THE GLOBE. TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 1882. THE ORPHANAGE AND INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2613, 22 August 1882, Page 2

THE GLOBE. TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 1882. THE ORPHANAGE AND INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL.

That very frequently indeed the country at large has to provide for orphan children and the children of tho destitne must he self-evident. With regard also to the children of criminals, or criminal children themselves, it is clear that they have often to be clothed and fed at the public expense. But there is a limit to the benevolence of tho public in these directions, and when the State is called upon to pay for the support of children who are connected with persons who are wall able to pay themselves, that limit has been exceeded.

That the State is Being imposed upon in the manner suggested at both of the above-named institutions is very capable of proof. Many persons, whose duty it is to contribute to the support of children there/fand who are far better able to supply money than many parents who have large families to bring np, do not give a- sixpence, and have not given a sixpence, for yearajpast. For instance, it is perfectly safe to say that there are hundreds of pounds due to the Orphanage alone on this account. With respect to the Bnrnham School, it is true that the police do now and then make an. effort, and with some success, to sheet home the liabilities accrued in respect of children there to the persons legally responsible. But even with regard to this school, is all dona that might bo ? With respect to the Orphanage there is no question at all about the matter. If anybody has any doubts on this subject let him study the largo amount of arrears due to the institution. Why are not the persons legally liable compelled to bear their fair burdens, and why do the public consent to relieve these defaulters ? The abuse has reached such proportions that it is monstrous to suppose that it can be tolerated much longer. A mere official inspection of the inmates of these institutions is not what is wanted, but a searching inquiry into the particular abuse to which we have called attention. TAWHAINGA’S MISSION TO ENGLAND.

It will be remembered that between three and four months ago that eangnine Native, Mr. Sydney Taiwhanga the same gentleman who on one occasion declared that he was willing to die for Sir George Grey—set off for England, accompanied by two other Natives, one of whom is the son of the celebrated Hongi. His intention was to protest against the carrying out of the Treaty of Waitangi, and he took with him a petition to the Qaeen, and also a number of presents for her Majesty, such as baskets of native manufacture, curiously dyed. The expenses of the mission were to he defrayed by “ the grandchildren of Parore’s grandfather,” and were calculated to amount to £3OO. Mr. Taiwhanga was to invoke the aid of the Aborigines Protection Society and the Church and Missionary Societies; and ho farther declared his intention of not appealing to the sympathies of the extreme Radical section of Parliament, bat to the moderate Libera's, as being the most influential and sound on the Native question. At the time of Mr. Taiwhanga’s departure we expressed an opinion that there might be heavy weather in front of him, and that, if he imagined that he could alter the general system by which the colonies with representative Governments are looked upon to manage their own Native affairs, he must be very hopeful indeed. We also drew attention to the small smonnt of money at his command, and ventured to suggest that £3OO for the travelling expenses of three plenipotentiaries and their residence in England—not to mention the “ tips ” to the servants at Windsor Castle —would be found to bo rather a short allowance. By latest accounts from England, we And that onr prognostications are completely verified. A Home letter to a Northern contemporary describes the position of Mr. Taiwhanga and his friends at the time the commnnication was made. They were then stopping at a hotel extremely “ hard up ” : so much sc, indeed, that the landlord was seriously debating the advisability of turning them out into the streets. The money of the grandchildren of Parore’s grandfather had been entirely expanded, and it was abovo everything necessary to raise the wind. To this end the plenipotentaries were thinking of selling the presents they had brought for the Queen, which shows that they had not, up to that date, managed to present these tokens of allegiance and affection. And then there was another project in hand. They were open to an engagement at the Westminister Aqnarinm, but, unfortunately, the proprietors of that establishment had stated that the “ Native business was played out. Cetewayo’s wives has nsed np all the superfluous curiosity in this direction, and neither Hongi’s son or the versatile Taiwhanga himself would have had the slightest chance of drawing, even if the latter had lectured in his native tongue on the wrongs of his countrymen. What the societies and the moderate section of the Liberal Party were about to let these unfortunate individuals coma to such a pass does not appear. Exeter Hall had apparently not taken them np to any practical purpose, and Taiwhanga must have been feeling much as a stray kitten would in Regent street—rather out of it. News by cable has been received that he has started on his return journey, so the funds were raised somehow to release him from the grasp of his landlord, but he will return a sadder if a wiser man, without apparently ever having seen the Queen, and without having created any splash at aIL Over what the grandchildren of Parore’a grandfather will think of the result of the mission it would be perhaps wise that a veil should be drawn. There are certain emotions which should not ha dragged before the public.