THE Evening Star. THURSDAY, JULY 22, 1869.

Evening Star, Volume VII, Issue 1938, 22 July 1869, Page 2

THE Evening Star. THURSDAY, JULY 22, 1869.

Amongst other questions brought before Parliament in the early part of this month was that of compensation to settlers whose property has been destroyed, and who have suffered loss through being driven from their homes. Mr Kelly brought the matter before the House of Representatives, and evidently doubtful as to the manner in which the proposal would be received, should he ask for a direct money vote, he asked “ If the Government is in- “ dined to give land scrip as corapen- “ sation to the settlers of the Patea “ and Waitotara districts for the losses u sustained by being driven from their u homes and their property destroyed by the rebels under Tito Kownru :

“ such scrip to be available fov the u purchase of the land of those Ha- “ tives who have justly forfeited it by “ their active participation in the de- “ struction of life and property in those “ districts ]” Such was the question, and it behoves every Colonist to weigh it well, in order that they may know what is involved in it. This is the more necessary, as the answer of Mr Fox was, “The Government recognised “ the equal right on the part of “ those settlers to be compensated “ as existed in the case of the “ Taranaki settlers, and also the “ Auckland settlers, all of whom re- “ ceived a sum amounting to about “ £200,000, together with grants of “ land. The Government was prepared “ to admit that the settlers of the “ Patea and Waitotara districts had an “ equally strong claim for compensation “ as the parties to whom he had re- “ ferred. and was anxious to meet their “ claim by any means that might be “ suggested by the House.” Perhaps there is no task so ungracious as that of endeavoring to weigh the justice or injustice of the claims of persons suddenly reduced to distress by a baud of marauders. The sympathy that everyone feels for them is natural. One day in prosperity, their flocks grazing peacefully on the hill and on the plain ; their homesteads the abodes of industry and comfort; their fields giving promise of an abundant harvest. The next day, their crops destroyed, their implements broken, their homes in ashes, their sheep and cattle driven off, and themselves fugitive or murdered. With these circumstances in view, it seems harsh and hardhearted to question their right to compensation ; and in this special instance, with the precedent quoted by Mr Fox in view, it perhaps would be unjust to refuse to entertain the question. The fault has not been so much with the settlers themselves as with the Government that, regardless of what was due to the tax-payers of the Colony, allowed such places to be occupied. But a more culpable system cannot be conceived. The contract implied between the Government and the settlers at Patea and Waitotara was, On condition of your purchasing the land, we (the Government) will maintain your rights. Under such circumstances it would be idle to ask what business had they there. The purchase might prove a troublesome one, and no one can doubt that it was manifestly a risky one. We do not know what the price was, or whether the land was granted free. Ho doubt there must have been strong temptation, or no man in his senses would have placed himself in such dangerous pi'oximity to hostile and treacherous neighbors. But what right had a Government to undertake the responsibility of allowing colonisation in positions so certain to involve the settlers with the Maoris !? The question ought to be at once and for ever settled, and the principle affirmed, that if men will purchase property, the occupation of which involves such contingencies as losses through border raids, they must take it at their own risk. There can be no necessity for such unsystematic colonisation. In the Middle Island there are hundreds of thousands of acres of good land on which men may settle in safety, and until they are taken up and put to the best use, there need be no grasping after country that can only be held by force of arms. In the North Island, within easy distance of the centres of population, and which consequently are easily defensible, tens of thousands of acres are yet unoccupied, or at least, like the land of the Middle Island, they are not put to the most profitable use. Were it not therefore through the culpable mismanagement of the Government, and their unsystematised arrangements for colonization, none of those who have suffered would have the slightest claim for compensation for their losses. There is no reason why the risk of war should not be taken into calculation as well as the risk of fire or accident from natural causes. Suppose a tract of rich land on the slope of a volcano that had been inactive beyond the memory of man or historic record. Trusting to its fires having ceased, fields and vineyards have been planted, and in fancied security families dwell in cottages built here and there upon its sides. But some night with little or no previous warning, the latent fires break out, and all this scene of beauty is buried in ashes, —the people themselves barely escaping with their lives. Here would be a case equally deserving human sympathy as the other. The distressed settlers wonld be received kindly, and in all probability a handsome subscription would be got up for them; but what claim would they have for compensation 1 The reply would be, the Government had no control over those mighty forces that bursting suddenly into activity induced the catastrophe, and could not guarantee the people’s safety. Ho one would question the justice of such a position. But in the

