FIRE AT RANGIAWHIA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume II, Issue 424, 23 March 1865, Page 4

FIRE AT RANGIAWHIA.

We regret to announce that intelligence was received in town yesterday morning, from Ragiawhia, by electric telegraph, stating that the Presbytery of the I Roman Catholic Mission Station—a handsome wooden building, capable of accommodating some seventeen or eighteen scholars—had been burnt to the ground. No lives, we are happy to learn, have been lost, but nearly all the property contained in it has been destroyed. There are at the present time a number of scholars at this station, chiefly half-castes, under the care of the Rev. Father Vincy, who has been obliged to telegraph to Auckland for supplies of food and clothing, all ol which have been destroyed. The origin of the lire is not stated, whether it was accidental or otherwise. » THE AUCKLAND MILITIA. A shout time since we were assailed witli the impertinent contradiction by a cotemporaiy, of information which we published in reference to the Auckland Militia, our offence being one of which we are commonly guilty—that of obtaining earlier information on current events. We now refer to the same subject, and state in confirmation of previous intelligence furnished by us, that it is now the intention of the authorities to take a fresh roll of all men liable to serve in the militia, and arm them at once. We would call the attention to the militia and volunteer notice published in our advertising columns, and warn all liable to serve that the rule there laid down will.be rigidly enforced.

SEPARATION. A special meeting of the Council of the Northern Association was: held yesterday at the Association rooms, when there was a full attendance of members. The first business brought beforo the meeting was the election of a Secretary, in the place of Mr. T. W. Harrop, resigned. There were five applicants for the appointment, which was unanimously conferred upon Mr. Robert Kidd. A letter was read from William Buckland, Esq., rosigning the office of Presidont of the

Association, on. account of his being about to leave the province for some time. Walter Grahame, Esq., "was unanimously elected in his stead.

Replies were received • from several of the Auckland members of tlie General Assembly, agreeing with the views enunciated in the circular lately issued by the Association in reference to the advisability of their, retaining their seats in the present Parliament. Notwithstanding the misrepresentations of our Wellington cotemporaries that the separation movement is dying out (!) in Auckland— the success of our efforts never looked more certain than they do at the present moment— vigorous action is being taken by tho Association, there is no lack of energy. Separation we are determined to have—according to law if we can—but still we will have separation. In Canterbury itself a revulsion of feeling is at hand. That political weathercock, the Lytielton Tim-ex, goes in for separation on this ground, that the credit of the colony must be preserved by helping Southland out of her difficulties; that the General Government cannot do so from want of funds; that the only source of help is from the land revenue of the provinces; but that it would never do to allow that revenue to be interfered with by the North Island, although the . Middle Island, under a Separation Government, might have it administered for the benefit of Southland in particular, and of the whole Middle Island in general, in a satisfactory manner. On these grounds the Jjyllcllon Times thinks separation advisable. The truth is, the I.ylleUon Times knows the under-current of public feeling in Canterbury, and is taking up such a position that at a future time it can float with the current, and go in strong for what its local cotemporaries. Lave condemned. The veering towards separation by this journal, shows clearly enough what is beginning to be thought about separation by the Canterbury public.

PItOA r INCIAL COUNCIL. Tub Council met yesterday at the usual hour. After some conversation upon the order of business, the Ho~ase went into committee upon the estimates of appropriation and general expenditure. The whole of the items under the head special expenditure were voted, with one or two exceptions postponed. These exceptions will be found elsewhere. The greater number of items under tlieliead " Miscellaneous" were also voted. The expenses under Thistle Act, £600, were postponed until the report of the Select Committee should have been received. The amount for vaccination, £250, was also postponed. The item £600 for advertisements was reduced to £200. The House was counted out at twent}' minutes past eight o'clock. o HAWSE'S BAY, W>: take the following from the I [aw Ice's Jiay llerald, of the 18th instant: — Since writing (he above (the article on tho murder of Mr. Yolkner, republished elsewhere) we are glad to bo enabled to state that tho General Government are fully aware of the exposed position of Hawke's Bay They are unable to send us any reinforcements of regular troops, but they have very gracefully placed in the hands of our worthy Superintendent full powers lo use his best judgment in providing for the present emergency. A temporary forcc —of what nature is not yet determined —will at once he raised, and tho Militia will again be called out for drill and rifle practice. Arrangements will also, bo made to cnablo Mich friendly hejinx as may he thoroughly dcp9niied upon to act for lis (and fVr themselves) on the Northern frontier. They will he supplied with arms and am'munition, and are to be left to uso them as may seem most advisable to themselves—the example of the Arawas having shown that tho natives do bettor without than \\:!l miy interference on our part.

