The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, Morning New, and Echo. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1836.

Auckland Star, Volume XVII, Issue 218, 16 September 1886, Page 2

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

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1836.

For the cauie that lacks aasistance, For the wrong that needs resi»tanc», Tor the future in the distance, And the good that -wt can do,

Although Mr Vaile has obtained from a committee of the House a report which is, on the whole, favourable to his scheme of railway reform, and which goes so far as to recommend tLat the system should receive a trial upon some section of railway, provided that the local bodies are willing to rate themselves for any deficiency, there is apparently no prospect of this permit being put into practical operation. The Government are unfavourable to it, and will certainly not take the initiative; and although the landowners of Waikato might be willing to join with the other districts along the Waikato line and Auckland city in giving the required guarantee, they would hardly be prepared to pledge their lands for the whole of the deficit which might accrue in the working out of so novel an experiment. The question then arises, what chance is there of the city and adjacent districts joining in the guarantee 1 and, we think, the answer can hardly be encouraging. The faot is that the districts within a radius of 30 miles from the city, although reaping , the advantage of cheap fares, are not

promised such benefits as would undoubtedly accrue to the Waikato. ISlr Yaile proposes that the line, proceeding out from a capital town, shall bo marked oft'iii stages of seven miles each, a uniform rate of Gd first class and td second class being charged for each of these stages. Beyond these four stages, if there should be a stretch of country of i fifty or more miles not having a town of 2,000 inhabitants, the stages would only be flfty-milo distances, Cd and -Id being charged for the whole or any part of the distance. The practical effect of this arrangement is this — that while the whole of the local traffic in Waikato would be performed for sixpence a journey, local transit on the sections of the Waikato line near the city would be a much more expensive matter. For instance, a passenger could go from Ngaruawahia to Te Aroha, a. distance of 14 miles, for sixpence first-class; or from Ngaruawahia to Pukekohe, It miles, for sixpence ; but if lie went from Pukekohe to Otahuhu, a distance of 21 miles, or vice versa, he would have to pay Is Gd. The whole of the local traffic onthoHolensvillo line would come under the high scale chargable for the stages marked ofl' near the cities. Naturally, the people in these circuits would say, "We are not going to submit our lands to a special rate to ensure uniform sixpenny and fourpenny fares for the whole of Waikato, while we pay on a scale so much higher." The people interested in tho purely suburban traffic, who might bo supposed to lead the agitation for a city guarantee, would also be lost, because Mr. Vaile's system of'charging for seven-mile stages would increase the fares, unless lie resorted to tho existing system of season tickets. The average cost per journey now, reckoning that a season ticket-holder travels twice a day, is Id to Newmarket, lJ.d to Kemuera, 2d to Greenlane, 2Jd to Ellerslie, iid to Ponroao, and .'iJ,d to Onehunga. These fares arc all far below those onjoyed by residents using 'buses and trams within the city and its nearest suburbs.

On tho Southern railways, as Mr Hannay showed in his evidence before the Committee, the proposed arrangement of unequal stages would work much more disastrously between certain districts. The BlufT is now the nearest and natural outlet for (lore ; but under Mr Yailo's proposals the fare from (lore to the Bluff, 57 miles, would bo 3s Gd, while a faro of ;is would carry a passenger to D.unodin from Gore, a distance of 109 miles. Tho Kingston trade would also be drawn away from the Bluff by the fare being made equal whether] the passenger went to the southern port 101 miles away, or to Dunedin, 175 miles distant. Wo think it unfortunate that Mr Vaile has pinned himself to this' proposal for an unequal rate of charge for the performance of the same service, because it will tend not only to divide the" districts adjacent to the city against the country in considering any proposal for working his system experimentally, but it gives colour to the charge made by the Department, and by some critics iv the Southern Press, that while he professes a desire for the complete abolition of differential rating, his own proposals would be moro open to that charge than the existing system.

The prospects of the public finding their path to railway reform, either through tho Government voluntarily adopting Mr Vailc's scheme of the districts taking the risk of it by consenting to a special rate for possible deficiency, appears to us so vory distant that we should like to sec the country settlers concentrate their energies, for a time at least, on the attainment of changes which might and ought to be secured. The worst grievance the Auckland farmers have to complain of is the outrageous prices charged for the conveyance of small packages of produce—such as butter, eggs, a few hundredweight of potatoes, and so forth; and the equally extravagant rate of freight for the stores sent to them in return for theso products. Without reference to any great scheme to revolutionise the universally - adopted system of railway management, a combined and determined effort ought to bo made, in the interests of settlement, to get the goods tariff' altered in the interests of small settlers who are at present completely crushed by it.

A steemer arrived yostorday at Ponang from Madras with GOO telegrams for New Zealand and Austialia which had accumulated owing to the interruption of the cables. We have received some cable messages to-day dated as far back as the 4th of September. This interruption ought to assist the proposal for a trang-l'aciric cable The cable messages of lato London dates, which appear in cur issue to-day, came by way of Russia and Siberia, through China and Singapore; but thia route, besides boing tedious and oxpsnsive, could odviously not bo used for Government dospatches or political menagos, and as an alternative route in war timo is of no use whatever.

