Untitled

Auckland Star, Volume XI, Issue 3164, 9 September 1880, Page 2

TiiK Local Option resolution, moved by Sir Wilfred Lawsou in tho House of Commons, and carriod by a majority of 2G'outofau aggregate vote ropresontiug 43G members, ia very frooly criticised by tho English prcts, and nearly every reviowcr interprets it tnoro or less according to his own views and inclinations. Tho resolution itself wna vague. It declared "that inasmuch as the ancient aud avowed objects of liceiuiug the sain of intoxicating liquors is to supply a mipposed public waut without detriment to tho public welfare, tho House of Commons believes that a legal power of restraining tho issue or renewal of licenses should be placed in tho hands of the persons nioit deeply interested aud affected, namely, the inhabitants themselves, who arc entitled to protect ion from tho injurious consequences of tho present system by some cllicicnt measure of Local Optiou." Tho rotolulion is very general in its terms and docs nothiug more than nllirni a principle, and without the aid of tho Cabinut the hope of any practical realisation of Sir Wilfred's object is still very Blender. The Gladstone Ministry left it an open question, but the Premier and a majority of his colleague* voted against tho resolution. Mr John Bright, at whose suggestion, It is said, Sir Wilfred Lavrson substituted the resolution for his annual Permissive Bill, of coursu did not desert tho toetotal baronet. Sir Wilfred's victory will probably not bo au altogether barren one. Mr Gladstone, though voting against the bill, disclaimed syjipathy with those who bclicvod that tho liquor question was beyond tho range of legislative action. Ho declared his belief that it must form part of tho work of tho present parliament. He insisted, however, •on equitable compensation to the kecpersof public-housc-i that might be disestablished, and alluded to tho diUiculty that beset tho question of dealing with tho great monopolies which would bo created by tho restriction of the liquor tr»do to a few house*. Within a week after tho pawing of tho Local Option resolution, tho Welsh Sunday Closing Bill passed second reading without a division, twenty-nine out of thirty Welsh membera appearing in a body to support it. Tho chief argument offered in support of tho mensuro wan the very successful working of a similar bill in Ireland. From a gonoral roviow of the tendency of all these votes in tho Houso of Commons it may be prophesied that legislation with the object ot limiting tho liquor traffic further will be brought down by tho Gladstone Cabinet, but in n much milder form than anything that would satisfy the United Kiugdom Alliance.

We deeply regret to learn of the death of Miss Gertrude James, which took place early this morning. Tho young lady, whoso talents and amiability had won her universal csteom, caught a cold about ton days ago which resulted in bronchitis and inllammation of tho lungs. She was attended by Dr Moore, but rapidly sink under the disease. Miss James was one of tho most promising musicians iv Auckland, and wai ever ready to give her ai-Bistance to any public object. Slio had a very large number of pupils—who, with many friends, will lament hor early dcatb.

Tho concert which was to have been givon this evening by tho Reruuera Literary and Musical Society has been postponed.

At the Hamilton Licensing Court tho transfer of the Nottingham Castlo Hotel, Piako, from John Wood to Thomas Brown was granted.

Mails for Australian Colonies and Tasmania, per Tararua, close at tho BlufF on .Friday, 10th instant, at 11.30 a.m.

Mr G. W. Binney offers for sale tomorrow, at 11 o'clock, several pieces of country lands without reserve.

Tho regular fortnightly meeting of the Otahuhu Mutual Improvement Association was held last Monday evening. The attendance was not so largo as usual. Two voluntary readings wcro given by (Messrs Fairburn and J. Hunt. Both readings wcro selections from " The Morchant of Venice." A scratch debate on the question "That insular separation will be advantageous to New Zealand" then took place. A lively discussion ensued, and on the question being put to tho meeting, it was carried in the negativo by a large majority. Business for next week to bo held on Soptember 20th, will consist of dialogues, readings, &c.

In the Police Court, Onehunga, before K. C. Uarstow (R.M.) and T. Paton (J.P.), John Field was charged with a breach of the Licensing Act by selling liquor in Onchunga without being duly licensed. Mr Pordy appeared for tho police, and Mr S. Uesketh, who appeared for the defendant, explained to the Bench that his client had mado an ovorsight in not complying with tho requirements of tho law through entrusting tho papers to an agent in connection with tho proposed transfer of the Prince Albert Inn from n, person named Orogan to Mr Field. Ho Bliould plead guilty under the circumstances. The Bench imposed a fine of £5 and 19s costs. No steps had been taken by Mr Field to obtain a transfer, although he had been a considerablo time in tho house, and the licensee had left tho district, haying gono to reside in Auckland.

