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Auckland Star, Volume VII, Issue 2095, 26 October 1876, Page 2

The return of Sir Julius Vogel's expenses incurred during his two missions to England is now officially before the country, and a more scandalous and iinpudentappropriation of publiefundsAvasnever before, and, we trust ■will never again be recorded on the accounts 'of the colony. The object which Sir (Jeorge Grey had in view when moving that a committee of inquiry he appointed to investigate the question was defeated by the amendment carried by the (iovernmont, in spite of strong protests, referring the subject to the Public Accounts Committee, Avhich was chosen upon the motion of Sir Julius Vogel in the early part of the session, and was notoriously unfairly constituted. The division which baulked the I free expression of opinion upon this gross abuse of public office gives a very fair indication of the amount of sincerity brought to bearduring the session in curtailing extravagance in the colonial administration. The motion for a special committee was lost by 39 against 23, Messrs Hanilin, Lnsk, J. S. Maefarlane, O'Korke, Swanson, Tolc, and Kees, supported Sir George Grey's motion, but Sir Robert Douglas, Messrs Rowc and Morris, of the Auckland members, voted against it. Although the report now brought up by the Public Accounts Committee makes no comment on the facts revealed by their inquiry, the figures given carry their own.condemnation. The first self-appointed mission undertaken by the ex-Premier, although extending over only a few months, cost I lie colony £3,8,01 ; his second mission, £8,877, or a total of £12,079. For this the colony obtained absolutely nothing that might not have been accomplished better through the late AgentGeneral and Crown Agents, whose payments were in no way diminished by the presence of the Great Mogul in the British metropolis. It would hi; very hard to define what the colony reaped from these missions beyond a bungling mail contract which has broken down, and an army of Foresters and Inspectors picked up among the needy relatives of patronising great people, and of whom the colony is already making frantic efforts to deliver itself. The present mail contract, the only one of the many services worthy of the name, was negotiated, it must be remembered, not by Sir Julius Vogel, but Mr Thomas EussclL For two years of bis term of office, therefore, Sir Julius Vogel, irrespective of his costly Australian missions, spent equal to £6,300 a year on holiday excursions, paid for out of the public funds. And this disgraceful misappropriation was covered by a parliamentary majority of 39 against 23. The resolution isa standing disgrace to Parliament, When needy country districts approach the Treasury, their reception is very different. On Saturday last, Major Atkinson had the temerity to assert, in opposition to a resolution of the House, that the Government Avere unable to appropriate more than £]0,000 for roads to open up the thousands of miles of country north-of Auckland,^ while ministering by an appropriation of £12,079 to the extravagant: habits of one colleague. A better contrast could scarcely be chosen than that cited by Mr Mac farlane, who lias, it is but justice to say, consistently and strenuously opposed this session everything in the shape of wasteful expenditure.' Speaking against the purchase of another steam launch, that gentleman read in the House the following c tract from the letter of an Auckland setller-: —

"We have lived hero most of us nearly tfewt? yews, W$ bought our lauds troui

the Government at high prices, when Auckland was fixed by the Imperial Parliament as the seat of Government for the colony. During all these years nothing has been done loi the district in the shape of roads, excepting what has been done lately by a poor Road Board. We have bush tracks only for roads, and are forty miles from Auckland by the same, although only ten wales as the crow flies. Our taxes, in the shape of Customs duties, have been expended in the centres of population on an army of oflicials, and on extravagant mail sunsidics and other expensive luxuries, while we arc literally ruined for want ot roads and bridges. Pray do what you can to get some redress, and to secure the expenditure ot the revenue of the colony on useful works, and not on visionary schemes. This is a large and rather populous district, yet not one shilling ot the borrowed money has been, or seems likely ever to be, spent hero; and it grieves us to sec our own and neighbouring settlers' children without roads togo to school, while an expensive steam yacht is provided for the amusement and pleasure of highly-paid oflicials in W olhngton. That this letter literally describes the condition of hundreds of settlers in Auckland is within the knowledgoof everyone acquainted with the out-districts. And yet, while colonists struggling almost hopelessly in the work of opening up the country, have cried in vain for assistance, this man Julius Vogel has spent £12,070 of their money on his pleasures in Europe.

