The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, and the Morning News FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1873.

Auckland Star, Volume IV, Issue 1153, 3 October 1873, Page 2

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

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1873.

For the canso that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance For the future in the distance,

Arid the good that we can do

His Excellency the Governor prorogued tho General Assembly to-day at noon. His speech, which is given at length in our telegram columns, contains tho usual references to the business of tho session. A slight allusion is made to tho rejection of the Provincial Loan Bills, but otherwise there is no mention of the war between tho two branches of the Legislature. His members, relieved from their duties, will doubtless gladly bid adieu to the storms of Wellington for another season.

The Education P>ill, as will be seen by our Parliamentary telegrams, has, after a troubled career, been like its predecessors discharged, an amendment made in the Legislative Council being disagreed from by the Lower House. Its obliteration will not bo regarded with any very deep feelings of regret, as it was quite harmless either for good or evil, being merely permissive in character, empowering the provinces to do what they are already in a position to carry out if they desire. The resolution discharging the Bill was moved by Mr Vogel, the author of tho measure, thus terminating in a becoming manner what waS never introduced with any sincere desire to satisfy the demands of tho colony by establishing a sound educational system. Session after session this question, second in importance to none affecting the future of the colony, although not altogether ignored, is effectually burked by the Government, and Provincial Councils must continue to tinker at it with the limited means at their disposal.

With reference to our remarks last evening apon Dr Lang's charges against the early missionaries, we are glad to learn that if Mr Fairburn does not come forward and publicly cope with Dr Lang, Mr White is prepared to do so, at the Young Men's Christian Association Rooms, on Tuesday evening next or any night that Dr. Lang may appoint. This is a duty which these gentlemen owe to the colony. Very damaging statements have been made regarding the treatment received by. the natives from the pioneers of colonization in these islands. The assertions have been widely circulated over the world and have become matter of history. If- they are untrue, they should be contradicted now while those are living who can, from a personal knowledge of facts, refute the slander. A few years more and the generation associated with those early transactions will have passed away, while the record of charges unmet remains. We again assert that the stain of dishonour must remain on the names of our early colonists unless these aspersions are either withdrawn by Dr Lang in as public a manner as they were made, or are refuted by the stern logic of facts. It is, therefore, especially gratifying to be able to make the announcement above recorded, and we hope Dr Lang will intimate at once through our columns his pleasure with regard to this challenge.

Our contemporary the Cross is airing its knowledge of nautical matters to tho infinite amusement of the public. Fortified with tho discovery that the ships Erebus and Terror employed in the ill-fated Arctic expedition wore lost in the year 1848, the writer of a sub-leader in that journal to-day becomes dogmatic, and with infinite assurance repeats his assertion that Britain possessed no ironclad prior to 1861. Our contemporary has fallen a victim to that "little knowledge" which is such a very dangerous thing. It does not seem to have come within the writer's powers of conception that the Erebus and Terror of 1855 were entirely different vessels from those of the Franklin expedition lost; seven years previously, but he puts forth a statement, taken from some convenient encyclopaedia, of the latitude and longitude in which the original Erebus and Terror' were lost, as a complete annihilation of our correspondent's assertion that two ironplated vessels called the Erebus and Terror were in existence in 1855, The logic of the conclusion is too superbly absurd to require comment. Our correspondent "Nautical" fur-

