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Auckland Star, Volume V, Issue 1490, 19 November 1874, Page 2

Ix another column will be found a letter which we received last night from an immi* grant on Motuihi. We may premise by Btating that no fears may bo entertained as to its bringing infection to us. It is all punched full of holes, and cut and hacked, and smells infernally, showing that it has

been subjected to very rough treatment. It will be seen that it confirms our previous information, and that it throws more light o n the case of the girl sent to hospital, an incident which appears to have been over-

looked by our morning contemporaries. It

will be seen also that it presents the questions relative to the saloon passengers in

a new, and possibly, truer light, and shows that the detenus on the island have at least grounds for grumbling at the invidious distinctions drawn. We are aware that it is not the custom to keep saloon passengers of immigrant Bhips in quarantine. Our local authorities, theie. fore, are not censurable for having merely conformed to usage. But we are sure that it could not have been known that there was free intercourse between the various classes of immigrants on board, or the usage would, in this case, have been honoured in the

breach, rather than the observance. We

still feel regret that the course which suggested itself to us did not commend itself to those having charge of the immigrants, and that the saloon passengers, when released from the island, were not kept in seclusion for a time. But taking higher grounds, we profess our inability to see why the usage of making distinctions of class in the enforcement of quarantine has ever been brought

into existence. Anyone that has ever been

on an immigrant ship at sea knows that separation on board ships to the extent of preventing the spread of the poison germs of infectious disease is mythical. That some portions of the ship are worse than others is true, but the same atmos" phere pervades the vessel from bows to stern. With this, however, our local authorities have had nothing to do, and according to established usage, their action has been entirely en regie. But there is another point in our correspondent's letter to which we would direct attention. It has been represented that the conduct of the immigrants on the island, in reference to the saloon passengers' luggage, has been insubordinate. As represented, it would appear that the immigrants are in a state of semirevolt, refusing to allow the removal of anything from the island, in pique at the distinctions made. Were this entirely true, one could feel half inclined to extend some sympathy. But a different feeling grows upon the mind when, as alleged the refusal of the immigrants has been merelj ! the refusal to work for nothing, and to carry down the saloon luggage for the honor of the thing. If this i 9 true, and it looks very like it, then we think the immigrants are justified in the refusal, and we trust that in their absence, and when unable to answer for themselves and utterly helpless, they will not be rashly judged, nor any stern measures of compulsion entertained. They have had good reason for being annoyed, and we trust that no bounceable conduct towards them will be indulged. '

tWe are glad to learn that the liberal provisions of the new Auckland Wiste Lands Act are becoming more widely known and appreciated. An application has been made to the Provincial Government, 6tt behalf of ten working men in Auckland; for land for a Bpeoial settlement under the-Act. Their views are being met by the Waste Lands Department.

The Superintendent has this day received the following telegranj from the Hon. Minister for Immigration at Wellington ;— " Agent-Ggberal telegraphs j Disraeli, 370 souls, Warwick, 240 souls, Inverness, 200, sailed for Auckland in October. 4'

A deputation of gentlemen interested in the advancement of the Upper Mahurangi Highway District waited upon His Honor the Superintendent this morning, and presented a numerously signed petition from the resident in that locality, praying His Honor to withhold his sanction of the proceedings proposed to be initiated by the Districb Highway Board, for obtaining a deviation of the main line of road from the township of Warkworth to the interior. Capt Daldy, with, whom were Messrs Whitson, Meikle, Nathan, Trethowen, and Cherry, acted as spokesmen and^ explained £hat the step intended to be taken by the Board, was not in accordance With the. wish of the settlers who regarded any alteration of the existing line of roadi&s a mistake, likely to be productive of much general inconvenience. His Honor stated that he would cause inquiry to be instituted in the matter, after which the representations made by the deputation would be duly considered.

The following letter is rather sharp down on the woithy constable of Ouehunga, and probably comas from some former victim of a similar misfortune. "Sir, —The chimney of the police barracks caught fire last evening, and whilst spreading its flowing gleams, placed the adj >ining builcliugs in immediate peril. We earnestly hope that Mr Green with his usual efficiency, will bring the matter before the Resident Magistrate. —I am &c, Safety. "

VV hen Sir -foliles Fergusson reaches home he in^y, if he chooses tj do bo, largely benefit the colony by adopting the suggestion made in a recent issue of the Post --namely, using his influence as a landlord and country gentleman to induce tile emigration of the class of «!iiail tuaant-faimers whose prospects at home are far from brilliant, but who would make such excellent settlci-3 here.

