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Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2444, 10 March 1888, Page 2

Onii telegrams this morning convey the mournful intelligence that the venerable ami revered Emperor of Germany, the Kaiser Wilhelm, lias finally succumbed to the feebleness of advanced ago. The Impcriiil German Consul at Wellington received a cable despatch yesterday, announcing that tho deatli of the Emperor took place at midnight on Thursday The sad event has not been altogether unexpected, as the latest advices from Berlin clearly indicated that the health of the a«cd sovereign was rapidly failing. There is thus removed from the scene one of the most iihisti'ious rulers of modern times after n long and stirring reign, during which period he has witnessed great changes in the political arena of Kurnpc, and has seen his power grow from the comparatively petty kingdom of Prussia into one of the mighty powers of the earth and greatest military nation in the world -United Germany. The late emperor was always a firm friend of our own country and the royal house of England, therefore his death will make a particularly profound impression on the British people, especially as his son and successor, Frederick William, the Crown Prince, whose own life has been of late despaired of, is wedded to tho eldest daughter of our Queen. Whilst the Emperor William survived, the outbreak of the threatened war was kept in check. His removal will now give rise to further serious complications, which may probably end in letting slip tho tlogs of war so long held in leash. Contrary to fear.-i and predictions, the Crown Prince outlives his noble father, to ascend the Imperial throne of tho Gorman Empire ; and if, as the latest bulletins lead us to hope, the improvement in his health is of a permanent nature, he may yet be spared to occupy that exalted position

siiliieiently long to (.xercise a potent inflncnc! on those disturbing eleniont-i which threaten to plmige Kiirope into all the horrors of .1 yreat and bloody struggle. The sympathies of the people of these colonies will, we are sure, be bestowed upon the fiernvm people in their sorrow over the loss of a ijreat King and good man.

Wk lately announced the changes that have been decided upon in the disposition of the Resident Magistrates in this and other districts, amongst which is the removal of Mr U. XV. Northcroffc, who takes over the Thames, Coiomandel, and Te Aroha district from Mr H. A. Stratford. Capt. Jackson will in future act as the presiding magistrate in the Waikato courts in addition to those of his present district. Mr Northcroft has been connected with the Waikato in his official cipacity for imny years, during which time he has shown Ir.mself to be a painstaking and impartial judge, and one whose first consideration was a sense of duty, and the administrating of justice, without fear or favour. In saying this we are aware that Mr Northcrott has not always escaped incurring resentment and ill-favour on the part of many litigants in the execution of his nrigisterical functions, nor, perhaps, has he been altogether free from errors in his findings. These, however, are not unusual in the experiences of responsible officers who have to sit in judgment on their fellows, and rare is it to find the course of even the host and most popular of magistrates .ill smooth sailing. In Mr Northcroft the Thames will obtain an excellent magistrate, and a gentleman of kindly feelings and unostentatious habits. Mr Northcroft assumes the duties of his newdistrict next week, and takes with him the good wishes of the people of Waikato for himself and Mrs Northcroft.