WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 1899. THE NORTH AUCKLAND RAILWAY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 163, 12 July 1899, Page 4

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 1899. THE NORTH AUCKLAND RAILWAY.

In contesting the claim of the two routes proposed for the completion of the North Island Main Trunk railway, Aucklanders, we fear, have been led to invest the work with an exaggerated importance, and to forget that there are other schemes of railway construction which it would probably be even more to the immediate interest of Auckland to forward. Had it not been for the unfortunate introduction, by the opponents of the Government, of the political party spirit into the contest, we feel sure that it would never have developed the virulent

character .that is now perhaps the most notable thing about it. The question of the North Island Trunk railway has a long1 political history, and of course it would be impossible to eliminate the political element; but for Aucklanders to make it a party question would surely be an instance of consummate folly. It no doubt suits the purpose of our rivals that there should be division in our camp, and that we should be squabbling over the question of the routes, for so long as we are thus occupied we are the less likely to be troublesome with our other claims. We- have only to instance the attitude of Auckland, to* wards either the Rotorua-Gisborne railway or the extension of the North Auckland railway as cases in point. These schemes have failed to obtain the recognition they deserve here only because public attention was engaged on the struggle going on between the supporters of the Stratford and Desert routes respectively, and those wlio were persuaded that either the Gisborne or the North Auckland line was of more importance to this city and province have had hard work to make themselves heard. In the case of the latter it is hopeful that those who are agitating for the extension of railway communication northward from Helensville have not been discouraged by the comparative want of support they received at the outset, but have persisted till now there is a prospect of public attention turning1 itself towards the project they are advocating. The North Auckland Railway Extension League has just forwarded a circular to the members of the Houses of Legislature explanatory of the object which the association has in view, stating the claim it has on the Public Works Department, and asking1 the support of members. Another circular has been issued by the League throughout the North urging the formation of branch leagues to work in the interests of the proposed railway; and a petition to Parliament on the subject is now being prepared, ■copies of which woll be distributed for signature in the various districts.

It should not be necessary to have to ask the co-operation of Aucklanders in this work.' The value of such a railway 'to this part of the colony .is self-evident. As a work that, is to benefit Auckland only it is certainly of more importance than railway communication with Wellington can be for us, and it is very questionable whether we wotild gain so much from being connected with. Taranaki as we would from having the Northern Peninsula opened up. At least if at first the advantage were on the side of the Taranaki communication, it would not long continue so. The resources of Taranaki may be tapped from many sides. We here can never hope, however perfect a railway sytem is established, to drain the bulk of the products of the gurden of New Zealand. A great deal that the province raises will go south to Wellington, or leave the country by its own sea-poi-t. But the case is quite different so far as. the Northern Peninsula is concerned. Auckland is the natural reservoir for all its resources, and its great centre of distribution. Into her markets must come everything that is produced in that great stretch, of country, with its semi-tropical climate, and from her warehouses will naturally go out all the supplies required throughout that big area. Auckland is the only key to the treasure house of the North, and no one - can dispute her control of the entire district. The wonder is that

she has been so slow to recognise .the supreme advantage she enjoys, and has not made haste long ago to develop the resources of a region over which she owns undisputed swaj'. But he has been comparatively careless of her possessions, and looked southward for prosperity when she should have more often looked northwards. The desire to be connected by railway with Wellington, which has been urged as the chief practical reason for their crusade by those who agitated for the Central route, is an admirable instance of our blindness to our own interests. If our merchants will but carefully consider it, they must see that for one centre to have rapid communication with another, though doubtless a great commercial advantage ,is of very minor importance, especially in a country which like this 3 s in the agricultural stage, compared with the benefit each centre would derive from being connected with a rich producing region. If they would think a little less of the mere facilitating of exchange, and a little more of extending the area of production; less of the mere commercial factor in our prosperity, and more of the industrial, it would be better for us. The ascendency of the man who barters shows itself too obtrusively in this young colony, and puts in an entirely false relation the settler who is doing the actual producing work of the country. "The neglected North." has been v familiar cry in our ears since we can remember, and it has been particularly applicable to the part 'of the Auckland province north of the city. But who has neglected it more than the peoule of the city themselves? We have talked a great deal about the enormous possibilities of the peninsula, and idly dreamt of its one day becoming a land of vineyards and orange grooves, and "uplands hoary to the wind," but we have done precious little towards the realisation of the dream. It is still in our power, how- | ever, to atone for our neglect, and in ! supporting the efforts of the North Auckland Railway League we can do a great deal in the right direction.

