The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, Morning News, and Echo. FRIDAY', SEPTEMBER 11, 1883.

Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 4115, 14 September 1883, Page 2

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

FRIDAY', SEPTEMBER 11, 1883.

For tho cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And tho good that wo cun do.

That a change wns necessary in tho low regulating tho "^purchase of native lands requires no further evidence than tho return laid before Parliament on tho motion of MiHutchison. This return records all dealings with native lands since the coming into operation of the Native Lands Act, 1873, tho area of the blocks sold, tho price paid, and name of tho purchaser. In tho ten years under review, 750,833 acres of land have been sold directly to Europeans at an average price of 5s ljd per acre. Besides this, 1,019,855 acres, formorly under Government proclamation, have been released, and large areas of that land havo also fallen into private hands. Tho mere transfer from tlie non-progres-sive Maori to tho colonist might possibly bo counted as an unqualified, gain, wore it not for the fact that tho number of purchasers is notably disproportionate to tho area alienated, showing that tho business is in tho hands of a vory few persons. Out of 35 blocks, comprising 239,958 acres, in tlie Waikato district, Mr E. B. Walker is tho chief purchaser in 31 of them, tho area in which he is interested comprising ovor 230,00(1 acros. Besides theso open blocks, Mr Walkor's name also figures as tho chief purchaser of more than GO.OOO acres of land released from proclamation. For tho whole of the vast territory of 239,958 acres sold in Waikato only eight names appear as purchasers ; and theso are mingled together in various happy combinations, highly suggestivo of the term "land ring." In the other districts there is a rather better distribution, but it is nevertheless truo of all that tho business of native land purchase is ono that very few men care to approach, und that it has beon monopolised by a very fow persons. And this system has, forsooth, been designated "free trade" in native lands. Was evßr tho battle cry of Cobden so foully abused ? Tho fact is, that the millions of acres of land hold by tho aborigines of theso islands havo been quite as effectually shut up to tho few individuals who havo boon acquiring them as if the vast estate were handed over for their sole use and benefit by special enactment. It will be for the Government now so to administer tho law they have carried through Parliament, that, freedom of purchase will become a reality both to natives and Europeans, antl not the notorious sham and public fraud which has hitherto worked so advantageously to a very few, but with results so questionable to tho prosperity of tho colony, both present and prospective. I

In reply to an urgent despatch from the Australian Agents-Goneral in London, on the subject of annexing tho islands of tho South Pacific to tho sway of Britain, Earl Derby has done nothing but repeat his former vague and unsatisfactory roply. It was, perhaps, inadvisable on the part of tho colonial representatives to return so soon to the subject even though the movements of French war-ships in thedirection of the New Hebrides afforded a reasonable ground for calling attention afresh to the desirability, if not necessity, of a British protectorate being established over these islands. Tho mistake lay in pressing for a definite reply when it was evident toonoknowing anything of officialism that it was altogether premature to do so. No doubt new circumstances had arisen with a most important bearing on tho case—among others the extensive land üB-chases and questionable claims by FreiiWi subjects in the New Hebrides;, but it was vain "to assert this, so long as tho official mind was made up that there was no time for anything new to havo arisen. A memorandum simply drawing attention to tho facts would havo clono somo good, for in course of time tlie official intellect would have expanded sufficiently to allow of the truth being seen ; but the sole result of pressing for a definite declaration of policy in the matter, has boon to emphasise the refusal of the-imperial Government to sanction any stops towards annexation in the meantime. While the Agents - General thua seem to have committed an error i,of judgment, their zeal is most com-

mentlable. Their unanimity of feeling, interest, and action on the subject of Pacific annexation is sure to produce a powerful effect; and already British public opinion is pretty decisively declared in favour of the contention of tho Australasian colonies. Sooner or later, and to all appearances, very soon, circumstances will force some step towards annexation on Her Majesty's Government. The recurrence cf outrage and massacre in tliete islands, and the sacrifice of many lives of peaceful traders to the rage of bloodthirsty cannibals, call for the proclamation of some supremo authority. Tito murder of the Government Agent and four seamen by the natives of Api, news of which we published yesterday, is the latest instance of a species of "horror" with which we antipodean dwellers are getting familiarised, This stale of things cannot always go on, nor can we always remain content with carrying out a petty retaliation in the shape of burning ilown a few villages, destroying plantations, and slaughtering the pigs of the offenders, who arc usually able themselves to elude punishment by flight. To develop the trade of the South Pacific and allow of it being safely carried on, these islands must be annexed by some civilised Power, anel for obvious reasons that P»wcr must be-Britain.

