MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 1872

Auckland Star, Volume III, Issue 633, 22 January 1872, Page 2

MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 1872

We should be sorry to speak a word tending to bring labour and capital into collision, or to advocate the principle of " strikes" which have wrought so much mischief in the manufacturing districts of England. But there are times when the claims of humanity cannot be repressed, even though they should become allied with an objectionable system. At the present hour the workmen on the recently recommenced Waikato Eailway are on strike, and the cause in the present case is such, that public sympathy must be on the side of the men. They simply ask that the working day should consist of eight hours instead of nine, and the claim is so reasonable that, so long as the men confine themselves to moral and legitimate means, they may calculate on public sympathy and support, and on eventual success. But they should distinctly feel that tho moment they resort to violent action, that moment will they cease to find sympathy among a law-abiding people such as the citizens of Auckland, and their proceedings will be forcibly suppressed. There can be no doubt that eight hours of hard manual labour, are as much as the human system is capable of enduring, without injury. And it is as well that now, in tho inception of our great colonial public works, the question of the hours of labour should be at once solved. ''Nigger driving " does not find favour in any of the colonies, and tho eight-hour system is becoming almost everywhere established. It is in the highest degree important, that at once the system should be accepted on our railway works. Sooner or later it must come to this, and the sooner the better, if we desire to avoid those heart-burnings and strife that otherwise will become chronic on our public works. But there is an additional reason why the hours of labour should be at once fixed. Mr Brogden's contracts are not fully arranged, and it is important to the satisfactory arrangement of terms, that the matter should be distinctly understood. At present, as we understand, the contractors are proceeding on the provisional arrangement, by which they receive a percentage on the money actually expended in the construction of the works. It is therefore at present of no consequence to the contractors, whether the hours are eight hours or nine. In fact so important is it to the contractors that the hours should be at once and definitely fixed, that we Bhould not be surprised if their agents are not averse to the present strike, and have done something more than merely winking at it. But this we only say in a whisper, and would not for the world have it spoken about. However this may be, we cordially wish success to the eight hours movement among the men. If it is to be at the cost of the country, it does not much signify ; for there is not a constituency in New Zealand that would be in favour of " nigger driving," or would instruct its representative to throw an obstacle in the way of the eight hours movement. And as the country will not object to pay for its railways, by a fair day's wage for a fair day's work, we trust that Mr. Brogden will make all his calculations and all his terms of contract with the Government, on the basis of a day of eight hours. This, we can assure him, is what it will come to; and we should regret that his firm, being strangers to the colony, should be misled by the supposition that nine hours can be compelled. But we sincerely trust that the men who have take up this cause will act with moderation and respect for law. Public sympathy will entirely depend on their demeanour. The cause of the eight hours system must and will prevail, but by violence they will only retard the boon. They should regard themselves as the upholders of a movement which they have no right to imperilby excesses. We trust, however, that Mr. Brogden and his agents will frankly and gracefully make this concession to the claims of humanity, and not inaugurate their entrance on our public works by a struggle for the establishment of "Jiigger driving" iv New Zealand;

Wo do desire to draw the very particular attention of those whom it may concern, to the following communication respecting the Mount Eden toll-gate, which we havo received from a rcspectablo citizen. If Mr. Culbraith is accustomed to cause irritation to every one that happens to cross his path, we think the Provincial Executive should see to it at the next letting of tolls. A turnpike, which is a remnant of barbarism at the best, and is disappearing from among all civilised people, need not be made additionally irksome, by being placed in the hands of a person who appears to take a pleasure in being disagreeable. Wo urge our correspondent to i brin,g nis caso before tho Provincial Executive. '•' To the Edito* oi the Evening Star. Sir, I Having **cad the letter signed " Cave Canem " ;<_ "Saturday's Stab, I can also boar testimony to tho manner travellers aro used at the Mount Eden toll-gate. A short time since, a boy in my employ passed with a horse be- ] longing to me through the Karangahape Eoad toll, twice tho same way in the course of an hour, but neglected to take a ticket, being well known at the different gates. Having also to pass tho Mount Eden gate the same morning, ho was stopped by Mr. Galbraith. which perhaps was just, and would not have signified much, had ho let the boy return as he went for tho ticket or the money. But he took tho boy forcibly from the horse, and detained the animal while the boy had to walk to the Newton toll-gate for his ticket, now having passed twice. Tho toll keeper at that gate gavo the boy a ticket for the amount ho had paid, namely, Gd., and with it tho boy walked back to Mount Eden to redeem the horse ; but a paper ticket wDuld not suit Mr. Galbraith, although it was signed and dated correctly. He must havo 3d. in hard cash, or the horse would be put in tho pound. So the boy had to ' raise ' tlie copper and release the horse. Since then I have been careful to provide myself witK. tho needful, and would advise others to do tho same."

