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New Zealand Herald, Volume XII, Issue 4400, 20 December 1875, Page 2

"We have had to hold over a number of letters, several items of country news, &c. A contractor named Dundass was brought up at the Police Court on Saturday morning, charged with working on the Freeman's Bay reclamation works on Sunday, the 12th instant. The defendant admitted the charge, but urged, in extenuation of it, that he was compelled to labour on that day, though it wasfrepugnant to his feelings, forif a storm had arisen £1000 worth of work would have been washed away by the tide in three hours, to tl>e great danger of the harbour silting up. The Bench took an opposite view of the matter, contending that at the time the offence was committed there was no appearauce of a storm, and that the defendant's conduct was thercfui-e unjustifiable. People were not to break the Sabbath Day in order that a danger which might arise if another event occurred, should be prevented. The threatened danger must not be a probability, but a stern reality; in that case the work would be one of necessity, and quite in accordance with the spirit of the law. The defendant was fined 3s aud 6s 6d costs, and left the Court with the promise that the offence should not be committed again under any circumstances. We think his "Worship was quite ritrht in the action he took, and we hope that it may have a beneficial effect upon persons who contemplate a similar invasion of the privileges conferred upon mankind by the Day of llest. People who hail from the home couutry have been imbued from their earliest years with feelings of reverence for the sanctity of the Lord's Day, and naturally desire that their own children shall be inspired with the same hallowed respect for its observance. If everyone were left to his own discretion in this matter we might in time be placed in the same position as Paris was at the close of last century. We think, however, that that state of things is not likely to exist long in a British community. The bazaar held in the City Hall, in aid of the Whau Manse fund, was well attended during Saturday, aiul the fair stall-keepers wore successful in disposing of a large number of miscellaneous articles. In the evening the visitors were more numerous, aud the number of raffles instituted for dolls, pictures, easy chairs, and other little etceteras, the work of skilful fingers, were almost incalculable ; and the urgent solicitations of the ladies to " take just one chance" for the prize, were generally responded to by the more susceptible of the sterner sex ridding themselves of their spare cash. One tender youth informed us that he had entered for every raffle that had been improvised that evening, but had always drawn a blank. He was, however, convinced that his luck was sure to change before he wended his way homeward. The band of the Hobson Volunteers was in attendance, and exerted themselves vigorously to enliven the proceedings, by discoursing various pleasing selections of music during the evening. The receipts for the day were as follows :—Mrs. Hepburn, £7 7s ; Mrs. Deacon, £G 4s 3d; Mrs. Lamb £6 IPs Od; Mrs. Buchanan, £21 lis 5d ; Mrs. Somervell, £3 3s ; admission fees, £4 16s Gd : total, £50 Is Sd. The gross total for the four days during which the bazaar has been open, amounts to £214 lis 4d. "We believe the sum required by the energetic workers in the good cause which they have at heart, is £350, tonrards attaining which the various articles not disposed of will be sold to-day by auction, when we trust that, by spirited competition amongst the public for the different things offered, the desired sum will be much nearer realisation than it is at present. A miner, who came through from Ohinemuri by the last boat on Saturday, verifies the report, in our Saturday's issue, of a good find at Ohinemuri. The locality is about three miles beyond Maekaytown, at a place called Owharo. This block of land is that which was so hotly contested between the Kiriweras and Ngatikoe tribes, about four years ago, when the Judge of the Native Lands Court (held at that time at Ohinemuri) closed the court on account of the violent proceedings of the natives. The find is in a very likely place, the creek running through the land and shewing a particularly good-looking stuff for carrying gold. There are four reefs,—one about 10 feet through, shewing gold somewhat freely, although not what on the Thames would be called'rich. Of course, the same thing will apply in this case, as in all those discoveries already made. There can be no result until there is batterypower to crush the stuff. At the same time, the find extends the goldfield into lands which are both Crown granted and taken up under agricultural lease. Everything is now prepared for carrying out the cutting-down of Drake-street, and the works in. Freeman's Bay in connection with it. The City Surveyor has completed the plans and sections, and has prepared an estimate of the probable expenditure. As, however, this somewhat exceeds the amount proposed to be set apart for the work, some ■ delay has taken place in regard to the provision of the requisite funds. The work, when completed, will be a vast boon to the inhabitants of the Ponsonby district. Consequent upon the resignation of the Rev.- J. Marks, of the Kauwaeranga Boys' School, who proceeds to join the Katikati settlers as pastor, the duties of headmaster have been conferred on Mr. Octavius Field, who formerly filled the situation of assistant.. The gentleman possesses high class testimonials from the Melbourne Board of Education,

