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Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 11, Issue 844, 25 May 1867, Page 3

Philharmonic Society. — We have been requested to state that the first concert of the second season of this society will take place some time about the middle of next month, and that the programme will appear in next number of the Herald, Cricket Match. —On Tuesday last, seven of the Hawke's Bay Military Settlers Cricket Club arrived in Napier from the Wairoa, having come down overland expressly to play a match with the Napier Cricket Club, which was to have come off yesterday, in Clive square, but the state of the weather entirely prevented any out-of-door exercise, and a cheerful fire and a quiet rubb-.-r at whist at Marshall's Hotel, where the team are at present stopping, presented far greater charms than a Cricket Field, where each fielder would have "to paddle his own canoe" Since the challenge was accepted, the Napier Club have added to their number a well known semi- professional, but although in ignorance of having such an opponent until after their arrival in Napier, " Fraser's boys" with their usual pluck, intend to do their best and hope to "go in and win." — Commnnicated. Stamps. — It is notified for general information that the practice adopted by some persons of writing their signature, or on a portion of it, on the adhesive stamp on cheques is incorrect, and may occasion loss. If the practice is not discontinued the Banks will, for their own safety, be compelled to refuse payment of cheques so. signed. The objection also applies to signatures on bills . Dr Sblwyn, the Bishop of New Zealand, leaves the colony at an early date, on a visit to England. During his lordship's absence his duties will, we understand, be undertaken by Dr. Williams, Bishop of Waiapu. It is intended, we believe, that a meeting of the colonial bishops shall take place at home, for the purpose of coming to some arrangement on the important question at issue — the Queen's supremacy, and other matters. —-New Zealand Herald. Death of the Hon. James Macarthur, M.L.C.— A notice has just reached us of the decease of Mr. James Macarthur, of Camden Park — a name that awakens many colonialmemories, and which will remain in the history of this country as long as it shall be inhabited by civilized men. The large circle in which Mr. Macarthur once moved as an active and prominent member of society has been much reduced by removals and death. Yet no demise could have created a more general feeling of respectful regret. Mr. Macarthur was present at Divine service on Sunday. He retired for the night without discovering any symptoms of pain, and unusu^ly cheerful. Soon ofter attention was drawn to him by a tremor followed by stillness. A light was brought. The time of his departure had, however, come, and without recognition of those around him or symptoms of agony he breathed his last. A disease of the heart, which had been many years in the course of development was, we understand, the cause of his death — one which terminates suddenly so many valuable lives. The loss of such a man must always be considerable. The influence of his reputation and character was alone a public blessing. No one enjoyed more completely the confidence of his friends. He has left a widow, and one daughter recently united to Captain Onslow, of the Royal Navy, and brothers who tread closely upon that period which marked the years of his pilgrimage. . . . Thus, one by one, the men who have founded the colony and established its fortunes are passing away. The interest of Mr. Macarthur in the country was intense and ardent. As a landlord he was most considerate and forbearing, and immense losses were borne by him with cheerfulness where they were inevitable, and without resentment even where they were unjust. In religion Mr. Macarthur was a man of large views. He looked through forms to the great principles which constitute the value as well as the authority of the Christian religion. Though warm in condemning as a legislator that which he believed to be evil, he was distinguished for the calmness and genuineness of his temper, and the dignity and modesty of his self-appreciation. No man was less prone to give oftence, or to take it, unless under the conditions in which acquiescence would be meanness. It is satisfactory that he passed from this world without pain, for though survivors would like to hear, the last whisper of a parting spirit, and to find on the djing tongues the accents of kindred affection and religious hope, Mr. Macarthur's transition from time into eternity could only be regarded as singularly happy. He lived a useful life and died in God's good time. The poet said wisely :;— " It matters not at what hour of the day The righteous falls asleep. Death cannot come To him untimely, who is fit toldie." •—& M. Herald, April 24.