Town News.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 319, 23 March 1878, Page 14

Town News.

We understand that the Hon. Mr. Stout was sworn in on Monday as Attorney-General. Amongst the passengers by the Hinemoa, which arived here on Thursday night, were Sir George Grey and the Hon. Mr. Fisher. The meeting of the New Zealand Parliament has been further prorogued from the 29th instant to the 23rd of May, but it is understood it will not meet for the despatch of business until the end of June or beginning of July. . Mr. Blackett, the Marine Engineer of the colony, arrived in Dunedin on Friday last on an official visit. He will probably, says the Morning Herald, accompany Sir John Goode in his tour of harbor inspection. It will be seen by reference to our telegrams that the great libel case of Whitaker v. Jones has terminated, as most people expected it would do, in a verdict of not guilty, and the accused was discharged. The Hutt County Council call for tenders up to noon on the 2nd April next for leasing the Kaiwarra and Hutt Bridge toll-gates for twelve months. A telegram received by the Government states the"following as the prices of New Zealand securities in London on the 30th January, 1878: —Present medium prices —s per consols, 1061- ex dividend ; 4J per cent- consols, dend. The above is the highest point yet reached by New Zealand securities. It was reported yesterday, but W 3 have received no official information of the fact, that the Government lias accepted the tender of Mr. Dixon, of Auckland, for the Carterton and F-atherstou section of the Wellington and Masterton railway, at £49,000 or thereabouts, which amount is considered very low for the work required to be done. The Inspector of Sheep for the Bangitikei District reports that the number of sheep within his district on which assessment is payable is 288,619, being an increase of 86,926 over last year ; and that the increase in fees amounts to £lßl Is. lid. The flocks scabby are few in number, and earnest efforts are now being made by the flockovvners to procure clean certificates. A clean certificate for a flock of mixed ewes and lambs, numbering about 1600, belonging to Mr. Alexander Simpson, Turalcina, w:.s granted. meeting of persons interested in the formation of a Young Men's Christian Association was held in the Woodward-street Congregational Church on Friday, Mr. J. G. J foldsworth presiding. Buies for the guidance of the association, the object of which is for the furtherance of the spiritual, intellectual, and social improvement of all within its reach, were discussed and agreed upon. So far 105 members and associates have been enrolled. The following were elected as a board of management : —Joseph Kitchen, .T. G. Holdsworth, John Knowles, James Smith, Bev. Mr. Triveht, F. M. Ollivie •, Luther, Halliwel', and the Rev. Mr. West. The Commissioner Bof Crown Lands notifies in a Gazette, published on Thursday, that there will be offered for sale by public auction, in the Council Hall, Wellington, on Tuesday, the 23rd April, 606 sections of surveyed Crown lands in the Hutt, Ohariu, Pahautanui, Manawatu, Wanganui, Featherston, and Mauriceville Districts ; also, the township of Carnarvon, I ower Ferry, Bangitikei, which has been subdivided into town aud suburban sections'. Volunteer scrip can be exercised in the purchase of any land included in this sale. In addition to the price realised at auction the Crown-grant fee of one pound aud one farthing per acre for every acre over one hundred acres will have to be paid. Town and suburban Crown lands can only be purchased at auction. Rural lands unsold at auction may be purchased after thirty days’ public notice.

A telegram received by the Inspector of Police from Featherston on Sunday states that a man has been drowned at the Lake heiiy. The steamer Wakatipu brought from the South ou Saturday an Ayrshire bull, cow, aud heifer. They a e splendid animals, and were purchased recently at Oamaru by Mr. Holmes for Mr. G. Hunter, M.H.R.

A meeting of the District Grand Lodge for the North Island of New Zealand was held on Thursday night at the Masonic Hall, Boulcottstreet. Representatives from the various lodges were present. The Right ’Worshipful the Deputy Grand blaster presided. The ordinary business having been concluded, tlie lodge was closed at 10 p.m. “ A Tourist” writes to the Melbourne Argus complaining that the owners of the steamers to New Zealau l do not pay enough attention to the tourist, and says “Every summer New Zealand will become more and more the playground of the colonies, as Switzerland is that of the mother country.”

As a simi of the improvement in the value of property in Taranaki, owing to the proposed harbor works, the fact is worthy of notice that Mr. Courtney has sold privately 795 acres of bush belonging to Mr. W. S. Moorhouse for £ISOO. The reserve on the same land five months before was £IOOO. A meeting was held on Wednesday in the Dixon-street schoolroom, of the committees of the Rising Star, Royal Oak, United, Telegraph, and College Cricket Clubs, when the following team was selected to play against the Wairarapa Eleven on Wednesday next, viz.: Messrs. McGirr, Dryden, Burrett, Lambert, Tustin, Danks, Gannawiv, Duncan, Taylor. Martin, and Dodsworth ; emergency, Messrs. Sunley, Smith, and Keefe ; umpire, Mr. E. Dixon ; scorer, Mr. R. Brown. It L particularly requested that the above team will meet to practice together every evening if possible. The Waste Lands Board met on Thursday. Present—Messrs. Holdsworth (chairman), H. Bunnv, M.H.R., W. Johnston, M.H.R., and T. Mason. A letter was read from Mr. Fitzherbert, solicitor, stating that he would require a definite resolution from the Board before taking action against Mr. Wilson for trespass at Olfntuku. After some discussion, the Board resolved “ That Mr. Fitzlierbert, Crown solicitor at Wanganui, is hereby authorised to sue Mr. Wilson under section 165 of the Land Act of 1877 for illegal occupation of, and trespass on, Crown lauds in the Okutuku District.” The Chairman reported that since last meetiug 19 acres in the Wairarapa had been sold and £9 10s. received. The sum of £397 had also been received for land at Mauriceville.

