WI PARATA'S PETITION.

Evening Post, Volume XXIII, Issue 127, 2 June 1882, Page 2

WI PARATA'S PETITION.

? A good deal of interest was excited in the Houee yesterday by the petition from Wi Parata, presented by Mr. Maoandrew, to the effect that Te Whiti should be allowed to appear by counsel at the bar of the House before the West Coast Peace Preservation Bill is passed. Mr. Macandrew having given notice that the petition be taken into consideration to-day, a stormy discussion is not improbable. We believe that the Government will refuse to agree to the proposal until they are satisfied that Wi Parata really holds tho authority from Te Whiti to act on his behalf, to which he so boldly lays claim. He ¦ays, " I hold authority from Te Whiti to aot for him, and employ counsel to appear for him." Grave doubts are entertained as to the accuracy of this statement. Circumstantial evidence seems overwhelmingly opposed to the likelihood of Te Whiti having distinctly departed from the rule he so positively laid down for his own conduct. It would not surprise us if a direot disclaimer on Te Whiti's part were forthcoming, but it will surprise us very much indeed if Wi Parata can produce the "authority" he professes to "hold." We have yet to be convinced that Te Whiti ever gave such authority to any living soul, and it will require most conclusive evidence to persuade us of the fact, in face of the strong proofs which appear to exift to the contrary. The presentation of the petition looka to us very much like an ingenious attempt to delay or obstruct the passage of the Peace Preservation Bill. If so, we hope, in the interests of the colony, that it will fail. _____________

A meeting of Otago members was held yesterday to consider what st r ps were desirable towards furthering the interests of the Catlin's River Railway and other branch lines in Otago. Mr. J. W. Thomson, the member for Clutha, convened the meeting and presided at it. The following members were present : — Messrs. Brown, Bathgate, Bracken, Daniel, Feldwick, Fergus, Fish, Fulton, Green (2), Joyce, Macandrew, Mackenzie (2), Rutherford, Seaton and Thomson. After some discussion as to the most effective means of getting these works pushed on, it was proposed that a deputation should wait on the Government, but it was decided that this was not advisable just at present. On the motion of Mr. Fulton it was ultimately resolved that Messrs. Macandrew, Thomson, Daniel, Fergus, and F. W- Mackenzie should be appointed a committee to watch over the interest of the workß in question, and to collect information respecting them. The meeting then adjourned. Mr. Macdonald, the hon. member for the East Coast, has the credit of bringing in one of the shortest bills, if not the shortest on record. His " Gaming and Lotteries Aot Repeal Bill " runs thus tt — '* The Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1881, ia hereby repealed." That's all ! The Volunteer Land Scrip Committee has now virtually concluded its labours, and Colonel Haultain, the chtirman, left for Auckland yesterday. We understand that about 1600 applications have been received, of which only about 3 per cent, have been recommended for the favourable consideration of his Eicellenoy. A preliminary enquiry before the Collector of Customs into the accident which happened to the steamer Jane Douglas on the 18th, was finished yesterday. Captain Eraser's evidence, which was corroborated by Oscar Jarman, mate, A. Rosa and B. Price, A.B's., waß similar to the account we gave at the time. It was sworn that the steamer was steering her usual course when she struck about eight minutes after passing Barrett's reef. The captain was at the helm. The damage was very trifling, being repaired in a few hours. The evidence will be forwarded to the Commissioner of Customs for his decision. The following tenders have been received at the Public Worka Office for engine shed and workshops contract, Nelson: — Accepted — Andrew Brown, Nelson, .£723. Declined — John fc-'cott, JJBI6 ; James Gorrie, Nelson, i>BB3; Joseph Gibber'son, Nelson, *£890; Mace & Bassett, Patea, .£978; Michael Johnston, Blenheim, JJ1176. Application was made to Messra. John Duthie and J. H. Wallace, J P'e., at the Resident Magistrate's Court this morning to grant a rehearing ot the case of Direr v. Kellehor. Mr. E. Sha«v appeared for the plaintiff and Mr. Stafford for the defendant. The whole of the money at issue, together with costs, was paid into Court. Ihe application was granted and the case wll be reheard on Monday next. A special telegram in the Melbourne Argus states that £>ir J. Yogel is coming out to flwat the Australasian Electric Lighting Company, with a capital of a quarter of a million.

