LATEST NATIVE NEWS.

Evening Post, Volume XX, Issue 168, 21 July 1880, Page 2

LATEST NATIVE NEWS.

The only news received from the " front" to-day by the Government is that the telegraph wire has been completed along the whole length of the line of road now under construction by the Constabulary. The wires now reach right across the disturbed country from one side to the other — from Waingongoro to Stoney River. There has been no fresh obstruction on the part of the natives, and no new development of any kind in the aspect of affairs. Just as we went to press, however, a rather startling telegram (which will be found in another column) was received from our Napier correspondent in reference to au attempt made by three followers of Te Whiti to convey ammunition to Parihaka, and the steps taken for their capture by the police.

In the House of Representatives this afternoon Mr. Stewart is to ask the Minister of Justice whether his attention has been directed to the circumstances under which Mr. Purnell, a barrister of the Supreme Court, waß recently ordered by the Resident Magistrate at Ashburton to be committed for seven days, for alleged contempt; and whether it is the intention of the Government to take any action in the matter. Dr. Wallis will to-day move, "That this House is of opinion that the Qualification of Electors Act, 1879, should be so amended as to extend the Parliamentary franchise to leaseholders ; and also so amended as to extend tho Parliamentary franchise to femalo freeholders and female leaseholders." The Hon. Mr. Waterhouse is to move in the Legislative Council this afternoon, that the Election Petitions Bill bo recommitted for the purpose of inserting the following new clause, to stand as clause 8 : — Should the judge declare the election void, any person affected by such declaration sitting or voting in the House after the receipt of the judge's report shall be liable to a penalty of .£IOO per day for each d*y he so sits and votes. A petition was presented in the Legislative Council yesterday by the Hon. Mr. Acland from his Lordship the Primate of New Zealand, praying the Council to make provision for grants in aid to schools, and for religious instruction in the public schools. To-morrow the Hon. Mr. Richardson will ask the Minister for Public Works whether it is his intention to make the reduction of 10 per cent, in the wages of the railway employes before the House has had an opportunity of discussing the Public Works Estimates. The presentation of tho report of tho Royal Commission on Local Industries is further and indefinitely postponed. It wps expected to be sent in last week, buc this anticipation has not been realised, and now the chairman (Mr. Wakeneld, M.H.R.) has gone to Christchurch on another Government Commission, so that the report ia nob likely to come in

for some days. There have not been wanting whispers of differences among the Local Industry Commissioners on the rather difficult question how to foster local industries without infringing the principles of Free Trade. This may be mere gossip, but looking to the constitution of the Commission the rumor is not devoid of probability at any rate. On the authority of the Defence Minister it is stated that there are in this colony three colonels; nine lieutenant-colonels, 23 majors, 150 captains, and 230 lieutenants. The Wanganui diatriSt iuppließ the bulk 6i the majors. So far as we can learn, there is not much probability of the report of the Railway Commission being presented earlier than next week. At the District Court in Napier a few days ago, a trustee in bankruptcy presented the following report -.—". — " The bankrupt has rendered me every assistance in his power, which, as he has not kept any books, does not necessarily amount to much. I believe that hi 3 bankruptcy was caused by his intense stupidity, which caused him to enter into undertakings which he could not carry out." It is mentioned by Colonel Header, the Commissioner of Police, as a matter for congratulation that in the force on the Waimate Plains of upwards of 700 men, the majority of whom have been under canvas in very wet weather, but one casualty from sickness has occurred during the year. There are now 60 male and 21 female patients in the Wellington Hospital. DuriDg the past week four males and one female were admitted, and five males and three females were discharged. Prom the annual report on the New Z°aland Constabulary we learn that it is intended that the strength of the Wellington City station during the year ending 31st March, 1881, shall be as follows : — One first-class superintendent (in charge North Island division), one second-class superintendent, five sergeants, one mounted constable, 25 foot constables, three detectives, and one female searcher. It is also intended to station one foot constable at each of the following places : — Newtown, Molesworthstreet, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, Featherston, Carterton, Whareama, and Porirua. A mounted constable is to be stationed at Greytown, and one sergeant and one foot constable at Masterton. The Wharf Committee will report to the next meeting of the City Council that they bad under consideration an application