Untitled

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5265, 7 February 1878, Page 2

To-day and to-morrow will be observed as whole or partial holidays by the majority of the inhabitants of Wellington, and if tho weather be favorable the races will be very numerously attended. Tho banka will be closed after 11 o’clock each day. Tho weather at tho time wo write is anything but promising for the races, and it does not augur well for the success of the meeting. But the glass is rising, and within the next twelve hours there is a good chance of fine weather, which we heartily hope will come. The stewards of race meetings have no sinecure, tho responsibility,' anxiety, and trouble attendant before the races are great; but they will be rewarded if on the race days they see tho course crowded and the grand-stand Killed with ladies. Therefore it is to be hoped that tho Wellington ladies will grace the course with their presence on this occasion aa numerously as possible. We learn through a private source that the now business of the Australian Mutual Provident Society has exceeded five thousand policies for the year 1877. This fact requires no comment; but we may add that it shows tho unabated confidence with which the people of Australia and New Zealand regard the excellent management of this institution, and futherraore, that it is ft patent proof of the indomitable energy of its agents. A carbine match has been arranged, to take place on i Saturday afternoon next, between the Wellington and Auckland cadets. This will be tho first of a scries of matches which will take place between Wellington and the other provinces. Firing to commence at 2 o’clock sharp. A cricket match was played at Featherston, on Tuesday last, between the Featherston and Mastorton clubs, tho former winning by 35 runs, Featherston, Ist innings, 24 ; 2nd innings, 115; (Inman, 24, Kockel, 18, Oundy, 14.) Mastorton, Ist innings, 02, (Liater-Kaye, 20 ; Taucred, 10) ; 2nd innings, 42.

Mr. J;' A. Chaney,, of the-,Upper Hutt, licensed victualler, has filed a declaration of his inability to meet his, with his -creditors. The first - meeting will be" held on the 13th instant.

■ The following are.the’ names’Ofthe players chosen to represent the. banks and . merchants •in the - cricket match to he playad to-day on the Basin Rei-serve. Banks : Baldwin, Oxley, Kennedy, Budge, Gray, Fitzherbert, Gastelli, Norman, Hamilton, .Williams, and Galway. Merchants ; Haughton, Robinson, Blacklock, Bond, Watty, Bishop, Cook, Welsh, Cook, Brown, Bllaby, and King. Players aro requested to be on the ground 1 so as to commence play at noon punctually. At tlie Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday, before J. C. Crawford, Esq., E.M., Henry Brookes, carpenter on board tha ship Hurunui, was charged with, unlawfully absenting himself from that vessel, and was sentenced to 48 hours' hard labor.—Archibald McKiuiay and John Harris, seamen belonging to the same vessel, woro charged with refusing duty. McKiuiay, who stated that he had been ill, and who received a very good character from the captain, was discharged with a caution. Harris received a sentence of seven days’ hard labor.—James McGee, charged with drunkenness, was fined 55., with the customary alternative in case of non-payment.— John Wilson, charged with using threatening language towards his wife, was remanded until Monday. In almost all centres' of population in civilised countries Turkish baths are now looked upon as a,necessary adjunct.- In New Zealand these baths can be obtained in Auckland, Dunedin, and some other places ; but so far the Empire City is without them. Mr. Hyatt, who hails from Boston, U.S., and has had considerable experience there, and also in Otago,; is now iu Wellington with a view to establishing Turkish baths here if he meets with sufficient encouragement. As a general rule, wherever these baths hare been established they have paid a handsome return on the capital invested, and as a means of promoting cleanliness and health their value cannot be over-rated. An establishment -of the kind in Wellington could hardly fail to be a remunerative undertaking, and it may bo safely predicted that the time - is not far distant when tha luxury hf a Turkish bath will be obtainable here, ah well as in Auckland, Dunedin, and other parts of the colony. St. George's Hall will open to-night with a grand panorama ! of : the - Turco-Bnssiau war. We understand that a considerable sum of money: hhs been spent in the production of this panorama. The pictures and mechanical scenes faithfully represent different portions of the ■ fearful war which is now raging. The following are a few of the'-view* which will,be shown to-night;—Entrance to the Dardanelles, castle of seven towers, view of Constantinople, discussing war .or peace,, children dragging, guns, first cannon shot in the Danube, passage of the Russian torpedo boats, bombardment of Rustchiik, night : scene ,in Bustchuk, bombardment of Nicopolis, pursuit - , by , BashiBazouks, battle',of Plevna, combat between Cossacks and Basbi Bazouks, Colonel Wellesley and correspondents of the Graphic and Scotsman iu search of information under diffi-' chlties. These will be followed by a distribution of ■ valuable gifts, the whole concluding with a*' mechanical battle-scene between Russian torpedo boats and Turkish ironclads.' We have n 6 doubt there will be A crowded house this evening. , ' ,

