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Auckland Star, Volume IV, Issue 1202, 29 November 1873, Page 2

Monday being- St. Andrew's day will no doubt bo observed as a partial holiday, and those from theland o' cakes should especially, if they have a spa'k of patriotic ,lire in their bosoms, eschew for a day tho pursuit of bawbees, and do honor to the patron saint. [n these circumstances the inauguration of the new ferry service with Stokes' Point has been well fixed for that day, and wo have no doubt that many will take the opportunity of the holiday and of tho stoamer to have a quiet saunter in these comparatively new and unfrequented scenes. Not only are there pleasant walks available, but we are told that in all profusion will visitors be regaled with that most delicious of the delicacies of the season, so lusciously described by the bard as " a dish of ripe strawberries smothered in cream." As will bo seen from the advertisement in another column tho trips of the steamer are so arranged that a party can have the whole day of it around Shoal Bay and the Lake by going over by tlio eight morning boat, and returning by six in the evening — a glorious opportunity for picnickers. Or those whoso hampers require longer time for packing can leave Queenatreet wharf at a quarter-past eleven; or should any be desirous of an afternoon trip alone the steamer leaving Queenstrcet wharf at two o'clock will afford them a stroll on the other sido of three and a-half hours, and take them again on board at six, and convey them safely back to Queen-street wharf in time for tea. If the weather is at all favourable we have no doubt that the excursionists by this new route to the Lake and Shoal Bay and the regions round about will on Monday bo both numerous and jolly, and one only advice or request wo shall tender. We hope that no one will mention the name, " Stokes' Point." That is voted vulgar, decidedly so ; and all visitors, if they would win tho favour of tho residents and enjoy their strawberries and cream, must only use the moreatistoseratchit term " JVoodside."

A deputation of citizens waited upon Mr Macrcady this morning asking him if he would allow himself to be nominated as a candidate for tho district of Newton, to which request Mr Macready acceded. A committee was at once formed for the purpose of securing his return, and an active canvass among the electors is in progress. Dr J. R. Nicholson has declined to accede to the requisition made to him owing to indisposition.

Oa Monday tho p.s. Golden Crown will make an excursion trip to tho Thames find back at single fares.

A valuable prize is announced to bo given to the highest scorer at American bowls, between the 29th November and 13th Decombe, by the spirited proprietor of tho Duke of M arlborough Hotel.

The We&leyan Missionary anniveisary sermons will be preached to-morrow in the Wosleyan Churches of tho oity and suburbs, and the annual missionary meeting will be conducted on Monday evening, in Pitt-street Chapel, at half-pa3t seven o'clock. Collections, of course, in aid of tho cause after each service.

In an address delivered by him at Oamaru last week, Mr Mackune asserted that in England the Good Templars were increasing at the rate oE 7300 weekly. Mr Mackune also stated (wo quote from the North Otago Times) that " in one of tho American Lodges a female domestic servant was the head, and in anothor tho chief officer was a Red Indian."

It will bo seen by advertisement that Messrs 'Blair and Lambert have removed to their new promises, corner of entrance to the Market-houao, and open to-day with a splendid stock of general groceries, &c.

The annual soiree at the Otahuhu Public Hall will take place on Wednesday next. An excellent piano has been lately added to the attractions possessed by this institution, and we anticipate a very successful meeting on Wednesday. The Otahuhu concerts are known as the most cordial and pleasant gatherings of the season. The hall is of great benefit to the whole district, and deserves the hearty support of all settlers within easy drive of it.

The Sir George Grey's Cadets met last evening in the College for the purpose chiefly of taking preliminary steps towards a Clm'stinas excursion to the Kawau on a visit to their patron, the ex-Governor. Captain Taylor occupied the chair, and spoke some encouraging words to his rising company, who expressed their joy at the prospect of another campaign in the island domain of Sir G Grey. Tt was arranged that the trip should take place on Boxing Day, and the Thames Cadets will join the Sir George Grey's, and fire the return match on that day.

