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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5153, 28 September 1877, Page 2

Wellington has now an abundant supply of water, which does not appear to be utilised for watering the streets to the extent it ought to be. Yesterday morning there was plenty of dust about the streets, but no water-carts, and shopkeepers and pedestrians, in the leading thoroughfares especially, uttered many complaints on the subject, which could not be said to be ill founded. A deputation of Alfredtown settlers waited on the Hon. Hr. Pollen yesterday (being accompanied by Mr. Beecham, M.H.K.), in reference to the stoppage by the natives of the right of road through Te Ore Ore. The deputation was most courteously received, and the Hon. Hr. Pollen gave the so far satisfactory information that Mr. A. J. Rutherford had been authorised to effect a compromise with the natives, and make some arrangement by which .the road would be opened. A Bill was sent down by message from the House of Representatives to the Legislative Council yesterday afternoon, entitled the Canterbury Eivers Act 1870 Amendment Act 1877. By the time this Bill had passed through all its stages it had become to such an extent altered that, as the hon. the Colonial Secretary remarked, perhaps the Chairman of Committees would not be able to certify to it as the same Bill which had gone into committee. Not only was the body of the Bill considerably added to and amended, but even the preamble and the title had to go through the same ordeal, and eventually the Bill, which had been read a first time as the Canterbury Kivers Bill 1870 Amendment Bill 1877, was read a third time and passed as the Hisqualification Act 1876 Amendment Act 1877. There was a very fair attendance at the Theatre Royal last evening, when the “ Honeymoon,” followed by the “ Comical Countess,” was produced with great success. Eor to-night “ London Assurance” is announced, which, with Mr. and Mrs. Morton Tavares in the leading characters, should attract a large and appreciative audience. The petition presented to the City Council, suggesting certain improvements to the summit of the Terrace, has met with the response that the Public Works Committee, to whom it was referred, cannot at present recommend the work being carried out. Eor the following “ special cable news” we are indebted to the Evening Post: —“ London, September 29.—Somebody has fought somebody. So soon as Reuter’s telegrams arrive, notice that they corroborate the above information.” The Odd Eellows’ dinner passed off most successfully last evening. Pressure upon our space compels as to omit a detailed report. The City Council yesterday ordered payment of £lO5 for the cost of fencing Mr. H. Mitohelt’a land adjoining the Waterworks. William Jenkins was brought up at the Resident Magistrate’s Court yesterday afternoon, charged with having stolen a quantity of paints, the property of George Gilbert. Prisoner had only just been arrested, and as the offence had been committed at the Hutt, a remand was asked for till to-day, for the production of evidence. The remand was granted. In reference to the formation of Adolaideroad, from the end of the new road to Colonel Leckie’s property/the City Council has decided not to undertake it at present. The Wellington correspondent of the Canterbmy Press thus discusses the more prominent members of tho Middle Party:—Of Mr. Bolleston, who can possibly lay claim to precedence among the ranks of this party, it is needless for me to say anything. He is not a man to lead a party or form a Government. A want of steadiness of purpose and want of tact, together with an almost superabundant amount of honesty, disqualify him from a successful career as Cabinet Minister. From Canterbury too comes Mr. Montgomery, who has undoubtedly been attempting to assume a position on the Opposition Benches by his criticisms upon ihe Premier’s finance, to which his merits can scarcely lie deemed to entitle him. Mr. Montgomery might stand with credit to a sculptor or artist as the personification of integrity ; but really there is too great a disregard for her Majesty’s English and too faint a resemblance of a politician to entitle him to be spoken of, as has been freely done—as the coming Treasurer. Mr. Travers, it is understood, aspires to the position of At-torney-General in any change of Ministry ; but Heaven save the Ministry that place their trust in him. Though only returned for the House this year, Mr. Travers has frequently occupied a seat in Parliament during past years, and always with tho same result. Credited with great ability, capable of taking and conducting the office at which he aims, and holding a high position in his profession and in society, Mr. Travers is nevertheless terribly rash, without a following and without weight in tho House, and trusted by nobody. Shifty and unstable as the sand on the seashore, he would continually bo placing his party in difficulties. Mr. Gisborne, who next comes under review, may fairly bo said to be hungering for office. His long and useful life has been spent until within the last year or two continually in the service of his country. From the Civil Service to the Government benches, and from thence on tho defeat of his party back, to the permanent staff, has he been tossed, and now, again weary of idleness on a pension, ho lies again among the breakers hoping that the wave that washes the present Ministry from tboir seats may leave him high and dry on the shores of “ office.” Mr. Lusk, an Auckland man, with much common sense and moderate views, is perhaps the most promising man of tho party. Mr. Bunny no longer votes with tho Government ; visions of George Jones at the bar of the House prevent my hinting at tho “ why and is understood to be a hearty supporter of the Middle Party ; but I have too groat respect for the men whose names I have mentioned to think they would associate Mr. Bunny in any cabinet with theirs.

Amongst the payments made by the City Council yesterday ;was that of the well-earned sum of £ls 35., wages for men watching at the fires in Sydney-streec and at Mr. Alcorn’s premises, Lambtoh-quay. At a meeting of the creditors of Mr. W. F. Oakes, contractor, held at the Supreme Court Buildings yesterday, Mr. S. Carroll was elected trustee. At St. George’s Hall there was a large attendance last evening. The entertainment is of such a character as will likely draw full houses for some time to come. Last night the Lydia Howarde Troupe re-appeared in the burlesque of “ Fair Rosamond’s Bower,” Miss Howarde, Madame Navaro, and Miss Nye each played their respective parts with great spirit, and received well-earned applause. At the close of the entertainment several prizes were given away, and to-night the leading prize will be a silver tea and coffee service. Mr. R. J. Duncan will sell by auction at 2 o’oclock this afternoon, at his rooms. Panama-street, 150 shares in the Union Insurance Company, cases of English saddlery, &c. Mr. George Thomas will sell by auction at noon today, at the breastwork, 430 sacks “Blue Derwent” potatoes in good condition.