DEATH.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5822, 26 November 1879, Page 2

DEATH.

,ra ’ aged69rears - Adelaide pare, 3

The Hon. Mr. Whitaker yesterday laid copies of the following telegrams on the table of the Council, bearing upon Sir J. Vogel's connection with Mr. Larnach’a company. The first is an answer by the Agent-General in reply to a telegram sent by the Government, asking him the names of the three Ministers he had asserted in The Times, on September 26, were aware of and approved his action : “ Stout certainly, and best my belief Macandrew and Ballance.” “ Wellington, November 22.—E. Stout, Esq., Dunedin.—ln reply to inquiry to Vogel, made in compliance with a demand in the House, as to what Ministers of late Government knew of his joining Agricultural Company, he telegraphed as follows < Stout certainly, and best of my belief Macandrew and Ballance.’ Before we lay this before the House would you wish to send any explanation to accompany the telegram.-J. Hall.” “Dunedin, November 22.—The Hon. the Premier, Wellington.—Julius Voxel’s telegram is correct. I knew, and thought other members of the Ministry were aware that he intended to join company. _ I believed then, and stiff believe, company m its effort .to settle people on laud must be beneficial to colony X saw no objection to Agent-General being connected with the company, believing he was benefiting colony by so acting.—R. Stout.”

Sir George Grey yesterday gave notice that he would to-day ask leave to introduce a new Bill entitled an Act '.to amend the New Zealand Constitution Act.

We understand that Mr. George Bayliss has demanded an apology from the proprietors of the Evening Chronicle for statements made in reference to him in its Issue of Monday last.

The election for the Mayoralty will take place to-day, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. The candidates are Messrs. William Hutchison, the present Mayor, and George Alien, one of the members of the City Council, and also one of the oldest residents in Wellington. In our report of the Parliamentary proceedings of Monday, through the omission of a line, it appeared that “ Mr. Stewart addressed the House for the first time this session.” As written the sentence stood that there was a call of “No House” for the first time this session. Those who know Mr. Stewart, and have watched his activity during the present session, will absolve him from the charge of being a “silent member.” The House sat yesterday morning until a quarter past four, when, at the conclusion of Mr. Stewart’s speech, a division was taken on Mr. Macaudrew’s want of confidence motion, which was negatived by seventeen votes to six, from which it will be seen that tho great majority of the members had left the House. The following is the division list : —Against the motion : Messrs. Atkinson, Bowen, Colbeck, Driver, Gibbs, H. Hirst, W. J. Hurst, MoCaughan, McLean, Oliver, Eolleston, Seymour, Studholme, Sutton, Swanson, Trimble, and Wakefield. In favor of it : Messrs. George, Harris, Lundon, Moss, Shepherd, and Stewart.

The Petitions Committee of the Council yesterday brought up a report on the petition of Mr. Henry Jackson, late Chief Surveyor, with reference to his dismissal from the department. The report stated that through a new system of working being introduced, a misunderstanding had arisen; but that Mr. Jackson had done nothing which could be called insubordination, or which justified the removal of so valuable a public officer. On this report there was a debate of an hour’s duration, in which twenty members took part, as to whether the report should be referred back to the committee to take further evidence from Mr. Thomson, the late head of the department. Ultimately, on a division, this course was adopted, the numbers being 26 for to 8 against. Mr. Levin yesterday presented a petition signed by 250 people, praying that the system of issuing bottle licenees should be abolished. There will be only one pollingplace to-day for the Mayoralty election, namely, at the Academy of Music. Councillor Logan will move at the next meeting of the City Council that the salary of Mr. J. Chappie, assistant clerk, be raised to £IBO per annum. Mr. Maatell yesterday asked the AttorneyGeneral, in the Council, whether the Government have taken, or intend to take, any steps to give effect to a resolution of this Council, passed in the session of 1876, with regard to the Wellington cemetery ? Mr. Whitaker replied : I can only tell the honorable gentleman that I am informed the Government have made every effort to obtain a suitable site in different parts of Wellington, and have given great attention to the matter. These attempts have hitherto failed. The Corporation was likewise asked to point out any site it considered desirable, but it has not done so. The Government will continue to take care to secure a suitable site if it can be had.

