The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, Morning News, and Echo. FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 1886

Auckland Star, Volume XVII, Issue 36, 12 February 1886, Page 2

The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, Morning News, and Echo.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 1886

For tho csuio that lack* auutanco, For tho wrong that needs resistance, For the future in tho distance, And tho good that we oan do.

The nubject of religious instruction in the public schools has been discussed with'a good deal of animation during the session . -of the General Synod of the Anglican Church now sitting in Auckland.. It also came to-day before the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. By a rare coincidence there are now in 1 Auckland the representatives of these two influential organisations, gathered together from all parts of the colony. If the wisdom of Church Councils oould settle this knotty problem, the present would appear to be a specially favourable opportunity for accomplishing it. The debate at the Anglican Synod was very well sustained, and showed a practical knowledge of the difficulties to be encountered. 'We think that, after what has been said by those who have tried it, we are honourably bound to consider the present concession in the Act for instruction after school hours aa being worthless. Its presence in the statute, however, is a recognition of the principle that religion is not to be wholly ignored in the education of our youth; that is assuredly neitherthe desire of a majority ol the people ncr the intention of the Legislature. Granting then,that, religion,in some form, should be taught without implicating' the State in tbe wrangles of sectarianism, it remains for the authorities of the Church to point out a practical way through the maze. The antidote of denominationalism does not meet the case, for we presume that the Church's solicitude is not alone on behalf of the select few who might be induced to attend such schools in the city- it has a larget responsibility for the spiritual and moral welfare of the masses who will continue to receive instruotion from tbe State schoolmasters throughout the country. The claim for- payment by results when religious bodies 'choose .to - establish schools may be set aside, therefore, as apart from the duty bf inculcating religion to tbe children in attendance at the national schools. , Our chief objection to

the system of grants in aid is iat costliness ] and tho abuses that seem inseparable from it

With regard to the main issue, we* can see only two alternatives from the present arrangement: either an agreement among the churches to accept some simple formula of Christian instruction, or a concession of two hours in each week— from 9 to 10— during which either the State teachers (the Bervico being voluntary) or any other duly authorised teacher may attend the schools for "Biblical or'other religious instruction. We have no belief in the efficacy of religion iiught by an unwilling teacher, mumbling an ill-chosen chapter from the Biblo to an indifferent class. Tho children aro better without the religious antipathies which perfunctory performances of that sort provoke. But while the schools set apart half-hours for drawing, half-hours for drill and other extra acquirements, we do not soo why two half hours' with an hour gained by enrlier attendance, should nob bo sanctioned in tho cause of religion, nor do we perceive any good objection to the State teacher assisting voluntarily in the work. Attendances at these lossons must, of course, be optional with the parents, but not at the whim of the children, exemptions being granted only upon express request If such a concession as this would satisfy tho churches, and thoy would combine to work it when the State teacher fails, wo think powor enough might be brought to bear upon tho Legislature through tho ballot boxes to obtain on alteration of the law. The antagonism shown to clerical amendments of the Education Act does not arise, oxcept with the few, from an antipathy to religion, but from an unwillingness to throw the cause of national education unconditionally into the hands of the sects - a systotn which has been tried and uttorly failed everywhere.

We understand that Mr Holdship is likely to be absent from Auckland during the next six months in connection with the business of the Auckland Timber Company, and will probably resign his seat in the Council before leaving for Australia. Mr Holdship entered into the City Council work with the energy of character for which ho is distinguished, and has exhibited broad and comprehensive views in regard to the general question of city improvement.

Some excitement wos occasioned in Albertstreet yesterday afternoon by a report that a woman residing in that thoroughfare had poisoned herself. Several medical men were sent for, and Dr. Baynton was first in attendance. There was reason to believe that the woman was suffering from no greater complainttban an attack of hysterics, brought on, it is said, by the loss of a £10 note. It is stated, however, that she herself raised the alarm that she had poisoned hersolf.

Information was received by the police to-day that a lunatic was at large in Henderson district to the terror of the residents. Constables Kelly and O'Brien wero despatched to Henderson to effect his capture.

News from Tonga by the Schoonor Sandfly is not of an important character. Native affairs appear to be quiet. Mr Campbell, formerly mate of the Sandfly, was married to Miss Porcival, and he now occupies tho position of Harbourjmastor and Customs Officer at Tonga. The Rev. Mr Watkins and family were passengers by the schooner. Mr Watkins is head ot the Freo Church in Tonga, and comes here on business connected therewith.

Meetings of creditors in the bankrupt estates of Robinson and Gordon, contractors, and also in their separate estates, were to have been held to-day, but lapsed for want of a quorum.

An excursion train arrived here from tho Waikato this morning having on board between 500 and 600 excursionists. Tho train returns at 6 o'clock this evening.

, On tho afternoon of Sunday last tho residence of Mr James Brown, storokeopor, Razorback, was destroyed by tiro. The house, which contained six rooms, was insured for £100 in tho South British Office. Only part of the furniture was saved, and Mr Brown losos £250 over the amount of insurance.

