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Auckland Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 4296, 27 February 1884, Page 2

Tho P.M. s.s. City of Sydney, with the January English mails, left San Francisco for Auckland on the 17th inst., two days later than the time-table date. Tho Australia, with the January colonial mails, arrived at San Francisco from Auckland on •25th inst., two earlier than timo-tablodate.

The Secretary of the Onehanga Chamber of Commerce has been instructed to write to the directors of the Auckland City Tramways Company, inquiring if thero is any probability of the tramways being extended to Onehunga. He has also been requested to gather all necessary information on this subject, to bo submitted to next meeting.

The team to represent tho " Mascottes " (Opera Company)against tho Licensed Victuallers to-morrow will be chosen from— Messrs G. Musgrove, W. Woodfield, J. Wallace, W. Harrison, T. Grundy, J. Forde, W. Beaumont, D. Harvey, H. Musgrove, W. Ford, J. Peako, C. Robson, H. vernon.

A meeting of the creditors of John Anderson, master mariner, was to have been held to-day; but it lapsed for want of a quorum. The bankrupt's liabilities (consisting mainly of debts to tradesman) amount to £15012s sd. and tho assets are nil.

The tender for the timber contract of the new Auckland Railway Station has just been lot—the successful tenderers being Messrs P. and J. Bartholomew, of Fielding, and tho amount £1,490 11s 7d.

The lawn tennis match yesterday afternoon between representatives of the Thorndon Club, Wellington—Messrs Fitzgerald and Kebble—and Messrs J. M. Dargaville, M.H.R., and W. E. Barton, of tho Government House Club, Auckland, was witnessed by a large number of interested spectators. The game, which was played on the fine ground in front of Government House, resulted in a victory for the local players.

Festival services, in thanksgiving for harvest, took place on Sabbath last in Holy Trinity Church, Devonport. Rev. J. Bates, incumbent, conducted tho services morning and evening, and the choir, which was present in full force, sang the music for the occasion in excellent style. The offertories reached a total of £10 10s Id, The fruits and vegetables, which, with evergreens, were used in decorating the church building, were afterwards handed to the Auckland Hospital authorities.

The temperance people of Newmarket have fixed upon Messrs Bishop, F. G. Clayton, G. T. Keetley, J. Tait, and F. A. White as their candidates at the forthcoming election of Licensing Committee. Cold water has rather a. poor chance in this " Brewerina " district, but the advocates of total abstinence mean to make a hard fielit of it. *

The cricket and football associations of the city have resolved upon presenting an illuminated address to Mr W. H, VerekerBindon, who leaves to fill the position of Inspector of Schools in tho Wanganui District. Mr Bindon, we are glad to learn, is making a good recovery at Waiwera from his recent illness. The address to be presented to him is now on view at Mr A, Tilly's, Queen-street.

There was a large attendance at the fruit soiree held in Ponsonby^Hall^Jast evening to celebrate the seventh anniversary of St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church. Rev. D. W, Runciman, pastor of the congregation, presided, and briefly introduced tho evening's programme in a congratulatory speech on the progress of the church during the year. Rev. Mr Evans, of Waikato, de4sjfired an interesting address,full of humour alrajhnecdote; Mr Thos. Peacock, M.H.R., anther on "Aids to Happiness;" while at a later period of tho evening Rev. A. Reid addressed a sound moral lesson to the young of both sexes. A humorous reading entitled "An Electric Trip to London" was given by Mr R. S. Barry. A capital musical programme was presented, under the direction of Mr J. G. Culpan, as follows:—Duet (pianoforte), " Diabolli" (in* D), Misses Culpan and Edmiston ; glee, " The Fairest Flower," choir; song, "Dream Faces," Miss McMillan ; "Bedouin Lovo Song, Mr Taylor; song, "I Do Not Love Thee," Miss Barton ; song, " Good Company," Mr Simpson ; pianoforte duet, "Home, Sweet Home," Misses Cossan ; trio, "LaCarrita," choir; "John Wellington Wells," Mr Taylor; chorus, "Ferry Maiden," choir; song, "Love, I Will Love Thee Ever," Miss Culpan; duet, ' "Friendship," Misses McMillan and Mackip ; chorus, "Good ijTight," choir. Misses Pulpan and Main played the accompanjmontsl Refreshments in the form of fruit and confectionery were liberally supplied. The gathering concluded with the usual votes of thanks passed by acclamation.

