SATURDAY, AUGUST 11, 1883.

Timaru Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 2772, 11 August 1883, Page 2

SATURDAY, AUGUST 11, 1883.

The Minister for Immigration came to terrible grief the other night over hia motion inviting the approval of the House for the agreement entered into by the Government with the New Zealand Shipping Company for the performance of a direct steam service with Great Britain. He Beetns to have counted entirely without hia host, and to have rushed on certain defeat when he might easily have ascertained beforehand that ho had no chance of carrying bis motion. It ia just possible that he did not veally wish to carry it, and that he only brought it forward, knowing it would be rejected, m order to shelve the question without showing any open hostility to the Company. Assuming, however, that the motion was a genuine one, and that the Government were sincere m tteiv professed desire to give the Company's service a trial, they certainly went about the thing very clumsily. In the first place, they made a proposal which was obviously unsatisfactory on publio grounds, and which was not calculated j to meet with hearty support m any quarter. The New Zealand Shipping Company offered them their choice between, a. commercial eervice of 50 daya

and a mail service of 45 days, and the Government chose the former, for the sake of the saving m expense. It was the old story of spoiling the ship for a hap'orth of tar. It stands to reason that if it is worth the while of the colony to give special encouragement to a steam service, on account of the advantages to be gained from rapid communication with Europe, the difference m expense of a few thousands of poundsa year, is neitherhere nor there. The difference m efficiency between a 50 days' service and a45 days' service, on the other hand, is very substantial indeed. A45 days' service would supply a short and certain mail route, alternating fortnightly with the Sau Francisco line, and would place New Zealand m an exceptionally favorable and independent position m respect of postal matters. It would also supply one of the best of all passenger routes, for not only would travellers to and from New Zealand resort to it, but a great proportion of the Australian passenger traffic would also be attracted to it. The trip between Melbourne or Sydney and Great Britain by this line, would be very little longer than by the Orient, the Peninsular and Oriental or the Messagerieß ; and the opportunity which it would afford for seeing a good deal of New Zealand en route, would more than compensate for the few days' longer journey. Australian travellers would not grudge the time spent m New Zealand ; but they would very decidedly grudge the five extra days spent at sea m a 50 days' service ; while New Zealand travellers, if they arc to take 50 days on the journey, might just as well go by Australia as by the direct line. In short, the 45 days' service would be an important addition to the ocean rontes of the world and would speedily bring this colony into prominent notice. The 50 clays' service, on tbo other hand, would be altogether behind the times as an ocean route, would be quite useless as a mail service, and would not bo any very great improvement on clipper sailing lines for commercial purposes. It is no wonder, therefore, that the proposal of the Government to contract with the New Zealand Shipping Company for a 50 days' service, met with little support. It was, m fact, one of those half measures which proverbially please nobody.

The main opposition to Mr ilolleston's motion, however, was not the result of an intelligent discrimination between one service sind another, but of a narrow local and commercial jealousy of the New Zealand Shipping Company. The Government had bo muddled the negotiations us to give some slight appearance of leaning towards monopoly and Canterbury ; and that was quite enough to raise the spirit of mischief m various forma. The question with the majority of the House was not how best to provide the colony with steam communication with Europe ; but how most effectually to balk the New Zealand Shipping Company of the reward of their enterprise, and prevent Christchurch from becoming the head quarters of the service. Hence a degree of excitement which the most important political discussions rarely arouse m the House nowadays. Members whose voice has never been heard before this session, found their tongue and their feet, and took an active part m the debate. Mr Levin, one of the Members for Wellington, and agent of Shaw Saville and Co., the rivals of the New Zealand Shipping Company, came from a sick bed, and m tones tremulous from weakness, pleaded the cause of his principals. Party ties were forgotten m the turmoil of more selfish emotions, and the stoutest supporters of the Ministry told them to their face that they could not and would not vote with them -on that occasion. We verily believe, if the Government had made it a queation of confidence, they would, nevertheless, have been beaten, and we should actually havo seen a change of Mjnistry all about a twopenny halfpenny contract with a steam Company ! Aa it was, the Government did not venture to put such a perilous strain on their followers ; and Mr Rolleston's motion was negatived by a majority of five m a House of 81. The question of the direct steam service was then ordered to be referred once more to a Select Committee ; which is tantamount to shelving it for the seßsiou. This conclusion, discreditable as it undoubtedly is to the House, is a fitting sequel to the whole of the proceedings of the Government m connection with this very important subject. They bare made n thorough mess of the affair from beginning to end, and the defeat which they suffered on Tuesday night, though it reflected no honor on their opponents, was only what they deserved, for their half-heartedness, timidity, shilly-shallying, and total lack of business-like management m a very Bimple transaction. No one is more anxious than we are to see direct steam communication established between New Zealand and Great Britain j but we cannot regret that the House, no matter how unworthy their motives, have declined to sanction an arrangement, which, m our opinion, would merely have delayed the attainment of that object.

