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Auckland Star, Volume VI, Issue 1625, 30 April 1875, Page 2

Among our charitable institutions the Home for Neglected Children occupies an interesting position. Through it society becomes the foster-parent of those little ones who are worse than orphaned and whose natural parents, instead of being protectors, are to them shame and ruin. It is a protective as well as an eleemosynary work in which this institution is engaged; and in the most practical and utilitarian sense its mercy is twice blessed, as much to society that gives as to the little castaways fwho receive. For among the four-score children who receive shelter and training under its roof, probably but a very few there are who, if left to their own ways and to the tuition of their natural or rather unnatural guardians, would not in maturer years have levied contributions on society in lives of crime and sin—contributions far away beyond the very scanty cost at which Society is now rearing these children up to be respectable citizens and useful workers in the hive of human industry. Kindness done to the aged and the infirm has its return in the right feelings developed in the hearts of the givers, but these poor children, though perhaps unconscious for the time of their great indebtedness to others' kindness, will, in after years, however] unintentionally, requite that kindness manifold. In these circumstances it is to be regretted that the c fforls of the tcidrdtif of institution are somewhat paralysed by the great obstacle to all progress—restricted means. The remarkably small expense for the sustenance of each child—4s 9d per week—shews the rigid economy with which this trust is administered by the Committee, and offers the guarantee to contributors that every fraction given will be applied to the intended object. It is hardly to be expected that in the present position of the finances of the province, much increase can be made on the grant from the Provincial Treasury, and it will therefore be the more incumbent on the public to listen to the appeal mado to them for help. We think there is much in the recommendation made by his Lordship Bishop Cowie, that some more effective system of collecting subscriptions should be adopted. We feel confident that if the wants and objects of this most noble charity are brought more home to each individual citizen it will be discovered that the causf of these poor little castaways will find a warm corner in many a heart.

We find that our contemporary the Cross returns this morning to the subject of the four million loan. It acknowledges receipt of a telegram evidently given on authority, on which it places "full reliance," and which we presume may be regarded as containing the "full particulars" threatened by Mr Vogel in the first announcement of the loan, but which have been hitherto strangely withbolden. " The particulars of loan are : Rothschilds gave £91 nett, but the price was nominally £92, accruing interest making the difference. The loan was immediately offered at £93, and more than the whole was subscribed for. Brokers greatly annoyed at failure of their attempt to depreciate the loan ; this transaction considerably advances the credit of the colony." The first part of this is probably correct. The rest is padding. We care nothing for the "(nominal pi ice." £91 is what comes to the colony ; at least we are told so. At all events it is not £93, as so jubilantly asserted,and which we correctly contradicted at the first. We hope the " accruing interest" may not be found included in the £91. That about the brokers' annoyance is put in for effect. Why annoyed more now than on previous occasions ? Then it waß an- open market and there might have been room for "bearing." Now it was too much of a close-handed transaction. However, we are all pleased that the "bears" were annoyed, and the colonytriumphant, and that is the intention of the padding. " This transaction considerably advances the credit of the colony." It ought to. True, it shows a terrible decline on the former credit of our bonds; but then it might have been far worse, and the fact that money has been got in any way, and that our career of public extravagance is not suddenly cut short, must "advance" our credit. However the "transaction" also shows that this little game may be played once too often, and we think others besides the "dismal croakers" may wisely learn the lessons which "this transaction" is fitted to impart.

We are informed that the action entered by Sergeant King, A.C., against the Board of Enquiry at Tauranga for false imprisonment, has been dropped upon the understanding that the plaintiff Bhall be restored to the rank from which he was harshly degraded, and appointed to the Taupo district. No doubt the members of the Board aided the conclusion by a " consideration. administered quietly, but of this our informant knoweth nothing.

We acknowledge, with pleasure, receipt of lOsfon behalf of« Mrs. Borthwickrirom'f A Friend " «' A Frifend of the Star" sends the following:—" I enclose 10s for Mrs Borthwick, and wish long prosperity to the Star in spite of its enemies, for there is not another paper in Auckland which, with such laudable persistence, p cads assistance for deserving objects of charity."

