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Auckland Star, Volume VI, Issue 1668, 23 June 1875, Page 2

Our readers will not have forgotten the attempt to bounce this journal made some months ago by a number of idle loafers who had dubbed themselves the " Auckland Typographical Society." With an assurance that was amusing, they told us that if they "tolerated" our employment of girls in printing, the craft would be in danger, and we were threatened with dreadful things, and the Evening Star office was " closed " by tLem to the Typographical Society, which means thatmembersof that august body were prohibited from taking employment in our office. These fellows were subsequently "frozen out" of Auckland, and their piteous wail for work being unheeded, they skedaddled South, where ill-luck seems to have still attended them. Tn our yesterday's issue appeared a telegram from Christchurcb, saying that having constituted themselves into a "deputation from the Dunedin Typographical Society," they had come to the City of the Plains and endeavoured to resuscitate the principles of trade unionism, but the Christchurch printers to their credit would have nothing to do with them. But the funniest part of the thing is that these wanderers, who are described in. the telegram as "discharged Auckland printers," thereupon expressed their intention of " proceeding to Auckland to investigate the system of girl employment at the Evening Star." We shall be very happy to see them again, as wo want a little more fun at their expense, but we trust they have picked up some money in their pilgrimage, as they will be grievously disappointed, if they expect to sponge again on the decent and hard-working printers of Auckland. These have had quite enough of the loafers, and were only too glad to get quit of them. As for the subject of girl-employment at the Evening Stab, which they are coming from afar to investigate, we are happy to believe their report will be of the most satisfactory kind, and that all the anticipations of evil in which they indulged have proved baseless. In this office there aro now seven young ladies apprenticed to the honorable business of printing, for the same terms, and at the same wages as apprentices of the male persuasion; and we are happy to say that they show themselves most apt to learn and exceedingly expert at the business. They have clearly established the right of women to this new employment, and we trust that these pilgrims, whom our girls frightened into wandering to distant lands, if they have learned any wisdom in their wanderings, will, after seeing the success which has attended our experiment, return to the South, and urge all the printers there to take their sisters and sweethearts, and teach them the way to earn an honest and an honorable livelihood. We presume we ought to admire the chivalrous spirit in which those fellows have gone forth on this crusade, and we should regret the small success that appears to have attended their efforts. The Southern printers appear to have accepted them as scabby sheep from Auckland, and- have given them a wide berth, and it will be funny if their dislike for work should lead them to sigh again for Auckland, and to come back to us in the hope of finding rest to their feet, and spongeing a little longer on the,good-natured members of the craft.

The action of the City Council in holding a Star Chamber investigation yesterday upon the tramway question, has been very unfavorably commented upon, and the foolishness of the proceeding is made the more manifest by the appearance in to-day's Herald of what purports to be a summaryof the information communicated by Mr Turner on the subject. This report, we learn, is very inaccurate, and conveys a wrong impression. As the subject is one of great interest to the public as well as the Council, and as we understand yesterday's proceeding was wholly opposed to Mr Turner's own views, we think a correct report of the proceedings should be forwarded for publication.

The forthcoming meeting of ratepayers will excite considerable interest and stir in the suburbs of the city. Ponsonby, which invariably has a kick-up over the election of ■trustees, is already in the field, and notices appear in our columns warning ratepayers against giving proxies and convening a meeting of the residents in Alma Place, Brook ville, Springbank, and Kichmond, who consider that they have been wholly ignored in the expenditure of the rates. This meeting, which will open the campaign, is to be held in the schoolroom near All Saint's Church on Friday evening next at eight o'clock. "A Resident in Ponsonby," who thinks the district has been greatly scandalized by the refusal to pay debts fairly contracted by a previous board, writes to us, hoping that the new trustees will be pledged before election to remove this stigma.

The members of the Auckland Catholic Society, announce a grand musical and literary entertainment, on the evening of the 29th instant, in their Wellington-street Institute.

The All Saint's Tonic Sol Fa singing class, is progressing favourably under the direction of Mr Charles Blomfield, and last evening the members had a very successful practice. To-morrow evening (Thursday,) the members of this class will take part in the literary gathering in the school-room, on which occasion, the Rev. E. N. Bree, will deliver the inaugural address of the Society.

The members of the Artillery, Hobson, Scottish, and Victoria Companies were paraded last evening in the market square, by Major Gordon. The various companies were headed by their respective bands, and subsequently a presentation, consisting of an illuminated address was at the British Hotel presented to Lieut. Mclntyre on his retirement from the Volunteers with whom he has been so long and honorably connected. The chair was taken by Captain Burns, the usual loyal and patriotic toasts drank, and the evening spent in harmony.

It has been ascertained that the unfortunate man, Alexander Scott, referred to in our last issue, was suffering from typhoid fever. An inquest on the body was deemed unnecessary.

The proprietors of the museum of living curiosities by the Market Reserve have resolved to exhibit their wonders of nature during the present week at half-price, previous to tliuir visit to the Thames. The double-headed calf and the wonderful four-' legged fowl have attracted the attention of the principal naturalists of the colony.

