French Convicts in the Pacific.

Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 4192, 23 November 1883, Page 2

French Convicts in the Pacific.

By a largo majority, tho French Senate has thrown out the Recidiviste Bill, which proposed to enact that all incorrigible criminals should bo transported to islands of the Pacific, " consequentially," thatisby virtue of their being frequently convicted, and not simply when ordered by the convicting judge. This decision will be received with somo feeling of roliof throughout tho Australasian colonies, as to carry out tho intoutions of tho Bill would simply have boon to flood tho French dependencies in tho Pacific with tho worst class of desperate criminals. Thero is no doubt that tho French Legislature, in arriving at this determination, has boon influenced to a considorablo extent by tho representations of the Now Caledonian colonists. These lattor mado a most vigorous protest against tho adoption of the schomo, almost intimating that tho " rocidivistos " would bo returned to Franco if cent in greater numbors than at prosont. The authoiitios at Nounioa inndo tho proposals of the bill a pretext for urging tho annexation of tho Now Hobridos by Franco —v resolution communicated to the Government of tho Republic boing : " Tho reeidivistos with tho Now Hebrides, yea j without tho New Hebrides, never I" Australian colsnistH who Iwvo passed through a similar exporience, in closing thoir gates against tho scum of tho British criminal classes, can sympnthiso with tho action of tho Now Caledonian colonists. Wo know, as woll as tho French authorities at Now Caledonia do, that there nro quito sulliciont French convicts in that colony ; but wo completely doinur to their proposed remedy for tho ovil : tho Australasian colonius will on no account ponnit of tho Now Hebrides becoming a French convict sottlement. Tho Fronch Government huvo lutoly ollicinlly declared their intention to rospect tho neutrality of theso islands, and tho rejection of tho Reeidivisto Bill soohim a proof of tho sincerity of tlioir declaration. A later telegram, howovor, makes it appear that tho rojoction of tho measure by tho Sonata doos not finally disposo of tho objeotionablo legislation, but only delays it for sovoral months. Tho bill is expeoted to pass in snmo modified shapo, but it is unlikely to bocomo law in tho obnoxious form in which it now stands. In tho circumstances, it is not likely that the approaching Australasian Conforonco at Bydnoy will mako any proposal to annex tho Now Hebrides, but will bo content with recording its protest against any oxtenslon of French convict settlements in tho Pacific. Iho action of tho French Senate gives tho Conference an opportunity of making its voieo hoard with some effect in tho sottlomont of this quostion of vital importanco to tho welfare of those colonies. Let us hope it will give forth no uncertain tono, and that its dotorminod attitudo will havo a salutary influonco in preventing vast sinks of moral pollution being established near our doors.

Mrs Julia A folk's first contribution, recording her " Impressions of New Zealand," will appear in tho Star Supplement tomorrow, along with tho usual selection of interesting mattor. Bret Harte'ii now romance, "In tho Carquino/. Woods," is commenced this wcok, while [threo short tales also appear in complete form, Random Shots, Sporting Notes, Tho Garden, Our London Flanour, &c, contribute to make up an unusually good Supplement.

Full confirmation has been received of the dofeat of the Egyptian army under Hicks Pasha by the forces of the False Prophet of tho Soudan. After threo days' hard fighting, tho Egyptian army is said to have boon completely annihilated—only ono man escaping the slaughter, which must in its latter stages have been a voritablo massacre.

The English Princes of the blood Royal are having their work cut out for them, and aro having opportunities given thom'to show that they are not mere ornamental appendages. Ono of our eablograms to-day states that tho Duko of Connaught has gone to tako the post of military commander of tho district of Meerut, in Bombay Presidency; and another conveys the information that tho Duko of Edinburgh is to assume the command of the Channel fleet in January next. It is to bo hoped that the prejudice felt in many quarters against Royal Princes being appointed to important commands such as these will neither limit their usefulness nor prevent them receiving due credit for whatever talent they may display.

Tuesday next is the latest dato for tho reception cf mattor for the directory appended to Brett's Almanac. Secretaries of societies who havo not yet sent in lists of officers should do so at onco.

Our weekly market price-list, which is published elsewhoro, contains vory fow alterations from lost week, Butter and eggs remain at previous quotations, tho supply of the former being vory plontiful. The gum market continues firm at last week's prices, tho recoipts from November to dato being about 370 tons. Bran has fallen slightly, and wo quote at £5 10s per ton, sacks included.

A prohibition order was granted, on tho application of ft poor woman named Woston, to restrain publicans and others from supplying her husband, John Weston, of Arch Hill, with intoxicating drinks. The poor woman told a pitiful story of her sufferings in consequence of her husband's di inking habits, which had reduced her and her family to tho brink of poverty. Her story was corroborated by Miss Manning.

Ourattentiotfhas been called to thofnetthat after the water-pipes have boon laid in Ponsonby the trenchos are filled in very carolessly, and that in consequence sovoral accidents ' have occurred. After the first shower the loose clay settles down considerably, and becomes a regular trap for both pedostrians and vehicles. In Waitematastreet, the other day, a cab sank so deeply in one of these bogs that the largo wheels were torn from the vehicle in an effort to extricate it, and further damage was also sustained before tho task was accomplished. The matter evidently requires attention.

