New Zealand Times. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 1875.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4371, 24 March 1875, Page 2

New Zealand Times. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 1875.

Elsewhere we publish a letter from masters of trading vessels frequenting the port, regarding wharf accommodation, which requires the immediate attention of the City authorities. The request for increased wharf accommodation is one which we are surprised was not preferred Song ago. The increasing trade of the port, and the requirements of the small craft, on which our coasting trade depends, renders it , a matter of pressing consequence to provide additional accommodation.' It is indeed somewhat remarkable that the requirements of the -coasting fleet should not have been provided for long ago, seeing that there is such unlimited water and wharf space. We can only attribute it to an oversight on the part of the local authorities. But now that the requirement'of this branch of our local trade has beer, prominently brought under notice, we cannot imagine why there should be any delay in the matter.

What is asked'for is not by any means unreasonable. A landing-stnge and mooring posts are absolutely necessary to render the long quay line of any use whatever to shipping. We are quite aware that when the sea-wall in question was erected, it was not contemplated that slapping would require to discharge or take in cargo alongside; but now that the rapid extension of our trade has made this. a matter of necessity, there is no reason- why the sea-face should not be put into the same condition as that' of ordinary • wharves. The additions heed not amount to ranch money ; but much or little, they must be made or the trade 6f the port will suffer. If the suggested improvements were made, Wellington need not trouble itself for some years to come about harbor improvements, except in the matter of a graving and wet dock.. Indeed, these might stand over for .a time, although the sooner they are constructed the better. But in the meantime the trade of the port suffers in its most delicate part—-the coasting branch—by reason of not hiving sufficient available accommodation. If we had any voice in the maiterj we should not only advise th 3 erection of mooring posts and a landing-stage, but we should also recommend the exemption of all coasting steamers and vessels from Harbor due's. The local revenue might at first suffer an apparent diminution, but in the end we are convinced th i community would be a gainer. • Exemption from dues would attract a fleet of coasting vessels to the port, and the trade of Wellington, in this way, woi ld bo largely increased; . ,

Some little time ago we referred to the agricultural statistics of Canterbury and Taranaki, as they appeared in the A'ew Zealand Gazette of the Uth inste.nt. Wo have received a letter esteemed correspondent since then asking (or fuller information, which we willingly ■ supply. We shall take the more important province first. Thus:—. Canterbury. ' ! . 1874, 1376, Increase. Wheat, bushels .. 1,703,739 1,8: 7.795 121,020 Oats do, 1,053,550 2,203,063 1,150,113 Barley do. .. 249,090 ; 210,309 *10,321 Potatoes, tons .. 8,622 13,352 4,730 !’There was an estimated decrease I f 10,821 'bushels barley in 1875 as compared with the yield of 1874. The largest proportionate increase, it will bo observed, is in oat.i. This, no doubt, has been caused by '. the largo demand for the last two years, the Australian and Northern markets having taxed the Middle Island to f upply them; The following details will bo interesting to country settlors and mercantile Canterbury : 'February, 1876, Acres. Bushels. Wheat .. .. .. 69,847 : 1,827,797 Oats, green food .. .. 3,803 Oats, grain 03,823 2,203 003 Barley .. i. .. 8,006 230,369 Sown grass (hay) .. ... 10,701 (tons) . 12,017 Total sown graea 299,202 _ Potatoes .. .. .. 2,343 (tons) 13,252 Other crops 23,163 _ Undercrops, includingsown grass .. .. ..470,305 . In these figures we have omitted the fractional parts. There were 3,928 holdings in Canterbury when the Agricultural statistics were compiled, and 52,017 acres had been broken up for next season’s crop. These figures show a marked progress in agricultural pursuitu in Canterbury. : Taranaki, with very great capacity, has not yet made any large returns. This has been 'caused, as everyone knows, by the unsettled state of the country for many years. But latterly significant progress has been made. The returns, compiled in February, 1876, are as follow : Taranaki. , Acres. Bushels. Wheat 744 18,859 Oats (grain) .. .. 479 0,128 Barley .. ~ ... 2 BO Sown grass (hay) ... 876 (tons) 1.100 Total sown grass .. 54,927 Potatoes.. .. 410 ; (tons) 1,709 Other crops .. .. 287 . Total under cultivation 60,041 Taranaki possessed 660 holdings, and there were 1,355 acres of now land broken up for next‘season’s crops. . The recent introduction of immigrants, into that province will doubtless stimulate enter-

prise in this direction, by pioviditig v labor which previously was not to be had* \ We have not yet received any agricultural statistics from thevother provinces. It is anticipated, however, that the total yield will be. largely in excess of last year’s harvest.

though they succeeded in passing a protectionist tariff for that colony, were and are in a minority of the population. They succeeded by their greater activity during the . elections, their greater audacity on the platform, and their greater perseverance in Parliament. But it would appear that they are beginning to discover that protectionist is not altogether the best policy, even for a young country—the opinion of Mr. Longraore and Mr. Graham Berry to the contrary notwithstanding. Victoria is prosperous, but by no means so much so as she should be. This fact has already led, in the late session of the Parliament of that colony, to efforts to relax the severity of the tariff ; and since the recess—as we learn by the Alhambra’s telegrams—something like a pledge has been given by Ministers that an effort will be made in next session to further relieve commerce in various directions from, the restrictions the present tariff imposes uppn it.

