Auckland Gossip.

Waikato Times, Volume XIII, Issue 1170, 25 December 1879, Page 2

Auckland Gossip.

(Specially compiled for the " "Waikato Times.")

Auckland, Monday evening. HOME AGAIN. Oub Parliamentary representatives returned on Saturday last by the Hinemoa, from Wellington, and they may now be Been doing the day at the various street corners, enlightening the " free and independent" m reference to the proceedings of last session, and endeavoring to conciliate those constituents whose "little wants" had not been attended to as promised. There has been some talk of burning the illustrious four — Reader Wood, Swanson, Hurst, and Colbeck — m effigy, but, I fancy public opinion is hardly inclined m that direction. The great majority of people here are now beginning to see that the action of the members named was not so ignoble as has been represented, and many who were hitherto of an . opposite opinion, now openly declare that they did the best thing that was possible under the circumstances. To my mind, the only wonder is that they did not see this long 'ago. The faith of the Newton electors m Mr Swanaon does not appear to have diminished m the slightest degree, and they have arranged to entertain him at a public banquet on Thursday night. Mr Swanson' s lines certainly are cast m pleasant places, when we. think of ihe ordeal through which several other members will have to pass, when called to give an account of their stewardship THB UNEJTFIiOYED. The agitation of the "unemployed" has been the principal topic of conversation during the last week, and there is a general and growing feeling that, on this subject, an attempt is being made to turn the mole-hill into a mountain. The stoppage of' the Britomavfc Reclamation Works has thrown, probably, 100, or 150 men out of work, and these, with the few who usually join these agitations, comprise the "unemployed." That there is no scarcity of work at present is evidenced by the fact that the contractors for various sections of the Kaipara Railway have 'advertised repeatedly for men, but so far they have been unable to secure the required nnmber of Ihands. In addition to this, the manager of one of our steamboat companies offered passages to Wangarie to unemployed men, at the same time agreeing to wait for the amounted of passage money until it had been earnfc. Accounts from the Whangarei district report a great scarcity of labor, and farm hands were being eagerly engaged, when obtainable, at 12s per day. Notwithstanding these prospects, however, the offer of Mr McGregor has not been accepted by anyone, and there does not even appear to be any inclination on the part of the agitators to leave town. I may also mention that m various bush settlements, storekeepers are offering provisions and tools on credit, to men desirous of gum-digging, and as good wages are being made by diggers lately, it is surprising that a general exodus to these districts does not take place. AUCKLAND EACES. Considerable interest is being excited m the Ackland Racing Clubs' Summer meeting, which opens at Ellaislie on Boxing-Day. Country visitors^are now coming into town more -.rapidly, but the number, 8O far, appears to be considerably less than last year. This, of course, may be owing to the delay m getting m the crops through the late heavy rains. All the horses have now put m an appearance, and are undeisgoing their training at Ellerslie and Epsom. Bookmakers are also coining up from the South by every steamer, and notwithstanding the general dulness of trade and tightness m the money market, there has already been a considerable amoxmt of betting. The news that His Excellency the Governor would not be present at the opening of the meeting, or Boxing-Day, caused some disappointment, but "half a loaf is ! better than no bread," and Sir Hercules has annouced his intention of honoring Ellerslie with his presence on New Year's Day, and ' January 2nd. CT.KAnA.NOE OP WOOL SHIP. The New Zealand Company's Waikato , the first wool ship of the season, is now' lying m the stream waiting for a fair wind to enable her to sail for London. She takes a large cargo, consitsing of wool, gum, &c, valued a,t £50,000. Amongst the passengers, I observe the names of the Rev. M. Elkin, Jewish Rabbi. of Auckland, and family. FIRES. The reputation for fires which Auckland has won m the past is not likely to die out suddenly, if the performances m this direction on Sunday night and Monday are to be taken as any criterion. During the twelve hours between midnight of Sunday and noon of Monday two dwelling houses were destroyed, and one narrowly escaped a similar fate of the former. Ponsonby furnished one, and Coburg-street another. The dwelling destroyed m the latter* street belonged to a man named Parker, and that at Ponsonby to Theodore Brown, a poulterer. A most excellent beginning has been made, and probably the total will be swelled before the end of the week. PABSENGEBS FOB AUCKLAND. At the present time, when trade is almost at a standstill m England, large numbers of people are emigrating from Britain, and of these Auckland appears likely to get a fair share. There are now no less than seven passenger ships on their way to Auckland, and of. these only one— the Earl Granville — brings Government emigrant^, She, h,a.a. on, t/Qard about; -

320. The Adamant and Liglewood, both due, have on board 150 and 60 passengers respectively ; the British Empire has more than 300 ; the Ben Nevis nearly 300, and the Stracathro and Mercia a considerable number. It is satisfactory to state that the great majority of these are of the fanning class, and they will bring some capital into the colony with them.