The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, OCTOBER 8, 1903.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1016, 8 October 1903, Page 2

The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, OCTOBER 8, 1903.

NEW ZEALAND’S ANNIVERSARY To-day is the anniversary of the landing in New Zealand ol the great navigator Captain Cook, a man of high character whose life and lifework may well be held up for the admiration of succeeding generations. It is. well, even in this century, that there should be due recognition of an event that was of such great importance to the people of the colony. It may he said—and perhaps justly—too many holidays are celebrated in the year ; but we hardly think that any one with a spark of sentiment will contend that Cook Day, is not in the front rank of importance. Other districts have their anniversary celebrations of a local nature ; but Gisiborne has a colonial day. to celebrate That it will he an annual celebration there is not the slightest question ; the probability is that as the years go by, the date will not merely, be locally celebrated, but .will be taken up with enthusiasm throughout the colony., We hope that the holiday to-day" may. be thoroughly, enjoyed, and that the sentiment pervading the .celebration will be one of pride in the intrepid navigator and of patriotism for the spjendid district wherein lie first set foot in New. Zealand".

While dealing with the subject of Cool;; Day, there is a phase ol the general question to which attention may perhaps be given. .There is a tendency in a certain 'quarter, which, to say. the least, was not very energetic in seeking success for the Memorial scheme to now sow, seeds of 'dissension, and to do it in an insidious way that by some may be mistaken for good intent rather than the outcome of a feeling that may better be described as petty. There is much pretence of haste in having the Memorial erected ; there is an indication that caution is not desired in that quarter of journalism The scheme was not even tardily advocated by them at the outset and now, when they know that success is assured, there is an attempt made to rush the Committee into precipitate action, heedless of the Tact that there is no urgency, and that there is probably much to gain by acting with discretion, instead of seeking to rush tilings through. The site subject is also seized upon and an attempt made to cause feeling on that point. There is undoubtedly a great deal in the arguments of Mr E. P. Joyce and the Mayor, and regarding tiie subject from a purely borough point of view, it would be nice to have a handsome statue ol dhe great navigator located iu the business centre of the town. But even if it were allowable to change the site, it would have to be borne in mind that the whole centre of attraction is not Peel street.; A good suggestion—though we doubt if it is really, meant by the journal making it—is that the Recreation Ground should be named Cook’s Gardens. A doubt as to the bona tides of this suggestion is the fact that: only a ■short time ago the Recreation Ground was condemned as a site for the band rotunda ; by a big majority the public rejected the journalistic advice in that matter.

The suggestions of gentlemen like the Mayor and Mr Joyce wc treat with the greatest of respect, and if the subject could be restricted to local considerations we could heartily agree with them. Bub the Committee have a solemn trust reposed in them, and they cannot depart from

the original understanding without a gross breach of faith with the people throughout the colony—a position we are sure that either Air Joyce or Mr Townley would lie the first to condemn. The Committee certainly are faced witli difficulties in regard to the park question, and in that respect they cannot look for assistance, apparently, from the journal that is seeking to sow seeds of discord.

There can he no doubt than an interesting controversy will yet ensue on the site question, and many good suggestions may he anticipated, but tlie main fact must all through lie borne in mind, that subscriptions have been received on certain conditions, and that any departure from those conditions will require the unanimous sanction of the subscribers.

There is certainly something more poetic about tile lonely grandeur of the commanding site of Kaiti Hill, overlooking the .White Cliffs and the Pacific Ocean, as compared with a pedestal in a dusty thoroughfare. It has been rightly, pointed out by Mr Joyce that certain. notable memorials have been put near the busy centres ; but in so placing them, no doubt there was no stipulation to consider as to site. It might as well be argued that the Memorial to Captain Cook should be placed on Laui'bton Guay as, say, in "Gladstone road or Peel street.

THE COLONY’S PROSPERITY. The splendid expansion in the revenue returns, as indicated in a statement made by, the Premier in the House of Representatives last night, must be very, gratifying to the people of the colony, A surplus amounting to as much as JCOOO, OOO is now predicted for next financial year by the Colonial Treasurer. It may of course he said that the increased revenue means that the people have 'been paying increased taxation ; that in a sense is true, hut it means that the volume of trade is greater, and there must he something to justify that. The opportunity is a splendid one for the Treasurer to seek to put the colony’s finances.on a sounder footing. The usual declaration is made that the expenditure is being kept within hounds ; but if the position is really as bright as it is made out to be, an effort can soon be made to curtail the system of borrowing year arter year. It is very hard to attempt a cessation in bad times, and it is best to make the attempt while fortune is smiting upon the colony, and then should the time of adversity arrive, the people Will he the better able to bear it. In any case the Colonial '1 reasurcr has our henriest congratulation on liis •being able to place such a satisfactory and cheering statement before the House, and we hope that the surplus will really he as big as he anticipates, and that it will be applied to genuinely reproductive purposes, such as the Gisborne-Motu railway.. „ IMPERIAL POLITICS.

