Evening Post. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1879.

Evening Post, Volume XVII, Issue 348, 19 February 1879, Page 2

Evening Post. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1879.

Several reflections on the position of her Majesty's Representatives in this colony are suggested by the present interregnum which separates the departure of the Marquis of Nokmamby from the advent of Sir Hercules Robdtso>\ The open advocacy of an elective Governorship by one of the Ministers of the Crown gives some prominence to that phase of the question, but the opinion appears to be generally held throughout the colony that such a proposal is, to say the least, premature, if not decidedly objectionable, hence it may be dismissed from present consideration. Of much more im-

mediate and direct interest are the relations which have subsisted between our late Governor and his responsible advisers, more especially -with tlieir chief, Sir George Grey. It is not goiDg too far to •ay that the attitude assumed by the present Premier towards the Marquis of Nobmajsby has been viewed with deep regret by even Sir George Grey's warmest admirers, while the general feeling on the subject has been one of grave disapproval and even of strong indignation. It is not onr intention on the present occasion to enter into minute details, or to specify individual instances of the studied disconrtesy with which it has been patent to all that the Premier has treated his Excellency almost from the moment of taking office. These have been matter of public notoriety and universal comment outside this Colony, as well as within its boundaries. Whether, as has been publicly Btated, the Premier did endeavor to prevent a guard of honor attending the Marquis of NoRMANBr on his departure, and prohibited, in the first in stance, the firing of the usual salute by the volunteers on that occasion ; whether, as has been freely rumored, Mr Geopue Obey habitually failed ia respect to her Majesty's representative, to glaringly as to elicit a remark from his Excellency that he had not been treated with the ordinary courtesy of a gentleman; whether the Premier did, as alleged, countermand the permission accorded by his colleagues for the use of the Government steamer Hinemoa to convey his Excellency and Lady Normakby to Melbourne— her ladyship's health being known to be in so precarious a state as to need every available comfort being placed at her disposal during her compulsory voyage — into ail these and other similar allegations we do not intend to enter now. It is sufficient for our present purpose to remark that the studied neglect shown by the Premier to Lord Nokmanby on the occasion of his departure has been a matter of general notoriety and unfavorable, even indignant, comment. Apart; from the personal popularity of the Marquis, justly earned by the kindly and active interest ever manifested by him in all subjects affecting the general oraocial welfare of the people, the cifcizensof Wellington do not ab all relish the discredit reflected u{.on their city, a 8 the vice-regal place of abode, by the subjection of the Governor to marked and uacalledfor slights during his residence therein, and particularly on his final departure from the place. They feel that some share of the odium attaching to these unpleasant cirenmstances unavoidably Reflects on the place in which they occurred, and naturally they are indignant accordingly. fcir George Grey may rest assnred that, so far from enhancing his popularity by hia behavior to Lord Normanby, he has impaired it most materially, and that if it should be found that Sir Hercules Robinson is exposed to similar treatment from him, he will become as signally unpopular as he once was the reverse. Whatever political difference may appear to divide the people of New Zealand into parties and cliques, these are but superficial divisions and do not at all affect the earnest and staunch loyalty which lies so deeply rooted in the hearts of the whole British nation, and we are well assured that we give utterance to a sentiment all but universal when we express our hope that Sir George Grey will not think it essential, in the interests of posterity and the human race, that he should continue towards Sir Hercules Robinson the line of conduct he thought fit to adopt in his relations with the Marquis of Nobmanby.

The decision arrived at by the meeting last night in favor to the opening of the Athenseum reading-room on Sunday afternoons was a reasonable and proper one. We entertain the greatest possible respect for the strong opinions held aud expressed by Arohdeaqon Stock, the Rev. Mr Paterson, aud Mr.Toomath on this question, and we are convinced that they are thoroughly sincere in their opposition to the proposal. Still, as we pointed out yesterday, if they disapprove it, they need not visit the Athenißum on Sundaj s, while at the same time they certainly hive no right to insist on locking out those who with equal sincerity hold different views. The only legitimate objection — that of trespassing upon the leisure or Sunday rest ofthe officers— was completely met )by the arrangement suggested, and the result ot the meeting therefore was in every way satisfactory.