To-morrow's Star Supplement will contain continuation of " Out of the Storm," and three complete stories—" A Dead Certainty," " Dolly's Aunt, "and "Called;'' also "Random Shots," by Zamiel; "A Naughty Girl's Diary—Stolen Sweets j" "Old Boys at School;" "An Alarming Apparition;" "A Mile a Minute on a Bicycle ;" " Some of Lady Dixie's Freaks;" "A Human Tree;" Scientific Notes, Best Thoughts of Best, Men, Sporting Notes, Fiolei Sports and Aquatics, Our London Flaneur, Cricket Notes from Home, The Garden, Extracts for Ladies, Poetry, &c, &c. Tho weekly meeting of the City Council, which was held last night, is reported on the fourth page of this issue. Messrs W. Redmond, M.P., anil Mr Walsho left hero on a visit to tho Thames this morning. Thoy arc expected to return to-morrow. The case and comfort secuietl to members of the City Council by the introduction of parliamentary benches and tho now arrangement of seats appeared to exorcise eluc effect upon the length of last night's meeting. Although the business was of a routine nnd not very important chat-actor, it occupied something liko live hours in transaction. Tho most important matter under consideration was the lotter from tho Harbour Board containing tho terms of the agreement between tho three bodies for tbo carrying out of Emily Place works. The Mayor gave an outline of tlie report on improved levels prepared by the City Engineer, and tho discussion of the terms was deferred until Monday noxt at 3 p.m.

There have been very few alterations in maikct price's for produce during tho week. But ter is now quoted at Is wholesale, and ls3el retail, anel eggsat Bel per doz wholesale, and lOd per doz retail. The grain market continues quiet, anel no change in valuo bas to bo recorded. The receipts for September to elate amount, to about 180 tons. Maize bas declined, and may bo quoted at from 2s lOd to .'ls, and Southern Hour appears to havo a ilownward tendency, being now worth from £11 to £12 por ton.

Tho following telegram was received from the mine manager of the New Prince Imperial this morning : —" One hunilieelweight specimens from eighth stope, No. 2 section west, No. 5 level.-(Signed) G. S. Clark."

Tlio brush electric light recently iniported by Messrs E. Porter and Co. was disposed of to the Mercury Bay Saw Mill Company, nnd their mill at Mercury Bay is now lighted iqi at eight, enabling the men to work all night, tho insido of the mill being as light as day. Ml" Monk, tbo manager, had a little difficulty to get it to work at first, but Mr Monk is not tho man to bo beaten. Ho persevered, anel has got it to work entirely to his satisfaction. The light can bo seen by the steamer entering the bay, and men can be scon at work at the mill from the opposite sielo of the river.

Wc understand that the projected elebate botween Mr G. A. Blown and Rev. T. W. Dunn as to whether the Bible teachers the doctrine of Conditional Immortality, has been arranged to take placo about six weeks bonce. It will be held in Auckland, and will extend over four nights, the conditions, however, being somewhat different from those of the present elebate. The speakers arc to have half an hour each evening for addressing tho audience, tho remaining time being devoted to direct question and answer on the part of the disputants.

The anniversary of the Loyal Star of Auckland Lodge of Oddfellows, American Constitution, was celebrated last evening by a ball at tho Choral Hall. Thore wns a large attendance, and the gay dresses of tho ladies and profuse decorations of the hall made a pleasing scone. The music was stipplictl by Impoy's Band, and the catering from Dallcn's establishment loft nothing to be desired. Messrs Noumagcn and \V. Jones were the Masters of Celt-monies. The ball broke up at 4 a.m.

