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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5527, 13 December 1878, Page 2

All the telegraphic lines below Christchurch were working badly last night; they finally gave out altogether, and communication with the South was interrupted. We understand that in the course of a week or two such arrangements will be made in the running of trains on the Wellington-Wairarapa railway as will enable the journey from Featherston to Wellington and vice versa to be accomplished in three hours. The latest item of news respecting the disposition of the Thorndon reclamation is that the Government have determined to set aside a portion of the Thorndon reclamation, covering about four acres, and situated at the back of the Government Buildings, as a recreation reserve, and this in spite of the fact that space for a railway station cannot be found in pursuance of a distinct agreement. Another stage has been arrived at in connection with Mr. Barton’s complaints against the Supreme Court Judges. In another column appears the copy of a letter addressed to Mr. Barton by Colonel Whitmore, as the final decision of the Government after “ calm and careful” consideration. It is to the effect that the Government cannot accept the position of an Appellate Court over the Supremo Court, especially in this case, after Parliament has declined an enquiry; and that even supposing they could assume such a function, from an inquiry into the charges made, they are disposed to think that the charges are unsupported by fact, and that they believe Mr. Barton will, on consideration, regret having made them. Mr. Barton, it is freely stated, is not at all satisfied with the conduct of the Government and the statements contained in the letter, and will probably reply to it at an early date.

The energy with which the railway station question is being taken up by the citizens generally augurs well for the success of the movement. In a very few hours yesterday a requisition was got up asking his Worship the Mayor to call a public meeting to consider the matter. The requisition appears in another column, and is certainly one of the most numerously and influentially signed of any that have been got up in Wellington for a long time past. This was presented to the Mayor and City Council in meeting assembled last evening, and to-day his Worship will see when a suitable room can be obtained, and then immediately convene a meeting tor the earliest possible moment. The City Council itself, however, has taken action in its corporate capacity, having unanimously passed a resolution last evening affirming strongly the desirableness of having the railway station much nearer town than where it at present stands. The usual fortnightly meeting of the City Council was held last evening. The streetmaking question came up for discussion on a motion by Councillor Diver requesting the Mayor to call a meeting of ratepayers to consider the advisability of borrowing £IOO,OOO for the purpose of making streets. The subject was debated at considerable length. The “ wretched condition ” of the streets was brought forward pretty frequently; but the argument which seemed to be moat convincing was that it would be a good financial operation to borrow this money at a low rate of interest, and, by spending it on the streets instead of taking the ordinary revenue for that purpose, allow the overdraft at the bank, on which a large rate of interest was being paid, to be speedily wiped off. ; The Mayor made rather a good point by saying that although Wellington Councillors and people were fond of saying “ our streets are a disgrace to the city, and the worst in the colony," on turning up the reports of very many other municipal bodies he “ found exactly the same sentiment uttered in precisely the same language.” The fact was (remarked his Worship) we were no worse than other people. Some Councillors wanted to see the sum borrowed allocated proportionately to each ward. The motion was agreed to almost unanimously. A long discussion next arose on the question of paying the Wharf Committee an honorarium, and Councillor Thompson’s motion for abolishing it was negatived by 9to i. After some further business had been transacted the Council adjourned for four weeks, in order to escape a meeting about holiday time.

Miss Neville is to be tendered a benefit concert at the Athenaaum on Wednesday evening next, prior to her departure from Wellington. This lady’s rich and well-trained voice has so completely charmed the audiences who have patronised Mdlle. Charbonnet’s concerts that a good attendance at her benefit is certain. Indeed now tickets are going oil rapidly, and it is to be hoped that all in Wellington who appreciate high art will sustain the fair artiste by their presence. Mdlle. Charbonnet will herself assist on the occasion, giving, among other gems, Thalberg's “ Mose,” and also playing a pianoforte duet with the young lady amateur. At Mdlle.’s own concert on Monday evening this young lady, who is really a most promising pianiate and vocalist, appeared in conjunction with her, to the great delight of all who were present. Thursday's Gazette contains the new land regulations for the land district of Nelson. Under them any person desiring a lease of land must pay a deposit of Is. fid. pec acre. Copies of leases must be provided by the lessee, for which he shall pay a sum of 30s. Forms of application are given and other particulars concerning the leasing of land in Nelson Provincial District.—A number of appointments and resignations are gazetted, among others the resignation of H. J. Williams, of Wairoa, as J.P. and E.M., and the resignation of Captain Poynter of the New Zealand Artillery "Volunteers, Captain William Porter having received his commission as captain of that regiment.— Notices to mariners of new lights have been received from Port Adelaide and from Brisbane.—Mr. Samuel Y. Collins has been appointed Deputy Land Tax Commissioner at Hawke’s Bay, and Messrs. G-. Walter Palairet and John O. Lord are gazetted Deputy-Com-missioners of Stamps for Canterbury and Wellington respectively.—The return of lands sold and deposits received during the month of October in the Provincial District of Wellington shows that 261 acres wore sold, and £670 13s. was the amount received.—The Gazette contains also a number of land transfer notices and matters of minor importance.

