Rangitikei Advocate. FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 1909. EDITORIAL NOTES.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9410, 2 April 1909, Page 4

Rangitikei Advocate. FRIDAY, APRIL 2,1909. EDITORIAL NOTES.

THE Conservative Party in Britain are determined to make political capital ont of Sir Joseph’ offer of a battleship. The attempt was first made to use the offer t° support a vote of censure on the Government, and when this had ignominiously failed, a totally new line was taken, and the'protectionist press and Mr Balfour are now energetically maintaining chat the gift of a Dreadnought is an absolutely irrefutable argument for fiscal “reform ” Mr Balfour, in a speech at the Agricultural Hall on Wednesday, said that if such gifts were accepted Britain could not refuse preference to the oversea States, Fiscal change, he said, was now inevitable, and the preference must be granted which the whole constellation of sister States had steadily, persistently and patiently asked for yeaafter year. It is strange that Mr Balfour does not realise what a very poor compliment he is paying to New Zealand. He practically says that the gift was not patriotic, and that its motive was selfish. When a gift is freely given nothing is more embarrassing to the donor than to find that the recipient feels a burden of obligation which he is anxious to get rid of by some counter gift of equal value. Whatever are the feelings of the public of the Dominion with regard to the presentation of a Dreadnought to Britain, we may safely say that the idea of getting a quid pro quo in the shape of preference from Britain has occurred to no one and the suggestion that such a return is expected will not be welcomed. Leaving the question of the singular lack of good taste of Mr Balfour’s remarks aside we have to abomplain even more seriously of his utter failure to grasp the real feelings of the colonies on the question of preference. The statement that the colonies have steadily, persistently and patiently asked for preference year after year is absolutely ludicrcus. No one denies that the colonies would willingly see the products of other countries partially excluded from the Home markets in order that the over-sea dominions might secure better prices for their products, but no pressure of any sort has been exercised by New Zealand, at any rate, with the object of producing this result. The people of this country realise that preference could only be given to their products Jby the imposition of duties on meat, butter, and wool, and that such duties would increase the cost of living and interfere with the operations of the manufacturers of woollen goods. If the people of Britain chose to handicap themselves by such duties New Zealanders would accept the higher prices obtained for their exports, but they would not think of exerting pressure to obtain such concessions. Of course Mr Balfour believes that in return for preference in British markets the colonies would reduce the duties now payable on British goods exported to the colonies. But he must be very ignorant of the state of feeling in the colonies to hold such an opinion. Mr Deakio. Sir Joseph Ward and every other representative of the colonies has plainly said that though they had no objection to raising the duties on foreign made articles still higher they would not reduce the duties on British goods to a point which would enable them to destroy the infant industries of the young Dominions. The ideal of free trade within the Empire is a magnificent one, but the Labour Party in the colonies will have none of it and of this Mr Balfour should be perfectly aware. Freetrade is impossible and the series of bargainings which the Conservative party in Britain would like to set on foot can only lead to ill-feeling on both sides. A commercial treaty is really fair only when both parties to it feel that they have got a little the worst of the deal, and any tariff arrangements which lead to such feelings between the colonies and the Mother Country must be unsatisfactory. The party led by Mr Balfour pride themselves on being the only true Imperialists and there can be no doubt that the social distinction and wealth of some of its members have been used to secure the support of colonial politicians who have visited Britain, but we feel assured that the attempt to use the colonies as counters in the game of British politics will have disastrous effects on the interest of the Empire as a whole*

. Palmerston is suffering from a surplus of girl babies, as out of 114 births during last quarter 80 were girls. Last year there was a majority on the twelve months of. 40 boys, but the girls are taking their turn now.

