THE COLONIST Published Daily-(Mornings). Neslon, Wednesday, February 5, 1890. THE REVENUE.

Colonist, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5719, 5 February 1890, Page 3

THE COLONIST Published Daily-(Mornings). Neslon, Wednesday, February 5, 1890. THE REVENUE.

About tins time last year tne Premier, when addressing hia oonstitnents, depioted the prospects of the Colony in glowing colors. His one and only fear was, that the period of prosperity, which he confidently predicted, should develop a "boom." Since he spoke there has been, by general consent as it were, constant repetition of his unwontedly cheerfal anticipations, bat there has not been tnnoh, at all events in the Customs Revenue, to confirm the speech and its echoes. As for a " boom," nothing can now be farther from the Premier's thoughts. Indeed, pat the question to settlers in what part of the Colony one will, the reply oommonly is, that everywhere there are signs of things mending, while no one ventures to say they have very much mended. Trade is dull, there is no enterprise, people seem to have lost all inclination to speculate, are the sort of remarks too frequently heard. And yet no person will consent to have it said that the influence of the depression, or its dregs, oan still be felt. The truth is, there were agencies at work that would have lowered the condition of the country, even in the best of times. Without going into particulars, it will be enough 10 say, tha.t waen some great financial institution is setting its house in order previous to taking a new departure, and is of necessity looking up its debtors, the effect must be felt by all, salutary as its change of system may in the long fin prove to be. Neither has the boom /come, nor has the great increase of exports during the past year made itself so much manifest, as would in ordinary circumstances, when no serious counteracting influence was operatirr '"c been the case. Pro* bftbly the as reipeots

that branch of; the public revenue new befpre ; us lor consideration, would jiaye been .comparatively sligbt, bad it not been that tbe ministerial lackey* had rendered th<?ir masters the disservice of raising exaggerate'} expectations of the 'result of the year's financial transactions. A surplus so Urge was positively . asserted to be forthcoming when the 1 accounts in due time come to be balanced, that large remissions ot taxation were by many speculated upon. There wete visions in certain quarters of a severe cutting down of the Property Tax; of a Free Breakfast Table, or some kindred felicity of a future age in others ; while do small number hugged themselves in tbb balief that an overflowing Treasury must produce that state, of pabljo opinion that would compel for its satisfaction the raising of further loans. The falling off in the last quarter, though anticipated by all who knew anything of Colonial affairs, appalled these fair-weather gentry. Aa apparent decline, a? compared with the corresponding quarter of tbe previous year, of fifty thousand pounds " froze the genial current cf the soul " of each too ardent ministerialist, and for jubilation there was forthwith wailing. Obvious as the main cause is, it had been lost sight of, and to cove; the stupid forgetfulneßs, it has been asserted that the officers of the Customs department are unable to account for the d Q fioiency. This to say the least ia an impudent slander on a body of intelligent public servants. The explanation is this : — In the Customs and Excise Duties Act, 1833, it is provided that on and after Ist December, 1888, Spirits in oases shall be charged, "two gallons and under, as two gallons ; over two gallons and not exceeding three, as three gallons ; over three gallons and not exceeding four, as four gallons ; and so on for any greater quantity contained ia any case." To avoid the practical inorease of duty thus made, very heavy clearances