Town News.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 233, 26 February 1876, Page 14

Town News.

Mr. W. H. Reynolds, ex-Commissioner of Customs, was a passenger by the Ringarooma on Sunday, en route for Otago. His Worship the Mayor on Monday sent a congratulatory message to the Lord Mayoi of London per cable. Mr. Edward Pearce has • been appointed Wellington agent for the London Guarantee and Accident Company, Limited. On Wednesday the cable messages transmitted were 41 outwards and 68 inwards, making a total of 109. On the 21st the numbers were 39 outwards and 54 inwards, making a total of 93. The cable between New Zealand and Australia was on Monday thrown open to the public, and business during the day was pretty brisk. Amongst the first were congratulatory messages sent by his Excellency the Governor and the Ministry to the Governor and Ministry m New South Wales. The following tenders were received at the Public Works office, Wellington, for section No. 4of the Thames Water-race AcceptedWilliam Sims, Graliamstown, £6785. Declined —James Heron, Graliamstown, £{olt, Wm. Toughy, Graliamstown, £7238 ; A. and G. Price, Grahamstown, £7729 ; Alex. Smith, Grahamstown, £8625. * The following tenders have been received by the Public Works department for the contract (formation and permanent way) of the Mount Rochfort Railway Accepted— John Henderson, Wellington, £33,573 10s. Declined—R- W. Humphrey, Westport, £35 938 • Thomas Kerr and Co., Hokitika, £36*988 ; Edward Butler and . Michael Bremmer, Greymoutli, 37,753 ; David foot, Dunedin, £38,967. A New Zealand Gazette was issued on Thursday It contains :—Proclamation regarding negotiations for certain native lands ; appointment of Oddfellow’s Hall instead of Mechanics’ Institute to be the place for the sittings of the District Court at Timaru ; reservations of land for railway purposes in the provinces of Otago and Wellington ; scale of charges for Milroy’s wharf, Patea ; notice of withdrawal of reservation of certain native lands in the province of Taranaki, &c. Messrs. Bethune and Hunteron Monday held an important sale of land. -354 acres of land, with buildings and other improvements, as advertised, sold at the rate of £8 per acre. Three sections of lcind on tlie itecl&imed licind 5 under lease, Nos. 141, 142, and 143, sold subject to conditions of lease from City Council for a period of nearly forty-two years, brought a bonus of £SOO. Three sections of land, Nos. 106, 107, and 108, held on same terms and conditions, brought a bonus of £605. Town acre No. 176, Sanson, fetched £l3. The other properties did nob appear to reach the reserve prices, and were mostly bought in. The nomination of candidates for the office of City Auditors took place on Monday. The following were the nomination : —T. K. McDonald, proposed by J. E. Nathan, Hon. Robert Hart T. J. Johns, and twenty-seven others ; John Rigg, proposed by Joseph Gascoigne, Owen Daly, J. Osgood, and two others; Samuel Carroll, proposed by W. Capper, C. Trmgham, and A. Rowden ; C. H. Ellaby, proposed, by J. E. Nathan, E. W. Mills, and J. H. Tribe , G. M. Kebbell, proposed by Walter Johnston C. Seager, and W. H. Quick. The poll takes place on Ist March. The fresh breeze which sprung up during Saturday afternoon proved rather inconvenient to five young men who had gone out fishing in a small boat. They were driven down from Point Jerningham to Worser Bay, and the spray from the heavy waves breaking not only gave the fishermen a thorough wetting but halEfilled the boat. The boat was sighted from the ketch Falcon which was beating up at the time, and Capt. Fisk immediately bore up to offer assistance. The boat was taken in tow and the occupants ‘transferred to the «h ] P) when they expressed their deep gratitude to Captain Fisk for his timely assistance.

4. money order and saving’s bank office will be opened at Waverley, in this province, from the Ist of March next.

Henry John Knowles has been appointed a cadet in the Government Insurance department, the appointment to date from the first proximo. A man was killed at Mungaroa on Thursday by a fall of earth. A constable was despatched from Wellington the same evening to make inquiries. Mr. Sutherland, one of the Government Inspectors on the Wellington and Masterton line, has recovered from the accident by which his collarbone was broken, and is now able to resume his duties.

Mr Edwards, the pedestrian, intends settling in Wellington. At the Resident Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday he applied for and obtained the license of the Waterloo Hotel, formerly held by Mrs. Bockett.

The Volunteer representatives from Southern districts arrived here per Ladybird. . Those from the North arrived by the Wellington. They have all left per Manawatu and Rangatira for Wanganui on Tuesday. A man named Kenny fell down in a fit on Lambton-quay on Tuesday afternoon, opposite Messrs Lyon and Blair’s. On recovering he yelled and cried to an extent that roused the neighborhood. He was taken home in a cab tinder charge of a constable. We understand that Mr. E. W. Mills, of the Lion Foundry, has consented to allow Mr. Thomas the use of machinery at the foundry for the purpose of carrying, on experiments in testing the iron sand from Taranald, and Mr. Thomas hopes to avail himself of the privilege within four weeks. Mr. E. Thomas, an old Cornish miner, well known on the Auckland goldfields, had an interview with the directors of the Titanic Steel Company on Saturday. Mr. Thomas submitted certain proposals for the treatment of ores, based upon recent practical experiments, which are now under the consideration of the directors.