The picnic given on the invitation of Mr H. Brett to the members of tho General Synod of the Anglican Church and their entertainers and friends was a complete success. The charming afternoon set off the beauty of our harbour in its most favourable hues. The accommodation of the commodious saloon steamer Victoria was fully taxed, but tho vessel was notsocrowded as to be uncomfortable. Aftor leaving the wherf, the stoamor skirted the south shore as far as Kouimarnma, to give the visitors a view of tho suburbs of Parnoll, Remuera and St. Heliers. Sho then crossed tho harbour to tho North Hond, and kopt close to the coast, in the the run down to the Lake reef. Here tho landing was safely effected by tho aid of three boats, all being ashore by half-past three o'clock, tho guests being received and welcomed on tho shore by Mrs Brett. Buggies wore provided to convey visitors up to tho Lake, which wus reached through the properties of Mrßrott and Mr W. J, Hurst, M H.R. "Many of tho visitors wont out for a pull on the Lako in the boats provided, others strolled about enjoying tho beautiful view. At fivo o'clock tho party re-embarked, and found tea spread on board by Mr C. Canning's attentive minions. The catering, in such hands was, it is needless to say, all that could be desired. A start was made for Auckland at s'x, and during tho run up, Mr Vincent Rice and a number of ladies and gentlemen of musical proclivities made the air harmonious with melody. The wharf was reached about a quarter to seven, when the Primate, Bishop Harper, in a few well chosen words, cordially thanked Mr and Mrs Brett in the name of tho company for the very agreeable afternoon thoy had spent and the opportunity afforded them of seeing something of the beautiful scenery ol Auckland. Three hearty choors for the host and hostess having been called for, and responded, to the company departed for their homes or for the night meeting at the Synod.

A party of plumbers, their wives and families, sisters, cousins, and aunts, had a pleasant: excursion in tho steamer Vivid yesterday. They loft the wharf at 8 a.m., and proceeded to Home Bay. Here lines were thrown our, and inaboutthrco-qnartors of an hour 250 fieh wore hauled on board. This satisfied the most ambitious of the fishers, and the rest of the day was devoted to competitions in swimming and running and rambles on shore Everything passou off vory pleasantly, and the party returned to town at 8 p.m. The Vivid makes an excursion to Riverhead to morrow afternoon as usual.

Tho Devonport rarbine Club, which was recently formed for Volunteers residing at North Shore and members of the Armod Constabulary, hold thoir match to-morrow' at the Briok Bay range, firing to commence at 2 p.m.

A coronial inquiry was hold yesterday afternoon on tho body of Simon Millington, a boy aged four years, who met his death by a tramway accident, on Thursday last. Dr. Philaon, coroner, presided, and Mr Davis was foreman of the jury, Mr Button was present on behalf of the parents of the deceased, and Mr Theo. Cooper watched the proceedings in the interest of the Tramway Company. After hearing the evidence, the jury returned a verdict—'1 That the deceased came to his death by being accidentally run over by a tram-car," and added the following rider: "We consider the driver was incompetent for his position," Some discussion followed aa to whether this'_ was not tantamount to a verdict of manslaughter against the driver, but the foreman of the jury added that they exonerated him from such a charge, and said that he waa merely incompetent, and that the company was to blame for appointing him. Dr. Philson said that was equivalent to charging the company with manslaughter. No further remark was made and the verdict and rider were duly recorded.

As an instance of the high veneration felt for tho memory of the late Bishop of Lich field, Bishop Cowie related the following anecdote at the Synod the other night :— "He was travelling up the country, and was asked regarding the site on which a church was proposed to be erected. He selected a position in the centre of the village as most suitable. This, however, did not Buit the country people, for they pointed out one site chosen by the late Bishop Selwyn, and nothing would move them from the determination to build on it. It was in vain that he showed them that the site was not now near the centre of population : all the reply he could obtain was " That was the site choeen by Bishop Selwyn," and there he had to leave the matter.

| The West End and Ponsonby Rowing Clubs intend to have a hard struggle for the Stanford trophies. Practising morning and evening by both senior and junior crews seems to be the order of the day. The course as arranged will be from the Queen-street Wharf to a winning point off Shelly Beach, the contest taking place at 3 p.m. to-morrow (Saturday). The Ponsonby crew is the favourite for the junior, and the West End crew for the senior event. Given a fine day a good aftouioon'B sport will, be ensured^

. A woman who was charged at tho Police Court to-day with disorderly conduct offered as her defence the novel excuse that her daughter was living with a man to Tfhom sho was nofcr'taarried, and she was angry in consequence. She was giving vent to her annoyanco in a practical manner, when tho constable put in an appearance. Under these circumstances, tho Bench discharged tho prisoner with a caution. * >v

ThenewAnglican Church, Mount Roskill, dedicatod to St. Alban, who is suid: fo be the first Christian martyr in Britain, will be opened to-morrow afternoon by the Right Rev. Bishop Oowie at half-past threo o'clock. Tho sermon will be preached by Dr. Harper, the Primate of New Zealand. Bishop Cowie will preach at St. Alban's on' Sunday morning. ,

Wo are informod that the Australian Mutual Provident Society has resolved in future to pay claims by death immediately on proof of death and title, and that a cheque in settlement will be drawn on the same day as the claim is admitted. No doubt this liberal concession will have the effect of still further increasing the reputation of this eminently successful Bociety.

