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Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1319, 28 August 1880, Page 2

A scene, unparalleled in the history of the New Zealand Assembly, was enacted in the House of Representatives this morning. A full and circumstantial account of the disgraceful exhibition is given in our Parliamentary report, which will be found highly diverting reading, though all must regret that the fair fame of the New Zealand Parliament should have been tarnished so disgracefully.

Captain Edwin telegraphs Bad weather approaching between east and west .and I north-west; the glass will fall again very soon; there will be much rain and considerable easterly sea within 24 hours. We mentioned a few days since the peculiar circumstances under which Mr. Holmes' house, destroyed by fire at Papakaio, was insured. It will be remembered that at the time the renewal premium was paid the building had already been burned down, and the question was then raised as to whether the policy would hold good at law. The New Zealand Insurance Company has, however, decided not to raise the point, and will pay the claim, as there were uo suspicious circumstances attached to the fire.

- Last night there was a large attendance at the Volunteer Hall to witness the Confederate Diorama of the American War. In addition to the other attractions, a prize was offered for the best conundrum on the Breakwater. There were no lack of competitors for. the prize, between 60 and 70 conundrums being sent in, none of which possessed much merit. The prize, which consisted of a tea and coffeee service, was awarded to Mr. Probert. His effort was as follows:—" For what reason is the Break-

water (being the work of man) not the work of man, but a freak of nature 1" " Because —for diver('s)e reasons—it is constructed by a Lake." (IT. B.—The diver's name being Lake.) A large number of other prizes were given away, the most valuable of them being a gold hunting watch. Mr. Johnstone, of lire-street, was the fortunate recipient of this prize. To-night there will be a novelty in the way of prizes—a live pig being amongst the number to be given away.

A telegram in last night's Star says : —Ah Lee has confessed that he and Lee Guy procured stones on the night of the murder from a neighboring yard. They struggled with Mrs. Young and left her for dead. They anticipated getting a large sum of money, but not finding it, would not take her purse and its small contents. On Thursday evening last an entertainment was given by the European settlers at Port Moeraki to all Maoris who could attend, in return for one which the Natives had given the settlers a few weeks ago, in celebration of the fifth birthday of one of Mamaru's children. The entertainment was held in the Harbor Board store, and there were 330 persons present, 7S of whom were Maoris, including representatives from Temuka, Vi 7 aimate, Waiho, Waitaki, Waikouaiti, and Taiaroa Heads. The arrangements were most complete, and. great credit is due to the Committee for their untiring exertions to make the entertainment a success. After all had partaken of the good things prepared for them, several speeches were delivered. Mr. Culling (chairman) briefly explained the object oE the entertainment, and said that gatherings such as the present were tokens of the good feeling which existed between the Natives and the Europeans ; he thought it would be well if they were more frequent, especially in the North Island. Mr. Munro expressed great satisfaction at seeing such a good assembly, and hoped that this meeting was only the forerunner of many others of a similar kind. Mr, H. Murcott also said it gave him great pleasure to see such a social gathering. Mr. Davis (Maori), of Oamaru, spoke at some length, and said he wished there were a greater number present, including the Parliamentary representative; he said that since Europeans first landed in New Zealand, the Maoris had never experienced such kindness. Chief Matahi then gpoke in a very enthusiastic manner, and said liq was grateful to the ladies and gentlemen who had been instrumental in getting up the feast; such a day had never before been witnessed. Mr. H. Davis Mare, spoke in Maori, and acted as his own interpreter (which post he also filled for other speakers during the evening with great credit to himself); he said he was glad that all enjoyed themselves that evening, and was pleased to see Maoris and Europeans mixing together almost like brothers and sisters ; he would advise the Natives to send their children to school, and when they received as good education as Europeans he had no doubt they would be equally as clever, Major Atkinson said he was glad to see such a capital muster, and created some amusement when, referring to Mr. Davis Mare's remark about Europeans and Natives being like brothers and sisters, he said "Begorra, I think they are related more closely than that." There were then several songs and dances, amongst which were a Native war-dance and a canoedance. We regret that pressure upon our space prevents us giving fuller particulars. Suffice it to say that feasting, and dancing, and singing were kept up till late in the morning, and when all dispersed it was with longings for the recurrence of such another happy evening, night, and morning.