THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 1881.

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1424, 18 August 1881, Page 2

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 1881.

The proposal for the redistribution of electorates has advanced a stage in its passage through Parliament, and although the bill is not yet safe its present form may be looked upon as a fair criterion of the shape in which it will become law. In committee it will encounter a repetition of the objections already stated, and although slight alterations may be made it is not at all probable any material change will be wrought. The principal objection raised was that relating to the exclusion of Maoris from the basis of population to some extent. The Premier, in moving the motion for the second reading, intimated that objection, a fact which does not speak much for his foresight. Seeing that it had already been urged " in Chambers " by a deputation of North Island members, we cannot claim for him unqualified success in the method he sought for getting rid of these difficulties. His devices were of a two-fold character ; first, he dealt with it as a kind of set-off between the North and South, the exclusion of the Chinese being accounted the correspondent rebate by the South Island. Plausible as the argument appeared, on the face of it, when analysed it is found wholly untenable. In no respect of the word can it be said that the relative positions of the Chinese and Maoris are afc all analagous. We have never been of the number who proscribe Chinese immigration, but neither as a question of vested right nor permanency of locating can it be argued that a Chinaman possesses equal claims to consideration with those of the Maori race, Then again in point of number the Chinese in New Zealand are inferior to that of the aborigines. The other objection founded on this score was similarly untenable. It was based on the disaffection existing in the Maori mind to European rule, and in arguing that point the Premier very conveniently omitted all mention of the recent movement on the part of the King natives towards relaxing the attitude hitherto maintained. In contradistinction to these objections, the arguments adduced in support of the contention for equal electoral rights for the Maori were infinitely more potent, and in many respects it seemed to be in accord with the policy enunciated by Government itself. For example, it was contended that under the Crown and Native Lands Rating Bill Government sought to place the Maori on the same footing with the Europeans in the matters of rating, that fact being admitted, and in the fact" of recent events it could not possibly be disputed. Every principle of sound political economy went to affirm the fact that they were entitled to the enjoyment of equal electoral rights. The Government evidently saw the determination, and was sagacious enough to avoid contesting the point as much as possible. In committee, the subject will be again revived; and although some slight concession may be secured, the chances are the bill will pass as printed, or with modifications of trifling import. The great bug-bear to the proposed reform, is the special Maori representation. So far as Maori sentiments were elicited, they are determined to stick hard and fast to that privilege, despite the appeals made to them to forego it in favor of the other. The remaining arguments to the bill, partook more of a bit of by-play than a solid objection. Canterbury and Otago are too much divided iamongst themselves to create the fear or likelihood of their joint 'influences being extercised in any one direction in antagonism to the interests of the colony as a whole.' The -old cry about these two, provincial districts combining, together ■ to, haye ,the Beat of Government removed south, produced no practical effect?, not even

. j-jr, f. upon the/J^ellington men. It has« been made to do duty so often that it is now about played out. Nor do we think it would be any very great loss •to the Colony, or even the. North Island, if the seat of Government was to be removed further south than it is. The plaintive appeal of Nelson, and the sturdy protest from the West Coast goldfields was little better than facts treasured up by the members of these districts for the hustings. 'I he threat that the bill is in danger of being blocked is not at all likely to eventuate in anything very serious.

