THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT OF THE MUNICIPAL ACT.

Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 132, 2 December 1887, Page 2

THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT OF THE MUNICIPAL ACT.

♦ Tt is quite possible that the citizens of Wellington have, in common with those of Dther boroughs, exercised for the last time the privilege of electing a mayor by direct rote. The Municipal Corporations Bill, introduced in the Council by the Hon. Mr. Stevens", embodies the recommendation of the late Municipal Conference, that in f atnre the mayor of a borough shall be chosen by the council from amongst its own members. We believe the change would be a desirable one, as tending to raise the character of the councils, and to induce a good clafes of men to enter those bodies and take an active part in munioipal government. It might bo well, however, if the change of system is to be effected, that before it comes into operation all the present members of Borough Councils should vacate their seats, so that the ratepayers might have an opportunity of electing a fresh Councfl by whom and from whom the mayor should hereafter be chosen. The Bill before the Council also deals with a number of other matters of considerable interest, and authorises money being voted to pay Licensing Court clerks, to meet the cost of passing necessary private Acts of Parliament, to pay the expense of deputations or delegates to Parliament, or Ministers, on borough business, and grant aid to free libraries, &o. Power is also given for a Council, by a threefourths vote, to make a retiring or compassionate allowance to any offioer or to the widow or family of any late officer, and to subscribe in aid of the sufferers by any accident, or disaster by tempest, fire, or flood. Jubilee expenditure already made is authorised. Full powers, similar to those already possessed in regard to gas lighting, are conferred to enable a Council to undertake electric lighting, both of the streets and for sale to private consumers, and spocial power to use water from Corporation waterworks as a motive power is also given. A number of general and special provisions on other matters are inserted.

The first evening sitting of the Legis'ative Council this session was held yesterday. The debate on the Midland Eailway contract was resumed early in the afternoon, and at 4.30 o'clock the Speaker yacatod the chair until 7.30, so that he might consider his position with reference to the amendments proposed. On resuming at 730 the Speaker gave a satisfactory rujjng on tho point, and the debate was oontinued. The outcome of the discussion was that the new contract waa agreed to after it had been amended by the addition of words to clause 3 bo as to more explicitly bar any possible future claim on the part of the company for compensation in land outside the authorised area, or in monoy, than was thought to be provided by the clause as it left the Lower House. In the Legislative Council yesterday the Attorney-General read a letter addressed to him by Mr. Warren, manager of Owhaoko, in which the writer indignantly and from his own personal knowledge of the facts repudiated the charges made against Sir Walter Buller in certain evidence, chiefly of a hearsay character, given in the Native Land Court in reference to the Owhaoko block, which evidence had been printed and laid before Parliament. Mr. Warren's lotter was ordered to be printed. The Promier has properly drawn attention to the great waste of time involved in the questioning of Ministers whioh takes place every day. The evil is undoubtedly a growing one, and what is worse, there is a growing disposition to get up discussions on questions by moving the adjournment of the House whenever an answer is not thought to be quite satisfactory. At one time this course used only to be adopted iv regard to very important matters, and its adoption was always discouraged and looked on with disfavour by tho House, but now tho adjournment ia frequently moved on the most trivial pretexts, and often apparently for the mere purpose of wasting time. It would, wo think, be very desirable to abolish tho present practice of viva voce questioning, except upon rare and important occasions, justifying an enquiry without notice. It would save tho time of the House, and bo in pvery respeot more satisfactory, if the questions appearing on the Order Paper one day were answered in print upon the Order Paper of the day after, or if possiblo if the answer could bo appended to the question upon the Order Paper. Aa a rule, tho answers are those dictated by the permanent officors, who know the details of the matters referred to, and thore oould therefore be no difficulty in the reply being given in print. Ministers should be allowed the option of giving a personal answer in any case they might deem desirable. Our