The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, and the Morning News THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1873.

Auckland Star, Volume IV, Issue 1180, 13 November 1873, Page 2

The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, and the Morning News

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1873.

For tho cause that lacks assistance, Forjthe wrong that needs rosistanco, For the future in the distance, And the good that wo can do

Let us have a few more enterprises like the "Nationallnsurance Company, "and Auckland capital will stay at home in f uturo. That this company will prove a success wo have every reason to anticipate, but that it comes forth under a dark shado of suspicion is a circumstance that must force itself on the attention of every one in tho smallest degree conversant with commercial transactions. The allotment on Auckland application.l, has now been made public, and the merest glance at the proportion botwoon application and allotment in a few cases will compel in any mind the conviction that there has been conduct on the part of the directors that is a good deal worse than questionable. Had allotment proceeded with impartiality something like one-fourth at least of Auckland applications might have been accepted. Instead of this the distribution is a curiosity. One applicant for five hundred shares has roceived twentyfive, another applicant for four hundred has received forty, another applicant for three hundred shares has roceived forty, and so on throughout tho list. But on the other hand ono application from Auckland for three hundred shares has been allotted two hundred and fifty, and those curious to discover the solution of the mystery find it in the ciroumstanco that a similar name to that of a partner in the favoured firm appears on the directory of tlio company. It is wholly needless to say what is the character of such a transaction as this, nor do we wonder that the great bulk of those who have been so treated have to-day been quitting themselves of thei_ shares. Suspicion was first cast on tho proceedings of the directors by tho lengthened delay in announcing tho allotment, and by the fact that tho shares of the Southern holdora were placed on the market in Auckland for somo time before Auckland applicants wero aware of the numbers allotted to them, or whether they were shareholders at all. A further suspicious circumstance was noted in tho fact that the directors being resticted to the holding of a limited number subsequently extended the limit ; but it was reserved for the final denouement, in,the announcement of the share list, to reveal the|transaction in all its nakedness. When it may please the directors of this now notorious enterprise to give back the deposits on unallotted shares nobody seems to know, but having had from this province some twenty-five thousand pounds in their hands for some two or threo months, and doubtless enjoying the usufruct, they might have shown a little sense of decency in not insulting applicants as they have now gratuitously done. There; is but one feeling in the city to-day on tho subject, and that is a feeling of unmingled disgust; and when we contrast with these proceedings the conduct of our Aucklandfloated company, the South British, and tho honor, straightforwardness, and impartiality that marked every step in its progress, the comparison does not., tend to give us very elevated views of the commercial morality of Dunedin. We do not know that after the Green Harp swindle, the chief actors in which fled before outraged public feeling, there has been anything more rascally in connection with commercial enterprise in the colony; but if it teach Auckland a lesson and induce our investors to keep their money at home and place it out in honest Auckland enterprise instead of running after Southern swindles, the slap in the face which has just been administered will] not be without its good results,

As illustrative of the method of disbribu- ' tion adopted by the provisional directors of [ the 'National Insurance Company we j have been furnished with the following cases \ showing application and allotment :— Appu e dfor. Allotted. Applied for. Allotted. 800 40 200 10 700 100 200 10 500 20 200 10 500 25 200 50 500 25 200 40 400 50 .100 ."30 300 20 50 25 250 30 30 15 200 20 30 15 200 25 300 250 200 25 250 100 200 20 200 100 200 20 100 100 200 20 20 10 200 20 20 10 200 20 25 20 200 10 50 20 Out of 52,500 shares in the National Insurance Company applied for by Auckland only 10,300 were allotted. The Auckland Harmonic Society will hold their weekly practice meeting this evening in the Christian Young Men's Room, Wel-lesley-street, and will give sacred selections and glees. The projected concert by the members will be held in the now Oddfellows' Hall, Lorne-strcet, on the Ist proximo, and the proceeds will be devoted to tho home for destitute children and the funds of the Ladies' Eenevolent Society.

