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Auckland Star, Volume V, Issue 1250, 7 February 1874, Page 2

A woman named Mary Doran, apprehended last night on a charge of using obscene language in Mill's Lane, made a most determined attempt to commit suicide whilst detained in the loclc-up. Having converted a strip of her dress into a sort of rope, she fastened one end to the iron staunchion of the cell windows and the other end she tied fast round her neck, and then throwing herself back struggled in a state of semi-strangu-lation for some seconds ; but the vigilant guardians of the place who v ere on duty at the time, Sergeant O'Conner and Constable Allen, hearing the noise went immediately to see what was the matter. The sergeant at once saw that something must be "done quickly or the woman would be dead, so snatching out his knife from his pocket he cut the line in two, and the woman thus suddenly released fell, but was caught and shortly recovered. This happened about nine o'clock. She afterwards renewed the attempt to kill herself more than once, but was watched so closely by the officers on duty that the opportunity was not afforded her to carry out her object. Partial insanity arising from habitual drunkenness is said to be the malady with which the unfortunate creature is afflicted;

We learn that the police have memorialized the Inspector for an increase of pay. The present remuneration allowed constables is only Gs a day, out of which they have to supply themselves with food, clothing, etc. In Otago the pay is 8s Gd, and in Canterbury 7s, withhouse accommodation and fuel. We think the request made by the Auckland force is a most reasonable one. It cannot be expected that at the present time a desirable class of men can be retained in the force at the rate of pay which they are now receiving.

Information respecting education in the State of California can be obtained by applicationtothe Superintendent of Public Instniction, Sacramento; upon Grammar School business apply to Bernhard Marks, Esq., principal of Grammar School; oruponmatters of teachers'appointments, qualifications, etc., to Rev. W. T. Lucky, Principal of State Normal School, San Jose, California.— J.M.

In consequence of the long continuance of dry weather green feed is getting very scarce on many farms and cattlo are glad to eat anything that come in their way. On many suburban lands the tutu plant grows abundantly, and just now the berries are ripe. Cattle eat it readily, but it is very dangerous as it contains a formidable poison. Mr Cheeseman, M.P.C., lost a valuable cow yesterday through this cause, and settlers in the districts where this plant grows are always liable to such mishaps. In the neighborhood of Wellington and other parts"of the South the plant is unknown, but it is plentiful enough in the North. In August 1569 Mr Skey, analyst to the geological survey of New Zealand read a very interesting paper on the nature and properties of the plant before the WellingPhilosophical Society. This will be found in the publishedgreport of the " Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute, 1869, vol. 2, page 153," and is well worthy of perusal by owners and occupiers of land infested with tutu.

We undertand that R,. Graham, Esq., has been induced to part with his two magnificent Leicester sheep, a ewe and a ram, which have been recently imported by him from the first flocks in England. We are informed that they have been purchased by W. J. Hurst, Esq., for his flocks at the Takapuna district, at the handsome price of £120. Mr Hurst would not have missed them at any cost, and we are sure that this gentleman's superior wool growing in the past will be improved by this splendid addition to his stock. Mr Hurst is ambitious that he may not have a rival in his next season's wool. The best judges have pronounced the sheep to be very fine. Not only is the owner of pure bred sheep benefited, but the district and* province more or less reap advantage by the improvement of our flocks.

This morning at half-past four a black parasol was picked up by a young man under the gum trees near the gaa factory, also a love-letter, evidently belonging to a young lady. The parasol can be obtained by applying to this office, and the letter will appear in new type in the course of next week.

The Brighton and West End Clubs met this afternoon in the barrack-field for the purpose of playingthe return match. Wickets were pitched at half-past two o'clock ; but unfortunately a heavy down fall of rain came on, which prevented the game. It was resolved at half-past three to postpone the match for a fortnight.

The Pioneers are very angry with. Brother Hannaford about his little work "Sandwiches and Fingers," and state that he has misrepresented the facts. As the real truth however is a secret of the Order it cannot be_divulged.

