THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 1888.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 8992, 3 March 1888, Page 4

THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 1888.

No one can complain of Auckland hiding her blemishes or seeking to attract by any kind of false pretences. If we have a case of fever or any infectious malady we try to make the most of it, emblazoning it abroad with all expedition, and enumerating the number of our fever cases as if it was something to be proud of. Any stranger unacquainted with our peculiarities might suppose that Auckland was a dreadfully fever-stricken place, to go to which was perilous in the extreme, and to reside in which would be to find a grave; and it is only after looking into statistics that he would discover that our death rate is the lowest in New Zealand, and that of New Zealand is the lowest in the world, so that in this city, which is always crying out about its insanitary condition and its fevers, people live, perhaps, longer than in any other city in the world. It may be that it is just because we are always talking sanitation, and always abusing the City Council, and the Sanitary Inspector, and the sewers, that we have so managed to keep the grim old destroyer in check. Viewed in this light, our frequent proclamation of our sicknesses and our unsanitariness has a wholesome influence; and it may be that it is because other cities have silently acquiesced in their evil condition that death reaps, such liarvestff

there. We believe there is no other placo in the Australasian colonies where people are so impatient of evil smells as in Auckland; and we have worked ourselves up to such a keenly sensitive state as to morbific conditions, and every citizen of Auckland has so developed into a sanitary inspector and reformer,, that we may ultimately come to rival that township in America of which it is said the residents had to go away to some place else when they got very old and wished to die ; or that other city— in America, —where, when they had got a cemetery laid out, and waited for a whole generation in order to open it with becoming ceremonial, they were obliged to kill a man in order to hansel the ground. In fact, soon an Aucklander will be a perfect nuisance when he goes anywhere else, because, from the habit which we have all acquired of going about the streets and suburbs with our nostrils dilated in the neverending hunt for malodorous fever nests, we shall keep all our friends in a state of perpetual unrest. This must be the only ill result of the habit; because to ourselves it is apparently a source of much pleasure, and its cultivation must lead not only to the keeping of the City Council and the Sanitary Inspector alive to duty, but make our semitropical city a very model of sanitary perfection.

In our yesterday's issue we published the official report of the Health Officer of the city, Dr. Stockwell, on what is called the recent outbreak of typhoid at Ponsonby. We suppose it is proper to call it typhoid, for the doctors call it so, but it is singular how shorn it seems to be of its fatal character. The occurrence of so many cases in connection with the tramway servants is peculiar, and certainly points to something special in connection -with the seizure. Dr. Stockwell has not with any satisfaction to himself localised the cause of this fever among the tramway employees, and it may be possible that it is to be sought in the habits of the servants of the company— and exhausting hours, irregularity of food, or similar disturbing and predisposing cause. But with reference to the general cause of the comparative prevalence of fever in the Ponsonby district, we believe that Dr. Stockwell points with his finger to some of the principal sources, when he speaks of the soap and manure works, and the slaughter and boiling down works at the foot of the hill. If he added to this the abattoirs, and, worse still, the city nightsoil depot, also situated on the low grounds at the bottom of the hills on the highest crest of which Ponsonby is situated, we believe he will have enumerated the principal causes why Ponsonby, resting on the highest ridge about Auckland, has arrested more poison germs than any other place. It may be objected that those nuisances are too remote. But it is to be recollected that the air impregnated by the poison germs, driven by the prevailing winds, cannot escape without rolling over this ridge. A case in point occurred some twelve years ago at Dunedin, when an outbreak of scarlet fever occurred along the line of the highest elevation overlooking the city. Houses on the low grounds, and those at a considerable elevation comparatively escaped, while the residences that seemed the most beautifully and healthfully situated on the highest grounds were those most commonly and severely attacked. It seems to us that Ponsonby presents a parallel case, and that it is the poison germs of typhoid borne upward from those various centres of pollution that have produced the seeming paradox of a hamlet elevated into the purest and healthiest atmosphere exhibiting for the time the symptoms of being the least healthy of all.

