THE Thames Advertiser. TEURSDAY, NOV. 5, 1874.

Thames Advertiser, Volume VII, Issue 1887, 5 November 1874, Page 2

THE Thames Advertiser. TEURSDAY, NOV. 5, 1874.

It is.not often that we obtain a genuine view of Maori land—of that part of her Majesty's colony of New Zealand which is quite beyond her Majesty's control, where the Queen's writ does not run. We have yearly our elaborate reports from Government officers, but all these invariably play upou one string—that Tawhiao is becoming quite amiable and friendly, and that he has been heard to say, " Kapai Te Makarini;" that the policy of the Native Minister i? rapidly bringing about complete peace and submission. Government newspapers go a good few steps further than' this. They have correspondents in the out-districts who write what they know will please the management of the paper, these correspondents being probably influenced by the Government officers. As an instance, we have had a correspondent of the 'Cross' gravely informing the world that Tawhiao was willing to negotiate in connection with the giving of laud for a railway through his territory, and so on. This is a text for no end of gratulatory writing, while, as a matter of fact, telegrams inform the country that the natives <&ave stopped the construction of roads between Tauranga and Cambridge, and between Cambridge and Taupo. By Mr John Davis, who has lately spent some time in the King country, we have information of what Tawhiao and his counsellors are about. Mr Davis went to Te Kuiti, the permauent residence of the King, and finding that Tawhiao was over at Kawhia, he went over there, returning again to Te Kuiti with Tawhiao's party. Apparently, there is actually no change in the Kingites from the position they have held since the war. Tawhiao himself speaks very little on political subjects, his mouthpieces being Manuhiri, Te Ngakau, and Manga (Rewi). The King aud those around him, with the exception of Rewi, are exceedingly desirous to maintain the peace, and to abstain from doing anything which may cau3e disturbance. As our readers are , aware, the Kingites have lately stopped the construction of roads between Te Niho o-te-Kiore and Cambridge, and the latter place and Tauranga, and it is said that if Rewi had got his own way, emphasis would have been given to the stoppages by the killing of some of those engaged in the work. The Kingites, however, say that if things are carried too far in the making of roads or auy other encroachment, they will have to kill some one as a protest, however disagreeable" it may be to them to do so. The position is certainly the best the Kingites could adopt from their point of view. They do not seem to have much idea of recovering anything they have lost, and will be quite content if they maintain what they now possess, They know that to kill Europeans would be to endanger that, by rousing the Government to action, and therefore they have resolved to abstain from violence as long as they can. But they must still maintain the right to kill as a last resort. Tawhiao has rather lost personal influence, owing, it is supposed, to so many of his prophecies having failed. Hauhauism is still the national faith, although the Kingites are not so violently agitated in' religious matters as they were some years ago. Divine honors are still ascribed to Tawhiao, but he himself repudiates these _ saying there is but one God. With respect to Ohinemuri, the Kingites would deeply regret to see it opened, but would not thiuk it necessary, if that were done, to take any step, In all probability, if ;Te Hira wei'Q tp gp to Te Kuiti, he

would be coldly received, as he would be regarded as having deserted au outpost. There need, however, be no apprehension that the Kingites would make any move in Waikato because of the opening of the Upper Thames. This is very gratifying, as the fear, or pretended fear, of disturbance in the Waikato, has been made the excuse for delay iu opening Ohiuemuri. The statements as to the unaltered position of the King party coincide exactly with their acts, and it is well we should know the truth on the subject. There are the elements of dissension amongst the Kingites, and possibly in a few years they may fall to pieces, but there is no immediate prospect of such a thing occurring.

