Wanganui Herald. (PUBLISHED DAILY), TUESDAY, SEPT 16, 1879.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XII, Issue 3514, 16 September 1879, Page 2

Wanganui Herald. (PUBLISHED DAILY), TUESDAY, SEPT 16, 1879.

The admirable manner in which the members of the local Fire Brigade perform their voluntary work of saving the property of the residents has always been recognized in moments of danger, but unfortunately the appreciation does not take practical effect. Ever since the Brigade was inaugurated the main difficulty experienced by the managing committee has not been either want of men, or want of will and ability to direct that will, but a lack of funds to purchase equipments, so that the men could do justice to themselves and the responsibility entrusted to them. In a letter written by the Captain, and published in our columns a few days back, the financial position of the Brigade was fairly set forth*. At present the revenue of the Brigade is derived equally from the Borough Council and the Insurance Companies. That revenue is not sufficient to to enable the Brigade to keep up their plant in that state of efficiency necessary to enable them to*- be useful in the hour of danger. The residents therefore have to ask themselves this question. Is the advantage of an efficient Brigade, thoroughly equipped, aud the members actuated by the feeling that their services ( are appreciated at their proper value, worthy of an increased expenditure from i the Borough funds ? We anticipate the answer in the affirmative. The next question then is whatincrease would be sufficient to meet the demand. The present subsidy from the Borough is £75 per annum, supplemented by the same amount from the Insurance Companies. This amount was fised upon some years back when the Brigade was only some twenty members strong, and only one hose reel to work. Although the subsidy has remained stationary, yet the Brigade has had to keep pace with the rapid growth of the town. The numerical strength of

the Brigade has been doubled, a branch station has been opened, and the plant increased from one hose reel to three. All this could not have been done had it not been for the sale of an engine to Marton, whereby£loo was placed to the credit of the Brigade. It can thus be seen that whereas £150 per annum was sufficient for maintenance in the past, it is not near enough now, and .economy in maintenance can only be obtained at the cost of efficiency. The late fire proved this. A portion of the hose in use had been on the reels for over two years, and a significant hint of its state was given by the bursting of six lengths. The delay of the few minutes necessary to remove the damaged length, and the coupling up of a stronger piece, would often mean the loss of a building, an excellent example of the penny wise and pound foolish policy- It is now time the Borough Council, in conjunction with the Insurance Companies, should recognise the increased responsibility resting on the Brigade by the only practical way open to them, viz. , by an increase in the annual subsidy. The Brigade requires £250 per year to make it what it ought to be, and we feel perfectly sure that the half of that amount would be readily forthcoming from the Insurance Companies.