of spirits ia case were made before the provision came into force. Thus in the quarter ended 31st December, 1888, £93,676 was paid for duty on 116,970 gallons of Spirits in cases at 16s par gallon, whereas in the corresponding quarter of last year, the amount paid ou the same class of goods was no more than £27,145, the quantity being 88,931 gallons. The difference on this item alone is thus £66,481, and a 9 the decline for the quarter, exclusive of Primage Duty, is only £50,095, it is clear that a special cause, foreseen by all conversant with each matters, more than accounts for it. At the same time it must nob be understood to be our intention to take up the prosperity cry. Thare is no ground for it, much, indeed, on the contrary to impress on those at the heard of affairs the imperative need of pi udence, and the avoidance of everything that will further encroacli on the Consolidated Fund. The receipts from Tea and Sugar may be ta!:en to illustrate our meaning In the December quarter of £1887, Tea, tl o duty being 4d perlb, produced £22,544, while in 1888, the rate being 6d, the revenue waa only £18,433, instead of £33,816, which it would have been if the same quantity had been cleared. Though this is to some extent to be accounted for by the shrewd guess of of the mercantile community as to whare the Treasurer would seek revenue, nothing of that kind explains the deficiency in quantity last quarter, when the duty paid only rose to £25 913. In like manner the revenue from Sugar, the duty being unchanged, was in the 1887 quarter £30,681, sunk in 1888 to 225,710, and only rose to £27,829 in 1889, spite of the supposed prosperity. This decline in the consumption of articles, deemed in almost every house necessaries of life, is disheartening, and when it takes place as to Sugar, whereon the rate of duty remains the same throughout, it is ominous. Clearly it is a warning against extravagance in the expenditure, and also against contracting further loans, whereof the interest in I part, probably in greater part must be drawn from the taxation of the people. Taking the return for tbo quarter fnded 31st December la:>t ia detail, Spirits produced £67,187 leas, as compared with the corresponding psriod of 1888, mainly from the cause already explained ; Ale, Besr, &a, fell £599 ; Good* by weight, £1935 ; a&d Miacellaneoap, £860 ; together, £70 081. Oa the other h-nd, there was an increased receipt of £3013 from Tobacco in its various forms ; cf £1680 from Wine ; of £6878 from Tea, Coffee &c ; of £2194 from Sugar, MoUasses, Treacle, and Glucose ; of .£1254 from Opium; and of £4962 from Ad valorem duties. The sum of the improvements, £19,986 deducted from the falling off leaves £60,095, balance on the wrong Bide from ordinary Customs Dnties. There was however, £105 more from Primage Duty, so deducting this the net reduction was £49,990. It mnet be further remarked, that the Excise Duties produced on the whole £2281 more ; the increases bciog from. Tobacco £72, and from Beer £2333 ; and the decrease £124 from Cigar 3. Comparing the several districts, there were but two that yielded more, Wanganui, £770 ; and Napier, £1178 -together, £1,943, Tbe Auckland ports were less productive by £2 009 ; Taranaki ports by £662 ; and Wellington by £5899, taking from £8070, the earn of these deficiencies, tha total increase, there remains £6122 to the bad in tbe North Island. The Marlborough ports were worse by £11 ; Nelson by £7776, of which case Spirits are accountable for £5043 ; the West Coast ports by 63941 ; the Canterbury ports by £10,280; and those oi Otago by £21,860; making the decline in our Island £48,868. Looking at the results of the quarter with perfect impartiali y, it is plain there is nothing to boast about; That the Coiony will pull through and prosper ia not in doubt, but the most morbid Colonist may dismiss all fear of Sir Harry Atkinson's dreaded "boom."

