WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1880.

Auckland Star, Volume XI, Issue 3240, 8 December 1880, Page 2

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1880.

We hereby certify the issue of the Auckland Evening Star jar tie week ending Dectemhet ith, 1880, to have been as under: —

Total issue for week... 38,623 GEORGK FRABER)PubIIo Accounty ants and T. LEI«H WHITE 1 City Auditors.

Tee amicable settlement oi a series of most intricate disputes over the opening of Te Aroha, without any appeal to law, is attributed by the miners to the good management of Mr Warden Kenrick. It is generally agreed on the field that no one could have conducted matters better, and now that the first excitement has cooled down, and there has been time for reflection, the Warden has become the most popular man on the goldfield. It turns out that the rule which the Auckland brokers objected to — and not without apparent reason —has played an important part in bringing to a speedy termination the contested claims to ground which was pegged many times, over by riral parties. There are always on a new goldfield a number of adventurers ready for any chance of turning a penny without the labour and uncertainty of prospecting and protracted mining operations. To peg out a likely piece of ground which is known to be favourably regarded by experienced miners, offers a temptation not to be resisted. But to fully man this ground in order to hold it. is a condition not taken into the calculation, and beyond the resources of many of these people. Hence their readiness to compromise. Mr Kenrick appears to have turned his experience on the West Coast goldfields to good account. Ehe regulation was one founded upon knowledge of gold mining gathered in that district, so prolific of rushes ; and combined with the Warden's success in negotiating with miners, and making them amenable to sound common sense advice, it has prevented a good deal of litigation and hastened the real test of the resources of the field—both ends to be desired

With reference to the prospeots of Te Aroha not much can yet be predicated with certainty—but what is known could hardly be more encouraging. Time will be required to test the reefs already discovered. They can;i

neither be permanently nor profitably worked by picking out crushing btonc or specimens in an irregular way from outcrops. Works must he opened systematically, and that cannot be clone in a day. The claims now occupied will hardly be got into fair working order until after Christmas. But the existence of good gold has been proved over a much wider area than is commonly known. The Warden has been informed of discoveries 'and has been placed i n possession of specimens proving the existence of rich veins miles away from that centre -which found special favour in the eyes of those who wait or the discoveries of others rather than strike out a new path for themselves. One loose stone weighing six pounds with very little to recommend it 3 outsklo appearance, picked up in the vicinity of the prospectors' ground, was handed to the Warden by a Maori. On being taken to Shortland and broken, it revealed a mass of almost solid gold, imbedded in the boulder in coarse grains. The Warden has sent portions of the stone to Wellington, in proof that rich gold does exist on tho field. The stone does not resemble the prospectors' reef, and is supposed to have come from somo reef in the neighbourhood which has never been brought to light. The field has already borne more fruit than Temora had when it drew a population of ten thousand inhabitants, yet it would bo the height of madness for peoplo to repeat tho Tomora folly. Thero are many reasons why a rush wou Id bo inadvisable, not the leaat of which is tho well-established fact that thero is no alluvial gold, not oven in tho creeks. Quartz reefing, on which the future of tho field rests, is a description of mining which requires capital, and takes time and costly machinery to develop, and there is yet no machinery ou the goldfield. Persons without m9anß or mining experienco, therefore, venturing ou the ground, are likely to suffer no little hardship, and it would bo highly reprehensible to eucourago thorn to inour such a risk. Tho great futuro of tho district, however, whether gold is found thero in payable quantities or not, comes homo to every visitor in looking across the fertile plains that stretch away as far as tho eye can reach. This grand country must soon become peopled with prosperous settlors, a sourco of great wealth to Auckland. If, in combination with its unsurpassed agricultural capabilities, thero is great minoral wealth, Te Aroha will indeed, bo one of the most attractive and prosperous districts in New Zealand.

