of parties Ihe notion, he said, that if you give womon the franchise you will be governed by women was fallacious. On the whole, ho fancied that women voted with tho men. One good result was that both sides were a little more careful in their choice of candidates. "Fires in Ships Caused by Charcoal InBulation forms the subject of a very interesting article in the -Economist, which is attracting some attention. The writer is a strong advocate- of the use of a New Zealand product, for he says:— "Pumice is already largely employed for purposes of insulation on shore notably at meat works in the colonies, and it can doubtless be obtained in abundance. It is incombustible and uninflammable, so that a spark which would set charcoal in a glow and likely enough some of the insulation fires have been caused in this manner — would fall harmlessly on pumice." Pakeha Maori, as a patois for the presentation of New Zealand subjects, is, I see, giving way to other formß of speech. A few weeks ago Mr Andrew Lang published an account of the tohunga in semi-Scriptural phraseology. Now literature of the kail yar d kind is the model adopted by Mr R. B. Cunningham Graham for an article entitled "The Pakeha" published in tho Westminster Gazette. An old Scotsman — one who has returned to the Highlands— looks back with regret at the time lie left New Zealand, for ho took with him unbounded admiration for the colony in general and Dunedin in particular. He gives experiences — laughable if not historic — of pakeha dealings with the Maori from Sir George Grey's negotiations to wrestling 1 matches with Donald Dinnie or some other Donald. But the main and ever-recurring theme is " A bonny place, New Zealand; a pairfect Pairadise — that is, thirty years ago; aye, aye, 'oo aye, just tho finest country in God's airth."

There has been another slight outbreak of discussion on compulsory arbitration, the Duko of Argyll being the latest to make his appearance in print. So nmch has been said 'in " what has been rather absurdly called ■ ' Compulsory Arbitration ' that not much ro- ■ mains to be added," he remarks. But there is one point of fundamental importance ' which lias not, I think, attracted sufficient attention. It is just indicated by an observe tion made by tho Bishop of Hereford in one of his letters. The bishop rejects as un- ' reasonable any fear that a law-abiding people would not respect the decision of the Arbitration Court, just as they respect the decision of other courts in the country. This shows that the bishop is under a complete delusion arising out of the careless use of ambiguous and deceptive language. " The word ' court ' cannot possibly apply to the proposed tribunals in the same sense in which it is properly applied lo courts of law," the Duke contend*. Having laid it down that »h* essential characteristics of our law courts is that they administer justice according lo known laws, which laws are fixed and stable, resting on express statutes or on established principles of jurisprudence, and that by them all men are secure of having their legal rights accurately ascertained as a matter of fact, and enforced as a matter of indisputable right, the Duke goes on to say: " The proposed arbitration tribunals would have none of these essential characteristics. What they would administer could not be law, because no law exists prescribing how men are to be paid for their labour, or how men are to employ their skill and capital in industrial undertakings. The tribunals, therefore, would not be courts of law at all, and it is impossible that their decisions could ever be accepted as legal decisions are accepted. Parliaments can do a .great tleal, but there are some things which neither plebiscites nor Parliaments can do. And one of these impossible things is to clothe arbitrary and revolutionary tribunals with the same authority and sanctity as courts of law." Englishmen who can .use words so loosely and give' them such "vicious application" have lost, in the Duke of Argyll's opinion, some of the best fruits of a long and glorious education in the fundamental principles of every civilised jurisprudence. Sir Sandford Fleming, in his letter to Mr Chamberlain on an all-British cable Bystem, has made out an unanswerable case, thinks Mr Archibald S. Hurd. And in an article which the latter contributes to this month's Nineteenth. Qmtury " ho uses additional

reasons why such a system should be at once adopted. The scheme, or rather schemes, it will be remembered, falls under three heads — the first being the proposal to connect Vancouver with a first mid-ocean station at Fanning Island, a second at Fiji, and a third at Norfolk Island. At the last-named place the cable would bifurcate, one branch extending to New Zealand and the other to the eastern coast of Australia. In time of war, Mr Hurd contends, Canada would almost certainly be the route, under certain conditions, by which any necessary troops would be sent to Australia and New Zealand, while the cables would give one or two routes of communication between Great Britain and certain ports, among them being Auckland, Wellington, Lyttelton, and Dunedin, "whose importance in the Imperial chain of defences it would be impossible to exaggerate."

