The Observer.

Observer, Volume 1, Issue 19, 22 January 1881, Page 180

The Observer.

Saturday, January 22nd, ISSI.

There has, as I partly anticipated when reopening the matter, "been a line how-dye-do re my remarks about the Schnackenburg esdandre. It was not a pleasant thing to have to touch upon at all ; hut I felt that if the vaunted independence and cmtsj>okeness of the OBSERVER were to he anything hut nominal, the statements of my informant must not he allowed to pass unmentioned. -The first persons to. take me to task on the matter were Mrs. Schnackenhurg's two brothers, who came to request I would contradict the statements that the Rev. gentleman had suffered at all from money troubles. He had, it was explained, been occasionally constrained to request brief accomodation from his bankers in consequence of dilatoriness on the part of those who should have settled up with him promptly ; but he had ample private means, and no creditor had ever reason to ask him for an account twice. If anything preyed on his mind, and his wife and relatives certainly think there was something, they are of opinion that it was his treatment by the Conference.

♦- • Let me at once state that the very last thing I wished to do in. broaching this matter was to hurt the feelings of Mrs. Sclmackenburg or of any of Mrs. Schnackenburg's relations. It may suit those who wished the story kept quiet to try and make out that the above error has injured the reputation of the dead, and hurt the feelings of the living ; but no one comprehends better than they do that my sole object in mentioning it was to right the widow and do justice to the fatherless. 4,

Whilst Mrs. Schnackenburg's "brothers were with me, I took the liberty of asking them whether the statement in the OBSERVEK, to the eft'ect that a sum of money was still owing to the widow was correct. They at once responded " yes," and assured me than the amount is £45, which, was deducted last year by the Conference, and has not been refunded.

No sooner had these gentlemen withdrawn than there came a letter from the Rev. W. Morley, declaring there were a number of misstatements re the late Mr. Schnackenburg in in the paper, and peremptorily demanding the name of my informant. To this, lof course replied that journalistic etiquette forbade my giving it np. I added, however, that Mrs. Schnackenburg's brothers had been with me for the purpose of setting right my error re the lamented gentleman's financial position, and that they had confirmed the statement that there was money still owing to the widow. Well, on Monday, Mr. Morley visited me personally, bringing with him the following epistle, which I have much pleasure in printing in extenso : —

To the Editor : Sir,— Your paper of this day's date complains of "a dearth of gossip." That may partly account for, Init can scarcely justify the gross misstatements your reporter makes iv regard to the late Mr. Schnackenburg, and the payments to his widow, in paragraphs which at once impugn the truthfulness of the living, and slander the memory of the dead. Mr. Prime, the treasurer of the Home Mission Fund, is certainly a competent witness as to what lias ■been, paid, and his veracity is beyond question. The matter is scarcely one for discussion in a newspaper ; hut as the honour of the Wesleyan Church is called in question, I may briefly state the facts— l. Mr. Schnackenhurg died in August last. The Wesleyan Home Mission Fund, in addition to paying the ordinary stipend and allowances up to the end of March next, is also providing for a sum of £35 additional, which, by strict law, was chargeable to the widow ; 2. The statement that Mr. S. was unable to meet his creditors is as unwarrantable as it must be painful to those immediately concerned; 3. The paragraph as to deductions from stipends of missionaries is equally misleading. Twenty circuits last year received help from this Fund. To meet a deficiency, the grants to the whole of these were reduced— those to the European congregations being cut down by 25 per cent., and the Maori Mission Stations by 15 per cent. The minister to whom the paragraph refers in elegant phrase as having " flatly refused to dub up" can scarcely have done anything so heroic, inasmuch as he was not asked, for the simple reason that his people paid his stipend. Your moral abont the honesty of parsons is strongly flavoured, but scarcely pertinent, as the Fund in question is managed by a committee composed of laymen and ministers, and the laymen at present happen to be in the majority.— I am, &c, "War. MOKLEY, Chairman Wesleyan Church, Auckland District.— January 15, 1881.

To the first paragraph of this letter I am not as yet in a position to reply ; but the explanation offered in No. 3 is more ingenious than ingenuous. MrMorley is quite rightinsayingthat a charge of 25 per cent, was levied on the grants made "by the Wesleyan Home Mission to European missionaries as against 15 per cent, levied on those to the native missionaries'fbut, (unless I am misinformed) no one knows better than lie does, that in the former case the congregations made up the deficits, whereas, in the latter the missionaries alone suffered. Let us say, for instance, that Mr. A. is a European missionary in charge at Tauranga, and Mr. B. a Maori missionary in the Kaipara. Both receive grants of £200 per annum each from the Wesleyan Home Mission.