The Canterbury run-holdors suffered a lirst defeat by a majority of two last night in the attempt to get their runs upon advan-

agcous terms. The clause of the Waste Lands Administration Bill, delegating to the Canterbury Waste Lands Board the power to fix all rents of runs after 1880, was negatived by 22 against -20. The prospect of a.n early falling-ill of leases has influenced the Canterbury vote throughout the session, and no doubt this sop, which virtually meant placing renewals and rents in the hands of run-holders themselves, was the price of a good deal of thick-and-thin support. The smaliness of the Mouse, seems to indicate that a majority of the Government party was not prepared to ratify the bargain, and the Opposition of twenty-three successfully capsized it, for the present session.

Ix its progress through committee, the Counties Bill was subjected to very careful revision, and its provisions considerably modified. The Opposition, although antagonistic to the whole principle of the bill did their utmost to make it Avorkable. Those who think tke session has been protracted wholly by amendments and discussions ending in no practical benefit, labour under very crude and mistaken notions. Upon tin's subject we may quote from Hansard the opinion of Mr IsarU',a strong abolitionist. In speaking to the third reading of the bill that gentleman said : —

"Before that question is put, sir.T wish simply to say that, in my opinion, the Bill is at the present lime in a very unworkable form ; and I would say further, that had it not been for the assistance of the honorable member tor the Thames, Sir George Grey, and the honorable member for Auckland City Bast, in the pains they have taken in proposing amendments when the' Hill was passing through its various stages, the Bill would be move unworkable even than it is now. I make these remarks because the Go vcnimenl areas it were,on their trial. They huve had an opportunity such as they may never have again of introducing a form of local self-govern-ment that might redound to their own credit and for the benefit of the colony. That chance is. I fear, passing away ; and I :un sure that the Bill, as it at present stands will not be found to be a great success. I have been an Abolitionist for many years ; and it was with great regret that 1 found myself in the unfortunate position during the last few days of having to go into the lobby opposite to the Government in connection with" these matters. Kver since the second reading was proposed, T have held, as I then pointed out to the House and to the. Government that the measure; did not meet with my approval, but I would do my best to reduce il to a workable, form. I fear that the etibrts ol the House have not tended iv that direction; and although I fear that the measure is not in a workable form, still 1 will,hope against hope ; and! trust that, although the measure does not at present meet with my approval, il may work out a better destiny than I at the, present time see for it. It is most desirable that the people should have local self-government ; yet the form of that government should be better than that which is proposed to be given tothem in the measure now under consideration.''

Mr. Rees also said

" Honorable gentlemen who' are here present in this House will remember that the whole o£ I lie amendments, or nearly the whole of the amendments which have been madcin this Mill, while it was going through Committee, were suggested by tin; honorable member lor the Thames. I myself had the honor to point out one or two in clauses which could not have been worked by any possibility without amendment; but all the amendments which the Government supporters or the Government themselves in ; traduced amount to a men; nothing, whereas anything thai lms tended to make the 1111 workable, ami to make the sections sensible, has originated with the honorable member for (he Thames. fie has boon accused of taking up time unnecessarily, of delaying the business of the country, and of raising factious objections ; mid yet, in very many instances, his suggestion* have been attended to by the (Joveriunent, and those suggestions have been incurporntod in the. Mill. And yd all the thanks lie gets in that, he is accused of taking up the time of the- House : and when it is said that improvements an: owing to bini, honorable members arc inclined losniilo. 1 have not heard from any mwmbers of the, Committee any efforts really to amend the Mill, except those made by the.'honorable gentleman, and one or 1 wo'othcr persons. As it stands now, tin- Mill is unworkable, and H will bo found that several oft ho sections cannot be made sense of as read with other laws -that they will not work, and cannot work."