from Messrs. Shaw, Savill and Co., of London, for a reduction in the charge of dumping wool, and that, believing they have no power to make any reduction for the past season, they recommend that a discount of 15 per cent, in the extra Is per bale be allowed in next year's transactions. The committee have also considered a report from the Wharfinger as to the duties of the wharf staff, but cannot recommend any alteration in the present regulations They further recommend that 3d per ton be charged for ballast in the case of vessels " which have not previously discharged cargo at the Queen's Wharf." The Superintendents of Police for the various districts are unanimous in their annual reports, in urging that a pension fund . should be established in connection with the Police Force. Superintendent Broham remarks that few constables will look upon the force as a permanent abiding place without some inducement being offered them over and above their daily pay. The hope of a pension in the future, he adds, on some retiring allowanco after a life's service will alone give stability to the force, and cau3e men to take to police employment as a permanent calling. The number of applications for relief taken into consideration by the committee of the Benevolent Society, whose usual weekly meeting was held yesterday, showed a decided decrease as compared with those dealt with at recent meetings. This ia doubtless dno to the fact that the ranks of the unemployed have been greatly thinned within the past few days, owing to numbers of men having been engaged by the Government and the City Council. There were also very few new cases to be dealt with. It was mentioned, however, that the man Jones, who sustained severe injuries from an accident near the Pakuratahi some time since, is still an inmate of the Hospital, and his wife and family are suffering great privation in consequence thereof. A desire was oxpressed that the charitably-disposed would take this case into their consideration, and render what assistance they can. Mr. W. M. Bannatyno forwarded £2 2s, which were thankfully received. The meeting 1 was attended by Mr. J. G. Holdßworth (chairman), the Revs. W. Kirk, C. Meysey-Thompson, H. Van Staveren, Councillor Danks, and Messrs. J. E. Smith and A. G. Johnson (secretary). We learn the Savings Bank deposits for the lastquarter, ended SOthJune.ehow an increase in deposits over withdrawals of .£20,000. For a long time past the withdrawals have been considerably in excess of deposits, and it is satisfactory to learn that an improvement has recently taken place. To a certain extent the deposits in the Savings Bank may be taken as an index of the prosperity of the working classes, and the fact that so large a Bum as ,£20,000 has been placed in the Post Office Savings Bank during the last quarter in excess of the withdrawals allows clearly that a better state of things is dawning for the wage-earning classes. There are 100 police-stations and 251 men, including all grades, in the North Island. This gives one member of the force to every 1014 of the population, and the cost of maintenance is estimated at 3s 6d per head of the population per annum. A meeting of the Hutt Resident Magistrate's Court was held to-day, Mr. Shaw, R.M., presiding There were only three cases — one criminal and the others civil — to be dealt with, none of which were of special interest. Still another old settler has passed away. This morning Mr. John Castle died at his residence, Brook-street, Thorndon, at the age of 83 years. The deceased gentleman was born near Deal, Kent, and arrived in Wellington by the ship Bolton, in 1840, so that he has been 40 years a settler in this district. He leaves a widow 79 years of age, a grown-up family, and several grandchildren to mourn their bereavement. A paralytic stroke was the immediate cause of death. Mr. J. H. Whitelaw acknowledges with thanks the receipt of a number of illustrated periodicals from Mr. J. Woodward, for the use of the patients of tho Asylum. We understand that it is very doubtful whether the Public Works statement can be brought down next week after all. It seems tolerably certain that it will not be delivered on Tuesday next, as was expected. It is understood that a quiet but active agitation is being carried on by the Hutt people in favor of the Hutt-Waikanae route for the Wellington and West Coast Railway. A deputation, headed by Sir William Fitzherbert, waited on the Railway Commission a few days ago, and pressed very strongly the alleged superior claims of that route. Mr. Mason also is reported to be very active in the lobbies in the same direction. John Palmer, who attempted to commit suicide in Wellington on the 13th instant, was brought before the Resident Magistrate to-day to receive sentence. Mr. Shaw said there was no doubt that at the time Palmer wounded himself his intention was to do himself some severe injury, if not to destroy his own life, but, as the wounds were not dangerous, he did not think the interests of justice demanded that the prisoner should be kept longer in prison. A man of the prisoner's education and experience onsrht by this time, he considered, to recognise the folly of attempting self-destruction, and he