A man named .lames Hall was admitted to the Hospital yesterday suffering from a badly bruisedfoot. The injury was eausodlost Wednosday, through a log falling on Hall's foot while he was working in the Paparapa bush.

Tho matron of St. Stephen's Orphan Homo, Parnellj begs to acknowledge with ninny thanks the very acceptable presents of fruit (two) from "St. John's, Tamaki; also fruit and vegetables from tho harvest, festivals of All Saints' Church, Ponsonby ; Holy Trinity Church, Dovonport; and St. Thomas's, l'onsonby, kindly sent for tho children.

Professor Tucker was olectod a member of tho French Literary Society at tlio fortnightly meeting on Saturday ovoning. Mr C. do L'Enu roml an interest-ing local novelotto, entitled "The Shipwrights' Strike," which led to an animated discussion. Mr A. Villev.il (Hon. Sec.) announced that tho noxt concert would take place on Saturday evening, tho Bth of March, and invited contributions to tho programme,

. A young man, aged 22 years, named Patrick Ro«an, in tho employ of Mr \V. Waters, met with a very sorious accident on Sunday last. Whilst riding along the Mangore Road his horse slipped, and tlyow its rider, who was nt once removed to the surgery of Dr. St. LogOf Krson. It was found that tho unfortunate man had dislocated tho shoulder joint, and fractured the collar-bone, besides receiving severe1 contusions. Dr. Erson soon reduced tho dislocation, and under that gentleman's treatment Regan is now in afair way to recovery.

Two items of news from Dunodin havo n bearing upon similar questions presently agitating the Auckland public. It is reported that tho Dunedin Botanical Gardens, which aro at present managed by the Domain Board, will be taken over by tho City Council, showing that a necessity has arisen for responsible control of an important public rosorvo. On tho question of providing salt-water baths, a poll of Dunedin ratepayers was taken yesterday to determine whether the City Council shojld borrow £7,000f0r that purpose. The voting was—Ayes, 174 j noes, 319. We fancy a pol on tho subject of baths would havo a different result in Auckland.

The consignment of Shropshire Downs rains by the Bronhildn woro landed from that vessol yesterday, arid havo attracted a great deal of attention. It is to tho cntorpriso of tho Auckland Stud and Podigrco Stock Company that tho introduction of these sheep is due. They have been recommended by tho most roliablo London butchering authorities as tho beet class with which to cross tho sheep of this colony to ensure good Hesh making and wool giving animals. They havo now been imported with tho objoct of crossing tho breeds, and tho result of tho experiment will be awaited with no small amount of interost by our sheep farmors.

A concert in aid of tho schools of the Sisters of Mercy took place in tho Public Hall, Otahuhu, la.st evening. It was well patronised and was a great .success. Somo excollont singing by Miss Knto Huxtablo, a child of 9 or 10 years, brought down tho house (in a shower of bouquets). Mrs MoCurdy was encored for tho mastorly manner and beautiful rendering of her song; Mrs Sephton and Miss Millgrovo sang a couple of duets very sweetly; Miss L)an and Miss McGco also favoured tho audiencewith songs. Mrs McCarthy sang " Minnie^ Fate ;" Mr Batcheld sang, " Too Utterly Utter" and "Tho Shaker's Wife," and Mr O. C. McGco gave "Finogan's Wake" Tho singing of tho National Anthem brought an enjoyable ontertainmont to a close.

Our Port Albort correspondent writes : — "On Tuesday next a trial of strength botween tho temperaneo party and tho friends of tho liquor traffic will take plaeo. Tho strong feeling existing in Albcrtland in favour of prohibition is well known ; but lately tho Mnngawni Licensing District has boon added to Albert, and consequently an attempt will bo made to withhold a license for tho house at Mangawni. I boliovo tho general feeling to bo in favour of small licensing districts, and certainly it is not in consequoneo of any action on the part of tho settlers of Port Albori that Mangawai is added to this district."—[lt will bo scon by a telegram olaowhero that the tompcrance candidates havo carried tho election by a large majority.]

