The Nelson Mail. MONDAY, AUGUST 26.1878.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 177, 26 August 1878, Page 2

The Nelson Mail. MONDAY, AUGUST 26.1878.

From information gathered from Wellington papers which came to hand on Saturday, we learn that Judge Thomas who, in connection with bis pamphlet on " The Solution of the Maori Land Question." has been prominently before the public of late, is still creating a considerable stir by the determination he is displaying to bring his scheme before the Maoris in opposition to the wishes of the Government. It is quite true that he was not led to anticipate such opposition ; on the contrary, his proposed scheme met with a certain amount of approval from Sir George Grey, but it may be that the Premier at the time of expressing it, had no idea that it was so shortly to be brought before the natives in so practical a manner. But, be this as it may, it is quite clear that Mr Sheehan, the Native Minister, entertains very strong opinions on the subject, and is exceedingly anxious that Judge Thomas should not in any way interfere between the Government and the natives at the present time, and there can be no doubt that his wishes are entitled to the fullest consideration. Judge Thomas, we fully believe, is thoroughly in earnest in advocating the adoption in New Zealand of the Indian system of " ryotwarry " on account] of the benefits which/he honestly thinks, it will confer both on the Maori and the European. ! but as a stranger in the land, and being un- ! acquainted, as he must be to a large extent, with tbe customs, habits, and traditions of the natives we cannot think that he is justified in persevering in his attempt to experimentalise at a moment when negotiations between the Maoris and the Government for the transfer from the former to the latter of large blocks of land are pending. So strongly does Mr Sheehau feel on the matter that he has written to Judge Thomas requesting him to desist, and stating that, if he continues to persevere, he will deem it necessary to communicate with the Home Government complaining that a pensioned officer of her Majesty is threatening the native policy of the colonial administration, and disturbing the native mind while important affairs are being settled. The rite of confirmation was administered to eleven candidates in Christ Church yesterday evening, in the presence of a very large congregation, by the Bishop of Nelson, who delivered a very impressive address suitable to the occasion. Thanksgiving services for the preservation of peace were held in all the Anglican churches in New Zealand yesterday. In Nelson suitable sermons, were . preached by the incumbents of the two parishes. A dramatic entertainment, comprising "Don Ca»sar de Bazau," and "Belle of the Barley Mow," will be given at the Theatre Royal to-morrow night, for the benefit of the Lucre family. Tin; captain's inspection of the City Rifles will take place this evening at halfpast seven. At the Motueka Magistrates' Court this morning a young man named Thomas Clarksou was committed for trial at the next sittings of the Supreme Court for an assault with intent upon Eliza Margaret Edelsten, sixteen years of age. It appeared that he had ferried her over the river alone and landed her some fifty yards below the usual landing, and then committed the assault, from which he only desisted on the approach of a man named William Davy, who is the principal witness. To the great delight of those to whom is entrusted the management of the finances of the various churches, yesterday was actually a fine Sunday, the first for seven weeks. An intelligent collector of the offertories in one of the places of worship had formed tho theory that, during the long period which had elapsed since the last opportunity had occurred of their being transferred from the owner's pocket to the church bag, the inevitable threepenny bits might in many cases have expanded until they had attained the size of, say, a shilling ; but, like many another theory, on being put to the test it, greatly to his disappointment, proved utterly groundless* Visitors to the Hot Springs, who intend trying the efficacy of the waters in a sanitary point of view, should remember that their ailments are occasioned by disease in the blood, and they should therefore complete their cure and gain the full advantage of the baths, by taking at the same time a proper course of the Rheumatism Mixture of those exceedingly curative medicines, " Ghollah's Ghkat Indian Cores." They can be had of all Chemists, where obtain a copy of testimonials from many of those who have been benefitted.