WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 1891.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 92, 22 April 1891, Page 4

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 1891.

It is interesting and perhaps useful to watch the effect which the recen 1 cables concerning the Russian persecution of the Jews have bad or* the youth of this country—the youth' who deign to think about something besides bodily strength and activity. The accounts of the cruelties practised and the infamous severity of the Russian laws and ukases levelled at the unfortunate Jews make even middle-aged people indignant, and have roused the younger generation to boiling point.

People innocent of Jingoism declare that it is a moral responsibility of a great nation like England to put down its foot once and for all, and to say that such things must not and shall not be. It is contended that the one use to which our almost unique power can worthily be put is in helping the oppressed and cruellytreated, no matter to what land they belong nor to what religion or sect. It is nothing less than monstrous that such things should go on with impunity in the nineteenth century. Appeals and denunciations have only had the effect of enraging the Czar and making the lot of the Hebraic unfortunates harder still. The time has now come, say the enthusiasts, for firmer action. Let England stand up and. in the name of humanity, call upon Russia to desist immediately from her persecutions or take the consequences of war. Such are the ideas freely expressed by the warm-hearted and hot-blooded sympathisers with the Jews, the only regret being that the Jews are Russians any way. Hatred of the Muscovite is very firmly implanted in our breasts nowadays.

Less headstrong people of course agree as to the shamefulness of things as they are, but strongly, object to Britain burning her fingers over the matter. Why, they contend, should British life be endangered ? The government of a country as seems besV ;! to.' the existing authorities must not be interfered with by another country.' But this contention is strongly combated by the other side. It has, they say, grown impossible to sit down quietly any longer calmly to watch the vagaries ot an absolute monarch whose eccentricity takes the form of persecution. Years of .most fearful hardship, downtroddenness, and suppressedness, to say nothing of furious bursts of persecution, have made the Russian Jews a not too admirable set of men, but they are men, and not dogs, and England ought, as the first to protest, to be the first to threaten.

Then, too, Jews in Russia are, of course, often money-lenders, and as such of course cordially detested. But besides these there are whole villages of them, comprising members of every trade. To say that the miserable sons of Judah are being expelled from the country does not convey, perhaps, any very terrible picture to some minds. It is probably true, however, that out of every five Jews who leave the interior villages to be driven across the frontiers, only one reaches the end of the journey. The unfortunate creatures are hounded out of their homes, everything of value is stolen from them, and they have no redress. They are herded together like a lot of beasts and driven literally in the same way as cattle by Cossacks armed with long hide whips. At the slightest exhibition of laziness (excessive fatigue) the poor creature who showed it is dragged out and whipped. Women are allowed their " rights " with a vengeance. The Cossacks flog them every whit as severely as the men. Daughter! arc violated before the parerits' eyes, and the law looks on and smiles.

It was once thought that all these things were done without the Oar's knowledge and against, his, wish. The wily autocrat 'encouraged the belief till being told the facts plainly and flatly by foreign Powers, and, asked to prevent them, he calmly threw down the mask and answered appeals and entreaties by doubling the severity of his laws and ukases. So now there is an outcry that England should command that the, Czar shall cease, and if he refuse, take steps to make the Russian bear dance to the tune of English rifles and cannon.

Of course this is next door to impossible. It is to be doubted if even the united Powers would be justified (from a diplomatic point of view) in taking so arbitrary a step. If England interfered Russia might awkwardly retaliate, " Why don't you set the Irish free? They complain almost as bitterly as our Jews." Of course the cases are not really parallel, but there is eaough truth in the retort to make it fairly effective.

Yet, on the other hand, Russia has laid herself open to interference. Her periodical incursions into the country of the Turks have only been made—so the " Bear " has declared—because the unspeakable ones were persecuting Christians. Surely it Russia may pro-

tect Christians in Turkey, we may protect Jews in Russia.

It would, however, be a diplomatic mistake, so men must continue to be killed by cruelty, women flogged, and maidens shamed. Anything is better than to make a mistake in diplomacy.

