The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, and the Morning News TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 1873.

Auckland Star, Volume IV, Issue 1022, 29 April 1873, Page 2

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

TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 1873.

' For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrongs that need resistauee, i For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

That the recent outrage in the Waikato will have the effect of bringing the native question to a point we are warranted in Believing. We are glad to learn' that the Government hare acted with great promptness, and in j sending Mr Mackay with all expedition ,to negotiate and act on the spot have ; perhaps taken the most effective steps towards bringing the matter to a satisfactory issue. As has been seen by our telegrams the murderer is believed to be a half-witted person, but partially accountable for his^ own actions. If this is sd there is, of course, no likelihood of the act having any political significance. Still the danger to those occupyingthe outposts of advancing civilization is none1 the less from a condition of affairs which permits , men half craved' and half fanatic to roam about with impunity with arms in their hands. If the man is really as described iti. our telegrams, we have not to expect very strong opposition from Tawhiao, who, unless restrained by a sense of dignity, must feel that the suppression pf a maniac,! whether' mania or fanaticism is the, prevalent impulse, is as desirable1 for Maori as for Pakeha. But we cannot avoid thinking that the present might be1 made a very favorable occasion for, impressing on the King leaders the inconvenience and the evils arising from the present relations, and how mutually advantageous it would be if those ' relations were placed on a sounder basis. What an advantage it would be if Tawhiao could be induced to look after his own followers, accepting the responsibility ;for, their safe keep, whether crazed or ! sound. And how economical would ! the policy be if, as a kind of Lieut.----j Governor, sustained in semi-vice regal state* his self-respect were cultivated, his dignity conserved, and himself en:trusted with the administration of law within ar certain territory. It might not be the best solution fdr our present unsatisfactory relations, but we;cannot |say that we.see any better at the present time. It would be humane land conciliatory; it would flatter the national instinct, and would tend to Jdeyelop civilized habits ; and above all, it would do that which no other thing has hitherto succeeded in doing—remove forever the danger of those everredurring collisions which not only check the advance of our bravest pioneers, but|deter hundreds of thou-1

sands from coming to what they regard as the blood-stained shores of New Zealand.

To the Editor: Sir,—ln the Cross of yesterday morning their appears some news from their " Own Correspondent " at Wangarei that calls for more than a passing comment. At Mr John Williamson's meeting that gentleman is reported to have said, '' It had been the practice of late years to rail against Provincial institutions, but he considered that a,great mistake." It may be, but the preceding paragraph, about a meeting of ratepayers, shows how judiciously and economically the affairs of the province should be administered. The authoiities, it is said, received a lamentable letter about bridges carried away in the Wangarei district, and ■without instituting any enquiry offer fifty pounds in each case. No wonder the settlers are afraid the Government may withdraw from their offer, and on turning to the daily Southern Cross, of the seventh of March, we find that a bridge across the Wangarei river, and near the dwellling of Mr. R. Sissons, has been carried away. More oorrectly it was .a bridge across the Waitua river, and as the Government official very properly says, " a small trumpery affair." Our "Own Correspondent in the Cross only attempts to mislead when he calls it a "connecting bridge between the districts. It connects the i^roperty of the Sissons family, and before the Government pays £50 towards replacing it, the chairman of the district ought to be called on to certify the daily average number of vehicles and foot passengers that cross at this place.—l am, &c, A Mabsden Man. ;

The second of Mr J. Browne's popular concerts took place last evening at the Choral Hall. As might be expected the performance suffered from the strong counter-attraction of the Carandinis, and there was consequently only a moderate attendance. The programme containeclsome choice morceanx of musicwhich were very pleasingly rendered. The frequent bursts of applause testified to the gratification of the audience at the treat provided for them. Miss Leaf received a rapturous encore for her song "Beautiful Spring,'' when she sang " Ring bnf sweet Angelus " with excellent effect. The instrumental portion of the concert was good. Mr Browne presided at a full-toned Broadwood piano, which was a great acquisition to the entertainment. A refreshment bar is always provided in the left wing of the hall at these concerts.

