New Zealand Times. (PUBLISHED DAILY.) THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4854, 12 October 1876, Page 2

New Zealand Times. (PUBLISHED DAILY.) THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12.

We beg to apologise to Mr. Fitz Gerald for not being able, owing to pressure on our space, sooner to notice his letter on the University, published by us on the 4th instant. That letter was courteous in tone, and, like all his writings, lucid in style, but at the same time illogical in argument. This perspicuity of style is not a pure advantage, for whereas the fallacious reasoning of other men may be hidden under a cloudy, phraseology, and so assume the semblance of profundity, in him the meaning, whether logical or fallacious, is unmistakeable. The first two paragraphs of his letter exemplify one fallacy. He tacitly assumes that the gist of our article of the 29th ultimo was devoted to ageneral comparison of the University of New Zealand, which is only an examining body, with that of IMelbourne, which is a teaching body ; or, as he puts it “a comprehensive consideration of the whole subject.” .Having made this unwarranted assumption, he asks us if we see our way to getting a teaching body, whose superiority he admits, in place of the present examining body? Following a very high precedent, we shall answer his question by asking him another. Pray where does that article of ours institute the general comparison or comprehensive consideration of the whole subject which you assume ? On the contrary, nothing can be clearer than that the whole drift of the article was a comparison of the position and powers, of the general body of graduates in the two Universities. After explaining the powers, or rather semblance of powers which the New Zealand University Act of 1874 gave to Convocation, and condemning them as futile, we went on thus : “Now just compare this helpless and humiliating position of the body of graduates under this Act with that of the corresponding body, i.e., the Senate, under the Act of Incorporation of the Melbourne University.” We then went on to institute the contrast between the two bodies. The question which Mr. Fitz Gerald, in this paragraph, puts to us, is entirely beside the question we raised, and therefore irrelevant. The critic, finding it inconvenient to answer the objection which is really made, makes a parade of answering an objection which is not made. Again, ixi the third paragraph, relating to the charge of mismanagement and expense, Mr. Fitz Gerald is just as much at sea as in the preceding two. Here also our charges were specific, but our critic assumes them to be general. Some tune since we criticised certain absurd features, in the curriculum of study, especially in the subjects of Greek and Latin. We contrasted these , subjects with the same in the curricula of the Universities of London and Melbourne. In that, view it appears that we had been preceded by the Senate of the London University. In that former article we challenged contradiction on special points, and in the later article of the 29th Septemberwe askedthis question H°'“ with this University at our doors, is it necessary to go to Cambridge to get established a local tost of educational attainment? Neither has the former challenge been taken up nor haa the later question been answered. Wo take the liberty of inferring that the gentlemen who, with this University at their door, with a staff of examiners including among them Mr. J, E. Fitz Gerald, go all the way to Cambridge ■ to ■ have their work tested, cannot. think much oLthe 1 - New Zealand University.' We called this ymversity an exports! vo and ill-irianaged concern, and we repeat ‘the charge. We

