THE Southland Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. Luceo Non Uro. SATURDAY, 10th AUGUST, 1895.

Southland Times, Issue 13284, 10 August 1895, Page 2

THE Southland Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. Luceo Non Uro. SATURDAY, 10th AUGUST, 1895.

It was not to have been expected from the constitution of the Tariff Commission that their recommendatione would have any great value. The members were, with two exceptions—Mr Duthie aud Mr T. Mackenzie —appointed rather as a consideration for political services rendered, than on account of their qualifications to conduct such an enquiry and arrive at intelligent, unprejudiced conclusions, and we may go so far as to say that their qualifications were negative. Mr Dutbfe, who has a considerable knowledge of economics, and is a shtewd business man, unfortunately wen 'off to England and neither took part in the enquiry nor signed the report. Mr T. Mackenzie consequently stood alone as an exponent of sound fiscal principles, and was poweiless to do more than protest against the resolutions adopted, recommending increases of duties obviously for the purpose of protection. Mr Mackenzie signed the report, being in accord with most of the exemptions suggested, considering that in the main it was in accordance with the evidence given. He appends, however, a memorandum of dissent, in which he briefly sets forth his objections

to several leading features of the report,.! to the manner in which the enquiry was 1 conducted, and the assumption by the Commissioners of functions which were not within the ecope of their instructions. The evidence, he says, where given in favour of protective duties, is inconclusive. and untrustworthy, for the following reasons, “ it was ex “ parte: it was never published in “ detail—often not at all —and thus “ the other side of the question was “ not heard. As a result, the manufac- “ turers, and those having largo in- *• terests to serve by influencing the <• Commission, came before it, whilst the “ larger class of consumers, did not." Mr Mackenzie maintains that in framing a new tariff—which, is practically what the Commissioners have done—• they Lave altogether departed from their proper functions. Whilst considering the evidence on the one hand, he declares that the report shows that they have constantly kept in view the requirement# of the Treasury on the other; when as their sole duty, in his opinion, was to submit the evidence, with the conclusions based thereon, leaving it to the Government to determine what course should be taken to adjust finance. “Even “ assuming that the Commissioners were “within their order of reference,”, he feels assured, he says, that the estimated increases of revenue will not be realised, and that consequently there will be a considerab'e deficit occasioned by remissions. He further objects to the recommendations on the questions of “ tobacco license, inland charges, and “ the limitation of the number of local “ bodies who are recommended the “ privilege of cement duty free.” In the introductory paragraphs of the report the Commissioners are very fair spoken. They state that they have approached their task neither from the point of view of protectionists, nor from that of freetraders, but have ecdeavoured to ascertain wherein the existing tariff unduly presses upon the taxpaying public, and wherein it is possible to relieve that pressure by reducing the rates on certain articles, and also where inconsistencies might be removed. •' They “ have sought to render the reductions “ recommended financially possible by “imposing countervailing duties on “ articles which may properly be classed "as luxuries" . . . Their perform-

ance in drafting an amended Customs tariff is hardly up to this promise ; since, whilst proposing redactions and remissions which in most instances would not appreciably relieve those who bear the brunt of indirect taxation, they recommend substantial additions to the deties now levied on most articles of common use and consumption. We must do them, however, the justice to note t’:at they have had the good sense to ignore the representations of interested persons who strongly urged in their evidence the desirability of imposing import dues on coal, and condemned reciprocal freetrade between New Zealand and South Australia as injuriously affecting the local wine industry—a palpable absurd ity, since the best that can be said of Aew Zealand wines is that some o f these which have had the advantage of three or four years cellerage “ are of a “ very pa’atable nature and compare not “ unfavourably with the cheaper classes “of Australian wines. - ” . . ...

The Commissioners also reject the proposals made in respect of the tobacco industry, to the effect that there should be an alteration of the law, which would permit of the establishment of manufacture on a large scale. In view of the depressed condition of agriculture they say they would have been glad to recommend fiscal changes which might offer to farmers another product, the cultivation of which would probably yield payable results, but in view of the large amount of revenue involved, and the experience of adjacent colonies, they are unable to make any recommendation in this diiectioD They desire to bring under the notice of the Government the fact that the tobacc mists, for several years past, have petitioned Parliament for the imposition of a license fee ; and the opinion is expressed that the request should be acceded to, since the effect would be not only to add to the revenue a considerable sum, but “ it would be the means “ of checking the sale of cigarettes by a “ certain class of storekeepers, to the “ injury of the youth of the colony." It is therefore recommended that all dealers in tobacco should be required to take out a license, paying an annual fee therefor of L2.

