The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, NOVEMBERS 3, 1902

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 561, 3 November 1902, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, NOVEMBERS 3, 1902

POLITICAL ALPHA AND OMEGA. The placing oi the people on the land has been declared by the Premier to he the Alpha and the Omega of the general elections this month. A few weeks ago, the Acting-Premier in effect made a like declaration, .and the Premier quickly grasped the value of the point, and is making full use 01 it. It is ~ policy everyone must cor. dially endorse—that is if the placing of people on the land also means the opening up and reading of the country Past experience of land settlement has too often been the sending of stouthearted peep. into the wilderness, there to leave them, in the best years ui their life, to a hopeless struggle, with all the discomforts of a hacKhlocK existence and none of the comforts of,civilisation, until at'last they give up tlie hopeless battle in despair. Vvht-n taking up the land, they had been led to believe that it would he speedily made accessible, but their appeals for rqads are met with the stereotyped reply, “No funds.” They were willing to sacrifice a great deal when money was required fur sending men to South Africa to. kelp in lighting the. nation’s battles ; hut patience becomes well-nigh exhausted when they read of “ feather-bed ” soldiers who take a holiday jaunt at their country's expense, but are too proud to holystone the decks of the boat which carries them, in an article dealing with the land settlement policy, the Auckland Herald states Although the locking up of the land from the present generation, because of the problematic future, is not now advocated, it would really seem Lo linger among the inliuential traditions of Hie Department. It would also appear as though the idea was to lie the locking up in the North Island as much as possible, particularly in Auckland province. without wishing to perpetually recur to the undoubted feeling throughout the North Island that the South lias a dominating influence in the present Administration and Unit it exerts that influence in a very partial manner, we think there is every reason why the Minister fur Lands should he a North Islander. _ We do not suppose that Bit Joseph Ward will ask us to believe that Mr Duncan possesses such special qualifications lor tins portfolio that there is 110 alternative bearer while he is available. Certainly the hulk of the money expended in the purchase of estates for cutting up is expended south of Cook Straits. But the great hulk of land available for settlement in the Crown estate lies north, mainly in Auckland province. '1 lie land settlement question (stales the Auckland journal) is mainly a North Island question, for here alone does the possibility present itself of doubling land settlement under conditions as they exist and with our present, somewhat primitive means of using the soil. Vet the North is strangely neglected. Only slowly and' with seeming reluctance, are its Crown lands opened to settlement, and the same strange lethargy manifests itself whenever any form of settlement, is possible. For instance the properties of the Assets Realisation hoard are still held off, although the advisability of cutting them up has been apparent for years. Tenders for surveying Matamata have certainly been called for, after much expostulation of the press of the province, but we hear nothing delinite of its subdivisions being thrown open. It is an old story that .scores ot applicants await every Northern land ballot and that from every attractive selection the disappointed turn away, wearied with long waiting. The Cason which is then assigned by our contemporary for the unsatisfactory condition of things is that the Ministry of- Lands is not assigned to one who knows the North and its aspirations and who is personally interested in us development. It. is pointed out that we have still an enormous public estate, not to speak of the native lands which sooner or later must lie efleet,jvely dealt with. Of Crown lands alone, ‘‘available for settlement,” the area exceeds ten million acres. It is very true that much is situated as to he at present unreachable, but, as the ballots show, this criticism applies 111 no wav' to great and ever-extending areas. Yet in spite of our vast acreages, and in spite oi large purchases of private estates, the number of selectors is steadily falling. If the se- ‘ quencc were reversed we. should he justified in asserting that the rate of >utreasc was unsatisfactory, considering the pressure of would-be settlers and the quantity of good land available. As things arc we do not see how it can reasonably lie contended that Lius department is as energetically administered as it might be and as it ought to lie. Why (asks the Northern journal) not have a Northern Minister lor Lands and let him have a free hand m the opening up of Crown lands for which settlers arc clamoring ? This land settlement question is so important that it transcends most others. Ji the farmers are pouring on to the land, whatever else is wrong at. least the country is increasingly producing (he wherewithal to buy plenty and prosperity. But if the tide of settlement is checked, if soil that might yield profitable harvest of root, gram, fruit, or grass is left in wilderness, we are so much'the less able to stand any industrial or commercial reaction, there is so much kiss resource for oar colonial revenue, so much less sustenlat'ion for our cities and towns. 'I lie present administration of the Lands Department would easily and immediately be improved ; those responsible for our Government should not cover its weakness, but should strain every nerve to make it as energetic and effective as possible.

