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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5837, 13 December 1879, Page 2

The chance of the Te Arc Reclamation Bill becoming law this session begins to look extremely doubtful. The committee to whom it has been referred by the Upper House have not yet reported, and delayed as it is by enquiring into the alleged interlineation of the plan, probably will not bring up its report till next week. Meantime, Dr. Pollen yesterday, after a slight opposition, got the standing orders suspended, so that even if the committee should not have disposed of it till the last day of the session, its case may not be quite hopeless. The Harbor Bill was read a third time yesterday, after a protest from Mr. Wilson, who said it should not be finally passed until they saw what became of the Te Aro Bill.--" To this Sir F. Bell replied that the latter measure might not and very probably would not pass this year, and it would be ridiculous te endanger a much needed Harbor Bill, which had nothing to do with the reclamation, through a fancied inter-dependence of the two measures.

The hon. member for Oamaru yesterday found a mare’s nest. A certain report of committee had been brought up and laid upon the table, when Mr. Shrimski jumped up and said it was a remarkable fact that he had just been reading in the library the very same report in a paper called the Timaru Herald. Mr. Stevens, who was in charge of the report, said this was a very remarkable thing, seeing that the report had not been drawn up half an hour, and that the resolution on which it had been founded was only passed that morning. Probably the hon. member for Oamaru was referring to certain papers on the subject of the inquiry which had been laid upon the table of the House three weeks ago, and which, in reality, were what had appeared in the Timaru Herald, and not the report just laid upon the table. Mr. Stevens theu sat down, and Mr. Shrimski said nothing—no doubt feeling that for once he bad made a slight mistake. The business of the House was then proceeded with.

The Upper House sitting was over at a quarter past four yesterday, thus lasting only an hour and three-quarters—almost unprecedented brevity so late in the session. But the Council was in an energetic mood, and quickly disposed of several Bills by throwing them ©ut in a very summary manner, while ethers were given the courtesy of a second reading upon a plainly evident determination to shelve them to-day in committee. Captain Baillie's proposal to take up each session Bills left over from the preceding one, was not favorably received, and was therefore withdrawn. The Council meets to-day at 2.30, all Government business to be taken first. Strong expressions were used in the Council yesterday as to the growing practice of private members bringing in Bills to amend general statutes, and one of these measures was promptly negatived, as a sort of deterrent to the custom. This had just been'effected, and the next Bill called on, when Mr. Reynolds exclaimed, “Here’s another of them—meddling with the law !’’ From the faulty acoustic properties of the Chamber, the hon. gentleman did not hear the colony’s chief legal officer at the same moment moving the second reading of the “meddling with the law,” but when he observed the fact he looked confused. Several hon. members also alluded in emphatic terms to the state in which many of the little Bills are sent up from the Lower House, the clauses often contradicting each other in the most bewildering manner. One speaker asserted he had been told by a Lower House member they had sent through a whole batch of Bills as if they had been shot out of a Gatling gun. From the condition in which numerous measures arrive in the Upper House the assertion would seem to have some degree of truth. The freehold residence belonging to the late Mr. Miller was submitted to competition yesterday by Mr. Sidey, in the Arcade, and a large number of people attended. The first bid”was £3OO, which was speedily run up to £SOO, at which price it was sold to Captain Stafford. In yesterday’s Parliamentary report Mr. Taiarca is represented to say the native prisoners should have been “ freed ” immediately after their arrest. The hon. gentleman said “ tried.”

The House at its sitting yesterday afternoon and evening got through a good deal of miscellaneous business. On the motion in the evening for suspending the standing orders, the Government announced their intention of sitting to-day at half-past two o'clock, and it is stated that an endeavor will be made to finish the business of the session to-day, though that is hardly likely. A number of Southern members are very tired of the session, and wish to get away by the steamer leaving tomorrow. It is said that the Hinernoa will leave to-morrow for I.yttelton, aud on her return she will convey the Auckland member s home.

A good deal of discussion yesterday took place in the House on the question of suspending the standing orders, so that new business mit/ht be taken after half-past twelve o’clock ; but there not being two-thirds of the members present, the vote could not be taken. A number of hon. gentlemen who did not wish the standing orders to be suspended, cleared out wheu the House was counted, aud amour those who left was Mr. John Lundon. who, however, returned while the House was being counted. His object apparently was not to be included among the members present, but to call upon Mr. Tainui, who, like mo-t of the native members, appears to do what he is told by the Opposition. His presence was soon observed and his name called out, when he immediately hid himself behind the chair of the sergeant-at-arms. Mr. Tainui got up and made a movement as if to leave, but he appeared to think better of it and returned to his seat. But even with the presence of the hon. member for the Bay of Islands, there were not sufficient in the House to allow the standing orders to be suspended. On the motion for the third reading of the Property Assessment Bill last night, the Opposition made another attempt to obstruct the business. Mr. Macandrew rose and protested against the Bill, and was followed by Mr. Gisborne, who spoke as though he were making a final appeal to a criminal to repeat before execution ; but the aepeal had little effect on the Government, who were not likely to give up their Bill at the eleventh hour, after having fought it through so hard. Mr. Shephard also spoke, and speedily cleared the reporters’ gallery. Even when it was resolved by a majority of 13 to read the Bill a third time, Sir George Grey called for a division against its passing, but did not press it, the voices being so thoroughly against him. On the whole the conduct of the Opposition has not been creditable in relation to this Bill.

