GENERAL NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4812, 24 August 1876, Page 2

GENERAL NEWS.

The amount of Customs revenue received at the port of Wellington during the past month was £15,877 13s. 9d. The amount collected during June was £10,020; thus there appears to have been an increase as compared with last month of £5857 11s. sd.

Under the system of nominated immigration 4396 immigrants were nominated between 30th June, 1875, and 30th June, 1876, of whom 1800 have arrived, cancellation occurring in 427 instances. Since the commencement of the scheme to 30th June, 1876, 35,473 have been nominated, of whom 8146 have arrived. A return laid upon the table of the Legislative Council shows that the number of persons employed on the various Colonial Government works of the colony on May 31 last is 4245, divided amongst the various provinces in the following proportions : —Auckland, 391 ; Taranaki, 58 ; Hawke’s Bay, 209 ; Wellington, 1253 ; Nelson, 148 ; Westland (principally on water-race), 495 ; Canterbury, 155 ; Otago, 1536.

The Hon. the Native Minister laid on the table of the House on Aug. 22, in response to a motion of Sir George Grey, certain correspondence between the Government and the Native chief Te Wheoro, respecting the pursuit of Wiuiata, the murderer of Packer. Te Wheoro writes complaining of a statement which appeared in the Waikato Times, accusing him of having connived at the escape of Wiuiata, and in refuting the charge Te Wheoro describes the strenuous efforts made by himself and followers to secure the murderer. It would appear that the Waikato Times was imposed upon by a certain half-caste who has earned an unenviable notoriety for originating canards. Those who remember the valuable services rendered by Te Wheoro during the war of 1863, and the unswerving loyalty to the Crown which has characterised his subsequent conduct, will readily acquit him of any charge of want of energy in attempting to secure Wiuiata.

Mr. John Martin received a telegram on August 22 to say that at half-past 12 o’clock on the previous night his woolshed at Otaraia had been burnt to the ground. The woolshed was one of the finest in the province, if not in the colony, and contained a wool press, some bales of wool, a quantity of oats, and other things. The entire loss may be estimated at not less than £2OOO. Mr. Martin was totally uninsured. There is no doubt that the accident was caused by some of those persons who wander from station to station and live by what they can pick up, one of them probably having slept there the night and set fire to the place by lighting his pipe carelessly. _ Mr. Martin has determined upon giving strict instructions that such characters are to bo turned away whenever they shall make their appearance on his station, and he is not to be blamed for doing so. The members of the Bifle Association intend shortly to hold a meeting, with the object of considering the question of rifle competitions during the coming season, and deciding upon some date for an opening match. A sohoolhouse is being erected in connection with the St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Larabton-quay. The building is to be used as a Sunday-school, and will adjoin the present church.

We learn by telegram that Mr. Gr. Darrell’s new drama “ Transported for Life,” which was produced in Dunedin for the first time on Monday night, was a splendid success. There was a large house, and the criticisms of the Press were very favorable. By the mail the Hon. Mr. Mantell has received letters from Dr. Hector, stating that at the time the mail left he was about to commence his return journey to the colony. He purposed calling at and visiting the Nevada mines; and at San Francisco would arrange for a'shipment of salmon for New Zealand. He expected to arrive in Wellington by the next mail, which is duo about the middle of of September.

j The Oriental Telegram Agency advertise tbit, communication having been re-established, .they are'now prepared to transmit telegrams. daily to England, Europe, India, arid China, j | The immigrants ex Fritz Keuter are gradually being distributed over the colony since the. Government took them in hand. s Fortyseven have been sent to Wanganui, sixty-nine to Foxton, fifty-two to Taranaki, and- a large number of them have found engagements in the town and country. A sample of Stewart’s Island oysters have been sent to Melbourne, and are preferred to New South Wales oysters. The Argus reports that in size, appearance, and flavor, they greatly resemble the English “natives.” As the first shipment has proved very satisfactory, the establishment of a regular oyster trade between Stewart’s Island and Melbourne may be expected.

The Wat Coast Times of the 24th July says:—“ Mr. F. Manton, who has recently been appointed mining manager of the Mount Rangitoto Silver Mining Company, intends leaving to-day for the mine with several workmen, who will be fully equipped with tools and provisions, with the object of commencing operations. It is their intention, we understand, to at once commence putting in a tunnel under the present outcrop or lode of galena, and working the mine systematically. The work will be conducted with every economy until the lode is met with further in the hill, when an additional number of men will be put on. From appearances there is every reason to bo sanguine that the lode will be found to thicken considerably when traced forty or fifty feet into the mountain. Mr. Manton's lengthened experience in the management of mines in the neighboring colonies and in South America should fully enable him to determine upon the best method of working the mine, which he has already visited. He will personally superintend the work, and report to the directors as it progresses.” A correspondent writes —“ Much has been said and written about the late Dr. Featherston as a clever politician and leader of the people; still, many of his friends remember and talk of a qualification he possessed in an eminent degree (though not commented on at the meetings that have been held cf late, with a view of erecting some testimonial to his memory), viz, the warm interest he always took in old English sports. He was one of the originators of the Wellington Jockey Club, and often ran a horse at the primitive race meetings of former days. On learning when in London, that the club had awoke from its apathy, that a handsome grand-stand had been erected on the Hutt course, and that the Wellington races were becoming more and more popular, he expressed his unqualified satisfaction, and hoped that he would again be present at the Wellington races under the new regime. This wish, however, was never to be realised. Few politicians were more practical in their ideas. He seldom overlooked matters that more shallow minds might deem beneath their notice or of little importance ; for instance, he used often to say that our country race meetings were sure to improve both in sport and quality in exact ratio as horseracing at headquarters, was kept up in a healthy state or otherwise.”

