SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1883.

Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 4193, 24 November 1883, Page 2

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1883.

Tiibee weeks ago, we spoko with enthusiasm of the reported victories of General Hicks and his demoralised band of Egyptian troops operating iv Soudan. The rumour which formed the text for these remarks, proves, unhappily, to be untrue. Intelligence from a country without telegraphs or roads filters slowly through irregular channels, and now that reliable news has reached Lower Egypt it is of tho most disastrous kind. The character of the expedition, the country, the enemy they hod to encounter, and the Egyptian troops commanded by General Hicks and, » few British officers were sketched in our former article. Mohamed Ahmed, tho False Prophet of Soudan, had succeeded in desti'oying one expedition after another despatched against him by the Khedive, and threatened to drive the Egyptians from Upper Nubia. A force, consisting largely of Arabi Pasha's defeated followers, was placed under British officers and sent to subdue the insurrection. In tho early stages of the campaign several minor victories were gained, ana the series of successes which had flushed the Prophet with viotory suffered interruption. But General Hicks, led by troachory Into on ambuscade, has, with his entire army, boon butchered by jtho fanatical hordes who have gathered in hundreds of thousands around tho standard of the new- deliveror. We doubt whether tho British Government will think it at all a necpssary part of their Egyptian policy to maintain the Khedive's

rule in that burning African wilderness lying south of Khartoum, and one despatch states that the British advise the abandonment of tho entire country south of the White Nile. Khartoum, a town of 15,000 inhabitants, at the junction of the Blue and White Nile, would become the Egyptian outpost southward. Mohamed Ahmed may, however, be disposed to dispute even that position. Khartoum was at his mercy some months ago, after the fall of El Obeid, and his force now being much larger he may not be ao forbearing or so indolent in following up his victories. Tho war material that has fallen into his hands by the recent victories will aid him to further conquests. The elements composing his army, however, partake too much of rabble to seriously endanger Egypt, even if he should succeed in making himself master cf the greater part of Nubia and its capital. His victories, and the feebleness of the Khedive to withstand them, may, however, lead to an extended occupation of Egypt by the British forces, and these foreign Proctectorates of weak Governments have, when long protracted, a tendency to superccdo the authority they protect. A Conservative victory in England at any time during the British occupancy of Egypt would in all probability lead to something very nearly approaching complete annexation of the country. •

A meeting of thecreditors of John Soppet, commission agent, of Auckland, was held in the Supreme Court-house this morning, when Mr. Thomas Macffirlane was elected trustee. The debtor states his liabilities at £22818s Id, and his assets which consist of furniture in a cottage at Rocky Nook, Mount Albert at £70, but they are covored by a bill of sale given to W illia.ni Monaghan to seeuro £00 and interest.

A brief sitting of tho It.M. Court was held this morning before Mr H. G. Seth Smith for tho purpose of enabling His Worship to deliver judgment in the case of Petersen v. Willis and Pickersgill, the proprietors of the Pantascope that was latoly exhibited in Auckland. Mr Tolo appealed for the plaintiff, and Mr S. Hesketh for the defendants. The claim, it will be remembered, was for £15 15s, the value of two suites of furniture, and His Worship now gavo judgment for £10 15a, with £2 10.S costs.

The gross receipts at St. Andrew's Bazaar were £822, of which £760 was net, while £300 worth of goods remaining on hand will form the nucleus for another bazaar. The result that has beon achieved is exceedingly gratifying, and the ladies who assisted in the undertaking, as well as tho committee who had the management, may fairly take credit to themselves for what has been done.

Intending investors should carefully distinguish between the Auckland Tobacco Company, now in oporation, and tho projected New Zealand Tobacco Growing and Manufacturing Company. Tho first-men-tioned concern has been in existoncc for about six months; has' plantations and works at Pahi, Kaipara ; and, so far, claims to be the only tobacco company in tho colony. They are now manufacturing last season's crop of tobacco, while they havo 10 to 15 acres again under cultivation, besides what is being grown by settlers for tho Company.

