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New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 9185, 6 January 1891, Page 2

After an illness of a few weeks Mr Kinglake is dead. Before he took to history he wrote the most fascinating book of travel in the language. Light yet deep, poetical and shrewd, graceful, elegant, alive with descriptive power, an absolute stranger to conventionality, “Eothen” madea tremendous name for its author. It was an astonishment to everybody when ho took to writing history. The slowest of historians he was, but no historian has ever done so much to earn the gratitude of the British nation. His marvellous descriptions have thrown imperishable lustre on the story of the English Army in the Crimea. You see the stately advance on the heights of the Alma ; you understand the long, weary, terrific struggle at Inkerraan on that dreary November day when a handful of British soldiers hurled back a great army ; you follow with breathless interest every incident of the charge of the Light Brigade ; you have before yon the tremendous charge of the “ Heavies ” with “the noise of the Captains and the shouting.” His masterly narrative, so clear and polished, never stops in its flow of interest; it presents every detail of the various phases of the campaign, it lays bare every fault of the Administration —they were terribly numerous—it traces the consequences of these faults through camp and battlefield and skirmish and storm, and throughout from first to last it is picturesque. No English pen before Kinglake’s had touched the Second Empire save in flattery ; he told the awful story of its establishment, not in wantonness as was at first believed, but to show how baleful was the shadow it cast over the operations of the soldiery in the Crimea. After Sedan men said ho had proved himself a shrewd judge of men and things. As the volumes came out they were eagerly read, though years divided them. The war they described is nearly forgotten, every result secured is gone, the monument to the Guards is all we have to show for our expenditure of blood and treasure, as Madame Novikoff said the other day. But the volumes that toll the story of how Louis Napoleon got us to go to war to help him give “ eclat ” to bis Empire will never be forgotten.

The splendid result of tho Sylvia Park sale has taken everybody by surprise. A few months ago the whole establishment, with the stud, could have been bought for LISOOO. After that Major George made a very liberal offer on condition of finding supporters, but none came forward. Yesterday the stud sold for L 22.000, and the property 18 stlll to the good. It was hoped »hen Major George made his offer that the stud mi "lit be retained in Auckland, and he was much censured for not using his influence with mortgagees and proprietors. That, of course, was an idiotic kind of : reproach, for he alone, as has been re- \ marked, was prepared to act when every--1 body else was talking. The regret then felt at the determination to break up the stud will be much keener now that the sale has shown its real merits. There is not even the consolation that the Colony has been able to retain a proper share of it Nordenfeldfc, fetching 1600 guineas more than the Auckland estimate, goes to Now Routh Wales, and Mersey has been secured by Mr Wilson, of Broken Hill fame, for his famous stud farm at St. Alban s, Victoria. However, Mr Morrin has got some good stock, and Mr Gollan has had tho enterprise to secure the two best yearUm's, a consistent sequel to his great purchase the other day at the Wellington Park sale, which will probably be greatly to his profit and the honour of New Zealand racing. Had there been more enterprise like this among the New Zealanders the stud mi'dit have been kept in the country'. Wo congratulate the owners heariily on tho result of tho sale. If all the “ globo ” assets were to turn out as well it would be a national benefit. Sylvia Park will, however, advertise New Zealand no more.

The knighthood -which Mr .1 ohn Roberts did not got is the subject of an explanation on "the part of the “ Otago Daily Times.” Wo publish it, or a part of it, this morning, though as a rule we are not in the habit of publishing conundrums. Life is too short for conundrums. We have tried to guess it: but wo honestly confess we have to give it up. There has been a misunderstanding : so much is certain. But whether on the part of tho “ Daily Times,” or of Mr Roberts, or of the Governor, or of sorao groat officer of state—that is the mystery. However, it matters little. As Mr Roberts has been deprived of his title by a misunderstanding, the misunderstanding can bo removed, aud then nothing should prevent his getting the litle. In tho first place the honour is due to the Colony, and, secondly, Mr Roberts would adorn tho title. There is no man in New Zealand who is better fitted for the honour. He has integrity 7, courtesy, independence of character, position, and lie has done a great public service.