The Key. T. S. Forsaith delivered an amusing lecture last evening in the Grafton Kosid Wesleyan Chapel on v The Excellency of Power." Eev. W. Olliver occupied the chair, and after a brief prayer introduced the lecturer, who delivered a very good lecture on his chosen subject, but unfortunately there were but few persons present. Had the lecture been delivered nearer the heart of the city it might have been better attended. The days of lecturing seem to be passing away, and giving place to days of frivolous amusements and thoughtextravagance. The better the lecture, the more profound the subject, the fewer the audience. Mr Forsaith was thoroughly logical in the treatment of his subject according to the ages when certain powers prevailed. He dealt first with brute force, then with high birth and lineage ; then with the chivalry of middle ages, which prostrated itself to the power of money a (a great power even now). He went on to the power of intellect, which in all times was confined to the few, and lastly he came to moral power, which he considered was supreme overall other powers. The lecture was really a good one, and we hope for the benefit of young men that Mr Forsaith may be induced to repeat it in the presence of a larger audience. At the distribution of prizes to the High School boys at Dunpdin Mr Vogel is reported to have said :—" So far as boys coming from the United Kingdom are concerned —so far as boya who love to think themselves subjects of Her Majesty are concerned —I am sure they will never be blind to the fact that cricket is the great national game ; and boys who have no opportunity of playing that game are really deprived of an important portion of their education." The lumpers of the wharf held a meeting last evening at the Thames hotel. Mr J. Kiccol occupied the chair, and stated the objects of the Lumpers' Association, which were mutual assistance in times of difficulty and regulation of wages. Captain Elliott aaid that he left the employment of lumpers to his foreman, who was one of the society, which he would willingly support in every possible way. Captain Nearing and Mi Anderson were also favourable to the Association. The Chairman informed the meeting that the lumptrs had agreed in future tc work coals at Is Gd per hour and ordinary work at Is. Captain Daldy moved "That a deputation should wait upon Mr E. Combes to endeavour if possiMe to come to terms,' which upon being seconded by a membei was carried unanimously. Votes of thanks to the chairman and employers present brought the meeting to a close.

The Stanley-street nuisance is thus dealt with by a resident :—To the Editor of the Evening Star : Sir, —Owners of property in Stanley-street will be delighted to learn that some steps are to be taken by our wise City Councillors to improve the drainage of that district, which has long been a standing disgrace to them ; and it will be a great saving of expenditure if they can saddle the Distillery Company with the cost, but it is amusing to observe how utterly oblivious they are of having themselves created the stench by discharging all the reeking cesspools from the Alten road into the open sewer of Stanley-street. I am surprised that the Distillery Company have been so silent on the subject, for it is an easy matter to see where the smell arises. These intelligent gentlemen, it appears, propose to lay down a pipe to carry off the drainage, but if they knew anything of the subject and had been there (as I have been) after a smart shower of rain, they would, have seen that a torrent of water (which can only be compared to a small river) rushes wildly down, being strong enough to tear up any pipe and deluge the street and neighbourhood. I protest against any temporary makeshift of the kind. It is now high time that this place was properly and efficiently drained. It is in the city boundary, and they draw their rates accordingly for this class of work to bo done. It is contemptible that theyshould shirktheresponsibility, especially as in this case, where the Domain Board made the road for them, and the military made the drain. When the road round Fort Britomart is completed this place will become as central and important as Queenstreet. They have a huge capacity for borrowing and raising money, and display a splendid ability for muddling it away ; but for a work of necessity they appear to be quite incapable. Look at the water question ; look at the wretched market ; look at everything they attempt. How disgusted Mr Moriarty must feel with them ? Mr Anderson, the city surveyor, is the only man who they appear to believe in, and it appears it is he who recommends a small closed pipe to carry off the immense flow of water down this street. —I am &c, Pater.

About forty of the inhabitants of the Whau district gave a complimentary dinner to their neighbour, Mr F. Gittos, at the Whau hall, on Thursday evening, previous to that gentleman's departure for another part of the colony. The dinner was prepared and laid out in excellent style by Mr James Palmer, of the Whau hotel. Mr Hanson occupied the chair, faced by Mr Rice. The usual loyal and other toasts were drunk; also, "Health, "Wealth, and Prosperity to Mr Frank Gittos," to which Mr Gittos pleasantly responded. A very happy evening was passed.

