THE The Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1883.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XX, Issue 6838, 17 October 1883, Page 4

THE The Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1883.

'. It is not surprising to find that the attention directed to New Guinea byrecent proceedings in the colonies has started into existence a great Colonization Company in London, with that island as the scene of intended operations. On the contrary, we are to expect numerous ventures of the kind, with" elaborate plans and visionary expectations, attractive" in the highest degree to daring spirits and the surplus capital at home that is looking everywhere for investment. The circumstances are peculiarly favourable. A pleasing mystery hangs over the interior of the great dark island, travellers' tales have told of its goldei treasures, and every element of romanci is present'to fire the fancy with possi Mlities of deeds of'daring and witl dreams of avarice. Every unknowi thing is taken for magnificent, anc there is so much unknown about Nev Guinea that it is particularly magnifi cent. The disastrous ending to thi expedition of the Marquis de Rays ii those seas will be attributed to thi unfitness,, of the promoters and thi emigrants alike; and the fact of the Argus expeditionary party having hurried back to shake off on thi Australian coast the fevers picked u] among the glens of New Guinea, wil. when known beonlyaccepted as showing that nothing great can ever beeffectec without difficulties. Our London cor respondent exactly limns the picture o the expedition which all the circum stances are calculated to produce. Thi promoter and commander-in-chief is s military officer, belonging to a class considered by some as peculiarly wel adapted to overcoming the kind o. difficulties incident to settlement in i new land. He appears to have hac varied experience—being, in fact, j soldier of fortune—having volunteerec his sword in the service ;of Servia anc Greece. With him will be conjoinec kindred spirits, the members of thi expedition providing their own equip ments, and placing themselves unde: strict military discipline. As for gooc intentions, the expedition is beyonc reproach. Everything is to be carriec out " on the basis of fair and friendh dealing with the natives, and the onb strong measures which will be taker will be such, in self-defence, as :r.aj be necessary ■' o protect the lives of thi expedition." Now, there is no mistaking what al this means; nor do we hesitate to sai that we have in such enterprises a* this the rocks ahead, on which thi proposals of territorial extension ii these seas run the greatest risk o being wrecked ; and, unless by promp decision of either the Imperial o:

colonial authorities, or both, something is done to check, or at least discourage the filibustering spirit that pending proceedings are sure to evoke, there is likely to be such an irruption of wrongheaded and foolish men as -will bring the natives into collision, and perhaps permanent hostility •with Europeans. .The proposal to explore the island ■would be in itself unobjectionable : but it is -with the expressed intention of establishing " a settlement -which will form the nucleus for the further development of the company." That means the acquisition of land in whatever way; and the acquisition of land from natives we know to be the basis of all the troubles that have ever arisen bei tween the European and inferior races with which they come in contact in the process of colonization. We assume it as an absolute certainty that the acquisition of New Guinea will result from the negotiations between the Imperial and Colonial Governments, and the proceedings of the coming convention. We are warranted, therefore, in expressing anxiety respecting the difficulties that are most likefy to arise, in the very inception of the work about to be undertaken ;, and we are fully confident that unless steps are taken to discourage enterprising people from anticipating events by getting possession of land from the natives, grave difficulties and complications will result.

Our London correspondent tells us that a New Guinea missionary in a letter to the Times complains of an "almost entire absence in the colonial Press of any reference to the owners of the soil" in New Guinea. In so far as we are concerned, we deny this charge, as we have persistently asserted from the first of this annexation movement, that it is an imperative duty that the land question should be anion" the first questions determined in pri> spect of annexation; and further, we are quite convinced that unless decisive steps are taken in relation to it, and an early deliverance made by the convention, or on the authority of the Colonial Governments, complications will speedily arise that years will not solve. The natives of Now Guinea appear to be even a more civilised and intelligent race than the Maoris; with distinct ideas of land tenure and the rights of possession, and it will, be a disgrace to colonization if after ail the experience of the past, one clear and undeviating course of procedure is not laid down, which will guide all transactions m relation to lands. Whether the_ future administration of New Guinea should maintain rigid rights of pre-emption, and reeognise no title acquired by private dealings between natives and Europeans ; or whether it should maintain pre-leasing rights, acquiring, land from the natives on long terms of leasehold, and re-leasing.the same to settlers, as we have already suggested; or whatever may be the ultimate settlement of the question of dealingsin the lands of annexed coun-

tries,_ one thing is very clear that, pending the present proceedings, it should be distinctly made known that any titles to lands "acquired from the natives of those islands, from this time forward, by private parties, whether in freehold or leasehold, will be null and void. '■. The enterprise of General Maclver is only one of the many filibusterim,' expeditions that will be evoked by tht* knowledge that New Guinea is sure to. be soon brought under British sutej

and it will avert wholesale the natives, or possibly heavv >7* of for compensation, if it ia made as early as possible that the da.l°*? enterprise of these "adventured - g undertaken at their .own peril

