Evening Post. THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 1894.

Evening Post, Volume XLVII, Issue 57, 8 March 1894, Page 2

Evening Post. THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 1894.

SIR GEORGE GRET, K.C.B. This evening tho Gothio will carry away from our shores New Zealand's most illustrious citizen. Sir Geobgb Grey's departuro, quietly, at little more than a day's notice, and without publio demonstration of any kind, is in strange contrast to the circumstances of his departure in tho Panama Company's steamer Mataura on tho 7th of Septombor, 1868. Had longer notice boen given, ho would certainly nob havo been allowed to go away almost unnoticed on the present ocoasion, although it could scarcely have been possible to have organised snch an enthusiastic demonstration of publio gratitude and admiration as was then accorded to him. Ho had just handed over the Governorship of Now Zealand to Sir George Bowen. He was departing an ofßoiallyrnined man — one who had sacrificed the highest prospects offered in the Imperial service to his earnest desire to sorve and save tho oolony he was governing. Each House of tho Legislature had placed on record in glowing- words of eulogy its deep sense of his services and his sacrifices. Relieved of Imperial duty, he had visited the House of Representatives, been accommodated with a 6eat on the floor of the House beside the Speaker, that courtly gentleman Sir Datid Monro, all the members standing to roceive the distinguished visitor. On the day of his departure he was entertained at luncheon in the Oddfellows' Hall, now the Central Club, his Honour Mr. Justice Johnston presiding ; and after that a farewell address was presented at a mass meeting on the reclaimed land. Tributes of respect and admiration from other parts of the colony, and from the native race, had poured in upon him, and he was accompanied on board the Panama steamer .by troops of friends, all sincerely mourning his departure. It was a great occasion, and it is fitting to recall the oirenmstances now, when he ib again leaving us, it may be for ever — for at his age, and in his present condition of health it would be idle to ignore the possibility that we may never look npon his fine and kindly face again. If in the good Providence of the Divine Creator he is spared to return to us with renewed health, New Zealand will rejoice greatly, for it can never forget what it owes to its Grand Old Man. Nor is New Zealand tbe only debtor to him. South Africa is proud to own an equal obligation ; but the Empiro— the Imperial Government— whioh owes him most of all, has proved neglectful and ungrateful. In the history of that Greater Britain which he has done ao muoh to establish and consolidate, the figure of Sir George Grey, the Great Pro-Consul, stands out pre-eminent. He is first. There is no second. His story up to 1868 is the story of the growth of the Colonial Empire of the Yiotorian era. His connection with that Empiro has been coincident with the reign of Her Most Gracious Majeaty. He was a young subaltern actually awaiting embarkation at Plymouth to commence his glorious colonial career when William IV. died and Victoria was proclaimed Qneon of Great Britain and Irelan d . It is not too much to say that Her Majeßty, Mr. Gladstone, and Sir George Gret— his junior by two years — are the three most notable of living people of the British race. Sir George Obit's daring and moat valuable eiplora-

tions in South and Western Australia, we have no room to do more than refer to. Of his Bervioea in dealing with the native difficulty during hi 8 first Governorship of New Zealand, and those he rendered in connection with the boon of constitutional se'fgovernment, whioh was attained through him, it is needless to speak. Time has justified hia action in these matters, and the asperities whioh arose from them have longBince been forgotten. He next restored pe&oo and prosperity to South Africa, where his memory still lives in the grateful recollections of its people of neroral races, and is fittingly commemorated by a statue — rare tribute to a. living man— and many noble institutions named after him. What a reception he will meet with if, spared to mako the return voyage to this colony, he re -visits Cape Town ! It was while at the Cape that in a great emergency, when the fate of the Indian Empire hung quivering in the balance, ho became a potent instrument in turning the scale, and by hia bold, decisive action — braving all personal consequences, even those of constructive luku treason — he raised, armed, and dispatched troops to Lord Canning's aid, without warrant or authority from the Crown. It has ever been Sir Geoboe GreYs fate to be controlled and hampered by meanor minds in places of high authority. He has constantly been the victim of misrepresentation and misconception. His mental greatness by comparison dwarfed the