Untitled

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5384, 29 June 1878, Page 2

The Hon. Mr. Burns, Postmaster-General of New South Wales, and Colonel Glover, R.E., managing director of tho Eastern Extension Telegraph Company, arrived in Wellington yestex-day, aud will be here fox- some days. Both will confer with the Ministry respecting matters dealt with at the recent Cable Conference in Melbourne ; aud Mr. Burns will also discuss with the Hon, Mr. Fisher, Post-master-General, matters in connection with proposed modifications of the San Francisco mail service.

In order to enable letter's by the Arawata to be answered by the same steamer, the Hon. the Postmaster-General made arrangements that she should be detained until 5 o’clock yesterday. This proved highly convenient to mercantile men and many others. The following are tho numbers of the letters, books, and newspaper's which ax-rived yes-tei-day at the Wellington Post Office by the Suez mail;—Via Brindisi ; 478 letters, 98 books, and 655 newspapers. Via Southampton: 255 letter', 120 book, and 1550 newspapers. The following letters.l&o., were despatched yesterday :—Via Brindisi : 413 letters, 7 books, aud 17 newspapers. Via Southampton: 489 letters, 13 books, and 199 newspapers. It may not he generally known that one of the results of the Cable Conference in Australia will probably be so large a reduction in the rates charged for Press messages, that should tho business remain as at present, there would be a loss to the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company of some £20,000 a year ; but it is anticipated that the wires will be so much more freely used at tho lower scale that the income derived from the Press will be increased. Whatever may be the result financially, the change will be a great boon to the public, as it will enable newspapers to have much fuller cable news than can now be obtained, except at a vei'y serious outlay. In reference to the stranding of the ship Hyderabad a telegram was received in town yesterday by the Underwriters’ Association fi'om Captain Bendail, who reports that the cargo can be saved, aud possibly also the hull. Captains Beudall and Scott boarded the vessel yesterday and made a survey. They found her not at all strained, in about Bft. of sand. These gentlemen aro expected to x-oturu tonight, and will make their report at once. An inquiry into the circumstances connected with the stranding of the vessel will be held, we understand, in Wellington, in the course of a few days. The manager of the National Insurance Company informs us that tho local insurances are on cargo.

The Boar.l of Education met again at 11.15 a.m. yesterday, and immediately resolved itself into committee, for the purpose of considering matters connected with the officers of the Board. After Mr. C. C. Graham’s resignation of tho office of seoi'etary, a provisional arrangement was made with Mr. Lee to combine the offices of inspector and secretary, with Mr. Dorsett as clerk. The Board, after considerable discussion, yesterday resolved on allowing the provisional arrangement to continue for six months longer. Another matter which was to have come before the Board was the division of the library fund ; but as the committee had not reported on the subject, nothing was done.

In consequence of a strange misunderstand'iug, a belief prejudicial to the success of the ■Working Men’s Club Exhibition has been created. Some time ago the committee applied to the Corporation for a license to use the building for the exhibition, and this in some way was by not a few read as being an application for a license to soli spirits, &c., while the place was open to the public. In consequence, people who are strict teetotallers, and would not attend under such circumstances, refused to lend exhibits or to assist the movement in any way. We are authorised to state that no intoxicating liquors will be sold, aud it was never contemplated to turn any portion of the promises into a drink saloon. It is unfortunate that the misconception arose. Notice is given by the Secretary to the Board of Education that no returns of the election of school committees have been received from the following districts : —Lower Hutt, Taita, Tauherinikau, ICaitara, Waihenga, Gladstone, Tenui, Opaki, aud Maurioeville. Public meetings of householders are called for the 16th inst., at 7 o’clock in the evening, in the schoolrooms at the above places, for the purpose of electing committees. Yesterday morning tho dust was flying about in all direction in the street, to such an extent as to bo a terrible nuisance to pedestrians, and it must have done no little damage to drapery and other goods exposed for sale at the shops. There were no water-carts to bo had, and nothing was done to lay the dust until the afternoon, when some hydrants were brought into requisition. The reason of there being no water-carts available was that they were being used for storing coal-tar from the Gas Works for the repairs of footpaths, tho company having offered the Corporation a largo quantity of that material gratis if they would take it away, and the only available means at hand were the water-carts, which are of course provided with tanks. A petition to tho Corporation was got up during the day, and was numerously signed in a very short time, praying that worshipful body to have the watercarts in readiness on future occasions. The petition is to he presented, we understand, to the City Council at its next meeting.

