The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 1884. Tho Opening of Parliament.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1272, 5 June 1884, Page 2

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 1884. Tho Opening of Parliament.

The laPt session of the present Par- . liament opens to-day, although the real work will not be entered upoirtill next week. For many reasons the proceedings of the Legislature during the coming months will be watched with keen interest, and probably at no time in the history of this colony has it been more difficult to make a forecast of future events. Since Parliament rose from its labors last year the opinion of the country concerning the Ministry now in power has undergone considerable change. The long continued depression of trade in the colony has landed us in a perilous position, and it was recognised that some drastic measures were required to prevent us drifting still deeper into the sea of trouble. Every member of the House and every Chamber of Commerce were ready to give their reasons for the existing state of things, but how to provide a remedy that would meet the exigencies of the case appeared to be out of their power. Consequently we have had a good deal of talk about the bane, but very little about the antidote. Major Atkinson, as is well known, had to meet a very heavy deficit in the Estimates, and when the necessity was forced upon him he came forward with his panacea for our evils. This was simply a reform of the Civil Service, and the raising of our railway rates. Of the lines upon which the first part of the programme is proposed to be carried out we are as yet ignorant, but the latter has naturally raised a storm of opposition in the South Island that will not easily be allayed. The Premier must have recognised long ere this that whatever support he formerly received from the Canterbury and Otago members will be lost to him during the coming session, unless he decides to remove the obnoxious and unjust class tax placed upon thesetllers of the South. Major Atkinson was only too clearly made to understand how strong was the feeling against him when he gave his - addresses in Dunedin and Christchurch, and although nothing could justify the rowdyism displayed at those places, it is easy to understand the sentiment which prompted it. Another fact that points in the same direction is the election of two decided Oppositionists in Canterbury constituencies that last session were represented by strong Ministerial supporters. The lamented death of Mr Lee and the enforced retirement of Mr Wilson from politics on account of ill-health, have been the means of Mr Wakefield and the Hon E. Richardson being returned to Parliament, and the Premier will find that no more unrelenting critics of his policy will be in the House than these two gentlemen. The substitution of Dr Newman, as member for Thorndon, in place of Mr Levin will not disturb the balance of parties, but whoever is returned for Ashburton in the coming election the Government must reckon on losing another vote, albeit Mr Wright would have been opposed to them on the railway tariff question. When all the vacancies that have occurred during the recess are filled up, those now in power will have been deprived of the support of the representatives of three constituencies formerly r eturning Ministerialists, which wi'l be further increased if Mr W. L, Rees or Mr Gannon is elected tor the East Coast. Considering these things and that the bulk of the Canterbury and Otago members who voted with the Government last year have withdrawn their adherence to the party, it would seem on paper that a vote of want of confidence must be carried. There is, however, a factor, and that an important one, which should by no means be lost sight of in estimating the probable events of next session. We refer to the disorganisation and multiplicity of leaders among the Opposition. Many members who no longer believe in Major Atkinson have even less faith in Mr Montgomery, while Sir George Grey has declared he will have no hand in any attempt to turn the Ministry out, if such a course will have the effect of putting the member for Akaroa in power. The followers of the Knight of Kawau are not numerous, but at any rate we think that there is enough of them to turn the scale when a motion is brought forward to determine the fate of the Government. Should Sir Julius Vogel re-enter Parliament, the situation will be still further complicated, as no doubt he will be placed at the head of another party having interests to serve diametrically opposed to those of any of the other Parliamentary factions. Thus we find it is quite on the .cards that a Ministry whose later management of affairs is condemned by the ceuntry will retain their position solely through the weakness of the Opposition, who will not rally under one banner, but prefer to indulge in guerilla warfare, which simply means a great waste of time “and no real business done. If ever there was a period in the colony’s history when party differences should be sacrificed for the public weal it is now, and we must confess we regard the outlook as far from pleasant. It is reported that the Governor’s speech to be delivered to-day “ is likely to be couched in a very broad and liberal strain, and that questions of policy will be submitted of a character likely to meet the views of many even of the extreme parties in the House.” The speeches delivered from the Throne at the opening of Parliament are generally noticeable for being a botch potch of vague generalities and bad grammar, and we doubt if to-day’s address will bean exception. An ear'y dissolution of the House of Representatives would be the best thing that could happen to the colony, but so far as we can judge the quality of the shadows cast by coming, this does not seem so likely to occur as it did some few weeks ago. A wearisome session of purposeless talk and party squabbles is (ar more probable, and such a state of things is fraught with more than common danger in the present condition of New Zealand.