The Rev. Mr. Still, a missionary from Norfolk Island, head quarters of the Melanesian mission, is now on a tour through the colony blithe purpose of giving information as to the progress of the mission work during the past year. He preached at St. Paul’s Church yesterday morning, and in the afternoon attended the Sunday-school connected with the church, ana gave a very interesting address to the children. It may be stated that the school contributes sufficient to support one child, and a girl is set apart as the St. Paul’s scholar. A meeting of ratepayers and parents of children was held in the sideroom of the Odd Fellows’ Hall on Wednesday, for the purpose of electing a local committee for the Terrace school. There were about forty persons present, Mr. Gisborne in the chair. The following gentlemen wei-e nominated .: — Messrs. Burne, Moeller, Mclntyre, Baird, Diver, Blair, Lindsay, Toxward, B. Smith, Worth, and Macdonald ; and from these the following were elected a local committee:—Messrs. Burne, Knowles, Lindsay, Baird, and Dr. Diver. A vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the proceedings. The Stormbird made an excursion trip to the Heads on Saturday afternoon, starting at. half - past two o’clock. The day being beautifully fine and the water smooth, a good number of persons were induced to patronise this favorite little steamer, and a most enjoyable afternoon was spent, those on board passing the time by fishing while the steamer was stationary; and as the cabin was not unpossessed of medical comforts, they were enabled to vary the entertainment as they felt disposed, a course of proceeding out of which there is to be derived much tranquil joy. The Stormbird returned to the wharf at about halfpast six o’clock. The Tui also went for a trip, being engaged by a private party. A correspondent calls attention to the fact that on Sunday for the first time the general practice of observing the Sabbath on the wharf was broken. Early in the morning the Ringarooma discharged a large quantity of cargo, and for the rest of the day men were engaged with trucks in wheeling it up to the receiving store and there stowing it. We believe that the Ringarooma would have arrived in port on Saturday sufficiently early to allow of the discharge and stowage of her cargo had it not been for an unexpected detention at Nelson, and perhaps this partially excuses the violation of the Sabbath. However, we hope this will not be taken for a precedent, as men employed on steamers and on the wharves have as much right to one day in the week as any other class. But although the goods were yesterday landed, they might well have been left on the wharf for the night. A tarpaulin or two would have protected them from injury by reason of the weather, and as a watchman is employed to take care of goods at night, there need have been no fear of thieves. The yacht Xarifa escaped coming to grief on Sunday night. This is how it happened. Being anchored out in the harbor considerably to the north of the Shakspere, she dragged her anchor and was drifting on to Te Aro shore fast, when she was seen by those on board of the barque Edwin Bassett, Captain Foster. A boat was lowered, and the chief and second mate pulled for the fast drifting yacht. Arriving on board, they let go the second anchor, and paid out more chain on the other, and this succeeded in bringing her up within about 100 yards of the rocks. Ten minutes more and the yacht must have become a wreck. The two men—Messrs. Wood and Kelly—slept on board all night, and in the morning took the yacht back to the old anchorage. That the Xarifa was rescued from destruction is a circumstance for which the owner will feel very thankful. Indeed, all who know the boat would have experienced regret had she come to grief ; and too much praise cannot be accorded to the men who exerted themselves to secure her safety.

The Secretary of the Wellington Benevolent Institution acknowledges with thanks the receipt of £l, sent by “ Eros” as a valentine. It is the intention of the City Council to use blocks of asphalte in the construction of footpaths. They are similar in shape and size to ordinary flags, and it is hoped will prove to be more endurable than the asphalte as at present used has been found. On Monday we were shown photographs of the address to Sir Julius Vogel, and they certainly do the artist, Mr. Bragg, great credit. The writing is brought out plainly, as is the minutest detail of ornamentation. There will likely be a considerable demand for these Ca Mr. Black, coachbuilder, has turned . out a large quantity of work _ since . the Christmas holidays, and is now executing a number of orders for carriages of all descriptions. Among the completed works is an exceedingly handsome little buggy —one of the prettiest vehicles of its class, indeed, that we have seen. It is made to carry two persons, and can be drawn by either one or two horses, as fancy may direct. A largely attended meeting of the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners was held at Collins’ Albion Hotel on Monday evening. The usual routine business was transacted, and an animated discussion on trade matters took place. Several new members and an honorai-y member "were enrolled, and a large shipment of account and other books were received, having come from the headquarters oi the society in England. The children attending St. Paul’s Church Sunday-school and those attending the Thorndon day-school were on Thursday feted. They assembled at the school early in the afternoon, and then marched down to the railway station, and were packed into about a dozen trucks and carriages and whirled away to the Hutt. Here a very pleasant afternoon was spent - plenty of means of amusement, with an apparently illimitable supply of good things in the shape of refreshments, were provided. The party returned between six and seven, and in the evening again assembled at the school, and the ever popular magic lantern was exhibited to them.

A Maori wedding took place on Monday, the bride being a daughter of the Hon. Wi Tako, and the bridegroom Taniora Tanerau. Everything was done according to the orthodox European fashion. The bride and her maids, three in number, were all dressed very tastefully, and quite a gay party proceeded to church in the carriages. The ceremony took place. at St. Peter’s, the Ven. Archdeacon Stock reading the service in the Maori language. After the wedding the party returned to the residence of the Hon. Wi Tako, where an excellent breakfast had been laid out. The speechifying incidental to such occasions was indulged in, and then the newly wedded pair started out in a carriage for the Hutt. The event created no small stir amongst the Maoris of the pro vince, for the bridegroom is the son of a chief in the other island of as great repute as Wi Tako. TheHutt was the scene of the greatest festivity, and we are informed that the fun and feasting was worth seeing.

