ANGLO COLONIAL NOTES. [FROM THE AUCKLAND " STAR'S " LONDON CORRESPONDENT.] [For the 5 Days Ending Nov. 21.] London, November 21.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 85, 17 January 1885, Page 6

ANGLO COLONIAL NOTES. [FROM THE AUCKLAND " STAR'S " LONDON CORRESPONDENT.] [For the 5 Days Ending Nov. 21.] London, November 21.

General Scratchloy's Departure. A great friend of your Governor, Sir Win. Jervois, to wit, Major-Gensral Scratchley, the recently-appointed High Commissioner of New Guinea, has been the Anglo Colonial hero of the week. He leaves England for the scene of his labours to-day, and what with farewell banquets, lunches, and little dinners, not to mention deputations, congratulations, and audiences \sith Ministers, I should think he will not be sorry t" enjoy some rest and quiet on board ship. The English press unanimously approves of the General's appointment, and of the manner in which his actions will be guided by the Australasian colonies ; indeed, the «' Pall Mall Gazette " definitely opines that out of the Board of Advice for the ruling of New Guinea will grow a Federal Government of Australia. Another important event of the week has been the adjourned meeting of the Council for the Promotion of Imperial Federation. A full report of the proceedings will be found further on, including a verbatim note of the speech of Sir Fraucis Dillon Bell, which did not appear in the English papers, and has been specially transcribed for your benefit. A deputation of the Agents-General of the Australasian colonies waited upon Lord Derby on Tuesday. The business was nominally private, but I learn on good authority it referred solely totheßecidiviste question, the Australasian colonies uniting together to urge on the Colonial Secretary the imperative necessity of at once forbidding the further transportation of French convicts to the Pacific.

Archer's Visit to the Colonies. The early information from special sources with reference to the Australasian tour of Fred Archer, the world-famous jockey, given in my last letter, was two days later confirmed by the London dailie 5 Archer left London on Saturday evening with his friend, Captain Bowling, and faithful valet, Solomon. They joined the Cunard steamship Bothnia at Queenstown, and are at the present moment well on their way across the "herring pond," as Yankees call the Atlantic. The present intentions of the party are to travel somewhat rapidly through the Statesand take an early steamer from 'Frisco to Auckland. Whether they will stay long in New Zealand I can't say. Much will depend on the bier racing fixtures in Australia, as Archer is naturally anxious to be present at one of them ; indeed, more un likely things might happen than hi-< having a mount in the Champion Stakes. At present the poor fellow is in wretched spirits, almost broken-hearted, his friends say. He vows he won't ride at all next season, but either" this resolution will be broken or he will never ride again, for after IS months' idleness he couldn't possibly get himself down to racing weights. Even as it is he finds it vjry difficult. " The Sporting Times," writing on this subject, says :—": — " It may be that the ringing cheers which hailed the victory of Thebai3 at Liverpool, last. Thursday, at the same time were the fare -veil greeting of the public to the great jockey who rode her. The distressing event of the termination of the bright young life of his only yesterday newly- made wife has left the bereaved husband prostrate and almost heart-broken. In his great affliction he has received the earnest sympathy of all classes, but, like Rachel of old, he refuses to be comforted. Work is the best antidote for grief, and his friends will do well to prevail upon him, if possible, to forego his determination not to ride again until ISS6. It is not well for one who has led such an active and exciting life to be left alone to brood on a great sorrow. Should Archer live in retirement next year, it iruy be doubted whether we shall see him in the saidle again, as with a year and a-half of rest he may not be able to ride at racing weights. It costs him a great effort now. Should it prove that his victory on Thebais vvas, at the same ti ne, his farewell, ncne can say but that farewell was well made. He has achieved this year a total of winning mounts not only far exceeding that ever made by any other jockey, but even eclipsing his own marvellous record, and Thebais metaphorically was a great stage from which to make his final bow."

Sala's Tour. In consequence of a tempting offer from an American impresario Mr Sila has somewhat modified the arrangements for his Australian tour. Instead of travelling direct to the colonies by P. and 0. steamer as originally intended, he will cross the Atlantic early in January, and deliver lectures in fifteen principal cities on his route westward. The American trip concluded, G. A. S. proposes to sail from 'JTri«co by Pacific mail steamer for Sydney, via Auckland, making his debut in Australia at the Town Hall, Melbourne, on Easter Monday. The antipodean tour will occupy from 15 to 18 months, and include all the principal towns in Australia and New Zealand. Mr Sala will not make any stay in Auckland on his way to Sydney.