A scene from a domestic drama illustrative of the " perfidious husband" was enacted in town last evening The wife of a tradesman in lower Queen-street hearing that her husband had taken a famished house atOnchiuiga for a lady who was to live there under liia protection, proceeded to the spot in company with her brother. The report was found to be correct. The husband, on coming to the fair lady's house, found not only her but his wife and brother-in-law on the scone. There was, of course, a dreadful matrimonial "row." The wife is virtuously indignant, and thr: husband nonplussed. It is possible " si xpennyworth of law" may be had recourse to in the matter. 3

Family feuds, says the Thames Advertiser, sometimes have disagreeable terminations even in this enlightened age and country. William James Alexander, proprietor of the Donegal Anns Hotel, had a dispute with his wife last evening while she was preparing the tea. She enforced her argument by striking him on the arm with a pickle bottle which she held in her hand with such effect that the bottle broke, and inflicted a severe wound on his arm, which bled profusely. ITe went to the Hospital, where the injury was sewn up and bandaged, but as the doctors considered ib might break out afresh at any moment, they detained him in Hospital. So far \V. .). Alexander has the worst of the argument ; but the fair combatant has been taken into custody, and will have to answer to the Bench for the method which she adopted for convincing her husband that she was right.

Wo invite special attention to the announcement of Air Joseph Browne's complimentary concert on Monday evening next at the Choral Hall. Mr Browne is wel known amongst us as one of the leading musicians, and the Choral Society, cognizant of this fact, have resolved upon a concert of a superior order for the occasion—to consist of selections from " Stabat Mater" (Rossini), the " Creation " (Haydcn), nitd Birch's interc-ting and truly musical operetta of " Robin Hood and his mcrrie men of Sherwood Forest."

A grand private subscription ball will be held in I'arnell Hall on Tuesday evening next, commencing at eight o'clock.

The United Methodist Free Church Bazaar promises to be a success in its financial results. The scene yesterday was of tl\e liveliest description, and numbers of persons availed themselves of the opportunity of visiting the fanciful flower-wreathed west-wing of the Market-house. Mr Lambert, at intervals, played some pretty airs on the harmonium ; anil in the evening the band of the I loyal Company blew out stirring martial and peaceinspiring strains. The representations of scenes of China, tales of land and sea, were especially fine, and the affectionate meeting of Wellington and Blucher was pathetic beyond description, molting even to tears. The amount taken at tho door and various stalls amounted to £00.

A genuine treat is in store for those of the public who admire the higher phases of dramatic art at iho Prince of Wales Theatre this evening. Tho performances will be for the special benefit of the managers of the theatre, and will consist of that exceedingly beautiful play of the " Corsican Brothers," which was originally produced ab the Princess's, Oxford-street, London, by the late Charles Kean ; also, Douglas Jerrold's fine nautical drama of " Black-eyed Susan," founded upon Gay's immortal ballad of the same name ; to conclude with the "Chamber of Death, or the Gambler's Fate." As this is positively the last night of the season, and possibly the last of the legitimate drama in Auckland for some months to come, play-goers will do well to embrace the opportunity of seeing these really fine pieces. Messrs McGowan, Collier, and their co-actors have deserved well of citizens, and the subjects to be introduced to night are unexceptionable in their literary character, and in all parts of the British empire have been patronised and commended ; and we are warranted in affirming from a knowledge of the talents of this compact company that these perfect gems of genius will be fully and satisfactory represented.

We have received the following vindication of the " Dove:"—Sir, —ln your impression of Thursday was rather an ill-natured remark respecting the proprietress of ahouse formerly known as the "Dove Hotel," Wellingtonstreet. Now it so happens I know the lady in question, and believe she would be the last person in Auckland to allow any improprieties to take place with her cognizance. I am yet to learn that music breathed either from a violin or by silver voices come within the category of Auckland nuisances, and what more innocent than a round dance? Now it so happened that I passed the house on Wednesday night about ten o'clock on my road home from the Sheridan-street Lodge of Good Templars, and was an outside witness of the gracaful gyrations of several welldressed dancers waltzing to the music of a well playod piano ; indeed so pleased was I with the beauty of tho scene that I was half inclined to step in and join them. The temper exhibited by the neighbour you montioned as getting* up a petition for its suppression is anything but an enviable one. Had ho lived in the days of David he would doubtless have endeavoured to have stopped that monarch in the ark dance, and denounced as a nuisance tho song of Miriam. I strongly advise him to undergo a course of Steedman's soothing powders.—l am, sir, yours truly, T. B. Hannaford.

Discourses to-morrow (Sunday):—At Newton Kirk—Moraine;, "Water, A'l ilk, Wine;" evoning, on " St. Jnde." Choral Hall, by Samuel Edger (8.A.) — Morning, "The Disciples and Good Works ;" evening, "Good Templarism." Albert-street Chapel — Morning, by the llev. W. J. Williams of Coromandel; evening, by R,ev C. J. Crump, of the Thames. Discourses morning and evening as usual at Wellesley-street Eaptist Church, by P. A. Cornford, pastor-; Pittstreet United Free Methodist, by Rev G. H. Turner; Cook-street Christians' Meetinghouse ; Edwardes-street Chapel, by Rev C. Waters ; Newton Hall and Sheridan-street Primitive Methodists by different ministers.

