Wanganui Herald. (PUBLISHED DAILY). SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 1884. "AN IMPORTANT SPEECH."

Wanganui Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 5309, 15 March 1884, Page 2

Wanganui Herald. (PUBLISHED DAILY). SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 1884.

"AN IMPORTANT SPEECH."

This heading to the telegraphic report of the speech of a member to his constituents in our last night's issue no doubt attracted attention, as the reading of the summary must have created some interest. Mr Fitzgerald in addressing his constituents at Hokitika, placed before them the outlines of a policy we have for some time advocated in these columns, and we think it will be admitted that he has spoken in a manner which indicates pretty clearly that he has finally made up his mind on the several subjects dealt with in his address. Mr Fitzgerald prefaced his discourse on the policy of the Government by assuring his audience that he had not during the two sessions he had been in the House given them a servile support. He then proceeded to denounce Major Atkinson's scheme of National Insurance, thinking the scheme " utterly impracticable." His opinion was that "if the benefitted class put their money in their pockets rather than into insurance, they would derive much benefit." On the question of Federation he was equally explicit, remarking that "New Zealand would be better, both financially and defensively, standing as she was." This is a thoroughly sound view of the question, and we have no doubt many more of the independent supporters of the Government look upon the matter in the same light. On the land question Mr Fitzgerald is as thoroughpaced a reformer as the most advanced Liberal — we were going to say as the greatest " sham Liberal " — in the colony. He spoke strongly against land monopoly, " holding that no man should be allowed to hold more land than a specified area — an Act should be passed restricting such holdings, and if any person was found holding more than the restricted area, the surplus should be forfeited and sold. He believed in perpetual leasing, and held tiuit all freehold land should he done away with." Now here is a Radical policy on the land question which might be termed thorough. Our own views never went so far, but we have every consideration for the faith of a recent convert. We thought and think that no more of the public lands whatever should be sold, but disposed of on perpetual lease. With respect to private land, we hold that nationalisation should be applied to the lands of absentees and to large freehold areas, but that the cultivating occupiers of land, within certain limits as to quantity, should be permitted to retain their freeholds. There is no reason for disturbing the freehold cultivator who wishes to retain that tenure. Nor would it be wise to interfere with a class forming the backbone of the colony. If this policy were carried out, the necessity of restricting the size of the holdings would immediately vanish. If Mr Fitzgerald's proposal to abolish all private property in land were adopted, what would be the use of his other proposal to restrict the size of freeholds? There would, of course, be no freeholds to restrict. But we do not intend to be severely critical with respect to a speech which affords so refreshing a sign of the current of public opinion. Speculation in land has half ruined the colony, and diverted the capital and enterprise of tens of thousands of colonists from industrial pursuits. It has been a huge totalisator where the 10 per cent has gone into the coffers of the financial institutions. If any person asks for the cause of the depression, the answer is ready-speculation in land. The large estates are at this moment the millstone round the neck of the colony,

which it cannot shake off. Cut them up, and place practical farmers on their 340 acres at a live-and-let-live rent, and the colony will soon be prosperous. We congratulate Mr Fitzgerald upon his courage, and condole with those people in Wanganui and elsewhere who think the colony was made for a few grasping territorial monopolists.

Tins evening, at 8 o'clock, a meebing will be held at the Pier Hotel, for the purposo of considering what stops should be taken towards prospecting the interior for gold. Of course anything that is done must be subject to the consent of the native?, but we under«tand c-ome valuable information on this head will be placed before the meeting. Nothing further need be added at present. |j

By the lonic, Mr and Mrs W. Derrett of Patea are returning to the colony. Monday being St. Patrick's Day, the various Banks in town will be dosed. Mr S. TI. Drew has generously given the Fire Brigade a handsome eight-day clock for use in their large hall. By the latest Gazette we learn that the Governor-in-Council has assented to the construction of the Wanganui Deads Railway. As ia notified in another column, the meeting of those interested in prospecting the Tuhua country will be held in Jackson's Pier Hotel at 8 o'clock this evening. The Hawera races will be held on Monday next, and a good day's sport may be expected. To enable Wanganui sportsmen to get through in time for the first event, the first train will leave at ten minutes past six, arriving at Manutahi at ten minutes past nine. Messrs During and Flynn, the wellknown whips, have made special arrangements for the conveyance of passengers from Manutahi to the course, and it will be neccessary for those desirous of securing seats, to book with Mr C. Chavannes, the Wanganui agent.

