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New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4174, 6 August 1874, Page 2

Bather a warm passage at arms occurred over Ithe Wellington Laud Payments Bill in Committee last night. The Premier took exception to the Bill, as no limit whatever was placed upon the extent to ■which land might be given in payment for public works—an arrangement which he regarded as most wasteful. The hon. member for the Hutt, with marked personal feeling, asked why the Marlborough Bill had not been objected to, and why it was that it was only when the Wellington Bill was before the Committee that they were treated to this homily on prudence. He took the occasion also to say that if he had been in his place on the previous evening he would have stated that there was not a tittle of truth in the statement the Premier had made as to the financial relations of the Colonial Government and the Province of Wellington, He hazarded the conjecture also that votes were to be bought, and, therefore, the Taranaki Bill had not been opposed. Mr. Vogel, in reply, observed that he had not been so long before the public as the hon. member for the Hutt, but he would leave it to the House to say whether he ever made statements which he did not thoroughly believe to be true. He thought the hon. member for the Hutt should have remembered a late correspondence with regard to the Auditor-General. As to buying votes, it might be that it was impossible for an hon; member, who had long moved in a certain groove, to think as .others did who did not move in the same groove. There never was a Government, he added, which had less need to buy votes than that which at present held office. In both Houses of Parliament yesterday the first business was dealing with a breach of privilege. The Tribune of Tuesday evening had published the telegram sent to the Auckland Southern Cross, purporting to be a vidimus of the proceedings of the Ward-Chapman Committee, which the New Zealand Times of the same day had refused to reprint. This publication was regarded as a breach of privilege, and a Select Committee of both Houses was appointed to inquire into the matter with a view to the prevention of similar breaches of privilege in future. It may be mentioned as a rather curious note that neither Mr. Pitzherbert nor Mr. Bunny were in their places in the House on Tuesday night when Mr. Vogel scarified them in his reply to the adverse remarks of those and other honorable members in opposition to the New Zealand Forests Bill. The following tenders were received at the Public WorksOffiee, Wellington, for the Timaru and Waitaki Kailway, Pareora contract Accepted : Allen and Stumbles, Timaru, £23,911 ss. 3d. Declined : Jas. Gibson and Son, Timaru, informal ; Walter Fuller, Ashburton, informal. The New Plymouth Endowment Bill was read a second time last night in the House, on the motion of Mr. T. Kelly. Mr. Vogel took the opportunity of stating that the Government had come to the determination not to permit any harbor works to be carried out, the plans of which had not been examined and approved by the officers of the General Government. There is a good deal of truth in the following remarks, which appear in the Western Star: —“ We are sick of hearing remarks about the appearance of the men shipped to Riverton by the immigration authorities, for it must be remembered that these people have not been fed the greater part of their lives on good New Zealand beef and mutton, as most of us have been. Let those who talk so much about the matter cast a glance back to the time when they first arrived in the Colony, and contrast their present appearance and position with that they then bore, and we have no hesitation in saying many will hardly recognise themselves.” Captain Tuttle, a whaling captain of many years’ experience, will deliver a lecture at the Odd Fellows’ Hall, on Saturday evening next, on “ Whales, their habits, their food, and their young.” The lecture will be illustrated by paintings of the great polar whale and the right whale. The lecture has, we notice, been delivered in the South Island, where it was spoken of as both instructive and amusing. The lecture will commence at eight o’clock. An old Canterbury settler, who is a shrewd observer and graphic writer, has been contributing “notes by the way” "on his travels from England to the Colony. "He concludes his last letter by giving his impressions of the Province on his arrival there by the overland route from Hokitika. He says : —“ I had not been in the Province many days before I found things in general so strangely altered, and people so vastly changed, that 'it seemed to me almost like ft new