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Auckland Star, Volume V, Issue 1499, 30 November 1874, Page 2

If there was any vitality in Auckland Masonry, we would have expected to [see it manifest itself on the coming of the Marquis of Nonnauby. He is known to beljiig to the craft, and he is not like mauy iv high official position, who have shown a delicacy in admitting the fact. His Excellency, it seems, glories in the brotherhood, but we are incliueil to think that if he has no manifestation of brotherly welcome from tho Order as such, he is not likely to have very elevated i.leas of the craft in Auckland. What can bo the cause of this indifference? We understand thal; there are some connected with the Order who strongly feel the litness of such a demonstration, but that by others ia authority a wet blanket is drawn over the proposal. Masons, we presume, know their own business best, but we confess that to us " Cowans " who know not the secret whee's of the mystic machinery, it appears as if on this occasion the ancient craft exhibits the enervating influence of the climate, or the premonitory symptoms of decay. Far be it from us to counsel insubordination, but if it were outside the sacred precincts of things mystic we would advise such Masons, as are inspired by desires for the honour of Masonry, to kick over the traces for the nonce, and go in for a demonstration of the craft, in honour of such an illustrious and influential brother.

To-day lias been one of tho3e unsatisfactory days known as half-and-half holidays. His Excellency the Governor not having put in an appearance, that the day has been observed as a holiday at all is owing to its being the day of Scotland's patron Baint, St. Andrew. The banka have been closed,' and the General Government and Provincial Government offices; but most of the shops in Queen-street have been open, while business on the wharf has been even brisker than usual, owing to the number of vessels unloading, a fact which has necessitated most of our merchants establishments being in working order. The ambiguous nature of the day has prevented anything like any pre-arranged programmes of amusements being gone through. What holiday-seekers there have been abroad, have been mostly private parties got up on the spur of the movement, for the purpose of exploring the beauties of Ellerslie Gardens "or the North Shore. Both popular resorts have been well patronised during the day, in spite of the high "wind, which has not rendered travelling by sea or land very pleasant ™ The cricket match, Auckland versus United, did not come off, it being an understood thing that it should be played on the first general holiday.

. Nominations fof the Handicap Steeplechase, and acceptances, with 5 soys to the sweep, for the Auckland Cup Handicap, close ab the Auckland Hotel, at 8 o'clock tomorrow evening.

One of those Sabbath scenes was observed yesterday afternoon on the green, near Soppett's Mill, which revived the picture of Enoch Wray, the ranter, so vividly portrayed by the late Ebenezer Elliott, of Sheffield. A group of persons assembled in a grotesque circle, and listened with peeming interest; to an itinerant preacher of the locality, who was "holding forth" on some of the peculiarities of old Bunyan. We would not attempt to criticise the views and style of this child of nature, who stood there with head uncovered, among the grass and wild daisies, in the temple of Nature, but it was clear from the attention evidenced, that he possessed sufficient eloquence for his simple, unenquiring auditory, which was enough for him. Several hymns were sung to the tunes of the days of Wesley. An hour was thus passed in the open air, after which the shepherd retired to his domicile, and the members of his flock to their homes.

An oyster fishery, with breeding grounds in one of the bays near Wellington, is a project on foot. At present the empire city imports this bi-valve from Auckland.

In a recent case in Australia, an important judgment as affecting commercial matters was delivered by Judge Pohlman, in which the right of a bank to debit the account of an insolvent with a dishonoured acceptance was maintained. The bank had deducted from the account of Morris and McMurray, insolvents, a bill of £152 Is Bd, which they had discounted some time previously. The trustee, after that Morris and McMurray became insolvent, resisted this, but the Court sustained the action of the bank.

At noon, to-morrow, the quarterly meeting of the Licensing Commissioners for the District of Eden will be held at the residence of R. C. Barstow Esq., R.M., for the-transfer of licenses, etc.

The members of the ('larrick Club will perform this'evening in the Prince of Wales Theatre. Two excellent dramas will be presented, viz., "Ben Bolt," and " The Pride of the Village." Miss Maggie Knightj and other local celebrities will Appear in leading characters.

Whitson's beer, brewed at the Poverty Bay establishment seerris to be extending in reputation, We notice by the locals jouifnftls several orders from Napier have been received at the brewery.

The young men of the Welle3ley-street Mutual Improvement Class will hold their musical and literary entertainment to-morrow evening. A good programme is in preparation for this interesting event.

