The Evening Star. WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The evening News, The Morning News, and The News WEDNESDAY. OCTOBER 20.1880

Auckland Star, Volume XI, Issue 3197, 20 October 1880, Page 2

The Evening Star. WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The evening News, The Morning News, and The News

WEDNESDAY. OCTOBER 20.1880

For the causa that lacks assistance, For die wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, !_; 01 »d,tha MO I'that we can dn 'A \J

It is a fact significant of -the lamentable blundering of the harbour authorities that, after several years' experience with the abortion of a dook in Custom-house-street West-, the leading merchants of the oity have united in demanding that a large dook—ono capable of keeping the facilities of Auckland on an equality with those of other, porta of the colony—shall bo entered upon at all risks. The dock carried out by the Board, in spite of a strong public feeling, haa proved an untj uuliliocl failure. It) boa been - tbe means of turning away thousands of pound- of work from our shipbuilders and stands a complete and final obstacle to tho adoption of Auckland onsai an English Naval Station, or asarefjltmg pflTlh-fQr--4fae"S?SS" j^l"Fßmch vessels trading in these seas. We do not for a moment dispute the utility of a small dook, and if a tidfct'dock of moderate dimensions h&d'btM constructed on! tho site of tho presont wonderful structure, the Harbour Boarf_w.QTddhave, no. reason, to. reproach itself; but the dock is neither one thinj__ nor thefother. However, it is useless to say more about that now • we must make the beat of it, and the very beat is plainly indicated in the petition which was submitted to the Harbour Board yesterday. After such an expression of opinion there is no alternative for the Board but to give effect to it or resign, and let the question be tested by an appeal to the constituency. The cumbrous constitution of the Board renders it difficult to take the sense of public opinion except by petition, but the resignation of all the members of the Board who cannot see their way to comply with the request of the strong representative body of constituents who have now formulated their opinions would afford some chance of testing the matter by vote. Whether a big dock will pay is a question not worth arguing. With the progress made in all neighbouring ports of tho colony, a big dock is an absolute necessity .to Auckland if we ate to maintain our status. This being so, and the Board having now the support of tbe mercantile community in entering upon the task, it is surely not, .jinreasonable to expe^tjjjthe nJembers to devise a means of carrying out the scheme. Unlike the Boards of Dunedin and Lyttelton, our marine worthies have not to construct a harbour -aA well as a dock. Nature has done the heaviest part of the work for them, and their present duty is a very moderate one indeed. We believe that the existing dock might be turned into a tidal basin, and its pnmps removed to the larger structure at the North Shore. It wil| always be useful for the class of vessels that now take advantage of it. The Harbour Board debentures stand high in the London market, and the success of the city loan gives proof that local securities are held in good repute among English investors. The question of finance should not, ; therefore, present any difficulties that are insuperable, especially supported as the Board now is by that class of the community whose interests are most deeply concerned

The Hy»na brings news ot tbe illness of Malictoa, King of Samoa. The Danish, American, German, and Italian Consuls paid a visit toH.LG.M.S Hytena to-day.

An application by Mr W. Kirby, for an order upon two solicitors for the restoration of certain title deeds to property came before Mr Justice Richmond in chambers this morning. His Honor hehtthat he had no jurisdiction in the matter. Before such an order could be made, a jury, he said, would have to determine that the title deeds referred to wero the' applicants' property.

A preliminary meeting of creditors in the estate of William Norman, who describes himself as a settler of West Queen-street, waa held in the Supreme Court-house this morning, when Mr Thomas Macflarlane was elected trustee. The liabilities are stated at £551 12a. lOd., and the assets at ml.

I j tt e Editor : Sir,—l have to acknowI ledge the receipt of the following sums on j behalf of the poor family named Crab be, who have been in such distress. Kindly j give thia insertion in your issue: S. Parker, , 10s ; a Friend, per favour of Mr Rout, 10b ; J. Williams, ss. Capt. Goodman, 2 sacks potatoes; Sympathy, sa; and a few articles of clothing from other friends.—Chas Major,

(___Mr Justice Richmond sat in banco this morning aud heard two applications for discharge from bankruptcy, the debtors being E. D. Lawrence and George Dunnett. Mr Thorne appeared for the former, and Mr.1 Theo. Cooper for the latter. Thiere was no opposition in cither case, and as the legal forms h-id been duly complied With both applications wero granted.

