New Zealand Times (PUBLISHED DAILY.) MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4875, 6 November 1876, Page 2

New Zealand Times (PUBLISHED DAILY.) MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6.

The question of sanitary science is one which, so far as the leading European nations are concerned, is of comparatively recent origin, although there is the most unquestionable evidence that some of the great nations of antiquity were far advanced. in this science. Their works, being dead,' yet speak of the close attention which they paid lo sanitary requirements. Foremost amongst these nations stood Rome, Greece, the great nations of Assyria, not forgetting the inhabitants of Peru, during the Incariar period, the ruins of whose aqueducts and works of a similar character, wonderful in their decay, fully attest their desire to obtain an abundant supply of that moat desirable of all requisites, pure water. There is also evidence to show that other matters connected with sanitary science occupied their attention; witness the Cloaca Maxima at Rome, a vast subterranean tunnel, by which the sewage of the city, being brought to it by connecting drains, was conveyed into the Tiber. Unfortunately the knowledge of sanitary science appears to have died out with the nations which gave it birth. So much so that during the Middle Ages the greatest ignorance prevailed on the first principles of public health. When we read of the state of things which obtained in England during the period referred to, of floors covered with rushes, which in the case of the poor were only removed once a year, if at all; of the rich being disturbed at their meals by dogs quarrelling over bones in the further corner of the room, and of these rooms being occupied by the retainers by night as sleeping apartments, to say nothing of the filthy accumulations outside, not to mention the horrible state of the streets and dwellings in the great centres of population, need we wonder at sweating sickness, black death, plague, and other' dire diseases, which alternately visited these filtlv infested communities. It may lie a question of some interest, which we cannot now stay fully to consider, how a science so important was permitted to fall into disuse. Doubtless it is directly chargeable to the gross ignorance of all scientific matters which characterised that age. It is not our business now to enquire into the cause of this ignorance, suffice it to say that the religious notions of that period tended to foster this state of things. Men were wont to look upon all epidemical diseases as direct visitations from God, whereas they were purely the result of their own neglect Dr violation of nature’s laws. But whatever remissness on the subject of public health has obtained in past time, it is how engaging the attention of the foremost thinkers of the age. True, this science may be said to be in its infancy, in so far as the present generation is concerned. But public attention is now fairly directed to it, and wo may expect reforms ere long, the results of which will be most satisfactory in the increased longevity of the denizens of our cities and towns. Wherever sanitary reforms have been instituted, and vigorously carried oui, there has been a great diminution in the death rate. The great essentials of health are wholesome food, a plentiful supply of pure water, pure air and cleanliness. The disregard of any or all of these will infallibly subject the offender to the most serious consequences. Nature’s laws are violated and she exacts 1 the penalty. * Unhappily sanitary roqniiements have been but partially attended to in most of the AustralianandNew Zealand towns. In none of them has that close attention been paid to the'subject which adueregardforthe public health demands. We have been led to the consideration of this subject by the pressing necessity there exists for sanitary reforms in this, city. Unfortunately our arrangements in this direction are of the most primitive character. Up to a very recent period our civic rulers have been far above such trivial considerations as the cleansing of gutters and the removal of filth. One need only take a walk through some of our streets to have his senses of sight and smell continually offended. This state of things, though an evil in itself, is but. a trifle compared to the mischief, which it produces in our midst. It is a remarkable fact that in England upwards of 140,000 persons die annually from preventable causes such ns those already indicated. How many die in this city in a corresponding period from similar causes becomes a serious question for the authorities to consider. It is cheering to know that our City Councillors are now alive to

the necessities of the«case, ..and that an Act has recently passed - the-Legislature empowering; them to raise money'by loan lor \the . drainage .Df.. the, city. When, this important work shall be undertaken we may Venture - to - hope that no mere monetary considerations will be allowed to interfere -with-. the .complete thoroughness of the plan. But a question of serious moment presents itself at the present time, namely—What is to be done while these arrangements are pending 1 for it must necessarily take some time before operations can be commenced. It seems to us that close attention should be paid to the cleansing of such substitutes for drains as we now have, and the speedy removal of nuisances, and such bye-laws as bear upon the case should be strictly enforced. We make no apology for bringing this matter before our readers, as it is one in which all are immediately concerned, and we shall probably recur to it again at no distant period.

