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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5152, 27 September 1877, Page 2

The second reading of the Deceased Wife’s Sister Marriage Bill gave rise to far more discussion in the Upper House than the opposition'which it encountered on its introduction warranted. Mr. Mantell, in a sensible speech, moved the second reading, and wound up by assuring the Council that even if the Bill were thrown out now he should continue to bring it forward every sesssion so long as he retained his seat among them. They might just as well pass the Bill peaceably now they had the opportunity, as they might rest certain they would have to pass it some day. Colonel Whitmore opposed the Bill. He considered it a woman’s question ; they were there to legislate for woman, and they broughtin a measure diametrically opposed to her feelings. Woman abhorred this measure. They could judge of her feelings by their own. It was aW eminently cowardly Bill, a one-sided class Bill, brought in to gratify certain wishes of certain men ; it was essentially a rich man’s measure, though said to be brought in for the purpose of protecting the morals of the poor man. Ho considered he was perfectly justified in opposing the measure, if only because Messrs. Bright and Gladstone supported it. He moved that the Bill bo read again that day six months. Messrs. Hall, Miller, and Colonel Brett spoke in favor of the Bill, and Colonel Kenny, Dr. Menziea, and Dr. Grace spoke against it. ■ The following “Special Cable Nows” was Received by the Evening Post last night:— “ London, September 28th. The African explorer Stanley reports finding a colony of anthropomorphous apes publishing a penny evening paper in the interior of the continent,”

To-night the Lydia Howarde Troupe appear at St. George’s Hall in the burlesque of “ Fair Rosamond’s Bower.” The present excellent company will also appear, in addition to which a number of prizes will be given away. Such, a programme ought to draw-a crowded house. . A meeting of the Board jof Education was held yesterday. Present : '.Messrs.'- Pharazyn (in the chair), Tooihath, Beetham, Bunny, and Graham, secretary. 'The the previous meeting were reSd and confirmed. The secretary stated that th - financial account showed a credit balance at the bank of £4OO 18s. 2d. At this stage of the proceedings Mr. Bunny said he had an appointment which he must attend at another place almost immediately, and moved an adjournment until Monday next, which was agreed to, and the Board adjourned accordingly.' In the Legislative Council yesterday afternoon, before proceeding to the business of the day, Captain Eraser asked the Speaker’s opinion as to whether a witness who had been examined on a select committee could remain and cross-examine other witnesses. Captain Baillie explained that the question referred to the action the Public Petitions Committee had taken in allowing the Rev. Mr. Williams to be present and cross-examine witnesses who appeared against him. Mr. Nurse, as a member of the committee, said the course pursued by the committee in this instance was only what was followed in a Magistrate’s Court or any other Court, of allowing the accused to crossexamine his accusers. Captain Baillie said that it seemed a charge of irregularity had been brought against the committee, whereas, as a matter of fact, they had not acted unusually in this case. After considerable discussion by other members the hon. the Speaker ruled that either side had a legal right to be heard hy counsel, and if a man chose to be his own counsel he should be heard, but that he could only appear if personally interested; at the same time he considered that no one should directly cross-examine witnesses. Thesaleof the Gibson estatein Manners-street yesterday by Mr. Einnimore was, as we anticipated, largely attended, and the lots realised excellent prices. The total proceeds amounted to £13,000. The following are the details of the sale:--Lot l—O. W. Clayton, at £3O per foot; lot 2 —O. W. Clayton, £3O per foot; lot 3—J. Madden, £32 10s. per foot ; lot 4 bought in at £32 1 0s. per foot; lot 5—R. Tuekwell, £2OO for the lot; lot 6—bought in at £3O per foot; lot 7—F. Cooper, £3O der foot; lot 8 —O. W. Clayton, £34 per foot ; lot 9—R. Martin, £4O per foot; lot 10 —J. Madden, £36 per foot; lot 11—W. Scott, £36 per foot. Whilst a very fluent speaker was addressing the Legislative Council yesterday afternoon upon the second reading of the Deceased Wife’s Sister Marriage Bill, the gallery above, allotted to the House of Representatives, suddenly became filled by members of that body. At first this might have appeared to have arisen,, either from the great interest taken in the Bill, or from the passionate eloquence of the speaker pro tem. At any rate, it seemed very much to encourage the legislators down below, who continued to prolong the debate until the hour of adjournment (5 p.m.) without arriving at a division. As a matter of fact, the influx of M.H.E.'s into the gallery of the Upper Chamber was caused by the adjournment of the Lower House on the want of confidence motion tabled by Mr. Larnaoh. Those who are in the habit of driving recklessly through tne public streets may take warning from the fine imposed by Mr. Ward ell,' at the