The Glasgow weekly mail has an account of a quarrel between n barrister and member of the New Zealand Parliament,1 named Swan wick and a Mr Justice Hardirigl The whole story is npochryphal. There is. no barrister or member of Parliament of that name in New Zealand, and no such judge. Itis Bitnply aspecimeu of the blunders that liud their way into Engli .1 jouruals respecting this Colouy. The members of the New Variety Troupe, including Mesne, Margetts, Giiadley, and Elder Brothers left by steamer to-day for Coromandel, where it is intended to give a series of three variety entertainments, comprising popular songs nud laughable farces.

The Secretary of the Marine Department has intimated to the Harbour Board that tho Mokohinau lighthouso will be erected as soon as the funds ttro. available. . Tho necessary material is lying in storo. "A Parent" wiitcs that there arc some persons who visit St. Stephen's buryingground who arc constantly desecrating tho graves by such petty mean actions as removing the flowers, and very often tho pots, jugs, &c Since the Harbour Master's last report, 4000 tons of silt have been taken from the channel to tho deck and front of Quaystreet, and deposited at the railway reclamation. At the meeting of tbe Harbour Board, yesterday afternoon, Mr McKeuzie in the chair, it was agreed that the lease of the batbs site be extended for n further period of 21 years, on condition that if the site be required at tho end of 21 years it be taken over again by tho board without compensation. Tho question of lease of allotments y;!ii referred to tlio Works Committee iv order that they might bring up a report on the subject of reclamation gouerally in Freeman's Bay, The question of the re-lease of the bath site came under consideration at tbe meeting of the Harbour Board yesterday. The ' Works and Endowment Committee had recommended an extension of tho leas-e for a period of 21 yours, giving the Board power to resume possession at the cud of that period if the site bo required ior public purposes. Captain Dahiy moved that a clause be inserted providing that the Board give twelve mouths notice of resumption nt the termination of tbo lease. This amend-, ment was negatived, aud tho recommendation of the Committee adopted. The petition iv favour of tho establishment of a lißhmarket hns boon reforre. by the Harbour Board to the Works aud Endowment Committee. The adjourned meeting of Robinson's creditors took place yesterday, Mr .1. M. Clark presiding. Mr Richmond, solicitor, having explained the steps necessary fur bringing the debtor under tho operation of the Fraudulent Bankruptcy Act, it was resolved that the trustee should take-such steps as might be_ necessary for the attainment of that object. It was also agreed that the goods which had been sent to Mr 801 l subsequent to Robinson's departure should be handed over to Messrs Hcageand Co., of Sydney. They will likewise have refunded the rent paid by them during the month of August lust. Considerable disappointment has boon felt in business circles tq-day in consequence of the nob-arrival by the Tararua of poods ou board the Orient steamer, Aconcagua. The Aconcagua arrived iv Sydney on Saturday, and the Tararua did not leave till Wednesday at midnight, so that there was ample time to transfer the whole of the Auckland cargo, whereas only avery small portion of it has come. In ordering shipments by the Orient steamers tho object in view is solely to secure expeditious transit; and if lung delays occur after shipments reach Sydney the Orient line will be of very '.ittle use to New Zealand. Following on the annoyance caused by the loss of the Sorato, the. miscarriago with the Aconcagua's cargo haa greatly disgusted persons who arrange for regular shipments of novelties by the Orient line and will increase the desire for direct steamers to New Zealand, If tho Orient Company are to n;aitit-in their hold on this colony the connecting boats will have to make arrangements for a much better and more reliable junction than rules at present.

