The Daily Southern Cross.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXVI, Issue 3940, 8 April 1870, Page 3

The Daily Southern Cross.

LVVEO, No\ URO. If I have been extinguished, yet thore rLs'o A thousand beacons from the spaik I boie.

FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 1870.

Our growing trade with the Fiji leads us id take a greater interest iv the affairs of that group of islands than we should otherwise do, but nob greater than their importance demands. The colonisation of the Fiji group has proceeded more rapidly during the last half-dozen yeara than we were prepared to expect. From an address £f To the " White Residents in Fiji," now before us, we find " that there are some " 2,300 white inhabitants of this " group ;" and their number is rapidly increasing, on account of the inducements held out to settlers for the cultivation of cotton and sugar. The white population naturally enough requires something like protection for life and property; because they are fast accumulating property, and laying the foundation for a prosperous State. But there is no constituted authority to which they can appeal. The native race is numerous aud bloodthirsty) and already there have been outrages committed by them, which indicate a disposition uot altogether favourable to the white race. So long as the white population consisted of a handful of men, engaged in bartering cotton goods, firearms, and iron weapons for native produce, no difficulty was experienced. The triidei'M were nece^ary for the natives, Tli r<r replied the new wants, whiclioccasioii.il intercourse with the rqnvsentalives of civilisation had created ; and so far all was. well. But when the white race bei^an to swarm into the islands, and to acquire land and cultivate it, atsd employ labour, the natives regarded their presence in a different light ; and but, for the friendly offices of a few leading chiefs, who profit especially by the increase of Eu.opfMns, there is ivm-m t > roar that some serious collision would, before this, have takeu place But " the "native question." which Iwsgivenus so much trouble in New Zealand, is fast ripening in the Fijis. It will come to an issue, however, in Fiji much sooner . than it has done in New Zealand, owing to the small extent of the territory and the number of the natives; and the political movement which the Address, to which we have already referred} bears evidence, is likely to precipitate it. It will be in the recollection of many of our readers, that the Imperial Government sent a Commissioner to the Fijis to report upon the application of the paramount chief, Thakambou } to have the British sovereignty proclaimed in that country, and offering to ced3 it to the Crown Colonel Smith imported in favour of the cession ; but the " Manchester School" having obtained the ascendant, the power and interests of the Empire were thenceforward made subservient to the aggrandisement of the manufacturing and money interests. Therefore, England rejected the Fijis, because it would involve < re- " sponsibilities," and might cost more than it was worth. An appeal was next made to the United States, but whilst the Great Republic was ready to acknowledge a Fijian flag, its Grovernment was not prepared for annexation. There were " tight littlo inlands" much nearer Washington and NeAv York which demanded attention. The Fijis might, meanwhile, establish a Republican form of Government, with the knowledge that the United States would recognise its flag. Meanwhile, settlement progressed ; the colonists being chiefly British sub- I jects. They do not look to France, or Russia, or Germany for protection ; but, with true British pluck, fall back upon their own resources. The new policy of " self-reliance," founded on a very old principle of action amongst the British race, has come into ful] play in the Fijis; and a printed circular has been issued, convening a i meeting of the white inhabitants, for ; the 14th of April, 1870, to determine upon a form of Government. The circular, or "address," is signed by thirtyseven of the settlers, and will yet be regarded as a historical document of a most interesting character. The address reviews the public situation, aud inv-ites all the settlers to consider, amongst other things, " whether, " relying upon ourselves, and trusting " to the support which we can mutually " accord to each other, we may not i " strengthen our position, by forming "an Independency, whose members (i will renounce their reliance on the " protection of any other power, and " will swear allegiance to the commu- " nity proposed to be formed. This t( (they add) is the principal object of ■" the circular, and of the meeting which (t we propose to convene to diioiiss the " subject." This looks very much like j burning their boati to render J'efcurn impossible ; but, after all, it is the only feasible polioy. j England has oait them off. America will none of them. France or Russia would colonise on principles repugnant to Anglo-Saxon instincts. The only thing possible, therefore, is to form a community, and face all the difficu'ties of the situation. The adventure may be dangerous; but it is one of those bold measures which are more likely to result in complete success than in l failure. At any rate,tbe proposal argues, a gr at degree of inherent vitality and pluck in the Fijian colonists. They are thekiad of men who lay the foundation of eve 7' new State. . :. It may not be much to wish them success in consolidating their society; but

we clo wish it heartily. It is impossible to plant the Now Zealand Hag in the Fijis, andaftord the colonists ils protection ; or we would be inclined to advise that course. "Victoria, of all the Australasian colonies, is equal to the enterprise; but she is too much engrossed with her own municipal concerns, to take the leadas a colonising State in- the South Pacific. The duty belongs to New Zealand, as of right. This country is the natural centre from whence civilisation is to extend its blessings, and law impose its obligations, in the isles of the Pacific ; and were it not for our own internal disturbances, we believe New Zealand would be equal to the task Nature assigns to her.

