The Timaru Herald. MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1885.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 3289, 13 April 1885, Page 2

The Timaru Herald. MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1885.

While we Lave not always been able to agree with the political views of Sir Julius Yogel, we have frequently admitted bis personal abilities and force of will. It is evident, however, that hitherto the latter quality m his character has been under-estimated. It was not until Thursday last that the iron determination of the Colonial Treasurer made itself fully apparent. On that day it was submitted to a most crucial test, and emerged from the ordeal absolutely unshaken. Sir Julius was waited upon by a deputation of sixteen ladies, who pleaded their cause with all the eloquence for which the sex are distinguished, and yet he remained absolutely adamant. Undoubtedly it was a trial calculated to shake the strongest will. It is alarming to think what perils might result if such pressure were frequently brought to bear on New Zealand Ministers. Some of them, we feel convinced, would have entirely collapsed. They would have promised anything, we believe, even to establishing a female House of Peers. We know from " lolanthe " the dangers of having a " too susceptible Chancellor," and may well tremble when we reflect on the more than susceptibility of some of the Ministers who have held office m New Zealand. The object which the deputation had m view, m waiting upon the Colonial Treasurer, was to get from him a promise that he would bring m legislation to provide that all married women might have a vote on all matters under the Licensing Act. The deputation was introduced by the Rev. R. Taylor, and headed by Mrs C. D. R. Ward, a lady who, it 13 hardly necessary to say, is widely known for her zeal m philanthropic movements. It is impossible not to admire the earnestness and courage with which the deputation urged their views. All their representations, however, were met with nothing but merciless logic on the part of the Colonial Treasurer, who appeared utterly impervious to any sentimental view of the question. Strange to say also he persisted and succeeded m keeping the ladies strictly to the point they had come to talk to him about, repressed at once tendencies to introduce any other question, and resolutely declined to yield to the most persuasive efforts made to induce him to change his views. Not even when it was represented that there were several single young ladies m the deputation, and that they all wore blue ribbons, did this colonial Bismarck falter. He was stony and inflexible to the last. The ground which the deputation took up was that the women were, m numberless instances, the greatest sufferers from the drink traffic. Incidentally it was stated that, although it was not mentioned m the petition, because the memorialists did not like to ask too much, yet as a matter of fact the young ladies also wanted to vote on this question, as well as married women, fox* they, as daughters and sisters, felt the evil effects of the drink traffic. It was at this point that the Colonial Treasurer showed the nearest approach to melting. He said he did not see why married women should have votes more than single ones. TThemn — m much the same way as a lecturer announces some little-known fact m natural history, about which scientists are not quite agreed — he diffidently remarked that all single women were not young, so that there was no fear that they would all be too youthful to know how to exercise the franchise intelligently. After this, however, the Colonial Treasurer suddenly froze up once more. The deputation urged that all women above 21 years of age should vote. Sir Julius pointed out that tbat would be placing them on a better footing than the men, because only ratepayers among the males were allowed the franchise. However, he was not opposed to the Licensing Act being altered so as to give votes to electors under the ordinary qualification as well as to ratepayers. He was also m favor of giving women the general franchise, but be flatly deolined to single out this question and give them a rote solely upon that. Why, he asked, did not the women of the colony get up petitions on the larger subject, for it was said at present they did not require the franchise. To this Mrs Ward replied that the women were waiting. They thought it was best to make a beginning by getting a voice on the local option question. Sir Julius deprecated such modesty, and said if the women desired the franchise they would soon get it. He believed that the greatest diffioulty m the way was their own indifference. Hereupon the leader of the deputation vouchsafed the somewhat Btartling information that " women wanted the franchise, but they had not hitherto had the courage to ask for it. They were, however, now getting more like the American women, and were going m for social rights. They felt that they should raise themselves and help man." Whether Sir Julius was alarmed at the prospect which he himself had conjured up, or whether he has become half converted by the criticisms on his recent speech, we cannot say. He very promptly and properly replied that men bad an idea thai " women were more attractive when gentle and clinging." Still the deputa-

