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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5770, 26 September 1879, Page 2

It is said that when the members wore being sworn in on Wednesday, Sir Georgs Grey stated that be had forgotten his two writs, that the excuse made was accepted, and that consequently no one yet knows whether the Premier represents the ’1 hatne.s or Christchurch. The fact that he failed to present his writs is vouched for by eye witnesses, although our reporter failed to notice it. Major Te Wheoro, by some accident, had not received liis writ, an i it is said that when he wished to take the oath of allegiance to her Majesty, the production of the writ was insisted upon, and he was not sworn in. The rumor seems barely credible, but it reached us at such a late hour, that we are unable to confirm or refute it, and only give it for what it is worth. Many persons are anxious to know whether the Premier represents Christchurch or the Thames.

At a caucus meeting of the Opposition yesterday forty-three members were present or represented. The Hon. John Hall was unanimously elected leader of the Opposition. It was agreed that the party would be prepared to carry measures providing for electoral reform, triennial Parliaments, and re-adjustment of seats, but that a change in the Ministry should first of all take place. The decision as to the manner in which a want of confidence motion should be brought forward was postponed until after the Governor’s Speech was read. Several of the doubtful members were stated to be willing to join the Opposition on the above basis of proceedings.

A meeting of persons anxious to bring forward a candidate for the Mayoralty at the coming election was held last night at the Pier Hotel. The name of Mr. Randall Johnston was mentioned as one of the most eligible in the city. It is rumored that there will be a fair chance of knighthood for the next Mayor, if the expected Royal visitor to the Exhibition in the sister colony should perchance come to Wellington. It is stated that efforts are being made by the Government to restrict the number of candidates likely to come forward in the Grey interest for the Thames. The names of several rival candidates have been mentioned, and it is feared that if more than one Greyite candidate were nominated an Opposition member might slip in. It would appear that some of the Home papers contain advertisements of a misleading tendency, so far as this colony is concerned, and a petition was yesterday presented by Mr. Stevens, one of the members for Christchurch, on behalf of a settler in Canterbury, praying for compensation on the ground that he had been led to expect that he would obtain a grant of land on arrival in the colony, whereas he did nothing of the kind. It is presumed he will prove that the advertisements were inserted with the knowledge and sanction of the Government agents, or the petitioner is hardly likely to receive very great consideration. He states that through the flattering prospects held out he was induced to pay his own passage money, and to go to considerable expense, consequent upon the voyage. Prior to the House adjourning yesterday, a letter was read by Major Campbell from the' Commission of the Sydney Exhibition, to the effect that complimentary tickets would be issued to any members of the New Zealand Legislature who might wish to visit it. The Government intend to test the feeling of the House on the plurality of votes for the election of persons to any body which receives a Government subsidy. Sir George Grey yesterday gave notice to bring in a Bill on the subject.

Mr. Saunders yesterday asked leave to bring in a Bill entitled the Liberal Option Bill. The name alone should be sufficient to ensure its passage through the House.

In a paragraph in our yesterday’s issue, in reference to a meeting of Press representatives at the House, Mr. E. T. Gillon was said to have been elected “ speaker ” of the gallery. It should have been “chairman” of the gallery, a position which Mr. Gillon filled with such satisfaction to his brother Pressmen last session that he was unanimously re-elected to it this.

Something definite is at length to be done in the matter of Triennial Parliaments, the Premier yesterday having given notice that he would in a few days introduce a Bill entitled the Triennial Parliaments Act, 1879. It is stated however, we know not on what authority, that the Bill is hardly likely to give the satisfaction that is expected of it, inasmuch as it is not proposed—at least so it is said —to bring it into force until the expiration of the present Parliament five years hence. A good lease of life truly for any Ministry, but we fancy the House will hardly feel inclined to accept such a measure, nor would it be likely to strengthen the hands of the present Ministry. L'honutic propose mats Dieu dispose. The weekly meeting of the Young Men’s Wesleyan Mutual Improvement Society was held in St. John’s schoolroom last evening. The meeting was open to the public of whom there was a fair number. The business of the evening consisted of a lecture by Mr. J. Gell on “ Water chemically considered.” The lecture was a very able one, and was illustrated by a number of interesting experiments. We understand that an entertainment will be given by members of the society next Thursday evening, particulars of which will be duly advertised.

