The Alhatnbra Palace, one of the best known and most popular places of amusement in London, has at last shared the fate which stems to De the inevitable datiny of all theatres. A cablegram which we print this morning announces that it was destroyed by tire on Wednesday. 2so particulars are yiven, but it may "be assumed that the conflagration occurred after the performance, and when only the ordinary emplo\es were about the building. Had the hre broken out during the evening when the huge auditorium was tilled with spectators, the arrangements could hardly have tailed to be of the moat disastrous character. As in the majority of the London theatres the structural defects of the Alhambra were constituted a serious dunger in case if ire during a performance, and it is a fortunate circumstance that the destruction of the budding occurred after the public had ieft. A large. staff of firemen were kep: constantly upon the premises, and every piecaution was used against tire, but in spite of these safeguards tie theatre, so dear to the hearts cf the pleasure-seeking L ndoners, has fallen a prey to the flames. The Aihauibrawas originally known as the Panopticon of Science and Art, and was erected in 1552-3, for a chartered company, by Mr. T. U. Lewis, the architect. It was opened in 1554 for lectures, musical performances, etc., but the speculation aid not succeed, and in March, ISSS, it wa3 upenedass circus under the name of the Alhatibra, a company having its management. The character of its entertainment wss subsequently widened, and embraced drs-. malic, operatic, pantomimic, ar.d miscellaneous per:oruis::ces. In its early cays it was admirably managed by Mr. Johu Hollingstead, assisted by Mr. James Ellis, but for many years afterwards its success was fluctuating and unsatisfactory. A few years ago it was proposed to wind up the company, the enormous expense involved in producing the gorgeous entertainments which had long reudered the Alhambra unique among the Loudon theatres, entailing a heavy less Upon thshareholders. It was tiuslly deCMiM. h iwevcr, to make oue more effort, and recently the theatre li*d teen condacteu with itreat success, under the experiences management of Mr. Holland, - ill ; ° n S known as the proprietor of the Woolwich Gardens. A new piece, entitled " Ike Merry War," wp3 being performed at the Alhambra this week.
We regret to have to announce to-day the of Mr. Anthony Trollope, the well Vnnwii novelist. Mr. Trollope came of a literary family. His mother was an •iitlioress of considerable versatility and »nd her " Domestic Life of the Americans," among the earliest of her works, Caused a literary sensation both in England and America. "The Vicar of Wrex--1,11 " "The Widow Barnaby, ' "The Widow Married," " Petticoat Government," and <• Eustace " arc among the beat specimens of her novels. At the age of nineteen she married Mr. Anthony Trollope, barrister, who died a lew years afterwards. The distinguished son of these parents was boru in April 24. ISIS, and after receiving a sound education at Harrow was admitted to the Post-office, where he held an important appointment for many years. His first work of note appeared in 1547, and since that tim: he has written a long series of novels 3nd works of a general character, all of which have enjoyed a wide popularity. About ten years ags hp visited Australia and New Zealand, and passed through Auckland. jle afterwards embodied his impressions of the colonies in a work entitled " Australia and Xew Zealand,"' a book which gave rise to a good deal of criticism.
M. Louis Blanc, the French journalist and politician, is dead. He was born at Madrid in 1613, in which city his father held the Oliiee of Inspector (Jei.oral, under Joseph Bonaparte, By his mother's side he was descended from the Corsiean family of Pozzi di Borgo. At the age of seventeen, immediately after the revolution of ISiO. he returned to Paris, and connected himself with the Bjn Sens newspaper; and by his contributions to that and other journals, speedily acquired a high reputation as a political writer. He was the founder of tiic "Revue d« l'rogres," in the columns of .vhicli he tirst published his ideas upon industrial economies. In the still mure important work by which he established his claim to rank as an historian, "L'llistoire dc L)ix Ails,'' he gave a description ot the corruption of Louis Philippe's Government so vivid, that it greatly contributed to produce that electrical state of teeling in the public mind w'Mch exploded in the Revolution of IS4S. When that event took place he became the leader of the social democratic party and became a member of the Provisional Government. After the insurrecreetiou of IS4S he lied to England to escape a prosecution, and remained in that ceuntry many years, devoting himself to the peaceful pursuits of literature. His most important work is " The History of the French Revolution." On the fall of the Empire, in IS7O, he returned to France, aud was elected a member of the National Assembly in the following year.
