Untitled

Auckland Star, Volume V, Issue 1498, 28 November 1874, Page 2

By the Ladybird to-day there left for Wellington : the Rev. .lames Hill, Moderator o* the Pre.byt.riau Church of New Zealand ; liev R. MacKioney, the coming Moderator ; and the .Reverends D. Bruce, and It. F, MacNicol, all on their way to attend the General Assembly of tho Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, which is to com. mence its sittings on Friday next. We wish them I, on voyage, but we can fancy how every seaman on board pulled a face as long as the moral law as the four parsons stepped on board. It is known to those who are known to know all about it, that one parson is enough at sea to excite the wrath of the Prince of the power of the air, and that a tedious and nasty passage is sure to result. Sailoi-s say so, and they ought to know; and how will it be with four aboard. We have heard it said on the other hand that two parsons are not as baid as one, for that their influences neutralize one another, and a pleasant passage may result. So we heard a sailor say, and he said he knew it ; but how it will work with four on board, we believe is not laid down in the ethics of the fore, castle. We should think the old boy wil give it up altogether as too much for him> and won't go near the Ladybird, but let her

Last evening we referred to the failure of the Victorian loan, and the opinion expressed by the ex-Premier of Victoria relative to the effect of New Zealand borrowing. It will be seen by our Wellington telegrams that the Post yesterday made allusion to the same subject, basing its remarks on the information conveyed by Mr Westgarth's well known circular, received by the last Suez Mail. Mr Westgarth is regarded as the best authority in London on colonial securities, and as we received by the s.s. Mikado a copy of the circular referred to by our Wellington contemporary, it may be interesting, in connection with the "Post's" remarks, to quote the passage in question. Mr Westgarth says :—" Abundance of money and the low bank rate of 3 per cent, have been favourable to the Colonial Government securities. At the same time only the old issues have maintained the late high values. There has been, as usual, comparatively small business.during the last two or three months, and the late new colonial issues have all been very heavy of sale, particularly the New Zealand 4_ per cents., of which a million and a half were sold in May last. Almost all the colonies are coming largely on this market during this year and next. Victoria will shortly open the ball with £1,500,000; afterwards New South Wales, for a little over £800,000 ; South Australia for £000,000 ; and at a later date, no doubt, New Zealand again, for further large sums. Such unusual amounts of colonial stocks cannot be realised within short intervals, without material reduction, for the time at least, in value. This is now being experienced in the gradual depreciation of the New Zealand 4£ per cents. They were first issued last January at 98 ex accrued interest, and they are now under 9G ex interest, and apparently stillj declining under pressure of a full market. The large New Zealand stocks, are lower in sympathy with the great mass of new stock still pressing on the market."

We have received the following letter: "To the Editor : Sir,— During an argument which arose from reading a paragraph in last night's Stab, on the proper way to address a marquis, a bet was made'by two of the disputants, and the awarding of the stakes left to the Star. " Can an untitled person say 'Your Lordship' to a titled person without at the same time conferring on himself the titie of ' your bumpkinship.'—l am &c, Loyal."—[The question is a difficult one. We assume that the solution is intended mainly as bearing on the parties to this wager themselves. Our opinion is that in bothering about such a question they manifest that they are not "untitled persons " to this extent, that Nature must have conferred on them the title in question. If then they are titled, they cannot confer on themselves the title again ; and again, on the contrary, if Nature ennobled them by affixing this title, then they are entitled to be called by their proper title—Bumpkins. From this it appears that while they are titled they are not entitled, and being entitled to the title they already bear the title, and must therefore be regarded as entitled- to re-assert their title to the title. The whole thing is as clear as mud. Our decision accordingly is that the stakes go to the Destitute Children's Home.—Ed. E.S.]

A Provincial Government Gazette was published to-day, containing a notification of the appointment of B. Tonks, Esq., M.P.C., to the office of Provincial Treasurer. "The Auckland Municipal Police Act, 1866," is brought into operation in the township of Gisbome, Poverty Ray, and the District Board appointed the " local authority' referred to in the Act. The appointment of J. M. Gunny, Esq) as local analysist for the province of Auckland under "The Adulteration of Food Act, 1866," has been approved of by the Governor. The Gazette also contains various highway notifications.

We understand that there is every prospect of the forthcoming citizens' ball in honor of His Excellency the Marquis and Marchioness of Normanby being a brilliant success. A large number of tickets have already being applied for, and early application should be made to any member of the committee by those who desire to be present.

