OAMARU.

Thames Star, Issue 3715, 20 November 1880, Page 2

OAMARU.

This day. The Cricket Association have decided to offer the Australian Eleven half the receipts of the match from all sources. The expense of advertising to be divided equally, and the Eleven to pay their own expenses while here.

AUCKLAND, This day

(from oitb special cobbespohdent.)

LAWYEBS' BILLS OF COSTS.

The question of costs amongst the gentlemen of the long robe against their unfortunate clients is a matter which cannot be allowed to remain much longer without a marked alteration. The costs which are heaped on defendants in what are called " Victoria by the grace of God," &c, is simply abominable and outrageous. There is a Eoyal Commission appointed to enquire into the law courts of the colony, but as yet I have not been able to ascertain whether any meetings of that body hare taken place in our capital. It is to be hoped that some private members will take the matter up during next meeting of the Assembly, and remedy a state of things which is getting unbearable.

MB WM. JOHN HUBBT, M.H.8., J.P., ETC.

It is now generally thought that proceedings in our law courts over Bertie Saverna may be stopped, as the question of first prize to the animal is under the consideration of a board and umpire. The owner of the pig can now be hourly seen in the offices of Messrs Hesketh and Eichmond, solicitors, Wyndham street, gathering the latest information respecting the arbitration. Verily the junior member for City West is a sad man and feels his position rery keenly, especially when old and grey headed persons request a prescription from him as to the latest and best method of changing white into black.

THE GOVEBXMENT AND TE WHITI. Mr Parris, the Native Commissioner on the West Coast, tried to interview Te Whiti re the Parihaka surreys, bat the old " prophet " would not listen to him, and ordered him oat of the settlement. This, with the Native Minister's presence in the back ground waiting to be summoned to interview the chief and having to go back fooled is not very creditable to Her Majesty's Ministers. The fact is, Major Brown, who had some influence with Te Whiti, like Mr Thompson, the Government Interpreter, got their dismissals because they dared to tender some sound advice to the Native Minister, who by the way, understands as much about native manners and enstoms as a negro does of England's national debt. The Minister of Lands has gone to " confer "with Mr Bryce. Surely this must be a canard, as the thing could be easily managed from the seat of Government by means of cyphers and memoranda.