A New Zealand Gazette, published on Thursday, notifies the appointment of. Mr. G. A. Johnston to be clerk in the Resident Magistrate’s Court at Wellington, and of Mr. GUP. Lisson to be clerk of the Supreme Court at Wellington, the latter appointment to date from the 17th July last. Notice has been received from the Inspector of Sheep for the East Coast District that he has granted a clean certificate for a mixed flock of sheep belonging to Messrs. W. and G. Cox, Mount Ararat, dated 2nd March, 1878. Notice has also been received from the Inspector of Sheep for the Wairarapa District that he has granted clean certificates to Messrs. W. aud D. Sutherland, Pahaua, dated 27th February, 1878 ; Messrs. Cameron Brothers, Pahaua, dated 2nd March, 1878 ; Duncan Morrison, Glenmorven, fir 427 mixed sheep, dated 4th IVlarch, 1878. Stevens Gorton, and Co., of Bulls’ Bangitikei,jhave for sale, on deferred payments, the Douglas special settlement block, which is how open for selection in sections of from 50 to 150 acres each. This block comprises some of the best land in the North Island, aud is suitable for either agricultural or grazing purposes. It is situated in the centre of the Rangitikei-Manawatu Block, within six miles of the township of Sandon, and within half-a-mile of the proposed railway from Foxton to Sandon. The terms are easy, and an excellent opportunity is offered to small capitalists desirous of dwelling on small farms in this flue locality. A map and a copy of the agreement, which is to be signed by the purchasers, can be seen at the office of this paper. No application will be received after the 30th June naxt. will be seen by our advertising columns that Mr. J. 11. Wallace will hold during the next month two of the most important property sales that have for a long time been announced, and from the bona fide character of the valuable property placed in the market, there is little doubt that parties will embrace the opportunity offered. The sale on the 9th of April comprises building allotments in the township ])roper of the Lower Hutt, aud is the identical spot where the early settlers in the olden days of the colony used to congregate to do trade ; in fact, there are many interesting historical reminiscences connected with this, the first country town established in the colony. The sale on the 23rd of April comprises the beautiful valley of the Mungaroa, Upper Hutt, for years comparatively unknown t ' the settlers. The advances, however, that the colony has made in consequence of the Public Works policy, by means of railway communication, has brought this valuable property within one hours distance of the city, which iu the early days of the colony it took days to approach. It was originally selected for some gentlemen in England by the late Baron Alzdorf, upwards of thirty years ago, and as a large portion formed a swamp of rich alluvial deposit, the proprietors have had it drained and prepared for settlement, and it only requires a visit, which can be accomplished iu a few hours, to convince those who are seeking land for immediate and beneficial occupation that there is no more eligible land in the vicinity of Wellington than that we are now referring to, for small farmers, market gardeners, and, in fact for residences for the citizens of Wellington, especially those -with families, who desire not to be too far from centres of population.

The San Francisco mail, which arrived in Wellington ou Friday afternoon by the Taranaki, consisted of 5284 letters, 845 books, and 9504 papers from London ; and 423 letters,.l-0 books, and 751 papers from America. A sitting of the Assessment Appeal Court for the Johnsonville District was held on Tuesday. Present —Messrs. J. C. Crawford, R.M.; W II Saunders, chairman of the local Board; and E. Bell, valuator. No objections were made to any of the assessments.

A meeting of persons interested in the proposed new road to Kilbirnie at Mr. White’s office, Panama-street, ou Tuesday. _ It was stated that the treasurer had sufficient funds in hand for the work to be proceeded with, and it was resolved to call for tenders immediately. A tea meeting, followed by a sacred concert, took place on Tuesday in the scho 4room adjoining the United Methodist l'ree C-huich, Courtenay-place, iu aid of the building fund of the new church which it is proposed to build. There was a good attendance, and a carefully-selected programme was gone through to the entire satisfaction of the audience.

A meeting of the Wellington Freethought Association was held iu the Manners-street Fire Brigade Hall on Sunday, Mr. Griffiths presiding. There were about 60 persons present. A lecture was delivered by Mr. Fraser on “ The Resurrection of the Saviour.” The lecturer stated that he had been brought up to believe the Biblical history of the matter as taught iu Christian churches, but he was now a “ Freethinker.”

Riot'd properties in the city of Wellington continue to command high rates. Ihe Duke of Edinburgh Hotel, which was recently purchased by Mr. Jamieson fo • £4500, aud sold by him to Messrs. Gilmer, of Grey mouth, for £5500, is again we understand, about to change landlords at a further of Mr. Mace being the purchaser. The Empire Hotel also, it is st-ated, will shoi tly have another land! rd, Mr Lichtscheimß having parted with his interest to Messrs. Gilmer, of Greymouth, for £7OOO. A melancholy and fatal accident occurred in the harbor on Monday. A youth about sixteen years of age, named Astridge,tlie son of a widow residing at Te Aro, whilst sculling a boat from Plimmer’s wharf to Clyde-quay, lost his balance and fell overboard. Unfortunately he was unable to swim, otherwise, as the weather was very calm, and the water as smooth as a millpond, he would in all human probability have been saved. As it was, he sank and was drowned. As soon as the accident was served fi’om shore, boats put off to the rescue, but arrived too late. After searching with grappling-irons for some time, the body of the deceased was found and brought on shore. f There was a. good attendance of members at the special meeting of the Wellington Working Men’s Club, which was held on Monday night at the Eire Brigade Hall, Manners-street, for the purpose of taking steps to furnish the new premises in course of erection in ]\launer-street. After a lengthy discussion, in which most of those present took part, it was decided to get up an art union for £SOO. It was also decideJqto have an Industrial and Fine Arts’ Exhibition, if possible, on the opening of the new premises. The object is certainly a woi thy one, and we trust that the matter will hove the support of the entire community.

$3 jVIr. R. J. Duncan offered for sale on Tuesday the lea-es, having 21 years to run, of fourteen building sites on the Wesleyan Reserve, between the Terrace aud the Botanical Gardens. The following sections were disposed of at the rates stated :—No. 1, £l6, Mr. W. G. Jackson; No. 2, £l4, Mr. C. Tringliam; No. 3, £l2 10s., Mr. Exley ; No. 4, £9 10s., Mr. Croskery ; No. 5, £6, Mr. C. Tringliam ; No. 6, £lO, Mr. Gilmore. Mr. Roxburgh purchased the last eight lots, at £lO, £lo 10s., £l3 10s., £l4 10s., £ls 10s., £ll, £lO 10s., and £25 (two sections) per annum respectively, thus making a total annual income of £l7l 10s. from the property. The auctioneer provided an excellent luncheon prior to the commencement of the sale, to which ample justice was done.

A meeting of the committee of the Wellington Benevolent Institution was held on Tuesday afternoon. Present : The Bishop of Wellington (in the chair), the Feu. Archdeacon Stock, Rev. B. W. Harvey, Rev. R. Coffey, Rev. J. Paterson Rev. C. S. Ogg, Rev. A. Reid, Rev. J. Durabell’, Rev. W. H. West, his Worship the Mayor, Messrs. J. G. Holdsworth, J. Woodward, H. C. Wilson, D. Lewis, W. Bishop, J. G. Smith, L. Levy, and the Secretary. The following subscriptions and donations were received: £l2 10s., Government grant; £9l9s. 4d. proceeds of collection after sermon at hlannersstreet Church, by Dr. Smith ; £l, John Watt. Some cases of distress were considered and relieved. The motion brought forward by Archdeacon Stock with reference to the resignation of Mr. Crawford, R.M., was withdrawn after considerable discussion.

The first meeting of the year of the Victoria (Philosophical) Institute, Loudon, was held in the society’s re-arranged rooms, at 7, Adelphiterrace, on Monday evening, January 7th, the chair being taken by G. Brooke, Esq., F.R.S. Among the new members elected were the Earl Nelson and Professor Stokes, F.R.S., of Cambridge. It was announced t iat exactly 100 members had joined during the past year, a considerable number being foreigu and colonial, and the greater portion being country. A paper on “Limitations in Nature ” was read by Mr. S. R. Pattison, E.G.S. In it he aimed at provi"g the existence of God from the fact that it appeared, according to all scientific investigation and discovery, especially including the most recent, that all natural phenomena are limited, and therefore subject to law, which requires the existence of a limiting power, the science of which is not disclosed by the phenomena, but the cognizance of which is disclosed by experience of cause and effect, whereby we are led to a first cause, —an old argument, but from additional premises.

