Untitled

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 9451, 23 August 1889, Page 4

A considerable degree of mystification envelopes the question of the alleged AngloGerman Alliance, and members of the House of Commons manifest a good deal of curiosity on the subject, which hitherto, bowever, has nob met with much success. In reply to repeated questions, Sir James Fergusson, the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, has persistently denied that any such alliance exists, but he has atlasb been forced to admit that during the visit of tee German Emperor to Her Majesty the su • ject was discussed by these exalted personages. It is evident that a strong desire exists at the German Court for such an alliance, judging from the tone of "the reptile P rss ' which has no doubt received its cue iro Prince Bismarck's journalistic bureau. & so far it is certain that no formal *"han has been entered into between the: - .■ countries, although it is not impro a that in the interests of the maintenance the peace of Europe some understanding will be come to. These rumours, an friendly feeling manifested in the re . of the English and German Courts,! ' nob unnaturally perhaps, irritated. French press, which once more « n with angry articles against P£ de j on . The striko at the London dockyard tinues, and is causing serious incoirveme to shipping, the Rll.s. Ruapehu ha«ng been prevented sailing for Now /eft • . The other evening the Northern Club entertained Mr. l. McC °f w^e'for the eve of his approaching departs {gt Europe. We understand he . f am ily, Sydney on the 6th prox., with his by the s.s. Rotomahana gom|home by Suez route per V. and 0. — tallarat The annual presentation of c take the University of New Zoalana k The place this afternoon at f oc rof0&?or diplomas win be distributed y f 0 f the Brown, who will act on be hg Bisho p Chancellor of the University. Jig have of Auckland and Professor hei[ promised to address the students an« friends. . as to the' On making enquiry las ni£ " w ho condition of Mr. John « ' go, tie seized with paralysis afo J tfa3 no reporter was informed that tft change in the pafcwnt d condition

At. the Charitable aid Board meeting te rday afternoon, there were the usual ? "„ber of peculiar cases, some of which h tile the Board as to the best mode of dealing with them. There ' 6 three classes - cases which exercise the Board considery.. (]) Those of deserted wives in which there' is a suspicion of coLlusion between husband and wife ; (2) of women who, in some matrimonial dispute, clear out from their husbands with their children to their Barents or friends, and, without any separation order, fall back on the Board for rations and (3) of aged people whose trrown-up children endeavour to evade in Rvcrv way any contribution to their support. \monc: the applicants yesterday was a man p-ith a~free house and allotment, a second ,vlio>e relatives in another colony have £1500 a-year, and his lather is a leadiug minister in England, and a third who had been swindled, it is alleged, out of £1700 bv ii levanting Auckland solicitor. The Board were disinclined to continue the ration? in the latter case, as the applicant wr.s challenged with sharing his rations with a friend. To the Board's exhortations to trv and do something for himself, the applicant replied that his people were gentry in Eaelaml, they had never been used to work, it, was not their style ; while he had not: been taught to work either. 110 was afraid that if he tried to work ho would make a mesa of business, and he would rather not begin it. The secretary of the Board said if the applicant was too shy to make known his condition to ])!•, relatives, the gentry in England, if he would furnish him (Mr. Garland) with their names, lie would write to them. The applicant thought it would not be well, as they might feel annoyed at knowing that their brother was on the ration list of the Charitable Aid Board, and he did not desire to annoy them, and the application micht also end fruitlessly.

Mr. John Taylor, who was accidentally killed near Cambridge on Wednesday while riding with the Pakuranga hounds, is a son of Mr. William Lines Taylor, of the Tsni;iki, and was a fine promising young man of '21 or 22 years of age. He had two brothers resident in the W'aikato, namely, Mr. James Taylor, whose farm is at Cambridge, and Air. William Taylor, whoso farm is at Te Awamutu. The younger brother has only been a short time in Waikato, where he was on a visit to his brother James for the purpose of gaining experience in fanning. He was a "general favourite in Auckland and the Waikato, and was an enthusiastic supporter of field ports. The news of his untimely death was received in town by the numerous friends of the deceased young gentleman with a universal feeling of deep regret, and the warmest sympathy is expressed towards his relatives.