The adjourned meeting of the Education Board was held yesterday morning, when a variety of business was transacted. The members present were the Hon. C. J. Pharazyn (in the chair), Yen. Archdeacon Stock, Eev. Mr. Paterson, Messrs. Toomath, C. Pharazyn, Hutchison, and Dr. Newman, the newly elected member. Mr. Toxward’s report on the new school house at the Upper Hutt was read. It was not a satisfactory one, and it was therefore agreed that the balance of the contractor’s account be paid, subject to Mr. Toxward's approval of the work. The balance atthebank was stated to be £1639 13s. The estimated balance available for buildings was £6721 Os. 2d., and the sum immediately required for buildings £1682 18s. lid. The following appointments were made : —Miss Chatwin, as mistress of the Small Farm School, Pahautanui; Miss Bowie, as pupil teacher at the Upper Hutt; Miss Speedy, as pupil teacher at Lower Hutt ; Miss Hamilton, as mistress to the Gladstone School; Mrs. Palmer, assistant teacher at Clareville ; Miss Galway, as pupil teacher at Mount Cook Infant School; Miss Davies, to be promoted to an assistantship in the Thorndsn School ; Mr. Kay, of Gladstone School, to be recommended for an assistantship at Carterton ; Mr. Eichard Williams, to be master of new school at Eketahuna, Archdeacon Stock and Mr. Toomath were appointed to make inquiry concerning the Terrace School. Tenders for the erection of the new school buildings at Newtown and Thorndon were opened and considered, but were not made public.

A deputation o£ Pahuutanni settlers, consistin" of Messrs. Smith, Brady, Jones and London, proceeded to Government buildings at noon on Thursday to interview the Minister of Public Works with reference to the route of the West Coast Railway. Mr. Macandrew, however could not receive the deputation, he bein" cn"a"ed in Cabinet, The deputation consequently waited upon Mr. Blackett, en"ineer-in-chief, and was introduced by Mr. Brandon, M.H.R. The deputation wished to know whether the Government had definitely decided upon the Pukaroa route. Mr. Blackett replied that so far as the survey had gone this was the most favorable route, but it had not been definitely decided upon. The deputation pointed out that there were other possible lines which had not been surveyed, but which appeared to be practicable. One was at the Pahautanui end of the harbor leading up to the Pukaroa saddle, and the other was through the Horokiwi valley into the Paikakiriki road near the bottom of the hill. Mr. Blackett promised a careful survey of both lines before anythin" further was done, Mr. Brady asked if the settlers paid the coat of a complete survey would the money be returned if that route were adopted. To this Mr. Blackett replied that the Government would survey the lines themselves, and satisfy themselves which of the several routes was the best.

The usual meeting of the Wellington Philosophical Society will be held to-morrow eveniu", at the Museum, when papers will be read, one’ of which will be on “ Mind Stuff," by F. W. Frankland, F.M.S., and another on “ Forestry,” by G. W. "Williams, Esq.

Mr. S. C. Griffiths again writes to state that he is not the “ Mr. Griffiths whose name frequently appears in print as a prominent member of the Liberal Association,and he asks that in future we will give the latter gentleman's initials, so that there may be no misconception upon the subject. We will endeavor to do so, but we do not think the public will make any mistake ns to which Mr. Griffiths is referred to, even th nigh we should inadvertently omit the initials. The first laugh of the session was cause ! by the leader of the Ministry yesterday afternoon. He had stepped down from bis position on the Government Benches ami had asked leave to introduce a Bill—the name of which was not distinctly heard. “ What is the title of the Bill,may I ask thehonorablo gentleman 1 I did not catch it,” said Major Atkinson. “ The Bill is entitled ‘ The Imbecile Passengers Act,’ ” replied Sir George Grey, amidst loud laughter. The necessary leave was given, and the Bill was read a first time, and the second reading made an order for Tuesday. Several members who yesterday took their seats for the first time, having only arrived by the s.s. Hinemoa, were sworn in by Major Campbell. It might be stated that the only refusal to take the oath was in the case of Mr. Mason, on the previous day. This gentleman, however, took the affirmation in the usual way.

