ANGLO-COLONIAL NOTES. [FROM THE AUCKLAND " STAR'S " LONDON CORRESPONDENT.] (For Mail via Brindisi on August 1.) London, August

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 68, 20 September 1884, Page 3

ANGLO-COLONIAL NOTES. [FROM THE AUCKLAND " STAR'S " LONDON CORRESPONDENT.] (For Mail via Brindisi on August 1.) London, August

Personal NotesThe current number of the "English Illustrated Magazine " contains a capital description by Archibald Forbes of his coach drive from Springfield (Canterbury) to llokitika and lecturing experiences in Westland. The article is entitled " Doughtown Scrip." William Horaco Lingard will not at lor all play "Crosstreo" in the new piece at the Allmmbra. He did not givo satisfaction at rehearsals, so tho part has been transferred to the versatile Arthur Roberts. The Prince and Princess of Wales gave a garden party at Marlborough House- last Friday, to which upwards of 3,000 guests were invited. Glancing down the lists of persons who received cards, I noticed the names of Sir Samuel and Lady Wilson, Sir F. D. and Lady Bell, Sir Saul Samuel and Lady Samuel, Sir Wm. McArthur, Lord and Lady Normanby, the Hon. Harriet Phipps, Sir Henry and Lady Dcs Vcoux, and General Sir Montague McMurdo and Lady McMurdo. The Glasgow papers contain full accounts of the flattering welcome tendered to exLord Provost Ure at Auckland and other N.Z. cities. I hear that arrangements are nearly completed for the visit of English cricketers to Australia this autumn. The trip will bo j under the management of Alfred Shaw, .Shrewsbury, and James Lillywhite. The following eight professionals will go -with them :-Ulyctfc, Barnes, Flowers, Scotton, llarlow, Pilling, Maurice, Read, and Barnes). It is hoped that the team will be completed by Mr W. W. Road and Mr E. J. Diver. The players will in all probability leave here in the middle of September, so as to arrive in Austialia by tho beginning of Novombei*. The "Western Morning New.-?" also speaks very highly of the work. The reviewer remarks :—" To lovers of botany this book is rich in information ; indeed, whether the author is ;liscoui>ing about fauna or describing a mountain climb, or a feat of pig sticking by a hungrs Maori, he is equally fiosh and entertaining. But Mi Kerry Nicholls should avoid poetical quota- j tions* which are so hackneyed as to be uncn durable, and, above all, he should not speak of the sun as the ' orb of day."' On Sunday last Mr Thomas Spurgeon, of Auckland, occupied his father's pulpit at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, and preached two sermons on behalf of the Auckland Tabernacle Building Fund. The weather was unfavourable, but tho hall was crowded both morning and evening, and the collection amounted to £165. Mr All&up tells me that the sales of New Zealand meat at the Health Exhibition continue satisfactory. Of course, in this hot weather, the people do not buy meat so largely as in the spring, but nevertheless a large quantity of the frozen mutton is disposed of, and the butcher who conducts the sales is quite satisfied. The exhibit has just been photographed by the London Stereoscopic Company.