The upheaval in Imperial politics grows more interesting day. by. day. The desertion of the Dalfour Cabinet by, the Duke of Devonshire came with dramatic effect. The manner of the resignation certainly shows that Mr Balfour was badly, in need of a clearance in favor of more trusty colleagues.; The evidence at present Is that the Duke entered into the Premier’s confidence, and by, acting the part of a sympathiser encouraged Mr Balfour to take the bold step from which a withdrawal is now hardly possible.; In other words the Duke apparently played the part of a political traitor of the worst kind. He held back when his political confederates made their dramatic desertion from the Cabinet, not then dreaming that Mr Chamberlain had been astute enough to spoil the plot, and then, after having, by .pretended friendship, gained the confidence. of the Prime Minister, the Duke becomes a deserter, and tries to justify his conduct. The dignified letter from Mr Balfour completely condemns the Duke. There is no question that his secession will be a blow to the Ministry ; hut it is the kind of blow, that may in the long run do them more good than harm. The position taken by some of the English papers does seem ridiculous. It would appear from them that it is impossible to obtain fitting men to fill the vacancies in the Cabinet. The selection made may not have the aristocratic flavor of a Cabinet to some extent dominated by a Duke but it is a capable administration of which the nation can well feel proud. The speech given by Mr Chamberlain as reported in our cables this morning, was a masterly one, and it is certain to greatly assist the cause into which lie has thrown all his energy and ability. The brief report of the speech will be read Wth a great deal of interest.

Sinclair’s busses will run special excursions to Wainui beach to-day. John F. Sheridan has arranged for a South African tour, commencing in Durban next August.East Cape reported yesterday : “ Fresh easterly wind, barometer 30 - 21, thermometer 54, gloomy, sea moderate.” The adjourned meeting of the Whataupoko Eoad Board will be held on Friday, the 9th instant, at 3 p.m.

During 'the month of September, there were two bankruptcies in Wellington, and 11 inquests were held. London reports : “ There is some delay on outward telegrams through interruptions caused by gales.” Mails which left Melbourne via Naples on September 2nd arrived in London on October the sth.

The Borough Council meet to-morrow evening to discuss the question of amalgamation, in view of the Commission to sit on Monday. Captain Edwin telegraphed yesterday : “ Strong easterly winds, glass fall, tides good, indications more rain, sea heavy outside.”

H. Hodge, chief steward of the Karamea, died from paralysis on September 24th, after the vessel left St. Helena, and was buried at sea.

We are pleased to announce the fact that Mr Sheridan brings a complete orchestra with him under the conductorship of Mr Weiertor. It is expected that the New Zealand Shipping Company’s s s. Wakanui will call at Gisborne about the middle of November to load wool for the London January sales.

Tho Matawhero stock sale will bo held to day. Messrs Williams and Kettle have some very large entries of cattle and sheep, and as there is a good demand for stock at the present time there should be keen competition.

At a meeting of the Gisborne Tent of Rechabites last evening, it was unanimously decided to give every assistance in order to make the United Friendly Societies’ picnic on Boxing Day a great success.

At a meeting of the MaDgatoretero (H. 8.) School Committee the other evening a letter was received from Mr S. H. M. Quigley, expressing pleasure at receiving a handsome silver-mounted walkingstick presented to him by the Chairman (Mr Ellison) on behalf of the school children.

Messrs W. Pettie and Co. announce that their new stock of summer goods Js now ready for inspection, every department being stocked with tho newest and most up-to-date goods. There is something attractive for everybody. Men’s and boy’s clothing is shown in great variety, whilst for tho ladies materials of tho very latest style and fashion are to be obtained. Messrs W. Pettie and Co. are also opening up heavy stocks of household drapery of all descriptions. Five per cent-, cash is allowed on all cash purchases,

Tenders are invited for extension to Taruheru Freezing Chambers. The Annual meeting of the Poverty Bay Bacing Club will beheld on Tuesday evening next.

A meeting of those favorable to amalgamation will be held in the Borough Council Chambers to-morrow afteraouu. A lurge attendance is requested. At the Thea'.ro Royal this evening a dance will be neld in aid of the Cook Memorial Fund. The price for doublo tickets has been fixed at live shillings.

