The Timaru Herald. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1886.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 3773, 4 November 1886, Page 2

The Timaru Herald. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1886.

Wk are not prepared to say that a very strong and persistent expression of public opinion has forced on the inquiry into the cause of Captain Cain's death. Indeed we know that such has not been the case. The investigation has never been abandoned, though the public has not been apprised of the step3 taken to ascertain where the poison, which is said to have been found in the body, was purchased. We cannot see that there is auy reason to complain of a reticence which usually attaches to police investigations in their preliminary stages. But it is pretty evident that the coroner's inquest has been forced on the Government by the outcry raised in some of the newspapers. This leads us to make one or two obvious remarks. At Hall's trial the press was censured for having pandered to the curiosity of the public by making, known the result of the analysis of portions of Captain Cain's body, as such publicity at that time might tend to create a prejudice against the prisoner. But it seems to us that the true culprits (if culprits there were) with regard to the analysis were the authorities in Wellington. Hall was about to be tried for attempted murder, and that being so, the exhumation of Captain Cain's body might have been postponed till after the verdict. In that way all possible prejudice against the prisoner would have been obviated. We merely suggest a course which might have been adopted as a precaution in the prisoner's interest ; and it does not appear that, under the peculiar •ircumstanccs, there was pressing

necessity for immediate action. On the contrary, fair play to the prisoner seemed to point to delay. At the same time we would 'remark that, in the caße of Palmer, the Rugeley poisoner, the bodies of his wife and brother were exhumed before his trial for the murder of Cook, but ia both cases inquests were at once held, and verdicts of " wilful murder " returned. The course adopted in Hall's case was that, in the midst of the proceedings against him for the attempt to murder his wife, Captain Cain's body was exhumed and examined, and then a stupid effort made to Iceep the result of the analysis secret. Is it not perfectly clear to the meanest capacity that the withholding of the information was equivalent to an admission that poison had been discovered ? The public would never suspect the Government of the baseness of not 6peakiug out plainly if no poison had been found. But having dotertniuedj'that the exhumation and examination of the body should tuke place at that time, the Government proceeded in an abominably irregular manner. It is true that a formal order for the exhumation was civen, but it seems never to have occurred to the Colonial Secretary or the Minister of Justice that the law provided for an inquest. The body was exhumed and analysed, and then reinterred. Weeks afterwards an inquest is thought of, and then the body has to be again exhumed. To disturb the last resting place of poor humanity is no light matter in the eyes of a good many people, whatever the Premier and his colleagues may think about it. It mnst be done occasionally infurtherance of the ends of justice, and then sentiment, and the private feelings of friends and relatives, must yield to tho public necessity. But those who ai il» >rise an exhumation are b^und in common decency to see that a second disturbance of the grave shall not be necessary to enable them to supply the blundering omission of legal proceedings on the first occasion. There are three lawyers in the Ministry — the Premier, the Colonial Secretary, and the Minister of Justice — and it is nothing short of a public scandal that not one of them pointed out the necessity of holding an inquest when Captain Cain's body wasjexhutned on) Tuesday, 27th September. The deceased gentleman's relatives and friends and the community at large have good reason to complain of the dreadful desecration which the neglect or incapacity of the legal luminaries of the Ministry has rendered necessary. We put it to any man or woman possessing feelings of ordinary acutenesa how he or she would like the grave of a dear friend or relative to be a second time rooted out owing to the gross blundering or neglect of Ministers of the Crown. We need scarcely add that the second exhumation is merely for the purpose of enabling the coroner's jury to " view the body." In the present case it is nothing but a formality, though necessary to legalise the proceedings. Wk cannot learn that any particular notice has been taken of tho case of supposed hydrophobia reported to have occurred last week in the Rangitikei district. The facts, as given in the Advocate, are that a retriever belonging to Mr David Kendrick, of Marton, suddenly developed symptoms of madness. The dog was naturally remarkably quiet and tractable, but one morning was noticed by its ownerjto be restless and continually growling. After a while the dog began to rush about the garden tearing at shrubs, flowers, and everything which camo in ita way. It was foaming at the mouth, and finally made a savage rush at its master. He managed to get out of the way, and after some trouble the infuriated beast was killed. The Wangamd Herald has a short paragraph on the occurrence, and the writer concludes in the following words : — " So far the Australasian colonies have been exempt from the terrible canine disease of rabies, and it would be a very great disaster if the immunity [hitherto enjoyed from so death-spreading a cause were interrupted." Evidently the people in the locality, and the tw9 newspapers we bare named, strongly suspect that the dog was suffering from hydrophobia. Many authorities hold that rabies cannot be produced spontaneously either in man or in the lower animals, but so far as regards the latter that opinion is not universal. We notice that the author of the article " Hydrophobia" in Chamber's Enclyclopoedia says : — " Some medical writers have maintained that hydrophobia may occasionally be spontaneously developed in man, as is undoubtedly the case occasionally in the lower animals (the dog and wolf for example)." The Government of New Zealand has been at some trouble to prevent the introduction of hydrophobia from abroad, and the general impression is that if that door ie safely guarded there is no danger whatever of the appearance of the disease, as it cannot be developed spontaneously. Possibly so ; but is that position 80 well established ns to make inquiry into such a case as that which has just occurred at Marton entirely superfluous ? We think not, and would recommend the Government to put some expert on the track, with instructions to make experiments with a view of discovering whether the virus of rabies exists in the body of the dog.