Jn regard to the tariff rates proposed by the Commissioners these have for the most part been accepted by tho Treasurer in so far as new and increased duties are concerned. . ; , , They recommend a uniform rate of 16s per gallon on spirits, the addition of from 5 to 20 per cent ad valorem on a number of articles, including boots, shoes, leather, and many classes of soft goods. It is also their bright idea to impose a halfpenny per lb on imported small fruits, which are dear and scarce already, owing to the deficiency of local production, They further would increase the rates upon every article of food or drink which can, under the widest interpretation, be considered a luxury—even down to potatoes and onions, of which the colony produces more than sufficient for the local supply; but the crops of which are subject to failure under exceptional circumstances. . . . The Com-

missioners are also responsible for the proposed import duty on horses and great cattle, which they recommend as a measure of retaliation on the Australian colonies, which is mischievously impolitic just now when public opinion in those colonies is fast veering round to freetrade. ... Altogether the reductions recommended in various items of the tariff are estimated by the Commissioners to amount to L 101,707, but such redactions they state are “balanced “as near’y as possible by the increases “ made on articles of luxury.” Upon this statement we join issue, since the increases are by no means confined to articles of luxury, but are mainly on articles of common use, whilst (be additional revenue would manifestly bs far above the sum estimated as being lost through remissions and reductions. The Commission, we may assume, has served its purpose in strengthening the Government iu their pro posals to farther tax the people.

Magistrate’s Court. The only case called before Mr J. W. I’Oynton, S.M., yesterday was J. Holland v. R. Pennington, a claim of L 5 for which judgment was given, costs LI Os fid, Mr Moffett for plaintiff.

Gas Day.—Consumers arer reminded that Monday, is the ■,l4#C 'discount day of the month.. All Saints, The Rev. Mr Ingle will preaoh W-tfca above church morn-, ing and evening An Error.— ..debate . yesterday afternoon on the-;Financial Statement Mr Morrison (Caversham) .'is apparently given morespace than is usuallyallotted to speakers of his calibre. From tho report of the evening sitting it appears that his remarks and those of Mr Buick have been run together.

Old Identities Gone. —Dr Shadracb Jones.recently of Tapanui, but better known to old-timers as the proprietor of the Provincial Hotel and theatre in Dunedin in the sixties, jdied in New South Wales last month, aged 73 years. He was a wonderfully lucky man and very generous.—Mrs Julius SeehofT, an old Invercargillite, has "just died in Dunedin.

A Hint.—A correspondent signing himself “ Disgusted ” writes complaining of the annoyance he ie frequently subjected to on the train between Invercargill and Makarewa by tho persistent, 1 ostentatious and raucous arguments in the prohibition interest, of fellow passengers, and suggests that if the noisy apostle would exercise a little self-control and not bore unhappy listeners with his unsought opinions, his presence in a.carriage would be more welcome, and he would not turn so many people against his favourite theories in retaliation for the martyrdom he inflicts upon them on all possible occasions.

Football 121 w.—The decision of the New Zealand Rugby Union Appeal Committee, establishing ah arbitrary centre of the scrum and enacting that auy player outside the scrum going beyond it shall be penalised, which wes referred back to the committee, is to be modified. It will now read that all players must be on their own side of the ball when it is put in the scrummage. Players are not off side when behind the ball. The former decision caused much comment amongst footballdfs, as it threatened to abolish wing play*. It was arrived at by three votes to two on the Appeal Committee. One of the majority now explains he voted under a tnishpprehension, and that his view is as above.

Bluff.—Thelast meeting of the session of the Presbyterian Church L. and M. Society took place on the night of the 7th inst. There was a lair audience, who greatly appreciated Dr Torrance’s lecture on ambulance work. The session has been so great a success that the society will doubtless'ba carried on again next winter.—Mr Donaldson, who has more than a local reputation as a boatbuilder, launched a craft at the Bluff on Thursday to the order of Mr James Moody. Mr Donaldson has turned out a staunch and faithfully built vessel, and one which enhances the repuLation he has already gained. The new craft is 43 feet 6 inches in length over all; ,39 feet on the keel; beam, 12 feet; depth of hold, 5 feet 9 inches. She is of the two-ended, style, and will be rigged as a ketch, -The bottom planks are red pine ; kauri top sides and deck. She is fitted with windlass and the necessary deck gear, and forward there is comfortable accommodation for four men. Mr Moody intends to use the vessel in the fishing industry; and may be congratulated upon having a splendid vessel, and one that will be admirably suited for such a trade.