tion, although baffled, were not defeated. One of their number expressed the opinion that the best thing to be done was to geb petitions signed m favor of the extension of the general franohise to women. The main object of the visit, however, was not abandoned without another severe struggle. The leader Baid that most of the misery now prevailing was owing to drink, as so many men were too besotted with drink to work, and then complained of want of work. The Colonial Treasurer asked if the deputation would find work for all the men who were out of employment, and were not besotted with drink P He could send at least 50, he said, m a very short time. This apparently was a " poser." The ladies changed the subject, and asked Sir Julius what he would advise them to do. Still the wily Treasurer was not to be caught tripping. He at once replied that he thought the ladies were fully able to advise themselves m the matter. He evidently had had considerable difficulty m holding his own with the fair spokeswomen, and there is no doubt he spoke with the utmost sincerity when he gave them credit for knowing how to fight their own battles. Looking at the results of the interview the public will no doubt be amused at the adroit way m which Sir Julius got rid of a troublesome question and converted the deputationists, or some of them, into advocates of one of his pet projects. The question, however, is of sufficient importance to be considered from a more serious point of view. Bearing m mind the undoubted evils of intemperance, and admiring, as everyone must do, the earnestness and selfsacrifice of the ladies composing the deputation, one feels reluctant to say anything that might sound unappreciativa or discouraging. We cannot help being impressed, however, with the idea that the ladies m question have gone the wrong way to work. Logically Sir Julius Yogel is right. Women who are ratepayers already have the franchise under the Licensing Act. It would be most incongruous that female non-ratepayers should have a vote, while male non-ratepayers were without the privilege. Surely this would be going a stage beyond women's " rights ? " There is absolutely no logical ground for singling out this one question on which to give them a vote. Of course they are grievously affected by the abuse of drink, but so they are by almost every offence against Society. If they are entitled to vote m respect to the administration of the Licensing Act, they are entitled to a -'voice also m the making, not only of this, but of every other law. We still think, however, that m going m for the general franchise they will be travelling out of their proper sphere. If they want to abate intemperance let them use that influence on the male sex, which is one of the strongest of womanly attributes, to convert the men to their way of thinking. They must do this m any case if they are to be really successful. If you give women a vote, and they attempt to use it m opposition to the men, you may have a violent conflict between the sexes, but the cause of temperance will not thereby be promoted, nor will any reform be advanced one single jot. Women who wish to raise men to a higher level must do so by winning their sympathies at homo; not by attempting to coerce them at the hustings.

Boboitoh Cocncii.. — The ordinary monthly meeting of the Timaru Borough Council" will be held m the Council Chambers at 7

