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New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4586, 1 December 1875, Page 2

“An Observer” writes to us relative to Sir George Grey’s late speech at Auckland. Our correspondent disputes the accuracy of Sir George’s reference to the Free States of Greece as “ the most perfect Government in • the world.” The crowded state of our columns .prevents us publishing this letter. Suffice it that “ Observer” effectually disposes of the Greek delusion. He says :—“ Let me instance the republic and City of Athens, the most polished of the towns of Greece, and the moat fertile in great men. That republic flourished only during 200 years. Now and then she found herself in the throes of anarchy Or ground under the oppression of tyrants. She spent herself in wars against Sparta, her rival. Instead of permanent federation, the almost continual division of the various States of Greece rendered them powerless for a prolonged resistance to foreign foes, and made them ripe for servitude. Nor were their great statesmen proof against bribes of Kings, their common enemies. Who will call Athens a model of free government ? I do not say in the territory of that republic, but in the city alone, out of a pop ulation of four hundred and thirty thousand, there were four hundred thousand completely slaves, saleable as merchandise and cattle ; and out of the remainder of thirty thousand, only twenty thousand had the full right of citizens. The others were half slaves. Does that state of things justify the expression of freest government as applied to Greece and to Athens in particular ? In fine we must look, not to Pagan, but to Christian Governments, as types of real free institutions.” There are three candidates for the East Coast district, namely, Mr. Kelly, the sitting member. Colonel Harrington, and Maihi, an influential native, who counts on the Maori votes, carefully cultivated by European politicians, to carry the election. The Ohinemutu correspondent of the Boy of Plenty Times has the following:—“ Mr. Maihi, the native candidate, is confident of success, and has asked Sir George Grey not to come forward for the East Coast, as ho (Sir George) would be too formidable a candidate to oppose. Maihi is confident that he will successfully contest the election against Kelly and others.” The young girl Mary Louisa Griffiths, whose case was mentioned in Tuesday's issue as pointing to the necessity for a reformatory, was sentenced to fourteen days’ imprisonment with hard labor, at the Resident Magistrate’s Court yesterday, Mr. Crawford having arrived at that decision after consideration. It is questionable whether this treatment will have the effect of working a great improvement in the child’s morals. Mr. Newton, the favorite candidate for Greyinouth, now that Mr. Harrison has withdrawn from the contest, declares in favor of abolition and a national system of education, aud against insular separation. He attributes most of the evils in the colony to the working of provincial institutions. An unfortunate typographical error occurred in the report of the judgment of Mr. Justice Williams in the case Bauckc v. Vogel. The last sentence should have read the demurrer must be “allowed,” instead of dismissed.

The City Council will meet this evening at 7 o’clock, to hear appeals against the borough assessment. < / The Theatre.Royal was not so wpll attended last night as on former occasions. ' ’J ho pre- , vions evening’s programme was repeated. The Wairarapa News thinks Mr. Oh-arles Pharazyn has no chance for the Wairarapa constituency, which he is said to be diligently canvassing. A workman on the railway yesterday met with an accident by which his thigh was fractured. He was taken to the Hospital, and attended by Dr. Diver, who reduced the fracture. The Auckland papers notice the death of Mr. Win. White, who arrived at Hokianga, in connection with the Wesleyan Missions, in 1829. He died at the ripe age of eighty-four. For many years previous to his death he had devoted himself to secular pursuits. It is understood that the New Zealand Shipping Company will run an excursion steamer to Nelson at Christmas, starting about the 24th inst. This will afford a capital opportunity for holiday - makers to enjoy a delightful trip. The Southern Cross is undeservedly severe on the Government for the delay in the departure of Sir J, Vogel from Loudon. It is doubtful whether be would have arrived any sooner coming by way of San Francisco than by the direct sea route. Mr. E. G. Norris, the local secretary to the Tauranga Acclimatisation Society, has re ceived a letter from the' society’s secretary, Mr. T. F. Oheeseman, informing him that the society has just received a large consignment of salmon ova, and that when hatched a good supply of the fish will be forwarded to Tauranga. The candidature of Sir George Grey for the Thames is well spoken of by the Thames Advertiser, an uncompromising abolitionist. Mr. William Rowe has announced himself in the Government interest; and the Auckland ,Star says that a Mr. Gibbons is to be set up as a warming pan for Mr. James Mackay. This statement is doubtful. Mr. O’Neill is also certain to stand. The New Zealand Herald and Thames Advertiser are severe on the Government for withdrawing large blocks of land from the Native Lands Court, recently held at the Thames, which the natives were anxious to have settled. Mr. Guilding acted for the Government. One of the natives having complained, the Judge said the Court had. no option; under the amended Native Lands Act they must obey the instructions of the Government. The local papers complain that by acting in this way the Government is injuriously impeding settlement in Auckland. Mr. Mackay, who had these purchases in hand, being detained in Wellington, was made another ground of’ complaint in the newspapers.