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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5522, 7 December 1878, Page 2

The Ministers at present in Wellington are the Hon. Colonel Whitmore, the Hon. Mr. Ballanoe, and tho Hon. Mr. Stout. The Hon. Mr. Sheehan and the Hon. Mr. Macandrew are expected to join their colleagues shortly, but it is understood that the Native Minister will leave immediately for the North, by the East Coast, join Sir George Grey at Auckland, and proceed thence to Wangarei and other places in the Auckland provincial district. At the inquiry into the wreck of the Southminster wo are requested to state that Mr. Travers appeared on behalf of all tho underwriters concerned, not on behalf of the South British alone, as reported in the Evening Post, We are informed that a gentleman in this town has in his possession a piece of the paper upon which the much talked of treaty of Waitaugi was signed. He being present at its signature at Bussell, in the Bay of Islands, can toll amusing stories of the great gathering that assembled to see the wonderful document signed. The Supreme Court sat in banco yesterday afternoon, when arguments were taken in tho suit Webber v. Wright, Pearce, and Carkeek, (the latter of whom has died since the action was commenced). The case is in respect of tho laud in . the vicinity of this city so well known as Goathurst Farm, conflicting interests having led to disputes as to the disposition of the land under certain trust deeds and the will of the late Mrs. J. F. E. Wright. After hearing counsel on each side, the Court reserved its judgment. A meeting of the residents of the Newtown district was held at the Newtown sohoolhouse last night. Mr. Mclntyre was in the chair. He explained that the object of the meeting was to form a committee to see that if possible the interest of the district should be better looked after in the City Council, and to have a fair share of tho expenditure of the rates raised in' the district. Several speakers referred to the unfair manner in which the district had been treated. It was resolved that a committee should bo formed, to meet from time to time and find out the wants of the place, and wait as a deputation on the City Council. Tho following gentlemen were elected tho committee, with power to add to their number; —Mossrs. Maplesden, MoOoll, Bayliss, Tanner, Wilson, Mclntyre, Foother, and Carter.

Some little difficulty has cropped up in re latiou to the proposed new school atKaiwarra. An acre of land was some time ago given to the Board, upon part of which the present sohoolhouse stands. In endeavoring to verify tho boundaries, however, it has been found almost for a certainty that an acre of land is not obtainable at the spot on which it was supposed to exist. A road is shown on the plan, and as this must run between the river aud the outer boundary of tho section, a large portion of the aero is thrown back and up a steep bank, so that not half an acre would be available. It is improbable that the Board would build a fine sohoolhouse like that proposed unless a larger site than half an acre be obtained, and therefore the Kaiwarra people may have to lay their heads together with a view of getting another site. The evidence given by tho chief officer and tfio second officer of the ship Southminster, at the inquiry, differed considerably in one_ parti, oular. The former stated that tho ship first struck a rock distant about three or four miles. The latter gave it as his opinion that tho diatftuc? was only about baU a sjUo.

It is expected that the new Catholic schools will be opened at the beginning of the coming year. The latest thing out in connection with the recent Mayoral contest is “a subscription list in aid of a testimonial to W. Hutchison, Esq.” A meeting of the Hospital trustees took place yesterday, but there was no business transacted beyond the passing of a few accounts. : Timothy O’Lbugblin, of Wellington, baker, yesterday filed a statement of his inability to pay his debts,' and a meeting of creditors Is to be held on the 11th instant. It is proposed by the Sisters of Mercy in connection with St. Mary’s Convent, Welington, to hold an art union bazaar in October, 1879, on a grand scale. A large quantity of very choice and valuable gifts from England are to bo disposed of, and as there will no doubt be a great many local contributions it is not to be doubted that the bazaar will be a great success. With the increase of population more light 1 is urgently needed in various parts of the city. Some of the residents in Martin-square complain of the absence of lamps in their . quarter, the only Corporation light in any way affecting them being that at the Royal Tiger Hotel, which, so far as the square is concerned, but serves to make darkuess Visible. The following is the team which will represent the Wanderers Cricket Club v. the Wellington Cricket Club this afternoon : Messrs. Speed, Hansford, Maplesden, Hickson, Macclermot, A. W. Leckie, R. Leckie, 0. France, Hall, Morrah, Taylor; emergency, Messrs. Nichols and F. France. A grand concert is announced by Mdlle, Charbonnet’s agent for Monday evening next, at the Athenseura. The programme, which appears in another column, contains some very choice items, a feature being the admirable manner in which it has been arranged to meet the tastes of all classes of musical patrons. Besides Mdlle. Charbonnet there will appear Miss Neville, Madame Moller, Mr. Cary, Mr. Bonnington, and several talented amateurs. The tramway engine-drivers yesterday made the pace much slower than u-sual, especially in Willis-street, and in one instance certainly the extra care prevented an accident. Ahorse attached to a vegetable cart became restive, and backed right on to the line, and within a yard or two of the engine. All breaks were at once applied, and the tram was brought to a standstill. The directors of the company seem rather aggrieved at the terms of Mr. Blackett’s report, because it seems to ignore that the company have a right to travel at the rate of ten miles an hour in all streets except Willisstreet, and that rate the drivers have been instructed not to exceed. There certainly does appear to be far too much outcry about the tramway. At the time of the inception of the tramway scheme, full information as to what was to be done was given, and then was the proper time to object, not now, when there has been so large an expenditure of capital.

