The New Zealand Times (PUBLISHED DAILY.) SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1877.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5209, 1 December 1877, Page 2

The New Zealand Times (PUBLISHED DAILY.) SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1877.

The House of Representatives resolved, on the nmtiou of Mr. Sheehan, to sit to-day at half-past; two, the sitting not to extend beyond eleven o’clock. The new Land Bill was brought down by Sir George Grey last night, and read a first time. The Bill has not yet been circulated, but the Premier announced that it would be placed in the hands of members to-day. The amount of Customs revenue collected at the port of Wellington during the month of November, as will be seen by our commercial report, shows an improvement on the corresponding month of 1876 of £2343. The Te Aro Reclamation Bill passed through the House of Representatives last night. Mr. Stout said he did not wish to oppose the Bill, but it was one, in bis opinion, which should be referred to the Waste Lands Committee. Several gentlemen said it was “ water, not land.” However, that would not have availed, as the Crown claims all land between high and low water mark ; but Mr. Travers had a stronger argument why it should not go before committee, and that was that the laud had already been granted to the Corporation of Wellington. A letter from Mr. D. Anderson, chairman of the New Zealand Titanic Steel and Iron Company, appears in another column, and refutes certain statements which have been made in the Assembly in reference to the subject. The Titanic Steel and Iron Company in 1874 obtained from the General Assembly the right to purchase 5000 acres of land in the province of Taranaki on condition that they paid ss. per acre for the land, had a nominal capital of £50,000, an actual capital of £30,000, and spent £IO,OOO on plant and labor charges in smelting the iron sands of the province. The company procured from Great Britain a set of the finest machinery, and erected a first-class modem blast furnace. They then went to considerable exin accordance with a patent process purchased by them. This altogether involved an expenditure of £20,000. When the final trial took pease in preparing the iron sand for smelting place the company succeeded in smelting several' tons of first-class iron, which was forwarded to Great Britain and proved superior to the best quality of Swedish iron. When the company applied to the Government for the grant of 5000 acres of land, the Government refused to recognise the actual capital as being £30,000, stating in their opinion that it was only £27,410, making the company deficient £2590 ; and although this was a mere technical objection—the company showing their actual capital to be over £30,000, and that they had spent fully £IO,OOO more than they were required to spend under the Act —the Government refused to issue the grant. Although no conditions as to smelting were imposed upon the company by the Act of 1874 granting the land, the Parliament now wish to compel the company to smelt 100 tons more iron before they will allow a grant to issue. Such are the facts that have been placed before us, and they show that an injustice has been done, and that the company is certainly entitled to the land. The Shipping and Seaman’s Bill now before Parliament is an exact copy of the English Act, and contains the very necessary provision that passenger steamers shall not be allowed to carry gunpowder or other explosive materials. One gentleman asked if matches were considered explosive materials within the meaning of tiie Act. He was answered in the negative; and he therefore suggested that matches should lie included, and instanced one of the many well-knowu oases where rats had, in eating the grease, exploded the matches, and serious results had followed. His suggestion was not adopted. Mr. Swanson thought the clause was too stringent, and it would bo felt a great hardship by the miners,of the Thames, who used large quantities of powder for blasting purposes. The powder had for years been conveyed by passenger steamersfrom Auckland to the Thames, and not the slightest accident had occurred. Mr. Rowe, the member for the Thames, said the reason of the absence of accidents was that not an ounce of powder was brought to the Thames except by sailing cutters. Were it known that any powder was aboard a steamer no passengers would proceed in her. Mr. Swanson said that on two occasions when he travelled from Auckland to the Thames powder was on board, and no secret was made of it. Mr. Reynolds, who should be an authority on such a question, stated that if powder was carried on the steamers it was against the law, and without the knowledge of the authorities. The clause makes the master of a vessel responsible-for an infraction of the law; and Mr. Travers pointed out that the law might entail a great hardship upon tiie captain, as powder and other explosive materials might be placed on board without his authority. He thought it would be better if the law reached all parties concerned. Mr. Stout said in such a case great discretionary power' was vested in the magistrate, and it was quite competent for him to inflict a fine of only one shilling. If an oppressive penalty was inflicted an appeal could be made to the Governor-in-Cduncil when no doubt the fine would be remitted. No amendment was made in the clause,’and it now remains as in the English Act. Mr. Burns suggested that each vessel should be compelled to carry a certain number of apprentices, as now there was a difficulty in obtaining seamen; but as it was generally admitted that the colonial youth did not take kindly to a seafaring life no amendment was made to the Act in this direction. Such a provision would ostensibly be in the interest of shipowners generally, but we do not tliink that in this colony it would bo found to work to their advantage, for the very plain reason that it would be difficult to obtain a