But while sympathies run so strong with the miserable and, it must be confessed, often vicious Hebrews of Russia, the fact is but little known that all the peasantry are very nearly as miserable as tbe Jews themselves. The present condition of the Russian peasant is probably utterly unprecedented since the earliest feudal ages. They are crushed down beneath a taxation that seems incredible to people of a country like ours. Those who wish to know all about it have only to read the very able article in this month's " Fortnightly." It has created a stir all over the world, and it is impossible to read it without shuddering at the thought that such things happen without redress. The awful patentness of the truth haunts everyone who reads, and most disagreeable are the feelings it arouses.

In the first place land taxes are ruinous. They appear to have been increased in direct ratio to the steady diminution of profits. In most parts wheat-growing will not pay, and it is a significant fact that last year's consumption of bread was one per cent less than the previous year. Agricultural implements are apparently not manufactured in Russia, and the ingenious Minister of Finance, Mr Vyshnegradsky, immediately hit on the brilliant plan of raising a huge revenue by severely taxing imported goods. Ploughs arc almost unknown in many parts. The agents have in some cases lent them out, hoping to get people to buy them. Reaping is carried on by means of awkward instruments ; working with these is literally and actually killing work.

The taxes are allowed to accumulate into debts, and then the land is seized for payment, the unfortunate owners being driven out to die where and when they like. Death, to use an Irishism, is the happiest thing in their lives. Debt and voika are the main troubles that are wrecking Russian peasants, and it seems as if the Government deliberately encouraged and protected both.

In one village the peasants determined they would not have a public house, and resisted the entrance of the publican with staves and stones. Three or four were the unavailing attempts he made to get in. He was always repulsed. Finally, however, he arrived attended by a column of police. It was, if we mistake not, this very same village which the chronicler tells us grimly was entirely burnt down some months later, the inhabitants one and all being blind drunk. . ••-;- But enough ! Anyone who cares may read the whole hideous catalogue in the "Fortnightly"—how children are bought, packed into turnouts like sheep, and taken to St. Petersburg to be sold for show assistants, servants, or, should they have the misfortune to be beautiful, for more terrible things still.'

Verily, it is not only the Jews who need protection, but the whole of the peasantry, who regard—we are told— the man who lends them money at 100 per cent, as a benefactor.

Crops, still unsown, are sold usder stress of starvation, to be rebought at much higher prices; so the game of life goes on.

The nobles wash in champagne and " P a y £3°° for a seat in the theatre " (a vouched-for fact), and thousands upon thousands of the serfs die of malignant disease and actual starvation.

At 12.35 p.m. to-day, Capb. Edwin wired from Wellington as follow* : " Every indication frost to-night, and for Tory low tides for 24 hours from noon to-day."

The following is a complete list of the value of tho imports and exports of the port of Auckland for tho quarter endod March 31st Inst: —lmports : From - United Kingdom, £287,377 : from British possessions, £96,725; from foreign countries. £38,685: total, £422,787. Exports:— New Zealand products: To United Kingdom, £177,655; to British possessions, £123,220; to foreign countries, £98,701. Foreign products: To United Kingdom, £2.799 ;to British possessions, £9,480; to foraign countries, £6,235 : total £418,090.

A disposition of the Auckland Volunteer Garrison has been made by Major Goring, so that in case of a foreign attack the various companies would know exactly What place they would be called upon to defend. Two officers and thirty men of the Auckland Navalu have been bold off for Fort Caubley, and one officer and thirty men for submarine mining. The Ponsonby N avals will be required to assist in working the battery at Fort Caubley, and the "O " Battery will be responsible for Fort Tukaounn. Should the two lasb named corps increase in strength, they will bo required to furnish gun detachnieuts for Fort Resolution and Bean Rook. Tho infantry companies' positions are now under consideration.

The Royal Humane Society of Australia has appointed Mr Jackson Palmer, M.H.R., to the honorary po.sition of its representative here vice Mr R. C. Barstow (deceased). All applications for gold medals or certificates for saving life should be made to Mr Palmer, who is to examine into each case and lay bin report before the Committee of the above Society.