la regard to the Hutt-Waikanao railway, Ministers state that a preliminary survey of the country has been made, and a practicable route can easily be found. Immediately on his return from Auckland, Mr. Mncandrew will visit the district to make himself personally acquainted with the details of the proposed line, and its prospects of success. More than this cannot bo done until the land can bo acquired from the natives. _ Negotiations with this end in view are being pushed on as rapidly as possible ; but ns everyone who has had to deal with the natives knows, the acquirement of native lands is a slow and tedious process.—lt is also said that the Government are about to take immediate steps to have New Zealand properly represented at the projected New South Wales Exhibition. A sum of £OOOO was last session placed on the Estimates for this purpose, and that will be quite sufficient for the purpose. Whether New Zealand will have to contribute anything towards tha expense of the building is not yet known, but it is not considered probable that such will bo the case. In all probability the Government will take over approved exhibits free, but even it this is found impracticable every assistance will bo afforded to exhibitors.

Mr. Sidey has now received the plans for town acre No. 71, cut up into building sections, showing frontages from 20ft. upwards, with an average depth of about 150 ft. The acre is situated i.n Hopper-street, nearly adjoining the property sold yesterday by Messrs. T, Kennedy Macdonald and 00, Each section has a splendid view of the harbor, and is admirably adapted for residences, having a private avenue in front 30ft, wide, which will be sold as n right-of-way to all purchasers *1 tho sections.

A slight shook of earthquake was felt in Wellington yesterday at 11.39 a.m., followed, after an interval of a tew seconds, by a second and a much sharper shock. The movement appeared to bo rather vertical than horizontal. Twenty-eight cases kerosene, ex South* minster, consigned to J. E. Nathan and Co., were tested yesterday, and found to be above the standard required by the Act—llOdeg. It was Downer’s brand.

At theChoralSocietypracticelast night there was a very full attendance, a large number of vocalists and a full orchestra being present. The choruses were gone through with zest. Mr. Parker announced that in future rehearsals would take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at the Imperial Opera House. The concert is fixed for the 23rd instant, and he strongly urged members to attend every practice, so that a really creditable' performance might be given. The attention and time devoted by Mr. Parker to the training of his friends and pupils and to the due observance of practice and every detail connected with the forthcoming concert deserve practical recognition at the hands of all concerned. We have no doubt that the entertainment will prove a great success. On Tuesday last the selos were all separately gone through, and every individual musician was separately heard and instructed. Last night the whole body of the society rehearsed together, and we understand that the general effect was really good, although of course there was abundant evidence of a lack of concerted practice. Full and complete rehearsals will be gone through from this date forward, and it now rests entirely with the members of the society to ensure, by regular and assiduous devotion to their duties, the full measure of success to the concert which it deserves.

“ Our Boys ” drew another fair audience at the Imperial Opera House last night, and, as usual, the entertainment was thoroughly enjoyable. The performance was brought to a close with the comedy of “The Widow’s Victim,” in which Mr. Walton introduces a number of popular songs and funnyisms, which were very amusing. To-night there will be a complete change of programme, “The Marble Heart, or the Sculptor’s Dream,” being the piece chosen for representation. A very sensational play, entitled “ A Woman of the People,” was performed at the Theatre Royal last night. The two leading characters were taken by Mr. and Mrs. Bates, and their acting was frequently and deservedly applauded by the audience. Mr. J. P. Hydes had a part well suited to him, and as usual made the most of it. Mias Lizzie Morgan was very happy in the piece allotted to her. The remainder of the characters were tolerably well filled by the other members of the company. There was a very good house, and the play, though very sensational, depicts many phases of everyday life. To-night the same play will be repeated, and as it has been so successful no doubt a good house may be expected. There will be a change of programme on Saturday night. Mr. Bennays, a gentleman who for some time past has held the position of director of waterworks in Queensland, but who is at present on a visit to New Zealand for the benefit of his health, yesterday, accompanied by Mr. Allan, and the City Engineer, visited the waterworks at Pollhill Gully. Mr. Bennays speaks highly of the works, and thinks the city obtained them cheaply.