X’rofesaor Fraser will give a lecture in-the old schoolhouse, ICarori, on Wednesday next, July 3rd ; and in tho schoolhouse, Wainuiomata, on Tuesday and Wednesday, July Oth and 10th.

A supplement to the New Zealand Gazette of the 27th last., published yesterday, notifies certain alterations in the boundaries of the Otago Goldfields District Court. We hear that the Pahautanui Hotel, leasehold for seventeen years, has changed hands from Mr. Hillen to Mr. Pryke, the consideration being a payment of £3OOO. It is notified in our advertising columns that plans showing the proposed permanent levels of Hawker-street, and of Willis-street at its junction with Dixou-street, are now on view at the City Surveyor’s office. The European Mail of May 10 contains an announcement of the death, very suddenly, at Milan, on the 2nd May, of Miss Rose Riddiford, the youngest daughter of the late Daniel Riddiforcl, Esq., of the Hutt.

The football match which comes off tins aftei’noon between a trial fifteen selected to play against the Wanganui men and fifteen all-comers is likely to be a spirited aud well contested game. Mr. Henry Budden, formerly of Wellington, has succeeded Mi - . R. Aitken as the interim secretary of the Nelson Jam and Emit Preserving Company, the latter gentleman having resigned. The death of Mr. G. H. Vennell, an old aud much respected Wellington settler, is reported as having occurred at sea on board the St. Leonards, on February 23, fourteen clays after the vessel’s leaving Wellington for Loudon. At a meeting of the Board of Governors of the New Zealand Institute, hold yesterday forenoon, it was resolved to ask the Government to consent to the opening of the Museum on Sunday afternoons, as an experiment, which should bo x'atified or reversed at the end of three months’ time.

Yesterday being the anniversary of the coronation of her Most Gx'acious Majesty Queen Victoria, H.M.S. Nympho displayed her gayest colors. The Royal Standard was hoisted at Government House, aud several business people in the city also hoisted their flags.

The Exhibition in connection with the Working Men’s Club will bo opened by his Excellency tho Governor at 2 p.m. on Monday next. The Mayor aud Councillors have signified their intention of being present at the opening ceremony. The charge for admission will be two-aud-sixpence in the afternoon and a shilling in the evening. There will doubtless be a large attendance of the general public. The Mayor and City Council invite the citizens of Wellington to observe the afternoon of Monday as a public holiday on the occasion.