We have received from Mr. S. Carroll the “ Wellington Monthly Price - Current and Trade Report.” In the general summary an extract la made from the prospectus of the Otago Slate Company, which has been issued, and which proposes to float the company with a capital of £IOO,OOO, with shares at £2 each, —-The market report w© quote in our commercial column. Respecting the publication itself, we need only say that it has evidently been prepared with the usual care, being a full abstract of all the trade and business conducted in town during the month, and well worthy the attention of business men both in New Zealand and in the old country. We notice that no' quotations are given of wool in the price-list except under the heading of auction sales, but this is probably due to the fact that only very small parcels have been publicly sold in this market up to the present. A magisterial enquiry was held yesterday, before Captain Holiday and Messrs. Holdsworth and Graham, J.P.’s, relative to the wreck of the ship Southrainster. Mr. Travers appeared on behalf of the South British Insurance Company, and Mr. Gordon Allan for the master. Captain McFee, master of the ship, was examined at considerable length, but his evidence was in the main the same as that already published. William James Smith underwent a severe cross-examination, but no additional facts of importance were adduced. The second officer, John Wake, was also examined. The only part of his evidence that differed from the other witnesses was as to the distance from the shore when the ship first struck. The remainder of the evidence was corroborative. At six o'clock the enquiry was adjourned. There are yet four more witnesses to be examined. The rauch-talked-of Thorudon reclamation was yesterday completed, the truckful of earth having been tipped in without any ado or ceremony. The contractor is considerably behind time, the contract, when let in April, 1875, being that the work should be finished in eighteen months. It was then extended to 31st May last, so that six months has run beyond the time of extension. But difficulties and unavoidable delays at the outset, and bad weather during the currency of the work, greatly impeded Mr. O’Malley. As to the quality of the work, it Is generally admitted to be admirable, and it is especially desirable that this should be known on account of some unpleasantness which occurred about eighteen months ago in consequence of a false report having been spread by a discharged employe. Mr. O’Malley made so much allowance for possible subsidence that the whole reclamation is filled in to a height of from 7 to 22 inches greater than required by the strict terms of the contract, but there are no signs that the present level will bo materially lowered. The pipe drains which are being laid through the reclamation are also progressing rapidly towards completion. Some little difficulty has arisen in respect to that portion of the new reclamation opposite Thorndon - quay which has been used for some years by the City Corporation as a metal depot. It seems that not only the metal deposited by the Corporation, but also aportion of the reclaimed ground itself on which the metal was deposited, has been carried away, thus leaving a hollow which the cohtractor for the reclamation thinks he should not be called upon to fill up under the circumstances. The total area reclaimed is upwards of 50 acres.

