A PHENONEMON.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XVII, Issue 48, 21 March 1890, Page 16

A PHENONEMON.

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T is very noticeable that in all the recent speeche 8 of Members of Parliament to their constituent 8 the education question has been entirely ignored. We draw attention to this in order that Catholics and others who are injured by the present outrageous and godless system of education may take note of this fact and consider what their future action ought to be under the circumstances.

We observe that a good deal has been said in the speeches to which we refer on the land question, but it is not quite certain that there is not much sincerity in much that has been spoken on this subject, particularly by the Members who wish to pose as Democrats. The people ought to narrowly scan the policy of their Membeis. Is it not plain that in the past the people have been treated as if they were shuttlecocks, so far as the and question is concerned ; and that, notwithstanding all the parade that has been made in the direction of liberal and wise land laws, somehow or another the land for the most part still continues locked up in the hands of large holders and financial companies ? The people are in reality treated as if they had neither brains nor pluck. The whole policy of various succeedmg Governments and Parliaments seems to have been to prevent the people to any great extent from being placed upon the land. No doubt from time to time some little settlement has taken place. This had to be effected to keep the people quiet. Nevertheless, settlement on the land has not been such as it ought to have been. The best land remains locked up, extravagant prices in the interests of large proprietors have been sought after, and the Government itself, by insisting on extravagant valuation for the purposes of the PiopertyTax.has done its best to maintain this state of things. Bat whilst the difficulty of obtaining land at a reasonable figure continues unabated, chiefly owing to the policy of Government, the injustice and folly of the present education system do not seem to concern either Members of Parliament

or the public in the least. The knowing ones know how to play the land question aad the education question to the advantages of the monopolists. If a candidate, sound on*he land question, presents himself to a constituency, he is immediately questioned by some partisan of the land monopolists on the education question, and if he is found in favour of justice* and fair play, he is forthwith denounced as a Papist, a favourer of Papists, and rejected by the idiots, who prefer a land monopolist to a Democrat who wishes todfran act of the simplest justice to a large section of his fellow subjects-— and so on and so on in reference to many other questions. Extravagance and folly rule at present a *cry large number of constituencies, who prefer land monopoly tG justice to Catholic schools, and a wild expenditure that is absolutely unnecessary to economy and efficiency in respect of ' schools. These constituencies do not want a system of education at once economical and efficient, if such system would 'Work justly in relation to Catholic schools, and prefer a most extravagant and not very efficient system when it excludes Catholics from any participation in the expenditure of funds to which they largely contribute. It is a strange and comical State of things in- a democratic community which is always crying out for liberty and economy. Well, they have their reward. They are the puppets of the knowing ones who; to their own advantage and tbe furtherance of their private interests, use them as their blind tools, whilst telling them what fine, liberal, and wise politicians they are. The education question seems, by common consent between represen.*tives and tbeir constituents, to be left out of the political programme, as if there were no need of any amendment of an Act which, after all, is universally acknowledged to be in many respects most defective and sorely in need of amendment. What is the reason of this ? Why the feai tha«, if the Act be touched at all, it will fall to pieces in the hands of the amenders ! What a comment on the Parliament and the electors of the country ! The Act is so bad that an attempt to amend it will prove its destruction, therefore it •ball not be touched at all. This is the wise, and statesmanlike, and just, and rational conclusion of New Zealanders ! Can folly go any further ?

To-DAT (Wednesday) being the Feast of the Patron of the church Pontifical High Mass was celebrated in St. Joseph's Cathedral) Dunedin, at 10 a.m. The Most Bey. Dr. Moran acted as celebrant with the Very Rev. Father Mackay as deacon and the Rev. Father Hunfc as sub.deacon. The Bey. Fathers O'Donnell and O'Neil were srb-deacons at the throne, the Bey. Father Lynch, Adm., waa master of ceremonies, and the Bishop of Auckland was also present in the sanctuary. The Bishop of Dunedin spoke briefly in reference to the Feast, but limited his remarks, as, be said, tbe Most Bey. Dr. Luck would speak in tbe evening. His Lordship alluded to the debt still remaining on the cathedral, amounting to a sum of £250, which he especially desired to see paid off, so taat attention conld be given to other necessary works. The Bishop mentioned the pnrchase just concluded of a site for a church and schools in the North-East Valley. Tbe music of the Mass was sung, in their accustomed excellent manner, by the Dominican nuns' choir.

The Re». Father O'Donnell has been appointed pastor of the Port Chalmers district. Father O'Donnell, during his residence in Dunedin, has recommended himself to the affection of the Catholic OongregatioD, and bis departure from among us is much regretted.

