West Coast Times. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1877.

West Coast Times, Issue 2705, 30 November 1877, Page 2

West Coast Times. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1877.

With the flection of a Chairman, or rather re-qleclion. of Mr L. Robinson to that honorable position, a new epoch may be said to have commenced in the latest County Government experiment. When an entirely new form of local administration, such, as the Counties Act prqvides, enters on its second year, the faults of the original measure and th# amendments that are possible come freely to the surface, and in this respect the measure iv question has proved no exception. At the present time, however, we do not propose to deal with the weak points of the Act or suggest improvements as it is pretty certain that no changes are probable or even possible, during this moribund session. But at the same time, as far as the local body goes, there are many hints, that may be taken as otherwise — probably the latter — which may, if accepted, largely raise the " growing body," as legislation euphuistically phrases it in public estimation. In many suggestions we are indebted to the latest meeting or meetings of the Council. In the first place we may, without flattery, conscientiously congratulate the Council on the re-election of Mr H. L. Robinson to the chair. We have by no means concurred in all that he has done during his public career, but at the same time give him credit for sterling honesty and desire to do his duty faithfully aud disinterestedly. A better choice the Council could pot have made, and this expression of opinion, we are sure will be endorsed by the people of the County. Amongst other things resolved on, and most wisely resolved on too, it appears to us, was the appointment of an engineer, who should combine with that office necessary surveying and inspection of roads. The desultory work that has been executed hitherto in these departments has cost far more than

the engagements of a professional man whose whole timomu.stbQ devoted to the Council, and who therefore will be cqmpetent to perfprm a very much larger amount of wprk, affprd far more accurate information, and generally render infinitely more valuable service to the County at a less cost. The proposed County rate brought up the foreshadowing of the struggle for life that must yet take place between County Councils aud Koad Boards, the eventual result of which can hardly be doubtful, and must be tho absorption of the latter bodies. There cannot be two suns in one hemisphere, oven though one, be of less brilliancy than tho other, and the currency of County Councils and Road Boards is an equal impossibility. The departure of the latter to the bourne from which such abortions do not return could not be a matter for much regret as far as Westland is concerned. Take Paroa, Arahura, Kanieri, Ross, or Okarito, is there anything in the constitution of one that any reasonable person would care to ponserve ? On the contrary, have they not been eaten up with departmental expenses, and what cap they show for the expenditure that they have gone to ? In this respect therefore we are quite with the Council in desiring to put an end to the existing divided jurisdiction, especially as the inferior bodies have, in many instances at all event?, so sadly abused their powers. It is clear that the day of the Road Board system has gone, though at the same time, Counties will haye to bo more on the alert than has been the case iv Westland, when Road Boards drop. With regard to the action of this Council, taking 1 ifc altogether, it has been, at least, quite capable of great improvement. It is true that the first annual experience iv tjip administration ef a new system cannot fairly bo minutely commented on, but in its second year reforms that are needed, even with the Act a-! it is, may be ftiirly looked for. Owing chiefly, no doubt to the somewhat irregular manner in which public needs could be brought up from time to lime at the outset, a sort of spasmodic sanction of public works in various districts of the County has been from time to time obtained, but there is neither reason nor excuse for this state of thiugs continuing. The Council had resolved on securing the services of an engineer aud surveyor, aud ilespilo tho fears expressed by some of tho councillors that the salary offered was iusufffcient, we shall find that many able men will offer thoir services. Ifc will rest with the Council to make a judicious choice. It has been customary for the Council to be called together at irregular periods and short iutervals, when scraps of business have been disposed of, and some adjourned on very slight pretexts. That there are many public works of a most urgent nature awaiting execution throughout the County cannot be questioned, but why not bring them up at once instead of by driblets exteudiug over a year ? If a schedule of public works required were prepared, each councillor contributing his district's quota, the engineer could report ou all, a session extending" even a week or more if necessary held, and thus the business now scattered over months be i at once disposed of, the works promptly initiated, and a vast expeuse saved in administration. We say a vast expense for tho " travelling- expenses " would be condensed materially, and, instead of sitting a couple of hours or so casually at 303 a-head, a week's | solid work at tho outside would dispose of all the business for a series of months. There is, we are aware, a, fiction existent, because the late Premier declared iv the House of Representatives that members of the County Council hud no legal right or claim to any pay for their services, no matter how designated that our members abstain from honorarium. The records of the County will we xhink on close investigation show that the Wqstlaud members, like Nelson at Copenhagen, have turned a blind eye to such prohibition. Without at present commenting on this, surely members must see that for the sums paid the public have a right, to far more work, or rather that the business before them can be compressed into much less space, and proceeded with cautiously, instead of adjournment on adjournment, honorarium on honorarium, on the most trivial pretence. In commencing what we have styled a new epoch in such fashion the Council will largely gain in popular respect, and what is more do their business more effectually and speedily. There are other matters connected on which improvements may be effected, but at the present we are. contented with hoping that councillors will see them themselves and do all in their power to bring them about.

To-day being St. Andrew's Day, all the bunks will bo closed.