To-day tire nomination of a lit and proper person to represent the electoral district of Mongonui in the Provincial Council will take place at Mongonui, and the polling on the 18th insb. It is expected that Mr Maxwell, the late member, will bo re-elected.

It was rather a singular circumstance that only one of ourmany loyal tradesmen madeany attempt to illuminate in recognition of the birthday of Prince Albert Edward, and this was Mr Levy, the clothier, in Upper Queenstreet. Shortly after the issuing of the last edition of the EvKxrxo Star this gentleman lit up tho "Star of Hope" above his shop door in evidence of his loyalty to the

sovereign

A special mooting of interest to mechanics and working men generally will bo hold this evening in tho room of tho Young Men's Christian Association, for the purpose of considering the present rate of wages.

Thcro aro many words lightly used now-a---days which aro not to bo found in modern dictionaries, and which would almost havo choked that moral sire of dictionaries, Dr. Johnson. What would that groat man have said to Bozzy had he heard a pretty girl call her sweetheart a "humbug," as we hoard a fair girl make use of tho word yesterday at the cattle show ? Fancy pretty pouting lips littering such a word to a lover. And yet we could not think but that the word was very expressive, and how difficult it must have been for our forefathers to have gofconin life without it. The word is now protty well incorporated in the English tongue, although not as yet used iv the pulpit, except by such bold men as Spurgeon and Boeeher. LaAVyers, however, even in classical Auckland, occasionally make use of the term as they do in the old country. Wo have read some : where of an English judge, whose personal appearance was as unprepossessing as his legal knowledge was profound and his intellect keen, who interrupted a female witness who said she had been humbugged by the fellow. " Humbugged, my good woman, what do you mean by that ':" "Well, my lord," replied tho woman, " 1 scarcely know how to explain the word, but if a girl called your lordship a handsome man she would bo humbugging you." The definition raised a smile in court, and was considered satisfactory.

The members and friends of the Shoridanstreet Chapel pleasantly closed the the loyal holiday yesterday with a tea-meeting and lecture. Tho little chapel had recently been lined, which gave to it a comfortable appearance. The tea was placod on tho tables at six o'clock, and in a manner that reflected much credit upon the excellent tasto of tho ladies' who provided the treat. Everything was of the first quality, and thore was "enough and to spare." Tlio tables wero adorned with vases filled very tastofully with seasonable flowers, which shed their dying sweetness upon the air. About eighty persons partook of tho "cup that cheers but not inebriates," as Cowpor expresses it, and of tho viands which aro usually associated with tho sober feast. After tea the Rev. O. Waters occupied tho chair, and introduced Mr T. A. Smith, tho lecturer of the evening, who delivered in a clear and impressive marmora lecture on " Popular Amusements," which ho said was not his own, but from tho pen of the celebrated Brooklyn minister, Henry -Ward Beecher. The discourse was full of point, and contained some excollont advice, interspersed with that famous preacher's racy touches of humour. Tho choir sung several anthems, and " Down the Garden," with force and spirit. Messrs Booth, Maynard, and Chalmers rendoiod good service by their stringod instruments. We understand that the committee are about to make an effort to procure a harmonium, which will be more suited for congregational singing than the fiddle, which is too harsh for the mellower requirements of sacred song. We believe that, ere long, a series of original readings, or a musical lecture will be given in aid of a fund for the object in view. Wo need only add that the evening was harmoniously passed, the visitors amply satisfied, and votes of thanks to the lecturer and chairman terminated the proceedings.

We have rccoived the following on skirts: — '' Sir—Getting out of a crowded church behind some ladies is calculated to make one—woll, forget all about tho sermon. The people behind you keep pressing on, and you must neither approach within six feet of the ladies nor lift you feet more than half an inch from the ground, for fear of treading on their dresses, which aro left to sweep tho floor behind them regardless of consequences. Leaving St. James's on Sunday last I wa3 immediately behind a young lady with a long train, which by skilful navigation I managed to avoid till reaching the porch, where in returning a friendly nod my vigilance for a momont relaxed and 'I put my foot in it.' The look I got has made me feel uncomfortable ever since ; but did I deserve it ? Had that lady paid half as much attention to her dress as I did she would not now be engaged sewing the skirt, nor would remorse bo knawing the eohseience of yours, &c, AuckT.ANP."

