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Auckland Star, Volume V, Issue 1497, 27 November 1874, Page 2

The time must; surely come when the habitues of the London Stock Exchange will look in wonder on colonial borrowers. Even now it must be something bewildering, and to a philosophical observer instructive, to watch the little ruses played by rival financiers, and the lynx-eyed skill with which each one seizes the opportune moment for popping his own little loan into the market. It has come to this now. It has been learned that John Bull's capacious appetite for debentures may be glutted, and his palate requires very delicate tickling, The VictoriaD loan has been an utter failure, and it was all be. cause New Zealand spoiled the game. Such is the candid and distinct avowal of the Victorian Government. It is evident that henceforth there are many and new conditions coming into play in connection with the noble work of borrowing, not the least important of which are the intentions and tke doings of our neighbours. How in the present position of affairs our New Zealand loan will fare remains to be seen, but there is something exceedingly interesting, if it is not ominous in the following statement by an ex-member, but one who in information and influence is to all intents and purposes still a member, of the Victorian Government, from which he has temporarily retired from ill-health. In the course of debate

in the Assembly in Melbourne, referring to the steps being taken by New South Wales to place a fresh loan on the London market } Mr Francis says :—

"They have requirements fdf Another loan of a million, and it waS Simply from the fact of Victoria being already on the London market with a loan that their loan of a million was held back, and no sooner will ours of a million and a half be determined than New South Wales will be to the fore 'With hers far one million. Then nobody knows better than the hon. member for Warrnambool that at the end of last year New Zealand authorised the borrowing of four millions of money. Hon. members knew the astute. financier who is at the head of the New Zealand Government. He went to negoeiate that loan, and he found it necessary to agree to place only one million and a half of it oil the London market during the year 1874, and to raise the amount of interest to 4J per cent. The object of that gentleman now is to go Jio London to make the best terms he can in disposing of the remainder of the loan undisposed of, amounting to one and three-quarter millions, £750,000 of the loan having been realised of in the colonies at £90 10s. My hon colleague, the late Treasurer, launched inscribed stock on this market, to be flOld at par. Some of it sold at that price, and the whole of it would probably have gone off at that price but for one circumstance —the other colonies hearing of our loan, and believing that Victoria was getting par for 4 per cent, stock, rushed their stock into this market, and absolutely pushed our stock out of it. At this particular moment, in Melbourne, I conld buy Kew Zealand 4 per cent, stock at 85."

The real reason for Sir James Fergusson's suddeu departure, contrary to his original intention was, we learn, information received by the Mikado that the Marquis of Normanby has only received the commission of an Acting Governor, so that no amount of swearing in would invest him with authority as Governor of New Zealand while Sir James Fergusson remained in the colony. Hence it was necessary that he should leave at once which, (as we announced in a second edition last night) he determined to do by the Mikado, and carried his resolve int effect this morning.

We learn that Liput Fergusson, A.D.0., intends to settle in Wellington province haviug already acquired a sheep-run there. We understand that Mr le Patourel will be aide-de-camp to His Excellency the Marquis of Norman by.

Our supplement to-morrow will contain a tale entitled "How a Tailor's Bill was Setbled," furnishing full details of the transaction, which some of our Auckland sparks would probably be loth to do. "(iazing at the Comet," a little romance in the doorway will amuse, a recommendation which we oin also claim for the brief descriptive account of the way Pat caught the boat. " A String of Lyrics," by Mr John Blackmao, are written in that gentleman's best style, and includes—" Shakespeare's Cliff," " The Etni£i\mt's Farewell to England/ " Moonlight at Sea," " The Iceberg," and "Auckland." A " Lesson on Manners " and "The Little People " find suitable corners. The supplement contains other entertaining matter, the headings of which need not be here enumerated.

This evening, at Government House, a presentation will be made to Capt. Fairchild, of the Luna, by Capt. Fergusson, on behalf of the late Governor, in token of his Kxcellency's esteem for the gallant skipper. The testimonial is to assume the form of an elaborate silver inkstand of the value of nearly £20, the workmanship of Messrs. Kohn Bros, of Queen-street, whose establishment it does credit to. An inscription apappcais upon the inkstand as follows: — " Captain John Fairchild, with Sir James Fcrgusson's kind regards." We may mention that his late Excellency had a vtry high opinion of Captain Fairchild's judgment, and acted completely under his advice in the reccut sale of his yacht.

