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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5441, 4 September 1878, Page 2

In the Legislative Council last night, in committee on the Juries Act, the Hon. Mr. Reynolds suggested to the Colonial Secretary the advisability of increasing the amount proposed to be allowed by the Act to special jurors after'the first day, viz., 10a ; this Mr. Reynolds considered would not compensate any man. Col. Whitmore said the duty of serving one’s country (always an honor) should count for something. But Mr. Reynolds couldn’t see it, and expressed the groat willingness with which he would transfer the duty, honor and all, of sitting for several days on a a special jury to the Colonial Secretary.

Jn the Legislative Council last, night two new clauses were introduced into the Juries Act by Colonel Whitmore and agreed to. The one does away with the immunity enjoyed by militia officers from serving on special juries, and the other exempts bank managers. Militia commissions will be at a discount henceforth.

In the House yesterday Mr. Thomson mentioned that a copy of the Treasurer’s speech at Marten had been sent to him, and he had been compelled to pay 4d. for it, it having been insufficiently stamped. Amid a- good deal of laughter the hon. member said ho hod grudged having to pay that sum for the speech, for really it was not worth it. In response to an invitation from Councillor Maginity the ratepayers of Thorndon Ward met that gentleman at the Princess Hotel, Molesworth-street, last evening. Pressure on our space to-day reluctantly compels us to curtail our report of the proceedings. Mr. George Anderson occupied the chair, and Mr. Maginity gave an account of his stewardship, which was apparently most satisfactory to the ratepayers present, who, on tho motion of Mr. Gregg, seconded by Mr. Eurrett, passed a unanimous vote of confidence in Mr. Maginity as a fit and proper person to represent the ward in the City Council. At the ordinary rate of land tax proposed by tho Government the purchaser of tho Supreme Court House site, Lambton quay, would have to pay at the rate of Bs. Bd. per foot on that property. Such is the result of Mr. Thomson’s calculations, and ho thinks it is rather mysterious that that site should stillbe connected with six and edghtpences.

Our readers may be glad to learn that Wellington province seems likely to redeem its character as a grain-growing district. Ws hoar upon good authority that from one small port on the East Coast four hundred tons of grain will probably be shipped to this city during the early part of the coming year. A considerable reduction in the charges for freight maybe predicted with certainty now that the monopoly in the trade which existed for many years has been upset. Grain growers w the 'Wharcama district will have the further advantage of a, much earlier harvest than the Canterbury farmers. We hope the enterprise of those who first ventured into this businees will be-well rewarded. ...... A literary and musical entertainment will bo given at the Athonjeinn by the fat. Xauls choir to-morrow (Thursday) evening, at eight o’clock.

i A musical and literary entertainment is to bo given at the Athenaeum to-morrow evening by. the members of the St. Paul’s Church choir. .From the energetic manner in which tho tickets are being disposed of a full attendance and an excellent concert may be anticipated. At a meeting of the Wellington Literary Association, held last evening, the following oliicers were elected for the ensuing year : President, the Rev. J. Paterson ; vice-presi-dents, Messrs. K. Campbell, R. Gardner, and W. Bishop ; committee, Messrs. A. Farmer,' W. Hopkirk, W. H. Renner, andW. Waddell; secretary, Mr. O. A- Baker ; treasurer, Mr. J. ICirker ; librarian, Mr. W. Miller. Cheevers, Kennedy, and Bent's Minstrels made their first appearance last night at the Theatre Royal, under the management of Mr. Martin. Simonsen, who is well and favorably known here in connection with English opera. There was a capital house, considering the state of tho weather and counter attractions elsewhere. On the rising of the curtain the Minstrels met with an enthusiastic reception, and the manner in which the programme was carried out well merited the applause which was elicited during the entertainment. The introductory overture went very smoothly. The first part of the programme was heartily received, “ Don't get weary,” by Mr. Cheevers, and “ Sweet chiming bells,” by Mr. Campbell, being apparently amongst the pieces most appreciated by the audience, while “ Maggie Dale," by Mr. Drayton, and “The mother to her child,” by Mr. Roper, wont very well, and “ This old hat,” by Mr. Bent, drew forth a hearty encore. Mr. Reid showed his tenor voice to advantage in “ The sweet good-bye.” The finale of tho first part, “All the world’s a stage,” was full of mirth anil humor, and concluded amidst rounds of applause. Cheevers and Kennedy, in their speciality entitled “Take me home,” are two of the best variety performers that have visited Wellington, and fairly brought down the house. Mr. J. Drayton’s descriptive song which followed was given with very good effect. The “ Lawyer’s Clerk,” in which Messrs. Bent, Drayton; Campbell, and Cheevers appeared, took amazingly well with the audience. The solo on the violin by Mr. Thompson was a well manipulated performance. The double American land jig again introduced Messrs. Cheevers and Kennedy, with still greater success than iu their previous speciality; and the laughable sketch of “ The Man from America ” brought to a conclusion one of the best and most enjoyable evening’s entertainments of the kind ever witnessed iu Wellington. From the success of last night’s entertainment a crowded house to-night may confidently be anticipated.