In the telegraphic reports of Sir D. McLean's meeting with his constituents, the following sentence was transmitted. Mr. Gougb, of Auckland, plasterer, asked "why Ministry stated Sir J. ; Yogel for "Wanganui, when he would certainly have been picked out for City East." This is nonsense as it stands, and it was obvious that the word " stated" should be started, and that the word "picked" should be kicked. The Gross made the nonsense of the telegraph worse by inserting some of its own, but we should have said nothing about the matter, never having noticed it, had the Cross not made an attack upon us, saying that the emendation of the telegram was "scarcely creditable to his journslistic honesty," we reply that the fact of the Cross making a bungling telegram worse, is not creditable to its journalistic capacity, and that, after the right reading was pointed out, our contemporary should have been dunce enough not to see it, and impudent enough to make an attack upon us, is wonderful.

The necessity that exists for persons conforming to the rules and regulations laid down for their comfort and safety while travelling by rail was well exemplified at the Police Court on Saturday. A country settler named Dance was brought before the Bench on two charges of breaches of the Railway Regulations ; the first, for persisting ill remaining on the railway verandah while the train was in motion; and the second, for persisting in taking in; i a passenger train. Both charges were proved, and the defendant was fined in the former charge 205., with £3 10s costs, and in the latter 20s, with £3 7s Od costs. We hope that the result of this case will be considered by persons of an obstinate and self-willed disposition, who are fool-hardy enough to expose themselves to danger notwithstanding the warnings and cautions of others, as an instance of what they may e: .- pect if their contumaciousness is indulged a little too far. The fines are heavy, but by no means unjust, as the class of offences for which they are imposed is becoming of rather too common occurrence.

The drawing for Mr. Albin Martin's pictures took place on Saturday evening, in McLachlan's show-room, Queen-street. The pictures did not attract such competition as their artistic merit deserved. The paintings are twelve in number, and the manner in which they were disposed of was by giving priority of selection, to the prizewinners. The following is the order in which they were drawn : —First selection, Mr. J. C. Firth; second, Mr. J. C. Firth; third, Mr. M. H. Andrews ; fourth, Mr. J. C. Firth; fifth, Mr. J. C. Firth; sixth, Mr. Stewart; seventh, Mr. Dickey; eighth, Mr. Heather; ninth, Mr. McArthur;tenth, Mr.W. C. Wilson ; eleventh, Mr. Debney ; twelfth, Mr. Laishley. The possessors of any of pictures must be considered fortunate, for there are no productions of local art that can be put in comparison with them for style, finish, and thoroughly artistic treatment. Each picture will be a souvenir, not only of the artist, but of an old and greatly respected colonist.

An ordination service was held yesterday, at St. ' Mary's Church, Parnell, when tiie Rev. T. Baker was admitted to priest's orders. The service commenced by the choir and congregation singing a hymn, set to tune 51. The Ven. Archdeacon Maunsell preached a sermon from 2 Corinthians, chap, vi., verse 1, suitable to the occasion, and prefaced by the Bidding Prayer and the Lord's Prayer. After this Mr. Baker was presented to the Lord Bishop by the venerable gentleman, and the Liteuy was read by the JRev. Mr. Burrows. Hymn 233 was then sung, and the Communion service offered up under Dr. Kidd. During the progress of this, the ordination service was completed, and hymn 147 sung, all the congregation kneeling. The service was concluded by chanting the Nicene Creed. On Wednesday evening next there win be a special service in the same church, and a sermon will be preached by the Ven. Archdeacon Pritt.

Again we have to chronicle the fact, that whilst a locally owned whaler is lying at anchor in the port idle, there is, or rather was, yesterday, a large school of sperm whales at the mouth of the harbour inviting a chase. The capta : n of the brigantine Walter GlendiniDg reports having passed through a large number of whales, and states that he had difficulty in steering clear of them. They were at the time of of bis passing disporting themselves between the Kawau and Flat Eack.

