The Evening Star FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1870.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2387, 25 November 1870, Page 2

The Evening Star FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1870.

Our contemporary the Daily Times •would confer a favor upon the world by quoting his authorities for constitutional practice. There is something so new in his views on it, that he must havo some hidden store to refer to. We really feel in the shade when wo aro told —As a matter of constitutional practice, it is not to bo denied that before the scheme set forth in •* the Financial Statement acquired the “ authority of law, the constituencies '• throughout the Colony ought to havo “ been consulted.” We do not remember a precedent for such a course of action under like circa instances. Wo have tried to bring one to mind, but have failed. This may bo a more lack of memory, and so perhaps as an act of kindness our contemporary will favor the public with a few precedents, for we fear there are many in the samo state of mystification as ourselves. There have been many appeals to the constituencies by Governments at Home consequent upon measures brought for consideration before Par-

liament.. There -was an appeal to the people in the reign, of George the Fourth on the removal of Roman Catholic disabilities, but that was because the King and a strong Opposition in the Houses of Lords and Commons were adverse to that act ot justice. There was an appeal to the 'people in the reign of William the Fourth, when the Legislature negatived the Reform Bill, but that was because the King and his Ministers were thwarted by an adverse vote in Parliament. There wrs an appeal to the people from Lord John Russell’s proposal to lower the duty on imported corn, and Sir Robert Peel substituted his sliding scale of corn duties. There was an appeal to the people afterwards, when Sir Robert Peel achieved tho triumph of Free Trade ; but these were rendered necessary on account of adverse majorities in the House of Commons. But in the case set before us by our contempo vary there was no such contingency. The Public Works and Immigration Bills were not opposed by a majority, nor even by a strong minority, in either the House of Representatives or the Legislative Council. His Excellency the Governor throw no obstacle in their way. So far from any opposition being offered, men of all views in other matters united in support of them. They were felt to be tho lirst steps in tho way of progress. There were those who, like Mr Reynolds, would have liked to have seen them hedged round by a safeguard to secure the loans against mal-appropriation ; but even they, wisely or unwisely, felt the measures to be so necessary to the future well-being of the Colony that, with tho exception of himself, they decided not to oppose, them, lest by so doing they should postpone the advantages that must follow their being carried into execution. In this they acted perfectly constitutionally. Had there been any general expression of dissent from their constituents, there might have been prudence in hesitating to pass measures that were of doubtful import; but no such thing happened. So far from that, the meetings held in different parts of the country expressed approbation of the proposals ; and even Mr Fish, whose new position as a supporter of a do-nothing Government lias placed him in the dilemma of denying in November what he supported in July or August, seconded a resolution approving what he now condemns. But even had there been no such general concurrence on the part of the public with the plans formed by the General Government, the General Assembly would have acted constitutionally in passing the measures. Many very foolish measures are passed, and some wise ones, in opposition to the wishes of the people. It is only some three or four years ago that several of oar Otago members, including tho Secretary for Land and Works, helped to pass Acts under the Stafford Administration that were justly and severely condemned by the people ot the Province. But although passed in a young Parliament by raw members, they were not told the people ought to bo appealed to before taking action. The fact is—in the language of Dr. Heakn — “ thei’e is no room for doubt “as to the present function of tho re- “ presentativc body. That body is tho “ legal organ for the expression of the “ popular will.” Burke says—Tho “ virtue and essence of a House of “ Commons consists in its being the “ express image of the feelings of the “ nation.” . . . “ His Majesty ”

(for which substitute his Excellency) “ may receive the opinions and wishes “ of individuals under their signatures, “ and of bodies corporate under seals, “ as expressing their own particular “ sense, and he may grant such redress “ as the legal powers of the Crown “ enable the Crown to afford. This “ and the other House of Parliament “ may also receive the wishes of such “ corporations and individuals by peti- “ tion. The collective sense of his “ people His Majesty (his Excellency) “ is to receive from his Commons in “ Parliament assembled'.” No matter how complicated • by our Provincial Councils, our Constitution is substantially the same ; and the folly of Mr Reid and his party consists in arraying the Provincial Council against the General Assembly, and forgetting that the members of both Legislatures were elected by the same people. Those people supported the Council when Mr Stafford attempted to encroach upon their privileges; but it is significant that from all quarters in the country its factious opposition to public works meets with merited condemnation.

