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New Zealand Herald, Volume III, Issue 847, 1 August 1866, Page 4

Tun Shooting Season.—As there seems to be some misapprehension, as to the date when the present shooting season terminates, in consequence of the alteration made in the late session of the Assembly, we append the clause of the Act then passed, by which, it will be seen, that the present month of August is still open to sportsmeu. "Protection of Certain Animals Act, lSb'o," clause 3, "No pheasant or quail shall be hunted, shot, taken, or killed, except during the mouths of May, June, July, and August, in any year." Tub Panama M:HVlce.—Again, says the InfJepcndr.nl, an alteration has been made in the time of the mails, via Panama starting, and arrangements have been entered into by which the dates of departure will be the first of each month. In consequence of this there will bo iio mail despatched by this route, after to-day, till the first of September, from here, when the linknia and Mataura will follow the Jtuahine. WiLLiAit Mason, Esq., formerly member for the Pensioner Settlements, has, we see, been re-elected to the oflice of Mayor of Duuedin, and by a largo majority. Thk Oelkshals.— lho Advertiser says. "We understand that Captain Milo, of the ketch Falcon, has brought from Blenheim a Chinese gong for tho General Government, and we believe itwill be used in the House of Hepreseutntives instead of the present bell calling for a division." Arrival ov Wm. Thompson in Wellington.—Her Majesty's s.s. Esk, commanded by Captain J. P. Luce, arrived in this harbour on Sunday afternoon with William Thompson ((he so-called Native Premier of New Zealand) and four other influential chiefs on board. We understand that Thompson will remain in Wellington during the silting of the General Assembly. Tho Wellington correspondent of the Tara-val-i. Herald, Mr. J. C. Eiehmond most probably, appears to be very bitter against that gentleman. He says :—Some of the adherents of the Government, like the Advertiser of lute, are giving what is properly called a 'discriminating support. Mr. A'ogel, the other day, in the course of a very witty speech, patronised the Government in a fatherly way, at the same time congratulating the Premier on the efficient support he received from his colleagues, and mixing up with his patronage a great deal excellent chaff at Mr. Stafford's expense. Mr.

Stafford resented this treatment with some warmth, but the only answer he got was this : " The honourable gentleman must know that lie cannot do without my help, he really must submit Jq, be supported by me;" and then he to explain why it was that the Premier was angry with him. 'He had betn laughing when looking at the Ministerial benches, and the Premier thought he was laiighing at him, but he was really laughing because an honorable friend had said to him *' By Jove, there's Haultain got up to speak when Stafford wasn't looking! " You may guess what an effect this had on the House, especially coming from a ' warm' supporter of the Government." Miss Aitken.—This talented lady gives a reading at the Public Hall, Otahuhu, to-night, and we have no doubt but that she will be greeted with as crowded and delighted an audience as she has had the pleasure of reading before in Auckland. She leaves by the steamer on Thursday for Sydney, wo believe, and expects to be again in Auckland in about five woeks, when no doubt she will receive a hearty welcome,

Kobbery at Epsom.—On the night of Wednesday last, the 25th instant, a man named Bennett, who had been in the employ of Miss Boot, at Epsom, " absconded, nrst having entered Miss Boot's bedroom and stolen therefrom two purses, one containing a cheque on the Bank of. Auckland for £10 10s;, and the other about £1 in silver- he also carried away some clothing which had been left in Miss Boot's care. After he had gone away a quantity of plated ware wa3 found in the bed occupied by him, consisting of spoons, forks, sugar tongs, &c, which he had no doubt stolen. It has been handed over to Mr. Commissioner Naughton by' Miss Boot. Bennett was apprehended on. Monday by Constable Spray, of the Onehunga Police, and some of the stolen property found in. a boarding-house where the prisoner had been staying. He will be brought before the resident magistrate this morning. Compensation Certificates. —We are informed that the certificates issued by the Commissioner will, in future state the amount the claimant has already received from the. Government. This sum, deducted from the, final, awards, will show the real claim the holder of the certificate has upon the Provincial Treasury. The Wrecked Steamer Barwon.