Well, in the one case, A. is mulcted £50 which his congregation make up to him; and in the other, B. has to pay £30 which he loses at once and for ever. Moreover, Mr. Schnackenburg's case was a particularly hard one, for he had not only to pay 15 per cent, on his own stipend, but also on the salaries allowed his native assistants, which swelled the total deduction to £45.

Whether Mr. Gittoes was or was not asked to "dub up" (that phrase seems to have offended Mr. Morley somehow) 15 per cent, of his .salary remains to be proved. Far be it from me to doubt the rev. gentleman's word, but I really think he must be forgetting. Anyhow it will be for Mr. Gittoes himself to set this question at rest, and as he is one of the most outspoken as well as one of the honestest of parsons, I make no doubt he will do so. My information is, that he was asked indirectly, if not formally, to hand over the whole of his salary to the Mission and to trust to them to give him what they thought fair. This proposal, as Avell as the 15 per cent, reduction, he rebelled against loudly.

Before Mr. Morley came to me he wrote to Mrs. Schnackenburg's brother, peremptorily requesting him and his sister to write, contradicting all the statements in the Observer. They, however, didn't see the force of stultifying themselves in this way and refused. Mr. Beaumont and Mr. E. Hobbs, who go down to the Conference at Nelson this week, take witli them full particulars of the affair, and will probably see that the matter is enquired into thoroughly.

Mr. Bryce's resignation seems to have given the Herald quite a shock. The spectacle of a New Zealand politician sacrificing his salary to his principles appears to be more than the "leading (Auckland) journal" can behold, and maintain its editorial calm. Such an abnormal phenomenon has, as an old lady might say, put it "all of a twitter." It regards Mr. Bryce's heroic conduct with admiration, it is true, but evidently with a surprise which is almost painful, and which will, no doubt, be observed with edification by committees where such Quixotic behaviour is less uncommon. However, I suppose that, taking into consideration the average type of the colonial politician, the awe-struck wonder of the Herald at what would be considered elsewhere a somewhat ordinary act of political honesty, is natural enough.

The resignation of Mr. Bryce has happened most opportunely, for the Ministry were at their wits ends to give satisfaction to the numerous demands made upon them by their supporters. Cheeseparing, which with them goes under the high sounding name of "retrenchment," had been carried out so successfully, that the great New Zealand body politic was suffering the direst pangs of hunger, and just when the said body politic was beginning to get ixnpleasantly clamorous, Mr. Bryce kindly resigns his portfolio, and now in any paper we take up, we see that the stereotyped reply of Ministers to deputations is, "inconsequence of the resignation of Mr. Bryce it is quite impossible for me to give you an answer at present." The Thames people the other day deputationised the Hon. Mr. Whitaker, and insisted that certain pledges made them re roads and public works shoxild be carried out, but "in consequence of the resignation of Mr. Bryce" he was quite unable to satisfy their demands. What Mr. Bryce as Native Minister had to do with public works at the Thames, and why his resignation should cause such stagnation in the public business of the colony is one of those things, which, as Lord Dundreary observes, "No fellow can understand." But Aye may be pretty sure that seeing what a very convenient buffer this resignation makes between Ministers and the public, that they will be very slow to fill up the vacancy.

The press is much exercised over the reasons for Mr. Bryce's resignation. He no doubt wished to march on Parihaka and capture Te Whiti, but there was no apparent reason why this course should be taken just now, more especially as Te Whiti has done and is doing everything he can to preserve the peace. The cause of Mr. Bryce's bellicosity has never, I believe, until now, been made public. The reason was this. Ever since Te Whiti sent his enigmatical answer of "kia maoa te tawai" to the Governor's friendly overtures, Mr. Bryce has been more taciturn than ever ; he has brooded over this message daily, nightly, hourly, until at last, light broke in upon him, and he discovered (or thought he discovered) that it was a distinct insult to himself as Native Minister. This the blood of the Biyce's couldn't stand, and he at once gave orders for the forward march "'Twere

long to tell and sad to trace " what subsequently passed between himself and his colleagues, which ultimately ended in his resignation. The row between Ballance and Grey on a former historical occasion was nothing to it. Although Mr. Bryce has resigned, his resignation has not been accepted as his colleagues are in hopes now that a copy of the Observer has been placed in his hands which gives the correct meaning of Te Whiti's utterance, that he may cool down, wash off his war paint and behave a little less like a lunatic, and more like a responsible and peaceful member of society.

