The Timarn Herald. MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 1880.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 3533, 25 January 1886, Page 2

The Timarn Herald. MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 1880.

Onk of the most important results of Admiral Tryon's visit to these waters has been a proposal made by him that all the Australasian colonies, including New Zealand, should contribute m proportion to population, to thn cost of adding several faßt cruisers and torpedo vessels to the Australian Squadron as a special defence for this portion of the

Queen's possessions. There is reason to believe tbat during the late Russian " scare " Admiral Trjon felt himself m somewhat of a difficulty. There were strong grounds for believing that an attack on these colonies by means of fast cruisers was contemplated by Russia a8 one of the first steps to be taken m the event of war being declared. The Admiral evidently felt tbat the vessels at his disposal were totally inadequate both as regards number and speed to afford any satisfactory security against such an attack. The most he felt capable of doing was to keep watch upon the principal ports of Australii ; New Zealand, " the advanced shield" of the continent, had practically to be allowed to Bhift for itself. The Admiral did indeed send us over a little wire and some other appliances for making torpedoes, but could not part even with these without a groan which showed that he regarded every ounce of warlike stores at that juncture as of the utmost importance to him. We, at that time, had not given sufficient attention to our coastal defences, and there is also every indication that the Home Government had allowed the Australian Squadron, both as regards numbers, equipment and efficiency, to fall to a level that seemed to argue m the minds of the Admiralty a conviction that it would never be required for anything more serious than " chastising " a few naked islanders. It was fortunate for us that the Anglo-Rnssian imbroglio came to naught, aud there is no doubt we should do well to be prepared for any possible recurrence of an emergency. The opinion of eminent military aud naval authorities is that if ever the blow is struck at us, it will be struck suddenly and unexpectedly. Secret preparations would be made beforehand, and it is considered quite possible we might be surprised by the enemy's cruisers even before the news of the declaration of war reached these distant shores. Tbat, of course, could easily be managed if the plans were laid sufficiently m advance, and the issuing of the formal declaration of war and the attack provided for m the secret orders given to the cruisers were both arranged to take place on or about the same date. If Admiral Tryon's suggestion is adopted, it is stated that New Zealand's share of the capital cost would be £600,000 or £700,000. It is believed that the Imperial Government would guarantee a loan raised for the purpose, so that practically it would mean that New Zealand would have to find interest to the extent of £20,000 or £25,000 annually. The vessels would be under the control of the commodore of the Australian Squadron, but would of course be used exclusively for the defence of our coasts and shipping. The New Zealand Governmont, we learn, are on the whole favorably disposed to the scheme, with perhaps some modifications, but the whole question will be discussed at a full meeting of the Cabinet. An additional expenditure m the present condition of our finances must undoubtedly be distasteful to the people who have to find the money. We believe, however, that the public generally will admit the fairness of the colonies contributing towards the cost of their defence, and will regard the expenditure as m the nature of insurance, and therefore an outlay which cannot prudently be avoided. It should be remembered that the strengthening of the fleet ia the only way m which protection can be afforded to ports like our own which have been left out m the cold as regards land fortifications. If such additional liabilities have, however, necessarily to be incurred it will be an additional reason why a curb should be placed on the general policy of extravagance with which the present Government are threatening the colony.

The effect of the absurd Act passed last session vacating the office of any J.P. who twice absents himself when called upon to serve on the Bench is still making itself manifest m the continued resignation of some of the ablest and most experienced members of the Commission. Scarcely a number of the Gazette is published without containing the notification that one or more Justices have resigned their offices. The absurdity of the new law is shown by a letter which Mr J. L. Gillies, an Otago magistrate, has addressed to the Minister of Justice m reply to an intimation that he will be struck off the roll unless he satisfies the Governor that his absence resulted from some " reasonable excuse." Mr Gillies, we learn from the Otago Daily Times, m the course of his letter, expresses his regret that the wisdom of the Legislature should prove so unpractical as to deprive the public of his services, for which, m the matter of taking affidavits, &c, he ventures to say no other m Dunedin is oftener called upon. He points out that he was a J.P. m a country district for many years, where he fulfilled all the duties of Court without fee or reward. On the occasions he was called on to attend there were some four or five leading business men there, and he could not neglect business of much greater importance. Mr Gillies concludes : — " Having only held the office for the convenience of my fellow-settlers, and knowing that they had confidence m me, the only regret that I will have m connection with the striking off of my name will be that many m consequence will be inconvenienced. The position is not now one of honor, and being struck off is no disgrace ; aud the only excuse m honesty that I can make is simply that I had more important business to attend to. I will be glad to learn as soon as possible the decision of His Excellency, as every day I am asked to act as a J.P., and I have no desire to certify any document illegally." The mere fact that the role of J.P.s is being reduced is of no particular importance. If it were reduced to one-half there would still be " enough and to spare " of honorary magistrates m New Zealand. The misfortune is that the provision alluded to is depriving us of some of our ablest and best Justices — men on whom the possession of the title confers no additional honor, but whose presence decidedly tends to keep up the standard of the Bench. The Government, of course, can afford to take the loss of such men quite quietly ; it will simply give them the opportunity of conferring the title on more of their supporters on whom they may desire to bestow a cheap reward for their services. The matter, however, is one wljicb. m the interests of the. colony

ought to be taken up and placed on a more satisfactory footing during next session. # We understand that the motion for the vevocation of tbe Driver appoiutDient will be moved by Mr Fisher, M.H.R., one of the elected representatives, at tho meeting of the Central Board next Wednesday, If any meeting of locul policy-holders is to be held on the subject it will be better therefore that it should take place not later than to-morrow night. We see it rumored m a contemporary that it is contemplated to confer a similar appointment on a Cbristcbnrch resident. One of the strongest reasons m favor of making an emphatic protest at once against this sort of thing is that if it is not checked at the outset there is no telling where tbe system of rewarding political and personal friends with billets paid for by the insurers' money is to end. The policy-holders will do well to speak out their minds plainly and promptly.