hoped Palmer would loam to struggle manfully with this world's troubles. Palmer was then discharged. At the Lion Foundry a number of Mr. Mills' employes are now engaged in the building of a steam-launch, which is rapidly progressing towards completion. The launch is being formed of steel plates, is 50 feet in length, and 5 feet deep, with a beam of 9 feet 6 inches, and will be propelled by means of a compound surface-condensing engine of 10 horse-power nominal. The model is an exceedingly pretty one, and when finished the launch i.s calculated to prove of much service in the harbor. Drs. Diver and France report to-day that there is a marked improvement in Mr. Hunter's condition, and that there is now every hopo of his getting better, although slowly. At noon to-day, Sergeant Anderson arrested a seaman named Herman Mnmm on board the Stella, on a charge of a disgusting nature. Last evening the scholars of the Primitive Methodist Sunday School, Webb-street, treated the residents of Newtown to a sacred concert. There was a large and appreciative audience, whose interest remained unabated during the whole evening. The singing reflected credit on their teacher, Mr. J. L. Wright, and the recitations wer« also creditably rendered. The promoters of the meeting decided not to issue tioket3 or charge for admission, but receive contributions to reduce the Newtown church debt. That this plan was approved was evident from the liberality of the friends present. Mr. James Cook, well known in New Zealand and the Australian Colonies as "The Prince of Jesters," died in New York on the 28ch April last of pneumonia, after a few days' illness. At the time of his decease he held the position of " Shakesperiaa Jester and Equestrian Director of Baranm's Greatest' Show on Earth." Mr. Cook travelled with Mr. John Wilson's Circus some 15 or

more years ago throughout the Pacific Slope, and ultimately visiting the Australias they opened the Haymarket Theatre, Melbourne, 23rd April, 1866, the late Omar Kingsley (Ella Zayara) being one of the company, and the late Mr. Cook the " Prince of Jesters." His death has caused universal sorrow amongst his confreres in the circus and other communities, the deceased gentleman being universally popular with all classes of society. " The Detective," at the Theatre Royal last night, with Miss Clara Stephenson as the leading artiste, attracted only a moderate audience, The piece was well played, and Miss Stephenson was boriored with several calls before the curtain. This evening the sensational drama adapted from Miss Braddon's famous novel, " Lady Audley's Secret." and the extravaganza, " The Daughter of the Regiment," will be performed. A meeting in connection with the Rescue Lodge, 1.0 G.T., was held hist evening in the Adelaide Road Weßleyan School-room. The members of the church choir gave several chornses and a glee, a few woli-known singers contributed some duets and solos, and some of the members of the lodge gave well-chosen recitations. At 9 p.m. an interval took place during which a liberal supply of tea, coffee, and eatables was distributed. A large number of persons gave in their names as future practical supporters of the principles of Good Templary. The Rev. Lewis Hudson, pastor of the church, presided. The native case, Nahe v. Tomoana, still drags its weary lentgh along in the Supreme Court. The case for the plaintiff is not yet finished, and it now appears that the conclusion cannot be reached to-day, probably not even to-morrow. The case bids fair to rival the celebrated interminable action of " Jarndyce v. Jarndyce." Persons interested in the cases for hearing at the present civil sittings of tho Supreme Court wi'l find an important announcement in our advertising columns. The case of Climie v. the Corporation, which was fixe'l for to-morrow, has been further adjourned till the 26tli inst., for which date the case of Bank of New Zealand v. Schwartz ia also appointed. The following team will represent the Wellington Football Club in the match against the Athletic Club, to played on the Basin Reserve on Saturday next: —De Castro, Forshaw, Grant, Hodgson, Holmes, Kreeft, Lynch, Miles, Mita, C. and H. Pollen, Roberts, J. and J. G. Thompson, and Warbrick. Emergencies, Russell and Gibbes. The usual weekly session of the Pearl of Peace Lodge, I 0.G.T., took place last evening in the school-room, Courtenay Place. Three candidates were admitted as members, and an official visit was paid by representatives of tho Starlight of the Valley Lodge, Newtown, who met with a cordial reception. In the well-arranged window of " The Medical Hall," Manners-street, is to be seen one of the exhibits intended for tho Melbourne Exhibition. It consists of a fancy show case, containing a sample of Roberts' tonic beer, made from New Zealand herbs, which is said to bo a very refreshing and wholesome beverage. It will be on view until Saturday next. Mr. J. Monteith has been appointed agent for the article. The Foxton Herald, explaining tho reason why so little interest was taken in the recent Local Board election, states tb.it only 21 persons had paid their rates, and were consequently entitled to take part in the election. A few days ago a telegraph operator