lite gsmMq J^gus GEORGE EDGECOMBE, Proprietor. THURSDAY, SEPT. 24, IS9G.

Waikato Argus, Volume I, Issue 33, 24 September 1896, Page 2

lite gsmMq J^gus GEORGE EDGECOMBE, Proprietor. THURSDAY, SEPT. 24, IS9G.

Recently the Hon. Mr John McGItEGOK, M.L.0., read a paper before the Southern Cross .Society, of Wellington, entitled " Parliamentary Government in New Zealand." It is an able paper and its production is very opportune. We purpose giving a digest. Ho opens his address by quoting the words of Sin Heniiy Maine, written some ten years back:— "No force acting on mankind has been less carefully examined than Party. The difficulty which Englishmen'feel about it is very like that which men once experienced when they were told that the atmosphere had weight. It enveloped them so evenly and pressed upon the-.n so equally that the assertion seemed incredible." Wo in New Zealand since the above was written have become painfully conscious of the weight of Parly Government. We are rapidly becoming alive to the evils of the system, and it is fafe to write that the feelings with regard to it of the most thoughtful and intolii* gent of the people is one of disgust. It. has passed into an axiom that Government by paity has been the making and the saving of England, thiit to it England owes all her great political reforms. It would bo, perhaps, more accurate to write that sucli reforms have been achieved in spite of, rather than by moans of Party Government, The social 'evolution is now in progress, and the problems to be solved are not political, but social. The greater battles for human right's have been won, our condition is full of grievances and evils, but hardly of wrongs. The questions now renaming to be settled arc in their nature such that they are incapable of being dealt with by the party system on party lines. What do wo sen when a great social question comes up in Parliament!'' The leader of the dominant party declares the question not to be a party question, and intimates to his followers that they are at liberty to vote as they please regardless of party considerations. In the present Parliament in New Zealand the only question that is really a party question is as to whether the Ministry is to hold oflice or nut. When oflico is at stake the leader calls upon his obedient servants to cast aside all other considerations and vote with the Ministry, right or wrong—especially when it is wrong. The greater the wrong the greater the merit from a party point of view. Under Party Government, as it exists in Now Zealand, the leader of the dominant party is a despot. Let him but threaten to resign, ami the members of his party disregard everything else but the commands of their master. A chamber which simply obeys and does not discuss is a servile body. It serves no other purpose but that of a mask for despotism. Well might De Toequovillo declare that each step modern nations take towards equality brings them nearer to despotism. It is easier to establish an autocratic Government in a community whore the conditions of life are equal than in any other. Many will receive this do.!trino with incredulity, for the majority of people arc inclined to hold that democracy and despotism cannot exist together" There is no greater mistake. Democratic despotism is just as possible as monarchical despotism and infinitely more odious. That which has tended more to a feeling of disgust with Party Government is the subserviency of those they elected to the will of one man. This has been the case in former Parliaments, but never to such an extent as in the present House. That this should be true of the first Parliament elected on complete universal suffrage is a fact that challenges attention ; it gives confirmation to the wcll-estublished law that the purest democracy is the most apt to pass into despotism. Put it al<o tends to show that Party Government is incompatible with true democracy, but our democracy is no tiua democracy, but a. spurious imitation. True democracy means the rule of the nation fur national ends as opposed to the rule of the masses, or of the classes, or of a paity or a single despot 'ior .sectional selfish objects. This spurious democracy is as selfseeking in its interests, as unbridled in i'.s rapacity, as narrow in its aims, as degrading in its influence, as the w..rst and most exclusive caste or despotism.

Unfortunately the French law willprovcrt die extradition of Tymui, the dynamaier,

The New Zenland Shipping Company has declared a dividend of 4 per cent, and carried forward »J 5 t£.">.

The Diocesan Synod of Wniapu has nfgwfc'ved a motion proposing to allow women to vote at parish meetings.

A letter fro in the Pope has been published in which he declares the rites of ordination in the. Anglican Church to be absolutely invalid.

Among the (lection expenses of Mr Charles Lewis, M.H.R., for Christchurch, is an item 7a (3d for insurance of p'ate r,!ass wiudows, at Central Committee Rooms.