TnE Irish Infoemeiis. — His Excellency tho Governor of New Zealand, has rcccivod a telegram from tho Imperial Government to tho offeet that tho Irish informerß are to bo returned to England by the Pathan, the same steamer which brought them out. The Market Reserve. — Wo understand that a private individual intends to submit to tho Borough Council lit their next meeting an application for liberty to erect market buildings on the reserro on conditions which should prove equally satisfactory to him and to them.

U.A.O.D. — An error crept into our account of tho Druids festival on Thursday evening. We mentioned among tho officers that Mr Sutherland was Pust-District President. It should have been Mr C. Thomson. The Druids desiro to thank Mr C. Bourn, manager for Messrs R. Wilkin and Co., for tho use of their auction yards, and Messrs Jones and Peters for kindly lending a wagon and horses.

Cuttino IT Short. — -The other day tho Chairman of one of our public bodies had occasion to read to the members a document addressed to the Governor of tho colony. The formal address of our present Governor is a pretty long oue, and tho Chairman cut it short by reading "To His Excellency Sir — Somebody with a lot o£ nunica ar.d titles." Pboposbd Refbioebatimj Compart. — A public meoting is called for 2.30 p.m. to-day, at which the Committee appointed a fortnight ago will mako somo definito proposals regarding the establishment of a refrigerating company m South Canterbury. The Committee met last Saturday and agreed upon the main points to bo submitted, and yestorday the sub-Committco appointed for tho purposo met and drew up a prospectus to be submittod for approval by the publio meeting. The Committee will inoet at 1.30 p.m. to-day, <

an hour before the public meeting, to arrange the business.

House Tamivg. — "We remind those of oiu 1 readers who are fond of hearing anyone " talk horse," that Professor Sample, the American horse-trainer will " speak a pioeo " m the Barnard street hull to-night. His lecture on the horse 13 five, but the price charged for admission, nothing, is not to be taken us the value of the lecture. Professor Sample is said to be very amusing ns well as instructive m his remarks. At the close of his lecture he forms a class for practical instruction, to be given on Monday. C Batteby.— Tho C Battery, New Zealand Regiment of Artillery, received from headquarters, on Tuesday last, a new Oft by fift target, with all the necessary fittings. The target is of cast iron, and is exceedingly strong, and being m sections, it can with very little trouble be converted into ft 6ft by 4ft, or Oft by 2ft. Cast iron targets are now coming into very general use, they being found to be less expensive* m tho end t'mn tho oldfashioned wrought iron ones. O;te great defect these latter have is that with constant use they become concave, while with cast metal ones, no such thing occurs. The members of the C Battery intend, we believe, going m for steady practice ns soon as the new target has been erected, and tho range at Saltwater Creek put m good order. 1.0.G-.T.— The usual weekly meeting of the Anchor of Ilope Lodge was held on Thursday last, Bro. Gibson, W.C.T., presding. One candidate was proposed for membership, after which the officer' reports were read and adopted, and various incidental accounts were passed for payment. Owing to some of tho officers elect being absent, the installation of officers was postponed till Thursday, August 23rd, no meeting being held next week on account of the Blue Bibbon Mission and services m the room for that week. A Committee was appointed to carry out a concert for tho benefit of tho juveniles on the juvenile anniversary. After going through tho usual business, the Lodge closed m due form.

Thk BitKAKWATER. — Messrs Jones nml Peters were favored with a. fine day and smooth sea yesterday, when they set to work to fill m the last monolith of their contract. The endless rope was set to work about two o'clock, and a monolith about 14ft long was completed during the night. We understand they have to lift a few loose blocks lying off the end of the wall, and will then have finished their contract, except m respect of tho three months' maintenance clause of the conditions. They have been unfortunate m having experienced a largo amount of unfavorable weather during the progress of the work, but they have ttuck to it manfully, and taken the rough with the smooth uncomplainingly. The contract time has been exceeded by a few months, but m view of the unavoidable delays encountered, this is not to be wondered at. The work itself has been very well done indeed, and reflects great credit upon tho contractors and their uieu. The Railway Goons Siieds. — The additions and alterations to tho railway goods sheds aro about completed. The sheds have been lengthened sixty feet, and m the southeast comer — m the addition— two olliccs have been erected, one 18ft by 12ft and the other 12ft by 12ft, with fireplaces m each, and fitted up -with desks, counters, etc. In two of the largo export doors small wicket doors have been let m, so that m case of lire a man can gain the inside of the sheds without the largo doors having to be opened. As an additional precaution water will bo laid on at convenient points of the buildings. Advantago has been taken to shift the down pipes from the roof. Formerly they were on tho outside of the building, but as they were found to be m the way of persons handling goods, they have been shifted to the inside. The whole" of the buildings have also been re-painted. Mr T. R. Jones was the contractor for the job, and has done his work well.

