The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, The Morning News. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1873.

Auckland Star, Volume IV, Issue 1205, 3 December 1873, Page 2

The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, The Morning News.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1873.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For'the -wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that we. can dp

The Dunedin capitalists, although slower in acting 'upon the proposal to establish a sugar-refinery than the Wellington merchants were, do not fail to recognise the importance of such an industry. As will be seen by our' telegrams a company is to be formed in Ofcago with a capital of £100,000. Meanwhile the matter is sneered at or treated with indifference in Auckland. A sample of this is given by the Cross' correspondent " Mercator," who, true to the proverbial character of the merchants of Auckland, finds it a much easier matter to throw cold water on tho proposed extension of our trade in sugar (a proposal which originated here) than to assist in gleaning such information as might probably enable us at least to keep pace with tli3 Southern ports, 'it seems a sufficient answer to his arguments to state that the largest sugar-trading iirm in the Mauritius is at present erecting an immense sugar refinery in Melbourno for tho purpose of refining imported sugars. And more, it may be interesting to know that after careful experiments with various materials, it was found that the kauri timber was even more suitable than, glass for the Aoors, and this native product of our province has accordingly been used in the building.

1 ■ The following horses will arrive by th c next steamer from Christchurch, viz. : Lurline, JBapapa, Kakapo, Batter, and Teranga (Redvyood), Calumny, Hatred, and Discord (fleay's).

The business at the Police Court this morning, before Mr George S. Graham, consisted in disposing of three cases under the Vagrancy Act of ISGG. The first was a decrepid old woman who had been convicted on a number of previous charges, and had spent three years, four months, and seven days in prison. She was fined 10s and costs. Christina Wilson, who only left Mount Eden yesterday, was charged with being found in Albert-street at one o'clock this morning, without any means of support, followed by a number of persons. Sergeant-Major Pardy stated that he was instructed by Mr Broham to withdraw the charge if the woman would endeavour to get an honejt living. She was looked up more out of kindnesthau otherwise. Prisoner promised to go to the Bay of Islands, and was dismissed. William Moore, remanded from Monday, a poor lad of weak intellect, appeared on a similar charge, and was also dismissed, as a Mr Clarke, of Onehunga, had kindly offered to take 'the poor fellow into his house, and find him employment. A resident in Dedwood district writes :— "Sir, —Would you be so kind as to allow me a few lines in your valuable paper for the good and welfare of the Dedwood district. It is indeed a very shocking sight for people who respect the Sunday to see so many Sunday drinkers staggering and swearing coming out of the back doors of our hotels here. I think it, really ought not to be allowed; and I know if the police officers would make ther appearance a little oftener it would be much better; and I am proud to say Dedwood is inhabited with highly respectable people, who would like to see the Sundays more honoured.—l am, &c, A. H. R." ~ '~ .

The nomination for Albertland took place on Friday last. Mr J. Shepherd and Mr E. Brown were proposed. On a show of hands being called for, 13 were held up for Mr Shepherd and 4 for Mr Brown, who demanded a poll, which will be taken on the sth instant.

Mr J. W. Carr (the persevering secretary ofthe City Band of Hope) led forth his little company, of innocents to their new hall in Albert-street, recently-the Congregational Church of the Eev. Warlow Davies. Mr Carr addressed the children in his usual kind manner on the evils arising from a use of strong drink, and called upon several friends, who sang temperance ditties and' told simple stories to the evident delight of the' bairns. / : D

The committee of the Early Closing Association hare deemed it expedient to call a meeting of masters and assistants which will be held, to-morrow evening in the Young Men's Christian Association1 rooms, Wellesley-street, at eight o'clock.1 We are glad that the committee are bestirring themselves in the matter of early-closing as it would be a pity and a degradation if'the Society should be allowed to collapse through the intense greed and one-eyed stupidity of two or three un-friend-ly snails who love darkness better than, light, because, &c.; Let the public 'see1 to this movement,' and resolye that it shall be permanently successful, and the, snails will withdraw] from The glare of the gaslight.

The complimentary benefit to Miss Bessie Vivan, tendered by the Auckland Garrick Club, takes place this evening, when a very interesting and amusing programme will be gone throngh. We hope to see a bumper house.

