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New Zealand Herald, Volume XX, Issue 6816, 21 September 1883, Page 4

The recent action of France in Madagascar and Toiiquin is not ending in a very dignified manner for the high-spirited, people of that country. The sudden display of activity by France in foreign affairs, had, the. appearance of resulting more from some sudden impulse than from deliberative and well-considered choice. However undignified it ia for a great military power, upon second and more mature consideration, to undo the work of Conquest it has begun in a foreign State, it js better for the public peace that the pride of one country should suffer than that the peace, of the world be broken, and the organisation of trade thrown out. of Joint. The conduct of France in Anani evoked the strong displeasure of China, but at first this warning was disregarded. At length the Chinese forces were set in motion, and the first instalment of 15,000 troop 3 pressed the border of the attacked State. More French reinforcements were called f<"T,. and the Chinese Ambassador m London warned the French Government that the despatch of reinforcements would be regarded by China as a declaration of war, Subsequently M. Waddington and the Chinese Ambassador appa* ren.tly sought- and obtained the services of the British Government as mediator, and the latest information is that M. Chal!emel-I;acour,the FrenchjMinister for Foreign Affairs, has been dismissed, and the portfolio of the Foreign Office taken charge of by M. Perry, the President Minister. This action is interpreted, ana probably not unreasonably, as an indication that France intends, to retrace her steps, and enter upon, a policy of peace instead of conquest. It would be well if such an expectation were realised. France is not the first Power that has .marched backward at the bidding of re-awakemng China. A few years ago a rupture vras likely to take place between China ana Russia in respect to Kuldja, which Russia seized during tire Taeping rebellion. China became at last wearied with diplomacy, and niii.»ched a large army to ner north-western frontier. When an army of a hundred thousand hardy Chinese troops looked down from the Tier- Shau Mountains to the province of Kuldja, _ al >u having at their command plenty of modern artillery and field pieces, Russia deeuie discretion the better part, of valour, a" . restored to China that territory which na been withheld from her control for so many years. If France, by withdrawing f ro " 1 Anam, should preserve peace in the tas , the world will ijain, and, in the long run, Franca will not be a loser.

We learn by cable message from London to-day that the four torpedo boats ordered tv the New Zealand Government have been completed, and that a rate of seventeen knots was attained at the trial run over the measured mile at Greenwich. After the trial a luncheon took place, at which there a large and fashionable company. It is stated that the trial was very successful, and that the construction of the bo»ts was much admired. They have been built by Messrs. Thomycrolt and Company, at Chißwick, and belong to what is known as the " second class." Their dimensions are about the same as those constructed for Victoria, which are 63 feet in length, 7 feet 6 inches in beam, draught it feet 2 inches, and displacement j-2'i tons. Their contract speed is 16 knots. ■Unlike the Victorian torpedo boats, however, they are armed with Captain McEvoy's spar torpedo, and it is understood that they will carry the Whitelead torpedo as an auxiliary armament, in which case the weapons will be discharged by means of Thornycroft's sideframe apparatus. One of the boats is intended for Auckland, and the other three will be stationed at Wellington, Port LyttcltoD, and Port Chalmers respectively.

The Mataur.i, with a cargo of frozen mutton from Auckland, has arrived at 1 ondou, but our cable message makes no mention of the condition of the meat. Among other miscellaneous news by cable, it is stated that Sir Anthony Musgrave, the new Governor of Queensland, in succession to the late Sir Arthur Kennedy, who died at Aden on his way home, was to leave London yesterday by the Sorata to enter upon his official duties. A colonial congress has been lield at Amsterdam, at which Mr. Young, Secretary of the Royal Colonial Institute, London, delivered an address urging the federation of the colonies. Prince Alexandria, of Bulgaria, has renounced his autocratic powers, has granted constitutional government to his subjects.

The ordinary weekly meeting of the City Council was held yesterday evening, His Worship the Mayor (J. M. Clark) presiding, 'l'here was a very heavy business paper. The correspondence comprised uo less than 23 applications for repairs of streets; the reports of the several departments, with -discussions upon the clauses (seriatim) were read and adopted. The proceedings will be found reported in another column.

