Greymouth Evening Star, AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 1901.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 26 June 1901, Page 2

Greymouth Evening Star, AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 1901.

NOTES AND COMMENTS. On Thursday evening a meeting convened by the Mayor to consider the proposal to borrow money for the erection of a Town Hall will be held in the Opera House, when no doubt Mr Mathieson will fully explain the details of the scheme. The proposal in itself is not of so much importance as many persons suppose, the only real difference being that in rate of interest. If the loan is sanctioned by the meeting, the money might be obtained at about four per cent, but if not, then the Council would possibly have to borrow by way of overdraft at six per cent. We are informed that there is a strong party against a special loan, ahd, if so, the proposal may not go any further than Thursday’s meeting in the present form.

The prosecution of the Greymouth Harbor Board works will now be proceeded with as rapidly as possible. Mr. Hales, Engineer-in-Chief, favors the extension of the Southern wall and lagoon dredging to increase the scour on the bar. He is, however, opposed to the widening of the river by the extension of the Northern wall and the creation of a wave basin, a similar wall at Westport having caused a large amount of shingle to be thrown up, completely closing the mouth of the basin. In regard to still further works at Greymouth, the opinion is now held very strongly by engineers that the building of two or more stone or concrete mounds a mile to the south of- the river mouth would materially protect the river from southwest gales, and would in point of fact render our port in such weather quite as good as Westport. The cost of this work is variously estimated at from £50,000 to £IOO,OOO. The work is one that may possibly receive serious attention ere long.

We have no sympathy with those who slander our Country and King, and punishment that follows is well merited, At the same time it is possible in a moment of “ imperialistic fever ” to go too far and inflict injustice. It seems to, us that the State Assembly of Australia has acted on the latter lines. Our cable messages to-day notify that Mr Findley, a Labour Member has been expelled under somewhat extraordinary circumstances. He is publisher of the paper Toesin, which reprinted from the “ Irish People ” the libel upon the King. The libel in itself is a foul one, and the Assembly had a perfect right to take notice of it, but we much question the wisdom of the subsequent action of a majority of members. Findley when called upon declared he was not responsive for its publication, had no knowledge that it was being reprinted till after the paper appeared; he further disclaimed all sympathy with the libel; nay he denounced it, and declared his unswerving loyalty to the King and bis severance from the newspaper that published the slander. One would have thought that under such circumstances a mild punishment would have sufficed, it being shown that Findlay was practically innocent, and rather the victim of circumstances. But Imperialism was rampant; and a victim must be offered on the Colonial Altar of Loyalty, and so Findlay was expelled, proposals to make the expulsion for a week or for the session being negatived. While we rejoice at the loyal feeling shown by members, we cannot help thinking that that very loyalty has caused members to commit an indiscretion ; to entirely forget that justice untempered by mercy,,is .questionable justice. One certain Findlay will have very many sympathisers. j- - -—m/Messrs G. W. Moss and Co. wi”ell by public auction on the wharf, at 11.30 a.m. to-morrow, a connignment of prime derwents and carrots.

A change is about to be made in the personal of the Westport Harbor Board, Mr o‘Regan retiring and Mr Colvin taking his place.

It is understood that Government will not take any active part in the Christchurch election, but is favourable to Mr Turnbull’s candidature.

Of the 39 places within the colony where a “weather record’’is kept, theßealey was this morning the coldest spot, while Westport was the mildest registering 56 as against 50 at Auckland. The usual mild climate, of Nelson was three degrees colder than Greymouth.

At tlie last meeting of the Westport Harbor Board a resolution was carried asking the Government to introduce an amendment to the Westport Harbor Act to enable the Board to work the Cardiff mine, and also to undertake coalmining on any part of the Board’s endowment that might be considered advisable.

The work of re-building the premises destroyed in Richmond Quay by the recent fire are being proceeded with. Messrs Hildebrand and Co.i have the foundations for their new establishment well advanced, while the brick wall for the side of Flaherty’s boarding House is also well under way. We trust ere many months are over that the area will be occupied by good substantial buildings, A serious accident happened on Ford’s Creek dredge on Monday last. Miss Emily Algie while looking at the machinery got her clothes caught in the shaft and was spun round several times before the machine could be stopped. She was taken home in an unconscious condition. It is to be hoped that the youug lady will speedily recover, but at present her condition is critical.

Mr George Glasson, well known in connection with storekeeping and postal business with Mr Michael Gerraghty, at Blackball, has resigned his position. No doubt he will speedily secure another post.

Old West Coasters will be sorry to hear that Mr Foley, one time County Councillor and County Chairman of Grey, was admitted into the Kumara Hospital last night suffering very acutely from a chest complaint. Friends will wish him an early recovery. It is announced that in a few months there will be no official recognition of the Wesleyan Church, but that the union of the Primitive Methodist, Bible Christians and other branches will bo known only in Australasia as the Methodist Church.— Post.

