The New Zealand Times (PUBLISHED DAILY.) TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1877.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5163, 9 October 1877, Page 2

The New Zealand Times (PUBLISHED DAILY.) TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1877.

At last the Opposition, or rather those scattered elements who oppose any holding the offices they desire, have accomplished i.ioir wishes. The Government have been defeated by a majority of three, and at this result no set of men should be more sincerely rejoiced than those who have lately formed her Majesty’s Ministry. For it has been evident from the commencement of the session that there were in the House a number of gentlemen united on no great political question, but joined in a touching unanimity produced by a desire for office. _ Numerically these gentry have grown into a majority, and having put forward Mr. Laknacii as a kind of lay figure, they have attained their object. The Ministry should be glad at this, because it will at least tend to settle matters on a definite basis. It is much better that the real weakness of the Opposition should be shown. They have now to construct a Cabinet out of the most incongruous elements, and to distribute six places amongst five times that number of expectants. The result of their efforts, we may at once predict, will show their weakness and not their strength. They have neither party, principle, nor politics, in the true sense of any of these words, to unite them; they are literally a fortuitous concourse of atoms, and have only been coherent in their desire for power. Ungratified desire will very soon show their weakness. Mr. Launach will doubtless be sent for to form a Ministry. His modesty may lead him to believe that this is a more difficult task than the floating of a company, and so he may in turn recommend the sending for some one else. In time no doubt we shall see a Cabinet; but it will be one made up by the disappointment of expectants rather than by the reasonable hopes of merit and fair party service. In the meantime the outgoing Ministry may be defeated for the time, but are by no means disgraced. They have endeavored honestly and sincerely to carry on the business of the country. Their measures were ready early in the session, were carefully prepared, and were submitted to the House in a reasonable spirit. Having to contend, not against a party but against an agglomeration of office seekers, their difficulties increased day by day, and as we have already said, they should be glad, and the country should be thankful, that a crisis has come at last—a crisis from which we may predict that the outgoing Premier and his policy will yet arise triumphant.

The value of the exports from the port of Wellington during the. quarter ending 30th September amounted to <£63,435. During the quarter ending September 30th 82 vessels of 19,506 tons register, manned by 577 men, cleared out of the port of Wellington for foreign ports. During the same period 30 vessels, of 17,764 tons, and manned by 543 men, entered it from foreign ports. The Evening Post annihilates time. That journal—published at four o’clock yesterday afternoon —informed its readers, after notice of Mr. Laraaoh’s no confidence resolution had been giveu, “some matters of urgency were disposed of, and then the House adjourned.” The fact is that the House did not adjourn till nine o’clock, and one of the matters of urgency, at least in the opinion of the Opposition, vas the defeat of the Government on Mr. Larnach’s motion. The election of five members of the Kaiwarra Local Board took place yesterday. The following is the result of the poll: —Wyatt, 16 ; Cameron, 15 ; Phillips, 15 ; Guilford, 14 ; Hirst, 14 ; Donald, 13; Taylor, 8; Smythe, 8. Shortly after 4 o’clock Mr. Thompson (the returning officer) declared the first five duly elected. It will be observed that the polling was very close, and that Mr. Donald was defeated by one vote only. An inquest was held at the Hutt yesterday before Dr. Wilford, coroner, touching the death of Fanny Mason, daughter of Mr. J. A, Mason, who was found dead in her bed on Saturday morning (as stated in our issue of yesterday) under circumstances which tended to show that she. had died from taking an overdose of chlorodyne, and that she was of unsound mind. A verdict of suicide whilst laboring under temporary insanity was returned.

A. musical and literary entertainment was given last evening by the choir of St.John’s Church, assisted by other friends, in aid of the organ fund. This was one of the most successful of the series of these entertainments which have been given this season. There was a large attendance, and the vocal and instrumental talent displayed on the occasion was of a very higli order. The following were particularly well rendered —Pianoforte duet, “Lo Clieval do Bronze the songs, “ Farewell to Loch Katrine,” and “Once again;” “ Tile hunter's farewell” (quartette), “ A torti ti lagni ” (violoncello solo), “V.ashti” (song), “Martha” (pianoforte duet), “Life let us cherish ” (violin solo), “ Let us he joyful ” (quartette), “My pretty gazelle” (song), a humorous Scotch song, and a chorus from “ Oherou in Fairy Land.” The South British ' Insurance Company declare a dividend of 15 per cent, on the paid-up capital, being 3s. per share. This will he payable on the arrival of the Hawea.