A special meeting of the Committee of the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association is to bo held on Saturday next, at 2 o'clock. Sergeant Livingstone, of Queenstown, is to nrrivo in Timaru to-morrow, to tako up the duties of Sergeant under Inspector Broham, in the police district of Timaru. Mr Burnett, resident onginoer, Christ, church, was expected in Temuka yesterday, in response to Mr K. F. Gray's application for work for the unemployed. Mr Burnett, however, was unable to como down, but he telegraphed to Mr Gray that tho railway ganger would attend to meet tho men. He accordingly came to Temuka yesterday morning, and 12 or It men vtero immediately sot to work gorso-grubbing on the line. No men but thoso having Mr Gray's certificate will be employed. Before J. S. Bcswick, Esq., R.M., at TeinuVa yesterday, tho following civil business was disposed of :— J. Marshall v. Charles Wright, claim £3 16s lOd, and Job Brown v. Charles Wright, claim £8 Ts. In these cases judgment went by default. H. OldOeld v. M. Quinn and W. Ackroyd. This caso was heard sonio little time ago, His Worship then reserving h-s decision. Judgment wus now given for tho plaintiff for £5, each aide to pay costs. The following is tho return of patients in the Timaru Hospital, for the month of October, 1886 : — Patients under treatment at date of last return — Males, 15 ; females, 8 ; total, 23. Admitted during month — Males, 5 ; females, 3; total, 8. Totals treated— Males, 20; females, 11 ; total, 31. Discharged during month — Cured : Males, 6 | females, 3 ; total, 9. Rolieved — Femalo/1. Incurable — Male, 1 ; female, 1 j total, 2. Totals discharged —Males, 7 ; females, 5 ; total, 12. Bemaining fundor treatment — Males, 13 ; fomales, 6 ; total, 19. Out-patients treated during month— Males, 21 j fenwlw, 20} total, 41,

A grand concort and bull will bo held in the Wai-iti Bchoolroora to-morrow evening under the conductorsliip of Mr Sidney Wolf, R.A.fcL Wo have recoived a copy of Dr G. W. Colo'b book entitled "Contributions to PnVic Henltb." A more extended notico will appear in a future issue. The ordinary monthly mceling of the South Canterbury Board of Education is to be held at tho Secretary's oflice, Government buildings at a quarter past eleven this morning. No fewer than eighty licenses have born ißsued to anglers by the Geraldine County Acclimatisation Society, for tho present seaton. Seven licenses issued by other societies have been endorsed for tho Society's waters. The annual meeting of subscribers of the Timaru Mechanics' Institute, will bo held in tho Institute on tho 12th inst., when the annual report nnd balance sheet will bo submitted and office-bearers elected for the onsuing year. As tending to thow tbo value of land in the Geraldino district, Mr W. 8. Maslin yesterday brought under the hammer 50 acres of land, opposite Mr Kelman'3 residence, on the Gcraldino Main road, ithich was ultimately disposed of at the rato of £13 6a per aero. We have to acknowledge the" receipt of a, little book entitled "Notes on Minor Tactics for Cavalry." Tho author is Major Henry Slater of tho New Zealand volunteer force, and his boot is likely to prove of great service to those for whoso information it was written. The largest trout of the season was brought to land by Mr Mitchell from the Opihi above the Arowhenua, on Tnosday r.ight. Tho fish scaled 121bs, and was in good condition. This is Mr Mitchell's first appearance in the character of an angler, and ho is to bo cougratulated upon having made eo successful a debut. Tbe following is a list of letters from places beyond tho colony, received at tho Post Office, Timaru, during the month of August, 1886, nnd unclaimed on tho 31ft October, 188G :— Mis3 Bowkett, caro of W. Bowkett, coachbuilderj James Bennett, James Collins, H. Coup, Denis Histcn, Miss Mary Jane Lowry, George Paico, Alex. Shaw, H, A. Temperton. A copy of the petition and of the plin and diacription of tho Bangitata and Orari Water Supply District, with the Bpecial order passed at a special meeting of the