News of the Week.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 32, 2 September 1871, Page 11

News of the Week.

Supreme Court.—There are but four criminal cases to be tried at the sittings of the Supreme Court, to commence on Monday next. These are—Patrick Corbett, assault with intent; Patrick Conden, obtaining goods under false pretences ; Frederick Haselden, stealing a watch ; and John M'Kenzie M'Donald, murder and arson.

Sir Charles Clifford's Portrait.— This handsome addition to the ornature of the House was exposed to public gaze for the first time on Tuesday. The portrait is a faithful reflex of the profile of New Zealand's first Speaker, and is one which, might fairly be called a speaking likeness. It is enclosed in a massive but neat gilfr frame, and will prove a great feature of attraction to the legislative chamber. Tht position is perhaps the best that could be chosen, though the only visitors who ar« favored with a view are the ladies. It is placed in the old position of the clock, which has been shifted to a place under the ladies' gallery.

Rev. William Kirton.—We notice in our obituary the name of the Rev. William Kirton, the Presbyterian minister of Kaiapoi. Mr Kirton was for many years minister of the Scotch church, Lamblon Quay, where he labored with much acceptance, and his death will be deeply regretted by a large circle of friends. Mr Kirton arrived in Wellington in 1850, and officiated here some fifteen years before he removed to Kaiapoi, where he had a call, and performed his ecclesiastical duties there up to a fortnight before his death. He is to be buried at Rangiora to-day. Another death noticed in our obituary is that of Mrs Robert Richmond, of Karori, who died on Sunday night at the advanced age of 79 years. With her husband Captain Richmond, the deceased lady was among the early settlers of the province, and leaves behind her a numerous circle of descendants and friends.

Wellington Patent S;lip.—ln accordance with the Marine Act, 1867, the Governor, by intimation in the " Gazette" of Monday, intimates his approval of the plans and specifications of the new patent slip to be erected in Evans Bay by the Wellington Patent Slip Company. Native News.—A correspondent of the " Hawke's Bay Times" of the 22nd writes thus :—" Clyde, August 15, 1871. Himiona, whom I described as having surrendered to Major Cummings at the Lake, has arrived with some 40 or 50 others at Matiti.

The New Insolvency Bill.—The Insolvency Bill introduced in the Legislative Council was read a second time on Tuesday and referred to a Select Committee, whose report is to be brought up in ten days. The explanations given by the Minister of Justice as to the alterations in the aw which are contemplated by the bill will be found in our report of the parliamentary proceedings. As Mr Sewell said, the bill recommends itself in at least one particular as compared with previous acts on the same subject. While the existing act contains as many as 348 clauses, this bill consists of only 180, and, as described on Tuesday, it possesses several features which are obvious improvements upon the law as it present stands. Taranaki Steel Sand.—A gentleman who has just come to New Zealand by the Halcione paid a visit on Monday to Mount Cook Barracks, where the experimental operations under Mr Smith, the Government Armorer, are going on. Coming direct from Sheffield with ten years experience as a manager of a large steel company there, his opinion is specially valuable. When we say that he was delighted and surprised at what he saw, we are not using adequate language > to express his state of mind. Examining the ingot of steel we described the other day he pronounced it to be superior to the best English steel. He undertakes to sell 100,000 tons of it in England at an advance upon the price now ruling there, viz., £6O a ton. It is in his opinion fit for the finest kinds of cutlery. He examined the furnace, and sand, and on learning the simple process by which in two operations the same result is attained as in fourteen operations at home, he could not find words strong enough to express his surprise and pleasure. The experiment of Mr Smith is in his eyes convincing evidence that New Zealand has in the hitherto " useless sand " a mine of wealth greater than in all her goldfields. The Gole-eields Bill.—The following appears as the opening paragraph of a leading article in the -'Grey Eiver Argus :"—" In our last we announced that the Government had signified its intention of bringing in a Gold Fields Bill. On being pressed by Mr Harrison, Mr Fox evaded all explanation as to its tenor or purpose, or when it was likely to be introduced. Having the fate of the Annexation Question before him, Mr Harrison determined not to be out-generalled on this occasion, and immediately intimated his intention of putting a serious of questions to the head of the Executive which would at once bring the matter to an issue." According to the recollection of those who were present in the House when Mr Harrison's question was put, there was certainly nothing which could possibly be described as evasion of explanation, and most certainly Mr Harrison never uttered a word about " a series of questions to the head of the Executive which would at once bring the matter to an issue." It is not usual for members to retort to the replies given to their questions, and Mr Harrison broke neither rule nor silence. Missions. —We reported last week a meeting held here in connection with the Wesleyan Methodist Missionary Society. A meeting in connection with the parent society has been held at Melbourne, at which it was stated that £11,254 had been collected during the year in the colonies, and at the mission stations. Leong Ah Foo, a Chinese catechist, who has just returned from China with a Christian Chinese wife, addressed the meeting, and was followed by James Ah Ling, the founder of the Chinese Christian Church in Melbourne, both speakers being very well TfICGIVGQ Peimitite Methodist Church Soiree. —A soiree in connection with the Primitive Methodist Church, Sydney street, was held on Monday night in the Odd Fellows Hall. Notwithstanding the wetness of the evening there was a very large attendance ; two sets of tables required to be laid, every seat at each set being occupied. The tables were supplied by Mr Donecker, and were supplied to thorough satisfaction. After the tea hour, the advertised entertainment _ of the evening, oratorical and musical in its character, commenced, the Hon Major Richardson presiding. During the first part of the programme addresses were delivered by the Eev Messrs Buddie, Parkins, Pater son, and West, and no doubt others followed at a later hour in the evening. Members of the Choral Society, with Mr Flood as musical director, sang choruses and glees ; Messrs Hunter and M'lntosh performed on the clarionet; and with these and other as appropriate sources of entertainment, the soiree was, from beginning to end, a success. Banking Reform.—Mr John Bathgate, M.H.R., has given notice of the following motions for Wednesday next : " That in the opinion of this House the system and practice of banking in use among the banks carrying on business in the colony do not afford the full benefit which should accrue to the public from such institutions, and it is therefore expedient that encouragement be given for the organization and establishment of local associations as National Banks of

