THE Manawatu Herald. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1879.

Manawatu Herald, Volume I, Issue 53, 28 February 1879, Page 2

THE Manawatu Herald. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1879.

Our Marton contemporary has read ua a severe lecture for having recently remarked that iv Langley's caso regarding the cheque, we thought " looking at the evidence adduced, the affair looks rather black," and that " there is on the face of the case sufficient evidence to justify Mr Ward's decision (*.-., the committal.) " Our contemporary even threatens us with the li strong aim of the law," in the following words: — '-'Were the matter brought under the notice of tlie Judge by the accused's counsel, most probably a very distinct expression of judicial opinion would be given." As is usual, however, when persons assume the role of mentor without consulting the opinion of some friend competent to instruct them in the part, our contemporary simply displays the absence of that knowledge he imagines himself to possess. He says we devote a subleader " to support the convicting Mas ;gistrate*s ruling." This certainly is placing Langley in a far worse posi_ tion than we ever did. The strongest remaik.we made was, that the affair looked rather black, but our contemporary, who complains of our mild expression actually speaks of Langley as already " convicted." Surely the judicial furnace will be seven-times heated for such an offender ! But our contemporary surrendeis the whole ground ho assumes, a little further down. He says:— "Had a miscarriage of justice taken place by which the equitable element was entirely wanting, tlwn a revieio of the case was justifiable and necessary." In this sentence our contemporary's grammar and argument are equally correct. Who would determine whether a miscarriage of justice had taken place ? Follow out the first part ofthe article and any reference to a case of committal is "highly improper," "opposed to journalist propriety," &c. Follow out the latter, arid wherever one thinks a man is wrongly committed a review is justifiable and necessary. According to the Advocate, what would the Crown Prosecutor say ? But one contemporary's real object appears to be a very paltry attack on Mr Ward, " the convicting Magis . trate." We generally doubt the sincerity of those who come out pf their shell and croak on " fair play." Our

reactors will therefore hardly expect to find a blow in the back for ono of the most painstaking and imprucial magistrates wo kuow in the colony. Let the public judge ouv contemporary's motives for attacking us in the light ot the following sentences : — " If magistrates aud other court officials were less huugry after the business of the couit, and their connection thore with'being made subject of newspaper ciitism -of course always expected to be favourable — journalists would not be so liable to adopt erroneous courses through over anxiety to befriend those who are apt to mistrust their own judicial powers and ability to weigh evidence, and who subse* quently become alarmed when they reflect on the possible consequences attending their indecision and lack of self-confidence. By such persons, the support, however ill-timed, of a newspaper article, must be considered as a corporation of their own, perchance somewhat niisty, conception of the judicial aspect of the case." The publio can now judge which was uppermost in the minds of the writer, whether to put the Herald right, or vent some personal feeling towards the Resident Magistrate. We would not insult Mr Ward by defending him from the covert insinuations ot our contemporary, as he is ioo well-known to need it at our hands. Looking at the two parts of tho article, and having in view his homily on journalistic propriety and fair play, wo wouli advise our contemporary to cast the " beam " out of his own eye before he asks a brother writer to allow him to operate upon the " mote ".that he imagines is in his.

