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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5030, 8 May 1877, Page 2

Tho only immigrant vessel of whoso namo advice has been received at the Immigration Oflice is the Wennington, with twenty-ouo souls. Slio loft London on tho 24th February, and may therefore be expected to make her

appearance here very shortly. The immigrants by her are destined for the district of Halcombe, under the Immigrants and Colonists Aid Corporation. It is known that thirty immigrants were to leave the month following that during which the Wenniugton sailed ; but the name of the vessel carrying them has not as yet been communicated to the authorities.. In connection with this subject we may state that the number of nominations is fast increasing, consequent upon the altered arrangements in connection -with the Immigration Department ; and they will naturally increase. The nominations for the past month amounted to sixty-six souls. A printer's error made nonsense of a sentence in the description of the torpedo-ram Alarm, which we published yesterday. If an enemy's vessel is found protected by torpedo guards, means will be taken for " forcing," not " firing," them. One point in connection with the use of the Fowler wheel, upon which steering the Alarm, as well as propelling her, will depend, was not fully explained yesterday. It was said that by regulating the floats of the wheel, the boat may be spun round as though her stern-pest were a pivot for the purpose. It should have been added that this power is trusted to for escape if an enemy should try to "ram" the Alarm. As she can be eo quicklyj!(and completely turned out of her course, it is believed that no hostile ship will over bo able to give her anything but a glancing blow ; and such a blow she is sufficiently strong to bear. In fact trying to "ram" the Alarm would be like what used to be called at English regattas a duck-hunt. The punt, at that ga'ne, would be speedily captured, but that one stroke of the paddle slews her clear of the pursuing four-oared gig. There would be this difference—the Alarm would, apparently, turn quicker than the punt; and, before her pursuer could be stopped, she could be brought stem on again, ready to use her snout or a torpedo. Running away after the Alarm was engaged with an enemy, does not seem to be contemplated : should it become necossary, her speed has been proved to be 15 knots, and there is probably no armor-clad equally fast. Two lines of the news brought by the Suez mail, and published yesterday, suggest that Great Britain is not slow to follow the lead of the United States in this matter. "A new description of vessel, a torpedo-ram, carrying no guns, is to be constructed," reads as though theJAdmiralty were about to construct, in a hurry, a few modified and weakened Alarms. The 15-inch gun in the head of the American boat appears to be a useful thing in the right place ; but with the Admiralty controlled as it is at present, too much must not be expected, and, of course, though a hint may be accepted, it would not do .to copy anything done by the United States. Last evening there was a meeting at Ames' Hotel of representatives of the various newspaper and printing offices in the city, the object being the promotion of a plan for celebrating the fourth Caxton centenary. There was a very large attendance, and Mr. Parkinson was voted to the chair. It was unanimously resolved that the event should be celebrated by a dinner, to be held on the 26th inst., and the names of 120 persons were given in as having promised support and assistance. A sub-committee, consisting of Messrs. D. Fisher, Capper, Innes, Milstead, and Galvin ; also, another, consisting of Messrs. Frost, H. McKenzie, Gray, and Parkinson (secretary), were appointed to deal with various matters ; and it was resolved to invite a gentleman of long standing in connection with the Press of New Zealand to take the chair on the occasion of the celebration. Various -other matters were disposed of, and the meeting adjourned. There is every probability that the affair will turn out most satisfactorily, especially as it is intended to arrange the price of tickets as low as possible, in order to secure at the dinner the presence of almost every member of the craft. It is understood that the affair will not be open to the public, but. that everyone who is or has been connected with the Press will be heartily welcome, though early application for tickets is desirable.

