The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News and the Morning News SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 1875.

Auckland Star, Volume X, Issue 1707, 7 August 1875, Page 2

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

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 1875.

Tar tho «iu3B that lacks i__t»tauce, yor the rri^ug v. .t sie-ds resiutaa^^ "■or the future in _he i_i«t__..ei_l ______ th* tree, that we can <_*.

Using, as Sir George Grey does, a free lance, and making vigorous onslaughts on various powerful agencies that have grown up in the country, we may rest assured that he will meet with bitter opposition both inside and outside of the legislature. We may expect to see him alienate many friends and supporters by treading on their own particular corns or ruthlessly laying bare the little schemes they may be pecuniarily interested i_. • Many of those who in the outset were carried away by his earnestness, his sincerity and disinterested efforts for the right, will gradually drop off when they find that a too unflinching maintenance of the public good, without fear, favour, or affection, will interfere materially with personal interests in which they are very largely concerned. Anyone who reviews in his own mind .the public actions and utterances of Sir' George Grey, since he re-appeared in public life, will see how many institutions which have hitherto controlled New Zealand have been impugned by him ; and now the foreshadowing of a land tax on the extensive areas held by speculators and runholders, will band on c more wealthy section against his policy. Already signs of this alienation are manifest *and will continue among those who love the fleshpots of Egypt rather than works of righteousness and self-sacrifice. The position is one peculiarly painful to a public man. It is not pleasant at any time to have to choose between the two alternatives of personal friendship and conscientous conviction, but the proper course to be taken admits of no question. ■. We confess to a strong sympathy for Sir George Qrey^not that we do not see instances where hiatal, in our estimation,

has caused him to err—but because we recognise in his public actions true patriotism and zeal for the cause he believes to be right, unflinchingly pursued without regard to the personal predelictions of friend or foe. Had Sir George Grey in leaving his retirement chosen to come out on the side of vested interests, as the champion and leader of our colonial would-be aristocracy, as the supporter of the wealthy against the great masses of the people, who would have been hailed with more frantic enthusiasm, more courted, and lauded by the powers that be, and that section cf the Press which is under their control? But his sympathies have led him to become the representative of honest labour rather than of capital; his enthusiasm is one which is stimulated by a hope, which may be Utopian but which has formed the mainspring of all true colonising spirit, that there should arise in these new lands a people comfortable, prosperous, self-governing, and free from the domination of riches, -which has proved such a curse to the mother country, from whence it has exiled millions of England's most industrious population to seek homes in America, Africa, and these distant isles of the sea, and which is now growing up to gigantic proportions in this the youngest but one of Britain's colonies. It is hardly a part of the natural r6le of the Star to laud anyone, and the cringing adulation with which the people have been surfeited by a hireling press has sometimes, perhaps, carried us to the other extreme. If Sir George Grey were all-powerful, carrying all before him, and riding triumphant over his opponents, we should feel disposed to pick a quarrel with him. But we know that his experience will be not dissimilar from that which the Stak has passed through. Popular and petted in its early days among those who thought it could be made to serve their purposes, but, as it grew into vigour and developed a manly spirit of independence and an earnest and unflinching desire for the right as it apprehended it without regard to personal feeling—although, no doubt sometimes mistaken—this journal became feared anddislikedbythosewhohadalittle job to work or an axe to grind, but still ib has grown in the estimation of the people until it has now obtained a position of which any journal might well feel proud—one resting upon the sympathies of the great masses of the people, whose .cause it has ever earnestly endeavoured to advocate. We have made allusion to Sir George Grey's position at the present time in order to impress upon the people that it is their battle he is fighting—not that of those who sit in high places. If they see defections from among his .supporters, they musb remember ,that all hopes of reward lie with the party in power, whose most recent proposals open up to needy office-seekers an amplitude of patronage sufficient to corrupt a House much more independent than that which now legislates for New Zealand. It must also be remembered that he has arrayed against him all the powers which the existing wealthy vested interests he has attacked can bring to bear. He has not courted the great, but has made the battle of the people, especially the people of this province, his own, and to them he looks for support. The question of Provincialism versus Centralism is but a minor one, and we are sorry that it has occupied such a prominent place as to detract from other far more 1 important questions upon which depend the social well-being of New Zealand for all time to come. The struggle has but just commenced and its true magnitude is hardly understood, but as it opens out, people will awake to the fact of its importance and _o the full conviction that the present political struggle is but the beginning of what will prove to be a great crisis, socially as well as politically, in the history of New Zealand.

