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The Huron Expositor, 1879-02-14, Page 4; .4 4 THE HURON EXPOSITOR. FEBRUARYI. 41 1870.: NEW A.DVERTISEMENTS. Stock -Taking Month—Thomas Kidd. Dry Goods and Clothing—Wm. Hill. Great Auction Sale—John Ward. Valentines—C. W. Papst. Cheap Dry Goods—George Dent. Large Profits—Henry Imlach. Auction. Sale—E. Tesky. Notice of Meeting—R. Landsborough. Farm to Rent—A. Yule. Notice to Debtors—Wra. Grassi°. Blacksmith Shop for Sale—J. Lynn. Tenders Wanted. --Wm. McConnell. Rowdies, Beware—Jolan Leyden. uron txporiitor. 1 SEAFORTH, FEBRUARY 14, 1879. Should the Local Legislatures _ be Abolished.. The following excellent article from the Ottawa Herald so fully expresses our vieSvs on this important question that we quote in full, and give it all the prominence we possibly can: "There is no doubt that the ceuntry, taking the whole population into account, is en- tirely too much governed. The aggre- gate number of legislators, taking in Senators, Legislative Councillors, xnem- bers of Parliament and of the different legislatures, is absurdly out of propor- tion to the numerical strength of the country, and the interests to be attend- ed. to. Bat it is a very great mistake to argine. as some do, that as a conse- quence the Local Legislatures aee a superfluous portion of the machinery of , government, and to seek to depredate or undervalue their important relations to our progress and good government. Local Legislatures may be larger Coun- ty Councils; so for that matter' is the Dominion Parliament; but it does not . follow that the duties of the Legisla- tures have not a vastly wider field of influence, duty and responsibility, than have even the largest County Councils, or that they could be dispensed without , injury to th.e public welfare, or even danger to the harmony and proper working of our system of government One of our most able publicists has properly termed the Provincial Legis- latures the "safety valves of tlie system of Confederation," and no one can be a true friend to the country, or properly appreciate the wisdom which 'governed the scheme by which British. American power was consolidated andi the for- tunes of the seattered clependriciee of the Crown united., who seeks to render the public mind indifferent to, or un- appreciative of, the importance of the functions confided. tone:the Loc4 Legis- latares by the constitution of 1,867. In a country like this, with interests BO widely diverging, and of so )riarious a character, with peculiar divisions of race, nationality and. religion, the cen- tralization of Government, which is what those aim at who affect to slight the Provincial Parliaments, could not ; but be attended with danger to the in- terests of minorities, with- discord in the central Parliament, with dilscontent in sections whose antagonistic charac- teristic would be brought lute direct clash, ancl with disturbed conf4ence in the stability of the fabric 1 of union which now so happily exists, and which is most essential to the true object of - the patriotic labors of those who, in 1867, accomplished the scheme of union Take our own Province, for instance: Our Legislature has to deal with the question of education, with the internal development of the Province, with the opening up of highways by rail,. and by colonization 'roads, and with many other domestic Matters of the most vital importance to the progress and prosperity of the Province. Does any- one suppose that if Ontario had• to have depended upon the Dominion Parlia- ment for its share of the conimon lot, that we should. have had to -day our magnificent and perfect system of pub. elic schools; or the vast extension of our railway system, which has given such an impetus to the progress and wealth of the Province; or the relief of the namicipalities from an oppressing* load of indebtedness; or the distribu- tion of millions among the different sec- -lions for local and. otheriniprovements ; or tho surpluses whicli. we have, by wise, prudent and economical manage- ment, been able to have constantly in our treasury? On the contrary, we should have had in their stead but a share of the debts and. deficits which have always 'fallen to the Deminioh Treasury, our thrift wbuld have gone to sustain the imprudence of other Pro - discord and disruption, than to m_enace 1 the people with the loss of their Legis- latures, where by their deputies they have the supreme rule and 'control of their local affairs. Those who sneer flippantly at the usefulness and impor- tance oot only to our maserial interests, but to our constitutional rights, have too shallow a comprehensiOn Of the great work a British American unity to be safe guides of public opinion." The 'Indemnity to Members of ' the Local T4iegis1ature: Much has been saiti. and written on this question (luring the past few Weeks. We may safely say that the time con- sumed in discussing it in the Local Legislature this session, cost the coun- try more than the increased indemnity will do. Iudeed, we think a great deal more has been said about it than its ina- portance dimaands. In fact, the discus- sion which the subject has elicited, is but another striking evidence of -the