Town News.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 236, 18 March 1876, Page 13

Town News.

Gore, in the district of Invercargill, has been gazetted as a place where a money order and savings bank office will be opened on and after the Ist prox. The agricultural statistics for the province of Canterbury appear in Thursday’s Gazette. The main items have already been telegraphed from Christchurch and published in the New Zealand Mail.

On Wednesday Mr. R. J. Duncan held a most successful land sale at the Upper Hutt. The land was sold in quarter-acre sections, and is situate within a quarter of a mile of the railway station. Competition was keen ; every lot was sold at prices ranging from Is. 6d. a foot frontage to 11s. a foot. We are informed that the New Zealand Shipping Company’s vessel the Hurunui will be taken up on the Patent Slip to-day, for the purpose of cleaning and painting prior to her departure for London. No doubt many spectators will be present. We may also mention that over forty homeward steerage passages by the Hurunui have been engaged. A meeting of the committee of the Wellington Rifle Association was held at Mr. r Turner’s shop, Willis-street, on Wednesday night, Capt. Thompson in the chair. It was resolved that the next competition for the W.R.A. Champion Cup and other prizes should take place on the Polhill’s Gully rifle range on Easter Monday, the 17th April, firing to commence at 9 a.m. Ranges 400, 500, and 600 yards ; 5 shots at each range. Entrance fee, 2s. 6d. An old settler, Mr. Richard Collins, died rather suddenly on Sunday from heart disease, after an attack lasting but a few hours. The previous day he was apparently enjoying good health. Deceased had been in the colony for a number of years, having arrived at an early age. He had secured a competency from an estate in the Wairarapa, and recently had been living in toAvn, where he made himself generally liked by his kindly disposition and unostentatious charity. The inhabitants of tbe further end of Te Aro have for some time past had to labor under great inconvenience for want of postal facilities. The letter delivery has not hitherto extended beyond John-street, and persons resident beyond that street have had to travel in to the General Post-office to get their letters and papers. This is to be remedied now, for a branch post-office is to be established at Mr. Gaby’s new store, Revans-street. A New Zealand Gazette was issued on Thursday. It contains : Proclamation by the Superintendent of Auckland re breaches of the regulations for granting water rights under the Auckland Waste Lands Act ; appointment of John Thompson, Esq., to be deputy registrar of births, deaths, and marriages, for the district of Gabriels, and of R. C. Burstow to be registrar under the Sale of Poisons Act for the Province of Auckland, of Hartley Mclntyre to be deputy sheriff for Hawke’s Bay, of Hemi Matenga to ,be native assessor in Nelson province, of A. J. Allom to be receiver of gold revenue at Ohinemuri, Auckland ; Land Transfer Act Notices, &c. A fire occurred in the City Corporation yard, Manners-street, on Tuesday, and burned fiercely for a short time. It arose through the boiling over of a tank of pitch, the pitch becoming ignited as it touched the fire, and iD a very short time the shed was in a blaze, and the vicinity was literally blackened with smoke. Little harm would have been done but for the fact of a horse and cart being close by the tank at the time. The cart was loaded, and it is said the wheel was locked also. Hence, the horse could not very well escape, and in a moment he was enveloped in the flames, so that his driver could not even get near his head, and so the poor beast perished, his body charred in every part, and the' lower joints completely burnt away. A more pitiable spectacle could not well be imagined. The pitch ran into the street, carrying the flames with it, and, floAving down the gutter, burnt the wooden kerbing for many yards. The fire brigades turned out with great promptitude however, and on arriving at the scene soon got the fire under.

We understand that Mr. Fenwick has succeeded in successfully driving one thousand sheep from Castle Point to Mr. J. F. E. Wright’s farm, Wellington. We learn from Dunedin that Mr. Talfourd Young is arranging the farewell tour of those distinguished artists, the Bates, either for starring or a new and original drawingroom entertainment. It is understood that Wilson’s Circus will not appear again in Wellington as was originally intended by the management. Mr. Wilson has decided upon proceeding direct from Dunedin, where part of his company are at present stationed. Yesterday being St. Patrick’s Day, it was observed in the usual manner by all true Irishmen. The day was ushered in by the ever-green “ St. Patrick’s Day in the Morning,” performed by the Artillery Band, who paraded the streets of the city, attended by the bodyguard incidental to such occasions. The Melbourne people are sharp in taking advantage of the cable. A day or two ago, when Messrs. Turnbull decided upon starting a line of vessels between Melbourne and Wellington, the news was sent to the Australian papers, and as a result an application for the Melbourne agency was on Wednesday received by Messrs. Turnbull and Co. The annual meeting of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce was held on Wednesday at Messrs. Bethune and Hunter’s. The chairman and the vice-chairman, Messrs. Levin and Hunter respectively, were re-elected, and the old committee, with a couple of exceptions, were again placed in office. A report will be found elsewhere.

A new branch of industry has been developed by Mr. Ballinger of this city, namely, the manufacture of sheet lead. There is always a quantity of waste lead, which could be utilised in a business of this kind, and which will offer special advantages here, as Mr. Ballenger makes sheets of all sizes, some of these being only obtainable at present by special order to England. We have at the office a specimen of the sheet lead the manufacture of which has been eminently successful. A bright intelligent-looking boy named Cosgrave was called to give evidence in a case of drunkenness at the R.M. Court on Thursday, and caused considerable amusement on stepping into the witness-box by immediately taking hold of the Bible, and without regard to any of the officials, commencing to swear himself. He had got as far as “ The evidence I shall give in this case—” when he was interrupted. A sitting of the Supreme Court was held on Monday, when a quantity of bankruptcy and banco business was disposed of by his Honor the Chief Justice. The bankruptcy business consisted principally of applications for final orders of discharge, which in a few cases were granted, and in others withheld for a month, for the purpose either of compelling compliance with necessary formalities which had been neglected, or for affording an opportunity for further inquiry into the affairs of the bankrupt. In banco, his Honor delivered a couple of judgments. The Court will sit again on Friday should there be any causes set down. A case of larrikinism came before the Resident Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, the delinquent being a respectable young man, said to be a clerk in some office. The case was adjourned till to-day, in order that the police might procure evidence as to the amount of damage done by the young man and a comrade whilst enjoying themselves round town. Should the damage exceed £5, and a prima facie case be made out, the accused will, of course, be committed for trial. Particulars of the affair were not gone into yesterday, but it is stated that among other depredations committed, one of the streets was blocked up with boxes, and a ladder placed in Willisstreet in a situation admirably contrived to break the head of some unwary traveller. A general meeting of the Wellington Literary Association was held at the Presbyterian Church schoolroom on Tuesday. The Rev. James Paterson occupied the chair. The first business was the discussion of the question as to whether the association should be regarded as being under the außpices of the St.John’s Presbyterian Church, and ultimately it was decided that nominally it should, but at the same time non-connection with St. John s should not exclude a person from the society, on the contrary, young men of any denomination should be heartily welcomed. After the transaction of some other formal business, the elaction of office-bearers was proceeded with, with the following result: —President, Rev. James Paterson ; vice-presidents, Messrs. Myl«3, Scott, and W. McKenzie; committee, Messrs. T. K. Macdonald, Renner, Farmer, Murray, and Hobkirk; secretary, Mr. J. Kirker; treasurer, Mr. G. Macdonald. The syllabus for the ensuing session was arranged, and the meeting adjourned. The men Young, Reidal, and Paul are still in the hospital, but it is anticipated that they will be discharged in a few days. The dreadful cut on Young’s shoulder has had the effect of leaving his arm apparently useless, the muscles having been so much injured. The galvanic battery has been brought into operation to see if strength can be imparted to the limb, and to a certain extent success has attended the experiment, and the use of the battery will be continued. Paul walks about the yard, but during the warm weather necessarily has to keep himself in the shade. Reidal is still confined to his bed—at any rate, to his ward—but he is in good spirits, and quite out of danger. The hospital officials are to be congratulated on the wonderful feat they have performed, in having, so far as human power was concerned, brought all three again into the land of the living, for assuredly no one who saw the mangled bodies brought in to town on the 26th December ever supposed they would see the New Year. By the exercise of surprising medical skill, and coupled with unremitting attention and most careful nursing, the men have not only seen the beginning of the new year but have been put in a fair way of gaining health that may last for years if care be taken.

Volunteers will henceforth have to discontinue firing on the. Adelaide-road rifle range, a house having been erected within a dozen yards of one,, of the targets. The ground is private property, and may be let in allotments, so that it would be just as well to abandon all idea of a range in that direction. We have received the first number of the New Zealand Press News, a journal published in and devoted to the interests of the printing trade. It is well got up, and its views on trade questions are expressed clearly and moderately, whilst its news on the subject with which it is associated is well selected. -It is published in Dunedin. It is said there is a probability of great improvements being effected upon that portion of Thorndon-quay lying between Maginity’s hotel and the Mulgrave-street junction. It belongs to an estate being administered by the Public Trustee, and it is proposed to increase the value of the property by erecting upon it good substantial bulidings in place of the sheds at present there. A serious accident occurred on Monday to a man named Ussman, drayman for Staples’ brewery. He was riding on the dray, and when near the Princess Hotel the horse swerved, and the sudden jerk threw Ussman down, and the cart passed over him. One of his ears was taken off, a nasty cut inflicted on his head, and one of his arms was broken. He was taken to the hospital and properly attended to.

The Gas Company is a sharp creditor, and if individuals generally followed the course the company has adopted debts would be less frequently contracted. The Council owes the company money for the lighting of the street lamps, and as the debt has been owing since January, the company on Thursday asked for payment of the account, and put in a little bill for interest.

The second of the series of popular science lectures to the young was delivered on Saturday afternoon, in the Terrace school, by the master, on the “ Wind that blows.” The chair was occupied by John Knowles, Esq., who introduced the lecturer with a few appropriate remarks. The subject was illustrated by frequent reference to globes and maps. The attendance was more numerous than on the first occasion, and the lecture was listened to with marked attention.

The town of Wellington is spreading rapidly —that any man may see for himself ; the price of land is proportionately increasing—that also is pretty well known. But it will surprise a great many to learn that some of the leasehold allotments sold by auction the other day, and owned by a private party, fetched more than did those on the reclaimed land which were sold by the City Corporation. It is surprising because the reclaimed land was valuable in consequence of its forming part of the city, and the allotments sold last week are almost suburban, and until the city increases very much can only be utilised as residence sites.

