The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, and the Morning News. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1873.

Auckland Star, Volume IV, Issue 1203, 11 December 1873, Page 2

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1873.

Jfor tho cause that lacks aasistanco, ■ For the wrong that needs resistance. For tho futuro in tho distance, And tho Rood that wo can do

As will be soon from another column the new Provincial Executive was formed yesterday and accepted office under Mr Williamson. As some of the members are new to harness, and even his Honor himself has only recently resumed the reing of oiftco, it will not be expected' that measures can be in any way matured for submitting them to the Provincial Council on" Tuesday next. In other circumstances the meeting of Council would have been delayed, but owincj to the necessity imposed by law that the session should now bo hold, tho Council ■wilj probably be asked to voto a small supply and adjourn till after tho holidays.

We have received the following letter for insertion with reference to the roadway on the south side of the Grammar School reserve iin Symonds-'street. We understand Mr Fenton is fit present absent from the city, and on his return we shall be happy to publish whatever he. may ( be pleased to say on the subject in, question :— " Sir, —In yours of ...this evening you admit that yon 'were under the impi'ession alluded to;' viz., that I was the writer or inspiror of certain articles in the Herald, and that therefore my pen had been set in motion on account of a certain road, with the -creation of which I was supposed to be personally and profitably connected. I beg to,state that I have neither directly nor indirectly wiiitton or inspired anything on the subject of! tho Improvement Commissioners which may have appeared iia any paper since the mooting of Assembly. Jn my. place in the Assembly I fought the Commissioners openly —not in the lobbies, where their myrmidons were— and when I mean again to light with them it will not bo under the editorial mask. I leave my objections in tho Assembly and thoir actions on the ground to be judged of by the public. On these I have no more to say. But I liavcafdw words to say on the dastardly attempt to impute a motive to my action in reference to these Improvement Commissioners. This imputation I have heard of before as coming from Mr Commissioner Fenton through the Secretary of the Com-missioners—-I mean in reference to a certain road alluded to in yours of Monday. That road, situated on the south sido of the Grammar School reserve, was a legal road long before I came to the province of Auckland, and I challenge the Commissioners, or any other person, to 'contest that right of ro;ul in any court of law, and not by means of the underhand insinuations which have hitherto been made use of. A newspaper's columns aro not the placo to give evidence of .a legal and equitable title. I would however suggest that you might (whilst on the track of motives) enquire who rented from tho Domain Hoard curtain corner sections winch would bo greatly benefited by the new road dosired to bo made through the Grammar School reserve ns a continuation to Symonds-fitreet, of what is known as Feufcon-: street. Pacts rtro much uglier things than insinuations, and facts I have no foai* of, but remain yours, T. B. Gh.i.iks.".

\Ve have received another exceedingly impertinent letter from Mr'T. I>. ITannafoid, in wliich ho states " ( have been offered tlic platform to morrow night at the 'I'emj brance Hall, and I'll ho hanged if 1 don't go and wire into youall." Wohavoactod witheonsidemblc indulgence towards Mr Hannaford, and knowing his eccentiioitioa we have given him pardon for much, But really he is «oiny a little too far, and this must stop. Wo do not know if his terriblethroatrespecting tho Temperance Hall to-morrow ni<;lit will bo carried out, but if ho we shall endeavour to survive it. At the same time wo cannot say that wo consider that Good Toßiplarism has improved Mr Hannaford, and we -really liked him better when he used to make periodical visits to the Police Court, and then to this ofliee entreating us to keep his name out. Then he had but one object against whom the warmth of his feelings was manifested— that was Mr George StaiucR —and whon we used to interpose and prevent the appearance in print of what would have made Mr Stainea or any other man almost take Mr Ilannaford'a life, ho used to go away in a kind of maundering tenderness towards mankind in general and ourselves in particular. Now, however, since ho has taken to cold water it has ovidently disturbed his humours and made him feel savago all around. Wo have no doubt that by perseverance Mr Ifannaford's physical system will become habituated to tha new order of things, and even although Good Templariam so far has decidedly had a bad ofl'cot on him, wo still advise him to persevere, believing that in the course of time bin liver will tako kindly to the simple beverage. In the meantime, while in this wild transition state, wo would recommend his (lood Templar friends to keep Mr Hannaford undor mild restraint. Mr Ffaunaford in bin letter upbraids us with ingratitude, and says, " I knew the time when the Star was only too glad to receive my communications. No ono knows hotter than yourself that a timoly letter from me has on more than ono occasion saved your journal from being yawned over." Wo do not recollect tho time to which Mr Hannaford refors. Our recollection dates, however, only from the first twinkling of the luminary, and during that short poriod we oan testify to two circumstances, first that our. columns have not been regarded at any time us productive of "yawns;" and secondly, that at no time have we ever regarded Mr Hannaford's letters as being other thaii a nuisance and a bore. We have always looked upon him, and another newspaper correspondent, assent onusfor oursins, and we have bowed meekly beneath the aillicfcion as one eminently calculated to promote our mental welfare But really since Mr Hannaford has become an Apostle of Tempicranco, and expends his rage on all around, we must drop him. Wo shall -receive no more of his lettors; and from the tone and temper of his last we would 'seriously recommend his frionds to look after him. i

As will bo seen from another column ono trip to and from North Shore will bo omitted to-day and to-morrow in consequence of the temporary laying up of tho Enterpriso, ferry steamer. It is, however, at an hour at which very few .persons are travelling. ' ■

Bank of Now Zealand shares were quoted in Sydney on December 2 at £17.

