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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5693, 28 June 1879, Page 2

The nomination of candidates for the Hutt electoral district will take place at the E.M. Court House, Lower Hutt, on Monday next at noon, and the polling will take place on the following Wednesday. The places fixed for polling are as follow —Lower Hutt,- at the E.M. Court House ; Taita, Upper Hutt, and Wainuiomata, at the various school-houses. The following circular has been forwarded' by Mr. Hislop, Secretary, for Education, to the secretaries of the different Education Boards in the colony :—” Sir, —I have the honor, by direction of the Minister of Education, to-bring under the notice of your Board the circumstance that two Education Boards have reported to him the dismissal of teachers from their service for the falsification of their school; registers ; and to say that the Minister has ordered that the names of the offenders shall not be included in the list of certificated teachers under the Act. The Minister feels that it is scarcely necessary to revert to the extreme importance of securing the utmost possible care and accuracy in the keeping of the school registers and the making up of the attendance returns. It is evident that, for the perfect truthfulness of the registers and returns, the Education Boards- and the Department are almostwhollydependentupon the good faith of the teachers and the attention given to the matter by the school committees. Apart from the latter, the inspectors of schools are the only persons who have an opportunity from time to time of testing the accuracy of the school registers and attendance returns, and of checking any inattention or irregularity that may occur. Although Boards have no doubt already given their inspectors strict injunctions to check the attendance registers and to report all cases of inaccuracy not evidently accidental, yet l am to make the occurrence above referred to the occasion of calling attention to a matter of such importance, and of requesting Education Boards to be good enough to press it upon the consideration of inspectors, school committees, and teachers, in such manner as they may consider most advisable.” The District Court was occupied all yesterday in hearing the case of List v. Holmwood. Therplaiutiff was chief officer of the ill-fated ship Hyderabad, and the defendant master. The action was to recover the sum of £lB2 13s. as wages, and the jury gave a verdict for plaintiff for £159 4s, 3d. Dividends in the Wellington Patent Slip Company-are now payable, at ■ the company s office, Courtenay-place. This will no doubt prove a'welcome, intimation to those interested. , ‘

A gentleman in this city has received a letter from a friend who had bought some land recently near Stafford, on the Mountain-road to New Plymouth. The writer states that he had just built a house on his land, and had two men employed felling bush. The workmen got rather frightened, and declined to work any longer, in consequence of the attitude of the natives. The writer. got' alarmed for the safety of his family, and had them removed to Hawera ; but stated his intention of going back to his holding, if the Parihaka meeting terminated in such a manner as to assure peace to the settlers. We should imagine that circumstances like the one we have noted will soon compel even a Maori-loving Government to take some measures for the protection of the settlers.

The wretched weather of last night considerably interfered with the St. Paul’s Church choir concert, and several omissions had to be made in the programme in consequence of the absence of some of the performers. The concert, however, is to be repeated on Tuesday night, and those perfons who attended had their tickets returned to them. The items that were gone through were thoroughly enjoyed, particularly “The wintry winds are blowing,” “ The red-cross knight,” a recitation entitled “The Yankee lawyer,” and the songs “ Sing on, ye little birds,” and “ I fear no foe,” all of which were rendered in really good style. “ George Geith” was played for the last time at tire Theatre Royal last night. Considering the heavy downpour of rain, there was a very fair attendance. To-night the sensational drama of “The Woman in White” will be produced, and will doubtless draw a big house. In addition to Mr. Reeve, Mr. J. B. Steele, a very old favorite, will appear.

It will be remembered that last week Mr’ Squires, landlord of the Metropolitan Hotel, was summoned for selling liquors after hours, and was fined £lO. On that occasion the defendant did not appear. Yesterday a re-hear-ing of the case took place, when it was proved to the satisfaction of the Bench that the liquor was only supplied to lodgers in the house. Their Worships dismissed the case, but cautioned the defendant to be more careful for the future.

It is formally notified in our advertising columns that the Working Men’s Club will open their new premises, over Messrs. McDowell Bros.’ shop, at the corner of Willisstreet and Lambton-quay, this afternoon. Persons desirous of joining can be admitted if nominated by two members of the club. The football clubs playing under the Victorian rules will have a match on the Basin Reserve this afternoon, when the players of Te Aro will be pitted against those of Thorndon. The following are the players : —Te Aro: Stubbs (captain), Bentley, Badley, Bonthorne, Bishop, Bristow, Butts, Bucholz, Chapman, Christie, Campbell, Cameron, Forsyth, A. Gray, Hill, Houghton, R. Kemble, 0. Kemble, Keasbury, McDermott, Row, France, Wymond, Woods, Tait, dagger, and Asher. Thorndon : W. Sandilands (captain), H. McKenzie, F. Barnett, M. Barnett, Ling, J. Blacklock, I. Salmon, Grimstone, Knight, Willis, Bigg, Kirk, Davis, Kirker, Buchanan, F. Sandilands, H. Blacklock, Brown, Russell, Schultz, Maxton, Wymond, and Robinson.

