The Globe. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1877.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 1036, 20 October 1877, Page 2

The Globe. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1877.

Most of our readers are tolerably well acquainted with the usual and wellknown results of protection. If, however, the deductions of a writer in the Melbourne Ho view are correct, the consequences of such a fiscal policy are not confined to restricted commerce, and increased cost of living. Che writer to whom we refer has made m elaborate analysis of the official statistics bearing upon matrimony in that colony, and has ascertained the

alarming facttbat there are over 93 000 bachelors and nearly 80,000 spinsters of a marriageable age in Victoria. Nay more, whereas 100 girls on an average marry in the other Australian colonies only 71 do so there. Even compared with England, the rate is lower in the proportion of 8.5 to 0 in every thousand. The writer further asserts that the marriage rate has been steadily declining until “ in 1572, the year following the large increase of protective duties, the immigrants who remained in the country were under 2000, and the marriages nearly 1000 below the normal average for the year.” We cannot help thinking that with such a telling argument in their possession, the Freetraders of Victoria have not been doing their duty. Only let it be clearly understood that the return to free trade will result in so many thousand additional marriages annually, and we feel sure that the whole female population of Victoria will not rest till Mr. Berry and his friends are driven ignominiously from office. We are certain that the friends of free trade in this colony, when the time arrives for discussing the question, will not forget so telling an argument.

Tin: City of Wellington, and the Christclmrcli district, are, it seems, much in the same position with regard to the drainage question. Both are enjoying the luxury of paying handsomely for engineering advice, and both have yet to witness the initiation of drainage works, A scheme, submitted by Mr. Climie, has been before the Wellington Council for a considerable time, and, after much discussion, it was finally resolved to submit the scheme to Mr. Bell, the Engineer of our Drainage Board, and upon his report will depend the adoption or rejection of Mr. Climie’s plan. Mr. Bell was accordingly sent for, and it was hoped that he would be able to settle the question without delay, but, according to the New Zealand Times , he has come back to Christchurch without being able to ascertain very much about the scheme, owing to the absence of sections and plans. Our contemporary is anxious to know what the ratepayers of Wellington have got for the money they are paying for engineering skill, hinting that those plans and sections should have been readylong ago, and grumbling because Mr.Climie has been engaged for some months at a salary of £BOO per annum, without being able to complete them; Wellington people have not iiad a Drainage Board to deal with, or they would have learnt long ago to look upon such trifles as the payment of large salaries without reaping corresponding results, with the utmost composure.

Wk desire once more to remind our readers that a special collection is announced in most of the churches tomorrow on behalf of the sufferers by thn Indian famine. We hope the liberality which will be shown on the occasion will be such as to do credit to the Christianity of our Churches, and that the usual threepenny standard of contribution will not obtain on this occasion.

[SPECIAL TO THE DUNEDIN “STAR.”] The Fenge Murderers Reprieved. The French Elections. London, October. 11. The Pcngo murderers were reprieved at the last moment. Great interest was taken in then' case, and numerous petitions presented. Inverary Castle has been partially destroyed by tire. The Hungarian raid on the Jassy railway proves to be a canard. The Paris electors have returned Republicans. Great excitement prevails. AUSTRALIAN NEWS. Melbourne. Woodlands and Artful Joe are favorites for the Melbourne Cup. Serious apprehensions prevail of the Chinese at Cooktowu. Merchants are returning. INTERPRO YIN CIAL. Dunedin, October 20. About £7OO will be subscribed in Dunedin in aid of the Indian Famine Relief Fund. A conversazione took place last night to celebrate the formal opening of the Dunedin Athenamm. The exhibits were of an interesting description, and the attendance was lavge - . James Barclay, manager of the Great Extended Company’s claim, Blue Spur, was killed yesterday morning by a large piece of cement falling on him, while passing through the drive. Mr Hay, the engineer, had a narrow escape at the same time. Wellington, October 20. The City of Now York sailed yesterday at 4 p.m. from Sydney for Auckland. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] The Political Situation. Wellington, October 20. The quietness in the House is the calm that precedes the storm. The Opposition are waiting for the financial statement to bring forward a vote of “No confidence.” Many members are complaining at the delay, wishing it done at once, Tuesday or Wednesday will probably see the fight begin. Some Government supporters have been circulating a report that they will talk for months, knowing that the Canterbury members cannot stay much longer, but they forget that they cannot talk against time without supplies, which will be required again in a few weeks. PARLIAMENTARY. Last Night’s Proceedings. Wellington, October 20. On resuming at 7.30, the Ponsonby Highway Bill was read a third time and passed. In committee on the Manawatu Land Orders Bill, the compensation was reduced from 200 to 100 per cent. The Bill was read a third time and passed. The Slaughterhouses Bill was considered in committee, and several minor amendments made. The Bill then passed. The Wakapuaka Telegraph Site Bill, the Law Society Act Amendment Bill, the Wellington Loans Consolidation Bill, and the Auckland Provincial Council Library Bill passed. The Auckland City Endowments Reserve Bill was read a second time. The House adjourned at 9.40 p.m.