The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. FRIDAY, JULY 20, 1883. The Annexation Question.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 1000, 20 July 1883, Page 2

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. FRIDAY, JULY 20, 1883. The Annexation Question.

When the Queensland Government commissioned the Resident Magistrate of Thursday Island to take possession of New Guinea in the name of the Queen they laid themselves open to a most decided snub from the Imperial authorities. This unprecedented method of annexing an important territory must have been viewed either as a master stroke of policy or as a piece of colossal impudence on the part of a dependency of the Mother Country. For a long time we were left in doubt as to what would be the verdict of Mr Gladstone’s Government as to the action of the colony, but we were led to believe that on the whole it would be favorable. Meanwhile, however, Victoria followed the suit of Queensland, although at a distance, and a message was sent Home, endorsed by all the other Australasian Colonies, pointing out the advisability of Great Britain taking possession of the New Hebrides. This seems to have" been the last straw, and both requests have been answered with a decided negative, accompanied with a rebuke and a recommendation that before annexation proposals are made again the British possessions in this part of the world should federate. But it is evident that we are not going to take this reply as an ultimatum, and the Agents-General have been instructed to use their influence in trying to get the Home Government to reconsider their decision. Whether they will be successful it is impossible to say, but it is an encouraging sign that the English press is almost unanimously endorsing our view of the question. All things considered, the colonies could scarcely have happed upon a more unfavorable time to initiate such a plucky policy as this of annexation. Whenever the Liberal party have been in offiqe, their administration of any but fhome affairs have always been marked with the stamp of feebleness. And of all the members of the present Government none would be more flabbergasted at such proposals as those of Queensland and Victoria than would the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Earl Derby. Years ago he was nicknamed by a witty writer “ The Great Non-Possumus ” who held the opinion that although the people were as uncomfortable as herrings packed in a barrel, if they attempted to improve their position it would only result in their finding themselves worse off in the end. Even his admirers could never find anything better to say of him than that he was “ safe ” —an epithet which carries with it condemnation, implying as it does timidity. A “safe” politician may be all very well when a policy of masterly inactivity is to be carried out, but when any great enterprise is brought forward such a one is the last person that should be entrusted with a responsible position. Bearing in mind the kind of statesman Earl Derby is, one is not very greatly astonished at the reply given to the colonies in this instance, and if it is not reconsidered it is by no means unlikely that England will have cause to regret her hasty decision in this matter.

Considering how important are her colonies to Great Britain, it is extraordinary that so much ignorance should prevail concerning our institutions among Home politicians. The tales that are told by the fanatics who dilate on the wrongs of the aborigines from the Exeter Hail platform seem to obtain no little credence in England, and it is probable that the Imperial Government were led to believe that the annexation of New Guinea was desired in order to carry out some nefarious plans of the Queensland planters. The truth is that while these Pacific Islands remain unanneiced, the Australasiafi colonies are threatened with a tremendous danger, should war break oyt between England and one of the European Powers. Mr Gladstone in his answer to Victoria concerning the New Hebrides said that there was no danger apprehended of France taking possession of that island for the purpose of using it as a convict settlement, but it is curious commentary on that opinion when we find the Parisian press openly counselling that course. As to the advice given to the colonies to federate, everybody who knows anything of the question must see there are so many difficulties in the way that it is very improbable that such a consummation will be reached in the present generation. Taking into consideration all the circumstances, it is evident that the answer of the Home Government to the proposals of Queensland and Victoria has been given under a complete misconception as to the intention of the colonies, and it is to be hoped that it will be re-considered, not only Wor our own safety, but for that of the Mother-Country.

Tho Bine Ribbon Army in Timaru appears to be making headway. Last evening a very largely attended meeting was held in that town, and for seme time the applicants for the piece of “ blue ” were so numerous that an extra side door in the place of meeting had to be opened, in order to let those pass through who had signed the pledge and taken the ribbon. The anniversary meeting of the Oddfellows, at their Hall in Wills street last evening, was a decided success. An excellent programme had been arranged, and the system of alternating songs with the dances appeared to give thorough satisfaction. Encores were frequent, and the vocal part of the entertainment was concluded by the singing of “ Auld Lang Syne,” which was taken up with much spirit by those present, all of whom formed a circle, and the hand-shaking was carried out in the usual Scotch style. After this, dancing was kept up for some hours, and all appeared to enjoy themselves to the full.

A meeting of footballers was held last night at Quill’s hotel, when there was a good attendance. It was decided to send a team to Timaru on Saturday, July 28th, to play a friendly game with the South Canterbury Football Club. The local fifteen will be picked from the following twenty-five playersßrett, Goodwin, Pawling, Fooks (3), Shury, Hepburn, Lechner, Tickell, Jephson, Roberts, Hus sey, Leitch, Coffey, Fleming, Stewart, M'Crobie, Hunt, Hart, Hutchison, Fish, Field, Pavitt, McFarlane. Moonlight practices will be held in the Domain every evening next week, and especial ones on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, at 4 o’clock, when ell who can are requested to turn up, as all the men are very much in want of some practice, and the South Canterbury Football Club is said to be very strong this year. A meeting will be held on Tuesday, at 7.30 p.m , to finally select the team. Players wishing to take part in the match should attend regularly to practice, as the team will be chosen from those who show the best form.

The people of Methven have in store for them this week one of the best concerts, if not the beat concert, that has ever been given in this rising township. The object of the little gathering is to raise funds for the new library, for the building of which such strenuous efforts are at present being made. Already a good sum of money has been raised, one way or another, with 'he object of putting up the building, and leaving it in the hands of the people without debt, but this purp ise cannot be accomplished without additional aid, because the house to be erected is intended to be a good one, and will cost more than was at first calculated. With a view to get a few more pounds than the ordinary subscription system will contribute, the Library promoters have arranged with Mr J. Mao Lean Dunn, whose ability in getting up concerts is so well known, to get them up a concert on the 25th, and we understand that that gentleman has recruited a very selrict company, comprising some of the best vocalists and elocutionists in the Ashburton township. An excellent programme has been arranged, and from the reputation of the names appearing upon it, wo are justified in saying that the big audience Methven always supplies to listen to a good entertainment will not be disappointed. Inaction of the kidneys and urinary organs causes the worst of diseases which Hop Bitters cures. Read.—[Advt.] 4 Don’t Die in the House. —“ Rough on Rats ” clears out rats, mice, beetles, roaches, bed-bugs, flies, ants, insects, moles, jackrabbits, gophers, Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agents. 1 Wanted Known —That J. Meech is importing all his own goods, which enables him to sell cheaper than any other furnishing house in Ashburton. He has every class of furniture to suit all parties, from the kitchen to the drawing-mom. All kinds of cutlery, crockeryware, fenders and fire-irons, iron beadsteads, carpets, table cloths, matting, and druggetting. A variety of tinware and other cooking utensils, etc. A splendid lot of Vienna chairs in walnut and maple. Feathers, flock, horsehair, and wool for furniture and mattrasses—in fact every article for house furnishing. Owing to facilities afforded to him, enables him to sell cheaper than if in East street. Furniture exchanged, and parties selling out will find that he gives the highest price for furniture. All kinds of furniture repaired; practical workmen kept. Agent for the celebrated Dunedin blind-maker. Spring window rollers kept in stock. Carvings and turnery sold to the trade. —J. Meech. Note the address, next Bullock’s Arcade.— [A.DVT.] _____________