The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, The Morning News and The Echo. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1880.

Auckland Star, Volume XI, Issue 3242, 10 December 1880, Page 2

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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1880.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the Rood that we can do.

The address delivered by His Worship tbo Mayor upon retiring from ofiice, and which we publish verbatim in Another part of to-day's issue, is a carefully condensed reviow of tho chief work performed by tho City Council during tho past year. It will repay perusal because although the facts narrated have all come under public notico more or less prominently as they arose, it is only when connected together that a full view is obtained of our municipal progress. Mr Peacock must be congratulated upon an administration that has been in every respect satisfactory. Good work has been done, and a substantial balance is still left in the Treasury. It is true that the surplus of £13,807 remaining for permanent works during the ensuing year has accrued from borrowing; but the loan was necessary to place the city finances on a good footing, and the money was raised judiciously and on terms more favourable than were ever obtained before. Moreover, the ordinary revenue account is shown to be in a thoroughly sound condition. The excellent credit of the city was very strikingly demonstrated in the transfer of the Improvement Commissioners Trust from the Commissioners to the city, which secured an immediate saving of £800 a-year in the interest charged by the Bank of IS ew Zealand upon the outstanding debt. Funds have now beon obtained for the proper administration of the Trnst and the application of its public, recreation ground to the purpose for which it was reserved by law. The execution of this work is left to the incoming Mayor, and no more important public undertaking, or one bringing more permanent gratitu de from the citizens, qould have fallen to the lot of the head of our city government. The most notable municipal achievements of 18S0 are undoubtedly the opening of the Free Public Library and the erection of public baths, and in both instances the retiring Mayor is entitled to no small personal share of the credit.

I Besides stating what has been actually accomplished, Mr Peacock gave the fruits of the observations he has made on municipal topics during his recent visit to the South and Australia. He might have extended his remarks under this head very considerably without wearying his hearers. In the management of Free Public Libraries, Mr Peacock has gained valuable information which will be placed at the disposal of the Library Committee. He has also been impressed with the importance of making provision for the future requirements of a great city in selecting; a site for the Town Hall and municipal offices. And finally, having enquired into the working of the tramway system in the South, he has satisfied himself that it is a success and must ultimately find adoption in this city. In anticipation of its advent he has taken a note of the defects in the agreements under which tramways have been constructed by private enterprise in the South, with a view to avoiding them in any contract which our own city government may hereafter enter into.

In retiring from two years of office Mr Peacock will have the satisfaction of knowing that his administration has met with the approval both of the burgesses and his colleagues in the Council. He has been careful and painstaking, always prepared to sustain the public duties of the office with digDity, and at the same time manifesting breadth of view and a spirit of fairness in dealing with questions brought before the Council. Mr Peacock has made a very

good Mayor, and his example will, we hope, excite to a spirit of emulation a series of equally good successors, animated by a strong desire to make Auckland the Premier city of New Zealand. j

Invitations have been issued by the Mayor elect tor a dinner at Canning's on Wednesday the 15th inst. at 7.30 p.m.

Coal has been found at Ngunguru about balf-a-milc distant from the main river of NgungurH.

The next trip of the Fishing Association will take place to-morrow at 1.15 p.m., weather permitting.

Constablo Wild, of Hamilton, brought in a prisoner named John Doogan, sentenced to two inonihs' imprisonment for cruelly beating his wife.

His Honor Mr Justice Gillies sat in the Chambers this morning, and determined a large number of formal applications, principally relating to probate. None of them were possessed of any public interest.

The discovery of quartz near Pokeno was made about three miles from the station. It is a well-defined reef. The range in which the discovery was made is of similar character to that at tho Thames.

Asa gentleman of Parnell was proceeding to his residence, on Wednesday night, he was attacked by a dog, supposod to belong to tho night-men, who were passing at the time. The dog bit tho gentleman rather severely in the calf of his leg, and left the marks ol his teeth, from which blood flowed freely.

Tho official enquiry which Mr H. Wit liamnon (Kcgistrar of tho Supremo Court; has been making into the matters of account between tho Government and Mr J. 0. Young was lininhcd last night, but the re. suit will not be known for boiuo tiiuo yet. Tho witnesses examined wero Mr J. 0, Young, Mr J. F. Churton, and Mr A, Warbrick.

A joint meeting of Bismarck and Tokatea directors' wiib held to-day, to consider a lotter from Mr Wauliss, contractor for the tunnel, refusing to continuo tins work. It was resolved that the tunnel should bo carried on by the companies,

The quarterly competition for tho Navnl Brigade medal took |place this morning at the Mount Eden range, under tho superintendence of Sub-Lieut. Smith. The ranges

wcro 200, 400 and 500 yards, with live shots at each, and tho number of competitorß was ten. The result was in favour of PettyOlliccr K. Smith, who made n Bcore of fiftytwo points,

The weekly meeting of tho North Auckland Cattle Board was held to-day, there being present:—Messrs J. May (chairman), J. Dilworth, J. Wallace, and T. Morrin. After some discussion, it was agreed that tho cattle now on board the Coomoraug, belonging to Mr Horwood, bo allowed to be landed and conveyed to Mr Buckland's sheds and paddocks at Newmarket, and kopt isolated from all other cattle, or to Mr Wiggins' stables, as may bo approved by the Inspector, This concluded the business.

