Untitled

Auckland Star, Volume X, Issue 2969, 20 October 1879, Page 2

nV?O processes ol civilizing have been applied to the Maoris in the alternations of colonial policy—ono by which it was desired to " civilize them from the face of the earth," and translate them to a better sphere, and the othor to impart n polish of Anglo-Saxon civilization. The war policy, onco in the ascendant, partook of the former type—the missionary efforts and native schools of the latter. We have received by telegraph a synopsis of reports shewing the success which has attended the more humane process. Of the Northern districts, the annual report speaks favourably of the Awanui, Poria, Raitai, Ahipara, and Pukepoto schools. It is stated that theso schools aro in a satisfactory state, though their efficiency is somewhat retarded from want of material aud poverty of natives. The report thinks something should be done to destroy habits of communism amongst natives; boys should be apprenticed as mechanics iv the principal towns, and bo entirely under the supervision of the Government, Mr Yon Stunner, of llokiauga, reports that the village schools arc doing much good amongst the Natives and that in a few years, wheu pupils reach manhood, they will have a bcnelicial influence on the tribes. The total number of Maori children attending schools in his district is 255. Mr Williams, R,M. of Bay of Islands, complains that native parents encourage their children to absent themselves from school, aud that want of assistance iv cultivation aud the temptation of gum digging arc serious drawbacks. Mr O'Sullivau reports favourably on a number of native schools. Mr 11. T. Kemp reports ou the schools in his district. He speaks very favourably of Orakei schools, and suggests an annual inspection every summer. Sir Brabant, of Tauranga, reports on various schools, with a total attendance of 200. These reports present the Native School system in the most favourable light, but, unlike Sir Joseph Porter's " ollicial utterances," they arc not unanswerable. In dealing with Native schools it is hard to say exactly what standard of excellence should be required, but applied to the schools now iv existence it may be feared that the degree of efficiency has been such a low one that it is a question whether the cost of the schools might uot be better employed iv diminishing thedelicit no wanuually accruing against the colony. A good deal of latitude has, of course, to be allowed in dealing with a race like the Maoris, who aro fractious under occupations calling for lixed steady industry, but if the allowance is so great as to neutralise all attempt at reform it is hardly worth while perpetuating a sham. Wc have not cvideucc enough to say that this is actually tho caso with tlie native schools, but if report speak truly it is so near the truth that the timo has arrived wheu the complete reformation of the system or its total adaudonment should be considered. It is apparent that a teacher of indifferent educational qualification himself, located in a purely Maori district and without the stimulus that spurred on the old missionary workers, is as likely to lapse into the Maori habit as to raise his pupiis to the European standards : and at oue time wc believe this really came very nearly about in some districts. A better stamp of teachers have, however, beeu induced to devote themselves to the work. But even under most favourable circumstances teaching Maori boys ABC and a smattering of English in tho heart of a district where nothing but Maori is spoken, and Maori habits and customs prevail, can do very little towards advancing the civilization of the people. The introduction of practical training, the fostering of habits of steady industry and ambition of personal pecuniary gain and comfort, are requisite to furnish the incentives which alone can achieve any permanent result among the natives. The suggestions made above urging the importance of drafting likely boys into trades, or, what would be better, traiuing thorn to till the soil, aro therefore deserving of special attention. The system has been allowed to drift without proper supervision, and the offices of a firm directing head are required—a want which would probably be best satisfied by placing the whole system under the Board of Education and its Inspector.

The special children's service at St. Paul's Cathedral Church was well attended yesterday afternoon. Several hymus wcie fairly sung by tho children, and an instructive address delivered by the Rev. C. M. Nelson on "The Barren Fig Tree." On Saturday night the conditions of a mile foot race for £10a-sidc werearranged at the Cosmopolitan Hotel between J. Martin and A. Dalcy,MrM.Gallagher beiug appoiuted stakeholder. The match is iixed for Saturday, tho Bth November, aud speculation is ripe as to the result.

