Untitled

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7651, 31 May 1886, Page 5

The E.M.s.s. Alameda arrived here yesterday afternoon, having been delayed at Honolulu and by heavy weather, during which the steamer was hovc-to for 21 hours. Notwithstanding these delays the Alameda has done the passage, allowing for difference of time, in the goo.l time of '20 days 17 hours '29 seconds, or only 17 hoars behind her contract time. When the steamer reached the wharf there were fully '2000 persons present. The Alameda comes Well i_atronis;d with passengers and cargo, and in such, good order as to show no signs of her recent heavy battle with her native elements. The steamer, having to take in coal in addition to putting out her cargo here, was not expected to get away until six o'clock this morning. The Alameda brought mails from London to the '22nd April ; from New York to the 29th April ; from San Francisco to the Sill May ; an:l from Honolulu to the loth of the same date. We publish to-day an interesting letter from our London correspondent, together with a readable budget of mail news. It is, we understand, definitely .settled that the Oxford-Lichfield section of the Thames Valley and Rotorua Railway will be opened for general train; on the 14th inst. Mr. Fallon, contractor, has got all the essential work, completed, anil there will only be some finishing as to station buildings, and the water-race from the Jiutuwhera stream to Lichtield, which will supply the railway cistern*. The pipes are down, and the hydraulic ram placed in position. His Honor Mr. Justice Gillies and the Rev. .David .Bruce, who retired by rotation from the Auckland University College Council at the last meeting of that body, have received telegrani3 from Sir G. Maurice o'Rorke advising them of their re-appointment. A meeting of the Council is to be held to-day to consider communications from the lion. Minister of Lands and Sir G. Maurice O'Korke, chairman of the Board, relative to the Taupiri reserve.

Mr. James Mills, managing director of the Union Steamship Company of New Zealand, was interviewed on his arrival in San Francisco, en route to Europe, tie spoke Hopefully of tut: cable project to connect California with New Zealand.

A few mouths back Mr. A. S. Hallidie, President of the Cable Tramway's Company, San Francisco, passed through Auckland en route for Sydney and Melbourne, in connection with some cable scheme 3. On his return to San Francisco, he came South about, and visited the several provinces of New Zealand. He has contributed an article on "'the Australasian Coionie3" 10 the San Francisco Bulletin. Referring to colonial debts, he says : There seems to bo only one thing in which they have all agreed so far— that is, in getting i..to debt. The bigger the debt the more jolly they feel. It is ail owing to the mother country, and has been used in developing the country, in building railroads, country roads, waterworks, tramways, public buildings, and the like. Perhaps this view of it may be correct. It may be all right, but it is risky. It does look as if the young colonies were sowing their wild cats. The debt of the colonies are equal to li>7 dollars 52 cents for each and every man, woman, and child in those colonies, and in the case of New Zealand in 291 dollars 17 cents for each inhabitant. Unhappy the man with a familv of eight children and owing 2911 dollars 70 cents. The actual indebtedness of the United States on June .'JO, ISSI, was ]. 373,354. 144 dollars. Its population wa? 5(i,090,00(», which is equal to 24 dollars 50 cents for each inhabitant. The Governors cost 210.000 (dollars and the Cabinet* 201,900 dollars, Now these figures, look as it every man, woman, and child in these colonies has a somewhat startling responsibility to bear which the expensive Government they carry does not render any the easier. The nightmare of reckoning-day does not trouble them. We have a country of infinite resources, sir ! Our securities are all there in the railroads, the public buildings, and in our honour ! And we can borrow money to-day in the London market at four per cent., and float our loans at a premium ! Occasionally there is a voice crying out for retrenchment, but it is somewhat heretical, and as long as they can go to their uncle—the mother country—for money, and get it on bonds at four per cent, premium bid, it is thought to be all right, and it may be all right, for when England goes down she will be resurrected manifold in theee colonies.

