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New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4181, 14 August 1874, Page 2

Yesterday Mr. Vogel submitted the Ministerial resolutions on the' subject of Provincialism in the North Island. He spoke for an hour and twenty-three minutes. At its close, when the hon. member for Selwyn was expected to rise to "bell the cat," something in the nature of a surprise was experienced by the House. Mr. O'Rorke rose and stated that he was no party to the resolutions that had been submitted to the House. Ho had not changed his opinion on the subject of Provincialism, and was not given to tergiversation. If he had known that in his armoury the Premier carried the dagger of perfidy, for the purpose of stabbing the Provinces, he would not have been one of his colleagues. Mr. Vogel rose to make a personal explanation, but Mr. Fitzherbert at once rose and brusquely objected on the ground that the Premier had already spoken. The Speaker did not think the Premier was out of order in making a personal explanation. Mr. Vogel then said it was due to himself, the Ministry, and the House, that he should explain that when he addressed the House he spoke in name of the Ministry. The subject had been discussed in the Cabinet, and the hon. member (Mr. O'Rorke), who, he presumed, was still one of his colleagues, had not intimated that he objected to the resolutions, and had given them no hint whatever of his intention to dissent from the course they had resolved upon, or to make a statement to the House. He had no doubt, however, that if the hon. member chose to withdraw from the Government, they would be able to carry on the business of his department. He made him welcome to whatever political capital he (Mr. O'Rorke) could make out of the speech he had just delivered. At a later hour of the evening, Mr. Vogel intimated to the House that Mr. O'Rorke had sent in his resignation to His Excellency, by whom it had been accepted. Mr. Vogel intimated to the House yesterday, that he had received news by telegram, from London, to the effect that the contractors for the Californian mail service—or, at least, Mr. Forbes, of London—had intimated his entire inability to carry out the contract into which he had entered. Mr Forbes represented, however, that it might be possible to arrange with the firms who were building the new ships for the company, and with others. It was not desirable, Mr Vogel added, that any discussion should take place on the subject until further information was received, and the views of the Government of New South Wales were ascertained. Sir George Grey, one of the former Governors of the Colony, is expected to land in Wellington to-day, and. no doubt he will, although without any demonstration, be a heartily welcomed visitor. During the last two days the barometers in all parts of the Colony, have been moving steadily downwards. In ■ the South, the glass yesterday was lowest about Port Chalmers, and an unusually high tide was noticed at the Blnff at 2 p.m. In the North, the barometers are lowest near Auckland. Similar appearances have preceded some of our recent heavy gales. Our telegrams to-day narrate an incident which will, no doubt, excite the sympathy of the citizens of Wellington. It appears that a miner named Christian Lawson, working in the neighborhood of Hokitika, had been accidentally shot by his own gun while he was out in the bush with some of his mates. It is added that his wife and family have but lately arrived in Wellington—probably- by the ship Reichstag—and that he was about to join them here on the first opportunity. Such an accident, occurring at such a juncture, must be to the unfortunate widow and children an event both sad and serious; and it is not at all improbable that their position is one which would fully justify inquiry and the exercise of benevolence. No doubt some information as to how the family are situated will bo procurable from the Immigration Department, and upon that information being obtained, there is little fear but that the citizens of Wellington will show themselves as willing to assist as they invariably have been in all similar cases. The late election for Waitemata was the subject of some conversation in the House yesterday. A petition was brought up from Mr. Macfarlane, complaining of the eloction of Mr. Von der Heyde. Mr. Reader Wood asked if the necessary bonds had been entered into by Mr. Macfarlane, as prescribed by the Act of 1862, and if the petition had come through the channel mentioned there ? The Speaker said he understood Mr. Macfarlane had entered into the bonds alluded to. The law and the standing orders were at variance as to what precisely constituted an election petition. Mi - . Wood adhered to his objection to the reception of the petition in its present form, holding that the law must override the standing orders. On the question that the petition be received no one said aye, the noes "had it" and the petition was not received. ' • Mr. Reid obtained leave yesterday from the House, without notice, to bring Bill to amend tho Otago Waste Lands Act, in consequence of the rejection by the Council of a measure passed by the House on the subject.' The Bill was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time on Wednesday next. In answer to Mr. Taiaroa, yesterday, in the House, Sir Donald McLean said the claims of Natives in the Middle Island arising out of the alleged non-fulfilment of promises to them, he regarded as purely a matter of administration, and he would resist any attempt to submit thorn to arbitration. He would, to-morrow, propose to the Houso some means for the settlement of the matter.

