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Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 549, 3 January 1885, Page 2

We arc disposed to attach much more importance to the doings of the London money market than to those of Germans or Frenchmen in picking _p a few tropical islands which never can hold a large European population, and which they would assuredly have taken from them in case of War. The latest with reference to the money market is that the Govermrtfrit does not believe the alleged alienation of the Sinking Fund can have aroused the Stock Exchange to action. A laboured telegram on this point was wired out by the Press Association very tmprcrperly upon its own authority^ our special correspondent places it up<o_ its footing right as tire official opinion which Ministers desire to place before the public. jS_ one, however, has averred that the Stock Exchange is taking action. Our English telegram stated that "the members" were objecting Possibly the definite article should have been omitted and it should have read t-'-at "members of the Stock Exchange" were objecting. Their ob jections must have had i ffect, because the Government has reduced its demands to one million. Nor should we be surprised to learn that they had authorised the Agent-General to undertake that the Consolidated Stock Bill of last session shall remain a nullity till Parliament meets again. The latest telegrams state that New Zealand securities " are unchanged." It is idle, therefore, to give the state of the money market as a reason for withdrawing the one and a-half million. The only other possible reason is the virtual alienation of the Sinking Fund. A Wellington telegram says there has been no such alienation, but this is "too thin." The Act of last session authorises the Government to put into the Treasury 50,000 in cash that ought to go to the Sinking Fund, and in view thereof put into the Sinking Fund two hundred and fifty thousand pounds worth of stock specially created and added to the debt of the colony year by year for the purpose. It was pointed out in Parliament in the strongest terms during the debate on the bill that this course was irregular and unprecedented, and might seriously damage the credit of the colony. But Sir Julius Vogel pooh-poohed the suggestion, and Parliament so entirely trusted to his alleged acquaintance with the Stock Exchange that by a vote of 46 to 1 4 in a house of 60 members it rejected an amendment that would have prevented Government in any way using the Sinking Fund or its earnings till it had been actually released by the conversion of the old loans into inscribed stock. The loan agents, it now appears, have been "in close and constant correspondence with the Government on the subject of the loan during the last fortnight," yet only two days ago Government gave a formal denial to our statements, and declared that they had received " no advice from the Agent-General," as they would have been sure to do if our statements had been correct. Was the quibble on the word Agent General ? Ought wr to have said loan agents? In any case the sooner the Government make a clean breast of it and let the public know exactly what is being done and has been done, the better for themselves, and the better for the people, who have a right to the facts, and not to be forced back upon conjecture in matters of such deep importance, and on which so many interests depend. Let them say plain'y what instructions have been given to the loan agents, to the AgentGeneral, or to any other authority. A letter of half-a-dozen lines to the London " Times " two years ago sent down our debentures one per cent, in one

_rav_ - ii.v.'eJr\J__" v.» iTi_»'sWkJfc =-3S* change been taking action, and, if so, has the Agent-General, k lowing its importance, been guilty of so great a dereliction of duly as not to report it to Government? We do not believe that he could or would be guilty of such conduct. Vet the A venment, in their excuses, really imply that it ir> the case, and woul 1 have us believe that no notice need be taken till " the .Committee of the Slock Exchange" 'take action, as they would assuredly df, sooner or hitw, if moved thereto hy " the members " nrlicm they 'represent. It is high time that this tortuous*policy came to an end.

The Hon J. R. Thun'tetr, C\M..fr., Colonial

Secretary of l-'ii', ftftd who know:* more of the al<':i'.rs 0? that colony, and protebVy of t.ii<a Sttuth Pacific generally, tftali any other living man, hah arrived in London His presence the;,.. It. is whispered in Fiji, is preparatory to tho receipt of a more im-poi-fV.nt appointment under the Crown than that which lie now holds; but whether that will be the Governorship of Fiji or the High Commissioner.-!]in of the Western Pacific is unknown. Mr Thurston's nomination to the former oilice would be popular in the ci bny, lie administered the aft'oivs of t c Government for several mouths recently during Governor Fes Vn-ux's absence in Australia, 'and tho more vigorous and popular character of his measures won the favour of the planters ami press, who »ro usually not admirers of the execitiYS HK.V. of their rulers.