It is understood that ms Honor Judge Johnston will proceed to Christchurch on Wednesday, the 31st instant, by . the s.s. Phoebe, to take up the important '.duties of his new district. ;

The shipHalclone, which carried Lady Fcrgusson away from these phorea, and sailed from this port on the 23rd of November, is reported as having arrived. in London on the 13th of March. She therefore had a rather long passage of 110 days. ■ A lengthy, and apparently exhaustive, telegram of Sir George’s speech at Auckland on Monday night, mil be found hi another column. It is altogether of‘an extraordinary and not very hopeful character.' We shall deal with the subject, however, on another occasion. . " , .

The welcome news that the steamer Manawatu had safely ridden out the gale and had arrived at Wanganui, was telegraphed yesterday morning. From news received by the company from Mr. Ledger, who was a passenger, it appears the Manawatu had reached within thirty miles of the Wanganui bar on Saturday last, when the gale came upon the West Coast with great fury. Captain Evans, knowing it would be useless to attempt the Wanganui bar, turned the steamer's head,for Long Point, Kapiti, where she remained at anchor till 11 p.m. on Monday, when the vessel was got under steam for Wanganui, arriving there yesterday morning at ten o’ clock. Those on board the Manawatu describe the weather in Cook Strait, as being the most violent they ever witnessed.

The Wanganui coach, owing to the high state of the rivers on the West Coast, caused by the spring tides and the fierce gale which prevailed there, did not reach Wellington till 8.30 o’clock last evening. The driver brings news of the drowning yesterday of, three horses attached to a dray, belonging to Mr. Langley, carrier, of Otaki, whilst crossing that river. Mr. Langley’s son, who was in the dray, narrowly escaped losing his life. The dray was being taken across at the usual ford, but the fresh in the river lifted the horses off their feet, when they became unmanageable, and the current swept them away. The coach successfully at a point higher up the liver, but the appearance of the water was so uninviting that one of the passengers elected to remain-at Otaki: The telegraph line had been down in several places,- but when the coach left it had been repaired, and communication restored.

A tea meeting in connection'with theSydneystreet Primitive Methodist Sabbath School was held last evening. An excellent repast, furnished by Mesdames Whitaker, Carrington, Ward, Francis, and Handle, was dispensed by those ladies in the schoolroom. After tea the party adjourned to the church, where a public meeting was held. The ’ Rev. Mr. Ward addressed the children, relating in detail the formation and progress of the school, and forcibly pointing out the advantage of regular attendance at church.and Sunday-school. The superintendent of the' Sabbath-school (Mr. Fisher), and Mr. Ward, jun.,.also addressed the children,, a'number 1 of‘whom delivered some pretty and appropriate recitations, hi a creditable manner. The meeting dispersed early, after spending a very pleasant evening.

The examination of the children (in all, 130) attending the middle and infant schools conducted by the Sisters of Mercy, took place yesterday, at the Convent, previous to the “ breaking up" for Easier holidays. The Rev. Father Petit Jean presided, and after the usual course of examination in reading, writing, arithmetic, grammar, geography, Scripture history, catechism (for the Catholics), and needlework, the rev. : father distributed thirty-two prizes to the most deserving—manners and good conduct carrying off the most elegant of the prizes. The s.s. Alhambra, from Melbourne, reached Hokitika yesterday morning, after an average passage. She was lucky in being tendered at once, and, as she was not likely to be detained off Groymouth, she will probably reach Nelson this morning, and Wellington to-morrow morning. In consoquenco of the holidays, however, she will not be despatched southwards before Saturday afternoon. H.M.S. Dido, Captain Chapman, is, still lying in Auckland harbor, but is expected to sail thence in the early part of April for Wellington. The Auckland papers are very complimentary to the crew of the Dido. One of our contemporaries remarks “ The crew of the Dido are to be complimented on their general good behavior on shore, With the exception of the outline of the noble ship appearing to the eye as she rides anchor in the Harbor, there has been nothing to remind citizens of the presence of British man-of-war in our waters. Nightly, scenes in the streets of Auckland are of common occurrence when bluejackets are on liberty, but with the Dido’s men this is an exception. Jack Tar has his amusement, but citizens slumber in peace through the night hours, nevertheless.” It is stated that the preliminary steps have been taken in Dunedin' for the establishment there of a Life Insurance Society on the mutual principle, for New Zealand. It will embrace some features now in such societies, but of much importance to those who may become members. We have received from Messrs. Beck and Tonksasmallsamplo-tinof choice potted tongue, a preparation intended like anchovy for a relish for the breakfast or lunch table. It is the production of the establishment of Messrs. Lees and Moore, of the now rather celebrated Oamaru Meat Preserving Works. Wo can join in the testimony of some of our contemporaries to its being one of the most choice preparations of the kind which has come tinder our notice. It is, in fact, one of the most delicious breakfast preparations we have ever tasted. •

