Marlborough Times. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1880.

Marlborough Daily Times, Volume II, Issue 152, 3 September 1880, Page 2

Marlborough Times. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1880.

In the complicated machinery of representative government there is, perhaps no part so important as Municipal institutions. They are of very ancient date and may be looked upon as the precursors of constitutionfl government. The history of London, Liege, Frankfort, or Hamburg shows the great interest which has always been taken by burgesses in the well-being of their towns, which were generally their birthplaces, as Avell as the immense service they have always been to the cause of popular liberty. It may be safely asserted that the character of a people is evidenced by the stamp of men whom they elect to manage their affairs, and such being a well-known fact, it is a matter for serious consideration, in giving a Municipality a tone and standing in the country that the best citizens should always be chosen, and that this choice should rest solely on their capabilities for usefulness to the town, and entirely irrespective of politics or other extraneous circumstances. Well-inten-tioned opposition, based on an earnest desire to advance or take a share in advancing the interest of local administration, is worthy of every respect ; but it is very difficult to characterise the actions of those avlio attempt to degrade the respectability and mar the usefulness of corporate- bodies, in making them the vehicles of petty malice, by acting on the promptings of defeated electioneering feelings. A people worthy of representative institutions are never slow in recognising the services of those who serve them well and faithfully, and we must say that Blenheim stands high among the Municipalities of the Colony in doing honor to those who have given their services and experience to advance the interests of the town. From this point of view we cannot too severely deprecate the attempt that is now being made to induce the citizens to act ungratefully to old and tried members of the Corporation, who are again seeking their suffrages. Wei-e the new candidates men of high standing and experience, and had the burgesses serious cause for dissatisfaction with the old members, the cause for the opposition could be understood ; but all are aware that such is not the case, but : that the covert action of a defeated clique is in operation to induce the citizens to ignore, without cause, the services of those whohave done much for the town, and introduce party politics into our local affairs. The law allows any burgess rated to a certain amount to obtain a seat, but leaves the election to the rate-

payers, who in almost every instance elect those who have the greatest stake in their respective districts, and from an easily understood motive, that those seeking election, but having no property, do so for some reason, other than the improvement of property or the natural desire to see their own ward obtain a fair share of expenditure. Taking the three candidates brought forward to oppose the old members, it will be readily scon that our contention is correct. They collectively hold little or no property as such in the Borough; Mr Wandon only holds a small section, but being a servant in the employ of Mr 11. Dodson, his motive for requiring election is transparent. His employer, before meetings of tlie ratepayers, pledged himself to oppose Mr Jas. T. Robinson, but we apprehend dreading a certain defeat, he induces his creatures to bear the brunt of a contest, but failing, as it appears, in finding any ratepayer of sufficient standing, to act as his cats-paw, he has been forced to bring forward those who represent not property, but defeated cliqueism and shadowy ambition. It would be too absurd to imagine what are Mr Terry’s claims to a seat in the Council. His candidature must mean —either that no person who held any property could be got to represent the clique in the Borough, or there must be some wit experimenting on the risible faculties of the burgesses, who wishes to have some fun out of the election. A little consideration, however, will show why candidates of some substance could not he found to oppose the old members. Holders of property are aware that the affairs of the Borough have been well managed in the past, and have no wish to assist Messrs Dodson, Henderson and Co. in making the Council an arena for political warfare. It is, of course, lamentable that this clique will persist in forcing their political animus, not only into the management of our local institutions, but also into men’s business affairs and private character. We have, however, too much faith in the good sense and patriotism of our fellow residents to believe that they countenance such proceedings, or that they will permit them to be successful. Now that subsidies are about to be abolished the most experienced men in the community will more than ever bo required to economically administer local affairs, and it would certainly be very imprudent to select at the present juncture either inexperienced residents or beardless youths to carry on the business of tire town, under the altered state of affairs, even if they were not well known to be the mere tools of a political faction. Of course there are rare instances in which ifc is perfectly justifiable, nay meritorious, to elect rateyayers who do not Hold much property ; such, for instance, as men of tried patriotism and well known experience; hut, we need not say that neither of the candidates possesses either of these qualifications. The town of Blenheim has now had enough of petty politics introduced into its local affairs, and the time has come for the people to show that they will bear it no longer, nor endure their interests being made shuttlecocks of by any clique or party.

The quarterly meeting of the Licensing Commissioners will ho held on Tuesday next at noon, at the Court-house. Travellers to and from the Awatere by the Taylor Pas? road informs us that the number of rabbits seen in the locality is diminishing very considerably.

It is the intention of the local authorities to enforce strictly in future the provisions of the Dog Act, and the attention of our readers is directed to a notice on the subject in our advertising columns. The District Court will sit at 11 o’clock to-morrow, before his Honor Judge Broad, when the case of Stenhouse (as trustee in Martin’s estate) v. Griffiths for alleged refusal to produce books, etc., will be proceeded with.

