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Auckland Star, Volume IX, Issue 2500, 29 March 1878, Page 2

Te KOOTI has re-assumed the role of a miracle-worker, for the character is not a new one, as our own correspondent at Napier seems to infer in the telegram which is published in another column. Many of our readers will doubless remember that when in command of the prisoners who escaped from the Chathams in the Rifleman, Te Kooti owed much of his prestige and influence to a superstitious beliet in those supernatural powers which he so successfully claimed to be able to exercise. During a dead calm, which kept the Rifleman almost stationary, and exposed the natives on board to the risk of re-capture, Te Kooti, with the eye of an experienced seaman, perceived the signs of a breeze, and asserted that it had been revealed to him in a vision that there was on board a Jonah, to whom their misfortunes were attributable, owing to the anger of the Atua, or god. Lots were cast, resulting in the throwing overboard of an old man, and, as Te Kooti had foreseen, a breeze sprang up immediately afterwards. During his subsequent career of murder and rapine on the East Coast his numerous hairbreath escapes from bullet and sword gave rise to a belief in his invulnerability, which he was not slow to encourage. The delusion was only removed when Te Kooti, being hotly pursued by Captain Gilbert Mair, was severely wounded in the hand whilst in act of loading his rifle, took refuge in an adjacent swamp, and owed his escape to the ignorance of his pursuers of his hidingplace. The wound which the arch-rebel received, however, was sufficient to dispel the belief in his invulnerability, though his daiing and skill were sufficient to maintain his influence. The power of healing maladies which Te Kooti now claims baa been pretended to by Maori toJiungas, or doctors, from time immemorial. They worked by charms, which were supposed to drive away the evil spirit causing the affliction. There are on record amongst the Maoris, as amongst other barbarous races, many instances of extraordinary cures effected by means of charms and incantations, but in these cases the results are clearly ascribable to psychologic operation. No doubt the success which Te Kooti is achieving belongs to the same class of mental phenomena.

A report of the meeting of the Kuranui Hill and Tcokey Tribute Goldinining Companies held to-day, appear ou our fourth page. The alu.es in the notorious Engineir Navvy Corps, the oppression of non-com-missioned officers, who were the means of bringing the matter to light, and the subsequent exposure of the whole thing in the Star, wilLprobably be rememberedjby.some of our readers. We leain that after a long delay, the compensation for losses incurred by these witnesses which was recommended by Parliamentary committee was paid yesterday to Messrs Small and Barlow, each receiving £105 ss. Mr Craig, who was absent from town, will probably receive an equal consideration. A crowded meeting of the shareholders of the New Golden Pah Goldmining Company is being held as we go to press for the purpose of considering the general affairs of the company. Mr James Russell in the chair

We understand that the Government have positively determined to close the Newmarket slaughterhouse ou tli3 31st instant, the Colonial Secretary having satisfied himself that there is ample accommodation at the new city abattoirs.

In our obituary column will be seen that Mr Thomas Maun, a most exemplary citizen of Auckland, has died at the ripe age of 6S. It would seem that he has never recovered the shock he got at the late fire in Newton. He was many years ago in business in Auckland, and retired honourably from trade into private life. He was of a very gentle disposition, and was esteemed by a large circle of acquaintances. Mr Lawson, who is mentioned as likely to receive the appointment of Commissioner of Railways for the North Island, is a gentle man of excellent business talents, but with no special technical training in practical railway affairs in this colony. He was, we believe, for several years an accountant on some of the largest English railway .Unes, and came out to this colony in the service of Messrsßrogden and Co., and was their chief-accountant at the Head-office in Wellington. When the completion of Messrs Brogden's contracts necessitated the reduction of their establishment, Mr Lawson obtained the appointment of accountant on the Canterbury railways, and subsequently was promoted to the situation of manager. He is a hard-work-ing official of thoroughly methodical habits, and with a capacity for dealing with the multifarious details of railway management. The paragraph which appeared in Wednesday's Star urging unregistered persons possessing the requisite qualifications to rote, to send in their claims, has had the effect of infusing -some activity into this usually apathetic class of people, with whom procrastination is a predominant weakness. To-day Mr Collins' office was besieged by claimants to the electoral suffrage and the number of applicants waa larger than on any one day dining the past three months. The City Council passed a vote authorising expenditure for the erection of additional cottages or residences, as may be found to be required for slaughtermen or overseers, to the extent of £500, at their last meeting— not, as stated by a correspondent in the ' " Herald" this morning, to adapt the slaugh-ter-house to the trade.

