Town News.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 177, 21 November 1874, Page 16

Town News.

His Excellency the Governor was entertained at a farewell dinner by the members of the Wellington Club on Saturday evening. Sir George Arney and the puisne judges were present as guests. The Hon. Dir. Richardson, Minister for Public Works, was a passenger from the South by the Otago on Sunday. . It is intimated in the Gazette of Thursday that the Hon. Mr. Reynolds has been appointed to have charge of the administration of the Naval Training Schools Act, 1874. We understand that the Superintendent has appointed Henry Bunny, Esq., M.H.K., as a member of the Education Board for the l’eatherstou district, vice the Hon. G. M. Waterhouse, resigned. The settlers of the district having failed elect a member, the power to do so, under the Act, is vested in the Superintendent. It is announced that a night train. is to run to the Hutt every Thursday, starting at 11 p.m. The sale at Government House on. Wednesday was well attended, by a highly respectable audience, and very satisfactory prices were obtained. The Broadwood’s grand piano fetched £IOO, and the harmonium £75. The expensive dessert services and glassware were the only goods that went below their value. 3? Sir James Fergusson took his final departure from Wellington on Monday evening. Punctually at five o’clock His Excellency left Government House, accompanied by his Chaplain, Aide-de-Camp, and Private Secretary. .He was met at the Public Works offices by all the leading gentlemen of the city, who accompanied him to his gig, which was lying at Brown’s wharf. His Worship the Mayor, on behalf of the citizens of Wellington, thanked His Excellency for the interest he had evinced towards the city during his residence in it, and regretted that His Excellency’s stay was so short. The Governor thanked the Mayor for the kindness he had experienced from the citizens, which he would ever remember. As His Excellency’s gig left the jetty three' hearty cheers were given. The Governor proceeds to A uckland in his yacht Blanche, from whence he will embark for Sydney. Lady Fergusson and family proceed to England by the ship Haleione. We beg to call the attention of our reader* to an advertisement in another column from the Wellington Building Society. It will be seen, that the Society purposes to issue Debentures for sums of ten pounds, upon which interest will accrue at the rate of seven per cent, per annum ; there is the further advantage that all sums so invested may be withdrawn upon three months’ notice. The opportunity of investing small sums upon such favorable terms larely happens. By the report of the Wesleyan district meeting', readers will see that Messrs. John. A. Luxford, G. W. Russell, and A. G. Leitch (all of Wellington) have successfully passed tneir examinations, and are unanimously recommended to Conference for the work of the ministry. It is thought, probable that before going into full work they will receive a year s training in some theological institution. -the public will join with the members of the Wesleyan body in wishing tlie.se young men a long career of usefulness. A meeting of the Caledonian Society was held on Thursday, at the New Zealander Hotel, when it was decided to hold two days sports on the Ist and 2nd of January. A very complete programme was agreed to, and it was decided to° offer prizes, amounting to nearly double those of last year, including £26 os fortiltinc, on the afternoon of Saturday the 2nd January. The programme will be published, in detail, in the course of a day or two.

