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Auckland Star, Volume V, Issue 1489, 18 November 1874, Page 2

We are aware that considerable interest has been felt by many with reference to the late libal case between Captain Fraser, and Messrs Reed and Brett, proprietors of this journal. We are permitted to state what will give pleasure to a good many, and possibly annoyance to some, that the parties in the litigatiou have met in the moat frank and friendly way, and that there lias been the most cordial and complete reconciliation.

We have been requested to give insertion to the the following : "To the Editor of the Kvkxinc; Star: .Sir, —I observe that a lecture is to be delivered on Friday evening next by Mr Hu^h Hart Litsfc oa the subject, ' Why should the Provincial system be abolished ?' Sir, when it is taken into account that this gentleman has been so strenuous a defender of Provincialism when circunutAncea were different, I think the answer in hig own mind is not far to sock Query, by Mr H. H. Lusk : ' Why should the Provincial system, be abolished V Answer : 'Because Mr 11. H. Lusk was not eleetedSuporiritendent.'—Your3, &c., Simple Simon."

As illustrative of the working of the " Itidu3trial Policies" of Life Assurance as now granted by the General Government, we wish to dtato the amounts that may be assured by weekly payments by a man of the age of 30 years, namely the ago of the Engineer of the Wailabi who has just been (Imwm-d in the Molyneux. A weekly payment of one penny, made at any post oflice in the colon}' secures to wife and children the sum of £7 lGs ; of two pence secures £15 12a; three pence secures £23 8-t; fourpence secures £31 4s; sixpence secures £146 IGs ; a shilling secures £93 12s ; one and sixpence secures £140 8a; two shillings seenres £187 4s We think there are few people in Auckland who could not spare one or another of these amounts weekly ; but we do think there are a good many people in Auckland, who do not care a penny for wife and children's welfare when their own selfish years aro done. Full information on the subject, will be obtained on application at our own Post-office, or any oilier Post-ollice in the colony.

We have received a letter signed "Shells of the Beach." It is of a personal nature, and "would not be for the edification of the outside world. The Ponsonby people should settle their own little squabbles without enlisting the aid of the Great Engine. We, the outside world, don't care a dump about their shells, and we laugh among ourselves at the sound and fury excited over such a very little thing. We used to say that the pugnacity of the North Shore was owing to the too great purity of the air and the excess of free ozone. Really the elevated highlands of Ponsonby are getting too healthy and exhilirating. Fighting about shells indeed ! Fie ! for shame !

There were throe cases before the Police Court yesterday, two of which should teach a lesson to the many bachelors of Auckland to put their spare money into the Savings' Bank, instead of leaving it in old stockings and in ' unlocked bachelors' boxes. Money has a very fascinating power for the majority of persons, and especially for those delicately organised individuals who cannot resist temptation. It unfortunately happens that in alniost every case of this kind the petty thief is a new comer, which augurs ill for the future of this province. It would be well if every immigrant on leaving the old country, would leave his unhappy propensities behind, and resolve upon a new life upon reaching this new country. The temptation for thieving cannot be so great here as in the land of our fathers, because persons here are less oppressed and should be less liable to make use- of the property of others. There is something mean and despicable in being a prig, but priggishness is rankling like weeds in the sunshine about us. Well would it be for society if every individual member of the community felt the command glowing in his heart, while practically carrying it out in his life—" Thou shall not steal." One fine young man, of position and education, broke the command for the purpose of making a display beyond his means ; another, who was a blacksmith by trade, could not sleep comfortably in the night next to his mate of the forge, because he knew that his brother smith had a little jewellery, a silver watch and a few pounds within a few yards of his own couch. He could not resist temptation, so lie broke the law by breaking Into his neighbour's cottage, and stealing his "little all." The poor man, we understand, literally doated on his Bilver watch, and gold pins and studs, and the carefully folded crown's worth of gold dust. But he too, was a bachelor, had his condition been otherwise, Perry's temptation would possibly have been removed, and he would not have fallen into temptation. The poor fainting woman, who appeared exhausted in the dock, and evidently was not an experienced hand at prigging; but who probably scented the bachelor's sock, which was too much for her constitution. Possessed of Eve's curiosity, she was anxious to taste of the forbidden treasure ; she only took a part of the money enough t& purchase a new summer dress which she had ordered, and a few other necessary articles, and she fell through the bachelor's box, instead of listening to the still small voice, " Thou shalt not steal.'' J

It would cost very, little to provide a few forma or seats on the. platforms of the -ountry railway-stations, whilst the conS and ease afforded to traveller*.and especially ladies waiting on the trams would be very much indeed. They are provided at all other places, and why not itere?

