News of the Week.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 34, 16 September 1871, Page 12

News of the Week.

The long agitated question of the purchase of the reclaimed land may be said now to be definitely settled by the election of Messrs Mills, Bannatyne, and Krull to the City Council, against the non-pur-chasing candidates in each ward, namely Mantell, Carpenter, and Quin. The result of the election yesterday was as follows: ! Thorndon—Bannatyne I^6 Carpenter 92 Lambton-Mills 220 Mantell 115 TeAro—Krull 166 Hayward 163 Quin 94 Found Dead.—The Wellington police have received information from Grey town that a man, whose name is at present unknown, has been found dead in a whare at Taratahi. Desertion. —Two seamen belonging to the ship Halcione, named John Weston and John Shargo, have been sentenced to four weeks' hard labor for desertion. They were arrested near Porirua Ferry by Constable Eyan. Bazaar.—Borne of the Catholic ladies of Wellington are understood to be making preparations for a bazaar to be held early in October, in aid of the Orphanage Fund. Death of Mrs Buckland.—lnformation of the death of Mrs Buckland, wife of Mr Buckland, M.H.E., was received in Wellington about a week ago, but was not published. Auckland papers < since received contain a report of the evidence at an inquest held as to the cause of death. From that report it appears that the deceased lady had for some time been in a low state of physical and mental health, and that she had been found dead in bed one morning, from the effect of injuries self-inflicted with a pair of scissors. The verdict was to that effect, and that the injuries were inflicted when the deceased was of unsound mind. Mr Buckland proceeded to Auckland by the first steamer which sailed from Wellington after the receipt of the painful news. The Budget.—On Tuesday night, long before the usual hour of meeting, the House was crammed in every part—strangers', Speaker's, ladies', and reporters' galleries being inconveniently overcrowded. Throughout the delivery the utmost attention prevailed, and the remarks about simplyfying provincial institutions, reductions in Government expenditure, laying down the principles on which railways should be made, and abolishing provincial charges, elicited vociferous cheering from all parts of the House. The gloomy reports industriously circulated by opposition journals, and telegraphed throughout the colony, were good-naturedly referred to, and the whole House seemed agreeably surprised at learning the case of the colony was not so desperate as to require the desperate remedies that had been foreboded. Purchase of the Seventy Mile Bush. —The following telegram was received on Tuesday from Masterton by the Hon. D. M'Lean -.—The whole block has passed the Court. One hundred and fifty thousand acres with Crown Grants, and about fifty thousand acres with tribal title. All the names for the Granted blooks will not be handed in before tomorrow morning. The Court will close to-morrow. —S. Locke. Public Recreation Ground. A scheme which deserves public support is at present being promoted by several gentlemen representing the cricket clubs, and by others who have, through their instigation, given towards it liberal subscriptions. We refer to the project of improving and embellishing the basin reserve, Te Aro Flat, as a place of general recreation, including a cricket ground. At present the ground is swampy and otherwise unsuitable for a cricket ground, but if the plan which has been submitted to us be carried out, a good cricket ground will be procured, and a valuable addition made to the few facili-1 ties which Wellington possesses for public recreation. What is now required is I a sum to supplement the amount contri-

buted by the cricket clubs, and it is to be hoped that that sum will soon be supplied. The gentlemen who have prominently interested themselves in the matter are Messrs Bromley, M'Donald, Marchant, Dixon, Howard, Henderson, and Mills, and through them every information will, no doubt, be attained to the suggested improvements and their probable costs. M'Donald. —The sentence of death passed upon M'Donald at the late sitting of the Supreme Court has been commuted to imprisonment for life. A Meeting of the Wellington Philosophical Society will be held at the Museum on the evening of Saturday next the 16th, and the President's annual address to the Institute will be delivered by His Excellency Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., on Saturday, the 23rd instant. Found Dead. —News has been received in town of the body of a young man named Lockhart having been found near Castle Point. The deceased, who only recently arrived in the colony, was wellconnected at home, his brother "being Lord-Lieutenant of one of the Scottish counties.

