The New Zealand Herald AUCKLAND. WEDNESDAY, OCT. 3, 1866.

New Zealand Herald, Volume III, Issue 901, 3 October 1866, Page 4

The New Zealand Herald

AUCKLAND. WEDNESDAY, OCT. 3, 1866.

BPECTEMUK AGENDO. " Give every man tliine ear, bat few thy voice : Take each inau's consuro, but reserve thy judgment. This above all, —To thine own self be true And It must follow, as the the rtav» Thou canst not then be false to any man/*

Because wo have not seven thousand pounds to spare foi' the erection of a market-house, ' is no just; reason why the city and province should go without one altogether, the more cspcei.'illy, when for the most trifling outlay the old Supreme Court-house could be made available i'or the purpose. True, the City Board lias no fixed tenure over that building, but there is no reason to suppose that it will for some time to come be required by the Provincial Government, nor need the necessary alterations and additions to render it suitable for a temporary market-house be of such a character but that they may be removable at the termination of the City Board's term of tenure, or occasion any actual loss if sold for the mere value of the material. When it was proposed some time ago to use this building as a temporary markethouse, the same objection was raised that possession of it might bo required at any moment by the Provincial Government. Months have passed, during which the public might have enjoyed its use for this purpose, and still it remains at their service if they choose to use it, aud in all probability this tiino 7iext year matters will stand in the same position. Indeed it was for this very purpose that it was handed over to the City Board by the Superintendent ; and it is not only improbable, but very absurd, to suppose that the latter would interfere with the carrying out of the experiment, which he himself was anxious should he tried, by prematurely disturbing the City Board in its? possession of the building. We are glad to see that the attention of the City Board has been attracted to the necessity of making some use of the old Court-house and gaol, aud we would again suggest that they could put it to no better purpose than that of a temporary markethouse for the sale of country produce, vegetables, eggs, poultry, fish, butter, &c. Hough stalls and moveable benches might bo constructed as required at a very reasonable cost , and such a rent charged for their use as would cover their expense in the course of a few months. There are certain natural laws which determine the most suitable locality for a marketplace in every town, which it is utterly impossible to ignore. You cannot build a market-house where you like and say, " To " this spot shall the vendors come to sell; " the citizens to buy." "Wherever this attempt has been made it has proved a failure, unless, of course, when the spot chosen has been the one naturally suitable for the purpose. The costly market erected in Melbourne is a noticeable instance of this. In other towns, as Adelaide for instance, the same results have taken place. A central position in a district has been chosen, a commodious market-house with all conveniences erected—but the traffic would not come. Some spot which seemed to possess far less advantage as regards central position or otherwise, without any adventitious assistance of handsome and commodious buildings aud all other accessories, drew away the trade. It flowed somehow into a natural channel, from which it could not be diverted. Now, the position of the old Court-house in Queen-street is just the natural channel into which what little trade of a character such as we are writing about flows in Auckland. It is the heart aud centre of resort of the country visitants on Saturdays, and we should be inclined to hack the old Courthouse with a few rough stalls and benches as a more profitable speculation, as a market-house, against a new and expensive, and far more convenient building, erected lor the special purpose on the reserved site at the top of Queen-street. The experiment is worthy of trial, aud, sotting aside local jealousy, we do think the City Board would be doing a work which would cover a multitude of sins if they would expend a reasonable sum in making the old Supreme Courthouse suitable for the temporary purposes of a market-house. It is weil known that Auckland was never better supplied, since the war broke out, with vegetables than it has been for some months past, but we are sorry to say that such a state of things is not likely to continue unless the convenience of a public market, where he can meet face to face with the consumer, be afforded to the producer. One market gardener told us a short time since that if there were a public market lie could afford to sell liis produce at a price which would enable the consumer to obtain it at one half the present retail price charged, while he himself would receive nearly double what he now . receives for it from the middleman or retailer. Thus it will be seen that both consumer and producer are being put to serious loss by the continuance ot ? the present system. The same party, a regular market gardener by trade, informed us that the price now obtained from the retailers is so small as to render market gardening anything but a paying speculation. Ami yet, though this is the case, the price of vegetables to the general public is so high as°to ' preclude in most families as free a use of ' them as a consideration for health would demand. Again, on the price of butter and eggs, articles which are of ready sale, the i public has to pa}-, or the producer to lose, ' threepence on every pound or dozen sold to, 1 or by, the retailer. No matter whether 1 butter be only Is. 3d. per lb., or eggs Is. per 1 dozen, the same per eentage is taken by the ' middleman. In the case of a public market the ! producer or theconsumerwould either benefit I