Mr Consul Griffin's lecture on " Denmark and tho Danes " was delivered last night in tho Ponsonby Hall, in connection with the local Band of Hopo. Tho mooting was a groat success, ana tho musical selections were highly appreciated. A full ro|iort of the lecture appears in this day's Supplement. Now that Ponsonby lias a constable all to itself, it is to bo hoped that the residents will enjoy comparative immunity from tho periodical ravages of nomadic cows. Some cattle-ownors in the district, and particularly in the moat wostorly portion of it.seom to make a practice of turning their stock loose to seek pasture wherever they may lind it, and it is an event of very common occurrence for tho amateur horticulturist to find a wholo season's labour obliterated in a sin^lo night. In short, tho destruction committed by stray cattlo is tho subject of general complaint and annoyance, and it is high time therefore that the authorities adopted prompt and effectual measures for abating thomusanco. Tho district contains a pound, and it should bo turned to its proper account. During tho discussion of Mr Cooper's proposition for tho relief of over-crowded City Schools at tho Board of Education meeting yesterday aftornooii, Mr Moss gavo notico that in case Mr Luke's amendment wero lost, ho would move—" That the City School Committee bo requested to re|x>rt to tho Board whether they consider that any stops should bo taken in the admission of pupils to tho city schools to secure a preference to tho children of parents living in tho school district, and if so, what stops they would recommend." Tho Chairman (Mr Hobbs) dlso gavo notice of the following amondmont:—" 1. That no children should bo admitted as pupils of a public school in any district to tho exclusion of children living in tho district; 2. That School Committees bo requested to aid and assist in carrying out tho objects of the abovo resolution in such a manner as may seem to be judicious."

The Wesloyan District Meeting continues to sit and transact business. Pressure on our columns to-day prevents the insertion of tho usual detailed report. At tho afternoon sitting yesterday, tho general roturns wore submitted by Rev. W. L. Salter, and the Sunday-school statistics by Rev. T. G, Carr—both reports being highly gratifying. At the evonmg session, the question of higher education was brought forward by the Rev. W. C. Oliver, and a rcsoliition was passod, "That tho conference be recommended to reappoint the committeo to report next year. The proposed basis of Methodist union was then considered, and the following resolution was passed, "That the basis of union as now amended bo our recommendation on this subject to the conference."—lt was resolved, on themotion of the Secretary, seconded by Mr'T. Buddlo, "That the plan of Methodist union be recommended as the plan and constitution for a separate and independent conference for New Zealand." The moeting adjourned at midnight until Monday morning at 10 o'clock.

Wo learn with pleasure of the success which has so far attended the floatiug of the Nev Zealand Tobacco-Growing and Manufacturing Company (Limited) with its head office and factory in Auckland. The prospectus, with names of officials and provisional directors, appears in another column, and a glance at these should satisfy investors of the thoroughly safe and remunerative nature of the undertaking. Already, we believe, 1,600 shares havo been applied for at £5 per share, and the remainder are now offered to the public. This is the first tobacco company to bo workedon the Anierioan principle, which has been started in New Zealand, though there are fourteen factories of the kind in operation in the colony of Victoria, and twelve in the New South Wales. Now that a start has been made, however, this colony should go ahead rapidly in this branch of industry, as our soil and climate, over the greater part of the North Island, ono far better adopted for the growth of the plant than any of the Australian colonies. The Company have mudo contracts with C 9 farmers in the North Island, who have got seed to sow about 700 acres with the tobacco plant. The seed has been planted, including a large quantity by Maoris in the King Country, and good reports are given of the growthstrong expectations, based on past experience, being formed that the crop will prove equal to the best grown in America. To farmers the return will be from £30 to £40 per acre, while the profit to the shareholders from tho manufacture and sale of. tobacco and cigars is expected to be ample. As soon as the crop is harvested and the factory starts employment will be found for 20 tobaccomakers and about 80 cigar makers, besides many boys and girls; and tho enterprise, therefore, cannot fail to give a considerable stimulus to the industrial activity of tho city. All the arrangements have been made with American firms for securing tho best and newest machinery used in tho manufacture, and tho gentlemen who are to

superintend have all good reputations for experience in the business. Mr August Voltbracht will have control as general manager of the growing and manufacturing, wlule he will also specially superintend the oigar.making. His 23 years' experience of the business in America is sufficient proof of his ability, The assistant growing manager will bo Mr T. Dayton Clarko, who has had large experience ii) Florida; and MrFrankßiehmond (for manyyears one of the assistant managers of LorUlard's famed tobacco factory in New York, will be assistant manager in tho manufacturing department. With Mr C. B. Stone as Chairman of Directors, the Bank of New Zealand as bankers, Messrs Whitakor, liussoll, and Buddie as solicitors, and Mr Fred Nutter as Secretary, the Company has got an excellent start- off, and glvo» promise of having a flourishing career. Mr Vollbracht, the original promoter of tho scheme, who has spent much time and capital in the prosecution of his idea, deserves jbo be congratulated on the suoocso which has'attended his efforts, ' :

Cr. George has tendered tho resignation of his seat in the Council for the Grafton Ward to tho Town Clerk, and the necessary stops will be taken in due courso by the Returning Ofiicer to fill the vacancy.