Baker's Hill.—Messrs O'Neill and Brown, members of the House of Representatives, deputed by one of the Select Committees, visited Baker's Hill on Tuesday with a view to obtaining ocular evidence as to the justice of protests made by shareholders in gold mining claims there, against the appropriation of the waters of a local stream for the proposed water works for the city. Mr Gell, manager of one of the companies, drove out with them, and a number of other gentlemen made the occasion the excuse for a trip into the country. On arriving at the ground, Mr O'Neill and Mr Brown visited the Baker's Hill and Golden Crown claims, from both of which some of the auriferous stone or cement was taken, pounded, and washed, and we understand that the experiment was highly satisfactory by demonstrating that there was a large proportion of fine gold in the stuff obtained from both claims. This and other evidence of the auriferous character of the district, and the evidence obtainable as to the supply of water, will of course be considered by the committee and the House, in arriving at any decision as to the proposed diversion of the stream.

Masterton Flax Company.—A meeting of this company was held on Tuesday, when Messrs F. A. Krull, Gilligan, and H. Bannister were elected directors, with power to confer and conclude arrangements with Mr Eikys, and to commence operations as soon as circumstances permit them.

Accident. —A serious accident happened to a person named Patterson on Monday in the neighborhood of the Odd Fellows' Hall. While the dray was in motion he foolishly attempted to lift some goods off the dray, and while doing so his foot slipped, and the wheel of the dray passed over his chest. He was at once removed to the Hospital, but we have not learnt the extent of the injuries sustained. New Tkade to San Fbancisco.—Our readers will remember that we reported a shipment of Dunedin colonial ale (Wilson and Birch's) by the Nevada, on her first return trip to San Francisco. From the •'Otago Daily Times" we learn that Messrs Wilson and Birch have received advices by last mail that their consignment soon found a buyer. _ The ale is of excellent quality, has attained some age, and is in first-rate condition, so that it is not surprising that it has been thoroughly appreciated in San Francisco. Notwithstanding the heavy import duty of 6d per gallon, which is levied on this article in America, there is every prospect of a trade in it being carried on with New Zealand.

A Tartee.— On Monday morning, Mrs Brady, whose husband was, until recently a constable in the police force, applied to Mr J. C. Crawford, E.M., for advice in the absence of support from her husband, who she alleged had left her without making proper provision for her. The magistrate suggested that she should take out a summons, but this was too mild a course; the case was one requiring a desperate remedy, and having, no doubt, vivid recollections of Mr Brady's fireside recitals of speedy capture and summary justice, nothing short of that gentleman's reappearance in custody of an officer of the court would satisfy Mrs Brady. _ # She denounced the law and the authorities in vehement language, but at last consented to the issue of a summons for the reappearance of the departed Brady. Mr Baker was about to make out the document, when a change came o'er the spirit of her dream, and thinking of the aforesaid recitals, imagined this was merely a trap to procure her committal to gaol. She then gave full expression to her termagant tones, and departed from the court full of indignation at everybody and everything, Mr Brady in particular. Lectuee on Education. —The sixth of the course of lectures was delivered on Monday evening in the Presbyterian Church, Willis street, by Mr Hislop, on " Family and School Education." There was a full attendance. The chair was occupied by Archdeacon Stock, who in a few appropri-