The Fire Brigades Bill, introduced by Mr. Levestam, intrusts to Municipal Councils the duty of extinguishing fires and protecting life and property from fire in cities and boroughs, Such Councils are to maintain a sufficient force of firemen or may agree with volunteer brigades or other persons to provide the necessary labour. The expenses to be defrayed by a rate not exceeding a penny in the pound. The Council to provide and maintain the needful engines or other apparatus, and to secure an efficient supply of water for fire extinction, such plant to be the property of the Counc d. Fire inspectors to be appointed to command the brigades and to take any measures they may think be3t for the protection of life and property, including breaking into or pulling down bnildingt — doing, however, as li • tie damage as possible— and interfering if necessary with the Bupply of water so as to get a greater supply or pressure in the neighbourhood of the fire. Damage to property in extinguishing fire to be deemed within meaning of insurance policy. The penalty for interference with fire brigade or for damaging property in custody of fire brigade to be JES. h ire police and salvage corps may be established, nnder the command of the chief fire inspector ; all members to be sworn in and to have the power of constables. The penalty for allowing a chimney to catch fire to be £2, recoverable from the person whose neglect or default is accountable. Every hotel or lodging-house more than two stories high to be provided with suitable iron ladders or fire escapes. At the preliminary enquiry before the Collector of Customs into the cause of the grounding of the schooner Kllerton at Kaiwarra, Captain Chambers said that the vessel left the wharf at 8 30 a.m. on the 20th May, and proceeded to Kaiwarra, to take in powder ; anchored in five fathoms, giving 20 fathoms' chain on starboard anchor. He then went ashore to make arrangements to take the powder off. The wind was fresh from the south, and the vessel appeared to hold well, there being no Bea. After a little time, the wind freshened, and, a squall coming up, the schooner began dragging. The captain at once hailed those on board to give her more chain, and, on going on board, found they had let out ten more fathoms chain. The vessel holding well, he went ashore again with the crew, and after taking on board the powder, all went to dinner. At 1 p.m. the mate went on deck, and said the vessel was again dragging. As she was too close to give her a second anchor, all hands were called to get out the kedge, and by the time it was well taut, she was close on the beach, with her stern touching. The remainder of the captain's evidence detailed how the vessel was got off without being damaged. As the schooner has since sailed for Weatporfc, the mate's evidence will be taken on her return if necessary. The Harbour Board held its usual fortnightly meeting yesterday evening, there being present — Captains 1 ose (Chairman) and Williams, and Messrs. W. H. Levin, M.H.E., F. A. Krull, P. Coffey, J. K. Nathan, and S. .Lancaster. The bank account showed a credit balance of .£5348 16a 2d, J54000 of which, the Chairman said, he and Mr. Nathan had arranged to deposit with the Trust and Loan Co. for Bix months lon very favourable terms. Accounts amounting to iil3t>s 18s 5d were passed. The principal topio of discussion by the Board was that of the wharf charges, on which subject the Wharf Committee brought up a report, which was ultimately adopted in toto by the Board. The committee thought the time had arrived when some reduction sh»uld be made in the wharf charges, and they therefore recommended that irom henceforth the outward wnarfage of 1b 6d per ton on goods which had previously paid an inward wharfage should be remitted, a remission which was estimated to entail a loss of £1400 per annum. '1 he Board not only adopted this suggestion, but also appointed a committee to consider the advisability of revising the whole tariff of wharf charges. The Wharf Committee referred to the los 3in connection with the kerosene hulk Omega, which wai estimated at a little less than .£SOO. The ordinary business having been concluded, a special meeting was held, at which the plans and specifications for the new wool stora and jetty, whioh it is proposed to erect near the .Railway Wharf, were considered and approved. After some slight amendments, and in order to comply with the provisions of the Harbour Act, instructions were given to have tracings of the plans prepared for submission te the Marine Department. The meeting then adjourned. Mr. Hardoastle held an adjourned sitting of the Civil Court this morning. The case of tfmith and Overend v. the Masterton Club again came on, and occupied the attention of the Court for some little time. The case was still proceeding when our reporter left. The polling in the Municipal Buildings yesterday resulted in the election of Messrs. Stevenson and