News of the Week.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 119, 26 July 1873, Page 14

News of the Week.

Before the adjournment of the House on Friday, the Hon Mr Yogel read a telegram received from the Agent-General, which was to the following effect, viz. : That 2560 souls were shipped in May and June, and that probably 1200 would be shipped in July. The total quantity of railway plant shipped is 16,500 tons of rails, 16 locomotives, 31 carriages, 17 break vans, 163 wagons. The first division of the session took place on Tuesday afternoon on the Animals Importation Prohibition Bill, which was thrown out by a majority of three in favor of Sir J. C. Wilson’s amendment that the bill be read that day six months. The numbers were 28 for and 25 against the amendment. It is reported on good information that Mr Stafford is likely to arrive in Wellington by the Ladybird. Friends and opponents of the hon gentleman alike will be rejoiced to learn that he has recovered from his indisposition, supposing the report of his illness to have been well founded. Bishop Moran is expected here early this morning by the Taranaki. In reply to Mr Fox, the Hon Mr O’Rorke stated that not later than Tuesday, that portion of the correspondence received from the Agent-General last mail would be laid upon the table. Mr Fox gave notice of motion on Thursday afternoon of his intention to introduce a bill relating to the sale of spirituous iquors in the colony. The new steamer Manawatu, built for the New Zealand Steam Shipping Company, took her trial trip at Auckland on Saturday, and with p very satisfactory result, as she averaged, a speed of nine knots. She was to leave for Wellington on Thursday. A Roman Catholic Church is in course of erection at the junction, Makara The ground was consecrated on the 15th ult. by the Rev M. L, Cummins. Hitherto the Catholics of that district used to meet for devotions every Sunday in a private house. The wharf watchman is doing the State some service in his humble sphere. On Sunday morning about three o’clock Henry Collins, a sailor belonging to the Heversham, fell off No 5 T into the water. Fortunately the watchman heard the splashing and gurgling noise made by the drowning man, and at once went to the rescue with the life buoys, but it was only after a good deal of trouble that the poor fellow was extricated from his perilous position. The opportune arrival of the Horatio Sprague on Tuesday morning relieves the tightness of the market in the article of kerosene, of which it was almost bare. She brings about 1500 cases, which will be sufficient to maiutain the equlibrium of the trade for some time to come. A sitting in banco was held at the Court on Tuesday last before his Honor Mr Justice Johnston. InMurchv. Taylor and another, judgment was given for plaintiff. The appeal brought by the Rev J. C. Andrew against the operation of the Tollgate Act was dismissed with costs j after an amusing display of eccentricities by Mr Andrew, who conducted his own case. The Colonial Secretary of New South Wales has promised to place a sum of £2OOO on the estimates for the completion of the statue of Caotain Cook.

A telegram was received on Wednesday through the Anglo-Australian Agency to the effect that the Caversham immigration barracks had been burnt down. We are happy to state that such was not the case, as it has since been telegraphed by the Immigration Officer at Dunedin that it was only an outhouse which had been destroyed. The following is a copy of a telegram received : 11 February 23rd, 2.30 p.m.—Fire at Caversham Barracks last night.. Wash-house, north side of building, consumed. Particulars by letter.”