At the meeting of the City Council, held last evening, it was reported that the Contagious Diseases Committee had visited the site suggested by Mr. O'Brien, Gaoler, at the north-east corner of the gaol enclosure, and the Committee recommended the Council to approve of the same, and authorise plans and specifications to be prepared in accordance with the ground plan submitted. The recommendation of the Committee was adopted.
Sir William and Lady Fox go to the Hot Springs, Waiwera, where Lady Fox, who. We regret to say, is in indilfereut health, will try a course of the ■ ath>. Sir William Fox will in all probability preside at a conference to be held on Friday next, in the Tempeiance Hall, relative to the Bands of Hope. Mr. J. M. Shera, the Italian Consular Agent in Auckland, has received a letter from the Italian Consul, Melbourne, drawiug his attention to the fact that thousands of Italian families have been rained by the floods which occurred in Verona, I'adua, aud oti'.er districts, last autumn. The Italian Consul at Melbourne is collecting subscriptions from Italians in Victoria to send to the sutieriug families, aud has asked Mr. Shera to do the same here. Lists are now open at Mr. Shera's ofiiee, aud the subscriptions he receives for this purpose will be transmitted to Italy ; the name of the giver and the amount of each subscription will also be forwarded.
The regular meeting of the Crown Lands Board was held yesterday, aud, iu the absence of the Chief Conmissiouer, Mr. Moat presided. The business trau .uted was mostly routine. A detailed repoit ot the proceedings appears in another column.
Our Warkworth correspondent on Thursday telegraphs as follows : — "Rodney County may expect £4000 a-year for lour years, making the revenue £$000 a-year instead of as printed."
The latest information from Samoa was to the eileu' that Governor Des Vceux, of Fiji, had gone down to Samoa to investigate matters connected with the land claims of William Me Arthur and Co. News has now been received that Governor l)cs Yauix, who is acting Consul-General for the Western Pacific, lined the Samoan natives £100 for inteileriny with and ejecting the man in charge of the plantations of Mc ■ rthur and Co. The native Samoan Government paid the fine, and gave peaceable possession of the property to the agent of Mc.\ rthur and Co. The Governor is indignant at the conduct of Cornwall, and, we believe, intends dealing with him as strongly as lies in his power in Fiji.
The uuisance in connection with carrying telephone wires on telegraph poles along the pavements of our streets will, at no distant dare, have to be faced and suppressed. In Melbourne they have come tv thr-t pass alreauv, it being impossible to carry auy more wires on the telegraph poles, which in that city, to put it mildly, arc of even a less «T3 hetic pattern than our own. The views up and down the streets arc completely obstructed, and toe beauties oJ street architecture completely d'.-stroyed. In America they are experimenting, aud successfully, in the way of putting the wires underground ; but, it"is stated, that the expense precludes its adoption either in Australia or New Zealand. Another method is proposed — that adopted in London and 'Frisco, of carrying the wires over the tops of the houses, along their tides, by a series of "arm.-:." If property owueis :.ave the;:' '-.'it to thi3 method, there is reason to believe that the District Inspector of Telegraphs, Mr. Orchiston. would recommend its adoption to the Government, in order to i ■■'.!■ -v the many business thoroughfares of these uu-iilitly obstructions—the telephone wiica and poles.
During the last session of the Diocesan Synod a resolution was pa-:-.V. appointing » committed to organise etions for the repairs of the episcopal residence at BishopsCourt. The present building, with belfry, library, and books, were provided by Bishop .S<-h. vu without any t to the diocese. Tiie diocese provides" Kircly one-third of the Bishop's stipend. A sum of is required to repair tbe buildings, of which £150 will be obtained from diocesan and general trust funds. The comin.t'.ee aj'.j>< ;a lo the liberality of the Churchmen of the i:i.../e-e iu the following terms : "In a:-p;u:nc to them for aid, the committee would remind them that the Bishop is the common property of all, that he renders his; ser\ice:, to all, and is an essential pai tof our fcy.-tein. As, moreover, it can never be known when the see ;:iay he vacant, it i - most de-irable to keep the buildings in good repair, as a suitable man could hardly he f'uind to t:.ke tiie oilice of Bishop who would come* to a diocese -a - lie re there v. as not at le:v-.t a decent resi'lellCf provided for iiitil.
