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Auckland Star, Volume V, Issue 1346, 3 June 1874, Page 2

The time for receiving tenders for the Provincial steam services at the Superintendent's office will expire at noon on Saturday next the 6th instant.

The meeting of the members of the Domain Board called for to-day lapsed for want of a quorum, only two members, Messrs Heale and Mitfqrd, with the secretary, being present, his Worship the Mayor being five minutes too late. . ? .mail |

The amendment of the rating clauses fixing the education rate at £1 per household ; 10s bachelor tax, and 10a capitation fee, moved by the Provincial Treasurer, was carried last night on division as follows :— Ayes 21 : Bagnall, Beveridge, Brown, Byron, Carpenter, Cheeseman, Crispe, Hay, Hurst, Moat, Ormiston, Philips, Prime,; Reed, Roche, Sheehan, Shepherd, Swan, Swanson, Taylor,' Wilson. Noes, 8 : Ball, Bovlan, Cadman, Dignan, Douglas, Morris,; TSnks, Wood. This determines the question so far as the present session of the Council is concerned. The borrowing clauses of the Highways Bill were rejected by 13 against 19.

A correspondent thus protest against the Bachelor tax.:—Sir, —lt may be all well for the Provincial Secretary—bachelor though he be, but who has an income which can pay more than the amount we are to be mulcted in each year in one single night at billiards at the Gr.B. —to put. a poor fellow to an annual expense, not through his own fault, but because he may not have been able or cannot afford to maintain a wife, or having been, as in my own case, over twelve months in Auckland without obtaining a permanancy, cannot afford to spare this unmanly imposture must avoid it by removing from place to place as well.— Yours, • Stay the Evil in the Beginning.' J

A deputation representing the Kaipara and other Northern districts waited upon his Honor the Superintendent this morning. The deputation, who consisted of Mr F. H. Hull, J.P, and Mr R. Hill, J.P, were accompanied by Sir Rdbert Douglas, M.P.C. and Mr Shepherd, M.P.C. The object of the interview was to urge upon his Honor the desirability of having the northern districts properly prospected for minerals of all kinds, from coal to gold. Mr Hull, who acted as spokesman, represented the ample evidence which existed of the presence of greot mineral wealth in the northern ranges. Plentifnl signs of coals and copper were to be seen, and not a few specimens of gold-bear-ing quartz had been obtained. He trusaed that the Government would take some action to have these hidden resources of the districts opened up. Both Sir Robert Douglas and Mr Shepherd supported the application of the deputation. A specimen of copper ore from the North was handed to; his Honor. It had been assayed by the Bank of New Zealand, and found to consist of 82 per cent of pure copper. His Honor replied that he thought the aim of the deputation was a deserving; one. Dr. Hector would arrive shortly, and be would make it his business to ascertain what steps could be taken to test the country. The deputation thanked his Honor and withdrew. Messrs Sheehan, Dienan and Beveridge were present at the interview.

During the month ending May, 1874, there were 21 deaths registered within the City of Auckland. The number during the corresponding month of 1873 was 21 deaths :— Under 1 year—lß74, 5; 1873, 9. Under 5 years—lß74. 3 ; 1873, 4. Under 40 years— 1874, G; 1873, 7. Over 50 — 1874, 7; 1873, 1.

Mr F. M. Houlton, of Epsom, has placed on view at Mrs Dunning's stall, Market, fine samples of early potatoes, which he is now prepared to supply the market with. Mr Houlton has three acres of this early crop in an advanced stage, and the results of his effort in this direction are eminently satisfactory.

When the Duke of Edinburgh was in Auckland .1 gTcat fuss was made over the Prince planting three Norfolk pines on the lawn in front/of Government House. We sec that in the works now being carried out by the, prisoners in Government House gardens ore of these trees hap been ruthlessly pulled up and removed. If these mementoes are tluiH allowed to be desecrated we do not see the utility of making so much ceremony about their inauguration.

The Union Beach Gold Mining Company will hold their first annual meeting of shareholders on the 13th instant, in the Insurance Buildings.

An emergency meeting of Lodge United Service, No. 421, 1.C., will held thiß evening in tho Lodge Iloom, Masonic Hotel, at the usual hoxir.

At the meeting of the Provincial Council yesterday afternoon the report of the G. V. Stewart committee "was presented and read. Tho report was favourable to Mr .Stewart's claims, .and expressed the ot inion of the committee that that gentleman was able and willing to carry out his undertakings.—Mr SSheehan replied to Mr Philip's question on the Rubject of the accommodation for the expected immigrants by stating that ample provision had been made for them.— To Mr Carleton's question aa to the number of convictions obtained by the present Inspector of Weights and Measures, Mr Shcehan was unable to give an answer owing to the records having been destroyed in the fire.— Mr Reed informed Mr M.icready, in answer to a question, that' no money had been received for licenses to clubs. Counsel's opinion had been taken that tho Northern Club would not come under the influence of the Licensing Act.