THE NELSON CAMERA CLUB'S ' • EXHIBITION. , Wa venture to state that there are very few who visit the admirable co lection x>t photographs now being exhibited at the Shelbou'rne street Scoolroom, under the auspices of the NelspnOamftra Club, who will mt at once admit that the collection altogether surpasses in esoellence anything they had expected. The few who do not will bo those who, having been behind the'scene?, knew what to expeot. It is oertaialy very gratifying to receive the complete demonstration that i 3 afforded by the exhibit 3 that the Nelson Camera Club iB an institution fall of vitality, that its membera are energetio as \»ell a 9 the possessor of manipulative skill and artistic taste, and that _ the Olab ia bent on benefiting the diitriot by bringing within the view of all the wonderful beauties of our favored distric'p—beauties whioh nature has wisely hidden beyond the desecrating reaches of praotioally all, save the lovers of the truly t eautiful. Fortunate indeed are those amongst as who have asoalabjve common things that we have within easy reach by sea and land Buoh exquisite soenery as the members of ihe Camera Club are endeavoring tomakefamilar to all, The exhibition in question would be robbed of one of its merita^were it not that betide the photographs of onr Nelson scenery are o'her views illustrating many of the beauties of England, Scotland, Switzerland, and America, for the natural comparison is calculated to awaken a spirit of pride and to oonvinoe even those who aro fond of decrying Naw Zealand, that for beauty Nelson stands pre-eminent. In paint of merit, too, the photographs by Nelson amateura are in nearly every case woithy a place beside those of the most celebrated photographers of the day. Mr Fell, the President of the Clab, shows a splendid collection of photographs, and he seems to be equally at home on the land, or on the sea, or in the atnclio. His portrait of Judge .Richmond h only one among many real pictures that claim admiration. Then his interiors, taken by the magnesium flash light, are also remarkable, and one, " Saturday night," a picture of a child enjoying its 11 tub "is deoidedly clever Twenty platinotypa notes of a trip from Totaranui to Bark Bay and back are amongst the most interesting of the whole of the exhibits, and amongst lis other contributions to the collection may >c mentioned the portraits of a ♦' Well known footballer," of \Ut Ben Criap, "An Anglican Captive," and others, his picture of the Magellan Straits, taken from the deck of the 88 Tongariro, and some moonlight effects, including a view from the Boulder Bank with a ketch coming down to the harbor, and his exhibits whioh took a prize at Wellington. Mr Igglesden shows a limited number of very beautiful photographs, his views of Nelson I from the Wakapuaka road and in the Maitai Valley claiming admiration. Mr A Elliott shows a number of very beautiful and admirably executed views, one in the Maitai Valley with the bills reflected in the river being a jam. Miss Esther Atkinson shows some fine views of Nelson, taken from the southern part of the city, and Mr Seymour a number of very excellent photographs showing peeps on the Buller river in the neighborhood of the Lyell. Mr Catley's picture from the Bocks on a stormy day is another remarkable pietnre, the waves appearing i n motion. Lord Onslow shows a number of photographs, and his picture of nikau palms and fern trees, taken at CollinB 1 Bush, Wakapuaka, is the most successful amongst such subjects. His Lordship also exhibits photographs of his country seat in Surrey, and of himself and the Countess with the poodle whioh was threatened quarantine. Captain Siyille, A.D.C to his Exoellenoy, exhibits a picture by himself, taken at the Cliffs, entitled "The dolls' tea party," in which the children of his Excellency appear entertaining their waxwork pets, and an exceedingly pretty picture it is. Mr McLean has a very fine collection, and ha shows prints from the same nega'ivea by various processes, suoh as the silver print, the bromide, the pktinum. His views in the Wairoa Gorge and others acroß3 the Bay are full of interest, one of the most clever of the series being " Fishing oj the Wharf." Hi 3 photographs of the Cimera Fulls, B»rk Bay, are admirable, and amongtt others the '-Sunset in Blind Bay '' claims appreciation. Messrs Smiih & Ward have a magnificent collection of luke and mountain scenery, Amongst t'aese may be mentioned