Mr. Villiers, artist, who has come to the colonies on behalf of the London Graphic, is at present staying in this city, preparatory to taking a tour through the North Island. He will remain in Wellington for a fortnight or three weeks, during which time he intends to visit the various public institutions in the city. We trust that Mr. Villiers will find his stay amongst us both agreeable and interesting.

A monument has been erected in the new cemetery at Wick, in Scotland, in memory of the late Mr. Alexander Reid, who was accidentally drowned from the steamer Taupo, in Covjk Strait, on March 5, 1878, whilst on a journey to visit a brother at Auckland. The late Mr. Reid was one of the best known journalists in New Zealand, and was very highly esteemed. The monument was erected by friends of the deceased gentleman in New Zealand, who raised subscriptions and forwarded them to Mr. Reid’s father for the purpose of having a monument erected to his memory.

There was a full meeting of the general committee of the Masonic body at the Panama Chambers yesterday afternoon, Bro. Jonas Woodward being in the chair. A report from the Ball Committee was brought up and approved of. The prices of tickets were fixed at a guinea for gentlemen and halt a guinea for ladies. The furnishing and decorating of the building was entrusted to Bro. W. Nicholson, the catering to Bro. Peter Laing, and the services of a full band have been engaged. Arrangements have been made for the erection of a stand, which will accommodate a large number of persons. The admission will be by ticket, and holders must put iu an appearance at least half an hour before the ceremony commences, as no person will be admitted afterwards. It is expected that 300 of the brethren will be present, and both the ceremony and festivities promise to be very successful.

The usual monthly meeting of the Education Board will be held to-day at the Education office.

A case of uttering valueless cheques was investigated at the Resident Magistrate’s Court yesterday afternoon, Mr, E. W. Mills, J.P., presiding. The accused was J. G, Lee, alias Smith, and he was defended by Mr. Eorwood. It appeared that on Saturday, Ist November, Lee purchased some goods to the value of £2 17s. 6d,, from the establishment of Mr. Paul, Cuba-street, and gave him a cheque for £5 3s. in payment. The cheque was drawn on the Bank of New Zealand, and was signed “W. N. Smith.” Mr. Paul paid it into thebank on Monday, and on Thursday received it back marked “No account.” The cheque had been forwarded to Greytown to the branch bank there, hut was returned dishonored. Evidence was called to show that two blank cheques had been obtained from the New Zealander Hotel, and had been filled in by prisoner at the Theatre Royal Hotel. The butt of one of these corresponded with the cheque in dispute. The prisoner was committed for trial upon this charge, and also upon a charge of obtaining a watch from Mr. Jacob Prankel by means of false pretences, namely, by presenting a cheque for £3 10s. drawn on the Union Bank.

A short sitting of the Bankruptcy Court was held yesterday before his Honor the Chief Justice. An order of discharge was granted to John Beard, contractor, Wellington. In the case of Henry MoArdle, who also applied for his discharge, Mr. Gully appeared in opposition, and the case was adjourned till Tuesday next.

Messrs. J. G. Holdsworth and J. E. Smith presided at the Resident Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning. A man named Robert Carson was charged with using obscene language, and was fined £2 and costs, in default of payment fourteen days’ imprisonment. Charles Dowsett, for furious driving, was also fined 40s. and costs ; a woman named Martha McCarthy was fined ss. for permitting her chimney to be on fire. The following water oases were also dealt with at the instance of Mr. Johnston, city inspector :—Kirkoaldie and Stains (waste from a pipe in closet), fined 20s. and costs ; Philip Barron (leakage from water-tap on house in Webb-street), adjourned till Thursday for production of an important witness ; Thomas Urwin, Theatre Royal Hotel (washing down front with hose at the rate of 25 to 30 gallons per minute), fined 20s. and costs ; W. Dawson, for a similar offence, fined 40s. and costs. The usual weekly meeting of the committee of the Wellington Benevolent Institution was held yesterday afternoon at the Provincial Buildings. Present —J. G. Holdsworth, Esq. (in the chair), Revs. W. Kirk, R. Coffey, Father Kerrigan, and Messrs. L. Levy, D. Lewis, J. E. Smith, B. Smith, and C. P. Powles. A number of cases were considered and relieved, and the committee adjourned. The Court of Appeal continued sitting yesterday before his Honor the Chief Justice, Mr. Justice Johnston, and Mr. Justice Richmond. Tho arguments in the case of Daniell and Sinclair were continued, and at their conclusion the Court reserved judgment. The sittings will continue to-day. An inquiry was held yesterday before Mr. McKellar, Collector of Customs, into the circumstances connected with the late accident to the steamer Tui. Captain Holmes and the engineer were examined at considerable length, and the evidence of a number of other witnesses will be taken to-day. The evidence will be forwarded to the Government for their decision.