The Engineer-in-Chief invites tenders up to noon ou Wednesday, April 16th, for the Kingston Wharf contract, in connection with the Winton-Kiugstou railway. Tenders are also iuvited for the supply of 50,000 sleepers for the Wellington and Masterton Railway.

City Council invite tenders from landowners up to the 10th April next for an eligible site, not less than 100 acres in extent, for the purposes of a cemetery. Tenderers are to state particulars as to area, position, distance from town, prices, &c.

A patient named Charles Garland Tressider escaped from the grounds of the Lunatic Asylum on Sunday. He was missed soon afterwards and traced as far as the Pilot Station, but no further. The police and others are making search for him, but up to a late hour last night nothing further had beeu heard of him.

The station-keeper at the Central Fire Brigade Station met with an accident on Wedues-_ day. While attending to his horses, which are stabled in the building, he accidentally fell on the floor. This startled the horses, and one of them kicked him on the. forehead. The blow was a severe one, but fortunately the man s skull was not fractured, and no serious results are anticipated.

On Saturday night, or rather early on Sunday morning, there was a row amongst a number of sailors at the foot of Grey-street, near the wliarfU during which one man got kicked and knocked about a good deal. Notwithstanding the advantage which the sailors had in numbers, the Inspector of Police and two constables, who were in the neighborhood, rushed in amongst the belligerents and succeeded in apprehending two of the ringleaders iu the affray. From information received by the police on Tuesday, we learn that a former member of the Hutt band, named Henry Thomas Curtis, has beeu arrested at Lyttelton, 'where he was employed as cook on board a ship about to sail for England, ou the charge of misappropriating £25 from the funds of tie band. He has been missing from Wellington since the commencement of the year, and has left his wife aud five children in destitute circumstances. He was brought up from Lyttelton on Wednesday in charge of Constable Bullen. A carter, named John Kelleher, was charged at the Resident Magistrate’s Court on Saturday afternoon with cruelty to a horse.. The information was laid by Mr. E. H. Liardet, who witnessed the offence, which he as a very aggravated one. Defendant had flogged his horse most unmercifully on the head with the butt end of a whip, and also with a pick handle, causing the animal to fall on its knees, and bleed profusely. Defendant was fined 20s. and costs, or in default, to suffer 48 hours’ imprisonment.

A committee meeting of the Athletic Club was held at Maginity’s Hotel on Monday evening, when the programme was slightly altered, the tug of war event being taken out, and _ also the quarter-mile race for members of the new Tradesmen’s Club. It was arranged that small bills should be printed and distributed forthwith. The following gentlemen have signified their intention of giving special prizes to the club :—Messrs. Kohn and Go., Jackson, James, . Jacobs, Aldous, Mountain, and Lyon aud Blair. The fourth and last of Count De Zaba s lectures to the Teachers’ Association was delivered in the Tliorndon school on Saturday afternoon. The lecturer, after recapitulating the outlines of those parts of his method which he had before explained in detail, for the purpose of refreshing the memory of .his hearers, theu proceeded to explain its application to populations, incomes, expenditure, and areas. The Count showed himself perfect master of his subject, and elucidated his statements with great ability aud clearness. At the conclusion of the lecture a vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. Mowbray and seconded by Mr. Toomath, which was heartily responded to by the meeting and suitably acknowledged by the lecturer. A special meeting of the Wellington Teachers’ Association was held on Saturday morning iu the Tliorndon school, the X (evident, Mr. Mowbray, in the chair. . The attendanc : was larger than usual. The report of the standing committee re suggestions to Government was brought up, and the clauses discussed seriatim. These were passed with I some modifications, and a deputation appointed I to bring the matter under the notice of the Minister of Education. The reply of the Board of Education to the association’s memorial of the 25th ult. was taken into consideration, Considerable dissatisfaction was expressed at the off hand manner in which the memorial had been treated by the Board. It was ultimately decided to have no further communication w th the present moribund Board on the subject, but bring the whole matter under the notice of the new Board. A meeting of the Wellington Volunteer Fire Police corps was held at the Manners-street Station on Wednesday, Lieutenant Asher in the chair. Letters were read from Lieutenant Daly and member Nodder, tendering their resignation, aud also from Mr. Bell tendering his resignation as a member of the committee. The resignations were accepted. Three months leave of absence was granted to member Thompson. Lieutenant Asher stated that he had called cm several people for subscriptions in aid of the funds of the corps, but had not beeu very successful. It was announced that at the next meeting the half-yearly report and balance-sheet would be laid before the meeting. Ou the motion of member Pegrum, seconded by member Ilardcastle, Lieutenant Asher was unanimously elected captain for the remainder of the year. Member Harriot was elected first lieutenant ; on motion of member Wilson, seconded by member Pearce, member Wilson was elected a member of the committee in the room of Mr. Bell, resigned. Mr. Brooks was elected a member of the corps. Member Barnes was chosen fourth lieutenant in the room of Mr. Daly, resigned. We are informed

