The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1879.

Kumara Times, Issue 941, 6 October 1879, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1879.

The No-confidence motion moved by the Hon. John Hall in the following words as an amendment to the Address in Reply, “ That, while this House is prepared to give effect to the Liberal measures desired by the country, it feels bound to submit to his Excellency that his Excellency’s Government, as at present constituted, does not possess the confidence of this House,” and carried by the Opposition against the Government, can hardly be said to be satisfactorily worded, as it leaves a loop-hole of escape for the very Minis-ter-Sir George Grey—it clearly intended to remove from the Cabinet. It affirms that the Government, “ as at present constituted,” does not possess the confidence of the House. Now there is little doubt that the Knight of Kawau, with his autocratic power and his well-known political scheming will view the spirit of the amendment in exactly an opposite light, and, either by making an addition to the present Ministry or a transference of portfolios, make it appear he has carried out the wishes of the House by a reconstruction of the Cabinet. That this action on the part of the Premier will he endorsed by the House, we do not for a moment apprehend, as, if there he one thing more than another on which the Opposition ai’e determinedly set, it is to remove Sir George Grey not only from the present Premiership, but f. nm the Government of the colony. Referring to this matter prior to the division on the No-confidence morion taking ing place, the Dunedin Herald says : “The immediate purpose of the Opposition in bringing forward the present amendment to the Address in Reply is

neither riiore nor less than to displace the Ministry. It is therefore pure nonsense to talk of Sir George Grey’s reconstructing the Government. What is wanted is an entirely new Government, in which the present Premier shall have neither part nor lot, and if he be defeated, as is sure to be, he must resign, and in that case we imagine that such men as Mr Sheehan, and Mr Thomsom, and Mr Fisher will have some difficulty in procuring employment under his successor. It is not improbable however that Sir George Grey will resort to every species of trickery in order to stave off the disagreeable necessity of parting with his power and authority, but the House will no doubt know how to deal with a Ministerial recusant, and it is the business of His Excellency to see that the Constitutional practice in such mutters is duly observed.” [Since (he foregoing was in type we have received a telegram stating that the Ministry have this afternoon resigned, unconditionally.]

The action of Mr Masters, M.H.R. for the Grey Valley electorate, in recording his vote on the No-confidence motion in favor of the Opposition, has, during the last forty-eight hours, been most severely, and, under the circumstances, unfairly criticised. To condemn any man unheard is un-British, unjustifiable,, and unmanly. The following telegrams, received by the Chairman of Mr Masters’ Committee in Greymouth, and also by the Mayor of that town, place a far different aspect on the subject:— To W. S. Smith, Esq., Greymouth—- # Have had full discussion with Opposition. They consider railways should be commenced at earliest possible date, and the harbor works should be prosecuted with increased activity. Greater reliance Can be placed in Opposition than present Government, and result will show that the course taken by me was solely for benefit of my constituents. I can have no other object than the interest of Grey Valley district. Edward Masters. Wellington October 4. To Richard Nancarrow, Mayor, Greymouth— Know fully views of leaders of Opposition on subject of West Coast matters. Result will show that my action has been entirely in the interests of my constituents. Introduced deputation—Messrs Gallagher, Trennery, and M‘Lean—who, I believe, are satisfied, and quite concur in above statement. Other guarantees, under present circumstances, cannot reasonably be asked for. Our interests are far more safe in the hands of the Opposition than of present Government. Sorry my colleagues endeavoring to influence my constituents against me. Confidently ask you to wait final result, which will show who is right. . _ Edward Masters. Wellington, October 4. Let Mr Masters’ constituents, and they are many in this and the adjoining district, carefully weigh his reasons con tained in the foregoing messages, and await their ultimate development before rashly pronouncing judgment oh one of the most conscientious representatives in the General Assembly.

The Local School Committee will meet' at the Town Hall this evening, at eight o’clock. The newly-appointed assistant teacher, Mr Cato, arrived by the Claud Hamilton, from Melbourne, on Wednesday last, and at once commenced his duties at the school. We understand that the tender of Mr Oliver has been accepted for lining Holy Trinity Church. The price of the accepted contract was £9l 15s. In connection with this church we may mention that his Lordship the Bishop will not arrive here until early in December, instead of November (as we inadvertently stated on Saturday last). The enterprising owner of the Adelphi Hall, Mr King, with a view to meet the requirements of the public, is now having the Theatre attached to that building extended both in width and length, and is at the same time erecting a new and most commodious stage. The Theatre when finished will have a gallery, and the whole of the fittings will be of the most approved character, suitable in every way for any professional company that may visit this town* In consequence of the alteration to the Adelphi Hall we are requested to state there will be no parade of the local rifles to-morrow evening, and that Captain Bonar will attend Knmara on the loth instant for the'purpose of inspecting the Contingent, when all new members joining before that date will he sworn in as members of the \ olunteer force of the colony.

Mr Matthew Barnett, whilst preaching iri Wesley Church, Lonsdale street, to an overflowing congregation, the other night, gave some startling facts and figures (says the' Melbourne Ago). His subject was “The Great National Yice ! He stated last year £181,000,000 was spent in the United Kingdom in intoxicating drinks, and mentioned that recently the Rev. Ndrnion Kerr read a paper before the Social Science Congress in London, showing that 120,000 persons in the United Kingdom died annually the cause of whose death was traceable to strong drink, or about 300 per day every year. It is announced that according to the new treaty between Spain and China, Chinamen in Spanish colonies will enjoy treatment the same as that of citizens of the most favoured nations, and the commercial relations of Spain and China will be placed on a similar footing.