The combination of star artistes were eminently succcxfiful lant evening at the l'rinco of Wales Theatre with their varied and striking performances, and all went "merry as a marriage be)l." Tho programme was almost tho same as on tho previous night, and was carried out to tho great satisfaction of the crowded audience. The great meeting on the education question did not appear to lessen tlio audience very materially, as there was a full house. Smith's combination of talent is so nicely varied with gymnastics, ventriloquism, music, and song that the entertainment cannot fail in giving pleasure. A similar programme will be presented to-night. New songs will be sung, and Mrs Brown will probably give her opinions on the great meeting and a proper education rate.

The Auckland Harmonic Society will hold a second concert to-morrow at Ponsonbj' Hall, which will be of a sacred and secular character, which simply means a difference of time in music. For example, the time of "Jump Jim Crow" is monstrous to some people, but sing it slowly, and to some minds it becomes solemn and heart-subduing. Such is the difference between sacred and secular music.

The sons of Crispin held a meeting last evening in the Young Men's rooms, Wellesley-street, to consider the matter of remuneration for labour and other trade matters. Six of the rmncipal boot manufacturers were present?!; and promised to consider the statement of the journeymen and revise it, with certain modifications, and return it to the men.

To the Editor : Sir—Are the people in the neighbourhood of Stanley-street and Parnell Rise aware that there is a soap-making and tallow-boiling establishment being erected in their.midst, and unless they bestir themselves in time they will have a repetition of the ChapeLstreet nuisance, which ia now being removed by order of the City Council, and very properly too, it having been decided by Dr Stockwell, city health officer, and other medical men that it is injurious to health in the district where erected. By referring to clause 26 of the Health Act, the penalty for starting such works without permission of the Council or Board is £50, and £2 per day for every day it is carried on. Hoping that those in authority will "see to it at once, —Yours, Health.

The action before the Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday, viz., B. Porter and Co. v. T. Seagerman, for the recovery of two cases of ringing machines, resulted in a non-suit, as it;was doubtful whether the master of the barque Serene was responsible for an error in the bill of lading, and whether a consignee could claim upon an invoice when the bill of lading was clearly wrong.

There was a fair muster last evening of Auckland Scottish Volunteers at theirweekly parade, and the men went through their evolutions in a handsome manner under command of Sergeant-Major Wainhouse and Captain Mowbray.—The Victoria Brigade were equally successful under the skilful management of Captain Derrom.

The Kennedy family will appear to-morrow evening in Onehunga, and at North Shore on Friday. We advise those who can enjoy true poetry, wedded to appropriate music, to take a last opportunity of listening to the songs of Scotland by this gifted family.

Mr Prank Cavanagh will appear to-night in the Oddfellows Hall, Cook-street, and lecture on the coming of the Lord in connection with the fear of the world.

At the meeting of the Harbour Board yesterday the Pilot Service Committee submitted the following resolution :—" That a memorial be forwarded to the General Government urging upon them the"necessity of laying a submarine cable from Tiritiri to the mainland with a view of announcing the coming of the mail steamers all over New Zealand several hours before they arrive." The Finance Committee reported that a large account for extras had been received from the contractor for the silt-basins, and that they wished for further explanation before passing it for payment Mr McKenzie gave the following notice of motion:—"That immediate steps be taken towards procuring six screw pile moorings, to be placed on both sides of the wharf for the security of the inter-colonial and coasting; vessels, each mooring to be capable of holding securely a vessel of 300 tons in a gale of

wind."

To the Editor : Sir,—l am grateful for your note of my conversation with a customer in the Star of last night, and may inform you that I touched his soul (sole), and rather than it should be aaid he hadn't a sole of his own he paid me.— Yours, Willie, the Nelson-street Shoemaker.

On Monday evening the Auckland Sundayschcol Union's panorama of views in the Arctic regions, including the discovery by Sir L. McOlintock of the record and relics of Bir John Franklin's expedition, was ex. hibited in the Choral Hall, Onehunga, to a large audience. The Rev. T. Hamer presided, and the descriptive lecture was delivered by Mr Brooks. The proceeds were in aid of the funds of the Sunday-school Union.

We have had the pleasure of a sight of a splendid series of pictures in the shop of Mr Upton by our leading local artist, Mr John Hoyte, which are being exhibited previous to his next Art Union drawing, which will take place on the 24th inst. The paintings represent some of the most beautiful scenea in New Zealand, and are executed with that fidelity of touch and shade which are only within the province of the true artist, who has a poet's eye for the beautiful and true. Among the pictures we noticed especially a faithful view of Picton Harbour, Mount Kolleston, near Canterbury, the lofty snow capped Mount Egmont and Lake Tarawai. The scene, Nelson Harbour, will be recognised by its exact features, by the moat unartistic spectator. The bairn and terraces at Tarata and the Otiri Gorge, with all their natural associations, were livingly delineated. An ordinary observer would be inclined to consider the coloring of the sky and distances too blue and too gorgeous, but we were assured that such is nature in the paradisaical locality of Tarata. The prize pictures, thirty ia number, range in value from £1 to £15, and the list we see is nearly complete.