The funcval of Mm a, A, Ciltillan, who died this morning, will take place, fo r»<Krow (Sunday) afternoon, at fcalf-rasl four.

Bishop Luck is expect'td to arrive hove from Sydney on Tce'aciay week. Tho foundation stof"? 5f the new Ponsonby Roman ■Catholic Chapel will be laid as soon after Wt return as possible.

Tho repayment of monies placed in tho totalisa'or on the Steeplechaso was carried out by Mr Adams at tho offices of the Racing Club to day. Many persons no doubt desti oysd thoir tickets when they saw tho ,result of the race, and there is reason lo believe that some enterprising individuals have been gathering up the fragments. Two los of six each, pasted toge'her on piper, were.- presented to day and duly paid; others that had evidently hem torn were also put in. On the matter being brought K'vchr the notice of the Steward*, however, instructions were given, trot to pay any moie torn tickets Without careful enquiry. As each ticket is worth ,C 2, a very nice little stroke of business might be dono by ft enrefu! search of the course.

i,)uito a hnye number of ThaWUs people are. or have boen,, in to'vn for the holidays during the la?t fortnight; but the master of tho Rtttomahana "states that during Christmas week he took more people from Auckland to tho Thames than he brought back.

The commander and officers of tM American warship Ircfiuots Wtsrs? entertained today at an excursion tortnd the harbour in the paddh-steamer Victoria. Tho party v. a» arranged by Mr<;. Aiei;;n, Chairman oftftcHarbofirJJo?'rd, ftrti besides t< \ e 1 roquois otf cers €A te W.'e present a largo -nnmbor.^f larfio*, ana tho following gontlo 'Won:-—'>'{"! Worship the Mayor, Captain Webb, Dr. Bond, Captain Ilurgcv, Rev, D. Bruce, anil Messrs Stark, Chinr. Nicccl Winks, G. \V. Owen, W. Aitke",'".! P.rl,)' C. M. Main, If. P. Bn.rlwr. Lanni-an! Boss, 11. Brett, 'lambic, \Y Philson, Wars, Brigham, Berry, Colbcth, Callis (vSecretary to the New Zealand Industrial Exhibition), Brewster, Tanner, Mays, and Andrrecri-. It was intended to proceed to the Sugar Company's Works, t!;once to tho Calliope Dock, and to -;-end the remainder of tho afternoon in fishing. Mr Aickin had made the fullest preparations for the entertainment of his guests. Canning's stall was on board, with every essential for a first 'Class lunch.

Tharac.-i social circles have been exi'.itcd during tho last week by a jpley little scandal. On WedncHay list a marriage was to Itnvn t<*.kcn place between a weTlknown barmaid and an equally well-known Auckland surveyor. All the arrangements had been mack), but at the last moiitotit tho relatives of the intcn'linr; bridegroom in Auckland te'ofrrapbcil 'to friends at the Tliatnen requesting them to prevent the nuptials at all hazards. Tho re-ult wa« that the prospective bride waited >n vain for her lover, who was to hftvU eall'c'd in a onrri.igo to take !>e!." to tho Registry O.iicc. Time passed, bttti'.fi lover came, and at la.-t the t_tfn*9 reached her that he har| fiecl the

.>*eno. The intending bride.who had only been at the Thames about three week-, formerly dispensed refreshing liquors to thirsty humanity in an Auckland bar. she returned to town on Thursday night, and more will probably be heart of the matter.

Peter (,luin!an> who has been arrested for drunkenness, will also bo charged with attempted robbery of 17s (id from tho person of a man named Brown. Tho constable who took him into custody, assorts that he saw him with his hand in" the other man's pocket, and tho intended robbery of 17: iOd is consequently inferred from the fact that Brown had that amount in his possession.