A correspondent has called our attention to the omission cf Mrs McConnell’s name from our report of the Flemington tea meeting. Mrs McConnell presided at the bachelor’s table, and we are informed 'took a most active part in securing the ■success of the gathering. ~ The N.Z. Society for the prevention of crueh y to animals has published its annual •report for the year ending 31st’ March last. This Society was inaugurated by Mr W. H. Shaw, and as Honorary Secretary and Treasurer that gentleman has taken upon himself a large amount of work in the interests of our domestic animals, and his systematic and judicious efforts have done much to attract public approbation and intelligent support to the Society. The management has adhered to the principle laid down at the inception of the Society to endeavor to check rather than punish cruelty, and it has not only instituted prosecutions in the tnora flagrant cases, but has taken steps to let other offenders know that they are under surveillance. The Society hss entertained a broad intelligent view of the work undertaken, and it has avoided the too common error of allowing ignorant sentiment on the subject of cruelty to bring its actions into ridicule. One of the gentlemen adjudicated a bankrupt last week in the local Court was arrested by the police this morning for being drunk while in charge of a horse and dray. I >n being seirched at the station L 49 was found in his possessio i.

On Tuesday morning a fire occurred near Methven, by which two stacks of oats, estimated to contain about 1,700 bushels, and one stack of wheat, estimated to contain about 300 bushels, the whole valued at L 250, and the property of Mr James Carew, were destroyed. The grain was insured in the Victorian Insurance office for L2OO. The fire was first noticed at 6 a.m. by Mr Carew’s ploughmen, but thoie is no clue to its origin. It is announced in the June number of the New Zealand Wesleyan that the present issue will be the last under its existing title, but on the Ist July it will be published as a weekly journal bearing the name of the New Zealand Methodist. The Rev. W. J. Williams will continue to occupy the editorial chair, and there are indications already that this gentleman will succeed in making it a really “ live paper. ” A service under the auspices of the Ashburton Evangelistic Committee took place last night at the Oddfellows’ Hall. There was a fair attendance of representatives from the various churchss, and earnest addresses were given by the Revs. Messrs Blake and West. The Revs. A. M. Beattie, J. Nixon, and 0. H. Standage were also on the platform, and took part in the proceedings.

The date upon which Sir Julius Yogel will addresis the constituents of Ashburton has been fixed for to-morrow week, ‘he 13th inst. A meeting of his Committee is convened for to-morrow evening in the upper room of the Town Hall.

The master of the Old Men’s Home wishes to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of a quantity of tobacco from Mr F. Clark for the use of the inmates.

Last evening a horse with a saddle on was found straying in Fast street, opposite the railway station, snd handed over to the custody of Mr Cookaon. The second meeting of the Sheffield Coursing Club was concluded at Darfiold yesterday. The President’s cup was won by Mr R. Dvncan's Plying Colours, the other Ashburton representative, Mr Zander’s Fairy Queen, being beaten by the ultimate winner in the second round. Glen won the Sheffield Stakes.

At the inquest on Charles Walters, killed by falling down a hold at Auckland, a verdict of accidental death was returned, accompanied by a rider that greater care should be exercised in shipping bullocks, and that hatches should be closed. The sum of L 2,60) out of L 3,000 required to build St. John’s Church at Wellington has already-been subsribed. On Tuesday evening a dwelling house at Foxhill, near Ne ! son, owned and occupied by Henry Wrigley, was burned during the absence of the occupants A man named Godbaz, who went upstairs with a view of saving furniture, was unable to descend again, and with difficulty effected his escape by the upper window. The house is said to have been insured in the South British for a small amount. The furniture was uninsured.