Issue, with such privileges and under such restrictions and regulations as may be considered adapted to the circumstances of the Colony. That this matter be referred to a Select Committee for consideration and report, with the view of immediate legislation, if advisable." Education Bill.—On Thursday night the Strangers' and Speaker's galleries were densely crowded. It was evident something of unusual interest and importance was expected. After the disposal of the Gisborne Land Bill, the Premier rose to move the second reading of the Educational Bill. He was listened to with great attention, and on sitting down, after a speech of one hour and twenty minutes, he was vociferously cheered. During the whole of his speech the attention of the House never flagged for a moment. We shall take an early opportunity nf remarking upon it. Meanwhile we may safely and without fear of contradiction _ state that this great question was worthily introduced, and that if to Mr Fox has fallen a high honor in being entrusted with the preparation of a colonial education bill, his statesmanlike, comprehend sive, and conciliatory speech on Thursday showed that he has worthily sustained it. It was quite evident from the cordial applause given to him that the House fully recognised the great labor and research and the noble enthusiasm he has brought to bear on this important and difficult question. The bill may be considered now certain to pass with amendments of no vital-character. The Legislative Council on Thursday afternoon passed the second reading of the bill authorising marriage with a deceased wife's sister by a majority of one. The Hon. Dr. Buchanan, in moving that the bill be read that day six months, made a most able and comprehensive speech. We regret that our space will not allow of its appearing in our columns. _ If further evidence were wanting of the impolicy ot the present arrangements for reporting the proceedings of both Houses of Parliament surely the fact that a measure of so great social importance, and so repugnant to the law of England, was passed, and that the arguments pro and con. are not fully before the public, should be sufficient to show to the most sceptical that some change is necessary. The public of New Zealand, we take leave to say, will be surprised at such a measure passing the more conservative of the two legislative chambers, and we expect, when the news is telegraphed, a perfect flood of petitions against it. We think that the Hon. Mr Waterhouse, instead of replying, and so closing the debate, would have done well by moving the adjournment of the debate to have avoided 'committing the higher branch of the legislature to a conclusion on a subject on which, of all others, the feelings of the majority of the people should first be ascertained. We would respectfully recommend that when the time comes he should move that it be committed that day six months. During the recess the subject would be ventilated, " Hansard's" report of the arguments on both sides would be read, and the public have an opportunity of expressing their opinion. The fact that the majority at Home in favor of the bill was less on the last than on former occasions, is sufficient to show that the necessity for such a bill is becoming more doubtful, and that its chances of being passed as an Imperial law are growing more and more remote. Mr Smythies.—-As a measure of justice to Mr H. Smythies, barrister, of Dunedin, who petitioned the House to consider hi 3 case, the Public Petitions Committee have recommended that he should be heard at the bar of the House in furtherance of his claim to be permitted to practice in the law Courts of New Zealand. Press Amateur Dramatic Club. — However judicious the members of the Press Amateur Dramatic Club may have been in their choice of the playsto be performed on Wednesday night at tiie Odd Fellows' Hall, they were exceedingly unfortunate in the evening selected for their performance. A wet day was followed by a still wetter evening, and the presence in-the city of the most brilliant dramatic stars could not be expected to have the effect of inducing people to abandon their firesides. Notwithstanding this, and the consequent meagreness of the attendance, the amateurs resolved not to postpone their performance, but presented it before a few enthusiastic ladies and gentlemen, including just one of the patrons of the entertainment, the Hon. Major Richardson. They presented it also as if they were performing to a crowded house, and before a critical audience, the result being that the performance was in every respect a success, though the attendance was so much the opposite. By all who were present most favorable comments have been passed individual acting and upon the character of the entertainment as a whole, and the distribution of these comments between this time and Friday evening should, at least, have the effect of ensuring a full house when the performance is to be repeated. Until that repetition takes place, we refrain from noticing the individual attributes of those who excelled in their amateur efforts, but we believe that there is justification for

