NATIONAL INSTINCTS.

Auckland Star, Volume XIX, Issue 270, 15 November 1888, Page 4

NATIONAL INSTINCTS.

Wfi are led to remark upon this question from noticing the peculiar conduct of a party of French labour delegates who recently visited England ostensibly on labour matters, to see for themselves the position of the industrial classes In Great Britain, to investigate their social position, see how they lived, and the manufactories they worked in, and also to ascertain their aims, objects and aspirations, if they had any. They appear to have been well treated everywhere they went. At Glasgow the municipal authorities entertained them at a public dinner, and it was at this dinner the circumstance occurred which has called forth these comments. Bailie Gray presided at this demonstration, and to hia surprise and horror when he gave the first toasb, "The Queen, God bless her," his French guests refused to drink it. Bailie Gray was asked to withdraw it, but point blank declined to do so, and said, "If their visitors did nob respect the institutions of the country where they were being entertained, and the loyalty ot their entertainers, they did nob deserve to have their objections considered.' The guests refused to drink Hie toast, on the grounds that they were Republicans and Socialists. The matter was brought up before the Glasgow Town Council, there was some heated discussion over it, and the Frenchmen's conduct was generally condemned. These Frenchmen were entertained by the f Sccialists of Edinburgh, and they also met the Trades and Labour ©ouncil of that city. At the former festivities the sayings all round appear to have been sufficiently wild to have satisfied the most rampant anarchist. Unfortunately, however, the reports of the two meetings got a bit jumbled up, and the Trades and Labour Council got credit for the Socialistic utterances. The Trades Council strongly demurred to being mixed up in the matter, and the "Scotsman," in a leading article on the subject, says • " We should be sorry to identify the Trades Council with the silly people who entertained the Frenchmen. It is the habib of these Socialists to boast that the great body of working men are with them. To say this is to libel the working men, and some of our correspondents have put this fact in a strong light. Scottish workinc men have no faith in the dreams and the follies of Socialists. They know that there is. but one way of bringing about the greatest amount of comfort and prosperity and happiness; and that is for each man to work honestly, without fear and withou* favour, in his calling, while doing all that in him lies for the removal of trade barriers, class privileges, and everything that tends to promote ignorance and foster immorality. They know that all men have not equal gifts or equal powers, and that, therefore, the reign of absolute equality is impossible. Thoy are not such fools as to think that capital is their enemy, against which they ouo-ht to wage unceasing war. They do not believe that thrift is a vies to be discouraged by all means. They are in the main practical, and know that the elevation of society must begin with the elevation of the individual. 1c is no wonder that they indignantly protest against being held responsible for the insanity which was put forward as wisdom at the meeting of the. Socialists with the French delegates from Paris." Now, how is it that the national instincts of the English working classes are so entirely diiierent from the instincts of the same class in France, or Germany, or Belgium, or Italy, or Russia, or any other nation ? Large - minded men of the English race are prone to talk of '• the brotherhood of man," and argue that social reforms, altogether independent of any moral or religious reforms, will bring about that universal brotherhood when each one will treat his neighbour as he would his neighbour should treat him. But long before this comes about the negro, will have to change his skin, and the leopard his spots, or in other words the deep-rooted national instincts which in times of trouble and danger culminate in such scenes as took place in the great French Revolution, and subsequently in the same country during the period of the Commune, have to be entirely obliterated, and then, perhaps, the brotherhood of man may become an accomplished fact. Such instincts are so entirely foreign to the English character that, as the "Scotsman" says, the .socalled Socialist wisdom is looked upon1 by the ordinary Englishman as insanity. These opposing national instincts have been strongly brought out on more than one occasion ; take for instance, a meeting of the International Trades Congress, held in Paris some four or five years ago. Delegates attended this Congress from all parts ot the Continent of Europe, and from Great Britain, and at the meeting one of the English delegates, Mr Burnett,of the Amalgamated Engineers, gave them some sound, wholesome advice in unmistakeably plain, straight - forward lano-uage, which clearly indicated what Englishmen's views were in regard to anarchy and bloodshed, that they would have none of it, and that the Continentals would never gain their ends by such means. ._, , At tkafc Congress some of the .trench delegates uttered some strong revolutionary speeches, advocating the confiscation of private property, the removal of governments and a general upsetting ef the barriers of 'Christian civilisation.' ' ,Had the British delegates held simiiav yjews, there would have been a good opportunity for proving to the world at laeps that the loyalty of the British workman to his Queen and his national institutions was a sham and an unreality ; but Mr Burnett, in replying to M, Fortelier, delivered a speech which the London "Telegraph" alluded to as reflecting the greatest credit upon him for his courage, bluntness and sturdy British CGt«mon sense. "If," said Mr Burnett, " any trades unionist at Home talked like Fortelier, we should consider him our worst enemy. There is no wisdom, no foresight in such language. Those who, to use his words, hold the fcnjite to the throat of others are likely to have it turned against their own. Whafc have your revolutions done for you ? They have left you little better than they found you. Our moral reforms abide. Nor can it be said that British workmen are amo»g those easy counsellors of moderation who have never themselves felb the oppressions against which they discourage violent revolt They too had once no right to combine." Then alluding to his own Union, the Amalgamated Engineers, he pointed out fcbat in 1851 they were only eleven thousand strong, with funds in proportion ; now they had a quartet? or a million sterling* in the banks for the relief of distress, the advance of wages, the reduction of hours, and jth,e fissistanse of other trades. They had recently sent £600 to France to assist the cotton weavers, and during their 30 years of amalgamation they had spent over two pillions of money. "This," said Mr Burnett, ''is the true type of a trade organisation. Why cannot you do the same ? If you wait until you win by revolution yon will wait forever. Every struggle of thai) kind throws you further back". Your International is unfortunately always associated with deeds of violence. If we can help you in organising an International without violence and destruction for its object, let us know it; it is £or that purpose we are here to-day." Every sentence of this speech is replete with manly dignity and perfect self-reliance, together with a true spirit of freedom and independence, but the grand principle contained in i!> is so diametrically opposed to