Australia's seasons were referred to by the Chairman of the Union Bank of Australia (Mr Arthur Flower) at the half-yearly meeting of shareholders held on Monday last, and comparison was made with New Zealand to the advantage of the latter, both for climate and seasons, Mr Flower looking forward with pleasure to the probability of a " large surplus of wheat available for export from that colony, thus denoting a favourable season. In these circumstances, "continued the Chairman, "it is at least satisfactory to know that prices for wool are well maintained and higher, the increase in value tending to compensate for the deficiency in the clip, and that the production of gold continues to increase." By last mail I forwarded you the report of the directors, which was agreed to, and a dividend at the rate of 5 per cent, per annum was declared. Mainly historic and explanatory is an article contributed to this month's "National Review" . by Mr W. P. Reevea on the Old-age Pensions Act of New Zealand, and from which lengthy quotations are already being made by the leading dailies. One at least of these markedly emphasises the point that the scheme was in no way called for by colonial public opinion, but was " originated by the Government doubtless with an eye to the extension of parliamentary suffrage which was clearly seen to be inevitable."

An excellent, advertisement has been given to New Zealand's scenery by means of a cable message from Wellington announcing the return of some 200 excursionists from a cruise among the West Coast Sounds. All the papers yesterday announced that the members of tho party were agreed that there was "no fiver scenery anywhere." Mr Grove, ex-prcsjdent of the London Alpine Club, is enthusiastic regarding the grandeur of tho scenery, which, he says, exceeds that of the European Alps, the Strait of Magellan, .and the Norwegian Fiords." A digest of Lord Ranfurly's speech on the same subject was also cabled.

PEKSONAL.

It is stated, I see, that Mr Harry Reynolds has won an action against the Ehfield Cycle Company. The suit was for the purpose of recovering expenses connected with his tour, on behalf of the defendants, in New Zealand and Australia. The company maintained that they were not liable for the expenses of the champion cyclist, who, however, got a verdict. The amount in dispute was some £160.

I regret to learn tho news of the death of the Very Rev. Stephen Cummings, of the Marist congregation, Vicar-general of the Catholic diocese of Christchurch, New Zealand, who died on Sunday morning at 2.30 o'clock at the Underwood Monastery, Spitalfiolds. He had been suffering for some considerable time from enlargement of the heart.

On the 25th ult. Iho wedding look place at Capetown, South Africa, of Mr Arthur J. C. Molyneux, F.G.S., of Bulawaye, son of the late Mr William Molyneux, F.G.S., Burton-on-Trent, and Kitty, fourth daughter of Mr F. A. Pullon, of Herno Hill, London, S.E. This announcement appears with the intimation for New Zealand please to copy.

Mr Hedley J. Thomson, of Gisborne, is going through a regular course of electrical engineering work under Professor W. E. Ayrton, F.R.S., and Profebsor Unwin, at the Central Technical College, South Kensington.

