MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1886.

Auckland Star, Volume XVII, Issue 209, 6 September 1886, Page 2

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1886.

The Town Clerk has forwarded the following letter upon the subject of city finance :— " Sir,—Referring to your leader on Friday evening on city finances, will you allow mo to say that you have been somewhat misinformed. On application to tho treasurer, I learn tho present overdraft of the borough fund is £33,000 instead of about £40,000, as stated in your articlo ; and that thero is about £16,000 of general ratos yet to be collected ; the prosont charees for jiiterest annually being £'22,500 instead of over £27,000, as stated by you. Tho return of expenditure last year is not wholly based on the reduced scale, tho first part of the year being at the then existing scale. I may add I am informed your remarks aro calculated to projudico the loan about to bo raised.— I am, &c, P. A. Philips. Either our correspondent is at fault, or tho city accounts will not tally with the rules of arithmetic. We find the charges upon the city indebtedness shown in tho accounts for the year ending 31st March last as follows:— . Interest on £250,000 loan £14,997 Interest on £125,000 loan 6,250 Exchange on interest ... 308 Interest on overdraft ... 1,845 Sinking fund ... ... 2.450 £25,450 To this we add £1,250 interest or. the loan, which tbo Council are about to raiso, making a total of £27,130. Our statement was literally as follows : " At the beginning of 1887 the city debt will entail an annual charge of over £27,0C0." The Town Clerk simply gives the interest on the £375,000 already raised of the Consolidated Loan, omitting all mention of tho £25,000 which is already ordered to be placed on the market; treating the £33,000 overdraft as if it were a gift to the city from some benevolent bank, and ignoring the charges for sinking fund and exchange. To say the least of it, this mode of stating tho pressure of the debt upon the city finances is misleading, and tho Town Clerk's opinion that we have been "somewhat misinformed" is charming in its simplicity. Our " informant" was the " City of Auckland Municipal Accounts for the year ending March 31st, 188G," signed P. A. Philips. Really our correspondent should consult these accounts and the City Treasurer again before attempting any further corrections.

We are very glad to hear that the overdraft now stands at £33,000, instead of somewhere near £40,000, as we feared. But accepting these figures, they furnish us, upon the authority of the Town Clerk, with conclusive evidence that, despite the agitation of twelve months ago, and the supposed measures of financial reform and retrenchment, the debt on General Account has not been pulled down, and the Corporation is still living boyond its meana. On the 31st Match last the debtor balance against the General Account was £31,317; now Mr Philips tells us it is £33,000, although the intervening time has been the winter months in which street work is to a large extent at a standstill. If the Council cannot live within its means when many heavy charges are defrayed out' of loan, how will it do so when all its works and the deficit for interest are thrown upon the General Account? The remark about £16,000 of uncollected rates is simply a " red herring " drawn across the scent; it has nothing in the world to do with the average rate of expenditure on General Account. The sum referred to is the rate for the current year, which has to bear all the departmental and works charges for the next eight months, and that it will be insufficient for the purpose at tho present rate of expenditure must be manifest to everyone who looks the facts straight in tho face.

The adroit remark about " calculated to prejudice the loan about to be raised," is another of those bogies which are trotted out whenever the financial muddling of the Council is brought under review. If it- were true that the Council is in such a bad way that to discuss its finances will prevent Euglish investors from lending their money, then it would be right that they should know it. But no one suspects anything of the sort. It is well known that the city of Auckland is richly endowed and that it has ample security for a much larger sum than the Corporation has yet attempted to borrow. But what we wish to make equally clear, and we think we succeeded, although the Town Clerk affects not to see it,•is the broad fact that the Corporation cannot borrow more, nor pay interest «on the debt already incurred, without impo ing heavier burdens in one form or another upon the taxpayers, without the exercise of rigid economy. It will be too late to protest against this outcome of civic extravagance when the relentless demands of the public creditor leave no alternative; the time to institute preventive measures is now, when the expenditure of loan money should enable the Council to set its General Account straight. Already the last shilling is being got out of the two shilling rates and water rate levied on an inflated valuation, and if property is to be saddled with any more burdens, tho burgesses ought tp clearly under-

stand it, and let their representatives know whether a policy which will bring such a state of things about is iuaccoid with their wishes.