rushes the Cross Avith a few facta which : it should feci duly grateful for, and we . beseech the writer of to-day's article, for his own sake, to let nautical matters alone for the future,' and parade his ignorance no more. We append a letter on the subject :-— "Sir, —Replying to the article appearing in to-day's Cross 1 beg to observe that I was only quoting from memory, so I won't he positive about the British ironclads having •entered the Black Sea in 1855. I believe they started for those waters, but came back on the cessation of hostilities. However, on this point I shall obtain further information. Allow me to thank the writer of the article in queston for the information concerning the Erebus and Terror ; I have a faint recollection of reading the circumstances as del ailed lefore. But' the Erebus, and Terror to which I referred were named after the arctio ships, and I am sure he ought to be much obliged if I supply him with a little information to fill up a gap in the history he has been reading of the origin and progress of ironclads—viz., the first British ironclads were the Glatton, Erebus, Terror, and ..Etna (I could not think of the last name bo.fore). They were plated with 4-inch iron, carried 1G suns, with engines of 200 horse-power. I was on the deck of the Glatton in 1857. The above "facts" will shew that the writer of the Cross article is the " wofully ignorant" person on the subject on which he had the temerity to instruct the public. Perhaps he will still stick to it "that Britain had no ironclad in the Crimean war," nor any where else," until the Warrior was launched in ISO], All tho above names are still retained on the Navy list, with the exception of Glatton, which has been altered, I believe, to "Thunderbolt." I would recommend the writer to try another book, and not be so positive and impertinent. Could ho not think of some other stockphraselthan that of "brains" (perhapshe has none). But there, it is much like a great lot of other bunkum 1 read in that paper. Nautical.

In the absence of the permanent chairman of the Colonists' Protection League Mr Albin Martin, who is indisposed, the members considered it better to postpone the meeting until Friday, the 17th inst., which was accordingly done.

The usual fortnightly Band of Hope meeting at Edwards-street school-room last evening was not of a lively character. The weather, no doubt, had a melancholy effect upon the thin audience. A fow pieces were introduced to a few hearers, who sat shivering on the stools. Even the children, usually so full of life, seemed to partake of the disspiriting sadness that prevailed. The several speakers also lacked their natural energy, and one broke down ; but the weather —it was all owing to tho weather !

The monthly inspection of the Auckland Bide Brigade and _No. 1 Royal Company came off at the Drill-shed last night, Major Gordon being tin; inspecting ollicer. There was a much better muster than usual, although the night was by no means favorable. The inspection passed off very well, the Brigade going through the various manoeuvres very accurately, while the Koyal shewed by their steadiness and soldier-like bearing they had paid great attention to the drill instructor. At the finish of the inspection his Worship the Mayor came forward, and the men being formed up in a hollow square, presented to Corporal Partington the cup won by that gentleman at the recent competition. \n doing so his Worship said he hoped that future mayors would follow his example, and present a cup to be shot for annually. He congratulated the winner on his sucees... His Worship also romarki'd upon the difficulties the men had to contend against in going to the Drill-shed. The band then played a few bars of "See the Conquering Hero Comes," and Volunteer Partington retired with his trophy. Major Gordon then returned thanks to the Mayor on behalf of the Volunteers generally for his liberality in presenting such a prize. Referring to other matters, he was glad that the state of 'horoads to the Drill-shed had been experienced by his Worship. The Improvement Commissioners had cut oil'the gas without giving any notice, and it was said they intended to pull down the shed and leave them without one to drill in.; He would remind His Worship however that the Drill-shed being vested in the Governor in trust for the Volunteers the power of the Commissioners to do this without consent of the Volunteers was questionable. In conclusion, Major Gordon called His Worship's attention to the practically valueless nature of the land scrip which had been given to the Volunteers by the Provincial Government. Tho Mayor said in reply that the Commissioners intended to build another drill-shed before the present one was pulled down. He would endeavour to assist tho Volunteers both in this matter and in the real grievance which they had in the land scrip. His Worship the Mayor then withdrew amid cheers. Major Gordon then, addressing Corpl. Partington, said he intended to supplement the Mayor's prize by another from himself, and he now begged to present him with a small Maltese gold cross, in honor of his victory. Corpl. Partington thanked Major Gordon, and the men immediately afterward reformed Company, and were dismissed.

A rumour, has been current for a day or two in town that gold had been found south of Okarito, and we are now glad to be able to confirm it. A prospecting claim was applied for recently by Messrs Marks and Munro, and granted by Mr Tizard, the warden at Okarita. Tho prospectors obtained some iifty ounces of coarse gold from a creek on the north bank of the Haast river, which is the locality where the prospecting claim is situated. The s.s. Waipara has, we are informed by Capt. Turnbull, been chartered by Mr Tizard to proceed from Okarito to the Haast, but for what purpose we are unable to learn. The general opinion of persons qualified to judge is that an extensive and payable field will be shortly opened. We hear further that the prospectors have applied for tho Government reward of £5000. — We.illand Jtei/isler.

