The New Zealand Times. (PUBLISHED DAILY.) SATURDAY, JULY 20, 1878.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5402, 20 July 1878, Page 2

The New Zealand Times. (PUBLISHED DAILY.) SATURDAY, JULY 20, 1878.

We have ventured to appropriate, for the use of our .readers, the article which Ministers published yesterdny, purporting to contrast tho present happy condition of political affairs in this colony with that which is - said by them to have existed “ a week before “the commencement of last session,” and to prove to all mankind the advantages which have accrued to this colony, and to the whole human race, for all time, from the presence of tho “strong, “ united Govern meat, bound together “by weli understood principles, and “ with a definite object before it,” with which this colony is now blessed. We reprint also,as atl t ting pendant to this manifesto, the article from tho “Otago Daily “ Times,” in which the results of the Waitara meeting with Hewx are set but, and the prin'cely and benevolent projects- of that warrior chief, inspired as he must have ’been to “extraordinary enthusiasm” by the wet weather and the presence of tho Premier, —are recounted. We invite the attention of our readers to those two very remarkable papers. About Christmas time last year, Sir Hercules • Robinson was distributing prizes to the boys of the Sydney Grammar School, and on that occasion he pronounced a discourse to his “ young “friends” which, was replete with practical good sense, and brightened with humor. Being only the words of a “Governor” we cannot expect that they will be respectfully received or considered by Sir George Grey ; but his colleagues are boastful of their youth, and as they are manifestly given to tho colonial vice of “ blowing,” wo quote for their edification, —and with special reference to their performance of yesterday,—a portion of Sir Hercules Robinson’s ’speech :

Many of you have, no doubt, read Trollope’s amusing description of Australian “ blowing." but perhaps few of you have read a charming little book by Kingsley—" The Boy in Grey.' 1 I was reading it tho other evening to my own little boy—whoso performances, by tho way, in the blowing line are of no mean order—(laughter)—when' I came upon a passage which I endeavored to explain to him as pointing a moral especially applicable to his case. The “ Boy in Grey” and “ Prince Philareto” were going round the world in a birch-bark canoe, and in tho description of what they saw on their tour tho following passage occurs " Well, they saw something when they approached the Australian shore. All tho male adult colonists were down on tho shore, aud every man had brought his grandmother, and every man had brought an egg, ami was showing his grandmother how to suck it. (Laughter,) * Conic here/ they cried, as Gil and the Prince coasted along; ‘come hero, you too, and learn to suck eggs. We will teach you to suck all kinds of eggs, not merely those of tho emu and talegalla, but those of tho blue-throated warbler. And wo will teach y*bu to suck eggs which wj have never seen. Como a-horo, come ashore/ ” (Laughter.) Now, my boys, I da not moan to say that this story is especially applicable to you; bub wo all know how easy it is to acquire bad habits from those about us, and so I would just give you these words of advice— Don't blow; don’t think you know more than your grandmother; and, above a11,,h0 modest. Remember that of all tho charms of youth modesty is the most engaging and attractive. (Cheers).

If Ministers have all the charms of youthfulness they have not yet got the graceof modesty. Possibly the qqaiut appearance, aide by aide of thoae two literary gems, from their own paper and from the “ Otago Times,” in a now setting, may induce tho reflection that, whilst’a little truthfulness and the thinnest veneer of modesty wojild lend charms oven to a strong and- united Government, these would bo at once dccus el tutameii for a conspicuously weak and divided Government.- Tho people of New Zealand, like the “Boy in Grey,” and his companion, the Prince Philuroto, may think that teaching one’s grandmother to suck eggs is not tho highest development of statecraft, and would not consider it necessary to lose time in order to ■ witness that “ trick,” even if tho eggs were, like Sir George Grey’s nation, “such as had “ never boon seen.” All this stage patter is therefore wasted.

These twin newspaper leaders are really very curious and interesting literary examples of “ blowing,” and as such wo proservo them. No one, we presume, can bo even for a moment deceived. The Waitara story of the ■ “Daily-Times ” is just ns true as the picture of “Now and thou,” which Minister's evolved from their

imagination yesterday for their own encouragement and that of their party. In a friendly way wo give them the help of additional publication of*their advertismentof themselves, on our usual terms — il gratis.”

The Zealandia, which left Auckland on the 25th 'ultimo with the Australian and New Zealand June mails for London, arrived at San Francisco on the 17th instant, a day in advance of the due date.

The Hiuemoa brought up the Melbourne mails transhipped from the Tararua at Port Chalmers. The Ilinemoa sails to-morrow at five, taking a supplementary mail tor San Francisco.