The Maoris in the Country. I have not seen very much of Tawhiao and his followers this week, as on Monday they journeyed to Windsor Castle, and for the last three days they have been away from town. The Colonial Office have at last appointed a gentleman to take charge of the party. The lucky man is the Rev. F. H. Spencer, who has for some time past been acting as interpreter to the mission in lieu of Skidmore. Mr Fuller, an Assistant-Secretary to Lord Derby, has also been deputed to look after the Maoris, and these two gentlemen now have entire control over the movements of their proteges. On Sunday afternoon the Maoris visited Sir Robert and Lady Spencer Clifford, and after spending a pleasant hour at their house, came back immensely pleased with the hospitality shown them by the " Yeoman Usher" of the House of Lords and his charming wife. Early on Monday morning, Mr Spencer and Mr Fuller called tor the Maoris and drove them to Paddington Station, where thoy all took train foxWindsor. The King tnought they were going to see Her Majesty, and in consequence, brought with him several mats, greenstones and blankets as peace offerings. On aniving at Windsor the party was met by Mr Heather, the Inspector of Palaces, and at once went into lunch at the While Hart Hotel. After the meal they started for the Castle, and on entering the building they were met by General Duplat, Sir Thomas Dcvereux (ex- Mayor of Windsor), Rev. Mr JUawtrey (an oIdN.Z. clergyman), and several other gentlemen. Here' Tawhiao was greatly disappointed at learning that he would not be able to see the Queen, as she was staying at Claremont. However, he left the presents, and commenced his tour of inspection round the Castle and grounds. Everything there was to be seen the Maoris made a point of seeing ; in fact, they walked about till they could hardly stand, they were so tired. Tawhiao was greatly delighted at the size and splendour of the Royal apartments and State rooms. The style of decoration in gold and bright colours at once attracted him, and he frequently expressed his admi- ; ration. He was, however, slightly incredulous when told that the Castle contained upwards of 700 rooms. The interior of St. George's Chapel produced a deep impression on the Kind's mind, but what they all of them liked" botter than anything else was the splendid view down the long drive in the park, which one and all averred was the prettiest bit of scenery they had seen in England. Since the "Pall Mall Gazette" announced the fact that Tawhiao had broken his pledge, the unfoitunate Maoris have been surfeited with temperance shows, tea-fights, and similar dissipations. On Tuesday night they were initiated into the mysteries of the Independent Order of Good Templars. Mr Spencer chaperoned them, and interpreted throughout the ceremony. The chiefs were delighted with the whole affair, and came home with three or four pewter medala apiece. Not content with this glorious proof of their adherence to teetotalism, Mr Spencer took them down to Uxbridge next day, to an immense fete and gala of the Uxbridge Blue Ribbonites, at which they were, of course, considerably '* lionised." On Thursday morning ths whole party prepared to start for Portsmouth with the intention of crossing to Osborne to see the Queon. At 10 o'clock Mr Fuller arrived in a carriage, and Mr Spencer 1 the Maoris got in. Skidmore, arrayed in his bbst, prepared to follow them, but Mr Spencer interposed, and saying there was no need for him to accompany them, gave the order to start, leaving the unfortunate Skidmore thunderstruck at being left behind in this fashion On getting indoors again, Skidmore announced his intention of leaving the King as soon as he returned, and working his passage back to N.Z. I don't think he will do this, but I must say that he has been treated in a very shabby and heartless manner. I know for a fact that up till now the Maoris have not paid him a single r>enny of what he nas earned,

Nobody will deny that his case is a very hard one. Ever since the party left Auckland Skidmore has been working nard for them, translating, to the best of his ability, tho petition, and doing numerous other thing?. As soon, however, as the pleasant part of the trip begins, he is simply ousted fi'om his place by Spencer, and left at home. Everybody knows that Skidmore is not a well educated man, but he has been engaged as the King's interpreter, and in that capacity has a perfect right to accompany him wherever he goes. On reaching Portsmouth, the party were shown ovor the dockyard, but did not cross to Osborne. To-day they are going to Spithead, and I very much doubt if they will see Her Majesty ut all.