We have been informed that letters patent, under the hand of his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, Most Worshipful Grand Master of the ancient fraternity of Freemasons iu England, have been received by this mail, appointing- Sir Donald McLean, K.G.M.G., District Grand Master for the North Island of New Zealand. A want long felt by Masons hailing under the English constitution, residing in the North Island, will now be satisfied, and prosperity will doubtless flow from the unity among the various lodges now to be attaine'd. For many years past District Grand Lodges under the sister constitutions have been in existence in the Middle Island of New Zealand, and it is remarkable that in the older part of the colony English Masons should not have recognised ere this the advantage and necessity of a District Grand Lodge. Wb cordially congratulate the members of the craft, and especially those of the N.Z. Pacific Lodge, upon the ratification of their choice of a brother so distinguished and. generally esteemed, to fill the highest masonic office in this island. As we mentioned in our last issue as probable, the case Turnbull and Others v. Owners of Strathnaver was heard in. December last in the Privy Council. It will be remembered that the decree of Mr. Justice Johnston in the Vice-Admiralty Court of New Zealand was a decree against Messrs. Turnbull and Co., on the claim for salvage, and also that Messrs. Turnbull and Co. should pay to the owners of the Strathnaver £6OO for detention or demurrage, and that they should also pay all costs. Mr. Gordon Adlan, who appeared for Messrs. Turnbull and Co. (Mr. Travers being on the other side), advised his clients to appeal against this decree, and the result, of the appeal is as follows :—As to the question of salvage, the Privy Council will not consider whether the Judge was correct or not in refusing salvage. As the question was a matter of evidence,°and as the -witnesses were before the Judge, he would have the. best opportunity of coming to a righteous decision in the matter. As to the towage question, the Court could find no precedent for granting towage services when money had not been paid into court by the defendant as for towage services. As to the £6OO for demurrage, the Court decided for Messrs. Turnbull and Co., as no such claim could under the circumstances be allowed. The Court decided that each party should pay his own costs of appeal. Turnbull an o. to pay defendant’s costs incurred y e claim for salvage in the Court below; the owners of the Strathnaver to pay urn u and Co’s costs in the Court below, incurred by the claim for demurrage. Sir K. Phillimore gave the judgment; engaged were “Abater'; foi SspoJdentS Mr. Butt, Q.C.; Mr. Colien, Q.C.; and Mr. E. C. Clarkson.

The inhabitants of Wellington availed themselves of the water supply on Tuesday liberally, to say the least of it. From 6 p.m. on Monday to 6 p.m. on Tuesday 485,000 gallons were consumed; or, in other words, upwards of 50 gallons per head of population within the district supplied.

Excursionists to Blenheim have a cause of complaint against the railway authorities, in that they were charged full fare from Picton to Blenheim, there being no second-class carriages on the up trip. It is usual on festive occasions of the kind to reduce the fares ; but in this particular instance, the railway people evidently determined to “make hay while the sun shone.”

On Friday afternoon a woman named McLaggan was seen by Constable McWilliam to fall down in a fit on Lambton-quay. He procured a cab and had her conveyed to the hospital, where every attention was paid to her, but it was some time before consciousness was restored. She is a very respectable woman, and with her husband occasionally brings vegetables into town.

An accident happened to'Mr. David Kinniburgh on Friday morning, of a nature so serious that it is feared he may not recover. Mr. Kinniburgh is a carpenter, and whilst employed on a building in Tory-street early on Friday morning fell a distance of some 10 or 11 feet from a scantling. When picked up he was suffering acutely, and on being taken home was attended by two medical gentlemen. He is still lingering, but not expected to recover.

On Wednesday the Sunday-school children of Karori and Makara received their annual treat at Mr. Donald’s tea gardens, Karori. The children to the number of ninety-three assembled at 12 o’clock at St. Matthew’s Church, Karori, and after a short service, they were addressed by the Kev. J. A. Hewitt, of Johnsonville. This concluded, they were marched in procession to the gardens, where they enjoyed all kinds of sports and games, and were bountifully supplied with cakes and refreshments provided by the ladies. At 3 o’clock a large Christmas tree, lavishly and tastefully decorated, was displayed to the delighted eyes of the children, and the work of distribution commenced.

