England and Russia.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 77, 9 April 1885, Page 2

England and Russia.

The rift which was porcoptiblo in tho warclonds seems again to bo closing, and tho prospect of a peaceful solution of tho Afghan frontier question appears now as remote as ever, Russia's reply to the English ultimatum must bo vory far from satisfactory whon Ministers havo rosolvod on concealiDg its purport, and when Lord Roseberry is reported to have suggested the calling in of IMnce Bismarck to act as modiator between tho two Powers. The r6le of "peace-maker \ is not ono in which tho "man of blood and iron " may be expected to shine ; but tho suggestion, while it shows the desperate nature of the caso, does credit to Lord Roseberry'a humanity and judgment. No matter by what agenoy it is secured, an honourable peace is a thousand times to be preforred to the most " glorious " war, and no civilised nation worthy of the name dare now a dayß resort to tho awful arbitrament of battle without first havingexhausted every peaceful expediont. In the present caso it is unfortunate that wo have to deal with a semi-barbarous Power. Tho Czar's counsellors are not likely to bo influenced by humane idoas.nnd will bo apt to conetruo reluctance to fight into a confession of weakness or cowardice, so that any proposed mediation may simply havo the offect of making Russia moro bellicose and less amenable to reason. Still, Hor Majesty's Govornmont would fail in their duty did thoy not use ovory effort compatiblo with the national honour and interest to avert such a frightful catastrophe as war; and whilo not relaxing any part of thoir preparations for that ovontual_ty,thoy will doubtless strenuously Übour for the preservation of penco. Whilo the outlook is thus threatening, it is reassuring to hoar of the warm professions of loyalty to Britain which nro made by tho Amoor of Afghanistan, who has givon a public pledge thothe will join with England in rosi.tiug any foreign invasion. The oll'or of tho Slahurajah of Nopaul to provide a force of 15,000 Ghoorkus to light against Russia is another cheering fact at the present crisis, for the ghoorkas aro among the bost fighting inon of India, and of the class whoso disloyalty was most undesirablo Of the course of tho parleying which is now proceeding botweon theCovornmentsof thoQueenandthoCzarwo aro in complete ignorance, but whon Parliament assembles after tho Easter recess full statements will doubtless bo made. The poople of these colonies meanwhile should push on their defenco works with all despatch, for if they indulge tho hope that all danger is over they may find that thoy aro halooing before they are out of tho wood.

Tho turning of tho first sods at tho Marton and To Awamutu ends of tho North Island trunk railway will take place on Wednesday noxt. To allow Aucldandcrs to visit Te Awamutu on the occasion, tho Railway Department might arrange for a cheap excursion, to bo run along with tho special train to Cambridge on that day.

The Promior has been persuaded to go overland from Whangarei to Kaipara, and then pass through to Auckland, visiting the settlements en route instead of coming hither direct from tho Northern township. Consequently ho crossed over to tho Northern Wairoa this morning, and will then be taken on by steamer to Dargaville, where ho is to remain to-night. Ho leaves to-morrow by the ordinary steamer for Helensville, where he will take the train for Auckland, arriving here in tho evening. Determined to make the most of the opportunities presented by this change of route, Mr W. P. Moat, M.H.R. for Rodney, has telegraphed news of the Premier's tour to the various Kaipara settlements, so that the settlers may be prepared to doputationise him upon local matters.

The Bank of New Zealand shipped by the Rotomahana to-day 4 boxes, containing 8,7870z8. 16dwt*. gold, valued at £14,788 18s 6d, to be transhipped at Wellington for London,

Artists desirous of getting good positions for their pictures at the Society of Arts Exhibition should send them in not later than to-morrow.

John Starkey, a well-known character, fell into the barbour lost night while under the influence of liquor. He was rescued by T. Barron, waterman. When brought to tmrafrma, ho was promptly arrested by Constable Keaney for drunkenness. Starkey appeared in Court this morning in his wet clothes, and mado a contribution to the Consolidated Fund.

Some excitement was caused at Mount Albert last evening by the attics of a tall, dark-bearded man. who was evidently demented. Some of tho settlers, thinking that he was a patient who had escaped from the Asylum, brought him to that institution this morning. The Asylum authorities, however, knew nothing of him, though it was apparent that he required restraint, The man was consequently detained, the police communicated with by telephone, and later in the day a constable was despatched to Avondale to bring him to tow n for medical examination. Ibo man gave his name as Ryan, and stated he was a painter by trade. Ryan is well-known in Auckland as a singer of considerable ability.