We observe that Messrs. Burns and Rule have taken the premiso3 lately occupied by Messrs. Lyoll Brothers in Durham street, where they have oommenced to carry on the trade of bottled beer merchants. From their knowledge of the business thero is every reason to believe they will give satisfaction, and wo wish them success. Whitson's celebrated ales and stout will form their staple article.

We have boon shown a splendid gold Albert chain, manufactured by Mr. F. H. Lewi§6on, the well-known jeweller. Its weight is over 2 ounces, and is of cable twist pattern of a novel design. The appendages consist of a tastofully finished seal (which is made to contain a miniature), and the Masonio emblems, containing three specimens of quartz from the Caledonian, Whau, and Royal Standard gold mines. Thero is also a patent spring swivel, neatly mounted with quartz. The chain has been made for a gentleman at tho Thames, and for design, quality, and exeoution, is equal if not superior to any of Good's or any Clerkenwoll manufacturer, —to such efficiency ha 3 Mr. Lewisson brought local'jewellery manufacture.

Aquaria have for a number of years formed beautiful ornaments in the drawing-rooms cf many countries; and besides tho pleasure of watching the occupants, much information may be derived as to tho wonderful compensatory processes of nature. Wo were not aware that thero wero many in Auckland until taken to see one in the long-room at Sceats' British Hotel. This has beou constructed with much taste and ingenuity, and well deserves a visit from any one desirous of making one for himself. It should be remembered, however, that tho mere pleasing of tho eye is not the only thing to be attended to, for care and judgment must bo used in the selection of both animals and vegetable, so that tho aquarium may be self-supporting. The fullest directions are to be found in a small work, one of the series of "Enquire within for everything," which is to be had from most booksellers in town.

Although three weeks have elapsed since the commencement of the new year, wo learn that tho police constables have not yet re' ceived tlieir pay for December. This is most unjuit, and shows an infinite amount of neglect somewhere. The greater number of the men are married and havo families, and the small pay of five shillings a day is barely sufficient to provide absolute necessariei even when goods are obtained for ready money. Of courso when wages is three weoks in arrear credit has to bo obtained, and proportionally higher rates are charged Besides this, the men have to lay themselves under obligations to tradesmen, and this, for obvious reasons, is hignly undesirable.

Wo havo received the following communi* cation respecting "mooring lights" from a correspondent, signed " Argus." We have no doubt that the Harbor-master, in so far as his power extends, will do his duty faithfully, without fear or favor:—"Sir, —l kayo before me a copy of the regulations for The prevention of collisions at sea, now in force at this port, by whioh 1 observo that article 7 pro* vides that' ships, whether steam ships or sail ing ships, when at. anchor in roadsteads or fairways, shall exhibit where it can best be. seen, but at a height not exceeding 20 feet above the hull, a whito light in a globular lantern of eight inches in diametor, and so constructed as to Bhow a clear uniform and unbroken light visible all around the horison, and at a distance of at least one mile, from sunset to sunrise.' No exemption from this rule is made for men-of-war, yet last evening long after dusk, while the various vessels iv harbor had their lights suspended from their rigging, no light whatever was visible from H.M.S, " Blanche" although lying in the fairway. I can understand Her Majesty's vessels being exempt from port charges, or harbor dues, but 1 have yet to learn that they are justified in risking injury to life or property while the precautions are so simple. We shall see whether tho Harbor-master will fail in his duty in taking steps to punish the offender on this occasion, when he is so zealous in taking proceed-1 ings against poor coasting masters for cases of similar neglect.