Quart.—[Advt.] Sba Bathing Company.—A meeting of the shareholders of the Timaru Sea Bathing Company (Limited), will be held at Messrs Jonas and Bourn's office, at 3 p.m. B.G. Hahhibrs.—The harriers meet at. Fnirlie Creek at 11 a.m. to-day, instead of at Silveratreiiui as previously advertised. The meet at the latter township will take place on the 18th inst. S.C.A A.C.—The half-annual general meeting of the South Canterbury Amateur Athletic Club will be held at the Bhip Hotel at 11 o'clock this morning. Business—Election of members, consideration of Mr Gray's notice of motion, and routine. Rifle Match.—The return rifle mateh — English versus Scotch members of the South Canterbury Rifle Clvb—will probably come off on Wednesday next. This match will be about the last to be fired for some months. AnnivebßAey Sbbvioes.—The anniversary services held yesterday m connection with tho Wesleyan Methodist Church, Timaru, ■were conducted by the Rev. W. J. Williams, of Lyttelton, who preached sermons appropriate to the occasion. The services both morning and evening were well attended. Spobting.—ln another column the Secretary of the South Canterbury Jockey Club advertises that acceptances for the various handicaps at the forthcoming race meeting are due to-night at nine o'clock ; also nominations for the Selling Race and Polo Pony Race. The Cells.—A man arrested for being drunk, and a man for the same offence and for ÜBing obscene language were m cmtody last evening. Tho latter proved rather restive on the journey to gaol, and will, m addition to the offences mentioned, be charged with resisting a constable whilst m the execution of his duty. Chttbch Pabadb.—The C Battery of Artillery and tho Timaru Naval Volunteers held a church parade yesterday, there being 42 members of the former corps and 38 of the latter on parade. Each corps mustered at their respective bead-quarters, and joining, headed by the Artillery Band, marched to St. Mary's Church, where an excellent sermon was preached to them by the Yen. Archdeacon Harper. Ackowlbdgmknt.—Mr J. Kirby desires us to acknowledge on hia behalf the receipt of £2 2s 6d, hastily collected on Saturday m small sums from a few gentlemen, for Mrs Lucas, to enable her to meet present requirements. That sum has been duly handed to her, and any further holp that the benevolent may feel disposed to afford would no doubt be gladly received by Mrs Hickey, the Samaritan who took her m on the night of her trouble. Football.—The opening match of the South Canterbury Football Club season was played m Mr Woollcombe's paddock on Saturday last. Shortly after 3 o'clock sides were picked on the ground by Lough and Haylock, Captain and Vioe-Captain, the former's side ■winning by a touch-down. Mr C. Smith acted as umpire. Two spells of 35 minutes each wero played. A great number of members rolled up, and if the same interest will be taken m future m the games on Saturdays the club will soon be a flourishing one. In the first spell the Captain's iide secured a touch-down, but failed to make a goal of it. Time was then called for five minutes. On resuming play Reid made a very neat pot at and got a goal for the Captain's side ; and a goal was also kicked by the Vice-Captain. For the former, Messrs Foster, Reid, Melton and Lough played well j and for the latter, Messrs MoKay, G. Wood and Cole (2). The passing on both, sides was particularly noticeable, and the game throughout was m exceedingly fast one. With practice some at the mombers will make very good players. There was a very fair attendance of spectators on the ground, who manifested great intoreit m the game.