Three thousand miners on strike, armed with guns and dynamite, attacked those working in two silver mines at Lcadsville, Colarado. Five were killed and many injuied, while great damage was done to propc ly, We would remind our readers of the Waikato Hunt Club races which are to be held on the St. Kilda course near Cambridge to-morrow. The weather has every Appearance of keeping fine and a good day's sport may be expected. Our Ohaupo correspondent writes: --I was informed to-day by a settler from Kibikihi, that a petroleum spring was acc'dcntly discovered not far from that township. It is not the iiist time J have heard of petroleum in the Waikato. IVihips it would be worth investigating. A shocking occurrence took place at a inciting of the Cabinet of South Austral'a. A'hi'st the dfceusaion on the Pastoral Pi'l-was proceeding the Hon. Mr Gilku, the Commissioner of Grown Lands, dropped dead. He was to have spoken in the House that evening on the second reading of the measure. There has been an exhibition in London of samples of foreign imports into Victoria. The Times conimen'ing upon the mat'er, states that tha exhibits show the greater adaptability of foreigners. This fact has for many years been paint'u'ly apparent to all colonists cmbucd with the Imperial spirit.

The examination of the Taupiri District School was held by the Chief Inspector (Mr 1). IVtrie), and his report, which has just been received by the committee, is hichly satisfactory. In S andards I. to VI. of the 3!> scho'ars presented 35 passed, the one failure (a boy) being att ihutcd to irregular attendance.

Tlio fortnightly meeting o£ the WaiUato Parliamentary Union will be held in the Volunteer Hall, Hamilton, this evening. .Mr A. Swarbrick, the Icmlcr of (ho Opposition, will bsing forward a no-confidence motion and ilr Wood a motion dealing with tlie abolition of the Customs duties. It is expected there will be a large attendance. The last social of the series will be held in the Tamnhero Schoolroom timorrow evening. The Tamahere folks for many winters past have been noted for their social gathering*, but that to be helil to-morrow evening will mark the close of the most successful series yet held. A large number of visitors have expressed their intention of attending, and, given a line night, there should he no lack of enjoyment.

Those who were fortunato enough to witness the llural fete iu Auckland last year will be phased to learn that the Latins' Benevolent- Society are again organising a similar festival, which will b held on Satuiday, 28th Novem! or. Owing to the lack of transport accommodation to Potter's Paddock, the gathering t!ra 3 err will be held at the Ellerslio Kaci.comwe, which has been placed at the lades' disposal by the Auckland Pf/.ing Club.

On Monday forenoon the train from I'otorna ran into a number of cattle, killing three of the animals. The train fortunately was not derailed. Many complaints have teen made to the authorities by the tuttlcrs on this line of the ios es they have suffered by the train running into their cattle, which are able to get on to tie line, as it is not fenced j but until some serious accident, with loss of human I fe, recurs, things will no doubt remain as they aie.