The members of the new boating club started at the North Shore, under Captain Fletcher, are busily preparing for the coming regatta, and have given an order to Mr John Waymouth, jun., to build for them a racing gig, which will be ready in a fortnight. From what we can learn the regatta of the New Year is likely to be a spirited one. We understand that Mr Gratten will present the successful crew with silver medals.

The afternoon and evening performances at the grand American circus in the market reserve were largely attended on Saturday by crowds, especially of young scholars and their friends and others. The younglings frequently cheered the wonderful scenes as they passed successively before them, and were evidently delighted with the treat provided for them by the management. A great bill is provided for this evening, including a new sensational afterpiece, entitled the Liverpool steeplechase. It will be seen by advertisement that the management ha 3 reduced the prices of admission considerably.

The young man, Edward Bridges, who died at the early age of 19, on. Friday last, and who was a respectable member of the Sir George Grey Cadets, was taken to hira last resting place in the Wesleyan Cemetery yesterday, follow«d by members of his own and other volunteer companies. The Artillery and Naval Brigade bands, under Messrs Hunter and Lee, played the " Dead March in Saul." The firing-party was under command of Sergeant-Major Wainhouse. The Rev. Alexander Reid performed the funeral service, and closed with a touching and impressive prayer.

A service, specially for children, was held yesterday afternoon in St. Matthew's Church The children of the Sunday-school and their teachers were in attendance, also the children of the Newton Industrial School. The service was conducted by the Rev R. S. Hassard, the incumbent, and the choir and classes were under the management of Mr Nolan and Mr Webb, to whose credit the efficiency of the school choir is chiefly due. The service was of an imposing character, ami suitable to the occasion. The children sang several hymns in a very pleasing and correct manner, such as " We are but little children weak," "' Mark ! the sound of Holy Voicfis," " Lo ! He comes," and " Ffark ! hark my soul." Several of the Psalms were also chanted effectively. The minister, Mr Hassard, delivered a simnle but practical address, on the word " Watch," from St. Mark, chap, xiii., verse 37.

Tha real cause of the Defence Minister's elevation to the Knight Order of St. Michael and St. George, has formed the subject of considerable .speculation, and has, we believe, been generally ascribe I to other than the true reasons. At the banquet recently given in his honour at Napier, Sir Dmild stated that the distinguished recognition of his services at the hands of the Qjecu came unsolicited and without any representation whatever from the colony. Thi* statement is, we believe, perfectly true, and it is explained in this way. Daring Governor Gore Browne's term of office in New Zealand, Mr McLean rendered his Excellency very material service which created v arm feelings of mutual esteem. This friendship has continued for many years, and now that Governor Browne's party his come into power in Great Britain, the ex Governor did not forget the pa3fc. but made such representations to the Disraeli Cabinet as secured for Mr. McLean the decoration of knighthood. Tuero is no reason to doubt that Sir Douald was offered the Governorship of Fiji, but is not likely to accept of the position. Wo are also informrd that it is not improbable, a3 a further manifestation of favour, that the tible now conferred on the Native Minister will ultimately be made hereditary, a very special mark of honour for one whose reputation and services are purely of a colonial character. The above information comes to us upon good authority, and appears to afford the missing explanation of the unsolved and uncxpectant favours suddenly showered upon our Native and Defence Minister.

We learn from Waikato that the railway extension from Mercer to Ngaruawahia is progressing rapidly under the Engineer corps, which is now a most efficient body of men. Our Ngaruawahia correspondent says : —"Our mill is still grinding wheat from Canterbury, which certainly does not speak well for the energies of the settles in the Waikato districts. The potatoes we eat come from Australia, and oata (Bs. 6d. per bushel) from the South Island."

A Queensland paper notices in commendatory terms the action of the Auckland young man who, driven to desperation by insolent housekeepers, put an end to his misery by reviewing a shipload of newly arrived immigrants on the wharf, selected the one that took his fancy and married her insfcanter. It hopes the news, when circulated at home, will induce a large influx of marriageable young women to the colonies, as .the average servant in Queensland expects nothing short of fifteen shillings a week, Irish may apply, every Sunday out, followers allowed, a horse kept for their use, and a mistress to wait upon them, on which terms they are prepared to condescend bo far as to polish the master's boots with black-lead on such occasions as stove-cleaning may h>B going on ; reasonable attention paid to the roasting of the joint so long as no responspibility is incurred, and to allow company at reasonable intervals, provided they are good for vails. One comforb is drawn from the marrying principle advocated by our contemporary, it is that the supply of young men may run short, and the plainer young women be left unsatisfied. Then our wives will cheerfully secure for our households a supply of patent safety gorgons."