The Government having sanctioned bhe formation of another Naval Artillery Company in order to keep up the establishment of this particular arm of the service, many old volunteers are offering their services. The promoters are Messrs Jackson Palmer, M.H.R., and E. H. Montgomery, who are both old volunteers and who expect to carry the venture to a successful issue. The Hon. Mr Seddon and Colonel Hume have joined in wishing Mie promoters avery success. A meeting is to be held some time this week.

The temperance party are working up Ponsonby Ward with the intention of again contesting the licensing elections on prohibition lines, lb is also arranged bhab bhe standard of prohibition will be raised in the city with a view to placing all the houses on the same footing. Circulars have been forwarded to prominent temperance workers, and a meeting has already been held to make preliminary arrangements,

The delegates to tho Auckland Rugby Union met lasb evening to discuss the propriety of introducing the system of district dubs in football competition. The general discussion was a lengthy one, but mainly in favour of giving the schemes trial. A resolution was pained in favour of playing a round of matches between clubs composed of players from the districts after the completion pi the rounds for the present Cup. The districts mentioned were: North Shove, Grafton, Parnell, City East, City West, Newton, Ponsonby, and suburban. Juniors as well as seniors will be confined to their districts. Plans of the districts are to be supplied to the clubs, and the latter will supply the names and addresses of their members, so that the Union may obtain an accurate measure ef the strength ot each district.

Dr. J. Giles, R.M., presided at the Police Court this morning, but there was little business to transact, Mary Hamilton and Joseph F. Spiers were each fined 10s, or 24 hours, for having been drunk.

There was tried at Onehunga yesterday a peculiar case. It seems a piece of ground was given to the inhabitants of Onehunga for a recreation ground and a cemetery, and was not so used (as a cemetery) for some years. In the meantime a Bill was passed in the Houso that no cemetery should be allowed within the boundary of a borough not then actually in use as a cemetery. The "present Mayor of Onehunga was at this time busy in forming a part of this ground for use as a burial place. Roads were formed'and dividing fences built" and massive gates erected. The ground was consecrated by ministers of various denominations, and nine or ten interments took place. This seems to have aroused the ire of a few inhabitants who were opposed to the scheme, and this feeling found vent in the action of Austin v. Jones, wherein the complainant sued an undertaker for a penalty in having interred a body in ground not a cemetery. Mr Cooper, for the complainant, urged that the ground, although given as a cemetery, was nob so used, and the Government afterwards prohibited the formation or use of any ground within a borough from becoming a cemetery. Mr Campbell, for the defendant, Jones, said the prosecution was in reality aimed at the authorities of the town ; but at the same time his client had the annoyance, worry, and expense put upon him in defending the case. After an exhaustive inquiry, the charge was dismissed with costs.

At a meeting of the Cricket Association Committee held last evening the protest of Ponsonby againsb Wanderers was considered and' upheld, and the match was ordered to be played again, on the ground that cup rule No. 23 was wilfully broken by the Wanderer.'), ohe match to be played on the 25th instant and the following Saturday. As this rule has been frequently broken, it was resolved that in future any Club infringing the cup rule shall be disqualified. The protest of Victoria against Educational Chambers was postponed. The following were decided on as the fixtures for the next two Saturdays:—Seniors: Gordon v. Auckland, United v* St. Mary's. Juniors : Ponsonby v. Wanderers. Second juniors : Queen's College v. Star, Belmont v. Victoria..

Ehrenfried v. Gleeson occupied the R.M. Court the whole of to-day. Mr Baume appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr Mahoiiy for the defence.