Mr Ellis* immigration Officer, informs iis fcfa&t all means possible are being used to obtain a further water supply at Motu Ihi Wells have been sunk-one to a depth of oU feet, but hitherto unsuccessfully -J^ B™^ however, signs of water making in 6ne well. Plenty of water was sent down last mght in Srrels, and there is a creek with good fresh water for wdSbing. A report id currerifc that the man, FJyfleld, whe went to the hospital, is not infected with scarlet fever at all. At any rate, we are credibly informed that he was walking about on the island last nigh . We b«pe that this is th« case, as there will be a prospect of the speedier release Of all the immigrants.

In order to give insertion to our advertisements we are again compel'ed to issue a halfsßeet supplement witW. to'hignfra paper, Itt ifc will be found a Long Island tragedy, entitled " Take her up Tenderly, ' au interesting account of "The International Swimming Match," a curious "Bat Tale, some description of " The Girl to Fino." for the gilidauce of our yoilng men J arid a letter on "Vice-regal Courtesy." In addition to these, information is given respecting the hours of business of that important institution the Auckland Savings' Bank, a list of merchandise to arrive, on sale by Mr D. H. McKenSie } the trade advertisements Of Messrs Ireland, T. Peacock, and Branston and Foster. Particulars of the cargo of sugar, etc., expected by Mr G. W. Binneyj details of the new spring Hnd cummer stock &c.,dfMrH Atkins, for the information of lady readers ; also, an interesting list of new shipments received by Messrs A. Linabury and Co., the Insurance Companies' business casds, and the estate list of Mr J. M. Lennox. All these matters will repay careful perusal.

Referring agaia to the question of city sewage, which is an important although unsavoiy subjeot, we would remark that any increase in the cost necessary to cleanliness would not only be a great hardship to poor householders in this city, but would lead to a proportionate disregard of those wellobserved sanitary measures which have grown up under the present cheap and efficient system. The cost of the ne*v arrangement has not been ascertained, but whatever it may be, we think that anything in excess of the present rate should be paid by the Council, and not by the individual householders or owners of property. Money is expended for far less important sanitary and other works, and the coat in this case will he amply repaid by the improved sanitary condition of the city. We know that the Council, owing to pressure by the Board of Health has not had the opportunity for making such inquiries regarding the most profitable disposal of the sewage as it might have done, and it is therefore in rather a false position, but considering the heavy burdens already borne by our citizens, and Ihe prospect of being added to for water, we think ib but reasonable that necessary facilities for cleanliness should be afforded the people, at a cost easily within the means of all.

The saloon passengers of the Hydaspes were released from quarantine yesterday. A hteamer was Fent down for them last evening, and they came up to town at a late hour. Most of them were accommodated in th<nr old quart-rs on board the ship for the night. They are all of them in very good state of health, and in high glee at being released from their imprisonment. From the accounts they give of the accommodation provided for them at Motuihi, it would appear that there is need for some alteration in the arrangements at the station. It cannot be right that all should herd together : persons who have paid large sums for their passage, iv order to secure superior board and lodging, with those who have paid nothing. We trust that gaining wisdom by experience, the authorities will sea that in future somewhat altered arrangements are made.

The third annual meeting of members of the Auckland Rifla Association, will be held to-morrow evening at the Young Men's Christian Association, Wellesley-street, at which the prizes to successful competitors in the lute prize-tiring, will be presented.

The Sunday-school Union Exhibition closed last evening in the presence of a large number of spectators, and all agreed that it has answered the most sanguine expectations of the promoters. After all expenses have been paid, there will be a balance of at least £100 in favor of the Union, which will be of great advantage to the Sunday-schools of Auckland and adjacent districts, which have aided the enterprise. It is supposed, at a fair guess, that 5,000 persons have visited the Exhibition. The balance-sheet will be published by the committee in the course of the present week. The committee and teachers have been most indefatigable, regular, and attentive in their duties, and deserve great praise. These unpaid labourers in the Sunday-schools of the various religious denominations, are doing a vast amount of good in and about this city, and they are entitled to the thanks of the whole community. A special entertainment was provided last evening, consisting of Mr C. Brown's dissolving views, microscopic and other curiosities in sculpture and natural history. Mr riattley, at the conclusion, delivered a speech expressive of the gratitude of the members of the Union to the public generally for the hearty sympathy shewn towards their first effort of the kind in Auckland. The National Anthem was then sung in which the whole assemblage joined. Mr Battley then declared the Sunday-school Union Industrial Exhibition closed.

The escape of Bazaine in three scenes has been dramatised and placed on the boards at the Cassel Theatre. The rocks, the boat, the stormy sea, and other minute details are faithfully represe hted.

