The Timaru Herald. FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 1882.

Timaru Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 2413, 16 June 1882, Page 2

The Timaru Herald. FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 1882.

The correspondence between the Governor and the Secretary of State, and the Governor and Ministers, on native affairs, which has just been published, is a great take m. This is not the correspondence that everybody has been looking for, but a totally different one which nobody had heard of before, and which is not of much interest to anybody, except on account of one very peculiar circumstance. It appears that' at some time early m 1881 the Governor was instructed by the Secretary of State to report on the West Coast disturbance, which at that time was attracting attention m England on the part of some of those busybodics who do not realise that the colonies are quite ' able to manage their own concerns. Accordingly, on the 26th February, Sir Arthur Gordon, who had then only been m the colony a few weeks, wrote a despatch m which he professed to give a particular account of the native question m New Zealand, from the Waitara affair m 1860 down to the West Coast affair m 1881. Why His Excellency only went back to 1860, we cannot explain. Ho has missed the most animated passages m the. history of his subject. He might at least hare gone - back far enough to take m Heko's war, and the affair at the Say of Islands ; but to per-

form his task with anything like completeness, he should have narrated to Lord Kimberley m the fullest detail the whole train of events since Maui fished these islands up from the sea, including the performances of Tawhaki. What we mean i» that Sir Arthur Gordon was jußt as well fitted to enlighten the Secretary of State on one part of the native history as on the other j — and his discourse on one part would have been just as useful and trustworthy as his discourse on the other. For . all .- practical ' purposes, too, the legend of Maui has just as much to do with the Parihaka difficulty as the Waitara war has. But it is positively delightful to observe the innocent way m which Sir Arthur babbles on about obsolete and abstruse questions of native policy, and never seems for a moment to be troubled by a suspicion that he is making himself ridiculous. The thing is really too comical. His Excellency begins by commending the readiness with wtich the Native Minister furnished him with " material assistance " m framing his Report, and affably mentions that that official " showed no reluctance to place m his hands the documents m his possession." This is the richest notion, we ever heard of. Why on earth the Governor should imply, as he does, that the Ministers might " show reluctance " to supply him with these precious documents, passes our understanding. In the first place, the Ministers did not care a snuff what the Governor wrote to the Secretary of State about native affairs ; but, if they had any preference, they would rather that he should write sense than nonsense, and, therefore, they would be willing to tell him where to find the materials for his rigmarole. But m the second place, all the documents were freely accessible to anybody who wanted to see them, and all of them that were worth publishing had been printed and circulated fur and wide, long before Sir Arthur Gordon dreamt of devoting his intellect to the elucidation of the native affairs of New Zealand. The West Coast Commissioners fairly exhausted the subject m their Reports m 1880; and anything that could not be learnt from those singularly able papers, or from others that are included m the official Blue books, is not worth learning. Now, these papers are all sent m triplicate to the Secretary of State ; and we doubt not that there are half-a-dozen clerks m the Colonial Office who could have picked out of them all the information that was neces•ary to write a Report every bit as valuable and accurate as Sir Arthur Gordon's. The troth is, a very meagre modicum of information would have sufficed. Imagination, and a glorious indifference to coherency, logical sequence or correct representation, would have done the rest. Greater stuff than Sir Arthur Gordon's version of the West Coast troubles, we never read. His Excellency seems to have been under the influence of two prevailing ideas, namely, that Te Whiti is a type of man made a little lower, and only a very little lower, than the angels j and, secondly, that the colonial Government is a mere tentative organisation, by no means embodying the principle of Imperial supremacy. He dwells with great unction on the fact that Te Whiti was trained by a Lutheran missionary, and is " deeply versed m Christianity." But he carefully omits to mention that Te Whiti's Christianity takes the form of claiming to be Christ himself, or one of the other persons of the Trinity, according to the turn that his poor demented brain may take from day to day. The evidences of Te Whiti's insanity on religion are overwhelming, and far more than sufficient to satisfy any jury of the insanity of a prisoner m a criminal case. Sir Arthur Gordon deliberately asks the Secretary of State to believe that Te Whiti is an eminently pious and enlightened person, exercising a powerful Christian influence over the Maoris. But the truth is that Te Whiti is a crazy fanatic, whose influcsce over the Maoris was of the most sinister and disastrous kind, for he drove them nearly as mad as he was himself. . It is a fact vouched for by Mr Bryce, that Te Whiti having prophesied that on a certain day he would be crucified, and m three days rise again, he persuaded the Maoris for many miles round to procure linen cloths at any cost, and to bring them to Parihaka on the appointed day, to wrap his body m before consigning it to the tomb to await its resurrection 1 And this is the person whom Sir Arthur Gordon gravely describes as being " deeply versed m Christianity." Then, as to Te Whiti's political position, Sir Arthur Gordon never seems for a moment to realise that if the natives had lawful grievances, the Courts of Justice were open to them ; neither does he display any sense of surprise