The Hona. .Messrs. Ballance and Stout and Mrs Ballance arrived by the Hinemoa this morning. Ail Ministers are now iv town with the exception of Mr. Fisher. Intending exhibitors at the Sydney Exhibition can obtain, at the Cbataber of Commerce, copies of general regulations issued by "the -New Zealand Commissioners. AU exhibits must be sent to the Commissioners at Wellington, the expenses up to the time of the receipt of the exhibits by the Commissioners beinjr paid by the exhibitors. From this point the Government will take charge of the exhibits and pay all expenses. Every care will be taken so that exhibits may not be lost or injured, but the Government will not be responsible for any damage or loss. If specimens of the raw products of the colony (of which a list is given) are not freely given, the Commissioners will take into consideration any suggestions made by local committees as to their purchase. Any exhibits not absolutely given to or bought by the Commissioners (unless the owners expressly desire that they be disposed of at Sydney) will be returned to the local committees at the expense ol the Commissioners, who, however, will not be responsible for any damage or loss. At the Hesident Magistrate's Court this morning, before Mr. Mansford, James William Anderson, charged with being drunk aud disorderly, was fined os. or 24 hours' imprisonment. Thomas Bard was charged on suspicion of lunacy. Sergeant- Major Bavin stated that the prisoner was remand* d from the 12th in3t , when us was suffering from the effects of drink. Prisoner was perfectly right now. Mr. Mansford said that the attention of tha Government ought to be called to cases of this kind. Persons were charged with lunacy, and, after they had put tho country to a great deal of expense, it was discovered that they were simply suffering from the effects of drink. Some means ought to be provided whereby these persons Should bear the expense incurred. Tne time for receiving tenders for the erection of a teacher's residence at Carterton has been extended to Tuesday, 25th io&t. The steamer Zamboanga did not leave Sydney yesterday as previously telegraphed. She sailed from Sydney to-day for Wellington direct, and may be expected here about Monday next. To prevent any inconvenience to the travelling public through tho loss of the Taupo, the Union Steamship Company have made arrangements for the Albion to leavo Wellington for the and Melbourne on Friday afternoon, at two o'clock. The Hawea will turn back from Auckland on Friday, arriving at Wellington on Monday, leaving io the afternoon tor the South, and taking Melbourne passengers to join the Albion, which will await her arrival at Port Chalmers. A curious predicament has arisen in connection with tha nautical inquiry into the collision between the Hm'a and Go- Ahead. As usual, the certificates of the officers concerned are kept in the custody of the Court durin«the inquiry. Mr. Mansford stated this morning that the certificates had been placed in the safe, safe was a new one, and the Clerk informed him that he could not get it open again. (A laugh.) As soon as it could ba opened the certificates would be returned. Meanwhile, of course, they were iv "safe" keeping. The inquiry into tbe collision between the steamers Uo-Ahead and Huia was brought to a close yesterday. Judgment was deferred until this morning, when Mr. Mans,ford, R.M., delivered the following decision : —We are unanimously of opiuion that both vessels are to blame, for the following reasons : — We do not - think that the vessels were ever end on, and, therefore, that rule 13, for preventing: collisions at sea, with the additions made thereto by an order of the Prh-y Council, could not apply to the Go- Ahead We are further of opinion that the Go-Ahead should have had a look-out man forward, and that when she ported her helm, as was seen by the Huia, the I latter should cot have starboarded, but have j ported and stopped, and gone astern, if necessary. Under these circumstances, we order that the costs of the investigation shall be borne and paid equally by the Go-Ahead and Huia. We do not think that there is any nocessity for suspending or cancelling any or either of the certificates, but recommend the masters of both vessels to exercise more care in the future. The annual treat of the St. Paul's Sunday School will take place on Saturday next. Tbe children and teachers will assemble in tbe schoolroom at 11.30 a.m , and march in procession to the railway station, proceeding by the 12 20 p.m. irain to Belmont, where they will adjourn to a convenient paddock near the station, and have games and refreshments, returning to Wellington by the train which arrives at G. 30 p.m. The new Sunday School in Tinakori Road will be opened for the first time, on Sunday next, by the Yen. Archdeacon Thvrpe.| The City Rifles will hold their sixth competition for the company's medals at the Polhill Gully rifle-range on Saturday. Firing will commence at 2 p.m. sharp. As there is a difference of opinion amongst the residents as to the necessity for altering the levels of Pirie-street, the Public Works Committee have decided to recommend the City Council to let the mattei remain in abeynce for the present.