Widdop, who obtained 218 and 201 votes respectively, as against 153 placed to the account of Mr. Bishop. The last-named gentleman was auditor with Mr. Widdop during the past year, having defeated Mr. Stevenson, by whom he is now replaced. Mr. J. Ames, the Ketnrning Officer for the Corporation, presided over the polling, but such little interest was manifested in the election that his duties were not of the most arduous kind. Mr. Haggit ooncluded his reply in support of his application for a new trial in the case of Al'Kay v. Ccnnor in the Appeal Court yesterday. Their Honours reserved judgment, and the Court adjourned till tomorrow. Mr. W. A. Sandilands, one of the clerks in the office of Messrs. Chapman and Fitzgerald, solicitors, of this city, has just passed his final examination as a solicitor. A little boy, 3£ years of age, the Bon of Mr. Meech, of the Aroade, was severely scalded yesterday afternoon by falling backwards into a boiler whioh was standing in th 9 yard. Dr. Collins attended to the child, whose right Bide, arm and leg had all been injured. The patient is now progressing as favourably as could be expected. It is estimated that about 4000 persons visited H.M S. Nelson yesterday. An accident, whioh created some alarm at the time, occurred on the return of the Tui from one of her trips. Before she got properly alongside the wharf, a lady passenger, in attempting to get ashore, fell between the wharf and the vessel. The victim was speedily rescued from her perilous position, however, having sustained no worae injury than a good duoking. A man named John Murdoch is missing at Foxton. He was last seen in a boat on the Manawatu river. Subsequently his boots were found in the boat and his coat on the bank, but Mnrdoch was nowhere to be seen. A football ma* oh will be played at Newtown to-morrow afternoon, at 3 o'clock, between a light-weight team and the College fifteen. The teams are as follows :—Lightweights — Morrah, J. Dumbell, J. Holmes, J. Smith, Pigou, A. Thomson, Jtfenner, C. Smith, Brown, Flint, M'Gregor, Hoggard, Stohr, Eoberts, and Hastings. College— Barnett, Burna, Colbeok, Conolly, Firth, Goodall, Hirschberg, Kebbell, Montgomerie, Myers, Eichmond, G. H. Smith, J. C. Smith, Leokie, and Snow. There will alao bo a practice match on the other sideof the ground, for a good muster is requested, owing to the number of matches already arranged for early dates. The sale of work in connection with the j Ladies' Working Society at the Tmakoriroad «hurch-room yesterday, rroved very successful For some months past the ladies of the society had been working very energetically to secure this end, snd they are to be congratulated on the result of their labours. The bazaar was opened by the Hon. Lady Hamilton Gordon, who was accompanied by Miss Hamilton Gordon, Mrs. F. Whitaker, Lady Hall and Mra. Williams. On her arrival, Lady Gordon was received by Mrs. Thorpe, the President of the Committee ; Mra Johnston, Vice- President; Mrs. Smith, Secretary and Treasurer, and eeyeral other members of the committee. The stalls were laden with an attractive display of useful and ornamental articles, and by dint of the most praiseworthy exertions on the part of the fair saleswomen, a very brisk trade was done. By permission of the Colonial Secretary a number of lotteries were held during the afternoon and evening. Stalls were taken by Mesdamea Batkin, Bellair?, Cox, Gill, Heywood, Smith, and Williams, who were assisted by a host of young ladioa, including the following : — Misses Beat, Heswiok, Campbell, Dyer, Friend, Gill, Johnston, Koch, Lemon, Mills, Nathan, Pearce, Thorpe, Williams, and Worgan Valuable assistance was also rendered by Mr. G. H. Davis and Mr. C. OH. Smith. The sale U to be continued this evening between 6 and 10 o'clock A very successful entertainment was given at the Marist Brothers' School, Bouicottstreet, last evening by the members of the Leo Dramatic Club, assisted by the Hibernian Band, &a. The entertainment was commenced by the band playing the march *' Little Hero," attar which the pupils assisted in singing the New Zealand National Anthem. After a pianoforte duet from " Don Pasquale" by the Miß3es Dunne, the club gave a scene from the " Merchant of Venice," the parts of the merchant and the Jew being taken by J. Eddie snd P. Dunne respectively, that of Launcelot by H. Kelly, G. Clifford, who disp'ayed real dramatic talent, making a capital Ptrtia. Seven scenes were given in all, whioh were interspersed with music, both instrumental and vocal, the moat loudly applauded of which was a humourous piece, entitled " The Solid Man," Bung by Mr. Jagger. The entertainment, which had been listened to by a tolerably large audience, was brought to a conclusion with the performance of a spirited farce called " The Man with the Carpet Bag," the principal part, that of the man with the bag, being taken by Master Eddie. Masters W. Coffey and Kelly also took leading parts.

