A GREAT OCCASION

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 104, 3 May 1900, Page 4

A GREAT OCCASION

The banquet given to the Federal delegates now in London appears to have been a brilliant and enthusiastic affair, reminding one of those festive occasions during the Jubilee celebrations, when, the colonial Premiers were so royally entertained. Since those memorable gathering's there have been mighty changes. The war has stimulated the Imperial spirit in a quite unexpected and extraordinary manner. The patriotism and sense of national unity which the Jubilee did so much to develop in loyal hearts have been ten-fold increased in Great Britain and the eokmies by the inspiring- sight of colonial volunteers fighting- side by side in South Africa with the soldiers of the Motherland. The recent banquet, was the first occasion since the despatch of the colonial contingents, or, indeed, since the outbreak of the war, that representatives of Australia, or, as Mr. Chamberlain chose to regard the delegates, representatives of Australasia, foregathered with the most brilliantly representative assemblage of Englishmen. It was very evident from the constitution of the company that it was meant to do the greatest 1 honour to the Australasian colonies. Among those present were the Prince of Wales, the Dukes of York and Fife, Lord Salisbury, Lord .Wolseley, Mr Chamberlain, Mr Balfo-ur, the AgentsUeneral, members of the House of Commons formerly resident ill Australia, and about 600 other distinguished guests. British statesnien have lately been more than ever prodigal of complimentary references to the colonies, There is not a speech of any consequence in which the speaker does not appeal, and most successfully appeal, to the hearts of his audience by some happy allusion to or dissertation on colonial loyalty. At a banquet like that g-iven to the Australian delegates it was easier and more appropriate to speak of these things. It was natural that the flow of patriotic sentiment should be much'less restrained than at any other" time. Here was the opportunity for a closer communion of spirit, an occasion when one might speak the thoughts of the heart. The cabled account of the banquet, unusually long- thoug-h it is, gives but the outline of the proceedings. The details, which lend a fulness and collour to the whole, are necessarily wnnting-; but. one can gather enough from the precis of the speeches to understand the spirit that clearly informed the entire assemblage. The Prince of Wales and Lord Salisbury showered radiant praise on the colonies, and Mr Chamberlain, who most appropriately proposed the toast "Our Australian Kinsmen," touched very gracefully on the trouble of the Federal Bill, which has been the little rift within the lute of Imperial unity. His remarks were of the most conciliatory character, breathing generous concession, and are reg-arded as foreshadowing- his willingness to pass the Commonwealth Bill unaltered, trustingto the assurances of Australia that it will adopt the. Imperial, Court. His attitude in this respect is most significant of the trust the Mother Country l-eposes in the good sense and honour of the colonies. It marks a more fundamental departure from the colonial policy of Great Britain in the past than one recognises in it at a cursory glance.

Viewed by the eyes of Britain's enemies, that gathering, and the results of it, must appear of the utmost moment. It is another of those evidences of that Imperial consolidation they had apparently never expected, and certainly never hoped to see. The vision of world-wide strength it conjures up before their eyes is one that may well excite their jealousy, while at the same time it. should also reveal the utter impossibility of that downfall which they are always prophesying' and praying •will overtake Great Britain in the near future.

Captain Edwin's forecast at 12.20 p.m.: "Very cold night and deci-easing tides." In reply to a telegram from the Premier as to whether the Government should help those sufferers by the great fire in Canada, the Hon. Air Jennings sent the following reply; — "Certainly. Government, should contribute something towards ! alleviating the distress occa- ! sioned by the conflagration in Canada. Moreover, the Government ' w rould be justified in further con- : tributing towards the unhappy starving millions in India. Never mind i what some may say or think in these 1 matters. The impulse to help thoso who need it is a God-giren one and should not be stifled. Shake xvp this narrow T, selfish world into a closer feeling of brotherhood while you have the opportunity. It will be a good example for others to follow.—-(Sd.) W. T. Jenning." The Mylomene, which arrived at Melbourne from Hamburg to-day, lost two of her crew overboard on the voyage. .. I

An alarm of fire was given about half-past nine o'clock last night. It proved to be an incipient in a house in Upper Union-street, occupied by Mrs Ackley. A kerosene lamp was accidentally broken or capsized, and the only damage done was to the table on which it stood. The cottage was insured for £ 130 in the South British, but the furniture,was uninsured. The fire was put, out before the brigade could reach the locality. The brigade had to drag the hook and ladder carriage about a mile against the wind and rain, and so were not too "fit" when they reached the scene.

The lady ex-pupils of the Sisters of Mercy, who are proceeding with the presentation of a purse of sovereigns and an illuminated address to Sisters in celebration of the golden jubilee of their arrival in Auckland, held their second meeting in St. Mary's Schoolroom yesterday. There was a very large attendance, and Mrs R. Dig'nan presided. It was stated that a good sum had already been collected, and it was decided that gentlemen be eligible to contribute-, provided they were ex-pupils. An expupils' association 'will shortly be formed. A complimentary concert to the Sisters will be given in the Choral Hall on the 10th inst., under the direction of Mr Arthur Towsey.