Vesey Stewarts Lectures. The "Scotsman " ot November 14th contains a notice of Mr Vesey Stewarts lecture at the United Presbyterian Synod Hall, Edieburgh, the previous evening. The Rev. Dr. Grey presided, and spoke of the surprise and pleasure manifested by Lord Roseberry at what he saw in New Zealand. Mr Vesey Stewart, after a brief sketch of the history and progress of the colony, described his own special settlements at the Bay of Plenty, and cordially invited all intending emigrants to avail themselves of the excellence of the land and the many Government privildges, and settle there. Sixty limelight views of New Zealand were subsequently shown. The Indian papers announce the marriage of Lieut. Jones, of the 47th, to Diana, daughter of the late Captain J, H. St, John, Lieut. -Colonel N.Z. Militia.

Indian and Colonial Exhibition. The London "Gazette" of November 10th contains the Queen's Commission for the Indian and Colonial Exhibition of 1886. It appoints as members a large number of English celebrities, and several native princes of India, also the Agents-General of the various Australian colonies, amongst whom Sir P. D. Bell, of course, figures.

Defrauding a Colonist. The men Ward; Richards, and Don, who were committed for trial a few weeks ago for defrauding a successful colonist named William Clark, some time a resident of the Thames, New Zealand, but more recently of Tasmania, came up for trial on Tuesday, and were sentenced to terms of imprisonment of six, nine, and twelve months respectively. I related the circumstances of the case when the fellows were arrested. Ward made Ciark'e acquaintance on board ship coming home, aud led him to believe that he thoroughly understood the ways of the English turf. When they arrived in England they lodged together, and attended

several race meetings, where Ward introduced Richards, whom ho said was a well known racing man, and a friend of Lord Roseberry's, Baron Rothschild's, Fred Archer's, &c. With the assistance of a third man, Win. Don (an ex-colonial bookmaker), Ward and Richards managed to seduce Clark into parting with peveral hundred pounds, their own investments and losses, however (made with the assistance of " flash " bank notes), seeming much larger. The game went on till Clarks suspicions became aroused. He then very wisely made no complaints, but communicated quietly with the police, who arrested the men red handed with bundles of *' flash " notes representing £3,000 in their possession.

Frozen Meat. The arrivals of the F'orida Aorangi and Liguria (as well as a cargo from Sydney) have thrown so much frozen mutton on the market that it is scarcely surprising there should have been a slight fall in prices. Canterbury sheep (now firmly established with the best reputation) still fetch 6d per lb. but s£d to s|d is the ruling rate. Ward and Stimpson quote : — New Zealand mutton, 3s 8d to 4s per stone of Slbs ; Australian, 3s Sd to 3s lOd per stone of 81bs; River Plato, 3s 6d to 3s 8d per stone of 81be; Dutch, 3s lOci to 4s 4d per stone of Slbs ; Engftsh, 3s 6d oss per stone of Slbs. The cargo brought Home by the Lyttelton consists in the main of wretched little sheep. Somo of the cai'cases for gale at Smithfield this morning do not weigh more than eighteen or tw enty pounds. An employe of a large firm of importers tells me that consignments of this sort do serious i injury to the trade.