A supply of meteorological instruments, for use in connection with weather forecasts, has been recently received per ship Sarah Bell. The shipment comprises twenty-four standard barometers upon Foster’s principle, with the latest improvements, and four mountain barometers, fitted with upper and lower indices, and with double scales for using either the metric or English system. They are very light in construction, and are fitted for use as stationary instruments. There are also 20 anemometers, on Kobinson’s principle, registering to the tenth of a mile, and giving continuous registration to 500 miles; twenty-two seta of thermometers, for hygometrioal observations ; and two hypsometers, for ascertaining the height of elevated stations by the temperature of the boiling point of water. The whole of this material, with the exception of the anemometers, have been verified at the Royal Observatory at Kew, and certificates containing particulars of the test errors have been forwarded with each instrument. This shipment has been received direct from the manufactory of Mr. L. Cassella, the celebrated instrument maker of London, and the packing has been carried out with the utmost case.

The annual meeting of the New Zealand Shipping Company was held at Christchurch at noon on Wednesday, the 4th August. The report was unanimously adopted. The Chairman said the dividend of 8 per cent, provided for in the report, would be payable at all the offices of the company in the colony on Wednesday next. The Chairman, in replying to a question, said the profits of the past year had been equal to 22J per cent, on paid-up capital, and that there was £68,523 due on five ships, but eight were unencumbered, and that the directors were almost positive it will not bo necessary to call up more capital. If more capital be required, the directors will use the power given them to issue debentures, and shareholders will be consulted before more calls are made. The three ships now building are expected to enable them to carry on till next annual meeting without chartering any vessels. The following gentlemen were elected directors:—J. L. Campbell, Auckland; J. Johnston, Wellington; W. Reeves, S. S. Eevans, J. Studholme, and C. W. Turner, Canterbury. The meeting was very unanimous, being evidently well pleased with the state of the company and its affairs. The Chairman of the Board of Directors, in opening proceedings, said in reference to the capital that the directors had deemed it more desirable to call up capital than to issue debentures. £2 10s. per share had therefore been called up, and £45,000 had been received on deposit from the public for various fixed periods without any special security. On the five new ships there were about £68,000 due to the builders, payments extending at low rates of interest up to February, 1869. With the exception of the lien of the builders over these five ships, the whole fleet and other assets of the company were entirely unincumbered, and no debt existed to the company’s bankers, either in the colony or in London. Although the directors were desirous of maintaining friendly relations with other shipping firms engaged in the New Zealand trade, they had decided it was best for the interests of the company to occupy an independent position as regards rates of freight and business generally. (Loud applause.) And in consequence of this, they had declined overtures to jointly undertake the Government immigration and freight carrying for the ensuing season. (Applause). The result was that on tendering the company obtained the whole of the Government business, and at rates which, from being lower than those previously paid by the Government, must bo eminently satisfactory to the Government and the country, while they were sufficiently satisfactory to the directors in view of all the circumstances of the case and the existing state of shipping business. He referred to the establishment during the past year of an independent agency at Wellington, and the acquisition of premises at that important centre, and paid a high compliment to their late agents there, Messrs. Johnston & 00. He said among other matters of interest the directors had matured a plan for the reception of apprentices and cadets on board the company’s ships, which he was sure must be regarded as a boon to the colony, as opening a fresh field to its youth, while the company hoped from this nucleus to officer their ships and command them in the future, and so have an important New Zealand marine, as well as New Zealand owned ships. (Applause.) He referred to the appointment of Mr. H. Selwyn Smith as general manager, and congratulated the shareholders on obtaining a gentleman so well adapted' to fill the duties of the office, and eulogised the efforts of the London board of advice and the London manager. Referring to the profit and loss account, he stated that although only required by articles of association to place £6250 to the reserve fund, it was deemed more prudent to place the handsome sum of £20,000 to the credit of that fund, pay a moderate dividend of 8 per cent., and carry a balance forward. In concluding his remarks, he invited the continued co-operation of shareholders, the number of whom he stated to be 450. He then moved the adoption of the report which was unanimously carried.

‘ During the month of July there were in Wellington district registered 78 births, 2d deaths ;\ and 2d marriage certificates were taken; out.

