COMPENSATION.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXII, Issue 2934, 20 December 1866, Page 4

COMPENSATION.

Mr. Stafford has managed to put the olimax on the indignities heaped upon the heads of the unfortunate Auckland claimants for compensation for losses sustained during the war. His letter to his Honor the Superintendent appeared in yesterday's issue, in our report of the -Provincial Council proceedings. In effeot, he declines to authorise the payment of any money to the claimants until a surplus shall have accrued from the sale of the confiscated lands, after liquidating all charges upon those lands which may be brought to account by the General Government. This is simply playing with the necessities of these poor people. Many of the claimants oan afford to do without the residue of their claim still outstanding ; but to the majority it will be a crushing blow indeed. It is simply absurd to suppose that the confiscated lands will realise anything like the amount that has been charged against them; and that being so, Mr. Stafford intimates that his Government is prepared to repudiate. That is the long and short of it. Repudiation is an ugly word, and the Premier may not like it to be used in connection with the Government of which he is the head ; but however unpleasant it may be to use the word, there is not another so handy, or so expressive of the true scope and intent of the Colonial Secretary's letter. It may just possibly be that Mr. Stafford believes he wilL realise a surplus by the sale of these lands ; and if he does, we admit that we misjudge him; but he must be excessively sanguine if, at this time of day, he harbours any such opinion. The truth is, the confiscated lands have been very much overrated, and they never will realise to the Government a tithe of what they have cost. . ( But, therefore, our claimants for compensation for losses sustained in the war— not of their own choice and consent, but very much against their will - must give up all hope of redress from the colony. That is the principle laid down by Mr. Stafford. He goes farther, however, and lectures the Superintendent in reference to his promise to allow six per cent, interest on the unpaid balance. This promise Mr. Stafford declines to recognise ; and he ventures upon an assertion which, with all respect to his veracity and, official knowledge, is scarcely tirue. He says that the- Government did not authorise the payment of any such interest ; neither has it been paid in the case of similar claims at Taranaki or elsewhere. It is true the Government did not authorise the payment of this interest, but the Superintendent, administering the lands for the Government, did promise it, and we submit the Government are as much bound by that act of their agent, as they are by any other act of his whidh' they have adopted consequent on the re-transfer of the administration of these lands. It is convenient, however, for Mr. Stafford to repudiate this act, and to adopt all others. Then again, it is true that 6 per cent, on the residue of the compensation at Tax'atia'ki was not paid ; but doei Mr. Stafford mean to say that no interest was paid to the Taranaki claimants? Surely he will not venture to make that assertion, for it is at direct varianpe with fact. Interest at the rate of 5 per cent., we believe, calculated for two years, was paid to the Taranaki claimants ; and our readers will recollect that at the time when that was done, Mr. Stafford did not raise a dissenting voice. But we are not finding fault with what was given to the Taranaki claimants. Doubtless, they were entitled to all, they got. f We do protest, however, against the' treatment to which bur fellow-settlers are subjected at the hands of the Government. The last paragraph in his letter, directing the Superintendent to take steps to collect and pay into the Treasury £930 18s. lid., which would appear to have been disbursed in excess of the amount tha,t ought, to have, been^aid on, the revised 'award, ia a positive insult to the whole body of claimants. Of course, the necessary action will be taken by his Honor to collect this money,, and the unhappy claimants will be put to more trouble and expense. No doubt they will bear it all patiently. They deserve no beifter treatment';* and they ought' to-be only too glad that Mr. Stafford does not order the Government . Agent in Auckland to sue them individually, and- recover every farthing

of the amount of their claim they have already received. If any men ought to feel grateful to the powers that be, those men are the settlers of Auckland, who claim compensation for losses sustained during the war.