The annual meeting of subscribers to St. Benedict's Church Building Fund will I c held to-morrow afternoon, Monsignor Fynos in the choir. Tho Catholic Bazaar in aid of the Hobson street schools closed last evening ; total receipts .£370.

flood progress is Ueini; made with Uio erection of fhe largo block of shops at tho corner of Queen and Wellesley-streets for Mr C. J. Stone. Tho third story has now almost been completed. These shops, when finished, are to bo occupied by Messrs Close Bros, and Milne and Choyee.

We learn from letters received in town withroferencetothemurdcrousattack by tho two natives on b«ard the Agnes Donald, that the native fhat fell ovorboarrl first managed to wound a Maori cailsr on fhe head, (hen he mate on the jaw, next tho captain on the head. Then tho cook rushed at tho native, but tho latter, being the stronger, soon had the cook hanging over the side of the vessel: fortunately the native overbalanced hinjself, fell over the cook's back, and got drowned, Tho captain was struggling with the other native, but, with the cook's assistance, he succeeded in tying him up. Harry Greenshiclds was the first attacked, and was the most soriously injured, as he was struck over the head with an iron bar, remaining insensible for three days, but is now slowly recovering in the Hospital at Suva, The Maori and the mati were also stunned. Tho captain was stabbed in both sides, but ho md the other two are getting on well. Tho Agnes Donald was to remain at Suva until tho sittings of the Supreme Court on the first of next month.

The Church in the Highlands of Scotland is at the present moment in a state of strange unrest. On the one hand, the land agitation has directed attention again to tho injustice of tho Church of tho landlords possessing tho endowments, while that of tho people (tho Free Church) has to maintain itself; on which ground some soriously propose a simple transference to tho Free Church of Established property and rights. On the other hand, the Highlanders as a body are bitterly opposed to "Innovations," and, whilo tho opponents of hymns and organs seek to make of them a party of irroconcilables within tho Free Church, tho Established Church leaders (themselves no haters of hymns and organs) slily take occasion to hold out the olive branch from the auld kirk. Between these contending influences, the Highlander himself is likely to have a bad time.

"Only the other day" (writes "AngloAustralian "in the " European Mail") " I was conversing with a friend on the vory evident advances now making in most of the Australasian colonies to a balancing of tho sexes—an event not very far removed. It is evident that some persons hero are extremely anxiou.s to bring about this consummation, and if half what I hoar be truo as to tho systematic means now adopted or contemplated for furnishing disconsolate Australian bachelors with wives, the male sex will not very long prodominate in numbers. At Grimsby, in Osborne-strcet, there is, at the present moment, an agency expressly designed to provide wives for Australians, and great inducements are offered to charm away females who might otherwise be disposed to heed the more prosaic but practical pleasofthevarious Agents-Genera!, who are likewise working to reduce the present disparity of the sexes at the antipodes. I givg no names, for obvious reasons, and sincerely trust the Grimsby and other similar agencies may do only good ; but I fear that many women

rri disappointed. In one instance, we are seriously told that on the arrival of ono of these consignments of marriageable females, colonists rush to the docks, examine the now arrivals inslantci; and forthwith propose ! This is drawing a very long bow indeed."

