THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M Resurrexi. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1875.
The Daily Southern Cross in its issue of Saturday last refers to the fact that the worldly goods of the Rev. Father Paul had in part been seized to satisfy the requirements of the education tax which the reverend father had refused to pay; The goods, according Jto the Cross, were sold on Friday, and "Father Paul was made another victim to this iniquitous tax." Now we altogether demur to the conclusion that the Cross has come to as to the mnrtyrdom or victimizing (or whatever other term is used by his supporters) of Father Paul of Onehunga. Anything more illogical than this deduction on the part of the Southern Cross we can hardly conceive. Granted that the data on which they start is true, the conclusion at which they arrive is most untrue. The case stands thus—A tax is made by properly constituted authorities —arbitrary and unfair in the opinion of many, ourselves included, but still a tax properly levied by those who had the power to make it, and therefore a legal tax. So here we have our first premise—a legal fax.i "Wei!this legal tax Father Paul disapproves of and therefore refuses to pay. That is, Father Paul arrogates to himself the right of declaring what taxes ought to be paid and what ought not to be paid, and acts accordingly ; and in this Father Paul —not being legally constituted a judge of right and wrong in these matters—is acting illegally; and so we come to our second premise, viz, illegal action on the part of Father Paul. Hence we have two premises given for the Cross to form its syllogism, which it does in the most illogical manner possible. Thus Father Paul is told to pay a legal tax; Father Paul illegally (i.e., in defiance of the law) refuses to pay this legal tax : therefore Father Paul'is a victim ! Shades of Aldrich can these things be ? Would it not be much more correct to treat the matter in its very obvious light, and come to the conclusion that Father Paul's refusal to pay his legal dues results in his having to bear the natural consequences of his illegal action? We have before touched on this subject of men taking upon themselves to decide what they shall pay and what thej shall not pay, and see no cause to change or modify the opinions we then expressed. If it be any salve to Father Paul's conscience to be able to say that he would not pay the Education tax until he -was ruthlessly forced to do so, by all means let him have the power to apply that salve, even though he be obliged to sacrifice his arm-chairs and tables to do* so. The flock to whom the reverend father thus sets himself up as an example of how the apostolical maxims concerning obedience to lawful authorities should be properly carried out, will doubtless take care that he has not to eat his daily sustenance standing, from lack of forms on which to rest his limbs, or go to sleep in his clothes by reason of the seizure of sheets and blankets. But in the name of everything approaching to common sense let us banish those notions from^ our minds that the man is a martyr or a victim, or any other name which implies pei'secution for righteousness' sake, simply because he declines to pay that which he legally owes, and Mr Lusk puts the bailiffs in his house to enforce the demands of the law. Father Paul argues —and we have no doubt but that he thinks himself right in this arguing— I don't approve of the tax, I think it a bad one, an unfair one, an unjust, &c. ; besides when paid it makes no provision for Christian teaching, and therefore I being a Christian Priest wont-pay it, and in this I can say with truth, I think I am acting right. Just consider to what lengths this principle of Father Paul's would go if carried out by others who object to other taxes as much as Father Paul does to this Education tax ; why, where would it all end ? Suppose a person of sedentary habits who cared not much to take his walks abroad, chanced to have a good road immediately in front of his own house and approaches thereto, and chose therewith to be content, because they sufficed for his wants ; and therefore a rate being legally made for the maintenance of highways, should illegally take upon, himself to resist that rate either because he did uot approv.e of it, or he considered ( it unnecessary, or deemed it misapplied; or for any other reason on whichhethoughtfittotakehis stand. If the strong arm of the law were used to enforce the rate and the malcontent rendered sofaless like Father Paul, or bookless like Mr Wallis, would any one consider him a martyr to the cause of liberty, or a-
victim" to the fury of ruthless Highway Boards or Borough Councils, or any other misapplied term, with which these selflegislators are dignified ? We trow not. And yet he has as much right to be so honoured as those have who persist in incurring expenses either for themselves or supporters by refusing to comply with the requirements of the education rate. As long as. a law is made it must be obeyed, and when not obeyed it must be enforced; and if the manner in which it be enforced be rather unpleasant to those on whom the experiment is made they have but themselves to blame. We do not suppose that the apostles—except, perhaps, St. Matthew—saw much fun in any poll tax levied on them, but they obeyed, and found more than human justification, in so doing. And whaiprier conscientious scruple
any of the numerous opponents of the tax may have, they ought to remember as far as their feelings are concerned that they have the highest pdssiblo authority to justify them in obeying, and as far as their bodily comforts arc concerned the law oncemade will be obeyed, and those who oppose it will find that what must be [must —if the Jaw can't get crumb, it will i have crust.