The Premier’s reply to Mr Mair is very explicit. It says as plainly as possible that there is not a single word of truth in the charges made by Mr R. Thompson against the late Mr Sperrey, and that nobody whoso opinion is worth having can take Mr Thompson's statements in the matter as worth a brass farthing. The Premier, in fact, asks Mr Sperrey’s family to accept his assurance that Mr Sperrey’s character requires no clearing, for the simple reason that the charges are manifestly unfounded and ridiculous. Wo do not want Royal Commissions, the Premier thinks, to tell us what wo all know already. It is a very handsome tribute to Mr Sperrey’s memory. The only person likely to find fault with it is Mr R. Thompson, whose conduct is criticised as the conduct of no pnblic man has ever been criticised in this country by competent authority. But Mr Thompson’s feelings on the matter, if ho has any, the country can afford to treat with contempt.

Tim progress of Te Kooti through tho Wairarapa unnoticed, “ unlionouroa and unsung ”is a sign of altered times. Only a few years ago Colonel Herrick, who died the other day, had tracked him to his lair in the Uriwera country —at Lake Waikara Moana—and surrounded him. Escape was impossible; after hot, longcontinued pursuit by various officers aud chiefs, there ho was at last in tho toils; tho decisive moment was at hand. Herrick’s men were eager for the final rush, which they were firmly convinced nothing could resist, when a despatch from headquarters put an end to the strife. From that time to the amnesty in 1883, Te Kooti lived an outlaw in the King Country. Since then he has discovered that, with one exception, which is tapu, all New Zealand is open to him. In all probability, before many years, it will bo as difficult for him to get notice even in that district as it is now for him to get it in the Wairarapa.

On tho fourth page will be found reports of meetings held last night by Mr Edward Pearce and Mr Clere; Inspector of Nuisances’ report; Mr John Roberts’ title ; and a report of a mooting of tho Otaki Road Board.

Mr A. C. Lewis, son of Mr Lewis, Under Secretary of the Native Department,.was admitted as a barrister and solicitor of tho Supreme Court yesterday. The application was made in Chambers by Mr Hall before His Honor the Chief Justice.

A large number of entries have already been received for the Wellington Rowing Club’s Aquatic Sports which ore to be hold on the 17th inst, and which promise to be a success. addition to the sports several races will be rowed during the afternoon. Tho Public Works Committee will recommend at Thursday’s meeting of the City Council that proceedings bo at once taken against Mr C. J. Johmon, who erected a house in Mulgrave-street a short time ago contrary to the provisions of the building regulations.

Tho near approach of the session is betokened by the unusual stir being made at the Parliamentary buildings. That very necessary establishment is now undergoing a complete renovation, and a small army of tradesmen are engaged in fitting it up for the accommodation of members.

A protest against Seaman Stitt, of the Naval Artillery, being declared the winner of the first aggregate score at the recent meeting of the Wellington Rifle Association, has been entered by Corporsl W. Ballinger (Guards). Ballinger tied with Stitt, and he claims that they should tire off. The protest will be considered at the first meeting of the Committee,

