Filching a Professor.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 118, 27 May 1885, Page 2

Filching a Professor.

The "Melbourne Arguß" contains somo very apposito remarks upon the appointment of Professor Tucker to tho Classical Chair in the Melbourne University. This appointment, it appears, was. made by private intrigue, without any public invitation for applications. The " Argua " dissonts from the adoption of such an irregular course, and especially deprecates tho unfriendly conduct of the University towards the University College of Auckland. " We regret," it says, " that the claims of Auckland were tacitly ignored by all the speakers in Monday's debate, to not ono of whom did it seem to occur that tho corporation which brought Professor Tucker from England might be put to very serious inconvenience by his transfer from tho educational service of New Zealand." Of course we do not expect in these mercenary days that even a Classical Professor will so lose himself in the enthusiasm of building up a great sent of learning as to refuse the comfortable walks and rich emoluments of an established University like that of the Victorian metropolis. In clerical affairs it is an oft-obsorved phenomenon that tho "call of the Lord" follows the large salaries, and we are not aware that familiarity with the morality of Greek and Latin literature should be expected to yield higher results than we are accustomed to accept without demur from a profound acquaintance with Christian philosophy. But from the University Council of Melbourne something better might have been looked for than scheming to entice away from an institution which has only just completed its organisation the occupant of one of its chairs, whom it had secured after very considerable trouble and delay in England, and brought forth from the obscurity of untried merit. We do not wish it to bo understood that the loss of Professor Tuokor will be irreparable ; on the contrary, it would bo a misfortune to the Auckland University College if anyone of its professorial heads who has no interest in its well-being beyond the bread and butter which it provides him with should remain. If that is the view which Professor Tucker holds of his position and duties, or if he believes he has a soul fitted for higher things than the Auckland College opens to him, let him lose no time in severing the tie which binds him to this city. But it is a pity be did not think of that before he engaged himself for five years to

an ollice which ho should have known must havo much of uphill work, and would demand tho enthusiastic services of a man whose views of duly woro not bound up with the number of guineas tho post would bring. Not that the Auckland University authorities had manifested a niggardly spirit. The torma of Professor Tuekor'a ongagomont, namely £700 a yoar for fivo years, with £150 for passage money and outfit woro, wo may assume, as much as his sorvicos would command at tho timo or ho would not luivo accoptod th<i post. The most singular cirevmetanfo Connected with tho affair is that any application upon t'rofossor Tucker's bohalt should havo como before the Council of tho Molbourrio University in contravention of an agreement cquitablo upon both sidos which pledgod tho Professor to remain hero for at loast five yeftrs. Howovor, wo would not tmgjseSt that the Council should hold tho 'Professor to his contract. If ho wishes to Seavo, it would bo a mistake to dotain him against his will; and, a refund of passage money and outfit being made, the Council will, wo hope, concur in determining tho agrcomont. Whilo not, thoroforo, wishing to stand in tho way of tho l'rofossor's preferment, nor denying tf-.o right of every man, consistent v.-Stli his honorabla ongagomont?, to ireprovo his circumstances, wo must join most cordially with tho "Argus" in protesting uguinat tho oxamplo which tho Molbourno University Council has sot, and Itn ontiro bohuviour in connection with this appointment.

An important extension c.f tho steam shipping trado out of tho port is likoly to tako placo shortly. Mr Fraeor, ownor of tlio s.s. Triumph, having in viow tho purchase of another steamov of about 800 tons, ivlso for tho intercolonial and coastal trade. TWfl will onablo him to run a rogular fortnightly sorvico botwoon Auckland, Southern ports, Sydney and Nowcastlo.

Col. Sir G. S. Whitmore informs u» that tho Barracks at tho North Hond will bo roady for occupation in tho coin-no of a fortnight ahsuld the weather pjove favourable

Mr M. Hondcison has rocoivcd tho following tondora for two cottages in Croystroot:—\V. Varnoy, £;>O7 ; James M. Edmonds, £255: .Jninos Lyo, C 297; \V. Grant, i'2BB: .). Shearor, fill 12.s : .1. R Woods, £346; Thomas Haynofl, £312 ; W. H. Bunsboll, .€325; F. M. Dawpon, £400; F. U. Aldcrton. C.'il I ;J. A. I'othorick, C.'iUS; C. I. Kowall, L"2()7 ; Ingram and Smithson, £318.

