SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1893.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 250, 21 October 1893, Page 4

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1893.

Among the incidents of the pending General Election, we are confident tha 1 none has caused such a widespread feeling of regret as the fact of Sir George Grey, at his advanced age, being put to the fatigues of a contested election* His splendid services to the colony and especially to Auckland, ought to have secured him against a contingency of this kind. Even men who are, in many matters, politically opposed to the eminent statesman, recognise that his past claims on public gratitude are so numerous, that it would be nothing less than a public disgrace to Auckland if he were rejected. Mr E. Withy, who had intended to stand for Pajrnell, abandoned his purpose on that account. His action was the more chivalrous and public spirited, because, being assured of the compact support of one active party, it was evident that Mr Withy's chances of election would have been strengthened in contesting the seat if the votes were split up between three candidates, What shall we say, then,, of the opposition of one who claims to be an earnest supporter and exponent of those principles of Liberalism which Sir George Grey first gave prominence and potency to in New Zealand—one who, upon his entrance into public life, declared that it was from Sir George Grey he received his political education? We cannot help thinking that Mr Lawry has been very badly advised in this matter, and we strongly urge him even now to retire gracefully from the false position in which he is being placed by the solicitations of unwise friends.

The reasons put forward by those who oppose Sir George Grey's return to Parliament, are puerile in the extreme. They say that he is too old to bear the fatigues of attending the session, that I the district will, therefore, be practically ! disfranchised. People who talk like this mc grossly ignorant of the forces at work in nolitical life. Parnell wants nothing specially for itself from the colonial Government, but if it did want anything, the possession of Sir George Grey as its sitting member would be more influential in securing it than if any other man represented the electorate. Coming to the wider and higher sphere of politics, who among the members of our present Parliament has exercised in the past, or possesses now so potent an influence? Occupying his sick room, unable to attend Parliament last session, Sir George Grey wielded, through the conceptions of his far-seeing mind, working upon the materials of a unique experience, more influence upon the course of politics than any other Auckland member. The whole of the Government legislation has been moulded upon his. teachings, and there is no man in the country to whom the present Premier would appeal more readily for advice, or whose judgment in great questions of statecraft he would more willingly defer to.

Surely the public memory must be very short, the gratitude of the people very scanty, its loyalty a fickle and unworthy thing, if it have already forgotten its debt to Sir George Grey. What, we may well ask, are the achievements of the great Liberal party for which they lay claim to the gratitude of the people? Triennial Parliaments; the principle thai the franchise is a personal thing inherently belonging to human beings and not to goods j and chattels or property; the opening up of the legal profession and all other opportunities for 'advancement to all men equally, without, regard to class; the levying of taxation upon income and land in proportion to the ability of men to pay; the exposure of pridiramng and fraudulent dealings with public lands. These are the measures* and principles that lie at the basi„ of every law which the Liberal p.arty have passed. Need remind electors who have even a surface knowledge of the political history of the country in which they live, that fourteen years ago not only were these ' principles formulated by Sir George Grey, but he had announced measures to give them effect. It was this programme which brought together the combined forces of Conservatism and the advocates of class rule to hurl him from power. fo look back upon the state of things that prevailed then and contrast it with the commonly accepted

political adages of to-day, which no party disputes, seems like a dream. And yet to no one but Sir George Grey — standing alone often, unyielding, impracticable sometimes it must be admitted because of this unbending quality, but eloquent, seer-like, looking from the audience of to-day to posterity for his justification —to him alone do we owe these changes, this full recognition of the natural rights of men as units in the State, yet bound together in a common indissoluble brotherhood.

And what, forsooth, are the contemptible excuses by which the people are asked to drive him from among the number of its counsellors. Because, through his excessive zeal, he was unwise enough to address a great audience from the draughty platform Of the City Hall on a bleak, inclement night on the eve of the last session of Parliament, and contracted a severe attack of bronchitis which prevented him from going to Wellington last session 1 Even his bitterest opponents do not insinuate that his mind is not still as unclouded as ever it was, his political instinct as true, his mental vitality as brilliant. No sane man would question his capacity for public service who has been familiar with his unceasing labours at the Free Public Library, where he has, among overcontributions,thisyear placed the finest classical library in Australasia, comprising 220 volumes in the original tongue, completing the work begun last year with his mathematical and law libraries, which are more sought after by students than any other works in the reference department. Even the days spent in his sick chamber were occupied in despatching broadcast among his old Maori friends a little compendium of prayers in their own language, which he had printed at his own cost. People who talk about Sir George Grey retiring from public life have no understanding of the constitution of a mind like his. It must continue to work among the problems that have occupied it for more than half a century, Physically, Sir George Grey, suffering infinitely greater hardships than Mr Gladstone in early life, is less robust than that wonderful old man who, though three years his senior, still leads the House of Commons ; but mentally Sir George Grey is no less vigorous and fertile.

