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Auckland Star, Issue 1192, 18 November 1873, Page 2

In another part of to-day's issue appears a letter from the Secretary of City West No. 1 School Committee with reference to the alleged exclusion of a child from one of our public schools. It appears from inquiry that the Resident Magistrate has acted in a most unwarrantable manner in the attitude ho has assumed in relation Ito this charge. Not only is it clear that ! the complaint is entirely without foundation in point of fact, but there is strong evidence to prove that Mrs O'Connor has beej^induced to come forward in a measure againsft her will for the express purpose of bolstering up certain unjustifiable remarks which Mr Beckham was imprudent enough to give utterance to from the Bench, and which were subsequently called in question. From inquiries made by the School Committee we learn that shortly after the school opened two or three of Mrs O'Connor's children were sent there. They were received into tho school in the usual way, no objection being offered. One of the children was barefooted, and some of the other scholars had said to her that unless she got shoes she would be put out of the school. She did not return again, but has continued since then, some months, at the nunnery school. Although the School Committee publicly invited complaints from persons whose children were alleged to have been excluded from the?sehool, yet Mrs O'Connor never came forward until, as she now states, she was sent for to go to the Police Court and mako a deposition on the subject. It would appear that the Resident Magistrate has commenced a kind of semi-judi-cial enquiry into the vague reports and rumours that have obtained currency. By what power, or in what capacity, Mr Beckham has undertaken this inquiry is best known to himself, but it ia extremely unbecoming for a magistrate to go out of hia way for tho purpose of throwing odium' on tho Education Act. This Mr Beckham has been guilty of in the remarks which, without inquiry, ho has given utterance to from the Bench; and when he goes beyond all bounds of decency in his efforts to vilify the gentlemen who have undertaken the ,tkankless task of administrating the Act, and attempts to stir up opposition against the law which it is hia duty as a Magistrate to administer, it is full time that a public protest should bo entered which he cannot and dare not disregard. Truly Auckland has reached a happy state when the Bench becomes tho champion of ignorance, — parent of vice. Doubtless Mr Beckham and his supporters in tho course ho has taken may plead that it is only towards securing the observance of law and the education of poor children that his efforts are directed. But no one knows better than Mr Beckham that the Education Act has been resisted step by step, and that his remarks and subsequent inquiry are calculated to incite greater hostility against the law of the land. One of the principal;functions of the School Committee is to investigate such charges as those made, under direction, by Mrs O'Connor, and until Mr Beckham was satisfied that the committee had declined to act in the matter he had no right to interfere ; as a magistrate, and one knowing the law, he should have directed persons making complaints to the local committee as the proper body to receive charges against the management of a school. We trust Mr Beckham's inquiry will result in thoroughly satisfying himself and the public, and wo'

hope it -will bygexpkinod Mhu theggcnfelamaii waa thac twice called oii Mr3 O'Connor ami solicited lie. attendance at Mr Becldxam's private room, that lady i>k;su strenuously ileaying that she took any .action in the matter, or made any complaint until pressed to do no. The clmtactcr of

tho chargo may bo understood whon it is m&ntioncd thai according to Mrs O'Counor'a own statement tho alleged exclusion occurred eight mouths ago, and this is the first the public or school committee have heard of it. Verb. seep.

The "bankrupt" state of the treasury of the province of Auckland lias been so often alluded to that most feel some interest in the subject. Of course it is generally felt that the expression is a figurative one, but the term has become so familiar and is so glibly spoken, especially by .Southerns, that doubtless some believe the treasury is "unable to meet its liabilities." That it has hitherto done so is not questioned; yet at the close of the last financial quarter we find that in tho Bank of New Zealand and in the treasury chest itself, there was to the credit of the province the sum of £14,402 Ss 3d. Ihere's a shot in the locker yet.

