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Auckland Star, Volume VII, Issue 1971, 3 June 1876, Page 2

Eighty ounces of gold in twenty pounds of stone is a little exhibition which hen attracted numbers of mining men to the office of Mr J. F. Clarke to-day. In the best specimen days gone by we have never seen anything to surpass the rich lump of quartz and gold taken from the Union Beach mine, Coromandel. which has formed tho topic of remark on change to-day. The specimens were originally in one lump, which waa smashed into three or four pieces, the better to display its hidden riches. The gold lies in tho stone in thin layers, capable of being bent backwards and forwards with the fingers. As it is intended to place the specimens on view at the Museum Exhibition, a good opportunity will be afforded the public for exnmining this proof that all the gold in the province has not been dng out with the decline of the Caledonian productiveness.

Sir, —I beg to draw tho attention of visitors, publicans, and others to the Police Court tomorrow, that the poor-hox for the Industrial School will feel thankful for some inner comforts, which it has not had for many along day.—Canvas.

A skating rink has, at last, been established in Auckland. The first; meeting was held last week in t.ho Newmarket Hall, a building •well suited for the purpose, with a capital floor. There was a very good attendance of the elite of Auckland and suburbs. Tbore were present : Mr and Mrs Whitaker, Mr and Mrs Thomas Morrin, Mr and Mrs James Clark, Mr J. S. Buckland, and many of our respected citizens, who appeared thoroughly to enjoy the novel and exhilarating sport. There were a few "fall 3on the ice,"- but not of more serious a character than to call forth a good humoured laugh. This popular American game will no doubt shortly be as popular here.

The annual Licensing Court for Auckland will bo held to-morrow at noon. The commissioners who will sit are Messrs Barstow, Mitford, P. L. Prime, and J. May. Only one new application will be made ; namely, that of Frederick Orchard, for the new hotel in Custom-house-street.

The long-expected gathering of settlers and friends at Wharehine to celebrate, aa is the usual custom, the departure of the first Albertland settlers from England, took place at the Wharebine school-room, on Monday, the 29th ult. The different sports, etc., arranged for the day were carried out in the afternoon, with the following result : Tilting for gentlemen, Mr Armstrong ; tilting for ladies, Miss Lcvett. Trotting match (prize, bridle), Mr Lester. 100 yards foot-race—lst prize, J. W. M.arcroft: 2nd, Armstrong. The company then adjourned to the school-house, when a sumptuous tea was provided and presided over by the ladies of the district. Amongst the company we noticed Reva. Messrs Gittos and Worker, Messrs Grimmer (Mahurangi), Shepperd, and Edger (Port Albert), and others. About 100 sat down to tea.

An important judgment has been given by Mr J. B. Aspinall, Q.C., Recorder of Liverpool, respecting the extension of publichouses, such houses having in many cases been enlarged by" taking in the adjoining house or shop property. To check this practice, the Liverpool Permissive Bill Association laid informations, which were decided favorably to them by the magistrates, but were quashed recently by the Recorder, who, in giving judgment, said that a publican, Hike any oiher tradesman, may by industry and assiduity increase his business. If he does bo, there is nothing (said the Reoorder) in the Licensing Acts I know of which prevents him enlarging his premises to meet its requirements. He adds :—" Whatever may be my opinions about the licensing question, or the traffic in drink, I have yet to learn that under the existing law a publican is one of the criminal class, or liable to penalties for anything which he does honestly and hona fide for the extension of a lawful business."

Mr Green, farmer, Mauku, who met with a serious accident in Queen-street by falling upon the pavement, is in a fair way of recovery. He was conveyed to his home on Saturday, and hopes are entertained that he will be able shortly to attend to the business of his farm.

The members of the Choral Socieiy will meet to-morrow evening in the Choral Hall, for practice of the "Messiah," when a full attendance is desired, in order to a successful issue.

The "Templars Saturday Evening," was well attended on Saturday evening. Mr C. B. Andrew occupied the chair, and in a logical speech advocated the claims of the order, and said that the committee contemplate renting the Temperance Hall, Albert-street, which step they deemed imperatively necessary, owing to the crowded state of the large room of the.Youcg Men's Christian Association every Saturday, (cheers) A number of songs and recitations of a very choice character followed. The lady singers were Mrs Somerville.and Miss Ash. The gentlemen vocalists, Messrs Cornish, Jamieson, Allen, and others. Mr Brown gave an excellent recitation. The whole concluded In a satisfactory manr.or, with "God save the^Queen."