Resident Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning, on a young man named James Adams. From the evidence it appeared that the defendant was driving at a most furious pace. Detective Farrell said he never saw the like in hie life, that it was racing, not driving, and that the defendant “ ought to be ashamed of himself to behave in such a manner when people were going to, church.” Five Or six witnesses were called, and they all testified that such driving was new to them, one stating that the horses were going at the rate of between fifteen and twenty miles an hour. His Worship, in inflicting a penalty of 40s. and costs, said he would have made it heavier did he not know the expenses of the case would be considerable. There was a fair attendance at the Theatre Royal last night, when “The Serious Family” was admirably performed, Mr. Tavares taking the part of Captain Murphy Maguire, and Mrs. Tavares that nf Mrs. Ormsby Delrnaine. This was followed hy “The Quiet Family,” which sent the audience home well pleased with the entertainment provided for them. To-night the “ Honeymoon” and the “Comical Countess ” will be produced. On Monday next a complimentary benefit will be given at the Odd Fellows’ Hall to Mr. and Mrs. Metcalfe (Miss Emily Power), being their last appearance in Wellington, when a variety entertainment, including an original farce written for the occasion by Mr. W. H. Metcalfe, entitled “ Beware of the Man with the White Hat,” will be performed. The Fine Arts Copyright Bill came on for its second reading in the Legislative Council yesterday afternoon, but had to lapse for the time being, as when called upon there was apparently no one in charge of it, Mr. Paterson thereupon drew the attention of the hon. the Speaker to the unsatisfactory way in which at present Bills were brought in from the other House without being committed to the charge of any particular member of the Council. Eventually, Mr. Mantell said, if the Bill were allowed to lapse then, he would move next sitting day that its second reading be made an order of the day for Tuesday next, and this being agreed to, the matter dropped. The Wellington Amateur Athletic Club will hold a hare and hounds meeting on Saturday, the 6th October, starting from the Caledonian Hotel at half-past 2 o’clock. A large number have signified their intention of running, and a good many spectators will probably be attracted to the course to see how the athletes acquit themselves. The Wanganui Chronicle of Tuesday last says that Mr. Baker, a member of the County Council, has had a requisition presented to him calling upon him to resign his seat on the ground of unpopularity, the crowning act being his having voted for a shilling rate. Mr. Baker, however, declares his intention of not complying with the request made to him. “ We observe,” says the Wanganui Chronicle, “through the Hawke's Bay Herald, which latter got the statement by telegraph, that the Wellington Post has threatened instant annihilation to the Wanganui Chronicle and the firstnamed journal, because they have dared to impugn the accuracy of the Post's special correspondent canards. Nothing less than a criminal prosecution forsooth will satisfy the rabid gentlemen who pump the thunder at the Evening Post. The strange part of the thing is, that both the Havre’s Bay Herald and the Wanganui Chronicle have failed to receive this particular number of the Wellington paper amougst their exchanges. Was the Post frightened or ashamed to let us see what ho said of us? We confess to the least little bit of curiosity to see this wrathful outpouring. These special cablegram yarns have been an awful sell to the Post, and we do not wonder he is a little touchy when chaffed about it. But why did he not good-humoredly join the laughagainsthimself,and confesshewas ‘had?’ ” The following appears from a correspondent in Public Opinion, but the editor of that journal considers the news “ too good to be true : “A unique white aquamarine has been found in Perthshire, which, when cut, has produced one of the most brilliant gems ever seen, and which will doubtless gain European notoriety. By those skilled in mineralogioal and geological science it is said to be equal to the Koh-i-noor. It weighs 147 carats, and has been valued at £19,500, and is at present in the possession of Mr. Bryce Wright, mineralogist, of Great Russell-street.” Mr. N. J. Isaacs will hold an extensive sale of wines and spirits, commencing at 2 o’clock this afternoon. The latest intelligence is, that buyers for cash when they visit Wellington, or send their orders to J. McDowell and Co.’s, will find the following advantages under their new system of discount for cashlpayments: —A large and well-assorted stock, which is being constantly added to, witli the new fashions as they come out. Prices of the same moderate character for which their establishment has become so noted. And tills season J. McDowell and Co. have commenced by offering all their new goods to cash purchasers of £2 or upwards at a discount of 5 per cent.: and on all accounts paid monthly, a discount of 21 percent.; quarterly accounts, without discount or abatement. Special cheap lines on the tables and in the baskets during the season. Victoria House, corner of Lamb-tou-qnay and Willis-street, Wellington,—[Advt.]