THE COLONIST. Published Daily—Mornings. Nelson, Monday, May 3,1897. THE GRECO-TURKISH WAR.

Colonist, Volume XL, Issue 8855, 3 May 1897, Page 2

THE COLONIST. Published Daily — Mornings. Nelson, Monday, May 3, 1897. THE GRECO-TURKISH WAR.

The information we publish this morning concerning the position of affairs in Turkey and Greece is most ominous. When Greece sent many of its best men to Crete, and was subsequently forced by the power of public olamour and the action of irresponsible irregulars to open fire on the Macedonian frontier, it was apparent that an immense undertaking had been entered upon, but it was conceivable that the Hellenic Government was supported by Greeks residing without the borders. The total population of Greece proper was scarcely larger than that of New South Wales and New Zealand combined, and its credit was less good, while the population of Turkey in Europe exceeded four millions and a half — about twice that of Greeoe, and the total population of the entire Turkish Empire is set down at nearJy forty millions. Financially neither country was in good odour, while as to their respective populations the superiority oi Turkey was by no means so considerable as mere numbers indicated. True, Greece contained some aliens, especially in the neighborhood of Larissa, but there were over a million of Greeks resident in Turkish territory, while it seemed not improbable that the Albanians, the Bulgarians, and peoples of other races who have not been toD well served by the Turks might side with the Grecians. No doubt expectations in this direction were fostered by the Greeks but if so the latter have therein been disappointed, and the fact may account in part for the bungling that has taken place. The Duke of Sparta and his Btaff may have relied on the assistance of Macedonian allies, failing which they felt bouud to retreat with something approaching ignominy. Had it not been expected that material out3ide assistance would be forthcoming it was the height of madness for a small Power to lock up fighting men and officers in Crete. There is little room for doubt then that the Greeks have been disappointed in their expectations of outride assistance. Their cause has been further weakened by the successes and the good be-

haviour of the Turks after their victories inasmuch as their neighbours have had neither encouragement nor excuse for joining them in fighting against the soldiers of the Sultan. The Turks have now secured possession of TurnavO) of Larissa, of Trikhala, and of Volo, and they hold the best patt of the rich province of Thessaly being now prepared to attack Phersala, some twenty five miles south qf Larissa in a direct line and some twenty miles longer by road. In Epirus, on the west, the Greeks are also in retreat but the frenzy of despair seems to have overtaken them, and to be leading [ them on to mischief. If this frenzy were confined to the residents of Athens and the southern portion of Greece the consequences might be confined to the unhappy people of that country, but it seems that there is danger of the Greeks resident in Turkey proceeding to deeds of violence while the blood of the Turks has ! been aroused. Herein lies the great danger. If aliens who have found a home in the dominions oi the Sultan are guilty of an outrage after? failing to evince courage in openly taking up arms for their native land, it will be hard to blame the Turks even though in the natural wrath engendered by such conduct, they proceed to some excesses. The danger is that the sight and smell of blood will have its usual effect upon brutish natures and that the flame of war kindled on the northern frontier of Greece may spread north and east, and in both directions the brute has long been in evidence.

