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New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4277, 4 December 1874, Page 2

Our telegrams detail the proceedings at Auckland on the arrival there of the new Govornor, the Marquis of Normanby. The news is certainly meagre; but wo have the assurance that his Excellency means to make himself thoroughly acquainted with the colony. Wc arc rejoiced at this, and can only express a hope that his Excellency may be as favorably impressed with its resources.as his predecessors were. Tho long pending Strathnaver case has at last terminated, as far as the main question at issue was concerned, in a verdict for the owners of tho ship, tho appeal being dismissed with costs. His Honor felt willing to award, and the owners would, no doubt, have been willing to pay a reasonable sum for towage, but as an award of tbe kind might further have complicated tho case, the decree took the form in which it appears in another column. As it is, the case is not terminated finally, tho costs of demurrage not being included in tho costs of suit. The point was raised by Mr. Travers upon tho delivery of the judgment, and will come on again for argument this day week. The discussion relative to tho matter will be found in the report of tho ease.

Sir George Grey has at length contributed a valuable chapter to the political history of New Zealand. Judging from the telegraphic summary of his letter to the Nao Zealand Herald in to-day’s issue, his letter is an extremely interesting one. It is very probable that the proposal to abolish Provincial institutions may lead to changes which few imagined it would effect when first proposed. We reserve our opinion on Sir George Grey’s letter until we have the text before us. The barometer had fallen fully half-an-inch at many places by yesterday afternoon, and the rate of progress has been considerably increased since Wednesday. Prom Timam to Bluff, and from Napier to Auckland, the sky had become cloudy ; but this change had not taken place in the more central districts. Winds had become unsteady in direction, though still moderate. A New Zealand Gazette was published on Thursday. It contains several important notifications, amongst which we may mention “ Eegulations for Loans of Money under the Government Insurance and Annuities Act, 1874.” A report of a trial of New Zealand rope against naval rope in H.M.S. Blanche, is published, with certainly an unfavorable result so far as the colonial rope is concerned. On reading the report, one is forced to the conclusion that the Auckland rope tested was not honestly made. There was a crowded house at the Theatre Koyal last evening, when the company presented, in their best style, the sensational drama of “ Cigarette.” It is almost unnecessary to mention that Miss Stephenson played ■with her accustomed ability, which was duly appreciated and acknowledged by the audience. The other members played remarkably well. The amusing extravaganza of the “Pair One "with the Golden Locks,” which was well placed upon the stage, concluded the entertainment. To-night an entirely new programme will be presented. The second rehearsal of the Choral Society for the coming Messiah concert, which took place last evening at Mr. Hunter’s rooms, gave greater promise of a successful concert than the most sanguine of its promoters could have anticipated. The choruses went with a verve andjirecision indicative of whole-souled earnestness in the work, and with the aid of a powerful orchestra great volume- of sound was produced. The rehearsal was in every respect a gratifying one, the effects of the previous study of Handel’s great work being perceptible in the smoothness of execution and great power.

It was announced by the owners of the steamers which plied between the wharf and the Hutt beach yesterday, that a bridge had heemconstructed across the Waiwetu river for the convenience of those who might decide to reach the racecourse by means of the steamers. No mention was made of any extra charge for this convenience—and it was intended by the owners of the steamers that there should be hone. An arrangement had been come to with the person who had purchased the right to collect at the gates, by which Messrs. Turnbull and Co., the N.Z.S.S. Company, and himself should construct the bridge on thirds. Those who adopted this route were therefore much surprised and annoyed at the demand of sixpence apiece made by the collectors stationed at this spot, -in addition to the shilling usually charged for admission to the racecourse. In answer to the question put by almost everyone who crossed the bridge why this imposition was made, the collectors replied that it was to recoup the builder for his outlay. The steamboat proprietors, on being informed of the matter, expressed utter ignorance of any intention to levy the toll, and explained the breach of agreement that had been perpetrated. We may add, that the sixpences which pedestrians were forced to pay, covered the cost of the shaky affair scores of times. We hope, hereafter, that we may not have to complain of such imposition. The Odd Fellows' Hall was opened last evening by a combination company, consisting of Bachelder’s panorama and the Vivian Comique Company. Only the first portion of the panorama —that representing the war in Heaven—was shown, the paintings in which were justly admired. The second part of the performance consisted of songs, sketches, dances, and gymnastic feats. Mr. Arthur Vivian appeared in several new comic impersonations, all of which were well received. Miss Nellie Melville rendered several pretty serio-comic ballads, which were deservedly encored. Mr. Mason, a clever delineator of character, and Walter Bernard, a gymnast, made a favorable impression on their first appearance in Wellington. The company announce a change of programme for this evening.

The Wesleyan Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Society held their half-yearly general meeting last evening. There were about thirty members present, the Kev. W. Morley being in the chair. The acting-secretary, Mr. J. Luxford, read the report, which showed that the society was flourishing in all its branches. The treasurer's statement showed a small balance in hand, and tho librarian’s report stated that there were nearly 100 volumes in the library. After a great amount of business had been gone through, tho members proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing half-year, with the following - result ;—Secretary, Mr. E. S. Waterhouse ; treasurer, Mr. Goddard; librarian, Mr. G. Clark ; committee, Messrs. H. Smith, Teller, Wrigley, and Joe Dixon. Votes of thanks were given to tho president (Rev. W. Morley), vice-president (Rev. J. Lewis), and the retiring secretary (Mr. J. A. Luxford) and treasurer (Mr. A. C. Leitch). A programme for the half-year was drawn up, and it was resolved that on Thursday, December 17, the society should have a tea and meeting.