Wanganui Herald. [PUBLISHED DAILY.] THURSDAY. JULY 81, 1890, DIGNITY AND PRIVILEGES.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 7167, 31 July 1890, Page 2

Wanganui Herald. [PUBLISHED DAILY.] THURSDAY. JULY 81, 1890, DIGNITY AND PRIVILEGES.

Tuesday afternoon's proccedrfgs in the Upper House were fully taken up in the consideration of dignity and privileges. This was in connection with the Legislative Council Reform Bill, which honorable gentlemen of that Chamber havo been forced to consider. They do not go the length of non-appreciative outsiders, who would in large numbers be pleased to see the Council reformed to the extent of extinction. It is in some measure a tight for continuance of existence as nominated life legislators. The elective principle is scouted. It would he a dangerous innovation in any form. The dyingout principle is not favoured, for Mr Shrimski's motion, that no new appointments should he made until Councillors had dwindled to 37, was rejected by 2(5 votes to 3. The desire was to keep up the number oi members. Ten years of legislative life, in regard to new appointments, ivas stubbornly contested, though finally agreed to. It was urged that this limit of ten years' service would place too much power in the hands of Government, and affect the independenco of individual members in this way: that if it happened thai any Councillor proved intractible— showed his independence — he would become marked, and as soon as the ten-year term expired, out of the Chamber he would be bundled— dignity, privileges, honorarium, all lost. As an indication of how quickly disobedience or any show ot independence on the part of a private member would bo resented by a fullfledged Minister, and particularly ii more power were entrusted to the Government, one honorable gentleman related that ho recollected when .another honorable gentleman was oe the Ministerial Bonches, and whon any of his friends failed to vote for the Government, he, the Minister, would pass such non-obedient voters in the lobbies — "would not look ai them " ; and, said this same relator oi recollections, "if this was the case now, he thought that it would be dangerous for Councillors to trust themselves in the hands of a tyrannical Government." Pass on the Bill —he would vote against it — have nothing to do with any such indepeudenco - curbing measure. The native dignity of a Minister in office, as shown in the above exhibit, was further illustrated by a more pointed allusion to the, or what should be, the embodiment of dignity — the honorable " the Speaker's own conduct in passing his friends in the. lobbies because they did not vote for his Bills." Such is the manner of honorable gentlemen high in offieo in the Legislative Council. Another honorable Councillor considered such limitation would bo a slur on those who might be appointed in the future, as it inferred that "there would bo a lower tone " among them than at present existed. "It was not a question as to whether present members have been independent, or could stand the test of voting impartially with the prospect before them of losing their seats,' ' was the view another honorable gentleman took, but whether mcrabors ought to be exposed to such influences^ undoubtedly they would be exposed to if the ten years' limit bocame law. Another matter for serious consideration was in the event of a member who had shown his independence being bundled out, how long should he bo kept out— should it bo for ever, or for but a year. Then came the question of election of Speaker. Should the Council retain its Constitutional privilege of selecting one of its own members as Speaker ? Protect itself by all means from having any outside Speaker thrust upon them by the obnoxious eloctivo principle. There is no grace in election from a Legislative Council point of view. Honce strict adherence to their Constitutional right was imperative. So much for the dignity. The privileges. This was required: members who had been appointed for life, but had only served ten years, wishing to resign -from infirmity or irmn a feeling that they had within tho limits ot

that period fully dono their duty by thoir country— to bo allowed to resign, and to retain all the privileges which they had been entitled to as members. Such privileges to include the title " honourable," added to " access to the Library " at the Assembly, the " use or their railway passes," and to, in fact, retain to these " retiring " members " all the outward and visible advantages attaching to the position." That was the suggestion of the Hon. W. 11. Reynolds. The only exception in the matter of visible advantages was that such retiring members should

not be entitled to " honorarium." All else, admission to Bellamy's, good company, high class fare at moderate cost, and the run of the whole colony as " dead heads," on the railway, all

these and many other unnamed advantages to be retained. The motion was approved, and indeed proved generally acceptable; but the question arose, Would the other place agree to grant a ticket of leave after only ten years' service, and also agree to the privileges. Then trouble arose about the title " honourable." The granting of titles was a Eoyal prerogative. One honourable member " did not like to sco this hunger for titles." Suggestions and amendments followed in quick succession until one of the more clear-headed members expressed the opinion that " they were getting into a muddle, and he moved to report progress," At this the Council adjourned. It was shutting up time — 5 o'clock. Exhibits of dignity and seeking for privileges had occupied the whole afternoon, and no settlement arrived at. That means further consideration ; possibly another muddle. The farce was continued yesterday, and has yet again to be discussed.

PROCEEDINGS IN COMMITTEE.