Messrs. Turnbull and Co. have now completed their arrangements for the running of a monthly line of sailing vessels from Melbourne to this port. As the rate of freight will be much lower than that charged by the steamers, we feel sure that they will be largely patronised. Besides carrying cargo for this port, bills of lading will be signed at a through rate of freight for goods for Wanganui, Napier, Nelson, and Taranaki, which on being landed here will be forwarded by steamer to the various ports. The first vessel will leave Melbourne about the middle of April. The third of the' series of popular science lectures to the young will be delivered in the Terrace-school this afternoon, by the master. Subject : “ The World we Live in.” The following is a synopsis of the lecture : —l. Three distinct sciences are involved in a knowledge of our earth —geography, geology, and astronomy. 2. Its shape and physical constitution ; opinions of the ancients. 3. Causes of the earth’s rotundity—attraction, cohesion, &c.; illustrations. 4. An oblate spheroid, whirling motion, centripetal and centrifugal forces. 5. The earth a member of the solar system. 6. Motion in its orbit; attraction of gravitation ; the seasons, arctic and antarctic, summer and winter. 7. Motions of bodies in space. 8. Motion and not rest is the law of nature.

Miss Florence Colville (Mrs. W. Hoskins), Miss Docy Mainwaring, and Messrs. Douglas, Burford, and Booth, arrived by the Ringarooma on Wednesday, and opened a short season of thirteen nights at the Theatre Royal this evening. Mr. Hoskins has under engagement for the colonies the wonderful troupe of Marionettes, and they are at present performing at the Theatre Royal, Christchurch, where, until their advent, Mr. Hoskins had been producing the legitimate drama for over six months. He has now sent the best portion of his very strong company to Wellington for the period above stated, where, in conjunction with the local company, they will produce a series of novelties. At the close of the season here they will rejoin Mr. Hoskins, who in all probability will open the new theatre in Dunedin.

During the sitting of the Bankruptcy Court his Honor the Chief Justice pointed out what to him appeared to be an abuse of the bankruptcy law, viz., that laboring men should claim the benefit of the Act. Mr. Hart remarked that such bankruptcies would inevitably occur while the present law remained in force. The remark of hia Honor doubtless deserves the attention of legislators. There is no valid reason why such men should come before the Court. They have affixed income, and are not liable to the adverse contingencies which a business man occasionally has to meet, and putting on one side the absurdity of setting in motion the cumbrous machinery of the Bankrutcy Act for administering estates which are only a few pounds in value, it is too bad that people who get into debt should be able to appeal to the law to protect them from the effects of their unscrupulousness. The Chief Justice in another case also called attention to the fact that a number of the debts in the schedule were proved by publicans,

A Port Chalmers telegram notifies some success at last for the whaler fitted out by the Dunedin people. The Age, referring to the connection of Australia and New Zealand by cable, says:—ln the whole history of submarine telegraphy there is no other instance of a cable of similar length being so expeditiously and successfully laid.

The funeral of the late Mr. Kinniburgh took place on Monday, with military honors. The procession was of considerable length. Deceased was a member of the Wellington Fire Brigade. Both brigades and the City Rifles attended, the band playing the Dead March.

The master of the Hurunui, Captain Boyd, gave an excellent spread on board his ship on Monday, to which he invited the directors and several members of the New Zealand Shipping Company and others. The viands were of a most sumptuous character, and a very enjoyable entertainment it proved, the usual toasts being drank with honors. The contretemps of Tuesday in the Corporation yard was very nearly repeated on Thursday. The tar pot was allowed to boil over, but the fire was put out pretty smartly. One resident in the locality, who has hitherto considered insurance premiums a waste of ready cash, has this week been frightened into taking out a policy. It has not transpired whether the insurance company directors propose to increase the rates for buildings in the vicinity. Some disgraceful conduct on the part of drunken men was exposed at the Resident Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, when certain psrsons were convicted of drunkenness and vagrancy. It appeared that they had retreated to the cemetery as an out of the way place in which to hold their unseemly and disgusting revels, and there they were arrested. They were punished as the law directed and in the discretion of the magistrate, but it is questionable whether they were punished “after their deserts.” Fortunately we do not often have to chronicle exhibitions of this kind, for which thanks are due to the police, who are sufficiently vigilant. Appeals against the Borough assessment, which had been adjourned from a previous date, were heard at the Resident Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. In each case the rating was reduced. Mr. Pharazyn conducted his own case, and informed the Court, as he previously informed the Council, that wrong impressions existed as to the value of his property, that, in point of fact, the valuator had fallen into error by estimating its worth from its outside show. It is astonishing what a cheap price a man will put upon his property when that property is subject to taxes based on a valuation of its worth.

The following is a list of the immigrants expected to arrive by the ship Gutenberg, which sailed from Hamburg on the 15th December, 1875 : Married couples without children—6 laborers, 5 farm laborers ; married couples with children —6 laborers, 12 farm laborers ; single men—3B laborers, 12 farm laborers ; single women, 18. The Waipa, which sailed from London on 17th December, 1875, brings : Married couples without children —1 tailor, 1 painter, 2 farm laborers, 1 machine fitter ; married couples with children—l laborer, 4 farm laborers, 2 carpenters, 2 wheelwrights, 1 gardener, 1 tent maker ; single men—2 laborers, 1 gardener, 1 engineer, 1 butcher, 2 painters, 1 carpenter, 7 farm laborers ; single women—ll general servants, 2 nurses, 3 cooks, 1 housekeeper, 6 housemaids, 1 parlormaid, 4 young girls, 1 laundress.

A meeting of the Wellington Teachers’ Association was held on Saturday morning, at the Thorndon schoolroom, Mr. Holmes occupying the chair. The business transacted was unimportant, owing to the rather small attendance. Mr. Willis moved that the Board of Education be requested to institute one or two scholarships to be competed for by boys in attendance at the State schools. This was carried. A letter from the secretary of the Board was read announcing the refusal of the Board to recognise the Educational Gazette as its official organ, and the secretary of the Canterbury Association wrote intimating that the association had adopted the resolutions forwarded by the Wellington Association. Notice of the following motion was then given by Mr. Sinclair : —** That the Board of Education be most respectfully requested to permit teachers to visit occasionally schools in the neighborhood ; and, by a slight alteration in the time of the Christmas holidays, to allow teachers from the country to visit the town schools.” The meeting then adjourned. The s.fa. Granada, one of the large American steamers, entered the harbor on Friday and came alongside the Queen’s wharf. The opportunity was taken advantage of by large numbers of the curious, and from the time she hauled alongside till within a few minutes of her departure, she was crowded with spectators. The Granada i 3 neither so large nor well fitted as the City of San Francisco, but she is a splendid vessel nevertheless. One thing very noticeable, and upon which liberal and adverse criticism was expended, is the wretched accommodation for steerage passengers. Indeed, there can scarcely be said to be any accommodation whatever’. In this part of the vessel there is not the most trifling attempt at ornamentation, a horrible smell or collection of smells fills the place, and the berths are constructed on some original principle admirably calculated to prevent a man getting any rest. The table from which the steerage passengers are supposed to feed is a wide rough plank, suspended from the roof by pieces of iron, and the seats, if there are any, are carefully concealed till feeding time arrives, it being thought unnecessary, apparently, that men and women of the degree steerage should be provided with the means of repose which weak-minded persons suppose to be requisite for everybody at times. By way of conveying a more general idea of the impression made upon us by the Granada s steerage, we may say that the man or woman who could contemplate a passage in it without a shudder must needs have a very strong stomach.

Mr. Jackson, stationer, having experienced a great demand for the song “ Whip-poor-Will,” made popular in .Wellington by Miss Lizzie Morgan, has recently had printed 100 copies. The song is very creditably got up by Mr. J. Hughes. , We notice by copies of the San Francisco Chronicle that Mrs. Corlett (well known in Wellington as “ Silverpen”) is making her mark in the city of San Francisco. Mrs. Corlett contributes poetry to the local papers, and gives entertainments of reading and singing. A meeting of parents and ratepayers in the Lower Hutt school district washeld in the schoolhouse on Friday evening, the 10th inst., for the purpose of electing a school committee. The meeting was convened by Mr Toomath, the member of the Education Board for the Country District, who presided on the occasion, and the following gentlemen were nominated to form a committee—Messrs. James Knight, N. Valentine, Wm. Devereux, Mcllvride, and J. Chapman. Through the enterprise of Mr. Gear, butcher, Wellington can boast of one house of business, at least, the like of which cannot be seen in any other town in New Zealand, and it is quite equal to many of the largest shops in London and other important centres of population in England. Two entire sides of the shop are thrown open during business hours, after which they are closed by the patent drop shutters now pretty generally in use. Inside the fittings are most complete, the walls are composed of encaustic plates, and everything about the place is beautifully clean. When illuminated at night the shop looks very bright and attractive.

