West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 1878.

West Coast Times, Issue 2743, 16 January 1878, Page 2

West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 1878.

The beginning of the end, as far as the Russo-Tuikish war is concerned, has clearly set in, aud a very few weeks will determine whether Great Britain will or will not be involved in (he war. The masses of the Muscovite have crushed the gallant smaller numbers of the Turks, and a march to Constantinople with the coming spriug seems to be now an easy task. Tho latest advices show defeat on defeat of the Moslems, capture follows capture, and thousands on thousands of men, with all the appliances ofwar, become victims to the northern invader. Adrianople, the last great stronghold, before the Turkish capital is reached, is said to be abandoned, aud the Eussian march will, if recent telegrams be relied on, be an almost uninterrupted one. But now comes the time when the British Premier's phrase, " conditional neutrality," will be fully explained. It has already been staled that England would allow Russia to progress to a certain limit, but that, when that boundary was passed, danger to British interests must arise, and that then the " conditional neutrality" must be converted into armed intervention, which in plain English, means hostilities against Russia. As to the exact time of demarcation we are not quite certain, but any occupation of Stamboul, or any of the quarters of the Turkish capital was long ago notified as being a sufficient casus belli if the Russiaus attempted it. The mere fact of a siege, or an angry gun being fired would be sufficient to light up the flames of war, inasmuch as that would be sufficient indication of Russian intention. There can be little doubt that the Porte is well aware that English aid will come in case of such extremity. Had it not been for such reliance the green flag of the Prophet of the Mussulman's would, ere this, have been iufurled, and the most violent and bloodthirsty passions of the followers of Mahomet have thereby been excited. We hear that the Russians, elated with their recent successes have been averse to an armistice, during which terms of peace might bo arranged. They have sent the envoys from pillar to poet, have snubbed British intervention, and have generally shown a determination to grant no terms but such as are most humiliating to Turkey, and ' dangerous to Europe. It is certain that this bounce, on the part of an already exhausted power, is attributable to German counsels and promises of Germau support, and, in case of England declaring war against Russia, it is more than likely that Germany will actively aid the latter, and a European conflagration must then be the result. As to war between England and Russia it seems to be inevitable. Russia will not stay her advance ; the Turkish armies are unable to protect their territory j and England has emphatically said that the Russians have reached, or nearly reached, the limit that will be permitted. Three Cabinet Councils have been held in one week, at a holiday time too, and English statesmen do not assemble for nothing so frequently or at such times. Parliament will be opened on the 17th, and a peaceful or a warlike policy will at once be determined on. The Beaconsfield Ministry have made their intentions abundantly clear, and the peace at any price party will have a hard task to teach the Parliament of Great Britain the practice of humility that they would wish to inculcate. The people of England, whilst heartily and earnestly desiring peace, are still aware that national humiliation is an evil still more to be dreaded than actual war ; and it an

appeal be made to the country, as the Premier promises in case of the Cabinet's decided policy being overruled by Parliament, an overwhelming majority in favor of the maintenance of the nation's honor at all risks will undoubtedly be returned. Every hour now is pregnant with importance for any day now may bring news that Engjaqd and Russia are ouce more at each others' throats. In such a case, though our Colonial Parliament has been prorogued to the end of March, it would probably be at once called together, to concert such measures as would best serve to protect New Zealand from •itfack. The Russian success materially menaces British neutrality, and regard if, in what way we may, it seems now lo be almost an absolute certainty thaf England will, before many weeks are over, be involved in one of the most gigantic wars that lias ever been undertaken, the end of which tho wisest cannot even approximately foresee, and the extent to which it will spread would puzzle the profoundest thinkers f.o predict. That it may yet be averted, must be the hope of all, but that the present situation can be terminated peacefully seems at present to be almost impossible.

The "Wesllaud portion of the Suez English mail will reach Ilokitika by coach from Christchurch this cyening. The storekeepers, publicans, and miners of Dillman's Town have petitioned for police protection at that place. Repeated complaints are heard respecting the horrible stench arising from the slaughter yards. It is absolutely necessary that something be done at once to cleanse this filthy At a meeting of the Stewards of the Keefton Jockey Club, it was decided not to hold races during the Easter holidays, but that efforts should be made to arrange for a first-class programme for the next railsummer meeting. The added money for the [nangahua Cup next year will probably be C2OO or £250. It is quite possible that tho lawyers of Ilokitika will soon have more grist brought Lo their mills by the commencement of two libel actions. In the one case a gentleman holding an official position considers himself slandered by a local print ; and in the other instance, the feelings of one or two plaintiffs have been outraged by a letter which appeared in our Kumara contemporary reflecting rather severely on some proceedings connected with a recent sweep. The ordinary bi-monthly meeting of the Waste Lands Board will take place at 2 p.m. to-day. At the Resident Magistrate's Court, yesterday, before Messrs Patten and Dr Dermott, J.P., Dinah Pollock was fiued teu shillings and costs for using insulting language towards Emma Jones. Mr Hawkins for plaintiff, Mr Purkiss for defeudaut. A Langley was fined one shilling and costs for a trivial assault on I. Pollock. J. Churches was fiued ten shillings and costs for keeping swine on his premises. The hearing of a few unimportant small debt cases ended the business. Mr and Mrs Morton Tavares, who are at present playing at Westport, notify by placard that they will play at Hokitika next week, in their high toned laughable comedies and select Shakespcrean scenes. Particulars willapper in an early issue. It was reported in town yesterday that a considerable parcel of gold was disposed of to one of the Banks by v party working some new ground on tho north side of the Teretnakau. The exact locality was not stated, but oue of the party went down to acquaint some old mates who are working at Rangitoto. We shall probably hear more of the locality and prospects in a few days. A female assistant teacher is wanted for the St. Patrick's School, Kumara. Applications are required to be sent in to Mr Haunan, secretary, up to the 19th inst. The drawing of the art union in aid of St. Patrick's School, Kumara, has been postponed until Easter Monday, in consequence of blocks not having been received from Dunedin aud other places. A great many tickets have already been disposed of, and no doubt all will be taken up by tho date mentioned.