intellectual stature of .English officialism, permanent and political. He was a Gulliver amongst the Lilliputians, yot they managed by strange devices to fetter and wound him. He was recalled from South Africa in disgrace. Ho went Home, faced his accusers and detraoiors, put them to shame and confusion, and, amid the plaudits of the peoples he had governed, resumed his position at the head of South African affairs. There he remained, the groat chief - taiu, the man wiao in counsel, strong and prompt in action, kind of heart, actuated by noble purposes, and beloved and trusted by British settlers, Dutch residents, Boors, and the various native tribes with whom he was brought into contact, until in its time of emergency ho was once more scut to Now Zealand. Of his last Governorship what need to speak. It sustained and increased the unparalleled reputation he had won as an administrator, more especially in dealing with uncivilised rapes. The official end of that great and glorious career was one which even now brings the h.ot blood of shan.o and of anger into the cheeks of those who were his contemporaries in the colony and know the pitiful story. He dared, as he had done before in South Atrica, faithfully, unfalteringly, and without a selfish thought, to do his duty to the Crown ho served, the people he governed, and the country he loved. Ho boldly interposed himself to prevent the perpetration of a great national wrong, to avott a shameful "doEortion by the forces of the Empire of a handful of Her Majesty's subjects struggling for dear life andvery existence with a powerful foe whose animosity had been excited by the ignorance and wrong-headedness of Imperial servants. Sir George Gbei's noble efforts to delay the departure of the British troops from the colony at a crisis of dire emergency, and his outspoken protests against the miserable and narrow-minded policy whioh found voice through Mr. CabdweliT and hia Grace of Buckingham and Chandos, wero resc-ntcd by the Colonial Office, aud he was suporseded with every circumstance of official contumely and disgrace. Wo have already mentioned the compensation, poor though it was, which he received in tho applause and gratitude of the people of New Zealand. With his departure in September, 1868, ended his great Imperial career, whioh at one time seemed about to culminate in the Governor-Generalship of Canada. It would perhaps have been well had Sir George Grey's public life ended with his Imperial employment. He would have been regarded as a muoh greater man today — we are by no means sure that he would not as a private colonist have been able to more beneficially influence the management of local affairs than he has done by taking an active political part in them. Of hia motives in descending into the arena there can bo no question, 'i hey wero those which had aotuated him throughout his life in all its changing phases— a sense of duty, and a desiro to be of service to his fellows. But through the ofton ignoblo strife of Party politics on the colonial stage it was impossible that any man could pass altogether without blot or stain. As a Party politician Sir GeorgeGrey has not shone He was out of his natural element; he was called upon to deal with conditions foreign to his experience, and uncongenial in every respect. His best friends regret that he ever essayed the part. It involved too great and steep a descent from the level he was best fitted to adorn. Those who play at bowls must take rubs, and Sir George Grky, since 1874— when after having been elected Superintendent of Auckland, he enterod Parliament — has had his full measure joi unpleasant rubs. Ho ia still, _ however, New Zealand's foremost colonist, venerated and respected oven by. those who have most differed with his later life and have most strongly opposed his political actions. i\o Party differences can obliterate or dim the recollection of his great services to the colony. He lives, and will continue to live, in the affections of the people, and all who have come in contact with him, still experience and cheerfully acknowledge the Btrango magnetism of his personal influence. He will carry with him on his present departure the earnest wishes of all New Zealand colonists that his hoalth may be bonefited by tho voyage, and that he may reiurn to live long and happily and, in the fulness of time, die amongst us. Coupled with these feelings will be a sincere desire that advantage may be taken of his visit to tho seat of Empire, and to the Sovereign he baa served so long and so well, to in some degreo wine out the Btain of national ingratitude involved in the manner in which he was thrust aside upwards of a quarter of a century ago, and has since been loft neglected and forgotten. Tardy though it would be, some fitting recognition of his great services to the State will yet, we trust, be made. Most heartily do we wish Sir George Grey God-speed