On Saturday a large number of the members of the Civil Service, at the invitation of Sir Donald McLean, went for a pleasure trip around the bay in the Government steamer Luna. The party, which must have numbered 250, left the wharf shortly after 2 o’clock, and about 3 arrived at Somes Island, where a short stay was made to enable passengers to land and explore the island. Lowry Bay was next made for, and here passengers were again landed, and thence the homeward trip was commenced. Refreshments in apparently illimitable quantities' were provided for the occasion, and every one appeared to thoroughly enjoy the trip. The passengers were landed about 7.15, having given cheers for Sir Donald McLean and Captain Fairchild. During the hearing of a civil case, Bell v. Newlyn, in the Resident Magistrate’s Court on Saturday, Messrs. Travers and Allan, counsel for the respective parties, had a difference of opinion regarding a statement made by Mr. Travers to the effect that . Mr. Newlyn, who had broken up his establishment, had been so reticent regarding his intentions that it was a matter of doubt as to whether or not he intended to defeat his creditors. Mr. Allan objected to such statements, and upon Mr. Travers proceeding to explain, Mr. Allan protested against the interruption, whereupon the two gentlemen began warmly discussing their relative merits as members of the legal profession, and his Worship had to call them to order. The case was ultimately adjourned till Monday. Some modern essayists, impatient of old forms and ceremonies, complain that there exist ridiculous restrictions to the approach of nuptual arrangements. They have shown us how to mend matters, but none of their ideas can compete with one recently put in practice not a hundred miles from this city. Young Buttercup, a gushing sentimental young man, used to visit a barmaid, pretty but practical. Buttercup was very often there, and so deep was his admiration that he was seldom heard to speak to the object of his attentions, but contented himself with gazing into the depths of her hazel orbs. Sometimes this solace was denied him, as when the adored one would go to draw drinks for another. Then he would dwell on her chignon and silently weep. One day, when Buttercup had been more than usually dismal, his loved one said, “ Now look here, Butter” (pet name), “You’ve been looking at me long enough to take a life-size portrait. Do you mean it ? If so, I’ll throw you Yankee grab.” Buttercup was overcome. He threw the dice, won the throw, and lost his liberty for ever. His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to appoint the undermentioned gentle- , men to be Justices of the Peace for the colony: —Thomas Bayly, junr., Waitara, Taranaki ; Donald Borrie, Papakaio, Otago ; Alexander Broadfoot, Christchurch ; Henry Burton, Auckland ; John Clervaux Chaytor, Picton, "i Marlborough ; Henry Flockhart Christie, Patea, Taranaki ; Edward Churton, Wanganui, Wellington ; James McCosh Clark, Auckland; Patrick Commisky, Auckland ; William Deamer, Christchurch ; Thomas Kennedy Douglass, Tapanui, Otago ; William Elder, Port Chalmers, Otago ; James Green, Blueskin, Otago ; John Griffen, Dunedin ; Alexander John Hadfield, Otaki, Wellington ; Samuel Hey wood, Fernside, Canterbury; JohnHislop, Dunedin ; Matthew Instone, Riverton, Otago ; Andrew Kay, Rihikihi, Auckland; John WHlcocks Kenah, Wairoa, Wellington; Henry Kitchener, Shag Valley, Otago; James Richard Lysaght, Christchurch ; Douglas Hastings Mac Arthur, Feilding, Wellington ;; Duncan Macfarlane, Jackson’s Bay, Westland ; John McKellar, Tapanui, Otago; Charles Cookman McMillan, Auckland; James Moore, Kai Iwi, Wellington ; Orfeur George Parker, Malvern, Canterbury ; Robert Paterson, Dunedin ; Hector Stephen Peacock, Marmtahi, Taranaki ; Thomas Albert Phillips, Rakaia, Canterbury ; George William Pogson, Mcßae’s Flat, Otago ; William Postlethwaite, Raukapuka, Geraldine, Canterbury ; Donald Henry Potts, Upper Ashburton, Canterbury ; Ceorge Faibrace Boyes Poynter, Tapanui, Otago; Keith Ramsay, Dunedin ; Andrew •William Rutherford, Mendip Hills, Amuri, Nelson ; Dilnot Sladden, Oxford, Canterbury ; Charles Edward Smith, Otepopo, .Otago £ George Vesey Stewart, Kati Kati, Auckland £ Robert Trimble, New Plymouth '; Herbert Westmacott, Flaxbourne, Marlborough,

oZ - Whilst the Luna was at the Brothers on Sunday a fine specimen of the Tuatara lizard was caught by the carpenter, and is now in the possession of L. B. Wilson, Esq. We understand that Dr. Munro, who does not aim at securing a large hard-working, never-sleeping practice, has introduced into Wellington what is known in London as an open surgery. There is many a poor man suffering from disease who would be glad of professional advice and medicine if it could be acquired at a price within his means. This has not hitherto been obtainable in Wellington, and the result has been that suffering humanity has been driven to rely on quae c medicines for a hope of relief from pain, which is seldom obtained from the use of paten nostrums. Dr. Munro’s system is understood to be advice and medicine for half-a-crown. Captain Evans, of the steamer Manawatu, met with an accident on Saturday which mignt have resulted in his death. Fortunately, however, he escaped with trifling injury. It happened in this way. The Manvvatu was at Wanganui, lying abreast of the Stormbird, which was alongside the wharf. Captain Evans was stepping from the pier on to the : Stormbird, in order to board his own vessel, when he slipped and fell into the water. Fortunately he was seen to fall, and the cry “ man overboard” was raised. A line was thrown overboard to Captain Evans, but he failed to seize it, and sank. Another line was thrown 80 soon as he reached the surface, and he caught it, and he was eventually hauled on board almost unconscious, having received a cut on the head. The Manawatu arrived in Wellington yesterday morning. In the R.M. Court on Thursday (before J. C.' Crawford, Esq.), two men, William Harris and William Giles, were charged with stealing a pair of boots from the Empire Hotel. William Murray, night porter at the Empire, identified the men as having been in the Empire just previously to the boots being missed, and Sergeant Price stated that he found the boots in Harris’s bunk on the Taupo. Harris was committed to gaol for three months ; Giles was dismissed, as there was a doubt about his connection with the robbery, and of this doubt the Court gave him the benefit. — T. W. Hughes was brought up on remand charged with malicious injury to property, but the case was again adjourned on the application of Inspector Atchison, who stated that another person had been implicated in the mischief, and it was considered desirable tocharge both in one information. The series of lectures in connection with the Philosophical Society was commenced on Saturday evening by the Hon. Dr. Gi’ace, who chose for his subject “ The Pacific Mail Ser- . vice.” But he did not confine himself to the mail service, he also gave some information about American politics and government. His address was listened to with great interest, because having but recently arrived from America, he spoke with a certain degree of authority as to the feeling respecting the much discussed mail service, and certainly heP told his audience a good deal which they had. never heard before. At the conclusion of the

lecture, a very fine set of views were exhibited . by Mr. Deverill, Government photographer. These deserve special mention, for although only one lamp was used, enough could be seen to ■how that they are excellent photographs of some of the prettiest scenery in New Zealand. ... .. The views of terraces in the vicinity of the hot lakes were really very grand—quite equal to any of the panoramic views of American scenery of world-wide celebrity, and not being colored, appeared infinitely more natural. It is to be hoped an opportunity may occur for ' the views being exhibited to the general public. If the following, which a correspondent sent to the Times, be not true, it is at least well told :—“ The competition for news between certain literary men whose work is made public of an evening is at present very great. Two of these gentlemen, who act as editor and man of all work of the same journal respectively, are not in the habit of hiding their lights under bushels ; on the contrary, they continually boast their own expertness at street corners and wherever two or three are gathered together. It is gratifying, therefore, whenever their own estimate of themselves can be disproved. On Monday the editor rushed frantically to the man of all work and said, * Hurry away now to the top of Cuba-street ; I overheard Downigh of the telling a policeman that a body had been picked up in a backyard there, that there were suspicions of foul play, and that he was off to cut us out by making quite a sensational article of it.’ The man of all work said that he would cut away so soon as he should have finished the sixth labored dig at their morning contemporary, which he was preparing for that evening’s issue, and that it was hard if he, the best ‘ all round ’ man in the colony, was to be beaten by Downigh. He went to the top of Cuba-street. The first house, at the door of which he knocked, did not help him to find the body. A lady whom he asked about it, and who gave prominent evidence of a speedy intention to replenish the earth, threw a bucket of soapsuds over him, and asked him what he meant by talking to ladies in an interesting condition about bodies. A. t the next house the proprietor was at home, and set a bulldog at the journalist, who suffered exactly where he is supposed to carry his brains and his feelings. At the third house three little children called him ‘ papa.’ and insisted that he was their long absent parent. This was enough for him. He gave up hunting for the body, and went back to his office. No explanation of the affair can be furnished, but Mr. Downigh and a policeman were seen drinking together in the evening, and whispering something about having sold neatly.” Mit Convulsions in Teetepng.— None but anxious Mothers know the worry, of “Teething Time,” and ' 1 the nursery has no more innocent help than Mrs. ‘■'Johnson’s Soothing Syrup, which, applied to the Infant’s Gums, relieves the pain and prevents convulsions. Free from any narcotic. None genuine without the name of "Barclay and Sons, Farringdon Street,- London,” is on the stamp. Sold by all Chemists, at 2s. 9d. a bottle.— Agents, Vennell & Co., Auckland

THE NEW GENERAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT WELLINGTON. As this enormous pile of buildings is fast approaching completion, a short description of them should be interesting to the public of New Zealand, from the circumstance that ere lon«- the whole of the public departments will be removed there, and the public having Government business to transact will know exactly where- to go, instead of, as at present, having to search the city through which the departments are scattered, and often losing valuable time before their object of search is attained. f The buildings stand on a site of about two acres, provided by the <rf?rovincial Government of Wellington, but which has been reclaimed from the harbor by the General Government. The site is nearly opposite Government House, and will be entirely surrounded by streets, the chief front being towards Lambton-quay, which is at this point 100 feet wide. The total length of the buildings measures 255 feet by a depth of 130 feet at the wings, and may be said to have four fronts, their being altogether seven public entrances, each approached by a flight of ten steps under Roman-Doric porticoes, thus raising the ground floor five feet above the surface of the site.

The elevations are Italian, plain in design, with projecting eaves and modillions. The ground storey is rusticated, with semicircular arches springing from pilasters with moulded caps, and having moulded architraves and key-stones, surmounted by a moulded string-course, on which the first floor windows stand. The windows of this storey are relieved with carved trusses supporting moulded pediments. Above these pediments is another moulded string-course, on which the second floor windows stand, and which correspond in design with those of the first floor, excepting that moulded labels are substituted for the pediments. The third floor windows are somewhat smaller, and are furnished with moulded architraves, also standing on a moulded stringcourse, but which is broken and mitred to form sills to the windows, with cantilevers under (two to each window). There is a moulded necking above the third floor windows, immediately under the modillions before referred to.