The School or Mdbic Ooncebt. — The terms oonoert by the pupilß of the School of Musio is to be given this evening, instead of to-morrow night as previously announced. It is a pity that a data that would not olaßh with other annonnoed engagements was not fixed. Abt Exhibition. — The annual exhibition of the Bithopdale Sketohing Club opens tomorrow afternoon at three o'olook. We have to thank the hon. eeoretary for an invitation oard, the design of whioh is both effective and appropriate. Sir Gkorge Gbev.— We have no further news as to the state of he health cf Sir George Grey, but we can only hope that no news in this oaee is gcod nowß, and that with the advent of spring he may gain sufficient strength to partake in the celebrations that are to mark the lengthened reign of the Sovereign. Rebfton Gold Retubns.— Our own correspondent has telegraphed the following Reef ton returns : —Keep it Dark, 3140z. of amalgam from 225 tona of stone, clean up. The A 1 tnbutors have obtained 58oz. 17dwts of retorted gold from 14 tona of stone. Hawke's Bay Relief Fdnd,— The Hope School Committee are arranging to hold a public entertainment about the middle of this month in aid of the Hawke's Bay Relief Fund. The promises of assistance already received warrant the assertion that a really good programme will be presented. The Nelson Gabbison Bard.— The fact of the prasa being damp from the rain of the previous night doubtleßS detsrredmany from attending at the Botanical Gardens yesterday afternoon, but nevertheless a considerable gathering assembled there to hear the Band An exceellent programme bad been prepared for the oooaßion and the very admirable performance was greatly appreciated. Theooleotion taken at the gates resulted in there being a sum of £5 10a to hand over to the Hawke's Bay Relief Fund.

Aoettltoe Gas.— On Saturday night Mr J U Metcet'a Bioyole worka in Selwyn Piaoe were illuminated by aoetylene gas, and the briLianoy of the light attraoted the attention and commanded the admiration of many. The premises were lighted up as an experiment, but we understand that Mr Mercer is so well satisfied that he has determined to use no other illuminaot for the future. The premises will be lighted with the acetylene to-night. We hear that Mr Tyree has reoeived orders to snpplj the new gas and ereot the necessary generators from many parts of the Colony, inoluding Blenheim, Greymouth, Thames, Riohmond, Paeroa, Pabutua, Dunedin, Danevirke, Taieri, MO3--giel, Auckland, Wellington, Petone, Motueka, and other paces.

Football.— On aooount of the web weather on Saturday afternoon, there was no football.

Annivebbabi of the Pbesbxtebiak Ohubch —On Sunday next the anniversary Eervicsß of this ohuroh will be oonduoted by the Rev. Gordon Webaier, of St Andrew's Ohuroh, Caristohuroh. On the Wednesday evening following (he annual gathering will be held in the Provinoial Hall.

Railway Incidents. — On Saturday afternoon as the 430 p.m. train from Nelson was passing Martin's estate, Stoke, the driver observed three horses on the line, end he had to clow down the train in order to avoid a collision. It is probable tbat the District Manager will take proceedings agaicßt the owner of the horses for trespass. The tr -in due at 9*30 on Baturday night was about a quarter of an hour late in arriving. We underetand that the delay arose in }o on sequence of a mishap to the head light on the engine.

CaEss Club Concert and Convebsazione. — The oonoert and conversazione to be given at the Reohabite Hall this evening in conneotion with the Nelson Chess Club promises to be an unusually pleasant gathering. Several of tbe most popular of our musical people have promised their assistance and the members of tbe Club are doing their utmost to ensure suooess.

The Motueka Native Church.— We hear that great interest ia being taken by oar friends on the o her side of the Bay, in the opening cf the new Maori Church. The weekly half holiday whioh is usually observed en the Wednesday has there been transferred to the Thursday, so that the paksha population of the district may have the opportuity of showing their interest and sympathy with the natives, and of witnessing the opening celebrations of the native ohurch. The Motueka Brass Band is to' be prebent to enliven and give variations to the afternoon ceremonies. A committee col silting of about twenty-five of the most infloential ladies of Motueka, has been formed, and one of their duties is to be responsible for providing meals for all visitors. The appeal for donations of eatables has been warmly responded to by the Motueka pakehaß, so that there will be ample provision for all tbe visitors. A number of native* from other parts of the provinoe are expected during the next few days, so that those who are interested in watching the peouliir customs of the Maories will have a good opportunity of seeing them on Thursday. It is particularly requested tbat all those who intend taking advantage of the obeap jieturo fare to Motu.ka (2/6) should apply as soon as possible either to Mr Etngsley or to the Rev F Ben nett, otherwise there will not be sufficient time to meke the neoeesary arrangements for chartering another steamer, and consequently some may have to be refused. We hear that 70 passengers have already b en booked, and shouli there bo many more desiiom of going another steamer wi 1 be required.