Yesterday the session of the Assembly was opened in a manner befitting the occasion, fur although the formal opening had taken place on the previous day there was then no ceremony of any kind. Yesterday, however, it was very different, for everything was done to make the affair a success, and the weather having to a great extent cleared up, although it was not exactly “ Queen’s weather,” the occasion passed off in a most satisfactory manner. The Naval Brigade formed a guard of honor to his Excellency and the Royal Artillery commenced a salute of seventeen guns as the vice-regal representative entered the Legislative Council, which was crowded with the feminine beauty and fashion of the Empire City —at least so far as its limited capacity would allow. With oue or two slight exceptions there was nothing new in the speech, and when it was all over one could not hut look upon it as “ranch ado about nothing.” Being finished, the members of the Lower House speedily returned to then own chamber, and began the work of the session in real good earnest by pouring in whole heaps of petitions and notices of motion, while the table was literally loaded with papers from the Government, which were for the most part ordered to be Sprinted. After a brief sitting the House adjourned until 2.30 to-day.

No wonder the Government were anxious to get rid of Mr. Saunders at any price, and even to promise “ consideration ” to all and sundry who would contest the late election with him, and did not scruple to telegraph to outsiders and make them offers that were simply disgraceful. But Mr. Saunders was too much for them and their evil machinations, and returns to the House by a large majority like an avenging Nemesis. The member for the Che\dot°is not likely to forget the dark and dirty way in which the Ministry tried to have him shuffled off this mortal coil —politically speaking, and yesterday he fired off the first small gun of what will probably prove to be a heavy oaunodade before it is finished. He gave notice —simply and quietly, but with the calmness which presages the storm—-that he would next sitting day ask the Government .whether the now notorious Whitmore cum Inglis telegram was franked, as on public service ; or whether it was paid for as a private telegram. The answer to this will have to be given, however bitter it may be for the Ministry to swallow questions of this kind, and will probably throw a good deal of light on the way in which the late elections have been worked. Other questions of a similar character are likely to follow, for it is notorious, at least as a rumor, that the wires have been strangely manipulated by the Government party during the late elections. Mr. Murray yesterday gave notice of motion to appoint a committee to consider the whole question of the issue of free railway passes. Mr. Macaudrew yesterday laid a certain return upon the table bearing on the late Public Works Statement. He explained that there were some slight inaccuracies in that statement, which were rectified in the return in question. Although there had been an error in a few of the items, the totals were the same.

Mr. Dick, the newly elected member for Dunedin, is evidently shocked at the grossness of the performances given by the Loftus Troupe—>at least one would judge so from the fact that he yesterday gave notice that he would ask the Government whether or not it was their intention to bring in a Bill with the view of restraining the representation of plays tending to immorality. Mr. Hurst, one of the newly elected members for Auckland City, is likely to have a good deal to say in the House, judging from the batch of notices of motion he yesterday tabled. He was for many years connected with civic and provincial representation in Auckland, where he is considered to be a talker” of the first degree. He is likely to make a very fair start here in a day or two. Mr. Hurst is one of those public men who do not believe in hiding their light under a bushel.

We have received the time-table of theUuion Steam Ship Company for October, and note a re-arrangement of the services. The new steamer Eotomahana has now a place on the list, and will leave Port Chalmers on her first voyage via Lyttelton, Wellington, and East Coast ports to Sydney, on Tuesday, October 7, arriving at Wellington on Thursday, October 9, and resuming her voyage the following day. The steamers Taiaroa, Wellington, and Waitaki will now run through to Dunedin, and thus establish a tri-weekly connection between this port and the South, instead of a bi-weekly one, as hitherto ; while by the employment of the three boats an unimpaired regularity of running can be maintained between Wellington, Picton, Nelson, Taranaki, and Manukau. The usual weekly service will be kept up with the East Coast ports and Auckland, and will be augmented by the addition of the Sydney steamers while pursuing their journeys to and fro, while the regularity of the services between New Zealand and Hobarton and Melbourne is continued. The annual Christmas excursion to the West Coast Sounds is announced, and there is also an announcement that a second trip to the same charming locality will be made during January. A notification at the foot of the time-table informs visitors to the Sydney Exhibition that the company have arranged a writing-room in their Sydney offices for the convenience of those who care to use it, and that letters may be addressed to the care of the company in Sydney. In this room the principal New Zealand papers will be filed. There was a capital attendance at the Academy of Music last evening, when “ The Sorcerer” was repeated and went in every respect very much better than upon the night of its first production. As we imagined, it greatly improves upon acquaintance, and many of the solos and concerted pieces are likely to grow in popular favor. Miss Leaf was again in good voice, and Mr. Kiccardi as the Vicar was very successful. Mr, Hodson too secured a considerable share of the of the evening, and the whole piece went without a hitch. The choruses are far above the average, and a word of praise is due to the chorus singers, as well as to the excellent band under the°conductorship of Professor Hughes. The opera of “Maritaua” will be performed this evening, and some little interest is evinced to hear how the company will acquit themselves in Emdish opera. In addition to the ordinary members of the troupe, Mr. Cary has given his services to strengthen the cast—and will sustain the character of the King. The annual meeting of the Wellington Cricket Club will take place at the Star Hotel this evening.