The main entrance is surmounted with a pediment, moulded to match, and is mitred with the roof cornice, on the apex of which be.-placed the royal arms. The centre of the pediment contairgan illuminated clock, relieved on either side by a recessed and moulded panel. The return front of each wing has the eaves line broken by a distinct pediment, standing up clear of the eaves, with modillions as before described, and finished with a carved vase. There are twenty-two chimney stacks with moulded bases and modillion cornices, having champered angles, and divisions sunk triangularly to mark the flues, which number one hundred and ninety-three. 4rhe ground floor, {north wing, is arranged with eight rooms for the Treasury department, varying in size from 18ft. x 16ft. to 40ft. x 16ft. The centre between the wings has seven rooms for the Customs and Marine, north of the central hall, varying from' 16ft. x 15ft. 6in. to 26ft. 3in. x 16ft. One room east of the main entrance is set apart for the telegraph operator. The main entrance hall is 20ft. square, having plate-glass swing-doors between it and an outer lobby on the east and the main corridor on the west, which is 255 ft. long and 10ft. wide. Off the lobby to entrance hall and south of it is a porters’ or messengers’ room, and a second messengers’ room is provided opposite to the entrance hall, east of the main corridor and adjoining the telegraph operator’a room. Still proceeding south, there are three rooms for the Stamp and three for the Immigration department, being on the west and east sides of the main corridor. These rooms vary from 16ft. x 15ft. 6in. to 26ft. 3in. x 16ft. At both ends of the central portion of the main corridor are passages leading on to open verandahs, which form approaches to lifts and other conveniences, each having a flight of steps giving access to the courtyard in the rear. The south wing is now reached. The western portion is thus appropriated, three rooms for the Colonial Architect, and two for Public Works, ranging from 18ft. x 16ft. to 21ft. 4in. x 16ft.; while the east end is to be occupied by the Native department, there being five rooms similar in dimensions to those in the western end of this wing. At the intersection of the wings with the central portion of the building the staircases and fireproof safes are arranged, which extend through the four storeys. The former are each 32ft. square, having an independent flight of steps Bft. long, and branch flights of 6ft. steps, one to the main and the other to the cross or wing corridor. The safes are 17ft. square in the clear, but divided by an iron railing, thus making each into two 17ft. x Bft. 6in. This arrangement is also carried out on every floor, and each of the smaller safes is supplied with a Milner’s fire-proof door, while each pair of safes has a window with double iron shutters, one inside and the other on the outside of the brick walls, which are 2ft. 3in. thick, all built in cement. The safes are lined with studding and plaster, having an air passage between the brickwork and the lining, with the view of preventing damp striking the papers to be stored in them. All the rooms are plastered, and over the plaster for about 4ft. in height is a dado of kauri timber, and Tobin’s ventilators are applied throughout every room. At every public entrance lobbies are formed in the corridors by the introduction of plate-glass swing-doors. This description of the ground floor has a general application to the other three floors, and it will suffice to give the appropriation of the rooms on those floors to the several departments. THE EIEST FLOOR is thus arranged : —North wing has eight rooms, similar in size to those on the ground floor, appropriated to Audit, being imme-

diately over the Treasury department. The centre portion between the wings, being 165 ft. 6in. in length, is appropriated on the west, or Lambton-quay side, to the Ministers (six in number), with a Cabinet room 32ft. x 20ft., in the middle and over the entrance hall flanked by two lavatories. The eastern side of the main corridor provides rooms for messengers, waiting room, Secretary to Premier, Secretary to Cabinet, Under-Secretary, Assistant Undersecretary, and two rooms for Colonial Secretary’s clerks. The south wing (first floor) has twelve rooms, appropriated entirely to Public Works, the sizes, as on the ground floor, ranging from 18ft. x 10ft. to 40ft. x 16ft. THE SECOND FLOOR,

north wing, provides ten rooms for the Annuities, Inspector of Stores, and Public Trustee, which departments are all more or less connected with the Treasury and Audit departments, and are therefore arranged over them.

The centre portion between the wings on this flat has six rooms for the General Postoffice, two for Native Lands Judges, one for messengers, three for Commissioners of Native Lands, and five for the exhibition of patents, the smallest being 15ft. x 10ft. 6in, and the largest 30ft. x 20ft. The south wing of the second floor provides ten rooms, all intended for the Public Works department, and range from 18ft. x 16ft. to 40ft. x 16ft. THE THIRD FLOOR, north wing, provides five rooms for the Law Officers at the west end, and five for the Registrar-General on the east end. The central portion between the wings has seven rooms for the Inspector of Surveys, two for the Inspector of Asylums, one for messengers, three for education, and four for Crown Lands. The south wing of the third floor provides four rooms for the Telegraph department, two for Public Works, and two spare rooms for visiting Government officers. To sum up, it will be seen that this enormous building contains 143 rooms ; four corridors, each 255 ft. x 10ft., and eight corridors 130 ft. x 10ft. ; sixty-four conveniences, two lifts, six verandahs, seven porticoes, and eighteen flights of stairs, each occupying a space 32ft. square. The building is erected of wood, the foundations being of fcotara piles, driven through the made ground to the solid rock foundation, the framing throughout is of Tasmanian hardwood, and the rustic weatherboards, which are thick, are of kauri, as also are the floors and joiners’ work generally. The roof is covered with corrugated galvanised iron, and the interior is plastered throughout, excepting the main entrance hall and lobby, which are lined with fancy New Zealand woods. The lead, roof iron, paint, felt, glass, mantels, &c., were imported from England specially for the building. The contractors for the erection and part of the materials were Messrs. Scoular and Archibald ; for the kauri timber, Messrs. Greenfield and Stewart, and for the Tasmanian timber, Messrs. Beck and Tonks ; and the whole has been carried out in the best possible manner. Those who live in Wellington must have noticed the rapidity with which the work has been executed, and considering that it is the largest wooden building in the world (we write under correction), it must be considered creditable to Wellington that we have contractors capable of such an undertaking, to say nothing of the short time the work has been done in. 11 ' The cfesigns and specifications were prepared byithe. Colonial Architect, who proposed, as a finishing touch to enclose the site with a light ornamental iron railing, and to plant with ornamental shrubs the whole of the space between the boundaries and the building. Accident by fire has been provided against, as, independently of fire-plugs round the exterior of the building, two small fire plugs with hose will he always charged on each flat of the building, at the top of the staircases. The total cost of the warksfif-carried-to ■proper -^completion,-—will —be- about £4 8,000. The only regret is that they should have been built of timber, but on the other hand, the timbers selected are of the least inflammable description, and the work is well done. WELLINGTON CITY TRAMWAYS. We have before us the draft order in the matter of the Tramways Act, 1872 : and in the matter of an application made by John Henderson, of the city of Wellington, civil engineer; Charles O’Neill, of the city of Wellington, civil engineer : and Thomas Kennedy Macdonald, of th* city of Wellington, accountant, as the promoters of the Wellington City Tramways, under the provisions of the said Act. The order shows that the promoters memorialised—or intend to memorialise —his Honor the Superintendent for a final order for the construction of the tramway, in accordance with the before-mentioned notice. That the Mayor and Councillors of the city of Wellington did, by deed of consent between them and the promoters, duly consent to the application contained in said memorial, &c. That—1. The route of the said tramway shall be from the present station at Pipitea-point, in the city of Wellington, of the Wellington and Masterton Railway ; and from thence along Thorndon and Lambton-quays to Willis-street, and along Willis-street to Mannersstreet, and along Manners-street to Cuba-street, and along Cuba-street to Ingestre-street, and along Inges-tre-street to Vivian-street, and along "Vivian-street to Cambridge-terrace roadway, and along Cambridgeterrace roadway to Sussex-square, and from thence along the northern, eastern, and southern sides of Sussex-square to the Adelaide-road, and along the Adelaide-road to a point at or near Drummondstreet; and also along Grey-street, from Lambtonquay to the east side of Customhouse-quay. 2. The guage of the said tramway shall be 4ft Biin. '3. The rails to be used in the construction of the said tramway shall be of iron, wide, with a groove ljin. wide (similar to the Glasgow rail). 4. The rails of the said tramway shall be laid as near the centre lines of the several streets through which the same shall pass as possible, and shall be kept on a level with the surface of such streets.

5. Proper passin ' places shall be constructed along the line of the said tramway, and proper and necessary stations, sidings, platforms, sheds, workshops, and offices shall be erected by the promoters for the purposes of such tramway, and so as to subserve the public convenience. 6. The power to be used upon the said tramway shall be steam or animal power, or both, at the option of the promoters ; but it is hereby directed that if the employment of steam power shall in the opinion of the Governor, or of any engineer directed by him to report thereon, be dangerous or inconvenient, or a nuisance to the public, then the promoters may, by order to be made by the Governor in that behalf, be confined, to the use of animal power only.

That the tramway shall be used for passengers’ and goods’traffic,' and that the promoters may acquire land for the purposes of said tramway to the extent of three acres.

The, promoters shall be liable to a penalty of not less than £l, and not exceeding £lO, for any breach or neglect to observe any of the provisions of this order, or the regulations therein contained for regulating, the working and management of the tramway, such penalty to be recoverable in a summary way.

The Corporation may from time to time make the regulations which the local authority is empowered to make by section 47 of the said Act.