XnEATKK RoTAt. — Tlic " Juveniles " repented "The Grand Duchess " last night, anil there being fewer other attractions, thoy had a better audience than on the. Hrst night. The youngsters went through the opera m their usual spirited manner, and were very frequently and warmly applauded. To-day they give a matim'o performance for the benefit of families, and they ought to be well patronised, as it would be a great treat to most youngsters to see the nice dresses, tho woll-diseiplined movements and the amusing by-play of tho piece, to say nothing of tho almost continuous music. " The Grand Ducheas " will also be repeated this evening, and wo can recommend it as an excellent thing to wind up the week with. Thcchildren aro very clever, and tho unanimous verdict upon their performance is " very good." For Monday evening " The Pirates of Penzance" is announced.

Roron Road 3. — Tlio Municipal authorities havo placed some obstructions on the worn half of the portion of George street near their bmldings, with tho object, no doubt, of forcing traffic on tho other half, on which the broken metal is still rough. It is all right, we suppose, but the circumstnnce forces upon our attention tho fact that road and streetmaking tiro jet a long war behind the ngo. A lot of shingle, or broken ntetnl is spread over tho ground, and that is called a road, while, whenever anyone can get along without going on tho road, he will certainly do so. The man who would invent .-. new system of road-making, by which a road could bo made solid and smooth at once, cheaply, would bo v benefactor to his race, and to our useful servant, the horse. A Nuisance. — Whatever may be thought of the doings of tho Salvation Army generally, there can be no two opinions about tho latest of their innovations here. Last ovening before the usual service commenced, the most horrible sounds imaginable issued from their " barracks," apparently produced by several persons trying to get the worst sounds they could out of opheiolidcs and trombones. Tho concert could bo likened to nothing but tho bellowing and blaring of a mob of cattle over tho blood of one of their fellows. People living near were greatly imnoyod by it. Perhaps tho offenders, for whoover they are, thoy ore nothing less, will take the hint, and practice m the suburbs. ThbAi.jobdS'OßESilDiamoxdFikli). — MiMark Herman, tho representative of a wellknown liondon firm, passed through Timaru yesterday en route to tho diamond district at ilford Forest. Mr Herman has had large experience, of thodiamond'fieldstttKimberley and other parts of South Africa, and is, we aro led to understand, a thoroughly competent authority on the subject. Ho left Standcrton, m the Transvaal, about twelve weeks ago, after paying a visit to the goldfields there, and which ho is of opinion are I superior to any yet discoTered. Ho stales that fortunately (iv his opinion) foi; the world at large they have got into the hands of Europeans, the Boers considering it infra dig. to dabble m such muck. Mr Herman declares tho samjiles from AlfordForestsubmitted to him are not diamonds at nil, and also that tho specimens of rock are not diamondiferous so far as his knowledgo goes. He acknowledges, though, that eomo of the earth shown him bears a striking resemblanco to that m which diamonds are found at tho Cnpo. It has beon arranged, we believe, that Mr Jaoobsen, the discoverer of tho flold, will meet him to-day at Alford Forest, with the view of submitting specimens to him. Mr Herman, it may bo mentioned, is uot travelling purely m search of diamonds, but as agent of a largo firm of chemists m London.

Gkbaidinb.— A meeting of persons interested m the formation of a Choral Society for the district was held m the Schoolrooiv, (Jeraldino, on Monday evening last. There was a very fair attendance. Mr T. Sherratt was voted to tho chair. After rending the advertisement calling the meeting, he explained that, m accordance with tho wishes of several residents who had expressed a desire to start a musical society m Qoraldino, he had called the meeting together to conBider tho matter. lie then read a letter from Mr Edmonds, Temuka, m answer to a communication re tho proposed class. In it Mr Edmonds gave Borne information as to the likelihood of stnrling nnd currying on aucccaafully a musical society, and stated he was prepared under certain conditions to act as conductor ouco n week. Dr Fish spoke strongly m favor of the formation of a musical society m Goraldino. He thought it would ho an excellent thiiig for the members, and would also afford entertainment to the public. Though not a musical njan himself, several members of his family would join such a society, which under the directorship of a competent person like Mr .Edmonds would be very eucccssf ul. Ho thought that

