The Timaru Herald. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1886.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 3559, 24 February 1886, Page 2

The Timaru Herald. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1886.

On the 28th of last December the two French Chambers met m Congress at Versailles to choose the President of the French Republic for the ensuing seven years. One naturally pictures a solemn and impressive spectacle taking place when the representatives of a great country like France assembles to declare on whom was to fall the highest honor m the disposal of the citizens. What actually occurred was anything but dignified or impressive. One paper says thai the occasion was disgraced by scenes which would have been considered immoderate at Donnybrook Fair. Indeed it goes so far as to declare that " the only logical deduction- iB that the French are utterly unfit for self-govern-ment, nnd indeed for the enjoyment of full political liberty." These are strong words, but after reading the reports of the proceedings which tookplace one cannot say they are altogether undeserved. There wrb, of course, fierce and incessant shouting and interruption such as too frequently mars the decorum of legislative proceedings m France. On this occasion, however, the noise was so great that the meeting is said to have resembled " Bedlam broken loose." In the midst of the tumult two honorable gentlemen Rot up from their seats and rushed wildly to butt each other with heads down and fists up. Fortunately they were seized by officers of the House, and their course was diverted before any harm was done. The cause of all the tumult is said to have been an j attempt on the part of the Monarchical section to read a protest intended to discredit the present form of Government. The ballot was taken amid a scene of indescribable turmoil, and eventually M. Grevy was re-elected by tor uui </*« 9ft- recorded votes, while about 230 members of the Reactionary parties abstained from voting, The result, we need hardly say, is a great compliment to M. Gr&vy, who is nearly 80 years of nge, and, as The Times point out, " has alone among French rulers for more, than half a century served out his normal term of office." This is a compliment to the President, but what a bitter satire it affords on the unstable character of political institutions m the country over whose destinies he is called upon to preside ! Not less strange and significant, however, are some of the incidents m his own career. In 1848 he tried to abolish the Presidency of the Republic, and m 1875 he refused to vote for the Constitution on' the ground that the Assembly which voted it had no constituent powers. Yet he has now been twice elected to the office which he wished to abolish, under the Constitution which he declared to be invalid. M. Grevy's chief qualifications for his office seem to have been his rigid impartiality and absolute incorruptibility by the most insidious attempts at bribery. The principal charge brought against him by his opponents is that he " effaces himself too much." The real fact is that M. Gre vy is not always seeking to magnify himself and his office, or to indulge m that showy kind of display to which public men m France are particularly prone. He has ratber'adopted the English constitutional idea of his position. He has not constantly thrust himself forward as the real motive power of the State or run the risk, by needless interference, of deranging the machinery. He has been content to oil the wheels and bearings so as to make them go as smoothly as possible, and herein he has shown himself the truest friend not only of France but of representative government. At his advanced age it is more than probable that he may not live out his new term of office, and people are anxiously asking where a suitable successor is to be found. So far there does not seem to be one man m France who could adequately discharge the extremely delicate duties of the position. Will " the man " arrive with " the hour," or shall we see France cast once more into the throes of a great social and political convulsion, the final result whereof no man can positively foretell ? ♦ Just when we were all congratulating ourselves on the complete success of the Thursday half-holiday movement a fresh difficulty has arisen m a most unexpected quarter. A firm who originally signed the petition have not only written to the Council withdrawing their names, but have actually threatened to keep their shop open m future on Thursdays until 6 p.m. Not the slightest reason is given for this extraordinary change of front, and we cannot help hoping that the firm m question, upon further consideration, will see the impolicy of taking so unpopular a step. Unless all the employers are agreed, it is hardly necessary to say it will bo practically impossible to maintain the weekly holiday which has already been found so beneficial to scores, and indeed hundreds, of people m Timaru who previously were confined m close shops all the week round, without any opportunity of tak*

ing an outing into the country, or playing a game of cricket, or indulging m any form of healthful and indeed necessary recreation. The holiday has now become an established institution, and is extremely popular with the public at large on whom it inflicts no real inconvenience, and who are glad to see the young people engaged m the business establishments of the town able to get out and enjoy themselves on one afternoon m the week. How great a boon it is to the employes themselves is shown by the zest with which they have gone m for making the most of it, and the numbers who have patronised the excursions, &c, on that day. The firm who now threaten to do their part towards putting an end to this happy state of things are of desei'vedly high standing m the town, and we hope they will not bring upon themselves the invidious distinction of having been the first to break up the Thursday halfholiday movement, which was bidding fair to achieve a greater success here than m any other town m New Zealand.

