NEW ZEALAND AND FEDERATION.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9839, 4 September 1899, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND AND FEDERATION.

Auckland is taking the lead in ndvocat-' ing tho federation of New Zealand with the Australian colonies. The fact that the Northern city is the nearest port of call with Australia may account, iv some measure, for tho agitatiou. Tho Press and leading people in Christchurch are Viv no means unanimous on the point. In the course of an editorial on the gene-

ml liaziiiess of ideaa on the federation question the Christchurch Press says: — "So far as wo aro concerned, nothing has yet transpired to make Us think that federation for New Zealand is desirablo —or, indeed, anything but extromely -undesirable. At the same time, we do not want either the Parliament of the peoplo to be kept in ignorance on the Subject. To our mindß, they should have tho fullest information available, and then they are less likely to come to an unwise decision, or to regret afterwards any action they may take. At present they havo merely a liaay idea that if we federato we shall get a free market for our oats, potatoes, and onions, and that if wo do not federate, those products may be shut from AuStrrtUaiiß ports. They know nothing of the price which we should have to pay for Federation. It is practically certain that the Federal tariff will bo lighter thau our present tariff, and consequently that a considerable shortage in our revenue would have to bo made up from other sources. It would bo a very doubtful benefit to our farmers, if as the price of getting a freo market for our oats, potaoeß, and onions, they had to submit to the land tax being heavily increased, and all exeniptionß being swept away. Yet that is one of the results most likely to follow. Wo admit that whore bo much is problematical— dopondiug ou tho action the Federal Government may choose to take — it is impossible to make any precise calculations as to the finances of Fcdeiation. at present. The Government should, however, get tho figures worked out by tho departments, ns nearly as possible, and lay tho result before the House. They should toll us (1) what our trade with Australia amounts to now; (2) what increase is probablo if our exports aro admitted duty free; (3) what revenue should wo sacrifice by joining tho Commonwealth; and (4) of what charges should wo be relieved? When this is done, both Parliament and tho public will bo in a position to understand moro clearly what Federation ji

means.

At tho annual meeting of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce last week Mr E. W. Roper gavo an address on Australian Federation. no first outlined the Commonwealth Bill, aud then considorcd how tho Bill affected New Zear land— (l) From a commercial or economic side,; (2) from a. national or political standpoint. 110 stated that New Zealand oxports to Australia iv 1898 wero ,£l/175,157, and imports .£1,158,805, Tho only State whoso tariif would bo affected by Federation would bo New South Waleß, and in other States our trudo would not be nffected. If Neir Zealand joined, thero would bo a shrinkage in tho Customs returns, as Australian goods would not pay duty; also huge quantities of goods that had paid duty in Sydney nnd Molbourno would bo poured into New Zealand, and as after tho first five years their duties would bo credited to tho State in which they were collected, we would miss tho revonue. Local industries with tho loss of protection would cease to oxist, as Sydney and Melbourne, with cheap labour, and low freights from Europe, would bocomo our distributing centre, but our debt would remain, and now forms of tnxation must bo devised to moot the loss of Customs aud tho increased expenso of Federal government. Now ZeiiIfUiders differed from Australians in type and temperament, and could h.ivo nothing to do with the Commonwealth. It would bo a subvorsiou of democratic principles if New Zealand were lo put thoir governmonb in tho hands of men who might uof. feel under an obligation to attend to the special needs of distant islnudf. If we once joined wo could noi withdraw. Instead of Foderntioa w» should till a legal gap by binding treaties.

On our iirst pugo will bo found football and commercial n»ws, also the lion, curator's report for the month of August iv connection with tho Musoum.

Mr J. L. .Stevenson notifies that ho has rooms to let in Ridgway Stroofc, for oilher bhop or office.

A black coolio (slut) is ndvertifiod as lost, and a rewaid ib advertised for its return to Hawke's stables.

Messrs J. Paul and Co. are busily engaged in opening up tho now Hcaeon'* stock, full particulars concerning which will appear later on.