If the bazaar in aid of the building fund o£ St. George's Church does not prove a success it certainly will be no fault of those who have been actively eugaged in getting ifc up." The ladies of the committee have for months past been indefatigable, not alone in accumulating funds for the purchase of articles, but they have busied themselves and their friends and acquaintances in the production of articles for sale. The bazaar will be fairly opened to-day, and will last until Saturday evening. A number of ladies have arrived from Auckland to assist the Thames ladies on the occasion, and we be' lieve the display will be most attract'" ...fJ'iisiflevening the gentlemen were engagetfSSffng lp the stalls and decorating the Academy of Music, where the bazaar is to be held, with evergreens and banners. There are long counters on each side of the hall, and there will also be centre tables. In fact, every available space will be occupied. In order to facilitate the purchase of the materials displayed/only a nominal charge of sixpence will be made for admission. The race for the Melbourne Cap tales place to-day, aud a great deal of interest is felt in this event, not only throughout Australia, but in New Zealand, and it is increased here from' the fact that two Auckland-owned ihorßes, Lurliue and Papapa, the.property of Mr Watt, are in the contest, and their chances of success * are considered good. .In fact a considerable amount of mouey has been staked at the 'I hames that one or other of the horses will be placed. About 120 tons of tailings from the Matiukau crushings were said by auction at the Tramway battery yesterday, and after a, keen competition were purchased by Mr Perry, at 13s 6d per ton. A small lot of about 2 tons of pyrites—residue from the specimen crushings —were purchased by Mr Bawden for £410s. 'A small parcel of the coal brought up by Mr Meek from the coal seam discovered by him in the neighbourhood of the Mata Creek, was tested yesterday at the Golden Crown engine, with very satisfactory results. This coa', as we have already stated, has been taken from its outcrop in the bed of a creek, where the water has been running over it. It was not, therefore, a fair test of. the quality of the coal, which will no doubt improve when developed' in some placa where it lias been subjected to a greater pressure. The mine manager of the Golden Crown reports as follows of the coal :— "Golden Crown Gold Mining Company, Nov. 4,1874. Mr Meek: Sir,—l have the honor to report for your information a trial of 3501b3 coal received for that purpose. Steam was got up to 51b3 pressure in li hours from cold water, but the quantity being so small the test ended at that. The coal burns slow, and throws off very little smoke, and leaves a good clinker. I would be most happy at any future lime to try a larger , quantity, which would, 1 believe, end iu a most satisfactory result. The coal is of a good quality, and I have no doubt when you get away from the Surface it will compete with the Bay of Islands.—Yours, &c,, P. W. Donnelly." The juveniles of the Thames will no doubt strive to commemorate the anniversary of gunpowder treason, which occurs to-day. The police regulations are- strict, but no doubt various methods will be adopted to avoid any breach, at the same time to duly celebrate tJuy Fawkes'plot. The pavilion and booths in the Parawai gardens, with the right to dispense refreshments there on the occasion of the Prince of Wales' birthday, will be off-.red at auction by Mr Craig this morning. loyal Orange Lodges Nos. 8,12, and 13 will hold an evening party s(nd dance in St. George's, Hall this evening. Mr O'Sullivan, Inspector under the Board of Education, visited the schools in the Waiotahi district yesterday. He will go round all the schools,at the Thames before leaving.

A final meeting of the Power Subscription' Committee was held last evening, when it was; found that the lists received amounted to upwards of £180, vith. about fourteen lists still to come in. It is expected that the total subscriptions will reach £200. It was resolved to advertise the lists of contributions in a fewdays. The funeral of the remains of Mrs John O'Halloran, which took place yesterday, was largely attended by the brethren of the Hibernian Australasian Catholic Benefit Society, of which deceased's husband is a member. The brethren attended in proper mourning costume, with green and crape sashes. There were also a large number of private citizens in the co> tege. At the annual meeting of the Tokatea Gold Mining Company, held in Coromandel, the fol" lowing very satisfactory statement was read and adopted:-Statement of the receipts and expenditure of the Tokatea Gold Mining Company (Registered), for the year ending Sep- . tember 30th, 1874: —Receipts—Br. To cash from 30th September, 1873, £2,235 3* lid; >' gold, proceds of 5,0800zs 4dwts 21grs, £14,346 19s Id; receipts for crushing, £172 19s 2d; reserve fund, £2,500—£19,255 2s 21. Expenditure—By mine cost: Wages, including £150 paid Bismarck Company for the use of No. 5 level, £4,849 9s 41; general expenses, including direators" honorarium, manager's salary, books, stationery, &c,, £1,102 0s 4d; timber, £354 16s lOd; lease, rent, and miner's right, £60 16s 3d; conveyance of quartzProvincial Government tramway, £505 18s; company's tramway, £246 12s 61. Battery cost: Wages, £882 18s sd; expenses, £284 14s 41; firewood, £571 5s dividends (Nos. 13 and 14), £5,000 ; Van and Bismarck tnunel construction, £222 Is 3d; reserve fund debit for this yetr, £1,500; crushing. 241 14s; purchase of Excelsior claim in the hands of company's solicitors, £250 ; reserve fund deposited at interest, £2,500; balance in bank carried forward, £712 15s ld-£19,255 2s 2d. Assets and liabilities estimated (exclusive of the value of the mine) Assets—To cash in bank, £712 15s Id; reserve, fund in bank, £2,500; battery of 15 stamps, berdans, &c,, £1,000 ; iron rails, tramway, £200; iron rails in mine, say seven tons, £70; fifty tons firewood, timber buildings, stores, quicksilver, trucks, tools, &c., £400; interest accumulating, say £50—£4,032 15s Id. Liabilities— By current expenditure, say seven days' wages to the 30th, £120; outstanding accounts, nil; balance, £4,812 15s 1d—£4,932 15s Id.