The Haip-hoxibas Movement. — The eraployoes of Timaru thank the public of South Canterbury for their hearty sympathy m supporting the Thursday half-holiday movement, -which under their continued patronage, ■will prove a laßting benefit. Customers are requested to complete their purchases before one o'clock on Thursdays, to ensure punctual closing. — [Advt.] Chowded Out. — Owing to pressure of advertisements, wo are obliged to hold over Sir Julius Vogel's speech at Auckland, correspondence, and other matter. DurNKBNNESS. — Two individuals, male and female, were arrested for this offence yesterday. They will come before tho Bench this morning. Makikihi. — An inquest -was held at Mr W. Nicholl's Makikihi, yesterday, before J. Bcswick, Esq., Coroner, touching the death of a child aged about eight weekß, who died suddenly on the 22nd inst. Harbor Boars. — Tho annual general meeting of the Timaru Harbor Board was held yesterday. An abstract of the accounts for the past financial year appears m our advertising columns this morning. A report of the meeting will bo found olsewhere. Habbob Boabd's Ksgihebb.— Mr F. W. Marchant, of the firm of Meeara Meason and Merchant, the well-known civil engineers, was appointed Resident Engineer to the Harbor Board yesterday. Thcro were thirteen applicants for the poet. Kotaii FiofßiHO Mills. — The second annual meeting of the Royal Flouring Mills Company will bo held at tho Timaru Assembly Booms on Saturday, tho 6th prox., at 11 a.m. Particulars as to tho business, &c, will bo found m our advertising columns. Fibb. — An unoccupied dwelling-house, belonging to Mr Charles Clarke, Waimate, situate near his entrance gate, was burned down yesterday morning. It is not known how the fire originated. It is reported the house was uninsured. SPECIAL Tkaii*. — A special night train from Christchurch en route for Dunedin, passed through Timaru about one o'clock this morning. It had on board 140 passengers, most of whom are going to the Dunedin races, which commence to-day. Very few Timaru passengers left by it. Alleged Ntjisa>xk at Hilton. — A correspondent signing himself " Nollih " writes to us complaining of a nuisance caused by an accumulation of stagnant water near the Hilton Hotel. He states that the matter has been laid bofore tho Road Board, but no action has been taken by them. The Chairmanship. — Mr James Hutchison Sutter was appointed Chairman of the Harbor Board at tho annual meeting yesterday. Members expressed regret at Mr Moody declining to bo ro-e!ected Chairman, and paid him a very high compliment for services rendered during his long term of ofßeo. Magistrate's Cotjbt, Waijiatk. — At f.hia Court yesterday, before F. Sloo, Esq., J.P., a first oftender pleaded guilty to the charges of being drunk and disorderly uml using bad language m Queen street on tho previous day. Forboing drunk ho was fined ss, and for bad language was sentenced to 48 hours* imprisonment. Abrest. — Benjamin Goodman, who has several times lately been charged with wife desortion, and remanded, failed to make his appearanco at the Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday morning, to answer the charge, and a warrant was thereforo issued for his arrest. Last night Detective Kirby succeeded m arresting Goodman at St. Andrews, and he will be brought before tho Bench this morning. The Thubsdax Half-Holidat. — We are glad to see that this holiday has taken good root m Timaru. All that is required now is that firms, other than drapers, grocers, and so forth should join the Early Closing 'Association. For instance, auctioneers, commission agents, general merchants, and others, keep their places open when there is little to be done as country folk come m and transact their shipping and other business principally on Saturdays and avoid Thursdays*. Thb Babque Hudson.— Tho Harbor Board resolved yesterday to invite the agent of the barque Hudson to interview them next meeting and discuss the Board's claim re the barque. Tho reading of the following telegram m connection with tho Hudson raised a smile: — "Dovonport, February 1st — Please note that Shaw-Saville have authorised me to settle average claim per Hudson, and that Ingles is guilty of unwarrantable presumption." Tho Board took no action on the telegram. The Missing Exhibits. — "Wo take the following from tho JlawUes Bay Herald of February 10th : — " The people of Timaru appear to havo had reason for their growl at tho noii-return of articles sent to tho Wellington Exhibition. Napier exhibitors are also dissatisfied, as some articles sent down from here, and that gained prizes, havo not yet been returned to their owners. Artemus Ward would have said that this result was duo to a monarohial form of government, but tho Napier exhibitors who want their goods are of a different opinion, and blame official stupidity and recklessness." I.O.G.T.