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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5145, 19 September 1877, Page 2

We are indebted to Dr. Lemon for the following information received yesterday evening from Adelaide :—“ Batavia.—The Singapore cable is interrupted, and there is no direct telegraphic communication with Europe. Steamers leave Batavia for Singapore Sept. 20th and Oct. 4th, and arrive at Batavia from Singapore on Sept. 27th and Oct. 13th. There are also occasional steamers.” •

In the House last night, during a sitting in committee on the Education Bill, the consideration of part IV. of the Bill, the final one, dealing with educational reserves and endowments, was withdrawn, the Hon. Mr. Bowen, in charge of the Bill, stating that he would bring in a separate measure to legislate for these reserves and endowments, and that the third reading of the Education Bill would not be proceeded with until such measure should have been considered. It will be seen from our Parliamentary report, that the compulsory clause of the Education Act has been gomewhat modified. An amendment was proposed by Mr. Sheehan, that the operation of the clause should he left to the option of local school committees. This was accepted by the hon. member in charge of the Bill, and carried on the voices. The Weather Reporting Committee took the evidence of Captains Fairchild and Johnson yesterday, not only as to the general communications per telegraph of atmospherical changes, but with regard to the utility of the Stella and Hinemoa as lighthouse tenderers. A mass of evidence was taken ; and we understand that the committee intend to call certain witnesses in connection with the Customs Department,

In the Legislative Council yesterday afternoon Mr. Mantell moved for a return of any arrangements the Government had made during the i recess with the natives relative to native reserves in the city of Wellington, saying at the same time that he was partly induced to ask for this return by “an incoherent mass of inconsistencies” which had been published in the local columns of a Wellington evening paper, dated January 15 of the present year, and which bore on the question of the native reserves in this city. The Select Committee on Privileges in the Legislative Council yesterday afternoon brought up their report, which showed that for reasons very clearly set forth therein the seat of the Hon. Mr. Peacock was vacated ; at the same time the committee were of opinion that this was not due to any action on the part of Mr. Peacock, but rather to the probably unforeseen operation of the Act of last session,'

The opinions of our legislators on the different recreation grounds in this colony are decidedly at variance. Colonel Brett considers the cricket ground at Christchurch to be “among the finest recreation grounds in the world,” with its beautiful trees, under which young ladies can seat themselves in the shade. Referring to the Wellington Basin Reserve, Mr. Mantell makes the following remark, more true than complimentary, that it rather resembles a “ wet dock for shipping,” notwithstanding that all that could be done to drain it was done. The contrast between the recreation grounds of Christchurch and of Wollington is as great as it well can be.

We are authorised to give positive contradiction to a rumor current in town last night that the Evening Post had received “ special cable war news,” dated September 17th, to the effect that the Sultan of Turkey not being able to sleep of nights through anxiety, had telegraphed for copies of the Post to be sent to him regularly, as he hopes by perusal of them to obtain the rest he so much needs. In connection with the above, however, it is only fair to. notice that as telegraphic communication with Europe and Asia is interrupted, the present would be a fitting time to re-auuouuce “by special” the fall of Plevna. No one could contradict it.

Meetings in bankruptcy which stood over from the 11th instant were to have been hold at the Supreme Court yesterday in the matter of Neil McGurk, of the Hutt, farmer, and Henry Chappel, of Wellington, carpenter, but the proceedings were further adjourned until Friday next, when the bankrupts will make application for their discharge. Last evening a largely-attended tea and public meeting was held in connection with the Wesleyan Church, Manners-street. The Hon. W. Fox, MH.R., presided, and the meeting was addressed by the Rev. A. Reid and other clergymen and laymen. A very agreeable and instructive evening’s entertainment was brought to a close at about 10 o’clock. :

The fine arts exhibition at St. George’s Hall was very well attended last evening by visitors anxious to obtain tickets in the art union. The entertainment again passed off successfully. Between August 17th and September 14th there were 35 nominations, equal to 33 statute adults, made through the Dunedin Immigration Office for free passages to the colony. The Diocesan Synod will meet at Napier on the 24th inst., when it is expected that the Rev. J. Stuart will be nominated to the vacant Bishopric of Waiapu. In consequence of the extension and alteration of the New Zealand Bank premises, Lambton-quay, now in progress, the business will be temporarily conducted' on and after to-day at the new Athenaeum building.

We hear that a movement is on foot to have a road formed from the top of Pirie-street to Kilbiruie, and that a meeting of those interested will in all probability be called in a few days.

The Commissioner in Lunacy, Mr. Allen, held an inquiry at the Supreme Court buildings yesterday into the sanity of Mr. Max Alexander. Mr, Henry Travers appeared for the petitioner in the case, a near relative of Mr. Alexander. A number of witnesses were examined, and the decision in the matter will probably be given to-day.

