Untitled

Auckland Star, Volume IX, Issue 2564, 26 June 1878, Page 2

The Government are in a quandary about charitable institutions. Finding them" selves hampered with the administration, they profess a desire to secure local control, and have addressed all the municipalities in the colony on the subject, urging jthem to take over the charge. The' following telegram was forwarded to the Mayor, and read at the meeting of the City Council this afternoon : " In relation to charitable aid, have ''your and neighbouring boroughs taken any action in the direction of preparing to carry on after the Ist July. If either by Benevolent Association or the machinery of local bodies the city of Auckland and neighbouring boroughs, including the Thames, are prepared to undertade distribution of charitable aid, I shall be ready after the Ist of July to give every facility, and will hand over monthly till organization, subscription, and subsidies can be accurately computed, onetwelfth of the gross sum expended within those boroughs this year in charitable aid ; the distribution among the boroughs would be made by themselves, and I will therefore pay the gross sum to .you or such person or body as may be selected by persons concerned.— G. S. Whitmokb." Desirou3 of ascertaining the Government i intentions more explicitly, the Mayor telegraphed for further information, and feceived. the subjoined an wer : — "To summarise the Avishes of the Government I may say I desire to pay half of all benevolent expenditure, the other half being supplied by grants from local bodies, and private subscriptions. At present the Government really stops from the subsidies all that it pays, so that the locality really pays the whole. The Government cannot ensure economical administration, and there

is a danger of a trade being made of pauperism. If a local committee subsidered by the municipality take it over, we would pay half the entire cost, making, no stoppages. And if after the Ist of July the organisation is not ready to furnish returns, of subscriptions and grants, the Government will advance, until this information can be got, a lsura not exceeding one twelfth each month of the total cost for this year of charitable aid in your municipality, and the adjustment will bo made subsequently when you are able to give dates."

The terms proposed are exceedingly tempting. What the Government really offer is that they shall contmue to pay not only the whole of the subsidy on which charitable institutions are now a first charge, but also half the whole cist of charitable aid. If the Corporation could rely upon the permanence of this arrangement, it would, doubtless, be greatly to its advantage to accept it, proper provision being made for cases of distress arising outside the city. But these municipal subsidies, guaranteed for a period of five years only, have always been regarded as very unsubstantial; and every public body to which the Government originally suggested the transfer of the trust, looked askance at the proposal. Whether the more seductive offer now made will meet with greater success remains to be seen. We observe that meetings are called in Southern municipalities to consider it. There is a good deal of force in what Colonel Whitmore says respecting the inability of the Government, without local aid, to efficiently conduct a large number of charitable institutions throughout the colony; but we scarcely understand why the suggestion made by the Muncipal Conference last year has not been acted upon, namely, that the Government should call to their aid special local boards, representing all the muneipalites and connties, thus establishing a special administrative system under the central authority. The inference, not a very charitable one perhaps, placed upon their non-adoption ot this plan is that they anticipate the tftime when these institutions will bo thrown wholly on the local bodies —a contingency likewise fully appreciated by the civic authorities which are proportionately wary. However, tho proposal merits careful consideration and probably the Council did the best thing in its power this afternoon in referring tho matter to a committee to make enquiries.

The case Sidwell v. Anderson, which has occupied the time of the District Court nearly two days, was concluded yesterday, After going through the petty details with much patience, the Court gave judgment for plaintiff, £38 18s ; costs, £13 ss. At a public dinner given recently to Mr F. B. Chatterton, the host proposed tne toast of the "ladies" in the following neatly turned sentence : " The Ladies—the only true aristocracy in the world, who rule without laws, decide without appeal, judge without "jury, and are never in the wrong." Mr George Dacro, for over three years Manager of the National Bank of New Zealand (Limited) at Tauranga, was this morning presented with a very handsome tea and coflec service, subscribed for by his Tauranga friends. The presentation was made on behalf of the subscribers by Mr E. M. Edgecumbe, J.P., of Tauranga, who, iv a fow appropriate remarks, explained the good feeling entertained by the Tauranga people towards Mr George Dacrc. The service was purchased from the establishment of Mr I. Alexander, Queen-street, and is of most exquisite desigu and highest finish.

