VICTORIA.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 72, 21 February 1884, Page 2

VICTORIA.

(from our special correspondent.) Melbourne, Feb. 4, 1884. Just at the time most people were beginning to cast about for a new excitement, a cry comes across the Murray for the dismemberment of New South Wales. The proposal for Riverina to cut the parent apron-strings is one more of those illustrations which in the nature of things show that colonies, like individuals, can be possessed of more than they are able to manage. For many years past the squatting interests have been neglected, while commerce generally has not, so the separatists say, been conserved with that fidelity to trust calculated to maintain a feeling of loyalty, but which rather fosters the principles of independence. The “ Riverina trade,” as it is generally termed, has proved a veritable Naboth’s Vineyard, both Victoria and New South Wales laboring hard for the mastery. You, of course, are aware that the rivalry existing between these two colonies, as the ultra representatives of Protection and Free Trade, is not “ rooted and grounded in love.” The people in each place are as factious, and hate each other as cordially as the Montagues and Capulets of modern times should do. To divert the Riverina trade, exclusively if possible, to Victorian channels, is not a new idea with Flinders Lane and Collins Street men ; therefore it is not surprising that the lamentations now being offered up for vengeance, and relief for the “ oppressed British subjects” of that territory, have been received here with friendly solicitude, indicating a not altogether disinterested motive. But the Riverina people know that this will aid them in their distress; and they shew wisdom in using to their own ends the cupidity of their neighbors. One of the arch-angels chosen to sound the trump of war, just happened in the nick of time to be in Wilcannia, and was armed with the responsibility of beginning the agitation for separation in Melbourne. Mr. W. Lockhart Morton did so by calling a meeting at Scott’s hotel on Friday last, which was pretty well attended, but not exclusive of some who were not interested directly in the movement, as the circular of invitation prescribed. The grounds for separation, as stated by the “ Western Grazier” are synoptically as follow :—l, Bad treat* ment by New South Wales. 2. The concentration of political power in the capital of Sydney, and inefficient and “ powerless” representation. 3. The imposition of laws and taxes by a “ cunning po'.ioy” of non-repre-sentation, and other rights “ for which our forefathers victoriously contended.” 4. Because there is “ less hope of emancipation from the grasp of a democratic tyranny than that of an autocratic tyranny.” 5. The opposing interests, industries, pursuits, principles, sympathies, and aspirations of the two places—Sydney and Riverina—render it impo cible that just laws can ever be framed. 6. Segregation must precede any attempt at local improvement. 7. The exclusion of Riverina from communication by railway with South Australia and Victoria, while New South Wales filches her taxes, and makes her sell only in the Sydney market. 8. Before the federation of the Colonies is possible, antagonism between the “ Pastoral districts and the entirely Democratic districts” must be removed. 9. Because taxation without representation is unlawful, and 10. That in eighteen months after separation Riverina would have lines of railway connecting “ that colony” with South Australia and Victoria. The foregoing are the bases on which the following programme has been sketched: — 1. To form a Separation League. 2. To petition the English Government to grant separation and the erection of an independent colony. 3. To call on the three western members to resign, and to elect English statesmen to carry on the work of representation until separation is a fact. 4. After the erection of the new colony, she is to be federated with South Australia and Victoria. 5. To obtain the assistance of Queensland (an already dismembered limb of New South Wales), so as to form one great pastoral district. 6. That the Press of England unite with the residents there interested in the question, and be urged to support the cause of independence. 7. That the river Murray be declared neutral; ti...t Free Trade be the policy adopted, and that a Customs Union be formed where possible; and, though last not least, that a “ simple form of Government be adopted, consisting of a Governor appointed by the Crown, assisted by a Legislative Council, consisting of twelve or more members, elected by the whole State as one constituency.” A resolution was passed affirming the principle of separation, and electing a Committee to draw up a petition to the Queen, but not till after a hostile amendment had been proposed and lost by a large majority. There is an old and trite proverb that “ one man’s misfortune is another’s opportunity.” The Age, accordingly, “liberal” though it professes to be, darts down straight upon the idea that, though no doubt “ Riverina is rather sparsely peopled for a self-governing colony, it ought to be a part of denounces New

