The New=Zealander.

New Zealander, Volume 5, Issue 387, 29 December 1849, Page 2

The New=Zealander.

Be just and fear not: Let all the ends thou aims't at, be tby Country's, Thy God's, and Truth's. , S~ AT FrdTyT^D E~C~ ~EM BB E R 29, 184 9.

The close of the old year is so suitable a time for abandoning an objectionable practice, and the commencement of the new so convenient, not merely for the formation of good resolutions, but for bringing them into operation, that we take leave to-day once more to call atteiAi^n to the movement for the establishment of early shop-shutting in this town, and to make another appeal, both to our business friends themselves, and also — and chiefly — to the public, on behalf of a proposal which commends itself to the right judgment and kindly feeling of all, and which only requires a small amount of energy, and a yet smaller amount of sacrifice, to ensure its general adoption and success. The principles from which the movement has proceeded, and the grounds on which those principles rest, were stated at some length in the Prize Address on the subject to which we have already given whatever modicum of local influence its insertion in our editorial columns could bestow ; and we venture to say (we trust without any risk of being misinterpreted) that the statement there made is forcible, and even unanswerable ; — not so much from anything in the way in which the argument is advanced, as from the inherent merits of the cause itself, which are so strong in their own righteousness as to be independent of all mere advocacy, and to need nothing more than the most simple declaration of them that is, at the same time, truthful and intelligible. Justice and humanity demand that the late -hour system should be abolished ; and we have shown " The Power, the Interest, and the Duty of the Public" to effect — if not its immediate abolitionrrryet,. at Jeast^its extensive modification and mitigation. In the present effort in Auckland, (as in the great and prosperous parent effort in London), for the abridgment of the hours of business, the Drapers have taken the lead. But why, we again ask, should it be confined to any one trade ? Why should not others here, as in the Metropolis, recognise the obligation, and avail themselves of the privilege ? Why, for example should not the Grocers begin the new year on this better system ? We would willingly believe that if some one or two in each line of business were to set themselves to organize such a movement in their respective spheres, they would find little difficulty in inducing others to join them. At all events, the attempt would be honourable to those who should make it ; and if unfortunately it should fail, they at least would have the consciousness of having done what they could. The particular hour of closing must, of course, be matter of consultation and mutual agreement. We have heard with regret that even amongst those who have already taken part in the movement, there has not been that unanimity on this point which the declaration published in our advertising columns, would have led us to anticipate. We have hitherto refrained from adverting to this, although urged both by letter and oral representation to do so ; and just now we shall only say that mutual explanation may be advantageously employed to secure the harmonious co-operation which in such a case is so desirable. Meanwhile, it is self-evident that those who shall faithfully adhere to the spirit and letter of the agreement, will have claimsupon public approbation and support, which will be materially strengthened if any defalcations from their ranks should be found. But we hope for better things than such defalcations. We repeat, however, that the Public alone can conclusively determine the question in all its branches. It has been pleaded (not in one place merely, but in almost every place where the question has been agitated) that "the convenience of the public" requires that shops should not be closed early. It is for the public themselves to quiet this plea, by practically declaring that their convenience does not require it ; or that, if it does, they would cheerfully submit to a little (and it would be but a little) inconvenience for the attainment of so good an object. Will they do so ? We respectfully ask our readers individually, will You 1 ? The Rev. Dr. Gumming, of London, well said at one of the great public meetings

on the subject — " Let us, in the meantime, begin at home. Let each master of a family in this assembly begin to assist this cause by his own example. I promise for myself that I will say to my wife and family, when I return home, * Not one of you, if you can help it, must purchase a pennyworth of goods in any shop after seven o'clock at night.' We want a sort of Father Mathew in this cause— some one who will make masters and mistresses come under vows of total abstinence from late-hour shopping." We should not feel that we had done our duty if we had not thus explicitly and repeatedly stated our views in this matter. It is gratifying to ourselves, we may add, as well as simply juM to our contemporary > to acknowledge the zeal and perseverance with which he also has kept the subject under the public eye.