Thomas Humphrey's, a man in the employ of Mr Clayton, Newmarket, was robbed of his watch yesterday evening, under the following circumstances : —lie was working at Mr Clayton's new residence near the Kyber lass Koad, and had hung his waistcoat on the fence. A man walked v]) to .the house and asked if Mr Clayton was ab home. On being told no, lie strollod oil' in the direction of the waistcoat, the pockets of which Ik; emptied, taking away a watch. Humphreys shortly after put on his waistcoat, and became aware of the theft. He heard that the man had been seen going in the direction of l'arni-11, and to catch' him Humphreys crossed the Domain field, and went through Mason's Brothers' Nursery, overtaking the thief. They walked together for a while,, the thief trying to slink away from Humphreys, ll'innphreys charged the man with the theft, but it was denied. Humphreys Avas not to he done, so he seized the fellow, and a struggle took place between the two men, ending" in the watch falling out of the scoundrel's pocket. This incident may serve as a warning to people to keep their eye upon prowlers. The police have been acquainted with the affair.

A correspondent signing himself "Voritas" wrote a few days ago asking' us to give him particulars of the games played by the last English eleven visiting Australia. We now append the information asked for : — The Ist. 'match was played at Melbourne on the 26' th, 27th, and 2i)lh December, 1873, against 18 of Victoria, and ..resulted in the Victorians winning by one innings and 21 runs. The 2nd. match was played in Sydney on the 24th, 26' th, and 27th January, 1874, against 18 of New South Wales. The 18 won by 2 runs and eight wickets. The 3rd. match was played at Bathurst on the 31st January, and 2nd and 3rd February, against 22 of Bathurst, the Eleven! winning by 2 runs, and 7 wickets. On returning to Sydney, the Eleven played a united fifteen of New South "Wales and Victoria, beating them by 218 runs. This match was played on the sth Gth and 7th February. The Eleven then went back to Melbourne, and played 15 of Victoria on the 19th 20th and 21st Foburary. This resulted in tiic victory of the Eleven by 2 runs and (i wickets. The Eleven' next visited Tasmania on the 26'tjj, 27th, and 28th February, and played 22 of LaunceKton, beating them in one innings, Ayith 32 runs to spare. The eleven returned to Melbourne, and played 18 of Victoria on the 12th, 13th, and 14th March, This match resulted in a draw in favor of the eleven, rain coming down on the third day, and preventing the game being played out, Other matches wore played at the inland towns..of Victoria, but the above arc the most imports contests,

We understand that no information has been yet received by the Provisional Reception Committee as to when Sir George Grey is likely to arrive in Auckland. . The public meeting to arrange for Sir George's reception will not be called until certain knowledge on the point is obtained!.

The value of the exports from the principal ports of the colony during the past quarter is set down as follows : —Auckland, £110,571; Wellington, £233-2; Lyttelton, £215,002; Dunedin, £117,479. Total exports for the quarter, £581,997, as against £767,891 for tho corresponding period of last year. The imports arc stated as folloAvs : — Auckland, £371,752 ; Wellington, £358,982 ; Lyttelton, £322,084; Dunedin, £436,437. Total imports for the quarter, £1,767,207, as against £2,041,237 for the corresponding period of last year.

Speaking of the anxiety of Ministerial supporters in the House to interrupt discussion and criticism of Government measures, Mr. Shtsehan complained that directly a member got on his legs the immediate result was cries of "question" from those lying down on the benches.

There were more "dead-heads" in tho dress-circle of the old Prince of Wales Theatre this morning than had over been seen there botore. It was on the occasion of the sale by auction of the properties of the theatre, which included a miscellaneous stock of furniture, carpets, &c. There was a good muster, and the bidding was spirited. The carpet, upon which so many "stars "have fretted their brief half-hour or so, brought thirty shillings. The chairs formerly xised in the dress-circle realised 4s 6'd c vli. The proscenium and " Hats" were no wld, and a local punster present at the sai muttered sotto vocc, "There are too nmy Hats alrwtdy in Auckland."

Tlie Auckland portion of the Suez mail arrived by the s.s. Ladybird to-day.