case of the Maori Avar no such answer could be given. Patea, a disturbed district, and Waitotara, an equally risky one, are allowed to be occupied. But the Government who grant the permission or sell the right and the people avlio place themselves in so hazardous a position, knoAV the danger. Yet no condition is made on either side. The Government does not sell it Avith all risks, and the buyer expects to be maintained in his purchase. The Government knows that the principle of compensating losses by Maori raids has been affirmed, and that the value of their losses can only be paid by taxing those who are in safety, and have not even the remote interest in protecting those in danger, that it is for their common good, A more glaring injustice to every tax-payer of the Middle Island could not be devised—and yet such a system is to be continued ! What is done cannot be remedied. One-fifth of one year’s revenue of the Colony Avas granted to the Taranaki and Auckland settlers as compensation. Hoav much more will be demanded for Patea, Waitotara, and Poverty Bay no one can tell. It is, hoAvever, time to stop, and to establish the condition for the future that if men Avill place themselves in danger for their oavii profit, they must do so at their own risk. Once lay down that principle, and colonisation Avould proceed more rapidly and safely.

Municipal Elections.—We that a requisition to Mr S. Hutchison, asking him to conte t the election for South Ward, is in course of signature.

The Commissioner op Police.— We have been informed that the primary object of Mr Branigan’s visit to Wellington, is to give evidence before the select committee moved for by Mr Bolleston to enquire into the state of the social evil.

New Botanical Gardens.—About twenty prisoners are at work at the late grounds of the Acclimatisation Society, and already considerable progress has been made with the work they are engaged in. 'I he old deer paddock has been cleared, and is being laid out, we believe, as a nursery garden. We hope to be able to give our readers shortly an idea of the improvements that are contemplated. Municipal Council Election. Now that the election of Mayor is over, public interest will be centered on that of the Councillors for the different Wards. Mr H. S. Fish offers himself for i e-election for South Ward, and Mr Thoneman for Bell Ward. Messrs A. Mercer, Reeves, and Meluish come forward i>- the interest of High Ward. It is pleas'pg to find that Mu icipal honors are likely to be competed for by efficient men. Velocipede. — Some excitement and no little amusement was caused by the appearance in High street to-day of a tricycle velocipede. It is simply a frame-work with a seat fixed on two driving wheels, with a steering wheel added in front. The driving wheels are set in motion by two cranks, havipg alternate action, inti nded to be worked by the feet. It is evidently only an experimental effort, and judging by appearalli es, seems to involve no little amount of labor to propel it. The problem how to ascend an inclined plane is yet unsolved, for, as may be expected by every mechanician, th' labor of raising the weight of the machine and body, in addition to that required for propulsion, is so great as to render the feat with presept arrangements practically impossible.

Soiree. —One of the largest meetings ever held in the Congregational Church, took place on Tuesday evening, to welcome the Rev. David Johnstone to the pastorship of the church. Tea and an abundant supply of provisions were provided. The church was very tastefully decorated with evergreens and mottos, and an unusually efficient choir gave their assistance. After tea, Mr John Bathgate took the chair, and was supported by a large number of ministers of various denominations. Amongst them we noticed the Revs. Messrs D. M. Stuart, Williams, Fitchett, Smith, and several o hers. Mr Bathuate gave a somewhat lengthy statement of the history of the church, and then adverted to Mr Johnstone’s career in Glasgow. He shewed with what success he had labored there as a minister, and how precisely at the moment that Dunedin required efficient ministerial help, he had arrived hire. He looked upon this as an augury for good, and was justified in that idea by the result that had already followed Mr Johnstone’s efforts. Messrs Jaao and M 4 Fee followed Mr Johnstone himself gave a very interesting account of his labors in Glasgow. The Revs. Messrs Stuart, Williams, Sindh, Fi ch 11, and Sutherland, afterwards gave short ad dresses expressive of their kindly feelings and des ; re to co operate with Mr Johmtone. During the evening several hymns and anthems were given in excellent style by the choir, and the meeting was protracted somewhat beyond the customary hour, mainly on accouijt of the interest that appeared to be taken in the proceedings. We are glad to find that Mr Johnstone’s health is improving, and cannot but anticipate from the kindly spirit and goodwill manifested both on his part and that of his brother ministers, that the Congregational Church has succeeded in securing a pastor likely to be exceedingly successful in his work. Votes of thinks to the chairman, the ladies, and the choir brought the meeting to a close. Inquests.—The Gity Coroner, Mr T. M. Hocken, held an inquiry at the Lunatic Asylum, this afternoon, as to the deaths of two patients, which took place yesterday The first case was that of a man named William ‘ykhoff, who was admitted on the 19th June, 1867. He was 58 yeais of age, and was a bottle-dealer by trade. He lias left a wife in Tam ink. The cause of death was e| ilepsy and paralysis. The other case was that < f a man named Henry Walker, who died from an epileptic fit. He was admitted on the Bth of October, 1808, and was committed from the Hogburn. He was a miner, a native ot Hull, and unmarried. The jury returned a verdict in accordance wi b the evidence of Dr Alexander, who made the x>ost mortem examination.

