THE Southland Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. Luceo Non Uro. TUESDAY, 11th DECEMBER, 1894.

Southland Times, Issue 13089, 11 December 1894, Page 2

THE Southland Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. Luceo Non Uro. TUESDAY, 11th DECEMBER, 1894.

The speech of Mr Pinkerton, M.H R., delivered last week in Dunedin to his constituents, was eminently disappointing. 1 he hon. member had come to be regarded by many outside of his own party as one of the most reputable of the Government supporters, and one of the least likely to be led into any extremes at the mere bidding of others. He was looked upon rather as a moderating force in the Seddonian councils, and as conferring a sort of staid respectability on a party that stood greatly in need of such an accessory. Hie appearance itself was reassuring, and in its grave benevolence seemed to afford a guarantee of very restricted democratism.' The address of Wednesday gave a fatal shock to all such preconceptions aud limitations. Mr Pinkerton, from beginning to end of his long harangue, proclaimed himself the indiscriminating apologist of the Government, unabashed at anything he bad done in backing them, whether it was in their volte face in finance or in the never-to-be-forgotten breach of the law in Colonel Fraser’s appointment. There is no logic discernible in the speech, and not one plausible defence of a policy which drove so many other partisans of the Government into open rebellion We have no intention of following Mr Pinkerton from point to point of his exposition, but there are one or two palpable failures in bis reasoning that ought to -be noticed. He mistake o , wilfully we cannot but suppose, the true issues in Colonel Frasei’s cas-, which was the first touchstone of members faithfulness—the first test of whether they were to be true to duty and conviction or to fo'low blindly the lead of the Premier. There are two questions to be considered : the first regarding the propriety, and the second touching the legality, of this appointment. is to the first, there are some allegations of a grave kind standing against the name of Colonel Fraser, He himself has never given these a public denial since they were quoted as reasons why be should not be made Sergeant-at-Arms 'I he question about them is not, as Mr Pinkerton endeavours to make out, xvhen the scandal imputed took place, but whether it took place at all. Neither is it, whether Sir Robert Stout or anybody else, patronised Colonel Fraser since the reproach was first cast upon his honour. Therefore, when the member for Dunedin advances the fact that the story is an o'd one and that it had been apparently overlooked by one of the assailants ef the Government, he has not touched the real matter in dispute, and there is no room for bis triumphant ejaculation—- “ So much for the disgracelulness of the appointment.” The disgracefulness remains exactly where he found it. The arguments by which he attempts to defend the legality of the transaction are pitiable in the extreme. He passes over in absolute silence the fact that the law officers of the Crown had given an opinion directly adverse to the appointment, and the quite obvious fact that it was an evasion of the law even if no salary was to be paid—blaming merely the want of tact with which the Government bad gone about the business. Mr Pinkerton has told us that the Dis qualification Act was not intended to apply to such a matter, but the legal opinion that we have quoted is on the other side, and will probably be accepted in preference to the dictum of a layman. By his vote on this question, and still more by bis obstinate and disingenuous defence of it, Mr Pinkerton has shown clearly that when party interests are concerned he cannot be trusted to maintain either his own reputation or the sacredness of the law. there were any signs of grace visible in the perpetrators, this iniquitous job would call for less reiteration as to its true character by those who see it in a proper light; but when Mr Seddon, with unblushing impenitence, tells the colony that in similar circumstances he would again do the same thing; and when Mr Pinkerton and others back him up with halting but dogged apologies—when these things happen, there can be nothing superfluous in exposing over and over again the offence that has been committed. Mr Pinkerton is not more happy in his distinction between the borrowing of the past and that of the present. The question before the electors was not borrowing after a particular fashion, but borrowing for any purpose of the State ; and the men who are now sheltering themselves behind such futile sophistries know very well’ £hat th.e platform on which they stood