The business of the Resident Magistrate's Court was important in a legal point of view (the Corporation v. Connop), and interesting in regard to another case (Stanford v. Keid), where the plaintiff and defendant were in absolute contradiction in respect to giving change for a £10 note. The plaintiff is the proprietor of the Ponsonby Club Hotel, and the defendant is a builder and contractor residing in that district. It seems not possible to discredit either party ; but where could the £10 note have gone to ? A summary of the evidence appears in another column. As to the first case it has cspecial interest for all buying property at auction sales or transferring bargains with or without consideration. His Worship's judgment is given in full in our report of the proceedings.

At the Police Court yesterday, three boys were charged with discharging a missile, which broke a plate-glass window, in Pitt-street, the property of Mr. W. J. Offer, and valued at from £6 to £7. The boys had purchased a cocoanut, which they used as a football in the street, and ended by kicking it through the window. This was not denied, but the counsel for the defence, Mr. Thome, pointed out that it was not an offence under the by-law under which the charge was laid, and the boys were discharged. Probably Mr. Offer will endeavour to recover the loss he has sustained, by a civil action against the parents of the boys.

The discharging of the steamship Doric is 30 far progressing that the company hops to be able to get the vessel to sea by noon today. During yesterday she was taking in some 41 bales wool, nine casks tallow, and about 200 cases kauri gum for shipment to Loudon. Several passengers have also booked by her for Southern ports.

At the Opera House last night the dramatic company repeated the drama of "It :3 Never Too Late to Mend" to a moderate house. To-night, the last of the season, the " Streets of New York " will be produced, with all its startling effects. As a sensational dra.ma few plays have acquired the reputation or had as long a rnn as this, and we have no (?oubt it will be produced to-night in a manner which cannot fail to sat isfy the audience.

One of the principal discussions at the City Council last night was about the importation of a "15-ton steamroller." Mr. Masefield proposed the introduction of the heavy metal sinker. But some of the other councillors were striken with fear of its .possible performances. One said that going tip a hill it would "be pulled down by gravitation." Another said that in turning round a corner it would "topple over.'" Another said it would find out the " weak poists" of the streets and be "buried" therein. Another thought that the engine power to drive it must represent sufficient hors-? power "to keep in hand." But it was anally agreed that the weight of the machine to be imported should be left to the discretion of its maker, who should be informed of the grade and condition of the streets of Auckland. The maker mußt "guarantee" the machine he send* to the corporation to do the work it is wanted to do.

Mr. Simuel Brooking has presented to the "Free Library c, very excellent copy of Liddiard Nicholas's work on New Zealand, being a record of a visit as far back as ISI4. The book is rare and very interesting as a historical record of this colony. The copy presented is in excellent preservation.

There was again a crowded audience at the Circus last night, and the performance, as might be expected, went much mere smoothly than on the first night. The strong point of the Circus is its gymnasium. The vaulting, tumbling, &c., are features which are brought into great prominence, and the clever feats of the large troupe excite wonder. Miss Annie Shields displayed wonderful powers of balancing on the high trapeze, and Miss Eva was applauded for the spirited and graceful manner in which she dr.nced the Highland fling in costume. The clever feats of horsemanship of the ape Zulu, and the comical manner in which they were performed excited roars of laughter. By far the most picturesque feat of equestrianism is that of Jack Cousins as "the five-horse courier. The trick ponies displayed great intelligence, and Mr. Silvester's dogs were very clever in their joerformance. In addition to the usual evening performance there will be a matinee to-day, to enable country visitors and others who will be in to market to see the Circus. There was an interesting discussion in the -City Council last night upon the obligation of the Fire Insurance Companies to contribute the maintenance of the Fire Brigade. The particulars will be found in the report of the Council proceedings. Mr. Thompson brought prominently before the City Council last niaht the question of -watering the streets. He presented a petition from the shopkeepers of Victoria-street on the subject. The petition was received. The proceedings are detailed in our report of • the City Council meeting.

