The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News and the Morning News. FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1874.

Auckland Star, Volume V, Issue 1342, 29 May 1874, Page 2

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

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1874.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance,' For the future in the distance, And *<hn good that we can do

The English and Australian telegrams, per Alhambra, which arrived at the Bluff to-day, contain many items of interest. Differences have arisen in Chile and Central America, in consequence of indignities offered to British subjects, but tho President of the latter Republic has made prompt reparation and we have no doubt the difficulties in both cases will be determined without recourse to national hostilities. The cordial reception of the Emperor of Russia in England is surrounded with circumstances which give it a greater degree of importance than is usually attached to the pomp and pageantry of States. We have not space to notice here the other interesting items that make up the budget of English and Australian news.

A specially interesting telegram, comes to us from our Alexandra correspondent. Purnkutu, tho murderer of the unfortunate man Sullivan, is missing, and there is a bare possibility of his having beon shot by friendly natives to secure the Government reward. Although the excitement created by the horrible details of the murder committed by this scoundrel—the cutting out of the victims heart, and its exposure on a pole to the winds of heaven—has passed away, we cannot but remember that the fanatic who is now reported as missing is a red-handed murderer who has bidden defiance to our laws, and successfully maintained an attitude of confessed hostility against the Queen's authority. If the Government reward offered under great public pressure results in Turukutu's head being delivered at one of our frontier settlements it will be a matter of congratulation, and may afford to the native mind some confirmation of the fact strikingly exemplified in Kereopa's case, that the operation of the law, though often protracted, is certain,in the long run to. strike tho wrong-doer. It is not at all improbable, however, that this disappearance, like many others by the same individual, is only prior to his turning up in a new place.

By those familiar with the Bight so common at our Police Court of aged and decrepit men periodically brought up and charged with drunkenness, the proposal submitted to the Otago Council by the Provincial Government of that Province will be regarded as a most commendable and necessary one. The Government propose to establish an Inebriate ABylum on a similar principle to those in America, and more recently instituted in Australia. It will be necessary to obtain from the General Assembly the powers requisite to deprive offenders of this kind of their liberty, and a bill with that object will probably be introduced during the approaching,session of Parliament. A step in this direction is, we think, prompted by every humane feeling. The uncontrollable power of intoxicants not infrequently arises from constitutional predisposition, and even when it has been induced by indiscreet indulgence it is often altogether beyond tho control of the person suffering under it, and the offence for which he is punished must, therefore, be regarded to a great extent as an involuntary one, which he cannot be held responsible for in the same way that a man is responsible for tho ordinary classes of crime. Among those who make periodical visits to our Police Court and gaol from this cause are men and women who have at one time occupied respectablo positions in society, and in whom perhaps may still be found the lingering traces of a better nature, almost obliterated by drink and the degrading influences of gaol life. That they are drunkards is not always a proof that they are utterly depraved in morals; but the tendency of the punishment imposed on them under our present system is certainly calculated to make them so. Many of these people if kept from drink are honest and industrious, but the practice of herding them with criminals is calculated to deteriorate if not extinguish those qualities. We have under present circumstances to keep them in our gaol, and if such an arrangement would be effected as would render their punishment reformatory ;in character, a noble work would be accohv plished. The matter is worthy of the attention of the authorities and of the philanthropic among us, and we should be glad to welcome a movement in the direction of that taken >>y our Southern colonists.

