THE MINERS' GRIEVANCE.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XVII, Issue 45, 28 February 1890, Page 17

THE MINERS' GRIEVANCE.

T the annual Conference of delegates of Mining i Associations, which opened its second session in 1 Dunedin on Monday, a resolution praying for relief from the miners' standing grievance, the gold duty, has again been passed. It is, indeed, one of the strangest features of the times, and, perhaps, as well, one of the most significant

signs of how the country is governed that a tax long complained of and grievously felt by a body occupying a place of chief importance in the country— by whose presence and industry its settlement has been principally promoted, and on whose continued enterprise so much depends, should have remained intact. We do not know whether it is to the credit or the blame of the miners that they have proved themselves so little formidable to the Legislature. Considering, however, the great interests that depend on the sound condition of their industry, they are hardly justifiable in not making their remonstrances more clearly heard and less easily neglected.

Ihe resolution passed this year has, in effect, been the renewal of the proposal made by the Conference last year, and no one can complain that anything extravagant has been demanded. The miners are quite willing to bear their due part in the taxation of the country, and point out means by which they may do so while obtaining the relief they seek for. The exceptional manner in which they are dealt with was, moreover, very clearly shown by the mover of the resolution, Mr. Werner, of Lowburn, who contrasted the amount of the gold duty, — that is, £2 2s, exclusive of the cost of miner's rights, paid by a miner earning £100 per annum, — with the sum of 3s 9d paid by the holder of 100 acres of deferred payment land, and that of some 21s paid on 100 acres of freehold. We do not know, however, that Mr. Werner made a very telling point in the contrast drawn by him between the usefulness of the miner's industry and that ol the farmer's. It is very creditable to a man to be an advocate of temperance, or even a total abstainer, as well as to hold in horror everything that touches in the remotest degree on the possibility of gambling, and that such is the case with Mr. Werner we should judge from the nature of his illustrations. Methods, nevertheless, of disposing of £100 worth of gold quite as unprofitable as that condemned by Mr. Werner of using £100 worth of grain in distilling spirits or feeding a racehorse, so tar as New Zealand is concerned, are not beyond the range of the imagination. £100 worth of gold, for

example, might be sent out of the country to minister to the pleasure or even the vice of some distant absentee. The farmer who could sell his grain, besides, even to feed a race-horse or manufacture whiskey, would be disposed to increase his sowing, just as the claim-holder, finding his stone payable, would be inclined to extend his working. If mining has any advantage over farming it is that it encourages it and attracts the farmer to the country. N either contrast nor comparison; in fact, is needed to prove the importance of the mining industry. Like agriculture, it has its particular place, and no government can neglect its interests without betraying carelessness as to the welfare of the colony. But to weight it with an unfair and burdensome tax is to do something more than neglect this industiy. It is to offer a positive impediment to it. This fact, indeed, appears so plain, that, when, also, it is taken in connection with the great importance of the mining interest, all that is required to bring about the desired amendment would seem that the matter should be pressed upon the attention of the Legislature.

It is true there has been a long coarse of remonstrances and complaints, but, at the same time, a good deal of halfhearted ness has seemed to prevail, and it is evident, if only from the results,that sufficient energy has not been shown in the matter '1 his,indeed, seems to be perceived by one of the delegates to the Conference, Mr. M'CuLiiOOH,of St. Bathan's, who also spoke in the debate on the resolution. " They might talk as long as they liked," he said, " but until some strenuous steps were taken the gold duty in New Zealand would remain exactly as it was." We fully agree with Mr. M'Cullooh — making, however, the slight modification that the only strenuous steps that can legitimately or advisably be taken must still be identical, as we think Mr. M'Culloch will himself, on calm reflection, admit, with talk. But it should be talk to the purpose, unintermitted, and in tbe right quarter. The resolution passed last year, and now repeated by the Conference alluded to, would seem to be something of the nature of the talk in question. It should certainly produce some wholesome effect.