At the time that Mr. Hutchison successfully contested the Mayoralty with Mr. Gisborne, 'the New Zealand Times was the only Wellington journal that discussed the contest upon its merits. The other papers, we regret to say, did not do so, but heaped abuse of the most violent and personal description on Mr. Huxchl: son. That gentleman has proved by hia tenure of office that the confidence of the ratepayers was most fittingly, bestowed upon him, and it seems to be pretty generally agreed that he is to have a renewal of the Mayoralty, and is to be our chief civic officer during 1877. To this we have no objection to offer, nor to the proposal to pay the Mayor in future such a salary as shall at all events indemnify him from suffering undue pecuniary loss by his acceptance of office. But whilst we have no opposition to offer to the re-election of Mr. Hutchison, and are even prepared to admit that he has been probably the best Mayor we have yet had in Wellington, we are not inclined to support his re-election without a clear understanding as to the merits of the case;,and we are able to write more freely on this point because, as we believe Mr. Hutchison will himself admit, he during his former election received the fairest possible treatment from the New Zealand Times. Now, the position of Mr. Hutchison in regard to his past fulfilment of the duties of Mayor is just this. He is a gentleman of no small ability in many senses, and, owing to certain circumstances, he has been able to devote himself to what may be termed the departmental and administrative work ot our civic-polity in a manner that we do say it would have been unreasonable to have expected from any former occupants of the office, but which none the less, it must be admitted, has had a most beneficial effect upon the conduct of Municipal affairs. And we are fully convinced that another year of a Mayor under advantages such as Mr. Hutchison happens to possess is very desirable, but then it must be fairly understood that in re-electing Mr. Hutchison we are obtaining the services of a competent working head of an office, —are obtaining, in fact, clerical, departmental, and administrative ability, such as would be looked for in a permanent official, rather than paying an honor to a fellow citizen who has been largely identified with, and taken a deep interest in, the progress of the place, civic and otherwise.» In saying this we do not mean to detract from the interest felt by Mr. Hutchison in all that concerns Wellington; quite the contrary.' We merely desire to point out the exact elements attending his re-election. In' short, were it agreed that the office of Mayor should not in future be a rolling one, but that its occupant should be a gentleman capable of devoting the greater portion of his time to its work, and, as such, of the same value to the city that the efficient head of a department is to the country, we should be only too happy to see Mr. Hutchison appointed and acting as a superior town clerk. And wo are not prepared to say that for the most efficient carrying out of civic work such a class of Mayor might not be advisable, but we can see much greater advantages in the present system. Whilst that system is in existence then we hasten to point out, in anticipation of Mr. Hutchison’s well-earned election, that it miistnotbelooked upon as a precedent, and that there is no reason why our Municipal affairs should require qualifications in a Mayor beyond those of general worth, sincere devotion to the city, and an intention to give a fair amount of time, without injury to his own business, to the mere office duties of his position.