to the extent of sometimes 20 per cent, on the price of these articles, or probably the saving would be shared between the two. The loss of ten shillings commission on 401b. of butter, or as many dozen of eggs, is a serious matter to a country settler. A fish market-, too, is much needed, and doubtless if the site alluded to were set apart for market purposes, there would be found one or more fish stalls, where families might obtain a supply of fresh and cheap fish when required, without depending on the chance visit of a Maori with a string of half-dried, sun-baked sclmappers. The very fact of having a recognised and well attended market wherein to dispose of their produce, would cause those accustomed to sea fishing to open up an as yet undeveloped supply of cheap and wholesome food. The fish in these parts are of as great variety and excellence of flavour as elsewhere, but very little attempts have hitherto been made to furnish a regular supply to the city, probably from the very fact that- the only way to dispose of them was to hawk them about from door to door. By reference to the report of the meeting of the City Board, which took place on Monday, it will be seen that a committee has been appointed to take into consideration what shall be done with the old Courthouse and gaol. One of the first considerations will doubtless bo its applicability to the purposes of a temporary market house. Those who advocate the erection of a market elsewhere should not oppose the scheme as a rival to their own. That which wo now advocate can but be a temporary market site, and may actually servo as the best argument for building the long-proposed market-house at the foot of "Wakefield-street by proving the necessity for a market, which has been by .some so strenuously denied. It was, indeed, as much for this purpose as any other that the site and buildings of the Old Courthouse and gaol were handed over to the City Board by the Superintendent. In* the passenger list of those who leave today by the steamer Auckland for Sydney, will he seen the name of Dr. McKinnon, of the 57th Regiment, who, during his stay in this city and province, has won the respect aud esteem of the settlers. Dr. McKinnon's professional adVice—and as a medical man he had no superior in Auckland—was ever at the service of all who asked it, and, where needed, given gratuitously. Ur. McKinnon leaves the colony, we understand. to accept a staff appointment at home, but wherever he goes he will carry with him the good-will of the colonists of Auckland, and his name will be held in kind remembrance at many a colonial hearth. Few men belonging to the service, who have been quartered so short a t'me in the province, have made so many real friends. Compensation Court.—The Court was engaged yesterday in hearing cases, brought forward by the Government Agent, until after 3 o'clock. Six claims were disposed of, and about £353 deducted from the previous awards. The hearing of one claim had been adjourned, to allow Mr. Crispe to obtain a copy of a letter from the Government, if lie could. He had faded in his effort. Cutting of the Telegeaph Wires.—lnformation was received yesterday from the Queen's Redoubt stating that the telegraph wires had been cut between that- station and Te Awamutu. It is supposed that the deserter, L3 r ons, of the 57th (an account of whose escape is given in another paragraph), is the person by whom the communication has thus been cut off. The Newton Total Abstinence Society intend giving a representation entitled " The Trial of >ir Timothy TralEc v. Public Good," in Mr. Dewar's academy, Karangahape road, this evening at 7 o'clock. The public are invited. Coroner's Inquest.—An Inquest was held yesterday before Dr. Philson, Coroner, at the Kaihvay Terminus hotel, Wynyard Pier, in view of the body of a Maori boy apparently seven or eight years, which was found on the Bella Vista beach near Cox's Creek, on Sunday afternoon last. The body was found quite naked, and no means existed for identification. It was in an advanced stage of decomposition. There were some abrasions of the skin caused by the body rubbing against the rough bottom, but no other marks that would lead to the supposition that death had been caused by foul play. The jury found " that the deceased was found dead, but how death was caused, there being no marks of violence on the body, there was no evidence to show." Welleslet-street Baptist Chapel.—The annual soiree of this chapel was held last evening, when a large company sat down to a sumptuous tea, amply and creditably supplied ; after which the Key. P. H. Cornford was voted to the chair, and the business of the evening commenced. The Rev. Mr. Buller, Rev. Dr. Wallis, Rev. Mr. Bree, Rev. Mr. Hamer, and several other ministers addressed the meeting, touching upon the success and advance of the community. Mr. Herapath read the annual report, which was very favourable to the chapel committee, and spoke well for their energy and perseverance. Although through death, removal, and other causes, they had lost several of their devoted attendants, numerous others had joined during the twelvemonth, and Mr. F. Battley had been appointed superintendent of the Sunday School, which department had also met with great encouragement and success. Mr. Brame alse dejivered a very amusing and instructive address illustrative of the practical and tangible manifestation of brotherly love, followed by the Rev. A. McDonald, in the same strain. The Chairman then proposed votes of thanks to the ladies, who had contributed to the general harmony and enjoyment of the occasion by their presence, and to the elioir, which were carricd by acclamation. The benediction was then pronounced by the Rev. Mr. Buller, and the proceedings terminated. An entertainment of a pleasing character in connection with the " Freeman's Bay Band of Hope and Total Abstinence Association" was given in the Wesleyan Chap.'l, Hobson-treet, on Monday evening. The programme which consisted of Dialogues, Recitations. &c., was principally performed by juvenile members of the cause, and gave indications of steady perseverance both in the learning and delivery of the pieces chosen. Music at intevrals was given on the harmonium by Mr. Lambert, and the meeting was brought to a close at a quarter before ten, by singing the National Anthem The attendance was a fair one, although the weather proved so unfavourable, the number present being about 90. Admission was by ticket. At the request of several, the committee have decided that the entertainment should be repeated with some slight variation, at the City Mission School-room, Durhamstreet, on Monday next, the proceeds to help the support of the Children's Home there. Tickets one shilling, children half-price. Attempted Rape —A man named Terrence Lyons, a private of the 57th Regiment, stationed at the Queen's Redoubt, deserted yesterday, having rendered himself liable to apprehension ' for attempting to commit a rape upon a little * jirl six years of age. Lyons took with him his < regulation rifle, No. 980, and five rounds of ball 1 mrtridge. He is described as a foxy-looking nan, having sandy-reddish hair, a freckled complexion, 29 years of age, and 5 feet 7 inches in i leight. 1

