DEATHS, The New=Zealander. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1850.

New Zealander, Volume 6, Issue 463, 21 September 1850, Page 2

DEATHS,

The New=Zealander.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1850.

At Wellington, on Ihe 18th of August, after a short illness, in the 56th year of his age, Captain Richard O'Connell, of H. M. 65th Regiment of Foot. The deceased Officer, who was a native of Ennis, in Ireland, served with the 42nd Regiment during the Peninsular War, and was severely wounded at the taking of Badajoz He arrived in New Zealend in 1846, and was present at the operations again«t Rangihaeta in the Horowiki Valley. He was buried with military honours, Colonel Gold officiating as chief mourner, and six senior officers as pall beaters. At the Parsonage, Onehunga, on Wednesday, the 18th September, Mary Annb, youngest child of the Rev A. G. Pußciias, aged four and a half months.

Be just and fear not • Let all the ends them aims't at, be thy Country's, Thy God's, and Tiuth's.

Since our last publication, the Fairy Queen has arrived in our port, bringing journals from Wellington to the 7th inst., — and from Otagp and Nelson to the 24th of last month ;— also the Mariner's mail which adds, to our store of old English papers ; from which, however, we shall in future numbers make extracts which will be new here. We have also to note the arrival from Hobart Town of the Amicus, in place of the expected Isabella, which had sailed for California. We are thus placed in possession of intelligence from Van Diemen's Land a few days later than that received via Sydney. There is little of interest in them, except the account of an unsuccessful attempt by Mr. Smith OBrien to escape from his " captivity" may be so regarded. We shall return to the files — or piles — of papers now our table ; but to day we give precedence to the news from New Munster which obviously claims our primary attention, and to which, as will be seen, we devote considerable space.

Our Southern contemporaries aie, to a more than common extent, occupied with political disquisitions, criminations and recriminations as to the past, and apprehensions and anticipations as to the immediate future of the public affairs of the colony. Most of these are more or less directly connected with the postponement, by desire of the Governor-in-Ciiiff, of the meeting of the Legislative Council of New Munster — which Lieutenant- Governor Eyre had convened for the Ist of August— until next month (October) We have already stated the fact of this postponement, but have only just now obtained a copy of Sir George Grey's Despatch, giving instructions to that effect. Xt will no doubt be acceptable to many of our readers that we should transfer it to our columns — prefixing the Notification with which it was introduced in the New Munster Government Gazette : — " Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 15th July, 1850. •' With reference to a notice in the Government Gazette of the Bth instant, intimating that the Legislative Council of the Province of New Munster would meet on the Ist day of August next, for the despatch of business, his Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor directs it to be notified that the said meeting is hereby postponed until October, in pursuance of the instructions received in the following despatch from his Excellency the Governor- in- Chief on the subject. By His Excellency's command, Alfred Domett, Colonial Secretary."

" Government House, Auckland, 13th June, 1850. " Sir — I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch, No. 30, of the 30th May last, acquainting me that you proposed soon after the Government brig returned from Auckland, to call the Local Legislature together to pass certain enactments to which you allude, but which appear to be of no very pressing importance. '• As I have every reason to hope lhat by the month of October at the latest, I shall receive definite instructions from her Majesty's Government regarding the future form of Government to be introduced into this colony, regarding the appropriation of the Civil List, and other Financial subjects, I think it desirable, unless some matters of urgent importance arise for its

consideration, that the assembling of the Legislative Council should be delayed until that period. I have the honour, &c. (Signed) G. Grey. His Excellency the Lieut. -Governor of New Munster."