On Wednesday a man named Field, who was brought up at Greytown for being illegally on premises, was brought into town to pass the term of three months in gaol, to which he had been sentenced in the Wairarapa. The funeral of Mr S. Moles took place at Greytown on Sunday, and was largely attended, though a heavy south-easter was blowing all day. The railway fever , has extended to Banks’ Peninsula, and has shown itself in the shape of a public meeting, held on the 17th inst, at Akaroa, when a committee was appointed to secure an extension of the railway system to that town. The arguments adduced in favor of the extension were : —First and feremost was their magnificent harbor—unequalled certainly in the Southern Island—with four miles of anchorage available for large vessels, completely land-locked, and thus .free from the ocean swell, and affording every facility for the discharge of vessels of large burthen, yet practically useless for the want of suitable communication with the plains. Were the railway once opened, vessels would certainly prefer a port where they could lie in perfect safety in the heaviest weather, and whore their discharge would be scarcely ever impeded. The exports from Akaroa were steadily increasing, and it was gratifying to find by actual comparison that in two of their staples, viz, cheese and fruit, the shipments had quadrupled in four years, while there was great improvement in other exports. But their argument for the railway would be not what Akaroa is, but what Akaroa would be if the railway were opened. (Cheers.) Christchurch might not be more unhealthy than other large towns, but it is indisputable that a large amount of sickness.and disease exist there, and there is no covenient sea-side resort for its inhabitants. Once establish a railway to Akaroa, and where there is now one visitor, there would be hundreds. He would also mention two other probable sources of traffic for the railway. It is contemplated to drain Bake Ellesmere (78,000), and powers are to be asked from the General Assembly to carry out the work. The land thus drained would probably become an agricultural district, and a supporter of the railway, if made. There were also thousands of acres of bush land yet unsold at Little River, from the difficulty of gettingtimber thence toamarket. It might have been added that if steamers adopted it as a port of call instead of Lyttelton, it would saved some four hours in the passage from Port Chalmers to Dunedin. The scheme is costly, as the distance from Christchurch to Akaroa town is fifty miles, but two-thirds of the distance are on a dead level—a large portion of it in the bed of Lake Ellesmere and Lake Forsyth, both of which it is proposed to drain ; the remaining third is nearly all in hilly, timbered country, with a summit level of 2000 feet. The harbor of Akaroa may fairly rank for safety, beauty, and habitableness with any in the world. It was settled by the French in 1840, but they have not left very obvious traces of their former presence, and but few are left now. The hills were mostly covered with fine timber, but are now nearly bare, and grass paddocks and dairy farms, producing the celebrated Port Cooper cheese, have taken the place of the forest. In our report of the proceedings of the Legislative Council on Tuesday a mistake [ occured in regard to the St Andrews Church (Wellington) Trustees Incorporation Bill. It was stated that the second reading of the bill had been ordered for that day six months. It should have been that the i consideration of the bill had been postponed until Tuesday next. Several members had spoken against the bill and suggested that it should be thrown out, and our reporter, owing to the acoustic deficiencies of the Chamber, was not able to hear the exact words of the amendment carried. We are glad to see that the difficulty of hearing is likely to be remedied, the Hon Captain Baillie having tabled the following notice of motion :—“ That this Council concurs with the recommendations contained in the report of the House Committee, presented on Tuesday, the 22nd July, with respect to the supply of curtains for the improvement of the acoustic properties of the Chamber, and the accommodation required for the seating of members.” On Tuesday evening last the usual half-yearly treat was given to the children attending the Presbyterian Sabbath Schools, in their schoolroom, Willis street. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather there was a large attendance, upwards of 250 being present. The tea was on the table at five o’clock, and consisted of the usual, requisites, there being

abundance of everything. It was indeed

a pleasing sight to witness so many happy little faces, the very pictures of health, enjoying themselves in the way they did. After tea the children retired to the church, where the prizes awarded to them were presented by the Rev James Paterson. It was amusing to watch the anxiety of the children as they awaited their names being called to get tlieir prizes. With what eargeness they pressed forward to the chair, and then returned to their seats with countenances beaming with joy. A short address was delivered to the children by Mr Paterson, and several hymns were sung at intervals. About eight o’clock, the business of the meeting was concluded, the children as they left the church having each a bun and a piece of cake. ■ A bankruptcy sitting was held on Wednesday before his Honor Mr Justice Johnston. Final discharges were granted to Sam Howard, Jesse Rolfe, Henry Owen, G. W. Blunden. The case of C. H. Blake was adjourned to Wanganui. • John Delany was brought up on Saturday on a charge of embezzlement, and remanded. The prisoner was recently a telegraph clerk at Waiau, Nelson, and received £3 18s for forwarding a cable telegram. According to the charge it appears that the money was appropriated and the telegram destroyed, for it was never sent. Soon after the occurrence, Delany either left or was dismissed the department When the crime was discovered some difficulty was experienced in ascertaining the whereabouts of the delinquent ; but fortunately 1 £ the means of information at her Majesty’s command was equal to the occasion in this instance, and Delany was found clothed in the uniform of the Armed Constabulary, and just emerging from the ‘ ‘ goose-step” stage, and ready to draft off to some out-station. His interview with Mr Crawford was merely of a formal character, as the prisoner will be tried at Christchurch, whence he is remanded.

