AMALGAMATION OF CITY CONSTITUENCIES.

Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 18, 8 June 1886, Page 2

AMALGAMATION OF CITY CONSTITUENCIES.

It is unhati. I'factory1 ' factory to find that tho Government hah not yet taken any htep towards fulfilling its pledge to introduce a Bill this session for the reunion of city constituonciys. It is htill lens hatihfactory to lind u=ually well informed correnpondents of journals at a distance, writing that they have reason to belie\e that the Government docs not intend, denpite its promises, to introduce any Bill on the subject this >-e-!-ion, but desires to leave- the matter to be dealt with when the question of a general redistribution of representation takes place. Wo '-ineert'ly hope that th:-> i-> a mii-reprc-untution of the real intention- of (Ui\ eminent. If it should prove a correct vei kioii, tho-e wiio feel .strongly on the .subject will havo good roa.son to complain that th<y lm\ v not been fairly treated. Early in the session Mr. C. J. Johnston questioned Ministers as to their intentions in the matter, and the roplj wa.s a promise that a Hill .should be introduced. Had the answer been otherwise, no liavo ruatioii to liolievc that Mr. Johnston would havu introduced a ltill on his own account, dealing with Wellington alonu, and fnunrrl to givo effect to what i.s, undoubtedly, tin: almost unanimous dcoire of the electors ol tho city. To po.stpoiie dealing with the question until the general .scramble incidental to redistribution takes place will greatly endanger the attainment of the object in view. The question of reuniting tho constituencies will then become mixed up with the question of increased representation, and instead of being determined on its merith, will be made subject to all tho Jog-rolling arrangements which always exist at hiicu a time. We entirely object to tho question being- left over till next session. The electors are anxious to feel themselves once moro electors of the City of Wollington, instead of meroly electors of some petty subdivision of the city. Tho division of Wellington was a great mistake, and has been bitterly felt by the electors over since. It will be too bad if their chanco of having the matter sot right is endangered by further delay. If the electors of Dunedin, Christchurch, and Auckland do not require reunion, wo should be sorry to in any way attempt to forco it on thorn. This is a matter in which we think the wishes of the parties immediately concerned are entitled to the utmost consideration and respect. Our city members aro, wo are pleased to say, at ono with thoir constituents iv regard to it, and we certainly think the Government and tho House should comply with their desires. If Ministers do not, on full consideration, soo their way to fulfil their promise to introduce a general measure on the subject, they should at least afford Mr. Johnston every assistance and facility possible to got through a Bill dealing with the caso of Wellington alone, if ho introduces ono to put an end to tho cruel separation now legally existing between Thorndon, To Aro, and Soutli Wellington.

A meeting of the Jubilee Committeo was hold in the Parliament Buildings to-day, but as all the members had not received notice to attend, only a fow were present. Some notices of motion, the nature of which has not transpired, wero givon, and tho meoting adjourned. On dit that tho Govornmont intend to push on tho work of the session as .speedily as possiblo, with a view to an early prorogation; that tho next session will bo called together curly in the autumn of 1887, to pass a. Representation Bill ; that tho Parliament will then bo closed, and a fresh Parliament olocted under the now Eepresentation Act, which will bo called together about tho usual time. Mr. Scobio M'Konzio wants medical mon to bo empowered to act as coronors, as was formerly tho caso, and ho will to-day givo notice of motion to that effect. Letters to the Editor will bo found on tho fourth page to-day. Tho Govcrnmont have received no intelligence whatever respecting tho alleged proposed annexation by Franco of tho Now Hebrides. We learn that tho railway authorities havo suspended tho guard of tho first down train from the Hutt on Saturday morning, because on arriving at the break in the lino near Ngahauninga ho loft his own train standing still in a pcrfcotly s>afc position, mid proceeded on foot towards town to warn tho up train of tho