The Timaru Herald. MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 1881.

Timaru Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 2139, 1 August 1881, Page 2

The Timaru Herald. MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 1881.

!We have before us a, copy of Hansard containing the full report of the speeches of Messrs Turnbull, Wakefield, Shrimski and the Premier on the Timaru Harbor Board Endowment Bill,- and we must acknowledge that both the Member for Timarn m moving, and the Member for Geraldine m supporting ita second reading, did their utmost to secure its success. Mr Turnbull began by sayingthat while many Members were acquainted with the nature of the Timaru Harbor works, othere were not, and that be therefore considered it his duty to give the fullest information on the subject.- He did so m very clear and succinct language. After alluding to the fact that the Works were not of an imaginative or speculative character, he proceeded to review the astonishing progress that had been made with them. They now extended seaward' a distance of over 1000 feet, and had proved a far greater success than even their most sanguine supporters and promoters ever expected they would be. He mentioned that a wharf 600 feet long, under ths lee of the Breakwater, was on the eve of completion and that when finished, vessels, including tbe largest intercolonial steamers would be able to discharge and load alongside it. After stating the present intention of the Harbor Board, relative to the futnre extension of the Works, Mr Turnbull went on to say that they would provide an outlet for thie produce of about two million acres of the very finest land, either for pastoral or agricultural purj poses, m the colony. " The yield of " grain m this district was expected to J "be 2,500,000 bushels ; and 4000 tons " of potatoes were exported, as well as " 12,000 bales of wool, besides preserved meats, tallow, and other "articles. The district thus added to " the commonwealth of the colony close " upon i&. million of money annually. I "- The quantity of the land asked for " might appeal very great; but, when "he showed Honorable Members the ad- '' vantages ''to' be derived from it, he ''thought they would be convinced as to " the necessity of assistance to carry out "the work." He should be sorry to come " down to the House and ask for a grant