On Saturday night Mr. Noble delivered another address at the Theatre Royal. The Rev. J. K. Davis presided. There was a large attendance. The Rev. C. Worboys engaged in prayer, and Dr. Kenderdine read a portion of Scripture. Various musical selections were rendered by the choir, after which Mr. Noble gave an excellent address on "The Working Classes," in which he gave them some judicious advice in life, and concluding by exhorting them to total abstinence, as being best for themselves socially, morally, religiously, and financially. To night Mr. Noble will give his farewell address, in which he will give personal reminiscences of the late J. B. Gough. It is understood that some brief addresses from representative men, referring to the mission, will be given previous to the lccture. One interesting feature of the gathering will be a presentation to Mr. Noble by the president on behalf of tho Gospel Temperance Mission. Mr. Noble leaves for Wellington to fulfil an engagement there.

Amongst the cargo for Sydney by the R.M.s.s.'Alameda, which arrived from San Francisco yesterday, are seven horses (two being Calilornian racchorses) and six cases of coffins.

A performance will be given in the Ponsonby Hall, to-morrow evening by the Remuera Minstrels in aid of the funds of the Ponsonby Rowing Club. These minstrels are already popularly and favourably known for the excellence of tho entertainments which they furnish. The entertainment is Tinder the patronage of Captain Commandant Leßoy, and the otlioera and member*! of the aval Battalion of Volunteers.

Miss Graham who, for many years past, has been the efficient manager of the \\ aiwera Hotel, has now lea-ed the property, and advertises that every arrangement is made for the comfort of visitors, and that the charges have been considerably reduced.

Considerable improvements have lately been made in the Melbourne harbour. hen the Fisherman's Bend Canal is opened — and it will be opened in three or four weeks —vessels drawing IS feet will be able to come up to the Melbourne wharves at low tide. The canal will also "straighten" the channel. Humbug Reach, round which it has always been so dillieult to get the longer steamers coming up the river, will then be avoided, and a saving in distance of about two miles (out of eight) ill bo effected. It is intended to further deepen the river, bo that vessels drawing 'Jo feet can reach Melbourne at low tide ; but that, of course, will bo a work of time.

A meeting of subscribers to the testimonial to the Very Rev. Monsignor »V alter McDonald was hold yesterday afternoon at the Marist Brothers' School, Mr. J. L. Tola presided. The treasurer, .Mr. Danaher, announced that the subscriptions received to date had exceeded £-00, and there were three or four lists in the country yet to come in. The chairman, on behalf of the subcommittee, read the address, which was approved of by the meeting and unanimously adopted, and a subcommittee was appointed to have it suitably illuminated and framed. A 8 it would take "a little time to have this done, it was resolved to adjourn tho meeting to Sunday, J,une 13, when the tinat arrangements for presentation will be made.

ports of Saturday's football matches are held over on account of the arrival of the English mail. In tho senior eup matches I'on* on by defeated Newton at Niwmarket, before about 1000 spectators, by -1 points to nil, and Auckland worsted Albert by four points to two, while Gordon at Devonport, after a hotly-contested match, won by a goal to a try.

To-morrow the ordinary meeting of the Harbour Board will take place at their otiices, when, among other busiuess, will bo the reception of tenders for the booms for the Auckland Graving Dock. Mr. Mays has given notice of the following motion, " That the engineer be instructed to prepare plans, specification, and estimates of the cost of a new ferry landing oil Buttress No. 1, to accommodate at least three ferry steamers at one time."

Building operations are particularly quiet at present, and tho timber companies are also suffering in conscquence. The number of hands engaged in these establishments have been considerably diminished within the p.iat few months.

At the Temperance Hall lOst night Mr. H. W. Famuli delivered an address ou the subject of the " Divine right cf kings as being applicable only to <. v >ueeu Victoria, but to 110 oilier potentate." There was only a limited attendance. lie endeavoured to show by a chain of history, connecting the Old Testament with that of the New Testament, and the latter with the present time, that the promise of God to David that his seed should continuously reign over Israel had been fulfilled, and that Queen Victoria was now seated 011 the throne of David, and was his direct lineal descendant, and tlut the coronation stone now in Westminster was no other than David's stone, and carried with it David's sceptre. iienc-j Queen Victoria reigned by Divine right.

No further difficulty is expected as regards the bo.it strike. The joint committees of the Manufacturers' Association and the Operatives' Union meet to-diy to ratify the agreement come to on Friday night last, when the men resume work. It is estimated that the general increase of cost ofrproduction Will be about 7 per cent.

