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Auckland Star, Volume VI, Issue 1625, 1 May 1875, Page 2

We have received a very lengthy letter from Mr W. J. Barlow, late Staff-sergeant in the Engineer Volunteer Militia, with referenca to late proceedings in connection with that force. Mr Barlow falls into the mistake of a great number of newspaper correspondents, in trying to say all he has to say in one letter. We find that his letter, if inserted as it is, would very nearly fill twojcolumns of the Star ; and sincerely desirous as we are to throw the fullest light on this queer subject, we feel that inserting so long a letter would defeat its own object. Not one

in five hundred newspaper readers would go through a letter of two mortal columns, and its publication would be simply labour lost. We shall endeavour to boil it down, and give its essence in our next issue. ' With reference to the pluudering system which seems to be the settled and recognised custom of this peculiar force, we think that the efforts of the authorities to smother the matter will be ineffectual. Of course hone can prosecute if the authorities, who are trustees of the public properties, decline; and as condoning 'felony in the conduct of public servants is the rule, and prosecution of come poor unfortunate devil, with no friends, the exception, we may expect the effort to pooh pooh the

oiiticisms of the Press, and to repress enquiry Will be persisted^ in till the last. . But we understand that th solicitors of Color-Sergeant Craig have laid the case before the Defence Minister, and demanded the prosecution for embezzlement; and if this is not granted we are in a position to say that the matter will be brought before the masters of the Defence Minister, and of the Government, namely, the House of Representatives, when, if justice is not done, at least the public will know the reason why.

" Rosy-footed May" is hardly the proper name for the first month of the year in New Zealand, but in the old country it may. be a correct term, as ie is the poetic step of spring into summer. The .Romans on the first of May used to go in procession to the grotto of Bgetia, a nymph so says mythology, wbo once resided in the Grove of Diana, a short distance from Pome. Poets in other days were accustomed to sing of May-day, and especially Spenser and Milton, and even the classical Sidney sang :—

When merry Miy first early calls the morn, With merry maids a-Maying they do go. Still more beautiful is Milton in his brief reminiscence of May :—

The flowery May, who from her green lay throws The yellow cowslip and the pale primrose.

and Thompson, in ten words, ia fully descriptive of the month in—

One boundless blush, On white empurpled shower of mingled blossoms. This is one of the happiest expressions of Thompson, and not excelled by any sentiment to be found in the " Season." Painters have drawn the season in the form of a beautiful maiden, enveloped in ia nature's drapery, with a sweet and and amiable countenance, in a robe of white and green, embroidered with daffodils, hawhorns, and blue-bells. In contrast with the delishful and beautiful of Bpring-time, the sweeps come forth, and dance along the street. A story is told in connection with May-day, which is doubtful, but which formed the theme of James Montgomery's poem, the "Chimney-sweep's Boy," which was the means of doing away with the practice of compelling boys to climb chimneys, so ruinous to their poor feet. Mrs Montague, an authoress, who wrote an esßay on the eenius of Shakespeare, wa3 in the habit of treating the sweeps of the West End to a May-day entertainment in Portman Square, where she resided up to the period of her death in 1800. The sweeps were heartily regaled at her expense with roast beef and plum pudding,, in the open square adorned with th flowers of the season, and each sween received in addition the donation of one shillintr at her hands. This account for the Jack-in-the-green and the sweeps May-holiday still kept up in some parts of the world. May-day in Auckland indicates the slippery approach of a snowless winter, and May-day is ushered in by reports of sportsmen's guns amid the falling rain.

We have just been shown a letter received from the Thames by a resident in Newton Road. The envelope bears ' the following postmarks:—"Thames, Feb. 8. Auckland, Feb. 9 " "Province of Auckland, Ap 23, and Auckland, Ap. 24." It is addressed " Newtown Road, Auckland. The addressc had called frequent Iv at the central office during the interval, inquiring, in consequence of not finding the expected letter at the Newton Post-office, at which he had been calling every week. The letter had reference to money transactions, and its delay has caused considerable inconvenience and embarrassment. The^same resident informs us that on two occasions previously, letters addressed to him to the same address have been neatly six months delayed. This requires explanation.

