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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5741, 23 August 1879, Page 2

In accordance with our established practice, we publish gkatis, in our issue to-day, for the information of our subscribers and readers, a number of Government advertisements. The benefit of payment, at per inch, for these advertisements, is withheld from us, because, “ other things being equal,” we are unable conscientiously to give unquestioning support to Ministers.

A supplementary Gazette was issued yesterday, in which the regulations under the Maori Representation Act, 1857, were published. Returning officers have been appointed, and writs issued for the return of four native members for the northern, southern, eastern, and western Maori electoral districts. The various polling places are also given, and taking a glance through them, we should imagine that there are few Europeans who would like to enter upon such vast canvassing tours as the native members will have to submit to.

We are pleased to be able to state that the Government have at length seen their way towards calling for tenders for the first section of the West Coast Railway. It is a significant tact, and one which the electors ought not to forget, that after the most contemptible shuffling, this contract should have been advertised just at the time when an election is about to take place. In our report «t the remarks of the Mayor at the Council meeting on Thursday evening with reference to the rejection from the electoral roll of the list of ratepayers sent in by the Town Clerk, the omission of the word “ not,” which was in our reporter’s manuscript, quite reversed what his Worship actually said. The sentence referred to should have been—“ The fact remained that the ratepayers who had ‘not’ sent in separate claims to vote were not on the roll.” We have been informed that there is no truth whatever in the rumor that Mr. J. T. Thompson, Surveyor-General, has any intention of resigning that office, as was rumored in certain circles during the last day or two. Mr. Thompson does not intend to enter into political life.

We have received a copy of “Land and Farming in New Zealand,” edited by Sir Julius Vogel, K.C.M.G., and printed by Waterlow and Sous, London. The objects of the book, which contains 189 pages, demy folio size, are to furnish information respecting the mode of acquiring land in New Zealand, and to give particulars as to farming, wages, prices of provisions, &c., in the colony. There is a map of the North and Middle Islands, and the Land Acts of 1877 are printed in detail. Sir Julius directs special attention to a paper on New Zealand farming by the Rev. J. Berry, which is printed with the book. The publication of the volume is very opportune, and will save the Agent-General the trouble of answering a multiplicity of inquiries. He has taken by far the best method of satisfying the curiosity of a large section of the people of Great Britain about New Zealand, for which Sir Julius Vogel deserves the best thanks of the colony. A football match between the College Football Club and the second fifteen of the Wellington Football Club will take place on the Basin Reserve to-day, at 2.30 p.m. The following will represent the College : —Luxford, Gair, Field (captain), Buchanan, Kirk, R. C., Taylor, F., Morrab, A., Andrew, Kirk, H. 8., Richards, F., .Holdsworth, C., - Burnes, A, Pauling, Stock, and Bishop. We have to acknowledge the receipt of a pamphlet, containing 22 pages, and entitled “ Fiji: Remarks on the Address delivered by Sir Arthur H. Gordon, 0.M.G., at the Colonial Institute, March 18, 1879 ; by a Colonist.” The purport of the pamphlet is to refute some assertions which Sir Arthur Gordon gave utterance to in his address, which the writer alleges will be found to be entirely disproved, if people will only take the trouble to peruse what he has written. In his introductory remarks “Colonist” concludes with these words ;—“ Diplomacy may sometimes require a slight perversion of the truth, but diplomatic misrepresentation has a limit.” From the tenor of the pamphlet it is evident that Sir Arthur Gordon’s Governorship of Fiji has not been to him a bed of roses ; while, if the author states his case, and that of his fellow colonists, with anything at all like fairness, the people of Fiji should be entitled to the Commission of Enquiry which they demand from the Home authorities.

Messrs. Bethune and Hunter yesterday offered for sale the wreck of the ship Hyderabad, as she lies on the beach near Foxton, with all boats, gear, &c. The hull and appliances, were bought by Mr. Holmwood for the sura of £SO, and the barometer for 255. Mr. Coffey purchased the chronometer for £lB ; and other articles belonging to the vessel, such as compasses, dessert service, dish covers, &c., were sold at moderate figures, the total price realised for the wreck being about £BO. The ship’s four boats were not sold. There was a good attendance at the mart, but very few buyers. Mr. C. B. Izard met the electors in Ghana Valley last night, and explained his political views to a large and attentive audience. He declared himself a strong opponent to Sir Geo., Grey and the present Government on account I of their maladministration in native and all other affairs, and broken promises and many backslidings. A moderate reformer, he is in ■favor of triennial Parliaments, rather than quinquennial or annual, and the redistribution of seats ; but he is not an advocate of universal suffrage. He was an advocate for retrenchment in all branches of the public service and the abolition of the present iniquitous Native Office ; and in favor of a tax to meet the growing expenditure of the colony on all incomes over a fixed minimum, say £3OO a year. Touching oh local topics, he dwelt at some length on the -necessity for the West Coast railway and the acquisition of native lands on : that Coast; and he alluded to his opposition to the present genia l , but supine, member, Mr. Brandon, with excellent taste, and pointed out how necessary it is for. a,representative to show more energy and" attention to local matters. In answer to questions, Mr. Izard declaredhimself opposed to the land tax, and entirely in favor of secular education. On being asked to whom he would look as the probable future leader of the House in the present state of political parties, he replied, in all probability, Sir William Fox, if he was returned; but certainly not Sir G. Grey, or any of his party. A vote of confidence in Mr. Izard was proposed and carried, over au amendment that he be simply thanked for fiia address.