once a week was not too often for Mr! Edmonds to come for practise. The expenses

would not be too gnat if say 20 members joined. Mr Coltnuin, junv,, gave

some information as to the iocs and method of carrying on the Temiiku Glee Club for which lie was secretary. Mr "Willoughby spoke m fuvor of the movement and thought Mr Edmond's terms exceedingly reasonable. It might, he said, probably be sufficient if the conductor came up. only once a week. The Society could hold weekly practise.- at which m Mr'Edmond's absence members of tho club could conduct. Mr C. E. Sherratt also approved of the project and promised to join and support such a Society. Mr Willoughby then proposed, and Mr Hughes seconded—" That tho proposed Society be called ' The Geraldine Philharmonic Society.' " — Carried. Resolved — " That Messrs "Willoughbv, Hughes, C. E. Sherratt, T. Sherratt and Dr Fish, bo elected a Committee to obtain information as to the number of members likely to join, and make necessni-y arrangements." Mr C. E. Sherratt kindly promised, if possible, to make an arrangement with the Oddfellows for use of the Hall. Resolved— " That 10s Gd be the honorary member's subscription. Tho honorary members to be allowed two free tickets to any entertainment or entertainments given by the Society." Resolved — " That the Society do not confine itself exclusively to tho practise of cither secular or sacred music." Resolved — " That the annual subscription for members be Is per month for gentlemen and for ladies 2a 6d per month." Resolved — " That Mr Finlay Bethuno be appointed Secretary to the Society." About 30 persons have already signified their willingness to become member-, and there is littlo doubt that the Society will be very successful.

Geraldine Beagle Club. — A meet of tlio aboTC Club was held on tlio 4th inst., at the Kennels. Lunch was first partaken of tit the residence of the Master, ami a start was miide tit ono o'clock. There wore two firstrate runs, each ending with a kill, over a line of country where fcnce3 were plentiful and m good order. The field was n small one, only numbering about fifteen, including live ladie3. Hounds were whipped off nbout five o'clock. On Tuesday the meet was at Mr Dowding'a, Coldstream Station, and m spite of the distance, the meet was remarkably well attended. A hard frost m the morning was succeeded by a warm day that dispelled tho fears of many that the ground would be too hard for jumping. After the journey up, Mr Dowding's hearty welcome was appreciated by both men and horses. On the station everything was arranged m anticipation of the day's sport, stock being yarded, gates opened and all hands having a holiday. The fun commenced at ono o'clock. Hares were rcry plentiful, and evidently knew their way nbaut, as they always made for the gates, and it seemed as if they had arranged to be relieved when tired, for as surely as the hunted hare was m danger of being caught a fresh one -would jump up and lead off m. a new direction at racing pace. After three hours and a-half of this it was considered that both hor.-es and hounds had had enough, and all returned to the station, where every preparation hud been made for the comfort of all present. A few returned to their homes, but the greater j number accepted Mr Dowding's invitation to remain, and it is not advisable to mention the hour the festivities terminated. There are, perhaps, better districts for hunting, but there are few places from which those present will carry away more pleasant recollections of thorough hospitality. English Cable IN"EWd. — The following special telegrams appear m a contemporary : —"London, Aug. 8. The Xew Zealand Shipping Company's lirst steamer, the Tongariro, is to be launched on August 25th. — The St. James' Gazette says that possibly the allegiance of tho Australian Colonies to the Empire may depend upon the extent of protection accorded them by England against the deportation of French convicts to the Pacific Islands. — The festival m celebration of the 'JOOtli anniversary of Martin Luther's birth, held at Erfurt, has been a great success. — Admiral Jaureguibcrry, the French Minister of Marine, has resigned. — A powerful Italian squadron is being sent to Morocco to enforce claims ngainst the Sultan. — The Chinese mandarins huvo rejected Phudac as Regent of Assam, and proclaimed Viaula as Hegent. — Seditious letters have been seized m the Punjaub m connection with the Maharajah Dhuleep Singh's visit." " August 9. Mrs Langtry appears m Australia m August next. — The inundation of tho low-lying country on tho bank of the river Nile is imminent.— lt is reported that the news of tho death of Cetewayo is incorrect, and that he managed to reach the British Besidency after the battle at Ulundi. — The Government have proposed to vote £100,000 from the Church funds to assist Irish emigration. — Mr Parnell refuses to visit America- before the next general election. — The Dutch-papers suggest that the Colonial exhibits at the Amsterdam Exhibition should be given towards the foundation of a museum at Amsterdam. Mr Barnard, the Executive Secretary for New South Wales, has been complimented by tho Amsterdam residents on tho excellency of the New South exhibits. — Dr Alfred Barry Imving declined a deanery, tho Record is surprised that he accepted the see of Sydney. The Guardian congratulates the Colonial Church upon his appointment." A Hopbfc! Project. — Among the numerous diamond hunting projects which Mr Kelsey'stelegramshavc given rise to, the one described m the following paragraph from tho | Christchurch Telegraph may bo as successful I as any : — " Tho following is the prospectus of tho Tame Duck Extended Diamond Company, Limited, Tucker Creek, Ashburlon County. Nominal Capital, £20; m 200 shares of 2s each ; subscribed capital, IGs Bd, being ono penny per share. An influential Board of Directors has been selected. A diamond having been extracted lately from tho gizzard of a duck on the station of Goosey Gander, Esq., at Tucker Creek, the Directors have purchased thirty ducks, which will be sent out prospecting every morning, on the ground adjacent to Tucker Creek. At the end of a week the ducks will be killed and the gizzards oxamiucd for diamonds, which, if found will be immediately sent to be tested. Tho defunct ducts will bo distributed amongst the provisionally directors, so that, unlike other companies, thero will be an immediate return for money invested. The giblets will be the perquisites of tho Secretary, while tho egg 3 laid by the said ducks will bo reserved for hatching other schemes. A call of one penny per share per week will be made to replace the ducks made away with. Should no diamonds be discovered after the lapse of a fortnight, the creek will bo dammed and feathers of the ducks will be made into pillows to bolster up the concern. Should the public throw cold water on the scheme, arrangements have been mado with P. Cockspavrow, Esq., C.E., to maintain it at a proper temperature. Application for shares to be made to Mrscovi" DkAKE, Secretary pro tern."