Considerable annoyance has lately been caused in Cambridge to owners of hones that have got away with saddles and

bridles on finding their beasts minus tho saddle. Tho police were communicated with, and to-day Detectivo Doolau arrested a man named Hickey upon the charge of stealing them. One .saddle was found in his possession, and there is littlo doubt but that several other charges of a similar naturo will be proved against him.

The subject of a lecture this evening before the members of St. James' Class will bo

" Edmund Burke, Orator, Statesman, and Author," by Mr James M. Gcddis. The character and writings of I.urke form a subject of breadth and iv terest worthy the attention of members. Burke was unquestionably a great man, and stands in the iirst rank of the worthies of the eighteenth century.

The late disastrous lire at Dunedin has had the effect of stimulating the City Council of that place to recommend Government to take the necessary action for the passing of an Act providing for the licensing and supervision of lodging-houses throughout the Colony, thn said Act to be administered by the police authorities. The local building regulations have also been so amended that the internal walls iv every building erected in the future within the inner building area is to be of brick, stone, concrete or lath and plaster, save iv the case of partitions for oflice and business purposes, whioh, special permission haviug been obtained, may bo constructed of wood or glass. The matter is one that demands the 3erious attention of our civic fathers also.

We understand that it is proposed to establish a new Artillery Company iv Auckland, nnd that forty men have signified their approval and intention of joining the company. A general wish has been expressed that Captain Isaacs should command, this gentleman haven given so much satisfaction when he held the captaincy of the Nixon's Light Horse Troop ot Cavalry. A requisition has been forwarded to the Defence Department, aud a reply received stating that an application of recommenda-

tion by the ollicer in command of the Artillery of Auckland would be favorably entertained.

Atiothcr Tasmanian Nightingale (says the " Tasmanian Mail ") has appeared ; this time from the North. Miss Kate Harvey, who sang at Signor Pompei's concert recently, is a worthy successor lo Tasmania's gifted daughter Amy Shcrwin. Her success was surprising from beginning to end, the enthusiasm ot the audience being as great as it was deserved. There must be something in our Tasmanian sunny blue skies akin to those of Italy that our land gives so many stars to tlie musical world, Marie Carandini, Rosini Caraudini, Fanny Carandini, Emma Howson, Lucy Chambers, Amy Shcrwin, and many others, are all Tasmanians, and now we have another name added to the list, Kate Harvey, well worthy to be associated with them.

Tho average age ot cats in 15 years ; of squirrels and hares 7 Ot 8 years ; of rabbits,

7 . a bear rarely exceeds 20 years ; a dog lives 20 years, n wolf 20, a fox 14 or 16, lions are long-lived, the one known by the name of Pompey living to the age of 70. Elephants have been known, it is asserted, to live to the great iige of 400 years. When Alexander the Great had conquered Poms, King of India, he took a great elephant which had fought valiantly for the king, and named him Ajax, dedicated him to tho sun, aud let him go with this inscription: " Alexauder, the son of Jupiter, dedicated Ajax to the sun." The elephant was found with this inscription on 370 years after. Pigs

have been known to live to the age of twenty, and the rhinoceros to twenty; a horse has been known to live to tho age of sixty-two, but averages twenty-five or thirty ; camels live to the ago of 100 ; stags are very long-lived; sheep seldom exceed tho ago of ten ; cows live about fifteen years. Cuvier considers it propable that whales sometimes live 1,000 years. The dolphin and porpoise attain the age of thirty ; an eagle died at Vicnca at the ago of 104; ravens frequently reach the age of 100; swans have been known to live 300 years. Mr Mallerton lias the skeleton of a swan that attained the age or 200 years. Pelicans arc long-lived. A tortoise has been known to live to the age of 107 years.

we noticofromonoDunediu exchangethat the local telegraph department has undertaken to connect by ■"■ire, at cost prico, the several fire brigade stations, and afterwards to maintain the lino free of charge. Will the Auckland departmeut bo equally generous. :., '.