There seems no mystery at all about the ordinary cases of typhoid in the city. They can usually bo easily traced to some local instance of neglect, as Mr. Browning's serious attack is {raced directly to the untrapped sewer at his office door. A sufferer such as Mr. Browning should have his remedy at law against the . City Council or its officers for their culpable negligence in this clearly-established and most flagrant case ; and so should everyone that is similarly stricken down, have a legal remedy as against those whose negligence has caused any local nuisance from which he has suffered. But this accumulation of horrors in the lowlands beyond' the Ponsonby ridge, and the pollutions which appear to have gravitated naturally in the direction of the sources of the city water supply, have been shooting their deadly arrows from afar, and their removal or suppression should be demanded by the whole people. Vested interests are commonly for a time more than a match for the public welfare, but it is the imperative duty of the City Council to attend to this source of evil, which is quite sufficient to account for the mystery of the excess of febrile affections at Ponsonby.

At the meeting of the City Council on Thursday a resolution was passed which was of that insidious kind that tends to bring discredit on representative institutions. It was based on a petition, and was to the effect " that the Engineer be instructed to prepare plans of the levels of Upper Queen-street from Karangahape Road to Karaka-street to its permanent level, and submit the same for approval to this Council." The object of this innocent-looking resolution is to burke the proposal to have Queen-street eventually made the great line of thoroughfare between town and country. Our readers are aware that many years ago the levels of Upper Queen-street were fixed to allow of its being carried through under a viaduct in Karangahape Road, and at such an easy grade as would have made this by far the easiest way for access to the country. At a subsequent period so anxious were the principal owners of property in Upper Queen-street to have the work carried out that they petitioned the Council, and guaranteed to give authority to impose a special rate on themselves for the purpose, but sinister influences baulked the proposal, and it was hung up through the eflorts of some who are chiefly interested in other thoroughfares, to which the making of Upper Queen-street a principal thoroughfare would be injurious. Now the object of this insiduous resolution is to have the level of the street on the further — the South — side of Karangahape Road fixed so differently

as to compel the abandonment of the scheme for continuing Upper Queenstreet on the favourable grade formerlyproposed. It is rather an unfair way of approaching a disputed question, but high principle does not always actuate local public questions, as things go. But this is an affair many degrees beyond a mere squabble between the owners of allotments in Upper Queen-street and its continuations. It is a matter of the highest public interest that our principal and central street should have its natural extension and development, and it is a pitiful thing that the miserable interests of a Jew people who chanced to get possession of the lots on either side of a great public thoroughfare should be allowed to interpose in the way of a great and necessary public work. Upper Queenstreet, as a thoroughfare, belongs to the public, and not to the owners of lots abutting on it ; and we hold that in considering a great public question like this, the interests of the owners of such lots should be a very secondary consideration. That is the natural exit from Queen-street Wharf to the country. Neither Hobson-street, Wellesley-street, nor any other, is capable of so easy a grade as this ; and the extension of Queen-street ought, in the interests of the public, to be the gateway to the whole of the country districts; and it does seem a discreditable thing that, after some of the small-minded owners of lots in the street, the principal and the most powerful opponents of this extension are those who, being interested more ir other thoroughfares, are desirous of injuring Upper Queenstreet as a thoroughfare to the country. This is the kind of thing that makes us despair of getting any good out of public administration. People get themselves elected to office with the distinct intention of using their influence to benefit their personal interests, even though in doing so they injure the general interests of the community. This extension of Upper Queen-street to the country will, at some time, be found necessary, and then, perhaps, at vastly increased expense if these obstructionists have their way. If there was any real public spirit in the Council we would appeal to it to not let anything be done to baulk the ultimate extension of Queen-street to the country at a grade that • will be the most convenient to the public ; arid, with this public end in view, to carefully watch the insidious attempts that are about to be made to trap the Council into validating the intrigues of the obstructionists. Fory ears we have been seeing the process of subordinating public welfare to selfish personal interests in the city, in the harbour, in the public works or the colony. Nemesis is on our track, and every one in the country is suffering the ill effects of the general plunder. Let selfish greed in public administration cease somewhere, and do not let us see the future of our natural and legitimate chief highway of traffic sacrificed to the miserable intrigues of selfish men.