The Chairman of the County Coimcil has inaugurated an economic system of management in advertising. He has given orders that the " lion and the unicorn " shall no longer adorn the County advertisements, and that in the matter pf advertising the most rigid economy is to be exercised, not a single sixpence boing spent that can be avoided. Not only so, but we also hear the Clerk of the Licencing Court has been requested by tho County Chairman to eliminate the Royal Arms from all advertisements chargeable against the County. The reason of this order ia, that the Arms occupies a certain amount of " spaco " which can be saved. The tfhole question of advertising was to have been brought up for discussion at the January meeting, but it so happened that on that particular occasiou tbo members ofthe Council wore engaged in dividing the sum of £100 amongst themsolvea aa "expenses." It was thought "ex and "economy in advertising" would not dovetail, and tbe matter was shelved for the time. Last meeting the railway question absorbed the attention of hon. members. The saving of a few shilling., a year by tne omission of the Royal Arms will not affect the County newspapers io a very greafc extent. We may say^ however, that we have not. seen one instance of County advertisements being inserted in New Zealand papers without tho Arms. It is a universal custom. Ir, moreover, has its ad. vantages in making tlie notices conspicuous. This is espscially desirable regarding tenders. Upon one contract, through imperfect notice, tho County may lose a hundred times the cost of inserting the Eoyal Arms. Ifc is but a paltry economy, afc besfc. To carry out the same idea, members of the Council should bring their "bread-and-butter" with them, to save a moal at the County's expense, and g3t " shakedowns" at the Council office, instead of being accommodated in comfort at Whyte's Hotel. In starting newspapers at large expense in sparsely - populated districts, and advocating the interests of the County, the pro. prietors count upon a considerable support from the various Local Governing Bodies. And properly so ; for the Press is no mean power in advancing a district and promoting settlement, by proclai.uing to the world its resources. The County reaps th. beuefit in increased rates. Where this support is withheld, and the announcements are not thoroughly inade,.the penny is often saved to the loss of the pound.

The information published by us in last Tuesday's issue, regarding the estimated cost ofthe Sandon-Carnar-von Uailway, would doubtless be read with great satisfaction. That two competent engineers, aftor careful consideration, arrived at substantially the same estimate of total cost, may be regarded as very strong presumptive evidence that the acfcud outlay required will be very littlo more thau £20,000, or only about two- thirds ofthe capital of the company. In tho present very tight condition of the money market it wauld be most injudicious on the part of the promoters to force the shares on t. the public notice. A few weeks hence, when things will have returned to their normal condition, will be a far better time to test the pockets of the people . We believe, however, that so soon as the preliminaries required by the Act as* concluded, the votes of the ratepayers wid be taken upon the line. We trust they will to a man vote for the railway. Poxton is languishing for want of its back country being opened up, aad Sandon is drooping for lack of connection with the district port. It is to the interest. of every man to give his vote for the

lino, and we hope no traitors will bo found, who, for fear of paying a few shillings in mte_, Would bn willing to see th'ej, district . thrown bank for years. >: .

WAxd Airtft ffo.-. iTAi,.— it will he seen by tho following letter, which Mr Macnrthur has addressed to tho Wanganui Borough Coimei !, that our County Chairman is thoroughly alive to the importance of the question of hospital accommodation for Manawatu t-^" Shy-^1 hate been instructed to make, if possible, arrangements with your council by which admission to the Wanganui Hospital for a definite numher of patients sent from Manawatu County should he guaranteed, if the necessity unfortunately arose for such demand. It is evident that the hospital aooommodation is at present quite inadequate to tho due performance of the obligations implied in the arrangement entered into on the. 19th Deo. with the delegates from the neighboring counties, and I would therefore suggest that another meeting of delegates be called for an early date in order that the best means of providing inoreased aocommodat:on and additional staff may be discussed with your Council. I havo, &c, D. H i. lac.ahtht.i_, Chairman, M. C C." W«hope the suggestion will be accepted, and something definite result from the conference. It is a most important question for Mana-. watii T aiid demands urgent aotion. The FAiitLrE.— We understand the Fairlie engine which is to be placed upon the Wanganui-Foxton line is at present boing taken .to pieces in- Wellingtou, and may bo expected to ahi ye herein the "course ofa few days. 2 An Expensive Jpar,— The practice of persons, jumping on and off tho trains wheu in motion appears of lato to be on them* crease, and we notice an example has boen made. On Tuesday last, when the the dowu train from Wanganui waa entering Foxton, an individual named Jack -on, who affected a rather strong Yankee accent, jumped off as it was passing Whyle's Hotel, and rushed in to dinner. Directly he had finished his repast, however, Constable Purcell waited Upon him With a piece of blue paper, and requested his attendanco at the R.M. Court. Messrs Thynne and Stewart occupied the Bench, and although Mr Jackson pleadod hard that in America, " his country," you could jump off if you wished, the Justices informed him tha; in New Zealand he must abide by the laws of " this country." A fine of o_ and costs, 7s 6d, was inflicted That was probably the niosfc expensive jump Mr Jackson has ever made.

