OUR HOME LETTER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIV, Issue 4900, 31 July 1877, Page 2

OUR HOME LETTER.

The New Zealand Parliament was opened en the 19th July. Wo print elsewhere the speech delivered by His Excellency em the occasion, which has been regarded ■throughout the colony as very meagro and unsatisfactory. Major Atkinson's Ministry is not a strong one in any respect. The men composing it are not (with the exception of Mr. Whitakor, tho Attorney-General,) tho'equals in ability of many of those who are free to criticiso their measures, and they are engaged in completing a change in the Constitution which has been unpopular with a large section of the community. But tho Ministry are strong by the divisions of their opponents, who, up to this time, have not been able to find ground on ■which they can act together. Several important measures have been, or are to be, brought forward by the Ministry. The local Government legislation of the Jast session will have to be amended, and bills have been already introduced to provide for the establishment of a uniform system of education, to amend and consolidate tho laws referring to mining, and for the support of charitable institutions. The Ministry are also to bring in a bill dealing with tho subject of native land. For sorao years .the Government have teen purchasing blocks of land from the natives, but the system has not been satisfactory, and on that account, and also "because the Government have no funds to continue purchasing, they are to cease operations, and to give facilities for purchases being made by private parties. Many and strong objections are made to the Government proposals on this subject, and the bill will certainly not pase into law in its present state. Mr. William Fox, who for many years occupied a prominent position in New Zealand politics, is again in the House of Representatives, but does not seek office, and it is understood that he will give a general support to Ministers. Mr. Stafford, takes the same course. It is believed that a great deal will hinge on the financial policy of Ministers, which is to be laid before the House to-night. The revenue has fallen to tho extent at least of £30,000 or £40,000 short of the estimates. Nothing has transpired as towhat theGoverninent intend to propose in regard to finance.

People do not expect to obtain particulars or detailed information from a royal or gubernatorial speoch, but the specimen with which the Parliament of New Zealand was opened disappointed everybody except those who expected nothing. It will strike eveiyono at once as extraordinary that no mention is made of the financial position of the Colony. It is well known that there will be a deficiency on the estimates, and although this will probably not bo bo large as the sum which has been stated by Ministerial opponents, still, in view of the apprehension which has been caused on the subject, and its groat importance. Ministers ought to have referred to the question of finance. What can Ministers ruoan when they fill a whole paragraph about Captain Campbell-Walker and his report on the forests, and lea're the critical financial position of the Colony unnoticed! The Public Works scheme, with all its complications, past, present, and future, is adverted to in the following by-the-by style : —" You will be glad to learn that experience continues to show, with growing distinctness, the benefits which this Colony derives, as well in the form of increasing revenue as otherwise, from its system of public works." Seeing that the Customs returns ha.ve shown a considerable falling oft' lately, the basis of this sentence seems rather weak. Ministers know that sinco last session they have borrowed a million from one bank and half-a-million from another to continue public works ; surely that ought to have been mentioned. Thej , know that further works will have to be entered upon, and that it is believed they will again have to go to the London market to borrow, and surely that was of sufficient importance to claim notice. But on all these points we have not one word, while we are told that we "will be glad to "learn that experience continues to show with growing distinctness," &c. It may almost be said to be a characteristic of this address—which must become historically famous as a curiosity of style —to relegate everything of importance to the fag-end of a sentence. On the subject of our relations with the natives, we are told nothing at all, but at the conclusion of the opening paragraph of the Speech—the " congratulatory" paragraph —members and the country are felicitated ■' upon our continual improving relations with the native people." Besides having all the other faults attaching to the Speech, this statement is arrant nonsense. The native people are divided into two sections—the Kingites, and those living quietly within the Europe.-m settlements. The intention of the words used in the Speech is to convey to the Colony and to England the impression that our relations with the Kingites are " continual improving." The Native Minister knows well enough that it is not so ; that there is absolutely no change in the attitude or position of the Kingites towards ourselves. Dr. Pollen has tried them in every way at Waikato and at Taupo, and has always had the aukati erected befors him, and has been forced to stop the construction of roads where the natives objected. He has not been able to induce the Kingites to give up murderers—even those whose crimes had nothing political about them ; and his latest attempt—intended as a stroke for the meeting of Parliament—to get up a meeting between Tawhiao and the Governor was a failure, Tawhiao declaring that he saw no use in such a meeting, unless hi 3 Excllency was prepared to hand back Waikato. In the face of such ill-success in native matters, we do not see that there is any ground for congratulation.

