THE HAWKE'S BAY TIMES. Nullius addictus jurare in verba magistri. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1874.

Hawke's Bay Times, Issue 1607, 1 September 1874, Page 342

THE HAWKE'S BAY TIMES. Nullius addictus jurare in verba magistri. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1874.

Again we are able from the contents of English papers to report the progress of the Government Intoxicating Liquors Bill in the British Parliament, our last report having left the-Bill, having passed its second reading, on the point of going into committee, where a host of amendments, filling many pages of the Order Paper, were to be attempted on it. Its committal was made the first order of the day for Thursday, 4th June, when nearly a thousand petitions were presented against the retrogressive clauses of the Bill, praying for further restrictions and a veto power for the people. Some of the intended amendments were unnecessary by the timely abandonment by the Government of the extension of time clauses for the provinces, and by its decision to place beer-houses and spirit-shops upon the same footing. These intentions were announced by Mr Cross on proposing the motion for going into committee. As might be expected, the House was crowded, and all the interest attendant upon a great event manifested. The discussions in committee occupied three nights, and resulted in the abandonment of two clauses and the addition of five new ones, but many of the proposed amendments were left over for debate in the House on the motion for the adoption of the committee's report. As these remaining amendments (occupying eight pages of the Order Paper) were of an important character, some of them completely altering the nature of the Bill, an attempt was made to have it recommitted, so that they might be discussed under the greater freedom of the House in committee than in regular session, but this was successfully resisted by the Government. The debate on the question of the committee's report commenced on Tuesday, 16th June, was continued on Thursday, 18th, and Friday, 19th, during which most of the proposed amendments were discussed, important modifications made in the Bill, and its third reading fixed for Monday, 22nd. On the question of the third reading being proposed on the latter date, Sir Wilfrid Lawson, in a very able speech, moved the rejection of the Bill, not of course with the expectation of being able to carry his amendment, but with a view of placing a full statement of the position of the question before the House. It will be readily understood that some such statement was essential, as the minds of members must have become somewhat bewildered by the prolonged series of debates, abandonments of principles by the Government, amendments and counter-amendments, that had been made, and it is from this speech we can best gather the result of the ordeal which the Bill had passed through. As it was brought before the House, it waslessentially a measure of retrogression, in that it proposed to undo the best provisions of the existing law which was proved to be working well and satisfactorily. It likewise was opposed by an overwhelming and almost unanimous public opinion, so that the Government itself found it best to retreat from its assumed position. It was greatly modified and much improved in passing through committee, so that on apiain being brought before the House it had become an essentially different measure from that proposed by the Government; but on the discus- ' sion that followed on the report it resumed most of its old character, and finally emerged just as bad as it was on being first introduced. Its effect, if passed, will be to open 8,000 drinkinghouses in and around the Metropolis half-an-hour longer than at present each night, viz., to half-past 12 o'clock —houses within the four-mile circle round London, that for thirty years past have been compelled to close at 12. In the fifteen-mile outer circle (police district), it opens them"an hour ! longer than before, or from 10 to 11 o'clock. In many large towns, as Liverpool, Hull, &c. —towns containing upwards of 4,000 houses, which at present, by Magisterial decision, are kept closed till 7 a.m.—the new Act will give an extra hour in the morning by causing them to open at six, in opposition to all concerned, especially the hon. members representing those towns. As to the closing hours, Government has succeeded at last in passing that extension which they had at first abandoned in deference to the popular will. As to Sunday closing in the country, the hour was extended, from 9 to 10 o'clock. The question of endorsing convictions upon the licence is left as proposed by the original Bill—instead of being' bound to do so, a discretionary power is given to the convicting Justices. The adulteration clauses of Mr Brace's Act are repealed, several of the police restrictions are relaxed, and the effect of the Bill as a whole, will be to encourage and increase the consumption of intoxicating drink. During the early part of the debate it transpired that certain questions, twelve in number, had been forwarded by circular from the Government to the chief magistrates and superintendents of police of 172 English and Welsh boroughs, as to the working of the Licensing Act of the late Government. The replies received from the Mayors were produced and laid on the table of the House, in Consequence of pressure brought to bear on the Government by Mr Lowe, Mr Porter, and others, but those of the Police Superintendents were refused, as i being " confidential." The replies from

