Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

Waikato Times, Volume XVI, Issue 1383, 14 May 1881, Page 2

Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

Equal and exact justice to .ill men, Of whate\er state or persuasion, religious or political. Here shall tne Press the People s rifjht maintain Unawod by influence and unbrlbcd by a tin

SATURDAY. MAY U, 1881.

The Bible-in-school party is again on the war-path. The fiery-cross has boon making its rounds of the clan, and one or more skirmishing parties sent out on the trail. The first campaign of the season took place a few weeks ago in Otago. Headed by the "fathers of the church," the " elders of the people," and other sections of the " chosen," — male as well as female — the " faithful " mustered in solemn league and covenant to lift up their testimony against the defections of a godless Education Act. The colonial represeiitative of the Gilbert Kettledrum m les, Ephraim Macbrairs, Mause Heclderwick't and others, heroes of Old Mortality fame, mustered strong to do battle as of yore, Whrn pulpit;, drum ecclesiastic, W.is boat with sword instead of stick, when suddenly their councils were rudely disturbed, and their followers put to flight. Hosts of ungodly men, armies of unbelievers, pounced in upon them, and the Bible-in-school was as completely routed as its prototype — the kirk and covenant — at the Hill of Pentland or the Brig of Bothwell. These military operations were conducted under the auspices of Mr Robert Stout, ex- Attorney-General of New Zealand, so that to complete the analogy cited above it is necessary to add that Mr .Stout has achieved the questionable honor and glory of enacting " bludy Olavers " in this modern ecclesiastical contest. Considering that by nativity Mr Stout is a " brither Scot," we cannot congratulate him upon this distinction. On the contrary, along with other devout members of his clan, we are reluctantly constrained to givei ye him over to Satan to be scourged for his sins. Undismayed by this disaster, the Bible -in - school banner has been again raised — on this occasion its colors spread out in Auckland — ■ the hot-bed of dissent and headquarters of the land-grabbing Church Mission Society. The Auckland contingent of the army seem to have taken a lesson from the fate which befel their brethren in arms of Otago. The latter, bold in a sense of their own might, threw the lists of their contests open to all comers, and it was by that means their cause was overthrown. They, so to speak, invited public competition, relying no doubt in a sense of their own rectitude, to bear down everything like opposition. That that was the most manly and straightforward course to pursue cannot be doubted. Indeed, if their representations were to have either force or effect, we cannot see how it was possible for them to have pursued any other course. The State tolerates religious' systems, but it cannot possiby do more. We are a mixed community. All and sundry, the nations of the earth, are encouraged to come and ' cast in their lot amongst us. The avowed object of that invitation is that the influx of population thereby induced may lighten the burden of State expense, or, in other words, the taxation per head, by having it distributed amongst the multitude. Now, if the State attempts to pander to the purposes of one creed or religious denomination, it does so at the expense of a class 1 of the community whose training or instincts lead them to regard that particular tenet of religion with a certain feeling of aversion. Of course we hear a great deal about the fusion of the religious masses in these colonies. Probe the point thoroughly, however, and it will be found that the line' of, demarcation is just as well defined as ever it was. Stir up the question on its own