It is due to the courtesy of Colonel Wynyard in permitting the excellent Band of the 58th Regiment to play every Thursday for the gratification of the public, and to the ability and zeal of the members of the Band themselves, to express our sense of the favor which they thus confer upon our townsfolk, who have now a weekly opportunity of enjoying a treat which we are only surprised they do not in greater numbers avail themselves of. On a fine day, such as last Thursday, the grounds of old Government house, — with the view of our beautiful and picturesque harbour in front, — present a salubrious and delightful promenade ; and there is the additional attraction of excellent music, judiciously varied, not only from week to week, but also in the contents of each particular programme, and executed in a manner which is highly creditable to the skill and training of the performers. To the families of our townsfolk, the whole presents a boon which we should like to see more generally appreciated ; and, as regards our men of business themselves, we cannot but think that such an occasional relaxation would conduce to their health, both bodily and mental ; and that this " concord of sweet sounds," might now' and again be advantageously permitted to alternate with the chinking of gold and silver, — exquisite music though no doubt that is in many ears.

Depasturing Licenses. — We have already reminded our readers that the Ist of January, will be the last day on which licenses for depasturing within the Hundreds, under the provisions of the Crown Lands Ordinance, can be obtained. That day, it is known, is usuallykept as a holiday at the government offices ; however, we understand that, with a view to public convenience, the Office of the Commissioner of Crown Lands will be kept open on Tuesday next, in order that persons intending to take out Licenses may not be disappointed.

From the Taranaki district we have intelligence to the Istgi November, which is, on the whole, of a favourable character. The crops generally looked well, although there had been a partial failure of wheat in the older cultivated lands. The tillage of Swedish turnips was receiving particular attention. The prices of agricultural produce remained about stationary. It was understood that Captain Stokes, of H.M.S. Acheron, had been instructed by the Home Government to report upon the best mode of laying down moorings, and of constructing a small harbour at New Plymouth ; and that upon the receipt of this report, the Government would at once incur the expense of the necessary works. . . .A bonded store had been allowed by the Customs, and was in course of erection. The Kelso from London, — which arrived on the 21st of October, 115 days from the Downs, and sailed on the 23rd for Nelson — had brought sixteen passengers for New Plymouth. At the time of her leaving London, the Pekin, which was to sail on the 6th of August, had seventeen passengers for New Plymouth, and was likely to get more, so that it was expected she would firsc call at that place on reaching the colony.

The Bishop of London versus the Non.Episcopal Missionary Societies. — We have already noticed the interference of Dr. Blomfield to prevent the preaching of a Sermon, last May. by the Rer. John Jordan, vicar of Enstone, at Gray's Inn Lane Episcopal Chapel London, on behalf of the Wesleyan Missionary Society. His Lordship about the same time issued a similar prohibition of a Sermon in aid of the London'MUsionary Society, to he preached in the same place by the Rev. T. R. Brooke, Rector of Avening, Gloucestershire. In the Report of the Annual Meeting of the latter Society at Exeter Hall, we find the following references to these ominoui proceeding! of ihe Bishop. The Duke of Argyll (who was in the Chair) said— '* Nor need I dwell in this alterably upon another point. I (need not tell you that it is our duty to merge all minor differences in spreading the knowledge of our common Christianity. (Loud applause.) We are united in the common wish, that the knowledge of Christ and Him crucified— those primary doGtrines which we all believe — we are united in the deiire that all theie" doctrines should be made known to the earth through our union and common instrumentality. (Applause.) I have lately been made acquainted with a circumstance, which I feel it to be my duty to mention. I shall mention it without asperity, although with deep regret. I myself am not a member of the Church of England ; but I can sincerely say that I entertain towards that church a feeling of great reipect. Hitherto I am told, it has been the habit every year to have a sermon preached, in support of this great missionary institution, in one of the churches belonging to the Establishment— l think, since the origin of the society. (Cheers.) This year, for the first time, a prohibition has. been, iuued by the Bishop of London again»t this

