THE MAN ABOUT TOWN. No. XI.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 480, 25 July 1871, Page 2

THE MAN ABOUT TOWN. No. XI.

At a meeting of the Gas Company held yesterday, I was very glad to see the chairman defended the conduct of the directors in keeping up the price of gasI think he showed pretty clearly that the discount of 25 per cent, was equivalent to a reduction in the price of gas ; and the effect of this had been that there were no bad debts, people paying their accounts promptly in order to save money. This, is, therefore, a real reduction. But some people, with, their usual procrastination, had driven off settling their accounts until after the expiration of the ten days; and then, on the secretary refusing to allow the reduction, ho had " written to the paper," and made a great fuss about it. As the chairman observed,.if there is a rule it must be kept; and so I say, " Stump up your gas accounts within ten days," or submit patiently to pay the full amount.

.Not content with being a member of the great Municipal Board, the people's champion Las made two attempts to become trustee of Highway Boards ; but, judging from the result, the ratepayers will have "none of him." At the first meeting, where he was duly proposed, it leaked out that he had not paid his rates up to time, and he was accordingly disqualified. At the other meeting of the Newton ratepayers, held last night, he only got ten votes. Alas that the talents of this great man should be overlooked ! Could his uncle have pictured to himself his numerous disappointments in this country, he would,' when he fell upon his nephew's neck and wept, have adjured him to remain in England, aud stick to his loom and his shuttle.

To-morrow evening will be a grand gala night among the publicans. On that occasion they will give their patronage and presence to the Prince of Wales Theatre, in their distinguished and official capacity of the "Licensed Victuallers." We understand that the ante-room of the theatre already begins to present a very animated appearance, from the numerous stone and glass bottles and glasses with which it is crowded, and which, it is said, will play a prominent part on the occasion. The piece selected for representation is the great moral drama of " The Bottle," in which the whole strength of this talented company will appear, We sincerely hope it will produce a favourable impression upon the Victuallers ; but we doubt whether it will succeed in having the effect desired to be attained by the production of this great piece. I hear there has been a rumpus between His Honour and his Executive, and that His Honour, in high dudgeon, refuses to remain in the same room with them, and has therefore selected another and more comfortable and commodious apartment. It is .-mid that he keeps this most religiously locked, and carries the key about with him. His .Executive are thus left to themselvss, and we do not know that they are sorry for it on the whole, although they muat miss the social harmony which " flowed" between them in the days {of yore, and which led to Lheir physical and moral well-being. That's a capital yarn which appears in this morning's Herald —at least if we may judge from the first part. It is very annoying though, to have it published in this way, for just as one gets to the most ■interesting part, " to be continued" stares them in the face, and that just previous to the description of a battlo between the English and Prussians on British soii, and which is to decide the fate of the British Empire. The story teaches . a lesson which, we hope, the English will take to heart, and although it is written as a skit, it has a good moral. Dick is most impatient to read the account of the battle of Dorking, which we are promised iv tomorrow's issue, and which should be read by everyone who wishes to become acquainted with the history of his own country. It is with great pleasure that I learn that the Caledonians are going up again, and are already near to their old prico. I knew it would be so, and advised all my frionds to hold on and not sell out during the senseless panic. I did not part with a single one myself, but I can let a i'e\r go now at £300, although I am fully convinced they are worth £400.

A " genLlcmau " used to the position of Towa Crier, " either with or without bell," has applied to the Town Council for that position. There's no doubt that ho will be a mobt valuable adjunct to the Council; and I believe a large brass trumpet is being manufactured for this XDrier with which to blow the praises of the members of the Council—for although it is true that most of them are fully able to do justice to themselves in this respect, it is nevertheless a fact that some of them are of a retiring and modest disposition —notably Messrs. St—nes and Sm—rt— and in jus! ice to these gentlemen, the Town Crier has been engaged at an enormous salary to sing their praises. A very stupid and spiteful letter appeared in the Herald a day or two ago on the subject of the -Harbour Board, and complaining that nothing had been done except voting salaries.' This evidently came from a disappointed man, and from the incorrect aad biassed nature of the contents, would carry little weight with it. JN"o doubt if the writer or his friend had received the position of secretary, or oven chairman, the letter would never have b;eu written, lie is evidently a disappointed man. and .more disappointed, no doubt, because no one has deigned to reply to his epistle. Dick- tells me fcliat steam is altogether knocked into a cooked hat. In the News of Monday'it states that the Crown left Honolulu on the 2nd June, and renched Sydney the same day. , Steam! —steam's a fool to it. Why its equal to the telegraphic wires. I can recommend tho piay-going public to visit the Prince of Wales, and see the "Overland Route," which is really well got up. Mr. Hoslciris is, of course, good as the adventurer; -buf, in ray opinion, Mr. Hydes has the best part in the piece. The Steeles', at the Jioyal, are also worthy of being patronised. Mrs. feteele (Miss Bowring) will appear us " Leah " (Miss Bateman's great part) this evening, a character in which she is said to have fevv equals. I should like to see both houses well patronised. Nathanjbi Beeswing, ,