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Auckland Star, Volume X, Issue 2951, 29 September 1879, Page 2

Wc learn that Mr Robert Graham will n ot staud for the Thames.

Mr T. Bell, the Government instructor of music, is making his way successfully iv the districts of the Waikato. During the last week Mr Bell held meetings advocating the Tonic-Sol-Fa system in Cambridge, aud established a class of about 20 members.

Wc regret to notice in our obituary columns the death of the Rev. Father J. Grange, who for many years was in charge of the mission at Wliakalane during the time of the disturbance on that coast, and exercised great influence amongst the natives. A solemn requiem mass will take place at 9 o'clock to-morrow morning at St. Patrick's Cathedral and the interment immediately after. The very Rev. the VicarGeneral will be tho celebrant.

At tho Committee meeting of the Amateur Athletic Club the following programme was agreed upon for the athletic meeting to be held on the 29th November next, viz. : 120 yds, 250 yds, 440 yds, halfmile, one mile, 220 yds Hurdle, mid 150 Consolation, all handicaps, and 100 yds threelegged race, hop, step, and jump, and throwing the hammer. This is a varied programme, and should suit all sorts and give an cxcellcut day's sport to the public.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the members of the Auckluud Institute will be held this evening iv the lecture-room, Princes-street. A paper will be rend by Rev S. Edger, 8.A., in reply to one recently delivered by Mr Firth, ou the "Distress in England." Mr Edger has a fair knowledge of th» condition and habits of life of the English peasantry, having for many years resided in agricultural districts in the Western counties. A discussion of previous papers will be held if time permit. Ladies are welcomed to the discussion.

A visit to Mr A. Mackie's coach factory at the present timo will preseut a fair idea of the resources and capacity of this local industry. A handsome and elegantly finished barouche lias just been turned out to the order of Mr John Smith, aud the appearance it presents is certainly most flattering to the skill of the artificers. It is constructed on the most recent model, and is supplied with all the contrivances which assist to combine strength und smoothness with an appearance of airy lightness. A workman who hails from Hull, in Yorkshire was the principal builder, while the painting aud hitting up were executed by Messrs Bull Bros. The cost is about £160. The conveyance will attest the ability of our coachhuilders to meet all local requirements, and should serve as an excellent advertisement for the establishment where it has been constructed.

Rev. C. M. Nelson made a moving appeal to his congregation yesterday on behalf of the Sunday-school building,and hoped their contributions to the offertory would bo very liberal on this account. The school-house is certainly in a most disgraceful condition, tho inside being little better than the interior of a country barn. It is the immediate intention of the vestry to repair and paint this relic of the past, so as to make it worthy to compare with other Sunday-school buildings, and creditable to the parish of St. Paul's. An eflort is only needed,and wo feel sure that the well-to-do congregation of the first of Auckland churches will not be backward in coming orvvard with the ncccessary means.

An ingenious and accurate model of Garibaldi's house at Caprcra is on view at Mr Woodward's, baker, in the Auckland Market, made by Robert Chappcll. The house and the immediate surroundings were modelled, we understand, from a picture which appeared in the " Illustrated London News. The whole is well executed and creditable to the young artist.

Mr Jefferson Davis, a famous, man in his dny, has fnr some time been the "permanent guest" of a Mrs Dorscy at Bcauvoir, on the Mississippi, and to some purpose, Mrs Dorsey's relatives think. When his hostess died (lie other day the ex-President of the Confederate States found that all her property had been left in " the best, truest, and wisest, man in the country"—namely, Jeff himself. The relatives, without disputing the wisdom of Mr Davis, have raised an action over the will on tho ground of "undue influence."

Mr Compton's unpretentious little store on the wharf is now completely shadowed by the large brick structures that arc being erected on either side of it. Though only half-way advanced towards completion they already afford a fair Idea of the improved appearance which the thoroughfare will present when they are out of the contractors' hands. Fair progress is being made with them, and now that line weather is setting in the work of construction should experience no delay.