proneness of the 'publin mind to grasp . at and exaggerate _small things, while questions of neueh.greater moment and importance are. allowed to slip and, are lost sight of. We would not -refer to the question at this tinie were, it not that some of the Opposition press eti it objec4nab1y false, as it conveys a very wrong impression. It is quite true that at tlr beginning of this session, the Oppositir brought forward and voted for a motion providing for decrease in the inde nity; and it is equally true that the G-overnmeut supporters voted against t is motion. But there is an- other verfr important truth which must be considered in connection with those we have amed. The Opposition made their mo ion for a reduction as an amendm lit to the Lieutenant -Gover- nor's adi ress. As such; as was e?ery fully exp ained at the time by our Tor- onto corr spondent, it was a motion of want of onfidence in the Government, and had t been carried the Govern- ment wo Id have been forced, by the or- dinary sages of Parliament, to re- sign their positious. The supporters of the Gove nment were, therefore, put iu this positan They had to vote non- confidenc sessed them fro tion whic in a.Government which pos- ir fullest confidence, and turn a power, or vote against a mo - embodied a principle they endorsed: The Opposition brought for- ward this motion simply to put them in this plition. This was not denied. Who will say, therefore, thab in voting 11 to sustain, the Government- 3itt whom f they had Confidence, and thus avoiding a trap set for them by their opponents, ' they did- wrong? If the Opposition were sine rein their desire for a change, ' and had o iotention of attempting to place the Government and their sup- porters in a false position, why did they .not bring forward their motion in such a way that it co-uld be voted upon on its merit ? Will our contemporary attempt to misrepresent the position o the Government and its supporters, for the sole and Only purpose of creating a wrong impression on the public mind, and. so make capital against the Gov- ernment. There are Some journals so reckless and unreliable in their' state- ments concerning their opponents, that Ads scarcely worth while paying heed to what they say. The Peterborough Review, however, does not belong to this class. It is, usually moderate and. very fair in- its eriticisms. We are, there- fore, the More surprised that it should lend itself to so doubtful a proceeding as to endeavor to make capital against the Ontario Goyernment on the salary question. In a recent issue it says: "Though members on both sides of the House supported the increase, it was really carried by Mr. Mowatis Govermnent, and- could not have been passed without their approval. If 'a Ministry has no more power than private =tubers, it certabily is falsely called Government." 'This may be correct enough in tho bstract, and is- a very plausible way of tatingthe case so as to make it tell against' the Government.' But the ques- tion is, should the Government be blamed for permitting the increase, even supposing the increase was a censurable act? We distinctly say that, under the circumstances, they should not, and we think that every reasonable person will agree with us -in this decision. The Government were asked by the unani- mous voice of Parliament to make the in- orbase,—both sides joined in the re- quest, the representatives were fresh from the country; the Dominion Gov- ernment had, during the previous year, increased the indemnity of .members of that House from $800 to $1,000, and there was not one murmur made by the country on account of it. Under these circumstances, then,we defy auTcandid reader or journalist to say that the Gov- ernment were -deserving of blame in the matter. So soon as the Government learned that the movement was strong- ly opposeit by a large section of the peoe ple, they afforded the Legislature 'an opportunity of 'reducing the indemnity, but the Legislature refused to embrace the offered opportuaity, a large. major- ity of the Opposition members in the House voting against the motion for the reduction. In the face of these facts, we would ask our contemporary to say wherein the Goverinnent are deserving of blame. It is true the Government could have prevented the increase had they liked, but in doing so 'they would have been going directly in the face of the expressed wish of the entire Legisla- ture and the implied wish Of the coun- try. -Had the Government done this, they would have taken an arbitrary course, which no one could justify. In order to show that the Conservatives in the House were equally responsible with the Reformers for the increase, and being equally responsible, it is not honorable for them to censure the Gov- ernment for carrying out their express- ed wishes, we quote the remarks made by the Hon. M. C. Cameron, the then leader of the Conservatite party, in the Legislature on the 17th of February, 1876, as reported in the Toronto Mail. Mr. Cameron said.: "In conseipence of certain statements in the prcss, he considered it his duty to state that he hiniself had suggested the increase of Ministers' salaries -(hear, hear) -and he believed that the members of the Government