It may be well at this showery season to remind our readers that Mr Williams, umbrella maker, who was burnt out of Welles-ley-strect, has re-commenced business in Wyndham-street, nearly opposite the office of the J'jvening Slav.

Some of our readers may be interested in knowing that the heroine of the popular son" " Annie Laurie" was born December 16, 1082, and died October 3, 1730. This pathetic ballad, still known in every land where the English language is spoken, was written by William Douglas, of Fingland, in Kirkcudbright, Scotland, on Annie Laurie, daughter of Sir Puobert Laurie, of Maxweltom Douglas wooed, but did not win, tho fair girl whose beauty and virtue he immortalises. Poetic justice would have required that Annie should have rewarded the singer with her hand and heart, but these the tickle lassie gave to a richer suitor named Alexander Furguson, of Craigdarroch, whilst her poet-lover sought and wedded a lowlier maid in the vale of Glenboig. The actors in connection with this memorable ballad have long since passed away, but Annie Laurie lives in thousands of musical households in evidence of tho long life of a favourite, song.

The Rev. Dr. Lang will deliver his interesting lecture by particular request this evening, j n the public hall, Otahuhu, at seven o'clock, j Playgoers were treated last night to the popular dramatic version of Mrs Wood's famous story of " East Lyune," which was admirably placed upon the boards of the Prince of Wales Theatre. Mrs Walter Hill took the character of the Lady Isabel with her wonted skill and ability, in which she was most favourably received. Mr Collier appeared to much advantage as Mr Carlyle, a character which he well understood ; Mr McGowan, in the character of Dell, was faithful and life-like ; Mrs McGowan as Cornelia, and Miss Vivian as Barbara, were , spirited and happy. The performance throughout was most acceptably presented. 1 We learn that a new drama of an intensely i interesting nature is in active preparation. We would remind the members of the No. ' 3 Company Rifle Club, that the Mount Eden range has been secured for their use tomorrow afternoon, in order that they may compete for the "Ladies' Prize." Firing will commence at 400 yards at two p.m. | sharp, wet or dry. I The benefit concert in favour of the funds of the Naval Brigade Band came off last night in the Choral Hall, and considering ■ the bad state of the weather and the downpouring showers there was a fair attendance. , The ' Auckland Dramatic Club (amateurs) j played the " French Emigrant " not by any ! means in a perfect style. Some of the per- [ formers had not given that amount of i study to their parts they necessarily I require in order to make a dramatic performance acceptable to a discerning audience. Mrs Perriman appeared lost in the character 'of Caroline Do Leslie. This lady's confusion , might have been caused by a failure of me- | inory and there being no prompter at hand. i The interlude gave more gratification than the drama. Messrs Mettam Brothers were excellent in their character songs and dances, I and deserved the encores they drew. Mr Henry Grayden will make a capital dancer. His performance on the light fantastic toe last evening was first-rate. Some slight disappointment was felt in consequence of the non-appearance of Mr W. Walker ; but when it was known that the young singer was away on his wedding tour much sympathy was felt, for him. "No. 1. Round the Corner," tho production of William Btough, was well presented by Messrs G. Mettam, W. Fisher, and Mr White. The musical portion was very satisfactory, and the most perfect part ot the entertainment. To the Kditor : Sir,— Having road a letter signed " Eureka" in one of your late issues, asking information relative to the letting of the Moanatairi tramway, I might say I feel sure on the matter, as 1 intended tendering for it myself ; but from what I can learn it has been privately leased to a man to soothe his feelings at the loss of the office of Gold Fields Secretary ; which, according to what Mr Dargaville stated at the Mechanics' Institute, that Mr 11. H.'Luskpromised to Mr Swan, of Thames notoriety. Now, Sir, permit me to state what I have been credibly infarmed, and challenge contradiction,-—are not Mr Swan and Mr Mcßoberts, tho present lessees of the Monatari tramway, and the foreman, Mr Me Williams, the most aide canvasser:", and supporters of Mr 11. H. Lusk in his candidature of Superintendent. Now, Sir, I would ask you does not this look like throwing out the sprat to catch a salmon.