Untitled

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 5757, 30 April 1880, Page 4

The Hon. the Attorney-General and the Hon. the Native Minister left Onehunga yesterday, about noon, for the S'-uth. The Hinemoa had to leave so early on account of the tide, and will have to time her speed to as to be off New Plymouth at daylight. Mr. Bryce will land, and proceed along the coast to the stations o£ the Armed Constabulary, while Mr. Whitater will probably ga on to Wellington. During his stay in Auckland, Mr. Bryce has transacted a large amount of business, which could not hare been dealt with by him from his office at Wellington. A letter was received in town yesterday from Sir George Grey, stating that he wonld leave the Kawau on "Wednesday, reaching Auckland on Wednesday evening. .Arrangements are being made for a meeting, which will probably take place on Thursday in the Theatre Royal, Sir George's address will, it is expected, be on the present political situation. It will be regarded with intereEt by the entire colony. Sir George is not now the leader of the Opposition—indeed, there is practically no opposition—bnt his speech will be the best indication whether the formation of an Opposition party in possible or not. It is believed that Sir George will not say much about the pr.st, but that he will point out what be believes to be the errors of the present Ministry, in policy and practice. At the meeting of the Waste Lands Board yesterday, a number of important subjects came on for disiussion. The proceedings are of more tban usual interest, and we refer our readers to the report, which appears in another column. The Mayor intimates, by advertisement, that the price of water by the meter is reduced to Is 3d per 1000 gallons. By the conviction yesterday of the proprietors of two totalisators, the police become •possessed of two of these valuable instruments, and the public will bo curious to know their ultimate destination. We have ieard of museums connected with police establishments, and if due care ha 3 been taken in Auckland there ought now to be a fair beginning made, considering how icaoy illicit stills, &c., have been seized. The charges of embracery preferred against Messrs. S. Coombes and A. M. Williams, who stand charged with attempting to timper with jurors summoned to try the case in which S. E. Hughes was prose :uted for indecent assault on a female, come od for hearing at the Police Court to-tlay. A great deal of general interest is manifested, as these are, we believe, the first cases of the kind ever tried in Kew Zealand. Tn yesterday's paper, in the abstract of proceedings of the General Synod, an error was made of a small word of importance to the sense. It was printed "the disestablishment of the Mother Church in Englaca or Ireland " —the word or should hive t# 6o and. His Grace Archbishop Steins will opto the devotional services for the month of May, at the Roman Catholic Cathedral tonight, and will proceed on the following day to Pukekohe, where he will office next Sunday,

Analysing the proportion of trades and occupations reported in tha last addition to the ceasns tables, some striking results appasir. The Press says the most noticeable fact brought ont by the figures is the small number of people in this colony really encaged in pursuits which are in the proper tense of the word reproductive. The great staple exports of the colony—the sources from which we derive the greater portion of our wealth—are wool, gold, grain, and animal products, such as preserved meats, leather, tallow, &c. Yet the number of people engaged in producing these commodities is small compared with the reßt of the population. This state of things prove* the existence in this community of a great inclination on the part of many to undertake the real work of colonisation. The iesulfc is the population of our towns is altogether out of proportion to that of the country. Instead of directing their energies to developing the vast resources of the colony, men prefer living upon each other. At the next meeting of the Thames County Council, which will be held in a few days a notice of motion re the amalgamation'of the l»cal bodies will most likely come up for discussion. This is a matter which has attracted 6ome attention here lately, and there is a considerable section of the commuuity who are of opinion that the amalgamation of at least some of the local bodies would greatly conduce to the welfare of the district. There is very little doubt, considering the size and population ot the place, that the Thames is possessed of too many local governing bodies, and, as frequently happens in such cases, these bodies are constantly clashiug with one another. So locg as there are two cnrporations, each holding certain rights in the same water-races, each using the same mains and each having the privilege of supplying water to sections of the community, just so long may dissentions be expected. There are other matters also which are constant causes of conflict between these two bodies. Numbers of the mines are in the County, while nearly all the batteries are in the Borough. It follows, therefore, that to get the quartz from thc3o mines crushed it has to be carted over the Borough roads, causing a constant wear and tear, and necessitating frequent repairs, and yet from these mines the Borough derives no revenue whatever, and batteries are not rateable pro • periy. Of course ic will be a difficult matter, to get the County Council to agree to any proposal that would be likely to reduce its levenue ; but it is very questionable whether the Thames people will submit much longer to be burdened with the cost of maintaining so many local bodies, the salaries of the paid officials alone absorbing a considerable sum out of the rates.—[Thames Correspondent.]