interruption. Tho Wairarapa Daily apparently forgets that Sir Robort Stont is Attorney-General a^well as Prumiei", or it would not accubo him of " placing- himself in nn ambiguous position by tendering legal advice to the Government of which ho is tho head," in regard to the Owhaoko scandal. If tho At-tornoy-Goneral is not to advise the Government on legal matt ova, who is 'i In speaking to a resolution at the meeting hold last evening in reference to charitable aid matters, Mr. Petherick htatod that ho had been permitted by Mr. Jacob Joseph to mention that that gontloman would givo a free donation of 25 guineas towards tho object in view, oven though ho would bo liablo to a heavy rate if it wore made. Mr. 'Petherick oulogisod the donor's liberality, who, ho said, had como to Wollington as a young limn, had succeeded hore, and was now prepared to put his hand in hiti pocket to assist the poor and needy. We havo had brought under our notice a most amusing instance of political foeling influencing business transactions. The Nelson agent for a monthly mercantile publication in Wellington, applied to a firm of well-known Nelson jam makers for a certain advertisement. The answer was a refusal, the sole ground alleged by the jam maker being that "on account of tho treatment of Nelson by Wellingtonians re thoir Midland Railway, he was determined to do as little as possible with Wollington." We have not heard, however, that his patriotism ,4ed him to decline Wollington orders for his manufacture, which has been extensivelj'used hero, although we havo equally good jam, makers of our own at Petone. If the Nelson peoplo knew their own interests, they should be thankful to Wollington for having assisted to crush tho Mciggs schemo and stop tho Government undertaking- the East and West Coast lino on its own account. Had tho latter not been clone, Nelson would havo found itsolf out in tho cold, for Canterbury and Wostland would certainly have thrown it over. Nelbon should be grateful to Wellington for having by its action rendered it possiblo to bring about the satisfactory solution of tho difficulty attained by the formation of tho present Midland Railway Company. The divorce suit of Wright v. Wright is to be taken at 10 o'clock ou Friday. It will be hoard beforo a jury of twelve. The case of Fardon v. Fardon will bo heard next Tuesday. It will bo taken by Mr. Justico Richmond. The next sitting of tho Supremo Court will be hold on Saturday next. Mr. Loombs, sub-postmaster at Karori, was exempted from service as a juryman at the Supreme Court this morning on tho ground that ho was a public servant. Mr. Joseph Robinson was excused becauso his wife is very ill and not oxpocted to live. Mr, Fulford pleaded deafness and was excused in consoquenco, and Mr. Kohn asked to bp excused on tho ground of indisposition. Tho request was acceded to. Mr. Mark Maxton, of tho. Evening Press, also applied to be excused, stating_ that servico on a jury would cause him and others great inconvenience His Honour did not see his way" to grant tho application. Tho annual meeting of tho Mungaroa Licensing Bench was hold at the Uppor Hutt at noon yostorday. Thcro wero prcsont — Messrs. Cotter (Chairman), Haybittlo, M'Hattie, and Wliiteman. An application by William M'Crossun for a new license for thb Railway Hotel was granted, as woro also applications by Charlos Cudby and James Martin for renowals of the liconses of the Provincial Hotel and the Kaitoko Refreshment Roonib respectively. This was all tho business. An adjourned meeting of thoso interested in tho Kimborley Goldfiolds took place at tho To Aro Hotel last night, about 2SO persons being present. Mr. Niodergasaes was in the chair, and introduced tho businoss, which was to consider tho report brought up_ by the committeo appointed at tho hist mooting. Mr. Frasor, the acting secretary, read a report which had boon prepared, bhowing an estimate of tho actual cost por man from Wollington to the field, with one month's provisions. Tho report was adopted after considerable discussion, and it was decided to endeavour to se/sure passenger tspaco in the barque Carnarvon Castlo, and in the caso of failure of such negotiations, to allow such of tho depositors as declined to take passage in the Triumph, to withdraw their deposits. A vote of thanks to the chairman and committee concluded tho proceedings. The list, to be signed by those desirous of securing passages, lios at the To Aro Hotel