l/asis, and it will b» found that sectarian animosities are as strong as over. How, then, is it possible for the State to aid and/ibet .a,, p^rttcul^ form of religious trajtninjj* J under oircumstiiuces. of that 'V. hid ? Our Auckland evening -contomporauyr puls this branch of the subject very well, tie sets it forth in Ihejforrn of a challenge, and until, as,s,uch,,i^ is met with a complete answer, we certainly hold to the opinion, that^i| ri»u;unJ ivrisis'.able. It is worded "as follow.-, : "Which translation of the Bible is to be read ? King James's, the Douay, or the revised translation 1 The Roman. Catholics would naturally object to the first on the ground that it is a Protestant textbook, 'the Protestants would of course object to the second. But even supposing the Catholics did not object there would still be the question," Which Protestant translation 1 " There are signs the orthodox people will cling with tenacity to the present authorised translation. If this be adopced, the children will be compelled to listen day after day to words, verses, passages, almost chapters, which though long regarded as the utterances of God Himself, have been demonstrated to be forgeries and interpolations." It is only the first two hypotheses in the foregoing with which at present we care about dealing. Until the question as between these two points or parties is settled on a basis mutually satisfactory, we contend emphatically the question need not be f urth -r discussed, and any representation coming from a mere sect or party is wholly valueless. On that account we protest against the meeting convened in Auckland. It is a semi-private affair, careful selection being made so ab to include persons known to entertain the one sentiment on the point. Whatever its result may be, that result cannot be accepted as a fair test of public feeling. It is what in quartz mining parlance would be called " picked stone "— that is, all the rich gold-bearing specimens of the reef selected for the i purpose of giving buoyance in the share market to what is otherwise worthless scrip. The dodge, unfortunately, is one which is only too well known in these parts. From first to last, it has been attended by a great deal of commercial disaster, and no one can regret more than we do to see its principles thus attempted to be imported into the affairs of the Church. If an expression of public opinion be desired let it be frank and open. Do not allow a mere handful of men and women to be banded together for the purpose of enacting the Tooly-strcet tailors. The experience of their sympathisers in Otago is no doubt discouraging. Still, that does not justify them in resorting to quirks and shifts ; it should only prove to them the necessity for bowing to the inevitable. One thing they may rely upon, and it is : until their pi'oceedings are conducted openly, manly, and straightforwardly, good care will be taken that their representations are not allowed to weigh with the Legislature. Reports to hand last night show that uhe meeting referred to has taken place, and resulted, as might be anticipated, in a mere sham. A contemporary, who appears otherwise disposed to sympathise in the movement, sums up the proceeding as follows :—": — " It seems to us then that the meeting will be ineffectual for the purposes of its promoters, that it will grievously disappoint those who concur with its objects, and will confirm the convictions of those who deem the absence of Biblical instruction in the common schools not a matter of choice but of necessity, a necessity which they sincerely and deeply regret."

For all our high pretensions, and their name is legion, the manners and customs, social as well as political of New Zealand, have in them very little of the element of originality. Much of what is best has been taken from the books of our brothers in Britain, while a great deal of what is questionable and bad has been copied from American and other types. It had been better for us, perhaps, had we been thrown a little more on our own resources, having less within reach that we could take pattern by. Because we do not invariably improve upon the model which we set before ourselves, whereas, if we depended more upon our own resources, we might devise something much better. This is, perhaps, "true in a greater degree of small than large matters. After this exordium, it must not be supposed that we are going to deal with any subject involving any tremendous issues : the mattdr which has led us to make these remarks is, it may be thought, trivial,, but it has its importance, nevertheless. Some time ago the English Postmaster-General, Professor. Fawcett, introduced in the pavings Bank system a scheme for' enabling children to save a penny at a time, in this way : cards containing twelve, divisions are issued ,at the various post-offices upon application^ and when filled up with the requisite number of penny stamps, the, card is taken and the, , depositor is credited with a shilling. ','.' The; usefulness of the 'scheme '„in fostering habits of thrift' among the lower classes was at once acknowledged, but it was pointed out that it was not without its objectionable features, that, in, fact ? while it pro^ moteci a spirit of "saving it also encouraged to some extent the prac-