A curious case under the Arms Act was brought against Mr. G. M. Snelson, Mayor of Palmerston North, for having disposed at auction of a double-barrelled gun to John Rose Brandon, about the middle of last month, without being duly licensed to sell arms. The evidence having been heard, the Bench retired, and after about five minutes’ deliberation, returned into Court, when the Chairman stated the Arms Act was perhaps one of the most stringent measures on the Statute-book, and he regretted to say pressed most heavily upon persons in the position of the defendant. He then read the 28th section of the Act, under which the charge was brought, stating when originally passed a breach of its provisions constituted felony, but by a subsequent Act it was made a misdemeanor ; still it was an indictable offence. That Court was there to see if a prima facie case could be sustained—its functions were not judicial, but ministerial—and it was of an opinion that a prima facie case had been made out by the prosecution. It was with deep regret it was forced to the decision, but justice had to be done without fear "Or favor. By the 58th clause of the Act a provision had been made to meet such cases as the present, where the offence had been committed in error ; —there it was provided that it was competent for the Attorney-General to cause a -nolle prosequi to be entered to stay further proceedings. If such an application were made, the Court would willingly give it its support, believing that the defendant never in the slightest intended to infringe the provisions of the Act. It was with deep regret he (the Chairman) took the only course open to 'him, of committing the defendant for trial at the next sitting of the District Court, Palmerston. The defendant’s own bail of £lO would be accepted. The local journal states that Mr. W. E. Baker, who travelled round with the “ Hibernicon,” and was at one time a member of Lyster’s English Opera Company, was about to take possession of the Club Hotel at Marton, ;of which he has recently become the purchaser.

The steamer Hinemoa leaves this morning for Opunake, where she will land a detachment of 60 men of the Armed Constabulary. One of the telegraph boys, in jumping on board the Hawea as she was coming alongside the wharf yesterday, missed his footing, and fell into the water. A number of willing hands soon pulled the boy out, and he appeared none the worse for his ducking.

We would draw the attention of our readers to an advertisement from the chairman of the local committee, which particularly requests that all persons intending to send articles to the Sydney Exhibition should do so on or before Monday next. This should have the effect of waking up those who have been dozing over the matter, as they cannot afford to wait much longer. It is with deep regret that we record the death of Mr. Eichard Barton, of Eernside, near Featherstori. He was at one time spoken of as the future member ' for the Wairarapa district, and it was well known that if he had agreed to come forward no other candidate would have stood a chance. He was one of the most popular men in- the whole district; as a member of the District Koad Board, and at one time chairman of the County Council, he earned the respect of all who came in contact with him. In private : life he was known as a true colonial gentleman, straightforward and truthful to a fault, and sans pear et sans rcprochc. His name was not often seen in print outside of his own district,, nevertheless there was no man in the Wairarapa whose reputation stood higher than Mr; K. Barton’s. He was quite a young man, and his future was fuU of promise, until a year or two ago, when he was attacked by a painful illness affecting his lungs, and we now learn that he has at last succumbed to its effets. Friends' and relations will mourn the loss of one who cannot be replaced, and throughout the whole of the Wairarapa his death will be regretted far more sincerely than those living at a distance can well conceive. Hospitable, kind, thoughtful, and honorable, poor Richard ■ Barton has passed away at, we believe, not more than thirty-five years of age. Tenders will be received up to noon on Monday for a supply of forage and farriery for the New Zealand Constabulary for a period of six months.

The City Council are calling for tenders for road works in Adelaide and Tinakori roads. Services will be held to-morrow in the Arcade, Manners-street, in connection with the Wesleyan Church. The Eev. W. Kirk will preach in the morning, and the Eev. W. J. Williams in the evening. Special collections will be made in aid of a fund to replace the church destroyed by the late fire.

