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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5307, 29 March 1878, Page 4

Sir George Grey, accompanied by his private secretary (Mr. ■ Mitchell) and Mr. Seymour George, left in the Hinemoa for Auckland last evening. It is understood that the object of Sir George Grey’s mission is to hold an interview with King Tawhaio at the Upper Waikato, at which meeting matters affecting the interests of both Europeans and Natives will be discussed.

The Rev. Father Hennebery has sent a letter to the Press Agency, stating that the reports lately sent abroad from Westland about his denouncing mixed and legal marriages as no marriages, and of his being prosecuted for £IOOO pounds damages for personally attacking an editor for charging him with inciting the Catholics from the pulpit against nonCatholics, and also as to the police force being increased through fear of disturbances arising from the temperance procession, are untrue. The Reverend Father adds that if such reports are repeated he shall take proceedings against the parties. It was reported in town yesterday that Mr. Higginsou and Mr. Kuorpp, of the Engineering Department, are about to bo removed from their present posts, but will bo retained in the Government service in other appointments if they so desire it. It is also said that Mr. Blackett, C.E., will be appointed Engiueer-in-Ohief, on the retirement of Mr. Carmthers, Mr. Lawson, formerly of Canterbury, is spoken of as being likely to be appointed Commissioner of Railways tor the North Island.

An adjourned meeting of the Education Board was held yesterday moruiug, and on newspapers reporters presenting themselves they were informed that the proceedings would not be public. A condensed report, afterwards obtained from the secretary, will be found in another column.

There will be a sitting of the Supreme Court in banco this morning, when, we understand, the case of Peters v. Joseph, and other matters in which Mr. G. E. Barton is employed as counsel, will come on for hearing. The Native Lands Court is now sitting at Otaki, where Judge Symond’s is adjudicating upon native claims. The Court has been also sitting at Palmerston lately, and during the present circuit the learned Judge has heard a large number of these cases. It is stated that in all probability it will take another six weeks before the list is exhausted.

A special meeting of the City Council was held yesterday afternoon, to consider the appointment of an Inspector of Nuisances, vice Mr. Monaghan, resigned. There were a number of applicants, and Mr. Alfred Johnston was appointed, on a vote being taken, by seven to three.

An accident occurred yesterday near the railway station to a man driving a horse and spring cart. He was urging his horse on by vigorous applications of the whip, and in leaning over the side of the vehicle fell over, and his face coming in contact with the hard road with considerable force, was a good deal cut and bruised, but no permanent injury was sustained. Mr. Ord’s lecture on the “Tabernacle in the Wilderness ” drew last night a large audience, who listened with almost breathless attention while the speaker dwelt on the teaching of the burnt sacrifice and the meat offering spoken of in Lev. 1 and 2, and pointed out how Christ is shown forth in them. After the lecture, a number of those present gathered round Mr. Ord’s beautiful model to examine it more closely and question him as to its details. The lecture will be continued this evening, at the Athemeum Hall, at half-past. seven ; and on Sunday Mr. Ord will preach at the Odd Eellows’ Hall, at 7.30. We regret to notice, by advertisement in another column, that the provisional directors of the Lion Foundry Company, Limited, have decided to abandon the undertaking. When the project was first made public, we fully anticipated that the shares would be eagerly subscribed, as we considered it a most legitimate outlet for the investment of capital, the business being undoubtedly of a most payable nature. Money for the formation of companies of a purely speculative character is not wanting, and it is therefore all the more surprising that in a case of this kind, where a handsome and certain return on capital invested in a property, the value of which is rapidly and constantly increasing, appeared certain, the amount required to float the company was not forthcoming. We feel sure the citizens of Wellington will yet regret the loss of the opportunity offered them, and that Mr. Mills will be a large gainer by the apathy displayed. “ David Garrick ” was repeated at the Theatre Koyal last evening to a numerous and appreciative audience. The piece ran very smoothly thronghout, all the performers being well up in their parts. Mr. Sothern played the leading character remarkably well, and was ably supported by the rest of the company. This evening, by particular request, “ Our American Cousin” will be performed, Mr. Sothern taking the character of Lord Dundreary. That Mr. Sothern has gifts other than the ability to pourtray eccentricities of character, is made particularly evident by his impersonation of “David Garrick." The dignity of the first act, in which he undertakes to cure Ingot’s daughter of her love—the humors ot the dramatic scene, in which he temporarily succeeds in his plan, and the impassioned interview with Ada in his own house, where, not knowing that Ingot is concealed behind the screen listening to every word, he urges her to do her duty and return to her fatherl; —all these situations were realised by Mr. Sothern with admirable skill. From first to last the audience were entirely with him, and applause, well won, was heartily bestowed. Miss Pender made a charming Ada, being specially successful in the pathetic scenes. Mr. Musgrove gave a finished impersonation of the father, and Mr. Poole was droll as Squire Chivy. The other characters were well supported. Certainly those who have not seen this charming comedy should do so before Mr. Sothern’s departure. A cricket match will be played to-day between the Makara and Thorndon clubs. The following players will represent Thorndon: Messrs. Daly, Osgood, Kuchen, Astill, Bead, Watson, Freeman, Love, Dobbie, Milne, and Burrett.

A deputation from the Education Board will wait on the Minister of Education this morning, on the subject of the grant of a piece of land for a school at Thorndon, and in reference to the vote of £7OOO which formed the subject matter of considerable discussion at the last meeting of the Board. Mr. George Thomas held a sale of Mr. H. Border’s stock yesterday. Milch cows brought from £5 to £lO and calves 355. each. There was a large attendance, and the bidding was very spirited.