Whilst busying themselves about bifths in Sydney, the Adelaide people are occupied at the other end (says " iEgles" in Diz Australasian). They are determined to pat down the grim mockery of costly funerals. The agitators, for reform have adopted, the capital plan of publishing a few actual invoices from undertakers. In one appears these items (the whole account being £114) To best hearse and coach, eight horses, and attending funeral at Port Elliott.; £33 3s; to carriage for Bishop to Port Elliott and back, two horses, £9; to best coffin, two cedar, one lead, £20; to three drivers, at 30s each, £410s; to eight silk hatbands, one crape, £5 7s 6d; to two best scarfs and bands for Bishop audMr——, £2155; to 14 pair best kid gloves, £3175; to travelling expenses, 13 persons (including Bishop) and 10 horses, £26 5s ; to undertaker's fees, £6 Gi. It was perhaps natural that I funeral, with a Bishop in it, should. b? an IpcpwQ '

Tho Hon, Julius Yogel, Premier of New Zealand, paid a visit to the School of Mines, Lydiard-street, on Saturday morning (says the Courier), and was shown over the building, laboratory, ic,, by Mr Richard Barnard, the registrar. Mr Vogel, before leaving made the following entry in the visitors' book : —"l7th October, 1874.—1t has given me great pleasure ' to visit this institution. I was the first pupil under Dr. Percy in the metallurgical department of the (Royal) School of Mines, Jermynstrfet. Knowing as Ido how nobly that institution has vindicated the hopes of its founders; the immense good it has done in spre-. ding useful knowledge amongst those who otherwise would have blindly followed their various pursuits withoutunderstanding themeauingof thedetails that by mere routine they acquired, and the great wealth it has created in giving to its pupils the means of acquiring wealth in the subsequent pursuit of the occupations of their lives, I feel the greatest pleasure in visiting a young disciple of the parent institution, destined, I hope, like that, to do much good. I hope that other colonies will follow the example set them by Victoria, through the energy of the people ofjj Marat,—Junes Vogel, New Zealand." The following circular memo, in re the Native Lands Frauds Prevention Act, Las been circulated by the Commissioner. We (Wellington Tribune) publish it as of interest to those • who contemplate dealings with the natives In order to expedite the passing of.Deeds, it would be convenient if persons submitting them for Trust Commissioner's certificate would furnish evidence on the following points:—A. Whether any spiritous liquors, arms, or warlike stores formed, or (in event of unpaid instalshall form part of the consideration.— c. Whether cash has been paid or not.—C. What prices are charged where goods are given, - D. Whether any fine or foregift diminishes the annual rest of leasehold properties which the Deed refers to.—E. Whether there is sufficient land outside the' boundaries specified in the Deed for the future wants of the natives alienating.— The above evidence should he either on- oath or by statutory declaration. If it be not practicable to obtain the declarations of all the_ mortgagors, vendors, or lessors in a group, it will be sufficient if two or more of the principal natives in the transaction make the declarations relating to A and D. Inrespfct to B, the receipts (or certified copies) of the natives should be forwarded. In respect to C, if goods have formed part of the consideration money or rent, all items with their prices and dates of delivery should be shewn. In respect to B, it will be sufficient if the declaration is made by a Resident Magistrate, a local Missionary, a Land Purchase Commissioner, or a Government District Surveyor. It is observed that in some instances mortgages are effected by natives, in order to pay the arrears of < interest on former mortgages. A s the effect of such a practice must be speedily to reduce the natives to pauperism, such cases will require very close attention and rigid investigation on the part of all concerned,—Cms. Heafhy, Trust Commissioner. The South Australian Chronicle relates the following That truth is stranger than fiction was exemplified during a recent passage of the (hip 'Portland,' which has just sailed for Wallaroo. On the voyage to China the vessel was bowling along through. the Archipelago, prior to reaching the China Sea, when the wind freshened, and it was necessary to furl the skysails. The master had a smart youngster on board, whose activity had frequently been the subject of comment; and as soon as the sails were clewed up he scampered aloft to furl them. It was a long distance to the skysail-yard, being about 180 to 190 feet, but the tar mounted away till he reached the sail and snugged it up properly. Turning round to return, by some means he lost his hold, and fell the whole distance without