Wairarpa Daily Times. [ESTABLISHED 1874.] FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 1895. THE LOCAL GOVERNMET BILL.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 5110, 23 August 1895, Page 2

Wairarpa Daily Times. [ESTABLISHED 1874.] FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 1895. THE LOCAL GOVERNMET BILL.

Tim Local Government Mill is not to band us yet in its full entirety, and we can only get a glimpse of it from the epitome of its contents which we published. Tho prayer of all interested in-local administration will probably bo that the Bill may not puss this session, like a scytho over every green bhitle of local administration in the Colony, Battle, murder and sudden death are nothing to it! Tho measure simply rubs all the existing local bodies olf tho Colonial Slate—a simple effort of Nihilism, and starts afresh with that refuge of the incapable—a commission. 'We do not wonder that the Government; refused to disclose the draft of this measure to the County Conference which recently met in Wellington. Tho new Bill is a mp-d'etut which cannot be expected to stand criticism, We doubt, however, whether even Mr Seddon can jam it down the throats of his faithful followers. Take tho member for this district as an example. Can Mr Hogg cut the throat of every local body in his electorate and yet retain the .confidence of his constituents ? Itisaltogether premature as yet to expressany reliable view upon this gigantic; measure. Like one of tho plagues of: Egypt it may ho sliopking disaster or a blessing in. disgniso. All we know as yet is that the Governmentconsiderib necessary because ) there are too many local bodies and the cost of administering them is excessive. But we do not take tho Government figures for granted; indeed, statistics are a very weak point -\yitli the present Ministry, and unless flioso been given in the present instance are forfcifi.ee) by a retitrn which can be tested, wo sh.onld bp disposed fo question them. It w)l|-be noticed by qui- telegraphic report in another column that ye ancient Borough of faster: ton, with its Mayor, Councillors; gas lamps, and other properties, is wiped out as an indopondent- Borough, and converted into a ward of County" or some analagous position . The Munieipality.mnst bow its head and offer its neck to the bowstring, Op the .other hand the Govern-

ment claims that it can save fifty odd thousand pounds a year in the cost of local administration. Now we don't believe it can do anything of the kind, but supposing it does succeed in saving twenty or thirty thousand pounds, who will get tho benefit of the saving F As far as we can see tho Goyernment will, for it throws on the now Local Bodies the butdetv of charitable aid, for which it now pays a half share. If there be any saving, may not the Government

take it and spend it in fattening up co-operative labourers and subsidising the public houses in the vicinity of co-operative camps ? We admit that the cost of local government can be cheapened, but if Local Bodies lire to be squeezed to put money into

tho pocket of the Colonial Treasurer, are there not other economics that might be affected with less real distress and inconvenience to the Colony. Why not (rail down the big Government buildings and re-erect them at one quarter of their present dimensions. There are hundreds of tlfousands of pounds that can be saved at the doors of Ministers without raiding the country and obliteratingitslocalsolf-govermncnt. The Government has, sometimes, a simple way of turning (o account the misfortunes which it creates, It will sweep a thousand billets away, and then when the work of recon-

struction begins, put its own friends and proteges into the vacancies which have been created. It did this with the Civil Service, reduced it as a matter of economy, and then increased and multiplied it as a matter of patronage. Cannot it do the same with the Local Government Service—will it not do it—has it not, perhaps, already promised local government billets to its needy followers.

The Government proposes in its new Bill to throw a thousand men out of employment, to reduce a thousand families to comparative destitution, and we are gravely asked to

accept this as a measure of relief. The only Colonial Industry that thrives is Ihemanufactureof Colonial paupers by Act of Parliament. 'The present Bill is about the largest

silicic contract that has, as yet, been put out by Messrs Sedilon & Co.—n thousand paupers at one fell swoop. Js it worth while cou-

sidering what- this little army of unfortunates will cost us on relief works. The man who fairly eirns :i modest sum of six or seven shillings a day with the pen, will be handed a pick and shovel and expected to say "God bless you" to the Colonial Relieving Ollieers, Messrs Seddon, Reeves & Co. But till the full text of the Bill is available, it is dillicult to form any very reliable opinion upon its merits. First impressions may be misleading-; but they will, we believe, be hostile to the Bill.

