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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5006, 10 April 1877, Page 2

The cablegram in another column, respecting the aspect of affairs in Europe, is far from reassuring. The protocol was evidently agreed to by the Great Powers, and looked upon by them as their ultimatum. If Turkey declined to accept its conditions, then she must be left to the tender mercies of Russia or any other Power which chooses to make war upon her, either for the protection of the Christians or for the furtherance of sinister political designs. Some weeks ago we drew attention to the unsightly buildings which, by permission of Mr. O’Malley, contractor for reclaiming the land from Pipitea Point to Mills’ Foundry, were being erected, and urged the Government to interfere in the matter. We are glad to learn that Mr. O’Malley has now been directed to remove all buildings forthwith, and have the land clear by Saturday evening. Of course, this entails a good deal of hardship upon persons who have rented the land, and we can easily understand that a great many are indignant at the ukase. Among others, Mr. Joseph Blackstone, stonemason, has written us a letter complaining of, the short notice, especially seeing the difficulty there is in securing other business sites. However, those persons who will be put to the inconvenience have but themselves to blame for their misfortune. They should have seen before entering on the land that the lessee had a right to give possession; and on the other hand, if he assured them he had a right to lease, they should have a legal remedy as against him. But the Government is in no way responsible for the loss to the tenants. Our Foxton correspondent telegraphs in reference to the shooting case at Palmerston that Walker and Randolph were going out duck-shooting, when Walker’s gun went off and lodged the charge of shot in Randolph's neck. The inquest will be held to-morrow. A melancholy incident occurred on board H.M.S. Wolverine during the passage from Hobarton. On Saturday, the 31st ult., an A.B. named Hawkins, a young man, about twenty-one years of ago, was aloft furling the mizzen topgallantsail, when he lost his footing and fell from the topgallant yard, striking the lee rail, and then glancing off into the sea. He was never seen after ho first went down, and all efforts therefore made to recover him proved futile. We notice another acceptable addition to the library of the Athenreum of some forty or fifty volumes of new books recently received, comprising works of recent travel, together with some new iss'acs of standard authors.

There were ten civil cases set down for hearing on the civil side of the R. M Court yesterday, but they were soon disposed of, a few being adjourned, and “ confessed” being marked against the others.

A supplement to the Gazette was issued yesterday containing a number of Orders in Council delegating the Governor’s power under the Marine Act, 1867, to various Harbor Boards.

An accident occurred yesterday evening at the Breastwork. A young girl by some means fell into the water. Fortunately her father was present, who succeeded in quickly rescuing her. The girl, whose name we did not ascertain, apparently suffered no other injury beyond the wetting. The contractor is making rapid progress with the new Athenseum building, notwithstanding the difficulties met with in the outset. At one time considerable obstruction was apprehended from the hill at the back of the site, which threatened to fall away and overthrow some of the work already done. However, the strong brick wall is built to a good height. Looking at the present rate of progress, the building should be completed within the contract time.