A of tiio Auckland In ti'iite of Architects took place yesterday. Mr. 1\ Herapatli presided. The was to consider the recent cournu.xL received frr«:n tin* Huilder.V A.s- .'j'.-.i \<:i. After a desultory discussion, the K>h<j\ving resolution was carried, which tlie secretary was instructed to forward to the* Builders' Association : — ''That it is sumewhat unfortunate you should still show an inclination to prolong the present agitation hv now asking impossibilities cf our institute.'
A meeting of the Philson Testimonial Committee was held vesteiday afternoon, in the Insurance Buildings. Mr. F. L. !-ar« tins presided. The Sfxretary, Mr. FwiuL'ton, reported favoumly of the returns of subscription lists. The- address was decided upon, and it'is to l»e illuminated by Mr. i'ahner. It is not yet determined what form the presentation shall take.
We understand Mr. Jamc; Russsell, solicitor, lias just purchased Sir George Ariioy's former residence :: iM grounds, Remuera, at a large figure.
Sections of the St. Heller's Buy Company's property are continuing to he taken up either on speculation or for settlement. A number of enterprising Auckland tradesmen, it ia said, are forming a company within the company, to take up a block of the land and erect villa residences thereon on a definite plan, which would form the nucleus of the Bew marine suburb of the future which is bound to spring up in that locality.
The annual meeting of the Builders' Association was held last evening. There ware |29 members present. The following offioera were appointed for the ensuing year:— President, Mr. W. G. Connolly; vicepresident, Mr. A. Pollard; treasurer, Mr. T. Constable ; secretary, Mr. C. S. Wright; committee, Messrs. McColl, Colebrook, Ellingham. Macguirc, Heron, Jones and G. Rhodes. The following letter was read from the Auckland Institute of Architects in reply to a communication which had been forwarded by the Builders' Association: — "Institute of Architects, December 6, ISS2. .Sir, —At a meeting this afternoon of members of the Institute of Architects, on the subject of your letter of 2, the following resolution was passed: — 'That it is somewhat unfortunate you should still show an inclination to prolong the present agitation by now asking impossibilities of our institute.'—l am, ic., W. F. Hammond, Hon. sec. Mr. C. S. Wright, Secretary Auckland Builders' Association." After some discussion the following resolution was unanimously carried : —" That the members of this association agree not to tender f»r or have their names put down or take away plans until the general conditions of contracts are mutually agreed to." A public meeting of the builders of Auckland is also to be called respecting this matter tor Thursday next.
Mr. Hugh Scth Smith has been appointed Resident Magistrate and District Court.ludge vice Mr. J. K. Macdonald, who has been appointed Chief Judge of the Native Lands Court. Mr. Smith is an M.A. of Cambridge and an English barrister of several years' standing,
Now that the summer season is approaching, the Parncll residents should bestir themselves to obtain the erection of public baths on the site which over two years ago was conceded by the Harbour Board for that purpose, near St. Barnabas Point. The population on that side of the city would fully justify .the expenditure, and on every ground, more especially that of public health, it is desirable that some practical action should be taken in the matter.
The Rev. Mr. Walpole, the new incumbent of St. Mary's, Parnell, conducted service on Wednesday evening, and preached for the first time. His text was taken from the institution psalm (S4th), "The Lord is my shepherd anil I shall lack nothing." The preacher dwelt at considerable length upon the duties of his ofiice of incumbent which required immediate care and attention, aud asked the congregation for their encouragement and aid.