Persons desirous of visiting the old country will be interested to learn that Messrs Crmckshank and Co. are prepared to book passages through from Auckland by the L. and O. Company's steamer Assam, which leaves Melbourne for London on the Ist of October next.

A number of Good templars in tho Howick district, having become tired of payiuß dues to a lod^e that had iv turn to pay part of the monies so received to tho Grand Lodge of New Zenlaud North by way of capitation tax, determined to start a lodge in coujunctiou with tho New Zealand Order of Good Templars, and having made application for a charter, tho president at once arranged with a number of members of towu lodges under their jurisdiction to accompany him to lend dclat to tho proceedings. At 5 30, thcreforo, last evening some 40 presented themselves at the stables of Mr Crowthcr, Wcllesley-stroct, when the necessary 'busses and brakes wore- very soon in motion with their living freights. The cavalcade was led by tho large brake, drawn by four horses, Mr Crowther handling tho reins. The company arrived at Howick about S p.m., when they were kindly entertained by Mr and Mrs Wagstafi", after whicli they adjourned to tho hall, when Mr D. Goldic presided and the olliccrs of the Sir Henry liavelock Lodge opened tho meeting in due form. Some 34 members were initiated. Tho officers for the quarter were then installed, and after the delegates to

iq Executive and other necessary business

had been completed the lodge wus entertained by members from towu for a short perion. At a few minutes past 11 the 'busses were agaiu in requisition, when tho party returned to town, Laving spent a very agreeable and pleasant evening,

Tho elected Councillors for tho Borough of Onehunga aro Messrs Thomas George Blakey, Edward Earle, Michael Hartnett, aud Joseph Haslie.

Mr P. Doran has returned from tho provinces, and will probably re-open the Albert Hall at the latter part of next week with a new farce.

We learn that Mr Gradwell, of Pavnell, and ono of tho lay readers of St. Paul's ; has bceu appointed teacher of clocutioii in the public schools under the Board of Educalion.

To the Editor : Sir;—l read in the STAR of tho Ist inst. that a secret enauiry is now being held at tho Auckland Hospital. This is not the first time that the Government of New Zealand has perpetrated this act of injustice, nor will it be tho last unless prevented by public opinion expressed through tho Press. I have, therefore, to beg the favour of your publishing tho opinion of that great lawyer Lord Brougham, on secret enquiries :—" A Bccret enquiry is unknown to the law of England, and a flagrant violation of all the principles of justice "—I am, etc., The Victim of a Government Secret Enquiry, Kaglan.

The new musical bell of tho Auckland Bharcbrokcrs has been exchanged by some person for ono of tho s»mo fcize and appearanco, but which, beiug tongue-tied, tails in tho unconscious duty of calliug the members together at the appointed hour. The chairman requests tho person who committed tho error of judgment to call again, and replaco the lawful melodious boll aud take back tho wrotcbed counterfeit left in its honoured place

Some of tho Quakers iiv England want to introduco ainglug into their worship. The argument on the subject at tho recent yearly meeting was much moro spirited than arguments usually aro among this ittiud and quiet people. Onu eminent Friend thouaht tho Holy Spirit could opcrato as well through singing as through meditation. Hut others quito ns eminent declared tho introduction of any kiud of musical exercise to bo an unholy innovation.

Applications aro invited for share* In the New Zealand Timber Company (Limited), the prosjjoctus of which appeara in another column. Tho Company propoaea to acquiretho wholo of tho forests, mills, machinery, wharves, stock, dams, tramways, and leases of Messrs C A. Harris, souior and junior, and to carry on tho busiuoes. A valuation of the proporty has been made by MrT. T. Maseficld and Mr B. Johnson, who estimato tho plant and lofja at £28,383, and the forests and allotments at £11,500. Tho capital is to bo £50,000 in 10,000 allures, and the vendors accept livo thousand paid-up HharcH in part puymout of thair interests, the balanco of £14,883 to bo taken from culls. Tho forests cover 24,000 acres, and contain a very largo amount of valuable timber, cany of access, a large proportion of which will bo connected with tho mill by railway. Tho rails and plant aro now on tho ground, ready for laying.