In another place we publish an extract from " Historical Sketches in New " Zealand )J — a work containing the observations of one of our oldest colonists, and composed by him as an amusement in his leisure hours. It refers to kauri gum — a New Zealand product, which is special to the province of Auckland. The importance of the gum trade is second only to gold, and there is reason to believe that it has not yet attained its highest point of development* Any information, therefote, in regard to the source of supply, must be of interest to those engaged in the trade. Considerable diversity of opinion at one time prevailed regarding kauri gum — some t Maintaining that it was a mineral, whilst others again more reasonably maintained that it was d vegetable deposit. Of the origin of the gum there can be no mistake whatever. It is obtained from the soil on which, ages ago, the kauri tree flourished j and it is likewise obtained in large quantities in existing kauri forests, by digging at the roots of old or decayed trees. The latter fact gives colour to the theory put forward by the author of " His- " torical Sketches of New Zealand," in the extract which we publish. It may be (and we see no reason to doubt the fact) that " the, supply ,ea» never be etf- " haiisted tin til the forests cease to " exist," The figures quoted by our author show how important it is not to permit the destruction of the kauri forests for the sake of the timber, if not too often through culpable negligence by fire. Surely it is of great importance to the province to koep up a supply of giim, which is calculated to increase at the rate of £250,000 every year. But how often have we been called upon to protest against the wholesale destruction of our indigenous trees ; and with rat effect 1 The pioneer settlers do not think, when they apply the fire-stick to the virgin forest, that they are destroying a much more vahiable crop than they could possibly hope to garner in any other shape ; but, if to the total wasts of the timber be added the waste of gum, which the theory of production alluded to would imply, then it becomes a matter affecting the public interest to such an extent as to call for a searching investigation, and the adoption of protective measures. Steps have been taken by the Legi <- lature to ascertain the condition of the New Zealand forests, and not before it had become absolutely necessary. But we are not aware 1 of anything having been done to preserve the more valuable timber from extermination, or to cause the owners of property to plant in lieu of those forests which have been destroyed. We dare say, however, this will not be lost sight of. There is much land in New Zealand valueless now which might be made of great value to the State by being judiciously planted with forest trees. In many parts of America the State laws compel landowners to plant a given number of shade trees to the acre ; and in California, so i^apid has beeu the destruction of the indigenous trees, and so marked the climatic effect, that in several counties rewards are paid out of the county funds for plauting shade trees. If this has become necessary in California and many of the other States, it is equally a necessity in New Zealand. Otago and Canterbury suffer from the want of timber ; Auckland, especially in the North, has, perhaps, more than sufficient. But whilst it is necessaiy to plant extensively in the Southern provinces named, there is no reason why a wholesale destruction of the forests should be permitted in Auckland. On this subject, legislation is necessary. But it is likewise necessary to obtain the fullest information before attempting to legislate. Crude Oi. hasty legis lation, especially upon a subject which more or less affects various domestic interests, ought to be avoided. However, we have done our duty by alluding pointedly to the subject.

I We have had some inquiries lately from cosntry correspondents, as to the prices of gvass seed in Auckland, and we therefore give in another columa these reports, kindly furnished to us by three of the principal seedsmen in the province. When the 18th Regiment left Auckland, there was ief t behind them a large quantity of gunpowder, which is stored in. a place in which it ought not to be left, It ia now guarded, but an accident to it WQuJd be extensively destructive of property and life, It would, we think, be worthy of conaidera. tion by the authorities whether & iiulk, properly prepared and plaoed som.e?efc«r « near the enfrauoe to the harbour, would not be the safest and moat convenient kind of magazine. In addition to serving as a general depot, such a hulk would facilitate the discharge of powder from Engiith ships as they arrive, and would so, perhaps, gave days of detention. We have mentioned that powder was left behind when the 18th Regiment departed ; and we hear that some I of what was left behind is to be sent home. Not by or for the Imperial authorities, but ! as a commercial transaction ; some tons of the powder having been purchased by an Auckland merchant at 9d. per lb., which price will, it is believed, leave a good profit on shipment of the powder to England. The contractor for the extensive offices] being erected fovthe New Zealandlnsurance' Company seems determined to lose no time; in pushing on the work. Yesterday we observed some carpenters busy erecting a large shed, in the centre of the intended building,' to be used as a workshop while the works j are being carried on. We also -saw the brick- 1 j layers preparing to lay their first course, of x brick-wor> upon the scoria fragment dready built. . ,\- " '-' }

