THURSDAY, FEB. 11,1886.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2121, 11 February 1886, Page 2

THURSDAY, FEB. 11, 1886.

The question of local government reform is one that has been forcing itself upon the attention of the couutry for many years. It may be accepted as true, at the outset, that New Zealand has never possessed any satisfactory system of local government at all. This is not to be wondered at, because in a new country it is not possible to make adequate provision for the future. Our first constitution gave us provincial governments, and these met the necessities of our case for many years ; but there came a time when such a system was no longer suitable, and, not without much opposition and a free indulgence in gloomy forebodings, it was abolished. While there are very few at the present day who regret its demise, there are not many more prepared to affirm that the scheme of local government which took its place adequately fills the gap. The stumbling block in the way of all legislation in this direction is the difficulty of framing a measure which shall apply with equal justice to long settled and opulent districts and to those sparsely-populated regions just on the confines of civilisation. The centralisation of authority in Wellington is open to many and very serious objections. So long as the money is disbursed by officials far removed from the scene of operations fair and square justice is not likely to be meted out to all parts of the Colony alike, while making the House of Representatives a huge board of works leads to endless jobbery and corruption. On the other hand, while we recognise the serious character of these drawbacks, we have always contended that the rich should assist the poor, that it was unfair and

impolitic to impose upon weak districts the whole burden of constructing their roads, bridges and other public works, though at the same time we have agitated for a much larger share of local control. What the colony wants, and has been crying out for, is a system in which both these principles shall be recognised. Hence we must confess that, with all its imperfections, we always entertained a sneaking regard for the Roads and Bridges Construction Act. This really appears to be tho only measure which has approached to the ideal of local government finance. To be sure, it was only an expedient, but we have always practiced, and shall probably continue to practice for many years, a policy of pure expediency. The present Government repealed this measure, but the proceeding was purely iconoclastic, seeing that they put nothing in its place. After all their lofty talk about local government it was not to be supposed that Mr Stout and Sir Julius Vogel could tolerate the Roads and Bridges Act, but they might have held on to the dirty water until they got the clean. At the present moment a make-shift arrangement is in operation, whereby the local bodies are supposed to get a subsidy calculated upon some absurd basis, and the subsidy in many instances has been impounded and paid into the coffers of the Hospital Boards on the novel legal principle that stoppage is payment. We must not do the Government the injustice to say that they made no attempt to supply the deficiency, but it would be unkind to make any more pointed reference to the brilliant measure submitted to and laughed to scorn by the House. What the Government purpose doing next session we do not know, but it is plain to the dullest understanding that they cannot let the matter rest. It is becoming a fashionable thing nowadays, in this colony at any rate, for the Government to appeal to public opinion outside Parliament for suggestions in aid of legislation, and perhaps this plan will be resorted to once again. The Wairarapa East County Council are, however, determined to be what is vulgarly called " up-sides " with the Government upon this question. They have addressed a gigantic circular to all the local bodies, borough councils excepted, in which the entire subject is voluminously if not exhaustively and logically treated, and a wholly new scheme is propounded. A hasty perusal of the document is sufficient to induce a feeling of respect and admiration for the patient soul who drafted it, but we may take leave to doubt whether the most careful study would inspire any higher sentiment. Broadly stated, the compilers' case is this : They claim, and with justice, that country interests have been wofully neglected in the past, and to this neglect they ascribe, with justice again, much of the depression from which the colony as a whole has suffered. They claim that the expenditure on railways has not produced adequate results, and argue that it is useless to make railways without at the same time opening up the country by roads. The effect of the past Public Works policy has been, first of all, to create a pauper class and then to concentrate that class in the larger towns. This is not made very clear, but after all the point is not of much importance. The remedy proposed is, shortly, as follows: Roads through Crown lands are to be constructed out of loan, repayable out of land revenue as the public estate is sold, and local bodies are to be provided with revenue somewhat after the manner laid down in the Roads Construction Act. That is to say, the Government shall borrow the money from the English capitalist on colonial security and lend it out as required to the county councils and road boards at 5 per cent, for forty-five years, the 5 per cent, to pay off principal and interest in that time. But instead of borrowing upon the security oi a special rate, a land tax is to be imposed up to one penny in the pound on the capital value, including* improvements. Considering the enormous burden which this scheme would remove from the shoulders of the Government, it is proposed to do away with the Property-Tax altogether and, we suppose, though it is not so stated, make a large reduction in the Customs duties. The compilers go extensively into figures, and on the whole their arguments are reasonable, if they are not new. There is however one suggestion, which, if it is not sensible, is certainly new. " The land tax" say the compilers, "should be levied without any exemptions whatever on the improved value of lands other than Crown lands, and where any unimproved land, which shall have been in private hands for more than three years, shall adjoin improved lands and be of like quality, it shall be valued at the average value of such adjoining improved land." This proposal is simply childish. If it were «mbodied in any Statute its effect would be most disastrous. It is difficult to conceive how any body of men presumed to be sane could have allowed such a stupid suggestion as this to see the light. There are several blemishes of this sort in the circular, but nevertheless it is on the whole worthy of earnest consideration. The question it raises is of vital importance, and any aid to the solution of that question is acceptable.

