The Southland Times. FRIDAY,JULY 17,1868.

Southland Times, Issue 987, 17 July 1868, Page 2

The Southland Times. FRIDAY,JULY 17,1868.

The Victorian dead lock has terminated. The Imperial Government have settled the question ia a manner which cannot hut find favor with the colonists of this, as well as other British dependencies. It- is apparent that the Imperial Government no longer desire to coerce the colonies into the adoption of any particular line of policy — that it does not seek to interefere with colonial legislation, but simply to maintain the rules laid down for the guidance of its own officers. "We have always maintained that the Darling grant was a dangerous precedent. As long as a colony retains its family relationship with the Home country it is bound to observe the rules and regulations adopted by that country. In the matter of the grant the Victorian government of the day erred. The protection policy of the M'Culloch ministry received the endorsement of the country, and the sanction of the then Governor Sir Charls Darling. A small section of the colony — the free trade party— indignant at being proved to be in a minority, moved the Council to opposition, and by every means, legitimate and illegitimate, sought to obtain the recall of the Governor who had sanctioned the acts of a ministry possessing the confidence of the Assembly, and the unmistakable approbation of the people. It was not, under the circumstances, surprising that the minority should have succeeded in their objects. England under the fostering influences of protection had attained a position that rendered the adoption of the free trade policy almost a necessity to its continued prosperity, and therefore the imposition of iestrictive duties by the colonists was repugnant to Home ideas of progress. Taking a British view they could not, or would not, trace back the rise and progress of those gigantic manufacturing industries that had placed their country . on the pinacle of renown for wealth, stability, and power. Looking upon the action of the- Victorian legislature from so narrow a view, it is no matter for wonder that the conduct of Sir Charles Darling should have been considered by the He me authorities reprehensible, and meriting a recall under censure ; but it would have been astonishing if the colonists, feeling convinced that in order to develop fully a new country it became necessary to follow to some extent in the footsteps of their ancestors in carrying out a protective policy, had not resented the seeming interference of the Imperial Government in legislation purely colonial.

Had the M c Cut/loch Ministry at this time deserted the Governor, who had from conviction supported a policy generally sound,- and which has since proved to be eminently calculated to facilitate the progress and prosperity of the colony, it would have been guilty of moral cowardice. It was unquestionably their bounden duty to defend the policy they were carrying out, and the Governor who was aiding in the solution of a difficult and important problem. But in doing this, great caution should have been observed. It was compatonfc for the Victorian Assembly to discuss the circumstances jfchat had led to the recall of Sir Charles Dableto, to have remonstrated with the Home Government for the action it had taken in the matter, and even to have thrown a shield of protection around the man who had ably and sincerely co-operated with the Liberal party to advance the colony he had been called upon to govern : it was not either politic or statesman-like to impetuously adopt a questionable mode of censuring the Imperial G-overunient for having chosen to recall, even with censure, its own servant. There can be no doubt the proposal of the Dabllktg grani^ *vas intended as a public condemnation of the section of the. colonists which moved the Secretary of State to action, and also of that gentleman himself. This was a great mistake. If the Imperial Government had finally dismissed Sir Charles Dabling from the public service for his acts while Governor of Victoria, the course taken would have been only just and praiseworthy,- but in the way it was donej like all things done in the heat of passioD, it has led to the bitterest party feeling in the colony, angry misunderstandings with the Home Government, and in no way benefitted the future prospects of the ex- Governor.

All is well that ends "well, and it is a matter for congratulation that the Victorian dead-lock has thus ended. At the very moment when the colony was at the" highest, pitch of excitement, when party was pitted against party, actual legislation suspended, and separation from England beginning to be looked upon as something more than a probability, the long protracted

political warfare has been hushed. The Imperial Government has proved more pliable and wise than the leaders of either party in the colony. "While the colonial combatants have besn intensifying their wrath, and exhibiting stronger attitudes of determined obstinacy, in Downing-street the statesmen of England have been forming a plan to restore political tranquility in Victoria, without doing injustice to Sir Charles Darling, or requiring either the Assembly or the Council to acknowledge a defeat. The inducing of Sir Charles Darling to withdraw his resignation as an officer of the Imperial service, upon honorable and even liberal conditions, puts an end to the dispute — the grant could not now be accepted even if it had already been voted by both Houses of Parliament. The policy adopted by the Duke of Buckingham will tend to draw still tighter the cord of union between Britian and the colonies — it proves that the Imperial Government, while maintaining ita power to deal with its own officers, does not seek to restrict or interfere with colonial legislation, and that when a difficulty does arise, as soon as the nature of the dispute is understood, aid will be given to bring it to an amicable conclusion.