The bell-tower for the new firehell to be erected opposite the Fire Brigade station in albert-street is now well advanced. The main portion of the woodwork is now put together to a height considerably above the old tower, but about 30 feet more has to be built on to it, so that it will, when finished, be <ji feet in height. As the space enclosed between the columns of the tower 20 feet square, it has been suggested that it might be utilised either as stables for the Fire Brigade horßts when they are procured, or as 3leeping apartments for some of the firemen.

The hoarding being now removed from the front of Messrs. Sargood and. Co.'s new premises in Victoria-street, this fine building appears to preat advantage from Elliott and Victoria Streets. It shows five storeys, the front being nearly all of glass, relieved at the base by dark grey stone columns, and above by white stone columns. The effect is airy and bright, and the buildiug i 3 a credit to the city and the enterprise of the firm. • The removal of the hoarding, which was a great impediment to the traffic in this street, is greatly appreciated by the owners -of adjoining premises.

The Court Minstrels open for a short -season at the Opera House to-morrow evening. They comprise fourteen performers, and appear in comedy as well, as the usual minstrel business. This is their first appear•anee in Auckland, but they axe stated to •have performed with great success in Sydney and other larg towns in Australia. The programme of'to-morrow evening's entertain--iment will be found in our advertisement ■columns. >■ .

Messrs. Shaw, Saville, Albion Company announce their intention of despatching the steamship Triumph from London to this port direct on the 25th inst. The vessel will proceed hence to a Southern port, there to load frozen meat for London again. The Triumph is a vessel of some 3000 tons, and is reported to be almost new, and speedy under steam. She ia to bring out immigrants for this port.

The question of the cutting down of Emily Place was brought up last night in the City Council in a supplementary form. The Council had previously agreed to a resolution instructing the Engineer to report upon the feasibility of the work according to the easiest practical grade. The Engineer reported a grade of one in ten, bnt an extended schune was proposed in which the grade would be one in thirteen, and in some places one in thirty-three. A further extended scheme comprehends the widening of Jer-inyn-street to 66 feet. But in this supplementary scheme everything depends upon the owners of property not requiring compensation. The Engineer last night laid the plans ho had made on the Council table. The Mayor carried two resolutions —one in favour of the proposal as at first suggested, the Harbonr Board and Freezing CoGipnr--* to remove the earth at their own cost; and the other in favour of the supplementary scheme, which will be carried out if property holders are agreeable. Some of thc.n will be 9n, in view of the great value thai: will be given to their land.

Serious loss has been caused to a number of farmers on the Waimate Plains, by the sale of a quantity of wheat for seed which had been heated in the stack, and has failed to germinate after sowing. The settlers were probably quite unaware that the wheat was unfit for seed.

A substantial crossing is now being made in Fort-street, opposite to the door leading to th& Custom-house. The number of warehouses and wholesale establishments now on the reclaimed land gives a large traffic to the Fort-street entrance of the Custom-house.

A well known native of Motiti, an island near Waimarnki, died rather suddenly a few days ago ; it appears he had a sick child, who was moreover deformed, and this child being weakly succumbed to some ailment peculiar to childhood. The old man took the matter seriously to heart, and foretold his own death in a day or two. This actually came about. A chief named Atrea was, it is supposed, charged by his people with what is tantamount to witchcraft. This took such a hold upon his mind that he procured a rope and quietly went into a corner and hung himself. The occurrence has caused a good deal of excitement at Motiti, and the natives are, according to custom, iudulging in a wail and a feed.

Last night, at St. Sepulchre's Schoolhouse, the Rev. J. S. Hill delivered an interesting and instructive lecture on "The Jewish Tabernacle." The lecture was in aid of the repairs fund. The Ven. Archdeacon Dudley occupied the chair, and tbe St. Sepulchre's choir, under ths direction of Mr. Y. IS. Rice, sang some selections of music, including, "G.d is a Spirit," "In Jewry God is Known," and "As Pants the Hart." There was a good attendance, and the lec-tui-ir, who had thoroughly mastered his subject, engaged the attention of the audience from first to last. The divisions of the lecture were :—The services of the Tabernacle, its sncred vessels, the priesthood, the services. The diag'arns and illustrations were very beautifully got up, and helped to explain some intricate points. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the lecturer.