for signatures. As there appears to bo a misapprehension on the subject, we are requested to state that the performances of Patience, in aid of tho Wellington Hospital funds, to be given on Thursday and Friday next, will take place in St. Peter's new schoolroom, which has a good stage, and sitting accommodation for eight hundred peoplo. Mr. Wiseman, advance agent of the Grattan Ripgs Company, rotninedc ro Napier yesterday by the Rotomahana, and is making arrangements for the reappearance of tho company at the Theatre Royal on Monday next. The opening pieco is " PoepV Day." A meeting of the execntive of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was hold yesterday afternoon, and was attended by Messrs. C. P. Pynsent (in the chair), J. C. Harris, J. E. Baker, C. Richmond, and Revs. W. H. West, H. Van Staveren, and J. K. Elliott. Mr. R. C. Bulkley, Hon. Secretary, explained that the meeting had been called to consider the advisableness of winding up the Society. A letter was read from the Eev. W. C. Oliver, tendering his resignation as a committecman. Mr. Harris expressed the opinion that it would not be desirable to -wind up the Society. Tho Eev. H. Van Staveren said it was he who had made the suggestion to wind up. Ho did so because he considered that not enough enthusiasm was displayed by members generally. Mr. Eichmond thought there was a necessity for such an organisation, and he would deprecate disintegration so long as they wero really doing good. Mr. Baker followed in a similar strain. The quostion of winding up was then"' dropped. On the motion of Mr. Richmond it was decided that the Secretary Bhonld call tho Executive together whenever he found occasion to do so. A case of alleged crnelty on the part of a dog-tax coQeotor was brought np, and it was decided to make inquiries with a view of taking legal proceedings. It was stated that the collector had shot at an unregistered dog and left it in a horrible condition, half dead and half alivo. The name of Mr. A. H. Dobson having been added to the Committee, the meeting termi. natcd, •

The ca»e of Harcourt v. Schroeder will he hoard in the Supreme Court on Friday week, and the suits of the Equitable Building Society v. Davy and another, and Equitable Building Society v. Rofs will be taken on Thursday week. Brandon and another v. Riddiford will be called on on Fridaynext. The steamer Doric, from London via PI? mouth, Capetown, and Hobart, arrived at Port Chalmers, at 8.45 this morning. She should reach Wellington by Friday or Saturday next, and will bring on her own pascengers. A large number of nominated immigrants have arrived by tho Doric. The entries for the Melbourne Cup, which will be found elsewhere, show, as they stand at present, a considerable falling off from last year, the numbers being 165 in 1885 and 143 in 1&80. Tho New Zealand horses which have been nominated are Mr. D. O'Brien's Trenton, Major George's Nelson, Mr. Stead's Loehiel, Mr. Bobbett's Tetford, and the Hon. Mr. Robinbon's Liverpool, Winchester, Disowned and Torrent. This i-> the exact number by which this colony was represented in the nominations last year, tour of the 1885 candidate-, appearing u»uin thin year. As almost all then; horse-> are aho entered for the New Zealand Cup, which i-, run about the s-ame time, it will be one of the ptuzles picsenled to hportiriicn during the winter to find out whiun race they will bo sent lor. When the caso of Symc v. Rock-trow, an action by a married woman lo recover damages for alleged unskilful treatment by a resident at Foxton, v.as called on in the Supreme Court this morning, Mr. De\ine, couiibcl for the plaintiff, asked for an adjournment until to-morrow t>o ad to enable a material witness an opportunity of being present. Mr. Justice Richmond paid there was a good deal of talk about the Court being insufficiently manned. Sometimes tho Judges attended and found there was no business for them to do. That, in fact, was a regular experience. The whole of the remanets on the present occasion the Chief Justice was prepared to take somo weeks ago, but when he came down he found they were not ready, and they liad to bo adjourned until now. He (Mr. Justice Richmond) did not say this to blame anybody, but to .show that a groat deal of the inconvenienco felt was owing to the circumstances of the country. Mr. Baker, of Foxton, who appeared for defendant, said ho objected strongly to tho adjournment of the caso. There