And the promoters shall within fourteen days after the expiration of each year computed from the completion of the tramway, deliver to the Council of the said Corporation a true and complete return in writing of all traffic, and of the receipts and expenditure in connection with the same, during the year then preceding, and that the said Council may if they think fit but shall not be bound to publish the same for general information. SCHEDULE OF TOLLS AND RATES OF CHARGE WITH REGULATIONS REFERRED TO IN THE ABOVE ORDER. Passengers. The maximum rates of charge to he made by the owners of the tramway for the conveyance of passengers thereon, including the tolls for the use of tho tramway, and of carriages, and cost of moving power, and of every other expense connected with such conveyance shall be —For every passenger conveyed the sum of 3d. The foregoing charge shall not extend to any special trains that may be required to run on the tramway, but shall apply only to the ordinary trains appointed from time to time for the conveyance of passengers on the tramway. Every passenger travelling on the tramway may take with him his ordinary luggage, not exceeding 251bs. in weight, without any charge being made for the carriage thereof. Goods. Subject to the provisions hereinafter contained respecting small parcels and single articles of great weight, the tolls to be taken by the owners of the tramway in respect of the tonnage of all articles conveyed in carriages thereon, or on any part thereof, shall be at the rate of Is. 3d. per mile. Animals. The tolls to be taken by the owners of the tramway in respect of animals conveyed in carriages on the tramway shall be —For every horse, mule, ass, or other beast of draught or burden, ox, bull, cow, or head of neat cattle, conveyed in or upon any such carriage, 2s. For every calf, pig, sheep, lamp, or other small animal, conveyed in or upon any such carriage, 3d. Provided always that it shall be lawful for the owners of the tramway to demand and take, in addition to the tolls and rates of charge hereinbefore authorised, a reasonable sum for the delivery and collection of goods, and other services incidental to the business of a carrier, where such services respectively shall be performed by the owners of the tramway otherwise than on the premises of the tramway. Small Parcels. For any parcel exceeding seven pounds in weight and not exceeding fourteen pounds in weight, 4d. ; for any parcel exceeding fourteen pounds in weight and not exceeding twenty-eight pounds in weight, Gd. ; for every parcel exceeding twenty-eight pounds in weight but not exceeding fifty-six pounds in weight, Sd. ; for parcels exceeding fifty-six pounds in weight but not exceeding five hundred pounds in weight, such reasonable sum as the owners of the tramway may think fit. Such charges to include charge for delivery at tho stations to the parties entitled to receive parcels so carried. REGULATIONS. 1. Carriages for passenger traffic shall commence running not later than 8 a.m., and cease running not earlier than 8 p.m. They shall run not less than three times each day between the railway station at Pipitea-point and Drummond-street, Adelaide-road ; and not less than twelve times each day between the junctions of Cuba and Manners streets and Charlottestreet and Lambton-quay. 2. Carriages for goods traffic shall run at least twice each way each day. 3. Carriages will stop between Pipitea-point and Drummond-street at the following places:—Charlottestreet and Lambton-quay jnnetion, Lambton-quay and Johnston-street junction, Lambton-quay and Grey-street junction, Lambton-quay and Willis-street junction, Willis-street and Manners-street junction, Manners-street and Cuba-street junction, Cuba-street and Ingestre-street junction, Ingestre-street and Tara-naki-street junction, Vivian-street and Tory-street junction, Vivian-street and Cambridge-terrace junction, Sussex-square and Adelaide-road jnnetion. 4. The rate of speed of the carnages in no case shall exceed a maximum rate of ten miles per hour. Through Willis-street the maximum rate of speed shall be four miles per hour, the carriages to go round all street corners at a walking pace. 5. The distance between trains shall not be less than one-quarter of a mile. We understand that in addition to the above the promoters will run carriages for the convenience of the public, at intervals during the night, at the rate of 6d. for each passenger. STEAM TRAM-CAR ENGINE. The motive power proposed to be used is steam, by Merryweather and Son’s patent steam tram-car engine, the drawings of which certainly exhibit great taste and neatness, resembling a little carriage with glass sides and ends, the only occupant being the enginedriver. There are no external signs of machinery, so that the ordinary onlooker could not know that it contained all this power to draw with ease the passenger carriage. This engine seems the best of the appliances 3 r et proposed for traction or tramways, and has been so highly approved of that the Parisian authorities have already ordered fifty of them for the tramways of Paris. We understand the cost of the engines when landed here will be about £9OO each ; and carriages constructed in the most modern style for comfort, to hold 22 inside and 24 outside, will cost about £3OO The patentees guarantee that the following are some of the advantages to be gained by tho adoption of this tram-car engine;— A saving of at least £3OO per annum in the working expenses of each car. An increase of speed when desirable. A perfect control for stopping, and starting quicker than at present, while on its journey. At each terminus it is disconnected, and brought to the front of the car in less time than that taken by horses. A less length is taken up on the road whilst travelling, as it is shorter than the horses. In addition to the above — It is noiseless, smokeless, and free from any escapo of steam. It is perfectly safe, as explosion is absolutely impossible. With all the above advantages, we consider that the Wellington tramway promoters have acted wisely both for themselves and the public generally in adopting the patent tram-car engine. It will incur no expense when not working, whilst horses on the other hand cost money when they are doing nothing. RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT. Tuesday, March 14. (Before J. O. Crawford, Esq., R.M.) appeal cases. The appeal eases adjourned from a previous occasion were then called on in the following order: — John Johnston appealed against the rate made by the City Council on the I.Bth of November on his house and land, situated on Fitzherbert-terrace, Thorndon, and assessed at £4OO. Mr. Allan appeared for appellant; Mr. Travers for respondents. A short discussion took place on the question of the notices required to be given, as it appeared that the strict letter of the law had not been followed, in that the grounds of objection in full had not been sent in to the City Council as well as to the Court. But Mr.

Travers said he was quite willing to waive tins point, and proceed with the caßes as they 8t Mr. Allan then opened his case by reading the different clauses of the Act defining the powers and duties of the Council with respect to the levying of rates, drawing special attention to part of clause 213, providing that the rates imposed by the Council shall be made upon the valuation of a person employed by the Council, and in every such valuation, the property rateable shall be computed at its annual value; that is to say, at the rent at which the .same may reasonably be expected to let from year to year; provided that such annual value shall in no case be computed at less than £5 per centum upon the fair capital value of the fee simple of such rateable property ; provided also that all rateable property which shall not, since the sale, alienation, or other disposition thereof by the Crown, have been improved by building, or in other like manner, shall be computed as of the annual value of 5 per cent, upon the • fair capital value of the fee simple thereof. He then

called— John Johnston who, being sworn, deposed that he leased a piece of ground on Fitzherbertterrace for 21 years, with the right of renewal, and paid a rent of £BS a year. The conditions attached to the agreement were to fence the ground, and not to put up more than one house on each section. He had four sections, and received permission from the hospital trustees to erect one large instead of four small houses. He received several tenders for the erection of his house, accepting one for £2496. Witness found the timber. The total payments for the building amounted to £3734 7s. lid., including payment to architect. £SO of that amount was still payable. The house comprised four sittingrooms, four bedrooms, and two servants’ bedrooms, kitchen, &c. Witness calculated that he should find diffi culty in letting the house, and should be glad to receive £250 a year as rent, did he desire to let it. The value of the fee simple, in his opinion, would be £5500. Land in that situation he estimated to be worth £IOOO an acre. He had two acres. Mr. Clayton is rated at £2OO a year only, and he has three sections, and paid £66 a year. Witness had heard that Mr. Clayton’s house was worth £3OOO. Witness estimated the worth of his own house to be £3500. Comparisons were made between the rating of different properties, to show that appellant was unduly taxed. By Mr. Travers: I believe £2OOO would be a fair value for the two acres unoccupied. C. J. Pharazyn deposed that he knew Mr. Johnston’s house. He considered it as one which there would be some difficulty in providing a tenant for. At a high rental it would fetch more than £250 a year. He should estimate the value of the fee simple of house and land at £SOOO. Mr. Travers: How do you arrive at your estimate ?

Mr. Pharazyn: By intuition, I suppose. Travers here explained that the rate was £340 instead of £4OO as it appeared in the appeal, the Council having reduced the original valuation, and said that he was in a position to show the Court that the fee simple value of the property was larger than stated. He called — J. M. Taylor, who said he was acquainted with the value of property in the neighborhood by general observation and inquiry, and through actual sales which had taken place. He should value the land on Fitzherbertterrace at from £ISOO to £2OOO an acre. There would be a great demand for land on the terrace, but there was hardly a block to be sold. He valued the house at from £3BOO to £4OOO, and the land, nominally, at £I2OO per acre. The value of the fee simple would be about £6OOO. After a few remarks from Mr. Travers, His Worship decided to reduce the rate to £275. In "the case of Mr. Quick, which lasted but a few minutes, the Court allowed the appeal, which was simply against the increase of his rate from £l5O to £175. Mr. Pharazyn’s rate was reduced from £2BO to £2OO. , „ „ x Mr. C. Pharazyn, the last of the appellants, appealed against a rating of £125. The rate was reduced to £IOO. LECTURE BY THE HON. DR. GRACE ON THE PACIFIC MAIL ROUTE. On Saturday evening the first of a series of lectures in connection with the Wellington Philosophical Society was delivered by the Hon. Hr. Grace. There was a very large attendance. Mr. W. T. L. Travers, F.L.S., occuped the chair. Dr. Grace, after some few preliminary remarks, in which he confessed himself unable to deal with the subject as it should be dealt with, because want of time had precluded much preparation, said it was true that up to the present time the service, from our point of view, had been a failure ; but it must be remembered it had been initiated under exceptionable difficulties. At any rate, s-ehm- that the contracters had already spent over half a million of money in the construction of suitable ships, it was fair and right to show them every consideration. Irom observation, he could say that the service was being entered into with great spirit and great couracre, and had the approval of all thinking American people. The contractors before they tendered for the contract, sought to take the J sense of the people. They felt bound to put themselves into communication with the manufacturers of the eastern and western States, to endeavor to discover from them the nature and extent of the accommodation likely to be required and the amount of support the company might rely upon. Calculations had also to He made, based on the trade of the colonies, and the commodities fit for interchange manufactured in the States. At last the tender was sent in and accepted, and it was very remarkable that at the time the contract was signed not a single vessel in-

tended for the service was in a state of forwardness as to construction. But by vigorous action they were getting into working order. The American people had very great confidence in it. The people of the States generally had a great wish to open up trade with the colonies. They were specially attracted to New Zealand, and really seemed to have a wonderful knowledge of its capacity and products. It was true that in some quarters the colony was supposed to be an appanage of Australia, but more generally the exact position of the colony was thoroughly appreciated. There was one fallacy which the Americans generally fell into, and that was the idea that New Zealand was a Crown colony, and they were quite unprepared to learn the amount of freedom we enjoyed in the administration of our own affairs. Our complete exemption from Imperial interference in the management of our political affairs excited very great surprise ; and they could not realise that our governmental machinery, based as it is upon democratic principles, should work so smoothly and be so free from abuses. But the truth was that with regard to matters of government the Americans were the most tolerant people in the world, and they merely smiled pleasantly at abuses which would drive the people of New Zealand crazy; and when in conversation he had referred to the manner in which business was done in New Zealand, they seemed to be quite unable to comprehend how we could possibly administer such schemes as the Public Works _ schema with anything approaching integrity and honesty. The wretched political condition was owing to the fact that the effects of manhood suffrage had completely disgusted the superior classes, who neglected their duty and allowed the work of government to fall into the hands of the unprincipled demagogues. The native American working classes were a highly intelligent order of men—educated keen observers, who reasoned logicaUy, and were influenced by an active patriotism, but their voting power was completely overwhelmed by newly-arrived Irish and Scandinavians, who had no stake in the country, but who, under manhood suffrage, were allowed equal voting power. It was true that under the law no man was allowed a vote unless a naturalised subject, but by a declaration of intentions, and rigging the electoral roll, they managed to get votes. Any man, though he might not have paid ss. of rates in his life, had full voting power. The power of government thus got into the hands of men without the slighest honesty, and large sums of money were continually voted for internal improvement and were wasted and squandered the wildest manner. As an instance, he might mention that for a certain large building in San Francisco —a town hall—three times the amount of money for which it was to be erected had already been voted. In other words, a sum of money which according to the prepared estimate would have covered the whole expenditure had been voted three times by the City Council, and each sum had gone, but the building was not one-third finished. Yet San Francisco was one of the best governed States in America. In the country districts matters were not so bad, and political jobbery and mal-administration were very rare, because the pressure of the publio . fell directly upon the people who were responsible. In New York matters were very bad, and mal-administration and mismanagement were very apparent. If citizens were spoken to on the subject they simply shrugged their shoulders, and said it was impossible to avoid mal-administration because of manhood suffrage. Returning after this digression to the subject of the mail service, he proceeded to speak of the depression which has existed in America of late years, and explained that the depression had caused merchants to look around for new trade. This was what led to a line being started by Mr. Webb in 1868. The idea was that merchants should visit the coloniess to open up a a trade by buying wool, and that Webb should provide the means cf transit. Merchants did so, and went to Melbourne with money to the amount of £600,000 simply to buy wool and produce. However, Melbourne merchants were unwisely smart, and, anticipating a demand, bought up all the wool, so that when the Americans arrived they found an unfavorable market. This them, and they separated to visit the colonies. After collecting some wool it was found Webb s line had failed to afford through transit for it, owing to the insufficiency of accommodation in the Moses Taylor. So far as Honolulu the service was good, but failure was occasioned by due provision not being made to connect Honolulu with San Francisco. When the wool arrived at Honolulu no steamers were ready to carry it on, and no provision had been made for storage, so that much was spoiled. Webb thus lost the confidence of the merchants, and the service lapsed, much to the disgust of American people and to the injury of this and the other colonies. The vessels used by Webb —the Dacotah, the Nevada, and the Nebraska —fell into the hands of the -Pacific Mail Company, but were found to be unfit for service. Some time afterwards an English company contemplated taking up the service, but owing to the difficulties of Mr. Forbes this fell through. Next a temporary service was entered Into by the A.S.N. Company, but the passenger accommodation was most inadequate, and there was absolutely no accommodation for freight, the result being that the service was thoroughly unsatisfactory, and useless except so far as it demonstrated unmistakeably what the service was capable of being brought to under efficient management. Therefore, the tenders for a new contract attracted much attention in America for various reasons. The effects of the long-continued commercial depression in America had led to the locking up of capital, a general alteration in values, diminution in the cost of labor, lowering of the price of food, and increasing the number of the unemployed ;, .therefore, Americans began to perceive that- new fields or en-