•A singular accident of a rather expensive character happened to Mr. G. Coombes, stevadore on the wharf, this morning. Mr. Coombes, we hear, was walking along one of the stringers under the main planking of the outer T, when a pocket book, which was in his breast pocket, and contained no less than £62 in gold and paper, fell into the water and sank before any effort could be made to save it. An attempt is to be made to recover the lost property by the aid of the diving apparatus, but we fear that there is little chance of the sea yielding up its treasure.

Mr H. H. Lusk. in accordance with announcement in both the morning papers, delivered a lecture in the Mechanics' Institute last night on the question "Why should the Provincial System be Abolished." Capt. Daldy occupied the chair. At the commencement of the lecture there were, besides reporters, sixteen persons in the hall, and during its continuance a few stragglers dropped in, until there were, at the close of the address, thirty-seven gentlemen, exclusive of the members of the Press, present. Mr Lusk dwelt at considerable length on the causes that had prepared the way for Ihe final destinction of Provincial Institutions, especially the gradual disestment of their original functions. As the address is fully reported by both our morning contemporaries, it is uneces?ary for us to repeat it here. The proceedings terminated with the usual vote of thanks.

We have before us an extract from the statistics of the colony of a very curious kind. It gives the queer births in all the provinces, including twins, triplets, etc , but it also gives those of illegitimacy, and we are proud to see that Auckland comes out with honor. While there were forty-five illegitimate births in Ot:igo, in the year, there have only been twenty-nine in Auckland. Surely there is something wrong in the social ethics of the South. With moral and religious institutions in full vigor, and with a line cold bracing climate, we would not ha%'e expected such a disregard for propriety as thi_ record reveals. We are really astonished at the people of Otago, and would recommend them 10 look into this matter and set themselves in a more respectable position before the eyes of the colony and ot the world. The remarkable contrast between the North and .South of the colony is all the more remarkable in that it is in violation of all established ideas of climatic influences Byron says — " What men call gallantry and gods adultery, is far more common wh.re the climate's sultry ;" but either this dogma is as baseless as tho baseless fabric of a vision, or the people of Otago are in a hopeless condition.

The address which will be presented by his Worship the Mayor on behalf of the Corporation to his Excellency the Marquis of Normanby on arrival, has been handsomely illuminated by Mr. E. B. Dickson, of the Insurance buildings. On the left margin of the address is a deep blue ilowered ornamental band. Tho lettering has been done with great neatness in black and red inks, with gilded initials for the title.

We learn from a private source that Sir James Fergusgon may possibly be appointed the next Governor-General of India, in succession to Lord Northbrook (a partner in the well-known banking firm of Baring Brothers), whose term of oflice is about to expire. Next to the Lord Lieutenancy of Ireland, this is the highest gift in the possession of the Ministry of the day. The " reign" is limited to live years, and is considered to be worth for the term about £150,000 or £30,00. a-year. When it is further r.nioinbered that Sir James is connected by marriage with the family of the late Marquis of Dalhousie, one of the most distinguished statesman that ever ruled India, as well as having himself been Under-Secretary of State for India in ISGO, we consider the rumour a most likely one. Firmness, combined with dignity, appear to be more appreciated by Mr Disraeli than they are by Mr Vogel. But then there is no accounting for the whims of great men ! Is there V

The Rev. Father Lonergan who has fulfilled the duties of j pastor at the Thames since the death of the Rev. J. Norris, received a very pleasing testimonial from his congregation upon being relieved of his charge by the Rev. Father Chastainon. The testimonial was beautifully illuminated and was Jsigned by 300 Catholics of the Thames. It set forth the respect and esteem which the congregation entertain towards him, and speaks in high terms of his zeal in the cause of religion. In reply, Father Lonergan spoke in hopeful terms of the work he had been engaged in at the Thames, and of the convincing proofs that his labours had not been in vain.

