The Timaru Herald. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1883.

Timaru Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 2800, 13 September 1883, Page 2

The Timaru Herald. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1883.

The Government appear to be m a bit of a difficulty as to the representation of New Zealand at the forthcoming Intercolonial Conference on the Annexation question. They formally agreed some time ago to Bend a representative, but they are puzzled to know whom to send. At first it was given out that the Honorable Thomas Dick, the Colonial Secretary, was to be entrusted with this important mission ; but we have reason to believe that that intention has now been reconsidered. As soon as it was announced, indeed.it was everywhere received with disapproval not unaccompanied by l'idicule. Even m Mr Dick's own part of the colony, where, if anywhere, the people might have been expected to rejoice at the selection, the Press condemned it m unqualified terms, and everyone we met with from that quarter laughed at it, as if it had been an uncommonly bad joke. It is universally felt, m fact, that to send Mr Dick to the Conference as the representative of New Zealand would be to make a burlesque of the Conference and to bring contempt on New Zealand. Mr Dick is a most worthy person, and he makes a very respectable head of a routine department. But beyond that he is simply nobody. He was only made a Minister because, m accordance with Sir John Hall's plan of maintaining a Provincial equilibrium m the Cabinet, it was necessary to have a second Minister from Otago ; and he happened to be the least objectionable of the few who were available. He is not m any 6ense whatever, a representative of New Zealand. He is nothing of a politician. He has no ability of any sort, worth speaking of ; and, finally, he has none of those personal qualifications which often enable a man of no capacity to make a good figure m a public position. To send such a man to meet the ablest public men of Australia, on an occasion where a question transcending the bounds of ordinary colonial politics is to be discussed and decided, would manifestly be unfair to him and certainly unfortunate for the colony. The choico of Mr Dick is sufficient by itself to show that the Government attach very little significance to the Conference, that, m short, they consider it a nuisance to have to send anybody, and, therefore, decided to send a supernumerary. But this ia a very wrong view to take of the matter, and we are not surprised to see that the indifferent attitude of the Government has aroused a pretty strong expression of public opinion. No one can m reason contend that the question of annexation is an insignificant or an unpractical one, m relation to the commercial future of the Australasian group of colonies. Neither, we think, can it be doubted, that, of all those colonies, New Zealand i 3 the one most deeply interested m the extension of colonial trade m the Pacific. It is true that the question has more a sentimental than a practical importance at the present moment ; but the distinction between-sentimental and practical is not a broad one, and the time is not far distant when that distinction will vanish altogether. New Zealand, moreover, has already recognised the importance of the question, by the Legislature passing an Act concerning it, and by the Government agreeing to co-operate with the Australian Governments. For that reason, if for no other, the Conference ought not to be treated as a mere formal affair, unworthy of serious attention. The Government ought to take care that New Zealand is not only creditably represented there, buk represented m such a manner that her voice may have an appreciable influence on the deliberations. In other words they ought to send the very best man they can get. If it is absolutely necessary that the Commissioner should be a Minister, there can be no question that Mr Whitaker should go. His position as Premier alone would give him a status at the Conference, while his great experience, his shrewd intelligence and varied knowledge of colonial affairs, and his agreeable address, could not fail to make a decided impression. But is it absolutely necessary that the Commissioner should be a Minister ? If not, there is a course open to the Government which, though it might be unexpected, would, nevertheless, we honestly believe, be the best they could take. Why should they not ask Sir George Grey to represent New Zealand at the Conference ? He is far and away the fittest man m the colony for that duty. He has taken a very great interest for many years m the subject of Annexation, and he took a leading part m bringing it before Parliament during the late session. No one has a better right to speak with authority on that subject. Then, the prestige of his distinguished career, and above all, his personal dignity and grace of manner, would make him unmistakeably the most prominent personage among tho assembled representatives of the various colonies. It may be thought, perhaps, that this course is inadmissible because Sir George Grey is a political opponent of the Ministry. But we cannot see what that has to do with it. The Annexation question is essentially a national question, not a party question ; and party politics ought not to be considered at all m selecting a Commissioner to the Conference. Whether Sir George Grey would go or not, we have no means of judging. But it would do no harm to offer him the opportunity, and if he ehould accept it, the colony would be thankful both to him and to tho

Ministers. Major Atkinson, of course, cannot leave his business. The same may be asid, we suppose, of Mr Bryce, and Mr Johnston. Mr Rollcston and Mr Oonolly are both busy and unsuitable. If it is to be a Minister, it mußt be Mr Whitaker or Mr Dick. Mr Whitaker, we fear, will not go unless under great pressure, for he suffers so severely at sea that a voyage of four or five days each way would be a really cruel hardship to him. "We sincerely hope, therefore, that it need not, and will not, be a Minister. We shall be curious to see how the Government will settle it.