" Sickness has been very prevalent amongst the natives of Mongonui this winter," writes our correspondent. "A very large number have died, and at present many are laid up. Some who should have been in Mongonui to sign deeds of transfer of lands sold, are not able to attend. Consequently Messrs. Preece and White have gone north to procure their signatures. Two influential men have died very lately, Pororua Wharekauri, and Te Morenga (Hare Nepia). Both of these men were loyal and peaceably -inclined. In' fact the same may be said of the whole of the natives of this district. 'Pororua was an Assessor, and Te Morenga had been a short time in receipt of a small pension from the Government."

A very pleasant intimation to the shareholders in the Union Bank is made through our columns to-day. The manager announces the payment of a dividend equal to sixteen per cent The Union Bank was the first banking institution doing business in New Zealand, and it has always maintained a fair share of support, which seems to have been no less profitable to the proprietary than satisfactory to the customers of the Bank.

On Good Templarism, a correspondent writes: "Sir,—lt seems that the Good Templar movement has no existence now except in name. At one period your columns were replete with accounts of its practical effects; but now the whole Good Templar community appear to have settled down to the contentment of nominal existence,, and to have partaken of the nature of a secret society, holdings its quiet meeting* for no public good; the highest business being empty promotion and another effort in so doing to exhaust the alphabet. I say this, sir, because everywhere around the suburbs, and even in the city, the public-house enterprise is undaunted, and instead of the Good Templars raising their voices to stop the spread of intemperance, (which I take to be their legitimate aim and end), they rather appear to be looking on at these everywhere growing edifices, either connivingly, or, to say the least of it, in an inert manner that points reprovingly at the sluggish performance of their social duty.—l am, sir, Yours, Citizen.

The following ,/ew cV esprit from the pastoral groves of Eden has been received .-— A sneaking prowler of the night, Who crept beneath our eaves, like owls, Is legged at last, and serve him right, Now Eden-folk may keep their fowls.

The day for the monthly inspection of No. 2 Company has been changed from Thursday to Tuesday. T The next inspection takes place on Tuesday, when a full attendance is expected. To the Editor : Sir,—A poor widow lately bereaved of her husband, who shrinks from having her name paraded before the public, is in urgent need of two or three pounds at the present time. She does not seek it in the shape of charity, but has, left a sewingmachine with me to be raffled for —say twenty members at 2s. 6d. each. Now, not to mince matters, she and her poor children want bread. I'll take a share; who comes next' Were I permitted to divulge her name it would be easily,proved that a more resDectable woman does not live in Auck-land.-Your», &c.» T. B. Hannaford. i

A most extraordinary disappearance of a sheep took place from the slaughterhouse on Thursday night. It appears that four sheep, the property of Mr Kilgour, were driven in from the Epsom paddock and penned inside the slaughterhouse, preparatory to being killed on the following morning. When Mr Kilgour's man went to kill them on the Friday morning, he found to his astonishment only three left. The question rises, Where is the fourth ? This question is not easily answered. The place "is said to be well secured where the sheep were penned, so that the lost one oould not have escaped. Than where can it be. Mr Kilgour is justly indignant this being the fourth loss of the kind sustained during the last five months. The sheep were of a most superior kind and size ; of a quality in fact, which the tradesmen at Newmarket have the credit of always buying. There are many loafers prowling about, probably some such wretch has been practising the art of sheep stealing, if so he knows a good sheep when he sees one.

The Governor of Missouri lately appointed a day of fasting and prayer in order to get rid of the grasshoppers that have been doing mischief over there. The day appointed was June 3d, and a correspondent of the Kansas City Journal of Commerce quizzes His Excellency pretty severely for setting the day so far off, and giving the grasshoppers a chance to eat everything up in advance. By all previous experience they would have disappeared by the 16th anyhow.

The popularity of the weekly services under the auspices of the Dunedin Young Men's Christian Association, continues undiminished.

We have to acknowledge receipt of further subscriptions of 5s from Mr John Millis, and 10s from Mr J. Bashell in aid of the widow and family of the late Captain Doble.

Two Maoris named Hene Mete Makarini and Pehi Neho, were brought up to Mount Eden Gaol this morning from Hokianga, the former for six months for stealing the sum of £3 55,, the property of a settler, and the latter for three months for receiving the same.

