Topics of the Week

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XII, Issue IX, 3 March 1894, Page 194

Topics of the Week

THE Auckland University have resolved that in future they will wash their dirty linen at home. They are, we notice, importing Tubbs for the purpose. See ! His Excellency the Governor and the Countess of Glasgow are making themselves as popular as usual in the fair Northern city. They visited Fillis’ Circus, but of course only to take some of the members of the family. The Vice-regal party was also present in full force at the Polo Sports on Saturday, and manifested great interest in the various races. Lord Glasgow is going for a trip in H M S. Curacoa shortly. There is a general opinion amongst philanthropists and others of this qcvre that the cultivation of flowers has an elevating and refining influence upon men and women. We all remember the saving effect of the wallflower on the French prisoner in the novel, ‘ Picciola.’ Possibly the tender influence of plants brought to bear upon children may have a salutary and restraining effect. At all events, the plan is going to be tried upon the youth of Auckland. There was a large attendance on Wednesday afternoon ata meeting held at the residence of Professor and Mrs A. P. W. Thomas, Mount Eden, to make arrangements for a children’s fliwer show, which it is hoped will take place next November, so that every child in Auckland will be able to compete. The Countess of Glasgow has kindly promised the first prize for cut flowers, and the first prize for pot plants to the children attending the State schools in Auckland. Under such auspices, the society ought to flourish and abound exceedingly. It certainly deseives the utmost encouragement, for all thoughtful people are viewing with anxiety the gradually increasing tendency of modern young folk to take their own wayward way with no reference to their elders, or to any one, indeed, but themselves. Anything which will bring them into a softening and healthy contact with refining and elevating influences, and will teach them to find pleasure at home, in their gardens or in innocent amusement, ought to be warmly and universally supported and fostered. Amongst those who were present at the meeting were Mrs Browning. Mrs James Russel), Miss Mnlgan, Rev. Mr Bates, Rev. Mr Richards, Mrs Taylor, Mrs Carr, etc. Tea was handed round during the afternoon. An outcry is being made in England against the ‘ defacement of the country with the ugly advertisement boards ’ which are now so common even in remote places. A certain Mr Caine actually introduced a Bill with the object of forbidding such desecration of meadow lands. It seems that fields adjacent to the railway lines are now let for advertising purposes, to the great detriment of • onr lovely English scenery.’ This is really a very serious matter, and one wlrch should also be carefully gone into in our own beautiful colony ; for we are not by any means behind the-age penpie—at least we just now think we certainly are not—and there is no donbt at all that as soon as money is more plentiful, some enterprising local advertiser will introduce tablets of soap to float about the warm baths of our sanatorium, or other equally advantageous positions, bearing suitable advertisements. The lazy Maori will be hired to stand in conspicuous spots along the line of rail, his dark form tastefully decorated with advertisements of the pakeha storekeeper's goods. A black boy, nicely got up as a white flonr advertisement, would be rather a success from a business point of view. It is all nonsense to say that a few artists and scenery worshippers are to stand in the way of our progress and enterprise, commercially speaking. For of what use is