This morning Angus McNeill, miner and contractor, Coromandel, was oxamined in bankruptcy beforo tho Official Assignee. Ho deposed that ho had been ongaged in goldmining for 14 years—..oraetijnee prospecting, at other times working for wages, and frequently taking contracts. He detailed a variety of reverses which he had experienced, and which led to hia having run up liabilities to the amount of £160 !(._ IJ.J These had [been accumulating for four years, but he was hopeful he would have cleared them off had not one of his creditors taken action and compelled bim to seek tbe protection of the Court.

The young man John Riddle, alias J, C. Allen, who is charged with the larceny of a large quantity of fencing wire and guano from Mr W. 8. Laurie, by whom ho was employed, has beon further .emnndo.l. ft has t.ranepired that the goods wero sent to Leydon'a mart and disposed ef by auction. A considerable portion has been recovered, and tho police are now engaged tracing the remainder. Hence the remand.

At the adjourned meeting of Ingram and Co.'s creditors yostorday tho report of the investigating accountant (Mr Waymouth) was received, and its consideration adjourned for another meeting to be held ou 15th inefc. It was resolved tbat Crawford's report should be referred to Mr Cave, who will interview Mr Devore \ Fox's solicitor) with the object of determining what should be considered as fixtures according to law. In the meantime the Assignee stopa all further proceedings.