The remains of the la'e'Gratten McC b* will bo conveyed to their liHt resting place to-morrow, at th>-ee o'clotk, and will be accompanied by hi 3 many friends from the Governor Browne Hotel. As the deceased was a high officer in tie Anc'ent Order of Foresters, it is hoped that all of that fraternity who can do so will also attend.

In reply to a telegram from the Mayor relative to metalling the Beach Road Parnell, Mr Under-Secretary Knowles states that the Government have no funds for the purpose, and further that he considers that the city and harbour authorities should contribute largely to such a work.

The Lord Mayor's juvenile ball in London during holiday week was a grand affair. Eleven hundred little bubbies and sissies participated. The supper was fine. Next day all the fashionable physicians in tho city were employed, and the sale of paregoric was unprecedented.

J. W. has sent two shillings and sixpence for Widow Borthwick.

The baby-on-the-door step trick was lately tried in Rochester, N.Y., and did not win A. Mr Kent heard his door-bell ring. He happened {to be at the door and opened it. He saw a basket on his door-step, heard a squaller in it and caught a glimpse of a pair of coat-tails disappearing round the corner. Without stopping to examine the basket he followed the coat-tails, and, being fleet of foot, caught them. They belonged to Dr. Elijah L. Wood, a young doctor of Eochester. The doctor was asked what he meant, and he explained that the mother of the child—a lady of his acquaintance—knowing that Mr. Kent had lately lost a child, and having one more than she wanted herself, had given him $50 to put the child on Kent's door-step, in the hope it would be welcome and cared for. Kent did not want it, and the doctor carried the baby back to its mother and failed in his $50 job. It is a new branch of medical practice, not mentioned in thQ books or regulated by any of the medical societies.

A rather singular accident occurred in Queen Street about ten o'clock. A horse attached to a dray, loaded with sacks of grain from the wharf, was proceeding up Queen Street, when the driver observed one of the sacks slipping forward off the dray. He tried to stop the horse to enable him to push the sack back. The animal obstiaa^ely resisted the attempt and grew restive. The man then saw that the collar which was a very small one was pressing so tightly over its throat as to threaten to choke it. He tried to ease it, but could not, and at last the horse! from sheer inability to breathe made a convulsive spring and pitched on his head on to the ground, where he lay making piteouß moans, opposite the Auckland Hotel The grain was quickly removed by a dozen willing hands and the harness being cut off the poor quadruped was at length able to regain hia feet and his breath. The horse belongs to Mr. Butcher. On "rum drinking amongst the Maoris," one of the oldest Church Missionary Society clergy in the diocese, still ministering to the Native race, writes to the Church Gazette \ — The greatest of all evils at the present time is the facility with which the Maories can obtain rum— the spirit most commonly drunk by them. The New Zealand law concerning the sale of, spirits to Maoris is a dead letter ; as some magistrates seem to ignore all breaches of it, except when a licensed publican informs of some person selling spirits without a license

It is a fact that the Maoris of Hokianga, Whangape, and Rarawa (from whom the Government have lately purchased 70,000 acres) have spent, in the course of a -few weeks, £200 on spirits—greatly adulterated (by the confession of the. vendors) If the Government were as careful to enforce the law concerning the "sale of spirits to the Maoris as they are to enforce that forbidding the sale to them of powder and ballcartridge, the native races might be expected to thrive and to increase ; for, as Bishop Selwin used to say, the Maoris, when left too themselves, live much on bread and milk, Tind 'the babies whea they are baptised are very heavy.' And as to the Colonial revenue, which it is supposed would suffer if the natives were hindered in

their* course of nationltl feticide far* seeing , political economists ifcight be expected to understand that, in the long run, it would be better for the Customs, that for years to collie tenS of thousands should be spent on Manchester goods, by a healthy and industrious section of the 6oMmunity, than for the race to be sacrificed .for the immediate increase of revenue—killing the goose that would continue to lay the golden eggs for future goasrations of New Zealaiiders."

The bundle that was taken from a little boy in East-street a few evenings ago has been recovered, and the owner can have it by calling upon constable Andrew Clarke at the Police station, Newton.

