The Evening Star. SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 1874

Evening Star, Issue 3582, 15 August 1874, Page 2

The Evening Star. SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 1874

Amongst the movements pointing to social changes at Home is that of the organisation of trades’ and labor unions. The last election has the appearance of, and is said to be, a stand against further innovation ; but it most probably only expresses the fears entertained by the wealthier classes of the growing power of the artizans. It is only a repetition of the old story : another phase of that social evolution that has slowly emancipated the masses of mankind from slavery, and is gradually raising them to the moral and intellectual level of the privileged glasses. In these Colonies we start pretty much on a level, so far as opportunities are concerned. Unfortunately we bring our prejudices with us, and are very much inclined to imagine that hands soiled by labor are not to bj valued so highly as those that are white and soft. This feeling is rapidly changing j for in spite of fashion and tradition, the bi’ead and cheese question will force itself upon men who are not b<?m to inherit independent fortunes, and those walks in life will be adopted that promise the best pay. It ;is all very well to dress fashionably, and visit with the rich, but it costs too much if a man is not receiving the jvages of a laborer ; and no man of independent spirit likes to be a hanger-on upon his wealthier friends. In consequence, a serge shirt and fustian trousers can be worn here without that feeling of inferiority of position that would be the consequence at Home, Here, the man who labors with his hands, and who is careful and sober, very soon outstrips in wealth those who devote thetqsejyes to the fashionable mechanical drudgery of the accountant’s desk. But though this has also to gome extent been true in Great Britain for years, the privilege of position has been sufficient to outweigh purely monetary considerations. The working classes are endeavoring to change this condition of affairs. In January last a Trades’ Union Congress was held in Sheffield, at which delegates were present from all parts of England. The London ‘ Tipms ’ considered it of sufficient importance to report its proceedings very fully. It is not the first congress that has been held ; but it is remarkable, on account of the manner of its having been conducted and of the questions considered. The main question discussed was the “ Representation of labor in Parliament.” Necessarily the class feeling cropped up very prominently. It was impossible it should be otherwise: it is deeply engrained in the social nature of the population of Great Britain. Mr Broadhurst, of London, in a paper on the representation of labor, pointed to the character of the opposition they had to encounter. He said;—

The prejudice of the aristocracy was, no doubt, against the entrance into Parliament of wen wjiose political actions had been, and would be, guided by the desire to do justice to irrespective of custe op clii S3 —men wlio wonld be more concerned to pass measure* urgently needed for the well-bsing of the people than for the fortune of parties—men whose knowledge of the wants of their class would be found as useful in English legislation as the most cultivated ignorance of many of those who misrepresented the opinion of their constituents, Another source of opposition would be found im the capitalists of the middle class who in their fury would oppose the growing power of labor organisations. A still more powerful influence that would be found operating against the working class candidates would be the clergy and the publicans (cheers)—who, in their blind policy of protection to special interests, would oppose them. >Ye in the Colonies have not the battle to figb£, and do not share in the bitterness of spirit jssnifested in this extract. The franchise requires extension here to every man of adult years an d g°od character, perhaps restricted tp certain educational acquirements. If, however, they are of the usual' Blender character, they may be well dispensed with. The ability to read' perhaps with difficulty, and write' almost illegibly, is' so bare a step in advance that it is calculated to do I almost as much harm as good, if not pushed further. A man, however j hardworking, if he can spare the time,; I s .eligible for a seat in Parliament.; A yoyage of sixteen thousand milts has .completely relieved our workeii

from the last remnant of serfdom-. That which is being slowly won by the labor and suffering of eight hundred years has been achieved in three months by those who have come to live amongst us; and this freedom should add much to the attractions of our Southern Home. Generations must yet pass before the workingclasses of Great Britain achieve equal influence in Parliament with those who dwell here. Whenever they have had one of their order in the House of Commons, he has always been regarded as a dangerous man. Henry Hunt, William Cobbett, Fergus O’Connor, though not strictly workers, represented the feelings of the toilers, and tried the experiment, but were regarded as legislative curiosities by their polished and highly* e ducated fellow-members. But the change must come. It was stated at the Congress that the number of Unionists amounted to over one million, and if so, if prudently conducted, the claims of so large a body united for one object must secure it sooner or later. So powerful an organisation points to the speedy downfall of Tory influence, and the restoration of the Liberal party to power. It is but a question of time.