We are not acquainted with the merits of the matter dealt with in the following letter, but we would urge the committee to lose no time in complying with the request of " Subscriber." Nothing can be more hurtful to the feelings of those who are charitably inclined, nor more detrimental to the cause of true benevolence than suspicions or complaints arising out of the administration of trusts created by the kindness and liberality of the people. We have no doubt the committee of the Kenny fund can readily explain all the points raised by " A Subscriber" in the following letter :— " Sir, —I have been waiting for" months to hear of the final balance-sheet of the " Kenny Endowment Fund." Many similar cases have been before the public since then, and satisfactorily wound up and done with. This one having been in hand over ten months, surely it is time for the committee, or trustees, to wake up and render an account of their stewardship. As the matter stands at present, it is a disgrace to all concerned. Rumour hath it that one member is the cause of the delay ; why don't the others go ahead without him ? There is a bit of gossip too, about a prominent canvasser having put his name down for £5, and handing over £2 2s to the secretary or treasurer. This is not acting on the square. No money has yet been handed over to the widow, although part of the subscription was for her private use. Surely this is a disgrace to Onehunga. Do wake up the procrastinating members of the committee, and oblige yours, &c., A Subscriber."

A large rat and five young ones were discovered in a piano in a bouse near Brighton the other day. The old rat on finding its place of concealment observed, flew at the lady of the house, who was directing the search. The lady was seized with a fit, and lies in adangerous state.

Paris papers state that the sum of £3,000 has been deposited at a banking^hoase as the price of a three-act opera ttf be cortttpofeed by M. Offenbach for some theatre in London, which is not mentioned.

The Rev C. H. Spurgeon, speaking lately at the opening of a new mission chapel, near Drtiry Lane, said he remembered one Sunday Qveniniti -whilst preaching to a crowded congregation, saying, "Thrirefa a man in the 2a llery now with a gin bottle in his pockeb ; and although the statement was merely made to enforce a point, with no idea that it was literally accurate, there was not only a man with a gin bottle in his pocket at tbat side 'of the gallery to which he pointed, bat there was another roan at the other side similarly btird*rted, and both these men from that hour were cohieilQ<h

At this season fragrant with the odour of flowers and while our gardens are brilliant with the hues of rose, geranium, and the hundreds ol other beauties of horticulture we would put in another pica on behalf of our hospital. To the sick, Wearily sighing for a glimpse of the summer verdae, a beautiful bunch of flowers is an offerin* which above all others, will call forth a *grateful acknowledgment and pleasant refreshing memories. Will »ot our amateur and professional gardnera k*ep up a regular supply of floral offeringsi for the various wards of the Provincial Hospital, the friends of the immigrants at the quarantine station ffliftht also semi down flowers for the hospital established there, and which would give the new-comers a pleasant glimpse of theold familiar plants of their native Lid reared under the more favourable circumstances of this clime. The ladies of Melbourne have specially taken under their charge this task, and have received m return the blessings of the patients. In jLngland and America similar opportunities of doing good are taken advantage of*

We hasten to correct an erroneous impression which our yesterday's paragraph about Captain Neiglick and the Harbour Boards divine suit is calculated to convey, ihe assertion that the d.ess was out of repair was made on the authority of the diver ' -Jerry. We now learn that it Wanted very little doing to it to render it fit for immediate use, and in proof of this the Harbour Board have sent a very kind letter to Captain JNeigllck, offering him the loan of it gratuitously in view of the circumstances which brouyht his vessel to our port. We need not say that the captain has accepted the offer.

Queen Victoria, says a Paris correspondent, not content with dressing very plainly (and even shabbily at times), and with repressing every tendency to dressiness on the part of the ladies of the roj al family, is m the habit of snubbing those ladies of the Court who indulge in what Her Majesty is pleased to consider an over-dre^siuess of style. I wish she would get the English dames and damsels to have their evening drssses made little higher in the corsage. I am told that the bad'taste in the dress of the Duchens of Edinburgh is sometimes fearful to contemplate. Her latest innovation in that line consists in appearing at the opera in a large lace cap, plentifully bedizened with bows and flowers, which novel head-dress causes her Royal and Imperial Highness to look more like a middle-^ged dowager than a blooming bride.

We have much pleasure in publishing the following satisfactory explanation of the recent capitation rate dispute : " Sir,—l beg to inform you that 1 have this day, agreeably to instructions, handed to Mr. Johnston the amount of the refund of capitation rate, after receipt of the necessary school certificates. I take this opportunity of stating that in answering Mr. Johnston's letter of October 24 I have fallen into an error, owing to not having kept a copy of my reply, and thus imputed to him a "palpable untruth." I regret that anything should have been written by me which has had the effect of giving him any annoyance, and as the matter is now pecuniarily settled and all imputations against him as a gentleman withdrawn, I trust this capitation rate difference will be buried in oblivion."—l am, &c, Osmund Lewis.

There is a tradition in the East that when Satan stepped out of the Garden of Ederj, after the fall of man, onions sprung from the spot where he placed his right foot, aad garlic from that one which his left one touched.