A misfortune befel a cart belonging to Mr. Gear on Monday. The cart was in Cubastreet, when the horse ran away, and to do him justice his running was by no means slow. Arriving at Manners-street, the horse bolted round the corner to the imminent hazard of the vehicle, and then proceeded on his wild career. It happened that one of the new watering carts was coming slowly and ponderously along in the opposite direction, and it appeared to onlookers that a terrific smash was inevitable, and that Gear’s ’ cart must suffer—evidently the other would not. There was just sufficient room between the latter and the footpath, and Gear’s horse made for this opening at a gallop. He went through, but the wheel of the cart was left behind, and the roof thereof was raised. The horse stood still immediately after the catastrophe. The driver was not in the cart when the horse ran away, and could not reach it until the damage was done. A worthy employe in a coach manufactory thinks he was born under an unlucky star, and is quite sure that misfortunes never come alone. And this is why he 'has the opinion. He is a working man, and like many other working men, planted himself on the wharf to assist in doing honor to Sir Julius Vogel on his arrival. Just as he was giving his loudest cheer a rocket was fired from one of the ships in harbor. It was intended to send the rocket up in the air, but the intention was not carried out, and owing to a mishap the rocket went down the wharf, and the stick stuck in his leg. Remembering Casabianca’s fortitude, he merely looked pleasant, and tried to persuade everyone he was still happy and enjoying himself. But he did not move out for two or three days afterwards. To the banquet he must go, and here he made himself conspicuous by his hilarity, but in the midst of his mirth a bottle of “fiz” burst near him, and his hand was rather severely cut. The two accidents have convinced him that he is out of place upon these festive occasions, but he consoles himself by remembering- that such welcomes and banquets are seldom given. A meeting of the governors of the Wellington College washeld on Tuesday, when a quantity of routine business in connection with the management of the institution was disposed of. The principal matter was the appointment of a French master. As we stated some time since, a large number of applications were received from all parts for the post, and after consideration, the Board chose Mr. A. F. Merlet, who now holds the position of French and English master at the Corporate High School, Sandhurst, Victoria. He is a son of the late Professor Merlet, of the University of London, author of several French educational works, and was educated in France, and his testimonials are very satisfactory. Professor Kenneth Wilson, M. A., principal of the college, and Professor Kirk, F.L.S., were appointed examiners at the University matriculation examination to be held in April. The thanks of the governors were accorded to Dr. Doyle, who, it will be remembered, was judge of the contest for the Devin prize, and finding the second competitor so deserving, himself gave a second prize of £5 ss. The Artillery Volunteers mustered at the drill shed on Tuesday evening, and headed by the band, marched to the Albion cricket ground, and after gun practice returned at 8 o’clock. We wish to say a word in praise of the Artillery Band. It is not too much to assert that it is equal to any band in any part of the colony, and excelled by none, a fact upon which the individual members, and the bandmaster, Mr. Cemino, in particular, are to be congratulated. They have attained a degree of efficiency seldom seen in a body of volunteer musicians, and this has arisen out of regular practice, heartily gone into and maintained.

His Excellency the Governor has received the following telegram:—“London, 21st February. —His Excellency the Governor, Auckland.—l have received your telegram, and heartily rejoice in the accomplishment of this important work. The Queen commands me to express her satisfaction at the establishment of a fresh bond of union with her loyal colony Hew Zealand.— Carnarvon. ” A very instructive and entertaining lecture was delivered by the Rev. J. B. Richardson, at the Wesleyan Chapel, Taita, on Friday evening, on the subject of “ The Arctic Regions.” The lecture was illustrated by a series of diagrams, in the exhibition of which Mr. Richardson was assisted by Messrs. Knight and Vincent Ransom, and the chapel was crowded to excess by a very appreciative audience.

The Artillery corps, three -detachments, engaged in big gun practice at Evans Bay on Thursday, under command of Colonel Reader, Captain Pearce and Lieutenants McTavish and Fox being also present. Practice commenced at 2.30 sharp, and some really excellent shooting was made. It must be understood that these guns, which are known as sixpound Armstrongs, are quite new, indeed two of them were never fired before yesterday, and the third had only been fired for test purposes at Woolwich. These things considered, the company have reason to be well satisfied. Arrangements will now' be made for firing for the district prizes. The Vogel Reception Committee met on Tuesday night at Rankin’s, tailor. There was a large number of members present—Mr. W. Black in the chair. Accounts to the amount of £267 17s. 6d. were passed and ordered to be paid. The committee expressed themselves highly satisfied with the manner in which the banquet was provided. The secretary was instructed to publicly thank the captains of the vessels in harbor for their assistance during the reception of Sir Julius Vogel ; also the fire brigades, bands, &c., and all who assisted them during the demonstration and banquet. The meeting adjourned until Thursday evening, when everything connected with this highly successful demonstration will be finally settled. The Queen’s Wharf presented an unusually busy aspect on Tuesday, and once during the afternoon there was a general lock of vehicles of different kinds ; in fact, the scene was, in a small way, similar to ivhat may be seen in Cheapside, Ford-street, Aldermanbur-y, and the heart of the city of London any day in the week. About thirty carts were completely jammed for a short time, and as the circumstance was rather unusual, there was no ordinai’y amount of confusion: one driver beseeching another to have mercy on his wheels, others breathing out threats of vengeance by law, and a mixture of vague suggestions were indulged in by bystanders—a common practice, which, being kindly intended to clear matters up, generally tends, to make confusion worse confounded. A case came before Mr. Crawford on Tuesday, in which the claim was for £lO, against the trustee in the bankrupt estate of Mr. Mullins. It appeared that the plaintiff had paid Mullins £lO on account, for which a receipt was given, there being at the time a running account between the parties. Plaintiff gave this receipt to his wife, and it was mislaid for some time, so that-he did not present it before the accounts were made up in Mullins’ estate, but in settling up with the accountant plaintiff stated that the £lO was due to him, mentioning the fact of his possessing the receipt, which he subsequently recovered, and produced in court on Tuesday. Counsel contended that these facts proved the claim to be just. The trustee, on the other hand, submitted that it was a claim for a dividend, and therefore could not be laid against the trustee, in support of which he referred the Court to the Bankruptcy Act. Further, Mr. Kennedy Macdonald, accountant, deposed that there was a suspicion of “fishiness” about the £lO, and that it was held to be payment for certain sheep received by plaintiff from Mullins. His Worship held with the trustee that he had no jurisdiction, the case being one for the Bankruptcy Court, and accordingly entered a nonsuit, each party to pay his own costs. The opening of the Provincial Hotel, Upper Hutt, Mr. Joseph Ames proprietor, was celebrated on Wednesday by a gathering of friends at a capital spread. There were about forty gentlemen from town present, and it is not too much to say that the affair was more than a success. The company comprised individuals capable of doing justice to such an occasion, and of imparting to it a character of heartiness that made everything extremely pleasant, and as the preparations of the host were on a most liberal and refined scale, there was nothing wanting. Mr. George Crawford occupied the chair-, Mr. Cruiekshank, a resident of long standing in the Upper Hutt, being in the vicechair. Among those present were many of the oldest inhabitants of the province. The usual preliminary toasts having been honored, Mr. Crawford proposed “ The Health of Our Host,” a son of one of the very earliest settlers in Hew Zealand; and Mr. Ames having suitably responded, Mr. Dransfield gave then the health of Sir Julius Vogel, making an excellent speech, in which he commented favorably upon the scheme of public works inaugurated by the Premier, and spoke in glowing terms of the prosperity that had arisen out of the scheme. Mr. Cruiekshank responded to the toast, “ The Upper Hutt Settlers.” The toast of “The Ministry” followed. Mr. Griffiths then proposed “The Superintendent,” Inspector Atchison responding. In the evening the railway employes and others engaged in the district were treated to a spread, which was done ample justice to, and conviviality and general enjoyment prevailed. Of the hotel itself, which Mr. Ames has just erected, we may say that it is unequalled by any house outside the city, and is excelled by few within it. It affords ample accommodation for travellers and families visiting the district, and we have no hesitation in predicting for the proprietor a prosperous business career.