Wa announce with deep regret i ho death of Mrs. McArdle, wife of Mr. Peter McArdle, local manager of tbe Grey Valley Coal Company, which occurred at her residence, Dunedin, on Saturday, the 15th in&t. The deceased lady was suddenly taken ill on Friday tight, and after a few hours, notwithstanding every effort to save her life, < died of an apoplectic seizure. She leaves to lament her loss an affectionate husband and three little children. She is also mourned for by ii latge circle of friends and relations, inclnding the family of Mr. M. Kennedy, late of Qreymoutb. —iZ./.P,

Masses were celebrated on St. Patrick's day in St. Joseph's Cathedral, Dunelin, at 7 aod 10 a.m. At the second Mass the music, including a hyma to the Saint of the day, was sweetly sung by tbe Dominican nuns' choir. At St. Patrick's, South Dunedin, a Pontifical High Ma6s was celebrate dby the Bishop. In the evening yespers proper to the day were sung and Benediction of the Most Holy Sacrameot was given in the Cathedral.

The Irish delegates have evidently lost no time in getting over the ground. Sir Thomas Ksmonde is now reported as giving an account of hiß Australasian tour at New Orleans,

Among the visitors to Dunedin thii wtek, has been the 4 Bey. Father Kirk, 8.M., of Wanginni. The Most Bey. the Bishop of Auckland arrived in town on Tuesday evening. His Lordship is the guest of the Most Bey. Dr. Moran.

Btbtkbs are still the order of the day in England. They enl. minate in that of the colliers, who number some 100,000 or 160,000 men. The working man, in fact, seems at length to have learned his strength, and the end is not easy to foretell. It is safe to say, how. ever, that no mere expedient will meet the requirements of the situation, and the longer a definite and complete settlement is deferred tbe greater will be the risk. The labour conference, meantime, has assembled in Berlin, and it is much to be desired that some wise decision may be arrived at. With an Emperor, however, who allows discussion bat reserves to himself the right of enforcing bis own particular views— as the Jlmperor William has recently explained the position as being— some doubt as to remits may well be entertained.

It seem* strange that while in New Zealand an unosuai;drought, and so far as Dunediu at least is concerned one almost unprecedented, prevails, serious floods continue in Australia. Bxtensive destruction of property with some loss of life is reported.

Losd Randolph Chubohill is playiag the mischief with the Toiies. He began by making an onslaught on the Parnell Conmift* sion, cf which he told a few plain truth* in apparently a very striking manner. He condemned the Commission, root and branch, as forced on Parliament by means of the cloture, and deserving only to have its records blotted from the journals of the House. Lord Randolph frightened the Member for Stockport, who, refused to move his amendment blaming the Commission for accusing members of the House of complicity with murderers. Mr. W. B. Oaine, however, remained steadfast, and moved the amendment, which was rejected by a large majority— emphasising Mr. Labouohere's declaration that the Parliamentary majority are a disreputable lot. Lord Randolph, meantime, is catching it in both hit ears from tbe Tory partisans, who would drive him openly out into opposition if they could. But he appears equal to the situation, and continues defiant. He denounces tbe promoters of the Commission as traitors. The Government have evidently not yet seen the last results of their alliance with the Times. Lord Randolph Churchill, with the oouraga of his conviction s, is an awkward adherent for them, their lift depending on rapport through thiok and thin.

" Pbince Bibhabck has had an interview with Herr Windthorst with a view to negotiating for the union of the Cartel (Ministerial) and Clerical parties, in order to secure a working majority in the Reichstag." How many days was it that tbe Emperor Henry, at Canosßa, according to Protestant tradition, stood, clad only in a white sheet and bare-footed, in tbe snow ? Prince Bismarck has evidently taken up his stand there permanently. It is to be hoped he will not get cold, but even the influenza would be no more than be has merited* It is one thing to make laws in May, quite another to repeal or repent them in November. Frince Bismarck now thoroughly appreciates the difference.

Another English bye-election, that of Stoke«upon- Trent, has resulted in favour of Mr. Gladstone. Verily, if the report of the Commission has been generally accepted as identifying the Parnellites with murder and infamy of all kindß, England is not only going to the dogs but has got there. Mr. Leveson-Gower, a Gladetonite, has beaten Mr. Allen, a Tory, by a majority of 1131. The voters who gave tbeir support to dynamite and murder were in all 4,057. 0 Tempora ! O Mores !

Mb. Jotjbert has issued a pamphlet containing the opinions of the Prese ou the proposal for holding a New Zealand Exhibition in London. The majority are in favour, and for the most part strongly in favour, of the proposed undertaking. Contrary opinion, however, is also candidly quoted, but the quotation only serve* to strengthen the opposite arguments. For our own part we are ready to repeat, and even to emphasise, tbe support already given by us to tbe project. Tbe pamphlet referred to may be read with effect by thoße who desire information on tbe subject.