On Monday evening the JJov. J. J. Mather give a descriptive lecture on " A Tiip from Auckland to London, and What 1 Saw Thcic." There was not a very large attendance, owing, no doubt, to the wet evening, hut those who attended were well for braving the e'cni nts. The li cture, which was of a most interesting character, was illustrated by a seiies of splendid views thrown en the screen by Mr Janus RekVs lantern. An ong the slides shown were a capital photo, cf the lecturer and also the business premises of a we'l known local disciple of St. Crispin, 1 >itli of which were greeted with rounds of applause. A Maori woman had a most tinp'.easint experience and miraculous escape at Taupiri on Tuesday morning. A. li.an, woman and a child were crossing the bridge just below Taupiri, when the goods train from Auckland suddenly steamed up behind them. 'i ho man and the child got safely over, but the old woman was struck by the. cowcatcher thrown into the air and precipitated into the creek, which meanders along underneath. The train was immediaU ly stopped, and the excited passengers were pleased to find that the old lady had reached the bank, and beyond the ducking, was none the worse for her trip. The popularity of King's, College (Mr (Sraham Jiruec) as a training ground for the young is shown by the increase in the number id' scholars at the beginning of each term. This term, commencing on Tuesday bust, the roll numbered OS, of whom .'Hi were boarders, and more pupils are expected dining the wee!;. The demand on space from the large acee-sion of scholars will have to he met. by cTucting fresh lecture rooms and dormitories, and this will he taken in hand. Such a record for the first ye: r is line that Mr liritee may be proud of, as showing the confidence reposed in him and bis stall' by parents and guardians. A man named John Uoram was arrested by Constable Cabill in Hamilton Fast about six o'eloek on Tuesday on suspicion of being of unsound mind. He was examined at the Police Station yesterday and on the testimonies of l)rs A. S. I'rewis and (!. S. Kenny was committed to the Lunatic Asylum by Messrs J no. Knox and Win. Jones, J's.P. The unfoi tunate man, who is 311 ycirs of age, was until recently a Salvation Army soldier He was under the dtlusion that he is Jesus Christ, and converses with the Vk'g'H Mary, that he came down from Heaven in the form of a dove and will return when he is 7Syears of age. Koran) is well known in the district, having worked here sonic years ago. The three delegates of the Manehuster Cc-opiialive Society attended a meeting called by the Dm.edin Chamber of Commerce on'l uosdiy to discuss the objects of thf-ir mission. The delegates explained their mission and replied to numerous i|U'jsr.iors. The delegates s Lite i they intended to do all in their power lo promote tra.de with the colonic*. They had already given largu orders to every tanncy they had visited The society intended to take to the frozen meat trade Mr Clay said he had previously been prejudiced against it, but after whit he had seen his prejudice no lonirer existe I. There appeared to be n.. reason why New Zealand should rot on.-,-. Danish butter fiom the En»li.-h market. The delcg ites were accorded a hearty voo of thanks on the motion o the lluii. T. Fergus. They left for the North yesterday morning.

The date for Mr W. J. Hunter's Cost sheep fair for 1807 has been lixed for Wednesday, 17th February. There was a very large number of horses entered for Messrs McNicol and Co's horse fair at Cambridge ye-lerday. There was a large attendance of the public and hors's of a good stamp realised very satisfactory prices. The sale will be continued to-day.

A cablegram from Sydney states that Messrs Mounsey and Austin, the two Sydney tourist o , who were wrongfully arrested in connection with the rob bery at Rotonta in March last, have been conmensated by the New Zealand Government.

We learn that the Kcv. J, Campbell, of Sydney, will give a lecture on " The Mineral Resources of To Aroha," on Wednesday next. MrCampbe'l is an authority on minerals, and, as the lecture will be illustrated with limelight views, it should prove particularly interesting.

Two gentlemen who came over from Raglan on Tuesday to attend Messrs McNicol and Co 's horse fair inform us that the road is in a worsn state now than at any time during the past winter. A few days like yes'erday, however, will do much to improve it, and no doubt with the fine weather the Raglan Coun'y Council, with the r usual attention, will have the worst places seen to.

