The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, Morning News, and Echo. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1896

Auckland Star, Volume XXVII, Issue 88, 15 April 1896, Page 4

The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, Morning News, and Echo.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1896

For ths cftuaa that Ueks asßisUtncs, For the vreng tlint noeds resiaUnce, Sac Wie iirtnie in the dlntanoe, Aad tho good tlint ttb eaa do.

The rabidly patriotic Briton, the individual who has been born with the conviction that the chief object of the sun iD shining is to give light to Her Majesty's dominions, is not a very admirable character even to his own compatriots. Yet it is remarkable that men of judicious and cosmopolitan minds, and often of foreign nationality arrive at pretty much the same con. elusions that he has adopted, and though they may not with him believe in so many words that Great Britain has a divine mission to occupy the earth, yet they are conscious of many forces and circumstances strangely tending in a direction that would suggest the ultimate supremacy of the Anglo-Saxon race over all others inhabiting the planet. A close examination into the manner in which the Empire has extended and is extending, reveals such successes in the face of difficulties, such a happy combination of opportunities, as really to give warrant for the belief that the stars in their courses fight for Great Britain. Wherever we turn we are met with the same record of victorious progress, the same marvellous adaptability to untoward conditions and masterly transformation of those conditions to suit the demands of an advancing civilisation.'

It is to Africa we must look for the latest evidences of those forces which have been at work ever since England began to expand. Whatever avarice we may have displayed in other parts of the world to kindle the envy of neighbouring nations, it cannot be said that we made any attempt to appropriate the once Dark Continent, which owed its enlightenment and, if we except the countries bordering on the Mediterranean, its civilisation to men of British nationality chiefly. We never played the game of " grab " with Africa." In fact, we were the last to take part in that general parcelling out of the huge country. Apart from the retention of Cape Colony, which was important to us for strategic as well as other reasons, and of some unimportant settlements on the west coast, we showed no great desire to extend our influence into the heart of the continent. The dream of a map of Africa which should have one broad belt of

British red from Cairo to Capetown arose in the heart of Mr Cccii Rhodes, and was in no way a national aspiration. Probably, too, it it had not been (or that gentleman we should have allowed the Germans to make a cross belt from east to west, barring our progress northward. Certainly, we should not have opposed the extension of their, territory in any strong degree, for we recognised that other nations had as good rights of conquest in Africa as we ourselves. Turning to the north, it is not con tended by any but the wildest Anglo phobists in France that when we occupied that country in 1882 we had any intention of ultimately adding it to our dominions. Our sole object then, as it is now, was to restore order to the country in the interests of Europe and the populations in the Valley of the Nile.

England has made repeated asseverations both with regard to South Africa and to North Africa that her policy was not one of aggrandisement, and there is not a scrap oi evidence to show that she did not mean what she said. The action of Mr Chamberlain in repudiating any connivance on the part of the British Government at" Dr. Jim's" raid, and the prompt manner in which the troopers have been brought to book, may be taken as proof that whatever schemes the Chartered Company might harbour, the Mother Country had no connection with them. Yet, notwithstanding.the manifestdesire of British statesmen to keep out of African imbroglios, it would seem that we were perforce following that destiny which, according to some, Heaven has marked out for the Anglo-Saxon race, and of which the domination of Africa is an integral part. Only a month or two ago England's neighbours believed that her prestige and influence in South Africa had received such a check as would very seriously injure her. They crowed loudly on the occasion, and William of Germany so far miscalculated the position as to offer insults. In a very few weeks the crowing had ceased, and the threats of a braggart monarch were very wisely left unfulfilled. Great Britain, with an alacrity and determination that astonished the nations of the continent had given unmistakable proofs that she was not to be bullied by any Power. Notwithstanding her firm attitude, her jealous enemies felt that something had been done to weaken the British power in South Africa, if that something was only the discrediting and probable overthrow of the Chartered Company, which they regarded as, nothing less than an engine of British aggrandisement. But although .the revision of the conditions on which that company has established itself in Matabeleiand is almost certain, we do not think that it will be followed by any weakening of British influence in that part of the world. If anything, it will result in the strengthening of our hold on the country. The present rebellion of the Zulus when quelled, as.it assuiedly will be in a short time, will be followed by a reorganisation of the administration of the territory that will more than ever secure the prestige and influence of the English flag in those parts, and in the country to the North known as British Central Africa. That it may lead in the future to the further advance of that flag and the realisation of Cecil Rhodes' dream, it would be impossible to say. At present even if England wished to push northward she could not do it for German East Africa and the Congo Free State block her way. She must pass these before British Central Africa and the Protectorate of British East Africa can join hands and the line is clear to Cairo; and at its narrowest point the foreign barrier represents about four hundred miles.