The following notes on Auckland'rats by an observer ia interesting : Sir, - Rats undoubtedly are a grvat nuisance in every part of the world from Noiway to Auckland, and much more destructive ia their habit;? thftn the much maligned sparrOVr-. J understand that Mr Firth, chairman o£ the Acclimatisation Society, (Vfc its Lv<t meeting gave an address on the manners anil customs o: his midnight prowler which, if publiihed in extouso, would an iut'jroiting cha^t-jr in natural history. I have been watching the rats recently at my bachelor home, and can add my obaervationß to the accumulating r.it literature of New Z-aland. A foituight ago my landlady smiled with satisfaction on the morning of the 7th instant on becoming awars of the mfc'jrcstinsr fact that sha was ho i-iAlul uAiior of eighteen youus* ducklings, b>.»fc from that date to the 12th instant they regularly disappeared, two in a night, until the "downy little dears," as she was pleased to call them, were reduced to five. No trace of them could be found. A few days ago, while the sun was yet shining, a villainous rat rushed with almost lightning speed out of a hole in I he garden and caught one of the duck-family, and bsfore I could prevent its dcstiuction the rat dragged it into the hole. 1 ran, and my landlady ran, and caught hold of the little things leg 3, which were sticking out, when, alia ! its head and body had been taken away. The remaining four are kept safely, in a private apartment. Another circumstance (ab least singular to me), occurred last night by the light of the moon, which ahoW3 that tho rat has impudence enough for a colonial boy. I discoverod one actually crawling up a gum tree, where a number of sparrows lodge every night. I was not previously aware that rats were such excellent climbgrd. He was most likely going up for a lofty supper, but his quick ear detected my step, and he was down and away amonsfthc grass like a thief in the night. I-finfl that the four remaining ducklings are f|iiite safe ; and my landlady appeared coutented. — Yours &c., Vulcaj? Cottage.

The Horticultural Society's first Exhibition will bo held tomorrow in the City Hall. This is one of tho most interesting of shows to those persons who take an interest iv the cultivation of flowers. We understand that there will bo an abundant supply of England's representative (lowers : roses will probaby take the lead in the Hall to-morrow. If the weather should be favourable numbei-3 of persons will visit the Ilower show with feelings of pleasure.

A cricket match in which the sides are to ba chosen by the secretary and treasurer of the Auckland Club is to be played at Ellerslie gardens on Saturday next. As will be seen by advertisement elsewhere, Mr E. Graham intends giving two handsome prizes for a running race to come off at three o'clock. With such varied amusements going on a large attendance is anticipated.

The danger of knocking boys' heads together has received sad illustration at Waikiwi, Otago. A pupil attending the district school there, complained when he came home one day, of a pain in his head. He said that Mr Macdonald, the teacher, had taken him and another boy, named Mcllwrick, and knocked their heads together, for misbehaviour at school that day. He continued to complain of his head, and, notwithstanding the attention and skill of two medical men he boy died after nearly three weeks' illness'

The Parnell Grammar School and Auckland College Cricket Clubs, are to meet in the Domain on Saturday next at 12 noon, for a friendly cricket match. A very close game is anticipated.

Mr Robert Ternahan who, for many years past has creditably filled the office of senior detective in connection with the Auckland police force, is about to separate himself from that useful and necessary body. We have alway regarded Robert Ternahan as a shrewd intelligent officer, who was ever careful to do his duty without exceeding it. He was ununostentatious in his views and demeanour, and without making a great noise was a keen observer of features of character and physiognomy, and invariably successful in bringing offenders to judgment. We hope this officer's change of life and employment will redound to his general advantage.

A misprint occurred in our account of the examinations held yesterday at the St. Mary's Convent schools. Instead of '' the man who examined them" should have appeared " the nun who examined them."

We may hope soon to see Mr and Mrs Hoskins (Miss Colville) on the New Zealand boards once more, where they have already achieved very great popularity. It is stated that they have left New York on their return ourney to this colony. "Scenes" are of pretty frequent occurrence in the Dunedin City Council, which, although very unseemly, are of a milder and more gentlemanly kind than those reported from other parts of the colony. A large part of the time of a recent meeting was spent in petty squabbling between the Mayor and Councillor Fish, who refused to submit to the chairman's ruling.

A meeting of the North Shore Cricket Club is to take place this evening, at the Masonic Hotel. The business is to frame rules, etc., for the Club. Intending members are requested to be present.

The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand will hold its next sitting in Wellington, commencing on the 4th December. The Rev Robert McKinney, of Mahurangi, Auckland, will be Moderator.