We have been informed by a gentleman recently arrived iv town, that the breakwater at Mangawai has been effectual in deepening the water in the straight channel, and that a vessel can now get out without much difficulty. We/ are glad that the breakwater bis been "a .benefit ( and we hope, now that the navigation is improved, the progress of the district will be rapid. The right to the gates, booths, and stand, at the approaching race meeting, were submitted to public auction yesterday by Messrs. Jones and Co. There was a fair attendance, and the bidding proved far brisker than was generally expected. The Grand Stand, capable of holding some 280 people, with the refreshment rooms underneath, was first submitted, and after some spirited competition it was knocked down to Mr. Mackenzie, of the Union Hotel, for £122. Booth No. I realised £37 ; No. 2, £26 ; No. 3, £20, No. 4, £18 ; and No. 5, £16. On the gate being offered no little commotion was caused among thoso present at the intimation being made that foot passengers were to be charged. The secretary, Mr. Banks, stated that this course was" pursued generally in the Australian colonies and elsewhere. This assertion met with an unqualified denial, and justly so too, as the only inatmce that we know of where foot passengers are charged an admission fee to a racecourse in the Australian colonies is at Randwick, Sydney, and there it is under very peculiar ciroumstances. The course belongs to tbe Jockey Club, and as there was a very large debt incurred in rendering it thoroughly usable, this course was the only one that could be adopted. As soon a* the debt is paid off, however, tbe restriction fee as regards foot passengers is no longer to be enforced. In Nelaon we beltave the same course has also been adopted, but under wh^t circumstances we are not in a position to state. _ The race cards were offered, and we presume nominally purchased by the seoretary, Mr. Banks, for £100. His Honor Mr. Justioe Moore held a sitting in, banco yesterday in the Supreme Court,, and. disposed [of a pun^bf r oficaaei, which will ibe found-reported , elsewhere. We publish elsewhere a condensed report of the .. proceedings at the social gathering of the members and friends of the congregation of the Whau Ptea- i byterian Churoh, held last evening. j The steamer 'Enterprise No, 2' made a trip to the Kawau and Hot Springs, with exoursionisti, yesterday, leaving the wharf at 8 am., and returning at 11 p.m. There were a goodly number of passengers, and a very enjoyable day was spent. The muster of sporting men at the Royal Hotel, yesterday evening, was hardly so large as might have been expected. This may be attributed to counter attractions elsewhere, amongst which the bazaar in the Odd Fellows' Hall, no doubt, deterred many from attending. There was some betting pencilled, chiefly with regard to the Maiden Plate and Auckland Handicap. For the former event, Orlando was the most fancied, 3 to 1 being laid against him, and the takers willing to go on at that price without meeting with any response. For the the Handioap, 40 to 10 was laid once about Policy The declaration of the general entries on Friday next will, no doubt, infuse fresh spirit, and a good attendance at the rooms may consequently be expected. The adjourned meeting of the shareholders o! the Waihau Gold Mining Company (Limited) will take place to-day, at > noon, > • , ~ . , At the ' bie'eting* of the "Board of Education yesterday— present, Key, Mr. Macky (Chairman), Mr, G. P. Pierce, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Mahoney, Mr. Darby, and Mr. Cox — a motion was made by Mr. Mahoney, and seconded by Mr. Darby, that reporters be admitted in future to the meeting? of the Board. Mr. Darby said that, as the Board had to administer the public money, it was right that information as to what was done at the meetings should be published through the newspapers. The Chairman said that for his part he did not see any objection to admitting reporters. The proposition was then put to the vote, when it was negatived, only the mover and seconder voting for it. We think the Board *ie wrong in their decision. What is known of the proceedings of the Board has caused lately a good deal of comment, which our readers would perceive found expression on Tuesday night in the Provincial Counoil. The usual monthly meeting of the Chamber of Commerce will be held tbis afternoon, at 3 o'clock, at the council-room of the Chamber, Fort-street. The annual