Some intorosting spocimons of anciont Maori carved slabs have boon rocoivod from Tauranga by Mr Eric Craig, of I'rincosstroot. Tho slabs aro part or a pah which existed nenr Makotu. Ono is enid to bo 150 years and the othor ovor 70 yonrs of ago. AH contain full-length figures, each most skilfully carvod.and ono is remarkablo, representing an animal with tho body of a largo fish and the head of a man. Tho pah from which these wero taken hus boon destroyed ovor 60 years, and henco tho slabs aro of poculiar value. Mr Criig haa also sovoral rare curiositios in tho shape of portions of canoes owned by tho Arawa tribe.

The Kov. Mr Killen, l'resbytoiian minister of Whangaroi, has latoly puseed his examination as a barrister and solicitor of the Siipromo Court of Now Zealand. It therefore only romains for him to bo formally admitted to tho bar with a view to tho practice of his profession.

A fow days ago, a ludy was passing down Groy-strcot, when sho spoiled a valuable silk dress in consequoneo of catching on 11 nail at a tinsmith's window. Last evening, at tho satno placo, an Auckland gontloman took sholtor for a fow minutes under the samo vorandnh, nnd whon leaving got: ft hole torn in tho sleovo of a now coat. Is thoro no law to provont shopkeopors from studding tho outsido doors and windows with long nails . If thoy do uso nails for hanging out thsir goods and chattels, they might have tho good sonso to put in brasshoadod ones, which aro not so liable to tear. In (iroystreet, orango peel and banana skins nro also most recklessly thrown about, thus occasioning many scvoro falls.

The Hospital Fruit Mission, represented by Mrs Slyfiold |nnd Mr Lincoln, supplied the inmates of tho Hospital and old people in tho Kofugo with the usual gifts of fruit on Her Majesty's Birthday, that being ono of tho days of tho your specially red-lettered for that purpo.-io.

A largo mooting of the members of St. David's Mutual Improvement .Society mot lost overling in tho school-room to listen to a paper by Capt.McKonzic.ontitled a '/Trip Round China, Siam, nnd Java," tho I'ro(idont in tho chair. Captain McKonxic's observations and doscriptivo skotches wore picturoscjue and wellcondonsod, and altogcthor, his notes of tho habits and customs of tho sovoral cities of his inland visits were pleasing and instructive. Tho writer also dopicted tho costumes, toils, varieties, and moralities of tho Chinoso women; thoir roligious superstitions, and particularly tho groat wall of China, with somo minutonese of detail. Several speakers followed, and tho Roy. T. Mi Frasor gavo his romtnisconces of tho Chinese during his residence in Singapore, while pursuing his missionary labours. Theso graphic skotches added much to the interest of tho occasion, and formed an instructive supplement to tho paper.

In our advertising columns will bo found a special nnnouncomont from tho promotors of tho Oriontal Pair, stating that tho fair will bo oponod tomorrow at 12 o'clock, in ordor to give those who livo out of town an opportunity of witnessing tho May polo Danco and other spocialitio.'. There is also a grand concert tonight given by tho members of St. Thomas's choir.