We notice that very great improvements are being effected in the Church of England Cemetery, under the tasteful and skilful management of Mr Walker, jun., The cemeteries present to the eye of a stranger evidence of great neatness and care. The various paths, that now almost encircle the whole of the ground, are beautifully formed, scraped, and laid with a «fine scoria, and the path generally kept in trim. An unfavourable contrast is presented by the Wesleyan—or rather Non-comformist portion of the cemetery, which is not creditable to the friends of those whose silent dust sleeps there. The inscriptions on the stones relate to some of our most eminent citizens, but from, want of thought and a litle care, the graves have become evergrown with briers, thorns, and dirty, stunted titree. The fencing seems in many cases not to have been painted for many years. Other fences are down altogether, and have for some time been lying in this neglected state. The paths to and fro through the place are simply pools of mud and water. The Koman Catholic ground is next in neatness to the Church of England, and reflects great credit on those who have the oversight. The Presbyterian ia perhaps one of the best sites in all the Cemetery; but notwithstanding its many advantages, it would be the better of a little cleaning and grubbing. The Jewish burying-ground is also to some extent neglected, and overgrown with weeds. We hope the few hints thrown out above will have the effect of stimulating the various denominations to bestow a little more care upon the last resting places of mortality, as the unsightly appearance of- some of the cemeteries is not creditable to those who have charge of them.

The pleasant drama of " Geneva Cross," which many of our readers will remember, was repeated with much success last evening at the" Prince of Wales Theatre. Miss Howard appeared an Gabriel Le Bran, and Mr. Collier as Reil de Bourg. We have on previous occasions referred particularly to the beauties of this drama, which renders it unnecessary that we should" enlarge upon its peculiar merit's in the present instance. The play throughout was well sustained, and the scenery in harmony with its more prominpnt pasfases. We should not forget the orohestia, as the members of that instrumental company played with consummate skill. The " Wandering Heir," a piece of which critics havo pronounced favorably, will be produced this evening, Miss May Howard appearing aB Phillipa Chester, the heroine of the piece.

Professor Bruce will give his amusing mesmeric and- phrenological entertainment this evening at the North Shore.

The action of Ryan, Bell & Co , against Captain Morrison (of the Emily McLaren), to recover for damarrei done to two billiard - tables brought by defendant from London, terminated last evening in the District Court, Patrick Morrison (mate), Captain Clayton. Captain "PJliott, and Edward Dicksnn (delivery clerk) gave evidence to the offset that the cases were well stowed, and that they were properly and carefully landed, and therefore the fault did not rest with Captain Morrison. Mr Whitaker, in addressing the Court, considered the evidence conclusive, and that plaintiff was not entitled to a verdict. Mr Hesketh spoke at length, and expressed an opinion that the cases were delivered to defendant in sound condition. His Honor, in commenting upon the evidence, remarked the want of proof that the goods were improperly stowed, and held that the damage must have occurred either before the cases were shipped or after they had been landed on the wharf, and considered all the facts before the Court. ,TurlKm<"nfc must be in favor of defendant. Costs, £16.

A concert, consisting of vocal and infitru-

mental music under the patronage of Sir GeorgoiSrey, X.C.8., will be given to-tnorrow (Thursday) evening in Mrs Shayle George's High School, Symonds-street, by the pupils, under the direction of Madame Moller. The concert ia given with the view to obtain funds to lay down a croquet lawn in the play-ground, to buy a croquet set and otherwise to encourage out-of-door healthful recreation for the young people. The programme, in two parts, promises a good evening's amusement. A suitable prologue will be read by Mrs George ; several songs will be sung, such as "The Four Jolly Smiths," "Take Me to Thy Heart Again," " Scenes that are Brightest," "0, Ye Tears," and several others Readings, duets, solos, and choruses will alternatively be given. During the evening Mr Hardy will sing the " Scout," and Madame Moller will give the " Wanderer." Sub-Lientenant D. Kelly, has received the National Rifle Association medal won by him at the Auckland Rifle Association firing, also the Star presented by Messrs Reed and Brett with their Cup. The medal has the winner's name inscribed on the rim and the Star bears the following inscription : " Auckland Rifle Associotion, Evening Star Cup prize. Ist winner Sub-Lieutenant D. Kelly, 1875." Mr. Thomson, lecturer to the Australian Mutual Society, addressed a moderately-filled house at Parnell last night upon the subject of "Life Assurance." The room was hung with diagram illustrations, making the matter comprehensive to all. Perhaps the most interesting to Good Templars would be the one showing the effect of intemperance on a life assurance risk at various ages, commencing at 20 years, and that such risks were to be avoided as much as cases of Bright's Disease or Consumption. Mr. Thomson said our prospect of longevity was a great deal in our own hands, and that deterioration and repair go on just as the order of our lives dictate. Alcohol is known to increase the deterioration and to lessen the repair. Oh, that man Bhould put an enemy in his mouth to steal away his brains, The application of the bonus to the advantage of the policyholder was shown in three ways, viz.: cash, reduction of premiums, or, aa an addition to the policy, the non • forfeiture system first introduced by the Australian Mutual Provident Society was explained ; as also was the Lombard ian system of investment. Mr. W. H. Kissling occupied the chair.

Winter Evening Entertainments.—The time of year has arrived for lectures, concerts, and entertainments of various kinds. To aid the Good Templara and afford caterers of public amusement every facility, the present proprietors (Messrs Holloway and Garlick) have determined, after the Ist June, to let the City Hall at much lower rates than formerly; This Hall, the best situated of any in Auckland, and unsurpassed for its acoustic qualities, will be let for ten guineas per week, or two guineas for a single evening. These low terms prove the proprietors are doing their share towards proving cheap amusement.—Umbrellas are necessary companions on winter evenings, and Holloway and Garlick, having a very large stock, have resolved to clear them out at unheard-of prices, and have marked down : gents' good silk umbrellas to 7s 6d, 9a lid/ 12s 6d alpaca to 4s fid, 6s 6d ; ladies' alpaca to 3s lid ; silks to 6s lid. Call early oh Holloway and Garlick and secure one.—City Hall, 230, Queen-street.