Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Thursday 6 August 1885, page 4


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THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 1885.

IN the LEGISLATIVE Cou"NCLu yesterday afternoon,

Leave of absence was granted, on the motion of Mr. THYNNE, to the Hon. W. H. WALSH for the remainder of the session.

On the motion the POSTMASTER-GENERAL the Police Officers' Relief Bill was read a third time and returned, in the usual manner, to the Assembly.

The Marsupials' Destruction Act of 1884 Continuation Bill was received from the Assembly, read a first time, and the second reading made an Order for to-day.

The House went into committee on the Additional Members' Bill, and during the discussion on an amendment by Mr. P. T. GREGORY to clause 5, attention was called to the fact that there was no quorum present, and the House adjourned until the usual hour to-day.

IN the LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY yesterday,

The COLONIAL TREASURER said that the Harbours and Rivers Department had been instructed to prepare as soon as possible plans for the extension of the South Brisbane Dock.

The Crown Lands Act 1884 Amendment Bill was recommitted, and tho whole of the sitting was occupied with an acrimonious discussion of the new clause proposed by the Government with regard to the homestead selector. The bill as amended finally passed through committee, and was reported to the House.

The House adjourned at 10.15 till Tuesday

next.

HOMESTEAD settlement was again the subject of discussion in the Assembly yesterday. This time the question was debated whether a man who was enjoying the privilege of a homestead selector should also have the right which he undoubtedly enjoyed under the former Act-of selecting and holding land under other conditions. We venture to think he should not. The object of homestead settlement is to allow a man who is virtually without capital, to settle on the land if he elects to do so. People who have paid much attention to the history of

settlement in these colonies will find that

only a percentage of the working class become actual settlers. In ordinarily prosperous times workmen-especially British workmen are more inclined to work for wages than to go on to the land. The reason for this is a simple one. Wages in the colonies are generally high, and a man who works for wages especially in or about a town generally has more cash in his pocket and leads a pleasanter and less laborious life than a settler who attempts to live on and by his homestead. We have therefore the tendency so noticeable in these colonies among workmen to crowd into towns, and to seek for Government employment, instead of settling down in the bush. This tendency is leading to most dangerous results. No one can notice the large proportion of labouring men in this colony who are now depending for their daily bread on Government work, and on the chance of a job, and can compare it with the number actually settled on and living by the land, without serious apprehension. Anything that can be done to counteract this tendency, to induce labour-ing men to settle on the land, should be

done. The chief value of the homestead

privilege is that it does really offer an inducement to men to become settlers. It is, moreover, the only inducement we have held out to men of that class which has had the

intended effect, and has not to any appreciable extent been intercepted and misused by land speculators, Every other plan we have tried has either been a failure, or has been chiefly serviceable to a quite different class of settlers. It is by means of homesteads that we have chiefly succeeded in attaching labourers to the soil. But we can see no good reason for extending the special privilege accorded to a labouring man who wants a homestead to a small capitalist prepared to take up several agricultural and grazing areas, and pay men to work them. We are inclined to say with Ministers, let such men come in as ordinary selectors, and on the ordinary terms of the

Act.

We are not disposed to dwell very much on Mr. Dutton's inconsistency. If he will now frankly accept and honestly endeavour to apply the homestead principle to settlement, the public will not be greatly concerned about his past views on the subject. He may rest assured that in the future as in the past it will be the chief method of securing that class of small hard-working

selectors who have done' so much to build up the splendid fabric of the American Union, of whom we have as yet so few. Let him also accustom himself to contemplate

without a shudder the prospect that of those men a considerable proportion will look

forward to the acquisition of their freehold title, and its ultimate sale as the chief reward of their labour. If you take from a labouring man struggling to maintain himself on his homestead working far harder and earning far less than his mates in town, or engaged on Government work-the hope of ultimate profit from the growing value of his land, you destroy the chief inducement that takes him into the bush. The man

who takes up his homestead with the fixed purpose of selling out of it when he has acquired the freehold is doing no harm ; he is doing good. He is taming a bit of wilderness and making it habitable ; he is at least maintaining himself on the land, and not joining the swelling

chorus of men who demand Government

expenditure simply in order to create work for them. We have no hesitation in saying that the depression which hangs over us now is greatly aggravated by the fact that the virtual suspension of settlement has closed an outlet for the spare energy of the working classes. It is when times are dull, and when well-paid work is scarce, that prudent and saving workmen are induced to look to the land as a means of living. If the Government were now prepared with a sufficiency of homesteads in suitable places, they would be surprised at the number of applicants for them. But there is no land ready for the people now, and no one can say how long it will be before the Government have any ready, so the workman-the saving bushman espe-cially who finds himself thrown out of work by the depression prevailing in the great producing industries, has to look beyond our borders for employment. If the Government are wise, they will, as soon as ever they have some land again at their disposal, make it their first care to have a sufficiency of blocks suitable for homesteads ready for selection.

IN the course of the debate on the Elec-tions Act in the Assembly on Tuesday, some time was taken up in discussing an issue of no great importance in these colonies whether military men on full pay should be allowed to vote. The Premier fell into the error of supposing that it is the rule in civilised countries not to allow soldiers to vote, whereas the rule is the other way. In France soldiers vote, and so they do in Germany. It is true that in the last named country men actually under the colours do not vote, but that is, we believe, because they have not attained the age of legal majority, 24. By the time they are of full age they have passed into the first division of the landwehr, remaining soldiers to all intents and purposes, but exercising the franchise. The French or German soldier is a man fulfilling an obligation laid on all citizens of those countries, that of qualifying himself to serve in the field, and he is supposed to return to civil life. Soldiering, in theory, is only an incident of his life as a citizen. An English soldier, on the other hand, is a man who voluntarily steps out of the rank of citizens, and adopts soldiering as a trade, in the strict acceptation of the term he is a mercenary. There is a distinction, though it is quite open to argument, whether the English soldier who takes up his musket because he likes the trade of war, is a less capable citizen than the continental conscript who is compelled to spend the best years of his life under the drill-master whether he likes it or not. The real question at issue is whether the process of military discipline which is intended to have, and. does have, a powerful effect on a man's mind, impregnating it, so to speak, with the habit of unquestioning obedience, does not unfit him to exercise that independent judgment on public affairs which we expect from a voter. As, however, there are not a hundred individuals in the colony who are employed and paid as professional soldiers, and as their number is not likely to be much increased, the question does not greatly con-

cern us.