were not sufficiently paid, as he had stated when the matter was dis- cussed with closed doors. And he considered it un- fortunate that•it was discussed with closed doors; s the votes of hon. gentlemen should be made nown, and as the country should know that they lid not disapprove of. the course taken by,hon. gen- lemon opposite." vinces, and the people of the Provinces lac left at the mercy of less populous and ( frugal, and less enterprising neighbors. t It would simply have been a continua- tion on an enlarged and more aggra- vating teal° of the old. evils of "Lower c Canadian domination," from which we i finally made our escape into Confedera- tion. Take the Province of Quebec— would the laws, language, religion and antononay of the French Canadian race have been sale in the absence of a legis- lature affording that people the safe- guards of their privileges and bill:MIDI- ties which they now possess, or would they have at any time felt safe or se- cure in the enjoyment of their treaty - guaranteed rights, if they had. not for the protection of those rights the privi- lege of Provincial self-government ? By, no means, nor could there be any, surer method at this or any future time chosen, for the accomplishment of civil ci This was a manly,frank, and open onfession of responsibility' which did redit to the honorable gentleman, and s in marked contrast with the shyster - ug course of his successor on this ques- ion during the present session. n view of this acknowledgment on t se part of their leader, it is the sheerst absurdity for the Opposition to shirk their due share of the responsibility. Our contemporary is no less unfair in its reference to the motion submitted by the Opposition in amendment to the ad- dress, when it says: _ "The difference between the action of the mem- bers on the two sides of the House is, that the Op- position members, finding the country unwilling to pay the large sum, frankly voted, for its reduction, while the members who supporV the Governiment pretend to be opposed to the increase, but vote for its maintenance." This statement„ again, is just maid- ently spiced with the truth to make is question ? It is said, we he Opposition,that the Gov - ad no right to consider their a want of confidence motion. overnrnent could. not change ordinary usages of Portia - what have been the usages ent in Canada for genera- ery person knows very well, re more thoroughly convinced t than those' journalists who boring to make political cap - the vote, that the supportere ernment took the only course open to thein, and that had for and carried the motion alien, that party would have tory, claimed the defeat of ment, and demanded their . This, we fancy, none will rdihood to deny: We are herefore, that a respectable d. one which, as a rule, is its criticisms of its oppon- stain .its reputation by at- nfairly, to .make a point opponents on grounds so rnmeut have, very properly, appreciationi of the will of n this matter, by providing ates for the desired decrease. proper way for the deorease In this way, all can ex - unbiased. opinion in their t fear of giving or taking an ntage of any party. Had ionwaited for this oppor- press their views, they could a equally well; and not lay opeu to the charge of in- • olitical "sharp practice." answer t know, ;by .ernment motion as But the at will t; ment, and. of Parlia tious. E and none of the fa are now 1 ital out. of of the Go which tat they vote of the Opp shouted vi the Gover resignatio have the h surprised, journal, a very fair i. ents, shoul tempting, against its treacherou The Gov -shown thei the people in the:esti This is the to be made press thei vote witho undue adv the Opposi tunity to e have done themselves dulging,in 11 4 Ir THE s iteful "critter" who occasion- ally emits hi's venom against THE EXPOSI- TOR througi the columns of the Exeter Times will ; ttempt to refute the reasons we gave w Mr. Gibson shOuld have been elect d Warden in preference to 1VIrsHays, ve shall have pleasure in meeting hi'.' For him to do this— even altho :h he does it under false colors—wat d not be objectionable, but to indulge i abuse and impute false motives, w AB it may be hi keeping with his ch rector, is not in accordance with respec able ethics, and in such a controversy we decline to take part. The •ntario Legislatur e. We regre that our usual letter from Toronto fai ed to come to hand itt time for this iss e. The Legislature, how- ever, have • ecu quite busy during the -week, the udget Speech discussion and nunierous irivate bills occupying the Budget discussion was the nd interesting of the Ses- e motion of the Treasurer Committee of Supply an was moved by the leader 'Won, avowedly meant as a ant of confidence in the . - This amendment, after a great increase had taken otdina,ry annual expendi- oting figures -to prove the • rmed that direct taxation e inevitable. In • speaking Mr. Meredith travelled. n of the ground he took- in eech on the Budget, ex- " ordinary" expenditure, en, the amou-nt expended uildings and works. Mr. d briefly, pointing out that k of the increesed expendi- he nature of a return to the money drawn.from the actual expenditure ne- e management of public above