The usual stiffness and formality of Supreme Court proceedings were xinnexpectedly relaxed last week by an incident which threw judge, jury, press, bar, and attendant public into convulsions of laughter. A civil action had come before the Court and was just about to be opened up when one of the legal gentlemen engaged announced that it had been settled. There was nothing else upon the list, and, therefore, the registrar proclaimed in a loud voice the adjournment of the Court sine die. The crier meanwhile had been doing a quiet snooze behind the witness box, and startled into consciousness by the tones of his siiperior's voice, he jumped to his feet as the judge was rising from the Bench, and with stentorian energy vociferated, "This Court is adjourned sine dine." Such an improvement upon the familiar Latin phrase, of course, arrested general attention for a moment, and then the gravity of the Court gave place to hearty laughter. The crier having subsequently learned the cause of the unusual mirth has been explaining to everyone since that it was merely ' ' a lipsus laugway" on his part.

On dit that a certain medico resident in one of our subiirbs, who is now engaged to be married, popped the question no less than eight times within as many months, and that his latest attempt was the only successful one. In this case the fair fiancee promptly accepted him after a few day's courtship, and the marriage would have taken place a week later, had not a domestic bereavement interferred. The time is now at hand.

On "board ship this medical Adonis was most cruelly hoaxed by a party of young bloods who played some mischevious pranks during the voyage. They were sitting together one quiet Sunday evening in the saloon, Avhen some one mooted the introduction of cards as a means of whiling away the time till midnight. The ideci found favour with the rest, and was just on the point of being carried out, when a tremendous difficulty presented itself. There were no cards ! The captain (godly man), active to the spiritual interests as well as the material welfare of his passengers, had carefully collected and put away every available pack of Goodall's pasteboard and no one knew the hiding place. The party were busy anathematising the worthy captain, and heartily cursing their ill-luck, Avhen it was mentioned that old K was the possessor of several fine packs of cards, and that, as he was a cordial hater of Sabbatarianism in any shape or form, he would be delighted to have the means of foiling the captain's little plans. The information was received with the greatest exhilaration, and as K was the father of a lovely girl, upon whom the susceptible doctor was "very spooney," he was pressed to make the necessary application. Nothing loth, the gallant knight of the lancet departed upon his mission, secretly glad of such a fine opportunity of ingratiating himself with his prospective father-in-law, who had always seemed to him rather repellant in. his demeanour, and Puritanical in his opinions. In fact, this Avas the old man's character, and the devoted ambassador had hardly disappeared from the saloon before the murder was out. A brief interval of silence ensued, and then in gruff tones a violent hectoring broke upon the ear, varied eveiy now and then by some apologetic remarks in an

undertone which seemed, but to start afresh, and with renewed impetus, the furious wagging of the scolding tongue. The doctor returned at length, scared and crest-fallen, declined to explain matters and hurried off to bed, on the plea of sudden indisposition. His charming; inamorata was never seen to hold converse with him again, and until this day the subject of Sunday evening card parties is a painful one to him

The steamer was crowded with pleasureseekers, the flower of the Baptist flock, and as he stood on the wharf looking at them, his heart was filled with an irresistable yearning to accompany them. He remembered that poor Belinda had said to him that morning, "Now, Charles, be sure and be home at 1 o'clock, for I shall have a hot dinner ready." He recollected that lie had promised faithfully to be there at that time. He had often shouted in a Moody and Sankeymonious manner, " Yield not to temptation j" but this one no sooner assailed him than he caved in. The steamer did not return till 9 o'clock, and then it was three-quarters of an hour before the captain, by a series of the most marvellous nautical manoeuvres, succeeded in placing the vessel alongside the wharf. Charles had endeavoured to be joyous and festive during the day, but his gaiety was evidently forced, and the hot dinner, though not swallowed, seemed somehow to interfere with his digestion. His thoughts had been wandering on the return trip, and his uneasy conscience suggested fears of more practical wool-gathering when he got home. He slowly wended his way to his domicile, and at length arrived there. Belinda was there ; the hot dinner was cold ; there was no hot supper, but there was a very hot time. Strange noises were heard, and when Charles appeared in Queen-street the following morning his countenance wore a most woebegone expression. He confided to a friend that Belinda had sworn— sworn was the word— not to prepare any more hot dinners for three months. He is afraid she will cany out this threat, but he has one gleam of hope. She has promised to go and hear Mrs. Hampson, and the lady Evangelist has cracked so many hard nuts that he thinks even Belinda may be softened.