The last scone of an old drama in many acts was played out on the night of the 24th inst. in Bartley's buildings, Wellesley street, and the dark curtain of death fell for ever over the tragio close of Jane Criok's life. We know but little of the early years and common incidents of that silent woman's unwritten biography, and did we know them they would but form a repetition of the ofttold story of neglected opportunities, false steps, and moral degradation. Jane Crick's death was but the logical result of a broken life. Her age was thirty, and, instead of being " cut off in the blossom of her sins," had her career been marked by prudence and sobriety she might have found the world beautiful and life worth having. This unhappy woman was one of the thousands who are annually swept into the sea of oblivion by the surging waves of intemperance. Ardent spirits were her delight and ruin ; their excessive use consigned her frail body to tha flames and fanned her dulled spirit to the eternal shore. Tho climax of her fearful fifteen days revel was disclosed, as far as possible, at the inquest at the Provincial Hospital, before Dr Goldsbro', and a jury of twelve. These disclosures are before the public, have been read, and in a few days will be forgotten, and to-night other unfortunate creatures will drain the poison-glass, of sorrow, and appear at the Police Court in the morning folded in the garb of stupidity, and steeped to the eyes instolid indifference, without a thought of the awful conclusion of this poor woman's life. The ancient Jews and Pagans had their altars and sacrifices ; and in this Christian land burnt offerings are continually laid at the glittering shrine of the monster evil. Jane Crick's married life had been unhappy, for peace revolts and home loses its sacred charms amid scenes of immorality and drunkenness ; but Jane Crick has passed from the scene of her self-created misfortunes and consequent miseries. She is beyond the reacli of earthly censure. Her brief memory however may be serviceable as a warning to others. The jury after hearing such partial evidence as could be adduced, returned the verdict "Accidental death through burning." They could not do otherwise. But the result of Jane Crick's inebriety might have been fraught with yet deadlier influences had not an active neighbour been at handand rendered timely assistance, and this instance of bravery should be honestly told. John James Merritt, a poor shoemaker, living also in Bartley's buildings, heard the screams of the two helpless children, who would assuredly have been" sacrificed to the flames had he not rushed ia at the moment and snatched them from the fire-, already blazing around them. They stood trembling and terror-stricken. At this moment, singlehanded and alone, this heroic shoemaker — this unregarded worker in leather—rushed amid the flames and snatched those two young lives from the fire. They had been carelessly left by a careless mother to the care of that wretched inebriate, who lay stretched and insensible upon an old sofa,. Merritt saved those children, and did all he could to save the ebbing life of Jane Crick. He is a poor man, and his deed of noble daring may not be otherwise recognized, but he will have the satisfaction of knowing that he has been of some service to humanity in promptly and energetically rescuing two unoffending childrenjfrom physical destruction, i!j/ /i, ',■ ■ ; . : ... ' i

The Custom-house hotel is advertised to be let.; The premises are well adapted for a large family hotel or private boarding house.

The annual meeting of the Hobson Company A.R. V. will be held at the head-quarters, Wellington street, on Tuesday evening next. „ .

The third of the Carandini concerts was i held last night in the City Hall, and was ; equally successful. The programme was different from that of Saturday and fresh melodies introduced. The hall was crowded to, excess and the utmost good humour prevailed. "From the Valley's and hills we come "was exceedingly well rendered by the company. The descriptive song, " Wrecked | and saved " was given with great effect by Mr Henry Gordon, and Madame Carandini sang the fine old Scottish ballad "Auld Robin Gray " with telling effect. This song, written by Lady Anne Barnard, was ascribed Ito Burns before the real authoress was dis- ■ covered. The song is full of pathos and ;natural beauty, but the picture of parents endeavouring to tie their daughter to an old iman for his money is not a noble lesson to inculcate. The song nevertheless is true in hundreds of instances, and Lady Anne only uttered a truism in its details. "Only for thee," was gracefully given by Miss Rosina, aud lion. Mrs Norton's Beautiful song "The murmur of the shell," was touchingly rendered by Miss Fannie. Many of the ballads were encored, and the duett's in which Mr ; Sherwin took part were well received The lively chorus of the "Laughing Gipsies," , brought this admirable concert to a satisfactory close, ■ - • I

■ ,•: '■•'■'! It has been suggested that as great; difficulty is experienced in procuring the services of some one to administer the ■ cat" to the pi'isoner Stinson, application should be made to. the captain of H.M.S. Rosario for one of the "experienced hands " generally foand on board men-of-war. We have no doubt Capt. Challis would gladly "assist the authorities in giving effect to a well-merited punishment, and that the request alluded to would be granted if there is on board his ship any one willing and able to perform the duty satisfactorily. We commend the suggestion to, the consideration of Capiain Eyre. Another idea which has a good deal in : its favour, is to give the first offer of the position to the father of the unfortunate girl; We do not know whether Mr Me Arthur would care about availing him,self of the privilege, but it would undoubtedly afford satisfaction to the injured feelings of many a father, and would add zest to the punishment, if they were permitted to carry out the sentence of the Court upon the person who had wronged them. ' '■ •