do so on the special* .grounds already mentioned, and also.on this further plain one, that a corporation which produces so little good result, or no result; at. all, is dear at any price however, small. % Even the sum of £3OOO per annum, which some may think paltry, “certainly too much for our whistle. The -fourth.,paragraph of , , the letter is extraordinary. Mr. Fitz Gerald tells us that—“ The difficulty of bringing together a Convocation, consisting of a large body of graduates,-without a large expenditure of the funds of the University, has been the real obstacle of putting the governing powers into the blinds of such a body.” Was ever so much naive simplicity crowded into a single sentence ? In the first place, Mr. Fitz Gerald has not the least motion either; of the gist of . our criticism, of ; the powers given by the Act of 1874 to the Convocation, or of the proper functions of the assembly of the body of graduates under, any constitution. The functions proper for such a body, and which wo claimed for it, were a power of effective control, not “governing powers,” but, the control of those when exercised by the administrative body. Might we ask is Mr, Fitz Gerald the draftsman of this model Act, and is-this a sample of his fitness? Again, with great candor, he makes it clear that we were quite right in our surmise that the framer or framers of this Act did not want the. Convocation to assemble at all. Having in some muddled way got it into his head that the powers, if any, to be given to Convocation, must be administrative or “ governing powers, ” the steps of inference were then natural that if they were given to the Convocation it must be. got together somehow, and that wbuldbeexpensive, and therefore the best thing was to give them no real power at all. Exactly so ; we concluded as much from the terms of the Act itself. Again, in the fifth paragraph Mr. Fitz Gerald says that the machinery of the amended Act now before the House will enable the professors and masters of the affiliated colleges to take their proper place in the central institution, and that some of them will certainly be elected on' the Senate. Here also he betrays his entire fogginess as to the essential principles of the case he deals with. Does he suppose that the proper, place for the professors and masters :of affiliated collages, who are the public servants of the central administrative 1 bodyj, t.e., the ■ Senate, is a place in that body, -and that these gentlemen are to be at once the persons who are to govern and to be governed? He adds that we shall ; then in stioh case see our way to further reforms. Wo have hot the least doubt of it, and we expect the reform ..to be the removal of these gentlemen from the Senate should they ever be unluckily elected it to it. We may rjust mention on this .point that when some,two years ago a person who did not understand this matter better than Mc.FitzGbrald, proposed to put the Professors of Otago University in the Council of that institution, these gentlemen, to their credit, ridiculed the idea. Once more, in the last paragraph Mr. Fitz Gerald says it is unwise for us to “assume, that the University is mismanaged because it does not perform duties which it was never intended to perform.” ' How we must remind our critic that.we condemned . the University for its shortcomings’ in the very , duty which he admits to be the special duty ; of the central body, i.c, “.the important sphere of conducting the examinations for scholarships and degrees.” Really our critic does not seem liberally endowed with'that wisdom which he says is lacking in us., i A more convincing proof of. the. truth of our views of this affair of the New Zealand University could not be than is supplied by section 5 of the assembly Act:—“Of the seven vacancies in the Senate now existing, four shall be filled by election of the Senate at its next meeting after the passing of this Act, and three , by, election of the Convocation as soon as convenient, ” &c. Exactly so ; the present gentlemen of the Senate form a nice little cotery, and it would be a pity that new blood should get in so as in any effectual way to control them. They will graciously allow the Convocation to elect three, keeping the lion’s share to themselves. They do not want to be controlled by the Convocation, either directly by reviewing their action, or indirectly by the election of their members. We say decisively that in the utter absence of all direct control by the Convocation, that body ought to elect every single member of the Senate : it is the only modo'they possess of controlling the Senate. We hope this will he attended to when the Bill comes to be considered in committee.

We are sorry that after carefully perusing both the amending Bill and Mr. Fitz Gerald’s letter, we must repeat our charge that the whole business is unsatisfactory in constitution, unsatisfactory in administration, and that it needs radical reform, not Mr. Stokes’ rose : water treatment. ■

A question as to the alleged mutilation; of Hansard reports by hon. members when revising their speeches arose in the House yesterday,” Mr. De Lautour bringing the matter forward in reference to a debate on the Education Boards Bill. Mr. Ballance, the chairman of Reporting Debates Committee, made an explanation oh the point raised by ’Mr. De Lautour, and then went on to draw the attention of the House to the practice of members mutilating their proofs, and called special attention to a particular instance. The hon. member for the Thames had a few days since made a speech in which he said the finances of the colony were in such a condition that if it were known at Home a commission would be sent out for the purpose of making an investigation. The hon member for Avon in his speech subsequently had made an allusion to that statement. Now in the Hansard report of the speech of the hon. member for the Thames not a word o“ his assertion appeared, though the criticism, of the hon. member for Aron i did appear. To the outside observer this appeared very absurd, and it was necessary that something should bo done to prevent this sort of thing. Sir George Grey said he had no recollection of having altered a proof, and should have liked to see his statement on that occasion on record correctly. Mr. Barff then drew attention to another matter. He asserted that the alterations in the speeches which had appeared in the last two or three numbers of Hansard were of a most disgraceful character. Certain speeches during the debate on the breach of privilege question had been most shamefully cut about, and were scarcely recognisible. The New Zealand Times report, though condensed, was strictly accurate; and if anyone would compare that report with the Hansard report, it would soon be found that the latter did not represent the speeches made. For instance, Mr! Fitzroy had remarked of the Tiimru Herald, that hon. members would not be surprised at the bbarseness of the articles iu reference to which a question of privilege: had been raised if they had been ; in the habit of living near Tiraaru, and, they would also know that to be maligned in the .paper was rather a recommendation than otherwise. . Now, not a word of this appeared in. 'Hansard. ~ Then, the apology of the hon. member for Geraldine—an apology which he (Mr...BarS), would, rather have thrown kimself ‘ off the end of the wharf thin * have ‘ made—was very meagre as if appOared in Hansard. If the House did not

