SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1870.

Auckland Star, Volume I, Issue 210, 10 September 1870, Page 2

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1870.

Bbitisii territory has been so long sacred from the foot of the invader, that war has come to be contemplated by us only in a sentimental way. Amid all the excitement caused by the tidings brought by the last mail, we question if there were many who realised the horrible concomitants of the struggle, and, least of all, the scenes that might possibly result on our own shores, and before our own eyes. There is something sublime in the rush, of contending armies—in two mighty powers braced up for deadly battle^ curbing the intensity of national passion iv the pomp and order of advancing battalions to expend it iv mortal collision, amid the thundering of artillery, and before the eyes of a world of spectators. It is grandeur itself when contemplated from afar off. And though we hear of the desolation of the countries through which a a .ending armies march and counter-inarch, we actually do not realise total rupture of all the bonds of society, the destruction — moral and material—and the irretrievable misery that accompany the progress of invading forces. We cannot imagine the suspension ■of all law—the helplessness of being left, with no appeal, to the licentiousness of brutal soldiers whose only law is their own unbridled passions. Such are the scenes now witnessed on the banks of the Khiue by men and women, fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters, with feelings as tender and pure, and family affections as strong, as any ever experienced by ourselves. Such seem s have not been known in England within the memory of man, and we are slow to believe iv the possibility of such occurring in Xew Zealand. So prone are we to trust the gemerous instincts of humanity, the chivalry of nations, that we cannot conceive the picture of New Zealand —of Auckland — a prey to the passions of avarice (or worse) of ruthless invaders. And yet it is known that some years ago, when war was imminent, the frigates of a then friendly power were lying in llobson's Bay; the officers feted at balls and routs, basking in the smiles of Melbourne beauty, while all the while, as was afterwards discovered, those chivalrous guests had a commission should war be declared, to instantly bombard and ravage the city, as a warning to England, how vulnerable she was in her extremities. The city of Auckland—every city in New Zealand —is exposed to the immediate action of a similar policy; and should England get involved in the present war, the thought of what we may witness as an immediate result, and to teach a lesson to the parent State, is absolutely sickening. It is true by international consent we are freed from privateering, but the horrors of the " Letter of Marque " might be reproduced in our utterly defenceless state, by the regulars from a corvette on a mission of the same fearful policy.

We are very much ploas.ccl to learn that Mr. Brown has completed arrangements with Madame Carandini and family for a repetition of the "Elijah" concert at the Music Hall on the evening of Monday week, the 19th instant. The prices of admission ha* been fixed so as to place within reach of everyone tho enjoyment of this magnificent Oratorio.

The Prince of Walc3 Theatre was, last night, fairly attended. "Ours, a Tale of the Crimean War," being repeated. To-night "The "Woman in Kod," for tho lust time, is to be repeated by request.

As will be seen from another column, the Tradesmen's Garrick Club have generously got up a benefit in aid of the funds being collected for Mrs. McGahan, whose husband was recently killed near Otahuhu by tho capsizing of a dray. The purpose is so deserving that we hope the Theatre Royal on Monday evening will be filled to overflowing.

It will be seen that Mr. D. K. Clarkson baa commenced business in Lower Queen-street, as a commission agent and rent and debt collector. We aro confident, from tho respect and esteem which this gentleman enjoys in the city, that he will receive a large share of the favors of the citizens, and that he will give them much satisfaction in the execution of their commissions.

On yesterday afternoon an awkward cir. cumstance occurred to a family party at Freeman's Bay. A man, with his wife and family, in a spring cart, attempted to make a near way from the city to the neighbourhood of the Convent, by crossing the bay, the tide being at the time almost full. On reaching the centre, and in the line with the creek, the horse and vehicle suddenly sank into a holo ( nothing being seen but the horse's head and those on board the vanished vehicle, the woman standing out on bold relief, bearing aloft her two bairns above the advancing tide. A boat was on the scene as quickly as possible and the party were landed, more frightened than hurt; the horse, on being dragged ashorOj

The next lecture of to very popular series on " The Early Christian Church,1' will be deli' vcred to-morrow evening at the Albert-street' Church by the Rev. Wailow Davics, the subjeci being " Paul's Pirst Sermon."

The Carandini concert, last night, at (he City Hall, was enjoyed by a house crowded to the doors. We almost think the popularity of these "pets of the public" would

never wane.

The s.s. Gro-Ahead will leave for the Bay of fslands on Monday, at 5 p.m., calling at Wan-

garei on her way down,

On the departure of the Kate for Sydney on Thursday night, Constables Carrigan and Ilarnett went on board, as is usually done on the departure- of vessels carving passengers. Of these the Kate carried about fifty, bouuc* (or the new diggings. On a thorough search being made, six men were discovered who had not paid their passage money, and these were compelled to "' fork over," or go ashore. They preferred the former alternative. In the hold, among the ballast, and stowed away in an empty coal basket, was found a poor shivering wretch, who, upon being asked for his passage money, declared he had not a penny in the world. The police were about to order him ashore when a big, burly Irishman stepped forward and cried, " Blood an ouns ! don't let the poor fellow lose his passage." At the same time lie took offhis hat and put a crown piece into it, and it was then parsed round among the passengers till the requisite sum had been obtained. The police then left the vessel, which lilled-away, the stow-away being,no doubt, greatly relieved, and thankful to his fellow-passengers for their kindness towavds him. 'Ibis little incident strongly tends to show that the feeling of compassion is warmly implanted in the digger's breast.

A meeting of the Newton Highway Board of Trustees was held yesterday afternoon, at the I'ork Hot 1, East-street, for ihe purpose of hearing appeals against the assessments lately made. Mr. 1). Oaley wai in the chair. Eleven objections were heard altogether, of which several were allowed. Considerable satisfaction was expressed that the inhabitants o!' the district and the Highway Board had worked so well together during the late trying season. Au admirable lecture was delivered last evening by the Her. J. Buller; subject, "Our I'oung Men." The lecturer is possessed i■■ an eminent degree of that practical sagacity which observed and classifies social tendencies ; then gives them new shapes, sometimes, of a really humourous cast. The lecture was divided into three parts, all of which were admirably illustrated by well drawn portraits of individuals. We greatly regret that press sure upon our space prevents us giving a report of this lecture more in detail. Mr Buller will address the young men on Sunday afternoon; subject, " The Hajjpiest Man Alive."