Provincial Council.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume IX, Issue 478, 13 May 1867, Page 3

Provincial Council.

THUESDAV °xn xr i V The Council met at 3 p.m., pursuant to advertisement by the Eeturning Officer, Present: Messrs A’Deane, Buchanan, Dolbel, Kennedv. Ormond, Parsons. Ehodes, Sutton, Tiffen, Weston, Whit* more, and Wood. Absent» Messrs Gariy on, Locke, Lambert, M'Lean, Newton, end Tanner. ELECTION OF SPBAEEB. Okx£Cnp seconded that M? A’Dcauc be elected Speaker.—Agreed to, k TJia Sriootrai* ran/j npflvova. Mr Fannin was again appointed Clerk of Council. ELECTION OJ STJPEEINTEIvDSNT, Lieut.-Col. Whitmobe moved and Mr Tiffen seconded tha£ Donald M‘Lean, Esq., be elected Superintsndent of the Province. Before the motion was put, Mr Buchanan movsd and Mr Kennedy seconded, “That the Standing Orders of the late Council be in force for a week.” The Speakee thought the Council should proceed at once to elect the Superintendent. Mr Buchanan thought that if the first business was the election of Superintendent, the Government should inform the Council as to the cause of Mr M'Lean’s absence. Mr BtroDES said that a lengthened explanation would causa needless discussion, and the Conncil was not now in a position to consider (he question of finance that would arise during the session. It was the intention of the Government, after the election of Superintendent, to adjourn the Council until the business could be placed before it. Mr Buchanan said that he objected to the Council proceeding blindfold to elect a Superintendent, without even the assurance that he would accept the office. He saw no reason why the election should not be deferred until Mr M‘Lean had given some statement—which he wouid be naturally anxious to do—of the results of his four-and-a-half years’ government. Mr Erodes said that Mr M'Lean would accept office if re-clecled. Mr Buchanan moved as an amendment. “That the election of Superintendent be deferred to this day week." Mr Weston seconded the amendment. Mr Buchanan added to his amendment, “That there be a call of the bouse for Thursday next, 16th inst.” The house divided on the amendment, with the following result:— Ayes (2). —Messrs. Buchanan and Weston.

Noes (9). —Messrs. Dolbel, Kennedy. Ormond, Parsons, Rhodes, Sutton, Tiffen, Whitmore, and Wood. The original motion was then agreed to. STANDING HOLES AND OEDDES. Mr Obmond moved and Mr Rhodes eeconded. “ That the Standing Rules and Orders of last Council bo adopted by this Council.” —Agreed to. ADJOUENMENT. Mr Rhodes moved that the Council do now adjourn to the 24th June. His Honor might return to Napier on the 15th. but most likely he would not return till the Ist June. His absence was caused bv financial business, and he (Mr R.) believed that he would succeed in his mission, and lay a satisfactory financial statement be« fore the Council. Mr Buchanan asked whether the Superintendent had gone to float the loan, or to try to get the General Govenment to guarantee it, as the attempt, in either case, would be futile. He objected to the Council being adjourned to a time when the session of the General Assembly would most likely be commenced, In yiew oi the general apathy, however, he thought it would be as well to substitute the words tine die. Provincial Governments are fast becoming a delusion and a snare, through not being worked creditably, and he would warn the Government that they could not escape from the consequences of their acts. Mr Oemond said that the Assembly was not likely to meet so early in June, but even if it did, his Honor would first attend to bis duties in this Province. In reference to the information from the member opposite, he would remind him that the Superintendent of Wellington obtained a loan of £30,000 from the General Government.

Mr Buchakan said that the member opposite was simply throwing dust in the eyes of members. . The sum in question was advanced under the distinct Act of the General Assembly. The Council then adjourned.

Waieoa. —Rumors of rather an unpleasant nature have been in circulation during the last few days to the effect that hostilities were impending, or had actually broken out, in the Wsiroa district. We have been unable to trace the rumor to any authentic scurce. However, there may be some truth in the statement, and we await reliable intelligence with some anxiety. Government Land Sale. —The sale of section* having frontage to Byron-st. took place at the Crown Lands Office, Napier, at noon on the 2Sth uit.,—Mr John Stuart, officiating as auctioneer. The attendance was exceedingly small, and the bidding flat. But three sections found purchasers, via., Nos. 544, 545, and 545, at £llO, £?6 t and £B4 17s 6d respectively.—the total gum realised being £270 17a 6d.

Loyal Napiee Lodge, 1.0.0. F., M.U. —Those of our readers who are feud of tripping the “ light fantastic toe,” are reminded that the tenth anniversary of the Loyal Napier Lodge, 1.0.0. F., M.H., will be celebrated by a ball, to take place at|the Masonic Hall, Tenuyson-street, on Friday evening next, 17th May. Dancing to commence at eight o’clock.