~The Lynch Family of bellringers, instrumentalists, and vocalists, accompanied by Mr Frank | Verten, an Ethiopian comedian and dancer of European reputation, and Harry Seymour, pianist, arrived by the laranaki this morning. Owing to the Prince of Wales and the City Hall being engaged, the Troupe have decided to pass on to the Thames ; perform there for a week, and return and open in Auckland next Monday week, for a series of eighteen nights J Ihe company have met with much success clown .South, and we have no doubt will bo^ just as successful here.

Among the simpler incidents of the recent Licensed Victuallers' Ball was one which has a touch of romance in it. A young fellow, a Mr C , who sceinsto be sweetly attached to Vulcan Lane as thoughitwere theprettiest promenade in the city, by some means or other got aa entree ticket for the ball, and for the first time in his career, so report says, he wore a bob-tail coat, or, in politer phrase, a dress coat. This young man, with his hair duly pomatumed and his hands covered with kid, to the surprise of those who knew him, walked into the hall, and seemed inclined for a merry-go-round, on what JV ilton calls the "light fantastic toe." He went round to j several ladies with his card and silver-cased | pencil, soliciting a partner, but " No, Mr C " was repeated by lady t>fl -~ ' , i At length, however. !- '.. - rl^ iaafj I •j ?, fn ;... - .^ uoedience to the old a.mv neait never won fair lady," he persevered, and won the consent of a young ; married person, who accepted Mr C ' for the next dance. "My dear madam, "sighed this bobtail adveilturel1, "would you kindly! favour mo by taking a glass of wille, and give me .your own Enveet name '?" *' My dear sir," replied the lady, "it is Miss j-—,'' and they sat down side by side, i while the husband of the lady kept a severe ' and watchful eye ou the apparently happy pair. Poor Mr C sighed. He could not help it, he said ; lie felt so happy, and would fain sit by the side of Miss .] — : — for ever. "Don't give way to yollr feelings," rejoined the lady, " this is no place for faintiiig ; take my scent-bottle Mr C , i'or if you go on in this manner I must call my husband from the other side of the hall." Mr o——'s blood at once rushed to his face. He rushed out of the room and was found in Vulcan lane that night in a state of utter and helpless prostration. A grc:vfc array of legal talent was to be Been at the Supreme Court to-day. Mr Gillies was there once more in wig and gown, having laid aside the Provincial sceptre and gone back to business. Mr Heskcth, fresh from his trip to Melbourne, and ready to undertake any amount of work, was again in his place. Mr Kees also Was there, and so was Mr MacCormick, learned in demurrer and the mysteries of pleading. A report will be found in another place, i

General Sir Duncan Cameron, who was born in ISOB, w?s married on tho 10th September last at Kew, England, to a daughter of Dr Maclean, Dcputy-Inspector-Genernl of the Itoyal Military Co.'lege at Sandhurst.

We desire to call the attention of our readers to the Wesleyan missionary meeting to be held this evening in the i'itt .street church. J. C. Firth, Esq., will take the chair at half-past seven o'clock, and several speakers from different parts af the islands, including two Maori ministers—the Key Wiremu Patene, of Waiptt, and the Ecv Hamiora Ngaropi, of Whatawhata—will deliver interesting addresses. The Anglican churches throughout the world held an intercession to-day, by the appointment of the Archbishop of Cantorbury, on behalf of Christian Missions. The Diocesan service will bo conducted in St. Paul's Church to-night, at seven o'clock, when tho Rev. It. 11. Mitchell will preach.