Tho election of threo Councillors for the Parnell Borough Council took placo yesterday, with tho following rosult:—James G. Brown, 94; John McConnell, 80; Jonathan Winks, 152; Henry Worthington, 100; Messrs Brown, Winks, and Worthington have therefore been declared clecteel.

Wo notice in our tendering columns that largo altorations are about to be offected at Messrs Garrett Bros.' warehouse anel factory, as the presont buildings arc too small for their increaing trado. The above alterations must be done during the hours of 5 and 12 p.m., in order to prevent any Interference during business. After the abovo work is completed a third story is to bo added, upon which will bo erected an elaborate tower to contain a bell 4ft in diameter, which is now on the way from Messrs Vickers and Sons, of Sheffield. Tenders for the first portion of tho alterations close on Saturday, the 15th inst., at Messrs Herapath and Sons', architects.

On Monilay next the third term of tho Auckland College and Grammar .School will commence, when all boys aro expected to be present if possible. Tho evening classes will likewise be resumed next woek, provided eight names at least are entered for each class ou tho first night' of the term. The Subjects treated of at theso classes ate chemistry, arithmetic, Latin, mathematics, and French ; anil as tho foes are very moderate (las for the first subject, and 7s Gel for each aelelitional), a considerable number of persons should bo enrolled. Tho Church of England Grammar School will also commence its term on Monday. Further information can bo obtained on reference to tho nelvertisements.

i An inquest was hold at tho Coromandel Hotol, before P. J. Tierncy, Esq., anting coroner, on the body of John T. Boyd, whose lamentable eleath by accident in the Corby mino has already boon reported. Mr E. Edwards was chosen foreman of tho jury, and tho following' verdict was returned :— "That eJeceaserl came by his eleath by misadventure, and that no blame is attached to anyone." Tho Mining Inspector has also given his opinion that no blame is attributable to anyone A military funeral, accorded tho deceased, took placo at 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon. There was a large attendance of residents, business, in fact, being totally suspended, and the utmost sympathy shown to tho bereaved family, who have felt most acutely trie sudden loss of a much-beloved member of tlie family.

The following amended regulation respecting the quarantining of imported cattle appears in a " Gazette" issued last night:— " Cattle arriving from any place beyond tho seas, and placed in quarantine, shall remain therein for such timo, not oxeccding ninety (90) days, as tlie Board .shall in oacli case specially direct or require, provided always that the cattlo arriving from any placo beyond the seas, save and excopt from the Australasian Colonies, shall immediately upon arrival bo placed in quarantine, and remain therein for not less than thirty (30) days."

A special parado of the A Battory of Artillery was hold in the Drill-shed last evening, when there was a fair muster. Two gun detachments, under the command of Sergeants Kcarns and Allen respectively, were told off and put through a smart course of field-gun exercise, including dls-abling-drill, and dismounting and mounting guns and limbers, the drill lasting nearly two hours, and being performed with rapidity and precision. The Battery is making rapid strides in tho handling of the guns, under the clover and skilful instruction -of Sergeant-Major Hyde, who has become a great favourite, anel whoso early departure will bo much regretted. It is hoped, however, that in conti leration of the interruptions to drill through wet weather, inspections, anel tho open-air parade, Colonel Reader will authorise tho Sergeant-Major to prolong his stay a week or two beyond the 20th. Arrangements are being mado for shot and shell practice at tlie North Shore on tomorrow week.

In the R.M. Court yesterday, the case of Verrall v. Craig was decided in the defendant's favour, plaintiff being nonsuited. Singularly enough, the plaintiffs in tho three following cases wore also nonsuited. They were as follows :—Murphy v. Brown, claim £10, Mr Keetley for plaintiff, and Mr Mahony for defendant; Feltus v. Taylor, claim ±'5, Mr Keetley for plaintiff, and Mr E. Cooper for defendant; Burgess v. Walker, claim lGs, Mr S. Hesketh for plaintiff.