Tempeeance Tea Meeting.—A temperance tea meeting will take place on the evening of tho 24th May, in the rooms lately occupied by Mr Eo bottom in tho Shakespeare-road. It is to Mr J, Eondle, eating house keeper, that the public will be - •_ ti . • • , {L —»» IUUCWtOU AW*- iulo OVV*a*a from what wo know we may confidently assert that the management could not be in better ". It will be seen from the advertisement which appears in sue first pane that tho prices of admission are merely nominal.

Fibs at Auckland. —Mr B. J effcate, of Auckland, who was a passenger by the cutter Grayling on Friday last, has informed us that on the night the cutter lelt Auckland (Thursday, 2nd instant) they observed otf Eangitoto (a large island in the Auckland harbor), the glare of a fire in the town, and from the direction of the smoke and flumes it was supposed to be in the vicinity of St. Paul’s church, in Shortlaud Crescent. We shall doubtless have particulars on the arrival of the Lord Ashley, due on Wednesday next.

Native Meetings in the Thames District. —The Taranaki News, 11th April, says:—Mr Mackay had arrived at Taupo on (he 25th ult., and was intending to proceed at once to Tarsia’ settlement when in crossing the Gulf, he found the Moananui and the assessor Taniwha had returned to their kaingas. The chief Te flira was spoken with, but he appeared greatly disconcerted at the reported threat of the Arawas to invade the Thames, and seated that the god Manaoki had ordered him and four others not to look upon the face of any European engaged in Government service. On the 27th ult., Mr Mackay and party arrived at Kanaeranga, and received a cordial welcome from the natives. It was apparent, however, after the usual greetings had subsided, that there was a reserve and unusual diffidence manifested in speaking about recent events which had transpired—evidencing, as our informant states, that the seeds of distrust in the pa keha had been widely sown, and that Mr Mackay did not arrive on the ground a moment t Q 800 n. Owing to his exertions a targe native meeting was promptly called of residents of the district, exclusive of Waikato refugees. grounds of mistrust in the pakeha then became known, namely, the threat of the Arawas, and the reports which had been industriously spread that soldiers had been enlisted for invasion of the Thames, and that steamers were to be sent up as far as Piako. The particulars of operations to be undertaken by the troops troops against the Hauhaus and friendly natives alike were all circumstantially narrated, and appeared to be generally believed in. In order to quiet their alarm, Mr Mackay thought it necessary to explain what had taken place at Tauranga and Waikato, and wound up with a Maori episode which he knew would strongly appeal to their feelings. lie stated that some short time before bis death William Thompson had casually beard that the Ngatipoa of Piako meant mischief; he therefore sent to them five war-mats, which he had worn on one or two great occasions in the war. It was [his desire that the\ should keep the peace; to show that he had no further use [for them, as he had made peace with the pakeha, ho had sent the mats to the Ngatipaoa. They were well aware of the old custom—that, when a chief sent away his warmat, it was a sure sign of making poace. In due course the mats came in the possession of Paori Tipa and Tamati Otatu ol Taupo, and, upon his (Mr Mackay’s) arrival there, they were handed to him. It I wai his intention, he said, to take the mats, and ascertain whether TeHira would carry I out his threats to kill him (Mr Mackay) or any other Government officer. He would clothe himself in them; and if Te Hira killed him it would be well that he should die wearing the peace offering of Thompson. Mr Mackay then proceeded to bis tent, and taking off his coat enveloped himself in the five mats, and placed a few feathers in his hair upon his re-appearance, the natives seemed for some minutes unable to recognise their visitor. Mr Mackay then asked whether he was to continue to wear the clothes of peace; whether he should send them back, or throw them away ? the whole proceeding had a most magical effect upon the natives, and appeared quite to settle the | question of peace or war. The natives I agreed that what Mr Mackay had said was correct, and those who had been most strongly opposed to hia appearance amongst them confessed that they had been in error. Several of the older men and women were observed to weep, over what they termed the remembrance of old times, on the production of Thompson’s wrr> mats.

It is proved that bachelorhood is more destructive to life than the most unwholesome trades, or than residence in an unhealthy house or district where there has never been the most distant attempt at sanitary improvement of any kind.—Scotch Registrar- General.

On Monday, an Admiralty order was received at Chatham, announcing that it has been decided to furnish the whole of the Royal Marines Light Infantry with the Snider breech-loading rifle, in lieu ol eha ordinary muzzle-loading rifle at nreaent in nse in that branch of the service.—Alliance News, Feb, 23.