saying that by Messrs Taylor, Mitchell, and Lennox, and by the two ladies who lent their aid to the success of the play, very considerable aptitude and ability weie shown. Small as the audience was, twice they insisted upon a call of the company before the curtain, and the performance of the farce at the dose put everyone, actor and auditor, in humor with himself and his neighbor. The same pieces, " The Farmer's Story" and " Diamond cut Diamond," was given again last evening to a very fair house. Pahautanui Cricket Clui .—A meeting was held at the Junction Hotel last week—Mr W. Tappin in the chair--~to make arrangements for the ensuing cricketing season, when this club anticipates the honor of playing agamt a Wellington eleven. Mr Thomas Bould was elected captain of the club, and Mr J. Payton was appointed as its Secretary. A very satisfactory list _of names of members was then given in, and if the club is able to secure a site for practice, it may be expected shortly to distinguish itself. . The Highways Act.—The adjourned meeting of the electors of the Hutt district was held at the Mechanics' Institute on the 21st instant, and was largely attended. The Highways Act was considered, and its various clauses discussed. The rating clause and the extended district clause were each condemned, the one as unjust, and the other as unworkable. Afterwards, the following resolutions were put from the chair, and carried unanimously :—" The electors of the Hutt having received from their representatives in the Provincial Council an explanation of the amendments on the present law, contained in the Highways Act, 1871, are of opinion—(l) That the principle of taxation on the value of land, including improvements, for the making and maintenance of local wards is unjust and unequal in a new country. (2) That the division of the province into large road districts will be found in many instances to work badly, and is quite opposed to the spirit of local management of district wards. (3) That this meeting thanks the members of the district for the stand they made against the Highways Act, and requests them to endeavor to repeal the rating clause, and to amend the clause dividing the province into large road districts ; also, that they correspond with the other districts of the province on the subject." The Cricket-ground "Committee again on Thursday, in furtherance of the object they have in view, viz., making improvements on the ground. We understand that specifications of the work proposed to be done will be ready in a few days. Taeanaki Iron Sand.—We were on Thursday shown a neat little hammer made by Mr Smith from the steel produced at the late smelting experiment. The hammer is one of the many specimens which are to be made from the Taranaki steel, and for beauty of finish, brilliancy of polish, and closeness of grain, we should think it could not be excelled by any other steel. Of course it must be remembered that the appliances at Mr Smith's command are of the rudest kind. It is only by real hard work and perseverance that he accomplishes such work. We hope to see by this time next week other finished specimens. Then we trust something will be done to forward this important work. No delay should be allowed, but every exertion made ; for every day lost is money lost, and to no small amount.

The Choral Society.—This society gave a concert in the Oddfellows' Hall on Thursday night under the patronage of his Excellency and Lady Bowen. We have only space to say that it was well attended, and that the audience had every reason co be most thoroughly satisfied with the performance of every item of a well selected programme. The Scab Bill.—lt has already been stated that a meeting of runholders was to be held in Nelson to consider the bill recently introduced into the Assembly for the purpose of preventing the spread of disease among sheep. According to a report in the " Colonist," a very strong feeling was expressed against the bill, as being quite inapplicable to such a rough and mountainous country as Marlborough, and many parts of Nelson, A memorial was prepared, petitioning against the bill, and praying that the Scab Act lately passed by the Provincial Council of Marlborough may be assented to by his Excellency the Governor, it being believed that such act is more suitable to the require ments of Nelson and Marlborough, and will tend materially to the eradication of scab in these provinces. The Inangahua Beefs.—Both in the Westport and Greymouth papers further favorable reports of these important reefs are published. The Westport paper says : —The reefs are looking remarkably well, and a magnificent sample of gold weighing seven ounces, and consisting chiefly of nuggets from ldwt to 3dwt each, was shown to us by a. gentleman just returned from Eeefton. The gold was obtained from alluvial ground immediately below Kelly's line of reef. The

