NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1285, 2 May 1878, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Nelson Post Railway.-- It is intimated by advert isement that t he time for completion of the Nelson Port contract is extended from six to nine months. CiIAUITABLE. —The attention Oi the charitably disposed is directed to an advertisement which is published elsewhere. The case appears to bo well worthy of the consideration of the benevolent. Caulk Communication.— The following memorandum with respect to the cable was received last evening by the Telegraph Department: —“Communication restored on Port Darwin line. Batavia and Singapore cable interrupted; special steamer will run with telegrams during interruption. Cantebbuky Pastobal Rents. —Yesterday was a busy day at the Waste Lands Board, the Ist May being the day on which the pastoral rents fall due. It is hardly necessary to state that the payment of all the various sums supposed to be paid into the Board ou that day occupies a longer period. The receipts of yesterday amounted to £5710 Ss BJ, made up as under :—Ashley, £1562 10s 8d ; Selwyn, £9OB 10s 9d ; Akaroa, £BB lls 7d ; Ashburton, £IOO7 7s 5d ; Geraldine, £1484 2s 5d ; Wai' wale, £558 10s 9d j Lake, £7O 9* Id.

Mutual Improvement Association. —A meeting of the Christchurch Mutual Improvement Association took place last evening. Mr Connall occupied the chair. The subject for discussion was the advantages of the phonetic system of spelling. Its adoption was recommended by Mr C. Allison. Messrs Wilson, Ryland, Allen, Black, and Smith joined in the discussion which ensued. The meeting closed with the Benediction. Telegraph Extension.— Following in the steps of Messrs Royse, Stead and Co., who have lately had the wires conducted from their stores in the valley to their office, in Christchurch, Messrs Wood, Shand and Co. are now having the wires laid on from their mill at Addington to their offices in Hereford street, and communication is also being completed between Messrs Cuff and Graham’s Lyttelton and Christchurch premises. Drainage Board. — A special meeting of the Christchurch Drainage Board was held this morning, for the purpose of receiving and considering the report of their committee (Messrs Duncan and Hobbs) appointed to apportion the rate to be paid by the several districts within the Board’s jurisdiction. The members present were Mr Tancred (chairman), and Messrs Harman, Duncan, Ross, and Hobbs. Mr T. B. Craig was also present. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The Board then went into committee. On resuming, the Board adjourned till Monday next at ten o’clock. Entertaining Sir G. Grey. —At Tuesday’s meeting n discussion arose in the Borough Council of Kaiapoi on the highly important question whether the ratepayers ought to pay for the Premier’s lunch on his recent visit. It was finally agreed so charge the borough funds with the item. Eleven years ago, after this gentleman, then the Governor, had visited the same borough, the caterer for the public luncheon went to law about the champagne. The proceedings which the provider of the late Akaroa feast found it necessary to take in order to obtain payment of his account, indicate that payment for these entertainments is a matter beset with considerable difficulty. A Nuisance. —On more occasions than one the attention of the police authorities has been called to the nuisance caused by mobs of men and larrikins blocking the footpaths of the city so as to greatly impede and inconvenience passengers. This is more particularly the case on Saturday and Sunday evenings, when the streets are fullest. Then in various localities, notably near the junction of Colombo and Armagh streets, and the junction of High and Hereford streets, and in the front of the Bank of New Zealand, small crowds congregate. Bad language is freely used, and passers-by—male and female—are elbowed into the road. In no other town in the colony would such conduct be permitted to go on, and it is to be hoped that Mr Inspector Hickson will give orders to the constables on duty to move these very unmannerly loiterers on. The New Zealand University. —We have been favored by the Registrar of the New Zealand University with a report of the results of the recent examinations, so far as they have yet been declared, The following gentlemen have passed the final examination and are entitled to the B.A. degree : —A. R. Eitchett, Otago University; H. T. Hill and A. C. Newton, Canterbury College; R. H. Rattray and W. St, C. T. Tisdall, Auckland. The first four of these passed under the old regulations. The following have passed the first section of the B.A. examination: —E. Eitchett, J. Hay, W. H. Herbert, and J. W. Wilkinson, of Canterbury College; A. R. Barclay, A. Cameron, T. C. Farnie, J. Montgomery, and D. White, of Otago. The following have gained senior scholarships : —T. C. Farnie, of Otago; J. Hay, W. H. Herbert, and J. R. Wilkinson, of Canterbury College. It is hoped that the results of the junior scholarship examination may be published tomorrow. Recognition. —A project is afloat for presenting Mr Robert Wilkin, who will shortly leave for England, with some mark of appreciation of his zealous efforts in the cause of agriculture, Ac. During a long connection, extending over many years, with agricultural and pastoral pursuits, Mr Wilkin has always been identified with movements having for their object the advancement of the farmer and breeder. He has always taken a very prominent part in the working of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and his absence will be greatly felt by that society. The movement for recognising fitly the services which Mr Wilkin has rendered to the two great interests of the province, should receive the heartiest support, aud no doubt will do so when steps are taken to put it before the public. It is probable that a committee will be formed iu a few days, with a view to carrying the project to a practical conclusion, Maori Education. —The following episode occurred a few days since, and is a good illustration of the progress of education among the native psople of New Zealand. A well-known and greatly respected native in Waikato was served with a writ, and he applied to a well-known lawyer to aid him in defending the legal action against him. According to an Act of the General Assembly the testimony of natives must be taken in their own language, read over to them in Maori, and their assent obtained to the correctness of the statement taken down iu writing. It was necessary to do all this in framing the requisite affidavits containing the materials of the defence, to be filed in the Supreme Court. The Maori defendant indicated his assent to the affidavit by the usual kapai (good). “ Now,” said the lawyer, “ if you call in a few days, I will be able to report progress. You need not remain any longer, “Kahors” (not at all) was the Maori rejoinder, “ I want to hear the translation in English, for people not only make great blunders in writing and translating Maori, but very few English people can either write or speak their own language correctly. Kahorc, read me the English.” The lawyer read the English version to his Maori client, who said it was “ve y good.” We learn the additional fact that the Maori client is a Dissenting clergyman in the Waikato, a master of one of the largest native schools in the district for teaching English to natives, and that lie is perfectly competent to give lessons to English folks as well as to Maori boys and girls. The native of New Zealand is likely to take a sketch of St. Paul’s before it is “ in ruins,” or London Bridge be “ broken down.” —“ Herald.” The Rabbit Business.— The keeping of a hundred acres of waste land, purchased from Government at £2 per acre, appears capable of being made a profitable investment by encouraging rabbits to colonise it. It is stated that one person, at least, so situated manages to net about £IOO a year for fees or privileges for shooting over an estate of the size mentioned. It is also somewhat amusing to note the systematic way in which he conducts the business. In the first place, he looks upon his rabbits in the same light as cattle or sheep, which lie has purchased, and anyone stealing, taking, or carrying away one of his rabbit flock, whether dead or alive, may expect to be summarily haled before a magistrate. It is said that a rabbit club wrote once to ask terms for the shooting, but the reply which was received has been under consideration for some years. The purport of the reply is understood to have been: — “1. That members were not to disturb the 1 bunnies ’ more than necessary. 2. That they were to give the landowner a tally under affidavit of those killed. 3. That they were not to drink any spirituous or fermented liquors on the land; aud 4. That the members of the club were not to use profane or loudlanguage when shooting over the ground.” On complying with these conditions, and paying a fee per head for dog and man, the club would be “welcome at any time,” As some persons have turned out rabbits on lo waste land, it may be pointed out that the Rabbit Nuisance Act of last session provides “ If any person shall knowingly and wilfully liberate in any portion of the colony a live rabbit or rabbits any person so offending shall upon conviction* before any two justices at their discretion be liable to be committed to gaol with or without hard labour for any term not exceeding six months or to forfeit and pay a penalty not exceeding £50.” No doubt, in the first instance alluded to, the purchaser found the rabbits in possession of the soil, but under the existing law any nuisance may be put on end to by the adjoining landowners Belting the law in'motion, as therein directed.

