The Nelson Evening Mail. FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 1867.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume II, Issue 56, 8 March 1867, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 1867.

MR. CURTIS AT WAKAPUAKA. Mr. Curtis addressed the electors of Suburban North last eveniDg, at the Black Horse Inn ; Mr. Mackay in the chair., j The speech of Mr. Curtis was almost an epitome of those he had previously delivered in Nelson ; it is therefore quite unnecessary to repeat it here. HaviDg intimated that he agreed with Mr. Baruicoat on the most important subjects that j engage public attention, he referred to a few particulars in which he differed from that gentleman. He said his main reason for stauding was to get the railway carried out, explained the action he had taken in the matter and the advantages it was likely to confer on the community. The minor points on which he differed from Mr. Barnicoat were, his preferring £5000 to £1000 for a preliminary survey, his unwillingness to alter the Act without absolute necessity, aud his being a party man, which meant alliance with the party who had always promoted and ever would promote public works. He explained his views in reference to municipal and provincial institutions ; said he was adverse to sudden change, and that the circumstance of his being elected Superintendent would not prejudice the privileges of the electors. He thought the people were tired of the do-nothing policy which had characterised the administration of public affairs, and were anxious to see the country opened, population multiplied, and trade increased. A railway would furnish a certain instead of the present uncertain sale for all kinds of produce, and a dry dock or patent slip would greaily stimulate commerce and promote prosperity. In reference to his qualifications for the office of Superintendent, he was the first in the field, and was fitted, from his commercial training and habits, to conduct the negotiations the people needed, and supervise the public accounts, the mode of keeping which was susceptible of improvement. He was not, as had been falsely represented, the enemy of working men, but their friend, all his past acts having been directed against class legislation, and his policy being favorable to public works, a sure source of prosperity to the industrious classes. The charge was absurd, and was contradicted by the whole of his past conduct. He agreed with Mr. Baruicoat on the subject of education, and differed on that of emigration, to the extent that the province wanted capital, not labor, and if we were to have a fresh importation of females, they should be of a different class from former consignments. He thought a change in. the Government and its policy would be a great advantage to the province. The people wanted a whole aud not a half change: if they elected him, they would have the former ; and if Mr. Barnicoat, the latter. This was for the electors to consider, and if they elected him, he would do his best to promote the iuterests of the province. Mr. Curtis, having expressed a willingness to be subjected to the usual electoral interrogatory, was questioned at great length by Messrs. Burnett; Bungate, Pierson, Dyson, Martin, Wastney, and Donald. In reply to these, Mr. Curtis said he was in favor of the reclamation of the mudflat ; of referring the arrangements of the dry dock to the Provincial Engineer ; of subsidisiug country road boards to the extent of the amount raised by local taxation ; of a small annual rental for land on long leases instead of deferred payments; and of a revision of the present system of voting, which was neither secret nor open. During the questioning, a considerable amount of fun was exhibited by some of the more excitable electors present ; and such expressions as "my lovely creature," " you're a nice little fellow," and " he's got i a good head of his owu," were freely indulged iu. On the motion of Mr. Wastney, thanks were voted to Mr. Curtis and the chairman j and the fatigued electors sought repose and solace in the good cheer of mine host of the Black Hoi's©. :

On Wednesday evening Mr. Bamicoat, one of the candidates for the Superintendence, met Mr. Blackett's Committee, for the purpose of answering a number of questions they were desirous of asking him, before deciding to give him their support. In reply to questions put to him, Mr. Barnicoat expressed himself iu favor of a dry dock and patent slip, to obtain which he would exert himself to the utmost of his power if he were elected Superintendent. He also expressed his anxiety to render what assistance he could in the development of the Pakawau Coalfield, of the success of which he took a most hopeful view, and regarded it as bearing most essentially on the prosperity of the town and province. The Committee signified their satisfaction with the explanations afforded by the candidate, and said they would do all in their power to secure his return. Yesterday a considerable number of hoi' day keepers left by the steamers Woodpecker and Nelson, to enjoy the pleasures of the Motueka anniversary festival. The Woodpecker left at quarter to 9, and the Nelson