The Evening herald. FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 1873.

Wanganui Herald, Volume V, Issue 1676, 31 January 1873, Page 2

The Evening herald. FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 1873.

The address of the member for the district on "Wednesday evening was an able and exceedingly lucid summary of the political events of the last session of the Assembly. The speech was more calculated to impress the House of Representatives than a public meeting, which is always fastidious and difficult to please. Yet Mr Bryce could not have failed to satisfy the tastes of those who feel they have a large stake in the Colony. He surveyed the position not as a mere representative but as one who felt the same interest in the result of good government as any present. Of his sincerity no one has ever had any doubt, and to his capacity to grapple with public questions, and understand, not only the theory of politics, but their practical application,, those whose judgment is entitled to respect in such matters are ready to bear their testimony. On the other hand Mr Bryce cannot complain that his constituents have not given him a support equal to what any constituency in the Colony has given its repz-esentative. They have confided in his independence and patriotism, showing none of the proverbial fickleness—from the demos of Athens downwards — which is said to characterise popular opinion. It will be for the benefit of the constituency that the same relations should continue to be preserved, Tor it will be found that a representative whohasthepersonalhonor and self respect to guard his own reputation will be the most faithful guardian of the interests of those who have reposed a trust in his hands. The words of . Shakspeare are true for all time :— "[This above all—to thine own self be true'And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man." The men who guard lightly their own reputation, constitute the class who labour for office and throw their constituents over whon they obtain it. After the din of the session was over, one question remained which provoked a great deal of discussion, the tide of opinion inclining strongly to disapprove Mr Stafford's action in the matter of the confiscated lands. Mr Bryce, inconsequence mainly of the way in which the FoxVogel Ministry was conducting the administration of Public Works, attached himself to the Opposition, and formed one of the party which forced that weak and corrupt Government from office. He was therefore called upon to express either his approval or disapproval of the action of the Ministry to which he gave his support, in its manner of dealing with what is recognised as one of the bugbears of colonial statesmen. Without altogether coinciding with Mr Stafford's action, lie drew a comparison between the policies of Mr Stafford and Mr McLean. He found Mr McLean admitting that there were native owners to the confiscated land, and instructing Mr Parris to purchase their claims at the rate of 5s an acre—the full price of unsurveyed native land. On the other hand Mr Stafford did not intend to abandon the confiscated lands but to take what were unalienated and available, make out of these reserves

for railways, for villages, and for sraporb purposes, and then divide the remainder amongst the natives whoafter fail-investigation might be found to have an. interest in them. If this proposal be carefully compared with the action of Mr McLean it will be seen that of the two policies Mi- Stafford's was the more advantageous for the Colony. The fact of inducing the Ivingites to claim land, would have brought them at once under an obligation of loyalty to the Government, and the. process of investigating their claims would have occupied their attention and broken down any ankati that may at present exist. Mr McLean now admits the right of the natives to the confiscated land ; Mr Stafford would admit the privilege of certain natives to claims after investigation. -The public records are in existence to prove the relative merits of the action of the one and the proposal of the other. But in the eyes of some, Mr McLean can do no wrong in native affairs, and he often receives credit which he does not deserve. We have not space to-day to refer to the Whenuakura block. But it is amusing, ay Mr Bryce pointed out, to find the Native Minister saying lie is bound by the promise of Mr Stafford to return this land to the natives, but at the same time allows the Superintendent of Taranaki to obtain a slice of the same land.

We turn to the question of the Wan-ganui-Manawatu railway which Mr Bryce has opportunely called attention to, and find the matter of the Provincial guarantee explained by Mr Ormond in his speech on the Railway Bill at the close of the session. He said ;

" The next railway to which I have to refer is the line fromManawatu to Wanganui fifty eight miles. This was originally authorized as a tramway, at a cost of £2,000 per mile. The Government propose to' recommend that a section of that line the section between Wanganui and Eangitikei —should, instead of being constructed as a tramway, be constructed as a railway • and that oetween Eangitikei and Manawatu a tramway should be constructed. The authorized cost of this woTk is £116 000 and the estimate of the cost to complete it is L 90,000. It is proposed to proceed first with the section of this line from Wan*anui to Turakma, some thirteen miles, and to proceed with the continuation of the line trora there to Eangitikei, as labour and other requisities are at hand. With regard to the tramway line between Eangitikeiiind Manawatu, the speed with which that line will be proceeded with will depend, to a certain extent, on the carrying out of the 1< eildmg arrangement, because, should that contract be carried out in its entirety, the Government would be bound, at an early date to proceed with the construction of the tramway. As to this line, there is a condition that the Government propose to make. As mch iavery largely increased sum is to be asked for as L 90.000 in this case, and as it has been the practice in the Provinces in the North Island, at any rate in the Provinceof Hawke's Bay, to give land as security for the construction of these railways the Government willmake the construction of this railway conditional on the provincial authorities o f Wellington giving land to secure the increased price which they ask the House to vote."