An excellent attendance greeted the reappearance of Mr. Lytton Sothern on the Wellington stage, at the Imperial Opera House last evening. The pit and stalls were quite full, aud both the dress aud family circle were largely patronised. The piece submitted was “ Our American Cousin,” in which the part of Lord Dundreary was sustained by Mi'. Sothern in a manner that stamped it as an unrivalled performance in New Zealand. We have already commented on his capital acting in this part during his first season in this city, and have only to add that last night his pourtrayal of Lord Dundreary was irresistible. Mr. Poole's Asa Trenchard was very good ; and Mx'. Huntley also acquitted himself very well as Buddioombe. Mr. Willis' scenery was shown off to great advantage, and the opening scene in the second act was exceedingly pretty. This evening the company will again appear, the programme comprising “ David Garrick,” with Mr. Sothern in the title role, and the laughable farce entitled “A Regular Fix.” The company have now a clear field, and no doubt they will see it to their advantage to prolong the season. The rooms at the Working Men’s Club are being gradually brought into order, but there is still a great deal of work to do, and the manager with his assistants aud many volunteer's are engaged all day and during the evening in arranging the exhibits. This is a difficult task, for the articles are of varied description, and the space available is not nearly so large as could bo wished. On the walls of one room there is a large aud appai'ently complete collection of ferns which has been greatly admired. There are a number of Maori and other curiosities, oases of birds, stuffed animals, models of vessels aud boats, a Rob Roy canoe, several mechanical contrivances, engineers’ and other plans, &o. One thing which is sure to prove a great attraction is the railway ticket printer used at the Government offices, which can print, number, and perforate as many as 10,000 rail v: ay tickets per hour. In the picture gallery there are a number of well executed pieces of wool work, skilfully contrived copies of pictures, but their position among oil and water-color paintings is not advantageous. They would look much better in another room, and their brilliant colors mar the effect of the delicate watercolor landscapes. The wall space now occupied by them could easily be filled by paintings yet to come in. It is expected that everything will be ready by the hour of opening on Monday afternoon. The Nundle correspondent of tho Tamworth Observer (New South Wales) writes, 3rd June, that the service was being conducted in the Church of England, when a stranger entered the yard, quietly appropriated a saddle, the property of Mr. Howarth, and walked off. Information was some time afterwards given to Constable Cooch, who, with Mr. W. McMillan, went out to Taylor’s Gate, about a mile from Nundle. He then received information which led him to go a little distance further, to a place where he discovered a man sitting by a fire. Coocb got off bis horse, with a view to securing the man quietly. He had hardly dismounted, however, when the villain warned him not to approach, as he was armed, aud followed up his caution by firing at Cooch, aud then seizing his saddle, which was on the ground, leaped ou his horse aud made off. Cooch pursued him, and fired. About a dozen shots were exchanged, when Cooch at last came almost near enough to seize him, when his horse came against a stump, fell to the ground, and rolled upon Cooch with great force. Cooch was taken up insensible, and the villain made off. A fencer named Campbell believes he saw Gooch’s assailant ride round Mr. Taylor’s house that night, aud get hunted off by the dogs. Mr. Taylor aud his family were all aroused by the firing, and gave poor Cooch all the assistance necessary. His injuries consist of a sprained ankle aud several other minor wounds and bruises ; the horse is badly staked. During the encounter the fellow dropped the saddle, which turns out to be the one stolen; a bullet had passed through the kneepad, so there was close shaving. The scene of operations was examined by Mx% Macnamara and othei'3, and there cannot be a doubt the affair was of a most deadly nature. On Tuesday morning (says the Sydney Mail of Juno 15) an attempt was made to bring off a prize-fight that has been the leading topic of conversation in cex-tain circles for some weeks past. Tho two pugilists, with their friends, left for Botany some time before noon ; but, owing to a misunderstanding as to the place of meeting, the parties became separated, and the police arriving at the spot where one of the men was located, all communication between the intended combatants was out off. Several troopers searched the bush between the Sir Joseph Banks Hotel and Bunnerong ; but, although one of the men was sighted, they had not succeeded in effecting a capture when darkness set in. Several fi'ee fights took place amongst the crowd assembled near the hotel, and some members of tho police force were handled i-ather roughly for what was considered undue interference.

The intellectual abilities of the Japanese race (says Nature) have been displayed in a striking manner by a quartet of students from that country now studying in Berlin. One of these, Dr. Dirokitao, has lately invented an ingenious optical instrument termed the lenoscops, which measures- the variations in the perception of light and color by the human eye, in accordance with tho strictest mathematical law. Another, who has attained tho rank of lieutenant in tho Prussian army, has introduced a remarkable simplification in the Manner rifle, which has succeeded tho historical needle-gun. Two more, who are prosecuting their chemical studies under Professor Hofmau, have published for two years past several interesting synthetical researches on the aromatic scries.

A Ballarat miner named Henry Boworman evidently has friends who thoroughly believe in him. He stands charged with wounding Sue Foon, a Chinaman, and has been bailed out in the sum of £3OOO. It will bo remembered (says the Miner, of the 1-ith June) that tho City Bench, in view of Suo Foon’s critical state, refused to extend Bowerman’s bail. Tho friends of the latter, however, consented to enlarge it to the amount stated above, and the magistrates felt justified in accepting it. Suo Foon is now in a very critical condition, and seems gradually getting worse. His recovery must bo looked upon as impossible, for brain matter continues to ooze from the wound in his head.

The municipal boroughs around Sydney are making vigorous efforts to persuade the Government to construct circular suburban lines of railway without delay. Subscriptions (says the Sydney Mail) limited to sixpence, are being collected for the boy Pearce for his bravery in connection with the Loch Ard.