Another acquisition to the outriggers of the place has been imported in the Schiehallion by Mr Griffiths, a member of the Star Club and one of the Stella crew. The boat is a single outrigger of beautiful model, was built by Salter, of London, and is so extremely light that a man of ordinary strength could hold it at arm’s length. It has a sliding seat, and otherwise is finished in the latest and most improved style. The cost of the boat and four pair of oars landed in Wellington was only £25. The idea of forming a Teachers’ Association was not long in being seized and acted upon in Wellington. A meeting of the principal teachers of the city was held on the 19th, at which it was resolved : “ That in the opinion of this meeting it is desirable to form a Teachers' Association in this province. That the objects of this Association should be primarily the elevation of the position of the teacher by the promotion of—lst. Friendly intercourse ; 2nd. Mutual improvement ; 3rd. Unity of action. That a secondary object should be the formation of benefit societies, to assist teachers in case of sickness, or their families in case of death. That a printed circular, setting forth the abovenamed main objects of the Association, be printed, and forwarded to the various teachers of the province, requesting their co-operation.” It is proposed to hold a meeting on the 9th August to appoint a provisional committee, and draw up rules, &c.

Mr Hugh Cottier writes to the £ ‘ Nelson Mail” as follows :—Allow me to inform you that about nine years ago, while out prospecting with Mr Dent (now of the Brunner coalmine) we fell in with two seams of coal—one about 9 inches, the other about 2 feet G inches in thickness—on the Owen. I should therefore imagine it to be one and the same you mention as just discovered. I would also inform you that we made a report to Mr Blackett, and also to the then Superintendent (the late Mr Robinson), and likewise forwarded two bags of the coal for sample. And there the matter has been allowed to lapse into a state of somnolency until this apparently new discovery. We learn that the Superintendent has given instructions that a further examination of the deposits be made at once, and in the meantime the land including the coal seams has been reserved from occupation.

Infanticide appears to be sadly common in Sydney. The “ Herald” says the bodies of six children were found in the city and suburbs during the past six months, exposed and dead, and another child was found barely in time to save its life.

Important.—Settlers ,and Visitors from the country when paying a visit to Wellington, and requiring drapery Men’s, Youths’, and Boys’, Clothing—it must he a matter of great importance for them to learn where, as cash purchasers, they can depend on receiving the best value for their money. It is an established fa.pt, that JAMES SMITH. Te Aro House, Cuba Street, offers his customers advantages to be met with, in no other house in Wellington. First. His stock is imported direct from manufacturers of the highest reputation, in the home markets —a guarantee of its quality. Second. It is bought for cash - a natural element of cheapness. Third, every article in stock is marked at a fixed price for ready money so that experienced and unexperienced buyers are alike faithfully served. These are great advantages, and well worthy the consideration of the public, and we direct attention to the advertisement of his large varied and carefully selected stock, which will be found on the first page of this paper, —Advt

Wheel traffic on the road between Little River and Akaroa has been temporarily stopped by heavy land slips. A. bill to legalise marriage with a deceased wife’s sister, introduced, by Mr Adye Douglas to the Tasmanian Parliament, was read a second time in the Assembly on the 3rd, and passed through all its stages, prior to its transmission to the Upper House. The division showed a majority of twenty-two to four in favor of the second reading of the bill. A Mrs Lewis, who recently in Sydney murdered her infant, and cut her own throat afterwards, succeeded in re-open-ing the wound, and bled to death in a few minutes. A club for the destruction of hawks exists at Wangarei. The Secretary sends to an Auckland paper the following particulars of an extraordinary bird he recently shot : —Length of wings from tip to tip, 4 feet 7 inches ; weight, 21bs. A man named Delaney, who had backed himself to run five miles, at Wanganui, in twenty minutes, accomplished the task in half a minute within the time.