’ -. Anyone with a taste for the curious in nature may gratify it by interviewing Mr. J, Pearce, of Pahautauui, who states that he has 'a “perfectly healthy pig, with six feet," for sale. Here is a chance for the showmen. - The -Earl =of.-Carnarvon, writes to.-his Excellency the Governor : —“ My Lord,—l haye received your Lordship’s despatch, N0.,10, of the ■llth- March, lh -which you recommend that Mr. . William; Hunter Reynolds, who has retired from the Executive Council, after TifiT ?, been a member for a period of over threeyears, mayreceive the Queen’s permission to retain the title of Honorable ; and I have the honor to acquaint you that her Majesty has been graciously pleased to approve of Mr. Reynolds retaining the title of Honorable within, the colony of New Zealand.” The following illustration of the popularity attained by the Small Farm Association has been published ;—On Saturday last a deputation from the Maoris residing in the neighborhood waited upon the secretary and tendered the names of some seventy of their number desirous of becoming members. As a farther guarantee of good faith they handed over their admission fee in accordance .with the rules. Having some doubts on the point the proffer was declined by the secretary. The question how far this class are eligible to become members will, we understand, be submitted to a meeting of the committee of directors.

A Canterbury paper says that the rumor that S. Brigbting, the weU-knowu Christchurch fish-hawker and bottle-collector,, had come into an enormous fortune, is now fully substantiated. Brighting and his wife who, the other day, were living in a state Of extreme indigence, have now almost unlimited credit at every business establishment in the city, and, figuratively speaking, they roll in riches. They are leaving substantial reminiscences among their old acquaintances in the shape of costly presents, and intend proceeding to England in the American mail boat. The gross amount which Mr. Brighting has inherited is, it is affirmed, over £IOO,OOO. Considering that he occupied the lowest social position conceivable, this is one of the most marvellous strokes of fortune on record. .

Rather'a remarkable item comes from Sydney by cable, for it seems that the murder of the crew of the May Queen took place only in the imagination of the skipper of some vessel who took such a' harrowing tale to Sydney. But a similar deception has taken place on the New Zealand coast, if the telegram from Auckland be correct. From Melbourne we learn of the unusual occurrence of the expulsion from Parliament of a member. Mr. McKean is a Melbourne barrister, and at different times for the last ten years has achieved an unenviable notoriety for his blackguard conduct. To insult the Speaker of the House was a mere trifle; but last year he carried his pranks too far, and was committed to one of the rooms in the parliamentary buildings as a prisoner till he should apologise. He managed to make his escape, however, without apologising, and for the remainder of the session was one of the principal “ stonewallers,” whose display of political virtues gained for them such a questionable reputation. There are several men of the McKean stamp in the Victorian Legislative Assembly; but this severe treatment of the ringleader of the rowdies may have a good effect. The Bill for constituting a Harbor Board for Wellington has been distributed. The first twelve clauses provide that—A Harbor Board for the city of Wellington shall be constituted, consisting of nine members. The Mayor ex officio is to be a member, two members are to ha appointed by the Governor, two to be elected by the City Council, and ratepayers qualified to vote in the election of Mayor are to elect the remainder of the nine members. The Board retires from office triennially. The City Council may elect members of the Board in such manner as it pleases, and the elections of the ratepayers are to be conducted in the same manner as mayoral elections are hereinafter to be conducted. Clauses 13 to 19 relate to the filling up of vacancies occurring between election times, &c. , Clause 20 provides that no person contracting with the Board may hold office as member. The next few clauses are of a general character, providing for the holding of annual, special, and ordinary meetings. Contracts involving £IOO to be let by tender. Clauses 65 to 70, inclusive, give the Board power to borrow and issue debentures, which may be sold or hypothecated. Power is given to the Board to purchase from the Corporation, for £60,000, the wharf, bonded store, and reclaimed land; and for paying for these and carrying out the purposes of the Act a sum, not exceeding £250,000, may be borrowed. Powers to erect wharf, levy wharfage fees, &c., &0., are given, and the last clause generally declares that the Wellington Harbor Board shall have same powers as other harbor boards in New Zealand. •

It is not a common thing to see the preservation and arrangement of ferns brought to perfection. The work requires to be well understood, otherwise there is no chance of success, the great difficulty consisting in retaining the natural color of the leaf. Mr. Jeffs, seedsman, of Lambton-quay, is one of those who have made the subject a study, and he has unquestionably attained a degree of success seldom reached, and being creditable to him therefore. He has now in his shop a selection of ferns, most carefully preserved, tastefully arranged, and retaining the appearance they bore when collected from the bush. It is well known that in many cases the ferns sooner or later lose their freshness (owing to their not having been properly preserved) and assume a dead brown color, presenting, but for the outline, much more the appearance of a wisp of straw than beautiful and delicate plants. Mr. Jeffs,’ however, has mastered the grand secret of preservation, and some of the ferns he has on hand at the present time (a tremendous quantity kept in boxes), and which have been laid by ready for sale a considerable time, present the tame appearance as when gathered. It is the intention of Mr. Jeffs to send to England samples arranged on cardboard, having been advised to do so by Mr. Henry Maudesley, fellow of the Royal Botanical Society, who was recently on a visit to Wellington. He purposes - sending one parcel to the Secretary of the ‘ Botanical Society, Regent’s Park, and another to the Secretary of the Horticultural Society, Hyde Park.

