ANGLO-COLONIAL NOTES. (Auckland "Star" London Correspondent) London, July 4th.

Te Aroha News, Volume IV, Issue 160, 28 August 1886, Page 4

ANGLO-COLONIAL NOTES. (Auckland "Star" London Correspondent ) London, July 4th.

Sir Alex. Stuart's Funeral. The funeral of Sir Alexander Stuart lastSaturday morning was attended by almost every colonist and Anglo-colonist of note in London. It took place from his brother's (Mr James Stuart's) house at Harrow, whence the body had been removed from Stanhope Gardens. The Vicar of the parish officiated, and the chief mourners included Mr James Stuart, Professor Stuart (the famous Radical M.P.) and Mr Kenneth Stuart, brothers of the deceased, and other members of the Stuart family. Colonel the Honourable IT. Byng represented the Queen, who sent a wreath, and the Prince of Wales's carriage followed the funeral. To mention everybody that was present would be impossible. I noticed amongst others High Commissioner for Canada, Captain Loftua, Dr. Buller, Dr. Yon Haast, and other Exhibition Commissioners, the Secretary of the Colonial Institute, and Sir Samuel Davenport. Owing to a mistake on the part of the undertakers, no notice of the funeral was sent to the Agents-General, consequently neither Mr Berry, Sir A. Blyth, nor Sir F. D. Bell put in an appearance.

An Interesting Visitor. Mr Edwaid Jenkins, the author of " Ginx's Baby " and other well known works, is thinking of visiting the colonies oo a lecturing tour. His subjects would be prominent English politicians, such as " Gladstone," " Bright," " Salisbury," &c. He would also disclose the secret of the "way things £re managed " at the " Colonial Office," the internal workinge of which he thoroughly understands. Mr Jenkins, though scarcely such a " celebrity " as when he was the " notorious member for Dundee," is still a very interesting man. He has something to tell {about most cognate personages of the generation, and is a highly entertaining conversationalist.

ISpecial Service at St. Paul's. The scene at St. Paul's Cathedral on Sunday afternoon, when the Indian and Colonial Commissioners and the Lord Mayor and Aldermen attended a special service in honour, or rather in commemoration, of the Queen's Birthday, wa? not' altogether edifying. An hour before the"* doors opened " a crowd of some 10,000 would-be churchgoers were chattering and laughing outside, and when at last the ponderous gates did swing back there was a thoroughly disreputable rush for places. As tbe place under the dome and the two transepts were exclusively reserved for American and colonial visitors, the nave alone was open to the public, and this portion of the church filled in two minutes. The verser3 had their work cut out to prevent tbe thousands of disappointed ones erupting in to the " reserved enclosures," and for a time considerable noise and confusion prevailed. When, however, the visitors were all seated, and the service in progress, the great cathedral presented an impressive and never-to-be-foreotten spectacle. The singing of the " Magnificate " and "Nunc Dimittis"(Smart'B)were alone worth coming to hear, and so was the anthem " I Saw the Lord Sitting Upon a Throne." To •veryone s great disappointment, the Bishop of London did not preach himself, neither (as many half hoped) did Canon Liddon. The Rev. H. S. Holland, who occupied the pulpit for 20 minutes, was unfortunately inaudible savo to' a few near him. A dense crowd of sightseers filled the churchyard when the vast congregation streamed out, and for a few minute? there looked like being a deadlock. The police, however, were aclive in clearing passages through, and in due time ye all got safely away.

Receptions. On Tuesday Mr Walter, of the " Times," had about 200 selected from the " official list " at Bearwood, his country seat, near Beading. I was not invited, but I heir that looking around at the gardens, vineries and pineries with lunch and a row on the lake (for those who like it) formed the staple amusements A section of this party also visited the wonderful biscuit manufactory (the largest in the world) of Messrs Huntley and Palmer, at Reading. On Wednesday the Duke of Bedford showed a large party over his model farm at Woburn Abbey. In the evening there was a state concert at Buckingham Palace, but none of the colonists were invited. Many of them, however^ attended Lady Samuel's reception at Kensington Town Hall. I was forgetting, too, that on Wednesday evening tbe Empire Lodge of Freemasons held a Maaonic reception, and ate a big dinner at the Criterion Sir Philip Cunliffe Owen is Worshipful Master, and Admiral Hewett, V.C , and Mr De Ricci, wardens. Brethren were present from all parts of the world. Sir Wm. Clarke, Sir James Fergusson, Sir James Cockle, Sir A Blyth, and others represented -Australia, and Dr. Yon fiaaßt and Mr P. L. Simmonds, New Zealand. The dinner was in the Criterion chef's best manner, and the toast list commendably brief. The W.M. gave "The Visitors," to which Sir W. Clarke (for Australasia) and Mr Arthur Saundera (for India) responded. An amusing American Bro., Theodore Tildon, and Lord Mount Edgecumbe, also spoke. Yesterday by far the largest gathering of colonists that has yet takes place came off at the Crystal Palice. Unfortunately I was unable to go, but as I hear your special, Mr Giddingß, was there, it doesn't much matter.