The advent of Sir Hercules Robinson to the Governorship of the Capo does not find favour with the press of that colony, but the articles we have perused do not display intimate study of his political views and antecedents. Most of the references to tho new Governor consist of biographical sketches containing, however, little more than is to be found in the current manuals. The past history of Cape politics has been marked by stroug party bitterness, the varying interests of many widely-isolated centres of population having created a large number of cliques. If Sir Hercules Robinson is popular with one little coterie, ho is sure to excite the political animosity of tho rest. One of the main points upon which tho adverse criticism is based is Sir Hercules' connection with the turt, as if that were any depreciation of his fitness as a Governor, aud the fact were not well known that somo foremost British statesmen were amongst the most liberal patrons of sporty The Cape " Times " refers to the Governor's participation in a ticket drawn by Mrs Fisher, the wife of a Wellington publican, iv a sweep on the cup, and remarks that should His Excellency sympathise with the exastingJOppositiou, his horsoyness will be fluug in his faco in Parliament. Wo do not believe, however, that such a catastrophe would seriously disturb his equa-iimity, without any intention of perpetrating a pun. In Sydney and New .Zealand Sir Hercules made no secret ot his connection with the turf, frequently presided at sporting dinners and delivered speeches iv which horse-racing and athletics were treated as necessary national institutions. Another ground of dissatisfaction is "Mr Hercules Robinson's isyrapathy with tho policy of federation. Tbe " Uape Post" appears to think that the new Governor goes eveu boyond Sir Bartle Frere in his advocacy of this policy, charging him with " going on the Btump"in Australiainsupportof his views, and with attempting to tickle an audience in a back part of the country by the use of arguments in a manner that was as coarse as it was humorous. Evidently plain speaking and an absence of awe for the sacred persons of Her Majesty's Vice-regents arc amongst the distinguishing characteristics of the Cape settlers. Tho article to which we refer goe." on to say : —" So far as ho could fill the position, Sir Hercules Kobinson was the apostle of federation in Australia ; and if he were so there, what is he likely to be here ! In Australia they have no native, difficulties of any importance : they are not a drain on Great Britain for troops and money, nor are they in danger of bringing England into small but expensive ".wars. The [conditions are reversed in South Africa, and it may be easily conceived how Sir Hercules Robinson will act when he is the guardian of tho interests of Downing Street. To gain his ends he will probably flatter the old Separation party, cajole the Dutch after tho manner ot Mr Froude and Sir Bartle Frere, and indulge in sentimental rhetoric about the grandeur of a great Dominion. He will most likely—for he is apt at quotations—bring the poets to bear upon the subject, and using their imagin atioas for reason, try, like his predecessor, to shift tho military expenses of Natal and the Transvaal from England to the Caps Colony. It is for this he has been at last selected as Governor of thu colony, and it is well to know how his selection is justified in the eyes of the Imperial Government by his previous career." This is the first time we have ever heard of Sir Hercules Robinson's erudition in poetry. Our impression has always bepn that his aptness at quotations lay more in the field of turf nomenclature than in the flowery paths of literature. Probably our Cape contemporary has confounded Sir Hercules Robinson with Sir George Bowen, whose penchant for long flowery orations, liberally embellished with quotations ancient and modern, must be fresh in the minds of our readers.

Messrs ifraser ana Wnite, City Auditors aad Public Accountants, certify that the issue of the Evening Star last week was 38,023.

Judge Gillies has allowed no delay to take place in the resumption of his official duties. He made his appearance in the Supreme Court building this morning, and has been engaged there the greater part of the day.

There are seven applications for licenses at Te Aroha. The warden has only granted two to existing houses, and does not intend to grant any more until the field is tested.

; Mr Warden Kenrick left for Coromandel to-day with the intention of holding a Court and visiting the Tiki. If the prospects of the latter placo warrant, it is probablo that the district will be brought under the operation of the Goldfields Act, a procedure which will greatly facilitate the search for the precious metal, and will secure the interests ot prospectors.

German residents in Auckland repudiate altogether the statement made in Wellington papers that supplies are furnished cheaper to German war vessels in the Empire City than in Auckland j they say th&t the Nautilus did not purchase any supplies except fresh meat, and her visit to Wellington was only authorised at the urgent request of Germans living in Wellington. The whole story about the advantageous charactor of Wellington supplies they pronounce unmitigated "blow.'l

The preliminary arrangements for the Proctor lectures on the wonders of the heavens are announced. The coime will consist of six lectures, which will be given in the Choral Hall on alternate eveuings, commencing next Monday. The title of the opening discourse 13 "The Life and Death of a World," and all the lectures will be illustrated by a large number of illuminated pictures shewn by the oxy-hydrogen light. Course-tickets will be issued for both divisions of the hall; and the plan of reserved seats will be opened to courseticketholders for selection at Messrs Upton and Co.'B on Friday morning. Latest telegrams state that Mr Proctor has been drawI ing crowded houses at Napier.

We learn that Mr Craig, late of the Christchurch "Globe," has joined Mr Webb as partner in the " Poverty Bay Standard."

Private advices from the scene of the Taupo Native Lands Court state that the proceedings have been interrupted by the unwillingness cf the natives to allow the lawyers to appear for them. Kenata is now the only native of aoy importance who will recognise Dr. Buller's position aa a legal representative in the Court.

Work on the Eotorua road is being pushed steadily ahead. The bridge contracts will soon be finished, and only about six weeks' work remains to be done to make the bridle track through the bush available. When this is completed,Ohinemutu will be within an easy da>'s ride from Cambridge. —" Waikato Times."

A match between the sailing boats Imp and Hattie May will probably bo the outcome of tho sweepstakes race last Saturday. The owner of the latter boat has challenged the former for any sum up to £20, but the challenge has not yet been accepted.