Seeing in the announcement of our supplement last night the title of a story '' How a Tailor's bill was Settled," an esteemed correspondent of ours, an old army officer, was reminded of on incident in his own career, which he has forwarded us as follows : —" In 1825, at theParkhurst Barracks (the depfit of the East and West India Regiments), were stationed many detatchments of the different Regiments under orders to proceed to head-quarters. The transports had been detained for some time wailing for a change of wind (viz., a fair wind). The dress of the army with dress coats, c.c, &c, was expensive. There were many of the officers heavily in debt to their tailors, amongst the rest a tailor named Lewis, of St. James-street, who charged from 30s to £2 2s. for duck or drill trousers, white jackets in proportion. I was one of his customers, but as I was to have gone out some months previous, I had squared up, and having been appointed Adjutant on account of a thorough knowledge of Torren's new drill, the Regimental tailor had no claim upon me, as I had, as before stated, paid his exorbitant demand, but with a deduction of about onehalf of his charge for cash. Snip, however, one day called uponme and saidhe had coraeto see if he could obtain a share of the advance made to the officers leaving. I informed him that my brother officers had been expecting him some time, and having ordered refreshments for him, promised to let them know he was here. Of course they came to see him, asked him to dinner, and appointed an hour the following morning when ths paymaster couid be seen. He was introduced at the mess table, and pat_ bnised amazingly at dinner, where champagne, with a little to qualify it, flowed freely. It was, "Lewis, champagne with you," from every part of the table. The night had not passed over before the poor little tailor was completely floored ; a carriage had been sent for, and he was hande. in duly ticketed to his address to be delivered with care by the night mail to London. His pockets had previously been searched, and various slips of paper known as "John Doe and Richard Roe " were found I for every one in his debt all ready for execution. The guard, Will Faulkner, was told to see him delivered. His men came up the following day, and about a week afterwards he returned too. Some years later Lewis j informed me he had received about one-third J of the amounts due.—" B."

We learn that a cricket match which was talked about all last season, is likely to eventuate on Monday next between the " Auckland," and the (Jnited Cricket Clubs. Great exertions are being made to get the best men of both clubs to the front.

We give insertion to the following, though we are not aware of the particular office to which the gentleman has b.en appointed :— To the Editor : Sir,-The public will be glad to hear, as well a3 your subscribers, that James Wrigley, Esq., architect, has received a Government appointment. . This gentleman has had much colonial experience, is related to some very old colonists, and much respected, and it is an unusual thing for such persons to get such appointments^ I am glad to be able to congratulate Mr. Wrigley, and feel sure that he will fulfil his important duties with satisfaction to his fellow colonists and with credit to himself.—l am, &c, An old Colonist.

Officials seem to have pleasant times in Tauranga. A correspondent writes, on the 19th of November :—"The Public Works Office closed ; holiday of members to celebrate Sir D. McLean's departure to the Fijis as Governor. Large picnic at Maunganui, of officers of Public Works department, headed by Captains Turner, Crapp, Haigh. It was beautiful day, and I am quite sure they enjoyed themselves, considering they have little to do while in office. But a gentleman from the South, a member of the Upper House, who wished for some information on this particular day, called and found the members of this office away, and was compelled to leave the following morning by the mail coach, disgusted .with Tauranga ofhcials. To-day, the 24th, great rejoicings amongst the officials of the Board of Works office and Native departments, who started yesterday to be present at a grand wedding at Maketu !"

The infant mortality on some of the immigrant ships that have arrived in the colony is fearful. No less than thirty-four infants died during tbe voyage of the Douglas, recently arrived at Wellington from London. There must be some removable cause for this shocking state of things, and it is the duty of the Government to institute a searching inquiry into the matter.

Noah's Ark. situated at the end of Moretonstreet. is slowly passing away plank by plank ; it is doomed but not as yet absolutely destroyed. This windy vestage of other days has been deserted for some weeks past, both by homeless women and colonial boys. The story that the place was haunted by the "host of a woman has not been without its influence. If boys and women, however, have been deterred from venturing into the Ark after sunset and sleeping in its silent shadows ; the fearless fowls have held unmolested revelry beneath its broken roof. The fowls roo3t on its dubious beam, and one old cock crows voriferously at break of day from one of the lonely chamber-windows. There also, the neighbouring cats "do congregate," and squeal unseen. One prolific hen belonging to a neighbour, has lately caused some disappointment as the spot where she secreted her eggs could not be found. Her disappointed owner rightly conjectured that the hen deposited her eggs somewhere. A hunt was made under the house, and along the hedge - rows, but without success. Yesterday, however, the secret hiding place was discovered, and a quantity of eggs found in a mysterious corner of the Ark. The foolish hen was heard cackling by the doorless doorway, and a shrewed colonial youth bawled out, " Mother, mother, old speckle-back has laid in tho ark, I'll bet a bob'on't." The unkempt uiv-hin crept through the mystic chambers, and to the joy of his mother's heart found the eggs in a corner, partly screened by an old pair of trousers left there possibly by the last lodger in this mysterious building.

At the adjourned meeting of Mr J. C. Morrin's creditors yesterday, it was resolved that the trustees, Messrs Isaacs, Tonks, and T. Monin, with Mr Founds, manaser of the Union Bank, as supervisor, should realise the estate for the benefit of the creditors as speedily as possible. The business will be sold by tender. The estate is expected to realise about 10s in th« pound. Mr Morrin's residence in Pitt street is one of the securities held by the Bank.

