The Timaru Herald. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1885.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 3303, 29 April 1885, Page 2

The Timaru Herald. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1885.

Recent actions of the New Zealand University Senate lead us to rub our ejes and ask what is supposed to be the object of a liberal education at the University now-a-days ? Most people have been under the delusion that the great aim m view is to cultivate the intellect, to " soften the manners," and to make better men and women of the students who seek improvement at the hands of Alma Mater. Not so think the members of the University Senate. These gentlemen hold that the students, both male and female, must above all things, be made profound Latin

scholars, and, to secure this end, modesty and delicacy may be cast aside. Parity of Latin before purity of thought, is the line which they have deliberately taken up m reference to the education of the youug men and 'women who are attending the University course. Our telegramß recently have shown how they selected two immoral plays of Terence as books to be read for the B.A. degree for this year, and how they have adhered to that selection m the face of the most strenuous protests. "We are not so much surprised at their making the choice m the first instance. In New Zealand it does not always follow that because a man is a member of the University Senate he is a profound scholar. One might, therefore, perhaps give them credit for not being fully aware at first of the nature of the books. When, however, they adhere to the selection m spite of the remonstrances of the Most Reverend the Primate, of the Canterbury College Board of Governors, and of the young ladies attending the classes, it is difficult to acquit them o£ something worse than mere ignorance. So far they have carefully refrained from giving any reasons for their obstinacy m forcing garbage upon the sons and daughters of New Zealand who attend the University m the hope of obtaining pure intellectual nourishment. Where there is so little to be said m defence of their conduct, silence is no doubt the better course. They have an advantage m the fact that the subject is not one which can be discussed m any detail m the public Press. It may be remembered what Macaulay said of an English " comic dramatist." " Wycherley's indecency," he said, "is protected against- the critics as a skunk is protected against the hunters. It is safe because it is too filthy to handle and too noisome to approach." So, m regard to the Adelphi, which the Senate wants to force upon the girl graduates of New Zealand — any paper which undertook fully to show up its objectionable features would very properly be excluded from the family circle. No one, of course, can deny that the comedies of Terence are marked with great brilliancy of style, and that the Latin m which they are written has always been regarded as ranking among the highest models. Is it impossible, however, to find a Latin author m whose works purity of Latin may be studied m conjunction with purity of thought P It would be a gross slander on many of the most brilliant classic authors to say so. Is it seriously contended that womanly modesty has no place at a University, and is it proposed that before each pure-minded maiden who enters its walls must be placed a work full of immoral suggestions, and accompanied by the mandate, " Aut disce, aut discede /" If so, we are convinced that New Zealand girls would not long hesitate as to the choice. Much as they thirst after intellectual distinction, gallant as have been their struggles m that direction, they will feel that there is a price too great to be paid even for an ambition so pure, bo laudable m itself. Fortunately the cause of morale and good taste is not entirely m the keeping of the University pundits. There is an appeal to the Governor, as Visitor of the University, and we are glad to hear that His Excellency's intervention is to be invoked. The conscription has never been at all popular among communities of Englishmen, and it must have come with rather a disagreeable surprise to many New Zealahders to find that, m the Militia Act of 1870, the objectionable continental power is completely vested m the hands of our own Government. That Act was originally framed at the time of grave trouble with the Maoris, when the hearths and homes of the colonists were m danger, and, of course, at that juncture every man gladly responded to the demand made upon his services. It should always be borne m mind, however, that calling out the Militia is a step only justified by urgent necessity. The withdrawal of the flower of the male population from industrial pursuits means great disorganization of business, and serious public inconvenience. What is most difficult to understand is that at the very time the Government decided on this step, they began to exhibit great lukewarmness m regard to the Volunteer movement. Of course if it is contended that auch volunteers as are available will not be sufficient forpoßsible emergencies that may arise m the present crisis, then the Militia must be called oat, and the accompanying loss and inconvenience must be submitted to. The Government, however, that lightly resolves upon such a step will incur a serious responsibility. Taking this particular district, it certainly seems as if the calling out of the Militia would