About eleven o'clock on Saturday night the Newton tirebell rang out an alarm ot lire. It proved to be in the residence of Mr. John McLaughlin, carter, off Basque Road, Newton. The Kvher contingent of the fire brigade, under Foreman Gladding, were soon on the spot, and the fire was put out by means of a bucket service, the neighbours having previously burst into the house and thrown out most of the effects. Superintendent Hughes and a part}' of firemen went out with the hose reel, also Captain Field and the Salvage' Corps, and rendered assistance. On examining the premises, which are very old, and two stories in height, Superintendent Hughes found that the tire had originated in three distinct places : First, in the front room, about two feet from the floor on the paper and scrim of the wall ; secondly, on the opposite side of the room under a staircase where the paper and scrim on the wall are similarly burned ; and thirdly, in the roof upstairs, the lire there having 110 connection with either of the other two tires. Mr. McLaughlin's statement n that he left the house at half-past four o'clock in the afternoon to go down town with his brother, and that Mrs. McLaughlin came dowu town with the children between six or seven o'clock to meet him. They returned home together between ten and eleven o'clock, and on the road they heard the tirebell, but being under the impression the tire was in Grafton liv ad, and on getting home were surprised to find it as at their own place. Mr, McLaughlin states on looking in his box, 01. getting inside, lie found £30 he had there gone. Mrs. McLaughlin say 3 tiie house was all safe when she left, and both she and her husband arc unable to account for the origin of the fire. The furniture was not insured ; and the premises, being mortgaged to Messrs. Hill and Manoney, solicitors, were insured by that lirm in the South British for £140, which, it is presumed, covered their risk and also part of McLaughlin's interest. Sergeant Pratt went up, and personally investigated the circumstances surrounding the tire. It is just possible—as £30 has disappeared—that the thief may have endeavoured to cover his crime of robbery by tiring the building.

For some time past a man named Roderick McGregor has been conducting himself in such a strange way as to give the impression that lie was of unsound mind. When the lion. Mr. Ballance, Native Minister, was in Auckland last, McGregor interviewed him about his personal grievances, which consisted of some naif a dozen witches having taken up their abode in his inside, and he wanted the Government to put a stop to it! On Saturday McGregor suddenly assailed Constable McDonnell, of the water police, on the wharf, with a stout cudgel, belabouring him about the head. A scutil-j ensued, the constable getting bitten about the lingers before lie secured his man, though aided by Constable Mackay. McGregor was taken to the lock-up, and thence brought before the Police Court, when, on medical testimony, he was committed to the Lunatic Asylum.

The usual evangelistic service took place last night at the Theatre Royal. There was a large attendance. The Rev. J. S. Hill presided. Mr. Noble gave an interesting address, which was listened to with marked attention.

The anniversary services of the Beresfordatreet Congregational Church were held yesterday. In the morning there was a very fair congregation, when the Rev. T. ripurgeon (Baptist) conducted the service and preached, founding his discourse upon the words, "It ie finished" (John xix, versa .')0). In the evening there was a good congregation v, hen the Hev. C. Worboys (United Free Methodist) filled the pulpit, taking his text from Luke ii., verse 40, "I must be about my Father's business." Goss' beautiful anthem, " O tas'co and see how gracious the Lord is," was finely sung by the choir, Mr. J. P. Hooton presiding at the organ. It was announced that a meeting of the members of the church to consider the question of bringing it under the trust of the Act of Incorporation of the Congregational Union of New Zealand would be held on Wednesday evening. The offertories at both services were in aid of the organ and building fund, and amounted to £11 Is 6d in the morning and £5 15s in the evening. The annual soiree, followed by the after meeting in the church, at which the programme will consist principally of choice musical selections, will be hold to-morrow (Tuesday) evening.

At the eleven o'clock mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral yesterday, celebrated by the Rev. Father Keboe, a portion of the pastoral issued by the Plenary Council held at Sydney was read by the Rev. Father Costello. It pointed out that the Roman Catholics of the colonies had maintained their schools against great odds, and notwithstanding that many opponent!) hid predicted their collapse. The pastoral counselled an unswerving determination to continue such support to those schools in the future.