Mrs. Bates had every reason to feel proud of the attendance in the dress-circle at her benefit performance last night, for it showed unmistakeably that the play-going public of Wellington are ever ready to evince their appreciation of sterling talent, and show their esteem for a lady who a few years ago established herself in this city as a universal favorite. Those who had seen Mrs. Bates in her great impersonation of Elizabeth were of course fully prepared for a dramatic treat of no ordinary kind, but those who witnessed the play for the first time last evening could not have left the Theatre Royal otherwise than delighted. “ Elizabeth ” is a piece in which the interest is so centred in the principal character that the arduousness of pourtrayiog the part is truly great, and sufficient to overtax the exertions of the vast majority of actresses, and Mrs. Bates must therefore have devoted an immense amount of time to the study of the part in order to have attained to snch a pitch of perfection. Her acting from first to last is so evenly balanced that it puzzles one to signalise in what particular portion of the piece she moat excels ; there is throughout her impersonation a dramatic fire a'd intelligent interpretation that combine to make the performance a grand one, and were this the only part in her repertoire it would entitle her to enviable distinction in her profession. In her hands the varying emotions of the part are far more than cleverly depicted, and the only wonder is that where the task is so heavy the general results are so eminently successful. The scenes in which the greatest perfection developed itself were those at the end of the fourth act, where she hears of the death of Essex, and in the deathbed scene at the termination of the piece. The applause was very general, and the recalls were of the most flattering kind that any audience could bestow. Mr. Bates is an actor who is well adapted for the assumption of such a part as Essex. With the advantage of a noble manly physique, Mr. Bates cannot help making a favorable impression on the minds of his audience, and he succeeded in carrying the house with him last night, especially in the scene where he breaks his sword in the presence of Ins Sovereign, At this particular juncture Mr. Bates proved himself quite equal to everything which the dramatist demanded of him. Although some of the subsidiary parts might have been better handled, still it must be admitted that taken as a whole the piece went remarkably well, and the few hitches that occurred were not altogether unpardonable, seeing that 'overbody tried so strenuously to do their very boat. Therefore, without being hypercritical, the piece may bo said to hove been a groat success, and so far as Mr. and Mrs. Bates were concerned it was an undoubted one. To-night, “ The Streets of New York ” will be produced, and there will also bo other items on the programme that ought to assist in attracting a Urge audience.

A correspondent suggests that a wooden crossing should be constructed opposite the Supieme Court House. Messrs. J. H. Bethune and Co. sold by auction yesterday the wreck of the Southminster. Mr. Adams was the purchaser, for £7O. -Wo hear that Mr. Knocker, who recently dissolved partnership from the firm of Zohrab, Knocker, and Co., has gone into business in the firm of Mr, Thomas Mills and Co., of this city. Messrs. Holmwood and Zohrab will also continue in business in Wellington, but separately. We wish all parties every success in their new careers. - A meeting of the committee of the Wellington Ladies* Christian Association was held at the Athenaeum on the 2nd instant, when the subject of a home for destitute women was again considered ; and as arrangements are being made for commencing the work, it is hoped a sympathising public will respond to the appeal now being made for funds to establish and sustain such a desirable institution. 0. P. Powles, Esq., has kindly consented to receive donations and subscriptions in aid of the object. The association has also been able to secure a temporary shelter for women who desire to reform. At a general meeting of the Amateur Athletic Club held, at the Star Hotel on Thursday evening last, it was decided that the gates, grand-stand, booths, and other privileges in connection with the 20-mile walking race, to take place on Saturday afternoon, the 14th instant, on the Basin Reserve, should be sold by public auction on Tuesday next, 10th instant, by Mr. Isaacs. Greater interest is being taken in this event than in any similar meeting ever held in Wellington. Eighteen entries have been received by the committee, all of whom are strictly amateurs. Should the weather prove suitable, the club will no doubt achieve a deserved success. At the Resident Magistrate’s Coart yesterday, before Dr. Diver and Mr. Wright, J.P., Edward ICnoakes was charged by Detective Farrell with indecent conduct in Cuba-street. Mr. Edwards appeared for the defendant. On the application of the detective a remand was granted until Monday.—Patrick Carroll was summoned by Thowas Dowling .for assaulting him on Lambtou-quay. From the evidence it appeared that on the day of the Mayoral election defendant quarrelled with the complainant, and after striking him followed him along the street. Defendant was bound over to keep the peace for six months, himself in £SO and two sureties of £25 each.—G. Woods and W. H. Spiller were each fined 55.. and costs for allowing their chimneys to catch fire. Sophia Laws, for a similar offence, was fined Is. and costs.—This was all the business, and the Court adjourned.