a quarter of an hour after 9, overtakiug her competitor a few minutes before 10 o'clock. The Nelson reached Motueka at ten minutes after 10 o'clock, the passengers having had fine Aveather and experienced a pleasant passage. Owing to a deficiency of water in the channel, the Nelson had to manoeuvre about for some time, which gave the Woodpecker an opportunity of overtaking her rival. It was apparent to all that a great holiday wns being kept, a triumphal arch and decorations of various kinds having been erected in the most prominent situation. Flags and banners floated gaily, and mottoes and appropriate inscriptions were in great requisition. The cricket ground was the place selected for the amusements. Here a spacious booth was erected, and about 600 persons enjoyed themselves in various ways. About 400 persons partook of tea, and in the school-house the mysteries of the magic lantern were exhibited to the wondering gaze of the juveniles present. A sumptuous diuuer was prepared by Mr. Jones, to which about JOO gentlemen sat down, including several from JNelson and other places. Dr. Greenwood was chairman, supported by the Eev. Mr. Poole and Mr. Salisbury, Dr. Little occupying the vice-chair. The usual loyal and patriotic toasts having been disposed of, the chairmau proposed the toast of the day, which referred to the foundation of the province. Pie dwelt particularly on the difficulties of the early settlers, the dangers they incurred from the 500 or 600 natives of the district, and the proud feeling all present must experience that these difficulties had been overcome by the hard labor, indomitable perseverance, and stern determination of the settlers. The toast was enthusiastically received, and called forth a similar expression of feeling from many present. Mr. E. Burn, M.P.C., in proposing the sister provinces, expressed the most friendly feeling towards them. The people of Nelson did not regard them as rivals but as friends. They were ever ready to show the sister provinces sympathy, and would continue to emulate them only in doing good. No accident occurred to mar the enjoyment of the large company who assembled in the open air. The tea provided for the ladies and children was a great success, and the excursionists express the greatest satisfaction with the trip. It is to be hoped that such interchanges of good feeling will be more frequent with our neighbors across the bay, as they tend to promote health, good fellowship and rational enjoyment. The Nelson Brass Band, did good service on the occasion. The Nelson steamer left Motueka at 2-5 minutes past 9, arriving at Nelson in about two hours afterwards. Everybody was pleased with the arrangements on board the steamer. It appears that Wakamarina gold is not a misuomer, for we saw yesterday in the - hands of Mr. T. R. Fisher, of this town, a fine parcel of 30ozs which he had just received in the way of business. In the Resident Magistrate's Court, on Wednesday, judgment was given for plaintiffs, in the cases Lawson v. Chattock, £2 10s; and Jackson v. Otteu, £8 18s. The following Publicans Licenses were transferred, the presiding Magistrates being J. Poynter, Esq. and C. H. Brown, Esq. : — London Tavern, Hugh Cottier to T. W. Jennings j Anchor Inn, Hugh Cottier - to Alexander Adam ; Albion Hotel, from J.N.Wilkinson to Hugh ' Cottier ,• Turf Hotel, Stoke, from F. Cundy to H. J. L. Augarde. On Thursday . Mary Jane

Oswald complained against her husband Henry Oswald, for assaulting her on Tuesday last. The defendant was ordered to enter into recognisances, himself in £50 and to fined two other sureties of £40 each, to keep the peace towards his wife, and all her Majesty's subjects, for a period of 12 calendar months, in default of which to be imprisoned in Nelson Gaol. The cricket match played yesterday between the Albion and Wakefield Clubs, resulted in the defeat of the Nelson men. It is evident that the latter must exert themselves and attain a higher state of discipline than they have yet arrived at, if they are to maintain- the credit of the town. We should imagine this to be a very practicable thing, aud hope their recent failures will only act as stimilants to future excellence. Both parties partook of a supper prepared at the Royal Hotel, after the match was over, when mutual compliments passed freely, and the resolution was come to strive to excel as much in good feeling as for the mastery in the manly sport which had called forth their powers ou the field that day. The following is the score: — NELSON. First Innings. Second Innings. Lloyd c 14 b Tunnicliffe ... 4 Clark, bJ. Baigent 2 c „ ... 0 M'Cabe, b „ ... 3 b Baigent 0 Pratt, c Izard .. 5 runout 0 Taylor, bJ. Baigent 0 c Buseombe ... 8 Barnett, b „ 3 c Izard 8 Batclielor, c Gibbs 0 b Tunnicliffe ... 0 Smart, c Tunnicliffe 9 b Baigent 0 Bird, c Eicketts ... 2 b „ 0 Cross 7 b „ 7 Tennant, st Price... 0 not out 0 Byes 14 Byes 6 59 33 WAKEFIELD. T. Tunnicliffe, b M'Cabe 15 Knapp, b „ 4 Izard, b 3J 27 Buseombe, b Clark .. 