The absence fi-ora o'tir columns to-day of tiro Visual quota of English cablegrams is explained by tho fact that the Burmah land linos aro interrupted, thus provonting telegraphic communication by tho CochinChina route, westward of India. Ono of tho Port Darwin cables (that to Singapore) was also interrupted yesterday. Tho delays which are occasioned by those inevitable breaks in the communication would be almost completely obviated if wo had an alternative cable laid by way of San Francisco or Vancouver. It is probably due to tho disturbed condition of Buiniah at tho presont timo that the tolegraph wires are not working.

On our fourth page ia published an articlo from the "Timaru Herald," assorting that the Government Insurance Departhave issued a leaflet attacking tho Equitable office. Tactics of this sort have boon sheeted homo before to the Government office, but wo hope that the indictmont in this case is not well-foundod. It is altogether boneath the dignity of a Government department to havo recourse to such unworthy dodges for the purpose of securing business at tho oxponae of a powerful rivals and, as our Timaru contemporary remarks, in the case of an office of recognised position, stability, and influence like the Equitable, the attempt to injuro it can only bring its gigantic business into greater public prominence, and givo it an excellent advertisement. At 12.52 this aftornoon, Captain Edwin telegraphed predicting frost or very cold weather to-night. Mr John Whito, tailor, Victoria-atrcot, has forwarded tho sum of 19s, collocted among his employees, towards the Stab Shilling Fund for tho Bonovolont Society. We alao acknowlodgo tho receipt of £3 2s from tho workmon of tho City Council i <Enginoor's Department), and A's 13a (id collocted by tho tramway employes. Mr T. Poacock, M H.R., has communicated with tho Minister of Public Works regarding the proposed now wing for tho Auckland Asylum. Ho recoived the following reply to-day ;—"ln roply, plans Auckland Asylum are being rupidly prepared.—Ed. Ricitabdson." The voto lakon for this year amounts altogothor to £0,000, which will probably cover the oxpondituro on any contract that may bo lot for tho extensions.

The s.b. To Anau, which arrived in port this afternoon, brought a consignment of 10,000 trout ovor for tho Auckland Acclimatisation Society.

The schooner Fanny Thornton, which sailed on Saturday for Cambridgo Gulf, took a cargo of sawn timber and tho following passongorß for Kimborloy digging: Moses Moralio, Harry Brown, Thomas Rushloy, Thomas Salton, Georgo Greonway, Richard Extor, Alfred Durbiu, Edgar Ulph, William Armstrong, Androw Houston, Andrew McKnight, John Anderson, Charlos Hides, J. Stewart, Frederick Hedges, Henry Smith, D, Archibald, Thomas Scott, Patrick Conroy, .lamoa Hyland.

Forest conservation and planting aro receiving duo attoution in Now Zoiiland at prosent. Professor Kirk has gono vigorously to woik at Rangiriri, and in a few days will visit Whangarei to start oporationa thoro in connection with the projected School of Forestry, In conversation with a Star roportor tho other day, Professor Kirk stated that it is a current beliof that tho kauri always grows on poor land. Thia, ho says, is a comploto fallacy, somo of the best land in the provincial district having boon formerly covered with kauri forests.

A peculiar point waa raised in tho Polico Court to-day, whon tho chargo aguinst Androw Austen of slaughtering a bullock without being duly licensed, was called on. It will bo romombcrod that thia caso waa heard last Saturday ween and dismisßod. Mr Rochefort, who was hearing tho case in conjunction with Mr King, held that tho caso having boen dismissed could not bo callod on again. Mr Brassoy argued to show that the cose having been dismissed without prejudice, bocauso thero was no proof of tho inspector's appointment put in, tho case could bo called on again. Mr Browning, for tho dofonce, held that the caso was dismissed without prejudice, and supported tho ruling of Mr Rochefort, in which that gontleman 'lorsistod, Ho said if they were to try a already acquitted of a ponal offence, they would aubject themeelvos to a penalty. Mr Brassey callod upon Sorgoant Pratt to cay that rehoarings undor such circumstances took placo frequently ; and tho Sergeant bore him out. Mr Browning retorted that things were done every day of the week in that Court that would not bear investigation. Mr Braasoy asked the Bench to satisfy themselves by reference to the Resident Magistrate, who was upstairs, but this course did not commend itself to the Bonch, who, however.subsoquently gave way in Mr Brassey's favour, and allowed the case, which gave rise to a good deal of merriment, to proceed.