put* some stop to the alteration of speeches, the records of the House would merely be laughed at.- Mr.* Wakefield declared that he had not seen his proofs, audi Mr. Eitzroy said he had* not altered speech. The matter then dropped.

.There was a very close approach to a “scene” in the House about 1 o’clock this morning. Mr, Rees said he felt tired and would go no further with the Estimates; and because the Government did not fall in with his idea, he repeatedly moved that progress be reported. He said it was not usual in Victoria or England to keep up such late sittings, or for the Government to attempt to make up the time they had wasted by forcing members to stay for unreasonable hours. Mr. Wason here cried “shame,” and was called to order by the Chairman and bantered by Mr Rees on loosing his temper, Mr. Wason then administered a rather severe castigation to Mr. Rees, and asked whether there was any analogy in the proceedings of the English Parliament with those of gentlemen who insulted the House and the country by talking against time for four-and-twenty hours. The hon. member and those associated with him had persistently wasted the time, and owing to such action now occupied a very insignificant position, though the party might with ordinary discretion have guided the destinies of the country. Being called to order for travelling beyond the question, Mr. Wason said neither the Chairman nor the Speaker had been so strict with other members. The Chairman peremptorily directed him to sit down, and then Mr. Sheehan in his turn gave it to Mr, Wason pretty smartly, remarking that his speech had been calculated to provoke a breach of the peace. Over an hour was wasted owing to Mr. Bees’ conduct.