Messrs Cruickshank and Co. received the following telegram to-day relative to the s.s. Hero:—"Melbourne, May 23. The Hero has been detained until 27th May from Melbourne.— Bright Bros. & Co." ..... ,

On Tuesday at noon a meeting of the representatives of the Fire Insurance Companies, and the Fire, Brigade Committe, of the City Council took place, to consult as to the best means of forming a fire brigade, apd determining the best means of extinguishing fires in the City. His Worship the Mayor presided, and various schemes were proposed. MrJPhilips, on behalf of the Council guaranteed to form an efficient brigade if the Insurance offices would * pay half the cost. This offer, however, was declined by the Insurance Companies, and the meeting separated without arriving atatiy; [agreement on the matter. We understand that the position' taken by the Insurance Companies in the dispute is^ that so long as there is no efficient water supply in the city it will not pay them to maintain a fire brigade.? HT j

A football match will take place to-day on the North Shore Club's ground between fifteen of the Auckland Club and a similar number of the North Shore Club. I The ball will be kicked off at 3.45 p.m. sharp. The rules that are to be played are the Rugby Union. The boat leaves Queen-street -Wharf al; 2.30; Players, are requested to be punctual. The following are the names of the North Shore :— Rees, Thbrne, R. Nolan, R./.HI Duder, Scantling, E. Burgess, H. Burgess, H. Niccol, R. Niceol, F. Wells, W. Hales, Caver-, hill, Holmes, J. Wells, W. S. Cochrane.

A meeting of the Van Goldmining Company's shareholders was held on Thursday afternoon in the offices, Shortland-street. There was a very good meeting, Mr Stanier in the chair. The principal business was the presentation of the half-yearly report and balahc'e-sheet,1 which were unanimously adopted. The income for the half-year was £586 ls 3d, expenditure £582 17s 2d, leaving a favorable balance of £3 4s Id.

' We understand that the heat of the ballroom at Government House has been so excessive that his Excellency was induced to have it properly and thoroughly ventilated. This work wss entrusted to Mr J. Taylor, and that he has executed his work in his nsual efficient style is testified to by those who attended the grand birthday ball given last night. The room on previous occasions with one hundred persons moving about^was quite unbearable, but last night with above five hundred persons was as cool as desirable.

A correspondent writes :—" People who have stray dogs prowling about their premises had better look out lest they be victimised. Constable Mulville is at it again. His mode of procedure is this : Sauntering easily along the streets he perceives a collarless dog bashing in the sunshine heedless of Municipal Police ordinances and city by-laws. The constable walks stealthily up and applies his foot to the animal's hinder parts and watches the effect. Naturally enough the terrified brute bolts on to the nearest premises, and then fortified by the extraordinary provisions of the Act which makes the person on whose premises a dog may be seen responsible for its existence, the constable forthwith lays an information. Pearson, who was let in for nine shillings costs at the Police Court to-day on account of a dog whose owner recently left for England, is the most recent victim. Notwithstanding that the defendant positively denied the ownership of the dog, and his testimony was supported by that of Mr Christopher, a credible witness, yet he received no redress. When the ownership of a dog is denied is it not sufficient to destroy the animal without convicting wholly innocent persons, who may have suffered very great annoyance from the brute's depredations previously?—Yoni s, &c, Bow Wow."

Tho German democratic authorities have expressed their thanks to Mr Disraeli for endeavoring to grapple with the great social difficulty of the day, the labor question. They highly approved of his proposal to set on foot a labor commission, and think that tho effort will find quick response in most continental countries.

At an Aberdeen examination of some girls for the right of confirmationin, in answer to the question, " What is the outward and visible sign and form in baptism ?" one of them replied, " The baby, sir."

A correspondent sends the following education tax queries :—Sir,— As you have, in my opinion, maintained an impartial position and havo given expression to enlightened views on the education question, 1 will, with your permission, avail myself of your widely circulated columns for the purpose of putting ono or two questions to the advocates of the proposed crushing taxation. At tho meeting on Monday night several speakers relied on the consideration that if we refuse the proposed impost Auckland will be an exception to the whole civilised world. I should like to ask these gentlemen, and all others whom it may concern —1. Is there an instance to be found in the civilised world of such oppressive taxation as this being imposed for the purpose of education ? It iB, I think, about fifteen times the amount per head of what public education costs in England. 2. Is there an instance to be found of a poll tax and other enormous rates being imposed while parents able to pay are exempted from paying for the instruction of their children ? In England the pupils are paid for by their parents, except in cases where they are unable to do so, and in such cases the fees are paid for them. So also it is in Otago, notwithstanding her overwhelming land revenue. But ambitious little great men in Auckland must strut and magnify themselves by putting this province in a position moro advanced than all other places by an abrupt'and spasmodic movement beyond our strength. 3 Is there an instance to be found of such a system of taxation being adopted by a Provincial Council ? National education on a grand scale is for the Legislature of the nation.—l am, &c, Observer.