At a meeting of the City Council held on Thursday the Mayor made a long statement as to waterworks finance. ■ He proposes to materially reduce the price of water, and provide for interest, and sinking fund by special rate. He claims for the system that under it citizens would be called upon to pay less, and the burden would be more equally divided.

A meeting of the committee of the Wellington Athenaeum was held on Saturday afternoon, with a view of coming to some definite arrangement respecting a new building. It was stated there was every probability of getting the money upon pretty good terms, but it was thought best to consult the wishes of the members first. Accordingly it was resolved that a special general meeting should be called for March 27. We observe that the Hational Bank of Hew Zealand, Limited, have declared an interim dividend at the rate of 6 per cent, per annum, for the half-year, to 30th September last. This dividend was advised to the colony by telegram some time ago, but the message was sent through Russia, and suffered so in transmission that when delivered it was practically unintelligible, and could not therefore be acted upon.

A man named John Richard Williams, who has for some time past been wanted in Christchurch on two charges, one of larceny, and another of false pretences, was arrested on board the schooner Fiery Cross by Constable Purcell, and was on Tuesday brought down to Wellington in the steamer Hapier. He was brought up at the Resident Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, and remanded to Christchurch. The members of the police force and the Bench are generally harmonious in their intercourse. On Wednesday they were not; as thus —A prisoner was making a statement regarding the action of Detective Farrell, when Sergeant Monaghan interrupted. The Mayor, who with J. 11. Wallace, Esq., was presiding, desired the police officer to maintain silence. Sergeant Monaghan did not do so ; but submitted that the prisoner should not be permitted to make charges affecting Detective Farrell, while he (Farrell) was absent. The justices on the bench feeling that their dignity was imperilled, informed Sergeant Monaghan that they, and not he, were the persons to decide that question. M. Blondin arrived here yesterday, and will perform before a Wellington audience this evening. The arrival of this gentleman, whose feats of extraordinary daring have given him a world-wide fame, is a circumstance of no common importance, and we feel confident that his visit will be hailed with satisfaction by the entire population of- the city and suburbs. Blondin’s pame.As known to every one, colonial-born chilqhpifbecoming, acquainted with it by hearingAneir seniors speak of his performances ffi-the old world; and now that he has reachedthis colony, they will be able to see him in person—a chance which some years ago would have been deemed impossible of occurrence. Blondin has been drawing to an extent previously unknown there in connection with any other show, a fact which was to be expected, the reputation of this particular showman being so far removed above that of any other in his line of business. ‘ The management of the wharf by the City Council does not appear to run quite smoothly just yet. There are plenty of complaints, but then people always will complain. Some of the grievances are such as require redress, and some are imaginary ; perhaps the greater portion are imaginary, and some think that in this wharf matteratanyratethe Council deserves credit for doing its best to please all parties. But there is one alteration in the present system which if tried it is thought would be found to work well, viz., that the Council should employ all labor and charge consignees a fee to cover the cost. This was suggested by the Chamber of Commerce before the Council took possession, but a majority at the Board feared to take the responsibility. It appears that the present staff is large, though less could not be done without, perhaps, and if a little additional strength were added it might comfortably compass the whole of the work.

The Theatre Royal was well attended on Thursday night, in the dress circle particularly, on the occasion of “ The Love Chase” being produced, Sir Julius and Lady "Vogel being present. Mrs. George Darrell, who for some time past has been absent from the stage in consequence of indisposition, appeared in the character of Constance, and upon entering on the stage was received with a hearty round of applause. Mr. Darrell played Wildrake. The piece generally speaking was represented in a highly satisfactory manner, a fact to which the audience testified in the usual way. A n exception, however, might be made in regard to Miss Morgan, who, it is a pity to say, (considering how great a favorite this young lady has made herself,) in addition to a seeming want of acquaintance with her part, put her laughter in in the wrong place, and made fun where there should have been pathos and pathos where there should have been fun. Miss Morgan must not peril her rising reputation in her profession by such carelessness, for her performance of cannot have been intentional.