To the Editor : Sir,—ln the report of the proceedings in the Resident Magistrate's Court, in the case of Feltus v. Taylor, it is stated that I was nonsuited. It should bo settled, as the defendant honourably came forward, acknowledged my claim, and gave an order for the amount when he sold his scrip which I had obtained for him. Consequently I did not appear,—l am, etc., R. J, Feltus,—P.S, : I wish others that I have worked for would elo the same.

The shareholders in the Lady Fergusson, Fraser No. 3, and Argyle licensed holdings have duly resolved to form themselves into a company undor the Mining Companies Act, with a capital of £22,000, in as many shares of £1. 5.700 are to be issued to the Fraser No. 3 people, and G. 900 shares to the Lady Fergusson — the balance of 6,400 shares to be placed in the directors' bands for disposal. Messrs J. M. Clark, F. Scherff, A. Porter, M. Vaughan, Jas. Dickey, and J. Bullock have boon appointed directors, and Mr F. A. White legal manager, while tho company has been called the Lady Fergusson. A working manager is to be engaged at once. The grand Chess Tournament by living pieces, which is to bo repeated at the Opera llouso this evening, promises to attract another large audience, nearly all of the eli-ess circle seats having been engaged. On this occasion tho tableaux will bo rendered especially effective by the introduction of magnesium limelight, which will bo an entirely new feature in this novel display. We would draw the attention of our readers to Mr Pooley's twelfth, and last concert of tho season of tho Saturday Popular Concerts, which will come off tomorrow night, in the Theatre Royal. Tho programme, published elsewhere, is of unusual merit, and from the fact of this boing a benefit offered to Mr Pooley by Mr Gooch, Mr Hood, and all the artistes, wc trust to see a crowded houso. Certainly the manner in which Mr Pooley has carried on these regular weekly entertainments for tho people deserves the highest praise, and the public should recognise, by their presence to-morrow night, the claims which Mr Pooley has upon them.

To the Editor : Sir,—Can it be the fact that tho Church- Missionary Society owned the Hamilton Hotel Billiard Saloon which was burnt down yesterday ? If so, then that highly-respectable antl pious body, of which 1 believe the Rev. R. Burrows is the local secretary, havo furnished a pregnant text (o ihe teetotallers ; audi hope that the latter will not, foil to make good use of it. We have heard a good ileal about the unholy wedding between Beer anil the Bible ; but here is a bigamous alliance—tho > Biblo is espoused to both Beer and Gaming. Wo shall bear next that tho Church is going to mako money on the racecourso; or that tho Roy. Mr Pecksniff will "run"a totalisator at the coming Spring Meetings of the neighbouring Jockey Clubs. But, seriously, if the alleged ownership is undeniable an accident has made public a scandalous state of things. Tho Church of to-day has been thought to have shaken off its questionable hangers-on, and to be in a moro healthy state than when its pastors went fox-hunting, played cards for money, and got drunk at weddings. What is tho use of preaching temperance and denouncing gambling on Sundays when a section of the Chinch, a portion of it which came out to spread the blessings of Christianity among tho Maoris, actually encourages on six days of the week the vices which it condemns on the remaining day? I say it's a mockery ; a flagrant hypocrisy which cannot but effect an infinity of harm.— Yours, &c, D.

The now church erected at Waterview for the Primitive Methodists was opened last evening by a public soiree ; the building was tastefully decorated for the occasion. A goodly number of the residents of tho neighbourhood sat down to tea, and were joincel by a 'bus-load of friends from town. Tho tables wore presided over by Mesdaraes .Major, Pearson, Fclgate, Cox, Stallard, Miss Thomas, and tbo Misses Sanson. Mr J. Tattersall presided over the public meeting. He sniel about half the cost of the building had boon raised, and he hoped tho friends woulel make an effort to get the church lined throughout whilst the e'.-ir-peiilers wero about. The Rev. J. Guy bi-ioily reviewed the history of tho church, and the efforts made since last year, which had resulted so happily that night. They intetiileil to form a Sabbath school, and asked willing workers to como anel help. Ho was highly gratified with tho interest taken in this work by the residents of tho district, and took it as a promise for tho future. An earnest and interesting address was delivered by Mr Wiiglcy. Rev. W. S. Potter gavo a practical address on "Changes for tho Bet ter, "in whichlieulluiledtothefact; that some of his earliest efforts in preaching wero made in the house eel joining (Mr Fulgato-Jaboutsovonoroightyoarsago. He felt, as he stood there that night, that they had certainly maile a change for the better. Mrs Bel!, of Avondale, presided at the harmonium. Somo friends, nnder tlie leadership of Mr Bell, rendered several of Sankoy's hymns. Mr Bell sang as a solo a piece ho hail specially written for tho occasion. It wns received with the heartiest pleasure. Votes of thanks and tbo Benediction brought this very interesting meetto a close. Tho opening sermons will bo preached on Sunday next, a notice of which will bo fouiiei in tho columns of this paper.