Acclimatisation Society. — A meeting of the Council of this Society was he'd in the lower room of the Athenaeum, tins afternoon. There wore praent : Messrs Muiison, Thomson, Carrick, a<d Mason. Several 'ethers wre j’ead. Amongst the number, there Avas one from the Queenstown Corporation, in reference to the recent attempt to acclimat’se trout in th- waters of Lake Wakatip. The lion. Secretary said it was intended to make the first experiment next year in the Queenstown district. ' He a'so reported thac twelve d-er had been received from Canterbury. Some time ago he had been instructed to purch iso th-m, but the question of '■rice was left an open one. It was thought at the time that the deer would cost from L 7 10s to L 8 each, but bv the account sales, the price charged was LlO 10s a head. The cost price was over Lll. By arrangement Avith Messrs Driver, Maclean and Co., agents for the vendor, the price had been reduced to L 9 10s a head. The deer bad been given to Messrs Wentworth and M’Kel'ar. and were to be liberated in the Tapanui district. It was expected that eventually the Society would receive from the gentlemen to Avhom the deer had been sent the price they cost ; and the person from whom they had been bought intended to make a donation to the Society’s funds. Mrßucklev, manager at theHon MrM'Lean’s station at Mo ven Hills, wr te as follows : The pair of deer turned out, now eighteen months back, appear to he doing Avell, but I cannot make out whether there is any increase yet. They run near a small bush in the hills, about thirty acres, and the moment they are disturbed make at once for cover. The shepherds often see them by approaching the hush aramst the wind, s metimes onlv one, but never more than two together ; so I fear no faAvns have been dropped, although there has been ample time. ” It was stated that Mr Clifford would return from Tasmania early in August and it was anticipated that 'he w"iild receive a larger quantity of ova this vear The hon secretary intimated that the rules of th l society, had been forwarded to Wellington for registration, It was resolved to liberate the pheasants at the society’s depot in the Clutha district, and Messrs Murison and Carrick Avere appointed a committee to select a suitable locality. The meeting then adjourned.

The Duke in Auckland. —A characteristic gift of H. R. H. is thus described by tbe Auckland News: —“lt will be remembered that the little boy Leopold danced the jockey hornpipe at tbe theatre in the presence of His Hoyal Richness the I)oke of Edinburgh. The Prince was so pleaded wdtb the performance of this clever little child that, when the dance was over, he went behind the scenes, and presented him with a sovereign, asking him to wear it round his neck in memory of h.is visit to Auckland.’’ A Yankee Notion. There is nothing new under the sun. Who would have thought that the i ! ea of velocipedestrianisra was first suggested by a Hebrew prophet ? Such, however, is the view propounded by a correspondent of an American scientific journal. It seems that this gent eman had invented a unicvcle, which, though admirable in other respects, was obstinate about getting round corners. It occurred to the inventor that the subject was of sufficient importance to warrant him in searching the Scriptures, and his diligence had its reward. He discovered, and he narrates his discovery with perfect seriousness and good faith, that the cherubs mentioned in the dream of Ezekiel were veiooipe.destrians, and that their machines were unicyc'es. “The life,” as he observes, “was within the wheel.” He also finds, with evident satisfaction, that Ezekiel must have experienced the same difficulty as he had himself about the comers, for “the prophet makes his wheels go straightforward.'’ It is pleasant to know that we have such good authority for the new mode of progression.

The Maori Prisoners. —The question of what are we to do with the Maori prisoners, is thus answered hy the New Zealand Herald: —ln Queensland we have a neighborin',' Colony to whose people the labo of Maori prisoners would be a perfect godsend. As it is, the peo 1c of Queensland have to depend upon a very doubtful and uncertain supply of labor from the South Sea Islands, to work their cotton, sugar, and tobacco plantations. The very Maori prisoners who are a source of trouble and anxiety to us, would be a public benefit to Que nsland. We cannot see why arrangements could not be entered into between the Governments of the two Colonies, under which our Maori prisoners nrght be transported to Queensland for periods of five, seven, and ten years, and handed over to the authorities there for assignment among the plantation hollers, just as convicts were assigned to the settlers of Van Dieman’s Land and New South Wales years ago. We should thus be able to afford to take prisoners, which we can hardly do at present, when doing so means merely keeping them until ready to again take the field against us while, at the same tmie, the dread of beinc sold into slavery, as it were, and of being deported off to another country altogether, would be an alternative to which the Ma >ri would scarcely take so readily as he now does to the tender me.-eies of the Native Department, as exercised towards those who may choose to come in. While Queensland is wanting labor, it is folly to perpetuate the mistakes made at Kawau and the Chatham Islands.