Some time aao a committee of officers was appointed to obtain designs for the proposed memorial to the late Major Withers, and people who subscribed are now anxious to learn whether any design has been selected, and what steps are being taken far the erection of the memorial.

Mr. Matthew Moore, owner of the boot factory in the Theatre Royal buildings, met with a painful accident yesterday. He was working the leather-cutting press, and attempted to adjust the knife without stopping tbe machine. The result was that the forefinger of the right hand was caught and badly crushed. Mr. Moore went at once to Dr. Tenuent's surgery, and that gentleman temporarily bandaged the hand, and directed him to go to the Hospital. He did so, and liad his finger dressed by Dr. Bond, but it is feared that a portion at least of the finger will have to be amputated.

The New York Herald of August Sth contains the following anent the SullivanSlade match :—The achievements of the previous night afforded food for reflection to the wise men of fisticdom. Why had Slade, big as he was, been knocked out of time in three rounds, and l>y what methods had he been led to hope for success in his prospective matches ? The whol l ' matter was explained to a reporter by Harry Montague, his manager. " The size of it is this," said he. "Slade is a man wonderfully endon ed by nature He has had little art, and seems in no hurry to acquire it. But were he to act as he had been told, he would develop marvellously. He has been an incubus on our hands. He is lazy. That's the whole trouble. He won't train. I have time and again urged him to walk, to ride, to do something to harden his muscles and put him in shape for the ordeal he had to pass through, but he never minded me. He «aB utterly heedless of my advice. Sometimes he swam. These South Sea Islanders seem to think water their element just as much as laud, and they freely take to it. He would swim miles, but he would not walk them. The result was he came before the public in a condition far inferior to his opponent." " And waa fairly lickcd," supplemented Jem Mace. "Yes, he was," said Harry Montague. "We make no bones about it. Our man was heatfn out and out, throughout the whole exhibition- Mr. Sullivan acted like a gentleman. He took no undue advantage, and his conduct towards his opponent was kin<lly whenever opportunity offered. His backer is Mr. Mace. He was not a bit startled. On the contrary, he was agreeably surprised. He believed Slide was game. When he saw him pick himself up after Sullivan's Bledge-hammer blows, and plant himself on the platform to get more punishment, he felt that he was right. I will admit that I did not have so much hope. When I saw Slade landed, Mace asked me what I thought of him. ' That Newfoundland pup ?' said I. ' The same,' said he, 'and I intend to make a dog of him.' He has clone so. Slade for the first time in his life, has received a lesson."

The Messrs. Jaggart, photographers, were again charged under an Imperial Act of Charles 11. with exercising their calling on the Lord's Day. A similar charge against them was heard last week, when the Resident Magistrate reserved judgment on a point raised as to whether the Act applied to photography, and pending his decision on that case, which it it understood will be given to-day, the second case was adjourned.

Up to a late hour last nigh'; only two fresh arrests were made by the police, and both of those "run in"'are persons whose acquaintance with prison life will make their return to their old quarters no surprise. The notorious Dr. Duval was taken into custody by Detective Walker on a charge of obtaining money by means/of a valueless chcque for £1 ; and the other prisoner is the wellknown John Thackabury, who gave way to his customary love for the intoxicating cup.3

The Wanganui Herald states : —A peculiar fart in natural liistdry was brought under notice in the case of a horse, the property of Messrs. York and Cornfoot. The horae bad been unwell for some time recently, and was undnr the care of Mr. Smiley, but its complaint was incurable, and it died this morning. As the circumstances were peculiar, lie was opened and examined, and, most remarkable to state, there was found to be a*:out icwt. of ironsand in his intestines, whiofi it "is supposed must have been accumulating during the past two years. Mr. Smiley informs us that he has brought under his notice about sixteen or eighteen similar eases every winter of horses dying from the accumulation of sand—a fact he has never known elsewhere than in this district.