AVe aro glad to find that the General Government, havo in no way neglected our interests, and that they hnvo in fact done all in their power. In the present position of affairs this prcmpt ectirn on their part will relieve the settlers fiom a considerable amount of reasonable anxintv.

If it be necessary for the Government to strengthen the position of Hawke's Hay, and it is most undoubtedly so, is it not necessary to do the same in this province. Is the Pai Marire fanaticism to be allowed fully to develope its damnable doctrines in Auckland—to spread its murderous tenets amongst tlio resident natives in the North, in order that a blow may be struck at the prosperity of this province, so that its rivals, unable to raise themselves to our level, may sink lis to theirs. There never was a more flagrant dereliction of duty on the part of any Government in the British empire than that of the Weld Ministry, who have allowed this evil to spread itself unchecked throughout the two northern provinces of ]S T cw Zealand. Its doctrines are murder, rebellion, pakeha extermination. Its attraction to the native mind seems almost irresistable where its doctrines are allowed to be zealously inculcated ; and yet the Government of the country take no 'steps to prohibit the teachings of these rebel bands with false prophets at their head, although, their attempts at conversion are made not only in rebel districts, but in the settlements of friendly and surrendered natives living in our midst.

THE WESLEY AN COLLEGE PROPERTY. It is seldom tliat a property situated like tliis in the heart of the city, and having a frontage to Queen-street itself, is ofl'ered for sale. We need say nothing of the value of such a property. Its business situation, its pleasant aspect, render it desirable both for purposes of business or for private residences, overlooking the lower part of the city and harbour, and being healthy and prettily situated. This property has been subdivided into several lots, the immediate grounds around the college being reserved. This will add to the healthfulness and beauty of the whole property, and now that a good metalled street is made right past it to the Karangahape road, the whole of the traffic of Newton will find its way down Upper Queen-street into the city. Messrs. Arthur aud Son will offer this valuable properly this morning by auction, at their rooms, Queen-street.

Mussits. Harris and Turner will sell today a large quantity of potatoes, also provisions, including beef, pork, currants, raisins, pickles, bacon, tea, sugar, cheese, &c. Also a number of watches, chains, <fcc. Messrs. Aktjiur and Son, will hold to-day an important land sale. The lots to be offered are all valuable from Ihcir central situation. First allotment, in Karangahape road, near the junction with Queen-street, being part of lot 23, frontage 35 feet with depth of 85 feet. Second, corner allotment of Ko. 1, section 2, 33 by 09 feet, Eden Terrace, corner of Mount Eden road and Summer-street. Third, allotment 3 of section No 2, 33 by 09 feet, Mount Eden road. Besides these are 45 freehold allotments in Upper Queen-street. These allotments are well known as the College property, and are sold under instruct ions from the trustees of the Wesley College. We have already drawn attention to these valuable lots. We observe a somewhat singular feature in the advertised terms, these are to be " one third cash, balance by promissory notes at 3 and 0 months, without interest." There is another very valuable lot, with dwelling house, to bo sold by the same firm, viz. in Wakefield-street, being the site withtheresidence of Mr. Mark Somerville, the house is a nine roomed house, well-furnished. The site is lot 11, section No. 36, having a frontage of 50 links with depth of ILI. links. Sale at twelve o'clock. Messrs. John llobehton and Co. will sell to-day at their stores, Durham-street, at eleven o'clock, a large quantity O'f flour ex Precursor,

comprising 1160 bag3| lOOlbs. each; 300 of 501bs. each (slightly damaged) ; 24 cases of Cheshire cheese; 20 lccgs of Woollongong butter ;10 tons s;»lt, 10 tons of Pntna rice; candles, confectionery, cigars, tobacco,-.spiced beef, preserved meat, herrings, and sundries. Mb. Alfijed Buckland will sell to-day at the Newmarket Yards, 60 head of prime fat oxen, dairy cows, 100 fatted sheep from Wangamii, 60 breeding ewes, 70 wethers from Melbourne, and an iron roller, 10 inches in diameter.