The Review of Reviews fob Australia. — The April number of this magazine naturally contains extended references to the Federal Convention, and it also contains illustrations showing the interior of the House of Assembly, Adelaide, the meeting place of the Convention. An article by Mr H. B. Higgins, M.L.A., on " The Federal Convention at Work" is of interest to day and will merit reference to in the future. "The Greek Raid in Crete " is treated as the topic of the month, and in the fourth narrative by Mr Fitchett of Fights for the Flag — George 11. at Dettingen— the author fully maintains the interest in his spirited stories. This month Queensland holds the place of honor in the series of articles by T. Heywood Dougherty on Musicians and Musical Taste in Australasia, the author stating that Queensland is little or nothing beyond her sister colonies! in musical enthusiasm. The third number of

Mr Stead's Studies of the Sovereign and the Eeign is headed the Queen as Editor of the Realm and the matter and the > illustrations are both interesting. Dr Nansen's "Farthest North" is treated as the book of the month, from which some interesting extracts are taken. We are reminded in this issue that seven years have elapsed since the " Eeview of Reviews " was first launched.

Thr Auckland 'Herald* giv6s soilie interesting particulars of the desperate attempt of the prisoner Hall td commit suicide. The unfortunate man appears to have lost his reason ..arid niade stt'enuous efforts to drown himself. A frightful struggle took place in the water, and it was only after the man had exhausted himself that he was captured. While in the water he held up his hands as if in prayer, asking to be allowed to drown. He was dragged ashore unconscious, and the usual restoratives being used he was brought back to life. The poor fellow had been depressed for some time, and was fretting over his children,

The Waipawa (Hawke's Bay) paper states : — Reports of damage by the flood continue to come to hand, and these go to confirm the statement that it will take fully £100,000 to make good the damage. Persons at a distance really cannot imagine ih,e condition of things at Olive, Papakiira, and Meanee, and to say that the flood waters have left a deposit ol silt three feet deep in places but poorly describes the state of affairs.

Mbsbrs Bisley Bros and C?., will ssll by public auction this afternoon on the property known as Harris' orchard, Nile Btreet, a quantity of maohiaery which is beiog Bold by order ol the mortgagee. PartioUl&'B ol same will be found in ear advertising columns.

Dtt' W. 6. Rush, Oakland, Fl*., writes :— "I employ Sander & Sons Fare Volatile Eucalypti Extract as a local application in obronio inflammation and rheumatic pains, internally innepbritio as well as in pulmonary Ra?trio, and vesioal catarrh. It is sometimes difficult to obtain the genuine artio-e. lem ployed different other preparations, they had no therapeutio value and no effeote. la one 0189 the effeots were similar to the oil cam pbora, the objeotionab'e action of which U well known." — This is oßrtain'y a most striking evidence of tha superiority of this exaellent preparation over any other. — Insist getting Sander & Sons Euoalypti Extract, or eke you will be supplied with worthless oils. Jost Opesed. — Shot Silka. 1/6 per yard, nothing to come near them in Nehon for double the money. — Jas. Armstrong & Co., Trafalgar street. Biabonablb Goods. --We have plenty of Blankets, Flannel?, and warm Clothing for the cold weather, Blanket* from 6/6 pur; Flannels, all shadeß, pink, grey, Shetlani, and white, from 1/- yard. These are Colonial and all wool. — Jaa. Armstrong & Jo, Trafalgar street. The oheapeet line in the market is one of our Men's Waterproof Tweed Overcoats at 20/-, each honestly worth £2. — Armstrong and Co, Trafalgar street. Ova Millinery, which is steadily increasing in volume of trade, is this season better than ever. Prices reasonable, and atyle to suit every taste. A trial solicited, — Armstrong and Go, Trafalgar street,