On the flist of August the Parcels Post came into operation in Great Britain. In London it is estimated that, up to six p.m., from 15,000 to 20,000 parcels had passed through the sorting-room at St. Martin's-le-Grand. 1800 parcels were received on that day in Glasgow, and ISSO in Edinburgh. Ireland does not show so well, but m Dublin 250 parcels were-handed in at the General Post Office, and in Cork 150 parcels, were posted. In the absence of railway communication, would not the Parcels Post be a great convenience in New Zealand, and help still I further to unite the great centres of population ? Of course the towns would take the lead, but the remotest hamlets would not fail to profit by the arrangement.

In a notice of Mr. John Bradsbaw'n " New Zealand as It Is," the Literary World Bays : In New Zealand there are no Dutch Boers and' Hottentots as at the Cape; no crossbreeds of Red Indians or French as in Canada; no taint of scoundreldom, as in Australia, not improved by Chinese or Irish imported to work the diggings of Ballarat or Burra-Burra. These streaks of foreign blood have not come to raise np a foreign element in New Zealand. The Dutch skipper who first; came has only left the shadow of his name on the island ; but from Auckland, in the extreme north, to Dnnedin and Port Chalmers, in the extreme south, the two islands are English throughout ; English, we may add, without a streak of the Celtic element; for what are the Lowland Scotch but pnre Saxons, whose capital, Eadwins-burgh carries its own meaning with it ? We regard it. then, as no slight advantage for our youugeut and most progres--sive colony, that she is peopled with the most homogeneous race of pure-bred Englishmen who have ever left the old country in any large numbers. If New Zealand dees not; prosper in the future, it will not be because she is not peopled by men of the right stock, and carrying the sacred fire with them of the language, religion, and literature of the old country. It is easy to see, then, why we look on New Zealand as a home for our sons with something more than ordinary interest Our children who settle there, if lost to sight, are only dearer to us, since we follow their fortunes, *nd think of the great future which lies before them as the pioneers of a country which will be known, perhaps, a century or two hence, as Greater Britain.

We understand that Mr. John Mowbray has presented to the Auckland Lib' ary a very fine edition of the works of Dugald Stewart, complete.

Authority was given by the City Council last night to the Library Committee to have the catalogue of the Free Library, as prepared by Mr. Shillington, printed.

The Auckland Weekly Nbws (illustrated) is the best ancl largest weekly journal published in the colon}-, and contains an ample and woll-assorted collection ot general, commercial, political, mining, agricultural, and sporting intelligence; the latest English, American, and Continental cablegrams, recording the principal events throughout the world; special contributions from our travelling correspondents; tales by the most popular novelists; and interesting items relating to art, literature, science, music, and the drama—tho whole combining to render it the most attractive and readable weekly journal published in Now Zealand. Thj opening chapters of a now story, "The World BetweonThcm," by Bcrtba V. Clay, are given in this week's issue.

Mrs. J. Penny wishes to return her most sincero thanks to Messrs. Lano and Jirowr, shipbuilders, Whangarna, for their very muniilcuit subscription, also to those who have assisted them.

We would call attention to a sale to be held this afternoon, at two o'clock, by Messrs. D. Tonka and Co., of choice tloworing shrubs and eardon plants, direct from tho celebrated nurseries of Messrs. F. Vergnson and Son, Double Bay, Sydney. This shipment has arrived in beautiful condition, and tho sale offers a rare chance for securing new aud choice varieties of camellia?, magnolias, &c. This evening the iVehunga Band of H'ipe will celebrate its anniversary in tho Masonic H ill. Onchunga. The entorta'nmcnt will comprise a programme of songs, duets, recitations, c., by friends connected with tho Auckland Band of Hope Uni; n, and a limoliglit exhibition by Mr. H. 11. Smith. There will also be a temperanco sketch entitled " Dr. Quack." Mr. Alfred Buckland will offer for s->l<> today tho racehorse Merlin and tho heavy draught stallion Young lily tho. A children's entertainment will take place this evening in Newton Wost School. The A Battery of Artillery will have shot and shell prictice at the North Shore, to-mcrrow. A converna-zione will be held in the Devonport Hall this evening, to welcome the Uev. Joseph Hates on Ills return from Australia.