The footbridge between the Literary Institute and the Marlborough Hotel, to the dangerous state of which we called attention a recent issue, has, wc observe, been repaired, and the gaps in the flooring have been filled up by the insertion of new pieces of timber.

At a meeting of ratepayers of the Awatere Road District held on Wednesday last at the Secretary’s office, Mr John 1. Robinson was, on the motion of Mr Cliaytor, seconded by Mr Monro, unanimously re-elected auditor for the cui rent year.

On Wednesday last Messrs William Clung William B. Parker, and William Fitz-wil-liam Terry, were nominated as candidates for the vacant scat for the North \\ arcl ot the Borough. The three “sweet-williams will address the ratepayers in Good lemplars’ Hall, Grove Road, on Monday evening at eight o’clock. A good saddle mare, with bridle, saddle, etc., will be sold at auction to-morrow at noon, under distress warraut. This lot is the property of “ Jimmy the Ranger, and is being sold to pay costs in the assault case recently brought against him. Persons in want of a good useful hack are invited to inspect the property, which can be seen at the police station. Mr Kemble, an old settler, who arrived in Wellington in the year 1840, in the ship Adelaide, died on the 80th nit at the Taita. He was a very kind-hearted man, who has gained the esteemof a large circle of friends and the news of his death will he received with regret, both at the Hutt and the Wairarapa, where he was well-known. Amongst the officials who have had ten per cent, deducted from their salaries are the inspectors and sub-inspectors under the Sheep Act, and of course it is oiily fair that they should share the same fate as the rest of the Civil servants, but a correspondent suggests that the public would like to know wliat becomes of the amount saycd. The salaries of these officials are not paid out of general taxes but from a special fund raised from the flockowners. Does the ten per cent, reductions benefit that fund, oi is the amount absorbed in the general revenue.

Messrs Sharp ancl Pickerfng will sell tomorrow afternoon, at two o’clock, at Stevenson and Fraser’s livery stables, a black draught filly and gelding, particulars _ of which will be found in our advertising columns.

Mr G. J. W. Griffiths will sell to-mor-row at two o’clock, at his Rooms. Market Place, by order of the trustee in the estate of the late Mr T. O’Sullivan, the equity of redemption of an eligible property in Maxwell Road, and also the lease of stockyard, &c., particulars of which will he found in our advertising columns. We are glad to hear that Mr Waddy, the agent of the Ban’, of New Zealand at Picton, who has been on leave of absence fer some time in consequence of ill-health, has resumed his duties at the Bank with his health re-established. Mr Waddy’s many friends in Blenln im we feel sure unite with us in wishing him continued health and prosperity. The Spring Creek Road Board met on Wednesday last and instructed she Secretary to call for tenders for forming about 120 chains of the main road in the upper portion ef Spring Creek, the cross road known as O’Dwycr’s, a portfon of Vicker-man-street, the cross road near Mr Isaac Gifford’s, and also to widen and repair the bridge known as Hillock’s. A full report will appear in our next issue. A meeting of ratepayers of the Wairau Road Board District was held on Wednesday for the purpose of electing an auditor. There were present Messrs Ward (in the chair), Goultcr, and Avery. Mr J. T. Robinson was re-elected. Mr Avery proposed Mr R. Nosworthy but this was not seconded. Mr Goultcr and the Chairman said they had no objection whatever to Mr Nosworthy, hut they did not see any reason for a change, In reference to the Kyeburn murder, it appears, from the Dunedin Star, that one of the Chinaman —Ah Lee—-confessed that he and Lee Guy procured stones on the night of the murder from a neighboring yard. They struggled with Mrs Young and loft her for dead. They anticipated getting a large sum of money, but, not finding it, would not take her purse and its small contents. When examined before the magistrates, however, Ah Leo refused to say anything which might criminate himself. A very inclement evening was that of Monday last when the Picton Amateurs gave an entertainment in aid of the sufferers by the Renwicktown fire. The weather, which was very wet and cold, materially assisted to mar the success of the affair, so far as preventing a large number of persons from being present, but in spite of such sinister influences the amateurs went through the several items on the programme in a praiseworthy manner. — Pres*.

The Spring Creek Rivers Board have decided to remove a portion of Robinson’s bank and re-erect it at some distance from the river. This is necessitated by the rapid encroachment of the stream which is now within two feet of the base of the protective works. At this part the water is some 12 feet deep and running rapidly, and if a breach is once made in the embankment many hundred acres of land will be damaged, and some of the principal roads in the district seriously injured. The Board are now calling for tenders for the work which will be shown on Tuesday next at 11 a. m.

