THE PROVINCES.

Globe, Volume I, Issue 82, 4 September 1874, Page 3

THE PROVINCES.

AUCKLAND. The JV. Z. Herald of the 17th ult gives the following account of a death by drowning at Onehunga of a man named W. Gamble, lately arrived from England. Here heappears to have imbibed rather freely, and afterwards proceeded down the wharf, and attempted to go on board the cutter Mercury, laying alongside the wharf. Whilst walking across a plank stretched from the wharf to the cutter's rigging, he lost his balance and fell into the water. The accident was obby Geo. Vause and others, and speedily efforts were made for the man's relief. One man succeeded in grasping him by the hair, but was, owing to its shortness, unable to obtain a firm hold, when the poor fellow sank. Constable Green soon arrived on the spot, and at once proceeded to drag for the body. After several attempts the body was recovered, and Dr Purchas, who had been sent for, exerted his utmost to restore animation. Life, however, had departed. Lieutenant Hoskins, of No 2 Company H.R.V., ex-champion shot of the colony, being about to leave the Thames, the officers and men presented him with a gold Albert chain and specimen pendant, as a memento of his connection with the company. The members of the orchestra and chorus of the Royal English Opera Company have presented Mr G. B Allen with a silver baton in Auckland. It is thus described : —This handsome article is composed of solid silver, aud nearly two feet in length ; it is mounted with 18-carat gold, set with Thames quartz at one end, and a piece of greenstone at the other. The baton has been designed by Mr Alexander, and reflects great credit on his workmanship. It is encircled by a large gold ring, bearing the following inscription : —" Presented to G. B. Allen, Esq., by the members of the orchestra and chorus of the Royal English Opera Company, Aug., 1874." A gold band also runs spirally up the baton, ou which is engraved the names of all the places at which the company have performed in New Zealand. The Rev R. H. Mitchell, late incumbent of St Matthew's, has been presented with a valuable gold watch and guard. The presentation was made by Miss Halstead, on behalf of the friends aud parishioners, and wus accompanied by a suitable address, to which the rev gentleman replied in feeling terms. The New Zealand Herald of the 24th ult sa y S ; —A public demonstration took place in the city on Saturday evening, against the recent mcasurepassed in the General Assembly for the abolition of provinces in the North Island. The demonstration consisted in carting the effigies of those Auckland members who h*ve voted for the measure, and afterwards burning them on Barrack Hill, amidst the derisive groans of the populace. The announcement that such would take place succeeded in drawing out a large number of people, who thronged both Queenstreet and the Barrack Hill. General good order prevailed, and the police were not called upon to interfere in any manner, although several were preeent to prevent

any serious breach of the peace. Short!} before niue o'clock an express van, containing the effigies of the recalcitrant members was driven out of Mr William Kirlrj 'a yard in Upper Queen street, accompanied by a number of young men bearing torches. The procession passed at a quick pace down Queen street and up Shortland street, receiving along the route the jeers of the citizens. Arrived in the Barrack Gieen, where a large crowd had assembled, a rush was made to the cart, and the effigies dragged down, set fire to, and afterwards tossed about amongst the crowd. Three groans were given for tbe members whose effigies had* been just destroyed by fire, three cheers for Mr O'Korke, three cheers for the " political hangman*' and for the Star, and the assemblage dispersed. The Thames Advertiser states:—" The large majority declared in favor of Mr Vogel's resolutions for the abolition of the p'-oviuces in the North Island, is the most crushing defeat the provincial party have ever sustained in the House, and is an overwhelming testimony to the necessity which exists for remodelling the Government of the colony. Year after year the difficulties arising from a dual form of administration increased in proportion as our necessities accumulated, and the circumstauccs of our position altered. , . . , . Whatever may be the issue of these memorable resolutions, we are satisfied the existence of our present system of Government is marked for destruction. It has Served its time, and in some respects has been useful and beneficial; but the affairs of the colony have assumed so grave a character of importance, its liabilities and taxation are so enormous, its future so entirely dependent upon the wisdom, tact, and economy of the Legislature, that a great and immediate change is necessary to secure the happiness and prosperity of the people." The Ohinemuri natives begin to see (says the Thames Advertiser) that the policy adopted by the Shortland natives was a wise one; and they also perceive that it is the only policy by which they can keep the balance of their lands. When the natives are in want they obtain stores and pledge their lands in payment, but by'adoptmg the -policy of the Shortland natives, they could in the course of time become wealthy landlords, and enjoy splendid incomes without parting with their birthrights. As it is, the Government have procured the great bulk of the land which is believed to be auriferous, and there is no reason for any further delay in proclaiming the country open. The city of Auckland and the couutry districts, sajs the Thames Evening Star, are evidently at variance in considering the Piemier's proposal for the abolition of piovinces. This is not to be wondered at. 'lhe capital towns of provinces are the only districts really benefitted by provincialism. In one or two cases the very exister.ee of provincial capitals is at stake, so that it will not be surprising to find that those whose interests are bound up in the capital oppose abolition. The Thames people have spoken out boldly and plainly, as we expected they would. The abolition of provincialism in the North Island is but the indication of a change of government which the altered circumstances of the colony demand. The country districts in all the provinces are in favor of centralisation. They know that they have reason to expect more justice from a central government than from existing provincial, institutions which have passed their prime. Like their principal administrators, they have seen their best days, and should be decently superannuated before they have too far exceeded the allotted span. Dying now they may be lamented, but not regretted : prolong their existence and they will expire in f he course of time unlamented, unregretted, and execrated, as a burden which hung—like the albatiws on the neck of the old man of the sea—until it became unbearable. The capital cities may try to perpetuate provincialism, but the country places will have centralism, which simply means localism.

Amongst the new aspirants for a share of public patronage, says the Cross, is Mr Hubert Oram, late house steward of the Northern Club, who has recently taken the old Prince Arthur Hotel, at the corner of Hobton and Wellesley streets. The hotel has been : thoroughly renovated, and offers every comfort to traveling and strangers visiting the city. Conspicuous iu the snuggery is a handsome timepiece, presented by the members of the Northern Club to Air Oram, in recognition of his services while in their employ. Mr Oram belougs to a family of hotel proprietors, whose name in (Janter bury is. a guarantee for excellent accommodation, and, judging from what he has done in improving the PriLce Arthur, he is not likely to discredit the name. Amongst the passengers per K.M. steamship Tartar, are, says the Cross, Mr F. Luidea and Mr E. Collins. These gentlemen are about to establish agencies in the Australian colonies of Baron Keuter's Telegram Company, Limited. We understand that, later on the establishment a similar agency will be carried out in Auckland, and this would be a great convenience to merchants and others here. Mr Luidea has held the office of British Vice-Consul at Lima for a number of years, and had the honor of being presented by the ilarl of Derby at the .Royal Levee held at James's Palace, London, on the Ist June last.