A special train will leave Auckland^ tor

Onchunga. and intermediate stations at 10.15 p.m. Monday, and after each of the Proctor lectures. An Inspection of tho plan of the seats at MessrsUptou'sshowsfthatlthe Auckland pnoplo are much interested in the visit of tho popular astronomer. To tho Editor: Sir,—l see in your last night's paper " Critic" asks several questions re tho Kesidcnt Magistrate's Court. I also have a question that I would like to he answered. Has any Government ollicial the right to close his office on St Andrew's Day—not being proclaimed a public holiday, and thus prevent tho petition of 200 citizens being received, though it was presented in time ? —Yours, &c, Another Critic.

Mr Goldio, Sanitary Inspector, has been appointed Registrar of Dogs.uudcr the Dog Kcgister Act of 1880. Whatever a " dog registrar" may mean, one thing we kuow, that Mr Goldia has a terrific " down " upon dogs, of all sizes and colours, and it will occupy a large share of his time, if he takes the tally ot each dog and its name, as it comes into the world. But perhaps his duty

extends no further than giving v collar to

each dog when they are graciously proscuted by their owners to him at tho Couucil Chambers, the duty of collecting the tax

haviug vow been transferred to the city,

To the Editor : Str,—uoum you inform a constant rnader if the Insurance Companies approve of uuocoupied insured buildings being left with windows and doora open all night, and, in case of iirn, how it would affect the policy, if such was proved ?— Yours, &c, Insurance. -[It is not at all likely that any lusuranco Company would approvo of such negligence.—Ed. E.S.]

Tbo entertaiumont in tho Newton East

school was well attended by scholars and their friends, and the proceedings were generally of a plca3inc; tone. The decorations were placed with artistic skill and taste, and added much to the interest of the scene. The chair was occupied by Mr Mogiuie, who gave the inaugural address. Mr Slator, organist of St, Mary's, presided at tho pianoforte. The readings of the scholars were highly creditable. Mr Smallfield gave a capital reading. Several songs were giveu with much success.

Tho total population ot the world and that of the separate continent", according to the most recent data,are exhibited in the following figures :—Europe, 315,929,000; Asia,

834,707,000; Africa, 205,679,000 j America, 95,495,500 ; Australia and Polynesia, 4,031,000; Polar regions, 82,000; the world, 1,455,923,500. This shows an increase, since the last publication 19 months ago, of 16,778,200 ; so the population of the world is increasing at the rate of 883,063 a-monlh, or of 29,435 a-day.

Tho ladies of St. Patrick's who form the bazaar committee held a meeting yesterday afternoon in the Select School, Wyndlmmstreet, His Grace Archbishop Steins in the chair. Among gentlemen present wcte the very Rbv. Father Fynes, Vicar-General, and Uev. Father Walter Macdonald. The ladies and gentlemen promised to give their hearty support to the bazaar, and to render all the assistance in their power to make it a success. His Grace suggested that the next consideration was the place where the bazaar should be held. Some discussion followed, when it was determined \ o hold it in the Albert Hali, Darby-afreet, and that it should be opened on Tuesday, the 21st iast. at 3 o'clock p.m., and continue it during tho three following days ; donations to be sent to any of the ladies of tho committee, or to the Presbyter, Wyndhamstreer, as early as possible.

The Ucv. J. S. Hill has kindly consented to preach at AH Saiufa' Church, Ponsonby, next Sunday morning. Those who have not heard him would do well to avail themselves of (his opportunity. To the Editor: Sir,—A fow months since the various schools in the Waikata received a quantity of wooden dumb-bells and other calisthenic paraphernalia, but as no manual of the drill to be taught came with them, or notification of who was to instruct, the articles were laid up in ordinary, and never used. One of the acolytos of the Inspector (who, instead of inspecting, does the duty, with the " otium cum dig," of tho Secretary) informed a friend of mine that tho teachers were supposed to drill; but as some of them carry one ot their legs in their pockets, and others cannot align thoir fore and aft projections Buiiiciontly to do the extension motions, I fear that purchasing the plant in question, which is useless, is another instance of the gross extravagance and incompetence which has characterised the Board since the secession of Dr. Campbell and Colonel Raul tain left their servants free to exercise their idiosyncracies unchecked. Has the robber of the chest ever been discovered ?—Yours, etc. An Orangeman. The benefit concert last night in theljornostreet Hall to Mr J, McComish was ex-

