Untitled

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5160, 5 October 1877, Page 2

The House wisely last night set its face against voting money for all sorts of purposes. Mr. Kelly proposed that the sum of £2OOO he placed on the Supplementary Estimates in aid of agricultural and pastoral societies. It was pointed out that nine-tenths of the wealth of the country was invested in. these industries, and that it would simply be subsidising those who were well able to contribute themselves. Again, it was contended that the invariable result of such subsidies was to enervate the societies. The system of subsidies had been tried to a large extent in Otago, and it was found that the grants actually had an injurious effect, and that thoaocieties flourished better when deprived of all outside aid. Mr. Pox caused considerable laughter when he proposed asanaddition to the motion that £IOOO be granted to total abstinence and temperance societies. Mr. O'ltorke could not see the connection between the agricultural and pastoral interests and temperanco societies, and Mr. Pox's amendment was ruled out of order. Ultimately the original resolution was negatived by 33 to 25. During the discussion it was

pointed out, as showing what societies could do without State aid, that it was proposed to distribute over £I2OO in prizps at the next Canterbury Pastoral and Agricultural Show, and that the sum of £9OO had been subscribed by the people of Hawke's Bay for a like purpose. From this it will' be seen that if a grant of £2OOO was distributed in proportion to the funds raised by subscription those societies in most need would fare the worst.

The Wellington Jockey Club are about to erect permanent and substantial booths at the Hutt racecourse, and so do away with the absurd old practice of every year fitting up trumpery canvas erections just for the day. The fact that the Wellington Cup for next meeting is to be £SOO, instead of £3OO as heretofore, has been most favorably commented on by the New Zealand Press generally, as showing the liberal spirit of our club, and we may expect that the 2nd of November, which is the day for receiving the Cup nominations, will demonstrate by a numerous entry how fully this step has been appreciated by owners and trainers. The Wairarapa meeting is now fixed for the 14th and 15th February, just a week after our races, thus giving comfortable time for horses to proceed there after their performances at the Hutt. Not the least subject for congratulation, and denoting the continued increasing interest now felt in Wellington in these matters, is that the Hutt Park course (so much admired by the numerous sportsmen who now visit Wellington from other parts of New Zealand, Australia, and the Old Country), is about to be greatly improved in many ways, and more particularly as regards the run in. A new bridge baa recently been erected over the Kaueranga River, at Parawai (Thames), which will greatly facilitate traffic to aud from Ohinemuri and the Upper Thames country. The bridge is 272 ft. without the approaches, 16ft. wide in the el«ar, two spans of 26ft., one of 40, and six of 30ft. The whole of the timber used in its construction is heart of kauri, well bolted and braced. The work has been completed by Messrs. Cullen and Co., the contractors, for the very moderate sum of £B4O.

The Waste Lands Board met yesterday. The following commissioners were present— Messrs. J. G. Holdsworth (in the chair), W. Johnston, M.H.K., and T. Mason. The return of land sales since last meeting showed that 2074 acres had been disposed of, and that the receipts were £1521. The Chief Surveyor sent in a memorandum as to the survey of pastoral lands. In reference to an application from the Rangitikei Highway Boai-d for leave to make a road through a reserve on the Paiae Karetu Block, belonging to the Wellington College, the Board was of opinion that they had no power to grant the request; but they would offer no objection to the road being made. This concluded the business brought before the Board.

At the Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday morning, Messrs. J. Drausfield and G. Crawford, J.P's on the bench, a young man named John Jacobs was charged with having committed a breach of the Protection to Animals Act by netting larks. The defendant pleaded that he was ignorant that he was transgressing the law. Mr. Travers, who was the chief witness, stated that he did not believe the statement of the defendant that he did not know the law, and pressed for a heavy penalty, as the destruction of the birds was now becoming considerable, and it was necessary that stringent measures should be taken for their protection. Iu answer to the Bench, defendant stated he had five birds in his possession, and the police were directed to see that the birds were liberated. The Bench informed the defendant that he was liable to a penalty of £lO, but on the present occasion he would be let off with a fine of 405., and costs, with a warning not to infringe the law in the future.—Mary Ann Mills forfeited her bail of 20s. on a charge of drunkenness. The above was the only business on. the charge-shaet.—On the civil side judgment was given for plaintiff for £3 16s. 6d. in the case of Paul and Co. v. J. Dunn.

