GENERAL SUMMARY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5473, 11 October 1878, Page 2

GENERAL SUMMARY.

A New Zealand “Gazette” of September26th contains a statement of the returns of traffic of the several railways of the colony for the four weeks ended 24th August last, and for the corresponding four weeks of 1877, which are as follows:

The number of miles open for traffic is stated at 1063, tho four-weekly revenue being £44,059 15s. The total revenue of the financial year up to date (August 24) is £87,645 6s. 6d., and the total expenditure to date. £67,268 Is. Bd. Percentage of expenditure to revenue, 76*75. The llegistrar-General’s report on the vital statistics of the Boroughs of Auckland, Thames, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Hokitika during the mouth of August last are published in the New Zealand Gazette issued on Sept. 20. The total number of births and deaths at these places, and the proportion of deaths to the 1000 of population, are as follows :

The total deaths in these boroughs increased from 97 in July to 105 in August. In Wellington they increased from 13 in July to 25 in August ; but in Christchurch there was a decrease in the number from 20 in July to 11 in August. Zymotic Diseases,—The number o£ deaths from these causes was in the low proportion of 8*66 per cent of the total deaths, the lowest proportion during 1877 having been 17*36 per cent, in August, and the highest, 46*94, in January, Of these deaths last mouth one from diptheria occurred in Wellington, and one from typhoid fever in Christchurch. Constitutional Diseases.—Deaths from these diseases were somewhat more numerous than in July ; of these pthisis caused 13 in August against 10 in July. Jjocal Diseases.—These diseases caused an increase in the number of deaths from 47 in July to 55 in August, deaths from diseases of the respiratory organs having increased from 12 in July to 19 in August, and diseases of the digestive organs from 5 in July to 11 in August. A fourth Imprest Supply Bill passed on September 24. The sura voted on imprest this year so far totals up a million sterling. The Auckland Waste Lands Board at a meeting on Thursday, October 3rdJ considered the Broomhall purchase, and adopted the following resolution, —That inasmuch as the distinct understanding upon which the Auckland Land Board entered into negotiations with Broomhall for sale to him of a block of laud at the Thanms was the introduction of a certain specified number of immigrants, and the erection of a specified number of houses; and inasmuch as it appears that Mr. Broomhall is or has been in treaty to transfer the rights granted to him to a public company, who may not carry out in a bona fide way Mr. Broomhall’s agreement,—the Board is of opinion that tho Broomhall Validation Act, now before the House, might contain a clause embracing the original conditions of the settlement upon which this Board concluded its negotiations with Mr. Broomhall before issuing the Thames grant. The Board also resolved, on the suggestion of Mr. Tole (chairman), that a recommendation be made to the Minister of Lands for authority to set apart certain lands for secular education. A meeting of Presbyterians carried a resolution in favor of establishing a * sustentation fund, eo as to give a uniform stipend of £250 a year to each minister. ; H.M.S. Nymphe, from the Chathams, arrived in Auckland oh September 25th, and reports that the natives of those islands have caught and cured about 1500 albatrosses, and intend to send them to Taranaki, per Omaha, for tho great native meeting to be held next March. When the Nymphe was anchored at Hick's Bay on September 23rd it was reported that the native at Waiapu had quarrelled and formed two hostile parties, each taking possession of a pa, and maintaining a warlike attitude. The Waikato chief AVilliam Barton has determined to go to Wellington to aid Sir Grey. Ho has used his influence with the tribe to secure the capture of tho murderer Hiroki, if ho turns up in that vicinity. A deputation from the Chamber of Commerce consisting of Captain Bose, Mr. Levin, and Mr. S. Can-oil (secretary) waited upon the Premier on Sept. 14 in reference to the establishment of a Sailors’ Homo at Wellington. Mr. Levin stated that tho deputation desired to know whether the Government intended to grant any aid towards the object in view. Such an institution was much required here, ami if established it would probably tend to diminish tho system of crimping which had recently been established here, which would be a benefit to both seamen and their employers, and the Chamber of Commerce were, he understood, as a body, prepared to subscribe, and individual members were also willing to contribute. The Premier said his colleagues and himself were alive to tho importance of the question, aud of tho desirability of a Sailors’ Home being established at this port. A vote for the establishment of Sailors’ Homes would be placed on the Supplementary Estimates this session, and it the vote was passed £SOO should be appropriated to a Sailors’ Home at Wellington. _ Ho suggested that the Corporation should give 3. site. Mr. Levin concurred in tho Premier’s suggestion, aud further intimated that the deputation desired, in the event of a Sailors' Home beingestablished here, that the custodian should act as a shipping master, in which case shipowners and sailors need not go to the Custom House for the purpose of shipping men, &c., &c., .The Secretary of Customs, in reply to the Premier, said he saw no objection to the appointment of tho custodian of the Sailors Home as a shipping master, and Sir George Grey remarked that after what Mr. Seed had said he should certainly agree to the request. Tho deputation having thanked tho 1 leaner A supplement to tho New Zealand Gazette published on Monday, September 16th, contains i notification of an alteration m the rates of postage. Half-ounce letters to North America via Sau Francisco will be charged btl. each ; via Suez and Southampton, Bd.; and via Brindisi, lOd. Regulations are published establishing an inland pattern, sample, aud parcel post. Newspapers can bo sent to all parts of tho colony by affixing a halfpenny stamp. Tenders are invited until the 6th October for tho conveyance of inland mails to and from tho several post offices in the colony. Since the opening of tho railway to Dunedin a considerable number of business people from that city have been looking out for places in Christchurch to form branch establishments,