An adjourned sitting of the District Court was hold to-day boforo His Honor Judgo Smith. Tho case for hoaring was that of Albert Potter v. the Potter Wool Scouring Company. Mr Theo. Cooper appeared for plaintiff, and Mr Edwin ileskoth for defendant. This action was to recover the sum of £SO, claim for wrongful dismissal, and £15 for three weeks' wages. Tho defendants aro carrying on business in Auckland as a joint Btock company, and the claim presented submits that on the 13th March it was agreed • between tho plaintiff and ono Thomas Seddon and ono William Stcclo that for a certain consideration, and upon assignment of patent, tho plaintiff should bo employed as working manager for twelve months at a weekly salary of £5. Ho commenced and continued in that capa-^ city until the Bth May, when ho was dismissed. Plaintiff contends that defendants are indebted to him for three weeks' wages, amounting to £15, and ho also claims i'Bo for damages lor wrongful dismissal, making a total of £HO. Tho dofonco was to tho effect that while in tho Company's employ, tho plaintiff was guilty of gross misconduct and disobedience to roasonablo and lawful commands, and that the plaintiff was indebted to tho defendants in a larger amount for rent than that claimed for

wages. An entertainment was held in tho Parnoll Hall last evening for tho purposo of raising funds for tho purchaso of a now piano for tho Convent School. Thoro was a large attendance, and tho gathoring proved a successful one. The vocalists woro in good voice, and a brief dramatic sketch was given with good ofl'ect. The programmo was as follows :—Chorus, " God Dofend New Zealand ;" En Routo (two pianos), Misses George, Fitz, Hogan, and Aley; song, "Nover More," Miss Council ; duot (operatic), Messrs Knox and Edwards ; vocal solo, "Bide a Wee," Mrs McCurdy j song, " I'm Not Myself at All," Mr Yates ; song, "Carrissima," Mr Edwards; vocal solo (selected), Miss Sheehan ; song, " Tho Gallants of England," Mr Knox ; Fandango (two pianos), Misses Fallon, Edgar, Fitz, and George. The following took part in tho drama entitled "Folly Cured":—

Misses Fitz, Aley, Georgo, M. Edgar, Fallon, Richards, M. George, J. Hodgson, Kilfoyle, Hogan, and E. O'Brien, and Masters J. Hogan and J. Fitz.

Lovers of the " noble" art of boxing liad a treat provided for thorn in the Tlieatro Royal on Saturday night last, when no fewer than five different glove contests took place. The principal event was the fight between W. Murphy, of this city, and a " now chum" named T. Hogan, for the light-weight championship of Auckland and £20 a-side. Four rounds were fought amid great excitement among a large concourse of spectators; and wo aro informed that the stranger had throughout the best of it. In the fourth round Hogan's supporters claimed a "foul," and this being allowed by the referees, he was adjudged the winner, according to tho Marquis of Queensberry's rules. The Kirby Brothers followed with a friendly bout at sparring, and a "set-to" afterwards took place between McAnemy and O'Moara, after which Messrs Campbell and Butler displayed their "science" Tho wholo closed by the referees, Thomson and Harris, donning the gloves and engaging in a trial of skill. The evening's exhibition, though not edifying, appeared to give great satisfaction to the spectators.

A social gathering of tho members of St. Thomas's Church was held last evening in the school-room, and largely attended. An excollent tea was provided under the motherly management of Mesdamea Armstrong, Cornish, Davies, Hamilton, Olive Ward, and Waymouth. Thenovei bachelors" table received the courteous attentions of Misses De Thierry, Lipscombe, Owen, and Vickery. After this liberal repast, tho chair was taken by the Rev. Lloyd Keating, the incumbent of the parish, who introduced the proceedings in a pleasant manner, referring to the merits of the musical and literary selections. Mr Keating contributed a humorous song, which was thoroughly enjoyed by the audienco. Mr H. Hamilton made the speech of the evening, and spoke encouragingly of the prosperous and promisng condition of the church, a condition which he (Mr Hamilton) attributed mainly to the energy and abilities of the incumbent. He concluded his address by giving a hearty welcomo to the Rev. Mr Keating, assuring him of the hearty support and co-operation of the parishioners. The remaining portion of the evening was devoted to songs, readings, and instru mental pieces. The ovening was pleasantly passed, and gratifying to all present.

There will be the usual Ash Wednesday evening seivice to-night at St. Matthew's Church. On the Sunday evenings during Lent (6.30) the incumbent will deal with a very interestiog subject: "Tho Lord's Player, the Prayer of Prayers." The first ot mo lectures will deal with "Erayer, tho spoken longing of the heart aspiring to higher thingrs." The remainder of the series -will deal with the clauses of tho prayer seriatim.