Harbor Board. — An ordinary monthly (nesting of tho Tiniaru Harbor Board will be held at their offices, Maclean and Stowart'e Buildings, this morning at II o'clock. Labor and lufohtam Salk. — We nve requested to call attention to tho clearing sale of Messrs N. nnd W. Quinn's stock, to be held to-day and to-morrow at the homestead, Makikihi, by Messrs Maclean and Stewart and F. M. Rickman, auctioneers. I.O.G.T.— The first anniversary of the Juvenile Lodgo of Good ) emplars will be celebrated to-night m the Schoolroom, Pleasant Point. The doors will bo openod at 7.30. Boabd of Education. — The South Canterbury Board of Education invite applications for tho post of Secretary to the Board, at a salary of £250 por annum. Particulars of dutieß may be obtained nt tho Education Office. English Cable News.-— The following special telegram nppears m a contemporary : — " London, September 10th. The efforts being made m Bulgaria to Russianise the people m defiance of the wishes of Prince Alexander are likely to cause come strain m the relations between Russia and Germany." Labcekt at tiie Pcblic School. — The little girl charged with stealing a. cloak from a porch at tho public school was brought beforo two justices of tho Pence yesterday. In consideration of her tender years the case was heard privately, and there being some doubt of her guilt sho was discharged with a caution. Rktcbnino Home. — The lion. Matthew Holmes, M.L.C., Mr Driver, M.H.R., and Mr Dargaville, M.H.R., were passengers by the Express train from Christchurch yesterday. The two former gentlemen were returning to their homes, while tho last named was en route to play a lawn tennis challenge match at Dunedin. C Batteby, N.Z.A.— The first of the three Government parades was held at the Battery's hcad-quartera yesl«rday evening, Lieut. Wardle m command. About 40 membera were m attendance, and were exercised m guard mounting and garrison gun drill. The next Government parade will be held on Wednesday, 19th inst., when tho men will attend m review order. Tenders. — The Engineer to the Timaru Harbor Board (Mr John Goodall) invites tenders for Breakwater Contract No. 5, extension of mole 500 feet. The tenders, which must be addressed to tho Chairman of tho Harbor Board, will be received up to 4 p.m. of Wednesday, the 10th day of October. Plans and specification will be on viow at the Engineer's office after the 20th inst. Sale of Fbitileoes. — Messrs J. Mundell nnd Co. having received instructions from the Geraldine Racing Club, will sell by auction, at their rooms, on Saturday next, tho following race privileges: — Grandstand booth j No. 1 general licenso booth, No. 2 ditto j refreshment stall, gates, cards of the races, horaeyards and games. Tho sale will take place at 1 o'clock. Concebt. — A concert to celebrato the opening of the new school at Waimataitai will be held to-morrow evening m thei new buildings, commencing at eight o'clock punctually. The programme, which we publish m another column, is a long one, and judging from the names of those ladies and gentlemen who are expected to take part m the concert, a musical treat is certainly m store for those who attend. Election op Cocncillob3. — A poll for the return of one person to represent the North-east ward m the Borough Council will be held to-day nt the Council offices. Messrs T. F. Dillon'and G. Gabites wero the persona nominated. A poll will also be taken for the return of one person to represent the South-west ward, the polling place being the Reehabites 1 Hall, Russell square. Messrs R. Harvey and W. Masscv were nominated to represent this ward. The poll commences at the places mentioned at 9 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. The Rangitata Road Bbidoe. — From the Athbarton Guardian's report of the monthly meeting of the Ashburton County Council, which was held yesterday, wo extract the following : — " On a communication from the Geraldino County Council being read m reference to tho appointment of two Engineer! to examine the Hangitata bridge, Mr Wright said that he was of opinion immediate logal action should be taken. The Geraldino County Council had continually resorted to ull kindß of excuses, and if further parleying was permitted it would m a sense be acknowledging that this Council was wrong. — Tho Chairman (Mr W. C. Walker) snid he had prepared a resolution, which he ho v ed the Council would Eass. It ran as follows : — 'That this Council ereby authorises tho