country, and I could hardly realise that I had been away for about three years only. According to the predictions of your wisest men, you should have been ruined long ago, but you seem to persistently object to fulfil the prophecy, which is rather awkward for the prophets. I have faith enough in you yet to be quite willing to hold juoperty amongst you. I shouldn’t at all object to a thousand acres of good land or a parcel of 5 per cent, bonds at about 90 ; and wouldn’t mind helping to bear the ‘crushing burden of taxation’ under which you are supposed by some to struggle. You will survive Vogel, and erect a monument to his memory.” Writing of the comet lately seen in all parts of the Colony, Mr. A. Beverley, of Dunedin, says ;—“ The form of this comet is an oval, about three times longer than broad, brightest near the margin, and haring a beautiful nucleus at the smaller end. It probably belongs to the class of wanderers through space which visit the solar system once, but never again return. It appears to have passed its perihelion, and to be receding from the sun. If so, its perihelion passage will have been observed by European astronomers during last week.” Just before the departure of the Phoebe from Picton on her last trip, an individual of pugilistic inclinations was served with a summons for assault ; he, however, treated the matter quite as a joke, laughing at the confiding simplicity of the police in imagining that he was going to take any notice of an ordinary summons, and took his departure by the steamer. Service of the summons was proved in Picton ; a warrant issued, and the police in AVelliugtou telegrajdied to about the intended visitor, who, on his arrival, was welcomed by some new acquaintance, who kindly insisted on finding him accommodation for the night, and yesterday morning introduced him at the Police Court, where an order was made to provide him with a return passage to Picton. Ho will, doubtless, there learn the object of a summons, and the consequence of neglecting it. Indoor skating is again a favorite recreation in' Melbourne. The proprietor of a largo dancing academy, says the correspondent of a conteuq>orary, has also a skating rink held on certain days in the week on his broad floor. The rink is fashionable, and highly select, and Lady Bowen is a prominent member, and may bo seen twice-a week with her children actively participating in the graceful, pleasant, healthful exercise. It was proposed last night by Mr. Steward, on the order of the day being read for the committal of the Licensing Act, 1873, Amendment Bill, that the House should sit on Monday evening for the special purpose of considering the BUI. After some observations from the Premier, and Mr. Fox, it was settled 1 that the matter should be arranged this evening.

The newly-elected member for Waitemata, Mr. Von der Heyde, has taken passage for Wellington by the steamer Wellington. The measures which it is alleged are being taken to unseat him, on the groimds that he has not been naturalised, appear, by a telegram which we have received, to have been the subject of some discussion in the Auckland papers, and, as the telegraphic correspondent says, “the subject of - a general expression of regret.” One of the local journals, the Herald, suggests that, if necessary, a short Act (sustaining his election, or admitting his naturalisation, we presume) should be passed ; but the legality of that or any other course will, no doubt, be duly discussed should hi 3 opponent, Mr. Maofarlane, insist that the election is void. The Excise Duties Committee of the House of Representatives brought up their report yesterday. The questions submitted to the Committee were :—“ Whether the proposed increase of excise duties is inconsistent with good faith to those who have embarked in the business of distilling ? and whether it would be expedient to altogether stop the distillation of spirits in the Colony; and upon what terms such measure could be adopted The Committee reported that they had carefully considered the subject, and had come to the following resolutions;—“l. That the proposed increase of excise duties is not inconsistent with good faith to those who have embarked in the business of distilling. 2. That it is inexpedient to altogether stop distillation of spirits in the Colony. 3. That, having in view the loss to the revenue from distillation under the present excise duties, and also that the parties now engaged in distillation have expressed their willingness to accept compensation, the Committee is of opinion that the Government should endeavor to arrange with the parties now engaged in distilling, on equitable terms, and with due consideration to their claims.”