Waimate Steeplechases.—We remind owners of horses who intend nominating them for the Waimate Steeplechases, which take place on the 14!h May, that nominations close on Saturday next. The Royal Hotel. —This property, which has perhaps passed through more vicissitudes than any in Canterbury, has again changed hands. The time was when the Royal was the club of Christchurch. But during the past few years it has lagged behind in the competition of improvements. It has been purchased by the Messrs Oram for the sum of £3OOO, and they intend to make the hotel equal to any in Christchurch. Sporting. —The weights for the Grand National Handicap, to be run on 24th May, appear elsewhere. Judging from the fields for the various other events, and the probability that a great many of those engaged in the Handicap will accept, the meet promises to be a success. This will be the first time the Grand National has been run in Christchurch, and as stecplechasingis a very popular « sport with the public here, no doubt the attendance will be large. Presentation. —At the meeting of St. John’s parishioners last night, the friends of Mr H. Hesketh, who is removing to Temuka, took the opportunity of presenting him with a gold Albert chain, accompanied by an address. For twelve years past, Mr Hesketh has been churchwarden and vestryman for St. John’s Church, and has the esteem of the whole congregation. This is expressed in the address, which also refers with regret to the circumstances which have led to Hr Hesketh’a removal. A Faulty Representative.— Karaitiana Takamoana, the representative of the eastern Maori district in the Assembly is in bad odour with his aboriginal constituents, among whom, a contemporary informs us, “ the feeling is very strong that self has been the motive power in all Karaitiana’s political actions.” It is perhaps fortunate that Europeans are not all so sagacious in tracing the motives of political action or inaction as Karaitiana’s friends. Rifle Match at Timaru.— A match between the Timaru Artillery Cadets and the High School Cadets has just been completed. Each corps fired on their own range, and the High School Cadets were victorious by 100 points. The firing of this team was very good, especially at the 100 and 200 yard ranges. The following are their respective scores : —High School Cadets, 259 ; Timaru Artillery Cadets, 159. The ranges were—--100, 200, and 300 yards, and there were seven competitors on each kide. Fire near Southbridge. —Another unaccountable field fire occurred near Southbridge on Mr R. Matthew’s farm, Ridge road, on Sunday evening, when a large stack of oaten straw was consumed. A considerable quantity of crop, reserved for hay and lying at some distance, was however saved. The stack, with shelter erected close at hand, was open to the use of a horse, which was at the time fortunately at large. The cause of the fire is unknown, but some neighbors thought that they heard sounds as of a man breaking through a hedge, after attention had been aroused by the blaze. Electoral. —It is now stated that Captain Russell does not intend to resign his seat for Napier in the House of Representatives. The resignation of Mr H. H. Lusk for Franklyn has been gazetted, but no candidates for the seat have yet announced themselves. Mr Larnach’s resignation is said to have been at length placed in the Speaker’s hands, and it is stated that Mr Reeves, formerly mayor, will stand for election in the Government interest. Mr Harrison has definitely announced himself as a candidate for the Grey Yalley, vice Mr Kennedy resigned. Supposed Poisoning of Race Horses.