at Woodlands (Southland) declined to send a message for a man after hours, whereupon the latter smashed nine panes of glass in the telegraph office. His defence was that ho was naturally rather hot-tempered. The Invercargill Magistrates gave him two months' imprisonment, which may serve to cool him down. An oatmeal mill is now in course of erection at Waipoa, Masterton. The owners are Messrs. Bacon and Wrigley, and the necessary machinery is being made at Mr. E. W. Mills' Lion Foundry. When completed, the mill will be three stories in height, having a kiln 20 feet square attached to the main building. The mill is designed for two pair of grinding stones, but ample space has been provided for the addition of others should the business increase to such an extent as to require it. The machinery will bo driven by an engine of 14 horse-power, and comprises all the best approved appliances necessary for the successful carrying out of the undertaking. In addition to tho grinding of oats, Messrs- Bacon and Wrigley intend to grind pearl and barley, and their mill being the only ono of the kind in this district the firm will probably meet with the pronounced success which the nature of their enterprise undoubtedly deserves. The wife of " ono of our most respectable citizen." says the Auckland Star, announced to her husband that she intended to embrace the tenets of Elder Sorenson's faith and become a Mormon. Instead of being dismayed the husband calmly acquiesced, and observing that he should retain the children, tendered his spouse a cheque to pay her expenses to Utah. Strange to say the lady did not like it, and has since made^no further mention of the matter. A young colonial —which means something quite different from a young colonist —(says JEgles," in the Australasian) noted for his prudence and meanness in money matters, was conversing with a young lady. The topic of race meetings came up, Mr. M'Angus havicg lately attended one. Ho expressed such disapproval of that kind of amusement that the lady asked him why he disliked races. "Oh!" he replied, "because they are so expensive —just fancy, my trip cost me two and sixpence !" "Indeed," said his fair interlocutor, "how did you manage to spend such a large sum ?" " Well, you see," said the unsuspecting 1 M.A., "it cost mo a shilling for cab going, and another for returning." " Yes," said Miss Velvet, " but how did you dispose of tho remaining sixpence?" "Oh," responded he in quito a fay and young-bloodish manner, "mostly oozing." A prompt and attentive waiter (says the Wanganui Herald) is a, rare avis in this colony, and at an evening party given by an eminent Bank Manager in a township somewhere in the Manawatu, the peculiarity of the colonial article was made painfully evident. The "waiter" had been made presentable in a second-hand dress suit belonging to the host, and carefully tutored as to his behavior to the " company." All went well till late in the evening, when a maiden lady of uncertain age, but decided primness, languidly asked the waiter if lie had any more lemonade. With commendable briskness, but unpardonable familiarity, he replied "Any mortal quantity, my dear." The lady shrieked, and the host rose in his might and bade the waiter depart to the regions below. London Truth says :—": —" The marriage of George Eliot was a complete surprise, even to her most intimate friends, so well had the secret been kept. Mr. Cross, her husband, was the executor of the late Mr. G. H. Lewes, and had long been the confidential adviser of the distinguished authoresa in all matters of business, and one of her most devoted friends. He is well known in financial circles in London and New York as a man of keen and active faculties in business, and among a wide circle of acquaintances he is spoken of with singular regard and esteem. The event caused considerable surprise to the literary world in general, and the friends of the late G. H. Lewes in particular." The Desert News (the Mormon organ) gives the following particulars relative to the excommunication of certain of Brigham YouDg's daughters from the Church, for taking legi»l proceedings in respect to their father's will .—" Louisa Y. Ferguson, Vilate Y. Decker, Emeline A. Young, Dora Y. Dunford, and Marinda A. Conrad, have been cut off from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints by the Bishop's Courts of their respective Wards; and Elizabeth Y. Ellsworth, by the High Council Salt Lake State of Zion, which High Council also unanimously sustained the action of the Bishop's Court in other cases. The above action was taken for their joining together and making a complaint, entering and prosecuting the same in the Third Judicial District Court of Utah Territory, wherein they falsely charged their father's executors, and the authorities of the church with defrauding the heirs of the late President Brigham Young out of one million dollars, and for causing the imprisonment in tho Penitentiary of the executors, and jeopardising the liberty of President John Taylor, Trustee-in-Trnst for the Church, and for refnsing to make restitution. James Ferguson (commonly known as Harris) was also excommunicated for encouraging and endorsing his wife in her course."