Messrs. T. Kennedy Macdonald and Co. have removed to the premises formerly occupied by Mr. R. J. Duncan. The report of the West Wanganui Coal Company, and other matter, is held over through pressure on onr space.

Mr. Hunter will address the electors at the Athemeum this evening, at eight o’clock.

Mr. Izard will address the electors at Kaiwarra this evening, at eight o’clock.

Mr. Mason will address the electors at the Wainuiomata school this evening, at half-past seven o’clock.

Our correspondent “Inatar Omnium” had better communicate with the police. That is by far the best course, if he wishes to accomplish his views. The installation of Brother Christian Julius Toxward as B.W.D.G.M. of the North Island will take place this afternoon at 3 o’clock.

The Philosophical Society will meet this evening, at the Colonial Museum.

Messrs. Dwan and Oowen have decided to postpone the publication of their “Wellington Punch” for the present. The child-woman, that was recently exhibited here, has died. It is a great pity that such an unnatural course should have been adopted by the mother of the poor creature, or that she should hare been persuaded to publicly exhibit what should have been kept as private as possible. The Wellington footballers who are to do battle with the South left last night for Lyttelton in the s.s. Wakatipu. They were accompanied to the vessel by a large number of friends, who loudly cheered them as the steamer took her final departure from the wharf.

When addressing the electors the other night Mr. Izard must indeed have forgotten himself, for not only did he on two occasions address them as “gentlemen of the jury, but likewise thought fit to appeal to them, individually and collectively, as “ your Honor. The lapsus lingual was received with much laughter.

Now that the Supreme Court is being cleaned and renovated inside, it might be suggested that advantage should be taken of the recess in matters judicial to have a reporters box erected. It is the only court of the kind in the colony where the Fourth Estate is not provided for. It is quite true that by courtesy reporters are allowed to sit at the barristers table, but they only do so on sufferance, and have to move very often half a dozen times in the course of the day, either to suit the whims of the legal gentlemen, or because, should they leave the Court for a minute or two, they find their seats occupied on their return. As the representatives of the public they have a right to expect something better than this, and n« time would be more suitable than the present to meet their wishes in this respect. Mr. Levin addressed the electors at the Princess Theatre, Tory-street, last evening. There was a very large attendance, both the gallery and the lower part of the house being crowded. The meeting was very successful, notwithstanding that a good deal of confusion prevailed at times—a confusion, according to Mr. Worth, due to the enemies in the camp. A unanimous vote of thanks was passed. About 600 people were present. Mr. Davis, the agent in advance of the Loftus Company (who are being played through the colony by Mr. De Lias, the wellknown and highly popular impressario), arrived from the North yesterday, to make arrangements for the first appearance of the troupe in this city. The Loftus Company have been for the last mouth playing with great success in Auckland, and are highly spoken of by the Press of the Northern capital. The company .lately arrived from America, and are of the genus known as “ variety,” but of the kind they are said to be the best who ever entered this colony. The Academy of Music received a fair amount of patronage last night, considering the number of meetings of one kind and another which were held during the evening, and also the counter attractions at the Theatre Royal and Mr. Parker's concert at the Athenaeum. The audience appeared well pleased, and were generous with applause during the performance. A man named John Brown, sailmaker of the Halcione, was yesterday arrested by Detective Sullivan, charging him with stabbing a shipmate during the voyage. A deputation from the Protestant Alliance Friendly Society having waited upon Mr. Levin, that gentleman gave them a favorable reply. It is therefore probable that he will receive the support of that body. “ As You Like It ” was produced at the Theatre Royal last night, Mr. Chaplin sustaining the part of Jaquea in a masterly style, and Miss Rose Osborne that of Rosalind in a highly creditable manner. We regret that we can only give a mere mention of the production of this beautiful comedy, because of the pressure on our space during the present exciting election times. We understand that bis Excellency the Governor has altered his intention of visiting the theatre during the stay of the present company to Monday next instead of Tuesday, as previously intimated. On that occasion the play of “ Engaged ” will be produced by command. The Naval Brigade will assemble at the rear of the Government Buildings this afternoon at three o’clock.

Mr. Parker repeated his first annual concert at the Athensemn last night. The audience was again small, which no doubt was attributable to the fact that several other entertainments were taking place at the same time* and in consequence of a number of political meetings also being held. The excellent programme was gone through iu an admirable manner, there not being a single item the reception of which was not most demonstrative. It waaj however,' unfortunate’ that one of the best arranged and best executed concerts that has been heard in Wellington for some time past should have been so poorly patronised, for the result was a most inadequate recompense for the labor and pains that must have been expended in its preparation. We trust Mr. Parker will be mure fortunate on future occasions.

Mr. Francis Sidey will hold a clearing sale at the Arcade at 1 p.m., of furniture, groceries, earthenware, and unclaimed jewellery and watches left at Mr. Mulligan’s shop. Messrs. Dwan and Kirton will hald a sale to-day, at 2.30 p.m., at their room?, WUUs-street, of groceries, furniture, «&c. Horses, carts, traps, &c., will be sold by the same firm at the Nag’s Head yards, at 2 p.m. Messrs. Laery and Campbell will hold a sale, at IX a.m„ at 1 their rooms, of fruit, produce, grocery stores, &c. '