What does concern us greatly is the condition under which foreigners should be allowed to vote. It is quite certain that continental peasants brought from most European countries can have no idea of what is going on in the colony, and are incapable of forming a judgment on any political question submitted to the electors for a long time after their arrival. In the case of German peasants there is the additional disadvantage that they have not been accustomed to our political freedom. In Germany the Government-not as with us, a party Ministry-but the permanent Government of the Emperor, often takes an active interest in elections, and expects its functionaries to use their influence in support of official candidates. This fact alone shows the wide gulf that separates what we understand by constitutional freedom from what Germans understand by the same thing. NoristhoGovernmentof the Emperor dependent on the votes of the people. German

electors could not vote Prince Bismark out of office if they wished to do so. In the case of a German peasant, therefore, who is entrusted with a vote, he receives A political privilege quite different to anything he has enjoyed in his own country, and he is expected to use it in regard to affairs which he can only very imperfectly understand. Mr, Isambert argument, that once an alien has been naturalised we should not treat him differently from any other citizen, sounds more reasonable than it really is. If we refused to naturalise a stranger until he had lived two or three years in the colony, it would expose him to the practical inconvenience of not being able to acquire a proper title to freehold land and so interfere with the very result we are anxious to secure his attachment to the soil. But there would be no injustice in refusing him the franchise until he had been say, two years in the colony, and had time to accustom himself to our ways, and to acquaint himself with our current history.

THE issue of the Egyptian loan of 2,000 600 is the prominent item of financial intelligence during the past week, and if one is amazed at the astounding magnitude of the amount subscribed there-for-namely, i'80,000,000, or ¿72,000,000 in excess of the amount of the issue, it must he remembered that the loan is guaranteed by England, and is thus practically as safe an investment as consols, and that the Continental money centres undoubtedly con-to buted tenderers. France would probably be an eager subscriber. Germany, also, for political reasons, would desire to have a political voice in Egyptian finance. The loan is a 3 per cent one, and the minimum fixed was 98 10s., but in all likelihood the realised price will be very close to the current price of consols. Making full allowance for the usual double renderings

by the same firms, the amount subscribed for this loan again demonstrates the true fact, that the amount of unemployed capital awaiting first-class investment is vast, almost beyond realisation. The weekly return of the Bank of England shows reserves slightly diminished, but still at a high point-¿17,200,000-at which they are still 45 per cent of the liabilities. The liabilities are, therefore, declining part passu with the reserves and the probabilities of the market are, so far, unchanged. And though the outside market rate shows symptoms of hardening, it is yet no more than 1 per cent per annum one-half the bank rate and the Russian question being apparently settled for the present, there seems to be no reason to anticipate dearer money. At this season, too, the Stock Exchange holiday time sets in and if it is possible to intensify the dulness of Capel Court, there will be even less life in speculation and investment for a while. On to-morrow (7th) two small colonial loans will be offered in London-one by the South Melbourne municipality of £80,000, bearing 5 per cent, and offered at £101 and one by the WellingtonManawatu (N.Z.) Railway, of £160,000, also bearing 5 per cent, and offered at a minimum of £98, each of which probably will be taken up in one or two tenders. It is also officially announced that New South Wales, under the advice of " city authorities, will place its loan of £5,500,000-the rejected and withdrawn of July - in October. The autumn holiday should then have terminated, and the reinvigorated brokers and jobbers will be eager for a speculation. At present, New South Wales 3 per cents are quoted at £94 10s., a most satisfactory price. And for the new, or renewed loan in October next, the best success may be hoped. Sir Saul Samuel has, as a telegram at the time acquainted us, essayed to correct and convert the Economist, that apparently indulged in adverse criticism of " the premier colony's " finance ; the Times had already repented, and the recalcitrant Standard has got its hands too full, with a Conservative Ministry and Lord Randolph Churchill, to continue to defame the financial wisdom of Mr. Dibbs and his Agent-General.

IN the Legislative Council, after devotions, a message was received from the Government with reference to the prolonged absence of Mr. Gibbon from the House, and on the motion of the Postmaster-General, the consideration of the message was set down for to-day. In reply to Mr. A. C Gregory (in the absence of Mr. A H. Wilson), Mr Paterson said that so far as it had been constructed the Maryborough Railway extension was being made in accordance with the approved plans that there was no divergence and no sidings. Further, in reply to Mr. Gregory, Mr. Paterson said that the Urangan Railway Company had been allowed to select 1000 acres on the Burrum Coalfield Reserve ; the deeds of the lands would be held by the Government until the completion of the railway that the company had proved to the satisfaction of the Minister that they had sufficient capital to complete the construction. In reply to Mr. W. Forrest, the PostmasterGeneral repeated the information given by the Premier in the Assembly on Tuesday, regarding the advance of the rabbits towards the Queensland border, and added that the Government this session intended taking steps to prevent rabbits coming into the colony.

MR. THYNNE, in a brief speech, moved that leave of absence be granted to Mr. W. H. Walsh for the remainder of the session. The President pointed out that they had not got the power to grant the leave of absence for a whole session, as that rested with her Majesty the Queen, In granting this leave they would only stultify themselves. After a few words from the Postmaster-General and Mr. P. T. Gregory, the motion was put and passed.

THE Police Officers' Relief Bill having been read a third time and ordered to be returned to the Assembly, the House resolved itself into committee for the consideration of the Additional Members Bill. All went serenely until clause 5 was reached, when Mr. F. T. Gregory moved an amendment to the effect that any person who at the time of the passing of the Act had possessed all qualifications as a voter in both divisions of either divided electorate, might at any time prior to the holding of the first revision court for such electoral district lodge a claim to be placed on the electoral list of the new electoral district for which he had not been already registered as an elector, and his application should be received by the Clerk of Petty Sessions and registered in a supplementary list. The PostmasterGeneral objected to the amendment, saying that the machinery already existed in almost the manner proposed by Mr. Gregory. If the amendment were carried it would not only cause delay, but the new members would not be able to take their seats during the present session, and it was desirable that they should do so. He thought that the balance of commonsense and justice was upon the side of the clause of the measure as put forward. Mr. A. O. Gregory, in supporting the amendment, said the clause as it stood disfranchised a considerable number of persons who already possessed qualifications to vote in the new electorate and for the old seat. Mr. Forrest said that the Postmaster-General had insisted that the amendment if carried would cause delay and prevent the new members from taking their seats this session. It was his opinion that it was scarcely possible that a new member would be elected in time to take his seat this session. In about six or seven weeks more he believed the session would be brought to a termination, and the election would take nearly that time. Mr. Thynne could not see what was the objection of the Government to any person exercising his right of franchise. It was novel or at least surprising that the Government should deprive any man from exercising that right. There would be absolutely no delay at all by the amendment of Mr. Gregory. It was worthy of consideration that any man should have the right of voting and recording his

vote.