The Supreme Court sat yesterday morning to try the cause Petheridge v. Luxford, but Mr. Travers, counsel for the plaintiff, announced that a witness, without whom it would be unsafe for plaintiff to proceed to trial, had been taken seriously ill, and he therefore applied for the withdrawal of the cause from the list of the present sessions. Mr. Brandon, who appeared for defendant, said he had no objection to the withdrawal of the cause from the list, provided that plaintiff paid the costs of the day. This Mr. Travers agreed to do, and the cause was • accordingly withdrawn, The Judge in discharging the jury said he presumed the illness of the witness had occurred too recently to have allowed of notice being given to the jurors; at least, he trusted that was the reason they had not received notice. Mr. Travers mentioned that the witness had only been taken ill the previous evening. The Court then rose. The governing body of Christ College, Canterbury, have offered the appointment of tutor and chaplain to the Rev. F. A. Hare. Mr. Hare is a graduate of Cambridge, was formerly private chaplain and secretary to Sir James Fergusson, late Governor of New Zealand, and has been acting for nearly two years past as locum tencns for the Rev. Croasdaile Bowen, incumbent of Riccarton. It is not yet decided when Mr. Hare is to enter on his, duties at the College.- Mr. Bowen is not expected from England till August next, but Mr. Hare is under no engagement to remain at Riccarton after May. At the quarterly meetiug of the governing body of the College, to be held on April 10, arrangements will probably be made for the admission of students in the collegiate department, and for the regulation of their studies and discipline. The increase of work at the Lion Foundry rendering it necessary to have additional steam, power to work the complicated machinery, a new boiler and engine have been made at the foundry. Steam was got up yesterday, and the result was entirely satisfactory. The engine is of 25 horse-power, horizontal, and is one of the prettiest pieces of machinery we have-seen, working with great smoothness and regularity, notwithstanding that it was quite new. It has been erected in a room built purposely, and lined with well planed and moulded boards, which will be varnished, and the room in fact so fitted up that the machinery may be kept perfectly sheltered and clean. The boiler is in a separate room. It is a multi-tubular boiler, 18ft. long by sft. 2in. diameter. There is also a water heater underneath the flue, connected by pipes with the boiler, the advantage of this being that a great saving of coal is effected. The connection between this room and the engine is of course by a large steam pipe, whilst there is a separate pipe from the boiler connecting with the steam hammer, which is situated in the blacksmith’s department, in the main body of the building. The old engine was one of 10 horse-power; thus a great increase of force has be .a obtained, quite sufficient indeed for all purposes in connection with the foundry work for some time to come. Additional space has been secured by the alteration, as the old machinery will be removed, and its room utilised for putting together boilers aud other ironwork. The Lion Foundry has received an order to make new engines and boiler for the Rangatira. The work of manufacturing these has already been commenced under the superintendence of Mr. Seager, the obliging manager, parts of the machinery being already made. It may be mentioned that quite recently a boiling-down machine was made for Mr. Tyer, of the Wairarapa ; and as showing that work can be turned out with despatch at the foundry, we may add that within fourteen days from the receipt of the order the apparatus, which is capable ef containing 300 sheep at one time, was put together and delivered at the station, it being now in use there. It is satisfactory to note the progress being made by such local industries in Wellington, and we look forward to the time, at no very distant date, when the amount of work in this and other lines here will be as important as in Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin, At the Resident Magistrate’s Court yesterday, the case of Henry Powell, mentioned in our issue of yesterday, was brought before the Resident Magistrate, when Powell was called upon to answer the charge of libelling Charles Hillsden, secretary to the Theatre’ Royal Company, on the 23rd of March, 1877. The following letter, alleged to have been written by defendant to a director of the Public Hall Company, constituted the libel :—“ Wellington, 23rd March, 1877. Dr, Johnston. Sir, —I have been informed that you have an interest in the Theatre Royal. If this be correct, I would advise you very strongly to get some person you can rely on to count the people as they go in. This will be greatly to your advantage, but it must be done privately. I have no interest in the Theatre whatever, but I know there is a great deal goes on you are not aware of, and if , you were to know it you would put a stop to it at once.” The letter was signed “ Honesty.” By mutual agreement the case was adjourned till to-day, the same bail being allowed, namely, defendant in £IOO and one surety in a like amount.—ln addition to the above, there were two summons cases aud two of drunkenness.

Messrs. Davenport, Davies, and Fay’s farewell entertainment at St. George’s Hall last evening was under the patronage and in the presence of his Excellency the Governor and suite, and there was a large and fashionable audience on the occasion, Amongst the gentlemen selected to go bn to the stage to see that all was fair were Mr. Travers, M.H.R., and Mr. Thomas McKenzie, and Mr. Davies made a capital hit in his ventriloquial part of the performance by saying that it was not right tor Mr. Travers to go into the Cabinet before taking his seat in Parliament, and he (Mr. Davies) was sure his Excellency would not endorse it. This caused great laughter, and several of his other hits were in the same happy yein of humor. The rest of the entertainment was the same as that of previous evenings, which we have already described. The audience evidently appreciated the bill of fare provided for them, as was shown by the frequent applause from all parts of the house. There was only one “hitch.” A gentleman present struck a match during the dark, seance, when the gas was turned off. The light • did not last long enough to enable the lookers-on to take much advantage of it; but Mr. Davies seemed very angry at what had been done, and said, “ Thank you, sir ; you’re very kind. I see who you are; you are the white waistcoast, sitting near the stairs, I should think you must feel as mean as you look." The gentleman referred to made no reply. The performance was brought to a conclusion about 10 o’clock.