that canvassers have been appointed to wait upon the citizens asking them for subscriptions, the funds of the corps being at a low ebb just now. As the object of the corps is a very excellent one, and is calculated to do a great deal of useful work in preserving order and preventing the destruction of property at fires, we hope that a liberal response will be made to the request of the canvassers. On Friday the Assessment Appeal Court for the Karori-Makara District was held before J. C. Crawford, Esq., H.M. There were only five appeals out of three hundred and eightyfive assessments, covering an area of 78,000 acres. The assessments on Mr. W. Sievers, property was reduced from £72 to £65. Two appeals were adjourned, as a point arose whether the properties assessed, which were at Vogeltown, were within the boundaries of Wellington, city, or Karori-Makara .District. Two other cases were dismissed. have lately had the pleasure of inspecting some beautifully executed pictures in oil and water colors of New Zealand scenery try Mr. E. Brandon, which are on view at Mr. Myers’ establishment on Eambton-quay. Some of the views of Milford Sound, Preservation Inlet, and other enchanting landscapes of the Middle Island, are reproduced with great ski'll and fidelity. A picture of Lake Walcatipu by a lady amateur is also a gem well worthy of inspection. 'There are few, if any, countries in the world that can boast of more charming scenery than these favored islands, and there seems to be no lack of local talent in depicting their natural beauties in a truthful and artistic manner. It is the intention of the Victorian Government to supply all State schools throughout the country with a colored chart illustrative of the common insectivorous birds of "Victoria. The chart has been prepared by Mr. A. R. Wallis, Secretary for Agriculture for the Education Department, and will be issued from Government Printing Office within a few days. It is produced by chromo-lithography. The chart contains illustrations of 36 species of birds indigenous to the colony. The letterpress attached will give the con mon and scientific name of each bird, the locality of Victoria where it is found, and some particulars respecting the nature of its food. The illustrations are from the original drawings of the late John Cotton and Gould’s work on “The Birds of Australia.” We understand (says the Argus) it is contemplated to protect these bfrcls from destruction by statute. A discovery which promises to be ultimately of great importance to this district (says the West Coast Times of the 15th inst.) has been made about twenty miles up the Hokitika River, between Bald Hill and the south side of the river at the foot of a range. Messrs. Grimmond, Zala, and party, of Ross, who have been lately prospecting for minerals near the locality referred to, discovered on Wednesday last a seam of coal cropping up from the surface of the ground. Samples of very good quality were brought to town yesterday, and some excitement was caused by the news of the find. The seam is about 18 inches thick, and there is no doubt that the quality is excellent. The spot where the coal was discovered is nearer Ross than Hokitika, as the Hokitika River takes a considerable bend to the south. The distance from Ross is about 14 miles. Application has been entered at the Waste Lands Office for a prospecting license, and steps will be taken to test the value of the discovery without delay. Between five and six o’clock on Friday morning, a two-storey house in Hawkestonestreet, near the Clarendon Hotel, caught fire. The brigades, which had been busily engaged a short time previously in extinguishing the fire which had caught the furze near the Catholic cemetery, once more set to work, and within a few minutes were on the scene of this second conflagration. A hose reel from the station in Hill-street was also brought into requisition, and the fire was soon put out, but not before it had done considerable damage to the house and furniture. The premises were in the occupation of Mr. Flanuaghan, whose wife, we understand, first raised the alarm of fire, being awakened by the coughing of one of the children, and perceiving that the room was full of smoke. She then aroused her husband, who went at once to the fire-bell in Hill-street to ring the bell, which he found out of order, but managed to make sufficient noise with it to be heard by the watchman at the Central Station, who gave the alarm. The damage done by the fire, we understand, is estimated at about £4O, and that Mr. Flannaghan’s furniture was insured in the New Zealand Company’s office for £IOO. The annual general meeting of the Wellington Land and Building Company (limited) was held on Monday afternoon. There was a good attendance. His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair. The report and balancesheet were read and adopted, and were of a most satisfactory nature. The report stated that the directors had much pleasure in drawing attention to the statement of liabilities and assets, by which it would be seen that the balance in favor of the company exceeded the amount of the paid-up capital. The directors therefore recommended the payment of a dividend of seven per cent, upon all calls made by the company ; such dividend to be computed from the Ist day of the month next following the date of each call respectively, up to the Ist day of March now instant; in other words, the dividend payable upon the original issue of shares would reach 10s. 4d. per share, and the dividend under the further issue (September, 1877), will reach lOd. per share. In anticipation of an increase in the capital of the company, the directors further recommended that the shareholders should take into consideration the necessity of equalising in value any further issue of shares, by allotting to each present shareholder as many shares as he now holds, aud by making such allotment paid up to the extent of £2 10s. per share, to be derived from the present assets of the company. In accordance with the deed of association, the meeting would have to elect two directors in the room

of Messrs. Burrett and Greenfield, who retired by rotation, but were eligible and offered themselves for re-election. An honorarium was voted to the directors, and the two who retired were re-elected. 'The proposal to increase the capital was favorably considered .and referred for confirmation to another meeting to be held on Wednesday week. A vote of thanks to the directors and officers, aud to the chairman, terminated the proceedings.

PRESBYTERIAN BAZAAR AND SOIRbill), LOWER HUTT. A bazaar and soiree, in aid of the Lower Hutt Presbyterian Church and manse repair fund, was held on Monday, in a paddock adjoining the church. The weather was everything that could be desired, and consequently the gathering was numerous. The bazaar consisted solely in the vending of various articles, m ule by res dent- in the locality, from five stalls, the usual system of raffles being entirely done away with. The goods displayed found ready purchasers, every stall being emptied early in the evening. At 4 o’clock tea was served in a large tent erected on the ground. The tables were crowded four or five times in succession. The fo'lowing is a li-t of the sta 1-holders: —Misses Ellen and Agnes Milne, Purchase, Compton, Mcllviide, aud Coolt, Mesdames Sinclair, McKee, Speedy, and Moir. Christmas-tree saleswoman Miss Ransom. The stewardesses were—Mesdames Mauder, Bruce, McCulloch, Milne, Compton, Chapman, and Coulter, Misses McCulloch, Bruce, Sinclair, and McGowan. Refreshment stallholders—Mrs. Chapman and Miss Fortune. During the day athletic sports were indulged in with the following results : —Boys’ Race, under 15.—P. Mcllvride, 1 ; A. Copeland, 2. Girls’ Race, under 15.—Miss Mcllvride, 1; G. Mcllvride, 2. 600 Yards Race, open to all.— A. Pringle, 1; D. Pringle, 2. 300 Yards Race, open to all.—J. Knight, 1 ; G. Mason, 2. Running High Leap.—P. Mcllvride, 1. Putting the Stone (2Slbs.) —C. Avery, 1; J. Avery, 2. A meeting was held in the church, at which the folowing gentlemen spoke: —Revs. Moir, Paterson, Ogg, West, Fraser, and Grant. Reciters Misses Mcllvride and Speedie, Messrs. Chapman, Mcllvride, and Pringle. Singers—The choir, Misses Milne and Prouse, and Mr. Mcllvride. Prizes were distributed to worthy Sunday school scholars by Mr. Grant. The church, in aid of which the bazaar was held, requires extension and refitting. The congregation, we understand, has increased considerably since Mr. Grant’s appointment. qT WELLINGTON YOUNG MEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION. An address in connection with the recentlyformed Young Men’s Christian Association was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Somerville in St. John’s Presbyterian Church, Willis-street, on Tuesday evening. The church was well filled with a most attentive assemblage. The Rev. Dr. Somerville was accompanied on the platform by the Revs. Messrs. Paterson, Ogg, West, and others. The proceedings were opened with prayer-, after which the choir saDg very pleasingly the hymn “We’re marching to Canaan.” Mr. Kirk, the president of the association, then explained that the object of the meeting was to listen to a statement regarding what had been done in forming the society, and also to hear an address from Dr. Somerville, at whose suggestion the association had been formed. It was intended to direct the intellectual and religious life of those young men who might join it, and though in accomplishing the work that wa3 before them, they must anticipate many obstacles yet there were no difficulties which could not be overcome, aud he looked forward to beneficial effects resulting from the performance of a high and noble duty which would tell upon the community, and especially upon the Christian Church. It would incite others to the same great work. He alluded to its preventitive character in keeping young men from those evils and tempttations which surround them. By way of simile, he compared its working to the scientific problem of cleansing cities, and having exhorted all its members to do their best for the society, he called upon the Rev. Mr. West, who explained what had been done at a meeting held in the Woodward-ward-street Congregational Church, where the association was inaugurated. Having read a statement of the constitution, rules, aud objects of the society, he explained that its membership was already a strong one. Dr. Somerville, who was greeted with hearty applause, commenced his remarks by stating that for two days he had been almost incessantly travelling. He gave a graphic description of his trip by steamer, which he characterised as one of the most disagreeable he had ever undertaken. He said he had not had time to prepare his address, owing to the short space of time which he had at his disposal before being suddenly called upon to address the meeting. It was a source of pleasure to him that the Wellington Young Men’s Christian Association had got upon its feet, for such societies were very important from many points of view. Their relation to the Christian Church was similar to that of a reserve force of volunteers to a standing army : it was an auxiliary working in co-operation with the main body. There need be no fear of the Young Men’s Association intruding on the functions of Churches. It was an undenominational society, the membership being composed of those who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and acknowledged the supremacy and inspiration of the Holy Scriptures. He earnestly recommended all the young men to join the Churches, and made a pleasing allusion to the harmony which exists between ministers of the various denominations in Wellington. The rev. doctor interspersed his address with interesting anecdotes, 'and concluded by an eloquent appeal to the young men present. Dr. Somerville urged all present to contribute according to their means in aid of the object in view. He then com-