"We are glad to hear that a movement is now in progress to establish a Masonic Lodge, under the Irish Constitution, at the Thames, a very suitable Lodge-room having been secured. We have been requested by the Chief Postmaster to state that he will carefully | investigate any complaints as to incivility from clerks at the Post-office "windows. The usual sitting of the Resident Magistrate's Court was held yesterday, at the Court, Eden-street. Iv several claims judgments we c given for plaintiffs for goods. Some claims against defaulting shareholders were disposed of. A claim to recover money paid for tickets in the Thames Share Investment Association (a lottery, and disallowed by Government) broke down on technical grounds. At the Police Court yesterday, before J. H. Home and D. 3. Thornton, E&qs., J.P.s, two drunkards were mulcted iv sums of ss. and 1(K and costs, or offered the alternatives of 24 and 4S hours' imprisonment, respectively. P. S. Mackenzie was brought up on a charge of false pretences, and re* manded to Tuesday next, bail bein 4 allowed. F. Falcon was charged with an assault, but;, prosecutor declining to press the charge, defendant was discharged. M. Walsh was next sent to Mount Eden for 14 days for having appropriated to his own use a bottle of old torn, without having tendered an equivalent ; after which several offenders against the Highways Act were dealt with by being ordered to pay their debts with costs. At 2 o'clock the Court again resumed before J. H. Home and L. D. Nathan, Esqs., J.P.s, when a young man of the theatrical profession was committed to take his trial for having stolen some £165 from out of a boot in a house in Albert-stieet. There was on view yesterday at Messrs. Upton and Co.'s, Queen-street, a large and excellently-photogiaphed panoramic view of Auckland, We have received a parcel of books from Master Leech for the inmates of the Lunatic Asylum. Now that the members of tnfe Armed Constabulary are engaged obtaining statistics relative to candidates for admission to the Ragged School, we have been requested by several correspondents to draw their attention to the facj? that, iv several parts of the city of late, children 1 of tender years have been hawking from house to ho'iise r&riqus small articles of wearing apparel. The usual story is that they have been sent to sell them to procure bread, &c ; but it is guessed that they may have been sent to privately dispose of some of the proceeds of the numerous petty robberies which have been committed of late. A tirickcst match wili be played in the Albert Barracks ground Saturday next, the 9th instant, between an eleven gentlemen of the legal profession, and an eleven of Auckland. Wickets to be pitched at 1 o'clock. gome thirty informations for payment of rates Were laid against owners of property m Pamela but, when the cases came oil for hearing yesterday, it was fpun'cl that all but two dr three had been setfted 6ttt of Court. We observed yesterday, at ilie plldtdgraplric rooms of Mr. Crombie, Queen-street, some very excellent life-sized pho+ographs. Amongst "those in view are the photograph likeness of the Hon. the Preroiei', Jitdge Beckham, Dr. Fischer, and Mr. S. Jackson. These are very faithfully taken, and tastefully framed. His Honor the Superintendent has appointed tlie first meeting oi: the Mining Board to take place at the Provincial Government Buildings, at 10 o'clock on Monday, the 18th instant. Yesterday forenoon we observed that the Postmaster had caused to be fas+ened up outside the post-office two copies of the little pamphlet issued from the Government Press at Wellington, entitled, " Plain Pmles for the Guidance of Persons desiring to Insure their Lives or to purchase Government Annuities. " From the number we observed at different times perusing the tables attached to it, a good deal of interest seemed to be manifested. We may remind those who desire to obtain information as to the purchase of annuities, or as to insurances, that the pamphletrf may be had gratis, on application at the Money Order Department of the Post-office. The Thames Adocrtiwr of yesterday says that, on Wednesday, Dr. Hectoi', Director of the Government Geological Survey of NewZealand, accompanied by Charles O'Neill, Esq. (Provincial Engineer), and J. T. Mackelvie, Esq., proceeded up the Moanataiari Cieek as fa)- as the wire tramway, the working of which was examined, and gave much satisfaction. They afterwards went lip the Karaka tramway as far as the junction, in a truck prepared with seats for the purpose. The part walked from thence to the Lucky Hit. They returned shortly after, and came down the whole length of the tramway- - two miles— in 12 minutes. They also vis'ted the New Government, Buildings in Queen-street, and Dr. Hector expressed himself much pleased with the apartments that have been devoted to the Geological and Museum Departments. At a meeting of the subscribers to the Grahamstown Wharf Extension Fund, held at the Pacific Hotel, on Wednesday evening, the following resolutions were agreed to :—: — "That the Government be respectfully re- j quested not to lease or otherwise dispose of the tolls of the Grahamstown Wharf until this question is finally settled." " That the Government be respectfully requeued to hand over all control of the Grak&mstown Wharf to trustees to be appointed by the inhabitants of Grahamstown, who will take charge of the same for a period of five years, on condition that it be extended 1,000 feet within a reasonable time." " That a deputation, consisting of Messrs. Lloyd, Styah, Davies, Griffin, and Warmoll, be appointed to wait upon his Honor the Superintendent, tc. lay the resolution agreed to at this mee^uv before him, obtain his answer thereto, <}.-< report to a future meeting to be callc # "7* soon as possible." ~ ftv Simon Lipstine has been adjudged , . rupt, and a meeting 'of his credits \ a b .. a11li ' appointed to be held on 14th ir ;* *«*> «*er bankrupt is to surrender at th nt : £ J} e 15th May next. Charles C f Court on the filed a schedule of inabilit /« cil R «°kes has ments with his creditor * tCrl^T' filed a similar declare Joha Thor P has a WwSs oo^^ No - 3 Company A.R.V. warns member 9 o{ fch fc £ J that absentees from the parade Qn j^P^ *&£*&2%. 11 * 1 reader twi ™ The if op. M^£>r Richardson recently de» livered a lecture at* the opening meeting of the Balclutha Sixpenny Readings, on the subject of the Government Annuities and Life Insurance Act. He referred to the economy with which the scheme oould be •worked by the Government, and to the oertain (security offered to insurers »nd annuitants. Speaking of insurances at homo, the lecturer said that in Great Britain, it was computed that, in 1849, there were 150 millions of money invested, while in 1852 the insurance in Scotch offices amounted to £34,000,000, bo that probably, at the present date, there are little less than 200 millions invested, 3STo later than last yew it was stated, in a petition from Maaohsater, that while some of the older associations were of i high position and undoubted stability, the i average term of existence of life offices is I below that of the most unsound benefit societies ; and in illustration it was stated that, out of 400 assurance companies which haye been established, only about 120 now exist. The lecturer shows the amount of misery and disappointment that has resulted from this cause, and refers to the precautions which are taken in the scheme adopted by the Government to avoid such a calamity. At a meeting of the committee qf th,e pro: posed Thames; Mechanics.' Institute op. Wednesday, MV: $Qwp was deputed to, wait upon his H^nap-|he Superintendent, and ascertain if ,#\e could\ be provided with accommodation in the new Government buildings, Queen-street.