The Board of Education have set to the work of retrenchment with no sparing hand. Whether the course taken is the most judicious will be a matter of opinion ; but every one will give them credit for a desire to meet the necessity for retrenchment by an effort of firm and systematic action. Credit is claimed by the Board for having had the rates of salary given their teachers fixed on a lower scale than they are in most of the other provincial districts, and very greatly lower than in some. There must have been compensation to this somewhere : for as the education vote is equitably divided among the provincial districts, our Board must have had proportionately as much to distribute as they had in Otago or any where else ; and if we have been paying our teachers worse than elsewhere, the money saved must have gone somewhere. There is no doubt that it has been in the needless multiplication of schools ; and the Board will be only carrying out retrenchment honestly when it retrenches by closing a large number of schools in out-of-the-way country places which have been wholly uncalled for, which have been notorious jobs at the time of their founding, and which are being carried on still at expense to the country, and little, if any, advantage to anyone. To have robbed the teachers of fair remuneration, paying them far less than teachers were receiving in other parts of the colony, and all to enable the Board to scatter sops and jobs all over the country, gratifying friends or working up political or local strength and influence for the members of the Board, is a very pitiful kind of economy. And Ave cannot help thinking, much as we may commend the retrenching spirit manifested by the Board, that the retrenchment would have been more heroic and honest if the members had agreed to suppress or amalgamate needless schools instead of cheeseparing salaries of hard-working men who have faithfully performed their part.

Our cable messages this morning state that the condition of the Crown Prince is now regarded as hopeless. The Prince of Wales has arrived at San Remo, and had an interview with the doomed Prince. A decree issued by the Emperor of Germany appoints Prince William as regent in the event of the Kaiser being unable to devote himself to State duties. The state of Europe continues, unsettled. The opinion is gaining strength that the Bulgarian question can only be settled by a conference. A war of tariffs has begun between France and Italy. M. Wilson, the son-in-law of ex-President Grevy, has been found guilty of trafficking in decorations, and has been fined and imprisoned. His Worship the Mayor is about to take a week's holiday. He will go first to Waiwera, and then will visit some of the settlements further north. Among the passengers by the Waikato train on Thursday were Pastor Thomas Spurgeon and Mrs. Spurgeon, who came overland from Napier. They left Wellington in the Manapouri, and got off at Napier, travelling through Taupo and the Lake district. Mr. Spurgeon will preach at the Tabernacle to-morrow (Sunday), morning and evening. A welcome-home meeting has been arranged for Tuesday evening next. Major Dane may be expected in Auckland in a, few weeks to deliver his promised lecture on Constantinople: The Goal of Russian Ambition." This lecture was recently delivered in Dunedin, and was much appreciated. To-day the consideration of the petition against the validity of the Temperance licensing elections in certain city wards comes on for argument before Mr. H. G. Seth Smith, R.M. -It is rumoured that another adjournment will take place, another informality having been discovered, namely, that the petition and counterpetition have not been advertised for the due period prior to the cases coming before the Court. The report of the committee appointed by the Board of Education to consider the re-arrangement of expenditure consequent upon the reduction of the education vote, was submitted at the ordinary meeting of the Board yesterday, when a long debate, which is reported elsewhere, took place, and the recommendations of the committee were adopted, with some additional reductions. The alterations in connection with the pupil teachers' staff are to come into effect at once.

The Newton East School caning case seems to be dwindling down to small pro?ortions. Dr. Girdler, who examined the oy Gordon, concludes his report to the chairman of the School Committee as follows :—" There is not the slightest sign of undue violence. Ido not think the punishment at all severe; in fact, anything less would scarcely have been felt."

