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Auckland Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 35, 11 February 1892, Page 5

Ab the Police Court this morning, Mr J, Gordon, one of the presiding justices, asked Frank Smith, one of the "drunks," why fine or imprisonment did him no good, and what was the cause of his giving everyone so much trouble. Tne man replied that he worked about vessels in port, but he was continually being interfered with by cabmen and larrikins. He was 64 years of age, and had spent 45 years of the time at sea. Smith's record showed that he had 36 previous convictions against him. The Bench evidently thought they would give the man another chance, and let him off wibh a fine of ss, or the usual 24 hours' imprisonment. Smith left the dock saying, "Much obliged ; thanks."

An interesting discussion on " the state of religion and morals " arising out of the report made to the Presbyterian Assembly and summarised in our last issue took place at Sb, James's Hall laet evening, and was deemed of so much importance thab the session wa3 prolonged till 10.30 p.m. The subject was discussed in all its phases, and there appeared to be a very general opinion that the evil of gambling was one of the most serious, if not the most serious, that had to be attacked. The drifting of young men from the Church was by some speakers regarded as rather over-estimated, while others regarded the matter in a very serious aspect. Sabbath desecration camo in for very general condemnation, and a fear was expressed that this evil was rapidly gaining ground. A report of the debate appears in another column.

The harvest soiree in the Otahuhu Wesleyan Church took place last night in the Public Hall. There was a fair attendance, the Pvev. Rishworth in the chair. After tea addresses were given by the Revs.Ri*hworth and Serpel!, and the Otahuhu choir, under Miss Burns, rendered various hymns and anthems; Mr Moslem, solo 3 ; and Mr

and Miss Wallace, duets. Mr Fairburn

presided at the organ. There was a sale of various articles at the close of the meeting.

It will be remembered that several months ago Mr T. F. Longland, traveller for Messrs E. Porter and Co., was capsized with some others in a steamer's boat, and that though one of the occupants of the boat was drowned, he with others was rescued. When he returned to Auckland Mr Longland was suffering from the effects of his immersion,and hisillness graduallydeveloped in to an aggravated attack of pleurisy, which threatened to end his life. Having the advantage of a good constitution, however, Mr Longland passed safely through the critical stages of the disease, and we are glad to say he has so far recovered that he is able to get into town again, though it will be months before he can return to business. Mr Longland is very popular, and on his return to Queen-street was warmly congratulated by ho3ts of friends.

The residents of Panmure are to be treated to a promenade concert to-night by the Newmarket Brass Band, who are going out at the invitation of a number of residents to serenade the Rev. Father Walter McDonald, it being bis natal day. The Band leaves the Newmarket Fire Bridade Shed at 7.30 sharp.

A cricket match was played at Helensvillo on Saturday, last in connection with the local team, between sides picked by Messrs Donovan und Vince. The match ended in a very exciting finish, Donovan's side winning by 6 runs just at the call of time. For the winners R. Schofield (23), Dr. Gault (21), and D. Donovan (18) did beat with the bat, while the last-named bowled very well, taking 7 ivickets for 28 runs. For the losers T. Elliott (24, not out) and H. Turbett (16) werethe highest scorers, these two also taking all the wickets, the former getting 4 for 13, and the latter 6 for 22 rune.

Messrs A.. F. Burton, W. S. Farquhar and C. Sbcne, three of the athletes who competed at the New Zealand Championship meeting, and Messrs B. J. Esarn (vicepresident) and W. M. Service, who abo visited Christchurch with the Auckland team, returned by the Mahinapua yesterday afternoon. The rest of the team are expected home on Saturday evening next.

The Presbyterian Assembly, now in session at St. James's Hall, will shortly enter upon the very debatable question of " State Education," in respect of which the Rev. Mr Tredwell has given notice of his intention to move, "That in view of the attacks being made on tho national system of education, the Assembly should express an opinion upon that system."

Some discussion took place at the meeting of the Presbyterian Assembly last night in regard to the inadequate salaries paid to some of the country ministers. Some time ago it was agreed that it was desirable to keep the minimum salary up to £200 and manse or £250 without a manse, but owing to a gradual falling off' in contributions this excellent resolution could not be carried into effect. Ib was stated that ministers were receiving as little as £150 per annum, and one case was quoted in which so little as £100 per annum was paid. It was resolved to make a special appeal to Presbyteries to secure increases of salaries where they are now inadequate.

John King was brought from Kamo by the s.B. Wellington last night to undergo two months' imprisonment in Mount Eden Gaol. He was convicted of stealing £2 from a man named Rogers.

Constable Abrams, of Waipu, and a party of gumdiggers have made search for the man Robert Twelvetree. who suddenly disappeared from Ruakaka, near Whangarei. Latest telegrams state that no trace has been found of the missing man or any reason found for his disappearance.

