The Wairarapa Daily. SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 1888. Subsidies to Local Bodies.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume IX, Issue 2920, 9 June 1888, Page 2

The Wairarapa Daily. SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 1888. Subsidies to Local Bodies.

One of tlio peculiar features of the present (arid debate is the spectaclo of country members advocating the abolition of subsides to local bodies. It is notorious that, in Ihe North Island at any rate, local bodies are in a condition of destitution, and can ill spare any source of revenue. The principle of giving subsidies to local bodies may not be a very sound one, but the practice of making such grants has much to recommend it. Now, however, that the burden of hospital and charitable aid is imposed upon local bodies, the position is somewhat changed, It is not much benefit to a local body to receive say a subsidy of fSOO and have at the same time to relieve the Government of ii charge of perhaps £(300 for hospitals and charitable aid. it would not, however, assuming t| le charge for hospitals and charitable aid to be inevitable, he much good for such a local body, while receiving n subsidy under such unsatisfactory conditions, to be saddled with a further charge for education buildings, or any other levies which the ingenuity of a Colonial Treasurer might from time to time suggest. The practice of giving local bodies assistance in one form and taking it out of them in another cannot be considered altogether satisfactory, and those who seek to draw a decided line between colonial and local expenditure have good reasons for so doing. It is of course extremely desirable that local bodies should hold an independent position with respect to finance, and expend their own revenue, but it is also desirable that the central Government should occupy an equally independent position, and b e precluded from sliding burdens on to the helpless backs of local bodies, The Wairarapa in tlio matter 0 f subsidies has occupied a very disadvantageous position. County North, for example, has enjoyed during the past year a subsidy of little moie than £3OO, and has had claims against it for Charitable Aid, amounting to nearly double that sum. Its subsidy has been swallowed up twice over, and, unfortunately, not so much for the maintenance of the poor in its own district as for the support of Wellington institutions. If the North County were separated from Wellington, a sum of less than £'2oo would be adequate to meet its local charges for Benevolent aid. It would undoubtedly be to the advantage of the County to relinquish its subsidy, if it were relieved of the claims now made upon it by Wellington, and this consideration may possibly explain the attitude the Wairarapa members assume towards Sir Harry Atkinson's proposals. We anticipate that the Premier's policy will be carried in the main, but we should not be surprised to find some modifications in the direction of abolishing local subsidies and meeting the claims for

separation of districts situated witti respect to a large town as this one is. Wo would, however, prefer to see separation effected between the Wairarnpa and Wellington without any quid pro quo in tbe shape of a surrender of subsidies to local bodies. It is only all act of justice to the Wairarapa that unconditional separation should be "ranted and it is expedient for tbe maintenance of necessary roads and bridges that subsidies should Oo continued for some time longer, Even if the continuation of them compelled the people to pay an extra twopence per lb on tea, this sacrifice would be preferable to blocking up the roads ill all diiections with toll gates or letting things go to rack and ruin, These two latter alterations constitute virtually the choice of local bodies if they are further weakened by the loss of I subsidies.

Mr W. O'Brien, addressing his constituents, urged them to defy tho dope's rescript and carry 011 the agitation for Home Rule, which was already virtually attained. A pan of sliced raw onions placed in a room where there is diphtheria will absorb the poison and prevent the disease from spreading, The onions should beburied every morning and fresh ones cut up.

"We call attention to the Theatre Roy a' Rink advertisement that appears in another column. M. Dennis, who has just arrived, will make his first and only appearance this evening, and the amount of fun he will introduce will, it is said, cause " screams of laughter." The long promised novelty will bo introduced this evening.

That Sir H. Atkinson is in earnest in

tho matter of economy is proved most conclusively by the fact ahat the Government have given notice to the Wellington City Council that in future they do not intend to defray tho cost of lighting the town clock on the Government Buildings. The Council have now to consider whether

they will pay for the lighting of theclocl or let it remain in darkness.

There was a very good attendance at the Theatre Royal last night 011 the occasion of tho Roller Skating Kon-Bon

party. Skating was indulged in with much gusto and everyone appeared to bo thoroughly enjoying themselves. The gallery and stage were occupied by visitors of whom there was a lar?e preponderance of the fair sex and they evidently

took pleasure in watcliinsr tho skilful and graceful movements of the rinkists, Punctually at nine o'clock the event of the evening came oil', viz., the distribution of the bon-bons, the wearing of the contents of which had a very pretty effect, but which would have shown up to greater advantage if thero had been a better illumination. The custodian of the Mastcrton Library speaks very highly of the albo-carbon light that has been fitted up in the library

by the local agent—Mr G.S.W, Dalrymple. More particularly to show the

public the advantage of using the all:

carbon light, a four-jet light has beei fitted up, by permission, in Messrs Casel berg & Co.'s brick store, Mnsterton, We aro requested to draw attention t 1

an inset in to-day's issue. The Wholesale Drapery announce the further arrival of Autumn and Winter high class draptry

and clothing, and latest novelties suitable for the present season. They extend a cordial invitation to tiie public to inspect their varied stock, and offerjto show every attention to visitors without pressingthem to buy. Mr W, H, Payne, of Christchurch, is

an extensive importer of clogs, cloy fittings, gutta perclia soled boots, and everything in boot literature that is requisite. Recently there lias sprung up a demand in this district for clogs, whether in consequence of the threatend customs duty 011 boots, or because of the frightful state of the roads, we know not, but Mr Payne informs us that he has recently executed several orders from Mastertoii, the parcel postage on a pair of mens' clogs being but one shilling and fmirpcnce, An advertisement appears in our daily and weekly edition that will repay a Notice is given that at the adjourned extraordinary meeting of the Taratahi Dairy Company, to be held in Carterton on 15th June, the following business will be considered " That the Company be voluntarily wound up." "That the property of the Company be offered to the milk suppliers for £7OO, that i'loO of this bo paid down, and the balance to be payable by instalments of £lf)0 per annum until fully paid ; the amount owing in the meantime to bear interest at the rate of

seven per cent per annum." " That the factory be closed for twelve inontlu," "That the factory be worked by the Company another year." There was an amusing ai)d characteristic pasijiigc-at-arms between Mr W, P. Reeves and MrH. S. Fish in the House on Friday night, on the question as to whether a uertnjn unsavory debate should be reported in Hansard, 'Mr Fish, wlio advocated " gnui" the whole hog," said the lion, members evidently desired to stifle debates, when Mrßeevcsintcrjccted •' Why, the report would bid fair to stifle oven tlio lion, member," " fcjir, said MiFish fiercely, and evidently under a misapprehension, " If the hoi), gentleman thinks I am to be stilled in that way, lje is very much mistaken." The House fairly roared, —Ohristchurch Telegraph. The opening of the new Skating Itink at the Drill Hall caused some little commotion last night. A star-shaped gas illumination outside of the Hall lit up the street for some considerable distance and tlio performance of the Volunteer Brass Band outside soon brought a large concourse of people, His Worship tlio Mayor and one or two councillors entered the buildin" at 8 o'clock. The room was well lighted up from the roof showing the floor to advantage which looks in perfect condition for skating. The stage was litted up for the accommodation of lady visitors and all the seats were occupied, The walls of the skatin« room were lined with ' The flags of all nations,' and the scarlet uniform of the volunteers who mustered in large numbers made quite a gay and brilliant appearance Some forty skaters occupied the llnor, principally gentlemon, and they seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves. The band played at intervals duriug the evening.

A rare treat is in store for Masterton playgoers. The lessee informs us that Mr Cunard, the advance agent for Mossrs Brough and Boucicault has engaged the Theatre for the Gth and 7tii \ugust for the "Hans, the Boatman" Company. " Prosepero," in the N.Z, Referee, speaking of this company says Last week I mentioned that Messrs Brou?h and Boucicault intended sending Mr Arnold with " Hans, the Boatman" for a tour in New Zealand. By the Melbourne mail to hand on Tuesday night I learn that our old friend, Mr L.J. Lolir, will pilot the company through this colony, Mr A.L. Cunard, who will await their arrival in New Zealand, acting as advance, Mr Lolir will, if dates fall right, leave Mel' bourne on the 26th inst., for Invercargill find it is possible that his charming wife (Miss Kate Bishop) will accompany him. " Hans, the Boatman has drawn very lar?e houses in Melbourne, and from all accounts, as I stated last week, a treat is in store for Newydealanders, I

Messrs R. Aitkon and Bona advectis 0 Bovcral properties for sale and houses to loti

At a special meeting of the Masterton Road Board held to-day, the Barce rate at last year was struck viz., seven-six-teont-ha of a penny in the £. fho debate on the Customs and excise Bill was resumed in the House yesterday afternoon and evenin?and further adjournen until Tuesday next. There is I nothing of excoptional interest to record in any of tho speeches made. 'l'lie lessee of the Theatre Royal is negotiating for tho appearance of the Mohawk Minstrels at the conclusion of their Wellington season. We liavo to acknowledge the receipt from Messrs Lyon and Blair, of their monthly record of scientific and educational nows for June.