Two Napier ladies — the Misses Hitchings, — who have adopted the theatrical profession, are now touring in the provinces with Ben Greets company. They are acting under the nameß of "Bolla Napier" and Hilda Hinemoa." The elder has been very successful as Mercia in "The Sign of the Cross," and it is thought that she will ultimately take a good place in tho profession. Her memory is said to be phenomenal, and in every part she has taken she is reported to have been " letter perfect." Dr Berry, the well-known Congregational minister and ex-president of the Congregational Union of England and Wales, died suddenly last Tuesday while conducting a funeral service at Bilston. Dr Berry was held in the very highest respect everywhere, and this was shown by tho numerous offers he receivd from time to lime, one being lo take up an important charge in New Zealand. Mr Faithfull Begg. M.P., has been elected the new leader of the "Female Suffragists" in this country, a fitting honour, it is thought, seeing that his early manhood was spent in Now Zealand, the first British colony to give ladies a vote. It is rather remarkable that several of Mr Begg's predecessors in the office have become members of the Cabinet, and his friends are hoping that the sequence of promotions may continue unbroken. Appointments have been made of the six veterinary surgeons to serve in the New Zealand Agricultural Department. The names of the successful candidates, however, have not yet been made public, as certificates of health, etc., have to be furnished, the appointmnts being contingent on these proving satisfactory. Some satisfaction is expressed in colonial circles at the announcement that the Hon. J. M'Kenzio is about to visit this country, partly for reasons of health, but particularly for the purpose of inquiring into the frozen meat and produce trade. It is hoped by those who think there is room for improvement that tho visit may be the means of putting the trade on a more satisfactory footing. A sad termination has just occurred to tho life of an old New Zealander, Mr Charles Belcher, late of Nelson, New Zealand. The old gentleman came Home some time ago, and I am afraid had nojt the best 'of good fortune, partly owing to the fact that he had lost his papers. He lodged in a. square off Gray's Inn, and this week, not having been seen for some time, his room was entered and he was found dead. Death had evidently occurred some three days before the discovery was made. A_ clue to his identity was found in letters given him at the Agency-general, certifying that he was a New Zealander. Other papers Bhowed that he at one time paid income-tax on £600 a year in the colony. Death was due to natural causes.

Mr Reeves is deluged with applications to lecture and write on New Zealand ; but since Christmas he has steadily declined all invitations. He, however, is fulfilling old-standing engagements and lectures at Oxford on the

24ih insfc. on some colonial question. He will also speak at Toynbee Hall on the 18th inst., his subjects being "Female Suffrage" and " Old-a.ge Pensions." He tells me that he has received a long communication from the Manchester Docks Company in reference to facilities to be given to New Zealand trade, but of course he reserves that for report direct to his Government.

Mr Justice Williams, Mrs Williams, and their daughters leave to-morrow for New Zealand, via Australia, travelling in the fine new Orient steamer Omrah. The judge is distinctly unwell, in fact, it was thought that he would delay his departure for that reason, and some surprise is expressed that he did not apply for continued leave. I fancy, however, he is anxious to get clear of our climate as soon as possible, for the moist cold of late has been very trying to him. Three of the newly-appointed professors to the Victoria university, Wellington — Messrs Brown, Mackenzie, and Ensterfield — will leave by the s.s. Kaikoura next weak. Pjofessor Maclaurin has already left; he is travelling via Suez, in a P. and O. liner. GENERAL. February 11. If it be true that " imitation is the sincerest form of flattery," then" Mr H. C. Cameron, Government produce inspector, can hardly fail to feel highly flattered through the booklet just issued by H. Williams and. Co., family butchers, 118 Queen street, Cardiff," who, I understand, represent the Christchurch Meat Company at that important South Wales centre of population. For the new booklet is an amazingly close copy of the one issued by Mr Cameron when he established his New Zealand Produce Stores at Manchester with S3 much success.

While on this subject I may remark that I have just seen a very striking disproof of the oft-heard allegation that it would not pay to open retail shops for the sale of New Zealand produce. When Mr Cameron sold his Manchester business, one of the terms was that he should receive a certain percentage of all profits made after a clear net profit of £300 t*r annum had been earned after paying all expenses. He has just shown me a substantial cheque which he has received from his successor who has sent it quite spontaneously, without any account having been asked for. This at any rate shows that he must have made a clear profit of considerably more than £300 per annum out of the business of retailing New Zealand produce. Now Mr Cameron assures me that a shop of that kind could be started with a capital of well under £1000 ; indeed, in some cases with £600 or £800 capital. But even reckoning capital invested at £1000, which I believe was not the case in this instance, and without reckoning the excess of profit of which Mr Cameron received his share, even the minimum amount fixed, £300, would be a tolerably substantial return-— 3O per cent, clear. So I hope we shall hear no more of this nonsense about New Zealand produce shops .of the kind not paying. If they do not pay it will be because they had not been started on proper lines or had been muddled in the conduct of the business. That has now been proved by de'monStration.'