ate words introduced the lecturer. The lecture was a very able, interesting, and instructive one, full of wisdom and good counsel as to the right training and educating of children. In the introductory part of his subject the lecturer marked out very clearly and forcibly the distinction between man and the lower animals —the latter being guided by instinct, and never advancing beyond the point to which instinct leads them ; the former alone being capable of education in the true sense of that term. He also showed that man is a complex being, consisting of body, mind, and soul, and that true education is the development and cultivating of each and all so as to produce a sound, healthy state of his physical, mental, and moral constitution. The true end of education is the formation of character, —of right mental and moral habits. This end cannot be attained by mere secular teaching. You cannot form the character, or develop the whole mental and moral being simply by teaching the three " E's," or indeed by any amount or variety of mere secular knowledge. Indeed, knowledge of any kind is not the end, but only a means of education ; moral and religious influences are required to train and develop the whole being, and form a completely educated man. These influences are first, and most powerfully, exerted in the home by the parents and those with whom the children are most brought in contact. Mr Hislop dwelt with much truth and force on the mother's influence in moulding the character and directing the life of the child. Some admirable hints were given as to the relative duties and responsibilities of parents and teachers in regard to the school education. Altogether the lecture was a most interesting and instructive one for both young and old, and very seasonable at the present time, when the subject of education is being so much discussed. After the usual vote of thanks which was heartily given, the Rev Mr Paterson intimated that the next lecture of the course would be delivered by Dr Hector on the 25th instant.

Found Deowned.—On Thursday the decomposed and mutilated body of a boy was found in the sea near the wharf, and in the afternoon an inquest was held by the coroner, Dr Johnston, at the Pier Hotel. It was by some remnants of clothing identified as the body of a boy named Walter Harris, who has been missing for several weeks, and the following evidence was given as to the circumstances under which he had probably lost his life : _J. A. Willett, a lad 15 years of age, said about three weeks ago he was on board the barque Haversham, close to the wharf, and he saw the deceased go down underneath the wharf to wash his face. He asked witness to go with him, but he would not. Witness did not see him again; he thought it wa3 all right, and that he had gone home. Witness had been called away, and he, for the time, forgot all about him, so he did not know whether he came up or not. He heard next morning that Harris was missing. William Harris, the next witness, said on the 21st of August his nephew, Walter, who lived with him, left home between 9 and 10 o'clock, ostensibly to go to school. As did not come home that evening, witness went to look for him on board the Haversham, the cook on board which he knew; but he was told the boy had left there about half-past three o'clock with Willett. The vessel was searched by the police and other persons, but the boy was not seen since. He searched about town till four o'clock next morning. He came to the conclusion he was drowned, and he had searched all round the bays since. He identified the body by the clothes and boots. The evidence of William Ashbridge as to some shout which he heard nnderneath the wharf on the 21st of August was given. He thought it was from some boys skylarking down there, and paid no attention to it. The jury returned a verdict of "accidental drowning," with a rider that some steps should be taken by the Provincial Council to prevent boys from fishing and playing under the wharf.

New Zealand Birch.—A Woodside correspondent, " S. E.," writes to us : One who is experienced, Mr George Allen, has stated through your columns that birch is most durable, in salt water excepted. I have heard that the woods of New Zealand have been tested for strength, and that birch has been proved to be the strongest wood in this Colony. It is certain that there is an immense quantity of birch on the hills in this province, which from size would generally only yield sleepers. If strong and not durable, it could be rendered lasting by being " kyanised" or put under some other simple process, by which durability is given to woods in Europe in those days. The demand for sleepers in Europe and India must always be very great for construction and replacing in connection with railways. Ships going to India might take loading of birch sleepers at a very moderate freight, and to England the wool ships might take them as ballast. Would it not be well to send a few hundred of birch sleepers to England the coming wool season to test the suitability

