TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2338, 20 June 1868, Page 2

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Football,—A scratch match will be played on Latimer Square to-day, beginning at the usual hour. Drain Eoad.—This road is still under water in many part?, and an immense tract of the adjacent land is still flooded. We fear it will be entirely out of the question to cross a large portion of the Rangiora Swamp next year, unless the question of drainege reaeives a speedy solution. Maori Representation.—lt seems that some difficulty has arisen with reference to taking the poll at Ruapuke, for the election of a member of the House of Representatives .for the Southern Maori Electoral district. The time for the return of the writ has therefore been extended to July 31. New Lamp.—The contractor for the stonework of the new lamp near the Post-office commenced fixing the base yesterday, and a very short time will see the whole work completed. The design of the lamp, and its prominent position, will render it a very noticeable addition to the street improve-' ments of the city. Dr Pollen.—This gentleman, who has qeen recently called to the Legislative Council, and gazetted a member of the Colonial Government, will represent the Ministry in the Upper House. Dr Pollen may be considered a great acquisition to Mr Stafford's Government. He is understood to be thoroughly well up in all Northern affairs, and in New Zealand politics generally, He is a good administrator, and an able, conciliatory parliamentary leader.

The Carandinis at Kaiapoi. These talented artistes gave a,concert at the Kaiapoi institute on Thursday evening. We are sorry to say there was a very poor house. This may be attributed almost entirely to the fearful state of the roads in the neighbourhood of the town. The concert opened with one of Kiicken's four part songs, " The Happy Hunter." Miss Fanoie then sang " My mother bids me bind my hair," and later in the evening," The Lady of the Lea," both of which were loudly applauded. Mr Sherwin sang "The Bells," byßalfe, and " Let me like a Soldier fall," from Maritana, in excellent style. Miss Hosina sang" Sweet Spirit," by Wallace, and " I cannot mind my wheel mother," fairly carrying away the audience. An encore was demanded, and, considering the thin attendance, most liberally responded to, with a brilliant Italian air. The same was the case with the duets between the young ladies," Trust her' not," by Balfe, and the finale duet, " O'er the Hill, o'er the Dale. The audience positively declined to go till an encore was granted. Madame Carandini sang "Come music with thy Softest tones," and "The Harp that once through Tara's Halls," also, a buffo duet with Mr Sherwin, and a selection from Trovatore —all of which were rendered in an artistic manner. To-niprht the company will appear at Leithfield, and on Saturday at Rangiora, at both of which places, we hope, there will be a good attendance.

Sunday Sohool Union.—The quarterly prayer meeting of the Union will be held in the Wesleyan Schoolroom, Durham street, on Monday evening next, at 7 o'clock. A conference will be held in the Congregational Church, Manchester street, on the 30th inst., to consider " The Secret of Success in Sunday School Teaching," to be introduced by Mr Twentyman. Tea will be provided on the occasion.

The Lakd Fond. We understand that through the instrumentality of the Hon, John Hall, a very important change has just been effected in the relations between the Treasury and the Land Office. Instead of the receipts from Waste Lands being locked up in the Bank as heretofore, for a period of about a month or six weeks during their nominal transmission to and from Wellington, they will henceforth be handed over to Jhe Provincial Treasurer day by day as they are received. This is a move in the right direction.

Etreton.—Communication with this township, for some days past, has bcsn interrupted, the Eyre having been so swollen by the late rains as to be impassable. The mailman from Kaiapoi reached there yesterday with the mail, which under ordinary circumstances would have reached there on Wednesday. The crossing-place is still impassable, a deep hole being scoured out in the middle of it. About six chains further up there is a ford, nearly three feet deep. The roads are in a fearful state, and will prevent the carting of grain to Kaiapoi, for a time at least,

Little River Road Board.—A meeting of the above board was held on Monday, the 15th inst., at the Beach Arms, Lake Ellesmere. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. It was resolved that a rate of 9d in the pound be struck for the year ending 1868-1869. A letter was read from the Provincial Secretary, advising that the sum of £2OO has been placed to the credit of the board, to be spent on main roads, as per plan proposed. After a great deal of discussion, it was resolved that Mr T. H. Parkinson wait upon the Provincial Secretary to obtain a proper explanation of the letter. The terms of the letter appeared to be greatly at variance with the ideas of the board.