A lady recently called in at a respectable draper's shop in this city for tho purposo of making a few purchases. While the goods were being shewn to her she good naturedly remarked, "I'm glad to hear that your hearing has been restored, Mr , and that Dr R was eminently successful in your case." He immediately replied, "Ob, yes, this is excellent quality, and very cheap—only eighteenpence a yard." " I was referring to your deafness," said the lady. "Yes, remarkably cheap," said the draper, " not to be equalled in town."

The Theatre was filled last evening bY persons desirous of witnessing the wonderful feats of Smith's Combination Troupe of artists. The programme was similar to that of the preceding evening. The "Talking Hand " was one of the most marvellous of the evening's performances, and attracted the astonished gaze of that large audience. The singular feats of Airec were on a par with those of preceding nights ; while the DeCastro family, and St Vincent's songs elicited loud and prolonged applause. This excellent entertainment is most amusing and eminently calculated to gratify both young and Old. To-morroW afternoon the children of our city benovelent institutions will be admitted half price.

There was a large gathering of young people last evening in the school-room of St Matthew's to witness the new panorama belonging to the Sunday-school Union, illustrative of "Coal and Coal Mines." The proceedings opened with prayer and a brief introductory speech by the Rev Mr Mitchell. The school choir, conducted by Mr Webb, who also presided at the harmonium, sang ." Onward, Christian Soldier," music by Sullivan, in a very pleasing manner, and which, with other pieces rendered in the course of the evening, showed that the singers have made good progress under their tutor. The scenes and descriptions were of a very instructive character, and exhibited the formation of coal from primeval forests and the various operations of mining with the difficulties and accidents peculiar to the miner's life. A sketch of the safety lamp was also introduced, with characteristic notices of Sir Humphrey Davy and George Stephenson, who were engaged at the same same time unknown to each other, in the invention of a lamp. Although there was but a slight difference between, the two lamps, Davy being an educated man was enabled to explain his lamp upon scientific principles, while Stephenson, who was an unlettered man, could only say that his lamp answered the purpose. Davy, therefore, got all the honour. 'Ihe entertainment was evidently appreciated, and at the close a vote of thanks accorded to the lecturer.

The ancient and honorable game of football, which formed a part of the physical education of our ancestors as far back as the days of Cromwell, is likely to occupy a prominent position among the sports of this new country, and to-morrow an exciting game will be played on the Mount Hobson Drill-ground between the Grafton and Mount Hobson Clubs. The match is looked forward, to with considerable interest by lovers of the sport, it being the first of the season.

The members of the Victoria and Hobson companies will meet for drill at the Catholic Institute, Wellington-street, at half-past seven this evening.

The second lecture of the winter course at the Young Men's Christian Association will be given this evening on "Womans InfluAr.ce and the World's Weal" by Rev Alexander Reid, and from tne wdl-knpwn ability of the lecturer and the character of the fitlb* iect we feel sure of a. highly intellectual treat. Woman has been the prolific theme of poets, painters, and moralists of all ages ; and so long as there are smiling fair faces and gentle and pious mothers amongst us so long will woman engage^e thoughts of man. I Not alone however in mere outward charms does woman engage the attention ot the opposite sex, but in every sphere of lite and duty has she exercised high moral, intellectual, and devotional influence upon the world at large. The world has had a Madame Sevigne in letters, a Madame Ye Stael in patriotism, a Hannah Moore in piety, a Harriet Martineau in politics, a Mary Howitt in poetry, and a Grace Darling and Florence Nightingale in moral heroism and dauntless benevolence. These, however, are the exceptions, and possibly Mr Reid will deal to-night, not with phases of intellectual powers alone, but with woman as a fireside teacher, a wife and mother, a guide of of youth, and silent reformer. Whatever phases of work may be brought forward and illustrated we feel sure that the audience will be edified and pleased with the sentiments that will be uttered in connection with " Woman's influence and the world's weal.