—A telegram from Queenscliffe appears in the Melbourne Argus of 27th June, stating that the probabilities of the steamer Barwon being got off are more remote. The weather has been extremely boisterous all day, accompanied by a heavy rolling surf, which has driven the steamer higher up oil the beach. She how lies inside of where the main forqe of the breakers expends itself, and quite safe from damagei The steam-tugs E'esolute and Sophia are waiting smootli water to lay out a heavy anchor and '". .tin. Captain Mathews, the representative of the underwriters, visited the stranded steamer to-day for the purpose of holding a survey. A later telegram is more favorable. A Colonial Treasurer.—Speaking of the nonentities with which Mr. Stafford has surrounded himself in the Ministry, the Wellington correspondent of the TaranuM Herald says : —" But perhaps oao of the most extraordinary announcements ever made in any Parliament was that made by Mr. Jollie. -The question was raised whether a certain sum (£1500) could be afforded for a particular purpose. Mr. Jollie said 'he thought the country could not be so badly off as not to be able to afford tha't sum, but he knew very little more about the financial condition of the colony than any other member who had paid any attention to the matter.' This was exactly a week before the day he had himself fixed for making his finan cial statement. A very just rebuke was administered by Mr. George Graham, who is generally greater upon native questions than upon finance, but who could not fail to see the egivgious-.absurdily of such a statement; lie said, • if the Treasurer did not know more about tli-; finances than other members, he ought to ; he thought it was a very unsatisfactory announcement ' —a sentiment which met with general approbation. When it is remembered that Mr. Jollie is decidedly the best of Mr. Stafford's colleagues, the merits of the Ministry may be easily estimated. Air. Stafford himself has been, on the whole, unusually amiable, avoiding difficult and irritating questions; or, if they arose; referring them to a select committee ; but on Thursday last he rather lost his balance. A. question arose incidentally as to the necessity for adding to the present Government offices. Some members demurred on the ground of expense, and naturally wished for an iuquiry first ; but Mr. Stafford, after showing how it was took a very unusual line. ' I can tell the House, he said,' ' that whether they vote the money or not, I will procure additional accommodatipn if J. stay in office.' _ This, it will bo acknowledged, was forcible, if it did not sound quite constitutional, and the House received it with some surprise and a little amusement." The Wellington Waitara.—The Advertiser says:—" The Manawatu problem is not j'et solved. Parakaia, the leading opponent, who threatened legai proceedings in the Supremo Court in connection with the matter, has had the land which he claims as his share sur- - veyed, and has, Wc understand, come down to pay for the survey. Other opposing natives are in the same position, and we believe that some of them have gone so far as to rent their land to Europeans at a stated rental for a term of years. Unless steps can be taken to complete the purchase at once, and thereby prevent the progress of this sort of unsatisfactory proceeding, there is no knowing where these difficulties may terminate." Embezzlement.—We learn from the Independent that Mr. W.E. Boyle, the manager of the \\ angauui Steam Navigation. Company has been committed for trial by the Wanganui magistrates on -several charges of embezzlement. Evidence was given that several sums of money unaccounted for had been received by Mr. Boyle, who said that he neVer intended to defraud the company of a single farthing, that he trusted to explain those deficiencies, and also that he acknowledged the receipts put into Court to save the expense of these witnesses being present at any further investigation. The Bench announced it as their painful duty that they must commit the prisoner for trial at the first criminal sittings of the Supreme Court at Wellington, Bail would be accepted in the interim, of two securities in £250 each; and Mr. Boyle himself in £100. . The Maungatapu Murderers.—The Independent, mentioning that it has been shown a capitally executed photograph, giving the portraits of the four most notorious men in Isew Zealand, n:imely—Sullivan, Burgess, Kelly, and Levy, now awaiting their trial in Nelson, for the murders lately committed on the West Coast of the Middle Island, says : —" The portraits, ana the photograph which lias come into our hands, are by a Mr. A. Fletcher, a photographer of Nelson, who took them in the jail. From them we should judge that Sullivan is the lowest blackguard of the' crew. Busgess's face and neck betokens great determination and brute-like ferocity. Kelly appears to be the most decent, or rather the least fiendish of the four, while Levy's face has a look of deep and unscrupulous cunning, perfectly revolting to the sight. All four men are dressed very respectably,—Burgess and Kelly illustrating the fact that now mere dress has ceased to be a distinguishing mark of a gentleman. Otahphu Public Hall.