Ifc is reported in oar cable messa„«, „ morning that the French GovernS "* pay the Rev. Mr. Shaw £60,000^°'■*>» sation for the treatment he hands of the French authorities at TW? % Mr. Shaw, it will be remembetcd I *'- arrested by order of the late a* **» Pierre charged with conniving vrfti^?? 1 Hovas against the French, g e w,. be jectedto very rough treatment on \£\ the French warship, add was chains for some time. On " l it was found that the charges ?°S against him were without foundation*' he was accordingly set at liberty n? also stated th3t the French Governs will express regret to the British BW;* Secretary that the English missionary have been subjected to the treatment h li perienced at the hands of the French *?»?■ rities More fighting has taken pC h ?- Zululand. A tribe friendly to Cetewavn I 0 attacked by a band of Usibepu'a and routed with enormous slaughter I ,?■ half the tribe being massacred. ' v The Pacific mail steamship Ciiy of V York, with the inward English mail <wJ London September 6, and the American dated San Francisco September 23 arr at Auckland yesterday morning. We p a E elsewhere our London correspondence and Ml selection of European news received k the mail. "3 The Supreme Court was occupied tfc whole of yesterday with an action o feW menfc by Mr. Walker, as agent of Me*™ Gnce and Benn, agaiost Mere Whakatntn' »nd other natives who occupy portions of til Pukekura block. It will be recollected thlt Mr. .Walker was prosecuted for. forciM entry upon the occupations of the nativ* some, twelve months ago. Besides this action of ejectment, there were actions of treipj., brought against Beveral natives of the sam» hapn, who overran the Pukekura block vritb horses, dogs, and pigs, breaking downfenc* &0. In the first action verdict and juaV, menfc were given for plaintiffs. I n t £ I second action judgment was also givm for the plaintiff*, with damages laMcosts ia the. cause, to be- taxed. Th" report, which appears in another column 5 contains some important questions of law i n relation: to the holding and ownership' of lands. There is a series of cross actions bv the natives to be beard in January unon which the merits of the litigation turn. An" attempt was made to arrange -for staving execution on terms, but it was ineffectual" The Court will resume at ten o'clock this' morning. , : His Worship the Mayor, Mr, J. M. Clark has gone away for a fortnight, for the nor' pose of visiting tho Te Aroha goldfield and' Ohinemutu.,

Among the passengers by the mail steamer yesterday we noticed the names of Mr. and' Mrs. Samuel Morrin, and Major and Mrs George, who agaia returned to their land homes., The former gentleman was received by a large concourse of frienda, who heartily bade him welcome back, and ei. pressed their pleasure at finding him so much better m health. Among the through passengers werethe RightEev. Dr. Thornton, BhhoD of Ballarat, and Mr. Raymond, special correspondent of the London Daily News, wlio 18 en route for China and ADnam, in order to report on the French operations in that quarter. By the Ringarooma from Sydney we have also to welcomo back Mr. Thomas Henderson, jun., Mr, and Mrs. Holdshin . and Mr. G. 11. Holdship. The two latter have returned from a trip to the mother country, via tho Suez route, and were met m Sydney by Mr. Holdship. An inquest w»s held yesterday at the King e Arms Hotel, before Dr. Philson and a jury, into the cause of the death of John Sandford, who died suddenly, at his residence, Pitt-street, on the previous day After hearing the evidence of Mrs. Sandford and Dr. Stoekwell, the jury returned a verdict of "Death from natural causes." The following telegram was received from the manager of the Vermont (Te Aroha) : "Discovered nearly four feet reef showing gold. Particulars poßted." The City Council have received advices of the shipment, per Piako. from LondoD, ■ : which.sailed on August 24, of additional | Fire Brigade plant, portable fire escape, helmets, and equipment for the' haw Fire Brigade stations of the now city wards. ~ ' Ono of the through passengers by the City of New York, Thomas M. Berry, had a narrow escape of losing his passage. He is one of the staff in charge of a quantity of - stock on board the steamer for Sydney. On coming ashore he yielded to the socialpleasures of the city, and got "run in" for being drunk. About eight o'clock last night, just before the steamer sailed, he was bailed out. There was not a moment to lose, 60 he was obliged to take a cab. On reaching the i end of the wharf the City had swung off the wharf about a dozen yards; calling for a rope to be thrown to him from the ship, he fastened it round his waist, and leaped off ; the wharf into the sea. He was safely hauled on board, amidst the cheers of the crowd on the wharf, who anxiously watched his plucky act.