The religious instruction of the young has formed the subject of debate in the General Synod now in souion in Auckland. Sir Alexander Stuart, Premier of New South Wales, and brother of the Bishop of WaiaiHi, delivered a very interesting address before the Synod on the excellent results of the system adopted in that Colony for giving instruction of a religion! cbaraor tor in the public school*. It would appear that far greater facilities are afforded by the Education Act of New South Wafef for

nuch work being undertaken by the various denominations than can possibly beobtnined in this Colony under the existing law. In the Mster colonj n well organised nystein of regular imtruction, under trained, paid to<ichen>, is carried out by the Anglican Church, at least with results of a highly gratifying nature. But we find by the report of tho Select Committed of the General Synod appointed to enquire into the subject, that the efforts nut forth in tho various dioceses of New Zealand to carry out a similar work in this country have almn*t entirely failed, owing to the great difficulties and <»h<t«clc« that present thornsolves under our Act, which practically limit all chances of .success being reached in tho direction aimed at. Whilst recognising the great principle of the Kducation Act which l.iy< down the duty of the State to be to provide a sound elementary education to tho young of tho nation of a purely socular character, and th.it it is no part of its functions to in\ade or violate the sectarian feelings of tlie people, yet we deplore the circumstance* which have entirely deleted from our national economy the inculcation of those grand and ennobling feoling-« of reverence for sacred things whicli have hitherto r<> signally characterised our great race and raised us to such a preeminence above all other nations, The test of this great fault in our New Zealand system has yet to be made ; mid most assuredly that will be demonstrated when the present youthful generation has reached maturity. No sincere and thoughtful observer can fail to detect very patently how conspicuous is the absence amongst the bulk of our youth of religious sentiment, of veneration for creeds and the pious doctrines of thoir forefather*, the cold indifference and disrespect with which they hear moral and religious addresses from public speakers. We say advisedly the bulk of our youth, for we Terily believe, judging from the attendances at Sunday schools, and the exclusion of religious morality from the syllabus of the public schools, that not 30 per cent, of the children of this Colony are indoctrinated with the fear of God, or with a knowledge of the great truth* of the Bible. Let vi look into the future and ask ourselves what will be the ultimate result of this, what will be the moral state of the children and grandchildren of those we are now training around us in this loose neglected fashion! The mo«t important and valuable integral portion of a nation is the individual home of the people, the family. Its unity and strength is derived from the well ordered and reverently trained domestic circle, from which issues the collective patriotism, the valour, the wisdom, and the veneration of the entire nation. Irreligious, d»re•pectful and loosely regulated families mean citizens without love of country, a disregard for or devoid of the inbtinctof sacred morality, commercial and social corruptions, political demoralisation and selfish intrigues, ending in internal disorders and revolutions. That such are the consequences of neglect of religious education or of no education and no religion in masses, we point to the degraded and polluted condition of the ignorant population of the onco rich provinces of Central and South America, or of the humiliating spectacle Spain has presented for so long a period of her history. It is folly to .say that parents ought to teach their children their religious beliefs and duties. Colonial parents as a rule are either too callous themselves or incompetent to give such a training to their young \ and in the face of the overwhelming competition of the State it is almost wholly impossible for sectarian schools to arUe and nourish. This is a most serious and vital question, one that effects the very safety of the Commonwealth itself, and uiust not be treated in that flippant manner in which it is usually handled by writers in the press. The State, bound by principle, not being able to impart to our youth this education in the public schools, should, certainly introduce facilities of give assistance to those who are competent and desirous of doing so.

His Worship the Mayor of Hamilton proceeded to Auckland yesterday, en mut« to Waiwera, whither he goes to interview the Colonial Treasurer with reference to various matters affecting the borough.

For some cause or other unexplained, no Auckland or Interprovincial telegrams came to hand last night.

There will be no Roman Catholic services at Ngaruawaliia and Huntly on Sunday next. The Rev. Father Luck, 0.5.8., is at present in Wellington. Mr Charles Boyce, baker and confectioner, Cambridge, announces that he bus opened a refreshment room, which will meet a want much felt by country settlers.