A literary class in connection with the Temperance Leugue of the Cross has been started by the Rev. Father Kehoe.

On Saturday forenoon, while a horse and cart, belonging to a man named Stewart, were standing on the Ponsony Road, the horse got frightened at a passing tramcar, and backed over the pavement into the shop window of Messrs. Baddley and Lang, plumbers, fracturing the window-sash and smashing two large panes of glass. lhe damage will be about £3.

In a telegram to the American Press, describing the opening of the Indian and Colonial Exhibition, it is stated crowds gathered along the route taken by Her Majesty from Buckingham Palace, and greeted her with enthusiastic cheers. The main hall, in which the opening ceremonios were conducted, was crowded with a large number of foreign princes and diplomats, who attended in court dress, together with scores of British ofiieers, who were present in full and glittering uniforms. The Prince of Wales, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Henry of Batteuberg and his wife, Princess Beatrice, and the Crown Princess Victoria of Germany, led the Royal procession throughout the building, and were followed by Lord Hartington, Marquis of Salisbury, Earl Derby, and , scores of other noble and distinguished persons. A prominent feature of the opening ceremonies was an ode composed for the occasion by Tennyson. This was magnificently rendered by a vast choir of carefully-selected voices. The ode was sung just previous to the Queen's formal declaration that the Exhibition was open. The Queen was profoundly pleased with the ode and with the maimer in which it was rendered by the choir. She nodded and smiled with pleasure and approval at each sentiment as it was brought out, and seemed to exceedingly enjoy the enthusiasm which the poem and music provoked in the vast concourse whoso applause was hearty, enthusiastic, and long-continued.

A correspondent, writing under the nom de plume of "Sentinel," respecting the Sailor's Home competitive designs, says : — " Fair Play" complains that some of tho designs are sent in coloured. Granting this to be the case, the mere fact of the committee asking for pencil sketches or designs in pencil does not at all preclude the use of colour, as I believe it to be quite a common practice for architects to colour their pencil sketches, and that too in competition, unless it is distinctly stated that such will not be received in competition. The committee asked also for a perspective. Has this been complied with in every case ; and does " Fair Play" consider that those who submitted a perspective meant to have an advantage over those who might be out of pocket by having to get the same prepared ? I think the insinuations of " Fair Play '' inconsistent with a broad view of what constitutes fair play. I am quite at one with him when he expresses the hope that "the committee will not be misled by a difference in 'get up,'" as 110 amount of colour will convert a badly-arranged plan into a good one. As to the calling-in of non-competing architects to assist the committee, this ought not in fairness to the competitors to be done without their being allowed to say by vote whether they would be prepared to bide by the award of the gentlemen who might be selected by the committee.

The Auckland Naval Coastguards and the Ponsonby Naval Artillery met at the Mount Eden raiJKO 011 Saturday to tire a friendly match. The shooting was fairly good at the '200 and 300 yards range, but at the f>oo yards the light failed, and several men tired in the dark. The Coastguards scored '230 and the Ponsonby Navals '270, winning by 49 points. For the Coastguards the following scores were made : Seaman Glover, 43 ; Seaman Curly, 40; Petty Officer Baadle, "0 ; Petty Officer ilenrickson, ,'!0. For the Ponsonby Navals: Seaman Graham, 4,> ; Petty dicer Smith, 41 ; Petty Officer Edmonds, .'54 ; Petty Oliicer Rneburn, 153.

"My Partner" was repeated for the last time at the Opera House on Saturday night by Mr. Riguold's dramatic company with very great success. night "In the Ranks," an outline of the plot and action of which was published in Saturday's issue, will be placed on the stage, and will no doubt prove as great a success as its predecessor.

There were four persons in the lock-up last evening, three women and one man, for drunkenness.

A Wellington (Saturday) telegram states : At the Magistrate's Court this morning a charge of illegally shooting a hare was dismissed, on the technical point that it had not been proved hares .had been imported into this district. It was contended it was not sufficient to show animals hail been imported to the district and spread thence, and the Magistrate upheld this view.

