TOWN NEWS OF THE WEEK.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume I, Issue 30, 29 July 1867, Page 3

TOWN NEWS OF THE WEEK.

Thursday, 6 a.m., The Panama Mail Steamer is late as usual. I wonder whether the penalty for this constant occurrence will be enforced.

The N.Z.S.N, Company have obtained tiie contract, on favorable terms, for carrying the mails on the East and West Coasts.

I notice with regret that “ Hansard ” only reports the speeches of Ministers in the first person, and that much space is wasted in the reports of unimportant discussions. Mr Reynold’s motion in favor of the ballot was, after an interesting discussion, withdrawn. The same hon. member was move successful as regard another motion of the most urgent public interest. He obtained leave on Friday to introduce a bill for better securing the freedom and independence of Parliament, by the exclusion of Government officials therefrom. This Bill is likely to be passed, and not before it was required.

At the beginning of the week there was much excitement in political circles, and the question discussed was whether the opposition would, during the session, govern the colony

from the Opposition or the Treasury benches. Ministers have decided that they shall do so in the former position, ft is a Ministry of make-believes; but then they receive their salaries and do not forget their chance of receiving the honors of knighthood. ■ On Wednesday Mr Vogel moved for a Committee to enquire into the financial condition of the colony with a view to relieve the Middle Island of the expenditure on native allairs by placing them under the control of the North Island Provinces.

A long discussion ensued on this motion, an amendment was moved by Mr Fitzhcrbcrt, which Mr Vogel accepted, a Committee was oppointed by ballot, and so the matter at present is shelved. Mr Crawford will ask Mr J. Johnston today for an explanation of his reasons for leaving the Ministry. A man employed at Mr G. Crawford’s new store accidentally fell from the roof and was most seriously injured.

Colonel MTlonnell has succeeded in preventing another disturbance at Patea by boldly entering the enemy’s camp and telling him his intentions if the opposition to the survey of the block was not withdrawn. After receiving tne intimation that they would be compelled to submit, the rebels submitted, and agreed that the surveys should be at once proceeded with.

An amateur concert in aid of the funds of the Benevolent Society was given on Monday evening at the Odd Follows’ Hall. There was a large and fashionable audience, and the concert, 1 am happy to say, was in every respect a success.

A resolution has been carried at a meeting of the unemployed at the Town Hall, Christchurch, iu favor of emigration to the United States. H.M.S. corvette Charbyuisis still in harbor. Her men were dialled on Tuesday, at the rear of Government House.

The new auction mart, recently erected by Mr. Barnett, is a source of great attraction to visitors. It is large and well adapted for a public sale room. The dimensions of the building are 30xG0 feet and 17 feet high. The front has a noble and conspicuous appearance and is quite an ornament to the city.