The boy Short, who was found secreted in a tank on the wharf yesterday morning, was sent home to his parents daring the day. • There is some truth after all in the quotation often used with regard to love-sick swains and others, whose reason is not supposed to be evenly balanced, but whose actions are supposed to be guided by something like method. In Eangitikei, a poor fellow named Carl Madison was recently arrested as being of unsound mind. In the evidence given before the Court it was stated that he went to the Presbyterian Church last Sunday, and constituted himself a collector of the offerings of the faithful on that occasion. Madison placed a£s note on the plate to begin with, but after the collection was over he took his own money back again, stating that “ something inside him told him to do so.” “ Lovely woman” was at the bottom, it is supposed, of the poor young fellow's madness : he had bought some clothes and jewellery for his sweetheart, but she had afterwards jilted him. He was ordered to be forwarded to the Mount "View lunatic asylum. Two of Kelly's sympathisers have been arrested in Melbourne, while purchasing arms and ammunition for the gang.

The list of intending Wellington exhibitors at the Sydney International Exhibition is now increasing fast, the number at present being between 60 and 70, these representing nearly every branch of art, skill, and product in the city and suburbs. The exhibits are expected to begin pouring in at the depot next week, and at the end of the week the hall is expected to be full. Mr. Grant, who has charge of the depot, and who has had considerable experience in these matters is confident that Wellington exhibitors will secure a good share of awards. Amongst the exhibits we may mcntionthat there will be three or four bride-cakes, which will no doubt be a very attractive item to the fair sex. The commis-ion will begin sending exhibits to Sydney about the end of July, and we understand Mr. Grant is to proceed to Sydney and take charge of the exhibits. It would be desirable, before’packing the exhibits, to hold an exhibition of them here. This would be the means of exciting emulation amongst our townsfolk, and would probably lead to a still larger and more varied assortment being got together.

Mr. Tim McCarthy, who has for several years done duty as bellman and perukier in Queenstown, Otago, is off to the wars again, having accepted the billet of drill instructor at New Plymouth, Taranaki. Tim has, since his stay in Queenstown, been always connected with the local Volunteer Corps, either as a member or instructor. He has also left with good credentials, having been twenty-one years in the English army, during nineteen cf which he was - a non-commissioned officer, and was discharged with a sergeant’s medal for good conduct and a pension for life of £36 10s. per annum. Our friend Tim (says the Mail) is also in possession of a high-class certificate of qualification as a sergeant instructor in one of the best schools of musketry in the world, namely, that at Hyde, and there is little doubt he will acquit himself creditably in his new sphere of duties. Sergeant McCarthy has also done good service in the Chinese, Burmese, Crimean, and other wars in his earlier days. A narrow escape from what might have been a very serious accident occurred yesterday morning at the residence of Mr. F. C. Binns, College-street. It appears that the fire had not long been made up with West Wanganui coal, when an exp’osion took place in the fireplace. The children had fortunately just moved from in front of the fireplace, or they would have received some injury ; as it was Mrs. Binns was struck in the face by apiece of coal. The masonry at the back of the fireplace was broken, and the plaster of the chimney shaken down. The explosion is supposed to have been caused by a dynamite cartridge, which had accidentally got into the coal, as the copper case of a dynamite cap was subsequently found on the floor. It is very fortunate that the consequences were not of a more serious nature.

An alphabetical football match will be played on Mr. Sheehan's paddock, Hobsonstreet, to-day, between members of the Rugby Union Clubs. Players whose names begin with letters between A and F will oppose those whose names begin-with letters betwjen G and Z.

