The Globe. WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 1879.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1626, 7 May 1879, Page 2

The Globe. WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 1879.

It is to be regretted that there should bo noticeable in tho proceedings of the local committee of the Sydney Exhibition a lukewarmness which does not prevail elsewhere. If they wore to follow the example of Dunedin, and present to his Excellency, as the chairman of the Central Commission,. a statement of their labours, tho record would be but small in comparison with that of committees in other centres of population. Why this should be so, it is difficult to say, but the fact remains that two or three meetings have already lapsed for want of a quorum, and that, generally, there appears to be a total lack of zeal and energy in the operations of the committee. The project of combining all tho products of tho provincial districts of the colony into one court is one which requires that tho various centres should contribute the distinctive products of thoir respective districts. As a grain growing district wo shall be expected to contribute samples of cereals. The various local industries which have grown up here will require representation and last, but by no means least, so will our mineral resources. But if our proper representation depends solely on tho sending out of a few circulars, which are probably thrown aside with only a cursory glance, then indeed tho contribution of Canterbury to the New Zealand Court will be but small. As we have before suggested, a portion of tho money at tho disposal of the local committee might advantageously be expended in the engagement of a zealous and pushing canvasser for a week or two, to go round amongst probable exhibitors. The Government would doubtless, on application, allow such an agent to travel free on the railway lines, which would reduce the cost to a minimum. The members of tho committee themselves cannot sparo tho time necessary to do this, nor is it to be expected of them, but we certainly should like to see a little more enthusiasm than has been displayed up to the present time by those who have undertaken this important work.

Some time ago we urged the necessity which existed for inflicting a heavier fine than the regulation five shillings on persons who were regular attendants at the Police Court for allowing their cows and horses to wander at largo. Week after week the same names appeared with unfailing regularity, until one was almost forced to tho conclusion that the delinquents regarded the payment of this five shillings somewhat in the light of commonage, entitling them to turn their animals loose amongst the gardens of their neighbors. So long as tho penalties were not cumulative so long did it appear likely that no steps would be taken by the owners of these wandenng beasts to keep them at homo. The injustice and annoyance to those in the immediate vicinity of aiimals possessing vagrant propensities is patent, and we were at a loss to understand why the Resident Magistrate could iut see his way clearly to inflict cumulativf penalties on those appearing before bin for tho fourth, fifth, and even sixth time. To pay an occasional five shilliigs was to those constant offenders a positive gain. They absolutely saved noney hy the operation, hut at the expense of their unfortunate neighbours. II is, therefore, with some satisfaction tha; we understand that a different practice will prevail in future. Mr. Inspector Hickson, having brought under tho notice of Mr. Mellish, tho hardships inflicbd upon persons possessing gardens, &c, by the destruction of their fences and property generally, it is probable thao old offenders on making their usual appearance, will find that the customary five shilling penalty, which they have paid so often, will be somewhat increased. It is to be hoped that this salutary and much-needed stop will have the effect of chocking tho practice alluded to. Horses and cattle are very useful things in their way, and there is a fine patriarchal feeling in possessing them, but, when they are turned out into the public streets and on to neighboring gardens to pick up a living, the public can hardly he expected to sympathize with tho owners.

The Ashburton people are agitating for a Resident Magistrate to ho stationed there instead of having one at Tomuka paying them flying visits. So keenly do they feel on the matter that a petition was presented to the Governor at Tinwald on Saturday last, It certainly does seem anomalous that an important and rising district such as Ashburton should bo loft without a Magistrate resident therein, whilst Tomuka, within twelve miles of Timaru, and therefore easily accessible from thence, is fixed as tho seat of tho magistracy of the district. For some time past the interests of Ashburton have had to suffer from the fact that tho Magistrate has had frequently to leave cases unfinished in order that ho might catch the train to return to Temuka. Suitors have had in these cases to travel long distances twice over, and to suffer weary delays before thoir

claims have been adjudicated upon. Why 1 this should bo so it is impossible to understand. The business of the Court at Ashburton is rapidly increasing, and the growing importance of the township itself demands that some change shall bo made in the present system, either by the fixing of the residence of the Magistrate of the district at Ashburton or by some other method which will put a stop to the delays which now take place in the administration of justice there.