The Observer.

Observer, Volume 2, Issue 29, 2 April 1881, Page 300

The Observer.

Saturday, Apeil 2xd, ISSI

We have received several letters (of which the two given below are fair samples) apropos of an article, entitled "Piety as a Fine Art," which appeared in last issue. We are desirous of allowing correspondents and contributors the greatest latitude possible, but a society journal is really not the place for a polemical discussion on religious questions, and henceforth we shall bar anything calculated to lead thereto.

To the Editor : Sir, — In your last issue there appears over the signature of "Junius" one of the most nonsensical effusions I ever remember reading. I really fail to understand how, in the name of common sense you came to print such an illogical, scurrilous, and blasphemous production, interlarded with French and Latin scraps. From the tone of it, one would put the writer downas some mean, conceited, narrowminded individual, "who sneers and scoffs at those who try to live Christian lives, and prides himself on his sceptical ideas. Very probably it suits this self-called " Junius " to 'hold these offensive views lest, on account of his dissipated living and wickedness, he should feel uneasy if he were to believe in true religion. Therefore he closes his ear and conscience against the teaching of his church, and slinking behind the anonymous signature of " Junius," en= deavours to satisfy himself of his own safety, and to hurl a torrent of abuse, sneers, and false motives against, at all events, better men than himself. — I am, etc., Brutus.

To the Editor : Sir,— Whoever your writer in last .Saturday's issue, styled Junius" maybe, he is certainly to be pitied. The summing up of his whole epistle might be given in one single sentence, thus : — I, a thinking being (fallible and fallen) am only to believe that which my own capacity is able to set up and fully explain as truth, and my thinking powers are not to be expected ever to yield to any beingsuperior, because my own finite reason is alfsunicient, and is my god and my judge. Terrible infatuation ! Self-worship ! Sir, when " Juraus," or indeed any of us, mid ourselves tempted to question the Creator of all, it will be well to calmly face the mirror of his word as contained in Romans IX chap, and 20th verse— "Nay but, 0 man, who art tliou that repljest against God? Shall the thing formed say to . him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?" — I am &c, Cektaikty.

ME. WILLIAM GARRETT.

The name of Lotti Wihnot naturally .suggests to the experienced theatre-goer a mass of " nicey -naughtiness " in tights, singing, "I'm a lardy -dardy swell," and dancing the atn-caii. The real Lotti, however, is ' ' not that sort of girl at all." Picture to yourselves a striking looking woman of unusual stature, past her 2)remiere jcunesse, but still comely and with a decidedly clever cast of countenance. In manner, Madame Wilmot is abrupt and slightly Yankeefied ; her voice is clear, but not very sweet, and her expression extraordinarily determined and self-reliant. She is quite willing to be friends with people if they will let her, but if they don't approve of her lectures and want to fight, she " goes " for them straight.

We went to a spiritualistic seance at Lotti's residence on Thursday evening last. There were six of us altogether, including madame's daughter — a bright cheery little "bit of jam," apparently about iif teen. After mutual introductions, etc., the gas was slightly lowered and the party sat down to a roimd table, on which everybody* hands were placed, thumbs and little fingers meeting. In this position we remained patiently over an hour waiting for a manifestation. Madame Wilmot informed us that at Napier and on board the "Rotomahana" she had held most successful seances. One evening at the first named place a spirit raised for the occasion took a rollicking fit and chased a bookmaker, who happened to be present, round and round the room, till eventually he ran down stairs in a fearful "funk." This disembodied joker, whose name we understood to be " Joe," was vainly requested to turn up on Thursday last. Occasionally Madame gazed mysteriously beneath the table, and put the question — " Are there any spirits present ?" The furniture, however, declined to become animate, and, though various changes were made with a view to propitiating the spirits and putting them in a better temper, nothing came of our efforts. Once or twice Madame asked various members of the party whether they felt the electric current in their arms. Some of them said, "Yes," but the only sensation the writer could swear to was a cramp in the fingers from holding them so long in the same position. Eventually it was resolved that the elements were not favourable for a seance on this particular evening, and the circle broke up. When we left, Madame had got an elderly gentleman in an arm chair and was making strange passes at him, apparently with a view to mesmerism. Whether she succeeded in sending him oil' or not we never heard.

On the subsequent Saturday a highly successful seance Avas held. We we're not there ourselves, but " Silenus " was, and his account of proceedings is most amusing. Amongst sundry friendly spirits who patronised the gatheringwas the late lamented Mr. Wilmot. This worthy coimselled his wife to go from Auckland to San Francisco, and on no account to visit Sydney again. The obdurate "Joe," who could not be raised on Thursday, was also present and showed a marked affection for Madame, into whose lap he tipped the table again and again. "Silenus " will probably give you a full account of one of these seances next week. They are, without doubt, capital fun, and those who want to investigate spiritualism should make arrangements with Madame for a sitting without delay. Her dates are filling up fast.