The only policy of a large and powerful party in this country is embraced in the word Capital. * How will such a measure affect Capital — you will drive Capital out of the country — you will alarm the capitalist, &c.' To hear these cries continually repeated one would suppose that Capital was the Government and ruled the Colony^ Now Capital, though a bad master is a very good servant, and ia indeed an important factor in the prosperity of a country. The economists have stated no pernicious doctrine in making it the basis of national power, though if we except Sismondi, they attach an undue importance to the accumulation compared with the distribution of wealth. Let us take an illustration. The available agricultural capital of England is principally in the hands of the landlords, and it is a recognised fact that an estate ia well or badly managed according to the wealth or poverty of its owner. Here the laborer has little interest beyond hi 3 miserable pittance, "while the tenant is at the mercy of the seasons, and has to rely on a reduction of the rent in case of a bad harvest or vicissitude. The most favourable condition is where the landlord is wealthy, and can afford to expend a portion of his income in improvements for the benefit of his tenantry. But still even here, with accumulation there is wanting the distribution of the capital among those who are daily contributing to it: And this is the point which writer 3 on political economy have, as a rule, failed to examine with sufficient attention. Now we shall take another state of society. The peasant 1 cultivator of France, Belgium, and some other European countries, owns the land he cultivates, paying the rent to himself. Here the agricultural capital of the country is distributed with tolerable evenness over five millions of landed proprietors. Even the bulk of the capital which is lent on mortgage is owned locally. The work of accumulation is going on amongst these peasant proprietors jnst as well (we think it can be proved that it is going on in a far greater ratio among them) as among the landlords, and: we have in addition the great social and political result of the maximum distribu tion. The well known response of the French peasantry to the call of the nation to free its soil from the invader, stands out as one of the most remarkable events of history. For not only have we in this great deed a proof of the industry and prosperity of the email cultivators, but we have along with them the most unquestioning unwavering patriotism. The millionaire would have hesitated about hiß security, and certainly discounted the risk ; his own position would have been the first consideration, and no doubt he would have had relations with, both the invader and the invaded, which would have caused some perturbation in his mind on the occasion. But the at one time despised peasant proprietors, who turned out also, strange to say, to be millionaires, came down with their milliards, at par, and, glorious fact ! neither questioned nor quibbled over the security. A revolution has come over the minds of most thinkers on this question since the Franco-German war on the recuperative and latent energy of a country of small proprietors, though the deductions have not yet been accepted generally. The fear of draining capital away we see taking the form of panic wherever any great political changes are mooted. France was thought to be ruined when she had to pay 200 millions sterling to Germany ; but in a few years she grew into a more prosperous condition that her victorious rival, so that some other element than capital muat be accounted for. Now let us consider for a moment the position of this colony in relation to the investment of a capital. An official return was lately ordered by the Treasury to be made up of the amount of money lent on mortgage in the Colony, with instructions to estimate separately, as near as the data would permit, the English and Colonial capital. The result was found to be that a sum of 18 millions, in round numbers was on mortgage, 11 millions of which was owned by persons residing in the colony, and 7 millions by persons residing in England and elsewhere. The result, so contrary to preconceived notions, was certainly very startling, the prevailing idea being that the bulk of money on mortgage was foreign capital. What is the dominant idea of those lending out the 11 millions with respect to their security and interest ? The majority of them may be timid and subject to alarms, but so long as they can

command a rate of interest equal to thnt in other countries, with the security existing simply in the law of contract, they are not likely to commit suicide. If a panic did set in they could not clear out at once, but s;ive time for reflection and a crisis will pass by without permanent injury. AH the experience of old countries shows this to be the case: The greatest opponents of the Eeform Bill of 1832 were the bondholders, and stocks went down, but the recovery came in due time and things resumed their wonted course. No doubt the English lender might be frightened, when the stream of capital flowing from the mother country would be checked. It was checked when it was thought, before the truth was known, that the failure of the Glasgow Bank was

V partly due to speculation in land in Isew Zealand ; but the question is, what makes people feel secure when they lend money 1 The ability and the honesty to repay. Nothing else ; and we utterly deny that any political reform calculated to promote general prosperity, can have the permanent effect of depreciating credit. On the contrary, such ref urms must directly enhance both public and private credit, as they give greater soci.al stability, by widening the basis of prosperity, or in other words, dividing the risk. This end then is achieved by a distribution of the land in the hands of many, instead of permitting a monopoly to grow up by, which great estates will be allowed to depopulate the Colony. Everything that tends to distribute the land is a national benefit, and a reform of the first magnitude.

We published an extraordinary telegram in our last issue from London to the effect that the English Government were going to introduce a measure to limit borrowing by the Colonies. The intelligence is incredible. In the first place the Imperial Parliament has ceased legislating for any Colony, except at its special request ; and in the next place the Imperial Parliament avoids meddling with economic principles which regulate themselves. If there is any foundation for the telegram, it is purely of a technical character, referring probably to the position occupied by the Crown Agents (who are Imperial Officers) in their relation to colonial loans. The matter requires explanation, which in all probability will show that no ground exists for stating that the English Government intend to interfere between lenders and borrowers, any more than that they intend to revive the usury laws.