The adjourned meeting of the law clerks of the city of Wellington’ was held at the offices of Mr. F. M. Ollivier yesterday afternoon, Mr. Oliver Samuel in the chair. The draft rules were submitted to the meeting and finally adopted. The election of officers next took place, when Mr. Travers was elected president, Mr. Chapman vice-president, Mr. J. M. Speed secretary, and the following were appointed a committee to manage the affairs of the society.:—Messrs, Harrison, May, Leokie, Devine, and Perkins. A very cordial vote of thanks was passed thanking Mr. Samuel for his exertions and for presiding over the meeting. The meeting was adjourned to enable the committee to make the necessary arrangements for tlie delivery of the first lecture. The society is one that is deserving of support from all members of tbe legal profession in Wellington, and should bo one of the moat flourishing of its kind in New Zealand.

A facetious stranger informed us this morning that these' German festivities were to be avoided, because they were sometimes carried to excess. When we remonstrated seriously with him, he astonished us by saying that he had just ,seen his Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Germany sitting down on tho pavement in Willis-street as large as life. He added that ho knew the Emperor appeared at the banquet last night in uniform, and he supposed his Majesty must have exceeded a little, as bo was at that very moment being carried down the street. It was too bad of our friend to mystify us iu this way by thus darkly referring to the Consul’s portrait of Frederick William.

There was a good attendance at the Imperial Opera House last evening, when Lord Lytton’s celebrated play of “Richelieu” was performed, Mr. Hoskins sustaining the character of the Cardinal—unquestionably one of his best impersonations ; Miss Colville appearing as Julie de Mortemar, and Miss Andrews as Francois. Tho piece was admirably played throughout, and deservedly applauded. To-night Miss Andrews will take her benefit, and “ East Lynne” will be placed upon the stage, when another crowded house may be confidently expected. 'A meeting of the Anglican Bishop’s residence fund committee was held yesterday. Present— Messrs. E. Pearce (in the chair), G. Hunter, M.H.U., Levin, Kobbell, Marten, and Powles. Tho following donations were reported:—Hon. J. Johnston, M.L.0., £IOO ; G. Hunter, Esq., M.H.R., £IOO ; W. H. Levin, Esq., £SO. These amounts, together with the sums already subscribed, bring the total up. to £963. The committee was of opinion that contributions from the several parishes and the diocesan fund might reasonably be expected in aid of the object in view. On behalf of St., Mark’s parish Mr. Hunter guaranteed £SO, and Mr. Rous Marten undertook to bring the question before the parishioners of St. Peter’s, Mr. Powles promising to do the same with reference to the St. Paul's parishioners. With the sum already subscribed, aud the prospect of its being shortly considerably augmented, there can be very little doubt that the object in view—the providing a suitable residence for the Anglican Bishop—will shortly bo accomplished. _____________