MUNICIPAL AND PROVINCIAL COUNCIL'S ELECTIONS.

New Zealander, Volume 9, Issue 720, 9 March 1853, Page 3

MUNICIPAL AND PROVINCIAL COUNCIL'S ELECTIONS.

We noticed in our last number the lame and impotent conclusion of the municipal elections at Auckland, which has had the effect of suspending the functions of that corporation. In trying to account for the apathy and indifference manifested on this occasion, the New-Zcalander adduces several reasons, such as the conduct of last year's Council, the hostility of the party opposed to Government, who endeavoured to bring about such a result, the disallowance of the Land Fund Appropriation Ordinance, authorising the appropriation of a third of the proceeds of Land Sales to Municipal purposes, which would have the effect of considerably diminishing the means at the disposal of the Corporation, but chiefly the uncertainty which prevails with respect to the New Constitution, and the effect of its provisions on Municipal Institutions. Previous to this another election had taken place at Auckland under the Provincial Councils Ordinance, which we imagine, is now practically set aside »y tlie proclamation of the New Constitution, and from the elections under this last, whenever they occur we suppose our Northern neighbours will at length arrive at a practical result. "Whatever indifference might be felt by the Northern Settlers to a Municipal Council annually elected, we imagine the same amount of indifference will not be displayed at the election of Provincial Councils, either in Auckland, or any of the other rive Provinces, under the New Constitution. The fault committed in the first instance might be repaired after a year's interval; the powers of a Corporation are comparatively limited, and it could do no great amount of harm, if from the perverseness of its members it would do no good. But in the Provincial Councils the case is widely different ; with larger and more extensive powers, their duration is for a longer period ; the Councils are elected for a term of four years, and considering the changes which take place by the continual accession of fresh settlers, considering especially how the population of this colony will probably be increased during the next four years from the overflow of the extensive emigration from England to the Australian Gold fields now going on, and the improved facilities of communication afforded bySteam, an interval of four years in a new colony is more than equivalent to a septennial period in an old country —the limit fixed to the duration of the English Parliament. Any apathy shewn in the forthcoming elections, any neglect in securing the return of " fit and proper persons" will for the reasons just adduced be the more mischevious, as it will be the more difhcult to provide a remedy for the mischief. Under any circumstances, it may be a question whether it may not be expedient to dissolve the first Council after an interval of two years, to allow of those who may become colonists of New Zealand in the interval the opportunity of exercising their privileges, and who otherwise would be taxed without being represented. Pakawau Coal Company. [From the "Independent," Feb. 2.] A Meeting of the members of the Wellington Committee was held on Monday evening last, in the Hall of the Mechanic's Institute, W. Lyon, Esq., occupying the Chair. The meeting had been convened for the purpose of hearing and considering a communication which had been received from Nelson, in reply to the communication which had been addressed by Mr. J. Woodward, as Secretary to the Wellington Committee, to the Directors of the above Company at Nelson. The answer, together with certain resolutions, which were passed at a Special General Meeting of the Shareholders, held at Nelson on the sth lilt., will be found subjoined —

Wellington, Jan. 27th, 1853. Dear Sir,—We beg to hand yon a communication received per Wellington, Jan. 24th, from the Treasurer of the Nelson Mining Company. We have the honour to be, Your obedient servants, Hervey, Johnston, & Co. J. Woodward, Esq., &c. &c. Nelson, Jan. 6, 1853. Gentlemen.—The Directors of the Nelson Mining Company, as intimated to you in their letter of the Ist inst., have now the honour to enclose a copy of the resolutions adopted at the Special General Meeting of Shareholders held in Nelson, yesterday, to consider certain proposals contained in a letter from Mr. Woodward, of the 23rd Nov. last, as also, a request of the Wellington Shareholders forwarded to them by you, to the effect that certain of their number should be elected Directors. You will observe from these resolutions that Mr. Woodward's proposals were not considered practicable, inasmuch as, with respect to clause 8 of that gentleman's letter, the very large issue of shares proposed would have the effect of depreciating them generally, while, if a further issue than that at first contemplated was called for, the Directors would not fail from time to time to take the required steps, when it would be only just to afford a preference to original shareholders if disposed to increase the number of their shares.