The following story, recorded by a correspondent of the " Highlander," is interesting, if true : —'• One lovely day lately, in Windsor Great Park,in passing the Culiodon monument raised by the Duke of Cumberland, I was greatly struck by the splendid growth of ivy round the base of the column. My companion said—' Yes, that is by the Queen's orders, iv order that the ivy may hide the inscription recording the defeat of the Highlanders.'"

The number of " now chums," who have appeared in our streets during the last few days is uncommonly large. Though wc should hesitate to say that they may be recognised by a subtle odour of lime-juice there is a something in the cut of their attire and in the style of their carriage that at once proclaims them strangers jjto colonial civilisation. The majority appear to be of the artisan class, and should therefore be speedily absorbed in the city, while those who are disposed to engage iv agricultural employment ought to have little trouble in obtaining engagements. A fair number of the recent emigrants to Auckland arc men of good physique, but the larger portion appears to us to be of undersized stature.

Memorandum from W. and G. Winstone, Custom-house-street, Auckland.— "Dear Sir,—-We have much pleasure in bearing testimony to the satisfactory results obtained from the use of the Otto Gas Engine. It drives a three-knife chaffcutter, and works a corn and oat mill. It is a two-horse power, and the gas used does not exceed 6d per hour. We consider it much more economical than steam power. —To the Secretary Auckland Gas Company."

On Saturday evening a temperance entertainment was given in tho Temperance HalJ, Albert-street. The attendance was good. The programme included songs, dances, and duets by Jadv and gentlemen amateurs. The farce " You Don't Say So " closed the first part of the performance, aud "Troublesome Servants" brought it to a conclusion. The applause was loud and frequent, and the audience undoubtedly enjoyed the evening's entertainment. The actors in both farces sustained their parts very well, aud fully deserved the applause they received.

The members of the Auckland United Cricket Club held their eighteenth annual meeting on Saturday evening in the Club room of the Thames Hotel. Mr J. Mumford occupied the chair, introduced the business, and called upon the secretary for tho report and financial statement of the past year. The report was encouraging, and the balance-sheet showed a balance to the credit of the Club. The iollowing gentlemen were then elected on the committee for the ensuing year :—President: Mr F. Whitakcr. Vice-Presidents: JudgeFenton, Major Lambert, Mr .11. Brett, and Mr C. A. Harris. Committee : Messrs Buckland, Yates, Mumford, Laukiiam, Dufaur, Robinson, Binduii, and Lynch. Secretary and Treasurer: Mr P. Dufaur. A vote of thanks to the chairman closed the meeting.

Yesterday during a discourse on "The Perils of tlio Church—Ritualism, Rationalism, und Indifferentiam," the Rev A. W. Webb,oftlie\Vcllcßlcy-strootßaptistChi.r_h, remarked Hint itmight bo commonly thought that, as we had left a State Church behind wc had rid ourselves of Ritualism. Ho win afraid that it was not so, for, ou the contrary, it was increasing very much in tlie community. In tlio schools even certain teachers were leaching children to look uiioti the Reformation with contempt. The great meu who had accomplished it were passed over unnoticed, while the men whose bigotted opinions had been the cause of the revolution were extolled. If such practices as above spoken of are carried on iv our State school*., the sooner they arc forbidden the better, as tlio teaching of such theology is contrary to a system which recognises neither race, creed or nationality. Such teaching if allowed would inevitably result in a spread of Ritualistic views,which is not at till desirable.

The Board of Education has considerately set apart this week as a lengthened holiday time for the pupils of the various city schools, mid as a consequence the young people will eujoy to the full the respite from study conceded them, while the teachers will not a whit less heartily appreciate the boon. On Monday next the daily round of duties will be resinned. Till then, let the elements be propitious 1

On Saturday morning a fire was discovered in Queen-street by Constable MeGilp, which, but for its timely discovery, might have resulted in a serious disaster. At about twenty minutes past three o'clock on the morning ol Saturday, the 27th inst., the attcnion of the constable was drawn to the grating of it collar to the shop lately in the occupation of Mr Schwartzc, jeweller, Queen-street. Through this smoke was freely ascending, and on looking down the constable could sec the Humes. He then obtained the assistance of Constable Dodd, and with his help effected an entrance through the grating-hole. He found the lire burning in the fireplace, which was littered all round with shavings and other combustible material. The police then roused the night watchman of an adjoining hotel, and, by his assistance, got in by the back way, and with a few buckets of water extinguished the flames. On the previous day some clothes were hung up to dry in tlie cellar, and the woman lett sonic live embers in (he _iieplacc, which were the cause of the accident.

