FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 1881. THE REPRESENTATION BILL.

Manawatu Herald, 26 August 1881, Page 2

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 1881. THE REPRESENTATION BILL.

Noth with standing that this Bill is the most important measure Parliament will be called upon to deal with during the present session, it is extremely doubtful if it will become law, unless the schedules are materially There is a general feeling t v the Lower House that an increase of the* number of representatives is quite unnecessary, and the same opinion is expressed by the Press of j the colony generally. As our readers

are aware, the Government Bill proposes to increase the number of European members from 84 to 91, which would mean an increase of at least £2500 per annum in the cost of legislation. The additional members would be absorbed by the wealthy aud powerful Canterbury and Ofcago districts, which would by this be placed in the position of " ruling the roast. " Nelson and Westland would each lose a member, aud the members representing those districts, are therefore determined to obstruct the Bill, and endeavour to prevent it passing. For Nelson we have but little sympathy. It is a notoriously slow and non progressive district.and speaking generally there is no special reason why the absurdly high rate of representation it has enjoyed should be continued. Westland, on the other hand, is differently situated, being a mining district, aud we have repeatedly argued that it was unfair to apply the population basis to any ruining constituency. Upon gold fields the bulk of the population con-.-irits >i adult males, and consequently such districts contribute far more to the general revenue than do the or- ' diuary constituencies. It is simpe uouseusc to argue that 5000 people I in Nelson, Tavaaaki, or any other old-established district represent the same wealth and power as would a similar number of people in Westland, because such a statement is contrary to fact, as may be proved by reference to the census returns. We are aware that just now the mining districts of Westland are suffering from depression, but that is the fault of the Government to a great extent, iv not affording proper and adequate assistance in the work of prospecting. It is the opinion of large numbers of practical men that untold mineral wealth is lying undeveloped in the Westland district, aud that were sufficient sums J of money devoted to the prospecting | of that country the colony would be amply repaid. The people them- , selves have confidence in the future J of the district. Some have been waiting year after year expe ting the dawu of a brighter day, but hope deferred maketh the heart sick, a,ud from time to time we hear of a gra • dual decrease of population. Vast sums have been spent in other parts of the colony opening up lands by means of railways and roads ; but when the "people of Westland point to their back country and ask for assistance in prospecting, a paltry pound for each pound locally subscribed is all that they cm obtaiu ! When will this state of things cease ? Let any one rememlier what the opening of the Otago, the Westland, and the Auckland gold fields did for the colony, — how they absorbed the surplus population, gave trade a fillip, aud revived business generally ; and he will, we are sure, agree with us that the gold mining industry is one that should receive far more support from the Legislature aud Government than it has yet received. The decrease iv the population of Westland is therefore, iv our opinion, the result of the systematic neglect by the Government of their duty to the mining constituencies, and our sympathies are therefore largolj'with the Wesdancl members in their attempt to lorce this view of the case upon the attention of Parliament. It wi'L however, be matter for regret if the representation is not readjusted before the general election takes place. The present state of things presents a great number of anomalies and inconsistencies, and the necessity of a readjustment is admitted on all hands. At the same time we believe the country is opposed to the proposals of the Government in so far as they relate to single electorates and an increase of the representation. Still, it would be better to bear those ills than remain for a further perioi of three years as things are now.

The Electoral Boundaries.— Wo hear the Sandon people are very indignant at the proposal to tack them on to the Upper Manawatu constituency. They say that all their interests are bound up with Foxton and Carnarvon, and that if the Foxton and Wellington Country electoral districts are to he united B union should be included in the new district, having no interest in common with either Palmers ton or Feilding. This view of the matter certainly commends itself to all who are acquainted with local politics and prejudices, and we are glad to learn that Mr Sansoa has put this phase of the question before one member. Manawatu Rowing Club. —A meeting of the above Club was held on Tuesday^ evening, Hf J. T. Stewart (vice-president) iv the chair. The meeting resolved that tfaft boati and flhed be insured for the sum of £150, the National Insurance ob., at the rate of £1 per cent. ; also to raise a loan of £50 upon the security of the Club'a property, and as soon as the loan has bp arranged for the Secretary write to Mr Cummins, of Wanganui, and order from him a new four-oared outrigger, to co3t not more thnn £46, as per an offer made by him. N« other business of importance was transacted. All Saints' Church. — A meeting of the Churchwardens and Vestry was held on Wednesday last, at 7. 30 p.m. Present — Messrs 0. H. Mtclean (in the chair), Hankins, Coley, Quinn, and Palmer. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr Maclean i-formed tha meeting that there (was a credit balance at the Bink ot about t'3l Mr Maclean was unanimously elected Hon Treasurer. The two churchwardens (Messrs Hankins and Maclean) were appointe I to have the belfry repaired. The following resolutions were pxssed : — 1. That the Secretary write to the Diocesan Secretary, asking what interest is due, and what amount the Church is insured for, ' 2. That two collections be made on each Sunday. 3. That tke price