Eleven hundred men arc employed by the Built of England, Germany has 2(1,000 of the 51,000 breweries said to be in the world, The War Office in london is arranging with municipal bodies to arm and traiii llieir workmen in preparation foi war. New Zealand, writes a Home correspondent, is at present anything but a paradise for either employers or employed. At the Invercargill Poultry Show a special prize of a case of ale and stout was won by a dog named " Whisky." A Newcastle gentleman writes" I like Chrislchurch and its people best of any town in New Zealand. Tliey are more rclincd and like our best English people!" A church minister wants a tenth for church purposes, the Government wants twenty-live per cent, for Customs duties the road and the water rates are another ten per cent,, then there's the gas and the scavenger, and what has the household left to pay rent, buy boots and theatre tickets, asks Truth. Prince Francis of Tcclt, a brother-in-law of the Prince »f Wales, lost £IO,(XX) on the Curragh races recently. Lord Ardilaum offered to nay his debts, Prince Francis being well nigh a pauper, but the Queen interposed, and paid them, and then ordered him to India. A very enthusiastic meeting of representative liremcn met at Masterton yesterday, and formed a Wairarapa Fire Brigades' Association, with Ciipt. 1). Pickering as President. The report of proceedings appears in another column MrWorboysof Eketaluma, lectured in the llawcrti schoolroom Inst Friday night in did of the school library funds. The subject was "Bees and practical Eeo keeping," and was fully illustrated by lantern viciys. The Hival Football Club of Eketahuna, held their annual ball in Anderson's Hall on Thursday evening. H.M.S. Goldfinch, from New Hebrides, via Noumea and Mongonui, has arrived at Auckland.

Constable Gray, of Wellington, has been on duty in Eketahuna during Constable Nestor's absence iu Wellington. Mrs Nelson, the teacher in charge of the Newman School, has been compelled tonpply for six mouths' leave, on account of ill-health.

The building trade is reported to be fairly brisk in Ekctahuna just now. Several new buildings are in course of erection in the township. Messrs Crick and Meagher, solicitors, of Sydney, have issued a writ against Premier lieid, claiming damages for statements made by him during his election campaign and alleged to be slanderous.

A lady athlete js to swim the English Chaunol. She is going from America for the purpose of trying to accomplish this feat, which none of her sex lmvc yet attempted.

The Farmer concludes an artiele on the Somcrville trial with the following; "Mr Jellicoe may have saved some from the gallows who ought to have been hanged; if so, ho really ought to make atonement by going to tho gallows himself."

The Shop Hours Act Amendment Bill is to contain better provision for securing the weekly half-holiday to barmen and barmaids.

Since February last, the whole of New South Wales has suffered from deficient rainfall, and in some parts dry westerly winds liaye dono great mischief. Extreme cold and severe frosts have accompanied the drought

Kelly, accused of poisoning aboriginal Natives, was tried at Sydney, Ho went ipto tho box and gave evidence on his own bphalf, denying that he had sought in any way to injure tl|c Natives. I[c was acquitted.

_ Mr Charier, who represents Doniliquiu in the Parliament of New South Wales, sued Mr Martin, a farmer, for asserting that Mr Chanter had used his position as a member to obtain undue advan. tages for squatters in land transaction. Tho case was partly heard and then settled on the detendant's undertaking to publish an ample apology and to pay the costs,

, A telegram from Uullensville states that the Hibernian (ributers struck very rich gold on Wednesday night, the sjiit't picking iip aboxjt Ifloz. On'Tliurijday morning over sQoz can)e. up, together Kith a bucket of cement specimens, and tho return up to diijuer time must be woll ovor 300oc„ The bottom lias not been all picked up, and tho gold is still showing freely in the crovices. The specimens aro splendid ones. Tho gold is well water worn, and n boautiful samplt,

The Francis Boss Company visit Masterton at an early date. • Tlid " Australian Merrymakers "play nt Masterton next week. Tlio people of Auckland intend erecting a marble statue of Sir George Grey in tlieir city.

Ike Minister for Labour says lie hopes to re-introduce his Eight Hours Bill this session.

Mr W. lias been temporarily appointed bailiff at Masterton, owing to his father's illness.

Mr G, Hutchison is endeavouring to secure a retail of the amounts paid by Ministers in cab-biro last year. Mr M'Guirc is bringing up the caso ot the late Constable Leahy in the House, and he wants to know why leave I was so long refused.

Ihe Minister for Justice has promised Mr A. W. Hogg to arrange for more frequent sittings of thcl'ahiatua Magistrate's Court if business requites it. Trustees arc to be appointed for the j public reserves at l'arkvale, as soon as the residents hold a meeting to submit their names.

Messrs Honiblovr '& Co. hold their' usual weekly sale to-morrow (Saturday). Their list includes new and second hand furniture, household requisites, horses, poultry etc. The ihuriri and Kotahitanga football teams were photographed by Mr D. Wilton, of Masterton, yesterday.

The notice of motion for a new trial of the Cliemis case was filed yesterday by Mr Jcllicoe. The Court of Appeal docs not sit until October.

Messrs Lowes & lorns hold a geucral sale at their rooms to morrow, which will embrace Furniture, produce, poultry, drapery, clothing, and sundries. In the match South Canterbury v. Wairarapa, there was no score, It was a forward game, Wairarapa having the best of it,but showing poor combination. Mr T. Hutchison, S.M., holds a sitting of the Court at Te Nui to-dny. There are live civil cases set down for hearing.

Afternoon services in connection with the Weslcyan Church will be held on vSuuclay next at llidefovil, llangiUiniaii, and Weraiti.