Miutaey.—The head-quarters of the 50th Regiment embarked this morning on board the «.s. Auckland for Sydney. The detachment consists of 350 men women and children of the 50th, as also the following officers :—Colonel Locke (in command), Capt. Eden, Adjt. Barker, Paymaster Nowlan, Quarter-master Turner, Lieutenants White, Campbell, Preston, Allardin, Ensigns Wynyard and Soote, Surgeon Frazer. Ancient Obdeb of Forestebs, Court City of Auckland.—The election of officers for the ensuing six months took place at the Court Room, on Monday, the Ist instant, when the following officers were appointed: — Chief Ranger, Brother W. H. IN apper; Sub-Chief Ranger, Brother G. L. Rorison; Treasurer, Brother Dr. Pierce; Secretary, Brother A. Myers ; Sub-Secretary, Brother Talbot; Senior Woodward, Brother Garrick; Junior Woodward, Brother Gaven; Senior Beadle, Brother Cohen; Junior Beadle, Brother R. Strong, junr.; Trustees, Brothers Alexander, Napper, i and Sceats. i A meeting of the Hibernia Society was held at the Governor Browne Hotel, Mr. Leahy in the chair. A vote of thanks was passed to the Patron of the Society, Mr. John Williamson. The office bearers of the preceding year were re-elected, and a vote of thanks having been re- ; turned to the Chairman, the meeting adjourned. Tenders for the erection of a telegraph sta- ! tion at the Tovmship of Mercer, Point Russell, will be received by the Engineer-in-Chief until noon of Tuesday, the 9th inst. NOTICE TO Marinebs.—ln our advertising columns will be seen a notice of the placing of a red buoy in the Manukau. I.O.R.—The quarterly meeting of the members of the " Hope of Auckland Tent," Independent Order of Rechabites, was held on Monday evening last, in the school-room, 1 Edwardes-street. The balance sheet for the quarter ending September 25th ultimo, and the auditors' report therson, were received 1 and ■ adopted. The assets of the society showed an available net balance for sick and funeral gifts of £220. The health of the members generally is very good, and during the last quarter only [ £2 9s 6d was paid for sick allowances. Two new candidates for membership of the Order were proposed, and the following brethren were * elected office bearers for the ensuing six months:—Brother Le Roy, C.H.; Brother Tanner, D.K. ; Brother Osmund Lewis, Secretary; . Brother Paine, C.S.; Brother McKoberts, | 8.5.; Brother Cromarty, Levite ; and, Brother L G. Partington, Guardian. Owing to the whole [ of the business not having been completed, the p meeting was adjourned until Monday evening, the loth instant. Church Visitation.—His Lordship the i Bishop of New Zealand has started on another . tour in the Waikato district, for the purpose of • visiting the several settlements, with a view of , establishing churches therein. 1 Pensioners.—The army and navy out-pen-sioners, in the Auckland District. Quarterly ■ pensions will be paid at the Court-house, I Howick, this day, at noon; and at Panmure, at > the Post Office, at three p.m. ' Coloured starch, says a London paper, is the latest and greatest novelty of the season. It is made in pink, buff, the new mauve, and a J delicate green, and blue will soon be produced. _ Any article starched with the new preparation ' is completely colored; but as it washes out, the garment that was pink to-day may be green to- ' morrow, and buff afterwards. It is intended 1 especially for those bright but treacherouslycolored muslins that are costly, wash out, and perplex their owners. If the pattern has been mauve, they only need the mauve starch ; if green, green starch ; and they can be rendered one even and pretty shade, thus becoming not only wearable again, but very stylish. White antimacassars or lace curtains may also be ! colored in the same way, and infinite variety ' afforded. Speaking of the Panama Steam service the , JYew Zealand Examiner says : —Any one calmly „ looking at these facts, and remembering that 1 a colony more than 16,000 miles away is to ' be communicated with within 49 days instead of the old 130, cannot help feeling the debt of gratitude owing to the pioneers of steam navigation. It is not so long ago that Dr. Lardner, 1 a very learned man, pronounced the proposal of steaming across the Atlantic an absurdity, if not the scheme of a madman. A short time prior to this a committee of the House of Lords endeavoured to limit George Stephenson to travel--1 ling at a speed of 12 miles by railway, and now we travel 18 miles an hour on the water, and 