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Auckland Star, Volume VII, Issue 1972, 5 June 1876, Page 2

Eighty ounces of gold in twenty pounds of stono is a little exhibition which has attracted numbers of mining men to the office of Mr ,T. F. Clarke tn-day. Iv the boat specimen days gone by we have never seen anything to surpass the rich lump of quartz and gold taken from thn Union Beach mine, Coromandel. which has formed the 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 the stone in thin layers, capable of being bent backwards and forwards with the fingers. As it ia intended to place the specimens on vie <v at the Museum Exhibition, a good opportunity will be afforded tho public for examining this proof that all the gold in the province has not been dug out with the decline of tho Caledonian productiveness.

Sir,—l beg to draw the attention of visitors, publicans, and others to the Police Gourfc tomorrow, that the poor-box 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 Inst week in tho Ne.wmp.rket Hall, a building well suited for the purpose, with a capital floor. Thoro was a very good attendance of the elite of Auckland and suburbs. There were present : Mr and Mrs Whitaker, Mr and Mrs Thomas Morrin, Mr and Mrs James Clavk, Mr J. S. Buckland, and many of our respected citizens, who appeared thoroughly to enjoy tho novel and exhilarating sport. There were a few "falls on 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 be held to-morrow at noon. The commissioners who will sit are Messrs Barstow, Mitford, F. L. Prime, and J. May. Only one new application will be made ; namely, that of Frederick Orchard, for tho new hotel in Cu3toin-houso-street.

The long-expected gathering of settlers and friends at Wharehine to celebrate, as 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 Levett. Trotting match (prize, bridle), Mr Lester. 100 yards foot-race —Ist prize, J. W. Marcroft: 2ad, Armstrong. The company then adjourned to the school-house, when a sumptuous tea was provided and presided over by the ladiss of the district. Amongst the .company we noticed Revs. 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,Uike any other tradesman, may by industry and assiduity increase his business. If he does so, there is nothing (said the Recorder) 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 bona 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.

8 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 0. B. Andrew occupied the chair, and in a logioal 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 Young Men's Christian Association every Saturday, (cheers) A number of songs and recitations of a very ohoioe character followed. The lady singers were Mrs Somervillejand Miss Ash. The gentlemen vocalists, Messrs Cornish, Jamieson, Allen, and others. Mr Brown gave an excellent recitation. The whole concluded in a satisfactory manner, with "God save the^Queen." :

The Uev. Win. Tinsley preached ah excellent sermon last evening in the Edwardeastreet Primitive Methodist Ohfipel on the " Disobedient Wife." illustrated from Genesis, cbap. 19, v. 26—"But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt." The reverend gentleman did not dwell so much on the monument of retributive justice which Josophus, the historian, stated that he saw some two thousand years after the eVent, as on the important lesson involved, namely— the Bin of disobedience, and the duties arising put of man's relationship to his Maker, showingthe doctrines of providence, mercy, and retribution to form the Divine Government. These doctrines or Jaws were clearly defined in the world around us. In picturing Lot's wife, another act of disobedience, the preacher intimated that it was a very natural act, and one with which, under other circumstances, we should be disposed Any person possessing an emotional nature would be inclined to look back on scenes and attachments of early life upon parting from them for ever, but when Heaven commands, as in the case of this woman, it become*^ a sin to disobey; and, if people _ will enntinu" 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 a suitable exhortation on the importance of obeying the laws of our nature : not to estimate the things of this life too hichlv, but rathpr to set the higher value on those which know of no decay.

Mr Barlow's circus tent at New Plymouth hf!B been used for a United Church service, at which 700 were present. Service is held in the Dunedin theatre every Sunday night af her eight o'clock. A gentleman in Melbourne has proposed to the South Australian Government to plant half a million of cocoanut trees in the Northern Territory. In five years' time the trees Will yield largely.

Ratepayers in Dunedin are protesting against 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 tramwayg. 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 discussed by tho Nelson Colonist, Government journal, which adds : "Ministers must beware, and they may rest assured it is not hytho purchase of old enemies such as Mr Fitzberbert that they can secure a majority. They will find these apparently skilful moves have disheartened their friends and embittered their opponents."

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

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

We have received a very warm letter, under tho signature "Observer," from a Thames correspondent, relative to the representation of that district in the General Assembly The letter abounds with so many allusions to "Brigham, M H.R.," and "Phane," that we should not like to undertake the responsibility of giving it publicity.