Mr Langton, the Treasurer of Victoria, does not think that the large endowment of local bodies tends towards encouraging the spirit of local government, and he refers to the fact that whereas the cities, towns, and boroughs of Victoria which have received only £774,000, have raised in rates from their ratepayers an amount of £1,046,720, or about £2 10s to every pound received from the Government ; on the other hand, the other bodies —road boards and shire councils—which have received nearly two millions and a-quarter from the Government had raised by self-taxation only £1,017,232, or £1 to every £2 given by the Government. He proposes to reduce the annual subsidies this year An Auckland paper says :—The progress of the South British Insurance Company is a wonderful fact. As the chairman said at a large meeting of shareholders held recently, its success is “ unparalleled,” considering its youth, and the nearly 200 per cent premium at which its original shares now stand in the market. The suggestion made by Mr Isaacs, for additional calls is unquestionably a sound one, as every mercantile man who understands the value of giving undoubted stability to a company of the kind will readily perceive. With a large reserve, the value of the company’s shares must increase in direct ratio with the great additional degree of confidence which such a proceeding as an increase of the paid-up capital would instil into the minds of insurers. In most cases, we might almost say in every case, shareholders in this company took up shares for investment; and the more they paid up, within a certain reasonable limit, the better, that investment becomes, because of the added confidence of the public, which will necessarily attract a larger business. We say this from the fact that all must aim to see real colonial enterprise benefited by the colonial business which it ought to secure. Few people would know what the “ Ruapuka Annexation Bill” means, did we not tell them that it simply provides for the annexation to the semi-united province of Otago, Southland, the islands Ruapuka and Solander, ‘ ‘ and all other islands situate South of Otago and off the coasts of Otago and Stewart’s Island, lying between the 165th and 170th degrees of east longitute, and south of the 47th parallel of the south latitude.” When' the bill becomes law, all these islands will be subject to the Provincial Government of Otago, and to the laws

and ordinances in force in that Province

Mr O’Conor, the member for the Buffer, has again brought forward the bill he introduced last session for the purpose of enabling all miners who are duly qualified to vote at tfie election of a member of the House of Representatives, or of a member of a Provincial Council, to vote at the election of a Superintendent. As the law now stands, those only can vote at the election of a Superintendent who are duly registered on the electoral roll, although the holders of miners’ rights can vote for members of the Assembly and Provincial Councils. The anomaly is a curious one ; we cannot see why a Superintendent should be elected under an exceptional franchise, and we should think that the miners are quite as well able to exercise a wise discretion in their choice of a Superintendent as in electing their representatives in legislative bodies. But we do not think that Mr O’Conor’s bill will pass—for the reason that what is wanted is an entire reform of our electoral laws, the abolishment of the special miners’ franchise, and the establishment of a system based upon manhood suffrage. Mr O’Conor is, no doubt, particularly anxious that his bill should be carried, for we notice that it is proposed that it shall come into operation “from and after the passing of this Act;” and as the election for the Superintendency of the province of Nelson takes place late in October or early in November, and Mr O’Conor is a supposed candidate, the extension of the miners’ franchise would result in the mining entirely swamping the settled districts in the election.