A few weeks ago a lady called to inspect an institution established on behalf of young women, and to be informed of its mode of working, &c. It was about 2 o'clock in the afternoon when the lady arrived at the place, and her business having been conveyed by a servant to the matron, or principal, or whatever the term is, the answer was brought back, "Miss Z. is just lying down and cannot be disturbed. Would the lady call again at 4 o'clock?" It is hardly needful to add that the lady did not comply with the modest wishes of the siestaloving matron. Under such management as this the institution in question — which is an eminently worthy one— will thrive beyond expectation.

Billy B. had a narrow escape of being made "Cabman by appointment to His Excellency Sir Arthur Gordon" recently, in this wise : Sir A. G. would not go by a special train that had been waiting on his arrival, and wanted a cab. Billy's was the only cab in Onehunga (and a very creditable turn out too), so Billy was hunted up and escorted on board the " Hinemoa" to see His Excellency, but in his hurry B. had forgotten to polish his boots and put on a clean shirt-collar — infact, he was minus a collar, so Sir A. G. was not prepossessed

"pious." with his appearance, and decided to go by the ordinary train. Thus Billy missed his chance of putting the. Vice Regal arms, &c, on the panel.

To the Editor : Sir, — I am loth to trespass on your space again, but the admission of a word or two on "Feminine's" letter will be esteemed a favour. To one point alone I will confine my remarks. "Feminine's" "no mean scholarship " appears to have quite neglected the wide and important subject of ecclesiastical history, or she would not have committed herself thus : "I have yet to learn that great religious movements have been effected principally by profound scholars." &c? Did the lady never hear of Wickliffe, Savonarola, Loyola, Xavier, Luther, Calvin, Tyndale, Erasmus, Butler, and Paley ? " / have yet to learn" that these were the exponents of earnest ignorance and fluentTcommonplace. Has it ever struck "Feminine" that the two

authors who wrote the hulk of the New Testament—Luke, the Physician, and Paul, of Tarsus — were men of education and culture ? One other illustration in refutation of "Feminine's " rather foolish statement, a belief in which, by-the-by; is somewhat prevalent. The leaders of the great religious movement of the last century, which in some quarters is considered the most important since the days of the Apostles, were educated men. Whitfield, Charles Wesley, Fletcher, and Veun were no mean scholars, and John Wesley probably overtopped them all in attainments. They knew the value of learning, and were not disposed to regard it lightly. It is a little curious how " Feminine" classes C. H. Spurgeon with Mr. Moody— another "feminine" characteristic I might mildly insinuate. Spurgeon is a man of culture ; his reading is extensive ; and in order to gain the stores of knowledge which his writings give abundant evidence of, he must have passed a large proportion of his time at the students' desk. If the common people hear him gladly, it is not because he is a rattling wind-bag, burdened with sound minus sense. With great deference, I beg to recommend "Feminine" to study the lives of those who have done most for Christianity, and beg to subscribe myself, with respect— JUSTlCE.

A sporting character who has speculated largely upon the sculling championship contest between Laycock and Hanlan was overheard the other day enquiring from a local spiritualist if he could conjure up the spirit of the lamented James Punch, and bribe it in some way or other to attend the match irt order to report the result in Auckland immediately it is known. We are not aware how the negotiations resulted.

The -work of Mormon Evangelisation in Auckland has just received a fresh impulse through the unexpected advent of Elders Bromley, Ferrice, and Grozebecke, who came by the mail steamer. The Masonic Hall in Newton has "been engaged for a lengthened term, and special efforts are to be made to gather in the harvest which is believed to be ripening in this colony for the Granaries of the New Jerusalem— the territorial Zion— in plain language, Utah. Elder Browning is said to be a more fluent and plausible speaker than either Pearce or Batt, so that his ministrations are expected to avail much. Fathers of families beware. The polygamists are abroad.