Tliero wcro scvoral eorious discropancios in tho ovidoncc at tho Wollington-Mao-gregor inquiry to-day. For instiinco, ono witness averred that tho casualty occurrod ono milo from tho Knwau, whilo unothov said it happened Iwo niiloa from that inland. Again, all t'io Wellington's witnoseos woro positivo that tho Macgrogor's rod light was not soon until tho voasols were only six or sovon longths apart, and yot thoy were equally certain that from three to tivo minutes olapsod from tho timo tho light wasßoen till tho voi-Bols struck, although ono was going at twelve and tho other at oight knots. Indeed, one A.B. asserted in hisovidence that ton minutes actually elapsed between tho time tho light was soon and tho collision. Tho Auckland Tobacco Company lias now completed the removal of tho manufacttning business to tho promises in Beach Kond, formerly used by the New Zealand Tobacco Company. The manufacture of plug tobacco will bo commenced in a few days, the material used being local and imported loaf. We aro glad to loam from Mi Austin Walsh, the manager, that the domand for cigars and cigarettes is very good. It isnnw admitted that a miHtaUowaamadoin placing cigars on tho market boforo thoy had matured, but this was duo to tho impatience of tho public to test tho novelty. The cigars now sent out aro of excellent flavour, and should the present standard bo kept we predict that in time they will como to bo preferred to most imported brands,

Mr Louis Tutschka writos:—"Tho following may bo of somo interest for your valuoblo papor A friond in Sydney writos tome: 'Tho Sydney Musical Union had, during the last six weeks, every week two rohoarsals for Bach's 'Passion,' which was to bo porformed at D S. Bach's second contonary, but so littlo headway waH made that the most prominent mombors were disgusted and loft. In consequence, no concert took placo, and tho Musical Union perished. Out of the romains a number of influential gentlemon aro trying to start a Philharmonic Society, with 'Sir Patrick Jennings as President, and Max Vogrich as conductor, and the affair seems to result in a great success, as there is no other society of that kind in Sydney. At tho last conceit by the Metropolitan Liedertafel, which was very successful, selections from ' Lohengrin' and 'Oberon,' with solo, choruses, and full orchestral accompaniments, were given under the conductorship of Mr Sitssmilch.'"

The Hospital Committee met yesterday afternoon, His Worship the Mayor presiding. The House Surgeon, in view of the overcrowding of the Hospital by visitors, recommended that each patient be given ,two transferrablo tickets for his friends. Consideration deferred. The House Surgeon wrote stating that the statements made by Mr Crispe were entire misrepresentations. Mr J. M. Speed, solicitor, wrote calling attention to tho nuisance caused by pigstyes at the Old People's Refuge. The following letter was received from the Committee of the Auckland Dispensary:— " We beg to advise you that the funds of tho Auckland Dispensary are exhausted, and that we have notified the chemist and Dr, Hooper that our contract with them must cease on the Ist July. We therefore respectfully' request that you devise some means of extending relief to the sick poor from the above date. Should you not be able to do this, we are willing to continue our services if the Government will furnish us with funds until such time as some permanent arrangement can be made. The matter is now urgent, and we hope, therefore, you will not delay your decision, aa the cases daily occurring must be provided for." Consideration deferred. This was all the business.

Tho Working Men's Friendly AidSoeiety held their fifth anniversary in tho Parnoll Hall on Monday cvc!>in<j> Tea was placed on the tables at O.::o, Mrs Cowan, Miss Haywiird, Miss Taylor, and Miss Diaz, presiding. Dancing commenced at 9 o'clock, Mr H. Briggs acting as M.C,

There was a fair attendnnco at til's anniversary soireo of the Richmond Road Primitive Met!<adfct Sunday -.school held last evening. The tables tt'o'ro prosidod ovbr l>y Mesdames .lonos, Bavkor, Frank, and Misses E. Holland and B. (ioldsborough. At tho aftor meeting, which wns ])rosi(icd over by Mr Holland, Mr Hodgson, in the abfonco of tho Secretary,road a satisfactaiy report, from which it appoaved that thoro wore 100 scholars on tho roll, Tho expenditure of £12 odd had beon balancod by rocoipts. Addresses woro dolivered by Kovs. T. G. Carr and Boothroyd, whilo a number of hymns,&e.,wero rendered by tho children.

At tho inquost on tho body of Watorhouso Nicholson yesterday, some of tho jurors wero nnxiotis to bring in a ridor to the vordict.c insuring Brabazon for carrying loaded liroarm.s in tho train. Thoy wore, however, overruled by tho majority. It is the intention of tho Railway Manager to proceed against Brabaron for a breach of the bylaws for carrying a loaded fowling-piece in tho carriage. Tho railway guard assorts that ho asked Brabazon whon ho entered tho carriage'if tho gun was loaded, and tho reply was in tho negative.