Mr. Edward Wilson, proprietor of the Melbourne Argus, who lately died at Hayes’ Place, in Kent, has left (says the European Mail) bequests to the public institutions of the colony with which he was so long identified of the aggregate value of £OO,OOO. Mr. Wilson always cherished an affectionate and grateful feeling towards the colony of Victoria. They have unearthed (says the Register) what is said to be a blunder in the Municipal Corporations Act in Wanganui. The Act in question provides that a third of the Councilcillors shall retire each year, but says nothing as to how the retiring members are to be selected in case the whole Council has been elected without opposition, as was the case in Wanganui. The difficulty can only occur again once more, namely, next- year, and in the meantime it could surely be got over by drawing lots, or by ballot. Once the Act is in full working order in an old municipality, the position cannot possibly re-occur. An opportunity will shortly be afforded to those who may be desirous of securing a freehold out of the city and yet not at an inconvenient distance away. Creswick, the property of Mx*. A. Magmity, consisting of forty-six acres, is now being out up into building allotments, varying in size from a quarter of an aero to an acre. It is within easy distance of town, being adjacent to Baker’s Hill, Tinakoriroad, and adjoining the property of the Hon. C. J. Phavazyn. As the land is beyond the city boundaries, and consequently free from Corporation rates, we have no doubt that it will meet with a ready sale. The large house and garden form part of the property, and the whole will be submitted to public competition by Messrs, J. H. Bethuue and Co. at an early date.

With reference to the meteor seen lately, we (S. M. Herald) have received several letters. One correspondent says he saw the meteor from near Richmond. It seemed to him to be about 400 yards distant, at an angle of about 30 degrees, coming from a S.E. by E. direction towards N. W. by N.; and, on nearing the earth, it “ suddenly collapsed, leaving a streak of cloud in the hitherto cloudless sky.” No report was heard, though our correspondent, when he witnessed a similar phenomenon some weeks ago on the Borah Creek, heard a “ tremendous report.” Another correspondent was in a boat between Pyrmont and Balmain when he saw the meteor, like a brilliant light descending in a straight line at a very rapid rate, at an angle of about 35 degrees, and coming from the S.S.E. It is the opinion of this observer that the meteor fell in the waters of Johnston's Bay. He also noticed that it left a line of white cloud to mark its track. This correspondent desires to be informed whether he was under an optical delusion in supposing that the meteor was so close. With regard to this Mr, Russell states that he has received letters from persons in different parts of the colony who saw the meteor, and in some instances from long distances away, and from widely separated districts. But, strange to say, nearly all the observers are under the impression that the meteor fell within a short distance of where they were individually at the time.

Among the Chinese, one of the common names for a foreigner, especially an Englishman, is, “ I say,” which derived its use simply from the Chinese hearing our sailors and soldiers frequently ejaculate the words when conversing, as, for example, “ I say, Bill, thereto a queer looking pigtail !” The Chinese look it for a generic name, and would use it among themselves in the most curious way, as, for example, “ A red-coated I say sent me to buy a fowl or, “ Did you see a tall I say here a while ago ?’* The application is, however, not more curious than the title of “John” bestowed on the Chinaman by most foreigners as a generic distinction. Less flattering epithets used to be freely bestowed on us, such as “ foreign devil,” “ red-haired devil,’’ &c. The Wide Bay News (Queensland) says a fine lad of eighteen named Pierie, who had been for some years on Manumbar station, being missed from home, a search party was organised, and the body of the unfortunate youth was found in the bush, at about three miles from the head station. It is supposed that deceased, in riding through the bush, observed a mob of wild horses, and going in pursuit came in contact with a tree on which some of his hair was found sticking. Death must have been instantaneous. Pierie was greatly liked; he was a magnificent specimen of Australian youth, being over six feet in height.

One of the most remarkable mines in California Gulch (says the Rocky MounAain Tourist) is in leads three feet iu thickness, the ore from which yields from 240 to 270 ounces of silver to the ton, and lies like a coal bank in a stratification of limestone, dipping about 15 degrees. Two openings have been made at points 600 feet apart, and sufficient ore is in sight to make millions of the ‘‘dollars of our daddies.” The owners have gone far enough to know that there is a full acre of the ore in the one solid body, and some conception may be formed of the amazing richness of this discovery by a brief calculation of its dimensions. A cubic foot weighs 170 pounds, and, as the ore lies, 12 cubic feet make a ton. There are 43,560 square feet iu an acre ; and the acre of ore, being three feet in thickness, makes 130,680 eubic feet, which, with 12 cubic feet to the ton, makes 10,900 tons, worth 250 dollars per ton, or the enormous value in the aggregate of 2,700,000 dollars. The Crescent is another mine worked like a coal-bed, the ore lying horizontally iu the large room that has been opened, the roof being held up by heavy timbers with very stout caps and tugging-poles. The ore breasts from a foot to three and four feet, and occassionaliy very fine specimens of horn silver are found.