' and their market probability. Should they be adopted, then a timber that not only now is profitless, but costly to destroy, would be found clothing our hills with the best crop they will ever sustain, and to yield an important addition to our export trade. Defences of the Colony.—On Ihursday, in the Legislative Council, the Hon. Col Brett moved " That a select committee be appointed to consider and report upon the subject of the defences of the colony, with power to conduct their proceedings in conjunction with any similar committee of the House of Eepresentatives." There was a somewhat lengthy and discursive discussion, during which an amendment was proposed by the Hon Colonel Eussell, to the effect that his Excellency be requested to appoint a commission to coneider and report upon the subject. The Hon. Colonel Brett accepted the amendment, and it was agreed to by the Council. The Fatal Accident at Kekekangu. —We learn from the " Marlborough Express" that on Wednesday last an inquest was held at Kekerangu by Dr Williams, coroner, upon the body of Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Mr Lovegrove. The evidence, which was brief, was to the following effect:—Mr Lovegrove was engaged in erecting a fence on the previous Monday evening, and about 5 p.m. deceased, who had been with him left to go home, having her younger brother with her. Some quarter-hour after they left, talking together, he heard the boy scream, and saw him run along the fence, but thinking that his sister had run away from him, and that he was running after, he took no notice, but finished his work for the evening, and returned towards home. His attention was then called to something being wrong, and seeing persons running towards the river, and hearing sounds of distress he immediately ran down also, in company with David West, and J. Lyford, to the Bluff, from whence the boy's screams proceeded. There he found deceased, and picked her up quite dead, and carried her to the house, where, on undressing her, he found the body much bruised, and her neck broken. She had fallen from the top of the cliff, about 30 feet high, while collecting flax-stalks for her brother and sister to play with, one of which was found with the body. It is supposed that her dress had caught the fence, which is near to the edge of the cliff, and it had caused her to fall over. The verdict was that she came to her death by accident. The Wellington Volunteers.— Lieut-Colonel Harington, in his annual report upon the Militia and Volunteers, which has just been presented to the Assembly, has the following remarks upon the efficiency of the Wellington Volunteer corps:—l am glad to be able to report upon the regular attendance of the members of the various corps, which has resulted in a marked improvement in the drill and efficiency of the old corps, whilst the new ones have made very fair progress. The total of efficients is 765, out of 803 enrolled members. The Artillery are a very creditable corps, both in appearance and general efficiency. Their attendance is regular, and the way in which they work their guns shows that the members all take an interest and pride in their drill. The shot and shell practice was good. The country corps, including those at the Hutt, deserve especial mention, as they attend with great regularity, notwithstanding the distances they have to come to their respective parades, and Lieut-Colonel Eeader reports that it is quite the exception to have any absentees from the monthly inspection. In point of drill, many of the older corps compare favorably with those in other districts which are similarly situated. Their arms generally are in very good order, and several of the corps have provided themselves with the new regulation uniform, which is serviceable, and adds much to their appearance. Only a portion of the Artillery, and one of the town companies, have been through a course of class firing, but it must be borne in mind that nearly all the corps of this district are composed of country settlers, who can ill afford the time necessary for this purpose. Education Bill. —In the House on Thursday night Mr Fox delivered his reply to the arguments adduced in favor of and against this bill, intimating at the same time the points which the Government would accept, and which they would reject. If the bill were so shaped in committee that the Government could not accept it they would withdraw it altogether, so as to give .opportunity for a full discussion of its principles by the people of the country during the recess. The bill was read a second time, and the time for going into committee appointed for Friday week at half-past seven o'clock. The essential points of Mr Fox's reply will appear in our issue of to-morrow. General Lunatic Asylum.—The Hon Dr. Buehanan, a few days ago, introduced into the Legislative Council a motion on the subject of a general lunatic asylum for the colony. A select committee was appointed to report on the subject, and yesterday Dr. Buchanan proposed two motions which, with an amendment sug-