menced a sort of Dutch auction, asking would any one give £SOO, and then lowering the amount. Several gentlemen stood up—-two offering £SO each, and another two £25 each, two £lO, altogether making £2lO. One hundred members joined, who will subscribe £1 each, which will make a total of £3lO, a most excellent start. Great cheering took place as each gentleman stood up aud named the amount they would give. The doctor himself was also warmly cheered. The choir rendered musical selections in a very able manner during the evening. RAILWAY RETURNS. ’The New Zealand Gazette, issued yesterday, contains the following Railways Working Accouut, showing the total revenue and expenditure during the financial year 1877-78, to the termination of the four-weekly period ending 9th February :

MR. BARTON’S ADDRESS

Mr. G. E. Barton addressed a crowded meeting of electors at the Theatre Royal on Thursday evening. Mr. Beauchamp presided, and on the platform we noticed Messrs. Marks Fitzherbert, Wallace, Duncan, Peters, Gilligan, and Mr. Barton, jun. The Chairman having bespoke a fair hearing for the speaker. Mr. Barton, who was received with loud and prolonged applause, premised his remarks by statingthat he intended no slight to the constituency when he declined the offer of a triumphant procession from gaol. There was no man in the country who would have felt such an honor more than himself. He had refused it because he was determined that his enemies should not have the chance of saying that he used mob influence, or allowed it to effect the great public question which existed between himself, his clients, and certain parties. (Applause.) He wished to congratulate the constituency upon the great victory which they had obtained. When the Philistines of old were oppressing a certain favored race, a champion arose and slew those Philistines with the jawbone of an ass. They had done a greater feat than that, for they had accomplished a victory, while the jawbone was locked up until the contest was over. (Laughter.) They had showed that the most conservative part of New Zealand was as democratic as any of the Australian colonies had yet proved themselves to be. They had taught the rest of the constituents of this colony that their opponeuts were like Chinese soldiers, holding out painted shields with gorgeous heads behind them, with no arms of precision. They had released him for ever from the longest, sorest, and most painful persecution that ever a man had suffered. It had gone for ever, and he had to thank the citizens of this town for entirely destroying it. After detailing the subjects upon which he intended to touch, he said, with regard to the franchise for the Lower House, it had been stated by Mr. Moss, the newly-returned member for Parnell, that there were 88,000 male adults in New Zealand and 52,000 electors on the roll, there thus being 36,000 non-electors, and Mr. Moss considered the voters sufficiently numerous. He did not regard the proportion as a fair one. He found that the population of Wellington was reported to be 21,000. There were 5000 adult males in Wellington, and only 2027 on the roll of electors, which he did not think was right. With regard to the late election, Mr. Pearce’s supporters were polled to a man, the only ones who did not vote being those who were absent fiom Wellington ; yet out of a possible 2027 voters only 1233 voted, leaving 794 who did nob vote. Where were those 794 electors ? He would explain. The hours for polling were from nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, and the working man’s hours were from eight o’clock until five, consequently he was at work during the polling hours. (Hear, hear.) They might say that the working man could vote during his dinner hour, but there were only two polling places, which were not widely apart, and consequently many of them had not the time to register their vote. His son had been told by tlie working men not to send a cab for them, and that would account for many others not voting. During the late election he had no committeerooms but his own office, as people who had convenient places had refused to let him have the use of them, and the Odd Fellows’ Hall was the only place his son could get in which to hold a meeting. Again, there was wellgrounded reason to believe that the ballot was not secret. He did not wish to cast any imputations on the returning oflicer, but there was no concealing the fact