With reference to the occurrence at the Working Men's Club, referred to yesterday, we have received the following letter : — "Dear sir,—ln your local in reference to Working Men's Club, in last night's paper, you are in error when you state that 1 went up to test whether the Club adhered to its rules. A member of the Club told me that if I went in and demanded a drink with his Gd ticket I would be supplied. The intention you impute was far from my thoughts; neither did" I .say I was a member. I .simply showed the ticket, and as I expected, was refused. —Yours, &c, VIVIAN.—[It is very singular—a mere co-incidence, of course—that Mr Vivian happens to be employed in an hotel, and that his visit was made just when Detective Jeffrey was inspecting the building. It is, however, as well that the responsibility of hotel-keepevs for the indiscretion should receive emphatic contradiction, for this is eminently a " game at which two can play." If, as our correspondent alleges, he was led into the error innocently, he should supply the Committee with the name of the member who played the extraordinary part alleged; and the Committee thereupon should shew their appreciation of that gentleman's line sense of honour by expelling him from the Club. Careful inquiry .should be made to ascertain how a ticket came into the possession of a non-member, for if such abuses are allowed, the Club will come to a very untimely end. Mr Samuel Vivian wishes us to notiliy for the information of his friends that he declines the honour of being the hero of the cxuloit. —Ed. E.S.] We have received a long letter defending tho Rev. Mr Root from attacks in the " Herald." Our correspondent thinks the rev. gentleman's observations bearing on the late Captain Read were quite within the mark. He laments the decadence of pulpit courage, and extols the fearlessness of the old Reformers. The subject is not of any particular interest to anyone but Mr Root and his congregation. The sermon is simply a matter of taste, and we do not see that our readers would be much better for a discussion of the question whether Mr Root's surmises with reference to Capt. Read's present location are justilied or not. We certainly agree with our correspondent that the maxim "de mortius nil nisi bouuin" is apt to be carried to a sentimental extreme sometimes.

A friendly game of cricket will be played at Otahuhu to-morrow, between the Remuera and Otahuhu C.C. Players will leave town by the 1.15 train. The following arc tho teams :—Remuera —Buekland (captain), Tonks, A. Checseman, Whcwell, T. and W. Jackson, J. 11. Scarborough, Baber, Coleman, and J. Yonge. Otahuhu —W. and F. Porch,. W. C. W. and 11. Martin, W. J. Gray, C. A. and C. Bowden, T. Hall.

To the Editor: Sir, As that part of your report of what passed at the meeting of the creditors, of Lewis Brothers in last night's STAR which asserts that a long discussion followed on Mr Waymouth's statement is liable to be misunderstood, I think it but right to say on behalf of Mr Waymouth that the statements he prepared for the committee were admirably drawn up, and perfectly satisfactory, and that there was no discussion on his statements, but on the position of the estate. —I am, &c, Laurence D Natiian, Chairman of Committee and of meeting.