lu our commercial columns will bo found, extracted from tho Ijondon Thnts, the report of the half-yearly meeting of tho shareholders of the Union Bank of Australia. It will bo seen that it was of tho moat satisfactory character. The profit made during the halfyear in question amounted to £105,472 15s. 2d., of which £IOO,OOO was appropriated for a dividend of 7 per cent , with 6s. bonus per share, for the half-year, or Jit the rate of 16 per cent, per annum. The balance of £5172 15s. 2d. was carried forward. The officers of the Banks —at homo and in the colonies—wore highly, complimented for the able manner in which tho affairs of tho corporation had been conducted.

: The piece for which Mr. Bennett, lessee of tho Victoria Theatre, Sydney, was lately adjudged to pay £SO, for ploying without the author's permission, was “After Dark.” The net profits on tho first night of representation wore shown to be £2O, aud on the second night £SO. Tho action was brought by Mr. Coppin, of Melbourne,' as agent for the London Dramatic Authors’ Society.

In consequence Of ■ the Paster holidays, the Banks in Wellington will be closed from Thursday evening till Tuesday morning next.

We are indebted to Captain Stafford, who came down from Newcastle by his barque the Camille,-for Sydney and Newcastle files to the date of his sailing. Mr. and Mrs. George Case, we observe, will appear at the Odd Fellow’s Hall on Saturday evening, for a short season of five nights only. It is only necessary to remind the public of the fact. *

The Wellington Literary Association held another meeting last night. in the usual place, when a number of readings at first sight were given, showing that the improvement the young men are making is very marked. A meeting of the Board; of Education is called for to-day, at eleven o’clock. The business is of importance, as the Board will have to deal with the management of the new assessment roll.

A telegram from Invercargill reports a very serious fire there, which burned down the Albion Hotel, the National Bank’s buildings (the books, however, being saved), and a number of other buildings. The fire originated in the Albion Hotel, but how it did occur is not known.

Judging from the number of entries and the amount of interest manifested in the forthcoming meeting of the Athletic Club, on Easter Monday, it will be the most successful affair of the land ever held in the province. The youth of the city have entered into the spirit of the thing most heartily. Competitors entirely new to athletic fame have entered the lists, in numbers largely in excess of the anticipations of the committee, and some of them, according to report, are likely to turn out very fast men. The entries made at the meeting of last evening were as follows : Maiden : Burns, Harrison, Werry,- Hughes, G. Campbell, Major, J. Churton, C. Webb, A. Campbell, J. W. Minifie, B. Wallace, G. Park. Long Jump : Burns, McLean, Hughes, Bishop, G. Campbell, A. Campbell, and Black. 440 Yards Race : Bishop, C. Webb, Harrison, J. Churton, Major, J. W.’Minifie, Black, and Skellie. 100 Yards Race : McLean, Harrison, Werry, Bishop, G. Campbell, A. Campbell, J. Churton, C. Webb, Major, Black, Minifie, Skellie, and Park. High Jump : C. Webb, A. Campbell, Black, and Skellie. 300 Yards Race : Hughes, Harrison, C. Webb, Bishop, Major, Minifie, Churton, Black, and Skellie. Walking Race : A. Anderson, Purdy, and Black. 150 Yards Hurdle®Race : McLean, Harrison, Werry, Bishop, A.. Campbell, Churton, G. Campbell, C. Webb, Black, Major, Minifie, Skellie, Park. Champion Mile Race: Bishop, Skellie, Chuck, P. Webb, Black. Hop, Step, and Jump : Black, McLean, Burns, Churton, Harrison, Hughes, Bishop, C. Webb, Major, *A. Campbell, G. Campbell, Skellie. Mile Walking Race : Harrison, Bishop, Burns, Churton, Black, McLean, De Castro. TwoMile Bicycle Race : McLean, Churton, C. Webb. Throwing Light Hammer : McLean, Hughes, Bishop, Burns, Major, Black, Skellie. Half-mile Race ; Harrison, Churton, Minifie. All the competitors will appear in proper athletic costume, and as the colors have been declared in the case of each entry, the public will be enabled to distinguish each competitor by the aid of the “ ’Kreckt Card.” The handicaps will be published in a day or two. Excepting in point of attendance, the excel lently arranged soiree, under the auspices of the Star Boating Club, which took place in the Odd Fellows’ Hall last evening, was as successful as former ones. The wetness of the day had, doubtless, militated against a crowded assemblage, but there were a sufficient number present to comfortably fill the floor. All the arrangements made by the club’s energetic committee were perfect, and those who assembled appeared to enjoy themselves immense!/. Dancing was kept up till a late hour.