An old pensioner of the sSth Regiment named Patrick Ready was charged at the Police Court on Saturday with the larceny of a stalling hammer. From the evidence given in the case it appeared that the offence had been committed while the man was under the influence of liquor. The prosecutor said he had known the prisoner for 2S years, during which time he had always borne a good character; several witnesses also bore testimony to the accused's honesty. The Bench accordingly liberated him upon condition that he returned to his work in the bush at once.

The performances at the Prince of Wales Theatre, on Saturday evening, were the same as the previous night. Mr. Charles Searle will take his benefit this evening, The pieces selected are the admirable comedy, " London Assurance," and the laughable farce, " Poor Pi"acoddy." Mr. Searle will appear as Sir Harcourt Courtly—r6lc in which he has achieved great succcss. Miss Carry George will appear as Lady Gay Spanker, and Miss Jennie Nye as Grace Harkaway. The whole cast is very stror~, and an excellent performance may be expected.

We have received the December number of the Melbourne Temperance News. It contains a varied selection of articles en ten - perance questions, also an interesting communication from the Hon. William Fox, of New Zealand, as to his personal observations while passing through the State of Maine, of the operation of the Maine liquor law, and to which we shall refer more fully on a future occasion.

The Shortland wharf, for a long period in want of repairs to the facing, is about to be replanked and placed in good condition by the District Engineer. The track towards Waitekauri, first section, has been tendered for at prices varying from £1000 to £140 ; the last, that of Mr. Scanlan, has been accepted. A second section will be let shortly.

Mr. Charles Burton, of Parnell, has obtained permission of his Honor the Superintendent to hold his Christmas gift enterprise at the time and place specified in the advertisements. The "gifts" comprise Christmas cakes and confectionery in great variety. The attractive part of this enterprise is that there are no blanks.

The members of the church and congregation of the Beresford-street Chapel wifl hold a picnic on Monday, the 27th inst. Thep.s. Manaia will leave the wharf at 9 a.m., for Motuihi, and return in the evening. It has been so arranged that, should the weather prove unfavourable, the tickets will be available on another occasion.

Sir George Grey will visit Coromandel in the course of a few days. It was His Honor's intention to have proceeded to Coromandel immediately after his last visit to the Thames, but a great pressure of business, and the irregularity of the steamer prevented him.

A genuine old English Christmas panto mime is announced for the holidays. The ■management appear to be making great preparation to produce it upon a _ magnificent scale, Mr. Thornton being busily engaged upon the scenic effects. '

A notification from the Eeturning Officer states that the nomination for two qualified members for the Thames Electoral District, will take place; on the 29th December, and the polling, if necessary, on the 6th of Jannaiy.

We are requested to say that the W.M. of the Waitemata Xiodge will be installed this (Monday) evening. Visiting brethren are invited to take part in the ceremony, which is expected to be of a very interesting nature.

The 'Government LifelnßuranceDepartment has become very popular, and a few items rf information respecting it cannot fail to be of general interest. Mr. J. G. Baker has been appointed travelling agent for Auckland both for the ordinary and industrial branches of the Department, and is at present acting m that capacity. The industrial branch dos sesses particular advantages for the verv class -which would be most benefitted bv lifo insurance. Working men, as a rule, cannot Pay / .°S ear ' s premium at once and the industrial branch w® started for their special convenience and interest This branch was commenced in March last, and is at present orgamsed exclusively for the benefit of members of registered Friendly Societies, n°i * - Tempers, who are thus enabled to insure by the payment of very small weekly premiums, the ininim 11Tn of which is one penny. Many of the members of the Templar and Benefit Societies in Auckland have availed themselves of the advantages offered by this branch. It is to be hoped th-", the Government will shortly see its way clear to throw it open to those cl<vse» without the present restrictions to friendly or benefit societies. Mr. Samuel Worips is the agent for this branch of the insursnce department, and has worked very energei - cally in pushing the business. Mr. Baier has, during his stay here, done good work in his capacity as travelling agent for both brauches of the department. One very decided advantage has recently been added to the system o£ Governneut Life Insuranoe. By the Act of 1574 the profits made by the Department, after deducting a sufficient . as a reserve fund, are to be divided every five years amongst policy-holders only. The first division of such profits will be in ISSO. All who are desirous of consulting with the travelling agent, or of doing business T\ith him, should take an early opportunity of doing so, as his stay here will not be greatly prolonged. Mr. Baker may be found on app ication at the General Post-office.