Mr. Ross, the energetic contractor for the works at the Hydrabad, is pushing on rapidly. Gangs of men' (says t\iQ Manaxoatu Times of the 4th iast.) are now taking out the cargo. Already 25 tons of cargo are on the beach ready : for carting, and with-the gear now at the vessel, from 20 to, 25 tons per day

can be got out. The steamer Ghmelg is coming from Sydney to assist in the operations, and as she left Sydney some days ago we may expect in a few days to hear of her arrival in Wellington. She is a twin-screw, 150 tons burden, and has 90 horse-power engines. She will take heavy cargo to Wellington, and will tend on the vessel. The work of discharging

will doubtless be rapidly performed, as the cargo will go both ways : in fiuo weather by sea to Wellington, and in rough weather along the beach to Hartley’s, where it will bo shipped into steamers and vessels in the Manawatu River.

The Chamber of Commerce sent per Albion on Saturday to Mr. Monckton Synuot, of Melbourne, samples of wool, to be forwarded by him to Japan, for submission to the Imperial Commissioners, to decide as to its suitableness for Japanese requirements. The annual general meeting of the Wellington Cricketers* Associationwas held on Monday at the Athenaeum. Mr, Kelly was in the chair, and a large number of delegates put in an appearance. The report of the committee was read and adopted, and it was agreed to print and circulate it amongst members of the asso-

ciation and the public, The election uf officers resulted as follows :—Patron: Sir Geo. Grey ; president: E. Pearce, Esq, ; vice-presidents : His Worship the Mayor, Hon. Randall Johnson, George Hunter, Esq., T, Buchanan, Esq., J. S. M. Thomson, Esq., G. Crawford, Esq.; match committee : Messrs. Blacklook, Hamilton, Kennedy, Kelly, Robinson ; general committee : Messrs. Blacklock (Star), Kelly (United), R. Leckie (Wanderers), Henery (Telegraph), Tastin (Rising Star), Danka (Royal Oak), S. Kennedy (Excelsior), 0. Daly, (Thorndon), J. P. Kennedy (Wellington), Buckland (College) ; hon. treasurer : J. J. M. Hamilton ; hon. secretary: Duncan Cameron. It was resolved, on the motion of the chairman, that a deputation should wait on the trustees of the Reserve with a view to secure a