A Good Templars' Lodge is now an institution in Fiji, where there seems to be a very suitable field for its operations. j A considerable agitation is being got up in Levuka to obtain the removal of the terminus of the mail steamers from Eandavau. The Suva Suva correspondent of the Fiji Times states that the report gains ground that a valuable metallic or mineral discovery has been made in the district. Its exact character is at present kept secret. A Norwegian boy named Valdemar Mortensen has been drowned, together with eleven bullocks, in crossing the Waipawa river, Hawke's Bay. .About .£3OO worth of stores have been also lost by the accident. ' A new organ of public opinion has appeared in Fiji under the name of the Fiji Argus. It is owned by Mr. W. Cook, and is similar in size and appearance to the defunct Gazette. It will appear weekly, for the present at least. Mr. John Ducane, a compositor, lately employed in the Hokitika printing offices, died suddenly lately, in a navvy's hut, when on his way from Christchurch to Timaru. The cause of death was serous apoplexy. Extensive supplies of oranges and other tropical fruit have lately been brought to Auckland from the Polynesian Islands. Large consignments were received by the schooner Coronet and steamer Star of the South. Silvering plate-glass for mirrors, is a new industry in Auckland, where there is said to be the only apparatus in New Zealand for carrying on that trade. Mr. Leech, of Shortland Street, is its owner. According to calculations made by astronomers in Victoria who accept the comet now seen as Coggia's, it will rapidly decrease in brilliancy after this date, and again become telescopic. It was agreed yesterday that the House, at its rising on Friday, should adjourn until Monday, at half-past two o'clock, when the debate on the Ministerial resolutions as to the abolition of Provincialism in the North Island will be resumed. Mr. Reeves, who moved the adjournment, will then open the debate. The capacity of the Wanganui district for absorbing labor must surprise even those fully aware of the dearth of labor which was felt so inconveniently a few months ago. The Chronicle states that with the exception of two families, the whole of the immigrants ex Conflict have secured engagements. A man well known in Auckland has met with a violent death at Tahiti. His name is Joseph Mudie. He left for Tahiti about four years back, where he has since remained. He is stated to have had some dispute with the Natives, and was attacked by three and tomahawked. Felling the first tree, instead of turning the first sod, was the appropriate ceremony at the commencement of the Westport and Mount Roehfort coal railway yesterday. It is an example worthy of imitation, provided Mayors or Superintendents are capable of skilfully handling the axe. Indications of the progress of the Bay of Plenty and Poverty Bay are given by the establishment of a steam flour mill at Tauranga, a 'water-power mill at Wairoa, and a brewery at Gisborne. It is said that 12,000 bushels of wheat were grown last year at Tauranga. The Rangitikei correspondent of the Wanganui Herald furnishes the following items of district news :—A sad accident occurred at Feilding, or rather Manchester, at a saw mill, where a man was caught up in the driving gear, carried up to the driving wheel, and terribly crushed with such force that at last the belt broke and set him free. Dr. Taylor has been in attendance, and reports that the injuries are terribly severe, but that he hopes to save the man's life.—Mr. Stevens is just commencing work with his Traducer colt Ranakia, who is going for the Wellington Derby ; he is in splendid fettle to commence with, having been fed up since last races, and should train well.