Meanwhile, thoueh checked in her advance from the South, Great Britain continues to establish herself more firmly in the valley of the Nile- We know very well that she has no hankering after the Land of the Pharoahs, but it would seem as if the same fate that has hitherto impelled her forward had decreed that her influence should dominate the country from Zanzibar to Alexandria. France and other Powers are haunted by this fear of British supremacy, and are always demanding that England should set about evacuating Egypt To these demands she has always the answer th*t she entered the country to restore order and regulate the finances, and that until her work is thoroughly accomplished she has no intention of retiring. She is in just the same position as France is with regard to Tunis. If she had evacuated the country at any time during the last fourteen years, the Mahdi would have swept over the whole land, burning and pillaging wherever he went. A few months ago when the clamour for evacuation, was again raised it looked almost as if Lord Salisbury was inclined to yield so far as to discuss the proposal. But destiny again interfered. The Italians met with heavy reverses in; Abyssinia, and, encouraged by that circumstance, the Soudanese tribes became actively hostile. The necessity for British interference was urgent. By her continued occupation of the country England had accepted the responsibility of keeping order, and she at once took steps to quell the rising. Thus, when British statesmen were more inclined than they ever were before to consider the question of evacuation a trouble has arisen that shows how much their continued administration of the country is required,'and how dangerous it would be for our forces to retire.' It may be predicted generally that the disorder in the Soudan will be suppressed, but beyond that it is extremely difficult to say what further developments affecting the presence of Great Britain in Egypt the campaign may bring about. One thing seems certain, that the day for the evacuation of the JNile Valley by the British has

not yet arrived; and another thing seems likely, namely, that they may never be able lo remove their controlling influence from a country that would be in a state of anarchy but for their presence. It is not that England wills it so, but that Fate appears to have decreed it so.

To-day business on 'Change waa diaburbed by the half - hojiday, and the Brokers' Association offices ware closed at one o'clock. However, the tono wasbrighb and hopeful. During the morning principal attention waa paid to Hauraki South, which sold in large parcels ab prices ranging from la 3d to la 6d, there being buyers ab la 6d ab the close of business, with no sellers under Is Bd. Bunker's Hill were transferred ab 6s 9d, bub at this figure there were further sellers. In Thames stocka Moanataiaris were in favour, sales taking place ab 10s. Now Alburnta sold ab 4s Bd, Orlando ab lid and Victoria ab 3s 6d. Wibh regard bo Kuaotunu, one or two transactions book place in Kapai-Vermonta ab 8a and 8s 2d, but; buy era offered no better price than Bs, and there were sellers ab 8s 2d. For Try Flukes 7a 6d was on offer, bub there was no response ab thai) figure. In Upper Thames stocks sales were reported : Golden Fleece, Graco Darling, Heitman Freehold, Ivanhoo, King of Waihi and Talisman Extended, bulj there was little or no improvement) in price.

Lasb evening, by the steamer Waihora Captain Russell, M. H. R,, arrived here from Napier and put) up ab the Northern Club. This morning he lefb for Waiuku in order to address the settlers there. To-morrow morning ho will return to Auckland in order to address the citizens of Auckland in the evening in the City Hall. The Mayor (Mr J. J. Holland) will preside. The dress circle will be reserved for ladies with their escorts.

Thirteen Algerian ostriches were brought out) by 8.3. Mabatua, which arrived yesterday afternoon from London, They were imported by Messrs L. D. Nathan and Co. to cross wibh the birds ab Whibford Park, ib being thought that the crosa will improve bho plumage. The consignmenb consisted of 19 birds, but 5 died on the voyage bo Hobarb, and one betwesn Hobart and Auckland. This mortality was no doubb due to the heavy weather which the steamer encountered during the greater part of the voyage. The birds were taken down to Whibford Park by the Waiboa today.

