The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, Morning News, and Echo. THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 1899.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 146, 22 June 1899, Page 4

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

THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 1899.

For tho cause that lacks a£si3tauce, For the wrong that nceih resistance. For the futuro in tho distance, .And tlio good that wo can do.

THE SAMOAN KINGS PUP.

The news to hand from Samoa by the Taviuni is very satisfactory. From what we definitely know of the action

of 1!:e Commissioners, and from the forecast sent us of their ultimate decisions, it appears that they have succeeded in effecting what should prove a settlement of the trouble there for some time to come, if it does not entirely preclude the possibility of complications in the remoter future. By the abolition of the kingship, one of the chief causes of disturbance among the natives has been removed. While there existed rival claimants for the island throne—and there is a strong presumption that, as" the native community is constituted, such a position would frequently arise —there was sure to be trouble in the wind. Now that the office has been done away with there will certainly be an end to an infinite amount of scheming and jealousy. As it is, no more opportune time could have been chosen for the step, apart from the fact that recent events have necessitated it. The intensity of the existing- rivalry between the partisans of the two claimants has made the action of ' the Commissioners- much easier than it would have been had the two factions been less hostile to one -another. Then they might have demurred to depriving- them of a monarchical head. Now both sides are willing to accept the decision of the Commissioners as a compromise. If Mataafa is not to be king then neither is Malietoa, and if Malietoa is not to be invested with regal power neither is his rival to have the "pule." It is an arrangement in which the Samoan philosophically acquiesces.

Before abolishing the kingship the Commissioners did a very wise thing in recognising Malietoa Tanu as king. To have neglected this step would have been a great mistake, tantamount to ignoring- the authority of the Chief Justice and weakening British and American prestige in Samoa. As it is, their action must tend to confirm the. natives' respect for the law and the. decisions of the court, a respect which cannot but have been severely shaken by the action of Germany. On the other hand, it is calculated to depreciate the influence of the latter Power in the place and to correspondingly appreciate that of Great Britain and America. It is in effect a condemnation of the attitude taken up by ib* Germans in Samoa, and a

justification to some extent of the forcible measures which were taken to bring the Mataafa party to terms. Another step on the part of the Commissioners which cannot but have a salutary effect on the natives, and Europeans too, while it removes from a zealous and capable official any suspicion of partiality in the discharge of his duties, is their request to Chief Justice Chambers not to relinquish his post in Samoa at present. Mr Chambers, we understand, was offered a much better position, and it would have been to his advantage financially to have left the islands, which, after all the trouble that has occurred, can scarcely be the most desirable place of residence for him. But, recognising how fully his sei-vices have been appreciated by the Commissioners and the- fact that by remaining- he might aid in the further settlement of affairs he has consented to stay.

With the abolition of the kingship a Provisional Government has been appointed, but that will be replaced as soon as possible by an administration modelled on quite new lines. It is understood that the Commissioners will recommend that the judicial and diplomatic functions of the Consuls be taken away and these gentlemen be vested with no further powers than are held by ordinary* consular agents elsewhere. The functions and jurisdiction of the Supreme Court will be correspondingly extended. This change promises to be directly beneficial. It is pretty clear that the extended powers exercised by the Consuls not only helped to foment international jealousy, but detracted seriously from the respect felt in the native mind for the Supreme Court. Had it not been for the impression of divided authority which the influential position of the Consuls suggested the recent trouble would never hay« attained the dimensions it did. The abolition of the office of President and the placing of the Apia Municipality under the direct control of its Council and Mayor will also concentrate the divided authority that has been a source of trouble in the past, and at the same time will save a good round

sum of money annually

The supreme control in the islands will, according to the forecast of our correspondent, be vested in a governor and a legislative council of three persons representing <!re;it Britain, the United States, and Germany. The Council, aided by v small body of Snmoans, will legislate for the group and the Governor will have the power to veto any of their proposed acts. It is rumoured that the Commissioners will recommend that the Governor shall not be a subject of any of the throe treaty powers. Evidently they recognise Hint it Is nat merely in the claims of rival 'Samoan kings that trouble is bred in the islands, and are determined to curb as much as possible the play of international jealousies among the chief accredited

representatives of the European nations in Samoa. It may be objected to the above arrangement that it does not preclude the chance of such friction altogether. lint owing to the tripartite nature of the protectorate that could never be done. A fear has been expressed that the same unsatisfactory state of things which existed under the consular regime will be found under the Council, and that the three Councillors will cause as much trouble as the three