The sailing of the iAlhaiubra is postponed until to-morrow. It is notified that telegrams for the Australian Colonies or Europe, via Java Cable, will be received at the Telegraph (>ffice for transmission to Nelson up till ten o’clock a.m. of the 17th inst,, and to the Bluff up till the same time. Mr Wiltshire completed hia 880 th mile at twelve o’clock last night. He now walks his mile at the commencement of each hour. He appears to be iu first-rate form, and is confident of completing his distance within the specified time. Last evening, Mr Scholefield, who for three or four years past has been the teacher at the North-east Valley District School, was entertained by the ratepayers of the district at a dinner at the North east Valley Hotel. A. very pleas int evening was spent. dhe Veu. Archdeacon Edwards delivered an address last evening, before the St. faul s Church Young Men’s Association, on the subject of “Education.” Those present were invited to give their views on the question, and a lively discussion ensued. Bishop Nevill is to continue his ssries of lectures on *'Church History” at the next meeting of the Association. °

Tbp hon. Mr Mantell has given notice of his intention to move the following now clause in the Burial Ground Closing Bill when it comes on for discussion in the Assembly :—“ It sha l ! be lawful for any person by will or deed duly executed to direct that his or her body shall after death be disposed of by burning the same to ashes, instead of by burial in the earth ; and it shall be law' ful for the executor or executors of snob person to carry into effect such direction : provided that such burning shall be conducted in a manner which shall not create any public or private nuisance.” There will be some among our (‘New Zealand Times ’) readers, no doubt, who will remember the well-known C. E. Jones, a member of the Victorian Assembly, and at one time Commissioner of Railways. He was undoubtedly an able man, but somewhat unscrupulous, and ultimately was expellel from the Parliament of Victoria. He went to San Francisco, from thence to Utah, where he sojourned for a while, passing on thence to New York. It appears that he is engaged now as one of the exponents of Barnum’s great show business, and is highly appreciated by the King of Charlatans* i The performance at the Queen’s Theatre last evening was for the benetit of Messrs Sutton and Kelly, the corner-mon. There was a very large attendance in all parts of the house. Mr Kelly’s Christy’s song had to be repeated, while the rendering' - of Mr Mavors “Beside the grave of Jennie” was loudly applauded. This gentleman, who has entirely recovered from the cold f. om which be was safcVripg, possesses a verysweet though not powerful voipe. and was last night heard to groat advantage. Mr Sutton’s dancing came in for a large share of applause, and several new jokes were given. The farces seemed to cause infinite amusement; “School” sending the audience away in the best humor. The troupe are announced to make their last appearance to-night.

The Star of Freedom Lodge, 1.0.G-.T., held there quarterly meeting in Linden Sohoolbouse on Wednesday evening, Bro J Gowdery, W. C.T ,in the chair. The Secre’tary read the quarterly report, which showed that the Lodge is in a satisfactory state. Seven members have been added during the past term. Bro. John Cunningham, L.D , acting as G W.G.T., assisted by Bro. Neil,’ W V.T., Pioneer Lodge, Dunedin, then proceeded to the installation of the following office-bearers for the ensuing three months ; —Bro. John Cunningham, junr., W.C.T. • Bro. Robert Mahone, W.Y.T.; Bro. Colin Taylor, W.S. and W.F.S { Bro. John Cunningham, W.T.; Bro. George Lindsay, W.C.i Bro. Jomes Morris, W.M.; Bro. Alexander Mahone, W.J.Gr. ; Bro. Alevander Wixon, W.O.Q. The second degree was conferred on six members at a meeting held for that purpose at the close of the installation cercmonits.

