The Akaroa Mail. FRIDAY, APRIL 16.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 4, Issue 386, 16 April 1880, Page 2

The Akaroa Mail. FRIDAY, APRIL 16.

It is satisfactory to find that Coroners' Inquests are rapidly growing in disfavor in the Colonies. In the Australian Colonies they are being superseded by magisterial enquiries, and in New Zealand their imperfections and blemishes are so widely acknowledged that their extinction is simply a matter of time. In nearly every instance the Coroner's Inquest is either a mockery or a superfluity. Where suspicion of a crime exists, it constitutes an inquisitorial tribunal of a most unsatisfactory character. In that case it leaves a most important issue to the decision of a few individuals, who are just as likely to be specially disqualified as to be qualified for the responsible and important duty that is delegated to them in the name of Her Majesty. It is undeniable that in cases of fires or deaths from violence, the functions of a Coroner's Jury are of infinite importance to society. On the judicious use of these functions, the security of life and property must largely depend. Is it reasonable, then, that these powers should be delegated to a tribunal of whose competence there must be the gravest doubts. Of course, the fact that the Coroner's Court is an open one, and his jury, in proportion to their incapacity, are usually tractable, is a slight safeguard, but it is one that should not always be relied upon. It is essential that in preliminary enquiries the investigation should be as searching and complete as possible. This it can only be when it is conducted with skill and intelligence, and these qualities, we believe, are not invariably to be found in Coroners' Juries.

But in the great majority of cases in which Coroners' Juries are employed, the employment of such a tribunal is quite uncalled for, and their proceedings partake of the nature of a solemn farce. How often are Coroners' Inquests the product of medical spleen ? An infant despite the simple and harmless- attentions of parents, or the mild prescriptions of a convenient druggist, dies unexpectedly. The evidences of death from natural causes may be self-apparent and convincing enough, and there may not be even the shadow of a ground for any supposition of maltreatment, but every medical practitioner in the neigh- ■ borhood is deeply offended, and the protection of their interests — or fees— demands that an inquest should be held, and the feelings of the parents and friends outraged by the mutilation of their dead offspring. This is a species of barbarity—of cannibalism we should say—that is widely prevalent in connection with Coroners' Inquests. Of course, the post-mortem is made, the parents are lectured, and the fee that they ought to have contributed to the duly qualified practitioner is exacted from the State. This is the grim and hideous side of the picture, and it cannot be too forcibly exposed. It is one of the dark spots on modern civilization, and one which ought to be purged out as speedily as possible. This revenge obtained at the mutual expense of the inanimate and the living is so mean and revolting that no language can express the abhorrence which it ought to excite. And in how many instances in which the verdict of " Death from natural causes " is returned, is the Coroner's Inquest simply a privileged species of torture exerted against poor humanity ? The farcical aspect of these inquests becomes apparent when it is considered that it is almost entirely on the evidence, or rather the decision, of the medical expert that the Coroner and Jury have to rely. TJaeir verdict is simply an echo of the verdict of the gentleman who has been earning his fee. The Jury in such a case is simply a superfluity, and for all practical purposes the inquest is quite unnecessary.

We do not deny that there are frequently instances in which enquiries such as those which are at present conducted by Coroners' Juries are highly necessary. Wliat we , would submit is, that these enquiries should be submitted to a more competent tribunal. The most objectionable feature in Coroners' Inquests is that they lead to an unduly intimate relationship between the professional Coroner and his fellow experts. Investigations, when deemed necessary should be entrusted to a paid servant of the

Crown. The system of payment by results is pernicious, and what aggravates the evil is that the payment is partial, for the kidnapped jurymen have to suffer their loss of time for nothing. There semis no good reason why the work at present entrusted to Coroners and their Juries should not be transferred to Stipendiary Magistrates, some of whom are men of sound discretion. If the money at present spent on abortive and often useless inquests were devoted to the purchase of a few duly qualified Magistrates, and Coroners' duties were superseded by magisterial enquiries, we feel confident that the interests of the community would be largely consulted.

There is a common saying that everything has its limit, and human patience is no exception to the rule. We have for some time past been gently hinting and hinting that it was full time the proceedings of the Akaroa Borough Council were exposed, and yet, feeling desirous to save that body and the whole town of Akaroa from ridicule, we have refrained from doing more than occasionally make mention of them in our report of their meetings. Now, however, wo consider that we should be laying ourselves open to a charge of shirking our duty were we to continue this course any longer. The Borough Council meetings are, of course, public, and the residents might one and all attend did they think fit, but, unfortunately, there is not one but pretty well knows already the way in which these meetings are conducted ; they are well aware that if they went there expecting to hear the affairs of the Borough, together with its interests, seriously and wisely discussed, they would return disappointed, and they do not consider the farce enacted on, we might almost say, every occasion of a sufficiently good class to induce them to leave their homes to witness it.