Ta»«jrSJST^f^_nc^^Rigngrrrg^ tion insportingcircles. The followingarethe j names of tho teams :—Licensed Victuallers-: Malhieson (captain), filovei", Donovan, • Roberts, Twonill, Lynch, Donovan, J. | Smith, CallVey.M. Gallagher,flolly, Wattle, Barrett, S. Coombes, Stanford. Bookmakers : Harris (captain), Weston, Profiitt, Forward, Carter, Belcher, Uo-s, Lyons, Blaikio, Aylett, Poole, .1. Gallagher, Drake, Brimblecombe. A first-class band will _?, in attendance, and a luncbwn IS to be provided. The. moten of the Industrial School, If'?we Street, wishes to thank the boys at i'ne North Shore Wharf who took so t^rrth trouble to recover a hat, frOM tl'e, wat'or. She is sorry there v'as i'c( lirfte for her to thank them nn-r/^'iUy. 'i'iV?;':, w'i,s again a large attendance ftt lh« Opera fTor.se last evening, w»e'-i „jo pantomime of " Bluobc"-_, or tho Heathen Chiro','' wf-s satisfactorily repeated. The porform'*„ce was under the patronage of vJaptatn Sterling nnd the ollicers of the Iroquois. ".Jane Shore" is to follow tho pantomime. The Catholic Ba:-.- t ar closed last night, the total receipts for the evening being C'Jli. Tho net proceeds arc expected to exceed C.'!oo, and a large quantity of _ood« mo still indisposed of.

An oxenrsicn party in connection with the Hold Naturalists' and Art Students' Clubs left by the ten o'clock train this foreneon for Hunua.

It does not apji'jar to bo r.mvAy known that the Saturday s'teCrtcOn Wind performance!, so 7C'v:vo'.Tsiy arranged for by His Worship rile Mayor, hn-'e boon suspended '(Suring the holidays. . The q'lV.t tif the series will take nlace on next in the Albert Park.

T'Ya men lately working in Hopotownstreet are requested to call for tho-wheel-barrow thoy left in the Industrial School grounds,

There was a thin attendance last night at the Lorne-stroet Hall to witness tho varied peiformancel of Dean's Minstrels. Tho entertainment wn in three parts, comprising songs, a temperance lecture, comedy and farce. In consequence of the !a«k ot public appreciation, the performance announced for tonight will noi be given.

Tho small boys who were fortunate enough to pay a visit to the Qacsn-f trect VVharf this morning were amply repaid for their trouble, I'pfafrJ'Hef one hundred bundles of bisan'as had gone bad in the Arawata's hold, and these were landed on th" outer western tee, but it sub-equently transpired that they were nut, worth fhu cost of carriatro to file saleroom. CVjhsofluently, nmall fry Wore pPrtnitter! to bika what they Wanted, and daring tho wholo forenoon they were engaged picking out the gce'l fruit, of which a comparatively

largo quantity remained. Dozens of youngsters might have been seen going up tho wharf with baskets of their spoil,

The members of St. David's Sabbathschool held their f'Hc on ?icw Year's Day a': Surrey Hill-. Th« chi!dier> on account of the V'p.t mornicg were conveyed thither in dragny Uv number being about 2.j'\ Several of the friends accornpnhied by Iho teachers and the m'"mbe*-S cf the church were in attendance,find helped to mako the day a I'leasantonofor the you:-g folk. Tea, cake, buns, etc., were served out twice. Me-.-rs Mel'herson and Badger wero tho principal stcwardw. Kitcca for prizes were engaged in, for which competilim was vt:ry keen, and bafore they left for home each i*a coived a bag of lollir-s. .They Were th.ri conveyed to I heir several homes by the same coiiv,-yana i-i, and all wen; eatisii'.d with t!i j d?.y's proceiidinsTj.

The annual fostivAl of tho Sundayschools of Rt, Sop'ulohro and St. Barnabas was he!'1, yesterday in the Domain. Over two hundred children were in attendance, accompanied by their teachers, friends, and ministers. Provisions and sports were provided, and prizes awarded to the success ful competitors in singing, reciting, and racing, and the holiday wk.i p'casnntiy parsed.

M r Pawcctt'3 death was due to overwork, to Incomplete rceovcry from his illness of tvo years ago, to the unsc eonab'eness of the weather, and finally to tho treacherous atmosphere of the ilo.ucof Commons,whichal t rii'itcs between rtn-tic col 1 and torrid heat. Mu.-oularly he Was rhc strongest man in the Ministry, except Gladstone, and he was the only member of the (lovernment who was loved and respected by all parties alike. Though a giant in frame, ho had childlike simplicity nn'l tenderness of manner.