Mr Harry Richards, who opens here with his company to morrow, cautions managers and others against singing or performing any songs, iSic , over which he holds tho solo Australian and Hew Zealand copyright. A list of these, we are informod, may bo scon upon application to the manager of the Opora House.

"Artistic" writes :—" Io is somewhat strange that while ono medical man is fined for painting on a bridge, another doctor is allowed to point his name on all tho tree fences in Grey-street. It is high timo that such disfiguration should be summarily suppressed, as for doctors as well as for drapers there is sufficient room on the advertising hoardings of the city, as well as in tho advertising columns of tho press."

A foot race takes place to-morrow ovening in the Domain, between H. Dyer and R. Smith, for £10, tho former allowing the latter five yards in a hundred.

Tho attention of St. Paul's choir and Sunday School is directed to advertisement of picnic.

Wo learn that tho Purchase Committoo have decided to obtain a horse and cart for the unfortunate printer Purchase, who accidentally lost his arm some time ago; the cost not to exceed £30. Should the sum of £20 be realised before the 25th inst., the committee will contribute tbe remaining £10, and tho projected concert will be abandoned.

The brothren of the Star of Auckland Lodge of Oddfellows held a harmony meeting last evening in the Insurance Buildings. About forty members were in attendance The chief attraction of the evening was the very instructive and well-arranged lecture on "Electricity," by Brother Gamier, a master of the subject. The lecturor traced the progress of electricity from the earliest times, and by tho aid of a battery illustrated and explainod latest discoveries by electricians. At the close of the lecturo a number of questions were asked and satisfactorily answered by Mr Gamier. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the lecturer.

The ordinary meeting of the Crown Lands Board was hold yesterday. Present: Mr D. A. Tole (chair), and Messrs Baker, Pearse, and Dr. Campbell. There was no business of immediate importance beforo the Board. Letters wore received from tho Under-Secretary for Crown Lands approving of certain spocified lands to be offered by auction as indicated in a schedule, and calling attention to lands gazettod for Bitos for public purposes. In answer to Mr Brookfiold's application to change a section of land at Oruru, made by the late Dr. Zinzan, of Onehunga, for a more eligible soction, the Board resolved to inform Mr Brooktield that it could not effect sucli a change, but that aftor tho receipt of tho Chiof Surveyor's report thoy would offer a block of land for sale if requostod to do so. Several applications for land at Tolago Bay, Wairoa, Napier, and in other locolities wore referred to Government surveyors for further particulars. The Chairman of the Wairau Highway Board complained that the reserve for public purposes for which tho trustees of tbo district had mado application had been gazetted for tho cultivation of timber. It was resolved to communicate with tho Crown Lands Oilice, Wellington, upon the subject. A number of small applications for land were dealt with.

The members of tho Royal Veteran Rifle Corpa havo resolved to give thoir wives, friends and sweethearts a day's outing at Motu Ihi on Monday next.

He Blcsiikd.—Thoy wero a brace of clerks out or a Government ofllco doing the block after their hard day's Siborlan slave-like toll. One wos happy and handsome: tho other looked about as subdu-d as a man who had beon nine days drownod j and his clothes wero cnleulitcd to make even anew chum settlor's "scarecrow" wrep at tho Mght thereof. Tho two loungers woro passing tho Bank of Now Zealand, when suddenly ihe handsome clork, catching staht of a party coming tho oppositn war, hurriedly dragirod his friend up west QueenS'roft. nnd exclaimed : ' I couldn't have tt.o 'aoe to meet that man." " Why, what havo you done to MmC Inquired the other. "Web, nothing very much," replied tho just clerk. " I'bo fact is, my wlfo has been grumbling nt tho .Grocor'B RIU being so hiph, and wanted to try somo of tho ch°ap shops. I told her that sho wonlrt get iiothng but rubbish there." •' Ah, that's what tho other gro-or'e tell u°." "Oh well do as you like." I f cried. So last Saturfliy nlghtario came home with moro provisions for tho £1 I gavo her than wo could puroha « for £3 o c.'Whore. and thoy wero equally a» good If not better. "But what has that todo with that man." replied tho seedy one. "Whyl That's EATON, of the Oc-oceratlvo Store, Hobson-street, and Karnngahape Bond, next Garrett's (Butcher), where tho wlfo purchased, tho gnorls, and he. knows all about It. consequently Ido not like to meet him." "That's a wrinkle for me," said tho seedy ont\ " I must pay him a visit." Tomorrow we shall bo soiling primo Canterbury bacon, 81: local, guarnntood, 6.t ; froeh bntfr-r. Is; ami 1,003 lines In grooerlos, which must be sold. All Purchasers sharo in Prollts. Dividends, First WEDNESDAY In each month.—{Advt.l

Valentines.'— Largest and most beautiful a^sortmout of valentines and love eaoho? s In Auoklind. at Nowton Bureau.—D. Goddta; Printer, Bookseller, and Siatlonor, Ganvtt's new bulldltis-s, Kararmahopo Road.—(ADVT],