the principles actuating Continental labour organisations that it would seem almost aa impossibility to expect the British workmen and the Continental workmen to comhine and abide by rules framed by an international congress. Within the last fewdays an International Trades Congress has been sitting in London. No information has yet been received of the result of its deliberations.excepb the significant announcement that the British Unions evinced great suspicion of foreign schemesof labourorgani- £: sacion. If the foreign delegates at thafe Congress conducted themselves in a similar^

manner to that experienced by the Glasgow people from the Frenchmen, it is no wonder that suspicions were aroused, and doubtless the British workman will eventually find it more to his advantage to play a lone hand and work oub by himself his own social salvation, rather than attempt to carry into effect the brotherhood of man, and the amelioration of the whole human, race, by combining with such revolutionary fire-brands as appear to compose the trade organisations of the Continent.

Information has reached us that a ruffian, having1 the garb and semblance of a gentleman, is haunting the Albert Park and making that pleasant resort almost; unsafe for girls to frequent. Many complaints have been made to the Park gardeners by girls who have been annoyed by the attentions of this "gentleman." The offender should understand that neither his fine clothes nor good connections will save him from prosecution for his misconduct if ib ia persisted in.

Property tax returns are due in Wellington on the 30th November next, and in order to be in time should be despatched from Auckland on or before the 27bh inst.

Advices from Norfolk Island under date October 18th state that a dreadful, and very nearly fatal accident happened on Saturday afternoon, 13th October, to one of the oldest and most respected members of the community, Johnny Quintal, through the premature explosion of a charge of dynamite. It seems that Johnny, in attempting to dynamite some fish at the Pier, through inadvertence held the charge too long in his hand, when it exploded with frightful results; his hand was blown completely away, and he was otherwise peppered with the dreadful explosive on several parts of his face, body, and legs. It was a miracle, indeed, that- his head was not blown off. Assistance was at hand, and the old fellow was quickly borne to his homa close by, and tenderly cared for. The Acting Colonial Surgeon, Dr. Welshman, at 5 p.m. amputated the arm about 4in. above the wrist joint, performing1 the operation with skill and success, and there is every prospect of a favourable issue.