% Amongst our obituarv found intimation of the death of M- ft * McLean, of Bleak House, o ui,'i, Qbert ceased belonged to a weLknS hebeing a brother of Mr. who for many years was provincial'. S. and of Mr. Every McLean, 0 fc dI S Cambridge • Mr. Robert! 'fi S farmer, and never took anv a „tY, Was a public affair/!. He was 75 yea« P ? rt 111 The funeral will take place at Holkl" 8 * p.m. on Sunday. ■"•uwick at 4 _We are glad to learn that vested , R. Browning, solicitor, was slightfe and that there are hopes enteruifc ultimate recovery. a0 * hu . We would again remind those inW , in local industries, and who is not, fc? second exhibition in connection L- l the Auckland Industrial A»,S«V4. opened at three o'clock this aft*. I** the Attorney-General Sir FrederiK? b ? ker. Invitations have been issued! if*" members of both branches of the T 16 lature, the mayors and councillors Poland and the suburban boroughs J, » ek " the officers of H.M.s. Nelson" A Wi 88 be in attendance. The secretary Mr v 1 bray was kept busy yesterday exhibits and placing them. It i» J"? pated that to-day all the available space be occupied. \\ e trust that aa Ll 1 can make it convenient will be pre- f the formal opening to-day to encourage a committee and show their svmnatl,,. • 9 the cause. As showing the silly chilli prejudice they have .to contend with in - troducing local manufactures, and cretr patronage for them, the following K' n & tion may be given : A lady went into art and purchased a certain article sh» well pleased with in every respect Kit* 83 to quality and price. After the 'purcK was effected, the tradesman, with Sard able patriotism and pride, said to h" 1 " Madam, it gives me great pleasure d inform you that the article is wholly • colonial manufacture." The quick t l was, "Goodness gracious, you don't £ so!" The purchase .was cancelled on th spot. Comment is needless, further th to say that heads of households require to be educated above the repetition of S uoK acts of imbecility. ... a An alarm of fire was given yesterdayafternoon by the Ponsonby firebell and from the smoke it appeared to be in Sen tinel Road, but before the Ponsonby Fir Brigade and a detachment from the Albert street station got to.. the spot the fire was suppressed. The following are the parti culars so far as they could be ascertained • —Mr. P. Herapath, architect, is trustee of an allotment in Sentinel Road for the Baptist Tabernacle. It had become overgrown with furze, and he had received notice from the City Council to cut down the furze and clear it away. Mr. Herapath employed two men, Fred. Quinton and William Jackman, to cut the furze down They did so a fortnight ago, and yesterday fathered the stuff in heaps to burn it. Th flames spread to the fencing of the property of Mr. Keals, architect, ana burned a fun* fence for some two chains and scorched fencing and pinus insignis, the property of Mr. R. A. Lusher. ' It was currently reported about town yesterday that H.M.s. Nelson was to be docked at Calliope Dock next week. We have made inquiries, but find that no definite arrangements have yet been arrived at. Admiral Fairfax has already intimated his willingness to have the Nelson docked if the' Harbour Board wishes it, and only requires twenty-four hours' notice. Tie Admiral is now away on a tour through the Lake country, and it is unlikely that any definite arrangements will be made until his return. . The Ponsonby No. 2 reservoir has proved an expensive piece of engineering, judging from the formidable claim of the contrac° tor for "extras." The original contract was £12,140, but the alterations and defensive works bring the bill up to the respectable total of £14,537. It seems the Council was scarcely prepared for this , large amount, and with diminished valuations, and consequently diminished rates, the discovery is an unpleasant one. A mean trick, which caused a good deal of annoyance and some loss to Mr. Crowther, was perpetrated on Thursday night last at Howick. A brake full of sailors had gone out and played a cricket match at Pakuranga, and when they went to prepare for their home journey, after attending a concert and dance at the Howick Hall, it was found that-a new pair of' four-horse reins had been taken from the harness, and either stolen or hidden. The blue jackets expressed themselves' in very strong language upon the subject, and it would have Sired ill with the culprit, had he been discovered. A very pretty wedding took place yesterday forenoon at St Paul's Church, when Barbara Innes, youngest daughter of the late Richard James Taylor, of Tamaki, was married to Mr. Alfred George Milson, of Sydney. The church was well filled, and the ceremony was performed by the incumbent, the Rev. C. M. Nelson. The bride was given away by her brother-in-law, Mr. J. R. Carey, of Sydney and • formerly of Auckland. The bridesmaids were four little girls, daughters of Messrs A. K. Taylor and Ivey, and were very prettily dressed. Staff-commander Quihn, of H.M.s. Kelson, acted as best man. The directors of the Devonporfc Ferry Company, who have just purchased the steamers Osprey. and Eagle, do not receive possession for a fortnight. In the meantime nothing is known as to what direction? they are to be used in. There is now a great deal of excursion trade in the harbour. Large numbers go to St.- Helier's Bar, and there are several other places which would attract crowds were facilities given. For such trade the steamers are admirably suited. Only two cases were before the Police Court yesterday. John Meckels, on remand, was charged With having no visible lawful means of support. The case had been adjourned from the previous day to permit of Sergeant Pratt applying for the admission of the man into the Refuge ; but there was no accommodation in that institution, and Meckels was accordingly sent to gaol for three months. A woman named Elizabeth Blackwell was charged with the larceny of a kit value 2s 6d, but the charge was withdrawn by the complainant, Edwaw Norton. One of those incidents which ma !* ' change in the daily routine of school' occurred last week at the Mount Me Seminary, Eden Vale Road, when J pupils gathered together to present ii Kate Hewitson with, a handsome electr • plated biscuit box, as a wedding souven j upon her approaching marriage. """"jo the past four years this school has b most successfully conducted by the 31I^ 0 Hewitson, having now passed \ D hands of the Misses Goodson (2). ™ 11 ? experience in instruction, verified b) high credentials they hold, together wi reduced terms to meet the present time depression, will doubtless ensure for toe prosperous career in the Mount Eden t>e nary. _ . Preparations are being actively P u = on for the excursion to St. Heliers ° . Patrick's Day, organised by the lad l St. Matthew's Church. The excursion not be confined to members of the con .[ gation, but the general public can a themselves of the opportunity of vis s this favourite resort, to which boats 'buses are not just now running. -I" c is only a shilling, children being ta half-price, and tickets can be any of the promoters. There w» .ot abundant supply of both cold an oQ water, so that no anxiety need " t j l3 that score. If the weather prove . g Britannia should be crowded at boui morning and afternoon trips. There was a fair attendance at th® Gallery yesterday, many of , th ® be ; n g being from the country. Inquiries a made by visitors as to when the MB. 0 Art Collection will be installed geo Gallery, as they could then convenie > f all the art treasures at one visit. lj( , tainly would be a great boon to V if the Mackelvie trustees could see way to this stop. , .veedIt is intended to institute Conr pr - ings against the parties in Ferpleigb « garwho were spreading nightsoil i" ... dens to the danger of the P t ot en condemnation can be too sev them, who spread disease and death aro . bt . to save paying a few shillings, to soil contractor. . j 0 in Various changes are now has the Police Force. Constable Go»ty. t0 been removed • from the Bay. Nonstable Auckland, being, replaced to br a»s. Hughes, of Hokianga; Constable gji of Auckland, ia appointed to the-B district.

