Greymouth Evening Star, AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1901. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 7 September 1901, Page 2

Greymouth Evening Star, AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1901. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

In this colony we have come to regard our Educational System, and the laws guiding and governing same as a sort of fetish that must not be touched. This feeling in the past has prevented necessary reforms from being entertained, much less carried out. Yet goodness knows the present Act and Regulations made under it are much in need of revision, and are very far from being up-to-date. It is, therefore, pleasing to note that the Minister for Education contemplates a forward movement in the matter. Speaking at a recent meeting he stated that the Education System of New Zealand was not perfection. A system that was twenty years old needed improvement from time to time, and among other things the adequate payment of teachers was essential—in the interests both of themselves and of the children —to a sound system of education. In some districts where teachers were not paid as well as they were in other parts, the children naturally suffered. He did not wish to destroy what was good in the education system; he did not wish to destroy local government by Boards. He wished to give the Boards a strong finance, so that they might not do as they had done in the past—save their finance at the expense of the teachers’ salaries. Salaries must be put on a squarer footing. The syllabus, too, requires revision and brought more into line with modern’thought.

It is not surprising to find the United States of America—a land that is largely governed by a consideration of the “ almighty dollar ” —taking serious exception to Russian advance in Manchuria. Our cables the other day, intimated that “ the Government were exhibiting extreme hostility towards Russia in her action in Northern China.” The Russianisation of Manchuria would unquestionably be a distinct menace to American trade, not only in Manchuria itself but also in Korea, where a considerable amount of American capital is invested. The fact that the Washington Government is now engaged in a somewhat bitter tariff war with Russia no doubt makes American merchants and manufacturers realise

the dangers lurking in an extension of Russian influence in the Far East. The United States, like Great Britain, has for its main object the building up of trade, and in Russian aggrandisement natuigilly sees obstacles to the attainment of that object. ' Great Britain's chief commercial sphere in China lies in the Yangtse basin, while the United States are more concerned with the north, and therefore more likely to suffer immediately from the Russian advance. If the two English speaking countries would go together in matters of trade and common interest they could effectually checkmate Russian advance, but unfortunately the history of the past four years —notwithstanding Britain’s noble stand by America in the war with Spain—proves but too conclusively that the American can only be depended on when his own direct interests are assailed; then he is eager enough for Britain’s aid, but when Britain asks for anything in return Johonathan is not there.

“ The Wool Kings of New Zealand ” are loud in their wail; wool is falling off in price and the country is going to the dogs. Such, at least, is the opinion of the Hon. J. D, Ormond, who in the Legislative Council yester day afternoon declared that the country is in an extremely critical state. The principal article of export decreased the year before last by £1,800,000. Last year the shrinkage was £2,500,000, and it would probably be at least as much this year These, he remarked, were stupendous figures. The shortage the year before last had not been acutely felt because of the prosperity arising out of the high value of our other products, but it would be felt. Iron foundries and wool factories were in a critical position pending certain findings of the Labour Courts. Restrictions were needed to prevent these Courts becoming a further curse and damageto the country. Such is the wail of one of the “ Wool Kings.” He entirely forgets that other and better industries have risen, such as dairying that provides more employment and is better for the country. The Hon. Minister for Education is not in accord with Mr. Ormond, He did not agree with his view and expressed the belief that apart from wool, the farmers would find the present a most prosperous year. Every hoof they could fatten was realising 20 per cent above the previous price. The farmers had not their eggs in one basket. We can well afford to have less wool if we have close settlement and reproductive farming.

Victoeia, in common with this colony, is much perturbed just now over the wage regulation question. She has for her several industries a set of Wages Boards that perform functions very like those that our Conciliation Boards do for industry in general. And the faults found with the system are not unlike these complained of here. One of the general points made is that not only are old men denied work, but young men—through the restriction on apprentices—are not allowed to learn trades even to practise ■elsewhere, while the Boards are used for forcing up rates of pay in the manner we ' are so familiar with, whereas it is claimed that the reason given for the institution of the system was merely the prevention of sweating. There is an agitation on the part of employers for the abolition of the Wages Board, and at a great meeting held in Melbourne a few days ago the experience of New Zealand was frequently mentioned. New Zealand (said Mr. W. W. Cabena, one of the speakers) was constantly quoted as an example of the benefits of factory legislation, to which the prosperous era of the country was ascribed. “* I’m not a sportsman,” continued Mr Cabena, “ but I never heard it suggested that Carbine won the Melbourne Cup because he carried the heaviest weight. He won it in spite of his weight, and would have done so with greater ease had he carried less. In the same way New Zealand has been prosperous in spite of and not because of the hampering of industry there by factory legislation.” The sally was received with laughter and applause.