The Kennedy has been substituted for the Wallace, for the purpose of bringing over the West Nelson, and Marlborough outward ’Frisco mails, for transhipment to the Rotorua. The Hon. Mr. Burns, Postmaster-General of New South Wales, will arrive by the Rotorua, and will proceed to Auckland per Hiuemoa, The outgoing mail to-day will take to England 57 nominations of immigrants. During the year ended 30th June last the number of nominations was 901.

A deputation from Greymouth, consisting of Messrs. Nanoarrow (Mayor),* Guineas, Corby (chairman), and Martin Kennedy, accompanied by Mr. Charles Woolcock, M.H.R., waited on the Hon. Colonel Whitmore, who is in charge of the Charitable Aid Department, rc' the balance deducted from the subsidies of the borough of Greymouth and county of Grey for charitable purpose*, which has not been handed over to the Greymouth Hospital, as it should have been, to the amount of £470 ; also, as to a sum of £SOO promised by the Premier on his late visit to Greymouth as a grant in aid to the above-named institution. It appears that arrangements were made for the duly handing over of the amount of subsidies from the local bodies to the hospital, while the payment of the promised sum of£soo as a grant in aid will remain amongst the Premier’s unredeemed pledges. In the Supreme Court yesterday morning there was the usual militia parade, although on this occasion the number was not large. Captain Ledger was allowed to plead her Majesty’s service* as a bar to attendance on the jury. Mr. Joe Dransfield also raised the same plea, but did so reluctantly, and after failing to be excused on the ground that he was Mayor of the city. His Honor the Chief Justice stated he could not exempt the Mayor unless the law provided for it, whereupon Mr. Dransfield said, “ I would have preferred nob' to put my. exemption on the ground of being an ’officer in the militia, but I can .make that claim legally.” Mr. George Fisher next claimed exemption, but did nob give any reason, and his Honor said unless Mr. Fisher asserted that he was unfit either mentally or physically to serve, he could not be excused ; of course the juror could not plead any infirmity, and lie had to be sworn, Mr. Lewis Moss claimed and obtained exemption on the ground of being superintendent of Fire Brigade j and his Honor remarked that it would apparently be necessary that Mr. Moss should give himself a certificate stating that he was a member of a fire brigade. Mr, James was fined £5 for non-attendance. Captain Bendall, who did not appear, was said to be ah Wanganui, and as it was stated that the summons had not been served three clear days before the trial, he was not bound to attend. Mr. Hirst asked to be allowed to go, and pleaded that he had served on the jury for three days during the week. Counsel du each side agreed that Mr. Hirst might leave, bub when the list had been gone through there was still one man short, and Mr. Hirst had to take his seat. It appeared that only 19 Instead of 24 persons had been served, and owing to this a difficulty in .securing twelve men arose.

At a meeting of the Diocesan Committee, held on Thursday evening, at which were present the Eight Eev. Bishop HadSeld, the Eevs. Coffey and Fanconrt, and Messrs. Hunter, Lowe, Quick, and Powles, an application for a loan of £l5O, in aid of the erection of a school for St. Mark’s parish, was granted. It was also resolved to raise a sum of money by mortgaging the property recently acquired in Tinakori-road, so as to repay advances made for the purchase by the Diocesan Fund.

The sub-committee appointed By the'Working Men’s Club to interview the Premier in reference to obtaining a portion of the books in the Provincial Library for the use of the club, have received a letter from Mr. E, Fox, the private secretary, stating that Sir George Grey regrets that illness has prevented him attending to the matter during the past few days, but that he will be happy to receive the deputation appointed to wait upon him at halfpast 11 o’clock on Monday next. Sergeant-Major Dinneen, who succeeded Sergeant-Major Chandler some months ago at the Armed Constabulary -Depot, has been ordered to the Patea District. His place has been filled by Sergeant .Coleman, who came from England as drill instructor, and has been for soma years instructing the South Island volunteers.