sufficient number of eligible lads as apprentices. Under the old navigation laws of the Empire each shipmaster was obliged to have a certain number of apprentices, but that law was repealed when foreign seamen were admitted into our mercantile service. Among tile many improvements lately carried out by our City Council not the least important has been the widening of Oriental Bay-road. This was formerly a narrow and difficult roadway now it is full forty to fifty feet wide, changing the whole appearance of the locality, and encouraging the rapid building of dwelling-houses along this favorite walk, which is now known as “ O’Neill’s Esplanade.” Some of our Northern friends inform us that Mr. O’Neill, when Engineer-in-Chief of Auckland, formed a similar esplanade between Grahamstowu and Tararu, a distance of two miles, and before it was opened six months nearly the whole way was studded with houses. The road to Oriental Bay has always been a pleasant promenade, and we hope our civic authorities will still further improve its approach by covering over a portion of the Kent-terrace drain which debouches near the kerosene store, causing passers-by to proclaim the atmosphere not so pure as it ought to be on the beach. Mr. Berg, the enterprising landlord of the hotel near the baths, is about to build a wharf for the accommodation of boating parties during the summer season. The baths are being put in good summer order, and the fences made perfectly safe for those who love to swim in the blue sea. Hay-street, formerly the bed of a creek, is now a fine roadway, well drained, and has, in course of erection,' some pretty cottages. We trust the day is not far distant when the “ esplanade” will be continued to Evans Bay, forming a modern “ Kotten How” or Brighton “ Marine Parade.”

At the Resident Magistrate’s Court yesterday George Phillips was fined ss. and costs, for riding at a faster pace than a walk round the corner of Manners and Willis streets. —Sarah Biddle applied for a married woman’s protection order, stating that her husband had been guilty of repeated drunkenness and of repeated acts of cruelty towards her. She denied that she herself had been guilty of drunkenness or other misconduct, but admitted that she did not care very much for her husband, and that when a quarrel took place between him and a man named Jenkins, who was a friend of hers, she took the part of the latter, and threw a bucket of water over her husband. The case, after being part heard, was adjourned for the attendance of witnesses until Monday.—On the civil side judgment was given for plaintiff in the case of E. W. Mills v. Tendole and Prance, for £76 16s. sd. and costs. Defendants, who did not put in an appearance, had been started in business by Mr. Mills, who supplied them with goods, and had, it appeared, been most kind to them, but when he looked for repayment of the debt they talked' of filing their schedules. In another case of a somewhat similar kind by the same plaintiff against Peter Doneoker for £IOO on a promissory note; judgment was given for the amount claimed and costs. The new hotel at Pahautanui will be opened to-day by Mr. Henry Hillen. The building is a handsome two-storey structure with promenade balcony designed and superintended by Mr. Turnbull, the well-known architect of Wellington. The hotel is well furnished and fitted up with every convenience for travellers. Excellent stabling accommodation has been provided by utilising the buildings formerly used as a hotel. Mr. Hillen intends to celebrate the opening of the house by a dinner and ball on the 21st December. A great improvement has of late years taken place in the accommodation provided for travellers and others in the Wellington Provincial District, and in all directions the old unpretentious and uncomfortable buildings are giving place to wellconstructed, substantial, and handsome structures, and the new hotel at Pahautanui is undoubtedly one of the latter class, and reflects high credit upon the enterprise of Mr. Hillen.