A young reader of the Star draws attention to the fact that " there are two public baths in Auckland, but in neither of these can a boy, unable to swim, bathe. He might certainly use a belt; but it is at all times safer, and most boys prefer to acquire the art of swimming xvithout one." As concerning the danger from sharks to persons bathing on tho open beach, he says : —"There is little or no danger from them when the tide is running out, as during that time they keep away in the deep water. At any time of the tide they seldom venture nearer shore than six or eight feet of water."

Divine service will be held to-morrow (Sunday) at Newton Kirk, by RevDr Wallis. Morning—" Daniel's last Prophecy ;" evening, " Why stand ye here all the day idle ?" —Lome-street Hall services, by Samuel Edger, 3.A., —morning, " Education of character;" evening, "The existence of evil in a world governed by infinite love."— Beresford-street Congregational Church— morning and evening discourses by Rev Warlow Davis, M.A.—Baptist Church, Wel-lesley-street, by P. H. Cornford, pastor— morning, '' God's work in man's salvation ; evening, "The Wise Man."—Wesleyan Church, Grafton road—morning Mr J. Martin ; evening, Key W. C. Oliver. — Pitt-street —morning Rev W. C. Oliver ; evening, Rev Alexander Reid.—Parnell—morning, Rev A. Reid ; evening, Rev H. H. Lawry.—Services at the usual hours at United Methodist Free Church, by Rev G. H. Turner; Edwardesstreet, by Rev W. Tinsley ; Sheridan-street and Newton Hall. An open-air service on the green, near Soppett's mill, Freeman's Bay, at three o'clock in the afternoon.

A Taranaki journal waxes quite poetical over the increase of birds in that province, and the " numbers of young fledglings which may now be seen trying their young plumes." Young pheasants are so numerous that they can often be taken by hand. The young farmers, more practical and less poetical than our contemporary, complain loudly of the ravages in the seed corn, and have arrived at the conclusion that sporting mast not merely be carried on for pleasure, but as a necessary duty.

Mr Roberts, of Onehunga, informs us by letter of a case which he considers a great hardship. He states that a member of the Auckland Good Intent Lodge of the Manchester Unity, now lies dangerously ill at Onehunga, and that owing to the member being " out of compliance " on the books of his Lodge when he first fell ill in May last, he has not been in receipt of the usual sick pay, although he has been a member of the Lodge for upwards of eight years. He further states that the wife of the member has been informed that the members of the Lodge had subscribed £10 towards the sick member's reli.f, but that the money has never been forwaded. We cannot but believe that there is a mistake somewhere. We are aware that although members of friendly societies cannot legally claim sick pay if they fail to keep their payments good, yet there is a distinct fund kept for the purpose of meeting exigencies of this nature, and we feel confident that this notice will be the means of rectifying any error which may have occurred.

The members of the Naval Brigade went successfully through their weekly drill last evening in the usual place, nnder command of Drill-Sergeant Haslem. The membere and band of the Brigade were requested to attend the funeral of a young member of the Sir George Grey cadets, to-morrow afternoon.

Millions of grasshoppers have over-run some districts of New South Wales, and the carrying capacity of many of the runs has been decreased from this cause. The air in some places is thick with these insects.

Subscribers to Mr Hoyte's Art Union, are informed that prizes will be drawn at Messrs Upton and Go's. Booksellers, on Tuesday evening next, at half-past four o'clock.

During one of the performances in the Wellington Theatre lately, a man fell asleep, and was left to finish his nap. It was grey dawn before he awoke, cold and comfortless euough, and after battering at the doors for some time ineffectually, he got upon the stage and managed to make his exit by a window, a sadder and wiser man.

The Maoris in Wanganui, considering the prices charged for admission to the Opera, too high, made what appeared to be an attempt at opposition one day lately. Six or seven women were standing in one of the streets yelling out some of their songs, some of their own colour standing round admiringly. A cloud of dust sweeping past put a stop to their efforts. Although the press, not only in Auckland but throughout the colony, has been very severe on the Auckland Fire Brigade, so much sothatit has become a by-word throughout the ccdony, statistics do not show that we have been behind other cities of the colony in the strength of our fire brigade, if our men have not been up to the mark in point of organization. In December last there were three fire brigades in Auckland, with a total of 49 men *one in Grahamstown of 25 ; one in Shortland of 22 ; one in New Plymouth of 27 ; one in Wanganui of 20 ; two in Wellington of S4; two in kelson of 44; one in Christchurch of 40 ; one in Kaiapoi of 2 ; one in Timaru of IS ; one in Dunedin of 30.