Air J. J. Ufcting, tl>e author of the '‘Great World of London,” took, his benefit at the Princes Theatre last evening. Considering the many counter-attractions, there was a very good attendance. The drama was not so well played as upon its first representation—the whole of (ho performers, wi'h the exception of Mrs Walter Hill, the Misses Willis, May, and Vi\ian, and Messrs KeoMi and Musgrave, showing anything but a dole application to the text. At its dose Mr Utting received a call before the curtain, and in returning thanks for the manner in which his first piece had been received, paid a special compliment to Mr Williams, the scenic artist, aud Mr Leech, leader of the orchestra. Mr B“da performed some very difficult evolutions on the Id; ing trapeze in first class style; and a song given by Miss Martineau, and a double dance by Miss Vivian aud Mr Hooper were both encored. The “ Octoroon ” will be played to-night. Last Wednesday evening the regular fortnightly meeting of the Star of Freedom Lodge, 1.U.G.T., Linden, took place in the schoolhonse; Bro. James Cowdrey presiding. After the reports of the various officers were lead and adopted, the lodge-room was prepared for the installation of officers, when Bro. John Cunningham, L. t)., assisted by Bro. Neil (Lodge Pioneer) an 1 Bra vlahonc, installed these following as the officers for ~ e J current term : —Bro. John Cunningham, VV.C.T. ; Bro. Bobert Mali one, W. V.T. • Bro. Colin Taylor, W.S. ; Bro. C. Taylor’ W.F.S. ; Bro, John Cunningham, W.T. • Bro. C. Lindsay, W.C. ; Bro. James Monis W.M. ; Bro. Alax. Mahone, W.T.S. ; Bro! Alexander Wilson, W.C.B. ; Bister Mahone, H.H.S. J Sister Cameron, L.H.S. The W.C.T. returned thanks for the honor con*; fcrred upon him. A vote of thanks wals

unanimously accorded the L.D. and the brethren who represented the grand lodge, Bro. Cunningham responding. The lodge was closed in due farm. The ‘ New Zealand Times,’ rcferringto Mr Vogel’s resolution for abolishing North Island Provinces, says “We were not surprised that when the subject was first broached it was taken for granted that the intention was to strike a blow at Provincialism as a whole. This is but an illustration of our previous argument Provincial Government in the Middle Island would be no more doomed by the scheme of the Premier being carried into effect than it is at the present time. In fact, if Mr Vogel’s ideas could be carried out in their entirety, it would stand on a basis as firm as anyone could reasonably desire. Mr Vogel does not •wish to effect a change in the North Island until the people both North and South have had an opportunity of expressing an opinion on the matter in a constitutional manner.”