Saturday Supplement to-morrow wjll contain the following, amongst other interesting reading matter: — _ morioan iieauty, "The Same Person," "The Mosquito at Laramie," " A Newapapor Hoax," '• A Gay Aucklander," " Items for Ladies," " Temperance Column," "News in B,«ef," "Wit and Humour," "A Shark Story," " An Apt Definition." Mr. Petherick's behaviour at the Council table last night should convince evon hie own supporters that it is a good thing foi the oredit of the city that bis late candidature for the mayoralty proved so utterly unsuccessful. Mr. E. C, Blaak is appointed Begistoai of Electors for the Wairarapa Electoral District, vice Mr. J. J. Froeth. Letters of naturalisation have been issued to Joseph Scherer, farmer, Midhurst | John Peter Peterson, farmer, Carterton ; and Moses Bivlin, builder, Wellington. Private information has been received ir townjjhat 4 large fire occurred at Milton, Otago, yesterday, on the premises of Mr, Dowar, ffonural storekeeper, The stock wat insured in the Phcenix, North German, apd Equitable offices for .£ll5O. The Press Association has not furnished any information, but no doubt the building was also insured for a considerable sum. Councillor Heaton suggested lost evening that tho City Council should afford everj assistance to Mr. W. Henshaw, augtioneer. to obtain the remission of part of the penal, ties of JE2OO recently imposed upon him in the Magistrate's Court for breaches of the Auctioneers Act. Counoillor Brandon said that the supposed transfer of Mr. Isaacs' license was accepted by Mr. Henshaw witt the full knowledge of thn liabilities he in. curred, viz., the risk of being fined £100 in endeavouring to save the proportion of a fee of £40. The Mayor oalled for the correspondence on the subject, which Bhowed thai neither the Finance Committee nor the officers had committed tho Council to anj liability in the matter, but they had merely agreed not to press for payment of a now fee in the event of the transfer being effected. After eomo desultory conversation, the matter was dropped without any deoisioo having been arrived atOne of the oases on the ohargo sheet at the Magistrate's Court thia morning was brought by A. G. Johnscn, Believing Officer, against William Conway, for failing to oomply with a maintenance order for the support of his three children, a sum of .£5B 16e being in arrear. As the case was not pressed it was struck off the list. Another legal professional gentleman has just been added t6 the rolls of our Supreme Court. Mr. Beginald ' Jackson, the eldest son of Mr. Henry Jackson, of the Hutt, was to-day admitted to tho praotice of the law by Mr. Justice Richmond, on the motion of the Hon. P. A. Buckley. Mr. Jackson was educated at the Wellington College, subsequently served his articles to the firm of Buckley, Stafford & Fitzherbert, and passed his final examination in law in March last, taking, we understand, the first plaoe in the list of candidates for tho whole of New Zealand. Mr. Jackson intends to practice for tho present at the Lower Hutt and tho township of Potone, where he has taken offices, and in the surrounding districts. We congratulate him on his success, and wish him prosperity in the profession which he has adopted- A notice appears elsewhero of th'o days on which Mr. Jackson will be in attendance at tbo Hutt and Petone to transact business. Litigation would appear to be imminent between the Council and Mrs. Gray, of Brougham-street, in roforence to the proposal to lay a pipe drain through the latter's property. Mrs. Gray demands that a oulvert shall be laid down in concrete, whioh is estimated to cost about £500, and a letter has been addressed to the Mayor by Messrs. Campbell and Gray, solicitors, formally enjoining the Council to take effectual measures to remedy the evils of which they have so often complained, and threatening that, in default of prompt action, they will take "the only course left." The matter has been referred to the Public Works Committee for action. A young lady in Napier has issued a challenge to scull any other lady ha'f a mile, or swim 100 yards. In the Conrt of Appeal this morning, Mr. Gully gave notice that he intended, on behalf of the appellant, to take the case of Bennett v. Douglas, relative to the payment of .£lOOO to the Earaitiana estate, to' the Privy Council. The Court of Appeal, it will be recollected, disallowed the appeal of Bennett, one of the trustees of the Earaitiana estate. The Wellington Educational Institute will meet at the Athensum rooms to-morrow. Papers will be submitted by Mr. A. Macgregor, M.A., and Mr. H. P. Ward. The movement in favour of the provision of a suitable reoreation ground for Thorndon and Lambton Wards is about to be renewed. A pnblic meeting will be held on Monday nest at the Sydney-street School for the purpose of nrging tho matter upon the attention of the city authorities. The ÜBual weekly meeting of the Wellington Wesleyan Mutual Improvement Society was held last evening. The preparation of the syllabus for the ensuing session waa adjourned for a week in order to hear an essay an George Eliot," kindly written by a lady, and read by one of the members. The assay waa well written, and exceedingly nterestintr, presenting an exhaustive, just, md appreciative critique of tho life, woi Ls, md character of the distinguished woman. Jn the motion of the secretary, a hearty md unammons vote of thanks was accorded » tho essayist by the society