township in increasing in size with won- ' deriul celerity, and bids fair in a few months to become the largest and most important inland town in the colony. The " Grey Eiver Argus" also says:—" The news from the Lyell reefs is very good ; exceedingly rich stone is reported to have been struck, and dull as no doubt these works will fall on the reader's ears, there is but little fear that the crushings, which are now quite imminent, will once more raise the spirits of the public in reference to the Nelson reefs." The Census.—The abstract of the census returns for the United Kingdom show that the population on the second day of April last amounted to 31,465,480, in the following proportions :—England and Wales, 22,704,109; Ireland, 5,302,759 ; Scotland, 3,358,613. This is an increase on the returns of April, 1861, for England and Wales, of 2,637,884, being 1,164,144 males and 1,373,740 females. The population in England and Wales is divided into 11,040,403 males and 11,663.705 females. > Colonial Railways.—We notice that in the South Australian Assembly a bill has been introduced for the construction of a railway from Lacepede Bay to Narracoorte at a cost of £3,000 per mile, and that the Victorian Government contemplate the construction of railways from Ballarat to Creswick and Clunes. Stone Crushing.—Mr J. B. Eider is exhibiting in Melbourne a stone crushing machine at Boddington's works, Queensbury street. The principle of the invention is that it has a rocking hammer with jaws with transverse and pyramidal jaws at each side. The object is to save motion power, both motions of the jaws cracking the stone, whereas in other patents one of the motions is lost. Good judges pronounce the invention to be an excellent one. Bogie Engines.—The bogie engine purchased by the Melbourne and Hobson's Bay United Railway Company, and lately noticed in the papers, has been running regularly on the line ever since its trial trip, and gives complete satisfaction. Amalgamation oe Thames Claims. — We notice by the Thames papers that the Phoenix and Star of Hope claims have been amalgamated, and that a company has been formed under the title of the New Caledonian G-oldmining Company. The capital was fixed at £7200, in 2400 shares of £3 nominal, of which £L is considered paid up. A Stranded Whale.—A large black whale has been washed ashore near the Stoney Eiver, Taranaki. Whilst they were engaged in cutting out the blubber the body of the whale turned over and fell upon one of the natives, breaking his ribs. The whale was about sixty feet long. » it j The Legal Profession. —Auckland must be a thriving place for lawyers. No less than a dozen candidates for admission to the bar notified their attention of attending an examination to be held by his Honor Chief Justice Sir G. A. Arney on Monday last. The Price of Gas.—The " Southern Cross" asserts that the price of gas in Auckland is much cheaper than in any other town in New Zealand, and that it is still more so, if the quality of light per thousand cubic feet -of gas is considered. The nett price in the other provinces is 18s per thousand, in Auckland it is 15s per thousand, or 16 per cent less. The illuminating power of the Auckland « gas is such that two burners of it consuming the same quantity of gas will give as much light as three burners of the Southern provinces. An inferior gas can easily be made by using only ordinary coal. In order to give a superior illuminating power, the Auckland company use a proportion of cannel coal, costing, in Auckland, somewhere about £4 per ton. The "Cross" adds that the nett profit to the company last year was not quite 15 per cent; that the shareholders received no dividend for a considerable time ; and that the average profit had been about eight and a half per cent. Webb's Line of Steamers. The Sydney correspondent of the "Melbourne Argus," writing on the 10th inst., says : We received, about a fortnight after the proper date, the missing mails that went cruising via New Zealand ; and Webb s line, though somewhat disarranged by the mishap to the Moses Taylor, is being vigorously maintained. Meanwhile, no advertisement has appeared as to the departure of the Wonga Wonga, andjthe omission has been of set purpose. Ihe Government has shilly-shallied so long that it was thought necessary to compel them to announce a policy, and to say either that they would or would not payover the subsidy that has been voted. There has been an interview svith Sir James Martin on the subject, and he has at last promised to pay monthly instalments at the rate of £15,000 a year, as voted by the Assembly, and also to put on the supplementary estimates a proportionate amount for the two months service prior to the vote. So far, therefore, the assistance of our Government is now secured, and it remains to be seen whether enough help can be got elsewhere to justify the maintenance of the line.