The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. SATURDAY, MAY 11, 1907.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2077, 11 May 1907, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. SATURDAY, MAY 11, 1907.

It is difficult to understand tlio attitude of tlie British Government as expressed through their representative, Mr. AVi list on Churchill, on the question of preference, or ivliat is more correctly described as an Imperial Zolverein, and the resolution tabled by Lord Elgin (which, by the way, did not meet with the approval of the Premiers) adds color to the assumption that the British Cabinet as a whole is in a quandary as to how tho question should bo treated. Mr. 'Churchill seems to think that the adoption of any plan of colonial preference must moan increased prices on staple products to the British consumer, and Lord Elgin’s evasive motion appears to have been framed with the direct view of throwing any responsibility for such a result upon tho shoulders of tho respective colonios that may urge its claims to jiroforenco singlelianded. It was a diplomatic move of tho first water, to relieve tho British Cabinet of any responsibility in the matter, and also to destroy tho unanimity of all the colonial possessions represented at the Conference in regard to tho question. But it has not succeeded, and tho Imperial Cabinet is still in its di/lemma. In tho face of Lord Elgin's declaration that “ho saw no way of giving effect to tho preferential solution of 1002 by any alteration of tho fiscal system of the United Kingdom,” that resolution was reaffirmed on the motion of Sir Wilfrid Laurior, subject to his Lordship’s reservation, so the jiosition cannot bo said to have advanced one stop beyond showing tho determination of the colonies to stand together and force tfie acceptance of some plan of preference within tho Empire. Canada appears to bo particularly determined to force the hands of the Homo authorities, and its right to do so cannot ho questioned, seeing that Canada has granted preference to British goods for many years without receiving a quid pro quo. It is little wonder then that Sir AVilfrid- decided to force the acceptance of his resolution in tho face of Mr. Churchill’s protests and Lord Elgin’s reservations. Indeed, this question alone formed the main object of Canada’s representation at tho present Conference, and the nugatory attitude of the British repreflentatives towards it does not tend to improve Imperial relations with tilio colonies as a whole, and with Canada in particular. A cursory view of the matter fails to reveal any tangible reason why some scheme cannot be devised whereby the ties of Empire may be strengthened by some reciprocal arrangement between the Motherland and the colonies, particularly in view of the example set by Germany and the Prussian States, where an Imperial Zolverein has existed to their distinct advantage for three-quarters of a century. No foreign Powers objected to that, and it is very questionable indeed whether any foreign Powers had the /light to object if they had a mind to; nor can wo discover any reason why any foreign Power could interfere with these internal Imperial matters in the present instance. It may be argued, of course, but without much show of reason, that some foreign Power might interfere now, on the plea that the proposals affect treaty obligations; but if such a treaty exists that could be stretched across an amicable arrangement between Great Britain and her colonies, it is a stupid one, indeed, and ought to be consigned to tho flames, even to the flames of-war, rather than that it should be allowed to retard the perfect cohesion of tho British (r|ice; that is, of course, if such a stop could bo taken without leaving a.stain upon the Imperial escutcheon. It is unlikely, however, that such a treaty does exist, and tho main objections on the part of the CampbellBannerman Cabinet appear to bo founded upon pure expediency. "Without tho details of supplies received in England from America, Siberia, Holland, and other countries that arc the foreign sources of staple supplies, it is impossible to say how far AJie question would affect the British consumer in regard to prices; but the principle involved is an important one, so important indeed that the British people ought not. and probably would not, hesitate to go even tho length of making sacrifices in order that the principle minno tbe disregarded. The principle u this, that in times of peace the foreigner has the same rights and privileges in tho matter of commerce that any British subject has, and in times of war he may use all bis advantages towards the disintegration of the Empire, whereas the colonial who is compelled to compete with him to the disadvantage of tho colonial, is expected, nay ought, to enter the ranks of her defences, even though it costs him his existence. The position is at present neither an encouraging nor a fair one for the colonial, and the sooner the British Cabinet find a way of granting the request of the colonies, so solidly and emphatically expressed, the better will it be for the solidarity of the Empire as a whole

In another column the Public Works Department calls for tenders for alterations and additions to the privato letter boxes at the Gisborne Post Ollice.