Still, something ought to be done to effect a change. Even now, in handling the subject, we wish to be as mild as possible, but it would be by no means fair to allow our readers to suppose that we rank all the councillors in the same category. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump, and so it is in the present instance. One certain member in the Council appears to be most strongly (how egregiously mistaken we need not remark) imbued with a notion of his oratorical powers, and is troubled with a cacoethes loquendi, or itching to talk, which utterly destroys the slightest chit nee of any business being transacted. Now, when it is taken into consideration that Councillors hold their seats for three years, and that nothing but death, bankruptcy, or proved lunacy can unseat them, electors should be most careful as to who they return. We feel certain, were a few of them once to listen to the wearisome rubbish emanating from a few Councillors, no further caution would for a future occasion be necessary. Knowledge talks lowly; ignorance talks loudly. Again, this " too-much gab " is not the only fault we might remark upon. We fear too much personal feeling is oftentimes allowed to creep into the discussions which take place mingled with petty jealousies and doubts of members, whereas all those feelings should be cast one side, and, as was remarked by one of the Councillors, all should thoroughly feel that when in the Council Chamber they are there as the representatives of the Borough, and trustees of the people's money and interests.

Another error into which they have fallen is the great desire that their doings and sayiugs should be kept quiet. They, we fear, know only too well that their doings will scarcely bear the light of day, and so not only do they refrain themselves from talking outside the Chambers, but actually go so far—a thing at which any other Council would blush—as to hint a request, or, in other words, endeavor to tamper with our reporter as to what he should publish and what keep dark. We might justly touch upon the grest necessity of calmly, coolly, and deliberately discussing matters—not allowing ebulitions of temper to continually mar the effect which might otherwise be obtained. To be able to govern others, or sway others, nothing can be more necessary than a perfect control over one's own temper ; to fly from one's colors because the battle is not all in one's favor, is not only foolish but, we might truly say, cowardly, and all men employed in public bodies should remember that they have been placed there by the people ; have been deputed by them to look afte,r their interests, and that if they, being worsted in an argument, throw up the sponge and quit the field, they are, so to say, throwing over those who had returned them, and in a manner betraying their trust.

Again, no body can be governed without a head ; a public body without a Chairman would be like a regiment without a Colonel, and a public body with an inefficient Chairman is like a regiment with an untrained Colonel, and we fear our worthy Mayor lacks many qualities necessary to adequately fulfil the duties of the post. It becomes electors to well consider who they put at the head of affairs, and the position is by no means a sinecure. We trust these few remarks may effect the pur pose for which they were written, and that they may be accepted in the same spirit in which they are given.

Two large pumpkins were shipped on Tuesday last in the s.s. Hawea to Lyttelton by Mr Sunckcll, senior, to be exhibited in Christchurch. They were most undoubtedly fine specimens, but still w<?have seen a larger one, sent by Mr Lelievre last pear, and wu believe thore is one quite as fine as those sent, to be seen in Mr Ritchie's garden, Balgurio street.

We have been informed byMrHenning, lessee of the Government wharf, that he is in receipt of a telegram from the Marine Department, Wellington, instructing him to have all necessary information prepared relative to repairs necessary to the wharf. ,

A meeting was held in the Presbyterian Church last evening, at which arrangements were made for the usual annual social gatherings which are to bo held on Wednesday and Thursday next at Akaroa and Pigeon Bay respectively. From what we have seen of these gatherings in past years, we might safely predict success on the present occasion, but we learn that on this occasion an exceptionally attractive programme will be provided, and no doubt the attendance will be proportionably good. Particulars as to price of tickets, &c, appears in our advertising columns. Tickets may be obtained of the members of the committee.

We are happy to learn that the entertainment given by the " Jubilee Minstrels " on Monday last was a decided pecuniary success. The gross receipts amounted to neurly £15, and after paying all expenses, a net sum of nearly £10 will remain to be hand over to the object for which the entertainment was got up. Considering the low prices charged for admission, and the fact that some of the performers were unknown to fame in this part of the world, this result may be considered highly satisfactory. We hope the " Jubilees " will shorly give us another opportunity of judg_ ing of their quality. With a few alterations, which will suggest themselves to the performers, a most amusing and enjoyable programme can be provided. " Now's the day, and now's the hour."