It will be seen by our advertising colnmna that the annual examinations of the,Auck« land University will commence on Monday, the 29th instant. The several days of "exanimation and the subjects on which candidates are to be examined are detailed in the notice. Students who have not matriculated, but have attended the College lectures, are admissible to the examinations.

The first practice of the Ponsonby Choral Society for the present season, ISS3-S4, was held in the Odd Fellows' Hall, Poneonby, on Monday last, under the baton of Here Schmitt,, their popular conductor. The attendance was good, and everything shows that this year will be as prosperous, if not more so, than the previous one.

A meeting of the Mount Albert, Total Abstinence Society was held in the schoolroom on Monday evening last. Instead-of getting speakers from a distance, as on former occasions, each; member of the committee agreed to contribute something, for the instruction or entertainment of the audienee. The result was a success. A number of readings, songs, speeches, and glees were given, and, judging by the hearty applause, were evidently appreciated. The Mount Albert Road District enjoys the privilege of having no public-house within its boundaries, and, judging from the spirit of the audience, and speakers at the temperance meetings,' and the opinions of the settlers generally, cne curse which usually accompanies the drink traffic will not be allowed to shed its withering and demoralising influence on this popular and flourishing district.

Somewhatof a variety in Auckland was received by the mail steamship City of New York in the shape of a small consignment of Californian salmon. The shipment was made to Mr. F. Williams, fish dealer, etc., on the Que'en-street Wharf. The fish arrived, packed in ice, in excellent condition, and it is needless to say, were soon disposed of. With such an abundance of the fish named in the state of California, it is surprising that better arrangements are not made by the steamships of tlio mail line for the conveyance of these delicate fish, which would at all times find a ready sale in this market.

A sala of agricultural and pastoral lands which has lately been effected in the Paninure district, shows that one of our practical farmers, at any rate, has great confidence in the .future which, is before those engaged in the occupation and cultivation of the soil, and the price paid proves' conclusively that the best of our rural or suburban lands, for farming purposes, are now realising double the price paid for them ten years ago. The land referred to here is a compact farm of seventy acres, bounded by the Panmure Lagoon, and was purchased ten years ago by Mr. G. Glew, at £20 an acre, and has, since that time, been profitably occupied by that gentleman. Having, however, a desire to visit the old country, he sold the farm yesterday to Mr. H. Gqllan, at £42 an acre. The settlers in the locality will regret the loss of Mr. Glew, but will.no doubt, welcome Mr. Gollan to the'place, especially as he has purchased it solely for occupation. '_...._'"

A commencement is shortly to be. made with the new building for the New Zealand Insurance Company, which is to fill the block facing : Queen>street,' between Short-laipl-strcet ami Port-street. The contract for the foundations has been let to Mr. Jenkuisou. who it will be seen is now advertising for shingle and ballast suitable for the 'con* crete foundational

< The question of dredging the harbour was sgain raised at the Harbour Board meeting yesterday. The matter came np on a report of the Engineer, who recommended the purchase of extra machinery, the undertaking of extensive dredging operations, and the reclaiming of Freeman's Bay. An outline of the discussion on the proposal will be found in another column. The report of the Engineer was referred to the Works and Tariffs Committee. At the meeting of tha Harbour Board yesterday the plans of the Devonport Wharf were approved, and tenders were ordered to be called for the work. Tenders were also ordered to be called . for Hobßon-street Wharf, marked A on plan, and reclamation marked B on plan, with timber facing on the whole' ot the eastern side. Notwithstanding all that ha 3 been said of the selling of • land for building without regard to public health or decency, the practice still goes on. Only last week a s»se took place of land, in one of the suburbs, in which, it is stated, not a single street is a chain wide. In the block adjoining that, cut .up by speculators years ago, the streets are laid out half & chain wider, or 33 feet. There are too many men in the Legislature interested in land jobbing to permit of a measure passing into law to prevent such abusesof powerand theexerciseof tho tyranny of capital in this way. The people will go on paying the blood-tax in increased mortality bills—for that i:t the practical result of such nefarious greed—until public indignation will get too strong even for the land speculator, and he will have to be made amenable to laws which provide for the welfare of the humblest a» well as the richest sections of the community. The regulations for the Auckland Lock Hospital have been duly gazetted. They appear in the Gazette of the 11th in3t. The Contagious Diseases Act is therefore now duly brought into force, all the requirements and formalities of law having been complied with.