The representations made by the Underwriters' Association to the City Council, in c reference to the inspection of back yards of v business places, and storage of gunpowder, d have, through some inadvertence, not been C lealt with by the Public Works Committee, b to whom the correspondence was referred, a Ibe City Solicitor finds that the Council I bad power to order the removal of rubbish, A but no penalty for disobedience is provided, v md the only alternative is that of under- f< taking the removal at the cost of the city, j and recovering the amount expended by civil action. The Council has, however, the , power to frame a by-law on the subject, ' infringements of which will be punishable | by fine, so that new legislation will not be ' necessary, as was supposed. On this understanding the matter has been referred by the Council to the By-laws Revision Com- r mittee for consideration. A second information against George i Cook, for having illegally impounded a horse and mare, the property of John Campbell, and demanded damages to the amount of £2 * for each animal, which charge was characterised aa being illegal, unauthorised, and excessive, was heard at the Magistrate's i Court this morning. The case, it will < bo remembered, was heard before two i Justices on Monday last, and the case j finally dismissed. Mr. Skerrett, who acted < for the complainant, therefore laid a second i information, whioh came before Mr. Wardell ; to-day. Mr. Gray (instructed by Mr. Ed- ' wards) appeared for the defendant. John . Campbell gave evidence as to the trespass and imposition of fees, similar to that given ■ on Monday. Charles Blake corroborated the evidence respecting the trespass and (state of the fence, and also stated that one of the horses belonged to him. Win. Hutchins, poundkeeper, deposed to the impounding of the animals by Cook, and to the charge made by him for damages. Cook also mentioned to him that he was going to bring an action into Court for damages. This was the oaso for the prosecution, and his Worship then adjourned the further hearing of the case until next Wednesday. Councillor Petherick was in an unusually pugnacious mood last night, and seemed metaphorically to trail his coat to be trodden upon by any fellow-Councillor who might be so inclined The civilities usually paid by one gentleman to another seemed to be regarded by him as insults, and before tho commencement of the business of the City Council he had embroiled himself with other members, to whose enquiries after his health he had responded with sotto voce remarks in which such choice words as "impudence," " blackguardism," and "crawler" were plainly audible. No notice was, however, taken of tho irritable Councillor's angor until tho Town Clerk was reading the minutes, when ho said aloud to Councillor Edwards, who sat near the opposite end of the civic table, " If yon give me any of your impudence I'll knock you down with an inkstand." Councillor Edwards appealed to the Mayor for protection. Councillor Petherick repeated his threat, and added that ho would carry it out if Councillor Edwards "kept on insulting him." Tho Mayor directed Councillor Petboriok to call the attention of tho ohair if any insults were offered to him, but said he must not use Buch violent language in the Council Chamber. Councillor Petherick — There are two of thorn horo who don't know how to behave themsolves, and as you. air, won't protect me, I must take some other remedy. The absurdity of tho situation provoked a titter from one of the press representatives. Councillor Pethoriok thereupon wheeled round and fixed the reporters with hia glittering eve, and demanded that they should be asked to retire, threatening that if they did not " behave themselves " they would receive the same summary treatment which he had promised to tho Councillors. Amidst cries of " chair" the Mayor put an end to the disorderly scene, but for the remainder of tho evening smiles of pity rathor than angor or amusement hung round the faces of those present. At tho Magistrate's Court this morning, Thomas Allan was charged with having been found without lawful excuse in the dwellinghouse of J.ohn Furnesß, accommodationhouse keeper ,*of Willis-street. The aocused said that ho had taken a drop too much liquor, and presumed