The “Duke’s Motto ” was performed again last night, for the last time, at the Princess Theatrd, and notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather there was a very good house. Mr.’ W. C. Dillon appeared to great advantage as Lngardere. To-night we , notice there will be produced the sensational,racing drama “ The Blue Ribbon of the , Turf, or the Derby Lost and the Leger Won," in which will ..be introduced a representation of the Derby Day, when all gentlemen attending the stalls are invited to be on the stage. Mr. W. O. Dillon is reported to be an immense success as the Veteran Jockey, and we expect that wo shall not be disappointed with the programme wiiicli has been prepared for the present festive season, and there can be very little doubt that this theatre will receive a fair amount :'of support from those interested in racing pursuits, and also from the general public in search of amusement.

Miss Ada Ward, who comes here with the reputation of being a most fascinating and accomplished actress, will commence a short season to-night at the Theatre Royal in “ A» You Like It.” The management have made very praiseworthy efforts to secure efficient support, and have entered into - a number of engagements with a viety of securing a firstclass company. On the whole, judging from the cast as it appears iu our issue this morning, the company seems one of the strongest that could ,be got together. Miss Ward ia said to appear to great advantage as Rosalind, and she lias admirers who claim for her a premier place on the list of those who have essayed the role in this country. The, general presentation is, we hear, to. be worthy of the reputation this lady has' acquired ;, and Messrs. Walton and Howard are evidently studying to gain the confidence of the public. The season will last only nine nights, and no piece ia to be repeated.

The U.S. Minstrels were again favored with a crowded house last night in spite of the inclemency of the weather. The first part went with the same spirit as it has always done, finishing up with the “ Phantom Chorus,” in which Messrs. Hudson and Holly figured very ' conspicuously, to the delight of the audience. The second part opened with an original song and dance called “Flirting in the Lane,” which was followed by one of Mr. T. Campbell's descriptive scenas. The farce of “ That Rascal Charlie,” by Messrs. Rockefeller and- Holly, kept the audience iu a continual roar of laughter. • Sir. T. Braham seemed to be in better voice than ever. Mr. T. Hudson's lightning changes were something wonderful when one comes to think that it is possible to turn from white to black in the short space of ten seconds. Mr. 0. Holly’s song and dance were given in his usual excellent style, and received a vociferous encore. We must not omit to mention Mr. ft. W. Rockefeller's banjo solo, which was received with great applause Mr. Amery’s song of “ The Desert" was sung in his usual excellent stylo, which needs no comment. The whole performance concluded with that side • splitting farce “ The Baby Elephant,” which sent the audience away highly delighted with the evening's entertainment. This is the last night of the present programme, and we recommend thoso who have not seen it to be present to-night, as to-morrow there will be an entire change in the programme. The following entries have been received for the Wairarapa races, which are to come oil on the 14th and 15th inst.:—Maiden Plate: Roebuck, Barbello, Te Ore Ore, Outcast, Mufti. Wairarapa Stakes: Songster, Lady of the Lake, Talleyrand, Ouida, Otupai, Danebury, Lara. Produce Stakes; Satan, Doncaster, Do Murska. Ladies’ Purse; Stanley, Talleyrand, Kakapo, Tawera, Danebury, Gray Momus, Lara. Hurdle Race:, Roebuck, Kangaroo, Tawera, Shark. Morans. Wairarapa Jockey Club Handicap ; Songster, Lady ef the Lake, Stirabout, Talleyrand, Ouida, Kakapo, Diver, Otupai, Tawera, Danebury, Mufti, Lara. District Race : Songster, Lady of the Lake, Stirabout; Talleyrand, Ouida, Kakapo, Roebuck, Diver, Doncaster, Queen of the Tauurn. The privileges at the race meeting wore disposed of by Messrs. Wyllie and ftirdlentone at the Rising Sun Hotel Greytown, on Saturday. The total amount realised from the sale was £232 5». • The Qedurty , Advertiser states that there were no fewer than forty reporters seated at one time'at the table at the Mechanics' Institute, taking down the Chief Secretary’s speech. Telegrams of Mr. Berry’s speech were sent to every newspaper in Victoria the proprietors of which were unable to send representatives, and also to the leading journals in the several neighboring colonies. - Mr. Vivian had a very largo staff of operators at work nearly all night at the telegraph office, the arrangements' being _ excellent. Nearly 30,000 words were transmitted after the conclusion of the meeting, and the office was closed before 2 o’clock.