meeting of the Early Closing Association will be held to-mono w evening, at half-past seven o'clock, at the Masonio Hotel, Princes-street, when a full attendance of members is requested. A meeting of persons desirous of crossing via Riverhead to fleleußville, to meet the steamer ' Prince Alfred,' on her excursion to the Kaipara to-morrow night, was held at the publishing office of the Dajly Soctthbrn Cross laßt evening. It was ascertained that there would be some thirty persons likely to avail themselves of this route, for whom arrangements for land conveyance, fee, would be made. The meeting txpreßsed themselves much indebted to Mr. S. H. Smith for his efforts to promote steam transit on the Kaipara. We may intimate that no civil cases will be held in the Resident Magistrates Court, after to-day, till the second Thursday in January. His Honor Mr. Justice Moore will leave for Taranaki on the 18th of next month, in the discharge of his judicial duties. There are four prisoners for trial for criminal offences, besides some civil business. George Bennett, the man who caused the row in Shortland-streeton Tuesday evening by assaulting the police, pleaded guilty to the charge at the Court ytaterda}', expressing regret for his conduct. Mr. Naugbton stated that the case was a very aggravated ooe, but he believed that the man had previously borne a good character. His Worship fined Bennett £5, or to undergo two months* imprisonment. The weekly meeting of the Newton Total Abstinence Society was held on Tuesday evening last, the attendance being very good. Mr. t-pragg, who occupied the chair, opened the business of the meeting in a few brief remarks, and afterwards,, called upo*n 'JWr^Morgan^a man ? oF colour! j£ddres|i the, meeting. 'Mr. Morgan detailed "Mb "experience of life in China, and the pernicious effects of the introduction of " evil spirits" among the Chinese ; also, as to how the efforts of Christian ministers to spread the truth of the gospel were defeated by the wicked and debased proceedings of the white man, under the white man's curse, intoxicating drink. He gave instances where the heathen had been led to jeer and reproach the white teacher, because of the drinking habits of his countrymen. Glee, by choir, " Forgive, blest shade." Mr. Jenkins dwelt upon the inconsistency of the mother country in sending out missionaries and rum to convert the heathen, and, in his humorous and quaint style, regretted the absence of any counteracting influence up the Waikato, where he had recently been. He showed that most of the misery and distress in that fine country was chiefly caused by the extravagant and wilful waste in the puwlic-house of the means possessed by those who should have used them for a better purpose. If nothing else prospered, the hotels did. He concluded by giving a domestic scene coming under his own observation, of a settler who was a drunkard and one who was an abstainer, showing the beneficial effects resulting from abstaining. Song, "Ellen Bayne." Mr. Coupland denounced the traffic in strong drinks, and hoped the day was not far distant when the sale of intoxicating liquors would be, by the voice of the people, swept from the face of the earth. But until such time it became teetotallers and the well-wishers of the human family to agitate and persevere in spreading the principles of sobriety. If but one drunkard was saved per year it would amply repay all the efforts put forth. He unmasked with a masterly hand the deluding, enslaving, and bewitching influence of strong drink upon its votaries. The National Anthem was then sung. Before the meet- , ing dispersed se^en persons signed the pledge. — [Communicated.] | Te Raihi, the native charged with stealing the reticule from the shop of Mr. Rattray, Shortlandstreet,was brought up at the Police Court yesterday. Since his apprehension, Te Raihi has constantly stated that he had only taken half a sovereign out of the bag, and restored everything else. He attempted to recover it by diving on Tuesday evening, but the tide was too high. Early yesterday morning, at low water, the bag was recovered by some of the p'eopla residing near the Wynyard Pier, who had seen the native diving on the previous evening. However, when handed over to the police the reti,cule was minus all the money. It is obvious that no attempt to recover the bag Bhould have been made unless in presence of a constable. We presume that further search will be made wjsh the view of attempting to recover the money.

