NEW-ZEALAND SPECTATOR AND Cook's Strait Guardian. Saturday, November 6, 1852.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume VIII, Issue 758, 6 November 1852, Page 2

NEW-ZEALAND SPECTATOR AND Cook's Strait Guardian. Saturday, November 6, 1852.

We have printed in our present number the first part of the New Zealand Government Bill as it passed the House of Commons, the remainder of the Bill will appear in Wednesday's paper. We also intend publishing Mr. E. G. Wakefield's petition to the Housy of Commons' in favour of the Bill, referred to by Sir J. Pakington in his speech on going into Committee. Some additional papers relating to New Zealand have been laid before Parliament, including a despatch from Sir G. Grey to the Colonial Minister on the :Aipt of Parliament which caused so much confusion and embarrassment by the suspension of the New Zealand Company's Land^Claimants Ordinance, and of the operations for the issue of Crown Grants and the adjustmentof outstanding claims under purchases from the New Zealand Company. The petitions sent home by the Midlothian signed by upwards" of fifteen hundred persons, will show how strong the • feeling on this subject is throughout the •different settlements; how little Mr. Fox either knows or represents the' wishes 'anjdL, opmions^^pX „ the^ ettlergu . .Another despatch from his Excellency is also printed, announcing the purchase' of extensive tracts, in the Hawke's Bay district from- the Natives by Mr. M'Lean. The Neiv Zealand Journal takes exception at an expression in 'which Sir George states 'his confidence, "now the Government is freed from the interference of the principal agent of the New Zealand Company, and is no longer dependent upon another party for funds,'' that other extensive 'tracts offered for sale by the natives will; be * purchased with as little - difficulty, as an attempt to damage Mr. . , Fox's character. The Duppa 'Compensation job, and other instances of asimi- ■ lar kind, his extraordinary conduct^with, reference to the maps and btherdocuments of the New Zealand 'Company to "quitting his adopted country" < all prove that Mr-.^Foioeihad* no character to damage£4while«4t is~ notorious that in the purcljase of -the Rangi-,

tiki district the government had to provide the money which the bankrupt Company ought to have furnished out of the last funds received from ' the British Government', but which was spent, just as the NelsonTrustFiinds were misappropriated, leaving* the Government to make the amount good. If the Company had been . extinguished in 1847, and the late Principal Agent of the New Zealand Company had never enjoyed that office, by this time every claim to land -under purchase from the Company would have been settled, and all Native" claims to every district in the Southern Province would have been entirely extinguished. ' ♦ • The last Government Gazette contains a notice of sale at Nelson at the 16th inst.,» of nine town lots of. land and two suburban sections at Wakatu, and an advertisement for contracts for Stationery. The following is the amount of Notes of the Colonial Bank of Issue in circulation on the 16th October being the close of the preceding four weeks': — '£5 and upwards £2,970 > 0 0 ,' Under^s .... 8,885 0 0 T0ta1.... £11-,;855, 0 0.. The sum of Seven . Thousand Pounds has been invested in the British Funds under the warrant of his Excellency the Governor-in-Chief. , ■■ — WELLINGTON ATHENAEUM ;AND MECHANICS' INSTITUTE. On Tuesday evening, the 2nd inst., the usual half-yearly'meeting of the members of this Institution took place in the Hall of the Atheiiseum. Mr. Lyon, one of the Vice- Presidents, having taken the chair, commenced the proceedings by reminding the members that the principal object for which they had assembled ( being to elect office bearers in place of those then°retiring, he woald recommend the meeting at once to appoint scrutineers to take charge of the ballot. Messrs. D. Lewis, G. Crawford, and E. A. Hargreaves were accordingly requeeted to perform this office, and the ballot commenced. The Chairman then called upon the Secretary to read the report. REPORT— The committee have much pleasure in noticing that the number of members (174) is greater now thau it has been at any former period since the resuscitation of the Institute in 1848, which justifies the expectation that, as the means of instruction and entertainment are increased, by additions to the library and^otherwise, a still greater number of members will be obtained. The last report informed the members that a sum of £50 had been remitted to London for the purchase of standard works. These books have not yet arrived, but may be daily expected. The Committee have observed, from a letter in the New Zealand Journal, that Me. Knowles had received their remittance, and was appealing to persons in England, who might feel an interest in the success of the Institute, for donations of any books mentioned in the order, so that he might have funds left at bis disposal for the purchase of •additional books, another Jn^ance oj-ih^interest, " i wKTchrtnat'gentleQiin continues to evince in The welfare of the Institute. The Committee have long been desirous of procuring for the reading room a constant supply of periodicals. Taking advantage of the facilities now offered for the transmissujn of books through the post office, the Committee have . remitted to London the sum of £5 in order to secure, if possible, the' regular transmission, in monthly parts, of the Athei'seum, the Builder, Chambers' Edinburgh Journal, and Punch ; should this experiment prove surcessful, the 1i t may be tx'ended to include som* of the magazines and reviews. 136 volumes of books have been added to the library during the past sis months, among which are the Cabinet Edinburgh Library, the National Illustrated Library, and a set of Lever's Works. All of these are in constant demand by the frequenters of the library, as appears by the fact that but three or four out of the whole of the books enumerated are ever to be seen on the shelves. The desire for reading amongthe members seems to be much on the increase, no less than 1750 issues of boqks having been recorded by the Librarian during the half-year just ended. " The following lectures have been delivered in the Hall of the Institute during the same period : Introductory lecture on the Physical Sciences, on the Natural History of the Whale, on Chemistry (four lectures) by Dr. Ralph; Selection from L'yell's Geology Mr. R. Hart ; on Pneumatics, Mr. Roberts ; Physical Geology, Mr. Ly^n ; Hungary and the Hungarians (two lectures) Mr. R. J; Duncan ; on Photography, Mr. Scaly ; on ttie Telescope, Mr. Marriott; on Money, Mr. "Woodward ; on the Natural History of Man, (2) Mr. Catchpool. ! A ConveYsazione was held in the Hall of the ' Institute ori the 16th "of August, which the Committee believe afforded considerable gratification to t'ne members, at the same time that it introduced a new feature into the proceedings of , the ' Instituted -Ttie objects 'displayed on sucfTocca■ions furnish considerable intellectual enjoyment, and» matter for profitable reflection ; and 1 these meetings tend to produce feelings of harmony and gftod will among the 'members. Oo the 30th September, Sir G. Grey, the President of the Institute, gave a Conversazione, to which all tbe members and their families were invited, and they will too well remember tbe high gratification they enjoyed on ' that evening to require in this report any idetailed account of the arrangements made to promote their enjoyment. Much inconvenience has resulted from the practice of holding half-yearly .meetings for the election of -tbe Committee, and other. proceedings connected therewith with no corresponding benefit. - The Committee therefore propose. for the consideration of the me'mheri'that after the meet-ing-'bf^nexl May,, which is the proper annual meeting, tbe general meetings of members for the election of office bearen, &c, ihould be held once in each year only, and that the. necessary alterations should be made in tbe rules. Mr. T. M'Kenzie moved the adoption of the report, and said he thought the thanks of the meeting, were due to the Committee for the able and satisfactory manner in which the affairs of- the Institute had been conducted -during the past six months. Mr. W. Norgrove seconded the jnbtion,' which upon being, put to the meet,pg,'was carried unanimously. , ' ; .