or disapproval at Te Whiti's invariable refusal to recognise the authority of the Governor, the Government or the law. He assumes, m fact, that Te Whiti was, as he has always claimed to be, an independent potentate, and hence he argues that, as he was also an earnest Christian, a true patriot, and a very elevated character generally, therefore, he had a perfect right to defy the laws of the country, and to keep the West Coast m a state of commotion bordering on civil war. A more extraordinary tone for the Queen's Representative to take, could hardly be imagined. But the whole despatch is so wrongheaded and betrays such complete confusion of ideas, that it is futile to dwell on particular features of it. The circumstance to which we alluded at the beginning of these remarks, as giving the correspondence a peculiar interest, is the fact that, though the Governor's, despatch was written m February, and tho Memoranda which ensued upon it were completed m July, no inkling of the matter was given to Parliament last session — which lasted until the end of September — or to the public, until the day before yesterday. The reason of this is clear. The publication of the Governor's Report was calculated seriously to embarrass the Government, and prejudice the public welfare; a fact which constitutes m itself the severest condemnation of His Excellency's conduct. : ' ♦_ It is a month since Parliament met, but tin serious business of the session has hardly been touched. With the exception of the passing of tke Native Bills, through' the lower House, nothing of any importance has been done, and the Native Bills, though the discussion on them" was spread over a week or two,

need not have occupied more than a single sitting. The rest of the time has been spent upon the merest trifles. Day after day and week after week, tbe purveyors of parliamentary intelligence have had to report that dullness prevails, that the proceedings arc of the most uninteresting description, and that there is nothing whatever, not oven gossip, stirring m the political world. This is very different from what.we were led to expect; but it is"' not very different from what we did expect. It was the Opposition who gave out that they were going to do great things; but jfrom the first we never believed there was the stuff m them to enable them to do anything either formidable or useful, and we are becoming more and mdre confirmed every day, m our original estimate of them. They evidently have no policy of their own, nor are they capable of compelling the Government to bring forward theirs. The Government, on the other hand, are naturally mno hurry. Their cac is to bide their time, to allow their opponents to become thoroughly disorganised and disheartened, and to get as smoothly as they can over the first half of the session. After that, Members will begin to get impatient, party struggles will be voted a bore, the rush of business will set m, and the Ministers will end by carrying whatever it suits them to carry, and letting everything else goThere was a prospect at one time of a genuine political contest taking place on the question of the loan; a very important contest for the country; but according to the latest accounts the loanqueition has been practically settled m " caucuses " outside the House, and the whole matter will be cut and dried before it comes forward for discussion. This may or may not be a convenient method for disposing of a troublesome political question; but it seems to us an extremely unsatisfactory one, as far as the public are concerned. We are told, and we are glad to hear it, that there are some Members who do not assent to this system of settling large political questions at private meetings, and who are determined to have this one, at all events, openly discussed on the floor of the House. Mr Hursthouse, it is said, intends to oppose the loan altogether, and to move a vote of want of confidence upon it. He is just the man to do it, and to do it well, if he makes up his mind to it. The only fear is that he may allow himself to be talked over before the time comes, or may succumb to one of those hole and corner intrigues which appear to be completely superseding straightforward, above-board politics. In a matter of such wide interest, and of such vital importance to the public, as this question of a new loan, the Government ought, m our opinion, to have resolved upon a clear and definite policy, and to have announced it boldly to the House and the country, and taken their stand upon it. Surely it is a most extraordinary and a most dangerous state of affairs, m which a question of this magnitude, involving an addition of millions to the public burdens, can be quietly arranged m the lobbies and Committee rooms, before a single word is uttered about it m the House. We blame the Government for this, because we think they ought to lead the House and tha country on all large questions, and ought to hold themselves scrupulously aloof from intrigues. But at the same time it is impossible not to see that the absence of an organised and capable Opposition is really' the cause of the evil. The primary function of an Opposition is to watch the Government and to prevent them from carrying their Measures m any other way than by their legitimate influence with the majority. It is only by the vigilant and energetic exercise of that function by the Opposition that representative government can safely and successfully be carried on. Tet here we find the Opposition abdicating that function altogether with respect to the largest question of the day, and combining with the Ministerial party to arrive at a complete understanding as to the amount and allocation of a loan that is not yet even proposed to Parliament. The politics of the colony are m a bad way when such a proceeding as this is possible. We still venture to hope, however, that the reports on this subject will prove unfounded; that the policy of raising a new loan will be fearlessly challenged; and that the details of the proposed allocation of the money will bo keenly criticised m the House, quite independently of any arrangements or understandings that may have been come to m " caucuses."

