South Canterbury Times. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1893.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 7074, 21 February 1893, Page 2

South Canterbury Times. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1893.

The Monetary Conference held at Brussels a short time ago separated without coming to any conclusion as to the best or as to any practicable means of relieving the financial strain between gold and silver-using countries, and a recent cable states that the Conference will not sit again (as was intended) because the Powers see no probability of benefit being derived from it. The one great hope entertained from the Conference' was that some means would bo found of restoring silver to the European currencies on a workable relation to gold, because it is believed that it is owing to the short supply o{ gold for coinage purposes that the prices of all commercial cominodies have gone down so greatly. It may be so. The bi-metallists have some strong arguments in their favour. But it does not seem impossible that a great deal of the decline of prices that is so much bewailed has been brought about by the steady demand for it. Everywhere in Europe and America the economical maxim of “ buy in the cheapest market” has beon religiously adhered to. The “ higgling of the market,” whether the commodity to be purchased was diamonds or second hand pots and pans, or unskilled labour, has been for cheapening. On the other hand, the converse maxim, “ sell in the dearest market ” has not been adhered to. It has given way to “ sell somehow.” Sellers have cut down prices as well as buyers, in order to do business. The competition of sellers is nowadays [ even more effectual in reducing prices I than the higgling of buyers, who have j the “ cheapest market ” forced upon them, instead of having to seek it. Though everyone’s pocket were full of gold coin, this system must result in a decline of pric. s.

Tub preachers of London have no idea of allowing themselves to be made martyrs of, the guardians of the ecclesiastical edifices no idea of incurring bills for repairs, neither of them have any idea of trusting the unemployed even as far as they can sea them, unless there are plenty of policemen around, even when they invite them to attend a service. On New Year’s D<y, a large number of unemployed assembled at four centres, and marched in order to the afternoon service at (St. Paul’s cathedral, whero they listened to a sermon by Canon Scott Holland. Each contingent had banners and one of them a brass band. One of the bandless parties sang as they marched the “ Marseillaise ” and “ The Starving Poor of Old England.” An account of the service states that u the congregation was very attentive and orderly, with the ex ception of one or two outbreaks of applause and dissent (hisses) during the course of the sermon, and one gentleman (sic) suggested the “ Marseillaise ” as an alternative to the very pretty carol which the choir sang at the close of the service.” The sermon was a sort ot “ social hope ” utterance, hut a long way behind the Sermon on the Mount, and as full of reservations as were implied in a very practical preparation for the special character for the service : “ A force of police was on duty in and around the Cathedral, consisting of a superintendent, three inspectors, six sergeants, and sixty constables. Another stronger force was drawn up in th* crypt.”