The following regulations, under the Armed Constabulary Act, have been gazetted :—The uniform of constables is to consist of blue cloth cap with peak and band of black braid, lin. wide, blue tweed patrol jacket with the A.O. metal buttons, blue tweed trousers, strong laced-up watertight boots, and brown leather gaiters, great coat, waterproof sheet. Mounted constables will wear the same uniform in every respect as the foot, with the exception of a cavalry cloak instead of the greatcoat, and in addition to the above each mounted man is to have one pair of Bedford-eord breeches and hunting spurs ; also to supply himself with the cleaning gear necessary for his horse and saddlery. The uniform of non-commissioned officers, whether mounted or foot, is to be precisely the same as that of the constables, with the addition of chevrons on the right arm, according to the grade of the Wearer ; in the case of sergeants-majbr, surmounted by a crown. Officers of all ranks are to be similarly dressed; their uniform will he as follows :—Blue clo*h forage cap with staff peak, and silver oak leaf band If-inch wide, with silver button and tracing lace on top ; blue cloth patrol jacket with standing collar braided with hussar braid and silvershoulder cords ; blue cloth single-breasted waistcoat hooking to the throat, with sliver beading and silver lace round edges and pockets ; blue cloth trousers with black oak leaf mohair braid down the side If inch wide. Pay.—Officers: Inspectors, £4OO per annum ; ditto, 2nd class, £350 per annum; sub-inspec-tors, Ist class, £250 per annum ; ditto,, 2nd class, £2OO per annum. Non-commissioned officers and constables.—Mounted: Sergeantsmajor, 9s. per diem; sergeants, Ist class, 8s 6d. per diem ; ditto, 2nd class, 7s. 6d. per diem: constables, 6s. 6d. per, diem: Foot : Sergeants-major, 9s. per diem ;.sergeants, Ist class, Bs. per diem; ditto, 2nd class, 7s. per diem’; constables, 6s. per diem. Without clothing allowance.

The Christchurch City Council Chamber is adorned by portraits of the successive chairmen and mayors of the City Council. Johnston, late curator of the Acclimatisation Society, Christchurch, who has started business for himself, has already hatched out some of this season’s salmon ova # ■ . The other day four small in_ Christchurch amused themselves by ringing the firebelL The result was they found themselves in the look-up. The planting on the Canterbury railway regems, north of the River Styx, was complatad last week. The Lyttdton Times says the total number of trees planted will be about f io .he>2V«w« states that Mr. _ Blackett, as- - blatant engineer, is now on a visit of inspection to the Wairarapa, the special object of his visit being connected with changes about to bo made in the Public Works department. A comet was, it is alleged observed from Grey town, on the morning oCAuguat 3rd, in a southerly direction. The StandaM says the observer was perfectly sober, and that the tail of the comet was swelling visibly before his T 6 forwarding to the Government the annual report of the Immigration Officer of Hawke’s Bay the Superintendent, Mr. Ormond, says—«'l would represent the great scarcity of labor in Hawke’s Bay, wages being higher than for years. The number of immigrants ordered for Hawke’s Bay will not, I am sure, anything like meet the requirements for the coming year. I wish much that four ships, to bring 200 immigrants, could be sanctioned.” Mr. Nicholson, a member of the Nelson football team, who had his collarbone broken ■during the recent match—Nelson v. Wellington—had many sympathisers at the time the accident occurred, but in one that sympathy took an active and practical turn. We understand that an Auckland gentleman (not a football player either), signified his willingness to hold himself responsible for the expenses arising out of the unfortunate accident. The Waihenga ploughing match took place .on August 3rd on the property of G. M. Waterhouse, Esq. The day was remarkably fine, and the affair very successful. The first prize for double-furrow ploughs was awarded 'to Mr. Scott, second to Mr. Heggie, and third to Mr. Parish. The judges were Messrs. McMasters, Oates, and Cockburn. The prize for the best groomed horse fell to Mr. Heggie; for the best kept harness, to Mr. W. Morrison. The judges were Messrs. Smith and Kennedy. The dinner in connection with the match was given at Mr. Barber’s Waihenga Hotel, Mr. J. P. Russell occupying the chair. We call attention to the notice of the Wellington Gas Company reducing the price of gas;to 12s. per 1000 ft. for ordinary use, and lOs.iper 1000 ft. for gas stoves. These rates will-make the price of gas in Wellington lower than in any other city in the colony except Auckland, where it will on the 15th September next be reduced to 10s. The Auckland company has a larger business than Wellington, and has been established fourteen years, while the local company only started in 1871. It is expected that a fall will shortly take place in the cost of coal, when the price can be still further reduced.

