THE GREAT BOAT RACE.

Evening Post, Volume XXI, Issue 37, 15 February 1881, Page 2

THE GREAT BOAT RACE.

A cable message in another column gives the result of the sculling race between Hanlan and Laycock, and, as was generally anticipated, it is reported that the former won easily. If the articles were adhered to, the race wa3 from two boats moored off the Star and Garter at Putney to the University Post above the ship at Mortlake, and the stakes were JJSOO a-side, the championship ot England, and the Sportsman Champion Challenge Cup. The result of the race, while it deprives Australia of the hope of at present regaining the aquatic championship of the world, at the same time should at once clear away the doubts of those ungenerous people who still attribute Trickett's defeat to corruption, and must moderate the zeal of those more honorable, if over sanguine, colonists who imagine that Trickett, had ho been in good condition, would have beaten Hanlan. The fact is, it seems to us. that the Canadian is far and away better than any man Australia has yet produced, and instead of making excuses it would be more manly to realise the fact and set to work to see if a still better cannot be "raised" to retrieve lost laurels at some future day. To Laycock a generous sympathy must be accorded. It is well known that previous to Hanlan's defeat of Trickett, Laycock was willing and anxious to scull the Canadian, and that the latter offered to make a match for a big amount, and also undertook "to go to sleep in his boat during the race," as he expressed it, and then win. However, notwithstanding the boast, and in spite of the ridiculously easy defeat of Trickett, Laycock still desired to do battle for his country and measure blades with the champion of the world. The result shows that he overrated his own powers, but he has shown himself a plucky man, and should be none the less honored because of his defeat.

A meeting of the Executive Council was held at Government House to-day at noon, his Excellency the Governor presiding, and the Ministers present being the Premier and the Colonial Secretary. With the exception of th 9 issuing of the Royal Commission for the Mount View Asylum enqniry (referred to elsewhere), the business wa9 of the usual formal routine character. The Hon. Mr. Rolleaton arrived at New Plymouth yesterday, and remains there today in conference with Major Atkinson, whose injured knee, we regret to learn, is no better. Mr. Eolleston retnrns to Wellington overland on Saturday night, and Mr. Oliver probably by Sunday** steamer. Major Atkinson returns to Wellington by an early steamer from Taranaki. It is reported that about fifteen men started for Terawhiti this morning for the purpose of selecting ground for mining operations. Mr. M'Lean and a number of others intend to inspect the new reef tomorrow. Mr. Hall, Deputy-Registrar, held a sitting of the Supreme Court in Bankruptcy at noon to-day. Mr. Sievwright moved for an order of the complete execution of the deed in re Edward Augustus. There was no opposition, and the order as prayed was granted. On the motion of Mr. Bishop, an order of discharge was granted to C. K. Jeffs. An application by Mr. Ollivier for an order of complete execution of deed in re George Jones, and an application by the same counsel for the discharge of John M'lntosh, were adjourned. With reference to " Charity's " letter, in our Saturday's issue, we are informed that, so far from there being any apathy on the part of the members of the Wellington Amateur Dramatic Club, that club had already in preparation a performance to be given for the joint benefit of the Whittingtons and the Akatarawa Bridge sufferer^, but owing to the engagement of the Theatre Royal by the Opera Company, it was doubtful what night would be available, and do definite announcement could be made of the arrangements in view. Efforts will be made to make the benefit worthy of the name, and we hope to see the amateurs well backed up in their endeavors to relieve the distressed. Tbe following are the resolutions agreed to by the Conference with reference to the Western Pacific Islands :— l. That it is not desirable that the office of High Commissioner of the Western Pacific Islands should be vested in the Governor of any of the Australian Colonies. 2. That more effectual means should be devised for the punishment of natives of the said islands for any crimes or offences committed by them againt British subjects. 3. That in the case of capital convictions by the High Commissioner's Court, appeal Bhonld be allowed to the Supreme Court of some one of the Australian Colonies, to be selected by the High Commissioner. 4. That the more frequent visits of her Majesty's ships among the islands would tend to lessen in a great degree the crimes now so prevalent. Mr. Dick, Colonial Secretary for New Zealand, dissented from the first resolution. His Worship the Mayor was yesterday invited to a treat of an unusual kind. Mr. Thomas M'Kenzie, one of the deputation from the Reform Association, on animadverting on the state of a certain corner section near St. Peter's Church, stated that he would like his Worship just to visit the section in question, when he would inhale the effluvia of dead cats and dogs, decayed vegetation, rotten sacks, and such like pleasant substances. His Worship did not state whether he would accept the invitation, probably desiring to * ' take time to consider his decision." No time should be lost by him, however, if he decides in the affirmative, as instructions have been given by the Town Clerk to have the nuisance abated. Nine shareholders of the Golden Eagle Gold Mining Company (Limited) attended at the office of Messrs. Ledger and Hickson, Custom House Quay, last evening, for the purpose of holdiig their first half-yearly meeting; but as ten shareholders are required by the rules to form a quorum, the meeting had to be adjourned till this evening, at the same time and place. The directors' report is to the effect that the contract entered into with Moore and party, in July last, for the sinking of the main shaft, having been abandoned by the contractors, the board appointed Mr. O. C. Heiden mining manager on the 16th September last. Since the formation of the company the directors have obtained the Kaipapa lease, containing 16 acres, making the total area held by the company 50 acres. Messrs. W. Hickson, John Plimmer, and R. H. J. Reeves retire from the directory by rotation, the two former being eligible for re-election. The mining manager's report states that the whole depth of the shaft from the surface is now 212 ft. 6in. The sinking is now going through better shooting ground. A strong seam of quartz is coming in at the bottom of the shaft. As yet it is only hungry quartz, but full of mineral. At the last meeeting of the Wairarapa County Council, Councillor Phillips moved that all New Zealand counties be invited to co-operate in getting the Government to subsidise voluntary efforts in establishing an orphanage for the colony. The motion was rejected by the Chairman's casting vote. At the same meeting the distribution of subsidies to local bodies was discussed. The Chairman was not sure that it would not be wiser, in their present position, to retain the snbsidies for a time, and only make small grants for urgent cases. Councillor Boys protested against withholding the distribution. He advocated the claim of the Taratahi-Carterton Board for £18,0 towards the Huxunnioraugi Bridge road. Councillor M'Gregor said £100 had been advanced to the Masterton Board, and he would support a vote of a similar amount to the Featherston Highway Board if it were desired. The Chairman wished to know if the Featherston Highway Board had any special work on hand. Councillor Donald could not state that they had any special work on hand, but they would be wanting money soon. It was agreed to vote £100 for the Hurunuiorangi road, and £100 to the Featherston Highway Board for expenditure on the main road, the advances to be charged against subsidies. The motion was carried, Councillor Boys only dissenting. Conncillor M'Gregor gave a notice of motion for changing the place of meeting and the offices to Masterton. The work of extending the tramway from the northern end of Cuba-street along Courtenay Place to Cambridge Terrace was commenced yesterday by the contractors, Messrs. Scott and Co. The proprietors intend, we understand, upon the completion of the work, t3 run trams every ten minutes between the new terminus and Government Building*, without interfering with the present time-table of trams running between the Railway Station and Newtown-