The B,ev. Wm, Tinsley preached an excellent sermon last evening in thfe Edwafcdes'i' jtyfiefc. Methftrlißt Cbipel ofi&the 'I'iDisobedient Wifh?' illustrated from Oene--Bis,' ebap. 19, v. 26 -" But his wife looked back from behind him, fend she became a pillar of salt.'* T.he reverend gentleman did not dwell so much on the monument of retributive justice which Josephus, the historian, stated that he saw some two thousand years after the event, as on the important lesson involved, namely-the gin. of disobedience, and the duties at'i&ifig out 6v man's relationship to his Maker, showing the doctrines of providence, mercy, and retribution to form the Divine Qoverntrtent. These doctrines or J aw g were c j early defined in the Turin "around us. In picturing Lot's wife, another act of dirobeoienco, the preacher intimated that it was a -Very natural act, and one with which, under other circumstances, we should be disposed to sympathise. Any person possessing an emotional nature would be inclined to iook back oh scenes and attachments of early life upon parting from them for ever, but when Heaven commands, &s in the case of this woman, it becomesa sin to disobey; and, if people _ will contimi" in a course of disobedience to the Divine will, destruction is inevitable. The discourse throughout was thoroughly practical, interspersed with many illustrations and pictures from real life, concluding with b, suitable exhortation on the importance of obeying the laws of our nature : not to estimate the things of this life too highly, but rather to set the higher value on those which know of no decay.

Mr Barlow's circus tent at New Plymouth has been naed for a United Church service, •at which 700 were present. Service is held in the Dunedin theatre every Sunday night after eight o'clock.

A gentleman in Melbourne has proposed to the South Australian Government to plant half a million of coeoanut trees in the Northern TWifrory. In five years' time the trees will yield largely. ,

Ratepayers in Dunedin are protesting apainqt the proposed expenditure of £20,000 to £30,000 on a Town Hall, and are likewise debating whether the Corporation or a private company should undertake the laying of tramways. The Corporation have passed a resolution in favour of the latter course.

The possibility of an alliance between Mr. Stafford and the Provincial party, upon the basis of regarding abolition as accomplished, is dismissed by the Nelson Colonist. Government journal;'which adds : "Ministers must beware, and they may rest assured it is not by the purchase of oid enemies such an Mr ■Pitzherbert that they can secure a majority. They will find these apnnrently skilful moves have disheartened their friends and embittered their opponents."

Dr. Redwood, Roman Catholic Bishop of Wellington, has been preaching in Dnnedin to a crowded congregation on tho subject of "The Infallibility of the Church."

At an auction which concluded the charitable carnival recently held at Dunedin, some rather miscellaneous articles were contributed for disposal under the hammer. One lady from the Taieri sent a fine live calf and a pair of lady's drawera.

We have received a very warm letter, under the signature "Observer," from a Thames correspondent;, relative to the representation of that district in the General Assembly The letter abounds with so many alluaions to "Brigham, M H.R.," and "Phane," that we should not like to undertake tho responsibility of giving it publicity. A strange scene wan witnessed yesterday morning about ton o'qjoek near fit Paul's Ohnrc'n, and which attracted a good deal of attention, but caused no particular annoyance. The actors were two moo, apparently excavators, but so drunk that they were scarcely ablo to stand, and unablo to take notice of the bystanders. One, tho worst of the two, was scolding the other for taking too much, when his staggering mate replied, " Why, dang it Joe, your are drunker than I be." After a good deal of vague talk, and several downfallings and uprisings, the pair staggered across the road into a pasaage, where they were observed, three hours after, sound asleep and out of harm's way. The question among tho spectators waa, " Where did1 those men get drunk ?" It could not have boon at the public-houses, for they are all closed, and no landlord in the city would supply intoxicants on a Sunday !

The vacancy created at the Nelson Collcce by the death of the late head master is to be temporarily filled by the Rev J. C. Andrew, who. at the request of the governors, has kindly consented to undertake the duties.

The directors of the Union Company are still negotiating for the purchase of MoMeokan, BJackwood & Go's fleet of steamers. In the event of the proposal for amalgamation being completed, the new company will give loc?l as well as Australian investors an opportunity of contributing towards the additional capital which the concern will require. Another scheme for providing for a lino of steamers for tho Australian and New Zealand trade has been set on foot in Melbourne, and two of the proraoteis, Mr James White, of Messrs James White and Co., and Captain Coffey, both of Melbourne, arrived by the Arawata, for tha purpose of feeling the pulse of our trading community on the subject of the enterprise.

A baby ahow was held in connection "with the Great Benevolent Carnival at Dunodin. Fifty little darlings competed. The task of judging—a most difficult matter—was undertaken by Professor M'Gregor and the Hon. Captain Fraser, M.L.C. Some mammas seemed proud of the great weight of their children, and others rested the claims of their little ones to a prize on the ground of beauty rather than size. The champion ohild was Charles Sydnoy Flextnan. There was no doubt about his claim to first honours, but there were so many about equal for second and third honours that it must have been almost a matter of guessing to decide which were entitled to the other prizes. The champion twins were named Dickinson.