terprise must be opened up ; and in answer to that feeling the Pacific Mail Company, urged on by the merchants of the eastern and western States, tendered for this contract. Agents for the company were employed to travel the States and interview manufacturers, and the most reliable pledges of extensive support were given by the manufacturers, conditionally that an efficient service should be established, and conditionally that freight carrying vessels were constructed and used in the service. The three new ships recently built by the P.M. Co. are a guarantee of their good faith. These vessels cost £150,000 each, and are specially built for the passenger and wool trade. The whole of the main deck from the saloon to the forecastle is open, dry, and ventilated from the sides. The intention is to store the wool there, to collect cheap matting in the China seas, and place it between the layers of bales ; to open the hatches on each side when in the tropics to prevent heating, and eventually to discharge the bales, so as to avoid labor in handling, straight into the cars on the wharf in San Francisco, and without delay despatch it to its destination in the States. But the enterprise of the company goes farther than this. It is proposed to erect enormous woolsheds on the wharf in San Francisco, to store wool consigned for sale free of all charge for a certain time, to retain first-rate wool salesmen and valuers, and to hold regular sales in imitation of the system which obtains in London. By arrangement with the Central and Union Pacific, cheap tickets, both ways for one fare, are to be given to buyers frequenting these sales, and the wool is to be freighted overland at such reduced prices as will tempt buyers from the remotest parts of the States. An arrangement has also been effected witb the three lines of steamers sailing from New York, and with the railway company, by which wool can be transmitted through with the mail to England at such rates in the aggregate as are now charged by steamers from Melbourne. It will be perceived from all this that the ideas of the P.M. Co. are far-reaching, and it may naturally be asked, have they the power to give effect to their objects ? Their position for this purpose is a commanding one. From the circumstances of their business and the investment of capital in railway stocks, they hold a control in the management of the Union Pacific. Carriage by water is always cheaper than freight by land. The P.M. Co. therefore was the great competitor with the railway for the passenger and freight business to the Western States. When this was recognised, a compromise was effected by which the P.M. Co. received five dollars a head for every passenger by the transcontinental railway, on condition that they agreed to keep up the passages and freights by sea to an agreed price. This concession, with the community of interest resulting from the same parties holding stock in each company, places the contractors in a position to dictate terms for their Australasian freight and passengers, and the increase of the trade is looked upon as such a certainty, no effort shall be left unmade by the railway to make the enterprise a success. Again, the competition is so keen between the steam lines from New York to England, that all the companies have come into the arrangement rather than run the risk of being left out in the cold. Regular bullion rooms have also been provided in each of the steamers, and an arrangement made with Wells, Fargo, and Co. for the transmission and care of the precious metals from vessel to vessel. It may naturally be enquired what are the prospects of a trade entered into with such spirit ? The Americans think very highly indeed of the future of this trade. Labor is now so cheap in the Eastern States, when taken with the price of food and the high intelligence of the operatives, that already American cottons, on account of their quality and durability, have been selling to advantage in Birmingham, and the Americans are convinced the prospects of their woollen trade are better still. The coldness of the American climate in winter, and the average power of expenditure of the people, both lead to a very extensive use of woollen goods, and the English article has fallen into disrepute owing to its admixture with cotton and the high import duty. The only thing required to perfect their woollen manufactures is a modicum of our wool, of fixed quality and regular supply. The price does Dot matter so much, as they only require one in three for their purposes, and they can buy the local produce at a very low rate. But for some reason that I do not understand they cannot get on without our wool, and they seem to prefer our fine half-bred New Zealand weol to the fine merino samples. They say, in explanation, that for a cold climate they require rough, warm fabrics, and yet for their markets the fabrics must be durable and close in web. I have seen as beautiful merino wool grown in Ohio as we ever produced in these waters, but our half-bred wools they do not seem to grow at all, and I believe cannot to advantage. The late Mr. Ralston, of San Francisco, was so convinced of the necessity of this trade for the development of American industries, that he serioudy proposed to buy the steamers from the P.M.Co., and start the line himself unassisted by any subsidy. In order to explain to you the nature of his views, it will be necessary for me to ask you to accompany me in the direction of Japan and the Okhotsk Sea. There is a large island called Yesso, near Yeddo, now being colonised by the Japanese. The climate is cold and the weather inclement. The whole of the trade of this colony is falling into the hands of the Pacific and Eastern States, and thus the Pacific woollen mills, in which Mr. Ralston was largely interested, are kept busy. Then, several large Russian towns on the Okhotsk Sea are affording a ready market for their manufactures, and the railway which is in progress of construction from St. Petersburg _ to ' the coast, promises an enormous inlet for American woollen fabrics. Again, there are rich silver mines in Tamßk, thirty miles back , from the Okhotsk sea, which have been granted

by concession to American capitalists, - on. con* dition of the exchange of bullion,’ for Russian roubles. It may not be amiss to itemina you also, that the Americans believe in the prophesy of President Lincoln, that fifty years after the war there would be 100,000,000 of people in the United States, and many have the greatest faith in the reorganisation: of the Southern States and the cultivation of/the soil b y white labor. Their calculations of the demand for woollen goods are further based on the wealth of the country, as shown by the great profits of cereal crops and the mining wealth of the Western States. It is certain they believe in their near future as a manufacturing nation, and the present contract entered into is the result of a systematic effort to stimulate trade, open .up new. markets for our raw material converted into their manufactures. It may be interesting to you to learn what are the views of the contractors with regard, to the passenger traffic. A careful examination of such ships as the San Francisco will go far to answer that question. Their intention is to make the line more attractive and convenient than the Suez route, and I am convinced, that in a little time they will succeed in their design. Their great wish is (as far as I could learn it) to run a steamer direct from San Francisco to either Auckland or Wellington, and thence to Sydney. In - that way they could make quicker time and with, greater certainty than is made by any other route. It has been arranged that the mail trains shall take only five days in the transit from San Francisco to New York. Therefore, if nineteen days were allowed from New Zealand to San Francisco, (ample for a direct route), five for rail transit, and ten for the Atlantic, our mails would reach England under 35 days... I know tbe’impression exists that Snow blockades on the railway are very frequent, but careful enquiry convinces me they are very rare, and must become more infrequent still. On one part of the line there are forty consecutive miles of snowsheds, and as experience demonstrates these are increased, or barriers erected for fending off the drifts. In course of time, as the trade became established, the company would contemplate a draggling line, that is, a slower freight line, calling at all intermediate ports, and alternating as much as possible with the mail line. Being very much interested in the prospects of our commercial relations with the States, and somewhat anxious about our habitually large expenditure in mail subsidies, I took every opportunity in my power whilst in America to familiarise myself with the possible outlets for our products, and the information r I have afforded you is the result. Gathered in very many places, collated, dissected, and its parts compared with each otfier, I have little doubt that it covers, as with a tattered cloak, the views of our Trans-Pacific cousins in regard to this service. After some few apolegetic observations, the lecturer resumed his seat amid cheers. v ‘ U"

The Chairman in a few words spoke of the wonderful changes in America since the discovery of gold in California, and also referred to the large trade which must inevitably be developed between America and Russia and Japan in a few years, and then moved a vote of thanks to the lecturer, which was carried by acclamation. A series of very pretty views of New Zealand and Swiss scenery were then shown by Mr. Deverill, Government photographer. The proceedings closed about 9.45. ANNUAL MEETING OF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. On Wednesday afternoon the annual meeting of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce was held in Messrs. Bethune and Hunter’s large room. The Chairman of the Chamber (Mr. W. H. Levin), presided ; and there were present—Messrs. G. Hunter, Creighton, J. Chew, Kreeft, T. K. McDonald, Pearce, D. T. Stuart, J. Burne, J. Dransfield, Bethune, Tringham, Woodward, T. Turnbull, Bannatyne, Krull, E. W. Mills, Vennell, W. B. Rhodes, L. Levy, W. R. Williams, Hart, J. H. Wallace, and J. B. Harcourt. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. ANNUAL REPORT. The following was read by Mr. Carroll, the secretary : After a lapse of nearly nine years it again becomes the duty of a committee of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce to submit to a general meeting of members a report of its transactions for the past twelve months. . The public works that are being carried on by the Colonial Government have naturally tended to increase the business of the colony, and this province has enjoyed its fall share of such increase, while the remunerative prices that have been obtained for wool have tended still further to augment the trade and commerce both of the province and of this city, one proof of which is seen in the increased number of the ships that have discharged and loaded in this P °The railway from Wellington is now open to the Upper Hutt, a distance of twenty-one miles, and good progress is being made with the further construction of the line to Featherston. The desirableness of a more rapid prosecution of this work, and the opening up of inland communication with. Hawke’s Bay, was one of the first subjects which engaged the attention of the Chamber during.the past; year, and a deputation appointed by a general meeting waited upon the Hon. the Minister of Public Works to press the subject upon the Government, STEAM COMMUNICATION. The steam communication between this port and the other ports of the colony is being actively carried on by the vessels belonging to the New . Zealand Steam Shipping Company of Wellington, by those of the Union Company of Dunedin, and by several steamers owned by private firms in this port communication with Melbourne and Sydney by the ships belonging to Messrs. McMeckan, Blackwood, and Co., and to the latter port by the s.s. Easby. The increase of steamers trading to; this port is verymarked, and is fulfilling that which has ( been long felt that Wellington is the natural centre.of communication for both islands. bankruptcy lavt.' - . The Bankruptcy Act, 1867, which was .passed in the session immediately following the last report of t Chamber, was repealed in the last session of the Assembly. Ifc was generally felt_ to have a statute giving undue facilities toinsolvent debtors, and affording little protection Ao preditprs. The Debtors and. Creditors Act, 1875, which ta»ce3 i~s

