AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume X, Issue 496, 13 October 1882, Page 21

AUCKLAND.

« (From our own correspondent.) The greatest topic of interest that has engaged the public mind for some days past has been of a nature not fitted in any way soever to imbue one with a spirit of admiration, for those who have come forward to champion, or in any manner discuss its relative merits and demerits— l mean the Contagious Diseases Act. The question of its adoption, to my mind has long since been settled and its usefulness and benefits palpably acknowledged. In places where this Act is in peifect operation there has been no case of its abuse, nor has public liberty been at all infringed by those in whose hands has been placed the working and carrying out of such law . It is a subject upon which few wish or care to dilate. Meetings in regard to it have been held by women, and two bodies have been formed amongst the gentler sex of this community. A number of prominent ministers of religion held a meeting, and discussed at length the different points of the Act as set out, and have waited upon the Mayor in the form of a '"deputation, and requested his suspension of the same. What the resuit has been I have not been able to discover. But let me desist lest tkis item of news be accorded a vote of censure by you, and believe me that it is annunciated simply for the reason that it is a passing and seemingly important event. During the last fortnight we have had four or five more fires. A large block of buildings consisting of wooden shops only recently erected, and the propeit/ of Mr. G. P. Pierce, has been burnt to the ground. This block stood on the site, which to old Aucklanders will be best identified as Gilfillan's corner, at the junction of Symonds street aud the Kyber Pass Road. Mr. Pierce, it is said, has lost to the extent of £500, over and above the amount for which the buildings were insured. The other fires were comparatively small, and less destructive. These conflagrations are by no means encouraging, more especially at this present and the approaching hot season of the year. However, our fire alarm system has deen duly attended to, and we should not fear any longer the awful monster. The system is somewhat similar to that in force in your city. Iron pillars are placed in conspicuous parts of the town, each of which contains an electric contrivance in the form of a handle. This handle bears the word ' Push ' and thereby implies the means to be adopted for giving alarm in case of fire. This is encased in the head of the pillar, and guarded from trifling hands by a sheet of glass. Over each alarm box is fixed for public use such instructions and other information as would be useful for public guidance as to the instrument and its uses. I might note that in most cases— yes, almost in variably —the firealarms are situated within the light of a street lamp. As is only natural they are connected to the telegraph and telephone wires, and commuuicate with the Central Fire Brigade Station, in Albert street and the superintendents dwelling. Thus it is we slowly adopt the incoming institutions. The mining market has been exceedingly quiet of late, and things have slipped back again to their old ways, and the pool of speculation ib undisturbed once more. The arrival of Mr. Thomas Russell, C.M.G., was in no way publicly recognised. It is hardly necessary for me to identify this gentle.ian. His general appearance gives the impression of good health, but age is apparently creeping upon him. For the information of theuniuitia-ted, it may perhaps be interesting to mention that Thomas Kuß^ell, Esq., CM G., was at oue time but an humble lad, and is said in the early daysto have walked thestieets of the embrvocity of Auckland iii bis bare feet ; also to observe that he has elevated himself by dint ot energy and a spirit of emulation, combined with that which is \ ulgarly termed pluck, to the position which benowhokK Is not this at least one example to hold out as a banner to be waved over the heads of the faltering, and hesitating youth of this colony. Fiom a cot in a remote pioneer settlement of Great Britain, to a palace or tl c like in "New Babylon," in the space of a lifetime is surely worth the canale. Our criminal calendar this session is of a quieter character than usual. '1 he amalgamation of the suburb of Ponsonby with the city has been cl aractensed with much ado. Ihe result of the election for that ward has been in favour of Messrs. Devore, Dacre and Boardman. These gentlemen are all of good standing and of high respectability, and to all persons «em a happy choice. It is thought by some that Pousouby now is fated ; that she has seen her brilliant days, aud that her glory has departed— whi.-h fact they declare must be dated from the time of annexation. But on the other hand there are those who rejoice in the change, and advocate the springing up of new industries and such like. There is an attempt being made now to connect the Ponsonby Ward and Stake's Point by water communication. That is— it is urged that the time has arrived when a steamer should ply to and fro at this point of the river. This is likely to be carried out, and I hope to inform you of the existence of such a steam service in my next budget. Blaud Holt's company is still playing here, and to largi aud.ences. •• ihe World" an 1 "New Babylon," though a shade immoral, are no doubt very attractive, aud seem to have made a oublic " hit." Holt is acknowledged a host in himself, and gives s%;isfacLion to all who attend his performances. He plays in Abbott's Opera House, and has the sole possession of the " boards " just now in this place. Now let me tell you about our branch of the H.A.C.B Sjciety. We are Branch 81, and number about 250 members, more or less. Tne fortnightly meetings are well attended as a rule, and the m^n who compose the Society are admitted to be a sober, respectable and honest section of the community. Much has been done tOAards the purchase of a banner, tmd now that the funds in hand aie accumulating, by reason of the personal beneficence of the members, it ia hoptd aud believed that we shall be able to walk under a banner worthy of our lodge on next St. Patiick's Day. Sunday, the 25th ultimo, was the occasion of a very edifying ceremony— the renewal of baptismal vows. The cathedral was filled,

and the children outnumbered the congregation. It was calculated that close 6n 300 young people, both girls and boys, were present on that day. The members of the Guard of Honour, in the regalia of their order, were in attendance. Father Walter Macdonald, in big accustomed graceful and able style, addressed the children, so also did Father O Garra, 0.5.8., and congratulated them upon the numbers in which they had attended. Father Mahoaey, a nephew of our old and much -respected pastor of the same name, has come amongst us ; and we have been told from the altar that he is to remain here. The Very Rev. Father Fynes has received from our new bishop a pastoral letter, of the contents of which I am as yet in ignorance. Bishop Luck's arrival is awaited with much interest by all persons ot the Catholic community. ultu It L haß finall y been determined at a general meeting of ladies to bold the soiree— to which I alluded in my last— on or about the 26th of October. This date it is believed will coincide with a suitable time to welcome home our worthy Father in God, Adalbert Sullivan 0.5.8. It is to come off in the Choral Hall, and to take the form of a tea-fight or conversazione. The ladies who are to take charge of the different trays are already busy preparing and collection for the " ways and means." The Secretary of St. Benedict's Church Committee— Captain Owen Mahon— who is a Government officer, has applied for leave of three months' absence. This gentleman is the heart and soul of the Newton Catholic Church affairs, and undoubtedly deserves the holiday he asks. I mention his name in order to let you know that in all probability he will -visit your city if his application is granted. Dally.