The Borough Council will meet at halfpast seven this evening. Among other business, two valuers arc to be appointed, and tenders for one or two snvul works opened.

Tenders are invitedj and will be received up to December 6th, by the Kanieri Road Board, for the construction of forty chaias of d"ay road at the Upper Kokatahi, aud sixteen chains of dray road near Mr Cunimin&'a farm. Specifications to be seen at the office of the Board.

It happened to be rainiag heavily one day last week, and the Rev. Mr Clark, being a prisoner iv the Empire Hotel all day, proposed to his agent, Mr Symthe, to play him a game of billiards. While the game was proceeding, a well-known resident of the town entered the room, and just at that moment Mr Clark " potted" his opponent's ball, whereupon Mr Symthe introduced the gentleman with cue in haad thus:— "Mr Blank, this is the Rev. Mr Clark, you observed the last stroke — he is a minister of the Gospel." Mr Clark admitted he was a no'> 'cc at the game, but remarked that he

was not aware there was apything in the stroke derogatory to the clpfh (either green or bjapk) qr he would n«t liave allowed his opponent to teach, hjm it so qften. Jlq likewise thought ty waßw aB not. unusual f r"Mjp{s- Oturs in Tsayr Zealand to cqpy from the Opposition. Ifc happened that Mr Larnaqh's budget had been read the night previous.

Mr Clark's seventh lecture in Hokitika drew a large house at the Theatre last evenjng. The subject was "The Merrie Monarch," over whom the lcctuier was again truly eloquent, retaiuiug the rigid attention of his audience from the opening sentence to the brilliant closing remarks, when he was showered with continuous applause? so much so that ho had to return in front of the footlights and again thank the Ilokitika public for the more than hearty welcome he had met with at their hands. To those who have not heard Mr Clark lecture, we need only say that they have lost an intellectual treat such as they are not likely to enjoy in these colonies, probably during their life time. His star is only brightening, and the day is not far djsfaqt when it will shine forth in great lustre and splendor in wider firmaments tuap these. He appears at Kumara to-night and to-morrow, and next week lectures at Greymouth, where he is certain to meet with a succession of crowded houses for the whole week.

The County Council calls for tenders from competent persons willing to perform the duties connected with the valuation of rateable proper ty in the County.

Copies of the plans and specifications for the widening of the first section of the Arahura road may be seen at Mr M'Whirter's store. Goldsborough.

An election of three members for the Kanieri Road Board will take place at the Kanieri, if necessary, on December 13th. Nominations to be sent in at noon on December sth.

The usual monthly meeting of the Westland Building Society, will take place at Messrs Learmonlh and Co's office to-morrow

evening.

Au adjourned meeting of the Kilwiuuing Lodge will be held this evening, for the installation of officers anil other business.

A cricket match between a Greymouth and Kumara cleveu will 4)e played at Greymouth ou Saturday.

The Rose Brothers Troupe announce their intention of giving a grand holiday enter" tainment this eveniug in the Drill Shed, when the dark seance will be performed for the first time in Hokitika. The company will also introduce new songs aud couiicaliti es .

The County Council has called for tenders for the supply of dog collars for the purposes of registration for the year 1878.

Mr Travels, in the Assembly, happened to say on a recent occasion, that there was nothing more common iv the course of party politics than that which is so common in one species of hunting — uatnely, the dragging of a red-herring across the trail. The Government were trying to drag this across the vote of want of confidence, by bringing his Excellency into collision with the House. JVlr BariE, at a subsequent stage of the debate, and speaking to a poiut of order, asked whether the honorable member for Wellington City (Mr Travers) was justified in palling himself a red-herring, and saying that he was dragged across the scent. To this remark Mr Travers immediately replied, " I am justified in calling myself what I like ; but I do not know what I should call the honor able gentleman if I spoke my mind."

Mr A. R. Guiunoss was. on Wednesday last, at the annual meeting of the Grey County Council, re-elected County Chairman for auother term. The Argus of yesterday says :— " Last evening the Chairman of the. County of Grey entertained the members of the County Council at dinner, at the Albion Hotel. Among other guests present were his Honor Judge Weston ; Tom Kenrick, Esq , Clerk of the District Court ; G. C. Bowman, Esq., County banker; W. 11. Harrison and J. W. Petrie, Esqs., and the County clerk and the County overseer. Invitations had been issued to his Worship the Mayor of Greymouth, smd to Wardens Rcvell and Shaw who, although not present, sent notes of excuse. After dinner a most pleasant evening was passed, all the toasts common to such occasions being proposed aud honored in the orthodox form, aud speeches made which under other circumstances could have been reported with profit to the public. It is sufficient to say that the entente cordiale thoroghly prevailed, aud that the company dispersed at an early hour iv the evening.

Mr A. R. Guinness of Greymouth, has entered into partnership with Mr P. G. B. Moss of Auckland, barrister and solicitor, aud the fl.'m will carry on business in Broadway, Reef ton, and Tainui-slreet, Greymouth.