We understand that in answer to Mr. Rees’s defiant challenge, Mr. Macfarlane has placed his resignation in Mr. Swanson’s hands, to be placed in those of the Speaker so scon as Mr. Rees should take a similar course. Mr. Rees has been thinking of the matter for forty-eight hours, and is thinking of it still. The committee appointed in reference to the farewell demonstration to Sir J. Vogel met at Mr Hunter’s roomslast night, there being a good attendance; his Worship the Mayor in the chair. The hon. secretary announced that a considerable sum had been subscribed towards the testimonial fund. Some discussion arose as to whether there should be a banquet or entertainment given in honor of the late Premier, and on the motion of Captain Holt, seconded by Mr. Hunter, it was resolved that there should simply be a presentation of an address accompanied by a testimonial ; Messrs. Mooxhouse, Hunter, Gillon, Roxburgh, and the Mayor being appointed a committee ,to draw up the address. It was decided that the presentation should be made at some place, thereafter to be decided upon, on that day week, namely, Wednesday next, and Messrs., Gillon, George, and Taylorwere appointed a committee , toi make arrangements lor securing a suitable place in which to make the presentation. The hon. secretary, Mr. Tribe, stated that Mr. Waddell had very kindly offered the use of the sawmill on the reclaimed land, and had also offered to find timber for seats, etc., but it was generally admitted that the Theatre Royal would be the moat convenient place. Subsequent to the meeting we were informed that Messrs. Bates and Howard, lessees of the Theatre, Royal, had very, kindly offered to place the Theatre at the disposal of the committee from half-past 12 to 6 o’clock on the day named. At the Resident Magistrate’s Court yesterday a woman named Bridget Baird was sentenced to one month’s imprisonment for vagrancy. This unfortunate creature is well known to the police, as she lives in gaol the best part of her time. On Tuesday night she requested Sergeant Price to find room for her in the look-up, not being in possession of sufficient money to enable her to obtain independent lodgings. The 1 sergeant gave utterance to the well-known words which caused “Poor Joe” such bewilderment and weariness, “ move on and she did. The amiable lady was subsequently found in a recumbent position in the street, having apparently devoted herself to the worship of Bacchus. in the interim. She was arrested accordingly, and made to move on again—-this time to tlxe gaol, as a vagrant. “The Streets of New York,” with Mr. Bates as Badger and Mrs. Bates as Lucy Fairweather, was -produced at the Theatre Royal last night. The public of Wellington are so well acquainted with the merits of Mr. and Mrs. Bates in this piece that as a matter of course a good house to. witness their impersonations was only what might have been expected, and as the play was mounted in a manner which has scarcely been excelled in this city, it was no wonder that the performance was a very great success. The wellknown fire scene was got up with a reality and completeness that drew plentiful plaudits. It is evident that “ The Streets of New York” is in for a good run! We have inspected an instrument which has been some time ago invented, manufactured, and used by Mr. James Sutherland, who is well known to have successfully held for over two years the position of Government Inspector of railway works on the Wellington-Mas-terton line. The various uses to which this novel instrument can be applied are so diversified that to convey any adequate idea of its shape is a matter that requires a little descriptive explanation, and we therefore tender tlxe following:—The skeleton of the instrument consists' of two pieces of red, pine, liu. broad and wide and 2ft. in length, both ends of which are beautifully indented out of the solid wood itself, and forming a very elegant wooden hinge. An arc of 45° and Sin. radius is then fitted in, and thus so far the instrument opens and closes just like a pair of compasses. There are then three spirit levels fitted, two of which are placed at right angles near the top of the same prong that the arc is fixed to, and the other in the moveable prong that works in and out on the arc. In ox-der to work the instrument accurately Mr. Sutherland has a table showing—lst, distances at which angles from to 4J°. are subtended by one inch ; 2nd,, number of inches subtending angles from s®' to 45® at the distance of one foot; and in this way the instrument, on its being placed in position at any distance from the work, will exactly indicate the slopes of both cuttings and embankments. One of the most novel features about this instrument is a revolving sight, which is fixed near its top end; and in using this the instrument is quickly attached to a very neatly made tripod, and revolves at will on a universal joint. The instrument can be applied on any direction, [and the intersection of pegs taken at any depth under formation, and afterwards will enable the same after the filling has taken place to be again placed in exact position* Mr. Peacock, of Auckland, manufactured the arc to ■ Mr. Sutherland’s order in a highly creditable manner; and Mr. Tolley, of Willia-street, fitted the most of the brass ’Work- very neatly. The high finish and neatness of the instrument reflects the greatest credit on Mr. Sutherland’s mechanical and inventive talents, hardly anyone would credit that such a fine piece of work could be turned out in the Mungaroa bush.

On Tuesday evening the juvenile Christy Minstrels connected with the Order of Good Templars gave an entertainment at the Mount Yiew Asylum for the edification of the patients. There was also a large number of present. The programme was a varied and long one. We take this opportunity of suggesting to our sable friends not to make their dialogue and what was termed farce so long. At the conclusion of the, performance the room was cleared, and those present, with a few of the patients, indulged in a A jig by several gentlemen, with female patients as partners, .was provocative of great fun. Every kindness and attention was paid to the visitors by Mr. Ingwersen and Mrs. Seager. A consultation game has been arranged between members of 1 the. House of Representatives • and members of the Wellington Chess Club. To the uninitiated it may be explained that each-i side, is represented by, a party who consult ibefore each move, so that there is littlfe chance of/false moves being made. The game will be played at the olubrpom, Budge’s saloon, on Saturday evening. ,