Some people can never take defeat gracefully, and Mr. Rockell, of Wairarapa, is one of these. He was a of Mr. Pharazyn in the late election ; Mr. Pharazyn was beaten, and Mr. Rockell wa3 annoyed with the successful candidates, and particularly annoyed with the Scandinavians for having supported Mr. Bunny, and the other day an opportunity offered itself for showing the extent of his wrath. A number of residents at Mauriceville petitioned the Board of Education for a school; petitioners were owners of property and paid rates, but owing to some oversight their names did not appear on the ratepayers roll, and therefore Mr. Rockell protested againat a school being granted to the district, and broadly asserted that the school was being established to fulfil a little electioneei’ing promise to catch votes. Of

course the Board decided to inform Mr. Rockell that such applications were considered upon their merits and dealt with accordingly. If Mr. Rockell takes part in the next Wairarapa election, it would be interesting to hear what the electors would say on being shown a letter in which he endeavored to deprive them of the means of educating their children, because they choose to put faith in the promises of Mr. Bunny rather than discount the “ fishy” political bills of Charles Pharazyn, even though they were endorsed by Mr. Rockell. WELLINGTON TRUST, LOAN, AND INVESTMENT COMPANY. The annual meeting of the above company was held in Messi’s. Bethune and Hunter’s hall on Monday evening at half-past seven o’clock, Mr. J. Woodward in the chair. Mr. Boyd, clerk, at the request of the chairman, read the annual report and balancesheet, which have already been published in these columns. The Chairman then rose and said :—ln rising to move the adoption of the statements just read, he begged to remind those present that although this was the third meeting of the company, yet it was the first in which they had been in a position to point to a year during the whole of which the capital had been paid up and in use. It would be remembered that until the end of August in the past, that was, the year before this now expired, the whole of the £5 shares were not so paid up, and hence they had but four months in which to provide the dividend for the whole of the capital. They had now for the year the whole of the shares paid up upon half the amount, which was all they had thought it desirable to ask the shareholders to provide. The report presented was a brief one, and it was, in his opinion, best that it should be so. The operations of a company like this were such as to involve circumstances not interesting to shareholders, and which it was not desirable should be brought before a general meeting. And in this respect the company was a good deal like banking companies, in which the directors conducted the ordinary business ; and if the shareholders found that the business was so conducted as to enable the institution to pay a fair dividend, they felt naturally that it would be unwise and useless to ask for/ detailed circumstances, the publication of which would be in some respects even improper. He thought, indeed, that for a company like this it was the very best thing in the world to have no report to present. Happy was the nation who had no history, and he thought he might say, with equal truth, fortunate was the company which, in conducting ordinary business, had not a lengthy* report to present. He next referred to the manner in which the business of the company had been conducted, and he thought there was ample reason for congratulation. Ho doubt they had been much favored in the fact of having the services of a gentleman who, from the position occupied by his places of business, could give a large amount of attention to the business of the company without neglecting his own, and the result was that the company’s affairs had been conducted in a highly satisfactory manner, while the expense was much less than it could possibly have been had the company been compelled to engage the entire services of a gentleman to accept a trust so responsible as that which the manager of the company must necessarily hold. He then adverted to the audit department, and passed a high encomium upon the auditors, Messrs. Rainie, Knowles, and Kebbell. Shareholders would hear with • satisfaction that the books and accounts were now audited every month. This involved a considerable amount of labor for the auditors, and he regarded it as his duty to let the shareholders know how faithfully and efficiently the auditors had performed their work. A point of interest in the working of the company he wished specially to refer to was the advantages it offered to investors, large and small—a point which he thought had not been fully realised by the public. The company was prepared to do precisely the kind of business transacted by building societies as regards those who, by small periodical payments, were acquiring for themselves certain sums of money at the end of specified times, with certain accumulations, that they could not get in any other way. Some had taken advantage of it, but it had not received the consideration it deserved, which he attributed to the fact of its not being generally known, and hoped that the publication of this report would open people’s eyes to the advantages offered by the society. The difference between the company and the generality of building societies was that the time and mode of payment, and consequently the rate, could be entirely settled by investors. They were not confined to any specified time, and therefore no specified amount. If they had any considerable amount invested in the company this way, it would of course tend to the profit of the company, but the investors would get an accumulation, especially for such small sums as they would not be enabled to obtain in any other way. He believed, further, that the company would find it useful and practicable to strike put in certain lines which they had not hitherto attempted. One of these was a favorite theory of his own, namely, the assumption of the business of building societies proper- —not such in name only, as for instance they had had in this colony, which were not in reality business societies. He meant building societies in which a capitalist, which this company could represent, might buy or lease a piece of land, and erect thereon a certain number of houses, which should become the property of members on certain payments and conditions. They would see that there was an essential difference between that and the building societies they had had, and he hoped that the suggestion might be taken into consideration and take practical shape, as the capital of the Trust and Loan Company would enable it to enter into a scheme of the kind. Another scheme which the company would probably see its way to adopt .was the taking deposits of money