on his voyage, and a safe and happy roturn. On the fourth page wo publish more dotails of the Kins Championship contest, results of the Drapers' Sports and Amateur Championship races, reports of tho annual meetings of the Palmeraton North Gas Com-, pany and Petono Football Club, and a letter to the Editor. By a stupid typographical error which was not detected until our baok j. age was printed, the signature to a letter on the subjeot of an Inebriates' Home appears as John Skinner instead of John Plimmer. We regret the mistake. Private information has been received that H.M.S. Curacoa will leave Auckland for Wellington on Saturday. H.M.S. Tauranga leaves Lyttelton on tho same date for this port, and will be berthed at tho Railway Whatf during hor stay here. Captain Smith, who has won tho Ttifle Championship, is a nephew of Mrs. Francis Stevens, Oriental Bay, and a brother of Mr. B. B. Smith, for many years captain of the Star Boating Club, and now manager of tho Bank of Australasia at Palmeraton North. Tho 25 designs which havo been received for a suitable monument to the late Hon. John Ballance will be considered at a meeting of the Memorial Committee to-morrow evening. Tho Hon. Mr. Parker made an eloquent appeal for tho Wostorn Australian Sunday at the Postal Conference this morning. Tho times to be arranged for the departure of tho mail steamers in the new contracts would make them always arrive and depart from Albany on Sundays. This would practically abolish tho Sabbath as far as Albany was concerned. The Hon Mr. Kidd suggested that in Albany they might adopt the Jewish or Seventh Day Adventist Sabbath, and celebrate their Sunday on Saturday, but finally the days of departure were altered, and the futnro Sabbath calm of Albany was saved— so far as the Conference could save it. # The following astronomical notes are furnished by a correspondent : — The planet Uranus can be easily picked up now. In the north-oast, well up, at 11 o'clock, are two bright stars. Tho upper one, -of a bluish colour and t-vinlilins brightly, is Spica in Virgo. Unajrneath Spioa is the planet Saturn, of a dull yellow eolonr. This star does not twinklo. On the right, at some little distance, are two bright s(ara, upright, as were Spica and Paturn. Tho upper of these stars is the chief star in Libra. It will be readily known in a biuocular, as it is accompanied with a bright small star. On the right, and a little lower than the star, will bo seen in the binocular a dull small star. On the left, on the samo level, is another star, smaller. Thus these three form a broad-based triangle in the glass, and the right hand Btar is the planet Uranus. A good sight will detect it on a clear night, and it will bo pleasant to watoh its motion. With the binocular, tho motion, although slow, from tho planet's distance, will be readily detected. In a- large telescope Uranus shines with a bluish light. Exporters will do well to remember that the branding clauses of the Dairy Industry Act are now being- strictly enforced. The Governmeiit has boon very lenient in the matter, and given lengthy notice by adverliajment and otherwise of its intention to enforoe the Act, yet quite a number of breaches have been brought to light at the different ports. Several prosecutions have been instituted, while others are pending. We understand also that several informations are likely to ba bud against shippers by the Gothic. Over 2000 copies of tho New Zealand Crown Lands Guide are about to be distributed amongst tho publio institutions in Australia, Tasmania, and India. It is worthy of note, in reference to the present trouble experienced by the owners of butter factories in the Taranaki district as to space in the Direct steamers for their prodnce, that the Tyser line authorities, through their local agents, Messrs. Johnston & Co., have come to the rescue, by agreeing to take about 2000 packages of butter by their stsamer Hawkes Bay, now in this port. ' Tho Now Zealand branch of the Australian Federated Marine Engineers' Society has decided to appoint a General Secretary for this colony, with his headquarters at Wellington. It is aleo intended to erect extensive rooms at this port. Mr. J. D. Hay, General Secretary- of the Society in Australia, is a passenger by the Wakatipu from Sydney in connection -with the proposed changes. v Capt. B. Coull, late of the s.s. Morayshir*, has been appointed to the command of the new cargo steamer Buteshire, which is shortly expected at this port from London, via Australia. The death ia announced of Mr.' George Duncan, one of the oldest Canterbury Pilgrims and the Bottler who turned the first furrow on the Canterbury Plains. A heat of the Oriental Boating Club's Junior Fairs was rowed last evening, when W. Nidd (bow) and C. J. Freeth (stroke), E. J. Bead (oox), defeated M. M'GilliTray (bow) and C. Bridge (stroke), O. Jones (cox), by about » length »nd » half.