Notwithstanding the prima facie reasonableness of a"short postponement, when the lapse of a few weeks was likely to bring information which might materially modify the position of the Council, and essentially affect its course of proceeding, the step had been made the occasion of vehement attacks upon Colonial Government, and, we need scarcely add, upon the policy of Sir George Grey in particular. The Nelson Examiner, and the Wellington Independent,^" Settlers' < onstitutional Association," and Dr. Monro, M.L.C., vied with each other in anathematizing the measure and the man. Five of the Nominee Members of Council, — Dr. Monro, Mr. Greenwood, Mr. Bell, Mr. Bannatyne, and Mr. Ludl.vm had lesigned their seats. The first named gentleman had requested the insertion in the Examiner of a letter of some length, addressed by him to the Lieutenant Governor, the gist of which is contained in these two sentences :—": — " In the present instance, an Ordinance, (the Provincial Councils' Ordinance) is directly infringed, and I therefore feel that I should be wanting in my duty as an independent Member of the Council, were I not herewith to protest in the strongest manner against the appropriation of the revenue of the current year without the authority duly prescribed by law." And again, " I ground my resignation upon this— that it appears to me incompatible with independence and self respect, that I should hold an office in which I may be virtually suspended, or remain a member, however insignificant, of a system of government, by which the laws of the colony have been, in more than one instance, disregarded." It would seem that the Doctor and his companions in this procedure did not take much by this motion in the estimation even of those who concurred with — or went beyond — them in censure of the postponement. The Independent, for instance, winds up a caustic article thus, — " the present resignation has been made from no regard to public welfare, but simply because the Nominees conceive themselves slighted and insulted (as no doubt they are) by Sir George and Lord Grey. The public owes them nothing, for resigning on such a motion ; nor will their resignation, unless we are much mistaken, secure them a single vote at the first election." The " Settlers' Constitutional Association" had a crowded meeting at Wellington on the 19th of August. Dr. Featiierston occupied the Chair, and Mr. Fox was par excellence the orator of the evening. Much of the speaking turned on the great things expected from the efforts of the " Colonial lleform League" — (the Address of whose Council we recently published, but the character and probable efficiency of which may be gathered from the statements of the London correspondent of the Sydney Herald, which will be found in our columns to-day). The League having suggested that the Association should appoint Agents in London, the Meeting fixed on C B. Adderley, Esq., M. P. and Sir William Molesworth, M. P. to fill that office. Time may unfold how far those gentlemen will feel honoured by the appointment, or be disposed to undertake the services on behalf of " the Settlers of Wellington " which the acceptance of it would involve. The principal event of the evening, however, was the admission as a member of Mr. J. R. Godley, Agent of the Canterbury Association. It might be thought impertinent were we to speculate on the extent to which this gentleman's adhesion to a Body the very essence of whose movements consists in opposition to the existing Government, will, at home, be deemed reconcilable with the desire distinctly expressed in the Instructions addressed to him by the Canterbury Association, that he should " cultivate the most cordial relations with the existing Government." It is pretty plain, however, that some misgivings arose in his own mind on maturer reflection, as, in a few days after, he published a letter in which he says " I am anxious to guard myself against a misconstruction which may probably arise as to the ! significancy of my presence at the Meeting of the Settlers' Constitutional Association." He wishes to be understood as not expressing "any opinion" on " many of the Resolutions," and as only classifying himself with those of his fellow colonists " who are seeking to obtain, by legitimate and constitutional means, the inestimable benefits of political freedom." Another stimulant to the already excited political feeling in Wellington had been administered by Mr. Fox (Principal Agent of the New Zealand Company there.) That gentleman having undertaken to deliver a Lecture at the Athenaeum, chose as his subject " The British Colonies," and, the Spectator declares," abused his privilege as a Lecturer" by treating his subject in such a manner as to " convert it into an opportunity of indulging in his sneers against Government officers and nominees, and to make it, in short, a pretext for dwelling on those topics on which he is in the habit of expatiating." The Independent however states — and the two reports obviously may be reconciled — that " the subject was tieated in a very able manner ; frequent bursts of applause greeted