The following appeal from Ponsonhy we commend to the Highway Board :—" Sir,— I am the eldest of a family of "Gullies,' and humble people dwell peaceably on our pretty banks It is, though, painful to any of us in winter time to be such an obstacle to their progress in the development of the neighbourhood they are forming. _ I don t know of a hetter time now the gas is cut off and doubiless will cause a sale of the handsome gas-lights on the roads, than to apply that the m'<ney may be spent in bridging the whole lot of us over and bring a few scoria paths into our districts, presenting us as ornaments, with our sweet water-cress beds and our artificial fall here and there, instead of being as we are at the present time, an eye-sore to this fashionable and rising suburb."—l am, &c, Gully. P.S.-Say a word, for we don't get represented any more than the contented folks who live along our banks.

The-St. Mathew's Sunday-school entertainment will be held this evening in the large room of the Young Men's Christian association. We have not been favoured with the programme, but understand that the proceedings will be varied and interesting.

We need scarcely remind our readers that the Rev. Charles Clark will make his final appearance in the Choral Hall this evening. A large number of tickets have already been disposed of, nearly sufficient we understand, to fill the hall. The programme is prominently before the public, and includes some of the choicest things in fiction, poetry, and song. At the close of Mr. Clark's reading's, and Miss Christian's songs, Mr. Clark will deliver a valedictory address of his "Hundred days in New Zealand," illustrative of bis travels here. After which, Mis 3 Christian will sing the .National Anthem. The selections for this evening are all of a high class character, and will afford real intellectual pleasure to tbe audience.

In the alleged aison case heard before tho Police Court yesterday. Mr Hesketh for the defence spoke strongly upon what seemed unfair on the part of the police in not calling a witness whose evidence would have been of material importance in the case. It appears that a Mr Sims saw Burke at the outbreak of the fire, doing his utmost to extinguish the ilames before the arrival of other persons; there were other witnesses also that he might have called in favor of Burke His Worship considered that for the sake of the accused it was desirable that such evidence should be produced, and especially when it could be shewn that the person had acted as any rightly disposed man would have acted in such circumstances.

A singular circumstance in connection with Grattan McCabe, the victim of the horrible death over the Hobson-street cliff yesterday, came under our observation. Last Saturday McCabe called at our office and offered a piece of special news at the usual rates of remuneration. He was told to write it out, and the intelligence proved to bo the determined attempt to commit suicide made by the unfortunate man Philips, who jumped from the wharf, afterwards endeavoured to leave tbe Governor Browne Hotel in a nude state, • and was on Saturday committed to the Asylum. The fact of Philips staying at the same hotel as McCabe brought the circumstunces directly under the knowledge of the latter. His account of the occurrence, as will bo seen by reference to tho Saturday's issaie of the Stak, in which it appeared, was written in rather a jocular vein, and on being reminded that it was a serious matter to jnkn about, he said, "Oh! its best to make light of these things, and when the poor fellow comes to his souses, he will see what a fool he made of himself." Poor McCabe ! picked up bleeding and dying, yet apparently conscious, may he not in that brief hour's life accorded him, have been brought to a sense of the criminal folly of his act, and have hoped that someone would remember the sympathy he expressed in distinguishing between the act of the sane man and of the madman, in the case of another sufferer from a mind diseased. We are informed by Mr J. P. King, chemist, that McCabe had applied to him three times for laudanum, during the past day or two and was refused, Mr King judging from his manner that be was not in a healthy state of mind.

The San Francis.o correspondent of tho Herald in his last letter inquired for the whereabouts of the inimitable Poss. A gentleman bearing that name answers through our advertising columns, and informs the public that his famous tailoring establishment will be found in Shortland-street.

Mr Palmer, three doors above the Royal Mail, Victoria-street (recently arrived), has constructed of gun metal a gas burner on an entirely new principle, and has been tried with great success in various boarding establishments in Auckland. It is now on view at the Star, where the difference of the burners can be seen.

