TOWN NEWS OF THE WEEK.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume I, Issue 22, 1 June 1867, Page 3

TOWN NEWS OF THE WEEK.

Wednesday, 6 a.m. The Panama Mail Steamer arrived on •Saturday lust bringing 1 news from Europe and the United States to April 11th, you will observe that what you said a month ago about the probability of Canada being constituted a monarchy under the kingship of one of the sons of our gracious Queen has been under discussion in the cabinet at Washington. The Patent Slip committee have brought up their report which is to the effect that the contract does not require ratification in order to enable the Messrs Kennanl to obtain legal redress. Messrs Pharazyn, Ludlam and Bunny entirely dissent from the report who have placed it on record “that the Government are not justified in refusing to ratify a contract entered into with Messrs. Kennard Brothers, and binding upon them, after having allowed so long a period to elapse, without stating that it was not their intention to confirm the contract made by their agent, and having themselves acteS on the contract by giving the contractors legal notice that under certain circumstances they would seize the materials of the Slip and erect it at Messrs. Kennard’s cost and risk.” The report, and the resolutions of those members of the committee who differed from it, will be discussed this evening when either the report or the resolutions will be adopted bv the council.

The Government were again defeated last night by a majority of 14 to 11 auainst granting more than £SOOO out of this years estimates for the Wanganui Bridge. A new Fencing Bill, introduced bv Mr Renall has been read a second time. A fence, equal to a four-rail fence, is in future to be deemed only an efficient fence. Two years are allowed for three rail fences to remain standing. Perhaps Mr. Renall will send you a copy of the Bill as it must ho one of interest to your local readers.

There is no town news to report. The Supreme Court opens on Saturday with a rather heavy calendar. The two men charged with setting fire to the stores at Evans Bay have been fully committed for trial.

Friday, 6 a.m. The report in favor of the non-ratifica-tion of the Patent Slip Contract was carried in a division by a majority of 14 to 11. Excellent speeches for the ratification were made by Messrs Pharazyn and Ludlam, the first named of these two, on such a subject, being- a host in himself. A resolution in favor ofraising- the price of laud as adopted last year, was, after some discussion withdrawn. The agricultural land in the Wairarapa will consequentlv remain at IDs per acre, and pastoral land at 5s as heretofore. Mr. Brandon, not before it was wanted, has introduced an Education Amendment Act, so the Council will not be prorogued so soon as the Government and some of the members fondly anticapated. The tunnel through the Sumner Hil at Canterbury connecting the plains with the port has been successfully accomplished. Sickness is prevalent in Wellington.