The steamer Te Auau, which left last evening for South, took 50 passengers from here.

Messrs Williams and Kettle have been appointed agents at Napier and Gisborne for the South African steam service.

Messrs T. Holden, W. Cooper, and A. F. Matthews havo been nominated to represent the YYhataupoko riding on the County Council.

Tho rainfall at Gisborne for the month of October was ’9B inches. The highest rainfall was on October 3rd, when "36 inches fell.

The totulisator investments throughout the colony for last year amounted to £1,275,813, and of this amount the Government received £19,040 by way of tax. A Native named Rorc Porangi will be brought up to-day on a charge of insanity. The Native was brought from Tolago Bayin charge of Constable McLeod. The following gentlemen have been nominated for the Tolago riding representation on the County Council : Messrs P. T. Kenway, F. R. Harris, and E. Murphy. Montgomery's Entertainers brought their Gisborne season to a close on Saturday evening, when a benefit entertainment was given for the blind man, C. R. Fieider. The Company have had a most successful season, aud established a strong impression on Gisborne play-goers. The Company left last evening by the Te Anau for South,

This morniDg. the box-plan for the City Band’s monster entertainment on the night of the King’s Birthday, November 10th, will be opened at Messrs Chrisp and Son's music warehouse. The programme is a very attractive one, aud seats should be reserved early. One of New Zealand's most successful singers, Miss Maud Howard, has been engaged to s |;n, The pick of our local talent will also assist.

Following is a list of the winning owners at the Poverty Bay Turf Club's meeting :—I. Clark .£lB5, W. H. Hickey £9O, T. Carson £6O, J. Cameron £4O, J. A. Harding £3O, F. Rhodes £3O, W. Howard £25, G. C. Ormond £25, H. C. Dunlop £ls, J. Malone £ls, W. Jobson, jun., £ls, W. Gault £lO, T. Roe £lO, N. McKay £5, E. Boyd £5 ; total, £5lO,

The s.s. Te Amu has a large cargo cf Island fruit for Southern ports. The Liberty Review, in the September number, criticises in strong language the .Seddon Administration under "the extraordinary heading ‘‘The Rats Lc-ave tiie Sinking Ship. ’ The City Band will give an open-air concert to-morrow evening in aid of the Cook Memorial Fund. A choice selection of popular numbers will given

Owing to shortages of supplies from other colonies there is a good demand in London for New Zealand butter, ..s

much as Ib6s per cwt. being obtained, or about 3s per cwt. more than at the same time last year. Mr Cooper, of Uisbori e, who pahl dearly fur experience in boring lor petroleum in that district, and who paid two or three usits to New Plymouth when boring operations were proceeding there, lias now got a boring plant at work at Kotuliu, West Coast-.

At Waini on Thursday, Mr B, Newdick pot his middle huger uah.y crusned at me company s mine. Tile same evening, Mr Kerr, While ailcuuiug to mo stamp in tile Union battery, got me iuretinger uf his lett hand bauly crusned by a slamp-keaU failing on tu it.

At a meeting oi the fielders 01 New Zealand Midland railway debentures, m London recently, it was decided, it the proposal of the New Zealand Government to pay the debcnturc-houiers Ellu.utjn was increased to Eluit.UUO, the committee he authorised to accept the latter amount The result of the meeting, which was a private one, was communicated to the press by the Council of Foreign Bondholders. Referring to the paragraph the Financial News remarks : “ Apparently the Halfless debenture - holders are tired of kicking against the pricks, for. after all, this is hut a poor satisfaction of their rightful claims.”

Last Tuesuay I met the Hon. A. .J. Cadmaii t wrues y. London correspondent). He is very reticent with regard to the progress which is being made with his project for developing the 111,neral resources of New Zealand, out I gathered that it. had been near completion several times, when slight lntclies occurred to delay finality. Mr Cadman, however; says that he should not remain in England were he not thoroughly sanguine of completing all arrangements. Mr Seddon stated in nis speech at Auckland last week that' 'torn latest unofficial information there was reason to believe Mr Cadman had succeeded in his mission.

An application was received at the last, meeting of the Masterton Racing Club for permission to play the game of “ ringoleUe,” described as legal and authorised by other clubs on their course, at the forthcoming meeting at Opaki. The secretary pointed out that the police always had a strong objection to games of such a nature being played on courses, as they assisted spielers in their nefarious work ny causing, a large crowd to he congregated around, wlm when deeply interested in the. particular game are readily relieved of any valuables they may have in their pockets. It, was also pointed out that money was diverted from the tot.jisator. It was decided not to allow flic applicant to take his game on the course its requested.— Wai rant pit Times.