one-fourth of the ture. The increase in the Government had been ren- ry by the great increase omit of work to be Merrick followed with pt to show that there increase of expenditure, denied, but without any parate what was justifiable as unjustifiable, except in few unimportant items. oke briefly in reply, and time. The most lively sion. To ti to go into amen dine n of the Oppo motion of Govern -men stating that place ill. the ture, and q assertion, a would soon to his motio over a porti his former sa eluding iron as he did t public Mowat repli the great bu ture was of the people o people. Th cessary for t affairs is no total expen cost of Civil dered neoess in the a done. Mr. another atte had been a which no on attenapt.to s from what the case of Dr. Baxter s 11 11 11 a long and forcible speech. He com- menced by pointing out the incorrect- ness of the statements made in the motion, and the unmanly . tactics of those who sought to take advantage of a motion of want of confi- dence, in order to place G-ov- ernment supporters in the position of having apparently voted against econo- my. With reference to the use of the terms " controllable expenditure" and "direct taxation ," he showed that a very large part of the really controllable ex- penditure was annually the means of lightening the burden of local taxation in the municipalities, such as the expen- diture on public institutions, public buildings and works, colonization roads, education, and the administration of Criminal justice. He then proceeded to compare the expenditure of 1871 and the estimated expenditure of 1875 with the expenditure of 1878 and the estimated expenditure of 1879 respectively, show- ing that the difference in both cases was a mere trifle. Mr. Scott attempt- ed to break the force of this comparison by re -excluding the expenditure on pub- lic buildings and works, and held that the figures in the motion were correct. After giving his estimate of the surplus, and comparing it with that left by the Sa-ndfield Macdonald Governm en t, he proceeded to estimate what the annual deficit would be a few years hence.. The debate was continued. during a subse- quent session by Mr. Ross,West Huron, Mr. Morris and others, when a division was taken on Mr. Meredith's amend- ment resulting in its defeat by a vote of 45 to 33. 11111111•11111121111 . News of the Week. DESTROYED.—The village of Meyrin- gel., in Switzerland, a great tourist -re- sort, has been almost entirely destroyed by fire. • PRINCE LEOPOLD.—It is reported that Prince Leopold, eighth child and fourth son of the Queen, aged 25, will enter the Church of England. ANOTHER BANK FAILURE.—The Union Bank ot Helstene, in England, has failed. Liabilities, £150,000. Assets believed to be fifteen shillings in the pound. SUDDENLY bastion—Rev. Dr. Stu- phin, pastor of the Dutch Reformed Church, New Utrecht, Long Isla,nd, be- came suddenly insane frofte mental over -work, on San. 28th. Hie. receyery is anticipated. A SERIOUS DEFEAT. -- The English troops have met with a disastrous de- feat in Southern Africa.. A powerful native tribe called the Zulus carried off arms, ammunition, provisions, and the colors of the regiment. KILLED BY DRUNKEN MOTHER.— Matthew Flanagan, a laborer in. New York, on returning home the other day found his drunken wife on the floor with the baby in her arms, whioh she had strangled to death by her em- braces. VICE REGAL APPOINTMENTS.—It it3 nounoed that Lord]oftus has been ap- pointed Governor-General of New South Wales. This , a,ppears to confirm the nimor that Baal Dufferin is to be ap- pointed. Minister to Russia, the posi- tion held by Lord Loftus. PLAGUE 'IN Russin—In several parts of Russia the spread of the plague is reported as very alarming. Small -pox is also spreading, one hundred cases occurring at one village. Advices from the interior of Russia represents the towns in. a very unhealthy state. SIGHT RESTORED.--MiSS Minnie Lom- bard, of Wilmington, Del., United States, aged nineteen years, became to- tally blind two years ono from fever. On a recent night prayerforher recov- ery was offered in a Methodist Church, and next morning her sight was re- stored. DISTRESS DECREA.SING.—The distress a.mong the laboring population in Glas- gow is beginning to decrease. Applica- tions for relief were lower by 300 for the week ending Feb. 1st than for the preceding week. About 30,000 persons are still supported by charity. A LUCKY PRINTER.—It is reported that John E. Skinner, conapositor on a newspaper in New Haven, Conn., has been left a fortune of three-quarters of a million of dollars by Antoine Mercer, of the Island of St. Thomas. Mercer was formerly a dissipeted. young man, and Skinner had befriended him. - A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT.—A despatch from Kansas City says the sides of an excavation, 900 feet deep, made by the Chicago and Alton Railway, caved in on Tuesday morning, burying four teams -and about 45 workmen under 6,009 yards of _falling earth. Six persons were killed outright, and several wounded. All the bodies were recovered. YELLOW FEVER AGAIN.