An Indian paper, spoaking of tho iivo years' admiuistration of tho Duke of Buckingham as Governor of Madras, nays : " Ho will have received during that time, apart from all travcllingallowanccs, entertainment charges, and other little pickings which fall to tho lot of those who hold tho highest public oflico in tin: I'residency, a cum of a littles over Bix lakhs of rupees, or Fay £64,000. That is what this country has Irad to pay to one who has done so very little for v«, and merely for the honor of having a duke at tho head of affairs."

" Equation " writes suggesting tho importanco of an improvement in the approaches to tho Public Library. Ho also says of the opening celebration :—" Between tho blessings invoked, tbo speeches made, and songs sung by vocalists engaged, I have no doubt a very enjoyable evening was spout by tho specially Invited. At tho same time I think that a grand concert or ball (or both) given, (11 public one) and the proceeds to have been devoted to the uto of the new Public Library, would havo been more apropos to the occasion. I, for ono, do not care about playing second fiddles to any one."

As M. Cabiot was fishing in tho Seine nc»r Suresnes, ho noticed a boat floating down the stream without nnyono apparently on board to guido its movements. On proceeding to it in Ihr pnn1 he found it was tenanted by a couple of siting children, a girl and a boy, aged about 15 months and 24 years rpxp^ctivoly, who wcro sleeping peacefully in two cradles covered over with sail-cloth. Both were carefully wrapped up, but their clothing bore no murks by which they could be identified. Attached to one of tho cradles was a paper bearing tho following words written la pencil : "I hnvc abandoned you because I am unable to support you, and as I cannot live without you, I nm about to drown myself to join your dead father. May somebody savo aud take care ot you." Tho two children have been sent to tho Hospice dcs Enfants AssLatcs, where several otters to adopt them have already been received.

The following account of the confinement of J. K. Emmet (Fritz) in an asylum, is given by im American journal :—" During his lust tour Joo Emmet has more than onco fallen back into his old habits, but h.is as often straightened up, and it was hoped that ho would bo ablo to linish his season and settle down at Albany, N.Y., where he has just purchased a home. Unfortunately, his arrival in New York was the signal for tho commencement of a debauch, which at last mutinied such an alarm'ng aspect that Mrs Emmet was compelled to apply for a warrant; for her husband's arrest, In order that ho might be put in some place where ho could not injuro either himself or others. When arrested poor Joe was In such a dreadful condition tint he had to bo dosed with bromide of potassium. The proceedings in Court were quietly conducted, Emmet begging with much apprehonsion and nervousness that ho might not be sent to tho Tombs. He was told that it would bo for his own good to bo placed in confinement, and on the 17th of June Joe Emmet, clover, rich, but the rictim to drink, was sent to the inebriate asylum at Flatbush, N.Y. His new home in Albany meanwhile stands unteuanted, a striking example of the cad effect of an iuvcterato love for liquor.

Tho swing-boats manufactured by tho ingenious Cheshire meu continue to attract hundreds of juroniles in the dusk of evening, to the switig hollow in YVelleslcy-street. Sc»cral young larrikins, the othor eveuing, were desirous of a swing on credit, but as tbo terms wore strictly "cash," credit could not be given, especially to strangers. Subsequently soveral big boys watched their opportunity and pounced upon Mr Broady from behind, got him down, for the purpoeo of holding him there while several of the ethers endeavoured to take a full swing. Mr Stubbs, however, prevented the liberty being taken. Meanwhile Mr Broady exerted himself and hurled his tormentors from him, who ran from the spot rather than fnco an overpowering antagonist. We warn the young dogs not to make a second attempt to bind a Samson.

A mooting of the Auckland Scottish Company of Volunteers was held last night ia the up-stairs room of tho Metropolitan Hotel. There were about 25 members present, Lieut. Anderson presiding. Major Dorrom was also present. The principal business was tho election of o captain. It was proposed by the chairman and seconded by Vol. Maher, that Mr H. A. H. Kitchens be appointed, which, on being put to the meeting, wa3 carried unanimously. The Lieutenant aud Sub-Lieutenant wero appointed a _ deputation to interview Mr Hitchons, and apprise him of his election. It was agreed that tho feather hat be done away with, but that tho kilta bo still retained. Major Derrorn read a list of battalion rules which had been passed at a previous meeting, which will come under consideration at another meeting, when the newly-elected captain is present. Major Derrom also spoke a few words of encouragement to the members, and urged upon them the necessity of attending the parades. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings.