St. Joiin's Lodge. —An emergency meeting of master Masons of St. John's Lodge is to be held this evening at half-past seven. Waihate Stehfikchashs. —These events aro to bo run to-day, and, if the weather proves faTorable, this year's meeting promises to bo as successful as any of its predecessors. Wasiidykb Ptor/oniNO Matoit. —A meeting is called for half -past soven this evening, at tho Doncaster Hotil, Washdyko, to arrange details m connection with the proposod ploughing mutch. Rocket Bbioadb.—Tho fortnightly drill was held yesterday ovening at the Brigade Station. There was a good attendance and tho membors, as usual, worked well. SurnRME Coitht. —Notice is given under the hand of tho Sheriff thnt tho jurors Bummonod to attend tho Supremo Court on Monday, tho 19th inst., will not be required to attend. Bvsikbss Chakoes. —lt will be seen from nn announcement m another column, that Mr James Shepherd has recommenced business m the premises lately occupied by J. M. Shepherd, at the comer of North street and the Main South Road. Mbktino at Faiulib Creek. —A public mooting takes plnco nt the township of Fairlio Creek this afternoon, at half-past two, to consider nmttors m connection with tho management of Union Church, and the appointment of a now Committee of control. DISTMCT Counr. —Tho ordinary monthly sitting of this Court will bo held this morning, m tho Court-house, beforo His Honor Judge Ward. Tho list of cases to be hoard is a full one, including several held over from last sitting. The causo list appears m another column, The Pubvaiiino Vice.—Two persons were charged with drunkenness yesterday, beforo J. Beswick, Esq., B.M. Ono wiis remanded for a week for medical treatment j tho other, who had been liberated on bail after recovering tho previous evening, appeared m Court intoxicated, and was remanded till this morning. Exnrumojjr Awards.—Among tho latest batch of Exhibition awards wo observe that Mr* Donald Macloan, of' Strathconan, has been awarded a, bronze medal, second order of merit, for a knitted woollen shawl. exhibited by her. Mr O. G. Moore, of Onrnnru, hns been awarded a silver modal for barbed fenoing wire. The Judges remark that tho barb is oxccllcnt, and tho price cheap, and that they would be glad to boo this wire compete with tho imported article

The Fdtakcial Statement.— Wo learn from our Wellington correspondent that Jajor Atkinson's health has bo much improved that the Financial Statement -mil bo delivered for certain tliia evening. An Unambitious Member. — In the House last evening, during the discussion on the printing of Hansard, Mr Turnbull, the member for Timaru, stated ho would prefer not having his speeches reported. He nihilo rtihilfit. TIMABU LITBRABY ASD DEBATING SoCIBTY. — The subject for debato at this Society last evening was " Are tho Principles of the Iriah Land League contrary to the British Constitution?" There was a largo attendance of members and their friends. The subject was well debated, tho result being ngainst tho Land League. After tho meeting one new member was elected. A Challenge. — 11. A. Slade advertises this morning that he is not satisfied with the result of his wrestling match with Professor Miller the other night, and says Miller got the better of him by a trick, lie doos not think Miller could throw him m a fair etaud-up match, and m that opinion challenges him to a mntch for £60 a side. Waimatb Gobob BAU.WAT. — Tenders for tho second contract of this lino woro opened and considered on tho 14th instant. The following are tho tenders for formation nnd culverts from one cntraneo of the Gorge to tbo other, a distance of about three milos : — W. J. Black, £2347 2s (accepted) ; Alex. McLean, £2425 5s 6d ; C. V. Clarke and Co., £2663 12s. Tihabu Intblt.bctbai. Improvement Socibtt. — Tho ordinary weekly meeting of this Society was held on Wednesday evening last, at which there was a very fair attendance of members. Tho item on the programme for tho evening was a debato — "Wellington or Napoleon; which was the greater General P" The discussion was kept up with unflagging interest for over two hours, and resulted m a largo majority voting m favor of the " Iron Duke." Threo candidates for membership were elected by ballot. Extemporaneous Bpcaking is the order of the evening for next