The following tenders were received by Messrs Wilson and Mitchell, architects, for the re-erection of Wingate and Co.'s uremisea : — Hutchinson, *2,3G4 ; ElUn£jham, £2,288; Nutb and Collier, £2,050 ; Morris, £2,044; Grandison, £1,981; Philcox, £1,970; Heron, £1,900; Cole and Moody, £1,808 (accepted).

The Otahuhu Fruit-growers' Association held their usual monthly meeting laafc night in the Masonic Hall ; the President, Mr W, Lippiatt, in the chair. Amongst those present were Mrßallantyne,representative of the Loan and Mercantile Association, and Mr Walker, representative of Messrs Jacobs, of Covent Garden, London. The secretary, Mr Hutton, read some correspondence from Mr Jacobs, of the firm of Pinkhurafc and Company, fruit anr) produce salesmen of London, rol&ting to the time and prospects of exporters. Mr Walker gave an address.

This morning Mr Abbott, of the Opera House, received a cablegram from Mr Turner, of the Opera Company, as follows :— "Cannot come. Farley refused last moment." Musical people had taken a deep interest in the proposed visit, and Mr Abbott had been enabled to offer exceptionally liberal terms, even to guaranteeing the Company their travelling expenses from Australia, etc.

The death is announced from Wellingto 1, to-day of tho wife of the Hon. John Martin' aged 73.

The Rev. Alex. McCallum bore testimony to the good work being done by tho Helping Hand Mission at the Presbyterian Assembly last evening, and laid before the Assembly a copy of the monthly publication issued by the Mission. He said this work was carried on, not exclusively by the Wesleyans, though there were a large number of Wesleyans amongst the workers. There were about one hundred members, fifty of whom wore practical workers. Mission work was carried on in premises at Freeman's Bay, and it had been attended by blessed results. They had some very earnest workers amongst the vicious classes, especially amongst fallen females, and their labours had been greatly blessed. Many had been rescued and had been enabled to rise in the world. There had been as many as six conversions a week of a character that afforded every evidence of genuineness. He recommended the " Helping Hand Mission" publication as a model upon which to found a journal representing the intereets of the Presbyterian Church.

Though we are exceptionally favoured with regard to climate, it is a curious fact that out-door high-class concerts are much more common in Europe than in this country. An experimental moonlight concerb was given laßb evening in bhe grounds of Miss Mareden's residence, Parnell. The attendance was good, and everyone appeared to enjoy themselves. The illuminated decorations were tasteful, and the natural view, the moonlight on the water, exquisite. The concert opened with an instrumental quartette by the Misses Reeve, Miss Marsden and Mr Jackton. The vocal sextette which followed was most enjoyable. "Sally in Our Alley" was agreeably eung by Mr McLean. " The " Swanee River," solo and chorus, "Ye Shepherds Tell Me," a trio by Mrs Kilgour, and Misses McLean and Wansbrough, the chorus "Angelus," from " Maritfina," and gome instrumental solos, duets, and trios, by the Misses Reeve, Mrs Raynes, and Miss Marsden, were the materials which composed a capital concerb. A danes followed, and before separating the vrteii was generally expressed that this should not be the last of like entertainments.

Preparations are proceeding for tho annual treab to the scholars of St. Matthew's Sunday-school. It was ab first intended to have the picnic at Motuihi, bub for various reasons this proposal was abandoned, and the charming districb of Lake Takapuna chosen. The picnic takes place on Saturday next, and for the convenience of everyone the steamer will make two trips from tho wharf, the firsb being ab 9.30 a.m., and tho second for the convenience of heads of families and those who are detained in town oh business ab 1.30 p.m. Bob waber will be provided for all who require it, and provision will be made for the amusemenb of adults, as well as children. To those who are not/ even connected with the school, the picnic offers strong attractions, affording as io does an enjoyable atternoon's excursion under pleasant conditions. Mr C. A. Burrow, the secretary, is working energetically for the success of the affair, and is assisted by Rev. Mr Outram and the teachers.

The concert to be given by Miss Staunton (Mrs Goldenatedt) next Tuesday promises to be a great success, both from an artistic and musical point of riew. The programme, which has just received the finishing touches, is a splendid one, comprising the choicest vocal and instrumental morceaux. It is published elsewhere. Two instrumental trios, by Messrs Towsey, C. Hemus, and H. F. Edger, are amongst the specialties of the programme. It is also intended to give a scene from " Maritana," in which Miss Staunton will be assisted by Messrs Jackson and Reid and Miss Carrie Knight. The rehearsals give promise of a capital production of the scene. The concert will be one of the best of the season.

The numerous friends of Madame Bahnson will be glad to hear that a second concert, which will also be madame's farewell, is to be given next Thursday, February 18th. Those present at the first concert will be certain to go again, and others who were not able to attend on that occasion ought certainly not to miss hearing one of the finest soprano singers who have yet sung in Auckland.