—Cattle, instead of going to Wanganui as of late years, are now being purchased for Wellington and Napier. Mr. Jas. Crocker, agent for Mr. Gear of Wellington, lifts about 130 fat cattle per month, while Mr. Barber, who is rather late in the field, takes what others are available. Store cattle, which are greatly in demand, travel through the bush to Napier, and I am not aware of any extensive purchases being made, unless of 100 head by Mr. Joseph Chadwick at a fair figure. Fat sheep, for the most part, are driven to Manawatu, whence they are shipped for Wellington, although Mr. W. Brewer secured a choice lot of 800 from Mr. Thomas M'Kenzie, of Pointsfield, for the Auckland market. The Hawke's Bay Telegraph learns that the obstructions placed on the Palmerston and Wanganui Road by the Maoris, after the horse-shooting case, have been removed, and the mail coach now does the distance in half a day less time than formerly. Passengers leaving Napier by the coach on Wednesday morning, arrive at Wanganui at 10 o'clock in the" morning on Friday; and leaving Wanganui on Thursday, at 2 p.m., reach Napier on Saturday evening. The hotel accommodation is reported as first-class ; the two stopping-places are at the Railway Hotel, Forty-Mile Bush, and at Bull's. Passengers to Wellington leave the coach at Palmerston, and travel by tramway twenty-five miles to Foxton, where they stay the night, and the coach takes them to Wellington the following day. As the road becomes better known to travellers, there is no doubt the coach route to Wanganui will be largely patronised. Persons about to travel overland to Wellington or Wanganui, through the Seventy-Mile Bush, says the Hawke's Bay Telegraph, will be glad to learn that the primitive flying bridge across the Manawatu Gorge has been replaced by a cage, holding four persons, and now the most timid can feel safe while crossing the chasm. In the first instance, there was simply a board, suspended from a wire, on which travellers had to straddle across, which was not altogether a suitable contrivance for ladies, and was deemed dangerous by male passengers. In addition, however, to the improved cage, there is a canoe for those who prefer taking the very little trouble of walking to the river bed, which entirely removes any cause for anxiety respecting the passage of the Gorge. Mr. Butters, whose name has been prominently associated with the Polynesian Land Scheme, was a passenger by the Star of the South, from Levuka to Wellington, accompanied by Mrs. Butters. In reporting their departure from Fiji, the local paper says : "A complimentary ball was given to Mr. and Mrs. Butters on the eve of their departure to Melbourne, via Auckland. It was a brilliant affair. Mr. Butters in responding to an address at the supper, presented by the people of Levuka, was cut short by the whistle of the Star of the South. They were accompanied on board by a large circle of friends. Mr. Butters, who has identified himself with the wolfai-e of Levuka, is about to form a company to build a wharf at Levuka." Complaint is made in the Wanganui Chronicle of the manner in which the coach service between that place and Taranaki is carried out by the contractors. It is stated that there has been a series of complaints from the public about the way in which the contract is carried out, or rather, not cax'ried out, from the day it was signed until now. In reality, its through journeys are of an intermittent character, it sometimes halting half way, when the mails are sent on to, or brought from, Hawera by a horseman ; while the passengers are left to look after themselves. The consequence is that a traveller starting from Wanganui for New Plymouth by coach never knows when or how he will reach his destination. He can mako certain of getting to Hawera by Cobb, but when there he may learn that the Nativo coach has stopped at a station on the road, and he must either hire a horse or wait until it pleases Hone to bring his coach to Hawera. Last Wednesday, for example, four or five passengers left Wanganui for New Plymouth, and arrived at Hawera in due course, -but only to be subjected to the annoyance occasioned by one of these lapses on the part of the Native contractor ; and unless they can find i some other means of transit, they will have to I remain at Hawera until Thursday next.