As the hands of the clock at the end of the chamber pointed to half-past 5 the Postmaster-General rose to reply to preceding speakers. He was not long upon his feet when Mr. F. T. Gregory, who was sitting solos on the Opposi-tion side, drew attention to the state of the House. The chamber, which, at any time during the evening, had shown but a poor attendance of members, was now almost deserted. During the brief time Mr. Paterson held the floor the Opposition supporters, with one or two of those who sit on the Government side, filed out singly, leaving Mr. Gregory alone on his side of the House, and six faithful followers at the back of Mr. Paterson. Mr. Gregory having drawn attention to the limited attendance, the Postmaster-General dropped complacently into his Beat The Chairman of Committees vacated his seat, and the President took the chair, saying, "Ring that bell." The sound of the bell rang through the chamber, and was followed by a silence which was only broken by the rubbing of the leaves of copies of the " Standing Orders," which were in the hands of all present, not excluding the officers of the House. Sufficient time having been allowed to elapse to give the absent ones time to return, the President said "Ring that bell again," and once more the tinkling echoed through the

chamber and, down the corridor, the door leading to which was now open. The messenger silently closed the door. A few seconds later a shadow appeared outside and peered in through the scroll work of the frosted panes, and as quickly vanished as it came. At twentyminutes to 5 the sergeant closed down the bar with a dull thud, and the President declared that there being no quorum present the House was adjourned until next day.

THERE was a muster of only seven members for prayers and of these four were Ministers, but a few minutes afterwards a House was made. The correspondence between the Government and others with reference to the resumption and sale of part of the Queen's Park, Ipswich, was ordered to be laid on the table, on the motion of Sir Thomas M'Ilwraith. The Premier presented a petition from ministers and office bearers of the Presbyterian Church of Queensland, praying that there should be included in the Licensing Bill a provision prohibiting the employment of females in licensed houses. In reply to Mr. Jordan, the Treasurer stated that the lengthening of the dock in South Brisbane was under the consideration of the Harbours and Rivers Department, who had been urged to use despatch in the prepara-tion of the plans.

MR. HUME BLACK asked without notice when the return he had moved for in connection with the land sales in different parts of the colony would be laid on the table. It was some time since the return had been asked for it was of considerable importance to a large number of people in the colony, and it should be produced at all events before the Estimates came on for discussion. The Minister for Lands said that a number of voluminous returns had been simultaneously called for, but if this special one was needed for discussion he would have its preparation forced on.

THE leader of the Opposition gave notice of a question as to whether a register of all aliens naturalised were kept in the Supreme Court, and if a list of such aliens naturalised during the past five years would be laid on the table. The Attorney-General said he would answer the question at once. He had made inquiries, and found that such a register was kept, and that the requirements of the Aliens Act had been complied with in all cases. He promised that he would place on the table a list of all aliens naturalised during the past five years.

THE Minister for Lands thereupon moved that the Order of the Day regarding the Crown Lands Act of 1884 Amendment Bill be discharged, and that the bill be recommitted for the purpose of reconsidering clause 6 and a new clause. Before Mr. Speaker put the latter

motion to the House Mr. Archer wished the motion amended so as to include the schedule to the bill. He could not see why the people in the South should have privileges which were denied to those in other parts of the colony, He knew extensive districts in the central districts where the good land in solid blocks had long since been picked out and the right of selection before survey should be

extended there just as well as in Beenleigh or ] in Brisbane district. He had received tole- j grams from constituents urging this matter. The Minister for Lands included the schedule in his motion, and the bill was accordingly

recommitted.

Mr. FRASER having taken the chair in committee, the Minister for Lands moved the new clause in the bill, which provided that the lessee of two or more agricultural farms, whose aggregate did not exceed 160 acres, might take advantage of the 4th sub-section of the 74th clause of the principal act in respect to all his farms; but when the aggregate of the farms so held on lease exceeded 160 acres, he should not be entitled to take advantage of the principal Act in respect to any of the farms. He maintained that this new clause gave the homestead selector every privilege accorded to him under the old Act, while it practically restricted him to obtaining 160 acres at 2s. 6d.

per acre.

SIR THOMAS M'ILWRAITH humorously described the wonderful transformations which the bill had undergone since it had been first introduced. The Government, notwithstand-ing their former assertions, had now discovered that the homestead selector had not the same privileges under the Act of 1884, which he had under the Act of 1876. A few leading articles in the Courier seemed to have roused the Government to a sense of the position of the homestead selector, when all the thunders of the Opposition last year had failed to do it. The amendment now brought forward took away a privilege really given to the homestead selector by the Act of 1884namely, the right of holding any land adjoining his homestead selection under the ordinary selection clause. The Government could, if the bill as now proposed passed, block the homestead selector in two ways. First, they might survey the blocks so smallsay 20 or 40 acres-that it would not be worth while for a selector to take them up. Second, they might survey the land in such large blocks that the homestead selector could

not come in.

THE Premier said that the Act of last year had given the homestead selector privileges additional to those enjoyed under the Act of 1876 or the Act of 1868. The object of the House was to settle the land in small blocks, and not to permit men who wanted a mile or two miles of land in one block to have the same privileges as a homestead selector. If the homestead selector got 160 acres at 2s. 6d. per acre he need not complain. If he wanted more let him do as anybody else would have to repay the full value of it. The homestead areas of the Act of 1876 corresponded to the agricultural areas under the Act of 1884.

IN the latter statement, the leader of the Opposition declared the Premier to be wrong. Under the Act of 1876 the homestead area was but a very small portion of what was open to selection. As a matter of fact, homestead selectors under the Act of 1876 had the privilege of making selections all over the colony, and they exercised the privilege a great deal more outside the homestead area than in it. The only place where the homestead selector was restricted to his 160 acres was in the homestead area. Under the clause now proposed the homestead selector was restricted to 160 acres in all, and to that extent his privileges were curtailed. Why should there not be homestead selectors west as well as east of the range ?

MR. KELLETT thought it was the intention of the House that by the Act of 1884 the homestead selector could take up 160 acres as a homestead and also a selection in a grazing area up to the maximum 960 acres as well. He should be sorry to see that privilege taken away, because he thought it was the best provision

in the Act.

THE Minister for Lands asked if the homestead selector was to have the right of taking up 960 acres, what was the sense of allowing him to receive 160 acres at 2s. 6d. per acre ? If there was any probability of a demand for blocks of agricultural land of 160 acres over the range, that demand would be met. The hon. gentleman then went on to deny that he was opposed in any sense to small occupants of land, or to homestead selectors. He knew that there were a large number of men in the country who desired no special privileges at au, All they wished was to have fair

opportunity of taking up homesteads, and to be protected from the greedy monopoly of capitalists. He would give an illustration of this, he said, from a group of cases which had come under his notice lately. In 1882 the plans and sections of the MackayHamilton Railway had been laid on the table of the House. Within three or four weeks selections of 1280 acres each were taken up by the several members of the then Government, by the hon. member for Mackay, and by others of their hangers-on. Between 13,000 and 14,000 acres were absorbed at once at the end of that railway line. And for what ? So far as could be seen, for nothing but to graze a few stock upon. A fence had been put round the selections to perform conditions, and they waited for the increase in the value of the land in order to make their profit out of it. When the extension of settlement went on the small selectors would have to go to these men and buy selections at £2 or £3 per acre, or rent it at 10s. or £1 per acre.