_ A young couple who had long been on the tiptoe of expectation, while wooing warmly through the winter months, and loo7dn<> forward with _ tremulous hope to the llowerwreathed rising of summer, consummated their whispered wishes yesterday at noon. The chosen minister officiated, and in fifteen minutes easily tied the knot which it is so difficult to untie. Ifc pleasantly joined their hands—their hearts it was understood had been joined before—and wished them joy. The pair seemed perfectly happy in conjugal embraces, and after a little music, a little feasting, and a little parading to and fro in front of Hymen's nest in Hepburnstreet, all was silent until tho milkman called at the appointed hour with a can of golden cream, when to his dismay he could find no entrance. Had something seriously happened? Yes, surely a wedding ! but where were tho happy slaves VThe outer gate was fastened, and Mrs B slyly suggested that the gentle eouplo were weary, and having a nap on the couch. She was certain they had not gone out. Tho milkman, Mr C , said he could not wait, the sun would soar the cream, and he picked up a bone and Hung it vigorously at tho door, but unfortunately it paused through the window into the bride's room. A scream was hoard, and out rushed tho husband, followed by the young lady in wild and sweet disorder, like a beautiful rose torn by tho winds. She was near upon fainting, but a slight sprinkling of the pure clement restored her; when she sighed, "Oh, dear me, 'tin only the cream." Order was restored, and the evening passed merrily with Hong and music ; and tin; milkman, upon making an apology ami presenting the bride with a bouquet, vr»s forgiven for breaking the window, and invited to supper.

The nomination of a member to represent the district of Opotiki in the Provincial Council was bold on November 4, when Messrs \V. Kelly and S. Moody was proposed. The show of hands were in favour of Mr Kelly. The poll was to take place on the Kith instant (Saturday last).

We wonder if the electors of Onohuuga arc aware of tho electioneering dodge in eontemplationby their old member John Lundon. We arc informed on very good authority that it is purposed l>y a certain clique that Messrs O'Rorke, Lundon and Leo arc to be nominated on the 20th, and that Lundon will retire after tho nomination. Could those who voted in favour of intellect and progress at the late Superintendence contest not unite and secure the services of some gentleman more fitted to represent them and tho cause of progress than I>r. Lee. Wo have sounded the alarm, and hope the Onehunga electors will haste to the rescue. If they tamely submit to be sold like a bullock at Smith field, and that, withj their eyes open wo think their second member might be dispensed with, and given to some district that values its electoral privileges at a higher rate than the intelligent of the Onohungains'. Mr Lundon is well up in electioneering dodges ; witness his tactics in nominally canvassing for Mr Lusk up North, and then throwing his whole soul and body in to the canvass for John Williamson. Is he to be a follower on a small scale of Warwick, the Kingmaker, and make and unmako M.G.A's. and M.P.C's. at his own sweet will. The Hokiaiiga election of J. Sheohan is another feat in this direction.

The drapers of Dunedin are closing their shops at eight o'clock on Saturday evenings, and propose that the Saturday hours of closinc will in future be eight in tho summer and six in the winter. This is an advance movement in early closing. We think, however, bhat xintil nine o'clock on Saturday night should bo allowed working people to do their shopping in, many not being in a position to make purchases until after night.

The usual meeting of the City Council was held yesterday afternoon and a considerable amount of business done. A letter was read from the Superintendent stating that the cost of laying fire-plugs would be £77, but as the Provincial Government wero short of funds the City Council must defray the expense. A letter was read from tho South British Insurance Company respecting tlie payment for damage done to certain tanks in tho late Queen street firo. It was agreed that tho matter should be favourably conoidered, as tho company had been very liberal in connection with that disastrous fire. A letter was read from Mr C. J. Stone asking that tho flagging in front of his promises" damagod by the late fire, might be re-laid, and considered such matters should be met by the rates. Councillor Isaacs expressed surprise at such a suggestion from an old citizen, and moved that tho Town Clerk bo instructed to take steps to compel owners of property to pay for their flagging. Tho motion was seconded by Councillor Macready, and carried. A long letter was read from Mr McGregor touching the familiar subject of water works, making certains proposals to tho Council. He asked a concession of their powers of rating, taking lands and streams as provided for in the several Municipal Waterworks Acts of 1572, and if such concessions were made ho would undertako to supply Auckland with water, construct the necessary works, and provide the plant. He would also pay for land compensation, &.C., provided the Corporation guarantee the interest at six per cent, per annum on the sum of £105,000, the interest to bo computed on the actual monthly outlay from the commencement of tho works. Councillor Hurst suggested that the letter stand over until they should receive Mr Moriarty's opinion thereon. Councillor Macready would support the motion, which was agreed to, but he hoped tho Council would not shirk the matter, as Mr McGregor evidently meant business. A complaint was made to the Council from the inhabitants of Chapel-street, praying for an abatement of the nuisance to them caused by Messi's Warnock's soap works. The lettor was referred to the Nuisance Committee. The fortnightly accounts wero then ordered to be paid. The Council then adjourned.