The Evangelistic service? in the Public Hall, Cambridge, were again largely attended on Sunday night. Archdeacon Willin and the Rev. H. R. Dewsbury conducted the services

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Cambridge Town Board, which was to have been hold on Tuesday, lapsed for want of quorum, and was adjourned sine die.

Messrs Wright and Morse have concluded the erection of the additions to the Cambridge Went bchool, and the work has been passed by the inspector as very satisfactory.

Notifications in connection with the elections of licensing committees in the districts of Alexandra, Ngaruawahia, Pukekura, Mangapiko, Ranjjiaohia, Hamilton (country) and Newcastle will be found in our advertising columns.

The statements of values of properties under the Property Assessment Act, 1885, and the Rating Act, 1882, have been deposited at the offices of the various local bodies in the district for public inspection.

We are desired by Mr Turnbull to make public his sense of obligation to Mr James McVeagh for his plucky attempt to gave the life of poor young Turnbull 'at Cambridge on the, 31st January. Had assistance been forthcoming it is highly probable that no life would have been lost.

Mr Thomas Kirk, clerk of the District and Resident Magistrate's Courts at Hamilton, and Registrar of Electors, has received the additional appointment of Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages, vice Dr. Bealo, .who has gone to reside in Auckland. '

Mr John Houghton, chairman of the Cambridge Town Board, is absent at Auckland, wnither he went to be present at the marriage of his son, Mr Charles Houghton, late secretary of the Waikato Coal and Shipping Company, .which event took ylaco on Tuesday.

There was a heavy downpour of rain on Tue«d.iy, which soon filled the water channel* in the streets to overflowing. _We are afraid further damage will be done to the cut grain of those farmers who have not been prompt enough to get their crops stacked yet.

The remains of the unfortunate young man John Turnbull, drowned in the Waikato river, were taken to Cambridge by the midday train on Tuesday, and were followed to the place of interment by n large number of «yinpathising friends, the bell at S. Andrew's being solemnly tolled tor the dead. * j

The Native Lands Court which \t.is gazetted open at Ohinetnutu on the 18th mutant, has been adjourned to the 18th March. Another court will be held at Tapuhaearuru on the 2(ith of this month and it is expected to last for some time ; whilst the court now sitting; at Taupo will probably be a protracted one.

The harvest is generally considered to be » very fair one ; all that in now prayed for ia that price may be well sustained. The turnip crops are also showing better indications than was expected. Good accounts are received from all quarters of the greatly approved condition of the pastures, and at Matamatu and Lichfield the land is looking green and well.

On Saturday night two itinerant preachers took their stand opposite the Criterion Hotel, Cambridge, and soon drew * curious crowd around them, to whom they held forth for about half an hour, and then "moved on" after distributing a number of tracts. They were perfect strangers, and many people imagined they were the advance guard of the Salvation Army.

Some malicious or mischievously inclined person left open the gate of Mr Clare's paddock on the Victoria Road, Cambridge, on Saturday night, and * number of horse* grazing in it got away. Several of the animals hare beeu impounded, ao that anyone missing their hnrsei may probably find them in Mr McVeigh's safe custody.

We have been informed by gentlemen not lonff out from England that Lord Arthur Clinton, who many of our w«<J«rB will remember wm wsociatad with

the notorious lMton Park scandal in London, noveral years ago, and who suddenly died and wan duly interred, ha* been living in Auckland ever ninco under an assumed name, as a teacher of music. Ho was instantly recognised and spoken to by those who knew him well and wero members of the iame club with him.

A very old and respected resident of Hamilton lmi just taken his departure from the town, having transferred his business to Auckland. We alhrje to Mr James Martin, who for many years, latterly in con] unction with his *ons, has carried cm the buainesH or tailor and habit maker. He has opened in F.illon's New Building?, Hobson-street, Auckland, where he will no doubt be glad to receive the order* of his (dd Waikato friends.

The Cambridge Choral Society held its usual practice on Tuesday evening. Wo are >><irry to observe that the attendance of tho gentlemen members of the nociety is very irregular, and by no means up to the standard it should be. The ladies, on the other hand, generally muster very well and appear to maintain their interest in the institution. The truants should bear in mind the very pertinent reference to the importance of cultivating tho taste f«n- muaic made by Bishop Barry in his lecture on Amusements.