The Real Property and Limitation of Landed Estate Bill, proposed by the Attorney-General, and introduced to the Upper House, is a measure of nine clauses, clause 4 enacting that it shall come into force on the Ist January, 1882. Its material provisions are : — Clause 3 providing that "No person shall make an entry or distress, or bring an action or suit to recover any land or rent, but within 12 years next after the time at which the right to make such entry or distress, or to bring such action or suit shall have first accrued to any person through whom he claims, or if such right shall not have accrued to any person through whom he claims, then within 12 years next after the time at which the right to make such entry or distress, or to bring such action, shall have accrued to the person making or bringing the same." Under the old feudal system the right of challenge of title to land came under the operations of the long prescription, that is, such right existed for a period of 40 years, and in dealing with real property it was essential for the purchaser to satisfy himself that the title to the property extended over that period and was unimpeachable. Otherwise these acquired rights were liable to be challenged by anyone having a right which may have accrued within that time. In England the term of prescription was limited to 20, and more subsequently still to 15 years, but in Scotland the 40 years terra of prescription was tenaciously held. By following the lead of the English Legislature the titles to real estate in this colony were brought under the operation of the 20 years' prescription, and at the present that is the term within which any flaw in the title may be challenged. By the above recited clause of the bill under consideration it is proposed to limit the time to 12 years. Clause 9 enacts, " When a mortgagee shall have obtained possession or receipt of the profits of any land, the receipt of any rent comprised in his mortgage, the mortgagor or any person claiming through him shall not bring any action or suit to redeem the mortgage but within 12 years next after the time at which the mortgagee obtained such possession or receipt, unless in the meantime an acknowledgment in writing of the title of the mortgagor or of his right to redemption shall have been given to the mortgagor or some person claiming this estate, and in such case no such action or suit shall be brought but within 12 years next after the time at which such acknowledgment, or the last of such acknowledgments, if more than one, was given." Another of the same series is a measure entitled "The Distress for Rent Abolition Act, 1881," under which it is enacted that on and after the Ist January next, "it shall not be lawful for any person to distrain for rent or arrears of rent." The object aimed at is palpable enough. The great aim of legislation has hitherto been to protect the interests of the lords of the soil, and to the more effectual carrying out of that purpose every other interest has been rendered subordinate. In late years the disposition has been to relax that principle, although no very radical change has been effected. The landlords' right of hypothec at all events has remained undisturbed, and in the exercise of that right much glaring injustice has been done ; indeed it has come to be a recognised problem that, suffer who may, landlords' rights and interests must not be interfered with. The bills in question if passed into law will tend to destroy all such preferences, and place landed estate on a more equitable basis than it has hitherto occupied in relation to trade, commerce, and kindred pursuits engaged in for the acquisition of wealth.

The sale of Domain Lands which was held at. Cambridge on Wednesday, the 10th inst., was successful beyond all expectation. Numerous predictions were uttered of the failure which was certain to result, from the " absurd" conditions which the Board had adopted, and that the Board had made an egregious blunder in regard to tb,e amount of the upset price, but as the sale proceeded it became apparent that those who were loudest in depreciation were the highest bidders. The sale of the allotments on the West side to a certain extent realised the expectations of the sombre minded, for out ofr a comparatively large number only a few succeeded in passing the . hammer. „ But when/ the sale oJE tide East| allotments were entered upon, masters assumed quite a different aspect; &*e' bidding became spirited, and every allotment, with- the exception of one, Vaa,disposed of, some , bringing more than double the, upset price, the w^ble an average of 40 per cent.above'tb.e •price at' which they started. Thet

r, T&-, n; rtho^est side whioh were, wiih. few exceptions, ultimately disposed of, fetched the upset price, and in three cases one shilling over. f The^,nnu4,renji s aLwhigh ,the Board will receive . from the property is £322 2s 3d, the various amounts being paid half-yearly. When it is considered that the money is to go towards the improvement of the Public Domain and expended in the district, it will be seen that a substantial benefit is to be derived from the action which the Board have taken in the matter.