The Auckland Chrysanthemum Society's annual show, will be opened in the Drill Hall, Rutland-street, back of Park Hotel, at bhreo o'clock bo-morrow afternoon. The show will also be open on Friday and Saturday. His Excellency the Governor opens the show to-morrow, and members of the Society will be admitted ab 2.30 in order to assist ab the opening, Mr T. S. Jacka, bhe Hon. Secretary,#and bhe Standing Commifctee have worked hard for the success of bhe show.

In answer to a letter by " Rest," who writes protesting againsb a picnic which he hears it is the intention of the Tramway and Omnibus Companies to give their employees on Sunday nexb, we may state that such was the original intention, but ib has boen abandoned for various reasons. Wo learn from Mr Kidd, manager of the Tramway Company, although nothing bo far has been definitely arranged, thab it is probable thab the employees' families will be allowed to use the vehicles for a day's outing wherever they may eebtle on, while the men will be given an entertainment on some week night. In future an effort will be msido to give the employees an aunual outing on Good Friday.

The Grafton Football Club held a meeting in the Queon'a Hotel, Symonds-streeb, last evening;, Mr Ohlson in the chair. The balance-oheeb for the previouß season, submitted by the last year's Treasurer, was discussed, but it was decided not to receive it owing to its incomplotmess. Arrangement? were made for the passing of all accounts before payment, and Messrs G. Dixon and K. Neill were elected auditors for the ensuing season. Mr M. McCallum kindly forwarded the cup for competition among membors in the half-mile race, which was exhibited in the room and was greatly admired. The liosd, Mr Budge, Btatod that he intended to become an honorary member, and would also be pleased to givo a cup to the Club to be disposed of to the best) advantage, and would leave it to the Committee to decide upon, his statement being received with applause. Messrs Ohlson and Hay wore elected a selection committee, with power to increase their number. It was agreed that the appointing of a suitable day and selection of handicappers for the half-mile race be lefb to the Committee to fix upon. A vote of thanks to the chair concluded the proceedings.

Owing to the immense demand for the special number of the™" Graphic" containing the accounb of the Brunnerfcon disaster, every copy of the issue published on Monday has been cold. The odition was nn extra large one as ib was anticipated there wonld bo a run on ib, but ib was quite insufficient to meet the public wanb, and it was found necessary to print off a second edition, comprising thab portion of the issue which dealt with the disaster, and in addition some scenes on the Auckland goldfields. This now is ready and may bo had ab all stationers. The new number is issued ab the reduced price of threepence. Aa a memorial of the mosb disastrous mining disaster thie colony has evor witnessed the publication is well worth preserving, and will form a very suitable gift to send to trienda in the Old Country by the noxfe 'Frisco mail on Saturday first.

Henry Gardiner, of Tararu Road, Thames, miuer, has filed a potition to be adjudged a bankrupt.

An imporfeanb change in connection with shipping work on the wharves was decided on by the Auckland Harbour Board yesterday afternoon. On the motion of JMr W. J. Napier ib was resolved, after a little discusßion, that the Board should take over the receiving and delivery of cargo from foreign trading and intercolonial vessels at the wharves. A committee of seven members of the Board was set up to consider and reporb to the Board on the decaila of the method to be pursued in connection with the handling of cargo by the Board.

Ab the Prohibition Convention ab Dunedin, on Saturday, it was resolved to invite the Rev. J. H. Hector, of Canuda, an educated and eloqueub negro, who, in the course of temperance roforrn, has been tormed " The Black Knight," to visit the colony. Mr A. S. Adams mentioned that Mr Hector, who was a coloured man, was probably an emancipated slave. He fought through the American War, and ab present) held au appointment from the Methodist Church Conference as travelling temperance evangelist. Ib was proposed that Wellington, Chrißtchurch, and Dunodin should combine and send a cablegram to him asking him to visib tho colony before he wont to England in the fall, and offering him £300 for his work.

Smith and Caughey have just opened up a larga shipmenb ot glace kid and coloured satin evening shoes direct from Germany.— (Advt.)

New season's suitings and trouserings at Geo. Ifowlds' are stylish and cheap, and a good fit always guaranteed.—(Ad vb.)

To-morrow, Thursday, the 16th instant; John Weafc will open a music shop at 12, Wellesley-street, West, five doors from Queen-street. —(Advt).

