AUCKLAND, MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1864.

New Zealand Herald, Volume II, Issue 350, 26 December 1864, Page 4

AUCKLAND, MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1864.

Tiie objections tliat have been made from time to time against the political separation of the islands of New Zealand, have chiefly been of a sentimental rather than of a practical nature, aad therefore at the present time we shall confine our remarks principally to a discussion of the question as viewed in this particular light. Men have adopted New Zealand as their own future home nnd the homes of their children's, children ; they have obtained a stake in the landed interests of the country, which they still even hope to increase, and they feel deeply and sincerely on the question of the future independence and greatness of their new home. They look with gratification and affection on the importance and greatness of the country they have left behind them, and dwell with feelings of pride on the time when New Zealand in the South, like Britain in the North, shall assume the same proud position of power, and independence, and commercial greatness among surrounding nations. Many, we say, have dwelt pleasantly on these reflections—wrapt in their consideration till roughly awakened from the dream of Allure greatness by the newly-disco-vered stumbling-block before them caused by present exigencies—separation. We doubt, however, whether separation, viewed in every light, can be looked upon as an inseparable bar, or even a very dangerous one to the healthy and natural longings of those who look forward to a powerful JN ew Zealand nationality. There are two points from which separation may be viewed : one as a final measure, the other as a temporary expedient to meet existing difficulties. In the latter case, separation would have little or no terrors for those entertaining those views. Their difficulty, however, lies in doubting whether, if once separated, the two islands could ever again become politically united. We cannot seeNvhy there should exist any prospective difficulty in the matter. If if b"e really so desirable an object as it is thought likely to be —if the independence and greatness of the country, under such altered circumstances as n\ay be looked for in a century heucc, or even at an earlier date, require that the two islands shall become one powerful nation—then it is unlikely that the people of either island will refuse to agree to that which is clearly for their j benefit. 'I hey will be equally able to judge for

"thomsclrcs as to what is best under "the circumstanccs, for they must necessarily know tlie exact nature of those circumstances then, better tlvan we can guess them now. The action of the British American Colonies at tho present moment in seeking for a federation of the several States shows that there is au equal tendency to federation when circumstances render such a step advisable. The very same reasons actuate the American colonies now, as are looked for to actuate us, then—namely, the strength to bo found in union, when England, as she is now unable to protect them, shall not be responsible for the protection of the Australian colonies, then independent states. But we have always maintained that these dreams of the future greatness and independence of New Zealand, do not depend for their realisation on the political connection of the two islands ; nay more, we believe that tho Northern island of IN ew Zealand is more likely to acquire future greatness when disencumbered of the Southern one. As one state, the Middle Island 'will always be a source of weakness to the State. It will be a corpse bound to the living body of the North. It is the North, and the North only, which lias, to use a veiy common expression, " the.makings " of a great, country. The Northernlslnndis capableof feeding andemploying an immense population of men. The Middle Island, only a population of sliecp. They have but few ports, and can never be a people, such as ourselves, or as Britain, neither have they means of becoming a manufacturing people. Their lands are infertile, and.what is worse, incapable of profitable settlement, except as moors on which to run a sheep to every three or four acres ; while the climate of a large portion of the island for ever places it beyond the pale of successful colonisation. If we turn on the other hand to the Northern'] Island of New Zealand, we shall find a country as large as England, indented with navigable creeks and harbors, watered throughout with numberless fresh water streams, and possessing a magnificent climate. We shall find all the mineral products that constitute the wealth of a nation of manufacturers lying at our very doors —coal, ironstone, limestone, gold, copper, and lead, magnificent forests to be converted into a navy which can ride safely and securely in our own splendid harbors, the finest in the Australian seas. "We have, too, a climate and lands capable producing food for the use of a pcoplo quite as numerous as those of Great Britain at the presejit moment; —and all those elements of greatness, so like those which have raised England to the present high position, arc, like hers also, contained within the defensive bulwark of the ocean, the highway of our future llcets. As with her, so with us, war may be restrained from setting foot upon our domain. Our battles need only be fought upon the ocean, and no future country in the hemisphere will be able to compete with this Northern Island of New Zealand upon the water. Her people will be a people of seamen, her harbors, of refuge and ot outfit, will be numberless. The Middle island could only be to us what Ireland has been to England, a source of weakness; with this greater disadvantage even, that on tlie one point in which Ireland has been a source of strength to England, the Middle Island will not be so to us, namely ; the supply of men to our future army. In this point alone perhaps Ireland lins repaid England for her possession—but the same rule will not apply to New Zealand in the future. Great Britain is surrounded by vaster continental nations than we can ever be, even if the whole of Australia be occupied by man. We should not therefore need so large an army to enforce respect, in this hemisphere at least, but if the protection of the Middle Island is to form part of the dut}' ot' the Northern one, as one state — then we think the greatness and security of the luture of New Zealand may be more visionary under a combined government, than those who now oppose separation think it will be under that . system.