The rules and regulations for the prize firing, 1877, were issued from the Defence Office on Saturday. Some few alterations and improvements have been made upon those used at the Wanganui competition . in the early part of this year. Whitening the sights of rifles will be allowed, and competitors may use a waterproof sheet, a greatcoat not folded up, but laid flat, as a protection from the ground, but no el 1 ow-rests or mats will be allowed. All firings for choice of representatives or for Government prizes must be under the immediate supervision of the officer commanding the, district; and for ; any deviation of this rule, special application must be made to the Acting Under-Secretary for Defence. No. person, except; the commanding or sqnad officer, will be permitted to speak to a competitor after he has taken'his place at the firing point, or to afford him any information which may be/icaloulated to assist Or confirm his judgment as to firing. Any violation! of this rule will at once render the scores of the competitor and offender liable to be disallowed. Any po -ifion will be allowed that can be .assumed on a flat surface. The colonial carbine representatives will be the highest aggregate scorers ■ in - the two firings at ranges 200, 250, 000, anfl 400 yards. Seven shots St'(each range, a period of at least three days being allowed between each firing, according to the following scale :—Auckland * and Waiuku, 2 ; Waikato, I ; farauaki, Patea, and Wanganui, 1 ; Rangitikei and Wellington, 1 ; Napier, Poverty Bay, and ’ Opotiki, 1 ; Thames, 1 ; Nelson,! ; Canterbury, 1 j Oamaruand Southland,!; Dunedin,2; and Armed Constabulary, 1. The colonial rifle representatives will be the highest aggregate scorers in the two firings at ranges 200, 400, 500,, and 600 yards; seven shots at each range; a period of three days being allowed between each firing, according to the following scale : Auckland, 3 ; Waiuku, 2; Taranaki and Wanganui, I; Rangit kei, 1; Wellington, 2; Masterton and Tauranga, 1; Thames, 3; Nelson, 1; Marlborough, 2 ; Canterbury, 2 ; Oamaru, 1 ; Dunedin, 3 ; Southland, 1; Westland, 1 ; Armed Constabulary, 3, The filing for the co’onial prizes will take. place at Hokitika, in the mouth of February, on .days to ha hereafter named by the Government, and the competitions with weapons to be specially supplied to competitors for that purpose. As soon as the firing tor choice of-representatives has been concluded, fnew snider carbines and short rifles will bb issued to those Volunteers and Armed Constabulary who are either Government or extra representatives. Representatives will take with them to Hokitika' the weapons before mentioned, and they will be required to return them' into store at the .termination of the eompetition. Representatives will be held personally responsible for the safe custody of all arms and camp equipage issued to them for use at the colonial meeting, and are required to deliver them up in good order before the camp is struck. Any damage or loss will have to be mado good by them. Representatives

are specially enjoined not to tamper with the carbines or rifles issued to them for the colonial tiring. Anyfrepresentative'who may.be found to have done iso will be at onqe disqualified from further'competition, and any. previous score made by him at the colonial meeting disallowed ; and on no account is any representative to exchange with any other representative the carbine or rifle issued to him for use at the colonial meeting.

AcmicuLTUEß, it has been well said, is “the first of the arts,” for it can live “without all the others, and without it the others cannot live.” The settlers in the Taita began with a ploughing match ; then they set about forming a local agricultural society ; and, from the latest accounts, they wish to spread the blessings of their association into other districts, for they have widened the name into “ The Hutt Country Agricu tural, Horticultural, and Pastoral Society.” These are all steps in the right direction, for ploughing, though an important, is not the only part ot agriculture. Afterwards come pasturage and the proper rotation of crops ; then gardens, orchards, and forestry ; and, lastly, those branches of rural economy that relate to the rearing and improvement of stock. And after what we might term the primary departments of Government have been attended to, we could scarcely name one, that, in a new colony, has such a claim ou the attention of the Ministry, not even except-' ing that of mines and manufactures. They could foster the science and practice agricultural in its different branches, as some of the provincial governments have hitherto done, by distributing grants to the Agricultural and Pastoral Associations at present in existence throughout the colony ; and, by thus showing that they mean to help those that help themselves, give a fresh impulse to agricultural and pastoral improvement. Or they might, by the creation of a special department or board assist the struggling settlers to cultivate the soil to greater advantage, rear superior stock, make better cheese, improve agricultural machinery and implements, plant and grow trees suitable for shafts and handles, tor our native trees are not so suitable, and having a forest department for the purpose of conserving the kauri and other forests we at present have in the North Island. It might also diffuse information regarding the best seeds and manures, the most recent discoveries in veterinary science, and the cheapest modes of erecting whares, huts, and small houses in which to begin “ the heroic work of colonis - tion.” And by arrangement with the Public Works department it might help to settle useful immigrants along the line of road or railway they had been employed in constructing, and laboring at which they had acquired a little capital that would enable them to take a firmer hold of the soil. Prom navvies these industrious men would be transformed into cultivators of the soil, and become valuable additions to the permanent population of the country.