— The usual weekly meeting of the Geraldine Welcome Retreat Lodge, No. 44, was held on Monday lost. Bro. -W. Willoughby, W.C.T., presided. The Lodge was opened m the usual manner by the W.O.T. One candidate was proposed and elected. Correspondence was read and dealt with. Several matters had to stand over m order that the Degree meeting could bo held at the appointed time. Bro. T. Sherratt, Degree Templar, opened the Lodgo and presided, whilst certain Brethren received degrees. The Lodgo was then closed m duo form. Volunteer Field Day. — Ab most of our readers are no doubt aware it has been arranged to hold a field day of tho volunteors m tho South Canterbury district, at Timaru tomorrow afternoon. The following corps will attend, viz s Timaru Navals, C Battery, N.Z.A., with their howitzer, Timaru Rifles, Temuka Rifles, Ashburton Rifles, Geraldine Rifles, Waimate Rifles and Ashburton Guards, besides tho Garrison Band. The whole will assemble m drill order m Strathallan street, opposite Messrs James A. Gracie and Co.'s at 2 p.m. In order to enable the country corps to return home, the evening trains North and South, will be delayed 55 and 45 minutes respectively, and tho North train will run as far as Ashburton. We understand that the afternoon will principally be devoted to practising the formation for attack — a most necessary thing, and one which our Volunteers have as yet had littlo opportunity for practising to much advantage, requiring as it does daylight and a comparatively large number of men. We therefore trust to see a really full mußter. The Thursday half-holiday will of course liberato a large number of men, but there are many whom tho half-holiday does not affect, and we trust that their employers will see their way to giving them liberty, if for no other reason than to encourage the Volunteor movement. : : Woodbtot School. .Committee. — A Bpeoial meeting of this Committee was FJbeld m the Bohoobobm on Monday, February jJZqd, Prosont — Messrs Dean (Chairman),

Flatman, Hammond, and MoKenzio. Correspondence was read from the Board of Education re election of members to fill the ordinary vacancy on the Board. Besolved — " That the Committee be unanimous injvoting for the following gentlemen : — The Eev. Goorge Barclay, Mesßrs Q-. W. Goldsmith and John Jaokson." And for the extraordinary vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr G. Grey Russell, the Committee were unanimous m voting for the Rev. Jasper Smythe. From the Board of Education, intimating that the sum of £7 9s 4d had been placed m the Bank of New Zealand to the credit of the Committee as incidentals for the quarter ending 31st March, 1886. From the Head Master, making application for two desks and one black Board for use of school, also for cords for mistress' room windows, also for some better mode of opening the windows of the school than the present one. Resolved — " That the Chairman write to the Board for the articles required." From Mr Joseph Beilly and others petitioning the Committee for the use of the schoolroom for two hours. After some discussion the Committee decided to offer the use of the room for the sum of five shillings, on condition that there be no disarrangement of the school furniture, and that the room be left cleap. After tho usual vote of thanks to the Chairman the meeting terminated. A " Nicht ■wi* Buens." — In tho Assembly Roomß last evening was held one of those pleasant reunions which serve to recall fond memories of Scotland's greatest bard, and to ingratiate m the hearts of all true Scotchmen a deeper reverence for him and for his poems, which have made his name a household word. Wo refer to the "Nicht wi' Burns," which came off last night. Thero was not such a large audience as was expected, no doubt owing to the state of the ■weather, which during the afternoon promised anything but a fine evening. In spite, however, of the comparatively small attendance the evening's entertainment passed off with ereat success and was thoroughly enjoyed by all, as was evidenced by the repeated rounds of applause. The programme was entirely composed of songs, recitations, &c, from Burns' chief poems. Mr Davidson, m tho first part of tho programme, gave an excellent sketch of the f oet's life and works, and m the after part recited selections from "The Cotter's Saturday Night,' r and " Tarn o' Shanter." Mr ■ Davidson proved himself to have a thorough knowledge of the poet's life and works and to be able to keep the attention of theaudienco engaged. Mr Davidson was very loudly- applauded. Miss Innes came m for no small share of the applause for her excellent rendering of the songs, "There was a lad was born m Kyle" and " Flow gently, sweet Afton," and had to submit to most unanimous