The programme of the organ recital to be given at St Paul’s this evening at 8 o’clock is of an interesting and varied character. Among the vocal pieces is the quaint .Noel for male voices introduced by the Rev Charles Clark at his recent carol lecture. The congregation are invited to bring their hymn books, and join in the Epiphany hymns which will he sung. Councillor Parsons proposed, at the meet, ing of the Public Works Committee last night, that Councillors Worth, Petherick, Smith, and the mover be appointed a committee to consider the building regulations, with a view to suggesting any improvements to the Council. The committee will recommend at the next meeting of the Council that the committee, as proposed by Councillor Parsons, be appointed. The play ers chosen to represent the Wei. lington Bowling Club in the contests for the Association medals at the tournament at Nelson will leave Wellington at 7 o’clock to morrow evening by the Rotorua. The matches will be played on Thursday, and the teams will return to Wellington on Friday. The Match Committee will meet at the Club Green this afternoon for the purpose of appointing skips and arranging the various rinks. Mr J. W. Chapman, of Johnsonville, who was thrown out of a cart on Lambton quay some time ago, and injured his shoulder through striking against a post, has made a request for compensation to the City Council. Ho alleges that the post was outside the line of footpath. The matter came before the Public Works Committee last night, and they decided to recommend to the Council on Thursday that the claim be not recognised. Five persons were brought before Mr Robinson yesterday morning charged with drunkenness. One was fined ss, with the usual alternative of 12 hours’ imprisonment; three were lot off with a caution ; and the fifth, a woman not unknown to the Court, pleaded hard to be let off', promising to leave the town at once If discharged. His Worship gave her another chance, on the under, standing that she left the city at once. Richard Kean, a seaman, pleaded guilty to having commenced a row in Willis street on Sunday morning by striking another seaman named George Rounds, and was fined 10s, or in default to be imprisoned for 21 hours. The Union Special Settlement Association has resolved to forward the following reso. Intion to the Minister of Lands:—“That while recognising that the Government has made some effort to meet their wishes, they are of opinion that the price fixed for the land now offered to the Association is too high, and fmthemore, that they are of opinion that the price of the block should not exceed £1 per acre if taken on the per. petaal lease terms, or 25s per acre if taken on the deferred payment regulations. They would respectfully mge upon the Government the fact that the Association is making, a special effort to settle between 30 and 40 families on this block a block which at present is distant 10 or 13 miles from settlement and quite unproductive to the Government, and that, as many of the members of the Association have large families dependent on them, it is imperative that they should receive all benefits that lay in the power of the Government to make."

No civil oases will bo tried at the Resident Magistrate’s Court before next Thursday. Harvey’s Minstrels presented a new programme to a largo audience at the Opera House last night. The Midgets will be on view every afternoon and evening at the Exchange Hail for the remainder of the week.

The next civil sittings of the Supreme Court will be held on February 9th. The Criminal sessions will commence on Mutch 2nd.

The newly elected Mayor (Mr A. W. Brown) presided at the meeting of thePnblic Works Committee for the first time last night.

Assault cases in which cross actions are laid by Mr J. Collins, J.P., and Mr L. McGovern, a cabman, will he heard at the Magistrate’s Court to-day.

The Alameda with tho San Francisco mail reached Auckland at 7 am yesterday. The southern portion of the mail will arrive bore tomight by the Manawatu train. A steam launch which has been purchased by Messrs Cottrell and Co., for work in the harbour, was brought over from Havelock by the steamer Rowena last night.

The heat for the Junior Sculls (Wellington Rowing Club) between H. Gamble aud S. Uix baa been won by the former. Entries are now being received for the Kempthorne Fours.

TbeTekapo, which left for Sydney yesterday, took about 500 tous of colonial produce. The Jubilee, which also left for Sydney yesterday, had on board 3000 sacks of produce.

It was decided at tiie meeting of the Public Works Committee last night that the public meeting of ratepayers in connection with the drainage proposals should be held within the next fortnight.

At the meeting of the Public Works Committee last night the City Surveyor presented a report with reference to the flood which occurred on Lambton quay some weeks ago, but consideration of it was postponed for a fortnight. There were twelve events not completed at the Caledonian Society’s sports on Saturday, and the prize money amounts to about £7O. A meeting of the Sports Committee is to be held this evening, when all matters connected with the late gathering will be settled.

An application from Mr E. C. Renner that certain repairs should be effected in Hawker street came before the Public IVorke Committee of the City Council last night, but was postponed for a fortnight, and the meantime the Councillors representing Cook Ward will visit the street.

Yesterday afternoon a man named Frederick Long was given into custody at the Government railway station on a charge of being drank, and using obacene language. On the way to the station the prisoner became very violent, and be will also bo charged with resisting Acting-Constable Hunt in the execution of his duty. The stoats and weasels, which have been introduced into New Zealand, are about to become as great a plague as the rabbits, which they wore intended to destroy. Complaints have been made over and over again by settlers in the out districts about the depredations of these vermin. Now com. plaints come from Palmerston North, and poultry breeders are at their wits ends to keep their hen roosts from being stripped by these blood-thirsty creatures.