There are now four lodges of Good Templars in Dunoclin, one of which is said too be 1000 strong.

There is a report that Mr Hancock and other publicans are about to make an effort to meat the liquid wants of Cor;.! Templars by fitting up a Templar department and supplying refreshments nf a pure nature bo tho sober part of the community.

The usual meeting of ths Band of Hope Avill take place this evening under the management of the persevering secretary, Mr Can-. Several friends of the cause will interest the meeting with recitation? and songs. The members of the Loyal Fountain of Friendship Independent Order of Oddfellows will hold a special meeting this evening for important business in the lodge-room of their new hall, Lome-street.

Occasionally the members of the City Council are enlivened with bright strokes of wit and' reminiscences oF their city walks, as for example a correspondent referred to "flagging" as a. bigger swindle than the " "National." Councillor Macready stated that he knocked about the streets a good deal, and he thought from what he saw that the street-cleaners gave their "mind chiefly to smoking," and Councillor Isaacs had actually seen one of these labourers amusing himself by "zealously digging up weeds with a penknife." Mr Brodie was also requested to shew grumblers (who offensively pressed into his presence without knocking) the office door. These pleasant by-words are surely worth recording.

_ P. A. Philips, Esq., Mayor, was the Resident Magistrate who presided at the Police Court yesterday, and not Thomas Beckham, Esq., who is at the Thames.

In our police report yesterday it was stated that an assault case—Grattan v. Lord

—was withdrawn, It should have read Lord v. G rattan. Tho ease was withdrawn upon Mr Grattan making ample apology.

A very pleasant entertainment consisting of music and song was held last evening in the Wellington Academy for the puvpo.se, as Mr Harrison stated, of making additions to the library. The room owing to the wetness of the eveningwasnottilled, butthere was a considerable number of adults and children present. Miss Shanaghan and other ladies alternately presided at the piano. The children sang in a pretty lively manner several pieces, such as "Hnforn all Lands," "Lightly Row," and the " Fairies Dance." Master j. fiarty pave the " Spanish Champion ;" and Master Fort recited Willie Thorn's "MitherIcß9 I'.uiin." The Misses Howards sang very etTectively "Strangers Yet," and "Come with thy Lute •," and.jMias Maggie Binns gave " The Lost Child " in a clear distinct style. " What are the Wild waves Haying," " I cannot mind my Wheel," and Tennyson's, " Break, Break, fireak." "The fiipsy's Warning," the "Wind and Harp," and the " Christmas Chimes" wore very fairly rendered by several lady amateurs. Among the recitations entitled to credit may be mentioned "A Cheap Dinner," by Master Fairs ; Macaulay'a " Rattle of the League," by Master Reid ; " Razors," by Master \i. Collins ; a "Candle Lecture," by Master J. Fairs; and "My Home," by Master Leggett. The "Two Merry Hearts," a duet, was sweetly given by Miss Kate and Master.!. Garty, "Annie Laurie" by Miss Shanaghan and Mrs Harrison, and a pleasant evening was brought to a close with the National Anthem.

To the Editor : Sir, —Will you allow me to call your attention to a typographical error in your insertion of my letter of Saturday evening last. The misprint 1 refer to occurs in the following sentence: —"I have no hesitation in saying that if a scrutiny were taken there would be discovered seven or eight false votes and impersonations in the late election.'' it .should read "seven or eight hundred false votes, &c.'" T might state that J have in my possession a Thames electoral roll on which there arc nearly fourteen hundred absentees, spurious and deceased persona represented as voters, and most of these votes have been polled at the Thames during the late election to servo the interest of a certain party. As this is a public question a proper scrutiny should take place, and then the eyes of tho honest elector would be opened to the scandalous trickery employed for the last five or six years in this province by the supporters of a certain candidate.—l am, &c, llki'Orm.