A meeting of the creditors of R. G. Williams was convened at the Supreme Courthouse at 1 o'clock this afternoon, to consider the debtor's application for his discharge, but no creditors attended. A meeting of the ratepayers of the Kaiwarra Local Board District was held in the School-room last evening. There was a very good attendance, and considerable interest was taken in the proceedujg_3. The object of the meeting was to consider what 6teps should be taken with reference to the action of the Hutt County Council having levied a rate upon, all property within the Local ! District. After the matter had been fully coneidered and discussed, the following resolution was unanimously passed : — " That this meeting objects to the rating by the Hutt County Council of property within the Local Board District, and that the Local Board be requested to defend any action which might be brought by the County Council for the recovery of any rates assessed in respect of any property within the Local District." Nothing fresh has yet been heard as to the whereabouts of the lunatic, Patrick Walsh, who escaped from the Mount View Asylum about ten days ago. For some days past, mounted Constable Coffey has been searching the HoroMwi district, it having been reported that a strange man had been Been in that neighborhood ; but the stranger turns out to be a Scandinavian. It is supposed that Walsh has made his way to Foxton. Mr. Shaw, R.M., intimated to-day that, in future, persons who were the cause of bringing out the Fire Brigade on the occasion of fires resulting from foul chimneys would be required to defray the expenses of the Brigade's attendance. We understand that six out of the eight owners of yachts which competed in the first-class yachts' race on Regatta day have applied for the return of their entrance money. The prizes won at the recent regatta were distributed at the Pier Hotel last evening by Mr. W. R. Waters, the hon. secretary. A meeting of the committee will be held on Thursday night, at which it is expected the whole of the business connected with the regatta will be wound up. This evening Mdlle. Murielle will give a grand drawing-room entertainment, Mr. Sidney Wolf, R.A.M., conducting, and a number of amateurs rendering assistance. The programme is an attractive one, and should draw a good house. We are informed that Mdlle. Murielle is staying for some time in Wellington, with a view of assisting our amateurs, under Mr. Wolf's direction, in the production of the comic opera Les Cloches de Cornville, which, however, cannot be produced until after the opera season. The pleasing ceremony of opening the new church-room at Karori for the use of the Church of England Sunday School and evening entertainments was p erf orm ed by his Lordship the Bishop on Sunday afternoon in the presence of a large number of Sunday School children, their parents, and others. Several hymns and anthems were sung by the children and church choir, and an appropriate and interesting address was delivered by his Lordship the Bishop. At the conclusion of the ceremony, a collection was taken up on behalf of the Sunday School Fund, and a very liberal amount was subscribed. The Treasurer of the Home for Friendless Women desires to acknowledge the following subscriptions : — Dr. Kemp, £5 ; W. H. Levin, Esq., £2 2s; Mrs. H. A. Atkinson, £2 2s; Miss E. Greenwood, £2; Mrs. J. Hall, £1 Is; Mr. B. Smith, £1 Is; Mrs B. Smith, £1 Is; Mrs. J. Moore, £1 13; Mr. W. Glasgow, 10s ; by Mrs. Pilcher, 4s. The usual tea meeting in connection with the Anniversary of the Adelaide Road Wesleyan Sunday School is to be held this evening at half-past six. After the tea there is to be a public meeting, which will be addressed by various ministers and other friends of Sunday schools. A prominent feature of the evening's entertainment will be the singing of the children. An advertisement on the subject appears elsewhere. There was a very large attendance at the regular session of the Pioneer Lodgd, 1.0 G.T., last evening. Six candidates were duly initiated into full membership, and a large number proposed for next week. The harmony committee submitted the quarterly programme which was adopted by the lodge. After some routine business had been gone through, several songs were snng. Next Monday evening Bro. M. Read, D.D., will pay the lodge an official vieit. We understand that Home extensive changes are about to take place in the Naval Brigade, in the way of compelling