Tlio Wellington City Council propose to oroct salt water baths near Ivilbirnio and Island Bay, and are seeking an estimate of cost. In another column will bo iound an | advertisement from Mr. W. oo( , who has started a “Palace ol Amusement” in Pottio’s Auction Mart. All the latest American novelty amusements, and a large number ol ponny-in-tlio-slot machines are kept. A largo number of applications for seats for “The Fatal Wedding and “The Midnight Wedding” have been received by tlio management 10m various parts of tlio district. The Marino Department intends appointing three survivors shortly in connection with the marine survey of the colony to assist Captain Sinclan, lt.N.

Owiug to the unusual growth of grass for this time of the year, the cheese factories in "the Carterton c istrict expect to keep open three weeks longer than usual, the supply of nuU being further in advance than that for tlie same period last year.

At a recent “song-title party,” given in Foxton, the prize lor the most original title was won y a lady, who, to illustrate the song she selected, “Pilgrims of tlio Night, oxhibited tlirco fleas impaled on a pin.

It is stated that a number of New Zealand ollicers who served in tlio Boer war have not yet received a the pay to which they are entitled. The Defence Department is to ho urged once more to settle the claims.

Mr. Tom Pollard intends organising another juvenile opera company on the lines of this former popular organisation. He will shortly visit Australia in search of talent, and no doubt liis efforts will result in the training of many future theatrical favorites.

The estimated population of the colonv on Murcli 31st last, excluding Maoris and inhabitants of the Pacific Islands, is 913,873, of whom 484,516 are males and 429,357 females. Including natives the total population is estimated at 973,944.

At the Police Court, yesterday morning, before Mr. W. A. Barton, S.M., Charles Adams pleaded guilty to a third offence of drunkenness during tlio last six months. A fine £2, with 2s costs, in default 7 days’ hard labor, was inflicted, and a prohibition order was issued against him.

The Salvation Army arc applying for fifty' recruit's. For conditions readers are asked to apply at the Barracks to-morrow at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. or 7 p.m. A hearty welcome is extended to all. Adjutant Dickens will ho pleased to welcome to the meeting those who go nowhere. The male choir will sing a special item at the evening service.

An Order-in-Council is published in this week’s Gazette revoking the former charges for the hire of telephones, and substituting an annual charge of £7 for business places, and £5 for private residences at exchanges continuously' open. Where exchanges are not continuously open the charge will be £5. While a well-loaded dray was proceeding to the New Zealand Company’s wool shed, via Peel street, about half-past one o’clock yesterday afternoon, the right • side wheels became bogged in t'lie waterworks trenches at the Childers road crossing, with the result that about 30 sac’ks of oats were precipitated to the ground. Eleven horses were required to extricate the dray, which was deeply embedded in the loose sand.

Sergeant Hadrell, of New Plymouth, conducting a ase against a prohibition order drunk, was watching a half-bottle of beer alleged to have been taken from tlie drunken man’s pocket. Counsel were seated in considerable force at tlie same table. Eyeing the legal profession for a few moments, the wary policeman, without a word of explanation, moved the bottle to the other side of the table. And several people smiled as if they knew why.

At the annual meeting of the Canterbury College Board of Governors the ex-chairman stated that the total area of the endowments held by Die Board for its various departments was 217,707 acres; producing an annual rental of £14,396. Of that the college proper held 107,389 acres, witli a revenue of £7954. The other revenues were: Girls’ High School, 2578 acres, £2BB rental; Boys’ High School, 8952 acres, £3616 rental; Medical School, 5000 acres, £436 rental ; Museum, Library, and School of Technical Science, 93,787 acres, £2IOO rental. Out of a total rovenue of £26,000, only £6892 was represented bv fees.