be somewhat of a farce. The Government refuse to give us the means of protecting the port from a hostile cruiser, and tell us that on no account are we to moleßt the enemy, but to let him take whatever he requires. In such circumstances what can there be for the Militia to do P Are they to insist on the furnishing of the stamped receipt upon which Major Cautley lays so much stress P Is this to be the limit of endurance on the part of Englishmen living m this corner of the world P Let it be shown that there is any practical use to be made of their services, and the Militia m this district will be ready and eager to be called out. In the meantime we hope that if such a step is decided upon, care will be taken to fix the hours of training so as to reduce the inconvenience to a minimum and interfere as little as possible with the ordinary avocations of the people. The public will sympathise with Councillor Proctor m his aspirations after kerbing and channelling, and it mast be admitted that there is room for great improvement generally m the streets and footpaths of the Borough. At the same time most people will agree with the Council that the method proposed for doing the work was hardly the best way to set about it. Kerbiug and channelling arc permanent works from which succeeding ratepayers will derive benefit as well as those at present upon the roll. It is not fair, therefore, that the existing residents should have to bear all the expense. The money should come out of a loan raised for tho purpose, bo that posterity, besides reaping the benefit, should also pay a portion of the cost. There is another drawback to the

plan proposed by the Councillor m question. Improvements paid for out of current rates could only be effected piecemeal, and many parts of the town which would have to contribute heavily towards the expense would necessarily have to be left out m the cold. The most business-like ■way of improving the streets and footpaths of the town would be to go m for an Improvement Loan of moderate amount. There should be a detailed schedule of the works proposed to be undertaken, and a vote of the ratepayers would, of course, have to be taken upon the proposal. The interest would be defrayed by a special rate, and the burden would be no heavier on the citizens than that proposed by Councillor Proctor, while they would have the satisfaction of seeing substantial value for their money instead of finding it running away m driblets with nothing to show for it. The rate of 3£d m the £, proposed by Councillor Proctor, for instance, would pay the interest on a loan of £8000 or £10,000, which would enable the borough to present something like a respectable appearance. Whether the present time is the most opportune for raising such a loan is for the Council and the ratepayers to decide, but we fancy it will be generally admitted that when it is decided to carry out the work the loan proposal will be the most businesslike way of taking it m hand.

Bobough Council. — A special meeting of the Tinmru Borough Council will be held this afternoon at 3 o'clock. The Shilling Hot Lunches at the Railway Refreshment Booms from 12 to 3 daily are still Epicurean Feasts. — [Advt.l Coukbing.— The draw for tho coursing events at the South Canterbury Coursing Club's meeting to-morrow, takes place at the Groavenor Hotel this evening. Mount Pbel. — The annual meeting of ratepayers of the Mount Peel road district is to be held m the Eoad Board office, Peel Forest, on Wednesday, the 6fch Mar, at noon. Faiblie Cebbk. — A public meeting will bo held this evening at Fairlie Creek, to consider the advisability of forming a Volunteer corps for the Fairlie Creek district. Resident Maoistbate's Court. Timabtt. — At this Court yesterday, Mr H. W. Robinson again presided. Curiously enough no default cases were dealt with. The few civil cases there were, however, proved very lengthy, and the whole day was occupied m hearing them. Pabbing Through. — Major Goring and 35 men of the A.C. Force were passengers by the down express yesterday. They arrived — so a telegram informs us— at Dunedin last evening. The men will take charge of the defences at Dunedin as soon as they are ready. Spobting.— We publish m full this morning the programme for tho New Zealand Grand National Steeplechases, which are to be held at Christchurch on the 25th May. Nominations are due at 8 p.m. to-morrow ; weights will be out on the 7th May, and acceptances must reach the Secretary before 8 p.m. of Tuesday, 12th May. TiMABU Hobpitali. — The Australasian Medical Gazette for April contains an account by Dr Drew, M.R.C.S.E., Resident Surgeon of the Timaru Hospital, of a successful operation performed by him for the excision of the knee-joint, a comparatively new advanco m surgery. The Editor, m a footnote, expresses regret that Dr Drew " did not enter into fuller particulars as to this very satisfactory case." Kbsidbht Magistrate's Cofbt, Wai« mate. — At this Court on the 25th inßtant J. Manchester, Esq., presided. Daniel Mahony, charged by Constable Field with being drunk on the previous day, and also with using indecent language m a public place was, after two witnesses called . by the Constable had proved the fact of accused having used the language as charged, sentenced to fourteen days' imprisonment. T.N.A. — At the parade of the Timaru Naval Artillery last evening 45 rank and file attended ; also Captain Laing-Meason and