Mr H. H. Tippler’s claim of £l2O as compensation for damage done to his stock by the flood on Lambton quay a few weeka ago was dealt with by the Public Works Committee last night. A report on the matter was read from the City Solicitor. The Committee decided to recommend to the Council that as the contractor is responsible (according to the provision of hia contract) for any damage caused through The drains becoming choked, they did not consider that the Council were liable.

A claim made by Mrs Maearthur, of Drummond-street, who had fallen over a heap of rubbish in the street and sustained certain injuries, was considered by the - Public Works Committee last night, and it was decided to make a recommendation to the Council that, as the contract for scavenging contains a provision that the contractor is to bear the liability if any accident occur, tho Council could not be held responsible. The recommendation will some before the Council on Thursday evening. The District Land Registrar inserts a notice referring to a section of land at Wanganui. The Wellington Building and Investment Society notify that dividend warrants can be obtained at their office.

The Honorary Secretary of Christchurch Pigeon Flying Club has homing pigeons for sale.

A lady’s silver bracelet with stone setting is advertised for.

The annual meeting of contributors to the Society for the Relief of the Aged Poor will be held on Thursday next. Particulars appear elsewhere.

The Caledonian Society will pay prize money to-night at Exchange Hall. The Collector for tho Hutt County Council notifies that rates not paid by the 14th instant will bo sued for.

Mr A. A. Barnett advertises a freehold rest dence of seven rooms for sale.

A cheese factory at Ormond, Poverty Bay, complete with machinery and appliances, is offered for sale.

Mr H. Baillie notifies that he has on sale a choice assortment of new books. Several cheap editions of European authors by J. A. Froudo and others are well worthy of perusal. Mrs (Colonel) McDonnell intimates that boarders will be received at the Ladies' Collegiate School, Basin Reserve. Her new reeldence is nearly completed. 3Tull particulars will appear in a future issue. Mr G. G. Merey, of Melbourne (agent for Messrs James Spicer and Co., Loudon) sends us a combined calendar and blotting pad for 1891. The pad is exquisitely got up, being bound at each corner with .Russian leather. When not in use it can be folded into a small compass. It is one of the neatest and most serviceable articles of that class that has come under our notice this year.

Our carpet and furnishing department is just now worthy of a visit from all who are thinking of furnishing or re-furnishing. There are several excellent reasons (enumerated below) for doing this at Te Aro House. First reason.—We have a most commodious room, in which there is abundance of space tor showing carpets and linoleums in a proper and effective manner, in which customers can move about with comfort and ease. No other carpet room in the city is anything like equal in this respect to Te Aro House. Second reason.—Our carpet room is well lighted, there are no dark corners anywhere. Thanks to the care of the architect, our customers by this advantage are wonderfully helped to a right decision at To Aro House. Third reason.—Our stock of carpets and linoleums is at all times large and well selected. We pay great attention to the selection of the best designs and colorings, and as a consequence we have invariably managed to hit the taste of our numerous customers at Te Aro House.

Fourth reason.—What is required for household purposes, such as mattings, mats, rugs, blankets, quilts, curtains, &c M &c., we have in profusion, and being all bought direct from the manufacturers, are sold at as low a rate as our iniquitous Customs tariff will allow, at Te Aro House.

Visitors to Wellington and the _ general public are reminded that the splendid showrooms of Wilkins and Field, _in Manners street, are always open for public inspection, and that a pleasant half-hour can be spent in examining their beautiful stock of Novelties and New Goods specially, imported for Christmas and New Year’s Gifts. They have now displayed the finest stock ever seen in Wellington of ladies’ and gentlemen travelling and dressing cases, ranging in price from LI to Ll2 10s each; also leather hand bags, cigar and cigarette cases, and purses. Special attention is also directed to their’ magnificent stock of silver-plated ware and sterling silver goods, imported direct from the celebrated manufactories of Elkington, Dixon, Mappin and Webb, Shaw and Fisher, Round and Sons, &c., comprising all the novelties, specially suitable for Prizes and Christmas and New Year’s Gifts.