The New Zealand Times (PUBLISHED DAILY.) FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1877.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5172, 19 October 1877, Page 4

The New Zealand Times (PUBLISHED DAILY.) FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1877.

Pressure on our space, in consequence of our Parliamentary and other reports, excludes leading matter.

A telegram received yesterday from an old resident at Grahamstown well acquainted with the sentiments entertained by the people generally in that locality, says that the meeting held to congratulate the new Ministry on their accession to office, in no sense represented public opinion, but was got up by Dr. Kilgour and others of little political weight, to increase the doctor’s claims to a seat in the Upper House. Mr. E. W. Mills notifies by advertisement that he has resigned his seat as a member of the City Council, and thanks the burgesses for the confidence they have placed in him for a period of nearly twelve years. The Wellington College Act Amendment Bill was considered in committee of the Legislative Council last night. The main object of the Bill was to empower the Governors of the College to lease the reserve for building purposes. This did not meet the approval of hon. gentlemen, and the Bill- was referred, to a select committee, who reported that it was not advisable to grant the leasing power. The reserve was originally set apart as a recreation ground, and it was argued that it would be injurious to the interests of parties holding adjoining property to lease the reserve for building purposes. The Council agreed with the seleet committee, and the Bill, now shorn of its fair proportions, is simply a little technical amendment on the existing law in reference to the appointment of Governors of the College. The following important motion was moved by the Hon. Mr. Hart in a very impressive speech yesterday afternoon, but owing to the lateness ot the hour discussion on it had to be posponed till next sitting day That in view of intended legislation for ascertaining titles to, and regulating dealings in, native lands, it is desirable that each of the Judges of the Native Lauds Court should be requested to furnish to the Government, within three months, reports showing the nature of title to land, according to native custom; the customs affecting it; the modes by which it may be acquired, and by which it may be ceded or forfeited, between aboriginal native and native; and any established principles by which the Native Lands Court is guided in determining the rights of claimants and counter-claimants. Also, that such Judges and the Resident Magistrates in native districts should be invited to forward to the Government any practical suggestions which may occur to .theiu for the permanent benefit and advantage of the Maori race.”

At the Resident Magistrate’s Court yesterday, before Messrs. J. H. Wallace and G. Crawford, justices, Bridget Murphy, charged with being drunk in Cuba-street the previous evening, was discharged with a- caution, this being a first offence. On the civil side judgment was given for plaintiff for £ll Is. 3d. in the case of J. Hughes v. Victor Clark. Tho case of E. Wilson v. G. McKay was adjourned until the 23rd inst. This was a judgment summons case for £lO and costs, for goods supplied to the defendant, a settler at Te Ore Ore, who admitted that judgment passed against him on May last, but said he was not the man who had the goods, and that there had been some mistake in the matter. Mr. Quick appeared for the plaintiff. Several other cases were set down for hearing; but they were either withdrawn or settled out of Court.

A meeting of the Kaiwarra Local Board was held last evening at seven o’clock, at the tollgate-house, Kaiwarra. The commissioners present were Messrs. Hirst, Wyatt; Phillips, and Guilford. As it was the first meeting after the election of the new Board, the secretary, Mr. O. Thompson, jun., took the chair, and called ou the commissioners present to elect a chairman. Mr. Guilford proposed, and Mr. Hirst seconded, that Mr. W. T. Wyatt be chairman, which was carried unanimously. Mr. Wyatt was also elected treasurer. Mr. C. Thompson, jun., was appointed secretary, collector, and assessor. A letter was received from Mr. J. Staples, who also waited on the Board, requesting that the footpath in front of theßainbow Inn be raised. It was resolved ,that the request be acceded to, the applicant, to pay the expense of the raising, and that it be carried out under the supervision of a "person appointed by the Board. The Board authorised the secretary to post notices within the district cautioning persons about their cattle trespassing. After some routine business had been transacted the Board adjourned.,

The St. George's Hall entertainment and exhibition drew a good attendance last evening. The burlesque of “ Black-eyed Susan ” was as amusing as ever, and sent the audience away thoroughly delighted. To-night the leading prize will be a lady’s watch, and the entertainment is announced as uuder distinguished patronage. The burlesquCot “La Sylpbide " is in rehearsal, and will shortly be produced. ■

There was an excellent practice by the Choral Society at Mr. Hunter's rooms yesterday evening, when Spohr’s “Last Judgment” was performed. Every member of the'society is particularly requested to attend next Thursday, as the work will then be taken in its entirety.

At the meeting of the Waste Lands Board yesterday,' a report of, which: will be found in another portion of our columns, a somewhat important memorial was laid before the Board suggesting certain‘ alterations in the ■ Lands Bill. A copy of tho memorial was ordered to be forwarded to the Minister of Lauds.

' Nothing appears to affect the success of the Rev. Charles Clark. One night there is a Ministerial statement, another a large ball, another an Indian Famine Relief Fund meeting ; but it makes no difference in the crowds of people that nightly flock to the Odd Fellows’ Hall to listen to the talented lecturer. Hast night he delivered, for the first time in this city, his new lecture, “ Thackeray, the Snobographer,” and for nearly two hours he thoroughly rivetted the attention of his delighted audience. His listeners were just as ready at the close as at the beginning to applaud his eloquence, be moved by his pathos, or laugh at his flashes of humor—in short to reflect his tone and mood.

A short sitting of the Bankruptcy Court will be held to-day at 1 o’clock, for the purpose of ordering the discharge of James O’Shea and David Moir, bankrupts. At the Theatre Royal last evening a grand double bill was produced, comprising the “ Two Orphans” and “Rory O’More.” To-night the “ Heart of Midlothian" will be performed. A telegram was received yesterday by the Inspector of Police from Foxton, stating that a man, named Pearce, living at Oroua, had been fined £4O by the local Bench for sly grog selling.

It is the intention of the Athletic Club to hold another hare and heunds’ meeting next Saturday, when Mr. Wright, the winner of the last run, and Mr. Campbell, will act as hares to another good muster ; and if thejweather proves favorable a good run also may confidently be anticipated. A start will be made from the Caledonian Hotel at half-past 2 precisely.