meeting. POULTBT, PIGBOIT, AHD CANARY ASSOCIATION. — A general meeting of tho Association wns held last evening at Stone's Hotel, there being a good attendance of members. A letter was read from a number of Christchurch fanciers, asking if tho Association had made any arrangements with tho Railway Department for a reduction m tho carriage of exhibits, as a good number wcro expected from that city. It was resolved that an application bo made to the General Manager, Christchucrh, to reduco freight on pens forwarded for exhibition. A vote of thanks was passed to Messrs Maclean and Stewart for tho offer of their Bazaar for the exhibition. Tho Secretary reported that a number of entries had been received, and reminded members that entries close on the 24th instant. Tho Secretary was instructed to writo to a number of gentlemen, requesting their services as judges, and after passing a few accounts and settling some other routine business, tho meeting terminated. Kbsident Magistrate's Court, WaiVATE. — At this Court yesterday, before Messrs G. C. Stackpoole and J. Manchester, J.P.s, Jos. Johnston was charged with stealing a pair of boots, value 15s, from Mr D. Mitchell's shop m Queen street, Waimate, on tho 13th instant. Accused pleaded guilty, and said ho had been lately discharged from his employment and had been drinking for a fow days. He waa under tho influence of drink or ho would not havo committed tho offence. Sergeant Ramsay said it was a very impudent offence ; accused had taken tho boots out of tho shop and almost immediately sold them for 7s 6d and then cleared out by trnin. He was arrested by Constable Fitzpatrickatthc Washdyke. Accused was sentenced to two months imprisonment with hard labor. A Hion Sea. — Telegrams received from the north on Wednesday night, and published yesterday morning, to tie effect that a strong north-east galo, with heavy sea, prevailed on Wednesday about the north of New Zealand, suggested that a " ripplo" from that sea would reach Timaru m tho form of a north-east swell before many hours, and consequently it was not surprising that tho sea was high yesterday. It waa first noticod rising about half -past six m the morning, and it gradually got worse until a very heavy swell indeed was running. It varied a good deal, tho rollers being every now ond then of much greater size than usual, occasionally running as high almost as on the 14th May. Owing to tho direction from which the rollers came they struck tho Breakwater at a small angle, and consequently did not break over it m such volumes as m nigh southerly swells, but the break on the beach was magnificent. No damage was done to the Breakwater, but tho contractors found it necessary to look after the monolith caisson, which was being undermined at high tide. The worst that has happened has been the delaying of tho getting off of the City of Perth, which would m all probability have been effected yesterday if the swell had not set m. It is bolieved that sho has sustained no serious damage from the Beas of yesterday. Her owners took tho precaution to fill hor with water to kcop her steady, and left open the main hatch to allow of moro water entering. Sho lay with a considerable list to starboard, and at high, tido tho lower side of the main deck was continually buried m the water, tho crests of the waves washing high up tho deck. A good many soas broke heavily over her bows, but they failed to stir her. The tug Lyttelton anchored some distance out, where oho rodo easily. Wo understand sho is to stay a week it necessary, to take advantage of any opportunity that may offer for towing off the stranded ship. Tho barque Sunbeam and brigantine Eliza Firth lay securely at their moorings inside tho Breakwater. Tub Proposed Daiby Factory at Temuea. — A meeting of tho supporters of tho proposed Tcmuka Butter, Checso and Bacon Factory Company, Limited, was held at the Star Hotel on Tuesday last. Present — Messrs J. Hayhurst, P. Waroing, Brogden, Irvino, C. Woodley, W. Lyon, S. Cain, Grcalish, E. Pilbrow, Twomey, Pitt, Hayes, Gray and Ashwell (Secretary). Mr Hayhurst was voted to tho chair. The minutes of tho previous meeting having been read and confirmed, some discussion took place as to the advisability of making it a co-operative association, but the question was postponed for