Mr. J. C. Hoyte's pictures at the Victorian Academy of Arts exhibition in Melbourne, have been much admired. The Australasian, of the 3rd inst., says—"Mr. J. C. Hoyte, of Auckland, furnishes no less than nine brilliant transcripts of New Zealand scenery, embracing landscapes of singular magnificence and loveliness, stupendous gorges, cascades, snow-clad mountains and noble estuaries. Each subject is powerfully treated, and the artist shrinks from grappling with no difficulty that presents itself. One or two of his pictures are poems, and their truth to nature will not be disputed by any one who is familiar with the marvellous beauty of the islands, which promise, we are glad to observe, to produce a school of watercolour artists with a distinctive cachet of its own.

The North Shore and Auckland Football Clubs are hard at it this afternoon in the Government-house field. It is the first time the clubs have met since their little difference, and a good-tempered but determined struggle for the mastery may be expected.

The Good Templars will hold another of their interesting Saturday evening entertain ments to-night. An excellent programme has been prepared, including music, singing, speech, and recitation. The member" of the Sir Henry Havelock lodge will also commence weekly meetings in the same manner this evening in the Rev. W. Tinsley _ school-room, Edwardes-street, when Mr Speight will deliver an address, Mr Howden will sing a song, and Miss Ellenor Froude will deliver a choice recitation from one,of the poets.

The model brig which has been exhibited in Mr Cleal's window recently, will be drawn for this evening, at eight o'clock, at Mr. Grattan's, Thames Hotel.

A meeting of the Wording Men's Friendly Aid Society will be held at the usual place of meeting on Monday evening next. As important business will be introduced, all members are requested to be present.

The Auckland correspondent of the Otago Times writes : —"By-the-bye, have you no enterprising coach proprietors out of work through your railways? If so, let them write to me, aod I will put them up to the best unoccupied line of coaching now open in these Colonies. From Auckland to Grahamstown by steamer; thence, by coach, to Ruriri; across the hills to Whangamata, and thence to Kati Kati (the Stewart special settlement) and Tauranga; from Tauranga to the great hot lakes, and away south as far as they like. The route would go through a magnificent agricultural as well as gold country—districts sure to be rapidly peopled and prosperous. No better chance was ever offered, and it is well worth while for your coach proprietors to cast an eye upon it.

The Fakir of Oolu interested a crowded house last evening at the Prince of Wales Theatre with his mystical and magical performances. The scenes introduced were the same as on the previous night, namely, mesmeric illustrations, the entranced lady, and the crownipg exhibition of the fairy fountain; with its wonderful hues and changes. This enchanting scene, was greeted with much applause. We notice that, in consequence of the continued success of the entertainment, the proprietors have wisely determined to reduce the prices, in order that the people may be enabled to witness the unsurpassed illusions of Dr. Silvester, and realize somewhat of the spirit of the "fairy queen". The performance will be repeated this evening.

The employes of the various coach-making factories in Auckland have made a most commendable effort on behalf of Mr George Pate and his family, whose case was drawn attention to in our columns lately. We have much pleasure in acknowledging receipt to-day from Messrs. Gee and Potter, of the sum. of £8 4s„ being the amount collected in the various coachmaking establishments of the city on their behalf.

Mr. William Wilson, draper and clothier of Queen-street, informs the public that, having purchased the whole of the drapery stock of Mr. James Reid, of Grahamstown consisting of every description of hosiery, and drapery goods; he is now offering the same to the public at less than half the original cost price. The sale will continue for three weeks. ,

Divine services will be held, at the usual hours to-morrow, at the following places of worship: —Newton Kirk, by Rev. Dr. Wallis —morning, " Christ, bur Ruling Passion ;" evening, "The Sounding of the Seventh Trumpet." Lome-street HaH(unsectarian), by Samuel Edger, B.A.—morning, "God and tho Little Child ;" evening, " Every-day Religion among the Men and Things of the World." Beresford-street, by Rev. Warlow Davies, M.A.—sermons morning and evening. Wellesley-street Baptist Chnreh, by Rfjv. P. H. Cornford—morning, "Noblest Ambition ;" evening, Sermon on the death of Miss Jones. United Methodist Free Church, by Rev. G. H. Turner — morning, "The Friend above all Others;" evening, "Sixth Sermon upon Scenes in the Life of Jacob." Services as usual at Primitive Methodist Chapels—Edwardes-street, Sheridan-gtreet, and Newmarket—by various ministers.

Messrs Meckiff and Co, pork-butchers, announce they have commenced business in Symonds street, and are prepared to supply the latest delicacies in their line of business.