A ludicrous incident occurred yesterday during the meeting of the Board of Education. The debate on the report of the Retrenchment Committee was proceeding, and the Chairman announced that the subject the members were to consider was of grants to school committees, when the door leading from the members' room suddenly opened, and a stalwart Maori, carrying a kit of peaches, appeared, and with a broad grin inquired whether the members wanted any peaches. The scene was too much for the gravity of those assembled in the room, and a roar of laughter followed the inquiry of the Maori, whose enterprise was not, however, rewarded with a sale. Another instance of the insufficient protection for valuable stocks which are in use by many of our local shopkeepers was seen til* morning about one o'clock, when Constable Hansen discovered that half-a-dozen shutters from the windows of Messrs. Champtaloup and Cooper's premises, in Queen-street, had slipped down, and left vi easy means of access to the interior. The constable called a comrade, and after half an hour's hard work succeeded in making everything secure. We have received two additional volumes erf the Indian and Colonial series issued by Messrs. Koran Paul, Trench, and Co., namely, " The Confessions of a Thug," by tie late Colonel Meadows Taylor, C.5.1., fln ,{ " The Silence of Dean Maitland," by Maxwell Gray. Like all the other volumes of the series, these are excellent works, the first-named especially having created a sensation when first published. The volumes are sent to us through Mr. Wildman, bookeeller and stationer. We are glad to learn that Mr. W. P. Moat is recovering from a sunstroke, though very slowly. Ho is still under medical attendance, and confined to his bedroom. "Oystorman" writes complaining of the restrictions imposed on his business by the Government regulations. He says : —" We are allowed to pick mud oysters anywhere, but not to take rock oysters until the Ist of April; and we are only allowed to export mud oysters. Now we are told we must not pick mud oysters, except in certain places, and that at such distances that it would' not be payable. What will bo the consequence of this piece of injustice ? Why. it will throw about 60 men out of employment. We are crying out for markets for our produce, and now after finding one we are told we must not pick the oysters. There are miles of our coasts covered with jvsters, besides the mud oysters, which would not be consumed by our population for a century, and what are we to do with j them The Auckland trade could take j about 60 sacks per week, which would only employ two boars. I hope our members will take this matter up, and not allow us to bo thrown out of employment. It seems to me that the Government officials do not know mud from rock oysters, but I should think they could do better for our country other ways than by harassing men who try to get an honest living. I think that rock oysters, as well as mud, could be exported, for there are immense quantities of them. A well-attended concert, held in aid of Presbyterian City Mission, was given by the Presbyterian Choral Society at St. Jame's Hall, Wellington-street, yesterday evening. The Rev. R. F. Macnicol presided. A strong choir was present, and they opened tho entertainment by singing the anthem "Turn Thy Face," the first part of the concert being devoted to sacred music. Mrs. Edmondes, in the song "Cast Thy Bread," and Mr. Worrall in "Consider the Lilies." were especially good, and Miss Mercer, a dtbutante, gave a pleasing interpretation of the hymn " Remember Now Thy Creator." Miss Davies rendered with excellent effect the song " Will He Come," whilst "Rend Your Hearts" was Buns by Mr. George Reid. Part song, " The Prayer," glee class ; pianoforte solo, Scottish airs (with variations), Miss Chapman ; duet, "A Word in Parting," Miss Harvey and Mr. Lamont; song, " The Queen of the Earth," MisS Tait; trio, "The May Fly," Mr. and Mrs. Edmondes, and Miss Davies; pianoforte duet, "The Shepherd's Evening Song," Misses Harvey andFarrell; chorus, "Carnovale," glee class. Votes of thanks were returned to the performers and others who had assisted, &nd the proceedings terminated with the singing of " God Save the Queen." On Thursday evening