There are rumors of another important discovery of coal in an adjoining district not far from Picton, but its probable value and exact locality will not be made public for a few days. On Tuesday a gentleman from the Geological Department came to Picton with a view of ascertaining the prospects of the lately discovered coal field. The geologist lias made an inspection of the locality but his opinion will not he made known until officially raported to the the Government ; and whenever this takes place, we purpose obtaining a copy of the said report to be published for the information of our readers. — Press.

Telegrams were received on Wednesday stating" that the Rutland Hotel at Wanganui had been destroyed by five. Subsequent telegrams state that a portion only of the house was destroyed. The fire originated in the kitchen, and was conducted up the lift used to communicate with the private suites of apartments. The alarm was first given by the billiard-marker, who slept in a room over the kitchen. He woke lip choking, and found the room full of smoke, Wi.ile fire was issuing from the lift. When once the fire broke through upstairs it spread rapidly. Six jets of water were promptly brought to bear, and although at first the chance of saving the hotel seemed hopeless, the fire at length was literally beaten out by the force of water. The upstairs portion, however, is completely gutted, those rooms not burnt being blackened by the smoke and heat. The following are the known insurances : —L3SO in the Imperial on the furniture, and L/50 in the Colonial on the building. Other policies in the Soutli British were taken out, but were cancelled because the proprietor consideied the premiums too high. The total loss outside the insurance is L2OOO. The Rutland Hotel is at present the property of Mr F. Evans, formerly of Bulls, who purchased it from the executors of the late Mr Chavannes. He has since gone to great expense in fitting it up, having laid out several thousand pounds in this manner. The hotel was justly regarded as one of the best in New Zealand, and was doing a very large and profitable business. The full list of prize awards has just been received from Sydney, and Messrs Brinsmead and Sons stand, witli two first-class awards, and a special certificate, at the head of all the piano manufacturers who exhibited at the Exhibition. Following them, that is to say amongst the.first-class awards without special certificate, are Messrs Erard, Messrs Steinway, Messrs Chichering, Messrs Bec'istein, Messrs Bluthner, Messrs Ronsche, and a local Sydney piano manufacturer. People say England is deteriorating. In pianos, at any rate at Sydney, an English firm has gone ahead of the most celebrated makers of France, America, and Germany.

Once more we take the opportunity of directing the attention of the proper authorities, whoever they are, to the dangerous condition of the ceiling of the Court-house. The matter was brought under the notice of Mr M‘lntire, R.M., some time ago by the lawyers practising in his court, and his Worship stated that the matter had been referred to the Government, and it was understood that the “Resident” Engineer had received instructions to attend to it immediately. That omnipotent official has since been here, but his advent has so far had no practical effect on the ceiling. Tomorrow Judge Broad will sit in the District Court, and it is just possible that a protest from the lawyers employed on the the case before him as to the (laager of sitting or standing-under a cracked and tottering roof ingin the discharge of their professionil duties, might have some weight in accelerating the much needed and long promised work of repair. The Judge himself is protected by a wooden canopy over head, but the bar, the suitors, the jury, the witnesses and others, to say nothing of the representatives of the Press, are subject to the

chance of having a big of lump plastering fall on their skulls (which it is to he hoped are thick) at any moment. [Since the above was in type, we observe that a commencement has been made to remove the plastering, for which we understand timber will he substituted.]

At the Picton Borough nomination held yesterday Messrs D. McCormick and A. P. Seymour were the only candidates proposed to fill the annual vacanoies in the Council, and as there were three seats to he filled, both candidates were duly elected. Ihe retiring members were Messrs Fuller, Seymour and A. T. Thompson, and of these, as will be seen. Mr Seymour has avain become a member. MrD. McCormick has filled the place of one of the retiring members and a seat is still unfilled. It is no great credit to capaple townspeople that the office of Borough councillor should he deemed so little worth, and we regard it as a sign of better times coming, if it be a fact as is reported that several candidates will will be nominated on the 13th to fill the seat now vacant in the Council. — Press.

At Christchurch lately Mr Melisli R.M., was called on to decide whether Hindostar.ee was an improper language. A person of evidently respectable appearance who answered to the name of Stephens, was charged with using obscene language in one of the principal streets of Christchurch. The arresting constable handed to the Bench a paper on which he had written the language alleged to have been used, and lie swore positively that it w'.v obscene. Inspector O’Donnell, who happened to be passing the place at the time, was equally positive. The defendant indignantly denied the charge, and declared that what the police had'mistaken for foul language was Hindostanee, in which tongue he was conversing with a friend. The latter, in the person of a Mr Cracknell, swore that defendant had been speaking all the time in Hindostanee; and that no expression of any improper nature was used by him. The Bench, in view of the conflicting nature of the evidence, gave the defendant the benefit of the doubt and dismissed the case.

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