Sm THOMAS M'ILWRAITH seldom pays any attention to the Minister for Lands generally training his guns on the Premier j but he was constrained to turn for once upon the member for Leichhardt, who, he declared, seemed to spend half his time mooning about the Lands Office in trying to find out something against the late Ministry. He did not know to whom the hon. member referred, as he had never heard of the matter before. But the members of the late Ministry were not generally fools, and no doubt if they had got selections they would put them to a good use. Sir Thomas quoted from the second reading speech of the Minister for Lands on the Land Bill of last year, in which the Minister pitied the ignorance of those who declared that a man could live on 160 acres and showed that now the Minister would not allow the selector to got more than 160 acres. The Minister for Lands might be right or wrong in saying that a man could not live on 160 acres, but he was grossly inconsistent.

THE Premier said that what the honourable member wanted was to abolish the homestead selector for what his argument amounted to was that every man should get 160 acres at half-a-crown an acre. The leader of the Opposition complained that he was being grossly misrepresented. He meant that all the conditions required to be performed by the homestead selector should be performed. The homestead selector had always the privilege of an ordinary selector, except in the homestead area. Mr. Kates considered that as homestead selectors had the privilege of selectingthe very best pieces of land in the country, they ought to be, as they were, satisfied with 160 acres at 2s. 6d, per acre. It would not be an act of unkindness to allow them to select more.

THE member for Balonne regretted that he had not been in his place when the Minister for Lands had made an attack on the late Ministry, who, he said, had improperly and indecently got possession of certain lands in the Mackay district at a price which they could not have succeeded in obtaining unless they held the position they did. The only selection he had in the country was in the Hamilton district, and he took it up under the same circumstances as others. Had he and. his friends been desirous of securing lands at a low price, they might have done so, for it was a matter of history that as soon as Mr. Perkins and himself came back from their tour of inspection of the Mackay lands, which they said were undervalued, they had withdrawn those lands from selection, and they did not take up the selections referred to until after the price had been raised. He had never been on his own selection, but he had reason to believe that it was fifteen miles from the terminal point of the railway. Why the Minister for

Lands had made that attack upon and showed * such dislike to him was a puzzle to him as to the House. He had always treated the honourable gentleman with the most gentle hand, and when he saw him run under the mothcr-wiDgof the Premier he had tried to keep him there.

THE Minister for Lands said he had never charged the member for Balonne or anybody else with improperly taking up land, What he had said was that selection under the Act of 1876 was an unwise and impolitic thing, for it shut out small men and allowed capitalists to take up large areas of land. He had no doubt the honourable member and his friends had made most judicious selections, but in so doing they had done a great injustice to selectors. Stung by some pungent interjection of the member for Balonne, the honourable gentleman turned to his despatch-box, and taking some papers from it he said they had heard a greatdeal from the other side about the Government introducing cheap labour and lowering the wages of the working classes. He would give a sample of what the members of the Opposi-tion themselves were doing in the matter of wages. There was a selection of 1030 acres made by B. D. Morehead, who employed a bailiff on 12th October for six months, and paid him £1 without rations and without a house to live in Hume Black employed a bailiff for three months, and also paid him £1, but gave no rations and no house. The next man paid his bailiff 10s. per annum with no house and no rations. Another bailiff was employed for seven months, and he was actually paid £6. That man was beginning to find out his value. Hon. J. M. Macrossan paid his bailiff 1s. per annum, but with no rations and no house. Mr. P. Perkins paid his man £1, and Mrs. Catherine Brennan-a nurse probably of the hon. member for Balonne paid her bailiff £2. Mr. MOREHEAD comically exclaimed, to the amusement of the House, that things were getting very pleasant. He was very glad indeed that the weak member of the Ministry had shown fight, and he was certain that many members on the Government side of the House were delighted to find that the holder of the most important portfolio in the colony was not after all a stuffed figure and a man of straw. The honourable Minister had selected him to point a moral and adorn a tale, but he had wound up his attack by the lame and im-potent conclusion that after all the Mackay selectors had acted within their legal rights.

A MORE serious turn was given to what had degenerated into a semblance of the quarrel in Madame Angot " by Mr. Hume Black. He declared that the Minister for Lands had departed from the proper subject of debate for the purpose of making a mean, vindictive attack on some of his political opponents. Encouraged by approving cheers from the occupants of the benches near him, the member for Mackay said that there were certain rules by which those who claimed to be called gentlemen should be actuated. Although they met in the House, and had their own political cause to advocate so long as they confined themselves within the bounds of gentlemanly behaviour, there should be no ill-feeling caused by personal antagonism as soon as they left the House. He regretted very much to think that he could not give the Minister for Lands credit for that straightforward, honest feeling which should actuate all politicians when they left the House. The action that gentleman had taken-and which he himself had to his own disgrace, thought fit to refer to would not increase the opinion he would have liked to have held towards a Minister of the Crown. It was not only that that gentleman had referred to matters of a somewhat

private nature, but he had only read that portion of evidence which had been received which he thought would be the means of throwing a certain amount of disrepute and discredit on his political opponents. Attempts had been made to prevent him, the member for Townsville, and the member for Balonne attending in the House at the opening of Parliament. They, with the late Minister for Lands (Hon. P. Perkins), had been selected to be made a painful example of if possible. They had been summoned to attend a land court on 6th July, two days after the House met, to show cause why their selections should not be forfeited. He had applied to get the hearing brought on earlier, but this was refused until pressure was brought to bear. Some eight cases had occupied three days in hearing. He had heard nothing of the result, although some weeks had elapsed, but he maintained that in not one case had it been proved that the conditions imposed by the Act had been in any way evaded. Every one of the selections had been very highly improved, and the Minister for Lands know that, for in every case evidence had been given on oath as to the amount of money paid to the bailiff who was contractor as well. In Mr. Morehead's case -the bailiff was paid not £1 but £305 in his own case £275 had been expended on improvements alone. Mr. Perkins's selection had only been confirmed in September last, and as selectors were allowed six months in which to get bailiffs and make arrangements, he need not have appointed a bailiff till March. Yet in May Mr. Perkins was called upon to show cause why his selection should not be forfeited, although he had expended £326 on improvements. There was not a single genuine ground on which one of those selectors should have been called upon to show cause. No necessity existed, according to the Act, for putting on any improvements whatever, and certificates had not been applied for The selections had been highly improved with the intention of putting them to the use originally intended so - soon as the conditions of agriculture was favourable. They were not at the end of the railway line, but fifteen miles from t, though if they had wished to take land near the railway, they could have got it within one or two miles of the line. At the -time those selections were taken up the district was totally new and forty miles from Mackay. The result had been that the whole of the land around about them had been readily selected and was now in occupation. The Minister for Lands had issued regulations insisting on the occupation of agricultural land the moment selections were taken up, and he defied the Minister to point out any authority for the regulation in the Act of 1884. If the Ministry wanted to encourage settlement they had better put the bill into the waste paper basket and bring in a new one. The Land Act was uncertain, vague, and such a gigantic failure as might have been expected from the fact of so impractical a man as the

Minister for Lands.