The conceit last evening, the first of the Auckland Harmonic Society, and the first that has been held in the new hall, Lornestreet, was of the most satisfactory character. The hall was crowded by eager and attentive listeners, and the Concert was patronised by his Worship the Mayor, and many of the leading ladies and gentlemen of the city. The hall, though completely filled, was not by any means oppressive, the upper part being so arranged as to let out the hot air and let in tjie fresh. In point of architectural beauty, design, and convenience tho- new hall reflects great credit on the designer, Mr Horepath, and may be regarded as a triumph of skill. Tho Harmonic Society, but yet in its infancy, has made rapid advancement, and has brought out some excellent vocalists who will undoubtedly succeed. To Mr Cooper, tho conductor, and Mr Lambert, the harmoniumih t, great credit is due for their continued and persevering exertions to make the Society as perfect as possible, and it must havo been gratifying to those gentlemen to see such a practical response given to their untiring exertions in the cause of harmony. Music has its cheerful, wrong-subduing, and elevating influence, and it is worthy of note that in families where a taste for music and singing is cultivated there is a larger share of mutual sympathy and less of family differences. The programme opened with selections on the harmonium by Mr Lambert, and very sweetly executed by that master of that instrument. Several choruses and solos from the "Messiah," Handel's immortal oratorio were successively performed by the choir,. numbering nearly sixty persons. The passages selected were the choruses "And the Glory of the Lord," "All we like sheep," Lift up your heads, o ye gates," "Their sound is gone out," and "Worthy the Lamb ;"-also, recitative and chorus "Glory to God r " and the beautiful solos "He shall feed His flock," "|He was despised," But Thou didsfcnot leave his soul in hell," And why do the Nations." Considering the short time of tho existence of the Harmonic Society, these selections from the Messiah were well and ably rendered. The solo, "But-thou didst not leave .his soul in, hell," was • exceedingly well sung by a young lady, who not only possesses, an excellent voice but possesses also much udgrrient and appreciative taste. The Tseveral lady amateurs who took leading parts in the Messiah may be all complimented for their careful and graceful singing. '' Why do the Nations," almost difficult passage to accomplish for other .than an accomplished •singer,' ori'account of its quick variations, was mastered, with much skill by a gentleman amateur, much to the pleasure of thej assemblage, who testified their approbation in I an unmistakable manner. The second part: of the entertainment consisted of glees and; solos of what is termed a secular nature,; viz.: "From Oberon, in Fairy Land" "Awake, /Eolian Lyre," "Hark, the Lark at Heaven's Gate Sings"—one of the prettiest of Shakespeare's songa. These were well delivered. The trio, entitled "The Wreath," was rendered correctly and harmoniously by Mr Reid and two young ladies, and was loudly applauded—-indeed the audience would not rest until those vocalists reappeared upon' the stage and repeated the last stanza. The' " Old Sexton" was ably given by Mr Reid.i and elicited not only a continued,storm of cheering but a shower of bouquets from1 the hands of a number of ladies. This unusual mode of recognising masculine talent caused much merriment, but did not sensi-i bly disturb/.the serenity, qf the singer's countenance. The; " Humming Chorus" was not successful : a want of harmony was clearly discernable even to an unpractised ear,;, "Ring on, Sweet Angelus"" by Miss Naughton, was encored, The chorus (from the fine old Devonshire parson-poet, Robert Herrick,) "Come, let ua all a-maying go," was given with a freedom and sprightliheas that charmed all hearts, despite the inappropriatoness of the words of the song to a Now Zealand May, which, iumstead of being ~ : s ■ <, ~ Fftlr^nd warm and flowery, ■>■■.> ■--. ■„■ . 8 co"*» and damp, and showery. .'..; rhe National Anthem concluded the concert to th« evident gratification of every person present. Tho proceeds will bo divided beiweon two charitable imtitutioua,

A large party of the free and independen electors of Warkworth lefb for Mahuvangi at eight o'clock this morning in the Lady Bowen. Politically they appeared to be under the guidance of Mr Sheehan, and will therefore it is presumed poll for Mr Palmer. Whether that gentleman or Mr Moat is returned we shall probably know on the return of our pigeons this evening. An adjourned meeting of the Auckland Pioneer Lodge of Good Templars will be held this evening in the new Temperance Hall, formerly the Congregational Chapel, Albert-street. r

Tenders are in*"* " " . i« ,-. , biiP' 1-. - -fi«eci I6r the erection of a -v*itig for the Industrial Exhibition.

We are glad to hear that an effort is being made to start a paper manufactory in Auckland.

