The Timaru Herald. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1886.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 3225, 15 January 1886, Page 2

The Timaru Herald. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1886.

Mr Ballance has always been a good debater, and be may fairly be congratulated on bis speech at Wangauui on Wednesday night. At any rate, he may claim credit for having scored one or two points against his opponents, and also for having made the best of a very bad case for tbe Government of which he is a member. What a thoroughly bad case it is one fully realises only when a Minister attempts to defend it. As regards Mr Ballance himself, we are prepared to admit that be is a man of considerable ability, who desires to carve out an honorable career for himself as a colonial statesman. Tbe misfortune is that some of bis views have always been of a character not at all likely to advance the interests of the community at large, while m other respects, on which his ideas were originally sound, he has made .1 change for the worse since he came within the sphere of Sir Julius Vogel's influence. As an instance we observe that he tells us be was for years a freetrader but he is now m favor of protection. If be has thought fit to change bis views on this subject, it is a pity be has not some better arguments to adduce m favor of his conversion than those which he repeated on Wednesday. The arguments, such as they were, consisted of tbe stalest and most worn-out old fallacies, which have been exploded over and over again, and which even intelligent protectionists have been obliged to abandon as untenable. We are surprised that a man of Mr Balance's ability could not produce something better. Like bis friend and mentor, Mr Stout, we have no doubt be has a great belief m tbe wisdom and judgment of Mr Henry George. We should, therefore, strongly advise him to read ■vhnt that gentleman has to say on tbe subject of " Protection or Freetrade." If he is not at oucc reconverted into an out-and-out freetrader he will at any rate be able to select, from the hosts of protectionist fallacies ripped into ribbons by MiGeorge's keen, relentless logic, at least a score better adapted to delude the unthinking public than those which he passed off on his good-natured hearers at Wanganui the night before last. When he says that it is to tbe interest of farmers and agriculturists that a protective policy should be adopted, he ought to give at least a tittle of proof m favor of such a ridiculous and oftrefuted statement. He should have given some evidence that a farmer has to pay no more for his clothing) implementsanda hundred-and-one necessaries of life if their importation be restricted by a, protective tariff. He should also have shown how such a policy could increase the price of our wool, hides, tallow, frozen meat and grain, which must always be regulated by the Home markets — until New Zealand is such an effete, overcrowded old country that it is no longer able to produce any surplus for export. Farmers are shrewd men, and they know that protection increases their expenses, but can never affect their incomes except unfavorably. It may do this with a vengeance, as we saw when the coal tax was proposed. Had that been carried into operation, we know that the immediate effect would have been to take away one of our most paying outlets for agricultural produce — the Sydney market. When he deals with his own department, Mr Ballance is undoubtedly entitled to the credit which he claims for his exertions m passing the Consolidated Land Act of last session. He has also made a genuine attempt to promote further settlement, although hitherto he has not been able to point to any large measure of success as having attended his efforts. With regard to the natives, it is true there has been a reduction of the constabulary m the native districts, and that there have been no serious disturbances. We must remember, however, that the back of the native difficulty was effectually broken by Mr Bryce. All that Mr Ballance has done since has been to promise the natives impossible things — things that Parliament will never sanction. The real test of Mr Ballance's policy will come when the natives find out that his promises are incapable of fulfilment. We shall then see whether matters will go quite 80 smoothly as they do at present. Mr Bullance, for instance, is m favor of constructing the North Island Trunk Railway at tbe colonial expense, with the result of enormously enhancing the value of native lands, and without the Maoris contributing a single acre of land, or a single sixpence, m aid of the enterprise. More than that, be would promise them an immunity from the ordinary taxation imposed on the lands of every European. Needless to say, such monstrous proposals will never be sanctioned by Parliament, but as long as there is a Government m power capable of holding out such prospects, the Maoriß may naturally be expected to appear amiable and contented. The great defect m Mr Ballance as a Native Minister is that he appears to think that so long as he pleaseß tha natives he can afford to ignore tbe wiebea and feelings of