We have received the following referring to the electoral rolls :—To the Editor of the Kvknin'i; Stak :—Sir, —Seeing in tho Star of Saturday Mr J. Wallace's letter relating to bona fide electors being left out of tho roll for the district of Pakuranga, I was Induced to examine the list, and 1 find in J Towick and its immediate neighbourhood at least five such omissions, viz. :—Messrs James Lindsey, Michael Pago, Thomas Suteliff, John McNeil, and Charles Cooper ; all of these have been on the electoral roll,^nd have resided on the same property for years. I also find dead men ox\ the roll, some of whom have been dead for several years, double entries of the same person, and person and persons who have sold their properties and left the district altogether. What is to prevent unprincipled politicans out of this district, or where they are not known, from personating any of the above. — I am, &c, James White, Howick.

Tho Diocesan Synod of Otago, by a majority of twenty-three votes to four, adopted the following resolution :—" That it is desirable that oA'ery effort be made by the Church of England in Otago to promote the introduction of denominational schools everywhere throughout the diocese." This resolution was proposed by the Rev. Mr Stanford and supported by all tho clergy and eleven of tho laity.

Tko Cattle Show Committeo will hold a mooting on Friday next at Sce;its' British hotel, when the collectors are requested to attend.

We notice that Mr J. Hesford will take his benefit to-morrow evening at the Prince of Wales Theatre, when a full programme will be presented, consisting of dramatic, musical, terpsiehorean, vocal, and comic varieties, and the Giant will make his first appearance in Auckland, introduced by a local song, written by one of the leading amateurs. The dramatic portion will comprise Dion Boucicault's famous "Poacher's Doom !" "The Miser's Plot," and an Ethiopian farce, in which pieces will appear some of the leading Auckland amateurs. The poacher will be represented by Mr Odium, Greenfield by Mr W. Fisher, Union Jack by Mr J. Hesford ; Chalk, Molctrap, and Buttercup by Messrs Thomas, James, and Wilson, Avhilo Miss Buschc will play the part of Hachaol, and Miss Vivian that of Fanny. The second part will consist of songs, hornpipes, duets, and dances. Tho songs " Shabby Genteel" by Mr W. F. Armstrong, " Norah O'Neill" by Mr C. Hill, and "I really shall expire" by the brothers Mettam Messrs Clinton, Hoggard, and other gentlemen will aid in this part of the programme, also several lady amateurs. Between the parts Messrs Beda and Elder will perform several sensational acts on the horizontal bar. The " Miser's Plot" will _be represented by Messrs Armstrong, Armitage, and Finlay. From these promises it will be seen that a plentiful feast will be provided for. lovers of music, song, gymnastic exercises, and danco. The provision is ample, and tho entertainment should be successful.

To the Editor : Sir, — Wednesday next being bhe clay fixed for the nomination of persona to represent Onehunga in the Provincial Council <■, large number of tb.e electors here earnestly desire an honest, honorable gentleman to come forward for that purpose. If you could influence either privately or through your widely circulating Slfir such a person to offer lii.s services ho will find himself warmly supported.—Yours truly, Elector.

A meeting of the ball committee of the Licensed Victuallers, will be held at the British hotel, at one p.m.. on Thursday next.

A meeting of the Newmarket Literary Association will be held this evening at eight o'clock in the Presbyterian schoolroom.

A very influential requisition to Messrs W. Swanson, J. T. Boylan, T. Macready, P. Dignan, and J. Prime is now in course of signature urging them to stand for re-election to the Provincial Council. It is stated that 700 signatures have already been secured.

This is announced as the last wok of Mr Gourlay's exhibition in the City Hall. Last night there was a good sprinkling of visitors, Avho expressed their approval of the collection in grateful terms. The various songs of Mrs and Miss Gourlay were nruch applauded.

The members of No. 1 Pioyal Company of Volunteers had a good muster last evening in the Drill-shed, and paraded successfully under Sub-Lieutenant Payne, and creditably performed their drill under Sergeant-Major Haslem.