A strange scene was witnessed yesterday morning about ten e'sjtoak near St Paul's Church, and which attracted a good deal of attention, but caused no particular annoyance. The actors were two men, apparently excavators, but so drunk that they wore scarcely able to stand, and unablo to take notice of the bystanders. One, the worafc 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 soveral downfallings and uprisings, tho pair staggered across the road into a passage, where they were observed, throe hours after, Bound asleep and out of harm's way. The question among tho spectators was, " Where did these men get drunk ?" It could not have been at the public-houses, for they are all closed, and no landlord in the city would supply intoxicants on a Sunday I

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

The directors of the Union Company are still negotiating for tbe purchase of McMeckan, Blackwood & Co's fleet of steamers. In the event of the proposal for amalgamation being completed, the now company will give locr-1 as well as Australian investors an opportunity of contributing towards the addi tional capital which the concern will require. Another schemo for providing for a Hue of steamors for the Australian and New Zealand trade has been set on foot in Melbourne, and two of the promoteis, Mr James White, of Messrs James Whito and Co., and Captain Coffcy, both of Melbourne, arrived by the Arawata, for the purpose of feeling the pulse of our trading community on the subject of the enterprise.

A baby show was held in connection with the Great Benevolent Carnival at Dnnedin. Fifty littlo darlings competed. The task of judging—a most difficult matter—was undertaken by Professor M'G-rflgor 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 child was Charles Sydney Flexman. 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 Diokinson.

Tho football match oa Saturday at the North Shore, New Zealand v. tho World, terminated in favor of New Zealand, which won by a goal to nothing There was 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 kick in the golden face of the setting sun, while the World rose towards the rising of the Evening Star, which shone early like a diamond over the fields of Hesperus. The natives scored a goal in the second half hour, while Oaverhill Bcored a goal for New Zealand by one majestio kick. During the third spell, the World showed up well, 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 gamo 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 held this evening in the Masonic k>dgoroom, Princes-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 Psyoe, in the absence of the Captain. •■ -.;•

Si* Charles Gavan Duffy, in a lecture delivered recently in Melbourne, stated that, during his visit to France lately, he teamed from excellent authority this significant fae's —that of the wines of that couutry 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, we 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 us. He had another fact on the same authority, that 40,000 dozen of champagne are manufactured every month in Glasgow from petroleum

"Gray, and not Shakespeare," writes " A Wairoa Settler," was the author of tbe quotation which your correspondent "One Who Knows. " has stumbled upon. He fails to show that Mr Darpaville floes 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 without a license is a bad spec anywhere,but in the bush it must be particularly bo. Mr Dargaville may hivo done all that your correspondent alleges, and ye'c,_if ho has 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 step 3 ; and generously, if pecuniary considerations were cast on one sido in his desire to make amendß for past shortcomings. Unworthy motives will always be auagosted as thn mainspring in every act of this kind, but I onine that if the Wairoa settlors 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 Recbabitea. will be helrl this evening for the bonefit of the juveniles of tho district. Mr Jr»mes Hamliu will occupy the chnir. The business will be of an initiatory character. (2) a Rpecial general meeting of the TemoUr Benefit Society will be held to-morrnw (Tuesday) evening in the Newton Congregational Schoolroom, for confirming new laws, electing officers, and other busineps. (3) On Wednesday evening an open lodge meeting will be held in Sheridan-street Uhanol. This meeting will be of a Rooial and intellectual character, interspersed with mußio. The adjourned meeting of the delegates of the various Friendly Benefit holies will be resumed this evening, at the Thistle Hotel, at half-past Heven 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 Blue Orangemen, of Newmarket, will hold their ordinary monthly meeting this evening, in the Newmarket Hall. Mr Vincent Pyke, M. H.R., who is usnall^ counted as one of those members who are sitting on the rail, has been promulgating the result of his counting of noses, and this is what ho cays :—" Provincialism was doomed. He himsslf had made a calculation of the votes in the House on tho subject, and the conclusion ho came to was, that out of $4 European members there would be a positive majority of 12 in favour of Abolition ; a probable ono of 15 ; and a possible balanco of 20 in favour of it." "The Dunsitnn eleotors," says tho Ofaqo Guardian, "need hardly have asked whether Mr Pylre was amongst the " posilivists," or tho "probables." or the "possible balances." Wo should say he was amongst the " possible balances." He might attain to the " probables," but amongst tho '• positivists" novor—unless, indeed, ho found himself in a majority." Or, we might suggest, unless that vacant Duuedin Magistracy was mado secure. The committee of tho Otago Licensed Victuallers' Association condemns' the new Licensing Bill, drafted by tho Cbristchurch Association, in tolo, and will recommend at the general meeting, that no steps be taken in connection with it, and that no delegate be sent to Wellington to consider it.