The following interesting items are from the Whareama correspondent of a Greytown paper :—“ The weather has been very bad on the coast, and in consequence there was a heavier fresh in the river than has been known for years. A little way from the mouth of the river immense quantities of crayfish were driven ashore, and a waggon load might have been picked up within a quarter of a mile. They were in splendid condition, being heavily fleshed. I noticed a fine tan colored cow, with a brand like two diamonds, or an 8, ashore, but do not know whether she came down the river nr not. The shook of earthquake was very severe here, and I' noticed that it threw a lot of fowls off their perches." The investing members of the Permanent Equitable Building and Investment Society of Wellington, met on the evening of August 7th at the society’s offices. Temple Chambers, when the annual report and balance-sheet _ was submitted by the directors for their consideration. We understand tliat the operations of the society during the past year have been of an unusually profitable nature, the balance of net profits having grown from £625 19s. lOd. on the Ist June, 1875, to £2169 12s. Id. on the Ist June, 1876. This satisfactory result will no doubt still further tend to increase the popularity of a society that has so materially helped the working classes of this city in securing freehold homes, the advances made by the society to its members during the two years it has been in existence having reached the large sum of £41,225. The permanent principle on which the society is based has no doubt greatly assisted in securing for it this large amount of business. A meeting of the parishioners of the combined parishes of St. Mary’s, Karori, and St. Mathias, Makara, was held at Karori on the evening of the 2nd August, the Eev. William Ballachey presiding. The hon. treasurer read the usual statement of accounts for the past year, which showed a highly satisfactory state of affairs in connection with these parishes, tho receipts from all sources, and particularly the general offertories, being considerably in excess of those for the last year. It was decided that the vestry be authorised to take immediate steps for providing additional room or rooms to the present parsonage ; also, that the church grounds be securely fenced, so as to secure tho young pines which had been planted there, being a donation from Mr. Donald, of the Karori Tea Gardens. Votes of thanks were accorded to the retiring church officers, to Miss Donald and the Sunday-school teachers, to Miss Beading and the choir for their services during the past year, and also to Mr. Donald for his liberal gift of trees. The following officers for the ensuing year were elected : —Minister's churchwarden, Mr. Graham ; parishioners’ churchwarden, Mr. S. Lancaster; vestry— Messrs. J. Donald, jun., J. B. Beading and W. H. Williams. The clergyman made a statement showing the progress made in the district during the past twelve months,,as evidenced in the-large increase in the number of communicants, the large number who_ had come up at the last confirmation by the Bishop, amounting to twenty-two ; and also the number ®f adults, as well as infants, who had undergone baptism. The proceedings terminated with a unanimous vote of thanks to the clergyman for his zeal and energy in attending to the spiritual affairs of the parishes. A contributor forwards to the New Zealand Herald the following, which at the present time is not without interest to the public of Wellington:—l believe it is generally admitted that there is no country better adapted to sheep-farming than New Zealand ; and, I believe, no country has made greater progress in regard to the number of sheep—the increase in a comparatively short time —than has this country. Twenty years ago the sheep might be reckoned by thousands, now they number many millions, showing how the climate and the feed are suited to these valuable animals. As showing tho progress that has been made in the increase of sheep, X quote the following figures;—ln 1851 the number of sheep was 233,043 ; in 1858, 1,533,324 ; in 1861, 2,761,383; in 1867, 8,418,572 ; in 1874, 11,674,863. There is is no doubt that for the last few years wool-growing has been a paying affair.. it will bo with the price of wpol so much loworit Is difficult to say. The great declension that has taken place will affect the colony throughout, and perhaps seriously. When it i» considered how great the quantity of wool that must be obtained from such a vast number of sheep, and that a market must be obtained for it somewhere, the question naturally arises why not establish woollen manufactories throughout tho country? Such an industry has not received the attention it deserves ; and ■yet it is a subject worthy of the notice of capitalists, worthy of tho notice of farmers’ clubs and one, too, that has to do with the employment of labor, and thjt would produce traffic for our railways. If we could have our blankets and woollen clothes manufactured in the colony, womight expect to obtain genuine articles whereas now we are little aware how much shoddy wo pay for when making a pur,chase of woollen goods. It is quite certamthat if woollen mills pay elsewhere, they would not prove nuremunerative here ; and it is equally ■certain that the thing only wants a good and fair start to bo a success.

The election at Karori on August 14th of a warden for No. 3 Ward of Highway District, was a very hard and closely contested affair, and ultimate y resulted as follows :-Graham, 46 ; Monaghan, 45 _ The election of a member for the Hutt district to a seat in the Wellington Country Districts Highway Board took place on August 16th. Mr. Bayliss was returned by a majority ° The annual meeting of the Dunedin Jockey Club was held on August 14th ; balance cash in hand, £1651. The committee recommend that next cup be £SOO. The old committee was re-elected. The Land Investment Company, of which we have heard but little lately, appears to have made steady progress, and has been registered as a limited liability company under the Joint Stock Act. A meeting of the provisional committee was held on August 6th at the office of the secretary, Mr. Tribe, when he was instructed to call a general meeting for the election of directors, and to direct the solicitor, Mr. Brandon, to prepare articles of association for submission to the meeting. The provisional committee decided to leave the various proposals of business to be dealt with by an elected board. , The submission to public competition ot the Lowry Bay estate drew a large attendance at Mr. R. J. Duncan’s auction mart on August 7th, but as it turned out, with no result. The auctioneer stated, after reading the terms of sale, that the property had cost the Government £14,000 or £15,000 ; but none present seemed to set an equal value upon the estate, for the highest bid which could be obtained was £2700. This did not nearly comp up to the reserve, and after a conference with Mr. B. Smith, who acted as agent for the Government, the auctioneer announced that the property was passed in. A meeting of the proprietary and non-pro-prietary members of the Wellington Club took place on Monday, August 14tb, at the clubhouse, and the following report was read by the secretary: —The committee now beg to report that in terms of the resolutions passed on the 14th June Mr. G. H. Yennell was authorised to offer the premises for sale at auction on the 24th ult., and that they were sold for the sum of £6500, possession to be given on the Ist of January, 1877, and that immediately afterwards the committee purchased town acre No. 467, situated on Wel-lington-terrace (commonly known as Drake s acre), for the sum of £1382. A resolution was passed approving of the notion taken by the committee in purchasing town acre No. 467, and requesting them to get plans and specifications prepared for levelling the acre and the erection of a new club-house.