The annual monthly meeting of the Wellington' Teachers' Association was held in the Syduey-street schoolroom on Saturday last at noon, Mr. Holmes in the chair. There was a fair attendance of members. Letters were read from kindred societies in Blenheim, Patea, and from the Teachers' Institute, Victoria. Copies of a new periodical were forwarded to the from Melbourne (the Teacher, a journal devoted to the.interests of education), with a view to obtain subscribers in this colony. The secretary was requested to reply to the letters from Patea and Blenheim, and the president to that from' Melbourne. Several other matters of importance to teachers were discussed and disposed of. It was decided, after some discussion, to defer the consideration of the Blenheim letter until the next monthly meeting, as the suggestions it contained were of too much importance to bo hurriedly passed over. In reference to the Teachers' Conference, to take place in Christchurch on the 12th inst., it was decided that Wellington is not able to send a representative, a 3 none of the teachers can be spared from their duties ; but the secretary was requested to write to the Canterbury Association, assuring them of the hearty' sympathy of the teachers in the Wellington District, and conveying their best wishes for the success of the conference. We are informed that the Wellington secretary has since received a letter from Christchurch, conveying the information that the " Wellington Circular," of Jan. 20, 1877, will form the basis of the subjects to bo discussed at the forthcoming con-ference.—-The above was crowded out of yes-, terday's issue.

A peculiar case of assault came before the Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday—peculiar because plaintiff seemed to suffei in consequence of his witnesses not coming up to time. Thus, the plaintiff (a black man) was badly hurt about the head, his forehead being ornamented largely with sticking plaister, and hesaid the damage was done by the defendant with a stone. It seems that there had been a disagreement between the parties, a woman being at the bottom of it. Fortunately for the defendant, he produced two witnesses to prove that he was innocent of the assault, and that plaintiff had, knocked his head against the ground. Unfortunately for the plaintiff (if what he said was true) the witnesses who ought to have attended for him didn't. Hence the case was dismissed. The handicap chess match commencod last evening at the clubroom, Willis-street. The following was the result so far: — Winner. ' Green (2) v. J. Bishop (2) .. Green Barraud (1) v. Thane (3) .. Tlmno Giles (1) v. Kirk (2) .. : .. Kirk' Horwoort (2) v. Wright (3) .. Wright Diilslmry <S) v. Irvine (4) .. Didsbury ' Kllaby (2) V. Deverll (2) .. Ellaby, by default Orbcll (2) v. Bato (3) .. .. Orbcll White (1) v. Willis (2) .. Willis Davies (3) v. Taylor (3) .. Davios Wiggins (3) v. Hclyor (3) .. Ilelycr Deacon (3) v. Ohurton (4) .. Deacon Hnllctt (1) v. Lacry (1) .. HnUctt White (1) v. W.. Bishop (1)... Whito Brown (1) v. Blundoll (3) .. Brown Gamly (3) v; Sample (■») .. Gamly Kennedy (1) v. Eecves (1) .. Eoovcs. The figures against tho names indicate the class in which tho players arc Tho handicap was as follows:—Firet class to second class, pawn and move ; do to third class, pawn and two moves ; do to fourth class, knight. Socond olass to third class, pawn and move; do to fourth class, pawn and two moves. Third class to fourth class, pawn and move. Tho sixteen winners will continuo the match, on the samo terms, on Monday evening next. Tho Odd Follows' Hall was very fairly attended last evening, notwithstanding that tho weather threatened to be bad, as indeed it turned out immediately after tho conclusion of the entertainment. The various performances were gone through in a very creditable manner, several local amateurs doing good service, whilst the efforts of Miss Palmer were exceedingly pleasing, and met with a reception which must have been very flattering to that talented young lady. The comedietta "The Happy Pair," iu which Miss Palmer and Mr. Metcalfe appeared, "took" well, and the entertainment generally was really pleasing. A Maori is writing to the Wanawja for tho purpose of discouraging war dances. Ha says that they aro forbidden by Paul, and that they are of tho devil.

The ship Pleione will come off the Patent Slip to-morrow (Wednesday) morning at 11 o'clock.

Messrs. Williams-Bros, are the successful tenderers for the erection of the new Princess' Theatre Hotel, Tory-street, the amount of the touder being ,€IOB7, and the building is to be completed by the 25th August.

'Die result of the return rifle match between the Painters and Plumbers on Saturday, at the Polhill Gully range, was a victory for the Painters again ; the total scores being— Painters, 219 ; Plumbers, 18S ; majority for Painters, 31.

A clear prima facie case was made on* against the young man E. R. AValter, charged with stealing UjCash-box containing money and valuables from the house of Mr. Bould. The evidence of Mr. Wilford from Picton was very strong. Prisoner was committed to take his trial at the next sittings of the Supreme Court.