Conference on Imperial Federation. On Tuesday last a conference on Imperial Federation was hold at the Westminster Palace Hotel, those who attended being in the words of invitation, "understood to pledge themselves to the principle that the unity of the Empire shall be permanently maintained." The week before the Conference was held the "Statist" gave the following as its raiaon d'dtre :—": — " There can be no doubt that the whole question of our relations with our colonies is in urgent need of attention, and must be approached, if at all, in a very different spirit from that in which it is generally dealt with under ouv present unhappy colonial administration. There is a widespread belief throuj f out the Empire that there is a party at home which is indifferent to the continuance of the Imperial connection. It is also widely believed that this party has more adherents in the ranks of the Liberal party than in those of their opponents. Happily, to a great extent the belief we have referred to is erroneous. But unquestionably it exists, and it is high time some effective protest should be made against it. Indeed, something more than a protest is required. It is essential that Englishmen in all paits of the world should be assured that not only is there no party at Home which views with unconcern the piospect of the dissolution of the Empiie, but that theie is, on the other hand, a large and influential, and an mci easing, section who beli ye that the time ha* tome for drawing clofcer tho existing bonds of union. Wo are glad to heai that there is a piospect that beioie long an effectual piote&t is to b^j made a^,ain.»t tho mistaken notion that has, been allowed to spring up with regard] to the view sof our leading public men. The conference, which is to be held at the Westminster Palace Hotel, and in which leading men of both parties have promised to take part, cannot fail to clear the air ot many dangerous misconceptions, and may do much to pave the way fora readjustment of our colonial relations." By eleven o'clock on Tuesday morning the big room engaged for the meeting was* crammed with people interested in colonial affairs. In such a crowd it was, of course, impossible to see everyone ; but, besides many others, the following notabilities weie present :— Right Hon. W. E. Forster, M.P., who took the chair ; Marquis of Normanby, Earl of Wemyss, Earl of R-iseberry, Earl of Camperdown, Vibcount Bury, Viscount Ebrington, M.P., Sir F. Dillon Bell, Sir Henry Barkly, Sir Saul Samuel, Sir Charles Tupper, Sir Daniel Cooper, Sir Samuel Wilson, Sir J. Eardley Wihnot, Sir Charles Clifford, Admiral Wilson, General Sir E. Selby Smith, Sergeant Simon, M.P. ; Messrs Errington, M.P. ; J. Cowen, M.P. ; Albert Grey, M.P. j J. C. Borlase, M.P. ; — Cropper, M,P. ; Alexander McArthur, M.P. ; J. F. Cheotham, M.P. ; and — Bryce, M.P. ; General Lowry, Colonel Malleson, Captain Colomb, Professor M. Burrows, Messrs Bompas, Q.C., 0. Mowatt, William Gisborne, G. W. Kusden, Cyril Graham, Frederick Young (Hon. Sec. Royal Colonial Institute), and F. P. Labilliere (Hon. Sec.) Mr W . H. Smith moved the first resolution, namely, "That in order to secure the permanent unity of the Empire, some form of federation is necessary. " Earl Roseborry seconded in a speech that was listened to with marked attention. After somo discussion the motion was carried unanimously. Mr Edward Stanhopo then moved : — " That for the purpose of influencing public opinion, both in the United Kingdom and in the colonies, as to the incalculable advantages which will accrue to the whole Empire from the adoption of such a system of organisation, a society be formed of men of all parties, to advocate and support the principle of federation." Mr 0. Mowatt seconded tho resolution, and after remarks from Mr Gisborne, the Marquis of Normanby, Mr Cropper, and Mr Borlase, Admiral Wilson moved an amendment substituting tho words "Imperial Unity " for Federation. This amendment was seconded by Mr J. H. Heaton, but was ruled by the President to be out of order. The resolution was then carried unanimously. Mr Albert Grey moved the appointment of a provisional committee to consider the organisation if the proposed society, and to report to in adjourned meeting of the conference in t ie autumn. The following gentlemen were then Appointed members of the Committee : Mr VV. E. Forster, M.P. (Chairman), Mr bred Young and Captain Colomb (Vice- 'hairmen), Mr Labilliere (Hon. Sec), Mr L\ D. Wood, Mr 11. A. Forster, and H u. H. Finch Hatton (Treasurers), Sir Haniel Cooper, Sir Samuel Wilson, Mr A. Starcly Hill, M.P., and Mr W. J. Courthor c. It was also xesolved that copioj of the resolution be sent to the Secretai y for the Colonies, the High Commissimer for Canada, and to the Agents-Gi leral and Governors of other colonies. A vote of thanks was then \ccorded to the Chairman, on the motion of Sir Charles Tupper, and the conference adjourned.

The Last of the Shortla ud Case. We have, I think, heard the last of the Blackawton mystery. Last Saturday Mr Shortland wrote the following- letter to the Plymouth papers.— l woul I ask you kindly ! to allow me a few lines in your valuable journal. I have just written privately to Sir John Maule, the Public Prosecutor, to say that I finally refuse to move through him, the Attorney. General, tojapply in the Court of Queen's Bench for a writ of certionari to quash the recent Blackawton inquest because it was partial, incomplete, incapable, and otherwise. And my reason for doing so is that I seem to hear and see my dear wife imploring me on bende knees to abstain therefrom. Therefore, after a long mental wrestle, I have determined in my love and respect for her to do only as she desires and bids. For the rest I will leave to Providence, and I will suffer willingly. I wish, however, to be allowed to write very briefly, before concluding, on two points of law, of which recently there has been more or less debate. I would write thereon more generally than particularly. Firstly, —It is laid down by the highest law authorities of England that an arrest, commitment, and remand for crime is illegal, except {a) an actual crime has been established legally j (&) the accused is actually implicated in such crime legally. And, secondly, that the police and other authorities, be they who they may, act illegally by asking questions of persons, specially when crime is presumed and fixed, and especially when crime is presumed and unfixed,