We regret to learn that several members of Good Ter»plarhood broke loose yesterday, and passed the sober bounds of gingor beer, and lato in the evening were prostrate beneath the unhappy influences of brandied lemonade. It seems clear therefore that if men have not sufficient moral strength to control their appetites and passion, that no pledges, however sacrod, are strong enough to restrain them.

The cricket match, Parnell v. North Shore, yesterday resulted in a victory for North Shore. The scores at the close were as follow : Parnell (first innings), 31 ; second, 80. North Shore (first innings), 57; second innings, 08.

yesterday ft number of larrikins, we believe from Parnell, conducted themselves at the North Shore in .?. manner that we hope and we believe will bring them into the hands of the police. In a perfectly nude state they attacked a bathing box in which a number of little girls and young ladies who had been bathing had sought refuge. They used tho most obscene and disgusting language and gestures while demanding admittance. Then ascending the heights of the North Head they deliberately rolled down stones among a number of ladies and children, who were in the greatest terror, and© implored them to desist, but were answered by the most ribald and indecent language. Altogether the outrage to decency committed by these youths, six or seven in number, and some of them, we are informed, sixteen or seventeen years of age, was such that to pass over their conduct would be criminal. We understand that several of them are identified, and we can only hope that they will come before Captain Beckham, who we are confident will mark his displeasure in such a manner as will prevent the repetition of such conduct. Wo call on the police to act on the information which was, we believe, to-day furnished to them, and let justice follow swiftly.

Tho following was received per carrier riigeon too late for our issue yesterday :— "Holiday at Riverhead in honour of the Prince of Wales' Birthday. Tbe s.s. Eclipse left at 6.30 with about forty excursionists, and returned at 8.35. P.M.—All safe and all sober. Riverhead, Nov. 12, 1573."

Mr Perkins issued the following extra to" day :—"National Consolers.—This excellent beverage is sold only at the Occidcnal hotel. Immense rush.'"

There was a considerable amount of business at tho Police Court to-day, as will be seen in our report. The case of Mr Miller for a breach of the Licensing Act is reiuarkablo as disclosing the fact that four people, two of them wore women, consumed in four hours 27 quarts of beer. What will the Good Templars say to this V

We understand that Mr W. J. Hurst intends to become a candidato for the representation of City East in the Provincial Council. There are, therefore, three candidates now in tho field for the throe seats in that electorate—Messrs Philips, Lusk, and Hurst. From the very strong and, we believe wo may say, unanimous feeling among tho electors, including those of every party, in favour of Mr Lusk's boin<^ placed in Council without a contest, it is probably unlikely that any other candidate will bo encouraged to come forward for City East, any addition to the list of course necessitating a contest.

To tho Editor : Sir, —1 am quite aware I am soliciting much valuable space, and I am equally well aware that no real good will accrue if you accord it mc. For any length of time back, so far back that my memory fails in noth.g the commencement, I have dinned into tho ears of those whoso voices should havo some weight an economical way of getting an abundance of water to supply Auckland for many years to come. Had my pockets been as auriferous as that blatant ass D—, or my anatomy sufficiently obese to havo filled tho waistcoat of " Old Mainspring," my project would possibly have commanded some attention. Now, sir, 1 will lcavo it for you to decide, and if I am wrong put mo down the quadruped Bully Bottom insisted on being written. f Tad tho water-supply scheme boon incorporated with tho Auckland aud Onehunga railway (indeed formed a portion Of the permanent way, and carried on simultaneously with the railway itself) would we not have had an abundant, present water supply in a very short time from the Onehunga springs? And if my proposition as respects the shoit line be Bound iv principle, would it not equally apply to tho longor ono and supply Auckland cheaply and expeditiously from the broad Waikato itself ? But it is no use talking ; you cannot make a silk purse out of City Councillors' oars.—l am, ko., T. B. Ha.NNA-'OUI).