Chairman to affix the seal of the body corporate to a warrant to the Council's solicitor to buo th« Chairman, councillors and inhabitants of the County of Geraldine m an action m tho Supremo Court of New Zealand for the recovery of the moncyi owing by the County of Geraldino to tho County of Ashburton, on account of the Rangitata bridge extension, and generally to do all acts and things which may be necessary or expedient for instituting and carrying on legal proceedings for the recovery of the said moneys.' — Mr Bullock moved the above resolution, and m doing so, said tho Geraldino County Council hud had amplo time to settle the matter, but they had only talked about outside opinion being obtained after legal proceedings wero mentioned. — Mr Wright secondod the motion, which was carried with the addition of the Chairman being authorised to take what further action he might consider necessary." Resident Magistrate's Court, Timabtx. — At this Court yesterday, before T. W. Hall and H. H. Hennah, Esqj., J.P.s, tho following cases wero heard: — Jabez Lukey was charged under one of tho Borough bylaws with allowing a chimney at the stone stables to tako firo on tho 3rd inst. Defendant pleaded not guilty. Ho wos not present himself, but he knew the chimnoy was not foul, and he was told by his brother that only a little fat had got on Cre. Sergeant Cullen and Constable Phillips proved that the chimney was on fire, and sparks issuing from the top, while defendant himself admitted that sacks were put on the top. Defendant wished to give ovidence, but as ho knew nothing of the matter except by hearsay, he was not permitted. Ho was offered an adjournment to bring witnesses if he desired, but he declined, Baying it would bo cheaper to let tho case go against him by default, and he would rather " submit to injustice " than go to further expense. Ho was fined 10s and costs 7s. Samuel Martin, a lad of 17, pleaded guilty to a chargo of stealing £2, the property of Robert Scarf, on tho Sth imt. Tho lad s father begged the Bench to deal leniently with the boy. His son was travelling from Christchurch to Waimate, and fell short of money m Timaru, and being tempted he yielded. When he got home to Waimato he admitted having stolen tho money, and he (tho father) advised him to plead guilty. The boy was sentenced to one month's imprisonment with hard labor. Tea Mbhtiko at Waimatb. — A tea meeting m connection with the religious services for some time being carried on m the Temperance Hall, Waimato, by Mr Moore, was held m the Oddfellows' Hall on Tuesday evening last. There was a Urge attendance of persons, the Hall being nearly full. Mesdames Goldsmith, Maberley, Noakes, Eminett and Tofield and Miss Ma"berley presided at the tables. After the tea a public meeting, which was largely attended, was held. Mr • lenio occupied tho chair, and tho meeting was addressed by ths Revs. J. McKee and C. Griffin, and by Mr A. Moore. 'I he latter commencod the series of religious services whioh led up to the present social gathering. He has conducted meetings nearly every evening during th» lut {our wwki on a pltn

similar to that of the Salvation Army, of which he was until lately a member. These meetings havo been numerously attended, and it is proposed to continue holding similar meetings for a few weeks longer. After the principal speakers had finished, several persons spoke of the good they had received at the late meetings ; of their intention to continue m the principles of the religion they had adopted, and entreated their hearers to seek the true peace which "pnsscth all understanding." The conclusion of the meeting -was rather noisy and disorderly, the speakers being interrupted, and it was found necessary to expol one person who waa the worse of liquor from the building. Waimate Pitdlic Libkary. — The monthly meeting of the Committee waß held on the lltb instant. Present — Messrs Goldsmith (President), Gt. Manchester, Neilson, Ward, Maxwell, F. Gaitt, and Rev. C. Griffin. The minutes of last Comtnitteo meeting and of the annual meeting, held on the 29th of last month, were read and confirmed. Tho Secretary reported that the Committee appointed to arrange for holding a concert m aid of the Instituto had done nothing towards that object yet, further than engaging the Oddfellows' Hall. The Finance Committee were still engaged m correspondence, with the Tiow of obtaining a loau on tho most advantageous terms, and would soon let tho