The Treasurer then reacT the following statement of- accounts : — ' '' *. s * >' The Tbeasubeb in account ■ cxibbent' •with the WEIiLIKGTON-AtHEN-EUM., , 'i Dr.

E.E. Wellington, November 2, 1852. J. Woodward, Treasurer. Examined and found correct ' A. M'Dokaid, 1 AuditorB> H. S. Morgan, J M. Woodward explained more fully the various ttem9 in his accounts, and called attention to the increase in the item for firing and lights, which arose from the consumption occasioned hy the use of the Hall as a reading room. He said he thought it was his duty to call attention to the matter, and would then . leave it for the members to consider whether the expense should be continued. Mr. Carter thought the charge was a perfectly legitimate one as the reading room was one of the principal advantages offered by the Institute to its members, and ought not to be discontinued. ? Some discussion then ensued as'to the pro,priety of obtaining a larger number of news*' papers for the use of the readings room, and Smdtfgst otßfersit was^snggelfScr tfiat the Etome' Hews should be ordered. Mr. M'Kenzie said he had no doubt if the Committee would instruct the Secretary to write to the proprietors of the Helson Examiner the Lyttelton Times and other colonial papers, that they < would furnish their papers gratuitously to the Institute, in like manner as the Independent was supplied to kindred Institutions in other settlements. Mr. Lyon remarked upon this subject that a file of the Times for Apnl, May, and June, had that day been received from some friend of the Institute at home. Mr. Woodward read an extract of a letter from Mr. John Knowles, also received that day, which announced that the books alluded to iv the report of the • Committee' had been purchased, and wer6 to be shipped by the True Briton, and might therefore be daily expected. The Secretary said it would be within the knowledge of most of the members present that the Committee had- for a long time been in correspondence with the local Government on the subject of the Grown Grant foi the Institute's land, which up to thafc\time they, bad been unable to obtain, in consequence of "a difficulty about the boundaries next to Plimmers' land, he had, however, much pleasure in stating that this question was at last conclusively settled., in a manner satisfactory to the Committee, and read a letter from the Commissioner of Crown Lands conveying the decision of the Government upon the subject. This announcement ' was hailed with much satisfaction by the meeting. "The Scrutineers upon finishing the examination of the balloting papers reportedthe following persons duly elected as office 'bearers for the next term :— ' President. — Sir George Grey, K.C.B. Vice Presidents.— Messrs. 1 ' We- Lyon,; E. Catchpool, and G. Moored- - ■ ' KTreasuVer. — Mr. 3* Woodward^ " Secretary-. — Mr. W. Seed. • Committee. Messrs. B. Gordon, D. Johnston, J. H. Gillard, T. Mills, Jas. Wallace, and J. Blyth. The following are the members of Committee who retire at the next election:-£-Messrs, C. Mills, G, Pickett, E. Roberts, G. lHart, W. Spinks, and W. Holmes. :...,. •* A Public Meeting was heid on Thursday evening at the hall of the Athenjeum, at whicfy Mr. Wrey attended to. explain company present the position and probable of the Dun Mountain Copper, mines, situated near the town of Nelson. statement made by Mr ._ Wrey, ;t appears that the locality of the mine is about six nriles^ across the country ; but by a railway the distance will be •nearly ten miles. The mine is situated in a. lofty mountain, and for, a long, series.of . years will not require engines for draining purposes, and the traffic being entirely down hill, no obstacle exists. to, jthe formation, of- a tramway from the-mine to the r port,,of Nelson. A specimen of the ore was placed on the table which appeared- ( to satisfy the, company as to the character of, the metal. . The immediate object of the projectors appears to be, to 'obfain a sum of £1000 to form a preliminary fund, £500 to be employed im-