Although the industrial effort of Mr J. Wright, of Paparoa, Albertland, to introduce works of utility in terra cotta have not led him to assume any pretentious methods to gain public notoriety, we think, from a specimen of his work exhibited to us to-day, he is justly entitled to more than a passing remark in regard to his enterprise. Mr Wright has, for some time, been engaged in the production of various articles of domestic ware, all of which have reflected the highest credit upon his skill, and have, we believe, met with a ready sale ; but his lat" est production is one of peculiar merit, being a handsome four-quart water-jug, now the property of Rev. A. W. Webb, who kindly shewed the article to us, and who intends to place it in the store of Messrs E. Porter and Co., for public exhibition. Mr Webb has recently been ova pastoral visit to the Northern settlement, and has generously and wisely interestedhimself in the temporal donigs as well as the spiritual interests of the settlers. He was particularly interested in the works of Mr Wright, and secured for himself the specimen referred to. This handsome water-jug would be _au ornament in any house, for the design is elegant in shape, and is embellished by a series of artistic devices of high merit. Around the lower part of the jug runs a band of embossed ornamentation, \and all round the body are fulllength figures of Apostolic and ecclesiastical characters, also in relief. The whole of these reliefs are clear and sharp, aud very perfect in detail. It is also of importance to mention that Mr Wright is not only a potter, he is also his own artist, as ail tha embellishments are his own designs, and the dies by which they are produced are all cut by himself. We think it a pity Mr Wright is not represented by a regular business establishment in the city, as Aye feel sure so long as ho can produce terra cottex of such merit as the one specimen we have seen, there are very few who would not willingly avail themselves of the privilege to patronise a local industry that combines such elegance and utility as are secured by tho .productions of Mr Wright.

A very encouraging proof of the progress of our country districts is shewn by the fact that the s.s. Rowena, which arrived last evening from Taurauga and Mercury Bay, brought as cargo 460 sacks wheat, grown in those districts. We trust that before long the farmers in the country districts surrounding Auckland will be able to supply this city, if not others, with wheat, aud obviate the necessity of importing, as at present, all we use.

An alarm of fire Avas raised last evening in Freeman's Bay, and the peace-loving inhabitants quickly turned out to ascertain the cause. A lurid glare was observed in the direction of Duke street, and immeditely large numbers of persons made for the scene of the supposed terrible conflagration. On arrival at the spot, however, it was found that the glare, which had caused so much excitement, proceeded from a new blacksmith's shop, which has just been erected, and was used for the first time last evening. The said inhabitants therefore slowly'retraced their steps, outwardly congratulating each other that no disastrous lire had taken place, but inwardly realising fully that they had been " sold."

lv consequence 01 the accident which happened to Mr , on Wednesday, in the Barracks, fears were entertained that the cricket team of Messrs Morrin would sutler in the score. We have to state that tho young man is sufficiently recovered to warrant his appearance iti the field to-morrow; so that confidence of success has been established in the minds of the Morrin team.

The membeis of the Newton Volunteer Fire Brigade held a meeting last night in Dublin-street, to consider and decide upon the rulesand by-laws of the Brigade, which were approved'and passed. Superintendent Mahon presided, and stated the general business of the meeting. Mr Morris was appointed treasurer, and Mr Martin secretary, to the Newton Brigade. It was also agreed that the dress of members shouid be blue navy serge, double-breasted Garibaldi jackets, with red facings, and a belt. It was also resolved to solicit subscriptions to defray the expenses ; also to form branch stations as soon as possible at Eden Terrace and Ponsonby, subject to the rules and regulations of the parent office.

Yesterday's " Gazette" states that Port Resolution, Island of Tanna, is a scene of desolation in consequence of the terrible earthquake of January last, and that forty acres of land have been thrown into the harbour, and a long ride of coral rock thrown up high above the water, which have had the effect of narrowing the harbour. A special cricket match will be played to-morrow afternoon in the ground of the Domain, >vhich has caused a good deal of speculative interest in the houses of Messrs Morrin and Messrs Porter and Co. Wickets will be pitched at two o'clock. Mr S. Morrin will act as captain of the team, and Mr Chambers will head his men in the field.

The Bishop of Lichficld (Dr Selwyn) has recently opened a house in the close of Lichfield Cathedral, for a domicile for young clergymen, which .shall be ready to receive incumbents in case of illness or overwork in any part of his diocese.