From an official return of the traffic of the railways in England, Ireland, and Scotland, of which 14,850 miles are now open, it is seen that the average receipts per mile tor the week ending 15th July last were £79 9s. 7d., while during the same week the traffic returns of the tramways in London, Dublin, Edinburgh, and Glasgow—about lll| miles open—showed the average receipts to be £IBO per mile, or £1,046,030 per annum. Referring to our Wellington tramways, we are glad to hear that the public have received the prospectus issued last week with marked favor, applications for shares being rapidly sent in, some from a long way outside Wellington. We have heard a few objections to tramways obstructing the streets, but these are easily replied to. The rails will be on the exact level of the streets, with a very small grove to catch the flange of the wheels, and do not, as has been shown over and over again, present the slightest hindrance to traffic. But, as Mr. Duncan, the secretary to the Glasgow tramways, stated, they have instead of obstructing had the effect of regulating the traffic, and there are plenty of Wellington gentlemen who can speak by experience in America and Europe of the wonderful usefulness of tramways. Among these may he mentioned, in addition to those given in a former article, the Hon. Dr. Grace, Mr. Bannatyne, Mr. Krull, &c. Willis-street has been spoken of as being too narrow. Now, it is a fact that much narrower streets in London, Dublin, and Glasgow have their tramways unobjected to by. any one. whilst in that city of tramways (Philadelphia) the width of Chesnut-street and Walnut-street, the principal business streets, is only 26ft. between the kerb-stones, whilst Willis-street, Wellington, is 33ft. Sin. between the kerbstones at the narrowest part of the street. We have examined the plans, nectio is, and working drawings of the We'lington, tramways, and they are evidently prepared in the most complete manner, showing the line of tramways, passing places, rails, sleepers, station buildings, carriages, engines, &c.; in short every necessary detail. We doubt not that when all is completed, Wellington will possess tramways and carriages unsurpassed for substantiality, comfort, and convenience ; and we believe they will be a decided success, and highly satisfactory to the shareholders. It is significant of the confidence so generally felt, that some of the oldest residents and owners of property have a ready applied for large interests in the undertaking, whilst it is well known that the value for land has doubled, and in some cases trebled, along the proclaimed line of tramway.

The transhipment of the second Cook Strait cable from the ship Zealaridia to the s.s, Agnes was completed at an early hour this morning. The work as will bo remembered was commenced on Friday afternoon last, and continued all Saturday and Sunday morning up to six o’clock, at which hour operations were stopped till six o’clock last evening, when they were again commenced and continued till after one o’clock this morning, when the work ■was brought to a finish. Forty miles is the quantity that the Agnes has taken on board, leaving in the Zealndia’s hold between 20 and 30 miles. Of this eight miles will be stored in a hulk for use in repairing damages to the Cook Strait cable, and the remainder will be taken on board the Agnes on her return from laying the second cable. It is expected she will leave here for that purpose to-day, going first to White’s Bay, where a start will bo made and thence over to within about eight miles of Lyell’s Bay, where the end will have to ,be buoyed, as one of the shore ends has not yet arrived in the colony. The- Agnes will have to return to port and await its arrival, which yvill be about the middle of December. Mr. Shapley, Superiniutendent of the New Zealand and Australian telegraph cable, and Dr. Lemon will accompany the Agnes. Pilot Holmes will also go with her. The work of laying the cable if the weather is fine is expected to be finished tomorrow or .next day. A painful accident happened to Mr. Budge, tobacconist, last night at about 11 o’clock. He was closing the shop, and had mounted a ladder to pull down the patent roller shutters, when the ladder suddenly broke, and he was precipitated to the ground, and his ankle was very severely sprained. At first it appeared that the ankle was dislocated, the foot being turned round completely, but Mr. Budge himself straightened it, and the foot then began to swell rapidly. Dr. Bradford was sent for, and on his arrival did what was necessary for the sufferer, who suffered great pain.

A special meeting of the members of the Wellington Athenaeum and Mechanics’ Institute will be held this evening in the readingroom, the business being to consider the following resolution: —That the committee be hereby empowered to sell, pull down, and remove the buildings and erections now. situated on the land vested in the association, with power to enter into, do, execute, and perform all contracts, agreements, acts, deeds, and things for the erection of a new building on such lands, and to apply all monies, whether borrowed from the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, or otherwise belonging to the association, to the above purposes.

The llunedin papers apeak in very favorable terms of the steamer Hinemoa. The Tima designates her as truly yacht-like in appearance, and an exquisite model, as near perfecfcction os can be.