Active steps are being taken to get the lending branch of the Free Public Library ready for opening. A catalogue and ticket*? have been printed, and the books classified and numbered. The necessary shelving has yet to be erected. Taken a3 a whole, the books seem to be very well selected, and are substantially bound. Since the detection and conviction of Edwin Hill for stealing an overcoat at the Free Public Library, sneak thieving seems to have had a decided check. It is well for the petty lareenist-s to know that the staff at the Library do a little amateur detective business in their own quiet way, and Hill's arrest was brought about through the shrewdness of the young lady attendant in the Library. When the overcoat was reported as missing, she remembered the man who took it, and also that he was not in the habit usually of either wearing or carrying an overcoat. On Hill (who was not known by name) returning to the Library next day, the young lady identified him, and a detective being rung up at the policestation, Hill dropped into his mouth like a ripe pear, with the pawn ticket in his pocket.

At the weekly meeting of the Auckland Athenwum last night, the Rev. E. H. Gulliver delivered a lecture upon "Tho Influences Moral and Immoral of our Colonial Surroundings." There was a moderate attendance, and Mr. Jourdain occupied the chair. After pointing out the great tendency which things in nature had to mimic and become assimilated to their surroundings, the lecturer asse.ted that the same tendency was observable in mankind. He dwelt upon the influence of governments on the people, as instanced by the intellectual character of Greece, where their government retained its freedom, while the reverse was seen in Rome during the later Empire, and in France under the Bourbon rule. Our New Zealand system of government had a degrading effect upon the people and the rulers. The public works policy supplied a lucky bag, into which anyone might dip ; the representatives were compelled to do the will of their constituents, so that after a while the best men would not serve in the Legislature. The country had given up its proper spirit of self-help, and was learning to look to a central fund for the supply of its wants. In England great needs had been met by the energies of individual men, such as the anti-slavery movement found in Sharpe and Wilberforce, and Freetrade in Cobdon and Bright. The Protective policy was also tending to a lower tone of morality, in that the excessive taxation led to evasions, and under the circumstances dishonesty was hardly looked upon as imm6ral. The effect of the abuse of the property tax was to keep down many from importing the appliances for fostering a cultivated taste and education. Messrs. Kelij, Cox, McLachlan, Newcorabe, Jourdain, Eugster, and Smith spoke upon the paper, and many of the arguments and assertions brought forward by the lecturer were strongly combated. Next week Dr. Girdler will deliver a lecture entitled " The History of the "Creation," illustrating his remarks by a number of sketches.

An interesting lecture on " George Ticknor, of Boston, and Robert Dick, of Thurso," was given last evening in the Borough Council Chamber, at Dcvonport, by Air. R. Campbell, in connection with the Devonport Mutual Improvement Society. The lecturer gave a brief sketch of the lives of Ticknor, the historian of ■ipanLsh literature, and Robert Dick, the Scotch geologist, showing the marked differences caused by fortunate and unfortunate heredity and education. He described each of the men as living a very remarkable life, but very widely distinct in character, the one a man of consummate culture, and the other one of rugged selfhelp.

Nothing further than what was reported in the Herald yesterday has transpired in connection with the bootmakers' dispute. We understand that Messrs. McArthur and Co. do not intend to reply to the letter received by them from the Union.

There was a fair attendance at the Columbia Rink last evening. On Monday evening Professor P. J. Downey, champion high stilt and acrobatic skater of Australia, will give an exhibition of trick and fancy skating.

For the fourth time Mr. Stephen Holland (as will be seen by advertisement elsewhere) convenes a public meeting for this evening ut the Grey-street junction, at 7.30, in connection with the education of the rising generation, and how they are froing to live. On each of the three occasions Jupiter I'luvius lias interposed, and burst up tho meeting by throwing a wet blanket, so to speak, over the whole business. It remains to be seen whether Mr. Holland will be more fortunate to-night.

