The Timaru Herald. FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1885.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 3305, 1 May 1885, Page 2

The Timaru Herald. FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1885.

The prospect of a deadly war between England and the most unscrupulous Power m Europe is now staring us plainly m the face. Russia, iv spite of "peaceful assurances," of hypocriticallyexpresßed sentiments regarding " the horrors of war," m spite of plausible excuses for the most flagrant breaches of agreements, has gone on "grabbing " one strategical point after another, with an audacity and persistency equalled only by the unblushing assurance of her lying diplomacy. England has, as usual, been befooled until her credulity has become a matter of amazement among the nations of the earth; and Russia, therefore, starts with such advantages as a thief and liar is always able to gain over an honest man. " The pity m this case is that the honest man has been too confiding. His honesty has led him on, until it closely resembled the gullibility of the dupe. Most people share with Mr Gladstone a horror of the cruel woes of war, and under ordinary circumstances one would honor a statesman who strained every nerve to preserve his country from such a calamity. The misfortune with the present Premier has been that he never realised the fact that honorable negotiation is out of the question with a nation that has no idea of either honor or truth. "Weeks, if not months ago, a stern, unmistakeable message should have been sent to Russia that a single movement further m the direction of India would be followed by a declaration of war. If peace between the two nations could ever be secured after the abandonment by the present Ministry of the fruits of the Afghan campaign, that is the only way m which the shameless designs of Russia could have been checked, and open hostilities averted. Mr Gladstone, inspired, we have no doubt, by the best of motives, allowed himself to be gulled, and the nation must take the consequences. For ourselves, we have no fear of the results of a conflict between Englishmen and the semi-barbarous hordes of Russia, countless m number as the latter may be. Let there be no serious diplomatic complications, let both sides be allowed fair play, and British pluck, which has always held its own m the past, will do so again. The Russians might have learned at Inkermann how Englishmen can fight even m the face of overwhelming odds. There 8000 of our troops held their own against 40,000 Muscovites, encouraged though the latter were by the presence of Grand Dukes and nobles to do great deedß on that eventful day. The British race has not degenerated since '54, and is still equal to any demands upon _ its courage and endurance. It is possible that the Russians, with the aid of the advantages they havegained by treachery and falsehood, may be successful at the first. We believe, however, that their success would be short-lived. As to numbers, it is one matter to possess an enormous army, and it is another to concentrate it, folly-equipped and §up-

plied m a difficult country, at an immense distance from the centre of tbe Empire. In case of necessity we bave no donbt tbe English could put as many men on the Afghan frontier as can the Russians. Then there are other considerations to be taken into account. Our enemy is a bankrupt among nations, self-convicted m a course of double-dealing and deceit. England has abundance of resources, and can look the whole world m the face. Our men know that they are fighting m a good cause, against a nation whose avowed object is robbery and aggression. If there be any truth m the saying, "Thrice-armed is he that hath his quarrel just " there need be no appi'ehension as to the result of such a conflict. At a crisis like the present, the sentiment of every loyal British subject, who loves his country and retains his confidence m her greatness and resources, will be best expressed m the words of her finest writer : — This England never did, nor never shall Lie at tho prond foot of the conqueror, Sat when it first did help to wound itself. • •*••* Come tho three corners of the world m arms. And we . shall shock them : Naught shall make us rue It England to herself do rest bat trae. « _ We are glad to find that the Government have at length condescended to notice the fact that there are policyholders m the Government Insurance Association, and to admit that possibly these might like to express some opinion as to how their money should be spent. We cannot say, however, that the Government bave acted very graciously m the matter. They are not prepared to submit the question of appointing Local Boards to the policy-holders m a frank and straightforward way, as the policy- holders' representatives wished them to do. They have got the Central Board to pass a preliminary resolution m favor of the formation of Local Boards m Dunedin, -Christchurch and Auckland, and have given instructions for the rolls to be prepared m these places so aB to be I'eady for the elections. Then, they somewhat Bulkily remark, if the policy-holders don't like the idea, let them bring forward a protest at the annual meeting, which will probably be held before the rolls are completed. We can hardly concede that this is treating the policy-holders with proper respect. It ib too much like throwing a bone to a dog that is beginning to get rather too troublesome. Moreover, there is no guarantee the dog will find any meat on the bone when he gets it. If the Government really wish to consult the wishes of the policyholders, why are they going on preparing the rolls ? Do they intend to have their own way, whatever the policyholders may Bay or do, merely indulging the latter m the harmless amusement of a good grumble at the annual meeting P Or do they think it will strengthen their hands if they are able to inform the policy-holders that they have been put to the expense of preparing the rolls, and this will be thrown away if the elections are not gone on with P Really we are at a loss to assign any reason for such extraordinary conduct ; all we know is, that whatever the reason, the course pursued has the cordial disapproval of those most interested m the matter. However, if there is anything which insurers have learned since the coming into operation of the new Act, it must be to be thankful for small" mercies. Even the bone thus grudgingly — we had almost said churlishly — thrown to them is almost more than they have a right to expect, considering the constitution of the Central Board. There, the Chairman's will is quite supreme, and the Government, through, him as their representative, can do anything they please. If he choose to say there should be 20 Local Boards, with one of the new J.P.s at the head of each, the elected members might storm as much as King Lear, and the policyholdera might protest until the increase of apoplexy drove their actuary frantic, but we see no reason why the Government should not have . their own way m the matter. It is to be hoped, however, the policy-holders, notwithstanding the scant courtesy with which they have been treated, will emphatically record their protest at the annual meeting against the proposal to squander their funde m providing nominees of the Government with billets. We warn independent members, that they will have a tough battle before them. They may take it for granted that there will be a heavy vote m favor of the proposal m each of the towns where it is intended to establish Local Boards. The explanation of course ib very simple. There will be a large number of men, each of whom will indirectly be led to infer that he is to be the Chairman chosen of the Government. There will be a still larger body whose vanity will induce them individually to believe that they are certain to be elected by the policy-holders. In these hard timeß an " honorarium" of a hundred a year is not to be despised. With the two classes of men whom we have indicated, the proposal to establish Local Boards will be highly popular. They will accordingly badger all their friends for proxies m favor of the proposal. Those who are independent of such considerations, who desire to consult the financial interests of the Association m which they are bound up, and who wish to support their representatives m protesting against this abuse of the Association's funds, will have to organise and fight hard if they wish to make a really effective protest.