IN reply to this serious indictment, the Minister for Lands said that his attention had been frequently called to the fact that no rest<dence had been performed on these selections. The Inspecting Commissioner had made a report and the Land Commissioner had fixed the court. He (Mr. Dutton) had nothing to do with fixing the inquiry, bat on hearing that the member for Balonne wanted the court held earlier, he had at once instructed the Undersecretary to telegraph to the Land Commissioner to alter the date. He asked how a bailiff could carry out conditions when there was no house to live in not even a sheet of bark, although he paid no attention to Mr. Stevenson's interjection that there might be tents.

THE member for Balonne thought that a more indecent exhibition had never been made in the House. A Minister for the Crown had got up in his place, and had expressed an opinion on matters which were still sub judges. At this the member for Stanley laughed, whereupon Mr. Morehead turned upon the unhappy Northumbrian and characterised him as the most grasping and avaricious landlord in Queensland, though he posed in the House as the philanthropic friend of all men. Recalling his attention to the Minister for Lands, he traversed that hon. member's account of the negotiations for altering the date of the land court at Mackay, declaring that it was only altered on his threat that he would raise trouble about the matter in the House. Then he asked if the Minister for Lands had sent out notice to everyone who was supposed to be in the same position as the gentleman selected for persecution. Had notice been sent to the banker of the Minister for Works, Mr. Abbott? About to attack a Mr. P. M'Lean, the hon. member was interrupted by Mr. Macfarlane with the remark, "Make it hot for him, upon which Mr. Morehead retorted that a Supreme Power would make it hot for the member for Ipswich, who would get where he would want water. Returning once more to his chose of the Minister for Lands, he charged him with instituting this inquiry for political and personal reasons.

MR. DUTTON maintained that in every case where he heard of a failure to carry out the law no matter who the parties might be-he instructed the Inspecting Commissioner to report on it. That was what he had done in this case. Mr. Hume Black thought they had better get back to the bill. It was not particularly edifying for the Minister for Lands to have shown up as he had done. He repeated his question as to the clause in the Act of 1884, which gave the power to the Minister for Lands to issue regulations insisting on continuous and bond fide residence when a selection was taken up under the conditional selection clauses of the Act. Mr. Dutton bluntly replied that he had little doubt about the power, but if the hon. gentleman had any doubt he should take legal advice. He know what he was doing.

Sra THOMAS M'ILWRAITH, with more than usual warmth, said it was not often they heard downright impertinence employed to cover ignorance. He could not express the contempt he felt for a Minister who kept his malignity shut up in a box for months until he could discharge it. It was degrading to think that the hon. member had tried to employ the whole machinery of the law and the Crown servants in his office in order to wreak a petty bit of spite against Mr. Black, Mr. Morehead, and Mr. Macrossan. These gentlemen, however, would stand the test of anything the hon. member liked to do. It was most discreditable that the Minister for Lands should have brought forward a garbled bit of evidence for he had evidence in his possession that would prove that the conditions of those selections had been performed, and, being performed, that was all the Government had a right to ask.

THE Premier asked if it was meant that if prominent persons on the other side of politics failed to comply with the law, the Government were to shut their eyes to it. If the Minister for Lands had failed to cause inquiry to be made he might very justly have been charged with cowardice. Mr. Morehead said that he and his friends had courted inquiry. They should have been treated in the same way as all other selectors in that district. They asked no more, and expected no less. What they

complained of was that the action of the Minister

for Lands had been dictated not from

a desire to prevent wrong being done to the State but by personal spleen and animosity. The leader of the Opposition also returned to the charge, and said that the information given to the Minister for Lands covered a great many more individuals, but he had chosen to issue summonses against those who were political opponents, leaving out other men whose selections were being worked by the same agent-the banker of the Minister for Works for instance-and very likely for good

reasons.

THE Minister for Lands said that the inference of the hon. gentleman was wholly incorrect. He had distinctly stated that the complaints made to him were confined wholly to the gentlemen who were called upon to show cause. He did not know that the banker referred to had a selection at Mackay. The complaints had been made to him by private letter from two or three people. He had asked the Inspec-ting Commissioner to go up and report on them, and his report was that the conditions were not being complied with Mr. Morehead interrogated the Minister for Works if he had said that Miss Brennan was a nursemaid of his If he made such an asser-tion, it was a distinct falsehood. He had every reason to believe Miss Brennan was quite as respectable as the Minister, and it was disgraceful that by inuendo any Blur or reproach had been cast on a stranger. The Minister for Works was not to be kept out of the melee. Looking towards the member for Balonne, ho gruffly said it was usual when a man did a dirty action he liked to drag somebody else into it with him. He could not understand why his name should have been connected with it. He denied that he was under any obligation to Mr. Abbott. He only knew that Mr. Abbott was a reliable gentleman, and did not belong to the Queensland National Bank, nor did he himself patronise

that bank.

MR. ARCHER wanted to know on which side the dirty action was, To say that is was un-just or dirty, of men, under the law of 1876, to get a contractor to do residence, was mere bosh. The Minister for Lands had only brought those charges for the purpose of delaying business, and he ought to have placed on the table the letters making the complaint.

ALL that was needed to make the scene complete was the appearance of the member for Bundanba, and that was forthcoming. First of all he lectured Mrs Dutton on the necessity of shutting his ears to the advice to produce the letters, and then adopting an air of pitying patronage, he expressed surprise at the patience with which the Minister for Lands listened to the ribaldry, nonsense, and insults he received from the other side continuously from time to time 1" In fact he was astounded that any man with a spark of feeling could listen for a moment to the rubbish dealt out to himfromthe Opposition benches. "Was it he wondered at he asked with confident mien, turning his eyes all round the chamber, "That the Minister for Lands should occasionally retort when somebody stopped upon him?" " The member for Balonne had referred to the Minister for Lands as a nonentity and a man of straw." What the commentary would have been it is hard to say, for the leader of the Opposition nonplussed Mr. Foote by remarking, "An opinion pretty generally endorsed." "The Minister for Lands' shouted the member for Bundanba, somewhat consequently, may have a different idea. Not only was he not a man of straw, but the Opposition could not make a straw man of him." enamoured with the smartness of his repartee, he attempted the overwhelmingly ironic style, but a mixture of metaphors raised the laugh against him. "They have," he said with a waive of his hands worthy of Phelps, " taken the rôle of dignity, honour, and justice with which they have been infringed this afternoon." Failing to cover the Opposition with ridicule, he patted the Minister on the back by telling him that the inference he drew from his remarks was that the lands had been taken up, and the spirit of the Act not complied with. He commended the Minister for resisting the attack made on him, and trusted that in future he would show the Opposition that he was not the man of straw they imagined him.

