THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. MONDAY, JUNE 37, 1881.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6118, 27 June 1881, Page 4

THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. MONDAY, JUNE 37, 1881.

The news brought by the San Francisco mail steamer is of more than usual interest, and supplies information with regard to facts of importance either not referred to at all in previous cablegrams, or insufficiently. 'It is a significant fact that an attempt has been made to induce the English Government to move in the direction of bringing about an assimilation of the British and Colonial tariffs, and that the proposers have been summarily snubbed. The right of the dependencies of the Empire to adopt what fiscal regulations they please is conceded under their constitutions, and an endeavour to bring Imperial influence to bear to effect a change is a matter of no trifling import. It is natural enough that British producers should desire to have a free market in the colonies, but it is something new, and far from pleasant, to find that any party in England should seek the interposition of the Government in a matter of purely colonial concern. If the persons who have interfered in this matter had given the matter serious consideration they would rather have proposed free-trade within the Empire and protection against all outsiders, which would mean the concession to the colonies of a monopoly of the British markets and to the British of the colonial markets. An arrangement of this kind, based on mutuality of interest, would at all events be better worthy of consideration. The introduction of a Bill into the House of Commons to protect newspapers against vexatious libel actions claims notice at a time when in the colonies judges and magistrates are endeavouring to circumscribe the liberty of the Press, and also, as showing the necessity, on public grounds, of extending that liberty. We showed our countrymen at Home the way with regard to the ballot, and it seems they intend to reciprocate the compliment by showing us how to keep the public prints unfettered in their comments. The absolute necessity for Mr. Gladstone being relieved of some of his arduous duties appears to have become thoroughly recognised, because both Mr. Ohiklers and Mr. Goschen are spoken of as his successors as Chancellor of the Exchequer, together with his own elevation to the House of Peers. The last is improbable, but it is quite likely that Mr. Childers will succeed him as administrator of the public finances; .

In the Transvaal the condition of affairs seems to have become very bad. It is stated that the: Boors are preparing for a further struggle, which must be taken with the proverbial grain of salt, that the natives refuse to come once again under the domination of the Boers, that English settlers and loyal Boeraare being ill-used in diverse ways, and that crime and intimidation of all kinds are being perpetrated by what

may be called the victors. Mr. Gladstone has expressed himself extremelyanxious with regard to the position of affairs in the Transvaal, and is likely to have good cause to regret the humiliating precipitancy which has outraged the feelings of the British colonists throughout South Africa, and created difficulties of a most serious kind.

Only now, by the light of the English papers, do we get a clear insight into the condition of Russia and the policy of the new Emperor. His initial \ steps were of the most marked kind, indicating a resolute determination to concentrate his whole attention on the improvement of the internal affairs of his empire, but under no circumstances to concede constitutional reform. He avowed himself devoted to the suppression of official " plundering," to the introduction, of strict economy into, thefinances, of the education of the youth of the country, and the improvement of the condition of the peasantry. "With respect to this last, prompt and most important steps were taken at the instance of General Loris Melikoff. By the action of the Emperor Alexander the Second 8,554,325 peasants became proprietors of land by voluntary agreement with the nobles, the State making arrangements for the