A fire that, but for the help of willing hands, might have been a much more serious affair, occurred last night at Devon port. At about half-past seven it was discovered that a stable, the property of Messrs Alison, in which were stored several tons of hay, had spontaneously combusted, no doubb owing to " heating," caused by the hay having been stored before it had been properly dried owing to the showery weather. In a short time a muster, highly creditable to North Shore, was to tlio front, and between thirty and forty buckets were speedily in active requisition. The scene of the fire beinu adjacent to the sea, and the tide being nearly full, there was abundance of water, which, we presume, made the difference in the result which would have probably taken place had the fire been in Auckland. Two files of water-bearers were formed, and the rapidity with which the water came to the hands of tho3e engaged in deluging the burning mass, was something to admire. The burning building was separated by a narrow paegage of a little over three feet from a wooden cottage, which, had it been fired, would have spread destruction to several residences close at hand. This cottage several times caught fire, but owing to the skill and zeal of the ready workers, the flames were as quickly arrested. Very great credit is due to Mr W. L. Rees, Mr Worthington, Mr E. Burgess, Mr J. Nolan, Mr Oliver Mays, Mr Bond, Mr Dacre, the Messrs Duder, Messrs Allison, and several others for their most effective services as amateur firemen, while the performances of a garden water-engine and hose in the skillful hands of Mr Worthington were the subject of unbounded admiration. But there was a feature in the proceedings which really we cannot pass over without comment. We refer to the services of a band of young ladies, who worked with a heart and a will, passing the buckets with an aclivity and zeal that reflected the highest honour on them. We are aware that ladies do not like to see their names in print, but this is an exceptional case, and we cannot withhold the "honourable mention," which is so justly due. They were Miss Beveridge, Miss Annie O'Keefe, the two Misses Atkin, Miss Nolan, and Miss Holmeden. In contrast with this, there were several young gentlemen standing by in their go-to-Church-a Sunday clothes, who, instead of assisting, stuck their hands in their pockets and passed philosophical reflections on the progress of the fire and things in general, and it was refreshing to hear one lady harangue them in terms of indignant eloquence as a set of " good-for-nothing loafers," who could stand idly by and see young ladies exerting themselves so bravely for the saving of property. The fire, which raged for a couple of hours, was confined within the building, and will entail a loss of a couple of hundred pounds on the Messrs Allison, there being no insurance, but thanks to the efforts of the willing workers, a number of other buildings and their contents, also uninsured, have been saved from destruction.

The following interesting native items come from our correspondent at Maketu, Bay of Plenty -.—"The wheat crop this year promises tp be first-class as to yield. The natives at Te Puke have nearly double the acreage under wheat this year that they had last. Great dissatisfoction is expressed at the reported removal of Sir D. McLean to Fiji. Numbers of the leading chiefs have written to the Government on the matter. Natives here have been buying potatoes at ten pounds per ton during the last two months, from the storekeepers. They have seldom suffered so much through want of provisions, as during the past winter. The usual Government subsidy for want of care and laziness, not being forthcoming, has induced them to turn their attention to farming. The natives are all quiet, with the exception of a few land squabbles, of course we need never expect them to become good settlers, until we have a workable Native Lands Act.''