The Lotti of the lecture hall is even more personable than the Lotti of the drawing-room. Madame thoroughly understands how effectively art may be induced to assist nature, and her appearance on the stage is that of a young handsome and shapely woman, quietly yet most elegantly dressed'in black, and decorated (probably as a solemn joke) with parsons bands. Of the substance of her lecture last Sunday evening it is difficult to know what to say. Madame speaks out boldly and doesn't mince matters, but, thougli her discourse was decidedly # amusing, and contained some really capital hits, there Avas nothing very novel in it. We shouldn't advise our readers to take "their sisters and their cousins and their aunts "to hear Lotti. She is a Freethinker— a, very free thinker — and some of her views -would appall orthodoxy. Men who are not over squeamish will, however, enjoy spending an evening at the Lome-street Hall, and find plenty to laugh at. Madame has a ready wit, and tells some capital yarns.

The band of youngsters who locate themselves on Sunday evenings at the western extremity of St. Paul's Church, seem to be altogether devoid of the slightest regard for decorum, as well as proof against either courteous admonition or frowning displeasure. They chatter away without intermission, munch lollies with the greatest gusto, and laugh immoderately, besides making choice selections at frequent

intervals from a well-assorted vocabulary of profanity. Their uncompromising criticism of personal peculiarities amongst the congregation, and their sotto voce imitation of the preacher's voice, especially in its melancholy cadences, would provoke hearty laughter were the surroundings less sacred and the occasion less devotional. On a recent Sunday night, an illclad and slovenly man, with a face as black and grimy as a coal-heaver's, entered the church after the service had commenced, and seated himself in a place where he could easily be seen. The rising male generation soon perceived him, and forthwith made him the subject of their remarks. "Johnny," one would say, "why don't you go and speak to your father?" to which Johnny would promptly retort in a louder key, " Get out, you chump, that's the uncle of that ere fellow in front witli the hair parted in the middle." This observation would cause the young man thus indicated to turn round and glare malevolently upon his tormentors, who, of course, were prepared to signalise the act by a suppressed guffaw. The proceedings in this part of the church are at any rate lively, if they arc not very reverential.

Mr. Macrae's old boys have come gallantly to the front. They have shown convincingly by their enthusiastic address to him, and by their evidence before the Board, how baseless is the charge of want of esprit in the school under his management. The public sympathy is growingmore strongly in Mr. Macrae's favour. The action of the Board in accepting Mr. Lusk's evidence as an expert, and refusing to give Mr. Macrae an opportunity of proving from the examination papers that Mr. Lusk had no claim to the character, has received very general condemnation. Both Mr. Lusk and Mr. Nelson havej^ose^as learned men and high-class examiners so long, that they at last regard themselves as something more than the Tritons among minnows, which many others always believed them to be. Mr. Lusk should now, for his own sake, court an investigation into his claims, and give the fullest opportunity of having these examination papers inspected. People will form their own opinions if they iind there is anything to conceal. Mr. Nelson's pretentious about the ownership of examination papers, and his desire also to avoid inspection, were equally ill-timed. The course taken in this and other matters connected with this weary and senseless enquiry, has created strong distrust of the Board and a very strong suspicion that the whole tiling is only designed to cover a foregone conclusion. "We shall see.

DX. KEKDEUniNK

There is one feature in the Grammar School Inquiry which is much commented upon about town. The natural tendency of a Board of Governors investigating so - called charges against, their headmaster would be to give him the fullest opportunity of vindicating himself and the school. Instead of this, the most ample latitude is given to Dr. Purchas and his witnesses, whilst l\ir. Macrae is pulled .up on technical or casuistical grounds at every Chance. This is contrary to all principles of fair play, and shows an almost criminal neglect on the Governors part of their duty to the school, and to one who is admitted, on all sides, to have done his work faithfully and energetically during twelve years spent in their service.

Well done, Mr. Firth ! You have done the piiblic a service in recalling to mind the real principle at issue in this great Grammar School fuss. Are we to have the interests of the great majority of the boys sacriliced to those of the few who want a cheap way of getting the University stamp ? Let us by all means have a University course if we can spare the means. But let it not be at the expense of those who are obliged to go forth into the world and earn their own living at too early an age to render such a course useful. The school has proved itself admirably adapted for the latter class of boys in the past. The Governors should, beware how they destroy its usefulness in that respect for tlie future. If not, they will deprive the school of public sympathy and cut short its existence altogether. Can it be possible that this is the real end which some of the Governors have in view.