touching a rope. He must have been inevitably killed but for the captain's gig, a very lightly built boat, which was resting on the skids. She must have acted as a kind of spring board, for his weight just knocked in a few of her planka and timbers, and he fell to the deck. Of course, the consternation was general throughout the ship, as a rush was made to the spot, and tho most agreeable disappointment prevailed when it was found, beyond a slight bruise on his eibow, the lad was uninjured. Smashing the gig was thought but a slight matter when it became apparent it had saved the youngster's life. The most astonishing part of the affair was that, on the following day, he was aloft loosening the main skysail. The question of funeral reform, which was raised a short time back at Adelaide, is exciting some interest here also. One of the latest letters published on the subject is by Mr T. S. Mort, who, as an advocate of reform, invites others who approve of it to send him their names, in order that he may arrange a meeting to consider what steps should be taken in the , matter, 'lliere is no room for doubt as to the need for reform in the customs of society in connection with the burial of the dead; but the difficulty lies in the fact that the thing to be reformed is not defective or injurious legisla'ion, lior the constitution or management of some public institution, but a bundle of social customs supported by tradition and intimately bound up with some of the best and strongest feelings of human nature. Looking at the subject from a detached point of observation, there is something repuhive in the idea of making the burial of the dead an occasion for ostentatious parade and extravagant outlay—something shocking in the reflectisn that very often the funds for this expenditure are taken from the straitened resources of the widow and the fatherless. If any real good were the result, the case would be different. But nnnece'sary expenditure at funerals does no real good whatever. The dead gain nothing by it; the living simply satisfy themselves that they have complied with the requirements of society, and so have avoided singularity and the suspicion that they are . wanting in true respect or affection for the dead. But that can hardly be called a real • good to them, because, if the expenditure that is now customary were not customary, they would be in just the same position without it as with it. The parade of palls and plumes, and the numberless other details by which an undertaker s bill—like a lawyer's—is lengthened, to the cost of the victim, afford no real test of respect or affection for the dead; they simply constitute what society has come to regard as the necessary outward sign of those feelings — Sydney Mail, Oct. 17. It appears that at the commencement of the London silly season an " Ju-M.P." has amused himself with writing to The Times a letter of the period. He proposes that the self-support-ing: Colonies shall be required to pay the expenses of the British men-of-war that cruise off their coasts. Pending the expected arrival of the great gooseberry, or the latest intelligence .of the sea seipent, tho wearied London journals have seized, we are told, with avidity upon ■ this promising project, and it has become the hopeful theme of the vacation. We should not have troubled ourselves to notice the matter were it not.that it seema to indicate a revival of the old anti colonial movement which was the opprobrium of a certain section of the Liberal party. That movement, as we know, found little favour with the great masses of the people of England, Nor in the present state of political affairs is its revival probable. We note, at all events, that .Sir Henry Holland, who lately held a high permanent appointment in the Colonial Office, has resigned his place and become a candidate, in the Conservative interest, for a vacant seat, He urges, as the result of bis official experience, the importance of drawing as closely as may be the ties which bind the United Kingdom and her various colo nies. Not only is •ir Henry Holland's testimony valuable, as being that of a man who has had the best opportunities for forming an opinion on the subject, but it is not probable that a new candidae for Parliamentary honours would to express himself if he were not aware that he was speaking the sentiments of his party:—Australasian, There is nothing more assimilating, more artful, more tainted with duplicity, than a glass eye. A Danbury man, a little given to bis cups and afflicted with one of these optical deceptions, droj.s in to see us from time to time, and invariably when ho is tight. To gaze at the natural eye of that man and see it drunk at every sqare inch of its spheroidity, and then ! turn to his glass eye to behold in it the vigour of youth, the fire (f fcnius%id tho essqnw of is trying to th« uems,