The management committee of New Zealand Rugby Union has decided to write to New Sonth Wales and Queensland Unions suggesting an early conference of the three bodies to amend the laws of the game. The annual meeting of delegates is fixed for May 13tb. . The scow Rona, which left Wellington last Thursday on a salving expedition to the wreck of the ship Ben Avon in Palliser Bay, went ashore. Little news is to hand, but it is known that the members of the expedition are safe and are in camp in the vicinity with plenty of stores secured from the scow.

The Labour Unions do not endorse Sir Joseph’s bid for popularity and more exalted title. Otherwise we might, expect to see such Unions lushing to supply a battleship on the same terms as the Premier’s offer to Britain—“ Xou lend the money, and we’ll do the rest”—especially as the “rest,” in another sense, is characteristic of unionism.

A banquet held last evening at Gisborne to commemorate the completion of a successful membership campaign of the Y.M.O.A. ; which organisation enters into new club rooms next week. In three weeks by active canvassing the membership was raised to 313.

Major Hobday has received a telegram from the President of the Universal Service League, Wellington, asking him to call a public meeting in Christchurch with a view of impressing the necessity of universal service on the Government. Major Hobday states a meeting will he called at the earliest opportunity after Easter to consider defence matters generally. There was a big muster at last night’s parade of Royal Rifles, Oapt. Batten in command. An interesting lecture on duties In connection with forthcoming Easter camp was delivered by Sergt.-Major Peacock. After parade Private John Frederick was presented with the silver cup given by Surgon-General Skerman (twice out of four competitions) and Mr Jas. Pawson’s gold medal (two out of three competitions). His scores for the three competitions were 94, 95, 9C. The corps leave for camp next Thursday night, and time of entraining will be advertised.

Patients at the Otaki Sanatorium did well at the present Hornwhenua show, under the direction of Mr Melrose, head gardener. They raised sunflowers of 2ft in diameter, mammoth onions, delicious red beets, and pumpkins weighing 7'i%lb. For these they obtained first prizes. For their collections of vegetables they gained second prize, and honourable mention was made of their exhibits from the kitchen garden. The garden work generally has been found to be a most fisefnl agency for improving patient’s condition.

The secretary Wellington Chamber of. Commerce has written to the Premier drawing his attention to the fact that it is highly desirable in the interests of the Dominion that earnest efforts should be made at the approaching Tariff Conference between the British Government and that of the United States of America to secure better consideration Jand more favourable terms of admission into the United States of New Zealand wool, hemp, and dairy produce, and to respectfully suggest that urgent represenations be made to the' British Government to that effect.”

Several claims for breaches of Arbitration awards were made at Auckland yesterday. The Inspector asked for a penalty of £lO against Bond Bros., timber merchants, of Devonport, for having employed Frank Boldero, a youth, as a timber worker at 5s lOd per day instead of 7s. It was shown that a certificate of incompetency had been issued Lin respect to Boldero, but had been allowed to lapse. On defendants promise to renew the certificate a nominal fine of 5s was imposed. Duncan Simpson, a painter, who stated that he had employed a nephew, upon arrival from England, as an act of charity, kt the rate of 9d per hour, instead of Is 3d, was fined 10s.

