The Timaru Herald. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1886.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 3721, 4 September 1886, Page 2

The Timaru Herald. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1886.

Me Samuel Vaile, the persistent advocate of iwilivay reform on a plan devised by himself, has written a letter commenting ou the report of the Select Committee which dealt with the Bubject during tbe course of last session. Mr Vailu remarks that when considering the report, it is necessary to bear m mind that all Parliamentary committees are more orlessunder the influence of the Government of the day, and that on this particular committee there were six Ministerialists and only four' Opposition members. One of tbe latter was m the chair, and, as the chairman of a Select Committee baß merely a casting vote, tbe voting power was six to three. We cannot admit all Mr Vaile would infer from the composition of tbe committee. No doubt many questions which come before Select Committees are decided on party lines and not on the merits, but there is no reason for supposing that bucli was the case with tbe committee which examined and reported on Mr Vaile's scheme. He says that tbe Government is determined, if poaBible, to maintain tbe existing order of things with regard to railway management, and he apparently would have the public accept that as the reason why tbe report of the committee was not wholly favourable to tbe proposed innovations. We by no means admit that the face of the Government is set against railway reform. On the contrary, we are quite sure tbat Mr Richardson is not satisfied with tbe existing state of things, and would rejoice if he were able to find a remedy. But if the attitude of tlie Government actually were as described by Mr Vaile, tbat would not furnish proof of tbe utility of bis scheme. Tbe report was a very weak-kneed affair, but, m as far as it did not endorse Mr Vaile's views, it was thoroughly justified by that gentleinan'3 failure to made good bis case. Neither Ministerialists nor Opposition could be reasonably expected to vote for the subversion of tbe present Bystpm unless something better had been offered m its place. There is such a thing as jumping out of the frying-paa into tbe tire, nnd a good many people believe that t liat would be tbe fate of the colony if it followed Mr Vaile's advice with regard to railway reform. At one of the sittings of tbe Select Committee tbe Minister for Public Works moved the following motion : — " Tbat as Mr Vaile baa not made any definite proposals iv regard to goods- traflic, which now yieldß two-thirds o£ the whole railway revenue, and tbe conduct of which iv of by far tbe greatest importance to the colony ; and tbat, as regards tbe conveyance of passengers, no conclusive evidence Las been produced to show tbat bis scheme would be successful, tbe committee is of opinion tbat, m tbe present state of the revenue of tbe colony, tbe Government would not be justified m trying the experiment of adopting the proposals of Mr. Vaile; tbat, i{ tbe Government can see tbeir way to make any reductions m the charges now imposed for freigbt, such reductions should be made m favour of tbe productions of tbe colony ; and that tbe Government should appoint some thoroughly-qualified person, either from within or without the colony, to visit tbe several railways, giving tbe fullest notice m each district of bis movements m order to bear any complaints witb regard to management or charges, and report to the Government whether there are any reasonable grounds for the same." Tbat motion was lost ; but, as it emanated from tbe Minister for Public "Works, and therefore must be taken as embodying tbe views of tbe Government, it would have been carried by a large majority if Mr Vaile's idea of Ministerial influence on tbe committee bad been correct. But railway management and railway reform i:re not party questions, and though we think that the Select Committee might bave framed a much better report, and one more decidedly antagonistic to Mr Vaile's pretensions, we feel sure that each member considered tbe case honestly on its merits, and without reference to his relations with tbo Government. Indeed, Mr Vaile allows as much notwithstanding bis remark about the Ministerial majority on tbe committee. He says : — " No exception could be taken to tbe composition of tbe committee, and, from the report presented, it is evident tbat tbe great bulk of them endeavoured to arrive at a just conclusion, quite irrespective of party ties." He thinks that tbe friends of reform have every reason to be satisfied with