— On the supposed poisoning of the race-horses at Castle Point, the “Post” of a late date remarks:—“The analysis of the contents of the stomachs of those race-horses which died recently on the East Coast under such mysterious circumstances, and were suspected to have been poisoned, has not yet been performed owing to the absence of Mr Skey, the Government Analyst, from Wellington on holiday leave. He has been telegraphed to, however, and is expected to return to-morrow or next day, as there are several analyses immediately required. As to the horses, there is some reason to believe that the poisoning was not wilful, but was caused accidentally through the horses eating some deleterious substance used for their bedding. Potatau’s Seal. —The Napier “ Telegraph” has the following on the significance of an incident which occurred at the February meeting between Ministers and the Kingites—- “ At the native meeting at TeKopua, at which Sir George Grey was present, considerable stress was laid on the fact, in the official report of the proceedings, that Rewi appeared on the scene holding in his hand the seal of the late King Potatau. This was supposed to signify that he gave his support to King Tawhiao, and countenanced the Premier’s presence at the gathering. To those, however, who know native customs, Rewi’s action had quite an opposite signification. Rewi’s exact words were, * Potatau is dead; this (holding up the seal) is all that is left of him, and I have it.’ Nothing could be plainer than the meaning that he intended to convey to the Premier, which was “ What is the use of you coming here to arrange matters with Tawhiao; Potatau was King, and I am his successor.’ He did not say a word as to Tawhiao being the successor of Potatau.” Supposed Murder. —Concerning the recent confession by a Maori prisoner in Auckland Gaol, and the search instituted in consequence, the Auckland paper says : —The police have been engaged in the Katikati river, dragging for the body of a man named Potiar, supposed to hare been drowned, upon the information of Kingi, a Maori of bad character. Kingi had been convicted of watch stealing and horse stealing, and, while in gaol, he told some other Natives that he threw Potiar into the water, having first fastened the boat’s anchor to the man’s body so that he might sink instantly. Potiar was supposed to be a Frenchman, residing at Tauranga, and has been missing for two years. The Natives to whom the above disclosure was made interpret it variously, but there was sufficient to indicate the possible commission of a capital crime to cause the police to iustitute a close search, dragging the river. Although the police have finished dragging the river about the place indicated, and it is known that they hare returned to the Tauranga station, no result appears to have been arrived at that tends to confirm the statement of Kingi, whose character for veracity is also stated to be the worst. Novel Judicial Procedure. —A form of judicial practice which will not be found in the books was introduced by Judge Weston in connection with a mining case on the West Coast. A correspondent of the “Argus ” has the following description and commentary:— I have been twenty years on the goldfields. During that time I have never seen or heard of a j udge going on the ground to settle a dispute until Friday last. No doubt the question at issue is one of great importance, not only to the miners of Nelson Creek, but to all the goldfields in New Zealand where the system of hydraulic working is carried on, and the Judge acted wisely in visiting the ground before deciding this important question upon which the welfare of the district may depend. But is there another Judge in New Zealand or in these colonies who would tuck his trousers above the knees, take a stick iu his baud, walk into the water knee deep on a cold day, cross and rccross the creek at a dozen of places, and when he came to a deep crossing would jump on to a digger’s back as if he was playing leap frog, and to crown all, in order to get out of the creek, he had to wedge himself through a long, narrow tailrace, about 20ft. deep, the water rushing down against his bare legs at the rate of t welve knots an hour. Before entering this dangerous place one of the diggers remarked that it would not bo safe lo go that way. The Judge said “Go on, I will follow.” About forty diggers were waiting on the bank. When the Judge came out he was greeted with three hearty cheers for his pluck and bravery. By this act of self-sacrifice Judge Weston has made eternal friends of the miners—they say ho is the right man in the right place. Too much praise cannot be given for bis bravo and manly conduct on this occasion. It may bo here remarked that the lawyers who came from Grejmouth with the Judge t ook good care that they would not get their feet wet.