MR. P. WHITE had not forgotten how the member for Balonne had put the extinguisher on his eloquence during the second reading of the bill. He could, he said, quite understand now that hon. member's objection to his reading of his tenant farmers' catechism. That hon. member seemed to be desirous of going in for land-owning on a large scale. "Hear, hear," cried the member for Balonne in a most encouraging manner, but the member for Stanley would not be further drawn, After some discussion, in which the leader of the Opposition enforced his objection that the new clause curtailed the privileges which the homestead selector had always enjoyed, while the Premier insisted that the only difference between the homestead selector under the Act of 1876 and this was that homestead selection would not be allowed in grazing areas. Sir Thomas M'Ilwraith moved the omission of the sentence in the new clause which he declared so curtailed the homestead selectors' privileges. He challenged a division, and was defeated by 27 to 10.

SIR THOMAS M'ILWRAITH next moved the excision of the second part of the new clause which prevents a selector with more than 160 acres getting the benefit of the homestead clauses of the principal Act. The discussion on this amendment brought from the member for Balonne the remark that the Opposition had forced the hands of the Government, and compelled them to restore the right of securing 160 acres at 2s. 6d. an acre to the homestead selector. The Premier had only adopted the amendment to soothe that section of his following that threatened to leave him in a minority. He was glad the Government supporters were not so hoodwinked as they were that they did not now look through the great Liberal spectacles. So sure as he stood there, the glamour would wear away until they saw the perfect day, as his friend Mr. Macfarlane would say.

MR. GRIMES turned the tables by saying that the amendments were proposed by the Opposition not with the desire to benefit the bona-fide selector, but to make a " good show." But the homestead selectors would not be caught with such a state bait. The leader of the Opposition and Mr. Hume Black contended that even under the clause, the homestead selector might, if wealthy, take up lease-hold land if it were only not contiguous to his homestead, and afterwards convert that lease-hold into freehold. After some further discussion, in which the Premier said the praise and blame of the measure would be fairly distributed by the country, a division was taken, when the amendment was lost by 21 to 8, and the clause as submitted originally was

SOME verbal amendments having been made on the fifth clause, the schedule was taken when motions by Mr. Archer to include Rockhampton district, and by Mr. Norton to include Gladstone district, were accepted by the Government. Thus encouraged, Mr. Morehead moved that Dalby, Mr. Hume Black that Mackay, Mr. Hamilton that Cook, and Mr. Stevenson that St. Lawrence

should also be included. Ches' amendments were made the occasion of prolonged discussion, which the Premier more than once declared was meant only to stop business. A division was challenged on the Mackay and Cook proposals, but the Government majorities were 18 to 11 and 21 to C. The schedule afterwards passed, and the bill as amended was reported to the House. The report was adopted.

THE Premier announced that as there was no private business for to-day (Thursday) he proposed to move the adjournment of the House till Tuesday. This brought on a discussion about the propriety of the House adjourning for every "twopenny halfpenny show, as Mr. Hume Black irreverently described the exhibitions at Rosewood and Toowoomba. Several members suggested that the House should adjourn for a fortnight, to enable Northern members to take a trip home, but this the leader of the House would not agree to, and the House subsequently adjourned at 10.15 till Tuesday next.

A Government Gazette Extraordinary was published yesterday containing the Speaker's writ for the election of a member of the Legislative Assembly, in the room of Mr. Thos. Campbell, member for Cook, whose seat has become vacant by reason of his insolvency. Nominations are to be made at Cooktown on Wednesday, 26th August, and a poll will be taken on the 16th September if necessary. The date fixed for the return of the writ is 7th

October.

THE much-needed stretching of art additional telegraph wire from Bowen to Townsville will be commenced forthwith, a tender having been accepted for the work. It is also proposed to call for tenders for the extension of the telegraph line along the track of the Central Railway from Jericho to Barcaldine, where it will intersect the telegraph line between Blackall and Aramac An additional wire will also be stretched from Barcaldine to Blackall.

THE Chief Engineer for Railways in the Southern and Western and Wide Bay districts (Mr. H. C. Stanley left Brisbane last night in the s.s. DerwcntforMaryborough. Mr. Stanley is understood to be bound on a tour of inspection of the railways in the Wide Bay and Burnett district, and more particularly of the Kilkivan railway, now under construction by

Messrs. McDermott and Owen.

THE tenders for the Howard and Bundaberg and the second section of the Highfields Grows' Nest branch railways have been considered by the Government, The tender of Mr. R. O. Paterson, formerly Deputy Chief Engineer of South Australia, has been accepted in each case. Howard railway, £101,726 11s. 3d.,- distance, 36 miles 33 chains. Highfields railway, £37,173 6s. 9d., exclusive of rails and fastenings ; distance, 17 miles 22 chains. Both tenders were within the estimate of the Chief Engineer and considerably under some of the other tenders. The highest tender in the case of the HowardBundaberg railway was nearly £40,000 more than Mr. Paterson s. In the case of the High-fields railway, Mr. Paterson's amount was about £23,000 below that of the highest tender.

A TELEGRAM has been received by the Colonial Secretary from Mr. Hugh Milman, P.M., of Cooktown, as follows: - The steamer Alexandra landed last night the remnants of the crew of the North Star, beche former boat, all badly speared by natives on Restoration Island. One white man named William McLaughlan was killed. The rest escaped in a boat and got to the Piper Island light ship.

SOME little anxiety has been felt concerning

the safety of the ASN. Company's steamer Alexandra, which was due at Cooktown on

Monday from Normanton and Thursday

I Island. However, she arrived safely at Cooktown yesterday morning. Captain Meaburn, who is in charge of her, telegraphed to the local manager that he had been ashore on the west side of S Roof, which lies to the eastward of Barrow Point, and is about eighty miles north of Cooktown, for eighty-six hours. The vessel, he states, was floated off without having sustained any apparent injury. The Alexandra resumed her voyage shortly

after her arrival.

THE annual show of the Rosewood Farmers' Club will be opened by the Governor at noon to-day. Entries have, we are informed, come in well notwithstanding the drought There is expected to be a grand show of butter, bacon, and horses. The number of entries already received are-24 for bacon, 30 for butter, and 78 for the horse section, which will yet receive augmentation. His Excellency will be accompanied by some of the Ministers and several members of Parliament A special train will leave Brisbane at 10.25 are., arriving at Rosewood at 11.50. The party will return from Rosewood at 3.45 p.m., arriving at Brisbane at 5.15 p.m.

SUPERINTENDENT HINTON, of the Brisbane Fire Brigade, yesterday received from Messrs S. Hoffnung and Co., a handsome gold locket ornamented with diamonds as a present for himself, and a cheque for £20 for distribution among his men in acknowledgment of the services rendered by the brigade during the fire at the Struan Bond, which adjoined Messrs, Hoffnung's premises.

