SLAVERY IN BRAZIL.

Auckland Star, Volume XIX, Issue 113, 14 May 1888, Page 4

SLAVERY IN BRAZIL.

A cable despatch which we publish to-day announces bhab bhe Chamber of Depubies of the empire of Brazil have passed resolutions favourable to the immediate and unconditional abolition of slavery in the Brazilian Empire. This most important concession to the sentiments of modern civilisation has been slowly but surely coming. The first step towards the consummation was attained in 1853, when tho importation of slaves was stopped. Then after a period of 18 years another notable advance was made, when in 1871, it was enacted that every child born of slave parents should be free, the ordinance also freeing all slaves belonging to the State and to the Imperial household. In 1872 when the census of the empire was taken the slave population numbered 1,476,567, bub by tho latest statistics available (1886) those had been reduced to 450,000. Tho State out of its current revenue provided an emancipation fund sometimes as much as £100,000 being allocated to the emancipation fund in one year. The work of freeing the slaves has also been largely assisted by tho slave-owners themselves and by private philanthropy. A well-known authority on this question says, '' From tho extremely rapid progressof this movement, difficulties havo been experienced in a considerable degree in procuring a sufficient supply of labour for the Brazilian plantations, but the general effect of tho law has been to give" now directions to the employment of capital, and the construction of railroads and telegraphs, and the improvement of internal communication by roads and rivers has been largely promoted. Attention has also been strongly directed towards the further development of the provinces by the increase of European immigration."

The R.M.S. Zealandia, with the English mails dated 21st April, left San Francisco for Auckland on the sth inst., two days late. The R.M S. Alameda, with the colonial mails to 23rd April, arrived at San Francisco from Auckland on the 12th inst., one day in advance of time-table date. The new telephone line from To Kopuru to Kaipara Heads is already completed some three or four miles^ beyond the place known as " Scarrot's," and communication has already been opened between these two places. It is expected that the line to the " Heads " will be finished in a month from date. His Worship Dr. Giles was engaged in the R.M. Court this morning taking ex parte evidence in the case of Wade and Cresswell v. Bond, which is proceeding in the Napier R.M. Court. Mrs Margaret Ellen Bond gave evidence. Mr Clendon appeared on behalf of the plaintiffs, and Mr ' Coleman for the defence,

The Jubilee Steamship Company have awakened to the necessity for renewed activity in respect of the strike in which the Northern Steamship Company is concerned. By an advertisement in another column it will be seen that a further reduction has been made in the "Jubilee " fares for both freight and passengers between this port and Whangarei, and they are now about as low as it is possible to bring them without running the steamers free, gratis, and for nothing. It has also been determined to carry on the contest from this stage on entirely new lines, and it is expected that more complete arrangements will be announced very shortly.

At the Police Court on Saturday afternoon a man named John McLelland was charged witli failing to comply with a previous order of the Court directing him to provide for the support of his three children in the Industrial Home. Dr. Giles was on the Bench. Mr Strathern, who appeared on behalf of the Charitable Aid Board, asked for a warrant of commitment, as the arrears were stiU accumulating. His Worship ordered the defendant to be committed to prison for three months with hard labour.

Tho Police Court continued sitting late on Saturday afternoon, owing to the unusual press of business on the charge sheet. The three lads, Henry Bird. "Michael Hearing and Thomas McNamara, who were charged with stealing sacks from the carbot'Mr J. A. Campbell received a salutary punishment. In passing sentence Dr. Giles remai ked that all three of the boys had previously been before the Court for stealing. He did not propose to send them bo gaol, as that might do more harm than good. He would order that Bird should get six strokes with a birch rod, and also be sent: to the Kohimarama School until he was fifteen years of age. The other two boys were ordered to receive four strokes each with the birch rod. The reason why Bird was sent to the Industrial School was on account of the police stating that he would be better cared for there than in his own home. The Eden Terrace Highway District should soon be provided with a water supply. The pipes arrived in the Oamaru, and men are now engaged carting them to tho various streets in the district. A volunteer lire brigade is also in course of formation, so that this district should soon cease to be the tenor of the insurance companies.

At the Police Court this morning, before Mr IT. C. Baddeley, three persons were fined 5s and costs each for first offences in drunkenness. Mary Ann Armstrong was fined 10s and costs, and Emily Benn 40s and costs or 4 days, for similar offences, the two latter having been previously convicted.