payment of compensation and its repayment to itself by instalments. But the total result has not realised expectations, 3,701,487 being harrassed by the conditions and requiring relief, and 837,000 being yet landless. It is proposed, therefore, to render the acceptance of the terms of the State obligatory on the nobles, that relief as to the terms should be granted to the peasantry, and that all accumulated arrears of payments shall be remitted. This is a bold policy, but since it was determined oh, not without strong opposition in the Emperor's Council, General Melikoff has resigned. It is likely, however, that as the Emperor is extremely anxious to increase his hold on the peasantry, the policy will be adhered to. Such, however, is the condition of Emperor Alexander the Third, that it is impossible to say what he may or may not do. He appears to live in a state of terror, owing to the threats of the Nihilists, and their distressing effect on the Empress. He has abandoned St. Petersburg, and lives at Gatchina, a small palace, about thirty-four miles from the city. His departure for that place appears to have been a veritable flight, four special trains having been awaiting him with the usual regal surroundings, while he slipped away by one of the ordinary trains. It appears that there is little hope of dealing with the Nihilists, who act in very small bodies, and, should one of their number be absent for four-and-twenty hours from his lodgings, take the precaution of destroying all his papers. It is alleged • that the relations between the Courts of St. Petersburg and Berlin are quite as cordial as during the life of the late Emperor, acqcl ithat his successor is greatly under the influence of Prince Bismarck. The unhappy monarch, possessed of prodigious physical strength, but apparently already quite unnerved, has had added to his other afflictions the uprising in the country against the Jews. The outrages have been, wide-spread, and of great extent, in Elizabethgrad whole streets in their quarter having been destroyed. A suflicient proof of the Emperor's alarm and of his desire to conciliate his subjects, is to be discovered in the fact that he has intimated to the Senate of Finland his intention to limit his power of reviewing its proceedings to only a few important matters.

11l Ireland the effect of Mr. Parnell's agitation, and perhaps the Land Bill of Mr. Gladstone, is to be seen in the shape of diminished emigration. But the state of the country appears to become increasingly bad. The police and the troops are in many instances boldly faced by the excited peasantry, and it would seem that the troops are displaying an inclination for reprisals. At JSTew Pallas the troops retired on the railway station, pursued with stones, that the officers had great difficulty in restraining their men, and that but for the ameliorative influence exercised by the priests on the assailants there might have been a most serious conflict. Since this occurred, however, more strenuous proceedings on the part of the troops have been authorised. If we add that Italy is convulsed with rage respecting the proceedings of the French in Tunis, and that the Prince of Bulgaria has violated the constitution and assumed despotic powers amidst the condemnation of many of the most influential European journals, it will be seen that the condition of Europe is one of profound disquiet.

Elsewhere we publish passages showing the nature of the revision of the Bible. An English telegram states that the Lord Chancellor expresses an opinion that the revised Testament cannot be read in the English Church until it has been recommended or authorised by some sufficient public authority. The Home News has the following :— " The revised version of the New Testament, which has occupied the committee of divines appointed to accomplish it eleven years of incessant labour, has just beeii published, and the verdict upon it is by no means one of universal or even general approval. Some changes for the better there are, but with few exceptions the dominant spirit of these changes is far too exclusively that of a merely verbal criticism, which has rather mutilated than amended the veritable text. The "Lord's Prayer" is mercilessly tampered with, no adequate advantage, or indeed advantage of any kind being gained. St. Paul's panegyric of 'charity' is hopelessly spoilt by tiie substitution of the word 'love.' The corrections equally lack discrimination and consistency, and it is certain that if the new version is ever to be generally used it must be severely re-revised."

Mr. Gordon Gooch, as choir-master of St. •Mary's Church, is rendering excellent set vice. There is a marked improvement in the choir since it was under his direction. We trust the congregation will enable the vestry to retain his services for a longer period than the stipulated term of three months. Parnell ought to have a better choir than any other suburban church, hut the choir had receded from its own standard very much of late. The improvement rests entirely with the congregation.

The Theatre Royal was again crowded on Saturday night with eager sightseers to witness the performance of "Pinafore" by the juvenile company, who have sustained the reputation of the ship's company for three weeks without intermission. These young vocalists have become so perfect in the stage business that the work of the ship moves like clock work. There wiil be an extra performance to-night, and we understand that there will be a change of roles which will impart a fresh novelty to the performance. There was a children's matinCe on Saturday afternoon which was well attended. There is really no exaggeration in saying that the run of the " Pinafore" has been the most successful one in theatrical annals.

The first half of the ISSI session of the St. James' Discussion Class terminates this evening with a spelling bee, to be followed by extemporaneous speeches. The bee is to be conducted on a new principle. Instead of a competitor being deprived of all chance of obtaining a prize by making one mistake, such person competing is to spell a certain number of words, and those who make the fewest mistakes will secure the prizes. The competition will be thrown open to the public, and special prizes have been secured for the ladies. The meeting commences at 7.30, and Messrs. E. Cooper and W. Gorrie will officiate as judges and referees.