If ivc look back in the history of the world we shall find thnt the greatest nations have been those which like our own in the present day have been llie possessors of small territories, and that their greatness has not waned until the strength of the nation had become diffused through extended conquest. Home, Greece, Palestine, and now Britain, are remarkable instances of tliis theory. The might of Home sprang from a single city, and Britain now the mistress of the world fs beginning to doubt whether her extended empire is not rather a source of weakness than oi strength.

Police Couht, Saturday.—ln tlie absence of Mr. Beckham, who we regret to say, was suffering from indisposition Mr. JNaughton and Mr. George Graham presided on Saturday. The drunkards were mulcted in the sum of 20s. and costs, or the usual alternative, and Patrick Manly a deserter from the 14tli Hegt:., was ordered to be handed over to the main guard. Assaulting a Police Constable. —John Brag ford a gentleman of color, pleaded guilty to this offence in the Resident Magistrates Court on Saturday, and was ordered to-be imprisoned for LI- days.

Er.onaiENT. —These affairs seldom result in happiness. An instance of this has lately occurred in England where a young lady of high connection, having eloped with a servant of her father's, is now suffering the consequences of her unnatural crime. The Court Journal says " An elopement extraordinary took place a short time ago—the lovely and accomplished daughter of a wealthy baronet leaving her father's house in the dead of night, under the protection of her father's gardener, to whom she was united in holy matrimony on the following morning. At a hotel not a hundred miles from Clifton, a very common man supposed to be the lady's servant, engaged rooms for a lady, and when that lady arrived various were the whispers and surmises that this man might bo her husband. However, so it proved ; and the father being appealed to in vain, this interesting couple were soon almost in a state of starvation. The people of tlie hotel, however, were very kind; and feeling an interest in the young lady, they used their influence, and at length succeeded in getting the husband into the police, where as night policeman he was too thankful to earn his guinea a week. And to this position is a lady reduced by her own and disregard of tlie convenances of society ! She was brought up in the excess of luxury and refinement, and upon her mother's death had taken the head of her father's princely establishment, and superintended the education of her younger sisters." Tun American Question. —The Western Daily Mercury contains a report of a lengthy spcech, delivered on Friday evening by Mr. .liernal Osborne to his constituents at Liskeard. In opening his address the hon. gentleman said, alluding to the American question, " AVhj f do we talk one thing to llussia and another to America? —(Hear, hear!) What could be so foolish, what so wrong, as our interference in Poland? —(Hear, hear!) What so right, or so wise, as our conduct towards America ?—(Hear, hear !) Hut I want to know why the same rule has not been adopted in both cases P Why should you have more sympathy for the Poles than you have for the slaves of the Southern States? —(Hear, hear!) You sensibly did not interfere. You know America is a very good customer; you know America will stand no nonsense. —(Hear, !) I refrain from giving any opinion on this struggle in America. I say we are pursuing a right course; we have no business to interfere. That war is to be lamented for the sake of our common humanity.—(Hear, hear!) That war is to be lamented ; but at tlie same time, as Englishmen, we cannot help taking a pride in those people on both sides — both North and South—who are showing this indomitable perseverance, this magnificent