"of land for any purpose if he " were not thoroughly convinced .." of the reasonableness of his pro- " position." Mr Turnbull admitted that he had Btated on more than one occasion that he bad objected to the alienation of public property m this way, but m this case it would be a great benefit to the public creditor. He concluded by saying that, "As the rail- " way line would shortly be running on " to the wharf, a great deal of additional " traffic would be obtained. There could " not be the least doubt that it would " increase the security of the public " creditor, because he felt convinced " that this work would add fourfold to " the value of property m that district — " not only the property already m the " hands of private owners, but also the " agricultural land that remained m the " hands of the Grown. Many Honor- " able Members had recently visited that " district ; and from the expressions ho " had heard from them, he gathered they " were of opinion that it was one of the " best districts m the colony. Ho could " enlarge on this subject, but of " course the question which inter- " ested the House most was the " money question. He would simply " point out that at least three-quarters " of a million of moneys worth was " produced m. that district m the year. " He held m his hand resolutions that " werepassed by every Board and County " Council m the district, and also by the " Chamber of Commerce m favor of this " Bill. These resolutions were passed " by the Waimate County Council, the " Geraldine County Council, the Levels " Road Board, the Mount Peel Road " Board, the Town Council of Timaru " the Mount Cook Road Board, and the " Temuka Road Board." Following Mr- Turnbull came the Premier, who expressed his deep regret at having to object to the second reading of the Bill. Mr Hall spoke very feelingly m the matter, and it was evident from the tone of his speech that had he only to consult his private opinion he should support the Bill, but as a matter of duty, he had to set his face against it. He said he had seen the work which the Harbor Board had done up to the pveßent time, and he thought the prospect was a very promising one. As, however, both branches of the Legislature had laid it down as a rule that this system of making enormous grants of land to Hai-bor Boards must be stopped, that rule must be adhered to. Furthermore the application was for a grant of 100,000 acres which, according to Mr Tnrnbull's own statement, would cause the value of the land m the district to be quadrupled. "The present price of the land " proposed to be granted," said Mr Hall, " was £2 an acre, so that the " present value of tho grant would be " £200,000. If its value would be " quadrupled by the proposed work, the " land would then be worth £8 an " acre ; so that the Honorable Member " was really asking the House to make " a grant of £800,000 to tho Timaru " Harbor Boai-'l. The honorable gen- " tleman had shown such capacity m " explaining away bis own inconsistency " that he no doubt wonld also be able "to explain away that fact. He would " ask Honorable Members to consider " that if they passed this Bill they " would be opening a door not only for "the Timaru Harbor Board, but for a " large number of other Harbor Boards " which m former times had flooded the " table of the House with their demands " for endowments. .* * * " He thonght that if any work of this " kind was of such colonial importance " that it requii-ed the colony to take it "m hand, the matter should be " brought before the House m " the usual way and money should "be voted for it. * * * * If the " produce to be exported from Timaru " was so great, then a moderate wharf " charge would raise a revenue on " which the Timaru Harbor Board " would be able to borrow money to '• complete the work. If their exports " were really so great they bad re- '• sources within themselves which would " enable them to complete the harbor. •< * * ♦ If the Hbnorable Member " admitted that the proposal was wrong " m other cases, he would have to admit " that it was wrong m his own case. " He should be content with the gallant " attempt he had made on behalf of his " district, and allow the Bill to be " read that day six months." After Mr Hall bad concluded, Mr Wakefield took up the cudgels m good earnest on behalf of the Timaru Harbor "Works, saying that whatever might be thought of the proposal to give a large endowment, it was a matter of necessity that the Board should be empowered to borrow money to complete the Works. He pointed out that the Bill contained a provision for borrowing powers as well as for an endowment. Were the Bill thrown out the Board would be deprived of the former as well as the latter. " He would ask the House to consent " to the second reading, and m Com- " mittee they could take the issue "on the endowment quite as con- " veniently as at the present stage.. He " trßsted the House would aid the " Members from the district m pro- " curing the means for completing a " work, the success of which had er- " ceeded the most sanguine hopes of " its promoters." The Premier, after Mi - Wakefield had concluded, said he had no objection to the borrowing powers, and his amendment, that the Bill be read that day six months, was withdrawn by leave of the House. Mr . Shrimaki, one of the Members for Waitaki, expressed his regret at the action of the Premier m reference to . the endowment. " Now that it bad proved Buch a success," said Mr Shrimski, " it was the duty of the " Government and the colony to assist " its completion, as much as possible. " It was a work which would not benefit " Timaru alone, but the whole colony ; " for, if the people, of that dis- " trict could export their grain cheaply, " the people m the North and else- " where would get it at a cheaper " rate." i The.' Member for, Waitaki however, also made a '.tatement which showed that he was but a lukewarm friend of Timaru. It was to tho effect that if there was no endowment' he would, like to know on what security money could be borrowed, as nobody would lend his money 1 on the, security , of unfinished works'. "Save me from my friends" ought to have been the mental ejaculation of Mr Turnbull at . this stage of tho debate. In' reply to the Premier, tip. Member for^Timaru pointed out that, previous applications for endowments related to

places where harbors could not possibly be made, whereas m this case the work had been successfully carried out to a considerable extent. He would, though, sacrifice his feelings, and m Committee consent to take 50,000 acres instead of 100,000 acres as proposed m the Bill. Such is the gist of the debate on tbe Timaru Harbor Board Endowment Bill, and, as we said before, every credit is duo to Mr Turnbull and Mr Wakefield for the stand they mado on its behalf. Backed up as he was by all the Road Boards and County Councils m South Canterbury, Mr Turnbull could not well have done anything else but introduce a Bill containing an endowment clause. After the statement made by the Premier, however, we think he should have given way to a certain extent, and sacrificed tho endowment for the Bake of scouring borrowing powers. Mr Hall 'is no enemy to Timaru, but be must, to be consistent, »et bis face against any alienation of Crown lands. If he does not adhere to that policy — a policy which haa been the saving of the country — he will lose tho confidence of his best friends. Those friends have, more than any one else, the welfare of the colony at heart. We ourselves should be only too pleased to see the Timaru Harbor Board richly endowed. We are convinced, we are satisfied, that they deserve to bo so ; but the credit of the colony as a whole demands that every acre of Crown land shall be . carefully conserved, until such time as we can fully recover our position m tbe eyes of our Home creditors. We trust then that Mr Turnbull will meet the Premier half way m regard to the Timaru Harbor Board Endowment Bill, and work heartily with Mi 1 Wakefield m securing borrowing powers, even if the endowment has to be sacrificed altogether. If he does not do so, the prosecution of the Timaru Harbor Works must, come to a standstill before another six months have passed.

