THE GLOBE. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1881. THE TOWN CLERK EMBROGLIO. NEWS OF THE DAY

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2360, 26 October 1881, Page 3

THE GLOBE. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1881. THE TOWN CLERK EMBROGLIO.

NEWS OF THE DAY

No doubt the telegraphic correspondents, always on the alert for matter of importance, will long ere this have flashed to the expectant thousands elsewhere that the Town Clerk difficulty has been amicably settled. That gentleman, with a patriotism which does him credit, has, Cnrtius like, precipitated himself into the golf of a three month’s notice, and now stands on a level with his brother officers. What next steps will be taken remains to be seen. The Mayor has for some reason or other evolved from his own inner consciousness declared that the original resolution has lapsed. So far as we know the resolution still remains unrescinded on the books of the Council. Tt is true it has not been carried out; but this, we contend, was owing entirely and completely to the laches of the Mayor. His duty was plain and simple. He was directed by the Council to give the officials, including the Town Clerk, notice, and ho should have done so, leaving any ulterior proceedings to be taken by any one who felt inclined to do so. We do not propose now to reiterate the history of this melancholy exhibition, but we want to know, and the citizens also want to know, what is going to be done now. In view of the fact that the election of Councillor Hulbert was secured mainly on the ground that he had brought forward a motion having for its object the dismissal of the Town Clerk, and also that Councillor Lambert was re-elected for having supported it, wo should desire to ask, is it intended to act upon the opportunity now afforded by the Town Clerk and give him three months’ notice ? We have heard it said that the peaceful submission of the Town Clerk has not been without its conditions. In fact, that he has a guarantee of the retention of his office, for which ho agreed to extricate, as far as he could, the Council out of the muddle in which they were. It may be that there is no truth in the rumour—we hope and trust not; —if, however, it bo so, wo must protest against such a thing. The feeling of the public, and, to a largo extent, the majority of the members of the Council, is that a change is necessary. None have denied this, and the only difficulty experienced has been the barriers erected by the muddling of some of the members to whom had been committed the carrying into effect of the resolution. By the action of the Town Clerk this has been now removed, and we now call upon the members of the Council to carry out what is the will of tho ratepayers. The ground is clear before them now, and they therefore have no excuse for declining to take a plain and business like course. That course is to give the Town Clerk three months’ notice at once, and thus put an end to a state of things which has been anything but creditable to the City Council or Christchurch.

SAIRET GAMP IN A RAGE. The evening Sairey Gamp, of Gloucester street, last night came out with a perfect shriek of rage at a bogey put up by itself called insult to tho Governor. After a deal of fine frenzy and metaphorical tearing of hair over the “ bage condiok ” of Sarah’s hete noir, the Hall Ministry, we are told in incoherent sentences that it is the intention of theso miscreants to drive Sir Arthur Gordon from our shores. Why they should do so, or what good end will be served were it carried out, there is not one tittle of information suplied by the angry beldame of Gloucester street. Resembling nothing more than a vituperative fish wife standing in the centre of tho street bespattering all and sundry with abuse, our ancient friend pours forth tho vials of wrath on the devoted head of the Government. It matters not that there is no word of truth in tho statements made, or that tho idea of insult to tho Governor was merely a figment of Sairey’s prolific and dramatic grain. It is indeed to bo regretted that in view of probable hostilities in the North our faithful and matter-of-fact friend, who sways tho destinies of the dear old lady, cannot ho transferred to the front in company with his confrere and humble imitator, the now correspondent of the “ Lyttelton Times.” Then, indeed, might Jules Verne lay down his pen in despair, for such a combination would produce results which would astonish tho world. It is strange that one cannot differ in politics without resorting to such artifices as those contained in the article referred to. With the unthinking of course it will have duo effect, and no doubt in view of the struggle for political existence which the

Grey-cum-anyone party will endeavor to carry out in the general election, such truthful effusions will he useful. But the hollowness and utter sham of it cannot but be plain to any one who looks beneath the surface, and were it not likely to be mischievous in effect it would be beneath contempt.