There was a large attendance last night at the preliminary meeting held for the purpose of forming a Scottish Society for Anckland on a broader basis than that of the Burns Club. The object of the Society is to cultivate Scottish literature, music, dancing, and athletics, as well as to assist! distressed compatriots, and it is proposed to have special observances four times © year, on the occasion of St. Andrew's Dag* Hogmanay, Burns' Anniversary, and Ha& lowe'en. After some conversation at la% night's meeting it was agreed that a society be formed under the title of " The Auckland Caledonian Society." and it was understood that it shall have affiliated branches, such as literary, musical, dramatic, and dancing clubs. A committee was appointed to draw up a code of rules for submission to an adjourned meeting, to ba held a fortnight hence, when officers will probably be elected, and the Society's operations actively commenced. The proceedings were most enthusiastic and unanimous, and as many of those present were members of the Burns Club, hopes are entertained that from the ashes of that organisation a more healthy, vigorous, and popular society will arise.

The attendance at the Centennial International Exhibition during the week ending Saturday, October 27, wa3 58,851, as against 34,359 for the corresponding week at the Exhibition of 1880, being the smallest yet recorded for any one week during the currency of the present show. There were undoubtedly two causes which helped to such an unsatisfactory result, the one being the unfavourable weather of Saturday, which was both damp and cold ; the other, the counter.attraction of the Flemington races, which drew a very Jarge crowd. The total attendance from the date of the opening up to, and including, October 27th, was 824,806, and the total receipts to the same date amounted to £14,107 19s 9d. In connection with the falling off iv the attendance, the Executive Commission are considering . the question of the curtailment of expenses. To this end reductions have been made in the official staff.

The whaling season at Norfolk Island has been very successful. On 10th October two more large whales were added to the score, which made very nearly six tons each. The season, however, is nearly over, andthewhaleswillsoon take their departure. The score at October 18th stood 12 whales, making about 43 or 44 tons ; of this 21 tons have been shipped away, leaving the remainder on hand.

Amongst the passengers by the s.s. Manapouri for Sydney last evening was Mr P. A. Philips, the Town Clerk, who goes away for a six weeks' holiday, intending before returning to visit the Melbourne Exhibition. Mr L. A. Cunard, advance agent of the All Star Minstrel Company, also left for Sydney.

A gang of prisoners has been busily engaged on the KM, Court grounds for several days past. The grass has been cab, the paths formed and coveied with line scoria, and altogether the place presents quite a neat appearance. Mr W. Glover has been taking round for signature a requisition that our present Mayor, Mr A. E. T. Devore, will allow himself to be nominated for a third term. Ove: 350 signatures were obtained in a short space of time. Amongst them are the names of most of the leading citizens. There is little doubt but that Air Devora will accede to the request.

One firsfc offending "drunk" was fined 5s and costs, or 24 hours in default. Mr J, P. King, J.P., presided.

It is stated that a large consignment of American apples infected with codlin moth were sold in a city auction mart tha other day. On account of their condition the apples were bought for a jam factory, and lovers of insect, food may expecb $ treat.

The All Star combination performed to a good audience at the Opera House last evening, and the programme was very well received. An entire change of programme is announced for this evening, when additional attractions will be presented.

Mr J. A. Pond's class for agricultural chemistry was well attended last evening. He dealt with the interesting subject o£ plant growth, and explained the production of the plant from the seed to its subsequent maturity. The lecture last evening was more of a botanical nature, being necessary as a kind of preliminary to the subjects dealb with in later lectures. By means of coloured diagrams, Mr Pond fully elucidated his subject, the lecture being listened to with evident interest by those present. Government considers that the results of the Obago University School of Mines are nob commensurate with the expenditure, and the University must suggest somo means for exciting greater public interest in tha branches of science for which tho school la established. C