A special meeting of the Manukau County Council was held in the Papakura Court-house, on the 25th inst., E. Hamlyn, Esq., M.H.R. in the chair. The business chiefly was the consideration of a telegram from Col. Whitmore, touchiug the bringing the Counties Act into operation in order to get the share of £2,222, out of £40,000 voted for counties inthe Auckland Provincial discussion. Mr Crawford' moved the following resolution which was passed mem. con.:—" That the Council having considered the matter of Col. Whitmore's telegram, declines to bring into operation in the County of Manakau the Comities Act, 1876, the Manukau County having no endowments or revenues, and the Council is further of opinion that no legal difficulty does oxist to prevent the payment by the Government of the County's proportion of the £40,000 voted by the General Assembly for distribution among the Counties in the Provincial Distrfct of Auckland." " That the sum of £2,222, tho portion of the £40,000 due to tho County of Manukau, be distributed amongßt the various Road Boards, in the same classification and proportion as the* County subsidies." Mr Harris then moved "That Messrs Hamlin and Hobbs be appointed to represent the Mauukau County at the pi oposed conference of County Councils to be heldjat Wellington in August next."—Mr Hobbs moved "That the Chairman do again write to the Government to have the boundaries of the Maungatawhiri and Pukekohe Ridings altered, by having the district of Mercer included in the former riding, and the districts of Pukekohe East and Pukekohe West included in the latter riding, and also for a return shewing the distribution of the County fund amongst the various Road Boards."—Mr Crawford naoved "Thatlhe secretary be paid salary from the date of his first appointment in March, 1877." These motions were also carried. The meeting closed with a vote of tuaoks to the chairmau.

The new time table for Mr Carter's Waikato line of coaches appears in another column. The Hamilton couch leaves daily at 2 p.m. for Cambridge. The coach leaves Ohaupo every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, for Alexandra and intermediate places at 2-15, returning irom Alexandra at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The roads have been in a fearful state of late, and the bridges are in various parts of Waikato broken down. Between Hamilton and Ohaupo the mail coach has not for some time been able to run. The mail bags have been forwarded by a man on horseback. Mr Carter has been for a long time suffering from ill-heath. His popular form has been missed by travellers, and his cheerful, inspirating voice hhs been missed by his willing steeds. Now, however, " Richard's again," to quote from Shakespeare on the subject, and the Cambridge mail coach once more bears the proprietor, who enjoys again his customary good health. The trustees of the Newmarket Literary Institute having received the welcome sum of £24 from the vote to Libraries have made a careful selection of books, which includes works by the most popular modern writers, chosen by the trustees from Mr Wayte's ample stock. A considerable literary andscientific impetus will, no doubt, be given by this substantial addition to the library.

jjjjgThis morning a strong'bla^t of wind had the extiaordinory effect of blowing Mr Cunningham's express off the wharf at On > hunga into the sea. The express sank to .the bottom. Grappling irons were brought into, requisition, and after much trouble the vehicle w as fished up again.

Referring to the meeting at Opunake between the Native Minister and Titokowaru, the Canterbury Press says :—"Mr Sheehan took Mr Bunny with him to see what influence he would have upon the Native mind. Mr Bunny's forcible mode of address and his rough and ready manner have terrified many a Minister whose fate was hanging in the balance. If thero are any waverers at Opunake, he will probably settle their convictions. Mr Bunny as 'medicine man' is the newest thing in politics."

Frank Carroll, one of the newly-elected members of the South Australian Parliament, turns out to be the gay and festive Lieutenant O'Reilly, who travelled for subscriptions to a map of Tasmania which was never published, and departed from Hobart Town to the great grief of sundry confiding persons. He tinned up in. Adelaide a s Frank Skeffington Carroll, proprietor of a comic journal called "The Lantern," nd got elected to Parliament.

Mr Dillon and Miss Pender were to leave Christchurch for Auckland on Monday last. They have been engaged by Mr DeLias, and will shortly appear at the Theatre. The Christchurch press speaks favourably of Mr Dillon's Hamlet, In&omar, and Richard 111, but reserves the highest praise for his representation of Henry de Lagardere in the "Duke's Motto."

The half-yearly meeting of the H.A.C.B. Society will be held this evening in St. Patrick's Hall, for the election of officers and other business.

Some misunderstanding seems to have arisen relative to the action of a constable in the Police Court yesterday. The Greyhound row ca-e was being heard, and witnesses for the defence were required. A young man stepped forward, but was pushed back rather roughly by a constable who probably did not understand why he was intruding into the body of the Court. Subsequently the witness was heard, but as his evidence proved favourable to the defendant an idea seems to have arisen in the minds of some, persons who were present that the constable's action was prompted by a desire to prevent him giving evidence. Such, however, was, of course, not the case. The racer Laertes has been sold in Melbourne to Mr Patterson, of New Zealand, and was shipped by the Easby. James^Baird, o^guard onj the Wairek Railway, met with a serious accident yesterday while uuconplying some empty trucks at Ellerslie. His right leg was fearfully mangled, and has been amputated a few inches below the hip. He is scarcely expected to recover. At Christchurch, yesterday, 1,000 shares of the Uunion Insurance Company wore offered at auction. One hundred of them were sold at 175., and the rest withdrawn. The clergymen and residents of Onehunga and the surrounding districts, presented a petition to the Onehunga Council, with the view of obtaining a cemetery for those districts. The petition was favourably received, and a committee appointed to consult with Mr O'Rorke on the matter, and wait upon the Minister of Lands for the purpose of obtaining a suitable site. All Lodge Deputies and officers of sublodges are reqnested to meet to-morrow evening (Thursday) at eight o'clock in the Albert-street Temperance Hall, for the purpose of receiving important communications.