the Lecturer as he proceeded in his discourse, and at the end three hearty cheers were given for Mr. Fox." The wiiter adds, "We understand that it is the intention of the Committee to have the Lecture printed." This statement was contradicted as " wholly unauthorised," and the Spectator of the 7th inst. intimates that "the Committee have unanimously resolved that, in accordance with the rules of the Institution, no Lecture shall in future be deliveied which shall involve the discussion of political questions." Impartial observers can have no second opinion on the point. A gentleman who has identified himself with colonial politics as Mr. Fox has notoriously done, should not have voluntarily run into the temptation of publicly discoursing upon such an occasion on a theme so likely ,to elicit his party feelings ; and the Committee would be false to their trust if they sanctioned the introduction of topics so foreign to the avowed objects of a Mechanics' Institute. The expectation that the fate of the New Zealand Company would be known on the arrival of the Manner has not been realized. The Wellington Spectator states, — " The Mariner has brought no definitive news about the Company. The Directors were in correspondence with the Government, but the impression seemed to be that the Company would be dissolved, and it is reported that this was the general wish of the shareholders." In another place our contemporary says — " By the Manner we leatn that a desperate effort is being made toj prolong the existence of the Company, and that the final result will not be known for another month." As the date at which the Barbara Gordon was advertised to sail (for Auckland, Wellington, and Canterbury) was the lOlh of May, before which the question would most probably have been determined, we may anticipate that we shall very soon have intelligence of the conclusion. The official Abstract of the Hevenue and Expenditure of the Province for the Quarter ending June 30, 1850, shewed the total Revenue to be £5,1 56 19s. 6d., being £809 more than in the corresponding Quarter of last year ; and the total Expenditure to be £4,283 9s. 3d. ; of this the Civil and Ordinary Expenditure was £3,661 15s. 5d , being £984 less than the corresponding Quarter of 1849. The sum spent on roads and other public works was £621 13s. Gd. The amount of Notes of the Colonial Bank of Issue at Wellington in circulation in the four weeks ending the 22nd of August was £4080. According to this Return the issue had nearly doubled duting the month, the amount in circulation on the 27th of July having been only £2139. A melancholy accident had occurred at the Wairarapa, which had produced a strong sensation riot only on account of the sad catastrophe itself, but because it had been pressed into the service of the anti-government movement. A canoe in crossing the lake, had been caught in a heavy squall, and Messrs, 1). and J. Drummond, a half-caste child, and a native named E Riu had unfortunately been, drowned. Two witnesses examined at the inquest on the bodies stated that accidents had occurred at the same place before, as they believed from want of proper ferry boats. One of them deposed, however, that the settlers had been prevented by the natives from establishing a ferry boat there. The Coroner's jury returned a special verdict attaching much blame to the Government, because it did not " provide for the maintenance of ferries in the Province," and the Grand Jury at the Session of the Supreme Court on the 2nd instant, made a Presentment to nearly the same effect. The Settlers' Constitutional Association resolved that the accident " was attributable to the neglect by the Local Government of its proper and legitimate duties;" and the Independent declared that " the blood of the deceased lay at its door." Conld the Association get every thing into its own hands, of course there would soon be ferry boats which the south-east squalls would kiss with the zephyr's softness. Lieutenant-Governor Enderby had visited Wellington, in "an exceedingly pretty little craft," the Auckland, to obtain supplies of provisions. The prospects at the Auckland Islands are set forth in a very favourable light. The " blessing of the foundation stone of St. Mary's Catholic Church at Port Nicholson" was appointed to take place (weather permitting) on Sunday the Bth inst., " being the festival of the birth of the B. Virgin." It was announced that after the performance of the ceremony by the Bishop and his Clergy, an explanation of the principal parts of it would be given. Another effort was in progress for the allimportant end of rendering the Phormium Tenax a more universally available article of export. The Independent thus describes a comparatively humble, — but perhaps not less hopeful on that account — organization for the purpose :—: — We understand that a company has been formed for the purpose of preparing the New Zealand Flax for exportation. The capital proposed to be raided is j£2oo, in. shares of £l each, to be paid in ten monthly calls of 2s. per share. Upwaids of 150 shares have already been taken, and the projectors are sanguine of soon realizing the required amount. The method adopted for the preparation of the PAormium Tenax u simply steeping it in fresh water, until the vegetable matter is destroyed, and then hackling; it. It is stated that, after it has been prepared in this manner, it is worth .£l2 per ton in this market. The cost of preparation is estimated at £10 per ton, allowing it all to be done by hand labour ; but it is said that, when