In reference to the interprovincial football matches the Nelson Times publishes the following table, showing the number of games played between Wellington and Nelson, and their results:— .1 Tear Played at Won by 1869 Wellington Nelson 1871 Wellington Wellington 1872 Nelson Nelson 1873 Wellington drawn game 1875 Nelson drawn game 1870 Wellington Wellington

Thus each province has won two matches, and two have been drawn games.

A largely attended meeting of the stewards of the Wellington Jockey Club was held at the Empire Hotel on August 15, George Crawford, Esq., in the chair. Messrs. Hunter and Pearce, M.H.E.’s, were prevented from beipg present, owing to their attendance at Parliament being necessary. A very long and somewhat animated discusssion took place as to the date upon which the races should be held. It was urged with very great force that in the month of December such variable weather is experienced that fine days cannot be looked for with any degree of certainty, and that as in February the weather is much more settled it would be advisable to hold the meeting in that month. The fixtures of other clubs were, referred to, and it was found that the Canterbury Jockey Club, Auckland Jockey Club, and Dunedin Jockey Club all hold their meetings during November and December, and that it would be advisable for meeting to be about the same time, as the competing horses would then be in good form. However, it was decided that February should be the month, and as it cameimmediately before the great summer meetings of Dunedin and Christchurch, no deterioration in the quality of horses need be feared, while on the other hand better fields might be anticipated.' The decision of the club has much to recommend it, and the change augurs even greater success in the future than has been attained in the past. The programme was considered, and the prizes agreed to be offered will amount in all to about £1250, or about £IOO or £2OO more than was offered last year. The Derby stands first on the list in point of value, the stake being £3OO, or £SO more than was offered last year. The Wellington Cup has also been increased to £l5O. There are two hurdle races, one a handicap of £IOO, and the other a weight-for-age race of £SO. An increase has also been granted in respect of several minor races. ■ A man concerned in a case at the Eesident Magistrate’s Court on the Bth might well have exclaimed, as he entered the dock, “ Save ua from our acquaintances,” the latter word being substituted for “friends,” as being more appropriate to the occasion. This man gave his name as Traynor. Shortly after he was charged Sergeant Monaghan began to take an,absorbing interest in the man’s lineaments; so close was the scrutiny indeed, that the sergeant might have been supposed to be looking for an undeveloped pimple on the prisoner’s eyelid. Suddenly a gleam of intelligence shot across the sergeant’s face; then he smiled, and said something to prisoner, who immediately looked scared. By way of explanation the sergeant remarked to Mr. Crawford, “I find we have an old acquaintance here under a new name, your Worship.” The records of the Court were not looked up on this occasion, but if there had been any necessity, no doubt the sergeant would have been capable of giving what may be called a general all round character to prisoner, without concerning himself about pretty refinements of speech. Being a good officer, he seldom forgets those with whom he is brought into contact officially, and like Mr. Bounderby, he is practical, and would not call a spade “an agricultural implement,’ unless under great pressure. The Otago Guardian of Saturday last says : manufactures of the province are holding their own against foreign competition. The factory at Mosgiel is not only busily at work, but it is found to be a difficult task to overtake the orders. The fabrics turned out from this establishment have won their way into high favor not only throughout New Zealand, but even in the Australian Sydney, with its established woollen mills, is a large consumer of such things as cricketing flannels and the heavy tweeds turned out at Mosgiel. A new airtight apartment, where the fine goods and worsteds are purified by being subjected to the fumes of sulphur, has just been erected in connection with the Mosgiel factory, The flannels and blankets produced at this mill are receiving great attention, and the demand for knitting yam has increased to such an extent that it is found difficult to supply local orders. Some very fine tweeds have lately been turned out, and broadcloths will probably shortly be added to the list of manufactures, as the operatives are at present engaged manufacturing 3000yds. of blue cloth for tho Otago constabulary. This method of patronising new industries on the part of tho authorities cannot be too highly commended. There is one thing in connection with these works to which atttention might bo directed. The teasels with which a nap is raised on the material woven are all imported, and for this article alone a considerable sum leaves the colony, which might as well go into- the pockets of some enterprising farmers, ihere ire now four woollen mills m the province, and the inducement to cultivate the teasel a plant of easy growth and rare productiveness —should be sufficient to command attention. The Victorian woollen mills are principally supplied with teasels grown in the Western district of that colony, and as tho climate of New Zealand is equally well adapted for its culture there seems no reason why some of our farmers should not make an effort in a similar direction.