The Napier left for Foxton on Monday with about sixty immigrants for the Feilding Settlement by the ship Star of India. The Wellington Building Society, it will be observed, are prepared to issue debentures for gums of ten pounds and upwards, at the rate of seven per cent, per annum. Madame Arabella Goddard, Mrs. Smythe, Mr. Skinner, Mr. Rainford, and Mr. Lee, proceeded to Dunedin on Tuesday by the steamer Taranaki. A number of ladie3 and gentlemen assembled on the wharf to bid Madame Goddard farewell. Firing for choice of representatives by the Wellington Veteran corps took place at Polhill Gully on Tuesday morning. Captain Crowe, Private Bannister, Lieutenant Scott, and Private Kobinson were the highest scorers ■with 37, 85, 83, and 77 respectively. The Strathnaver case is to be heard on Monday next, arrangements to that effect having been made with His Honor Mr. Justice Johnston, who expressed every desire to expedite the proceedings and thus lessen the expense of this already costly suit. The case will be heard in the Provincial Hall, which was kindly placed at the disposal of His Honor by the Superinintendent, the Supreme Court being occupied as the Court of Appeal. A reward of £SO, with a free pardon to an accomplice, is offered by the Government for information that will lead to the apprehension and conviction of the person or persons who lately opened a mail bag, while in course of conveyance by mail coach between Wanganui and Otaki, and stole therefrom a registered letter, containing a gold watch and hair guard. There is now, therefore, £IOO offered for the detection and conviction of this mail robber. A fog, almost as dense as those for which London is noted, enveloped this city during Saturday night and Sunday morning. A singular-looking cloud was visible to the southward from early on Saturday, buc appeared to be stationary. In the evening, however, it had reached the city, and up till eleven o’clock caused no inconvenience, but as the mornir.g drew on houses on the ojjposite side of the street were not visible. Mr. R. C. Hammerton, late deputy registrar of the Supreme Court, began the duties of his new office, that of Secretary of Stamps, on Monday. It will be remembered that the office is one recently created by Parliament, which recognised the necessity of a responsible head for the department. Mr. Hammerton was selected for the office from amongst a very large number of applicants, and his administration of the department will, beyond doubt, testify to the wisdom of the choice. The intimation that spurious half-sovereigns have found their way into circulation within the past week will no doubt come in time to save a good many business people from being victimised. The first of the counterfeit articles was palmed off upon Mr. Marshall during the rush to the money-taker’s office on the evening of Madame Goddard’s opening concert, and since that time the experiment has been successfully tried upon several tradespeople, whose suspicions were not aroused, although the spurious coin is a very clumsy imitation of the genuine article. In one case the victim has a distinct recollection of the person who presented the coin, who is described as a man of middle size, fresh complexion, sandy hair, moustache and beard of the same color, and trimmed off, and dressed in a blue cloth suit. Weather not to be excelled favored Wellington on Saturday last, and the half holiday usual on that day of the week was availed of to a great extent. The gardens, museum, and other favorite places of resort and recreation received an unusual number of visitors ; while the inviting appearance of the harbor induced many pleasure parties to venture on its sometimes “ corrugated” surface. A little incident occurred which, no doubt, will lead to greater caution in the future. A crew belonging to the Wellington Rowing Club were indulging in a spin in one of the club’s outriggers, the silkcovering on the after part of which was slightly torn. They succeeded in reaching half way down Evans Bay, when the boat was observed to be settling down, the water pouring in at the rent. The shore was headed for, and was only reached in time to prevent a ducking. The attendance of cricketers at the Basin Reserve was not small, and cricket was inaugurated for the season by a. scratch match, which lasted till after sundown.

j/£ On Thursday evening a presentation dinner took place at the Odd Fellows’ Hall, when about fifty of the brethren sat down to an ex-cellently-spread table provided by P.G. R. Marshall. The chair was occupied by P.P.G.M. Thomas McKenzie, and P.G. E. Bannister, C.S., acted as vice-chairman. After the usual .loyal and patriotic toasts had been given, the chairman made the first presentation to P.G. Robert Smith, in recognition of the many valuable and continuous services he has rendered to his Lodge. The presentation was a handsome silver medal, having a raised “ liand-and-heart ” in gold in the centre on one side, and on the other side the words—“ Presented to P.G. Robert Smith by officers and brethren of the Loyal Antipodean Lodge of Odd Fellows.” P.G. Smith having expressed his warmest thanks for the valued gift, the chairman then presented P.G. John Smith, jun., with a beautifully-framed emblem of the Order, as a mark of the very high esteem in which he is held by the officers and brethren for “ long and meritorious services.” Presentations of excellently-framed emblems were also made by the vice-chairman, on behalf of the Loyal Britannia Lodge, to P.G. William Prideau and P.P.G.M. Edward Lewis, for their long services as members of the Hall Committee. Other presentations of emblems were afterwards made to ,P.G. E. Bannister, P.G. George Parsonage, and P.G. George Dixon, for meritorious services in the proposition of new members of their respective Lodges. A handsome pepeil case was also presented to P.G. '■Villiam Gordon, for his kindness in writing he inscriptions on the several emblems. The Breedings of the evening were enlivened by soie excellent songs, recitations, and speeches, am the brethren separated at a late hour, all higJy pleased with the proceedings.

Messrs. Jackson and Graham, wharf lessees, who have already contributed liberally to the race fund, have generously consented to remit all wharf charges upon horse 3 arriving to take part in the forthcoming races. The same remission will be made upon the departure of the horses.

