The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News and the Morning News. SACERDOTAL INTOLERANCE.

Auckland Star, Volume III, Issue 840, 12 November 1872, Page 2

The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News and the Morning News.

SACERDOTAL INTOLERANCE.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrongs that need resistance, For the future in-the distance, And the good that we can do. - ,-. ..-.- -. -..-..- -.--.- -.-.— -+&>■■ TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1872.

"We had greatly preferred that the subject of the following letter had been kept out of the public journals. But, as the letter has been sent to us, we do not hesitate to give it insertion :—

" He proved all creeds false but his own, and found, At last, his own most false—most false, because He spent his time to prove all others so. A love-destroying, cursed Bigotry 1" —Pollok. "To the Editor of the Evening Star.— Sir, —It is. currently reported in town and the surrounding neighbourhood that Bishop Croke would not allow the mortal remains of Captain John George Freer to be buried within the precincts of the Roman Catholic burying ground because he refused to renounce his connection with the fraternity, of Freemasons. There was, indeed, a time —as history truly testifies— when the phrase " the censure of the church " implied a menace which it would not be safe to treat with indifference. But now, since the fangs of that intermeddling and intolerant old lady, " the church," have been totally extracted; since she cannot any longer propagate her dogmas by the sword, or suppress heresy by fire and faggot; and as the coercive implements of the civil power have dropped for ever out of her palsied hand, the mere mention of ' the censures of the church' sounds so ludicrous to the general intelligence of the present age as to be, of itself, sufficient, without any other concomitant fulminating farce, to provoke a storm of derisive laughter in any part of the habitable globe—excepting, perhaps, priestridden and unhappy Ireland. Freemasonry is, primarily, a charitable institution, which, though it contains a religious element, interferes with no man's creed or credenda. Ita signs, secrets, and symbols are not intended for exposure. It is, however, truly lamentable that the priesthood of Auckland should be driven, by their merciless bigotry, so far out of the path of common humanity as to refuse a few feet of ground, and a few sods and swards of cold earth wherein to lay and wherewith to cover all that was mortal of' a respectable citizen of their own persuasion, merely because lie held, while living, a few secrets which he justly thought did not concern them, and into which he, very properly, would not allow them to pry. —I am, &c, Sergius." ,

"Auckland, 11th November, 1872." Having given insertion to the foregoing we have equally little hesitation in. expressing our opinion on the subject. We do not enter on the moot question as to whether the late Mr Freer died in the Roman Catholic faith or died a Mason. We leave that to be settled between Mr Beveridge and Rev. Mr Norris. We comesimply to the question raised in the above letter in the opening words, "It is currently reported in town and the surrounding neighbourhood that Bishop Croke would not allow the remains of Captain George Freer to be buried within the precincts of the Roman Catholic burying ground because he refused to renounce his connection with the fraternity of Freemasons." As to the truth or falsity of the report in question we have not any knowledge whatever. _Nor is this of any importance to our purpose. The question has on a former occasion been agitated when a similar report was correct, and when admission to the Roman Catholic burying ground was refused to the remains of a gentleman who having been connected with that church had died a Freemason ; so that we may assume for the sake of argument that the rumour given by our correspondent is true, and we do' not. hesitate to say that in such case the denunciation .of " Sergius" against Bishop Croke recoils on his own head, and he exhibits in the most glaring light that unreasonable bigotry to which he refers in his opening stanza. Of course for saying this we shall be regarded by " Sergius " as a limb of Satan; and we do not deprecate his wrath, as from the tone of his letter we conceive him. to be guided simply by blind hatred, and to be wholly unamenable to that forbearing spirit which colonial life, to use no higher term, prompts.us to feel towards the cherished convictions of our fellow-men. But we very respectfully appeal to the reasonable spirit of those who are amenable to reason, and especially to the brethren of the craft, whose generous, noble principles are as wide as . the poles asunder from anything intolerant. We know the principles of Masonry to be of the most elevating and ennobling kind. How we know that, signifies not; whether from listening