The Quoit Club in connection with the Auckland Fire Brigade is now established. At a meeting held on Saturday officers were elected as follow :—President, Mr. Superintendent Hughes ; vice-president, Mr. Foreman John Clarke; captain, Branchman F. Finlay; treasurer, Fireman T. Heaps ; secretary, Fireman J. Stanley ; and the managing committee : Messrs. S. Fulljaines, G. Finlay, C. Smith, T. Solomon, and G. Moore. The first match of the club was played on Saturday afternoon, under the direction of Captain Finlay, who placed the men, and intimated the number of quoits to be thrown during"the match. The president and vice-president were also in attendance. A very good game was played, resulting as follows :—Fireman C. Smith, Ist prize; G. Lee, 2nd prize ; and D. .Donovan, 3rd prize. An extra prize (an Anterican broom), presented by Messrs. Holland and Fortzer, was then competed for by those members who did not score in the first match, and it was won by Fireman G. Tpwler. We are glad to learn that several citizens have intimated their intention to give prizes for competition amongst the members of the club, and Mr. Hewin, grocer, has already presented a box of tea as a prize for the next match. ' :

We have been requested to publish the following : —A report having been circulated that the promoters of the New Zealand Supply Association, Limited, have appropriated a number of shares among themselves as a consideration for, their services in the formation of the company, the public are hereby informed that no promotion fees have been paid, nor is there any guarantee to pay promotion fees to any individual whatever, either in shares or money.

We have to hand by the mail No. 168 of the Franklin Square Library, published by Messrs. Harper Brothers, of New York, and is a good illustration of Yankee enterprise and sharpness. It contains in extenso the "Reminiscences of Thomas Carlyle, by Froude," the cost of the number being fifteen cents or 7M. The work has recently been published in England at a high figure, but American publishers interpreting copyright as the right to copy, have given it to the American reading public at the above ridiculously cheap rate.

The adjourned meeting of gentlemen desir- j ous of forming a French Literary Association for the purposes of self-improvement and of diffusing a knowledge of the French lan- j guage, took place on Saturday evening at j the rooms of the Young Men's Christian Association. There was an excellent attendance, and some forty gentlemen notified their intention of becoming members. M. de L'Eau was called to the chair. The provisional committee submitted a code of rules which they had framed, and with trifling alterations they were passed. The most important rules are that membership of the association is open to both sexes, entrance fee ss, and 5s per quarter, admission by ballot; that young persons under the age of 16, related to members, shall have the privileges of the association for half the above fees (but without right of voting), subject to being ballotted for; that the proceedings of the society shall he conducted exclusively in the French language; and that the meetings are to be held on Saturday evenings. The following officers were elected : —President, M. de L'Eau; secretary, M. Peltzer; librarian, M. Lenoir; treasurer, Mr. Charles Williamson ; auditors, M. Villeval and Mr. G. M. Main; committee, M. Gamier and Messrs. J. M. Geddis and T. Mahoney. The committee were empowered to make inquiries as to the most suitable place of meeting, terms, &c, and report to next meeting, which will be held on Saturday evening next. As this matter will occupy but a short space of time, the real work of tho association will be begun that evening, a number o£ members having promised to bring French books, papers, and periodicals for the use of the association. It is the intention of the association to order from Home the leading French journals. Some donations of French literature have been promised in town, and one gentleman, M. Engler, on Saturday evening presented a handsome illustrated French work to the association. There is reason to believe that, with prudent .financial management, the association has a useful and prosperous career before it. The proceedings on Saturday evening were o£ a most harmonious character.

Sergeant Greene brought in from Onehunga yesterday a Chinaman who was manifestly insane. For some time past he had been a source of trouble to his pigtail countrymen. He had disappeared, and been absent for several weeks, while an opinion was gaining ground that he had been murdered. As he sat in the cell last night his piteous, almost childlike, moans, and his general demeanour, left no question as to his state of mind. There were three drunkards in the lock-up last night.