We call special attention to Mr-Wood-ward's advertisement elsewhere respecting his Christmas cakes for all classes of the community. We.have seen a specimen of these cakesi and can assure our readers that though '' unadorned and plain," they are of excellent quality, mado from the best material and exactly suitable, for those families who profer the substance to the shadow; arid love genuine digestiblo Christmas cako, made after the good old style.

The amateur concert, for the purpose of purchasing and placing an organ in St. Mary's Church,. Parnell, will tako place this evening in tho Choral Hall. An excellent programme of the ballads and selections appears in our advertising columns. Tho entortainmont will open with a beautiful fantasia with violin^ ;violoncolla, and pianoforte accompaniment, to bo followed by a chorus of female voices ) a very' sweot song entitled " Fairy Visions," which invariably meete with a: loud reception.1 We notice also that tho very touching melody by J. E. Carpenter, /'What are tho Wild Waves Baying ?" will be sung by a lady and gentleman. This pathetic ballad was founded upon an incident in the writings of Charles Dickons, and alone is worth the price of admission. .The following ballads—all, or them popular —will bo given in the course of the evening, namely, "The Curfew," "The Sea Hath'its Pearls," "The Blind Girl to her Harp," " Come let us'all a Maying go," and " The Bloom is on the Eye." Apart, from these delightful songs there will be performed overtures, duets, solos, and part songs. Tho whole will bo under the oonductoi'.sliip of Mr J. Bcalo, and consequently, considering tho programme, a most ontortaining concert will bo tho result.

IThe extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders of the Union Sash and Door Company was held at the office of Mr T. L. White, Canada Buildings, Queen -street, this afternoon. Mr Joseph Howard in the chair. Tt was moved* and carried unanimously, " That this meeting concurs in the action taken by the directors in the appointment of 13130 of the unallotted shares at a premium of £2 per share, such shares to be only issued to present shareholders who should send in their applications before the Ist of January next. This was the whole of the business.

The Queen's Variety Troupe at the Prince of Wales Theatre last night was the scene of much gratification and pleasure. The acting and singing of Miss Lizzie Watson formed the. theme of general commendation ; and the warblings of Mr Braham, the famous London Star comiquc, elicited long and frequent cheers. The performance of Madame Blanche, and Messrs O'Bricn, lliley, Baker, and Monsieur Hamcw were all admirable in their varying characteristics.5 The (Queen's Variety Troupe is excellent in every respect, and' fully equal to its claims.

We learn that Mr Buckland has resolved to hold l.is hay sales at the Market-house, and.is contemplating holding his cattle sales there also. The latter venture will depend probably upon the success of the Brat.

A meeting of the Auckland Improvement Commissioners was held yesterday afternoon in the offices, Albert Barracks. Present —Ilia Worship the Mayor (in the chair), Capt. Ilcale, Messrs Stannus Jones, and Thomas Macready. The amount of l)usiness before the meeting was small—first to consider a letter from the Gas Company, offering to lay mains and provide gas according to terms ns previously arranged between the company and the City Council, which were accepted. On the motion of Captain Heale, seconded by Mr Jones, it awis agreed —" That tho legal notices and all necessary steps be taken to acquire the property of Messrs Brown, Campbell & Co." Respecting the land south of Chancery-street, it was agreed on the motion of the iMayor, seconded by Mr .1 ones--" That all property south of Chancery-lane bo dealt with under the alternative cl;uis<-s of thp Act of 1573." The meeting then closed.

A committee meeting of tho Turf Club will be lield to-morrow afternoon in the oflice of the club, Durham-street, at four o'clock.

The members of the pioneer Lodgo of Good Templars will meet this evening in the Temperance Hall for lodge business.

At eight o'clock this morning a shark eight or nine feet long was seen swimming about in tho harbour close to the waterman's steps. A harpoon was'procured, and two of the boatmen, Marshall and Harry Holdbrook, put off to the attack. The monster continued for upwards of an hour lazily swimming round and round from Oxlcv'b store to the steps and back, but he was too clccp down for the harpoon to be directed with any certainty. A bait of a bunch of lish was temptingly exposed, but without effect.