It will remain for the Provincial representatives of these districts to place themselves in communication with the Government, during the session of the Council, in respect of the security for this £90,000. The Provincial Government cannot refuse to comply with the conditions, especially after the Council in a previous session recommended the construction, of this line, and in face of the Wairarapa line. We suppose it is a peculiarity belonging to the system of administration which obtains with the Vogel party, that they should ask for security for the Wanganui-Eangitikei line paying expenses, but are content to cast the Waitara line on the shoulders of the Colony. It is not unfair to suppose that the three Taranaki votes caused the distinction. Mr Bryce has given the electors many subjects of interest to ponder, and indicated a policy which should be judged apart from prejudice or the interests of party. Economy of administration is the chief political virtue at the present time, and whether it be Waterhouse or Stafford in power, it matters not, provided the helm of state be guided by patriotism.

The Committee have reported on the wharf, and recommend, as most people will say rightly, that the financial position requires prompt action to be taken to collect the dues payable under the Act. The Council has no control over the foreshore above the Bridge, and the Committee recommend that the Council negotiate for the purchase of private wharfs. There is only one, however, above the Bridge (Betfc and Robertson's) and the acquisition of it would be sufficient. It is unnecessary for the Council to obtain private wharfs below the Bridge; indeed it should encourap-e people to construct as many as possible. The proposal to lease the foreshore we do not fully Would the lessees be expected to reclaim it, and would the cxi peclation be reasonable ? By leasing without conditions as to reclamation, the Council would virtually negative the necessity of reclaiming what would be to them a valuable property. We should have thought the better plan would be for the Council to reclaim according to its means, letting the land reclaimed by public tender. The foreshore is the property of the whole town, and the fact that pre-emptive rights are to be given to any parties will convey the impression that there is a desire to perpetrate a-job. We direct the attention of the ratepayers to this subject, and urge them to watch carefully the action of the Council, remembering that the foreshore belongs to the ratepayers generally, and that the duty

of their representatives i? to see that it bo turned to the most profitable account in our present •'•' financial condition/ It is possible to alienate this splendid property for twenty-one yeai.s for the benefit of "a few speculators. We would also respectfully suggest that if any member of the Council is anxious to obtain a lease of Corporate property he should, before discussing the terms upon which the property will be leased, place his resignation in the hands of the ratepayers. This is an nppeal to his conscience, with which the matter rests for the present.

The sale of booth .sites for the forth-, coming Wanganui races was conducted at tho Rutland Hotel, on' Thursday afternoon, by Mr R. S. Low. The Grand Stand site was sold to Mr F. Ledbury, of L the Custom House Hotel, for £11. He has to erect

stand capable of accommodating 200 persons, and to put up'the fencing of the saddling paddock. Mrltapley, of the Prince of Wales, became the purchaser of the site west of the Grand Stand for £7, and Mr 11. Morrow, of the Criterion, the east site for £8. No. 1 refreshment booth was bought by Mr C. Bell, for £3 los, Mrs Me Auley giving £4 17s Gd for No. 2 site. Flowers the " irrepressible " paid 10s Cd for permission to erect his nut target, while Mr Whitloek invested the same amount for laying down a bowling alley. The "O'rect card " fell to Mr Ferry for £3 2s. Ud, and the gate to Mr James Anderson for £31. Altogether the sale realised £09. a very satisfactory result indeed.

The fire Brigade assembled last night for practice. While engaged near the Market Square, the alarm was heard pealing from the fire-bell erected near the Enginehouse. With very creditable rapidity, oporations were suspended at the Square and the Brigade proceeded down the beach at full speed in direction of the supposed fire. On arriving near Duncan's timber yard it was found that a large heap of rubbish had been set fire to, thus causing the alarm. Although their services were not required it was exceedingly gratifying to notice the efficiency displayed by the members. After practice was concluded the ordinary meeting of the members was held in the antiroom of the Engine house. The resignation of Mr James Lett, the Secretary, was received and accepted with regret, the members unanimously passing a vote of thanks to Mr Lett for his past meritorious services in connection..with the Brigade, extending over seven years. Mr D. Thompson, the Treasurer, consented to undertake the duties of Secretary pro tern. We are informed that the Brigade will receive per the Forfarshire direct from London, about £100 worth of material which is sadly needed. To the credit of the Insurance Companies we may state that the cost of this shipment will be defrayed by them.

Our old friend and mischief maker among the settlers, Mr Parris, has arrived in Wanganui, and is assisting his old colleague Booth, and Hori Kingi's heir, Major Kemp, to make a comfortable arrangement for the scoundrels, whom McLean turned out of the Dunedin jail, to settle at Patea. The Maoris will soon have the upper hand once more. It is coming to that state when a number of pardoned felons may again interfere with the progress of settlement on this coast, and hatch another rebellion. But the thing has not been accomplished yet, and before all has been satisfactorily arranged to the mind of the philo-M xoris, the settlers will ask to be heard.