A. meeting of the Newton East School Committee was held last night, for the purpose of appointing a head teacher. The ballot resulted in favour of Mr Johnson, of Blenheim, and it was decided to rccommcud him. lie holds threo first-class certificates, one for England, one for Victoria, and one for Otago.

On Monday next the Waikato railway line, between Hamilton and Ohaupo, will be formally opened. There will not be any rejoicings or festivities ; the first train will leave Ohaupo for Auckland at six in the morning.

Nixon's Light Horse Company of Volunteers underwent their monthly parade and drill yesterday at Ellerslie. Twenty-three members were present, under command of Captain Isaacs and Lieut. Sellars. We learn that the Company will shortly be inspected by the Colonial Secretary, Hon. Colonel Whitmore.

We learu that Government have completed the purchase of a corner allotment in Karangahape Road, for the purpose of establishing a branch telegraph office for the district of Newton. This purchase was made in accordance with a suggestion by Mr Swanson during the last session of parliament, who strongly urged the necessity for such an office for the accommodation of the residents in the district. The deed of transfer was signed yesterday.

Frederick Lenhavdt, a cook on board the brig Wild Wave, was found guilty at Tc Kopuru Court of assaulting the master of the brig, lying at Kopuru, and sentenced to 14 days'imprisonment with hard labour ; and for a second charge of using obscene language, was lined £5 and costs. The fine not being paid, the prisoner was ordered to prison for two months, and is now undergoing his terms in Mount Eden gaol.

A correspondent writing from Picton informs the " Wellington Post" that Mr Seymour is not likely to retain his seat for Wairau after the next election. His constituents generally seem to disapprove of his views on several subjects, notably in regard to the imposition of a property tax. Mr Seymour is the holder of considerable property in Maryborough, and he very naturally objects to pay more in the shape of taxes than he does at present. His constituents, however, are, for the most part, the reverse of wealthy, and consequently they look at the question of a property tax from a differeut point of view. > Moreover, the people of Blenheim and Picton appear to be somewhat enamoured of Sir George Grey's policy, while Mr Seymour cannot be looked upon as anything but au Atkinsonian.

The editor of an American paper recently insisted that poets must be brief. The next day he received a composition entitled, "The Ballad of the Merchant": " Trust—Bust!"

Since the year 1574, says the " Naval and Military Gazette," tho minimum height of the soldiers of the Line in the Kussian Army has been fixed at 1-53 metres, which in English measurement is 5 feet and a small fraction of an inch. For the Guards, the minimum is 5 feet 6 inches and a trifling fraction, or 1-69 metres. For the cavalry of the Line, no recruit is accepted below 1-64 metres. These figures appear, according to British notions, very low ; but it should be borne in mind that, under a system of compulsory service, the object of the authorities is to exclude as few persons as possible from the Army on physical grounds. The average is, no doubt, considerably higher than the heights we have mentioned. Still, there is no doubt that British troops are composed of much bigger men than Etissian troops, or probably than those of any other power. The biggest men, however, are not the best campaigners, although at close quarters with tlie bayonet they have an obvious advantage. The universal adoption of arms of precision has done a great deal to put men of different physique on an equality. An active little Muscovite of five feet can handle a breechloader as well as the best of them, and he has this obvious advantage, that there is less of him to hit.

The members of the Eden Terrace Highway Board held a special meeting last evening in the Eden Vine Hotel, for the purpose of considering the state of the pond, about which a great deal has been said and written. A discussion followed at some length, in which Messrs Suiter, Atkin, and Stokes took a leading part. It was finally resolved, on the motion of Mr Stokes, seconded by Mr Sinclair, "That the chairman and Mr Atkin be a deputation to wait on the Native Minister, along with the chairmen of the Arch Hill and Karangahape Highway districts, in reference to the drainage of ' the pond." The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chairman. The telephone mauia has reached Mangawai. The returns of the census shew as follows: —Akaroa, population in 1874 was 645 ; in in 1877, 642. Lytteltou, last census, 2,974; new census, 3,476. The agricultural returns for South Canterbury, comprising "Waimate and Geraldine, are : Holdings, 730 ; land broken up, not under crop, 48,277 acres ; land in wheat, 54,759 acres; oats, 3,226 acres; other crops, 47,277 ; barley, 2,439 acres; hay, 1,839 acres; sown grasses, 183,158 acres; potatoes, 676 acres ; other crops, 20,031 acres.