Mr Timothy Hayes called at the Police Station yesterday afternoon and made a serious complaint to Constable Mitchell. He asserted that someone had taken his unbroken mare, ill-used it, and had eventually driven it clean through a window. He was advised to see a solicitor.

The full programme for the farewell testimonial concert to Mr Gordon Gooch on Thursday evening next appears in another part of this issuo. Wo feel sure that not one word is needed to commend it to our readers or to bespeak for the concert the patronage of the public. Tho one carries its own recommendation, and the genial beneficiaircs popularity renders the other a matter of supererogation. It may be pointed out, however, that a uniform rate of admission has been adopted for all parts of the Choral Hall, and that the side entrance will be open as early as 7.15, the performance commencing at eight.

At the meeting of the Board of Education yesterday afternoon, the following tenders' were received :—Erection of sjchool-house at Arapohue : Tlaslett and Borridgo, £350 (accepted) ; Jas. Furey, .£378 ; Vincent and Powell, £350, and A. Spiers, i"378. The Engineer's estimate was £350. Erection of teacher's dwelling at Wainui: Jas. Furcy, £43S (accepted). Erection of teacher's dwelling at Bombay: Cornwall and Wilkinson, £G57 ; Wm. Scott, £555; Hazard, £404; Bunting;, 463 19s (accepted). The Engineer's estimate was £4GO. Plans of buildings for Mangonui and Paeroa were submitted and approved, and it was agreed to call for tenders for their erection. M r Buckland gave notice that ho would move at the next meeting, "That a teacher's residence for Papakura Valley School district bo put on the list of urgent requirements,[and a site, if possible, bo purchased." The Hospital authorities acknowledge with thanks tlte donation of a surgical boot from Mrs Hayes.

The Government aro now issuing tourist excursion tickets, available over all the Now Zealand railways (1,358 miles) for £8. These tickets stand good for six weeks from tlio date of issue, and may bo purchased at any time botwoen the 13th December and 29th February, They will cnablo the holders to travel backwards and forwards on the colonial railways as much as they please during their currency, Tiro last issue of tho "War Cry," has tho following somewhat remarkable notice of the Salvationist picnio held on the Prince of Wales's Birthday :—''On Friday wo had tho first Salvation Excursion to Taranaki. Having chartered the steamer Victoria, we left the wharf shortly after 8, with nearly

400 souls on board, including many children, and after spending a thoroughly enjoyablo day, arrived back in time lor the Holiness mooting at night." It is scarcely necessary for us to say that tho Salvation Army has not the power to work miracles, honco tho feat of the paddle steamer Victoria going from Auckland to Tarauaki and back in a single day, has not been performed, Tho destination of tho trip was tho harbour watering placo known as Tamaki; but soino Southern Salvationists, looking at tho map and then again reading tho report in the "War Cry" will bo apt to give vent to a loud " Halleluiah !" as they think of that day's sail.

A very pleasant meeting of the Gospel Temperance Blue Ribbon Army took placo last night at Otahuhu, consisting of sacred songs by tho Bund of llojio choir, and solos by tho Misses Wallace, Miss Bramo, and Mr Huxtable. Tho chair w»8 occupied by the Roy. D. VVhytock, who congratulated tho " order " for tho buccoss that had attended them, and earnestly appealed to tho Christian community to become temperanco workers. Mr \V. R. Wills gavo a short address on "Tho Blucßibbon," and Mr .1. Bramo a stirring speech on " Tho Drink Trallic." Tho meeting wag well attended, and at its close 15 added their names to tho Tomperaneo cause. A collection was made of £.'! Is Cd towards printing and goneral excuses.

The meeting of the Eight Hours Demonstration delegates was hold in the Working Men's Club last evening, Mr ITcslop in the chair. Tho officers of lust year were elected pro. tern. Tho minutest of tho last meeting of tho last Demonstration Committee wore rend and adopted. It wan resolved that tho action of the Into Committee in the Hulection of tho 29th of January for the demonstration annually be endorsed. Various delegates opoko forcibly about tho action of tho tempcrnnco societies selecting tho 29th of January, and scouring tho cricket, ground. It was decided to have the programme of sports somewhat .similar to the last. There woro presont delegates from elovon different branches of labour, and intimation was received of tho intention of novcral other trades, who hold their meetings within tho next fow dayH, of appointing delegates, It was docidod to insert in the " Wanted column " invitations to tho trades and brunches of labour not represented to elect delegates. Tho meeting then adjournod to meetagainon Friday, 30th.