Thebe were two Courts to be held today In Shortland and both at the same hour—half-past ten'o'clock. These were the Resident Magistrate's Court for police business and the adjourned meeting of the Licensing Court. At ten minutes to eleven the Resident Magistrate took his seat on the bench and disposed of two cases —one of larceny and a charge against a neglected child. The Licensing Commissioners did not put in an appearance. It was understood that they were discussing the business for which they had met in the magistrate's room, and ultimately that they had adjourned the Court but till when did not transpire. A solicitor who appeared for the applicant and some others interested were left to learn these things in a promiscuous sort of way from stray policemen. The question suggests itself can Licensing Commissioners adjourn business from one time to another without first going through the form of meeting. The absence of the worthy chairman seems to have left the Thames commissioners in a fog.
A meeting of the Waiotahi District School Committee was held at the office of the secretary, Mr R. Skeen, last night. Present—W. Eowe (Chairman), W. Sims. A. Porter and A. Brodie. A letter was received trom the Central Boai'd of Education approving of the appointment of Misses Margaret Muir and Martha Pyne as pupil teachers for the Creek and Shellback Schools. Also a letter authorising the Committee to advertise for an assistant teacher for the Thames School, and instructing the Committee to close the Punga Flat School. With regard to the latter the secretary was instructed to write to the Central Board suggesting that the school be kept open. Some routine business was transacted.
Ir wUI be seen .on reference to our advertising columns that Spelling Bees are to be tried at the Thames on Tuesday next. The Rev. V. Lush has taken the initiative in the matter, and the admission money will be for the benefit of St. George's Sunday School. As these Bees have not yet been hived at the Thames, we take the opportunity to state how this one of Tuesday next will be conducted. The rules, which wil* be found very similar'to those used at Auckland, will be that a pronouncer of words will be selected and one or more judges also; these will select a dictionary to refer to in the case of disputed words, and then any of those present will be invited to come upon the platform to compete for tlie prizes. The pronouncer will then giro a word to each in order from a list of words previously selected; each candidate will retire on failure to spell the word given until the number is reduced to two, each of ■whom will be presented with a prize. At least two competitions will be given, one for those over 16 years of age and one for those below ; both will be conducted on similar principles. In addition to this, prizes are offered for the best pieces of English verse, the length of the pieces must not exceed 25 lines, and the pieces, which are to be distinguished by a motto, must be sent to° the parsonage not later than Monday next. No names will be read oit of those who send in composition, so that no one need be ashamed of trying his or her hand at making rhymes. We hope many will try, and not be hindered through fear of failure. There will also be recitations, songs, &c.
A somewhat severe sentence was passed upon a man at the Resident Magistrate's Court this. morning for stealing a piece of firewood of the value of 6d. The man admitted taking the wood, but said he only borrowed it. The [Resident Magistrate, while informing tho culprit that the essence of the offence consisted of the intention, sentenced him to 14 days' imprisonment. Now the man disclaimed any felonious intent, and being a neighbor of the" prosecutrix's hisdisclaimer might have availed with some, because it is well known that neighbours do borrow even pieces of firewood, although borrowers do not usually choose a time when the person from whom they borrow is absent. Then the prosecutrix was a widow —she had frequently missed firewood before, and she did not suspect anyone but the accused of having: taken it; so in spite of his calling a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons to speak as to his character, the accused was sentenced to 14 days' imprisonment, which does seem rather a severe sentence for " borrowing " sixpence worth of firewood. There was nothing against the man's previous character.
We have received from the Government Printer No 14 New Zealand Parliamentary Debates, published September 14. This publication has reached the 280 th page for the present session.
0 A petition to the House of Representatives has been prepared on behalf of the Volunteers asking the Government to set apart a block of land inside which volunteers holding land scrip ran exercise the same, or failing that to give a money compensation for such scrip, as owing to the fact that no land has been set apart holders of scrip have been unable to exercise their right to choose land within the time presented by law.