In our last night's i--sue we announced the intention of Mr W. Gk Collier to bring down a good theatrical company with Miss May Howard as the leading actres3. Miss May Howard is a lady who claims a foremost place in her profession, and has recently concluded a most successful star engagement at the Victoria, Theatre, Sydney. Alluding to her fftr^well the Sydney Morning Herald said !—"The last week of Miss May Howard's engagement at the Victoria Theatre has been marked by the presentation of several popular dramas, and the tragedy of 'Romeo and Juliet.' 'East Lynne' was produced on Monday and Tuesday, and Miss Howard's impersonation of the dual character of Lady Isabel and Madame Vine received the approval of crowded houses. Mr Collier as Archibald Carlylo, played with his itsual care and success. On the following evening the ' Wandering Heir ' was given, and 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' was repeated on Thursday. Last night the announcement of Mias Howard's benefit attracted a large audience, ' Borneo and Juliet' being the piece de resistance. The beneficiaire assumed the role of the love-sick Romeo." Mr Collier was accorded a benefit at the Victoria at the close of his engagement, and in announcing it the Sydney Herald, usually censorious, made the following remarks upon his success in that city:—" During the term of Mr Collier's engagement he has succeeded in establishing his claim to be considered as an actor of very considerable ability, and and one deserving every encouragement. On the occasion of hia benefit Mr Collier will appear as Rip Van Winkle."

The Star of Newton Lodge 1.0. G.T., held an open meeting at their Lodge room (Newton Hall) last night. The hall was crowded with a select and attentive audience. Sonf-s, speeches, and recitations, were delivered in a very creditable manner by members of the Order. There was an entire absence of any confusion or rowdyism, as is sometimes the case at open meetings, and the committee of management deserve great credib for the programme so successfully carried out. Brother Redfern presided at the harmonium, and by his ability, added greatly to the harmony of the evening.

The Great American Circus was the centre of attraction last evening, and was visited by many hundreds of persons. The performances were received with great satisfaction. The programme of last night presented many new features of interest: the throwing of a series of double somersaults was an exttaordinary sensational performance. Without going into the special merits of the performers separately, we can assure our large circle of readers that the American Circus is, in every respect, worthy of their support, and will afford them and their children a large fund of genuine amusement. The management, in order to meet the wishes of a large number of citizens, have determined to give to-morrow afternoon, a grand fashionable midday performance, commencing at two o'clock, for the convenience of schools and families living out of town. A change of programme to-niaht, when the vaulting act by the whole of the company over a flight of horses, led by the Champion Leapor of the World, who will also throw double somersaults in mid-air, over the backs of several horses. A new sensational bareback riding feat will be presented by (Jeorge Oilham, and a new and interesting afterpiece.

The members of !No. 2 City company Auckland Kifle Volunteers will meet thi3 evening for parade, with arms and accoutrements in the Drill-shed. After parade a general meeting will be held for the nomination of noncommissioned officers, and other business of importance to the members.

Fijian affairs (says the "Sydney Morning Herald"), have not yet assumed such a shape as would warrant any material enlargement of commercial relations with that colony. The A.S.N. Company evinced a disposition to meet any increase of traffic by placing one of their finest steamers on the line, as the pioneer of a monthly service to Lovulca, with very unsatisfactory results. Only a few tons of freight and one or two passengers offered ; and it was, therefore, deemed advisable to substitute a smaller vessel. A large business is springing up with Northern Queensland in view of a rush to the Palmer Itiver mines as soon as the wet season is over.

We have pleasure in acknowledging from Mr Joy the sum of 10a on behalf of Mr Avery, recently burnt out in Wakefieklstreet.

"The Father of the Faithful" has been alarmed by the shocking railway accidents in England, and fears that the system in force here will bring about similar results. He says :—" I saw tc-day all of the railway men congregated together when the half-past twelve train came in, saying that they would go up and see Mr Eassmore what he meant by reducing their wages. I made bold enough to ask them what their pay was, and one of them replied 6s a day for porters, 7s for guards, from 7 a.m. to about 6.45 p.m., fine pay to come here and appear respectable. We are worse off than the policemen, whose greatest responsibility is to take a drunken man to the Btation. This is a fine inducement to get good trustworthy men, who have charge of the lives of hundreds of people every day in their hands, and not give them as good pay even as a pick and shovel man, as I believe they are now getting 7 and 8 shillings per day."