— I am, etc., Obskkvbr. To tho Editor : Sir,—My attention has been frequently called to a great eye-sore being perpetuated at the east end of Victoriastreet in the shape of a retaining wall. I am induced to seek your aid to see if sometiling cannot be done in the shape of a remedy before things are too far gone. I have consulted several professional men, who all deny tlie necessity of a retaining wall by a slight alteration that would not materially alter the levels. A handsome approach could be secured from Victoria-streetwithout, as at present proposed, having to purchase two allotments with buildings thereon to effect a similar object. Should the C(tnmissioncra, in their collective wisdom, decide upon having a retaining wall, why not construct a bold flight of steps with orna mental gateway, or some other device, to the principal entrance to the park. I am sorry to interfere with tho poor retaining wall, as I am given to understand that if is the sole vestige of the original plan for which the premium of thirty pounds was awarded. I. am not so cruel as to wish to deprive the doctor of the sole chance of immortality in connection with the park.— Yours, very obediently, Obskrvei.. {The opinion of skilful men, whose advice has been taken, is that the wall is tho most simple and effective way of overcoming the difficulty created by the formation of tho ground. —Ed. 15. S.] The nature of the illegal proceedings which have caused the release of Mount and Morris, of Carl notoriety, and resulted in a vote of want of confidence in the Francis Ministry is this : Mount and Morris were convicted of manslaughter in connection with the Carl outrages, before His Honor Sir W. F. Stawell, Chief Justice of Victoria, at the December sittings of the Supreme Court. A point was raised by the counsel for the defence questioning the jurisdiction of colonial Courts to pass sentence in cases of conviction for manslaughter committed on the high seas. The judges of the full Court upheld the views submitted by counsel for the Crown, and ruled that penal servitude was substituted for transportation without any restriction as regards the former. They were brought up before His Honor Mr Justice Fellows, and sentenced to penal servitude for 15 years. The law has since, been set in motion, and the prisoners were discharged. Immediately on their release they were re-arrested by the police, and brought before the City Police Court, Melbourne, and again discharged by the presiding magistrates'. The action of the Government in thus pushing measures beyond the pale of the law has excited the indignation of the populace, which has extended to the House of Assembly, where the Hon. J. M. Grant, the popular exMinister of Lands, tabled the notice of motion censuring the Government. The Raglan correspondent of the Wai.Jcato Times, writing on the 30th ultimo, alludes to the severity of the storm experienced at that place, and says:—"Early on Sunday morning a steamer was seen bearing up for our harbour. The bar at the entrance ■was one mass of white foam; looking through a glass one could see the heavy sea which was rolling, outside. The vessel turned out to be the Government steamer Luna, bound for Wellington, with a portion, of the outward English mail, which of course is too late to catch the steamer at Wellington. Everyone who knows the captain will be satisfied that the weather must indeed have been bad when he ran in here for shelter. During Saturday night the two men at the wheel were thrown down. One of them was seriously hurt in the arm; it is to be hoped no bones were broken. The Luna is to proceed to Nelsoa to catch the Albion ; should she succeed in getting out early to-morrow morning, she will just be able to- meet here theie, but unless'the weather moderates at once she will be unable to face the bar as it is blowing as hard now as it did on Saturday night, am? there does not appear to be the,, slightest chance of any improvement for some' time to come as, tho glass continues falling."

