The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE. THURSDAY, SEPT. 19, 1889.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 2682, 19 September 1889, Page 2

The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 19, 1889.

lieiual and exact justice to all men, Of whatsoever state or persuasion, religious or Political. __-_^__^____^__: , ■ ; • \ " j ■ ' \ ! ;

Tiik Legislature has concluded its sitting and members have, with their Visual indecent haste, scuttled out of Wellington for their respective homes. No doubt they were, on the whole, pleased with themselves and their performances in Parliament. The country, however, does not, by any means, entertain any such feelings of complacency. So far as the House o£ Representatives is concerned there is but one opinion held by the community, and that is utter disgust and thorough loss of faith in the legislative institutions of the colony. There is no longer any confidence in tin; wisdom or ability of Parliament to frame laws for the wellbeing of the country, or in the capacity of the present, or any, Government that could ha formed out of the material of which the Legislature of the colony is now usually composed, to administer its affairs wisely and prudently. Representatives of the people and Government, alike, have made merry over the diflieulties of the country and the burdens of the colonist. They assembled together to wrangle and squabble and irretrivably D fritter away valuable time ; they devoted more attention to grabbing the remnants of loan money than to "the necessities of the colony ; and when nil their selfish efforts

are exhausted they hurry through a number of imperfectly devised measures, pocket their honorarium and depart from the scene with precipitancy. The entire work of the session is performed in a disgracefully perfunctory manner. We cannot enter into a retrospect of the session; the task would raise passions which none of us can well disguise. Whether Mr Unllanee's motion to secure a dissolution during the recess was or was not made in honest sincerity, wo do not know. But this we will affirm, that it would have been the only wise act of the House had it given its assent to the resolution, and thus secured the safety of the Act to reduce the number of members. Already we note a feeler put forward that sounds like the premonitory note of impending fate for that Act. We have before expressed our fear that dependence could not be placed on the Government to stand firm for another year in maintaining adherence to the Act; and, now we see it suggested that they will endeavour to extend the duration of the present Parliament till 1891, in order to fix the new electoral districts under the Act, in accordance with the census to '.ie taken next year. If there is any truth in this statement, the deception is too transparent. It really means to afford an opportunity of taking the country unawares, and effect the repeal of the Act of 1887 next session, and thus retain unimpaired the existing number of members. The Press and the people must keep on the alert to prevent such wicked malversation of trust. If we have another such Parliament, New Zealand will not be worth living in, with all its natural advantages. It is irksome to think there is still another session before the present House expires. It is often the case that great occasions in the history of a nation produces the man equal to cope with it. Will it be so with us 1 It is possible the man may arise who will trample an incompetent Parliament under foot and say, like Cromwell to the Long Parliament: —

"It is high time for me to put an end to your sitting in this place, which you have dishonoured by your contempt of all virtue, and defiled by your practice of every vice. Ye arc a factious crew, the enemies of all good governmeHt. Ye are a pack of mercenary wretches, and would, like Esau, sell your couutry for a mess of pottage ; and, like Judas, betray your God for a few pieces of money. Is there one vice you do not possess ? Ye have no more religion than any horse. Gold is your god. Which of you have not bartered away your conscience for bribery ? Is there a man among you that has the least care for the end of the Commonwealth? Ye sordid wretches, have ye not defiled this sacred place, ami turned the Lord's temple into a den of thieves. By your immoral principles and wicked practices ye arc grown intolerably odious to the whole nation. You, who were deputed here by the people to get their grievances redressed, are yourselves become their greatest grievance. Your country, therefore, calls upon me to cleanse this Augean Stable by putting a final period to your iniquitous proceedings in this House, and which, by God's help and the strength he has given me, I am now come to do. I command you, therefore, upon the peril of your lives, to depart instantly out of this place. Go! Get you out ! Haste, ye venal knaves, begone ! Sot ! take away that shining bauble there, and lock up the doers !"