The annual examination of competitors from S. Peter's Sunday School, Hamilton, for the Bishop's prizes will be held in Miss Newell's school-room (kindly lent for the occasion) on Saturday next, the 14th itiflt., commencing at 10 a.m. Wo understand that last year's success has induced many more to enter the lists, and we hope to have the pleasure of congratulating the school on a similar testimony to its proficiency to that which it received from the Bishop last year.

Speaking at the General Synod in Auckland on Tuesday, Mr G. P. Pierce thought that efforts should be made to do away with pew rents. At S. Peter's Church, Hamilton, pew rents had recently been done away with, and it was to be hoped that in the city churches they would also soon do away with pew rents. At S. Sepulchre's Church, the question had been considered, and he trusted that there they would sea their way shortly to do away with pow rents altogether. (Hear, hear.)

At a committee meeting of the Hamilton band held on Tuesday night, the following new members (in addition to those already joined) were admitted : — Messrs D. Salmon, wen., OToole, Thus. Rothwell, John Munro, C. King.sley,T. Connolly, Win. Pritchard, Thos. Pearson, Jas. Calderwood, Chas. Davies and Fred Davies. The first practice will be held next week. The bandmaster (Mr Munro) feels confident that in a short time the baud will make its appearance in public again. The nutter of a joint benefit between the library and band was again brought before the meeting, and it is understood that the CoinuH Club have kindly consented to give a performance in their behalf.

Samuel Gardwell was charged at the Police Court Hamilton, on Tuesday, before Col. Do Quincey, dipt. McPherson, and Mr John Knox with riotous conduct at Morrinaville, breaking the door of the Nottingham Castle Hotel, and threatening to take the life of the licensee, Mr Brown. The offence was proved, and the prisoner was fined £3 15s in all, in default one month's imprisonment, and ordered to find a surety of £10 to keep the peace for six months. Cardwell was recently mixed up in another drunken scrimmage at the same place.

Cannot the Chief Postmaster arrange that the fullest notice be published at the country offices of the intended departure of the direct steamers from any of the New Zealand port-, ? There are many person* in the country who often desire to forward correspondence by this route, but tiud, to their chagrin, that the bhort notice inserted in the Auckland papers does nwt allow them time to avail themselves of these steamers. It would not be much trouble, and would certainly bo studying the public convenience if the various country postmasters were notified by telegraph of the dates on which mails close per direct steamers.

The following special messages to the Press Association, dated London, February Bth, have been published: — Messrs Gallow and Co., the well-known decorators, have been commissioned to carry out the decorations of the Australian Court at the Indian and Colonial Exhibition.— The Agents-General wait upon Lord Granville to-morrow for the purpose of welcoming him to the office cf Secretary for the Colonies, and Mr Murray-Smith will take the opportunity of referring to the New Hebrides question.— Tho Colonial Office authorities express disbelief that the neutrality of the New Hebrides is endangered, and think that a fresh protebt would be unwise, although they will be prepared to make it if asked.— Arrival : Chimborazo, from Australian ports. — Mr John Naish, Q. 0., Solicitor-General for Ireland in the last Gladstone Ministry, has been appointed Lord Chancellor of Ireland.

A race meeting which, in some respects, was unique in sjjorting annals, was held on Boxing D.\y at K.m;uia, on the Uppor Wanganui. "A veritable totaliaator," says the Chronicle, " was on the ground, the machine being made out of a cardbox, with an aperture to show the number*, and inside cardboard disc, with the numbers up to 100. A discount of 25 per cunt, was deducted, one penny in the shilling going to the juckey club, a penny to the lunker, and a |»nny to the tribes. The machine was worked satisfactorily by a native, and a fair amount of money was passed through. The ticket* were sold at a shilling. For the convenience of the natives who had no money, but had other forms of wealth, matches were substituted for the orthodox coin of the realm as the means of supplying their wants. For a drink of water five matches were required ; gingerbeer, 80 matches, or 3d per glass; cherries could be had by paying GO matches ; and an enterprising native guaranteed to polish your boots for 40 matches." In two out of four races run no one was fortunate onougli to spot the winner, and the investors had their money returned to them minus 25 per cent., each investor of a shilling being sent away with 9, It almost goes without saying that " no drunkenness was observed."