CUSTOMS TARIFF. A very decided change has been made in the tariff by the substitution of ad valorem duties for duty computed by measurement. The working of the present tariff will be a subject to be carefully watched by the Chamber. BANKING. The amount of business done by the banks has been largely extended during the last few years. Among the six establishments carrying on business here three are specially New Zealand banks, and these db by far the larger portion of the banking business of the colony. A table appended to this report will show the amounts of the principal items, and of the totals of the liabilities and assets of the banks of the colony, as a whole, at the end of each second year for the decade ending December 31, 1875, and will demonstrate the remarkable increase that has taken place in the trade and business of the colony. FIRE INSURANCE. Fire insurances have also greatly increased. ineie are now four New Zealand insurance companies, which all obtain cordial and general support, ami have every prospect of a prosperous career. rUBLIC WHARF. The Queen’s wharf, which at the date of the last report of the Chamber in 1807, had just been en larged to its present dimensions, lias for some time past been found to be quite inadequate to the greatly increased traffic of the port. Your committee has given much anxious consideration to the question of the best means of supplying the deficiency and with this view have had interviews on the subject with the members of the Ministry and with the City Council. The latter body did the committee the honor to ask its opinion when the changes were in contemplation that have since been made in the management of the wharf ; but it is hoped the Chamber will continue to urge the immediate and pressing necessity for the extension of wharf accommodation, and for greater facilities being afforded both to sailing vessels and steamers. PATENT SLIP. This important work, the materials of which were allowed for some years to lie unused in Evans Bay, has been completed by a joint stock company formed in Wellington for that purpose, aided by a guarantee from the Provincial Government. It has proved a most valuable addition to the conveniences of the port, and has performed its work in a creditable and satisfactory manner. It is used by both steamers and sailing vessels, and during the past year five ships taking cargoes for England have been placed on it. : GAS LIGHTING. The streets of the city and many public buildings, shops, and private houses are now lit up with gas, supplied by a company formed here for that purpose, and which is steadily enlarging the sphere of its operations, and laying its mains to the more distant parts of the town. WATER SUPPLY. Another improvement which has been effected within the last few years is the laying on of a water service throughout the city. The works for the purpose - were very efficiently constructed by the Corporation, and the importance of the supply of water that has been thus obtained cannot .be overrated. In addition to the domestic and sanitary purposes for which water is essential, the high pressure that has been secured, combined with the two excellent fire brigades now in existence, have considerably reduced the danger of the spreading of fire, and, as a consequence, the rates for fire insurance have been reduced by one-eighth. When the second reservoir shall have been constructed, a supply of water will be obtained that will in all probability be sufficient for the requirements of the city for many years to come. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION. Your committee take this opportunity of congratulating you upon the recently effected connection of the colony by means of the electric telegraph cable with Australia, India, Europe, and other parts of the world. The importance of this work cannot fail to be appreciated by every person engaged in commerce. The cable across Cook Strait parted recently, arid several weeks elapsed before communication was reestablished. It is worthy of notice that when communication was interrupted it was felt that the telegraph had become an actual necessity, almost, if not absolutely, as much as a postal service. It may not be out of place to here acknowledge the ingenuity and perseverance of the officers, who, in the face of great difficulties, accomplished successfully the reuniting of the cable. PREMISES. Your committee regret that all their efforts to obtain suitable premises for the accommodation of the Chamber have hitherto been fruitless. They understand, however, that the managing body of the Wellington Athemeum contemplate providing rooms ■ in the new building which they propose to erect, that may be made available for the purposes of the Chamber. Should these prove suitable, your committee conceive that the arrangement will be a very desirable one, and they commend the subject to the consideration of their successors. In the meantime, Mr. Hunter has kindly permitted the use of rooms at his offices, both for committee and general meetings. ■ < PHILADELPHIA EXHIBITION. At the request of his Honor the Superintendent a sub-committee of this Chamber was appointed for the purpose of assisting” in the collecting and arranging 1 of a set of exhibits to represent the products of this colony at the forthcoming exhibition at Philadelphia. Very little interest was shown by the public, but the committee were able to collect specimens of New Zealand products, which have been sent on by the Commissioners. STATISTICS. Some statistical tables will be found at the close of the report, showing the exports, imports, and revenue of the colony for the last nine years. The place occupied by the port and province of Wellington, as shown by these statements, is gratifying, and leaves little doubt that they are destined to take a leading, if not the foremost place in the commerce of New Zealand. Periods of reaction will occur, but your committee are convinced that the trade of Wellington is in at least as sound a state as that of any place in the colony. In conclusion your committee would express their satifaction at seeing the Wellington Chamber of Commerce again in operation, and at the extended support which it has experienced, eighty-five members having paid entrance fees and subscriptions, but the committee would urge the desirableness of the attendance of members both at committee and general meetings, as it is only by active and cordial co-operation that the members will secure for themselves the advantages which such an institution is calculated to confer, or make the Chamber useful to the community. A statement of the receipts and expenditure of the Chamber for the past year will be found appended to this report. Statement of Funds for the Year ending 10th March, 1876. Dr. & s. d. To balance in Union Bank .. .. .. 3 9 6 ~ Entrance fees, 85 members, at £1 Is. .. 89 5 0 „ Subscriptions from 85 members, at £2 2s. 178 10 0 „ Interest from bank of fixed deposit for 6 months .. .. .. .. .. 600 £277 4 6 March 11. 1876 To balance at Union Bank .. .. .. 22 2 „ Fixed deposit at Union Bank .. .. 200 0 0 £202 22 CR. £ s - d - By Mr. Mosley, special vote 25 0 0 „ Secretary’s salary for 9 months ending 10th December, 1875 .. .. .. 37 10 0 Printing and advertising, viz.:— ’ Evening Post, £3 0 0 Times Company, 5 15 4 Jas. Hughes, 3 17 0 „ Balance .. .. -• •• 202 22 £277 4 6 • ’ s. Carroll, Secretary. Audited and found correct this 14th day of. March, 1876. A j. mcTavish, . W! H. Meek,

List of Statistical Tables to be attached to Annual Report of Chamber of Commerce Statement of imports of province and colony for ffist nine years. Statement of exportsof province and corn y for list nine yeara of Uustoms revenue of province and conyforUst 7 sales of ootoW. K.ta™ ol stock Return of number and tonnage of vessels inward and outward Provincial revenue and expenditure Return of numbers of letters received and despatched from the several post-offices in the province of Wellhwton Statistics of population of province and colony. Banking returns for ten years. Returns of number of sheep in colony from 1853 to 1874, and of quantity and value of wool produced. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report, congratulated members upon the resuscitation of the Chamber, and although he might not be able to point to any special benefit secured to the community by the intervention of the Chamber, nevertheless he thought that in more than one instance the commercial interests of the port and the province had been promoted by the existence and by the action of the Chamber of Commerce. Such an institution should necessarily have a large sphere of usefulness, but it could only be made useful by the active sympathy and support of the commercial and ether classes of tlie community; and he trusted that that needed sympathy and support would' be accorded in no niggardly spirit during the coming year. Since the last report of the Chamber was read the trade and commerce of the port and the province had made rapid strides, and our present position was most encouraging. The trade was, however, he thought, capable of immediate and greater advancement. The natural endowment with which Wellington wa3 provided—that of a magnificent harbor in a central position—pointed to its becoming in a year or two the commercial centre of the colony, and it seemed to him that one of the main, duties of the Chamber was to endeavor to bring about such a state of things; and this landed him upon the much vexed question of the insufficiency of the wharf accommodation. He felt persuaded that unless, immediate and extensive additional facilities were. offered for the discharge and loading of ships, the commercial position of Wellington would suffer. Most of those present were aware that during the past year the committee had on a variety of occasions waited upon the Corporation, and upon the members of the General Government, and impressed upon them the urgent need there had arisen for increasing the wharf accommodation of the port. At all times they had been met readily by the authorities, and the justice of their grievances acknowledged, but he was sorry to state that so far nothing had been done to remedy what had been complained of. He was perfectly aware that the want of funds lay at the root of the non-compliance, but there were grounds for hoping that ere long the necessary help would be forthcoming, and that an alteration would be made.. Fora long time past he had been of the opinion that the Corporation was not the proper body to be entrusted with the charge and conduct of the wharf ; and in view of the pending political changes, it became the duty of the committee of the Chamber of Commerce to consider whether it should or should not endeavor to get both the wharf and harbor vested in the hands of a harbor board, or placeed under the management of the General . Government. He would only further say on this subject that he thought the proper policy in the management of the wharf and harbor should, be. to aim at making it the receiving and distributing port of the colony, and not to look upon them as a source of profit —to lose sight of thepresent revenue in contemplating the large indirect gain there would be, not only to the port, but to the whole district, if the port were made free, or next door to it. (Applause.) He wished to draw attention to the statistical tables which would be attached to the report before it was distributed amongst members. The tables had been prepared with much care and he had no doubt would be very valuable hereafter for purposes of reference, and not only that, but would be valuable as showing the remarkable progress in commerce during the past few years. It had been a matter of great regret to the committee that they had been unable during the year to get a room in which to meet. During the year they had endeavored to get one, but so far all attempts had been unsuccessful, and considering the state of the finances, it had been quite impossible to think of building. However, it would have been gathered from the report that preliminary negotiations had been entered into with the trustees of the Athenaeum, and that the committee hoped to be able to secure accommodation in the new building, especially seeing that within the past few days it had been said that there was more than a mere prospect of a new Athenaeum being built. In the meantime he was sure they must use the room which Mr. Hunter, with great liberality, had at all times placed at the disposal of the Chamber. After urging upon members, individually and collectively, the necessity of taking a more keen interest in tlie work of the association if they wished it to become really useful, he moved the adoption of the report. (Applause.) Mr. Hunter seconded. Carried unanimously. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Messrs. T. K. Macdonald and G. H. Vennell were asked to officiate as scrutineers. Chairman.—ln reply to Mr. Woodward, Mr. Levin said he should prefer to retire from the chair this year. He found the work interfered with his private arrangements, and he felt he could not properly discharge the duties of the office. After pressing, Mr. Levin said if re-elected he would reluctantly accept office, but would do the best, he could. A ballot was taken, and the scrutineers declared Mr. Levin re-elected. Mr. Levin thanked the members for the honor bestowed upon him. __ Vice-Chairman. Mr. George Hunter, M.H.R., was re-elected vice-chairman. Committee.—The following gentlemen were elected a.committee :—Messrs. W. M. Bannanatyne, T. Buchanan, j. Dransfield, R» ' J.