Fobtunate Escape.— Oa Tuesday last, as three horsos were being driven through Main-street, Fox*on, instead of going through the cutting, the horses camo along on the top. This point happens to bo the end of Mr Cook's contract for improving tho atreet, and there is an excavation of some 12 foot into the sand bank, down which the three fte-y steeds toppled head foremost. Fortunately they *yore none the worse for their fall, and continued tlieir gallop up the street. We (hiuk it is desirable thafc this bank should bo protected, as ifc is dangerous at present.

Aveito-e Hoad. — Mr Cook, tho contractor for tho improvemonts on the Avenue Road, made a start with his contract on Wednesday moruing last, and is makiug good progress with the formation of tho pith. Ifc appears the work has been delayed through the inability of . the contractor to obtain gravel from the pits afc Palmerston. The demand for gravel to complete w^rks undertaken by the County Engineor has of late been very great, and as County work takes priority of private, Mr Cook has been unable to obtain any gravel. However, he hopes soon to have his turn afc the pit, when he will no doubt use his bsst endeavors to push the work on at a rapid rate.

Dangebous. — A correspondent has pointed out to us the danger to horsemen arising from the grayel to be used on the Avenue Koad baing deposited on tiie road without any light being shown at night time to warn people of the obstruction. We think the matter only noeds pointing oufc to bo atteuded to by the contractor.

Hotel Sale.— Mr William Goodenough, l?to of Kaikoura, has purchased the Telegraph Hotel, Otaki, from tho landlord, Mr F. Bright. The new proprietor took possession this week.

Cricket.— Mr Ganna way, the secretary of the Foxton Cricket Club, has received a letter from his brother officer at Palmeiston asking if it will be convenient to play the return match with the Palmerston Club on the -th prox. If the members of the Club can find it possible to gefc away on that date, we understand it has been decided to play tho match on the date named. We take this opportunity of urging the Foxton cricketers to practice well in the interval Ifc is only by the mosfc assiduous practice that cricketers can hope to become at all proficient in tho game,, and we think that there is room for practice in the Foxton men.

Eduoational. — The Wanganui Education Board held its usual meeting on Wednesday last at Wanganui. A letter was read 3from Dr Rockstrow, Chairman ot the School Committee at Foxton, asking for full teaching power, and also authority :o rent the I'own Hall. The Secretary reported that the necessary authority had been givon. Ifc was resolved that the applioation of the. Palmer, ton SahookOommitWfe for increased accommodation be complied with, and that the Committee bo requested to preparo plans and specification* fpr tho same, nnd refer them to the building committee. Tae Hon YV. Fox, the Rev. J. Doull, Major Noake, and Messrs Sanson, Peacock, Baker, Godwin, and Gane have been nominated for the three vacancies in 'tne Board.

Rolling Stock. —Yesterday thore arrived at Foxtou one of the large, comfortable, six-wheel carriages for regular uso on the line. It has just Oeen renovated through, oufc, aud looks equal fco new. Ifc is iutended, as sufficient rolling stock is now available, to keep two sets of carriages for the ordinary running —one for ttie mmii.ig train, and one (made up of short c .rrlijes), for tho night train. This will be far more convenient than the present arrangement, and we have no doubt tin Department's efforts to promote the convenience of the travelling public, will be thoroughly appreciated.

Recent Changes.— lfc is intended, if pO3« sible, for Mr C. Batt to assume his duties connected with the wharf on Saturday. He will nofc take over the management of the Railway Station for prob ibly another ten days. Mr Malcolm, who has been connected with the ltailways in the South Island, has been appointed to tbe position of guard, vacated by Mr Batt, and the latter has been during the last few days initiatiug his sucoessor iv the duties of his office.