The Church of England Synod will meet at the Diocesan Library at 2 o’clock this afternoon.

His Worship the Mayor notifies to the public, through our advertising columns, that he will be glad to receive and forward any subscriptions that may be entrusted to him in aid of the Indian Famine Relief Fund.

The funeral of the late Mr. George, Moore, whose- death we referred to - ini' yesterday’s 'issue, will’take place on Wednesday afternoon, at half-past two o'clock, from his late residence.

There was a fair attendance at the Theatre Royal last evening, when the “ Peep-o’-Day Boys” was very well played, and deservedly applauded. Owing to its success it will be repeated to-night. The Wellington Volunteer Fire Brigade thankfully acknowledge the receipt of £1 per Levy from Mr. J. D. Cruickshanks, as an acknowledgement of exertions rendered at the late fire on Lambton-quay. The Pearl of Peace Lodge, 1.0.G.T., will give an entertainment this evening, at the United Methodist Free Church, Courteuayplace, at 8 o'clock. Mr. Redstone will occupy the chair.

St. George’s Hall exhibition and entertainment drew another crowded house again last night, when “ Aladdin” was played for the last time. The leading prize was a silver tea and coffee set, which fell to oue of the Wanaka’s crew. To-night “Fair Rosamond’s Bower” will be repeated, by desire ; and “ Black Eyed Susan will be given shortly.”

A concert in aid of St. Mark’s Church organ fund will he given this evening at the Priness Theatre, Tory-street. Amongst those who are to take part in the entertainment are Mrs. Cotterill and other ladies and gentlemen, who have kindly placed their services at the disposal of the promoters of th's concert, which promises to be a very pleasing and successful affair.