The Wellington Cricket Club will play a .scratch match on the Hutt ground this afternoon. All members wishing to play are requested to leave town by the 1.15 train. We have been requested by Mr. H. M. Tawhai, to publish the following letter, which was received by him in 1873 ;—“ D uvningstreet, London, April 30, 1873.—Friemi, — The letter from the strong tribe of Ngapuhi has arrived, and has been presented to the Queen, congratulating her upon the recovery from his illness of the Prince of Wales. It was forwarded on here by Governor Bowen on the llth of February, 1873, with the translation affixed, and accompanied by a letter from the Minister for Native sflairs. The Queen has directed me to request that you will inform the chiefs of Ngapuhi of her heartfelt thanks for their congratulatory address respecting the convalescence of her child, and that you will strongly impress on their minds that the Queen feels very grateful indeed for the kind wishes they bear for her and her children, as expressed iu their letter. Do you further tell them that her Majesty the Queen will always entertain a loving regard for all tho chiefs of the Maori race that are under her rule, iu her desire that they will continue to maintain their loyalty and peace. Enough. From your loving friend, ICIMBERLT.” Tho usual distribution of prizes in connection with the Christmas examination at St. Mary’s Convent schools took place yesterday. After a hymn had been sung, and some pianoforte selections had been given by some of the young ladies attending the school, a presentation of an address and a handsomely worked alb was made by the pupils to Bishop Redwood. Miss Redwood, a niece of the Bishop, was chosen to read the address, which referred to the warm interest taken in the school and the welfare of the pupils by his Lordship. Miss Graham was the successful competitor for the prize given by Bishop Redwood for composition, history, and geography, which comprised a very neat i’-fti¥n>re”’a l sEJiisfc,B'tV ,l of K.i rk fe cessful competitors for the “ reward of merit,” who were chosen by the classes to which they belonged, came forward, and had a wreath of flowers placed on their heads by the Bishop, the ceremony being designed to show who were the moat amiable in the school. Miss Graham, Miss Grace, and Miss Ahern were the favored ones, aud were applauded enthusiastically by the pupils as each received the floral crown from his Lordship’s hands. The Bishop

then addressed the children, and spoke of the pleasure it afforded him in being present during the examination, and testified to the satisfactory manner in which the various questions had been answered by the pupils, and to the very able tuition shown by their teachers. In many parts of Europe he had assisted at similar examinations, and he could say with pride that whenever the children of this colony came into competition with those of other countries they had always been able to take a foremost position. His Lordship hoped that by joining religion with the cultivation of the mind and heart, as the children of the Convent schools did, they would fulfil their share of the great work of raising up a noble race in New Zealand, and making it one of the greatest nations on earth. Mr. 0. C. Graham also spoke highly of the progress made by the pupils, and stated that he was astonished at the accuracy shown in the performance of the French and German plays on Tuesday evening. The Wellington Guards band will perform the following selections in the Botanical Gardens this afternon :1. “ Queen’s Grand Solemn March” (Riviere); 2. quadiille, “ Les Cloches de Cornevile” (Metra); 3. selections “ Maritana” (C. Dubois) ; 4. Quick March, “ Our Brave British Volunteers 5. “ Old China Polka” (Strauss); 6. Galop, “Vife Argent” (Strauss); “ God Save the Queen.” It was pleasing to see such a crowded room at the Academy of Music last night, on the occasion of the amateur performance in aid of the regatta fund. The first part of the programme consisted of musical items, which were rendered in a pleasing manner. The music concluded, the farcical comedy of “ Jingle,” adapted from the “ Pickwick Papers,” by Mr. Clark, was performed. Place ala dame. Rachel Wardle (Mr. C. Riverton) was pretty good, and the character of Jingle was well sustained. Special praise is due to Mr. C. Leon, for his Sara Weller was really good. The Fat Boy hardly looked the character, but he played well, and the other characters were tolerably up to the mark. It would perhaps be too much to say that the performers caught the spirit of Dickens, but at all events they succeeded in provoking considerable merriment, and satisfying their large audience. The performance will probably be repeated again in a short time, and no doubt the company will be able to appear in even a more creditable manner than last night.