One of the good effects that will result from the career of the Australian cricketers iu England (says the Sydney Mail) is the contradiction it will give to the frequently expressed conviction that colonial youths have not the stamina of their forefathers. That such an opinion should have existed is not to be wondered at, when, in addition to the great difference between the climates of England and Australia, it was noted that colonial children grow with a rapidity which, according to old-world experiences, was inconsistent with the possession of much physical strength. Here, in the colonies, we have had misgivings as to the physique of our youth, and have doubted whether succeeding generations would not show a falling-off from the parent stock. Energy and dash we know they have ; the questions to be solved are—Have they endurance or staying powers ?—have they the old indomitable spirit that can take punishment, never knowing when it is beaten, never to be broken or crushed, and ever ready to spring up with fresh vigor and life under any and every circumstance of possible depression and defeat ? The manner in which Trickett acquitted himself, and the success of the cricketers, go far towards answering these questions. Trickett’s triumph might have been received as an accident or exceptional circumstance, but, being backed up by, as it is, the prowess of the other youngsters, there is some warrant for assuming that there is no lack of stamina in Australian youth. Because native children develop rapidly, it does not follow that there is such a loss of strength as attends quick growth at Homo. It would appear to be a fair presumption that there is that iu our climate which, while promoting physical growth, accompanies it also with equal vigor and vital force.

The Portland Guardian (Victoria) says : “ Captain Murdoch, of the Cuzco, iu speaking of hia voyage to Portland, states that from the time ho left the Cape of Good Hope he sighted no laud until ho saw Capes Nelson and Bridgewater, having worked entirely by his chronometers. Ho intends to write to the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce, pointing out the absolute necessity of erecting a lighthouse on Cape Nelson, in order to afford some security to iuward-bound vessels, and states that only this is required to mako Portland the safest harbor on the coast. He is of opinion that had this lighthouse I „en iu existence, the unfortunate Loch Ard would never have been wrecked, as she would have been warned off the coast by the Cape Nelson light, and might thou either have kept out to sea, or run into Portland.”

A farmer who recently arrived from New Zealand, named John Booth, was walking up Little Lonsdale-street west about 9 o'clock yesterday morning (says the Melbourne Argus of the 20th instant), when two young men accosted him, and beggeda 6d, of him for drinks. In a moment of weakness he pulled out a purse containing II sovereigns, for the purpose of complying with the request. The purse was instantly snatched from his hand by one of the suppliants, while the other robbed him of his watch and chain. He called for assistance, but the thieves decamped before anyone came. Booth reported the affair at the Detec-tive-office, and gave a description of the offenders. The case >ras entrusted to Detac-

tives Ward and Hayes, and in the afternoon 'these officers found two men in Bourke-street who answered the description given of the offenders, and arrested thorn. One gave his name as Arthur Lake, and described himself as a laborer, and the other was a sailor named Joseph Huffy, alias Liverpool. The stolen watch was found in Daffy’s possession, and both prisoners were identified by Booth as the persons who had robbed him.

The Mebourne Aigus of the 20th inst. says : —The difficulty which has arisen in connection with the proposed cable contract with the Indian Government has not yet been settled. Pressure is put by the colonial Governments on the Eastern Extension Company to secure a three-fourths reduction for Press messages right through from London to Fort Darwin, but the Indian Government has so far declined to mike any such concession, alleging that it is forbidden to do this by the terms of the Geneva Convention, and, moreover, that if it reduced its charges for the Australian Press the Indian Press would claim the same advantage. The Indian Extension Company, for their part, do not think that they should be called upon to pay the Indian rate, but suggest that the matter should be left in abeyance until the next of the triennial conventions, the redaction to be made meanwhile on the other portions of the Hue. The amount in dispute is 7d. per wonj. Colonel Glover proceeds to New Zealand to-day, where he will meet Mr. Burns, the representative of New South Wales, and will with that gentleman endeavor to overcome the difficulties raised by Sir George Grey with regard to New Zealand becoming a party to the proposed arrangement. [Colonel Glover arrived in Wellington yesterday by the s.s. Arawata.] At Napier recently a telegram from New South Wales was put in evidence during a trial at the Supreme Court. His Honor the presiding Judge made a few. remarks on the superior and convenient description of telegraph forms issued by the Sydney Government. He also said the writing on it was like copperplate, and very unlike the scrawls we usually get in New Zealand.