A meeting of the Tauranga District School Committee was held on Tuesday last, to inquire iuto the charges made against Mr. Stevens, head-master of the Tauranga District School. The committee passed a resolution that a boy named Smith had been too severely punished, and requesting the schoolmaster to be more particular in future. A public meeting held afterwards vindicated Mr. Stevens. There were five prisoners in the lock-up last night, four men on charges of drunkenness, and Timothy Colbridge for larceny. Mr. Errington, C.E., ;,is at present on a visit to Tauranga to report upon the proposed water-supply schemes. The three schemes to be considered are :—First, that recoinmeuded by the Water-supply Committee. T.he water to be taken from the Wairoa, a tributary of the Waimapu, which takes its rise in the heart of a primeval forest near Otane, Wainuku. A reservoir to be constructed iu a natural basin on lot 521, parish of Te Papa, at 250 feet above the sea level ; pipes from thence to convey the water along the river bed until Mr. Cook's property is reached. This they cross to the l'ye's I'a road, which they follow imo town. Estimate for supply of '200,000 gallons per diem, £11,700. la the secoud and third schemes, the water is to be obtained from the Waimapu, about lot M-'.), aud from the Omanawa River respectively.
The excursion to Rangitoto, under the auspices of the Field Naturalists' Club, is advertised to come olf to-morrow. The Ferry Company's steamer Tainui has been chartered for the purpose, and will leave Queen-street Wharf punctually at one o'clock, returning between six and seven. Tickets can be obtained from Messrs. Champtaloup and Cooper; also from Mr. T. F. Cheeseman, Museum Buildings, to whom persons should apply who are desirous of enrolling themselves as members of the club. Should the weather be fine, there will doubtless be a large attendance of members and their friends.
We have to acknowledge receipt of the second number of a new monthly publication, the Australian Brewers' Journal. The leading article suggests the formation of an Intercolonial Brewers' Association, which should embrace all the colonies, including Tasmania aud New Zealand, where among other things, political matters, as far as related to the trade, could be considered. Another article is devoted to 41 The Ale of the Future," and it recommends the manufacture of an article resembling layer beer as the best beverage. The remainder of the space is devoted to general articles on subjects of purely trade interest.
The site of the out Provincial Hotel, Princes-street, is under offer tu tiie Corporation as a site for the. £choul of Arts. It occupies a commanding position, and is adjacent to the Museum, so that the two establishments could be under one supervision. Negotiations for the purchase of the site art- now in progress, and there is every prospect of their being carried to a successful issue.
The Juvenile Opera Troupe re-appeared at the Opera House last night in " L.es Cloches de Cornevillc," and the charming music and excellent arrangement of the parts gave the fullest satisfaction to the audience, aud applause was frequently accorded. This evening, the juveniles will give the last performance of the present season, but many will be glad to learn that they return shortly aud will produce an excellent pantomime for the Christinas season.
The annual concert in aid of the Railway Band fund will take place on the loth inst., in the Parnell Hall, and the committee of management has obtained promise' of the assistance of good local talent. The band, which has greatly improved, will give selections during the concert, and will play the dance music at the ball which is to wind up the entertainment. Mr. Spraeg and the managing committee are arranging the programme, which will shortly be published.
The American Novelty Hall was patronised last night by a large number of visitors, and the conjuring tricks performed by Mr. Bailey proved very amusing and surprising. Presents were distributed at the close of the performance*. It is announced that to-mor-fow afternoon a matinee will be given specially, for the purpose of enabling school children to attend, and every child will receive a present; anil on Saturday night paintings of the transit of Venus will be exhibited.
"Die Punedin Morning Herald of the 2nd inbuilt makes the following reference to Detective Walker, of Dunedin, who has succeeded Detective Hrennan in Auckland, and arrived here by the Wanaka on Tuesday : Detective Walker, one of the most ellici?nt officer* in the police force here, has received orders to proceed to Auckland. Mr. Walker has been stationed in Dunedin for the past few years, during which time he has discharged his arduous duties in a most satisfactory manner. As illustrative of his smartness and ability in bringing criminals to justice, it may be mentioned that the majority of the cases which have occupied the attention of tile Supreme Caurt during the past year or two have been conducted by him. Detective Walker carries with him to his new sphere of action the good wishes of a large circle of friends."