of sittings be as follows :— Family pew, 30a per annum ; single sitting, 10* per annum. 4. That Messrs Hankins, Maclean, and Qainn be a committee to see about pew rents. 5. That an alter cloth be obtained for the Church, cost not to exceed £5. Accounts to the amount of about £1/5 were pa*scd for payment. Scholarships.— The examinations of candidates for scholarships took place at Waugauui this week, beginuingon Tuesday, and ending yesterday. We regret t ) notice the almost entire absence of representatives from Matiiiwatu, Thomas Harris, of the Sandon State School, being the only representative of the entire county. Such a state of things is anything but satisfactory, and clearly proyes that there is something wrong in the "State of Denmark." Can any one explain the reason ? A Reading Room for Foxton. — It is really surprising that no steps have been taken to provide a free reading room for Foxton. Some years ago an Athenaeum existed here, aud there are now a number of books and papers in the building designated by that name. It is quite useless, however, to attempt to resucicate that institution, as the building is in an out-of-the-way position, and is extremely unsuitable. A suggestion has been made to us that appears a very good one. It is that the Government should be asked to exchange the present Athenaeum site and building for that on which the immigration barracks stand, adjoiniug the Courthouse, the Government keeping the Atheuaeum, and the public taking the barracks for use as a reading room, &c. Wo believe this exchange would suit both the public aud the Government, and would receive the favourable consideration of the authorities. It is quite improbable that the barracks will ever be used again for immigration purposes, while the proximity of the Athenaeum to the Public Wtrks aud Telegraph and Post Offices causes a feeling of insecurity to the officers of those departments. Should the Government assent to the suggestion thrown out, and. of that we entertain no doubt, a very neat front could be put to the barracks with the money in hand, Messrs Thynne and Liddell being trustees of the building fund, and havingp.s such £100 17a to their credit at the Bauk of New Zealaud. We would suggest that a public meeting should be called to consider the question. The Old Ckmetery.— The disgraceful state of the fences surrounding the old cemetery has on several occasions been brought before the puUlic in this journal. It appears the worst portion of the fencing is that which divides the cemetery from the sohool grounds, and a3 the cemetery is not vested in any person, the work of erecting a good and substantial dividing fence necessarily falls upon the school committee. It is to be hoped that body will at once do their duty in this matter by taking such steps as will prevent the schoolboys' horses trespassing iv the old cemetery. Apart from the sacreduess which Englishmen invariably attach to "God's acre," we may mention that there are a number of young trees in the ground which are certain to be in j ured if horses or cattle are allowed to trample upon them. We would urge the Local Board to erect a neat "picket" fence around the front of the section. The cost would be small, and the presi nt unsightly fence is really not creditable to the township. Memorial Stone.— With reference to our recent remark that a memorial stone should be erected to the memory of the lato Ihakara Tukumaru, we have been reminded that on the day of his funeral a subscription list was started with that object, Mr Robinson heading it with a donation of three guineas, and several other persons subscribing. Siuce that time,however, nothing further has been done, but we now learn that the Rev. Mr Duncan has taken the matter in hand, and we may therefore hope that in a short time a neat stone will point out the burial place of the d ceased chief. We believe donations will be solicited only from old residents in the district, although subscriptions from others will not be refused. Naming the Streets.— We would urge up >n the Local Board thatistobetheimportance of naming the streets. This is about the first work that should be undertaken ' by the new Baanl, as it is one that is urgently needed. Ik is almost impossible at present to accurately describe localities in the town, o\»ing to the streets not having been named. In the naming of the streets a system should be adopted. In Invercargill, the streets are named after the rivers of Scotland ; in Nelson, the victories and subordinates of the naval hero of Great Britain furnish the names of the streets ; while in Napier the names of the most illustrious authors of our nation are employed to denominate the streets. A suggestion has been made that the streets in Foxton should be uatned after the Governors of New Zealand ; another, that they should be named after the leading politicians of the Colony ; while a third is that the names of the early sertlers in Foxton, and those who have contiibuted most to its progress, should be mod as the titles of the street*, Who* her any one of theso three suggestions will be adopttd it is impossible to say, but we certainly hope the name, Main street, will be abolished, and that the incongruity of calling a street "The Avenue," will not be perpetuated. The old Board have, we believe, determined to leave the work of naming the streets to their successors, and it will be a cause of satisfaction if the matter is taken in hand aud done at an early date. Stockyards. — Workmen are engaged erectiug stockyards for Messrs Thynr.e, Linton, & Co., opposite the Mauawatu Hotel, oh the flat fronting Mr Cummertield's house It is probable they will be completed in about six weeks, and it is expected the first sale of stock in them will be held about that date by Messrs Thynne, Linton & Co. Mr J. Jay is erecting the yards, which will be of a most substantial character. Hopeful Indications. — There an alreadyKmdications of an early aud promising spring. In many parts of the district the peach trees have been in blossom for a weepor two past, and we hear on all hands of rhubarb budding, and other signs of an early spring. We hope that appearances will not proveSeceptive, andj|Mb6 there will be no late frosts to worry and disappoint the Bottlers. Railway Retuiins.— Our article on the railway returns has furniihed two of our contemporaries with th« materials for a leader. Had they turned up the General Manager's report, they would have found that the arrangement of the figures was our own, in order to give clearness and force to the facts brought out. Insolvent.— Mr W. S. Staite. solicitor, of Palmerston North, has filed a declaration of insolvency. Accident. — A team of two horees dnven by a you h named Lawrence bolted down the Main street on Tuesday morning, from Clyde street to Burr's corner. Lawrence Wits thrown out, and the wheels grazed him, but though insensible for a short time no serious damaje was done to him. The Weathbr. — The Manawatu was rising rapidly yesterday in the northern part of the County, and a heavy fresh may be expected in the river today.