Lake Psyche, Spencer mountains, Wairoa Gorge, Lake Gruyon, the Gate Bock Atnuri, and among *h.ti Spencer Mountains, Mr Smith also showa very beautiful photographs of the Camara Falls, Bark Buy, & lime stone bluff, AmuM, 01. the Bauds* Fishers Islani Astrolabe, Mount Egmont, and Totaranai, aa well a3 interiors of drawing rooms, of the Cathedral, and of the Provincial Hall. Mr Ward ha 3 three very beautiful photographs cii the Waiioa Go:gd, another of Lake Tennyson, and a very effective view 4 on the Wakapuaka to&d. Mr Oalse of We lington shows some very beautiful photographs whioh took first class prize at the Wellington art Exhibition, and Mr Wright also of Wellington has sent two eases of excellent specimens of hi 3 work. Mr Bothamley of Wellington sends a fine collection of views, many of them taken in the Queen Charlotte Sound, and Mr Crawford of Gisborne is another exhibitor of good work. Mr Patterson of Nelson shows a number of very beautiful photographs, including a view of Hobart and ona of the Nile street bridge, and Mr Leauder whose view "on the Avon," is a very artistic piece of work, is also an exhibitor of some very admirable piece of work. In a small. room at the back are hung a fine collection of photographs lent by the Public Works Department The Bishop also showa a small collection, including piotures by Mr Sutcliffe, the celebrated Whitby photographer, and others by Mr BranfiU Mr M'Lean shows a number of very beautiful piotures by a relative — Mr Hunter— embracing views |in Switzerland and in Scotland, and these, together with bis other pictures, inoluding " Darning Stockings," and" Sorting Fishingline.?," are greatly admired. Mr Cock exhibits a fine photograph of the Hochstetter glacier, Mr Nairn a carbon enlargement of a fine portrait. Mrs H. Hodgson, a view of the Yosemite Valley, and Mr A. S Atkinson some fine photographs illustrative of Bceneß in Venice. There are a very great many more photographs of interest, but at the present time those of the new Forth Bridge, just opened, will claim more than ordinary attention, the cantilever piers beiog 370 feet high, the span a tnird of a mile, and the railway line 150 feet above the water. This exceedingly interesting exhibition will be thrown open this afternoon and evening free of charge, and to-night Mr Fell has kindly promised to give a demonstration in platinotypo printing. G*ciiiNa.— After the finish of the five mile bio>cle handicap whioh was run at Trafalgar Park on Saturday and won by Hounaell, a sum of £7 was collected amongst those interested in the sport with a view of offering a prize for another race between Mayes, the Australian champion, and the local man. Since then it has bean decided to make two handicaps, one a half mile raoa and the other | a two nnle race, open to all comers, these raoes to be run on Thursday evening at eeven o'clook, bo that they may be witnessed by all. Mayes, we are informed, holds the record for the world for the ha f-mile, and as he is said to be in excellent foim, it i 9 thought he will lower his previous record on Trafalgar Park. .* ntries for these races can be made with Mr Rogers, Secretary of the Nelson Bioyole Club, up till 8 o'clock this f vening. and the handioipa will be declared by Mr Rogers at nine o'clock. A small charge of sixpence will ba made for admission to the Park to-morrow evening. THE MoTBEKaLiCBNBIH3 05MMITTBB— Our Motueka correspondent telegraphed last evening Bating that onlj the required number of candid-tea were nominated as members of the Motueka Licensiog Committee, and that therefore the whole of those nominated were declared duly eh c cd. The followiog gentlemen consequently form the Committee:— Messrs R. J Trewavas, T. Goodman, C McFarlane, F. Parker, and J. B Jordan. Mr Trewavas was appointed Chaitman. Wakato Rowing Club.— The first heat for the President's trophies will be lowed this evening &', 6.30 bet, we n the o<ew3 stroked by Mr Johnson and Mr Strawbriige, whilst the second heat will take pace to-mono w evening between crews stroked by Mr Hart and Mr Low. The crews are very evenly matched and have been in training for sums time, and a great deal of interest is being taken in boating circles in the events. Tha finish of each heit is expeoted to be extremely close. * Salvation Abmy..— The Nelson contingent of thfa Salvation Army are about' to celebrate their anniversary here, and Staff Captain Eobinson will conduct service at tha Barracks this waning.