a number of the members to send in their arms to make room for men who can be depended upon to attend drill; and many other matters connected with the corps are being considered by a committee consisting of the lieutenants and petty officers. It is asserted that the first and second lieutenants have collected about £130 towards the boat fund, which -.sum,, has- been subscribed by about 35 gentlemen. A distribution of valuable prizes will take place at drill to-morrow. The Brigade are sending a strong team to Nelson. A meeting of the Rising Star Juvenile Temple was held last evening at the Athenaßum. The G.W.C.T. presided, and gave an address, as did also Bro. Douse, of the Rescue Lodge. Several new members were added to the roll. The promoters hope that many parents will send their children to be instructed in principles calculated to promote the well-being of the rising generation. The Southland Times reports that at next session of Parliament a bill, in course of preparation, will be introduced, entitled "The New Zealand Institute of Surveyors Bill," granting a charter and otherwise in detail providing for the legitimate welfare of the profession in New Zealand. The Rangitiki Advocate understands that Mr. Marsh, of Halcombe, who has purchased Mr. Dougan's farm at Kakariki, for the purpose of setting up flax and paper mills, is about to proceed to England with a view to purchasing the necessary machinery. The Sydney Morning Herald has an article on the New Zealand educational statistics, which thus concludes: — "A colony which provides co liberally for the education of its people, even when passing through a season of financial depression, has public spirit enough to surmount any difficulties that may lie in the path of national development." At a ball at Schwarzenburg 1 , Saxony, a young man entered, having what appeared to be a cigar in his mouth. He went to the chandelier as if to light it, and a terrible explosion ensued. The lights were extinguished, the walls partly gave way, dancers of both sexes were covered with blood, and the young man was blown to pieces. He had resolved on committing suicide, and had adopted a dynamite cartridge for that purpose. The property tax assessments by Government officials are (says the North Otago Times) causing much dissatisfaction, and bringing out innumerable protests in all parts of the colony. Such protests have been anticipated by the authorities beforehand, for they have printed replies of an accommodating nature ready for transmission when needed. A gentleman who owns a small section in Otepopo, which he would be glad to sell for £50, was assessed in respect of it under the property tax at £300. A protest was sent, and a printed reply duly received intimated that on reconsideration it had been determined to reduce the assessment by £100, and asking if the holder would agree to that. The term ' ' £100 was written in a blank space left for the purpose. The holder was not pacified by this cool ex parte settlement, and wrote back saying he would decidedly not consent to be taxed treble the value of the section, and challenged them to enforce the penal clauses with regard to him. Attention is directed to an advertisement in another column in reference to meat fibrine dog cakes, now being manufactured by the Wellington Steam Biscuit Company, and for the sale of which Mr. W. C. Fitzgerald, chemist, of Manners-street, is the agent. We can soon tell if a house is occupied by its_ owner, by its outside appearance. If so, it is neat and tidy, and kept in good repair. If the fence and fittings are tastefully painted, we can feel certain then that he has been to Robt. Gardner & Co.'s cheap sale and procured some of their " Ready Mixed Paint," which they sell at sixpence per pound, all colors. — [Advt.] One Pound Free Gifts.— The proprietors of Wolfe's Aromatic Schnapps, to induce the destruction and prevent the improper use of their wrappers and labels, and thus further protect the public againts fraud and deception, have inclosed in the bottles, or under the label on the quart bottles, since Ist October, 1878, and continue to inclose ra every day's packing THROUGHOUT THE YEAR THREE £1 ORDERS, which are drawn upon the undersigned, and which will be cashed by their agents. To secure these gifts, the public must be careful to ask for and accept nothing but the Genuine Udolpho Wolfe's Schnapps, with our name upon the top label. M. Moss and Co., Wynyard Lane, Sydney.— [Advt".]