Lieutenant Begg. Colonel Lean attended, and was received by the company at the "present." He afterwards inspected the arms and accoutrements, and saw the men go through the manual and bayonet exercise. At the conclusion the Colonel expressed satisfaction at the progress made by the corps, and paid a high compliment to tho officers engaged m drilling the men. He hoped the company would take part m somo kind of a Volunteer demonstration on the 25th May, a day which, under circumstances prevailing at present, should be marked m a special way. Waimatb Mutual Impbovbmbnt Societt. — The fortnightly meeting of members of this Society was held on the 27th instant, Roy. J. H. Gray m the chair, Mi* Berryrnan acting as a substitute for the Secretary. According to arrangement provided m the syllabus for 1885, the programme for this evening consisted of readings by members. Several short selections were read, some of them m very good style, and the piece* were generally well selected. After each reading the Chairman invited criticism. The Secretary wrote stating that printed copies of the syllabus were now ready, and would be given to members on calling on him. Two members were admitted by ballot and one candidate proposed for admission, after which the meeting terminated. Makieihi. — Our correspondent writes : — About 8.30 last Monday night a combine and elevators, the property of Mr W. Q.uinn, were totally destroyed by fire. The mill was employed threshing wheat on Mr J. PofTs farm, and only ceased working about threequarters of an hour before the fire was discovered. The combine and elevators were insured for £250, but Mr Q.uinn estimates his loss at considerably over this amount, as the maohine was new last year. About 150 bushels of wheat m stack, belonging to Mr Poff, were burnt, and had the fire beon later m starting 600 bushels of wheat m bags, which wore removed by a number of willing hands, would have been destroyed. There was no insurance on the grain. The origin of the fire is unknown. The fire is supposed to be the work of an incendiary. Tbmphbancb Mbbtikgs m Oamabu.— On Friday, Saturday and Sunday last several well-attended meetings were held m Oamaru, at which addresses were given by Mrs Leavitt, of Boston, U.S.A. The meetings were called under the auspices of the Oamaru Blue Ribbon Temperance Branch, and were very successful, Mrs Leavitt's addresses being highly effective as setting forth tho claims of total abstinence. Mrs Leavitt especially directed her remarks to women. Her mission m New Zealand is m connection with the Women's Christian Temperance Union. Having joined this Union early m 1881, Mrs Leavitt has been since engaged m the work of commencing and organising Branches of the Union. Her addresses ou Saturday and Sunday evenings hist were very well received by large audiences, and she expressed her pleasure and gratitude for kindness and help received from tho ladies, tho ministers, and the temperance workers of Oamaru. Waimatb Distbict School.— A spocial meeting of the Committee of this school was held on the 27th instant. There were present Messrs Watt, Harrison, Black and Goldsmith. On tho motion of Mr Black, the chair was taken by Mr Goldsmith. The only correspondence read was a letter from the Chairman (Mr Steward) apologising for absence from the meeting. Tenders for the supply of firewood to the school during tho winter months were opened. There were four tenders, the loweit, that of Mr R. P. Williams, being accepted. A report from the Head Master was read, with suggestions on tho subject of technical education m connection with State schools. Mr Goldsmith said tho South Canterbury Education Board had lately appointed a Committee to consider this matter m conjunction with the Board's Inspector, and he thought it would be well for the meeting to postpone the matter to ■ext regular meeting of tho Committee, the present meeting being not so fully attended aa wag desirable for the consideration of this subject. The matter was accordingly postponed to next meeting. This being all the buiinets the meeting terminated.

C Batthet. — There was an excelleut master of this Battery last evening, considering the miserable weather, 62 of all ranks, including recruits, rolling up. The men were put through such movements as the smallness of the shed would allow, its inadequacy being Tory apparent with inch a large body of men m it.' The Battery was inspected by LieuUnant-Colonol Lean, who eeeroed very pleased with their soldierly appearance. Pleasant Point School Committee.— The ordinary monthly meeting of this Committee was held on Monday evening. There ■was a full attendance of members. After confirming the minutes of the previous meeting, the Chairman stated that, as anticipated at the last meeting, Misa J. J. Strong tiad resigned. He had accordingly advertised for a successor, and the several applications would first be laid before the meeting. After consideration of the same, on the motion of Mr Orton, seconded by Mr Jackson, a resolution was carried unanimously m favor of Miss E. Meredith (a second year pupil teacher) being appointed. As Miss Btrong wished to be relieved as soon as possible, the Chairman was authorised to make tbe necessary arrangements. A circular from the S.C.C. Society, m reference to a scholarship was read, and laid before the meeting. The Visitor's report was also received and adopted, and Mr Orton was appointed Visitor for the