—Miss Aitken will give one of her series of popular readings at this hall this evening. A varied and interesting programme is announced. Mr. Haydcn Flood will pivside at the piano. Messrs. Brett, Carter (comic), and other gentlemen amateurs will give their services to assist the fair reader, and give variety to the entertainment. Prince of Wales Theatre.—Mr. E. 11. Cox took his benefit last evening at this theatre. There was a crowded house. The pieces selected were Buckstone's famous melodrama the "Dream at Sea," and the "Lottery Ticket." Mrs. 11. 11. Cox in the first place as Biddy Nutts, played admirably. In the second Mr. JR. H. Cox as Wormwood, and Mrs. E. H. Cox as Susan, elicited the greatest applause. Mr. B. Barlow (the iuimitable) gave his Drawing llooni and Negro Entertainments with, if enything, more success than usual. He literally revelled in the fun he created, and retired amidst a perfect storm of applause. . . » * Hoffman's Assembly Booms.—Miss Julia Stevenson will take her benefit at this room on Monday evening next. Wangarei Coal.—We observe that Mr. Walter has 'completed his tramway, and there is now every probability, of: our being able to obtain a continuous supply of this excellent domestic coal. The Commissioner of Crown Lands announces i schedule of the names of persons entitled to srowa grants, as per advertisement,

Fire at thh North Shore. —On Monday night the glare of a large fire at the North Shore was observed in various parts of the city and suburbs. It was thought at first, and vfSS S? rumoured to be, the new hotel being built near the shipping yard of Mr. Beddoes. On enquiry, however, it proves to have been the house o£ Mr. George Banks, shipwright. The details of this case are peculiar. The house was in the occupation of three yoiing men, two of theiri tho sons of Mr. Bcnnet White, the third named David Oruickshank. It was situated at the southern end of Mr., Banks' dwelling house. Both houses extended north and south; At about half-past nine the cry of " Fire " was Heard. The three young men had just left the house, one of them having gone to work in Mr. Niccol's yard; the other two observed the fire, and ran into the house. They state that at this time the roof was on fire, and they point to the fact of their havingbeen able to save some portion of their bedding. They also say they saw a person in black come out of the' house, that they gave chaseto, but were induced.to • relinquish their pursuit of the " old gentleman" and assist in the fire. One of the young men has lost all his clothes, and some £4 in money ; all three have been losers more or less. The building was insured in the Victoria for £150. The burning house only stood about a yard from Mr. Banks' large dwelling-house, which somehow miraculously escaped being almost burnt to the ground. Mr. Banks requests its to bear testimony for him, and to return his thanks to his neighbours for the valuable service they rendered iir aiding to extinguish the fixe. As it is, the walls of the larger house are ccnsiderably scorched. Phantasmagoria.—Mr. Burgham will givs his popular entertainment this evening in the Mount' Eden chapel school-room. • Limited Liability.—The following are extracts from a letter, addressed by air Henry Drummond Wolff to Mr. Gladstone, and which is now under the consideration of the Government. The proposals. contained in the letter are stated to have obtained the concurrence of many persons connected with financial companies, and an association is in the course of formation at present for the purpose of having the question brought before Parliament and the public:—"The panic which has not yet subsided, though doubtless in a great measure owing to oilier caii-es, may also be attributed to some' defects in the Law of Limited Liability (25 th and 20th Victoria, cap. 89.) While that law has done much to increase the wealth and stimulate the enterprise of the nation, it has conceded too much to the discretion of the founders of the companies in regard to the margin of capital allowed to bo subscribed beyond that portion which is paid up. The latitude thus granted to promoters has not, I believe, been of any material assistance to companies. It certainly will not be so for the future, as the large margin of unpaid capital, which was supposed to afford additional security to depositors, has Dot attracted deposits, and has certainly not had the effect of giving to the companies credit to the extent thus arrogated. It lias, on the other hand; generated