The Ross Guardian informs us that the nomination of candidates for four seats in the Totara Road Board, vacated by Messrs Grimmond, Simon, Clarke aud Johnston, will t;ike place at the Road Board office on Thursday, the sth proximo. As it is anticipated that Ross will shortly be declared a Municipality, the purpose of the nomination is merely to return the full complement of members for the purpose of satisfactorily windiug up the affairs of the Board, and the expense of holding a poll is endeavored to be avoided.

Con any one explain why Reiident Mag'strate's Courts are so dirty ? The Timaru Herald, thus describes the Timaru Temple of Justice, and the description appi:e3 equally to the Hokitika Court:—" The dust of ages.— Yes, and dirt ! Where ? At the Resident Magistrate's Court. We do not know whether it is tln-ougn the penuriousness of the Government, or the neglect of some person whose duty it is to see lo the cleanliness of the sanctum of justice ; but the Resident Magistrate's Cocrt, Ticnarj ; could challenge any public office or building in New Zealand for dirt and dust. It is most disgraceful. The Beats look as though they had nere.' been dusted, and many of the back forms seem to be used only Tor the purpose of writing names on the dust. They are quite unfit for any respectable person to sit upon, and it is miny a day since the dirt on the floor was disturbed by a broom, or washed out."

The Thames Advertiser considers the Jelegrams from Native chiefs to the Government simply " hypocritical lodgings for the loaves and fishes of the Native Department, by means of which a horde of land parasites have been supported for years pas\ A policy

of firmness and not flattery is the only safe guard for the future." The Advertiser notea£ho gradual but sure concentration of the Mapris ip the King country, and adds . " We feel more than ever the necessity there is on the part of the settlers to fear the department ' and keep their powder dry,' for recent events and correspondence between the King country and the Thames point to trouble in the distance. Depend upon it the struggle, when it does come, will be ' short, sharp, and decisive.' "

Mr Justice Fellows, of Victoria, in replying to the toast of the Bench aud Bar, on a recent festive occasion in Melbourne, remarked :— This mjght perhaps be the last occasion ou which he would address them under the present system Qf jurisprudence, for the Miuister of Justice had now charge of a measure following in the wake of a very large measure of reform, which recently was introduced in England, and which it was proposed to introduce here. When that change was introduced, and its full effect appreciated, there would be an end to those remarks which might with some fairness be made against the present system. He had read recently of an observation made by one of the present judges of the Court of Appeal in relation to the great change that had taken place, that now no longer could be used -with justice the language of Jacob, an eminent Chancery barrister, who was accustomed to tell his clients that in instituting a suit in Chancery there were three things to be oonsidered, first the pleadings, second the cost, and last, but at a long distance, the merits.

The Boyton live-saving dress is to be applied to purposes other than those which secured royal patronage, but more in accordance with the spirit of the age— viz.. to slay, not to savp. The irrepressible Boyton — Mike of that ilk, not Paul — is organising no less tremendous astimulaerun of warfare than the " attack, defence, und destruction of an ironclad flepl" by electric torpedoes, newly invented, and intended sqlely for service in connection with the swimming costume. The torpedoes may be used either from the end of a sectional apir carried by the swimmer — whose equipment includes means of propulsion, electric battery, and firing attachments— or fixed to any surface, and drifted to the object of attack. The experimentf will be made off Ramsgate on tho 20lh inst., and ought to be useful as well as interesting, if only a few o' the tweed-clads that affect the strand ctin be blown up along with the inolEeusivo irou-

An English clergyman and a Lowland Scotsman visited one of the best schools in Aberdeeen. They were straugers, but the master received them civilly and inquired, c> Would you prefer that I should speer these boys, or that you should speer them your selves ?" The English clergyman, having ascertained that to '• speer " meant to question, desired the master to prqeeed. He did so with great success, and the boys answered satisfactorily numerous interrogations as to the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. The clergyman then said he would be glad in his turn to " speer " the boys and at once began, " How did Pharaoh die ?" There was a dead silence. In this dilemma the Lowland gentleman interposed. "I think, sir, the boys are not accustomed to your English accent; let me try what I can make of them." Aud he inquired in his broad Scotch: " 1100 did Phawroah dee ?" Again there was a dead silence; upon which the master said, " I think, gentlemen you can't speer these boys; I'll show you how to do it." And he proceeded. "Fat cam to Phawroach at his hinder end ?" The boys answered promptly, " He was drooned;" and, in addition, a smart little fellow commented, " Ony lassie could hae teld you that.

The gratifying intelligence reaches us from Victoria that an Indian woman has been pulled down by an octopus while bathing. She was half devoured before her remains were rescued from the monster, by means of native divers, who cut them out from the feelers of the huge brute. A remedy is at once suggested for the growing nuisance of the sportive and aquatic hoodlum in San Francisco. Five or six firstclass and reliable octopi should at once be procured in Victoria, and transplanted just off the favorite bathing grounds of our local juvenile fiends, and our fervent aspiration, as each one of the blotches on • humanity sprang into the water, would be: " May the octupus hold you in his safe and holy keeping." — San Erancisco News Letter.