Mr John Hall, one of the oldest settlers at Mangapai, was found lying dead in. his bouse last Thursday night. The deceased was 70 years of age, and at the time of his death was living alone. The evening before a neighbour named Mrs Builians paid him a visfb. She states that at that time he appeared to be in cheerful spirits. The funeral took place on the 10th of November and was attended by a large number of friends. Mi" Harrison conducted a short service at the house and at the grave. Mr Hall arrived in New Zealand in July, 1859, and shortly afterwards settled in Mangapai. The Auckland Chamber of Commei'ce have just issued a circular to chairmen and directors of goldtnining companies, asking for specimens of ore for exhibition at the Exhibition to be opened in Paris in May, 1889. The desirability is obvious of mine-owners availing themselves of this opportunity' to display the value of our mines, and the necessity of their further development. The nrineowuers need incur no expense for packiljcr or despatching ; this will be borne by 5 the Government of New Zealand. Ail that will be required will be the ore for exhibition. The Committee of the Chamber of Commerce solicit the Bains-owners' hearty assistance in this matter, and request a reply bythe23ul inst., stating what amount, of ore can ba supplied, and when, and its

value,

There was considerable stir in the aristocratic suburb of Remuera yesterday afternoon,when Mr W. E. Barton, of the Bank o£ New Zealand, who is a well-known cricketer and athlete, was united-in the bonds of holy matrimony with Miss E. H. Stevens. The ceremony took place at halfpast two in St. Mark's Church, the building being neatly decorated with flowers and evergreens in honour of the occasion. The church was packed to its utmost capacity with the friends and well■wishers of the couple, the elite, of Remuera being thevo, and, what is rather unusual at weddings, there was a goodly proportion of the sterner se:c present. St. Mark s choir, of which the bride had been a member for several years, mustered strongly and made the service choral, Major Pine presiding at the organ and .playing the usual musical concomitants of weddings with taste and skill. Tbe service was conducted by the Rev. I. Richards, incumbent of the parish. Mr JosephHamlin,of Napier, uncle of the bride, gave her away, while Mr Barton hud for ins best man Mr W. Winton-Porter of the Bank of New Zealand. The bride was dressed in white silk with a wreath of flowers in her hair. Her bridesmaids were Miss M. Buckland and Miss L. Turner,whose dresses were of delicately - tinted green colour. The other four bridesmaids were little " dots,'"' who looked very pretty in their tasteful dresses. Misses Reyburn and Haralin being in pink, and Misses Shera and Reid in heliotrope. When ihe bridal procession left the church the newlymarried pair were greeted with the usual salutes of rice and old shoes sent by friends «• for luck." ■ After a wedding breakfast at the house of the bride's mother the happy couple left for Takapuna, there to spend their honeymoon. They leave for Blenheim, where Mr Barton is stationed, next Tuesday Biorning.

Great preparations are being made by the St. Petei-'s congregation for their Bazaar, Christmas Tree and Cake and Apron Pair to be held in the Foresters' Hall, Karangahape Road, to-morrow evening and Saturday afternoon and evening. The Cake and Apron Fair is a source of great interest and attraction in Melbourne. Contributions of all kind 3of cakes are made by friends and gold at the fair. A great variety of objects of interest is prepared for the fair tomorrow evening, and doubtless the zealous ladies will be resvarded with full houses.

Whilst on a visit to Auckland lately, Mr G. W. Russell, of Cambridge, saw Mr G. Fra'ser; a prominent member of the Industrial Association. Mr Eraser is highly favourable to the proposed Exhibition of local industries at Cambridge next March, and thinks the Industrial Association will assist it considerably.

Mr Jas. Adams has been appointed Auckland agent in connection«with Waipawa Industrial Exhibition, and has opened an office at 75, Queen-street, for the transaction of business connected therewith. He ]ia3 already received notice of entry from about twenty intending exhibitors, and will be glad to receive others, as well as entries for the projected band competition in connection with the Exhibition. Mr Adams has interviewed Bandmasters Hunter and Impey, who express their willingness to compere, providing free passages are granted.