ThoJUopo of Manukau Lodge, 1.0. G.T., held a conversazione at Onehunga last evening. Tbe ball was well filled with a respectable aud appreciative audience. A. Whyte, Esq., occupied tho cbnir, and in a brief speech introduced the object of the meeting. The programmo was ft-fe_rjTfliy~ and attractive one, couipWsFog musical selecttoj^--tx-|lrtrMisßeß Hood, conea by "blisses Yauae and Morris, both ladies being iv good tune, were deservedly encored. A recitation, "My Wife," was given in. a masterly manner by Mr Harris. Sougs were given by Messrs Littlewood, Moslem, Westwood, and Nairn, who also delighted the audience with his wonderful powers of ventriloquism, holding, with apparent composure, convetsc with Mr Snow and his two babies. The Lodge choir rendered the glees, " Shepherds tell mo," and "Now, pray we for our country." In the interval a liberal supply of refreshments were handed round. A good and cnjoyablo evening was brought to a close with a comic sketchl>y Messrs Littlewood, Nairn, Manday, and Whisker. Miss Blnkey kindly and efficiently presided at the piano.

Mr Rees has been writing a series of letters in tho Wanganui "Herald" on " New Zealand politicians." They are full of fire and declamation. He contrasts New Zealand's administrators with Moaes, Alfred Tell, Luther, Cromwell, Sobicski, Washington, Kossuth, Gatibaldi, and a great number of other personages. He pays Vogel and his successors have taught New Zealand " that the only good was gold or broad acres, won like Naboth's vineyard by unholy means. They stifled every noblo aspiration and scoffed at every noble eentiment. Tbey became the custodians of their country's honor, of its credit, of its wealth, of its lands. Thoy dragged its honour through the dirt nnd tilth of a thousand discreditable actions; they ruined its credit; they squandered its wealth recklessly and wrongfully; they gave away ils lands to themselves and their friends against the law; they libelled citizens and were convicted by a jury of their own countrymen; they accused others of libelling them, and another jury found that the dreadfnl charges made were not- a libel. From the Crowned Head of Victoria to the most ignorant savage in the land, they injured and wronged ali classes. He winds up with a string Of charges which.if proved, would, render any ordinary set. of men liable to •capital punishment. .- Immediately upon the conclusion as to terms between the Crown Lands Board and Captain Steele (says the "Waikato Times"), the latter telegraphed home to his principals informing them that everything concerning the purchase of the Aroha lands had been settled, subject to the settlement of Mr Thomas Kussels claim to a portion of the block. In reply Messrs Grant and Foster have telegraphed expressing their approval of what has been done and requesting Captain Steele to urge upon the Government to settle the matter at once, as this ia necessary before they can accept the terms. This indicates that as.soon as the land is ready for settlement, no time will be lost in placing upon it that class of settlers which we have long desired. Although Captain Steele has little doubt, backed by the assurance of tbe Lands Board, that Mr Kussel's claim will be settled, Messrs Grant aud Fsster not. being so well acquainted with tho particulars naturally wished all doubts removed before sending out any settlers We.aincercly hope in the interests of the Colony that the Government will allow no obstacle to stand in the way of the settlement of the Aroha lands by the Lincolnshire Farmers.

Tho Protestant Alliance Benefit Society : held its first annual entertainment last night in the Protestant Hall, Newton, which was fully attended. The hall was decorated nicely,.and the members appeared In full regalia. After a generous repast the Rev. T. W. Dunn was voted to the chair, and opened with a congratulatory speech. Mr J. V. Wiley, Deputy Chief Councillor from the High Court of Australasia, gave a succinct history of the order and the mode of its operations from its commencement in New South Wales, seven years ago. The funds cf the New South Wales lodges, he said, amounted to £8111, while those of the Grand Council exceeded £2000. As to the benefits derived by members iv cases of illness, they were as follows :—A guinea per week sick pay for lirst six months; half a guinea second six months : and 5s 3d per week for balance of period of sickness. At the death of a member's wife he received £15; at the death of a member his widow received £25; if aftor five years' membership, £30. The widow, on payment of 16s 6d por quarter in advance was entitled to medical attendance and medicine for herself and family. Subscription fee was Is per week, with 2s S)d levy per quarter. Nearly all the loc.il Friendly Societies of Auckland were represented, and a number of good songs sung between the addresses. The whole was agreeable and entertaining. ' . :...«' _■_._*

Mr Tole has written to the Harbour Board ou behalf of Mr Lundon, claiming that the deposit in respect to the contract for the supply of piles be returned, j '■_.