Another plea out of which Mr Lawry's supporters attempt to make capital is that Sir George Grey has intruded in Parnell. This is contrary to fact. Under the new re-distribution of seats, all electorates must be regarded as new. Except in name, Parnell, under the new boundaries, is not the constituency for which Mr Lawry sat in the last Parliament. Part of it was taken from Sir George Grey's old constituency of Newton, which was divided between the City, Parnell and Eden. It is natural that Sir George Grey should desire to stand for the district where he resides and where he is at all times easily accessible to the people. It is also natural that he should prefer a single suburban electorate to the toil and responsibility of representing a great city having many interests, or a country constituency with many wants. Such a desire ought to command consideration and respect. Younger men might well relieve him of the physical toil of struggling for a seat in a wider field.

Treachery 1 Ingratitude! Crass folly and stupidity! Blindness to their own present and future interests! Political turpitude of the rankest and blackest kind ! Why, there is no word strong enough or forcible enough within the covers of an unabridged dictionary, or that the ingenuity of man could coin, that would adequately describe the conduct of the democracy of New Zealand if they turned their backs upon Sir George Grey and sent Mr Lawry, or Mr Seddon, or Mr Anybody Else to Parliament over his head. They would deserve to be for evermore the creatures of political time-servers, to be dragged at the chariot wheels of rulers whose sole purpose is to live upon public plunder and to turn the contents of the public Treasury into their own pockets. It would be a political crime so stupendous, so revolting, that we should be ashamed to even think it possible of the most degraded constituency, ruled by "bosses" steeped in the swill of political pigstyes and fattened upon garbage. We could not even suspect the electors ot Parnell of entertaining seriously this thought for an instant. All Australasia would arise and cry " Shame!"

We think we know the democracy of New Zealand better. That Mr Lawry is in the field now against his natural leader and political father is solely due to a thoughtless statement unwisely put into action. It is not too late to repair the mistake, and we have still confidence enough in Mr Lawry's common sense to believe that he will do so. If not, then let him take the consequences. Unless the people of Parnell are very differently constituted from what we believe them to be, this trial which has been placed upon the venerable statesman and public servant, whose name is written in noble characters upon every page of New Zealand history and will be carried down to the grateful regard of after generations of New Zealanders when we of the punier less gifted sort of labourers in the work of nation-making have long been forgotten — we say this trial which has come upon him in the closing days of his long life, will, we are confident, be made the occasion of such a demonstration of public affection, gratitude and popular enthusiasm as no man in these new lands has ever had before, .-*■■„■, *-**

A new story, by Amelia E. Barr, should be attraction sufficient to excite the interesb fo those of our readers who read "The Beads of Tasmer," "The Household of McNeil," aud tbe other stories by this clever writer which have already appeared in our columns. " A Singer From the Sea " is commenced on our sixth page to-night.

Captain Edwin wired as follows ab 12.55 p.m. to-day:—••Northwest to west and south gale, with rain and gla.s fall, bub will rise afber sixteen hours from now wibh hfeavy southerly gale and much colder weather."

A very pleasing ceremony book place bhis forenoon in the Wharfinger's office, on bhe Queen-street Wharf, in connection wibh the retirement of Captain John Fisher from the position of Deputy-Harbourmaster, a position wiiich he has ably rilled for the last seven or eight years. Captain Fisher severs his connecbion with b_e wharves this afternoon, and prior to his departure the receivers and shipping firms arranged to make him a presentation in recognition of his services, The affair was very energetically taken in band, and as a result several very handsome and valuable articles were subscribed. They consisted of a silver tea and coffee service, cruet, cake' basket, and watch and chain, with a life-buoy pendant, Aboub 11 o'clock a small company gathered in bhe office, and Mr Thomas Henderson, manager of bhe U.S.S. Company, made bhe presentation in a few suitable remarks. Captain Fisher, who was taken completely by surprise, brierly returned thanks for bhe bokens of appreciation. He takes over the duties of signalman ab Mount Victoria on Monday.