Ekkatum.—A transposition of figures in-tho calculations contained in Mr. Collett's letter of yesterday, respecting the cost and profit of the Papakura river water supply scheme needs correction. The figures in the 6th line shouldread £20,500, not £52,600.

In the Police Court yesterday StephenDempsey and Michael Kirwan, privates attached to the 18th Eegt., wore brought up, charged with | stealing two Crimean shirts irom the shop of Mr. Cohen, Higli-street, under circumstances detailed in yesterday's issue of the Herald. The theft was clcarly proved, and the prisoners were sentenced to three months' imprisonment with hard labour. Dempsey is well known to the police, and was committed for trial on the Ttli of December last for stealing a watch, but owing to some informality was acquitted. An I is" qc est was lield yesterday at the Wynyard Hotel, Barrack-street, before Dr. Philson. Coroner, on the body of Mary Elizabeth Flint, who accidentally met with her death on Tuesday last by being run over by one of Rogers's coaches. The evidence showed that death was purely accidental, and the jury returned a verdict accordingly. 3? esi dentMa gisthate's Court.—T.H. Horne, and John Graham, Esqs., J.P., presided yesterday. Eour drunkards were treated in the usual manner. A charge of assault preferred against Thomas Waters was dismissed. There are a number of civil actions set down for hearing this day, upon which occasion our worthy Resident Magistrate will adjudicate.

His Honob Donald McLean, Esq.—Our readers will be glad to learn, says tlie ITaicke's Bay Herald of the 18tli, that Mr. McLcan returned to the province by the steamer Queen. Though far from being fully restored to his wonted strength, he is yet considerably improved in health. His presence during the present condition of public affairs will be gladly welcomed by the inhabitants, although they would also have been glad could circumstances have permitted of his enjoying for a longer period the relaxation of which he stands so much in need. "We believe it was the news of the Opotiki murder that decided Mr. McLean upon returning to the province instead of proceeding to Otago. Tite Opotiki Mukdeh.—The sensation which this horrible deed has creatcd in Hawke's Bay is very great. It has caused the return of Mr. M'Lean, the Superintendent, to that province, although not fully convalescent. The ITaicke's Hay Herald, of the 38th. just received, contains the following able article : —" While with horror naturally caused by such a dreadful and uncalled for piece of atrocity, we peruse the account of the brutal murder of the Bev. Mr. Yolkner, —while the blood curdles at the revolting details, and the very imagination shudders at the attempt to realise the terrible and o'er true picture, —it becomes a duty to set aside, for a moment, the feelings of outraged humanity, and to look at the new phase which is thus given to the political aspect of affairs. This cold-blooded and fanatical murder, to be followed, wc fear, only too shortly by the sacrifice of the Bev. Mr. Grace and the other unfortunates now in the hands of the worshippers of le Atua Hau. imports a new feature into the struggle which has sometime past been so languidly progressing. It seems clear that the Pai Marirc religion is in itself such an clement of danger that it must be stopped wherever it makes its appearance. The professors of it can no longer be allowed to range over this or any other district disseminating their damnable doctrines. Nor can any district be left in such a defenceless state that the authorities have no power of stopping armed or unarmed emissaries of this fearful superstition. The king movement was bad enough; the loss of life and property consequent upon the war was to be much regretted, and the expenses of the war have pressed heavily upon us ; but it is nothing compared with this new danger—this return of the natives to cannibalism and all the worst excesses of their original nature. It is true that the number of the believers in the new faith is not. supposed to be yet very great, but we daily see what can bo accomplished by only a few. There were at first but forty-five Pai Marire natives engaged in this outrage, though they rapidly increased to two hundred ; and this is one very dangerous phase of the matter. When once a few fanatics have accomplished a bloody deed, the madness seems to spread with great rapidity. There is no time, therefore, to be lost in driving the professors of the Han Hau out of any district where they may be attempting to gain a footing. It is not a matter that can with common prudence be neglected for a day ; and we do trust that, so far as the province is concerned, the hands of the local authorities shall at once be sufficiently strengthened to enable them to keep the district clear of those bloody savages before anything serious occurs. At home this atrocity will cause a profound sensation, and will complete that change of opinion respecting the merits of the war which had so favorably commenced ; the Aborigines Protection Society j must feel that their energies have been sadly misdirected, and that by influencing to the best of their ability' Sir George Grey to restrain the progress of the troops at. a very critical period, tliey are to all intents and purposes accomplices in this and all future murders that may occur. We cannot congratulate them upon their position as it is more than probable that on the receipt of this news the whole clique will be held in as great contempt in England as they have long been in the Colonies. It is clear that a sharp and decisive lesson must now be taught the rebel and. fanatic Maoris ; and we can only hope that the lesson will be rapid and effectual."