The annual meeting of the members of the Waikato Turf Club will be held at Delaneys Hotel, Ohaupo, at 4 p.m. to-day. The usual weekly meeting of the Hamilton Debating Club will be held at the Court-house this evening. The order paper has already been published. A correspondent, writing from Alexandra informs us that owing to a report that scarlatina had broken out in that locality, the sohool has been closed for a week. Sir Modred, Somnus, Idalium, and Hilarious, will leave Dunedin for Melbourne to-morrow by the s.s. Te Anau. The New Zealand Gazette notifies that the Puniu recreation ground has been brought under the provisions of the Public Domains Act 1860, and is now vested in a Board composed of the following : — Messrs James Walton, William Corboy, William Johns, William Charles Whitfield, and William Bond. The annual football match between Auckland and Waikato comes off on Sydney Square, Hamilton East, on Saturday afternoon. The members of the Hamilton Band have kindly given their services for the occasion, and will play selectious during the afternoon. Members of the baud are requested to muster at the practice room at one o'clock. Mr Phillip Pistrucci, of Alexandaa, writes, in reference to Tawhiao's reception at that place, to say that he did not, as our correspondent says, prepare the address of welcome by "order of the committee," but at the request of Mr Tisdall, who composed it. Mr Pistrucci says he was on the committee himself, and infers, naturally enough, that that body could scarcely order or "instruct" (which was the word used in our report), him to do anything. The consecration of the new Church of S. Andrew, Cambridge, will take place in the morning of to-morrow fortnight, August 31. As the contract is now nearly completed and the builder will require to be paid forthwith, funds are urgently needed, and we are authorised to say that the vestry will feel obliged to all those who have promised to contribute if they will kindly pay the amount of their contributions as soon at possible. The "form of prayer and ceremonies" lias been published and is now on sale at the various Cambridge stores. The dispute in regard to the title of the allotment at the corner of Dukestreet, Cambridge, bought from Mr James OBrien by Mr Hewitt at a time when the former was a minor, and upon which Messrs Whitaker and Sheehan's offices stand, will come on for decision at the next sitting of the Supreme Court at Auckland. Writs of ejectment have already been served on Mr Hewitt and the occupants of the offices. Cambridge is, it seems, to have another Public Hall. In addition to the present Public Hall, the Oddfellows' Hall and the Town Board Rooms, Mr Raynes, the enterprising proprietor of the National Hotel, has determined on building a snug little theatre on the allotment adjoining his property, and has already taken the preliminary steps towards the execution of his object. The contemplated building will be tw o storey high, and will have a commodious gallery. The stage will be got up on the theatrical principle and will be provided with suitable scenery and side-wings. Indeed, to judge from the proprietor's design the building promises to be admirably adapted for tbe purpose kept on view. The following are the acceptances for the Napier J.C'a Spiing Meeting :—: — Spring Handicap. — Foul Play> King Quail, Grand Duchess, Badsworth, My Dream, Rewi, Mischief, Mavis, Afghan, Rawdon, Angler, Kinoraig, Slander Filly, Sydney, The Square, Firefly, and Fira. Flying Handicap.— Foul Play, Grand Duchess, Badsworth, Rewi, Mischief, Afghan, Rawton, Slander Filly, The Laird, The Square, Lock Lomond, Firefly, Nellie, Louie, Hero. Prim, Novelt y and Occult Colt. Hurdles. — Loch Lomond, Morning Star, Uira, Ada, and Will If I Can. The acceptances for the Spring Handicap number seventeen out of twenty-one entries, and Flying Handicap nineteen out of twenty-seven. A native gentleman, a brother, report hath it, of the great Mamapoto RewJ, was one of the most delighted auditors at the concert given to Mr (Julpan on Tuesday night. At the end of each song, chorus, or what not, this dusky votary of Orpheus, Apollo, St. Cecilia, and the rest, would riae from his seat and applaud vociferously, in erjecting such remarks as " Kapai," " Good" (with a strong emphasis on the diphthong), " Me like the song of the whita mana," &c, &c, his delight now and then finding vent in a haka, to the great amusement of the audience. It is but right to add that during the singing this Nature's gentleman was most orderly and wellbehaved. " A meeting of the English Church Vestry, Hawera, was (says the Hawera Star of the 13th,) held on Thursday. It was resolved to write to the Rev. Mr Calder, in the Waikato, asking him if he would be prepared to accept the appointment of clergyman, if it were offered to him. Also, to the Bishop, asking whether he would be prepared to appoint a clergyman selected by the parishioners, assuming that a suitable person should offer his services. Mr Calder, who has been privately communicated with by wire, proposes to visit the district before giving a final answer ; but is willing to entertain any proposal submitted to him." We are informed by the reverend gentleman here referred' to that he is in recejpt of such an offer from the Hawera Church, and that the matter is now under consideration. The concert which is announced to take place in Cambridge on the sth September next, the proceeds of which are to assist in furnishing the new Catholic Presbytery now in course of erection there, is destined to be a sucoessful one, if we take .into consideration the preliminary steps already taken by the committee to ensure success. A number of ladies upon whom the task of furnishing .has, devolved* after considering the 'ffiost^dvlsafeie waybfVaißmfcf funds, determined to hire a concert, it being the most convenient and least onerous way of dbingso* A committee of firoJwas accordingly formed, and invitations issued to the leading amateurs of the district, including Alexandra, Te Awamutu, Hamilton and Auoklarid. To these favourable replies have already been received, and a large and well selected programme may therefore be looked forward to. A number 'of tHe members of the Cambridge Choral