In future all outward mails by the Greymouth coach will close at 8.30 a.m . Messrs Boult and Cunningham's farm at Arahura was disposed of by public auction yesterday, by Messrs F. A. Lnarmonth and Co., the purchasers being Messrs Keech and Malloy. The farm realised close upon £700. For the stock and farmiug implements there was also found ready demand and keen competition, the .whole fetching moet satisfactory prices. The sale is said to have been one of the best country sales recorded in the district for a long time pasfc. The Harbor Board had o long discussion last evening, on the subject of the plans for the proposed river protection works, laid before them by Mr O'Connor, who waa present at the meeting. The Board decided to request the assent of the Government to commence a portion of the proposed, work at once. This will involve an expenditure of about £25,000. The portion it is proposed to construct at once, commences at the foot of Rcvell-street, extending seawards. The New Zeaaad Loan and Agency Company propose to inccvie their capital by the issue of slwre3, amount'ng to a million, making the ctpUcl two nr.Hous. The opeji.ig cT the Hoilistetter Water Race, which took p" tee lrst wepk, was most successfally r,rr ; il oat. There were present his Honor Jud^e Weston, the County Chairman of Greymouth, Mr Harrison, late member for G. % ey Valley, Mr Woolcock M.H.R., Mr Kennedy, M.H.R., Mr O'Connor District Engineer, Warden Shavr, and a number of visito.s from the surrounding districts. AClar the ceremony of opening the race was concli led, about seventy in number sat down, Mr Garven occupying the chair, when a nrmher of toasts were drunk and responded to. Judge Weston compliments Mr Gordon, who for four years had superintended tae construction of the work costing £100,000. The festivities of the day terminated with a banquet and ball in the evening. From fiast to last the proceedings are reported by the Grey /Vrgns as having

been of a most enjoyable character and reflected the greatest credit on all concerned.

The Kumara Times puffs itsujf in the following harmless manner. Being an evening journal, our contemporary naturally gets telegrams on some occasions before they reach morning papers. The Times says : — '• Some amongst our unbelieving subscribers are dubious as to the authenticity of the cablegram published in the Kumara Times of Saturday evening respecting the total defeat of the Turkish army in Europe, because the same news has not subsequently appeared in either the Grey River Argus or West Coast Times. It is not the first occasion upon which the Kumara Times has out-distanced its older contemporaries in the early publication of important war intelligence; and if any of our readers are still doubtful as to the bona fides of the cablegram here more particularly referred to, we shall be happy to show tho original from Router."

Respecting Reefton mining the Inangahua Times says.— " We arc glad to he able to report a great improvement in the tone of the share market during the week just pasf. In many stocks considerable business lias been done, and a much more confident feeling now prevails. The striking of the reef in the low level of the Hopeful miue gave the market a favorable turn, and since then the improvement shown in the reef as the work progressed has caused a good deal of stir in shares. Transactions in these shares were very brisk towards the latter part of the week, and sales closed on Saturday night at £4, with every likelihood of a further advance. Welcomes have also felt the impulse and during the week shares changed hands pretty freely, the quotation of Saturday afternoon being 52s 6d offered, but with few sellers. There has also been a considerable ruu on Nil Despcrandums, tho closing rates, b"ing4s, the tendency still bein^ upwards The Just-in Time Company will have a general cleaning up on Friday or Saturday next. The rough washings so far show a yield of over 2ozs to the ton. There has been considerable speculation during the week in Venus shares, aud the prospects of tho company at the present time are of the most promising order. From a further outcrop just discovered, of the Oriental reef, Soldiers, some splendid gold bearing stone has been obtained. The stone was found some distance higher up the range than the site of the tunnel. Upon the whole the prospects of the different mines are highly satisfactory.

