The Daily Southern Cross.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIII, Issue 3123, 20 July 1867, Page 3

The Daily Southern Cross.

LTTOBO, NON TJRO. If I h*T« bean extinguished, yot there riia A. thomtnd beaooni from tha sp«k I bort.

SATURDAY, JULY 20.

A reference to the summary of disasters by the late flood in New South Wales, which we reprint to-day from the Sydney Empire, of the 1st instant, will be sufficient to show how justifiable were our remarks on this subject, on the 11th. On that occasion we contrasted the advantages of settlement in this province with settlement in New South Wales ; and fairly and impartially, we submit, put the case for and against Auckland. Our reference to the Southern provinces of New Zealand likewise, were dictated by no spirit of hostility to the sister settlements. On the contrary, we are solicitous for their welfare, and rejoice at their progress ; but our first duty is to our own settlement. There is room and verge enough for enterprise to succeed in any province of this fine colony. He would "be b blind mm indeed, who could not see his-

way to betterin ighis position in. New Zealand ; 1 but he would be a sanguine man also, and but little vers- 3d in such matters, if he anticipated to mak< 3 a large fortune here in a few years, 01* to hr we an unbroken run of luck. Still fortunes ma ',y be made ; not, however, the i colossal piles '.which mechanical,commercial,and financial coi aabinations heap up for the few who can control, them in the mother country. It is impossible that it should be so. Labour is not centralised or abundant enough ; population and ' demand are alike limited ; and the capital 'required to conduct any business undertaking, commensurate with present and prospective requirements in the colonies, is so mu.oh less than is requisite for great enterprises in the United Kingdom, that the the p'ar-centage of profits on the undertakings in tKe two countries, can bear no comparison to faaoh other. In the colonies, however, capital is more diffused than it is in the old parent State. There is a more equable division of wealth ; and, consequently, the 4 road to independence is open to all. The avenues leading to the great highway of Fortune are so numerous in the colonies, that it is a man's own fault if he does not manage to get well on the trunk line before his life journey ends. • But for the same reason there are few great fortunes amassed in the colonies. Doubtless these conditions will change 5 but we are satisfied, notwithstanding Dr. Cumming's year of finality, and the " coming tribulations " of the lunatic Baxter, that the world will hold on here and elsewhere without any sensible change in its ways and means, at least in our time, and for a good many years afterwards. There are yet a great many green spots to spring up in the desert ; many wildernesses are to blossom like the rose, and desolate places of the earth to v rejoice, before the end of all things comes ; and judging by the progress made in the new countries which have fallen to the lot of our race to posess and replenish, we should say that colonial enterprise will be a moderately profitable and safe investment for some centuries yet. Bearing all this in mind, we think there are greater inducements to settle in Auckland than in any other province of the colony ; — certainly much greater than in New South Wales. "We hold this opinion because of its geographical position, and its natural advantages. Its soil is in many places rich, but the greater portion is of average quality, whilst a very considerable per-centage is really bad. Still the land will yield abundantly with proper cultivation ; and although it may be that the return will not warrant the outlay on indifferent soil at this stage of settlement, the time will come when the worst land of the province will be profitably occupied. In minerals, Auckland is rich; but as yet no systematic attempt has been made to explore or develop them. The climate is superb. The 1 forests produce valuable timber in abundance ; and there is no end to the water power which might be utilised, to the saving of large sums annually. As we took occasion to observe in our article of the 11th, the natural drainage of this province is unparalleled in the known world. No country possesses such facilities for inland navigation; but trutk oompels us to add, that no country of its age has taken less advantage of what Nature has done for it. It would be an interesting piece of information, to give the total seaboard of the province of Auckland; and in that term we include the frontage on all tidal and navigable rivers, bays, creeks, estuaries, and lakes. We think it would be found that it would present suoh a total as, if properly brought before commercial and progressive nations, with a map and topographical sketch of the adjacent country, would speedily lead to such an influx of population and capital, as would render quite unnecessaiy the peddling policy of inducing " small capitalists " to take up their abode amongst us, for a gift of ten acres of land for every hundred pounds sterling " introduced." But such a proposal as this, although by no means involving an extravagant outlay, will not, we fear, be entertained by our our provincial rulers. Our opinion is, that a thorough geological survey of the province ought to be made, and a geological map published. Dr Hector, the Colonial Geologist, is required to sort specimens at the Wellington Museum, and attend to the Middle Island interests. But the province has, in Captain Hutton, a scientific gentleman eminently qualified for the task. If he were commissioned, in connection with the geological department of the colony, to make such a survey, and required to embody in his report of each district visited,— for we would not wait until the survey had been completed before publishing any of the results, — information regarding the rivers and other water ways, as indicated by us, we believe Auckland would soon feel how greatly its interests had been promoted thereby. The colony could not, on the other hand, fail to be benefited. It is reported that Dr. Hector is to prospect the Wanganui district in quest of coal and other minerals, the expenses of the tour to be borne jointly by the province of Wellington and private subscription. The survey which we recommend need not, however, be an expensive affair. Captain Hutton and an assistant, and one or two attendants, would be all that would be required, and their pay would not I be a serious matter.