The Canterbury Press, which is a very staunch supporter of the present Government, has devoted an article to tho past and present orderof of Parliamentary procedure, but more especially in reference to Committees in tho House and to Committees of inquiry. It refers to tho time when reporters wore excluded from tho Imperial Parliament, and when any journalist offending against the Standing Orders was liable to severe punishment, but that struggle between the Pross and Parliament ended in a complete victory for the former. It follows up the argument in favor of tho fullest possible information being given through the Prass to tho public on every 1 matter of general interest, and considers "that the practice of treating the proceedings of Parliamentary Committees as secret has become obsolete" It is opposed to all present tendencies, and ought to bo abandoned. Then comes the illus'ration in reference to tho Hutchison Inquiry. It says : " Had the Government seen fit, in order to clear itself from tho charges brought against it, to tako proceedings against one or other of tho newspapers which may have laid themselves open to such proceedings, what would havo happened P Tho vory inquiry whioh is now being carried on, nominally in secret, would havo taken place bofore a Court of Justice 1 Tho evidence on both sides would have been given before the public. Tho newspapers would have reported every word that was uttered. The case for tho prosecution and the defence would have been bofore the people of tho colony fiom day to day, and there would have been no opportunity, as is now tho case, for tho play of tho imagination on the part of entorprising newspaper correspondents. ... It will be the imperative duty of the Government in some term or other to get, at an early dnte, all the facts of tho case beforo the Houso and tho country. When that is done tho electors will have an opportunity of knowing exactly what the chargo amounts to."

The weathor is improving British harvest prospects, but the Hesian fly is about. The hop crop is estimated to yield 300,000 cwfc. with requirements up to 700,000 cwt. so prices are rising. The Imperial Government is tired of losing £10,000 a year over tho San Francisco mail service, so will do nothing till New Zealand decides its contribution. A New York dynamitar drownod himself at Eockaways. The Anglo-French agreement as to African boundaries will be Bigncd on Monday.

Tho close season for game commences to-morrow.

Beautiful weather to-day notwithstanding Captain Edwin's " indications."

Entries for Canterbury J.O. Challenge Stakes close tomorrow evoning jwith Mr F. E. Jackson.

Decided abatement of tho " oncore nuisance" evidencod at Oddfellow's Hall last night.

Aramoho Wcsloyan Sunday School miniversary to-night. Aftor toa an entertainment will bo held in tho Church.

Iho Australian cricketers won thoir match against Kent county by nine wickols, Kent only compiling 171 runs in their second innings.

At the Now market Hotel this evening tho annual Fire Brigade banquet eventuates, and several representatives from kindred brigades arcexpected to bo prosonfc.

Major Hamlin and Messrs Anderson 1 Arthur, Bmco, Cnrroll, Duncan, Fitzhorbort, idiocies, Verral), und Ward, represent N.Z. Parliament in intoicolonial firing match.

At tho Goodwood race mooting ycstoiday tho Stewards' Cup was won by Marvel, Galloping Queen being second, and Theophilus third, tbo Australian maro, Lady Betty, being nowhero.

Tho Collector of Customs (Mr I). Lundon) has been granted clerical assistance by the Department, his increasing duties rondering it necessary. Mr Ecoler Sold has been appointed.

Mr John Probert, an Auokland resident, who died the other day worth £40,000, has left £20,000 to tho Wesleyan Church Building Fund, £1000 to tho Auckland Young Mon's Christian Association, and mado sovoral other largo bequests.

Mr Ohilton, M.A., has been olectcd presidonfc of tho Otngo Educational Institute Tho annual meeting was comraonced at Dunedin yesterday. A dismission has boon introduced on the subject " Individual v. Class Examinations."

Tho trusteos havo again declined to aocepfc any responsibility in Jjlio case of four oonvaleßoents latoly disharged from tho Soacliffo (Dunedin) Asylum, and tho Coloniul Scorotary has been telegraphed for advice, also suggesting that Government should take over the imbeciles until tho liability question is settled.

Mr E. Kompchorno, who was tho suocessor of Mr E. O. Tennent as managor of the Bank of New South Wales at Patoa some years ago, having boon promoted to Ashburton, takes his doparturo, with family, very shortly. Mr Monro, of Auckland, will succeed Mr Kompthorno.

The anniversary of the Bishop Lodge of Druids will bo celebrated about the 22nd of August by a sooial gathering in the Bhape of a smoke coucort, for which a very moderate charge will bo made. It is also intended to hold an invitation dance for the entertainment oflady friends.

"Down in the dumps," is tho expro3sion of many you moot. I£ they hud taken tho precaution to have a wineglassful of " Rei}shaw's Unformonted Ginger Wine " theft 1 appearanoo would have been bright an>l ohoory. i

Disturbance in Dunedin has led to extra police supervision in the principal streets on Saturday nights in future.