_ Infected Disiricts.—By a proclamation | in the New Zealand Gazette, dated June 12, the several colonies of Australia (that is to say) the colony of Victoria, of New South Wales, of Queensland, of South Australia, and Western Australia, as well as the colony of Tasmania and the Cape of Good Hope, are declared to be infected districts, within the meaning of the Diseased Cattle Acts, so far as Canterbury is concerned. The penalty for importing and landing cattle upon other than quarantine ground in Canterbury is fifty pounds for every head. The following are also proclaimed infected districts:—All that portion of the Middle Island of New Zealand lying to the north of the Hurunui river, and of a straight line from the source of that river to the County of Westland, the County of Westland, and the Provinces of Otago and Southland in the Middle Island, and the Provinces of Auckland and Taranaki in the North Island. All that portion of the Province of Canterbury north and east of the line described as follows, viz:—Commencing at the junction of the Waimakariri river with the sea; thence following the left or north bank of that river, not including the Kaiapoi Island, to the junction of the Poulter branch; thence up the left bank of the Poulter to its source i and thence in a direct line to the summit of the Teremakau Saddle.

No 4 Company. CUV.-The ordinary monthly inspection of the Kangiora Volunteers was mads by Captain and Adjutant Rookes on Thursday, in the paddock ad joining the drill-shed. The members assembled at 12 o'clock, under command of Lieut. Dudley, to the number of twenty-five, and the other o'licers present were Ensign Merton and Dr Tripe. The examination of the arms and accoutrements was perfectly satisfactory, and the manual and platoon exercises, followed by sundry company movements, and skirmishing with blank cartridge, a'though scarcely so perfect as might have been desired, were more than creditable, considering the almost total absence of a staff drill instructor during the past few months. On conclusion of the drill, Captain Rookes expressed his gratification at finding such an exceptionally strong muster, and regretted that they did not make as good an appearance at the inspection held by Col. Haultain, as it would have given him a much more favourable opinion of the corps. He strongly urged upon the members the necessity of regulary attending the weekly parades, and he thought it very probable, if they made proper application, that a drill instructor would be again allowed them. It may be remarked that the members of this company are determined to maintain its existence amongst the cores of the province if by any means possible, and it would be greatly to be regretted if the Defence Office should see any necessity for erasing them from the regimental roll. The spirit of emulative energy which the men have shown under the many difficulties that have beset their path deserves some little concession on the part of the Government; and as it is more than probable that a resident of influence hi the district will accept the command on the retirement of the present captain, the company will be enabled to comply with every requirement of the Volunteer Act.

Baptist Church, Hereford Street.— The erection of this, elmrcli, undertaken by the Rev Mr Thornton's congregation, is so far advanced towards completion as to be ready for the celebration of divine worship in the course of a montli or so. It will be remembered that the contractor for the building absconded from Christchurch when it whb at its skeleton stage, and since then it has been continued by the building committee, under the superintendence of Mr I. T). Davis. The piece of land, which the congregation purchased about six months ago, lias a frontage of seventy-two, and a depth of eighty-seven feet, and the price was £5 per foot. The structure, it is true, has no pretensions to architectural grandeur, but when finished, it will be found to be as comfortable and commodious as any other for a like purpose in Christchurch, and sufficiently large to answer present requirements. Its length is fifty and its width thirty feet; the studs stand to a height of 20 feet, and the extreme height from the floor to the pitch of the roof is thirty feet, or thereabouts. A schoolroom has been built at the rear, the dimensions of which are 30 feet by 14. The material used is of the best quality, and the roof possesses every appearance of strength and good workmanship. Four buttresses have been placed on either side of the building, partly with a view to ornamentation, but more for the purpose of lessening the vibration, and thereby rendering the plasterer's work less liable to injury. The main entrance to the Church is from Hereford street. It is lighted by three windows in front (one|of them being circular, with ornamental glass), and five windows on each side. The roof and inside fittings will be stained and varnished, and when seated, the Church will be capable of accommodating, comfortably, about 300 persons. The schoolroom is also well lighted and ventilated, and the entrance to the pulpit will be from this pardon of the structure. Exclusive of the cost of land, the expenses of the Church and school will amount to £4OO ; but by the time all the subscriptions are collected, they will be opened entirely free from debt. A tea meeting will celebrate the opening of the Church.