Owing to some difference of opinion respecting the working of the Union Beach Mine, Mr. G. McLeod has offered to bet Mr. G. Hanney, the manager, a sum of £500 on the following terms :—" The question for decision is, does a 12in. plunger cause a greater strain on an engine in throwing water through a 20in. column, than v Oin. column ? I stake my money, the siim herein mentioned, that it requires less power to force water from a plunger through a 20in. column than through a Oin." Mr. Hanney replies-: "You stated on Sunday last that ' a I2in. plunger would force water easier through a column of any size larger than a Din. column, even if the large column was as big as our shaft —the larger so much the better.' If this is your opinion still—l will cover your £500."

A match between the West End and Auckland Cricket Clubs will be played in the Domain on Saturday next, beginning at 2 o'clock sharp. The following will comprise the teams : —A. C. C. ; Cotton, W. Philson, Abraham, Buckland, Blackett, Browning, S. Jackson, Garland, Ryan, .Council, and Blundcn. West End : .!. Macky, T. Macky, Gleeson,Mason.. Castelli, Heather, Brown, ('. A. Taylor, C. 11. Taylor, McLean, and Weston.

The \oU\] Customs revenue in (he colony for the quarter ended September 80th, IS7<>, was £30:3,430 as against .M 12,4- for 1 lio corresponding qunrter of la-st year. The sums collected in the four principal ports were us follows :—Auckland, £54,734, as against £B:i,S(JO last year; Wellington; €44,9()i, as against £42,505 last year, Lyttelton, £49,111, as against £43,(JG2 ; U'unedin, £S4,oofi, as against £55,.'W4.

A (iishoifie telograiit. reports that t.liero is some danger of a fracas at the Mnkauri Mills, Mr. li Cooper threatening to tear it]) a tramway in consequence <>f his having been prevented moving posts. The contractors for the new dock are at present almost at a standstill for the want of long lengths of timber.

A man named Kane, convicted at Wanganui of a criminal assault on a girl under ten years of age, was sentenced to ten years' hard labour and fifty lashes.

The "New Zealand Times" pokes fun at Mr. Hoes for his opposition to the proposal that the House-should sit on Saturdays. The " Time*" sa»ys : "We cannot help thinking that Mr. Rock—a gentleman who possesses grant claims to esteem ;is a cricketer, to say nothing of his acquaintance with lawn tennis —seemed to regard Saturday still a.s a member of tin; first or sumo other form. He wanted liis weekly holiday, and was strongly in' support of it. ' What is Ui'i good' said lie, 'of depriving us of tliis day?' It was perhaps natural that this gentleman should feel repugnant to an extra day's repose in his seat there, particularly as hi* mind may have, been troubled by *he recollection of an appointment not' far from the liaxin Reserve. Visions of willows, stumps, a grassy plain, and cheerful company, no doubt haunted hi m."

Telegrams lately contained brief mention of (lie burning of the Omarnmutu hotel. Particulars to hand f4iew that there were only three persons in the house at the time, namely, Mr. and Mrs Kelly and a young* man named William (,'rituiiiins. The lire broke out in the drapery store, immediately after they had all retired to lied, at halfpant ten at night, and in twenty minutes the place "was reduced to ashes, so fiercely did the lire burn, assisted by the kerosene, kegs of spirits. Messrs Kelly and CriiMinins succeeded in throwing out a quantity of goods from the store, but those, before fhey could remove them to a safe distance, all took lire, and \v.?re destroyed. None of the natives in the Pa close at hand appear to have been aroused, until too late to render any assistance. The total amount of goods saved, does not exceed £20. Mr. Kelly is insured in the Norwich Union for £700, but; this does not nearly cover his Josses. No cause has yet bocn assigned for the origin of the lire.

Particulars of the fire which destroyed a butcher's shop and dwelling house at (iisborne shews that though Mr Geary's loss is slight, Mr ]>ates will lie a very heavy loser, as there was about £(J0 worth of hams and bacon upon the premises, besides frosh and salt beef, hides, tools, sausage machine, (Src, amounting to about £200, none of •which is insured. Mr Bates also lost about £25 in the lire at Omaramutu, in Hour, oats, v\:c. The lire appears to have commenced, underneath the butcher shop' " outside." No one sleeps on the premises; and no suspicion is attached to anyone at present.