THE Most Rev. Dr. Donnelly, Bishop of Canea, who was the gaeit last week of the Bishop of Dunedin, visited during his stay the Exhibition and the principal points of view in the neighbourhood of the city. He also inspected the schools both of tbe Christian Brother! and tbe Dominican nuns, with which he expressed himself much pleased. On Wednesday evening 19th inst,, he was present in St. Joseph's Cathedral, it the meeting of the confraternity of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. The Bishop preached on tbe Passion, referring also to the Passion-play at Oberammergau, which he had personally witnessed, and which will again be performed this > ear. On Thursday evening an entertainment was given in his Lordship's honour by the pupils of the Dominican Convent, when a well selected musical programme, with tableaux vivants, was carried out. An address of welcome was also presented to the Bishop. In repljinghis Lordship spoke of the gratification it gare him to find the Irish spirit so well represented in this distant land. What he hai seen he said almost persuaded him of the truth of the legend that, when St. Patrick stuck his crozier into the ground of Ireland, it penetrated the earth* its end coming to the surface in New Zealand. Whatever happened, he added, he hoped the Colony would continue to revolve round such a hallowed axis. His Lordship further testified to the excellence of the educational advantages enjoyed by the pupils, and which, he said, were in no respect inferior to those enjoyed in the old country. In some things, indeed, he thought they might be considered superior. The music he had heard, he added, seemed to him especially good, Oa Sunday the Bishop celebrated Pontifical High Mass in the Cathedral at 11 a.m., the Rev. Fathers Lynch, Adm., and Donnelly being respectively deacon and sub-deacon, and the Rev. Father O'Neil, master of cer -monies. The sermon waa preached by Father O'Neil. The choir performed on the occasion Haydn's Ist Mass. In the evening Vespers proper to tbe day and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament were celebrated by the Bishop of Dunedin. The Bishop of Canea preached, taking for his text 2 Cor. vi.2, "In an accepted time have I beard thee." His Lordship is an eloquent preacher, possessed of a sonorous v >ice, makes use of elegant though simple language, and is apt in illustration . His sermon was listened to with wrapt attention by an immense congregation, including several prominent non-Catholic citizens. On Monday his Lordship, accompanied by the Most Rev. Dr Moran, left Dunedin for Queenstown, whence he will proceed, via Invercargill, to the Bluff in time to catch the next steamer for Melbourne.

The Most Rev. the Archbishop of Wellington arrived in Dunedin on Tuesday evening for the purpose of attending the sitting of the

Senate of the University of New Zealand. His Grace is the guest, in the abseace of the Most Rev. Dr. Moran, of the clergy of the mission.

The Most Rev. Dr. Moran administered the Sacrament of Confirmation last Sunday at Port Chalmers to 43 recipients. On Sunday next his Lordship will be present at Waikouaiti.

The tug-of-war has now commenced, but we fancy it is a good deal on one side — and that, fortunately, the right 6ide. Mr. Gladstone, through Mr. J. Morley, has given notice of an amendment in the House of Commons reprobating the false charges, based on calumny and forgery, brought against the Parnellites. Sir C. Ellis, M.P. for Antrim, opposeß this with an amendment, that the members referred to, as guilty of treasonable or criminal conspiracy, are in the opinion of the House deserving of censure. The mildness of the punishment proposed by the Hon. Member, however, betrays the slender confidence he places in his cause. The Government would evidently be glad to leave things as they are, and, if possible, to let the matter die out — a nine days' wonder.— They are condemned even by their own adherents, as we learn, for example, from the publication of a letter written by Mr. W. S. Came, whip of the Unionist party, acknowledging Mr. Parnell's innocence, and expressing horror at the conduct of the Times, The Parnellites have also been congratulated on the triumphant vindication of their honour by the National Liberal Federation. All this shows, as we have said, that the strength of the tug lies with them.

Among the Catholic schools of the colony noted for their success those of All Saints' convent, Greymoutb, conducted by the Sisters of Mercy also hold a high place. The Catholics of the district are indeed to be congratulated on having in their neighbouroood an establishment which leaves nothing to be desired oa their part fcr the education of their children. The Sisters have been remarkably successful in all respects, and their pupils have doae them full honour. Besides the ordinary branches of an English education, and those mora refined studies necessary to fit a young lady for taking her place gracefully in society, the course embraces preparation for the civil service and matriculation examinations.