Europeans. A most characteristic illnetmtion of this feature m bis character is the fact that his Native | Lands Disposition Bill having been < ignomiuiousiy shelved by Parliament, j he appears to oV-vive full consolation from the fact tbat it has been " unanimously approved" l>y " a large meeting of natives at Hastings ! " Perhaps tbe most suggestive and interesting feature m Mr Ballance's speeeb iB to be found at the very end, quite like a postscript to a lady's letter. We refer to tbe statement that " m his opinion iv the present state of parties the Government to avoid the cost of two sessions should ask for a dissolution before the House met." We can hardly suppose that Mr Ballance could have made such a significant suggestion as this without some previous consultation with his colleagues. It is then, as we surmised some time ago, tbe Government at length realise that they are " played out," so far as the present House is concerned. They now shirk the defeat which they believe to be inevitable should they again meet tbe House, and think it would be far more agreeable to go at once to the constituencies without having to listen to tbe disagreeable comments which are likely to be made from the floor of the General Assembly on their policy and administration. No doubt also they think it is pleasant at such a trying time to have command of the advantages for conducting a general election which those who are m office enjoy over those who are out. Tbe regard for tbe purse-strings of the country — the saving of the expense of two sessions — is very touching, but it comes a little late m the day. Why did not the idea occur to them during last session, when they might have saved m addition the cost of various appointments which they have bestowed upon their friends H Why did they not go out when their tariff proposals were scattered to the winds amid the jeers of tbe House ? Mr Ballance says it is because they were implored by 50 of their supporters not to resign, and yet be says, m the same breath, that a more unconstitutional line he never heard of than that of the party who wanted "to keep Ministers m and their measures out." We cordially agree with him, but why did such a virtuous Government lend themselves to such a very unconstitutional proceeding ? Why did they not go out on their defeat over tbe Local Government Bill. Mr Ballance's own Native Lands Disposition Bill, the rejection of their Estimates, or tbe numberless other dishes of humiliation served out to them by the Opposition ? They would have saved the country a large amount of expense and dissatisfaction. It is true that their own official salaries might have come to an abrupt termination, but that would have been a small matter to men of such patriotic and disinterested dispositions.

A Ri:qitest. — Mrs Jowscy, matron at tho Hospital, would bo glad to reccivo any white linen, ser.ips, or otherwise, from tho public of Tiumru. The Presbyterian Synod. — We notice ihiit among tho ministers present' at the Presbyterian Synod now beine held at Dunedin is tho Rev. W. Gillies of Timaru, who represents the Presbyterian General Assembly of New Zealind. A Liberal Offer. — A Chinainsn was fiued 20s and costs m the Wellington R.M. Court recently for cruelty to v liorse. He caused great amusement by offering the aniinul for s ale for the amount of the fine and costs. His Worship, however, declined to trade. ScHOLAnsHir3 Examination. — Tho results of tho lato scholarships examination were laid bel'->ro the Board of education yesterday, but as tho report and recommendations of tho Committee are not yet formulated, it. was understood that they were not to ha considered till noxt Hoard meeting. Resigned. — Mr G. G. Bus3ell, who has been a member of the South Canterbury Education Board for some considerable time, sent m his resignation yesterday. The vacancy thus created is an extraordinary one, and steps will bo taken to fill it up as soon as possible. Members expressed great regret at losinj such an able counsellor and adviser. Women's Temperance Union. — Mrs C. D. B. Ward requests the ladies of Timaru to meet her m tho veatry of the Presbyterian I'hurck nl three o'clock this afternoon, with a view to the establishment of a branch of tho Women's Christian Temperance Union. All who sjmpathiso with this object aro earnestly requested to attend. Another Bolt. — Yesterday afternoon a baker's horso and trap made a bolt m Arthur street, but was suddenly brought up by coming m violent contact with tho corner post of an adjoining fence causing a complete capsize. Beyond breaking the fence luckily no other damage resulted. Wo believe tho " lly pest " to be the cause of this " bolt." "GOLDFIELDS EXTRAVAGANCE."— Mr Or. Beetham, M.H.R., m addressing hia constituents ut Masterton the other day, said the goldfie'ds members wero " abominably greedy," and eulogised Captain Slitter's attack upon them. He added that the greed of the goldlields' members had irritated himself and other members, and ho thought unless those members were more careful, they would bo taught a good lesson m tho future. CIRCC3. — Wo would remind our readers that Messrs Sharman and Stoodley's grand International Circus open for one night only m Timaru this evening. This troupe, it will bo remembered, played hero ono night while on their way South somo few months ago, and drew a crowded house. Wo feel confident that all who visit them this evening will bo thoroughly satisfied with their performance. TemukA. — In another column it is notified that Mr George Bolton has resigned his position as corresoondent and canvasser to tho Timaru Ri-rald at Terauka, and that Mr W. Wills has been appointed m his stead. It is almost needless to cay that during tho seven years Mr Bolton has been connected with this ofllco he has worked hard and conscientiously m its interests. He has, however, now entered upon a lino of business which requires all his attention. We part with him with regret. A Specimen. — The Rev. Goo. Barclay who was tho examiner m grammar, composition, etc., at tho late scholarship examination, informed the Board yeslerday that ho was greutly disappointed with the way candidates did the papers set th.-m. He said ho n.»ked the candidates to write essays on " Printing " and ' Newspapers," and they made a very bad band of it altogether. One, candidato (a girl, of course) said that newspapers wero vory useful for announcing birihs, deaths and ness was they were very handy for wrapping up parcels ; the candidate spelling wrapping " rapping." Gebaldine Town Boabd. — A special meeting of the Tovcn Board was held on Tuesday evenipg. Presont — Mr R. H. Pearpoint (Chairman),! Messrs John Huffey, Robert Taylor, and John Mundell. Tho Chairman explained the object of tlio meeting . — (1) To receive the valuation list from the Valuer for the district, and pass a resolution (if approved) that the list will bo open for inspection for one month ; (2) to take steps about a firo brigade. Besolved — " That the valuation be altered as suggested m two or three properties, and advertised for inspection for one month, according to the Act." So fire brigade, a short discussion took place as to the night of tho public meeting. 80,---solved — "That a public meeting of all those interested.be called for Saturday evening next, at 8 p.m." The Board thon adjourned,