A Fijian belle ha 3 undoubtedly personal charms, but they are not always sach as attract the admiration of European swains. The special correspondent of the Melbourne Argus thus describes a Levukan beauty :— " Strolling on we met a very handsome young gir], with a scanty purple silk bodice on. She was Tongan. Her light complexion and regular features would almost have enabled her to pass muster as a European in a large assemblage. In return for the stump of a cigar she wa3 willing to answer any question. Further on we made the acquaintance of Anna, Julia, Mary Ann, and Eliza—all equally attractive though less showily dressed; and then .two sisters, who stood with their arms about each other in an attitude which would have made the fortune of a painter could the figures have been i transferred to canvas. The Dido just com--1 ing in sight, we told one of them that Tui Viti was on board, it being the intention of Cakobau to visit Lomo Lomo with his sons. The youpg lady looked pensive for a few seconds, then the light played in her dark lustrous eyes, and she said in vigorous Fijian, "You lie?" Candour is charming, but the phrase rather broke the spell. In further conversation she informed us that she was a pure Tongan, with an emphasis on the adjective which was comforting to hear. Another Tongan girl who came under our notice would have been beautiful but for her turn-up nose, "tip-tilted like the petal of a flower" some one suggested. Lord Carnarvon would doubtless have called it a pug "of a ; rather severe type."

The Rev Father Foran, who arrived m Auckland last week by the Ladybird, officiated last evening in So. Patrick's Cathedral, and preached an eloquent and earnest discourse on the " poming of Christ," to a very large congregation. We liave received the' usual weekly return from the Provincial Hospital, which shows there are noy^ 73 inmates, 11 having been recciiVed, and 13 discharged Wei sire' glad te learn that our hint with regard to a supply of flowers has not been without good results. Thanks are returned this week to Mrs Alexander for old linen, and to Mr Rattray for strawberries and flowers.

At Penhnrst, Australia, a wager was made between two men as to the quantity of whiskey that each could drink. The trial took place some time during Sunday, Mullens, a publican, and one VY elsh, being the parties t > the affair. The former drank off three tumblers of whisky, after which Welsh did the same. The effect of the whisky upon Mullens was that he shortly afterwards died. Welsh adopted the precaution of taking a quantity of butter before contesting for the wager, aud the result was that the dangerous effects of the whisky upon him were to some extent nullified. He is, however, reported to be ia a very bad state.

We learn that Mr Edson chemist, of Queen-street, has purchased the building now occupied by Mr Short draper, for £3,500, and will remove his business to the new establishment shortly. Several Queenstreet iiroperties have been sold lately at prices that indicate the great increase in the value of land.

Major Gordon announces through our alvdrfcu3i g columns that the arrangements made for to-day in the event of the arrival of the Governor, will stand good for to-morrow.

A fine cart-horse belonging to Mr Andersoi, ran away this morning while standing with his harness on in Queeu-street. The gambols of the animal caused some commotion in the busy thoroughfare, and like Lord Tomnoddy's horse—

Produced some alarm, But did no great harm, Save frightening a nurse With a, child on her arm, &o. The runaway was caught mar the wharf, and returned very quietly to his vehicle.

Cremation has its advocates even in Dunedin. A certain medico, whose winter residence is not many miles disbant from the Flagstaff will, is a strong supporter of the proposed innovation, and a rival practitioner has been heard to aver that, although the medico in question cannot earn his living by his profession, he would have plenty of practice if he commenced to burn his dead. It is a burning shame to make such remarks as these about votaries of the noble science of cremation.

A.singular accident has occured in Wellington. A drunken fellow, name unkuown, went n.to the shop of Mr Beavis. in Willis-street, took up in his arms one of Mr Beavis' children and began fondling it, dually taking it out into the street, where he stumbled, and fell ri^ht on the unfortunate child breaking its le^ in two places. He then bolted, and no traces yet have been discovered of his whereabouts.