The Union Beach Mining Company, Coromandel, has up to the present time paid close on £15,000 in dividends. A slight shock of earthquake was felt at Bealey about 3 p.m, on the 14th. The direction appeared to be from southwest to northeast. Mr. Commissioner Brabant has settled with native owners re opening up Raima for gold prospecting. An advance from Government of £SO on security of goldfields has been accepted. The natives are now prepared to show the boundaries of the district. Prospecting will commence at once. The principle of proxy voting being allowed under the Regulations ot Local Elections Bill was finally negatived in the Legislative Council on August Bth. The new clause, proposed by the Hon. Mr. G. E. Johnson, and which permitted the use of proxies under restrictions stated, was lost on a division of 12 to 10. Among the latest to the number of business places in Wellington may be noticed the opening of a new shop by Mr. Luhning, of Dunedin, next door to Mr. Alcorn s, on Lambton-quay. Mr. Luhning has been long and favorably known as an importer of tobacconists’ goods, and it may be hoped has brought his experience to a favorable market. There seems to be a strange fatality hanging over the lamps to the fountain. ’1 wo sets were broken in course of importation, and the set which arrived in perfect order has not been in position a week before being damaged. The centre lamp has been broken, and on a windy night the gas cannot be kept alight. The Congregationalists are maturing a design for the settlement of a regular pastor in thenmissionary chapel in Courtenay-place. A large measure of progress has been made in this district since the opening of the schoolhouse, but whether the time has yet the establishment of a regular pastorate is a question on which it is difficult to hazard an opinion. Roberts has been beaten for the first time since his arrival in the colonies, in Launceston, Tasmania, by a Mr. Hadley, px-oprietor of the Criterion Hotel. The victory after all was but comparative, seeing that the champion gave his opponent 600 out of 1000; still the victory is worthy of record. We are called upon to-day to chronicle the death of another old settler well known in Wellington, Mr. William Golder, late teacher at Belmont. This departed worthy excelled in the artistic branch of poetry, and though he could not lay claim to the possession of “ the vision and the faculty divine,” yet managed, in the struggles incident to colonial life, to produce no less than four volumes of rhyme ; —“ New Zealand Minstrelsy,” “ The Pigeons’ Parliament,” “ New Zealand Survey,” and “ The Philosophy of Love.” Mr. G. H. Bayliss, of the Adelaide-road, is about to commence a steam laundry on a large scale in the neighborhood of Johu-street, where there is a stream of good water running through the ground. Mr. Bayliss has had considerable experience in this line, having, amongst others, fitted up the extensive works of the Orphan Asylum at Waustead, England. One by one the wants ot Wellington_are being supplied, and we think this one will be well patronised by those families who have a horror of washing day. A little diversion occurred in the House of Representatives on the 15th during the evening sitting. Mr. Rowe was speaking, had been speaking for some time, when suddenly a cry proceeded from the gallery. The cry was “ Stout!” and was apparently directed to the hon. member for Dunedin City of that name, although there appeared to be nothing in Mr. Rowe’s remarks to excite the exclamation. A few minutes later the same individual called out, “Macandrew, Superintendent of Otago !” He was removed from the gallery. On being questioned he gave his name as George Robinson, and stated that he was a friend of Mr. Stout.

Mr. Skey, the Government analyst, has reported as follows on a sample of the water from the Waiwera Springs, sent to the laboratory at Wellington for analysis by his Excellency the Governor on his recent stay in Auckland. The following is the official report on the same:—Specimen No. 1820, forwarded by Mr. Eobert Graham, at the request of his Excellency the Marquis of Normanby. Locality, Waiwera. Eeoeived 10th July, 1876. Keported on 26th July, 1876. Mineral water, quite clear and colorless ; manifests a distinct alkaline reaction to litmus paper, and has a feebly saline taste. From the appended results of its analysis, it appears to belong to the class of mineral waters known as the alkaline. Analysis : These results are computed in grains per gallon—Chloride of sodium, 116*715 ; do potassium, ‘O9l ; do lithium, traces ; iodide of magnesium, traces ; sulphate of soda, *383 ; bi-carbonate of soda, 87*573 ; do lime, 10*692; do magnesia, *954 ; do iron, *686 ; alumina, traces; silica, 2*464 ; total, 219*558. .This water is similar to several of the famous Continental waters. For instance, from 'Vichy, in France, and Fachingen, in Nassau, both of which are largely used medicinally.—(Signed) W. Skky. Much delay and inconvenience ocouri-ed respecting the 420 German immigrants who arrived per ship Fritz Eeuter. The Government were unable to recognise them as Government immigrants, but at the request of the German Consul, Mr. Krull, they consented to receive them into tho depot, and have assisted the Consul in their location and maintenance. They were landed on August 8. It appears that in 1874 Dr. Featherston took over Stoman’s contract with the Queensland Government for tho supply of free Government emigrants, and Dr. Featherston further engaged with a Hr. Kirchner, who was acting as agent for the New Zealand Government, that on completion of the said contract within the time specified, he (Kirchner), should send out 4000 more free emigrants, the remuneration to be £1 per head. This latter arrangement was entirely contingent on the Queensland contract being carried out in contract time, viz., 14th November. This was not done. Subsequently instructions were received by the Agent-General from New Zealand to stop all further free Continental immigration, and the several agents were advised accordingly, hut they immediately professed to have promised free passages to some 3000 parsons, and to have engaged the necessary shipping. The Agent-General refused to accept such arrangement, and it turned out that no such agreements or promises had been made—in fact, it was subsequently admitted that the immigrants per Fritz Eeuter constituted the entire number to whom free passages had been promised. The Agent-General demurred, however, to oven these immigrants being sent out, alleging that it was done directly in opposition to his instructions. The question of who is to pay for their passages will have to be settled in Europe. Wo (Napier Telegraph) learn that the Defence Minister has intimated to officers commanding districts, that the Government has determined to make a reduction in the Armed Constabulary Force of the colony. The reduction will consist of four sub-inspectors, eight sergeants, and ninety-seven men, in all one hundred and nine. What proportion will be taken from the stations in the Wairoa and Taupo districts we do not know. The following is the fifth half-yearly report of the Standard Fire and Marine Insurance Company of New Zealand, to he submitted to a general meeting of shareholders, to be held on the 4th September ; —“Your directors beg to submit herewith the annexed statement of accounts and balance-sheet for the half-year ending 30th June last. The dividend declared at last half-yearly meeting, amounting to £2500, having been carried to capital account, there now remains a gross balance to credit of profit and loss account of £24,385 19s. 4d., of which £14,858 will require to be set apart to provide for re-insurances of current risks, and for pavmcnt of unadjusted losses, which will leave a net balance of £9550, and which your directors recommend should he applied as follows, viz. :—That a dividend of fid. per share tor the half-year be declared and carried to credit of capital account, which would make shares then stand at 12s. 6d. paid up. Forty per cent, of surplus to be carried to credit of reserve fund ; 30 per cent, to b,e paid to policyholders in the company whose accounts show a credit balance for tho preceding twelve months ; and tho remaining 30 per cent, to he also carried to reserve fund. The * capital would then stand at £31,250, and the reserve