At the District Court yesterday, before his Honor Judge Hardcastle, the case of Alfred Muller v Hori Kerei was heard. Mr Hodge appeared for plaintiff, and Mr Duncan for defendant. The claim was for £144 4s, and the action brought to recover judgment delivered at the last Supreme Court, The result was an adjournment till the next

sitting of the District Court,

" A Common Mineral " is the title of a paper to be read to-night by Mr Steedman, jun., at the Mutual Improvement Society's meeting.

Telegraph communication between Batavia and Singapore is interrupted. A special steamer will leave Batavia for Siugapore to-morrow taking on all telegrams,

Referring to Sir William Fox, tha Dunedin Tribune says :— " If there is anything upon which the Opposition can be highly complimented, it is on their selectien of a leader. A gentleman who can snatch a knighthood in an uuderhand, surreptitious, aud undignified manner, who can renounce his solemn political protestations at a moineut's notice, and who has had more experience than any other man in the Southern hemisphere, of tumbledown cabinets, was undoubtedly an admirable leader for a party whose great object is to delay reform, to crush native industry, to establish a land aristocracy, and to place the cultivator and the arlizan under the iron heel of huge money-lending and land-speculating monopolies."

The following circular has been issued by the Postal department : — " The question having been raised on several occasions whether statements of acoounts, or accounts generally, when posted in open covers, are entitled to pass through the poab at book rates, Postmasters are informed that such documents are liable to letter rates of postage.

The new manager of the Wanganui Gas Works, Mr Delves, has entered upon his duties. Mr Delves has been for eight years Manager of the Ilokitika works, and is a thoroughly praotical man. We certainly think the Directors have acted in the best interest of the shareholders in obtaining skilled supervision of the works, for with a praotical man of long experieuce at the helm, consumers will have more confidence. It ia only too plain that the vagaries of the meters, or the waste somewhere, prevents satisfaction being given to either consumers or shareholders, and therefore the advent of Mr Delves will probably mark a new era in the gas history of Wanganui. The reduction in the price should receive the earliest attention of the Directors.

The re-appearance of the Serenaders last night was greeted by a very fair house, and the general execution of the programme showed a considerable improvement on Che first efforts of our Ethiopians. Some of the songs and choruses were very pleasingly rendered, the best song of the evening being "Booked in the Cradle of the Deop," sung Iby Mr Wallace most effectively. A number of bouquets were thrown to this gentlemen — such an unusual prooeeding, that we supposo it was meant for a part of the fun. Mr Peymau's delivery of a " Game of Cards " was satisfactory, and tho comic sonsjs of Billy Dodd and Dave Hood of course brought down the house. "A trip round tho world " wanted more body in it, and would have been improved by the National airs being suug as choruses. The Clog Dance was well performed by Messrs Ned Morgan and Billy Dodd, and satisfactorily demonstrated that grass was not likely to grow under their feet. An adaptation of the " Mulligan Guards," entitled the "Awkward Squad," provoked roars of laughter, as did the closing farce of "a Lawyer's Clerk." The latter was what tho programme called it, jusfc aide-splitting, ami brought to an appropriate conclusion a very passable entertainment. The instrumental accompaniements were a great improvement on the opening performance, the violin, cornet, and piftno going well together in good time and tune. There will be a second performance this evening.

Considerable disgust and indignation are manifested in Dublin over thedisoovery that tlie stature of Moore, the poet, is made of zinc instead of bronze ; but more especially because the rain has got in through a crack in the heal, and the statue is now half- full of water. — N, Z. Timee.

The Salt Lake Herald is informed that the grasshoppers in that region are attacked by a deadly enemy whose sting 13 death. On Frovo beach the grasshoppers are dying by the bushel. A little fly of a singular kind gets on the ironclad and poisons it so that it swells and dies. The sting of the fly is certain death.