magnificent scenery if we have not the money to go and view it? Or how can we enjoy our beautiful baths when we lack the wherewithal to journey to them ? No, business first and pleasure afterwards. Let us advertise ourselves, our wares and our colony, and then rest content with what is left of our natural beauties. The Auckland University College Council has a white elephant on its hands in the shape of a School of Music. Somehow or another, from what cause it is extremely difficult to determine, this excellent and admirable institution is not the success which it is desirable it should be. The gentler sex, to the number of twenty, attended last year, but the sterner musical aspirants of the fair northern city failed altogether to testify their appreciation of the benefits held out to them by the School of Music. The puzzled Council anxiously discussed this momentous question at their last meeting. The Chairman quoted statistics from Canterbury to show that a School of Music could prosper in this colony. For though the Canterbury school was started after the Auckland, it now actually numbers seventy-five pupils, whilst the latter city could only exhibit a roll of twenty names — and all of them were ladies ! Something must evidently be done. The sweet-toned invitation, ‘Dilly, dilly duck, come and be taught music,’ had failed to attract those for whom it was intended. Some more drastic measures than gentle coaxing must be resorted to. Accordingly the following resolution was arrived at:—* That the Council recommends that music should be included in the subjects of the University Matriculation Examination as is the case in the Melbourne University, and that a representation to that effect be made to the Senate of the University at its next meeting asking that the statutes be amended in that direction.’ It is quite open to question whether in many cases it is not sheer waste of valuable time to learn music. Surely some of the U niversity Council have at one time or another suffered from the painful affliction of being compelled to listen to a worse than indifferent musical performance? If young men and young women learn to play and sing, they do not care to hide their acquisitions and attainments under a bushel, and the less ear they have the more do they desire to exhibit their failure. When to this is added a knowledge of thewioe/HS operandiol composition, etc., their longsuffering acquaintances will have yet one more agony to undergo, viz , the awful audience of impromptu performances and productions of ‘my very own composition, you know.’ Instead of making a knowledge of music compulsory, it should be made a crime for any boy or girl to t meh a piano or other musical instrument, who could not sati-fy a thoroughly proficient body—like the professors of the Auckland School of Music, for instance—of their ability to produce harmonies and not discords either vocally or instrumentally. What an all-round saving would herein be effected I Ponder this side of the question, most learned University Council members, and see whether a * larger attendance at the School of Music ’is really desirable I Life is short, and as perfection in everything cannot be attained during the allotted study-time of existence, it should be a matter for the earnest consideration of each thoughtful pupil in what subjects he or she can best excel, music being always optional. The franchise to women threatens to extend in a direction which cannot have entered into the head of Sir John Hall, or he would probably have thought twice before moving heaven and earth to get it through. It was only the other day (writes a Christchurch correspondent) that I heard of a young lady who as good as proposed to an admirer, who it appears was somewhat dilatory in coming to the point. She said it must be one thing or the other, and he, knowing only too well his own circumstances, replied with admirable, fortitude that it unfortunately could not be, so the * engagement ’ came to an end, at least for a time. It is sincerely to be hoped that there are not many of the gentler sex who will interpret their rights in this fashion, or if they do, may the men be endowed with the needful courage to reject such overtures should they prove unpalatable, or, owing to want of spare cash, out of the question. We are continually being told ‘that there is nothing new under the sun.’ Well, we should like to know from what ancient or modern custom the following idea was borrowed :—A certain young lady, fired with the idea of a novel wedding, achieved her purpose by being attired in a

riding habit and * bowler ’ hat, and carrying a hunting erop instead of a bouquet, while her bridesmaids appeared in full sporting attire—covert coats, spats, red waistcoats, and white polo ties being worn. A truly original idea, but one which we would not advise other brides to follow. It seems too much like making a farce of what in reality ought to be considered a most solemn proceeding. The Christchurch Musical and Orchestral Societies have amalgamated under the title of the Christchurch Musical Union. Five concerts are to be given during the year, two vocal, two instrumental, and one miscellaneous. The first practice under the new arrangement was held on Tuesday. There was a good muster, and the prospects for the year are encouraging. The Auckland Academy of Arts open their exhibition this (Wednesday) evening. There are several pictures worthy of notice, and the exhibition is at least as worthy of public patronage as any held in previous years. Mr Holland has worked indefatigably to make the exhibition a success, and we earnestly hope it may be so. The Society has done its best to improve art in Auckland, and its conversaziones are always agreeable. There will, we trust, be a large gathering this evening. The fountain will gurgle in its usual place. Mr Steele is, we are informed, exhibiting, so that visitors are assured of some good pictures. Mr Paton has a really clever picture of Dr. Purchas, which will attract attention and admiration. For the rest we reserve judgment till we have bad better opportunities for study and criticism. The Wellington Hospital garden party was very largely attended, and was considered a great success, £75 being taken for admission. It was arranged by Miss Godfrey, who was assisted by the nurses and a number of friends. The building was thrown open and visited by a great many of the guests, and in the garden tents were put up for afternoon tea, cakes, etc., besides the more cooling beverages, such as lemonade, etc. There in one very attractive spot the May-pole dance was performed by a number of gailydressed children in fancy dress costumes, under Mrs Francis and in another spot there was a Punch and Judy show, which delighted the children, and was very cleverly performed, and shown by Mr W. Moorhouse. The band played at intervals, and altogether a very pleasant afternoon was spent by those present, and Miss Godfrey is to be congratulated. The ball which is also to be held in aid of the furnishing of the new wing of the Hospital, comes off at Easter. The autnmn show in connection with the Wellington Horticultural Society was held at the Skating Rink on the same afternoon as the garden party, which was decidedly unfortunate for both, as many people could not, though they wished to, manage to attend both during the same afternoon. The weather was glorious, and the show was an excellent one, the fruit and vegetables being especially good. Such grapes ! —the judging was considered very difficult in this class, owing to the keen competition. The Ladies’ Committee provided afternoon tea and buttonholes, and had one large table and a number of small ones daintily laid out in among the tall ferns, etc., with pretty effect. In the evening the Band played, and the large hall was thronged with people. The weather was almost too hot for many of the exhibits, the shower bouquets in particular being drooped and faded towards night with the intense heat-. There was joy at Endeavour Inlet, Queen Charlotte Sound, last week when the new trial process of smelting the antimony with the company’s new machinery turned out a great success. AU the residents of the Inlet were present and interested spectators. Afternoon tea was dispensed, and the works presented quite a gay scene. The result of the trial, it is hoped, will bring prosperity to the community as well as to the company. The mines are rich in ore, and it only requires to be properly worked and a ready sale to give a stimulus to the district. The properties and virtues of Count Mattei’s electro homoeopathic remedies (our Wellington correspondent writes) were explained at Thomas’ Hall by Dr. S. Ken nedy, F.R C.S.E. The audience was select and intelligent, but not large. Mr Fraser, the president of the Wellington Hospital Board, occupied the chair. On a subsequent occasion I may perhaps give you a fuller account of the doctor’s discourse, and in any case you will hear more of Count Mattei and his discoveries, for I believe Dr. Kennedy will shortly visit Auckland, and possibly Napier and Nelson. He is a fluent and racy speaker, and—one need hardly say —a gentleman of considerable repute in London as one of the best and busiest of its army of physicians. At present, as everybody is asking about the Mattei treatment, and generally in a fog about it, I will content myself with saying that the names of the medicines, and some other things in connection with this modern innovation, are singularly illchosen. The * electrical ’ remedies, for instance, whatever else they may be, are not electrical, except perhaps in their