the decision arrived at, m view of .the fact that both the Government and the department (we presume he means the permanent heads) were hostile to the scheme. Yet what Mr Vaile succeeded m wringing from the committee was a half-hearted recommendation tbat bis plan should be tried on isolated sections of railway if tbe local bodies of tbe districts interested specially rated tbe property-holders to make good any deficiency. When writing on this subject before, we said that Mr Vaile was opposed, to any Buch partial and disjointed trial of his scheme ; and tbat, m fact, he would not regard it as a trial at all. We were fully warranted m making that assertion l«y what Mr Vaile had himself stated m the past, and -we find him now saying at the close of his letter: — "As to the two last clauses of tbe report, it appeal's to me to be absurd as well as unjust, to expect any one district to take upon itself the risk and expense of trying an experiment for the benefit of the whole colony. I deny that there could be any risk of loss of revenue, but there would certainly be expense and trouble. Tbe principle is a bad one, and I hope tbe proposal will not be agreed to." We understand by those words that Mr Vaile objectß not only to the proposal for tbe special rating of the districts m which the trial may be made, but to tbe limitation of the trial. He wishes his scheme to be adopted simultaneously on all. the Government railways or to be let alone altogether. That is strictly m accordance with what he has urged from the first. We need scarcely point out the local bodies have no power to impose special rates for the purpose indicated by ' the Select Committee, and therefore a trial, subject to tbe conditions named m the report, could .not be bad without .fresh legislation having first been obtained. One of our Wellington contemporaries 'states that tbe Government will give effect to the last paragraph of the motion of the Minister for Public Works which was!

rejected by the committee. If that is so, we trust that the gentleman employed to make the investigation and to hear complaints with regard to railway management and charges will not be selected from amongst the residents m the colony. By all means let us have some competent outside authority to sit m judgment on tbe whole case. But it certainly cannot be left to such an authority to say whether the State railways are to be worked on commercial principles, or whether the question of revenue is to be subservient to the question of indirect advantages to be obtained by cheap fares and freights. At present there is a halting between two opinions, and though Sir Julius Yogel has told the country tbat consideration of tbe indirect advantages to the whole community should be an important factor m framing a railway tariff for New Zealand, there appears "to be no substantial agreement on the question, and there certainly is none as to the point to which concessions to those using the railways should be made at tbe expense of tbe general public. It is tbe uncertainty as to the principles on which the majority really desires tbat tbe railways should be worked which has given rise to a great part of the existing dissatisfaction. Tbe Minister for Public Works and tbe permanent heads of the Railway Department would be well pleased to Bee the commercial principle applied m all its strictness, for to them tbe true gauge of success (as it is with an ordinary railway company) is the extent of tbe net returns. In tbe case of tbe company tbe profit is absorbed m dividends ; m the case of the State railways, it benefits the community by relieving it from taxation which would otherwise be required to pay the interest on the borrowed capital invested m the lines. Mr Vaile contends that be could give cheapness and profit combined, but unfortunately hia arguments don't carry conviction with them, at least not to the majority of those who have listened to them. It will be remembered that m his evidence before the committee Mr Vaile did not deal with the question of goods traffic. He now says tbat bis only reason for refusing to go into that branch of the subject was as follows : — " I knew tbe department would have me at a disadvantage ; as they publish no returns on which I could base a calculation, iv which tbe figures would harmonise with those they could produce, and no one can doubt they would gladly have availed themselves of the opportunity of throwing discredit on the whole of my work. I am, however, quite able, and ready whenever it is required, to produce a scheme for the regulation of goods traffic on tbe stage system, which at greatly reduced