A meeting of Mil! Hospital 13a.1l Hamilton Committee was held yesterday afternoon, when all arrangements in connection with the supper were made. Mesdatncs Coates, flume, and Sare were appointed "Hamilton delegates on the genera! committee, which will meet on Monday, 28th. In connection with the children's dance, which will follow the ball, it was decided to confine it wholly to children up to 10 p.m. Tin! Secretary to the Xew Plymouth Harbour Board sent away by the last Kngbsh mail the money to p:,y the full coupon due in London on Ist November next. As all the old arrears were paid off hist May (tit one time as much as £10,000), the Board is now in a position to reduce the rate once more down to id in the X. The land revenue being so well maintnoed.thc increased values and the increased area of settlement all combined, have brought about this very satisfactory state of affairs. There was a «ood attendance nt the meeting of the Hamilton Cricket Club, held in the Royal Hotel last evening. It was decided to open the season on' Wednesday next, when a match married v. single will be played on Sydney Square, on which date the annual meeting will be held. Tickets in connection' with the forthcoming concert in r.id of the Hamilton Club are selling rapidly, and no doubt the funds will be" considerably augmented. There appears to be every prospect that cricket will "boom" in Wa'kato this season. Capt. Reid has been requested by the Auckland Committee to obtain subscriptions in this district to assist in carrying out the champior.ship rille meeting, which is to be held at Takapuna in February. It is some years since a meeting was held in Auckland, ond the citizens are takirg the matter up in a manner that will make the fathering one worthy of the city. It is estimated that some X-'OO will be required, and there should be no difficulty in obtaining this amount. Capt. Reid lias obtained a lady and gentleman to assist him in making the collection, and any donations will be gratefully received. Although spring is advancing fast ('.' rites our Ohaupo cotrc pondent) and feed is springing up everywhere, the turnips are not all done yet. Mr P. O'Connor, of Te Aw..nmtu, his still a number of bullocks on swedes, and I am told he had a splendid crop this year. The manure applied was two ewt. of J.C.K. bones, and one ewt. of a mixture if Phosphate and Coial Queen Guano ; he says he considers the J.C.H. brand as good'as the be.-, 1 , i:i the ni'rlcel, and will use no other. Howeve - , that is a matter of opinion, but one thing is certain, his farm grows good crops and grass ; lie is now topping off on young grass sown last autumn. The Fliimilton East Bund of Hope I eld their meeting in the Presbyterian Church, Hamilton, on Monday evening list. There was a good attendance of young people, over 70 boys and girls being present, hut the adult fiiei.ds were rather conspicuous by their absence, very few hiving ventured out, doubtless the inclement weather deterred them. Over twenty of the young people took part, in the several recitations and songs, and under the able assistance of Miss Murray, acquitted themselves reUKiikably wed. The part that attracted the greatest admiration was a recitation in which 10 girls took their p'nee Kaoh girl as she canri in from the vestry wo -c a large let!er on her breast, und tecited a vi r.--e beginning with that letter. As the circle stood up compote the whole spelled out " Band of Hope." It was thought that after this some hall might be obtained for theses meot'ngs, as there would be more room for the increasing numbers and more freedom for th-i exercises of the young people. A meeting of the members of llie Te Awamutu Cricket Chili was held i i the Te Awamutu Ilo'e', cu Satuidiy evening last. There was a good attendance. The newly appointed secretary stated that the object of the meeting was to consider ways and means of paying oil' the outstanding liabilities of the club and starting the new season with a clean shoe*. All the members present unanimously agiecd that the easiest way out of the dilliculty was to divide the debt i-qua-lly between themselves and Eetttlc it at once. Almost sufficient money was collected in the room. It was res-lived that the club jo : n the Waipa Cricket Association. The secretary was instructed to send for a supply of cricketing gear as soon as possible. At a meeting held a short: time ago the fallowing officers were elected for the ensuing year: l'res'dctit, Mr Wm. Taylor ; Vice Pio-idents, Messrs J. CotlroU, F. R. Gibson, J. C milliard ; committee : Messrs l.laekctt, Griffiths, Mi-sen, Singh ton ; secretin'}' and treasurer, Mr C. Buwden. The practices will be held every Thursday and Saturday after: o'm, when members are re quested to attend as often as possib'e. A meeting of the Te Aroha Rides was held on Thursday evening to consider the present unsatisfactory state of the Company. Captain Cochrane, who presided, pointed out that through ir regular attendance of members at parades, the Company had to forego their capitation for the past year, as well as their pi i/.e for volley filing. He intimated that he had placed his resignation in the hands of Colonel Coring, but would continue to act until his successor was appointed. After a desultory discussion, during which it was evident that the prevailing dissatisfaction am mg volunteers had extended to Te Aroha, it was decided to make an effort to recruit the st i eng Ti ol the Company, all the menibes, with the exception of four signifying their int ntion of continuing. Oapta'in 'la-id, of the ir.amilf.eii Light Infantry, who wis present by special invita'i jo. addressed (.he meeting, and pointed out the dilliculty of scenting officers, strong y urging the Company to retain the services of Captain Cochrane;. Sheothig and Finance Committees were appoint.-d. The resign .tion of Hie Rev. F. (5. Kvaits, as Chaplain of the Company was receive 1 and accepted with deep regret. It. i-- hoped thai th • result of themectingwillbe to give a fresh impetus to volunteering in the district,