The great industrial conflict which has so seriously distnrbed the vast city of London, and sent its vibrations to all parts of the Empire and other commercial centres, has come to a peaceful and, we would hope, a satisfactory termination. The struggle whilst it lasted was a keen one and sharply felt by both sides. The labour party has endured much distress and the biting pangs of poverty and waut, patieutly borne ; the capitalists have suffered loss of trade and wealth and an aggravated disarrangement ot business and enterprise. The demands of the strikers, not only for an increase of wages a little more suitable in ratio to the advance of the national prosperity, but also for a readjustment of the system which regulated their employment, have beeu jusJTancl general sympathy has been in their favour. It is considered doubtful if the strikers have after all gained any permanent benefit. It may be that, intrinsically considered, the immediate benefit they will secure will not be great to the class concerned in the agitatiou, but the moral victory that has been won will not be a barren one. The impression it has made on society will be a lasting one. The nation's eyes will be opened wider to tho important share taken by the industrial classes hi the common welfare, and that a contented and intelligent order of labourers is indispensible, and of the utmost value, to the country's progress and supremacy. To have secured for labour some recognition of this kind as the chief integral factor iu the economy of nations is a great gain, and one that will still further clear the way to equalising the relations that should exist, in etjuity and justice, between the two divisions of human enterprise, Capital and Labour. In the Old Country there are prejudices, powerful interests and barriers to overcome in these struggles before a step in advance can be made for equal rights. In the colonies the constitution of the social system is, happily, free from these inherited old difficulties, hence it is that the democracy of Australasia, rejoicing in its freedom, stretches out tho helping sympathetic hand to their fellows in England with so much generosity. The patience and loyal regard for law and order which have distinguished this gigantic strike, where probably the temptations to break the peace and commit acts of violence were great, have been remarked upon by the press and men in high places. It is a credit to the working classes of England, and proves how conscious they are of the liberty they enjoy under the constitution of their country and that they feel confidence enough in that constitution and the justice of their cause, to engage in an economic revolution without recourse to brnte force. The workiug men of Britain, whilst they may enter boldly into constitutional and momentous struggles, are lawabiding, and will never emperil the safety or the proud position ot their country. _^^_____^^___ Mr H. Wilson, of the Cambridge Ciicket Club, gives the bowling trophy for the next season. Reynold's Australian Amazons will give their first entertainment in the Volunteer Hall, Hauiilten, on Saturday nipht. The heavy rains of the last few days have swollen tho Wailaitn river, wliich is higher than it has been for some time past.

A special service of prayer for a '■Fruitful Season," will be held in St. Peter's (Jhurch, Hamilton, at 7 30 tomorrow nvoninp. in ac.cnrdancfl with a resolution of the I >ioccsan Synod.

Walker's Gully bridge will be clo.<p.d from Monday next till further notice.

James Devin, at one time a resident, of Tβ Awamntu. xvas found drowned in the Auckland Harbour on Tuesday.

We are requested to state that the Rev. Mr Griffiths, of Te Awamutu, will officiate at the Wesleyan Church, Hamilton, on Sunday next.

Parliament will be porogued by Gazette mi Friday. The work of the session was concluded on Tuesday, whon the Houso adjourned, pro forma till Friday.

Lord Onslow will visit Dunedin during the Exhibition and stay from November to January, He has invited the other colonial Governors to be present at

the opening ceremonies. Messrs Burston and Stokes, the two well-known cyclists, who are touring the world on their machines, have completed ten thousand miles of their journey without meeting with any accident.

Notwithstanding the decline in the price of manilla, New Zealand flax still maintains its price, pretty conclusive evidnnco that it is being put to other use besides tho making of rope and cordage. Mr Hay, we are sorry to hear, is still confined to his room, and has not been out of doors for six weeks. He is improving very slowly, and does not expect to be able to got away ft.mi Wellington for at least a fortnight yet.

All the flax growing at the Hamilton end of the Rukuhia swamp has been purchased from Mesers Williamson Bros., by Mr T. W. Maunder, who is now in Auckland purchasing machinery for his mill, which will be erected somewhere in the neighbourhood of Frankton. The Rev. T. G Carr, of Hamilton, is announced to deliver his popular and interesting lecture on "Charles Kingsley," in the hall, at Paterangi, next Monday evening. There will also be a musical programme. A full house is expected.

The unsophisticated Maori has caught the infection of the great labour movement in London. Tho men attached

to the flax mill at Kiokio have struck for move pay, and demand £1 per ton for supplying the green fibre. Messrs Coloman and Coatos have closed their mill in tho meantime.

A coursing handicap was run off

at Gorton yesterday, Mr J. Allwill acting as judge,' whilst Mr H. T. Carr slipped the dogs. At the end of the day three dogs were left in, viz., Mr Caiti;r"s Bsndimo, Mr Fawcett's Home Rule, and Mr McCrea's Tui. Tho finals will be run off on Friday.

Constable Brennan has found out

the names of tho whole of the young larikins who perpetrated the practical jokes at Cambridge West, on the occasion of Mr Hyatt's lecture, but as most of them are first offenders, he does not intend to take proceedings. If, however, the offence is repeated ho will make an ex-imple of them. On Tuesday night last some dogs got amongst Mr L. B. Ewen's owes and lambs, at Tanmliorn, and did considerable damage. Mr Eweu's and Mr Barugh's flocks are frequently being worried by stray curs, and lose heavily thereby, and we hopo the reward offered by these gentlemen in this issue may bo the means of ascertaining the owners of those dogs who paid their flocks a visit on Tuesday last.