The moat ardent lover of peace, and the blindest believer m the righteousness of the policy adopted by England to bring the recent war m the Transvaal to a close, can hardly feel gratification at the i - esult arrived at by the Royal Commission appointed to settle matters between the Boers and the Imperial authorities. The disastrous affair at Majuba Hill, where pour General Colley lost his life, and a British detachment suffered grievoni defeat, not only lowered English military prestige, but gave to the revolted Dutchmen political and material advantages which they were not slow to seize for their own profit. Actuated no doubt with the very best intentions, and desiring to avoid the continuance of a struggle which was regarded by a large party at Home as one m which the country should never have been engaged, the English Ministry abruptly ordered its Lieutenants to obtain an armistice, with the tacit understanding that the armistice should become a peace. The Boers, of course, had no objection to a settlement which promised them all they desired, and were not averse to stop fighting, knowing full well that if fighting wore continued, sooner or later they would bo worsted. At tho time when Sir Evelyn Wood and the Boer leaders settled the preliminaries of peace, the latter promised many things, but as events have turned out, they promised without having the power to fulfil what they m the name of their armed countrymen then guaranteed. They must have been well aware that their Volksraad was a sham, and that as a representative assembly it neither represented tho people at all nor had the smallest semblance of power over them ; and knowing this Messrs Joubert and his colleagues must have laughed m their sleeves when they solemnly assured the British general that they would do their utmost to persuade their countrymen to abide by the conditions then agreed on. The assurances given by them were mere faqons da parler, agreeable lies told for the purpose of making matters pleasant. However, they were accepted, and perhaps to fall m with the humor of the moment, a Royal Commission was named as a probable Court which was to bring to a finality all questions pending between the two parties, to place on a sure basis their future relationship, and to settle once and for ever the heretofore perpetual differences subsisting between the Boers, the Kaffirs and the English . No one believed, knowing the temper of the Dutch element of the polyglot population which inhabits the Transvaal that any Royal Commission would be able to effect the smallest good. That they would not make the Roers consent to terms they had fully made up their minds never to consent to ; neither would they place the Boer and the Kaffir on any better terms with one another. Commission or no Commission, they would still hate each other just as cordially as of yore ; the latter waiting only for a favorable opportunity to commence a war of spoliation against the Hollander. Sir Hercules Robinson and his colleagues have apparently, after many weeks of labor, come to the conclusion that it were best for the Boers to resume sole control of the Transvaal Republic ; and the only crumb of comfort which accompanies this recommendation, and which gives- some force to the idea that Great Britain is the superior and controlling power iB that the Boers are to pay half a million of money as compensation for losses sustained by British subjects resident m the Transvaal during the war ; and by-tbe-bye that they are also to recognise the suzerainty of England m the future. , It appears we are to keep a considerable body of troops m Natal as a terrorising agent, arid as a hint to our late enemies that tuey must quickly pay the money or abide by the consequences of failing to do so. From all we can learn the Boers have not tho least intention of paying us a sixpence, and as a gentle protest on their part to tho.very idea of indemnifying the ruined Britisher, they have not ceased their operations against tbe Englishmen still resident amongst them, as well as against their own people who were loyal to us during the war. As a proof of bow little the Royal Commission is believed m, and what small faitb. is put m Dutch promises, every Englishman who can leave is leaving the country, and tho Kaffirs, one and all,, declare that so Boon as tbe last semblance of British power has quitted the land, they intend 'going to war oa their own account, and, ■if. possible, .compelling, their hereditary foes to trek bace again. . ■■