Mr. F. Renshaw, of Mount Eden, met with a painful accident. While handling a horse it let out with its hind feet, injuring him severely in the jaw, but fortunately not breaking it. A meeting of the "H" troop was held last evening, when it was decided to disband in consequence of the action of the Government in reducing capitation, and the little encouragement extended to cavaby corps by the defence department. An interesting rifle match has been arranged to take place this day (Saturday), at tno Mount Eden Range, at half-past one o'clock, between teams from H.M.s. Nelson and Gordon Rifles. The conditions are— ten men a-side, seven shots each, at the '200, 300, and 500 yards, kneeling at the 200 yards, and any position at the other ranges. It has been arranged that both teams will use the same weapon (MartiniHenry), and that two sighting shots be allowed at each range. It will be interesting to note the scores made by the local men with the Martini. The Gordon ten are the same as those who fired against the Opal men, the remaining five having gone to Oamaru. A grand complimentary benefit was tendered to Miss Swan (who is leaving the district), in the Onehunga Public Hall, on Thursday night. The benefit was in the shape of a concert, in which the leading amateurs of Auckland and Onehunga took port, and was a most unqualified success. On Tuesday next a picnic is to be held by the seamen of the port watch of H.M.s. kelson, and on the Thursday following the starboard watch will take their turn for an outing. The place at which the gathering will bo held has not yet been decidod, but will be agreed upon early, and due notice •riven to those civilians who are to be Honoured with invitations. Mr. Service has returned to Victoria, and gives, in a very interesting " internew with the Daily Telegraph, his impressions of the old world. Mr. Service gives, intsr alia, his views on socialism and the relations of labour and capital:—" Do I think socialism is making progress ? Seriously, no. These troubles are merely one of those wing movements in connection with the democratic march towards egalite. The working classes see before them now mora closely than they have ever seen it before, a condition of equality as men before their brother men, and they are determined to reach it. Very rightly too, I say. A working man is as good as any man possessing rank and riches, and the working class is determined to bring the equality j about and make it acknowledged. And the time is coming rapidly. The question » between working men and employing ®en. I like that term better than employers, and I do not think we have any need to bo frightened of the march onward. I am speaking as an employer now, wd I say that all we have got to do Is to see that whenever fair demands are made bo objection shall bo raised; but when there is unfairness, then we must stand boldly, and, believe me, the side that has justice with ib will conquer. Nothing can be fairer than this. , What we have to ask on both sides is—' Is it honest ' 'Is it fair?' I j 3 it right ?' 'I am a man and you are a man. 'Let things be fair between us.' Then we need not be afraid. Believe me, it is all coming round to that freat, that grand, that mighty principle, Whatsoever that ye would that men should do unto you do ye also unto them.'" A disgraceful scene took place at a boxtog match at Newcastle between Payne and Marshall. The Sydney Morning Herald 'hui describes the affair:"ln the second ound Payne had it nearly all his own way, r before time was called he had Marvr ' th| 3 coloured man, at his mercy. r e R I? • ' spun round in a groggy condition, Reiving terrific blows as he made for his air and tried to pull off his gloves ; and i ule Marshall was against the ropes Payne ii P , on dealing him heavy blows. At & juncture ' Mace, the Dummy,' -rushed kp/V th ? wings and dealt Payne a him w under the left ear, felling p.® " though ho had been poleaxea. , t Z° 9 feU prone on his face, and made an rer a j 1:0 rise, but was only able to stagui»flt craw l off. The stage was immoInsw rua , c * by the audience, SubBotw u • L y nc and Senior Constable audi^- em S the first to arrive from , the 'evolt;!! um 'n. . Tlie whole thing was a most by his frlendi^w'' >a y Q0 waa taken home

