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New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4404, 1 May 1875, Page 2

The opening of the Provincial Council yesterday attracted to the Provincial Chamber a numerous attendance of the public, who evidently expected some of those startling surprises or novel developments in provincial affairs for which his Honor's opening speeches had become famous. In this respect the speech was a great disappointment, for the subject matter throughout related exclusively to the management of the affairs of the province, and showed, in unrestrained language, how effectual had been the practical administration of the various departments during the past year. Prom the provincialist point of view, the speech was a highly satisfactory one, and so the public seemed to regard it. It should be mentioned that the portion of the chamber behind the Speaker's chair was crowded by ladies, whose presence gave cheerfulness and brightness to the scene, and added that inexpressible influence without which a ceremony of the kind is never complete. As already stated, the interest on the part of the general public was manifested by the crowded appearance of the chamber. The space behind the reporters' tables, aud the gallery, were comfortably filled, and as if to give further variety to the> scene, a complete set of plans for tha new Provincial Hospital, prepared by Mr. Toxward, were ranged round the walls, conveying an excellent idea of the magnificent institution the city will possess at no distant date, though not one day before it was required. Speaking of surprises, the only novelty throughout the proceedings was contained in a motion of which Mr. Hutchison gave notice, the tenor of which was, " That this Council, approving of Mr. Vogel's abolition resolutions, should end its legislative existence as decently, as quietly, and as quickly as possible." Mr. Hutchison's resolution is after the manner of the English collier's wife, who told the country curb that as her husband had been ailing for some time, and was not likely to live much longer, she had "squdged" him to help him out of his misery. Whether the members of the Council are willing to be "squdged" in this way, is rather a doubtful matter ; but Mr. Hutchison is deserving of all the credit attaching to a man who takes the bull by the horns. His Honor's speech is printed in a supplement to the present issue, and is accompanied by voluminous departmental reports and correspondence, which will be found useful for reference as the discussions in the Council progress. The war ship L'lnternet will depart from this harbor to-day, about 11 or 12 o'clock. During the stay of the vessel in Sydney, it transpired that there was a slight error in the latitude and longitude of about three miles. The error does not occur in the latitude or longitude of Wellington. It is to be regretted that his Excellency the Governor was absent from the Empire City on his official tour, as otherwise the visit might have been rendered more enjoyable to the captain and officers of the ship. L'lnfernet proceeds to Auckland via the East Coast.

We learn that Mr. Adam Burnes has resigned the office of general manager of the National Bank. One of the directors (Mr. Bridges) who has for some time past been in this colony on a visit of inspection, will administer the affairs of the bank pending the appointment of Mr. Burnes's successor. We learn that a meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Monday next, at 11 o'clock in the forenoon. We understand that a through train from Auckland to Mercer was run yesterday (.Friday) afternoon. The line is now ready for handing over to the Government. The Town Clerk has commenced his periodical raid upon defaulting ratepayers. Yesterday a batch of cases were heard, and verdicts given for the amounts- claimed, with costs, which might have been saved by timely settlement. Another batch of cases is in preparation for presentation to the Court, should the amounts due not be paid before Monday. There were forwarded to Wairarapa yesterday immigrants equal to twenty-five statute adults, ex Edwin Fox. They were in excellent health, and appeared greatly pleased with the prospects held out to them. A seaman by the name of Thomas Nichols, belonging to the ship Dallam Tower, was arrested by Constable Coles last night for being drunk and disorderly in the street, and also absenting himself without leave from the ship. Another seaman was locked up on the charge of being absent from the same ship. Both will be brought up before the Kesident Magistrate this morn'mc An official visit was .paid to the French man-of-war Internet yesterday afternoon by the Hon. Mr. Reynolds, Commissioner of Customs, and the Chief Collector. The party were conveyed in the Customs boat, and were received very courteously by Captain Pierre and the officers. This evening, "The Corsicanßrothers " and the favorite farce of " The Bonnie Fishwife " will be played at the Theatre Koya.l. Mr. Burf ord will play the dual part of the brothers, and in these he excels. Miss Kaymond will be " The Bonnie Fishwife," a part she plays very cleverly. We regret to learn that Captain Lloyd, of the s.s. Taranaki, is Buffering from an attack of low fever.

We notice with pleasure that the NewZealand Steam Shipping Company have taken steps to give the public correct information as to the movements o£. their vessels. They have now constructed a small telegraphic window in their head office here, where the telegraphed movements of the vessels will be regularly recorded, and thus a great want supplied. Last night a meeting was held at the Pier Hotel of the delegates of the various football clubs of the city. Mr. Burton was in the chair. The formation of rules was the main business of the evening, and the meeting proceeded to discuss rules selected from the Melbourne and Wellington codes. The conversation was somewhat lively, but_the general feeling of the meeting was unmistakeably in favor of the Melbourne rules. The inauguration match takes place on the Basin Reserve this afternoon, and we hope the ground will be largely attended, to give the young men encouragement. The s.s. Otago sailed from Port Chalmers for Lyttelton on Friday afternoon, and in all probability will reach Wellington Harbor on Sunday morning. Among the passengers by the s.s. Phoebe yesterday, were the Messrs. Baker and Mr. Verner, and the other members of the Baker Hibernicon troupe. They sail to-day for Nelson, and thence to the West Coast ports.