Bab IfEws’poa pEizaVrGHTEBS —The Daily Telegraph 6ay a: —.The Derbyshire magistrates hare just sentenced Jem Mace, Joe Goss, and three other less illustrious pugilists, to s month's imprisonment with hard labour, for taking part in a prizefight. The solicitor for the defendants suggested that they might be allowed to go at large Upon their recognisances to ap pear for judgment when required. The dull fellows, apparently, without a spar*, ot poetry or fancy in their souls—did not properly appreciate this excellent suggestion. On the contrary, they stated that the plan had been tried with gentlemen of the King before, and had been found not to answer. And so some of the most renowned supporters of the system which is said to be the antidote to the auiio **Hi uSis iO cipssisii thsir energies during the next thirty days on the work of producing rotary motion in a bi«* horizontal wheel. As s muscular exercise this has some advantage orer sparring, but it is far inferior, testhetically considered. The champion of England on the treadmill ! The illustrious Goss habited in gaol livery! Alas! how are the mighty fallen! Clearly the Fancy has received a heavy blow ana great discouragement. So long as “ the beaks " regarded a friendly set-to as a peccadillo to be expiated by a fine, the matter was one of pecuniary calculation, and the profits of the “benefit” or “excursion" could generally afford this slight tribute to offended justice. But when it comes to the treadmill, oakumpicking, and oatmeal gruel, it is possible that professors of the noble art may be led to consider that its inconveniences prepon derate over its advantages.”

Death of Mb. P, H. Watts, cf Wanoakxji.—The Wanganui Times, of the I9th April, contains the following obituary notice of Mr. P. Watts, who started the first newspaper in Wanganui:—“ It is with feelings of great regret that we are obliged to hold over a leading article to make room for an obituary notice which will cast a gloom over the entire community. The editor and proprietor of the first newspaper ever published in Wanganui breathed his last at 5 o’clock yesterday morning Francis Henry Watts launched the first number of tne Wanganui Record on Wed nesday, the 16th of November, 1853. He had previously been connected with the London Gazette, and was in every way well qualified to occupy the editorial chair. It was his lot, however, when he started the Record to have neither a reading nor paying community to ei courage or support him in his labours. His object, however, in starting a local paper at Wanganui was not with the expectation that it would pay as a monetary speculation, but that he might by that means be enabled to promote the best interests of the settlement which, fourteen years ago were by no means such as to encourage any man to hope that Wanganui would ever rise to what it is now. Mr Watts laboured on at the Record, and did good service to the struggling settlers up to 1856, when Mr Henry Stokes issued a prospectus for the establishment of a larger paper. For some time past Mr Watts has been in very delicate health, suffering from disease of the heart. Dr. Gibson, his medical adviser, saw him on Wednesday, but did not then apprehend any immediate danger. At 5 o’clock yesterday morning, his father-in-law, Mr Charles Small, was by his bod side, Mr Watts was sitting on the side of the bed, and in the act of reaching his Hand for a cup of chocolate, when he sprang up into the bed, rolled over, and expired. Thus, from month to mouth, i pass away one and another of our oldest and most respected settlers, impressing upon our minds the simple admonition—- ■ ‘ Be ye also ready.' "

The laeanaki Natives.— The Taranaki Herald, 13th April, has the following : We hear from the south that Taikomako (the successor of Te Ua), on hearing that the troops were about to bo withdrawn from Opunake and Warae, expressed his satisfaction, saying “ that in that case they j (the Taranakis) should cease doing anything more to the Pakehas; ” but it is probable that by the withdrawal of the troops they understand the giving back to them of all their land south of the Stony River, and when they find themselves mistaken in this, their good behaviour may be of short duration. Moreover, we hear that the friendly natives at To Taihua and Opunake are a little uneasy because More (the leading man of the party of Waikatos who have been here for some months) has gone back to Waikato to try and raise a Sghting brigade, in which, if he succeeds, the friendlie* are to have the choice given them of joining the rebels or of being thrashed. Whether they will go to this length is doubtful, but the presence here of any more of the Waikatos would be a great misfortune, unless their incursion be promptly and effectually met. A Raid on Whisky Shops by Ohio Women.—Some time in July, 1860, the women of this place took it into their heads that there should be no more whisky sold in Greenfield. The question of abating the nuisance had been discussed frequently, when an accident occurred that brought things to a crisis. A young man named Blackburn, highly esteemed, only twenty-one years of age, was the victim of a whisky brawL A party of drunken men got into a quarrel and a shot was fired, and this young man, who was passing the bouse, received his death wound. Shortly after this the ladies, with a aecresy unparalleled in the history of woman, met and resolved on the destruction of the spirit. So in broad daylight, about noon, a posse of about seventy started on the cleansing expedition, armed with hatchets, axes, and woman’s determination. Some three or four store# were entered, and the

bottles made to dauce jigs, and the whis-1 ky to gurgle down the gutters, before the* other whiskey fiends were made aware of what was going on. When they did become cognisant of the situation of things they barred, bolted, and barricaded their doors j but, nothing daunted, the women quietly demanded the liquor, and if not admitted into the house, they quickly battered down the doors and shutters. This was carried on till nearly every respectable wiiisity shop was demolished. Suits were brought, but the verdict of equity said “ Served ’em right.”—American paper,