future consideration. The Secretary read the names of those gontlemcn who had conscntod to allow themselves to bo nominated as Provisional Directors, and tho following were appointed : — Messrs Postlcthwaito, John Pnterson, A. L. Barker, Guild, J. Hayhurst, Jns. Austin, S. Cain, M. Quinn, T. Conolly and E. Pilbrow. A sub-Committee, consisting of Messrs Hayes, Gray, Saudo, and Twomey was appointed to draw up a prospectus, ond to instruct tho Secretary to call a meeting to consider it on its completion. The Chairman considered tho proposed capital was moro than would bo required, and it was decided to reconsider the amount when the prospectus was submitted. The proceedings then terminated with tho usual vote' of thanks to the chairman. Gbraldikk BhaoleS. — Tho meet on Wednesday last was at " The Warren," Woodbury, tho residence of Mr F. W. Donkin. The beautifully fine weather, with a slight frost, brought out a largo field, including several ladies. About eleven o'clock tho hounds threw off m one of Mr Donkin's paddocks, and after awhilo n hare was found, which went away, with tho hounds m full cry, through the paddocks and across tho road loading to Peel Forest, into another paddock of Mr Donkii.'s, and thenco into a large paddock belonging to Mr Phipps Williams. Here a fine run was obtained, but puss got away through the fence into tho Waihi riverbed, which she kept for some time, but eventually doubled into tho paddocks again, where, though almost dead beat, sho was lost among tussocks. After a short holt, a fresh hare was found, and away went the pack at a merry pace, and a very good run followed, puss circling several times, but was at length run into m tho tussocks, whenco aho started. A short spell for tho benefit of tho horses, and another cast was made m Mr Donkin's , paddocks, whero another run was obtained through Mr Donkin's and Mr Tripp's land, and being hard pushed, the hare niacto for the Orari rivor, which she attempted to cross at a, place where tho current was strong, but after her sharp run she was not equal to the. task, and was washed down and lost. It now being 2 p.m., the hounds were drawn off and an adjournment was niado to " The Warren," where Mr and Mrs Donkin most hospitably entertained tho party at luncheon. On tho

•whole, a very good day's sport was obtained, since the hounds worked exceedingly well. There teas not much jumping, wire being far too common for the majority of the field to jump with safety. The next meet, which is a favorite one, will take place on Saturday next at 10 a.m., at Mr Barclay's cross roads. Gbiiaidinb Eacino Club. — A Committee meeting was held at the Crown Hotel on Tueadaylnst. Present — Messrs ß. ll. Pcarpoint m the chair), I). McKenzie, J. Kennedy, T. W. Corbett, J. M. Ollivicr, D. Denoon and W. Lawson. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The Secretary submitted a programme for the coming September meeting, m which the states were increased £55, and it was resolved that the same bo approved of. Resolved — " That the Secretary arrange for a special train from Timaru on the two days of the races, to call at all intermediate stations." Resolved — " That tenders bo at once called for the erection of upper structure of the grand stand." Resolved — " That the Secretary obtain the necessary programmes, cards, tickets, etc., and that the privileges be submitted to public auction." Resolved—" That the Secretary arrange with Messrs Hobhs and Goodwin for the use of their totalisator at the meeting on the usual terms." Resolved — "That the programme be inserted iv one Timaru paper, two Christchurch papers, and one Dunedin paper three days before the nominations and three days before the acceptances." Resolved—" That tho Secretary bo authorised to sign the bill for timber account." Resolved — "That the alteration to courso as submitted to the meeting be commenced at once." Mr T. W. Corbett having offered to sell the privileges gratuitously, his offer was accepted with thanks. Besides tho 15 new members elected at last meeting, the following gentlemen were elected members at this meeting, viz. : — Messrs Gaze, W. Dormer, E. J. Eekford and J. Joe. A vote of thanks to tho chairman terminated the proceedings. Russia asd Exglasd. — I'anity Fair, with regard to the supposed intentions of