A large number of persons inspected the furniture and household effects to be offered by Messrs. T. Kennedy Macdonald and Co,, in their mart to-day, at 2.39 p.m. The goods were laids were laid out to advantage, and the display was much admired. The chief features of the sale to-day will be a number of Brinsmead and Son’s pianos. These instruments are said to be attracting a largo amount of attention at the Sydney Exhibition,

A very interesting debate on education took place in the House last night, when members expressed their opinions ou this question. -Mr. Turnbull moved that the vote for this department be reduced by £56.090, 'tut the motion was lost by a large majority. The question is likely to be discussed again to-day at length. Yesterday the whole of the day was occupied in. the House in the consideration of the Estimates, with which very considerable progress was made. The Upper House sat five hours yesterday, the proceedings terminating at 10 p.m. Of this time the passing of the Electors Qualification Bill through committee occupied three hoars. Much criticism, and a considerable amount of hyper-criticism, were brought to bear on this measure, a large number of amendments, chiefly in the direction of lucidity, being made. So numerous, indeed, were these, that the Hon. Mr. Whitaker remarked the Lower House would fine the Bill so brilliantly polished that they would not know it again. The only two important amendments proposed were one by Colonel Whitmore, that the property qualification should be raised from £25 to £SO, which was negatived on the voices ; and another by Mr, Wilson, that a person twice convicted should lose his right to vote for ever, which was lost by 17 to 5. The Bill is to be recommitted to-morrow, when the polishing process will be carried to a still higher degree of perfection.

The Government will be asked in the Coun--cil to-day the number of emigration agents employed by them in Great Britain and Ireland, and the amount of remuneration received by each. A meeting of tho Regatta Committee was held last evening at the Pier Hotel, the chair being oocupird by Mr. George Allen. Mr. W. Waters was appointed secretary. The offer of the Albert Dramatic Club was accepted with thanks, but on the condition that the committee were not to be held responsible for any expenses which might be incurred by the club. A letter was received from Messrs. Kohn and Co., offering a prize of twelve guineas, the allotment of which was left in the bauds of the committee. The offer was received with thanks. The rules were revised and adopted, with some alterations, but the final consideration oc one or two was deferred until next meeting. Canvassers were appointed to wait upon residents in the various wards in the city for the purpose of procuring subscriptions towards the expenses of the regatta. The Public Works Committee’s report to be presented at the meeting of the City Council to-morrow evening recommends that Mr. J. Laughton should be appointed overseer of works ; that tenders be called for the kerbing and channelling of Wellington-terrace ; that a concrete drain be carried through the recrea-tion-ground and across the Wadeatown-road at the hack of Mr. Turnbull’s premises, at an estimated cost of £35 ; that leave be granted to Mr. E. Tomlinson for the formation of a private street, to be called Leviu-street, on the usual conditions ; and that the City Surveyor be authorised to blind the road metal in Eea-therston-terrace. The consideration of the purchase of tho steam-engine and pump belonging to the Gas Company was postponed, as the City Surveyor was preparing a further report on the watering of the street?. The extension of Elizabetb-street to the town belt, through private property, cannot be recommended, unless at the expense of the owners. A sub-committee is engaged in ascertaining the value of the work done at the Hobsonstreet bridge, by Mr. E. W. Mills. With reference to the accident which occurred iu April last to a man named Mould, by which his leg was broken through a plank knocking against it, the commiteee are of opinion that the Council cannot in any way be held liable for it, as an exceptionally high wind,prevailed at the time. In Messrs. Jacomb and Son’s London wool circular for October, we find that the total imports from Now Zealand up to the Bth October amounted to 177,887 bales, as against 173,663 for the previous year. The total amount imported from the Australian colonies and New Zealand for the present year is 793,138 bales, against 651,138 for 1878. From the Cape and Natal 134,777 bales were imported up to date, against 128,472 for 1878. The Torpedo Corps paraded in uniform for the first time last night. The uniform consists of a serge jacket with silver buttons and light blue facings, plain serge trousers and naval cap with a peak and torpedo badge, supported by the letters N.Z.T.C. The uniform looks very nice, and presents a pleasing contrast to that of the other Volunteer companies in town. The company has made such good progress since it was formed that we understand it is intended to supply the members with Enfield rifles and ammunition, pending the receipt of carbines from Home.