“XJncle Tom’s Cabin” was produced at the Theatre Royal last night for the first time, to a sparse attendance, the Bazaar 'p rov ' n S a strong counter attraction. Almost everyone, it may be supposed, has read this romantic story of slave life in America, and having read it must retain a clear recollection of the painfully true scenes which the authoress has so vividly described as enacted during the tune that the wholesale system of slavery in the States so disgraced and outraged humanity. To secure the continued attention of the public to a drama of five acts, the plot must furnish more frequent sensation than is the case in the piece in question, consequently interest flags and the audience are tired of it. before the most attractive part is disclosed. In the first performance of a piece, allowances are to be made for any hitches that may take place; but, although none of these occurred last night, the play certainly dragged rather heavily. This will, however, wear off with repetition, as far as the tedious length of it will allow. It is doubtful whether any part could have been more aptly chosen to illustrate Miss Rosa, Towers' great talent, for, although the character is that of an innocent, simple minded child, everything lies in the representation of it to render it acceptable on the stage. This little lady’s wonderful power over the sympathetic feelings of her audience is undeniable, and the way in which the emotions are gradually worked up by her sweet and impressive manner is truly remarkable. If proof were wanting as to her hold on the sympathies of her listeners, it was ample last night in the number of moist eyes at her dying scene, when nothing but the sobs of females and children could be heard. As Uncle Tom, Mr. Burford treated the house to a fine and masterly piece of acting, showing an excellent comprehension of the character of a true-hearted and faithful old negro—and the audience were not slow to display their appreciation of his ability, for he was frequently and loudly applauded. Mr. Hydes, as Phineas, the Quaker, was capital. The other members of the company played their parts carefully and well, and will be particularised after another representation. As a first performance “ Uncle Tom’s Cabin" was decidedly a success, which was greatly assisted by the fine scenery and the effects. The last scene, in which Eva ascends -with the angels, is beautifully executed, and received a welldeserved recall. The piece will be repeated to-night. Mr. John Beaton, of Auckland, claims to have invented a cheap process for expeditiously preparing phormium tenax for exportation. A correspondent of the Lyttelton Times sends to that paper specimens of phormium cleaned, &c., by that process. Specimen No. 1 has been manipulated to show its capabilities for thread making. No. 2—the dyed specimen, seems meant for working in with other materials of a mixed textile fabric. Specimen No. 3—is refuse phormium prepared for paper manufacturing purposes. Mi - . Featon reckons that, for £lB per ton, an article that would fetch £SO per ton in London could be produced by his invention. On the 9th of June James Donovan, the steward of the p.s. Manawatu, whilst walking across a plank to the shore at Wanganui, through being shortsighted missed his footing and was drowned. All search for the unfortunate man’s body proved fruitless, until the 30th ult., when it was fomid on the ocean beach near Wanganui Heads. An inquest was held, and the jury'returned a verdict of accidentally drowned. It is now intended by the poor fellow’s friends and acquaintances among the shipping, with all of whom he was a particular favorite, to raise a memorial of their regard. The movement is a worthy one, and will doubtless be supported by others who came in contact with him outside his duties in connection with the steamers.

Yesterday was one of the most pleasant clays that have been experienced for many weeks past, and there is all appearance of the weather being settled, but appearances are deceptive, and so they are likely to be in this instance, for the indications of the barometer are anything but favorable. The barometer is again falling, and the present prospect is that within the next forty-eight hours we shall have another north-west gale, with a south-easter to follow. Mr. Macassey, in a recent letter to the Otago Daib/Times, on the subject of Judges' orders for the production of telegrams, said he “ trusted that nothing which he had penned could be construed as an unfair comment upon, or interference with, any proceeding now pending before the Supreme Court.” Air. Alacassey’s hope in this particular has apparently not been realised, for yesterday his letter was made the grounds of an application in the Supreme Court, Dunedin. The Lyttelton Times has an article on the subject of the redistribution of representation, which it thus concludes : —“ The main point we desire to urge is, that Canterbury, from the large additions that have been, and are likely to be, made to its population ; from the great extension of settlement as evidenced by the land sales ; and from the increased contributions to the Colonial revenue which , all this implies is entitled to additional representation. The gist of our proposal is, then, that one member should be taken from Taranaki and transferred to Hawke’s Bay ; that one member should bo taken from Wellington and transferred to Auckland ; that one member should be taken from Nelson and one from Westland, and two added to the roll of the House ; that these four should be divided equally between Canterbury and Otago ; and that there should be a re-arrangement of the districts in the former Province. This, we consider, would form the basis of a'fair re-distribution and readjustment, making due allowance for individual crotchets on a subject so eminently calculated to cause division.”

Sea-faring men and many others mil hear with regret of the very painftd and serious accident which has happened to Captain Hart, of the steamer Beautiful Star. By a telegram from Lyttelton it appears that the steamer of which Captain Hart has command was towing the ship Balloohmoyle, when the warp sprung or snapped, and, striking Captain Hart, broke both his legs. So severe was the injury that it is feared amputation of at least one limb will bo necessary. ' Captain Hart was an active and careful commander, in the prime of life, has long been employed as officer or master in the Colonial- steam-trade, and during that time had made many friends, who will sympathise with him much in his present serious misfortune.