that there was a person who knew, and there were deputies of that person who knew, every man that h>d voted. That was not a right thing to exist in the system of ballot. Having explained the present system, he said that each of the papers were numbered, so that the voter was kn uvn, and this was intended to intimidate the voter. He commended the system prevalent in Frauce and Italy of voting, by dropping a colored marble in a box; ami accordingly the greatest secresy was observed. In tlie late election there was a deal of duplicate voting; but he could inform them that it was almost confined to those voting for' his opponents, and some of them were highly respectable men. The newspapers tried to hide the matter by stating that it had been done in mistake. When in Victoria, practising as a barrister, he had prosecuted some men, amongst them a member of Parliament, for personating voters. They got their several years of imprisonment. He would see there was nothing of that sort done in Wellington, for if he discovered any personators he would prosecute them, eveu if they were the most respectable men in the place—members of the Club. (Applause.) Half of the population was disfranchised one way or the other, and Sir George Grey had told them that manhood suffrage .was a remedy for this—an opinion in which he heartily shared. He held that every man who could read ought to have a vote, and every man who could intelligently follow public movements, although he could not read or write, should be entitled to a vote. The aristocracy had sakl that this man had no interest in the country ; but the poor man, he held, was equally liable to be called upon in the service of his country. Although a man might be unable to re id or write, if he had sufficient intelligence to acquire property, that man was able to follow public movements, and had equal interest in the country. If Sir George Grey went in for manhood suffrage pure and simple, he would have his vote. Another great reform was required in the matter of registration forelectors, which was now confined totbemonthsof January, February, and March. Why should not registration be effected all the year round. He thought the hours of polling should be altered so that a working man could record his vote, if he so pleased, an hour before he went to work or an hour after he went from work. He also complained of there not being sufficient and proper polling booths in the town, which was a great inconvenience to working men. Wellington had 22,000 iphabita.nts, and he certainly considered it was entitled to more than two members. There was a time when probably Wellington did not deserve to have two members. A Voice : We had three. Mr. Barton : Well, there was a time when you had three too many, but the place has proved itself worthy to be the capital of the colony. Referring to the choice of representatives, he asked what was the use of having a good electoral law, and even manhood suffrage,if they could not get good members of Parliament? It was different in the time of Provincial Councils, when every little place had its Provincial Council, and members, who had to go but a short distance from their homes, only sat for a couple of months in the year. The late session of Parliament lasted five months, and the next would probably last six months, if not more. He asked how it was possible for the constituents of this colony to be represented by members who could stay away six months from their business. No lawyer, doctor, small farmer, merchant, or storekeeper could do it. The runholders and speculators alone could do it. It had paid them handsomely to go into Parliament. He illustrated his argument by an American story, in which a smart boy took a situation as farm servant, saying he did not care for wages, as there was always “ something to be picked up.” Those who got into Parliament for nothing were always looking for something that paid them. All his life he had been a warm advocate for the payment of members of Parliament. He had seen a wealthy squatter give his honorarium to a benevolent asylum. That man had £50,000 a year derived from land, and he could well afford to do it. He held strong opinions on this question. No man could say he wanted payment as a member, because he could make more outside of "it. The land question was creating a deal of attention. The land was being kept from ■-the people. The raising of the price of land to £2 per acre prevented the poor man competing against the rich man. On this question Sir George Grey had proved himself to be a true man, and had tried his best to prevent the Land Act passed last session from ’ becoming law. The taxation of this country was most unfair and unequal. On gold there was a tax of 2s per ounce, and there was also the miner’s right of £1 a year, whereas he could not find that there was tax on wool, but he thought wool should be taxed equally with gold. He also referred to the stamp duties, which pressed unevenly on the poor man, aud to other items of taxation. He advocated the establishment of a trades hall, and considered that the Government should grant a piece of land for the site. The education question was one of considerable importance. He found that the Tablet, a Catholic organ, had mentioned in its last number that it was perhaps a mistake to return him as a member of Parliament because he was an Orangeman, the son of an Orangeman, the nephew of an archdeacon, and the cousin of a dean, but if he proved true to his pledges he might not turn out so bad. He knew that at the late election he had the votes of his Catholic fellow-countrymen, for which he was grateful ; but he had not made them any pledges to secure his own return. He was not an Orangeman, although the son of one. He was a Protestant holding liberal views. He did not believe that there had ever been an election in Wellington, except the one at which he was returned, when the Catholic* and Orangemen voted for the same man, and knew they were doing it. The Rechabites had voted with the publicans. He believed in purely secular education. Re*

garding the Local Option Bill, he thought it should be left to the public, and not to the police, to say whether more hotels were required or not. Police law was a bad law. Unless the police and publicans were downright angels, corruption must ensue from a law which makes a policeman ai-biter of what should be or should not be. He would not say that Insjrector Atcheson did not do his duty as well as any man, but he knew that some houses found it very easy to get a license, and some very difficult. The law ought to enforce penalties for selling adulterated liquors. He believed in the increase of rational amusement for the people, such as recreation grounds, museum-, libraries, theatres, and lectures, all of which tended to diminish drunkenness. He now came to the grand subject he wanted to instil into the minds of the people. There was in this colony an Augeau stable. He believed that the uncleansed stables of the Augeans must have beeu Courts of law, and that Hercules was some lawyer or other, who turned in a flood of public opinion and light •upon these Courts. It was a very good thing to have a first-class Parliament, with firstclass legislation and laws of a liberal kind; but what was the good of them if the Court that administered them was not right ? Englishmen were so accustomed to an almost perfect administration of the law that they could not credit the existence of its defects in this colony. Unfortunately there were many defects in the administration of the law which he wanted to show them. Successive Governments had vied throughout the colony in destroying the efficacy of Courts as far as they could. In order to prevent the best lawyers reaching the best road to the bench, the Legislature made a permanent Attorney-General. He would endeavor to prove to them that the law Courts of Wellington were worse than inefficient from examples drawn from their own city. They must not think he was entering on a personal matter. He was speaking on the question in a broad light. When he commenced practice in Wellington, whilst conducting an application before the Licensing Bench, his remarks were frequently interrupted by a constable standing behind, who made observations on his remarks; other lawyers seemed to take this as a matter of course, but he (Mr. Barton) soon put a stop to it, very quickly. He referred to a member of the force who had great influence in the Court, who carried on a sort of trading on his own account. He referred to a man who had been brutally ill-used when handcuffed at the lock-up. [Regarding the civil side of the Court, he alluded to certain lawyers being favored by the officers of the Court by their paying a commission. He knew a case in which a bailiff had been in receipt of Bs. per week to prevent him putting in an execution. That money was paid personally to an officer of the Court. After some allusions to imprisonment for debt, he said he would come to the Supreme Court, which he regarded as the great Augean stables. He referred to Woodgate’s case, which might have been a judicial murder. This was a matter of life and death. There were only two Judges on the bench on this occasion. Cases were decided here in such a manner that counsel were quite unable to say what judgments the Court might give. He also referred at length to the jury system, and stated that the Judges tried to make it as onerous and miserable as possible in every shape and form, so as to have it abolished. He remembered a case of a juryman being fined because he could not attend and swear that he was ill. The special jury list had only ninety-one names upon it. (Shame.) It was monstrous. He intended to take objection to the whole jury panel, and make them prepare a new list. Counsel were degraded by having to sit on wooden chairs whilst the judges sat on cushioned seats. He alluded to the case of Peters v. Joseph, and also to the circumstances which led to his committal for contempt of Court, adding that the moment he came out of gaol he went to the Bar of New Zealand, and asked if the question was one demanding a Parliamentary inquiry, and the opinion of the Bar was that his was a case calling for inquiry. He asked the meeting to pass a resolution affirming the desirability of an inquiry being held concerning the manner in which the Judges at Wellington had conducted the business of the Supreme Court, and to ascertain whether the clients in Mr. Barton’s hands had been treated with injustice or not. (Applause.) He had suffered for doing what was right, and he demanded an inquiry. He asked them to pass the resolution by acclamation. (Cheers.) If he was wrong, let him be driven from the country, as he would deserve to be ; but if he were in the right, his clients had been wronged. He did not care so much for himself, but he demanded an inquiry in the interests of justice. If the Government was, as it professed to be, an honest and democratic one, it would not shirk its duty, and he did not think they would refuse him an inquiry if he were supported by public opinion. It was well known that he had been carrying on a good business, but they would be surprised to hear that he was a poorer man by £2OOO than when he landed in Wellington. He never got costs from the Courts where they could be refused, and he had paid a large amount of costs out of his own pocket. After he had been in gaol eight or nine days he sent down to ascertain whether it was on the record of the Court what his alleged contempt had been, and there was no record of it. In conclusion, he thanked them for the patient hearing they had given him, and for their passing the resolution submitted to them. He expressed his willingness to answer any questions that might be put to him; but none were put. Mr. Barton x-e------sumed his seat amid loud cheering. Mr. J. H. Wallace, in proposing a vote of .thanks to Mr. Barton for the expression of his political views as a supporter of the present Government, said he had nothing to do with the latter part of his speech, which was a matter for Parliamentary inquiry. He hoped, however, that he would bear in mind that the South had had the lion’s share of the Public