The sale of the Martinborough property was resumed yesterday at noon by Mr. J. H. Wallace. Several sections having been disposed of at prices ranging from £7 ss. to £8 155., an adjournment was made for lunch, after which one of the blocks, containing 4000 acres, was submitted for sale. The bidding was, however, rather slow, and the Hon. Mr. Martin then expressed his determination to stop the sale. A number of persons who had come from the Wairarapa and other places strongly protested against the stoppage of the sale, aud one person .observed that he had come about fifty miles for the purpose of procuring some of the land. Mr. Wallace, the auctioneer, tried to appease the crowd by telling them that a schedule of tho land, with the minimum prices attached, would be prepared, and that they would still have an opportunity of purchasing what they required at the same terms as those offered at the sale. The assurance did not seem at all satisfactory, and there were some loud murmurs of discontent. Mr. Wallace then put up a section of 1-56 acres, bnt the highest bid offered was only £4 per acre. Mr. Martin at once requested the auctioneer to leaye the rostrum, and the proceedings closed, anfid considerable murmurs of disgust aud discontent. A good many persons remained about the Atheuseum for some time afterwards, but no attempt was made to resume the sale.

The sale of properties in the estate of Moody and Smith takes place to-morrow, in Messrs. T. Kennedy Macdonald and Oo.’s auction mart, Panama-street. Intending purchasers would do well to inspect these valuable properties themselves, if they have not already done so.

Those wonderfully clever young people the McLean Lilliputian Dramatic Troubadors gave another of their performances at the Theatre Royal last night. “Conrad and Lizette” was selected as the opening piece, in which Master McLean, as Tim Flaherty, especially distinguished himself ; whilst Miss Nina Tullook, as Lizette, and Master Parlato, as Conrad, were also very good. The entertainment wound up with “ Patchwork,” a composition specially adapted for the troupe by Mr. Garnet Walch, Melbourne. Being a sc.-t of medley of fun, music, dancing, and absurdities, the young people appear to_ enjoy it as thoroughly as the audience. To-night the fine old comedy of “Milky White” will be produced, with Master Parlato in the principal character. The performance will conclude with a musical melange entitled “Hash.” This will be the last appearance of the troupe in this city, as they will sail the following day for Nelson.

On Friday last, as the midday train was running down Main-street, Foxton, to the station, a little girl about five years old deliberately walked across the rails, in front of the advancing engine. Some people who were standing in the street quite expected that the child would be run over, and a number of Maoris who were sitting down sprang to their feet, making loud exclamations of horror. It appeared nothing less than a miracle that the child was not killed. The entries for the Opaki races must be made to-morrow evening at the Club Hotel, Mastertou, between the hours of seven and nine o’clock.

The Napier Borough Council have reduced the wa"es of the workmen from 7s. to 6s. per day. '

At a recent meeting of the London Metropolitan Board of Works, it was stated that although protective spectacles bad been used by the compositors, the electric light had been found impractible iu The Times printing office, and that gas had again been resorted to.

Mr. E. N. Liffiton was duly elected member of the General Synod for the Wanganui, Rangitikei, and Manawatu district.

Mr. Curr, the inspector of stock, has reported to the Victorian Government on the probability, it not the certainty, of hydrophobia being imported into that colony. In Spain, which has a similar climate to that of Victoria, the disease is rampant The advice he gives is that all cats and dogs coming here on shipboard should be destroyad. The Government, however, hesitate about taking this extreme step, and the report is not to be acted upon until the sister colonies have been communicated with.

