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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5709, 17 July 1879, Page 2

ITiest blood for the Opposition was drawn yesterday. Mr. Wakefield opposed a resolution brought forward by Mr. Maoandebw to the effect that a “ commission “ should be appointed to consider and “ report as to the best means of establishing a direct steam passenger and “ mail service between New Zealand and “ the mother country.” The Minister for Public Works is known to disregard questions of ways and means in reference to this hobby of his, and he yesterday supported this fad at the expense of his friends, and rashly courted defeat upon a simple question of a week’s adjournment. He explained what no one ever doubted, namely, that by establishing a service such as the oho which he favored, a very great boon would be conferred upon the public, and that he looked upon it as an advantage that was well worth paying for. He would propose that Lyttelton should be the point of arrival and departure, and not Port Chalmers, and he looked forward to the time when the service should become, like that across the Atlantic, so constant as to be almost a daily one. This particularly rosy view was taken before dinner, but nevertheless the theme was handled exactly in the style of an after dinner speech, and when Mr. Maoaxdrew jokingly alluded to the daily service across the Pacific,hishearers laughed good-naturedly at the extravagance of the imaginary picture. Mr. Wakefield, however, soon brought the House back to the realm of hard fact and sober sense once more ; in a few words he moved the adjournment of the debate for a week, and adduced two or three excellent reasons why a little time should intervene before the appointment of a committee was affirmed. In the first place the House had last session passed a distinct resolution against a similar proposition which was then brought forward. In the next place this was a matter which lay within the province of the Executive to decide, and it was quite unnecessary to appoint a committee to perform the functions of the . Government. Lastly, it seemed to him that in the present financial position of the colony it was more than likely that if the committee were appointed, it would be called upon to throw away a lot of work, at a time when there was ample- employment for all of a far more urgent character. It was plainly shown that the Stad Haarlem trip had been a great mistake, and although Mr. Macandeew stated that he had disapproved of the employment of that vessel, evidence was brought forward by Mr. McLean and Mr. Rollestox which proved that the Government had authorised the Agent-General to make arrangements with the New Zealand Shipping Company to send out 600 emigrants to New Zealand in the Stad Haarlem at £2 per head in excess of the price authorised by Parliament. Both these speakers admitted that a

steam service was preferable to one by sailing ships, but pointed out that it was infinitely more costly, and consequently it would be well for the House to decide whether they were in a position to afford the luxury before going to the trouble and expense involved in finding out what the exact cost would be. It turned up in the course of the debate that very contradictory orders had been issued to the Agent-General relative to the despatch of immigrants, that the trip of the Stad Haarlem had resulted in a heavy loss to the New Zealand Shipping Company, and that the first experiment in a steam service had been a complete and expensive failure. Mr. Rolleston stated that ha had no desire to forestall any debate on any of the larger questions involved, but he was curious to know by what authority the Government had agreed to pay more than the price fixed by Parliament for the introduction of these immigrants. At the end of last session Mr. Macandbew moved a similar resolution, advocating a subsidy of £50,000 for a monthly service, and although he then stated that information was being obtained, it has apparently not been got yet. At that time the subject was allowed to drop without a division, because it was made perfectly clear that the House was entirely opposed to the experiment All the arguments used in yesterday’s debate were plainly in favor of an adjournment, but at an early stage pf the proceedings Mr. Macandbew had declared that the Government would not consent to an adjournment, because it would look like shelving the motion ; and with a highly commendable determination he stuck to his resolve. The weakness of the Government in debate was never more conspicuous. Mr. Gisborne mumbled a rigmarole about the object in view being a good one, and said that it was not a party question, deliberately ignoring the fact that his colleague had turned it into one by insisting upon having the resolution put to the vote there and then at any price. Mr. Rees considered that a week’s delay implied a policy of isolation, and at the beginning of his speech said that the main object of immigration was to bring out human beings with capital to this colony, and at the end of his speech insisted that the bringing out of all classes was the duty of the Government. This was all the talking on the Government side of any importance. When “ Hansard” appears it will be found that not a single argument of weight was urged against a week’s adjournment of the debate by any speaker on the Ministerial side. Mr. Stout’s absence was at once felt, and the feebleness of the Government rendered them absolutely contemptible in the eyes of their opponents. Mr. Woodcock turned them into ridicule by promising them his support, because he looked upon the resolution on the Order Paper as an admission of failure on the part of the Ministry to fulfil the duties of their office, and he would aid them'in every possible way to hand over their duties to some other persons. The House enjoyed a laugh at the expense of the Ministry, but, strange to say, there was no member of the Government who felt himself equal to the task of turning the tables on the offender and making him repent his temerity by some bitter sarcasm or keen and b’.ting retort. It has often been remarked that in Parliamentary warfare the moment an enemy can be snubbed and made to look ridiculous with impunity, its days are numbered. Its prestige has departed, and it is plain that its opponents are inclined to despise it and to take advantage of its weakness. Mr. Maoandrbw forgot, when he rashly braved defeat, that Mr. Stout was not present to cover his retreat with the clever and sarcastic oratory of which he was a master. •In another column we publish a full list of all the eighty-five members of the House. Out of eighty-four possible voters sixtysix recorded their votes, of these thirtyeight were in favor of the Opposition. At least half of those who were absent could be relied on to support the victors, thus bearing out the assertion we made yesterday morning that the Opposition numbered an actual majority of the House. It is true that when it became evident that the division would go against the Government, Mr. Sheehan voted with the Opposition. It was plainly only a clever device to hide the nature of the defeat, and was doubtless done with some ulterior object in view. A glance at the division list will show'that it was neither more nor less than a crushing defeat for the Ministry, and that it was accepted as a party division by both sides of the House. Mr. Wakefield has probably succeeded in shelving the proposal for good, and at the same time has had the honor of leading the attack, and of gaining an important outpost in the first onslaught.