A number of additional applications wore received to-day for land under the Village Settlement Scheme. Mr John Lundon today received the following congratulatory telegram from the Minister of Lands: " Thanks for telegram. Congratulations. Am thinking of going to Auckland, —J. Ballance."

To the Editor: Sir,—Having been a member of two of the leading rowing cluba in Sydney for some years, and still feeling an interest in aquatics, it struck me while Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, and Queensland sent crews to compote at tho annual eight, New Zealand was not represented. I also noticed that whaleboat races seem to be the chief attraction at tho regattas. Why not have wagor outrigger race, light skiff race, also eights and fours 1 and I venture to say that it tho prizes aro valuable enough, quite a crowd would come ovor from Australia to compete for them. No speciality is mado of whaleboat racing in Australia, and, speaking personally, I cannot remember having seen a race of any importance in that description of boat; ao I think the chance ia very remote of gotting any crews to onter from the other colonies. —I am, &c, C. C. Brown, Fallon's Buildings, Cook and Hobson-Btreots.

The closing night of the season of comic opera by the Amateur Opera Club takes place on Wedneaday, when tho performance will be for the benefit of Horr Carl Schmitt. There is sure to be a crowded house.

Sermons in connection with tbe Arch Hill Wesloyan Sunday School were dolivered yesterday, in the morning by tbe Kov. O, H. Garland, evening by Mr T. E. Corkil). A service of song, entitled "The Dairyman's Daughter," was successfully rendered by the scholars in the afternoon, when the connecting narrative was read by Mr Chapman, of Wesley College. Mr J. Radcliffo conducted tho singing, Miss White presiding at tho organ. There was a large attendance at each service. The collection during the day amounted to £8 Tbe public entertainment and fruit soiree in connection with the above will bo held to-morrow (Tuesday) evening, the programme for which appeora in another column. Professor Carrollo concluded his annual competition on Saturday night, tbe firßt event being feather-weight boxing ; entries —J. Calligan, J.. Bond, and G. Bock. Bond drewjtbe bye. Bock beat Calligan, Bond boxed a bye, and in the final G. Bock beat J. Bond. Tho n- xt followed with light-weight, there being only two entries, John E. Dickson and J, Sullivan, This event was very interesting for the crowd of spectators present, and ended in favour of J. E. Dickson. The prizes will be distributed at tbo carnival on Monday next, September 13, together with tho Royal Humane Society's medals, by His Worship tbe Mayor. Captain Sullivan, master of the steamer Kotuku, had a narrow escape from drowning on the last trip of the steamer from Matamata to Thames. During the prevalence of heavy weather the steamer was moored by a stout hawser, which unexpectedly carried away, and striking Captain Sullivan a Bevere blow, knocked him overboard. The accident was observed by the other men on board, and the captain was promptly rescued. It was found that he had sustained serious injuries, and the steamer proceeded as soon as possible to the Thames for medical assistance. It was found that no bones were broken, and that the unfortunate mishap is not likely to produce any serious results. Mrs Brume, President of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, desires to thank "Sympathy" for bag of pumpkins and box of tea ; T. Peacock, Esq, 21s ; Mr 8., Ponsonby, 20s. These gifts have been gratefully received by many needy poor. A gift of new flannel is much desired for several cases of distressing sicknoss,

Mr Froudo's misleading statements with rcferonco to Now Zealand ate not the only ones that have called forth emphatic denial. M HubertdeCastella.of Victoria,ha9 written to Mr Froudu and tho press denouncing Certain biographical momoirs which Mr Froude states in " Ocean i" woro communicated to him by Mr Oi.Bt.)lla when sitting by hia Bido at dinner. The following passage occurs in this letter: "Ever since I read yjur statements I havo been haunted by them. I havo not been a dotoctivo officer, I have had nothing to do with tho French police. I did not fight in tho streets in February, 1848 ; I did not servo in Caussidiere'a horde ; I waa not in tho great battles of Juno in the same year ; I did not relate to you a single circumstance upon which you could reasonably establish tho antecedents you have nesigncd to mo. As to tho particular incident you allude to, namely, i the murder of -. the Duchesse de Praslin, I simply roported to you rumours current formerly in tho Faubourg St. Germain, not chronicles of the detective office. Permit me row to complain of another assumption, which caused me equal grief. You say that my wife, ' a Sydney lady, modorately rich, would have been very rich if sho hud pleased her friends better in the choice of a husband,' This, I imagine, even if there was any truth in it, would havo boen bottor loft uiißaid. As it is without foundation, it is Worse than an error of tasto."