An extraordinary case of attempted suicide, under the influence of strong drink, occurred yesterday evening at an early hour, the circumstances being these. Constable Coffey, while on duty on Lambton-quay, observed a drunken man staggering about the roadway, whom he ordered off. The tipsy individual, who was accompanied by a friend, moved up a bye-way, and as lie was going said something about drowning himself. He aftewards returned to the main road and went towards the wharf, Constable Coffey following, lest there should be any attempt to carry out the threat before mentioned. It is’ fortunate that the constable did so, for on the intoxicated man reaching the middle of the wharf, Tie deliberately jumped into the water,- and must inevitably have been drowned bub for the assistance rendered by some seamen who were Standing near at the time, together with Constable Coffey. The would-be suicide was fished out considerably sobered by contact with the water ; and as some friends of his were' near, they, by direction of the constable, took him home. The Fine Arts Exhibition drew another very crowded attendance last evening. The dissolving views proved a source of very great attraction, and gave every satisfaction. For this afternoon the manager, Mr. Cary, has made arrangements for an exhibition of'comic pictures particularly adapted for children, of whom a large attendance may be anticipated. To-night, the. last night of the Exhibition, will be made all the more attractive by the services of the late Theatre Royal band, under the direction of Mr. Spiller, having been secured. They will render a number of operatic selections during the evening. It is notified in our advertising columns that special recognition services in connection with the Baptist Church will be held to-morrow at the Polytechnic Hall, Featherston-street. The Rev.* H. B. Redstone will officiate in the morning, and the Key. G. W. Williams in the evening. Collections will be made in aid of the building fund. On Tuesday evening next there will be a tea and public meeting, at which Mr. T, Kirk, F.R.S., will preside, Tho performances of the Marionettes at the Theatre Royal last evening were under the patronage of his Excellency the Governor, and there.was a large attendance. There will bo an afternoon entertainment to-day for the convenience of families and visitors from the country, and. this night’s performance will terminate tho season. Tho company proceeds to Blenheim and Nelson, and thence to Auckland.

A Press Agency telegram received yesterday announces the wreck of the schooner Maiden City, bound from Wellington to Wanganui with a'cargo of railway material. A private telegram received from Captain Bendall last evening states that there is very little probability of either vessel or cargo being saved. Both, wo understand, are insured la Wellington. An obituary notice in to-day’s issue announces the death of Mr. John '.Dixon, coaehbuilder, of this city, formerly of Hokitika, in his 51st year. . The deceased-wak a Freemason of high standing, and was much and deservedly esteemed by a large circle of friends. The funeral will leave his lata residence, Oubastreet, at three o’clock to-morrow (Sunday! afternoon, whan friends are respectfully invited to attend.

The following civil oases were disposed of in the Resident Magistrate’s Court yesterday:—Casey and McDonald v. J. Hebberiey, £8 13s. 4d. ; judgment for amount and 15a. coats. Charles Colo v. Munro, £-1 12s. 2d.; judgment for amount and costs, ss.

. The Government, of Western Australia invite tenders from persons willing to remove the guano from the Lacepade Islands, situated in 17deg. 3., and 122 deg. 13. The islands are’ calculated to have at lcast’ 40,000 tons of guano upon (hetp. Tile teuwKTc has to bind himself intake the guano away at the rate of at least 20,0”00 fens pbp anuiiin.

A match will be played on the Basin Reserve at 2.30 p.m. to-day between the Excelsior and United Football Clubs. The Rev. Father Hennebery will preach at the Roman Catholic Cathedral at 11 a,m. tomorrow.

The parishioners o£ St. Mark’s pariah resolved last night to take steps with the view of purchasing an organ for the church.

On the criminal sheet at the Resident Magistrate’s Court yesterday there were only two cases of drunkenness, which wero dealt with in the usual manner.

Mr. Chatlield, the architect for the proposed additions and alterations to the old Wellington Club buildings, notifies that the time for receiving tenders has been extended until the 25th instant.

The Waimrapa Standard of Thursday last says ;—Through the inclemency of the weather on Saturday last the meeting to arrange for the Lower Valley.ploughing match fell through. It is called again foi Monday, July 22, at T p.m.

At a meeting of the householders of Tauhereuikan on Monday last the following persons were elected a school committee : Messrs. A. Wilkinson, O. Knight, F. Shaw, S. Yenuell, W. B. Cave, Edwards, and B. Dunn.

The “ Wellington Monthly Price Current ” issued to-day contains as usual a large amount bt useful and valuable information for business people. The manner in, which this publication is got up reflects credit upon the editor and proprietor, Mr. Carroll, secretary of the Chamber of Commerce.