giillanliy, forthey aa-etlescended fromouraelvea —("Hear, hoar!" and. applause.) We must foel a pride in them. The stake witli them i: great. If the Southern States are separatee from the North, the greatness of America is sei for ever —(Hear, hear !) Therefore it is a grea struggle. I can fully understand it. I car fully enter into the feeling. I give no opinioi as to the results; still less would I attempt t( be such a fool as to predict what the close ii likely to he. But, looking at it as a sensibh man; looking at the circumstances of the North its wealth, its capabilities, and its financial posi tion, I cannot help thinking that, however lonf. the contest may be, it must be like two gladiators in the arena, where, science being equal, the weight will tell.—(Hear, hear!) I believe tha the .North eventually, make a solitude anc call it peace.—(Cheers.) What will follow afterwards it is not for me to predict. It is foi us to stand by and be as little offensive to eitliei party in our expressions as we can. —(Cheers.] Therefore I have no hesitation in saying that il I decry the conduct of the Government in its interference with Poland, I give them everj credit for the neutral attitude they have assumec with regard to America."—(Hear, hear !) Yankee Ceuelty.—A Virginian lady, whose house was ransacked and burnt down by- some Yankee raiders, in her description of the affair says : —" I was reaching to the top of a press getting down some house linen, when a demor took a large scrapbag and two cambric wrapper; and sot them on fire just under me. I saw my danger, and sprang over to save my life, though now I feel the effects of the heated flame. One of them swore I should not take from the burning house my dear little boy Charlie, who was asleep because they said he would grow up to be i rebel. I pushed by the man, and told him as soon as he was large enough I would put a gun in his hands and tell him of all we had suffered md if he did not fight with an uncquallec bravery he would not be my son. The last time t was in the house I seized my box of jewel lery ; a man, or rather a devil, jerked it fron me, ana scattered the contents on the floor L caught up one of my diamond rings, tin jracelet sister C. gave me, the children! jraeclets, and several other things, when the ivrctcli seized me and held me, and got then rom me. In less than fifteen minutes th< lames had enveloped the whole house. Thi abours of mother and father for thirty year: vere destroyed in fifteen minutes. Wheuthi lames burst from every part of our dear ole :omfortable home, my darling mother's reasoi jave way. For twenty-four hours she was : aving maniac. She fainted away time aftei iniej and after she became sensible it would lave touched a heart of stone to have witnes;ed her sorrow." _

The Pbovincjal Emigkants.—The Industrial Institution is, we understand, being fitted up by the Provincial authorities for the accommodation of as many as possible of the immigrants daily arriving, sent out by their agents at home.

SuiIGICAL OrKItATION. A most- successful surgical operation was performed last week in the Military Hospital. Dr. Holmes, assisted by Dr. Stratford, extracted a stone from the bladder of a boy about eight years of age. He is now doing weil and in a fair way for recovery. This is only the second operation of the kind which has been performed in this colony, Dr. Stratford having successfully operated some years ago upon a boy about foux years of age, who is now living and in. good health. Masonic.—An emergency meeting of the Lodge Waitemata will be held this evening at the Masonic Hall, when brethren are requested to give punctual attendance. JXixon Memorial Fund.—"We observe that the committee of this fund will meet in the Council-room of the Chamber of Commerce, on Saturday next, the 31st instant, at two o'clock in the afternoon. The principal business that will be submitted to the meeting is the consideration of n. suitable site for the memorial.

Departure of Ministers for the South.— We hear that the s.s. ' Plicebe ' will be detained till the 29tli or 30th, instead of proceeding on her voyage on the 28th, as previously announced. The Hon. Mr. Weld, the Hon. Mr. Fitzherberl, and the Hon. Mr. Itichardson will embark in her for the South. Mr. G. E. Elliott, of tlie Postmaster General's department, and a part of the Audit-office will also go by the same vessel to Wellington. Seventy or eighty cases of Government papers and records have already been shipped on board the ' Eangatira,' others will be sent per ' Plicebe.' ItEciiAßiTE Meeting.—The usual quarterly meeting of the liechabite Tent takes place this evening, at half-past 7 o'clock, at St. Matthew's School lioom, Hobson-street, when those interested are requested to attend.