Such illegal conduct is characterised even by Roscol as a misdemeanour. The principle of this legal dictum is clear, namely, to prevent persons running the risk of incriminating themselves. Police inquiries* assuredly should be confined to an examination of things, and not of persons. From my humble reading and my practical experience lrom observation in courts of law in many parts of the world, I even have noticed that crime is more often and better detected and sheeted home by such a course of procedure. Mo.v I have but one more word to add. I shall abstain in every way soever from battling when victory is certain with any one or more than one of the individuals who have mado up recontly a host of petty ignoramuses. Their own unfair and unmanly weapons have at least already morally cut themselves. Let them live on and long, and in peace, and die at an ordained date as they were born — pigmies of compassion, fat with petty conceits. As to every act that such may have performed or may perform, there is a simple r6ply, satirically just and calm, "It j is of you, so be it." Commenting on this extraordinary epistle, the "Western Morning News" remarks :— lt is to be hoped that with the letter of Mr Hugh Shortland, which we publish to day, the Blackawton mystery will finally drop out of sight and memory. It ought to have done so long ago. Mr Shortland has been endeavouring ever since his release from custody to impress the public mind with the idea that although he was not the criminal, a murder had been committed. He has seemed to implicate Mr Dimes (his father-in law), and tried to discover any atom of evidence or suspicion which would bear against him. He has signally failed, not oi.ly in procuring any support to hU suspicions, but also in inducing the authorities to re open the inquir/. Wo agree with Mr Shortland that the evidence taken at the Coroner's in-que.-t wa3 not exhaustive, and in some particulais was not correct. But neither the Home Secretary nor the Tub lie Pro-editor has been fit to institute further investigation, and there seems no sufficient, reason to believe that any mur. der wsi.s committed. The police consider that the facility was an accident. Other persons boliuvo that Ihe pooi girl, in a sudden hen/y of disappointment, perplexity, remoi.se, anil home unhappinos, was driven to suicide. But it would have been moie becoming and di^cieet of Mr Shortland, seeing the part he had taken in the whole sad episode, to haveallowed the matter to pass out of public thought at the earliest moment, unless indeed he had greater warrant for his presumptions than the event has proved. But his singular behaviour since the death of his bride has been only in keeping with his previous eccentricities, and the sooner he now fulfils his original intention of proceeding to New Zealand, the better for himself and for all concerned.'' After reading Shortlands letter I do not think anyone can doubt that the poor fellow is out of his mind This is, at least, the opinion of all the English papers which have commented on the affair.

The Thames Valley and Rotorua Railway Company. The Thames Valley and Rotorua Railway Company have issued prospectuses asking ior LlOO.OOO to be subscribed for mortgage debentures. The " London Figaro,'' which never loses any opportunity of disparaging New Zealand ventures, on seeing this prospectus, writes as follows : — " New Zealand Again.— The directors of the Thames Valley and Rotorua Railway Company (Limited) invite applications for an issue of LlOO,OOO 5 per cent, mortgage debentures. The security offered is tho line of railway from Morrinsvillo to Lichfield, nearly 42 miles in length, the uncalled capital on 120,000 shares allotted in Auckland, and the benefit of the rating power and the Government subsidy secured by the Act. The subsidy is said to represent an annual income of i.13,519. The object of the Thames Valley and Rotorua Railway Company is to bring the district in which are situated the best lakes of the North Island of New Zealand into communication with the city and port of Auckland. The Company, it is stated, have proceeded vigorously with the work of construction, and hope to open a lino for traffic within the current year. Enterprise in New Zealand, as elsewhere, deserves, of course, to be encouraged. But, unfortunately, the people of Now Zealand are perpetually appealing to tho British public ior financial assistance. With a board consisting of men, who, we assume, are well-known and respected in the colony, but of whom nothing is known in England, it ought not to have been necessary to ask the old country to find a hundred thousand pounds."