"We have received three General Government Gazettes, dated the 9th, 10th, and 14th inst. The proclamation authorising the construction of the Waipori drainage charuel in Otago, an Order in Council making and confirming by-laws and rules and regulations on the lines of railway in New Zealand, the appointment of certain polling-places, and the regulations for water-rights in the province of Auckland, are published in the iirsirmentioned Gazette. In the second ia published the new regulations under the Stamp Act, 1875. By these regulations a discoum. will be allowed to licenced dealers, p:>s' masters, sub-postmasters, and managers of banks of £4 per centum on all purchases of £2 ard upwards, and to all other persons a discount of £2 10s per cent, on all purchases of £5 aid upwards. The Gazette of the 14th of December contains regulations under the Maori Representation Act Amendment and Continuance Act, 1572, and the writs for the Maori elections. Each of the Gazettes als.. publish Land Transfer and gold min'ngcon - paDy notices.

There is every prospect of the Shortland Saw-mill Company speedily reducing their stock of timber on hand. Captain Souter's schooner Josephine (which recently had a false keel put on her) left to-day for Fiji with 40, CDO feet of kauri. The Fanny Fothergill is loading for Newcastle, and will take 120,000 feet. The Drover is expected from Ly ttelton shortly, and a cargo is bespoke for her of 120,000 feet. ]3c~ides these shipments, there is an order from Waikato for 100,000 feet for railway bridge contract ; an order from Auckland for 90,000 feet, and aaother order for 100,000 for foreign shipment. Unfortunately the supply ol logs is running short, the last raft having, we believe, Deen brought down from the booms this morning. The timber trade of this district, if encouraged in ever so small a degree by opening the country with roads, might become an industry second only in impor-

: .nee to mining. The Shortland Saw-mill Company's bush is peculiarly situaW, the watershed of the country being affected only by the rain when accompanied by e-V :rly and north-easterly winds. Consequently, during the heavy rainfall last week not a single log was brought down to the booms. The orders at present on hand amount to nearly 6Q0,000 feet, and execution of the same is being rapidly proceeded with.— Thames Evening Star.

Races and other sports will be held at Ellerslie Gardens, on Monday next, the 27th instant. The entries for the Yule Handicap were received at the Exchange Hotel on Saturday evening, and were as follows: —R. Brennan, J. Renwick, Geo. Saunders, Jas. Phillips, D. Maloue, P, Murphy, Jas. Regan, H. Kov, J. Jennings, Tira (a Kanaka), T. Leary, and Joseph Bradley. The entries for the whole of the other races will close on Tuesday evening. On Saturday evening fifteen entries liad been made for the Boxiug-day Cup. The entiies for this cup were:—H. Lowe, G. Saunders. A. Kelly, E. Brennan, Neil Whisker, W. Tarner, W. Preece, D. Malone, P. Murphy, E. I.ewell, P. Gardner, M. S. Fagan, J. G. Greenway, and W. Mars lon. Mr. King has been appointed as secretary and handicapper for the sports.

There were twelve prisoners at the Police Station last evening. Eight of these had been arrested for drunkenness, two for petty larceny, and for obstructing 'he police, and one for creating a disturbance in Wakefieldstreet. The last mentioned of the prisoners is an old man, named McManus, who has often been before the Court. He was arrested last evening when he was breaking up furniture, using very foul language, and creating a very serious disturbance. At the time o£ his arrest he was under the influence of liquor.

We learn by our exchange files of.papers that lady Gordon and family are suffering from the heat of the summer in Fiji, and that they have gone to Suva for a change of air. We understand that some time since, Sir George Grey invited Lady Gordon and family to spend the hot season at the Kawau. It is probable that the invitation may be accepted.