William Olson, .a boy of eleven years, Was charged at Osehunga yesterday with the larceny of a tricycle, the property of G- J. JacKspn, from his premises, Queenstreet, Onehunga, on the 4th of April, 1891, the value of the said tricycle being 30& The boy pleaded guilty, and Sergeant Gfeeli Bra„cHhat the stoleh prop&ftf KM j been traced to the accused. He was a boy ; whose stepfather w#s, mother had no control over him' whatever; and this was not the first offence he had been guilty of. The Bench convicted him of the larceny and ordered him to be sent to the Industrial School until he should reach the age of fifteen years., ~ ~

The following have been choaen to represenb the Ponsonby N ftva l Artillery in the match with tho South Franklin Mounted Infantry, to be fired-at Pukekohe on Saturday first :—Capb. Miller, Pebby Officers Graham, J. C. and Geo. E. Spinley, J. Ewan, Nesbitb, Sherson; Seamen C. Ewan, Stanley, Pasley. Emergencies : Seamen Archer and Martin. The party leave town with the 6.15 a.m. train and will return the same evening..

Our Waikato correspondent wribe* : —ln giving my list of candidates possible and probable for the Te Aroha electorate yesterday, I omitted the name of Dr. Charles Broom* of Hnntly. I yesterday travelled down the line with that gentleman, who was . returning from a six days'- electioneering trip -in connection wibh the forthcoming contest. He visited Te Aroha, Paeroa, Waihi, and Tauranga, and he informs me chat he was well received at each of these places.- Of course the visit has only boen a preliminary one, and was made with a view to testing the feelings of the electors genorally, and the doctor Feeuis satisfied with the result. At Taurahga particularly he was much pleased with his reception. Ho intends shortly to visit Cambtidge and the out settlements at Oxford, Lichfield, etc., where he has already received assurances of support. From what he gathered Dr. Broom authorises me to state that he will support the present Government, and thab he has been in communication wirti Mr Ballance, who wired him to see Mr Cadman whilst that gentleman was up this way, but, unfortunately, the doctor could nob manage to interview the Native Minister. Dr. Broom is in lavour of abolishing the property tax in favour of a land tux, gradually abolishing Customs clues, paying of the colonial debt on the American system, and reforms in the Legislature. He says that if his reception in other parts of the district is as good as that already received he will certainly come forward and contest the constituency.

Judges Yon Stunner and Barton completed the re-hearing of the Maungawhero Block (about 3,000 acres in extent), ab the Otorohanga Native Lands Courb on Saturday last, after a fortnight's sitting, and delivered judgment. Tho applicant, Toi, succeeded in getting his own name and those of thirty-two of his ; people on the grant, and so may be saii to have succeeded in his object. , The Maungawhero Block is pituated immediately adjacent to the township of Otorohanga, and the land is looked on as being valuable. The Native Asses For who assisted the judges was Tiita Tamati from the East Coast, a Ngatipcrou, and he concurred in the decision of the judges. The Court adjourned on Saturday night, and the officials returned to Auckland by train yesterday. —(Waikato correspondent).

The ordinary meeting of the City Schools Committee was held lasb evening, when the following members were pre*ent :—Messrs J. Blades (Chairman), Ussber, Farroll, Sberson, Crowther, and Dr. Walker. Letters were received from the Invercargill, South Canterbury, and North Canterbury Boards of Education on the subject of quarber money, and consideration was deferred till the first meebing of the new Committee. Accounts amounting to £45 7a 2d were passed for payment, and the annual report for presentation to a meeting of householders on Monday next was read and approved.

One of Paterson's 'buses broke- down in Queen-street this morning owing to a smash in one of bhe axels. The break was promptly patched up and the 'bus was taken to Cousins and Atkins workshop for repairs,

Major Goring has issued a circular letter to officers commanding companies, announcing that the Government intend equipping the different corps with overcoats and valises. ■

Resisting the police when in the execution of their duty appears to be getting quite fashionable. Yesterday a man, named Michael Breen was arrested by Constable Watty. He tried to trip the constable and the two had a tussle for it, which was ended by Chief Detective Kirby, who happened to be at hand. Breen appeared at the Police Court this morning before Dr. J. Giles, R.M. He was fined 5s or 24 hours for drunkenness, and £2 10s or seven days for resisting the police. Dr. Giles remarked that such conduct was highly reprehensible, as it necessitated a.larger force of police than would be otherwise requisite.

At the next meeting of the ■ Auckland Liberal Association, to bo held at the Cookstreet Hall on Tuesday evening next, the question -of the Village Settlement Scheme, and the Federation question, adjourned from last meeting, will be discussed.

