AUCKLAND. (From our own Correspondent). 30th December, 1864.

North Otago Times, Volume III, Issue 48, 19 January 1865, Page 1 (Supplement)

AUCKLAND. (From our own Correspondent). 30th December, 1864.

The removal of the seat of Government from Auckland to Wellington lias commenced That Auckland objects to tuis removal, the tone of " the voice of the people" —the press— sufficiently demonstrates. Much as the three Auckland papeva differ on other subjects, thcyhaimonise in this, that they view the contemplated change with regret. The " Southern Cross," in its issue to-day, sneers at the Welliugtoniaus, impugns -their motives, condemns the conduct of their Piovincial Council, and indulges in a little joking at the expense of the geological peculiarities of "Wellington. The other papers, although in a different manner, write in the same strain. Some of the Government officials are complaining of the inconvenience of leaving Auckland. They contemplate, with dismay, evils in the shape of earthquakes, and violent winds that are said to compel shop keepers at times to close their shutters. They listen to tales of horror, telling of chimney pots being thrown down in the fiist place, and swallowed up in the next. But perhaps they are loudest in their complaints about the scheme of compensation proposed to be carried out by the Government for Government officers going to "Wellington. The rate of compensation (half-a-year's salary) seems liberal enough, although it may scarcely make up for losses in some cases. The father of a family of perhaps seven children, and with a limited income, of course will feel inconvenience and perhaps experience loss. The scheme would doubtless give satisfaction to all, if the number of a man's children tallied with his income ; but when it is considered that, generally speaking, the man with the smallest salary contrives to get the largest number of children, the case of course assumes a different complexion. The late Proclamation of Sir George Grey, declaring the lands of JLiebel Natives to be confiscated to the Crown, appears to give general satisfaction ; from the upper classes to the humblest grade in society, all regard it with approval. All alike think it reasonable, lenient, and yet firm. Many a loyal "Volunteer and Militia-man now indulges in the hope of having a slice of the "Waikalo land, whch he considers some compensation for the loss of his time, money, and in some instances the risk of. his life, while out at camp on active service dm ing the war in Auckland. The " New Zealand Herald" in a recent issue, has inserted an account fiom a correspondent of the inconsistencies of the " Southern Cross" during the last six months, on the subject of the policy of the present Governor in New Zealand affairs; anct extracts have been selected from articles in the latter paper, which have been placed parallel to each other in columns, to make the incongruities more glaring. I lately visited an Institution in the neighborhood of Auckland which every philanthropist, whatever his views of Government policy may be, must take a warm interest in. I refer to the " Orphan's Home," for the relief of destitute children, at St. Stephen's, Parnell. It professes only to do with children who are quite uncared for and unprotected— children, whose career, without the parental aid of an institution such as this, it would be painful to contemplate. The " Orphan Home" was established in the Giafton Road, , Auckland, and for two years carried on its charitable ministrations there. The -present site and building are better adapted for the purpose than the former. The children have been living here for the past eight or nine months. The present building overlooks the sea and commands a view of the North Shore. There is ample scope round about for the children to play about, advantages which they are not slow to appreciate. A matron superintends this establishment, and I have been assured that she has gained the confidence and attachment of the children. In one or two instances a child has had the option of remaning in the Institution or leaving and instantly decided upon staying, in removing it would have been well cared for. The children of the unfortunate man M'Lean, who was lately executed for murder, have found a refuge in the " Orphan Home ;" and a child of Harper, who died in the same circumstances, remained there until its death a few months ago. There are at present 34 inmates. Neat and cleanly beds, 29 in number, are placed in rows in well- ventilated rooms. The diet of the children is wholesome and ample, although of course, without luxuries. Meat, potatoes, bread, and occasionally, rice, constitute their staple diet. The kitchen arrangements are admirable ; space is economised, and strict order observed. There is a good stove and a convenient plan is adopted for heating water. The children, as far as possible, assist in the duties of the kitchen.' The moral and religious education of the children is attended to, and they are taught reading writing &c, by a governess at the establishment. The Bishop of New Zealand, Mrs Selwyn, and many ladies and gentlemen in the neighborhood, take great interest in this institution ; and from time to time collections are made, and entertainments