Amongst the minor articles of the peace entered into after the Majnba business was one which bound the Boer leaders to bring to justice the murderers of Captain Elliot and other British officers shot m cold blood, and without tho smallest provocation, by their Dutch escorts. In Captain Elliot's case a more premeditated and heartless murder cannot be conceived. The men were brought to justice, that is, tried by a. jury of their own countrymen, and triumphantly acquitted ! No other result than an acquittal by such a Court could have been looked for. However, farcical as this justice was, it is not more farcical than the other proceedings of the jubilant Boers. Hating government even by their own people, they do not mean to tolerate any form of government whose economy is British. Though matters were m a most chaotic state when we first entered the country we shall leave them still more ohaotic. The one evil spirit of misrule has multiplied tenfold, and theso sooner or Inter must bring about complications which only the sword can solve.

Omi English cable messages this morning contain news of a very startling character. The news m question is to the effect that Ayoub Khan has defeated Abdur Babman, tbe Ameer of Afghanistan, m a battle fought close to Candahar and that the cream of the latter'B troopß have gone over to the enemy. The Ameer, so we must presume by the telegrams, holds a miserably weak position at Caudahar, and there is every prospect of his having to flee the country. He was, less than two years since, placed on the tbrone of Afghanistan by Great Britain, at a cost of some £13,000,000 or £14,000,000 m money and of at least 2000 lives of men who were the pick of tbe British army. The Liberal Government, m other words the Gladstonian, thought fit to withdraw their support, both moral and military, from tbe Ameer whom their predecessors had placed m power, so soon as they took charge of the helm of the State. What the result of their liberality has been will be seen on reference to our English telegrams this morning. No wonder that from all parts of the British Empire deep mutterings of discontent are heard. We fear that if the Gladstone Ministry continue m power for another year or two, not only will Afghanistan belong to Russia, the Transvaal to the Boers, and Canada to the United States, but that Auttralasia will be an independent State. That " Liberalism," as propounded by the Gladstono Cabinet, may meet with sudden death ere long, will be the hearty prayer of every true and loyal subjeot of Her Majesty.