machinery is brought to bear upon it, the cost will be very mucli kssened, and a finer article produced. The promoters of the scheme are confident of success. However, if it fails, the individual loss will not be very great, and the shareholders will have the satisfaction of having placed at the disposal of practical men a sum to try experiments with, in endeavouring to create an export for their adopted country. The length to which our digest of Wellington news has now extended obliges us to pause here. There are a few other matters in the Southern papers worthy of notice in the way of summary or extract ; but they will keep for another day. We conclude for the present with transferring the following paragraph from the Independent of the 7th instant : — The following reduction of the troops, in accordance Vfith the orders recently received from the Horse Guards has taken place in the Province of New Munster :— O« the 31st ult., 25 priva'es were dischaigcd from the 63th Regiment, m addition to one coipiral and 14 plivates who had been pieviously transfeired from the 58th to the 65th, on the embarkation of Capt. Russell's company for Auckhnd ; making a reduction altogether of 1 corporal and 39 privates. We also unstand that a reduction by instalments of about 30 men per month will take place between Wellington andWanganui. A skeleton company is also about to embark on board the Fairy Queen for England, via Auckland consisting of Brevet Major Johnson, Ensign Ewen, Assistant Surgeon Park, 4 seigants iind 4 corporals, and ■we hear that the two remaining skeleton Companies under the command of Major Wynfi consisting of Capt. Newenham, Lieut. M'Gregor. Ensign Barton, 8 Serjeants, 8 Corporals will embaik for England us tonnage offers. One terjeant and 19 privates willaUo proceed home by the Fairy Quemi as invalids.

The " Miscellaneous Concert, in aid of the funds of the Auckland Sacred Harmonic Society," took place, as advertised, in the Hall of the Mechanic's Institute on Wednesday evening, and attracted an audience crowded to the door. The selection included some choice morceaux from eminent composers, and the execution was generally creditable to the performers, and gratifying to the listeners. The Chorus "Hail Smiling mom!" — Callcott's amusing Catch, "Ah! how Sophia," and Bishop's Glee and Chorus, " The winds whistle cold," were rendered with especial care and effect. The absence of the young lady who has in the sacred performances of the Society borne so prominent and valuable a part, could not but be felt as a gieat loss. Another young lady, however, appeared, and sang pleasingly, especially in JBua ham's "Echo Duet," which was warmly encored. We should be glad to stop here, but we feel it a duty to notice, — not in terms of approbation, — the concluding part of the Conceit. At the close of the Book of Words, " Select Melodies " were promised. Compaiatively few knew what this promise referred to, and probably many anticipated that it would have its accomplishment in something like the performance of those airs on the violin, — which (let us take the opportunity of saying) were given on Wednesday evening with a facility and correctness of execution that, considering the youth of the performer, augurs well for his future excellence. — It turned out, however, ' that the principal portion of the " Select Me- " consisted of the builesque songs which are known as " Nigger Melodies/ and which have acquired some popularity, as performed Ijflr persons with blackened faces calling themselves " Ethiopian Serenaders ;" — although it was a popularity which we have repeatedly heard distinguished musicians — both professional and, amateur, — dej:>lore as most vitiating fin its influence on sound and healthy musical taste. Now we do not object to the manner in which this was done, on the ground of any want of ability in the gentlemen who took part in the exhibition, for they manifested undeniable cleverness and humour ; — our objection is to its having been done at all in connexion with the Society whose funds weie to be bene • fitted by the night's receipts, and its having done without any intimation of the character of the "Select Melodies," from which persons who might not be disposed to extend to them the patronage they were willing to accord to other parts of the Concert, could glean even a hint on the subject. Indeed the more characteristic the performance of vOleu Ole Dan Tucker," "Buffalo Gals,"the "Boatman of the Ohio," &c, was, the more strikingly incongruous in the estimation of many would be the association of such songs, directly or indirectly, with a "Sacred Harmonic Society," or, we may add, with any Society aiming at the elevation, and therefore deprecating the degradation, of music. This incongruity we know ha? forcibly impressed even some who would not object to those melodies, — provided they were given under circumstances, and with such previous advertisement as would enable parties to determine whether or not they would attend to hear them. We trust that these observations will be received in the frank and friendly spirit in which they are made. We have on every fitting opportunity rendered such aid as we were able to afford to the objects of the Sacred Harmonic Society, and have given cordial expression to the grateful appreciation in which we, in common with our fellow-towsmen generally, hold the taste, talent, and indefatigable zeal of the Gentleman to whom the Society mainly owes •its^ existence and progress. We cannot doubt, however, that he will himself see that the tendency of such exhibitions as this must be to place those who have hitherto been patrons and supporters of the Sacred Harmonic Society in circumstances so altered as to necessitate at least a re •consideration of the matter.