During the week some pleasing entertainments have been given by the pupils attending the Convent schools, at which the parents and friends of the scholars were permitted to be present. All those who have attended the performances have been highly pleased, and are loud in their praises both of the teachers and the pupils. It is rumored on good authority that the Hon. Mr. Robinson, M.L.C., is about to join his Excellency the Governor in forming a racing stud, and that Maribyrnong, near Christchurch, will be the place where the training establishment is to be. All lovers of genuine sport will be pleased to hear the news, which we trust is correct.

The Foresters’ Arms Hotel, Ghuzuee-street, has again changed hands, Mr. Holmes, of Blenheim, having purchased the interest of the present landlord.

Messrs. Alfred Lindsay, William Stone, and William Young Watson, bootmakers, have dissolved partnership. The business will in future be carried on by Messrs. Lindsay and Watson, to whom all debts due to the late firm are to be paid. A cricket match will be played to-day between the starboard and port watches of the Naval Brigade, in the Ministerial paddock, Hobson-street. The Rising Star and Hnited Clubs will play a match at the Hutt. The Excelsior and Telegraph Cadets will do battle at Polhill’s Gully. The seventh anniversary of the Moleaworthstreet Wesleyan Church will be celebrated to-morrow. In the morning a sermon will be preached by the Rev. W. Kirk, and in the evening by the Rev, W. J, W illiams. On Friday evening a tea meeting will be held in the schoolroom, and in the afternoon a sale of fancy and useful articles will take place, the proceeds of which will be devoted towards the circuit fund.

The Hon. H. R. Russell was present at the j Council sitting yesterday for the first time j during several sessions. The Hon. G. M. ■ Waterhouse, who, next to the Government representative, is probably the hardest working 1 member of the Upper House, has been granted ' leave for the rest of the session, and will le»ve ; by the Wakatipu to-day for Sydney, whence, • after visiting the Exhibition, h-' will make au extended tour via Torres -Straits to "Ha, • China, and Japan. The hon. gentleman will brt absent from the colonv about six rn >Li:hs.

Mr. Reevr-s, the member for Drey Valley, sometimes likes to be facetious. Last night after the Agent-General's telegram had been real, he suggested that rather than disappoint the British public, as the loan had been subscribed for twice over, New Zeahand should borrow the other five millions right oh. The brig Kmily will bp sold at Dun-din by Messrs. Whitehuv ami Co., on Thursd -.y, the 18th inst. The young ladies attending the Terrace school entertained their friends with a charade last evening in the large room of the school. of a hundred friends attended by special invitation of the members of the company. The various pieces were very creditab!v rendered, and the different characters and impersonations well sustained. Seven) songs were jiven during the evening, which elicited considerable applause. The friends of the pupils thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and left evidently well pleased with the evening’s entertainment. The anniversary services in connection with St. John’s Presbyterian Church will be held to-morrow, when the Kev, J, Emslie, M. A.,

of St. Paul’s Church, Christchurch, will preach raoruiua: ami evening l . On Monday evening a tea and public meeting will be held. Addresses will be delivered by the Rev. Mr. Emslie and various other ministers, and the choir will contribute to the harmony of the evening. Collections will be made at each service to-morrow in aid of the building fund. One thousand acres of land in Taratahi East have been purchased by Messrs. Lee Brother, for £3IUO cash. We are requested to remind all intending competitors in the Amateur Athletic Club’s handicaps, which take place ou Boxing Lay, that the committee of the club will meet at the Star Hotel this evening at 8 p.m., to receive entries for the various events. The prizes have been carefully selected, and are now being exhibited in Mr. Hislop’s window. There was a short sitting of the District Court yesterday morning before his Honor Judge Mansford. The case of J. McLean v. Corporation of Wellington, claim for £2OO damages, was called on, but in consequence of the absence at Blenheim of Mr. Travers, city solicitor, the case was remanded to the 23rd of January. Bould v. McDonald and Pascoe, claim for £33 12s. lid., was also adjourned to the same date, Mr. Gordon Allan, for the plaintiff, stating that the parties were willing that the case should bo adjourned in consequence of his Honor’s illness, and Mr. Ollivier, ou the other side, concurring. lu the case Hutt Racecourse trustees v. trustees of Wellington Racing Club, a claim for £172 10s., rent, judgment was confessed. Mr. Ollivier appeared for plaintiffs, and Mr. Stafford for defendants. This was all the business.