We omittod to notico in our remarks upon tho testimonial presented to tho Mayor of Parncll that tho addross was beautifully illuminated by Mr J. Slator.

Tho project of securing a portion of tho Government Uouso paddock as a sito for a boarding-horfcc cropped up again incidentally at tho meeting of the Grammar School Covernorsyesterday. MrMackochniewished to know whether tho paddocks near tho Hospital, the leases of which expire in -Inly, could be obtained. Colonel Haultain mentioned that tho area was four acres, and that tho rent would be at least £l") 0 a year. They belonged to the trustees of St. John's College It was thought, however, that they were too distant, and as tho impression prevailed that tho public and the Mayor wuro favourably inclined to the Board's proposed utilisation of tho Government House paddock, it was suggested that tho City Council should bo sounded on tho matter. Mr Mackeehnio promised to mako somo preliminary inquiries. Tho ordinary meeting of the Onohunga Borough Council was hold on Monday ovening, there being present—His Worship the Mayor (Dr. Scott), Councillors Jackson, Lundon, Tapp, Clark, Dunwoodio, Fleming ITnstie, and Hills. Mr Burden complained of a nuisance on premises adjoining his, and tho Mayor proposed to look into the complaint. Messrs Tolo and Cavo applied on behalf of James Huckstop for tho payment of £S Ss, being four weeks' wages duo as Inspector of Nuisances. A committee was appointed to take tho nocossary stops to defond any action that might be brought. Tho Streets Committee was roqucsteu to confer with tho Ono Treo Hill Board respecting repairs to tho boundary road on tho north side of the borough, and roport to noxt meeting. Permission was granted by five votes to four to form burgosses to hold a raco meeting on tho fifty-acre reserve on the 26th March. Tendors wore ordored to bo called for 1,000 yardsof scoria ash.

Tho monthly mooting of tho Grammar School Board of Governors was hold ,late yesterday afternoon, there being presont: Messrs 1, D. font on (in tho chair), Colonol Haul tain, and Kov. C. M. Nelson. A letter was received from Mr G. IVaser, asking for certain information regarding tho scholarship examination. It was decided to refer him to tho Secretary. On tho application of tho Secretary to tho Board of Education, it was resolved to grant frco tuition to C. J. Parr and A. G. Cook, winners of district scholarships. Tho Head-master applied for two assistant masters, and represented tha neod of extended school accommodation. It was decided to advortiso for an assistant master. An application by tho Univorsity College Council for the uso of two rooms for the purpose of ovoning lectures was referred to tho Property Committee Tho quostion of obtaining a portion of tho Government Houso paddock as a sito for tho boardinghouso was raised, and Mr Mackechnio promised to ascoitain tho mind of the City Council on the matter.

At tho mooting of tho Grammar School Board of Governors yostorday afternoon, a letter was received from tho Head-master reporting an incroase of 42 in tho number of pupils, bringing tho total up to 291, and applying for an incrcaso of tho teaching stall. Ho pointed out that there woro at present nino assistant mastors and nino regular forms for gonoral work, while further provision had to be miido for tho boys scattered through six forma, who did not learn Latin. Tho threo highest classes woro of modornto sizo, and tho avorago number of boys in each of the romainint; classes was 37, a number that could not bo taught by any master without a sacrifico of oflicioncy, and which was in excoss of tho clans-room accommodation. An addition of two masters would bo required in order to enable- him to arrange tho boys satisfactorily in classes, Tho building, howover, would not provido accommodation for more than one, oven when tho hall wan occupied by two classo.". Tho acquisition of a master oi experience and good'attainments in« English and classics, and especially in mathematics, would greatly strengthen, his hands, but if necessary he could arrango to utilise tho sorvioos of a young man of promise, who would bo willing to accept a lower rato of salary on tho ground, not of social or intellectual inferiority, but of youth and limited oxporienco. A second letter was recoived from the Head-master, stating that no more .scholars could bo received without ovorcrowding, to the dotriment of teaching, discipline, and ovon health. Col. Haultain said that unless tho Board meant to restrict tho number of pupils to 300 it would havo to build. The Board had an overdraft of £500, but it had authority to borrow X'lo,ooo. After a brief discussion, it was resolved to advertise for an assistant master.