—It is reported that this scourge has broken out again in parts of Mississippi and Tennessee. Itis believed the present outbrea.k is caused from the disinterment and re- moval of the bodies of personswhoclied. from the fever. These cases indicate that the germs of the fever were not killed by the recent severe weather, and there is great uneasiness as to the consequences next summer. . DEFAULTER ARRESTED.—HeLlry Grif- fin, of Rochester, Trea,surer of the ,So- ciety of Foresters and Grand Vice -Dic- tator of the Knights of Honor of the State, who left Rochester some two weeks .since with about $20,000 of the Society's funds, which had accumulated. from the assessments principally levied. for the benefit of the widows and. or- phans of the yellow fever victims, 1N'as recognized in the depot at Buffalo, on Tuesday last week, evhile awaiting the outgoing train for Canada. When ar- rested he confessed to being' the man, and stated his intention of returning to Rochester. He pleads " not guilty," and claims -that hie. action is all right. SAILORS' STRIKE.—The Sailors and coal heavers of Liverpool struck work on Friday. Much discomfort, anxiety and embarrassment is caused by the strike. The departure of many vessels have been delayed, trade has suffered and business of ahnost all kinds-- has been either partially or whollyimpeded. The strike was almost entirely antic- ipated. The men are apparently thoroughly united and they declare they will not return to work until their demands—which are really not very unreasonable—are complied -with. The city on Friday presented a curious scene. The stoppage of trade left the streets full of idlers and as the sailors and coal heavers marched through the city singing nautical songs intermiked with allusions to their grievances they were followed by large crowds of men, he majority of whom apparently sym- athised with the strikers. A mob of trikers invaded the docks late in the was followed by Mr. Fraser, who made s afternoon, and compelled those ,who were working to desist. They have done considerable damage to several vessels, especially the American schoon- er Cora, and also disabbed the landing stages. The police charged the mob repeatedly, and ultimately dispersed the rioters. It is estimated that there are 35,000 strikers. Tim CATTLE Drsesse.--After delay 'suited to the gravity of tie case, the British Government ha decided, to suspend the privilege of entering the inland markets of Brita n heretofore accorded to battle from the United States. The main Act requires that all foreign animals shall be slaughtered at the port of landing. The Privy Council's Foreign Animals Order, clause 13, suspends this provision of the Act so far as relates to eattle brought from "Her Majesty's Possessions in North America, the United States of America, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Spain, and. Portugal!! The said claute 13, so far as it relates to the United. States, is now revoked, the revocation to take effect March 3rd, thus after that date necessitating the slaughter at the port of debarkation, within ten days after their lauding, of all cattle brought from the United States. The Ontario Budget. The Budget Speech, cleliVered by Mr. Wood, on Wednesday of last week, was a clear and straightforward. statement of Provincial finances. The main facts of it may be briefly stated. The re- eeipte from the Dcminiort of Canada last year were $1,333,569 from, terri- torial revenue 4445,191, and from pub- lic institutions and other Seurces 1475,- 661 --making a total of $2,2.54,421. This amount is about $2G0,000 less than the Estimates for last year, and the falling off is chiefly on account of Ahe depress- ed state of the lumber rnarkenand of the low prices realized iupon goods manufactured at the . Ceotral Prison, together with the loss of revenue caused by the fire at that institution. The total, expenditure of the year, inclusive of $272,000 on public baildings:was $2,408,534, and, consequently, there is a deficit of 1154,113. This is partly owing to the exceptional circumstances already stated, and partly to the large outlay for public buildings, so thap really it is but an incident. The Estimates for the present year bring expendithre very con- siderably under the receipts. The as- -sets of the Province are: investments, $2,179,000; Dominion trust funds, 12,- 732,551 ; parliamentary libnary, balance of municipal loan fund. debt, &c., 1933,- 187—making a total of $5,842,748. The liabilities are : on railway aid account, '832,939; surplus distributIon to muni- cipalities, 151,111;1Quebee's share of the common school fund, $302,658; and the land. improvement kind. due . to -municipalities, $124,685—making a total of $1.311,388. Thus we have left as the, difference between assets and - liabilities the sum of 14,531,362, which is the present surplus of the Province. Mr. Wood contrasted. at some length the expenditures of 1871 arid 1878, and he pointed out that as a result of the policy of the present Government, the large sum of 117,335,551 of the people's rnoney has been paid back to them, di- rectly or indirectly, since 1871. Follow- ing are the sums in detail: Education .$2,764,294 Administration of Justice . 1,175,342 Public Institutions-Maintenance..1.... 2,375,364 Hospitals and Charities.... ..... 