4 Fowler, b „ 3 Sellon, not out 51 J. Tunnicliffe, b Clark 2 Price, b M-Cabe 0 Eicketts, bJ. Pratt " ..1 J. Baigent, b Clarke 6 Gibbs, c , 4 Byes 22 Leg byes 1 Wides 11 No balls 1 152 The Waikato correspondent of the Southern Cross, writing from Ngaruawaihai under date of the 1 8th ult., says : — The incessant and heavy rain of the 9th and 10th instant caused an inundation of the Waikato and Waipa rivers on the 12th, both of which reached a greater height than had been previously known to the "oldest inhabitant" — not that his knowledge would carry us to any remote date, but it was also higher than our Maori visitors — many of whom have attained a green old age — remember since the great flood of Te Heuheu, about 1836, when the chief of that name was drowned. The special reporter of the Southern Cross reports from Tauranga that Irihanga and Whakamarama, the villages of the Pirirakau, were attacked by the first Waikatos and Arawas and carried, but with loss of life on our part. Both natives and Europeans behaved with great bravery, and the Hau.haus'displayed immense courage and skill. Killed — Thomas Edward Jordan, (Engineer Vols.) Private Jeffs (Opotiki Vols.) Wounded— Private W. C. Stewart, 4th Company Ist Waikatos, in the leg, severely; private Mangus, Ist Waikatos, in left arm, severely; McMahon Ist Waikatos, in left arm, severely; Kituo, Ngatiwhakane hapu, in leg; Te Hareti, Ngatipikiao, in side; Morihi, Ngatirangitihi, in leg, severely. The Wanganui Chronicle, in an extra published on Saturday, says: — We learn from a private source, that the loss sustained by the Maories, in the late skirmish at Tauraoga, was tea killed, of whom three men were chiefs. They have also we learn from the same source, taken four of our men prisoners. It is satisfactory, however, to learn that the natives have declared that they do not intend massacring these men, but intend keeping them as prisouers of war, in the same way that we have done with the captured rebels. They intend, they say, to put them to work, but not to ill use them. The Hawke's Bay Herald says: — The artesian well at Meanee flat has been visited by hundreds, and is an object well worthy of a visit. The overflow is equal to 50 or 70 gallons per minute, and the water is beautifully clear and. 1 cool. The drainage in the neighborhood being good, no tap is fixed to the top of the pipe, and { the water flows without intermission.

:v v' The Melbourne Argus of the sth ultimo, the following resolutions pro!'/|'posed by Mr. Verdon in the Legislative |,5 Assembly: — 1. That, towards raising the •| supply granted to her Majesty, in lieu of i- the duties and customs now chargeable on | the articles undermentioned imported in j| Victoria the following duties shall be >J charged: — Spirits or strong waters of any r| strength not exceeding the strength of | proof by Sykes' hydrometer, and so in : proportion for any greater strength than the strength of proof, 10s per gallon; Apparel and slops, and all articles made up wholly or in part from fabrics of silk, wool, cotton, linen, or mixed materials, excepting corn or wool bags ; boots and shoes, doors and window sashes, gloves, hats, caps, and bonnets, hosiery, leather ware, saddles, and harness, £10 per cent. ad valorem, from July 1, 1867. 2. That the following duties of Customs be charged on the articles undermentioned irn pointed into Victoria, viz.: — Carpeting and druggets, tapioca, sago, arrowroot, spices, pepper, ginger, ornamental castings, and all manufactures containing silk, £10 per cent, ad valorem ; all imported goods (including corn and wool bags), not otherwise chargeable with duty, nor included in the appended list of exemptions, £5 per cent, ad valorem ; oils of all kinds in bulk, 6d per gallon ; grain and pulse of every kind, not otherwise enumerated, 9d per cwt ; grain and pulse when ground, or in any way prepared and manufactured, Is per cwt. ; animals (living), printed books ard newspapers, specimens of natural history and curiosities; coal, coke, and fuel; alkali, sulphur, and resin; hemp, flax, jute, cocoanut fibre ; fresh meat and fish ; guano and other manures, plants and seeds; wool, tallow, hides and skins, horns aud hoofs ; coin and bullion ; timber in the log; shooks and staves; metals of all sorts in the ore, and in pig, bar, sheet, or plate; hoop iron, iron pipes, and vailway iron rails; passengers' luggage, cabin and other furniture or personal effects, which have been in use aud are not imported for sale; carriages used in the conveyance of goods or passengers across the frontier ; and all packages iu which goods are ordinarily imported — shall be exempt from duty. The Borough Council Castlemaine has adopted an excellent plan for keep of ing their borough clean. They have appointed from amongst themselves what they call a perambulating committee for the inspection of nuisances, the members of which repeatedly pay visits to the cesspits, back yards, &c, of the borough in company with the inspector of nuisances, who receives instructions on the spot as to how he is to proceed against those whose premises, &c, are unclean. This year the committee consists of the mayor, two members of council, aud the town clerk. The same plan is carried out in nearly every country borough throughout England. Deep is the joy of social silence when we speak not with the loved, but feel their presence.