OUR AUCKLAND LETTER.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1888, 12 September 1885, Page 2

OUR AUCKLAND LETTER.

1 We were much amused in reading a recent paragraph in our morning paper at the apparently unsophisticated mind of the Howiclc School Committee, in their objection to the head teacher, ou the grounds of his being much interested in the habits and life of the insect world. He, poor man, had evidently been reading Darwin with the hope of improving his mind, and when he shares his knowledge with his scholars, is he to be found fault Tprith ? The only feeling we have for the committee is one of profound pity for the evidout crass ignorance of gome of its member's, in objecting to have their children told that they are the descendants of monkeys. Perhaps some of the committee resemble the ape tribe, minus the tail, and find Darwin's theory strikes home. A monster dance is to be given on the Hth of this month by the Auckland cricketers to which the youth, beauty and fashion of our city are invited. A large ball given on the 7th by the A. Battery of Artillery in the Choral Hall, was largely attended by a gay and brillant throng. The hall was most tastefully decorated with flags and bunting and small arms arranged artistically in various and ingenious devices. During the evening; Mrs Colonel Lyons pinned the bronze medal of the Australian Hoyal Humane Society on Mr Buckley's breast. This medal wan awarded to him by the Society, for saving a youth from drowning in the Avon river Christchurch, at the peril of his own life. His Honor Mr Justice Gillies said a few words referring to his prompt action and bravery, and Colonel Lyons called for three cheers, which were heartily given. About ten o'clock on Monday night those in the vicinity of the wharf were alarmed by hearing that a vessel was on fire ; it pi*oved to be the Union Steamship company's steamer Waihora which had arrived that afternoon from Melbourne and Southern ports. The lire began in the fore part of the vessel, but being promptly dealt with by the chief engineer, was kept in check until the arrival of the Auckland Fire Brigade who quickly got it under. "When Mr Henderson the agent of the company arrived ho gave orders that the whole of the cargo in the fore hold should be taken out and landed, this was done with as much despatch as possible, and so secured against further damage. Not reckoning the loss of cargo that the fire occasioned the damage done to the Waihora is estimated at about £300. Those interested in Astronomy were much disappointed that Wednesday turned out so unfavourable for viewing the eclipse. The sun was obscured by heavy clouds which the eye was quite unable to penetrate, j and although darkness resembling the | beginning of twilight lasted for about i 20 minutes, nothing beyond this was* seen of the eclipse. We hope Dr.

Hector and others will be more fortunate in the neighbourhood -of Masterto.n, where the phenomenon will be se.eii to greater advantage. '% *".•' In a, recent issue of our inornirig paper we noticed the Prospectus of a Company, the great Western Tin Mining Company Limited which is being formed at present. " From the Analysis of the ore, and report on the estate of the Company by a mining expert there appears to t)o every prospect of a most successful enterprise. The Company's estate is situated on the West Coast of the Middle Island within 23 miles of the town of Westport and adjacent to the sea coast. It consists of an almost level plateau lising 4 feefc above high % r ater mark, it is of 350 acres in extent and the deposit containing the tin ore is to be found over the whole area. According to the report the upper two feet consists of light sandy soil intermixed with granite and white sandstone shingle, Under which is fotirtd bright greyish black metallic sand 5 the later portion containing the tin has beon proved to exist to a depth of 6 feet. The total thickness of this deposit was not ascertained on account of water, so that with pumping apparatus ore of even richer quality might yet be discovered. Coal also of excellent quality for smelting purposes is said to" exist within four miles of the property, and timber is readily obtainable. With all these advantage it would seem strange indeed if the necessary capital were not quickly forthcoming. The Auckland public were much disappointed that Mr George Augustus Sala's visit to our city was so brief. He was only ablo to give one lecture, and he chose for his subject a matter which is now agitating the minds of all free born British subjects, " Russia, what she is like and what she means." He trusted to his memory eutirely, using no notes, which had the effect of making the. discourse both natural and attractive. Aa a lecturer he has few equals, and possibly no superior. He described the Government of Russia, the peasant, the noble, and other types of llussiau Bociety. Peter the Great's city (St. Petersburg), was shown forth in all its grandeur, the Winter Palace of the Emperor, the most magnift'eant palatial structure in the world, was fitly described. He remarked that Peter the Great built St. Peterburg because, as he said, he " wanted a window to see into Earope," and now Russia appears to want a window to see into British India. [M.V Sala's stay in our city,, although brief was extremely plea3ant and. the Auckland public fully sustained its reputation of being able to Jappreciate the worthy, always bearing in mind Pope's well-known lines : — True friendship's laws are by these words erp" eased, Welcome tlio coming, speed the parting guest. Grapheus.