880,805 Agriculture and Arts636,924 Immigration . 569,071 Public Works and Buildings............ 2,176,515 Colonization Roads. • 60,867 County jails 82,530 Crown Lands Refunds, 147,253 Railway Aid 2,046,495' Municipalities Fluid... .... Land Improvement Fund ..... 151:498 Surplus Distribution 3 225 378 Miscellaneous, including International Exhibition 34,478 Loans 427,091 Total.......... .......... ........ $17,335,551 TJsb orne. A FINE BULL.—Mr. Mandonald, of the North. Thames Road, Usborne, has purchased from Mr. Thome Aeinan, of Pickering, a thoroughbred t o -year-old Durham bull. This anima was bred. by Messrs. Major & Son, of Whitevale, and. is said to be one of t e best ever brought into the county. We hope Mr. Macdonald's enterprise will be duly ap- preciated by his neighbors, Is -such an animal will be sure to have a most bene- ficial effect in improving t e stock of the township. INSURANCE MEETING.—Th third. an- nual meeting of the memb rs of the Usborn.e and Hibbert Mutu 1 Fire In- surance Company, was held at Farqu- har, on Monday, the 3rd iu t. At the hour appointed for opening t e meeting, some difficulty -existed ow ng to the want of proper accommodati n for the great turn -out. The large h 11 in Mr. Gardiner's cheese factory w tried, but it would not hold them • stampede was then made for -the cheese room, into which the throng eagerly pressed. The business -was eonamenoed by the President, R. Gardiner, Esq., taking the chair. The Secretary,- Mr. N. J. Clark, read the minutes of the last annual meeting, also the minutes of , the Direc- tors' meeting during the year, and the general report of the Company. It was then moved by T. M. Kay, seconded by J. Cameron, that the report be adopted. —Carried. The financial report of the Treasurer and auditor's abetract was then read, when itnvas moved, by John Hunter, seconded by Wm. IlVerry, that the auditm's report be rec ived—Car- ried. The President then d livered. his annual address, reviewing t e onward progress of the Company fron infancy to the present time. He w nt on to show that during the two fir$t years we enjoyed unexceptionally god success, but during the past year it mist be con- fessed our prosperity ha taken a change, no fewer than four fires hap- pening to the members of th company. This he regretted very mac , but still he was in no way discoura ed, for he well knew, from personal ac uaintance with a large majority of the ,imembers, that they will look only on he bright side of the picture and. hope for better success. He asked them tol meet all contingencies like men. 0 t of the four fires that happened thial year, one was of such a nature that th Directors could. not grapple with it. 1e referred. to Mr. Pridham's loss by steam thresh- er.. Mr. Pridham had. just !insured in our company, and had not go his policy when the accident happened, so that he could. not be said to be post d itt the conditions thereof. We ha4 the ad- vice of our solicitor, to the ffect that we were not legally bound. to [honor Mr. Pridham's loss. The Directers, there- fore, thought it their wiseet course • to refer the settlement thereof t terian minister, gave a very fine ads d dress, and made some remarks on the - difference between reputation and c p,cter. He gave an illustration—the . pabbath School a part of the work of y the Church; certain qualiipfilltaesanttbiyoanagea:aorvfeesz 2, self-denial; 3, patience; and 4, de. vveortiyonintsottrhacetwivoerk;maML, Sabbath School worker, viz : 1, love; and evidently felt the importance as well as the inaanitude of the Sabbath School work. t'HiS remark -s were cogent and convincing. Mr. West, of Seafottla after giving advice to a row of boys net to smoke or drink, gave a recitation, L" iTv ihneg s tSotioefrIpPpLrt4„ owna's" glaRdetvo. Meets so many on this occasion. He bad no chalice of getting out of his speech by the plea of sickness. He had. not natteh time to prepare a speech from listening at octehretacisnrypoefa'n' ihsargrd atiesn ebt.t"wHeeen rectatitaedis on the occasion of a Iady giving too rxeneh - rabbit. Mankind was a gees, deal like the monkey, creatures of habit. The he.bit of smokinn,dsc., binds • a man. He gave an anecdote of a night-cap pedlar and the monkeys.. He denounced the habit of taking the wormy apples to be converted. into cider.. Man shOuld never allow bad habits to gain the ascendancy. He ,stel- vised the man to fight menially againet evil habits. It is ranch easier to go wthaerad,7Hriveeturdusetortrartseed art bny atoll:Ian:6 wear- ing a pair of moccasins on the pitah holes near Kippen ; he eould slide clown, but had a job to -ascend. Da-vid learn. ed to fight mighty enemies by flrat conquering his inward foes. Sabbath School teachers had hard work to per- form. in opposing the evils of habit. Preachers likewise were hard worked. He wou1d. like to be able to touch the tender spot of people's hearts, to inane° them to contribute .