At the monthly meeting of the Australasian Institution of Marine Engineers, held lately, much indignation was expressed by the members regarding the loose manner in which steam colliers are allowed to proceed to sea, and several stated, from their own practical experience, that it was a very common thing for steamers to leave the coaling ports around Sydney with the hatches ofT and several truckloads of coal lying loose on deck. Some of the members were actually engaged in vessels where the grasping cupidity of the owners insisted on this dangerous and criminally reckless practice of overloading The men themselves were powerless to interfere, as complaint on that score simply meant dismissal from the ship, and very few could afford thus to fall out with their livelihood. What wonder was it it, then, when a ship occasionally went down ? The cause for surprise was that wrecks and founderings were not much more frequent. A hope was expressed that the public would take a keener interest in shipping matters generally, particularly regarding seaworthiness and orerloading, thus endeavouring to assist and protect a class of men who rarely have the opportunity of protecting themselves.
The Auckland cricketers commence their match against Wellington to-day, aod the game will be continued to-morrow. The team play Nelson on Thursday and Friday next, when their series of matches will be complete, and they will return home by the steamer which arrives in the Manukau on Sunday, 17th instant.
The first of a series of lectures in aid of the Presbyterian Onehunga Church Manse Liquidation Fund was given by the Rev. T. Mackenzie Frazer in the Good Templar Hall on Thursday evening last, on " Truth Stranger than Fiction," as illustrated by the life of Dr. John Kitto. The Rev. James Bruce occupied the ch?ir, and in a few appropriate words introdui ed the lecturer. The lecture was of
a high order, exceedingly interesting, aud interspersed with striking and affecting incidents. There was a numerous attendance, and the audience marked its appreciation of the lecture by frequent applause. During the evening the choir, under the leadership of Mr. Stevenson, rendered with good effect several well-selected hymns from the latest edition of Sankey's Hymn Book. At the close, on the motion of Mr. Whyte, a vote of thanks was heartily accorded to the rev. lecturer. The Benediction was pronounced, and the meeting closed.
"A Victorian " writing on the subject of the Hon. \V. J. Clarke's elevation to a baronetcy, and approving of the bestowal of the honour, gives the following sketch of that gentleman':! public spirit and liberality : — "He stands alone in Australasia as a perfect Peabody. Every hospital, yes, every charity in Victoria, and many outside it, have been most liberally treated by him. I'he amount of good he does is really not known ; he is always doing it. He heeds not sects ; churches of all denominations have been recipients of his bounty. He is the fanners' friend, too ; at his own cost he brought out Mr. Mclvor, and paid him a large salary to lecture to anil instruct the fanner. Spontaneously he doled out a thousand sovereigns to the famine-stricken of India. The wail from China, too, he heard. So also the distressed Jews in Russia He topped the list of the heavy contributions sent by colonist! to the Mansion House for relief in Ireland. In fact I believe a list in detail would fill your paper of the money he has distributed for public £;ood. Had they not heard what a noble generous man he was when singling him out for the marked distinction—the first Australian Barouet. I hope our contingent of the tirst Federal Council will be composed of men of the stamp of Sir W J. Clarke, which, however, is a vain hope, for he stands quite alone—a man of great wealth and great bcnevolencc. The combination is a rarity."
On December 1 a presentation of a hand" some clock was made to Dr. Grabham, of th e Karlswood Asylum, on the occasion of hi 8 farewell, before sailiug for New Zealand to take up the duties of Inspector of Asylums under Government. The presentation took place before a large anil sympathetic audience, ill acknowledging the presentation, Dr. Grabham said : You are aware that I am going to a distant country—a remote part of the world. I shall, however, have the same mode of life—the same kind of work I have been for the last twenty years connected with—namely, that of supervising the treatment ol the insane. My engagement is one for three years, and after the expiration of that time 1 am at liberty, if I choose, to come back home. I may tell you that 1 have some difficulties before me, for I learn that the condition of tjie asylums in New Zealand is at the present time in many respects very deplorable, and I am told that the work was so disheartening and laborious to my predecessor that it literally killed him. I don't intend, however, to let the duties kill me if I can carry them out for the benefit of patients and the attendants who have charge of those patients— (applause)—butif Ifind the ease to be hopeless, I shall return to the Old Country, and then, perhaps, I may see many of you again.