To ihe Editor: Sir,—Your correspondent "Fair Play " may well ask, " What are the police doing,?" I believe some of the poor overladen beasts of burden would like to ask the same question of the numerous pedestrians driven into the roads by persons loaling on the footpaths. Anyhow the dogs are gratified that they, if none others," are being left alone. Yours, &c. .Misanthrope.

The Choral Society's last concert of the season will be held to-morrow ovcuiug iv the Choral Hall. The programme is in two divisions :—(1) Selections from Haydn's "Seasons;" (2) Selections|of music and words from various composers aud authors. Members taking part in the concert are desired to attend a full rehearsal this evening at 7.30.

In our paragraph in Saturday's issue referring to tho forthcoming Sunday Scholars Industrial Exhibition tho date of the opening of the Exhibition is stated as the 18th December next, whereas it should be the 18th November.

We have been shown by Mr Schwartz the receipt for expenses incurred iv defending 1 clmain at the last sitting of the Supreme Court. The amount was defrayed by subscription, aud any subscriber desirous of ascertaining the manner iv which the subscription was applied may obtain all particulars from Mr Schwartz.

Wc would remind our renders that the public meeting convened by His Worship the Mayor for the consideration of the Minister of Marine caso takes place this evening in the Lornc-strcet Hall. Tho proceedings are anuouueed to commence at half-past seven.

The opening of the Protestant Hall, Karangaliapo Road, will be associated tomorrow night with a soiree and public meeting. Tho speeches will be interspersed with selections of music by au efficient choir, and every means have been taken to render the gathering as agreeable as possible.

A farewell performance was given at the Theatre Royal on Saturday evening by the very effective dramatic company that has occupied the boards at intervals in a period cxtendiug over six months. The play selected for representation was BoucibauU's " Streets of London," and with the assistance of a corps of auxiliaries,who furnished part of the properties, it was very fairly enacted. The groat attraction of the drama is its sensational incidents and exciting situations. Theso proved effective on Saturday night, and the audience was consequently liberal in its expression of satisfaction. The cast was as follows :— Marian, Miss Lily Marsh; The Banker, Mr McGowan ; Edward, Mr Mowry ; Gabriel, lUrs McGowan; Tom Trumper. Mr Bui ford; Mrs Seaborn, Miss Marsh j Patty, Miss A. Marsh ; Isabella, Miss Mciau ; Frederick, Mr R. Russell.

The Congregational Sunday-school held their auniveisary services in the Bercsfordstrcct Church yesterday. There were three services held, and there was a large congregation on each occasion. The Rev. W. Morley, I'rcsident ot the Wesleyan Conference, officiated in the forenoon, and preached au impressive and instructively worded address. Ho took as his text St. Mark x., 14th, "Suffer little children to come unto mo and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of Heaven." In the afternoon the Rev. W. Taylor preached a sermon from the text, Romans xii., 10th, "Be ye kindly affectioned one towards another brethren." The evening services were conducted by the Rev. J. Robertson, M.A., pastor, who preached from S. Matthew, xi, 25, 26, 27, "Because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, aud hast revealed them unto babes, even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight," i__c. Collections in aid of Sundayschool funds were made, and the amount collected at the three services was £32 lis.