The Court of Appeal, on Tuesday, after two days’ hearing, disposed of the argument in the Hokitika and Greymouth Tramway Company against the County Council of Westland. Judgment was reserved. The Napier cases are next on the list, Harding v. Galbraith being the first down for hearing. Five heifers and two bulls, purchased at the late sale of the Wbimea shorthorns, attracted a good deal of attention in Dunedin a few days ago. The Times says : —“ They go North. Two bulls and two heifers go to Mr. J. D. Adams, of Napier ; three heifers to Mr. Leithbriclge, of Wanganui.” The Wellington Battery of Artillery fired at the butts, Polhill Gully, on Monday morning for choice of district representatives to compete at the colonial prize firing. Gunner Batkin, Corporal Diamond, and GunnelMason were the highest scorers, making 88, 83, and 81 respectively. Gunner Grace made a good fourth, with a score of 76. The Veterans will fire this mox-ning. Anarrow escape from fire occurred onMonday evening. About six o’clock a case, which was lying alongside Messrs. Sloan’s, tailors, was observed to be on fire. It was found to be filled with shavings and paper clippings, used in packing, the flame from which was considerable. Several willing passers by promptly extinguished the lire, which was doubtless caused by some children who were observed playing in the vicinity previous to the discovery. The Resident Magistrate disposed of the following business on Tuesday morning : —John Jamieson, who was arrested for being absent from his vessel, the Rangatira, was remanded till Thursday, by which day it is expected Captain Lloyd will have returned from Napier. Mr. Hester, City Clerk, requested leave to withdraw the infoimations laid by the Inspector of Nuisances against Mr. David Anderson, as arrangements were being come to between the parties. Mr. Andex-son, in reply to His Worship, stated that he would abide by the decision arrived at by the Council. The case for a protection order, by Elizabeth Dockray against her husband, was called on, but neither party appeared, the advice of His Woi-ship when remanding the case evidently having been acted upon. A few minutes after ten o’clock on Tuesday morning the Thorndon bell announced a fire at that end of the city. The Central and Wellington Fire Brigades, with their engines, were promptly on the scene, hut fortunately their aid was not required. The house in which the fire occurred is in the occupation of a Mrs. Allan, and owned by Mr. Cleland. The explanation given as to the origin of the fire was that in throwing out the ashes some lighted cinders were east with them, which set fire to the back of the house. With the assistance of the neighboi-s, one of whom procured a small hose, the fix-e was quickly extinguished. A few pounds will repair the damage. As the time for the annual Wellington Races di-aws neai-, the interest in the several coming events as detailed in the pi-ogratnme would seem to increase. Our new Jockey Club appear to spare neither time nor trouble nor expense in endeavoring to make the meeting worthy of the city; and, judging by the substantial support we hear they are receiving, the Wellington people are not likely to be again chai-ged—as was the case a few yeax-s since—with being “churlish” and “standing aloof” with respect to the good old English sport. The valxxe of these spoi’ting social gatherings, bringing together as they do town and counti-y settlei-s, and attracting visitors, is as well known and appi-eciated now in all parts of New Zealand as much as it is in Australia.

have pleasure in calling attention to an extensive sale of land, by Messrs. Bethune and Huntei - , at their rooms, Custom House-quay, on the 22nd and 23rd December next. The land to be offered comprises 15,000 acres of town, suburban, and country sections in the Manchester Block, Manawatu Distx-ict. The town sections for sale include most of the unoccupied allotments in the township of Feilding, the population of which is now considei-able. Facilities of access are nowhere bettor, a line of tramway leading from Foxton to Palmerston —which is only twelve miles from Fielding — having been in woiking order for some time. The land is not to be excelled for small fanning, being level, rich, well watered, and, in some places, covered with valuable timber. The main line of railway from Wellington to Wanganui traverses portions of the "estate ; and railway comxnunication with the port of Foxton may be anticipated within a year, eon-sidei-able progress having already been made on portions of the liue between Feilding and Palmerston. The title is infallible, being either Crown grant or Land Transfer certificate. A meeting of about forty-five ratepayers of Thorndon. ward, who considered the assessment made on behalf of the Council as excessive, was held at the Princess Plotel on Tues; day. Mr. J. M'. Cleland was voted to the chair. A question was asked whether a councillor representing the ward had a right to be present, to which Mi’. Bixrrett replied that he attended the meeting not as a member of the City Council but as a ratepayer. Some misunderstanding appeared to exist as to how the rate was levied, Mr. Burrett explaining that the assessor appointed by the Council had assessed the value of property, the Council simply stinking the rate as foi-mex-ly, namely, Is. ill the £. After a deal of discussion, somewhat foreign to the purport of the meeting, Mr. Maginity proposed, and Mr. Cook seconded, the following resolution: —“ That a deputation of the ratepayers of Thorndon ward, in conjunction with deputations from Lambton and Te Aro wards, wait upon the City Council, to urge upon them the advisability of appointing a commission from the Councillors, to hear appeals against the new