Wo observe from an advertisement in another column that the Mount Cook schools committee are appealing to the public for the wherewithal to enable them to award deserving children with prizes at Christmas. We hope their appeal will not be unavailing, as it would be a pity to disappoint the children for the sake of the few pounds required. Subscriptions must be in by Monday next. The regular fortnightly meeting of the Waste Lands Board was held yesterday. Present : Chief Commissioner Holdsworth (chairman), Pearce, Walter Johnston, M.H.8., and Mason. The laud sales were reported to have been 138 a. 3r. Bp., and the receipts £IOB Is., balance after survey. A letter from Mr. Ernest S. Thynne, chairman of the Manawatu County Council, to the Minister of Lands, asking that a certain piece of land on the banks,of the Eangitikei River might be proclaimed a toll-gate reserve, was referred to the Board. Reports from the Chief Commissioner and from the District Surveyor, Mr. Dundas, were read. The Board resolved that the Government be recommended to reserve the land for the improvement and protection of the Rangitikei River. An application for a transfer of license to occupy section 158, at SUndon, to John Rees Davies, under deferred payments regulation, was approved. At a full meeting of the Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Society held last night an essay on “Africa” was read by one of the members. The essayist, after giving a sketch of the early history of that continent, went on to deal with the labors of recent explorers. Their different journeys were all clearly described on an enlarged map, drawn by the essayist for that purpose, which added very materially to the enjoyment of all present. The Rev. A. Reid presided. The Wairarapa Guardian says :—“ A good story is told in connection with native laud purchasing, in which a well-known Wellington merchant has taken part. Mr. S., say, desired to work a little swindle, and being a personal and political friend of the Hon. Mr. Sheehan, obtained a letter from him to a Native Lands Court Judge, couched in those peculiar terms which may indicate a request or a direction according to the view the reader takes, and which indicated that the Native Minister would be obliged if Mr. S. could be assisted in the purchase of a certain block containing some twenty or thirty thousand acres. All things happened, and all times elapsed, apparently, in furtherance of the scheme, and Mr. S. paid upwards of £2OOO on account, when it was suddenly discovered that the natives had sold to some one else, and that Mr. S.’s money had absolutely gone. All the parties are dreadfully sold, but perhaps Mr. Sheehan will make it all right with his friend by laying him on to something better.”

The bazaar in aid of the Karori Church was well patronised last night. Mr. Augarde offered some of the articles by auction, and the venture proved a great success. The drawing for prizes was not completed, but will be finished in due course. The two attractions of a lottery and an auction sale at one and the same time were found to clash and interfere with one another, and the former was therefore postponed. We see by advertisement that the balance of the articles unsold will be disposed of by Mr. Augarde this afternoon, when a good attendance in search of bargains is confidently anticipated.

We have been favored with an inspection of a very handsome gold watch and chain which has been presented to Miss Hewitt by the Athemeum committee and her friends. The present has been procured from Mr. Shaw, and is a remarkably well-finished and beautiful piece of workmanship. A suitable inscription has been engraved inside the case, and we have no doubt that when the watch and chain reach Miss Hewitt, who is now residing at Auckland, the gift will be highly valued for the spirit that" prompted it, and very much admired for the intrinsic beauty of both the watch and chain.

A Melbourne paper asks What has become of Dr. Slade and tho spiritualists ? “I stand upon this stage,” said Professor Baldwin ou Saturday night, “ and I tell you that Slade is an impostor; I brand him publicly as a humbug, and challenge him to the test. All his manifestations are the result of trickery, and when he takes your money and tells you otherwise, he swindles you. Let him come upon this stage, and if I do not duplicate all his tricks, I will forfeit a hundred pounds. I am responsible tor what I say, and if he feels aggrieved let him enter an action against me in a court of law for slander,” Again we ask, where,is Dr. Slade ? If he is content to hide himself, and lie under this stigma till Professor Baldwin has quitted the city, he must not be surprised if the public endorse the sentiment that he is an impostor and a humbug. The doctor's reputation as a great spiritualist seems likely to be short lived. In an article on the Native Lands the Government the Wanganui Chronicle says “ Things could not well bo in a more unsatisfactory state than they are at the_ present moment—tho Government occupying a position analogous to that of tha dog in the manger. They will neither buy themselves nor let anybody else buy. ... It will be remembered that when the Hon. Mr. Sheehan first entered upon tho duties of his office as Native Minister ho said it was the intention of tho Government to retire absolutely from the field as native land purchasers. Ho has completely changed front jn that particular. We do not so much find fault with the change of front as with tho present inglorious inaction, which is neither fair to themselves, to the natives, to the country, or to the unfortunate speculators. ’ Mr. Sidoy sells to-day in the Arcade, at 11 o’clock, a largo quantity of first-class furniture, &o.; and, at 2 o’clock,' at tho same place, some city freehold property, very centrally situated, and winch is expected fo bo keenly competed for; ’ '