A correspondent asks us if the privilege of buying land under proclamation, which has been granted to the Patetere Association, is equally available to those who would like to go in as bona fide settlers for some of the other line blocks of very much smaller extent which the Government still have on their list of unemployed purchases ? He tells us that he and his friends have an eye on a very nice block of this character, and would be glad to repay the Government advances upon it if allowed to negotiate with the natives. Our correspondent should see the Native Minister, or, perhaps, would do better by getting some honourable member or honourable member's friend to join "in the swim" with him. Ministers have apparently reserved these bon-nes-boiiches to be dealt with at discretion. They have thus secured for themselves a A r ast amount of unlicensed patronage, and the sooner it is knocked on the head the better.

The dusky warblers, known to fame and the Auckland public as Dean's Minstrels, have had a row amongst themselves, and a large quantity of most unsavoury dirty linen is being publicly washed in consequence. The affair does not, however, excite much wonderment. For some time past these amateurs have been making themselves ridiculous by posing as burnt corS philanthropists, and it is scarcely surprisinothat the more sensible members of the troupe should have at length rebelled against such arrant nonsense. What are the facts ? A number of young men, with a penchant for private theatricals, like to amuse themselves by giving nigger minstrel entertainments. On their merits they would not be able to draw a decent audience more than once, or, at most twice a year ; but by dint of combining chanty (?) with business they can give a dozen concerts per annum to crowded houses, and ensure all expenses being comfortably paid. It is not even as if these (self-constituted) benefactors to society risked anything. When they promote an entertainment in aid of, say, the Fire Brigade, they know there Avill be a monster audience, and also that, before the beneficiares get a farthing, all outlay in the way of music, dresses, anil rent of hall, will be carefully re-imbursed. Add to this the applause, the "soapy" newspaper notices, and the fact that the minstrels wind up every concert with a jolly dance (which costs them just nil), and our reader will see that "the cause of charity" is, in this instance, only another name for selfish amusement.

There can be no question that in the dispute at present exciting the public attention, Mr. Jennings and his three friends are altogether in the right. Wli en it was proposed to give certain members of the troupe testimonials ( ! !) these gentlemen rebelled. They saw such bogus humbug would make the minstrels contemptible in the eyes of the public, and they declined to sing at the concert unless Dean gave his word of honour that the idea should be abandoned. Well, Dean did give his Avord of honour, and how do you think he kept it— by waiting until the recalcitrant members of the troupe had sung their songs, and then calling upon Supt. Hughes to make the presentations. Naturally Mr. Jennings and his friends were exceeding wrath. They had been swindled into singing at the conceit in a most barefaced manner, and lo and behold the culprits, instead of feeling ashamed, seemed to consider themselves rather clever. Naturally, Mr. Jennings determined to slightly ameliorate Mr. Dean's satisfaction, and when that worthy came smiling off the stage, after roaring out with immense spirit a warlike song about " Here Stands a Post; just Touch it if you Dare," he challenged him to light and gave him a crack in the eye. Now, Horace is a hitman, and has been known to threaten all sorts of things to small ones ; but when Jennings (who is just his own size) struck him, he simply turned and ran away as fast as a pair of long legs would carry him.

Next day Dean came and complained about Jennings (who is head printer at the Star oilice) to Mr. ISrett, but, instead of receiving any satisfaction from that gentleman, he was told he had got off mighty easily. J\J any others appear to hold the same view — in fact when Dean, as a last resource, summoned Jennings to the Police Court, a handsome subscription amounting to over £10 was raised to defray expenses.

Log-rolling is supposed by most people to be confined to political assemblies "where a high religious tone is not expected. It is a melancholy fact, however, that at a late conference of parsons down South the log-rolling was, to use the expression of one of the lay members, " something awful." Amongst other cases was that of the Key. X., who does not reside more than 100 miles from Auckland (probably less). His term was on the eve of expiring, and before he left for the conference regular business negotiations had taken place between himself and the good people of another circuit. They wanted him, and, as his present salary is a good one, they thought no increase would be necessary. Be, however, holds tenaciously to the doctrine that the Lord never calls a man from a good place without offering him a better. He therefore stated his price — Aye beg pardon —the value at which he felt the Lord assessed him. Rev. K. was'iinn, and, after a good deal of trouble, his demands were acceded to. He went to the conference, did considerable lobbying, and assured the members that he had never felt so satisfied before, that he was really "called' to take charge of the circuit which had sought him. He besought them to ratify the Lord's appointment and send him there at once. His eloquence and his lobbying were effectual ; and when the " stations " -were finally passed he fell on his knees (in private) and thanked Heaven for its mercies. But " murder will out;" a little bird has been twittering," and though the parson has secured his billet, he has lost the confidence and esteem of many of his friends.