We hoar that a race will take place this evening at half-past six o'clock, in the Albort Barracks, between two late members of tho A. R. C, for the sum of £5,

When the Parnell Highway Board completed the cutting down of part of the hill and | the formation of the new culvert by the railway viaduct, they evidently considered they had done sufficient to obtain them a niche in the temple of fame, for they immediately stopped ail further proceedings ; and although some months have elapsed since that stupendous work was finished, the summer has become far advanced, and still the main road remains in a disgraceful and dangerous state. Not only is it full of holes which render driving on it far from pleasant, but almost through its entire length it is covered with loose blocks of road metal which only require raking into the holes to put the thoroughfare into decently good order. We trust the Board will see to the matter.

Wo are exceedingly pleased to see that our invitation contained in Saturday's Stab, rg^ specting the free gift of water during the 1 drought has been kindly responded to. As will be seen from a notice over our leader, Mr; Clare, the boat builder, of Fort street, has kindly offered the use of a fine well which he has in Freeman's Bay, to all his neighbors who may be in want of water. We sincerely thank Mr. Claro for being tho firßt to exhibit this generous and neighbourly feeling. As wo stated before we shall most willingly give a standing advertisement during the continuance of the drought to all who will follow Mr. Clares' generous example.

In the Supreme Court the case of Kelly v. Brown has for the last two d*ys occupied the attention of the Judge and a common jury. The cause wai brought for recovery of damages allegd to have been sustained by plaintiff on account of tho loss of a publican's license for the Hibei-nia Hotel. A great mass of evidence hos beon taken, and the case was far from being concluded when wo went to press,

The "usual fortnightly meeting of the Borough Council was held this afternoon. All tho members wero present, and a great amount of correspondence was read, as well as the reports of various committcos. A good deal of discussion took place on somo of the roports ; but, up to the timo of our going to press, tho all-absorbing question of water supply had not boen ontered upon.

Wo have beon informed that proceedings havo been taken in connection with a case of alleged false imprisonment, in which a citizen was arrested on Friday night by the police, and lodged in tho lock-up on a chargo of drunkenness. Whether tho arrest was mado in error, or from belief that it was a real case of inebriety, we are informed that evidence is about to be adduced that the arrest was uncalled for.

The annual swimming and diving matches at the Salt Water Baths, took place on Saturday. The attendance was not so numerous as last yoar, but tho competition was keener, and the interest deeper in the events. Thero were seven races in all.

Gold is reported to have been discovered at Whangarei, a specimen wa3 brought up to Auckland for analysis. It is roported to run eight ounces to the ton.

The subscribers of the Auckland Dispensary will hold their 'annual meoting to-morrow afternoon, at 5 o'clock, in tho Mechanics' Institute.

The annual meeting of the Auckland Sunday School Union will bo held to-morrow eveningj at half-past six, at the Young Men's Christian Association Rooms.

It is very desirable that tho parishioners of St. Paul's should not forget that tounerrow evening the annual meeting will be held in the schooKroom. Besides tho appointment of wardens and vestrymen, some very important business will be brought before the meeting.

The regular monthly meeting of Lodge St. Andrew's will be held at half-past seven o'clock at the Lodge-room Star Hotol.

Two attempts have been made at incen* diarism at Wellington lately.

We observe by advertisements that Mr. R. W Dyson, so long and farourably known in the drapery trade, is about to relinquish tho business, and consequent upon the expiration of his lease will, for the remainder of term, hold an unusually cheap sale, and solicits an early call to secure bargains : [Advs.]

To any one who will show a larger stock of Auck-land-made Quartz, Greenstone, and Mosaic Jewellery, within six months, I will give a rewardof .fiftypounds. I also challenge Now Zealand for style and beauty. Two thousand pound worth of Colonial-made Jewellery always on hand.—F. H. Lewisson, Qneen street. — [Apvt.]