That wish th«t is " father to the thought " is once more, we perceive, tbe source of a rumour as to the imminent disruption of the Irish movement, because of dissensions between Mr Davitt and Mr Pamell. Mr Davitt, however, baa once more set the matter right. He candidly confesses that there are points on which he differs from Mr Parnell. But at the same time he renews his act of submission, and declares be is still determined to follow Mr Parnell as his leader. So far, therefore, from apprehending any danger from a breach between Mr Dayitt and Mr Parnell, we may tee even in their differences a pledge of union, lit Dlvitt'i rent twice will 1m

reserved Jf or its legitimate sphere, as he has already told us, that is, tbe Opposition in an Irish Parliament.

Wb learn that a second concert in the Exhibition concert hall will be given by the pupils of the Dominican Convent High School on Friday, April 11. If the music performed fquals that performed on the previous occasion a thorough success will be the result — and we confidently expect no less.

The Dunedin Irish Rifles held a church parade on Sunday, at 11 a.m. The march to and from St. Joseph's Cathedral, was performed under more striking circumstances than usual, as not only was the local Gar'ison Band in attendance, but the Oamaru Naval Band and the Stanmore Band, present in town for the competition at the Exhibition, also gave their services. A Missa cantata was celebrated by the 1 Bey. Father O'Neil and the Rev. Father Kirk S.M., of Wanganni preached an impressive sermon on the Gospel of the day. The choir had the valuable assistance of some members of the Opera Company now in the city, as well as of Mr. Sheath of Napier, and Weber's Macs in G. was finely sung. Mr. Neilsonof the Opera Company, sang daring the offertory, the " Cujus Animam " from Boesini'a Stabat Mater. In the evening after Vespers the panegyric of St Patrick was delivered by the Most Rev. Dr. Moran. The members of the Opera Company, with Mr. Sheath, again assisted in the choir, an " Aye Maria" being sung as a trio by Mrs Neilson, and Messrs Neilson and Briggs. The "Tantnm Ergo" and "OSalutaris" were sung 83 solos respectively by Messrs Sheath and Peahan. In the absence of Mr Ward, Mr. A Corrigan conducted, and Miss D. Horan as usual played the organ.

Among the celebrations of St. Patrick's Day in Dunedin, a notable and conspicuous one was the decoration of the Lady Oairnes, a Dublin ship now lying at the wharf. The vessel, from dawn to dark, was gay with bunting, the Irißh flag being prominent. The officers and crew also displayed the green. The ship, we may add, arrived from London a couple of weeks ago, and Captain Jtonissey, her commander, ig to be congratulated on having made bis first voyage to our port with great succesa. The time bo occupied was among the shortest on record.

The Sisters of Mercy who h>we recently arrived at Gore need a helping hand in making their settlement among us. To enable them to provide themselves with a suitable convent and effectively to carry on the great works of education and charity to which they have devoted their livee, an art-union has been set on foot. All those, therefore, who are anxious to see this great and useful Order established here have now an opportunity of aiding towards such an object. The immediate and easy disposal of the good Sisters' tickets is a work of honour among us.

The Dominican Nuns at Invercargill, who have been obliged, in the interests of Catholic educition to make extensive alterations and additions to their convent and schools, are obliged to have recourse to a bazaar and art-union to aid them in discharging the debt thus incurred. Several handsome and valuable prizes for the art-union have been secured, and a meritorious work may be performed in helping the community by buying or selling tickets. The burden placed upon the nuns is a heavy one, and it is only just and right that as much as possible should be done to enable them to get rid°of it. They give their time and strength to the service of the Catholic community, who should, therefore, make every effort to help them in their need.

Some very desirable properties owned by the late Mr. John Mulrooney in Dunedin and its suburbs will be sold by Messrs. James Samson and Co. on Wednesday, the 26th inst. The opportunity thus offered for profitable and safe investment has much to recommend it Meesre. A. and T. Inglis, George street, Dunedin, have made important additions to their stock of household furniture All requisites in this particular line will be found provided by the firm in a manner leaving nothing to be desirad. The firm's boot and shoe department is also especially deserving of attention. Their large and various stock, indeed, in all ita branches deserves patronage and well repays it. * s ' A telegram was received recently from Demerara announcing the aad news of the death of Fataer Stephen J. Perry, the wellknown Jesuit astronomer. He had gone out to Demerara in command of the Government expedition to observe the total eclipse of the 22nd ultimo.

Ad examiner furnishes some answers snown up in a recent ecbolariship examination at Home. The candidates were the pick of London elementary schools. Question was asked, •' How is the House of Lords composed ?" The following were typical answers :— It is composed of two men from each county. Simon de Montford was the founder." "It is composed of Liberals and Conservatives • they are the only lords of the country." "Of baroDets, dukes and lords m waiting." The game boys (the examiner adds) have been crammed with facts or fictions about the Heptarchy and the Witaoagemot; but of the Constitution under which they were livine they knew no more than a Parisian gamin.