the Borough authorities, however, are almost unanimous in deprecating any extending of the hours of sale, or increasing the facilities for drinking. It is believed that those from the Police authorities are of a still more decisive character; and hence one reason for their non-production. They can hardly be of a more "confidential" nature than those that have been published. The Police replies will also be published for the information of members of the House of Lords, a motion to that effect by Lord Aberdare having been carried in that House. In the House of Lords, to which the Bill has been sent, it was read a first time on Tuesday, 23rd June, and its second reading fixed for that clay week. It is not expected that the Lords will pass it in its present shape, though even should they do so, it is evident that the question is quite as far from being finally settled as everA pew copies of Dr. Kenealy's new paper, " The Englishman," have found, their way to Napier, and we are indebted to a friend for specimens of one of the most remarkable developments of modern literature. The enormous egotism of the editor is exhibited in every page, and the bitterness of his style reminds one of the writings of Cobbett. All connected with the great trial so lately closed are attacked in the most envenomed language; and the fact that such a paper is tolerated is a remarkable testimony to that freedom of thought, speech and writing which Dr Kenealy would have us believe has no existence in England. He is one who chafes under defeat, and represents the whole system of society as corrupt. " The end is near," he says, " The bubble must burst, and the whole frame of society explode like a gasswoln corpse" ! A letter from Scotland states that " Scotchmen are determined to have Dr Kenealy made an M.P. as soon as possible." In the first number a staring advertisement signed " M. A. Orr," calls upon the people of England to exhibit their appreciation of the Doctor by subscribing £BO,OOO to secure for him an income of £I,OOO per annum. In later numbers we find sub scribers complaining that money has been sent to Mr Orr and not acknowledged. The editor requests such to send him particulars, and in later numbers we find that Mr Guilford Onslow is the sole trustee of the " Kenealy Testimonial Fund"—the name of Mr Orr, the originator of the idea, having somehow disappeared. The editor descends to exceedingly coarse abuse —thus we find judges and counsel lampooned under the heading of " Private Correspondence—Letter from Lord Forgery to Henry Devilfish, Esq., Q.C." " The three judges," says a footnote to a letter, " remind one of the Three Judges of Hell, in the Pagan mythology, who, according to Virgil, always condemned the prisoner before they tried him." " Levy's paper [the Daily Telegraph] for ten whole months, by Oiie of the basest of its drunken hirelings, vilified Dr Kenealy day by day in its summaries, and when the judges, by their assassin attacks, hounded on his enemies to the utter ruin of the Doctor and his family, the Telegraph harked in with the infamous cry. Dr Kenealy is blandly expected to bear all this, and not to turn upon his adversaries. The moment he does so, Levy gets some ha'penny-a-lincr to write the above." Some of the advertisements are as curious as the reading matter. Among them is one relating to The. Book of Enoch, the Second Messenger of God," which appears from the table of contents to be a hash of ancient and modern paganism with the doctrines of Christianity. They chiefly relate, however, to the works of the editor, extracts from which fill up those portions of the paper which are not occupied by matters relating to the Tichborne trial. We learn by a private telegram that the barque Splendid arrived at Dunedin yesterday, Mr Parsons, the manager of the Poverty Bay Petroleum Company, being one of the passengers. The Royal English Opera Company have given three performances in Napier, and have so far achieved a brilliant success—the Oddfellows' Hall, on each occasion, being crowded. The Company arrived on Friday last, and made their first appearance the same evening, in Balfe's beautiful opera, " The Rose of Castille," the part of Elvira being sustained by Miss Alice May. The audience were enthusiastic in their appreciation, and the performers were called before the curtain at the close of each act. On Saturday night Benedict's opera "The Lily of Killarney " was produced, Miss May taking the part of the Colleen Bawn, Eily O'Connor. The success of this piece was even greater than that of the one which preceded it, and bouquets were showered upon the fair prima donna. The scenes, painted by Mr Willis, were exceedingly beautiful. —Last night a crowded house again assembled, the piece selected for performance being Wallace's romantic opera of " Maritana." Miss May, as Maritana, was as successful as in previous characters; at the close of each act 'she was called before the curtain ; and after the beautiful aria "Scenes that arc brightest," which was given with the utmost feeling and expression, she was overwhelmed with bouquets. As Don Caasar, Mr Hallam was admirable ; his solo " There is a flower that bloometh," brought down the house, and was loudly encored. Mr Rainford' appeared to great advantage as Don Jose, and in the aria " In happy moments, day by day," was encored. M iss Lambert took the character of Lazarillo, the faithful page, and performed her part with ease and grace.. The aria " Alas ! those chimes," with which the second act. opens, was given by her with great, sweetness, and was encored by the audience. The success of " Maritana " -*an opera abounding with beautiful aikWe.ll known airs—was no less than tliat of the 7 two which" preceded it,

