West Coast Times. THURSDAY, DEC 23, 1897. THE DYING SESSION.

West Coast Times, Issue 10668, 23 December 1897, Page 2

West Coast Times. THURSDAY, DEC 23, 1897. THE DYING SESSION.

The second session of the thirteenth Parliament has practically concluded its labors and members can return to their homes and forget in the festivities of the holidays the scenes of turmoil and confusion in which they have been the chief actors To say that the session has been profitless is scarcely to be correct, because it has witnessed the rebellion of the House against the tyranny of the Government. During the last Parliament the Opposition were so weak, numerically, that they could only oifer a very feeble resistance to the arbitrary exercise of power on the part of the Premier and his colleagues, who were enabled to trample on the rights of the representations lof the country, and, consequently, on the rights and privileges of the people. That condition of affairs was practically reversed at the general elections, when a majority gained by terrorism, cajolery and corruption was so diminished that the party for personal and individual liberty were enabled to present a determined front and resist the arbitrary proceedings which had so completely sullied the reputation of the former House. This has, in some quarters, been termed obstruction, a term not misapplied because they have effectively interposed obstructions to a condition of things approximating that which is experienced in a country like Russia, We presume the commander of an invading army would stigmatise the defenders of the country as obstructionists, and with equally good cause. The obstruction to > which we have referred has prevented the

Premier from forcing his absolute wiH on the Parliament and has compelled him to recognise that even a minority has rights which must be respected.

Beyond this great moral lesson very little has been achieved. The statute book for the year will be one of the smallest we have seen, certainly the smallest issued since the Ballance-Seddon Governments 'have been in power. The party has lost its intellectual chiefs. Mr Ballanceand Sir Patrick Buckley are dead and Mr Reeves has removed to London, and there have been none to take their places. We have been promised a local government bill since the party came into power in 1891 but it seems as far off now as ever. The charitable aid question is no rqore settled now than it haa been any time during the last ten years. A great deal of fuss was made when the Old Age Pension Bill was introduced but its construction was so woefully faulty that the Ministry must have experienced a feeling of relief when the Legislative Council threw it out. That body has played into the Premier's hands iv a very marked degree and notwithstanding his simulated indignation we have no doubt that he is intensely pleased at the strong political card they have given him. We do not approve of the action of the Council, because we hold that the question was substantially before the country and approved at the general elections, and we would much sooner have seen the Bill become law, even in the faulty condition in which it was sent to the Council, than that it should have been rejected, altogether. Apart from this Bill, which enunciated a new principle, the legislation introduced into Parliament by the Government has chiefly been a confused mass of shreds and patches, mostly designed to repair rents created by the blunders of. their former measures. Some few will be found useful because their necessity has been made apparent, but none point to constructive ability or statesmanship. And yeb, looking back at the wearisome weeks of talk and conflict, which have given the session a notoriety, we find something to be thankful for in the fact that the distinctive form of political corruption which has come to be known under the term of "Seddonism" has received a sharp check, and that a movement has set in which will hurl it into nothingness and oblivion.

His many friends in town and throughout the district will learn with very deep regret of the death of Mr James Murphy, butcher, which took place yesterday after noon. Mr Murphy has been ailing for a considerable time and though he rallied at intervals he steadily got weaker and for some days his friends . have despaired of recovery. Mr Murphy was a native of County Carlow, Ireland, and about 60 years of age. He arrived in New Zealand in the early sixties and was butchering on the Otag*o goldfields when the first i rushes were on. From Ofcago he came to the Coast at the fir3t of the rush and finally settled at Stafford, where he pursued his trade. A few years ago he took i, over Mr John Dowling's business in Revell Street aud has lived in town ever since. Mr Murphy was well known and much liked as an honest, straight forward, upright man and has hosts of friends throughout the district who will learn of his death with deep sorrow. He leaves four children one son — Mr M. Murphy, who has been managing the business for some time — aud three daughters, for whom the deepest sympathy will be extendtd. The funeral takes place tomorrow; there will be a requiem mass in St Mary's Church before the body is taken to the Stafford cemetery. A peculiar case possessing some novel features was commenced at the S~.MT Court, Kumara, before Mr Macfarlane yesterday. Mr Stewart, of Coal Creek, and his four stalwart sons, were charged with the theft 0f.500 silver pine sleepers of the value of £25. The information is

laid by Mr Gardner Wilson, who has a

lease of an acre for a sawmill and of 200 ; acres for timber cutting purposes from the ! Westland School Commissioners. The area is part of Educational Reserve, No 29, and the lease provides that Mr Wilson only pays royalty on the timber he actually cuts off this block. The inf orma-

tion alleges that the Stewart family have been cutting' sleepers on this block and al-

though repeatedly warned have not desisted. On the strength of this the infor- ! matiou has been based. Messrs Hannan : and Byrne appeared for the prosecution and Messrs Murdoch, Joyce and Coates \ for the defendants. Up to three o'clock ■yesterday afternoon Mr Morton, Secretary of the School Commissioners, was in the witness box, and as there are a number of s witnesses to be called the case is likely to last several days. In the event of the criminal charge (which disclose an indictable offence) breaking down a civil action for the recovery of the value of ' the sleepers is also brought against defendants.