Messrs Lowes and lorns announce two

new sales for next week, being a sale 011 Monday of a cart, harness, etc, under distraint for rent, and 011 Wednesday a sale of salvage oats. The Exhibition choir held a most satisfactory practice last night under the conductorship of Mr Pearson. Tho full compliment of members was present and. came punctually to the hour for which tho meeting was called. The annual meeting of the Masterton Licensing Committee was held to-day. Renewals of licenses weie granted to Mr Osborne, Mulgrave Hotel, Dreyerton, and W. Power, Mangamahoo Refreshment Rooms.

In consequence of the larpo number attending a Quadrille Assembly in Mauriceville, an enterprising settler -of that township has resolved on the immediate erection of a Town Hall, and a start will be made on Monday next.

Fifty thousand acres of Crown lands in the Maungakarctu, West Waitapu, West Mauriceville; and the Mangaoue-Tirau-mca blocks will b.e open for selection on the 27th June, 011 the cash, deferred payments, and perpetual lease systems, in terms of the Laud Act, Amendment Act, 1887. Full particulars can be obtained at this otlice.

A special gathoring of the members of the Masterful) Chess Club was held last night to meet Mr C. W. lienbow, the President ol the Wellington Chess Club, who is at present on a visit to this town, and who is well-known as a player of the first .rank in the colonies. Mr Benbow played seven games simultaneously, his opponents being the ItevW. E. Paige, Captain Holm wood, and Messrs W. Kumtncr, A. J, Rawsnn, E. Holmwood, J, M' Rockell, and i ? . H, Bakewell The first move wasdnwn for in each game, and the visitor secured it in five out of the seyen games. No two openings were alike. By degrees Mr Benbow got one after another of his opponents into diiliculties until at last only Mr Paige and Mr Kummer remained with positions that were worth playing out. The former succumbed after having played a very lose game the result of whi?h depended entirely on end play, while the latter remained with a pawn to the Kood and a good position when play ceased. It is probable that this game will be played next Monday, but should Mr Benbow be unable to attend that day, the position will be forwarded to Mr Hojkham,_ of Christchurch, for his ppinion. Nothing of course, depends upon the, result, but the game was a very interesting one, and the local players would be pleased toknow ivhiit an independent authority thinks of it. At tho conclusion of the play Mr Benbow was heartily applauded,

"WoiiKiiifi-MiiS.—Before you_ begin your heavy spring work after a winter of relaxation, your system needs cleansing and strengthening to prevent an attack of Ague, Billions ar Spring Fever, or some other Spring sickness that unfits you for a season's work. You will save time, much sickness and great expense if you will use one bottle of Dr. Soulo's American Hop Bitters in your family this month. Don't wait. "Burlington Hawkevo. 1 '

A Good Housetop—The good housewife when giving her house its spring renovating, should bear in mind that the dear inmates of her house arc more precious than many houses, and that their systems need cleansing by purifying the blood, regulating the stomach and bowels to prevent and cure the diseasos arising from spring malaria and miasma, and she must know that there is nothing that will do it so perfectly and surely as Dr. Soulc's American Hop Bitters, the purest and best of medicines. "Concord N. 11. Patriot,"

Goon lloushwivks in all parts of the country should always make it Ihoir business (o ascertain where they can lay out their money to the best advantage for all wearing apparel, for the every clay tilings that are required in the family, and for all articles appertaining lo the comfort and well being of tlie household. It is unnecessary to say, after all our advertising, that beyond controversy all these advantages arc to be ootained at the Wholesale Family Drapery Warehouse, Tu Aao Hoi'sn, Wellingto i. lx tiik matter oi Winter Dress Fabrics we iiavc .over 30,000 yards of positively New Dress Material, varying in quality ipid style and ranging in price fiom Is! Id to 5 guineas per dress of not less than 12 yijrds each, In Mantles, Ulsters, Jerseys, Costumes and Millinery, we have the largest and best stock in the Province, ipid all at Wholesale Prices at Te Also Housk, Wk&mxoiqx,

Wii have a grand lot of lilankets from 5s lid to 50s per pair, Quilts, Carpets, Hearthrugs, and Linoleums in great variety, and lowest prices, Over 10,000 yards of Flannel in all makes, from -Hd to lis ner yard, and every doscriptipi) of t'alipoes fropi Is lid to 10s lid per dozen yards at tl|C Wholesale Family Drapery Warehouse, Te Aiiollouse, Welling-

What is of importance to Country liesidents who do not often visit town, we will send patterns of any material desired, post free, and will execute carefully, and despatch promptly, any orders forwarded to James Smith, tl)e Wholesale Family Drapery Warehouse, Te &ug Housk, Wellington, Tiik Public must please rcmciqber that \yc have no branch establishment anywhere in the country, and goods that are advertised can only be obtained at the Wholesale Drapery Warehouse, Tk Alio Housk, Weilington.