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Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3525, 13 April 1880, Page 2

The Herald speaks thus of the Minister of Public Works:—The Hon. Mr Oliver, Minister of Public Works, is now in Auckland, where he will complete his round of inspection of the public works of the colony. As our readers are aware, Mr Oliver gave some amount of umbrage a short time ago by taking no notice of letters and telegrams sent him by public bodies and persons who consider them-

selves, and who are considered by the community, as of some consequence. Nothing gives so much offence as a breach of courtesy of this kind, and we would advise Mr Oliver, he beiug but a young Minister, to be punctual and faithful in answering applications. The persons who send them should be made to feel that at least they are considered worthy of an answer. The installation supper in connection with the Corinthian Lod*e, 1655, E.C., , will take place this evening at the Empire ("Hotel.

The Auckland Acclimatisation Society has received a valuable present from Mr Hugh Craig, of San Ifrancisco, in the shape of a pair of penguin%, small in size, but very beautifully marked. They were taken to the Society's gardens, and suitable provision was made for their care. While on the subject we may add that the other birds and animals in the gardens seem to be healthy and well cared for, and, during the summer months they have been a great attraction for visitors at the garden. The flower bloom, especially the large and varied selection of dahlias, are very beautiful and vigorous, notwithstanding the lateness of the season and the long continued dry weather. — Herald.

A shall child in Boston was asked by her teacher if she always said her prayers night and morning. " No, miss, I don't." " Why, Mary ! Are you not afraid to go to sleep in the dark, without asking God to take care of you, and watch over you till morning ?" " No, miss, I ain't—'cause I sleep in the middle."

Six samples of hematite powder are exhibited in Mr Barlow's shop window, the colors ranging from a buft to a beauti* ful marone or plum color. The raw material is also on view in vast nuggets. It is hoped the manufacture of hematite paint will be a considerable one, but capital is required to work a factory on a payable basis.

The Mayor in his speech, at the opening of the Alburnia Battery this afternoon, stigmatised the action of those persons who write damaging letters, and omit the manly action of signing their names to their productions. We quite coincide with the views of the Mayor on the subject, but should think that anonymous correspondence is altogether unworthy of notice—in fact, is as despicable and contemptible as it is unreliable.

The peculiarities of a certain person, high in position, and taking an active part in village politics, have drawa down on his deroted head the pictorial ire of Mr Punch. In it he is depicted as sitting smilingly on a gridiron, and while one of the worthy Councillors pokes the fire, another holds the gridiron, while the stoker cries in exultant tones " We'll make it hot for him Mac." The individual being grilled has a wonderful resemblance to a well known dignitary, and as he smiles, he evidently contemplates his bodily reduction with satisfaction. The cooks evidently think they have the best of the joke, but the placid countenance preserved by the subject— fried leads them to suppose that the joke is felt on the other side.

Me Barlow of the Engineers applied about two months since for an enquiry into certain circumstances connected with the proposed election of a second captain and other additional officers. It would appear that the elections were premature, Captain Small having no authority from the Government to increase the number or status of his officers. Mr Barlow has received no reply aa yet to his demand for an enquiry, but after a lapse of two months his attention has been called to regulations re number of officers, and informed that the whole of the correspondence will be forwarded to Wellington in order that the matter may be fairly tested; meanwhile affairs will remain in statw quo.

The discreditable spirit shown by the members of the Borough and County Councils in discussing the Water Supply question seems to have impressed Mr Whitaker with the idea that there is little prospect of the matter being settled if left in the hands of the residents of this Little Pedlington, and so he has determined to take the matter into his own hands, as appears from tlio following letter, which he has sent to the Mayor and the County Chairman:—"As I understand the Thames Borough Council and the Thames County Council are unable to come to a satisfactory settlement of the above matter, I have decided on behalf of the Government to take the matter in hand, and settle it myself. I have therefore to request you will send me at once any papers or documents you may wish to have considered in reference to the subject; and I shall be glad also to see you on the subject if you desire an interview, at a time which I shall appoint. —I have, &c, Fbed. Whitakeb.

The near approach of the sitting of Parliament, and the necessity of having the Government measures prepared, requires the Hon. Mr Whitaker's presence in Wellington. We believe the hon. gentleman will leave for. the South in a few days.

Me Bbodie, accompanied by Mr Sheehan, interviewed the Minister of Public Works yesterday re Thames matters. Mr Oliver said he would visit the Thames when he would arrange all local matters.

A Wellington telegram states that a crew from that city intends competing in the Champion Out-rigger race at Auckland.

This evening a public meeting will be held in the Presbyterian Church, at which the Bey. J. T. Evans, travelling agent of the British and Foreign Bible Society will give an address. The reverend gentlemen will no doubt give some very interesting information about the progress of the Society, and the good results of its labours. Several friends of the Society will also deliver addresses.

It will be seen that the Orphanage Committee offer a prize of £5 for the best design for the bridge over the Kauaeran^a. This is an opportunity for our building engineers to distinguish themselves, and even to gentlemen at the head of the profession. A note of the value offered would be very acceptable.

"PROCRASTINATION is the thief of time. He who hesitates is lost." Believing in the truth of this sentiment, 0. McTiver has determined to add a bran-new Sn oking and Reading Room t > his suite, fitting it up with all the luxuries of a Turkish Divan. Colonial and English papers filed. Genuine Old Judge Cigarettes as usual. C. McLIVBB, Tobacconist and Stationer, Brown street. N.B.—The cause of the addition is insufficient accommodation for the multitude of patrons.

False Alabm.—Excited crowd outside Lawless'on Saturday night; volumes of smoke issuing through, fanlight; assemblage only dispersed by Inspector deoluiing that it was only a lot of stnokists indulging in "Old Judge Cigarettes—High Admiral of l.he Seas, Nail Rod, Queen of the Seas, and all sizes.— Lawless and Co., Tobacconists, &c.