There are. indications of stormy weather, probably "a heavy gale from north-east, accompanied with heavy rain, due about Friday.

The schooner Enterxmso, for -the safety of which some anxiety was felt, turned up safely at Timaru on Friday night last, having taken thirteen days to sail the distance from Dunedin to Timaru, 95 miles. She was blown oiT the land by westerly woather, and had some difficulty in beating back to port. Captain Sopwith, of Auckland, is in charge of the vessel.

Registrar-General be requested by this institute to tabulate and publish in the annual volume of statistics the particular part of the body primarily affected by the malignant growth, and age at death in each case."

Another of the old Black Cuffs has passed away in the person of Mr Francis Connolly, late of Upper Unionstreet, whose death took place this morningl. Mr Connolly was one of the old Black Cuffs (58th Regiment), and went through the native disturbances in the early times, afterwards joining the police force, in which he served for many years. Latterly Mr Connolly suffered from severe paralysis. He died this morning at the residence of his son, Mr Patrick Connolly. Deceased leaves several sons and daughters to mourn their loss.

The many Auckland friends of the Rev. Father Madden, formerly Administrator of St. Patrick's Cathedral here, will be glad to hear that he is now parish priest of a large and important parish in the Diocese of Sacramento, California, U.S.A., under the episcopal jurisdiction of His Lordship the Most Rev. Thomes Grace, D.D., the popular Bishop of that See. •

Some thirty-four fine engravings of New Zealand scenery and colonial events, as much bright fiction by prominent authors as would half-fill this issue of the "Star," innumerable short .articles, all the news of the week, home and fOTeign, a record of all the social doings throughout the colony, the latest information and tips in racing, football, golf, and the domain of sports generally, the fashions of the day, with copious diagrams, a chance to win twenty-five money prizes worth from £2 to 5/ each—all this for sixpence. It is a triumph of magazine art which has" been achieved by no other paper in Australasia, except the "Graphic." For the contents of this week's number of the issue we refer our readers to the special announcement in this issue.

At a meeting of the Jforthcote School Committee on Tuesday evening a half-yearly report was ' read from the headmaster (Mr Alfred Taylor) as to the work of the respective members of the teaching staff. The report spoke highly of all the teachers. The headmaster also reported as to issuing periodical reports on the progress of the scholars. He considered, that it would be difficult to carry out the system at the present time owing to his time being fully occupied. Report adopted. Formal aplication was received for nominations to fill the place of Mr Leys on the Auckland Education Board, such nominations to close on July 24th. It was decided not to nominate. The circular from the Auckland City Schools Committee was received recommending a reduction in. the school syllabus and the empowering of head teachers to promote children. It was agreed to approve of the reduction of the syllabus and to leave the details of the reduction to the education authorities. In regard to the promotion of scholars by the head teacher the general feeling was opposed to it.

On Monday a man named Holt, working in the Waihi mine, fell on a crowbar, which penetrated his stomach and caused him great suffering. Another man, named' Armstrong, who was struck on the head by the handle of a windlass at the Waihi Union mine, had his skull cracked, but is progressingl favourably under Dr. Wright's care.

At a meeting of the Insurance Institute held in Wellington last night, the following resolution was carried, "That, in connection with the registration of deaths from cancer, the