At the annual meeting of the New Zea land Hereford Cattle breeders’ Association, held at Palmerston, the President said that there had been an increased demand for both male and female Herofords in the colony, and where once they found a loot ing their grand constitutions appear to make them at home and favorites, particularly in the colder hill country of the colony, either for crossing tor dairy and beef, or as puro bred stock. Unfortunately the demand from Australia and South America has not been maintained, but local causes were more than likely tho reason for this—the exceptional prolonged and severe drought in the former colony, which it is hoped will soon have an end and in South America the extensivo spread of foot and mouth disease, which appears now to have almost if not quite died out. But with more favorable circumstances he had no doubt tho demand would again spring up with renewed vigor.

“ It will be rather disappointing to thoso engaged in the Australian and New Zealand frozen meat trade,” remarks a London Anglo-colonial journal, “ to find that, after buying out the South African Supply and Cold Storage Company, the South African and Australasian Supply and Cold Storage Company is itself to be bought out by the Imperial Cold Storage and Supply Company, registered in Pretoria. Sir E. S. Hawes and Mr C. G. Dicken have been the negotiating parties on behalf of the South African and Australasian Company in this great deal, which practically means an amalgamation of all the leading combinations engaged in tho South African meat trade. We fear that many fondly - cherished hopes, which seemed justified by tho formation of tho South African and Australasian Company, will be dissipated by this new aud unexpected departure, and that in the result the Argentine will stand victor in the contest which she is waging against Australia and New Zealand in this most important department of productive enterprise. . . The Board will Bit in South Africa, but a committee of directors will be appointed in London. It looks as if Mr Bergl after all were coming out on top.”

The monthly meeting of the Arai Boad Board was held on Saturday morning. Present : Messrs J. Clark (chairman), C. J. Parker, and W. Smith. Mr Parker said that a bridge on tho Arai road mentioned at last meeting as being in bad order had given way. It was decided to repair it under Mr Parker's supervision. Messrs Parker and Smith were appointed to wait upon Mr Carroll about the expenditure of the grants for tho Tokonui road. Mr De G. Fraser, county engineer, interviewed the Board about the proposed Arai-bridge. Mr Fraser said there might be a little extra cost for the timber which had risen iu price above his estimate. The Chairman said that he thought the thing had hung fire long enough, and they might get some information about supplies and proceed to work. Mr Fraser said that getting the money by loan the Board would have to make out detail plans and specifications which had to be sent down to the Department for approval. He would be able to get them ready in about two weeks. In reply to an inquiry the Chairman said that the approaches would be included. The Chairman said he would put do objection in the way to the new piece of road approaching the bridge, the land for which he held on lease. Mr Fraser was instructed to proceed with the execution of the plans, etc., and they are to he forwarded upon completion to the Department. Upon their return tenders for the contract will be called.

Sir Geo. Dibbs, who was for 40 years a prominent figure iu politics, being three I times Premier of New South Wales is recuperating in this country (says the Auckland Herald). He arrived here hy the mail steamer Ventura, and is staying at the Star Hotel. To a Herald reporter, who saw him there last night he said, “ I have retired from politics now, and do not care to give expression to my political views. My health has run down of late, and I am going to try what your Rotorua baths will do for me. There is not the least doubt that you have the loveliest climate in all Australasia. It is the most regular and reliable. You have wonderful sanatoriums, too, and health resorts, and they | have tempted me here." He was convinced that New Zealand would become the great health resort for all the colonies. It possessed a big variety of climates, glorious mountains, without droughts (which were the curse of Australia), and evary scenic charm. In reference to federation, Sir George Dibbs said it was common knowledge that he was a pronounced anti-federalist. He opposed it from the first, but the_ people wanted a change—and got it. New South Wales, he considered, made a very bad bargain. So far federation had not been a success, ""d the people of New Zealand are to be congratulated oh keeping out of it. ' Federation was, however, an accomplished 1 fact, and as such must be recognised and made the best of. Nothing short of civil war could change it. Personally, he i advocated the unification of the States < under one head, and the abolition oi local i governments. i

At the yule of Show stock ut Mastercon, bullock.' made £22 2s Od, cows £‘l4 2s 6d, lambs 19s, shorn wethers ISs 6d, ewes 16s

Too following are the returns to hand of 'he vot.ng of the electors of Manawatu (•vitiiu Marten and district), on the ren troduction into tin State schools of bibio icaun.g : Yes 644, no 61, declined to vote 63, absentees 16. Tnere are three returns yet to cotne in.