From the Patea Mail we learn that a successful soiree was held at Waverley in connection with Ft Andrew's Presbyterian church. Musical selections, songs and addresses formed the afterpart of the entertainment. Regarding the Rev Mr Treadwell's address, the Mail says he rather oxceedc d the bounds of moderation in his address and evidently wearied his audience, his address lasting fully three quarters of an hour. He not only spoke on matters connected with the history and prospects of the Presbyterian Church in New Zealand and the New Hebrides mission, but introduced a dissertation on gambling and intemperance, &c.

The effect of the now steamers (says the Otago Daily Times) in the intercolonial trade is obvious to any one who walks down our streets. New Zealand is fast becoming the Switzerland of Australasia, and the money spent here by tourists will soon form an agreeable addition to our scanty incomes. The interest which New Zealand is attracting in, Australia as a holiday reßort is shown by the fact that the Argus and Australasian have got another special correspondent here, who, it is to be hoped, will report more favorably of the people of Otago than " The Vagabond." The norn deplume of "Bruni " is well known to the readers of the Australasian.

A Victoriau journal states that a young Australian has written to a paper thus : — " Si r> — I think that the greatest injustice to boys is their father marrying so early. If a man didn't marry till he was 40, he would die and leave his money to his pon just at the time the latter was entering upon life in earnest, aud the boy would find it very useful. Instead of this, men marry early, and they live to spend their money on themselves. I have a father who is only 19 years older than myself. When he is 70 I shall be 51. So you see it i- no good my waiting for my inheritance, I must work for my own living. This, f-ir, is one of the greatest difficulties we youiig men have to encounter through the inconsiderate conduct of ' our fathers.' "

The drapers' winter season is now commencing, and in addition to those already notified as having opened up their new goods, we have now to draw attention to the announcement by Mrs Walker. The stock laid in for the new season's trade is, as usual, of the very latest fashion and style, and having been bought advantageously in the London ir-arkets, will be offered at very low rates. The display of Parisian millinery is well worthy of inspection, comprising amongst the la f est shapes the well-known Henry ll f., and Princess of Wales. In mantles the stock is complete, and some of the new styles in brocaded materials are very handsome. The latest styles in ribbons, laces, gloves, and all the other necessaries in a well-appointed millinery establishment, will be on view this evening.

Mr James Tyson, the Australian milliouaire, is paying a visit to New Zealand. Sir William Clarke, Sir James Elder, Sir Samuel Wilson are a'l Australians noted for their wealth, and justly so, for they are •wool kings indeed. But all these and other landowners must bow their heads to Mr Tyson. Three years ago the London World ranked him among the very wealthiest men in the world. He is more solidly wealthy than several of the so-called wealthiest men, for he has no liabilities. He is the greatest sheepowner in the world, and his many herds of cattle have a great reputation. It is said he owns 1,000,000 cattle. In addition, he lends more money on mortgage than any man in the hemisphere. It is understood that Mr Tyson is looking out for some properties worthy his attention, and is inspecting this island, and is now in the Wairarapa.