A sight that would Imvo touchbd the hoart of tho most callous might have boon aeon at tho I'olico-station yesterday aftornoon. Two small children, v girl aged about six and a boy agod threo, wore in ehaiyo of tho kindhearted lockupkoopci' awaiting an opportunity for transfer to tho llowo-streot Industrial Homo, to which thoy had boon committed. Tho boy was sobbing piteously, and the girl was ondoavouring to pacify him by jingling a pair of handcuffs. Tho paronts of those poor children am in gaol, and an oldbr Histor is in tho Homo of tho Female Prison (iato Brigado.

A football match was playod in tho Domain on Monday botweon Nelson and Boresford clubs, tlio former winning by 15 to nil.

Tho Salvation Army Brigade captain's report of tho Malo I *< i^on Home, at Scotia Placo, for the wook ending Friday, May 22nd, is as follows: — Numbor of moala givon, 133 ; numbor of bods supplied, 47 : numbor of persons admitted, !); numbor of porsons discharged, 10 ; numbor of persons still in tho Homo, ,'t. Articles received : Moat, Messrs Garratt, Fogan, and Wood ; broad, Mrs Howio, Mossrs Tromaino and I'arsons. Koquieitos : Somo grocerios and wood.

Tho committal of Dowson's two little children to tho Homo was, it appears, a merciful act to them. Although thoir mother lived in a respectable looking house in Jennyn stroot, tho interior of the place was in a most filthy and disgusting state. Even tho food which the family would have had to eat was covered with bluo-mould. Ono gontloman who inspoctod tho insido of tho houso said it was a porfoct "hot-bod of fovor," and assorts that vermin woro so plentiful that ho wondors there was living room loft for tho children.

A correspondent, speaking of a statoment inndo in our morning contemporary that the oponing of the Hrßt port in Russia for trading purposes was due to somo English gentlemen, nays :—Tho historical fact is that whon tho forosaid 'English gontlomon' arrived at Archangel thoy woro disgusted at tho discovory that instead of having the morit of boing tho pioneer traders to Archangel, which thoy reached by an overland journoy from tho gulf of Finland, thoy found two Scotch ships that had carried on a trndo for a period of six years by way of tUo White Soa, of which the said ' English gout lemon' had been in total ignorance"

At the monthly mooting of tbo Grammar School Hoard of Governors yostcrday aftornoon, the Chairman (Sir G. M. O'Korko) repnrtod that tho Standard Tnsuranco Company had paid to the Board tho lato Mr James's i'soo guarantee, which sum had been lodpcd in tho bank to tho Board's credit. A letter was received from the trustees of tho l'onsonby Hall asking tho Hoard t9 pay I'll Ss insurance on hall, and C.'iO for repairs. Aftor some discussion as to whether tho Boird wore liablo for ono or for two years' insurance, it was agreed to pay two yoars' insurance, and to direct Mr Allright to report on tho ptato of repair in which tho hall was when vacated by the Grammar School, as compared with ita stato of ropairs when taken ovor by the Board ; ana to furnish tho Board with an estimate of putting the building in tho samo stato of repair when given upas when takun over. A nropos of Mr Lavor's arrears on his lcaso.it was rosolved to onforco the conditions of loase. As for Mr Wood's application to leaso tho property, tho Board will deal with it on gotting possession. The Sennto wroto announcing that thoy had I'ioclod Colonel Haultain to tho vacancy caused by tho resignation of tho late Mr E. K. Tylor.