The villago settler?, says the Wairarapa Daily, intend petitioning Parliament to alter the land laws so that they may acquire tho freehold of their sections, and may not bo debarred, as at present, from taking up more land.

Tho Victorian Government is establishing a Boent farm at Dunolly, and has had 20 acres of land enclosed with a well constructed vermin proof fence, and arrangements are being made for the planting of the farm. Tho farmers at Oamaru have formed a Union to protect their interests, and in order that all demands made by the labour organisations may be discussed by the bodiea interested, and if possible any friction averted. In a church in the Isle of Man, after the clergyman had " published tho banns " between half a dozen aspirants to matrimony, the clerk gave out the following hymn :—: — " Mistaken soulb who droam of Heaven, And think themsolves secure." The royal residenco in London is bo overrun with rats that a rat-catcher h»B been i employed by Queen Victoria to look after | the rodents. Ho is to receive £65 a year, i Italian navvies don't strike when their wages ure reduced. Each outs an inch off the end of his Bhovel, saying, " Not so much pay, no lift bo much earth. So much longer last work. Italian no fool like German. Italian no strike." A return received at Whangarei last Saturday of 84 pounds of atono treated at Sydney for Puhipuhi gave a return of Gdwt Bgr of gold, and 118oz U6dwt 22gr of silver to tho ton, and whon this became known a a perfect furore in the Prospector's Company eel in. A Westporfc corresnondent to a contemporary says there is at present a perfect opidemic of bankruptcy in town through trade of every sort being overdono. "'How," he writes, "can a town of only 2500 inhabitants be expected to support four newspapers, fivo lawyers, fifteen drapers and outfitters' shops, and ,twenty-ono hotels ?" According to the Hawko's Bay Ilerald, after the meeting at Christchurch of tho Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science, threo parties will be formed, ono visiting the lake regions of the South Island, tho second the Sounds, and the third JJuapohu.Tongariro, and tho Hot Lake districts. It is reported that Sir John Hooker will visit New Zealand this year, and attend the Association meeting. In connection vrith retrenchment Mr Ballance wanted to know why no attempt had been made to classify the Civil Service ? Every porson, said he, knows that it is required. Everyone knows that there aro numbers of officers who are working for miserable pittances, while thero are othors who are recoiving £1200 or £1500 a year, and who are doing no more than those who aro receiving £150. Tho New Zealand Alliance has publishod a coloured chart showing New Zealand's drink bill for 1889, in contrast with more necessary commodotios as follows :—lntoiicating: — Intoiicating drinks, £1,96G,28G ,• beef, mutton, pork, &c, £1,428,816 ; bread and butter, £1,396,716; boots and shoes, £728,200; coffee, tea, and cocoa, £422,028; primary education, £377,548; imported books, £173,775. Wednesday's New Zealand Times says : — Tho Government and the retrenchment party have come to an arrangement which will obviate tbe expected crisis. The retrenchment party will not support the Opposition in making large reductions, but will propose others with a view to assisting the Government to effect savings to the extent of £50,000. They will also opposo increases. Tho fleece of the champion ram shown ot Wagga and Narandera recently has been forwarded to tho Melbourne stores of Messrs Goldsbrough, Mort and Co. It is an excellent specimen of pure Bivorina wool, as no foreign blood has over been introduced into the Boonoolc flock. Tho fleeco, on being eltirted and put on the scalea, yielded 151 b sJoz of fleece wool and 91b lOoz of pieces and bellies, the^total weight being 241 b 15£oz. Discussing the position and contemplated legislation in connection with labour, the Southlandor says : — Careful reflection leads but io one conclusion — that tho authoritative regulation of wages, of tho number and age of employes, and of the boura o£ labour, must soon give rise to a congested state of labour in the towns. The only remedy will thon be for large numbers to betake themselves to agricultural pursuits, and before thoy can jo this, radical alterations, not only in tho land laws, but in tho tenuro of large estates, will be imperatively necessary. Mico this year says tho PortPirio correspondent of the Adalaide Observer, have boen a perfect plague. Tlwy abound in hundreds of thousands, and the daninge done by them is considerable. Ono farmer informed me that his haystack was literally alivo with them, and thnt thoy were rapidly destroying it. Anothor counted 2000 dead asthe yennlfc of one week'spoisoning, seventyfivo wore canght in a zinc-lined bran case at Terowio. A blacksmith noticed mice running in and out of the nozzle of his largo blacksmith's bellows. Ho put a bag over it, worked tho handlo, and blew out sixtyseven. Mr J. M. Ritchie, speaking as President of the Dnnedin Ohatnbor of Commerce, mentioned as a hopof ul sign tho decrease in bankruptcies, the reduction in amount of proved debts, the higher yield in dividends, but, he uaid : — " Wo cannot shut our oyes to the contraction of businoss generally. The enterprise which mado Dunedin tho chief distributing port of the colony in years past has bepn compelled to hive off and ostablish itself permanently in all tho other chiof ports of the colony; while Oamaru, Timaru, and the Bluff havo all drawn from us, as the natural and inevitable rosult of their large expenditure upon harbours, and we aro left with a good deal less country at our back having our port as its outlet. But wo still contribute more than a quarter of the whole customs duty of the colony : and we have some of tho most important local industries conducted profitably in tho town and suburbs. It is in this diroction, I think, that wo must look to sustain our position in tho oolony, and I have no doubt we can do it. The Dunedin Herald, discussing tho formation of an Assots Company in England to tako over Bank hold land says : — " Tho assets to bo transferred to tho new company consist to a very largo extent of land eithor undor mortgage or in froehold. Tho transference of such an enormous quantity of tho freehold of tho colony to a now joint stock company owned in London is but a perpetuation of the blunders of the past, a more rivetting of the shackles of tho plutocracy upon tho unhappy colonists of New Zealand. " It argues in favour of legislative action to prevent this transference, and remarks that tho Bank of New Zealand was at anyrato a part of ourselvos — fergood or evil, it was a limb of our body; moreover, there wa* always n desire on the part of the Bank authorities to conform in some measure to the principles of sound banking, and to liquify its assots. The London usurer will bo restrained by no sentiment. His only principlo will be to hold on liko grim death to every rood of ground until he can get an extortionate price for it.