Geraldine County Council on the 20th September lust, is now lying in tho Temuia Road Board oflice for inspection. Tho petition bears the signature of 47 ratepayers and landowners. On Monday evening last, a meeting of the committee of the Presbyterian Church, Geraldine, was hold, tho Bev. G. Barclay presiding. A long discussion ensued in regard to tho erecting of a now church in the township. It was ultimately decided to set tc work at once and expedite tho erection of the church. Tho plans are already in possession of the committee, and tenders will shortly be called. A meeting of tho Directors of tho Temukc Linseed, Oil, Cako and Fibre Company (Limited), was held oil Tuesday afternoon Messrs J. W. Miles, (in the chair) Pilbrow Lyon and Brown were present, also Mi Monahan, the manager. It was resolved t( send a number of exhibits to the show a Christchurch next week. Tho manager re ported that tho factory was etill turning ou binding twine at tho rate of 2-1 cwt per week and the secretary said that inquiries as to tin price &c, were being received in largo numbers No business of importance camo beforo thi board. A special meeting of tho committee of tin Wniranto District School, was held ou Mondo; last. Mr Manchester (chairman) and Meeer, A. Watt, Saundcrs, and D. Watts wen present ; also, by invitation, Mr Grant, Heac Master, and Mr Banncrman and Misses Bruce Finer, Dash and Hunt, teachers. The meet ing was called to consider the best means o raising funds for school prizes before Christ mas. So many concerts had been held theri lately, and others proposed to bo held befon Christmas that it was considered probabl that an effort in that direction would provi unsuccessful. After some discussion it wa; resolved to canvas for subscriptions, member, of committee and teachers to assist andrepor to a special meeting on tho 15th instant This being tho only business, the meeting thei closed. Tho usual weekly meeting of tho Welcomi Betrcat Lodge, No. 41, 1.0.G.T., Geraldine was held on Monday evening last. In thi absence of the W.0.T., Bro. T. Sherralt, L D., presided. Owing to a meeting of thi Volunteers taking place tho same evening thi attendance was not large. After somi accounts were passed for payment, th( reports of tho retiring officers were read which were considered highly satisfactory Just as the Lodge was being closed the lnenv bers who had been absent duriDg the meeting made their appearance and it was decided tc proceed with tho installation of officers foi tho ensuing term, which was impressively performed by Bro. T. Sherratt, Lodge Deputy, assisted by Bro. J. Brown as D.G.W.M. It was decided that the next meeting bo held on Wednesday evening 10th instant. Tho meeting was then closed. A meeting of the committee of tho Timaru Floral and Horticultural Society was held last evening. Present — Mr Langdon (chairman), and Messrs Harris, Hedges, Morgan, J. and James Mair, Knowles, Smith, Lowe and E. H. Lough (hon. eec). After confirming tho minutes, arrangements were made for canvassing tho town for subscriptions. The sccretaryjwas empowered on the motion of Mr Smith, to obtain 500 exhibition and 500 entranco cards. Mr James Mair then moved, Mr Knowles seconded, and it was carried — "That the seorctary writo to Messrs Wheelband (Temuka), Stewnrt (Ashburton), Maloney (Bluo Cliffs), Heywood (Oamaru), Ellis (Orari), and Smith and C. Green (Timaru) asking them to consent to act as judges at the forthcoming show." After the secretary had been requested to notify Messrs n. Whitakcr and G. Sealy that their attendance is desired at noxt committee meeting, accounts amounting to £6 5s were passed for payment, and tho meeting tcj-mir.atcd. At tho Hesident Magistrate's Court yesterday afternoon, before. E. G. Kerr, Esq., J.P., and Major Bamfield, J.P., Thomas Stevonson was brought up charged with vngiv.nc}-. Inspector Broham appeared to prosocnte, and prisoner, who was not represented by counsel, pleaded not guilty to tho charge Detective Kirby in evidence said that accused had arrived from Christchurch about six weeks