The estimated population of New South Wales on the 31st of December last is 629,776 ; 347,869 males, and 281,907 females. During the half-year ending the 31st December, the arrivals by sea to that colony were 15,354, and the departures' for the same period 9684, leaving a gain of sea-borne immigrants of 5670 during six months.

The chess match was resumed last evening at the club-room, when four match games were played, with the following result, Mr. Benbow being the handicapper as before:— Brown v. Hullet (Hullett, winner), no ,odds; Barraud v. Horwood (Horwood, winner), odds, pawn and two moves; Green v. Bate (Green, winner), odds, pawn and one move; Didsbury v. Davies (Davies, winner), no odds; Bishop has yet to play. The match will be resumed on Monday evening next at 8 o’clock, the five remaining players being still further handicapped until the match is reduced to a single game.

It was satisfactory to see that Mr. J. B. Steele had a bumper house last evening for his benefit. The Theatre was literally crammed in every part. The performance of the drama, “ The Colleen Bawn,” was eminently successful, Mrs. Scott-Siddons playing the part of Eily O’Connor in a manner which delighted her audience, and Mr. J. B. Steele did equal justice to thepartof Myles; as an evidence of which, and the excellence of the representation generally, it may be stated that the leading characters received an enthusiastic call at the close of each act. The afterpiece was “ Poor Pillicoddy,” in which Mr. J. E. Coker, an amateur of no mean ability, appeared as Captain O’Scuttle. He at once made himself at home with the audience, and played very well throughout, exciting frequent laughter and applause. The ladies engaged in the farce—Misses Morgan, Lawrence, and Nye—were pleasing, the latter especially making as much of her part as possible, and Mr. Power was exceedingly tunny as Mr. Pillicoddy. He is a capital comedian, as all would doubtless admit who have seen him act. To-night the Lydia Howarde Troupe make their first appearance, in “ Trial by Jury” and the extravaganza of “ Ivanhoe.” A painful sensation was created in the city yesterday morning by the news, which spread very rapidly, that a man had shot himself on the Adelaide-road. The reported suicide was made known to the police, and Constable Shiels was immediately told off to ascertain what grounds there were, if any, for the statement. He proceeded to a house next door to Mr. Moody’s store, and there heard that a man named Arthur Petersen, the head of the house, had shot himself with a gun. He at once went to a room indicated, the door of which he was compelled to break open, and on entering a sickening spectacle met his eyes. The body of the man was lying on the bed, the upper part of his head being shattered to pieces. A short rifle was lying between his legs. It appears that about half-past 8 o’clock yesterday morning, while the family were at breakfast, Petersen went into the room where the rifle and ammunition were kept, and soon afterwards a sound was heard as if a charge was being rammed into the weapon. A minute or two after this Petersen ran into the room where his family were sitting, with the rifle in his hand. On being asked where he was going, be replied, “ I am after some people outside.” He looked out, and then said, “ I am too late ; they are gone.” He then went into his bedroom, saying, “Pray for me,” and shut and locked the door. A few seconds afterwards an explosion was heard. Dr. Munro, who had been sent for, arrived at about the same time as the constable ; but of course the man was dead. It seems that Petersen had been drinking for some time past, and it is believed that he was suffering from the effects of liquor when he shot himself. An inquest will be held on the body at 2 o’clock to-day, at the Caledonian Hotel. A telegram published from our own correspondent last week mentioned that it had been decided to erect the Manchester and Kiwitea Ridings of the Manawatu County Council into a separate county. According to the Manawatu Times, Mr. A. F. Halcombe said that as Chairman of the Manchester Highway Board he would give reasons why the Board had convened the meeting. He then explained, by the aid of a map of the county, the position that each riding occupied geographically, and pointed out the great benefit that it would be to have the back country opened up, which he described as of a very superior character, and suitable for supporting a large population. He further explained that the Kiwitea and Manchester Ridings would have about £9OO annual revenue from rates, in proportion to which they would receive a subsidy from the Government, in addition to other sources of revenue. He would inform the meeting of his experience as a member of the County Council in getting (with the assistance of his colleague, as he might call him, Mr. Macarthur, the member for Kiwitea Riding) the small sum of £3OO to be expended within the two ridings. He concluded by stating that there was no probability of their district getting more from the county than their district contributed to the revenue, and that therefore they would not be in any worse position by getting separation ; and .they would in all probability be placed by separation in a far better position for opening up the back country and developing the resources of the district. He then moved to the effect, —“ That a petition be presented to the Governor, praying for a separation of the Manchester and Kiwitea Ridings from the Manawatu County.” Mr. James Whisker moved an amendment to the effect, “ That they should not separate from the county,” speaking at great length aud with considerable animation, urging as reasons against separation that it would lead to additional expense for a staff of officers; that it would lead to more taxation on tea and sugar to pay the subsidy to the county from the Government; and he further opposed it on the ground that the E. & C. Aid Corporation having a very large quantity of their land unsold aud unsettled on as yet, would gain thereby an undue weight in the Council. He availed himself of the opportunity of attacking the Manchester Highway Board for not admitting the public to their meetings whilst they were opening tenders, and gave his experience of what a Board might do with tenders if the public or the press were not present to check them. His remarks at this stage induced the Chairman to call him to the question before the meeting. The meeting was crowded, and there were only three dissentients to the motion.