On Friday next a concert of an unusual character will take place at the Choral Hall. The senior scholars of City East School, numbering about 200 voices, will sing most of the pieces, the girls taking the air and the boys the alto. They will be supplemented with a strong force of bass, which will givo unity and strength to the whole. One uncommon feature will be the entire absence of instrumental music, and another will be the singing of two glecH by the Maori students from the Three Kings College. Tho proceeds will bo in aid of tho fund for tho children's prizes.

Tho National Mutual Life Association has published a "Guide to Melbourne," copies of which aro presented to visitors to tho Exhibition. Mr Milne, tho Auckland Agent, hits received a parcel for distribution in Auckland. Tho "Guide" id ft woll-printed hook in stiff cove™. It contains a readable sketch of Melbourne and its suburbs, and appended are tables showing tho distances from Melbourne to various up-country towns nnd adjacent colonies, postage and telegraph rates, nnd other information. This matter is used as a moans of introducing to visitors the tables of tho company, which are bound up in the book. It is a capital idea, and one that will bring this progressive company into a good deal of prominence, Tho monthly inspection of tbo Enginoei Company, and Naval Brigade, takes place on Friday eveniug next, iustead of taking tho order they usually do, viz , after the Artillery ; in that case the parade would have been on Christmas eve. Being tho last parade of the year, there should be a good number of each corps present.

Tho successful applicants for tho positions of master find matron of the Indus. trial Homo nro Dr. and Mrs Ilarvoy, it: tho places of Mr and Mrs Stickloy re signed.

The Spiritualistic Progressive Association of Auckland have received advices that Dr.

Peebles will not be able to visit Mew Zealand at present, iv consequence of pressing engagements in America, aud that in (ill probability Professor Donton, the celebrated author of " The Soul of Things," will pay New Zealand aud Australia a visit at an early date. Meantime the Spiritualists have secured the services of Mr G. W. Simons, who will deliver a trance oration at 8 o'clock on Sunday evening next in the Lome-street Hall.

The Government offer a roward of £500 and a free pardon to anyone, not being the principal offender, who shall give such evidenco as will lead to the conviction of the person or persons who stole from tho U.S. Company's steamer Tararua a box containing 12550z of gold, valued at £5,000 in November last.

There has been a most unusual dearth of insolvencies iv Auckland during thelpast mouth, and the gentlemen who hunger and thirst after agreeable little contracts for whitewashing are beginning to find their occupation gono. There must be somo hidden reason for such an abnormal and almost unparalleled Btato ot affairs, but after bo much philosopoizing upon the svbjcct, the puzzle hnsbcen given up as inscrutable. It may be said that the people are hoarding up their spare cash for the holidays, that creditors nave no time to devoto to their debts, or that the impecunious have betaken themselves to To Aroha for the improvement of their tortunes. At any rate the peculiar haunts of the bankrupt arc deserted, and the obliging white-washers arc languishing iv unprotitable idleness. They solace themselves, however, with the attenuated hope that "thiugs will look up" after the new year.

At the ordinary meeting of tho Onehunga Borough Council, tho Mayor in the chair, several applications were received in relatiou to the bad state of some of the district roads. The water supply return showed that during Novumber the supply had been 34,525 gallons to 29 vessels, producing £14 8s 6d. A petition was received—respecting the dispute between contractors asking the Council to agreo to refer the matter in dispute between the contractor and the Engineer of the waterworks to arbitration. The difference is solely with reference to extra works on the contract for which the Engineer allowed £180, while the contractor claims £527, and refused to accept the Engineer's certificate, to which he was bound by the contract. A tender was accepted, £12 10a for the erection of a second pump at. the Springs. The current accounts were passed and tho Council rose.

The examinations for passing the standards are proceeding, and Mr Goodwin, assistant inspector, has been busy during the last few days in the Wellesley-street East School, where 650 children have been put to the test.

Tuakau is showing great improvement, and promises to be one of tho most prosperous of country settlements. The new hotel erected adjacent to the railway station is now completed, and will prove a great convenience to the travelling public who demre to sojourn at Tuakau. At the present time the licensed house is two miles in the interior, and is merely an apology for a public house. Mr Cohen will have no difficulty in obtaining a transfer to his new and more conveniently situated premises. The annual service of song in connection with S. Matthew's Sunday-school will be held to-morrow evening in the parish church, Hobson-street. Tho choir will be under the care of Mr Thos. H. Webb, and the intersecting readings will be given by tho Rev. W. Tebbs, the minister. The

service of song will be new to the congregation, being the "Children's Messiah," illustrative ot tho life of Christ, with connective passages from the writings of tho four evangelists. The service is exactly suited to Christmas-tide, and theintersecting hymns are suitably arranged and wedded to

