"MEN WHO HAVE RISEN."

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 507, 25 August 1871, Page 2

"MEN WHO HAVE RISEN."

[EXTEACT FBOIT A SHIP'S NEWSPAPEB.] Peehap3 the following account of a young man's rise and progress, may interest some of your readers, as showing to what a man, however humblo in his own estimation, may attain, and I think the public will allow that his name should be placed in the category of " Men wh3fhave risen."

William Stanians was borne of wealthy pai-ents, of good, not to say noble descent. They could trace their lineage back further than any family in England; two of his uncles were baronets, a fuct which speaks sufficiently well for both the jHiternal and maternal side, although his father was not fortunate enough to obtain even the honor of knighthood! We are not acquainted with the name of his godfather, but the celebrated Miss F—r—o N—t—g—e, so well known since tho Crimean War, was his godmother. •' i ■

Mr. Stanians, senior, was the master of a : well known pack of harriers for upwards of 17 years, and this gave William, though still a boy, considerable insight into the ways and habits of the dog which qualified him to take a part in judging at some of the principal shows in the kingdom. The wholesome exercises which accompany the life of a country gentleman, embued Willinm with considerable muscular strength, which he wisely turned to good account. He excelled in all athletic sports, and his success as a rider was most brilliant. His name will ever be associated with that of "Fanny Drape," a mare on which ho beat a good field at Manchester. The finish was the admiration of all who beheld it, and the P—e of W s being on the ground, was so pleased that he came up and congratulated him on the spot. He rode the same mare at the Manchester Agricultural Show, where the Pc again expressed himself pleased with the perfect manner in which William handled the-mare over a stiff steeplechase course, of which he was again a winner. i - It was at this time that he began to shine in another light; a flat race was arranged between our hero and a well-known professional, to be run over a mile course. Teddy Mills trained the former, and it is almost needless to say that Stanians was an easy winner in 4J minutes. Not satisfied with the feat, he turned Jiis attention for a time to aquatic sports. Here it was a case of Vent, Vidi, Vioi, for in<a fouroared race he led his crew to victory in the shortest time in record.

And now of " arms I sing ;" —after a few turns up with the small fry in the north, Staniias, after winning no less than five or six gold .medals, and three silvorcupi, went in for the champion amateur boxing of England, which, after a short encounter, he won*easily. He once had a very severe contest with an American gentleman of the ring, in which he showed immense pluck and determination, both the combatants in the last round or two being obliged to approach each other on their hands and knees; but the contest was at length decided in JWr. Stanian's favor.—He also once severely thrashed a justice of the peace for attempting to kiss his sister, a young and beauteous damsel, in a railway carriage. William was pursued by a policeman, but ha made good his es ape by springing with the agility of Robin Hood upon his horse, which soon boro him out of harm's way. Though; quite a youth, William kept a fine kennel of greyhounds, over which he had excellent mauagomonf. The breed was much Bought after, and ho made over a draft of a couple to a very celebrated greyhound runner ; but wo do not hear of hisfhaving " pulled off" any of the important prizes. After this, we do not hear much of him in England, ua ho went abroad for a few years to put g. .finishing touch to. his education. Although 'Stftnians tivas At in nearly all .English, sport*, lip"did not neglect his studies, as shortlyvafter %i£ arrival in Germany he came out first in an examination for a doctor's degree at the Leipsic University, much to the envy and admiration of his fellow students. Ho resided in Germany some time, and attained a perfent knowledge of that language, even to the exclusion of his native tongue ; for on his return home it was with difficulty he could make himself understood in plain Knglish. ■ lJnriqg hio travols in .Germany and Franco he huct frequent iutorviows with the g?nerais and officers of both armies; conse-" quently when the war broke out, his services were desired as lieutenant of transports, aud he served in a gallant manner iv some of the most important battles.

On liia coining m-ros* French prisoners of war his knowledge of French served him in good stead, nnd the intimacy which ho had formed with the German Chancellor's' son at college, proved of great benefit to him. In Tact this it was which procured liitn hie lieutenancy, and which, coupled with his honorable conduct and knowledge of the languages, would have gained him the highest honors, had it not been for his recall home. '-

Whilst ou the Continent he travelled much ; he took,a trip I£-.Russia, calling at Malta-(?) ; ho visited Constantinople and Odessa, and made a stay of some little time at the hitter place. PJ, J j "

His gentle manner, sweet disposition, manly bearing, and soft, melodious voice, made, him a''geriefal-favourite wherever ho went— especially,'athoiigsfc the fair sex—witli' one of whom, alas ! he became acquainted, and not fulfilling his engagement to her, was sued for damages, but the affair. was ( satisfactorily hushed up. Space would fail us, if we attempted to. d,etaiJL ( all : the accomplishments of ,JVlr. William Stanians before he wa9 of the age of 22 years.

■■' We last heard of him as having left 'England-for Auckland, New Zealand^ in the •Exc'olsioiy for the- purpose'of investing1 part 'of his great wealth ; but still fond of study, •and- of proving of servioe- to his fellow ■Creatures'; :he has 'there acoepted an appointment of I" T'caoher in Foreign Languages." IWe wish ■ hitu every success ; he must be known to be appreciated, and must bo alone seen to be loved and honored.'