Acpncert in aid of the building fttnd will be given in St. James' Hall-to-morrow evening by Mrs Mitchell and the choir of the church. The programme, which has been selected with great care and taste, is advertised in another column. It includes a number" df/thc most popular songs, glees, a duet, .md a tiio.

The Harbour Board yesterday considered the question of leasing the toll?, weighbridge, etc., and decided to continue them for another year. It was pointed out that the annual revcuue from this source amounted to £I,SOO, Out Mr Compton, who advocated, a j.jte^said the tolls cost per ccnt.Tn*colteclioii,

'■ The dmt of cotatnictiiig a liindiilg place for cargo boats near Mr Niccol'a Reserve, 'ffaSW'Sh-re;"is' estimated at £CSO, ami of tho roadway £50," The cost of a 1,300 feet wharf at Ponaonby is estimated at £1,300. The members,of the Court Nil Dcsperauduni, A.0J1., arc requested by advertfsnietit iv our coltlinns of this evening's issue to be present at tho fortnightly meeting on Thursday next at: the Masonic Hall, Newton, when business of great importance will be brought forward with tlie viow of still advancing Forestry in the Auckland district. '.us "-'■-■

Another lire-bell [alarm! J disturbed tho residents of Grey-street last night .about ten o'clock, but which was'of no serious consequence. The junction bell rang, and tlie lure Brigade under Mr Superintendent Hughes wero promptly in attendance at the house clobc by the Ciown Hotel. The lire, however, had Hot taken hold of the build-ing,-md was easily extioguished l>F/tt few bucket. m water. It is supposed'that tho cause of tho alarm was tho placing of a candle too near some loose paper which caught fire. Porsons cannot be too careful with candles in houses.

To tbo Editor: Sir,—Through your .oiinniiß could you Impress upon the City Council, now that the dry weather is coming iv, the necessity of putting what standpipes there ate left in order, so that the horses can procure 0 drink, moio especially the one iv VipUuin -street near the Empire Hotel, as 011 trying vainly tho other day to procure my .oi^-ii drink, T had to give up, all the water escaping insido before reaching the trough? At-this place some hundreds of gallons of water ;are wasted every day.—Yours, &c, Houseman.

The huge turtle, which has been an object of attraction for some days in the yard of the Auckland Hotel, was,killed yesterday, and will speedily he. devoted to turtle sou*> by Mr 1 In in ley, mnl ready to meet the taste ami suii*fy iho, .appetite, ef,." diners out," who may be disposed to turn into the Auckland restaurant for n delicate dish. Mts .Hamley will supply families with small quantities at the same time, but in order to secure a dainty inodiemn it will he necessary to apply early. E-nerslie is going ahead.' During tho lust tew mouths several really handsome buildings have been erected, conspicuous aniuug'wbicilhrc'tho-villa residences of Mf Somnierficld, Mr A, Sonndorß, Mr Howard, and others of th.it ilk. .Ellerslie cuu now boast of a church, school-house, gcntnl store, slanglitpr-houSe, two hotels, aud wc utid-fsfcantr'A smithy will sbortly be started. Laud is rising iv value rapidly in the suburbs, w.hichjiuay, in Some measure, be atltihoted to theliij;h price asked for residential .-ilea nt I'arc ell andfßemuer a.