support to thii charity. (Disnpprobation.) Now, ladies ana gentlemen, let us not speak of this circumstance wirh any unchristian feeling. (Hear, hear) We are not come here to censure otberi. We are come here to express our own convictions. We are bound to conclude, that this movement of the Bishop of London l,as proceeded from conscientious motives and that some new li^ht has struck his mind— (bear' «n<l laughtpr)—on which he feels himself bound to act' Hut this I will only say to the members of the Church of England : It is in your power, and in the power'of those of your clergy who disagree with such proceed-ing-s — to counteract every evil effect which they may be likely 10 produce. (Applause.) Let me tell you this -and I say it with earnestness— that the interettg or the Church of England will be better served whan all its mamberi prove that they do not place episcopacy m the front of Christianity (applause), but at least some steps behind it. (Applause.)" In the Society's Report for the year, the facts were thus stated — " From the formation of the Society until the pre< sent anniversary, a period of nearly fifty-five yean, one of its annual sermons ba< been invariably preached by a miniiter of the Church of England, in some church or episcopal chapel of the metropolis. For the firit time, thii has been prohibited by the Bishop of London, in a communication, dated April 30th, addressed to the Rev. Thomas Mortimer, who had kindly promised the use of his Chapel on this, as on former occasions. As a source of income, this service wai of little value, but as an expression of the catholic Christianity which animated the founders of the society, the directors have been happy to continue its observance, and they regard its terminntion wilh regret, chiefly as an unprovoked exhibition of episcopal exclusiveness, deeply painful to the feelings of those liberal-minded Churchmen, among whom the society has numbered many of its most generous and faithful friends." Dr. Cumming, of the Scotch Church, said— " Along with his grace^e lamented that the Society had lost the advantage of having a sermon preached in its favour by the interference of the Biihup of London He also agreed with his grace, that no doubt the Bishop had acted conscientiomly ; but he ought to remember that even a Bishop might be conscientiously wrong. Well, they had lost a chapel in Gray'i-inn road, an advantage the missions could easily beir the loss of ; that chapel was shut, but Africa was open to them, the plains of India were open to them,— so that they had lost a few square feet, and the whole world was open to them. As one church had been cloied against them, thsy had better come and toy his— • (cheers)— and if any Presbytery, or even the General Assembly interfered, if they turned them out, they must turn him out] too. (Cheers.) fie thought he could get as good a collection for the society as that they had lost. (Cheers.) He did not consider that the best church which could boait of the longest pedigree, or could trace it in the most historical manner, but that church which acted most for God's glory and in His name. (Applause ) He was not hostile to the Church of England, for he loved Establishments— he admired her splendid theology, and he only desired that her lait days might he her brightest." And, Mr. Brooks (who was to have preached the sermon) observed— 11 A» to the Gospel, it is not Church systems, however we may prefer them, but the gospel, aud the goipel alone, which can awaken the heathen, and add to the members of the universal Church of Christ. (Applause.) However judiciously or eloquently the hindrance lately thrown in the way of this society has been adverted to by the Noble Chairman, and by the last speaker, I'conceive I should scarcely be doing my duty, under the peculiar circumstance! under which I stand on thii platform, unless I were to make tome allusion also to the matter. (Hear, hear ) I think there is, connected with this subject, the upholding of that very vital truth to which the reiolution alludes. (Hear, hear.) If it be wrong for me to plead for other missionary societies than my own ; if it is wrong for me to advocate at any time, and under any circumi stand's, other missionary societies ; that can only be because the gospel is not attended with the sanction of God ; and is not the sole effective means for the eleva • tion and salvation of mankind, unless it is preached in connection wirh some peculiar Church organisation. (Applause ) It may be right to adhere to A given farm of Church order, in the ordinary concerns of life, but the heart must be at world wide in its love sn it the field of Christian usefulness." There seems to be but one feeling of disapprobation of the Bishop's intolerant and nnlWevangeliitic canduct in this matter, prevailing amongst men of a truly missionary spirit, whether within or without the establishment ; indeed approbation of it would be self-evi-ciently inccompatible with such a spirit. Does Dr. Blomfield mean to emulate the fame of the Right Reverend Henry of Exkter, who, we are informed, U now commonly designated at Plymouth and other parts of his diocese " The Pope of the West? 1 '