The Tower Bridge. The laying of the memorial stone of the Tower Bridge on Monday afternoon was; a dull and not altogether successful ceremony. The Exhibition Commissioners (including Sir A. Blyth, Sir. F. D. Bell, and Mr Graham Berry) most of them put in an appearance,and the Reception Committee contributed. about 500 colonists. The' city folks seemed uncertain whether to make a gala day of it or not. Parts of the line of thejßoyal route were decorated with flagsand bunting, ani parts left as usual. West of Temple Bar but very few people appeared to know anything special was going on. : A pour of sightseers two, sometimes three, deep lined the pavements, but thai was all. The procession proved to be a very meagre affair, half a dozen closed carriages escorted by a troop of life guards. It rattled along the streets at a smart trot, so that all the spectators caught a glimpse of was a redcoat and a bonnet. At the Tower we were most of us in a bad temper long before the Royalties arrived. The seating arrangements were execrable, and the officials in hopeless confusion. ' A number of enterprising |eafly* comers " rushed " thebeatplacesandrefueed to, turn oat. Presently, when the^cplonista began to arrive, there arose what a gentleman next me.described as '* ructions. ' Some of the visitors were furious.and abaeed every thing English in unmeasured terms, "I Sdmii it m r exasperating to find one's seat tak'in, and to be unceremoniously eh'own^ 1 another on each an occasion, but. I can. scarcely believe that contretemps of , the!' kind 'arel"aB, my angry, neighbours rer^troly i'verrea," "absolutely unknown, in 'Australia ; ' couldn't

happen, sir ; .we know how to manage these things properly," &c. &q.,, ,ThY fact, v thaf the back seats were not : raised aboye the ; front did not improve, matters, neither,, did a long wait. There , were neither cheers nor applause when the Royal party entered -*-o«ly a chilling silence, andirasbible cries of '• Sit down " from persons behind who could not see. The Prince of Wales looked somewhat surprised (as well he might), but proceeded at once to the business on hand. , He commenced with the reading of a long and tiresome address by the Recorder of London. H.R.H. replied briefly, and then four stonemasons (apparently profoundly uncomfortable in their Sunday -clothes) daubed the, plinth of the new bridge with Portland cement. The crane was immediately set in motion, and the huge memorial stone descended, slowly. When it was firmly fixed the Prince produced a handsome silver mallet just presented to him by the Corporation, and tapping three times, pronounced these words, " Well and truly laid." Tbe Bishop of London then advanced to say a* prayer. Unfortunately, the tower gunners had mistaken the moment for their per* formance, and commenced volleying simultaneously ; the effect was intensely grotesque. The oftener the guns fired the louder the sturdy bishop bawled, his voice acquiring a distinctly militant accent. This little i incident put the crowd in a better humour, and three cheers were given for the Royalties as they retired. Nevertheless, the ceremony did not go off with proper spirit ; was indeed a dull affair.

The New Hebrides. The aßsurances given by.M. de Freycinet with regard to the New Hebrides are no doubt bona Jide so far as he personally is concerned, jyet the difficulty is very far from being eettled. As Sir F. D. Bell cays, the group cannot go on being no man's land. Without proper government, laws, police, &c, the islands will become (like the Fijis were prior to annexation) the Alsatia of the Pacific — a safe report for every possible kind of criminal and bad character. The French may take care of their own settlers, but they won't feel bound under present conditions to keep order throughout the group.

The Queen's Reception. The Queen will receive a very large party of colonists at Windsor one afternoon next week On this occasion 'the " official list " will be departed from, ana a large number of smaller fry be recognised. The entertainment will probably consiBt of an inspection of tbe Castle and lunch. Afterwards the Queen will meet the party in the Gardens and, through Sir H. Ponsonby," say a few words of welcome. One or two leading men will be introduced, but that is all. The programme may, however, be changed before the day. On Saturday evening last Mr H. P Fallon the Victorian wine grower, entertained a party of friends to dinner at the Criterion KeBtaurant. Tbe same day Sir Thos. and Lady Bra?sey had another batch of colonists down at Normanhurat.