A concert in aid of the Avamoho Church fund was held last evening at which about 100 people were present. The following is the programme : — Pianoforte solo, Mr E. Nicholas ; song, Midshipmite, Mr Turner ; song, Beauty Sleep, Mrs Stewart ; song, Om Jack's come Home again, Mr T. Davis ; song, To the Woods, Miss Turner ; recitation, May Queen, Miss Corrigan ; Scotch song, Take your old cloake away, Mr Alexander ; duet, Palaski's Banner, Misses Turner and Nicholas ;song, TheShamrock.MrLennard ; song, The Friars of Order's Grey, Mr G. Randal ; duet, Misses Walker ; song, We'd better bide awee, Miss F. Day ; song, Away to the Mountains, Miss Nicholas ; duet, Flow on thou shining river, Misses Walker ; Mr Davis and Mr Alexander each received a well deserved encore. Miss Crawford and Mr E. Nicholas presided at the piano. The proceedings were brought to a close with the National Anthem.

At a meeting of the directors of the Wanganui Library last evening, the secretary announced that the grant of the General Assembly coming to Wanganui was on its way. The custodian's salary was increased from £78 to £100 a year, as a fair remuneration for the services that had to be performed. A tender of £8 was received for removing sand from the back of the Library, and accepted. A remittance has been sent Home for a quantity of new "works. It was determined to ffer for sale the magazines and papers after they had remained one mouth on the table. The financial condition of the Library was shown to be satisfactory. A deputation consisting of the chairman (Dr Tripe), Mr Billance, and Mr Cross, was appointed to wait on His Honor Mr Justice Richmond upon his arrival in Wanganui, to request him to deliver a lecture in behalf of the Library.

The St. Patrick's Day sports in Victoria Park promises to be a great success, judging from the large number of entries received for the St. Patrick's Day and 100 yds handicap. In addition to the prizes advertised, several of the grocers have given extra prizes, in the shape of bags of flour, sugar, etc. As admission to the ground will be free, and the events are open to all, a large attendance may be expected, The following are the handicaps :— St Patrick's handicap, 200 yds Ist heat : G. 1 'ay nport scratch, J. Burke 2yds, W. McNiven syds, J Coikley 10yds, P. Doddy 15yds ; 2nd heat : H. Mence sch, M. Dugan 2yde, C. Oliver syds, P. Digan 6yds, E. Brider 12yds. 100 yds Handicap— Ist heat : G. Davenport son, J. Burke 2yds, P. Digau 3yds, J. Coakley 7yds, E. Brider 9yds; 2nd heat: H. Mence sch, W. R. O'Hara lyd, M. Digan 2y.'s, W. McNiven 3 yds, O. Oliver 4yds, M. Collins 10yds. The first and second "in each heat run in the final,

The entries received from the Railway Sports indicato a good day's plensui'p. The secretary hash receive I between 60 and 70 nominations,

Mr Ahtfeld, manager of the New Zealand Clothing Factory, proceeds to Dunedm next week to select his winter stock. He is now receiving orders for clothing to bo personally selected.^ T. U

In addition to the list of weights given yesterday, for the Fielding races, wo have received the following weights for Exchange; Hurdle Race 9st. 101 bs. ; Winter Oats 6at. 71bs.

Mr T. Ferry has received a telegram from tue Union crew, stating that owing to the water being rough the Wellington Regatta, would not be likely to come off to-day. The message adds that the crew arc " all fit."

The revenue received at the Cue-tons during the last week, amounted to £489 18s 7d. Customs duties £457 Us 9J, beer duty stamps £27 19», light dues £2 8s 4d, .Stamp certificate £1 10s, shipping and seaman's act fees 9s 6d.

The adjourned meeting of the Wanganui Rifle Association will be held this evening, in Chavanne'a Victoria Hotel, at 8 o'clock. As the real existence of the association depends on the result of to-night's meeting, it is to be hoped that there will be a full attendance.

During the week thive patients were admitted into the Hospital, making a total at present receiving attention of tvveatv four. As there is not sufficient accommodation for this number,' Mr Adcock has bad to place four of the patients oufc as boarders, till there are fewer inmates.