The Luna was despatched to Somes Island on Monday morning for the chief portion of" the Halcione’s passengers. Dr Johnston also went over, more as a matter of precaution than from any actual necessity which might exist for scrutinising the passengers. After arrival at the Island, several hours were spent in transferring the new comers and their luggage from the depot to the steamer, so that it was not till the middle of the afternoon that they were landed on the Queen’s wharf, whence they were not long in making their way to the Immigration Depot at Mount Cook. The immigrants are a healthy, presentable-looking body, as indeed were all yet landed here. The Danes and Scandinavians were left behind on the island, where they will remain for a few days longer, when they will be despatched direct to their particular location without remaining in town at all. Tire Superintendent of the Quarantine Station, and a party of gentlemen who accompanied him, were subjected to an enforced detention on Somes Island from Saturday last until brought back by the Luna yesterday. They took advantage of the departure of the Wellington on Saturday, which dropped them close to the Island. On endeavoring to return to the city in the boat belonging to the station, the task proved a very difficult one. After buffetting on the angry waves for over an hour, it was found that very insignificant headway had been made, and the party gladly put back to the Island in a state generally called wringing wet.” John Jones, the child defiler, took his thirty lashes on Monday morning. He was brought from his cell at ten o’clock, looking quite cheerful. Dr Johnston, who was in attendance, appeared struck at the erect and rigid attitude assumed by the fellow, and asked him if he had not been a soldier. Jones answered “Yes,” and strode off to the triangle as if on parade. His upper garments being removed, he was soon embracing the iron limbs of the triangle. Unlike his predecessor who suffered for a similar offence, Jones showed a clean back—for the last time in his career. The same turnkey, a very powerful man, who flagellated Thomas, drew his fingers through the thongs of a pair of “ cats,” ready to perform a like operation for Jones. As the air was keen and biting, and the prisoner had previously shown such signs of cravenness, everyone standing by was prepared for shrieks at the first cut, but word of sympathy there was not one. Mr Read gave the word, the thongs whizzed, and descended upon the wretch’s back, Avith all the force given by the brawny shoulder that wielded it, leaving a livid weal crossing the back diagonally from shoulder to side. Another and another came, and the purple track of the thongs became over a hand’s breadth ; but not a whimper was elicited. Indeed, save for the rigidity of the muscles and slight quiver as if they were strung to their utmost tension, the culprit gave no more indication .of the pain than if he were a statue. At the fifteenth stroke a fresh cut was taken, but without producing any effect save giving to the man’s back a very bruised appearance, Avith here and there a drop of blood oozing up. When unlashed, Jones affected the nonchalant air of a man who had acquitted himself meritoriously, and neither by his looks nor motions did he seem as if he had just gone through a painful ordeal. He picked up his clothes and moved away with the same erect gait as he strode into the yard. Whatever may be the opinion as to the degree of punishment inflicted by the warder who flogged Jones and Thomas, it appears that the latter still regrets that he Avas not operated upon by a more scientific hand, as he alleges that he still suffers from the effects of his twenty-five lashes. If the experience of Jones should be of a like nature, few Avill regret that his punishment fell into rude and unskilful hands.

A petition is noAV being circulated in Westland for signature, praying the Colonial Government to authorise the survey of a line of railway to connect the West and East Coasts of the Middle Island. There is no doubt that the request will be granted. We learn from the Nelson papers that Mr Lightfoot has brought with him some capital specimens of coal from the Owen. The seam which, where struck, is two feet six inches thick, is within a very few chains of the proposed line of railway, and only sixty-five miles from Nelson by way of the Hope. Steps should be taken without delay to test the quality of the coal and extent of the seam, as a more forcible argument in favor of our railway could not be brought before the Assembly, Avhich will be asked to grant a loan for that purpose during the imesent session. Mr Lightfoot has, we understand, ordered a few sacksful to be taken out and sent into Nelson, Avhere they will arrive in a feAv days. This, we understand, is the seam that Avas telegraphed as having been discovered ten miles from Nelson, During the last year, twelve additional schools have been established in the Province of Otago, making the total number of public schools throughout the province 127, Avith a teaching staff of 190.