Thoro is at prosont on view at Mr Steadman's sood warehouse, Quoon-streot.sovoral specimens of oranges grown in Mr T. b'rafior's orchard at Point Chovalior, upon trees only six yoars old, and originally obtained from Mr McDonald's nursory in tho suburbs of Auckland. These spocimons uro such as aro soldom exhibited as tho products of such young trees, and sovoral iDisons who have itißpectod thoin spoak highly of them. Mr Frasor's orchard, which is undor tho suporintondonco of Air Simon Frasor, is ono of tho best in tho province of Auckland. Tho ownor has spared no oxponHO in improving it, and tho rosult is such as is suthcicnt to oncourago similar ontorpriao in tho province There aro also at Mr Stoadman's somo samplos of olivo borrioß grown in Mr Fraeor's orchard, which unmistakably indicate what our prolific soil can produce undor propor culture and managomont.

To tho Editor: Sir,—Dr. York, socond only to Ingorsoll, is roportod in your columns to say that Lambert had lirst dietortod Ingorsoll's words, and thon replied to his own miaroprosontation of what Ingersoil had said. This is contrary to fact, which anyone can provo for themaolvoH by porusing tho articles from the "North American lloviow," which, in pamphlet form, ontitlod " Tho Christian Religion," by Col. Robert fi, lngoraoll. Judge Jeremiah S. Black, and Profossor Goorgo P, Fisher, aro procurablo at tho local booksollors'. It is Col. Ingoreoll's reply to Judge Black that Father Lambort comments upon with so much success. At tho annual mooting of the Local Frcothought Association, the Chairman admittod that their members enjoyed tho Sunday picnics more than study and thought. As an outsider, it appears to me that they are as much priest-bound by professional lecturers, who, with special training, givo bias to their minds, as are tho Christians thoy so much denounce, whilo tho freedom of thought bo much talked about is certainly not all on tho side of professed atheists, as Dr. York prefers to have thorn called. With the hopo that inquirers will acquaint themselves with both sidos of this controversy in the manner indicated,—l am, &c, Fair Play. St. Stephen's Vrosbytorian Band of Hope met for tho first time last night. Notwithstanding tho inclemency of tho weather, thoro was an excellent attondanco. Mr Bonnott, President of tho Society, occupiod tho choir1, and after Mr Entrican had engaged in prayer, in an interesting address narrated a sad story of drink,, and urged all presont to assist in crushing the vile traffic. Mr D. Golrlio gave tho inaugural lecture, combining amusement with instruction in his characteristic style. Ho quoted some interesting statistics relative to intemperance, by which, among other things, it was found that in tho old country there were more women than men brought before the bench on the charge of drunkenness, but in New Zealand the case was vice-versa. He also referred to the abominable grocers' licences of England, by which tipplers can obtain intoxicating liquors and be charged with groceries. He exhorted all present to sign the pledge, and gave four reasons for their so doing : Because total abstinence would help them to save first their money, second their health, third their character, * and fourth thoir soul. Mr Goldie finished an able lecture with a fow illustrations of the practical and solemn economy. Mr D. McPherson, city missionary, then addrsssed the meeting in a vigorous speech, denouncing intemperance^ and relating his experience as a district visitor of the Blue Ribbon Army, and in his mission work. He amused tho audience by narrating an incident, bearing on the drink question, of the American Civil War, in which he served as a militiaman. Mr John Buchanan also made a fow remarks, He congratulated tho congregation on their successful start of so glorious an undertaking as this. The Church was the proper placo for such a cause as this, total abstinence being the very esseDce of Christianity. Misa Froudeand Mr Walter Barry added agreeable variety to the proceedings by appropriate recitations, which, on account of their masterly delivery, called forth loud applause. On the motion of Mr Barry, a vote of thanks to Mr Goldie and the others who assisted by speeches and recitations was carried unanimously. At the close of ' the meeting a large number signed the ', pledge and "donned the blue."

f§A.t the Oriental Fair last evening the following tableaux were performed l-j "Hamlet,'1 "Old King Cdle," "Queen of Hearts*" and " -lack and Jill." During tho ovoning a concert took place. The receipts of tho day tdtalled £112, making the receipts for the threo days the Fair has booh open, £640. "Ignoramus" sends a letter thanking "Horace" for his itifdnnation ire poiiliry.