The Programme .of the Penny Eeadings Entertainment for this evening, which will be found elsewhere, appears. to have been arranged with much judgement and good taste, and gives promise of an evening's enjoyment calculated to increase the popularity of these weekly performances. If any fault can be found with it it is that of being probably rather lengthy. On the previous Friday evening the entertainment was not over until a late hour — an error which should be avoided for the future, otherwise, people who would attend every evening, will find it too great a tax on their comfort and convenience, and will only give their presence occasionally. By beginning punctually at the hour named, and not allowing too many encores during the evening, the programme may be got through within reasonable limits.

The adoption of Wellington time doas not appear to find faior in some of the provinces. If any province in the colony has cause for complaint it is Southland ; being at the extreme South of the colony, the difference between Wellington and meantime is the greatest, and considerable inconvenience has arisen. His Honor Mr Justice Chapman, kept the Supreme Court waiting on Monday over halfan-hour. He explained that it was owing to the Sn preme Court Li Otago having refused to adopt Wellington time. We find that various places of public worship, after trying Wellington time, have found it necessary in order to meet the views of the congregations to make the hour for morning service 11.30 instead of 11 o'clock as before.

It is at all times gratifying to note signs of energy and activity amongst our agricultural population, and not the least portentions of these signs is the recurrence of competitive exhibitions, whether of crops, stock, implements, or skill in the tilling of the soil — the first principal of husbandry. We may therefor congratulate the western portion of the Province on the fact that within the next fortnight two annual plouging matches, under the auspices of different associations, are to come off in that district, for both of which, we have been informed, a large number of ploughs are already entered. The first in order is that of the Riverton and Aparhna Associa-. tion, which comes off on Wednesday next, the 22nd inst, in the vicinity of Kiverton. The list of prizes to bo awarded at this ' contest has not been published, but we understand that the association is Btrong in funds, and consequently able to give rewards of much higher value than those distributed at our Long Bush match. The settlers in the districts of Riverton and Aparima also seem to take much greater interest in their ploughmen than do those of localities nearer town, and the consequence is that there a spirit of emulation, and a high degree of excellence ia much more general. At the impending match it is expected, should the day be at all favorable, that nearly forty teams will turn out. The second match is that of the Jacob's River and Waianiwa districts, which is to take place on Messrs M'Lean and Fallow's farm, Brackonridge, Flint's Bush, on Thursday the 30th inst. This association is also in a flourishing state. Its two preceeding annual matches "wore very successful, and the forthcoming one promises to be still better — between thirty and forty ploughs are expected to be at work on thia occasion. There are few finer sights than a large field of ploughs at work. The .fine horses, with their shinning harness and gay ribbons, the general animation of the onlookers, the cheery talk of the ploughman to his team, the smell of tho fresh 3weet earth, and the bracing air, combine to form a scene truly invigorating and enjoyable. Should the weather prove at all propitious there will no doubt be a large concourse of visitors to both fields, both from the surrounding districts and from town. '

The " Argus " of the 3rd July says :— " The return of the Pharos to port late on "Wednesday night has solved the question as to what had become of the missing schooner Mary Anne, which left Corner Inlet for Melbourne about six weeks ago, and was nevor heard of after. The vessel sprang a leak in heavy weather in the Straits, and sank in deep water about fifteen miles from King's Island light. The capt in and men took to the boat, and with difficulty effected a lauding. They remained witli the lighthousokeeper, of whoso kindness they speak in high terms, till June 24, when they put off to a schooner lying becalmed off the island. This schooner — the Dove, bound to Warrnamhool — was detained by heavy weather under New Year's Island till the arrival of the Pharo3 on. Monday last. The Pharos had learned of the vessel at King's Island, and of the probability that the Dove would bo found anchored at New Year's Island. Captain Absom and men were taken on board, and arrived in fllelbmrne in the Pharos on Wednesday night. It -vvi;, <c remembered that the Pharos was not <>' to King's Island after her return u-.yva. her first cruise, in consequence oi the c. inioa of Captain Fullarton, that from the chi. ...wr of the winds which have been prevalent i, .as impossible that the wreck, or a boat from her, could have reached , that island." • . '

Auctioneers are in the colonies acknowledged authorities as to tha state of business, of the present condition of the commercial community, and the progress or retrogression that is being made. If this can be taken as a truism Invercargill is progressing. We observe that Mr H. E. Osborne is erecting a large and handsome auction mart in Esk-atreet, and A. J. Smyth & Co., are adding u» thoir oaloroomu, T>fisstreet, an extensive yard, for the purpose of horse and cattle sales. These are indications of a steady progress that all should desire to see.