The Hall Ministry undertook to deal in a very trenchant manner with that difficult subject, Maori representation. They proposed to exclude the Maoris altogether from taking part in European elections, but to give them largely increased special r‘presentation. The House* however, shrank from that bold course, and we must say (says the Timaru Herald) that on the whole we think they were right. There are now four Maori members in the House of Kepresentative*, and after a close and entirely unprejudiced observation of their conduct for many years, do not hesitite to say that they are four too many. We do not wish to throw any slur on the individuals or on the race, but we are convinced that, owing partly to the Maori character, and p.irtlv to the fact that they know nothing of the first principles of our laws and government, the Maori members have always been an element of danger and demoralisation in the House. They are quiet and well behaved, and appear on the [surface to take an intelligent interest in the proceedings ; but in reality they are mere dummies in debate, and mere tools in voting. How can they be otherwise when they are utteily ignorant of the subjects under discussion and even of the meaning of the words which they hear, except some tew which are conveyed to them by an interpreter who himself knows very little more than they do ? The whole thing is a pitiable farce, but it is a serious business when the Maori votes affect matters of the highest importance to the whole population of the colony. It is bad enough in all conscience as it is, and the results of any considerable increase in the number of Maori members could not but be in the last degree disastrous. At the same time it is obvious that the Maoris would not be adequately represented on any definite political basis, if they were excluded from European elections and yet had only four members. They number altogether between forty and fifty thousand, and they pay ?, due proportion of the indirect taxation. The only valid objection, indeed, to their voting at European elections is that they pay none of the direct taxation, either local or general. The reporter of the Manaioahi Times accepted an invitation from Sir. James Linton, of Terrace End, to witness the operations of a piece ef machinery which he has invented for stumping bush land. The apparatus is worthy of the highest praise on account of its three principal features—first, the thorough effectiveness with which it performs the work assigned it ; secondly, the simplicity of the contrivance and absence of all danger ; and thirdly, the insignificance of cost in comparison with the benefit derived. When out reporter arrived on the ground the “stumper” was in the hands of two men who have taken a contract for clearing some land, and in order to test its power it was hooked on to the vary largest trees to be found, varying from two to three feet in diameter, and in the space of forty minutes, timed by a watch, fourteen of the branchless veterans were torn from mother earth. So great was the power employed that not only were the massive trunks dislodged, but the earth with roots running for yards around were torn from their sockets. The lever with which this was executed was a double union screw made to the order of Mr. Linton, with other gear attached also made to the owner’s order, but so simple in its mode of operation that the work could be done by one man. Our reporter questioned the men who had taken the contract, and was assured by the two that they had done more work since that morning with the “stumper” than otherwise 30 men could have done. The invention is one which we have no doubt in asserting will work a thorough revolution in the work of clearing land, and its aid in a bush country will be simply invaluable, as by the outlay of about a dozen of pounds hundreds could be saved in a year. As a proof of the immense advantage given by the use of the “ stumper,” we may state that the contract alluded to had been taken for £25, on condition of receiving a loan of the apparatus, whereas without it it would have been considerably over £IOO. Already Mr. Linton has had numerous offers for the hire of the “ stumper ” by struggling settlers who have been witnesses of its wonderful labor-saving efficiency. We understand that it is the intention of the inventor to have the instrument patented, and certainly patents have been issued for inventions which could not claim one-tenth of the merit of Mr. Linton's simple but most effective contrivance. We feel convinced that when settlers become aware of the very valuable aid for clearing their land —the work being performed efficiently and at a mere nominal cost, when compared to the present expensive and tedious operation — which will he at their command at a minimum cost, the “stumper” will create a revolution in the clearing of land, and its clever inventor receive the praise and profit which he has so fairly won.

Referring to the rumored vote of want of confidence motion, the Rangatikei Advocate remarks :—“ It is admitted on all sides that the present Ministry took office under somewhat discouraging auspices. The finances were all topsy-turvy ; a large deficit was known to exist ; additional taxation was inevitable ; and the Opposition was composed of unscrupulous, captious, disappointed men, who had stuck to their seats like limpets to a rock, and who had retired only when every discreditable effort had been put forth to enable them to retain office ; and, in short, the outlook was not promising. But with every successive Ministerial statement the confidence of the country in their administration and laudable endeavors to effect needed reform has sensibly increased. Every successive expose of the misrule of the Grey Government has told its tale, and now throughout the colony is a desire to give the Hall Ministry as ample a trial as their predecessors had before them, and the assurance is hourly gaining strength that they are the right men in the right place, and that their holding the reins of power will be for the benefit of the colony at large. They have shown that they are not defioent in moral courage, and that they desire to place matters before the public as they are, without reflections on the conduct of those who brought things to the present state.” We have just learned (says the Oamarti Mail) that Messrs. Eoyse, Stead, and Co. obtained the champion cup at the Sydney International Exhibition for wheat grown by Messrs. Eleming and llodley on the Seadown Estate. New Zealand, therefore, has beaten the world, and we feel proud that an Oamaru firm was the means of her doing so. Now that the world’s judges have decided that New Zealand has exhibited the best wheat, perhaps the bias which grew so strong in favor of that of Adelaide will die out, and give place to a condition in which our wheat will be judged on its merits against this most formidable opponent.