The following tenders have, been received at the Public Works office, for the Peat hers ton station contract, formation and buildings,' Wellingten-Masterton Railway : —Accepted— James Sutherland, Wellington, £3549. Declined, Murdoch and Rose, Wellington, £4926 ; W. Rowe, Wanganui, £4237 ; Hector Reid, Dunedin,' £4288 ; Tawse and Brown. Wellington, £4421'; W, J. Riddler, Wellington, £4451 j-Collie & Co., Wellington, £4BOO ; J. Saunders, Wellington, £4975; E O’Malley, Wellington, £4997 ; J. Adams, Wellington, £5480.

We have much pleasure in calling attention to the fact that there is now in course of preparation a grand pictorial exhibition of New Zealand scenery,' by Messrs. Willis and Seymour. This,; the first attempt to represent Now Zealand scenery on canvas, will bo carried out on a comprehensive and magnificent scale; and neither trouble nor expense will be spared to make the exhibition in ail respects worthy of the colony, and creditable to those concerned in its production. It will tie painted on 6000 feet of canvas, and each picture will be 12 feet in length by 9 feet high. All parts of the colony will be represented, and the views, dating from the landing of Captain. Cook, will represent New Zealand from the earliest period of British civilisation and settlement until the present time, showing what New Zealand was in its. primitive state, and what it is in its present stage of prosperity and progress. The scenery will be painted by Mr. J. S. Willis, whose abilities are well known since he first came to .New Zealand, as aoenic artist to Lyster’s Opera Company in 1853., Mr. Willis is at present specially engaged in painting the drop-scene and scenery for the new theatre in Manners-street, and in superintending the decorations of the interior of the auditorium. Mr. Harry Seymour, his partner, is well known in New Zealand as a thoroughly pushing man of business, and to his care the commercial department of the undertaking will be entrusted. Messrs. Willis and Seymour have specially engaged Mr. James Grey, a gentleman who has been associated with the New Zealand Press for about fifteen years, to write the descriptive lecture. It is the intention of Messrs. Willis and Seymour to do the tour of New Zealand, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, America, Canada, England, Ireland, Scotland, and in all. probability some portions of the Continent. There is at present so much interest manifested towards New Zealand in the Mother Country that an exhibition such as the. one Messrs. Willis and. Seymour intend to place before the public cannot fail to prove very attractive, while at the same time it may tend to promote the interests of the colony by encouraging as it must do the influx of population and capital. We shall look forward with great interest to the production of “ Zealandia,” by which name the entertainment will be known.