Mr Thornhill Cooper, the average adjuster for the insurance companies, arrived by the coach from Christchurch yesterday evening for the purpose of arranging the claims arising out of the recent fire in Revell street.

Mr J. H. Arthur, confiectioner has removed to premises next to Mr C. R. Eastgate, baker, Revell sfcrset. Yesterday the Mayor received the following telegram from the Rt. Hon. the Premier: — "I was very sorry indeed to hear of the disaster that has overtaken our dear old town. If necessary shall be glad to render what assistance possible A very trying session has just concluded. I intend to recuperate on the West Coast about New Year. Kind regards".

Acceptances for some of the events in connection with the Cycling Olub's sports close to-morrow night.

There will not Ibe any parade of the Volunteers this evening, owing to the near approach of the holidays,

MrCahill's \?indows in Revell street;, where the Fire Brigade Jirfc lonian pq2e,s. and free gifts are|ex|iibites, were quif c the attraction 1 Jlast evening. The prizes include a number of very fine pictures, but space is not available for the full number. Several of the free gifts to be given away with the prizes are however shown, and supply a very tempting exhibition. Naturally considerable interest attaches to the bottle of gold specimens labelled 'Klondyke, value £20." The gold is a •fine rough sample, including a number of large nuggets. A handsome clock or two, a musical box, tea sets, and numerous other nseful and Ipretty gifts are to be given away svith the prizes. The display is bound to cause a large demand for the shilling tickets which may_b9 purchased on the premises. . Negotiations that have been conducted by Messrs Mark Sprot & Co for some time were brought to a conclusion yesterday evening resulting in the sale of Mr ]j. Skene's well known butchery business with all plant, yards, etc., to, Mr J.A. Lu.tz, butcher, of Greymouth. Mr Skene has been contemplating retiring from business for some time with a view, of spending the evening of life more easily than the cares of business demand. He does not intend leaving Hokitika permanently but will still cast in his lot with us, so we will not lose him. His successor, Mr Lutz, has the reputation of being a first class business man, and a public spirited one, and will no, doubt prove an acquisition to the community. He takes over the business frouv the first of the new year. Mr Appleby, tjhe eminent Christchurch photographic artist, who will remain here for a month under arrangement with Mr John Tait, has already made a show of artistic work which is worthy of inspection. Mr T. Cahill is now in full swing with his salvage sale of goods saved from the recent fire. We understand it is absolutely necessary that every line should be quitted by the new year. The usual monthly meeting of the Hokitika Benevolent Institution was held on Tuesday afternoon. Present — Mr Puncan (chair), Revs. Hamilton, and Ginger, and Mr Toomey. The minutes of. the last meeting were read and confirmed. The outward correspondence was read and approved and inward correspondence read and received among which were the following letters: — From the public bodies notifying the appointment of representatives — County Council, Mr A. Curaming ; Bokitika Borough Council, Mr W. Heiuz; Kumara Borough Council, Mr J. Toomey. The case of an applicant from Woodstock was left in the hands of the Rev Mr Hamilton and the Chairman The Chairman reported that a transfer to the Society of a cottage at Stafford belonging to a recipient of aid had beeu completed. The matter of settling, accounts rendered against an old man lately deceased was left in the hands of the Chaii-man and Mr Toomey. Temporary grants made by the Chairman during the month were approved. The Finance Committee's report on- being read was received and adopted. Jt is a gratifying sign of the increased confidence in real estate property in Hokitika that outsiders are commencing to invest. Mr W. Keech, the well-known Kumara storekeeper, has been picking up several lines lately. "We learn from a southern correspondent that the Okarito race meeting on Boxing Day promises to jbe a very successful affair and will cause a big gathering from air parts of the district. Those who wish to have a good night's enjoyment should not fail to pay a visit to Kanieri on the evening of the.2'7th, where a grand dramatic entertainment and ball will be held. The dramatic part is in the hands of the Dramatic Club, who will produce for the first time a two-act musical drama entitled "Our Nell'," and as there are a number of songs throughout! the piece, it should prove a great acquisition to the performance. Those who care for the "light fantastic" oan stop and Hop till the " sma' hoors" of the morning, as excellent music has been obtained for the ball. Special trams will run for the convenience of those attending, from town. Mr Rawaon, Resident Engineer of the Public Works . Department at Westport, who was to have exchanged positions with Mr J. A. Wilson, Resident Engineer in Wellington, is (says the Post) to remain where he is . Mr Wilson is to take charge of the Midland Railway Works at the Otira Gorge, the Government having decided to push on with the construction of the, line in that district. His headquarters will be at Jackson's. The Department has not decided' who is to become Resident Engineer in Wellington. At the annual meeting of the Rangiora Borough Council, Councillor Kerr moved — -" That this Counqil strongly deprecates the action of the Legislative Council in throwing out the Old Age Pensions Bill, seeing that it will be a- grievous disappointment to many aged [and deserving persons who have been looking, forward to the passing of some such measure." Councillor Cone seconded the motion, on which, when put, the voting was equal. The Mayor gave his casting vote with the ayes, and declared the motion carried. It was decided to forward the resolution to the Premier. The following (says a Wellington correspondent) is a copy of the telegram received by Mr Cadman from Mr Wilson, of the Mines Department, regarding the Mount Peel opals: — "I have just returned from a visit to the Mount Peel opalrames. I have no doubt about tbe locality being opal-bearing. Samples were taken out whilst I was present. The stones, although of no great size, appear to be of a valuable kind; kuown as fiery opal, whilst in two instances larger, stones of a bluish nature were found." Plum puddings would appear to be responsible for something more than indigestion. In a Nelson hotel recently two carpenters had an; argument as to' the merits of the food served out at' a country station, One man averred that: it was the hungriest station in the district, and the other swore they had plum pudding every day. Ultimately the argument olosed by one J< Chip " pitching a glass at the other's head. In a lawsuit which followed the aggrieved man sought £45 as solatium for the damage whioh he sustained, and the Magistrate, after warning both parties to the quarrel, awarded the plaintiff £7 and costs.