Consuls. The cases are not the same, however. The Councillors will not be accessible to the same disturbing influences -which affected the Consuls, and will be under a control from which the latter were free. The success of the plan, so far as we can see, will largely depend on the character of the Governor ; and there is no hiding the fact that he will have to be a man of more than ordinary tact, discrimination, and firmness, to discharge the duties of his office successfully

The Assessment Court of the City of Auckland will sit at the Magistrate's Court, High-street, on, Monday, July 3, at 10 a.m., for the purpose of hearing and determining objections to the valuation lists. The wards of the city will be taken in the following order: North, East, Karangahape, Ponsonby, South, and Graf ton.

H.M.s. Porpoise (Captain Sturdee) has left Samoa for.Sydney. Mr John King, Registrar of Electors, and bis staff are now busily engaged giving instruction and obtaining details, forms, transfers, etc., in respect to the electorates of the City of Auckland, Parnell, Manukau and Eden. The official rolls are now indexed and ready for inspection by the public. Nothing is yet known as to when the rolls will be authorised to be completed, but persons who have been overlooked should make early application to have their names placed on the 1011, as instructions for printing may be received at any time. The office above the side entrance to the Govern^ merit Insurance Buildings, Queen-st., is open daily from nine a.m. to five p.m., with the exception of" Saturdays, when the office hours are from, nine a.m. to one p.m.

A number of the members of the Pakuranga. Hunt- Club met at the creamery beyond Otahuliu yesterday and proceeded to the property of Mr Trimble, where a hare was found and a. short run took place. Mr Gillett provided the party with refreshments. Some of the officers of H.M.s. Goldfinsh were among the followers.

A shed is to be erected on the Hob-son-street Wharf, in which imported shrubs, plants, and fruit infected with disease, or brought from places where disease exists, will be fumigated under the superintendence of Captain Broun, Government entomologist. The shed is to be 25ft. long. 12ft. wide, and Bft. 6in. high. Tenders for its erection close on Saturday at the office of Mr Clifton, stock insDe.ctor.

The attention of our readers is directed to the announcement in connection with the New Zealand "Graphic" published in another part of this issue. The current number of this popular magazine is an unusually fine production, containing over forty illustrations, four longcomplete tales, and three serial stories. The results of the first drawing and second cricket competitions are published in the number. There also appear the opening chapters of a. new story by Fergus Hume entitled "A Lady From Nowhere." The proprietor of the "Graphic" has secured the sole rights of publication here for this admirable tale, and it will be issued in large instalments weekly. Tragedy at Kawakawa The 32 mules for the Fiji plantations of the Colonial Sugar Refining Co., which were brought down by the mail steamer Moana from California on her last trip, and which have since been in quarantine at Motuihi, were transhipped into the Upolu yesterday afternoon. It was a prett}- difficult job to get the mules aboard the steamer, but all were got on without accident

lii connection with the proposal to form a borough at Waihi, Mr Galbraith has received a letter from the Colonial Secretary's office stating that before a borough can be constituted the Governor must be satisfied that the rateable property within the borough will yield an annual revenua of« not less than £250 per annum, on a rate of 1/ in the £ on the annual value (requiring a total annual value of at least £5000). or oh a rate of |d in the £ on the capital value (requiring a capital, value of at least £80,000).

The schooner Minnie Have arrived at Levuka from Wallis on 3rd inst. She reported that while oft" Wallis Island on loth nit., a half deck boat came out to get the mails. Two passengers by the Minnie Hare, INfr and Mrs Joubert, returned by her. When entering the passage at the entrance to the harbour they got too cl*ose to the reef and were drawn into the swell of the blind rollers, and the boat was overturned. One of the crew dived and cut away the mast and sail, and the boat righted herself, though half full of water. They were without oars, or anything to assist them to- make the shore, and could only sit waist deep in water. The influence of the tide washed them out to sea quite out of sight, of land, but in the morning the return washed them up over the reef into the lagoou within five miles of the passage, where they were discovered next day. Fortunately they had no means of baling out or they would have been blown right out to sea during the nighty as it was only the tide could influence so heavy and waterlogged a craft. The 'mails though drenched were saved, but the consignees letters were all lost.