Two comparatively young girls Theresa Kennedy and Sarah Home were arrested ye3teid:iy on a charge of stealing a box containing money amount of £5, in gold, notes, and silver, the property of a woman named Mary Ann Allen, of Wellesley-street. According to what appears from the facts, it is merely a case in which the unfortunates have to give place to the houso. Perhaps a closer supervision of brothels would have the effect of preventing costly prosecutions. In the present instance it appears merely a case of one party "splitting" on another. No doubt the facts will be brought out in the Police Court to-day.

A. telegram was received from Mr. Tiernan, who is at Coromandel, on Saturday, to the following effect:—"Tiernan's leasehold got good gold yesterday. Found new leader ; golden stone. Home Rule, great gold."

Amongst the .passengers from England by the San Francisco mail steamer was Mr H, N. Hayward, who is well-known i n Auckland and other New Zealand towns in connection with thebardware trade.

About 2 o'clock on Saturday, as Gapt-iia Watson, of the brigantine Aurora, was talking to a sailor concerning wages, the latter lost his temper, hit the captain a blow in the face, aad ran away up the wharf. The knock caused Captain Watson to fall over intothe water, and very near to a boat containing Coxswain Joseph Veale, of HIT Customs, which, however, he fortunately missed. After ' • Joe " had recovered his surprise he speedily caught hold of Captain Watson, and hauled him into the boat, As the captain's vessel was about to sail, he could not take any steps to prosecute hie assailant.

The Juvenile Pinafore Troupe were vesterday invited to spend the day at the residence of Mr. Alfred Isaacs, Kemuera. That gentleman sent three omnibusses and a drag for tae troupe, ar(sl the young people were treated with every kindness and attention during the day, ponies being provided for those who wanted to have a ride. The company were conveyed back to town in the evening, having much enjoyed themselves.

The usual evangelistic services were held, last evening in the Theatre Royal. There was a good attendance. The general secretary presided. Addresses were delivered by the Rev. Mr. Oliver and Mr. Thomas Buddie. The chairman announced that the collections at the boxes on the prerious Sunday evening amounted to £2 Ils4d.

The ship Halcione arrived from London on Saturday, after a pleasant passage. She brings close upon fifty passengers, a few of whom are for Sir. Fitzgibbpn touch's settlement at Whangarei. Amongst the passengers is Mr. David Hutchinson, an old Waikato settler, who went home some six or seven years ago. Mr. Hutchinson i 3 accompanied by his wife and family. Another passenger is Mrs. Halliwell, widow of Mr. Halliweli, who, less than two years ago, was head-master of the school, Tararu-road, Thames, and instructor of teachers in the Thames district. Two deaths occurred at sea. Mr. Swain, aged 25, died of consumption on May 20th ; and Kenneth C. Hudson, a child of eight months, expired on the 15th of the same month, through convulsions. The voyage otherwise was very enjoyable, the- various games which were indulged in and nice concerts which were held causing the time to pass very agreeably. The Halcione was here about three years ago under Captain Parker, who is married to an Auckland lady. When Mrs. Parker proceeded on board to meet her husband there was enthusiastic cheering. The chief officer, Mr. Tonkin, was also in the ship oo her lasl; trip. - . >

The mail which arrived yesterday aiternoon closed in London on the 19th May.. On that day the following were the latest colonial correspondence iu London overdue mail by way of San Francisco arrived on the 23rd April, and the subsequent mail by that route was delivered, on the 9th May. From Melbourne the date was 22ud, Sydney 24th, and Auckland 29th March. By way of Naples : Dunediii Ist, Sydney 9th, and Melbourne 11th April. • .

Mr. Justice Gillies will arrive from Napier on Thursday' next. He will sit iu chambers on Friday for the discharge of whatever business may be brought before him. There is a good deal of business in arrear, and there will he no other chambeE. sitting before the sitting of the Circuit Court, so that solicitors and others should be in readiness, and comply with the ordinary rules of practice in respect of notices, &c.