A correspondent, "Practical," writes: He thinks the Rev. Mr. Hill is to be cornmendedfor hisoutspoken discourses, and that there is no doubt immorality Is greatlyjon the increase in the city, but when Mr. Hill says nothing is being done to check it, he overlooks the action of some sturdy opponents of the C.D. Act. Look at the long letters they write ! Is that nothing ? It is true they nay content themselves with writing letters; is it or is it not a fact that povertystricken persons charged with drunkenness 01 °ther offences readily get convicted, beC£,UBB they cannot afford to obtain tho series of a . lawyer, while those who can, get ?"• Is imprisoning destitute persons a jQttianeact? But most of us content our•elves with writing about) brotherly love else Prist's admonitions, bub do little

y 0 Editor. Sir, —Don't you think ,P nr^pra ph which you copied in yes torTim* EHALD from the New Zealand *° l^e . effect that the presence of Mr<i t , er ' n Wellington was owing to land FT k av . in ß brought it from Auckverv' ?1 n inserfc ed with an objecta Governor , ono tru ty—to frighten the prorio i' ■ ■ Onslow, from paying his U am V ISI c With his family to Auckland. 1 am. &c., Sospiciods.

The Temperance Mission at the City Hall was continued last evening by Mr, Coad. Considering the unfavourable weather there a very fair attendance. The Rev. A. J..Smith took part in the preliminary proceedings, after which Mr. Coad gave a humorous and racy lecture on " The Privileges and Blessings of Teototalism." He showed that the total abstainers had the lowest death-rate, and were better in health and pocket than their neighbours, who drank either moderately or immoderately. The death-rate of members of the Rechabite Society was seven per 1000, while that of licensed victuallers was sixty per 1000. He referred in strong terms to the inconsistency of parents who had their children in Bands of Hopo, and yet they were moderate drinkers themselves. What was good for the children was good for the parents, and the mothers should be iu the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and the fathers in the ranks of the Temperance workers. It was announced that tho lecture for Saturday evening would boon "Phrenology, Temperance, and Religion." The Christian Standard Choir rendered some musical selections during the evening. To-night the Free Methodist choir will furnish the music.

At tho Opera House, last night, Simonsen's Opera Company repeated Bizet's grand work of "Carmen "to a full house. The performance was a great success. Miss Elsa May's portraiture of Carmen was a brilliant representation, being full of power in the tragic situations, and imbued with piquant grace in those of a lighter .character. Miss Seymour played" the part of Michaela in a most finished style and was in excellent voice, tho duet with Don Jose, Mr. 'W alshe, being loudly encored. In Escamillo, the toreador, Mr. Warwick Gainor was cast in a very congenial part, and acted with his usual power. His song, descriptive of the bull fight, was a fine number, and he was obliged to repeat a portion. The remainder of the cast was well filled and the costuming was exceedingly tasteful and appropriate. At the conclusion of the third act, the principals received loud applause and were called before the curtain. "Carmen" is to be staged again to-night, and as this will be the last opportunity of witnessing the opera, no doubt a large audience will bo present.

The Auckland Scripture Gift Association has recently forwarded a number of books, magazines, and illustrated papers to the Avondale Asylum for the use of the patients. The Medical Superintendent desires to acknowledge their receipt, and the gift will form a very acceptable addition to the library.

There was only one prisoner in the lockup last evening, a man named Thomas McLeod, arrested by Constable Mackay, charged with stealing some clothing from the cutter Antelope, the property of Aueuste Eckenberg. Of late there have been several robberies reported from small craft, and it is evident the " water rats" are at their old games again.

The subject of Professor Thomas' lectuie at the Y.M.C.A. this evening—namely, "Green Leaves, and what we Owe to Them —should attract a lars/o audience. It will be treated in a popular and simple way, and the Professor has gone to considerable trouble to prepare interesting experiments and diagrams to illustrate his remarks, He will explain the cause of the almost universal green as seen in vegetation ; its importance to the plant, animal life, and human life, and the social condition of mankind; also its relation to agriculture and commerce. Gas and coke consumers are notified that Monday, '28th instant, is the last day upon which full discount can be allowed on their accounts.