A quarry of ’slate fit for roofing purposes is said to have been discovered in Tasmania. , The pasturage rents of the Province of Canterbury for the past year amounted to more than £50,000. Mr M‘Masters of this province has purchased of Messrs Hay, of Pigeon Bay, Canterbury, the imported bull “ Count Laurie, ” at a cost of £4OO. The City of Hobart Gold Mining Co., Tasmania, at their last crushing, obtained 171ozs of retorted gold from 124 tons of quartz. The mildness of the season appears to be remarkable in several parts of New Zealand. New potatoes, grown in Suburban South, Nelson, were exhibited lately in town, and almond trees are in full blossom. As another proof of the increasing value of land in the Tai Tapu district, Canterbury, it may be mentioned that 106 acres purchased some two years ago at £9 per acre, Avere sold a feAv days ago at £2l. The last neAvs from Napier shows that town to be progressing at a very rapid rate, no fewer than forty - seven neAV , buildings being at present in course of erection. The Municipal Council of Auckland haA r e accepted a tender for 10,000 feet of flagging at Is 3d per feet. Asphalting does not seem to be appreciated in the northern metropolis. It is said that a company has been formed at San Francisco for the supply of steam to factories and works through a system of subterranean pipes, similar to the supply of gas and water. Many of the OAvners of| property in central Broadway, Reef ton, having plenty of time at their disposal, have formed a volunteer pick and shovel party to make protective Avorks on the north bank of the river, where it threatens in flood time to make a channel through Broadway. The Provincial Engineer of Otago estimates the cost of a light railway up the Waiareka Valley (fifteen miles), £2073 per mile ; and of a similar one up the Waihemo Valley (ten miles), £2025 per mile. These estimates include rolling stock. Mr J. B. Stansell, Avho is taking meteorological observations in Christchurch for the General Government, during the absence of Mr R. Mainwaring, reports that the fall of rain on Friday last Avas 2.78. This is the heaviest on record during the past four years, and very little rain fell until about four o’clock in the afternoon. The Melbourne “Argus,” in noticing the opening of the Tasmanian Parliament, gives “ the leading portions of the Governor’s speech” a poAYer of discrimination that has not been attempted in Tasmania, Avhere the universal opinion Avas that it defied analysis, the Premier himself having admitted it was purposely framed so as not to convey any meaning. So says the Hobarton “ Mercuiy.” The Canterbury Deep Sea Fishing Company intend selling their new craft, the Result, finding her too small for the trade, and purchasing a larger one fitted expressly for deep sea fishing. The company also intend laying down a preserve in Church Bay, where the fish can be kept alive, so that the market can be kept supplied two or three times a week with fresh fish. The smoke-house erected by the company is also in full operation, and the smoked trumpeter is rapidly becoming a favorite in the market. The portion of Dunedin harbor that the Government propose to reclaim is situated between the mean of high and low watermark and the Anderson’s Bay Road, the north-western and south-eastern limits being the Clutha Raihvay and the Peninsula Beach road respectively. The material for the' under stratum of earth is assumed to be dredged from the exposed beach below the sea limit line of reclamation ; and that for the topping on the reserve at the north side of Anderson’s Bay. The total area of proposed reclamation is one hundred acres, and the level of the embankment is taken at 3 feet above the ordinary high Avater mark. The estimated cost is £38,180, or at the rate of £3BO per acre. On Friday evening last, a very interesting ceremony took place, and which we have much pleasure in recording. It will be remembered that on the removal of, Mr James Hogg from the branch bank of New South Wales, Wanganui, to that of Wellington, a few friends determined to present him Avith a slight testimonial. The result was, the purchase of a hand- ' some gold watch, which was entrusted by Captain Low to a gentleman of this city, then on a visit to Wanganui, to carry to Mr Hogg on his return to Wellington. This gentleman, determined to improve the occasion, invited a feAv friends to meet Mr Hogg, at his OAvn house. During the evening, an agreeable surprise Avas given to Mr Hogg by the presentation of the the watch, after a neat and appropriate speech, and the heartiest wishes for his future success. Mr Hogg replied in the most feeling manner, and desired that his best thanks should be conveyed to Capt Loav and his Wanganui friends, whom he should ever remember, for their extreme kindness to him.