One cannot sufficiently admire the noble self-denying action of the City Board in the matter of retrenchment. The report of the proceedings, at their special meeting yesterday, will be found elsewhere ; and must, we think, be read with intense satisfaction by this tax-ridden community. The most frantic efforts at economy have been tried, and a considerable number of poor working men have been "turned about their business," which means, curiously enough, to do nothing at all, and get as little for their labour. The Secretary nearly deserved to have his salary maintained at the old rate, if only for his ingenuity in complying with the instructions of the Board in regard to strict economy, without touching one of the higher-paid officials. All the works in progress were stopped, yet the staff of officers was kept up; all the men but seven were dismissed, the carting was discontinued, the streets were.to be kept in a state bordering on " dangerous ;" and yet, a foreman of works and an inspector were needed. It is true, as Mr. Macready, the leading conservative member, said, the Foreman of Works had to "look after the Building Act;" but then it was slyly remarked by Mr. Finlay, that there were no buildings to inspect. But strange as it may seem, this inspection of nothing appears to be the sum total of his employment, for when there are neither works in progress nor men employed, we are at a |loss to know how on. earth this most efficient- .officer is qtherwise' to fill 1 up ftis

time in the service of the public. To he sure, there is the fire-engine to he looked after, as Mr. Macre ady said; hut then the Secretary writes to the man in charge, dispensing with his services, " as Mr. Anderson *( considered thd! one of the men in the " Board's employ could attend to the same " when necessary." It therefore appears that somebody else is to attend to the fireengine "when necessary," and not Mr. Anderson. Practically, on the showing of the Board, this gentleman has nothing whatever to do; how, then, does it justify^ the payment of his salary, little enough in all truth for such an officer, were he needed? Of course, so long as the Board exists, there must be a Secretary; and we will say, quoting Mr. Keetley, that it is fortunate for " a Board of that description" to have an intelligent Secretary. When the ratepayer's return "a Board of that description" to assess and spend their thousands annually, it is only right that they should pay for some one really competent to conauct its business. "We wonder to whom we are to credit the happy thought regarding the extinction of the kerosine light in Custom-house-street. "Whoever hit upon this flaming item, and had it saved to the public, deserves unqualified thanks* The Lighting Committee, however, loving darkness rather than light, improved upon this thought, and determined to discontinue the lighting of about twenty-six street lamps. The prospect before the citizens, therefore, in the dark winter nights, is exceedingly cheering. The town is to be lighted so as to make the darkness visible; the streets are not to be put into repair, unless they are dangerous; and the Board is to keep up its staff in full swing.