The Last Campaign.—All accounts go to bear out the various reports which have, from time to time, been gathered from the rebels, of their few and insignificant casualties throughout the war on the West Coast. They have suffered comparatively little in the matter of life, while the losses on our side have been very heavy. The statement of Tauroa who is now a captive in our hands, and not likely to prejudice his hope of personally shielding the enemy, is that among his men there were only six wounded at the battle of Okutuku, where our casualties were between thirty and forty. Again, at Taur-niga-ika, there were none inside killed during the bombardnp.pt, and Tito Kowaru only evacuated the pah because Colonel Whitmore -was not g ing to storm it as was expected, and because there had been no pr< p .ration made for a siege. 0 r only real success, and even that was qualified considerably by the first advantage not being foil wed up, was at (>touto. Here the enemy was taken by surprise, and, according to the showing of one of their number, might have been further defeated if a pnrsui l for a few miles had been made. So that throughout this campaign the chapter of accidents, to a certain extent, contributed near|y all that wo have been able to reckon

as a real success. Whatever decisive benefit we now enjoy has come to us mainly through the operation of time and perseverance, exercise 1 upon a number of rude tribes with div rgeut interests, only handed together for predat >ry purposes, and dependent for their strength on an onward march sf success, there is very little to show for the va-t expenditure of money in this Avar. And at last, it would aupear, after having several tribes in rebellion for many months, we are now, when they are tired of it, to enjoy the high privilege of supporting them—finding them food and clothing—in a state of slothful inaction. If the Government do not take up tne matter of these captives, with the view of exercising a just severity so that tribes in rebellion may know what awaits them, tile case of settlement in the Patea will be hazardous indeed.- - Wanganui Chronicle.

Velocipedes. —An admirably constructed model of a self-acting A r elocipede says the Maryborough Advertiser, has just been invented by one Baptiste Versteppan, a mechanical genius of Majorca. It consists of a miniature tricycle, six or seven inches in length, two or three inches in breadth, and, with the figures representing the two occupants, about four inches in height. The travelling wheels are lightly worked in brass, and the inner mechanism, which resembles that of a finely wrought French brass clock, and which is s c t in vigorous motion by means of a key similar to that used in winding a time piece, consists of numerous springs and wheels, communicating the motion to the outside or carrying wheels. The form of the model may be conceived by imagining a gig with a seat large enough behind for one occupant, who, to accelerate tbe speed of the vehicle, can use pedals, which, however, are not necessary to quick motion, but only as an auxiliary. The front portion of the machine is represented by a legless horse, projecting fr m the fore quarters of which is the front or driving wheel. A man is on the back of the horse, with a steer iron in one hand and a break in the other. Thus fitted out, the velocipede is Avound up, the front wheel slightly curved inwards to give a circular motion, and the little carriage starts off at a very high ra e of speed, which it maintains, traversing a circle of little better than a foot in diameter, for about a quarter of an hour. The mechanism is of the most perfect character, and is considered by the inventor capable of adaptation to velocipedes of the ordinary size, carrying a weight of 2001b. Mr Versteppan, who is reputed to be able to construct anything from a needle down to an anchor, purposes taking his notion to Melbourne, with a A'iew of turning it to profitable account, and is quite sanguine of success.—What is termed a prize velocipede has been receiA'ed in Wellington. The whole of the work is of the finest and lightest material, and the machine only w< ighs about 50lb. The wheels are three feet in diameter, and the vehicle is capable of being driven at the rate of fifteen miles an hoiir with the greatest ease. We believe that a Dunedin firin’ will shortly recei\ r e a consignment of tricycles, and bycicles from Melbourne. The Herald writing on this subject, says : —The velocipedean mania has already extended to New Zealand, as we hear that a manufacturing firm n Melbourne have received an order for a considerable consignment of these Au-hicles. The New Zealanders appear to have taken kindly to the new movement, and avc may hear by a future steamer that Te Kooti was eeec skedaddling from a “pah” on a hycicle, pursued by a detachment of Forest Bangers on similar vehicles.

The Naval Brigade will muster in front of the Custom House for Adjutant’s parade, this (Thursday) evening, at half-past seven.

A meeting of Mr Fish’s Committee will take place this evening, at Watson’s Hotel, Walker street, at 7.30, when a numerous attendance is requested.