Wo understand that the dofehco that will bo sot up in the Pondorgrast murdor case will bo Insanity. Amongst the witnesses Bubpivn'aod by tho counsel for tho defence ore Dr. Young, Superintendent of the Lunatio Asylum, and Constable Graham, of Otahuhu, who arrested the prisoner as a lunatic Bomo yearp ago. Acceptances and goneral ontrios for the Takapunn Autumn Mooting aro due to , night (Thursday). Mies Arnold, who has £or seine years past been an actiVb lady missionary amongst tho _cnnnas of India, commenced a series of lectures in tho Wellesley-street Baptist Church last evening, the subject chosen for tho oponing discourse being "Hindoo Worship.'' Tho Kov. Thomas Spurgoon, who provided, stated that Miss Arnold caino with credentials from tho South Australian Baptist Missionary Society. Tho locturess, who was well recoivod, thon gavo an interesting account of the several religions of tho Hindoos, and tho method of worship, the lecture being illustrated by means of pictures and diagrams. Miss Arnold comes to tho colony for tho purposo of raising funds to establish another mission similar to that at Furroedpore. A collection was taken up at tho ond of tho lecture, which produced £6 Bs. " Fun on tho Bristol" continues to draw woll at tho Opera Houso. There was another good audience last evening, and the performance passed over vory satisfactorily, eliciting frequent marks of approval. Another performance will be givon this ovoning, Tho hearing of tho charge of attempted fraud against Oswald Hoftzog was not completed yesterday, and has boon furthor adjourned till Friday. Mr J. B. Graham, mnnagor for the Colonial Society, was examined after wo wont to press yostorday, In the course of his ovidonco ho stated that after tho tiro tho accused had sent in a statement of his loss amounting to considerably abovo £150, tho amount for which he was insured. Ho bad been unable by any process of reduction to mako tho amount below £150. Ho did not su.poct anything till somo days aftor tho monoy was paid to accused. The Company did not lay tho information ; ho had understood that it had bcon laid by tho detectives, and was surprised that l'otora had done it. At a mooting of tlio friend, of temperanco yostorday afternoon, Mr John Buchanan presiding, a resolution was passed affirming tho desirability of continuing tho publication of a papor conducted on tho principles of truo religion and tomporanco. Tho report of tho Committee, which was submitted, proposod to publish a weekly papor by the formation of a company with a nominal capital of £5,000 in £1 shares, about 3s of each share to be called up, and tho printing to bo dono by tender. A provisional directory was formed, and it was agreed that an onoigctic canvas bo mado for subscribers. Several sweepstakes sailing races avo likely to arise out of tho Ponsonby regatta. Tho Bella Mary, which took part in the race fo. yachts under 7 tons, is said to have beon unprepared, and her owner considers the result unsatisfactory. Another trial of speed may consequently be arranged between the Masher, Seagull.und Bella Mary. A race between 13ft. open boats is expected to take place on Saturday afternoon next. The sacrament of believors' baptism was administered at Brookby, Upper Papakura Valloy, on Good Friday, by Mr Shaldors, oi Auckland. After an appropriate and wellattended service at the Brookby Chupol, tho worshippors procoodod to a pool in an adjoining crcok, whore fivo of tho resident adults of the locality wore immersed on tho usual confossion of repontanco and faith. In responso to his offer to givo frco instruction in cavalry drill to any corps that might be raisod in Auckland for scrvico in tho Soudan, Mr O. Hazoll, of tho Select Riding School, Now North Road, has ro- ■ coiveu the following letter :— "Defence Office, Wellington,3lsl Ma_ch,lßßs.-Sir,~-I havo tho honour to ncknoH ledgo receipt of your letter of Dtli itist., addressed to tho "lion, the Defonco Minister, and in reply am instructed to convoy to you his appreciation of tho liberal ond valuablo oiler of your services and of the uao of your school, and to stato that should ..uch contingencies aiiso n« to necessitate the acceptanco of jour oilers, you will be further communicated with, —I have, &c, 11. L. Keadisk, Lieut. Col., Under Secretary Defence.''. We understand that Mr Hazel I, having made application through Major Shepherd for (ho loan of carbines and sabres from the Government armoury for tho purposo of instructing bis classes iv military drill, his request has been complied with. Tho annual mooting of tho North Shore Football Club was held at tho Masonic Hotel, Devonport, last ovoning. There was a vory good attendance and Mr J. Wobstor occupied tho chair. Tho annual report showod that tho Club had won G, lost 3, and drawn 3 matches, and that thero was- a balunco in hand of £2 0s Gd. Tho following officors wore cloctod :—President. Mr W_ J. Hurst; Vico-Prcsidcnts, Messrs A. Buchanan, A. O. Frasor, and E. W. Burgess ; Captain, Mr J. Wobstor ; Secretary and Treasurer, Mr J. Sims; Committee, Messrs S. McGcchio, A. Burgoss, and H. McKellar; delegates to the Association, Messrs A. G. Frasor, and .r. Wobstor. Sovoral new members woro oloctod, and a vote of thanks was passed to the retiring officers. There is a possibility of tho sculling champion of tho world vieiting Now Zealand shortly, and rowing against Hoarn, tho champion of this colony, oithor nt Christchurch or Wanganui. A numbor of Hoarn's frionds aro desirous that ho should try conclusions with Beach, Beach, it is said, intends to visit Wellington in two or threo months, for tho purposo of sooing a relative in the country, and as soon as ho arrives negotiations for a match with the New Zoaland champion for £200 a-side aro to be opened up. Meanwhile, a purely local match seems likoly to evontuato. A letter was forwarded yesterday to Braithwaite, a well-known Wellington sculler, to the effect that Hoarn will row him on the Wanganui Rivor for £50 a-sido, tho champion to concede half-a-minnto over tho three-milo course, and to recoivo £10 for expenses. The first lecture of tho now Bories on Biblical ovents and religious questions of the day was given last evening in the new Eden Hall by Mr E. White, Thero was a fair attendance, and the subject, "The Witch of Endor," evidenced careful study. The lecturer noticed varying opinions of commentators on this subject, and was inclined to accept the story literally. He was doubtful as to the real bodily appearance of Samuel; it was, he believed, some kind of trickery in the woman with the familiar spirit, akin to spiritism and its manifestations now practised amongst us, and which invariably led to idolatrous worship. Still, tho raising of the old prophet was within tho bounds of possibility, and might havo been roal. Ho thought, however, that it was a clever deception, because witchcraft was forbidden, the witches dostroyed, and God would not permit the spirit of His holy prophet to bo disturbed at the bidding of a wicked person. The discourse drew forth a considerable amount of criticism, givon with good humour. Tho next weekly locturo will bo given by Mr E. Carr on " Tho Inner Man." At the adjourned meeting of F. G. Singleton's creditors, which was held yesterday, a desultory discussion took place with reference to the £110 bill sold by Mr Randerson to Mr Earl, who bought it on behalf of the debtor. With regard to Richardson's failure to get the goods or goodwill for which he had paid £20 on account, Mr J. B. Graham said that .he had advised his client that he could recover the £20 which he had paid. He believed that Singleton was tho victim of circumstances, and did not attribute any blumoto him. The person he blamed was Mr Randerson, who coerced Singleton. Ml Randerson denied this, and appealed to Mr Jackson as to whether Singleton had not frequently consulted him about tbio transaction. Mr Jackson answered intheaffrmative. Mr Jackson said thatMrßichardsonhed failed to perform his contract. It was eventually agreed to take no action in respect of this £110 bill. Mr Isaacs reported that he had inspected the goods in Mr Tonka's hands. He did not think they would, if sold, pay sufficient to the estate to meet Mr Tonks's claim and charges, so ho had .accepted £5 from Mr Tonka, and loft nhn tho goods, consisting of electroplated articles, which woro discoloured, and some clocks. In regard to tho goods returned to Mr Randerson, Mr Cave said there was no doubt they were Mr Randerson's goods, and they were returned before the adjudication of bankruptcy, so that unless there was a previous act of bankruptcy they could not recover. The creditors accepted this advice. In regard to the goods in Mr Singleton's business, Mr Cave explained that Messrs Clark and other creditors were not prepared to make any offer. It wa_ agreed that the Official Assignee should try to arrange for tho return of the goud _ to Mrs Singleton on reasonable terms, in the event of which the creditors would not claim them for the estate of the husband.