At tha Police Court to day, Charles Muller, a seaman, absent without leave from the Sunbeam, was handed over to the captain. A case against John Mullally, contractor, of ill-treating his horse by1 working it when unfit, was adjourned till Wednesday. A charge against Alexander McMillan of failing to support his wife and four children was adjourned for a week. A case against an apprentice named Corbott for absenting himself from tho employ of W. Millor, shoomaker, was adjourned for a week, a certificate by Dr. Kenderdine beinw put in declaring the boy too ill to appear °

The Ponsonby Rowing Club hold a series of " trial fours " matches to-marrow afternoon, at three o'clock. The crews are : No. I—H. D. Morpeth, J. B. Morpeth, Leatham, and Coutts. No. 2—Cook, Fogden, T. Farquhar, Kirk. No. 3—Edmonds, Stanford, W. White, Henderson. No. 4 —Moore, 0. H. White, R. Witt, Comyna. No. s—Miller, Gowdie, Emery. C. Culpan. No. 6—Smith, Watßon, Lloyd, Marks. A new members' race will also take place, between the following crews :—No. 1— Walker, Taylor, Abel, Brown. No. 2— Scott, Howard, McGregor, McPhad.

Tho quarterly social gathering of the Star of Newton Lodge was held last evening in the district hall. An excollont tea -was provided, and visitors and members waited on by tho ladies of the lodgo. Brother Longbottom, G.W.C.T., occupied tho chair, and opened the proceedings. Tho programme was varied, and executed witli fairness. Songs were contributed by Misses Lightfoot and Edmonds ; also, by Messrs Lightfpot (2), Mclntyre, arid Pooley. Miss Longbottom delivered a recitation with much success. Headings woro also tendered by Messrs Hull and Holland. A beautifully illuminated testimonial was presented by tho Chairman, on behalf of the lodgo, to Brother and Sister Lighfrfoot in recognition of long and faithful services to tho cause, which was duly and appropriately acknowledged by Brother Lightfoot. Tho whole of the proceedings gave satisfaction, and the gathering closed in a loyal manner.

To morrow will be a gala day at the Agricultural Show grounds. Tho Ellerslio people are giving a public luncheon for tho benefit of the funds of tho new Anglican Church, to bo followed by a meeting at which the Bishop, Professor Tucker, and others will give addresses. From tho elaborate preparation on the part of tho ladies,we are confident the menu will be an elaborate one, and after the business of the meeting is concluded, amusements in the shape of polo, bicycle riding, under the ab!o superintendence of Colonel Dawson and Messrs Hall and Saiinders, will bo provided 3 Mr Impey's band will discourso sweet strains, and thero will bo special provision by train.

Tho Auckland Bowling and Lawn Tennis Club open tho season to-morrow. Various matches will bo played on tho green, weather permitting. The annual meeting of tho Club will bo hold subsequently, and prize cups won last season -will be presented to Messrs George, Page, 1). 11. Mckenzio, and E. A. Maekeehnie (skip.)

Constablo Thomas Ward, transferred from Wanganui to Auckland, arrived in town to-day.

The Minister of Justice has found means of putting a stop to a practice which wo some timo ago condemned as unjust and oppressive—that of endorsing legal charges upon tho summons in small debt cases, so that in casos of confessing judgment tho dofendant was held liable to pay those charges. Wo pointed out that this was rendering thcCourtpunitivc in its operation, and protested strongly against tho continuanco of tiio practice. Tho Resident Magistrate as woll as tho members of tho bar, thought tho practice most convenient, and tho Minister of Justico, wliilo condemning it, was, at tho timo, of opinion that ho had no power to make any alteration, as tho regulation of such matters rested with tho Resident Magistrates. Now, howovcr, ho finds that ho has power to interfere, and a circular has boen issued from tho Department of Justico, addressed to tho Clerks of R,M. Courts, notifying that when a defendant "confess judgment" without throwing any labour upon tho Court, no foe shall bo charged. This is a matter for gratification, as tho imposition wus not only most inequitable, but fell with especial hardship upon that struggling class of poor but honust dobtors who have a diiliculty in meeting thoir liabilities.

The locturo by tho Rev. R. F. Maonieol entitled ' Ronilnqscencoß of a Tour in tho Hlijlilands of Scotland." lias Ijoen postponed until December. Tho lucttiro will bo glvon in St. Jamcß'H Hall. Particulars will be duly announced.

Land in tho rising district of Birkonhead, near tho Siikm Works, Is rapidly rlninp:ln value, ami Bovi'rnl estates havo bocn cut up for disIKMiil. On Tlmrstliiy, titli Deciinfeer, wo obsorvo that Mr Arthur, auctioneer, liuh a Halo announced of tho estate of Maylleld, which has latvo frontages to (iovermiii'iit roads. This la cut up Into HO loin, vuryliiK in size from » to 11 uerofl in extent, mul from their position mid adaptability those ought to command Rood lu'lees,

This evening tho American Consul, (!. \\\ (irtllln, Ksi|., will deliver Ills lecture upon " I tonmnrk and tho Uanes." The itov. C. Carter will take tho cluiir at 8 o'clock. A selection of vocal and instrumental music will lie given iluiinpr the evening.—lADVT.J

Onk Sinu.iNd,—Hay'H Fino Art Union [by permission of the ilcncral Government), Fifty prizes —vnlimhle Oil l'ulntlnira and othoroxcellent Pictures. Prizes on view.and Inspection invited at Mr Bailey's, tobacconist, 17(1, Queenstreet, where tickets can bo obtained; also tho booksellers unil tobacconists. Tho drawing will take place publicly, of which due notlco will bo glvott, and will bo supervised by a coimnilteo chosen by the subscribers at drawing. After handing over tickets, &c, tho proprietor takes no pint in tho drawing. Winning numbers will bo ndverUncd in " llerald," Stau, and " Weekly." Committee's voucher will ho open for inspection during dolivory of prizes. Keinltlnneea in stamps or otherwise! (enclosing extra stamp for jiostnKc) will receive prompt attention, fifty.prizes. £200 in 4.000 tickets. Address—W. K. Ilay, aa above. A subscriber cim nold any number of tickets at.Ono Shilling eaelu—[AinT.l