Works policy in the construction of railways, and that his "place in Parliament Mr. Barton would consider what was due to the Noith Island, and support the action of his predecessor (Mr. Travers) in pushing on the proposed railway from the Upper Mutt to the West Coast, aud also the speedy completion of the Wairarapa railway. Mr. Peters seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. A vote of thanks to the chairman brought the proceedings to a close. CITY COUNCIL. The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the City Council was held on Thursday. Present —His Worship the Mayor, Councillors Hunter, Eisher, Allan, Allen, Logan, Dixon, Greenfield, George, Maginity, Diver, Moss, and Macdonald. MINUTES. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. waterworks engineer’s report. The Mayor submitted the following report from the Waterworks Engineer : I have the honor to report that the lowering of the pipes through the tunnel is completed, and the men are now employed in clearing up and stacking the materials, the property of the Corporation. The works part of the contract and s ill incomplete are : “Blinding” roadway across the dam, fixing floodgate in tunnel, concrete rings in tunnel, dressing down temporary road, fixing ladders in valve tower, providing chains and fixing strainer. Most of these items are small matters. The works remaining to be executed by the Council consist chiefly of the valve lifting gear and landing platforms in tower, to render the contract works complete. I desire to direct your attention to the necessity of placing a man in charge of the works. The boathouse was forced open last week, and the doors left swinging about. Through this the house received damage from the gale on Sunday. A change of clothing kept on the works for my use was also removed, and dogs are frequently sent into the water. I would also recommend that notice boards be placed in conspicuous positions cautioning persons visiting the works. The Town Clerk read a letter from Mr. Nicholas Marchant, resigning his position as Waterworks Engineer. Councillor Logan moved that the resignation be accepted, and that Mr. Marchant be allowed three months’ salary from date. Councillor Fisher seconded the motion. Councillor Moss thought that seeing Mr. Marchant had been in the employ of the Corporation for such a length of time (10 years), he was fully entitled to six months’ salary, by way of bonus, and he moved an amendment to that effect. Councillor Greenfield seconded the amendment, and expressed a favorable opinion as to the-manner in which Mr. Marchant had generally performed his duties since he had been an officer of the Council. Councillor Dixon observed that Mr. Marchant had done good service in his time, and was well deserving the six months salary proposed by the amendment. Councillor Hunter said he could not support the amendment, being of opinion that three months’ salary was as much ns Mr. Marchant could reasonably expect. It must be patent to everyone that the department over which the late engineer had control had been inefficiently directed on certain occasions, and he suggested that it would be well to see that Mr. Marchant was not finally settled with until he had handed over everything in a proper form, so that his successor might be in a position to carry out the duties pertaining to the office. Councillor Maginity supported the amendment, and pointed out that Mr. Marchant would have obtained greater remuneration had he undertaken the supervision of the Waterworks as a private individual. Councillor Allan was understood to express himself as holding views unfavorable to the granting of bonuses under such circumstances. Councillor Diver could not see his way to expending the public money in voting Mr. Marchant the money asked for by the amendment, though he felt inclined to vote for the original motion, but should not do so, contenting himself with this expression of opinion. The Mayor observed that Mr. Marchant had served them well ; the Waterworks contract had been economically managed ; the site was well chosen, and in every respect everything had been evidently arranged to the best advantage ; therefore he thought they should not be too nice in coming to conclusions for services rendered. Of course there had been faults, and these might occur with anyone, but still the fact remained that the work had been completed by Mr. Marchant, and at a comparatively small engineering cost. After some fu< ther observations, the question was put, when the amendment was carried, allowing six months’ notice in lieu of salary. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE’S REPORT. The Public Works Committee’s report, which we have already published, was then submitted. Regarding the fifth clause in the report, as to the paving of the dray-stand at the Custom House, Councillor Fisher offered some objection, stating that there were many more urgent works to be attended to. The cl.-use was then expunged from the report. A further recommendation for an iron fence to be erected round the vacant space behind the Martin fountain, was likewise objected to. The other clauses in the report were agreed to. A NEW SLIP. The Town Clerk read a letter from Messrs. Coffey and Dixon, asking for permission to erect a slip near the baths for the accommodation of vessels of a certain size. The letter was ordered to be received, after some remarks by Councillor Hunter as to the necessity of taking into consideration the likelihood of future legislation touching the control of the harbor, which would have to be borne in mind in any application that might be made to the Government. TE ARO RECLAMATION. The Town Cleric submitted the followiug report of the above committee:— That the offer of the proprietors of the foreshore between Barber’s comer and Clycle-qiiajq—viz., that they consent to waive all claims for compensation for loss of water frontage in consideration of their receiving (56ft. of the new reclamation with a street frontage, —be acceded to on the understanding that all the proprietors agree to the same. 2. That the proposal of the Gas Company, as embodied in

