Nelson Evening Mail. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1880.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XV, Issue 210, 27 October 1880, Page 2

Nelson Evening Mail. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1880.

Thbbb has been a good deal of speculation of late as to the probable successor to Sir Julius Yogel in the Agent Generalship, but all doubts have now been Bet at rest, tbe appointment having been conferred upon Sir Dillon Bell, who is to rective a salary of JEI2OO a year, for which he will act as Agent General and Agent for the inscription of stock, without commission. The cost of the Agent- General's Office up to the last session of Parliament, was £4000, of which Sir Julias received £1500, the balance, £2500, being act down for staff, rent, &c. Off this the House struck £1000, but it is not at all likely that the reduction would have affected the Agent's salary, so that the actual difference between the amount paid to Sir Julius and that to bis successor is £300 Sir Julius, however, did not consider this sufficient, and fought hard to obtain commission on the inscription of stock, which it was reckoned ■would give him an additional £2000 a year, but this the Government would not accede to, and there can be little doubt that to their xefusal to permit him to pocket this handsome little supplement to his salary his resignation of the office is mainly due, It vill still be thought by many that the salary is too large for the work which the colony requires. Immigration has virtually ceased, the free importation of immigrants having come to an end some time ago, while that of

persons nominated by their friends in the colony is only being carded on to a very limited extent. Another of the AgentGeneral's duties which, when the public works policy was in full swing, must have made. a large demand upon his time, has also ceaßed, namely, the purchase of railway material, so that the work of the office now, compared with what it was six years ago, is very largely reduced, and it would not be too much to expect, a proportionate reduction in the salary. With respect to Sir Dillon's qualifications for his new office public opinion will be far from unanimous, but there can be no question whatever that he is as thoroughly well informed upon all points connected with the history and requirements of New Zealand as auy man either in or out of the colony He was one of the earliest settlers, and has in one way and another taken an active part in public affairs throughout the whole of his lons colonial career. In none of his public acts, however, has he received or deserved so much kudos &3 in his capacity of a member of the Royal Commission appointed to enquire into Native a&aire ou the West Coast of the North Island. The masterly report on this subject which was prepared by him and his colleague, Sir William Fox, and presented to Parliament is one which bftß already been of great service to the colony, and will prove of infinite Value to the future historian of New Zealand. So thoroughly and so well whs that work done that the Commissioners were requested to continue their labors, and even should Sir Dillon Bell prove h far more able and competent Agent General than con be expected of him by his beat friends, any success he may achieve in that capacity will scarcely atone for the loss tbe colony must sustain in being deprived of his services as an adviser in matters conuected with the native race.

The committee of St. Mary's Cturehhave definitely decided to adopt the design for the new church sent in by Mr Turnbull of Wellington. The building will consist of nave and two side aisles, sanctuary, two sacristies, and two smaller chapels. There will be a good organ gallery, and a graceful spire, about 110 feet in height. The church will >?eat over 500 adults. It has also been decided io erect a new presbytery for the clergy. We mentioned the other day that the erection of the telegraph wires between Motuekv and Takaka had been completed, but that owing to the absence of an office and instruments at Takaka communication between the two places had not beeu opened up. The wires, however, have been utilised for telephonic purposes and our Motuekn correspondent informs Us that a few days ago individuals at each end of the line were conversing with one another with as little difficulty as though both were seated in the same room. The silence of that formidable piece of ordnance to which we have for many years been accustomfed to look for a reminder that it is twelve o'clock on Saturday, and that another week has pnssed by since last its voioe was heard, has been frequently noticed of late, aud there was a general impression thut ten per cent had been knocked off the charge, in consequence of which the report had been reduced to an inaudible whisper. Upon making enquiries, however, we learn that there never was any intention to save money by rendering it doubtful when it was twelve o'clock on the seventh day of the sveek in Nelson, but that owing to a mistake or an accident the supply of powder had fallen ahort. A fresh lot arrived, however, in the Wanaka yesterday, and on Saturday next the old familiar sound will once more be heard and the weekly inspection of clook3 and watches will probably take place as usual at noon on that day. The sale of work in aid of the All Saints Institute was fairiy attended yesterday, and business was dena to the extent of about £40. It will be coutiuued Ibis evening when au additional attraction will be offered in the shape of a Christmas tree laden with valuable prizes. Those of our readers wbo feel inclined for a pleasant walk nnd an evening's amusement are remiuded of the concert to be given at the Asylum to-night. Las£ night wis one of the coldest that has been experienced for many weeks, aud the ground this morning was in mauy parts of tbe suburbs quite white with frost. A severe frost is also reported from Christchurch, so that the excessive and unseasonable cold is not peculiar to this part of the Islaud. It Is sta'.ed on good authority that the services of between 40 and 50 salaried officers of the Public Works Department have been dispensed with during the last three months. This list does not include any of the " wages " class, but wholly refers to officers in the professional and clerical branches of the department. The Picton Ptas of Friday says:— A report comes from the Shakespeare Biy coalfield that a valuable seam of coal has been cut at a depth of 40 feet in a new shaft. Th importance of this last find cannot well be over estimated, as it goes to show that the tirca occupied by the coalfield is much larger than could be expected from the report of scientific experts. The quality of the coal leaves nothing to be desired, and the prospectors nnticipate being able to supply a iimited market within four or five months. The returns of Money Order and Savings Banks transactions of the colouy for the quarter ended 30th September last, compared with the corresponding quarter in the last year shows the following results: — Totals for third quarter in 1880 — Money orders issued, 33,368— £112,882 ; paid, 26.553— £89,335. Savings Banks deposits, £220,293 ; with-d-awals, £195,147; excess of deposits over withdrawals, £25,146. Totals for third quarter in 1879:~Money orders issued, 29,509 — £104,441 ; paid, 20,859— £80,256. Savings Banks deposits, £172,267 ; withdrawal-*, £198.542 ; excess of withdrawals over deposits, £26,274. The returns for the current year's quarter are thu3 iv every respect satisfactory.