The St. Matthew's Sunday school entertainment was quite a 'success last evening in the young men's rooms. The Rev. R S. Hissard presided, and in a few brief remarks introduced the business of the evening. The programme included several songs, duets and choruses, by the choir, which has attained such proficiency under the able management of Mr. Webb. . The room was well filled and a pleasant evening was passed. Among the song? given were the "Lover and the Bird." "Cherry Ripe," "Far far upon the Sea," " Last Rose of Summer," and similar productions. Several recitations and dialogues wore recited with much merit. At the close of the first part, a very beautiful writing desk was presented to Mr. Thomas H. Webb, by his pupils, in recognition of his services, and zeal in the class which he conducted with so much ability. The present was suitably acknowledged by Mr. Webb. A vote of thanks to the chairman closed a happy mirthful meeting.

The varied and interesting performances of Mr and Mrs. Case (Grace Egerton) was repeated last evening with equal satisfaction There was a large number of persons present, who frequently evinced pleasure at the delineations of character presented successively to them. This clever artiste will, this evening, introduce another cluster of odd people with their sayings and do-'ngs, to the infinite delight of the listeners. On Monday evening, a new and laughable entertainment. " Apartments for a bachelor " The E«erton entertainments promise to be among the best that we have witneused for a loDg time.

The history of the order of St. Michael and St. George is thus related by the Timaru Herald : -" In Corfu, the head quarters of the Order prior to the cession of the lonian Islands to Greece, an immense number of the lower classes were created Companions in their early youth ; and the Companionship wes consequently seldom inflicted on any Biitiah officer above the rank of a boatswain. The meaning, therefore, of the titular letters C.M.G. was utterly unknown in English Society until the jealousy of the Order of tho Bith induced the Imperial Government to extend the Mediterranean Order to the colonies. Now, however, since the decorations of St Michael and St. George have been scattered broadcast over the Australias, its minor title is in a manner familiar to even the upper classes of society at Home. It is commonly supposed in a vague sort of way to indicate some connection with tickets-of-leave."

Lord St Leonards died on the 29th Feb., within a few days of completing his 95th year. Like his predecessor on the woolsack, Lord Tenterden. he was the son of a hairdresser. He was Lord Chancellor for ten months only, for which service he drew a pension of £5000 a year for 22 years, up to the time of his death, making in all about £120,000 for the ten months' work—a very fair nte of remuneration, even for a Lord Ohancel'or.

The May number of the Presbyterian Church Netcs this month is more than usually interesting It opens with an article on the religious statistics of the colony, as shown by the census returns, proving that the number retunie 1 as Presbyterians in the whole colony is 72,435, or one-fourth the entire population. The second article is devoted to an account of the recent revival movement in Auckland. An eloquent sermon on the text: "'Tne eternal God is thy refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms," delivered by the Rr-v. Dr. Waliis in the Newton Kirk last Sunday morning fills tho pulpit section of the number. The suggestions made by the Presbytery's committee for reviving God's work is published, and is followed by an article on the great revival proceeding in the United Kingdom. A chapter on " Music " deals in a liberal spirit with this much vexed kirk question. We must not omit to mention the extract readings, which are particularly good.

The lamps in Ponsonby were re-iit last niirht, a sum of money having been subscribed for the purpose among a number of tha residents.

We learn that Messrs. Brown and Sons, music-dealers, have received a number of copies of " Acis and Galatea" so that those members of the Choral Society who have been prevented from attending practice owing to the want of music may now be supplied.

During the month ending April, 1875, there were 39 deaths registered within the city,of Auckland. The number during the corresponding month of 1874 was 14 deaths The figures are as follows :—For 1875 : Under I'year, 18 ; under 2 do, 10 ; under 10 do, 4 ; under 30 do, 2 ; under 50 do, 3 ; over 50 do, 2 ; total, 39. For 1874 : Under 1 year, .Q ; under 2 do, 0 ; under 10 do, 2 ; under 30 do, 3; under 50 do, 3 ; over 50 do, 0 ; total, 14. Sixteen of the 30 died from measles, generally combined with diarrhoea, and eight died of measles.