Tbade Protection.—The following is the petition drawn out by the committee appointed at the meeting held at White's Hotel on Thursday. It will be ready for signature on Monday, when the city will be canvassed: —The bumble petition of merchants and tradesmen carrying on business in the city of Christchurch, in the province of Canterbury, to the Honourable the House of Representatives of New Zealand in Parliament assembled humbly sheweth—l. That in clause 74 of the Kesident Magistrates Court Act it is enacted that, "no person shall be imprisoned on account of any judgment debt of less than ten pounds'in amount," 2. Your petitioners are of opinion that the said clause tends to encourage fraud upon those engaged in business, and seriously militates against the welfare of commercial transactions. 3. That your petitioners have never heard of that part of the former law bearing upon this matter to work with undue harsh-

ness, nor did it entail material expense on the Government. 4. That credit to a certain extent is indispensable in business, and cannot be altogether avoided. 5. Your petitioners would point out to your Honourable House that credit, when required, is given to householders, on the assumption of their being the owners of the property with which their hour2s are furnished; but means are often resorted to by which the ownership of sucb property bMomes alienated with a view to deceive creditors. 6. That the clause referred to deprives creditors of all chance of recovering their just claims, especially from those who are known to be in a position to pay but are wanting in integrity. Your petitioners therefore humbly pray, that your Honourable House will be pleased to cause the said clause ta be amended at the next meeting of the General Assembly, making the limit of sums for personal arrest not less than forty shillings. And your petitioners wi'l ever pray, &c. Lecture.—Theßev.W, J. Habens delivered a lecture on "The English Reformation," in the Wesleyan Church, Durham street, last evening. The chair was occupied by Mr F. J. Garrick, who premised that the lecture would be a highly interesting one. The Rev. Mr Habens offered an apology for any shortcomings that might make themselves manifest in the course of his lecture. In the first place he had not invited himself to lecture on the English Reformation, but had complied with the wishes of those whom he addressed. History was not his forte ; he was one of those to whom the appellation " Jack-of-all-trades, and master of none" might be applied, and the time which he had at disposal was not sufficient to enable him to put his lecture thoroughly together. They had first of all to make up their minds as to what was meant by the Reformation ; and what they meant by it was that change of feeling with regard to religion, which in several countries of Europe had caused the Protestant faith to take hold of the public mind. In the year 1528, when England was just about to separate from Rome, a council was held in Switzerland, and the result of the conference was that ten resolutions were carried. The first of these resolutions asserted that the Church is born of the word of God, adheres to the word of God, and listens not to the word of the stranger; the second was to the effect that no laws or ordinance are binding upon the Church of God, except such as are founded on the Word of God; the third, that Jesus Christ is to us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, and that Christ alone is the way to salvation ; the 4th, that the body and blood of Christ are not substantially present in the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper j the sth, that the Mass, as a Sacrament, is contrary to Holy Scripture; the 6th, that there is no mediator between God and man but Christ, and that, therefore, prayers to the saints are against Scripture ; the 7th, that fiere is no truth in Scripture of Purgatory; the Bth, that no images are to be set up where there can be any danger of their being worshipped, or having any reverence paid to them; the 9th, that marriage of the clergy is not forbidden in Scripture; and