Albert Hall Company.—A meeting of directors was held yesterday in Mr. Upton's store, when the prize was unanimously awarded to the design furnished by " Hope." and of which we some time ago gave full details. We understand that the directors have determined to carry out the undertaking, aud we have to congratulate the public of the city on the prospect of having such an addition made to its appearance.

Burglary. — A burglarious entrance was effected yesterday morning, at half-past one o'clock, a.m., into tlie house occupicd by Mr. Devey, Tincent-street. It appears that the burglars succeded in raising the windows. The inmates ivere fortunately aroused by the attempt, and Mrs. Devey, who was the first to discover their presence, called out to her husband to bring the gun. The scoundrels had an objection to bo ejected by arguments so penetrating, and decamped. They were three in jiumWr. "We hope a description of them has been givjn to the police, who will we doubt not. net promptly. We cannot recommend too highly the plan of Laving guns and revolvers loaded, and in readiness for such occasions, Every nian who has anything worth being robbed of, should have arms. It cannot be too widely known that it is lawful for a man to shoot a robber who enters burglariously into his dwelling-house. Any scruple about this amounts almost to a public injury. One burglar less is an additional security for public safety. "Wilful Disobedience to Lawful Commands. —"Richard Jones, a seaman attached to the brigantine Mariposa, was arrested yesterday afternoon, charged with this offence, and will be brought before his Worship this morning. j

Mysterious Eobbbby.—A Trick, recently arrived in this city-from London, Las -reported . to- the authorities throughout the Australian colonies, that a quantity of jewellery aiid wearing apparel, specified below, We re abstracted from her luggage prior to licr departure frpm England. It appears Mrs. Trick lodged in the'house of Mrs. Wriggcr in London for some short time before the vessel sidled, and used the house as a receptacle for the goods and effects she purchased for the purpose of bringing out to her adopted home. This woman is suspected of the theft, as she -was the only person cognizant of Mrs Trick's business, and indeed assisted her in packing up. It is therefore na;.turally supposed from the fact that the articles Were missed by Mrs. Trick some few dav g after leaving the Downs, that the box "was opened after having been' packed up, and part of the valuables abstracted This supposition is confirmed by information which has been received that Mrs. "Wrigger husband, and brother, have left London for some of the New Zealand ports. Descriptions of. the offender have been widely circulated throughout the colony, and it is to be hoped that she will not escape detection. The followingisalist of the missing property:—"Jewel case, rosewood, lined with purple velvet, trav of rosewood and purple velvet lining, containing gold brooch; with miniature; gold brooch with carbuncle cut diamond centre; gold brooch' \pth 4 carbuncles and 4 emeralds, Indiangold brooch, bird studded with turquoise head pendant; gold brooch, handsomely chased chain and tassels; pearl brooch, with hair in centre; tortoise shell brooch, studded with gold stars ; silver brooch, Indian filigree round tassals, gold brooch, kind of ' True Lover's Knot,' marked or rather scratched underneath £2 10s., the pin has been, rivetted with some dark solder, and is badly done : jet brooch large lover's knot; emerald and diamond ring', ruby and diamond ring, sapphire and diamond ring, single diamond ring,. cut. carbuncle in Indian setting, small gold chain for neck, cross and heart; large gold chain for neck, short gold chain, gold ornamented watch kook. a pair of gold bells, with coral earrings; a pair of coral grapes, earrings ; a pair of gold earrings, with fine pendants; gold bracelet band, set with carbuncles; gold ""bracelet band, with pendant heart, set with carbuncles; gold bracelet band, set with turquoises ; silver bracelet band in links rvritli malachite heart; silver bracelet band in bands, with malachite centre; long chain, pattern square ; gold pen (Mordaunt's) in silver Hold, silver fruit knife; etui, in red velvet case lined with white satin, Simpson, maker, with scissors, &c., in silver, gilt and gold thimble; set of coral studs (3), set of jet studs (3), scent bottle with silver top, two lace and worked ■handkerchiefs, skirt of a black moire antique dress, new, lined with black velvet and ribbon trimming; pair of boots, new, laced in front; long red ostrich feather, two skirts of Marsala 'print dresses, striped Bermon's cloak, white and drab; three silver forks, fiddle pattern, no ! crest ; hair brush and comb, new ; two dessert knives and forks.