A Savage Honxet. — Among our tclogrniiis yesterday was ono from Auckland relating tho death of a Mrs Scott, her death having been accelerated by fright. We had previously beon informed that ii child hail been savagely attacked by a monkey, and was not expected' to recover. Auckland papers to hand show that both attacks occurred ut the samo time. For some linio previously Iwo monkeys had been kept nt the Swan Hotel. Ono of them was somewhat vicious, probably through being teased by youngsters, and was an object of terror to tho youngsters around, because it of ton managed to slip its chain. On tho 31st ult. it got loose and went m by tho back door iuto the shop of Airs Scott, | about fifty yards distant, and seized and scratched the lady's anus. She took a chair and struck at the brute, and called to tho servant girl to throw it some apples. She did so, but the monkey evidently did not want apples. It made for the servant girl, who j umped up on the counter and evaded it. The monkey then ran out of tho front door, Mrs Scott calling upon some boys to secure it, but they were afraid to do so, for fear of being bitten. In a minute of two it made off to a stable close by, m which a little girl seven years of age, was wheeling her infant brother up and down m a perambulator. Tho girl, on seeing tho monkey coming towards her, ran away and escaped. It then went into tho stable, pulled the infant out of the perambu* lator, laid its head open, and inflicted severe scalp wounds, besides scratching tho child about the face and body. The gwl's screams brought Mr Adams, tho proprietor of the hotel, to the rescue, and ho secured the i monkey and took it away. Mrs Scott had

nl«o followed the brute to the stable and picked up the eluld, which was covered with blood. The shock which she received appears to have hastened her death. The landlord of the hotel disclaimed the ownership of tho monkey, faying if belonged to a lodger, but neither this lodger nor the monkey were to be found next day.

A Prktty "Litte Qi'AHitEi.. — The Auckland Re,-a!d Fays: — " There is trouble inside the wnlls of the Supreme Court. It appears thai the librarian and the registrar baTO serious dilliLiilties as to their respective rights and privileges. The librarian locks up parts of the society's rooms against the registrar, and the registrar closes the coal cellar against (he librarian. When the registrar wishes to know anything, a messago is sent to him by the * librarian 'to find out.' The registrar then expresses the opinion that the librarian has grown ' too big for his boots.' The consequence is that the registrar cannot obtain access to many places where it is necessary for him to discharge his duties, and meanwhile there are no coals for the library." This is an odd affair. Here are two civil servants equally uncivil to each other, though the coolness is all on one side. The registrar, who fitly enough, as he keeps the register, has charge of the coal*, is the worst of the two, for he adds insult to injury by hia unmistakeablc allusions to the other s chilblains, which must be largely duo to his unreasonable and unseasonable behavior.