We observe telegrams in the Southern papers about the invitation given to Sir George Grey by two friends of Tawhiao, ■who came down to the Kawau. This invitation, it ought to be stated, was given some three years ago, and, of course, long before Sir George had any idea of becoming Superintendent-.

Yesterday was another very wet day. The rain fell almost continually from early in the morning until considerably past midnight. Altogether we are having a very unusually wet season. In the neighbouring colonies the same state of things has been experienced. The rainfall since the beginning of the year in Victoria has been 29.06 inches, as compared with 26.07 inches during the same period in 1874.

The Fiji Times says : —Mr. J. S. Lowe, who for the last twelve or thirteen months has held the position of editor of this journal (and formerly of Auckland), is compelled, in consequence of family affairs, to proceed to England."

An entertainment was given in the Yonng Men's Christian Association on Saturday evening. There was a full attendance, and the programme, which consisted almost entirely of 3ongs, was duly appreciated.

The Neio Zealand Times states that Mr. Gisborne's defeat for the Mayoralty of Wellington is entirely due to his expressed opinion in favour of denominational education.

The National Insurance Company have purchased the allotment and building erected by Hallentem & Co., High-street, Dune din, adjoining the New Zealand Insuraaoe Company's building, for the sum of £11,750.

Saturday last was appointed for tha opening season of the Bowling Green. The weather, however, was extremely unfavourable, and the matches expected did not come off.

The Rev. R. H. McCrae, an American missionary from India and Japan, preached in the Wellesley-street Baptist Church yesterday morning, and in the Ponsonby Baptist Church in the evening.

The Fiji Times of November 27 has thefollowing:—"lt will be remembered that «n the eve of - the departure of the Llewellyn, Mr. J. S. Macfarfane was arrested on a ca sa, and had to find bail iu consequence, before he was allowed to proceed to Auckland; he did so, but instructed his solicitors to apply that his bondsmen be released, as the arrest was illegal. They complied with instruction, and on Thursday the case was argued in Chambers, and His Lordship, after expressing his belief that this error of judgment had been fallen into through indiscreet haste, released the bail.' The Olago Guardian of the 9th inst. has the following .-—" A Mr. James D. Clark, of Auckland, has forwarded us the following telegram, for what reason is best known to himself : ' The proposed visit of Sir George Grey to the King is looked upon here by all parties, with a knowledge of native qualities, as a mere sham. It is stated with confidence that Sir George invited himself, through the agents of the Opposition party. It is yet doubtful whether Tawhiao will be allowed to nif;et him by his advisers, Rewi and his foK&vers. The whole affair is looked upon asf*n attempt to undermine the Ministry by trying to hurt the intluence of Sir Donald | M'Lean among the natives.' " "It is with much regret that we have to chronicle the serious illness of Mr. George Morgan, the active aud popular manager of , the business of his brother, Mr. W. S. Mor- I gan. 'lliis gentleman was attacked with fever on Thursday last, aud his condition is the cause of much uneasiness to his relatives and numerous friends. It is however, confidently hoped that his strong and healthy constitution will enable him to successfully •■iimbat against the disease from which he is suffering, and that we shall soon see him again, hale and hearty, in our midst." —Fiji Times. The Thames Hospital Secretary (Mr. Honiss) acknowledges the receipt of a cheque for £50 from the newly-elected Mayor of the Thames —Mr. J. E. Macdonald. The charge of arson brought against George and Margaret Strong will come on for hearing at the Police Court this morning. The grand stand bar and refreshment booths, Ellerslie Gardens, and the grand stand bar, booths, cards, &c., Auckland race meeting, will he sold by Messrs. Tonks on December 23 (Thursday next). A musical and literary entertainment wfl be given in the Congregational Church, jßeresford-street, on Tuesday evening next, in aid of the building fund. The acceptances for the handicaps and entries for the Thames races are to be lodged by S o'clock p.m. on the 22nd. A dividend (in liquidation) of G|d per scrip share, in the Queen of the Thames Gold Mining Company, is declared. Tenders are advertised for the erection of school buildings at St. Mary's Convent, Poisonby. Tenders are invited for erecting cottages in Ponsonby, for M. LaJly, Esq. The Hokianga annual races and sports are to take place on the 7th and Sth January.