South Wales as an unkind parent. It pats Riverina on the back, and recounts the many grievances from which it undoubtedly Buffers j it urges the 00-oparation of both Queensland and South Australia, but strangely enough adding that “ it is more than probable, if the new State is to be properly constituted, that it will have to be enlarged with slices of territory from both these colonies.” “ But,” continues this “ liberal” organ, “if the Riverina colony is left to itself, both the trade and sympathies of its people must gravitate towards Victoria I” This will convey an idea of the kind of Cerberus Riverina is already regarded when such sops are thrown to it, in the hope that the bread that forms it, being cast upon the waters of expediency, will return after many days. Riverina is groaning under many unequal inflictions and affliction, but she will find no true friend in Victoria, particularly not so as represented by Melbourne cormorants. These people discover the mote in their brother s eye while heedless of the beam in their own. They declaim against the “ exclusive policy” of New South Wales, for building up Sydney into a very “ Paradise of land, jobbers” with the proceeds of land sale# brought from distant Riverina, forgettina that their own equally exclusive policy of protection causes the great army of con« Burners to pay dearly for their goods, the proceeds of which gold build up the mer» chant princes of the city and their palatial business houses and country seats, The

New South Wales politicians may take the present state of affairs entirely to themselves, The voice of warning has come to them in many ways during the passage x of the Land Bill, which, amongst other things, provides for a“ rack-rent” and Id. an acre assessment; and now, according to the Treasurer’s recent Budget Speech, a property tax is contemplated. It is generally the overweight of iniquity that causes men to struggle for a freedom they do not enjoy ; but if the Riverina settlers would be entirely free, they must regard with great suspicion the proffered sympathies of Victorian capitalists, At the risk of being tedious I must shortly refer to another phase this question of pro* tection is taking in its Melbourne hot-bed; It appears that some one, whose name I have not at hand, has been writing from Sydney to the Hon. John Bright, the celebrated Manchester free-trader, requesting him to define the principles of protection as he understands it. Of course the regards this as an impertinent interference with its own dogma, and does not scruple to dub the writer as a fool, Possibly he is for flaunting the proverbial red rag before such an infuriated bull. It is needless to say that Mr, Bright defines protection as being a tax upon the many for the benefit of a few, and that it is sure to result in over-production, which, while it does not lower the rates of home consumption, cannot escape reproof in selling surplus stocks to strangers at a less price than to its own people. It gives; however) something further for the protectionists to gloat over, and so, I suppose, answers its purpose. Commercial bickerings now and then turn up that are interesting from certain points of view. It is now the fashion to utilise the tubular portions of iron bedsteads by filling them with dutiable goods. An instance of this kind is reported, by which a rich find of cigars was made by accident, a gentleman having purchased one of these pieces of bedroom furniture, had occasion to unscrew the tops, when, to his surprise and delight, dis* covered the “ plant,” Which he in turn utilised by smoking. There’s nothing like “ knowing a thing or two,” but still one would think that the Government of a colony would not lend itself to trade trickery, though that of Victoria does. The practice exists here of sending, say, wheat invoices by rail, delivery and receipt as to the number of bags being indefinitely stated—as, say, 500 bags, more or less I This might be excusable if it were not all one-sided, for it is patent that the number, when counted for freight payment, is never understated. And what is the most reprehensible proceeding is that if an invoice states any definite number, but qualified with “ more or less,” the rule of inverse proportion is followed; Thus; if less, the sendW has to pay to the stated number—-say 500 ; but if there are more, the Government refuses to deliver the plus, although freight has to be paid on the .” more;” If this ii not mean rascality, and accessory to stealing after the fact, I should like to know what is. I do not like to say anything about parsons, as a rule; but, although they are, by a popular fiction, supposed to be better than every-day, common people, they are, from experience, found to be moved to and fro bpr every wind of circumstance that affects their pocket the same as ordinary mortals, Tha name of the Rev. J. L. Rentoul is, doubt’ess, familiar enough with you as one of the principal wire-pullers in the recent dethrona* ment of the Rev. Charles Strong from the pulpit of the Melbourne Scots’ Church; Ta 4 battle-ground was the Presbyterian Assembly, or clerical bear-garden, as it has been not inaptly termed, where Mr. Rentoul, if you accepted his words, would make one believe that he was magnanimous enough to disregard all considerations of self, and that ha was prepared to sacrifice anything but his hope of salvation in support of the peace and purity of the Church ; but if you scanned his actions, a different feeling involuntarily ceeded. Subsequent to the closing of tHd Assembly, Mr. Rentoul has been appointed Professor at the Theological Hall, at a salary considerably in advance of the £BOO a year he was receiving from his St, Hilda congregation. Mr. Rentoul affected to believe that the Lord had called on him to give up this paltry stipend ; so he went back to his pulpit, and with what must have been crocodile tears, wept out his regrets that the interests of his Church positively demanded this “sacrifice” on his part, He assured his hearers that it was not of his seeking, and with true Uriah Heep consistency, urged them to be followers of the meek and lowly Jesus, who sought Usah—as he (Mr. Bentoul) was doing—to look first to the Kingdom of Heaven and His righteousness, Mn Rentoul evidently thought the Kingdom of Heaven was being promoted, if net improved, by his presidence as a professor of theology, instead of as a humble parson; so he bade his flock good-bye, and handed them over as ft people given to good w r orks, but without whose assistance he could in future get on very well. To hear and see this Challbftnd of St. Kilda—Charles Strong — notoriety, one would think him capable of having only A magnanimous view of things human, as well as holding the dross of filthy lucre in light esteem; but no. The saint only wants the opportunity and he becomes a very devil. On the 9th of December last Mr. Rentoul was paid his usual quarter’s salary—£2oo—- — on the 31st of that month he resigned his charge. On the Ist of January his pay as professor began, but, notwithstanding that only about £4O was due to him for twelvfl days, he refused that amount, presenting a claim for £l3O alleged to be due. An “ animated discussion” is said to have taken place, and opinions freely expressed anything but in accordance with those formed of the reverend gentleman, as his previous tears of agony told their tale a few weeks previously in the St. Kilda pulpit. Truly these Christians do love each other—for the bawbees. I he recent decision of the Sydney Magistrates, which really strikes a blow at the root of the betting fraternity generally, is making a gxeat flutter amongst the smart rascals of the Victorian race-courses. As you are awftre, one named Davis, a book-maker, was informed against by Mr. White, Chairman of the Victorian Jockey Club, for pursuing his vocation on the Randwick Course without having paid his registration fee. The interest of the present question lies outside the fact that Davis had previously applied for registration, and was refused for reasons not stated. It is suggested that even as a bookmaker his presence was undesirable, and he was forcibly removed by a constable from the course. Counsel for Davis said the by-law was ultra vires in that by charging a fee it sought to legalise betting, which was illegal in itself. This view of the case was upheld by the Magistrates, and the information was dismissed, a case having been arranged to submit to the Supreme Court as to the soundness of the law-point involved. Davis, feeling annoyed at being shut out from the Club, rejoined upon White for permitting betting on the course, which resulted in the latter being fined £2O, with the undignified alternative of a month’s imprisonment. Thus the tables were completely turned, and, until the appeal in each case is determined, we shall not know how the matter stands; although it is reported here that there are some of the V.R.C. book-makers prepared to challenge the right of taking fees. If they think by so