Duncan, J. R. George, J. B. Harcourt, J. Johnston, W. W. Johnston, E. A. Krull, L. Levy, E. W. Mills, E. Pearce, M.H.R., W. W. Taylor, G. H. Vennell, and J. Woodward. THE BANKRUPTCY LAW. Mr. D. T. Stuart read the following paper on the present bankruptcy law of ISTew Zealand :—I venture to draw the attention of this Chamber to what seem to me some of the defects of the Debtors and Creditors Act passed in the last session of the New Zealand Parliament. The members present will, I hope, believe that my motive is to benefit the trading community by having such blemishes (if found to exist) remedied. I do not think this Act is calculated to fulfil the good things conveyed in its title, which is “ an Act for the Relief of Debtors and for the better Security of Creditors.” I gave some little attention to its perusal, in consequence of the opinion expressed to me by a local solicitor, to tlie effect that it would prove a failure in practice. Members may recollect that a local journal commented on the unsatisfactory working of the Act in connection with the first case in Wellington that came under its operation; while that humorous writer, “ The Intelligent .Vagrant,” only, last week made an allusion to its defects. I am told the draft of this Act was, after consideration, approved of by one or more of the Chambers of Commerce of New Zealand. This may be so.' I can scarcely think it. I am also informed that this Chamber approved the principle of the measure, but did not examine it in detail. I think if the draft Act had been investigated by a committee of this Chamber, the measure would not have appeared as it now stands, without, at least, some remonstrance and suggestions of improvement. In section 25 we read as follows: —“ Should the meeting of creditors determine that the estate shall not be liquidated, and decline to take advantage of the provisions of this Act, then the debtor and his property shall be in the same position a 3 if no action bad been taken under this Act.” It is in this section I consider the great defect of the Act is. indicated ; and perhaps I cannot more forcibly explain this than by the description of a purely imaginary case of a debtor, whom we shall call Brown. We will suppose that Brown was a storekeeper in Wellington, doing a fair paying business. He was a most respectable man. Married to a prudent wife, who devoted what time the duties of her house and the care of several children left at her disposal, to assisting in the shop. Brown was at his work every morning by 8 o’clock; and although he honorably carried out the early closing principle, it was observed that be frequently consumed the midnight oil, or rather the company’s gas, in the interests of his ledger and funds. He prospered, and had created a “margin. But unhappily the aspect changed. One loss followed another, health failed, business fell off. The largest creditor instituted proceedings under a dishonored bill, and Brown found himself compelled to face his creditors.. As a necessary preliminary, he complied, with the provisions of section 19, which I will read : “ Before any debtor shall be entitled to summon a meeting of his creditors, he shall file with the Registrar of the Court in the district in which the liquidation, resolution would, under the provisions hereinafter contained, be filed, a statement in the prescribed form, stating that he is unable to meet his engagements with his creditors, and the Registrar shall thereupon issue to the debtor, in the prescribed form, a certificate to the effect that such statement has been filed. Immediately on the filing of such statement, all the l eal and personal property of the debtor, whatsoever and wheresoever, shall vest absolutely in the Registrar as effectually as if a liquidation resolution had been passed and filed, and as if the Registrar had thereby been appointed trustee of the debtor’s estate under the provisions hereinafter contained : Provided that whenever it shall appear to the Judge of the Court in which such statement shall be filed that some other person has been appointed trustee, the Judge, on the application of the person so appointed, shall make an order for vesting the estate of the debtor in such other person.” This stayed the action, in obedience to the provisions of sections 55 and 56. The meeting duly took place. A liquidation resolution was proposed and sconded. There were only twenty creditors scheduled, and fifteen of these attended and voted on the question, so that, had the resolution been carried, the requirement of section 28 would have been complied with, namely, that “ at such meeting one half of the whole body of the creditors had voted thereat.’ But clause 9 of this section requires such a decision to be arrived at “by a majority in number and three-quarters in value of the creditors present personally or by proxy at the meeting, and voting on such resolution. On taking the votes, it was found that fourteen of the fifteen present favored the resolution, while one ODly (the largest creditor—the same whose suit had been stayed) opposed it. Ihus, there was the requisite majority in number ; but, alas ! not in value. The combined claims of the fourteen only amounted to half of the whole indebtedness, the remaining half being due to the fifteenth creditor. One man s vote upset the desire of the debtor and of fourteen creditors. The motive of this large creditor was manifest. The resolution not having been carried it fell out that, in accordance with section’2s, “the debtor and bis property remained in the same position as if no action bad been taken under the Act.” The large creditor thereupon proceeded with his suit, obtained judgment, entered execution, and sold the bulk of the property at ruinous prices. He lost not one pound sterling of his whole claim. A scramble now ensued among the remaining creditors for the recovery of their amounts, and it became evident that it was, in the. forcible language of the legal gentleman previously referred to, a case of “ devil take the hindmost. Many were left out in the cold, and Brown was ruined completely. The worst feature of this supposititious case has yet to follow. We next find Brown in a situation, .spending from week to week every shilling of his small wages.

After some time a relative died, and left him legacy of a few hundred pounds, which he invested to good advantage. In his ignorance he fancied himself safe from his old creditors, and rejoiced in his good fortune. Imagine then his distress on receiving a summons from one of these for the old indebtedness. Brown had to pay in full, with costs. The facts got wind, and summonses poured in upon him from all sides. His legacy disappeared. Heartbroken, utterly crushed—his hopes. of again possessing a store destroyed—perceiving he could never get free of the old entanglements, he determined to leave a country possessing so cruel a law as that contained in the Debtors and Creditors Act. No one, sir, will pretend that the measure was one of “ relief to this unhappy debtor, or that it had proved “for the better security of his creditors.”. The provision in a part of section 28, previously referred to, will be found very embarrasing in those cases in which the creditors are nearly all carrying on business in England or elsewhere abroad. The justice of section 63 is doubtfuL It provides that “ immediately upon the passing of the liquidation resolution, all the property of the debtor, and all the property which shall come to him before he obtains his discharge save as hereinafter excepted, and all debts due or to be due to him, and all his interest therein, shall become absolutely vested for such interest as the debtor has therein in the trustee for the time being for the benefit of the creditors of the debtor.” This seems hard upon the debtor, seeing he cannot be discharged until after the liquidation shall have been closed, as may be gathered from section 93. Then section 76 provides—“ If the debtor, at. the time of thepassing of the liquidation resolution, has in his possession order or disposition, by the consent and permission of the true owner thereof, any goods or chattels whereof he was reputed owner, or whereof he had taken upon him the sale, alteration, or disposition as owner, the Court may order the same to be sold, disposed of, or applied for the benefit of the creditors! under the liquidation : Provided that nothing herein shall affect any transfer or assignment of any ship or share thereof made as a security for any debt by way of mortgage duly registered according to the enactment relative to the registration of ships for the time being in force.” If I understand this correctly, a great injustice is to be done consignees. It does not. seem fair that goods deposited for sale with a debtor may be sold by the trustee for the benefit of the whole body of creditors. They should be returned into the keeping of the owner. In conclusion I beg to move that the committee of this Chamber be requested,to examine into and report to the Chamber upon the working of the Debtors and Creditors Act, 1875,-and to suggest, if considered necessary, amendments thereto, the report to be brought up as soon as convenient. Mr. E. W. Mills seconded. The CHAIRMAN referred to the minutes of the previous year, and pointed out that when the Minister of Justice framed thepresent Act he did the Chamber of Commerce the honor of asking if it had any suggestions to make. A sub-committee agreed to a number of suggestions, but when they were submitted to a general meeting of members not one new suggestion was made, though ample notice of the meeting about to be held was given. He merely referred to this to show that members did not take that interest in matters which they ought to do, and to show that there had been a better time for Mr. Stuart’s suggestions to have been made. Mr. Stuart said he was unaware of what bad been done. He had no opportunity of attending the meeting. After some little discussion, Mr. Hunter gave a long explanation with reference to the Bankruptcy Act, and spoke of the difficulty there had been in getting the Bill passed through the House. The principle which had been laifi down was that any alteration from the old Act must be an improvement, and it was on this principle that he and Mr. Pearce and others had worked to get it passed. It was not anticipated that the Act would be a perfect one ; a perfect Bankruptcy Act was a thing unknown, even in the Mother Country experience showed that, and session after session the Imperial Parliament was called upon to amend, and no doubt it would be so here. He had not the slightest doubt that the Minister for Justice would be quite willing to make any alteration which the Chamber thought the working of the Act showed to be necessary, but here the .question arose in his (Mr. Hunter’s) mind, had the Act been sufficiently tested to enable them to know exactly where the necessity for amendment arose—even the profession scarcely understood the working of the Act yet. There was yet a great deal in the practice to be regulated by. the Judges, who had the power of framing regulations. The Minister of Justice had repeatedly stated that when replying to objections on matters of detail. He expressed himself as quite willing to assist in the work of amendment, if the committee decided that amendments were necessary. The motion was, after some further discussion, carried. VOTE OF THANKS. A vote of thanks was, on the motion of Mr. Woodward, accorded to Mr. Hunter for his kindness in placing rooms at the disposal of the Chamber. , . . _ Mr. Hunter, in acknowledging the. compliment, urged the advantage of getting a fixed place of meeting. Of course it would, as all these matters did, involve some personal sacrifice, and putting their hands into their pockets. Still it was time they had a place which might form a kind of exchange in Wellington. The meeting then adjourned.