To the Editor: Sir,—Perish health, perish decency, perish equity, and perish all sense of responsibility before Clod and man, but woe be to him who dares step to the fore and cross swords with the powers that bo iv some local bodies. Despite even their denunciations, I hesitate not to declare that tlie destroying power of the system adopted in the city and some local bodies for the removal of night soil by carts will yet bear the legitimate fruit. First: 15y its ignoring all the laws ot health, decency, equity, and responsibility to God and man. Secondly : That its fearful lilthy management, its manifest injustice, by its not being paid out of the general rate as the Health .Act allows, and its being placed entirely under an irresponsible person. Last, but not least, it will show its power in the looming .scheme of Air Clark to surround Parnell aud launch on ltemucra its abominations. Mr Clark's talk of expense is £50,000 0r£60,000, which is plainly understood by practical men to be only for direct work; indirect, &_., will be about £150,000.—Yours, &c, J. B. Stisangb.

A smart though fitful breeze ha. been blowing all day, and passing showers have fallen at intervals, ito the gratification, doubtless, of our country friends and to the discomfort of none. The vagaries of the wind, however, created some little diversion to those who were not aUbctcd by it. A moro than usually strong and mischievous gust swept up Queen-street about ono o'clock, just as the stream of employe's was passing up cither to or from their places of work, and as the whirling chapeau spun off before the wind, hotly pursued by their surprised owners, laughter ou the part of the spectators was irresistible. Aristocratic narrow-brimmed "billycocks" raced along in the company of plebeian and greasy soft felts, while a lordly belltoppcr gave hot chase to a fashionable lady's totjiie. The orthography of this last item is doubtful, but, taken phonetically, will be found near enough to designate tlie article. Fortunately the thoroughfare happened to be clear of wheeled traffic for the time, and the uncovered huntsmen had therefore a good opportunity of running the erratic headgear to earth. That all were recovered, however, is a moot point with us.

The following little Esculapian item comes from—well—no matter where. A gentleman iv au up-country township bad the misfortune to break his leg, and the local physician, thinking that amputation would he neccssary,tclcgraphcd to a leading town doctor to know his terms for coming up to assist in tlie operation. On getting an answer he at once wired to the metropolitan medico to come up. On his arrival, after making his diagnosis, the M. M. gave it as bis opinion that the leg could be saved, and the two doctors took action accoidingly. When about to leave on his return home, the metropolitan medico was presented by a friend of the invalid with a cheque which, upon examination, proved to be for only half the amount originally asked by the doctor With a bland smile he suggested to the friend that there appeared to bo sonic slight error about the cheque. "'Oh I no" said the amicus curias, "You see there is no amputation performed." " Well," responded the doctor, "1 fancied perhaps yuur friend would prefer retaining his leg, but if that's what's the matter we can soon rectify tno mistake," and pulling off his coat was preparing to go in like a workman, when a fresh cheque mado its appearance, and the slight error passed away. N.U.—The leg was saved.