Personal and General. Mr W. Baillio Hamilton, of the Colonial Office, a gentleman well known to and very popular with all notablo Anglo-New Zealanders, has just published through Messrs Black wo -id a novel entitled, "Mr Montenello, a Romance of the Civil Service." At the first ordinary meoting of the Statistical Society on Tuesday last, the President, Sir Rawson W. Rawson, K.C.M.Gr., read an interesting paper on "British and Foreign Colonies." Sir F. D. Bell and others were present, Mr J. Satchel Studley has sent a weka l'ail (white variety) fiom New Zealand to the Zoological Gardens in Regent's Park. There are a few theatrical memos. about artistes well-known in the colonies. Ada Ward is at Malta ; Bland Holt, touring the provinces with "Taken fiom Life"; Lytton Sothern, playing " Lord Dundreary "in Ireland ; Camille Dubor, rosting; William Farren, junr., supporting Miss Wallis ; Alice Lingard, still going crazy nightly in "Called Back"; Fred Thurne, doing a meek shopman in " Saints i and Sinners " at the Vaudeville ; and Henry Bracy and his wife, somewhere in the provinces with "Princess Ida." The Rev. W. S Greon has prepared a very interesting lecture from his book on the "High Alps of New Zealand," and is delivering it through the provinces, with a magic lantern and somo capital photos of the Southern Sounds, mountains, and bush sconery The " Daily Telegraph " attributes the recent fall in prices of provisions in Eng land as much as anything to the huge im portations of Mew Zealand mutton, which made meat of all kinds cheaper than it has been for years. The list of applications for the English mastership at the Dunedin High School closed on Saturday la&t with 120 candidates. The decision of the Agent-General will not bo made known for a fortnight. The trial of Chambers's refrigerating engine is again delayed, owing to defective workmanship, the coils through which the air has to pass proving leaky. Mr Chamber? hopes to remedy this in a few days, but flaws and delays seem so constantly to occur that the promoters are beginning to [ lo&e faith in the machine, and to wonder I whether it will ever be complete. Major Te Wheoro, though still far from ; being himself, is convalescent. The doctor pays his last visit to-day, and Te Wheoro has booked passages to Auckland for himself and Skidmore by the lonic, sailing on the 3rd inst. They are still at Brighton. Major-General Scratchley, the now Eigh Commissioner of New Guinea, sails for Australia to-day. On Tuesday evening he and a number of leading Anglo-colonists were entained at the St. Stephen's Club by Mr J. Henniker Heaton, of the "Sydney News " Pastor Thomas Spurgeon's last public appearance in England A\ ill probably be at the opening of a new Baptist chapel in Camberwell, on the 3rd instant. I gather he has relinquished the idea of preaching in Auckland on the first Sunday in the new year. Mr A. S. Rathbone, for some time associated with the Auckland press, is preparing for publication a series of short sensational stories, the main ideas of which are derived from the great criminal romances of Fortune dv Boipgobey. The first is called " The Omnibus Mystery."

Snipping and Passenger Notes. The New Zealand Shipping Company's steamer Tongariro left Gravesend yesterday with the following passengers on board : — For Auckland (first saloon) : Mr S. Brooks, Mr Adam Brown, Miss Brown, Mr H. W. Chamberlain, Mr J. G. Clark, Mr K. M. Clark, Mrs and Miss Daveney, Mr and Mrs R. N. Haives, Mr and Mrs Larkins, Miss F. Larkins, Miss R. Larkins, Mr A. C. Moore, Mrs W. Moore, 2 childieu and maid, and Mr W. E Sawbridge. Second saloon — Mr James Barry, Miss Ellen Campbell, Mr Alfred Hodgkinson, ivts and Miss Marston, Mr G. McP. Pole, Mr Frank Searson, and Miss E. Wager. Third cabin — Messrs A. J. Andrews, H. Atkinson, N. Clary, J. R. Davis, J. Drury, W. 13. Howes, A. Hunt, John Irvine, Jas. Irvine, W. Kelly, F. G. Masters, J. McKenzie, A. Milne, J, Nicholson, H. Shackleton, A. C. Ward, R. Watson, Miss J. White. For Gisborne : First saloon — Mr H. C. Glyn. For Napier : First saloon — Rev. J. D. and Mrs Knipe and family. Third cabin- Mrs C. Halse and child, Mr W. Harpham, Mr C. Saunders, wife, and family. For Rusaell : Second saloon — Mr and Mrs J. Johnson and family. Mr Dacre was a through passenger for Auckland in the P. and O. steamer Bailarat, on Wednesday. The lonic, which leaves on Dec. 3, is not filling up fast in the saloon, but a good many second and third cabin passages are being taken in her. Londov, December 4.