Russia towards India and Great Britain, BaT6 — " What Russia intends is very obvious. She has no intention of attacking India, defended by its native army and its English command'era and organisation. She looks, as General Stolieteff avowed to Shere Ali, to an insurrection of the Mussulmans of India. This she is endeavoring to obtain by the action of England m Egypt against the Sultan — action which means to be so decided as to mako every Mussulman take up arms against England as m a holy war. Then Russia, who offered to the Sultan m 1821 to suppress the Greek insurrection, will offer her services to England to suppress the Mussulmans of India and to ensure the final triumph of 'Christianity and civilisation.' This assistance once accepted, Pint* Britannia. Thb New Zealand Pbisoks. — The report of the Inspector of Prisons has been presented to Parliament. Captain Ilume speaks very favorably of the general condition and management of New Zealand prisons. He states that the work of reorganising is proceeding steadily and systematically. The conduct of prisoners generally is good, and there are no serious prison offences to report. Classification is receiving duo attention. Much expense has been saved by transferring prisoners from ono prison to another, where they were required for special work, which, had they not been available, would have involved additional expenditure. The majority of male criminals m New Zealand is not of the habitual and hardened class, but mostly incidental offenders, driven to crime under the stimulus of drink. The female convictions are almost all of tho degraded class, and long past all possible chanco of reformation. He does not object to tho education of prisoners, but only to the method hitherto pursued here. Tho number of prisoners is 5360, and the cost per head £37. Tbo net cost of the respective gaols (shillings and pence omitted) is : — Addington, £27 ; Auckland, £22 j Dunedin, £39; Hokitika, £90 ; Invercargill, £52 ; Lyttelton, £34 ; Napier, £28 ; Nelson, £78 ; Tarannki, £58 ; Timaru, £49 j Wanganui, £54 ; Wellington, £43. Of tho total prisoners, 3721 read and write, and 61 are of " superior education." As Amusing Stoby. — In publishing the following anecdote of General Skobeloff, the C:as expressly guarantees the authenticity of every detail therein set forth. It would appear that, whenever a personage of high rank and importance visits Warsaw, the Imperial police authorities commission their secret agents to watch every action of that personage by day and night as far as may bo compatible with the respect duo to his exalted station, and to report the residts of their observations regularly every morning. One of these reports handed m to the police office of tho district m which is situated the Hotel d'Europe, where Skobeloff lodged during his recent sojourn m tho Polish capital, is textually reproduced m the columns of the Czas. It runs as follows : — " Last night, at the hour of nine, His Excellency tho General deigned to leave- his hotel. He wore an elegant silk hat, and a no less elegant overcoat. In his hand he carried a walking-stick. His Excellency condescended to hire the droshky No. 217, and, seated therein, to drive to Ziazd, where he alighted, and straightway disappeared. His Excellency did not return to his hotel until seven o'clock this morning, wearing, however, a jacket and cap, both of which wore covered with mud. It was, moreover, His Excellency's pleasure to appear considerably intoxicated." " This report," concludes the Czas, " is absolutely authentic. Wo have Been it, and are fully responsible for its publication." The police official who has betrayed the secrets of the Warsaw Detective Department is likely to hear of something to his disadvantage. BTKOPSIS OF NKW ADVERTISEMENTS. Wildi*. Allan and Stumbles— Horses, drays, etc., tomorrow ■ Wuhdvka stock sale on Monday. W. Collins and Co.— Produce, Furniture, etc., tomorrow. D. McOuinnssa and Co., James Shepherd, C. Walker, Siegert and Faurel, and H. Clinch— Business notices. Supreme Court— Notice to the jurors summoned for Monday. St. John's Lodge— Meeting this evening. n. Ford— Tenders wanted for breaking up land. H. A. Blade— Challenge to Professor Miller. W, Butterworth— Notice of horses impounded. Funeral notice— One. Wanted- One notice.