wero coachos running between Wellington and Foxton every day. Mr. Devine explained that the witness in question had como down to Wellington prepared to givo evidence yesterday, but on finding that the sitting of tho Court was adjourned until today, ho went back to Foxton. He intended coming down by stcamor again yesterday, but in consequenco of tho bad weather the boat could not leave, and ho was obliged to wait for the coaoh to-day. His Honour thought the witness was consulting his own convenience in preference to that of the Court. Mr. Dovine said the witness had gone back to instruct a solicitor in regard to an application at a licensing meeting. His Honour said ho did not think Mr, Devine had shown reasonable grounds for an adjournment. As there was an objection to an adjournment, he must proceed with the case. He was sorry for Mi\ Devine, but tho thing could not bo helped. Mr. Devino had his remedy against the witness. Mr. Dovine observed that that would be very poor relief. Tho case was then proceeded with A report appears in another column. A recent telegram from the Thamos gojdfiold reported the splendid return of IGOozg gold from 2£ tons quartz, taken from a lode recently discovered at Waiomio. Exchanges now to hand state that an offer of J6300 for one-twelfth interest in the claim has been rejected by tho proprietors, who woro also offered by another party of miners J250 por day of eight hours for tho right to work the mine and retain the output, but declined to accept^ tho proposed terms. Tho Star Boating Club celebrated the opening of thoir new shed, erected at a cost of nearly £2000, by a ball hold in the premises last evening. Every effort was made to render the affair a thorough success, and such it proved. The uppor floor was used for dancing, the band boing stationed in the passage between the two largest rooms, and the lowor story was divided into refreshment and dressing-rooms and a promenade Tho walls and pillars on both floors wero covered with flags and evergreens, and tho premises woro brilliantly lighted throughout. Tho Governor had intimated his intention of boiug present, but through indisposition was unable to attend. Major Jervois, Private Seorotary, and Mrs. Jervois, were, however, proscnt, and amongst tho guests wero also Sir Robort and Lady Stout, the Mayor, members of the Legislature, City Council, and Harbour Board, and many other leading people. Tho floor used for dancing was in splendid condition, great pains having been taken to polish the surface The supper was provided by Mr. S. Scott, of Manners-street, who carried out his contract in the most satisfactory manner. Minifio's Band supplied tho music vory efficiently. About 200 couples were present. Tho arrangoments wore carried out by a committeo consisting of Messrs. It. B. Smith, W. FitzGerald, D. G. A. Cooper, E. C. Batkin, O. J. Cooper, E. N. Bowcrn, H. S. Pollen, W. N. Worry, and J. Batgor (Hon. Secretary.) Tho nsual monthly society tea mooting in aid of tho Trust Fund was held last evening at the Wobb-stroet Primitive Methodist Schoolroom. The Rev. W. S. Potter presided, and very happily introduced tho various items contributed by tho several ! singers, readers, And rooifrern. Miss Alioc? Hill with her usual eflioienoy presided at the harmonium. Mr. Petherick rendered with genuine pathos "Tho Lifeboat," by G. R. Sims. Mr. Weston, who may well bo classed with tho best of the readers who render aid to such gatherings, read " How Ho Diod," and "What tho Train Brought." Mr. Bilman rendered with great taste the song "Come Unto Mo," and Mr. R. Brown gave " A Yarn of tho Nancy Bell " and " The Station Agent's Story." Miss Nelly Hedgelend gave" variations on the violin, and afterward accompanied Miss Hill on tho harmonium vory nicely. Sovoral ladies promised to make provision for tho next three monthly teas. Aver^ enjoyable evening was spent. Tho Young Mon's Christian Association held a book reception last evening. Owing probably to the many meetings being held at tho same time, the attendance was not quite bo large as the occasion deserved. The chairman (Mr. Fulton, M.H.R.) in opening, oxpressod the great interest he felt in the work of tho Young Men's Christian Association, and said that betweon that Association and tho one (Dunedin) of which he himsolf was a member, there existed very strong ties of sympathy. The following programme was then succoesstully gone through :— Song, " Ring out, wild