fund at £SBIO. The business of the company is in a very satisfactory state, and your directors are much pleased to he in a position to recommend the distribution of ' a bonus among the insurers; and they consider that this course of capitalising dividends will recommend itself to the shareholders as being most conducive-to the wellbeing of the company.” The premiums received during the half-year amounted to £20,046 11s., and the losses to £15,379 4s. ■ The East Coast Election Committee made their report to the House of Representatives on Aug. 22. In addition to depriving Captain Read of his seat, they also found that he should be called upon to pay £l5O towards Captain Morris’s expenses. It is understood that Cqptain Morris secures his seat at a total cost of something like £7OO. Captain Read has lost the seat and £2OOO in money. The Maories in the neighborhood of Te Ore Ore are having a row between themselves about some laud. A local paper thus describes the matter :—Some time ago one party let a block, known as Okurupeta, to Mr. Welch, who is now using it as a sheepruu. The ownership was in dispute at the time, but no very active steps were taken to prevent occupation. There has been a flareup once or twice since then, a resort to arms being considered advisable on one occasion. But it came to nothing, and the sheep have remained on the land. Now, however, the matter has taken a fresh start. The fact of one party getting a good round sum annually in the shape of rent, while the other received nothing, was rather too much for the outsiders, and they are therefore once more threatening to drive off the sheep, which the other party is prepared to' prevent by armed resistance. Saturday appears to have been the day originally fixed upon for taking the first active steps, but that day as well as Sunday, and so far as we are aware, Monday, have passed off without a sheep having been disturbed, and without any powder having been wasted. We are not prepared to assert that the whole affair will blow over without anything being done, and should not be at all surprised it it ends in a fight. Since the above was in type we learn that Wi Tinitara and those who, with him, dispute the ownership ofthe block, intend moving on to the land to-day, after which they will proceed to cut down the fences. Wi Waka, Manihera Maka, and those with them, are said to be prepared for shooting the intruders. There may be some little disturbance, hut it is not likely to affect Europeans. A Maori has recently made a novel application to the House of Representatives. It seems a grand war canoe had been taken from his ancestors at the time of the war. The canoe was kept in Auckland for some time, and there repaired at some considerable expense at the cost of some gentlemen, and at a regatta the canoe was exhibited. It was then handed over to another Maori for safe keeping, but subsequently the warrior from whom it was taken had it offered to him. His dignity, however, would not allow him to accept the canoe alone ; but he expressed willingness to take it back if a lump sum accompanied it as compensation and a pension of some few pounds a year was granted to soothe the disagreeable feelings its presence would give rise to. As the Government declined to do more than promise be should have the canoe if he sent for it, he petitioned Parliament, and the Native Affairs Committee has just recommended the Government to be a little more liberal, and return the canoe to the place from which it was taken.

In reference to a petition in which petitioners pray that Maoris be allowed to sit on juries, that all the laws be translated into Maori, that the number of Maori members in the House of Representatives be increased, and that greater facilities should be given them for the purchase of gunpowder, the committee on native affairs has reported :—That, in reference to the right of Maoris to sit on juries, the committee are of opinion that the Juries Act, 1868, makes ample provision for the existing state of things. These provisions had not, however, been brought into force, and cannot be brought into force until the Governor, in exercise of the powers vested in him by the Act, shall make certain rules and regulations. The committee recommend that the provisions of the Act should be put in force, and Maoris be admitted to sit on juries in the limited number of oases specified by the Act. The petitioners also ask that the laws should be translated into Maori. The committee cannot recommend compliance with this request to the extent asked, but they are of opinion that all laws specially affecting Maoris should be printed in the Maori language, and be widely circulated amongst the Maori people. In reference to the demand of the petitioners that the number of Maori members of the House should be increased, and that greater facilities should be given for the purchase' of powder, the committee consider that these are questions of policy upon which they are not called upon to pass an opinion.