was a platform of making no addition whatever to the public burdens, And even as to the objects of borrowing, the juggling that is being exhibited at the present moment with a portion of the advance to the Bank of New Zealand wifi, if we mistake no’, show in time that it was to keep the wheels of expenditure moving that the Government had recourse to that old method which they had so unsparingly condemned. It is impossible to read without a smile the preamble of the New Zealand Consols Act: —‘‘ Whereas it is expedient to encourage thrift by affording to the people of New Zealand facilities for the safe investment of their savings,” That the bill was brought in really to feed the insatiable demands of the Government for money to spend, no one who knows them will for a moment doubt. What may be the practical effect of the restraining clauses introduced into the Ac’, time alone can disclose. Although Mr Pinkerton professes to be unable to perceive it, the difference is very wide between provision made by the creation of a State Savings Bank to receive in small sums the i-pare money of the people and machinery on a large scale for drawing into the Exchequer from trade and from the banks, a portion of the capitnl of the colon.’. And this is saying nothing of the vicious principle on which the Act is framefi that of issuing State paper for half a million not redeemable for a period of 40 years The absence of necessity for the Land for Settlement Act has been too often insisted on to make it necessary to repeat the arguments against it, and certainly the member for Dunedin has advanced nothing on the subject requiring a special answer. Perhaps the most objectionable and unsatisfactory part of Mr Pinkerton’s address was his treatment of the question of Party Govern meat. We do not dwell on the fact that the speaker had to swallow his own previous emphatic words uttered in condemnation of the present system; He had a perfect right to change his opinion, although he has given no reason of the slightest weight for the change. There is nothing but a tissue of loose assertions of the most improbable consequences, and nothing like a fair comparative estimate of the two systems, bringing, into view the intolerable evils of that which now prevails. A specimen of the speaker’s method of dealing with bis subject is to be found in the following sentence :—“lt was said that an elective Executive was a success in 1- witz'-rland, but he was convinced that it could not be a success in New Zealand ” Why it should not be a success here as well as in Switzerland there is not a word in the speech to explain. Almost immediately after the words bad been spoken, some one in the audience called ou f , Bosh ’ and we cannot improve upon the criticism We do not think that Mr Pinkerton has bettered his own position or that of the Ministry by his slavish and unmeasured eulogy ; on the contrary, there must be many who, knowing the innate shrewdness of the man, will be disposed to put a somewhat sinister interpretaiion*'on the whole performance.

New Zealand University. — Special attention is directed to an advertisement in our columns calling a meeting of the Court of Convocation for the 9th January. In addition to calling the meeting the advertisement contains two notices of importance to members.

Southland Metropolitan A. and P. Show. —There is every prospect of favourable weather for the opening to-day of the Southland Metropolitan A. and P. Show, and the entries are so numerous that a brilliant triumph for the Association may be expected. The committee of management have been busy making the necessary arrangements, and every effort has been and will be made to make the exhibition even more than worthy of the big occasion.

Fatal Accident.—A man named William McFarlane, whilst working on Friday last in a gravel pit at Stoney Creek, was buried by a slip from the face. After extrication he was removed to the Southland Hospital where he died on Sunday evening. An inquest will be opened at the hospital to-day. Art Exhibits.—Yesterday afternoon and evening Mrs Waters exhibited in her art studio in Esk street, a collection of pictures painted by her accomplished and welltrained pupils. The paintings were grcitly admired, aud the general opinion was that they reflected the highest credit upon the students and their capable instructress. Race Nominations.—The following nominations have been received for the Wyndham races on New Year’s Day ;—Wyndham Handicap (mile and a quarter)—Tassy, Reflection, The Winchman, Kiwi, Leinster, Marjbyrnong, Otatara, Surefoot and Cinnabar. Three-Mile Trot—Gaiety, Owake, Miss Collins, Silverbell, Minnie, Vulcan, Rubina and Toby. District Handicap (one mile)—Testator, Tassy, Doubtful, Leinster, Silvertail, Billy, and Detective. Two-Mile Trot—Gaiety, Miss Collins,Owake, Toryboy, Silverbell, Minnie, Vulcan, Silvcrlight, Toby and Starlight. Flying Handicap (six furlongs)—May Queen, Reflection, Tassy, Kiwi, The Winchman, Dandenong, Maribyrnong, Otatara, Surefoot, Conjuror, Cinnabar, Napier.—Own correspondent.