The Christchurcli manager of the D I.C. was lined yesterday for having 52 females at work at an unlawful nour. tie said the girls had come of their own accord from over conscientiousness and anxiety to finish a large quantity of work which the establishment had on hand.

The Auckland Anti-Poverty Society have arranged for the delivery, under their auspices, of a lecture by the Rev. E. H. Gulliver, M.A., on Tuesday next, 20th inst. The lecture is to be delivered in the Foresters' Hall, and Sir George Grey has promised to take the chair if within his pewer to do so. The subject is "Progress and—Afterwards," and in the hands of Mr Gulliver it will be treated with ability and *loquen.ce. Miss Georgie Smithson, through prior enaao-ements, has announced the last mgnt of the City Hall popular concerts, and on Saturday nif lit a grand farewell programme will be given, including some excellent ballads, songs, etc., and the beautiful burlesque of " Robinson Crusoe. beveral new artistes will appear, and the second part of the programme will comprise a variety of excellent items, amongst which fa " Muldoon'sPicnic." A donation will be given from the proceeds to the bereaved family of the late Mrs Grant, and the performance is under the patronage ot His Worship the Mayor of Auckland.

Mr Peacock, M.H.R. for Ponsonby district, invites the electors to meet him on Monday evening next, 19th inst., at the Ponsonby Hall, when he proposes delivering an address on electoral reform, and giving a review of die past Parliamentary session.

At the North Auckland (Whangarei) Agricultural. Show, yesterday, the imp^rted Berkshire boar entered by Mr J. Sinclair, of Lake Takapuna, carried oil the first prize.

The members of Nil Desperandum Lodge Of Good Templars, Otahuhu, held a social and concert last evening in the Public Ilall. A large number of members in regalia attended, including friends from Onehunga, Pakaranga, Auckland, etc. Mr C. G. Hill, D.D., G.W.C.T.. occupied the chair. The following programme was gone through in a very creditable and pleasing manner :— Chorus, " Where Are the Keapers ? Chairman's address ; song, " Where is My Wandering Boy To-Night?" (encored), Miss Hill;° recitation, "The Maniac, Mr Logan; quartette, Mr and Mrs Green, Mr and Mrs Bellino-ham ; song, " The Little Green Leaf in My Bible," Mr A. Lowe ; instrumental duet, Misses Burns and Cnapttan; recitation, "Beautiful Snow, Aiiss Wrigley ; duet (vocal), Mr and Mrs Green ; speech- Mr W. 11. Cook ; song, Mrs breen ; duet, "I Brino- My Sins to Thee, Mrs JJe Carteret and Miss Pikett; recitation, Mr Cook; duet, "The Better Land, Mrs ye Carteret and Miss Burns ; dialogue, Messrs Lowe, Cunnold, and Co.; chorus, "To the Work."

A plain and fancy dress "social" takes place in the Newmarket Hall at eight o'clock to-morrow evening. Preparations have been in progress for some time, and by the disposal of tickets, the ailair should bo a pleasing success,

Special train arrangements have been made for Saturday next, for the convenience of those attending the Auckland Placing Club's meeting at Ellerslie Racecouse. Trains are to leave the Auckland station at 12 noon, 12.20, 1.10, and 2.5 p.m. The fares are Is for rail only, and 3s including admission to the course.

A lecture is to bo deliverer] a,t the Foresters' Hall this (Thursday) evening on "The .Resurrection."

A meeting of the Auckland Swimming Club is called for to-night at the V.M.C.A. Rooms.

A number of dogs will be sold by auction at the city kenneh to-morrow (Friday).

The ladies of Auckland are invited to inspect our latest arrivals for the spring* season. Everything fresh and new.—The Cash Boot Palace, 172, Queen-street (R. Hannah & Co.).—(Advt.)

If you have not seen the ladies' walking boots for 3s lid a pair, come and look ab them.—Budge's boot shop, 103, Victoriastreet. — (Advt, }

< An immense stock of gent's shirts, collars, ties, hats, &c, of every description, imported direct from the manufacturers, at Smith and Caughey's, Queen-street, and Karangahape Road.---(Advt.)