Native Land Bill. —lt was state! our telegrams a short time ago that at a Native meeting held in Hawke’s Bay, the new Native Lands Bill had been discussed. The Napier “ Herald ” explains that this Bill is not yet drafted, and that the discussion only had reference to the form which, in the opinion of the Natives, the Bill should take. Flaxton. —A number of the parishioners of Flaxton met at the schoolroom on Thursday evening, when Mr C. Whitefoord, on behalf of those present, presented Miss Gundry with an elaborately bound Bible and a silver cruet stand as an acknowledgment of her efforts in the Sunday school, and for her services in presiding at the harmonium. Mr Goodeve, on her behalf, thanked the subscribers for the present. The Yen. Archdeacon Dudley, who was present, then, on behalf of the parishioners, presented Mr Whitefoord, who has performed the duties of lay-reader at the church, with an illuminated address, beautifully got up by Mr Goodman, and a parcel of handsomely bound books. Mr Whitefoord expressed his surprise and his thanks for the same in suitable terms. IMPBOVEMBNT3 AT ASHBURTON. —The difference in the appearance of Ashburton since the Ist of May, 1877, is very marked. In all parts of the town new buildings have sprung up,'many of them large and handsome houses. The difference in East street is especially noticeable, from the improved stylo of the buildings in course of erection. Of these the Town Hall comes first, which is exSected to be completed in about a month. Text we have Messrs Montgomery and Co.’s range of shops and offices, which will be occupied about the end of May, and the new Union Bank, whi-'li is now being furnished, and is a fine building. In other parts of the town new houses are springing up every day. In some instances brick is being used, though the majority are still built of timber. It is expected the County Council Buildings on Baring square will soon bo commenced. The Bank of New Zealand, it is understood, will build in the same neighbourhood, and a large addition to the school will shortly be commenced. It is a difficult matter at present for the builders to obtain sufficient hands.

The Delay in Railway Construction A correspondent of the “ Otago Daily Times is severe upon Mr Blair, the southern railway engineer. He says:—It is insufferable that the only symptom of the ruinously fatal delay in completing the main lines converging in Dunedin should be an occasional paragraph in your columns, and an obsequiously civil reminder to “Poor old Mac” by the chairman of the Chamber of Commerce ; and it is an alarming and suggestive sign of the times that Mr Blair, who I do not hesitate to say is entirely to blame for permitting certain contractors to do exactly as they like, reporting all the time to headquarters that work which is being disgracefully neglected is being carried out with all diligence, should be advanced to a still more responsible and lucrative position, instead of being included in the notices given recently to Messrs Carruthers and others of the Public Works staff- . „ ~ Lincoln. —The annual meeting or the parishioners of Lincoln was hehi in St. Stephen’s Church on Thursday evening; the Rev. H. Stocker, curate of the district, presided. The annual statement was read by the retiring churchwarden, Mr F. Murray. From this it appears that the sum of £649 7s 2d had been received on account of the building fund, and £655 15s 8d had been expended upon the same during the past year. The offertories amounted to £57 3s, including £l6 10s 6d for special purposes, leaving £4O 12s 6i to augment the church fund for general purposes. The president stated that the average attendance at the services since the erection of the church last year had been fully double that of previous years, and that there was reason to feel thankful that the services now reach many who had previously absented themselves from the church. Ho felt strongly in favor of retaining the Sunday evening services, which seemed so fully appreciated. Messrs F. Murray and E. Townsend were re-elected churchwardens for the ensuing year, and Rev. A. P. O’Callaghan and Messrs Bell, Bishop, Wright, and Cole, were chosen vestrymen for the same term. Mr W. A. Murray was appointed permanent auditor. After a few minor matters had been dealt with, thanks were duly proposed and carried to the S unday School teachers, and to the choir, for their voluntary services in connection with church work. The report of the Sunday School work was considered very satisfactory, the number of scholars on the books being fifty-one, and the attendance every Sunday very regular. An important personage has lately died in Siam in the shape of one of the King’s white elephants, and according to custom it was buried with the highest funeral honours. One hundred Buddhist priests officiated at the ceremony, and the body was conveyed to its last resting place accompanied by a procession of thirty state barges. A poor woman lay very ill in her scantily furnished home in Sheffield. The doctor was sent for and came. He at once saw that there was a very grave case, and that she had, he thought, little chance of recovery, even if she could get the nourishments her illness required. As he was about to leave, the question was put, “ When should we send for you again, doctor?” “Well,” was the reply, as he looked at the poor woman and then at her wretched surroundings, “I don’t think you need send for me again. She cannot possibly get better; and to save you further trouble I’ll just write you out a certificate for her burial.” And ho did. After the doctor departed, the woman—women always were wilful—got rapidly better. She has now completely recovered, and goes about carrying her burial certificate with^her.