Gebaldihb Fmbaland Hoiiticoltcfbal Socibtt. — A meeting of the Committee of tho above Society was held on Wednesday evening the 13th January. Present- Mr-J. Cunningham (Chairman i , Messrs A. Spenee, John Pye, K. Johns, Jas. W. I'yo, M. Coombes and B. Hard astle, Hon. f?cc. Correspondence was rend as follows : From Mr Smith, gardener and nurseryman of Ashburton, kindl consenting to act us one of the judges at the coming show, also offering 7» 6d as a prize for the be-t collection of fruit, not more than twelre varieties. Resolved — '" That with Mr Smith's permission the prize ho offers be awarded to the 1 -.rgest prize-taker m fruit, as tho list is published and no alteration could now well be made." " That tho Committee meet on tho 20th January, after Mr Holland's meeting, and arrange the shelves for exhibits." " lhat the exhibits bo ready for the judges at 12.30 p.m. on the duy of the Show, tho hall to l-o open to the public at 2.30 p.m and close at 9 p.m." " lhat the particulars of the Show be advertised m the Timaru Herald and Oeruldine Guardian on Saturday and Tuesday, after the Chuirinun of the Town Board's sanction was given to tho half-holiday." '■ That Mr Stonehouse be allowed the privilege of providing refreshments." " That the gnrdens be judged previous to the Show." Mr J've offered to provide netting lo cover the fruit exhibits, which was accepted with thanks. The meeting then adjourned until the 20th January. "The Sevebed Hand."- It will be Been that the plot of this extraordinary case is thickening, and every day startling" developments are being made public. 'J he statement now published as to the accused man Howard having sent a letter by hand to his wife at Christchurch, corroborates some information which recently reached us on the subject. We are informed that a man, who will probably be cnlled as a witness m the case, was working m the Wuirarnpa with Howard, who was then going under an assumed name, when the hitter found out from him that he was going lo Christchurch. Howard then asked him if ho would take a letter for him, and he promised to do so. During their conversation the man referred to noticed that Howard had lost tho thumb of his right hand. He took the letter, but on his arrival at Christchurch forgot all about it for nearly a fortnight. On looking at it he found it was addrcssel to " Mr" Howard, and on going to tho address given he found the place shut up. He ultimutely traced out Sirs Howard, who was by this time mourning the supposed loss of hor husband, and gave her the letter. Subsequently hearing tho rumors afloat about the case, and remembering tho circumstance of the missing thumb, ho communicated with the Christchurch police. This eavo tho first inkling as to the whereabouts of tho prisoner, and the Wellington police wero at odco put upon his track, with the result that ho was arrested under the circumstances now familiar to tho public. Concert. — A most successful concert was held at the Scotsburn school-room, on Wednesday evening last, m aid of the prize and gymnastic fund, when a capital programmo was gono through. Mr Barker, Chairman of the School Committee, occupied tho chair, :ind whs pleased to ccc the room so well filled. The object for whic ! i the concert was held nnsa good one, and having a lengthy programme to place before them, ho would not detain the audience, but called upon Misses Bowen and Acland for a pianoforte duet, -which was played with great taste and skill. Mr Pritehett gave a song, " Pierrot," m a very pleasing manner, and was applauded. Miss Andrews then sang, "Jock o' Hazledcan" m her usual good stylo. Mrs Kinpson's song, " The Laud of Long Ago," was much appreciated. Mr Thcw gave a recitation, entitled, " Locliiel's Warning," very correctly, and with good effect. Mrs Uartrum then 6ang " i he Better Land," which was very good, and she was loudly applauded. Air EMer gave a comic song, m character, which highly delighted tho audience, a very enthusiastic encore being demanded. lie returned and repeated the last, ver-e Messrs E. Logan and C. E. Sherratt g ive a duet, "The Sun will Shino To-morrow," which was well received. Miss Pritchett's pianoforte selection, " The Silver Trumpets," was played m a very able manner. Miss M. Moorhouse next gave the 6ong " Comin' thro' the Rye," which was duly appreciated, as was Miss Westropp's song " Nothing." Mr E. Logan followed with a comic song " Courting m the Bain," an encoro being most enthusiastically demanded, to which ho responded by singing " My Wife's Relations," this song being equal lo the first. Miss Nesfleld sang " Bunch of Cowslips," and received an encore, which 6ho responded lo by singing " l.a Bleu?." Miss Hmpson aud Mr A. \V. Moore sang a duet very nicely, cutitled " Greeting," Miss Hadfiehl accompanying on tho piano. Mr Lodge then followed with "The Bugler," which was applauded. Mrs Glass gave the son* " Auntie," and did credit to it, after which Mr Westropp gave a very humorous Irish reading, which caused bursts of laughter. Mr O. K. Sherratt's song " Homo they brought her Warrior dead " was much appreciated, as was Miss Moorhouso's song " Cleansing Fires." Mr Elder gave another comic song m Irish character, and was encored with deafening shouts. Ho responded by giving a. verse of another song. Mr Davis danced the Sailor's Hornpipe so well that ho had to appear a 9econd time. The Chairman m a. word or two proposed a very hearty voto of thanks to those who had assisted, especially tho ladies and gentlemen from Geraldiue, who had travelled a great distance. Iho singing of tho National Anthem brought a most enjoyable concert to a close. The room was then cleared for dancing.