effects—it is claimed for them that their results are often strikingly immediate and sndden. Noone at present knows anything as to their constituents. Analysis reveals nothing except that they have not colour, odour, taste, polarity ; contain no metals or alkaloids ; have no solid matter to speak of ; and that their specific gravity is about that of distilled water. Nevertheless, these waterish fluids, apparently so altogether water, have, without doubt, in wellattested cases, saved life, and given relief to scores of sufferers. It might have been a long time before Count Mattei could have got the ear of the educated people of England, were it not for the .Review oj Reviews and Lady Augustus Paget. But now it is grudgingly and not freely admitted that a valuable discovery has been made by Mattei, wbo, by the bye, is not a medical man. Lady Paget, wife of the British Ambassador at Vienna, visited Count Mattei and gave an account of her interview in the National Review ; and Mr Stead had a full character sketch of this remarkable scientist in a late number of his periodical. We have had so many * electrical ’ quacks, that the very name of any • electrical ’ remedy becomes a stumbling block at the very start. Count Mattei’s remedies are supposed to be useful only in cases of cancer ; but this is an error, as they are equally beneficial, it is said, in phthisis, rheumatism, and all diseases consequent on or caused by a vitiated state of the blood. His Holiness Pope Pius IX. has given a considerable portion of the Hospital of St. Theresa in Rome to the Mattei treatment. Amusement for the million (our Wellington correspondent writes) is provided at the Opera House at present by Clarke’s Alhambra Company under the management of Mr Allen Hamilton. The entertainment is certainly splendid value for the prices charged, and some of the performers are really excellent in their way. There is a fund of real humour in Fanning. He at once established himself as a favourite with the audience. By far the best of the ladies of the company is Miss Rae Cowan, quite a young and pretty songstress, whose metallic voice and distinct utterance enabled everyone in the large audience to catch all the words as well as hear the notes of the song. The Sisters Anderson and Miss Edith Wilson are graceful and accomplished dancers. Miss Juneen is a clever dancer and actress. The Company altogether is a large one, containing amongst its many members much talent, and the venture to provide cheap, wholesome, and Al recreation for the multitude, deserves unstinted success. It is because I think so that I venture to suggest to the management to suppress ‘Bibbs and Dibbs’and the ‘Foiled Mashers’ in favour of other farces quite as amusing, but not so rough and boisterous. The Company is quite equal to a superior kind of thing. On Saturday a matinee is to be given to enable youngsters to see the Alhambra troupe, and on Sunday evening a ‘ rational ’ treat is promised in the Opera House. I may mention that some of the ‘ best families’ in Sydney and Melbourne have patronised entertainments such as that given by the Alhambra people. Thanks in no small degree to the energy and courtesy of Mr W. R. Bloomfield, the Polo Club may congratulate themselves on the most successful issue to which the sports were brought on Saturday afternoon last. The assemblage on the Grandstand was large and fashionable, and the financial results of the afternoon’s entertainment must have been very satisfactory. The afternoon was fine, and the sun blazed in on the grand stand with right good will. Tbe intervals were a trifle long, but all things considered things were well done. The sports were amusing, and occasionally exciting, and the entertainment was certainly worth the journey out, which is as high praise as can well be given when one considers the abominable discomforts of the long and dusty trip to and from Potter’s Paddock. In winter ’tis bad enough ; in summer, to those who can’t afford a private cab or trap, it is—well, something better left unsaid. Since tbe opening night, it seems almost doubly certain that the enormous successes scored by the Brough and Boucicault Company in this colony will culminate in Auckland, where they are now carrying all before them. Sc great has been the enthusiasm already manifested that the management themselves expect that, as was prophesied last week, the Auckland receipts would beat their New Zealand record. The vast audience sat almost spellbound through the really tragic drama, ‘ The Village Priest,’ which has met with such universal favour wherever it has been produced, especially in this colony. As that admirable critic, • The Autocratic Idler,’ pointed out when when ‘ B. and B.’ were in the Empire City, ‘ The Village Priest ’ is one of those great plays which when perfectly acted—and no acting could be more perfect than that of the cast—cannot fail to stir us to the very core and reach the innermost souls of those who can think because it is so essentially human. For humanity —poor humanity—so greatly abused, is far, far nobler than half the world gives it credit for. We are accustomed to talk of • this wicked world,’ but those who have seen most of the seamy side, those who. like the late Montagu Williams, Q.C., Coroner Youl, of Melbourne, or retired Resi-