assessment, the deputation to wait upon the Council on Thursday first.”—Carried unanimously. ■ The following gentlemen were elected as the deputation to represent Thorndon ward: Messrs. Maginity, Gascoigne, Clelland, and Johns. Some discussion ensued as to how the co-operation of the ratepayers of the other wards could be secured, prompt action being necessary, as Thursday was the day appointed for hearing objections. The chairman, as a means of getting over the difficulty, volunteered to wait upon four ratepayers in each of the other wards to-day, and solicit their attendance as deputations in conjunction with the one they had just appointed. Mr. Cook was endeavoring to explain that the ratepayers of the other wards might not feel satisfied at his selection of their deputations, when a vote of thanks was rather abruptly moved, and the meeting dispersed. The post-office rule which prevents the forwarding of letters insufficiently stamped from one colony to another is really productive of much inconvenience. We have mentioned several cases lately, and the last we notice is of a letter addressed to “James Arnold, A. C. Depot, Wellington, N.Z.,” which lies in the post-office at Hobarton, because the sender did hot know the exact amount of stamps that should have been gummed upon it. The representatives of the various lodges of Good Templars in Wellington and the surrounding districts met at the Primitive Methodist schoolroom, Sydney-street, on Tuesday, having been convened for the purpose of instituting a Provisional Grand Lodge. The meeting having been opened in the third degree, the following officers were duly elected, viz., W. Johnson, P.G.C.T. ; H. Budden, P.G.V.T.; 11. Crayne, P.G.C. ; T. Lynch, P.G.S. ; A. Bouthorne, P.G.T. ; P. 11. Fraser, P.G.C. ; H. B. Parsonage, P.G.M. ; F. Webb, P.G.S, ; C. Collins, P.G.G. The elective officers' were appointed a committee to memorialise the R.W.G.L., America, for a charter for a Grand Lodge for central New Zealand. A contingent levy of a half-penny per member was made upon the subordinate lodges in connection with this P.G.L.

The following tenders were received at the Public Works Office, Wellington, for the Oroua Bridge contract of the Wanganui and Manawatu railway : —Accepted : James Bull, Bulls, £434-1. Declined : R. S. Lowe, Wanganui, £4580 ; H. McNeil, Wanganui, £4830 ; S. Brown, Wellington, £4598; Caiman and Richardson, Wanganui, £5237. Also the undermentioned tenders for sleepers, for Wellington and Masterton railway : —Accepted : William Strachan, Wellington, 12,000 at 2s. fid. ; E. Morgan and J. Robinson, Upper Hutt, 27,000 at 2s. 9 id. Declined : William Sykes, Upper Hutt, 27,000 at 2s. 11 Ad. ; J. Cruickshank, Upper Hutt, 27,000 at 3s. fid. ; William Booth, Taratahi, 20,000 at 3s. lOd. ; Smith and Revans, Woodside, 5000 at 4s. and 5000 at 3s. 3d. ; D. Haggerty, Carterton, informal.

