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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 4979, 8 March 1877, Page 2

Yesterday ; Mr. Edward Pearce, M.H.8.,1 placed his, resignation in the hands of the Hon/ the Speaker of the House of Represeniative'sij It is understo'od that the writ for a fresh' elec-1 tion will, lie issued at once. - I s^r The cable steamer Agnes returned to harbor yesterday evening.- She left Worser Bay yesterday morning, having, been detained there the previous day by fresh-northerly winds, and got on the'cable ground about 10.30 a.m., where it was found there was a heavy sea and a fresh S.E. wind blowing. The buoy that marked the cable was not to be found, most probably having broken adrift, and it was anticipated by those on board the steamer that it -would-be-next to impossible- to find the end of the cable that day, as the lumpy state of the water would greatly militate against any grappling operations. However, after the grappling irons had been out for about fifteen minutes, to the surprise of everybody they succeeded in hooking the cable, which was got on board, and it was then thought advisable to buoy the end at the surface, which was accordingly done, as the weather was too rough to splice the shore end on. After the cable had been buoyed the Agnes returned to harbor. She will make another start to-morrow morning probably. ■ The ordinary monthly meeting of the Wellington District Board was held yesterday at the Lower Hutt. There were present—Messrs. Taylor (who was elected to the chair), Speedy, Dick, Baylisa, and Smith. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed, after which the monthly accounts were passed, and wardens were authorised to spend money on certain public works. _ The most important business in connection with the meeting was in reference to the rates, the collector being instructed to take proceedings at law against defaulters.

Mr. H. A. Severn, the popular scientific lecturer, will deliver the first of his series of experimental lectures this evening in St. George's Hall. The subject will be —the Sun and Modern Solar Discoveries,

The rifle representatives returned yesterday morning by the Hinemoa. • , Mr. Traversiwill address v the electors on Friday (to-morrow) evening. Yesterday was the Hutt "Court day, but as there was no business to transact the Court was.adjourned.

The only business before the Resident Magistrate yesterday was one case of drunkenness. There were no civil cases.

The Wairarapa Standard is of opinion that Mr. Travera' address to the electors is neutral in policy and watery in composition. A cricket match between the drapers of ThorniJon and Te Aro is arranged for Easter Monday. We learn that the game will be played at Mr. ' Valentine's paddock, Lower Hufct.^

Th£ Odd Fellows' Hall was well attended last, evening, when the Chicago Minstrels went through their interesting performance much to the satisfaction of thoße present. To-night there will be an entire change of programme. We understand that Mr. Moeller having bought out his partners, and become sole proprietor in the firm of Samuel, Ladd, and Co., intends to resign his seat in the City Council, in order to devote his whole time to his business affairs.

It iij announced in our advertising columns that sports will be held on the Basin Keßerve on St..Patrick's Day, under the patronage of the Hibernian Benefit and Catholic Young Men's Societies. The programme contains thirteen events. , .

At 4he Theatre Royal last night, "Old Sailors" and "Spitfire" were played ; and to-night the pretty drama of " Our Nelly" will be produced, to be followed by the farce of " The Professor," in which Mr. Hall will appear, and introduce some original funny business.

• Ah enjoyable trip is "offered to the children of St Peter's, St. Paul's, » nd St. Mark's Sun-day-sdbiools by Bishop Selwyn to-day. The Bishop invites the teachers, and' children over ten years of age; to a cruise in the Southern Croßs "to-day. The schooner will leave the outer T of the Queen's Wharf at 10 a.m. The members ef the Wellington Club entertained Mr.JPearce yesterday evening. There were present—The Chief Justice, the Premier, the Mimster of Justice, the Hon. John Johnston, Hon. Robert Hart, Hon, Dr. Grace, Walter Johnston, Esq., M!H.R., A. de B. Brandon, Esq., M.H.R., Mr. Travers, Mr. F. A. Krull, and a majority of the members resident in Wellington. , The chair was occupied by the President, G«orge Hunter, Esq., M.H.R.

The new. system of transmitting the mails between Wellington and Wanganui by through c mches, with the assistance of night trains running.from Foxton to Palmerston, has been successfully inaugurated. The mails were despatched from Wellington to Wanganui on Monday morning last as usual, and .were delivered in Wanganui on T morning at 11 o'clock. The distance travelled was upwards of 165 miles. Mr. Andrew Young accompanied the mails throughout, and it is to his enterprise that the settlers are largely indebted for this great boon. A narrow escape from an accident, which would undoubtedly have resulted in serious consequences, occurred yesterday.' One of the workmen engaged on the new Athenseum building was standing on the bank at the boundary of the site on which the building is being erected, when the earth suddenly gave way and fell, and he had barely time to jump on to the solid ground before the stuff came down. Had he fallen with it he would have been killed, '■■■■■■

The Artillery Band met last night at the Central Hotel to present their bandmaster, Mr. S. Cimino, with a token of respect; Mr. Marshall;"their first bandmaster, in the 1 chair. AfterthejisuaMoyal toasts, the Chairman prdposed'the toast of the evening, and alluded to the great ; service rendered by'their worthy captain, from the time when the'band was dubbed the "'ragged regiment" by the Independent to the present period, when it had gained a good name. Mr. Cimino responded in feeling terms, and hoped to be at the head of the band/for many a day. Other toasts were proposed, and a most enjoyable evening was spent, ' We 'call the attention of the police to a place termed the Temperance Hotel, situate next to the' Times office. We. know not whether ardent spirits are admitted within its portals, but we do know there is. an excellent supply^, of animal spirit. Pretty . well every night fights occur, and these are accompanied by the coarsest language, and a destruction of property on the premises which must afford a good harvest for" the glazier. To the encouragement of the glazing trade no objection can be offered, but we do object to the exercise of limb and voice the inmates of the Temperance Hotel appear to think necessary for the preservation of their health, On Tuesday evening a number of the friends of Mr.- W. N. Grant, late chief clerk in the Wellington Custom House, met at the'Pier Hotel to bid him farewell, he being 'about to depart for Christchurch. Mr. Roxburgh occupied the chair, and expressed in eloquent and appropriate terms the warm regard and esteem felt by all' for Mr. "Grant, and their high opinion of the ability and courtesy he alwayshad'displayed in his official capacity. Other speakers followed. Mr. Roxburgh then presented Mr.- Grant with a numerously-signed illuminated 'address, accompanied' by a' purse of Mr. Grant returned suitable acknowledgments, but remarked that it was contrary to, the Civil Service Regulations for an officer to receive any testimonial; and he therefore felt compelled to decline it. It waß suggested,'.-Jjowever, ■ by those present that under the ■ circumstances; the -Commissioner of Customs "vyould probably sanction the receipt of the testimonial on this particular occasion. The'meetingcpricluded with a vote of thanks to the chairman.'