Mr John Mitchell, of the firm of Mitchell and Watt, architects to the Auckland Board o£ Education, has received from the Board six months' leave of absence, and leaves on Monday next for England. The main object of Mr Mitchell's trip is to make himself acquainted with the latest improvements in architecture in connection with the building of public schools. He takes with him letters of introduction from the Premier to the Agent-General; from the Minister of Education, the United States Consul, and other prominent men, which will assist him to obtain facilities in carrying out the object he has in view. Mr Mitchell has an excellent reputation in Auckland, having some of our finest buildings, and he' will no doubt make good use of the opportimities he may have in acquiring new ideas for future use in his profession.

A very handsome sale plan of Ml' J. G. Ralph's richly-pastured Sylvia Park Estate, which goes up for sale by auction on a date to be announced, has been issued. The plans of the allotments are lithographed in tinted colours, which has a splendid effect. The acreage of each lot and the measurement is shown. Altogether there are 138 lots depicted, averaging in size from a quarter of an acre to one and a-half acres, A large photo-litho illustration also depicts the beautiful position of the estate, besides giving a panoramic view of its attractions. Mr Ralph's private* residence is also faithfully re-produced on the plan by aid of the photo-litho > process. A locality plan of the property shows its unique position and beautiful locality, and its close position to the main roads of Auckland and country districts, also to the main railway line and station. The whole of the plan is a very handsome production of the lithographic art, and reflects the greatest credit on the "Star" litho. department. -

Mr Geo. Aklridge lectures, at * the West-street Church. "The Origin of the British Bible" is proving very interesting. A large audience attended last evening. The narrative was taken up from the time the.Septuagint was translated into Greek, the circumstances being detailed, and the history of the three existing original copies of that wonderful work given in full. The work of Saint Jerome in compiling the Latin Vulgate also received notice, and then the story was transferred to British shores, telling of the patient labour of the monks of lona and Lindisfarne in caj-ping Jerome's work, and how they had helped to keep the lamp of Christianity alight in Northern Europe. The lecture closed with the account of the work of the Venerable Bede in translating the foreign versions into Anglo-Saxon, thus giving to Englishmen the pleasure of reading the Scriptures in their own tongue. Miss Lester was organist.

Messrs Samuel Vaile and Sons will sell by auction to-morrow, at 2 o'clock, eight unimproved farms in the. Whangape district. This country is now being rapidly opened, and is attracting considerable attention. Eight township sections in the same district will also be offered.

The May number of the '"Christian Worker" is one of the best issues ot this excellent, illustrated monthly we have received. Anecdotes and incidents in conection with the Anglo-Boer was bearing on the religious life of the troops, are pleasant reading. Amongst the numei'X- articles there is one by Mr Chas. Reeve of the Poona Mission, and one by E. P. Gaston, who details his experiences of a night amongst London thieves. We notice also the opening of a new mission at Te Kuiti. amongst the Maoris by a Mr and Mrs Nichol on undenominational lines. The paper is well illustrated, and should find a place in every home.

A most successful concert Avas given" by Mrs Anderson and friends last Friday evening to the inmates of the Costley Home. The following ladies and gentlemen took part:—Mesdames Anderson, Moss, Collum, the Misses Lauer and Moncur, Messrs Higgot, H. Kent, Moss. A. Kent, and Dinnison. The items, which were of a varied character, were nearly all encored. Mr -A-. Peak acted as aeeompaniest in a most efficient manner.

New Zealand's scenery all admit Is unsurpassed in any land; One gazes till he's loth to quit Views so splendid and so grand. But winter brings us squalls and storms When everybody should inure

His, system with the stuff that warms, W. E. Woods' Great Peppermint Cure.

This evening Mr Towsey will give his promised recital of music upon the fine organ at St. Sepulchre's Church, Khyber Pass. The programme includes some items of the classical organ style, and others of a lighter character, among them'being, Batiste's Storm fantasia. Two vocaj solos and an anthem will be rendered by members of the choir. Masonic Grand Lodge

Benton's first show of new goods, Saturday, May sth.—Benton (late Scott), Karangahape Koad.—(Ad.) Ladies' coloured kid gloves, new and reliable, at 1/11 per pair.—Smith and Caughey.—(Ad.) Smith and Caughey are showing a splendid range of gents' umbrelas, all reliable makes. 4/11 to 37/6.—(Ad.) Ask for C.S. Corsets; clock spring steel, practically unbreakable.—(Ad.) Daley's Stock.—The balance for sale at nominal prices: White calicoes, 2id, 3M, and 4Ad per yard, Daley's price from 4Ad to 7Ad; white twill sheetings, 70in wide, S|d and lOfd, Daley's prices 1/ and 1/2; honeycomb quilts, 2/ll f 3/11, and 4/11, Daley's prices 4/G, 5/6,' 6/6. Sale now on.—D.S.C.—Ad. Tiy Smith and Caughey for gents' ties, scarves, and bows, new and '■ -.test novelties; reversible silk Derby ties, 9d to 3/3; bows 9d to 1/11.—(Ad.)