THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 1878.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2961, 12 August 1878, Page 2

THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 1878.

Dubing last week a rumour was in circulation which, if true, would materially affect the interests of the district* Ifc was to the effect that with the cutting of the last reef in the tJ.P.A. south crosscut, a connection had been made with the Waio-Karaka drainage district, thereby greatly reducing the work of the WaioKaraka pump and the expense of the companies which keep it going. Credence was also given to the report that the Waio-Karaka pump was only kept going in the,daytime, and at a greatly reduced speed.. We have, however, made enquiries which satisfy us that, as far as the Waio-Karaka pump is concerned, there is no reduction ; the pump is going at six or seven strokes per minute, and not a single hour's stoppage has taken place during the last few days. While feeling satisfied that the report we have referred to is without foundation, we hope soon to be in a position to congratulate our readers on the accomplishment of the effective connection between the two drainage systems. When that takes place many of the gloomy forebodings respecting the stoppage of the Big Pump will be removed, and a way opened whereby the companies interested could raise their own water, without coming on public funds, which, as has been already pointed out, is not their legitimate use.

Wjs learn that a telegram was received to-day from Wellington stating that Mr ifi.'H. Power was coquetting fora seat in the Upper House with every chauce of successJ -

By private telegram this afternoon from Wellington we are informed that the Cabinet were sitting to consider amongst other things the Thames Valley Railway Bill, but our correspondent had not been favored with their decision on the matter.

The schooner Opotiki, from Opotiki, East Coast, arrived today with 3GD bags maize for Mr Thomas Veale.

We are glad to learn that Major Murray's application to Government for a public square and parade ground on the foreshore is likely to come before the Executive at an early date for consideration. The Chairman of the County Council, at present in Wellington, is not losing sight of the affair, and Colonel Whitmore promises him an early reply.

At an adjourned meeting of the Brewers and Publicans of Thames held at the Governor Bowen Hotel this afternoon— Mr Wm. Burton in the chair—a telegram was read from Mr Wm. Howe, M.H.R., as follows :—" I approve your resolution, and will do my best. You should appoint some one to represent youin any consultation held here, and let him hare his credentials. —W. Rowe." ."No reply has been received from Sir George Grey, which the Chairman thought was rather disheartening. After some conversation the following resolution was agreed to :— " That Mr Rowe be requested to represent the Thames brewers and publicans at the Conference of the trade to be held in Wellington re the tax on beer." The meeting authorised the resolution to be telegraphed to Mr Rowe at once, and then adjourned.

We would remind burgesses that a public meeting to consider the Railway Bill and other local wants, and the desirability of sending a delegate to Wellington to promote these measures, takes place at the Academy of Music this evening.

A speciax meeting of the Harbor Board was held, this morning to receive the report of the Committee appointed at a previous meeting to go over 4the draft leases and suggest alterations in the same. There were present—Mr Wm. Davies, Chairman; the Mayor, Messrs Mennie, Gibbons and Price. The Committee reported the following alterations :— Be surrender of lease, companies allowed to surrender leases after occupation of five years upon giving six months'notice; Committee recommend that all buildings erected on the leases should remain and be given up in good repair, but that companies be allowed to move machinery and plant; also that drains mentioned in leases as likely to be required by companies shall be constructed at the cost of companies requiring same, but under the supervision of the Harbor Board. The Bo rd adopted the suggestions of the Committee, and it was decided to request Mr Macdonald to have a copy of the amended lease ready for dispatch for the South by the mail this afternoon.

On Saturday ties were shot off by Vol. Weir and Sapper Cloutt at" Mr Barlow's gallery (for. a prize competed for on the previous Saturday), the Engineer proving the winner by one point only. Another allcomers'match was also fired foranolegraph of Rhine scenery, two scores of 26 each being again made as on the former occasion,but ; by another brace, viz., Vol. E. McManus Wo. 2 Scottish and Sapper S. Fisher, Engineers. The average shooting of competitors in the popular matches organised by the proprietor, has of late shewn a marked improvement at this indoor and convenient range;

A cibcular having been received by the local school committees inviting them to attend a conference in Auckland, a "meeting will be held at the Borough Council Chambers to consider the same. The following is a copy of the circular received:—The Chairman and Committee Kauaeranga School.— Gentlemen,—Your are invited to attend a conference of the school committee to be held in the City East School on Friday,.the 16th insti at 7 o'clock p.m., in order to take into consideration the unsatisfactory working of several clauses of the Education Act—between the Central Board and the Committees. Your attendance is earnestly requested. . (Signed) Thomas Steadman, Secretary City East School; Gco. Keven, Secretary City Wost School.

JBr cable we are informed of the death of the Rev. Dr Lang, of Sydney, who has passed away at a good old age, after a lengthened and stirring career in these colonies. Dr Lang was born at Largs, Ayrshire, at the commencement of the present century. He became a minister in the Presbyterian Church, and arrived in Sydney in 1823, just 55 years ago. He was surprised and indignant to find himself unrecognised by the Colonial Government, and when the Governor spoke of toleration, he repudiated the idea of being under the obligation of receiving it. Dr Lang was prominent in every political strife in the early days of Australia, and was one of the most determined advocates for the separation of Victoria from New South Wales. He was mainly the means of inducing British emigrants to go forth to the rich lands of Queensland. Dr Lang several times visited England in connection with political business in Australia, and he even wrote a book about New Zealand, which caused considerable controversy. Ue is the author of a " His-, tory of New South Wales—both as a Penal Settlement and as a British Colony," published in 1834. He is also the author of a number of other works and pamphlets. —Herald.