The West Coast Times. MONDAY, APRIL 12, 1886.

West Coast Times, Issue 6188, 12 April 1886, Page 2

The West Coast Times. MONDAY, APRIL 12, 1886.

On Thursday night, Mr Gladstone introduced hiß promised bill for giving Home Rule to Ireland. The measure consists in the establishment of an Irish Parliament, which will sit in Dublin' | and consist of a House of Lords and a House of Commons, and will possess, both legislative and administrative, functions. An adjustment of Imperial hardens will be made, and due precautions taken to ensure tbe protection of the interests of the majority. In other, matters, Ireland will hold a position; analagpus to that oi a British Colony,: I

having no representation in the Imperial Parliament. Whether this programme will meet the views of the Irish party in Parliament is hard to say. The prominence given to the necessjsy fqr providing safeguards for the protection of the minority, would indicate a kind of tutelage that the Irish would most likely resent. We cannot help thinking it would be wiser, if they are to have legislative powers, to let them look after their own affairs with as little interferenceas possible. We have already had an illustration of what a minority can do, and if tbe minority in the Irish Parliament are only half as troublesome as the Irish minority in the British Parliament, and as successful in their undertakings, they will not want protecting. In fact it looks more as if we are going to have the custom altered, and the minorities rule. Apart from this, does it not seem rather inconsistent to give the Irish party great power, and yet impose such restrictions ? If it is wise to give the Irish party self-government, do it by all means, but do not say in the same breath "We hardly think it safe to trust you with this." It is far better to let them look after their own affairs, and contrive a modus vivendi themselves. We may presume that there would, in any case, be that final appeal to which the colonies bave to bow, and if so there is no necessity to lay special stress on the necessity for protecting tbe minority. Or, rather, us the said minority may be fairly assumed to be located in Ulster, why not let that important province become either a separate colony, or else remain as at present, whilst the Irish Pai'liament control the other three provinces.

It will be noticed that Mr Gladstone has carried out his expressed determination of leaving out of his proposals , any scheme for buying out the property ,of Irish landlords. Such a measure ' would more directly affect the Conservative party, many leading- members |of that party owning large estates in Ireland. To take such a step would [undoubtedly complicate matters and necessitate the Imperial Governtneut having a still greater necessity for interference. The wisest plan seems to be to leave as little room as possible for interfering with her domestic concerns. The country cannot be in a worse state than it has been for some years where a secret law upsets the law of the land ; i where anarchy prevails in every part, jand where the safety of life and property can never be depended upon. The landlords will have some chance of ; getting their rent then, whilst now it is almost a hopeless task. And, to view kit in another light, the land tenure i cannot be worse than it is ; unIdoubtedly the whole land question will s bo overhauled, and the opportunity will itself of effecting a reform, otherwise almost impossible.

While discussing the matter as if Mr Gladstone had carried his measures, the prospect of hia doing this is by no means assured. The Tories and many of the Moderates will vote against, and it is even said a number of the Radicals are equally antagonistic. The feeling in England, to judge from the papers and speeches of prominent men, is jsteadily growing in favor of some such 1 measure ; quite as much to avoid an ■ unpleasant subject as to grant a people their wish. We in the Colonies will, or should, then see less of these old world troubles obtruding themselves upon, us, whilst the Irish Americans will be able to spend their spare cash more beneficially than in buying dynamite and maintaining professional agitators.

Tbe Chrtatchurch coach arrived at the usual hour on Saturday afternoon. The following is a list of the passengers: — Messrs Duval, Rhodes and Mr and Mrs Goodby.

Thehon. Mr Larnacb, Professors Black and Brown, Mr Larnacb, junr,, Mr Stewart, and others of the Ministerial party arrived at Mr Marks' homeßtead at the Haast on Saturday evening, 3rd inst., all in good health and spirits. Tbe Waipara arrived at the Haast the following morning, when Mr Macfarlane joined the party, which proceeded at once en route for Jackson's Bay in a regular downpour of West Coast rain. They were cub» sequently stuck up all night at the Arawata river in consequence of the fresh; but report Bays, that even under such trying circumstances they adopted that " Mark Tapley " philosophy, which counsels being jolly even under tbe most adverse conditions — the Minister of Mines himself setting the excellent example of being the leader of the jolly crowd. Tbe right man in the right place for the hardy pioneers and gold-diggers of Westland.

An exchange notifies its readers that any shortcomings must be overlooked as the editor is suffering from some infantile disorders.