A pamphlet lias recently been published in England, entitled "Worth Doing— British Work for Capital and Patriotism " The Writer, who signs himself "An Anglo-Austra-lian," speaks of the amount of destitution existing ia Great Britain, owing to the- keen competition of all classes of labour in a thronging population. He points out that, while an immense amount of surplus capital is lying unproductive, no attempt is made to employ it iv the work of assisting emigration to the colonies. He says : " There is great, arduous, yet profitable work to be done, with which capital alone can deal. In this matter, capital may j speedily reduce the appeals to charity, but the latter can scarcely hope to relieve the former from the post of honour and the duties which are peculiarly its own." He points also tfiat a large amount of capital is annually diverted for investment in precarious speculations in foreign countries, and he argues that the colonies have a peculiar claim upon the mother-country not only for its surplus population, but for assistance in the way of money, in order to make the emigrants a help instead of a burden to their new home. Then the writer goes on to argue against the dismemberment of the E-npiye. He says, "If England does not deliberatelyintend to wrap herself up in insular selfsufficiency, and early isolated insignificance, her people will do well to begin at once to contemplate a contingent j future, in which she will find heiself the chief of many sister provinces, some of which, as they are vastly larger, may become proportionately more populous, and even more actively prosperous, but the whole of which she now has it in her power, by judicious measures, to bind firmly together, and to lead henceforth in an unconquerable phalanx of British nationality." | The writer then proceeds to adduce statistics to show the advantages the mother country would derive from a comprehensive system of assisted emigration. (Speaking of the capabilities of the various colonies, however, he falls into a most egregious blunder with regard to New Zealand by stating that the land is so completely occupied "that it is scarcely probable that the work of systematic ' colonisation can be carried on uninterruptedly : and satisfactorily." " Anglo- Australian " ■ has yet to learn that in the Northern Island alone thei'e is room for many thousands of immigrants, provided they are possessed of some little capital to enable them to start. The writer submits a detailed plan for the | formation of an association to be called "The British Colonising Association," with a plan of operations. The Rev. J. W. Warlow Davies, M. A. , will deliver a lecture on "The Early Christian j Church," at the Albert-street Congregational Church, on Sunday evening next.