at call. They had already relaxed a little in this direction, but he thought they might go further; and he must express his individual opinion that they might with profit to themselves and advantage to the community take sums of money for short periods—say for a day, a week, or any period without fixing a time, mvino- interest from the time the sums were deposited. He then referred to the gigantic monetary operations going on in England, as showing the necessity of capitalists being able to make use of their money from day to day. After referring to the confidence which the public felt in the company, he expressed the hope and belief that as time progressed other modes of practical and useful operations would be developed, and he was quite suie that there were few who would be slack to take advantage of any such as might offei. He then expressed his willingness to answer any questions that those present might desire to put. In answer to Mr. J. Allen, The Chairman explained that the amount advanced to the Provincial Government to 31st December, 1875, at 6 per cent., was £33,067 7s. 9d.; amount advanced under tables—at 8 per cent., £7785 ; at 9 per cent., £514 ; at 10 per cent., £12,350 ; total, £20,649. The amounts upon mortgages were—at 7 per cent., £4525 ; at 7-v per cent., £20,005 ; at 8 per cent., £47,400 ; at 9 per cent., £3830 ; at 10 per cent., £5984 ; total, £81,744. , In answer to another question, the Chairman stated that it was not the present intention of the company to call up any more capital. Tne motion to adopt the report was then carried unanimously. The election of officers being the next business in order was then proceeded with. The retiring directors were re-elected, and their services acknowledged by an honorarium of £lO5. The auditors for last year were also re-elected, and were voted lO guineas extra in consideration of their additional work. In reply to Mr. Allen, The Chairman stated that the directors could not entertain the idea of holding halfyearly meetings, and ad interim dividends, acting upon the advice of their legal advisers. After some further discussion, A vote of thanks, on the motion of Mr. Allen, was passed to the chairman, the managing director, and directors, for their services during the year ; and a vote of thanks to Mr. Hunter for the use of the room brought the meeting to a close. THE NEW STAMP ACT. The following important correspondence in reference to certain rules and regulations under the new Stamp Act has been furnished to us for publication: — Wellington, 14th January, 1876. g IR —With reference to the rules and regulations under the Stamp Fee Act, 1876, which came in force on the Ist instant, we have the honor respectfully to represent the serious inconvenience and I9SS that will result to legal practitioners and tlie public generally from the provision requiring that the numerous documents mentioned in the first schedule to the Order m Council of the 24th December last, should be stamped with impressed stamps only, and that for such documents adhesive stamps should after the end of the present month be available. Several of the documents mentioned are of a class very seldom used, and the greater-number are either so short, or so frequently differ, as to make the printing of forms undesirable, whilst the liability to spoilage so great in a solicitor’s business, would necessitate constant application to the Government for allowance, besides causing delay and unnecessary labor. We would respectfully submit that if any advantage to the Government is likely to arise frorn the provision in question, it will be mitweighed by the inconvenience and loss to the public. We would also respectfully suggest that it would be a great convenience to the public, and a saving to the Government, if each Supreme Court office were made a depository of law court stamps. There seems to us to be a material difference between the collection of duties under the Stamp Duties Act and of fees under the Stamp Fee Act, as m the latter case the fees are merely those charged in certain offices for work done in them ; and we submit that the object of the Act would be attained by the issue of stamps to each deputy-registrar or other officer intrusted with the receiving of fees. On any instrument being tendered to him either for filing or sealing, he would receive the usual fee, place a stamp on the instrument, and deface it with some 0f The S income hitherto derived by the Government from the fees paid in these offices would thus not suffer by the provision for payment of commission to dealers in such stamps ; and there can be no possible necessity, with the alteration above indicated, for any other depositories than the offices themSe Mor'eover, the stamps would be properly obliterated by officers of the Government (and by the persons paying the fees if desirable), the officers of the Government made accountable for stamps issued to them, and the object of the Stamp Fee Act attained with little or no inconvenience to the public. We have, &c., . „ Mookhouse & Stafford, Brandon & Quick, Izard & Bell, Hart & Buckley, Travers & Ollivier, Buller & Lewis. Head Office, Stamp Department, Wellington, February 9, 1876. Gentlemen, —Referring to your letter dated 14th ultimo and addressed to the Minister of Justice, I am directed to inform you that in relation to the subject treated of in the first three paragraphs, namely, the inconvenience which will result from the enforced use of impressed stamps upon the documents enumerated in the first schedule to the Order in Council of the 24th December last it has been decided that the use of, impressed stamps shall be optional, and not obligatory. An Order in Council to this effect will shortly appear in the Gazette, whereupon registrars of the Supreme Court will be duly n °As* e regards the second question namely, the appointment of the registrars or deputy-registrars as depositories, I am to state that the Government is now prosecuting enquires in this matter, and that the subject will receive its best attention. I have &c., R c. Hammerton, Secretary for Stamps. Messrs. Moorhouse, Stafford, and others, Wellington. Head Office, Stamp Department, Wellington, February 22, 1876. Gentlemen, —With reference to the concluding paragraph of my letter, No. 100, of the 9th instant, saying that the appointment of registrars and deputy-registrars of the Supreme Court as depositories of stamps was under consideration, I have now the honor, by direction of the Commissioner of Stamps, to inform you that their honors the Judges have again been consulted as to the advisability of