Tlie hot weathOT yeßterday had an irritating; effect upen the animal world, and caused ang unnsuai Restlessness and frolicksomeness In addition to the bolting recorded last night, a poor old woman's goat, between Union and F Napier-streets, became exceedin«lv restive about nooa, and broke his tether, and scampered away to the cooling water-brook, while the anxious owner bolted after with a broom, fearing the eye of the constable. A donkey also, at the top of WelUn-ton^street, near Franklin road, kicked up his heels in a terrific manner, and brayed loudly in indication of coming rain. One of Mr Fisher's horses, with a meat cart, rushed from Symonds-street, leaving the driver oq the dusty road, and did not stop until the wheel came in contact with the cart of Mr Maior.Tooer, standing at the Pitt-street end of Vincent-streefc. Both carts were completely overturned, but nothing serious resulted beyond a slight injury to the arm and nose of Mr Major's young man. It is evident therefore, that every precaution should ba taken in hot weather to prevent accidents of this nature.

The Auckland Harmonic Socicby, which has been very successful since its formation some two years aso, will meet this evening in the Wellesley-street Young Men's rooms for practice. Mr. Cooper's popular siligingclass will commence on Monday next at the same place.

In our Saturday's issue will appear a tale of the " New Zealand War, " specially written for the Star by an Auckland young lady, who possesses considerable literary talent. A'so an original story in rhyme, by Mr. Blackmail, together with other interesting sketches, ets. To-morrow evening, Mr. H. H. Lusk will lecture at the Choral ITall under the auspices of the New Zealand Reform League, on the subject, "Why should tho Provincial system be abolished ?"

While we are jiayirig siich enormous prices for pdtatoeg, it is hard to believe the statement that in the Newham and Rochford districts, Australia, whero the farmers are complaining of the scarcity of labour, at least 2000 tons of potatoes remain undug, of which a large proportion will have to rot in the ground.

tn consequence of1 the rise in the price of flour, many of the Auckland bakers have advanced the price of bread, although it is noteworthy that thera was no manifestation of a disposition to lower it a few weeks ago when breadstuff's fell unusually low. We may, however, gather a grain of comfort from the thought that We have never been ;;S bidly «ft as the inhabitants of the goldmining district of Lyell, West Coast, where iv consequence of the long protracted bad weather la^t month, tin last batch of bread was distributed at 2s Od per 4lb loaf, while not even passable beef and no mutton whatever could be obtained.

It is stated that intimation has been received from the Worthy Grand Templar of America that Uie commission of Mr Makune, as D.D.R.W.G.T., has been stiapfinded. Dnriug the last quarter. one_ hundred and thirty-two members were initiated in the Loyal kelson Lo Ige of Good Templars.

A meeting of the Auckland Cricket Club Committee was held yesterday afternoon, when it wasdecided that the entertainment on behalf of the funds of the Club should come off in the Prince of Wale 3 Theatre within the next two or three weeks time. It was stated that arrangements with that arrangements with the le-.see for the use of the theatre were now pending. Further particulars are to be announced as soon as these are complets. The Domain ground rules oame in for some animadversion in consequence of outside clubs being allowed to phy on Saturdays and other days, when regular subscribers were put to incoavenience in consequence.

Owing to an oversight by the printer, a paragraph giving the result of the meeting of the Templar Benefit Society, at the Newton Hall on Tuesday night was omitted from our last issue. Tho meeting was well attended, and a number of new members joined. The following officers were duly elected in accordance with tho rules of the Society : —Trustees : Col. Haultain, Rev.

S. Edger, and Mr D. Goldie ; treasurer, Mr T. Walker. Directors, Mescrs J. Warren, Lee, Hose, Warburton, and Cocks. Auditors. Messrs S. Brooking, and 0. Parker. Secretary. Mr S. Wooms ; and Tyler, Mr S. Jones. The Society now numbers 120 members and 27 new members were proposed.

Dixon's electro-plate has a reputation that is world-wide. Tho announcement, therefore, that Mr. F. H. L3wisson, of Queenstreet, has received shipments of the bost kinds should be satisfactory to those who have been looking out for services to embftllish their breakfast, dinner, or tea tables. His Btock includes waiters, tea and coffee set 3, candlesticks, tea urns, cups, toast-racks, cruets (four and six holes), butter-coolers, side dishes, dish covers, children's knives, forks, and spoons (in case), dessert knives, hot water jugs, etc. All articles are stamped with the marker's name as a guarantee of genuiness.

It is stated that Professor Piazzi Smith, who has an extraordinary affection for the Great Pyramid of Egypt, has resigned his fellowship in the Royal Society, because that body refuses to receive a paper in which he claims to have proved that the said pyramid was built by Melchisedek, under Divine inspiration.

The special attention of merchants and others are particularly called toj Messrs E. and H. Isaacs sale to-morrow, at 11 o'clock* The particulars appear in another column. The lines are varied, and are in splendid condition ; consisting of ships' stores and groceries, preserved meats, &c.

The German residents in Wellington have secured a site for a Lutheran Church, and a building will soon be commenced, in which worship will be conducted according to the practice of that religious denomination.