Committeo know the result of enquiry. No correspondence of importauco had been receivod since- last meeting. The suggestion received from the luombers' annual meeting, vii., that steps should be taken to form a junior class of member* of the Institute by admission of persons under a certain age fit ft reduced rate of subscription, was discussod. It vra3 considered that to comply with this suggestion would involve an alteration of tho rules of the Institute, and this could not be done unless nt a special general mealing, with notice of the required alteration advertised. The meeting, therefore, deferred coming to a definite decision oa the subject, but instructed the Secretary to make the best arrangements he could for admission of persons under Bixteen years of ago m the meantime After the sum of £5 13s lOd was passed to pay accounts against tho Committee, tho meeting terminated. Damage to the Oamaru Wateb-iuce. — The Mail, of last evening 3ays : — Tho break which has occurred m tho water-race i 3 the most serious that has taken placo since the race was opened. It occurred near the mouth of a fluming some little distance north of Italian tunnel, at a place whero a similar, though less serious, mishap occurred some two years ago. The race hero passes through friable country, m which there are several large blocks of rock, weighing nbout 50 tons apiece. Ono of these, which supported the race, has slipped away, carrying with it a largo proportion of tho side of tho race, and leaving ft nasty gap. It will be some days before the injury can be repaired, and tho mishap is the more serious because at tho time of its occurrenco the reservoir, which usually holds a fortnight's supply of wator, was almost empty, this being neceaßary m order that long-pend-ing repairs might be effected. It was due to this fact that the supply gave out yesterday. Measures were taken by the Borough Engineer to keep up a flow of water, and for this purpose a large canvas hose, which ha 3 done similar duty on previous occasions, was brought into requisition, and this, supported by sacks of clay at tho break, enabled a flow of water into tho reservoir last evening. Unfortunately the canva3 leaked during the night, and undid much of the work of the temporary repair, and it was found necessary to again stop the flow of water. It is anticipated that the water will again be turned on j this evening, though, as we have already said, it will be somo days boforo tho race will be permanently repairod.

"The Yeab of Otjh Loud." — Professoi Sattlcr, of Munich, claims the distinction oi having solved the problem as to tho year ir which Christ was born, and of having demon etrated the fact that the current yoir is pro bably 1888 instead of 1883. He bases hi: proofs mainly on three coins which wen struck m tho reign of Herod Antipas, eon o: Herod the Great, and which date, conse quently, from the first half of the first eenturj of the current era. Highly Intseesting. — The Academy ro cently gave a brief but interesting resume extracted from the bulletin of the Anthropo logical Society of Paris, of the labors of M Orchanski m a special field of anthropological anatomy which has of recent years received considerable attention, namely, the investigation of tho crania of assassins. Careful comparative measurements made on a series of twenty-four crania belonging to the Orfila collection tend to show that, compared with normal specimens, the crania of assassins are higher, smaller anteriorly, and relatively larger posteriorly. The forarnati magnum has also been found to bo situated further back. On the whole, it is stated, M. Orchanski'B observations confirm those of MM. Ten Kate, Bordicr, and other previous observers, and lend some support to the view that from craniological considerations assassins may be regarded as forming a natural group with definite characteristics. Fbekch Colonisation. — The Pall Mall Gazette says : — Tho ill-success of France as a colonizing country appears to attend m nn aggravated form her attempts to colonize Senegambia. In an article m tho current number of La Notivelle Revue on Senegal, the writer, M. do Lesserie, dwells on the wealth of the territory and tho neighboring districts, the facilites for trade, and so on j but when ho comes to the end of his glowing description and ono expects tho necessary consequence of all this, namely, the statistics of a Urge and flourishing trade, this is what we get : — " There is absolutely