such appointments, and they still hold that the change would confer no additional convenience either for the profession or the public ; moreover, the practice in England, and also, I understand, in Victoria, is opposed to the sale of stamps by officers of the high courts of law. The Commissioner therefore regrets that under these circumstances he feels himself unable to accede to your request herein. —I have, &c., R. C. Hammf.rton, Secretary for Stamps. Messrs. Moorhouse, Stafford, and others, Solicitors, Wellington. THORNDON WESLEYAN SUNDAY SCHOOL. On Monday the tea and public meeting in connection with the Thorndon Wesleyan Sunday-school was held. There was an excellent attendance, and a very nice tea was provided by the ladies. Tea over, the tables were cleared, and the public meeting opened by singing and prayer ; and then John Knowles, Esq., was voted to the chair. The Chairman in his opening remarks said he was very pleased to occupy the position he did, for he was thus afforded an opportunity of expressing on behalf of the Congregational Church a sympathy with the Wesleyan body. His Church had, at the time the late Wesleyan Conference was sitting, been favored by visits from the most able of the Wesleyan ministers then in Wellington, although they could scarcely expect the Wesleyansto give up the treat of hearing their ministers, and the ministers themselves were scarcely fairly treated, since they must have needed rest and quiet after the labors of the week. However, the visits had been paid, and he should feel pleased if he thought that any little assistance he (the chairman) might render would be taken as an acknowledgement from himself and from the Church of which he was a member, of the kindnesses received in the past. (Applause). After a brief reference to the advantages of Christian unity, the chairman spoke at some length on the efficacy of Sunday schools if properly managed. He pointed out that the real secret of success was earnest prayer and preparation on the part of the teachers. The two duties were distinct. Prayer was not a substitute for work, but it was the sure precursor and incentive to work. A praying teacher was a teacher who would be sure to work hard and earnestly in preparing himself. And, beyond this, there must be confidence.- A young clergyman who had passed through Spurgeon’s college complained to that divine of want of success. Mr. Spurgeon asked, “ Do you expect conversions every time you open your mouth ?” “ No, I scarcely hope for that,” was the reply. “Ah,” rejoined Mr. Spurgeon, “ that’s why you fail;” and so it was with Sunday school teachers; they must not only wait and work, but they must expect with confidence good results to follow from their teaching. But though the teacher must do his work the congregation must do their work. They should relieve the teachers of all anxiety in respect to money matters, and also take a greater personal interest in the school ; the families which attended the church should also all be represented in the school. Mr. G. W. Kirk then read the following report:— In presenting their third annual report, the teachers and committee feel a deep sense of gratitude to our Father in Heaven for the mercies and blessings received during another year. - , ■ Although the number of scholars now on the hooks is less than that reported at our last annual meeting, the attendance has been larger and more regular, and we have reason to hope also that the year has been a more fruitful one. Death has entered our ranks once more and removed from our midst one known to most present—Mr. Frederick Watkins, who died on hoard the Ringarooma while on the voyage home to Melbourne. Mr. Watkins has labored in our schools as a teacher, and latterly as librarian, and was among the first who volunteered to assist in the work of the school. During the year 65 volumes have been added to the library, which is now composed of 245 volumes, and has been well patronised by the scholars and teachers. We hope during the coming year to add still more largely to this number. It was intended to amalgamate with the Mannersstreet school in the annual scholars’ picnic on New Year’s Day,but in consequence of unfavorable weather the picnic was not held. At the following teachers meeting however, it was decided to make another attempt’ to hold the picnic on Anniversary Day. The Hon J. Johnston kindly granted the use of his paddock in Hobson-street, for the occasion. More than 100 scholars assembled, and seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves. .. . . , . The numbers of scholars on the books are as follow—Boys, 69; girls, 65. Total, 134. Average attendance, 94 ; and the number of teachers 16, with an average attendance of 13. The school finance is as follows: — Receipts— Balance in hand from 1874, 9s. Od.; proceeds of anniversary services £23 7s. Cd.; scholars’ contributions to library fund £3 14s. 6ld. Total, £27 11s. O^A.— Expenditure— of tea meeting, £2 18s.; advertising anniversary services, £1 19s. Bd.; printing hymns for anniversary services, £2 45.; books for library (65 vols ) £7 15s. 4d.; school requisites, £2 18s. lOd.; periodicals for scholars, £1 2s. 6d. ; expenses of scholars’ picnic,. £4 9s. 2Jd.; subscriptions to Sunday school union, £l. Total expenses, £24 7s. Old. Balance in hand, £3 3s. 6d. During the year a subscription list has been opened in aid of the new school fund, and about £25 pro miscd The following are the officers elected for the ensuing year:-Mr. Watt, superintendent; Mr. Kirk, secretary and librarian. The Kev. H. It. Dewsbury next addressed the meeting bn the subject of religious education. He referred to the advanced nature of the education of the present day as compared with that bestowed upon tho rising generation in days gone by, and hence there was a greatnecessity for religious educationbeingimparted to the young, to fit them for the positions they were to fill in future. The State very properly confining itself to secular education, the work of religious education fell upon the Church and upon parents. Children must be educated in religion. Sophists said it was wrong to bias the mind by teaching religion. A man should be able to choose his creed and his way of thinking from observation and experience, without early tuition of any kind ; but it must be remembered that some principles must be implanted in the mind during youth. If the proper culture of the mind were neglected, then bad principles would be engrafted, but if good were taught, the principles instilled would be good. Mr. Watt, superintendent of the school, delivered a short address. Mr. Moxham next addressed the meeting, advocating the commencement of the new school, even though the funds were low at

present. If only the framework could be raised, that progress would stimulate them to further exertions. The Kev. Mr. MOBLEY spoke of the value of the Sunday school as a Church agency. There, were, according to reports presented to the last Conference, 9999 children in attendance at Wesleyan schools, so that, including all denominations, fifty or sixty thousand children must be in attendance at Sunday schools every Sunday in New Zealand. It was from these schools that new Church members should be drawn annually, even to the extent of a thousand per year ; but in order that this should be done, it was necessary that the teachers in the schools should be fitted for their work. As the chairman had said, there should be preparation. There should also be a continuity of office, so that good trained teachers might be obtained for the older classes. The Church, too, should set a greater value on the teachers —their standing in the Church organisation should be higher than at present. The Rev. Mr. Richardson also spoke, and after the usual votes of thanks had been passed, the meeting terminated with singing and prayer. It may be stated that during the evening the children sang some of the anniversary hymns very prettily.