The first petition of the session was presented by Dr. Wallis, it being a claim for compensation from some Auckland settler ; the next petition was then presented by Mr. Swanson, being also for compensation. All claims against the local committee of the Sydney Exhibition are requested to be sent in to Mr. J. K. George, chairman, on or before the 29th instant.

We were glad last evening to see a much better attendance at the Theatre Royal, when the merits of the Troubadors appeared to be greatly appreciated, judging from the frequent and hearty applause that greeted their efforts. In the first piece the singing and dancing were very good, and in “Patchwork," the songs “ All 'that glitters is not gold,” by Master Parlato, and “ She’s as pretty as a picture,” by Miss Pox, were excellently sung and danced, and received unanimous encores. The entertainment throughout is of a most enjoyable character, and no doubt as it becomes better known it will be better patronised. The same programme will be repeated this evening, and to-morrow night “ Struck Oil” will be° produced. There will also be a midday performance for schools and families.

Early yesterday morning a horse attached to one of the Corporation carts bolted in Man-ners-street, and collided with a milk-cart, the result being that the driver of the latter was thrown out with his cans, though fortunately he was not seriously injur. 1. The bolter vtastopped when he had reached Mr. Mouteith’s, the cart here capsizing. The driver was thrown out, but was not seriously hurt. The New Zealand Steam Shipping Company’s fleet and plant w-.-re ngiiu submitted fur sale by auction yesterday, Mr. .1. H. Wallace acting as knight of the hammer. The only bid was that of the Hon. John Martin, who bought the property at the same figure at which it was knocked down previously, viz., £15,300. "We are informed that two gentlemen well known in 'Wellington are likely to purchase the business lately carried ou by Messrs. Eddie and Jack as importers of wines, spirits, etc. The following is the copy of a petition about to be presented to the legislature with respect to the system of election for membership of the Educational Board :To the honorable the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled.—The humble petition of the undersigned members of local committees of High Schools, and of Common Schoo's, situated in the Educational District of Wellington, respectfully showeth :—l. That the sy-tem of elec lug Educational Boards, established under the 15th section of the Education Act, 1577, is unnecessarily cumbersome and complicated.—2. That the system referred to is moreover unsatisfactory, because from its very nature it does not afford to the country committees, which are widely scattered, and have rot the same facilities of inter-communication as the town committees, that freedom of choice which ia absolutely necessary to ensure the return of members who will make it their special duty and business to attend to the wants of their own specific districts, as well as cf the educational district of which each Board has charge as a whole.—-3. That a more simple and satisfactory method of election, to ensure a fair and just representation, would be to divide each educational district into a convenient number of electoral districts, and to enact that each of these electoral districts should return a member or members sufficient in the aggregate to make up the whole number of which the Board of each educational district consists.—4. That the present divisions of the colony into local districts affords ample facilities for effecting this change in the law under which the national system of education is administered without expense, and with little trouble or difficulty.— 5. That by this means the local committees, who at present form the electoral bodies by which the members of the Boards are returned would he enabled to act more easily in concert, and a very much more faithful representation of all parts of each district would be secured.— 6. That under this system, if established, the election of each Board should take place annually, as soon as possible after the annual election of the Jlocal committees.—Your petitioners therefore pray that your honorable House may be pleased to amend tbe education Act, 1877, in such a manner as may be necessary to bring into force a system such as is herein suggested.—And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. Under the heading “ A Grand Discovery,” the ManawaUi Times of Wednesday says':— “ It has always been the firmly-rooted opinion of old settlers, and those who have been acquainted with the district for years, that a low saddle existed in the Tararna Ranges opposite Palmerston, which would permit of direct communication between that town and the Masterton road, without compelling a journey through the Gorge. Indeed, that opinion has been frequently endorsed by professional experts with whom we have conversed upon the matter, and if there be truth in the rumor generally current in town last night, accident has at length solved the problem, and put the matter beyond a doubt. It would appear that on Sunday a few of the survey party at present under the command of Mr. Prank Knowles, working at the ”’welve Thousand Acre Block on the Pitzherbert side, determined to explore the country for themselves, and not only succeeded in passing over a low saddle, but on reaching the other side could distinctly see the plains of Master-ton in the distance, no other high land intervening. It is only fair to say that our information is second hand ; at the same time, backed as the probability of its accuracy is by the opinion of those thorougnly conversant with the country, we have not the slightest doubt of its reliability. Should such prove to be the case, it is almost impossible to estimate its effect upon the future of Palmerston.” Subscribers of the Choral Society are informed that Messrs. Baker Bros, have been appointed to collect the subscriptions. The hull and furniture of the barque Messenger will be offered for sale to-morrow at Nelson.