The House of Representatives met at halfpast two yesterday afternoon and rose at halfpast five until the usual hour of meeting today. During the three hours a considerable amount of business was transacted. In the first place a good many questions were answered, a large number of Bills were introduced, a number of committees appointed, and a considerable amount of routine business of the usual character transacted. Mr. Seymour was appointed Chairman of Committees of the whole House without opposition, being proposed by Sir William Box, the leader of the Opposition, and seconded by the Premier. Lively discussions took place on the motion of Mr. Macandrew to appoint a committee re a monthly steam direct service, and on the motion of Sir George Grey for Imprest Supply, and the Address in Reply. On the former question the House divided, and_ the “ first blood ” was drawn by the Opposition with a very decided majority. Regret was expressed on all sides in the Legislative Council yesterday when the Colonial Secretary read a letter from the Hon. Major Richmond declining re-appointment to the Chairmanship of Committees. Dr. Grace, Mr. Hall, Sir F. Bell, Dr. Menzies, Colonel Whitmore, and Mr. Waterhouse vied in bestowing the highest eulogiums on the character and services of the late Acting-Speaker. The lastnamed gentleman aptly expressed the general sentiment by saying that every hon. member was divided between a wish not to cause annoyance to the subject of discussion by anything approaching flattery, and yet to give vent to feelings that could scarcely be restrained. The Council passed a vote of thanks to Major Richmond, and appointed Captain BailUe as his successor.

Sir George Grey yesterday laid on the table correspondence with Sir Michael Hicks-Beach on the subject of “honors conferred upon the residents of this colony.” The correspondence was ordered to be printed. The Maori chief Ngamari and fourteen other Maoris who were arrested for ploughing in a flax mill paddock at Opunake will be brought down to the KM. Court, to come before the Resident Magistrate, at 11 o clock to-day. They were sent down to Wellington without having been brought before any magistrate in their own district, because there is no resident authority before whom they could have appeared.

Among other petitions laid upon the table of the House yesterday, was one numerously signed by by Maoris on the subject of alleged frauds on certain blocks of land. A steamer arrived at Port Darwin on Tuesday evening with cablegrams. She will leave again this evening, and all messages to be despatched by her must be handed in at the Telegraph Office here before 5 p.m. Colonel Whitmore yesterday notified in the Council that he was about to bring down a Bill for the control and cure of drunkards—presumably by the State. It will be interesting to learn what course the Ministry propose to follow in dealing with a branch of social economy that is generally supposed to be outside the province of Governments. Can the Administration be retaliating on Sir W. Fox for taking the leadership of the Opposition by cutting the ground from under him ? Eighteen prisoners who were recently convicted at Taranaki are expected to arrive here to-day or to-morrow, and a building is being got ready for their reception. The acoustic properties of the House were yesterday very trying, particularly to the members of the Press in the gallery. From the fact, however, that several of the Members of Parliament had to be called upon by their colleagues to “speak up” it may be assumed that the members themselves cannot always hear very well what is being said. It should be impressed upon speakers generally that if they wish their opinions to go forth to the world, they ought to raise their voices above a whisper —which is the tone adopted by many of them at present. Judge Johnston has a habit of telling witnesses who will not speak out loudly that their expenses will be stopped. Perhaps if hon. members were to have the same fear of losing their honorarium, they too might be induced to speak in an audible tone.