On Sunday week at eleven o'clock, Dr. Grimes announced to the congregation that he was about to leave for Europe on account of illhealth. For Borne time past it was known among the congregation that his Lordship was far from well. Still people hoped that his trip to the North would have had a sufficiently beneficial effect upon him to render his departure unnecessary. Such, however, was not the case. The Bishop has bravely struggled against giving in to his iilnesß, but has been obliged to succumb, at least so far as to acquiese in the advice of his medical attendants, and resolve upon taking a long sea trip. While be bade farewell to the people on Sunday, there was not a dry eye in church ; many of the children sobbed unrestrainedly. The scene was most affecting. During his short ministration in this parish, Bishop Grimes has succeeded in winning the warm affection of his people. His quiet devotedness to his duties, his kind and gentle manners and his unaffected humanity have endeared him to everyone, He has given so many proofs of the generosity and nobility of his nature, that his people would be coldhearted indeed and callous if they did not appreciate him at bis true value. He is incapable of any smallness. He has been just, and fair, and kind to everyone, and it is probably some small solace to him in his illness to feel that he has not laboured thanklessly among his people here. They have all learned to love him, and profound regret at bis departure, deep sympathy with Lim in his illness, and sincere wishes forhisspeedy return, were undoubteily the sentiments evoked by the communication made by Bishop Grimes last Sunday week. — His Lordship leaves by the Melbourne boat on Tuejday or Wednesday and goes to Australia, where be will catch one of the Messageries steamers for Europe.

" A GREAT outcry is bsrag raised at the proposal to engage Sara Bernhardt to represent the Virgin Mary in the next passion play at Oberammagau. The date of the repreaentation is fixed for May 26." Such a proposal could only come from the enemies of religion. Sara Bernhardt is a great artist and deserving of all respect and admiration in her own sphere. Engaged in a religious representation, necessarily maintaining the character of 6incere and reverential worship to be countenanced, she would be strangely out of place. The lady herself must certainly feel that in the insult offered she also is included, The outcry reported is not to be wondered at,

The proposal of the Liberal party to grant endowments to Catholic schools, announced by Mr. John Morley, speaking for Mr. Gladstone in the debate on free education in tne House of Commons, is very significant. If there was ever an advocate of secularism, Mr. John Morley must be acknowledged as such. Still even he perceives the grievouß injustice and the gross impolicy of forcing on Catholics a system that outrages their consciences, and virtually inflicts penal disabilities on them, Let us hop* the example in question

may have some effect in influencing secularist legislators in these colonies to reconsider their position.

The Irish Bines, we perceive, are preparing to celebrate St. Patrick's Day by a concert aDd entertainment of a national kind in Duuediu. As their efforts ia this direction hare ia previous years been crowned with success, we may look forward confidently to the results on the occasion alluded to.

Stained glass, recently received from Munich, has been placed in the window over the principal door of St. Joseph's Cathedral, Dunedin. It is of great beauty and adds much to the appearance of the interior. The design, to suit the intricate stone tracery, is a circle of worshipping angels, and the colours are rich and brilliant in the extreme. The window is a gift of his Lordship the Bishop, and bears on a scroll wrought in the glass j the inscription " Pray for Patrick Moran, Bishop of Dunedin." Seen from the further end of the nave the effect is particularly fine, the rose window above the organ loft being also embraced in the view — the whole interior of the fagade seems exquisitely jewelled.

It is always good news for as to learn that there is an arrival of a religious order in the colonies, or any advance made in their settlement here. The Passionist Fathers certainly form for as no exception to the rale, and we are happy to see that the success of their establishment in Sydney ia about to be marked by the erection of a collegiate institute and retreat (or their order. With this end an art-union has been undertaken and several valuable prizes have been provided for it. There is, then, more than one opportunity offered. Those who would gain the merit of a good work can do so very fully by exerting themselves to aid the Fathers, and promote the success of their pious object, A more meritorious service to religion than this can hardly be performed. Those who would obtain a chance of securing a handsome prize may do so br purchasing tickets. Particulars concerning the art-union and the list of prizes will be found elsewhere, and we recommend them to the attention of our readers. But all who have the interests of religion at heart will be easily persuaded in the matter.

The Darfield Art-Union has been postponed owing to the slow progress made in the disposal of tickets. Father O'Donnell hopes the renewed energy of friends will enable him still to hold tha drawing at an early date.

The Christian Brothers wish to return their sincere thanks to all the ladies and gentlemen who laboured so strenuously to make the lats concert a financial success. Special thanks are due to Mr. J. B. Callan, for presiding, and likewise to Messrs. Connellan, Connor, Hal), Mcc, Smith, and Woods for tendering their valuable services in looking after the arrangements. The boy a of the school are worthy of the higheßt praise for their zeal and energy in working off the tickets — for to this the whole success is mainly due. The net result is £37 (thirty Beven pouuds), A vote of thanks from the young athletes is freely accorded to Mrs. Murphy for so kindly providing them with tea during the concert.