The ploughing and draining match of the New Zealand Agricultural Society was held yesterday, in a field near Otahuhu. The list of awards -will be found in another column, and also a report of the dinner which took place in the evening. By the arrival of the Maori cutter 'Victoria' from Coromandel, we learn that Messrs. Bogan and Lawlor had not returned from the Thames up to Thursday afternoon. A gathering of the natives was appointed to take place at Kauaeranga, and both gentlemen intended to be present on the occasion. Mr. Riner, of Coromandel, who was not able to accompany Messrs. Rogan and Lawlor when they set out, has since followed them in order to investigate the reported discovery of gold. Major-General Chute and staff paid a visit of inspection yesterday to the troop-trantport ship John Scott, prior to that vessel receiving her sailing ordem for Plymouth. The General and staff expressed themselves much pleased with the arrangements made for the oomfort and convenience of the men during the pa»age,'and, on leaving the vessel, received three hearty cheers from the troops on board. The ship sails at daylight this morning. A dinner was given at the Belfast Hotel yesterday to the members of the Volunteer Band, by the noncommissioned officers and men of the Commissariat Staff Corps, on their departure from this colony, when various toasts were given, among which we can mention the "C.S.C.," "The Army and Navy," " Major Tighe," and "The Volunteers of Auckland." The dinner was served in the best style, and did great credit to Mr. Avey. The annual general meeting of the parishioners of St. Matthew's took place last evening at the schoolroom adjoining the church, and was largely attended. The Rev. D. Jones presided, A balance-sheet vras submitted and adopted, and the usual office-bearers were then appointed. A report of the proceedings will be found elsewhere. According to announcement the publio meeting of the unemployed of Onehunga and surrounding districts took place on Thursday evening last, at the Court-house Hotel, when there were present over 100 persons. Mr. Hartnett was voted to the chair, and opened the proceedings by reading the advertisement convening the meeting, and briefly addressing the assemblage, The following gentleman also spoke: —Mr. Gallaugher, Mr. Mason, Mr. Brown, Mr. Ravas, Mr. Foy. It was resolved that a petition should be drawn up and a deputation appointed to present it to the Superintendent. The usual vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings. Our Hokianga correspondent reports the accidental death by drowning of William Pyecroft, cook and steward on board the barque 'Lion,' of Sydney. He fell overboard -when pulling up a bucketful of water. Jt being ebb-tide, with a strong wind seaward, and quite dark at the time, the attempt to save him was ineffectual. He leaves a wife and child in Sydney. His Honor Judge Moore sat in the Supreme Court at noon yesterday, when Mrs. Ann Price, who was committed to prison in February last for contempt of Court, appeared to purge herself of her contempt, and be discharged. Bis Honor granted an order of discharge with protection until the 25th September, when the insolvency proceedings would be gone on with. His Honor afterwards transacted some business in chamberi. Dr. Thomas Moore Philson, ooroner, held an investigation yesterday afternoon, at the Royal Hotel* Onehunga, before a respectable jury, of whom Mr. Thomas Sharps was foreman, on view of the body of Joseph Turner. After viewing the body, and bearing the evidence of witnesses called, the^ jury returned the following verdict: "Found dead in the Whau scrub, on July 17th instant, without marks of violence appearing on his body j but how or by what means he came to his death, no evidence thereof doth appear to the j ury." The brethren of the Court City of Auckland ef the Ancient Order of Foresters, and brethren of other Courts, are requested to assemble to-morrow | (Sunday), at two o'olock, at the Court-room, for the purpose of attending the funeral of the late wife of Brother Alexander. At the Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday, Mr. Beveridge applied for a re-hearing in the case Hall v. Leech, decided on the previous day, alleging that he had a good defence for the action, and had only been instructed on the previous afternoon. The Bench' said an affidavit would require t > be made that there were sufficient grounds for a new trial, setting forth the defence, but in the meantime the application would have the effeot of causing judgment to be suspended. At the request of Mr. Messenger, the people's butcher, Wakefield-street, we direct the attention of those of our readers who may feel disposed to patronise all who offer meat ab che»p_ prices, to his advertisement in to-day's paper, wherein he expresses his intention of killing three hundred sheep this week, to prevent disappointment to purchasers. The prices will commence at 2&d. per lb. A sermon will be delivered to-morrow morning by theRev. David Bruce, at St. Andrew's Church, to the children attending the Sabbath-schools in connection with St. Andrew's Church. A collection will be made after the services in aid of the Sabbath-school library. At the Police Court yesterday, a person named John Bible, who arrived here with his wife and family from Tahiti about a fortnight ago, was ordered to be confined as a lunatic, on the evidence of Drs. Pierce and Nicholson. John Weston was fined 5s. and coats, for a breach of the Muncipal Police Act, by riding his horse on the footpath; and William McMullins was sentenced to six months' imprisonment, on his own confession of stealing a silver watch from the cabin of the schooner 'Mary Anu White,' the property of Frank Gomez. A man named John Buckley was found dead in a stable at Onehunga, yesterday evening. Deceased left the Hibernian Hotel at about a quarter to 10 p.m. on Thursday evening, for the purpose of going to bed. He slept in a room over the stable, and it is supposed that he got as far as the stable and then lay down. He had been drinking very heavily for some time, and was only released from the lock-up the morning before he was found dead. An inquest wi'l be held this day at 2 p.m. The annual general meeting -of the Auckland Gas Company (Limited) is fixed to be held at the Company's office, Nelson-street, on Monday, the 29th instant, at 3 p.m.', for the purpose jtf receiving the annual report, and electing two*airecfcors and auditors. Mr. S. E. O'Dell delivered a lecture oil phrenology in the Howick Wesleyan Church last Wedntiday, to a large and, respectable andiqnee.