The visit toMasterfouof thclicv. W. Morlcy, President of the General Conference, ispostponeduntil Friday, A ugust 30th Full particulars will be advertised next week.

Tlie annual Horse Parade under the auspices of the Wairarapa Pastoral and Agricultural Society, will he held at Carterton, on Silimlay, 28tli September next.

Mr P. H. Wood announces his next stock sale, at the Taratahi yards, for Tuesday, 3rd September. Particulars of entriesreceivcd to date arc advertised, and further entries inyited.

In connection with Hie l'ahiatua Presbyterian Church, services will be held bvthcKcv.W.H. Philipon Sabbath next as followsl'uhintua at 11, Mr Sevcnson ; Alfrcdton at 11; Pahiattia at 7.

(V local Government officer in this district tells us that if he be shunted into the cold by the new Eill, lie will come forward at the general election and stand tor the Houss. fie says £2*lo a year would suit him as well as his present billet.

Mr T. Mackenzie the oilier night told the House of a Dunedin herbalist who habitually contravened the Snlo o{ Poisons Act, and sent out poisons conccaled in other goods. *l{c had a bill which this man had forwarded to one customer, to whom lie had supplied six lOoz bottles of laudanum in one month,

In presenting his annual report to the House yesterday, the Minister for Education said it would show that there had been a remarkable increase in the average attendance during the year—no less an increase than JN/5 as compared with llie previous year, and 02/!) compared with the last quarter, | Smokers are invited to inspect the large assortment of best American tobaccos, regularly kept hy Mr J. Williams, of .Queen-street, Masterton. Mr Williams makes a speciality of a roughcut tobacco blond, which he has cut on the premises cyery day by new and special machinery.

At the annual meeting of tlic Wairarapa Ttncing Club held yesterday, all the officers were re-elected. The salary of the Secretary was increased to £75 per annum. The meeting decided that the 'maximum amount to lie given in stakes for next year's races be £l3flC. Tho stewards were reeonimended to consider the advisability of appointing a permanent caretaker. Tho meeting refused to make any recommendation to the stewards on tho application of Cooper for the removal of his disqualification.

The dangerous practice of leaving' horses tied up to fences on the footpaths is carried on'to a large extent in Masterton, and frequently women and child™ have to lo'ave the footpaths in order to get past the animals, It may be well for horsemen to know that the Inspector of Nuisances has authority to impound horses so found, ami prosecute (lie owners for a breach of the By-laws,

The new proprietor of theClubStablesi Masterton(MrJolin Kclleher) announces to the settlers and travelling public that every attention will he given to their requirements. The livery business will be a special foaturcaiid there will lie no lack of good fodder supplied to all horses entrusted to him. Mr Kclleher will continue to run his landau and other vcliiclcs to meet the requirements of his patrons. We direct attention to his advertisement, which appears in this issue.

We remind our readers of Messrs Hood and Johnston's great clearing sale of grocery stock,in their shop.Queen-strect, to-morrow (Saturday), At 1 o'clock, the sale will commence punctually, and as every lot will be offered without 1 reserve, householders should not fail to bo present. Messrs Simms and Mowlem have been entrusted with the sale, At the same place they will offer 15 pairs of turkeys.

lhcro is hope {or the codlin moth: distracted orehardists, who nevertheless arc-too lazy to take proper precaution's themselves. The success of the little New Zealand vidilia in disposing of the' Califorriian scale may yet be repeated in thecase o£ a natural enemyto the dreaded moth, Mr Buchanan says that two species of ichneumon fly havebeen found attacking the codlin moth at Tauranga, and the Minister for Agriculture says his Department has procured the natural enemy of the orchard scourge, which has been tried in Europe, America, and Australia. The Department intends to gel a larger supply, for distribution, Post. 1 Colonel Hume, Inspeelorof Prisons, in liis annual report, states that during the past year 3398 males and 605 females' passed through the prisons of the Colony, as against 3572 male? and 72<f|females the: yeai* previous—a total decrease of 173, ( An elderly man to milk and make himself useful, is required by on advertiser, A reward is offered for the recovery of a lady's umbrella, lost between Carterton and the Upper Plain. One of tho sights of Wellington, at any' time is undoubtedly the magnificent establishment,known as Te Aro House/and now that every department within its walls is filled to overllowing, with a bewildering variety of the season's novelties in millinery, mantles, dresses, etc., it is moro than ever a pleasure and profit to visit tho wholesale family drapery warehouse, Te Aro House.

-Particular attention lias been paid this year to tho requirements of country customers, anil (ho'resultis io be'seep in the immenso and varied stock of'calicoes, shirtings, flannels,, flanneilettcs, strong wearing dress materials, men's and boys' clothing. &o, Thp choice in each department, is almost unlimited, as may bo imagined, when it is stated that of flannelette alpno, over 50.00Q yards have this season been Imported at Te Aro House, Wellington,-tAuvt