Air R. I Jay lias announced his willingness to report on water and drainage for Gisborne for a fee of lth) guineas and expenses. The Cook Memorial railway excursion to-day promises to attract a large gathering. Trains leave Gisborne at 8.15,10.45, 1.15, and 45, returning from Kaitaratahi at 9.30, 12 noon, 3 p.m., and 5.80.

Mr C. A. DeLautour’s residence in Aberdeen road, with six acres of laud, is offered for salo by private treaty. The property is pleasantly situated on the Taruheru river, and possession can be obtained early in February. Cyclists are reminded that the Gisborne Cycling Club will hold their first run of the season to Kaitaratahi to-day (Cook's Day), when it is hoped there will be aguod muster. The Club is an acquisition to the district, and we hope that it will have success during the ensuing year. All cyclists are cordially invited.

A married woman named Laura Rahilly, residing in Young street, Fitzroy, Victoria, was lighting a

stove, and spilt the methylated spirits over herself and clothing. The latter caught fire, and as she screamed in a panic she drew the flames down her throat. She died in the hospital. At the Christchurch Theatre Royal on a recent evoning (says the Lyttelton Times) a man, who occupied one of the boxes, apparently became possessed of a sudden desire to reach the stage. He reached out to one of the side pillars, and managing, at the imminent risk of a fall, to get a hold, slid down to the stage, and disappeared into the wings. The reasou for such an act of tolly was not made public. The finest collection of oil paintings that we have had the pleasure of inspecting in this district is at present on view at the auction mart of Messrs Williams and Kettle, and are to bo sold by that firm in conjunction with Messrs Common, Shelton and Co., on Saturday morning. The pictures are from the brush of Mr T. R. Attwood, of Palmerston North, whoso artistic talent is widely known, some of his paintings having been deemed worthy of a place in the Royal Academy. Connoisseurs of art would do well to inspect the collection.

An endeavour is being made to establish a full military band in connection with the school cadet corps in Wellington. A meeting of ladies and gentlemen interested in the movement has been held. It was decided that, in order to raise the necessary amount (about £300) a “hobby exhibition ” and a poster competition should be held. The band consists of 32 instrumentalists, including 10 clarionets, and will be placed in charge of a musician who has passed|through Knellar Hall, in England. The Harbor Board yesterday on the motion of Mr Siovwright, seconded by Mr Hepburn, decided to accept the design of “ Moa ” (Mr T. Coulthard Mullions) for plans for the Board’s new offices. Mr Whinray raised the point as to whethor the fact that Mr Mullions had left the dis-

trict should not be considered in regard to the carrying out of the work, but members considered that that did not enter into the question ; the Board had offered a certain price for the design chosen, It was decided to write to Mr Mullions for specifications. At Messrs Williams and Kettle’s auction mart yesterday the following privileges in connection with the forthcoming Show and races were submitted to auction, Mr G. R. Wyllie conducting the sale : —Tho grandstand booth at the Show was passed in at £l7, and Mr J. H. Aislabie secured the outside booth for £53 10s. The right to take charge of horsos was disposed of to Mr W. Peryer for £l6 10s. The outside booth at the Turf Club’s meeting was passed in. Mr Aislabie obtained the grandstand booth at £37, and Mr Griffin the right to take charge of horses for £ll 15s

Even lawyers differ 1 The Hawke’s Bay Education Board’s solicitor is of opinion that Education Boards are primarily liable under the Workmen’s Compensation Act, and that School Committees were jointly and not severally liable. The opinion of a Dunedin solicitor, as ascertained by the Otago Education Board, was to the effect that members of a committee were individually liable under the Act. School Committees are wondering if it is not the safest plan to insure their employees from accidents.

According to the Napier Telegraph’s report of the Hawke’s Bay Education Board’s meeting on Tuesday, tho Board decided to inform tho Matawhero School Committee that the Committee must pay their own bank charge. In this connection the Board appear to have misinterpreted the letter forwarded to them, for we are informed that Matawhero’s request was solely asking tho Board to give its support to the Bill before Parliament allowing School Committees to deposit their funds in the P.O. Savings Bank, thus saving bank charges.

Farmers in the Windsor district, New South Wales, are in difficulties, as they now find that a great proportion of the seed potatoes planted are of such an inferior character as to be practically useless. This coming immediately after the drought losses will be hard to bear. It is expected that the efforts to acclimatise a foreign species of potato at the Hawkesbury Agricultural College will show good results.