A large shipment of novelties in Japanese goods, useful and ornamental, now on view at Smith and Caughey'e.—(Advb.)

Inspector Ferguson, of the Labour Bureau, baa an opening for nine married men to work on the Toka Toka ewainp surrey works. Applicants will please apply.

Mr VV. Anderson, junr., son of Mr W. Anderson, Giby Engineer, who has been on the clerical staff ab the Supreme Court office, has been promoted to the Justice Department, Wellington.

•l Noted Ships of the English Navy and Their Commanders " was the subject ot a lecture by Mr T. W. Allen at the Mount Eden Congregational Church schoolroom on Monday evening, under the auspices of the Mutual Improvement Society. There was a large attendance. Mr Ralph Potter occupied the chair. Mr Allen dealb with the question in an able and exhaustive manner, the most notable events being touched upon in a racy and interesting manner. The lecture was illustrated by numerous sketches and drawings of ancient and modern men-of-war, and was further enlivened by pabriotic songs, contributed by Messrs George, Edmonds, Arthur, and Ralph Potter. Miss Webb ably acted as acconapauist. After a vote of thanks to Mr Allen, an enthusiastic meeting was brought to a close by singjmg the National Anthem.

Klaer'a circua gave another performance to a large audience at the Agricultural Hall, the programme being an all-round good one. Besides other novelties now on their list the proprietors intend producing a reproduction of a thrilling incident in the Zulu war entitled "Dying to, Save the Colours." Is is now in rehearsal and will be produced shortly.

The adjourned annual mesting of Sb. Benedict's Club was held on Tuesday, April 14th, 1896, in the Presby'cery, there being a large attendance of members. The Rev. President, Dr. Egan, presided, and in opening the meeting gavo a short address to the members on the progress of the Club in the past and its prospects for the future. The report and balance-sheeb were read and adopted, the latter showing a substantial credit balance in the Club's funds. The following officers were elected : —Patron, Very Rev. Father Lenihan (administrator) ; Presidenb, Very Rev. Dr. Egan (re-olected); Vice-Presidenb, Messrs D. O'Sullivan (re-elected) and J. Callagan ; Secretary, Mr E. Noonan ; Treasurer, Mr J. Corbe'tb ; Librarians, Mr H. Wright and C. Take; Editor, Mr A. Wrighb ; Committee, Messrs J. J. Dobbs, S. Cotton, J. Carritran, J. Belcher, H. F. Kelly,. Jas. Smith and P. White. Ib was decided to pub the literary branch on a firm basis for the ensuing session, the Rev. Presidenb kindly placing ab the disposal of members bho use of one of the rooms of the Presbytery as a reading-room, etc., on Friday nights. The meeting terminated with votes of thanks to tha Club's instructor, Mr J. Callaghan, and the retiring officers for their work during the past year.

In the Devonport Public Hall on Monday evening an excellent! vocal and instrumental concert was given in aid of the Devon port convent school. The house was crowded fco the doors. The first part of the proarratnme opened with a tableau, "Nursery Folks," by a number of pupila at the convent school. Miss Thompson and Mrs Boylan took part in a piano and organ duefc, and Mr Broughton contributed a song "Anchored." Miss Quinn sang Pontet's pretty song, " Nea," and received a well-deßeryed encore, singing in response to tho recall, " Whisper and 1 Shall Hear." Mrs F. Mason and Mr G. M. Reid gave a vocal duet, " I Have Wandered in Dreams," and Mrs Boylftn sang "The Holy City," Mr Albert Lucas following with a powerful recitation "Christmas Day in the Workhouse," for which he waa recalled. Miss Thomson sang "Oh, How Delightful," and Miss K. Fitzpatrick sang " The King's Own." Mr F. Odium was very successful in his comic aongs. In the second part another tableau " Old Woman in fche Shoe " was shewn, and Miss C. Dampier followed with a clover violin bolo. Mr E. Querea sang "Let me Lovo Thee," and Misa Colota Lorrigan was loudly praised foe her aweet singing of Gounod's " Aye Maria," with violin, organ, and piano accompaniment. Miss Hargrave gang "It Waa a Dream," and Mr Reid contribufcod another song. Mona. Casier also sang two song?, and Mr F Odium again gayo a comic solo. During the evening Mrs Boylan played most) of the pianoforte accompaniments and also arranged the tableaux'. Mr F. Greene acted as hon. secretary.