The Cells. — Five men nrrested for drunkenness wcro m her Majesty's gaol yesterday. They will be brought up at the Court this morning. Delayed Tijain. — Tho express train for tho North was about half an bouv late on Saturday afternoon through something going wrong betweon Dunedin and X'ulmcreton. lioiionan Council. — An ordinary meeting of the Tiraaru Borough Council is to be held this evening at 7 o'clock. In addition to other business, the half-holiday question is, we understand, to eomo prominently before Councillors. New School District.— A public meeting of the householders of the district of Rangitnta will be held at Clayton's Star Hotel at eight o'clock on Saturday evening next, to confer on the establishment of a school district, etc. Buiins' Annivbhsaisy.— Our readers are again reminded that the Burns' Anniversary celebration will take place at the Railway Refreshment Rooms, 'iiinaru, nt half pas', j seven this evening. We understand a hrge number of tickets havo been sold. No doubt a most pleasant evening will be spent by all. Rkapeh Tjual.— We remind farmers and others that a public trial of the Johnston and Howard reapers and binders is to be held m Mr Stephen.-on's paddock, Washdyke, to-day. Impresses will leave the Bank of New Zealand corner at 11 o'clock this morning for the scene of action. Boating.— Members of the Timaru Boating Club who have entered for the doublesculling races for the President's trophies are now going m for steady practice, both morning and afternoon. Tho " draw" resulted m nearly all instances m the crew 3 being fairly matched, and there is no doubt on tho afternoon of Saturday, February 20th, there will bo some exciting finishes to many of tho boats. We are glud to learn that other races will shortly follow the double-sculling ones. A Salvation Captain m Trouble. — At Riverton last week " Captain " ll'lnncs, of the Salvationists, was charged with a breach oT the railway regulations. It appeared that "Captain" Williams, formerly m charge of tho Kiverton branch, purchased a ticket at Kivcrton, travelled with it to Dunediu, and there transferred to M'lnncs, his successor, who used it for the return journey. 31 Innes told the Bench that he had merely obeyed his superior officer, from whom he received tho ticket, aud that the station master at Dunedin had told him it was all right. A fine of £5 and costs was inflicted. Excursion Trains. — Two excursion trains passed through Timaru on Saturday aftnrnoon. That from Christchurch to Dunedin was composed of some fifteen carriages, and arrived m Timaru about 1.50, le.iving again at 2.10. About 320 passengers were booked at Christchurch, and a number more were picked up at waysido stations. The train from Dunedin to Christchurch was delayed about three-quarters of an hour, and did not arrive here till Bhortly before flvo o'clock. It was not such a long train as tho Christchurch one, but contained about the Bamo number of passengers MOO). It steamed away from tho station again at five o'clock. City Band.— The Timaru City Band, under tho eonductorship of Mr Wood, gave an open air sacred concert m the Timaru Domain yesterday afternoon. The weather was beautifully fine, and as a result a large number of people visited the Domain to enjoy a stroll as well as listen to the music. Tho Band played very well indeed, and have greatly improved of lato under Mr Wood, fc'acred music is of all music, perhaps, the most difficult of execution, and tho members of the City Band, considering the really short time they havo been practising together, descrvo much praiso for tho way they acquitted themselves. Rifle Match. — A rifle match between learns from the Timaru and Tomuka Rifles will take place on thorango of tho latter on Thursday next. The members of tho Timaru Corps who have been chosen to represent tho Company will meet at Mr Rowley's at halfpast twelve on Thursday afternoon whero a conveyance will be m waiting to convey them to Temuka. Members must appear m uniform, and any of them who cannot attend are requested to give notice to Mr Ferguson as soon as possible. The following are the names of those picked : — Lieut. 11. H. Ferguson, Sergts. J. Fullarton aad J. Pearson, Corpl. W. Gunn, and Privates T. G-. Rowley, T. Henderson, A. Sinclair, Of. Warrington, R. Mackay and Tennant, witli Corpls. W. Beckiugham and J. Bruce as emergency men. Band Contests.— A New Zealand correspondent addressed a letter to tho editor of Brass Band News, of Liverpool, inquiring whether tho plan adopted during the band contests at tho Wellington Exhibition — of tho competing bands playing after each other at intervals — was generally followed m similar contests m England. To his direct query if tho bands should not perform on the samo day, the editor made reply :—" Such a course of procedure is unknown m England or elsewhere. A judge must form his judgment by comparison, and we can hardly see how, under such circumstances, ho can act upon this rule. Another thing — a judge is never supposed to know what band he is listening to, as ho is located m his tout before tho drawing for the order of playing takes place, and he is not allowed to leave the tent during the contest. At tho conclusion ho simply walks from the teut to the stage, and reads his decision, calling out the numbers of tho winning bands m tho order m which they havo played."