Hie Pitt-street Wesleyan Orchestras first concert of the season was held lost evening in the schoolroom and proved n great success. There was a crowded attendance and a capital programme was presented. The orchestra, led by Miss Millie Peak played with accuracy and precision' and a due regard for expression, Mr \\. Forbes Forbes conducfing with cure. The orchestral numbers comprised Handel's "Occasional," two movements from Haydn's "Surprise" Symphony, an intermezzo by Matt Leuuier's "Festival," Cowen's '''Language of Flowers;' the "Indierme" waltz, and Godfrey's waltz "Gardes tie la Eeine." A violin solo, "Mazurka de Concert" (MusinL was admirably played by Miss Elsie McMaster, who responded to an enthusiastic encore with Pierne's charming ''Serenade." Mr Edgar Walton sang "The Mighty Deep" and "Stand By the Union" with acceptance, receiving a recall for the latter song. Miss Hill rendered, with expression, "Life's Lullaby." "The Cry or The Little Ones." and "Bid Me to Love." Misses McMaster and Peak and Mr A. Peak, as the accompanists, fulfilled all requirements.

The'usual social of the Caledonian Society was held last evening in St. George's Hall. The following programme was s'orte through: — Piano duet, Mrs Talbot and Miss Browne; duet, "Life's Dream is O'er," the Misses Mclnteer; song, "I Trust You Still," Miss Browne; song, "His Lordship Winked at the Counsel," Mr A. White; encore, "When They Go to Bye-bye"; song, "The Land o' the Leal," Miss Alice Mclnteer; song, "Nea," Miss Mclnteer. Messrs Diggens and Beuth acted as M.C.'s at the dance, and the Druids string band provided the dance music. The President announced that tickets for the ball, to take place on July 5, were going off freely. The usual weekly meeting of the Alexandra-street Primitive Methodist Mutual Improvement Society was held in the schoolroom last evening. The President (Mr Burton) took the chair*. A paper on "Oliver Cromwell" was read by the Rev. Laycock. The paper was both interesting and instructive and called forth considerable discussion. There appeared to be a great diversity of opinion among the speakers as to ijie. c'haraeter of Oliver Cromwell.

The city corps of the Salvation Army are busy raising funds on behalf of the rescue work and in connection with the appeal. The annual social meeting takes place this evening. Mr Theo. Cooper is announced to take the chair, and other influential gentlemen will address the meeting. Officers of the Army will relate cases in which the Army has come to the rescue of the outcast and the unfortunate, and where such have been permanently reformed. A collection will be made for the benefit of the work. The meeting bids fair to be a success. The year's work will be reviewed.

In the Trades' Union football matches yesterday afternoon the results were: Butchers beat Bakers by 6 to nil; Drapers beat Grocers by 7 to 3. For the Drapers Geo. Court scored a try-, which was not converted, and Kelly kicked a goal from, the field. For the Grocers Smith scored a try, which was not converted. Martin, Frost, Moore and Thomson played a good forward game for the Drapers, and Young and Smith played a good game for the Grocers. Mr Bentley gave great satisfaction as referee.

The residents of Onehunga are promised to-morrow (Friday) night a first-class concert by Mr W. B. Catlzow, the well-known tenor vocalist, and Madame Cadzow, the brilliant pianiste. They will be assisted by Miss May Budding. Songs, illustrated with limelight views, and a number of new pictures, will be shown. Popular prices of 1/ and Gel will be charged. Everything possible will be done to make the concert a select and enjoyable one.

Mesrs W. C. Walker and Barter, J.IVs, presided at the Police Court to-day and fined Annie Sergeant 10/ for drunkenness, with the option of 48 hours hard labour.

A wharf lumper named Benjamin Taylor fell down the hold of the s.s. Pukaki at Chelsea last evening, and was considerably shaken. He was removed to his home, where Dr. Bedford attended him.