Creditors' meetings hare their comical ss well as their serious aspect, says the Post. At a recent meeting held privately there were about 30 creditors present, and it was stated that the chief asset was a small piece of land. One of the creditors seriously proposed that they should divide it between them. The Chairman characterised the proposal as ridiculous ; even if it were possible to carry out such, an idea, it would only give each of them about six feet! "Just what I had calculated," rejoined the creditor ; "if I have to attend any more of these meetings it will not be long before / shall want a grave /"

The Otago Daily Times, writing on the political position, says — " For our part we consider that Messrs Ballanoe and Stout are far more entitled than he (Sir G-.Grey) is to the credit of bringing such measures into promin-. ence.They have simply used Sir Geo.as a voice to give utterance to their views, and he has not shown that he entirely appreciates that position. Liberal principles were bound by the very pressure of circumstances and our nearness to Victoria to come to the front, Sir George or no Sir George; and if he has done some good of late by his apparently sincere advocacy of them, he has also done harm by disintegrating the party, aud arousing unnecessary bitterness. In quarrelling with Mr Ballance he lost one of the best and truest friends of the Liberal cause ; and now men like Mr Montgomery, Mr Turnbull, and Mr Saunders— true and thorough Liberals— no longer trust him."

" Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction." A fresh instance of the truth of this well worn adage has just come to light in Wellington (remarks the Post.) It appears that there are in the A.C. force at the present time two men who fought on opposite sides throughout the Franco-Prussian war, but who are now bound together by the same oath of allegiance, ready- to make a common oause against the foes of New Zealand. One of them — St. Omer,a Frenchman — was wounded at the battle of Gravelotte ; tho other, a Prussian, named Leonard, passed through the war unscathed. They never knew each other until they met in Wellington a few months ago, and began to compare notes. As may be imagined, they often " fight their battles oe'r again," though fortu» nately, they confine themselves merely to verbal conflicts. Their heated discussions, anent the rival merits of " Der Vaterland" and " La belle France," excite considerable amusement among their comradeß, who, it is said, wickedly abet and encourage these little passages- at-arms.

The native, who gave the fire alarm on Sunday was informed by someone that he would receive a gratuity. He waited upon Capt. Cummins and made his olaim. The Captain explained to the Maori that no payment was ever given for the service, and that the firemen worked not for pay but for mutual protection. However, on consideration of the point, Capt. Cummins decided to recommend that E. Tapa be paid a gratuity for his promptness in ringing the bell, thinking that it would be an inducement to the natives in the future. Writing out an order on the Treasurer, Capt. Cummins handed il over to E . Tapa with instructions where to get it cashed. E. Tapa, however, had been thinking over what had been told to him, and much to the surprise of the Captain declined to accept ©f any payment, stating that he wished to be " all the same as the pakeha,". and that as the firemen worked for the good of the community generally, so also did he wish to do so. It would be sufficient, ho said, if it was made known that he, E. Tapa, had rung the bell. This is an instance of public spirit on the parb of a native worthy of notice.

The attention of Catholics is directed to the notice inserted by Rev. Father Kirk, referring to Fast days,

It has been decided not to hold an enquiry into the late fire on Taupo Quay at present. We learn that the £1,200 insurance on W. Kells 1 stock in the Imperial and National Companies has been re-insured to half the amount in the Hanßeatio Company id Welliegton. \ m» *.

The settlers, before changing the boundaries of their county, should ponder over the following words of Mr Swanaon at Newton the other day. He said «He would oppose any additioa to the Couoty of Eden. It was at present very compact. There were no l&rge works to carry on ; they had plenty of road metal in the district, and had ouly three bridges to look after, and they could not quarrel with their neighbours. They had both plenty of men and money in it. He had the county of Eden made, and if there was any fault to fiad with its size,or its shape, he alone was to blame. It was intended to be part of the Manakau county, but he saw that unless what was vow Eden was made a county, it would have to pay all the rates, and they would be spent by Manakau. 1 '