There was a fair attendance at the Theatre Royal last evening, and the performance was well received. This evening the Vaudeville Troupe will take their benefit, and it will be their last appearance. A grand bill has been prepared for the occasion, and a full house may be expected. On Thursday and Friday a new drama will be produced, entitled “Behind the Scenes;” and on Saturday, “Jessie Brown, or the Siege of Lucknow.” A meeting of the Wellington Club and Working Men’s Institute was held last evening in the sideroom of the Odd Fellow’s Hall. Mr. Quick, solicitor, occupied the chair, and read and explained the rules to the meeting. The attendance was not so numerous as had been expected. After some discussion as to the prospects of the new club, and whether it would be advisable or not to take immediate steps to bring it into active operation, the following motion, proposed by Mr. Mills and seconded by Mr. J. N. Bell, was carried unanimously :—“That, the committee, assisted by the members, use their best endeavors to increase the numbers of the society, and report progress this night fortnight.” A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the meeting.

One of its new members made a brief but effective visit to the City Council yesterday afternoon. After the Council had been sitting over half■ an-hour, Mr. George Fisher entered, wiping his brow as if he had just completed a pedestrian match against time and had won. He signed a paper in an off-handed manner, gave it to the Mayor determinedly, sat down and glared about him for the space of a flash of’ lightning, then jumped up and made his exit as if about to commence a second event against time. The Council conducted the rest of its deliberations without him. It is to be hoped that municipal affairs will not suffer seriously iu consequence. It should certainly be looked upon as an improbable contingency that the butchers of this city should have to go outside the provincial district for a supply of meat ; yet such is actually the case. Yesterday a consignment of sheep was landed ex Wanaka from Canterbury. The sheep were consigned to Messrs. Barber and Gear, and appeared to be in excellent condition. It is thought that this source of supply will have to be resorted to largely in the immediate future. That Canterbury should supply us with flour is not a matter of much surprise, for owing to the natural features of this province and the land being heavily timbered, our southern neighbor, with its plains ready for the plough, has the advantage of us. However, the Wairarapa and Rangitikei districts have always been famed for the excellence of their pastures, and it really does seem a reflection on the enterprise of the settlers that they cannot supply their own markets with meat. We are informed that there is a great scarcity of fat sheep in the Wairarapa at present, the settlers there having some time ago boiled down all their fat sheep, thereby netting something like 7s. or 10s. per head. No provision appears to have been made for winter consumption, and the consequence is that the butchers of Wellington have to import sheep from Canterbury at a cost of 20s. per head. It is said that in Grey town fat sheep find a ready sale, and that difficulty is experienced in supplying local wants, and, as the market at present stands, Canterbury competes favorably with Wanganui. In a pastoral province like this such a state of things may only be temporary ; but we think with a little energy and foresight our settlers would he able to place this city in a position independent of any outside supply of meat.

In a recent issue we referred to the new company for the purpose of purchasing and carrying on Mr. Mills’ foundry and engineering business, and spoke of it as likely to be a most excellent investment. The reasons which have induced Mr. Mills to part with this lucrative concern—the net profit of which was over £SOOO during the twelve months ending on the 30th July last—are that the great and rapid increase of both branches of his business renders personal superintendence on his part impossible, and also that he intends to be absent from the colony for some time on a visit to Europe. The prospectus states that it is proposed to raise a capital of £50,000 in 5000 shares of £lO each. At present 4000 shares only will be allotted, the balance of 1000 being kept in reserve, and it is intended to call up £4 per share on those alloted in the following manner 10s. per share on allotment, and i hen calls of £1 per share, to be paid at intervals of not less than two months, and the remainder, if required, after an interval of three or four years, in calls not exceeding £1 per share, and not at less intervals than three months. It requires no prophet to foretell that with the rapidly increasing trade and commerce of the port, and in view of the main line of railway being open into the interior at no distant date, the demand for ironwork of all kinds will be greatly augmented, and the advantages of entering into possession of an engineering and foundry business so well established as that of Air. Mills must be manifest to every man of business. There can be little doubt of the shares being readily taken up. Indeed, it is not often that such an opportunity presents itself to the public. The share list will close on the 20tb of next month.

Messrs. J. Moore and J. Martin, J.P.’s were on tlie bench at the Resident Magistrate’s Court yesterday. Henry Charles Roxford was charged with being drunk and injuring property to the extent ot £3. It appeared he was simply intoxicated, and tumbled through a window. He was fined ss. or 24 hours’ imprisonment, the owner of the injured property, if he desired, to proceed against the offender by civil process.—Margaret Hunter, who had come out of gaol on the previous day after undergoing a month’s imprisonment for vagrancy, was charged with drunkenness. She promised that she would reform, and was let off with a fine of 10s. or 48 hours.—John O'Halloran was sent to gaol for a month for habitual drunkenness. He was not allowed the option of a fine, Richard Gordon was fined 10s. for allowing his horse to wander on Lambtou-quay. He denied being the possessor of the animal, but as he gave his name as the owner to the poundkeeper, this was held to be sufficient. — Thomas Cross pleaded guilty to cruelty to a horse. The animal though lame in one leg was attached to a heavily loaded dray. Defendant was fined 10s. and costs,

Yesterday afternoon, when some horses were being shipped on board the s.s, Hawea, from the North, one of them fell overboard. The animal remained in the water for some considerable time swimming about, and it was found impossible to get any ropes round his body to lift him out, owing to the manner in which he floundered about. Indeed it seemed that the poor brute would have been drowned had it not been for the plucky conduct of one ot the bystanders, who jumped overboard and dived under the horse with a rope, by which means the unfortunate animal was lifted out of the water OUj to the wharf in a very exhausted state.