arS **£>**• J" 11011 * 1 * • KtaM) * fronTthe Sydney Mornmg tferaW of the *Qth ultimo:— "Mr. Darley moved the«dmwiion to the , Bar of New South Wales of Mr. Hugh HattLusk, who had passed the neces*»ry examinations in this oolony to qualify him for «uca admiadon. The Chief Justice* said that n» had before him a certificate of Mr. Lutk ai2$ *S?*?c i »*^"*°»y .«atfnati6M. He (Sir Alfred Stephen) had jje^irefMntroduotions to Mr. Lutk from two separate quarters, in" both of Whioh that gentleman had been spoken of in highly ■atisfaetory terms. Mr. Luat had, Hzm* stated, *«!P '•■•ding, for along period at New Zealand, in whioh country he had occupied a position more tban respectable. Re was highly 1 spbken. of bVthe late Chief Justice of New ZeaWj'Sir William ? Martin-; by the Bishop of Ntfw Zealand, and by fiibhop' P/etteaon. All that •remained, therefore,,, was tor direct Mr. 1 LuikVattmisiibri; and to express a wish for the learned geiUlemWs' s'ucoms in the praotioe of hie' profession. « Mrt brisk' wm then aclmiited, and ■worn in." Mr. Luik was- lately *' resident ' of Nelsoti for some months,,, during which -time his talents became well known to manjr who had the opportunity of "making his acquaintance. ' Hisfriends «ill be glad to R»rn that he' passed the examination with; very great credit, and it' will ~causa no little, surprise, to those who know that, at the Sydney examination, , no one is Admitted who ' dues not obtain, three • fourths of the whole number Sf marks, to learn that Mr. Lusk prepared hinuelf for this examination, as well as the preliflaiofry one in olatsiot and' mathematics, iu the short, apace of one year. By passing the legal examination ia Sydney,- admittance to the colouiia bar maybe obtkibtd witnout the three years' reading with a barrister required by the New Zealand regulation* ; and we thfiak it worth consideration, whether tbe same course might not be adtantageojisly adopted in this country, «o that those wbx> wish to enter the profession may be allowed to do to on showing that they poiaessthe reiquiSttt knowledge. Mr. Lutkptooeedji to Auckiatid wiih' th* intention of practiiing, and we are quite sure that he will prove' an Acquisition to the Bar of that oitv.—NtUoa Examiner. > ' ' % The Great World Circus placed a highly intt natWg programme before their audienoe at their performance last evening, althroojgh, owing' to the unfavourable evening, tbe attendanne was limited. ' The proprietory announced' that owing to the opposition from * certain quarter the spectacle of "Waterloo" w<>uld not be repeated, and the little melo-dramawo •ketch entitled "Love in all Corners" was substituted. Mr. Cooke thanked the Volunteers ior their attendance, regretting that their free-will had s been so interfered with as to preclude their participation in a little harmleas amusement without giving offence to one in authority over them. If he were not convinced, however, that the piece had ittu long enough, he should hare continued it, at the pressing request of the Volunteers, although at the risk of incurring still greater displeasure on the part of the person alluded to, Mr. Cooke announced that tonight the cirous would be honoured with the attendance of Major-General Sir Trevor Chute, K.C.B., and staff, and a special programme would be prepared for the occasion. ' There is also a mid-day performance for the convenience of families and persons from a distance. A special meeting of the Chalmenton Land Association will be held 99 Monday evening next, at St. James's Presbyterian School-room, when a full Attendance is requested. The Open Air Service Association will hold divine service this afternoon, at 3 o'clock, at the PbrenoIqgiqalHall, Queen-street: The members of the Auckland troop of Royal Cavalrj Volunteers will parade for drill for the future at the Auckland Catholic Institute, Welling* ton-street, on each Monday evening, at half-past 6 o'clock. Me«srs.E.andH.Isaaoewillae 1 l bypublic auction, on Monday next, at 12 o'clock, at their Queen-street ■tores, valuable farms, hotels, and town allotments in the Waikato. Mr. Henry Ridings announces that he will sell today, by public auction, at 11 o'clock, at his mart, aje, tea, apples, furniture, sewing machine, revolver, Messrs. Bright and Co. will sell by public auction to-day, at 11 o'clock, at their mart, maiae, flour, tea, ftle, furniture, &c. j alto, at one o'clock, plantar, Dhrnbs, &o. Mr. George Sibbin has received instructions to sell to-day, at 11 o'clock, at his mart, piano, furniture, kitchen utengils, groceries, Jco. Messrs. Hunter and Co. will sell by auction to* day, «t 11 o'clook, at the Bazaar Yards, horses, Qonedust, ipringcarts, saddlery, gig, harness, Mr. C. Stichbury announces that he will sell to-day, iyfc his stores, at 11 o'clook, potatoes, gro* oeries, furniture, wines, ale, stout, &c. Messrs. Turrell and Tonks will hold their usual sale torday, at 11 o'clock, at their mart, when they Will sell potatoes, onions, groceries, ale, porter, brandy, boots and shoes, furniture, &c. Mr. Alfred Buckland will sell today, at 11 O'clock, at the Haym.arket, horses, drays, harness, &o. Messrs. Jones and Co. advertise that they will ft^l to-day, by public auction^ 'at \\ o'olock, at their mart;, beef, pork, potatoes, oats, sugar, tea, flour, Cheese, furniture, &o. Messrs. C. Arthur and Son advertise that they will hold their us«al sale to-day, at noon, of potatoes, 1 ugar, jam, apples, groceries, furniture, poultry, 4o.