The erection of an old man’s home al Ashburton at a cost of £5,474 was commenced yesterday.

This week will be a record one for timber export from this port, the quantity shipped being over 700,000 superficial feet.

The Hokitika Football Club try con elusions with the Grey Club on Victoria Park this afternoon. A very keen contest is expected, both sides having plenty of backers.

At the Magistrate’s Court, Westport, on Wednesday, Mr Hawkins, S.M. fined three boys 15s each with costs 7s Bd, or in default 14 days imprisonment for throwing’a bucket of filthy water into the doorway of a shop there. Adjutant Ward of the Salvation Army arrived by the Wainui yesterday, having received the Maori Singing Company at Westport. He now proceeds to Eeefton to-day to prepare for their reception at that town. The Company are in good form, and their visit to the Coast will undoubtedly be a great success. The Grey County Council, notify through our advertising columns that the bridge across Saltwater Creek between Paroa and 'Ruthcrglen, Greymouth Mareden road, will be closed to all traffic daily between the hours of 10.30 s.m. to 4.30 p.m., from Monday Sept. 9th, until further notice.

The New Zealand Clothing Factory’s new advertisement will appear in our issue of Monday evening. They are selling men’s tweed sac suits from 23/G, and trousers from 7/6. They have boy’s and youths clothing in great variety. In their boot and shoe department they have a large and varied stock. The Central Buffer correspondent of the Colonist Nelson, telegraphs to-day that in consequence of the posting of a notice prohibiting them residing at or vieiting the local hotel, the employees of Seville and Perkins’ Sluicing Race Newton river, numbering fifty have ceased to work and refuse to return till the restriction is withdrawn.

Mr Denton of tho Public Works Department at Greymouth has been removed to Christchurch, which is promotion for him. We are pleased at such well-turned promotion, but at the same time wo cannot help expressing regret at the departure from amongst us of such an excellent and obliging officer, and esteemable citizen. Wo trust he will-meet with many friends and success in his pew home.

The foreman printer and five compositors on the Newcastle Herald drew the winning ticket in Tattersall’s sweep on the Adelaide Grand National Hurdle Race. They received about £6OO each.

Outside investors sent £5,564 for investment on the New Zealand Grand National mooting. About £4OOO went back to the lucky ones among the senders in dividends.

The Christchurch Working Men’s Cooperative Society started with a capital oonly £IOO. It has now an annual turnover of £25,000, and is paying large dividends to its members.

The health of Mr Scobie Mackenzie, who for the past few days has been suffering from the effects of a paralytic seizure, is causing according to a wire from Dunedin his friends grave anxiety-. At the Invercargill Supreme Court yesterday J. R, Hall (68), was sentenced to three years, W. J. Richmond (50), to six months, and a youth Fred Jarvis was released on six months’ probation on various charges of indecent assault. The general manager of railways has been advised that 25 American locomotives, 23 of which are from the Baldwin works, are on board the steamer Knight of St. George, which left New York for New Zealand on the 18th inst.

■» The largest lightning conductor in the world is in Bavaria. The top of it is some yards abovo the meteorological station ■on the Zugspitze, the highest point of land in the German Empire. It runs down the side of the mountain to a body of running water. The length of the rod is three and a-half miles.

As showing the large amount of grain being sent out from the Eiversdale (South Island) railway station, a correspondent states that no less than forty-three trucks were sent away a few days ago. All, or nearly all of grain was oats for shipment to South Africa.

Evidently the Premier and Mr Hornsby have fallen out. Says the latter: —“It is a pity that the Premier does not include amongst his numerous private secretaries an old sub-editor who would whittle down his verbose productions before they were submitted to the House.” Was Mr Hornsby thinking of a billet for himself when he made the above suggestion ? A curious freak of nature is to be seen at Kaitawa (says the Dannevirke Press), viz., a drwarf cow standing only about 3ft 6in in height and giving four gallons of good rich milk per day. This strange phenomenon is on the property of Mr Jacobs, settler, Kaitawa.