. It was also deemed impossible to preserve a perfect equality in the number of shares owned in any particular settlement, as every two or three applied for in one place would require a corresponding issue in the other; while any individual by purchasing from original shareholders in any settlement, could at any time disturb the equality sought to be maintained.

The management of the Company by means of two separate boards of Directors with equal and concurrent powers, appearedequally impracticable, as any manager jointly appointed in this manner would be liable to receive most opposite and conflicting instructions. The limitation of the operations of the Company to the raising and delivery of the coal at a place of shipment, though most likely to comprehend the extent of its early transactions, was also felt to be likely at times to encourage a monopoly amongst the carriers, as if it were known that by their deed of settlement the Company was precluded from owning or chartering vessels, advantage might be taken of that fact to demand on the part of the owners of vessels employed in tbe trade, a rate of freight incgmpatible with the interests of tbe Company. The Directors also observe in relation to tins proposition, that it does not follow, as conceived by Mr. Woodward, that from the rejection of this provision any one depot would be established in any particular settlement, as it would always be clearly for the interests of the Company that the coals should be supplied to that place where the best market for them might for the time exist. As stated in the fourth resolution adopted yesterday, which specially refers to the request conveyed by you, the meeting proposed that the shareholders should proceed to a fresh election, if one-third of the whole number of shares were taken up in Wellington, and the calls upon them paid by the Ist of March next, provided twothirds of the Wellington shareholders so desired, but on the understanding that the sittings of the Directors were to be held in Nelson. With this resolution the Directors desire to express their complete concurrence, as they consider that it is most desirable that the Directors of the Company should possess the full confidence of all the shareholders.

I am further instructed to request that you would be kind enough to forward this communication (or a copy), and the accompanying resolutions to Mr. Woodward.

I have the honour to remain, Gentlemen, Your obedient servants, W. R. Nicholson, Treasurer, N.M.C P. It. OIJTRIDGE. Messrs. Hervey, Johnston, & Co.

At a special general meeting of shareholders of the Nelson Mining Company, held in Nelson on the sth January, to consider certain proposals contained in a letter from Mr. Woodward, of Wellington, dated Nov. 23,1852 ; as also a request from certain shareholders in Wellington, forsvarded by Messrs. Hervey, Johnston, & Co., to the effect that some of their number should be elected directors of the Company : The following resolutions were adopted : Ist. That while sensible of the value of a larger capital than the Company has in the first place contemplated, this meeting of shareholders nevertheless considers that it would be inexpedient to create a great additional number of shares in the manner proposed. A considerable number of the original GOO shares still remains unapplied for, and should it at any future period appear desirable to create more, the Directors of the Company possess powers which would enable them to do so, and which they would not fail to exercise. 2nd. That in the opinion of this meeting the course suggested in the Bth clause of Mr. Woodward's letter, cannot be entertained as being calculated injuriously to-affect the working of the Company. 3rd. That in answer to elause 0, this meeting believes that it would be unwise to fetter the Directors by any distinct stipulations as to the course which they may consider it most for the interests of the Company to pursue. 4th. That to meet as far as possible the wishes of Wellington shareholders, as expressed in their letter of the 24th of November, this meeting resolves, that should one-third of the total number of shares in the Company be taken up in Wellington, and the calls paid upon them by the Ist March next, a fresh election of Directors shall be proceeded to upon the requisition of two-thirds of the Wellington shareholders, it being distinctly to be understood that the Directors to be elected must hold their meetings in Nelson.