at the keyhole, or through the eigency of an invisible cap. And we can assert that there ia not in all the precepts of. Masonry any one that does not tend to make men better and more religious, so that a good Mason must be a good man. But while we admit this, we also know that the Eoman Catholic Church has condemned Masonry. We are saying nothing of past history, nothing of fallibility or infallibility ; but however it may have been in the past, at the present hour the ban of the church is on Freemasonry, and all Eoman Catholics know this. We do not say whether this is right, or whether this is wrong, we only say that it is ; and that all Roman Catholics know it. It is probable that the main reason is the Confessional. This we know to be fundamental and essential among the Sacraments in the Roman Catholic Church. We , are not saying whether it should be, or should not be, but it is. Doubtless " Sergius " believes the Confessional to be very bad, but we are not discussing that question ; we only assume, and he will not gainsay that it is an essential element in the Catholic faith, that according to that faith all good Catholioe should go to confession, that a man cannot be a true Roman Catholic without sooner or later revealing the secrets of his heart in the Confessional, and that if he renounces that essential element in the -.Sacrament of penance he ipso facto renounces the faith of that Church. Supposing then that a man solemnly swears that he shall not reveal certain secrets —be they important or unimportant, good or bad, he swears he never shall reveal them. Does he not in so doing renounce the Confessional ? Reason says yes. "Sergius" may say no. But at least he will admit that the expounders of the Roman Catholic faith have said yes, which is all that is necessary for our argument. The Rule of the Church is known on the subject; a man of the Roman Catholic faith taking the vows of the Craft, according to that rule deliberately walks outside the pale of the Church ; and surely no one will say that he has any right to the privileges of that Church. He knew what he was doing; he deliberately made his choice. We are not called on to discuss the rights or wrongs of the Rule. All societies have their Articles of Association. No man is compelled to sign these, or to be a member at all ; but having once signed them he is bound by them, and if he transgresses he loses his privileges, and there is no injustice done. There is nothing to compel a Roman Catholic to remain a Roman Catholic ; but, having once renounced the authority of that Church, by solemnly swearing that he will not conform to its most fundamental sacrament, neither he nor his sympathisers have the merest excuse for complaining if that Church refuses to in like manner renounce its essential principles and binding rules, and resolves to treat him according to his de-. liberate choice. We are quite aware that all this reasoning will be lost on "Sergius" and those who take the same narrow and one-sided view of things, and for their unreasoning wrath we care not a pin point. But we are confident that it will be admitted by all reasoning and intelligent Masons, and however unpleasant the truth, that it will be accepted as truth. A true Roman Catholic cannot be a Freemason, and in becoming such lie becomes a Protestant in some form. As to whether he is right or wrong in doing so is wholly beside the question ; nor would the columns of a public journal be the place for such discussion. But we hold that it is our province as it is our duty to seek to allay that irritation which we know to be felt in this city respecting the relations of the Freemasons and the Roman Catholic Church. We believe temperate discussion will do this, and it will afford us the utmost pleasure if any intelligent brother of the Craft will seek to controvert the statement of the case above given, and if he show us by reason that we are wrong we shall candidly admit the error, and express contrition. There is no use in bullying on such a subject, neither in writingin thebigotted strain of " Sergius," nor in discussing the question whether the Eoman Catholic Church has or has not the inherent right to place a ban on Masonry. But on the simple and only question whether on a Roman Catholic becoming a Mason he has any reasonable ground of complaint on being refused the sacraments, the burial in consecrated ground, or the other privileges of that Church, we very respectfully challenge any one in Auckland to the discussion. He needs not to reveal his name—his anonymity will be sacred—and the only condition imposed will be that there shall be no' attributing of unworthy motives, no sneering or irritating language respecting cherished convictions, whether of the Craft or of theßoman Catholics. As for Masonry, it needs not our eulogium. Of all human institutions there is none with principles purer or more sublime, not the least attractive of which is that kind forbearance and generous concession which it inculcates in relation to the convictions of those who may not see things in the same light in which they may be viewed by the brethren.-

As will be seen from another column his Honor the Superintendent announces that he will meet with his constituents on Friday evening at the Mechanics' Institute. This is as it should be, and we have no doubt that his Honor leading the way our representatives one after another will give their account of their personal share in the transactions of a very queer session of parliament.