A LARGE number of entries were received at tho office of the Queensland National Association yesterday. As expected, the entries in the horse section are very numerous, there being more than 200 already received, and some entries from the Downs are expected by post this morning. The cattle classes will be hardly as good, with the exception of fat stock, of which there will be a good show, and the contest for the special prizes in this class is likely to be close and exciting. Further special prizes were also to hand yesterday, and will be noticed in our advertising columns. The special prize list now amounts to over £315, which must be considered as a very valuable adjunct to the ordinary prize list. The first prize for Ladies' Hack (to be ridden by ladies on the ground will now be a bracelet of the value of 10 guineas, the additional amount required having been made up yesterday. The second prize will be a £5 5s. bracelet All the preparations on the ground are in a forward state, and the new grand-stand is approaching completion. Tuesday, the 18th, will, as usual, be the judging day, and as the tramcars will then be running to Bowen Park, every facility will be given for visiting the Exhibition. Wednesday will be a public holiday, and the Exhibition will be opened by his Excellency the Governor at noon. The list of members shows a satisfactory increase on previous years, and gentlemen intending to become members should procure their tickets from the secretary without

delay.

THE following memorandum has been received from the Electric Telegraph Department :-" Adelaide advises, 4th instant, communication on the Port Darwin Java duplicate cable. Both cables now restored."

THE engagement of Mr. J. D, Arnold as "overseer in charge of American well-boring plant and machinery has been confirmed, and he has already entered upon his duties. Plant is being prepared in Brisbane from Mr Arnold's designs, and it is hoped a well-borer will be in active operation in the north-west within a few months. Mr. Arnold will be paid at the rate of £500 per annum.

THE complimentary concert tendered to Mrs. Wilkie last night was financially a great success. The audience was large, and during part of the evening His Excellency the Governor honoured Mrs. Wilkie with his presence. The programme, which originally consisted of sixteen numbers, but by reason of several encores was considerably lengthened, was full of variety. The quality ranged from a doleful concertina performance to a classic and brilliant pianoforte solo by Madame Mallalieu. Mrs. Wilkie was in excellent voice, and on each appearance was heartily received. She undoubtedly shone most in the beautiful solo "Stella Confidente," and the encore Bho gained was the best deserved of the evening. She also appeared in duets in conjunction with Mr. Rees and Miss Dewing, and still later she sang F. H. Cowan's pretty ballad, "A Song and a Rose." Madame Mallalieu, who appears too seldom, was at her best in a concerto in G. minor in two movements. Her brilliant execution and admirable taste commanded an attentive hearing and won very hearty applause. She subsequently appeared in a duet for piano and cello with Mr. Fray, sing. Gounod's lovely song, A' Ring on sweet Angelus, " was sung by a lady whose voice has not been heard at a concert for many months. She barely escaped an encore. Miss Dewing has a decided penchant for sad songs. Those she renders with intensity of feeling, but her apparent nervousmess prevents her doing full justice to her fine voice. She might succeed better with pieces based on brighter thorne. The song she sang last night was Paolo Tosti's " Mother." Every word was heard distinctly, and the audience was hushed to stillness. Among the most successful of the gentlemen were Mr. Deazeley, who was loudly encored for a spirited rendering of F. Johngman's song, "Shoulder to Shoulder," and Mr. Le Couteur, who was recalled after singing We Tars," In response he sang the well-known romanza, "Maid of Athens," into which he throw any amount of expression, Mr. Rees's solo, Pilgrim of Love," was unfortunately placed late in the programme. Coming as it did after he had already done much hard work in the duet with Mrs. Wilkie, he was unable to do himself full justice. He sang, however, with fair success. Mr. Baumann, who sang " Oh, Hear the Wild Winds Blow," though a trifle ambitious, was well received. Two ladies and Messrs. Ivaraoy and Mayes also assisted, and thus evinced their good-feeling towards the well-deserving beneficiare. Mr. H. J. Pollard rendered valuable assistance as conductor and accompanist.

THE picture presented by Mr. Jenner, artist, to the Charity Organisation Society some time ago, was raffled for the benefit of the society last evening at Baumann's rooms. There had been sold sixty-six tickets at 5s. each, so that the result will be a substantial addition to the funds. Mr. John Marlow was the winner; a list of the throws may be seen at Messrs Flavelle Bros, and Roberts, Queen-street, to-day. The picture was framed gratuitously by Mr. Knights.

On the petition of Messrs. M. D. Benjamin and Co., of Brisbane, War Sing, of Maryborough, storekeeper, was yesterday adjudicated insolvent. The first meeting was fixed for 20th August. Mr. Chambers appeared for the petitioners.

A SPECIAL meeting of the Municipal Council was held yesterday afternoon for the purpose of considering what further steps shall be taken in reference to the Victoria Bridge and the action by Mr. W. M'Bride the question of increased bridge accommodation and the question of the purchase of property at Bundanba belonging to Mr. J. V, Jenkins. There were present his worship the Mayor (in the chair), and Aldermen M'Master, Porter, Brydon, Southall, Hipwood, Duncan, and Heal. The council at once went into committee to consider the matters, and upon re-suming, the meeting was adjourned until 10 o'clock the following morning, when the committee's report will be presented.

A NUMBER of the residents of Hemmant and Lytton Junction met in the Wesleyan Chapel, Hemmant, on Monday evening last, for the double purpose of taking a formal farewell of Mr. Angus Gibson, who is about to remove from that locality, and presenting him with a very handsome tea and coffee service, a beautiful marble clock, and an illuminated address, the gift of personal friends residing in the district. Mr. Gibson has resided in Hemmant for the last twenty years, and has always taken a lively interest in affairs pertaining to the welfare of the district, both politically and socially. He has acquired some sugar property at Bundaberg, where he will take up his abode, and in leaving has the best wishes of all who

knew him.

THE B.I.S.N. Company's steamer Merkara which was to have left London on the 30th of June on her return trip to Queensland ports, but whose place was taken by the Wistow Hall, was detained in order that she might be fitted with refrigerating machinery. Messrs. Gray, Dawes, and Co. have also decided to make alterations in her saloon accommodation, which cannot fail to be appreciated by passengers. Her present saloon will be dismantled and the space made available for cargo. The bridge deck will be extended as far forward as the second hatchway, and new berths and dining saloon constructed under that bridge, amidships. Ample accommodation will be provided for forty first-class passengers, who will have the exclusive use of the bridge deck as a promenade, and will thus be entirely apart from the emigrants, who, of course, will occupy the main deck. The R.M.S. Dorunda, BOW in port, will be treated in a similar manner on her return to London.