the 10th, that the life led by the clergy is the greatest injury that can be inflicted on the cause of religion. With regard to the fourth resolution, considerable difference of opinion existed at the period of the Reformation, The Lutherans believed that the body and blood were present in the bread and wine; the belief of the Romans was that the bread and wine, upon the blessing of the priest, became the substantial body and blood of. Christ; and the Calvinists believed that the body and Wood of Christ were not there substantially, but that the bread and wine were to picture to our eyes the body and blood of Christ. The resolutions of the Conference constituted the basis of the Reformation. lie would now inquire into the Reformation so far as England was concerned, and how and when it was introduced, It was impossible to point to any distinct date in history at which the Reformation took place. People often heard the reign of Henry the Eighth referred to, , but it was not through that King that the Reformation was brought about. It was : impossible—he dare not attempt it—for him to tear the people from the Church of Rome in order that he might gratify his passions for Anne Boleyn, and have his own way in spite of the Pope. In his reign certain importantpolitical changes—changes in popular and individual opinion—took place, but the J Reformation, regarded in its real sense and effect, was a work standing over very much ! more than the reign of one King. What was done in the reign of Henry the Eighth was ; this—the Royal power, backed up by the par- ; liamentary power, was used to regulate the development of public opinion, and in many , cases to restrain it, and hold back the progress '. of the Reformation. The supremncy of the J Church of Rome was abolished. The English Reformation was a matter of much more . gradual growth than it was in many parts of , the Continent. The supremacy of the Pope , in matters of religion was not set aside until , the reign of Henry the Eighth, but his t supremacy over the dominion of England , whs done away with long before. Wil- [ liara the Conqueror successfully resisted j the Pope in the appointment of a bishop j to the See of Canterbury; and public [ opinion had raised itself against the unholy , lives led by the clergy since the time of Wickliffe. It was rather difficult to trace the history of the Church up to the period of the Reformation; it was uncertain how the knowledge of the Gospel got into England. 1 A writer so early a« A.D. 220, informs us that the knowledge of the Gospel existed in parts of the country which at that period was ! inaccessible lo the Romans; and history also ! informs us that the Irish Church for a consi- [ derable time maintained its independence • from the See of Rome, and so did the North British Church. Errors existed, no doubt, but the difference of the errors between theeo Churches and that of Rome was sufficient \ to shew that at that period Rome had no • authority over the British Church. Home first obtained authority over the British Church in the 7th century, but she had consi--1 derable difficulty in acquiring it. The lecturer referred at some length to the life and principles of Wickliffe j to the 1 part which Erasmus had taken in ad- | vancing the cause of the Reformation; to the matters which conduced to the over- , throw of the Pope's ecclesiastical supremacy in England in the reign of Henry the Eighth; , and to the changes which were wrought in the three subsequent reigns. He wished it to be distinctly understood that in his view 1 the Reformation was to be regarded chiefly as j a spiritual movement, which was sometimes 1 as much hindered as it was helped by jxis- ' ting Governments. But there were so many ; differences in the Church as to show that it was not thoroughly reformed yet. Wken the 1 supremacy of the Pope was got rid of, it was one of the greatest errors of the Reformation that the King was made the head of the ' Church, for the true head was Christ. The lecturer was frequently applauded, and the meeting returned to him a vote of 1 thanks at the conclusion of his discourse.