The most beautiful address you ever saw is going to be presented by the Loyal Orange Lodge of the Middle Island, New Zealand, to her Majesty the Queen. It is a model of composition, and, a great pity it is, it did not arrive in time to give her Majesty a pattern when she was writing those leaves from her diary, Poor lady I she will cry of vexation when she perceives that the world has gone round too slow for the purpose, or for any other apparently, so far as the address is concerned. But, porhaps, she will try to console herself by taking over a little of the style to improve the next book she writes, especially the verses. Here is a select sample. The allusion, of coarse, is to Ireland : " The pretended patriotism of those, who io that country call themselvea the ' National Party,' has been more bitterly cruel than would have been the tread of a hostile invader, but we thank God for the firm, discreet, and persistent conduct of your Majesty's Ministers, through which they have— while labouring under much contumely — been able to suppress Ireland's disorder, and to reassure all loyal subjects of the return of the angel of peace, who is once more spieading her composing wings over the confusion, so that the troubled waters find rest, and sounds of harmony are again heard in the land." — Now, is not that beautiful ? The angel of peace spreading her composing wings over confusion is delightful. But we want to know from the gentlemen signing the address, from J. Q. W. Ellisr R.W.G.M,, or from R. N. Adams, D.R.W.G.M., or from Ed. Revell, G.S., or from all of them together, with all their letters, where is Scripture to be found Tor a Bhe-angel. There is Scripture we know for a she-ass, and as the gender of these gentlemen strongly reminds us, there is Scripture for a he-ass as well. Bat we do not think there is a verse anywhere to prove the existence of a she-angel. We cannot believe such grave elders took their inspiration from a Valentine,

Mr. B. N. Adams especially is, of course, an authority, and if he tells vi the angels in the Laad of Beala^ wear petticoats, we ara as ready to believe it as anything, else he has to tell ua about that country— though that says nothing about angela in Ireland. Will he then kindly give us chapter and verse for this angel of the feminine gender? But will it not be advisable for her Majesty, when she has taken all the notes she wants from this address, and has quite done improving herself with it, to send it on to the Irish Nationalists, that they may know under what influence they feal themselves calming down— aa they are perceived to ba from observations taken in the Land of Beulah ? It may gratify them to know this, for the angel of peace, even if he be a she, may well be preferable to Mr. Balfour. When her Majesty has improved her style then let us hope she will think of her neighbours.

By the death of Mr. Joseph Biggar, M.P., for Cavan, which has occurred from heart disease, the Irish National party have lost one of their oldest and most trustworthy members. Mr. Biggar had been well to the fore from the beginning, and was looked upon as one of their most formidable opponents by the adversaries of Home RaleHe was 4 native of Belfast and had a good deal of the dry humour for which those who bail from Ulster are often distinguished. He was also noted for his kindness of heart which bad made him a favourite whsrever he was known. Mr. Biggar's place will not easily be filled and so long as a member of the party to which he belonged survives, his memory will be held in affection. Ireland generally owes him a debt which also will be long remembered. He was a convert to the Catholic faith.— B.l.P.

The Rev. Canon Stanford in Court yesterday (say the Lyttelton Timet of February 19) spoke in terms of high commendation of tha mantgement and discipline at the Magd&len Asylum. He said that he found no desire on the part of the inmates to leave the Institution, but that, on the contrary, they were happy and contented. Coming from such an undoubted authority, this testimony is indeed valuable, and should gratify those to whom the institution has been euch a source of anxiety, the Rev. L. M. Ginaty in particular.

Wl see that the members of the Canterbury Catholic Literary Society have succeeded in interesting in their object the literary men of the dty generally. On the 18th inst., for example, a lecture entitled "A Becent Visit to Australia," was given to their meeting by Mr. W. P. Reeves.* The lecture is described as particularly entertaining, and was listened to with pleasure by a large attendance. The Society is to to be congratulated on obtaining Buch important aid--which should go far to promote their interests.

" FATHER Kinsella. has been sentenced to two months' imprisonment on a charge of building huts for evicted tenants from the Clongorchy estate." Th<s is a cablegram which seems to show that the composingjdraught distilled from the wings of that angel of peace does nota?ree with every constitution. Whatever may bi its effects on the Itish Nationalists, it apparently leaves Balfour and Co. as bilious at ever, The imprisonment of a priest for an act of pure charity soeaks for itself. Bat it is queer peace that reigns in a country where it is illegal to rescue people from dying of want and exposure in a ditch. That angel, id fact, must be no better at best than a half reformed fury.