We are in receipt of a letter from "Enquirer," complaining of larrikinism at the Salvation Army Barracks, Hamilton, and that the police fail in their duty in not keeping order. We would suggest that as the police are not übiquitous, it would be more to the point for the Army people to lay an information against the offenders. Tho R. M. in a late case promised to make it warm for the next cases brought before him. Mr J. Brown, of Cambridge, tha owner of the thoroughbred horse. Muskapeur, has received an offer Gf £100 for him, and this fact was probably the foundation for an incorrect report, circulated to the effect that he had been disposed of to a Christchurch gentleman. Muslcapeer is producing such good stock, and giving such satisfaction to breeders, that Mr Brown has no intention of parting with him. A preliminary advertisement will be found in this issue, concerning the route to be taken by tho horse during the approaching season. We are sorry to learn that a malignant form of typhoid fever has broken out among the Tauwhare natives. On Tuesday morning Dr. Cushney of Cambridge was sent for and when he anived, ho found three bad cases; a young girl of 12. a youth of about 20, and a woman apparently 30 years of age. The doctor is afraid tho fever will run through the whole settlement, as, although on a dryish piece of ground, the surroundings are very wet; as indeed must be the case after the heavy rain of tho last few days. He speak* of the atmosphere in the whares as being something

abominable ; and what with the stench and the smoke, he was very glad to make his exit and regain the fresh air again. We cannot conceive a worse place for fever patients than swampy ground, such as that adjoiniti? the Tauwhure native settlement and fear the poor Maoris will have a hard time.

A yonng man, named John Harris, met with a somewhat peculiar accident at

Cambridge on Sunday last. He was on horseback, and was riding round the corner of the road near S. Andrew's Church, when he suddenly came upon two greyhounds that were leashed together. The dogs tried to get out of the way, but, in doing so, they, unfortunately, were not of one mind, one attempting to go to the right, while the other pulled to the left, consequently they became entangled in the horse's legs, throwing the animal and its rider, heavily. Mr Harris' knee was severely injured. His horse was also lacerated about the legs. He could not see anyone in charge of the dogs, and naturally complains that they should have been allowed to wander about leashed together. We should iniagine the owner of the dogs would also .Object, as they are much more liaole to ba injured— especially as one is a, puppy—than when running loose.

One of the subjects that have sorely puzzled the farmer's minds for the past year wr two, is that of ensilage. It is also a subject upon which great diversity of opinion exists, as may have been noted from letters we have from time to time published, written by those who have experimented with it. Many have written of its good qualities, while a few contend that it is not good for much. On Saturday last we became aware of a fresh use for this very accommodating article, and one which, to those who were, so to speak, behind the scenes, caused a great amount of fun. Perhaps, some of our readers may have noticed the profuse manner in which cigarettes were handed about at Mr McNicol's sale at Cambridge. However, such was the case, and the offer was iarely declined ; the cigarettes were smoked and we did not hear of a single case in which the fraud was detected. The "fragrant weed" with which they were filled was some of Mr James Forrest's ensilage. This will be "a crusher " for those who contend that ensilage is " not good for much." We hope a Customs duty will not be put upon it.

The Te Aroha News says :—The management of the Waikato Hospital has of Into been attracting a considerable amount of public attention in the districts contributing towards the cost of its maintenance ; and a great deal has been said and written with respect thereto. The matter was also discussed at considerable length at the last monthly meeting of the Board, held at Hamilton on the 4th inst.; and what passed at that meeting has been very fully reported in these columns. Since then wo paid a visit of inspection to the Hospital, desiring to see and judge for ourselves with respect to the general arrangements in connection with the institution. We have much pleasure in statinp that (so far as it is possible for one to form an opinion from a casual visit, such as that referred to) the Waikato Hospital is a credit to the districts contributing thereto. The building has been well designed, faithfully built, laid off to the best advantage, and well finished inside. The wards are lofty, well lighted and heated ; whilst the arrangements for ventilation appear to answer admirably. The operating room, surgery, etc., are conveniently situated and fitted up with the latest improvements. The new Hospital is directly connected by a covered passage with the building that did duty prior to the erection of the new edifice; and the old Hospital will now be utilised as a female ward, in the event of there being an unusually large number of male patients present at any time, thereby necessitating the giving up of the second ward in the new building (now used as the female ward) for them. The new fever ward is situated at some little distance from the main Hospital, and is in every way well suited for the purpose for which it was erected, the ventilating arrangements being

particularly well designed. Wβ understand the medical officer in chargp, Dr. Kenny, hud a great deal to do with the designing of the buildings and their arrangements, and both with respect thereto, and the general comfort of the patients, is deserving of very great, credit. In fact, we have seen few hospitals where the general comfort of the patients (so far as we had opportunity to to observe), was better attended to, and anyone who hr.s a friend obliged to seek admission to tho Hospital may rest assured they will bo well taken care of. Respecting the cost of management, that question has been so fully ventilated of late that we need not further refer to it now, beyond stating, as the result of enquiries we have made, that we are of opinion the large expenditure hitherto ha? been unavoidable, seeing that the institution has been so recently established, and a site had to be purchased, new buildings erected and furnished, etc., otc—and we believe now that these heavy initial expenses have been got over, the expenditure can be, and, we have no reason to doubt, will be greatly reduced at no distant date.