We have received a lengthy communication from "Index," of Kamo, in relation to the Whangarei High School. He states that the Whangarei High School Board have purchased six and a half acres of laud from Mrs. G. Taylor, for the new buildings, at the rate of £(J0 per acre. His grievance is that the site is not central, anil will not convenience the greater proportion of settlers, while the interests of the residents of Kamo, Kuatangata, and Kaurihohore are completely ignored. He avers that a ceutral site was suggested by Mr. O'Sullivan, Inspector of Schools, which could have been obtained for a fourth of the price—namely £15 an acre— and he desires to know whether cliqueism or the public weal should prevail.
It is about twelve years since the people of Pukekohe West have been possessed of a burial-ground, and. during this time the ground has served as a cattle run, in addition to its original purpose. About a mouth ago a committeo, consisting of Messrs. Thomas Wilkinson (chairman), W. Watson, John Allen, T. Moore, E. Rouse, and Alfred Hosking (secretary), set to work for the purpose of fencing the ground. The committee has been very unanimous iu its work, and successful in obtaining promises of money and materials. On Friday last the tender cf Mr. R. Bilkey (labour only), for putting up the fence was accepted. Those who have promised either money or material are respectfully requested to pay to the collectors, or place the material on the ground at their earliest convenience. It is hoped that this will be done, that the work may be completed before harvest operations come on.
A chief of some importance, named Israel, has just died at Motiti Islaud. His body will be conveyed to Whakatane.
The monthly meeting of the Upper Mahurangi District Board was hold on Saturday, the 2nd December. All the trustees were present. The following tenders for cutting and clearing tea-tree in Hill-street, West Warkwonh, were received : —W. Wilson, 7s 6d per chain; W. Grimmer, 7s Gd per chain ; J. Harrison, 4s 9d per chain, or £7 the job ; George Farmer, 4s per chain. Mr. Harrison's tender was accepted. Only one tender was received for contract No. 0, repairing of road between Trethowen's Bridge and Kourowhero. It was from Mr. K. G. Clements, £f>7 9s, and it was accepted, with certain modificatione, viz., the ornmission of cutting tea-tree, £I*2, reducing it to £45 9s. A considerable amount of general business was gone through. It was decided to clear the road of tea-tree from the post-oiKec along Alnwick-street, Betram-streef, Hexam-street, Neville-street, back to post-office ; also repairs of roads Kaipara Flats, and various other small works.—[Own Correspondent.]
Tnrc Auckland Wkkki.t News (illus" truted) is the best and largest weekly journal publtshed in tho colony, anil contains an amplo ami well-assorted collection of general, commercial, political, mining, agricultural, anil sporting news; the latest English, American, ani Continental cablegrams, recording tho principal events throughout the vrorM ; special (wntiibulions our travelling correspondents, tales by the most popular novelists, a»<l interesting items relating to art, literature, science, music, and the drama, the whole combining to render it tho most a'tractiYft aud readable weekly journal t»ubli>hed in New Zealand.
To-day's Observer will contain :—Kngravingaml of Our New Governor—Observer Kshivs : How to Manilla Lover--Love's Rovcngc— of Sn —Knightly (Sratitude—l>on Juan's Canvass —Nil Oesj eramlmn : A Tale of a Helmet — Mysterious 1 >isappearanco—The .New Competition for Schools.
A concert and dramatic entertainment, tinder the patronage of hishop Lu-jk, will be held at iSt. Mary'r School, f'onsuuby, on Thursday evening. Hoccirber 1 \.
Mr. dames Stewart, and Mr. Ashley J. Hunter, civil Kmrinrrr* and Surveyors, announce that they huvo entered into partnership.
An extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders of the Stt-Hinship Company will be held on the 21-t inst.
Applications for shares in the Auckland Nutivo Lands Colonisation Company will be received tip t# the 30th inst.
Mr. (Jreenwood will otfer for sale a number of valuable le ues belonging to the Auckland Harbour I'o rd to-day. Particulars will he found in our advertisement column*.
The Refreshment Rooms at the new wharf, tforthcotc. are now open.
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New Zealand Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 6571, 8 December 1882, Page 4
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4,685Untitled New Zealand Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 6571, 8 December 1882, Page 4
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