ANGLO-COLONIAL NOTES. (BY THE AUCKLAND " STAR'S " CORRESPONDENT. ) London, November 6.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 81, 20 December 1884, Page 3

ANGLO-COLONIAL NOTES. (BY THE AUCKLAND " STAR 'S " CORRESPONDENT. ) London, November 6.

Copies of the third part of the New Zealand Official Handbook are, I understand, being mailed to your Government today, and in the course of next week the work will be purchaseable in London. Although a very useful and comprehensive volume, this handbook, like many others, fails to touch on the social side of life in the colony. Of course, a dry compendium of facts and statistics, emanating from official sources, could scarcely be expected to do so ; but I may perhaps be permitted to say that a reliable and unexaggerated book descriptivo of your colonial men, manners, customs, amusements, and business openings is much wanted. Mr De Lisle Hay's " Brighter Britain" was a step in the right direction, but its price (245) places it far beyond the means of most people. A bookseller who does one of the largest businesses in London told me that a cheap edition of " Brighter Britain," or a good new work about the colony written up to date, and not costing more than five shillings, would have an immense sale. Trollope's, Lady Barker's, and Judge Bathgate's books, though old and misleading, still sell in large numbers. Mr R. Twopenny, whose " Town Life in Australia" was so successful, is said to have a similar work on New Zealand in preparation. If so, he should be careful to secure a publisher of roputation capable of pushing the work.

Meat Exhibition at the Healtheries. The Health Exhibition at South Kensington closed on Thursday last. During the six months (all but a week) it was open 4,167,683 admissions were registered. This move than doubles the Fisheries' returns. The Committee of Importers of New Zealand frozen mutton are much chagrined because the gold medal which they fully expected to secure for their exhibit has i been awarded to Messrs Hall, who also displayed refrigeratois of fresh meat. The Committee were, however, awarded a diploma of honour. The latter and the guarantors meet at Mr Allaup's office tomorrow to consider the general results of their oxporiment and pay the bill. The latter won't be very heavy, but I can't help thinking the bhow should have at least paid expenses. Unquestionably the butcher who leased the frozen mutton shop at the Exhibition made a nice " fat" thing out of it. The Committee will decide to-morrow whether to publish the statistics of the sales, &c, at the Exhibition. The Now Zealand Farmers' Association have opened a shop for the .■ale of frozen mutton (only) in Leadenhall Market. Captain Charles Bill, of Farley Hall, Cheadlo and Wanganui, is sending out in the Tongariro, on November 22, a party of labourers who will go up to his station, "Wanganui, and settle there. The meat trade continues very dull throughout the country, and the prices for home-fed sheep range low. The demand for frozen mutton is consequently limited. There are still 2,500 carcases of the lonic's cargo to be disposed of, and as the Aorangi and Florida are expected daily with more, the supply promisos to be sufficient. The River Plate carcases go off very slowly, and in no way compete with New Zealand mutton. The " British Australasian " of to-day's date quotes : New Zealand mutton, 4s to 4s Gd per st, of Slbs ; Australian, none offering ; River Plate, 3s 4d to 3s 8d ; English, 3s lOd to 5s 4d ; Dutch, 4s to 4s6d.

Special Items. Calling at Victoria Chambers the other day, I learnt thatMr Allbones, the renowned vermin catcher, has collected another lot of 150 stoads and weasels, and hopes to land them in New Zealand as successfully as the last consignment. Sir F. Dillon Bell at first intended to despatoh him per Amazon, but this vessel could not take the vermin, so Mr Allbones and his pets will wait for the lonic. The Agent-General is busy considering the claims of numerous applications for the English mastership of the Otago High School. His decision will not be made known for about a fortnight. Mr Kennaway tells me that 200 Government emigrants are going out by the Arawa, and 250 by the lonic.

The Claimant. The Claimant has addressed several public meetings in London relative to the merits of hia case, which is still believed in by a few people. His audiences have, however, been small, and it looks as if the public interest would die out as soon as curiosity with regard to his appearance lias been satiated. The Government are understood to have strongly advised Mr Ci^ro to emigrate to America or Australia. The "Hants Guardian," published at St. Ives, has been purchased by Mr Henry Stringer, who, according to a par. in the "Athenreuin," has been for many years connected with the daily press in New Zealand.