The monthly inspection of the Engineers, Auckland Scottish and Hobson Companies took place at the Drill-shed last night, Major Cooper, of the Thames, conducted the inspection in room of .Major Cordon. The officers in command were—Lieut. Kitchen (Engineers), Capt. Mowbray (Scottish), and Capt. Burns (Hob.son Company), The three Companies were formed into a battalion, and executed a variety of evolutions in excellent style. There was a good muster of each company, and at the conclusion of the drill .Major Cooper spoke a few words of congratulation to them separately. The JlobBon Company received a complimentary allusion to thsir regular attendance at drill.

Thor,o wcro nonrly throe hundred persons in attendance at tho convorsaziono of the friends of Prosbytoriniiiam in tho Choral Hall last evening. Tho Rev. James Hill, Moderator, delivered an excellent address on tho labours of tho Assembly, and hoped it would bo ablo to adopt such useful moasmrcs na would bo of permanent service to the church. The Rev. \V. Klmslio, in a woll-framod apeoch, referred to tho non-exclusivonoss of tho Presbyterian church, and com-idorod from its liborality and religious sorvices that it was adapted to mcot tho spiritual need of all men. Several othor ministers and friends of ,the comrnbn woal spoko on kindred topics, much to the edification of the audionoo. The musical and vocal portion of tho conversazione was marked by accurato sounds and good taste in tho selections. The sovoral anthoms wore well rendored b) r tho choir. Mr Heid was effectivo. Tho othor gentlomen, Messrs Harding, Culpan and Hill, added considerably to the harmony of tho evening. Madame and Miss Wintor won tho applause of tho audience in the vocal duet " Hoar me, Norma," and especially was Miss Winter applauded in "The Last Rose of Summer," which she sung with exquisito tasto and fooling. The ontcrtainmont in its intellectual, instrumental, and vocal features was most succoswful. v- • ■ :

We ought not perhaps to divulge socrots, but there are exceptions to this sacred rule, and especially in connection with Mr Punch, who, asawiao publio instructor, doos not deHire that his light shall "be hid under a bushel," nor kept in tho shadows of his High-street abode. We mot to-day in the brilliant sunshino, and Punch's pictures appoared extremely, felicitous, and were sparkling and happy. ' Punch has been with the cricketers lately, and sketched their persons and doings, thoir uprisings and downfallings, thoir adventures and misadventurea with wonderful accuracy. The cartoon touching nine per'centum, and other matter, is admirable; forms-an unpleasant rise to ifaany, and will bo readily understood by a largo section of the communitjr. Othor illustrations likewise unfold their tales. Three pore chapters of great length and intense 3utercst are added to the "Hunted Husband." "The Man with, tho Carpetbag "■ appears again in a most eccentric mood, with^ as many mysteries aa wore contained in Master Humphrey's dock. A few greori leaves are unfurled from »the youne; lady's diary, and somo strange secrets revealed from behind tho scenes in Melbourne. Tho particles and scintillations of wit from Punch's inexhaustible mind glitter liko diamonds over his eighth contribution to the world's literature, and for which the world of Auokland will be truly grateful.

The members of tho.Hoyal Company A.E.V., under the command of Captain J. H. Burns, will meet for monthly inspection this evening in the Drill-shed at the, usual hour,: when members are particularly desired to attend. The very efficient band of this company -will also be on parade. : ■;,

To the Editor •. Sir,—ln the year 1833 Sir Andrew Agnew, a Scotch enthusiast, carried his crusade against travelling and all kinds of work dn Sunday to such a pitch that at last he brought in an' Act to prevent the incubation of hens on thp Sunday, and wanted the law to insist on their putting it oil' till Monday. It appears from this day's Cross that the Presbytery of, Nelson are ambitious of walking in the steps 'of tho good St. Andrew even to the taking the fresh air of heaven from the nostrils o? the poor par-boiled Aucklanders by stopping the North Shore steamers on Sunday, and this they call religion ! How much better are they than other men?—l am, &c, AtfXlHUHIiUCI.

The body of a man named Charles Brown has justbeen brought to town from the Wado. The deceased, who was formerly a SergeantMajor in the Police, had boon residing for some time past at Elliott's Creek, but feeling unwell had taken passage on board the cutter Twoßroihers, and during the passage to Auckland expired. An inquest will probably be held on the body.

The members of the Auckland Harmonic Society will meet this evening for practice in the Young Men's Christian Association room. Selections from the " Messiah " and several glees.

The monthly inspection of the Puflo Brigade and ISTo. 1 Royals takes place this evening.

His Excellency the Governor's yacht, the Blanche, has been refitted at Lyttelton. For her ocean voyage she had been rigged out specially, and extensive alterations were needed to put her into regular yacht trim. A now and'larger mainmast has been supplied her, and the hull subjected to a complete overhaul. The alterations were completed a flay or two ago, and the Blanche sailed yesterday for Akaroa,

A fashionable woman, reading that the lloosac tunnel cost nine hundred dollars a yard, declared with emphasis, that she'd " have a dress pattern off of that piece if the old man didn't lay up a cent, for the next two .years."

The exhibition of Mr Oourlay in the City J fall last evening was well attended by largo numbers, who evinced untiring interest in the scenes.