gested by Mr Sewell, and an addition made by the mover, were passed in the following form :—l. That, in the opinion of this Council, a medical officer should be appointed to visit and report upou the various lunatic asylums of the colony. 2. That the Government be requested to take the necessary steps for the establishment of a general lunatic asylum in some desirable and central locality, and also to undertake the control and management of all the asylums in New Zealand. The Hon Dr Menzies suggested that the Government should be asked simply to inspect, and not to control and manage the asylums, but he proposed no amendment, and the motion was passed as proposed by the Hon Dr Buchanan. Religious and Charitable Trusts. — Wednesday, in the Legislative Council, the Minister of Justice (the Hon Mr Sewell) introduced a bill to make better provision for the administration of religious and charitable trusts. He referred to the bill as one which had been introduced into the other branch of the Legislature, but which it was thought more convenient at present to introduce into the Council, and he thought that if hon members read the report of the commissioners who had investigated the subject they would be satisfied that some legislative interposition was required. Leave was given to introduce the bill, and the second reading was appointed for Tuesday next. Tbe Hon Mr Ackland, after a discussion as to whether the bill was a private or public one, obtained leave to introduce a bill to amend the Bishop of New Zealand's Trusts Acts, 1858 and 1868, and the Religious, Charitable, and Educational Trusts Act Amendment Act, 1865. He also obtained leave to introduce a bill to authorise bishops in New Zealand by letters patent to convey certain hereditaments to trustees to be appointed in that behalf in each diocese, by the synod of such diocese.

Foeeign Insurance Companies.—ln the Legislative Council, the Hon. Mr Waterhouse has given notice of a motion to the following effect:—That an address be presented to His Excellency the Governor, requesting that he will cause to be prepared a bill providing for the safety of insurers in foreign insurance offices. by requiring—lst. That all foreign insurance companies shall be required to invest a certain specified sum in the public securities of the colony, and to deposit the same in ths hands of the Colonial Treasurer. 2nd. That all premiums received shall be invested in the colony, and constitute a fund specially applicable in the first instance to the payment of colonial liabilities. Entertainment at the Upper Hutt.—A very pleasant evening was spent last week by the inhabitants of the Tipper Hutt. About two hundred assembled in the schoolroom, which was, therefore, quite full, and for two hours and a half were entertained with readings, music, and songs. Some part songs were given by an amateur choir, and Mr Marriott, of Wellington, contributed in no small degree to the pleasure of the evening by singing many of his well-known songs. The proceeds, considerably over £3, were given towards the cost of lining the schoolroom. We are glad to know that this is not the first or the only meeting of a similar kind in the above named loeality, as Penny Readings are given every other Tuesday, accompanied by music. Fatal Accident.—We hear that, on Thursday last, a boy named James Dunn, who, with his mother, was staying at the house of Mr Rolf, Rangitikei, fell into a boiler of boiling water, and received such injuries that he died on the following day. An inquest was held at the Court House, Rangitikei, on Saturday last, and a verdict of " accidental death " was returned. Accident. —An accident of a somewhat serious character took place on Saturday, about mid-day. From some unexplined cause the horse attached to Phillips's express took fright while the conveyance was being loaded at Gibson's store, Featherston street. Phillips made an attempt to stop the horse, but was knocked down, receiving some severe bruises, the left side of his face being much lacerated and his arm sprained at the elbow joint. It was at first supposed that the limb was broken, but subsequent examination proved this not to be the case. The animal dashed furiously along the Custom House Quay, and coming into contact with Williams's express made a complete wreck of it, both shafts in Phillips's express being broken. At this stage in his career the horse was secured, and further damage prevented. Additional Australian News.—The following items of Australian news, received by the Tararua, are supplementary to those published by us on Saturday:— The experimental trip of the Cerberus successfully demonstrates the capabilities of the ship and the practicability of the turrets and guns.—The Ministerial banquet a,t Geelong was a great success. —A murderous assault by a European on two Chinamen is reported in the Ovens district. One was killed, and the other seriously injured. The Derby horse Marquis has arrived by the Newcastle. The steeplechaser Dutchman has been seat to England by the Lincolnshire.—