A complimentary dinner was given to Mr Robert Tornahan last evening by the officers and members or the Auckland Armed Constabulary, at the Army and Navy Hotel. A capital spread was provided by Mr Clarke, the ho3t of the hotel, of which every one present heartily partook. Sergeant-Major Pardy occupied the chair, and Detective Jeffrey filled the vice-chair. The chairman proposed the usual loyal and patriotic toasts ; alao the health of his Honor the Superintendtent, Sir D. Maclean, and Captain Beckham. The chairman gave the toast of the evening, namely that of Mr Robert Ternahan, of whose character both as an officer and a man, he spoke in complimentary terms ; and hoped that he and his wife would enjoy many years of health, happiness, and prosperity. Mr Ternahan, in responding, expressed his deep gratitude for the honour his old friends had done him, and this expression of their kindness would remain with him while memory lived. He also thanked them on behalf of Mrs Ternahan (cheers). Tha chairman next proposed the "Commissioner of the Armed Constabulary" and "Mr Inspector Broham," of whose kindness and attention to the members of the force, Serjeant-Major Pardy spoke in high terms. This toast was drank with musical honors. Mr. Broham was unavoidably absent on business, or he intended to have been present. Mr. Ternahan proposed the "Armed Constabulary, coupled with the name of Sergt.-Major Pardy." Sergt. O'Connor, in a highly humourous speech, proposed the "Ladies," which was responded to by Constables Bullen and Williams. The remainder of the toast were •' Our Guests," "The Members of the Old Force, coupled with the name of Sergt. Greene." The memory of the late Mr. St. John Brannigan waa drunk in silence. The toast of the " Press" was proposed in a very appropriate sneech by Sergt. Saunderson. A number of excellent songs followed, and after a happy evening the parby broke up at a quarter to twelve o'clock.

An artistic series of novelties may be seen at the shop of Messrs Holland and Butler, Victoria-street, consisting of faithful imitations of fruit and flowers, modelled in wax. The imitations are very chaste, and represent fuchsias, geraniums, passion flowers, pansies, roses, and heliotropes. The fruit models are strawberries, apples, peaches, and other colonial productions made in England; but to encourage ladies to practice this beautiful art, Messrs Holland and Butler have imported the material and tools for their manufacture, also proper glass shades for their reservation. .._..„

W F Scbey, of the ship Hydaspea, writes with'refetence to a rather remarkable^^proceeding. He says the sailmaker, and baker of thelhip Waitangi, were standing at the Thames Hotel corner, the latter quietly trying to persuade the former to go aboard his ship, when a policeman suddenly rushed up and without cause seized the sail maker by the arm, and dragged him violently off. Our correspondent proceeds : - " The sailmaker went quietly enough until we all turned up Shortland-sbreet, when the sailmaker complained that the policeman was hurting his arm, and asked to be released, promising to accompany him quietly to the station-house. This the policeman refused to do, and sailmaker seemed rather inclined to resist, but we persuaded him to go along quietly. Policeman then twisted sailmaker s arms violently behind his back, hurting him so severely that he was forced to cry out. However he went the rest of the way quietly, as we advised him to do. He was taken into the police-office, and the baker and myself stood at the door waiting, when, after the lapse of a few seconds, the policeman returned and without asking us a single question, or allowing us to utter a single word, he, with the aid of another man, bundled us neck and crop out of the yard into the street in so violent a manner that I stumbled and hurt my ankle. In again coming down Queenstreet we met the second officer of the Waitangi, who, upon our explanation, proceeded back with us to the station-house, where the second officer wa3 roughly answered, and very rudely and uncivilly treated, and told to leave. This is exactly how it all happened, and now I ask you was it just ? That I was perfectly sober can be attested by the second officer of the Waitangi, the quarter-master of the gangway on board my own ship, to whom I spoke when I returned on board, some time later. Were I in England, where every policeman is conspicuously lettered and numbered, I should have my remedy; but here, the police bearing no distinguishing mark, may commit such outrages with perfect or nearly perfect impunity."

Mr H. N. Abbott s two sweepstakes on the Melbourne Cup were settled most satisfactory to all concerned last evening, as follows :-Thousand Pounds sweep: First horse, £500, Messrs Silk and Armstrong ; second horse, £200 ; third horse, £75. Fifteen starters, £7 18s 4d nett each, and aixty-one non-starters, £1 11s Id nett each. Second sweepstake, £300: First horse, £100 : second horse, £50 ; third horse, £25. Fortyeight starters and non-starters, £2 10s 8d nett each.