Mr Benjamin Balmer, for. some time clerk in the office of Mr Lascelles, having passed a most satifactory examination before the Chief Justice in Auckland, was admitted as Barrister and Solicitor on the 21st inst. He is about to practice on his own account at Oamaru, and his numerous friends will heartily wish him success in a profession in which he is well qualified to succeed. A service in the Danish language, for the benefit of the Scandinavian immigrants, was conducted in the Oddfellows' Hall, by the Rev. J. S. Smalley, on Sunday afternoon last, at which about a'hundred attended. This is the first service of the kind which has taken, place in Napier, and it seemed to be well appreciated by those present, the congregation being quiet and attentive. The hymns sung were Danish versions of some of the best-known in Wesley's collection. The preacher took for his text John i. 29 : and the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered at the close of the service. • On Friday, in the Resident Magistrate's Court, a seaman named King was charged by the Captain of the Halcione, with disobedience to lawful commands. He expressed regret, and willingness to resume his duty, and was accordingly discharged. George Crowe, a young seaman, charged the chief mate of the Winchester with violently assaulting him at sea. After giving particulars of the alleged offence, he called a witness to corroborate him, who not only completely failed to do so, but stated that complainant had been exceedingly insolent to the mate.—Case dismissed. On Saturday John Gilbert, Erik Blomqvist, Thos. Harris, Edward Dixon, George Crowe, and Thomas Sandon, seamen of the Winchester, were charged with disobedience to lawful commands. Sandon, being willing to resume work, was sent on board; the others were committed to prison for four weeks. Yesterday two seamen of the Winchester were fined 5s each for drunkenness. In the Resident Magistrate's Court on Friday, Mr James Anderson claimed of Mr Chambers, jun., the sum of £3O, value of a dog shot by him. Some months ago plaintiff received authority to hunt pigs and wild cattle on Mr Chamber's run, and was allowed the use of a dilapidated ivhare while he remained there. Among his dogs was one named Tiger, a bull-dog upon which he placed special value—it was well up in its work and trustworthy, and suited either for pig or cattle-hunting. On Tuesday . week, plaintiff left his ivhare for a time, and left Tiger tied to a table outside with a stout piece of flax. On his return some time after, he found the dog lying dead, still tied to the table, which was turned over, and upon inquiry he found that the animal had been shot by the defendant. Defendant in his evidence stated that he had ridden to the part of the run, where the ivhare was situated, being quite unaware that it was occupied by the plaintiff, and found three dogs tied outside. He had a loaded gun with him, in case of meeting wild pigs. He dismounted and was about to enter the whare, when the deceased dog rushed forward, barking furiously, and dragging behind him the heavy table to which he was attached. The horse bolted, and witness, fearing every moment that the flax with which the dog was tied would break, shot him in self-de-fence. Mr Lascelles, for the defendant, called evidence to show that the dog was not as valuable as represented ; that it was fierce, that the plaintiffs were in fact trespassers, having no right to be pig-hunting during the lambing season, and that the dog was not registered. On the other side it was stated that the table had not been dragged, but merely upset, as shown by the marks of its feet in the grass.—The Magistrate, after hearing all the evidence, gave a verdict for £2O, and £9 lis costs. The first quarterly meeting of the Hawke's Bay Agricultural and Pastoral Society was held on Friday afternoon, 28th August, in the Criterion Hotel. The meeting was well attended, and Mr J. N. Williams, vice-President, was voted to the chair. Mr Routledge, the Secretary, then read the minuites of the previous meeting, which were confirmed. The principal business of the meeting was then proceeded with —namely, the reading, by Mr' M. R. Miller, of a long and interesting paper on " The breeding and crossing of Longwools." (We publish this paper in full in the first page of the present issue.) The paper was listened to with great interest, and at its close a vote-of thanks was passed to Mr Miller. No discussion took place on the subject, the views set forth in the paper being apparently very fully endorsed by those present. Mr Tanner remarked that he quite, coincided with the remark in the lecture that the distinctive names of the different varieties of long wool would probably before long be done away with. In his own experience, twent3 r -five bales sent home by himself, invoiced as " pure Lincoln," were sold as Leicester, at Is 3d. in the grease. No matter how you invoiced it, the dealers, knowing the markets, would sell it all as Leicester. —Mr Miller said that he had considerable experience of this himself. The brokers judged of the wool by the staple, and the long wool varieties he had named were all Leicester to the dealers.—The Chairman said he had heard of a very able judge in this Province making a mistake regarding some imported sheep at the Spit, and picking out Leicestcrs for Lincolns. He hoped at future meetings of this Society to have similar interesting papers read—the effect upon the wool of varies kinds of soil and grasses would bo a good subject.— Papers were promised for the next meeting one by Mr Steward, on " Merinos," and one by. Mr Peacock on "The adaptability of grasses to the various soils of the Province." Several gentlemen present gave in their names as members of the Society, and after the transaction of some Committee business, the meeting ajouned.

Mails close for Poverty Bay, per Rangatira, at 4 p.m. this day. Our Tauranga correspondent telegraphs as follows:—"3lst August,— The story of £3,000 having been paid to the Maketu natives is a fabrication. —The timely arrival of Messrs Mitchell and Davis has undoubtedly frustrated the efforts of the land-speculators.—Mr Penny withdraws from the proprietorship of the Bay of Plenty Times.—The new Government buildings are nearly finished. L ... ~ i L i i *