A meeting of the committee of the Agricultural Association was held this afternoon at Sceats' British Hotel, Joseph May, Esq., in the chair. The chief of the business consisted in forming committees for promoting the various sections of the forthcoming' agricultural association, and other business, such as printing, advertising, etc. The meeting then adjourned^ and Will meet on Wednesday next, at three p.m., at Otahuhu. We have received the following letter from Mr E. W. Gotch, of Papakura :—Sir,— My attention has been directed to a letter in i your issue of the 25thinst.,signed "Havana," , inj (which your correspondent attempts an j account of his visit to Papakura and to my J ci^ar and tobacco manufactory, and as his,, account is so full of erroneous statements, perhaps you will allow me to state what actually did take place on the occasion of your correspondent's visit, whom I know from the account could be no other than a young lad named A. G. Bradford, from Auckland, who came up to me in answer to my advertisement for an apprentice, and returned again the same day; and ,no doubt in order to cover his own | disgrace, and to give some apparent reason for not remaining with me, makes use of your columns to run down my establishment and everything in connection with lapakura. This youth, who stated his age to be between thirteen and fourteen years, had not been in my factory more than an hour or so when he wanted a smoke, and stated he had been a smoker five or six years, and conducted himself in a manner exceedingly unbecoming a youth who had any intention of trying to lie useful, or to settle to any business. I told him I should not expect him to work on that day, but that he might look about him and make himself acquainted with the place, and start work the following morning, and his reply was, Papakura was too dull a place for him ; he should return at the end of the week. I told him if that was his intention he had better return at once, as he was of no use to me, and he did return the same afternoon. He states that my factory is "thatched." I never heard of a shingled building before described as being thatched, and although he considers the whole factory ' would only make one good-sized room perhaps he will allow me to be the best judge of the size of the building I require, which I may here state is a twostorey building containing four rooms :._.ft. x 10ft. The four beds he alludes to, at the rear of the factory, ate sown with tobacco seed, and will give plants sufficient to sow seven acres of ground, which I have now nearly ready, and which I shall be happy to show any friend who will pay me a visit during the summer. I have no daughter working in the factory as stated, and my cigars have been before the public long enough to prove that something beyond the Pickwiok aud cheroot line is produced. 1 should advise this youth before he attempts in future to give any description of a place to make himself a little better acquainted, and not attempt to mislead the public by stating such nonsense as that there is no place of worship in Papakura, and no resident minister. 1 think no one could

well pass through the village without seeing two places of worship, and it is pretty well known the Eev. T. Norrie has been a resident minister here during the last 10 or 15 years. Like all your correspondent's other mistakes I beg to state that I have no housekeeper " a jolly* Englishwoman." I should not'have condescended to reply to your correspondent's letter did I not think it was written by soino other person than the boy Bradford, but at his dictation, —I am, Ac, E. W. Gwivh. —Papakura, Sept. 30, 1873. The difficulties which some of our residents iiuct owing to the neglected state of a portion of our suburban thoroughfares, was well nigh being painfully illustrated yesterday in' the case of a resident in Adelaide-street, who slipped and fell, and by the fall, not only damaged his clothes, but had his shoulder seriously bruised. Complaints from this locality have frequently been made, and the residents think that it is high time something in tho way of road-making.should be done for them. Admiral Baron Itoussani, and the officers of the French ship of war Atalaute, were entertained at dinner by the gentlemen of the Northern Club. The band played several selections of music during the repast, and at half-past ten the guests retired to the vessel. A man named Peter Barrett has been missing from the steamer Lady Bowen since eight p.m. on Wednesday. At that hour he was seen by Mr, Cornea, the steward of the steamer, in the act of going a-shore. No clue has yet been found to his whereabouts, but it is generally supposed that he has fallen into the harbour while either stepping on to the wharf or coining a-board, and been drowned. Parties have been dragging without success.

Mr John Lamb delivered his lecture last evening in the Otahuhu public hall on '.' Home and its Influences," which was very well received by an appreciative if not a very numerous audience. Mr Lamb's lecture was well written, and contained many important truths and wise suggestions in relation to parental example, and the duty of filial love and obedience in children. He illustrated his discourse with several^ graphic pictures, both negative and affirmative, and at the close Mr Lamb received a vote of thanks from the not numerous audience.

At the extraordinary meeting of the shareholders of the Albumia Goldmining Company yesterday afternoon in Mr. Garland's ofiice, Vaile's buildings, C. J. Stone, Esq., in the chair, it was resolved to increase the capital of the company by £4,000, in 4,000 shares of £1 each.