doing they will obtain free access to Victorian court.es, they are mistaken, inasmuch as the Utter claim, under special Act of Parliament, the power of expelling anyone without giving reason for it. The V.R.C. also feel secure, as they took eminent legal opinion that in registering unobjectionable bookmakers they are not thereby countenancing betting. Since the comparative—but, still, possibly, only temporary—failure of the electric light as an economic means of street lighting gas is once more in the ascendant. Shares in most of the companies are enquired for, and the Metropolitan Company is doing a big business. The usual meeting of the latter has recently taken place, and a dividend of 6 per cent, on the half-year declared, which will distribute about £3,300 ; £7,500 is to be carried to the reserve fund, and £IO,OOO odd carried forward. The price of gas is reduced to 6s. 4jd. per IjOOOft. from the Ist January, and the report says that that is not by any means the lowest point to which the price will soon descend. The company supply stoves to householders, and now provide gas for fully 10,000, which it is proposed to further augment as speedily as possible, I am looking forward with some interest to your local gas company. It ought to pay well, as I see the price rules tolerably high in the Colony as a rule ; and, above all, advocate the universal adoption of the stoves, for they consume large quantities of gas, in the aggregate, though more economical and cleanly for either cooking or warmth than ordinary wood and coal fires, A grate full of aebestos may not appear so cheerful, wanting a blaze, but look at the saving in ancillary labor. We are all more or less susceptible of compliment, especially when it is laid on “ with the fur.” I don’t suppose, therefore, that your readers will be offended at being told that New Zealand has many admirers in Victoria, as well as out of it, including your humble correspondent. It is reported that Archibald Forbes said, in answer to a question which of the colonies he would prefer to settle down in, that New Zealand was, “ The Climate, the people, and the country,” he ■aid, “ are delightful; New Zealand has a great future.” Your Mr. Whitaker, who recently came to the Federal Council, has also, I see, formed a good opinion of his own land from the contrast; and it may be a satisfaction to you to know that all the New Zealand people I meet concur in the opinion that Australia is not a “patch” on your island colony. To a casual observer the commission on telling stamps may not seem to be a large item in one’s at 6d. or 9d. in the £ ; but, when* I tell you that one firm in Melbourne makes £ISOO a year (now don’t mistake the figures—fifteen hundred pounds a year) by what the Postmaster-General designates as “ hawking them about the streets,” you will be astonished, as I was. To do this something varying between £40,000 and £60,000 worth of these little and big pieces of paper must be sold in the course of twelve months. Mr. Berry says he intends to put a stop to this sort of thing, as it was never contemplated that such “ fortunes” should be made. And yet, strange to say, a postage-stamp can with difficulty be purchased after six o’clock in the evening. There are 1,200 vendors of stamps in and around Melbourne, to whom £I,OOO a year is paid as commission. It is intended to reduce the commission to 6d.