Holiday-Making.— -A party of excursionists left hy the steamer Jane Douglas on Wednesday moraing'for K-ipiti, to have a fortnight's holiday on thafc inland. The party comprised the MoKeu_iesand Fro sers of Lower Rangitikei, and several of their friendß,jo the number of nine, including two ladies. Mr Hillary's boat, City ol Audkland, has' been chartered for the use

of the party, during their stay iv the island, and the boat, together with tents, provisions, and othor necessaries for the holiday, was takea dotf h by the steamer. It i 3 intended to spend the time in fishing, shooting, &c. This is being mado an anuu-tl aff lir by the excursionists, and takes place after tho shearing and h-irresting are over. Last year the party Went by the steamer Stormbird from Wanganui. As Kapiti is celebrated for tho amount of sport to be obtained there (.and providing the weather is fine), the party should have a mo 3: enjoyable holiday.

The ICaitanoal'a Disaster —The people of this Colony are showing their sympathy for the sufferers by the above catastrophe in a most liberal manner. On ali sides subscription lists are being started, and money is freely flowing in. The Bank of New Zealand have subscribed the handsome donation of £100 to the Dunedin fund. A relief fund has been started in Wellington, and the Choral Society are going to give a concert on behalf of the fund The bookmakers at Dunedin have subscribed a handsome umounfc among themselves, which is to be increased if the " fraternity " are successful over the races. We shall be happy to receive and forward any subscriptions that may bo ioft at tho MaSa w atu Heuald Office. Motoa School. — In accordanco wifch the notification of fcho Secretary to the Education Hoard, a meeting of the householders of Motoa was held on Saturday last, afc the schoolhouse, afc 7 p.m. The following gentlemon were elected a Commifcteo for the ensuing year, viz., Mossrs Howe, Saunders, Carter, Edwards, Griffiths, Harwood, and Rousell. A vote of thanka was passed to Mr Walkor, for his services as Chairman during the past year. A meeting of the Committee was hold oa Monday afternoon afc 3 o'clock. All the members were present. Mr Howo was elected Chairman for the ensuing yoar. Mr Edwards sent in his resignation as a member of the Committee. Messrs Sanson. Fox, and the Rev J. Doull wero nominated fco the vacant soats on the Education Bsard.

Commercial. — The Now Zealand Loan nup Meroantilo Agency report, under date London, 19 th February — Wool sales opfnod yesterday at levd of Jast sales, and will comprise about 250,000 bales. 20,000 bales have b .en sent to the no anufacturing distriots direct. The opening catalogue contained 19,000 bales. Continental demand is good, bufc the home trade is purchasing sparingly. Superior greasy is firmer ; cross-breds, easier. Trado in manufacturing districts is unchanged. Sales close 17th March.

Stewart Famii.t.— lt is probable that this talented family, who_e performances excited so much praise, and drew such good houses at Wellington, will favor Wanganui witli a visit.

Licencing Court. — Notice is given that fche (fitting of the above Court has be.en adjourned to tho 12th March.

Assessment Court.— The Bitting of tho above Court which was to have been held afc Foxton on the Sth March, has been adjourned to the 12fch March.

May Drowned.— A special telegram to tho Wanganui Chroaicle fro-ai Patea says : Wednesday, F„b. 2G.- The steamer Patea left Wellington on Monday afternoon, haviug strong head winds and hoavy sea all fche way. At half-past two on Tuesday morning,- Q-eorg? Chant, the mate, formerly of the Clyde, fell overboard, and was lost. He had been sitting on the afterhatch wifch fche engineers, and got up, ifc being his watch on deck, apparently to look out for lights, on reaching fche poop-rail he overbalanced, and fell into the sea. Captain Gibbons, who was sitting on tho .other hatch, ran and hove the life-buoy over the stern, dropping ifc right over Chant; he, however, failed to catch it, probably having beon stunned by his fall. To havo lowered the boats wifch the heavy sea then on, wonld have resulted in further loss of life. The engines were promptly reversed until the buoy was again rr ached, the ship's company eagerly scanning the sea in every direction, two being ready to jump overboard to save Chant, had he coma in sight. After 'a thorough search, tho steamer headed for Pafcea. Chant leaves a wife and throe children ia Wanganui, totally unprovided for.