It is scarcely to bo wondered at (says tnu "Post") that tlio professions by tho Mini-try of their intense do.-ire for Civil Service reform arc received with some incredulity, when if. is seen that, while old and experienced Civil servant.- are being turned out of ono door, nr.-.v RVSn, not pesse'scd of any special qualifications, but O.i I ngi heir appoint merit e-iti rely to political inrmence, are being taken into the service at another door. Amongst several other recent instances of appointments of this kind may lie mentioned that of tho son of a weil known .Southern M.H.R., who has just been provided with a billet in the Public Trust Olfice. On New v. cur's Day the N./* Society rf Blue.- had n most enjoyable picnic at St. Ilcli r's Hay. The party left town at S a.m. in a drag and an Onehunga 'bus, the good things starting earlier in a cart. There worn about fifty present, consisting o .did liiues, wives, families, and a few friends, (lames of many kinds were indulged in, especially those familiarly known at Christ's Hospital. The I.lues"present were : Messrs Trollope, Dennes, Fox, Stafford, Watkins, Bawling?, Jiathway-, Hugo, Parish, Clark, and McNeilo. Messrs Shirley, Whitcotnbe, -toncsj Nesbit, and Harrison were Unavoidably ;b cut .Mr Trollope proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Dennes for his hospitft'ity in providing for tho inner man, and Mr D.-nnes replied in a neat speech. Another vole was passed by -Mr McNeilo to ,Mr Shirley, the energetic Secretary, . for his kindness and forethought in , miking arrangements for tho use of the : grounds. The party arrived home again about nine o'clock, and thus ended ono of the p'easantest days of Brother Crug re-unions.

Several associations arc already being promoted, in Wellington to take up land under the Government special settlement scheme. On ■> has been formed by Mr. McCarllein Mesterton, to take up a portion of tie 40-Mile Bush. Another association is being formed in the Wai.arapa by Mr. Hawkins for a like purpose, and a third has been started at Woodvillo, with its proposed scene of operations also in the 40-Mile Bush. These associations are composed mainly of tho sons of old settlors, and men who havo practical experience of the work of colonisation, and who feel them selves already cramped in the thickly settled districts, and desire to further subdue the wilderness. Another association is being formed in Wanganui, but the scene of its intended operations has not yet been decided upon.

Messrs Kincaid, McQueen and Co., of Dunedin, have undertaken tho construction of a ?tcc! screw steamer for the DuncdinInvoicarpill trade, to tho order of Mr Keith Ramsay and others, and tho work will be commenced immediately upon tho arrival of tho material from England. Tho contract specifics that the steamer shall ho built entirely of steel, under special survey, and classed 100a at Lloyd's. The principal dimensions are as follow: — Length of keel, 127 feet; length overall; 135 ft: breadth of beam, Oft 'Jin ; depth of hold, Bft Oin. All the materials used will be tested and passed by Lloyd's surveyors to the Board of Trade before leaving Homo. Sho is to be fitted with a pair of compound, direct-acting, surface-condensing engines, indicating 2.i0 horse-power. Seven months arc allowed to complete the contract.

Tho "Now Zealand Times," in acknowledging the acceptance of servico of a writ and statement of claim at the suit of Sir Julius Vogcl, says : —" Sir Julius Vogel wili find that wo are quite as ready to proceed with the action as ho is."