ExctTMßJff *kom Lyttblton and ChbistCHURCH. —The last cheap railway excursion of the season from the above places to Timaru, will take place on Thursday next. BbBIDHST MaQIBTBATE'S COITBT. WAIMATB. —The following information shows the business done at the R.M. Court, Waimate, during the quarter ended March 31st.— Sittings appointed, 13 ; number of days on which court was held, 25 ; presided over by 8.M., 4 ; do by Justices, 21. Civil business —Cases heard under £20, 23 ; do under £50, 2 ; number of civil and judgment summonses issued, 23 ; do served by bailiff, 47 ; do distress warrants, 8. Criminal business—Persons apprehended, 159; discharged for want of evidence or prosecution, 35 ; dismissed on merits, 10; summarily convicted, 36 ; otherwise dealt with, 78. Hevenue—Civil fees, £2214s ; criminal fees, £2 9s ; criminal lines, £B—total, £33 3g. The Samoan Question. —lt Trill be remembered that when the Satnoau delegates were about to start for New Zealand to advocate the annexation of the Islands their departure was prevented by the English Consul. In now appears that he was acting m accordance with instructions from the Home Government, the following telegram having been sent by Lord Derby to Sir W. F. Jervois on February 18th last: —" Forward by first opportunity to consul, Samoa, not to give any countenance or support to any movement for annexation to Great Britain." Previous to this the German Government m a despatch to the British authorities disavowed the high-handed action* of their agents m Samoa. Fdh, Food, and Bbligion Combdtbd.— A Napier contemporary has the following: — The natives are meeting for korero at Tahoraito, and a funny meeting it is. It seems to include Hau Haus, Mormons, Blue Eibbonites, Repudiationists, and native Christians of all f hades. The proceedings consist chiefly of prayer —all the sections " going m big licks " for their own peculiar ideas under this head —eating and drinking and speechifying. How long the praying and talking will keep up it is impocsible to say, as it is difficult to estimate the unexhausted reserve of spiritual and rhetorical force among the natives, but the eating should last a tremendous time yet, as tons upon tons of flour, sugar, eels, pipis, pigeons, etc., remain to be consumed. About 500 natives are present, including representatives from Hawke's Bay, Wanganui, Waikato, Taupo, Manawatu, Otaki, and Wairarapa. Hori Topiha appears to be the principal speaker. TIM ABIT AOBICUITTTBAI. AND PASTORAL Association. —A meeting of this Association was called for Saturday last to consider a proposal to hold the show m future on the Hacecourse Reserve, but owing to no communication having been received from tho Racecourse authorities it was adjourned till Saturday, the 18th inst., at 2 p.m. It has been pointed out to us that there is & far better site nearer town, and one which, we should think, there would be little difficulty m leasing at a moderate rental. We refer to the Government Eeeerve on Battery Point, immediately adjacent to Peeress Town. It contains about 12 or 14 acres, is still m its native state, while the greater part of it consists of an even table land. It is very pleasantly situated, overlooking as it does the sea to the east, while an excellent view of a greater portion of the town and suburbs can be obtained from it. It is only a few minutes' walk from the railway station, and country people or visitors from outside the district would pass through the heart of the town to reach it. Those who wished to pic-nic quietly could do so under the shelter of the trees m the Domain close by. In any case we think the idea is one which tho Association might think over, more especially as the railway line passes a few chains at the back. The Bailwatb of the Wobld. —Bomo statistics are brought forward by the Minister of Public Works m Germany, m a report entitled " Archivf urEisenbahnen," from which it appears that at the end of 1879 there were m the whole world 350,031 kilometres of railways, which by the end of 1883 had increased to 442,199. Of the 92,168 kilometres constructed m that interval, the United States are responsible for 56,327, while of the more backward railway making countries 3727 kilometres were made m Mexico, 2160 m British North America, 2050 m Brazil, 2786 m India, 3603 m Australia, and 1166 m Algeria and Tunis. Of the European States, the most active countries m constructing rail- I ways during the four years were France, with 4600 kilometres, Germany with 2716, and Austria-Hungary with 2263; while, on the other hand, the countries with the oldest railway systems and the densest population made comparatively few extensions, Great Britain being only at the rate of 1399 kilometres, Belgium of 257, Holland of 282, and Switzerland of 302. The proportion of the new lines to the existing ones during the period was 5 per cent for Great Britain, 6 l-3d percent for Belgium, 121 for Holland, 12 for Switzerland, 18 for France, 42 for the United States, 67 for Brazil, and 335 per cent for Mexico. At the close of 1883 the United States was a long way ahead of all other countries m railway mileage, possessing 191,356 kilometres, Germany had 35,800, while France and Great Britain ran a pretty equal race with 29,688 and 29,890 respectively. The smallest railway owner was Greece, which poaiessed bub 22 kilometres, though this proportion is now raised by the opening last year of 100 kilometres between Volo and Larissa. If we consider the railway mileage of each country m proportion to every square kilometre of land, we shall find that Belgium comes first with 14.5 kilometres of railway, Great Britain with 9.5, France with 5.6, Germany with 6.6, the smallest European States being Bussia and Norway with 0.5. The 'United States, with all its enormous network, now only figures for 2.1, and Canada for 0.2, while Brazil, the Argentine Bepublic, Paraguay, Japan and Queensland are only 0.1 each. But if we view the subject from another standpoint —viz., that of the proportion of tho mileage to every 10,000 inhabitants, the position of affairs is singularly reversed. Queensland, which was at the bottom of the world's list m the former instance, now stands at the top with 70-8 kilometres of rail to every 10,000 people. South Australia 561, Weßt Australia 496, New Zealand 47*7, New South Wales 31*1. The United States show for 36*8, and Canada 29.4. Naturally the European States are very low m the scale under this aspect, Great Britain being only 85, France and Germany 7*9 each, Belgium 7*7, Holland 60, and Bussia. 3'o. The lowest of all is India with 07.

milk.—(Advt.) la Bronchitis and Asthma, " Baxter's Lang Preserver " affords immediate relief.