" A Churchman " submits tho following grievance : Dear Sir,—-It may be deemed presumption iv me, as a comparatively " New Chum" to address you, but I think that the reason for this letter will be the cause of obtaining for mc a free pardon. Yesterday morning I wont to S. Matthew's Church, aud in an unlucky and careless way took my seat, both in the rear aud front of which there were children. These behaved very well until the sermon, when the rear contingent commenced a violent volley firing of members, with an occasional lull, when one related iv au audible voice his past week's exploits. This I endeavoured to put a stop to by frowning ou the culprits. I turned my eyes from them on the clergyman, but between him and me there was a conglomerate mass of old knives, string, bits of pencil, and a few cores of rotten apples. These appeared to give great dciigut to the little boy in the front pew, to whom they belonged, but ouly for v short time did it last, for the juvenile abandoned the contents of his pocket, and commencedn terrible onslaught on tho pew with his teeth. Towards the close of tho sermon the urchin decamped altogether. It is a great pity that children should be sent to church without somo ono to look after them. How would it be to put them all in one part of the church, and have someone to look after them ? The 'nuisance and annoyance arising from them would then be put a stop to, as, when they found there was a monitor to keep them iv order, very few would defile the sanctity of the church with their presence and personal property.

Dr. Spurzheim, who mado tho mental discoveries of Dr, Gall intelligible and popular, described phrenology as " the -ioctrLuc of the special faculties of tho mind, and the relation between tneir manifestations and tlie body, particularly tho brain." The study of the science i. interesting, and leads to self-knowledge and consequently to self-control, showing that Pope was not far wrong when he wrote " Tho proper study of maukind is man." The lectures on phrenology by Professor Fraser, who is likely to bo a permanent resident of Auckland, have created a considerable amount of interest among thoughtful poisons, and the protcssor's rooms in Princes-street havo boon visited by several hundreds of persons with their children, desirous of uudcrgoiui. phrenological examinations for future guiuauee.A member of,our stall'was courteously permitted a few evenings since to witucss the process of examining a number of heads by Professor Eraser, and in every instance the silter expressed himself perfectly satistied as to the correctness of tho explanations, and was confirmed in the opinion that there is truth in tho system, which may be profitably applied to the conduct of life. Tho examinations completely dissipate the crroucous and vulgar notion about "feeling bumps;" tho only thing used being a measuring tape and a phrenological register for noting down tho bodily and mental condition of the person under examination. Measurements necessarily diverge in dillcieut persons,indicating excess or otherwise of some organ or organs in the path of tho tape, which arc found by. observing configuration. The measurements in tho tape arc carefully taken, and give the person examined a chance of uoticeing change of form and size iv certain directions. Tho numerous heads of noble and ignoble individuals in the phrenological portrait gallery arc worthy of note, ailordiug a pleasant opportunity for'exercise of thought by students of character.

On Thursday evening, lGth instant, the Cambridge Amateur Dramatic Club gave one of their first-class entertainments in the Public Hall, which was well filled, hardly a seat being unoccupifcd. The Cambridge Reed Baud opened the proceedings by playing a selection in front of the hall, aud then the curtain rose to " The Area Belle." The characters (were well sustained throughout by Mr S. R. Keesing as "Mrs Croaker," MrW. Chappel, "Penelope," Mr H. A. Keesing, "Tosser," a Grenadier, Mr T. Peck, "Pitcher," No. 444 in the police, aud Mr Sanders as " Walker Chalks," a milkman. Mr Peek elicited roars of laughter from the audience while being boiled down in the copper where ho had hidden on the unexpected return of Mrs Croaker (Penelope's Mistress) from the theatre. The afterpiece, "Loan of a Lover," took even better than the first piece, and was put on the stage in capital style, with the following powerful cast : — " Ernestine," Mr W. Chappel; " Gertrude," Mr S. It. Rousing ; "Captain Amcrsfort," Mr A. G. Hughes; "Peter," Mr 11. A. Keesing; " Delve," Mr F. Sanders; " Swyzcl," Mr C. J. Ashwcll. Mr H. A. Kccsing's rendering of Peter could not be surpassed. Ernestine was perfect; and a song from Gertrude brought forth a round of applause and shower of bouquets. Delve must be half a Dutchman to take his part in such au inimitable manner. Captain Amcrsfort could not be improved on, and Swyzcl was well and carefully acted. The dresses and sccnory were entirely new, and displayed great taste and foresight. After the performance tho hall was cleared aud swept and dancing started, which was kept up with unflagging zeal till nearly daybreak to the music of tho band, when everybody went home after having spent a thoroughly enjoyable evening. The proceeds of the entertainment amounted to about j £30, which will materially help in defraying expenses incurred by the club in former J entertainments, t