cellent in its musical features, but the listeners were comparatively few; in fact, ' the takings were not equal to the expenses. Perhaps persons wbo patronize concerts are saving up for the Christmas holidays. The overture by the band, from " 11.M.5. Pinafore," was a fine performance, and Mr McOomish's original galop, "The aoldiers." We must give praise where it is due, and must fairly acknowledge that two of the compositions which pleased us extremely were Mr McComish's cornet solo, being the last waltz of the illustrious Weber, a man whose musical genius was only equalled by hia lofty morality and blameless life; and the charmingcornet duet, "Starsof Heaven," by Masters F. and H. McCoiuisb. The selections iii character from the Opera of "Piuaforc," by six of Mr McComish'a children, was pretty and maintained with ability, shewing that the children had been studiously trained for the performance. Mrs Cottingham, with her usual liberality, saujj in good taste "The Lover and the Bird." Mr Marson gave the " Heart Bowed Down," and the "Sexton," in his best style. A lady amateur from the country sang " Nobody Cares," which was effective in producing a second melody. A gentleman, Mr Dalheiin, from London's famed city, gave two superior comic songs, much above the average run of those things in the_ city and which were thoroughly appreciated. The other vocalist was Tom Williams, who gave the "Fairy Song," and another, in character. The whole concluded with the National Anthem.

The following tenders were opened yesterday for St. Andrew's new Presbyterian Church, Cambridge, by Messrs E. Mabxraey and Son :—MrR. Wright, £1880; Scott and Coombes, £1779; McConochie and Flatt, £1777; Mr A. Watson. £1750 j Mt H. T. Jones, £1678 ; W. G. Connolly, £1677.

We have been requested to correct an error which appeared in our last evening's issue in the report of the district prize firing. The score of Volunteer R. Glover should have stood : 16, 18,10, s—total 49, and not "3d."

At a meeting of the Auckland Yacht Club, on Wednesday evening, Mr G. S Kissling, Commodore, in the chair, sixteen new members were elected. It was considered that as many Yacht matches as possible should be held during that portion of the season subsequent to Regatta Day. The President announced his intention of presenting a cup to be competed for by Yachts of the fourth class, viz., under ten tons.

Foul Play and Betrayer left for Auckland in the Rotorua yesterday. Simonseu's Opera Company has played H.M. Pinaforo to crowded houses in invercargill. The appointment of Mr Arthur Hume as Inspector of Prisons in the Colony has been gazetted. Mr C. E. Johnson, tho new proprietor of the Royal Hotel, Hamilton, has made various improvements. Mr and Mrs Donnelly, of Newmarket, wish us to state that Mrs Knight, whose nanio was mentioned in connection with their domestic quarrel, had Dotning to do witli it. Mrs Knight who is c quiet neighbour merely told Mrs Donnelly the hour by the cloclc, in answer to Mrs D s question, "What time is it?" Mr G. M. Reed has, it is understood l arranged with tho N. Z. L. and M. Agency to tako over the 12,000 acres at Poverty Hay ceded tor a special settlement. Mr Battley, the Secretary for the Company, left for Gisborne yesterday to complete negotiations.

Tho " Hawora Star " has tho following with rcfcrcnco to tho murder of Miss JUobio: —"It is justpossible that Tuhi had some personal grudge against Major Goring or his family, which Tuhi has not yet owned to. Despito Tuhi's confession, the chances arc that hismotives were highly complex, and itis notintho loaatlikely that he would bo ableto analyse them himself or even to confess the main ones, giving due promience to both.

An iron-framed threshing machine, by Robie and Co., was forwarded to-day to Mr Frank O'Neill of Pukcrimu. This machine is manufactured with a wrought angle iron frame, und the advantages claimed for it are that it is light, and easy of transport; that it is stronger tbau wood and perfectly true undor all circumstances; and that it is steady at work, and has no vibration.

A meeting of tho delegates of Auckland Friendly Soclnties will bo held this ovening, in tho room of tho Young Men's Christian Association, for tho purposo of making prollinniirv arrangements for tho annual demonetraiion.

Tho musical and literary entertainment this ovonlng in tho Choral Hall by scholars of Mr Worthlngton's school and frlonds will prove ot special Interest. Headings will bo Riven by tho scholars; ulao, by Moßsrs Gradwoll, Whito. and Worthlogton. Several duots. trios, and songs will intorvono, making a goodly and pleasing entertainment, and, as tho fettures aro quite out of tho common run, reflective of tho higher genius of Shakespeare, Scott, Hood, and Poo, a full audlenconmy reasonably bo expooted with a ringing addition to the pi izo und. The "Observer" is now the largest 3d paper In tho Colony. This week's issuo congiats of 18 closely printed oolumns, and oonUins a magnificent series ot lithographed vlewi of To Aroha, portraits of R. A. Proctor and Lieutenant Hower, of tho Sandfly, and otchlngs of Robert Gr4ham. and W. B. Langbrldge. The reading matter includes "Tbo Philistine" at the Temperanco hall, blogrnphles of Proctor, Songa of tho Suburbi, No. I, Remuera. and an infinity of social, sporting, musical, tbeatrloal, and up-country gosslp.-[ADV.J

A fortnight from to-morrow will be Christmas day, thoroforo. buy your hams in time A, Bottany will sail tomorrow at tho ConVral Btall, City Market, a primo lot, dairy fed. at lOd per lb ; baoon, Od; Canterbury prlzo ohcoao. tho best that has been offorod this season, Sd per lb. [Advt.]