In the action, Dixon against the "Herald" proprietary for libel, the verdict was for the defendants.—Mr Lewis, Independent minister, died in England.—The schooner Hector has been raised.—Advices have been received relative to the Supple case, but the Government is reticent. It is believed that the Executive will deal with the ease, and will probably order imprisonment for life. Warrior is the favorite for the cup.—The barque King Oscar was dismasted off Cape Otway.— The Saxonia, ashore at Bradley's Head, New South Wales, was got. off with but slight injury.—A new goldfield has been opened at Tambaroona.—There has been a tremendous fire at Brisbane. The Charleston Meeting.—lt was recently reported by telegraph that at a meeting of Roman Catholics at Charleston resolutions were passed approving of denominational education, and censuring the member for the district, Mr>E. J. O'Conor, for his absence from the House. We have receivod local papers containing a full report of the proceedings. It deserves quotation, as an illustration of the vigor of public feeling and language in Charleston, but in this number we can only quote one or two expressions used on the occasion. The Rev Father Walsh, who was the chairman, said he had heard it mentioned as desirable that notice should be taken of the conduct of Mr O'Conor, "who had been elected by the Catholic vote." Mr Piggot " considered it would not be over harsh to say that Mr O'Conor was a traitor to them and a renegade to his God." Mr Shapter thought that Mr O'Conor did not deserve even the courtesy of being written to, but Mr Dwan thought it would be better to " soap" him, for he was " the lion of the tribe of Judah.'' He proposed he should be written to, but the meeting resolved to call upon Mr O'Conor to proceed to Wellington or resign.

Snow-pall.—The heaviest fall of snow that has taken place in Dunedin for two or three years, occurred on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. The landscape in the early morning was a thoroughly wintry one, the streets, houses, and hills in the distance being covered with snow. In Memoriam.—The Hon. William Robinson, Mrs Robinson, and the Misses Robinson have erected in the Catholic Cemetery, Christchurch, a very handsome headstone at the grave of Margaret Burke, who was murdered by Cedeno in January last. Golden Crown Goldmining Company.—Mr Gill has shown us a specimen of gold obtained from this company's claim at Baker's Hill last week. The gold, quicksilver, and iron sand have been all run together in a crucible. It was obtained from 1 cwt of stone, and it is estimated that it would run about 1% ozs to the ton. An Earnest Volunteer.—The Chief Warder of Hokitika gaol has resigned his appointment in consequence of the Council having adopted the recommendation of the departmental committee, that the warders of the gaol should not be permitted to be members of the volunteer force. Surveys eor the Native Lands Court.—The surveyors employed in the preparation of maps and plans for the Native Lands Court, says the " Wanganui Chronicle," make a complaint against the Survey Office in Wellington, which should be known to Mr Jackson, as it may admit of removal or explanation. The surveyors say that their maps, after being kept from month to month in Wellington, are at last returned to them for the correction, as a general rule, of some trifling technical error, to which of course there is no objection; but they are returned at a period so near to the sitting of the court (Mr Judge Smith, for example, brought a number of them with himself on this occasion), that the required corrections cannot be made in time to have the maps certified and passed by the court, and thus the surveyors lose their lien on the Crown grants for payment, and are but too likely to lose their payment altogether. We state the facts as they have been put before us, and they should be duly considered with the view of being remedied.

The Kakamea.—This important auriferous district of Nelson province is at present being visited by MrDobson, the Provincial Engineer, with a view to the construction of a road from Mokihinui to West Wanganui—localities where both coal and gold have been found. Where the digestive powers are so weak as to cause imperfect Assimilation, and in many cases laying the foundation for Counsumption and Wasting, the use of Savory & Moores's Pancreatic Emulsion and Pancreatine, already so highly approved by the Medical faculty, will be found among the most potent remedial agents ; they effect the digestion of Cod Liver Oil and prevent nausea, while they efficiently supply the place o fthe oil when the stomach rejects it. These facts are attested by the published records of medical men, extracts from which accompany each bottle, price from 2s to 21s. Savory & Moore, 143, New Bond Street, London, and all Chemists. Note—Savory & Moore's name and trade mark on each bottle. April 22,1871. 52w.