space for cricketers exclusively; and it was unanimously carried that the footballers should be called on for their piomlsed subscription. A vote of thanks to the chairman brought an enthusiastic meeting to a close. A meeting of the stewards of the Wellington Racing Club was held at the Empire Hotel on September 16tb, when the programme for the annual meeting, to bo held at the Hutt Park Racecourse on the 6th and 7th February next, was arranged, and will be published immediately. On the first day the following events will come off : —Maiden Plate, of 75 sovs.; Hurdle Race, of 50 sovs.; Wellington Gold Cup, value 100 sovs., with 500 sovs. added ; Hutt Park Stakes, of 50 sovs.; Flying Stakes, of 50 sovs. Second day : Wellington Derby, of 100 sovs.; Hurdle Handicap, of 75 sovs.; Racing Club Handicap, of 200 sovs.; Free Handicap, of 50 sovs.; Empire Plate, of 100

sovs.; Consolation Stakes, of 50 so vs. This is the most liberal racing programme ever published in Wellington ; the total amount of money to be run for amounts to £I4OO, and some good sport may confidently be expected on this occasion.

The brigantine Active, which arrived at Auckland on Wednesday, September IBth, from. Samoa, reports that on the outward voyage, when about 120 miles to the east of Nukulaelae, vast quantities of pumice stone were passed, and the shores of Ellice Islands from Nukulaelae to Nucato and Noumea are

thickly covered with it, and there is no. exaggeration in saying that hundreds of tons, have been thrown up on every island. Stones, trees, and thick bamboos with roots attached are thrown up on some of the islands. Early in May the brig Isabelle (Evans master), from Sydney, called at Kaitupu and left a report that there had been some volcanic eruption in the Society Group. One report even says that Raistea and Borlbora were destroyed and 2000 lives lost. There were also passed, while beating back between Nukulaelae aud Fakiola, one maUU tree about 80ft. long, one cocoauut tree, and other gigantic forest trees,’all evidently proof that tho story of Captain Evans is probably only too true. Pumice stone to arrive on Ellice Islands about the middle of April, and continued to the middle of June. When first noticed there was no seaweed growth on the pieces and no barnacles, but by the beginning of June both began to be plainly noticeable. There is no trace of pumice in the Union or Gilbert groups, and the time of its arrival at the Ellice group will be interesting to those who study the question of ocean currents. The John Williams left again on the 24th for tho Society Islands and the Hervey group. Public-house property continues to bring hi«yh prices. The lease of the Post Office Hotel has changed hands recently from Mr. Overton to Mi*. Monk (late of Picton) for £2300 ; and the Newtown hotel, from Mr, Haynes to Mr. Ames, for £2OOO. The promoters of the Tramway Company have done more, it is said, than, they anticipated when they initiated the movement for establishing tramways in this city. It is stated that one effect of cheap and speedy means of communication is to materially lessen the consumption of spirits and beer, so much so as to seriously affect the receipts of the publicans. We wish no barm to the hotelkeepers of this city, who as a body are essentially respectable men; but if the' effect of tramways is to mitigate the curse of modern civilisation (drinking habits) then let tramways be made in every practicable direction.