To the Editor : Sir, —I shall trouble j'on to put a few linos in the Auckland paper. Mr Footo wishes me to call the attention of the public once more to his mines, and if they do not believe this report please come to Mr Pooto's place and judge for yourself ; for this I will assure you, gentlemen, is not a swindle, and that you will see very shortly by the repott of as good engineers as you can produce in Auckland ; also one of them had forty years of experience in England in iron mines ; and you know, gentlemen, I have taken first prizes for coal, iron, and tire-clay, and also for other minerals, such as gold ; and also a good stain of copper last week some little distance from the bcj.eh. Specimens are on view at Mr Pices' office. — I am, &c, R. Foote. Bridgowater Farm, November 12, 1873.—[Advt.]

Mr J. G. Harris, the champion pedestrian and Mr S. Collins, his trainer, arc in Wellington. There intention is to make a tour through the North Island, organising sports as may seem desirable ; and Mr Harris being desirous of testing his powers against American pedestrians, they will afterwards sail for San Francisco.

In spite of the remarks of the Melbourne Loader correspondent, Lady Fergusson, says tho Wellington correspondent of the Dunedin Guardian, has made herself extremely popular, and he has no doubt will make an eqiially favorable impression elsewhere.

A very respectable meeting was held in the school-room, at Tuakau, on Friday evening, to hear Mr Crispe, who explained his views on the many subjects of interest to them at the present time. He paid particular attention to the exercise of the Volunteer land .scrip held by so many amongst them, and. thought it should be exercised on land in their own immediate neighbourhood. Such had been the case with the orders held by tho officer commanding the district, and why not with the men under him ? Surely what is " sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander." After undergoing the usual catechising a vote of confidenco was accorded Mr Crispe, and a very harmonious meeting terminated. Tho nomination for llama I'ama is to take place at I'ukekohc West on Tuesday next, and the polling on Thursday.

Otago, it is said, will soon be plentifully stocked with barristers and solicitors. Three more have just passed, and it is said that nearly forty more cmbryotic barristers are still in tho various law oilices in town, who will doubtless from time to time emerge from their probationary positions, and enrol themselves among the alread}' well-filled ranks of tho " Devil's Own."

Tho 15th ult. was a tield day with the Invercargill Inspector of Nuisances, as on that date ho made a raid on the goats of the towu, and the Southland' Times nays that he succeeded in in driving in no less than fortyeight, which were mercilessly slaughtered and denuded of their skins.

Wo understand that an influential requisition is receiving signature Inviting Captain J. 11. Burns to allow himself to be nominated as a candidate for tho representation of City West in tho Provincial Council.

A touching story is told in the 'American papers of a lady in Kentucky who was stricken with a sudden failing of the optic nerve, and was cold that she could not retain her sight for moro than a few days at the most, and was liable to be deprived of it at any moment. Sho retired to her home, quietly made such arrangements as would occur to anyone about to commence so dark a journey for life, and then had her two little children attired in their brightest costumes brought before her ; and so with their little faces lifted to hers, and tears gathering for tho great misfortune that they hardly realised, the light faded out of the mother's eyes.

Our.Agent-General is a muff or something worse, there is small doubt, but thore cannot be any denying the fact that he has grave difficulties to overcome in order to induce emigrants to come to New Zealand. Here is one of startling magnitude : —Six of the single women who reached Maryborough, in Queensland, aj short time since, obtained husbands within a day of two of their treading the soil of their adopted country. Such items of news must work wonders in favour of Queensland. What maiden would not rather ily to such a country than come to Now Zealand, even though marrying men aro far from scarce here ! The Government of Sydney, New South Wales, have published a pamphlet entitled "New South Wales, the Oldest, and Richest of the Australian Colonies," and caused thousands of copies to be scattered broadcast over Europe in order to stimulate emigration to their shores. And it is rnmoured that the Brisbane Cabinet intend sending forth a rival publication styled " Queensland, the Best Matrimonial Market in the world ! Husbands and Homes for the Female Million ! " By the way, the immigrant will ere long, begin to fancy itself a thing of vast importance if the demand for it continues as at present.— G. P. Art]us.