The Evening Mail. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20. 1877.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 461, 20 October 1877, Page 2

The Evening Mail. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20. 1877.

The announcements made by our Wellington correspondent to the effect that startling revelations have been made in the Treasury accounts ; that the Provincial liabilities have been under-estimated by about L 350,000 ; that the late Government have also set down large sums for country roads and bridges, in order to buy support ; and that the Public Works accounts show scandalous extravagance and corruption ; —are sufficient to fully demonstrate to every man gifted with a spark of honesty that the only matter of regret with regard to the downfall of the Atkinson-Whitaker Ministry is that it was so long delayed. What will the followers of the late Ministry say now? How will they endeavour to gloss over this latest revelation about the audacity, the dishonesty of the noble seven who have been relegated to the cool shades of opposition, and, let us hope, political obscurity? Of course, at this present moment we have not before us the full facts of the case, and are compelled to rely upon L*3 accuracy of the statements made by our correspondent. We have, however, the fullest confidence in our correspondent, and know that he would not make such state'ments as those alluded to above without having the best grounds for so doing : indeed, a portion of the information supplied by him was also forwarded to us by the Press Agency, so that there can be little doubt that these

latest charges against the now defunct Ministry are substantially correct. We were prepared to hear of almost anything against the Atkinson-Whitakeb, Ministry. We have watched with considerable care their administration of the country, and have frequently given utterance to our opinions thereanent in a bold manner. But we must confess that this latest revelation of the evil-doing of the late Ministry almost takes away our breath and paralyses our hands ; so great and so damning are the charges made. No wonder that the late Ministry succeeded so long in holding fast to the reins of government. Bribery and corruption have, under the late Ministry, been allowed to usurp the place of honest representative government. Pounds, shillings, and pence have done more to keep the late drivers of the Government coach on their seats than any honest convictions as to the ability of the drivers. Cash has out-, weighed convictions when divisions have taken place in the House on questions affecting the existence of the late Ministry. A "-bridge" has appeased the anger of one honourable member ; a bit of "road" has dispelled from the mind of another honourable member any doubts as to the way in which he should record his vote ; while the votes and applause of other honourable members have been purchased by—heaven and the late Ministry only know what. No wonder that the late Ministry was ever popular amongst the more impecunious members of the House and the representatives of the more impecunious little districts ! No wonder that the men who were such adepts at " convincing " so effectually certain members of the Legislature could so long remain in positions which enabled them to bestow favours at the expense of the public upon their followers. Let it not for one moment be imagined that we hint that every member who voted with the late Ministry has been the recipient of their favours. Many honourable men have accorded the late Ministry their support without in the least, we believe, knowing aught of the arts practised by the mighty seven in order to retain place, pay, and power. But what will those members say now ? What will they think of the men whom they assisted in keeping in possession of the three P's. Surely they will no longer strive to uphold thenconduct and praise their administration. Thank heaven! a change has come at last. The Atkinson-Whitaker Ministry, the worshipped of many worshippers, is a thing of the past. Let us hope that with the change we shall once more return to government by conviction rather than by cash, and that members will vote according to their honest opinions instead of with a view to favours to come. Of one thing we are quite certain. Sir George Grey and his colleagues are men who would suffer political annihilation rather than stoop to purchasing support by such contemptible devices as have been practised by their predecessors.

The question of the management of our schools is just now calling forth some comment, and very justly so. Our local public educational institutions may or may not be conducted upon those principles calculated to ensure the efficient fulfilment of their functions. Be tins as it may, it augurs well that the people evince a tendency to keep a watchful eye upon the management of the schools in which their children are being taught how to honourably and usefully occupy the places of the present generation of men and women when they shall have passed away. A meeting of the Oamaru School Committee will take place on Monday evening next, for the purpose of considering the present system of school examination, and to arrange for the raising of funds for the purchase of school prizes. The first question is one of no little moment. School examinations are tests of the ability of teachers and the efficiency of' their system ; and upon the manner in which the Government School Inspector conducts such examinations hangs the reputation and livelihood of school teachers. The carelessness or inefficiency of that official might produce results that would throw out of employment an able and worthy teacher, whilst a useless one might be retained in a school where he or she was doing more harm than good. We say nothing of the leaning that an Inspector might entertain towards some, and the dislike he might have for others, although the existence of such feelings in a School Inspector are just within the range of probability; for those officials are but human. We would like to see the adoption of a system of examination whereby a schoolmaster, say in Christchurch, could pay a visit of inspection to our schools in Oamaru. Such an idea, if properly car-

ried out, would have the effect of creating wholesome emulation amongst teachers, by which the children would undoubtedly be benefited. Not only so, but, if it could be arranged that such teachers could remain a week or so at the schools visited by them for purposes of examination, the children of a certain school would have the advantages of obtaining information from the visiting master that may not have been imparted by their own master ; whilst the latter would probably be on a visit to the school of the former performing the same good service. There would, therefore, be an interchange of ideas that could scarcely be accomplished by any other means. We strongly advocate that increased powers should be placed in the hands of local School Committees, whilst the office of Inspector should either be abolished altogether, or the duties of that-functionary revolutionised, in order not to interfere with the action of School Committees. As matters are at present, school teachers may do pretty much as they like, as they are only virtually amenable to the Inspector, who knows but very little of how the schools supposed to be under his charge are managed ; and very naturally so, Beeing that he has too many duties to perforin that should never have devolved upon him, to do anything really well. It may be said—How about the School Committees; are teachers not in some measure under their surveillance and amenable to them ? We believe not. If a School Committeeman, recognising the existence of what he believes to be an evil in any school, expostulates with the master, he is—politely, of course—told to mind his own business. This is an unsatisfactory state of affairs, and calls for immediate rectification.