A private cablegram conveys bhe information thab Mr Harry Wheeler, of Ponsonby, has passed the examination and secured the diploma of the Pharmaceutical Society of Greab Bribain. Mr Wheeler served his apprenbiceship wibh Mr J. G. Henderson, of Pabberson-streeb, Freeman's Bay, and formerly of bhe Medical Hall, Ponsonby.

A mosb successful concert was givon lasb evening by the Wbare Tapere ab the Blind Institute before a large audionce. Ib speaks well for our Post Office staff thab they are able to muster from their number such a balented company. The following programme was submitted and highly appreciated :—" March of the War Priesbs," orchestra; song, •• The Bugler," Mr Stuarb; recitation, "The Irish Pickeb," Mr Kelly; string quintetbe, "Minueb," Miss Tonkin, Messrs Hemus, Hooper, Matthieson and Coney; Sketch, '• A Maori Member of Parliament," Mr Copeland; song, " Jessie's Dream," Miss Cullen; parb song, "Departure;" recitation, "Excelsior," Miss Porter; string quartette, " Landler;" song, " Home Boys Home," Mr Claybon, A hearty vote of bbanks was accorded to the performers through Mr Abbobb who presided.

For bhe first time during bhe session, the Auckland Union Parliamenb last nighb was devoted to discussion of measures brought forward by private members. Mr J. M. Shera, M.H.R., in the unavoidable absence of Mr C. E. Bubbon, occupied bhe chair. A motion, by Mr T. W. Jones, abolishing, bhe bankrupbcy laws of the colony, was lost on bhe vo<ces. Mr E. E. Vaile then moved, "That thrift should be recognised in bhe franchise." He contended that ib was the duty of the State to encourage bhrifb, and thab bhe only practical way wae bo recognise ib in bhe franchise. The motion was lost. Mr J. R. Lundon moved " Thab bhe Governor of the colony should be elected by the people of the colony. '* He saw no reason why the office of Governor should be filled by an outsider, and in many cases by one who has no knowledge whatever of colonial affairs. Mr Nordon seconded tbe motion, and Messrs Bennett, Burton, Searle, French and Kekwick also spoke, bhe firsb named in favour of, and the latter againsb the motion. The motion was lost by 25 to 12. Tbe quarterly social in connection wibj* Lodge Legion of Honor, New Zealan* Order of Good Templars, book place las nighb in the Masonic Hall. There was a large attendance, and a pleasant evening spent by all presenb. By advertisement ib will be seen bhat M r R. French will give an address on the Referendum, etc., in the Wesley Hall on Monday 'evening next. From tha growing interest in this subject, in all probability an interesting discussion will ensue. The Burns Club Assembly plain and fancy dress ball promises bo ,be a great success, a large number of tickets having already been disposed of. An attractive programme for the sacred concert to be held at Sb. Andrews' Presbyterian Church, Symond-streeb, on Monday evening nexb, appears in our advertising columns. Admission is free, bub a collection will be made in aid of the church debt. The preliminary programme of the Judge's Bay Amateur Regabba is published in this issue, and its scrutiny cannob bub be pleasing to lovers of aquatic sports. The affair promises to bo quite as enjoyable as its predecessors, and will no doubb prove very atbracbive. Ib is intended to include in bhe yachting events a race fortim larger class of yachts. Ab tho nexb people's popular concert ab the Ciby Hall, Mr Percy Dufaur will again sing, Miss Mabel Maxwell, a youthful soprano, will make her firsb appearance at these concerts, and old favourites will reappear. An exhibition of models and photographs will be held in connection with the annual meeting of bhe Yacht Club, which bakes place on Tuesday evening nexb, and as a number of phobographs of bhe mosb modern yachts will be shown, bhe exhibition should prove very interesting. . Members are invited to bring any models or photographs which they have in bheir possession to bbc meeting. On Tuesday evening nexb a concerb and ball will be given in the Avondale Public Hall in aid of bhe funds of the Waikomibi Brass Band. An excellenb programme has been arranged. Amongst bhe vocalists and obher performers announced bo appear are Misses Laing, Nellie Phillpob, Mrs Wrighb, Mrs Phillpob, Herr Zimmormann, Messrs W. Kelly, A. J. Tapper, Tybherleigh, C. Brown and C. White. At the dance the music will be supplied by Henry's Bbring band. The full programme will be found advertised in this issue.