Wairarapa Relief Fund.—A meeting of the committee was held in the Municipal Chambers yesterday afternoon, his Worship the mayor, presiding. It was resolved to declare the lists closed and forward the amount (L 69 2s Id) to the treasurer of the Central Fund, Dunedin, accompanied with the recommendation made by the Garrison Band when handing over the L 25 raised by their concert, viz., that the sum should be devoted to the children of Mrs McDonald ; with this request for their consideration, the Dunedin committee.to be left to their discretion. The proceedings were terminated by a vote of thanks to the mayor and town clerk for their interest and trouble in the matter.

Middle District School.—A special meeting of the committee of this school took place yesterday evening, there being present Messrs Smith (chairman), Anderson, Kingsland, D. Strang, W. Strang, Stirling, and Scandrett. The headmaster reported that the annual examination of the school began on Wednesday and concluded yesterday. The attendance had been good, reaching 675 and averaging nearly 670. The entertainment in aid of the prize fund would take place on Friday next, and the prizes will be distributed on the 18th inst. Drowned in the Waiau. — Sergeant Mnclonell received a telegram yesterday evening from Constable Fretwell,of Orepuki, that two men named Thomas .Rundell and James Coles had been drowned at the mouth of the Waiau. It appears that with another man named Thomas Spear they were fishing for flounders, and presumably Spear was on the bank of the river attending to one end of the net while the other two -were in a boat for the purpose of pulling round in the qsual - seipi-circle, paying opt the net, and taking the other end ashore. The boat cap.siged, and its two occupants were thrown into the river. They were good swimmers, but the water being rough and the ourrent strong they were unable to reach the shore, and were drowned. Mr Spear and the two deceased left Invercargill last Wednesday. Ruudell was a married man of about 34 years. He leaves a wife and family of six children, Mrs Rundell being the eldest daughter of Mr Clempson, herbalist, of Tay street. Of Coles nothing is so far known, except that he was a single man about 36 years of age, and had been a sawmill hand residing at Colac Bay.

The Elijah.—The Choral Union had a capital rehearsal of Mendelssohn’s great oratorio last night, and will, without doubt, give a fine rendering of it to-night in the theatre. Mr Prouse, of Wellington, whose capabilities are well known and appreciated here, will sing the -music assigned to the Prophet, and as the Union have given earnest attention to the work an enjoyable performance is assured. It is not often that residents in the country have an opportunity' to hear these masterpieces of musical art, and as there will be a large number of such visitors in town for the agricultural show the Union’s performances are commended to their patronage.

