The Evening Star. FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 1871.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 328, 27 January 1871, Page 2

The Evening Star. FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 1871.

As to the attempt to introduce a reign

of terror by incendiarism being made at the present time there does not exist a doubt. Aiid the three conflagrations which we have had in our midst is unmistakably to coerce the public. We do sincerely express the hope that neither the Provincial Council nor the Provincial Government will now show a craven spirit in the face of this scoundrelly conduct by evincing any undue haste in starting public works. No one can starve,

and the lesson should be taught that acts of violence will have a directly contrary effect to that intended, by stifling: sympathy and nerving the community to defiance. Let the deserving be relieved by the Relieving Officer and by the stonebreaking as at present provided. But if the works on the Kaipara railway are now suddenly started, a premium will be held out to the perpetration of outrage and the authorities will show themselves afraid. We would also advise that neither of the buildings burued down be erected for at least a year. There are plenty of places which can be appropriated to kerosene storage, and the Choral Society cau make arrange ments for the City Hall for their .purposes. And it is due to the public safety, .and to tho dignity of law and order, that not one result of the burnings should be to the benefit of tho^e who in times of depression everywhere take revenge on society, and try to, provide themselves with work by ruining property and imperilling the lives of families.

The schooner Tawora, brought up from Poverty Bay a man named Donnelly, and another who have been sentenced to 4 months imprisonementj the former for giving a false alarm, and staling thatTelvooti was about to attack the settlers at Poverty Bay

1T.M.3. Virago, with hi* Excellency the Governor, railed at Tologa Bay on Tuesday last. iiis Excellency was well received by the natives. The Virago proceeded on her voyage the same evening.

We would remind our readers not only of the North Shore, but in the city, on Monday evening next, as noticed in another column, a soiree in connection with the North .Shore Presbyterian Chur.'h will be held at Mr. Nicol's patent slip building, North Shore. As a boat will be laid on especially to suit those in the city desirous of attending, we have no doubt that there will be a very large assemblage, and from what we have learned an exceedingly enjoyable evening may be expected.

We have no doubt that it will afford sincere gratification to a large number to learn that the Licensing Bill, with the permissive clause in tact, and unencumbered with the stultifying clause intended to apply the principle to wholesale licenses, has passed through the Provincial Council. The- measure will be one fraught with the deepest interest to society, and if gradually and prudently, but effectively put in force, will do more to advance the province industrially, socially, morally, and Qnancially, than any other that has ever passed the Council.

The usual weekly parade of the Auckland Rifle Volunteers took place last evening in the Albert Barracks, under the command of Major G-ordon. The members were put through squad drill, quick and slow marching, which was very creditably done. It was announced to the members that the monthly inspection parade would take place in the Albert Barracks on Thursday next, at 6.30 p.m.

A special meeting of the City Board of Commissioners was held at ] 1 o'clock to-day, to consider the advisability of offering a reward for the discovery of incendiaries. After a discussion, it was determined to offer a reward equal in amount to that offered by the Insurance companies, which meet this afternoon to consider the matter.

An interesting match yesterday came off in the Albert Barracks, and to which a large number of persons were witness. It wns not a cricket match; neither was it a rowing, a shooting, nor a wrestling match ; but it was a match of throwing " boomerangs," between Mr. Perkins of the Occidental Hotel, aud Mr. Whitley of the Fijis. The sport was certainly a novel one, and a large number of people very soon collected to witness the gyrations of the wooden missle. Perkins certainly must have been born an Australian native; on no other hypothesis can we account for the extraordinarily perfect manner in which he " topped his boom." He sent it Hying along the ground for fifty or sixty yards ; it then sped upwards for as many feet, and finally, after performing a variety of antics in the air, it descended gracefully at the thrower's feet, to the intense astonishment and admiration of the assemblage. Mr. Whitely had, however, had too much practice with the boomerang to be caught napping, and after a prolonged contest the game was declared to be drawn.

Mr. J. A. Gilfillan offers a reward of £3 for the apprehension of one John Evans, lately of the coal mines, Kawakawa.

The annual ball in connection with the A. O.F. and 1.0.0. F., M.U. will be held in the Mechanics' Institute, on the evening of the Regatta-day.

Mr. C. F. Mitchell, intends to address his constituents on Saturday evening, in reference to the resignation of his seat in the Executive.

Donald Sutherland gives notice of his inability to meet his engagements with hiß creditors.