that he must have wandered into the premises. When he awoke he found himself in the complainant's yard, and therefore made application at tho house for accommodation for the night. Tho complainant would not listen to his protestations, but gave him into custody for vagranoy, Mr. Wardell dismissed tho charge. The settlers of Pahautanui are endeavouring to secure the services of a medical man, as tho want of one has been severely felt since Mr. Bennett left. A meeting was held on Wednesday evening to consider the question, when it was suggested that if a medical man could be induced to reside at Porirua as a central position, it was posible some arrangement could be made with the Government for tho doctor to attend the local asylum, and tho Otaki district could be attended to, now that the railway runs through it. Wo understand that Mr. Bradey, of Pahautanui, has interviewed Dr. Mahon in connection with the matter, and a publio meeting will bo held next Wednesday evening, in the Schoolroom, Pahautanui, to consider tho matter. Tho final heat; in the mile handicap wag run at the Columbia Skating Rink last night, and was very keenly contested by the six competitors. Tho win waß scored by P. Luckie, who got in about half a lap ahead of G. Fisher, A. Dixon being third man. The race for second place was very exciting, Dixon holding the position until the fourteenth round, when Fishot caught him. The time was smin 12seo. There wore numerous fajls during the race, which furnished a little merriment for the onlookers. ' The prizes were three in number — the first a pair of " Raymond all-clamp roller ekatqa, ooopnd a pair of half-clamp skates, and third' a new hat— which were handed over to. the respective winners by Mr. Harris after the event was run. A woman named Lizzie Blanchfield appeared in the Magistrate's Court this morning on a charge of having been drunk in Willis-str.eet yesterday. On giving her word that "it would never occur again," Mr. Wardell let the offender oS with a fine qf ss, or in default 24 hours' imprisonment. A first offender was fined the same amount, with the usual alternative. A letter frgm Inspector Thomson was read at the meeting of tho City Council las) evening, asking that an office in the Corporation Buildings should be Bet apart for Constable Duncan, who has boen appointed Inapootor of Weights and Measures, ir which he may keep his standard weights, and be available to tho public, Tho Mayoi suggested that a small space on the uppei floor Bhould be " boxed off " for the pnrpose and he moved that accommodation be pro vided. In reply to Councillor Allen, his Worship aajd tho,t the examination woulc now be carried on properly, to which Coun oillor Danks returned that it wquld be " i good job." Counoillor Smith raised th< question whether the Council could not gel the appointment of the officer and collectior of fees into its own hands ; but the Mayoi Baid that though the Municipal Conference bad held a similar opinion to that of Conn oillor Smith, the alteration would require ne\s legislation, which oould not well be effected during the present session, The Forostors have boon granted tho use of the Basin Reservo for their ffito on Boxing Day, on condition that they pay the ens. tomary fee of £7 10s and make a deposit ol £10 to cover any damago whioh may b( done to the ground. " Maritana," was repeated at the Open House last evening, and was as successful as on the preceding evenings. The choruses were remarkably good, th» efficient training of Mr. J. B. Conolly making itself apparent Signor and Madame Morloy were both ir good voice, and received frequent encores Misa Jaoomb received a most enthusiastic encore for her rendering of ''Alas! thoat Chimes," Mr. Widdop being also sucoossfu in his solos. The opera will be presentee again to-night. A social gathering was held in St. James Presbyterian Church, Adelaide-road, lasl evening, in aid of the funds. The attendance was good, and the affair was a great sua ceas. The following programme was gone through :— Opening Tiymn, by church choir song, Miss Luff; pianoforte duet, MisseE Sidey; recitation, liev. Mr. Finlay (it tho ahair) ; song, Mr. Hopkirk ; piano duet, Missies Hopwoods song, Mrs. Donaldson violin solo, Miss Dngdale (enoored) i recita tion, Mr, Wylde j Bong, Mies Steed ; shori address by Mr. J. G. W. Aitken { piano solo, Miss Dugdalo (encored) ; song, Miss James song, Miss Antrobus ; song, Mr. Bell'; qnar tet, Misses. SteeleandStevenßon.Mr. Webb and Mr. Chappie ; organ' solo, Mr. Hazel wood. A pleasant evening was brought t< a olose by the singing of a hymn. The cup presented by Mr. F. Cohen, ol Willis-street, as the first prize fn the BicycU Race at the Druids' Fete on Anniversary Day is now on view in his shop window. The trpphy is valued at JE3 3s, and will form a very suitable prize. An entertainment for the benefit of Mr. Harry