Mr. J. C. Martin, S.M., presided in the .Magistrate s Court to-day. Samuel BaUance, who made his third appearance for drunkenness within six months, was fined 40s, with the option of seven days' imprisonment. Donald Catapboll, who made his fourth ap l pearance since the 7th of February, was again convicted of drunkenness, and was sentenced to two months' imprisonment with hard labour. Two first offenders were also punished. Jasper A. Moran, a child of 11, for the larceny of a pane containing 21s from a perambulator which the owner left outside a shop in Tory-street on Tuesday last, wag Bent to the Nelson Industrial School, to remain there till he arrives at the age oE 15 years, and to be educated in the Roman Catholic faith. William Trail was charged on remand with having assaulted a woman named Annie Albert, near the Manners-street Fire Brigade Station, on Tuesday afternoon. According to evidence the assault was a very cowardly one and quite unprovoked. Prisoner wbo only recently served a sentence of a month for assaulting Albert, was sent back to gaol for two month's hard labour, with the promise that if he again repeats the offence he will be moro severely dealt with. Another contest for the Fdwin Challenge Badges took place on the Wellington Bowling Club's Green last evening-, when Sample's team (which held the badges) was badly beaten by a team skipped by M'Keo, the latter scoring 31 to his opponent's 11. Asubsti'ute in each rink was played through the unavoidable absence of two members, viz., Pliinmer in M'Kee's team instead of J. Blundell, and Russell in Sample's instead of Willeston. The game was 21 heads, and nt the 10th head M'Kee was 12 to his opponent's 9, having scored in six heads. In the next 11 heads M'Kee's men simply ran away from their opponents, adding 19 to their" score, counting in 9 heads, while Sample's rink only succeeded in adding 2 to their scoro, being a Bingle in the 14th and another in the 20th heads The names of the players wore — Plimmer, Miller, Grady, M'Kee (skip), 31. M'Loan, Russell, Haybittle, Sample (skip), 11. The badges were banded ovor to M'Kee'a men at the close of tne game, and the latter will now have to meet Crombie's team on Saturday next. The number of points scored by the different teams at the Drapers' Sports yesterday was — Thorndon House, 59 points ; Te Aro House, 32; the D.1.C., 24: Kirkcaldie and Stains, 21 ; and tho Cuba Rovers, 10. The banner, having been won last year by tho Thorndon House representatives, now becomes their own property. Tho highest individual scorers at tho meeting were— H. J. Paull, 21 points ; H. G. Gibson, 19 ; and A. Stovons, 12i. Paull and Gibson receive trophies. The first oase for hearing m tho Supreme Court to-morrow will be that against Patrick Ryan, charged with assault and robbery, which will be followed by that against George Harris, indicted for attempted larceny. Mr. J. C. Martin, S.M., gave judgment to-day in tho following oivil cases — Murray, Roberts, & Co. v. W. W. M'Cardle. .£49 18a 7d; Churchward & Co. v. E. R. Cameron, £1 7s ; Empire Loan Company v. K. M'Leod, .£1 2s ; same v. W. Murray. .£ls 19s Cd ; R. H. Abbott & Co. v. G. H. Manson, .£54 4a Udf W E. Dempsio v. Thos. Walsh, £6 1-ls 9d ; W. M. Bannant.yne. & Co. v. E. Gasquoine, .£77 15s 3d ; Rigg & Whittaker v. D. M'Caine, .£•? 19s 2d ; Wellington Biscuit Company ■*. A. E. Wilton, £2 5a Sd : same v. W. H. Staples, £4 2s 9d ; City Conncil v. Grace Harper, .£2 16s ; Cook and Gray v. J. Nankivillo, £7 ; City Council v. P. Farmer, .