At the Borough Council meeting held on Wednesday evening, the opinion was pretty generally expressed that any person could erect a fence or building within the Borough without giving notice to, or asking the sanction of the Council for the work. Notwithstanding the oracular utterances of various Councillors on the subject, we should not advise any one who contemplates erecting a fence or any building to do so without giving notice of his intention to do so. Councillors may change their minds, and come to the con. elusion that their own by-laws should not be complied with. There is no doubt, whatever, that these latter provide that notice should be given in all such cases. Section 25 reads as follows—"Any person intending to build, put up or take down

. . . any building, wall, or other structure, or any fence .... within ten feet of any street or footway, shall give notice in writing of such his intention to the Council, &c." The succeeding section provides for a penalty of Five Pounds in the event of non-compliance.

A return of all the exports by the U.S.S. Co.'s boats during the twelve months ending March 31st, is being prepared by Mr W. H. Henning, the Company's agent, to be laid before the Committed appointed to interview the Railway Commission.

The Government steamer Hinemoa is employed at present following up the unemployed with their wives and families.

The Education Board of Nelson have appointed Stead Ellis, of Christchurch, Secietary' to the Board, salary £250. There were 34 applications. We learn on good authority (says < the Sydney Freeman) that the Rev. Charles Clark, the distinguished lecturer was received into the Catholic Church about two months ago at Clifton, near Bristol, England. Two fatal accidents occurred at Welling, ton on Friday.- One woman was burned to death in a room in a mysterious manner. The room showed no sign of burning yet the woman was roasted. The other, a little girl had her neck broken by a cart running over her. The New Zealand Times, referring to' the absence of from Wellington, says:—We are pleased to note the earnestness of purpose by which Ministers are evidently influenced. They are not " on the "stump," but bent on hard work in the interests of the colony generally. The now celebrated Royal Commission on the Civil Service consists of the following gentlemen :—Mr A. Saunders, M.H.B. for Cheviot (some years ago Superintendent of Nelson) ; Mr F. Kelly, M.H.B. for New Plymouth (once Provincial Secretary of Taranaki) ; Mr Charles Pharazyn, of the Wairarapa (formerly member of the Wellington Provincial Council) ; and Sir Robert Douglas, late M.H.R. for Marsden. A Melhourne correspondent writes— The elections are over, the Berry Ministry has resigned, and with the retirement of their party into the cold shades of opposition, one feels a sense of relief that at last the reign of scoundrelism is over ; men go about now with cheerfulness, feeling that a fearful incubus has been lifted off the body politic; bank and other shares are daily increasing in value, and property lias increased in worth some twenty per cent to what it was a fort- ■ night ago, A friend gives the following as a remedy for ridding his house of rats. Take quantities of green copperas and dissolve it in boiling water, and pour it as hot as possible down their holes, and scatter it in crystals about their haunts. It will cleanse the premises of all disagreable odours, and it has driven every rat out of the house we occupy. If he will limewash his cellar with the wash made

yellow with copperas, it will act as a capital disinfectant, and with us has routed every rat and mouse, although the house was an old one, and the vermin were very numerous. Searching enquiries are being made by the authorities at Dunedin, into the conduct of the Volunteers taking part in the Christchurch Review, with the object of fixing the blame on the actual offenders; .' A Wellington public in, having a gas bill sent in for £28 for a month's supply, insisted on having his meter tested, when the discovery was made that it had been incorrctly read. Instead of recording 88,000 ft, it showed 18,000 ft. The gas Company did not take its correction kindly, but instantly preferred a demand of £1 for testing the meter—a charge that the publican declined to acknowledge, saying that the company was bound to keep their own property in repair at their own expense, and that the circumstances of the case showed that he was quite justified in requesting that the meter might be tested. A law suit was the result, and Mr Mansford.gave judgment against the complainant, with costs.

An important experiment with the telephone is reported to have been made at Omaha on the 25th January. The object of the experiment was to ascertain whether conversation could be carried on between the Union Pacific Transfer, on the east side of the Missouri river, and the American office at St. Louis, a distance of 410 miles. A previous trial had been unsatisfactory, but that of the 25th of January was a complete success. An ordinary conversation was carried on with the utmost ease, the moat noticeable fact being that, while the enunciation ot the words was perfectly clear, they camo invariably with the regular vibration of a musical note. The conversation was varied with singing, of which not a note was lost. A St. Louis singer sent over the wire, in a clear baritone voice, " Sweet by and-bye," which was repeated by Mr France, of the Oamaba Telephone The St. Louis singer then sent "I'm a pilgrim and a stranger," which was again repeated back by Mr France. This is said to be the longest distance over which the telephone has been successfully worked.

There is a curious race between two enterprising newspaper proprietors — Mr Galvin, of Wellington ; and Mr Ivese, of Ashburton—to see which will be first in the field with starting a journal at Hawera. At present the plants of both papers are in one of the sheds on the Wellington Wharf, the 8.8. Patea, by which the material is to be sent on, being bar-bound at Patea. We shall await the result of the exciting etruggle with some interest.