The fickleness of human nature was manifested both atrikingly and affectionately this morning in Quean-street in the persons of two new chuiiH who, from having nothing better to do, had primed themselves weil at one of the numerous public-houses by the wharf, and commenced an animated discussion on their future prospects. This led to a difference of opinion as to whether the loafing facilities of Auckland were an improvement on those of London or not. The representative of the affirmative side of the question based his opinion on the fact that he had been in trie place nearly a fortnight, had'nt done a blessed stroke of work, and had got a full belly and a pint of beer, which was all a fellow could want. The exponent of the negative said the was a "skunk" of a place. He did'nt care much about going to work, but wanted to get out of the barracks. He had asked for out-door relief, and it had been refused. For his part he didn't care how soon he got back to the Chelsea Union. The argument assumed a combative phase at last, and the two bright acquisitions set to, trying to knock their convictions on the point into each others apology for brains. The endeavour being apparently unsuccessful, and the pas3ers by objecting to their indiscriminate lunges, which quite as often reached objects they were not intended for as those they were, tne two gladiators ceased their hostilities, and with an affecting revulsioD of feeling, fell into one another's arms, and disappeared up the street weeping.

Tales are sometimes told in which the hero dies from an excess of joy, but it has rarely occurred that an instance has happened such as that just recorded from Gessenay, near Berne, where a man hung himself from being overwhelmed with good luck. The man, who is the subject of the story, by immense efforts, in which he was seconded by his wife, who was even more avaricious than himself, succeeded in amassing a considerable sum of money. Not long ago, he waa informed that a legacy of 25,000 francs had been left him. This piece of fortune gave him the mortal blow, a profound melancholy seized him, and the fear of death from hunger haunted him day and night. To avoid this fearful prospect he stealthily left his house, went into a neighbouring forest, and hung himself to a pine branch. He left 100,000 francs of fortune.

A meeting of the trustees of the Ponsonby —or Dedwood as the lawyers will call it— Highway district was held on Saturday afternoon to hear objections to the assessment list. At three o'clock the doors were opened, and Messrs Morton (chairman) and Dacre were duly in attendance in the lobby. Another trustee was required to constitute a legal quorom. Mr Boardman, who appeared to object to the assessment on his property, which he contended waa thirty per cent higher than it should be. He also maintianed that the Board was not legally constituted. After a sharp passage of arms between the Chairman and Mr Boardraan, the latter left, as there was not a quorum to hear his appeal. Shortly afterwards Mr W. J. Roes arrived, and a full quorum of the Board being now present, the remaining cases of appeal were gone on with. The number of objections was small. We have heard complaints that sufficient publicity had been given to the meeting, and that many intending objectors were consequently deprived of their rights.

With reference to the story concerning Admiral Wiseman, published in our Saturday's issue, a correspondent under the signa ture of "R.N." writes :—Dear Sir,—Observing in your issue of the 27th an extract from the Chicago Tribune giving an account of the life and death of Admiral Sir William Wiseman, in which he is reported many years ago to have bolted with a certain courtesan thief, of whom he tired after a lapse of five years. I wish to point out the absurdity of such a statement by informing your readers that, at most, not more than two years could have elapsed between his leaving England and his death. I met the Admiral in London as late aa the end of March, 1872, and I know that he did not leave England for some time afterwards. I have no doubt but the whole story is equally inaccurate, and worthy only of those journals addicted to the sensational.

A Casterton (Australia) resident, who, 42 years ago rescued Her Majesty the Queen, then Princess Victoria, from the feet of two bolting horses in Hyde Park, has sent home a petition, reminding Her Majfesty of tha circumstances, and stating that as he is now in very poor circumstances an acknowledgement of the service would not be inopportune.

"If the public works came to a stop now,' writes the Post, " probably at the very least jjOOOO people would be deprived of their only moans of livelihood, and be utterly without hope of finding others. To talk of their being able to share the bnrthen of taxation would then be absurd. Instead of assisting the settler* of the colony to bear its burthens, toey would themselves become a burthen for the actual means of living. We fear the time is not far distant when we nli? actually be as anxious to promoce emigration as We nc^ are to1 encourage immigration. The great mistake o* the policy which this Colony is working out is that it ignores alt the teachings of political economy, and places the relations between cxpital and labour on such a basis that disaster becomes inevitable. The editor o£ the Hokitika Register in announcing its decease, says his wain of succesa has not been from any fault or misfortune, nor from any lack of appreciation on the pait of the pub.ic, but purely because there is not room for two morning journals iv Hokitika.