It is a well-known rule of journals not to publish any letter that has previously appeared in another journal in tbe same city, bub ne are urgently requested by Mr Cranwell to make an exception in his favour in the following case, as although his letter has appeared in one of the morning papers, aud was referred to in the other, it has not received the publicity he desired. As Mr Cranwell assures us that he sent the letter first to the Star, and as it was only through a mishap that it did not appear in our columns originally, we comply with his wishes. The letter is as follows : —" To the Editor : Sir, —Will you please favour me by insertion of the following :—My reply to Mr Lusk's ultimatum. To Mr JR. B. Lusk : Sir, I have received your notice respecting the Education Tax, stating proceedings must be taken against me after the 16th. 1 hope that may be unnecessary; that better counsels may prevail. lam sorry I cannot pay voluntarily; that I certainly cannot do, because it would be acknowledging that to be right which I know to bo wrong. Moreover, I propose devoting £5 with a periodical subscription, (if some system is started for that purpose, which I hope there soon will be,) as some compensation to those (should there be any,) who may have to suffer under this foolish law. It would be no discredit to the Council (even now) to let the matter drop, for not one-tenth part of the money can be honestly obtained, and it would be a lasting disgrace to the Government to get it by force, or intimidation from such preponderating numbers in the community. I purpose sending a copy of this to each of the papers, that amongst all who say, aud think it right to act, some may see it right to think and act, without delay.—Yours respectfully, Benjamin Chan well.—Parnell, November 14, 1874."

The Beresford-street Sunday-school annual soiree was held last evening in the chapel. An excellent tea was provided by the ladies, viz., Mesdames Davies, Smith, Push, and Barton; and Misses Daldy. Black, Bond, Warner, and Edmonds. Rev Warlovv Davies, M.A. minister of the chapel, opened the subsequent meeting with words of encouragement and hope. Mr Lyon, superintendent, produced the annual report, which shewed a marked improvement since their removal to Beresford-street. The average attendance on Sunday mornings was 31 ; and in the afternoon, 99. A pleasing item in the report was the sum of £6 Is Sd contributed in pence by the scholars towards the new church. A number of religious and moral books had also been added to the school library during the year. Mr Champtaloup's report of the William-street branch school was also favour: able —the Sunday morning attendance being, upon an average, 33 ; and in the afternoon, 68, Mr J". Martin delivered a very instructlvei address on "Head, heart, and hands." Addresses of an interesting nature were also delivered by Messrs Glanville and Welsman, and the meeting closed in the usual manner.

Mr Moton Moss, of Melbourne, who was largely mixed up with the Launceston failures, and who the other day himself compounded with his creditors, is reported to have lost £72,000 in two years. Good Templarism is greatly on the increase on the goldfields of Otago. The lodge recently established at Arrowtown now numbers 100 members. The cause is also prospering in Cromwell, and every other mining township in Otago. The Bruce Herald states that a large wholesale wine merchant in Arrowtown does not intend to replenish his stock of sphits, and purposes becoming a Good Templar! At Liverpool assizes, lately, an action by an actress against a Colonel Vernon for breach of promise, was settled, for £750.

Chapman the wizard, wlnTre^T™ formed his tricks in Auckland seem 7V&* been practising a feat that is not»™ ?av« by the wife of his bosom if w , !£ preei»t«<l iTOta *">**)nring advertise^ £> appeared the Lyttelton Times •-«• Wft 1* Adam Chapman, well-known 'as P • and anti-spiritist, and travelling • person known as Miss Ida Bonnif a you write to your wife and child • th 'i!^ -. received no communication for ia "*V 6 Write immediately, to Emily Ada rfcMnrth«' Bowen Villa, 3. Punt Road, &{"»», Melbourne." ' mh Ya Wa> For alleged unskilfulness in the tr o ,+ of a broken arm, £150 damages was ci th» Liverpool assizes, against Dr afc Chorley. r* Madame Moller, a lady well know • musical circles and who is ever re A assist by her talents every good and W lent cau«e, announces that she will • grand vocal and instrumental concert fO?t A 23rd inst, at the Choral Hall The gramme will shortly appear when we. ft have an opportunity of calling pnblic &hJz to its general character. """^bon " Can you send us any one eligible fai 1 Mayor of this city?" writes a Wellin ♦ correspondent. "He must have a thick stand be supremely indifferent to all xqq]' iiinovationa in the way of 3anitary and 0^ municipal matters. We have asked vf George Hunter to stand, but he v 1 decliaed ; but even in doiDg so hag « J offence to someone whose name he neele.+!j to write amongsb those to whom he addVd his reply. I am glad he escaped the«S laid for him, for had he been elected T believe he would have been Tvorripd* death." 6tt to