Untitled

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4500, 23 August 1875, Page 2

The appearance of the weather was generally very threatening on Saturday afternoon, and the barometer, which had fallen to a very low point by 8 p.m., showed no sign of rising until 8 a.m. yesterday, when it moved up a little, but during the afternoon it fell again. Strong westerly gales, of short duration, have been felt in the Middle Island, and there seems to have been some heavy weather in the North. An unusually high tide was experienced at Port Chalmers on Saturday afternoon, and there was a heavy sea on the western coast of the Middle Island all yesterday. An adjourned meeting of the Board of Education was held on Saturday last at the offices of the Board. Present Messrs. Pharazyn (in the chair), Andrew, Hutchison, Bunny, and Toomath. After some routine business had been disposed of, Mr. Jeremiah Hurley’s letter, complaining of the Inspector’s award in the late examination, was considered. A technical objection having been taken as to the chairman's right to second a motion, the further consideration of the letter was postponed to this morning. The consideration of Mr. Hume’s letter, making application for remission of school fees (amounting to £25 per annum), on the,ground of having to provide tuition for his children at his own expense, was also postponed on the same technical ground of order. Another meeting will be held at the Board’s office this morning, at half-past eleven o’clock.

It would be well if the person whose business it may be would look to the disgraceful state of a portion of Majoribank-stroet. It is worn in deep and dangerous ruts and holes by the carts proceeding to and from the Corporation quarry. Under the circumstances, it does not seem unreasonable to ask the Corporation to see to this matter.

The central fire bell rang out an alarm yesterday afternoon, and on inquiry it was discovered that the chimney of Mr. Rowley’s house had taken fire. Both brigades were smartly in attendance, and although there was little necessity for their services, rendered what assistance they could in extinguishing the fire.

On Saturday evening the new play “ Alixe ” was performed with more than ordinary success to a large audience. To-night the HoskinsColville season closes with a benefit tendered to Mr. Hoskins by the whole of the members of the company, and we trust it will be more than a nominal benefit. The season, from a variety of causes, has not been a success financially. Wintry weather and counter attractions—of which there have been many—have militated seriously against the attendance, but this has been the only cause, no fault could possibly have been found with the repertoire of the company. The pick of Shakspere, Sheridan, Bulwer Lytton, and other authors of the highest class have been presented in a manner never before witnessed in Wellington. The casts have been unusually strong, secondary characters having all through been taken by ladies and gentlemen who have played leading business for many years, and the subsidiary parts have received a treatment not frequently seen. Mr. and Mrs. Hoskins are to be congratulated upon the excellent management they have shown, and it is a matter for sincere regret that the monetaryresultshavo not been so good as could have been wished. We trust there will be a large house to-night; and apart from all complimentary considerations, tire fact that Mr. Hoskins is to appear as Dr. Pangloss should be sufficient to guarantee that the performance will be an excellent one. On Friday evening St. Paul's Church choir gave a very pleasant evening’s entertainment in the Sydney-street schoolroom. The incumbent, the Rev. Mr. Harvey, occupied the chair, and a number of choice songs and recitations were given by different ladies and gentlemen. The entertainment was a decided success.

We remind the public of the lecture at the Presbyterian schoolroom, by Sir John Richardson, this evening.

A public telegram the other clay stated that Mr. Joseph Rodgers, M.P.C., died suddenly on his run in Southland. We are happy to say that the telegram was incorrect. Mr. Rodgers had a sudden and severe attack of illness, but a telegram to hand at the latter end of the week states that he is recovering. Somebody is always finding auriferous quartz “ A settler in Greytown (says the local paper) picked up in the road the other day a piece of quartz in which the color of gold was perceptible. The interesting specimen lies at our office and may bo inspected by the curious. Visitors will, however, be good enough to bring their own microscopes with them. For all we know to the contrary the Greytown river bed may be auriferous and the Waiohine may yet be utilised as a water race.”

The Bay of Plenty Times is pleased to learn that Captain Preeco is lending a helping hand in the good work of tree planting in the interior. He has formed nurseries for the propagation of pines, gums, and English trees at different points along the To Toko and Galatearoad, and next season intends planting an avenue the whole length of this road. We congratulate Captain Preece on his forethought. The whole Bay of Plenty district is remarkable for the paucity of timber, and it is of the utmost importance in every way that planting should be encouraged. Captain Preece during the time he has been in command of the Te Teko station has sot a good example to his brother officers in the Armed Constabulary in the way of bringing waste land into fertile English pasture, and has succeeded in making Te Toko one of the prettiest stations in New Zealand, presenting a charming coup d'ceil to the approaching traveller. Euture settlers in the environs of To Teko will have much to bo thankful to Captain Preeco for.