Tho anniWsiiry BOiirefc of the Bdpfcfot Tabernacle Sunday-school, (delayed, somewhat through the removal from the old sanctuary) took place laat night, and, despite the squally weather which prevailed, was well attended. As usual, tlio lady teacl:ers of the school presided at tho tables, which wore laden with a choice assortment of comestibles. At the after-meeting Pastor Thos. Spurgeon presided, whilo seats upon tho platform were also occupied by tho Revs. J. S. Hill (Anglican), C. Worboys (Free Mothsdist), A. J. Smith (Primitive Methodist), J. H. Joneß(Ponsonby Baptist), Mr Thoe. Buddie (one of tho Vice-Presi-dents of the Sunday-school Union), and Mr Fred. Batley (Superintendent of the School). The Chairman having introduced the proceedings, called upon the Socretary (Mr W. Bak&r) to road the report. It stated inter alia that the number of scholars is 525, with 44 teachers, while a teacher and 4 scholars bad diod during tho year. Tho young men's and young women's Bible clauses wore well attended, and tho infants' class numbered 170. The children's separate Sunday morning eervico was attonded by 70. £30 10s 8d was obtained from the missionary boxes, and half of it went to tho Maori Mission in tho Lake Country. Tho children collected £21, and subscribed £11 to tho Tabernacle Building Fund. Tho Young Christians' Band numborOdaboutlSf), being tin increase of 27. About 25 scholars had joinod tho church during the year, and livo had becomb Sunday-school teachers. Tho Treasurer \(Mr Kountrco) road tho balance-shoot, Which showod total receipts £220 13b -Id, and balance in bund £39 10s lid. Addresses appropriate to the occasion wore then in turn dolivorcd by tho Kovs. C. Worboys, A..). Smith, J. H. .lonos, and Mr T. Buddie. In tho courso of tho ovoning, Mr Spurgoon prosontod to tho Sunday-school a framed ongraving by Mr Dowling of "Robert Ku'ikos's Interview with tho Village Clorgyinan." Tho frame was tho gift of Mr Carter, of Victoria-streot Wost, Tho children's own ton-mooting takos placo this ovoning.

To-morrow at noon K. C. Greenwood will toll at hin mart, Vuloan Lano. tho Iron paddlo stoamer City of Cork, and thn Iron hull of tho Customs launoh together with tho carver built 22 fcot boat lying alongsldo In Freeman's Hhv.

Tho Rev. T, McKenzio Frasor, M.A., will deliver his popular lecture on tho " I>ifo and Works of Hardol." tho lllußtrlous musical rompoaer. to-morrow evoolng in St. James B Hall. Tho procooda ot the lcoturo will be divided between tho Prcßbytorlan Churches of St. David and St. Jamos. MrFrasers leoturo doals with tho Kroat composer's splendidltalentp, his peculiarities, and life incidents. Numerous illustration!) of Handel's genius will be given by a ohoirof «l Joust 50 voices. As the prico of admission is most reasonable, lovors of inuslo, and porsonß who can appreciate a capital lecture, should not. nilßfi this opportunity of llstonlng to a musical and Intellectual foast.

Concrete.— Why havo timber buildings whon oonoreto ones are so cheap, dry, and can bo erootcd qulokly 1 On sale. Hydranlio Lime Hrlcks, Bait and Fresh Sand, Pipes, &c. J.W will meot oustomor3 from t to 3 (except Satur days), to give f roll Information on concrete—J. Wilson & C!o.. Customs-street West, opposito Ulooson's HoteL-fADVT.J

Thk I.IKE OK AN M.P.—An M.P., deploring iho >'Vll i IFi-ch f ( London hai-ltn on iho lica tb, r.u'l that wore it not for the American Co.'s Hop Kilter* ho could not livo through with the irri'iiuiiir hour* he was forced to keep. S-ild ha: "An Boon us I fuel weak and exhausted from long nlglil sessions ann meats at irroifular hnnrs. I resort to my Hop Bttteri instead of ■tiinnlnnls Thoy reiful&ro my bowels and koop my aiipnito Rood, my brain cliiur, and my utionKtii and health aro preserved." Bee.