two evils ; —l. a reluctant e_ on the part of bona fide investors to place their funds in.enterprises where a small investmeni[in-dves a large risk. 2. A recklessness on the part of small capitalists in assuming liabilities beyond their means. This statement is bori e out by the circumstance that a call has almost iuvariably been followed by the deprceiat on of the shares on which the call has be?n n ade. thus pro.'ing that the holders even of the 1 est shares are not equal to the advance of further funds however profitable the purpose to whicli they are destined. The panic in shares has arisen from the mutual fears of shareholders and the public. The latter have discovered that companies are merely an aggregation of individuals whose credit does not gain by incorporation. The shareholders are alarmed by the prospect of their liabilities being realised by calls which they had never contemplated. The shareholding portion of the community is at present in the" position of a banker whose aceptanees exceed his assets. Unfortunately, the general discredit df" companies has involved many institutions legitimate in purpose; perfectly solvent, arid well administered, and open to none of the blame which justly attaches to ill-consideredspecnlationi I would; therefore; respectfully submit that the Government would be fully justified in giving relief in cases where solvency can be proved, as well as in making provision against the recurrence of misfortunes like the present. In France some protection is given to the bona fide investor by the permission to issue shares to bearer after the payment of a certain per centage of capital. In England the law precludes the issue to bearer. I have ho doubt, however, that your legal advisers could easily suggest a method for the future of adjusting, in "the more natural proportions, the relations between paid and unpaid capital. Meanwhile I woidd suggest that existing shareholders should be relieved.by an Act of Parliament containing the following provisions :—l. Companies to be allowed to petition the Court of Chancery for permission to reduce their nominal capital on a resolution passed by two-thirds of the shareholders. 2. Court to appoint an auditor to examine grounds of petition. 3. Companies petitioning to lay before the court a statement of assets and. liabilities actual and maturing. 4. Auditor to atU vertise, during a period to be specified, for all claims on the petitioning company. 5. On a satisfactory report from the auditor, the company to be allowed to reduce its nominal capital to the amount'petitioned for, or to such amouLt as the court may decree. I believe by this or some similar measure Parliament might reliete many persons from very painful anxiety, while the creditors of companies would be fully secured, and the companies themselves would"find their credit enhanced." Native Intelligence. — The TaranaH Herald of the 2Sth July, says :—" We hear, en reliable authority, that a small party of natives, headed by Wetere, had an interview with Cap? tain Page, commanding detachment of Taranaki Military Settlers at White Cliffs, on Thursday last, on the subject of peace. Wetere said that they (the natives) were anxious to enter into arrangements not to fight until the end of the year, and that in the event of either party wishing to recommence hostilities, notice was to be given. He was informed that, as a preliminary to any such arrangement, he must be prepared to surrender arms, to which he replied " that was a matter that rested with the old men of the tribe." It is not impossible that Wetere may mean that he and his friends are anxious to make peace without being driven to the necessity of giving up their arms. Two of the white men, who we some time since reported had gone to reside with the Ngatimaniapotos, were of the party." At about two o'clock this morning Constablo Thomas MJerrigan arrested two men at Messrs. Tucker and Wilson's, in Queen-street, they having some meat in their possession. They will be brought before his Worship to-day. Me. Samf/el CocnBANE will sell to-day the house and allotment in the estate of Mr. Hume, by order of the trustees ; also several allotments in ParneJl, and suburbs of Auckland. Messrs. Eidings and Pehston will sell today a large assortment of printing paper, cards, and other stationery. Messrs. Tcrrell and Tones will sell to-day, a large assortment of tubs, buckets, and other American goods ; also oilmen's stores, &c. Mr. Alfred Buckland' will hold to-day his periodical sale of fat and store cattle, &c, at Papakura. Messrs. Hunter & Co. will hold to-day their usual monthly sale of fat and store stock, &c, at Papakura. The Odd Fellows Dramatic Company wid make their first appearance at the Odd Fellows' Hall to-morrow evening, in a popular drama and farce.