The anniversary services in connection with the the Pitb-sbreeh Wesleyan Church will be held bo-morrow, when the choir, under Mr J. G. Culpan, will contribute special music, and selections from tho " Creation " will be sung by Miss Rimmer and Mr Ferriday. The public meeting and soiree will bake place on Tuesday.

Mr George Aldridge lectured last night in the Foresters' Hall, Karangahape Road, on "The Story of C. H. Spurgeon, as Proachor, Theologian, Philanthropist and Author." Tho lecture was illustrated by life-like and powerful limelight views, thrown on the screen by aid of Mr Charles Cooper's lantern, also with songs and recitations. Tho lecture was full of interest and dealb with the greab preacher's life, his work and death. Mr Aldridge delivered bhe lecture in his usual finished manner. Miss Alice Rimmer sang " Calvary " in a feeling manner, and on being recalled gave the sacred solo "He Wipes the Tear from Every Eye." Tho popular singer also rendsred tbe song, "The Nightless Land.' Mr Percy Dufaur received a greab reception and was encored for the masterly manner in which ho sung " The Prodigal Son." Mrs F. Burnetb and Miss Alsopp gave recitations, which were deservedly applauded. The whole entertainment was' of a high order of merit.

Last evening Messrs Donald and Eden^V borough's smart Island packeb Richmond., arrived from her uiual round trip to T»hiti and Rarotonga with a large cargo of fruit and produce. She brought no now. of any , importance, and affairs in both groups were very quiet during her viiib. The orange season is bow practically over, and tha steamer broughb up ono of the last ship* ments of any importance, her consignments T numbering some 2,600 cases. Thero also returned to Auckland by the RichmondHayes' Circus Company.

Aba meeting of Lodge Beta, Waikabor •* Freemasons, ab Hamilton on Thursday night, a presentation was made to Bro. Edgocumbe, Secretary, P.P.G.S., P.G, Pursuivanb, by the members of the lodge. Tha W*M. on behalf of bhe members presented Bro. Edgecumbe with a hand.omv marble clock, in recognition of hia lonf services in the lodge. The clock was suit,-, ably inscribed, the presentation plate atabing that ib had been presented " as a token of esteem and regard."

Owing to the boisterous state of tha weather and bhe lumpy sea running in tho harbour, ib was decided to-day to postpone the opening of bhe rowing season, Th« affair was to have taken place this afternoon bub will now probably come off next week.

We learn thab Mr James Muir, member.,' of the Board of Education, has purchased a screw steamer iv Sydney for bhe Auckland ' coasting trade. The vessel is said bo be a 10-knob steamer, with passenger accommo-y dation for 350 persons. The price paid iaf aboub £2,000. The vessel is expected to\ reach Auckland aboub the 4th of November. . Sir Muir, we believe, intends to use th<y_' steamer for bhe purpose of developing the * fishi-g iudustry in conjunction with other ' work.