Our Thames correspondent wires:^« A number of Austrians arrived here lately, the majority of them going to the out district in search of gum. The anniversary of the Onehuncra Presbyterian Sunday School was cefebrated last night with a tea and public meeting. The Rev. 11. Wylie, pastor, presided, and the following pro' gramme, under the conductorship of Mr H. Prime, was very successfully rendered:—Pianoforte solo, Mrs Wylie;- song. Miss H. Robb; violin solo, Master Grant; vocal trio. Misses} Berryman and J. Harris and Mr H, Prime; pianoforte <luet, Misses Mainland; recitation, Miss Lily Pascoe* song, Miss M. Kobb; song, Miss Adams: vocal duet. Misses Agnes and Christian Wylie; dialogue, by senior scholars; song. Miss Adams'; j»ano* '.forte duet, Misses Allen and Turn. | bull. The Rev. Mr Milne, of St. i Andrew's, Auckland, delivered a capital address, in which he advocated the claims of the Presbyterian City Mission. In moving a hearty vote of thanks to the staff of teachers, the Chairman eulogised their self sacrificing efforts on behalf of the young-. He. also made special mention'of the church's indebtedness to Mr H. Prime for his services in training the child. j ren to sing their anniversary hymns | which were so thoroughly enjoyed by the large congregation on Sunday. . I An entertainment, was provided last j evening at the Cost ley Home by a I number of ladies and gentlemen at' the j instance of Mr and Mrs' C. Robinson, caretaker of the Government BuildI ings. An efficient orchestra, with Mr ! Gittoes as accompanist performed various items, which were much apprej ciated. Mr H. B. Robinson contribut;ed a cornet solo, Mr Haven a solo on i the violin, and Miss Akerston one on the pianoforte. "Napoleon" was rei cited by Mr G. Newsome and comic songs were given by Mr P. Blaekman, who was encored. The other vocalists were Miss Quinn, "Say Au Revoir";' Miss Donovan, "Island of Dreams" and '"Killarney"; Miss Pandeleon, "Carni- ! val"; Messrs Bert Robinson, "The Skipper's Flag"; Mr A. L. Edwards, "A May Morning" and "Mary of Argyle" , (encored); and Mr A. J. Robinson, "The Sleeping Camp." The1, concert was most enjoyable, and the visitora | were most warmly thanked before returning to town. The pulling down of the Exhibition buildings is now almost completed, and the ground will soon be clear* The authorities are now advertising for tenders for the ploughing, grassing, etc., of the Metropolitan Ground, having agreed to put it in the same order as when the work was wag undertaken.

An extraordinary general meeting of the congregation of St. James* Presbyterian Church was held in St. James' Hall, there being a large attendance. The Bey. E. F. Macnicol presided, and explained the objects of the meeting, stating that it was proposed to raise a sum of £900 to pay, off a debt of £ 64,0 on the hall, and to put the buildings in first-class order. Mr Brownlee then proposed that the church should celebrate the incoming century by raising a sum of money sufficient to liquidate the debt on tha hall, and doing necessary repairs to the. church. This was unanimously, carried. A series of resolutions was carried, the first being that a people's guild be formed, that a monster sale of work be held in October, 1900, and that the Ladies' Association take charge of this department. The eon* gregation was divided into twelve dis-

tricts, in each of which a sub-com-mittee was appointed to canvass weekly or monthly, and report monthly to a central executive. It was decided to form a Sunday-school guild under the control of the teachers. Messrs W. Erigham, R. Farrell and J. Miller were appointed a central committee, with Mr S. Falls as secretary. The operations will be commenced in July. . ;

The Devon/port Coastguard Artillery Volunteers will parade this evening tit Deyonport for inspection by the Colonel commanding the district.1 The usual fortnightly meeting of the Avondale Literary and Debating1 Society Avas held in the vestry of the •church last evening. The President (Mr R. B. Nesbitt) occupyingl the chair. The programme for the eveiiing was a debate,. "Are we in these tinves better socially than those who lived prior to the Christian Era?". Mr J. Burrow opened in the affirmative and Mr J. Read in the negative. The following members of the Society also spoke, viz., Messrs Ducker, Eyre, and Rev. McLean in negative, a.nd Mr Nesbitt and Rev. E. 0. Perry in tfi.e affirmative. On the vote going to the meeting' the negative won by ten votes to six.