The intercolonial vegetable competition for the season of 1890-91, in connection with the firm of Messrs Arthur Yates and Co., the well-known seed merchants, has closed. A number of A ucklanders competed, arid have been.successful. MrJno. Stanley, of Birkenhead, won the £5 prize for celery, with six sticks of the Manchester Red variety, weighing 391b or 6JIb each. The honours for 24 heaviest carrot, intermediate, were carried oft by Mr Timothy Gibbs, of Richmond. The 24 roots weighed 921b 12oz, ornearly 41b each. Mr A. J. Wine, of Richmond, won the prize for the • six heaviest Cos lettuce, and the. weighb could nob have been easily beaten. The lot) scaled 341b Boz, or nearly. 61b each! Mr G. H. Carter, of Hamilton, gained second honours for cabbage (Enfield Market), arid Mrs A. Hoye, Morrinsville, cams second for cabbage (Gibson's Drumhead}. The prize for the three heaviest water melons was won by Mr L. M. Masters, of Mangonui, and the same competitor also took the prize for onions, any variety nob Brown Spanish. For the 12 heaviest parsnip?, Mr W. R. Whately, of Kyber Pass, took second place. The various;prizes were grown from Arthur Yates and Col* seoda. ' '" ■■'-"

Messrs Brookes, of Wharehine, Kaipara, have presented to the Auckland Museum some valuable Maori curios. The articles include a well-carved greenstone hei-tiki, with circlets of polished pawa shell; a greenstone axe given to Mr Brookes by the* old chief, Te Aria, of Oruawharo, and which is said to have been handed down from Ihenga through thirty generations ; so_« fragments of a huge war canoe found in a: swamp near the Oruawharo river, and two large stone axes found in the same locality; an antique figure-head for a small canoe' and baler found in a cave at Northern Wairoa, and a wooden axe handle, and several ordinary stone axes. These, added to the Maori curios previously in the Museum, make the collection well worth inspection. '.-.'•'

A successful fruib soiree took place ast Woodside Wesleyan Church on Monday evening} the Rev. J. S.Rishworth presiding. '.-. A large number of friends came from Otahuhu, Flat Bush, and Mangere, and the entertainment was a thorough success^

The anniversary soiree of the Wesleyan Church, Onehunga, was held last night. The church was crowded to the doors, and the entertainment' was highly 'successful. The chair was takep by the pastor, Revl J. S. Rishworth, who opened the meeting with the usual devotional exercises and a short and suitable address. The report of the treasurer/Mr C. C. Fleming, on the work and'finances' of the church during the pasfi year, was woll • .the report of success 'achieved beingsconsidered very satisfactory. Several items by various speakers* 'ttttd ■■■ the musical selections, were of a most pleasing character, amongst which we noticed solos by Miss. Fleming, Miss McAlpine, duet by the Misses Harris, duet by Miss and Mr McAlpiteo, quartette .by the .Otahuhu choir, under the . conductership! of Miss Burns, violin':, solo 'by Miss Stevenson.: speeches by Revs: Scott West, H, J. Miller, and J. Berry.. ' / '"-•■,-'.

The members of the West End Musical Union held their second, annual meeting last evening in the schoolroom, Jervois Road, when Mr.T.'.'T. Maseßeld.presided, and gave a short address., Mr F. W. May read the combined reports of the secretary and treasurer, which showed that tha Society had made considerable advancement during the past year,, both financially and numerically. The concert given in the St. James's Hall had been a credit to the Society. Mr Binstead was elected secretary in the place of Mr Mays, who resighed tho position in consequence of manyother calls upon his time. .A Committee of Management was elected as follows :— Messrs Roes, Herndall, Eagleton, May, Patterson, Ratclifie, Pearse, Tansley, and Pliilpott. Before the meeting closed, votes of thanks were accorded the president, retiring secretary, and conductor.