no industry. Do|you want to build a house ? You must send to France for the lime, tho plaster, the bricks, tho stones, the framework, the tiles, the bolts, tho screws, the locks — m a word, for everything down to the nails and wooden pegs. In the towns there aro neither bootmakers, tailors, hatters, nor jewellers ; you must send your watch to Europe to navo it cleaned or a glass put m. If your things urgently need repair you must apply to the sisters." This melancholy state of affairs leads M. de Lessorie to support the proposal seriously made by the deputy from Senegal, M. Oasconi, to the Government, to establish a modified form of slavery. The French authorities could, it is suggested, purchase their children from tho negroes, and bring them up en tutelle until they aro twenty-one years of age. They would by that time have acquired some useful trade or handicraft which they could practise m the colony. A second suggestion is that the missionaries should abandon tho foolish prejudice they have m favor of monogamy on tho part of their converts. If, this writer says, the fathers will only wink at polygamy and concubinage, they might vastly increase the contingent of the Mother Church m Senegal and train their proselytes to be of some übc to the French. The wonderful remedies suggested do more than any amount of description to reveal the condition of the French colonies on the West Coast of Africa. Doobs or Public Buildings. —Mr Coleridge Kennard, M.P., recently introduced a Bill into tho Imperial Parliament for making it compulsory that all entrance doors of public buildings bo so hung as to open outwards. For a breach of this regulation tho maximum penalty is to be £20, to be recovered m any Court of summary jurisdiction. Upon complaint being made that an entrance-door does not open outwards the Court may require the occupier to make it do so. And if he does not comply, the Court may empower the local authority to carry out the alteration. For doors already hung the reasonable eipenso of the alteration is to be defrayed by the local authority, and by the occupier for doors to be hung m tho future. But the occupier may deduct his expenses from tho rent, unless there be a contract to the contrary, or the Court direct otherwise on the ground that the alteration is necessitated by his act or default. The expression " public building " is mado m this Bill to mean not only a buildiug used for public amusement or entertainment, but one used " for tho holding at any ono time of 100 or a larger number of persona for any purposes whatsoever." This would include many a private house. A New Spabk-catchbr. — A Sydney paper of Sept. Ist says : — A trial of a new sparkcatcher took place last Monday on an engine attached to a number of carriages and trucks which left Redfern at 6.45 for Picton. Tho train consisted of between 40 and 50 trucks and cattle-pern, as well as a passenger carriage

and the guard's ran. In the enrringo -were a number of heads of departments and other gentlemen interested m tho question of the spark-catcher, au'ong thorn being Mr Russell Barton, M.L.A., Mr Owen Blackett, the president of the Engineering Association, Mr Parrott, C.E., Mr Middleton, of the Railway Department, Messrs Kirkwood, Howling and others. Tho spark-catcher was patented some time ago by Messrs Barton and Howland m all the Australian colonies, England, America and India. For the last two weeks it has been attached to tho funnel of one of tho Government engines, where it has, it is Baid, worked very satisfactorily. Tho spark-catcher consists of a head of wire gauze fitted upon the funnel. The diameter of the funnel is close upon 16 inches, that of the spark-catcher 28 inches, so that a margin of over 6 inches is left on each side. Inside the head or cap, which is about 13 inches high, there is about half-way up an inner gauze cap, surrounding which and between it and the funnel mouth are telescope rings two or three inches m depth, and with acute angle flanges forming two outlets to the lower and outer portion of the head. The sparks issuing from the funnel strike against the inner cap and fall between the flanges of the telescope rings and to the lower portion of the head, and thence into the Bmoko-box. Tho invention worked excellently last Monday, when none of the burning sparks were seen coining from tho funnel. The patent is one of two selected by the Victorian Government, the final decision not jot having been made.