A meeting of all interested in the formation of a Wanganui Traders' Association ia called for to-morrow (Tuesday) e\cning, in tho Borough Council Chambers, at 8 o'clock.

In connection with tho agitation for the establishment of & railway siding and station at Eastown, a mooting -will bo held on Thursday ovening next at 8 o'clock at Mr O'Shannassey's house.

As attorney for tho trustees of tho Industrial School Estate Mr E. N. Liffiton notifies that tenders will bo received until 16th instant, for a grazing' leaao, particulars concerning which are given in another column.

Tho usual fortnightly mooting of the Wanganui Literary and Musical Society has been postponed till to-morrow evening, when Mr J. G. Woon will give his promised lecture on "Eaily Remimscencea of Wanganui."

Miss Gorlio Campion, who has quite recovored from her recent accident, will not rejoin Pollard's Opora Company. Tho talented young lajy has received word from Mr J. C. Williamson to return to Australia.

By private letter received in town, it is stated that the newly-formed bowling green at Woodville is in a forward stato, and promises to bo a success. A visit from tho Wanganui bowlers is looked forward to with interest.

Mr H. J. Thompson, of Gisborue, who wont homo in May, 1897, to follow a course of study in electrical engineering, at South Kensington, has juat gainod tho Salomons Scholarship for one year, of tho value of £50. All tho leading colleges scut up their best students for this competition.

The Kumara Times states that Mr Northcroft, proprietor and editor of the VVost Coast Timoß, has issued a writ claiming £3000 damages for alleged libel against him by Mr John Bevau, District Grand Master of the English Freemasons, in respect of statements contained in a circular issued to Masonic lodges.

A largo number of people wended their ■nay to the Hospital yesterday afternoon, drawn 1 hither by tho fnct that the Garlison Band had kindly promised to play a number of selections for the boncfit of tho inmatob of the institution. The selections were excellently rendered and heartily appreciated, not only by those iji tho Hospital, but by tho visitors. The Band, wo understand, intend playing at tho Jubileo Homo next Sunday.

It is said that tho marble deposits on tho Takaka (Nelson) hills are about to be fairly tested by a Chiistohurch syndicate. There/ are all shades of stone, varying from black to white, while some are beautifully yariegatecl, and it is believed, on authority of one of the bouthern representatives, that the marble is splendidly adapted for ornamental work in building, the only question being whether it can be procured free from shakes in sufficiently sized slabs, and that is to be ascertained by opening out in one or two likely looking spots.

Captain Andrews, tho adventurous resident of Gloucester City, America, who sailed from there on Juno 16th in a 12ft. canvas boat on an attempt to roach the sister city of Gloucester in England, wai picked up about 700 miles out from land in the Atlantic by the Lamport and Holt steamer Holbein, which urrivcl in the Mersey on July 16th from New York, and proceeded up tho Ship Canal. Captain Andrews, who is an elderly man, was in a very exhausted state. He had been 1G days on the ocean. Ho proceeded to Manchester in tho Holbein. His boat was left adrift at sea.

Tho social and concert in aid of the funds of the United Cricket Club, to be held in St. Paul's Hall on Thursday evening next, promises to be most successlul. Vocal selections are to be rendered by Misses Austin, Blair, McCaul, and Byres, and Messrs Wylie, Tucker. Ridgway and Blennerhassctt; recitations will be given by Messis R. Bov:l and W. Young; a trio will he sung by Messrs Ridgway and Blennerhassett ; ,i quartette will be given by Misses Austin and Blair and Messrs Jickell and Wylie; a violin solo will be played by Mr W McCaul, and selections are to be rcn(lercd by Mr J. Armstrong's oichestva. The programme therefore should bo a good one, and in addition refreshments aie to bo provided. Wo hope to see i 'brsre attendance, and trust that the Club's funds will benefit substantially.

A coach will loave each day for the Marton races ,at 8 a.m.

The Hon. James Carroll, Colonia! Secretary, accompanied by Mr Frank Lawrie, M.H.R. , passed through Wanganui to-day by train from the North.