The luangahua Times thus relates an episode which occurred at the end of a. theatrical performance at Reefton. Our contemporary says:—" Tho Rose Company gave a farewell performance on Saturday evening last. There wns a tolerably good house, and the entertainment passed off in a very agreeable manner. The closing part of the pei f ormance was, however, marred by a most extraordinary scene, the chief actor in which was E. Carroll, a member of the company. Carroll came before the curtain and announced he was unable to obtain payment for his services from Mr Rose. Quite contrary to the ordiuary principles of fair play a few rowdy spirits in the audieace immediately set up a hooting and howling against Mr Rose, and above the uproar could be heard cries of "pay the mau" give him his money," and " shame," &c. In the midst of the uproar and confusion, Mr Rose was unwise enough to appear upon the stage and call for the intervention of the police. This of course only added fresh fuel to the ilaine and a deafening tumult followed, sympathy appeariug to be altogether upon the side of Carroll. Mr Rose, however, bided his time, and when the opportunity was afforded him of explaining he produced and read a receipt from Carroll showing that the latter had that afternoon been paid all moneys due to him with the exception of jEI Bs. The lights were shortly after turned down, and the crowd dispersed apparently rather chagrined at having been ' had* in such a manner by Carroll. After the performance was over the receipt in question was passed from hand to hand, as its contents were quite confirmed by Mr Shipp, another of the company, who was present at the payment; the tables were turned, and Carroll's conduct was openly denounced, and so the storm ended.

An unusual honor, says an English paper, :s about to be paid fo a journalist. A memorial to the Hte A'exander Russel has beeu set on foot by way of acknowledging his services as ed'tor of the Scot&mrn, to the Liberal cause. It has not yet been decided what form the memorial shall tcke, but alrer^ ly about £2000 has been subscribed by a large number of our raoaJ distinguished politicians ('^eluding Lord Hartiogion), in sums from £60 to one guinea. The Rev. Kane's Knowles bas consented to act as El'tor oil the New Zealand Churchman. A melancholy boat accident is reported from 1. eland. Wr.llßt Mr Sullivan, son of the Irish Master of the Rolls, and Miej Exharn, daugh'er o2 Mr Exham, Q.C., were enjoying a sail oa Tuesday at the wellknown wate\r?g-p'ace of Bray, the boat upsej and bouh oieapan's were drowned. The Eli-n?'3£,lnni Mail sava:— The F'oai'ng C.wc'i floated by the Bishop of Lichiij'd is ready comp ei°A, and wi 1 lie in uae in a few days on tae rane's w'thin his Lordship's diorase. Ii is bJi- boat fashion, but Is much hrjsr naj an ordinary cabin bo.it. It is ra'cj'a^d to comfortably hold eighty persons. Tie church will cost beiwcea £300 and

"V&nliy Feu 1 " stages upon what it believes to be .c able aul'io/ity, teat the strategical p ara for re^sat movements of the Russian i -'nay, w ■>'ci h-ve bee l so much more sue : 3r^ful *hin tae previous oaes, were prepared at Be •'" 1 by fie mosj etr'.nent 'Iving stvatpgisl, and t 1 at the fatrre conduct of the campa'jn w ! ", to a great extent, be guided by his adv\ee.

Holloiuay's Pills and Ointment. — Blood to the Head, with Symptoms of Apoplexy. — Holloway's Pills are uadeniably the finest medicine in the world for biliousaess and indigestion. In all cases of deranged stomach, determination of blood to the head, biliousness, sick headache, liver complaints, which frequently end fatally, by producing apoplexy or paralysis, there is no medicine known that will give such immediate relief as these reaowned Pills. Young and old, rich and poor, patronise them, and so many cures are effected by their use that their praise is sounded from the torrid to the frigid zone ; in truth, persons who travel consider them a necessary requisite. Frequently tne blood becomes overheated, tho liver torpid, the skin irritated by prickly heat, and the whole system languid and exhausted. Nothing so soon gives relief as Ilolloway's Pills.

By special messages from Victoria publißhed by one or two of our contemporaries we are informed that the excitement in Victoria is tremendous, and revolutionary movements have already begun. 400 of the principal civil servants and judges have been discharged, and the public buisness is entirely arrested.

Acceptances for the Dunedia Cup, Publican's Purse, and Dunedin Jockey Club Ilandipap, closed on Saturday night last.

Sir Charles Sladen (says the Melbourne Age) made a somewhat unhappy allusion in his vehement speech in the Legislative Council recently against the second reading of the Appropriation Bill. He quoted from a speech made by Mr Yogel in the New Zealand Legislature some years ago, when discussing the mode of providing for the payment of the members of that body, and endeavored to show that the feeling there was decidedly opposed to the practice of including the sum in the Estimates. Mr Yogel was of opinion that it was unfair to the Upper House of the Legislature to deal with the item by resolution and appropriation, and promised that during the session following the " honorarium " allowed to members should be proviied for by Bill. Mr Cuthbert asked if that Bill was ever brought in, and Sir Charles Sladon was obliged to acknowledge, not only that it had not, but also that no attempt had ever been made in New Zealand to provide for payment of members otherwise than by means of the Appropriation Bills.