bells," Mrs. Smith ; Song, " Jock o' Hazeldean," Ma-. Wilson; Reading, "The Notary's inistako," Mr. Webb ; Duett, " Let us gather bright flowers," Mr. and Mrs. Draffln; Song, "The snow that hideth all," Miss Gillespio ; Song, " Harbour lights at sea," Mr. Lankshcar ; Pianofarte Solo, " Qui Vivo," Mr. Hutton ; Song, " There grows a lionnio biior bush," Miss Steel; Song, " Robin Adair," Mrs. Roid ; Beading, " Tho spirit of contradiction," Mr. Silk; Song, " Tho Summer shower," Mrs. Draffin ; Song, ¦' Our Captain," Mr. Stonhouso. Tho songs and readings wore all given in a very excellent manner, and were highly appreciated. Mr. Draffin, tho general secretary, stated that he was endeavouring to form chess and rambling clubs, and had called meetings for that purpose on Tuesday evening at 7 o'clock. He also asked those pre- 1 sent to mako the Association and its objects widoly known. At tho closo refreshments were handed round, Mr. Draffin explaining that Mr. Noble's committee had given them for the purpose. Tho Union Steam Ship Company announce in an advertisement to be found elsewhere that they have arranged to despatch the s.s. Triumph for Derby (the port of the Kiinberl°y goldfields), via Auckland, on or about tho 28th inst. Tho Triumph is a large steamer of 3000 tons gross register, and will therefore afford much moro 'extensive accommodation than tho Hero. Applications for berths should bo mado as early as possible. The mooting of tho Vivian-street Mutual Improvement Society last evoning was very well attended, owing no doubt to the fact that tho Journal was to be road. Both visitors and members enjoyed the articles, which wero some of them very profitable and some very witty. _ The editor, tho Rev. H. H. Driver, contributed an ably-written article on the study of books, condemning dosultory reading and giving much sound advico as to the selection of books for study. Mr. H. Fielder, of Mannors-strcet, lias issuod a very nicely got-up illnstrated trado circular, in which he announces having made arrangements with a large wholesale and manufacturing honso in London, which enable him to offer exceptional advantagos to purchasers of tho various classes of goods ho deals in. Pattern books with upwards of 10,000 illustrations are, he says, on view at his store. The Secretary of the Board of Education notifies that all persons desirous of becoming pnpil teachers musjt apply at the office of the Board not later than Friday next, and must attend on the following day at 11 o'clock. The Weekly Press, published in Christchurch, is a paper which we can confidently recommend to those of our readers who are desirous of keeping themselves posted in Canterbury and general news. An advertisement relating to this publication will be found elsewhere. A meeting of the Amusement Committee appointed to carry out the concert and dance to bo given at the Drill shed on the 16th inst., for the benefit of the Garrison Band, was hold last evening, when the reports of the various sub-committees were J brought up and adopted. It was decided to j supply refreshments, which will be provided by the committee, for a very small charge. The manner in which the committee are working the affair should cause it to be one of the most successful of the kind that has been held in the city, and it is to bo hoped that the publio will come forward and give a substantial support to it, as the Garrison Band are always foremost in catering for tho amusement of the publio. A well attended meeting was held last evoning in Mr. Cloke's room, Tinakori-road, of persons favourable to opening a new lodge in connection with the British United Order of Odd Follows. Mr. W. Higginbottom, Grand Lodge representative, presided. After other business was disposed of it was unanimously resolved that Dr. W. I Dunn, M.A., of Pipitea-street, be elected to ! tbo position of surgeon to the lodgo. It was also decided to allow all who wero willing to become charter members to give in their names daring the coming week at the present low fee of ss, applications to be made to W. Higeinbottom, Willis-street, T. Cook, Kaiwarra, or any member of tho committee up to Monday next, tho 14th inst., when the opening ceremony and initiation of members will take place. Candidates are requested to provide themselves with the Burgeon's certificate daring the week. Particulars of the opening will be duly advertised. 'The number who have undertaken to join at present is about 50. S.