The Prince of Wales and the Colonial Exhibition. The letter from the Prince of Wales relative to the Indian and Colonial Exhibition of 1886, dated Maiiborough House, November 24, was published in the evening papers of the 25th, and at once cabled in full to all the Australasian colonies. Ifc will, the Executive hope, have the effect of rousing colonial interest in the mammoth undertaking and inducing intending exhibitors to set about preparing their trophies without delay. There can be no doubt the Prince of vVales intends the "Colonies " (as it has alread been dubbed) shall altogether outshine either the " Heaitheries " or the " In

ventoriea," andH.R.H. seldom takes up a job (as he has this) without carrying it through triumphantly. The summer of 1886 consequently promises to attraot a rare gathering of colonists from all quarters of the Empire to London ; indeed, I should advise New Zealanders who contemplate a visitto th-i Old Country to time their arrival about the date of the opening of the Exhibition—viz., May 14th, 188ti. The space set apart for New Zealand in the Indian and Colonial Exhibition consists of a portion of the east and south central transepts, and covers 7, 100 feet. The colony will also be entitled to her share of the South Central Hall, which is to be devoted ! to a joint display of Australian products j The Frozen Produce Restaurant (nsh, flesh, fowl, and fruit), which was to have been tried at the Heatheries, will be made a special feature of in 1886, and there are also to be colonial fruit and vegetable markets, the intention being to give the public an idea of the foods available in different parts of the Empire. All your show-cases must be made of New Zealand woods, and it is hoped that in addition to a noble display of special products, Maori relics, &c, there will be such photos, and models of tho Hot Lakes Wonderland as will attract special attention.

Personal and General. The respected and popular commander of the steamer Aorangi was married .on the 20th November to Miss Helena Bingham, daughter of the Hon. A. J. Bingham, of Stonebyres Houso, Lanark, N.B. Mr James Ashbury, the late M.P. for Brighton, starts on a pleasure trip to New Zealand, via the United States, in the course of a few days. He will be shown around by his recent guest, Major Te Wheoro, who hopes to get home in time to receive him. Rear- Admiral Tryon, C.8., sails for Sydney in the P. and 0. steamer Indus to-day (December 4th). Lord Roseberry has been appointed a Vice-President of tho lloyal Colonial Institute. Dr. J. E. Taylor, a scientist of considerable attainments, and tho editor of that pleasant little paper, "Science Gos3ip," will give a series of popular lectures in the principal Australian ani New Zealand cities next year. The Tichborno Claimant is preparing for the press some reminiscences of his convict life. The current number of " Bradstreets " (an American financial paper) contains an intei eating history of the frozen mutton trade from its commencement to tho present time, by Mr R. J. Creighton, of San Francisco, and formerly of Auckland. The "Gardeners' Chronicle" of November an interesting and exhaustive article on "New Zealand Vegetation." The " Jewish Chronicle" of November 28, contains an obituary notice of the late Mr Ezekiel Nathan, of Dunedin, New Zealand, who is extolled as one of the moat prominent and charitable Hebrews at the antipodes. Mrs Campbell Praeds favourably known as the author of " Plot and Passion," " An Australian Heroine," " Moloch, and other stories of life in New South vv ales and Queensland, has just completed a new work, nbitled, "Australian Life — Black and White," which will be published by Chapman and Hall. The " Graphic " of November 29, contained a page of sketches of New Zealand scenery drawn by the Rev. F. R. Hutton. At a meeting of the Colonial Institute on December 9th, Mr Georgo Baden- Powell, C.M.G., will deliver an address on " National Unity." Lord Dunraven takes the chair. Staff-Commander George A. Broad, of H.M.S. Shannon, has beon appointed StaffCommandorof H.M.S. Triumph, which is to be commissioned in January as flagship of Rear-Admiral J. K. Baird, Com1 mander-in-Chief of the Pacific Station. I Tho lonic, which sails from Plymouth j to-morrow, takes out the third assignment of stoats and weasels — 150 in number. For their delectation during the voyage, no less than 2,400 pigeons have been shipped, and the pigeons in their turn will consume 16 quarters of corn. By the time they reach the colony, these vermin will have cost a pretty penny. Mr Andrew Pringle, of Craiglench, Langholm, delivered an interesting lecture on Wednesday week in the Exchange Hall, Howick, N.B , descriptive of his recent travels in Australia and New Zealand. The discourse was illustrated by upwards of 60 views of scenes and places taken by Mr Pringle on his tour. The photos, of the Southern Sounds and Hot Lakes of New Zealand were (according to a local paper) specially successful.