On Saturday evening the expected Zoctrope was set iv motion a few doors from the Thistle Hotel. The young people thronged around the doorway with lluttcring hearts, and when the music started within there was a general buzz without, and the room was soon crowded. In the evolution of Zoetropc, or Wheei of Atlas, the most beautiful scenes in active movement were disclosed to the eye through oval magnifying glasses.

The Hamilton Comus Dramatic Club may congratulate themselves on the excellence of their opening performance on Friday night in Le Quesne's Hall, When it was announced in the bills that the club intended to produce Robertson's "Caste" many people predicted failure, or at least only partial success. However, when the curtain fell on the last act their most ardent admirers must have been agreeably surprised nt the undoubted success of the play. The lady who played Esther has a wonderfully sympathetic voice, which she used to great advantage, and in the third act it told with thrilling cfl'ect. Her rendering of the part was consistent, and the sympathies of tho audience were raised occasionally to tears by her excellent acting. Polly put one in mind of champagne, all sparkle and life, while Sam Gerridgc, her lover, acted the cork popping about aud around her wherever and whenever apportuuifcy offered, especially if Hautrcc, the "owling" swell, was near. The Marquise was capitally impersonated, the "make-up" and dress being particularly cflcctivc. D'Alroy was very consistent, and mado love as though ho meant it, not as many amateurs do,as though they are afraid of their fair divinity. Hautrec was a success, for he played his part naturally and without overdoing tho business, as mauy character actors are apt to do. Sam Gerridgc was very good at the repartee between himself aud Polly, making most of his points tell,and thereby getting plenty of applause ; and now last, but not least, the part of Ned Eccles was played in a very ablo manner by the stage-manager. He was particularly good in the scene after he ushers the Marquise in with " This way yer leddyship." Eccles was scarcely recognizable, his makeup being so good. The orchestra deserve a share of the general praise, while the Light Infantry Band materially assisted by playing selections. About £22 were taken at the doors. The performance will be repeated to-night in aid of the Presbyterian building fuud.—CoitKKsrONDKNT. Mr E. B. Dickson, Government Observer, writes : "The earlier part of tho week was rather dull and showery, with falling barometer and fresh wind ; the latter part of it clear and warm, with risiug barometer, very light wind, and unusually dry atmosphere. Tho barometer stood at 30.336 on the night of Saturday, the 11th, and thence fell rapidly to 29.418 at 6.30 p.m. on the evening of Tuesday, the 14th. From that point its rise was extremely rapid for the next thirty-six hours, reaching the 30 inches ou the morning of the 16th, and continuing to rise more slowly to 30.117 on the morning of the 18th. From that point it has since fallen to 30.019. The changes of temperaturo and of wind have been very closely in connection with those of the barometer. The 13th and 14th wore much the coolest periods of the week, the day temperature on the former-falling toGO.l; 6.360 is registered for Sunday the Pith, 65.4 for Wednesday, the 15th. By far the warmest day was Friday, the 17th, 68.9. Sunday night was unusually warm (54.2). For the rest ot the week the night temperature lias varied very little from 48.0, being lowest (47.2) on tho night ot Wednesday the 15th. The approximate mean for the whole week is 56 8, or more than four degrees above that of the previons week, aud about 1 degree higher than in the corresponding week of last year. The rainfall from Sunday evening to Tuesday night was not much in quantity, about half an inch (0.540) in all. Very gentle and steady for two or three hours on Tuesday evening, when nearly half the total fjuantity was registered. The remainder iv light showers The rain came from the N.E., and passed off ns the wind shifted to .the W. and S. On Monday morning the instruments registered 378 miles of wind for the previous 24 hours, giving an average rate of 15.J miles per hour ; the actual observation at 9.0 a.m. gave IS miles. The shift of wind to the S. (mentioned above) came in brisk at first; a rate of 20 miles is registered at 9.0 a.m. of Wednesday ; but this did not last many hours; and from 6 to 10 miles arc tho rates (both calculated and observed) for the remainder of the week ; the direction varying from N.E. to S. Solar radiation was remarkably high (143.0) on Thursday, a very clear day with littlo wind. The themomcter in the sun at 5 feet abovo the ground gave 74.0, but much higher on Friday, wheu 79.9 was registered.