Aitheiiension of a Suspected Murderer in Auckland.—On the 24th of July, 18G3. one of the most dastardly murders it has been our painful duty to record, during the late rebellion, was committed on Sylvester Calvert, son of Captain Calvert, a much respected settler at the Wairoa. The circumstances of the murder are, doubtless, not forgotten by our readers, and are as follows :—Between 8 and 9 o'clock on the morning of Friday, the 21tli of July, a body of natives, mustering about -10 strong attacked the house of Captain Calvert, known by the name of " Fern Hill," and situate at the Wairoa. The house at the time was occupied by Captain and Mrs. Calvert, and their son and daughter. Mr. W. 13. Smith, of the Traveller's llest Hotel, it appears, saw the natives hovering about Captain Calvert's premises, and as soon as possible gave information to the officer in command of the ISth ltegiment, stationed at Keri Keri, about two miles and a half from the ill-fated house. A detachment was at once sent to the assistance of the unfortunate f'amilj', but arrived, alas ! too late to prevent the catastrophe. The miscreants having in the meantime entered the house and accomplished part of their murderous design. Sylvester Calvert was shot through the left breast while standing near his bedroom door, and died almost immediately. Captain Calvert, it is stated, maddened by the dying agonies of his son, fired six shots from his revolver and then rushed upon his assailants with his sword, who, hearing the approach of the detachment at. the moment, became alarmed and made their exit easily enough under the cover of a dense mist •which surrounded the ranges. An inquest was afterwards held on the deceased at Papakura, when Captain Calvert, on oath, said that "he identified the man who shot his son as one William White, an aboriginal native of New Zealand, whom he had frequent opportunities of knowing." This evidence was corroborated by a boy employed b}' Captain Calvert, who was present at the time of the murder, and also by Mr. Smith of the Traveller's Ivest Hotel. The jury returned a verdict of " wilful murder against William White, and other aboriginal natives unknown." In consequence of this verdict, a warrant was immediately issued for the apprehension of the murderer, and the police having received information that White was on board the hulk, due search was made on the 28th December last, unfortunately, however, without success. On Friday last, as Constable O'Hara was on duty in Queen street, a Maori, apparently about forty-five years of age was pointed out to that officer by a person whose name for obvious reasons we do not mention as the man who had been for so long a time " wanted," the wretched murderer of Sylvester Calvert. The Native, in reply to Constable O'Hara, stated that his name was William White, which, giving strength, to the supposition, he was at once conveyed to the lock up. The Commissioner of Police immediately telegraphed to Captain Calvert to come into Auckland, in order to identify the" suspeeted man, and the accused expressing a desire to see an interpreter, Mr. Jamos Fullom was called in, who at once stated that the William White before him, at the time the murder was committed, I

■was of the Crown. At S o'clock on Saturday afternoon. White was broaght before the Commissioner of Police, and Captain Calvert not appearing, was discharged "from cus" tody.

Fibe in Invekcahgill.—lt win he seen on reference to another portion of our columns that there has been another veiy large fire in Invercargill, at which considerable" property has been destroyed. The constant recurrence *if these fires in various surrounding colonies ought to have its effect on our authorities, in causing them to bring the promised abundance of water into the city of Auckland. Cantekbttby Akniversaet.—The Ljftleton Times of the 17th instant, gives an account of the celebration on the previous day, of the fourteenth anniversay of the Province. The offices and shops were closed, and the population of Christehurch made a general holiday. " The great event of the day was the laying the foundation stone of the Cathedral, and a feeling of universal joy was entertained on the occasion." A special service was performed on the occasion, the volunteers from adjoining districts mustered in force, and tlis bishop of the diocese performed the ceremony of laying the foundation stone in the presence of a very large number of spectators, after which a large company adjourned to Mr. Colter's now room in Cathedral Square, where an excellent lunch was served, and several toasts proposed and speeches made. Several sports were provided for the amusement of the general public, and the day seems to have been kept as a high festival and holiday. At the Theatre lJoyal, on Saturday night, Wilkie Collins' extraordinary story "No Name," dramatized by Mr. George Fawcett, was produced for the fourth* time at this Theatre, and was well received by a good and appreciative house. We have had occaaion to notice this really wonderful drama previously at considerable length, suffice it therefore to say that "No Name " lost none of its attraction, and was deservedly and vehemently applauded. Another of Mr. Fawcett's productions, " Puss in Boots," a local extravaganza, will be presented this evening, to be followed by an entirely new drama, entitled " Miriam's Crime."

Matrimonial Squabbles.—Robert Connor was apprehended, by warrant, on Saturday evening, charged with having committed an assault upon his wife, Ellen Connor. Pavillion Music Hall.—There was a large attendance at this conccrt hall on Saturday night, and an excellent programme provided by the management, was well received by the audience.