Local inventors of an aeroplane have, says the New Zealand Times, been quietly at work during the last few months in Wellington completing what they hope will eventually turn out a protflable investment. The aeroplane, which is the invention of Messrs Forester (a recent arrival from England), Ellis, Baldwin and Ray ward, is now being constructed in the workshop of Mr Peter Ellis, Wellington, and the work is so far advanced that it is intended shortly to give the machine atrial. Its length is about ten feet, having an equal width, and original ideas have been embodied which the inventors have reasons for hoping will prove successful in accomplishing their object. The details of the invention are at present known _only to the originators, who anticipate at an early date being able to take the public more into confidence. The motion by the Wellington Law Society to have O, E. Harden struck off the roll of solicitors was, according to the Dominion report, brought to show that, even where a solicitor has been found not guilty of a criminal charge, the Court would interfere to punish him if the charges did amount to fraud and misconduct. If the Court found that the conduct was not criminal, said Mr Gray, counsel for the Society, it yet remained to be considered whether Harden had been guilty of an act which showed that 1)6 was not a fit and proper person to remain a solicitor of the Court. The fact that reparation had been made was not a sufficient answer to the allegation. Harden had been found not guilty of converting ofc his own use £450 belonging to Mis Hancock, of Christchurch, the dt fence being that owing to his muddled state Harden did not know what he was doing. On his behalf Mr Skerrett said Harden had now been under suspension for eight mouths, and there were affidavits to show that lie had made an honest effort to abandon the use of drink. He urged that the principle of the First Offenders Act ought to be applied. It was stated that it was a series of offences, 34 cheques having been drawn, also that sentences were imposed not to punish offenders bat to protect the public. Mr Justice Deuuistou pointed oat that it would be open to Harden, in a reasonable time, to show that he ought to be re instated. For Influenza take Woods’ Great Peppermint Cure. Never fails. Is 6d and 3s 6d-

The Press Association agent is authorised to state that it will be some time before work can be resumed in the Millerton mine.

At the inquest Gisborne on James Montgomery the jury found that he committed . suicide whilst suffering from insomnia. Dr. Goode, the Waitara murderer, was taken to Auckland on Wednesday. He will be placed either in Mt. Eden gaol or the Avondale Asylum.

The fire at the Millerton Mine has now been completely and everything is being done in the way of clearing preparatory to work being resumpd. The prisoner Joseph Norman, who recently received an addition to his sentence for assaulting the Wellington gaoler with a chisel, has been transferred from the Terrace Gaol to the Porirua Asylum. Mr Douglas Dobson, Town Clerk and Borough Engineer for Westport, put up a record for Westport last night by submitting to the Borough Council the annual balance-sheet for the financial year which closed only the previous night. The Prime Minister will open the new Post Office at Featheraton today. This afternoon he will perform a similar function at Upper Hutt and will be entertained at a banquet there in the evening. In the course of his speech Sir Joseph Ward will explain the Government’s scheme for reorganisation and retrenchment in the Civil .Service, and the future policy in regard to some of the most important State departments. Dr. Findlay has obtained a report from Dr. Hay, Inspector of Asylums, regarding 40 prisoners who might be suitable subjects for transfer from gaols to existing tree planting stations. The report deals with the circumstances and character records of each prisoner and tmly those whom the criminologist recommends will be transferred. It is understood this is the first application of scientific criminal anthropology dealing with the outcasts of society detained in gaols. At a meeting in Auckland of the creditors of William Wolf Benjaimn, it was stated that the bankrupt had left for Wellington on Marbh 3rd and it was . believed that he proceeded thence to Sydney, his .“whereabouts being unknown. His liabilities were estimated at £I6OO, little over £BOO being secured. The assets would nut realise £BOO, The question of proceedings for the apprehension of bankrupt was left in abeyance until the Crown solicitor had been consulted.

There will be r an absolutely close season throughout the Dominion for Paradise ducks this year. The season generally for shooting native birds will begin on May Ist, not April Ist, this year, closing on July 31st. The godwit season began on February Ist and will close on April 80th. Next year will be a close season for all native game in all parts of the Dominion, Only a few native birds, such as hawks and keas, may he killed at any time of the year.

On Saturday evening Mr Beuck, of Fukeokahu, met with a serious accident. It appears that he had been hunting up cattle and on returning home had to go back to get a dog across the river. The night was very dark, and Mjr Beuck must have stepped over the river bank and .dropped about ten feet, falling on a log and breaking four ribs on the left side. Medical aid was promptly obtained from Taibape, and the injuries attended to,, with the result that the sufferer is progressing satisfactorily.