An accident occurred in Willis-street yesterday near to our office, whereby a valuable draught horse, belonging to Mr. J. Saunders, and well known by the name of “ Punch,” was killed. The poor animal was harnessed to a dust cart, and standing quietly in the street, when a waggon drawn by five horses, belonging to Messrs, Gome, of the Muugaroa sawmills, and heavily laden with timber, came along the street, and as it passed the dust cart the front axle gave way, and the whole weight of timber fell upon Mr. Saunders’ horse and broke its neck. There does not appear, so far as we are aware, any blame to be attached to the drivers of either vehicle ; but the timber waggon was probably too heavily laden, and hence thejacoideut occurred. Mr. R. J. Duncan will hold an important land sale on Monday, when some valuable sections in the Horolciwi Valley, and also at Palmerston, Peatberston, Masterton, Carnarvon, Sanson, Buunythorpe, and the Hutt will be submitted to public competition. Some very eligible city properties in Wellington will also be offered situated in Manners-street (part of tbe well-known Gibson estate), and also in another portion of the same thoroughfare opposite the Arcade, and other lots in Stanleystreet, Wallace-street, George-street (near Inspector Atcheaon’s property), and in Vogeltowa. Every lot will be sold without reserve to the highest bidder. The terms are liberal, and an excellent opportunity is offered to intending investors. City and suburban properties are rapidly rising in value, as well as land generally throughout the colony, and those who are fortunate enough on Monday next to secure any of these lots at anything like a reasonable figure will find in a few years that they have made a most excellent bargain. St. George’s Hall had a large and fashion able audience last night, when the Alleen Troupe went through their programme with great spirit, and were greeted with storms of applause. Parents and guardians are reminded that at three o’clock this afternoon the first and only matinee of the season will take place. The programme will bo specially prepared' for the little ones. To-night the Alleen Troupe appear positively for the last time, and all who have not seen them should not lose this opportunity now open to them, which will be the last of their appearance.

The Theatre Royal was well filled last night, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather. His Excellency the Governor and suite were present. “ The Two Sergeants ” was repeated, and gave as general satisfaction as it did on the jwevioua evening, Signor and Signora being recalled after every act. The performance terminated with the farce entitled “Family Jars,” in which Mr. Sam Howard and the members of the stock company acquitted themselves admirably. Tonight the great historical drama entitled “ Marie Stuart ” will be presented. We understand that the Signora, as tho unfortunate Queen of Scotland, rivals, if she does not excel, Madame Riston, for whom the play was adapted. Theatre goers may confidently look for a treat to-night. The manager informs us there are a great number of seats already sold for this representation. Herr’ Schott, the celebrated oboeist, coranglaiseist, and liguirdzolosophoneist, will make his bow to a Wellington audience at St. George’s Hall on Monday evening next. The management have also engaged to appear with this great artist the Lydia-Howarde Troupe, who, with the present company, will perform the operatic burlesque of “ Hucia di Hammermoor,” preceded by a sparkling operetta, entitled “A Puff of Smoke." Particulars are announced in our advertising columns. An accident occurred yesterday at Newtown by which a Mr. Scott was knocked down by a bull and gored in the leg and shoulder; but we understand not very seriously. Shortly afterwards Mrs. Scott, who was feeding a calf, was thrown down by getting entangled with a rope attached to the animal, and had her arm fractured. The sufferers, wo learned on making enquiries last evening, wOre progressing favorably under tho medical attendance of Doctors Grace and Watts: Mr. J. H. Wallace offered for sale yesterday the lease (for twenty years) of the Market Hall, Cuha-stroet. There was a bid of .£1 SO a year, hut the reserve being £2OO it was withdrawn. •

G. W. Ewart, of Wellington, clerk, has filed a declaration of his inability to meet his engagements with Ida creditors. A great waxworks exhibition, comprising a brilliant collection of royal personages, statesmen, philanthropists, heroes, &c., is announced to open on Monday next at the Odd Fellows’ Hall. The proprietor of the Arcade requests us to mention that the lighting up of the Arcade this evening will only be partial, as the gas fitters find it impossible to have all the sunlights finished in time. A dramatic and musical entertainment will bo given at the Catholic School, Bouloottstreet, on Tuesday evening next. Several well known amateurs have volunteered their services, and an excellent bill of fare is in course of preparation. The return of patients in the Provincial Hospital during the month of November, 1877, is as follows: —Admitted : Males, 12; females, 2. Discharged: Males, 15; females, 3. Died; Males, 1. Left in Hospital : Males, 36; females, 8; total, 44. The annual cricket match between the Star and Armed Constabulary Cricket Club </will be played on the Basin Reserve this afternoon; play to commence at 1.30 sharp. The following players will represent the Star Club, viz.:— Speed, Blaoklook, Inman, Gascoine, Robinson, Haughton, Armitage, Willis, J. Lockett, I. J. Salmon, and J. A. Salmon (captain). Mr> Bromley will act as umpire, and Mr. G. Humphries as scorer. We yesterday received a programme of the Caledonian Society’s sports, to be held on New Year's Day. There' are twenty-eight events, of which the chief are the New Year's Handicap, 100, 220, 440, and 880 yards, and a twomile walking handicap. The first prizes for the handicap are £7 each, and a handsome silver cup will be presented to the winner of the 410 yards race. Cleopatra’s Needle was abandoned at sea in a gale on October 14, but was picked up and towed into Ferrol, in Spain, where it was impounded for salvage.