The Otaki Trap Accident.— We have been placed in possession of the following particulars of the recent trap accident at Otaki, by which Mr Hayns, County Engineer, lost a quantity of surveying gear. It appears that Stephen Rogers, the man who owned the trap and was driving, arrived at the Otaki river a'jout 8 p.m. on the day of the accident, having missed the turn in. When at the City of Auckland his horae pulled towards the river for the drink. After being satisfied, Rogers turned hia horse's head toward the sandhills, when the whole of the river bank under the cart gave way, throwing him into deep water. While in the water one of Mr Hayns' ranging pjleß struck him in the groiu aud almost disabled hizn, or he could have recovered nearly all the things, and he says he might have also got his horse on shore. Ha " cooee-ed " as loud as he could, but no one seemed to hear him. The tide was very hij>h at the time. Wo regret to learn that Mr H iyu3' loss is about i' 43, while the driver (S. Rogers) will lose about £23. There is not only the first loss, but both Mr Hayii3 aud Mr Rogers will be put to the expense of replaeiug what has been lost, in addition to which there will be a great delay caused in Mr Hayus' work. ( Borough Clerk. — The salary of the Clerk to the Feilding Bjrough Council has been fixed at £100 per annum. Feilding Statiox.— Mr M'Kenna, the officer appointed to take charge of the Feilding Railway Station vice Mr Kirton, has arrived, and will commeuce his duties today ( Wednesday). Mr M'Kenna has been stationed at Gore, in the South Island, for some time past. — Guardian. Moutoa Estate.— Mr Grower invites tenders for the erection of a woolshed upon the Montoa estate, Tenders olcsd on the iibh September, and specifications may be seen at the Herald Office.