THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Returrexi. FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 1879.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3106, 31 January 1879, Page 2

THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Returrexi. FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 1879.

We have received a letter from "Another of the Band," in extenuation of the Thames Scottish Band's attempted extortion for services rendered on the occasion of the banquet to the Hon. James Macandrew, and the subsequent demonstration at the turning of the first sod of the railway. With characteristic impertinence the writer challenges us to " prove the charges " made against the Band. We made no charges against them. The charges were all on the side of the Band, and the difficulty has arisen because the several local committees concerned in recent festivities decline: to be imposed upon. If the writer in» sinuates that we have made any assertionregarding claims made by or on account of the Scottish Band, we shall be glad to correct the same when pointed out. The banquet and reception committees will probably publish their accounts some day, when the public will have an opportunity of judging of the modesty of the Band in their demands for remuneration, and their capacity for refreshments. Their tastes in this direction must be rather fastidious, both in the drinking and smoking line. This correspondent, " Another of the Band," is impudent enough to say tKat we knew the terms on which the Scottish Band offered to play on Boxing Day. We knew nothing about it. We only know that the Demonstration Committee invited all the bands to give their assistance to help the hospital; that the NavaU and Hauraki Engineers responded by their presence and assistance; and that the absence of the Thames Scottish Band was remarked and commented upon in terms not flattering to the Scottish Band by scores of people. "Another of the Band" further goes on to justify the conduct of the Band in their demands, but we decline to give publicity to the letter, which is unauthenticated by the name of the writor. The best thing the band can do for their own credit is to let the matter drop, for the more it is canvassed the more it shows that extortion was attempted, and that when it was resisted a compromise wa» offered of such a character as to show an admission of the soft impeachment on the side of the band.

The Kotomahana arrived at Auckland at nine o'clock'last night, we are informed, after a protracted passage of nine hours, and not twelve, as stated in the Advertiser. She made the passage down this morning in five hours.

Sic Henry Parkes, in replying to a deputation of stockowners, in reference to the cattle sale yards, said it was not the business of the Government to undertake the construction of such works, and nothing will justify them in asking Parliamentary sanction to any such scheme, except the utter inability of private enterprise to cope with the matter. He would, however, consult his colleagues on the subject.

At the E.M. Court this morning GeorgetVidal was charged with permitting a, horse to wander, at large. Mr J. Skene, J.P., was on the Bench, and said as_ it required two, justices to deal with this case, he would have to adjourn it till to-morrow. This was all the business.

The match Borough v. County will be resumed tomorrow by the Thames Cricket Club. So far the match is not in favor of either side, and from what we can learn it is likely to be a very hotly contested finish. The following are the names of those who are to take part in it, and expected to be on the ground at two o'clock sharp:—Borough—Lawless, Whitford, Steed man, Smeaton, Hargreaves, Gray, Mac Lean, Baxter, Tregonning, Waddington, Paul, and Buttle. County —West, Burgess, Spencer, Gudgeon, Carrick, Potts, Murphy, Lough, MunrO, Hudson, Bull, Cameron, Wardell, and Young. >

Sympathy with the Kellys, the Benalla Standard remarks, finds various forms,'6f expression. We have heard of a pious lady " who wonders whether Chriaiians ever pray for those poor Kellys," and she has "sent a parcel of books and tracts through the post, addressed " Edward Kelly, Bushranger," but, as even the police do not know his, present address,, the* parcel has not yet reached ,the outlaw. ■' '"'■■';""-- "■■■ ■'■ - ■'■ ■■" ■■ '■■•■■■'