A meeting of the New Zealand Rifle Association committee was held last evening, when the progress of r.tfiirs was discussed, but the fact of volunteer and other intending members bolding back until the last moment was felt to bo c uch a drawback that the committee are unable to make any arrangements until they are assured of port. The following resolution was passed:—“ln view of the meeting of the association being held about the latter end of February, and the intention of the Government to subsidise pro rata to the amount of subscriptions raised by members, it is absolutely necessary that officers in command of corps and local secretaries of the different districts should immediately communicate to the secretary of the association the numbers of members already joined to enable him to apply for the subsidy, and ascertain what amount of funds will be at the disposal of the committee for the purpose of forming the range and preparing a programme of firing ; as unless this is ascertained on or before December 31 the committee cannot make any arrangements whatever.” An advertisement from the secretary appears in another column, and we would recommend all intending subscribers to aid the committee by at ©nee giving in their names. The Imperial Opera House was moderately patronised last night, when Robertson’s comedy entitled “ Society” was performed with a great deal of merit by those by whom the principal parts were sustained. For this evening the “ Colleen Bawn” is announced. This production of Boucicault’s has never failed to draw a large audience wherever it has been presented, and it will therefore be an exception to the rule if the Imperial House is not well patronised to-night. A reference to the advertisement will show that the drama has been well cast.

A cricket match has been arranged between the Nelson and Wellington Clubs. The following gentlemen have been selected to practice, and from among them a team will be finally chosen on the 23rd insfc. The match will be played at Nelson on Boxing Day : Messrs. Armitage, I. J. Salmon, Blacklock, Kennedy, McGirr, J. Grey, Dodsworth, Speed, Mansford, McDermott, Knapp, Webb, J. Salmon, Haughton, Llster-Kaye, Kutcb.en, Mapleston, Mason, and Duncan. Practice days, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, at five o’clock sharp. Members are earnestly requested to attend regularly at practice, so that the match may be creditable to all concerned. ■

The West Coast Times says :—“ Mining at Kumara is reported to be progressing most favorably, and there are numbers making from to £lO per week per man, with not few richer claims still. Considerable parcels of gold were purchased by the banka last Saturday, and on the last two Saturdays there was a good business done at the several hotels and stores in the town, when it was generally remarked that cash was becoming more plentiful. The mining report of the local paper says :—* Irwin’s claim still holds good, as the two last washings were the best they have had —55 and 54ozs. respectively—which will give them about £2O per week per man.* ” Cattle-dealers may be glad to learn of an opening on the West Coast. In noticing the supply of meat in Keefton the Times says : “There has not been a bite in Reeftou for days past, and as we heard it expressed the other day, there is not a hoof ia the country from Okarito to Westport. Rat kiue and lean kine, and in fact every kind of kine, have been brought up and slaughtered, and the cry is still they don’t come. Such a dearth of beef has never before been known on the West Coast, and the united lamentation of our butchers is that their occupation is gone.”

Messrs. Dwan and Kirton will resume their land sale at 1.30 o’clock sharp to-day, at .the Arcade, continuing only until 3 p.m., when Mr. Sidey will mount the rostrum. The double sale will no doubt attract a crowd of purchasers, especially as on Saturday afternoon an opening is given to many people to attend a sale who would not be at liberty to patronise such on any other day of the week. The sale includes sections at Woodvillo, Kilbirnie. Featherston, Waverley, and Carnarvon, farms at the Upper and Lower Hutt, Featherston, and in the Wairarapa. Previous to the above some furniture and goods will be disposed of. Mr. Sidey will sell sections in Ha'couibe, Palmerston, Sanson, Malvern (Canterbury), Woodvillo, featherston, and Carnarvon. Also, some general merchandise. a milch cow, and other things. With so varied a bill of fare a full attendance may bo reasonably expected, and no doubt tho Arcade Buildings will be crowded to-morrow afternoon. Tho idea of the two rival auctioneers thus combining their forces so as to cater more fully to the wants of the public deserves a cordial recognition.