A meeting ot tho South Auckland Cattle Board was held yesterday afternoon, in the Fanners' Club. , Present: Every Maclean, Esq.,chairman,3 leasia IJorguason, Fanthaiu, Runcimab, and Mr W. fc'cott, secretary, A letter was rdad from Mr Story, tendering his resignation, which was accepted. Two letters were,ulso r recoived from Inspector Kuncitiian : First, dated 15th October, stating that as yet ho could not recommend tho removal of tho restrictions from the Waikato Land, Company's property ; the second, dated tlio 16' th October, stating that he had inspected'Mr'Burke's cattle at Te A-ivanititd, but Under tho circumstances could not :it present recommend the res-t-ictions to be removed from his farm. It was thenievolved Uiat Inspectorßunciraan's report bo received aud forwarded to tbe managers. A desultory conversation then ensued on the action of tho Government re mob of cattle driyon in ; throogh the.Waikato Land Company's property. It was strongly denounced by Messrs Fergosson and Fantbam, and it waS finally determined that the telegrams sent and received should he submitted to the press for publication. Yesterday His Graco Archbishop Steins, accompanied by Father Wnltor McDonald paid' a return visit to Captain Pntryen, on bom. the French Warship Dayot. The Captain sen L.is hwsh Wm cqutppTSd, to (lie wliart, to convcy-HU Grac; on board. The Archbishop was received by thd captain, officer.-", and men,—the latter presenting arms. His Grace was conducted by the ctip'ain to the stato-room, whero he and the officers conversed for some time, After,^he usual exchange of courtesies,' the Archbishop returned ou shoro in tho launch, no doubt well pleased with lm visit to the Dayot. We ! nitdet-tahd thit Biif Grace spoke in terms of.muck praise uf the courtcy and attention shown hiiu by all, and of the. order which prevailed on board. ; In the afternoon at 2 o'clock, i father 'Walter and Captain Parryen .visitet} the three school 4Hm"lm_&ta of Mercy. Wytfdha rasfrcet,. St.. Pfiter'Bj_ and High School, for,. boy .';' Pitt aiid "Wellington-streets. The" Captain was pleased notonly with the large number of pupils attending {he schools,' but alao with their neat and cheerful appearance—especial!? the young ladies of. the select school. He subsequently—in company with the Archbishop and Father McDonald—paid a visit to Sit, Mary's con-, vent, V<__6tSjfl the select and"warding schools, also the orphan institution, in which Hia Grace tikes ao large an interest. At the.ic schools he was much struck with the elecancc of the buildings, the magnificent position Occupied by them, arid the discipline and perfect order which prevailed. He' -wrote -very ' flattering reports in the books kept lor that, purpose at both Institutions, tis well as St.T'eters boys' school... No doubt -the captain will long retain'an agreeable reminiscence of his visit yesterday to tho 'Various Catholic" schools. It may be here stated that he did. not take* hia leave 6t the Orphan children without gujng a substantial proof of his appreciation of the excellent and , very laudable work 8--0-unostentatiously accomplished by the good iiQiis.on their behalf.

Wc would inform oar readers -that T. McMaster has opOned bis Second Shipment of Summer Goods. f?o there for Millinery, Uresves, Fichus, and Men's and-Boys' Clothing, as they are very choico and cheap. -fAnvT.]

To the' Editor: "Sir?— With reference to the man, John McGill, who .met with the accident on the wharf -at the ship AVaikato, and who died on Saturday last and interred to-day, there were.men present representing every firm on the wharf- at the funeral, excepting the firm tp, whom I the man was working for at the time of the accident. Either one of. tlie. firm should have been there, the master or the foreman.— Signed, J. Kirk (Capt. Elliot's), D. Wood (Capt. Nearing's), W. Pattridae (Pattridge and Hobs'), F.Davis (W.Crnickshank's), Hi' Adge(J. Keid nodCo.'s). J. Bell, J. Crowlcv, W. Jones, C. Whiter, W. Ashford.—Oct. l'j). Committee of the friends of tbe late John McGill:—H. Adye, D. Woods, F. Diver, W. Jones, jnn., J. Crowley, W. Ashford, W. Paltridge, Charles Whi .in, J. Bell, T. Kirk. Committee meet at the British Hotel at seven o'clock on Friday.—Advt,