Lnsb evening, Mr John Fuller again had tin enthusiastic reception at the City Hall, on the occasion of the fifth of his series of popular limelight concerts. The house waa cramtnod in all parts, and the audience was most liberal in expressions of praise. The beautiful lantern viewß exhibited by Mr C. Cooper with his powerful lantern depicted " A Trip Through tho North Island." The pictures, which were most artistic and accurate, showed scenes on the route from Auckland, via Hawko's Bay, to Wellington, thence overland via Taupo and Rotorua to Auckland. The audience were delighted with the views, and inanitested their approval by loud applause. The views were interspersed with very acceptable songs. Miss Ella Farrell (mezzosoprano), a pupil of Mr A.Towsey, made her firsb appearance, and was encored for her pleasing singing of "For Ever and For Ever," and " When the Flowing Tide." Miaa Louise Aylebt made a successful appearance, and eang with good effocb " Angels Ever Bright and Fair, and " By the Fountain," while in response to a recall she gave "Say Au Revoir." Mr Walter Moore recited with much power "Karl the Martyr," and though ib was his first appearance he scored a great) success, and was encored, hie recall piece being entitled " After Marriage." Mr John Fuller was in excellent voice, and he sang with his usual ease and pleasing ofl'ecb "Tho Anchor's Weighed" and "Hearts of Oak," hia encore members being "Geraldine" and "Alice, Where Art Thou?" Mr Howard Chambers sang il The Admiral's Boom " and " Anchored," the latter gong being produced with beaubiful limolighb view effects. As an encore Mr Chambers sang "To Anbhea." Mr Albert Lucas was most successful in his recitations, having to respond to an encore for his rendering of "The Dream of Eugene Aram," his recall recitation being " Kissing Gup's Race." During tha evening Mr Walter Fuller played the accoirpaniments, and Mr Bon Fuller acted as " genial guide and lecturer."

Afc the usual weekly meeting of th 6 Alexandra - street Mutual Improvement Society last evening the question " Was Dr. Jameson justified in his action in the reconfc Transvaal trouble" was debated. Wr Arnold upheld the affirmative and Mr Chitham the negative. The question was decided in the affirmative.

The members of Court Pride of Onehunga are making arrangements for a concert and dance to bo held in the new Forescors' Hall, Onehunga, in aid of the Brunnerton Relief Fund.

Just opened, a very special line of fancy and reversible tweeds for golf capes, &c, &c.—Smith and Caughey.—(Advt.)

Geo. Fowlda, Victoria Arcade,has on hand a splendid stock of Gladstone bags, portmanteaux, umbrellas, and macintosh coats. (Advt.)

■ Novelties in lace goods, ribbons, handkerchiefs, and fancy goods for the coming eeason at Smith and Caughey's.— (Advb.)

To morrow, Thursday, the 16th instant, John West will open a music shop ab 12, Wellesley-street West, five doors from Queen-street. —(Advt).

The celebrated Onslow sox now are being sold by Geo. Fowlcis ab Is 6d per pair, or 3 pairs for 43; Auckland knit sox 9d per pair, extra weight, Is ; lamb's wool drawers, 3s lid, 2a 6d, and 33 6d.—(Advt.)

Ib will be seen on reference to our advertising columns, that Miss Mendelssohn, of Scotia Place, off Upper Queen-sbreefc, will resume her dancing classes for children on Saturday afternoon, commencing on 2nd May.

Mr Wilson, head teacher of the Otahuha school, delivered a very interesting lecture upon "Slang," on Monday evening in the Mutual Improvement Society's Rooms, Ooahuhu.

Members of the Prohibition League are requ9ated to meet the Executive in tha Pitb and VincenO streets Methodist schoolroom, at 8.30 to-night, to consider an important communication just received from the Rev. F. W. Isitt.

Perfecb fitting garments and good workmanship, guaranteed at lowest prices. Smith and Caughey, tailors and gents' mercers.—(Advt.)

To-morrow, Thursday, the 16th instant, Joha Weab will open a music shop at 12, Welle3loy - street West, five doors from Queen-street.—(Advt).

Gents' waterproof coats, all sewn seamß, guaranteed waterproof for two years, from 25s 6d.—Smith and Caughey.—(Adrb.)