Referring to the cablegram recoived by Mr D. H. McKenzio relative to the depreesed condition of nffiurs at Kimberley, it should be mentioned that tho Rapido had not arrived at Cambridge Gulf when the moeeago was aent from there to Port Darwin to bo cabled. Tho vessel may, however, have arrived since, although not notified. Communication betweon Cambridgo Gulf and the cable station at Darwin is irregular.

-A. telegram was posted at the Sliaretnarkct Exchange to day to the effect that 951ba of picked stone had been obtained at tho Larnach G.M. Co.'s mine. This roturn is very encouraging, as the claim hua latoly been laid out on ground from which much gold was obtained in tho palmy days of the Thames. It is to bo hoped that I his may be the precursor of another rieo. News has also been reooived that gold has boen discovered at Dairy Flat, noar tho Wade, by Messrs Clinton aad Foley. It is stated that two tons of stone was forwarded to the Thames, and resulted in Sdwts being obtained to the ton. When the weather improves, the finders intend to thoroughly prospect the district, which is known to be auriferous. As usual, an application for assistance has been made to the Government.

The bayonet competition between the fiobson and Onehungu, Kiflos, which is to take place to-morrow evening at the Onehunga Public Hall, promisos to be of very groat intorest, as each team has boon drilling hard for the honourable position of victor. Tho 'buses for tho Hob?on Company will leave tho corner of Hobson and Wollington-streets at 6.50 sharp to-morrow evening.

Mr J. Edwaide leaves for Sydney on tho 23rd inst. The members of St. Benedict's choir aro having a testimonial engrossed and illuminased for presentation to him.

Mr Justice Gillies will sit in Chambers to-morrow at ill j in , and at the close of the Chamber business he will hold a sitting in bankruptcy.

A young man named William Haetio Dean was admitted to the Hospital yesterday, suffering from an irjury to the left arm, caused by a fall of earth on the railway works at Woodhill where he waa employed. Nob.ne c ( fcrtunately, have been broken.

• To tho Editor: Sir, —Permit me to correct an error in your last evening's issue. Martin has not accepted my challenge, but issu< d another. He met a man (12 stone) at one week's notice ; why he should ri quire 6 weeks to tceet a 10 s'one a an ia to me inexplicable, unless for the faot well-km wn to sports—of my departure from Auckland in a fortnight. In conclusion, I will meet Martin in ton days, or under, with whatever kind of gloves lie chooses ; I cannot say fairer than that.—Yours, &c , E, Donovak.

Kocent arrivals from Taupo inform us that Kuapohu is still steaming.

George Moore, a shipwright oinployod in tho dock yrstorday afternoon, had one foot crui-hed so severely tlmt l>o had to bo convoyed homo in c cab.

At tho weekly silting of tho 11 M. Court to-day, thoro wero closo on 100 cases, which may bo takon as a sign of tho depressed times.

The first annual ball of tho Northcoto Quadrille Assembly will take place on October Ist in Lincl's Hall. Every eU'orc is being tundo to make it a decided succoes. Mr Rowlinscn, cunfectioner, of Nowton, will cater on this occasion. The Waitemata Minstrels repeated their amusing performance at the Opera Houso last evening. Owing to the strong eounteratt ructions, tho attoi ilanco was not largo. This is tho more to bo regretted, as tlio proceeds wore to bo dovotod to tho funds of the Club.

Tho twonty-lifth annual meeting of the Auckland United Cricket Club will tako place this evening in thu Club room, Albert Hotol. All members aro requested to attend, and oil cricketers wishing to join thia old established Club are also invited.

Professor Aldis will dolivor tho last lecturo in tho winter ccurso of tho Young Mons Christian Association to-morrow evening. Tho subject, " Recent pjxplorations in Palestine," is sure to bo ably troatod by tho Professor.

A social gnthoring in connontion with St. James's Congregation and Bible Class takes plnco in St. James's Hall to-morrow (Friday) evening, at 0.30. The programmo consists of songs, rocita*ions, charades, &<"•, and thoro will also be a uniquo art collection on vioiv.

Tho usual fortnightly meeting of St Mary's Lilorary and Debating Society will bo hold this ovoning at 7.45, in St. Mary's Schoolhouse, Gladstone-street, Parnoll. The pubjent for discussion is " Public Works of Now Zealand," to bo oponod in tho aflirmalivo by MrMaris Clark.

Tlioro waa aomo diacufsion in Coramitteo whothor tho Egyptian Fancy Fair on bohaH of Holy Trinity Church, Dovonport, should b« hold in Auckland or at tho marino fubuib. Ultimately tho supoiior attrac tionn of Auckland provailed, and tho use of tho Drill-shod horo has been obtained for tho occasion.