Mr F. R. Bust's benefit in St. George* Hall, Newton, last evening, tendered-by the Federated Butchers' U'>ion 4 was 'Well attended and was very successful. An excellent concert and variety programme was presented, and a dance followed. Messrs E. J. Burke and Davis acted "W "accompanists. Songs were given by Misf'Maggie Masters, Miss Linden, and Messrs Oakes, Ryan, Teague, J. Boulter, C. Ward and U. Vallai-k, and duets by Messrs Oake's and Boulter, and Donaldson and 'Laurence,, while Mr C. Vo3s gave a ventriloquial exhibition. At an interval in the programme Mr Bust thanked tho audience for their patronage. The Pukekohe annual sports are to be held this year on Saturday, May 23rd. An excellent programme of 13 events has been prepared, and good prizes are offered. A 300 yds handicap race, for which the first prize is . £10, should attract some good' runners from various parts of the province. . . v ' The annual social mooting in connection, with the anniversary of the Mount Eden: Congregational Church ,y»s held last night,when there was a large attendance of members and friends. The building was prettily, decorated, pampas grass and chrysanthemums relieving the evergreens aud bamboo, while several fronds".'of the banana tree and. a young kauri gay* quite a fairylike appearance to the'scene. Much sympathy wasfelb for the pastor (Rev. B. L. Thomas), who was unable to be present owing to a death' 1 in his family. In his absence, the Rev."H. J.. Jjewis, presided and opened the proceedings with a short address. A summary of the reporb was given by Mr Gurnmer,'which showed a slight increase of members;snd a small balance on the right side of the funds. Mr Smeeton also gave a short address oa "Mission Work." During the evening.» quartette . was given, and songs, were rendered by Mr Macgregor, Mies Davis. Miss Thompson (encored), and piano selections by Miss Player, Mrs Mears and Miss Pilcher. This is "the second occasion on which the inevitable tea meeting has beet dispensed with. , ' The secret of success is merib. Thab is the reason that Arthur Nathan's Reliable Teas have met with such. favour. 2s- and 2s 6d lb. Only new leaf is packed.— (Advt.) Jusb received anobher 100 Aucklandmade mackintosh coats wibh capes, to sell ab 30s and 355, ab Eowlde', Vicboria.Arcade r also a splendid assortment of the bests English makes.—(Advb.) 1 The weekly social "itt cohnWotfohwUh'tßai Newton Band Society takes place to* morrow evening. A good string band will 1 he in attendauge,

Some Btir was caused in Queen-sbreeb shortly before noon to-day by a Salvation Army funeral passing through en route to the wharf. The corpse wbb that of Sister Annie Finlay, a member of the Newton Corps, who had died in bhe Hospibal from typhoid fever. Deceased was only 18 years of age, and bhe coffin was put on board the ti.s. Waitoa to be conveyed to Wairoa South, where it is the intention to inter deceased in the Presbyterian Cemetery alongside of her father. Mrs Finlay (mother of deceased) and a sister were among the mourner* in the long procession. The coffin was covered with white chrysanthemums, on the top of which was deceased's Salvation bonnet and Bible. During the march through Queen-street, the band (a combined one, belonging to the Auckland and Newton corps) played " Home, Sweeb Home." Ab bhe wharf, afber some delay, the coffin was carried, amid strains of sacred music, on to the vessel, the mourners— officers and lassies in full uniform—following two by two, bearing the spotless Wreaths and crosses, their lasb tribute of lovo to the one gone before. These were deposited and as the bearers filed ashore, " Home, Sweet Home" was again sent ringing over the water.

The following handicaps have been declared for the half-mile race in connection with the Albany Football Club, to be run in the Domain on Saturday :—E. Laurie, scratch; R. A. McCullough, 3yds ; Warnock, Byds; La Roche, 10yds; Pelham, 14yds ; Sims, 15yds; Clnrkson, 15yds ; Green, 20yds; Fernandez, 20yds; Jowibb; 25yds ; Broberg, 25yds ; Coleman, 25yds ; Cox, 30yds; Lendrum, 30yds; Downs, 30yds; Hughes, 35yds.

Miss Hudson has been awarded bho prize presented to the Miners' Union for tbe best poem on " The Dignity of Honest Labour.