Os Strike and on Spree.—To go on strike is often demoralizing enough, unless with very exceptional natures, but to go on spree is always so. It does not mean sim> -.ln .'.if. U t; rV SUVVMVMVVU f AW AAAWUU9 WUUW* uuous drinking for several days together. A, man will leave his horn* with the best part of a week’s wages in his pocket, and wander about from one public house to another, spending it as long as it lasts, and then going on credit, if it be furnished to him; sometimes he will send out and pawn his tools, or a portion of his clothes, in case any dillisulty arises on that score. He drinks ale or gin, changing from one vile compound to another, and passing through all the stsges of drunkenness. He gets quarrelsome, stupid, surly, helpless; then he tumbles off his seat; and crawls or is bustled into a shed or loft, where, in his dirt and degradation, he in some degree sleeps off his debauch. As soon as he awakes he commences again, and so on for several days- Often there is a fight, in which he gets the worst of it, or he gives some one else the worst of it, and he is taken to prison and fined or locked up.— Meliora.

ScaTiDED TO DEATH IS A BbEWEET.— On Friday evening, an inquest was held at the Royal South Hants Infirmary, Southampton, on the body of John Painter, aged 25 years, who met witii his death in the following horrible manner :—William Barnes, a foreman in the brewery of Messrs. Cooper and Kent, of Southampton, deposed that (he deceased had charge of the brewery steam-engine. On Wednesday morning witness was in the brewery, attending to the wort, and heard deceased call out “ William.” Witness looked round, and saw deceased lying across the tank, which contained very hot liquor, his body partly out, and immediately went to his assistance, and with the aid of another man got him out. Deceased must have attempted to cross this hot water tank, io order to turn off a tap, and witness believed that the cover of the tank, which was nearly new, must have tipped in some way, and so he fell in. The cover was perfectly secure, and was strong enough to support twenty men. He imagined that it must have become shifted, and so tilted when the deceased stepped on to it. Witness did not believe blame was attached to any one. The resident surgeon at the infirmary stated that, when the deceased was admitted, he was in a very exhausted state, and was suffering from extensive scalds. The case was quite hopeless from the first, and the deceased became gradually weaker, and expired at an early hour the following morning. Deceased told witness that ho had accidentally fallen into the hot liquor, and that it was entirely his own fault. The jury returned a verdict of accidental ceath. —Alliance News.

Pitt and Fox.— Pitt was ready with those retorts in conversation which are the marks of a quick and lively wit. Every one has heard of the colonel of volunteers who repeatedly insisted, as a condition of his offer of service, “ Mind, we are not to go out of the country, Mr Pitt ? we are not to go out of the country P ” “ Except, I suppose,’’ said the minister, coldly. “in the case of actual invasion.” The Duchess of Gordon, upon her return to London, said to the minister, “ Have you been talking as much nonsence as usual, Mr. Pitt ?” “I am not sure about that,,’ he replied, “ but I think that since I last saw your grace I have not heard so much." [A translation which Lord Harrowby reIpeatcd to me . . . shows his command of the English language. Some one mentioned a sentence in the essay “ De Oratore,” attributed to Tacitus: “ Magna eloquentia, sicut llamtna, materra alitur et motibus excitatur, et urendo claresets.” One of the company said it was untranslatable. “By no means,” said Pitt, and at once proceeded: “Itis of eloquence as of a flame 5 it requires matter to feed it, motion to excite it, and it brightens as it burns.” The best way to test the merits of this translation is to compare it with that of Murphy, “ The true spirit of eloquence, like an intense fire, is kept alive by fresh materials; every new commotion gives it vigour, and in proportion as it burns it expands and brightens to a purer flame.” Here, indeed, is a flame which is quite buried under the heavy materials which Mr. Murphy has heaped upon it. In the mouth of Pitt the English language attained all the force and precision of which it is capable. It is said that Fox, in speaking of his oratory, observed , “ I never want a word, but Mr. Pitt always has at command the right word. An instance may be given of this curiosafelictas. When replying to a motion of Fox. which had been weakly seconded by Erskino, Pitt said, “ The honourable and learned gentleman who seconded the honourable gentleman, attenuating the thread of his discourse,” &o. In eloquence, as an orator, he was probably superior to his father, Lord Chatham; in wisdom as a statesman, far inferior.—Earl Russell’s Life of Fox.

A youth, seventeen years of age, tried to poison himself in Carisie the other day because his “young woman" Sigd given him “ the cold shoulder,”