A ballot' of Lancashire cotten operatives recently showed an overwhelming majority in favour of ceasing work at twelve instead of one o'clock on Saturdays. An alternative suggestion is now forthcoming to work ten and a-half instead of ten hours on other days of the week, and so abolish Saturday labor altogether. The proposal is likely to find considerable favor bo f h with employers and workpeople. Mr Warden Macfarlane returned from his usual visit to Okarito and the southern districts the other day. The .Warden had several adventures by flood and field, water in some of the swollen creeks rising

high in the buggy and making them difficult to cross. We are pleased to find however, he has returned none the worse for his experience. The Inspector for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Wellington, stated the other day that some of-the worst cases of cruelty he came across occurred when people with only imperfect knowledge of veterinary science kept maimed horses at home and began to tinker with them and make all sorts of experiments with the idea of curing them. These people might have the very best intentions, but in nine cases out of the only give the animals terrible pain. The question of Cook’s remuneration as liquidator of the Guthrie Companies again came before the Dunedin Supreme Court yesterday. The Bank of New Zealand objected to the payment of £2,300 awarded in a lump sura on the ground that the work is incomplete and no adjustment is made as to tho amount chargablo against * each company willing to pay £1.300. The Judge, according to a press wire, thought the condition reasonable and ordered accordingly.

The Commissioner of: Police has forwarded to Mr Martin Logan, of the Tinwald Hotel, a cheque for £lO 10s for his promptitude in giving information to the police which led to M‘Lean’s arrest. He has also forwarded complimentary letters to detective Fitzgerald and Constable Ede for the part they took in tracking and arresting the Eyreton murderer.

“I never heard but of one perfect girl," said Sunshine pensively, as with saddened brew she received orders to retire fully five minutes before the usual hour of bed-time. “ And who was that,” asked the father. “ Mother —when she was little,” was the answer. Silence reigned for three minutes, then mother hugged her, father kissed her, and joy reigned in the household as he promised to take the whole family (bar the baby) to the Garrick Club social on Wednesday night. It was stated by a member of the flax deputation which waited upon the Minister for Agriculture at Wellington last week, that New Zealand hemp was now being used in the manufacture of carpets at Home. The expectation that the demand for our flax would cease to a great extent as soon as the war in the Philippines terminated, has, fortunately, not been realised. The demand for it continues good, and the prices realised at Home are a great advance on those ruling a year or two ago.

The West” Coast Times says that an incipient fire which occurred yesterday morning shortly before 7"o‘clock at Mr T. Burns’ blacksmith shop on Gibson’s Quay caused considerable alarm. MrE. Jolly who discovered the fire gave the alarm and the Fre Brigade turned ont with great promptitude. Foreman Boss and Nightwatchman Andrews burst in the door and found the plaoo full of smoke but the work of getting the fire under was then a matter of very little time. The following team will represent the Eeefton Druids Lodge in the match with their Greymouth brethren on the racecourse on Wednesday next; —Full back, Nevin; three-quarters, Harvey, J. Rhodes, J. King; halves, Searight, W. Prentice; forwards, Feehan, G. Ho§ae, Lochore, Stubbings, Gorton, Heslop, C. Malloy, W. Chinn, A. Carroll. Emergencies—Backs, Green, E. Molloy, Scarlett, (sen); forwards, J. Horne, P. Lloyd, T. Chinn, A. H. Harris.

Writing on Sunday last, the Palmerston North correspondent of the Wairarapa Daily Times says;—“A sensational occurrence is said to have taken place on a section of the railway last evening, near Palmerston. It appears from the meagre particulars obtained that a driver and fireman had a grievance between oaeh other, and when a few miles from their destination the driver threatened to throw bis mate oil' the engine or deal him blows. At the next stopping station the matter was reported to the guard. Considerable delay was occasioned, as the fireman refused to return to his post. Various testimonials differ as to the real nature of the trouble, some asserting that they fought it cut, but this is denied, but anyhow something of a sensational character occurred. Of course, these particulars are unofficial, but are never the less believed to be true. Both the driver and the fireman have been suspended, ponding investigation.’ 1

A North Island paper is informed that a large pah is being erected at Aotea forthe Maori “King” Mahuta. It will be' elaborately finished with Maori Mr M. Phillips, treasurer of the Grejr River Hospital, begs to acknowledge, with the thanks of the Trustees, the sum of £l4 fid per Mr B. Cox, being the proceeds of a dance Hold in Ahaura for th* Hoapital funds.