The Agents-General. The article in the "Anglo-New Zealander," which brags that the AgentsGeneral of the Australian colonies are practically on the same footing as ambassadors from foreign Powers to the Court of St. James, is arrant nonsense, and only shows what rubbish an otherwise sane journalist will write when hard pressed for "copy." Why, in almost every case the Agents-General are social nobodies. They receive, it is true, occasional official invitations to dine with the Secretary of State for the Colonies, and are once a year " commanded " to the Marlborough House garden party, but they certainly don't move in what is known as the "upper ten." You may search the columns of the "Morning Post " for a whole season without finding one of them a guest at any of the dinners, balls, at homes, or lunches chronicled therein. As a matter of fact, the AgentsGeneral are mostly men engrossed in colonial affairs, and with neither the money nor inclinatiozi to coquette with an "effete aristocracy." When they go out of their own Anglo-colonial set (which isn't often) they mix with substantial city men, bankers, merchants, stockbrokers, &c. Occasionally, perhaps, a K.C.M.G. does aspire to become something in England. Sir Julius Vogel, for example, did. He devoted much time, brains, and money to the attempt to become an M.P., yet he failed dismally. However, England's loss has been New Zealand's gain. You have him amongst you in consequence.

The Maoris' Mission. Major Te Wheoro and Mr Skidmore are still staying in their quiet apartments at Clapham, and in all probability will not leavo there there till they return to the I colony. Last week they accepted an ' invitation from Mr Graham to pass a few days with him at Brighton. The weather was fine, and the Major enjoyed himself very much, and will certainly take back to New Zealand a pleasant recollection of the " Queen of watering-places." On Wednesday night, when they returned from Brighton, the wind had changed to the east, and the weather was very bleak and cold. This sudden change told on the Major, and the poor fellow is now suffering from a serious cold on the cheat* \. went

down to Bee him the other day, and found him lying on a bed made on the floor in front of a huge fire. The Major had on all his olothes except the coat, and was enveloped in a large rug, but he persisted in keeping the window of the room wide open. He will not take any medicine, and the only remedy he believes in is gruel, of which he swallows large quantities every night. Notwithstanding nis illness, Te Wheoro is very oheerful, and takes a lively interest in the business which brought him over here. He talks of establishing a store when he gets back to the Waikato, and as soon as he is well enough, intends to see several London merchants, to arrange about shipping clothes, &c, to him He has purchased from Messrs Chappell, of Bond-street, a small hand - organ, to take home as a present for his little daughter. Though small, this instrument is very powerful, and whenever it is played causes quite an excitement in the neighbourhood. Te Wheoro is very anxious to leave England now, and is counting the days to the arrival of the next 'Frieco mail, by which the answer of the Colonial Government to the chiefs' petition is expected. On October 27 in the House of Commons, Mr Gorst asked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies if any steps had been taken with regard to the memorial presented by Maori chiefs to the Colonial Office, on the subject of the alleged breaking of the provisions of the Treaty of Waitangi, and whether papers on the subject would be laid on the table of the House. Mr Ashley replied that the memorial of the Maori chiefs was sent off in August last to the Governor of New Zealand, and the observations of the Colonial Government were invited upon it. No answer has yet or could yet have been received. As soon as the expected reply arrives, papers on the subject will be laid on the table.