A largely attended public meeting was held at Auckland last night under the auspices of the National Defence League for the purpose of supporting the Oity Council's resolution in of universal training. The following resolution, moved by Mr Parr and seconded by Canon MoMurray, was carried amid cheers That in the opinion of this meeting the time has now arrived for the institution of some form of universal defensive training as being absolutely necessary for the safety of the Dominion.” Mr P.;M. Maokay then mpved, and it was carried:‘‘That the resolution carried be forwarded to the Prime Minister with the urgent request that the Government take action in this wholly non partisan matter. ’ ’ The proceedings were frequently interrupted by Socialists, whose amendments were ruled out of order.

The domestic seems to possess far more mischievous qualities than the general public suspect. According to figures quoted by Dr. Purdy, Auckland’s district health officer, to a Herald representative, put of the total number of cases of enteric fever that occurred in the Auckland Province during the year ended March 81st, 1908, 60.6 per cent, were in the first three months of the calendar year; and the records of typhoid cases admitted to the Auckland Hospital during the last fifty years indicated a steady rise from November to April, attaining the maximum in the latter month. Experience in Auckland seemed to show that whenever flies became prevalent, the death-rate from intestinal diseases rose above the normal. ‘‘When one knows that one fly can carry 100,000 organisms, it is easy to realiss,” added the doctor, “the dangers of getting typhoid and other diseases,” He urges that all food and meat should be screened from the pest, both in the home and the shop. Last night, at the ordinary fortnightly meeting of Feildiug Borough Council, the Mayor referred to the death of Mr A. Q. Oarty , and the deep regret it had caused in the town. He said the work of the late Mr Oarty in connection with’several institutions of the town, especially the Chamber of Commerce, had been of great value, and had ho lived the people would have been still more indebted to him because of his devotion to public affairs. He was sure they all regretted Mr Oarty’s untimely death. He moved that the Council express to Mrs Oarty its deepest sympathy in her bereavement. • Or. Atkinson said words were inadequate to express his esteem of the late Mr Garty’s fine character. Mr Oarty had given his best efforts in the public service, and that best was of a high order; and what was very important, he demanded also the s bast from those associated with him, for the time being, in public'‘work. He was a most energetic and capable man and his death was a real loss to the town. He seconded the motion which was agreed to by the Council standing On the motion of the Mayor, the Council then adjourued until to-morrow night, as a token of their sorrow at the death of Mr Oarty.

The Rev. J, E. Dove, the new headmaster for-Wanganni College, la expected by the Ruapehu next weet. For the year ended March Slat r 1908, Customs revenue collected at Lyttelton was £456,7u5 The revenue for the period ending March Slst, 1908, was £424,204, a falling off of £81,871, Beer duty increased from £17,009 to 17,261. The funeral of the late Mr A. G. Carty this morning was largely attended, there being abont thirty vehicles in the cortege as it passed through Felldiug. There were many wreathe on the bier. The burial service will be-condnoted by the Rev. Inues-Jones.

A notice, appears to-day that students may now enrol in various class, at Marton Technical School on payment of three-quarters of the fee for a full term. It is hoped that as the weather is now less favourablefor outdoor pursuits than earlier in the season, this offer will be freely taken avail of.

Wellington City Council at the present time employs 1286 men and 1 women, and the wages sbeet for one year is £166,960. The wages sheet had, during the past few years, increased as followsl9o4, £61,050,1905, £106,941; 1906, £120,819; 1907, £136,000; 1908, £150,000; 1909 r £166,960.

Mr P. P White, Registrar, has provided us with the following vital statistics for Rangitikei district for the quarter ended 31st March, alsofor first quarter 1908. 1909 : Births 42 (21 males, 21 females);, deaths &' (5 males, 1 female); marriages 11. 1908: Births 37 (19 males IS females) ;■ deaths 5(4 males, 1 female); marriages 7. The piles used in constructing a new wharf at the Port, Nelson, are given two coats of ohenan, which is composed of tar, Stockholm tar, and lime, then a coating of felt, and lastly a coating of Muntz metal. A few blnegum piles have been nsed as an experiment. They cost only £2 as against £5 for jarrab. Some doubt has, says a Wellington telegram, ' been expressed as to whether messengers in the Government service over 65 years of age are to be retired under the superannuation regulations. It has now been decided, as a temporary arrangement at all events, that messengers likely to be affected are to continue in the service.