Amongst the many other things in which New Zealand keeps ahead of Victoria is your telephonic arrangements. In Melbourne this means of communication has wonderfully increased of late; but the complaint is that not the slightest concession is made to the public. The Melbourne Exchange charges £l6 a-year for a mile radius, while some of yours are only £l2 for the first year and £lO for the second, It is also proposed to copy New Zealand In establishing stations in the city, by means of which j on the payment of a small fee—sixpence, I think it is—the public can have access to its convenience. We have, however, but only recently, gained Bn advantage over your Colony in having reduced the newspaper postage to any of the Colonies to one halfpenny. Parliament refused to budge from its objection to give us a penny letter-postage in the towns, though it increased the weight of the 2d. letter from joz. to loz,, and regards the carrying of news-exchanges free as a privilege which, according to Mr. Lawyer Gaunson — the Emerald Hill Radical —no more belongs to the proprietor of a printing-machine than to the possessor of a sausage-machine. The “ servant gal” difficulty is being overcome in an unexpected way. Melbourne “ merchants ” regard the traffic in that kind of merchandise quite legitimate, and are Betting up a new “ line ” of importation. Lately Messrs. Saunders and Co., of Flinders Lane, have brought over nearly 500 native Indian servants of Portugese descent, for distribution over the Colonies, These arrive principally by the Messageries Maritimes line of steamers, and, it is said, give every satisfaction. They engage to remain in service for five years, to continue at option at the end of that time. The rates of wages are much lower than what rule with European servants—cooks, £24 to £BO a year; butlers, £24; washerwomen and general servants,

£241 others in advance, as per work required. Their passage-money, dec., are in excess of these rates, but that class of labor is sadly deficient, and well-to-do people will give anything, and take almost anyone. They drew in European costume, but I for one should not core to trust to them too ttuoh, The last new idea of science and art combined is that of transposing the £5 and £1 issues of Bank notes which have the figures in the corners. The “ fives ” are cut out and placed neatly over the “ ones,” allowing the lettering in the bodies of the former to remain intact, but carefully rubbing over or Otherwise blurring the lettering of the latter, which, after the added figures in the corners, become £5 notes, and are paid as such. The corners of the “fives” from which the figures have been cut are then “jagged,” so as to make them look as if accidentally torn, and are generally paid without remarks. These “ artists,” it appears, thus make £4 on such manipulation. By the last mail I got the first numbers of your daily Tslepbone, and upon their improved condition and written matter I offer my warmest congratulations, together with my great confidence in your future success. The paper that preceded you—the old Standard—stood by its colors till the treachery of friends unfurled it in an enemy’s camp. It, however, faithfully and manfully —perhaps, too much so—performed its mission, and it is to be hoped you will continue the same course, minus its misfortunes.

I have not to complain of the heat now. The thermometer barely registers 60 deg., with a cold bleak wind, and scudding rain.