Unequal Taxation.—"We lately called attention to the absurdities in our present mode of taxing articles, not by value but by bulk. The following extract from the New Zealand Spectator shows we were by no means alone in our opinion ; —" In one aspeet the increase of duties may be regarded with satisfaction—it will inevitably lead to a revision of the present most obnoxious tariff. Complaints will again arise from all quarters of the partial and oppressive operation of the present system. Calicoes and silks will be measured side and side, and the enormous discrepancy between their values and the duties charged upon them strongly insisted on, while the wearers of hats will grumble when they find that the traditionary four-and-nine-penny " is burdened with a duty of five shillings. Such complaints have hitherto been ineffectual, because they pointed to a reduction of revenue which no Government yet has been able to afford. But war and a war expenditure must end some dav; and then, when reduction may and will be insisted on, the most objectionable parts of the tariff may be got rid of. .Nothing can justify nor even excuse the measurement duties which are now levied. Even an ad valorem duty is not so absurd, though too often involving moral delinquencies, and therefore to be avoided. Sooner or later the world will be wise enough to submit to direct taxation, but while indirect taxation must as yet be resorted to, it is a first requirement that it should be I regulated upon intelligible principles, so as not to press unduly on any class of the community." Pkinceof Wales Theatre. —The opening of this favourite place of amusement for a new season took place on Saturday night, and a large audience assembled to welcome back again the old favourites on the Auckland boards. The theatre was tastefully decorated with ferns and appropriate bannersin honour of the festive season. The pieces selected for the occasion were The Love Chase" and the capital farce of the " Spectre Bridegroom." In the former production, Mr. J. H. Clifford, Mr. O'Brien, and Mr. "West pourtrayed the characters of Masters TV ildrake, Walter, and Sir "William Fondlove, with much taste and ability. Miss Fanny Young as Constance was all that could be desired, and was vehemently applauded. Lytilia and the widow were placed In tlie hands of the Misses Corcoran and Griffiths, who did full justice to the parts assigned to them. At the conclusion of " Tlie Love Chase," the whole company were called before the curtain and received an ovation. Mr. G. "W. Daniel, on his appearance upon the stage as Diekcry, in the "Spectre Bridegroom," was received with demonstrations of applause that made the old " Brunswick" echo again. Mr. Daniel's "make up," particularly in the scene where the fancied ghost makes his appearance, was something wonderful, and indeed his acting throughout the farce was inimitable. This evening being Boxing Night, the gorgeous Christmas pantomime will be produced for the first time, and no doubt there will be a crowded house to do it justice. Passengers Fit oh the Cape.—Messrs. Ciesar, Goddefroy and Son's fine brig, the ' lieihersteig," arrived in harbour on Saturday afternoon last from the Cape of Good Hope, bringing a total of 154 passengers, all in good health. The following is a list of their trades, ifcc.: —s carpenters, 3 blacksmiths, 34 labourers, 1 eoachbuilder, 2 gardeners, 1 wheelwright, 3 shoemakers, 1 engine-fitter, 1 painter, and 1 plumber. California. —Through the courtesy of Capt. Kingley of the barque Uruguay, which arrived in harbour from San Francisco on Saturday afternoon last, we arc in possession of San Francisco files to the lath; October. Tins Day's Amusements —It will be seen by our advertising columns, that there is a great variety of amusements set before our holidaymaking friends ; the Lake, the Flagstaff, and Stoke's Point, are the most prominent. W c have no doubt that our fellow citizens will enjoy themselves in their usual hearty good humoured tliorongly British fashion.

SPECIAL 11ELIGI0US SERVICES. Tn 15 lie v. "William Taylor yesterday preacheda very eloquent sermon at the morning service in the Wesleyan Chapel, High-street. In the course of his sermon he stated that on that day —Christmas Day—fifty years ago the first Christmas religion service ever held in jN ew Zealand was celebrated by the eminent missionary the Uev. Samuel Marsden—the Christmas l)ay then, as now. falling on a Sunday. Mr. Taylor preached a sermon for the young at half-past two. In the morning he told the young people of the congregation to circulate the information that " the man from California would tell them some strange things, a promise which was faithfully fulfilled. He delivered a most interesting discourse, which was listened to by both young and old with the deepest attention. The discourse was illustrated by a great number of anecdotes culled trom a lengthened residence in California from 1841) to 1853. In the evening he preaehed a most impressive sermon to a crowded congregation. The rev. gentleman will preach this evening at the same time and place. Oil Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock a.m., a breakfast meeting will be held in the sehoolroom. A public meeting will be held on the

crcnirig Ac same clay pan.) "The 3?cr. Mr- Taylor -will also •preach in tlie "Wesleyan Chapel, High-street, 011 "Wednesday, Thursday, jiiid Friday evebings. The eminence which this reverend gentleman lias attained gives a sort of specialty to his arrival in Auckland, and those who feci an interest in the progress of missionary labours would do well to avail themselves of the opportunity that presents itself of hearing him. The character oi his discourses is eminently practical. He brings to a warm christian zeal ,u his work a shrewd observation of men and tilings, and a profound syiSpatliy with the interests and advancement of Christianity. It is not often the lot of Auckland to hear so zealous, so cmphatic, lucid, and impressive a Christian minister, and we heartily recommend all who have not heard him to repair to the Wesley an Chapel and sit for an hour at the feet of this modern Gamabil.