original manic by Thrupp, Croft, Giardini, Ne»nder, Turle, and Dr. Maurice. _ As the choir have duly practiced the music, it is expected that Mr Webb's pupilß will be more successful than on a former occasion. The wretched abode of the unfortunate women of Chancery Lane, who have been transferred to their old quarters at Mount Eden, is more silent than Hood's " Haunted House." " O'er all these hangs a mystery and a fear." The house was a disgrace to humanity, and it is gratifying: to learn that it will shortly be but a memory among

jackboots and things of the past. The lessee of this " Rat's Castle, Edward May, had spent many years before the mast, and until recently was bottle washer at the Thistle Hotel. The old sailor, however, has had no occasion to work with the vigour of former days, as the rents and gratuities of the frequenters of the old house had been found amply sufficient, not only for the necessaries, but even for the luxuries, of his life. Ned seems perfectly resigned to his lot at Mount Eden, although stone-breaking does not suit his' hands, which mouths of ease have softened. Carl Adams, a boy of 12 years of age, met with a slight accident on Saturday at the island of Motuihi. Adams was an inmate of the Howe-street Institution, but with other boys was placed at the quarantine station, fle wandered alone to the top of the cliff, and laid down in the shade of a bough, fell asleep, and rolled down upon the eands. It was fjund however, that he had received no serious injury beyond a few scratches, and the damage was simply a rent in his trousers. The promoters of the anti-Patetere meeting at Te Awaniutu explain their absence from the meeting at the hour appointed by the fact that they were waiting for their letters. After those favourable to the

Government had carried their resolutions, the other party came in and turned the

balance of the meeting. A resolution, moved by Mr Cunningham, and seconded by Mr Hamsay, in dead opposition to the former resolution was put and agreed to by a large majority. Jt was as follows:—That in the|opinion of this meeting, the Houses of Assembly will not be doing their duty if they do not make a searching enquiry into the action of the Government in handing over the Patetere block to Messrs Whitaker and Sheehan. Mr Roche moved, "That Mr Cunningham's resolution be forwarded to Sir George Grey to lay before the House. Mr Sloane said Jthe resolution should be forwarded through their own member, but his suggestion was overruled, and Mr Roche's motion carried." '

Amongst the successful candidates for the New South Wales Parliament we observe the name of Mr Philip George Myers, elected for Argyle. Mr Myers was some years since a resident ot Auckland.

The young people connected with the | school and congregation of the Ponsonby Baptist Church were treated to a Christmas Tree entertainment last evening under the chairmanship of the Bey. K. Jones. The royal tree was weighted with nearly 400 prizes, consisting of playthings, albums, and toys ot every description. In addition to the toys Miss Hirst, with her wonted amiability, interested the children and company with several songs. Miss Owen also rendered several pleasing compositions effectively. Rev. Mr Jones was full of native humor, and successfully interested the audience. The meeting closed with votes of thanks to the liberal donors of| the gifts, the singers, and the chairman. The paragraph in our last night's issue, relative to the fruit mission at the hospital, conveyed a wrong impression with reference to the gift of strawberries. The whole of the fruit was presented gratis by Mr William Mason, of Ponsonby. Tho steamers from the South are bring-

ing up a number of old faces for the holidays. These birds of passage invariably wing their flight thither at this season of the year, and circulate amongst friends and ncquaintances the bullion which they have been accumulating for months beforehand.

" Dcvant si Je puis," who went out to Remuera last evening to hear Mr Munrp's lecture on " Livingstono," writes complaininc that during the delivery of tho lecture the audience was repeatedly interrupted by the somewhat loud conversation that was carried on between two young ladies, who evidently seemed to have forgotten that they were present at a time, and in a place, where silence should be strictly observed.

A musical ana literary entertainment will take place in the Grafton Koad School on Friday evening next, December 10th, at 7.30, consisting of pianoforte solos, duets, and quartets. Songs will be given by Messrs Slater, McMurdo, Burnham, Forth, Coates, Gradwell, Abernethy, Ryan, and Panters. Headings, &c., by (he children, Tho performance will bo in aid of tho Children's Prize Fund.

To-day Mr Allaway, a clerk in the Post Ofh'co, fell down in an apoplectic fit, and had to be taken home in a cab.

Friday's "Observer" — much enlarged and improved—will contain a superbly lithographed sheet, giving nearly a dozon views of tho now goldflold at Te Aroha; alao, a'portralt of Mr K. A. Prootor, and many other novel foaturos.—(Advt.)

A Musical Novklty.—Tho "First Extha" Waltz, just published. Coplosoan bo obtained only nt Eadv's " New Musi O Warichouhie," next to Canning's, Quoon-Htroot, on Monday, Decomb«r6th. Price: Two ShlllinßS 2).-[ advi1.

Monday, Nov. 29 6,416 Tuesday, ,,30 6,415 Wednesday, „ 1 6,465 Thursday, „ 2 6,457 Friday, „ 3 6,401 Saturday, „ 4 6,469