Miss Amy Sherwin is styled " The Australian Linnet" by her London admirers. Why " Linnet ?" There are no native linnets in Australia.

The examination of several direotors of the Eangitikei Fibre Company is being con. ducted privately. The company is in liquidation. Entries for the position of starter to the Canterbury Jockey Club close to-day. Mr Walker, of Aramoho, well and favourably known all over the colony, is one o£ the applicints. Nearly every denomination was ropresented at the Wesleyan concert last evening, the fact being most favourably commented on from all quarters.

A rehearsal of the performers in the Maypole dance will be held to-morrow evening at 6.45, and the rink will be open to skaters at 7.30. There will be no skating on Monday, owing to the hall being required for the Poultry Show on Tuesday.

It is satisfactory to note that tho receipts from the late concert at Aramoho, for the benefit of Mrs Gurr and family, amounts to £12 Is. The committee have every reason to feel gratified at theresulfc of their efforts. At a meeting last night, they begged to intimate their thanks to all those ladies and gentlemen who assisted towards the successful carrying out of the affair ; also to the Press. The Committee o£ the Poultry Association met last evening to perfect arrangements for the forthcoming Bhow on Tuesday and Wednesday next. In the pigeon flying match on the second day from Hawenv, tho birds ■will bo liberated by Mr Tonks (Nolan and Tonks), and it is expected that the distance (58 miles) will be encompassed in very fast time. The pens in which the birds will be shown are not only attractive but so constructed that an uninterrupted view may be had of each exhibit from all sides. The next meeting of tho Committee takes place ,to-morrow (Friday; night. The Hawera- correspondent of the Wel-

lington Press lays : — " Tho exclusion, by tho War Office, of Now Zealand beef from the army contracts, is disappointing news. Advices by last mail to a local firm of frozen meat exporters give no reason for this decision on tho cart of the authorities. It 13 certain, however, that unless our frozen beef iB reinstated when the winter contracts come to be considered, the loss to the growers and tho colony will be a serious matter." He, therefore, recommends that "united action should be taken by the several Agricultural and Pastoral Associations throughout the colony without delay so that whjn the question of army supphVs for next season, which begins in Octobor, comes up for consideration the restrictions which at present rest upon our frozen beef may be removed." The New Zealand Times says : — Mr Kerr's question about the advance of £25,000 of the Government Insurance monoy in Blenheim makes one open eyes. It 'is a big advance for a Bmall place. It is a big thing to value up to £62,000. It is a big drop when a second valuation drops the value to £30,000. It is a big loss when the intrest falls to one per cent. It is a big writing-off when the Department buys tho place in for £5000 under the advance. It is a big prospect of a big wait when we hear that the property will some day be worth the money. It is a big commission which somebody earned at the outset of this big transaction. It is a big evasion of tho real point when we are told that this thing was done under a former management. It was the big man of tho House who set this big train of thought in motion. We hope he will ask some more big questions about it. And thon we shall have a big reform, or a big proof that roform has already been effected. There is a big necessity.