Mr. Mansford, the Resident Magistrate, finds himself in a curious difficulty with regard to his assessment. At the sitting of the Court tlii« morning he said that he wished to appeal, but he did not see how he could give notice, a* he would have to adjudicate on his own case. There was so provision in the Act to meet such a difficulty, and he thought it rather a hard case that he should be debarred of bis right. Mr. Graham (Town Clerk) said that he thought this was a ra*e which should be referred to the Coundh^The City Solicitor jocularly suggr*iod that the Council might take advantage of thoopportunity to put an extra amount on the Resident Magistrate's assessment to make up for the amounts knocked off from other properties on appeal. (Laughter.) Mr. Smith, of the Telegraph Department, yesterday made an official inspection of the wires leading to the Fire Brigade Stations, to discover the cause of the recent false alarms given by the electric b< 11. He was successful in his object, and fortunately was able to remove the cause at onca. It was found that the Press Association's special wire was touching tbe Brigade wire?, and this caused a current of elec.ricity to pass through the latter and ring the bf lls. The petition presented by the Wel'iiogton Fire Brigade to the City Council has been c nsidered ny the Public Works Committee, who report that they see no necessity for other tulegTaphic communication between the various fire brigade s'ations tbau at present exist; that as regards an additional watchman, they consider that the present arrangement had better be tried for a twelvemonth ; and that in tbe present state of the finances they cannot recommend any further grant to any of the fire brigades for uniform or other purposes. For financial reasons the Public Works Committee have decided to report to the City Council that the applications from the residents in Marjoribanks-street and tbe neighbourhood of Russell-terrace, for expenditure in their localities, must stand over for the present. The Mayor of Hokitika has sent to the Mayor of Wellington an illuminated address, with a request that he will present it to Inspector James on behalf of the people of Hokitika. The presentation will be made at the City Council meeting to-iuorrdw. It is gratifying to know that, our new Inspector of Police was held in so much esteem by those among whom he lived for many years. The statement of accounts filed in the Supreme Court to-day, iv the bankrupt estate of Mr Amelius M. Smith, shows the liabilities to be £3240 10* 2d ; assets, £100; deficiency, £3140 10s 2d. The latest news received from the Hydrabad is favorable. The ship's bow has been moved seaward to the extent of fully a point and ahalf, and the pumping apparatus on board proves quite able-to keep do *n the water made by the leak Tbe hopes of seeing her once more afloat are therefore rising again. Yesterday's Manawatu Herald says : — " On Wednesday last word was received from the Hydrabad that Mr, Ross, contractor for the launching of the ship^was in a state of ' siege ' on board, the men having struck work, and being anxious to take the value of their work out of the contractor's hido, as they could not get it from bis pocket. As the danger was imminent, on Thursday morning Constable Purrell, accompanied by Captains Holmwood and Gibbon, proceeded to the vessel, but no sign whatever of* Ross could be found, although a most diligent search was made. - The party left the ship disappointed, concluding that by some means or other he had got ashore and fled from his pursuers por Wellington coach ; but from 'information seceived ' the constable went aboard again, and this time succeeded in finding Ross hidden in a railway carriage among the cargo. Trembling with fear, he came on dock, under protection of the police officer, whilst his creditors glared at him fiercely. After some promises had been made by tbe debtor, and scorned by the mistrusting men, he was allowed to leave, and came on to Foxton, whence he took his departure. Doubtless, his sojourn on the Hydrahad will not be one of the bright spots in Mr. Ross' life." About eighty members of the Dixon family were present at the gathering at the Basin Reserve yesterday, but fully seventy in different parts ,of tbe province were utfable to attend. The' chief event was a cricket-match between two sides captained by Mr E. Dixon aud