Fatal Accident.— On Tuesday last, an elderly man, supposed fco b 9 named O'Brien, was killed instantaneously by the fall of a trte at Mr Murray's, Te Ore Ora.

Otaki Ca eek.— Men are at present engaged by daywork in clearing out the Otaki Creek. Ifc is intended to purchase some timber from the owners of the wreck of the Felix Stowe, with wftich tho bridge over the crack will be built.

Law v. Morality. — A few days a<*o th© Wellington police made a raid upon the demi-monde. One of the charges having been taken as a test case, Mr Mansford, R.M., in giving his dsoision,sald — I am not aware of any law that renders it unlawful for any person to booamc a common prostitute. It may be immoral, but I am not aware of any law against it There are two classes that may be dealt wilh by law. In the case of a common prostitute, who in any street or publio highway, or any place of public resort, behaves in a riotous or indecent mannor, sho may ba dealt with by law. Another way would be where a house of ill-fame was badly conducted, and ij known a* a brothel. There the law pro'vidos a remedy by indictment. Till the law makes it unlawful for a woman to act as a common prostitute, I have no power to act in the matter. I have nothing to do with the repression of immorality, except ao far as it is governed by law.

The Rev. Mv Fitchett.— The Dunedin correspondent of the Ashburton Mail writes as follows regarding the Roy. A R. Fitohett : — The 'lev. .Mr Fitohett arrived in Dunedin at fcho latter end of last week, an i entered upon the ministerial duties of his new charge afc once. Oa Sunday he occupied tho pulpit for the first time, aud preached to a large and curious audience. Those who attended with the object of hearing a statement of the why aud the wherefore of tho rov. gentleman's secession from the Wesleyan communion, were disappointed, for he only made the mosfc distant reference fcho matter. He requestedtho sympathy and prayers of his congregation, and apparently the request is not out of place. There is but too much evidenoe abroad that Mr Fitohett is regarded with distrust and uufriendliness ; but, as a Christian and a gentleman, he oan afford to kill prejudice by courtesy and "a fearless disoharge of his duty. An ill-tempered attack has been made upon him by tho Palmerston Times (Ota»o), bufc tho writer, by his ill-concealed malice, has dull id the point of his shaft, and therefore, it effeots no injury. Many people regard it as thg work of tho late incumbent; but whether the opiniou is correct or not, I cannot preteud to say. Iv order to effectually settle all speculation as to his religious belief, Mr Fitchctt has indicated through the columns of the Churchman that the theo'ogioal creeds of the Episcopalians and Wesleyans are identical, and that the divergent point between the two is on the subject of ecclesiastical policy. This is the only matter

n regard to whioh he di ff jm from the Wesleyan communion, and tho only matter which induced him to forsake his firsfc love. Notwithstanding the aspersions of some, and the malice of othera, Mr Fitchett occupies a deservedly high opinion in tho minds of fcho people, for to those who know him, hi., life is a sufficient refutation of detraction."

It is gone. ally admitted by everybody who* lias visited Jacobs' Atheneeum Bazaar that it is tho only shop in Wellington that contains a good and oomplete assortment of Fancy Goods and Jewellery suitable for Presen ts, Birthday Gifts, or Wedding Pre* seats. Parties requiring any of theabove articles will save themselves a lot of trouble by calling and inspecting the immense assortment, which is too gigantic to particuarise by advertisement. — [Advt.]