The Evening Star. MONDAY, MARCH 13, 1371.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 366, 13 March 1871, Page 2

The Evening Star. MONDAY, MARCH 13, 1371.

Although on Saturday afternoon a little more interest was manifested in the proceedings at One-Tree Hill, it must be owned that the indifference that has been show a respecting the Colonial Bifle contest is in the highest degree discreditable to the people- of Auckland. It is generally admitted that there is less of public spirit in our city than in most other places ; and the impression conveyed to our Southern visitors will not tend to remove our provincial character;. During the last Colonial Kific match, in Otago. though the weather was most inclement, and even at times when the rain was descending heavily, several thousands were to be found on the scene of competition, holding their ground manfully against the weather. Whereas, during the past week, an average of ( a dozen or two persons represented the Auckland public on the field, and of these nearly two-thirds were engaged in the sale of oranges and cigars, and ginger-pop. It is the same indifferentism that falls like a wet blanket on every enterprise projected in the place, and everything out of the ordinary routine of the Auck-i land jog-trot. "Were it not for a kind of mental and physical laziness that seema endemic, the One-Tree Hill on such an occasion would be thronged. The loveliness of the scenery and of the weather would have combined with the importance of the contest, and an. impetus would have been given to the cause of volunteering. If the number of citizens at the rifle range during the past week may be taken as an indication of the interest felt in things military, we would almost wish to see something happen to frighten our citizens and awake a proper sense of the importance of making an effort to I prepare for the defence of the country.