AN amusing instance of the peculiar aptitude of the Chinese mind for "ways that are dark " was manifested at the District Court by os ter day afternoon, in the course of an action for trespass, heard before his Honour Judge Paul, in which the parties to the dispute were two Celestials. A witness was called, named Ah New., who was unable to speak a word of English, and whose utterances were explained to the court through the medium of an interpreter. The witness was evidently full of a mistaken notion that it was against the rules of the court to give evidence with a document to refresh his memory in his hand. Deeming it necessary to fortify himself with a list of the articles in a dwelling-house, the locus in quo of the trespass, the cunning " chinkie " had the list concealed in the sleeve of his coat. While giving his evidence he rested his elbow upon the rim of the witness box in such a position as to enable him to steal a furtive glance at its contents with little risk of discovery. Mr. Lilley (the counsel for the other side detected the witness's eye wandering up his sleeve, and the unfortunate document was shaken from its hiding-place amid general merriment-very much to the discomfiture of the Chinaman, who was at first considerably embarrassed, but who subsequently showed much relief at finding that the result of the discoveryT)odcd no further ill than full liberty to scan the list openly to his heart's content. The little incident is sufficient to indicate the subtle tendency of the Chinese mind, even in little grievances amongst themselves; and as this Chinaman was unable to speak English, it may be presumed that he was uncontaminated by contact with the superior race.

IN Chambers yesterday, before the Chief Justice, the last examinations of Henry Finch, of Maryborough, labourer, and John Colburn, of Burrum, timber-getter, both insolvent, were fixed before the P.M. at Maryborough on the 26th August Mr. Hellicar appeared in each case. George Dawson, of Toorbul Point, insolvent, was ordered to appear for examination before Mr. I. J. Markwell, trustee in the estate, on the 14th instant. Mr. Winter obtained the order, which, however, was granted conditionally upon an affidavit being filed setting forth the insolvent's prior neglect to appear before the trustee. In the matter of Colquhoun v. Holmes, an application was made by Mr, Hellicar for the registrar to sign an amended judgment according to an amended certificate of trial. Order accordingly.

THE steamer Cloncurry, which arrived here recently from London, via ports under charter to the British-India Company, with immigrants, has for the last three or four days been moored in the stream, loading Queensland coals for Batavia. This is quite a new departure the part of the British-India Company, whose supplementary steamers, as well as those of the Ducal line, have hitherto gone to Newcastle for coals when there was not sufficient freight offering from Queensland for the return voyage. The company have, it is understood, resolved to concentrate as far as possible their trade here, a step which will be heartily approved by the mercantile community. Unfortunately a circumstance has occurred which is very discouraging, to say the least of it, to them. The facilities for loading coal in Brisbane are, as is well known, far behind the times, and it has taken nearly four days to load 600 tons of coal, while the quantity required is 1700 tons. To make matters worse, four of the men employed by the coal proprietors in loading the ship struck work yesterday morning, the reason given being that they considered the rate of wages, namely, Is. an hour, too low. These men were disposing of the coal, which was raised by the ordinary hand-windlass, into the ship's bunkers, while others were employed emptying coals into the hold, In the latter instance the ship's steam winch was used and, as is customary when steam is employed to raise the coal, those men were paid 1s. 6d. per hour. The men on strike, it appears, considered they were as much entitled to the extra pay as the others, and ceased work when the concession was refused. The coal proprietors, we are informed, have never paid more than Is. an hour for such work and are unwilling to concede the extra pay in this case, as they would thereby establish a bad precedent It has been determined that if the dispute is not settled by noon to-day, the vessel will be trimmed and will proceed to Batavia with the amount on board, which is sufficient only for her own use.

IN consequence of the rumours circulated in Brisbane affecting the H.M.s, Waroonga, and the numerous inquiries made concerning her, the B.I. and Q.A. Company lost no time in cabling to Messrs. Gray, Dawes, and Co., asking whether she had reached her destination. No reply had been received up to yesterday evening, but the Australasian Shipping News publishes a telegram from its agent, stating that the Waroonga arrived at Plymouth on the 13th July-her contract date.

THE iron barge, which parted from the Q.S.S. Company's steamer Corea on Thursday night near Maryborough during heavy weather, while being towed to the Johnstone River, has since drifted on to the beach a few miles south of Double Island Point. A gang of men were despatched from Brisbane by the Truganini on Tuesday with the necessary appliances to float her. The craft, which is the property of the Colonial Sugar Company, whose estate is on the Johnstone River, will be towed to its destination as soon as circumstances will permit.

THE Southport Pier and Baths Company has, we are informed, been successfully floated. As previously stated, the objects of the company are for the widening of the present pier at Southport, and the establishment of large swimming baths and hot salt water baths. The brokers are Messrs. R. Spencer Browne and Co.

THE Barcoo, a new steamer built to the order of the Queensland Steam Shipping Come pony for the Queensland coasting trade, will, it is anticipated, be ready to leave London for Brisbane by the end of this month or beginning of next She is a trifle larger than the Maranoa and Warrego, and her saloon, which is amidships, is panelled with ornamental marble after the same style as the Warrego, while the space set apart for saloon passengers is larger. She is fitted with powerful machinery of the very latest design, and will no doubt prove to be a very speedy and serviceable

vessel,

CANADIAN papers have reached Brisbane, containing an account the death of Captain French, brother of the Commandant of the Queensland Defence Force, It occurred during the attack on the village of Batocbo's, which was occupied by Riol's half-breeds. The village consisted of seven houses, and the Government forces having driven the rebels in, found that those who had not run away wore firing from the row of outhouses on the cut trail, from a gully in rear of Batoche's twostory building, and from the hills and bush on the right. One of the Winnipeg guns, under Captain Coutlco, rushed to the right and shelled the bush in advance, and later Champagnes' house in the rear. It took but a few minutes to make the rush to Batoche's new store, and then to Batoche's old store and house ; and then the day was won. Not a man was killed while in the open, although several were wounded. The account of the Toronto Mail, from which we quote, continues: "But one of the saddest losses was at Batoche's house. Captain Jack French, talk of form, and his Celtic blood at boiling heat, rushed to the front door facing the south-west, and with a ' Come on, boys 1 ' ran in and up to the upper story. He had hardly reached the door when a bullet from the gully toward the ferry pierced his breast below the heart, and he lived long enough only to say, Don't forget, boys, that I led you here. On Saturday he had saved Cook by his personal bravery, snatching him from the jaws of death. It was very a brave act, worthy of the Victoria Cross. On Tuesday he led his little band on to his own death." In the Governor-General's congratulations upon the victory, Captain French is mentioned as "an officer we can ill-afford to lose."

I THE subject discussed last night at the

School of Arts' Debating Society was "That speculation is not a justifiable method of acquiring wealth, and is injurious to the com-munity." The opener dealt with his subject very fully, and there was a great deal of interesting matter brought out, the number of speakers being considerable. The majority, however, were against the motion. The subject for next week's debate is, " We should not expect the various interests of an electorate to be represented by only one or two members."

THE Woolloongabba Divisional Board meet this evening at half-past 7 o'clock. The business on the paper includes reception of subdivision improvement reports, report of Inquiry Committee re dismissal of men in No. 2 subdivision, engineer's report; also consideration of motion by Mr. Maynard,-" That Messrs. form a sub-committee to report to the board on the advisableness of erecting a Divisional Hall on the corner of Stanley-street and Merton-road, and generally as to the cost, design, c, of the

same."