The thirteenth anniversary of the existence of the firm of Straohan and Co., brewers, was celebrated last evening by a supper at the Briti-h Hotel, George street. Mr Russell presided, the vice chair being filled by Mr Lindsay, traveller for the establishment. The customary toasts having been proposed and duly acknowledged, the cba<rman gave the toast of the evening, “The Health of Mr Straohan.” m the course of his remarks he stated that since the last time they met one of their number had died, and another, Mr Kilgour, who was present that evening, had left to better his condition. Mr Rusjell concluded by saying that, so far as he was aware, the brewery had gone on prosperously during the past year, and he hoped its success would be still greater in succeeding years. The toast was drunk with all the honors. Mr -Straehan, in responding, said be was happy to state that the brewery had .made considerable progress in every respeat; and he hoped the Colonial production would enable them in a short time to dispense with English malt. He had no reason to complain of want of business, as at the present time he had enough to do to meet the demand. Mr -trachan then proposed “The Employes,” and in doing so said that the mere fact of many of them being so long in his employment spoke volumes. He had great pleasure in coupling the toast with the name of Mr Randall, the oldest hand in the establishment, he having been engaged in the service of the firm for upwards of nine years. Mr Randall replied in suitable terms. Several capital songs and recitations were given during the evening, and the utmost harmony and good feeling prevailed throughout. Great credit is due to Mr and Mrs M'Gregor for their attention to those present. “Prompter” sends us the following items of theatrical interest ; “The ftteele Keogh Dramatic Troupe have decided to continue a week longer in Dunedin, and the season will not conclude till the 23rd inst. They open in Ohristohurch about the 28th inst. Smith’s Combination Troupe will open at the Princess’s on the 29th inst. The Californian Minstrels will give their last entertainment at the Queen’s Theatre tonight, and sail for the North, per Wellington, on Sunday. The English Opera Company, after leaving Wellington, visit Hokitika and the West Coast, after which they will work their way South acain. Madame Goddard, after “doing” the Australian Colonies, will visit New Zaa'and, and she will be followed , by the Italian Opera Company. The Girards are prov.ding a good thing for the management of the Theatre Royal, Melbourne; and they being the main draw, the dramas are put upon the stage by the thrifty management as economically as possible. “ The Princess of Trebizmde,” a burlesque opera, had a five weeks’ run at the Prince of Wa es Opera-house, and proved both a genuine and remunerative success. In Brisbane the Carandiuis, with Mr Cottarell, were performing quite recently; so also were Mr Tavares’s company and Professor Haselmayer. In Adelaide Miss Howard is the principal attraction ; and in Sydney the Italian Opera Company have been giving great satisfaction. Mademoiselle T.egrauri (Mrs Fairclough) is to shortly make her final appearance in Melbourne, prior to re turning to Europe. Messrs King and Geddes, of the Siamese Troupe, have dissolved partnership in Auckland. Mrs Cutter is once more before the Melbou ne public, and gave one concert at the Town Hali| where she w. s assisted by Signori Palmieri, 'Usini, Ceccbi, and Giorza, Mrs Chas. Clark, Messrs King and Montagu, and others. Blondin, the celebrated rope-dancer, is performing at Sydney.”

Guf ' Wellington correspondent, writing on the Oth instant, says The day’s business opened with a diversion. For half an hour Taiaroa Sit in silent admiration of the skill with which the attention of the House had been drawn from a motion he had on the paper, to a general discussion on curtains and hangings, speaking and hearing. The red curtains with which the chamber had been draped were fast driving hon. members to blindness ; aud Mr G. B. Parker, who does not think twice about doing k thing, though he never considers whether he does the right one, had the day before stripped the walls of every vestige of drapery, with a result that can be better imagined than described. Previously, about 60 per cent, of what was sa d could by straining be heard ; but now, so great was the echo, one could not understand what his next-door neighbor said. Mr Buckland led the attack, and he was followed by Mr Fox, Sir J. 0. Wilson, and perhaps a dozen others. The member for Rangitikei objected to living jn an atmosphere of sulphurated hydrogen, but Sir Cracreft was quite pitiable. He had got tired of complaining either of being alternately frozen or heated, and tried to be funny when the House Committee was doing all it could to kill him. ([ wonder the ‘ Knight of Cashmere’ and the author of ‘ Wild Will’ have not long ago preferred an indictment against Mr Parker, who can’t speak himself, aud therefore is doing his little beat to prevent others from doing »o.) A variety of colored curtains—sky blue, dark blue, yellow, and gfeen —were named, but Sir Craproft was horrified at the probable ghastliness of the ope polar, and was afraid the others would prove too mg. gestive, But the speaking, or rather pretended speaking, was particularly laughable. No matter who rose—the Premier or a nobody—he was a* sailed with cries of ‘ bpeak up ! ’ and when Mr Parker got up himself to make an explanation, his voice was fairly drowned, Taiaroa now thought the fun had been going on long enough, and gently reminded the House that his unoffending motion had been quite forgotten. The walls of the chamber are now hung with greru damask, with only slightly improved remits. Nothing short of a differently constructed and entirely new roof, with a second or shell roof, similar to that introduced into the new Theatre Royal, Melbourne, will enable members to be heard, as they should be, equally well in all parts of the House.”

A meeting of the Royal Arch Chapter of Otago will be held on Monday evening, at 7.30, in the Masonic Hall. Members of the Otago Kilwinning and Celtic Lodges are requested to meet at the Water of Leith bridge, to-morrow, at 2.30 p.m. The fortnightly meeting of the Sons of Temperance will be held in the Lower Hall of the Athenaeum, on Monday evening, at 7.30.