The Sydney Morning Herald states that letters received from America by the last mail indicate that Mr. H. H. Hall, who was largely instrumental in bringing about the mail service which has been established between Sydney and San Francisco, is now the vicepresident of a company which has been formed in the United States for the purpose of cutting a canal and making a railway across the Isthmus of Tehaantepec, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The company have obtained concessions from President Daiz and the Mexican Congress, which will enable them to commence work at once. Mr, Hall has been largely instrumental in promoting the scheme, which is thought to be full of promise, and which may have an interest to Australia, as adding another line of communication across America to Europe. A writer in the Whitehall Review refers to the Agent-General and his candidature for the representation of Falmouth in the following terms :—“ Sir Julius Vogel, after giving a series of political dinners at the St. Stephen’s Club, which were greatly enjoyed by those privileged with invitation, has now taken up his residence at Falmouth with Lady Vogel, no doubt with the object of getting better acquainted with what he hopes may become his future constituency. For my part, politics aside, I trust Sir Julius Vogel will succeed in his candidature. As Premier of New Zealand, as well as since in England—if only by his contributions to the Nineteenth Century —Sir Julius has shown himself a man of mark and ability, and it is most desirable that representative men of his varied experience should have seats in the House. Sir Julius has exhibited his usual acumen in taking Lady Vogel with him, for after all ‘men are women’s men,’and it certainly cannot do a candidate harm to have a handsome, charming, and clever woman at his elbow.”

The following curious paragraph appears among “ Answers to Correspondents ” in the Sydney Mail “Cabby.—lf you don’t like Sydney, and are honest and industrious, Wellington (New Zealand) is about the best place for you south of the Line. Cabmen in that city Hnd almost permanent lodgings for the G :.T*>nv-int. At least we notice that the ex- : v for native aSain?, the Hon. J. Sheehan, tpeut £330 on cab hire during his last year of office. If you cannot put up with either the Transit Commissioners or the Cabmen’s Union, write to Mr, Sheehan.”

The programme of the Caledonian sport?, to bs held at the Basin. Keserve on New Year’s Bay, i? published in our advertising columns. There is such a large variety of events included in the programme that the sports ought to be quite as successful as usual.

Sir. Janies Caughloy, boilermaker, Auckland, has deposited at the Patent Office a specification for the improvement of cylindrical high-prcasure marine boiler. The application will be heard before Mr. W. S. Reid, patent officer, on the 20th of February, and objections must be lodged by the 16th of that month.

The Napier Hospital has been lately unusually free from patients, there being only eleven there at the present time, viz, three females and eight males. Of the latter, five may be said to be regular residents, so that there are only six casuals, and none of these are suffering from any contagious diseases.

Massrs. J. H. Bethune and Co. will hold a sale today, at 12 o'clock, at the Queen’s Wharf, of a quantity of kerosene. Mr. Francis Sidey will hold & sale to-day at the Arcade, at 11 a.ra., of furniture ; at 1 pin., opposite the New Zealander Hotel, Manners-street, of scales, hand trucks, sacks, &c ; and at 2 p.m., a sansace machine, meat filler, scales, &c.» will be offered on the premises of Messrs. Hollis, Manners-street. Messrs. Laery and Campbell will hold a sale of produce, groceries, &c., at their rooms tc-day, at 11 a.m. Messrs. Plimmer, Reeves, and Co. will hold a sale at 2 p.m. to-day, at their stores, of properties and effects in the bankrupt estate of Henry Sexton, storekeeper, Newtown.