The NeAv Zealand Agricultural Society will meet at the Criterion Hotel, Otahuhu, on Tuesday next. Of late tire attendance of these gatherings h,as not been numerous.

The Rev. Dr. Wallis last Sunday evening, iii accordance with announcement through our columns, began a course of Sunday lectures on the Apostles, commencing with "Judas Iscariot." He observed, in introducing the subject, that although the names of the Apostles were familiar to all, yet little was generally known respecting their characters. These peasants, fishermen and tax-gathers, who had effected the greatest religious and social revolution the world ever saw, wereless familiar to our minds as personages than any other of the great men whose names are associated with the world's history. There were many interesting facts related by early writers with reference to the Apostles not known to his hearers, and these he would refer to in order to set before them the Apostles as men engaged in a good work, and would endeavour to draw from their characters salutary practical lessons. The rev. doctor then gave an interesting discourse on the character of Judas and the motives that probably actuated him in the great crime which he was guilty of. ITc disclaimed the idea that Judas was an unusually wicked man, but maintained that he was merely a worldly-minded money-loving individual no worse than hundreds of professing Christians of the present day. He held the opinion that Judas was a firm believer in the divine powers of Christ, and that he never for a moment contemplated the awful result of his treachciy, believing that his Master was able to deliver himself from his enemies, as he had frequently done before, and that the exhibition of miraculous power would convince the leaders of the Jews of the reality of Christ's Me'siahshjp. Ho dwelt especially on the testimony Judas boie to the spotless character of Christ at a time when the Jews were prepared to give any reward for evidence against Him. He looked upon this as the strongest testimony to the purity of Christ's life and the genuineness of Mis miracles. The second of these interesting lectures will be given to-morrow evening, on the Apostle Judo.

A meeting of sporting men was held last evening at the Occidental Hotel for the purpose of forming an Auckland Tattersals to regulate matters appertaining to betting and horse-racing. A club was formed, and some twenty gentlemen subscribed their names. A committee was formed to prepare rules and regulations, and to report to a future meeting to be held at an early date. There is evidently an increasing interest felt in sporting matters in Auckland, and the establishment of such an institution as a local Tattersals, if properly conducted, may be productive of much benefit.

A dividend of ten shillings per share will bo paid by the Bright Smile G.M.Co. on the 3rd December.

With respect to the grain export from the Timaru district the Herald says:—"Last year, our grain exports were, in round numbers, estimated roughly at 250,000 bushels ; and this year, judging from the amount of land under plough, we may, with a good harvest, according to the opinions of those who are considered good authorities, calculate on nearly doubling last year's yield, or at the lowest calculation, having probably about '150,000 bushels for export."

The following important information regarding the new Kan Francisco mail service has been officially made known :—"The Government have arranged with the New Zealand Steam Shipping Company for the Plicebe to take the December outward mails for America and Europe, to connect with the Maegregor at Sydney. The Phoebe leaves Wellington on the 12th, and the Manukau on the 14th. The provincial connections will be made at Wellington in January. The outward mail will also go via Sydney to connect with the Tartar. There will bo no inward mail via San Francisco until the Maegregor returns, The first direct outward mail from New Zealand will be in February, by the Mogul."

The Thames Advertiser states that his Honor the Superintendent, Mr Williamson, intends to mccit the IFon D. McLean, Native Minister, at Ohinenwtu next week, when a very large gathering of natives will take place, and it is not improbable that important results may follow.

The Auckland Rifle Victoria Company will moot for drill in the Drill-shed on Tuesday evenings, in future instead of Friday evenings as heretofore. Captain Derrom hopes that tho change of drill night will be more convenient to members, and enable them to attend regularly, and thus reflect credit upon the company by being efficient at the projected inspection of the Volunteers by his Excellency Sir James Fergusson.

The Presbyterian ministers at present in this city attending the General Assembly will preach to-morrow at St. Andrew's and St. James's Churches. In the morning the Rev. J. Elmslie, M.A., Moderate, will conduct the services at St. Andrew's Church, and tho Rev. J. Ross at St. James, the order being roversed at night. The Rev. U. P. Macnicol will conduct the service at North Shore. Wo understand that the Rev. J. Ross speaks the Gaelic, and might perhaps bo induced to give those acquainted with that language an opportunity of hearing him preach in. the Celtic tongue.