The football match on Saturday at the North Shore, New Zealand v. the World, terminated in favor of New Zealand, which won by a goal to nothing There waa some splendid kicks, the legs of the New Zealand men being free from rheumatism, and well up to work. The New Zealand captain, who won the toss, determined not to kiok in the golden face of the setting sun, while the World rose towards the rising of the Evening Star, which Rhone early like a diamond over the fields of Hesperus. The natives soored a goal in the second half hour, while Oaverhill scored a goal for New Zealand by one majestic kick. During the third spell, the World showed up woll, but did not succeed in scoring a touchdown. At the next start both teams did their utmost, without additional honours on either side. Messrs Walpole and Whistler acted as umpires, and Messrs Rees and Henderson as captains, and all gave satisfaction. The game was creditable to both teams, and the men played well and vigorously. : ,

We notice that Mr Edward Isaacs has been gazetted a member of the Auckland Harbour Board.

The usual monthly meeting of Lodge. Ara will be hold this evenjbqg in the Masonio Ifidgeroom, Princeß-street.

Information was communicated to his honor the Superintendent that the natives of Parawai, who have so long obstructed the cutting through of a hill on the line of the Upper Thames road, have now given their consent. We hope that this important work will be speedily undertaken.

We notice among the passengers by the Wellington, on Saturday, Captain Burns, who proceeded South on official business in connection with the many societies of which he is a prominent member. The command of the Artillery will be under Lieutenant Eayoe, in the absence of the Captain. .

|f/Sir Charles- Gavan- Duffy, in a lecture rWently mMelbourne, stated that, during his visit to France lately, he learned from excellent authority this significant fact —that of the wines of that country 95 per Cent are drunk at home, and only 5 per cent exported* When England, "Russia, Germany, and the United States, the old established customers, are supplied out of the limited exports, it is scarcely reasonable to hope that any considerable share of the 5 per cent will find its way to lis. He had another fact on the same authority, that 40,000 dotfen of champagne are manufactured every month m Glasgow from petroleum.

"Gray, and not Shakespeare," writes ?' A Wairoa Settler," was the author of the quotation which you!1 correspondent "One Who Knows " has stumbled upon. He fails to show that Mr Dargaville does not make a sacrifice. That gentleman has built a very large hotel for which he now receives £5 a week and a percentage, and if the building were used as a boarding-house, the value could certainly not be more than £2 a week. A big hotel withottt a license is a bad spec anywhere, but in the bush it must be particularly so. Mr Dargaville may have done all that your correspondent alleges, andyet.if he ha« found that he committed, a fatal mistake, and feels that the lives of unfortunate men are being sacrificed for his greed of gain, he would still be acting wisely in retracing his steps ; and generously, if pecuniary considerations were cast on one side in his desire to make amends for past shortcomings. Unworthy motives will always be suggested as tlic mainspring in every act of this kind, but I opine tbat if the Wairoa settlers secure the end in view they will not stop to inquire very minutely into the secret causes that may have contributed to their success."

A number of public and open lodge meetings will be held during the present, week ; (1) a public meeting of the members for the proposed Eden Tent of Rechabitea. will be bold this evening for the benefit of the juveniles of tha district. Mr James Hamlin will occupy the chair. The businoss will be of an initiatory character. (2) a special general mooting of the Templar Benefit Society will he held (-o-morrow (Tuefldav) evening in the Newton Congregational Schoolroom, for confirming new laws, sleeting officers, and other business. (3) On Wednesday evening an open lodge meeting will be held in Sheridan-street Chapel. This meeting will be of a social and intellectual character, interspersed with music.

The adjourned meeting of the delegates of the various Friendly Benefit bodies will be resumed this evening, at the Thistle Hotel, at half-past seven o'clock.

The subject of debate at the Pitt-street Mutual Improvement class this evening is " Monarchism versus Republicanism." The debate is likely to prove interesting as several old hands will take part in the discussion. The quarterly meeting of the Auckland Shipwrights' Protection Society will be held this evening, in the Albert-street Temperance Hall, at half-past seven o'clock.

The True Bluo Orangemen, of Newmarket, will hold their ordinary monthly meeting this evening, in the Newmarket Hall.

Mr Vincent Pyke, M.H.R., who is usaaliy counted as one of those members who are sitting on the rail, has been promulgating tho result of his counting of noses, and this is what he says :—" Provincialism was doomed. He himsnlf had made a calculation of the votes in tho House on tho subject, and tho conclusion he came to was, that out of $H "European members there would be a positive majority of 12 in favour of Abolition ; a probablo one of 15 ; and a possible balance of 20 in favour of it." "The Dunstnn electors," says the Otaqo Guardian, " need hardly have asked whether Mr Pyke wsk amongst tho " positivlsts," or tho "probables," or the "possible balances." We should say ho waa amongst the " possible balances." Ho might attain to the " probables," but amongst the '• poaifcivists" never —unless, indeed, he found himself in a majority." Or, wo might suggest, unless that vacant Dunedin Magistracy was made secure.

Tho committee of the Otago Licensed Victnalloro' Association condemns' the new Licensing Bill, drafted by the Christchureh Association, in tolo, and will recommend at tho general meeting, that no steps be taken in connection wibh it, and that no delegate be sent to Wellington to consider it.