At tho mooting of the Waste Lands Board yesterday afternoon, it was agreed, in nccordnnco with a suggestion from tho UnderSecretary of Lands, that in order to expoelite tho payment to local bodies of tho amounts which may from time to time accrue under tho 59th section of tho Lund Act, 1577, it lias been suggostod that on those blocks, when all or a greater number of the sections have boon token up, a elefinito scheme of rond works should be approveel by tho Land Board, upon which tho whole of the payment- duo to tbo local bodies charged with the construction of tbo works could bo niatlo direct from Uio Treasury every half-year, as tho receipts from the deferred payment selectors como . in. It was agreeel that tho Makarau block of land, about 350 acres in oxtcnt, be offered for sale at tho upset price of £2 per aero. The contractor for the Mongonui Bridgo applied for,and was gran tod) permission to tako 75 pilcH from Crown lands, Tho Roy. D. liiuco wrote asking that an allotmont purchased by bim for a Presbyterian Church at the Wade should be put up for salo at its original upset price, subject to £-100 for improvement*. Agreed that the request bo granted. A Jotter from tho Under-Secretary for Lands ro site for Union Oil antl Soap Company at St. Ann's Bridgo wns deferred for further information ; William Crisp, of Waikawau, was granted six months' oxtonsion of timo from his homestoad; a iottcr from Mr Btickton, of Tuahoa, vo alteration in school site, Mas referred to City Surveyor ; John Smith was granted'permission to oxcrciso certain land orders on behalf of widow Thompson, of Howick; Mr Scott Hunter applied for reservation of Town Hall site at Mercer—deferred, as allotment was not elcfincil; applications from James Kelly and John Kcclau to prospect for minerals other than gold at Coromandol Peninsula and Ohinciimi-i, were referred to the Warden. Tho Kawakawa prospectors reported that no payable prospects had beon found.

Those who intend entering for Uio billiard tournament at the Nevada Hotel aro reminded that nnnies will be received up to 10 o'clock to morrow night. Tbe handicaps will bo postod in the room on Monday, and play commenced on Wednesday. A lecture on Charles Dickens is announced to be givon by Mr Warren in Dovonport Hall, this evening. Mr T. B. Robson, general draper, Ponsonby Road, lias removed to thoso commodious premises adjoining Mr N. Wood's shop. Mr Robson has on show a lino stock of general elrapcry, spring goods, and millinery. A dramatic entertainment will be given in the Remuera Social Rail on Thursday evening, 20th September, when two small, amusing comedies will bo produced by locul amateurs. Tho marked success achieved" by Mr Clondinning's singing classes has induced him lo give another of his Tonic Sol-fa entertainments this evening in tho Aloxandra-street School-room, commencing at 8 o'clock. A lnrgo choir, conducted by the teacher, will rendor several new part songs, choruses, and anthems. The public are invited to witness the performances. Sewing Machines (all kinds).—Largest and Cheapest Stock at Hiiakeeu'ear & Co.'s, Queen-street. Tricvles.—Splendid show at Shakespear & Co.'s, opposite tho Market, Queonstreet. Best and cheapest placo to furnish your houso from is Garlick nnd Cranwcll's City Hall Arcade. Some beautiful cretonnes and carpets just oponed up.' Bedroom furniture ready for immediate delivery.—[Advt.]