- Many people run in habits like vehicles in ruts, and A costs great efforts to get out A Sab- bath School teacher is like a sculptor, who devotes much time and effort to execute a work, well knowing that his name long survives. So the Sabbath School work will live for ever. Mr. Smith, of Seaforth, gave a reading of Deacon Goodheart." Mr. Thos. Wiley, Superintendent of the Sabbath School, here announced that the amorent of money received at the door vtass $41.35, and as a large quantity of edi- bios rerciained, there would be another social_ the followino evening at half price, till which ley, Mr. Trelavin postponed hie speech. Votes of thanks were given to the speakers, the choir and the ladies. The -choir rendered ex- cellent services. the members at this meeting, an in now bringing up the subject for dis cussion, he hoped that each one pres ent would. act as if it were his own case A voice—If we are not legally bound wh did. you not dismiss the claim at first? The President—I think this meeting will agree with me when I say that if we are not legally lama we are most certainly morally bound to honor Mr. Pridham's loss; (cries of ,hear, hear!) and although we do not say that we can make an assessment aud compel the members to respond to it, yet there are many ways thattvve can take, not as a corporate body, but as friends and sympathizers, and it is to be hoped that before the meeting, closes some action may be taken which may prove satis- factory to all concerned. Mr. Alex- ander Duncan, the Vice -President, also addressed the meeting and ask- ed them to give Mr. Pridlana some tangible evidence of their .sympathy. After considerable discussion on this subject, it was moved. by Robert Mor- ris, and seconded by Thomas Werry, that eVhen the, Company make their next assessment, the Secretary be in- structed to make an additional and distinct assessment, sufficient to cover Mr. Pridhana's claims, and. let those of the members who are Tilling, respond to the same, and the sum thus collected be handed. over to Mr. uPridharn as a free-will offering from those who may contribute thereto—carried. unanhnous- ly. The election of Directors for the ensuing year resulted in the return of the old Board by acclamation. The meeting also appointed Mr, James Gil- lespie as auditor on behalf of the mem- bers. The meeting, which was very orderly throughout, returned a vote of thanks to the Directors for the excel- lent way in which they transacted the business of the year, and theu quietly withdrew. At a meeting of the Direc- tors held after the annual meeting, Robert Gardiner, Esq., Reeve of Hib- herb, was re-elected President, and Alexander Duncan, Esq., of Usborne, Vico-President. The President ap- pointed D. Millar as auditor. The meeting then adjourned till the first Monday in March, at 2 o'clock P, M. [We are indebted to the kindness of Mr. White, of the Exeter TIMES, for the above r5tirort East Wawanos CONCERT.—MR. EDITOR,-- II Friday evening last, I had the pleasure of at- tending a concert, held in Hoover's school house, East Wa,vvanoslt, the proceeds of which, were applied for the payment of an. organ which was purch- ased for the use of the church, in that neighborhood. The sum realized was $36.50. Twenty-three dollars was taken at the door, and the balance was made through an election cake, two young ladies being nominated to cut the cake, and the voters paying five cents for the privilege of voting. This afford. - ed great amusement to all present. The organ was purchased just one year bd. annotwith standing the hard. times A was paid for in full inside of a year from the date of purchase and there is a balance of eight dollars over and above in the hands of the Treasurer. Thie speaks well for the people d that neighborhood and shows that they have highly appreciated the music. Indeed, it would. have been very unjust had the people not done as they did, for the leader of ehoir, Mr. George Tindal, has been 'assiduous and very succesful in his instructions, and he is now at the head. of a choir that need not be ashamed of its musical talenfis before any audience. He has more than once during the past year at his own ex- pense, provided the choir with books &c. There are not many who Would do this. tam sure he deserves great credit, and the thanks of all interested. But to return to the concert. .We had a rich treat from Rev. T. Myers, of Wingham. He gave a lecture on the "Centennial of Canada." What a pity it is that Mr. Bryer's lecture Was not more generally known, and acted upon by the youth of our country. Be is a true patriot and philanthropist, and is thoroughly acquainted with our country and. its resources. He made strong appeals to our young men, to abide by the farni and not follow the example of those soft handedand softer headed fellows, who infest the country so much with the subscription book under their arms. Rev. Mr. Clark, of Blyth, sang an excellent piece much to the delight of all present. Mr. Oliver, of Blyth, who is a great favorite in this neighborhood, gave a short speech which was poiuted and befitting the occasion. There were a choice selec- tion of readings &e. given by others present. Thus passed_ a pleasant and I may say a very profitable entertain- ment All seemed to enjoy themselves very much. SCRIBE. Varna. Oon MILL.--Meesra:Lnker &Brother, of Johnston's Mill, one mile south of Varna, are doing a very good. business this season. They have their mill in the very best order, and being thorough- ly practical, honest workmen, give the best satisfaction to, all their customers, and. are building up a good. business. They make a speciality of gristing and chopping. SOIREE.