At the Supreme Court yesterday morning Daniel Haggerty was again placed upon his trial on the charge of setting fire to an accommodation house at Carterton in June last. The prisoner was defended by Mr. Gordon Allan. The evidence taken was almost precisely similar to that given on Tuesday last. The jury retired at five o'clock to consider their verdict, and be.ing unable to agree, were locked up for the night. An inquest was held yesterday at Mr. Petterd's Hotel, Lower Hutt, before Dr. Wilford (coroner), and a jury, of whom Mr. J. A. Mackie was foreman, to inquire into the circumstances connected with the death of Daniel Cooley, who was found dead with his throat cut, apparently by his own hand, the previous morning. Police Constable Stewart deposed that he was sent for to go to deceased's re-idence on Wednesday morning, and found him with his throat cut aud a razor stained with blood lying close beside him. Two of deceased's children stated that at an early hour that morning they heard him get up and go out, and on their going into the woodshed to get some firewood, they found him dead. Evidence was adduced to show that deceased was not happy in his domestic relations. The coroner having briefly summed up, the jury returned a verdict that the deceased committed suicide whilst suffering from temporary insanity brought on by domestic trouble. In the Legislative Council yesterday afternoon Mr. Mautell moved for a return showing all action the Government had taken under the Burial Ground Closing Act of 1876. During the course of his remarks he quoted a paragraph from the local columns of the New Zealand Times, which was written some considerable time ago, and which drew attention to the state of one of the graves iu the cemetery. The earth over this grave was so loose that any one could drive a walking - stick through it and touch the coffin ; aud Mr. Mantell observed that this cemetery was not by any means the only one in a bad condition. The Colonial Secretary stated that there would be no objection to laying the return asked for on the table; but at the same time it would not be so satisfactory a one as he could wish, as, although the subject had not been by any means neglected, the Government had not had sufficient time at their disposal to pay it the attention they would have wished. Mr. Mantell in reply said this was just what he expected ; for his own part, " rather than be a greater nuisance when dead than alive, he would prefer to be cremated to being buried in the middle of a town."

There was a crowded house last evening at the St. George's Hall exhibition and entertainment, the piece de resistance being "Aladdin," which was placed on the stage in a most effective Miss Howarde as Aladdin looked and played her part to perfection. Mr. C. Keeley made a hit iu the part of Widow Twankey, and the Misses Navaro, Nye, and Morgan were each most cordially received. The leading prize last night was a silver watch. To-night "Aladdin" is announced, and the first prize will be a lady's gold watch. For to-morrow evening a great double bill is announced.

There'was not so large at attendance at the Theatre Royal last night as the performance—a repetition of that of the previous night— deserved. This evening, however, we expect to see a full house, as it is the last but ono of the engagement of Mr. and Mrs. Morton Tavares. The programme comprises the comedy of " Kernoodling," into which the whole strength of the company win be introduced, to be followed by "Checkmate." On Saturday Mr. and Mrs. Tavares are announced to appear positively for the last time. We are requested to state that Mr. Charles Wheatleigh will appear at this theatre under Mr. Sam Howard's management, and not under that of Mr. Do I ias, as was previously incorrectly stated.

So some at least of the amendments which it was proposed to make in the Education Bill during its passage through committee in the Legislative Council, have been effectually disposed of. After wasting considerable time in discussing Dr. Grace's amendments for cumulative voting, it was suggested that a vote should be taken on tho advisability of adopting the principle embodied, and then, if that were accepted, the proposed amendments could be put subsequently. The Council, however, rejected the principle, and as a consequence Dr. Grace withdrew his amendments.

We would direct attention to the advertisement announcing another entertainment by St. John's Church choir for Monday evening next. We hear that Mr. Raymond, the conductor, has been promised the assistance of some of our leading local amateurs, and we anticipate a very enjoyable evening will be spent by those who attend. We hear that the Rev. Charles Clark (who during the last month has been lecturing to crowded audiences at Auckland and the Thames) will not stop at Napier, but will come on direct to Wellington, where he will probably make his appearance some time next week. All his new lectures have been most enthusiastically received, " Oliver Cromwell" and " Thackeray" having been repeated.

The members of the Athletic Club have made the necessary arrangements for the hare and hounds' race on Saturday afternoon. Messrs. Webb and Campbell have consented to become the hares, and intend to give the hounds a treat. Members of football clubs are invited, and a good muster may be expected. A start is to be made at half-past 2 o'clock sharp. The Bill empowering corporations to purchase lauds outside municipal boundaries passed the House of Representatives last night. Mr. Howe, who seemed to be in a fog as to the object of the Bill, asked the hon. member in charge of it if the Bill empowered municipal bodies to carry the sewage of the cities through road districts in defiance of the wishes of the boards of such districts. A nuisance might thereby be created dangerous to the health and welfare of the people residing on the route of the sewer drains? Mr. Travers replied that the Bill was simply to empower municipal corporations to acquire land, and that they were already possessed of the power to construct the drains. The sewers would have to be laid at a proper depth, and otherwise rendered free from danger to health. If a nuisance were created the corporations could be proceeded against. So it will be seen that residents of Evans Bay and the future township of Kilbirnie need have no dread of any danger to health arising from the sewage of this city. A meeting of the committee of the Fire Police was held last evening at the Wellington Fire Brigade Station, Captain Scott in the chair. Mr. Bell was elected secretary, and Mr. indrews treasurer. The secretary was instructed to get the rules printed. The captain reported that the badges would be ready for delivery at the next meeting, which is to be held on Tuesday next. The canvassing of the town for subscriptions was stated to be progressing satisfactorily. A correspondent writes to the Brisbane Courier :—" Charles Day, of Egerton, was challenged to make thirty-six horseshoes within an hour. He accepted the challenge, the stakes being £2 a side. Day commenced work, and made, fullered, stamped, and pritchelled thirty-six hack shoes, in rather less than forty minutes. He won the match, therefore, with twenty minutes to spare."