Levels Road Boaud. — Tho annual meeting of tho Levels Road Board -will bo held at their offices to-morrow. Football. — A match lias been arranged to be played on Saturday between a fifteen of the South Canterbury Football Club and the Timaru High School Fifteen, on the grounds of the former. Play will commence at halfpast one sharp, and finish at three o'clock. The practice match of the Club will be English v. Colonials, and will start immediately after tho finish of the other match. The Ship Hotel. — The many friends and customers of Mr D. McGuinne*s will regret to learn that he to-day gives up tho Ship Hotel (with which he has been associated so long) through oue of his houses m Christchurch falling back into his hands. The Ship will be again taken over by Mr Charles Green, the proprietor, who is shortly expected from. Home. Mr McGuinnes?, wo may mention, still retains the Bailway Refreshment Rooms at Timaru. Gebaldikb. — Our correspondent writes :— Tho weather during Wednesday and yesterday was very wet, and the rivers are rising, showing that heavy rain has fallen m the hills. The present state of the weather is a great contrast to the fine pleasant weather which for some weeks past has prevailed. The river is so swollen that the coach eanuot cross by tho Peckham's crossing, and will m consequence have to take the upper route. A Fmght. — At an early hour yesterday morning a crash was heard m the Main street. It was at first supposed some unfortunate had fallen from the top storey of a building and gone through a skylight. Several people who were about made a rush for the spot only to find that a pair of shutters had tumbled on to the pavement. The noise made awoke not a few citizens, one of whom, by his scared appearanco, evidently thought the Russians had come. . At a timo like this, when everyone ii, or ought to be, on the qtu vive, it behoves us to take extra precautions not to creata a needless alarm. BatTTAL Outeagb. — A horrible case of ruffianism came under our notice last evening. It appears that two men had a quarrel at Otaio this morning, over a division of some payment for cropping, which soon resulted m their coming to blows. They soon came to the ground, and when rolling about together one of them named Kennedy suddenly bit the other's upper lip and tore a portion of it completely away. The sufferer, after getting his wound dressed by Dr Macintyre, placed tho matter m the hands of the police. We are informed that the man Kennedy will be arrested by the police for his brutal conduct. Resident Magistrate's Covet. Tixiabtt. — At this Court yesterday, P. LeCren and J. H. Sutter, Esq.'s J.P.s presided. For tethering a cow m High street, near the Hospital, on the 10th April, James Burford was fined 20s, costs 13s and witness' expenses ss. Robert McKnight was fined 5s and costs 7s for leaving a vehicle unattended on 22nd April, and Is and costs 7s, for leaving a vehicle unlignted. For having horses at large, Walter Percy, Ebenozer Smith and James Strachan were each fined 5s and costs 7s, and for having three cows at large Alexander Bennett was fined 10s and costs 7s. Thomas Shute was fined 10s and costs 7s for galloping a horse and vehicle over the George street crossing. Meeting at Faielie Cbebk. — A public meeting was held at Fairlie Creek on Wednesday evening, at Mr T. Winter's hotel, to consider the advisability of forming a rifle corps, about 50 persons being present. Mr E. Richardson, jun., proposed — "That Mr J. Goodwin take the chair." — Carried. The Chairman explained the purpose of the meeting, and said he hoped that a sufficient number would put their names down as willing to form a rifle corps, and that those who did so would take an interest m it and endeavor to form. one which would be permanent. He would aak Mr Richardson to give some information on the matter. Mr Richardson informed the meeting that if the Government accepted their services they would furnish the necceßsary arms and accoutrements, and that each member would have to attend a certain number of drills during the year. It was no good going m for the thing unless they did so properly, and there was no doubt that nothing did more good to young men than a Volunteer corps. When they were at drill they had to do as they were told, and discipline was a very good thing. He hoped everyone would come forward and put his name down. Tho question arose whether the Government would give a capitation grant, and some doubt was expressed m the matter. It was decided to take names, and the majority of those present came forward and signed expressing their willingness to form a corps whether the Government gave capitation or not. Mr Bichardson informed the meeting that even with capitation every man must bo prepared to spend about a. pound to meet the cost of uniform, etc., which would be about £2 10s. It was resolved—" That the Government bo telegraphed to asking whether the services of a rifle corps to be formed at Fairlie Creek will be accepted ; if so, what capitation will be allowed, and whether the Government will furnish arms and accoutrements." It was decided if the Government sent a favorable reply, to insert an advertisement calling anothor meeting m the school-room, and should the Government decline to accept the services of a corps, an advertisement to be inserted to that effect. There is no doubt the full number of men required will be easily obtained. Geealdine School Committee. — The ordinary monthly meeting of this Committee was held m the schoolroom oh Wednesday evening. Members present — Messrs N. Dunlop (Chairman), R. S. Cook, W. R. Lawson, Geo. Ward, W. H. Lodge, and A. Sherratt. The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed. The following correspondence was - read and dealt with : — From the South Canterbury Caledonian Society, offering a scholarship of 12 guineas to be competed for by scholars other than those attending the Timaru High School, tho winner, however, to "attend the Timaru High School for the two years for which tho scholarship is tenable. Tho Committee thought it would be of little benefit to children living at a distance from Timaru, and it was resolved to aoknowledge the offer and ask the Society to allow the winner the privilege of attending the nearest High School. From the Board of Education, forwarding for the Committee's guidance the copy of a circular from the Education " Department, Wellington, urging upon the Board the necessity for its making payments out of the the ordinary fund for the purchase or erection of school buildings, etc. — Ordered to be acknowledged. From the same enclosing a resolution passed at the last meeting of the Board on the recommendation of the Committee appointed to consider the claims of the various School Committees for small grants. The resolution was to the effect that tho only practical solution of the question of these small claims was for two members of the Board to be appointed to visit each school for which a grant had been applied, and report as to the actual necessities of the different cases. The Chairman stated this letter was a reply to his application for a grant to repair the fences round the school ground, etc. The Head Master, Mr Hughes, reported for the past four weeks that the average attendance was 178. As the cold weather was approaching, a supply of firing was necessary. Mr Hughes also asked the Committee's instructions as to whether the school was to be closed or nob during the race days (sth and 6th May), It was resolved, on the motion of Mr Cook, seconded by Mr Ward — "That tenders be called for a supply of firewood (b. p. stumps) at per oord, and coal (Newcastle) at per ton." It was further resolved that Messrs Cook and Lawson be empowered to call for and accept tenders, as a supply being wanted immediately, it would be too long to wait till the next ordinary meeting of the Committee. On the question of the holidays it was resolved, on the motion of Mr Lawson, seconded by Mr Ward — "That the school close for half a day on the second day of the races." Mr A. Sherratt reported on behalf of the Visiting Committee that on the day of their visit to the school (22nd inst.) they found everything m perfect working order, and the attendance of children 182. They had seen to the small repairs to tho windows, etc., being carried out. The contractor had, however, not yet removed the trees from the outer wall of the school, but would do bo m a day or two. Messrs Cook and Lodge were appointed Visitors for the ensuing month. It was reiolred that m future