We understand the directors of the Crown Prince G.M. Co. are taking advantage of the present fine and dry weather to prosecute their works. Independently of the workings in the Beach claim, they are now sinking a shaft Bft. 6in. x 4ft. 6in., and have come upon solid rock at 14ft. below surface, from face of which good prospects have been taken. The shaft is let by contract, and from the position, and information from good authorities, the directors are in hopes that they will fall on something good, and eventually connect with Bright Smile reef. In order to push on the works with vigor the directors have made another call of sixpence per share, and we hear that Monday next is the last day upon which overdue calls will be received, and on that day those shares upon which the sixth call remains unpaid will be declared forfeited without any reserve. This is manifestly, a correct procedure as defaulters in payment of calls oftentimes necessitate directors to make calls that might be postponed if they came up to time, thereby pressing upon those who take an interest in the claim.

To-morrow evening a lecture will be delivered by Mr F. G. Ewington at the Baptist Chapel on "The Baptist Church, its antiquity, origin, persecution, &c."

The polling in the election of a representative in the Provincial Council for the Northern Division has been proceeding today. The polling places being so scattered, and some of them so distant, the full returns will not be known for a day or two. A large number of voters have gone over from the city to Devonport polling booth, where there has been considerable animation. The General feeling is that Mr Buchanan will aye a considerable majority over his opponent Major Stoney.

Messrs Cochrane and Son sold to-dayj| a number of shares in the Tookey Quartz Mining Company, which reached £2 7 s each net.

The members of thefc'olonists' Protection | League have printed for gratuitous circula- ( tion a large number of copies of the recently imported j>amphlet, written by an old colonist, entitled '' A Bone to Pick with Freetraders." This little brochure is in the form of a dialogue, and affords a powerful and popular argument in favour of the principles of the League.

The eight cases of Auckland-made jewellery exhibited by F. H. Lewisfson will be on view in his window for one week. —Advt.

The City Council have published the text of a by-law prohibiting the placing of obstructions upon or under any verandah within the precincts of this city, under a penalty of any sum not exceeding five pounds. We trust the first prosecution under this by-law will be directed •against the pump in Queen-street, nearly opposite the Prince of Wales Theatre, the handle of which remains in such a position that it is dangerous to the frontispiece of any, individual crossing the road in its vicinity, and who is unfortunate enough to stand over five feet eight in his stockings. We call Sergeant Walker's attention to this refractory pump handle.

A mishap' has befallen the antiquated pump on the Svharf, and citizens are informed that in consequence thereof the watering of the streets cannot be proceeded with for a day or two. It is time this ancient specimen of pumpology ■was done away with altogether, and a more useful and modern structure fixed in its place. The saving in labour will recoup the outlay in less than a season.

The members of the Auckland Choral Society will meet for practice this evening at half-past seven, in the Choral Hall.

Mr John Morrison is prepared to lay down asphalt pavement equal to flagging at half the cost.

Tenders will be received by Mr Clayton, colonial architect, up to noon on the 14th inst., for timber of certain' lengths and measurements, as stated in advertisement, to be delivered on board a vessel at Auckland within one month from the acceptance of the tender.

A very excellent performance was given at the Prince of Wales Theatre last night, and was very well attended. The performance and the pieces selected gave very general satisfaction.

A sad accident occurred on the 6th inst. to a man named Hafling, a labourer in the flax-mills of Messrs Arrowsmith and Rogers, of Waiuku, by which it is feared he will lose his arm. The man was engaged at the scutcher when his attention was attracted to a noise behind him ; in a moment his hand and arm were drawn into the machine, and frightfully mutilated. His wounds,were immediately dressed by Dr Topp, who recommended his removal to the Auckland Hospital.

The Elysium Gardens, Tai-aru, yesterday presented a lively aspect, owing probably to the large influx of visitors by the steamer from Auckland. There were upwards of 3000 persons in the gardens in the day to witness the sports and many natural attractions provided by Messrs Wells and Purdie, the lessees. The situation of the gardens is remarkably pleasant and convenient to persons from a distance, being at Tararu Point, fronting the Thames and backed by the golden hills. The gardens are laid out in walks, grass plots, and flowerbeds, with considerable skill, and promise to become the favorite resort of the lucky Thames people.

A meeting of the brotherhood of Lodge St. Andrew is announced for this evening, at the Star hotel, at half-past seven.

The Loyal Fountain of Friendship Lodge will hold a meeting this evening in the lodgeroom, Cook-street, at eight p.m.