The skating rinks did a good business on Saturday night. This eveninganattraction is offered at the Columbia Rink in the shape of a race between Mr L. Dixon's fast skating pupils. The distance is two miles, and the following handicaps have been allotted :— Heaton, Knowles, scratch; Jones, Montrose, 20secs ; Williams, 25secs; Holland, 30secs ; Gibbin, 35secs.

One day last week, as Air F. H. Small' engineer for the contractor of the Kaihu railway, and Mr J. Mitchelson, were returning towards Dargaville from Maropiu, riding at a smart pace along separate tracks through the ti-tree that converged at a certain point, they happened to reach that point at the same moment, and they and their horses collided with great force. The result was that both riders and horses were thrown violently to the ground. Mr Small was severely shaken, so much so as to lay him up for a day or two. Mr Mitchelson was also a good deal hurt, but fortunately no bones were broken in either case. Both gentlemen are nearly all right again.

The Rev. James Chew delivered an interesting and instructive lecture last evening, in the Beresford-streeb Congregational Church, to a large congregation. The sub-, ject dealt with was " A Bright Girl." The lecturer chose for his example the little Jewish maiden who was captive at the Court of Assyria, and by whose instrumentality Naaman was cleansed from his leprosy. Mr Chew referred to the fact that the maiden was a domestic servant, and took occasion to say a good word for the domestics. He spoke somewhat severely about the manner in which shopgirls looked down upon their domesticated sisters, and said : " After all there does not seem much in spending a life time behind a counter measuring tapes, or weighing out sugar, lb does seem as if—knowing their imitative faculties—an educated ape might soon be able to do that almost as well as the others." Mr Chew made several humorous remarks which resulted in the enormity of making the congregation "smile audibly." These lectures will be continued each Sunday evening during the ensuing winter months.

A very interesting entertainment was given at the Temperance Hall on Saturday by the Auckland Total Abstinence Choir, in the form of a service of song entitled "Charles Carson." The story is too wellknown to need much description, being that of a man who believes himself incapable of becoming a drunkard, will not sign the pledge, and believes in moderation, but ultimately gives way to excess and meets with an accident, which brings about his reformation. The piece is well written, abounding with well - known a i rs _« Home, Sweet Home," " The Spider and the Fly," "Father, Come Home," " He's a Jolly Good Fellow," and "I Know that he Once Loved me," etc. These were very well sung by tho choir, more especi ally the song of "Father, Come Home." which was sung by a little girl. Great praise is due to the conductor, Mr Ryan, for the manner in which it was rendered. Mr F. E. Harrison underbook the rather difficult part of reading the story, and was very happy in his rendering of the song connected with it, " We'll Leave tlm Smoky Town," in which he gave an imitation of a farmyard which created roars of laughter. Five persons signed the pledge at the close. Next Saburday evening the' programme will be given by the Northcote Band of Hope. Mr F. E. Harrison, better known as Max Rinklo (who was ab one time apartner with the late F. W. Fisher in the theatrical business), will, assisted by Mrs Harri.on, Mr E. Alexander, the popular comedian, and professional and amateur friends, give a grand concert and entertainment at the Temperance Hall to-morrow evening, for the benefit of the widow and family of the deceased. A splendid programme has boen prepared in which Mr Harri'on will appear in one of his old characters—the "Musical Clown" (in which he plays a variety of musical instruments, including the " Hoponpoplium" and a new sketch " Freemansonrv Exposed." As the case is a deserving one", and the price of admission low, there should be a bumper house.

Mr A. G. Daniells delivered a lecbure lasb night, in Mackelvie-street Church, on "The Fall of Protestantism in all parts of the world, and the many political changes that now exist in consequence." He also gave a description of the vastness of the riches presented to His Highness the Pope on his jubilee, coming in from all parts ot the world, with a prayer for his blessing. Mr H. Bennett has, through his geniality of character, made a New Zeaiand name tor himself, and arrangements have been made by which a large number of the English footballers are to make the Pier Hotel thenhome during their stay. The cheap American luncheon, which Mr Bennett was the first to start here, draws hundreds of people daily. Freezing Company's " Shell" Brand Butter, made on latest principles with best appliances from cream received daily.— (AdvM