Considerable interest was evinced at the Pier Hotel on Monday, when the drawing for horses in the £SOO sweepstake took place. The following were the lucky gentlemen, and the names of the horses which they drew : No. Drawer. Name of Horse. 35. C. McKircly .. .. Ch. filly by Towton. 53. R. Collins .. .. Voltaire. 97. J. McDowell .. .. Hercules. 103. John Maginity .. .. Ellin King. 11(3. Taylor and Dalgleisli .. Guy Fawkes. 144. “Charlie” .. .. Ch. filly by Traducer. 190. D. Bell .. .. .. Remnant. 2(34. AV. Downes .. .. Eangi. 20(5. C. J. S. .. .. .. VVaiiiui. 273. Wiggins .. .. .. Manakai. 314. B. Wilson .. .. Ngaro. 321. G. Evans .. .. .. Maid of the Mountain. 355. Bothawley .. .. Titoki. 384. James Baine .. .. Glenary. 402. John Grace .. .. Toi.

The annual meeting of the Central Volunteer Fire Brigade was held at the Odd Fellows’ Hall on Tuesday evening, Captain Moss in the chair. On the roll being called, a large number of members answered to their names. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The report and balance-sheet were read and adopted. George Hunter, Esq., was present, on behalf of the insurance agents. On the election of officers, Mr. Hunter took the chair. There being no opposition, the following gentlemen were re-elected for the ensuing year : —Captain Moss, Lieutenant Jenkins, AssistantForeman Webb, Secretary Austen. The offices of foreman and treasurer were not filled up, Mr. Low declining to stand for foreman, and Mr. James Ames for treasurer. Captain Moss regretted that Mr. Ames, who had filled the office of treasurer for five years, declined tc allow himself to be nominated for the ensuing year. At this stage, Mr. George Hunter vacated the chair, and Captain Moss then proceeded to conduct the rest of the business, consisting of the election of a committee for the ensuing year. Captain Moss thanked the officers and members for their good attendance during the past year. This being the whole of the business, the meeting separated. A most determined attempt at suicide was made ou Monday. A member of the Armed Constabulary Force entered the shop of Mr. Levin, hairdresser, at about a quarter past seven, and solicited a warm hath. The man is a regular customer to the shop, and nothing unusual was noticeable in his manner. The bath was prepared, and the man entered the bath-room and locked the door—a practice not uncommon. In a short time another customer requested a bath, which was given him, the room being next to that occupied by the Armed Constabulary man. He had hardly undressed when he heard suppressed groans in the adjacent room. He, thinking the occupant was in a fit, called the proprietor of the shop, who broke open the door. The surprise he experienced cannot be described. The unfortunate man was lying in the bath half full with water, which presented the appearance of blood. Upon extricating him, his left arm was found to be severely cut above the wrist ; and, to make his end doubly sure, he had partaken of chloroform, an empty jihial being found in the room. Dr. Harding was sent for, and arrived promptly. He pronounced the case to be serious ; but, with care, the man would no doubt survive. He was removed to the Provincial Hospital.