A correspondent -writes : The story about the coffin of the Tongan Prince not being paid for, and of the difficulty the man who nailed it down had of obtaining an interview with Mr. Baker, reminds me of a story told me by Captain C, who is well known in Auckland. His vessel was driven ashore by a hurricane at Tonga, so he was recommended to go and ask Mr. Baker to obtain some men to help him to get her oft". He went to Mr. Baker's house, where he was informed that Mr. Baker was at home and told, to sit down. He was then asked his name, which he briefly stated. The servant went away and informed Mr. Baker. She presently returned with a message to the effect that that gentleman was engaged, but would attend to Captain C.'s affairs as soon as he was at leisure. Captain C. afterwards discovered that Mr. Baker's engagement consisted in talking to a native person who had just returned from a journey. After waiting for nearly three hours, Captain C.'s patience was rewarded by seeing Mr. Baker, who curtly told him that he could render him no assistance. He was asked why he had not said

so three hours before, whereupon the reverend gentleman replied that he was engaged and could not attend to him. Captain C. went away illpleased at the treatment he had received, and quite at a loss how to obtain the assistance he required. Soon after leaving Mr. Baker's house lie met a Catholic priest— a Frenchman— who politely accosted him in broken English, and asked him if he were not the captain of the vessel that had been driven ashore. On receiving a reply in the affirmative, he asked if he could render him any assistance. Captain C. told him that he wanted some natives to help him to get his vessel off. The priest seemed delighted to know that he coxild be of service to him, and speedily collected a number of natives, who worked hard for a week until they succeeded in launching the vessel again. When the work was finished Captain C. was about to pay the natives, but this the priest would not allow, saying, in broken English, "If my people will not do this for the love of God, and to help one in distress, then has my labour been spent in vain." It was with great difficulty that Captain C. persuaded the priest to allow him to give each of the natives a small present. Very different from the behaviour of the French priest was that of Mr. Baker, who charged him £3 per day for the use of a barge belonging to the mission.

THE CURATE OF ST. THOMAS'S,

A most touching and soul-stirring lecture was delivered the other evening by Mr. Kennedy Brown, a Government Life Insurance Agent, on the beauties of life insurance, and the more than heavenly aspect of it as exemplified in the Government Insurance Department. Thelecture took place in the large room of the V.M.C.A. rooms, which were brriliantly illuminated for the occasion. At the appointed hour (7.30 p.m.) not a soul had put in an appearance, but about half-an-hour later a select audience of fifteen mustered up, and the Key. Mr. Carrick with a look of mingled sadness and firm determination took the chair and introduced the lecturer. This worthy came up smiling, but whether the scene was quite too awfully awful, or whether he was overcome and subdued by the charnelhouse tone and manner of his chairman, or whether it was his usual mode of lecturing, I know not ; but had he been delivering a burial oration over a dear but departed friend, he could not have adopted a, more belitting tone of voice, attitude and manner.

Notwithstanding the funereal surroundings, nothing could well be more irresistably comic than the lecture itself. The speaker opened out by enlarging on the spirit of calm peace and happiness always found attending the death beds of those who had insured their lives — in fact lie said in so many words that life insurance was " the one thing needful" and that, having insured, a man could shuffle oft" his mortal coil, feeling that he had not lived in vain. At this the rev. chairman began to fidget in his chair, and looked for a moment as if he intended to challenge the slightly unchristian sentiment, but he contented himself with pouring out and swallowing a tumblerful of cold water, which appeared to act as a sedative. Later on, the lecturer waxed enthusiastic over the founder of the Government Insurance Department, and gave it, as his opinion, that when this generation had smouldered into dust, and everything connected with his great Public Works Scheme was lost in oblivion, that the name of Sir Julius Yogel would be held in the highest esteem and reverence as the man who, by his wonderful conception of a Government Insurance Department, had raised New Zealand to the foremost rank amongst nations. Mr. Brown combatted the notion that a Department of this nature gives the Government increased powers of providing for indigent supporters, and stated that within his own knowledge he knew of no single instance of any jobbing. Oh ! Mr. Brown, Mr. Brown how about Luckie ? How about the Smiler ? How about every one connected with the Department, except the junior clerks? How about Godfrey Knight himself, that heavenborn actuary, who owes his position entirely to the fact that he has a Father and a father-in-law ? Why should the Colony pay all Mr. Knight's expenses home and give him a most liberal allowance, to learn his business? What on earth does Mr. Luckie know about life insurance to qualify him for the position of Commissioner? No, No, Mr. Brown the Government have no right whatever to go in for a scheme of life insurance. It opens up a new and inviting sphere of political corruption, and it most unjustly makes the whole of the noninsuring portion of the community responsible for the payment of the policies of the insured.