1 can " do " 50 miles by railway in the same space of time. Would that the grave could restore to us for 2-1 hours some of the " mighty dead," and let them look on the world as it is, and return to Hades there to report progress ! But ; before their return thither, we should like to show them at the Antipodes a tight little Island —a younger England—peopled by old England's children, her lands becoming yearly more fruitful and productive by the industry and perseverance of the Saxon race, whilst her internal resources of gold, iron, coal, and copper will make her one of the most powerful countries of the world. La Belle France:—'The Paris journals are employed (says the correspondent of the Globe) in carefully hiding the details produced in a letter to the Message>• du Midi from Toulon, wherein, while describing the arrival and departure of Lepine, the fashionable shoemaker of Paris, the member of the Legion of Honor, and the highly respectable citizen, condemned for the murder of his mistress under the most aggravating circumstances, the writer proceeds to describe the punishment awarded to the two convicts who lately escaped from the Mourillon, and who were re-captured after several days' starvation in the woods and fields. These men have been consigned to what is called the "Hells of the Bagne." Now it seems necessary that the public should be kept in utter ignorance of the very existence of such a place, in that the French papers may go on boasting of the superior humanity of the French laws over those of every other nation, and each time they mention the cruelty of England, and the "tortureof the lash," thank God, who has not made the Frenchmen of the same harsh clay as that of which the Anglo-Saxon has been moulded. These hells of the Bagne consist of a number of snbteranean cells hollowedoutbeneath the casements of the fortifications of Toulon. They are just wide and long enough to contain the body of a full-grown man, who if above the common height, has not sufficient room to stretch his legs. The convict is chained by the leg to a ring in the wall; his hands crossed over the other by a strong iron gyve above the wrist, remain in the same position dnring the whole time of his punishment, which extends to one, two, or three months, according to the gravity of the offence. He is forced to eat, to sleep, and act with his hands in the identical posture in which they were left by the blacksmith employed to rivet the double gyve on his entrance! No light is suffered to penetrate this ".hell,",and i only just sufficient air to prevent its miserable inmates from being suffocated by the fcotid emanations from the pail fixed in the hollow of the wall, which forms the only furniture of the place. After a month or two of this punishment it seems that the man who has not meanwhile been conveyed either to the cemetery or the i ladhouse, is found to have grown as tractable a j any sucking dove. No convict has ever been known to incur the punishment a second time. The reason of this may be easily guessed for there are but three to chose from. The writer of the letter mentions, by the way, that this visit to one of these "Jiells" was accidental, the public never having been admitted' even to a knowledge of their existence, lest the general indignation should bring down reprobation on the Government. 1

i Missing Fbiend.—lt was reported at the Police Office yesterday evening that a man named John Hudson had been missing from his home since six o'clock on Saturday morning last. I He is described as follows : —Age, 41 years; , height, 5 feet 7 inches; complexion, fair; hair, , dark ; brown whiskers; and was dressed when last seen in a blue serge coat and vest, dark trousers, and black hat. Surveyors' Association.—Thensualmonthly " meeting of the above society will take place this i evening at the Belfast Hotel. i Messes.' Ridings and Peeston will sell by > auction, to-day, a quantity of drapery, boots, ' &c. ? Messes. Huntee and Co. will hold their , Papnkura monthly sale to-day, of fat and store . cattle, dairy cows, sheep, horses, and pigs. c Mb. Alvbed Bucklakd will sell at Papakura ' to-day, a pen of grown steers from the "Wairoa, " the property of Mr. James xtyburn. > Messes. Jones and Co. will offer for sale ' this day a quantity of tea, sugar, tobacco, groceries, oilmen's stores, &c. * Messes. Tuebell & Tones will offer for sale 1 to-day, at their mart, Queen-street, a quantity 3 of seasonable drapery, ex Siaui and Norwood.