Gjibb'on, at one time connected with the Mohawk Minstrels, was given in the Princess Theatre last evening. There was a good attendance. Songs were given by Messrs. H, Hall, E, C. AnselJ, and J, Lennox, and reoltations were contributed by the beneficiare and Messrs. J, B, Peyman and H. Plimmer. A double sailor's hornpipe was performed by Misses Alioe and Cissy Brett, and an English concertina solo was played by Mr. W. Brenton. A musical Bketch entitled " The Silver Wedding " was given by Mr. W. Beaumont, and gymnastic feats were performed by Mr. D. Barr and the members of tho Star Gymnastio Troupe. The well-known farce "Taming a Tiger," the characters in whioh were taken by Messrs. E. Craig, H. Plimmer, and H. Gribbon, was the last item on the programme. The room was then cleared for dancing, which was kept up with spirit for several hours, Mr. Cnrtiss acting as M.C., and Mr. A. Foden supplying the music The Hawera Star says that Mr. Oldham has informed one of the guarantors of the Meat Company that, from correspondence lately received by him, he has reason to believe that he either is or will be the successfnl tenderer for a large French contract for tinned meat. He tendered to supply half the quantity asked for, and a Queensland firm tendered for the other half. If half the total contract falls to Mr, Oldham, his hands will be full for two years to oorac at the rate of supply guaranteed. Should the Queensland firm not take ap iti tender— a not improbable contingency— then Mr. Oldham expects to be offered the right of taking np the contract in full. This would apparently necessitate his extending the size of his works and the whole scope of his undertaking. ' ■ " The first meeting of the Regatta Committee is advertised to take place on Monday evening next. Mr. Pringle, of "the Art Needlework Depot, announces the arrival, per Tainui, of a large assortment of goods suitable for the season. Ladies who appreciate novelties in needlework or nlok-naoks altogether out of the common run should visit Mr. Pringle's repository. The concert whioh was to have been held it the Kilbirnie School to-night, has been postponed until the 23rd instant.

Argument in the case of McLean (Christchurch) v. the Alinister of Public Work 5 ? was concluded in tho Appeal Court yesterday. Judgment was reserved. In tho Court this morning Mr. Chapman, on behalf of the Law Society, moved to make absolute a rule striking Mr. William Henderson, solicitor, Dunedin, off the rolls. After argument, the motion was adjourned until the next sitting. Mr. Gully appeared for Mr. Henderson. The Court then adjourned until the 23rd instant. Mr. F. H. Wood will sell to-morrow, at his rooms, Greytown, the leasehold property known as Mount Adams Station, situate in the Pahana District ; also, one acre freehold land, Martinborough. Messrs. Laery 4 Campbell will sell tomorrow, horses, &c. Messrs. Francis Sidey & Co. will sell tomorrow, furniture, books, 4c. Messrs. George Thomas & Co. will sell tomorrow, fruit, produce, &c. We have to announce what we are sure will gratify the hundreds and thousands of our oustomers and the publio generally that the time honoured custom of distributing holiday and Christmas presents commences with us to-morrow, Ist December, and will extend to and it elude the last day of the month and of the presentyear, at tbe Wholesale Family Drapery Warehouse, Te Aro House. We need not say much here as to the scale, as that is fully advertised on tbe first, second, and third pages of this paper, but this vre will say, that all cash customers will have a glorious time of it during the month of December, at To Aro House. And why? Because not only will they buy all they want, at the best and cheapest house in the city, but according to the amount of their purohases they will be entitled to seleot a nice, useful, attractive present, at Te Aro House. These prosents are far and away the very best we have ever imported, and our special buyer has shown excellent judgment and taste in Bending out a very large variety of tha most beautiful, useful, and artistic artioles that have ever come beneath the portals of Te Aro House. Fancy articles, suoh as vases, flowerglasses, and baskets, wall mirrors, Japanese fire screens, and a thousand other elegant nic-nacks. Useful artioles, that are at the same time ornamental, suoh as butter dishes, sugars and creams, celery glasses, sweet glasses, &.c, &0.. in crystal, mounted in electro-plate, with a variety of suporior electro-plated novyltios, form the assortment from whioh we invite all cash customers to make their full selection during the month of December, at the Wholeale Family Drapery Warehouse, Te Aro House.— Advt. Baxter's Lung Preserver has gained great popularity in this district as a speedy and effectual remedy in the treatment of Coughs, Colds, Bronchitis, and other chest and throat complaints. — Advt.