Held Ovbh.—ln consequence of pressure on our space, the report of Mr J. Xi. Wilson’s meeting last night is unavoidably held over until our next issue. Blkotosai.,—MrH. Thomson, a candidate for Christchurch North, will address the electors at the Academy of Music this evening at eight o’clock. Banx op New Zbadand.—At the half-

yearly meeting of the Bank of New Zealand, hold at Auckland to-day, a dividend was declared at the rate of 15 per cent, per annum, and the sum of £24,000 carried forward. iNTBBCOtONIAL WeATHBB EXCHANGE^ — Tuesday evening,—There is a moderate depression over Bus’ Straits with light N.B. wind at Aobart, and S.E. at Portland. It is cloudy on the Bast Coast between Gabo and Sydney, but elto where the weather is fine. Barometer—Portland, 30.3 j Hobart, 30.1 : Sydney, 30.2, Leoal Examination.—Wo are informed

that Mr H. J. Eaphael, formerly articled clerk to Henry Slater, Esq., of this city, barrister and solicitor, has successfully (passed his final legal examination.

Annivbbsabv Enteetainment.—A concert in connection with the anniversary of the Court Thistle of the Forest, No. 6494, A.0.F., took place last evening in the Waltham Oddfellows’ Hall. The room was well filled. The programme was full of variety, including sentimental and comic songs, banjo comicalities, recitations, duets, ventriloquism, <tc., and concluded with a farce by the Sydenham Minstrels, entitled “The Ooalhoaver’s Revenge,” which created roars of laughter. A dance followed the entertainment, which was kept up till an early hour. Voiuktbhbino. The services of the Christ’s College Cadet Bide Volunteers has been accepted by the Government. Tempebance Lecture. —On Monday evening Mr J. W. Jago delivered a lecture on the temperance question in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Kaiapoi. There was a fair attendance, and the Mayor, Mr Blackwell, occupied the chair. Nobthbbn A. and P. Association.— The sale of privileges for this show on Monday resulted in the following prices being obtained : Publicans’ booth, J. Roberts, £lB ; confectioners’, J. Marlow, £8 ; catalogues, W. Hobbs, £l3 10i; yards, £8 12s 6d. The offer of the Rangiora Brass Band to play during the day for £lO was accepted. The entries for this show closed yesterday, Ashbueton Industrial Association,— At a meeting held on Monday evening the chair was occupied by Mr Hugo Friedlander. The object of the meeting was to consider the propriety of establishing a cheese and butter factory in Ashburton, which it was agreed might bo established on the American principle, with advantage to both farmers and consumers.

Ann bulky.—A complimentary dinner and presentation are to be given to Mr L. O. Williams at tho Crown Hotel, Amberloy, tonight. Mr Williams, during his long residence in the district, extending over some thirteen years, has acted in many public capacities, and it is expected that there will be a very large attendance. The number of vacancies in honorary appointments recently held by tho gentleman referred to is stated to be without precedent in the district. Woekino Men's Club. —A special general meeting of the members of the above club was held last evening. The business was the consideration of the balance-sheet and statement of assets and liabilities. After considerable discussion, the balance-sheet was received, and its adoption negatived, but it was ultimately ordered to be posted in the club rcom prior to its being printed. This was all the business. Danqekb at the Ashley Riyeb.—On the north bank, at Flynn’s Ford, there exists a dangerous pit, into which on Tuesday even - ing week Mr A; Tates’ horse Baronet on the way home from Rangiora suddenly slipped. It required the aid of a great number of men to dig the stallion out of the shifting shingle and it was with great difficulty rescued from this pitfall. As the place alluded to is near tho track, travellers ought to be careful to avoid it.

Aquatic.—The opening of tho boating season of 1881 will take nlaco on Saturday next at 2.30 p.m. The programme includes the usual procession of boats, followed by scratch races. There will also bo a novelty in the shape of a water steeplechase, the competitors having to cross several obstructions and dive under others in tho course of a swimming race. The managing committee have arranged for the services of a band on the occasion, and, should tho weather prove fine, there will no doubt be a large attendance of visitors. All * the shipping companies have agreed to lend their flags for the occasion, and we expect to see tho river banks alive with boating men, the remaining mornings of the week, busily engaged in fixing the flagpoles and making other necessary preparations. The boat sheds and staging of the U.R.O. are now complete, and those of the 0.R.0. nearly so. Tho T.R O. have erected a platform, which is rather steep owing to the position of their sheds, and probably will be shifted next season. Altogether, a successful opening ceremony may be looked for this season.