We have received a copy of the Church Gazette for May, which, as usual, contains much to interest and instruct. The account of the Bishops recent pastoral visit to Waikato is especially noticeable. The two leading articles bear the well-known initials ofR.S.H. and S. respectively—the first on "The Observance of Ascension Day," and the second on " Congregational Responses." Another chapter of " Recollections of a Waikato Missionary." The general Church news and extract matter are very full and well chosen. • (. •.

T. B. Hannaford writes with reference to the letter from McOraitb, which appeared in our last night's issue. Our correspondent enclosed a : letter from Mr. McCraith of date January 15, asking him to the wedding, thus shewing that he did not go there uninvited. The case is sub judiee, and already too much has been said in print about it. We leave the parties, therefore, to establish their relative statements in the Resident Magistrate's Court on Friday next. On Monday Mr Tonks will sell by auction Mr Neumegen's stock of unredeemed pledges A review ox them produces strange feelings. Besides the endless assortment of gold and silver watches, and plats of every kind which are naturally " popped" to keep the pot boiling, there are items that tell strange tales. A child's silver "rattle" must have been hard to part with by some poor mother, but perhaps not Sjhalf so hard as another woman's "chemise" which is among the list. Bless our soul how hard she must have been up for money, and what a miserable sight it was. One man's " three shirts" are there, poor devil, perhaps his wife drank them. " Wedding Rings" that tell of joy and then of >onow. A man's " pipe " and his " coat" and his trows.srs!" Poor wretch. What a weary tale of sorrow is in that catalogue ? There are cheap bargins, though.

Tbe following additional licenses to kill game have been issued to day :—Thomas spencer, Parawai; Michael Hennelly, Grahamstown; Gtorge Brett, Shortland; Thomas Claik, Tararu Road ; J. B. Jorlan, Warkworth ; Joseph May, Epsom; William Ware, Auckland ; Thomas Rogers, Otahuhu ; Thomas Barnett, Auckland ; Alexander Aitken, Auckland ; Thomas Ching, Auckland ; Alfred Porter, Auckland; Prank .Quick, Auckland; Alfred Buckland, Newmarket ; Robert Greenwood, Auckland.

One of the most prosperous of the companies that have been founded in connection with this Colony, aftd at the same time one whose business! is leaisfc known is the New Zsaland Lo^n and Mercantile Agency Compaoy. In the last annua? report* of this company, there is published a statement shewing ite progressive growth. From 1866 to 1870 it has p Add/a ammaljdividend of ten per cent per annum, and itdtit KS7I to 1874, ten per cent with bonus of 24 per ceflt annually. While paying these excellent dividends, a reserve fund has been accumulated at the folIdWintt rates out of profit: 1867, £5,000; 1363, £10,000 ; iB6O, £19,000 ; 1870, £21 000 ; 1871, £31.000; I*7* £34,000; 1873, £62,000 ; 1874, £72,000. The nett proht last yenr was £22,150. The practice ot paying up a substantial reserve fund out of profits ia A thoroughly sound principle and one that gives & Security to investors and a permanency to the coiflpitny attainable in no other tfay. We are glad to me this course being followed in all our leading companies.

Services will be held to-ifiorrow as follows: -iln the Newton Kirk the Rev. Dr Waliis will preach in the morning on "Life in Christ j" evening, continuation of lectures on the Apocalypse—" The Sealing Vision." Wesleyan Chtil'ch, Pitt-street, Rev. A. Reid in the morning afld Eer. W. JWilliams in the evening. Baptist Church, Wellesley-street, by the Rev. P. fif Cornford. Unsectarian Sunday services Lome* street Hall, Rev. S. Edger; morning, "Regeneration and its Power ;" evening, "The Men wo Need." Congregational Church Bsresford-street, Rev, Warlow Davies, M.A. j morning, at 11 o'clock; in the evening, "Topic Suicide." Primitive Methodist Chapel, Edwardes-strset'; morning, at 11 o'clock, Rev. W. Harris ; evening, at halfpast six, 'Rev. W. Tinsley. North Shore Presbyterian Church ; morning, at the usual hour. United Methodist Free Church, Pitt-street; morning, "A Sinless Life ;" evening : ninth sermon on the Lord's Prayer, Subjf-ct: Forgiveness, a condition of Divine Forgiveness," Rev. Mr. Turner.