His..'Excellency the Governor * and Lady Normanby and suite left on an excursion trip on Saturday to the northern portion of the Middle Island, i A remarkable meteor, described as being', of great sjze and brilliancy, was f-’eon at Tauranga* on Saturday evening. It exploded with a noise like a cannon. The St. Leonards, which arrived here from London the other day, brought five mites of submarine telegraph cable, to replace the portion used in repairing the old Cook Strait cable. A little after 10 o’clock on Saturday night, a very brilliant meteor was seen in the northern part of the heavens. At first it looked like a falling star, with its usual train of sparks ; but on passing in a north-westerly direction, it shone for some time like a streak of fire along the path of movement. Mr. C. D. Whitcomhe, Chief Commissioner of Waste Lands for the Province of Taranaki, has commenced an action for libel against Mr. J. Kenworthy, the propretor of the Budget. and the case has been fixed for hearing at the Resident Magistrate’s .Court on Wednesday, the Bth inst., at half-past 10 o’clock. The Wellington A mateur Christy Minstrels will give an entertainment in the Boulcott-; street Hall to-night. The proceeds will be given to Mr. F. Hughes, who is unable to follow his occupation as a joiner, owing to the loss of his. hand. The excellence of these entertainmei.ts should guarantee the receipt of a good t;ound sum for this praiseworthy object. The committee of the Hutt Agricultural Society met in the Taita schoolroom on Saturday evening, Mr. Worth in the chair, when the draft rules and regulations were laid on the table by Mr. Corbett ; and nearly all as read were approved. The meeting, however, appeared in favor of the name being “ The Hutt County Agricultural, Horticultural, and Pastoral Societ .”

The cases at the Resident Magistrate’s Court on Saturday were few in number and unimportant in character. Several persons were punished for drunkenness. A protection order was applied for by a Mrs. Parrass, and granted, the husband to pay 20s. a week towards the support of ids wife and family. An assault case, to which Waka Horitipu and Hori Ngapaka were parties, was dismissed. We learn from the Hawke’s Bay Herald that the trout turned out last year by Mi Tanner in Ngaruroro have been seen lately. Several fish, measuring from five to six inches, have been seen near the Karamu crossing, and there is every reason to believe that the previous attempts have been successful. The last lot are very healthy, and none have died since hatching. Over 80 per cent of the ova were hatched.

The Rev. Mr. Treadwell, the Presbyterian Minister who has recently arrived to take charge of the Church in Wanganui, preached yesterday in this city—in the morning at St. John’s Church and in the evening at St. Andrew’s. The text in the morning was taken from the forty-seventh chapter of Ezekiel, first twelve verses. On both occasions the reverend gentleman delivered a most impressive discourse.

There was a large attendance at Barlow’s Circus on Saturday night. The matinee was also a great success. Young Roma received quite an ovation for his equestrian feats. The dogs and monkeys were again very funny, and the acrobatic feats were well appreciated. In consequence of the success of the entertainment, the performance will be continued for four days. Full particulars are given in our advertising columns. The Nelson Daily Times says “ There was joy in the house of Jervis, at Foxhill, yesterday, and the reason of the rejoicing was the successful hatching out of two young emus from the clutch of eggs that has for the past six or seven weeks been watched with sedulous care. Others are expected, and in the meantime the health of the “little strangers ” is made the excuse for the imbibition of fluids ranging from Harley's amber to Moet’s champagne. Joking apart, however, Mr. Jervis may be congratulated upon an interesting addition to his stock in these'rare birds, the first of their kind born in New Zealand." . Some little fun was caused on the arrival of the Hawea at Port Chalmers. On the passage down from Wellington, one of the passengers suffered an imaginary loss, in consequence of which, when off Oatnaru, Captain Wheeler put himself in communication with the Dunedin police authorities. We learn from the Otago Daily Times that as she came up the harbor, a detective and Constable Coffey boarded her, but only to find the errand a bootless one. This, however, is not quite all, for one mistake begat another. The Hawea anchored off the pier, and some of the passengers came ashore by boat, amongst them Mr. Lumsden, M.H. K.., one of the Southland members. Unwittingly he took passage in the boat in which the detectives returned. This being noticed by the crowd that had assembled on the pier, a rumor spread with lightning rapidity that the worthy legislator had been arrested for some fearful ciime, and was on his way to durance vile. A rush was made to the waterman’s steps, and then, when the boat reached, the truth was made apparent by Mr. Lumsden landing with benign -cmiling indifference, and marching away from his temporary companions with carpet bag and wrappers in hand.