Wellington Anniversary Fetjk,.—On Saturday the customary sports in commemoration of the Anniversary (the thirteenth) of the founding of* this settlement, and of the systematic colonization of New Zealand, were duly celebrated. The former part of the day was rather unfavourable to the holiday makers, the wind blowing stifly and in sudden gusts, while frequent heavy showersinterrupted the amusements, and at one time threatened their postponement. The rain passed oil" however, and the sports came off in their order as announced by the committee. The most attractive part of the day's amusement were the sailing and boat races, which were well got up, and though perhaps there was rather more wind than suited the smaller ciaft, the races were well contested and excited a considerable degree of interest. — /Spectator, Jan. 26.

Fire at Ahuriri Mission Station. —On Saturday the 9th instant, a fire broke out in the buildings of the Church Mission Station at Ahuriri, one building detached from the rest and separated by a plantation of young fruit trees, was saved after being twice on fire; the other buildings were all burnt down, and the furniture and other property they contained to the value of about £3OO was destroyed. It is supposed that the fire must have been communicated to the buildings from the fire-place, and as the buildings were constructed of raupo, and a strong westerly wind was blowing at the time, the flames quickly spread, and in a very short time completed the work of destruction. —Hid.

Sir Harry Smith, in reviewing the militia at Guernsey last week, made use of some remarkable expressions respecting the value of citizen soldiers as a national defence. Having praised the splendid contingent before him, he thus eulogised militia in general: —" Now a word to you comrades! never has an enemy so much cause of dread as when opposed to armed citizens. History is lull of examples. Look to the Plains of La Vendee, where the armed citizens so successfully foiled Napoleon's veteran armies. Look to Algeria, where France's 450,000 men have found full employment, during many years of territorial occupation, without bringing the people to subjection. Look to Cireassia which still withstands Russia's host of 800,000. I myself have , never been so nearly foiled as when opposed to the armed peasantry. I have just returned from a long and fatiguing war, in a country where, when I have beaten them in one place, they have started up in another, with renewed vigour, to resist me. You loyal Guernseymen, would have to do and would do likewise, did the foe dare to plant his foot on your shores. Heaven grant that England may never have to repel an invader; but, if she should, and I had to take part in her defence, I would not ask to lend better soldiers than you—l call you soldiers—l would not ask to lea'd better troops than the Loyal Militia of Guernsey." It is quite needless to say that these words produced great effect on the nerves of the "soldiers," who threw off their usual excitement iu rounds of applause. Sheep Farming in the Moors and Mountains of Ireland.—ln the Summer of 1850, we visited the West of Ireland, and from the wide-spread desolation that greeted our eyes in every direction —the lands being waste—the once teeming population being all but extinct, and the major part of the landlords nearly, if not altogether, ruined, it struck us that the lirst step to a better order of things would be to employ this vast district in the production of various stock; and, in the enumeration of that most suitable to the worst description of this district, we named the Scotch blackfaced or heath sheep. Mr. R. Oliphant Pringle (now of Saintfield), took up the subject, and handled it with a master hand, for which his knowledge of the mountain districts of Scotland, and his practical knowledge of stock, eminently qualified him. The subject became one of great interest; many proprietors adopted the suggestion and carried it out with much benefit; while others, though convinced of the necessity of exerting themselves, but not having sufficient acquaintance with the matter, became the dupes of jobbers, and were furnished with inferior, coarse, and cross-bred stock, and culled ewes, which turned out anything but a profitable speculation. The question was then in its infancy, factors of character were not restored to ; and much capital was wasted, from inexperience and want of knowledge; but the time which has elapsed has given both knowledge and experience, and we are glad to say, that although some were disappointed, much ardour and enterprise has resulted from the success which has attended those who exhibited both care and judgment in making their selection; amongst whom Col. La Touche stands foremost in his superior breed of Cheviots, which have thriven so well on the mountain farm at Luggelaw, and which were sold lately, in consequence of the colonel having let those farms. The dissemination, throughout of this superior flock of Irish bred and naturalised Cheviots cannot fail of turning out of vast importance; but, from the large tracts of country still unstoeked, and extending more and more every day, from the unceasing and destructive emigration which is still pouring forth its tens of we have no doubt but that fresh importations of this and other stock will be necessary for some years. We trust, therefore, that the past experience will enable proprietors and farming capitalists to avoid the errors which eventuated in such losses as we have referred to, and induce them, where they have not time or the necessary skill themselves, to employ trustworthy factors, practically acquainted with the stocks of the best breeders, and the best markets and districts to procure suitable stock. We find an opportunity now presents itself, in Mr. Pringle giving up his whole time and attention to this matter, and becoming a general commission factor. Napoleon on Theatres. —Napoleon was very desirous of having his court a model of decorum and of morals. Lucien owned a beautiful rural mansion near Neuilly. Upon an occasion he invited Napoleon, and all the inmates of Malmaison, to attend some private theatricals at his dwelling. Lucien and Eliza were the performers in a piece called Alzira. The ardour of their declaration, the freedom of their gestures, and above all the indelicacy of the costume which they assumed, displeased Napoleon ecxeedingly. As soon as the play was over, he exclaimed, "It is a scandal! I ought not to suffer such indecencies! I will give Lucien to understand that I will have no more of it!" As soon as Lucien entered the saloon having resumed his usual dress, Napoleon addressed him before the whole company, and requested him in future to desist from all such representations. " What!" said he, " when lam endeavouring to restore purity of manner, my brother and sister must needs exhibit themselves upon a platform, almost in a state of nudity ! It is an insult!"