"\ Motdpiko Koad Boaed. — The ordinary meeting of tbig Board was held on February 1. All the members were present, and the minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed. AU the contracts were reported pat fled and all new. contracts laid off. £ en " dera were opened as follows: —For work op Motueka Valley : Messrs Arnold aad Thompson, £6 193 ; A. G Coleman, £9 ; W. Mead, £6 18a (accepted); George Eyes, 4a 6d per chain ;to be finished Ist March. For work Upper Motupiko : No. 1 contract, Job New port, £7 10a (accepted) ; No. 2 contract, Philip Newport, £3 (accepted) ; Messrs Arnold and Thompson, Nob. 1 and 2 contracts. £12 ; to bs finished Ist March. For gravelling old School road : A- E Coleman, £1 2a per ohaio (accepted) ; W. Mead, £25 ; to be finished Ist Maroh. Payments were passed for £17 Is 3d. The next meeting of the Board will be held on Ist Maroh. Bbsideni Magistbate's Goubt. — At this Court yesterday, before A. Turnbull, Esq. R.M, the following oases were disposed of :— Eibet v. Edwards : Claim £52 2s. Mr Pitt was for plaintiff and Mr Adama for defendant, Judgment was entered up for plaintiff by consent, it being understood that a orosa action was being brought ; costs £3 Us fid. —Phillips v. Richardson: This waa a judgment summons in respect to a debt and costs, amounting to £4 4s 9d. An order was made that the amount be paid in four monthly instalments, and that in the event of failing to obey that order, the defendant be imprisoned for one month. Ah Inoobbigible Boy. — The hoy Joseph Gillespie, who was only admitted to the 8t Marys Industrial Sohool from Wellington two or three weeks ago, but who, since being admitted into the Institution, has run away every opportunity he has had, was taken before the Resident Magistrate .yesterday morning, charged with mnning away. Sergt White stated that on the last occasion the boy induced sis others to accompany him, and that he had given so much trouble to those having charge of the Industrial Sohool that they would be exceedingly glad if he were removed to another place. His Worship ordered that the boy be sent back to the School, and that he receive twelve strokes I with a birob. The Lath Captain Lightfoot. — The funeral of the late Captain Lightfoot will take place this afternoon. Very naturally the members of the Nelson Volunteer Fire Brigade are desirous of showing all possible respect to one who for bo many years was their comrade and commander, and the members of the Brigade will assemble at the Engine House at one o'clook, and we learn tbat tbey will be joined by representatives of the Bicbmond Brigade, and also by members of the Salvage Corps. The members of the Masonio Lodges also intend joining in the melancholy procession, and a great many citizens and friends of the deceased gentleman have expressed a desire to pay their last tribute of respect. We are asked to Btatethat all ol the drapers will close their establishments this afternoon whilst the funeral procession passes through town, and from what we hear all the business places will be dosed during that time. The funeral cortege will leave at 2 o'clock for the Cathedral, and thence to jhe cemetery, Bscyolihg.— Mr E. Oakey arrived here last evening at a quarter to eleven from Blenheim which town he left at half past ten yesterday morning, travelling the whob distance on his bicycle. After deducting the time lost in stoppages, an hour for dinner and half an hour for tea, it is evident Mr Oakey did come quick travelling and made a good record. It should also be mentioned that Mr Oakey on leaving Blenheim went by way of Spring Creek, and he lost some time in fording the river, and in going flow through the bush when it was dark. He reaohed Havelook at 245 ; Cooper's at 4.25 ; Oliver's (the Wangamoa) at 6 30, and as stated retching here at 10.45. Mr Oakey left Nelson for Blenheim on Saturday, but he did not do the journey there quite co smartly as the return one. Poaching.— lt will be seen by an advertisement in another oolumn that the settlers in the Suburban North district are combining to prevent poaching, and to do tbis tbey iutsnd I to prosecute all persons found trespassing on their properties. Unclaiubd Lettebs. — The following ia a list of unclaimed letters from places beyond the Colony received at the PoatOffios, Nelson, duriag the month of November, 1889, and unclaimed on the 31st January, 1890:— Geo. Hy Brown, Esq., Mr E. Godward, Mr W. Jackson. Oob obituary list this morniog contains tbe name of Mr Alexander Le Grand Campbell, who bad been a colonist since 1842. Deceased was well known in Motueka and Colliogwood, and was for a time Resident Magistrate at the latter place.