Coax in ibe Bixbbmbeh Distexot.— Coal has been discovered on the farm of Mr W. J. 0. Bluett, of Leeston, but whether in payable quantities it is at present impossible to say. It appears that while in tho act of sinking an artesian well, after arriving at a depth of 75 feet, it was impossible to get lower on account of the pipe bending, and Mr Grant, of Christchurch, put down a charge of dynamite and exploded it. After a flow was obtained, and whilst clearing the piping, amongst the dirt brought up were some lumps of coal, which looks equal to Newcastle. Mr Bluett is at present trying to borrow a diamond drill to test whether it is in payable quantities or not. Magisteatb’s Covet, Ranqioba. —At this Court on Tuesday, before O. Whitefoord, Esq., E.M., A. H. Cunningham and H. Blackett, Eaqs., a license to slaughter cattle was granted to G. Cone. In the adjourned case of E. W. Bernays v W. Cook, a claim for damages for illegal distraint, Mr Clark appeared for plaintiff. Evidence given showed that the defendant, who had distrained for rent had done so after the bouse property had passed out of his hands, though he still held the ownership of certain chattels for which distraint was made in error. The Bench gave judgment for plaintiff for the damage by trespass of £2 and costs. W. Harris v S. Prestney, £6 7s, set-off £7 8s 6d ; judgment for defendant. An extension of license was granted to J. Roberts, Junction Hotel, for a booth on the agricultural show ground.

Lkctubb.—A lecture was delivered last evening at the Oddfellows’ Hall by tho Rev. M. W. Green, under tho auspices of the British Irael Association here. The chair was occupied by the Rev. H. 0. M. Watson, who explained that he had been asked to do so in tho absence of his Worship the Mayor. He himself was a sceptic on the particular theory advancsd by Mr Green, but he had consented to take tho chair from a knowledge of Mr Green elsewhere. After prayer had been offered by Mr Green, the lecturer commenced to deal with his subject, which was “the British Nation and the Lost Ten Tribes.’’ The lecturer handled his subject in a very masterly manner, and delivered a moat eloquent lecture. At the close several questions were asked by the Rev. Mr Smalley, and replied to by Mr Green. A second lecture will bo delivered by the same gentleman tomorrow evening.

EllßailEEK A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.— The entries for the annual show, to beheld on Tuesday, November Ist, closed on Saturday evening, and showed a considerable increase on any previous year. Fine weather is now all that is wanted to make the show a success, the quality of stock entered being extremely good. The number of entries for the years 1880 and 1881 respectively are as follow Sheep, 60, 95 ; cattle, 59, 89 ; horses, 116,96; pigs, 12, 15 j implements, 58, 68 ; produce, 47, 69; poultry, 9,19 5 grain, 19, 29 j dogs, 6, 1 ; ■ special, 3,0; 389,471. T. McDonald’s Consultation on Handicap and Cup will be drawn on Monday, 31st. Filling up rapidly. Fee 10s. T, McDonald, Lyttelton.—[Awx]

_ A Lmislatob’s Mistakb.—Dr. Wallis, In hia recent speech at Auckland, perpetrated on umniitakeable bull. He bad been explaining that by birth and training be was a democrat, and that all his sympathies were with the working classes, from which he had sprung, and among which he had himself lived and toiled. “ I was born in a democratic country,” ho exclaimed ; “my father was a laboring man, and my mother was the same,” The roars of his audience discovered his mistake to the legislator. Taxation in the Colonies. —lt may interest many who are concerning themselves in political matters just now to know the precise proportion of taxation, and of the public debt of occh of the Australian colonies per head of population. According to statistical returns for 1880 the following are the figures, the first amount in each instance representing annual taxation, and the second public debt:—Victoria, £1 19s 7id —£25 16s 9d ; New South Wales, £1 17a 9d—£l9 I7s OJd ; Queensland, £2 15s OJd —£55 17« 8;,-d ; South Australia, £1 17s —£31 9s 4Jd;Western Australia, £3 6a 3Jd —£11 12a lOJd; Tasmania, £2 12a 7Jd —£16 15a lljd ; Now Zealand, £3 17s 6d—£s6 10s Oid. The total Australian average is—Taxation per head, £2 4s 2d ; public debt per head, £32 2s 6Jd.