Tho announcement of tho managers of tho Prince of Wales Thoatro that tho company would perform " Colleen Bawn" last evening mot with a very gratifying response ; tho house was nearly rilled, and the pieco was performed with great ability. Mr McGowan represented Corrigan ; Mrs McGowan, Anno Chute; Mrs Walter Hill, Eily O'Connor ; Mr Collier, Miles; Mr Hesford, Danny Mann ; and Mr Clinton, Cregan. The piece throughout was well sustained, and the actors received tho plaudits of tho audience Buckstone's farce, "Nan, the Good for Nothing," was effectively rendered by Miss Busche and another lady. The pieces gave much satisfaction., We see by advertisement that Mr Hesford will tako his benefit on Wednesday evening next, when a splendid bill lie provided, tho particulars of which will be duly announced.

About one o'clock yesterday morning a woman named Janet Kelly had a narrow escape from drowning. She was wandering about the wharf near tho edge, and by some means missed her footing and fell into the wator. Constable Sampson fortunatoly saw the occurrence, and at groat risk to himself scrambled down tho piles, and, seizing hold of tho woman, held hor until a ropo was thrown to him from a brig near at hand, with which he dragged her up on to tho wharf. But for tho constable's promptitude the woman would undoubtedly havo been drowned, —as it was she was removed to her home very little the worse for what had occurred. This is tho second rescue from drowning which the police have effected within the past few weeks.

The members of the Pioneer Lodgo of Good Templars will hold a meeting this evening in Cook-street Hall for the transaction of the ordinary business of tho lodge. A fire occurred last night at the farm of Mr James Wallace, Otahuhu, and which partly destroyed two and a-half stacks of wheat, owned by that gentleman. The stacks were insured for £370 in the Norwich Union office, aud the damage done is estimated at £100. Strange to say a twenty ton stack of hay, owned by Mr Wallace, was burned on the 28th of July, which was also insured with the Norwich Union. It is thought both fires have been the work of some malicious person, or were caused by one of the loafers who hang about tho out-districts.

A cricket match will be played in the Domain on Saturday next, at two p.n.., between oloven selected from Grafton Road and fifteen from the Brighton Cricket Club. The names are as follows :—Grafton Road : G. Carter, W. Woon, A. Alderton, G. Aldertoif, A. Woon, J. Woon, A. Brighton, T. B. Hull, D. Snodgrass, C. Beal, J. Castelli. Brighton Cricket Club : J. Henderson, L. Yon Tempsky, B. Mitford, D. Tonks, C. Hetley, W. Tonks, E. Moss, F. Lodge, H. Woodhouse, J. Copland, T. Davies, B. Philipson, W. Williams, A. Williams, T. Macky.

The fifth monthly meeting of the Auckland Teachers' Association will be held in Mr Fraser's High School, Symonds-street, on Saturday next, at two o'clock p.m. A paper will be read on "Education in Sweden," by Mr Theorell, of Upsall College, Sweden, a university which enjoys a very extensive celebrity in connection with educational progress. Mr Martin, of the Grafton-road School, will also give the second of his series of object lessons.

If any feature were wanting in Gourlay's Royal Exhibition at the City Hall to render it perfect and sustain the interest of visitors that feature has been supplied by the spirited proprietor in the extra novelities introduced last night. The attendance in consequence was tho largest that has yet been witnessed at the Exhibition, and the audience, if expressions of delight form a true criterion of success, was not disappointed in its expectations. Mrs Gourlay opened the proceedings with a spirited rendering of that fine old historic song, " Prince Charlie," followed by Miss Minnie Gourlay in the sweet characteristic song, "The Kindly Greeting," for which she received a well-earned encore. This young lady has a very nice voice and a very pleasing style, and will, we opine, become popular. Her life-like sketch of "Military Style," with side drum accompaniment, was very successful, and vociferously re-demanded by thenumerous audience.