£ll 4s 7d ; same v. T. H. Windust, £1 2s Id ; J. B. Hulbert v. Kirk, 8s 6d j W. tt. Emeny v. B. Doyle, £3 16s; G. Thomas and Co. v. A. Cameron, £7 18a Bd. The following orders were made in judgment summons cases: — Empire Loan Company v. M. A. Robinson, payment forthwith or 15 days' imprisonment; W. H. Jones v. T W. Bertram, £2 Is 3d, payment forthwith or six days' imprisonment. An inquest was held by Mr. James At.hcroft, Coroner, at the Porirua Lunatic Asylnm yosterdny evening, on the body of an inmate named James Aplin. The evidence showed the cause of death to have been obstruction of the bowels, and the jury — of which Mr. Bennie was foreman — returned a verdict accordingly. Mrs. Thomaß, who on Tuesday swallowed a solution of wax match heads, and was subsequently admitted to the Hospital, is to-day progressing favourably. The lad Allan Smith, suffering from a revolver - shot wound in his head, inflicted by a playmate, is also reported this afternoon to be still steadily improving. The annual dinner given by the United Hunt < lub to the farmers of the Taita district took place last evening at the Travellers' Rest Hotel, Taita, about 60 sitting down to a first-class spread provided by Mrs. Guilford. After the toast of " The Queen " had been honoured, Mr. C. P. Skerrott (Chairman), apologised for the absence of tho Master, Mr. H. D. Crawford, and others, and proposed the health of " The Farmers of the Taita." Tho toast was responded to by Mr. King. "The Huntsman " was proposed by Mr. W. L. Cox and responded to by Mr. Dick Roake. " The Ladies " was proposed by Mr. R. Holdship, coupled with tho name of Mr. Jno. Millb. Mr. G. C. Bussell proposed tho toast of " The Press," which was acknowledged by representatives of the Post and Times. " The United Hunt Club " was given by Mr. King and respondod to by Mr. C. Bridson. Other toasts were— " Absent Friends," proposed by Mr. G. C. Russell, " Our Hostesß," proposed by the Chairman, and "The Chairman," by Mr. F. Haybittle. A most enjoyable evening was spent. Tho Chairman, Messrs. A, R. Holdship, H. Aitreej R. Roake, H. Daydh, F. Haybittle, J. Mo<rffridge, L. Hoffmann, T. M. Wilrbrd, W. W. Cox, J. Cheetham, W. Harnett, Pike, and others, gave songs. Mr. L. Hoffmann played the accompaniments. The Operative Tailors' Society held its monthly meeting last night, Mr. F. Rodger (President) in the chair. Tho balance-sheet of the recent pioriic showed a surplus, which is to form tho nucleus of a special fund, with a view to making the affair an annual fixture. At the conclusion of tho ordinary business, presentations woro mode to Mr. A. Ward (tho retiring President), Mr. C, Melton (Secretary), and Mr. F. Jansen (Treasurer) — a handsome album, engrossed by Mr. S. G. Ross, to each. It is expected that there will be ten entries for the Junior Sculling Race at the Picton j Regatta. The race will be rowed in heats. The Blenheim Rowing Club and the Oriental Boating Club are the only olubs which possess boats of the required dimensions, and tho committee intends to apply for the loan of them. Tho death is announced of Mr. David 8911, an old Wanganui settlor. This mornintf a meeting of creditors in the estate of John J. O'Brien, cordial manufacturer, was held in tho Official Assignee's office. Mr. Jollicoo appeared for the bankrupt, and Mr. E. F. Hadfield for Mr. James Hay, one of the creditors Under examination the debtor stated that in Septembar he sold his business and plant to Mr. Hay for .£250 cash (which he had used in paying his debts) and £100 in bills. He had been compelled to file on account of an action brought by Hay against him. He had no money, no furniture, and he could make no offer to his creditors. The meeting was adjourned Bine die Dwan Bros, report tho sale of Mr. J. Nankivell's into re ot in tho Metropolitan Hotel, Molesworth-street, to Mr. Wm. M'Kinstry, late ot Johnsonville ; also the sale of the Avondalo Hotel, Palmorston North, to Messrs. Fraser and Blackler, of Wairarapa. St. Paul's Club having obtained permission to hold its sports under the rules of tbo New Zealand Amateur Athletio Association, the gathering will take place on the 14th of April. An advertisement will be found elsewhere. Tho Wellington College Swimming Sports were held yesterday at the Te Aro Swimming Baths. The races were well contested, and the finishes in several of tho events close and exciting. The woather was all that could be desired, and the water was cloar. Tho School Championship, 200 yds, was won comfortably by G. C. P. Tripe, who also secured the long divo. The handicap races and the diving_ for platea brought out tho best fields, whilo tho consolation was the olosest race of tho day being won only by a foot. Owing to an omission the times were not kept. The following'are the details of the races : — 200 yds Championship, G. Tripe, 1 ; E. D. Haloa, 2. 