. The dangerous state of the Britomart cliff is becoming more manifest every day. During the past week lar£;e quantities of stuff have falleu into the road beneath. The continuance of rainy weather is likely to bring down a good deal more. Wayfarers would do well to give the cliff-side a wide berth.

The passengers by the City of New York have at last been, released from, quarantine. The Colonial Secretary notified ta the Superintendent of Quarantine (Mr. Edward Brophy) on Saturday that, under the 112 th section of the Health Act, the Government would approve and allow his certificate that the persons in quarantine had duly performed quarantine they would be discharged from restraint. The necessary certificates were given, by Dr. Philson and Mr. Brophy, and the passengers arrived in town about 5 o'clock in the evening. Sir. Clark (Mayor), Mr. Compton (chairman of the Harbour Board), Mr. Brighara (secretary of the Harbour Board), and Mr. Brophy inspected the buildings on the island, and concluded that the reports as to want of cleanliness seemed exaggerated ; but on the other hand the passengera state that they have done a great deal of cleaning since their arrival. A great number of beds, &c, were found -in the hospital, but the passengers did not find them until a day before leaving. The patient, Mr. Faneourt, could not be brought up, he was so low. Dr. Sandes is unremitting in hie attention to him, having sat up tho whole of Friday night watching. The passengers desire to thank Mr. Gamble, the company's agent, for the promptitude and the liberality displayed in providing for their comfort. Mr. Brophy has received authority to place the quarantine buildings in a state of repair.

We understand that an action at law is likely to arise out of the recent fire at Tauranga. Mr. Menzies, landlord of the Tauranga Hotel, has stated his intention to take proceedings against Mr. John Chadwick for breach of a convcuant in his lease to tho effect that the ground landlord should, in the evant of fire, rebuild within a certain time.

His Honor Judge Macdonald will deliver judgment to-day in the case of Johnston v. Smith. The action was brought to recover damages for injury to plaintiff's son by a kick from the racehorse Tim "Whiffler, which defendant's groom was exercising in the Albert Park reserve. The jury gave damages £50. The defence set up a license from the Corporation. The legal question is whether, supposing the defendant to be lawfully on the ground exercising his horse, he was responsible for damage consequent upon accident from such a cause, no contributory negligence on the part of the plaintiff being proved.

There is passing through to Sydney from America a small but extremely talented concert party, under engagement to Mr. J. J. Duff, one of the principal New York managers. Mr. Duff is a man of wealth, and the great operas have generally beea brought out in New York by him. His trip is as much one of pleasure as business, and the same may be said of the others. The chief performer is Mr. Wilhemj, said to be unequalled as a violinist in the world. He drew immense houses in his tour through America. His favourite violins are said to have cost 5000 dollars. He is accompanied by Mr. Vogrich, a pianist of Kuropean eminence, and as an accompanist he has no superior. The great violinist sent to Europe for Mr. Vogrich to travel with him. The other member of the company is Miss Conron. a concert singer who has made a reputation for herself.

Professor Haselmayer returned from Coromandel on Saturday evening, having done a good business. He leaves on Monday nigbt for a trip to the Bay of Islands. Mr.-Moss, his advance agent, leaves early in the week for Tauranga, in order to make arrangements for the Professor's appearance there.

The funeral of the late Mr. G. T. Chapman took Place yesterday afternoon. A large number of old colonists, amongst whom was ma Worship the Mayor, assembled to pay the last tribute of respect to his memory by following his remains to the Presbyterian gKf. Symonds-street The chier mourners were Messrs. C. R. and l>. b. Chapman, sons of deceased, John Reid, aud Joseph Grant. The burial service was conducted by the Rev. A. Carrie*, of St. Andrew's, of whose church Mr. Chapman had been an officer. The family of deceased . have received telegrams of condolence from .Sir George Grey, Messrs. F. J. Moss, W. Swanson,V. A.Murray (memberforßru.ee), .and other members of Assembly, as well as from gentlemen in the South, who were well acquainted with Mr. Chapman.