The monthly meeting of the committee of the Society for the Protection of Women and Children and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was held in the Society's office yesterday afternoon. There were present: Mr Wilding- (in the chair), Mesdames. Nelson, Daldy, Goodall, Taylor, Myers, and King-; Revs. Goldstein and Mecnicol; Messrs Munro, St. Clair, Baker, and Fowlds, and the Secretary Miss Porter. The Secretary's report showed that during- the month _ 139 letters had been written, 144 visits received, and 106 paid. In the women and children's department 16 cases had been inquired into. In the prevention of cruelty to animals department 9 cautions had been given, and 1 information laid. It was resolved that ex-Sergt. McMahon be appointed acting inspector for the P.C.A. department. It was decided that the ladies' committee be invited to attend the general committee meeting once a quarter. The executive of the Dunedin Church Council has unanimously resolved to recommend the Council to approve of the opening of public schools with the Lord's Prayer and the reading, without note or comment, of a portion of Scripture. It was further resolved to agitate for the admission of ministers of religion to schools one hour per week. The fortnightly meeting of the Ponsonby Baptist Young Men's Mutual Improvement Society was held last evening. The following readings and recitations were contributed by members of the society: Messrs C. Palmer, "Master and Man"; W. Carter, "Liquid Air"; Mr Wine, "How John Brown Dissolved Partnership"; E. Whaley, "The Friend of Humanity and the Knife Grinder"; E. Carter, "Write It"; and S. Hutchinson, "A Perilous Adventure." At Christchurch yesterday, W. F. Cederwall, shoxj manager, Herbert Barrs and William Harle, assistants, employed by the Christchurch Meat Company, were fined 5/ each and costs for obstructing Mr Jarman, Inspector of City Council, when he tried to seize meat he considered unsound from their shop. The Meat Company has now issued a writ against Jarman to recover £750 damages for alleged injury to its credit and repxitation, j caused by Jarman's action, and a sub- i sequent statement he is alleged to ! have made. We acknowledge the folio-wing additional subscriptions on behalf of the j widow of Mrs Muir, collected by Mrs | G. Hendry, Kyber Pass: —£6 10/; employees Great JJorthern Brewery (second list), 19/6; J. Jones, 10/. The fortnightly meeting of the, Women's Democratic Union was held last evening, the President, Mrs Kirkby, in the Chair. It was decided to donate £1 to the Sir George Grey Memorial Fund. The following reso- ! lution was carried with two dissen- : tients after a lengthy discussion, ! "That the thanks of. this meeting be j forwarded to Mr T. E. Taylor for j bringing forward the removal of Women's Disabilities Bill." j The Mount Eden District School ; Committee held their usual monthly ■ meeting on Monday evening. The j Chairman reported that in company lof the Secretary he had visited the j | school and found the work proceeding | | satisfactorily. Amongst other matr I ! ters considered was the question of improving the state of the school ground; and it was resolved to issue j a circular to parents of children at- j tending the school, asking for sub- \ scriptions to proposed scheme of im- 1 j provements. The use of a room in I the school building upon one evening in each week in which to conduct a short-hand and type-writing class was j granted to Mr Connell. It was deI cided to grant a holiday on Arbor Day and to provide a dozen trees for the children to plant upon the school I ground. The number on roll for month of June was 590, and average i attendance 527.4. j A meeting of the Auckland Flying j Club was held in the Club Room, Rail- i i way Chambers, last evening, when the ! j arranging of the race schedule for the ' j coming flying season received the final ! consideration. In addition to the races already arranged, which include | all stages to Wellington, the following j were decided upon:—For junior mem- j bers, Huntly, Morrinsville, and Eoto- : ma. And for the young bird races, j Huntly, Frankton, Te Awamutu, and Te Kuiti, making in all 17 races to be flown during, the season. A very members were proposed. A very handsome silver cup has been- pre- j sented to the Club by Mr A. M. Myers, | which will be competed for in the Wei- j lington race to be flown in December j next.

This evening- in the' West-street Church, Newton, Mr Aldridge commences a series of illustrated addresses on C. 11. Spurgeon's "John Ploughman's Pictures."

The weekly meeting of the Auckland Metaphysical Association was held last evening at the Victoria Arcade, there being a good attendance. Miss Kenrick read an interesting paper entitled "Mind Substance," which was well received by her hearers.

The Young- Ladies' Orchestra will give a concert in the Choral Hall on Monday, 17th inst. They will be assisted by Misses Mclntyre and Taylor, Messrs Hamilton Hodg-es, A. L. Edwards and Wilfred Manning.

Mr Grant recommends abolishing history and geography as passes except for Standard VI., making junior scholarship subjects identical with that Standard.

Mr W. B. Catfzow's first winter concert will be given in St. Benedict's Hall to-night. A first-class programme has been arranged.

Mrs Waltho, accoucheuse and trained nurse (certificated) of Abbey House, Shortland-street, has an advertisement in this issue. This, lady enjoys, a high standing in her profession. She has had large experience in England, Queensland and New Zealand. The accommodation at Abbey House is excellent.

At George Fowlds' reduction sale tomorrow men's strong working shirts will be sold at lOd and 1/6.—(Ad.)

Furniture supplied direct at factory prices. Our stock is the most extensive in the city. Estimates given for fur-' nishing throughout. D.S.C.—(Ad.)

At Geo. Fowlds' reduction sale tomorrow white shirts will be sold at 2/11, Charley's Aunts 1/11.—'(Ad.)

At Geo. Fowlds' reduction sale tomorrow men's tweed suits will be sold at 8/11, trousers 2/11.—(Ad.)

At Geo. Fowlds' reduction sale tomorrow stiff felt hats will be sold for 1/, Dr. Jims' 2/6.—(Ad.)

A genuine drop—Having decided to clear our gent's Kaiapoi mackintosh overcoats, we are selling 35/ coats at 21/. Genuine reliable goods at about half price. D.S.C.—(Ad.)