To a picture of a frightfully wan, emaciated girl, exhibited in Paris, is ascribed this history : It is the portrait of an artist's sweetheart. He began to paint it when she was healthy and beautiful, but while the work was in progress she fell sick with consumption and slowly wasted away. As the deadly disease changed her looks he touched and retouched her likeness, until just before her death it grew to be what it how is.

The Committee of the Home for Neglected and Destitute Children beg to convey their thanks to the kind unknown who placed £10 iv the hands of W. C. Wilson Esq., for the use of the institution ; and they have also to thank Mrs Gillies for paying to their treasurer the sum of £20-a portion of a sum placed in her hands for distribution amongst charities by Messrs. Aitkin and Watt.

Unavailing tears are often shed in th colonies for missing friends, who are never visible again to their relatives. The advertisement fails to win a response, and the enquirer is left to wonder through the years. The fate of the unknown men whose bodies were found at Mercer and Onehunga within the last few days are but examples of this oft-recurring fact which is exemplifi-d in some or other district, almost every week. The body of a man " unknown " was picked up by some one, and conveyed to such' a place. The inquest is held and the one verdict, "found drowned," returned, and so runs the story. The bodies recently found would seem to be those of new chums who had wandered iprobal ly from the beaten thoroughfare to die unseen far beyond the care and knowledge of their friend^. A brief notice appears in the newspaper, and all is over. Such seems to be the destiny of hundreds of newcomers in this land of sunshine and gold, who come across the octan with the view of gathering a fortuEe and find a solitary grave.

A sad case of early disagreement between a married couple (says the Argus) came before the City Bench. Duncan Scott, a respectable looking young man, was charged with deserting his wife, a girl under eighteen years of age. They were married only three months ago, but the disposition of the husband was soon manifested. He began to complain about his wife's management, and to adopt a cheese-paring system at home, while at the same time he continually stayed out at night, attending dances, and left his wife to amuse herself at home. He ultimately gave up his situation, sold some real property he possessed for between £400 and £500, and announced his intention of going to California via New Zealand. When asked what he would do with his wife, he said she could go to New Zealand, too, but not in the same ship, and he would not live with her when they got there. He also began to make insinuations against his wife. He, however, did no. venture to say anything against her in Court, and her mother said there was no foundation for them. He kept up a correspondence with a woman in .New Zealand. Through a lawyer he offered to pay the wife £10 down and 10s a week. Mr Sturt, P.M., said it was a shameful case, and ordered defendant to pay 12s Gd a week to his wife ; and as security, he was either to deposit £100 in the Bank, or find approved personal sureties.

Tbe hair-breadth escapes from the Schiller wreck were numerous. One man saved himself by holding on with his teeth to the finger of a hand a man had put out to save him. Mrs. Jones the only woman who was saved, was thrown into the boat by her husband, and when the boat was swamped, she was one of those rescued in the complete darkness by another boat.

Mmc Dencef of Brussels bequeathed her immense fortune to the Jesuits, but _ the court of appeals has decided that the will is not valid, and that the fortune must go to the legitimate heirs. An idea may be formed of the amount of the fortune by the fact that the Jesuits had offered about ?GOO,OOO to some of the legitimate heirs if they would not go to law.

We have received the following statement of a grievance :—"Sir,—For the last fifteen months I have been engaged as platelayer, under Messrs. Brogden and Sons, on the Auckland and Mercer railway. The Government having taken the line over this morning completely, myself and two more were dismissed by Mr. Dent, although we were fathers of families numbering in the aggregate nineteen children and three single men were substituted in our places. Now sir, I consider myself a more practical plate layer than my successors and am willing to undergo an examination before any engineer, and why I should be dismissed I don't know. The same rule of discharging married men along the line seem to have been followed invariably. For my own part it does not matter much, as I am going to Oamaru under engagement with Messrs Brogden and Sons, but I think the proceeding, involving as it does many industrious working men, ought to be exposed.—l am, Src, Michaiel Cases. Otahuhu.

Mr. William Leary, solicitor, died at the residence, of his mother yesterday at the early age of 35. He was the son of one of our oldest settlers, and had practised his profession in Auckland and Waikato for many years.

The Bank of England has about 800 clerks. The usually.enter at between 18 and 25 years of age. The salary begins at about £80. From this they are advanced until, by the time they are 41 or 44, they get £350, after which they can ordinarily hope for no increase. In the London and Westminister Bank, with 443 clerks, and Glyn's, with 200, the beginners get about the same as in the Bank of England, but the veterans receive £450. In all there is much competition for situations, and only a superior class of young men are accepted.