A high class concert will lie given in the Choral Hall, on the evening of the 2nd proximo, in aid of the funds of the Mechanics Institute. The last concert given in favor of this Institute was acknowledged to be the best of the season, and judging from a glimpse of the forthcoming programme which will shortly appear, the concert of this season will surpass it in merit: Among the vocalists named who have kindly offered their services are those special favorites with the public, Miss Leaf, and Miss Vaughan. Miss Arch will make her. first appearance in operatic selections. We learn further that Messrs Harding, Brook, Brett, Fratwell, and other gentlemen have promised assistance. Dr Ellis als >, will fiwor the audience with one of his amusing Ad instructive readings. A plan of the Hall may be seen at the musical warehouse of Messrs Brown and Son, Shortland-street, where reserved seats at as. each may be secured. The full programme will he published in a few days. The Victoria Company, A. R.V., have selected the following team to fire a match against the officers of H.M.S. Sapphire on Monday next :—Lieutenant Skinner (captain), Volunteers W. H. Hazard, J. Leigh, J. W. Leigh, H, Bowlon, A. Payne, Is. Cooper, and C. Cooper. Volunteers Henderson- and Mills, emergency i»en,

We have f*many excellent reasons for ; believing that one or two private admirers of, Sir Julius Vogel, in Auckland, whose self-sacrifice in his cause has been amply rewarded made a private and unostentatious presentation of some articles of jewellery to him before his departure. These people are so excessively modest . that they hide their liberality from the public gaze, but nevertheless the testimonial will probably be shewn in London, as the representation of Auckland feeling. Owners of race-horses will bear in mind that the entries for the Auckland Cup Handicap of £200, and the Auckland Racing Club Handicap of £150, close tomorrow (Friday) evening, at 8 o'clock, at the office of the Secretary of the Racing Club. • . The amount of the arbitrators' award m the case of Jones and Ware v. Messrs Brogden and Son, was £4379. The plans oft he proposed New Zealand Insurance Branch Buildings at Wellington provide for a two story brick building fronting Brandon and Featherstone-streets. The design of the facade is ornamental and imposing, and the construction Avill be .substantial.

The Lome-street Hall Diorama of the Franco-Prussia War, and the scenes of the Nile, will be re-opened this evening, with descriptive and musical aceompanimoutsThis really artistic diorama will finally close on Saturday evening. A number of valuable gifts will bo distributed at the close of the entertainment.

The old building adjoining Mr Perkins' Occidental Hotel, on the east side, has been demolished, and the Occidental is to be extended in that direction by 21 feet of frontage, with 56 feet depth. Of this space 21 feet by 40 will be devoted to a splendid billiard room, the remainder on the ground iloor to an office and bottling department. Increased accommodation will be provided, and the whole front of the building will be improved in appearance. The alterations are to be completed early in December. Mr Mahoney is the architect. Mr Matthews is the contractor, and the amount of the contract is under £900.

The marriage of Hone Ngateri with the lovely and accomplished Tamara Te Hira, was lately announced among our matrimonial notices, -It has since transpired that old Te Hira, not unlike many Pakeha grillins, disapproves of the match, because the bridegroom was not in a position to do much in the way of marriage settlements, and -was, moreover, a person of no rank. The old gentleman has therefore posted up the following notice: "If I see Tamara (the bride) in a native settlement I will make a prisoner of her, as is my right, I being the magistrate in my own dominions, as a magistrate of the Maori King, whose laws- are the only ones I recognise. 'In Auckland or Short-laud they have their laws. I have mine here.—Te Hira Te Tumi."

The following is the latest betting on the Christchureh races -.—Derby : 3 to 1 agjst Danebury and Dead Heat, 4 to 1 agst Puriri, (j to ] agst Fanny Fishor Colt arid Wrangler. C..J.C. Handicap: <i to 1 agst Tadmor and Xgaro ; 7 to 1 agst Korari, Ariel, and Rob Hoy ; 8 to 1 to ]2 to 1 agst any other. Cup :(>to 1 agst Guy Fawkes and Danebury ; 7 to 1 agst Dead Heat and Puriri ; 8 to 1 agst Ariel, Punga, and Templeton ; 10 to 1 agst Wrangler, 12 to 1 agst any other.