The ratepayers of Mount Albert district are to bo enlightened on their duties under I the Licensing Act to-morrow (Friday) night, when Mr W. J. Speight and othora are announced to givo addresses. This meeting is preparatory to tho local option poll to be taken on Thursday, 23rd Inst. Professor Rico's entertainment to-morrow evening will bo under the patronage of the i Hon. the Premier, the Mayor, and tho members of the Auckland Liberal Association. tho Pohsonby Regatta C'omtrii.too havo decided to pay over prizes won at tho late regatta to-morrow evening, not this evening as previously announced, at tho Ponsonby Club Hotel. The natives at Pukctarata, ton milos from Tnupo, have recently been somewhat oxcited, owing to ono of their number being found on Ohaki mountain after having been, twenty six days in tho bush without food. Hohad boon mourned forasdead by his tribe and a tangi hold' for him. Tho man was suffering from religious mania, and on being rescued gave as his reason for remaining on tho mountain top that there ho was noarer Christ, Ho is a man over GO yoars of ago, and was much emaciated, and had a glassy stare when soon at Orakoi ICorako. Some of the natives assort that ho really died and has rison from tho doad, Tho Bishop of Auckland (Dr. Cowio) baptised forty-ono persons at St. Thomas's Church yesterday ovoning. Fifty-two candidates woro expected, but unforesoon hindrances prevented a few from presenting thoin&olves at this service. As many were of adult ago, tho Anglican office for adult baptism was used. Tho Bishop, in his address, explained that baptism was practically turning one's back upon tho works of darknoss, and looking to Jesus, tho Dayspring of Light. The necessity of enlarging St. Thomas's Church pressed itsolf agaih upon the attention of tho Vestry. In Wellington tho technical classes now established embrace ono for carpenters, having 20 pupils, one in mechanical onginooring attended by 10 pupils, and a third for blacksmiths with five pupils in attendance. Tho classos moot in tho Tramway Company's shed, and tho pupils aro making articles to bo shown ot tho forthcoming Industrial Exhibition, Now that Hon. Mr Stout, who is Minister of Education, is in Auckland district, it would bo well if thoso interested in technical instruction wcro to obtain his interest and inlluonco lor tho establishment of similar classos hero. The polico want an owner for a hat-rack pickod np in Victoria stroot on St. Patrick's night. It is presumed that on tho night of tho national fostival somo bibulous son of Erin mistook the hat rack for a shillelagh, and lost it in a " ruction." Tho alterations and additions to tho school-room in tho rear of St. John's Wesloyan Church, Ponsonby, aro now complotod, at a cost ot £2fio. Tho man building has beon considerably lengthened. Six spacious class-rooms, an infants' room, a conveniontly-iitted library room, and a main ontranco porch havo boon added, making tho building tho most spacious and convenient for Sabbath-school work in tho district. The additions have been greatly needod for somo considorablo time past, and frionds in tho district have shown thoir sympathy by liberally subscribing to tho building fund to the amount of ovor £200. An additional £10 is required to meet tho outlay, which tho officors and teachors of tho school hope will bo contributed at tho special service on Sabbath next, or at tho tea and public meeting on tho Tuesday following. Wo congratulate tho Ponsonby IVcsloyans upon tho facilities thoy now possess for training tho young under their charge - Professor Rico gavo last night in tho Theatre Royal a socond exhibition of his mind-reading powers, and proved far moro successful than on tho previous occasion. Among his successes woro the finding of an umbrella in tho stalls, tho solcction of a pair of opora glassos in tho dress circle, tho discovery of a lioiso-blioo watch pendant, and, must novel of all, tho spoedy and correct solcction of Mr Hotdship's shirt-front as tho objoct thought of, tho thinkor on this occasion boing Mr Bettany. Tho other experiments woro partially successful. Professor Kico also exhibited and explained tho ropotying ond-bell-ringing feats of tho IJuvonport Brothers, finishing up with some illustiatioiisof clairvoyance and nil exposure of tho "Ghost" trick. Tho applause was hearty and frequent, Mrs Rice contributed a number of songs and pianoforte selections, which were highly appreciated. Another performance will bo givon to-night. To tho Editor: Sir,—l wish through your all-powerful medium to call the ' attention of tho proper authorities to n i nuisance which is becoming intolorablo. I refer to tho action of somo of our bucolic visitors, whoso porsisteuoy in Impeding tho traffic and in rendering it im- ' possible for tho public to know that thero aro any business promises exist- ' ing in Darby-street, is truly remarkable. Thoso friends —cockatoo fanners, I think, ' for tho most part—drive their traps into the stroot aforesaid, alight, place tho nosobags ' on tho horsos' beads, chain tho wheels, and thoro anchor f-jr tho day—not to oscapo stabling duos. Oh, no ! From cany morn till dowy ovo tho Darby-street shopkeoper contemplates the spectacle with anything but Job-like patience. Hoping these remarlfs may result in hastening the departure of those jiersons and their plaguoy carts, which adhere to us with greater tenacity than the most deVtllcd of brothors, ; —I am, &0., Thomas Cole. Tho sitting of the Police Court to-day was a brief ono. Throe persons wero punished for drunkenness, and Josso White was mulcted in a ponalty of 5s and costs for i allowing a horse "to wander in King-street. Dofondant compluinod of boing put to tho ' oxponso of witnesses when tho oflenco was admitted. Ho had tacitly admitted it ; when he paid tho poundago fees. Furthor remands woro granted on tho application of Sorgoant Pratt in tho chargos of larceny i against John Dorpath and John Riddlo. Josoph Snow plcadod not guilty to a chargo of stealing £1, tho proporty of Arthur Watson, on tho 28th utt. Mr Napier appeared for tho dofenco. Tho evidonco was to tho offset that Wikon, who is a coachbuildor. living in Victoria-street, gave tho pound to his wife. Sho wrapped it in papor and sent the child to tho Victoria Hotel to pay for beer with it. Tho child assorted that whilo she was in tho bar the prisonor took the papor from hor, and roplacod the pound with a sixpence. The little ono returned home, and tho police woro communicated with. When the detective reached the hotel the prisoner had disappeared, and on his return £1 lis in silver was found in his possession. Tho theory of the prosecution was that the noto had been changod for silver during tho prisoner's absence. Evidence to the above effect was givon by Mr and Mrs Watson.thoirdaughtorKato.MaryJoßophine Leo, barmaid at tho Victoria, and James Smith. Mr Napier argued that the prisoner, who, he said, occupied v responsible position in tho " Herald " Office, should not be convicted on the unsupported and contradictory testimony of a child. Tho dofenco was a denial of tho child'B story, Snow assorting that _he passed a sixpence from the child to tho barmaid. He had not soen tho pound which he was oharged with stealing. Arthur Pearce corroborated his story, while Mr Cobb gave the man a good character. The caso was dismissed, tho Bench considering that thore was not sufficient evidence to sustain a conviction. Messrs D, B. McDonald and Whitcombo wore the presiding Justices. Drunken Stuff.—How many children and women are slowly and Eurely djlng, or ra'hcr being killed, by excessive doctoring, or the daily U6e of some drug or drunkon stuff called mcoicino, that no ono knows what It is made of, who can be easily cured and. avod by American Co.'b Hop Bitters, which is bo pure, simple and harmless that tho most frail woman, weakest invalid, or smallost child can trust in it! Sco. Mr Row, Grocer, Victoria-street, is entitled to tho thanks and patronage of every economical householder for his very judicious efforts to bring before the heads of families the very best clttßS of Groceries and Provisions at Wholesale Prices. So far, co-operative stores have not been ouccessful, and the best and most successful co operation will in future consist in patronising the cheapest shop. As suoh, Rewa is brought under your notice, and wo have every confluence in assuring you that £1 spent at Rew's will bring returns equal to £1 10s elsewhere. One trial solicited at Rew's old established Grocery Store. Victoria-street.—[ADVT.J

Somethino Quite New in C-abpbts.— The " Byzantine " Carpet just imported by Garlick and Cranwell is a novelty, having a gold thread Worked into it. Pretty and effective. Rugs, furniture, coverings, table-eovera, anumaccassarß to matoh, Brussels carpets from 3s 9d ; tapestry, from Is Hil. Carpels made to nt any sized room.—Gorllok ami (kanwsll.

What Auckland has never had before ! A Big Fancy doodn Sale la now going on at the Victoria Arcade. Vlctorla-streot. Every article i« offered at cost prioe, and tho goods, which are choico and varied, aro Belling rapidly.— Advt.