—A very excellent tea meet- ing was held in the Methodist Church, Varna, on the 5th inst. The object of the meeting was to raise funde to aid the Sabbath School. The night was all that could be desired. The audience -witalarge—as many as could be well accommodated in the church. A good. staff of speakers were present, and a first-class local choir, under the direc- tion of Mr. Wilson, contributed largely to the pleasures of the evening. Rev, Broley, Chairman of the District, occupied. the chair and made some ap- propriate remarks; then the waiters, like the disciples of old, went forth, two and two, distributing the good. things of life. Rev. Mr. Campbell, first speaker, said he felt ranch pleasure in - being present. He would be brief, as quite a number of others Were to follow, who came—sorae a long distance—to address them. Youth was the best time to receive -lasting impressions, and. the Sabbath School the best place. Impressions received. at Sabbath School lasted for life, and. were those that fol- lowed.'a person across the river. He ad- vised Sabbath. School teachers to use illustrations frona nature, to prepare lessons, to imitate the Saviour's ex- ample. He was glad. to see great im- provement in the Sabbath School. The Scriptures were the best source to draw 'intructions, as they pointed out the way of salvation. Rev. Mr. Danby, Presby - The Raj' Insurance Oorapany. The following report of the Directors of the Hay Farmers'. Mutual Fire In- surance Company for the year 1878 has been forwarded to us for publication: The annual meeting a aaembers Was held according to notice, in the town hall on the 3rd inst. Henry Boller, Esq., was elected -chairman, pro tem; Hugh Love, Sr., Esq., was elected Sec- retary, pro tem. The following report f the Directors and auditors was unan- imously_ received and adopted: The Directors in presenting this Report have much pleasure in again congrattie lating the Company on its 51:IBMS:Sing prosperity, The Company only sus- tained two email losses by The during the year, anicafriting in the engregate to 1105, and by lightning amounting to , $8.67, which have been paid since the close of the year. Since_ the Com- pany was organized, which is over four years,only one assessment on theprem- inn? notes was required and made, be- ing a little less than 14 on $2,000 in- surance. Since the assessment was made 231 new niembers have been added. Amount of preinians notes in. force, U7,168.77. Amount of property insured, 1776,750 worth. Below will be found a financial statement RECETPTs. Balance from last account. — — $29 4.5 Money Borrowed Entrance fee per ........ 97 22 .. 70O $201 in mxPrIlDITIME. Paid j.%1 intern= Joson -dwelling house.. $100.00 Damage to U. S. house Sec. No. I, Ilay and Stanley . .tt 00 On money borrowed. . 27 50 Printing and advertising- 1816 I3oard of Directors, auditors and investi; gating losses. l3ill Stamps. „ Postage andbill stamps.; . 2:84 Balance ill Treasui3r.. 28 41 07 It will be seen that the Ha1)il-12°e:: the Company are 150, though. there have been left in the treasury 128.67 te be deducted therefrom, leaving the lia- bilities $21.33. Wm. Wilson, Esq., London Road,and Se.rau.el Foster, Esq, Township Clerk, have been theanditors who certified that they have compered the books and. vouchers and found them correct The election. of Directorshen- ing been next in order, the voting being by ballot., resulted in the election of the following gentlemen : John B. Geiger, Wm. Lewin II. V. Dirstein, Henry Boller, Hugh Love, Sr., Sept. Hogarth, Thos. Yearley, Peter Douglas and Rob- ert Anderson. Aka subsequent meet- ing of the Directors Mr. John 13, Geiger -was re-elected President, and lein. Wm. Lewis was re-elected Vice -President and Mr. IL V. Dirstein, was re-elected Manager. H. V. DIRSTEM, Manager. • Huron NOUS. —Mr. 3-ohn McDonnell has been ap- pointed assessor of Exeter.. ---13lyth School Board has $10 sur- plus funds that they want to lend. —Mr. R. Armstrong, of Celbortos, had several of his ribs broken last week by a load of hay tipping over. —MrJohn Buchanan, of Colborne, has sold his team of draught horses to MrS Bates for $400. Mr. Bates intends taking them to Manitoba. —Messrs. -James Pickard and George Samwell, of Exeter, have been. 'elected. Directors of the Huron and Middlesex Insurance Company. —Mts. Dew, 'widow of the late Sqmr. Dew, left Exeter on Monday last week for the home of her son, Mr. Simon Downey, in Owattona, 111. Thonaas M. White, of Exetnr, has passedthe first intermediate exam- ination. of the Ontario Law Society at Osgoode Hall, Toronto. —A Bible class has been organized in connection with the Methodist church, Londesboro. Mr. Tames Braithwaite has been appointed leader. —Mr. Jahn Robertson, of Colborne, (near Manchester) has purchased from Mr. John Caldwell, of Exeter, a heavy draught stallion rising three years -old, inn last, his (semi Sott t itse' vehi lati thei nen is n pleg Stal nex arg in 11 Ent den WO. Th j ant wee' niu teee ,of WitS late. ant' a ly Sw. at eel), Mr gen t eta 031 ..an ext tee ;