Wellington is to have a time gun, the Government having offered one of suitable calibre for the purpose. The offer hag been accepted by the City Council, who have given instructions for the gun being brought down from Auckland without delay. The Canterbury papers record the death of an old colonist, Mr. Henry Phillips, of Eockwood, who died on Friday last after a short illness. He arrived in New Zealand in 1850, and settled shortly afterwards at Eockwood. He paid much attention to pisciculture, and succeeded in stocking the streams in his neighborhood with acclimatised fish. A meeting of the committee of the Benevolent Institution was held yesterday afternoon. Present—The Eight Eev. the Bishop of Wellington (in the chair), Eevs. W. W. West, E. Coffey, A. McGuinness, F. Trivett, J. Paterson, and Messrs. L. Levy, D. Lewis, and the secretary. Several cases were considered and relieved.

The usual weekly meeting of the Wellington Literary Association was held last evening in St. John’s schoolroom. After some preliminary business, the following gentlemen were elected office-bearers for the ensuing six months ;—President, E. Gardner ; vice-presi-dents, Eevs. Paterson and Ogg, and Mr. T. K. Macdonald; secretary, J. Kirker ; treasurer, H. Nicolls ; librarian, W. Miller ; committee, Messrs. G. M. Donald, Scott, Murray, Hopkirk, and Farmer. After the election, a discussion took place on the question, “ Does the power of attaining enjoyment increase with the increase of wealth ?” On this being put to the vote it was carried in the affirmative by a majority of one. Essays will be read next Tuesday on the following subjects:—“Larrikinism,” “ Liberty,” and “ England’s strength as viewed by other nations.” The following biography of Dr. Eobert Dale Owen, lately deceased, is from “ Men of the Times”: —“ Owen, Eobert Dale, L.L.D., eldest son of the late Eobert Owen, the English social reformer, was born at New Lanark, Scotland, in 1804, and went to the United States with his father in 1833. He entered in Indiana, and embracing the political views of the Democratic party, was from 1843 to 1847 a representative in Congress from the State of Indiana. He took a prominent part in the organisation of the Smithsonian Institution, of which he was one of the first regents. In 1853 he was appointed by President Pierce Charge d’Affaires at Naples, where he remained till 1858. Mr. Owen has written several works, the principal of which are ‘ New Views of Society,’ 1825; “Hints on Public Architec ture,’ published by the Smithsonian Institution, 1849; ‘Footfalls on the Boundaries of Another World,’ 1869 ; ‘ The Wrong of Slavery, the Eight of Emancipation,’ 1864; and' ‘ Beyond the Breakers,’ a novel, 1870.” Most people in New Zealand have heard of the “ Devil’s Half Acre” in Dunedin, which is that referred to in a recent issue of the Guardian :—“lt is estimated that fully 90 per cent, of the drunkards who have figured at the Dunedin City Police Court during the last twelve months have been captured on or near a small block of ground situated between Walker and Stafford streets, known as the 1 Devil’s Halfacre.’ The land in question is occupied with miserable dilapidated hovels, and peopled by the worst of characters, but a large revenue in the way of rent is derived from this plague spot. Small as its area is, the ‘ Half-acre’ has done more to keep the police and Bench of the city employed night and day than all the rest of Dunedin and its suburbs.”

We understand (says the Grey River Argus) that a case will shortly be heard in the Divorce Court that will surprise many persons, and in which extraordinary disclosures will be made. The parties interested were residing here for some time and were well known, but the petitioner is now in Christchurch. The respondent (who is the mother of a family of daughters) is somewhere on the North Island, and the co-respondent is at present on the Bast Coast of the Middle Island. The encroachments of the sea at Hokitika are not infrequently productive of considerable inconvenience and danger to the inhabitants of that town. In a recent number of the Star the following picture is drawn of the state of affairs during a gale ; The inroads of the sea have again caused some damage to fences and outbuildings at the back of Revell-street. A boy named Shine was standing on a log in Hanson’s right-of-way, when he was washed off by a wave, and the log rolled over him. A lad named Drams went in after him, and was himself knocked down. A man named O'Brien assisted both out of their dangerous position. At the back of North Revell-street a woman got knocked down by the surf, and was rescued by some bystanders. The water washed through the right-of-way and across Revell-street into the lower portions of the town, but fortunately not to such an extent as to cause damage or loss. Some buildings at the back of the Southland Hotel were damaged. The Timaru Herald in a recent issue says “ We have never seen blight birds more numerous in this neighborhood than they are at present. From every hedge and field they start in myriads, and may be seen running about the roads in every direction. Seeing that it is only some twelve or fourteen years since they first made their appearance in the colony, their increase is a matter for wonder. Another strange fact in connection with them is, that they are now of a much brighter plumage than when they were first observed in New Zealand.”