A deputation, consisting of the Hon. H. Chamberlain, Roy. W. Slade, and Messrs T. B. Hill, J. K. McDonald, and Hugh Pain, waited upon the Hon. .(, Bryco yesterday afternoon to urgo the expediency of completing tho road from Raglan to Kawtiia. Mr Hill pointed out that the work would materially advance the interests of the whole district, and would also remove tho impression of tho natives that the Government had relinquished tho work through fear —an impression which ho had no doubt led to tho destruction of tho beacons at Kawhia. Tho Hon, Mr Bryco replied that thoro was no money available for the construction of tho road, and that if any expenditure did take place it would have to bo drawn from a vote that tho Government did not care to uso oftcner than was absolutely necessary. Ho agreed with Mr Hill that tho stopping of the road, together with tho dolay in tho sale of tho township, had encouraged the natives that were averso to tho occupation of Kawhia to destroy the beacons, thinking tho Government would withdraw from tho position thoy had taken up. Ho was exceedingly anxious that tho work should go on ; and if by straining a point a little he could got it done, ho would be happy to do so. After somo remarks from Mobsi's Slado and Chamberlain and tho Minister, tho interview onded with the assuranco from Mr Bryce that if he could do anything he would try and get on with the work during the ensuing summer.

Mr C. E. Button delivered a lecture on " Tho Moon" last night, at the Young Men's Christian Association rooms, before a fair audience. The first portion of the lecture consisted of a scientific djscpureo concerning the history of the earth's satellite, its rotation, revolution, and librations, and its influence on the sea in tho creation of tides. In tho second part a series of limelight views were exhibited, showing some of the enormous mountains of tho moon, such as Kepler, Tycho, Copernicus, &c, Tho lecturer gave an explanatory description of each picture as it was presented to the audience. The third portion of the lecture consisted of a notice of the myths and notions of people about tho moon. Of tho.'former, the "man in tho moon" received tho most attention, and of tho latter, tho ono most dwelt upon was the idea that the moon influenced the weather. This notion the lecturer condemned as erroneous, unscientific, and absurd. A vote of thanks to the lecturer, passed on the m > ion of MrEwing, ton, seconded by tho Rt,v.'T, M. Frasor, brought the proceedings to a olose,

To the Editor t Sir, —In your report of my lecture on tho Israelitish Tribe of Dan in Britain you say that I endeavoured to trace the wanderings of the lost ton tribes from the East, identifying thorn with tho Saxons, my chief argument being a coincidence of naroos. This is hardly n correct roport. I only ondoavourod to trace one tribe—tho tribo of Dan—and part of another —tho tribo of Simeon. The coincidenco of names is this: Tho tribe of Dan disappeared from Palestine shortly after tho time of David. They are afterwards found under tho same name, "Dan," associated with Greece as trading with Tyro. Dr. Latham, the wellknown ethnologist, associates these Grecian Danites with the Danai who took such an important part in the siege of Troy. These people arrived in Ireland under the same name, " Dan," and their national cognizance "was the same as tho "Danai, which was tho samo as the Israelitish tribe of "Dan." This is,something more than a coincidence of names ;it is conclusive ov.idonco tlwt they were the samo people, Tho other coincidence of names was' this; The early Britons, now known as tho Wolsh, first appeared in Europe aiid afterwards arrived in Britain, calling themselves " Klmmri." It has been satisfactorily proved on the. authority pf thu best ethnologists and philologists of the day that tho word " IChumri " is tho nnmo by whlqh the ten-tribal jiouso pf Israel was known to tho Assyrians, and that" Saxon " iH tho Arian equivalent of the (Seniltio word "Khumri." This is proved from the in. seriptions on tho Bohjstun rook, which is tri-lingual, nnd it is found that where " Khumri " is used in tlio Semitic cplujnn, " Saka " in its equivalent, in tho Arian column.—l am, &c, H. VV. Pabnah.