The Country Saved.— To-day, a g.alixy of taleub met in consultation at the Shamrock Hotel and were regaled with threepenny beer. Reporters were not invited : but report says that Mr Bathgate was in the chair, and that there were present as satellites Messrs Barton, Brodie, H. Bastings Bradshaw, J. 0. Brown, De Carle, Oliv.-r, Moseley, Hutcheson, Clark, Barr. Allen (Taieri), Hanghron, Wood, and others. We cannot say positively what took place, bnt we understand the principal ,-übj ct o discussion was how to p'ace the Colony un ler pot' icoa 1 ’ government, cut to pattern, suitabl f,,r iadi sof 70 vors and upwards. We are tol l the reporter for Punch [in nubihus) applied for admission, but was ton late.

Resident Magistrate’s Court. — In t c Resident Magistrate’s Court to-day His Worship, A. C. Strode, decided the adjourned Macfol inc v. I homas, in favo of the plai tiff, who va- au ardo 1 the amount of his claim, LI 9s 7d, with costs. Ten cases set down for hearing were settled out of Court.

Railway Constuuctiok. — derstmd ti.at an inilu-ntial deputati-n waited upon liis Honor the Superint'n lent this morning, and presented an extensively signed petition in favor of the construction of a railway from Tokomairiro to Tuapeka. Seeing that the memorial was addressed to the Provincial Council and not to himself his Honor referred the deputation to that body.

We un

Masonic Hall. The Gourlay Family give their opening entertainment tomorrow evening. The large patronage which has been hitherto awarded to this clever entertainment will be assuredly continued during their present stay with us. An entirely now programme is provided ; and as only three entertainments arc announced previous to their leaving for America, wc may fairly anticipate crowded houses.

Mr. Shepherd and the Chinese. — A rumour is current, apparently originating in Cromwell, that the Chinese miners are thoroughly aware of the kind attentions proposed towards them by Mr T. L. Shepherd, M.8.C., ami intend to" show their appreciation in a very practical manner. Some of our readers will probably re offi-ct the case of a notorious mob orator in Victoria, who wa* carried off to the Chinese Camp, and r.-ceiv d a sound b -stinadoing with b -mho a. We hope no such fate awaits our worthy representative.— Tuapeka Times. The English Money Market.—The Southern Cross says It will he seen by the English advices received via San Francisco that money has become a perfect drug in the English market, owing to the absence of demand for specula* ion on the Continent. English capitalists are looking for new fields of investment, and we have no doubt that Colonial securities will be viewed favorably at such a time. The anticipations of the Government in framing the Budget are consequently likely to be more favorably accepted in England than would have been hoped for even by the most enthusiastic supporters of the scheme. It is aim noticeable that the croakings of the Opposition regarding the effect of the war on the money market were entirely fallacious.

Mr Shepherd. The irrepressible Shepherd is again to the front, and scu ms determined to make a grand field-day for himself out of the special session. The Order Paper is crowded with his notices of motion. If whatever is is not right, it will not be his fault if it does not become so.

He proposes to entirely reform tlio land laws, and disposes very satisfactorily to himself of the whole subject in a string of not very intelligible or grammatical resolutions, which came on for discussion, but which stand adjourned for future consideration, and will, in all probability, be quietly sh Ived in some way. I be. fact is, Mr Sh pherd does not 'any the sympathy of the ' b uncil with him, and it is very unfortunate when a good cause falls into his hands, for it will hardly be treated upon its merits. Tins M.P.C. is no doubt the very personification of bumptious egotism, and has shown in every way such an niter disregard of tlio feelings or opinions of those with whom he may have been brought in contact publicly or otherwise, that he has simply rendered himself hateful, and ent rely destroyed all probability of his usefulness. —Dunstan Times.

The Bendico Reef.—A correspondent of the Damian Times writes : —lverson and party are still working away. The cut is now some one hundred feet long, with an average depth of fifteen feet. On Saturday last, at about twelve feet deep, where the reef is abut three feet thick, a first rate patch of st'-ns was come across. From a piece about four pounds in weight one ounce of geld was crushed. There is im saying how mil'll of this stone there is, as n > go d was visible til it wis washed, when, to use Mr Iverson's own word-*, it looked a* if it was all gold. Tim company are making every preparation for thoir crushing machinery. As yet, neither of the other claims on either side of the prospecting claim has as yet struck the metal, but, as work is being carried on most vigorously, a few weeks will decide whether the gold is confined to one claim. The shareholders of the Butcher’s Gully Reef have met, and determined to commence work during the coming week. This company, it will be remembered obtained a first class prosp ct (over one ounce to the ton), from their first shaft From the second shaft, over which they expended sonic months’ labor, they were driven out