Through some misunderstanding as to the precise hour of departure of the s.s. Tarawera, for Sydney, several ptssengers lost their passages. Among the number were Mr. Seymour George and Mr. Allan McDonald, M.ILR.'a, who were proceeding to Australia on a pleasure tour. There were in the lock-up last night two persons, on charges of drunkenness; John Carroll, for exposure of. person; James Brown, for larceny; and Dr. Duval, for uttering valueless cheques. In accordance with instructions received by Mr. Griffin from ;Washingtoo, the American flag: floated half-mast high from the American Consulate, in token of mourning for the late Hon. Jeremiah S. Black, formerly Secretary of State to the United States.

Miss Laura Smith ha 3 resigned the position of Secretary of the Young Women's Christian Association in Sydney, and Miss Pox has been appointed in her^place. On Friday, October 5, a complimentary picnic to Mrs. Hampson tfrjok place at Clontarf, near Sydney. There was a religious gathering, and seven or eight converts testified. . ■..?.....

Mr. David Dunnioghara;' proprietor of the Governor Browne Hotel, was yesterday fined in a small penalty for.allowing a game of billiards to be played in his hotel between midnight and six o'clock in the morning. He admitted playing a game with one of his lodgers, but stated.that .h& was under the impression that penons staying in the home were permitted to" play "after hours. The proceedings were instituted under the 150 th section of the Licensing Act, 1881. Cocstable Eist, of Coromandel, telegraphed yesterday to Mr. Snperintendent Thomson that a bushman, named William ■ Watts, was drowned on the previous evening by falling off the wharf. The body had been recovered, and an inquest was to have been held yesterday. * The pantascope of the "Innocents Abroad" did not meet with the patronage it deserved lafct night, there being a very meagre attendance. ■ • This is somewhat surprising, as the exhibition is an admirable one of its kind. The views, scenes, and surroundings are all that art can make them, the scenos depicted are some of the grandest in the Universe, and surely Mark Twain's quaintness and humour have not lost their attractions. To-night there is an attraction in the way of gitts, suites of furniture, Eewing machines, etc., which is likely to draw a large audience.

Constable Dewesy of Grafton-road, has taken down the names of a number of drivers of vehicles, who in passing along a certain part of Symonds-street tako the wrong side of the road in order to avoid a patch of road metal. Aa the practice is likely to lead to accidents, the offenders will be duly summoned to appear before the magistrate.

Dr. Edward Trask, the surgeon of the steamship City of Now York, which arrived yesterday from San Francisco, died at sea on September 25, of apoplexy. The deceased was buried at aea the next morning. Dr. Henri McGrew was engaged at Honolulu to fill the vacancy caused by the death of the gentleman named.

The anniversary of the Devonport Wesleyan Sunday-school wa3-celebrated last oveniog by a tea and public meeting. About 140 persons sat down to tea. Trays wera provided by the following ladies :—Mesdames Edson, Henderson, Tahfield, Spraggon, and Bond. After tea ;an open meeting was held in the church, the Rev. J. W. Spence, pastor of the church, in the chair. The report of ths Secretary, Mr. Patrick, was most satisfactory.. The attendance at.the school is at present larger than ever it has been before, being 119. Nearly all the scholars and teachers are members of the Band of Hope and Temperance Society. The Treasurer, Mr. J. G. Henderson, reported that the school began the new year with a credit balance of £19 odd. The Rev. Mr. McCallum gave somo excellent advice as to the choice of literature. Addresses were delivered by the ChairmaD, the Rev. Mr. Guy, and Mr. A. Cox, Superintendent; of the school. The choir, under the leadership of Mr. Bartley, rendered some selections of music. Miss Potter presided at the harmonium.

Mr. Pooley announces his third and fourth competitions. The third comes off next Saturday, and is for contraltos and pianoforte students. The entries are well filled up, and embrace some thirteen competitors, that in class B pianoforte contest (under thirteen years of age) being the most numerous. An agreeable and diversified concert may be anticipated. The audience are the judges.

The Rev.... Mr. Hodgson, formerly a Free Methodist minister here, and subsequently minister to the Lome-street Uhsecta'rian congregation, has joined the Church of England in Chrisethurch, and been appointed to a suburban parish, where he once laboured aa a Methodist

It -will be noticed from the advertisement that a lecture will be delivered in the hall of the Young Men's Christian Association by Mr. Farnall on Rriday evening. The subject is one of increasing interest at the present time, and especially that part of it which proposes to explain the origin of the Fenian hatred and enmity towards the Anglo-Saxon race.