Messrs Samuel Cochrano and Sons, auctioneers, held an important sale of county lands, forfeited Undor the provisions of the Rating Acts, for nonpayment 6f rates. The lots offered which were noarly all 50-acre sections, are at To Fnpa, To Apota, Te Puna, and Groerton, in Cook County, at Taupiri, and at Whangamarino. There wero no offers for the Whangamarino, Groorton, and Te Puna sections, but moat of tho To Papa and sevoral of the Taupiri and Te Apata both found purchasers. The Te Papa sections fetched an -la Cd per acre. Te Apata -la dd, and Taupiri 4s 6d. There waa a small attendanco, and bueinoes was not by any moans spiritod. Tho auctioneers inform us that this is tho ruling price for similar laud. The offertory collocted at tho sacramental service last ovoning in Beresford stroet Congregational Church is to bo dovotod to the unemployed roliof fund. This ia an example that other churches may safely imitate. A meeting of thoso intorostod in tbo approaching calico ball in aid of St Mary's Convent was hold in St, Mary's Schoolroom on Saturday afternoon. It was ropoitod llmt tickets wero going oil well, and further issues wero made. A sub-committee was appointed to look aftor tho catering, and somo othor nocoasary buainosa done. Wo aro in roceipt of copies of Mr \V. 11. Wobbo's "Bell Polka, arranged both as a pianoforto solo and aa a pianoforte duet. It will bo remembered that tho moreetiu was performed on tho occasion of Mr Webbe'n recent benefit, and that it produced n very favourable impression. Tho air ia pleasing and tho rhythm accurate, while tho vocal refrain with it* bolls accompaniment adds further charm to tho effect. Sooing that the polka is publiahod at tho very low charge of ls, it Should have an extensive salo and also prove a favourite both in tho drawing room and in tho ball-room. Tho "Biblo Standard," thomontlily organ of tho Now Zealand Evangolistic and Publication Association, has roachod tho ninth number of its sixth volume, and tho latest number is quito up to the mark of its predecessors. Tho post of honour among the articles i 8 asaignod to a very pregnant one by Edward Whito on "Tho Responsibility of Groat Mon." Tho "Question Corner" continuoa to bo filled with ablo and auggostivo mattor of groat interest to- tbe Biblo atudent. Tho editor contributes an oxcollont article on " Tho Teaching of Christ on Future Puniahmont." The other articles, original and eolocted, aro readable and improving in their character. To tho Editor: Sir, —Aa I aeo a statement in your issue of Saturday, that tho Conservator of Fcrosta, Professor Kirk, had difficulty in getting men to tako tho piecework which lie had to offer, but tho reaaons for not accepting tho said piecework not being stated, with your liberty I will ■state thorn. (1) Tho prico offored was 5s por aero for cloaring and burniug. Certainly it is not very long ti-treo or torn, but it is thick and green. It will tako any man four or five dayß to do the ocro, and thon havo to wait for a dry day for burning. (2) The" Professor's word* wero, "about Hs for diggilg post-holes"— Ha por 100 holes. Ho did not oven stato what depth, Tho mon wero infotmod that theao generous pricos woro givonon purpose totidooverthounomployod dilliculty.preferonco being given to married men. Woll, certainly tho Woodhill Roliof Works—working in water and eleoping on wet timber (the timber was soaking wet when tho carpenters put up tho long coflinliko boxes constructed thcre)sro bad enough; but that ie even a paradise comparod with Professor Kirk's piece-work jobs at Wairangt, near Rangiriri. Tho result will bo that a large number of mon will return to town completely knocked up with rheumatic fever, ague, and other complaints, and not ablo to do any work if three timoa the money wore to be paid them.