We understand that already about LIOO has been subscribed in Oamaru in aid of the Indian Famine Relief Fund, although no canvass has been made of the town. It is expected that between L4ol)and LSOO will be obtained. We would direct the- attention of the Committee of the Mechanics' Institute to the dangeraus state of the steps at the rear !of the building. The earth which originally formed a portion of the steps has in some places been washed away, leaving the bare timber to form exceedingly dangerous mantraps. Owing to various causes, the meeting of ladies called by his Worship the Mayor, in connection with the Indian Famine Relief Fund, was very poorly attended. The only ladies present were .M rs Todd, Mrs Steward, and Mrs Thornton. It was understood that several other ladies were willing to lend their assistance in collecting subscriptions. The names of those willing to do so are requested to be sent in as early as possible to his Worship the Mayor in order that arrangements may be made for allocating portions of the town to them prior to the general canvass, which will be commenced on Monday. A meeting of the local Directors of the Oamaru Stone Company was held yesterday at Mr. Sumpter's offices, at which a considerable amount of business was done. A deputation was appointed to meet Mr. Conyers on his arrival in Oamaru, and advise with him in re tracks and other matters connected with the company. It was reported that this gentleman was prepared to make important concessions to the company. Mr. Booth reported that, in his opinion, 1000 shares could be placed in Dunedin, as, not- ' withstanding local jealous}', he found that professional men and others whom he had met regarded the proposal as a good thing, and a large trade would be done m Dunedin by the company. The Agent reported that over 1000 shares had been applied for in Oamaru alone, which, however, had not yet been sulheiently canvassed. It was thought that Oamaru should take up 1500 shares, and put the success of the company out "f all jeopardy, and next week will be devoted to complete the canvass. Afterwards, it was intended to see what can be done in Christchurch, and several Directors expressed their anxiety to float the company, and at once commence active operations—a consummation devoutly to be wished. A meeting of those interested in the formation of a Young Men's Christian Association in Oamaru was held in Tees-street Hall last evening, when there was a fair attendance. Mr. Moore occupied the chair. The Committee appointed at last moeting to draw up a draft Constitution, and look out for suitable rooms, submitted their report, which was of a satisfactory nature. Twentytwo names were received as members, and from these a Board of Management were chosen, consisting of Messrs. Gow, Moore, Milligan, M'Farlane, Jeffreys, and Mirams. The newly-formed Board have power to increase their number to nine, and to elect their own office-bearers. Mr. Duncan Wright, General Manager of the Dunedin Young Men's Christian Association, addressed those present in very suitable words, and was listened to with considerable interest. It is to be hoped that such an institution as this will receive the support and encouragement which it deserves in performing its disinterested and useful work among the young men of Oamaru. Such an institution, if properly conducted, cannot fail to do a vast amount Of good, and we wish the newly-formed Society every success in its career. The Rev. Mr. Morley will preach in Wesleyan Church to-morrow, morning and evening, and will also conduct a special service for the young at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. On Monday evening a public meeting in connection with the Wesleyan Home Mission and Church Extension Society will be held, at which addresses will be delivered by the Rev. A. R. Fitchett, of Dunedin, and the Rev. W. Morley, of Christchurch.

Mr. Jeffreys announces in our .advertising colums that he will preach at the Drill Shed to-morrow evening, at seven o'clock. James Grigg was charged at the Resident Magistrate's Court, before T. W. Parker, Esq., R.M., with having been drunk and disorderly, and discharged with a caution. The monthly inspection of the head-quar-ters companies of Volunteers took place last evening, when there was a good muster of No. 1 Company and the Citizen Cadets, but the attendance of members of the Artillery corps was somewhat meagre. The Oamaru Artillery Volunteers having decided upon sending Home at once for full dress unifarms, members of the battery are requested to call at once upon Mr. Gennnell and have their measures taken. We believe the Oamaru Artillery will be the first company of the kind in New Zealand to possess the complete uniform prescribed for Artillerymen. On Monday evening the public will be afforded an opportunity of witnessing one of the very best pieces of acting ever presented in the Colonies. We allude to the representation of the "Old Corporal," by Signor Majeroni. "Wherever the Signor has performed this character, he has received the greatest praise from the Press and public, and we are therefore convinced that a rare treat is in store tor the people of Oamaru, more especially when we take into consideration the fact that the company by which Signor Majeroni will be supported is a very strong one indeed.