The following paragraph from the Money Market Review should be interesting in Wellington just now:—On more than one occasion, in drawing attention to the growing appreciation of home undertakings, we have singled out tramways, as likely to enjoy in a large degree, in the future, the favor of the investing publh. The fact that the directors of the North Metropolitan Tramways Company show a dividend at the handsome rate of 9 per cent, per annum, besides a balance of £4408 (whereof £2509 is to be carried to the reserve fund, thuaraising that fund to £22,500), affords corroboration of the truth of these remarks. But a favorable view of the prospects of tramway property and of tramway enterprise generally is further confirmed by the experience of the Dublin Tramways Company, Limited, which, like the North Metropolitan, has announced a dividend at the rate of 9 per cent, per annum. The report of the directors of the London Street Tramways Company shows a dividend of 6 per cent, per annum, and notifies an addition to the reserve sufficient to pay another 1 per cent, for the whole year. It is further understood that the Leeds Tramway Company and the Liverpool United Tramways Company are severally likely to declare dividends at the rate of 6 per cent, per annum. Now, all these rates of dividend are either absolutely handsome or highly satisfactory, and, in presence of such returns, it is reasonable to infer that the public will be found very ready to embark their money in other undertakings of a like character. In a word, tramway enterprise, as a means of investment for our surplus capital, is in the ascendant. The Ohinemuri correspondent of the Thames Advertiser writes “ Sub-Inspector Bullen, who is now in charge of this district, came up to-day on a visit of inspection. On his way up he seized a keg of leaden bullets, which was being transhipped from the Kuby to the Riroriro, for conveyance to Te Aroh i. The keg was in a dirty sack, and was supposed to be a parcel of corned beef. The affair has caused a great sensation here. The keg and contents were lodged, on arrival at Paeroa, at the A.O. station, and there will of course, be an investigation. Ema Te Aoru, I hear, claims the keg as her property,”

A meeting of the incumbents and churchwardens of St. Paul’s and St. Peter’s was held last evening to consider the Hymnal question. There were present—Ven. Archdeacon Stock (in the chair), Eev. Mr. Harvey, Messrs. Didsbury, Eeimenschneider, and Marten ; Mr. H. T. Clarke, incumbent’s churchwarden of St. Paul’s, being absent owing to illness. St. Mark’s was not represented, as “ Hymns Ancient and Modern’’have been practically adopted. After a little discussion, it was resolved to recommend the respective vestries to adopt “ Hymns Ancient and Modern,” and to transmit the following resolution to the vestries in connection with the recommendation : —“ Many of the hymns in this selection having been objected to as containing statements and sentiments contrary to sound doctrine, it is thought well to guard against misunderstanding by reminding the congregation that it is used in the Church merely as a matter of convenience, because it is thought to contain a larger number of good hymns and tunes than any other available hymnal, and that it has no claim whatever to be regarded as an authoritative service book of the Church of England.” Messrs. Sheehan, Eees, and Co. appear to be steadily “ working ” in Hawke’s Bay. It is reported that two thousand claims to vote have been received by the Eeturning Officer for the electoral districts of Clive and Napier, but of these 400 are natives in the Clive District. Should they get on the roll, the effect will be that Mr. Sheehan will be able to swamp European votes, thereby ousting Mr. Ormond.