The Hobson County Council are about to execute a much-needed work, the erection of a bridge across the Kaihu Creek, in the upper part of the Northern Wairoa River. Tenders are now called for the work. When a bridge is put across this creek, travelling on tbe°Western side of the Northern Wairoa River will be safer than it haa bsen, and be the means of causing fewer drowning cases than the past has on record. An "Old File" desires to set Mr. James Robertson, of Mangere, right in respect to the error he has fallen into. He states that "Sir George Grey was in Auckland on the occasion of the invasion of the Ngatipaoa, in ISSI, and Dot at Wellington, as Mr. Robertson alleges. His Excellency left for Wellington a week after that event—on the 24th April—in H.M.S. Ply. Mr. Robertson is also mistaken as to Colonel Wynyard having been Acting-Governor at the period when the affray took place, as that officer was not sworn in as Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of New Ulster until the 26th, two days after Sir George Grey's departure for the South. Another correspondent, "An Old Uolonist," is anxious also ti enlighten Mr. Robertson. In proof that Sir George Grey was in Auckland at the period alleged, he states that "a deputation of Auckland citizens waited on Sir George Grey on that day (the 17th of April, 1851), and amoogst whom were the late Mr. William Connell and Mr. J. A. Gilfillan. His Excellency received them at Government House in uniform, and on their departure he left for Mechanics' Bay, for the purpose of seeing that his orders, with reference to the Maori war party, had been carried out. It will thus be seen from the above statements that the assertions made in the article, "Memorials of Old Auckland," are fully corroborated, and Mr. Robertson must try again. Mr. Robertson was engaged in business in Mechanics' Bay at the time, which makes his errors the more incouiprehensible. This controversy respecting a comparatively recent event, which many now in this province mu3t have witnessed, shows the difficulties attending the writing of history.

The Taranaki Ilerald states that the eruption at the Sugar Loaves has ceased. Several persons went out on Sunday last to examine the fissure, and they found that the steam which was being emitted during the last week had entirely subsided, and there <vas no presence of heat. A coaeh-driver, named Henabaw, in the employ of Mr. William Kelly, of Tauranga, came up thence by the s.s. Glenelg, on Wednesday night, to obtain surgical treatment for a broken leg. It appears Henshaw and another man were amusing themselves when the former was knocked down. He fell heavily and broke the bone of one of his legs about six inches above the ancle. It wa3 attempted to remove him from the steamer yesterday morning in an express ; but, as the jolting caused him great pain, he requested to be taken to the hospital on a stretcher. Bis request was complied with. Mr. Roberfcshaw, the at Hantly, was entertained, ac the Coal Mines Hotel, on April 27, by the residents of Hantly, on the occasion of his leaving the district. A substantial dinner was on the table at C 30 p.m., and was done justice to by some twenty gentlemen. In proposing the health of the guest, Mr. Lovell (chairman) spoke in warm terms of praise of Mr. Robertshaw, whom he had ever found civil and obliging in performing his duties as station-master, and trusted that he would meet with success wherever he went. The management of the Theatre Koyal have engaged Mr. Arthur Sketch ley, the worldrenowned humourist, and author of the Brown Papers " and the veritable "Mrs. Brown," whose sayiDgs and doings have reached a twelveth edition, to give his celebrated Drawing-room Entertainment, entitled "Mrs. Brown at the Play," in which he reveals some of the most amusing secrets of family life in London. As a humoariat, Mr. Sketchley, either as a writer or lecturer, ia inimitable. Mr. Clemens (Mark Twain), at a recent banquet of the Savage Club, said : " If I were not Twain, I'd be Brown." Since Mr. Sketchley's visit to New Zealand, he has been an observer of our manners and customs ; he has humorously described us in a work entitled " Mrs. Brown in New Zealand," giving a description of her arrival at the Bluff, Invercargill, Dunedin, Oamaru, Timarn, Chrfstchurch, &c. It is one of the beat of the author's works. The opening performance takes place Monday evening, May 3, and will be under tbe patronage of his Worship tbe Mayor, Commodore Wilson and officers of H.M.S. Wolverene, Captain Schnider and officers of H.I.G.M.S. Nautilus, &c. Transferable tickets, in packets of six, available" for the season, may be obtained at the box office for one guinea.

By last mail it appears that pleuro is still ▼ery bad in some American States, lb e matter, indeed, has assumed such national importance as to demand special Congressional action. General Patrick, cattle commissioner, in his report on pleuro, says "The States of the far "West, as well a,3 nearer States, are earnest in their demand for BUCh legislation by Congress as shall prevent the spread northward and westward of this disease. New Jersey, especially in its eastern part, has been badly infected ; and though most active measures have been taken to stamp it out since March last, much of it is still found in the State. Pennsylvania is infected —probably to a leas extent in the neighbourhood of Philadelphia not* withstanding the action of . the State authorities to control it. 'I he district of Columbia is reported to be badly infected, and in Marob there were said to be twenty-seven herds in Fairfax county, Va., more or lees diseased. That Maryland and Delaware should escape, surrounded as they are by infected States, is very improbable. These States, in parts of which more or loss lung plague is found, should be brought under the jurisdiction of some power capable of carrying into effect a uniform and stringent system of operations in stamping it out promptlv, and enforcing a judicious quarantine upon all cattle from foreign ports where the disease is know to exist." In connection with the disease, the question is naturally raised who is to bear the cost of stamping it out ? Shall it be by private subscription, or a tax levied for the purpose, or by the countrv at large ? The A r ei£ York Time* suggests that the cost of stamping out the plague should be borne by the United States instead of individual States along the seaboard. The States of New York and New Jersey have a small pecuniary interest in the matter compared with the vast interests at stake in the great cattle rearing and feeding S.ates of the West. The Parnell School Committee intend to formally open the new district school on Monday first, at 2 o'clock. Referring to the death of one of the most conspicuous trainers of the llnglish racing turf, the European Mail says :—"The vetaran trainer, Mr. Thomas Dawson, expired the other night at Middleham, in the north of Yorkshire, in his soventy-first year. Few men have borne a more important part in the turf history of the last forty years than the deceased. At one time or other he had under his charge some of our most celebrated racers, and few trainers havo sent a larger number of winners to the startingpost. outwardly of a peculiarly testy temperament, he was possessed of very warm and generous sympathies, and his hand was never withheld when a true tale of distress was told. Within recent years his representatives took a most important part in the chief racing even's, of the country, and his death will be regretted not only in his own immediate district, but throughout sporting circles generally. 1 !