[ AlaUoratDanevirkefefused to mako a customer a suit of clothes ' wUh,cin.s a reference, wto wai ofcned. PajnW not being f ortlysom.jng. he bued tfie writer of the reference, "and the J.p.'s gave judgment against fche latter.' Onanappeal to the Supreme Court Mr Justice Denniston reversed the judgment, which he characterised as absurd. The funeral qf the late Henry George was one of the largest popular demonstrations of sympathy ever seen in New YofE. The Tribune, which opposed Mr George's candidature, says :— " The entire demonstration was one rarely, if ever, before witnessed in this country. Not only the character of the dead candidate, but the exceptionally tragic circumstances of his death contributed to the magnitude of the outpourings of the thousands who wished to pay a tribute to hk memory. The body lay ia state in the Grand' 1 Gentral Palace on Sunday from 7 a.m. till 7 p.m., and m that time fully 30,000 people filed past to look for the -last time upon the dead; man's;iace. At 3 p.m , the losing stream of people was interrupted for two and a half hours while the funeral service was h.eing conducted. Men of every faith were there to pay their last respects, and the immense concourse was addressed by Episcopalian, Roman Catholic, Congregational and ilcbrriic clergymen. When Father M'GJynn appeared, some of the audience started to applaud but this soon subsided as the, gifted priest proceeded to deliver his eulogy on his departed friend, and the vast audience was moved to tears- In bis closing remarks Father M'Glynn said that Henry George had been sent by God, not merely to America, but to the world ; not to this generation, but to all generations to come. His position, the orator continued, was grander than if he were Mayor of New York, or even President of America." The following paragraph from the Grey River Argus, a paper friendly to if not a, strong supporter of the Government, will be read with interest :— -Mr J. J. Meikle, one of the most unfortunate men in the Colony, put in a claim tor over £4000 for wrongful imprisonment. The committee recommended the claim, but Government would not agree to grant the, applicant more than £500. Dire necessity and inability to get any more have compelled Meikle to accept the offer. While Ihe poor fellow was in gaol serving out an unjust sentence, hia wife and son died and his property was gone. When he came out of gaol he spent every shilling he could raise to bring the foul perjurer, on whpse evidence he was convicted, to justice, and succeeded in establishing his own innocence and convicting- the- perjurer. And , as., compensation for having to. undergo all this injustice, ignominy and ruin Government will only make amends to the extent of £500. This is one phase of the" liberalism of Government.