To the Editor : Sir,—l gee that the Engineer Cadets (or rather the Rifle Brigade and Engineer Cadet i combined) are not satisfied with beating the six champion sho s of New Zealand, but they must also boast that their average 49.J is the b- st average shooting ever made by cadets in New Zealand. This is not the case, as when the Sir George Grey Cadets lind the Canterbury Cadets our average was 51 ; again the Thames Cadets averaged 50 in their second contest with us. I recommend the Engineers to be more modest the next time they furnish the report of a rifle match. —I am, One of tue Six.

Mr Dipnan has stated his determination to contest the seat for Waitemata. We are informed that there is a likelihood of Major Stoney also becoming a candidate for the representation of Waitemata.

We are requested to draw attention to an error which had unfortunately been allowed to rcmaih uncorrected in the Curator's report of donations for the past month, by which it wa3 made to appear as if the two plants of cordyline indivisa had been the gift of the secretary himself, instead of being only forwarded through him by oneof the members of the* Society (It. 0. Chilman, Esq., of New Plymouth).

The lumpers of the wharf called a general meeting of the brotherhood last evening at the Thames Hotel, but as many of ihe fraternity, who are astute politicians, were taking part in the anti-education tax meeting the attendance was small.

Mr John Maaon writes as follows, with reference to last night's meeting :—" Sir, — Staines and his protege, Mr Dargaville, would not listeujjlast night to common sense at the Mechanics' Institute. Why did Mr Dargaville co-operate with Mr Staines ? Because he is a candidato for a seat in the General Assembly to represent the Waitemata district, George Staines being chairman of the Stokes' Point Road Board, and thereby hangs a tale. My opinion of Mr Dargaville has changed for the worse, and I believe no man is more capable of playing the double shuffle than he is. As I did not receive a hearing last night I will now explain my views on the Education question. A3 a matter of course I am in favor of a general system of education, and that the rich should pay' for the poor. Unquestionably a property tax ought to be imposed for educational purposes Look at the thousands of acres of uncultivated lands owned by absentees. Failing a property tax, I advocate universal suffrage, and that evory male adult should be placed on. the roll, and thereby be liable to a tax of £1 per annum for educational purposes. The insult I received last night from Mr Dargaville is simply an endorsement of his former treatment of me, and will not bo easily forgotten.—l am, &c. f John Mason.

The case of Carpenter v. Carpenter, H. P. Barber co-respondent, was before their Honors the Chief Justice, Mr Justice Johnston, Mr Justice Greeson, and Mr Justice Chapman, sitting in Divorce jurisdiction at Wellington on May 23, when the Chief Justice said the Court had arrived at the conclusion that the petitioner was entitled to a decree nisi— the co-respondent to be condemned in the whole of the costs of the proceedings, including the costs the petitioner had or should have to pay to the wife.

Afthe Acclimatization Society's adjourned meeting it was- resolved that the Secretary be instructed to write to England for forty brace of partridges and twelve couple of nightingales, and that the person to whom they shall be entrusted be offered a reward per head for all that he may choose to bring beyond that number, also, that a good sum of money be offered for a couple of dozen of swallows from Sydney. It was also resolved that each holder of a game license be admitted a member of the Society free, and be presented with a free ticket to the Society s gardens. Mr Dickson informed the meeting with much regret that a rat had gnawed his way into one of the aviaries out of the gardens, and killed one of the golden pheasants, and that a watch had been set and the rat caught and executed.

The citizens of Auckland will give a ball in honour of His Excellency the Governor at the Choral Hall on Tuesday next. The arrangements are being made on a first-class scale, and the affair is likely to be a most bnlhant one. Through the liberality of his Ivxcellency the servants at Government House will give a ball on Thursday next, and have already issued 150 invitations. They Lave obtained the use of Government House ball-room, and the band of H.M. Blanche will furnish the music on the occasion Sir James Fergusaon and family leave for' Wellington a fortnight hence.

In the Council this afternoon the Provincial Secretary informed Mr Kelly that immediate steps would be taken to ensure the steamer Southern Cross staying a reasonable time at Ohiwa in her trips to Tauranga. To Mr question, what step the Government intended to take respecting the petition from the directors of the gold mining claims in the Waio-Karaka Flat for a reduction of rates on the Karaka tramway, Mr Sheehaa replied thai the Bella-street tramway was nearly complete, and when it was it would connect with the Karaka tramway. When the connection was effected the whole line was to be let to the tenderer at the lowest possible rate. Mr Goldie's motion for a supplementary report from* the Railway Officer was carried.