Even those wno proposed ami seconded the Address in Reply had less to say say for the Speech thanagainstit, and those ■who were inclined to hostile criticism had no difficulty in finding points of attack. The hon. member for Auckland Uity West, Dr. Wallis, opened tha campaign with a brisk attack on tho Government, assailing the Counties Act, and also the one Bill which the Ministry have given tho country an opportunity to criticise, namely, the Native Land Bill. We do not suppose that the tone of tho speech of Dr. AVallis, or of any other member, can at present be taken to indicate the course which the Opposition are about to adopt, but it is clear that tfic proposals to strengthen the Counties at the expense of the Road Boards—which it is understood the Government arc about to make—will be opposed by a large number of members, and that unless Ministers consent greatly to modify the bill referring to native lands, it will be thrown cut. It is probable that the policy of tins Government during the session will be a supple one, and they will not hesitate to change their measures materially to suit tho prevailing temper of the House. At all events, it must be admitted that Ministers have made a bad commencement with the work of the session.

An education bill treating the Colony as one, was a necessary sequence of late political changes, and in the bill introduced by Mr. Boivon, we have the proposals of the 'Ministry on the subject. We should like to sue as little as possible of party spirit introduced into the discussion of this measure. Perhaps the point to which most person? will iirst turn, is to sue how tho bill deals with the "religions dilliculty," which has always bsun the great

! Thol.il! providw "that :h>: school eljjili be opened v.-«'ory inurni:ig miu.li U«o reading of iho Love's l.Y:».vu:' and ,i portion of the Holy Scrip*; ' :«." Y>'ith this exception, tlio leaching is to bo entirely of a secular character, and no child shall attend at the reading abovementioned if his or hor paronts and guardians inform the committecor teacher ina writing that they object to such attendance. It is also provided that the school buildings may be used on days and at hours oilier than those- used for secular instruction upon such terms as the cominittoniiiy from tinio to time prescribe, subject to the approval of the Board. It is also provided that no child shall bo compelled to be present at tlio teaching of history. The bill contains compulsory clausos, and it is provided that in the IS'onh Island at least 5 per cent, of the waste land must bo reserved as educational endowments. The position of the different district •. of the Colony as to endowment* is to bo equalised to a certain extent by dciluctionsbeing made from the moneys pay; h'c by Government. Government is to pay £3 10s for each child from the Consolidr..>: ! Fund, and a fee of 10s is to be paid vy the parents of each child attending '; During the past month, tho Auckl; ■;■! Waterworks have been formally and o:i; ciallyopenod. Although for some time p:vn tlio city hae enjoyed an instalment of Ihe advantages tobederivedfromthepossessi on of an adequate supply of water in the numerous standpipes which have been erected in the streets, it was not until a few di.y.s ago that the works could be said to bo altoI gather completed and regularly handed over. Now Auckland may be said to possess not only an adequate supply of water for domestic purposes, but such as from its great pressure and quantity, will give a comparative immunity from disastrous fires. more shall wo have to listen to the grievous complaints made in times past, when the exertions of tho city tire brigades and others were, on occasions when fires raged, rendered fruitless, because no water was available Tho tests made at tho various fireplugs on proved conclusively that'the pressure was sufficient to send tho water in largo volumes over the tops of tho highest buildings in tho city. Well might the Mayor say that Auckland may be congratulated on the possession of her Waterworks. Notwithstanding many predictions to the contrary, the work has been carried to a successful issue. The plant is second to none in the Colony, and it is now abundantly proved that no scarcity need be feared at tho Springs, for there was more water flowing to Trasto out of the enclosure yesterday than that which is required for the supply of the city, and even in times of tho greatest drought there is evidence that the supply available at the Western Springs is littlo affected. The regular half-yearly meeting of the New Zealand Insurance Co. was held on 11th July, when the usual report and balancesheet were presented to tho shareholders ; showing the posiiion of the company and its progress and prospects. By reference to the figures in the balance-sheet, it will be seen that the income from premiums alone amounted to £100,720. this shows a steady and satisfactory increase upon the business of the corresponding period last year, and is the largest sum ever received during tho period named. The income from investments and other sources amounted to £9,567, making a total of £110,257 from these two sources. Against these receipts must be placed the losses, which tho report states have been exceptionally high, and are given iu tho balance-sheet, the expenses of managomeat and the interest upon the paid-up capital. We think tho company have acted wisely in reducing the dividend of 20 per cent, per annum—previously paid for the half-year ending May 31 -to"one equal to 15 per cent, per annum, and adding the surplus profit to the reserve or reinsurance fuutl.

An addition of £30,000 has been made to this fund, partly by a revaluation of securities, and it now stands at £100,000, whilst the paid-up capital is :C200 ; 000. Altogether the report is a satisfactory one for the r.hareholders, and shows that the company maintains its leading position.

The growing importance of the timber industry of this district has within the last few daj*3 received a most striking illmitration in the purchase of the Tairua Saw Mill and its timber leases by the Union Sash and Door Company, for the sum of £32,500. The Tjirua Company are no doubt well satisfied with the bargain they hive made, as it is a very much higher figure than the propert3' was in the market for a fow years ago. The success which has follow -I the operations of the Union Company, in their extensive operations on the \Vairoa River, and also at Mechanics Bay, bids fair to make them the wealthiest corporation of the kind in the colouies.

It is satisfactory to know that tho Thames mines during the past month have shown upon the whole a very good return, and sustained the improvement that has been current for several months past. There has been no very great or exceptional yield on this occasion, if we except the Alburnia Company, which is about a thousand ounces more than has of late fallen to their lot. Tho general yield from the mines and tributes have kept up, and there is every prospect that the present term of operations will bo profitable to shareholders when the monthly returns fall in. The sharemarket has of late been a true index of the mines, for there has been no great advance in the value of the shares, but stocks are held firmly, indicating that the mines are yielding well, but not sufficiently brilliant to warrant a fover of speculation. On July 1C the directors of the Alburnia Company met, and, after looking into the state of their finances, resolved to declare a dividend of 10s per scrip share, which absorbs £4000. Tho rep.erve fund was augmented by £500, and it now stands at £2500, while there is a balance of £SOO left to meet current expeuses for the month. The Jloanataiari Company directors also had the pleasure of declaring a dividend, small in proportion to what it has been of lato in tho habit of doing, but nevertheless equally acceptable. The sum declared was 5s per scrip share, which amounts to £3375, with £5150 added to tho reserve fund, the latter item now standing at the respectable sum of £5500, with about £800 carried to the next mouth's balance. The total amount of dividends ordered to bo distributed recently amounted to £7375, and, with the 4s per ■ hare declared by the Queen of iSeauty Gold Mining Company a few days ago, tho total :-um will represent about £10,000.

During this week it is expected that tho extension of the Auckland aud Waikato Railway from Mercer to Ngaruawahia, will In: opened for public trallic. If the rates of freight are made reasonable a large amount 'if coaJ will bo conveyed from the mines on 1 he banks of tho Waikato River to the Auck. l.ind market. With abundance of cheap ■joal a large impetus will be given to many manufacturing concerns, besides enabling ihe Government to run the trains at leas cost for fuel than at present. Sir. Fallon, the contractor for the permanent way of tho Kailway line between Mercer and Xgaruowahia, has brought his labours to ;i successful close. It has been a matter of surprise that Mr. Fallon could have fulfilled the conditions of his contract without a pecuniary loss, his price havin" been some !:bOOU below the next lowest tender for the undertaking. Xo doubt the weather and other circumstances (to nit, the labour market), has been exceptionally propitious for him. lie has anticipated his contract time by a month. !he opening of this lino will confer a

yreat boon on the travelling public. An important alteration, and one which will

!).: hailed with delight, i≤ tho new arrangewent for a daily mail service in tin; Waikato Mr. IT. K. Garter, the well-known coach proprietor and whip, who is the present mail contractor, has received instructions from the postal authorities to hold himself in readiness to enter upon tho new arrangement on the Ist August.

'['lie lctuni of tho quantity and valuu uf "old entered for duly for exportation from :<u:v Zealand, from tho Ist April, 1557, to 30LU June. 1577, shows S,-J55,0770zs w-hicd at £33,000,82(3. The gold entered for exportation during the quarter ended 30tli June last, amounted to 99,0250z5., valued at £401,545.

Tho Jon ;■- " ' -nht aUuok wi iha \ Lily K-r.lcV... ..„....• ■ '•- ';!-.■..1 to "s-y p.-LSsiy i-T v. itliLiit; .-. -ing'e iiittn it accident, although long before iho Volunteers marched down to tiiko up their positi'>n3 for the dufeneo of the city and tho repulse of tho invaders, immense orowrts thronged tho Railway Wharf and embankment." 'I'!'" night was beautifully finu and clear, the moon shining brightly, ami ovoi-y----thing tended tf. inako thu naval ami military display a suocußa. The attacking party, consisting of l.ho Naval Brigade and the Hob.son Company, under the supreme command of Captc.in Lc Koy, but oltioered by Lieutenant Chapman ami Sub-Lieutenant Parker of tlio Navulx, and Captain Dignau, Lieutenant Clifton, and Sublieutenant Connolly, of tho Hob.son. Company, occupy in;; tho pinuancu ami two boats, took no a position in tho man-of-wr f/i-iuui'l. Captain '\ •:■.>'.. v::v; in :jc.,>;"<:iif. <\>ui;{ tl'o Artillery. ir.ui-T Cajiinu :!<mn :\nd t-.i-.-. <;.;!vu;h!.;i-:"iv. ■.-.-•th Uic i:ut:s. u>. Lor Lii-u----l-iT.:-ts ;'-< :■,'l Norri.! du.l ih'J third I.Mf c-.'v.i>w- , ' .vi ••:,■!. a.vU--i as .-n.-™t >:::-::er r ! .1.-iiv;S<--:;..-.;iu: Tho \"- C.-n----mr.v ■■■■■■■ "-.•.•••■-.ii.ioiS,' 1.-cut -U.ial. M;.i kav l-.r.'X' ::'.'■ ii . ,::-T..-i.al SUhliK-T: ■'".. v.j. :: (W.p.i -... :■•-. ..i. I .i.-.r. C-iu-.nl. ::00n.:'., _ . ihl . .■:-.->i;ish, •.. »"'■'.■■"■■■;. ' >'■ ■';il>-C'.-i'it-.in l!.t:'ji"rsi!i, -.ml t:ic ' '''.'■■ . •■- (.i.'i:U:i:-..i;, ICii-jU-.i- -!;i.: ".■■■.,l, ; " v.<- .- ■ uundiou wV.k-h «:,j .iiviiK-.i >.■. ':•- - ■- t.v:!-i!!;-. |,;-itv •■i-.lUil invnrd. , ' th:- i'-.i'v. :i; Wharf, :i:i.l liu- ball \v:.s o { ,;: ,\ ■, : iu: .:>.-■- tuucu i.»ugu, to which the pinnace-gun warmly responded. As the distance decreased the infantry opened a galling" lire on the boats, of a nature which was calculated to carry destruction to tlio invaders. The tiring from the boats was also spirited. However, tliu attacking parti' was repulsed. They could not escape their fate. They then attempted to land at the W yivyard Pier. A strong picket was left on the wharf, and the guns wcro limbered up aud taken at the double to a position on the Kailway embankment, and the two divisions of ICugincers acting as supports, and thi half of the Artillery Company as escort. These also assisted in the repulse by tiring vollies. The guns were brought into action on the embankment, on the right of the Victoria Company, tho Scottish Company being to tho right of tho nuns, and tho No. 3 Company occupying a position on the Wyuyard Pier. The Engineers wcro then brought down, one division to strengthen tho N T o. 3 Company, and the other formed on the loft of the Victoria Company, each company (iring alternate volleys. The boats being thus exposed to a well-sustained tiro from an extended front, had to give up the attempt to obtain a lauding ; but they pulled round iu a curved course, ami, passing under tho Wharf, obtained a landing on the soil of Now , Zealand at the steps. Tho picket slowly retired on the main body, iu skirmishing order. The main body was drawn up iu coluam opposite the YVaikato goodsshed, with the guns on the left. Tho whole of the companies were formed into fours, except the leading company—tho Kngiucera, which, after firing a volley, also formed fours, so as to allow the company immediately behind to march through them. This movement was executed by each company in succession in a very creditable manner, and was repeated. The enemy was now in force at tho juuctiju of tho Breakwater and tho liailvay embankment. The Artillery was run iu front on the loft of tho column, iiiing a round after each company while positions were buiug changed. Uy this time the opposing parties were so close that the com manding oflicer, fearing danger, ordered the loading company to lire and lie down, and this was done by each successive company until the rear company had lircd. Thou the order was reversed, and the rear company iired over the heads of the others, and .so on i-i succession, each rising to lire until the front company was again brought to its fret. The. enemy then retired in good order. They contested every foot of ground, but they were linally driven into their boats, the Hobson Company covering tho embark, alion, aud a well-sustained lire from the pinuace gun assisting. As the boats made roulid towards Mechanics Bay, after being driven off, firing was continued till they went out of sight. The column then, headed by the bancls'of the Victoria ami. Artillery corps, marched back to tho Drill-!iall, where the i-tlicers won. called to the frout, and Captain Derrom i.hankr.i tlicm and compH menteri tho com panic; on tho success of the engagement. Advantage 'was taken of the monthly inspection parados of the Artillery Company ,iii(l tlio .No. 3 Company to examine fnnr officers, in order to decide whether thev were entitled to their commission.-). The board of examining officers consisted of Captain Anderson (Engineer Company), Chairman ; Lieutenant Payne (Artillery) and Lieutenant Million (Hobson Company), and the otlicers to undergo examination were —Lieutenant Robinson (No. 3 Company), Lieutenants Codling and Home (Scottish Company), and Lieutenant N'orric (Artillery). There was a very large muster of tlio Artillery Company under the command of Captain liurns, and in the course of a long and exhaustive drill, as infantry as well .is in the big gun drill, they exhibited :v very groat amount of precision and steadiness in the ranks. The Xo. S Company, on the contrary, was little more than a skeleton, and there was m> olliccr present belonging to it, except Lieutenant Robinson, wiio had to undergo his examination. Thcra was also a large attendance of the general public and Volunteers belonging to other companies, in plain clothes, evidently showing that more interest was felt in the procecJings than is ordinarily evinced iu parades. Lieutenant Kobinsou called his company to attention, and put them through a series of movements iu the mauual, platoon, and firing exercise, with fair Kuccces. The Artillery Company having been first put through squad drill bv tlio sergeant-major himself, the company wan handed over to Lieutenant Norrie, and this young oflicer proceeded to put the company through the various exercises proscribed in a very creditable manner. Subsequently he exercised the detachments at big gun drill, and here he was highly successful. The Artillery Company was then handed over to Lieutenant Codling, and he handled them for some time. In" tho manual and firing exercise he displayed fair proficiency, and readiness. Lieutenauc Home took thcXo. 3 Company after Liuutenauc Robinson, and showed considerable -skill and knowledge by the manner in which he put them through the requisite evolution a and movements/ The Hoard of ollicurri then retired to the oilier;, where they examined the candidates on their theoretic knowledge, but tho result of thr; r.vaminntion h-i.j not yet been made public.

The inspection parade of tin: Auckland Kn giucer Cadetn took pl.ice on tho "J3rd -July, m the Drill Hall. There wasa large muster of the Company, under C.:pt,ain White, and they went through their drill and marching movements in a very creditable manner. The Company now musters over 00 strong, After the parade was over, and the roll called, and the inspecting ollicer had retired, Captain White produced a very handsome set of belts ami smml. Dn the pouch belt was an elaborately chased silver plate, on which was-mgraved " Presented to Sergoant-Major Masltm.from the Auckland Engineer (.Virtu, 1377." Vergeant-Major llnslcm, th« drill instructor, having arrived, was received with .liiplause. Captain White, in making the presentation, an id that himself and the ..Ilieers and members of the ICnnineir Cadets had much pleasure in prci'.'iiting this .small token of respect and esteem for him. He liiul been their instructor since the company

■■•.as- fm-iii-v!, aii.l had always been kind and aMcntive to them, and had done his brat at all time* to bring them forward in their drill, and in many other ways he had aided them in their progre,-;. They, therefore, hoped he would accept this gift, and joiiud in wishing him long life to wow the decoration (which lie then" placed on liia breast, at the tamo time clasping the sword-b«lt round his waist). Three hearty elders were then given for Sergcant-Major Haslv.m. When quietness was restored, tho Sergeant Major returned thank-') to the ollivuri ami members for the handsome present they had male to him, and fur th.> kir.d expressions of friendship and goodwill oxuivpsud by (J.iplni-i White, lie had only .lone hi« duty, but ho f.-H. happy in gainiui; thuir goodwill :i ,u\ esteem, and in return wished them nil happy and prosperous liven. Three more eheer.4 \vro then given for the Sergeant-Major, and three moro for Captain White

x.rriv , - :>. ,■■■:):■■."'■'v,::ry.. ; T-n .!•-•■.•!. lo A-;mli;',u, <;.■.: y '.1,.; prl'THi:,' ! chiefs of Ibo ;v^l,iw!:-ii=-. ; .'.- •:. i! .'it (Vu.-i • until rcecnUv.' TI-- '.V.c ;.• '..■'• - '. i.lhh n'jvoiity yc-ii.-: ■ r ■ '<■.;, h."- '■ :...-. iug from spinal cii»<.<wi, iu; ..■:, _ ..i. •■•' - ; Ins body was latterly bent liko a bow. He was a very nblo epeaker <if tin tribe, and was spokesman on tlioir behalf at the con. foreueu lielil at Maketu with .Sir Donald McLean in 1574, when the questions afl'ectiug the Arawa lands were undor discussion. Ho claims to bo mviwi , of a vast arua of country, end, uuliko Ins countrymen as a rule, ho has made a will ; he directs that all his laud shall bo sold, a portion of tho procowls to bo devoted to the expenses attending Ilia tan*/: and fu.ior.il, and wo [Bay of Plenty T'nnr<s) have heard that tho balance 13 to fo towards repairing the celebrated carved house! " Tamate Iv»l>ua,"at Uotorua, in w'.'Hi building his corpse is now lying in Tin- Hay of Plenty Times has the following ie'.[>••.:'.iiiK Tenuicra to Anialiau : —This dis-biniV.ii-'ih.'d chief died at Ohineinutu on the ■Js.l; of June. Tradition says his ancestors .■■■■••■'. ~:id Matatua. JTo had near relations j :.:; .!;, loading tribes (if this island except ISpaouhi. We are informeil tliat for sonic } ■'■'ir'n iVimiora to Amah.iu tojk a very active part ir. ■;.!:■■ worli: of the Church Missionary .-:■ -.it .v, Ij'it tmbsequently ho .was employed I>\ t.I-.T i.ii:'.cn\nient, who found him invalu- .-■ 1 ii- .if. :> Mediator between the various hapus .■.i, , . ...-!..■. and the authorities. For these .-.T\'>■.■ ii received a pension ot £20 per .-: ; :iiiii:! for life, lie was a diplomatist; of no :iw:!ii 1 : l>-r, and was particularly successful ■,\V.;ihr. .uttered the listh against the late >'.'t; ,i: .'■']■!:. ter at Macotu, and, in removing the veil, displayed Hie rottenness of the Government, policy in all it:> bearings on the natives. During tho last five years Temuera hi-3 been bedridden, and had to be carried to his hath and back again daily. The natives have been coming and going ever since his death. There is no doubt tliat they have groat cause to regrot the death of one who at all times proved himself true to his nationality, and spent many years of his life in a vain endeavour to stop the advance of civilisation, fancying this was tho cause of the rapid decrease of the Maori population. Tho cniliu—a very handsome one, with silver mountings—was furnished by the Government. The Hev. lliia To Aim having arrived from Maketu, the service of the Church of Knglaud was read, and the body committed to tho ground in the presence of a largo number of natives and Europeans. An Alexandra correspondent of our Waikato contemporary, writing on native matters, says :—There is very little native news just now; all aro busy preparing their laud for cropping. An old man at Otorohanga, while going to the river for water, slipped in, leaving his blanket oil the bank. His body was picked up by soimi natives in a passing canoe, floating on the water. He was quite dead. Young TuUwhiao is still ill at Ivopui, but is somewhat better.