Mrs Bravo is a native of New South "Wales. She is a daughter <>f Mr Robert Campbell, of Sydney, generally called Campbell Tertius, a rich squntter. She is also, as lias been already stated, a sister of the Hon. Robert Campbell, M.L.C., of Otago.

The Petitions Committee declined t<> disturb the award of £150 to ("apt. M,orris for expenses incurred in unsealing Captain Head.

Tlic^mcuibcrs of Rowing, Cricket, and Football Clubs arc reminded that a 300 yds. Handicap for their special benefit' Avill be run at Ellerwlie Gardena on the !>tll Novcjnbcr. Tlie entries da^e on Sat unlay evening next. Valuable trophies Avill be given as first and second i)ri/cs

The annual Bachelor's Ball takes place it the Choral Hall this evening. A laijge attendance is sure to do honor to the occasion, as the ball is a very favorite one in Auckland. Last year's ball wuj a great success, and there is every renwonj to believe that this will be superior. "We arc jjlad trt learn tliaf this committee have p<|nt invitations to tin; German naval ofticcra who an- at present staying in Auckland. Messrs ri)illi|)S and rson, of Queen-street, have been appointed sole agents iv the North .Island for Maw ami Co., Of ftcntlinll, cnquistic-tinU entunollcd tile works, of lU'OSclcy, Siilap, and have, just reeeivecl a shipiuent,, per Abern^tc, direct froiii the works, ripecinicns of a great variety of pnticrns from the most, beautiful designs may be seen at Messrs Phillips and Sop's. Those tiles are much used in England for deoorating walls, pavements, halls, eonservutorie.s. liro-pliice lininKS. and architectural columns: in fact lor every kind of house decoration. Several hundred patterns of these artistic decorations may he seen at the ngeuls, associated wjith prices and .sizes of tho samo.

pi'TinnotliinKO'tlicuros.andrm in an awful mess with my accounts, said a man sorrowfully, in this city, not many months ago, and that same nmn paid more than 11ft.v pounds to get out of tho mess, in consequence of his ignorancq of arithmetic and book-keening. A knowledge of this branch of education is essentially necessary to every young man who has to light in tho battle of life, and it, is-much to bo regretted that, while less important matters receive too much attention, that of ai'itli met ids too nmchneglcdted We notice that Mr Wortlrington, of City East school, in compliance with a general wish, will cominerH-c a course of lessons on advanced arithmetic on the Slat inst., to bo continued on the, Tuesday and Friday evenings of ouch week. The particulars wiil be, seen in advertiseineni.

The quarterly district, meeting of the Auckland branch of the Ancient Order of Foresters will be held this evening at Brother Stewart's Albert Hotel, Queen-street, at eight o'clock. The business will consist chiefly in the election of olh'ceivi for the ensuing sessions. All members of the Order arc invited to attend.

Members of the Diocesan Choral Association, are reminded that the final rehearsal for the festival, will take place at St. Matthews church to-morrow (Friday) evening, at half-past seven o'clock. In connection with this subject we are desired to correct a mistake which appeared in last nights issue. The Association Is not retricted to three choirs only, as wo stated, but includes the choir of St. Pauls, St. Matthews, St. Marys, St. Sepulchres, St. Marks (Kemuera), All Saints (Ponsonby), St. Peters (Onohunga), Epiphany (Newton), Trinity (Devonport), and also those of Hamilton, Cambridge, and Ngaruawahia.

Mr. Ewihgton'a magic lantern entertainment in aid of two poor families, will bo given tomorrow evening in tho lecture hall of the Young Men's Christian Association. The scenes will comprise the principle views on the Thames, illustrations of history and poetry, not the least interesting of which will be the "Soldier's Dream," which will be poetically explained. On the appearance of the " Russian Bear," duly chained, a full description of the brute will be Biven by Mr. McMastcr, with a true account, of the narrow escape of Paddy Magum. Mr. John Hercpath will preside at the pianoforte.