Mr. William Evans (" The Irish King"), actor and manager, and one of the oldest identities of the theatrical world, has jast died, after a lingering il!nes3, in the Melbourne Hospital. His engagement was with Miss Ella CarriDgton and Mr. C. H. Taylor's "S'.ray Leaves" combination, en tour in New Zealand. Poor Evans was very unfortunate in his latest days. He was well known throughout New Zealand, and was here a few months ago with the "Stray Leaves" Com; any. The cry is often heard that money is scarce, and so it says the AT(iH(twatu Herakl. But those who look to the early days, and regard with envy the successes of the old identities, would do well to remember that those same old identities have gained their fortunes, and built up their prosperity only by the exercise of the most scrupulous frugality, combined with the most persistent industry. A fact bearing on this occurred a few eveniisgs ago. Captain Sharpe, of Wellington, a very old settler, was spending the evening in Foxton, and in course of conversation the all-aborbing subject of the scarcity of money turned , np, especially the amount of "paper" that is flyiog about. Captain Shaipa remarked to the effect that paper currency was a very old institution in New Zealand. This statement he verified by producing from his pocket-book a piece of paper some 35 year 3 old, and which turned out to be a .New Zealand Company order for a whole twopence. This was the ordinary medium of exchange, and there was an endorsement to the effect that any one taking to the Treasury thirty of these orders would receive, not, as might be expected, a " cartwheel," but a Government debenture of the value of five shillings ! That was paper currency, with a vengeance. It would appear that the scarcity of money has been a complaint in New Zealand since its foundation.

A man down Sooth went through the Bankruptcy Court. He owned a fine horse and gig, and they both disappeared for a time ; but by-and-by the horse and gig were doing service for the same owner again. On being asked what thi9 meant, the mans reply was : "X went through the Bankruptcy Court, but the horse and gig were sound." The following extract from the Euroqean Mall will be of interest to patrons of coursing meetings, and owners and breeders of greyhounds: —"The Blue Riband of the Leash has this year been taken by Lord Haddington's Honeywood, and it is a very general opinion that the bast dog saw the end of the three stakes. The English were first and second for the Purse, with Shepherdess and Dalcardo, but the honours fell to the Scotch, who take the Cup with Honeywood. The son of Cavalier, however, had little to spare at the finish of a most exciting spin with Plunger, for until the flag went up it was not easy to say which had won, though Honeywood made such a wonderfully strong beginning that it was imagined he had pulled through. The pair had had an undecided, in which Honeywood led, but his opponent killed. The success of Honeywood was exceedingly well received. Throughout he had been a fancied candidate, and his victory compensated Mr. Carruthers for the disappointment that was experienced last year, when Commerce was beaten in the deciding course by Misterton. Although Honeywood is the property of Lord Haddington, his lordship himself elected to be represented by Haidee, who, in a trial some time Bince, showed better pace ; acd it will be remembered that on the night of the draw his lordship accepted 11 ponies about Haidee, and took 1000 to 80 about Honeywood. The Scotsmen are all credited with having won good stakes by the victory of Honeywood, who was trained by Sandy Grant at Melleratein, in North Berwickshire. Lord Haidington has had dogs running in the Waterloo Cup for many seasons, but has never previously owned the winner, though when Sea Cove was successful he supplied the runner-up in Bendimere. The meeting throughout was a most unqualified success." The carcases of 10,000 sheep, brought by the Paraguay from South America, have arrived at Havre in first-rate condition, and quite fit for human consumption. Two forwarded to London weighed sSlbs. and 42lbs. each, and were sweet and good, dreßsed ready for cooking, and if hung up in an open thoroughfare, no ordinary passer-by would have suspected that they had been sent 7000 miles after being killed. Mr. Charles Bloomfield will begin a singing class on the Tonic SolFa method, in the Newton Congregational school-room, on the evening of Tuesday first, at half-past 7 o'clock.