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Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3355, 23 September 1879, Page 2

With reference to our local of yesterday, that arms had been applied for on behalf of the settlers in Upper Thames and Waitba districts, we find that Mr Puckey, Government Native Commissioner, recommended some ten days ago that arms should be issued to the upcountry settlers. A request for more arms for this district was also we believe made to Government by Major Withers. So far as we can learn, up to yesterday morning no replies had been received. Mr Puckey again applied on Saturday to Major Withers at Ohinemuri who referred him to the Major here, and at ten yesterday morning a request was made to Major Murray for a supply of arms for the settlers who were stated to be in a wholly defenceless state, and in the present aspect of native affairs it was not wiie they should so remain any longer. As no extra arms were in store at the Thames, Major Murray at once wired to the Auckland store-keeper, but as the latter could not act until he had authority from Wellington, the Major at once decided not to lose time, but appealed to his own men to lend a few arms to their fellow settlers until the Government furnished a further supply. His. request was most cordially responded to by Captains Farrell, Watson, .and Lieut. Johnston, of the Bangers and Scottish, and a small temporary supply was made up from these three companies and their bandsmen without impairing seriously the efficiency of either company for a short time. Captain Small, of the Engineers, and Lieut. Lawless, acting for Lieut. Gavin, Naval Brigade, also generously offered help in this direction. Major Murray at once accepted the responsibility of Mr Puckey'e request, and has forwarded the arms, etc.i to the settlers without a moment's unnecessary delay, fully informing the Defence Minister of his action, which the Government will no doubt, as we do, most cordially endorse.

It is a common thing at public meetings where elections take place for persons arnongt the audience, on the spur of the moment, to nominate absent gentlemen to offices, concerning the acceptance or non-acceptance of which they have never been spoken to, thereby placing most estimable gentlemen in false positions. As an instance of this Dr Kilgour was nominated to the vicepresidency of the Liberal Association, aud his* name would have been dragged through the ordeal of a show of hands had not a gentlemen present rose and pointed out the unfair position in which Dr Kilgour was placed by being nominated for an office he perhaps had no inclination to hold.

The time of the R.M. Court this morning was chiefly taken up in adjudicating on cases arising out of the drunken frolics of bushmen, there being on the list two charges for breaches of tho peace, one of malicious injury to property, and one of obscenity, and all the defendants were bushmen, chiefly from Tairua. We have no doubt but that these charges are chiefly traceable to the lax manner in which the "hotels" in the outlying districts are conducted, and we agree with His Worship in his opinion that strict police supervision is necessary.

The wet weather and the counter attraction of tho libeaal Association meeting caused a small house at the Georgia Minstrels last evening. The programme was gone through in a most spirited manner, and the various songs, dances and farces caused much amusement. The Minstrels appear tonight for the last time. >

To-mobbow evening there will be opened at the Academy of Music Mantiiini's exhibition of Waxworks of noted personages, and as an additional attraction every visitor will receive a present, which will consist of a gold watch or some other article.of minor value. This exhibition has been showing during the past eight weeks to crowded houses in Auckland, and previous to that did a very succesjful business in the Waikato district. Mr O'Brien, well known Jo most of the Thames playgoers, is in charge of the exhibition, and we fully expect a good business will be done by them during their stay here.

We would remind our readers of the sale of Mr Kennan's furniture, which takes place to-morrow, at eleven o'clock. The articles to bo sold are of the best workmanship, and .as good as new.

At the Warden's Court to-day, before H. Kenrick, Esq.. Warden, John O'Neill Jno. Boss and J. Lemben were fined Is and costs for cutting timber without beinp the holders of Miners' Rights or timber licenses. The case of Inspector of Miners' Eights v. J. B. Steadman for illegal depasturing was further adjourned. The case, Mining Inspector v. H. McManus, for non-payment of rent for a residence site was struck out, as Mr Mcllhone agreed to pay the amount of therejit in arre^r.