To the Editor : Sir, —I was much pleased at the suggestion you made to the Sir George Grey Cadets to challenge some of our local corps to a rifle match, inasmuch that it may not be generally known that we have challenged the Engineer Cadets two or three times, and the Grammar School once ; but to" be always met with the same excuse, " wo are out of practice."—l am, ifec, Oke of tub Six.

The Oddfellows' Hall, Cook-street, was crowded last night on the occasion of the free "opening of the Pioneer Lodge of Good Templars. Brother Cole filled the chair, and Brothers Hemus, Atkins, Coupland, Downey, and Waite addressed the assemblage on the advantages of the order.

Yesterday afternoon the police box for receiving contributions for the Neglected and Destitute Children's Home was opened in the presence of Mr Wm. Rattray and Mr Owen, and was found to contain 7s t;d as the contributions of the month.

New York's latest criminal sensation is the fcrnurder by his son of Mansfield Walworth, a prominent author, and son 'of the ate Chancellor Walworth. Mansfield Wafr worth had quarrelled with and separated from his wife, and the son, Frank H. Walworth, who took the part of the mother, shot the father at the Sturtewart House, and then gave himself up to Ihe police. The prisoner is a youth of nineteen, and considers that he did a meritorious act. He says his father attempted to shoot him. The high position of the parties attracts great attention to the case.,

The anniversary soiree of the Scotch Church, Onehunga, was celebrated last night. ■ The building was crammed, numbers having to stand during the whole of the proceedings There was an abundance of tea-cakes, and so forth f on the tables, and the splendid choir of St James' Church was present, and rendered the anthems and other sacred .pieces in the highest style. The speakers were Dr Lang, lof Sydney, on " Presbyteriamsm and Lpis--1 copacy ;" and Eev. Mr McKinncy whose i speech was witty and original, and kept up constant roars of laughter and rounds of applause. The Revs. Bruce, Tait, Noras, ancl Macnicol. The whole of the gentleman took a hopeful view of the future progress of 1 both the Church and settlement, and congratulated the Rev. Mr Brown and his people on the increased prosperity of this church within the last year or two. The platform at the railway station, One", hunga, is now being made, and we may expect the buildings erected shortly. A writer in the Olarjo Witness says—" I wish to draw the attention of a sympathising public to a case of real distress. It is all very well to depict the misery of the bereaved children of a washerwoman when their mother falls among the soapsuds, and dies of asphyxia caused by gin and soapy water. When Dick or Harry run against a dimlylit lamp-post in a main thoroughfare and break their heads, the generous-hearted public knows how to weep over their leer. There are sorrows far worse to bear—woes to which these are mere trilies. When I read that a gentleman, only lately admitted to the bar, had been appointed ' Commissioner for taking the acknowledgements of deeds by married women,' then, I say—then is the time to feel for a fellow-creature. What has this aspirant for the honours of the bar done that he should have his conscience weighed to the very ground by the burden of confessions which will be poured into his ear. Is his young life to be rendered miserable by the knowledge that Mrs OPQ gave her bosom , lord a piece of her mind on Friday ? Is he to go to his grave with the awful fact whis- >'. pored in his ear alone that the idolised i Susan refused to speak to her ' buz' upon [ Wednesday . ' Shall he alone be the re- . pository of the secret that Ceorgina L made the. tea with water that had • not boiled, in her great wrath that George [ would not let her go to the Port on Saturday ? Is he to become prematurely old 5 from the unshared confidence that Sarah -said . she would go home to her mother if she were not allowed one afternoon at Herbert \ Haynes _ ? To know and not to tell, to be " unable to confide his secrets—why is this? [ Whose head is strong enough, whose heart is 1 large enough? 'The acknowledgment of ; the deeds of married women in Otago !' Not all of them, for heaven's sake !" 3 Rev. G. H. Turner will give his new 1 lecture on " Before and after Marriage" this • evening, in the large room of the Wellesley- • street 'Association, in aid of the funds for f building the projected Church of the United • Free Methodists.