Sir George Grey has been confined to his bed at Wellington through indisposition, Yesterday he was batter, and left last night for Auckland by the Hineraoa.

Mark Twain has become the responsible editor of the " Courant," and intends to make it a semi-political, semi-humorous journal. The "Courant" is a very old newspaper, and, in some respects, it has always been a funny one; but Mark Twain's plan is to make humour a more prominent feature of every department, even to the advertisements, which are to be written by himself, and printed at twice the ordinary rates. The new editor wants to cet out "a daily paper unlike anything ever attempted in this country or Europe ; and his friends, relying upon the originality of his talents, anticipate immediate popularity for the " Courant" under his management.

The following telegram has been received from Rev. Father Hennebery by the Press Agency from Kumara : —" The peacedisturbing newspaper and telegraphic reports recently sent abroad from Westland about my denouncing mixed and legal marriages as no marriage, of myj being prosecuted for £1000 damages for personally attacking an Editor, charging me with inciting the Catholics from the pulpit against non-Catholics, and the police force being increased through fear of disturbance arising from the Temperance procession, are all unmitigated and scandalous falsehoods, and.l denounce them and other accompanying misrepresentations as barefaced and malignant aspersions. If such libellous language be repeated or sworn, the guilty parties may expect to be speedily submitted to the penalties of the law for libel or perjury, or both."

William Miller was tried at the Supreme Court, Hokitika, for wounding a cow, but as the evidence was inconclusive, Miller was acquitted.

Mr William Taylor, of the Soda-water Springs, Kaurihohori, has made another important discovery. While digging on his property, Mr Taylor unearthed a numbei of Moa bones, which, we believe, are the first ever found North of the Waitemata. Two of the bones are evidently thigh bones. They measure 30 inches in length, and from their size must have belonged to the genus Dinornis Elephantopes The bones are now in the possession of MiGeorge Burnett. There is not the slightest doubt about the identification of these bones with the Dinornis.

The Canterbury Co-operative Store has turned out a complete failure, and the remaining stock is about to be sold.

At a meeting on Wednesday of the Selwyn County Council/ Christchurch, the resolutions passed at the recent conference of Mayors and Chairman were approved. A letter was submitted from the Colonial Secretary, stating that the whole of the funds accruing in the County of Selwyn up to June are to be apportioned to the Road Boards as though the Council had brought the whole of the Act into force. AI3O that the Council could not legally assume, the control of the funds until the end of July. The Council decided to request the Government to reconsider the apportionment of the funds of the Board and the Government.

A correspondent, writing from Hamilton"' complains of the conduct of the Court there, in reference to a meeting of creditors in the estate of Messrs J. and J. H. Edwards, which was fixed, by the Clerk of the Court for the 27th instant, the declaration of ininsolvency having been filed on the 22nd instant. It appears from onr correspondent's letter, that the solicitor for the opposing creditor, Mr Aubiu, objected to the meeting proceeding on the ground that four clear days had not elapsed between the filing of the declaration of the insolvency and the holding of the meeting, Sunday being a dies non; but to this Mr Hay replied that Sunday is only a dies non when it happens to te the last day upon which any act has to be done, and in this case it was clear that Sunday, being the second, and not the last of the four days, was reckoned. The learned clerk of the Court, who presided, ruled that the objection was good, and that the meeting must lapse though he himself had fixed that date for holding it. The consequence is that the estate will probably be seized to the injury of the great body of the creditors. The case is likely to result in further proceedings. The evil, if evil there has been in this case, appears to consist in throwing upon a mere Clerk of an up-countiy Court, whose knowledge of law probably does not extend beyond the filling up of printed legal forms, the onus of deciding points of law.