all tho teachers must be m their places when the school re-opens after holidays. Accounts for glazing, £2 6s, and hire of Oddfellows' Hall on night of distribution of prizes, £1 Is, wero passed for payment, and the meeting adjourned. TnK TeeAty of WaitANGi.— ln the House of Commons on March 2nd Mr Gorst asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any reply had been received from the Government of New Zealand m answer to tho despatch which transmitted the memorial of certain Maori chiefs alleging breaches of the treaty of Waitangi ; whether he had any reason to think that the Government of New Zealand declined to reply to this despatch, and if he knew on what grounds they had adopted such a course ; whether the treaty of Waitangi was still regarded as binding upon the British Government; and what steps would be taken to ascertain whether the treaty was observed ? Mr Ashley : No reply has yet been received from the Government of New Zealand, but a telegram has recently gone to the Governor requesting that it may be sent. We have no reason to think that the Government of New Zealand decline to reply to our despatch of August last. Her Majesty's Government have long ceased to superintend actively the native affairs of New Zealand, and so grave a step as would be involved m any direct interference m the internal affairs of the colony could only be justified by circumstances very different from those of the present case as at present understood. In answer to a further question, Mr Ashley said : No doubt the treaty of Waitangi is m force, so far as lapse of time or change of circumstances may not have made any parts of it obsolete.