The Oriental Exhibition again attracted a number of visitors yesterday. A lady down South advertised for a husband recently, and the following advertisement shortly afterwards appeared in the local journal in response to her appeal : —■“ If the young lady advertising for a husband would call on Bill Eaynor at his Lemonade Factory, he will be glad to come to terms with her.” A rather amusing incident happened in the Court on Tuesday (says the Taranaki Herald). The defendant appeared in Court with an infant in her arms, and the inspector, in opening the case, alluded to the defendant as being an unmarried woman. This evidently hurt the feelings of the defendant, and her counsel informed the Court that his client was a married woman. The inspector thereupon stated that the defendant had informed the police that she was not married, and the supposed husband also disclaimed being married. Counsel appeared rather perplexed, but eventually offered the following explanation to the Court ;—The defendant's husband was desirous of joining the A.G. Force, but could not do so, being a married man. The wife and husband accordingly disavowed their marriage in order to get the husband admitted into the force.

The Christian Record makes the following remarks regarding Sir George Grey and the working men :—“We would further direct the attention of the country to the fact that the present head of the Government (Sir George Grey) travelled last Sabbath from Dunedin to Lyttelton by a special train. What special pressing need there was on the part of the Premier thus to trample on the law of God and the rights of man we fail to see. The man who has so much to say of the serfdom of the working classes is doing his very utmost by such action as this to reduce the men, whose self-elected champion he is, to the darkest and dreariest slavery of a working week of seven days. We are no political partisans, but we have no hesitation in saying that we trust that the reign of wickedness in high places is drawing near its close.” The Wellington City Rifles and Eifle Cadets are to parade for monthly inspection at the Central Fire Brigade Station on Monday evening, and the Wellington Guards will parade for inspection on Tuesday evening in the Princess Theatre.

The Thames Advertiser says ;—“ It is notorious, also, that the Telegraph Department is the worst managed of any branch of the colonial service, and the sooner Honest Farmer Fisher is relegated to his dry pastures on the plains of Canterbury the better it will be for the welfare of this growing branch of the public service. We want no more square men for round holes, and cannot help thinking that his retention of office has been a serious loss to the country through the department he has so glaringly bungled since he was invited into the Cabinet. The exchange of seats on the Messrs. Fisher, Thomson, and, shall we add, Gisborne, would be a gain to Ministers, and they are scarcely likely to allow the opportunity to pass without attempting to bring it about. If it cannot be accomplished by any other means Ministers will resign and allow the Premier to re-form, with the understanding that certain pre-arranged changes are to follow. By this means Sir George’s majority will be large enough to enable him to carry out the Liberal programme he has laid down, and from which, we presume, there will be no attempt to deviate. Even some of those who are opposed to him personally as the head of the Government cannot do other than support these measures if faithfully introduced, in order that they may keep their pledges, however strongly, indeed, they may object to Sir George having the honor of introducing them.” Mr. Francis Sidey will sell to-day, at the Arcade, at 11 o’clock, a quantity of.housdhold furniture seized under bill of sale.

A very large number of people visited the auction rooms of Messrs. T. Kennedy Macdonald and Co. ye-terday, to see the display of furniture and fancy roods to be sold to-day at 2.30 p.m. The catalogue iiKhvi-sa splendid assortment of furniture and liouseli ...I ejects, consisting of rosewood piano, harii.'miuin, superior inlaid and fancy chests of drawers, drawingroom suites, hall table and chairs, iron and wooden bedsteads, spring mattrasses, a large assortment of engravings, oleographs and paintings ; also, pipes, cigar cases, tobacco pouches, and fanev goods, seized in the estate of Jonas Back. We understand that owing to the wet weather the whole of the furniture had not arrived yesterday, bat will he opened for inspection to-day alter 1 o'clock.