The comedy of " Sam'l o' Posen," to be produced to-night at the Opera.House, is said to be an exceedingly good one. Sam'l is a young Jow with a slight foreign accent, and some of the fun he produces is by pronouncing the word "half" as if it wei'o "hell of," so that when he says "half-an-hour " or " half-a-crown " it sounds as if he said "hell of an hour "and "hell of a crown." This phonic jest seems to amuse the audience a good deal. At first Sam'l is a pedlar, andcarriesa basketcontainingpins, needles, etc.; but he presently becomes assistant in a jeweller's shop, or as they call them in America, " a clerk," and it is in this capacity of stock clerk that he is entrusted with £0,000 worth of diamonds, which he is indiscreet enough to take with himjto a gambling house,whore he is hocussed and robbed. He recovers them in his uncle's pawn-shop, where they are brought by the second robber and principal murderer to be disposed of, and the second robber and chief murderer is coincidently delivered into the hands of the robbers, who, the story being American, although by unskilful adaptation English, do not, as may easily be inferred, hang him.

Moral Turpitude. — Blame attaches to a jury of intelligent men when they condemn a man for crime whose moral nature has been perverted by indigestion, diseased liver ana kidneys. A thoughtful judge may well consider whether society would not be better served by ordering a bottle of Hop Bitters for the unfortunate in tho dock instead of years of penal servitude. Road.

It will bo observed that Edgecumbe's property near the Western Springs is advertised for salo by auction in building allotments, Tliis should help to determine the policy of the City Council in the matter of its proposed purchase.

An advertisement appears in another column announcing a meeting in the Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday next to consider what steps should be taken to ri&ognlgc Uie'scrvlces of Mr J. M. Clnrk to tho city during his term of the Mayoralty.

Wo notice that the Rev, Henry Bull, of Thames, is to preach tomorrow evening in the Wusluyanchurch, Dovonport Subject—''Luther and tho Protestant Reformation." Tho subject is uf special interest iust now, and will no doubt be ably treated by Mr Bull.

Tho anniversary services in connection with tho Now North Road Weslcyan Sundayschool will be conducted to-morrow. The Rev. W. S. Potter will preach in the morning at 11. Mr Nowbold at 3, and tho Rev. A. Reid at halfpast 6 o'clock. The anniversary toa takes place on Tueßday next at half-past six.

A service of sacred song will bo given to-morrow afternoon at the usual hour on tho Hospital lawn by tho Beresford-Btroct Church choir, under the management of Mr Huxtable. Addresses by Roys. Messrs Abornethy and Dellow.

The experiment of delivering certain wellsclecleil discourses on topics .of Interest by our great divines has proved most acceptable. We notice Unit thotbird and last of the series "Cnristianlty of Faith" is announced for to-morrow evening (6.30) at St. Mutthew's.

At St. Matthew's Church, to-morow, the oreim will be presided over by Mr Goo. Brown, oldest son of the lute respected organist of the church who Is on a visit here for a few days from Napier. Ho is kindly taking the place of Mr Pooley, whoso indisposition necessitates his giving up the organ for a short time.

A special flower service for St. Thomas's School is advertised for to-morrow afternoon. Tho ltcv. Lloyd Keating will give an address on flowers, after which floral offerings will bo presented by tho children of tho school. The flowors,as usual,will be forwarded subsequently to the charitable institutions of the city.

I'arnell, it appears, is not to be left out in the cold during the concert season. Miss Cnnnoll by advertisomant in another column not Hies to tho public ot Newmarket and Parnell that she will give a concert in the Parnell Hall on Wednesday next, and judging from the choice programme that has been arranged, v goal entertainment may be expected. . According to announcement,the Havelock Lodge, Hand of Hopo, will give anothor of their Interesting entertainments on Tuesday evening next. Several good speakers will address the meeting, including Messrs Oriflln and Wilcock; pianoforte solos and ducts will bo rendered by iailics, and a number of souks and recitations will bo given by the young poople. The committeo havo arranged a capital programme for the entertainment, which will be held in tho Alexandra-street School-room. One Shilling.—Hay's Fino Art Union (by permission of tho General Government), Fifty prizes—valuabloOil Paintings and othercxcellcnt Pictures. Prizes on view, and inspection Invited at Mr Bailey's, tobacconist, 170, Queenstreut, where tickets can bo obtained; also the booksellers t ,ud tobacconists. Thodrawing will take placo publicly, of which duo notice will be given, and will bo supervised by a committeo chosen by tho subscribers at drawing. After handing over tickets, &c., tho proprietor takes no jiart in the drawing. W inning numbers will be advertised in " Ilcrald," Stak, and " Weekly." Committee's voucher will bo open for inspection during delivery of prizes. Remittances in stamps or otherwise (enclosing oxtra stump for postage) will receive prompt attention. Fifty prizes, £200 in 4,000 tickets. Address—W. E. Huy. as above. A subscriber can nold any number of tickets a£One Shilling caeh.—[ADVfJ -