ago, and had commenced to beg the first day he had arrived here. To accused witness said that he had seen him (Stoveneou) loafing about the town, and not doing any kind of work to witness' knowledge MessrsOrrand Ogilvie proved to accused going about begging, the former stating that on one occasion he had given Stevenson a shilling as his " wife was starving and wanted bread.' Accused, in reply to the Bench, made a long rambling statement, saying that he had been working at the Union Bank, the Woollen Factory, and for Mr Targuse. The Bench were satisfied that prisoner had been guilty of soliciting alms. They reminded him that there was a previous conviction against him at Christchurch for using obscene language, and that by tho present) oharge he had rendered himself liable to a term of threo months' imprisonment. Under tho circamttances, however, they would Bend accuted to gaol for fourteen days. Tho court then 10J8,

Wo learn that Col. the Hon. Sir George Whitinoro will probably inspect the Volunteers of this district about tho middle of the present month. That eels of monstrous size exist in the creeks and rivera round Temukn, has long been affirmed, and the statement lias been received with more or less credence. Some years ngo, the records tells us, a fortj pounder was captured and slain, nntl on Saturday lust another huge one was epeared. This lust measurer] five feet in length, aerentecn inches in circumference and turned the beam nt twenty-eight pounds. He was speared in Ilin Ten-.uka river at tho back of Mr Koonev's. Legendary lore, if tho term can be npplied to tho etones of bo young a plnco as TemvikD, hns it that a atilL moro monstrous eol dwells in tho creek near tho eomctcry. The Maoris have tried in vain to spear or otherwise kill him. On ono occasion ho was hooked, and as the line was strong, ho towed a whole raft full of Maoris across the creek until the hook gave way. At another time, he snatched a duik out of the hands of a woman who was washing it in tho water. Credible witnesses assert that thoy have seen tho eel more than once, but ao far, nobody has managed to hurt him. He and his abiding place are now tapii to tho nativea, who havo come to regird his eelsliip as something more than mortil. It having been decided by tho anglers of Temuka to bold an angling on tho 9th of this month, Mes3H W. Or. Aspinall, G. J. Mason, and NT. O. Nicholas, were appointed a committee to discuss tho best means of carrying out such a competition. The committee met on Monday, and it was resolved that the competition bo open to all members of the society, paying an ontranco fee of ono shilling, over all the waters in the Geraldine County Acclimatisation Soeiety's District. Prizes will bo offered as follows :— Ist, for tbo heaviest basket of tront caught on the artificial fly ; 2nd, for tho beat average basket caught on tho artifical flj ; 3rd, for the heaviest fish caught with n fly or minnow. The &nt prize will bo a reel and line ; the second, a fishing basket; tho third, a fly hook. Additional prizes presented by friends follow tbo awards, Tho conditions of tho competition will bo as under : —(1) No ono to take more than ono prize ; (2) Notice of intention to take part in the competition must be sent to tho secretary, Mr J. Or. Mason, Temuka, not later that Monday, the Bth, with an entrance fee of one shilling ; (3) Tho hours will bo for fly fishing from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and for minnow from 6 a.m. to 12 midnight; (4) All illegal baits Btrictly prohibited. Baßkets to be weighed at Coira's Hotel, Temuka, if possible. If weighed al the Btream the voucher must be signed bj two ■witnesses, and tho scale produced, lhc question of a fish dinner was then taken up and it was resolved that Buch dinner bo held at Coira's Hotel on Wednesday, the lOth. tho members of the society to provido the fish. Tho dinner will be given to the public j tickets, price four shillings, can bo obtained from the Becretary. A second dinner will be hold during the season at the Wo'seley Hotel, Winchester.