Meeting of the National Bank of New Zealand. The annual meeting of the National Bank of New Zealand was held at the City Terminus Hotel on July 29, Mr E. B. Hoare presided. The Chairman having referred at some length to the progress made by the colony of New Zealand, stated that the gross profits of the bank for the year, including L 1,402 brought forward after deducting interest on deposits and making provision for bad and doubtful debts, amounted to L 74.963 and after deducting the expenses at head office and branches, 146,895, and rebate on bills, L 5.694, a balance remained |of L 22,373, of which the interim dividend absorbed L 10.500, and the directors propose a further payment of 3 per cent, for the half year, absorbing L 10,500, making 6 per cent, for the year, leaving a balance of L 1,373, 373 to be carried forward. The progress made by New Zealand recently had, he said, surprised the oldest colonists. The great discovery of conveying meat in a fresh state to the United Kingdom had increased the wealth of that colony, and he believed it would still more vastly increase in the future. It was estimated that from 500,000 to 1,000,000 carcases of sheep would be forwardei to Europe during the reason. The great difficulty the bank had hitherto experienced was in getting the managers in New Zealand to work exactly as the board in London wished, and a great deal of telegraphing, in consequence, became necessary. The board had experienced considerable difficulty in employing money at high rates of interest in New Zealand, it being the policy of the directors to only make safe investments. The report was adopted

The Union Bank of Australia. The annual general meeting of this bank was held on July 28th, Sir Charles Nichol1 son in the chair. The report of the directors was read by the manager, Mr W. R. Mewburn, and the statement of accounts was taken as read. The report stated that the directors have pleasure in stating that the profits have enabled them to declare a dividend of LI 15s per share, and a bonus of 5s per share, being together at the rate of 16 per cent, per annum, and to transfer the sum of L.10,000 to the reserve funds, whereby those funds have been increased to L 950,000. The deficiency of rainfall in parts of Australia, mentioned in the directors' report of January last, unfortunately continued, and resulted in a very severe drought in large districts of New South Wales and Queens,-

land, and although this has now • generally terminated, heavy losses have been sustained by many flock and stock owners. It hae to be added that throughout the Australasian colonies considerable commercial depression prevails, arising not only from the drought, but in a great measure from over importation of goods, and from the low i prices obtaintd for grain and other produce. Under these circutPBtance?,the operations of the bank have called for the exercise of much caution and prudence. The directors have, as usual, carefully investigated all the accounts of the bank, and they have made sufficient reserves for all doubtful dependencies. The balance-sheet presents a net amount of profits, including the balance brought forward, of L15U.118 9s sd, out of which the sum of LlO,OOO has been transferred to the reserve funds, and the balance, viz., 1.149,118 9s sd, is available for division. Of this the dividend and bonus will absorb L 120.000, and leave L 29.118 9s 5d to be carried forward. The dividend warrants will be transmitted by post on the 30th inst., and the dividend and bonus will be payable in the colonies at such time as tho general meeting shall fix after receipt of telegram. Mr George Vesey Stewart, who is still in London, has received a large number of applications from people resident in all parts of the United Kingdom who have expressed themselves desirous of trying their fortunes in the Bay of Plenty. His attractive advertisement, which is to be seen in most of the provincial papers, has caught the eye of many practical farmers and working men, and a perusal of his wellknown pamphlet—which is now being reprinted with additions— has helped them to make up their minds to join one of his special settlement?. Some time ago Mr Stewart arranged with the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company for the conveyance of his fifth special settlement party by the splendid clipper Northumberland" The ship will be despatched from London on Saturday, November 15, and we undei stand that the rates are made special right through to Tauranga. Since then it has been found necessary to charter the favourite ship Lady Jocelyn, and Mr Stewart hopes to fill her up as on two previous occasions, and to despatch her from London for Auckland and Tauranga on September 18. Thus two out of the three largest sailing ''hips in the port of London have been s-eenred for the conveyance of emigrants to the B.ty of Plenty.