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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 4991, 22 March 1877, Page 2

Thes.s. Taupe, though leaving the Manukau a day late, has made up her lost time, and will leave to her time to-day, and hot to-morrow, as partly anticipated. It was stated by Mr. Pharazyn at Mr. Travers’ meeting last evening, that a member of a late administration intended next session to table a motion to reduce the honorarium of members from £2OO to £IOO.

We have heard it stated on pretty good authority that Mr. Maoandrew, M.H.R., is about to permanently leave the colony, • He is disposing of ,his property in. Otago, or has already disposed of a considerable quantity of it, and is about to settle in California. We understand that an influential requisition is in course of signature to Mr. John PUmmer, asking him to stand for the City Council, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Joe Dransfield. It is unnecessary to remind old residents that Mr. Plimmer has already rendered valuable service to the city as a member for nine years of the old Town Board.

At the Resident Magistrate’s Court yesterday there were only, two criminal cases. Wm. Gilbert was brought up on a charge of wilfully damaging property, but he was released, as the prosecutor withdrew the charge. A case of breach of the peace was adjourned till Friday. There was no civil business, it being Wednesday. In an article yesterday by a misprint we were made to say a “dim” spot instead of a sun spot is now visible.

A sharp lookout was kept yesterday, but nothing was seen of the transit of Vulcan. On Saturday the Wellington Cricket Club and the'Royal Oak Club meet on the-Basin eserve. '

The testimonials presented to the Hon. Mr. Fitzherbert arid Mr. Bunny have been placed on view' at Jjyon and Blair’s, stationers, Lambton-quay, The Mirror of England company having returned from the .Wairarapa after a most successful season, left last night for Wanganui. They will next' visit Canterbury and Otago. The autumn exhibition of the Wellington Horticultural Society will be held in the Odd Fellows’ Hall'to-day. We understand that his Excellency the Governor will attend during the afternoon. In the early part of the oricket-matoh which took place on the Basin Reserve yesterday afternoon, Mr. - Tuckey, of the College, felt a pain in his foot as if it bad been suddenly struck sharply, and on putting it to the ground to run, found himself unable to do so. He was obliged to leave the ground and return homo. In all probability the accident arose from one of the muscles in his foot giving way.

The opening' of Mr. Hr win’s new hotel, the Theatre Hotel, was celebrated yesterday by a grand champagne lunch, to which over 100 gentlemen sat down, Mr. Beauchamp, of Beauchamp, Campbell, and Co., occupying the chair. The toasts proposed were “The Queen,” “His Excellency the Governor,” and “Our Host.” Mr. Beauchamp proposed the latter, referring to the grandeur of the hotel, and complimenting the proprietor* on the pluck and enterprise he had displayed in the undertaking. Mr. Hrwin responded in suitable terms, after which the guests bore witness in the usual manner to his being “a jolly good fellow.” It is needless to say that the really splendid spread was done ample justice to, and the company enjoyed themselves thoroughly.

The funeral of the late Mr. G. H. Tribe took place yesterday, from the residence, Willis-street. The funeral procession comprised a large attendance of the Masonic body, in addition to a considerable number of the leading citizens of Wellington. The following Past Masters acted as pall-bearers, viz.: — Brothers C. 'White, A. Koch, T. McKenzie, E. D. Butts, T. J. Ladd, C. M. Igglesden. D.D.G.M. Toxward and the officers of the District Grand Lodge were chief mourners. The D.G. Chaplain,. Rev. C. H. S. Nicholls, assisted by the Rev. Brother Newth, performed the funeral service. At the conclusion of the ceremony the brethren, according to ancient custom, went to the open grave, and each threw a sprig of accacia into it. The chaplain then read the Masonic oration in a most impressive manner; after which the •officers and brethren returned to the Masonic Lodge in Boulc'ott-street. In the death of Mr. Tribe, Wellington sustains a loss. He resided in this city for some considerable time; had many interests here, and a large circle of friends, to whom he was endeared by an open, frank manner, and a truly kind disposition that distinguished him always. In addition to this, however, the deceased gentleman had it.in his power, and often exercised that power,, to be of service to Wellington, as a member of the House of Representatives. Whilst having at heart the interests of the important mining district of Totara, for which he was member, his sympathies were likewise connected with Wellington; and his departure from among us will be generally regretted, as a friend and a good citizen.

During yesterday men were engaged in laying spare cable in a tank beside the breastwork. There is about seven miles of the cable, and the process of transhipping it from the hulk Omega to the tank was a somewhat slow one, inasmuch as there was not sufficient depth of water to bring the hulk nearer to the tank than No. 9 berth, and consequently the cable ’ had to be placed through a series of blocks suspended from posts, at each of which a man was stationed to assist it along. The work'-was continued till dusk, and operations were to be commenced at six o’clock this morning..

The attendance at the Theatre Koyal continues to be good. Last night again there was a. crowded house on the occasion of the f Hunchback” being played for the first time by the present company. In this, as in other pieces, Mrs. Scott-Siddons gave evidence of histrionic brilliancy. Very little need be said as to her acting in the character of Julia, for it would be impossible to speak of it in any words but those of praise. And Mr. Steele sustained his reputation as a first-class actor, in the character of Master Walter. Pressure on space prevents our noticing more fully the performance of last night, otherwise it would be only just to mention many of the performers as deserving of praise, whilst the piece was admirably mounted. To-night “ Much Ado About Nothing ” will be produced, and we have no doubt that the attendance will again be large. Messrs. Andrews and Moffat, of New Zealand, have secured a patent in Victoria, for certain improvements in filling bags with chaff. These are drawn over the mouth of a vertical cylinder, down which the chaff is conducted and pressed into the bags by means of a screw. Around the cylinder is a ring suspended by a chain connected with a drum which is to a certain extent prevented from turning by the elastic pressure of two wooden discs on, a ratchet at one end of the barrel. When this elastic pressure is overcome by the pressure of the screw the bag descends, being filled, meanwhile, with pressed chaff. By the last mail a delegate from the mining districts of Victoria was sent to California for the purpose of, obtaining information likely to be of value to the colony. The gentleman chosen, M r - Thureau, who is a fellow of the Geographical Society of London, has been lecturing for some time at the School of Mines, Sandhurst, and has been chosen for his ability and general knowledge and. experience in goldmihing and mining machinery to visit California for the purpose of ascertaining the modes in use there of saving the precious metal, the kinds of machinery in use for boring, sinking, and gold saving, os well as the character of the miuing country, and formations of metallic lodes therein. ; Wo call attention to the sale of drapery by Mr. N. J. Isaacs at his mart to-day. The sale commences at 11 sharp. A largo quantity of new winter tweeds are to be offered. Messrs; Beauchamp, Campbell, and Co. announce that they will hold an extensive trade sale to-day, consisting of Ironmongery, wines and spirits, and general provisions. The sale being an extensive one, should be well attended.