A correspondent writes as follows with reference to hotel accommodation at Tailfanga :—Sir,—J arrived by the Southern Cross from Taurariga yesterday boiling with indignation at the treatment I experienced at an hotel—the largest, and one would think to look at it, the most comfortable in the town. It reminded me of the wliited sepulchre, for of a verity there were bones (well picked ones too) and very little else in this ' house of luxttrioil3 exterior. I Was sad at my first meal, sadder at my second, but the third one was the climax. 1 could stand it no longer. I asked a friend where I could get a good square meal; he replied down the street, but it will probably be served up with a volley of oaths and filthy language from its gentlemanly proprietor. I .should'advise you, said my friend, to put tip with Alexander and his wretched table for the nonce, rather than submit to listen to the vile language of his contemporary. Of two evils I chose the less. My reasons, Mr Editor, for asking you to publish this letter are not private. lam a traveller, and in the interest of that class I should like to see good accommodation and a genial host whereVer travellers are to be found. Neither are to be found in Tauranga at the present time in the first hotel mentioned. The host and hostess are churlish and ignorant, and the table niggardly in the extreme ; in the second the landlord is a man whose society would be sought for in Billinsgate.—l am, &c, Traveller. TotheEditor: Sir, —Thave often been asked what the are peculiar characteristics of the Brahma Pootra'fowls, and what especial advantage is there in keeping them. If you take any interest in the matter, as many of you readers do, 1 shall be glad if you will insert for general information the following extract from the poultry yard, by Miss IS. Watts, one of the best authorities in England. I think the poultry question a inofe ihlportant one than is generally supposed, and hope you will do what you can to encourage the industry : — "The Brahma Pootras are large, heavy birds symmetrical, prolific, and hardy; living where Cochins would starve, growing in frost and snow when hatched in the winter months, and without seeking to christen a mania they are standing on their own merits, with the conviction they will deserve well of the public. As a good useful hardy fowl it is unsurpassed ; they are good layers of good-sized egga, good foragers and sitters and mothers ; the chickens fledge more kindly than Cochins, grow fast, and are exceedingly hardy. We know no other chickens which are so hardy as they, and reared with so little trouble and loss. Wo have no hesitation in pronouncing them the most useful fowls we have kept. They are gcod for the table, getting in flesh readily. I may add that I have reared them all through the winter with very little trouble and scarcely any loss.

An employer thua expresses bis views on the Factory Act: • — "In one of the leaders last week you mention that it may bo advisable that the hours of shopkeeper's assistants should be regulated by law, and you refer to the beneficial effect of the " Employment of-"Women Act," passed last session. Jn a former leader you gave an abstract of this Act, promising to come back to this subject, bnt I suppose, the pressure upon jour columns, in consequence of the elections, prevented you from doing so. Allow me to give you to-day my experience about this same Act. In the first place let me state that when I r«ad in the Auckland papers such an Act was in existence I applied for the same at Mr Wayte's—the agent for sale of Government Acts —and that I received the Act only five weeks afterwards, it having been law all this time. I find thatthis Act is quite a dead letter, and the sooner a better one takes its place the better it will be, while in the new one a clause might be inßerfeed making it also binding for shopkeepers' assistants. Ab the Act now stands nothing prevents a, shopkeeper from .employing his female assistants on Saturday afternoon till, two o'clock in the workroom and afterwards, putting them behind the counter to serve the public, perhaps to 10 or 11 o'clock. The Act is a dead letter because it is not binding as soon the female workers are employed in piece or in contract work; and at the same time it is here unjust for a small business, where not sufficient work of the same class is available, in order to give piecework. It is injudicious to limit the work hours between nine in the morning and six in the afternoon. In the winter season this will be found the proper time ; but in the summer season it is far better to work between the hours of eight and five, ao as to have the benefit of a long afternoon for reoweation. In the Act no provision is made against employment of married women or children under a certain age. The rule that Saturday has to be paid as a whole day, and.holidays also, is another injustice, because it only affects the employers who pay weekly wages. At the same time it is easily evaded^ 1 while an Act should be so constructed that no evasion were possible., The supervision ablout carrying out the provisions of the Act should be entrusted to properly defined persons, and not be left to applicants at their own option, who will appear more or less in the light of informers ; and as people as a rule shrink from taking up such a position the consequence is that the Act is not carried out, or at all events not properly. From my own knowledge I can say that, notwithstanding the wording and meaning of the Act, the Saturday half holiday is not enjoyed by a great many assistants, and on the other side I know that young women who leave j their employment at two o'clock onSaturday, are afterwards engaged in other places till late in the evening. Article, 6 says that! overy. work-room shall be properly yen-! tilated, < but does not state how many I cubic feet of air for each worker will be ;' required, and is therefore open for arbitrary judgment. Article 7 provides for inspecting of 'work-rooms during working hours; does this mean only between nine and six in .the day time, which are the only acknowledged working hours, or how has this to be read and carried out. No power is given that ] upon application to a magistrate in urgent cases temporarily an alteration in the working hours can be made without encroaching upon- the total . number of "worki n | hours in a given week. An Act (if a goo g one) will be beneficial both for empl O y erßl •ad employed. But the Act as it now stands: la badly, worded, open for evasion, prevents the development of small factories, does not i give the intended protection to the females and Ym&H iQVt]* only di«content without