A meeting of gentlemen disposed to serve on the general committee of the ball to be held in honour of the vi3it of Commodore EraHne and the officers of H.M. Ships Kelson and Miranda was held thi3 afternoon. Mr. J. Maginnity presided, and in opening the meeting explained that the Mayor was absent in consequence of do- j mestic bereavement. A statement waa then made by those gentlemen who had taken the initiative in the matter, as to what h^3 been done. It had been decided to hold the ball in the Drill Shed on Thursday next, the Bth inst., and it waa mentioned that flooring was being laid down for the occasion, and other improvements were being effected. It was stated that the public had responded most liberally to the request for subscriptions. A number of gentlemen, whose names will be found in our advertising columns, were then elected bb a general committee, and sub-committees ware also appointed to superintend the improvement of the Drill Shed, the catering, and the music. It was agreed to fix the prices of admission as follows : — Gentleman's ticket, 153 ; lady's ticket, 10s ; ticket toladmit family of three, 303. In addition to those sent to the naval officers, invitations will be Bent to hi 3 Excellency the Governor, Lady Gordon, Miss Gordon, and suite, and to the members of the Legislature. The Naval Brigade propose inviting the crexs of H M. ships NVUon and Miranda to a supper and dance at the drill-shed on Friday next. The date ha 3 not, however, been definitely fixed for either this event or the shooting match, both of which will probably come off on the same date, the challenge sent yesterday having been accepted by the crews of the Nelson and Miranda. If present arrangements are carried out, the ball given to the sailors will follow that to be given to the officers, and the arrangements made for the latter will thus answer for both. On account of the large number invited civilians will be unable to joiu the dance, but ample provision will be made for their accommodation in the shed. The committee of the ball to be held on Thursday agreed to-day to lend the flooring and decorations free of charge for the sailors' ball. The New Zealand Bradshaw for June, 1882, has made its appearance with the usual punctuality. The new coloured maps of both islands are incorporated with it. The weekly session of the Star of Wellington Lodge was held at No. 9 room, Athenaeum, laßt night, when the W.C.T. Bro. C. Beecher occupied the chair. Two candidates were admitted to full membership. The officers and members of the Broad Pennant Lodge of H.M.S. Nelson paid an official visit, and conducted the business of the sesaion to the end of the meeting in a moat satisfactory manner. The Sea Nymph Lodge also paid a visit. It was stated that the Broad Pennant Lodge would hold a session aßhnre to-morrow evening, and an open session at 8 o'clock at Athenroum Hall, to which the public will be admitted. At a meeting last evening of the Wellington Gardeners' Mutual Improvement Society four papers were read by Messrs. Jay, M'Kay, Williamson and Balls on seasonable work in the flower garden, greenhouse, fruit garden and kitchen garden respectively. The Thames Star has the following: — " Master Franois James Strange, son of Mr. William Strange, Hape Creek, mot his death in a very simple, yet extraordinary, manner. He was lying on a sofa playing with one of those toy darts which are so frequently found in the hands of children now, to the danger of themselves and others In moving about he fe.l off the sofa, and the dart penetrated his throat, piercing one of the arteries. He expired after being seized with three fits in rapid succession." Jumbo ia the universal topic in New York. The newspapers devote oolumns to him, and each contains the following advertisement, displayed in the biggest type :— " The Colossus of elephants is now here — Jumbo. The people of two hemispheres excited over the purchase. Just arrived from tho Royal Zoological Gardens, costing thirty thousand dollars. The mighty monarch of roasts landed amid the enthusiastic shouts of half a million of people ! All England against its departure. All America bound to have him. Brought here against the regrets of Queen Viotoria and the Prince of Wales, and despite the injunctions of the law and the voice of united Europe. Bidden upon by the Queen and Royal Family and by over a million children ; its loss mourned by every child in Groat Britain. Now on exhibition every afternoon and evening in connection with the greatest Bhow on earth " Sixteen horses dragged, and two elephants occasionally pushed, the box containing Jumbo from the dook to the gardens during the night without accident. At the Thames Police Conri, recently, James Farrell, a detective, not unknown to Wellington, was charged with asaaulting William Fraser. The latter Btated that finding he was being watched by th§ defendant, he asked him for an apology. Farrell replied that if ho would call at his office he would give him one. Complainant did so, and according to his statement, defendant after locking him in, told witness to pull off his coat and he would give him an apjlogy. Farrell pulled his own ooat off, and what followed witness did not exactly know. He was strnck, and got stunned the first or second blow. Farrell had his arm round witness's neck, and kept punching away. Witness said "That's enough," but he Btill k»pt at it. He then said, "Do you want to kill a man altogether ?" and Farrell then lot him go. By this time hia mates had smashed the window. Farrell then produced a bucket of water and a broom, and told him to clear up the blood from the floor. He refused, but the defendant threatened to lock him up unless he did so, and ho then swilled the room. Defendant afterwards told him to "' clear out," and he went into the yard and washed hia face. His left eye was completely blind, and he could only see a little with the other. He remained in a darkened room for three days by the doctor's orders. Tho defence was that Fraser assaulted Farrell first, and that the latter only acted in self-defence. He had been in the force 36 years. The magistrate, however, held the case proved, and inflicted a fine of J65 and costs. We are requested to announce that the windows of Te Aro House will be illuminated this evening from 6 to 10 p m., for the display of new shipments of dress fabrics, choice wool shawls, blankets, and some special bargains in ladies' fashionable fur hats. We are requested to draw attention to Messrs. Bullock Brothers' advertisement in reference to a clearing sale of books and fancy goods. Messrs. Croskery & Co. will sell to-morrow, poultry, produce, tea, &c. Mr. Francis Sidey will sell to-morrow, furniture groceries, &o. Messrs. Hasell & Co. will Bell to-morrow, bacon, hams, crookery, &c. Messrs. Laery & Campbell wtll hold their usual market and horse sales to-morrow. Messrs. W. M'Lean & Co. will sell tomorrow, crockery, clothing, jewellery, Ac. Mr. Georgo Thomas will sell to-morrow, carriages, <tc.

Saturday — Boys' beaver overcoats, 7s 6d ; men's heavy overcoats, 18s 6d, at Te Aro House. — Advt. Saturday — Men's heavy tweed trousers, 8s 6d ; boys' knioker suits, 53 9d, at Ie Aro Honse. — Advt. Saturday— Children's seal jackets, 2a ; ladies' seal jackets, 12s 6d, at Te Aro House. — Advt. Saturday— Ladies' real fur hats, all shapes, newest styles, at half the usual price, at r J c Aro House. — Advt. Saturday— Ladies' fur hats, usual prica 5a 9d, for 2a 6d ; usual price 6s 6d, for 3; 9d, at Te Aro House.— Advt. Saturday — Ladies' fur hats, usual price Bs, for 4a 6d ; 9s 6d, for 4s lid ; 12s, for 6s 6d, at Te Aro House.— Advt. Saturday — Ladies' very choice feather hats, usual prioa 255, for 4s 6d, at Te Aro House. — Advt. Graves & Fleming are in receipt of large arrivals of winter millinery, of exquisite quality and latest styles, at million prices. Only to see is to buy. Another large lot of their celebrated two-button blank kid gloves, Is lid. Also, a consignment of knitting wool, all colours, Is lid head, 2d skein. They have also in stock Kaiapoi, Roslyn, and British yarns, a'l colours Tneir blanket, curtain, and household drapery departments are well stocked with gcods of all prices and qualities. Note Graves & Fleming's Corner House, Cuba and Manners Btreets.— [Advt.] The mimetic art has been in existence from time immemorial, -we might almost say; and the word, although usually, may not be strictly and literally confined to the dramatic age. To imitate, aad •specially to imitats what is enccesiful, it a very old taabit Liberalised in its meaning, it not inf requestly trenches on stealiag. The story of Cn&tterton, the boy-post's plagiarisms, evidently begun in imitation, until failure to emulate bis original led him to pilfer. Bo those who endeavour, fruitlessly, ta manufacture a cordial like Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam 4 somatic Schnapps. breaJring d«vrn in the attempt to ev«n stimulate the renowned anti-dyspeptic Invigoraxt, aro almost invariably tempted to pinte the artiole.— Advt.