At yesterday’s meeting of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board held at Christchurch, a communication was received from the Colonial Secretary, forwarding the subjoined letter from the Chairman of the Ashburton Hospital and Ohnritab Aid Committee:—Sir, —I have the hone inform you that, on the 30th June next, the County Council and Borough Council will cease to administer charitable aid within the County and Borough. In doing so, I wish to give as the reason, viz—that from the statements famed by the Charitable Aid Department in Christchurch, Boroughs and Counties, since the withdrawals of subsidies, have been charged only nominally with their respective shares of the coat. In self defence, therefore, the Committee reluctantly feels compelled to take this step. —W. C. Walker, Chairman. A memorandum was alto read from the Secretary with reference to the case of the Shears children, brought up at Ashburton and committed to Burnham, stating that no application had been received for their admission into the Orphanage. The Secretary suggested that the Board should make enquiries into the case, with a view of returning the four youngest children into the care of the mother, and making her a small allowance, should they think, after enquiry, that this was a desirable course.

Tic-Doloureux, Toothache, or any - other neuralgic pain speediiy yields to Baxter’s AntiNeuralgic Pills. f,soo will be paid for any case that Hop bitters will not cure or help. Doubt not. See. —[Advt.] Holloways Ointment and Pills. — Outward Infirmities. —Before the discovery of these remedies many case of sores, ulcers, &c., were pronounced to be hopelessly incurable, because the treatment pursued tended to destroy the strength it was incompetent to preserve, and to exasperate the symptoms it was inadequate to remove. Holloway’s Pills exert the most wholesome powers over the unhealthy flesh or skin, without debarring the patient from fresh air and exercise, and thus the constitutional vigor is husbanded while the most malignant ulcers, abscesses, and skin diseases are in process of cure. Both Ointment and Pills make the bleod richer and pmer, instead of permitting it to fall into that poor and watery stale so fatal to many laboring under chronic ulcerations—[Advt.l The Bad and Worthless

are never imitated or counterfeited. This is especially true of a family medicine, and it is positive proof that the remedy imitated is of the highest value. As soon as it has been tested and proved by the whole world that Hop Bitters was the purest, best, and most valuable family medicine on earth, many imitations sprung up and began to steal the notices in which the press and the people of the country had expressed the merits of 11. 8., and in every way trying to induce suffering invalids to use their stuff instead, expecting to make money on the credit and good name of H. B Many others started nostrums put up in sinai lar style to H. 8., with variously devised names in which the word “ Hop ” or ‘‘Hops ” were used in a way to induce people to believe they were the same as Hop Bitters. All such pretended remedies or cures, n« matter what their style or name is, apd especially those with the word “ Hop ” or •* Hops ” in their name or in any way connected with them or their name, are imitations or counterfeits. Beware of them. Touch none of them. Use nothing but genuine American Hop Bitters, witty a bunch or cluster of green Hops on the wl : te label, and Dr soule’s name blown in th glass. Trust nothing else. Druggists and ch .mists are warned against dealing in in) tatiops or counterfeit'’

The steamer Ruapehu, which is on her way from London to New Zealand, cornea to Wellington direct. At the Banco Court at Wellington yesterday, before Mr Justice Richmond, argument was heard in the case of Faber v Regina. Mr Shaw appeared for the appellant, who is a publican. The appsllant was convicted by two Justices of the Peace for allowing liquor to bo consumed on Sunday by persons not being bond fide travellers or lodgers. The question wss whether in order to nuke a conviction it should not be proved that the defendant was a licensee within a district proclaimed to be a licensing district by the Governor. This point was not raised till after conviction and Mr Shaw now submitted that as the Gazette had not been put in showing that the district had been duly proclaimed, the matter must be construed against the Crown in a penal statute. His Honor, however, dismissed.the appeal with costs.