by water before striking tho dip of the reef. This season they purpose haling the first shaft, and following tho reef from where they left off. Qualification or Electors.— Tlic The following is a summary of the quaiilVrilion of Electors Act, which pas ecu during the last session of the Assembly ; —Pm sans duly qualified and registered as electors in any district shall be qualified to be fleeted as a member of the House of Ucorosontativcs

for any district. If a member of the House of Itcprescn*atives coas ; to po-ses, the necessary qualification, he shall not bo deemed incapable of holding his scat, but shall conliiiue to hold the same until hj ■ cease to be a member from some other cause, according to the law for th j time being in force. Neither trustees nor mortgagees to be deemc i to be qualified to vote, mile-a in the actual receipt a,id po: session of rents and pr ff-s ..f estates; out tho e-tin- rust or mo t accr in

pos cssion or recc pt. .shall lie deemed to bo qualified in respect of the same estate, notwithstanding such trust or mortager. Holders of miqpr’s rights and businc.si licenses for six months, to be qualified to vote in any district within the Province in which such rights and licenses have been

issued. Returning Officer or his deputy to mark such rights or licenses when used for voting purposes, and for s x months thereafter the holder-i of such rights or licenses to vote only m that district. Persons possessing more qualifications than one in a district. | to have only such number of votes as if | possessing one qualification in that district, j Persons holding miner’s rights and business licenses qualified to be elected. | Aquatics.—We have been requested | to direct the attention of yacht owners intending to compete in the sailing matches on St. Andrew’s Day, the 20th inst , to an advertisement in another column notifying that all entries must Le posted to the Secretary not later than to-morrow. The matches are two in number. The first is op -n to all yachts belonging to the Otago Yacht Club, measuring 6 tons and over. The priz* sin this race will bo one of 20 sovs. and one of 10 sovs. for the first and second yacht of any rig. The second is open to O. Y.C. yachts whose measurement does not exceed .7 tons, the prizes being 10 sovs. 'rime, according to the Club scale, will be allowe I in both of these races. It is found necessary, high water falling at 10 o’clock, to fix 9a.m. as the hour of starting for the first race, as otherwise the deeper yachts would not iiavc sufficient water in the upper harbor. The course will be 12 miles in length. The yachts will start from the Flag whip, which is to be moored off the end of Pelichct Bay Jetty, and go round buoys off the end of the retaining wall and Macandrew’s Bay, finishing at the starting point. Eight yachts are expected to come to the starting buoys for the first race, so that it will no doubt be an exciting one. The second race will in all probability bo started after the conclusion of the first, unless the wind is very light, in which case it will be started sooner.

Princess Theatre. —Miss Bowring and Mr Steele made their ro-appearauce last evening, and were warmly received by a largely attended Louse. “ East Lynne ” was the piece produced ; but it was not played so well on the whole as might reasonably have been expected. Throughout the piece there were evidences of the want of rehearsal. It appeared, in fact, as though there had been no rehearsal at all, for with the exception of Miss Bowring and one or two others of t’ao company engaged in the representation of the piece none had that acquaintance with their parts ne e-sary to make the representation a success ; and in one or two instances we i.iiicied i.lio cast might have been better. It wont *. be quite superfluous to enlarge upi.n Miss Bowring’s acting as Lady Isabel. There arc few playgoers here who have not seen her in it, the most successful and powerful of her impersonations ; suffice it to say that she play d last night even better than on any previous occa -ion. The part of Miss Cornelia found a very able representative in Mrs Bryor, who dressed an played it asit should be, and never attempted to treat it in the burlesque way it has been treated on previous representations. Miss Bushe was good as Miss Hare, and Miss llarward is entitled to a word of praise for the careful way in which she played the unimportant part of Joyce. Mr Steele was Archibald Carlyle, but unusual nervousness prevented him from being so successful in it as he usually is. Mr Musgrave played the part of Lord Mountsevern with his accustomed care, and Mr Collier was decidedly good as Francis Levison. Miss Bowring received a call at the conclusion of each act. The afterpiece was the farce of “ Valet-de-Sliam,” in which Miss Carry G-eorge pleased the audience vastly by her excellent pourtrayal of the lisping school girl. She was ably seconded by Messrs Hill and Lawrence. Both pieces will be repeated this evening.

We notice by advertisement that the s.s. Airedale makes an excursion trip to Lyttelton, Wellington, Picton, Nelson, Taranaki, and Auckland on Thursday next, December Lit. As a single faro only is charged for both ways we may reasonably expect a large number of excurtioniscs to take advantage of this opportunity of visiting the North.