One of the largest and most fashionable audiences which has ever been seen in Wellington was attracted to the Theatre Royal last night, in the hope of witnessing a comic opera, the fame of which has been so much talked about ; but never was an audience doomed to greater disappointment than that which graced the Theatre Royal to see Gilbert and Sullivan’s highly-praised production. The performance—if it can be called a performance —of “ H.M.S. Pinafore” was, without exception, the most frightful fiasco it has ever been our fortune to witness on the Wellington boards. Mr. Florence, to put the matter as mildly as possible, neither sang nor acted his part, and thereby entirely frustrated any attempts of the rest of the company to acquit themselves even creditably. The audience very properly showed their disapprobation, and the only wonder was, why they ever tolerated such a performance at all. We have not hesitated to praise, and that strongly, the fine vocal powers of the tenor of the company ; but a very few repetitions of the scene of last night would take away the public confidence from a much cleverer man than Mr. Florence. We sympathise with Mr. Cary, who has invariably endeavored to fulfil his engagements with the public ; but the exhibition of last night was quite enough to deter anyone from going to witness another performance of the same work. We shall not attempt any criticism, but wc may say that Madame Le Couteur, Mr. Browning, Mr. Cary, Mrs. Florence, and Miss Johns did all in their power to redeem the most inane and senseless performance it has ever been our lot to witness. The orchestra was not even supplied with the necessary parts, and therefore it was entirely out of their power to amend by instrumentation the defects we have alluded to.

A largely attended meeting of the representatives of the Press was held in the reporters’ room, House of Assembly, last evening, when a deputation was appointed to wait upon the Hon. the Speaker on the subject of the very insufficient accommodation at present provided in the gallery for the Press. In this connection it might be stated that at yesterday’s sitting of the House Mr. Keeves gave notice that on the next sitting day he would move, “ That it be an instruction to the House Committee to make better provision for the accommodation of the members of the Press than now exists.”

A fatigue party of forty members of the Armed Constabulary has been at work during the past two days digging holes for the palisading which is to be erected around the newlyformed prison where the Maoris are located. It is expected that the whole of the necessary works required to make the prison thoroughly secure will be finished by Saturday next. An emergency meeting—and not an instruction meeting, as advertised in an evening contemporary —of the officers of the Lodge St. Andrew, 5.0., will be held this evening, at Mr. Marks’ office, at half-past seven o’clock. The “ Mammoth Minstrels” drew another large audience at the St. George’s Hall to witness their eccentricities and mirth-provoking performance, and the jokes, songs, and music were given with capital effect. To-night there will be an entire change in the programme.

Mr. and Mrs. George Darrell will open a tl farewell season” at the Theatre Royal on Monday next, when Mr. George Darrell’s own production of “ Transported for Life ” will be produced.

In yesterday’s issue we published a letter from a correspondent at Carlyle, signed “ One of Them,” in which the writer gave a detailed account from his standpoint of what has recently taken place on the West Coast. We are at all times willing, within reasonable bounds, to place our columns at the disposal of the public for the ventilation of public questions ; but although we do so, it is, of course well understood that we do not, any more than any other public journal, pretend to agree with the opinions of our correspondents in many instances. The letter signed “ One of Them” comes within the latter category. Whilst we have a high opinion of the writer, we differ altogether with him in the reflections which he made upon Mr, James Mackay, Native Commissioner, whose appointment we both recommended and upheld at the time it was made.

Mr. F. McGuire, chairman of the Patea County Council, and Mr. Lysaght, a wellknown settler, who were appointed at a public meeting of the settlers at Hawera as a deputation, waited upon the Premier and the Colonial Secretary yesterday afternoon. The deputation urged that the forces in the district at present were not sufficient, and strongly pointed out that large numbers of men were leaving the district owing to want of employment. They asked that certain public works which had already been sanctioned might be carried out at once, so as to give employment tothesemen. The necessity of at once reoccupying the Waimate Plains and bringing Hiroki to justice, was strongly pressed upon the Government. The deputation also stated that it would be almost better to have war in the dis-

trict than the present state of uncertainty. Property was depreciated, the settlers were leaving the district, there was a general feeling of insecurity, and unless some decisive action was taken by the Government a great crisis would be almost certain to ensue. Tne Premier and Colonial Secretary in reply stated that Colonel Roberta had been instructed

to report on the forces required in the district, and it was considered that with the reinforcements shortly to be sent there would be an ample force to meet any emergency. Colonel Whitmore added that if necessary 3009 men could be placed upon the Plains within a week. Sir George Grey promised that the public works referred to should be proceeded with at once, and said that within a week there would be employment in the district for 300 or 400. With reference to the reoccupation of the Plains and the arrest of Hiroki, the Ministers, although strongly pressed by the deputation, declined to say what their plans were, the Premier adding that it would be most improper to disclose them at the present moment. At a meeting of the members of the Fourth Estate, held last evening, it was resolved that the whole of the representatives of the Press should dine together within the next few days, including those members of Parliament who are journalists, and who choose to take part in the celebration. For a good many years past the question of the Press men in Wellington diping together during the session has presented itself, but it has led to no tangible result hitherto. Now, however, that there is such a strong gathering of the clan in the Empire City, advantage has been taken of the opportunity, and a very pleasant reunion is anticipated. A meeting of delegates of the various cricket clubs was called for yesterday evening at the