Vesey Stewarts Scheme, Mr G. Vesey Stewart returned to town at the end of last week, after lecturing at Edinburgh, Leicester, and Lincoln, lie had good houses on each occasion, and says the results fully equalled his expectations. Nevertheless, Messrs Shaw-Saville have not, so far, booked many passengers on his account. To the "New Zealand Commercial | Agency," " New Zealand Estate Agency," and "New Zealand Lanii, Estate, and Passenger Agency," the indefatigable Vesey has now added the "New Zealand Cadet Agency," which, I learn from the prospectus, is to be the means of "training the sons of gentlemen for colonial life by giving them (1) a commercial-office training in London ; (2) finding them an approved home and sending them, when qualified, to either commercial or farming pursuits in New Zealand." This prospectus further avers that the Cadet Agency will be the means of enabling young men to secure independence in the fine colony of New Zealand, and that Mr Stewart must be i " satisfied that the friends of the candidate are able to bear the necessary expenses." Nothing further has been heard of the prospectus of the Rotor u a Railway Company. Mr Stewart either doesn't know anything or won't tell what he does know.

Dr. Ergon, of 'Otahuhu, and the Fishermen. Dr. Leger Erson, of Otahuhu, near Auckland, arrived hero about a month ago on a private mission associated with the fishermen of Devon and Cornwall. From what I can gather, it seems to be Dr. Erson's opinion that the fisheries in Auckland waters ace capable of indefinite extension, and thfct the experienced pilchard and general fishermen of Cornwall and Devon — who thoroughly understand the various methods of smoking, salting, *c. — are of all others the persons to develop them. Dr. Erson went to Cornwall, and found the fishermen willing enough to accept his view of the circumstances j but, unfortunately, Sir F. D. Bell wasn't equally complaisant. Whether he disbelieved in tho doctor's theory, or whether he was simply unable to help him, I don't know ; anyhow ho declined to grant the fishermen special faoilitios for emigration, so Dr. Erson has to return to the colony, and get them " nominated " from your side. He goes out in medical charge of the Northumberland, now on the point of sailing. On the merits of the scheme- itself I am not in a position to offer an opinion, but it doesn't sound very feasible,

Date of Mr Thomas Spurgeon'a Return In answer to a query as to when he expects to reach Auckland and resume his pastorate, Mr Thomas Spurgeon writes:— "l leave Plymouth in the Liguria on December 12th for New Zealand via Melbourne and Tasmania. I expeot to tarry a few days in Tasmania, and hope to reach Auckland about the middle of February. A farewell meeting will be held at the Metropolitan Tabornacle on December 9th."

Te Wheoro's Return. Major To Wheoro, accompanied by the faithful 8 kid more, returned to town from Brighton on the 24th ult. The pair were [ met at Victoria by Mr Gorst, M.P., and Mr Chesson, and aftor some conversation, pro- ' ceeded to their old rooms at Clapham The major's lungs aro still in a very rickety condition. Dr. Macauley, of the Colonial Office, sounded his chest on the afternoon of the 28th, and ordered him to leave London at once. On the same day Mr Fuller, of the Colonial Office, Mr Gorst, M.P., Mrs Gorat, I Miss Gorst, and Mr Edwin Preston called to bid the Maori and his interpreter "Godspeed." The latter, I regret to say, has not clung so tenaciously as he might have done to his teetotal convictions latterly. He is, however, a faithful old soul, and much attached to To Wheoro. They left London on Friday for Torquay, where they have been staying till to-day, when they go to Plymouth to join the s.s. lonic, sailing for N.Z to-morrow. The major has been presented with a handsome album, containing photos of all his English frienfls ; also an elaborate scarf of pink and blue silk, embroidered with gold lace, which is to remind him of them whenever he wears it. The latter, I may tell you, was given to him by his own request. A three-year-old black-faced wether, bred by Mr Duncan Maclaren at St. Andrew's, South Canterbury, Now Zealand, reached Braemar, N.8., in a frozen state on Friday week, and was inspected by the entire neighbourhood including a contingent of royal gillies from Balmoral. Mr Duncan Maclaren, who is a son of Mr James MacLaren, grazier, left Braemar 21 years ago.