At the Onchunga Borough Council an application was received from the Committee of the District Public Library for a site on one of the town reserves, and a committee formed for the purpose of holding a conference with the Library Committee, the report to bo given in at the next meeting of the Council.

Upon ,the deplorable condition of Hob-son-street, a correspondent writes :—" Sir, —The condition of the above street, especially Cook and Wellington streets, is one calling for the immediate attention of the civic authorities. The filling in of the eewer excavation has not been firmly enough done No doubt the wet weather has caused it to settle sooner than it otherwise would have done. It is painful to listen to the jolting of springs over the hollows of the road, and to see the efforts of the horses, especially when one wheel sinks in the mud, over the sewer track. The footpaths are also disfigured with ridges of soft clay, over which a sprinkling of scoria ash could surely be spread without much difficulty. While on this subject, why, it has frequently been asked, is the crossing over Viucent-street not made more passable ? A few loads of scoria ash over those rough stones will be a great boon to pedestrians.—Yours, &c, City West.

vtAn announcement of Mr McMinn's can' didature for Waipa appears in our advertising columns. He declares his support of the present Ministry, and his intention to meet the electors at various centres and explain his views fully. Mr J. B. Russell made an application this morning to His Honor, Mr Justice Gillies, for the admission of Mr Theoptiilus Cooper as solicitor and barrister |to the Court. Mr Russell said that Mr Cooper had served the time required by the articles, in the most faithful and honourable manner. He felt great pleasure in recommending him, feeling assured that Mr Cooper would be a credit to the profession. Mr Cooper thenj took the necessary oaths and was admitted in due form, and his name ordered to be enrolled upon the list of barristers and solicitors. His Honor remarked upon Mr Russell's excellent recommendation, and had no doubt but Mr Cooper would continue to sustain the hip;h reputation he had earned by faithful service.

The whole of the sheds aud buildings embraced in an institution once known to fame as the Newmarket Slaughterhouse have entire^ disappeared off the face of the earth, and with the same has been eradicated one of the most abominable plagues to which the Auckland press ever has been subjected, or it is hoped ever will be, viz. : ' 'The Slaughterhouse Question." We learn that even at this early period of the slaughterhouse reformation, the Newmarket community is exhibiting symptons of quickened literary and musical life, as if the final extinguishment of those brutal scenes, and smells had liberated talents and genuises hitherto smothered, and unknown to fame. The musical wakening is the improvement first noticeable, old and young are flocking to the Newmarket Hall to ajnew musical society, established under the leadership of Mr William Morgan, who has always been foremost in every good musical work in the district. Very soon, instead of the hoarse bellowing of the bullock.shall be heard the soft and gentle voice of some young lady amateur singing " I have sighed and suffered long." In place of the?.barkingof savage dogs and the shouts of savage men the air,will resound with the harmonious notes of Mr Morgan's musical company ; and in place of the daily rumbling of the old manure cart will be heard the rumbling of organs, drums, harmoniums, &c, as these instruments are made to express the more elevated state of Newmarket society.

We are requested to say with reference to the allotments west of the wharf, leased with water rights of 100 feet, that a stipulation was inserted in the leases subjecting all shipping to the same dues as are charged at the public wharves. Although the question has been raised whether fees can be collected for these private wharves, we are assured that the Harbour Board are in a position to enforce payment, and that hitherto the fees have been regularly collected.

A Juvenile Temple, in connection with the Sir Henry Havelock Lodge, will be started in the Alexander-street school-room, to-morrow evening at 7 o'clock, when children, ranging from 5 to 16 years, will be admitted to membership. The trustees of the school-room having granted the use of the building free there should be no difficulty in mrkiug this a successful and growing lodge. The failure of similar lodges in this cily has, to a large extent, been caused by their inability to raise the necessary funds to enable them to carry on their operations.

To the Editor : Sir, —As several gentlemen have thought the item in this morning's "Herald" about a man who tried to get away in the Zealandia yesterday might be misunderstood, a proper respect for my Government requires that i should say the man came down in the same steamer that I did, and expected to be landed at Samoa at the same time ; but we were both brought on here, and, unfortunately, the man who tried to get away left home without monetary provision for the emergency which befel him.—Very respectfully, Thomas M. Dawson, U.S. Consul for Samoa.

As will be seen by an advertisement in another celumn, Dr. Schwartzbach, the eminent occulist, has commenced his professional practice in those premises Hobson-street, known as Devonshire House, and lately occupied by Captain Casey. We understand his visit to Auckland is very limited.

HjThe annual meeting of the subscribers to the Newmarket Hall and news-room is fixed _ for Monday evening next, when Mr Diunison will introduce the year's report and financial statement.