There will he an extra performance "by the Pinafore Troupe to-morrow night, being Dick Dead-eye's benefit. Dick has been the. life and soul of the company, and his infinite drollery has taken-the wrinkles out of many a brow. His-thousand and-one admirers consider that he is well entitled to a benefit, and the management have gratefully acceded to the request. On Wednesday the company leave for the Thames by the -. Enterprise, opening at the Theatae Royal on the following evening. ■ Mr. Collerick, telegraphist at Whangaroa station, who attempted to commit suicide by taking chloral, was brought up-.m the ss. lona on Saturday morning, in order to his being medically examined as to mental condition. - When the steamer called at Russell he managed to get ashore, and purchased two bottles of ehlorodyne. On ft 3 becoming known that he had made the purchase, measures were taken by the captain to secure him, but he bolted, and was only captured affer a hot chase. J±e expressed his determination to die as ho had no desire to live. Much sympathy is felt for his wife and child, as they had justjurived from Ota"o, and have no friends in this part Of the country. He has been removed, we are informed to the Lunatic Asylum. . •

A coroner's inquest will be held to-day at 2 o'clocU. at Gleeson's Hotel, Lower Hobsonstreet on the body of Mrs. Mary Galvin found floating in the harbour on Friday last. . . - ' ■ ■•" ■ ■ '■■ .

We have to acknowledge the receipt from Messrs. Gordon and Gotch of London, Melbourne, Sydney, &c, of a copy of the new issue of the Australian Handbook and Shippers and Importers Directory: This is now the twelfth issue of this useful work of reference, and it is considerably larger than any of its predecessors. The general character of this publication is well known, and it is almost' needless to - say: that it includes a statistical Snd general description • of the colonies of New South Wale 3, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, and Fiji, together with a very useful account of the adjoining territory of New' Guinea. The accounts of the several colonies-are corrected up to the latest-date before publication, and a wonderful degree of accuracy has been attained. It is not too much to say that there" is niore useful and reliable information about the.whole of the group of British. Colonies in the South Pacific, than is to be found in any other single volume. • The editors, by the aid of ' well-versed correspondents in the several colonies, are able.to include in each new issue a vast amount of information, which cannot fail in having a beneficial effect in spreading a correct knowledge respecting these colonies. In the present number several new features are introduced. There is a good sized map of London, a traveller's route map of Australia, on which is shown the latest information available, a geological map of Australia, on which the geological formation of each district so far as it has been ascertained is shown, together with special maps of each of the colonies (save Fiji) on which is.marked the several shire or county boundaries, road lines, railways, &c. Beside these, there are Included good sized, plans of the cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Brisbane, on which are shown all the street lines, the positions of all the public gardens, principal buildings, &c. This.is a desirable feature, and probably that of Perth, and the principal cities of New Zealand will find a place in some future edition, together with a useful map of the islands which form the colony of Fiji, or at least the principal ones of the group. The book provides an official directory of the several colonies, and a description of a number of the towns and chief centres of settlement in each colony. The several colonial tariffs, an outline of the land laws, mining regulations, &c, are included. The work is one which should be in the office of every merchant and person being in business "intercourse with one or more of the several Australasian colonies. At Honolulu small-pox is gradually dying out. There had been no cases for ten days prior to the City of Sydney calling.

The election of five trustees, two auditors, a&d tv.-o fenceviewers, for the Newmarket Road Board, is advertised to take place on the lltli July, and the nomination ot the same has to be made on the 4th July. Mr. G. Lewis will hold an auction sale of flannels, shirta, blankets, ribbons, hoisory, &c, tomorrow, at 11 o'clock. The annual general meeting of the shareholders in the Auckland Stud Company is advertised to bo held in the company's office to-day, at 2 o clock, to receive the statement of accouta, and elect directors in the place of those retiring. Mr. L. W. Eaton will hold a sale of oranges to-day at 11 o'clock. * The annual meeting of the ratepayers in the North Shore highway district is advertised to be held in Sir. Maxwell's Hall, Northcote, on the 18th July, at 2 o'clock, for the transaction of business set forth in oar advertisement columns. To-day Messrs. B. Tonks and Co. will hold sale of oats and flour from the South.