AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XII, Issue 14, 25 July 1884, Page 19

AUCKLAND.

(From our own correspondent.) July 16. At no general election within the memory of the rising generation have the Roman Catholic portion of the community here more cause to give utterance to the hackneyed saying " Save ds from our friends " than during the present. There are but few of that religious persuasion aspiring to the honour (?) of being Parliamentary representatives here, and judging from the action of one in particular, the fewer the' better for thai body. Bat what will not ambition lead to, and what. the means not resorted to, to arrive at the goal at whi6h it-aims 1 Mr. Tole has been for ten years, he says, a member of the House of Representatives, and yearns to go there again. He was uneasy in mind because a report had gained currency in Eden that be had changed hi 3 views regarding the education system, but his'firat words to his constituents, in order to ingratiate himself once more, was to disabuse their minds oE that suspicion. — "He had hitherto bowed to the will of the electors, and he would in the future as in the past steadfastly oppose any attempt to sap or destroy the present educational system." To add a little sugar to the coating of that bitter educational pill swallowed by Mr. Tole — for bitter it must be to any man professing to be a good practical Catholic — Major Burns, in seconding the vote of confidence, boasted that on that account " the Orangemen had put him in before, and would now put him in again." Once more, " Save us from our friends." The question of lighting the Queen street wharf with electric light has been repeatedly proposed, but no definite action has as yet been come to. At present the Harbour Board Committee has under its consideration an offer from Mr. J. Nearing, which it is thought might be acted upon ultimately. He argues that working large steamers at night would' give much greater despatch, as well as assist those employed in discharging cargo. Should Mr. Hearing's proposal be entertained, he is prepared to import the necessary plant, which, together with its cost, is as follows :— One *6 unit dynamo electric machine, direct wound, constructed for arc lighting with all the latest improvements, to run 6 arc lamps of 2,000 candle power, £126 ; spare amateur for same, £21 ; 6 double differential automatic regulator electric arc lamps for out door use, £72 9s ; six globes, £6 6s : 500 yards No. 18 copper wire, double insulation, £26 ss ; one switch, lls ; current indicator, £4 15s ; total, £283 11s. Packing the whole for shipment, £15 15s ; total, £299 6s. Six horse power nominal steam engine, to run six arc lights, 360 18s ; packing for shipment, £3 Is ; total, £63 19s. Eight-horse power nominal steam engine, to run twelve arc lights, £81 ; packing for shipment, £4 4s ; total, £88 4s. It is stated that one of the small wharf donkey-engines could drive a six light machine. The committee, to whom the consideration of the proposal was referred, will bring up its report at the next meeting of the Harbour Board. Mr. G. E. Boyle, who. for some time past, occupied the position of choir-master of St. Patrick's Cathedral, is about leaving for Australia through failing health, in.hopes that the change of climate may be beneficial. As he has been always ready to give his valuable vocal services when required in any benevolent cause, the parishonp.rs, assisted by many persons of musical talent, professional and amateur, have resolved upon giving him a complimentary benefit prior to his departure. The early closing movement set on foot by many of the Auckland employees, iB making itself felt. Already a few extensive firms have agreed to close their business places at 6 on Saturday evenings, and others are about to follow the example set. After giving the charge of hours a fair trial, they intend making it permanent, if not injurious in any marked degree to the trade. Encouragement towards the thrifty and domestic work of poultry-raising by settlers and others has been given in a substantial manner here this year by numerous citizen*. Some really valuable prizes were offered for the best exhibits of poultry in the different classes, and a very successful show, lasting three days, has just closed. The originators of this competition deserve some credit for the energy displayed in the enterprise. A grand bazaar and fancy fair in connection with St. Mary's Catholic Church, Onehunga, was opened this week. An elaborate display of fancy work, and a splendid assortment of pictures, adorned the different stalls. An entertainment of a like nature is being got up towards the erection of the proposed new Catholic church in Ponsonby, and a concert was held in the Ponsonby Hall this week, the proceeds of which will be devoted to the procuring of materials necessary in carrying on the work of the bazaar, which is being inaugurated through the instrumentality of the Sisters of Mercy.