The programme of the Wellington Jockey Club for the ensuing meeting is now published, and will be noticed by us, as it well deserves to be, on another occasion. Dr. Bergren, the Swedish botanist, who lately visited Wellington Province, is now in Napier, and purposes visiting the hot springs and Lake district. Only twocivil cases were adjudicated on atthe Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday—Bohen v. Cookery £lO 175., and Austen v. Luxford £7 19s. In each case, a verdict was given for the amount claimed and costs. A statement of the past proceedings in connection with the project of establishing a new Anglican church [in Te Aro, and of the intentions of its promoters, appears in our advertising columns. Subscriptions, it will be seen, may be made to Mr. T. Kebbell, hon. treasurer, or at the'Bank of New Zealand. A passenger from Wellington to Napier, on the last trip of the Cyphrenes, lost a carpetbag containing £74. He had it on board the steam launch, but failed to find it on reaching the shore. The owner, an elderly man, has been left almost destitute by his loss. The steamer "Victoria is expected to leave Aucldand at noon on Saturday, the 15th instant. Telegrams for the Australian Colonies or Europe via Java cable, will be received at the Wellington Telegraph Office, for transmission to Sydney, up to 11 o'clock of that date. The short supply of cattle in Westland has led to the exportation of carcases from Wellington to Holdtika. A consignment wassent by the steamer Albion, and others are ordered to follow. The same cause has induced cattleowners in the southern parts of Westland to draw upon their stock, and some very superior animals have been brought into the market from localities where, a few years ago, it was thought impossible that stock could be reared. The first spring meeting of the Hutt Rifle Association took place yesterday at the Richmond Butts. The day was beautifully fine, and some very good shooting was made. Ten money prizes were competed for, and were won in the following order: —John Mason, Hutt Rifles ; Lieutenant Prouse, Wainui ; William Prouse, Wainui ; Lieutenant Welch, Taita ; Wni. Mcftride, Wainui; Reuben King, Taita; Captain Woods, Wainui ; Captain Speedy, Hutt; John Cook, Hutt; Alex. McGregor, Hutt. At the Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday the following business was disposed of: —Two drunkards were dealt with in the usual manner. Two cases, in which Mr. Travers, City Council Solicitor, appeared for the prosecution, which was instituted by the Inspector of Nuisances, were adjourned until to-day. An assault case, in which three German women were concerned, proved, on the evidence being taken, to have been the result of an ordinary women's quarrel, and one of the defendants was fined 55., with costs, the prosecutrix receiving a caution from the Bench not to speak so rashly in future of her neighbors. The adjourned case against William Potter, for a breach of the Masters and Apprentices Act, was brought on. The plaintiff, James Peters, applied to have the indentures of his son, who was apprenticed to the defendant, cancelled on the grounds that the latter had neglected to teach the boy the trade of shoemaldng. Mr. Moorhouse appeared for Peters, and Mr. Allan for Potter. The defendant had offered to cancel the indentures on condition the boy should not do any work in the town for two years, and that his father should pay five pounds for Potter's trouble ; these terms were declined, and the case brought for the Magistrate to decide upon. The lad's evidence showed that Potter was continually getting drunk and leaving the boy alone in the shop ; the sprees sometimes lasting for days together, during which time there was nobody to teach the apprentice his trade. Additional evidence was given as to the defendant's dissipation. Mr. Allan addressed the Bench at some length, contending it had not been shown that the boy's instruction in his trade was neglected, and that the action had been brought to endeavor to get the lad away and put him in another shop to earn higher wages. His Worship said that had not been shown by the evidence. The decision was that the indentures should be cancelled, each party to pay his own costs.

A few hours "were spent pleasantly last night by the inmates of the Lunatic Asylum ; the night being one of those on which Mr, Seager entertains the unfortunate people under his care to a dance. A number of visitors and friends were also present,* and took part in the pleasures of the evening. The music was kindly furnished by a number of the members of the band of H.M.S. Blanche, who seemed to take great interest in the affair. The dancing began at seven o'clock in the evening, and at the proper time the inmates retired in the most orderly way to their usual apartments, the visitors enjoying a few dances afterwards. These little reunions undoubtedly have a most invigorating effect upon the patients, and Mr. Seager deserves great credit for the affectionate care with which his peculiar guests are managed and controlled. Last night concluded the free invitation entertainments for children at the Theatre Royal, and it was taken advantage of by any number of juveniles, whilst the attendance of adults was good. The performance went off with the success which has accompanied all the entertainments by the Grif Company, and Miss Rosa, as " that little Bill," was, as usual, frequently applauded, as was Mr. Towers' clever and amusing impersonation of Captain Crosstree with his wonderful telescope. The company appear for only two more nights in Wellington. To-night Miss Raymond appears in " The Flowers of the "Forest," and " The Bonnie Fishwife." The annual ball in aid of the " Widow and Orphans Fund," M.TJ., took