Mr George Darren's Debut. Mr George Darrell is so well-known, and (on the whole) so popular all over the Australian colonies, that it will, I am sure, interest you to hear how he and his new and original drama " The Sunny South " have fared in London. The piece was produced at the Grand Theatre, Islington, on Monday week, and being (as the "Referee" declaros) " the noisiest, bloodthirstiest, gunpowderest play seen for years," dolightod the North Londoners, who require their melodramas like their grog, hot and strong. Viewed with other than Islingtonian eyes, however, it is to be feared that "The Sunny South" must bo pronounced arrart bo&h. Air Darrell has taken the Kelly case, "Never Too Late to Mend," and "The World," and jumbled them up together. The effect is somewhat confusing. Darroll himself sems to be the redeeming feature of the drama. All the critics are agreed he cvii act, and that when lie emancipates him&elf from his own pieces he will do well. Ills performance of the hero was really fine at times ; indeed, there can be no doubt ho has a future before him if he cares to avail himself of his opportunity. The success of "Called Back" at the Princes Theatre has been the making of Miss Lingard's reputation as a really capable actress. At the conclusion of the " run," which, owing to arrangements with Mrs Langtry, must come to an end in January, Miss Lingard takes a short holiday. Subsequently she will re-visit America, playing in "Called Back" and " Breaking a Butterfly " through the principal cities of the States.

Banquet to the Agents-General. In recognition of the important and growing relations between the port of Plymouth and the Colonial Empire,' the Chamber of Commerce of that town invited the AgentsGeneral of the Australian Colonies to a banquet at the Municipal Buildings on Friday last. The Earl of Morley presided, and all the Agonts General except Mr T. Stevens were present. Sir Francis Dillon Bell made the speech of the evening.

Personal and. General. Mr Dacre will be a passenger to Auckland by the P. and 0. steamer Ballarab. The Tongariro's meat is the best that has been seen in the market for a long time. Vesey Stewart has moved into Ins new offices at 34, Leadenhall-street. Mr and Mrs Larkins and their two daughters are returning to Auckland by the B.s. Tongariro on the 20th of this month. Captain Colbeck, who has been in the North of England during the greater part of his short stay at Home, is a passenger for Auckland by the Arawa. Mrs and Miss Daveney, and Mr and Mrs J. A. Clark are booked to Auckland per Tongariro. Mr David Hean, late manager of the National Bank of New Zealand in Auckland, has been in London enjoying himself and seeing the sights. He is now away in Scotland. Mr Chas. Teschemaker and Mr Robert Wilson, both of New Zealand, have been elected Fellows of the Colonial Institute. Mr F. S. Sheldon has just completed the bust of Tawhiao, which he commenced during the Maoris' stay at Montague Place, and has sent it off to Belguim to be cast in bronze. Amongst countless art treasures and nicnacs on Dr. Griffin's drawing-room tables at Cromwell Houses is a volume of photos of the " Wonderland of New Zealand," forwarded to Miss Anderson by "a humble admirer in Auckland " through her uncle, Consul Griffin. Lord Arthur and Lord Henry Grosvenor, sons of the Duke of Westminster, leave England next week on an extended tour, which will embrace India, China, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. They are lads'of about twenty. The "Girl's Own Paper" for November contains an article by "E. B.S. " pointing out the advantages of New Zealand as a field for the emigration of domestic servants. The new High Commissioner of the Western Pacific (General Scratchley) will leave for New Guinea at the end of November. Commander R. F. Hammick, who served with distinction with the Naval Brigade in the Now Zealand war of 1864, has been appointed to the command of H.M.S. Lion (training ship), at Deyonport. Sir Valentine Fleming, late Chief Justice of Tasmania, died at Redhill on the 27th uH , aged 74. As an instance of the mischief that may bo wrought through public men making recklessly extravagant statements, I may mention that an extract from a recent speech of Sir William Fox's, at Plymouth, in which he said that New Zealand was a colony "cursed by the vice of persistent drinking and going downhill," in conse quence has been the round of fully fifty or sixty provincial papers, adorned with such head-lines as "A Drunken Colony," "New Zealand Cursed with Strong Drink," " Drunkenness in New Zealand," &c, &c, People who do not hnow that Sir W. Fox is a bigoted teetotaller naturally attach considerable importance to these allegations, coming as they do from one clearly a distinguished colonist. Lieut, A. H. Cox, 1 sergeant, and 19 gunners of the Royal Marine Artillery have been drafted to H.M.S. Tainar, for service ] on board H.M.S. Nelson, on the Australian Station. One bombardier and 5 gunners have also been drafted for service on H.M.S. Diamond..