A conforonco of Sunday-school tcachors of tho Anglican Church is to bo held this ovoning at 7 30, in tho Nowmarkot Hall. A paper on "Sunday-school buildings, ollicoif, &c.," will be read by the Kov. \V. Caldor, of All Sainta'. The mooting is likoly to provo holptul to thoso ongngod in tho honourable and useful work of teaching in our Sunday.fchools.

To tho Editor : Sir, —Putting it seriously, would critics tako tho ollice of Mayor for three years for nothing, you know—cUoap, and help roduco, *c, you know '! If thoso whoso considerable, properties mako them feol as tho ownors of largo woalth won't tako tho billot choap, you know, who should ?—I urn, itc , Citizkn.

Thoro is grenr depression in thobooinnkinfi trado in Melbourne. About. 100 mnn aro out of employment-, and about 1,000 aro earning only half wnges. Tho men in thrco or four factories hnvo struck bocaueo tho employors refused to give tho pricos do rounded and employed non-union mon. Assistance imß boon given by all kindrod eociotio?, moro townrJa relieving; tho depression than maintaining tho Btriko

Tlio schoolroom behind St. Luko'n PresbyLorinn Church was well filled yostorday nftoruoon, whon Mr Duncnn Wright gavo an nddrosa to ladies only. Tho address was earnest and faithful. In tho evening a largo nudionco assembled in tho church. Mr Wright gavo n deeply solemn address from tho paesago iv the Book of Jonah, " Wluit mciwiostthou.Oeleopor? Aiho, and call upon thy God." Tho uudienco seemed dooply impressed, and most of thorn lemuinod to tho dovotionul mooting after tho sonnon. Tho mootings will bo continuod to-night and tomorrow night, and on Sa'.urday cvoning there will bo a meeting for praise, in which tho Hon. Mr Waldogravo and others will tako part.

Tho Birkenhoad and Northcoto Fruit Growers' Association have drawn up tha following attractive programme for tho year ondinp July, ISS7: —Subjocts : September li, " Preparation of Land for Crops ;" October 11. " Cultivation of StrawberriOH ;" Novotnbor t>, " Cultivation of Vegetables ;" Docembor (5, "Jam-making ;" ISS7, January, " Cultivation of Ooosoborries •" February, "Cultivation of Poaches and I'luma ;" March. " Cultivation of Apples ;" April, " Cultivation of Oranges and Lemons ;" May, "Cultivation of Grapes;" Juno, " Shelter Trees and HoJgo Plant;" July, Annual Meeting,

Tho troop of Koyal Lancors has applied to tho Dofonco Department to havo tho troop changed from Koyal Lancers to Dragoons. Thia was done in order to encourage tho disbaudf d troop of Auckland Cnvulry to rojoin, eomo of whom, objecting to tho lanco, tho carbine has now boon substituted. Captain Kempt has rotained tho Riding School, lately occupied by Sergeant - Major Hazoll, as a drill -shod, to bo open two nights a week —one night for drill and the other for sporta such] as tont-pegging etc., a gymnasium is also being erected at a considerable cost, Owing to those changes a considerable number of recruits havo joined. Tho troop thia year should bo ono of tho finaet troop of cavalry in the colony. Wo think that sceit g Captain Kempt and his olh'cars are doing co much to further tho interests of tbs Government thoy aro entitled to fomo pecuniary assistance. At presont no capitation is paid to tho corpo.

Tho anniversary of the I'onsonby Wosleyan Sunday-school was celebrated last evening by a social gathering, which wai largely attended, and passed off very pleasantly Mr B. Arthur occupiod the chair, and in opening proceedings referred to the progress made by tho school, and congratulated tho teachers on tho progress and prosperity that had boon tho outcomo of their labours Tho annual report, road by Mr VV. Hutchineon (Secretary), shoved that tho number of scholars on the roll is 271, and tbo number of tcachors 30. Ths school possessos a library of 470 volumes, and aUo a Band of Hope, which had made satisfactory headway during tho year. Tho balance sheet was read by Mr Tregaekis, and ehowed that the recoipts had been £119 19?, and tho expenditure £12S 4s Sid ; leaving <i debit balance of £8 4s lOd. Both roports wore adopted. During the evening Mrs R.Clarko fang " The Children of Israel"(from the oratorio "Babjlon"), and Mrs Johnson contributed "Nonoocr," Mi?s Coodacro playing tho pianoforte accompaniments. Addresses wero also delivered by Mr Soustor, tho Sunday-school superintendent, who Epoko of Sundayschool work ; by Mr Enooh Wood on

" loachinf* in tho Sunday-echool ;'' by Mr W. C McDowoll, B.A , on "Tho Working of tho Try Excelsior Classes in Melbourne," on institution which ho said was doing an immenso amount of good. At intervals during the oveninj; rofreßhments wero handed round,and at the close of tho entertainment n voto of fianka to the Chairman was carried by acclamation on the motion of Mr John Gittos.