Southland Hospital Trust.—The meeting of the Trust, held yesterday evening, was attended by Messrs J. R. Richards, H. S. Hunter, A. Dunlop, T. Findlay, W. R. Riddell and J. Hanan. It was announced by the secretary (Mr Gunn) that the first business was the appointment of a chairman for the ensuing year, and on the motion of Mr Richards, seconded by Mr Dunlop, Mr H. S. Hunter was unanimously elected. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr Richards, the retiring chairman, for the zeal and ability he had displayed in the discharge of his duties, and the keen desire he had always shown to further the interests of the institution. Mr Richards suitably replied, and referred to the fact that during the past year the Government had placed the sum of Ll5OO on the Estimates for hospital works which were much required.—Several matters of a routine nature, including the passing of accounts and salaries amounting to L 153 8s 7d, were dealt with, and the standing committees for the year were appointed.— It was decided to delay any further approach to the Government for the payment of the Ll5OO vote for a month.—The chairman •(Mr Hunter) .said it might be desirable to take advantage of the visit of an expert, Mr George Yard, to Invercargill to get some of the hospital instruments put in proper order, and it was decided to leave the matter in the hands of the chairman and secretary.—On the motion of the chairman votes of thanks were passed to Mr D. McFarlane and Mr A. Raeside for their past services on the Trust. —Mr Hanan said a rumour had been spread abroad to the effect that special donations sent to patients did not always find their proper destinations. Personally he had every confidence in the management, but in the interests of the institution he wished to bring the matter up so that the facts might be explained and the insinuation publicly refuted. It was explained by the chairman and others that donations of fruit, fowls,etc., were occasionally sent to patients who could not be permitted to partake of them, and that these delicacies were sometimes given to other patients to whom they would prove beneficial. Thus it was that special presents scut to one patient might be given to another, and gifts generally exchanged, so that they would do most good. It was further stated that personal gifts to the dispenser and other members of the staff, sent by grateful ex-patients, were almost invariably devoted to the use of the wards. Mr Hanan expressed himself thoroughly satisfied with the explanation, particularly because it supported his opinion of the dispenser and the staff, and because it proved how unfounded outside rumours had been.

Still Another Record—lnvercargill to Dunedin in 12 hours 30| minutes, Invercargill to Gore in 2 hours 19| minutes. These are genuine records, timed by Club officials at each end made on a Humber 28 Jib, beating all previous records by 25 J min. English machines take the cake for Path, Road, or Touring. A large stock always on hand. Cheapest, best, fastest, and most durable. Premier, LlB 10s; Humbers, L 22 10s ; Raleigh, L 22 ; with all the latest improvements direct from Home. Cycles on time payment. Guaranteed for 12 months. Godward and McKenzie, Cycle Manufacturers and Importers, Dee street, Invercargill. Get the genuine article. Advt.]

The Bible Depository, Tay and Kelvin streets, will remain open to 10 p.m. during this month. Xmas, New Year and Birthday Cards from Ad to 6s each. Imported direct. Arc now displayed. Try our packet containing 40 for Is. We kindly invite inspection.— Lyon and Duncan.

SAVE YOUR MONEY BY BUYING YOUR GROCERIES AT WHOLESALE PRICES FROM J. S. BAXTER’S.

THE BROWN-JONES and ROBINSON QUESTION—Mrs Brown (married last week)—“ Now which do you really think is the best sewing machine ?” Mrs Robinson (who has tried every make)—“ Why, the Latest Improved NEW DAVIS, of course. It’s far ahead of all others, and you can get it at our friend JONES’, Dee street, who also repairs all other makes. I advise you to give him a call.”

SYNOPSIS OF NEW ADVERTISEMENTS. Large supplies ot seasonable goods at Meredith’s There will be no Cycle Club run on Wednesday A boots wanted for an hotel A meeting of the Court of Convocation of the N.Z University takes place on 9th January J G Ward Assn sell stock at Gore on 18th J G Ward Assn sell pedigree stock on the Show grounds to-morrow Cox’s Temperance Hotel, Dunedin—Business notice J G Ward Assn hold a special sale of horses at Prince of Wales yards on 13th Refreshment rooms at Mrs McNatty’s N.M and ACo are agents for McCormack’s reaper and binder Tothill, Watson and Co have money to lend Mrs Holmes has strawberries and cream and refreshments Deiley and Moir invite inspection of their perambulators and furniture The Wf.bkt.v Times of 14th will contain the full report of the Southland show ■ Assigned estate of Wm McCrone—AU accounts to be in by 22nd Mrs Atkinson, Tay street, has board and lodging cheap ' Notice re claims against the estate of John Wilbraham, deceased A diamond and ruby ring lost; reward Caledonian Dramatic Society—Rehearsal in Union rooms on Thursday evening Wm Todd sells unredeemed pledges on 18th A partner wanted St Johns Fair—Thanks