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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XI, Issue 215, 1 September 1876, Page 4

Mr. Edward Jenkins and Mr. Henry SBwell (late Attorney- General of New Zealand) have been adding tbeir quota to the discussion on the Merchant Shipping Bill and its relation to imperial and colonial judicature. MrSewell advocates the right of tbe colonies to legislate as they think proper, and to override imperial legislation, except on any subject expressly excluded from their jurisdiction by tbe terms of their constitution ; whilst Mr. Jenkins would 'like the question decided at once and for all, and condemns the apparent disinclination of the home Legislature to come to a specific determination on .the .subject. If a waste of gunpowder can assist the soul of a Maori, then that of Ihaka, of the Ngatikabungunu, who was for many years a resident at Akurn, not far from this township (says the Masterton News Letter) should be comfortable. Ihaka seemed in very good health only a day or two before his deatb, but falling suddenly ill his relations gathered around him, evidently expecting an early dissolution, which. actually took .place either late on Friday night or early on Saturday morning. A number of guns, as well as a large quantity of gunpowder, must bave been stored up in anticipation of tbe event, for about 2 a.m. on tbe latter day some twenty or thirty shots were fired; similar numbers following at short intervals. This was continued throughout tbe day, and even Sunday was enlivened with these volleys. During the afternoon of that day the funeral took place, tbe usual servioe of the English Church being read by Ihaia Whakamairu. Ihaka was a chief iu his tribe, but his influence was not very great. He was friendly towards Europeans, and we are told objected to tbe practices of Haubaus. He was baptized in 1847, being at that lime about 37 years oid. '

The following is a copy of the report of the Rabbit Nuisance Committee: — The select committee appointed to inquire into the rabbit nuisance have the honor to report that they have carefully studied the reports of inquiries into the subject in the Australian colonies, New Zaaland, and elsewhere. They have aleo examined a sufficient number of witnesses to confirm beyond doubt the facts of the case. The mischief already done is most serious, is increasing, and unless some effectual remedy be adopted is likely to increase. The committee recommend that a Bill should be introduced into tbe Legislature without delay to establish au inexpensive machinery by which the owners or occupiers of land may be compelled lo keep in check the inorease of rabbits on their holdings. The committee are of opinion that such a Bill might be extended so as to include pigs and other noxious animals. They further think tbat a grant of money for the purpose of in'roducing weasels as a natural check into the country would (if the object were attained) be of very great service. The committee call the attention of the House especially to the evidence of Captain Walker, Conservator of the State Forests, showing that forest planting by the Government will be ueeless expense if rabbits are allowed to multiply uncontrolled in the neighborhood of plantations..

One of the chief amusements at present for Parisian high life is the mail-coach pionic. Several owners of four-in-hands start for a given point in the suburbs; if a passable inn can be found, all parties enjoy their ease there at dinner, if not, the materials for a luncheon are extracted from the boots, a tent run up, and a dance improvised, if possible, on the grass. The Baroness Rothschild drives her own mail coach, and is a capital whip, and races with these vehicles are on the cards.