The Taieri and Peninsula Milk Supply Company was chi-tiy exercised at its

eighteenth annual meeting with the consideration of what to do with its large surplus. The balance-sheet showed a protit, including the balance brought for ward, of over £'I4,UI)U. The directors recommended the payment of a dividend of 6 per cent., but this would only absorb £1025, and the question was, what was to oe done with the remaining £13,000. Some suggested paying a 25 per cent, dividend straight off, but eventually it was agreed to call a special meeting to discuss the matter.

A correspondent writes to us (says the Wanganui Chronicle) asking if similar overtures alleged to have been made to Mr Horublorv by the Liberal Federation, alias the Government, have been made to Mr Patrick Luudon. We are not in the contidenco of the precious organisation, and consequently cannot answer the question. However, one thing is obvious, and that is that if any such immoral bribery has been attempted with Mr Lundoti it has proved unavailing, for he declares that he is determined to go to the poll. If he does, those of the Liberal electors who are not tied to the chariot wheels of the Seddotinian uutocracy will see to it that he does not lose his deposit.

Tho Bank of New Zealand has just issued a new £1 noto, the plate of which is the same as that of the old green note which some people will remembor as being in circulation about fiftoen years ago. The face is of a light red color, and is covered with wavy lines. Tho design contains on the one side tho small circular view of two Maoris, and a scene with cabbage trees, which form part of the back of the ordinary Bank of New Zealand note. The back is tho same as that of tho old note. Tho appearance is rather pleasing, and the new color is expected (says tho Post) to hide the dirt more effectually than was previously the case, und to bo hard to photograph, thus being a safeguard against forgery.

It may be as well to point out that tho rumor of Mr Seddon’s appointment to a South African Governorship originated with his own supporters, and was in no wise prompted by a venomous aud unscrupulous Opposition, and further that it was in Mr Seddon’s power to bavo denied tho statement point blank at tho very outsot, instead of giving it color and probability by temporising and oracular utterances on tho subject Government supporters will welcome Mr Soddon's return because he is the one strong leader among thorn, and Oppositionists will congratulate thornselves on the possibility that Mr Seddon will, after all, havo the opportunity, if not the desire, of unravelling the somewhat tangled skein of his own weaving. About tho end of the present month there will bo published tho now two volume wotk, " State Experiments in Australia and New Zealand,” whose autbot is Mr W. P. Reeves. No endeavor is made in tho book to give a complete survey of democracy and its workings in Australia and New Zealand. What is aimed at is a fairly full and connected account of the more interesting experiments in law and administration during the 21 years between the date of the AntiChinese Acts of 1881 and the adoption of women’s franchise by the Commonwealth in May, 1902. “ Not a sentence has been written to disparage the party to which I was opposed when in politics," says Mr Reeves, who adds that the book is “ written to givo information, not to mako converts.”

It may, porhaps, sound a triffo ambitious to suggest that Wanganui should bo tnado the Henley of New Zealand (says the Wanganui Chronicle). Yet we see no reason why it should not be so. Ilore wo havo not only the first ossential—a splendid river admirably adapted for aquatic purposes,—but we have also the advantage of a central and convenient geographical situation. In the past, we faor, we have not sufficiently emphasised our claims to recognition in this respect, porhaps for the reason that wo have been a littlo ashamed of our own neglect of the river as a means of sport and pleasure. But it is not too late to ntond our ways. The championship regatta is to bo held here in February next, under the auspices of the New Zealand Rowing Association, and if we bestir ourselves we ought to bo ablo to make use of tho opportunity to initiate what in a little while should come to be known throughout the colony as tho water carnival of the year. There is a sort of feeling abroad that wo are living in a fool’s paradise, but people do not care to be woke up and to realise that there is a serpent in their garden of Eden, and prefer almost tho comforting assurances of the party of delusion that “ all’s well ” and is likely to remain well. The electors will, in many instances, do as they did in 1899, return representatives conspicuous for business inability as the best men to manage the affairs of the colony. It is strange the tendency some men have to vote for a candidate whom privately they would not trust with the loan of a five pound note, yet whom publicly they would trust with millions ! They don’t quite realise that the million or so wasted yearly by the very Administration now in office is their money, and that they cauoot afford to lose it. The colony stands tho drain, thanks to the borrowing in the Loudon money market; but with a more prudent Administration it would be quite possiblo to prosper without loan money.—Wairarapa Times.