Fresh Gold Discoveries at Wakamamarina.—The Independent of June 18 says: —A. gentleman who has recently returned to Wellington from Picton informi us that a new " lead " ha 3 been discovered on the ranges near the Wakatnarina, and that some excellent specimens were brought from there into Blenheim lately. One specimen contained a nugget of about two ounces in weight, and one or two smaller nuggets besides. A man who came into town from the alleged auriferous locality, deposited £l5O worth of gold at one of the banks. As the Wakamarina diggings have scarcely been heard of for a year or two past, this news has created some littleexcitementin Marlborough, and intending diggers hope to do good things next spring in that very impracticable and rainy country. Migration op West Coast Diqoers.The Auckland Free Press of June 9, says : The Storm Bird has brought a small instalment of diggers from the West Coast for the Thames goldfield. These men are the precursors of a much larger body, who are preparing to come northward. There is room enough for all, no doubt; and we are prepared to welcome them. We trust, however, that prospecting will be vigorously carried out in the North. There is no good reason why gold should not be found in paying quantities

north of the city as well as in the Coromandel peninsula, and in the interior ranges southward. Gold has been discovered in several places northward ; and these dig. coveries require only to be followed, we be« lieve, to give as excellent returns as those from the Thames.

This Patea Field Force.—The Independent ot June 18, says:—Throughout yesterday, Capt Page was busily engaged at Osgood's Hotel in enrolling men to serve in the Patea Expeditionary Force. Any number of the genus homo were obtainable, but the commandant, with an eye to business, picked out about thirty of the most likely. The men have been enrolled for three months, at a pay of 3s 6da-day and rations. Theyareallfinefellowß to look at, and doubtless will give a good account of the enemy. In addition to physical advantages, Captain Page's recuttgmany of whom have served before—are imbued with a strong spirit of military ardour, so we shall doubtless hear of them within the next few months. Colonel M'Donnell commands the entire expeditionary force, and wi" leivefor Wanganui in the Storm Bird tomorrow, Captain Page remaining here to take up in the Government steamer Sturt the men now sworn in,

Tahiti.—The Southern Cross of June 12 says:—On the return of Queen Emma to Tahiti, on the 6th of May, the harbour is reported as having presented an imposing appearance, the French Protectorate fisj, those of the American, Belgium, and English consuls and residents, and a great display of bunting aiding materially in the grandeur of the event, The whole scene was one of great rejoicing. About a week afterwards a hymene was held at which the Queen attended, her subjects meeting her in batches of twelves, each twelve, according to custom, dressed in costumes of different colours with wreaths of flowers on their heads, and preceded by two drummers in scarlet and white uniform. The Queen shook A hands with all, while trumpets r«- * sounded and some 2,000 native giris sang their song of welcome. Immense preparations were being made for the expected visit of the Duke of Edinburgh. The dresses of the ladies—white, black, and half-caste—are described as gorgeous, each trying to outvie the other in grandeur. Popular English airs, among which were "Home, sweet home," " Rule Britannia," and " God save the Queen," were practised by the natives incessantly, in order that they might join with their European brethren in their songs of homage to the British Sovereign and of welcome to her son —England's Sailor Prince. In the midst of all these preparations, the news arrived and spread with wonderful rapidity that the life of the Prince had been attempted, and that he would not visit the island. Joyous forebodings at once gave place to disappointment and sorrow. On every face was clearly depicted the effect of the Bad news; indeed, the aspect of things for some days is described as one of intense melancholy, as if some fearful calamity had occurred. The signs of sorrow extended as far as the adoption of mourning dresses by the native and half-caste girls. No intelligence had b-;n received of the murder of Captain Hayes. Captain Coffin, formerly in the Neva shipped, as previously stated, as mate of the brig Rona, The only information afforded by Caplain Young is to the effect that Captain Hayes, when leaving Rorotonga, took his wife and child with him, and was bound for the Navigators' Island.

Auckland Native News.—The Wellington Independent of June 18, says:—We have closely scanned our files of Auckland papers for native intelligence, which has now assumed considerable importance, in view of the outrages that have so recently occurred at Patea. There is nothing, however, to be found indicating that the Patea murders were part of a wide-spread and preconcerted plan, nor does it even appear that the natives in the North were aware that anything of the kind was contemplated by the Ngatiruanui tribe on the West Coast. The news, such as it. is, may be very briefly stated. Two natives, named Pira Tiriri, and Tupeka.have written to Mr Clarke, the Civil Commissioner at Tauranga, Btating that the Waihi and Ohinemuri roads have been Btopped, and that Europeans are forbidden to pass over them. This, of itself does notind'c.i'e anything more than the existence of a bounceable state of mind ontlui part of the natives, which is a thing we have been pretty well accustomed to. From Tauranga we learn that a tribe of Queen's natives are fighting between themselves at Taupo, and that an "aukati" has been drawn by the Hau-haua there. They say " our rifles are cocked and capped ; let no man cross, for we shall shoot him and not warn off;" and they likewise say that the pskeha will see their faces in two months. A correspondent of the Southern Cross, in commenting upon the aspect of affairs, says " that a movement of importance is about to be made by the natives is certiin, hut when, where, or in what questionable shape it may come, remains at preseut, open only to conjecture." Then, there are some rumours of fighting at Hokianga, which are given on the authority of the Auckland Free Press, which remarks:—" Blood has been already shed, and a pitched battle between the hostile tribes or clans was imminent at latest dates. However, the Brisk, Captain Hope, which sailed for Sydney on Sunday week, landed Mr Commissioner Mackay nnd several native chiefs, who visit Hokianga as mediators. We trust they may be successful. It is to be hoped, however, whatever may happen, that Europeans will not be dragged into the quarrel." As a set-off to this, we learn from a private letter received at Auckland fronn Taupo, thut the Maori King is anxious to relax the restrictions hitherto impeding the settlement of the interior. A decided objection is, however, felt to surveys, though the natives have no wish to prevent capitalists leasing runs, and depasturing sheep, " if it be done quietly."