The Lyttelton Gas Company’s Bill was read a third time and passed inthe House of Representatives last night. v ' The Registrar-General has notified to the Registrars that all children still-born in their district must in future be registered. A meeting of the City Council is appointed to be held at four o’clock this afternoon. The Philosophical Society, who have lately held interesting meetings, meet again at the Museum on Saturday evening, when several papers will be read. The report of Mr. Speaker on the Mana-watu-Rangitikei claim, by the Province of Wellington, is to betaken into consideration by the House on Wednesday next. It was agreed yesterday in the House that for the remainder of the session the orders of the day shall take precedence of the notices of motion on Wednesdays. Mr. Wakefield was not in the House when the motion standing in his name on the subject of the taxation of the Colony was called upon yesterday. Tenders are invited for the erection of post and telegraph offices at Palmerston North, in the Province of Wellington, and at Geraldine and Southbridge, in the Province of Canterbury. Our obituary contains a notice of the death of Mrs. Buchanan, wife of Mr. Thomas Buchanan, manager of the Bank of Australasia in this City. Mrs. Buchanan had for some time been in very delicate health. A meeting of those interested in the formation of a Hibernian Catholic Benefit Society,, was held in St. Mary’s Church school-room, on Tuesday evening, when about fifty persons were present. The formation of the Society was resolved on, and about twenty-five members were immediately enrolled. Office-bearers to act pro. tern, were elected, and the affair received a most satisfactory start. There is no doubt that it will be well supported by a large number. The next meeting is to take place on Thursday evening, the 13th instant, when a very large attendance is anticipated. _ CANTERBURY. A locomotive engine ran for the first time in Timaru on Thursday. Steam was got up, and shortly after the locomotive with one first and second class .carriage attached, filled with passengers, started along the line northwards through the cutting. The train, says the Herald, made several other trips, taking passengers each time. Although the distance was very short, a speed of eighteen or nineteen miles was attained, with scarcely the slightest oscillation. OTAGO. A new Club is to be erected in High Street, Dunedin, on the site formerly occupied by Messrs. Gray and Drummond’s timber-yard. The building will have a frontage of 56ft., and a height from the street Kne of 60ft. The vital statistics for Dunedin during the month of July, 1874, were ;—Births, 121 deaths, 24; and marriages, 29. A very severe accident happened to Mr John Saxey, steward of the barque Roalyn Castle, at the Port Chalmers railway pier, on Wednesday week last. He was engaged sawing a piece of wood to light his stove fire, when his foot slipped, and overbalancing himself he fell down the hold on to a quantity of iron. He was picked up and immediately attended to by Dr. Drysdale, who pronounced him to be suffering from concussion of the spine. He is in a critical condition, and was conveyed to the Dunedin Hospital. Mr. Saxey is a young man, belongs to Loudon, and was married only a few days before he left England. There is now in the Otago Museum a large quantity of moa bones, which are being assorted by Captain Hutton, and which are thus described by the Daily Times There are now cases full of leg bones, others full of toe bones, a cask full of ribs, cases each containing a different sort of vertebrae, and a place wherein are stowed pelvises and breast bones. The pelvises and breast bones to be kept for the Otago Museum have been set apart from another lot, which are to be used in making up moa skeletons for exchange. While much labor has been'expended up to the present in sorting the bones, it is but a foretaste of what is to come. The toe bones, for instance, have to be placed to the several positions they occupy in the foot, and the bones of the different species have to be separated as the sorting is proceeded with. All the leg bones are to be carefully measured, to compare them with Professor Owen’s estimates in his different papers on the moa, and some of the bones are to have as many as six measurements. The value of a large number of measurements is that a more correct average of the sizes of the different species is got, and to see whether one size runs into another or not. When these measurements have been completed, the distribution of the skeletons as exchanges to other Museums will be commenced. This is one of the advantages of having the Museum in competent hands. Had the bones lately found in one large deposit up country been discovered and brought to town before the advent of Captain Hutton and Dr. Coughtrey, they might ha% r e been very soon scattered as exchanges, and an opportunity lost of making measurements over a large quantity that might never occur again.”