The unfortunate employers of domestic ser vants are victimised in endless ways. When materfamiliaa determines to employ a servant she voluntarily resigns herself to the payment of 'a large sum of money in the form of salary and perquisites, besides meekly submitting to sundry high-handed proceedings, the right to perpetrate which many colonial servants claim. But the majority of mothers do not suppose that in addition to all this their children's morals will be .placed in jeopardy by visits to places certainly not proper for children ; they do not suppose, for instance, that their offspring will be compelled to take part in the tippling which their temporary guardians indulge in; yet such is not unfreqiiently the case. A gentleman came into our office yesterday afternoon burning with indignation. We enquired the cause of his excitement, and learned that he had just seen three nurse-maids, each with two children, "drinking old torn at the bar of a public house not very far from Queen-street. The eldest of these women was apparently about thirty-five years of age. Her two companions were quite young girls. The woman ordered the gin, but one of the girls paid for it. Some of the liquor would have been given to one of the children by the youngest of the nurse girls, but the elderly female knew better, and sagaciously told her companion to desist, as her mistress would probably smell it. " Give them," she said, " Some water, there's no getting over that." This statement.of fact the gentleman begged of us to publish as a caution to fathers. It is needless to say that such a caution requires no reasoning to give it force, but the practice is one which is unfortunately too common t6 excite any great surprise, and of course if parents neglect to make proper inquiry into the resorts to which their children are taken when out with servants they must bear the consequences, as there is no by-law to compel them to discharge the duty. i A I • '

We have been requested to contradict the statement, which appeared in the Herald, that the unfortunate girl, Cecilia Gates, was engaged to the brother of the captain of the ship Durham. The captain's brother called upon us to-day and states that ;he does not know the girl, and cannot say whether she was engaged to anyone or not. She ceitainly was not engaged to him. . ;

The llev. Richard Barham, author of the "Ingoldsby Legends,"when a youth was, like hia companion, Theodore Hook, fond of what is termeda" lark," and yethewas considered a fit subject for a Church of England pulpit. Tn his memoirs we learn that he once entered the Quakers' meeting-house in Bishopgate street with a penny fruit pie in his pocket, and seeing the friends all silent, he exclaimed, " He that speaka iirst shall have.this pie !" An old quaker immediately said " Turn that boy out." Barham shouted, presenting the pie to the speaker, "The pie is yours, sir." The next moment he found himself sprawling on ,the pavement; and his pie in the gutter.

The presiding magistrate at the Police Court yesterday was P. A. Philips, Esq., Mayor, and not Thomas Beckham, Esq., R.M., who was at the time engaged at the District Court.

A few of the shareholders of the Ne Plus Ultra Goldminiag Company met yestef day in Mr Wallace's office, Insurance buildings, and resolved that the company should be woundup. Captain Thompson acted aa chairman.

A general meeting of the members of the Auckland Rifle Brigade was held last evening in the Princes-street Drill-shed, Major Gordon in the chair. The Chairman having made a few preliminary remarks on the object of the meeting, called on Lieutenant Matthews to read the minutes of the previous gathering, which were confirmed. The balance-sheet was a good one, and showed a sum of £55 Os 7d to the credit of the Brigade. Major Gordon then addressed the members at some length, and recommended the amalgamation of the four companies into1 two. He considered that such an union Would lie to their advantage. He hoped that the battalion would be the best in the province. Mr Soall proposed, "That this meeting do adjourn until this night fortnight." Mr J. Lepine seconded this proposition, and remarked upon the physical advantages .of attending regularly at drill, of the dignity of their position as men of arms, and of the sense of security ♦ which the presence of volunteers inspired among citizens. He beljeved that ten volunteers ;were equal to a Hundred pressed men. Mr Thome moved, and Mr Robertshaw; seconded, "That the Rifle Brigade as now existing be dissolved, and that two' independent companies be formed." ■ ■After some other business had been performed, Major, Gordon urged upon the members the necessity, of attending regularly to their drill duties,' and that Thursday evenings be the' futiire eyening of meeting. He also announced that,the monthly inspection of the whole force will place on the Queen's birthday. ■"•

Our Southern telegrams furnish particulars of an unfortunate accident to Mr Hugh Carleton, who is at present in Wellington, attending the^ session of. the University Coilricil. The friends of that gentleman will be glad to learn that' he is recovering, although slowly. "

The weekly parade of the battalion of the Auckland Eifle Brigade will be resumed on Thursday evening next-, and continue each week at half-past seven- o'clock.