A scene of some excitement (says the Sydney Morning Herald) occurred in the Legislative Assembly early on Thursday morning. Mr. Schey, a supporter of the Government, in the course of delivering a speech in opposition to the State House, spoke strongly in condemnation of the conduct of the Government generally. Mr. Carruthers, who followed, pointed out that it would hardly be consistent for the lion, member for Redfern to remain a supporter of the Government. Mr. Burns turned round and said, " We don't want you," and Sir Henry Parkes rose immediately and, pointing to Mr. Schey, exclaimed several times in a loud voice, "Walk over." At the same time invitations were extended by members of the Opposition for the member for Redfern to join them, and these were followed by Mr. Fletcher walking across and endeavouring to induce Mr. Schey to change sides. Mr. Schey, who declined to change his seat, exclaimed, "I sit here to please myself," and this was received by cheers and exclamations of "Bravo" by Opposition members. The Insurance and Banking Record for February notices the eighth annual report and balance-sheet of the New Zealand Accident Insurance Company. In concluding, the Record says :— "The premium income of the company shows the large increase of £3925, but compensation paid is larger by £4538. The gain on the year has not been so large as usual, deaths from accidents having been numerous. Relatively to the capital paid up it is, however, quite satisfactory. The company possesses very amplo reserves, of which £10,000 is deposited with colonial Governments. The balance-sheet represents a healthy state of affairs, such as might have been expected from a company which has been soundly conducted from its commencement. We note that a large business is being transacted in Victoria. During the year the company has taken over the business of the Accident Insurance Association of New Zealand." The Council of the Auckland Athenaeum advertise an excursion to Lucas' Creek, Hcllyer's Creek, Pine Island, and Riverhead, on Saturday, the 10th instant, in the Britannia. Some of the leading vocal talent of Auckland has been obtained, and altogether an enjoyable day may be anticipated ; Tea will be provided on board from five to six p.m. The House Steward of the District Hospital desires through our columns to thank the wardens and vestry of St. Matthew's Church, at Helensville, for their very acceptable present of a case of mixed fruit and some pumpkins for use of institution. If the reckless waste of water for gardens continues, the Council intend to notify that all such supplies are determined in terms of notice given on receipts, the balance of payment being refunded. ) In our advertising columns will be found a notification concerning the new tables of the Mutual Life Association of Australasia. It is stated that these tables offer to the public something entirely unique in the way of life assurance. To-day the annual picnic of Impey's Ban is to take place at Motutapu. The p.s. Britannia leaves the wharf at half-past one, carrying the picnicers. Tea will be provided, and it is expected that the band of H.M.s. Nelson will be among those present. Herr Tutsclika's complimentary concert promises to be a great success. Besides the talented Misses Chew, Mr. G. Clutsam, Miss Wright, and Madame Tutschka will appear, whilst Mr. F. H. Reynolds will act as leader of an efficient orchestra. The programme will be choice and popular, and should draw a large audience. A grand oratorio and exhibition of colonial industry and art will be held in the new building of St. Benedict's Church, prior to its consecration about the first week in next month. The attention of our readers is directed to the preliminary announcement of a grand' concert to be given shortly by Signora Giovanna Ameris, under the patronage of RearAdmiral Fairfax. The leading amateur vocalists of Auckland, and the orchestra of the Choral Society will assist, while Herr , Carl Schmitt has promised his services as conductor. A verv valuable invention has lately been patented in the shape of a fireproof paint named, " Pyrodene." It has been largely used to protect large buildings and theatres in the home country, and has a special advantage of being applicable in a transparent liquid form to wood, canvas, and curtains and other textile fabrics, which it renders uninflammable. The Secretary of the Judge's Bay Regatta Club announces that the entries for the races to be held on Saturday, the 10th instant, will be received from half-past seven till nine o'clock, in the Maori School, St. Stephen's : Avenue, on Tuesday next.