The Right Rev. Bishop Cowie will preach on Sunday morning in the little church of St. Luke, Mount Albert, and in the evening his Lord ship will hold a confirmation service St. Sepulchre's Church.

The members of the Naval Brigade went through their drill last evening, under Capt. Leßoy and Lieut. Chapman, in a very satisfactory manner. The Scottish Volunteers were equally successful under command of Capt. Mowbray. On their return from the Drill shed, the bag-pipes were played very effectively, and reminded many a listener of the days of " Auld Lang Syne."

The Board of Education yesterday sanctioned the renting of a school-house in Edwardes-street, as the second school for City East district.

Tbe right to charge for passengers' luggage landed on the Onehunga wharf was not tested, as anticipated, on Wednesday : the case being upset on a technical objection. We are requested to state that it is not the lessee's usual practice to charge for trifling articles, but he claims that the regulations entitle him to demand payment for boxes and similar passengers' effects. The wording of the regulations seem to leave this an open question, and the Provincial Government should see that, before the tolls are again let, it shall be distinctly stipulated that ordinary passengers' effects shall not be liable to this vexatious impost. In the telegram from OnehuDga, relative to the case Galbraith v. Selfe, published in the Star on Wednesday, an error inadvertently occurred, by which it was made to appear that one of the witnesses for the defence said Mr Galbraith called Mr Selfe a liar. This was incorrect. An accurate report of the chief evidence appears in another column.

The time for receiving the nominations of candidates for the seat in the City Council, rendered yacant by the resignation of Mr H. Isaacs, terminated to-day. The contest will lie between Mr. Edward; Isaacs and Mr George Staines. The papers appeared on the nomination board to-day, to which by the way, we would call the attention of tho Inspector of Police as an infringement of the city by-laws, being placed on the foot-path to the danger of all good citizens.7 Mr, Isaacs' nomination is signed by Messrs Joseph Brown, Ireland Bros., B. Irelaiid, J. M. Shera, Samuel Coombes, and Jas. P. King. The nomination of Mr Staine's bears the names of Messrs W. Lee, W. Swanson, P. Dignan, J. C. Firth, E. Hesketh, Black, G. W. Friend, J. Hancock, James Stewart, and J. Fisher.

The shooting Beason commences to-morrow, the first of May.

To the Editor: Sir,—Can you or any of your readers inform the inhabitants in the neighbourhood of the upper portions of Wakefield, Edwardes, and Abercrombiestreets, to whom application should be made to have the water laid on to the stand-pipe at the junction of Abercrombie and Lornestreets. On Tuesday, the 20 h instant, was the last day the water was on. Nearly all the wells are dry, and what supply could be obtained is hardly fit for washing. Illness has been rife in the neighbourhood, and the want of water is becoming seriously felt. The water for tea and cooking has to be obtained from Queen-street —I am, &c, Alibt. —[Aoplication should be made to the Provincial Government. Fortunately bountiful rains are likely to relieve householders of their difficulties.— Ed. E S.]

Meetings of creditors in the estates of Samuel Blacker Coles (providore), 1 homas Peek (carpenter), and B. C. Murphy were adjourned for a week, no creditors having attended. The examination of the various schools under the control of the Board of Education has been conducted by the several school committees during the last two days by means of papers of printed ques.ti.ons. At City East school (St. Paul's) nearly 80 pupils were presented, the examination being presided over by the Rev. C. M. Nelson, and Messrs. Clarkson, Coupland, and Talbot. On Thursday papers on arithmetic and composition were given, while to-day has been occupied with geography and object teaching. We learn thet this school now numbers nearly 250 pupils in ordinary attendance, under an efficient staff of seven teachers.

At the adjourned annual meeting of the Acclimatisation Society yesterday, Mr J. C. Firth in the chair, officers were appointed. The balance sheet shewed receipts amounting to £914 5s Bd, the balance remaining at the Bank of New Zealand was £164 15s Votes of thanks were passed to Mr E.- B. Dickson, the late secretary, and to the retiring President. We learn that Mr M. Niccol and Mr Henry S. Meyers are to contest the seat at the Harbour Board about to be vacated by Mr B. Tonk's retirement.