Messrs Loasby and Co. announce in this issue their receipt of a stock of Goodwin's Hair Renewer, a remedy for those whose hair is falling out, or changing color. They have also a medicine entitled the Baby's Friend, particulars of which will bo seen in our advertising columns. Messrs Loasby and Co. are sole agents for these medicines, and can supply country storekeepers.

At the R.M. Court this morning, Mr J. Randall (carpenter) was charged by Sergeant Bissett with ill-treating a dog belonging to Mr F. J. Jones. The charge was admitted, and as the police did not press the matter, a fine of 10s, with costs, was inflicted. In the case of McDonnell and Brassey v. C. Cooke, the examination of Colonel McDonnell was continued by Mr Barnicoat, this morning, relative to items disputed.

Mr E. R. Ward was this afternoon presented by a few friends with an illuminated address, setting forth their appreciation of his services as a Borough Councillor, and a public man, since his arrival some years back in Wangauui. The presentation took place in the Rutland Hotel. Mr Pownall is to be congratulated on the artistic manner in which the address was got up. the design being one of the best we have seen from his hand. The following nominations have been received for the new Waitotara County Council : — Tokomaru Riding, Mr T. A . Bryce ; Westmere Riding, Messrs W. H. Watt, and J. Abbot ; Waitotara Riding, Messrs David Peat and James Moore. The above gentlemen will therefore be declared duly elected. No nominations having been received for the Brunswick Riding the time has been extended to the 24th. The first meeting of the Council will be held on Saturday the 29th, in the Rutland Chambers.

This'is the description of the capabilities of a Queensland magistrate, as given by a contemporary : — He can sit a buckjumper, break a colt, bowl an over " dead on " and with no end of pace, knock together a rattling score in slashing style, throw a boomerang as well as any blackfelloiv, sing a good 3<nig, playing his own accompaniment on the piano, throw off a set of verses, sketch a prospect, take a turn with the glove 3, administer real justice from the Bench, and nlay a game of billiards — all with equal excellence.

A woman named Royal, the wife of a carpenter, living at Sydenham, is supposed to have drowned two of her children in the Heathrote. It is believed that her mind has been slightly affect d since her confinement, nine months ago. She took three ohildren"out for a walk, and later on two men saw the eldest boy (3rj years) holding on to some willows. The woman's clothes were wet. She and the rescued child were taken to the hospital. The bodies of the other two children were recovered, and an inquest will be held.

The man Lambert who was lost in the bush at Opunake was found on Wednesday morning about mile from the camp towards Waiiiwa river. He was perfectly nude, and the skin bore plentiful markes of mosquito bite 3 and bramble scratches. He was brought into camp about half past eleven, after receiving a little nourishment and rest was removed to Opunake in charge of Constable Twomey. His mind being affected, he will for the present remain in custody. Great credit is due to Sergeant Foley and his party, Constable Twomey and Mr Harrison, for the prompt and energetic manner in which the search was conducted, and whereby the man's life has been saved.

Judging by the provision made for visitors to the Kai Iwi races yesterday, the Maoris are an inventive vace, and would seem to be capable of making the most of an unpromising situation. The saddling paddock, to which 5s was charged for admission, was of a very primitive description, the enclosure being s'mply fenced in with a quantity of underscrub. The "grandstand." too, was an interesting example of native ingeniousness. A tree, the most convenient to the saddling paddock, had been chosen, a number cf notches having been made, in order to allow persons to ascend and descend. We heard of no no one who willingly paid for the privilege of viewing the races "up a tree, " but some unlucky individual, as he thought himself afterward?, managed to get up undiscovered. The natives, however, were already for him, and he was glad at the finish to " fork out " half-a-crown for the privelege of being allowed to descend. Mr W.H. Chitham. tbe "SporHng Barber," was "all there," and, with the assistance of Mr Fisher, may be said to have run the whole concern, acting in the manifold capacity of secretary, treasurer, clerk of the scales, and bellman. Right well, too, were the duties performed, and Mr Chitham more than eclipsed all his efforts in the show line.