A Pkoviitciai, Govebnment Gazette was published on Saturday last. The appo ntment of Henry Stilwell to be a member of the Parawai Highway Board, vice Thomas Spencer resigned, is notified. A certified copy of the Parawai District assessment list has been forwarded to the Superintendent's Office. A list of licenses issued in the Province under tlie Licensing Acts is published, as follows :— Packet Licenses to the steamers Takapuna, Enterprise No. 2, Lalla Eookh, Kffort, lona,.Rowena, Hauraki, Manaia, Star of the South, Pretty Jane, Go-Ahead, Southern Cross, Waikato, Kangariri, Bluenose, Pearl. Wholesale Licenses in Town, 16; ditto, country, 37; Tublicans' Licenses to keep open till 12 at night, 88; Publicans' Licenses to keep open till 10 p.m., 180; Bush Licenses, 43.- '" . ■ •■ .
The Evening Post says :—"We have often heard of men's heads being turned by success, and it really seems' as if special marks of her Majesty's favour had a similar effect. We have in bur Assembly two gentlemen who have been thus highly distinguished above their fellows,
and yet each of the3e has within the last few weeks, openly in the Legislature preached sedition and avowed- himself ready to tnrn rebel on the slightest jarovo* cation. The first gentleman is Sir George Grey, Knu-ht-Commander of the Bath, and the second is Sir John Gracroft Wilson, Knight-Commander of the Star of India and Companion of the Bath. Sir George threatens armed resistance to the attempt to deprive him of his constitutional rights and privileges as Superintendent of Auckland —at least such is the meaning which we hare gathered from his utterances; *nd Sir Cracroft more plainly says he and his Canterbury followers will protect their land revenue by arms if necessary. Truly these <iis'inguished knights set a marvellously good example to the rank and file of her Majesty's subjects. If men less distinguished talked in such a strain it might be termed " fudge," but of course it would be impertinence to apply that expressive word to the utterance of such eminent personages. Let ua, however, recall the words recorded in Hansard, as uttered by a Mr Cracroft Wilson, C.8., on the 23rd August, 1867. •He was told the other day that certain Volunteers in Otago wished to take possession of some powder magazine. It was really a farce to-think that any honest men would break their solemn oath of allegiance by doing anything in the way of treason! He had replied half in jest that he would be sorry if they did so, but he was quite sure there were quite men enough in the Colony to take back that powder magazine.' Are Sir George and Sir* Cracroft now playing a farce, or is there a doubt as.io their honesty P Let Sir Cracroft reply" for himself at least."
We (Echo) hear that it is probable that Parliament will during the present session be asked to set apart for Mrs Beckham a sum of-money equal to two years' retiring allowance of the late Judge Beckbam. Ie appears that Mr Beckham had for pome time past previous to his decease been entitled to retire on twothirds of his salary, but preferred carrying on his duties, and had thus saved the Government double salaries for the same office.
The followiug shows .4he cost to the ratepayers of Mr Staines' fruitless candidature for a seat in the Auckland City Council:—" Election expenses, 9th September, 1874: To Returning Officer's fee, £3 3s; deputy ditto, £2 2s; three poll clerks (£1 each) £3;. hire of Mechanics' Hall, £1 3s 6d; advertising in Herald, £1 °ss; ditto in Daily Southern Cross, £1 los; ditto in Star. 12s 6d ; ditto in Echo, £3 12 6d ; ballot papers, 7s Od ; letters for voting boxes, 5s 6d; burgess rolls (six) £1 10s; Canning's for luncheons, £1: stationery, ,4c, ss; total, £20 Is 6d. . . : .. ; . ... With regard to the ; quartz crushing operations at 'Ballarat, the Courier remarks :—" Some months since we predicted that Ballarat proper would; be the greatest quartz-mining district in this colony in less than five years from that date ; and events are steadily developing themselves to realise this prediction. About thirty duly - organised quartzmining companies are now at work in this division—indeed, within gunshot reach of the central Post-office —and twenty of these companies are obtaining yields above the average of what several of our companies have proved for some time past can be made to pay dividends. Over and over again the Black Hill and Llanberris companies have shown that; an average yield of Sdwts. to the ton will return a good per-centage of interest on the capital employed; indeed the latter has paid dividends on an average yield not exceeding 2dwts. to the quantity named ; so that when twenty of our companies ire obtaining from 4dwts. up to 2 and 3ozs. to the ton, there can be no doubt as to the payable nature of Ballarat quartz, or of the excellent opening our quartz resources afford for the advantageous investment of capital, and the beneficial employment of labour."
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Bibliographic details
Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2095, 21 September 1875, Page 2
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2,754THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M Resurrexi. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1875. Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2095, 21 September 1875, Page 2
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