60yda Handicap (boys under 13), H, Bramley, loseo, 1; K. Bcthune, 20sec, 2 ; O. Freyberg, soratch, 3. Long Dive (open), G. Tripe, 1 ; A . Wallace, 2 ; P. Manning, 3. 50yds Handicap (under 12), J. O. C. Neill, ssec, 1 ; J. Blundell, lOsoo, 2. 200 yds Open Handicap, E. Arnold, 90eoc, 1 ; E. D. Hales, lOseo, 2. 80yds Handicap (nnder 15), A. E. Exley, 20seo, 1 ; H. -Sladdon, lOsoo, 2. Diving for plates, A. Wallace, 9 plates, 1 ; E. Reado, 9 plates, 2. When the tie was desided, Wallace secured 9 and Roade 4 plate 3. Consolation Handicap, O. Freyberg, 20seo, 1; J. Maokay, lOseo, 2. The evangelistio service held at the Skatinor Rink last nisjht by the Rev. John MacNeil was better attended than any previous one of the Boriea. There will be another service to-night at the same place. Last night's meeting of the Eight Hours Demonstration Committee was adjourned, withont doing business, till Monday next. A point of great importance in the law of shipping was to-day (says the Glasgow Herald of 24th January) decided by Sir Franois Jeune fif Ross v. Tyser Line (Limited). The plaintiff claimed from the defendants delivery up of the certificate of a ship— the s.s. Celtic King— ucder the following circumstances : — The Celtic King originally belonged to tho plaintiff's brother, Mr. William Ross, and it was run by the defendants under an agreement with that gentleman as a liner in the frozen meat trade between New Zealand and London. Mr. William Ross mortgaged her first to the Marine Securities Corporation, and afterwards to the plaintiff, and died on 17th Oct., 18S9, leaving the mortgages outstanding. Thereupon, the first mortgagees being anxious to realise their security, sold the ship to the plaintiff , who contracted to snll her to Messrs. Auport and Hughes, and claimed tho certificate from the defendants in order to enable him to carry out his contract. The defendants songht to retain it on the ground that under their agreement with William Ross they were still entitled to rnn tho Celtio King for soveral years. But Sir Francis Jeune held that the certificate must follow the registered owner, and therefore gave judgment for the plaintiff. This decision does not, of course, affect any claim of action whioh the Tyser Lino maybe advised that they have against the estate of William Ross. There will probably bo an appeal. The "Vaudeville Specialty Company gave another performance at the Criterion Theatre last night, whioh was well received. The programme will be repeated to-night. Footbal era are reminded that the animal meeting of the Athletic Club will take place this ovening, and that of the Wellington Club to-morrow evening. A free concert, under the auspice* of St. John's Lodge, 1.0. G.T., is advertised for to-morrow eroninir.

Applications are invited through onr advertising columns from members of musical societies, choirs, and others willing to form the ohorua in the approaching Festival of Music. Harcoart & Co. will sell by auction to-morrow, at their reoms, Lambton-quay, at 2.30 p.m., a very desirable six-roomed house in Coustable-street, with a land frontage of 65ft by a depth of 115 ft. Also two properties which are to be sold by order of the Begisrrar of the Supreme Court, viz., a valuable house in Queen-street containing seven rooms, with land 23f x x 112 ft, and a first-class property at Johusonville, consisting of 1 rood 12 7*lo perches (more or less), with a four-roomed dwelliughouse erected thereou, within six Chains of the main road to AVelliugton. All these lots are well situated, and should command the attention of those requirng town or suburban properties. To-morrow the townihip of Featherston will be enlivened by the presence of sheep and cattle owners and buyers, as A. G. Tame <fc Co. open their new sale yards, and will offer over 2,000 fat and store sheep and lambs, a number of very choice springing heifers, fat cattle, and horses. A notice to Volunteers regarding the stock of ixMtts nt the People's Shoe Store. Cuba-street, appears in another colnuiu. W. F. Shortt will sell to-morrow, sundries.