Avery old colonial "idsnbiby" passed away lasb evening in bbc person of Captain. Joseph Oakley, who died ab his residence in Picton-sbreeb, Ponsonby, ab bhe advanced age of 79 years. The deceased had suffered from Brighb's disease for some years, and though hia strong consbibubion and fine physique prolonged his life considerably beyond bbc allotted span, bhe ailmenb eventually carried him off. The deceased gentleman bad passed through many vicissitudes during his life ab sea acd in the early days of bhe colony, and be had seen a good deal of life in bhe " early days " afloab , and ashore. Ho made his firsb visit to New > Zealand as far back as bhe year 1833, when an apprentice on board one of the Old London Whaling Company's whaling vessels. At bhab time — sixty years ago—the Bay of Islands, where the whaler touched, was the rendezvous for hundreds of whaling vessels from various parts of the world, —long before New Zealand became a British colony. One of Captain Oakley's fellow-apprentices on this ship was Mr Wm. Brown, bow a wellknown old resident of Whangaroa. Mr Brown lefb his ship ab the Bay of Islands. Tbe deceased served his time in whaling vessels, and remained in tbe whaling busi~* neiss in the South Seas for some years.j Subsequently he wae in other vessels, and' ran a Hobarb steamer on the Derwent River (Tasmania) for some time. After* wards ho conducted hotels ab New Norfolk (Tasmania) and in Hobarb, and came to Nevf Zealand some 20 years ago. He had beet, retired from the sea for many years. Capbain Oakley leaves a widow and bhrea' daughters and a son, and was related ta Captain John Fisher, ex-Deputy Harbour Master of this porb. Tha family have many friends in Tasmania, Napier and elsewhere, who will greatly regreb the deabh of the old gentleman, wha was universally liked and respected. Ha was a man of many sterling qualities, and bore bis illness wibh great fortitude. Capbain and Mrs Oakley only celebrated bheir silver wedding lasb monbh. The funeral of bhe deceased is announced to leave bis lata residence, Picbon-sbreeb, bo-morrow afternoon for bhe Purewa Cemetery. The flags of all tho vessels in this porb were diplayed ab half-mast to-day, oub of respect bo bha memory of the deceased.

Thab popular firm of tailors (Messrs A. Woollams and Co.) announce in another column the opening of their new premises in Queen-street, close to tha National Bank, with a choice display of new and seasonable goods. Special attention ia directed to she fact that these goods were personally selected by Mr A. Woollama during his recent visit to England, and aro therefore of a quality and design rarely, if ever, seen in the colonies, and will well repay a visit,

Wo nobiced to-day thab considerable alterations and improvements had been made in tbe extensive premises occupied by the Direcb Supply Company. Communication has been opened on bhe ground floor bebween the drapery and furniture departments, which will certainly prove to be a greab convenience bo customers. Ib was found too, thab increased space was necessary for bhe heavy stock of Manchester goods which bhe Company has resolved to carry, and a fresh room has therefore been provided, where bhe necessary accommodation has been obtained, and where ladies can do their shopping both expeditiously and conveniently. The dress goods ab bha same bime have been broughb to bhe ground floor, in order bo meet the wishes of many who hare a prejudice bo bhe climbing of stairs. A comforbable and convenienb fibting room has been supplied for those making use of the tailoring departmenb, and bhe Company has shown a very laudable desire bo promote the comfort cf its patrons in every way, and certainly deserves the patronage of the public for the enterprise displayed.

The extraordinary popularity of Ayer'a Cherry Pectoral is the natural result of its* use by all classes of people for over forty years. Ib has proven itself the very besb specific for colds, coughs, and pulmonary complaints.—(Advb.)

Extra valne in dress fabrics, 24in, all wool, from 4sd. Also a large special purchase of 120 pieceß double width dresses from over-stocked warehouse, B|d to 4s 6d, extraordinary value. Smith and Caughey. (Advb.) '

All sborekeepers should stock Arthur Nathan's "Reliable" Teas, because they aro of the finest quality, and certain to please customers, and thus multiply business.—(Advb.) 1

A special show of tennis shirts worthy of inspecbion may be seen in bhe Arcade windows, ab Geo. Fowlds, Victoria Arcade. They have been made in the city, uader the supervision of the firm, from material specially imported, and for style, finish, and value cannob be excelled in bhis colony. —{Advt.)

From Belfasb manufacburers direct genb's undressed whibe linen Bhirbs. These goods are perfectly pure, no stiffening of any sort, so that a person can see exacbly whab they are buying. Our quality No. 3 shirb ab 5s 6d you cannob buy dressed under 7s 6d ; our No. 4 qualiby at 7s 6d is the same as the 10s 6d dressed shirt.—P. B. Darby.— (Adv..)

Various novelties in the way of boating, tennis and athletic Bhirts, hats and caps, ties, handkerchiefs, etc., are now to be seen ab Goo. Fowlds, Victoria Arcade.— (Advt.)

The quality of Nelson, Moabe and Co. a pure Indian, Ceylon and blended teas is far and away above' anything offered, and they are always alike, good. Consequently they command the largest sale in bhe Australian colonies.—(Advt.)

Some very novel and prebby designs in summer suitings, trouserings and fancy vestings, also fancy vest buttons, have juao been received by Geo. Fawlds^ Yicbon* Arcade. Call and see them,— (Advt,)