The Bad and Wobi'Hless are never imitated or counterfeited. This is especially truo of a family medicine, and it ia positive proof that tho remedy imitated U of tile highest value. As soon as it had been tested and proved by the whole world that Hop Bittera was the purest, best and most valuable family medicine on earth, many imitations sprung up and began to steal tho notices m which the press and thepeoplo of the country had expressed tho merits of H, 8., and m every way trying to induce suffering invalids to use their stuff instead, expecting to make money on the credit and good name of H. B. Many othera started nostrums put up m Bimilar stylo to H. 8., with variously ilevised name 3 m which the word " Hop " or " Hops " wero used m a way to induce people to believe they were the same as Hop Bitters. All such pretended remedies or cures, on matter what their style or name is, and especially thoso with the word " Hop " or " Hops " m their name or m any way connected with them or their name, aro imitations or counterfeits. Beware of them. Touch none of them. Use nothing but genuine American Hop Bitters, with a cluster of green Hop" on the white label, and Dr Sonle's namo *o"vn m tho glnss. Trust nothing else. <r4&~ Druggists and Chemists aro warned t.nst dealing m imitations or counterfeits. — [Advt.] Wblls' " Rouaii on Corns " — Ask for Wolla' " Rough on Corns." Quick relief, oomploto permanent cure. Corns, warts, bnnions. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney, gsneral nennta. — I Ai>vt 1 (11

SYNOPSIS OF NEW ADVERTISEMENTS. Jonas ami Bourn— Sell horses, etc., tomorrow. S.C. Salcyirds Company, Washdyke— Are prepared to commence dipping sheop ; uotifly weekly sales deferred. W. Storcv, Tcmoka— Special anuounccincnts to the residents of Tcnuika. Women's Temparanco Mission— Mrs Wnrd will muct ladies of ' Timaru al Presbyterian Cliuich Vestry this W.AVills— Has been appointed canvassing a;;cnt, for this paper at Temuku. Eliciivzcr Smith— Expects a shipment of coal m a few days. Caiilcrbiii'v Farmers' Co-opcmtivc Afsociation— Have biiidiu- twine, etc., fur sale. J. Biltantvnound Co.— Look out for tlicir big talo on Wodncsday. ' In bankruptcy- He Win.Guilford, A.M. Allan.