given, in aid of the funds. Notwithstanding, much further support is needed. Every pound is immediately applied to meet urgent necessities. So excellent an institution will of course find many claims upon its aid, and its enlargement will, in time, become necessary. The " Orphan Home" has more than a local interest. The establishment of a charity of this kind, it would not be too much to say, has a claim upon the support of the colony at large. The Press and the inhabitants of Auckland are not more reconciled to the Government leaving for "Wellington than heretofore. The tone of certain of the papers displays an amount of petulance, bordering on unreasonableness : while many of the people exhibit a degree of reluctance tha* almost appears to involve selfishness. To vilify the motives of the Southern members—to accuse the Southern people of envy — to ridicule "Wellington — is not argument. To say that Auckland does not require the presence of a handful of Government officials, while vexation is shown at the prospect of those officials going away, is simply childish. The people of Auckland appear to lose sight of the chief object in removing the Government. The interests of the entire colony have been considered, and Wellington has been decided upon as the most central place from which to administer the Government. The Aucklanders overlook the fact that the earthquakes of "Wellington, the high winds, colder temperature, &c, which they speak of, are really beside the question, when a graver point has to be considered. And they also appear to forget that this removal of the seat of Goverament is no new idea — no sudden change, produced hurriedly in a single session. Many years ago, difficulties have been experieuced on this subject ; and the idea, which has long been entertained, has at last brought forth results. Until it is disproved that, upon the whole, the interests of the colonists at large are, better consulted by removing the seat of Government to "Wellington, all other objections are minor. In the midst of wars and rumors of wars, of political changes, and so-forth, the Auckland people have not forgotten Christmas, and during this week they have been doing their utmost to celebrate this festive season. Both Monday and Tuesday were generally observed as a holiday, and excursions, pic-nirs, &c. , were got up with much spirit. Visits to the Lake, on the North Shore, Home J3ay, One-Tree Hill, Onehunga, and various other pleasant spots, attracted numbers of visitors. The weather, which had been wet up to Christmas Eve, cleared up, and a continued sunshine has since smiled upon the holiday T keepers. The heat of the sun has at times been great, but many shady nooks afforded a pleasant reti eat. The most unfavorable point of view regarding these holidays, is the unreasonable extent to which drinking goes on at all places of amusement. The Aucklandeis, generally speaking, are well-behaved, but, on these public .occasions, some of them seem to act in the spirit of a line in one of Byron s poems, which says- -"Man, being unreas nable, must get drunk." By the time night had arrived, several fights had taken place, and much confusion prevailed. Those who appeared to derive the greatest rational enjoyment from their holiday, were the pic-nic parties, who rambled about, separated from the mass of the excursionists. Many might be seen, either gathering ferns on the hills, or testing the flavor of the oysters, which were clustered in myriads on the beach at the North Shore— while here and there were a party singing glees, &c, beneath some shady tree. Notwiths tan ding the sharks, which are said to lurk near the shore, numbers of bathers were enjoying the delights of a swim. The appearance of the various craft in the harbor — the glittering sunshine on the white sails, contrasting with the blue water ' formed a picture that reminded one of a panorama". " Although the season is summer, and in lieu of the ice f and short days of an English winter, we have balmy sunshine, the old Christmas spirit which characterises John Bull wherever he may he, .made one sensible of the presence of this splendid season. The disorderly element, peculiar to colonies, and which is well-known in New South Wales, must be expected to be found where companies assemble for amsement. On the 28th inst., the children of various schools assembled at the Government Domain, for their annual festival. Many Jiundreds of ,happy juvenile faces were there, and all seemed to enjoy the amusements provided for them. A number of grown people were likewise present, to assist in the tea-drinking arrangements, to amuse the children, and so-forth, 'and some to ;avail themselves of the ample scope for enjoyment afforded by this beautiful place. As the military school was there, a number of soldiers were present. There were swings in what might be seen tall men as well as small children equally appreciating the pleasing exercise. The children from the Orphan Home were also there, and sang some pleasing songs. These gatherings have tak»n place latterly every year at the Domain, which has become a favorit6 place for all. Several gardeners are regularly employed in improving and taking care of these grounds," which are gradually being converted into a garden.