On the evening of Saturday lajfc a grand toiree and concert was held at Mercury Bay, o celebrate the first anniversary of monthly services held there by the Rev. T. N. Griffin, "VVcsleyan. minister, stationed at Cororaandel. During the last year Mr. Griffin has undertaken the arduous journey of over 20 between CoromandeL ami the Bay, even in the roughest weather, often on foot, over roads almest impassable, iu order to provide the settlers with religious services. Although tho weather was very unfavourable, .the service and concert were a grand success. The tables were most tastefully laid out with tho choicest viands, and presided over by the ladies in right royal style. At the after meeting the chair was taken by the Rev. T. N. Griffin, and after several choice selections of both vocal and instrumental music had been rendered, Mr. William White, on behalf of the residents, performed the pleasing duty of presenting to their esteemed minister two large volumes, in appreciation, of the keen interest and zeal ae had displayed for their spiritual wellbeing. Mr. Griffin, in a few well-chosen »nd humourous remarks, acknowledged the gift. The services on Sunday Wore largely attended by attentive and appreciative congregations. '"■•"-■

. The following is the state of Her Majesty's £aol Auckland, for the week ending October 13, 1883 :-On ' remand, G males ; "temale; awaiting trial, 1 male, 0 female ; senunced to peual servitude,. 43 males;' nam labour, 69' males, •23 females ; imprisonment, 2 males, 0 females ; default of oau, ,4 males, 0. female; debtors, 0 male; iTnll funng the week. IS -males, 2 .£males; discharged, 18 males, 5 females i: w »l in prison, 124 males, 23 females.

A weight-throwing match for £10 a-side took place yesterday morning between O'Connor, the well-known football player, and McNamara, a Sydney man. A large crowd assembled to witness the contest,

which resulted in a comparatively oasy victory for the local man. O'Connor threw the 561b. weight 22 feet 4 inches ; tho 2SIb. weight, 38 feet 2 inches, and the 421b. weight 2S feet 4 inches, beating McNamara by a foot in the first, 2 feet in the second, and rather more in the third. There was, we understand, in addition to tho stakes a good deal of betting, both men being freely backed.!

The Sydney Morning Herald has a review of Rusdcn's "History of New Zealand," which thus concludes :—" Indeed, the conviction is forced upon anybody really conversant with the colony, the natives, and the settlers that Mr. Rusdcn has not the intimate knowledge of the country and the two races which alone would justify him in Sosing before the world as the historian of Tew Zealand. Ho will have to take his place among the literary pretenders of the century. His quotations, repetitions, and imputations will become a byword. His namo will come to represent in literature almost everything which history is not. He will possibly achieve immortality by means of his book, but it will be of tho melancholy sort that makes literary aspirants shudder to think of." J

The London correspondent of the South Australian Advertiser, referring to the contemplated visit of the Earl and Countess of Rosebery to Australia, observes:—"They mean to stay in New Zealand for some time, as the fame of the natural wonders of the Northern Island has specially attracted Lord llosebery's attention. Sydney and Melbourne will aluo be seen pretty elaborately, and Brisbane too. It is not certain th»t his lordship will visit Adelaide, but probably he will do so. The earl is understood to be on the look-out for investments, the Duke of Manchester having given him very favourable impressions in that connection. It has been suggested that Lord Rosebery m»y gain some information for the Government in reference to New Guinea, or to the feasibility of the Australasian fedention, which Englishmen so muih wish to promote. It is not likely that Lord Rosebery would bother to undertake anything like official daty ia the matter, but, like Mr. Errington's j famous mission to Rome, his visit to the colonies may be official without authority."

The annual meeting of the Highland Society of New South Wales was held in Sydney on October 5. The chair was occupied by Dr. H. N. McLaurin. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year :—President, Sir John Hay; VicePresidents, the Hon. Aloxander Stuart, the Hon. A. Campbell, M.L.C., Hon. Professor Smith, C.M.G., M.L.C., Mr. John Sutherland, ILL.A., Mr. G. A. Murray, Dr. H. N. McLaurin, Mr. John Rae, Mr. John Harris, M.L.A., Mr. W. G, Murray, and Mr. George Munro. An order was forwarded last mail by the municipal authorities to England for a steam street roller, suitable for the streets of Auckland. An entertainment and ball will take place In the Masonic Hall, Onehunga, to-morrow evening, for the benefit of ilr. H. T. Curtis, bandmai ter. The annual concert in aid of the funds of the Anglican Ciiurcb, Avondale. will take place tomorrow evening in the Avondale Public Hall.