IS? THE .LUNATIC ASYLUM. The contrast between the old Lunatic Asylum at Karori, and the present one off the Adelaide-road, could not be more marked. Inside the new building the appointments and arrangements are such as to secure to the patients the comforts of a well-conducted home, while every care is exercised that restraint and watchfulness on the part of the keepers and matrons shall not be apparent to the unfortunate inmates. The grounds surrounding the building are being tastefully laid out and ‘planted, and afford occupation for those of the patients who are able to work. But, although the new asylum is not to he compared with the former one, there are still many improvements which experience has proved to be necessary, principally of a trivial nature, and which a small sum would remedy. The new asylum was opened on 20th May, 1573, when the patients, numbering twentyeight, were transferred from the old building at Karori. Twenty-four of these are still inmates, being incurable, and four have been discharged cured. There was soon a- rapid increase in number, chronic cases being sent from the hospital and gaol; and the friends of patients who were above the pauper class were glad to avail themselves of the superior accomodation and care guaranteed in the new institution. There have been nine such cases. The number of demented persons at present in the asylum is forty-six, twenty-one of whom are males, afflicted with the following phases of idiotcy : Three epileptic, one paralytic, one inebriate, two idiots, fourteen incurables. Of the twenty-five females, two are paralytic, two doubtful, two convalescent, one recurrent mania, one epileptic, and seventeen incurables. It is a fact worthy of notice that the female patients predominate by four. The asylum will comfortably accommodate sixty, but it is to be hoped that some time will elapse ere the building requires to be added to to afford increased accommodation. In the asylums in Dunedin, Canterbury, and Auckland admissions and discharges are much more frequent than here, owing, no doubt, to the digging population in the neighborhood of those towns, lucky diggers “ knocking down ” tlieir “ piles ” being a fruitful source of temporary insanity. Formerly the patients admitted were invariably illiterate, but the rule is now being reversed, the library being availed of to a great extent. In the way of amusement there are a good billiard table, chess and draught boards, dominoes, lawn and parlor croquet, microscopes, and stereoscopes, many of which were the gifts of a few regular visitors who take an interest in the institution. The library is not large, containing about a hundred volumes. An opportunity here presents itself for those of our citizens whose libraries and bookshelves are not capacious enough, to present their spare literature for the benefit of the unfortunate inmates. The volumes that now constitute the meagre library bear every evidence of having been well read. Regulations framed by, the Inspector of Asylums allow of a musical or theatrical entertainment being held weekly, which the keeper affords the patients the full benefit of. Sometimes amusements on more than the ordinary scale are afforded the inmates, amateur parties of performers volunteering their services. The band of H.M.S. Blanche, the Wellington Serenaders, members of St. Peter’s and the Wesleyan choirs, and the Artillery Band, have all afforded gratification during their visits. A performance by the Rechabite Brass Band is now on the tapis, and, no doubt, the matter only requires mentioning to secure ample amusement in the future. The attendance at the entertainments by visitors from the city has not been large, but with the fine evenings which are now sure to follow, the audiences will no doubt be greater. The portion of the building allotted for Divine service, and for purposes of recreation and amusement, is large and lofty, affording sitting accommodation for a couple of hundred persons. A small platform has been erected slightly above the floor, and an excellent piano, presented by Mr. R. Burrett—also a harmonium—add not a little to the enjoyments of the institution. The visitors’ book does not record a great number of visitors, probably owing to the fact that the Wellington public have not been accustomed to visit and take interest in the former institution. The asylums in other provinces are almost, if not more than, as frequently visited as the museums. Religious instruction is kindly furnished by Mr. Gaby, a reader licensed by the Bishop of Wellington, who attends regularly every Sabbath afternoon; besides occasional visits from clergymen of the several denominations. An inspector and four official visitors make visits of inspection, which we may term “surprises,” no day nor hour being appointed when they are to arrive. There is no resident doctor, but Dr. France attends every morning; and in the event of anything unusual befalling a patient he is immediately sent for. Dr. Baley, Inspector of Asylums in New Zealand, considers a resident medical man unnecessary in institutions with fewer than one hundred inmates; and, as regards the Wellington Asylum, the correctness of his view is fully borne out. The patients, as a rule, enjoy excellent health, the situation of the asylum being in a great measure conducive to that desideratum. Ample occupation is provided. The men labor in the vegetable garden and grounds, and the amount of work which has been accomplished in levelling hillocks and filling in gullies shows idleness is not a prevailing sin. The kitchen garden is under the charge of a patient who, in other respects almost harmless and sane, has an amiable weakness for attempting his wife’s life. The usefulness of this person is apparent by a look at the garden, which is excellently laid out and well kept. The women knit all their own and the men’s stockings, make their own clothing, and also all the sheeting required, wash patients’ clothes, and perform all the cleaning and washing. In fact, all the work of the place is done by the inmates, and when it is considered that sixteen of the number are helpless, it will be evident that laziness does not prevail. Most of the patients are allowed the use of knives and forks, table-cloths arc

spread at meal times, attendants carve and serve out joints, crockery is available and used, and everything, as far as is practicable, is done to make the institution assume the semblance of a home. The Provincial Government, under whose control the asylum is, does justice by the keeper. There is no stint of anything which is requisite, medical comforts and donations towards objects of recreation being liberally supplied. Altogether the Asylum, instead of being a disgrace as formerly, may now be pointed to with satisfaction and pnde.

EDUCATION BOARD.