Mr' George Vesey Stewart has published, in a pamphlet of about 130 pages, “Notes bn the Origin and Prospects of the Stewart Special Settlement; Kati-Kati, New Zealend, and on New-Zealand as a Field of Immigration.” The Northern Whig says : The many general advantages presented by New Zealand as a field of immigration have enabled Mr. Stewart to produce a book which may be advantageously perused. That ho had the ability and opportunity for the efficient discharge of the literary labour be undertook Mr. Stewart abundantly shows. I*-*-* * Mr. Stewart has now arrived in Ireland for the purpose of organising another settlement; and he has published his book,with two objects—one to commend New Zealand as a field for such emigrants as would be benefited by emigration, and the other to make an appeal to the people of England and Scotland for money therewith to erect 1 churches on ‘the settlement, as there are none yet provided. Owing to recent circumstances, he says he cannot expect much assistance from Ireland, and therefore it is that he applies to Scotch and English' friends. The settlers are members' of the Episcopal and Presbyterian Churches, andhaye no place of worship/ The proceeds of this |pamphlet are to . be deyofed to. the church fund, and it is announced that accounts have been opened for the purpose at the National Bank of New Zealand, Lombardstreet, London, and other places. Mr. Stewart has handed to the Bishop of Auckland 50 acres in fee, as a small permanent endowment towards the clergyman of an Episcopal church. He has also given a suitable free site for a Presbyterian church for the Rev. John Marks, formerly of Belfast, and undertaken to supplement the total of any subscriptions that may be received by a private donation of at least 15 per cent. Farming, marketing, and education are the subjects of other chapters. Thera is also a sketch of the native races.

There appears to be a considerable amount of distress amongst the coal-miners of the Hunter District, in New South Wales. fljhe Sydney Morning Herald of the 26th January says :—“ A deputation, consisting of delegates from the coal-miners of Greta, Wallseud, and New Lambton, hud an interview with the Colonial Secretary (the Honorable Michael Fitzpatrick),- at his office, yesterday. They were introduced by Mr. Cameron, M.P., and Mr. McElhone, M.P. They represented that there was great distress among the coal-miners of the localities from which they came, the number of them beiug far in excess of the demand for their labor. Many of them could not obtain more than two days’ work a week. Mr. Fitzpatrick expressed his regret at the existence of the state of things described, and he undertook to instruct the Agent-General by telegraph to discourage the introduction of more coal-miners. He would also put himself iu communication with the Minister for Works with a view to ascertain where work on the railway lines or other public contracts was available, it beiug represented that the miners were willing to undertake any pick and shovel labor. He would also make inquiry into the state of the district.” The North China Herald of November Bth states that a curious circumstance, arising, no doubt, out of the late high north-east winds, is reported by the British ship Hawkesbnry. While on her passage to Shanghai, from Sydney, she fell in with large numbers of land birds, when about 150 miles to the south-east of the Saddle Islands, and some 200 miles from the main land. Among them were quail, pigeons, owls, hawks, and many small birds, principally those commonly known as water wagtails, seventeen of which were caught on the quarter-deck of the vessel one night after dark. A sufficient number of quail also were caught for three or four meals. Most of the birds lauded on the ship utterly exhausted, so much so that they seldom attempted to escape; whilst others, failing to get on hoard, were carried by the wind against the ship’s side, and fell into the water. Laud birds are rarely found in such numbers so far out at soa, and no doubt the birds in this instance had been carried either off the mainland or from the islands during the late high north-east winds, and, being unable to fly any longer, sought shelter on the ship as the only alternative from beiug drowned. A[J correspondent sends the Mainland Mercury the following report : —Twenty of the lucerne-fed bullocks from the Martiudale Estate were recently sold to the T. S. N. Company, and were then sent by steamer to Hobart-m, and sold by that company there at the following high prices. They qveraged £24 10s. ; the highest price ‘ fetched was one at £2B, then thredat £27 155., one at £25, and the lowest was £2l.