Hokonui.—We are trying to make ourselves believe that the worst of the worst weather ever experienced here is over. It is sutprising how the sheep have come through the ordeal. Fortunately there has been no lack of turnips, and so long us they are well fed sheep seem to stand plenty of rough weather. Men and horses have had rather a better time of it, but their stored up energies will be all required if the usual amount of crop is to be got.in this s'aton. The.unmade portions of the m tin roads across this district are in a lamentable condition. Eich succeeding councillor vies with fcis ptedecessor iu doing the least for us, and the present one has so far carried off the palm. However, perhaps he is going to surprise us this season. The Council should not overlook the fact that this is rapidly becoming an important district, and that its claims cannot always be ignored as they have been in the past. Dairying is a business that has hitherto received very little attention in this locality, but, now that the Government is encouraging the erection of factories, the establishment of one in this district should not be lost sight of. It is the general opinion that Brown’s would be a first-class site for one, ts several main roads meet there, besides ihe railway facilities, and the country on all sides is particularly suitable. If a few of our settlers put their heads together there is no doubt but a factory at that point would soon be a reality.—Own correspondent.

Maintenance.—J. W. Poynton, Esq., S.M., delivered judgment yestetday in the case ot Isaac v. Joss, which had been before the ccurt ot Campbelltown. Mr Moffett appeared for the informant, and Mr W. Y. H. Hal for the defendant. The information charged Joss with having failed to maintain an illegitimate child born on 30th March last, of which he was the father and the informant the mother. Evidence was brough; to prove that at a meeting of natives (the parlies being holfcasles) held at Stewart Island )o decide the paternity of the child, Joss hid admitted intimacy with the informant in 1893. Mr Hall at the close of the Cfse for the informant had submitted that lOthing had been proved to corroborate the statement of the informant, and the case should be dismissed. Mr Moffett argued that on the admission of the defendant of intimacy in 1893 with the informant, she then being between the age of 14 and 15 years, the case of Cole v. Manning, decided in Enghnd, justified the Magistrate iu finding that the evidence re paternity was conclusive. His Worship, after hearing the evidence, reserved his decision until yesterday, wnen he adjudged defendant father of the child, and ordered him to pay 10s every fortnight for its maintenance ; also, to pay forthwith the sum of Ll2, costs of obtaining the order.

Winton Presbyterian Church. —The annual’rocial of the congregation was held on the sth inst. in the Oddfellows Hall, when a fair number were present. The Rev. James Baird presided. The speakers were the chairman, Rev. J. Gibson Smith, and Messrs McCaw, Steven, and Tarlton. The speaking was fully appreciated, as was also the singing by the choir, under the leadership of Mr Wylie, of several anthems. Solos were given by Miss Gilmour, Mrs R. Wilson, Dr Riley, and Messrs J. P. McWilliam, R. Wilson, and Reynolds, and a duet by Misses Gilmour and Les was encored. Miss Bessie Gilmour presided at the piano. Mr R Wilson, on behalf of the choir, presented an illuminated address to Mr Tarlton, who for many years had been choir leader. The chairman, on behalf of the Deacons’ Court and congregation presented Mrs Tarlton, who had been organist and an active Sunday school teacher during the same term, with a handsome marble timepiece and a silver coffee and tea set. Mr Tarlton in a speech of some length returned thanks to the choir who, unlike most choirs, had required very little tact or management on his part to lead them safely during all the years. In thanking the congregation on behalf of Mrs. Tarlton he took occasion to remark on the arduous duties of Mr Baird in which he was so ably assisted by.his wife and in which he might often, especially in recent years, be cheered by the thought that lie was surrounded not only by a working court but also a working congregation, the Christian Endeavour movement in connection with which was of itself sure to do good. Mr Tarlton drew attention to the marked improvement in the country surrounding Winton, specially noticing the OretiTlains and South Hillencl districts, now thickly peopled, but which when he first came to,the district were little better than sheep Suns, and hoped that the church ns well as the district might go on prospering. Tea, cakes and sweetmeats were handed round during the evening by willing hands. Vote# of thanks were passed to the speakers, to the ladies, and to the choir.—The illutnin-xted address presented to Mr Tarlton was prepared by Mr W. E. Gladstone of Invercargill, and is a very nice specimen of his ar.is.io work.—O vh Correspondent. -

A CRIMINAL ATTEMPT. An attempt to sell imitation Cavoub Cigabs in Auatralla. Smokers Beware 1

Campbelltown.—At the S.M. Court on .Wednesday, before Mr J. W. Poynton, S.M., Cawthorn gbb judgment against C. Murphy for L2 5s 3d, costs ss, and against Joseph Harrison (Stewart Island) for L2 5s 6d, costs ss.—At the Police Court a. youth was charged with drunkenness. His Worship severely reprimanded him and warned him hot to appear again, as he would not be so leniently dealt with as upon this occasion. He was then convicted and .discharged.

