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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5086, 12 July 1877, Page 2

In another part of to-day’s issue we publish a report of the Hon. Mr. Stafford’s speech at Timaru last night. Owing to the usual courtesy of Dr. Lemon, General Manager of New Zealand Telegraphs, our office was put in direct communication with Timaru, and the message was taken off the wire in the office of the Editor of the N.Z. Times at an early hour this morning by Mr, Tully, one of the very efficient operators at the Wellington station.

The directors of the Wellington Gas Company met yesterday afternoon, and it was resolved to pay an interim dividend at the rate of five per cent, for the half-year on the paid-up capital, say £27,000. The manager reported that the works in course of construction were progressing satisfactorily, and in ■ all probability would be completed within the next three or four months, when it would’be practicable to produce a greatly increased quantity of gas. It was determined to reduce the price Is. per 1000 ft. whenever the new works now in hand were finished, and the Board hope to be able to make a further reduction of Is. per 1000 ft. when the new gasholder, capable of containing 180,000 ft. of gas, which was recently sent for, is erected and ready for use. Three orders have been despatched for mains and smaller sized pipes, and a large quantity of material of various kinds has been shipped by the Endymion and Zealandia, and an extensive order is in course of preparation to follbw by the next vessel leaving London for Wellington. The manager was directed to lay all file mains in stock in the most populous localities in the city, and to be prepared for distributing the two parcels expected shortly, as the Board wish to place the company in a position to meet all demands as promptly as possible. At the Resident Magistrate’s Court yesterday, the business was as follows;—John Mulcahy was charged with being drunk and resisting the police, and pleaded guilty. Constable Stewart, of the Hutt, stated that he had discovered defendant in a state of “ tight.' He arrested him, and had great difficulty in taking him to the station, owing to his violent conduct. The constable was obliged to hand-, cuff him. Defendant said he was very sorry, and promised to be a good boy for the future. Fined 10a. and costs, or forty-eight hours' imprisonment.—Two men convicted of having been druuk and incapable were fined iu the usual manner.—John Tobin was charged with stealing a hat, value 4s, the property of Mr, Emeny, of the Royal Oak Hotel. Erom the evidence it appeared that the case was rather one of: assault, as defendant, according to plaintiff's statement, had attacked him violently in the bar of the Royal Oak Hotel, of which plaintiff is proprietor, kicking him in the legs and knocking his hat off, his reason for doing this being, that plaintiff had remonstrated with him for endeavoring to “ loaf” on other people for drinks in the bar. As defendant went away; ho picked up plaintiff's hat and rani away with it. Plaintiff followed him, and finding the hat onhim, he gave him in charge. Defendant could offer no reasonable excuse, and he was sentenced to seven days' imprisonment with hard labor.

Daniel Heggarty, who was committed for trial for 'arson by the Wairarapa Bench on Tuesday last, arrived in town by the last train yesterday, and was lodged in gaol to await his trial at the next criminal sessions of the Supremo Court to be held in Wellington. The new season of the Skating Kink opens this eveuiug, an additional attraction being offered'by a series of promenade concerts in connection with the rink, Miss Lydia Howarde, Miss Solange Navaro, and others having been engaged to perform.

The Post Office officials met last evening for the purpose of bidding farewell to Mr. Tabuteau, a popular and efficient officer in the Post Office, he having been transferred to Christchurch. He was presented with a handsomely mounted pipe and silver match box. Mr. Tabuteau is the son of an old and respected servant of the Government, now occupying, the position of Collector of Customs iu Napier. It was an unfortunate circumstance that the weather should have been so inclement last evening, as the attendance at the Theatre Royal was very much smaller than it would otherwise have been on the production of such a piece as “ Richelieu.” But as to the representation of the piece itself. The title role was of course in the hands of Mr. Morton Tavares, an actor of good reputation in various parts of the world, and already very popular in Wellington. Well, we have seen several better impersonations of that great character, and not going outside of New Zealand we are of opinion that the Richelieu of Mr. Tavares is not equal to that of Mr, Hoskins. It is neither as intellectual, nor as finished a piece of acting. At the same time, it must be understood that the part was well and carefully rendered, and made a manifest impression upon the audience. Had we not seen other representations of the same character, that of Mr. Tavares would have appeared to be little short of excellence. As it is, there can be no doubt that the performance of last night lays claim to high merit. In the principal situations, Mr. Tavares gave evidence of a clear understanding of them, aud gave powerful effect to the beautiful language and forcible expressions which are put into the mouth of the character he represented. It seemed to us, however, that in the curse scene Mr. Tavares was slightly weak. The actor scarcely seemed to give full expression to that well known, grand, and eloquent passage, commencing, “ Mark where she stands,” as the great Cardinal of France, drawing around his ward the solemn circle of the Church,, defies the emissaries of the King. We would be distinctly understood, however, to speak from a comparative point of view. That the acting of Mr. Tavares throughout was really good, we must admit, and could not fail of being generally appreciated. The part was well dressed, too, aud the business excellent and carefully sustained.' Mrs. Tavares as Julie de Mortemar performed her task with care and spirit. This lady’s appearance on the stage must always give satisfaction, at least to the eye ; and she supported the principal actor very creditably. As to the other performers, it may he said that Mr. St. Lawrence did himself infinite credit as De Monprat, acting with great care and considerable ability, when it is recollected that he does not claim to be more than a young (and it may be added promising) actor ; that Baradas was very well performed by Mr. Hesford ; that Mr. Sam Howard was characteristically humorous as De Bernighen ; that Miss Stoneham was an engaging little Eranscoise ; and that Mr. Sweeney played the King. The other characters were fairly sustained. Generally speaking, the piece was produced in a style which did credit to the really powerful company at the theatre ; aud as it is to be repeated this evening, we hope to see a good house, as those who attend, it may be confidently anticipated, will find genuine enjoyment in the performance. | The South Australian Register says ;—The New Zealand Government deserves the thanks of the Australian colonies generally for having secured the services of Captain CampbellWalker, of the Indian Forest department, to report on the forests in the islands.

The Canterbury Times says a correspondent to an Australian paper recommends the practice of sowing grain on horseback—and states that though many labor-saving machines have been invented, no one appears to have thought of “ making the horse perform the labor of walking, carrying seed-bag and sower to aud fro across the field during the operation of sowing the grain.” The writer declares, after long experience, he has found that the seed could be distributed more regularly from the saddle than on foot—as any good seedsman will find after short practice.

Mr. J. H. Wallace has requested us to direct attention to a list of valuable city and country properties advertised for sale this day. A good opportunity is afforded for investors of capital.