The amateur concert in aid of the organ fund of St. Mary's Church, Parnell, will take place this evening in the Choral Han. under the conductorship of the Honorable Seymour Egerton. The entertainment will be vocal and instrumental, and will embrace selections from Rossini, Donizetti, Beethoven, Auber, Mozart, and Mendelssohn. Several choice songs will be sung by lady and gentlemen amateurs, including "Ah, those were delightful moments," "Sing on, sing on, ye little birds," "A life that lives for you," and the sweet and simple ballad, "Sweet and Low." The programme is a capital one, and doubtless will be sufficiently attractive to command a large audience, and be the means of securing the object of the concert, namely, an organ for the pretty church of St. Mary's, in the lofty neighbourhood of Parnell.

Of "The Hebrew Legend" thue writes a Bcribe :—" Dear Sir,—l was at the entertainment given last evening at the Devonport Hall, North Shore, and in common with many others was greatly disappointed that the talented Mr Burn was unable to finish his reading. I therefore beg to suggest that an influential deputation wait upon that gentleman, and a*k him to name an early hour on the next public holiday when he will be ablo t"> finish his production. I would suggest that refreshments bo provided once or twice during the performance.—l am, &c, SCIIUI-ERTZ." -

A gentleman ha* left at our office a pair of spectacles, picked up in Grafton road. They no doubt belong to some old gentleman who has probably been bemoaning his loss since. His property will be restored on application to the Stab, and on furnishing a correct description of the article,

A mysterious Pennsylvania couple clasped hands across a grave at midnight recently in a lonely cemetery while an unknown minister married them.

Prince Frederick Charles has planned for the summer months a complete journey round tho world. He will travel eastward from Berlin through Russia, overland by Siberia to Japan,, thpnee by steamer to San Francisco, and after a tour through the United States return home via London. The journey will be in a certain sense an official one, and has created much interest in German political and military circles.

The Bank of England was incorporated in 10.9. It covers tive acres of ground, and employs 900 clerks. There are no windows on the street; light is admitted through open courts ; no mob could take the bank, therefore, without cannon to batter the immense walls. The clock in the centre of the bank has fifty dials attached to it. Large cistern are sunk in the court, and engines in perfect order aro always in readiness in caso of fire.

Mr Wm. Cumstie Williamson, of Glasgow, intimates " that in consequence of the present name being in Gaelic language, and unpronounceable to all persons not conversant with the Gaelic language, and for other reasons," it is his intention to change the name of the ship Maighdeann na Herradh to the more generally understood one of Highland Lassie. During the coming season a visit to London will be paid by 18 cricketers from America. Although cricket is to be made the specialty of the team, they will nevertheless give two illustrations at each ground of the American national game of base ball "as played by the two champion Nines of this country. Their stay is limited to one month. The measure for the payment of members, which has passed through committee in the Queensland Legislative Assembly provides that the members of the Assembly shall receive £3 3s per diem as remuneration for their services. It is stated that Sir William-Thompson's paper on cremation has been translated twice into German, and the Communal Council ofVienna has adopted by a large majority a proposal to establish in the cemetery the necessary apparatus for cremation. Madame Hyacinthe, wife of PereHyacihthe, has addressed a letter of counsel and encouragement to the women of America who have enlisted in the temperance war. She says : " The evil is so deep it will take a generation, at least, to cure it; but you must succeed, for your cause is God's justice, and your aims divine. Only let your prayers be intelligent in execution—for prayers alono will not suffice. It must be followed by good works." The Catholic Total Abstinence Society, convened in New York, has received a letter of approbation from the Archbishop ;of Cashel, Ireland, promising the co-operation of the Irish clergy with the movement for a combination between the two countries for the protection of emigrants. The Austrian Government have exempted all new buildings in Vienna from the payment of taxes for a period of 25 years, and the building societies 'which propose to coalesce in order to increase their capital are ' to be freed from payment of stamp duty. The measure is specially worthy of imitation in this colony. , . Experiments made upon a healthy soldier in London go to show that alcohol is useless in a greater quantity than two ounces daily. The experiments, however, indicate an advantage in its use if employed in rousing a feeble appetite or exciting a~ feeble circulation of blood. . I At the sitting in bankruptcy yesterday Simon Dryden came up for his final examination. As his accounts were not satisfactory his discharge was opposed, and his case adjourned until his Honor the Chief Justice shall return. Boston tipplers triumphantly cast. in the teeth of the praying bands the warning example of a lady in that city who. entered a shop the other day, asked for a glass of water, and fell dead while drinking it,- and they cite medical authority for the opinion that a judicious admixture of alcohol would probably have saved her life. , ~l ( ~,..,,