Duke of Edinburgh Hotel, but no business was transacted in consequence of the small attendance. The meeting was therefore adjourned to Tuesday evening next at the same place, when it is to be hoped that the various delegates will endeavor to be present, in order to transact the business of the meeting, which is of an important character. A subscription was set on foot at Foston towards raising funds for the purpose of planting the cemetery with shrubs. This has now been done, and there is a small spot set apart * as a nursery to provide for any future wants,

The Premier yesterday announced that in consequence of the resignation of Mr. Young it would be necessary to appoint another interpreter kl his stead.

The business of the R.M. Court was so much interfered with yesterday by the noise caused by carpenters at work in the Provincial Buildings that it was not considered advisable to hold the Land Tax Appeal Coqrt there, consequently an adjournment was made to the Athentnum, where the business was transacted.

What are our local merchants thinking about ? In the last issue of the Manawatu Herald, we find it st ded that with the opening up of direct trade by steam between Foxton and Lyttelton, a growing business is being done between the two places. On the last trip of the Jane Douglas, we noticed on the manifest, a number of “ lines’ 1 from Messrs. Miisou, Struthers, and Co., of Christchurch. The steamers also generally take for both Kaikoura and Lyttelton considerable quantities of timber.

Mr. Mansford, R.M., sat again yesterday for the purpose of hearing appeals against the land tax valuations. A number of appeals were disposed of, an important principle, which formed the chief ground of objection to the valuations, being settled, namely—that the freehold value of the land upon which the tax is computed is to be understood to mean the exact marketable value of that land, free from incumbrances. Some of the appellants held contrary opinions, their notion as to the meaning of the term “freehold value” being various. The point having now been settled by Mr. Hansford's ruling it is probable that a number of objections upon this ground will be withdrawn. The Court sits again on Wednesday next. With regard to our criticism of the performance of “ Martha,” and the few remarks which we considered it our duty to make in reference to the leader of the orchestra, we have received the following communication from the gentleman referred to, which throws more light upon the matter—in justice to Mr. Hughes, we readily publish it : —“ Wellington, 15th, July, 1379. —Sir, —As a rule I do not take notice of newspaper criticisms, but perhaps you will kindly permit me to reply to a notice of last evening's performance, in which my name prominently appears. It is not part of my engagement to provide orchestral parts for the company, and those in use are my personal and private property, for lending which I receive no recompense whatever. The company having been told that they would disband on on early date, it was not worth my while to write additional parts for one performance. The real cause of our contretemps was that the band had no opportunity of rehearsing with the principals or chorus, and transpositions are exceedingly difficult to those who are not accustomed to them.—l am, &c., Henry Hughes, Conductor English Opera Company.” A school-house is at length about to be erected at Otaki, and tenders have been called for the building.

The down train did not reach Foxton on Friday evening till nearly an hour and a half after its proper time. This delay was caused (states the Herald) through an accident on the line just beyond Feilding. _A couple of horses having got on to the line were run into when in front of the bridge over the Makino stream. The cowcatcher threw one off into the stream, and it was shot owing to a broken leg, but the other getting caught in the sleepers was literally cut to pieces. The engine was thrown off the line by the shock, and the consequence was that both the night trains had to meet at the scene of the accident and exchange passengers and mails. By the following morning the engine was replaced on the line, and the ordinary traffic resumed. The letter-receiving box at T. G. Osborn’s, Willis-street, is now closed, and a box has been opened at Messrs. J. and H. Barber’s, Willisstreet.

Messrs. Miles, Hassal and Co., of Christchurch, had one of their Hornsby’s hedge-cut-ting and trimming machines (the first tried in the colony) at work on some rather atiffish gorse fences on the Fendaltown-road. The machine was found to work exceedingly well. In consequence of alterations which are being made in the Provincial Buildings, where the Resident Magistrate’s Court has been held for some time past, the sittings of that Court, and also those of the District Court, will be held at the large hall of the Athenaeum unti further notice.

In the four years between 1874 and 1878, the population of Poxton, according to the local journal, has increased over 160 per cent., and land is at least double the price that it was a few years ago. Messrs. Lsery and Campbell will hold a sale, at their rooms, this day, at 2 o’clock, of merchandi-e and produce. Mr. n. Thomas will hold a sale of paperhangings, at his rooms, this day, at 2 o'clock. Mr. F. Sidoy will hola-a-aiUo or fttn.Uurc, Ssc., at the Arcade, at 11 o’clock.