place in the Odd Fellow's Hall last night, and was numerously attended. The Hall was tastefully decorated, and brilliantly lighted, and the tout ensemble most complete. Mr. Marshall's band supplied the music. Dancing commenced at nine o'clock, and was kept up with great spirit until early morn, when the company separated, expressing themselves highly delighted with the evening's amusement. Mr. Marshall provided the refreshments, which were of excellent quality, and abundant. A meeting of cricketers has been held in Auckland with the view of co-operating with others to compete with a team of Victorian players. Mr. W. F. Buckland informed the meeting that he had received a telegram from Duuedin to the effect that the Melbourne team of eleven intended making a tour through New Zealand, and would first visit Auckland. They were prepared to play a team of twentytwo New Zealand players in each Province. To-night Miss Jessie Raymond takes her | benefit at the Theatre Royal, pieces chosen for representation supply her two best j characters. As Cynthia in the "Flowers of the Forest" we have not seen her, but report speaks highly of her rendering. As Maggie McFarlane in the "Bonny Fishwife" wo have seen her, and it was a treat rarely afforded. During the company's season here this lady has contributed very greatly to the success of the performances by the clever and careful manner iu which she has played the parts allotted to hei - , on the proper impersonation of which success hinged. Miss Raymond is one who is evidently devoting herself spiritedly and untiringly to her profession, and there can be no doubt that her perseverance and energy will be rewarded with great success. In addition to a most pleasing face and ladylike bearing, she possesses the advantages of a sweet voice, excellent taste, a natural manner, and good education, attractions which are rarely found combined, and which, in the ; present instance, are greatly enhanced by the manner in which the possessor takes advantage of them in her acting, which is never overdone, yet always sufficiently demonstrative. In the rendering of parts where pathos and emotion are required she displays great power and intelligence, whilst the fault, which so many of her profession choose to adopt and cultivate, of constantly turning towards the audience and getting "down to the footlights, is carefully avoided by her. The Wellington public are not slow to appreciate genuine talent and merit, and it may therefore be safely premised that the Theatre Royal will bo

crowded in all parts to-night, as a just recognition of the many excellencies of a lady who is so bright an ornament to her profession. _ Te Wananr/a is the name of a new publication in the Maori language, copies of which we , have seen, and which is thus referred to by the Hawke's Bay Times :-rWe have to acknowledge the receipt from the publisher,. Henare Tomoana, of No. 1 of Te Wananja, a small printed sheet in the Native language. During a late visit to Auckland, Henare became the purchaser of a press and types, and brought down with him a Native printer. Te Wananga was issued on" Wednesday, the sth inst. It is well printed, on a sheet letterpaper size, occupying three pages, and contains a long and somewhat florid leading article, and a number of news items, the latter being extracted from our own Maori column. The object of Te Wananga is set forth in the introductory article. It will agitate for reform in the laws affecting Natives, additional Native representation, &c. Mr. Bradshaw is, no doubt, already informed of a weak point in the Act which was passed at his instigation last session, the Provincial Secretary of Westland having communicated the Magistrate's decision on the point to the Superintendent, the Hon. Mr. Bonar ; but the matter is also worthy of public attention. The Act provides that females shall not work more than eight hours per day, and recently in Christchurch a bootmaker was fined for infringing the law. Lately, a Mrs. Ross, of Holdtika, was charged with a breach of the Act in keeping her assistants working,beyond the specified hours. Mr. Purkiss, for the defence, urged that the Act applied only to employers of labor in preparing " articles of trade or for sale, not being contract or piece work." It did not, therefore, apply to Mrs. Ross,. or through her to the defendant, as she made up other people's goods in which she had herself no property. Convinced by this argument the Magistrate dismissed the case. The Government of New South Wales has taken initiatory steps towards securing legislation of a uniform character throughout thecontinent of Australia for the suppression of infectious diseases in stock. Representationshave been made to the Governments of the other Colonies with a view to arrange for aconference of the several chief inspectors of stock and Government veterinary surgeons. It is proposed that the meeting shall take place in Sydney on the 31st August. Captain Shilling, of the cutter Dido, furnishes the Marlborough "Express with an account of a curious fish seen by him and his crew during one of his recent trips. He describes the fish as being from 18 to 20 feet long, -with an elongated shovel-nose shaped head and very large eyes, the body black on the back and yellowish about the belly. It had something like the flippers of a seal, only larger, situated about i or 5 feet from the head, and two tails, each about 6 feet long. When it came above water it made a snorting noise, but it seemed to be very tame and kept coming alongside the vessel, looking up at the crew intently. It would then stand up some 5 feet or so out of the water. The fish remained close to the cutter about aquarter of an hour and then glided away towards Cook's Strait.