The Scottish Australian Mining Company declared a dividend at the rate of 20 per cent, per annum at its half-yearly meeting the other day. The profits for the halfyear amounted to £22,746Dr. Parker, the well-known pastor of the City Temple, is about to make a tour of the Australian colonies and New Zealand. He belongs to the semi-sensational school, and possesses a good deal of rough eloquence, without much feeling or (as Spurgeon would | boast) refinement. W. Sheehan, the principal in the Castletown Roche triple murder, has, it is understood, been traced to New Zealand. A constable who knows him well has been despatched to the colony in company with a detective, and it is thought the case will be ripe for trial at the next spring assizes at Cork. Mr John lnglis, of Ohristcharch, N.Z., died at Dick Place, Edinburgh, on October 19th j aged 62. The colonial gun vessel Paluma, built for the defence of Queensland, was commissioned at Sheerness on the 28th October with a crew from the Naval Barracks. The Bank of South Australia has notified its intention to rank itself among "limited" J companies. Ceorge Augustus Sala will be banquetted, or rather "dined," by the Savage Club prior to leaving England on his antipodean tour.

Shipping and Passenger Notes. The following passengers for Auckland left in the Sorata on October 30 : — Mr and Mrs Lee and servant, Mr J. Walker. Shaw-Savill's steamer Arawa left Gravesend this morning on her maiden trip to the colony. She had on board the following passengers for Auckland : — Saloon : Messrs A. Mahon, Wm, Henderson, Robt. Hender son, Arthur T. Clarke, J. L. Laing, and Capt. Colbeck. Second Saloon : — Mr and Mrs Mann, Rev. A. S. Fox, Messrs George Phillipps, F. Parker, E. C. Denny, W. D. Ulph, Frank Miller, Frederick" Miller, Ernest Beale, F. Westgate, A. B. I McJannet. The Tongariro, which is announced to leave for Otago, Canterbury, and Wellington, on October 20, is already full in first and second saloons. The following have taken passages for Auckland :—: — Saloon : Messrs Adam Brown and W. E. Stawidge, Mr and Mrs J. A. Clarke, Mrs and Miss Daveney, Mr and Mrs R. N. Hawes, Mr and Mrs Larkins and two daughters, Miss Brown. Second saloon : Mr and Mrs W. H. Cox and family, Mr and Mrs J. Johnson and family, Miss Ellen Campbell, Miss E. Wager, Mrs and Miss Marsden, Mr A. Searson. The half-yearly report of the managers of the Orient Company announces that, despite the dopression in trade, the receipts from ordinary Australian business have not materially lessened. Speaking with reserve, they believe that there is a balance at the credit of profit and loss account for the six months ending 30th June, sufficient to provide the full allowance prescribed by the Articles of Association for depreciation, etc., viz., at the rate of 6 per cent, per annum on the cost of steamers. There are no surplus profits for the payment of an interim dividend. Messrs Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company's barque Glenlora left London for this I port on November 2, with the following passengers :— Saloon— E. Waddy, E. Cecil, Chas. W. Robinson, Fred. Morris. Second Cabin — Elizabeth A. John, Katherine John. Third Cabin — Mrs Mary A. Owen and 4 children, Mr S. Ramson, Mrs Ramson and ' 6 children, Mr W. Burns, Mr J. Sparrow, Mr John Cuokow, Mr Thos. Barwell, Mr D. Jones, Mrs Jones, Horace Jones, A.my Jones, Lionel Jones and 6 children, Mr D. G. Jones, Charles Jackson, Percy Jackson.

Mr Thomas Spurgeon at Bi-ighton. As I told you in my last, Mr Thomas Spurgeon followed up his successful lecture on " New Zealand " at the Metropolitan Tabernacle with one at the Dome, Brighton. The large building was well filled, the chair being taken by Mr D. Friend, who was sup ported on the platform by Rev. J. S. Geale and Rev. Toolo Balfern. In course of hia address Mr T. Spurgeon declared he was not an emigration agent. He felt it neces- | sary to say this, as there were some people ! who fancied that his pockets were lined with subsidies given him by the New Zealand Government or by some land association, and that his visit to England was for the purpose of inducing people to fly away across the seas.