In our last; isiue we mentioned the fact of tha erection of a mortuary chapel within the precincts of the Church of England cemetery. This chapel, for the use of both parishes of St. Peter's and St. Paul's, was rendered necessary by the incorporation of St. P»ul'd parish churoh with the Cathedral church lately erected in Mulgrave-street, and the consequent re* moval of the old church from the site, which by per* mission of the goyernment it had co long occupied in the Government Domain, the old eh arch, on account of its close proximity to the cemetery, having hitherto answered the purpose. The vestry and church* wardens of St. Paul's liberally handed over to the* cemetery trustees the materials of the old church, as a contribution from St. Paul's parish toward.' its erection. This donation may be fairly estimated at £70. The remaining portion of the cost of the build* iug (about £150) has been advanced by way of loan from the cemetery funds by the trustees, there being no other available means, and the -parish of St. Peter's have declined to make any contribution towards it. The design of the building is an adapt** fcton of one of the plant for a country churoh prepared by F. Thatcher, J£sq., while officiating as minister of Be Paul's parish. The builder is Mr, John Harri* son. — Wellingtqn Independent. The two men, Howie and McCullogb, who, as wa stated in yesterday's paper, were in custody on * charge of ai son, were brought up at the Police Court yesterday. Mr. Gillies appeared for the prosecutor, Mr. Mabin, agent of the Royal Insurance Oompany — in which Howit's house was insured— and Mr, ■MaoCormick for the prisoners. Mr. Gillies applied for a remand till Friday, on the ground that ha was not yet prepared to proceed with the caie. The application was resisted by Mr. MaoCormick, but was granted by the Court. Crown grants (Militia) in favour of the following parsons, are how ready for delivery, at the Office of the Registrar of Deeds, High-street, Auckland :— William Blain (2), William Boniface (2), William Blenoowe (2), Frank Barker, William Connolly (2), George Edward Cooper (2), William Clements (2), John Cronin (2), .Robert Docherty (2). -Edwin Davis (2), James Gifford(2), Thomas Ray Gibb (2), Patriok Gorman (2), Henry Thomas tiigbid (2), Thomas Hughes, Jesse Hendon • (2), George Harper (2;, James Keating (2), George Kates (2), William Larkiu (2)," Lagier, Robert Lamphier (2), William Loxton (2). William Matbieion (2). Charles • Meagham (2), James McGinlay (2), Peter Peterson (2), Bernard Quinn (2), Henry Qualmer (2), John : Redwood (2), John Sink (2), Frank Whitwall Smith (2), Alfred Mason Speedy (2),' Charles Waring (2). The gardens at Greenwich (Lake) will be open during the Christmas holidays ; and the usual out.doors'ports will be provided. The steamer * Enterprise No, 2' will convey passengers at a low rite of fare. v 'We learn that arrangements have been made for the holding of horse and foot races and Christmas sports at Drury on the 26th instant ; aud for which all entries are to be made on or before the 22nd instant. • Messrs. C. Arthur and Son will sell by auction, ," to-day, at 11 o'clock, at their mart, Queen-street, ironmongery, drapery, fancy goods, &c ; also free* hold cottage and allotment at Mount St. Mary'?, Messrs. Turrell and Tonks will sell to-day by auotion, at 11 o'ebok, plate-glass mirrors ; also, at 12 o'clook, farms at Ruara.ngi, Ruakaka, pariah of Manukau j and allotment at Devonpor^, North Shore, Mr. John Rigg will sell, to-day, at his new mart, groceries, &c. ; also, the lessee's interest in a cottage at the North Shore. * "! Messrs. Jones and Co. announce that they will sell, to-day, by public 'auction, at 11 o'clook, at Brunswick Buildings, Christmas groceries ; also at 1 12 o'clock, the stalls in the city market stand, boots and shoes, &c. < Mr. C. Stichbury has received instructions to sell to-day, at 11 o'clock, at the premises of Mr. John Eastwood, Wellington-street, glassware, japanned ware, fancy china, jewellery, toys, stationery, house* hold furniture, <&c, Mr. Alfred Bnokland advertises that he will sell to-day, by public r.uction, a.t the Newmarket yards, the standing crop of wheat in Sir George Arney's paddook »t Hobson's Bay j also, at 1 o'clock, fat an^ store oattle, sheep, lambs, dairy cows, fat and store sheep, &c.