Mr T. Cheeseman addressed the electors of Newton last evening at the hall, Karanga-hape-road. There was a full attendance, Mr Cherry in the chair. The candidate, who was very well received, reviewed his past political history, and challenged any one to say that he had been guilty of any improper" act in connection with the railway, or any other matter, or of wilful neglect of the interests of the province during the eight years he sat for Parnell. There was no part of his past career of which he was ashamed, and, if elected, he should for the future pursue the same course in the House he had hitherto done. He was opposed to the centralizing system of the present General Govei-nmcnt, and to their reckless borrowing and wholesale assumption of powor at the expense of the provinces. He was in favor of immigration on a largo scale of the right class of immigrants, of secular education, and of the present Act, except the rating clause, but considered the General Government should lop off from the estimates £26,000 set down for militia and volunteers, and devote it to education, and do the samo with other items of public expenditure. Mr Cheeseman expressed it as his opinion that there was no reason why New Zealand should not attract a large proportion of the ©migration flowing from the old country to America, and that a career of prosperity, happiness, and glory was before us in the future under wise government. If elected he pledged himself to do his utmost to promote the interests of Newton and every other district of the province. At the request of an elector, Mr Cheeseman read a list of names on his requisition, which contained about 200. This seemed to surprise the questioner by its many influential signatures. In reply to a question, Mr Cheeseman said he was in favour of the police remaining as they are, and of the removal of toll gates at Newton, on the South-road and elsewhere. He was not in favour of opening public-houses on Sunday. For forty years he had advocated keeping the Sabbath holy, and should still do the same. At the conclusion of the meeting a vote of confidence in Mr Cheeseman as a fit and proper person to represent the_ district was carried by a very large majority of those present. A vote of thanks to the Chairman, terminated, the proceedings.

Prince Albert's will has bo.en kept a secret to this day, and no one knows what it contained. Tbo rnmour is that the Prince left everything to the Queen, and that he also laid injunctions upon her not to convert any of the properly into money for the purpose of giving the money to the Prince of Wales. That young gentleman, it may be remembered, was in disgrace with his papa at the time of the latter's death—indeed the death itself was the consequence of a cold caught on a sudden journey to Oxford, whither Prince Albert had been summoned in haste to get his son out of a disgraceful and dangerous scrape in which he was involved. No one at the present day knows exactly what are " the private estates" of the Queen. The estate of Balmoral and the Osborne estate are known, and their value can be estimated ; but there are, in addition, the Kensington estates, of which no one but the Queen and her private agents knows anything. When the plan for the construction of the South Kensington Museum was first devised there were miles of unoccupied land lying around, the spot chosen for the great collection of buildings now known as the Exhibition, the Museum, Albert Hall ; and there were other miles of streets only partly made, and having for the most part cheap and poor houses upon them. A little ring was formed —Prince Albert, Mr Bilko (afterwards Sir C. W. Dilke), and two are three other composed it —and by this ring tho greater part of this property was quietly bought up before the plan for the museum, fee., was made public. That was more than twenty years ago. The whole of that region is now densely covered with fine houses, and what cost only a few hundred thousands is now worth many millions. Prince Albert's share of this is now the property of the Queen, and these Kensington estates are in themselves a very large fortune. Altogether in money and landed property, to say nothing of the jewels, Her Majesty is supposed to possess something like £0,000,000, sterling, while no one really knows how much she has ; and tho amount may be £10,000,000, or even £00,000,000 for aupht any one can show to tho contrary.— N. Y. World.

The annual gathering of the children, friends, and teachers of all the Wesleyan Sabbath-schools of the city and suburbs will be held to-morrow, at three p.m., in Highstreet Wesleyan Chapel. Several rev. gentlemen will give addresses.

The attendance at the City Hall was unusually numerous last evening in response to the special programme provided, and this afternoon the hall was thronged with children from the various schools, and young people generally for whose special advantage the exhibition is opened on Saturday afternoons. To-night, Mrs and Miss Gourlay will give their exquisite characteristic concert, consisting of novel and musical sketches, and her much admired "Military Style.'" Among the songs will be sung "Who'll buy my pretty flowers?" and "I'm glad to see you boys," &c. This entertainment has given great satisfaction, and those who have been prevented from attending will now have an opportunity of doing so.