: News from the Bay of Islands reports that !the recent' rains have caused destructive ;floods there. Many houses were washed jaway, the inmates in several instances jbarely escaping alive. At Kawakawa the {greatest amount of damage was done. .The house of Mr McCabe. containing Mr v and jMrafMcCafce arid two children, -was" drifted 'down the stream, a disrt^nce^ofi three miles, when the occupants were rescued. They 'had broken, a^holer through the roof of the house and got through it on the outside where ,tjhey v clung- tmijil saved,,' ,f rom; their ; perilous position.,-1 Aboijti fifty.families have, been rendered homeless by the flood. Fortunatelyno liveswere lost. ••■'■' '■ '•■■ There is now being manufactured by Messrs Gallagher &.^aul,, gas-fitters, Wyndhamstreet, a large sunlight for St Mary's Church, Parnell. The feunlight is designed on'a new principle, and is expected when fitted up to assist in giving a powerful light with a limited quantity. of gas,

Ai the meeting of the City Council yesterday, the further consideration of the Water Supply Committee's report was adjourned for three weeks. Councillor Dargaville gave notice of motion for next meeting,—" That his Worship the Mayor'be elected to the Harbour Board." Councillor Jones moved, —"That a premium of ten guineas be paid for the best plan of laying out the City park, and an advertisement tp that effect published forthwith." The motion was agreed to. Councillor Jones withdrew hisjioticeof motion,—"That a premium of ten guineas be given to any society or private person who will introduce the English swallow;" but he remarked that if a few thousand swallows were introduced they would " swallow " up the mosquitos.

The proposed annual inspection of the Auckland Troop B.C.V. did not comewpff yesterday in the Domain as-the memberfWid not make an appearance.

Defaulting shareholders in the Crown Prince Goldmining Company are warned that their shares will be advertised _ for forfeiturte unless the calls in arrear are paid on or before the sth proximo. ....-.,!

The annual meeting of , the , .Devonport Literary Society will be held in the Church of England Sunday school-room, North Shore, this evening. "

In the District Court, yesterday, a case of the Coromandel Beach G.M.Co: v. George Bennett was heard. The'action was brought to recover £100, alleged to be due for calls. Several technical objections were submitted by Mr James Russell, counsel for the defendant, and the Court was called on to decide to what extent a call made under the Mining Act of 18G5 was affected by the provisions of the Act of 1872, now in force. Judgment was reserved. •. . :.

The ladies of Nashville, Tennessee, set our religious ladies an example which they might well follow. The Union has the following :— " The lady members of the First Baptist Church in this city have agreed that they will dispense with all finery on., Sundaywearing no jewels b\rt consistency, and hereafter appear at church in plain calico dresses." Such a movement,may excite ridicule ; but no reform was ever effected without its supporters first being laughed at. They laugh t however, who win; and the reformers generally win in the long run."

A venerable M.P. and othera went to see the Beechworth Lunatic Asylum, and this is what^happened:—Scarcely had they entered, when one of the patients, a gaunt female of uncertain age, made a sudden rush' at the venerable M.P., exclaiming, "^Ha ! who do I see; my long lost husband;" and proceeded to overwhelm him with the most demonstrative tokens of affection. Completely dismayed,; the M.P., who is not usually easily abashed, was powerless in the hands of the unfortunate creature, and there seemed to be a possibility of hia being reduced to the condition of poor old Uncle Ned, bo far as the covering for his head was concerned, had not the medical officers and attendants come to his rescue.

The annual inspection pf -the Victoria Company A.Pi.V. will, take, place at the Drill-shed this evening, ajj half-past seven o'clock'. All members are warned to attend.

One never knows when the Americans are joking, but really the invention;of,the "horticultural cat" is one . weE worth noticing. The, birda in America, appear to. be wideawake, having probably taken a lesson of Brother Jonathan. Scarecrows .and- stuffed men, old uniforms and weird dummies, -ignorant rustics with clappers! bumpkins, with blunderbusses, fail alike to protect the. crops and the strawberries from the ravages of the birds* so an American has hit upon, the happy expedient of the "horticultural cat." And this is the expedient. A thin wire ip stretched across the field, along which ■& loose string easily passes. To this string is attached a live oat, who runs backwards and forwards, tearing at the wire, and frightening most effectually the small and large birds. The cat is provided with a sentry box fti case of wet weather. If the cat gets lazy and wearies at her work a couple of small tins are fastened to its tail. This is an invention with a vengeance. , ."..'■ ; ,: