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New Zealand Herald, Volume X, Issue 3603, 29 May 1873, Page 2

A meeting of the members of llie Highway Boards of the Thames districts met on Tuesday, to discu99 the merits of the Thames Gas Company's Bill. Mr. Swan, a leading member of tho Waiotahi Board, is in great tribulation 8 id sore distress at tho powers the Gas Company is asking to bo conferred on it. He thinks the company ought not to be allowed to make 20 per cent, profit before the price of gas 1b reduced, bccause he has seen the Metropolitan Gas Company's Act. If money could bo borrowed in Loudon, at three and fjur per cent., why should the Thames Gas Cempany want twenty ?£ Echo answer?, why ? If a ton of co»l cost iifty shillings in London, what should a bushel of oats be worth on tho Thames ? That's about the itate of Mr. Swan's ideas on gas. He thinks, also, the company should be compelled to make good gas. If tho coal were bad, and would not make pas as brilliant as sunlight, what was that to Mr. Swan and the Waiotahi Board ? Tho Board also ought to have the power, by giving notice, to buy up the Gas Company, wliethor the Gas Company liked it or not. Upon the same lino of argument, tho Waiotahi Board should be allowed to buy up all the Mining Companies on tho Thames, or tho Banks or the Insurance Companies. Mr. Swan was very wroth, and read all sorts of clauses from all sorts of London Acts, which he considered would apply to the Thames, the two centres of population (London and Short land) being in all respoets so much alike. The Gas Company's bill is to be opposed in Parliament, and Mr. Swan is to be one of a committee who is going to oppose it; and he is under the full conviction that he will succeed.

A special meeting of tlie members of the Improvement Commission was held yesterday afternoon, at the offico of the Commiisioners, Albert Barracks. The following I members were present: —The Hon. G-- M. O'Burke (in the ebair), and Messrs. P. A. Philips, F. P. Fcuton, Tlios. Maoready, and Tlieopiiilus Ileale. The object of tho meeting was to consider the Amended Improvement , Commissioners Uill, which it is intended to J introduce into the next session of the General j Assembly. The clauses of the bill were gone j over seriatim. The preamble of the bill i sets forth that the estate vested in the Com- | missiduevs is comparatively of small value, I as there is no direct means of communica- j tion with the harbour or wharves, or pro- > posed mil way stations, or the business parts of tho city, nor can such ncuess bo made by tho Commissioners without the express authority of the Parliament. _ For the purposes of obtaining such access, it will be necessary that a new street should be formed from Victoria Quadrant, in the vicinity of the Weslevan Chapel, into Shortland-street, and thence" into Fort-street, near its junction with Commerce-street ; and that Victoria-street should be extended into Victoria Quadrant, over land the property of Mr. Thomas Outhwaite. To effect this it is expedient that laues and private alleys in the vicinity of Chancery - street should be abolished, and that, several houses and huts there should bo removed, and that Chancerystreet should be widened. After having considered the bill at length, the Board adjourned. We have received from Messrs. J• Vv'urehain and C. Palmer a very excellently lithographed map of the Waikato district. Nothing could be more opportune. It is a desideratum eagerly looked for during the lust few weeks, and the want is admirably and most seasonably supplied. The scale is four miles to one inch. The area of country covered is from the Whangaroa hurbour, Waikato Heads, Aotea, and Kawhia on the west, to Xauranga harbour on the east; and from the Miranda Eedoubt and Pukorokoro, on the north, to Te Kopua and Orakauon the south. The line of tho confiscation boundary is clearly marked from the north to the souLh and south-west. The Thames, PiaUo, Wairoa, Waikato, and other rivers are clearly defined, and the lauds and districts they pass through enumerated. Those who now aesire to know the locale of the threatened districts can, by the aid of this very handy map, inform themselves at a glauce ; and by marking with a pen from time to time, as information comes to hand, the sceno of any particular act done by Maori and European, the precise area of country covered will be ascertained to a certainty. Aside map, upon a scale of eleven miles to one inch, gives fche extension of the Waipa river beyond Alexandra. Last evening wao a special night at the City Hall. The occasion was marked by the patronage of his Honor the Superintendent and the officers and men of the Soottißh and Engineer Volunteers. The programme was of a special character, embracing, as it did, many of the national melodies of Scotland. The result was that the house was crowded to the doors. Tho entire entertainment was highly successful. We would suggest that before the Carandinis leave us they should devote oil© evening exclusively to sacred music, -which would, we are quite sure, dr<»w together a very large autiience. There is to be another change of programme to-night. The Maoris are very successful in growing 1 nitiizf in tho Buller district.

There has been considerable discussion in Auckland of late as to the amount of sickness and destitution existing here, and the best mode of affording relief. In a recent report by Mr. Graham, tho Relieving Officer, some interesting statistics are set forth, and comparisons made between Auckland and Otago, the two principal provinces of the colony, as regards population. Mr. Graham points out that Auckland contains a far larger proportion of aged persons than Otago, whilst of thoso in the prime of life, !"•? latter province possesses a number beyond what, from its relative population, might be expected. Auckland has nearly twiee the number of persons aged 65 and upwards, as compared with Otago, whilst of those between the ages of 21 and 40, Otago has in round numbers 17,000, and Auckland 13,000. Iu Westland the contrast is even greater, where, out of a population of 15,000, only 40 have attained the age of 65 and upwards, and tho proportion of those from 21 to 40 is in excess of other ages. This disparity of circumstances is attributed in the report to the time and manner of settlement of these provinces. Mr. Graham has suggested on several occasions the advisability of a Board of Guardians being appointed, j with whom should rest the important subject of the relief of the poor—the Board to consist of ratepayers of the several districts, before whom all applications for relief should come, the Relieving Officer acting under their directions, and only administering relief temporarily until the cases- should be invested by the Board, which should meet every week or fortnight. Very great responsibility is now cast upon the Relieving Officer alone, and in cases coming from a distance —such as the Thames and Tauranga—there is great difficulty in ascertaining the real circumstances of the applicants. In too many instances, it is to be feared, the facts stated are only partially true, and the really and truly deserving suffer. That the amount of destitution is not so great as is sometimes represented seems highly probable, but there are without doubt many isolated cases where assistance is from time to time urgently required. It "was well worthy of the consideration of those in authority whether the suggestions of the Returning OtEcsr as to the appointment of a Board «f Guardians might not be adopted with advantage. There are a vast number of "Boards" in existence for all sorts of purposes in Auckland. If one of the right sort could be got together to look after the poor and to see that the really destitute were relieved, and the loafing fraternity prevented from eating the bread of idleness at the public expense, much good would bo done. The subject is one of great difficulty, but it is also of great social importance.

A deputation from Wairoa, consisting of Messrs. Bell (Chairman of the District Board) and Crawford, waited upon liis Honor the Superintendent yeeterday morning, with reference to the road to tile Otau settlement at the Wairoa. At the last session of the Provincial Council ii special Act was introduced, called " The Taupo Road Act," bearing upon the question, its object being to enable the Superintendent to take a road through certain property of Mr. McNiccol. The deputation reported that at a public meeting of the settlers, held on Friday last, it was almost unanimously resolved to recommend the Provincial Government to open up a road from tho settlement, through the flat in front of Mr. Crawford's house to the landing-place. His Honor, who has been in communication with the General Government for the purpose of settling the question brought forward by the deputation, promised to do his utmost to give effect to the expressed wish of the settlers, and Mr. 801 l was requested to see Mr. McNiccol at the earliest opportunity, in order to settle matters. The deputation thanked His Honor and withdrew.

We were shown yesterday, at the Durhamstreet Coach Factory, a very ingenious pieco of mechanism designed to avert a common but dangerous class of accident. Horses frequently bolt because the pin which connects the shafts with the traps comes out, aud permits the shafts to fall about the horses legs. Accidents of this kind have become so sorious and numerous, that much ingenuity has been exercised in devising a remedy; but none that we have seen are so simple, neat, and durable, as this little invention of Mr. Maekie's. Without a plan, it would be difficult to convey an idea; but there are two buggies in the factory now on this principal which may be seen before they are sent away- The utility of this invention cannot bo questioned, and there can be no doubt of its general acceptance when it becomes fully known. Mr. Mackie informs us that he purposes applying for a patent, and calling it " Maekie's Patent Lifepreserving Suackle."

A meeting was held in the Flagstaff Hotel, last, evening, of persons willing to form themselves into a Rifle Corps. The names of twenty-eight persons, who intended to form the corps, were handed in to the meeting. A number of others had promised to join. Mr. W. L. Rees took the chair, when it was resolved that a Volunteer Rifle Corps be formed. After the question had been briefly discussed, the twenty-eight candidates present signed their names to an application to tho Government to be enrolled, as a Rifle Corps, to be called—if their services were accepted—" The Devonport Rifles." It was agreed that tho applications should be forwarded to tho authorities when twelve more names had been obtainod to the requisition. A deputation was appointed to wait upon Dr. Pollen, General Government Ageut, to express to him the feeling of the meeting. Our Papakura correspondent writes : — " The Opaheke School Committeo have appointed Mrs. E. Clarkson as assistant teacher and sewing mistress to the papakura school, and this appoiutment has been confirmed by the Board of Education. Mrs. Clarkson, being an experienced and accomplished teacher, promises to be an important acqu : - sition to our distiict. Mr. Ross continues his

able services as headmaster of the school, and although not fully satisfied with the difference in salary made by tho Board of Education between country teachers and town and suburban, yet he remains at his post, and has generously agreed to continue his instructions in the higher branches, such as mathematics and Latin, 'without making any charge; so that we may reckon ourselves highly privileged iu our educational arrangements."

The Kuranui Hill tunnel, Grahamstown, was lighted with gas for the first time on Tuesday night, by means of four lamps suspended in tho tunnel. A light is fixed iieach end, and in the centre there are two powerful reflectors, so that the light is thrown through the tunnel for a great length. These lamps are fixed at distances about 400 feet apart, and are admirably adapted for the purposes required. The gas-pipea are carried along the timbers near the top of the roof. The meter is securely fixed in an enclosure inside the entrance to the tunnel. A number of people visited the tunnel to witness the effect, and were much pleased with the illuminating power of these lamps. The New Zealand, Gazette contains a summary of the information previously published under the head of " Statistics of Agriculture." The summary is all that is wanted for the purpose of provincial comparison, but it is exceedingly imperfect. The public is left to make its own calculations, for instance, as to the yield per acre. This should have been done officially, Bhowing the comparative yield for each province and the colony. In like manner, an estimate should have been mado of the quantity required for home consumption, and the supplies available for export. Tbe ordinary sitting of the Supreme Court, in banco, was held yesterday. The only proceeding of interest was an argumentation on a motion for a decree for relief in the case of Morrin v. Ropata. A decree was made, costs to be considered in chambers. The case of Harris v. Macfarlane (costs upon leave to appeal) waa postponed to this day. Frederick Lee waa adjudged a bankrupt on his own petition. In our report recently published of the presentation of prizes at the Industrial Home, Parnell, we omitted to state tba.t a very handsome work-box was given as a prizo for good conduct to one of the scholars, by Mis. P. A. Puiliye.

"Snyder," in the Weiext J* °u 8 ° f the small towns the Middle Island, where there are two churches but, where one of them only has a bell, an application bus been made to those gentle men who hold the bell and the Church equally under trust, to know whether they w.ll allow the bell to be rung at eight o clock m the morning, at mid-davf and at BIX o clock m the evening, as a signal for working men in the town to know vhen thev are to commence work and when to knock off, when, in abort to " leave labour for refreshment, ana refreshment for labour" The clergyman of the church sees no objection to such a thing; in fact, approves of it - thinks it would bo a convenience to working men scattered about, and when there is no public clock to show, by sign or sound, the time of day. His opinion ia supported by the clergyman of another denomination. Both t.re agreeable, but the trustees are not. They say it would be desecration that a bell intended to call people to church should be used to call people out of bed or to their diuner. So I say " Yerv good indeed. It's all right, you know'. You Mr. Trustee, act according to your convictions—there's no doubt about that But now, bear this in mind, that when you ring the siuiun-room bell to tf" your maid Sarah Jane to briug up a log or tw of firewood, you are not to use the same bell when you call her up for family worship "

A serious accident occurred at One'uunoa on Monday last, writes our correspondent, which was very near proving fatal to an old resident. It appears that a man, by the name of Cass in the employ of Messrs. E. G-ibbons aad Co",' was proceeding along the ro id between here and Auckland wii;h a waggon, and wa» descending Coffee's Hill, when, by a sudden jerk of the vehicle, he was thrown to the ground, and Ilia waggon pasued over his body, breaking one of hiß jaws, and doing him other serious injury. Ho was immediately attended by Dr. Purchas, under whose care he is progressing favourably.

The Thames Advertiser of yesterday guys : The Native Office Reform League are to" hold a meeting this evening. It, in said that a gross case of misappropriation and wasteful expenditure has been made out, and substantiated bv facts, against the present Native and Defence Office. The members of the committee have expended a considerable amount of time and thought on tho business which they have taken in hand, and we believe the revelations they have to make, supported by statistical evidence, will bo of a ratuer start'iug character. Wo yesterday inspected a very fine assortment of chromo-lithographs at tho establishment of Mr. Xurrell, bookseller, Queenstreet. They have been recently received direct from Knglaud, and embrace subjects of various descriptions, but most of them are illuatrativo of ope:i-air scenery. Many of them are really beautiful works of art, and the entire collection is worth a visit. These chromos can be obtained at about o.ie-third of the cost of ordinary water-colour painting while they are fully equal to them in styT. effect, and durability. A very fine specimen of pure copper (savs the Olago Daily Times) was found among the Excelsior company's claim at Quartz Reef Point, near Cromwell, by Mr. C. Seymour, a fen- days ago. Mr. Seymour states that Beveral other specimeus of the same miner/ 1 ' have lately been picked up in the claim. These indications, the Cromwell Argus says, seem to point conclusively to the existence o; a copper lode somewhere on the western slope of the Duustan range. No less than thirty dogs were destroy ' at the Police-office yard last ovening, uedt-r the provisions of the Djg Nuisanco Act. Some people compluin that the police du not sufficiently do their duly in the capturing of stray dugs, without collars or owners, but a few such onslaughts as have been made within the past tew days, ought to materially le£3en the number of vagrant curs. Sixpence each is psi 1 to the man who carries away theso dogs for burial. Papers are to be laid before tho Oiagu Council relative to the defence of Otago from external aggression. If the port could be defended at an outlay of £150,000, the expenditure would be justified, said tho Superintendent in his address to the Council. The sale of English-made household furniture, piano, birds, gun, books, dwellinphouse and grounds, now in the occupation of Mr. S. Hague Smith, Ponsonby Road, aajoii - iug tho new park, will take place this morniu;., at eleven o'clock. —[Aoyr.] A miner named Malachi Conlon has been killed at Rielly's Gully, in the Arnold district, through the fall of several tons of eartli in his claim. Numerous landslips have occurred in different localities of the Grey district. The Southland Times says that it is stat.-d on pretty good authority that the partiewho have recently acquired mineral leases at the Nightcaps, will shortly take steps to form an extensive coal-mining company in Southland. The proposal of Messrs. O'Neill, Thorn'."? and Co., to lay down street tramways Christchurch, has been declined by the City Council. The Provincial Council of Canterbury lus recommended the Superintendent to set apas i 101,000 acres of waste lands at an endowment for a School of Agriculture. An Invercargill paper understands that during the months of March and April, close upon 440 tons of wheat were sent down from Winton by the railway. A telegram has been received lit Aucklar.c', stating that the Hero would U-avo Sydney ui: the 24th instant, so that that vessel may looked for to-morrow evening. We understand that the ship W oodlark left London-on the 25th February last for Auckland, with 117 iini»?*£i*ants on board (40 male adults, 43 females, aud 29 children). The large number of 241 objections to claims to vote have been lodged in the Grey Valley district. A new industry has been started in Tiraaru, namely, the manufacture of tooth and bair brushes. A covey of partridges, numbering sixteen fine full-grown birds, were lately flusheu ao Lawrence, Otago.

A case of law books, latest editions, halfbound in calf, will be eold fit noon to-day by Messrs. S. Cochrane and Son. —[Adtt.J The only inmate in the lock-up last evenit'g was a solitary drunkard. Scarlatina is prevalent atHokitika. Notice is giren by his Worship tlie Mayor thati t is the intention of the City Council, on Monday next, to make a general rate for the ensuing twelve months of ono shilling in the pound on all rateable property within the city. lenders are required by the District Inspector of Telegraphs for tbe supply and delivery of 750 Telegraph posts for the construction of a line of telegraph between Cambridge and Alexandra. Notice is given by the Chairman of tbo Kaukapakapa Highway District tha « r i in arrears on the 10th June will be handed over to a solicitor for recovery. F. Martin gives notice that he intends to apply for a transfer of the licence now held by him for the Papasura Hotel, to Nicholas Simms. A dividend of 2s 6d per share will be payable in the Kurunui Ooid Mining Company on Saturday next. The annual general meeting of the Moanatairi G.M. Co. will be held in the large.room of tho Insurance Buildings, at noon, to-day. A meeting of the trustees of the Aucklan Savings Bank will be held on Monday after noon at three o'clock. . A meeting of the creditors of Frederick Lee has been convened for the June. ... The Excelsior Star Variety Troupe of Minstrels will give a performance at the .rr of Wales Theatre on Monday evening nci-