Union have consented to contribute their services on the occasion, and for this purpose the usual weekly practice of the Society will be postponed. Together with the usual vocal and instrumental contribution* of the evening, there will be re ; freshments' provided by IhTpidies, as well «'s a xtlect dance- after tho concert, to which holders of front seat tickets will be admitted. Already a large number of tickets have been disposed of; therefore a crowded house may be looked forward to. Mr Bell has kindly consented to conduct the prooeediners. but the mxnairenieut of the whole affair, the providing of the lunch and everything el c in conneutiun with the entertainment, us well as the disposal of the proceed-, will be carried out exclusively by the ladies It is therefore to be hoped "that the public will contribute their generous patruoage on the occasion.

The whereabouts of George Arnold are required. Mr J. T. Camp advertises for a good general blacksmith. Mr W. Macgregor Hay offers a reward for the recovery ot two horses. Mr W. Reeves advertises that he is prepared to lay out gardens or pleasure grounds. Messrs H. E. Cotton and Co. will hold their usual sale on Saturday next at Cambridge. Mr Kennedy Hill will hold his usual weekly sale of produce, etc., at his mart, Hamilton, on Saturday. The Newcastle Highway Board will meet at Whatawhata on the sth proximo, to strike a rate of is in the £. Mr Frederick Forrest, nurseryman, advertises that he has fruit and ornamental trees and garden seeds for sale. Orders can be left with Mr LeQucsne, Hamilton East. Mr Kennedy Hill will offer for sale at the National Hotel, Cambridge, on Wednesday, August the 23rd, at 2 p.m., a choice consignment of nursery stock from the nurseries of Messrs S. Hay and Son. Railway Hotel, Mercer. — I wish to express my sincere thanks to the Waikato settlers for the kind and spirited way they have patronised my table during the List two years when travelling by rail to and from Auckland ; and as the Government has again let their building on the platform, and given a license free to sell spiritous liquors, beer, etc., 60 feet fi om my door, I trust that .ill admirers of private enterprise who have not hitherto used mv table will do so, and tell their friends when they travel by rail to step across to the hotel where they will be well served.— J. D. Dillon.— [Advt.] A public meeting will be held in the Oddfellows' Hall, Hamilton East, on Saturday evening next, for the purpose of laying a prospectus before the public with fc view ef converting the hall into a public hall. The new pure cash system now being initiated by (r. and C. will certainly prove a benefit to the public. It has been a great success in Sydney and Melbourne and when strictly carried out the customer who buys at an establishment where the goods are marked low to ensure a rapid sale must be a great gainer. G. and C. sell their drapery millinery, and clothing at such prices for cash as gives the buyer the advantages of a shareholder in a co-operative society, without the risk of being called upon tobearaportionofthclossshould the year's business prove unsatisfactory. Garlick and Cranwell will aim to retain the confidence which the public have hitherto shown them, and are determined to give the pure cash system a fair trial ; whether they gain or lose the first year. Country buyers on remitting cash with order will be supplied with goods at co-operative prices ; just the same as though they made a personal selection. Furnishing goods, such as carpets, floor cloths, bedsteads, bed '3uip and generai house furniture, the largest portion of which is turned out at our own factory, will be marked at the lowest remunerative prices, and a discount of five per cent, will be allowed to those who pay at the time of purchase. G. &C. having realised the entire value of their stock during their late cash sale, the present stock is ni.w and cheaply bought. An inspection is invited. — Garlick and CrAnwell, City Hall Furnishing Arcade Queenstreet, Auckland