The wholo of tho 36 jurors summoned for service at tho District Court this morning answered to their names. Mr R. Darling was absolved from serving owing to defective hearing.

On the site of tho old Empire boardinghouse on "Wednesday at 11 a.m., Mr J. 11. Keesing will sell a large quantity of sashes, doors, mantelshelves and useful tinlber without reserve.

The following dates have been fixed by tho Inspector for the examination of tho undermentioned schools: — Kai Iwi, Monday, October 2nd ; Maxwell, Monday, 2nd; Waitotara, Tuesday, 3rd; Momoliaki, Tuesday, 3rd; Waverley, Wednesday and Thursday, 4th aud sth; Kolii, Thursday, sth; Whenuakura, Friday, 6th; Kakaramea, Friday, 6th.

Wo understand that the Liberal League here invited Messrs Carroll, Carson, and Captain Russell to address a public meeting in Wangauui at an early date on tho vexed question of the "Russell Land Grant." Mr Carroll, we hear, is quite willing to do so. Will Mr Carson and tho leader of the Opposition avail themselves of tho opportunity of defending tho Act iv question?

The Gothenburg system of licensing, about which a good deal has been heard of ilalo, will bo dealt with to-night at the Oddfellows' Hall by Mr Joseph idalins, of Birmingham. Mr Mivlins is said to ' o an ehtertaining speaker, and a largo attendanco is expected. The chair will Ye taken by Mr G. Carson, M.H.R. A collection will be taken up at tho door, and a chargo of Is made for admission to the dress circle. The following will represent the Aramoho Club in the draughts match against tho T.Y.M.1., to be played, on Tuesday evening, commencing at eight o'clock, in the T. Y.M.I. Hall:— H. Pearsc, G. Goffe, E. Mancer, A. Young, F. Mancer, J. Richardson. P. Keegan, 13. Allan, D. Williiimson, A. Ewing, A. K. Harris, R. Harrison, J. Birchley, J. Mancer, A. Haywood, A. Tregear, A. White, J. Haywood, M. Neill, J. Smidt, H. Gurr; emergencies, R. Dickson, J. White, P. Fremont, and C. Bone. T.Y.M.l.— Ansley (4), Davis (2), Randrup (2), Briton, Larking, Liddle, Hicks, Caddy, Goldsbury, Pylo, Lawsou, Marshall, Gilberd, Sharpe, Christie, and Creighton.

At a committee meeting of the Wanganui Bowling Club, held last Friday night, a circular was read from the Northern Bowling Association, stating that the Inter-club Tournament for 1900 would be held in Auckland, commencing on Monday, 29th January, the qualification for entry being limited to t\/j links from each club. It was also stated that it, is fully expected that some of the representatives of the Australian Associations would take part in the tournament. Certain alterations were proposed in regard to the rules of the Club, which will he submitted to the members at the annual meeting to bo confirmed or otherwise It was repotted that the green lxad been top-dre&sed, and was in a Very iorward condition. The annual meeting of members will probably be held on 22nd September, if not earlier.

At tho Polico Court this morning, bcforo Mr 11. Eyro Kenny, S.M., a young woman, well dressed, and attractive looking, named Annio Taylor, alias Nellio Halt, was charged with being a woman of ill-fame, with having no visible lawful means of support, and with damaging a door in the Polico Station. Evidence, was given in suppoit of the charge, and Sergeant Dwyer stated that thnro wero a number of previous convictions against tho accused. She was conlenccd to three months' imprisonment on the first two charges, and fined 12s, also 8h damages, in default seven days' hard Kibour on the thud charge, sentences to bo cumulative. A young man named Bert May was also convicted on a charge of stealing a covert coat from Herbert Pope. Tho accused borrowed 10s from Pope and gave the coat as security. He afterwards,, without tho authority of Pope, obtained the coat from Mrs Popo and sold it again for £1. The Magistrate remanded the accused till Saturday, to enable the Probation Officer to report.