As bearing upon tlio blackberry post, an experiment conducted, by one of tlio stock inspectors is now being watched with interest in New Zealand. An area of about 30 acres of lmsli land, abutting on the ■Belarus river, in the vicinity of tlie Pelorus bridge, has been securely fenced, and 40 common goats lmve been placed in the enclosure. The' blackberry pest lias a particularly strong hold inside the fenced in area, and on the adjacent roadside, but already the ravages of the goats are visible in all directions. They are very partial to the young shoots and leaves of the blackberry, and it seems certain that they will solve the problem of keeping the pest in check.

The far-reaching effects of a supplier’s liability were shown in an undefended case before Dr. McArthur, S.M., at Wellington on April 30tli. The plaintiffs were George Thomas and Go., auctioneers, Wellington, and the defendant John Thomas Griffin, of Picton, the claim being for £45. It seemed that defendant contracted to supply plaintiffs with a large quantity of chaff by March 31. A certain amount was delivered up to time, but the balance was not forthcoming. Three weeks before tlie date in question the market price of chaff advanced 20s per ton, and plaintiffs now claim for £1 per ton damages on every ton of chaff not delivered. Judgment was for plaintiffs, represented by Mr Quick, for £45, with £4 2s 6d costs.

The old-fashioned method of drenching horses through the nostrils is still affected by some ignorant persons. A case was mentioned at a meeting of the Wellington Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, in which (says the Post) it was alleged that a horse had been taken ill and had been drenched by an amateur as above. The lining of the horse’s nose, throat, and lungs was severely scorched. As a result of the operation, the horse broke »a blood vessel, and, although eventually treated by a veterinary surgeon, it died within two hours of the drenching. According to the inspector, the animal, which was a borrowed one, was poorly fed. Further inquiries are being made into the case by the society.

“Forewarned, forearmed,"’ remarKcd the sage, And now when winter’s bleak winds rage, Forearmed is he and well armed, too, v AYlio holds a safeguard ’gainst the crew Of ills that come upon the wind, And that safeguard you’ll always find In medicine that’s safe and sure, The trusty Woods’ Great Peppermint Cure.

A Horsham shoemaker, who is 68 years old,.claims to ho able to sing from memory 418 new and old English, Scotch, Irish, and Welsh melodies, ballads, and operas. It is probable (says, an exchange) that a world’s championship and two Now Zealand championships, for ja wing and chopping, will bo decided at Ekotaliuna next year. Tlioro wore two bankruptcies in j the Wanganui district during the I past month, against one for April, | 1906. During the first four months tlioro have been four bankruptcies recorded in Wanganui. A curious “find” came up in tlie .trawl of the Napier one day recently. When drawing in tlie net fourteen miles north of the Heads the crew observed a case of some sort was amongst tlio fish. On being opened it was found to contain a dozen bottles of absinthe, valued at between £5 and £6. Having no French tastes worth mentioning, and jierhaps a little dejected that it was not whisky, the ship’s company of the Napier gloomily passed it on to the owner, Mr. Sullivan, who in turn sent it on to the Customs. Although the case was on the sea floor when found ,it is surmised that it must have drifted some fifty miles from the wreck of the Marguerite Miraband at Akatore—a rather wonderful drift for sueli a non-buoyant pioce of goods. Few parts of railway i oiling stock suffer more from wear and tear than truck doors. A door of an “L a”

iron truck weighs about 1601 b, and comes down with a pretty fair crash when opened at a siding, and when it lias to be put up again two men are needed. This matter is, tlio Dunedin Star understands, under consideration by tlio Department, which is trying a patent door devised by a Dunedin firm. It has now been on trial about three months, and has another tlnee months’ trial to run. It lias an ingenious spring arrangement which makes its-fall quite a gentle one, and also renders it easy for a man to lock up the truck again with ease. There are otlior “points” about the patent, hut the above are the main ones.