Mr W. Woodward, an active member of the Colonists' Protection League, intimates that it is probable that lie may offer himself as a candidate for the vacant seat of Franklin, and if so he will enter the field as a firm supporter of the progressive colonial policy initiated by Mr Vogel, and if elected he will do all in his power to advance the provincial policy lately enunciated by the Hon. Mr Williamson, the present Superintendent.

It will be gratifying to Auckland playgoers to learn that Mr Hoskins and his bride (Miss Colville) have promised to give a farewell performance in this city in the course of next week, previous to their departure for San Francisco. The entertainment will take place in the Choral Hall, and will be laigely attended by the admirers of those favourite players.

Sunday services to-morrow atNewton Kirk by Rev Dr Wallis. Morning, "Lessons from the Works of Creation • evening, " The Perpetuity of the Sabbatic Institution, and the change of the Day." Epiphany School Chapel, West Newton, sermons. Morning by Rev R. H. Mitchell ; evening, by Rev B* T. Dudley. Lome-street Hall, by Samuel Edger, B.A. Morning, " Calamities are not Divine Judgments j" evening, " What has Christ's Death done for Mankind ?" Services at Edwardea-street, Cook-street, Sheridanstreet, and Methodist Free Church at the usual hours ; also at the Pitt-street Wesleyan Church —morning, by Rev. T. S Forsaith; evening, by Rev. W. C. Oliver

The monthly inspection of the Auckland Troop of Royal Cavalry will take place en Monday morning next, in the Domain, under command of Captain Isaacs. Members are especially requested to be in attendance.

The journeymen shipwrights of Auckland are invited to attend a meeting to be hold this evening at the Eagle Inn, Albert-street, at half-past seven, when business of special interest to the trade will be introduced and discussed.

" Out of evil cometh good" is verified in a ! variety of ways, ar.d new and costlier buildings frequently rise upon the ruins of a disastrous fire, as in Upper Queen-street In a few months it is not unlikely that a splendid row of houses and shops may occupy the site of those unsightly wooden tenements which were destroyed a short time ago. Ihe finished shop of Mr Messenger, pork-butcher, was opened last evening with a fine display of pork-pies, sausage rolls and brawn ;> also every description of small goods pertaining to the trade. The pastry, in tempting abund- i ance, was made by Mrs Messenger. The culinary department is supplied with boilers and ovens, sausage machine, with due regard to taste and convenience. The enamelled reflector, bell-shaped, and the polished brasswork are by Forster, and the wood work, chiefly of grained oak, i^resents a very chaste appearance, and is highly creditable to all concerned. A large number of persons assembled to witness the opening of the new pork-pie establishment, and great havoc' was made among the prepared dainties.

In the Supreme Court, yesterday, there were three applications made for new trials. The suits m which they were made were Longrlell v. Webb, Kirk v. Brogden and Sons, Stanley v. Lamb, The actions have only recently been tried. In the first suit a verdict was returned for the defendant, and in the others verdicts were recorded for the plaintiff. The present applications were all made on the ground that, the weight of evidence was against the finding of the jury. His Honor granted a rule nisi in each case. In the action Stanley v. Lamb, his Honor ,«aid he hoped that before the day on which the rule was returnable some arrangement would be made. Mr Rees, in reply, said he thought it very probable.

A decided case of incendiarism occurred about two o'clock this morning, a valuable rick of meadow hay being totally consumed, and a considerable portion of the surrounding grass was burned, the property of Mr Cooke, the lessee, whose loss is very heavy as it was uninsured, and formed the supply there for the dairy for the coming winter, about eleven tons, valued at £45. To add to this misfortune Mr Cook lost by death, a most valuable imported cow yesterday.

A stack of hay valued at £20, the property of Mr Morgan, and situated on land opposite the Captain Cook hotel, Kyber Pass Road, was burnt to the ground about five o'clock this morning. The origin of the fire is unknown.

We are glad to notice from a Christchurch telegram that the Key Mr Buller is recovering his health, and delivered the charge at an induction of ministers last evening.

We notice that Dr. Goldsbro' has been appointed Medical Officer, and Mr. J. B. Strange, Inspector of the Parnell district under the Public Health Act of 1872.

Divine service ■will be conducted to-mor-row morning in the Presbyterian Church, North Shore, and every Sunday morning till further notice.

The Rev T. S. Forsaith, of Paramatta, New South Wales, will officiate in St. Andrew's Church to-morrow evening.