NSKof p«jtfey pilforing/ In'^6 roSfels of nuuiy children, postage stamps possess no intrinsic value, because, ,«flt,toW*a ltf&ti tender, noting Wfcab|e,ctih be got an exchange for\ - ttnder'tho newcofttlijtioif of things,- however, their value 4a altered to the extent^ flmfc children ,will| takoj some trouble to getithenv and, their real value still remaining unaseertainable, will not be very particular as to the means employed for this object. To meet this objection: Mr Fawcett h;is hit upon the plan of distinguishing stamps which may be used for Savings Bank purposes ,froii) the .ordinary postage label. The sheets of the former are not perforated ; A^d instead of being torn have to be cut apart, Tin's is certainly a safeguard, and disposes of one of the objections to the scheme, the question of the success of which even yet people are not all agreed upon. The system has been copied by the Postmaster-General of New Zealand,and although weconfess we cannot see that here we have the same need for it as there exists in j England, if it will establish habits of saving in the younger members of the community which will outlast their present period of life, it will do much good. Indeed, we know of none who can possibly have any objection to it, except the pro- [ prietors of lollypop shops, and even they are not likely to be serious losers ; at Christmas, or some other hi^h festival time, the bank balance is sure to be withdrawn, and they will reap a rich harvest from the general juvenile dissipation. But, if it is to be brought into vogue, let the system be at all events free from all the imperfections which have already been discovered in it and removed at Home. Already, brief, as has, been its existence, we hear that it has been the means of developing in some children what before was only a latent disregard for the laws of meutn and tiuom, in, at least, so far as postage stamps are concerned.

The member for Wanganui (Mr. Ballance) addressed his constituents on Wednesday evening, the meeting was a densely crowded one, and the honorable gentleman received a unanimous vote of confidence.

Sir George Grey, X.C.8., senior member for the Thames, will address the citizens of Auckland by special request, in the Theatre Royal on Monday evening.

The Waikato County Council are about proceeding to make a bridle track from Toles Hill to Matahura.

Mr L. James has disposed of his interest in the Railway .Station Hotel, Fmnkton, to Mr \V. Dethmer, at present of Alexandra, who will shortly take over the business.

Mr James Montgomery, a gentleman who has had considerable experience in hotel inenagenient, has taken the Royal Hotel, East Hamilton, and intends to apply for a license at the next Licensing Court.

At a meeting of the Waste Lands Board on Thumlay, it wa* announced that Messrs Grant ami Foster had notified their willingness to pay the Agent-Gene-ral iho preliminary deposit of £3000 respecting the Te Aroha lands, and that the Premier had cabled the Agent-Gene-ral to accept the deposit. The members of the Board exptessed their satisfaction at so aatistactoiy a result.

A man named Daniel Milden was arrested m Kaipara a few days ago on > a charge of deserting his wife, ICate Milden, and leaving her without adequate moans of support sinoe April Ist, 1880, contrary to the provisions of the Destitute . Persons Act, 1?77. Mrs Milden resides in Hamilton, and the prisoner was brought up by Wednesday's train. He was taken before his Worship the Mayor and remanded till to-day.

The installation of the Hope of Hamilton Lodge, No. 40, 1.0. G.T., took place in the Good Temphv Hall, Cookstreet, on Saturday, the 7th inst., when the following officers were installed by L.D. Bro. 11. Harris, P.W.- .T.: -Bro. 0. Tippin, W.C.T. ; Bro. U. Vowless, W.V.T. : Bro. L. Hays, W.tt. ; Bro. J. Steadman, W.F.S. ; Bro. W. Palmer, W.T.; Bro. H. Crawfol-d, W C; Bro. W. Miulcss, W.M. ; Bro. T. Keep, W.I.G. ; Bro. R. Connor, W.O.G. ; Si3ter Palmer, iuur., W.R.H.S.; Sister Lawrence, jiuir., W.L.H.S.; lister W. H. Kelly, W.A.S.; Sister G. Kelly, W.D.3L '

Henry Peacocke, who was discharged from the Hamilton lock-up yesterday mormug after undergoing 48 hours' imprisonment for drunkenness, was again arrested, this time on a charge of obtaining money by means of a valueless cheque from one Charles Spencer, ot Taurauga, on the 30th April, ultimo. He was brought up before his Worship the Mayor and remanded to Tauranga. , He was taken down to Auckland, by yesterday morning's train.