The Auckland young men seem to be as little appreciative of the benefits of a gymnasium as were the young men of Wellington. The existing club in Auckland had a meeting the other day, when it was found there was a debit balance. After some discussion it was resolved to carry on the club another twelvemonth.

As showing the want of genuineness which characterised the recent unemployed demonstration in Dunedin, the Otmjo Daily Times says that only two or three men have applied for work at the Public Work's Office, Dunedin, although'his Excellency, in reply to the unemployed petition, stated that the Government were prepared to find work on the railways for all who needed it.

The Lydia-Howarde Troupe reappeared at the Theatre Royal last evening to a good attendance in the pit and stalls, the dress-circle not being well patronised. Mr. Planche's fairy extravaganza "Once Upon a Time" was produced in a style which did credit to the management. The piece is a pretty, sparkling burlesque, well suited to the powers of the company now playing at the Theatre, who consequently did it justice. It was admirably mounted, too, Mr. Briggs, the scenic artist, having exerted himself to produce some very fine effects. The scenery was entirely new, and some of it elicited a good deal of commendation, notably that upon which which the curtain rises in the first act, and the final scene. The music and singing introduced were varied and extremely pleasing. Miss Lydia Howarde (Queen Dominaula) played with great spirit, and Mdlle. Solango Navaro was no less happy in her acting as the Princess Carpillona. A duet by these ladies, in the first act, gave great satisfaction, being very sweetly rendered. Miss Jennie Nye, it is needless to say, was excellent, for she is an old favorite here and in other parts of the colony. That lady was entrusted with the part of Oorin, a foundling, who turns out to be a prince. Her acting and vocal efforts sustained the deservedly high reputation she has gained as a burlesque actress. Bliss Morgan, too, as a member of the company, is a valuable addition to its strength. She played' the fairy, not having a great deal to do, but .doing that little well, and for her singing she was heartilly. encored. Mr. Sam Howard, always exceedingly humorous, did himself justice in that direction as a perfidious young man named Brutus, the crooked, who having captured the Princess (Miss Navaro) reduced in circumstances to the level ef a slave, wants to marry her against her will, out of which arises the necessary complications for the progress of the burlesque. Very amusing also was the performance of Mr. Power, and his efforts in the vocal line were still more funny. Mr. St. Lawrence played with characteristic care (he appeared as the private secretary of the perfidious Brutus), aud we feel sure that the part could not have beon placed in better hands; and Mr. Hesford performed the task allotted to him creditably, namely, the part of Periwigulus the Proud, King of Romantica. The others engaged in the piece do not call for special notice. The vocal power of the company, as'may be imagined from the names appearing in the programme, is unusually strong, and the effect of the choruses (the " r.aughingChorus" among them) was very good, Mr. Emmett's voice being of great assistance. A capital orchestra has been retained, led by Mr. King, and we may mention a special performance by Mr. Sewell, who played in admirable style the obligate to the song (sung by Miss Howarde) "Lo, the Gentle Lark." The performance is rather difficult, as musicians understand, and did Mr. Sewcll great credit. For a first performance that of last : night ran with great smoothness, there being not a single hitch.'. The extravaganza is well worth seeing. It will be repeated this evening. A correspondent writes : —"Pew perhaps are aware that to the north of Wauganui, in the country,by safely traversing which General Chute and an Imperial army won renown, there are, instead of plains of fern and scrubby bush, hundreds of thriving farms, from which are drawn the main supply of that prime meat which goes,a great way towards feeding the thousands in Wellington, of which all visitors from the neighboring colonies speak in the highest terms, and in respect to which they make comparisons that are very flattering to our graziers as to the meat produced here and that raised in the Australian colonies. Hawera is the district that now supplies most of the cattle for the supply of Wellington, and is probably unrivalled in the world as a grazing district—indeed,"it is a sort of pastoral paradise. On one farm in the locality there now is a thousand, head of. cattle, which probably could not be surpassed as a mob. They are the property of Messrs. Barber .aud Gear, aud are a. portion of their winter supply. ' Competent judges who have lately seen them all declare that their liko has never been seen in this colony before, the average of the whole being equal to the best of other herds in less favored localities. A change so marked as this in so short a period is a convincing proof of the elasticity of the resources of this country, and the adaptability of the laud of the North Island for grazing purposes, where a few years ago nothing was produced by the scattered natives but enough potatoes to b;irely keep them in existence."