The meeting of creditors of Dennis Kelly, carter, of Wellington, which was adjourned on Thursday for want of a quorum, again fell through yesterday for the same reason, and lapsed sine die. We understand that Kelly is a man who some time ago became very unfortunate in bis business in a neighboring province, and that he came to Wellington penniless, and with a wife and family depending upon him. Several people here assisted him, one by giving him a cart, and Kelly by honest industry has been able to pay his way here, and’ has even indulged hopes of ultimately being able to pay off his former debts. One of his smaller creditors, however, has been recently pressing for payment of his claim, and this action compelled the debtor to call a meeting of all the creditors, with the above result. The debtor expresses his determination to eventually pay everybody in full, but he cannot do so if pressed now. He considers it would be unjust to his larger creditors to pay a small one in full, and he prefers when be has any money to spare to divide it equitably amongst them all. We are glad to bear (says the Wanganui Chronicle) that Mr. Bryce purposes addressing his constituents both at Waverley and Wanganui in the course of next week. We are quite sure that the wisdom of so doing will He fully demonstrated by large audiences at both places. Mr. Wilmot (district surveyor) and party returned to Queenstown, Otago, last week, after a stay of about three months on an official visit at the Wanaka district, where he has laid off some 6000 acres—2soo of which are in the neighborhood of Mount Barker, Wanaka Bake, and the remainder in the vicinity of Hawea Bake. The blocks are divided into sections of 360 acres, which, if we remember rightly (says the Bake Wakatipu Mai,), Government a short time since decided to lease under the deferred-payment system. Considerable speculation is aroused in the minds of , Thames volunteers (says the Advertiser) as to what course will Joe taken by the Government re the Taranaki outrage. The general wish expressed is that the Thames corps may be called upon to solve the difficulty. Doubtless the Government, if in want of volunteers, will appeal to the district—which they have done before—and will meet with a ready response as in the days of old. Some of our local members have suggested to their officers the advisability of tendering their services to his Excellency the Governor, and have been informed that such a course would be premature. If more serious proceedings are inaugurated by Te Whiti he may yet hear of the Thames volunteers, who are like hounds on the leash, ready for the start. No one wishes for war, but it is felt that the colony will lose prestige if our savage neighbors are not kept somewhat within the bounds of decorum. An enthusiastic member of the Scottish Battalion remarked at the birthday luncheon that “he had but one fault to find with Major Mm ray, which was that he did not volunteer with his battalion for the Zulu war.” It is not impro- ■ bable that work may be in store for the battalion nearer home. The time for night alarms and fiery crosses may not yet be an event of the past.. But the offer of the services of a corps en masse should come only after the Government have sounded the first note of preparation.

Messrs. W. Kibblewhite and J. White are making rapid progress (says the Wairarapa, Daily) with their sub-contract on the railway line, which consists of clearing and forming the line from the Wainagawa river to the rai l - way station, a distance of three miles. The clearing of the line is now completed and the formation will be commenced this week. From Bentley’s estate the spectator can now look down the Hue opened through the bush and see the Taratahi plain in the distance.

Mr. John Common is about to start a fellmongery establishment on the banks of the Waipoua, near Masterton. The Wairarapa , Daily hears that the employes of Messrs. Booth and Co., the wellknown mill proprietors of Carterton, have met the difficulty which now arises from the depression in the timber trade by accepting a reduced rate of wages. It is rather a healthy sign in Masterton that payments are more frequently made now by notes and gold than by cheques. There is a slow but certain change observable in the borough in the direction of buying and selling for cash only. It is with much satisfaction, which, we are sure, will be shared by a large number of citizens (says the Christchurch Olobe), that we notice an attempt at last made to stem the tide of larrikinism which is rampant in the streets of the city, especially on Saturday and Sunday evenings. This nuisance has no .v become so pronounced that strictly repressive measures are a necessity. Gangs of half and wholly grown larrikins patrol the side walks, elbowing the ladies into the road without the slightest ceremony. Not only so, but the most prominent corners of the streets are, particularly on Sunday evening, occupied by gangs of the kind spoken of. If they condescend to give way in order to allow persons to pass, they form a kind of lane and make all sorts of ribald remarks on the ladies who are thus compelled to run the gauntlet or. seek refuge in the miry road. That this is no exaggerated or fancy picture, every one who has occasion to walk in the localities mentioned will testify to. The only wonder is, and it speaks volumes for the law-abiding nature of the Christchurch citizens, that some relatives of the ladies thus insulted have not taken the law into their own hands, and give these gentry what they richly deserve. . . . It it is only by making examples of one or two of the most prominent larrikins that we can hope to put down the nuisance. The police, too, might do good service by preventing their assemblage.

The Bruce Herald states on reliable authority that the wife of a much-respected settler has resided in that district for upwards of twenty-eight years at a distance of about three miles from the township, and has never yet paid a visit to Milton. The lady referred to is Mrs. David Loudon.

The Queensland telegraph was still interrupted up to the time of our going to press.

The residents of Foxton are about to establish a local building society. ' The patrons of the drama will have a rich treat in store for them this evening, if we may judge from the host of favorable criticisms which are now lying before us. We are informed that Mr. Wybert Reeve has appeared in the character of Count Fosco, in “ The Woman in White,” for no less than 1800 nights in all the principal cities of Great Britain and Ireland, the United States, and Canada ; whilst in Melbourne and the other Australian cities the play has been equally well received. The London Era, which is looked upon as an authority in theatiical matters, states that there can be but oueopinion of Mr. Reeve's wonderful impersonation of the subtle Count Fosco, and that his rendering of the character was an extraordinary conception, and was at once masterly and artistic. The London Daily Telegraph sprite in equally complimentary terms of the delineation of the character, stating that the manner in which the part was played stamped Mr. Reeve as one of the most accomplished comedians on the stage. The New Toth Tines, in a highly complimentary notice, stated that when Mr. Reere stepped upon the stage he calmly took the audience in their weakest point—their emotions—and fairly drew them to him. “Heis an actor,” states that paper, “ of the Fechter school—an actor who is evidently master of his profession, and the possessor of the secret of touching human emotions.” “Ho filled the stage,” said the New York Sun, “ attracting almost undivided attention.” The Philadelphia Telegraph stated that Mr. Reeve’s acting was a masterly performance, and that it awakened an unusual amount of enthusiasm in the audience. Already, in Wellington, Mr. Reeve hat established his reputation as a sterling actor, and we shall watch this evening with much interest his performance of the part which has earned for him such favorable encomiums from the Press on both sides of the Atlantic.