We have to acknowledge receipt of a copy of the report and balance-sheet of the Auckland Bowling Club for ISSS-9, which has been neatly printed in pamphlet form at the Hkr.ald printing establishment. The brochure gives the fullest information concerning the operations of the Club, which is now in its '29th year. In this connection, it may be mentioned that Mr. W. C. Mirtin, of the Public Works Department, who, as one of last year's vice-presidents, renlerod such valuable service in supervising the improvements on the green, has been requested by the members of the Club to undertake the same duty this year, in order to place the green in order for the approaching visit of the Australian team. Mr. Mir fin has acceded to the general wish, and already operations have been inaugurated in the way of cutting and roiling.

A football match is to take place this (Friday) afternoon at Potter's paddock between teams representing Tuakau and the Gordon Second, in which considerable interest is being manifested. The teams will drive out in breaks from the Railway Station to the ground. Gordon's fifteen will comprise : L. Meldrum, Christian, H. Lusk, Hawkins, Rees, Short, Whyte ('2), Anderson, Boord, Bedlington, Adcock, Smith, McCormick, Tisdale; emergency, Otway. In the evening the two teams will be entertained at a smoke concert in the Imperial Hotel.

An entertainment was given lust evening in the Beresford - stroet Hall, entitled, "A Nicht wi' Burns." It was given by the Beresford - street Mutual Improvement Association, assisted by friends from the Burns Club. The Rev. J. Chew presided. There was a good attendance. Mr. George Fowlds read an interesting paper on " Burns," in which he dealt with the career and works of Scotland's national poet. The programme comprised songs, readings, and recitations. Songs were contributed by the following ladies and gentlemen :—" Ye Banks and Braes," and "My Heart is Sair for Somebody," Miss L. Davios ; "Gala Water," Miss Smith; "Robin Adair," Miss Tudehope ; " There Was ix Lad," " Willie Brewed a Peck o' Maut" (encored), and " Whistle Owre the Lave O't," Mr. Armstrong; "Scots Wha Hae" (encored), and "Alton Water," Mr. Carter; "0 a' the Airts the Win' Can Blaw," Mr. Cloghorn ; reading, "The Cottar's Saturday Is'ight," Mr. Tudehope ; recitations, "Tarn o' Shunter," Mr. Mahoney ; " Address to a Mouse," Mr. T. Tudehope. Mr. Tudehope moved a vote of thanks to those who had assisted, which was carried by acclamation. A very enjoyable evening was closed by the singing of " Auld Lang Syne."

The Te Aroha Silver and Gold Mining Company will test in a few days the question of smelting ores and concentrates mined in that district, a shipment of carbonate of lead ore, required as a flux, having arrived in the Manukau, from Broken Hill, via Adelaide.

Mr. A. F. McKay, manager of the Bank of New Zealand at Invercargill, who is being transferred to another branch, was the recipient of an address from business men yesterday, testifying to his courtesy in public and private life.

The Town and Country Journal remarks that " the dearth of leading men, which is at present more than ever before experienced in New Zealand, may lead to Mr. Fisher's eccentricity being regarded as a sign of strength '!"

Here is an advertisement from a Melbourne newspaper—" Wanted man, young, generally useful, and pianist, wages 15s per week." It is too bad when a musician cannot knock even one note out of a piano in a week.

Mr. T. Harle Giles, Principal of the Educational Chambers, corner of Queen-street and Durham-street East, draws attention to his commercial classes for youths. As Mr. Giles only receives a limited number, thorough attention is given to those branches of learning essential to a successful business career. Evening classes are also held to suit the convenience of those who cannot attend during the day. Owing to the great success which has attended Mr. Giles operations he has found it necessary to extend his premises, and has now acquired the whole suite of rooms in Exchange Chambers, which _ will be found fitted up with every convenience for both class and private tuition.

The gift auction in aid of St. Mark's takes place in the Agricultural Hall on the 23th and 29th inat. Contributors to the above are kindly requested to furnish the ladies who have _ been canvassing their districts with particulars of contributions, so that catalogues may be prepared for circulation at an early date.

Ihe annual benefit to the Sisters of Mercy will take place this 'evening in St. James's Hall. The programme is a varied and ex. collent one, and among the soloists are Miss Julia Knght, Miss C. Knight, Miss Swan, Miss Buckland, and Mr. T. M. Jackson. Mr. Montague contributes a reading, and Mr. Winkelmann a zither solo.