" Sooner or later," says the Fnancial News, " the case of the New Zealand Midland railway must reach the judicial Committee of the Privy Council, but the Government of the colony prefers that it should be later. A decision has been given by the Chief Justice laying down that the debenture-holders, with a mortgage lien on the completed portion of the line, have no better title to it than the company itself. That is a view to which we refuse to subscribe until it is supported by the highest judicial tuleut at home, and even then we should retain grave doubts. Probably the New Zealand judge argues that a company could not endow its debenture creditors with a better title than it possessed itself, and that, as the Company's title was liable to be voided, the lien of the creditors was of no avail. By a little expansion of this principle debentures and mortgages might be deprived of value altogether."

Mr Ben Tillett writes to me respecting a lecture to be delivered at the Public Hall, Canning Town, on February 13, on " The Colonies of Britain and the British Workers" The chair will be taken by Mr W. P. .Reeves, and the lecture will be illustrated by views of the colonies to be referred to. As great interest is now being taken in the development of the colonies by the workers of Great Britain, and as the future of Greater Britain is being more and more appreciated as the resources of the new countries are becoming more known, a very good gathering of many representatives from the colonies is expected. The trade resources, nature of the country, the Government, position of the workers in the colonies, their share of power, the prospects of development, mining, agriculture, stock raising, the possibility of Britain supplying herself from her own colonies will all be dealt with.

Among the curios put up to auction this week by Mr J. C. Stevens, the well-known auctioneer, was what the catalogue described at a " unique Maori mat." It was composed of the feathers of the kiwi, and on the mat were two panels of feathers of the white variety. It has been remarked that probably this is the first time white kiwi feathers have been seen in England. This, however, is not so, for Mr Thomas Mackenzie has a very fine stuffed specimen of the bird. The mat was said to have taken the tribe ten years to make. It brought thirty guineas, and was bought, it is understood, for the Natural History Museum.

On the 25th inst. the New Zealand Shipping Company's new vessel, the Wakanui, is due to leave the Tyne for London, whence she will sail for the colony on March 9. The new steamer has all the latest improvements. She will bo about 6000 tons register and about 3000 horsepower. Colonial matters have already cropped up in Parliament, and Mr Hogan, " the member for Australia," as he is called, has succeeded in drawing some of the heads of departments. In reply to a question, Mr Wyndham, for the War Office,, stated that connections had been opened up with the chief self-governing colonies with a view to interchange of military forces, on the lines agreed upon with New South Wales. Mr Hogan is also busying himself with colonial differential postal rates and, of course, Im-

perial penny postage, so this important matter stands a good chance of being threshed out in the House of Commons before long. That there is more Cape* Dutch spoken at the University of Edingurgh than there is Gaelic will probably caval surprise. Yet so says the report of the colonial students there, about 250, a good many of whom are from New Zealand. Steps are being taken to bring the young colonists into closer touch with one another.

The Manchester papers are still devoting much attention to the question of direct steamship communication Detween that artificial port and the Australasian colonies. This has been due mainly to the exertions of Messrs M'Kerrow and Pease, who, being former residents of New Zealand, have taken a warm interest in the matter, and are still straining every nerve to bring about success. In this connection one paper says : — " The main facts are so simple that they can be stated in a line or two. In the district of which Manchester is the commercial and industrial centre we have a teeming population, which will readily consume all the food products Australians and New Zealanders can send us. Mr Pease and others who are thoroughly acquainted with the producing capabilities of the colonies tell us that they are willing to ship to us all we require. At present the shipments go to. London, and northern and midland consumers have to bear the extra cost of railage. Why should not that be saved? The material and financial benefit would be felt immediately. But to bring about this result there must be a reconciliation of conflicting interests — a task which ought not to be altogther beyond accomplishment. It is recognised that the initiative must come from this end. Outward cargoes may present some difficulty at the beginning, but once the scheme is entered upon there is little reason to doubt that the colonists will reciprocate to the utmost of their power."