The following resolutions, moved by Archdeacon Harper and amended, were passed at Tuesday's sitting of the Anglican General Synod at Auckland:—"!. That this Synod is of opinion that, so long as the Education Act does not permit religious instruction within school hours, no e.tfoit made by the Church to. fulfil her duty to childicn in Government schools can be satisfactory ; and therefore this Synod is of opinion that the Education Act should be v> amended as. to permit religious instruction to be given within school hours in Government schools, and further petitions should be s-mt to the two Houses of Parliament praying f«r such an amendment. 2. That this Synod expresses an earnest hope that efforts may be made to establish Church day schools where practicable, in addition to those already existing. 3. That, in the opinion of this Synod it is desirable that the Education Act should bo amended, so as to contain a provNion for grants in aid of maintenance being made to schools set on foot by any religious denomination, provided that tho secular instruction given in such schools shall come up to the required standards, and satisfy the Government inspectors. That the petition to the Legislature shall include No. 3 of Archdeacon Harper's resolutions. That the Primate be requested to confer with the heads of the other religious bodies in New Zealand, with the view of ascertaining the best means of promoting religious education in the colony, and to organise concerted action on the ■übject."

Passing through Preston during the late general election, Mr Gladstone replied to the Vice-President of the Liberal Association as follows :—": — " I atn afraid Preston is the centre of a great delusion, which might degenerate into a great imposture. If I understand aright what is called fair trade, it means the upsetting of the legislation of the last 50 years, and it is a favourite idea with many people here. I am too old, a great deal too old, to have a great personal part in a controversy of that kind, if it is going to be revived ; but I think, some regard might be paid to these things. In the first place recollect that the whole legislative business of this country for a quarter of a century, from 1837 or 1838 to about 18G2 1 , was really deciding this question of Protection or Freetrado ; and I must say if it be that we wasted a quarter of a century, that we came to a wrong conclusion, that we knocked our heads oue against the other, that we overturned minorities, dissolved Parliaments and broke up Parliaments, and spent our time when we had plenty of other things to do all in a wrong direction— then this country, instead of being a great leader of the world in politics and commerce, ought to hide ita head with discredit and disgrace. What are the foots wjtb regard to free trade ? Trade, which

has been station iry, h i.s increased fourfold; and Air Giffen, agieit .-uithoiity and a patient .inquirer, lias shown tli.it the citi/un has gained enormously. 1 think he siyn that after allowing for increase of routs in populous districts the .u^i-an has gamed enormously. 1 beliov.» fioni 30 to 40 per cent on hw available income. As to the agricultural labourer, he has rc.iped a very huge benefit, and I hop' without incioaMj of rent. Tlie-.fi are er«ut facts ; but th.>n thi>y aay it is all owing to the r.nlw.iys.ui'J telegraphs, and look at the dMiv-i which prevails. My answer to th it is, other countries have got lailway- and tul<>graph-<; have they had di>tie-<s I H ha\e they not? Inquire about Franc, HKjuiio ab utt America, and you will leim that they have more distress thin wo have I hope the people will c insider well and I am uertun they will consider well, before they lmfool themselves by going back to exploded .superstitions."

The Minister for Public Works addressed hi« constituents at Kangiora on Tuesday, but there was little of cause({iienco in the «peech. He defended the construction of the K.ist ami Wmt Coast r.tilway, and complained that C.vpt. Russell's motion had prevented the carrying out of many imiiortant works. He s.iid the line would open up ma^inh'cvnt forest country. Speaking of the railways he s.iid it might interest them to know th it the Victorian Board had not only come to New Zealand for officers, but were adopting our forms and .system of accounts. It w.is the fashion just now to say that the results to the revenue of the Victorian railways were much better than on tin; New "Ze.il.md railways. He thought if a dispassionate view of ths matter were taken the results on the New Zealand lines must be considered satisfactory, seeing that the population of the two colonies was— Victoria, J)7f">,ooo, New Zealand 582,303— and that the number of miles of r.iilway open in Victoria was 1070, and in New Zealand 1477, and the net revenueon the Victorian railways was 3*!)5 per cent, on the capital cost of construction, whilst on the New Zealand railways, with all last year's depression, the net earnings on the capit.il co-st of the open lines was 3.01 per cent. ; also bearing in mind the exceptional position of our railways with the road and water competition now existing. The average rate per ton in Victoria was 10s 4d against 7s 3d in New Zealand, and, in addition to this, the railways in Victoria took credit for the work done for other Government departments, one item alone, carriage of mails, amounting to £40,000. This practice did not prevail in New Zealand, and he could not see why it should be stated by those who ought to know better that our railways were managed co much worse than those of Victoria. In spite of all said to the contrary, there was every reasonable ground to suppose that the net return from our railways this year would be equal to that of Ja«fc year, though very considerable reductions in charges had been made in order to assist local industries. Still, he believed that a well-selected Board would be more satisfactory to the public. He avowed himself in favour of moderate borrowing, for the extension of necessary public works and for lending to local bodies. At the conclusion of his address, Mr Richardson received a vote of thanks and confidence.