Why not Resign?

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 1, Issue 91, 16 December 1890, Page 2

Why not Resign?

The Evening Post is particularly rough on Sir Harry Atkinson for attempting to find any loop-hole by which he could escape resigning. It would be very interesting to have a peep behind the scenes, and see the forces which are at work, and which are evidently preventing Sir Harry taking The usual constitutional course. We ■' ; should imagine there is some move on the board, for we should be innocent indeed if we thought otherwise. Mr ■Mitchelson’s statement that Parliament -should be called together, and the possibilities of a dissolution are very suggestive, and should place the Opposition on their guard.

We notice that Mr Smith, the newly appointed Inspector of Schools for Marlborough, was presented with a very handsomely illuminated address by the teachers of Westland before leaving that district. A terrible tragedy is reported from Ballarat. A man named Johnson suffocated his four children, then shot his wife, and took a dose of poison himself. Australian shippers are arranging for a scheme of co-operative shipping. The Irish land Purchase Bill has passed through Committee and the third reading was to have taken place on Monday. The charges of Manslaughter against the Chinamen at Wellington were concluded on Tuesday aed the Jury returned a verdict of ‘Not Guilty. And the accused were dismissed. Mr Ballance thinks the Ministry ought to resign and allow the Opposition to form a Cabenet. He did not believe in reconstruction on coalition. Mr Heiden, the manager of the Wakamarina George Claim, expects that it will be several weeks before things can be got in proper working order to commence operations.

A Special meeting is converned to be held at Smiths Commercial Hotel this evening of those interested in holding a regatta and to reconsider the decision arrived at by the regatta and sports committee. The Nelson Colonist, in referring to a booklet issued by the Union S. S. Go. as a guide to tourists, says: (< We may add that it is a matter for regret that greater facilities do not exist for enabling tourists to visit the many places of interest around Tasm in Bay, in the vicinity of D’Urville Island, the Croixelles, and the Pelorus Sound.”

The many friends of Mr Ernest Rutherford, formerly of Havelock school and Nelson College will be glad to hear that he lias added to his former laurels by winning a mathematical scholarship of £2O at Canterbury College.

At the Wellington Supreme Court in the case of Edward John Robinson, charged with embezzlement, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty, and the accused was therefore discharged, On Friday last smoked, glass was at a premium in consequence of the partial eclipse of the sun, but before night it was strewn broadcast all over the place, evidently'thrown down in disgust. The rising generation of astronomers particularly were very much disappointed, as they had made great preparations in providing themselves with a sufficient supply of smoked glass for the occasion, but the cloudy sky prevented them from seeing the eclipse. J. Allen, Esq., Returning Officer, at the Court-house yesterday afternoon at (] o’clock (says the Press), made the official declaration of the polling for the Waimea-Picton seat, when the numbers read were as follows: Mills, 910 ; Hursthouse, 730 ; Phillips, 07 ; leaving a majority for Mr Mills of 210. Air Mills, who was present, briefly returned thanks for the honour conferred on him, and after proposing a vote of thanks to the Returning Officer the proceedings ended by cheers being given for Mr Mills.

We would again remind our readers of the select concert to be held on Thursday next in the Atheneum Theatre, and on the following evening at Cullensville, It is nob often such an opportunity occurs of hearing such high-class vocal and instrumental music, and as tbs prices are within the reach of all ws folly anticipate that Air Williams and party will bs welcomed by large and appreciative audiences. Tenders are invited by the Sports Committee for publican’s and dining boot’!), for Ifq. 2 refreshment booth, and for right of games at the sporty tq be bald in Mr H. Reader’s Padlock on Now Year’s Day.

The bachelors’ ball at Onamalutu on Friday last was a great success, about thirty couples being present, and Mr Folster’s wool-shed was most tastefully decorated with flowers and evergreens, Mrs C. Hornby presided at the piano, and Mr T. Clarke assisted with the accordion, Mr Fred. Scott discharging the duties of Master of Ceremonies. Great credit is due to the Secretary, Mr J. A. Lambert, junior, and the Committee for tlie successful manner in which all the arrangements were carried out, and whose efforts were ably seconded by the ladies, who assisted in providing the excellent refreshments. Dancing was kept up until long after daylight, and altogether a most enjoyable evening was spent by all present. We are informed that trout have been seen in the Pelorus River, which, if correct, should be good news to those who have gone to so much trouble in trying to stock our rivers, and also to anglers generally.

There are two libel actions spoken of as the result of the elections. Mr Mifcchelson has instructed his solicitors to take proceedings against Desmond, of Auckland, for criminal libel, and there is also another case pending against the Hawke’s Bay Herald.

It is stated that another death has occurred under Dr Koch’s process for cure of consumption. A telegram from Reefton states that a nest of sly grog shanties on the Grey road, near Reefton Saddle, was broken up last week, and eleven cases brought before the R.M. Three were withdrawn, and eight convicted, the fines ranged from £lO to £25, total £l7O, costs £63.

The Victorian Government are going in for a 2| million loan. A man who showed signs of lunacy and who had taken up his quaters with the Maoris at Canvastown was arrested by Constable Williams on Saturday and and taken through to Blenheim to undergo the usual examination.

We learn that the Ravenscliffe G.M. Company have let the construction of water-race pipes and erection of same to Messrs G. W. Fraser & Bon, which will be made on the ground. The C mipany has also purchased the plant of the Wakatu Company, consisting of ten heads of stampers, half-a-mile of fereal tram, &c., and Mr Turner is now at the Owen arranging for its immediate transfer to Waikakaho. Mr Gardiner has completed his survey of the lines for the cereal tramway, and expresses himself as well pleased with the line of route over which the line will run. The erection of these works will be commenced immediately after the holidays are over.

The Havelock school closes for the Christmas holidays on Friday next. As there is to be no regatta on Boxing Day it has been proposed that as many as are inclined take part in a pic-nic at Mr Twidle’s. Of course each party will provide their own refreshments, but to join in a general pic-nic on the ground, and take part in whateper games can be got up. All those who have musical instruments are asked to take them, so that they can have dancing on the green, and it is expected a very enjoyable day will be spent, as a better place for a pic-nic could not very well be chosen. We are requested to extend a general invitation to all, and we are quite sure Mr and Mrs Twidle will do all that is possible for the comfort of the visitors to their grounds,