Mr E. B. Dickson, Government Observer, writes on the weather of last week : Wot and warm, barometer low, wind mostly ) strong, aud rain constant and occasionally heavy. Barometio pressure varying much in exact accordance with the changes of the wind—falling as the wind came from N. and N.E., and rising as it moved towards W. Kxtreme highest on the evoning of the 20th (30.158); extreme lowest at the same hour on tlic2Gth (20th (29.G13). Mean elevation for the wenk 29.872, being more than half an inch lower than the mean of the previous week. A similar period of great elevation, and consequent rapid fall, occurred just about the same period of last year, and also of the year previous, although in neither case was it so strongly marked. The approximate mean temperature is 57.8, showing a rise of more than one degree over that of last week (56.7), while the rise in the wet bulb mean is more than three times this amount, showing a remarkable increase of moisture in the air. The warmest day was Tuesday, tho 23rd (65.1) ; the warmest night that of Sunday, the 21st (57.7.) The coolest day and night were those of Friday, the 26th (50.2 and 51.2). Tuesday, the23rd, gives also the upper extremes of sun heat (70.3), and of solar radiation (124.0), and the lower extreme of nightly radiation (48.1.) The averages of both sun, heat and radiation have been considerably lower than in last week, consequent upon the cloudy state of the almosphere. The rainfall has been large and very constant ; rain is recorded for every night of the week, for live mornings, two forenoons, aud four afternoons out of seven. Total amount 1.940 inches, of which 0.7, or more than one third, is registered for the morning of the 22nd. The wind average is also high, being 422 miles per day, equivalent to an hourly, rate of 174 miles. The direction has bee*' generally N.E. and N., varying to W., and rising or falling in strength as it came from the former or the latter of these directions. The extremes have beeu 675 miles to the morning of the 22ud, equal to an average of 28 miles per hour, with an actually observed rate of 30A miles at 9.0 a.m. from N,E. ; and 207 miles, equal to per hour, to the morning of the 25th from N. Much cloud is noticed, nearly 9 out of a scale of 10 ; and the general humidity of the air is very great, being 86 degrees (scale 0.100) or au excess of hearly 134 degrees over last week.

The London "Globe" says: "It is said that if Archbishop Croke had not succeeded in effecting a reconciliation between Mr Parnell and Mr Gray, Home Rulers, the former would have contested Tipperary against his colleague, and probably have beaten him."

"The trouble with Davis," said one of the experts of the West Virginia Senator of that name, " is that he has made a speech, and now wants to find the facts to justify it. lie is bound to keep us at it until we make the figures agree with his speech." This was said a year ago, aud they are still " at it." Unfortunately, we are too much troubled with this kiud of thing at our end of the world.

" It may be interesting to learn (says the "Thames Advertiser,") that Mr Thomas James, the manager of the Caledonian mine, was at one time intimately acquainted with the celebrated Mrs Evaus, the Sandhurst male impersonator. Mr James, before his arrival in this colony, was manager of several claims at Bendigo, and at different times Evar.s was working for him ; but he had not the slightest suspicion that Evans was a woman. Tlie miners could not make out 'his'smooth face, without auy hair on it, and several of them used to tell 'him' dint 'ho, was a girl, which she did not like. Another peculiarity which they were in the habit of referring to was the state of her arms and hands. She had very small wrists and white hands, but her arms bore a great contrast, being large, big jointed, and covered with excrescences natural to the hard-working minor, She was goodtempered, and generally well-liked by her mates."

A special meeting of the Auckland Scottish Volunteers will be held on Tuesday evening in the .Drill-shed to consider the advisability of joining into a battalion.

Messrs Wilson and Boston, of the original Georgia Minstrels, will give their unique, comic, and sentimental entertainment this evening in the Newmarket Hall.

The Good Samaritan anniversary soiree will be held this evening in the Young Men's Christian Association Hall, including tea, cake, fruit, intellectuality, music, melody, and exchanges of congratulations. Tlie journeyman coach-builders of Auckland will hold n business meeting this evening in the Workitig Men's Club-room. The bi-monthly dance of the club will be held on Wednesday evening next. The Musical ami Literary Society of Rcmueru will entertain its friends on Wednesday evening with Mr Tom Taylor's miicli-iulinircd drama, "Tlie Porter's Knot," a well-executed play, possessing fine passages of poetry and feeling, and presenting a phase of London life. The proceeds will be given to the funds of the hall.

To-morrow (Tuesday) at 7.30 p.m., by special request, the popular Service of Song entitled tho " Pilgrim's Progress" will be again rendered in the Ponsonby Wesleyan chapel. The reader for the occasion is the Rev. Mr Runciman. The churge of admission is Is. Proceed, go to the organ fund. Chairman, the Rev. F. J. Parkes.