There was a great display of bunting on the steamer Maitai this morning, in honour of the purser, Mr. A. Hitchmough, having entered the bonds of matrimony. Mr. C. Pharazyn, in a letter published in the Wairarapa Daily of yesterday, strongly condemns the wire-fence system now being introduced for the extinction of tho raMut ]>e«t. He complains of the inspectors not having taken the trouble to deduce the conclusions which are to be arrived at from the experience of the la--t few years, during which the condition of things in the Wairarapa has been completely reversed. Whereas four ycarb ago most of tho runt, in tho eastern part of the district were completely overrnn and in the northern part only a few properties affected, now the ea-stern runs are comparatively clear of rabbits, while it is the northern runs which are infested. He Bays:— "No one seems to have asked vi hether wire netting hass been used in the cases where success has been attained. Had this inquiry been made, it would have been found that only in a few special instances has a single yard of it been erected, and even then it is very doubtful if it hus done sufficient good to justify its cost. I have no hesitation in sa> ing'that no greater wa-te of money can possibly be made than hi using it -evten.sively, as suggei-ted, and should the Legislature be induced to make it a legal fence, as proposed, it will simply succeed in ruining a large number of struggling settlors who cannot afford the expense." My. Pharazen in conclusion gives what he considers tho only practical remedy : — '"All our experience proves that tho course of action is a most simple one. Steady determination in poisoning, with the utmost care to do it properly, followed by the introduction of natural enemies in sufficient numbers, is certain to succeed. The ouly assistance any settler should look for, is that the Inspectors should do their duty in compelling all to do their best simultaneously." A meeting of the creditors of Dr. Chilton, late of Wellington, but now of Hawera, was held at the Hawera Courthouse on Thursday last, before the Deputy-Official Assignee, Mr. Wanklyn. The statement of liabilities showed, says the Star, that there was loss than £50 of ordinary debts, and that tho debtor's position had been brought about by his backing accommodation bills to the extent of JEI47 (including interest). The assets wero tho book debts, JE3O6, estimated to produce .£250, and .£2O excess of security given to ono creditor for .£2O. The debtor mado a statement on oath ¦as to his position, and said that neither himself nor his wife had any property or expectations. Tho report of tho Official Assignee stated that " the book debts appeared to be very much overestimated. As the accounts only went out yesterday, and at least 20 of those billed cau show recipts, I am not in a position to state what tho estate will realise." There" appeared to be a feeling of sympathy toward the debtor, and it was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Spence, seconded by Mr. Kirk, that the meeting stand adjourned for ono month. An amendment to realise the estate, and to recommend the debtor's dischargo at that meeting, was lost. The usual weekly meeting of the Rescue Lodgo was hold last night at their room, No. 9, Atheiiicum Buildings, and no business of public interest being before the Lodge, harmony was entered into with good spirit. A now programme was presonted at the Theatre Royal last evening by Messrs. Leon and Cushman's Minstrels. Several of the items wero encored. The programme will bo repeated this evening. Messrs. George Thomas & Co. will soil tomorrow, fruit, produce, &c. Messrs. Laory & Campbell will hold their usual market sale to-morrow. Messrs. Sidoy & Co. will sell to-morrow, furniture, &c. Keep tho feet dry and you may defy the winter's rain and cold. The way to do this effectually and economically is to pay a visit to the hosiery department at To Aro House. Eight hundred and sovonty pairs boys' strong colonial knickerbocker hoso, thorough wear resistors, may bo had for 2s Cd per pair at Te Aro House. ' One thousand pairs of ladios' French Cashmero hoso, really first class, warranted to keep off colds and coughs, aro being sold for Is lid per pair at Te Aro House. A manufacturer's stock of children's warm Cashmere hoso in nayj r , seal brown, and black, very durable, can be selected for Is 2d per pair at Te Aro House. We have also purchased a very largo lot of travellers' samples in wool shawls, ranging in price from 6d upwards. Theso are astonishingly cheap. Wo aro prepared to soil a vory useful, fairly large shawl for Is lid, at To Aro House. We would romind tho public that we aro tho cheapest houso in tho city for pins, noodles, tapes, sewing cottons, &c, &c, and though tho prices are low, the quality is superior, as wo keep no rubbish at Te Aro House— Ad vt. In Bronchitis and Asthma " Baxter's Lung Preserver " affords immodiato relief. — Advt. Dr. Spher will givo .£IOO per month to a duly qualified physician to assißt him. — Advt.