dent Magistrate Dr. Giles, have spent their lives in contact with tbe criminal classes, and in investigating wickedness, will tell you that they have in their investigations found even amongst the lowest strata much greater reason to admire and commend human nature than to despise and condemn. The sins which breed the tragic consequences and events so powerfully paraded in ‘ The Village Priest ’ breed also the splendid opportunities for the display of the divine attribute of self-sacrifice, which even in the work a-day world shows itself amidst the most unexpected surroundings. Tbe world may be very evil, as tbe bvmn states, but tbe sins of one man are compensated for by the virtues of another, and for every vice there is a virtue. * The Village Priest’ has probably given many a New Zealander a considerable amount of intellectual exercise. Such a play,

so acted, can scarcely fail to afford mental food to thinking men and women long after the Company which played it so admirably have left them. To many it will suggest what might be a solution to that really unsolvable question, how an Almighty God, who is also all-merciful, can allow the existence of sin ? Is it not because on the ruin and desolation of sin, women—and more occasionally men—rise by self-sacrifice higher than the angels’ That there are men capable of such sacrifices as the convict hero of ‘ The Village Priest,’ only those who have run all their lives in the groove of commonplace respectability will deny, for while commonplace respectability is uncontaminated by any of tbe more loathsome vices, it is seldom exalted by any of the sublimest virtues. Were it possible, one would like to persuade one of the fanatic preachers of the street corner order to sit through the season of Brough and Boncicault. He would assuredly go forth a wiser, a humbler, and a better man. There is in Auckland a Rev. Mr Blaikie, a gentleman who has gained some notoriety from bis unequivocal opposition to the stage. We can imagine that ‘ Ta-ra-ra boom de-ay,’ as shown by poster and picture, could not commend itself to a clerical gentleman of strict notions, but if Mr Blaikie would consent, as a proof of open-mindedness, to witness, say ‘ The Village Priest,’ ‘ The Idler,’ and all the comedies played by Brough and Boucicault. he would, if not converted, be considerably shaken. The first named plays he would admit teach a great moral lesson, and drive it home with the irresistible force of living example. In the latter he would laugh heartily—good, sound, innocent laughter at wit and humour as clean and pure and free from anything demoralising as the conversation at a sewing bee of the reverend gentleman’s flock, if they hold such a meeting. Parsons would do well to visit the theatre more often. They make a goodly show on Shakespearian nights, but in tbe whole of the season of Brough and Boucicault you shall not hear many, shall we say * awkward things,’ that will greet your edified ear in every single half hour of almost any of Shakespeare’s plays.

The Company need not trouble about parsons, however. It is doubtfnl if they would obtain seats if they came, for

the boom has seized Aucklanders a« it seized tbe good folk in Christchurch, Dunedin, and Wellington. * Niobe ’ followed hard on ‘ The Village Priest,’ and literally left the audience gasping, partly at exhaustion from laughter, partly at wonder at the extraordinary versatility of tbe entire company, but above all and before all Mrs Brough. That gentle and beautiful lady has already added Auckland to her list of conquests. In brief, the Company is now the * sole and absorbing topic ’ in the Northern city. It seems almost superfluous to advise everyone to go; everyone seems going, but to any who hesitate we would say don’t; if you hesitate you have lost the opportunity of seeing as good a company as there is in existence, not merely in Australia, but in the world.