We yesterday had the pleasure of inspecting a large number of exhibits from various native schools in the colony of work done by the scholars. The priuciplay display, in point of numbers, is from the St. Joseph’s Convent school at Napier. They comprise tea-coseys, antimacassars, cushions, various descriptions of wool work, children’s dresses, &c.,the whole stock being in point of excellence quite equal to many similar articles manufactured by European children of “ larger growth." Included in the show are copy-books, samples of dictation, grammar, composition, &c., arranged so as to show the rapid progress made in any particular subject by any individual scholar. There are also some really excellent drawings, and the maps arc very well executed. One in particular—a map of New Zealand, by Te Hira Mutu, aged 13, who is a pupil at the Kaiapoi native school—is a noteworthy production. A large picture of Our Saviour, done in Berlin wool, is a perfect gem, the colors being so well blended as to present the appearance to a cursory observer of an oil painting. This choice collection is on view in room 40, Parliamentary Buildings, and has been got together chiefly for the purpose of showing the members of the proficiency that uccu attained by the Maori children attending the native schools. ine general public are, however, quite at liberty to inspect the goods, and those desiring to do so will meet with every courtesy at the hands of Mr. Leatham, the custodian of the buildings, in whose charge the exhibits are. If forwarded to the Sydney Exhibition, the various articles on view would form a by no means unimportant addition to the New Zealand court. There was a good attendance at the Theatre Royal last evening, when the Wallace company produced a change of programme, “The Colleen Bawn” being placed upon the boards. The cast was a good one, but there was a stiffness noticeable throughout the performance, which was, however, more apparent during the first two acts. This is of course excusable upon the first presentation of a play, no matter how well known it may be, and the “ Colleen Bawn ” will no doubt go much more evenly to-night. The part of Myles-na-Coppaleen was taken by Mr, Wallace, and was represented with that actor’s usual ability. Miss Ada Lester made a charming Anne Chute, her delineation of the character becoming more perfect as the play proceeded and she warmed to her subject. Mr. Lenton, as Kyrle Daly, appeared to be quite at home in that character, while Mr. Joyce made a capital Father Tom, his representation of the character being a calm and dignified one. The Danny Man of Mr. Rede betrayed a careful study of a difficult part, but Mr. Howard's Mr. Corrigan, the scheming lawyer, was scarcely up to the mark. Miss Lawrence made an excellent Mrs. Cregan, while Miss Dixon, as the Colleen Bawn, played her part very well indeed. Mr. Boothman, as Hardresa Cregan, acted well, but some slight change in attire would be desirable, for the very same dress in which he played the part of Morgan Wolf, the villain in the “Irish Exile,” hardly appears suitable to the part he represented in the performance under notice. We are, of course, aware that in each play the actor has only to dress as an Irish gentleman, but even that consideration should not prevent him from introducing some variety, however slight, in the costume. On the whole, the play was very much appreciated, and the principal performers were called before the curtain at the close of the secend act. The same programme is announced for to-night, and the “ Shaughraun” will be produced on Monday evening.

We learn upon good authority (says the Dunedin Morning Herald) that £BOO,OOO forwarded to Canterbury for investment will be withdrawn should the property tax be imposed. A gentleman now in Dunedin, with £50,000 to place, is hesitating to invest £36,000 in an estate, until he sees how matters will turn out. £IOO,OOO sent from Melbourne for investment here will be returned to the place from whence it came, should the Property Tax Bill become law. This is not a very encouraging state of affairs.

Referring to the property tax, the Wellington correspondent of the Marlborough Express writes :—A gentleman in New Zealand has a despatch written by Oliver Cromwell, for which he has been offered and can obtain a very high price. I have heard £3OOO as being the sum offered. Now when the owner, in the language of the Act, shall “prepare and deliver ” a statement of all his property for the purpose of assessment, under the Property Assessment Act, be will be compelled to include the value of this document among his ratable property. At the meeting of the Rangitikei Highway Board on Saturday, it transpired that some of the cheques paid at the two previous meetings had not been presented. It would seem that in some quarters money is not very tight. Altogether £44 had been paid in cheques which had not been presented at the time of Saturday’s meeting. The President of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association on Friday took occasion to inveigh in rather strong language against the discourtesy which he alleged had been shown to his Excellency by the Lyttelton Times in refusing to reprint the speech made by the Governor at the association’s dinner. Mr. Ollivier followed on the same side, Lash’s sawmill at Halcombe, together with T 5 acres of freehold land, and the right to the timber on 360 acres adjacent to the sawmill, will be offered for sale to-day, at 2 p.m., at Halcombe, by Messrs. Halcombs and Sherwill, the auctioneers. At TattersalTs (which is the new name given by Messrs. Laery and Campbell to what was formerly known as their Horse Bazaar) there will be a large sale of horses, &c , at 2 p.m. to-day ; and at 11 a.m., the it ;- !turday’s sale of produce, &c., will be held att! ncers’ rooms. A * u: iurniture will be held to-day, at I p.m., by Mr. Francis Sidey, at the Arcade; at 2 30p.m., a pair-oarand four-oar clinker gig and a whaleboat will be offered for sale ; and at 3 p.m., a large sde of jewellery will taka place, which will be continued till evening.