Theophilus Jones married tho daughtor of his employer, at Clifton, Ohio, twenty years ago, and tho New York Sun gives his subsequent career:—" Ho was then an ambitious, spirited, wid moral young man. For a while ho realised expectation by prospering in business and becoming a representative man in tho placo ; but latterly he lapsed into drunkennoss, robbod his father-in-low, and abused his wifo. Sho obtained a divorce, and lived by herself with hor children, wltilo ho became an outcast. One day he presented himsolt at her houso, ragged and hungry, and begged to be taken in. Sho refused to bco him, and sent out her son to tell him that ho must go away or sho would pot a dog on him. The boy delivered tho message, and returned to tho dinner table, where the family was eating a hearty meal. Jones sat down on the porch, and wrote the following to Jii3 wife : " I havo refrained from committing suicide as long as I could, I havo done every tiling to obtain employment, but I have failed" t have no money, and am in a starving condition. I have now made up my mind to die. When this roaches you I shall be in another world. Take care of my dear children. God bless yen. Try and tcacU them to forget any faults that I had, and when I am gone try and forgivo all the wrong I havo dono you. May God bless you," Then, ho fired a bullet through his heart."

A billiard match took place at the Thistle Hotel last evening between Messrs Gallagher and Lyons, Mr Karrigan acting as marker. There was a considerable number present, and no small amountof interest was envineed in the game. Mr Lyons mado breaks of 44, 37, 27, and several of 20 ; while Mr Gallagher's principle breaks were, 26, 29, 31, and 33. An intermission took place when the score stood : Gallagher, 408 j Lyons, 321. On resuming the latter player pulled himself together and rapidly overtook # his opponent, winning eventually by 23 points. An old building, next to the shop of Mr Coombes, aud for many years in the occupation of Mr Cromwell, confectioner, is being pulled down for the purpose of_ making room for a new house more in unison with that part of Quoen-strect. We notice that Mr Sbailer's contract for tho new building has been accepted, and who will immediately commence tho new building in accotdance with plans and regulations.

The quarterly licensing meeting was held at Onehunga on Wednesday, before Messrs. R, C. Barstow, R.M. (Chairman), T. Paton, J. D. Jackson, and J, Robertson, Commissioners, when the following transfers were granted: —Royal Hotel, Onohunga, from Elizabeth George to W. Weston; Newmarket Hotel, from L. C. Caulton to J. W. Smith; Gwynne's Epsom Hotel, from Isaac Gwynne (deceased) to' Mrs Sarah Gwynne; Priuco of Walos Ootol, Howick, from Johanna Luudon to James Connolly; Ellerslio Hotel, from executors of H. Brennan to John Morrison.

Tho Rev. J. Beckenham will deliver a lecturo this evening iv the United Free Methodist school-room, Hobsou and Pitt streets, in aid of tho new School Building Fund. The subject of the lecture will bo "Uncle Tom," the submissive and prayerful hero of Mrs Beecher Stowe's once-popular story which materially assisted in the overthrow of South American slavery. We understand the church choir will assist in tho vocal department.

Tho Israelites of old desired a king to reign over them, and it seems the radicals of Ponsonby, in order to be on a par with Parnell and Onehunga, are anxious for a Mayor. A meeting will bo held this evening in the Ponsonby Hall for the purpose of moving in favour of Ponsonby being conotitutcd a borough under the provisions of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1876.

John Murray, of the Challenger expedition, has advanced a new theory of the structure and origin of coral reef* and islands, bated on recent discoveries. Tho abundant pelagic life of tho ocean was stated to be the chief food of the reef-build-ing corals and of tho deep sea animals. Tropical waters one mile square by a kun(ireu fathoms deep contain^ about sixteen tons of carbonate of lime in tho form of lime-secreting creatures. ■ Although so abundant in or near tho surface, these organisms aro quite absent from tho floor of the deep sco, becauso there tho carbonic acid soon dinsolves them. On sub-marine elevations thoso dead shells were met with in great abundance, becauso the solvent action of water had their less effect. Soon tho bonk iobo high enough to perve as a foundation for reef-building corals. An those corals built up the surface those at the outer margin, having a greater supply of food, reached tho surface first. If the coral plantation wan .small, the interior was filled up, and no lagoon was formod, but iv largo coral fiekln, where there was less food and lens detritus, a Ugoon was made. The carbonic acid in tho eca-watcr removed in .solution the lime of the dead corals and ooral rock from thclagoon. As tho atoll extended seaward, tho lagoon was thus widened and deepcuod.