In taking a walk round the railway and reclamation works in Mechanics' Bay several noticeable alterations and marks of progreSß strike the eye. The first thing which calls for comment is the new road from Fort Britomart to the Strand. Up to within the last few days a large number 01 workmen have been engaged upon this new thoroughfare and have filled in a very considerable length of the intake between the railway embankment and Dr. Campbell's residence. Looked at from a disinterested point of view it aeema a thousand pities that this road should not be carried nearly in a direct line from Short-street to the junction of Stanley-street and the Strand,™ stead of being taken round under the cliff to the right in a semi circle to the foot of Con_Htution Hill At least 100 yards is added -to^dSSoe.by this ktter -te being adopted, and in addition the winding^character of the roadway will appearvery inexplicable when the facility of a direct route is reflected on as it is sure to be in future years. From what has transpired at the Harbour Board it appears that some paltry dispute as to frontages prevents the only sensible plan being carried out. When the road is finished and the frontages are built over we shall probably hear cf the owners going in for a straight road and asking and possibly getting large compensation for allowing their erections to be pulled down and tho road carried through. By-thfi-byc why :.is this work discontinued at nreseut. The weather is surely fine enough, and the completion of the road very much desired We see another work being carried out close by, Which possibly accounts for the stoppage alluded to. The sea-wall of the railwal embankment where it joins the reclaimed land by tbe new carriage painting shed, was built at first in a very zig-zag fashion This is now being altered, and the wall straightened by about 20 feet, more land being reclaimed. The alteration will enable the line of railway to be relieved of the sharp curve which here occurs. It is gr%fvin^to see that the wall is being re-built in a more substantial rmnner. Another object which attracts attention is the large wooden structure which is being erected to the west of the shed just referred to. lhis is intended for a foundry and smelting works in connection with the railway, and will prove a very useful, in fact highly necessary, estabii^ment. Mr Matthews has taken the Sact for building this The goods shed, we notice, is pretty well finished. Hawkins, in his history £ "g&gt many striking examples of its k . man and the lower animals, clearly sp«- w .ft that there must be a soul to appreciate lw witching sounds. We have noticed recently several instances of the influence of music on drunkards-where they have struggled to keep pace with our city bands, and stumbled into concert halls; and last evening a drunken man, attracted by the harmonium, tried to squeeze into St. Matthew's school-room, but was prevented by the strong arm of the man at the door. "I-I-I vant to 'ear the moosio" said he as he fell on the path.

Napier papers state that the Hon. Colonel Whitmore is about to visit England, and will bs absent ffom the colony for about two years He intends to bring out some valuable stock.

The want of house accommodation in Napier and the province is stated to be already much felt, and will be more so when the large batches of immigrants expected from the old country arrive.