Disastrous Losses.—A visitor to Haldon reports that on one block of land where 10,000 sheep were being depastured at the time of the storms only eight animals were visible. At the Grampians tho. loss is very severe, 1000 sheep being skinned in one week, and this before the snow had gone. A shopherd who has been 30 years in the district states that he has never seen anything to approach the severity of the weather. At Campbell’s on the Whale’s Flat 6000 maiden ewes were being grazed, but it is not expected that .a single hoof will be saved. Sibbald will bo a very heavy loser, while at Richmond’s it is axpocted that there will be a clean wipe out. The Kurow correspondent of the Oamaru Mail states that a search party which went out from Sandhurst bring a deplorable account of the country, added to a terrible experience of the snow which they would not on any account undergo again. Almost all the horse feed has gone in each station, given to the sheep; and yet the snow has not gone. So now the horses are in the same predicament as the sheep—no food for them. One poor fellow was met with whose feet were completely frostbitten and bandaged up to an enormous size. He was left at one of the stations. It is supposed he will eventually lose his feet. Not a single sheep was anywhere to be seen, all being under the snow. Neither Burke’s nor Mackenzie’s Pass was passable, and a rough time was had in crossing the Hakateramea range.

Paber.—The Napier Telegraph says, “As to 1895 96, Mr Ward is kind enough to tell us the truth, or at all events a part of the truth, for he admits he will not be able to make ends meet without borrowing. He says he will only have to borrow L 145,400, by issuing debentures to that amount against sinking funds. That is to say, he estimates the revenue for the year at L 4,195,800, and the expenditure at L 4,331,843, which would leave a deficit of over L 136,000. But he intends to issue (they are probably already issued) debentures against sinking funds sufficient to bring up the revenue to L 4,341,200. . . . In other words, the farce is played out. For several years now tho Government have been going to the bad at the rate of over half a million a year, and making ends meet by various forms of sly borrowing. During the same period the most pitiable exhibitions have been made of a government adding to the public debt and at the same time pretending to make surpluses.

Dr. Monin writes “ The cycle strongly accelerates the respiration and circulation, makes the joints supple and developes muscle. Tho abdominal muscular’ movements caused by cycling, exercise a kind of automatic massage which favours the shrinking and re-absorbtion of the abdominal fat, whilst also overcoming constipation. In gout, diabetes, hepatic colic and certain forms of rheumatism, organic combustion is in this way hastened and the assimilative processes on which depends life and health becomes wonderfully regular.—Godward and McKenzie for Cycles, Dee street, Invercargill. Mrs Emily Thorne, who resides at Toledo, Washington,says she has never been able to procure any medicine for rheumatism that relieves the pain so quickly and effectually as Chamberlain’s Pain Balin and that she has also used it for lame back with great success. For sale by C. H. Macalister, Chemist, Invercargill. THE MUTUAL STORES HAVE PRIM E FACTORY POCTED BUTTER AT 10d PER LS - SUPERIOR TO FRESH BUTTER-DEE STREET. The Winter Sale at the Exhibition from Saturday the 3rd, to Saturday, the 17th August. REMEMBER THAT CONQUEST’S COUGH CORDIAL IS THE BEST REMEDY FOR COUGHS, COLDS, HOARSENESS, UNDISAGREEABLE. SOOTHING, AND EFFECIIVE, HAS ONLY TO BE TRIED TO BE APPRECIATED. ON SALE AT J. S. BAXTER’S

The London Drapery and Clothing Co call attention to their Grand Show and Clearing Sale of MoKerrow, Lies.& Co.’s Stock and also McPherson and Kemp’s stock; purchased for 10s in the £. Sale tarts to-day To those who are on the lookout for a flrstclass Vehicle “ Cheap” we can safely recommend the Cheap Sale at “ Tub American Carriaoe Factory,’ as the proprietor during the last fourteen years he has been established has only had two cheap sales. The success was undoubted. Show the public a really cheap article and they will respond every time. Note the address—Prince of Wales yards. SYNOPSIS OF NEW ADVERTISEMENTS. Poultry Show—All accounts to he in by 13th inst Winton A and P Association—Office-bearers return thanks to donors of special prizes Grand concert at Woodlands on IGth inst First dividend in late Jane Menpes’ estate now payable at Assignee's office Gas accounts to be pail on 12th inst Tenders are invited for reinstatement of South school Wright, Stephenson and Co hold a special sale of horses at Dunedin sale yards on 17th inst W B Scandrett has properties for sale; fire insurance agent and accountant Joseph Stock has a farm at Dipton Flat for sale The new Venus tobacco is recommended Enormous bargains at the London Drapery Co’s Tho old Mill Road bridge will be closed for traffic from 14th to’l6th inst Stronach, White and Co sell horses at Criterion yards to-day Bible Investigation Class in Elies Road Assembly Rooms—Subject for to-morrow announced Puzzles, fans, silks and wool at Ekensteen’s N. M. and A. Co hold a clearing sale of cows, horses, implements, etc, at Mr Robert Craig’s farm near Mataura on 14th inst A concert and ball is to be held in Mabel Bush hall on 14th inst Warners Safe Cure for diseased kidneys Clements Tonic for indigestion Everything’ reduced at McGruer’s midwinter fair