rates will give a better financial result than tbe present one." The explanation is thoroughly unsatisfactory. Mr Vaile had songbtfor a Parliamentary inquiry; be obtained faiß wish, and then missed O'll by far tbo more important portion of bis scheme, because "tbe department would bave had him at a disadvantage." If the scheme will really hold water, its propounder should bave been prepared to submit it to the closest scrutiny. The handicaps for the Mackenzie County Caledonian Society's Bports appear m an advertisement m another column. During tbe month of August thero were registered at the registrar's office, Timaru, 35 births, 5 mnrriages and 8 deaths. An inaccuracy occurred m our report of the South Canterbury Hunt Club Steeplechases on Thursday. It was Mr Armitage's All Fours that had a walk OTer for tho ConBolution, not The Mount, as stated. The Winchester Monthly Fair was held on Thursday last, there being a fair entry. Fat sheep and beasts sold at good prices, but for stores there was but moderate demand, and prices ruled low. No horses or pigs were offered. An entertainment and ball will bo held m tho schoolroom, Fairlie Creek, on Tuesday evening m aid of the funds of the Fairlio Creek Athletic Club. A most attractive progrumme for the concert has been arranged. The South Canterbury Harrier Club announco this morning their meets m the Albury district. On the 9th they meet at Mr J. E. Goodwin's, Fairlie Creek (the Waimate County Harriers by invitation), and on the 11th at the Opawa Station, Albury. Tho secretary of tho S.C. Board of Education reminds intending candidates at tho forthcoming December examination for teachers' certificates that applications, addressed to the Inspcctor-Goneral of Schools, must be received at the offloe of the Education Department, Wellington, not later than 15th September. The following is a list of letters from places boyond the colony, received at tho Post-office, Timaru, during the month of Juno, 1886, nnd unclaimed on tbo 31st August, 1886 : — W. R. Atkinson, Christian Arrai, Thos. Collins, Charles Cram, B. A. Johnston, Andrew Morrison, A. W. Mitchell, A. 8. McKenzie, Geo. Sly, H. A. Temperton, Wm. Waddington. A meeting of the Vestry of St. Mary's Church, Geraldine, was held on Thursday evening, the following members being present : —Rev. J. Preston (incumbent), MeaaraH.W. Moore, R. H. Pearpoint, Pizzey, Hawk, and W. Willoughby. Tho only business of general interest was the question of preventing the leakago m the church. It was resolved to have tho roof thoroughly overhauled and all necessary repairs done at once. It was also resolved that a promenade tea and concert bo held m the Volunteer Hall early m October, the proceeds to be devoted to the fund for painting tho church. A light rain commenced to fall at Waimate early on the afternoon of the 2nd inßt., and continued during the night. As tho rain camo from tho eastward and was accompanied by the same kind of dense fog prevailing so long m the district last month, it was feared thero would be a relapse into wet weather. But yesterday at 1 p.m. the weather showed eigns of clearing. Major Newall inspected the Waimato Rifles on the 2nd inst. Including officers there were forty-soven members prosent. Captain Studholme, Lieutenants Neilson and Capstick, and Sergeants Bateman, Atwill, and Brooker m turn put the men through various exercises and movements. Major Newnll gave a highly interesting and instructive lecture on ride practice, illustrating his remarks with diagrams on the blackboard. He complimented the men on their appear' ance and the condition of tliflir arms, &o: Although they had much yet to learn, he said that be must allow that great improvements had been made since his last visit to Waimnte. Another general inspection would be held on the 23rd inst., when he hoped there would be [ a full attendance,

The anniversary services m the Wesleyan Church m connection the Sunday School wi : l be held on Sunday, the 12th. On tha following Tuesday a tea meeting will he held, after which the Kov. Mr Joseph Berry, of Christchurch, will deliver a lecture entitled "The Queen's jubilee, or England fifty years ago and now." Judging from tho success which has attended tho anniversaries of this Sunday school m the past, we think we can say that this one will be equally successful. At the Resident Magistrate's Court, Waimate, before Messrs A. Hayes and P.' Slee i J.P.s, the ease Chairman of Waimato School Committeo t. Tomlin was further adjourned to September 10th to enablo the Resident Magistrate to deal with it. Kees v. Potter The defendant was iimimoned by the Sheep Inspector, Mr