Another race between the " Dolly Varden " manned by the same crew as pulled her iirst past the winning post last Saturday, and the " Secret " having for a crew Messrs Pickering and Duncan, came off last (Thursday) evening. The course was the same as in the iirst race. A very even start was effected by 'Mr Drew, and the boats went away at a spankin"- pace The steering of the "Secret" was excellent," the boat taking a bee line direct for the snag, the other coxswain huggine the the Putiki shore too much. The'" Secret" turned the snag well a-head of the '• Dolly " and came straight home pulled with alone powerful swinging stroke that contrasted favourably with the quicker but shorter stroke of the " Dolly's " crew. The "Secret" snot under the Bridge an easy'winner in 21 mm. 30 sec, very fair time indeed. Bush and Shaw rowed pluckily and pulled to the last. The weather was in every wav suitable for boat racing, the contest "being watched by a large number of spectators who occupied every vantage, point available.

Mr G. Bromley and Miss Emily Neilaon presented themselves for public patronage at the Odd Fellows' Hall last evening, and was received in a manDei- highly flattering to these talented artists. Mr Bromley's songs and character | sketches were rendered in a style of superior [ excellence, and were enthusiastically re- ' ceived by the audience. There is an easy and gentlemanly bearing connected with every act and song- Mr Bromley does that it is really a treat to sit and listen to him; and no one need be afraid to take their wives and families to see the whole entertainment, for there is nothing but what the most fastidious person could see and enjoy. Of Miss Neilson's singing we cannot speak too highly. Her graceful and modest appearance on the stage, and the charmingmanner in which she sings the pretty ballads allotted to her must make her a favorite wherever she may chance to be. The songs, " Driven from Home," " Jessie's Dreams," and " Many happy returns of the Day," fairly brought down the hoube. and deservedly too ; fov Miss Neilson rendered

them m a pleasing and unaffected style deserving all possible praise from every one. and we would certainly recommend that; they should be repeated in the next programme. The Parliamentary Stump Speech by Mr Bromley is a ludicrous affair, and fairly brought down the plaudits of the whole audience. They appear again tomorrow (Saturday") evening in a change of programme.

The following members of the Wanganni Rifles have been selected to form a firing party to attend the funeral of late Private T. Morton to-morrow' (Saturday): Corporal Drew. Privates Northover, * T. ]jow, .1, Robinson, G. IT. Armstrong, Tingey, Ferry, M. Meehan, Oakley. Stevenson, Carroll, W. Aiken, J. Catliro and 0. H. Ashforth. The firing party will parade with arms and accoutrements, service ammunition to he left at home.

The Wanganui Town Band intend playing a few selections on the Market Square to mcrow (Saturday) evening at 5 o'clock. These al jresco instrumental concerts are very enjoyable, giving an air of jollity to our somewhat steady town.

The Wanganui Cricketers play the return match with the Marton-Rangitikei Club to morrow (Saturday) at Marton.

At the R.M. Court to-day, before E. W. Woon, E?q., TIM., the re-hearing of the case Collie v. Youug was adjourned till Tuesday next.—G. Hutchison v. Fellgate ; claim £5 13s 2d ; the defendant not being in attendance judgment was given ex parte for amount and costs.—G. Ross v. Hodges, claim £5 10s 4f d; non-appearance of "defendant ; judgment ex parte for amount and costs.—Hewitt v. W. Oollopy, claim £1 15s 6d ; Mr Hutchison for plaintiff; judgment for amount and costs.

The Provincial Council elections yesterday in Wellington, caused considerable excitement, great doubt existing as to the result. The numbers read out by the returning officer were—Buckley, 374': Waring Taylor, 336; Carter, 290 :" Pearce, 282 ; Hunter, 278 ; Borlase/,266; Crawford, 233; Wallace, 200 ; Dransfield, 160 : Ramie! 115. The first seven were declared elected.

The following is a correct list of the scores made at the firing this morning under Sergeant Clark, seven out of the eleven having qualified : —Private Guy, 61: Private Stevenson, 53: Lieutenant Watt, 45; Sergeant Clark, 43; Private Waters, 40 ; Private Cath.ro, 39 ; Private Turner, 28 ; Private J. Hogg, 35 ; Private J. Carroll, 35 ; Private John Anderson, 31 ; Private Shalders, 27.

The statement going the rounds of press that Mr Bryce is favourable to a railway from the Waikato to the Waitara is totally incorrect.

Mr Bunny in his speecli to the electors of Wairarapa West, proposed to borrow £100,000 for public works in.tlie province. He also has expressed the intention of appropriating £5000 for the erection of schools in the province.

Great preparations are being made by the Roman Catholics in Ohristchurch for the reception of Bishop Moran, who is expected to arrive there to-day (Friday).

Owing to the plurality of other meetings, the members of the Regatta Committee did not all attend the meeting last evening. A programme was partly arranged by those present, but was left to a sub-committee consisting of Messrs Low, Drew, Watt, Lyell and Notman to complete. Nearly £60 in prizes will be competed for.