There was nothing but admiration in Auckland for the splendid force of 70 policemen who accompanied the Royal party. They were mostly colonials, and their splendid physique, manly bearing, and gentlemanly tact under most trying circumstances was a high tribute to their capable Commissioner, as well as a credit to the men.

Lieut T. Herd, of the Wellington Garrison Band, has been appointed judge for the great Band Contest to be held at Ballarat, Victoria, in October next. The first prize in the selections contest is £2OO, and the first marching and military drill contest £75.

A burning fatality which savours of suicide occurred near Woolowin Queensland, on May 23, when the house of a man named Bowden was destroyed by fire, and the charred remains of a human being supposed to be Bowden, were found in the debris. His wife had taken proceedings against him to recover possession of a house which was her property, and Bowden, it is alleged, threatened to burn the place down and commit suicide. It is not unlikely that the Premier will attend the coronation of King Edward the Seventh some time during the coming summer. A conference of Premiers, similar to that held during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Queen Victoria, is likely to be held at that time, and Mr. Seddon, if he is then the Premier of New Zealand, will represent this colony-

Wo learn that not only was the Harbor Board arch the most prominent piece of decoration in Wellington, but the cheering from the 400 West Coasters assembled at the arch was the heartiest on the route of the Royal procession.

The Trades and Labour Council on Tuesday decided to support Mr Charles Taylor for the vacant Christchurch seat. It is understood Mr T. E. Taylor will not stand.

The ordinary sittings of the Magistrate’s and Warden’s Courts for Lyell will bo held at Lyell on Thursday, July 11th next. Several important cases are set down for hearing in the Warden’s Court, being cancellation complaints.

It is rumored that C.M.G. titles are to be awarded to the gentlemen who have performed the duties of honorary commissioners in Wellington in connection with the Royal visit. The Hon. Hall-Jones, Who is a permanent boarder at Searle’s Hotel, Wellington, declined the order to vacate his room, to make way for the Royal suite, as he was suffering from influenza. A Wellington man informs us that there is friction in the Cabinet, in consequence. A Mastertonian picked the winning double at the Auckland Grand National meeting—Moifaa and Coeur de Lion, — and had them backed to win him £3OO.

The emigration returns for April show that during the month one Chinaman arrived and fifteen took their departure. There is a great shortage of West Coast coal in Wellington at present. Dealers are unable to meet the demands, and householders have had to fall back on the Newcastle article.

The Dunedin telegraph staff having sent congratulations to Sir Joseph Ware, on being raised to the knighthood, received the following reply from the Post-master-General. " Among the good wishes of many who are communicating with me, I can asure you none will be more highly pleased than those coming from officers of the old department in which I once served. I wish you one and all every happiness. ” ‘ ', The reason why a number of Chambers of Commerce withheld their support from the proposal of the Fielding Chamber of Commerce to urge the adoption of State Fire Insurance was on the ground that the question being of great importance it should be deferred until the formation of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce was completed, the associated body to then deal with the question, It is not generally known (remarks a contemporary) that King Edward, since his accession to the throne, has become the guardian of the children of the Duchess of Cornwall andTork, and of his other grandchildren, over whom he has complete control, the rights of their parents being superseded. This was decided to be law nearly 200 years ago by a majority of ton to two of the judges. The right was frequently used by the Georges, who had a habit of quarreling with their sons. Before members of the Royal Family can marry they will have tp obtain King Edward’s consent, or the marriage is void, George 111. managed to secure this power by means of the Royal Marriage Act. in consequence of his brothers marrying subjects, to his great annoyanfce. The United Alpine Company (Lyell) are now pushing forward the No 7 level northward. . At the present they are on the line of reef, driving through a dark slate country with well defined walls. It is expected to strike the main reef 100 ft from the present position. A crushing of the : stone is being taken out from the southern end of 7 level, which shows a little gold and is likely to be payable. A call of 2d per share has been made on 50,000, and as the Company is out of debt they will have over £4OO for future works.