At the Prince of Wales Theatre, yesterday evening, the sensational drama of " jaust and Marguerite," adapted from Goethe's sublime opera, was presented i'or the second time at this theatre. We noticed the piece upon the occasion of Mr. Clifford's benefit, when it was first produced, at considerable length, suffice it therefore to say, that " Faust and Marguerite" .had evidently lostnone of its attractions, if we may judge from the frequent rounds of applause which greeted every scene from the small but appreciative audience assembled. Messrs. Massey and Twiglit have been most successful in the scenery and appointments; more especially in the grand denouement. The cast was the same as before, with the exception of the character of Faust, which was then taken by Mr. Shields. Mr. Clifford played Mephistopliiles with much good taste and effect. Mr. West enacted the role of Valentine with spirit, and was particularly good in the death scene. Miss Juno was as excellent as ever, and " Faust" was a decided hit. The serio-comic drama of " The Lawless Witness" concluded the evening's amusement. We should advise everybody to see " Faust," it being one of the most interesting and mysterious dramas of modern time. Mr. Daniels is evidently determined, from the character of th e pieces placed one after the other upon the stage, that the Prince of Wales Theatre shall lose none of its attractions.

A Pboyixciat, ' Government Gazette, dated Monday, 20tli, lias been received by us yesterday afternoon. It contains a proclamation relating to PI euro-Pneumonia and a regulation respecting the driving of cattle. The following tenders have been accepted: Cutting and clearing a part of Great North Poad, between the German Settlement, on the Puhoi to lot No. 4 of the Huron block, 1?. and J". Brinston, at 12s. 3d. per chain ; clearing a road through the scoria, building culverts, earth and stone fillings, &c., on the Mount Roskill Hoad, John White, sec. 1 £80, sec. 2 £50 2s. 6d., sec. 3 £54 7s. 4d. (lump sums) ; cutting and clearing, bush road from Omaha to Pakiri, Charles "Wilson, per chain for bush. 6 in diameter, 9s. for ti-tree above six feet high, ss. for scrub, not tincluding fern 45,: culvert, filling, retaining, &c., over Swing Swang Creek, Great South lioadj Kobert Martin, £223 (lump sum) v Auckland Harbour Works, Gore-street Jetty, A. Amos and Co., Auckland, £3318 19s. 11M.; extension of new T on Queen-street wharf, D. McLeod and Co., Auckland. £S2O lis. 9|d.; fittings, Supreme Court, William Cameron, Auckland. £172 ; lease of water tank, Commercial Bay, for one year, commencing January Ist, 1565, I?. Brown, £4 per month (rent) ; lease of cranes. Queen-street wharf, for one year, commencing January Ist, 1865, £4 ss. per month (rent).