The subjoined statements taken from the " Lyttelton Times," shows what may be incurred in a single province for the Incurancea of Goveruownt property only : — The following is a return showing the insurance of Government property, for what amounts, the offices in which it is insured, and the rate of insurance per cent : — Government Buildings : On old buildings, museum, furniture, fittings, &c, £2500, Northern, 17s 6& per cent: do .do, £2500, New Zealand, 15s per cent ; do do, £2500, North British and Mercantile, 15s per cent ; total on old buildings, museum, furniture, and fittings, £7500, New Buildings, museum, furniture, and fittings, £5000, New Zealand, 6s 6d per cent; dodo, £8600, Boyal, 6s6dper cent: total on new buildings, &c,. £13,900. Books &c, in education depot, £400, London and Lancashire, 15s per cent. Lytfcelfcon Gaol, £1000, Northen, 203 per cent ; do do, New Zealand, £1000, 20s per cent. Police Barracks and Depot, Ohristchurch, £1000, Northern 20s per cent ; do do, £1.000, New Zealand 20s per cent ; station Hereford-street, £300, Northern, 20 per cent ; do do, £300, New Zealand, 20 per cent ; do, Kaiapoi, £250, Northern 20 per cent* dodo, £250, New Zealand, 20 per cent ; do Eangiora, £150, Northern, 20 per cent; dodo, £150, New Zealand, 20 per cent. Lock-up, &c, Timaru, £500, New Zealand, 13s 6d per cent. Lyttelton hospital, £1240, Northern 17s 6d per cent ; do, Ohristchurch, £2070, Northern 17s 6d per cent; do, Timaru, £500, New Zealand, 17s 6d per cent. Lunatic asylum, £1865, Northern, 17s 6d per cent ; do, £135, do, 12s 6d per cent ; do, £1500, New Zealand 17s .6d per cent. Immigration barracks, £3000, Northern, 25s per cent; do do, £3003, New Zealand 25s per cent. Immigration and Sheriff's offices, furniture, &c, £300, Boyal 15s per cent ; Engineer's office, furniture and stores, £400, Royal 15s per cent ; Goods Shed, Railway Station, Christchurch, £3000, Northern, ■20s per cent ; Supreme Court Offices, furniture and fittings, £1000, London and Lancashire, 35s per cent; Customs Buildings, Christchurch, £2000, Imperial, 7s per cent; do Lyttelton, £1000, North British and Mercantile, 17s 6d per cent; do, Timaru, £780, New Zealand, 15s per cent; do, Akaroa, £315, Northern, 15s per cent,' Post-Office, Lyttelton, £220, North British and Mercantile, 17s 6d per cent : Cottage, corner of Durham and Armagh-streets, £250, Royal 15s per cent; Ashburton Arms Accommodation House, £500, Northern, 45s per cent ; Government woo! and boatjseed, Timaru. boiler and engine, £1000, London and Lancashire, 25s per cent ; building of office occupied by Manager of ditto, £100, London and Lancashire, 25s per cent. Total amount for which Government property is insured, £51,765.