Timarc School Commutes.— A meeting of this Committee will bo held tliU evening at 7.30 p.m. Vital Statistics. — During the month of July, thero wero registered at Timaru 47 births, 13 death), and 5 mnrriages. 'J'hk Tbmuka Papbb Mill Company.— Applications for sharos m tli is Company can now bo mndo to tho Hon. Seorotary, Mr W. Bowo, nt Mr llondelson's store, Temuka. Hion School Boabd op Govehnohs. — A j meeting of tho IXiifli School Board of j Governors, -will bo hold to-morrow evening, nt aevon o'clock. Thkatbb Royal.— The popular tragic actor, Hcrr Bsndmann, and lub Company, uro unnounced to give a grand farewell performonce of four ni|>hta m Timaru, commencing on Monday, August Bih. St. Maky's Gjiohch.— At a Vestry meeting held recently soven tenders woro connidored for building tho second contract of now St. Mary's, and that by P. Clayton for £1137, including £100 for contingencies, was accepted. Laud Balks. — At tho usual sitting of Hie Waste Lands Board, held at Christcliurch on Thursday, July 26th, sales wcro mado as follows : — Ordinary — Ashley, 25a lr lOp ; Akaroa, 8a 3r 16p ; Qoraldino, la j Wairoate, 895a 3r 4p. Deferred payments— Village settlement, Itabuia, la 2r Up. Total acjreago •old, 1932a 3r 35p. |Totol cash received, £3878 49 Bd. Refunds wore made on account of former purchases m tho amount of £3042 10s Od. Boating. — A movement is on foot for the formation of a rowing club m Timaru, a meeting being convened to lake place at the Olnrcntlon Hotel this evening, at 8 p.m., to consider tho subject. Now that tho harbor works aro bo far advanced there is plenty of smooth water for tho purposo, and thore is no reason why a boating club should not be successfully established. It would surely bo a very welcomo addition to tho somewhat limited recreations of those whoso duties keep them to the desk all the week, and wo trust to sea the project well taken up. Football. — The alphabetical match, A to M and N to Z, took place on Saturday afternoon. Play commonccd about a. quartor-past three, seventeen players being present, most of whom will repreient the Club noit Saturday m tho match against tho country members at Albury. During the first spell Ato M placed two goals to tiieir credit, tho N to Z Bide having secured a touoh-down, but failed to kick a goal. In the second spell no goals woro Bcorod by either side. The N to Z sccurod a touch-down during the third spoil, which was convorted into a goal. It was a very enjoyable practice. No disputes occurred during tho game, the members having taken tho hint thrown out by us lately. Wo liopo to sco the toam that goes to Albury on Saturday return victorious. LIFMOAT LODQB, No. 101, 1.0.G.T.— The usual weokly session of tho above Lodge was held on Thursday eroning, Bro. Fullerton, WO.T., presiding. After disposing of tho usual business, tho Sick Committee reported on the dutios assigned to them ; and one member came up for reinstolment, and was duly welcomed. The Entertainment Committee roported that m eonsequonco of Herr Bandmann opening the same night as they intended, the entertainment had been postponed for a timo. Tho nomination and election of officers was then proceeded with, the offices m several cases being well contested. It was also arranged that the usual installation tea be providod by tho officers. Iho various officers and Finance Committeo were instructed to havo their quarterly reports ready by next meeting. Having spent a pleasant evening, tho LoHgo closed at 9.30. Accident. — Yesterday afternoon Dr MacIntyre, -who wo 3 driving m his gig with a friend, met with an ocoident which fortunately did not prove so serious as might have been expected. It appears that m turning out of Bank street into Sophia street, m front of his residence, the corner was taken rather too abruptly and, tho paco being sharp, tho oft whcol was liftod from the ground, the gig going some yards on one wheol and then cupsizing, throwing tho occupants heavily to the ground, lho horso thon bolted down the street, turning Witt's corner nod, passing tho Clarendon Hotel, stopped near Mrs Watkins' chemist's shop, having dragged the gig on its sido tho wholo distanco with no other damage to it than a Btnmhcd splash-board. From enquiries mado wo ascertained that, although severely shakon and bruised, no sorious injuries wero sustained by either of .tho occupants of the vehicle Q-bkaldinr Bkaqies. — Tho meet on Wednesday was at Mr Skinner's farm, and wa« fairly attended. Owing to the severe frost business did not commence until half-past eleven, when ft move was made m the direction of Hilton, and a hare was soon on foot. Afior dodging about a stony oroek for a few minutos she took across through the farmyard and into, the paddocks beyond, where tho pack had to be stopped, as most of tho country was m whoat or young grass. Tho .mastor now trotted away to Mr Spescbley's, m ordor to avoid the young crops, and wai

rewarded by bitting off a good bale. After a couple of rni'es of slow hunting, during which a few ugly fences had to bo taken, puss tjok to the road and the hounds literally raced after her for about a mile until they were thrown out by a mob of Bheep. On trying the adjoining paddock a fresli hare went away and treated the fiold lo some good jumping and a littlo grief, the going being very heavy. Hares were now getting up on all aides, so the .pack were held ncrons tho road m hopes that m tho country already run over they might prove lfss numerous. After tbehonnda bad feathered half wayacross the first paddock, a " view holloa " brought them together, and away they went over «omo deep ploughed ground, crossed the rond, »nd took a short turn into the riverbed. Here puss was viewed and soon forced back to tho grass, when sho ran a ring round Hr Spcechley's house, slipped across tho road again and pointed up the river towards Pleasant Valley for a mile and a half. The hounds now swung to the left, taking to tho paddocks again, and aftor some very pretty hunting for about two miles, ran into their haro m the open. This run was between five and cii miles and took about forty-ilvo minutes. Several empty saddles wero obeerTable during the day, but nothing serious resulted, although one sportsman wo» pinned down by hit liorso for a few moments until help arrived, when horse and rider wero again placed on their logs. MEMORANDA. Mr Robert Walker has started a Venetian blind and shutter factory m tho Mtln South Road, opposito tho Tinmru Hotel. Tho QerMdino Roid Board lnvlto Undrra for Bundry contract*, particulars of which will bo found m another column.