The Rangitikei Advocate understands that sections in the township of Crofton are being disposed of very fast, there being now a sufficient number sold to pay for the erection of a bridge, and the formation of one of the streets. Reasonable prices have been asked, and every facility afforded to encourage purchasers to settle in the township. This township was at one time offered in sections by Sir William Fox, to parties who would guarantee that no intoxicating liquors should be ever sold on the premises erected, and no money was to be charged for the land in consequence. We are not aware whether the same condition still exists, but as the terms “reasonable prices” are used, we should imagine that there has been some modification of the original covenant. The Rangitikci Advocate is informed by one of Major Willis's friends that an effprt will be made to bring him forward to oppose Mr. Ballance for the representation of the district. A cure for the terrible disease among cattle called pleuro-pneumonia has been reported in the Town and Country Journal. A correspondent writes that, having some of his cattle suffering from the malady, and hearing that burnt sulphur was a good thing, he tried the experiment with the following result, having fastened the cow to prevent it jumping I then put about a cupful of sulphur into an old coffee pot, and then a good coal of fire. I held it to her nostrils in spite of her struggles with a pair of tongs, till all the sulphur was burned out. She rapidly recovered, and this year is rearing as good a calf as any I have ; none of the cattle have shown any sign of disease since.

It is rumored that Mr. Gillett, a surveyor, at Awahuri, has been turned off the Aorangi Block, which he was engaged In surveying. The Wanganui ITcrald thinks it hardly probable the Government will proceed further in the prosecution against G. M. Snelson, of Palmerston, who is'committed for'trial at the Palmerston District Court.

The monthly inspection of the Naval Brigade was held last night at the Arcade. About 110 men in arms responded to the rollcall, and about 40 to 50 without arms. The majority of the men appeared in uniform, the style being similar to that used in the Royal Navy, and the general appearance of the brigade was very creditable indeed. The band was in attendance, and played several marches daring the evening. The men having been put through their drill by the officers in command, Major Stack, the commanding officer, complimented the brigade upon the creditable appearance which it presented, and also for the efficient manner in which the men had got through their drill. He informed the brigade that it was his intention to recommend that it should form a guard of honor for his Excellency the Governor at the opening of Parliament. It is a matter of very much regret that the Government will not endeavor to arm all the members of the brigade, and it is also to be regretted that they will not take steps to provide a proper drill-shed for our' different Volunteer corps in the city. The Arcade answers very well as a make-shift, but in consequence of the number of pillars at each side, it can hardly be considered a suitable place to drill a corps like the 'Naval Brigade, whose number now exceeds 260. But even if the Arcade happened to' be all that could be desired for such a purpose,* the duty of the Government is still perfectly clear, and that is to afford all reasonable encouragement and facilities to those to whom we must, perhaps, some day or other look for the defence of our shores from a hostile attack.

Last week some natives caught in the Waiau, a tributary of the Wairoa river, a strange fish, which they describe as a large fish about 18in. long, which, when cooked, was of a red color, and remarkably fine eating. The Acclimatization Society liberated three years since a quantity of salmon fry in the upper waters of the Mohaka, and there is little doubt that the stranger was a well-grown American salmon. There is no native fish that has red flesh, and we may therefore take it for granted that the efforts of the Acclimatization Society have been crowned with success. Mr. Louhere will hold a sale at his rooms, Mannersstreet, at 11 o’clock, of furniture and miscellaneous goods. Mr. Sidoy will continue his sale of damaged goods this day, at 2 o’clock, at the Arcade. A sale of office furniture and books will be held by Messrs. Dwan and Kirton this day, at 11 o’clock, in an office in the Wellington Trust and Loan Company’s buildings: and at 2 o’clock in the afternoon the same firm will hold a sale in their rooms, Willisstreet, of tea, champagne, furnitute, &o.