Tho annual festival in connection with St. Luke's Sabbath School was held en Friday last in Mr Frank Buckland:s meadow, Rcinucra, where they spent a most enjoyable clay. There were about 250 scholars and friends present. After tea about forty-five prizes were distributed to the scholars for proficiency and good conduct. Cheers were then given to the prizewinners, and to those who did not win prizes, three cheers to the Superintendent (the Rev. G. B. Monro), an i three cheers to the Secretary. Scholars, teachers, and friends then met the scholars and friends of St. Andrew's Sabbath-school, when all united in sinking the hymns " Come to the Saviour" and "Saviour like a Shepherd Load L Ts." Tho Rev. (J. B. Monro thon proposed three cheers for St. Andrew's, which were most heartily given ; and at the request of Mr Bell were most heartily returned by St. Andrew's. These fraternal greetings brought to a closo the most successful festival in tho history of the Sab-bath-school. I

roirr.™»cVoi pVra6\rs_tt,Arcke<T,-.>;• nuum U " | discharged, 0 ; number still in the Home, 9. |We desire to return thanks for articles ' received from Mr Wood, Mr. Garrett, Mr [ Hulme, Mr flellaby, butchers' meat; from Mr Waddel, ISewton, Mr Heath, Mr Lyell, Mrs Robloy, bread ; requisites, more bedding ; general remarks, we are doing very well.—(Signed) Captain R. Little. The first number of the fifth volume of the " Bible Standard " for 1885 opens very approf riately with editorial thought"! gn.tho new year upon whmh v."1? ,ta':e, tril'qrs'rl. These seasonable fallowed by two r,: .:-•■■'■■ Ca, lie jti'.st .0:1 -'"M_i' t riiuVo 'i':3stin,y,';,by.,Mr G.-.P, Maokay., i native,of Linjcolp ;, and the second fcV-M' ;Win..Lainj?;.c'n g. kindred. Guoject, "The iHcavonly FJ^giKmi-" The recent much-tdk-'d of religious meeting at Port Albert, and the Pentecostal manifestations, are mildly criticised, and their absurdities tested by the light of Scripture. A fair lyric on the new year, church news, current notes, and the preachers' monthly plan after the order of John Wesley, complete twelve pages of readab'o, instructive, and suggestive matter, Tho choir ami iriebds of the Ponsonby VVesle; .■*:! Church, numbering over 100, lelt t"o wharf at 10 30 for Motatapu per Cornmandcl. A most enjoyable day was spent upon the island, to ivhfch the excursionists were kindly iireteoltted by Mr Reid-, The weat.lwr being ail thfte'eoiild be desired-, cricket, rounders, and other games were kept going with great glee and vigour, and, of course-, in the cool of the afternoon various couples went for the n uti.l lover's walk, which they doubt' les-, fully enjoyed. Upon leaving tho island at 6.,'i0, thr«o hearty oheers were given for Messrs Reid from steamer, and rospondod to from tho shore by the waving of hats, etc, A pleasant trip to Auckland, during which some of the party sang various pieces, accompanied on the organ by Mr Horsloy, finished tho day, and the party separated to thoir various hemes contented and happy,

The Sisters of Mercy return their most sincere thanks) to Messrs P. Dignan, R. Mahoney, and the other gentlemen who so efficiently assisted at the late bazaar, held for their benefit, Jas also to the lady stallholder, and those who kindly patronised the same.

TltE OcrfrAßD E.sqush Mail.—lnform your friends about the land you life in hy _nding them Bbett'b Auckland almanac. It describes Hot Lakes, Auckland-city and country—its resources and industries. Mail leaven Tuesday.

A new year evangelistic service will he held .on Sunday eVenintJ in the Thiafcie RoyAl. Addr^s ps wi! bo dij.ivortu by Keys. W. R l!ii-o;irtd J. P, Hill. The special hymns itftrt 'aat Sunday will be used.

Announcements of Sunday services In another olace. At St. Paul's Church in the evening a sermon will be preached by the incumbent, on "'lhe Value of Time-." At St. Matthew's. "Samson." S'.,cclal NeW Year's service at t!!e Theatre HoyaJ, AridreaSes bY Keys W. K. !>ico and J. S. Hill.

Tho complimsntn of tho season hiay be gracefully conveyed, ahd will bo appreciatintriy accepted, if obcompanietl by sbme nseful prosent, obtainabl'a in lmmehub variety at Good son's London Arcade.—(AtJvhJ