W. G. Bees, for neglecting to deliver the return required by the Sheep Act 1878 of the number, &c., of defendant's sheep during the month of June last. Defendant j leaded guilty, and said it was quite an oversight on his part. Mr Bees said he was obliged to summon parties for neglect; a great deal of trouble was caused by such neglect. Defendant was fined 1b with costs 7e. There were seven civil cases entered for li earing, three of whi^h word struck out on non-attendance of the parties when called Three were settled by payment into court. Judgment by default was given for tho amount claimed with costs, 20s, m the case Dodd v. Perry, claim £7 Ss Bd. The ordinary monthly meeting of the Winchester School Committee was held on Tuesday, August 31st. Present — Messrs R. Smith (chairman), Ensor, Bishop, Sballard, Gimson, and George Smith. The minutes of the pre vious meeting were read and confirmed. The master's report was read and considered. The visitor, Mr Gimson, stated that a few loads of shingle were required m front of the master's house ; also, that the leak m the roof lately repaired by the board was as bad as ever. Mr Bishop was instructed to get four loads of shinglo. On tho motion of Mr Ensor tho secretary was instructed to write to the board drawing attention to the fact that tho repairs to the school executed by Mr Foden were quite useless, the leak being as bad as over ; also, that some drainage was necessary at the master's house. The master , was instructed to obtain necessary stationary from Mr Gimson. Messrs E. Smith and Ensor were appointed visitors. It was agreed to got up a gift auction m aid of the prize and treat fund. The Half-holiday Movement. — The employee! of Timaru thank tho publio of South Cunterbury for their hearty sympathy m supporting the Thursday half-holiday movement, which under their continued patronage, will prove a lasting benefit. Customers are requested to complete their purchases before one o'clock on Thursdays to ensure punctual closing.— [Advt.] Post Card Proof. Salisbury, Tonn., April 4, 1883.— Gents : I wai afflicted with serious Kidnoy and Urinary trouble for twelve years. After trying all the doctors and patent medicines I could hear of, I used two bottles of Hop Bitters and am perfectly cured. B. P. Booth. Washington, D. C, April 3, 1883.— T0 tho Hop Bitters Co. — Sirs : I write this as a token of the great appreciation I have for your Bitters. I was afflicted with Inflammatory Rheumatism seven years, and no medicine seen.cd to do me any good until I tried three bottles of your Hop Bitters, and to my surprise I am as well to day as ever I was. I hope you may have great suecoss m this great and valuable medicine. Anyone wishing to know more about my euro, can learn by addressing me. — E. M. Williams, 1103 16th street. SYNOP3IS OP NEW ADVERTISEMENTS. Jonas and Bourn — Soil horses, &c, to-day; right to graze Pleasant Point domain, and sheop, cattle, &0., on Monday. W. Collins and Co. — Hold sale of prodnco, furniture, &c, to-day. K. Tarnbull and Son — Will soil produce and sundries to-day. Thomas Chambers, Ashbnrton — Requests all aeoounts owing him to be paid to Buckline and Potta. South Canterbury Board of Education-^ Important notice to intending candidates for tcachors certificates. Mackenzie County. Caledonian Socioty — Publish. handicaps for sports gathering on 16th. Little Dustpan — Invite inspection of their fresh supply of fanoy teapots, &c, George Pearson— Has a choice selection of fruits and sweets, and a large stock of knives, money-boxes, and other articles to ohooso from. Equitable Life Assurance Society of tho United States — Important announcement to policyholders, and othors wishing to insure. S.C. Harriors— MooU m Albury district aro published this morning. Rosa, Sims and Co. — Have a seven-roomed honso with land for salo. James Robert Brown, and Frederick William Burnley — Notice of dissolution of partnorship; acconnts owing by firm to be sent to Perry and Perry. Eutire horse " Tramp Card "—Will travol Geraldine, Temuka, Washdyke, and other districts this season. P. Wareing, Milford— Has kidnoy and Derwont potatoes for salo. Wosleyan Sunday Sohool — Anniversary sorvicesin chnroh on 12th ; tea and concert on 14th. Clydeßdale entire colt " Superior " — Will travel Geraldine, Waitohi, and surrounding districts this season. T. and J. Thomson — Have just oponod out a seleotion of now spring goods. Fairlie Creek — Entertainment and ball m aid of funds of theFairlio Creek Athletic Club, on Tuesday. J. D. Slater — Invites inspection of his now spring and summer goods. E. Smith— la agent m South Canterbury for the Kaitangata coal.