In a case at ’ Invei cargill yesterday in which a publican was charged with refusing to admit the police without any unreasonable delay, the Resident Magistrate decided thst the constable should have said he demanded to enter in pursuance of clause 186 of the Licensing Act. His Worship said it appeared absurd, but still the section clearly required it. The case wss therefore dismissed. Inspector Buckley remarked that it would now be necessary for policemen to make quite a speech when desiring admittance to the hotel. The same defendant was fined L 5 and costs for using obscene language to a constable on the same occasion.

A meeting of Henry Pinkiert’s creditors was held at Invercargill last night for the confirmation of a resolution accepting Hayman and Go’s offer of 6s 8d in the £ on condition that their bill of sale over the bankrupt’s property should not be disturbed by other creditors. Mr Carr, on behalf of the Bank of Australasia, informed the meeting that the Bank would not asseirt to the resolution unless the proviso re the bill of sale was struck eut, as the Bank is the largest creditor, and the resolution could not -be confirmed Ivir Carr said the Bank was determined to probe the matter to the bottom. They were not satisfied with-the debtor’s statements, and were of the opinion thst his conduct had been bad. It was pointed out that even if the Bank held to the position and upset the bill of sale there would at most be only a dividend of 6s, whereas 6i 8d cash was offered by Hayman, and if litigation followed might net be 2s 6d in the £. The bankrupt asserted that the bill of sale was given to Hayman and Co by advice and with the cognisance of the Bank. It was, therefore, contended that the Bank could not profit by upsetting it. The bankrupt’s sworn statement to the Deputy Assignee was read to the meeting. In it Pinkiert deposed that in his opinion either Mr Urquhart or the Bank was his partner in the sawmill. After the deposition had been read Mr Carr suggested the adjournment of the meeting, as Pinkiert’s statements were quite a revelation to him, and he believed would bo to the Bank Inspector. He would, therefore, like to communicate with him. This was ultimately agreed to, and the meeting adjourned till Friday night. It was mentioned that Urquhart entirely denied partnership, and bad explained his position. The Deputy Assignee said he would examine Urquhart to-morrow, and asked creditors to suspend judgment till he had keen heard on oath. Urquhart has already made an affidavit that he was not a partner with the debtor, and it is explained that his cognisance of the bill of sale given to Dayman and Co. by the debtor was not as manager of the Bank, but as trustee in another bankrupt estate

mixed up with Pinkiert’s estate. The vexed question of the hospital sewage at Christchurch has been set at rest by orders from Wellington to connect that institution with the City sowers. The late Robert Heaton Rhodes’s funeral was largely attended ; there were about forty carriages. The service was conducted by the Dean of Christchurch. The next festival of the Christchurch Diocesan Choral Association is fixed for November 20th. Special service books for the occasion have been published. The lumpers of Lyttelton hav® formed an accident fund, for which a concert is to bo given to night. Remember that a little Hop Bitters saves big doctor’s bills, and cures when all else fail. Read.—[Advt.] “ Rough on Rats.”—Clears out rats, mice - ]

roaches, flies, ants, bed-bugs, beetles, insects, skunks, jack-rabbits, gophers. 7j£d. Druggists. The N.Z. Drug Co., General Agents. 2 Wells’ “Rough on Corns.” —Ask for

Wells’ “ Rough on Corns. ” Quick relief, complete, permanent cure. Corns, warts, bunions. The N.Z. Drug Co., General

Agents. , 2 “ German Syrup.” —No other medicine in the world was ever given such a test of its curative qualities as Boschee’s German Syrup. In three years two million four hundred thousand small bottles of this medicine were distributed free of charge by Druggists in the United States of America to those afflicted with Consumption, Asthma, Croup, severe Coughs, Pneumonia and other diseases of the throat and lungs, giving the afflicted undeniable proof that German Syrup will cure them. The result has been that Druggists in every town and village in civilised countries are recommending it to their customers. Go to your Druggist and ask what they know about it. Sample Bottles 6d. Regular size 3s. 6d. Three doses will relieve any case.— [Advt.]