their letter of the 15th March, be acceded to, subject to a satisfactory arrangement being arrived at for (lie purchase of such portions of their property as is required for the extension of Tory-street. Councillor Macdonald stated that the subject was one of considerable importance, and lie suggested that its consideration be left over till next meeting. Councillor FISHKR questioned the power of the committee to act, ceutending that it had expired by » ffluxiou of time, hiving perl rined the duties assigned to it; and he mentioned that the last document on record in connection with the committee was dated the 26tli of November, 1577. He regarded this sudden re-forma,t-ion of the committee as strange, just at a, time when the subject with which it dealt had been introduced by himself. Some discussion followed, during which Councillor Hunter stated that the whole tiling, in his mind, wa; very easy of solution ; the Council was desirous to obtain an opening to the harbor from Tory-street, and as was well known by the members of the Council, it had h en the subject of debate for some time past, being one of considerable importance to the city generally. He considered that the Council was fully aware of the matter, and therefore he felt surprised that any objection should be taken to the report in its present stage. The Town Clerk read the following letter from the Gas Company in connection with the above report : I have the honor to inform you that this company will require to make provision for a further extension of its manufacturing plant, in order to provide for the supply of gas to tlie city for the winter of 18/9, and in order to do so it will be nocessai-y to erect a large brick building in that part of the company’s land which tile Council may hereafter require for the extension of Tory-street, (and which lias hitherto been kept clear of expensive buildings), or, to obtain possession of a portion of the land included in the grant to the City Council of the Te Aro foreshore ; it has been proposed and agreed to by all the property owners having frontagee to Lamblon Harbor in Te Aro, that if the Council will grant thorn a chain in width of land and a street frontage no opposition will he offered to the reclamation of the land, and all rights to the water fromage abandoned. Should the Council desire to acquire the land for the extension of Torystreet, and desire this company not to erect expensive buildings on the same, I have to request that the Council will be good enough to grant to the company a chain of land as above mentioned, on the harbor side of the works, or to give such a tenure as will justify the company incurring a large expenditure pending the final settlement of the harbor frontage question. If you will kindly inform me of the views of the Council at an early date I should be greatly obliged, as it is necessary to send orders to England by next mail, and the position of the building will materially affect the design. This letter is understood to he without prejudice.—l have, etc., C. J. Phaeazyn, Chairman, Wellington Gas Company. The consideration of the report and letter was held over until next meeting. ACCOUNTS. Various accounts were passed for payment to the amount of £2OIO 8-c 7d. In regard to one of the accounts by the Wellington Eire Brigade, of £3l 9s. 6d., considerable objection was offered, principally by Councillor Moss, on the ground that application should first have been made to the Council ; and payment was at length disagreed to, his Worship the Mayor remarking that he fully agreed with the decision of the Council, and that if anything extra was required by the fire brigades it should come before the Council in the shape of a grant, and not in the way presented before them. INSPECTOR OF NUISANCES. The question as to the appointment of Inspector of Nuisances was postponed for a week, as there were a large number of applications. TENDER. The tender of P. McConniskey, for painting the bonded stores and weighbridge, and the approaches to the wharf, at £SB, was accepted. WATERWORKS INVESTIGATION COMMITTEE’S REPORT. Councillor Hunter submitted the report of the above committee, and with a few brief observations moved that it be adopted. He remarked that the subject had already been well ventilated, and it was not therefore necessary for-liim to enter upon it iu detail; in fact, the Council was, he had no doubt, fully possessed of all tlie facts the report contained. The report was then adopted without comment. HARBOR FIRE ENGINE. Councillor Diver moved, —That the Corporation purchase a boating fire-engine for the Wellington harbor. Councillor Hunter advocated the adoption of a steam fire-engine for the city instead of a floating engine. Councillors Allan and Dixon thought that the expense of the engine was at present unwarranted. Councillor Macdonald stated that he was almost of the same opinion, although he had full confidence in the jß’oject. At the present, however, he thought they might dispense with the proposed luxury. After some remarks from Councillors Moss ami Fisher, Councillor Diver withdrew his motion for three months. THE TE ARO RECLAMATION. The motion by Councillor Fisher relative to the Te Aro reclamation was withdrawn, his name being afterwards added to the Te Aro [Reclamation Committee. MUNICIPAL RATE. The following motion by Councillor Fisher was likewise withdrawn:—That, in accordance with the powers conferred by section 3 of tlie Municipal Corporations Act, a separate of Is. in £ be struck, the money so raised to be applied in liquidation of the present overdraft. CITY OVERDRAFT. Councillor Fisher moved, —That from and after the present date no city works be undertaken the cost of which will inincrease the amount of overdraft on general account to a sum in excess of the legal amount prescribed by sectiou 156 of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1876. He observed that the present overdraft of the Council amounted to £36,284, and with other expenditure in view it might soon be expected to reach £50,000 ; in fact, they required to

curtail their expenditure if they did not wish to have their credit impugned. Councillor Hunter admitted that there had been wasteful expenditure, and gave Councillor Fisher credit for liis attention to the subject. He alio admitted that the overdraft had crept up year by year, and that it was highly desirable to reduce it; but lie could not bring himself to vote for this resolution, winch would bind them to a hard-and-fast rule. The expenditure, they all well knew, could not be stopped altogether, and as it were at once, although the overdraft might be gradually extinguished without interfering with the regular routine of business, aud in the course of four or five years that result might be accomplished if they kept their expenditure on a proper level with their income. Councillor Diver objected to the motion as inopportune at present, observing that if it was carried it would have the effect of stopping the public works. Councillor Fisher stated that, seeing the feeling of the Council, he had no objection to withdraw the motion, as his only desire was that the subject should be ventilated. When, therefore, he had seen it admitted that the Council had been somewhat spendtlirifty in the past, and required to be more careful in future, he had no wish to press the motion. The motion was then withdrawn. WATERWORKS AND DRAINAGE ACCOUNTS. Councillor Fisher moved, —That separate accounts be kept at the bank showing the amount to debit aud credit of the Waterworks Accountand tlie Drainage Account respectively, iu conformity with section 47 of tlie Waterworks Act, 1872, and section 14 of the Drainage Act, 1873. Councillor Hunter considered that if the resolution was carried the position of the Council would be considerably complicated, and he trusted it would be dealt with in the same manner as the previous motion, so that the Council should have full scope to recover from the temporary difficulties which might at present appear to surround it. Councillor Macdonald observed that it would have been much wiser for Councillor Fisher to have waited until the Finance Committee had submitted their report, which he had no doubt would explain everything. The motion was then put and lest. REMOVAL OF NIGHTSOIL. The motion by Councillor George relating to nightsoil was postponed for consideration until next meeting. Several notices of motion for next meeting were given, and the Council then adjourned.

1 Length Open for | Traffic. Total Total O o © 2 05 fcD 3 £ « £ G / For a Twelve-monthly Period, Average to bate. Section. Eevenue to date. Expenditure to date. <0 S' r, 'S Eevenue per Mile of Eailway Open. Expenditure per Mile of Eaihvay Upen. Kaipara 16 £ s. d. 1,979 18 8 £ s. d 2,702 19 1 136 52 £ s. d. 20 L 1 7 & s. d 274 10 4 Auckland 87 20,268 5 9 15,143 14 4 7472 446 19 5 333 19 2 Napier.. 59 14,428 19 11 10,813 5 8 74-94 394 18 0 295 18 10 Wellington .. 28 9,001 8 11 6,689 3 3 74-31 686 6 5 510 0 5 Foxton.. 40 5,154 17 7 5,176 14 2 100 42 209 8 4 210 6 0 Wanganui 33 1,309 12 S 2,592 14 6 197 97 9S 19 8 195 19 2 New Plymouth 21 2,700 13 10 2,897 2 10 107-27 208 19 7 224 3 7 Greymouth .. 8 3,733 2 1 3,193 3 1 85 "53 758 5 10 643 12 0 Westport 19 761 7 8 799 12 1 105 01 92 10 0 97 3 0 Nelson 20 3,608 12 11 3,550 5 7 98-88 293 4 1 288 9 2 Picton .. 18 2,588 16 7 3,009 5 7 110-24 233 14 2 271 3 5 Christchurch .. 387 147,887 0 5 113,615 19 8 76'S3 631 9 6 485 2 9 Dunedin 105 58,426 15 6 43,665 7 11 74 73 1,050 11 0 785 2 7 Invercargill .. 154 26,4ti6 14 2 19,364 5 6 73-16 316 16 5 231 16 0 095 298,316 6 8 233,213 13 3 7317