The annual soiree in connection with the Wealeyan Sunday-school, High-street, will be held to-morrow (Wednesday) evening. The Key James Buller, of the Thames, will take the chair, and addresses will be given by the Rev John Crump* on '' Home Influence ; T> by the Rev J. J. Lewis,.on the " Church and the Children ;" by the Rev R. S. Bunn, on " Formation of Character ;" and by the Rev W. J. Williams, on the "Teachsr and his Work." Appropriate selections of music will add to the interest of the evening.

Models and specifications of the vessel fo r pilot service for the offered premiums of twelve and five guineas will be 'received at the office of the Harbour Board up to the 23rd instant.

The splendid collection of paintings and pictures, now exhibiting in the City Hall, will be sold by auction to-morrow morning by Me3srs Cochrane and Son.

The annual public meeting to further the cause of Wesleyan Missions will be held this evening in the Pitt-street Church.

The cost of the building of the new Wesleyan Church at Wanganui will be £1,350. The architect is Mr Tringham.

Among all the variety of scene and incident in connection with th« general holiday it is very remarkable that but one accident occurred as far as we are aware, and that occurred to a lad of tender years, a son of Mr Burton, of Kyber Pass Road. It appears that the lad was sitting with a companion on a knoll in the Domain, when a Volunteer put his rifle to his shoulder in a careless manner, the muzzle being near to the lad. The rifle at once exploded and blew off the end of the boy's right hand middle finger, and the charge lodged in one of his thighs. The lad was taken to Dr Philson, who found it necessary to amputate the wounded finger. The lad, we are glad to aay, is doing as well as can be expected.

Asher's buildings, Victoria - street, are likely to becofne the St. Giles' of Auckland, and were described before his Worship the Mayor as the hot bed of vice, wretchedness and moral degradation. No less than nine miserably clad individuals were brought into Court yesterday, charged with riots and drunkenness, and were duly sentenced for various periods to "durance vile," but not to a" condition more vile than those filthy dens from whence these besotted wretches came. Whilst taking a side glance at Asher's buildings this morning, and looking for a moment upon the livid features of human forms squatted in Maori fashion by the doors of those dark habitations, we were tempted in the words of the great poet to exclaim— Can such things be, And overcome us like a summer cloud,

Without our special wonder ? . The place is somewhat purer since yesterday, through the sweeping influences of the Mayor and the good, offices of the police; but the canker worm of vice remains, and will spread and widen with wonderful force and rapidity until the very heart of the neighbourhood becomes contaminated with. its pestilential odßurs. We have a number of missionaries, preachers, and sisters of mercy Tamongst us ; also, other professir.g philanthropists in a small way ; temperance advocates and others who hold forth and sound their cymbals of charity in snug little Bethals holding up their peculiar views, and pointing out the nearest cut to the heaven of their fancy. L^t these and others make f a pilgrimage of mercy to Asher's buildings, and do something that those dry bones may live, and that plague-spot be erased for ever from the chart of colonial civilization,

The annual Sunday School soiree will take place this evening in the Albert-street Con. gregational Church. To gentlemen requiring first-class tobacco and cigars, if they would only visit Mrs Sharpe's neat little American Tobacco and Cigar Divan (next Bank New Zealand) they may purchase the same cheaper than in any other house in the city. No inferior goods, kept in stock ; would not purchase such for the public at any price. One trial is sumcient to guarantee a continuance of custom. Give a call.—Advt. The WaiJcato Times thus characterises a Government " waiter ": — " The class^ of waiters, as a rule, are not gifted with a superabundance of brains, but nature has compensated this deficiency by endowing them with very long tongues and very easy consciences, or more properly speaking none at all These men are, spread through the population, and' by dint of their long tongues, ungoverned by conscience, exercise a greater influence over public opinion than is generally believed ; there is no assertion that they will not make to damage the character of a Ministry whose only sin is inability to appreciate a head without brains and take it into the service of the colony." Complaints have been made of the conduct of the city dustmen towards residents in Queen street. They' appear to choose what rubbish they shall take away or leave standing on the pavement. If appealed to they excuse themselves that the quantity is too large or too small* or some such excuse. Citizens complain that in addition to Saying rates they become liable by the conuct of the dustmen to being "summoned by the police for causing obstructions. '~.