Mr. W. Dixon. The result was that the latter term won by one run, their score being 104, against 103 mado by Mr. Edward Dixon's side. Between the innings a lunch was provided, when the health of the elders was drunk. Mr. Edward Dixon, as the eldest male member of the i'anrly, was, after the match, hoisted shoulders high and carried to the grand-stand. The day was brought to a close by a dance at the Princess Theatre. The second lecture by the Rev. J. W. Inglis, at tho Imperial Opera House last ni^bt, attracted a large audience, our Scotch citizens being notably in the ascendant. " The songs and mus ! c of Scotland " was the title of tbe lecture, and Mr. Inglis treated it as few men could do, evincing a most intimate acquaintance with his subject A thoroughly c joy able evening was spent, though the peculiarity which we noticed in the first lecture was naturally more prominent last night — the broad Scotch dialect of many of the readings and recitations — and this in some measure spoilt the lecture to Eng ish ears. This evening Mr. Inglis gtVis his third and last lecture, on " Burns — the poet and the man," which is declared by the Otago Daily Times to be the best and most interesting of the sprits. The Government steamer Hinemoa brought up the Albion's Melbourne mail from the South this morning. It will be noticed with great satisfaction that tenflers are invited by advertisement for tha construction of the Wellington railway wharf. Th 1 * length of the new wharf is to be 650 ft., and tenders are to be sent in up to noon of the 2iih proximo. The usual weekly meeting of the Benevolent Society was held yesterday. Present— Mr. J. G. Holdsworth (chairman), Yen. Archdeacon Stock, the Revs. R. Coffey, J. Paterson, and A. Reid, and Messrs. B Smith, J. E. Smith, and L. Levy. Several cases of distress were considered and relief granted. A letter from the Town Clerk stated that the Counsil had approved the memorandum submitted by the Mayor, relative to the distribution of Government charitable aid. The Manawatu Herald says:— "The City of Auckland is baing rapidly dismantled by Messrs. Bowo, Birchley and Cj. A good suggestion has been made — that with all the materials required at hand, forming portions of the wreck, it would be very easy to build and fit out a small vessel at the mouth of the Otaki River. The wreck is only about 40 yards from the river, and we commend the suggestion to the shipbuilders at Wellington." We (Manawatu Herald) understand the little steamer Osprey, which was built some years ago by Messrs. Seagar, of the Piioonix Foundry, Wellington, for a Blenheim firm, and employed in towing vessels up the Wairau River, has been bought by Messrs. Liddell, Jonson, and Gibson, of Foxton, and will shortly arrive from Wellington to trade upon the Manawatu River. It will be remembered that some time ago the Osprey went ashore near the mouth of the Porirua Harbor; she was, however, got off and taken to Wellington, having sustained But little damage. It is said the price paid by the gentlemen referred to was £300. Messrs. Augaxde and Co. will, to-morrow, at 2 o'clock, sell a consignment of furniture, sowing machines, glass, and crockery. The sale of the Wainui-o-nmta estate of Messrs. W. A. and H. 8. Fitzherbert takes place to-mor-row, at Messrs. J. H. Bothune and Oo.'a salerooms. The sale commences at 2 o'clock, and twenty-eight sections, varying from 75 to 155 acres, will be offered. It will be seen from the advertisement that the terms are particularly liberal. Messrs. Bethune and Co. will, to-morrow afternoon, sell Messrs. J. and H. Barber's farm of 400 acres at the Upper Hutt. Mr. Duncan holds a land sale at 2 o'clock tomorrow, when a farm of 208 acres in Gollan's Valley, and properties at Newtown, the Hutt, and Wanstead will be offered. The attention of painters and decorators is directed to a sale of gilt mouldings, &c, by Mr. A. A. Barnett at 2 o'clock to-morrow. When Jenner discovered and developed tbo idea of vaccination he was regarded as a wild theorist. The world was not more unripe then, groportaonately, to innovations tlian it is now, ut tne people scqffed. tlie idea because it seemed visionary. Wh.en Udoijpho Wofi/e's Schiedam Abojiatio Bohnapps was first given to the public, many discredited the worttx of the great cordial. To-day it stands without a rival elexir in the catalogues of magnificent tonics. — [Advt.]