Mr Jona Radcliffe's Welcome. There wa3 a large and representative gathering at the Savage Club last Saturday evening, to welcome Mr John Radcliffe, the "eminent flautist" (and a very old " Savage ") on his return from a protracted tour in Australia and New Zealand. A whisper having gone forth that this would be a "good night," invitations were in request, and when I looked in about nine, accompanied by Mr G. E. Alderton (of Auckland and Whangarei), it was a ca?e of " standing room only." The colonial contingent had naturally mustered in force. dir James Cockle (late Chief Justice of Queensland) had Sir George Bowen as his guest, and in their immediate vicinity were " The Vagabond " (Mr Julian Thomae) Mr W. P. Morgan (of Charies Towers), Chief Justice Dobson, Mr Bosisto, Mr James Thomson, Dr. Ahearne, Dr. Maloney, Mr Giddings (of Adelaide) and a whole host of Anglu-Colo nial journalists and special correspondents At another end of the room a t'anadian clique (which included the High Commissioner and Premier ot the Dominion) held high festival, and after the theatres there was an invasion of American actore from tbe Strand and Gaiety Theatres The entertainment was at least worthy of the company. In addition to Mr Radchffe himself, we had Harry Walsham (sweetest of tenorfl) : Signor Imano (a fine baritone) ; the veteran composer, Charles Sullivan ("I Arise from Dreams of Thee ') : Deane Braund Dixey ("It's English, So English, You Know ") ; Odell with the evergreen "Cruise of the Calebar " ; Christie Murxay ; Marshall P. Wilder (an excruciatingly funny American dwarf) ; the wizard Verbecq ; dear old " Lai " Broueh : Townley with " Moses to Aaron " ; leadore de Lara, and countless other singers, and story-tellers and performers on the piano, violin, and zither, whose names slipped me. The Chairman called on the first performer about seven, and the party broke up long after midnight, the guests going away delighted with their glimpse of " Bohemia."

Personal and General. A statement in' the "Anglo-New Zealander" to the effect that Williamsons firm has bought the Australasian rights of Gilbert and Sullivan's new opera is correct, but. ir, in quite untrue that the subject thereof is Egyptian. After much consideration an early Georgian story similar to the German Reed's piece," Ages Ago," in which the late Frederick Clay callaborated with Gilbert; has been chosen. P. E. H. writes from Auckland to the "Pall Mall Gazette" urging that the admirable system of "urgent" and "delayed" telegrams, worked so successfully in New Zealand, should be introduced into England. Lord Rosebery haB been elected Chairman, and the Right Hon. Edward Stanhope M.P., Vice-Chairman of the Federation League for the current year. • Several notable colonists attended the dinner of the Newspaper Prees Fund on Saturday week. I caught a glimpse of Mr Henniker Beaton (radiant amidet a bevy of third-rate M.P. 'a), ■Mr Rosist<=> and the inevitable Thomson, Mr W. J. Clark (of Victoria), Mr Meanell (of the " Age"— on the look out as per usual for any items worth •abling), Dr. Aheorne, the Hon. Adye Douglas, of (Tasmania), Mr Quirk, of (Victoria), and " The Vagabond." Miss Lingard was the heroine of a pre'ty little unrehearsed scene one evening last week. During a call at the conclusion of the first act of "Sister Mary " an admirer of hers handed to the leader of the 1 orchestra a splendid basketful of ; flowers," which was duly passed on .to Mr Lennafd Boyne, who was leading her in front "of the curtain. Unfortunately, in > passibg the basket to their fair owner,' Mr Boyne stumbled and many of the flowers were upset upon the floor: In an instant he fell to gathering them up, while Mies Lingard, with graceful- tact, each little bunch to the audience as it was handed to her. The houee, delighted with her eelf-posß6Bsion and- sympathising with her in the mishap, vociferously applauded till, with the refilled basket, "she disappeared at the side.— •« Era?' ■' 'i'r '„ , , -I . . A volume of "Australian Eeeays" by F. W. hi Ad»ms are just out, price 2s 6d. ! C»bw«U Sound M*irble,-A P6«»ibUlty. marble are , f«hlbjie^;i^ jOQsoi>, f o|

South .Kensington J ;^This c^ery, occurred to nic through a conversation which I had with*. jbbat r emirent » sculptor,, Mr. kelson Mac Lean, at the SavagejClub last Saturday evening. Mr Mac Lean was deploring the cost ! of . marble, \ ap4 instanced the wot that the, block (9ft. by 7ft.) out. of which his exquisite group " Spring " (how one of the great attractions of the Grosvenor Gallery) was chisseled cost £2so? We went on to speak about the marble facturing which' rendered the Caswell Sound Go's stone uselesp, and Mr McLean remarked it was quite possible the New Zealand folks had been premature in throwing up the sponge.' The very quarry from which the before-mentioned £250 block came was, he said, abandoned some years ago by a Company, owing to the stone fracturing Tho , foreman of the works had, however, confidence in ' the quarry, and bought it for a trifle. After ' working on fruitlessly some little time he found solid stone, and,is now worth half-a-million of money.

Matterson and Godwin. The colonial sculler Matterson had no difficulty in beating Dave Godwin on Monday week. He was a very different person to the over-trained wreck who succumbed to Perkins a fortnight previously, and <it is generally thought that when he meets the 1 | latter again he will beat him. Beach has commenced practice,' but it isby no means certain he will meet either Hanlan or Teenier. He has cabled to the ; former that their match must come off before September Ist, or not at all. He emphatically declines to row against the Canadian in either autumn or winter. Peter Kemp is also in training.