An ordinary meeting of the City Council is called for this afternoon. A return cricket match between the members of the General Assembly and the Wellington Cricket Club ■: will come off on the Basin Reserve next Saturday at eleven o’clock. The following tenders were received by the Public Works department for No. 3 contract, station buildings, Timaru to Waitaki Railway, viz. :—Accepted—Thomas H. Parsons, Timaru, £3559 ; declined John Ogilvie, Timaru, £3797; Thomas R. Jones, Timaru, £3897; George Filmer, Timaru, £3985. A telegram was received by the police yesterday from Carterton| to the effect that a boy named Robert Greeks was on the night previous reported to be lost in the bush. On search being made yesterday morning early, the boy was found in a whare off Hooker’s line. The Odd Fellows’ Hall was well attended yesterday, and the skates were exercised sufficiently. The rink becomes daily more attractive notwithstanding that the skaters or learners receive a good deal of bruising. But it is soon learned, and some of those who were quite unacquainted with the skates when they commenced of late jhave become very proficent.

The annual meeting of the Star Boating ( Club is called for Friday evexxing. The following is the secretary’s report:—l have to submit to the members of the Star Boating Club my annual report, together with the treasurer’s statement of receipt and expenditure for the year ending 30th September, 1876. The club commenced the season with a liability of £25 10s. lid,, being bill for £3O (discounted 11th September, and due 14th December, 1875) less credit balance at bank of £4 9s. Id. It will be seen that the receipts for the year amount to £294 12s. 6d. To this has to be added the sum of £37 17s. 3d., being net proceeds of the ball given at the Provincial Hall on 25th September, making a total of £332 9s. 9d. The expenditure for the year amounts to £272 18s. 4d. The above leaves a credit balance of £59 11s. sd. Deducting frem this the amount (£3O) of a bill which falls due in December next, a credit balance remains of £29 lls. sd. I regret to have to report that subscriptions to the extent of £l9 10s. are at present in. arrear. Had this amount been paid the club would have shown a credit balance of £49 Is. sd. In submitting this report it is desired to dx-aw special attention to the fact that the expenditure includes a sum of £156 Is. 9d. for the purchase of new boats. It is satisfactory to note that there has been a large increase in the number of members, resulting in the revenue of the club, under the heads of “subscriptions,” and “entrance fees,” being increased by the sum of £64 Is. 6d. as compared with the previous season. Departing from the subject of finance, and reviewing the racing events of the past year, it will be seen that the club was represented at the last Nelson and Wellington regattas. At the former it was fairly successful, obtaining first and second places in the four-oared senior gig race, and rowing second both in the amateur whaleboat and inrigged pair-oar races. At the Wellington regatta, however, it only succeeded in obtaining second place in the interproviucial champion outrigger race. With a view to improving the racing element of the club, scratch four-oared races were instituted, and carried out satisfactorily. It is earnestly hoped that, during the coming season, every effort will be made for the continuance of such contests. In anticipation thereof, four new boats, consisting of two four-oared and two pair-oared clinker-built gigs, have been ordered from R. S. Fuller, boatbuilder, Melbourne, and are expected to arrive shortly. In accordance with a resolution, carried at a general meeting of the members of the club, held on 13th July last, arrangements have been made for the extension of the boatshed. The work is now being proceeded with, and will be completed on or before the 24th inst. The shed will then be twice its present size, and will also contain a large dressing-room, measuring 50ft. x 16ft., fitted up for the convenience of members. It is a matter of congratulation that the necessary funds for carrying oxxt the above expensive improvements will be provided entirely among members of the club by means of debentures. In conclusion, it is hoped that the policy of the committee, which has throughout the season been entirely guided with a view to the best interests of the club, will meet with the approval of members generally.

Mr. N. J. Isaac's trade sale of wines, spirits, and groceries takes place at 2 o’clock to-day. As all goods to be offered are consignments for positive sale without reserve, every line should be qxxitted, and there should be a large attendance.