Tho Poverty Bay Herald, of the 23rd Sept., says ;—The Bishop of Walapu, assisted by the Ten. Archdeacon Williams, the Bev. S. Williams, and tho Bev. Mr. Spencer, ordained at the Maori Church at Whakato yesterday, four natives, who have been for some time under Archdeacon Williamsprepariug for the ministry. The solemn ceremony was witnessed by a large number of Europeans and Maoris, the latter having travelled from all parts of the district to witness the proceedings. Prior to the ordination service, the Bev. S. Williams preached in Maori a most impressive sermon, in which he alluded to the solemn obligations which the four candidates for ordination were taking upon them. The natives present appeared to take a very deep interest in the ceremonies. After the service the Maoris placed refreshment before their visitors, and made their guests very welcome. In tho evening the Bishop preached at Holy Trinity Church. The following is a return of patients in the Provincial Hospital for the month of September, IS7S Admitted: 17 males, 2 females. Discharged : IS males, 5 females. Died : 4 males. Left in hospital: 40 males, 8 females. The Wanganui Chronicle of September 23rd says;—Sir. Tawse, the successful tenderer for laying tho permanent way to Kai Iwi, has lost no time in making a start. He expects to have thelino ready for traffic in about eight or nine weeks hence. We have received a copy of the second number of the TFaipait'a Mail (the first number did not reach us). It appears on the whole, both os regards the matter and the manner in which it is got up, a very creditable production. The local news, as must be tho case in a comparatively small inland town like Waipawa, is not very copious; but the extracts are evidently well and carefully selected. The leader in the issue before us treats of a new plan of railway construction as originated by Mr. Hadden (an English engineer, and lately chief engineer to the Turkish Government), and recommends the scheme to the attention of the New Zealand Government. The editor and proprietor of the Mail is Mr. Hugh Thomson, who is Welland favorably known in connection with journalism in Wellington, and in whose hands a successful career may bo expected for this new venture. _ . m ~ . Under the heading, “ Maori Troubles at Waiapu,” tho Gisborne Evening Herald* ays a messenger arrived in town on October 2ndi from Hicks Bay, bringing intelligence that the situation is still unchanged. The two napua aro entrenched in their respective pas, and fire at each other whenever an opportunity occurs. Thero has been a lot of firing, but up to the time of the messenger leaving no emmalties were reported. In ono instance a chief fired at a Maori point blank, but the shots, or more correctly speaking, the discharge, did not taka effect, tho assumption being that a number of tho rifles are loaded with blank cartridge. The Native Minister is using his influence to pacify the combatants. The dispute is over a small piece of land. At the stud-horse parade at finest lot of animals ever exhibited at one tuna in New Zealand was shown. There were 8-1 exhibits. At tho sale subsequently the highest prices realised were—Time-o’-Day, draught stallion, 250 guineas ; Young Melbourne, -oO guineas : Glengarry. 300 guineas; Dainty Davy, 150 guineas ; Old Times, 150 guineas. There is a groat outcry (says the Advocate of the 19th Sept.) for laboring men throughout the districts north of Wanganui. Mr. Robert Ecoles, a passenger by .the Lady Jocelyn, was fined £25 and had his property forfeited in Auckland, for smuggling eighteen watches and thirty razors ashore.

Returns for the Returns for the four weeks corresponding ended August 24 four weeks, 1S78. 1877. £ 8. d. £ s. d. Kaipara .. ,, SGI 1 2 . 321 10 G Auckland .. .. 3,352 10 10 . . 1.890 10 6 Napier .» 1,731 15 0 . . 1.397 14 9 Wellington 1,401 8 0 . . 832 11 6 Wanganui.. .. 1,055 14 3 . . 811 11 3 New Plymouth .. 441 17 11 . 149 0 9 Greymouth .. 548 11 5 . 511 4 9 Westport .. 181 15 S . . 74 3 11 Nelson .. 512 7 11 . 327 0 9 Picton .. S70 2 0 . 403 3 3 Christchurch .. 22,847 0 1 . . 15,583 18 7 Punedin .. 7,143 11 3 , 5,055 3 5 Invercargill 3,211 12 8 . 2,643 U 0 *

Boroughs. Estimated population Total - Births. Total Deaths. 1 Proportion ofDeathsto the 1000 of 1 Population. 13,753 47 13 091 5,424 7 Wellington 18,953 78 1‘3L C,604 0'75 13,425 46 12 22,525 01 40 Hokitika 3,202 7 3 Total.. - 289 105