There were seven bankruptcies in the colony last week, viz., a chemist at Auckland, a farmer at Waihi, a storekeeper at Danuevirke, a confectioner at Hastings, an hotelkeeper at Pahitua, a grocer at Timaru, and a tanner at Sawyer s Bay. At three o’clock this morning a fire broke out in Mrs. Quinn’s residence. South Beach, the cottage being corn* plotely destroyed, the inmates—Mtk Quinn and her son—having barely time to escape with their lives. The Eire Brigade turned out promptly in force, but the scene of the conflagration was too far away for them to be of any assistance. The insurances are £l5O in the Phoenix,

A well-known lawyer in Australia who . prides himself on his handling of Chinese witnesses, is getting badly chaffed about a recent examination. It was a case in which a Celestial of unusually keen glance was called as a witness. The lawyer began: “What is your name?' ‘Kee Lung.” ‘You live this city ?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘You sabbie God?’ ‘Mr Barrister, if you mean, “Do I understand the entity of our Creator ? I will simply say that on Thursday evening next I shall address a Stats Association on the “Divinity of Christ,” . and shall be pleased (to have you attend.” The Judge, (says the papers) coughed most audibly, apd the lawyer went down , with a dullish sort of thud.

The Elemington Court decided recently that the “raised boots” used jby bookmakers on the flat at race meetings constituted “ a place ’’ within the meaning of the Police Offences Statute, and imposed a fine of £25 upon a bookmaker for v betting in such “place” at the recent Grand National meeting, _ Several similar charges have been instituted against a number of other bookmakers.

For the past three weeks (says the Wellington Post) the coastal steamers have been racing from Wellington to West Coast harbours with shipments of machinery which arrived recently from America by the Qadsby and other steamers, and which had been piled up on the {Queen’s Wharf. In addition local firms have been busy shipping toe dredges built in their shops. The State Mine Site Commissioners will visit Brighton and examine the coal deposits there. Apart from the question of selecting the State mine, toe work of the Commission will be very useful in collating information concerning toe coal beds of the district.

The Lyttelton Times says The spirit of unrest with which the returned South African troopers appear to have become imbued is now finding vent, and almost every steamer plying to Capetown or the eastern ports of South Africa carries a batch of New Zealanders, eager to renew their acquaintance with Beere Boer or to take up civil employment in the country. By the next steamer leaving Australia quite a number of New Zealanders propose to take passage to the scene of operations, while others are only waiting until the ready cash is available to follow them.

A novel mode of summoning the police to quell a family brawl was resorted to in Ballarat East recently. When the melee was at its height one of the disaffected parties rushed across the street and broke the fire alarm. This caused the local brigade to turn out, followed by the police, but after a mile had been traversed, it turned out that pnly the police were wanted. Legal proceedings will be taken. / ; J A One of the late Mr Kerr’s last speeches in the Council was in relation to the Eeferendum Bill, which he opposed on the ground that it was not required. One passage in bis speech has now a curious interest, in view of the fact of his death. It is this:—" It does not concern me personally for before this Council is abolished I shall likely be abolished myself, and many hon. gentlemen are in the same position; but still I believe that this Bill has a clause in it by which this Chamber could be abolished without its own consent.”

At the present moment passengers on Government steamers. Civil servants and their wives who wish, to travel on the Government steamers, are charged at the rate of 7s 6d day, and children under fourteen at half-price. Members of Parliament come under this condition. Other persons are charged at the rates charged on the coastal steamers. To the West Coast Sounds, or the Kermadecs, or the Auckland or Bounty _ Islands, w'here there is no regular service, they are charged at the rate of 10s a day. These charges more than cover the cost of board, which is not much over 2s a day for each person travelling. To avoid mistakes, Mr W. E. Eeynolds, dentist, and Mr J. Eeynolds, chemist, hereby notify that they are in no way connected.— Advt. Some of the highest living medical authorities I attribute the great growth of physical and mental disease which has characterised the last few decades, to the universality of adulturation. They affirm that the taking into the system continually by human beings as food, substances which are chemically foreign and not only incapable of sustaining healthy life, but constitute a perpetual danger to it, is largely responsible for the new and complex diseases that baffle their curative skill. Therefore be wise in time, eat only

K Jam and avoid these dangers. Absolute purity guaranteed—Advt. No doubt were Dickens still alive

He’d yet write many a tale. Though he is dead his works survive. Their reading ne’er grows stale. So many try to imitate. But they remain obscure, For coughs and colds don’t hesitate. Take Woods’ Gebat Peppeemint Cdee. WADE’S WOEM FIGS are more effective and not unpleasant; most children thrive after taking them. Price !/•

WADE’S TEETHING POWDEEB for babies are soothing, reduce fever and prevent blotches. Price 1/-