A caso of some importance to publicans was heard at the Auckland Police Court last week, in . which Mr. Dempsey was fined for allowing wages to be paid in his licensed house. By the clause of the Act under .which the information was laid, any publican allowing wages to be paid in his licensed house subjects himself to a penalty not exceeding £2O. Tho circumstances, as stated by the" defendant and corroborated by the police, were simple enough. ■Mr. Dempsey, besides owning a public-house, is contractor' for a section of the reclamation works, and has been in the habit of paying his men iu a small office on the works! On the day iu question he was unable to' pay his men in this office, as it had changed owners, and when the workmen came to his own residence he paid them there the amounts due to them. He disclaimed any intention of breaking through the Act, and stated also that since ho took tho contract he did not allow any of the men employed by him to obtain drink at his licensed house. These facts were taken into consideration by the Resident Magistrate (Mr. Barstow), who" fined the defendant in the mitigated penalty of twenty shillings and costs. According to New York papers received by the San Francisco mail, Mr. Gladstone's attitude on tho Eastern question is susceptible of an amusing explanation. A telegram from Paris, dated January 26, says :—" A strange story appeared yesterday iu the licpubli<xuc Francaisc, the organ of M. Gambetta and the Republican Left. Its correspondent gives a scandal, in which the reputation of Mr. Gladstone iB involved, and pretends to account for the position that he has taken in the Eastern difficulty by Baying that he is amourcux. _ The eminent statesman is represented to be in the hands of a Russian princess of great beauty, who was charged with the delicate task of weaving her toils about a statesman of -60 years. Tho journal in question states that Mr. Gladstone is now the object of public gossip, the grandc dame liassc in 'question having boasted of lier success, and stated that she had a number of compromising letters. It is certain that tho lady, who is separated from her husband, " an aide - do - camp of the Grand Duko Nicholas, has been for a year or more past one of v the diplomatic agents of

Prince. Gortschakoff in Loudon. Mr. Gladstone has been extremely assiduous in his attentions to her, and it is now said that it is owing to her influence that he turned against the Turks after having fought for them in 185-1." Between the two there has certainly been frequent exchange of letters, and the report is that the lady has some which do more honor to his heart than to his prudence. The report first appeared in a journal of Sheffield, and the reply to it was not a little embarrassed, but contained a sort of denial. Whether or not there has been an indiscretion on the part of Mr. Gladstone is more than one can learn from the correspondence. It is insinuated, but not directly affirmed. But now that the story has appeared, the enemies of Mr. Gladstone will continue to believe that he wanted to drive the Turks out of Europe at the instigation of this Russian Circe, and that his remarkable change of policy was due to hei sweet influence Let me say here that the lady is as spirituelle as Bhe is beautiful, aud is one of those strange beings who seem born to profit by the weaknesses of men. " Aux grands hommes les yrandes foihlesscs," says Prudhomme, and it is upon this principle that the wily Gortschakoff works when he sends out the most beautiful women of the country as diplomatic agents." An English paper says :—ln a forgery trial recently the testimony of a chemist who analysed the fluid with which the forgers erased the writing from cheques, brought to light the fact that it was a hitherto unknown preparation, and it was deemed unwise to make its name and nature known, lest it might prove a dangerous compound in the hands of unscrupulous manipulators. It is inferred, we presume, that in this way its character can be effectually concealed, and its manufacture will become a lost art. The man who made it, however, is doubtless able to reproduce it. So far as anything is known outside the courtroom regarding this mysterious chemical, it is understood that it was not prepared originally for the purpose of erasing ink marks, but, on the contrary, is used for an entirely different purpose, for which it is sold at every drugstore. It is comparatively inexpensive, but combined with a greenish coloring matter it presents a very different appearance, and must have greatly increased in,value in the hands of the person who discovered, its efficacy in removing ink marks. Such a compound might be rendered very useful in honest industries', and its name should, we think, be given to the world. Mr. J. H. Wallace will hold a sale at his rooms, Hunter-street, this day, of property situated in Pipitea-street, as advertised.