— I am, &c, A Return on tiik Sick List From Woodhill Relief Works. A largo and well-selected Btock of jowellory, comprising gold and silvor watches, diamond rings, brooches, etc., earrings, bracelets, opera and field glasses, and othor articles of bijouterie has arrived from the South and Melbourne, and during the next few days will form the staple of n series of auction sales by Mr R. Arthur. For the purpoao of displaying tho goods to advantage a shop has boen engaged next to S. Coombos and Co.'s, and the firet sale will tako placo thero to morrow, while on Wodiiosdny the shop will bo open to inspection. Tho stock ia very choice, tho goods boing of first class quality, and as they must be sold, persons in quest of euporior jewellery at exceptionally low prioos will do well to attend. Full particulars may bo gained from the advertisement elsewhere. Messrs E. Porter and Co. have juet im ported, to the order of ono of our crack 'cycliets, a now bicycle, which is supposed to be suporior to any machino now in use here. It is made by tho Coventry Machinists Co., and ia callod the Club Racor. For lightness and strength, it cannot bo surpassed. It is a 56in. machine, and tbo weight all complete, including pedals and saddle, ia only 2tilbs, 'Cyclists can for tho next few days inspect this new machine at tbo firm's warehouse. A lecture will be delivered at St. James's Hall, to-morrow evening, by the Roy, T. W, Dunn. The prooeeds are for tho benefit of St. Andrew's Church. Tho subjeot—"The Heads of tbe Poople." A meeting ot the Auokland Crickot Club Is called for this evoning in the Club room Albertßtrtet. Evangelistic services will be held this evening,' to-morrow evening, and Friday by tho Hon. G. Waldogravo in All Saints' Church, Ponsonby. The next entertainment of the Remuera Social Union, consisting of tableaux vivants, songs, &c, takes placo next Wednesday ovoning. It will be seen by advertisement elsewhere th'it thomueloaland dramatio entertainment at Otahuhu by Onohu'iga amateurs will be given on Wednesday evening, not this evening as formerly intimated. A very attructivo profrrummo is announced, including the new and popuur comedy drama, "Cloud and Sunshino," precoded by Bongs, and a violin solo by Caotain Hulie, and terminating with a dance. Pouular pi ices for admission are fixed, and, should the weather continue flno, a bumper houßO may be confidently expected. Disturbance in Queen-street.—lt appears thtt the whole noise was made in consequence of a certain tradesman Belling sime articles t»t least 25 por cent, below oven thoso that have bankrupt stocks to sell. The explanation seems very simple. Mr W. H. Potter, having bought a large job lino of serge suits fully 25 per cent below ordinary prices, these suits he is selling for 30s, which aro Bold elsewhere at 10s to 15?. The members of Lodge Manukau are to be h-nouredat their meeting on Wednesday next with a visit from Sir K. Whitaker and the mombers of the Provincial Grand Lodge of the Scotch Constitution. The ceremony of the installation of oifloors of the lodge will be undertaken by the Grand Lodge officers, and it is expected that the attendance of members and visitore will be large. The September number of the " New Zealand Farmer' Is now obtainable at all booksellers', - and at tho publishing office, Star Buildings, Shottland-Btreet. Tho following are some of tho articles it contains:—A praotical on How to Sink Wells, continuod from last ifeue j Method in Farminor j Barbedwire FenolDg [Soluble Fertilizes; Kerry Cattle (illustrated): Wool Washing ; Tho Value of Bran; Pasture for Cows ; Judging of Cattle by Handling; The Skin of the Horse ; Agricultural Netes from Otago; Trelllaing Grape "Vines (illustrated) ; Fruit Houses (illustrated) ; Condensed Grape Juice for Wine-making; How to Construct a Cheap Greenhouse ; Remedies against Codlin Moth ; Ashes for Fruit Trees, etc , etc. The Apiary Department is very full and IntreetIng. In the Pou'try Columns are critical reports of the Napier and Wellington Poultry Shows, with some capital illustrations of puro-brod fowls Tho losding irt'ole is on Railway Reform. The Special Industries department contains a useful article on tho Culture of Arrowroot (illustrated). The Home and Household columns are full of Inter?sting ttorieß for young and old, besides useful information ol all kinds on domestic matters. iror full table of contents, see bills. Annual subscription, 10s ; single copy, la, *