At the Resident Magistrate’s Court .yesterday, before H. S. Warded, Esq., U.M., Michael Scanlon and James Henry were dealt with in the usual manner for drunkenness.—William Severs, charged with leaving his horse and cart in the street without anyone to look after them, was fined £1 and costs.—A man named George Soutelen was charged with assaulting Constable Stuart at the Lower Hutt. From the evidence it appeared. that the accused had been drunk and disorderly, and on the constable going to arrest him he raised his stick and hit the officer several times over the head with it. The Bench fined him £i, with the alternative of one month’shard labor. —Edmund Briscoe was charged with assaulting George Pear on the 3rd inst. It appeared that there was a dispute between the parties as to payment of rent by the complainant to his landlord, Mr. Briscoe, who, during an altercation on the subject, gave his tenant a slap in the face. The assault was not denied by the defendant ; but it was urged that it was not a very serious affair. The magistrate imposed a penalty of 20s. and costs, which wore paid.— On the civil side ju Igments were given for plaintiffs in the following cases:—A. Turner v. D. Heggarty, £29 125.; W. Nicholson v. J. Henry, £6B Is. 9d.; Co-operative Society v. W. Gardner, £lB 13s. lOd.; P. G. Johns v. G. A. Vennell, £ls. Mr. Buckley, for defendant, gave notice of appeal in this case. Mr. Quick appeared for plaintiff.—Buller and Lewis v. Everest, £35, claim for law costs, &c., £8 had been paid into Court, and judgment was given for the balance, subject to taxation. A largely attended meeting of the Wellington Working Men’s Club was held last evening at the Wellington Eire Brigade Hall, Manners-street. Mr. Galvin, president of the club, occupied the chair. Amongst those present were Sir John Richardson, Speaker of the Legislative Council; Mr. Maitland, Commissioner of Waste Lands, Otago; His Worship the Mayor, and Mr. Quick, solicitor. Sir John Richardson stated to the chairman that Sir William Eiteherbert had been speaking to him a short time before coming to the meeting, and wished him to say that it would have afforded him (Sir William) much pleasure to be present, had his parliamentary duties permitted him to do so. The Mayor stated that, he had been speaking to the Governor lately on various topics, and among them was that of the Working Men’s Club, and his Excellency had informed him that whenever the club decided upon building or leasing larger premises, he would be happy to assist them. The Mayor expressed his pleasure at the progress the club was making, and said he felt convinced that there were enough working men in Wellington to make the club a thorough success, and to enable it to be self-supporting. The progress report showed a very satisfactory state of things. There were 2 life members, 90 honorary members, and 125 ordinary members on the books, besides which there were about 20 more proposed, but who had not as yet paid their entrance fee. The receipts up to the end of the quarter had been about £225, and the expenditure about £246. The assets (not including books or perishable materials) amount to about? £l2O, and the liabilities to about £3O. Messrs. Watson and Eraser were appointed auditors; and a sub-committee, consisting of Messrs. Anderson, Broadribb, W. Claridge, Jones, and O’Neagle, was appointed to co-operate with the general committee in making arrangements for a concert and soiree, to he held on the Prince of Wales birthday, or some other day, if deemed more suitable by the committee. Votes of thanks were passed to the committee, trustees, and chairman. In acknowledging the compliment the chairman desired to return thanks to the members for the cordial manner in which they supported the committee, and he spoke highly of the manner in which the finance committee performed their duties. He also desired to say that the Mayor deserved their best thanks, and he was all the better able to mention the fact now that his Worship had left the room. Erom the first moment up to the present he had given them kindly advice and assistance, and some measure of their success was, he thought, due to Mr. Hutchison, and the leading citizensof Wellington, who had almost without exception given every assistance and encouragement to the movement. He also desired to thank the proprietors of the various newspapers in this colony for the way in which they enabled the committee to supply a great want. As the progress report set forth, they could see that nearly all the leading papers in the colony were forwarded to the club, besides a large number of Home and intercolonial papers as well. The thanks of the members were also due in a large measure to the gentlemen connected with the Press in Wellington, who had rendered great assistance to the movement.

A meeting of the New Zealand Temperance Alliance was h Id last evening at the Provincial Buildings. Present -Ven. Archdeacon Stock (in the chair), Hon. W. Fox, Revs. Harvey, Ogg, Reid, West, Redstone, Messrs. Hoklsvvorth, Fraser, McLean, anil Okell., A set of rules was adopted; and the following officers were elected. President : The Right Reverend Bishop Hadfield; secretary, Mr. Pmvles ; treasurer, Mr. Holdsworth. Council: Right Rev. Bishop Hadfield, Ven. Archdeacon Stock, Revs. 8.. W. Harvey, R. Coffey, J. Paterson, C. S. Ogg, F. 0. Dewsbury, A. Reid, W. H. West, F. Trivett, J. Dnmbell, H. B. Redstone, Hon. W. Fox, Messrs. F. H. Fraser, S. Costall, F. M. Ollivier, J. Woodward, J. McLean, A. 0. Leitch, and J. O’Kell ; five to form a quorum. It was stated that there were funds in hand to the extent of £ll Bs. It was agreed to hold another meeting in a fortnights A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings.

Mr. J. TI. Wallace will offer for sale at 2 o’clock this afternoon, at his rooms, Hunter'street, the building and materials of the sawmill (late Haslcm’s) at the Upper Unit; also, a variety of real and personal property in the estate of A. Mullins, particulars of which will be found in Onr advertising columns. Mr. N, .T. Isaacs will hold his regular weekly sale of produce, etc., at his rooms, Lamhton-quay, at 2 o’clock this afternoon, and will also submit to public competition a quantity of furniture, crockery, ironmongery, etc.

We have been requested to draw attention to Messrs. J. H. Bethuno and Co.'s sale, to ho held this afternoon at their salerooms, corner of Featherston and Brandon streets, of vessel built at the Wellington Patent .Slip Company's yards, Evans Bay. Messrs. Bethuno and Co. will a so dispose of a shipment of pianos, by A. Bord, Paris. Just landed ex Orari, from London ; and a lot of other goods.