A meeting of Manawatu farmers yesterday discuss’d a proposal of the Wairaiapa and Bush branches of the Farmers’ Union to establish cooperative freezing works, which will be further discussed at the annual meeting of Palmerston branch of the Farmers’ Union on Saulxday. Mr Balsillie was appointed to attend ameeting of delegates to discuss the question at Woodville next week. Albert Edward Burden, labourer, married, living at South Dunedin, and employed at the railway workshops, was yesterday engaged in cleaning out a gasholder at the railway gas works opposite the station about two p.m. When he had been only a couple of minutes inside the holder he was overcome by the fames and collapsed. Dr. Martin was summoned, but found life extinct. Captain Moßryde, of the Jessie Niooll, which has just returned from the Macquaries, reports that M. Dutton, R.N.R., second officer, died dnring the passage. Deceased, who contracted malaria while in Manila, had been ordered to a colder climate and joined the Jessie Nicoll eight weeks ago. He is a sou cf the Rev. D. Dutton, of Dunedin. The Customs will hold a departmental inquiry.

Mr W. B. Clark’s new store at Bulls is to be gone on with at once. Mr James, . architect, Feildiug, has the plans in baud and the building is to be finished within three months, meanwhile Mr Olark will continue to carry on his cosiness in all branches in temporary premises opposite the old site. He has opened up new stocks of groceries, and Mrs Olark is now showing newest designs in dress materials and millinery in the shop recently occupied by Mr Orouoher. { The Press Association message relating to the application of O. E. Mathews for readmission as a solicitor was not quite . correct. The Dominion reports that on behalf of the Court, Mr Justice Dennistou said that it was not considered necessary to hear counsel in support of the aplication. The Court which struck Matthews:off the roll made ao order giving him liberty to apply within two years for re-admission. It waa now fifteen years since the matter was before the Court. There waa before tbe Court evidence that the money which was misappropriated had been paid, as well as tbe costs of the Law Society, also testimony as to the good character of tbe applicant. Tbe Court thought it was a case in which re admisison should be granted. An order would be made accordingly.

A young man named George Aloysins Williams, who is crippled in both legs and has bis left arm deformed, was charged at the Magistrate's Court, Beef ton, before Messrs Soantlebury and Shepherd, Justices, with soliciting alms (says the Westport News), and was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment. Williams carried a card, on which waa printed a verse' of poetry, entitled ‘‘A Cripple Boy’s Appeal,” with a footnote stating that he was collecting sufficient money to buy an artifioal pair of feet. When arrested he had in bis possession cash amounting to £24 11s 4d, a New South Wales Post Office Bank book showing £IBB to his credit, and an American savings bank book with 160 dola. (£B2) to his credit, making a grand total of £244 lls 4d. He had also a number of the above mentioned begging cards printed in four different languages, a passport signed by the United States Ambassador in Paris for use In Turkey, and a letter from the manager of the Canadian-Aus-tralian Line authorising the agents to grant the accused a passage at a reduced fare ou the steamer Marama, owing to his straitened circumstances.

Following the public inquiry into the allegation against a teacher at College 1 Street School, Palmerston, the committee has made the following recommendations to tbe Education Board ‘‘That any punishment exceeding four strokes with a strap be given by or in the presence of the head teacher and the offence and punishment be entered in tbe school log Assistants shall not he allowed to punish pupils in their class unless snob assistant have charge. Punishment shall only consist o* either strapping, detention, or impositions. No punishment of a ridiculous character shall be allowed.” It was also resolved that the inquiry shows that the management generally of the school was practically all that, could be desired.