The "Globe," Sth August, the following particulars of the expedition against Merv, taken from the Russian newspapers :—According to the Chikisliar correspondent ot the "Kooski Invalid," the Akhal-Teklccs living between Kizil Arvat and Bourma do not intend to light, and arc quietly awaiting the approach of the Russians. General Lazarcil'has won over Tikmasardar, chief of Bourma, and his son Akvcrdi-Khau, giving to the father 100 roubles a month, and to the son 50. A letter addressed to the Chief of Bcurma before the reconciliation took place, threatening to lay the couutry waste iv tlie event of icsistance, has beeu read to the minor Sardars, but no comment has been offered thereupon. So far as concerns the .Upper Tckkes, living between Beurmti cud the country to the south-east, they are sending their families and cattle on to Merv, tho men alone remaining with the encampments to defend them. Beyond Bcurma the Russians have not yet advanced; Tho Tckkes there consequently believe them to bo afraid. The correspondent of the " Kavkz" writes under date IG-28 June, that n hospital with 500 beds is being formed at Cliikisliar. Ho argues at length that the special correspondent of tho "Daily News" is wrong in terming the Turcomaus savages. " They aro a fine intelligent race of men, and aro no more savages than the Knglish arc; indeed, they arc better in many respects than the conceited islanders.' The correspondent of the " Golos' writes that 1500 transport waggons have arrived at Chikisliar. Mules are arriving from Persia. Eight sotuyas of cavalry are being raised among the friendly Turcomans to act as irregular horse, The number of men which tho Tckkes can place in the field is variously estimated at between 20,000 and 80,000 horsemen. Several special correspondents of tho leading Russian nowspapcrs have arrived at Chikisliar to accompany the cxpediton. The roadstead at Chikisliar is terribly bad for shipping, and occasions the Russians great inconvenience. A Russian ollicer who has travelled all over the Empire says that there is uo more terrible spot than Chikisliar. " It,has no soil, no vegetation, no water, no air, no scenery, no perspective—nothing but a Hat surface bounded by space, and emitting intense heat aud myriads of flies. Eastern Siberia, Khiva, Kashgaria—each is a paradiso compared with Chikisliar."

The monthly inspection of the Victoria Rifles will bo held to-morrow (Tuesday) evening in the Drill-shed, under command of Captain Dcrrom. The special prayer meeting to bo held this evening iv the Young Meu's Christian Association, will be conducted by the Rev. J. Robertson, M.A., and addressed by Rev. William Morley of Pitt-street.

The anniversary tea meeting in connection with the Devonport Wesleyan Sabbathschool will be held to-morrow (Tuesday) evening at 6.30 o'clock. There will be addresses from ministers and friends, with selections of music, etc. Return fares by the Ferry Company half-price.

We notice that a new French boot and shoe manu'actory has been opened in Wel-lesley-street West. The establishment is under the direction of M. Mnnjon, who has lately arrived from Paris with the latest fashions for boots and shoos. Wc should recommend a visit to this now warehouse.

A ball in connection with the Cook-street hall dancing class will take place on Thursday next. The arrangements are under the direction of Mr Wright, and arc expected to be of a very perfect character. A few tickets will rcmaiu for disposal at the doors, or may be obtained from tlie committee.