The " New Zealand Gazetee" of the 29fch ulfc, contains official returns of the imports and exports of the colony, for the quarter ending March 31st, and the ships and tonnage — inward and outward. The number of Teasels arrived in all the ports was 233, measuring 72,309 tons. Last year there were 265 arrivals measuring 88,056 tons. The number of vessels outwards during the quarter was 248, measuring 80,168 tons. In 1867, there 286, measuring 94,694 tons. The value of Imports was L 1,311,778 against L 1,697,017 last year. The amount of Imports into each port was : — Auckland, L 185.822 ; Russell, L 10 1; Mongonui, L 83 9; New Plymouth, L 591 1; Wanganui, L 10,430; Wellington, L 124.713; Napier, L 22.779; Wairau, L 300 3; Picton, L 734; Nelson, L 108.55 9; Westport, L 22.366; Greymouth, L 64,11 2; Hokitika, L 147,16 2; Okarita, L 2156 ; Lytte^ton, L 130.29 7; Akaroa, L 36 1; Timaru, L 21,652 ; Oamaru, L 619 8; Dunedin, L 473.520 ; Invercargill, L 21,84 4; Bluff Harbor, L 7459; Kiverton, L 2218; Chatham Isles, L 430. During the corresponding quarter of last year, the Imports were : — Auckland, L271,340j Russell, L 624; Mongonui, L 51 3; Hokianga, L 2134 _; Kaipara, L 15,60 0; New Plymouth, L 12.179 ; Wanganui, L 12.913 ,- Wellington, L 156.064; Napier, L 21.697; Wairau, L 2632; Picton, L 141 0; Nelson, L 95,22 5; Westport, L 31 1; Greymouth, L 73,690 ; Hokitika, L 169.192 ; Okarita, L 5; Lyfctelton, L 255.413 ; Akaroa, L 865 ; Timaru, L 21.52 1; Oamaru, L 3467; Dunedin, L 519,692; Invercargill, L 48,986 ; Bluff, L 495 6; Riverton, L 6333; Chatham Manda, L 255. The value of exports was L 1,558,442 ; against L 1,739,988 in 18S7.

From a late Auckland paper, we observe an important item of intelligence that our own correspondent has ommitted to communicate. It will be recollected that ab the time His Excellency the Q-overnor was in that province, a disturbance took place at the native settlement at the Bay of Islands, and Mr Commissioner Mackay was sent to endeavor to ascertain the nature of the quaml, and bring about peace if possible. This gentleman haß returned to Auckland, having satisfactorily accomplished his mission. The murderer who first caused the disturbance, having been given up by his own tribe, to be dealt with in accordance with British law.

Most of our readers acquainted with Victoria, will remember an Inspector of Police, known as P. H. Smith, who, some years ago, was known as the bushrangers' dread — a man whose name struck tsrror into the hearts of evil-doers where-

ever he went. His presence at a new rush was a signal for the ' rowdies' to make tracks, and his appearance in any locality where crime was rampant, was hailed by cheering — a man whoso very name caused a shudder from the most hardened, and whose company was welcome in every circle. He was a brave, intelligent, and daring officer, and his death will no doubt be regretted by many in this Province, aud it will be in Victoria viewed as a great calamity. The " Argus " of the 9th July, in announcing the death of Mr Smith, says : — ■« Mr Smith had for the last sixteen years occupied a good position in the Victorian police, and to his labors in every department of the force does that body owe much of its present efficiency. The manner in which his connexion with the force commenced is rather singular. In 1852, having just then arrived in the colony, he was travelling with prize imported 'sheep, to

take charge of some station properties ill New South Wales, theu held by the Boysl Bank. On his way his party were attacked by ft band of bushrangers, and, after a resistance, were overpowered and plundered. This led him to address to the chief commissioner of the Victorian police a letter, suggesting that a select company of mounted detectives should bo employed to trace and' apprehend the gangs of bushrangers then infesting many parts of the country. The ability of the letter, and the sensible character of its suggestions, attracted attention, and the writer was offered the command of a body such as he had proposed. He took the appointment, with the rank of sub -inspector, and, as leader of the force constituted in accordance with his views, performed signal service in capturing bushrangers and horse-stealers in different localities. Old colonists will recollect his suppression of the band of bushrangers led by the notorions Captain Ross (hanged a year or two ago in New South Waleß) who was found by Mr Smith, keeping watch at his camp while his band were out at plunder, and reading a chapter of tbe Bible (it being Sunday morning), to a settler named Tupholme, whom he had taken a prisoner, and was holding for ransom. Bushranging having been put an end to most effectually, Mr Smith returned to Melbourne, and for a while acted as sub-inspector of the City police. In the beginning of 1856, he was delegated by Captain MacMahon to the important task of organising the detective force, of which, in about three months, Mr Nicolson, the present superintendent, was appointed chief, Mr Smith then received the appointment of travelling superintendent, a position which he retained until his death, and in which lie rendered good and valuable service."