Vogel's South Sea Trading Company. The first reference (in an English journal) to Sir Julius Vogel's notable scheme for colonising the South Pacific wns made in the "Pall Mall Gazette" of Monday last, which gave a brief resume" of the bill introduced into the House of Representatives, concluding as follows:— "If Sir Julius Vogel's bill is passed and the necessary capital subscribed, it seems very likely that Mr Stonohowev Cooper's question as to the future of the South Pacific, 'Is nothing to bo done ?' will be answered by the ambitious colony of New Zealand. That there is a great field in tho islands of Polynesia for systematic colonisation wo do not deny, but we shall have something more to say about this last development of Australasian politics."

Mr Froude's Tour. Notwithstanding frequent denials and contradictions, the rumour that tho great historian and biographer, Mr J. A. Froude, contemplates a tour round the world via Australia and New Zealand turns out to be correct. Mr Froude, accompanied by his son, sails for Melbourne to-morrow by the Aberdeen line steamer Australasian, and will make his way back homo via Auckland and San Francisco. He purposes being away six or seven months.

Archer in Australia. It is now stated that Fred Archer, the famous jockey, who started somo weeks ago for a tour in America and Australasia, will bo home in timo to ride at Lincoln and Liverpool in March. If this turns out to bo true, his stay in your part of the world will be of the shortest, and there won't be much chance of his riding at Flemington or Randwick.

New Mail Service. The new mail service by the direct stoamers of the Now Zealand Shipping G jrapany commences to day fortnight, the Aorangi being the pioneer R M.S. We shall anxiously await the results of the passages of the first few boats, as, if they keep within contract dates, it will no longer be necessary to send any despatches via Brindisi, and correspondence generally with New Zealand will be greatly simplified. During the past year regular correspondents have at times been seriously puzzled which route to avail themsolves of, and their difficulties, instead of being simplified by the Post-oifice, wore complicated through different directions as to wse-ingthe envelopes being constantly given.

Frozen Meat. The rabbits which came by the Lyttelton from Picton were, for some reason or another not placed upon the market, but dispersed amongst private folk. I understand they seemed in excellent condition. The meat market has been very dull during the last week, and prices are again lower. The "British Australasian" says the large supplies of English and Dutch sheep in the market are affecting the trade in frozen meat. The following are the present quotations :—: — N.Z. mutton . . 3s Gd to 3s 8d per stone of 81bs Australian mutton 3s Id to 3s 6d „ English mutton . 3s6dto4sBd „ Scotch mutton . . 4s Id to .->8 Od „ Dutch mutton . 39 odto-ts2d „ K. Plato mutton . . 3s Od to 3s 2d „

I Shipping and Passenger Notes. The following through paFsengors for New Zealand left London in the Orient liner Cuzco on November 26 :—For Wellington : Messrs R. Y. H. Oldershaw and I). M. Smith. For Auckland : Mr H. S. G. Osberno and Mr C. E. Tucker. For Port Chalmers : Mrs Holloway. The New Zealand Shipping Company's Doric, from New Zealand to London, left Rio on the 25th November. The annual report of the Peninsular and Oriental Steamship Company for the year onded 30th September last has just been issued. The directors state that the net surplus, including £9,310 brought forward from last year, was £188,473, which, after deducting the interim dividend of 2\ per cent., admits of a further dividend^of 3£ per cent. Shaw, SaviU's steamer lonic, which left Gravesend yesterday, takes the following passengers for Auckland : -First Saloon : Major Te Wheoro and Mr Skidmore. Second Saloon : Mrs H. Bennett and Misses Bennett (3;, Mr Pratt, Mr B. Hibjame, Mr T. T. Boote, Major and Mrs R. Peel, Messrs Robert and Arthur Peel, Miss Beatrice Peel, Miss E. Mardel, Miss Eliza Richardson, Mr and Mrs Harry Taylor and child, Mr and Mrs H, McLaren and child, Miss M. E. Riddell, Mr P. Bennett, Mr R. J. Sheldon, Mr S. Rendell, Mr H. Gilman, and Mrs Judkins,

German Mail Steamers for Australia. Berlin, January 13 — At the sitting last night of the sub-committee of the Reichetage, appointed to consider|the question of subsidising lines of mail steamers, and to report upon the details of the project, Herr yon Boettioher, Secretary of State for the Interior, stated that the proposal to subsidise steamers trading to Australia had no connection with the annexation of New Guinea. Dr. Stephan, Imperial Post-master-General, spoke strongly in favour of the proposal, and declared that the inauguration of an Australian line of steamers was of special importance to Uermany.