Bailey and Cooper, with their allied shows, were to leave Hobarton for New Zealand in the Claud Hamilton on A pril 7. They have ordered from a Melbourne tentmaker the largest tent ever made in the colonies, to cover the whole of their show during their travels in South America. The size of the main tent will be 170 ft. by 120 ft., while two small tents will use up 6000 yards of canvas. The Wairarapa News-Letter has a caustic article upon the manner in which the Chief Justice has conducted the late sittings of the Circuit Court in Wellington. The reference to his elevation to the Bench—in fact, the whole article, would be very well, only it happens that the Chief Justice has not presided at the late sittings, nor was within two or three hundred miles of Wellington. The Auckland Corporation is determined to make the most of the brightening up of the goldfields. It has sent a circular to the sharebrokers, requesting them to take out licenses provided for by the Sharebrokers’ Act of 1871, the fees for which are £25 per annum. The sharebrokers complain that the tax is a class tax, and specially obnoxious because it only operates within the provincial district of Auckland. Sharebrokers in the other provincial districts of the colony have no such tax to pay, and as the brokers of Auckland carry on an extensive business with those of the Southern portions of the colony, they feel that there is no good reason why they alone should be compelled to take out licenses. The Herald says : “They have already held a meeting on the subject, and have determined to obtain legal advice before complying with the intimation contained in the circular. The city authorities, of course, view the matter in an entirely different light. They have but little confidence in the continued payment of the subsidies promised by the General Government after the next session of Parliament; and they are, therefore, anxious to secure all the revenue which they can obtain.” At a meeting of the Auckland Presbytery, held on the 4th inst., the Eev. Dr. Bruce moved a motion standing in his name, viz.: — “ That the Presbytery take steps to appoint theological tutors for the training of theological students in Auckland, in comformity with the decision of the last Assembly.” The rev. gentleman spoke in support of the motion, explaining at the same time the action which had been taken in the direction indicated in previous years. In no long time young gentlemen desirous of entering the ministry would arrive in the country, and it would be highly desirable, nay, essentially necessary, that arrangements for the proper supervision of their studies should be made. He would be prepared to move that two gentlemen whom he would name should be appointed, one to assume the superintendence of the department of sacred languages and Biblical criticism, and the other that of apologetic and historical theology. Of course, the appointments would be but temporary, and subject to the consent of the gentlemen nominated. It would be preferable that the young men should prosecute their studies during the winter season, leaving themselves free in summer to attend to the wants of the churches. After some discussion the question was left over till next meeting. An instance of smart telegraphy was mentioned by the Bishop of Melanesia when speaking at the social gathering given in Auckland in connection with his departure for his see. In concluding his speech, his Lordship said he had lately been made to feel that the world was much narrower than they were accustomed to think. On February 2 he had telegraphed to his father, the Bishop of Lichfield, the news of his consecration, and on the following day had received a reply, containing the information that on the evening of February 17 his father would be conducting a service which might fit in with the one that he (his son) would be then holding at Nelson. He had told them this, because he knew they would sympathise with the father in his feeling for his son. At a recent meeting of the Thames Borough Council Mr. J, Gibbons moved, “ That this Council gratefully recognise the important services rendered to the Borough by his Worship the Mayor and Mr. A. Brodie (the present County Chairman) during their recent visit to Wellington, in procuring from the General Government the payment of overdraft granted bytheßankofNewZealand.” Mr.Eenshawconsidered they should also thank the Government, who had freely admitted the justice of their claim. Mr. Gibbons agreed to add a rider to that effect. Air. Macnab seconded the resolution. Not only the Council, but all the ratepayers would acknowledge its justice. The wiping off of £6OOO was no light matter. Their thanks were also due to the Bank of New Zealand, who had helped them in their time of difficulty, and doubtless would cheerfully do so again. Dr. Kilgour had never met with a better illustration of gratitude being a lively sense of favors to come. The motion was carried unanimously, and the Alayor returned thanks, stating that consciousness of the justice of their request had alone urged him on what at times he looked upon as almost hopeless. They had not obtained any more than their right, as the payment of the overdraft simply recouped money expended in keeping up the goldfields traffic. A gentleman who has lately returned from Eotorua informs us (N. Z. Herald) that a notification has been printed by the natives, prohibiting any person from taking photographs of the scenery, unless they pay £5. The English version of the notification is as follows: “ To the Europeans who visit Eotomahana, who photograph at that place. They are to give to Hoani Kahutaka five pounds (£5). Should they not consent to pay this money, they must cease photographing at Eotomahana. The reason that this arrangement is determined on is that they will receive a great deal of money for their photographs when exhibited for sale. Also, let writing names on the terraces cease.” Natives are exceedingly ingenious in imposing taxes ; indeed, so fertile in resources are they that we fancy they would put to the blush any Colonial Treasurer who ever presided over the finances of New Zealand. Maori ideas on this subject change with the times, and within the historic period we have had Several interesting modifications of the tariff. In the good old times, when every pakeha in New Zealand lived merely on sufferance, the list of reasons for taxing him was enormous, and worse than all, it was quite indefinite. No European ever could understand the Alaori code, so as to be able to evade the multitudinous regulations, a breach of any one of which involved a heavy fine or a ruinous muru, or robbery according to law. Alost of the plundering was done on account of alleged breaches of religious rites. Then came a change; Europeans became more numerous, and of course more powerful ; they refused to be stripped of their possessions for having done something which, according to the