The Rev. I<\ M. .Long, for a few months Wesleyan minister at Deniliquin, ■ has gone over to the Church of England.

To the Editor : Sir, —In yesterday's issue of the Cross Good Templar says that milk is required on Sunday for Mr Edger, and " the poor little babies;" then why does not the rev. gentleman act as he preaches, namely, get it in on Saturday night and hoiile U. 'up. —Yours, Non Templar.

If any indication of the popularity of the entertainment at the City Hall were wanting It Vnay be found in the continually increasing attendance. An additional novelty was afforded last night by an entire change of song by Miss Minnie Gourlay. Several choice operatic and other selections were performed by the orchestra under the conductorship of Mr Corbet.

A deputation consisting of the Mayor and Councillors Isaac's, Hurst;, and Prilile waited upon tlie Superintendent yesterday asking his Honor's assistance in forwarding the objects of the Corporation in the matter of water supply, finance, free library, police, etc. His Honor promised to take immediate steps in the matter of. the water supply, and, if necessary, carry out the work under the Act of 1800, which gives him full power to remove, &k ho truly saya, the disgrace which hag so long hung over Auckland in reference to the want of a water supply. His Honor refers to the financial portion of the question. The Council was desirous of raising the following sums:— £4,ooobalancetopayofFdebenturesin 187;'), £5,000 overdraft, £5,000 for reservoirs, £5,000" for sewage; and£C,ooo for permanent improvements, streets, making a total of £25,000. The works could be completed in about two years. —His Honor thought there would be no difficulty in raising the amount, as the income from the city endowments, amounting to £2,500 a year, and the revenue derivable from the rate would be ample to pay the interest. — His Honor said a Bill might be passed authorising the issue of debentures provided the General Government would assent to it. Of course he would assist them in that as far as he could. In reply to a question if his Honor was in favour of a grant from provincial revenue to assist in keeping the main thoroughfares of the city in repair, Mr Williamson said he feared there would be a scarcity of funds for the purpose, but -was disposed to regard the proposition with favour. The fact that the tolls were only available for roads outside the city was some ground for the demand. The Mayor next mentioned the subject of the old Supreme Court site, which might be Used for the erection of the provincial offices, corporation offices, a free public library, a museum, and for other public purposes. His Honor thotight the Provincial Council would do wisely to consider the interests of the city in the matter, but the properts' could not be handed over to the city. Mr Hurst suggested the borrowing of an additional £10,000 to erect a hall, &c, and that the Provincial Council library might be transferred there as a nucleus of a free library. Mr Williamson thought that the scheme should be initiated by the City Council and not by the Provincial Council. Some understanding might be arrived at be* tween the two bodies. He thought, however, that it would be a great mistake to interfere with the Provincial Council library. In reference to the police, the Mayor said he was anxious that, if the number of men at the disposal of the Inspector would permit, assistance should be given to the city by the police in carrying out the provision of the Public Health Act. His Worship observed that his idea had been that the Corporation Bhould have its own constabulary. The transfer of the force to the General Government was done illegally. The Transfer of Powers Act under which they were handed over to tho province has never been repealed. With regard to the present application of the Mayor's as to facilitating arrangements with Mr Broliam ho was not disposed to interfere. He would not have a half-and-half control over the police. Mr Gillies might please himself. He washed to have control over the police in such a way aa to make them available for the province, or to leave it in the hands of tho General Government altogether. But it was wrong to make fish of one province and fowl of another , merely because of a little row that occurred once at the Thames. He did not think the citizens thoroughly understood this question. His Honor added that if the deputation would reduce to writing the subjects referred to he would submit them to his Executive when they were appointed. The deputation then thanked his Honor and withdrew.