Eleven o’clock on Monday was the hour appointed for a meeting of the Wellington Board of Education, but an hour had elapsed before a quorum was got together. There were present Mr. Brandon (in the chair), Messrs. Bunny, Toomath, and Hutchison. The Secretary stated that the electors ot Featherston having failed to return a representative for the Board of Education, his Honor the Superintendent had exercised the power vested in him, and appointed Henry Bunny, Esq., to represent the Featherston district. Mr. Hutchison demurred against the appointment, and stated that neglect was not attributable to the electors. The Returning Officer for the district (Mr. Freethy), had refused to receive the nomination of Mr Duncan, and hence the appointment of Mr Bunny. , , , It was then stated that, m the event ot failure to elect a representative, from any cause whatever, the Act empowered the Superintendent to appoint a fitting person. Mr. Hutchison would not allow the matter to rest as it stood, and It was ultimately decided that the case should be stated to the Attorney-General, and his opinion solicited. The striking of a rate for the ensuing year was postponed, till the Attorney-General had expressed an opinion as to the validity or otherwise of Mr. Bunny’s appointment. Irregularities having occurred in the hearing of certain appeal cases at Wanganui, it was decided that the action taken be declared void, and the proceedings be gone through afresh. Mr. Keetley was appointed assessor. It was resolved that Mr. Hansard should take temporary charge of the Hutt school, the appointment of a master to still remain open. The Secretary was instructed to the effect that all leases for education reserves should be prepared as early as possible ; and also to' notify to masters of all schools under the Board’s control, that the scholarships in connection with the Wellington College are open to competition by their scholars. The Inspector reported that, as children m the half-time schools received as much of the master’s time as those in other schools, it was desirable that full fees be charged in all cases. The Inspector’s suggestion was adopted ; also that a fractional part of a quarter be charged as a whole quarter. It was decided that the Christmas vacation should commence on the Friday preceding Christmas Day. The next meeting of the Board is to take place at 11 a.m. next Monday.

MEETING OF RATEPAYERS

About 150 ratepayers assembled at the Volunteer drill-shed on Wednesday to protest against the excessive valuation of property in the city by the Council’s assessor. Mr. Toomath was voted to the chair. He requested the meeting to discuss the subject before it with reason and without demonstration. The increase in the assessment had in many cases been excessive, and he approved of the sensible action taken by the Thomdon ratepayers. He then read the clauses in the Act which had reference to the matter before the meeting. Mr. Hill, who credited himself with having “broken the ice of this ’ere fakement,” stated that a house for which he received less than £l6 a year as rent was assessed at £3O. He considered the assessment monstrous. Mr. Hutchison asked whether the Council had complied with the Act in respect to levying a new rate and altering the old assessment. If it had not its action would be vitiated. The Chairman was not aware whether the Council had or had not, but the Act distinctly specified the mode of procedure. He requested some gentleman to propose a resolution. Mr. Gillon proposed that the meeting should appoint four ratepayers to represent Te Ai-o Ward, and a like number for Lambton Ward, to confer with the deputation elected bv the Thorndon ratepayers the previous evening, the whole to form one deputation, and wait upon the City Council at its meeting today, which was carried. He also approved of the steps taken by the Thomdon ratepayers. He hoped the Council would appoint a commission from their number to hear the appeals. It would be better to pay the rates than allow the Resident Magistrate to settle the disputes, as the expense involved by adopting that course would be more than the extra assessment. , The following gentlemen were then elected : To represent Te Aro Ward—Messrs. Moody, Hutchison, Hayward, and H. Blundell ; Lambton Ward—Messrs. William Miller, Toomath, Compton, and Plimmer (sen.) The Chairman said he had no doubt that Councillors would be influenced by a proper expression of opinion, and he hoped ratepayers would not be compelled to settle their grievances in the Resident Magistrate s Court. Magistrates invariably supported [the actions of corporate bodies, and unless a case were very flagrant the ratepayers lost the case. He would impress upon the meetinll' that the deputation should not dictate to* the Council. It was easy to increase the amount of rates, but difficult to reduce them. It would, he thought, be desirable if a ratepayers' association were formed, so that it might, in a measure, direct their actions. 1 he Council as at present constituted appeared to be simply a source of fun and amusement, for

which ratepayers were paying heavily, and he hoped the present agitation would be- productive of good. Mr. Miller thought Councillors were empowered to amend or allow a reduction in rates and assessments. The conversation, at this stage, became general, several individuals stating their own particular grievances in the matter of drainage, education, water rates, &c. Votes of thanks were accorded to the chairman, and to Mr. Pearce for kindly allowing the meeting the use of the drill-shed.