ever-varying Maori code, inferred punishment. We do not know whether we would be right ascribing the cessation of punishments of this nature to the Maoris having become Christians. We will take it that they had to come down a peg, and raise the wind in another way. Trespass was a favorite pretext fer a fine, and European travellers were mulcted to a most extraordinary extent when they had to cross rivers or to have recourse to a Maori guide. Things went from bad to worse, and now the most horrible infliction—quite as bad as the religiaus idea—is the begging that prevails. The people living in the Lake Districts are well up in the art of extracting money, and they have a splendid opportunity. They were famous in Maori history for being sharpers, and their ancestors, in talcing possession of Eotomahana and Eotorua, must have had in prophetic view the fine harvest their descendants would get out of pakeha travellers. The above notice is, however, likely to be taken exception to; they have no right to charge those who take photographs, for the Government have paid money on the Eotomahana, and so are part owners.

The Sydney Echo says : —Australia is likely to have the honor of a visit from General Grant, the ex-President of the United States. Our authority for this statement is Mr. Angu» Mackay, the Queensland commissioner at the Centennial Exhibition. At the conversazione recently given in his honor at Brisbane by his appreciative fellow-colonists, Air. Mackay said the then President ofthe Stateshad taken a warm and intelligent interest in all the Australian courts, and he believed that gentleman would be in the Australian colonies before many months. We may presume that the Queensland commissioner would hardly make such a statement unless he considered it really likely that his prediction wold be fulfilled. We may also suppose that General Grant has expressed both a wish and intention to visit the Australian colonies. If he should come to this continent, his advent will be the most distinguished proof of the great impression which the colonial commissioners unite in alleging has been made by the Australian exhibits upon the American mind. Such a visit would be worth a hundred times more than the assertions of colonial representatives at Philadelphia. Whether General Grant come this way or not, it is impossible not to perceive that one of the things of the future will be a growing intercourse between the two countries. The two countries being so near, and the two peoples having so much in common, a reciprocal commerce and a wholesome fellowship are inevitable. And because of the possibilities of the future, we think it would be a pity if the mail service which now gives an open road between Australia and America should be abandoned. If General Grant should carry out his expressed wish, we have no doubt he will receive a welcome in this country which will be worthy of Australians, and which will be worthy of the acceptance' of one of the most distinguished men of the time. The Australian representatives have exhausted their vocabularies in speaking of the warmth of their reception throughout America, and we trust that the colonists will not be excelled in old English courtesy by their traus-Pacific cousins.”

It is stated that the report of a “large three-masted steamer” being off the Bay. of Islands on Sunday, Ist instant, which led to the Wauaka going out to meet the supposed mail steamer, was nothing more than an April Fool’s Day hoax. Certain it is that no “ large three-masted steamer” ever turned up.