encores. This lady has alwaysbeena great favorite with the musicloving portion of ourcommunity.andlast night tho audience testified to their high appreciation of hor singing. She was also well applauded, with Mr David jon, for tho duet "Ye Banks and Braes." Mr McNab's songa " Scots who hae wi' Wallace bled," and " O' a' tho airts tho win' can blaw," were also well received, and to the flrst-nained he had to respond to an encore. The singing of" Auld Lang Syne " brought a most enjoyable evening to a close. Waijiatb Borough Codncili. — The regular meeting of this Council was held on tho 22nd inst. Present — His Worship the Mayor, and Councillors Collett, Evans, Jones, Watts, Cameron, Dugdale, and Sinclair. Letters were read from the Waimate High School Board, notifying the retirement of the Rev. J. McKce, on the 31st of March next, and requiring tho Council to elect a representative to fill the vacancy, the retiring momber being eligible for re-election. From Mr Clisaold, of Otaio,. asking to bo informed as to the particulars of sections m the Borough for which Mr Clisaold is rated. From tho Waimate Fire Brigade, asking the Council to consider tho question of a better water supply, for tho prevention and extinguishment of fires within the Borough. It was resolved—" That a special meeting be called for the 2nd of March next to take into consideration the water Bupply of the Borough." " That the Town Clerk warn the Canterbury Firo Insurance Association of the dangerous state of Smith's late boardinghouse, it being frequented by swaggers at night, and is dangerous to ndjoining property m case of fire, and if insured the Association should see that it !b put m proper repair." It was proposed and seconded — " That the Rev. J. McKeo be re-elected to represent the Council on tho Waimnte High School Board " ; as an amendment it was moved— "That His Worship the Mayor bo elected." There being an equal number of votes for the motion and amendment, the Chairman's casting vote was given for tho Mayor. There wero eight tenders received for contract of gravelling footpaths, those of W. Ronnard and Jas. Frost being equal, and each lower than any of the other tenders, the selection was decided by ballot, the tender of Mr Frost, £13 6s, being accepted. Accounts amounting to £68 10s were passed for payment, and the Council adjourned. Paxatabie Medicines.— Among tho most notable of these is Pcott's Emulsion of Pure Cod Liver Oil with Hypophosphites. Children and persons with most delicate stomachs take it without repugnance. It contains the combined virtues of theso two popular remedies m their fullest form, and for consumption, scrofula, and wasting diseases of children, it has strengthening and curativo properties which are unequalled by any other preparation. — [Advt.] 3 Dbunkrn Stuff. — How many women and children are slowly and Buroly dying, or rather being killed, by excessive doctoring, or the daily uso of some drug or drunken stuff called medicine, that no one knows what it is made of, who can easily be cured and saved by American Co.'s Hop Bitters, which is bo pure, simple, and harmless that the most frail women, weakost invalid, or smallest child, can trust to it ! See [Adtt.J Facts. — Close confinement and careful attention to all factory work gives the operatives pallid faces, poor appetites, languid, miserable feelings, poor blood, inactivo liver, kidneys, etc., and all the physicians and medicine m the world cannot help them unless they get out of doors or use American Co.'s Hop Bitters. None need suffer if they will use it freely. See [Advt.] Wells' "Rough on Cobns " — Ask for Wells' "Rough on Corns." Qniok relief, complete permanent cure. Corns, warts, bunions. Moaoa, Moss and Co., Sydney, general agents. — lAdvt 1 (1) SYNOPSIS OF NEW ADVERTISEMENTS. James A. Gracio and Co. — Have Otipua rams for sale. Jonas and Bourn— Sell sheen and cattle to-morrow : freehold property oa Saturday. R. Turntmll and Son— Sell household furniture on Friday. District Land Registrar-Land Transfer Act Notice. N.Z. Railways— Publish fares m connection with tho volunteer review to be held to-morrow Tcmukaßoad Board— lnvite tenders for rcroirii)" Tcmuka bridge. " J. Shepherd— Still continues to sell from his large stock at tho lowest price for cash. " S.T."— -Wants to purchase pastoral land. rclham. s.S.— Will steam for Northern and West Coast ports on Saturday. Mrs A. JI. Byrne— Wants a girl. Royal FlouriDg and Oatmeal Mills Coninanv, Limited— Hold second aunual meeting on 6th March." . Moody and Zlesler— Special business notice. Edjpard Redmond— Has lost a horso : requests finder to return same to him. Temuka and Raukapuka Licensing Districts— Result of polls for election of Committees. Timaru Harbor Board— Publish statement of accounts for year ended 31st December, 1885.