We, New Zealand Herald, 15th inst. understand that, ■ upon the representation of the Auckland members, the Government have agreed to send the Hinemoa to the Manukau, to convey the representatives to Wellington for the session. A telegram was received to tliis effect by the Hon. W. Chamberlain on Saturday. The Inanyah.ua Herald, in noticing the general state of depression in that district, says:— We regret to find that the probabilities of a decreased gold production, indicated in our columns three months ago, have been amply verified by the facts, os shown by the reduced gold revenue-remitted from Wellington to the Council as the proportion payab'e to the Ihangahua County. We are informed that the amount received is not more than half of that •for corresponding preceding periods, and as they form the chief item of county income, it behoves the Council to provide for the speedy reduction of existing liabilities. The late heavy snowfalls have caused considerable losses among sheep in the Clntha district. The Clntha Lender states that large numbers of sheep were snowed-in on the ICurivvao Ranges, the snow having drifted into someof the gullies to the depth of seventeen and eighteen feet, and the sheep seeking shelter there were of course buried. Lots of them were rescued by digging them out from under the snow, but a great number perished. The country through the Gorge towards Otaria, otherwise very rough and hilly, presented a comparatively level appearance after the snowfall, showing what immense quantities of snow had fallen.

The Thames Advertiser of July 11th has the following;—“Mowbray Meggett, a sea captain, who has for some time past gained a livelihood by hawking smallware, was yesterday found dead in his cottage, Sandes-street, Block 27, another victim of intemperance. Deceased was last seen alive on Monday, when ho seemed as usual. His house had since been looked up, and a neighbor named Henderson, who suspected that something was wrong, got inside the house yesterday morning, and discovered the occupant reclining with, his head in the fireplace, but on examination found he was quite dead. Deceased was an old colonist. As early as 1544 ho was commander of a trading barque between Auckland and Sydney. Captain Meggett was well known as the master of the English barque Terror, and in company with Oaptain’Daldy, of Auckland, in the Shamrock. He afterwards owned a smart little schooner,and traded to the Islands; and then left Auckland for Sydney, where, for somo time, he was in one of Captain Towns’s traders. He next turned up at the Thames a few years ago, and when he had exhausted remittances of which he was in periodical receipt, he gained a livelihood by hawking smallware goods in a basket, and traversed the hills in search of customers. But he was frequeiltly of late found in a state of stupefaction from drink, and neglected himself to so great an extent that those who knew him feared he would come to an untimely end. His remittances were invariably banked and drawn upon until exhausted, ahd.last week he suffered forty-eight hours’ incarceration for his besetting sin.” The examination by the jury (says the Thames Advertiser) of the house—or, rather, shanty—occupied by the late Captain Meggett, who was found dead on Wednesday, disclosed a shocking, state of affairs. The house is very leaky,- and nearly the whole of the windowpanes are broken, and boards' nailed over them. The floor was literally covered with filth, and the stench arising therefrom was simply unbearable. Deceased must have lived a miserable life. The furniture was of a wretched description, consisting of a rickety table, a chair, and a stool. There was no sign what-’ ever of a bed of any kind ; the only article approaching one being the remains of what had evidently been a blanket, which was Spread onJ the floor.- In the way of eatables, about a sackful of bread crumbs lay on the floor, some of them having probably been there for a long time ; and suspended from the rafters were found three mutton chops, which were nearly in a. putrid state. The deceased had the means of purchasing nourishment, as the sum of £1 4s. was found in the house, whilst it is believed he had a further sum of £2O or £3O lodged in one of the local banks. When found the deceased had parts of his body exposed, and his clothing was in a very worn-out condition. A few days previous to his decease ho proceeded to a neighbor's, and hearing one of the daughter’s playing the pianoforte, he said it reminded him of his daughter at Home. He said that he had a wife and daughters in England, who were well married, and they were in the habit of forwarding him remittances by every mail. I-am quite certain (says “Atlas,” in the World,) that no one who has ever read them has forgotten, or even can forget, the wonderful letters which appeared in the Daily News describing the arduous march of Gourko’s army through the Orellanie Pass, and the horrors of the advance from Sophia to Phillippopolis. The author of those letters was a young American named Millett, who began life as a drummer in the Federal ajiny during the civil war, was promoted to be an hospital assistant, and hr.s for somo years been studying art and painting on the Continent, where some of his work is not unfamiliar to visitors to the Paris salons. Mr. Millett combined in the recent campaign the the duties of journalist and artist. He •-illustrated in the Graphic the letters from his pen in the Daily News, and it is not easy to pronounce which kind of work was better douo. Mr. Millett arrived in London lately, his main purpose, I believe, being to arrange for the disposal of a book which ho means to write, to contain all details of an episode of which Mr. Millett was the only civilian witness, and to bo illustrated profusely by the sketches which he made with great perseverance whenever he could get his hand sufficiently thawed to hold the pencil.