ELKCfioNKKKiN-o. —The following amusing extracts are from a halt-humorous, half-historical essay on " The Hustings," in the current number of the British Journal: —" Those were the times for electioneering, when the poll was kept open for fourteen days, and candidates were expected to canvass and speechify the whole time, and patiently submit to be greeted at the hustings every day with showers of rotten eggs, dead cats, mid other equally unwelcome missiles. The elections for Westminster alone —usually the head quarters of party excitement —would supply materials for an amusing book. We may talk of bribery now, but what is it—though St Alban's is not to be forgotten—to the bribery practised when troops of fair ladies, with the lovely Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, canvassed the town with their buff and blue favours I Should one most marvel at the gallantry or impudence—they are often very nearly allied, by the way —of that immortal, butcher of Clare Market, who would promise his vote but on one condition—a kiss from the fair Duchess herself 1 Surely, that scene is worthy the painter's art; her grace—forgetful of patrician pride and womanly modesty, in a transport of partisanship —embracing- the greasy roguo, while he delightedly received the highest bribe ever yet given for a patriot plumper! When, on the city hustings, a very fat candidate, popularly known by an appellation which alliterally connected his Falstaff-like belly with his gaiters, solemnly ' pledged' himself to certain measures, a fellow in the crowd cried, «You pledge yourself, indeed! Why, there's ne'er a spout in London big enough to take you up !' A more bitter retort assailed Baron Rothschild, when, at his first election, he boasted, of standing there the choice of the people. 'So stood Barabbas !' deliberately exclaimed a deep, stern voice from the crowd—a sarcasm which, for its terrible .and cruel vindictiveness, is perhaps without a parallel." There has lately been denounced to the tribunal of Corruna a man-wolf, who, upon his own confession, has been in the habit of going into the forests and killing and eating men, women, and children. He was captured in Castile. He has declared to the examining magistrate that he had two accomplices belonging to Valencia, and that they carried on a traffic with Portugal for the fat of their victims. This horrible monster added that he had killed and eaten his mother and sister. '•John Bull."—This national appellation of,an Englishman cannot be traced beyond Queen Anne's time, when an ingenerobs satire entitled the " History of John Bull" was written by the celebrated Dr. Arbutbnot, the friend of Swift, the objoct of which was to throw ridicule on thepolitics of the Spanish succession. In the plot, John Bull is the Englishman, the frog is tbe Dutchman, and Charles the 11. of Spain and Louie XV, are caljed Lord Strutt and Louis Baboon.