month. A circular was also received from the Board of Education, m reference to Committees and the public rendering aid m the maintenance of the school buildings, etc. After some consideration the matter was allowed to drop. The Chairman was authorised to procure fuel and other necessary articles for the school, and to pay certain accounts as funds would permit. The lneeting then terminated. Waimatb Bohottgh Council. — A special meeting of tho Wainiate Borough Council was held on Monday last. Present — His Worship the Mayor and Councillors Evans, Collett, Cameron, Jones, O'Connor and Sinclair. The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed. Correspondence received was read, viz : — From Mr W. J. Steward re Borough Endowment Eeserves, library and unemployed. Consideration of the letters was deferred toneztordinary meeting. From Councillor Haig resigning his eeat on the Council. The resignation was accepted with regret. The Burgess 801 l for 1885-6 was laid on the table, and it was resolved that tho Mayor and Councillors Cameron and Sinclair sign the Burgess 801 las required by the Municipal Corporations Act. The matter of acceptance of the offer of the Waimate Library Committee to transfer the Institute to the Council was then considered, the burgesses having lately signified, by poll, their approval of the Council's accepting the transfer. It was resolved — " That tho Council do hereby agree to take over the Waimate Library as it now stands and that the Clerk be instructed to inform the Secretary of the Library to call a meeting of the Library Trustees as soon as possible, with a view of completing the transfer." "That the Council inspect the buildings known as the Library buildings, with a view to making the same into Council Chambers, and report at next meeting, the Council to meet at the Library at 3 p.m. on Friday, the 15th of May," and " That a meeting of the Council bo called to formally take over the Library as soon as the trustees of that institution are prepared to give up possession." This being the conclusion of the special business, tho meeting then adjourned. ' You Can Be Happy if you will stop all your doctoring yourself and families with expensive doctors or cure-alls that do only harm, and use Nature's simple remedies for all your ailments, you will be well and happy and save great expense. The greatest romedy for this, the great, wise, and good will tell you, is American Company's Hoj> Bitters.— [Advt.] Lovely Climbs. — There are lovely ch'mea and places m which the evening zephyrs are loaded with malaria and the poison of fever and epidemics. To dwell there m health is impossible without a supply of Hop Bitters at hand. These American Co.'s Bitters impart an equalising strength to the system, and prevent the accumulation of deadly spores of contagion. Be sure and see [Advt.] Remember Tnis.—lf you are sick Hop Bitters will surely aid Nature m making you well when all else fails. If you are costive or dyspeptic, or are sufforing from any other of the numerous diseases of the stomach or bowels, it is your own fault if you remain ill, for Hop Bitters is a sovereign remedy m all such complaints. If you are wasting away with any form of kidney disease, stop tempting Death this moment, ana turn for a cure to Hop Bitters. If you are nervous use Hop Bitters. If you are a frequenter, or a resident of a miasmatic district, barricade your system against the scourge of all countries — malarial, epidemic, bilious, and intermittent fevers— by the use of American Co.'s Hop Bitters. If you have rough, pimply, or sallow skin, bad breath, pains and aches, nnd feel miserable generally, Hop Bitters will give your fair Bkin, rich blood, and sweetest breath, and health. That poor, bedridden, invalid wife, sister, mother or daughter, can be made the picture of health by American Co.'s Hop Bitters, costing but a trifle. Will you let them suffer ? In short they cure all diseases of the stomach, bowels, blood, liver, nerves, kidneys, Bright's disease. £500 will be paid for a cose they will not cure or help. Druggists and Chemists keep. None genuine without a bunch of green Hops on white label and Dr Soule's name blown m bottle. Shun all others as vile, poisonous stuff. — [Advt.] In Cronp, "Bxater's Lung Preserver " operates magically, its expeotorant and other properties affording speedy relia In Consumption, " Baxter's Lung Preerver " has been signally successful. BTNOPSIB OF NEW ADVERTISEMENTS. E. R. Guinness— Will sell at Studholmo Junction on Monday wheat, oats, barley and grass seeds, also prime bullocks ; at Washdyke Company's Yards on Friday sheep and cattle. T. Bullock, Ashburton— "Will sell Grove Farm on 7th May. " H. J." — Wants a tew yearling heifers. Peter Wilson— Wants employment as a ploughman. The situation— Of engine-driver at Levels Station is niled. N.Z.S. Company— Notify that the barque Norman Macleod is on the berth for London. Public meeting— Re proposed volunteer corps at Ftirlio Creek to-night. James Granger — Has a 20-acre"section for sale. Mount Peel Road District— Annual meeting of ratepayers on 6th May. Consult— The physicians of the Australian Medical and Surgical Infirmary. Levels Road Board— lnvite tenders for road works. N.2.G.N. Steeplechases— Will be held at Christchurch on May 25th. Licensing Districts m the County and Borough of Waimate — Notice re annual meetings. Mackenzie Licensing District— A poll will be taken on May 16th.