mediately in this country by contract, to make such actual researches ~ by- mining and otherwise as shall clearly prove the existence of a '.valuable mine, and also in making a complete survey of the Hoe of country for the tramway. Provided these expectations' are realized, then the remaining £500 will be required to defray expenses in a voyage to England and back, and all incidental charges in raising capital;and are rangements for sending out the required miners, '&c, to work the mines. At the present time there is, not any company -formed, but parties contributing to the preliminary fund may elect to take shares whenever, and so soon as acompany is formed, receiving three shares of one pound each fully paid-up for every one pound contributed, or they may consider any contribution 'they may mak^e, solely as a donation -without the possibility of' J any liability, j , Whenever this Company is formed a capital of £56,000 will be taken in shares of £1 each fully paid up. The weather being boisterous and rainy undoubtedly prevented many persons from attending ; but, notwithstanding, a numerous and highly attentive audience were present, the explanations given and the ready and candid replies to many questions asked appeared to give very general satisfaction, which resulted in a subscription to a considerable amount. It also appears that about £15Q had been contributed 'a£.Nelson before Mr. Wrey-came 'away.' - • It is now "an established -fact' that we have most valuable mines of both copper and coal, at command within our own territory, which inevitably must benefit the country at large, and we sincerely hope such sources of' wealth will not be allowed to languish for the want of so moderate an amount as is required to commence such works as are necessary to their practical development.

To balance from last half year ......,..." 101 11 10 To arrears of Subscriptions for' half year ending June 80. 1802, 9 at ss. 6d., 1 at os. 6at 3s. s 8 at 2s. Cd -. -••• 4= 12 6 To Subscriptions received to date — 45 yearly i 44 at 10s. Od., lat ss. Od. ". . 23 7 6 127 half yearly,. 33 at ss. 6d;, ' 80 at 55., 14 at 2s. 6d 30 16 6 - • • # — 54 4 0 To catalogues sold, 25 at 6d . ..'... 0 12 6 To cash received for admission to lectures . '2 8 0 Do. do. from members for use of 1 the room for Ballat anniversary «••'•■ * ~'° Do.; do. received from J. C. R. Wood, Esq., ■ D.A.C.G. for use of room for Ball 3 3 0 Do. do. received from OddJTellows for use of room in aid of Widows' and Orphans' Fund •••• 2 2 0 Do. do. received from members of the Free . Churchfor use of the room as a place of worship 10 0 Do do. received from Building Society for '-We of Hall.- : '.•'.• ] 5 ° Do. do. received from the New Zealand So- ; ciety for use of Hall for preliminary meet- , ' ing, : r °15 ° Do.' do. received from members of the Builj ding Society as a special contribution towards any addition or improvements to the Ha 11.... • ?H ° f Do"do. received as proceeds of sale of, sur- .■ . '/'plusbooks '. '• , ,'^ 9 ', S Do. profit of Convertaziowt after, payment of - ." -_ expenses • « • ' 0 G 7 £182 12 8 Cr. , . ' \ By cash paid for purchase of books 1 for 'library, and repairs of books 24 6 3 By purchase of apparatua 3 15 0 By amount remitted to England for pur-. 1 chase of periodicals (with Bank prem!). 5 2 0 .By 1 purchase of Furniture .' '6 9 0 "By sundry repairs and additions to the Hall: '7 19 0 By Librarian's salary, 20 weeks at 10s 13 0 0 By commission to collector, 5 per cent, .on £58 16 6 2 1J 0 By advertising and printing o 11 ' o By sundries, candles, oil, lamp cotton, &c....v 6 14 4 10 19 10 Firewood 3 5 ° Cleaning and petty charges .10 0 By interest on debentures 10 per cent on £30 3 0 0 5 per cent, on £57 15 5 ... 2 17 9 ■ — 5 17 9 By balance carried down 96 13 4