It appears that although steps have been taken to bring the Dog Registration Act fully into operation in Cambridge, the collector there has been unwilling to put the penal clauses into force until the natives had left, not wishing to interfere with them. At yesterday's meeting of the Waikato County Council, Cr. Kirkwood spoke strongly in disapproval of this course. He thought the natives were as fully entitled to pay the tax as their white neighbors. As it was, the ratepayers got neither rest nor revenue from the curs belonging to the Maoris.

At the close of ihe sitting of the Hamilton Police Court on Wednesday, Sergeant McGoverjq, acting, on the hint given by the Bench, telegraphed to the police officer at Onehunga to obtain the statement of the boy Hay'ers, in regard to the .alleged ill usage inflicted on the lad jViiiir'by Edwin Charles Shepherd. The same evening the necessary testimony, fully corroborating the evidence of the boy Muir and the little -girl Elizaboth Hill, was obtained and forwarded by Thursday morning's post, reaching Hamilton in the afternoon. A warrant was then taken ' out for the arrest of Shepherd on a charge oi perjury, and yesterday morning .he was apprehended at ■ WhaUwhata by Constable , Wild, and lodged in the Hamilton lock-up. He has been iremanded , till Wednesday. The promptitude which was diaplayed by the Onehunga police in this matter cannot be ■ too highly praised. ; ,. , ,

> Mr Alfred Bucklaml'sellaat Mangare on ' Monday, 23rd irist,, the. whole of Mr W. Nicltol's fafnj stack, household furniture, &c. v Mr J. 8. Buckland'a next Whatawhata Sale takes place on" Saturday next, ?nt-hUt, ,< I• . . Mr J. F. Andreiv,. To- Awa»rii\tu, announces th,o receipt 1 of another shipment of ■winter goods l ex ) s.s. l^enuo^.. 1 • The Q^eji'a Birthday falling on Tues- 1 day, Mr J. S. Auckland's next Ohaupo Cattle Sale will be to<?l4 °n M<?n4{iy, 23rd inst.

The abstract o% receipt^ and expfniditure of the vV.iip.i County Council, tor the s>i\ months ending- March list last, appears in our Gnzetfe columns. The half-yearly balance-sheet and statement at .u cjoffhhr *<>F thtf, Bordfcyh otfJEMmiIUM 4'rv now open -tor inspection at t^c l'owh Clerks "office. < , ••' s ~ -,V» V . ' t The new pure cash system now being initiated *by G. and C will "< crt.iinly prove a benefit to the publii . It has been a great .success, in 'Sydney and Afelboumc, and whin s.tri'ctly carried ; out the customer ' who huvs at an establishment '\herc the goods Tire mirfced low to ensure a. rapid sale most be a gie.U gainer. G. and C sell their drapery millinar) , and clochtnjj at such pnren for rash ns jrives the buyer the ad\ anuses of i shaieholder in a co-operatnc society, without the risk of being called upon to bearaportionor the loss should the year's business pio\e unsatisfactory. Gailick and CranAell will aim to retain the confidence which the public have hitherto shown them, and arc determined to give the pure cash system a tair trial; whether they gain or lose the hr»t year. Country buyers on remitting cash with order wiW be supplied with (joods at co-opcratne prices ; just the same as though they made a personal selec^iqn.. Fumi-shinij goods, such 4s carpets, floor cloths, ' bedsteads, bedding, and general house furmtuie, the largest portion of which is turned out ,it oui own facton , will be marked at the lowest ronumeiativc price->, .md .1 discount of five per cent, will oc allowed to those who p \.y at the time of pimh.-isoi G. 6c C, ha\ing realised the entire value of their stock during their lac cash sale, the present stock is ni>w anu chfapc y 11OUQH1. An inspection is invited. — Garuck \^id Cranwfi 1 , City Hall Fu-nishing Arcade Oueenstreet, Auckland