The Royal visitors delighted the two Maori guides, Sophia and Maggie Pohokura with presents of handsome gold brooches, on which were the Royal arms in red enamel and the letters G. and M. A similar present was made to the landlady of the Grand Hotel, and diamond pins to the coach driver and the captain of the lake steamer Hamurana. The cost of the scheme for improving the harbor of Durban, Natal, will be nearly £3,000,000. The scheme includes four miles of quay works and makes provision for a graving dock. The improvements will quadruple the present capacities of the port. A despatch from Vancouver states that the steamer Ramons, while on a trip to Fraser river, was wrecked by an explosion which occurred on board. Four men were killed and a number injured. One report gives the number of killed as ten. . There is a Richmond dentist who tries to make his little parlor as attractive as possible to the unfortunate flies with aching molars. In the daytime he exhibits a few flags and the house wears a gay and pleasant appearance. At night he swings out two lamps. One burns very dimly, indeed, and bears the simple inscription, “Extraction Is." But the other is a blaze of light, almost as beautiful as one of the Prince’s bridge towers. On this, in sparkling letters, is the legend “Painless, 2s 9d.” The story is vouched for by a local merchant, who returned last week from a business trip to the South. His cabin companion was an elderly individual who had been seeing too many spirits before seeking his berth at night. _ In the morn- • ing the elderly individual just mentioned made a discovery that all his personal apparel was missing—not even his nether garments being in evidence. The steward and his staff were summoned to unravel the mystery. Even the captain s services had to bo invoked. “Where did you put your clothes last night?" asked the skipper. A sudden gleam of intelligence lit up the eyes of the pyjama-clad passenger. “Why, of course, I remember now," ho said. “Before turning in I put them all in that little cupboard, yonder.” That solved the problem at once. “Great goodness, man!’’ roared the captain, “you have hooked them this time, that’s certain. That little cupboard, as you call it, is the port hole, and you’ve poked your toggery to the bottom of the sea.’’—Free Lance.

A party recently returned from a prospecting tour in the South-west Coast Sounds, writes to the Dunedin Star to say that he is astonished so little has_ been done towards utilising their waste timber blots. Besides ordinary pines libitum—magnificent timber sticks—there are considerable areas of yellow pine, which (adds our informant) is just now in good demand for railway sleepers. The Sounds are well provided for in natural wharfage —deep, well-sheltered water up to the breast-work ; and in that way the shipping trade could be carried out on most economical terms. Huts and through tracks for the accomodation and convenience of visitors are being erected, so that the difficulty of getting about these lands is largely obviated, and will eventually disappear. The suggestion is one well worthy of attention by the timber trade.

A gentleman went into a London restaurant for luncheon, and placed his silk hat on a chair beside him. One of the waiters spilt some beer over the hat, and the owner sued the proprietors of the restaurant for one guinea, its value. He was non-suited on the ground of “ contributory negligence,” by not placing his hat on the peg. He appealed, and a jury in the City of London Court reversed that decision, giving judgment for the plaintiff, with costs. Mr Commissioner Kerr expressed his disagreement with the verdict.

Some interesting facts are mentioned, by the Hot Lakes Chronicle regarding the beautiful lakes that are passed on theroad between To Teko and Rotorua. The lakes are said to have been lower this year than -ever they have been before.. At the Okero Falls the water is six inches; lower than the lowest recorded level since' the electric light works started. At Rotorua the submerged island, which is said! to have disappeared with the pa and its; inhabitants some generations ago, is now/ visible, the only recorded instance within' the memory of the oldest inhabitant.. This lake is not connected visibly with any of the other lakes, y.-t it is teeming with trout, though it is not known that any were introduced into it. .

The census of the Indian Empire, which has just. been brought to a conclusion, is perhaps the greatest statistical feat ever performed. During the nighTy of March Ist the population, of a tract as ‘ largo as all Europe, Russia accepted, was ascertained and a fortnight later the Government were able to summarise the same. The results show that the population of India has only risen in ten years from 287,000,000 to 294,000,000. Prince Ranjitsinghi, in opening a bazaar at West Bromwich, deployed the decadence in fielding in first-claas cricket; and said it would be better to devote themselves to this instead of trying to discard bowlers. Cricket was the n. ational sport of the British Empire. In Lidia it had made 300,000,000 people lore 1 the British control. The salary of the Oommander-in-Oh. ief has been increased from the magnificiei.it sum of £4500 to the still more magnifi - cent of £SOOO, On what conceivable basis one, if not the most important of the Empire’s servants is paid at the reto of a puisne Judge of the Supreme Court—a Judge in the Court of Appeal gets £6000;, the Lord Chief Justice £Booo—no mere, man can understand. “It is, says Vanity Pair, one of the mysteries of our oonstitu- , tion which afltterers allege is the wonder and admiration of a world that is most, careful not to imitate it. The Commander--in-Chief is the judge of the whole army ; on his shoulders should rest the responsibility for the safety of the Empire ; he is constantly brought into personal contact with foreign potentates and plutocrats from every quarter of the globe. If ever official required a full purse it is he. The Thames Advertiser says Oapt. Bussell will probably retire from the leadership of the Opposition, and be succeeded by Mr James Allen. Jr ■ T. W, Tymons and Co. are now offering' great bargains in blankets, carpets, curtains, etc.—Advt. ■; i WADE’S WORM FIGS are more effective and not unpleasant; most children thrive.after taking them. Price 1/WADE’S TEETHING; POWDERS for babies are soothing, reduce fever and prevent blotches. Price 1/John Bunyan in his prison cell, On Pilgrim’s Progress loved .to dwell, And nearly all that startling tale. He wrote while pinning in a gaol. His work lives onchough John succumbed, No doubt the damp his limbs had numbed,’ " And gave him odd; his death that’s sure, He’d not got Woods’ Great Peppermint Curb.