The announcement of the Hon. Robert Stout's elevation to tho rank of Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George has been published in tho Loudon Gazette.

The second battalion Auckland Rifle Volunteers will meet for battalion drill tomorrow night, at the Drill-shed, at half-past seven o'clock. The companies will fall in for their captain's inspection at twenty minutes to eight o'clock, after which the commanding officer will take over the parade.

The contractor for the erection of the Costky Boys' Training Institute, Mr. Colebrook, is making good progress with his contract, and it is expected that ho will be tiuished in about a month.

We have to acknowledge receipt of the present issue of the temperance organ, the Leader. It devotes an r.rticlo to Mr. Firth's scheme of settlement at Matanvita, and appears to be greatly exercised over a rumour that a huge hotel is proposed to be put up by an enterprising brewer on the Matamata estate. The articlo concludes by saying, " Upon Mr. Firth rests a great responsibility, and many good men are anxiously awaiting his decision." The circulation of the Leader is increasing, and it is stated 104 new subscribers have been added to the list during the current month.

The Gordon Football Club propose sending a team to Whangarei to play a match with the district ou June 20.

| The annual meeting of the North Kaipara Agricultural Society was held on the 10th instant at the schoolhouse. Mr. R. Smith was voted to the chair. Mr. Skelton read the annual report and balance-sheet. The j receipts show £94 Lin ad ; which includes ; member's tickets at 10a (id each, £42 10s fid ; refreshments, gate money, entrance fees, and cash value of special prizes, £15 Si 6.1. The expenditure was £89 0:* 2d, which leaves a balance in hand of £5 01 3.1. As this was the first year tho society was at a considerably outlay in erecting show yards, etc., v.hich reduced the amount which would otherwise have been available for prize money, £35 8s (including the special awards), was given in prizes and in addition the successful exhibitors were presented with a handsome illuminated card. It was moved by Mr. Wilson, and secondedby Mr. Snclling, " That the report and balance-sheet be received. Carried. Captain Colbeck was elected president, and Messrs. K. Coates and A. Colbeck, vice-presidents. The committee are Messrs. E. Coates, R. Smith, J. Ovens, and J. Smith forMatakobe ; Messrs. Wilson, G. Glift, Tibbits, Thomson, Gerrand, Blackwell, and Skelton, for Paparoa; Captain Colbeck, Messrs. A. Colbeck, McMurdo, and Haines, for i'ahi; Messrs. Snelling, J. Smith, and G. Rogers, for Mauneaturoto ; Mr. F. Bradley, for Wairoa ; Mr. F. Clarke, for Kaiwaka ; Mr. I). MeLeod, for Waipu. Messrs. Wilson and Coates moved, "That a vote of thanks be given to Mr. Skelton, for his services as secretary during the past year, requesting that he would again take the position." Mr. Skelton in reply, declined the secretaryship, whereupon Mr. Cliff moved and Mr. Wilson seconded, "That Mr. Tibbits be hon. secretary and treasurer," which was carried. Mr. Clifl moved, "That an early meeting of committee be held in order to revise the rules and regulations." This was seconded by Mr. Snelling, and carried. Mr. Coates suggested that the month of March was an unsuitable time for exhibiting slock, as they were generally poorer in condition at that time than they would be earlier in the summer; the country would also look fresher and more inviting to strangers st an earlier period, lie thought perhaps a show of stock could he held in December, and one for produce and fruit in February. This is for the committee to decide, A vote of thanks to the chair concluded the meeting. —[Own Correspondent, May 24.]

Our advertising columns contain a notice calling a riveting of those inaurod in tho Government Life Association. It is to be hopid that everyone insu-ed will endeavour to lie present, as tile changes contemplated at Wellington are of a very grave character. Th» meeting is at Kob'ou's Itooms at half-pabt eight p.m. on Wednesday brat.

We have to call the attention of our readers to a very interesting limelight entertainment by the ltev. J. H. lliil on "The Life of General Gordon," with descriptive dialogue by the llev. J. K. Davis, to take place in the St. Sepulchre's Schoolroom, Symnnds street, this evening at h»lf-pa3i. seven, in aid of the new library funds. A choice musical programme will also be provided.