The fifth aud final competition for the Grimmond-Lango trophies took place at tbe butts on Saturday afternoon. Dixon put together a splendid score of 68 off tbe rifle or a total of 78; Andrews following with 68. The former now becomes tbe winner of the cup, and the latter takes Mr Lunge's barometer; these rising marksmen will discover that a heavy knocking off of points will be the result of this victory. It is to be hoped that because the competition is at an end there will not be any cessation of practice.

A football scratch matcb, the first of tbe season, was played on CaBS Square on Saturday afternoon. About 18 players rolled up, Andrews and Coltman picking aides. Aftei an enjoyable game in which some tough scrimmages took place, tbe Andrewites succeeded in defeating their opponents by 1 goal and a try to nothing.

Mr C. Greenwood dentist, has arrived, and may be consulted at his rooms, Hamilton street, opposite the Fire Brigade Station till the 20th inst. — Advt.

The English Radicals policy of three acres of land and a cow to every agricultural laborer is nearer being realised than most people imagine. Many prominent Radicals are said to be determined that no party shall remain in power that will not agree to this proposal. Mr Chamberlain seems to bave derived a knowledge of the value that can be giren to a small piece of land through bearing of the fine pure wines manufactured by Mr Blunck, of Hokitika, New Zealand. These wines are of agreeable flavor, fine boquelpure and wholesome, and are made from fruit grown in an area not much exceeding three acreß— tbe area the Radicals intend placing at the disposal of agricultural laborers* Eoglißh paper.— Aoyx.

It is with regret we announce the death of Mr ,W. T. Hay, chemist, which took place early on Saturday morning. He had been confined to his bed fpr the past week, but it wai no( though,* the iljnes? would end fatally. On Friday night he seemed to be improving* but towards midnight Bhowed signs of relapse; even then nothing serious was apprehended, but as he continued getting worse the doctor waa sent for, who soon found that human skill could avail nothing At about two hours before death all pain seemed to have left him, and at six o'clock he quietly breathed his last, apparently with~ out a pang. Though not engaged as a chemist here for long, Mr Hay is a very old resident of the district, having been occupied mining for many yeare. He was a man of great intelligence and made a most entertaining companion, and through bis simple courteous manner and integrity of character he made many friends by whom his loss will be keenly felt. The funeral will leave bin late residence, Revell street, this afternoon at three o'clock.

A large number of spectators assembled on the wharf yeßterday morning, not only to witness the departure of the Kennedy, but to say lon voyage to'two old residents, Messrß Fowler and Gaylor, who are going to enjoy a holiday in the old country, and to Mr Bod* dington of the Union Bank, who has been transferred to Wellington. The two firs' named have been identified with this district since its early settlement, and their friends can sympathise with, and perhaps envy them their luck in being thus able, with well lined ! pockets, to visit all the great shows of Europe, \ and ramble at will amongst the scenes asso ciated with their early youth. Mr Boddingi ton has not yet earned bis holiday, though to 1 judge from the number of fair friends who went to say farewell, he has not wasted the the idle hours, unless one is apt to grow cyuical, as even did Tom Moore ai times, and say, " Folly 's all they taught me." We wish all three gentlemen a pleasant trip and a safe return.

The Westport Harbor Board have resolved to delay the construction of the Nine-Mile Railway for the present.

The Hokiiika Parliamentary Union hold their meeting in the Town Hull this evening, wbeu much important business will be brought forward.

The entertainment iv aid of ibe funds for liauiduting the liabilities of tbe old school committee promises to be very successful. A lurge number of tickets have beeu sold aad the {performers are hard at work rehearsing. The programme, which cannot be called too meagre, appears in out advertising columns.

Cured op Drinking. — "A young friend of mine was cured o£ an insatiable thirst for liquor, that hai so pro3trated his system that he was unable to do any business. He was entirely cured by Am. Co. 'a Hop Bitters. It alhyed all that burning thirst, took away the appetite for liquor, made his nerves steady, and he has remained a sober and steady man for more than two years, and has no desire to return to hisllcups." — From a leading K. B. Official.

The splendid virtues of Wolfe's Schnapps grow in celebrity, and the increflsing demand for this incomparable cordial shows | the strong hold it has taken on popular {esteem in this colony. — Advt. ■ A Lady's Wish — "Oh how Ido wish my skin was as clear and soft as yours 1" said a lady to a friend. You can easily make it |So," annvered the friend. "How?" inquired the first lady. "By using Dr. Soule'a Hop .Bitters, that makes pare rich blood and | blooming heath. It did it for me, as you observe." Bead.