Town News.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 241, 1 July 1876, Page 14

Town News.

The Wellington Harbor Board Bill has been forwarded to the Government for perusal. We observe that Sir Geerge Grey is to lecture at the Thames oil October 27 on “ Colonisation.”

The sports to be held on. the Victoria Grounds, have been postponed till the two last Saturdays in September. During the month of !May 3063 acres of land were sold by the Provincial Government of Wellington, £9383 14s. being realised. The Deputy-Superintendent of Wellington Bill was received in the Legislative Council on Thursday, and read a first time. Mr. Rolleston, M.H.R., left by steamer for Canterbury on Thursday. His absence will be a brief one.

Simonsen’s Opera Company are announced to appear at Napier on July 6. A large number of tickets have been taken. We understand that it is likely the Wellington public will be able to enjoy the treat of* hearing Mdlle. lima Di Murska, as aarangements for her appearance are now pending. We are pleased to be able to state that the scarlet fever epidemic is dying out. No fresh cases have occurred during the past week, and all those persons who were attacked are in a fair way of recovery. Mr. Duncan’s sale of allotments in the township of Woodville on Wednesday was most numerously attended during the whole time it lasted, which was upwards of three hours, and the greatest interest was exhibited throughout. The total numbor of lots sold amounted to 144, of which 10 lots brought, say, £4 each, 30 lots brought £5 each, 10 £6 each, 5 from £9 to £lO, 10 lots from £ls to £l7, and the rest from £2O to £26 each.

Constable Donnelly arrived in town on Friday evening from Palmerston, in charge of a lunatic named Isaac Ritchey. We regret to state that Mr. S. Carroll, when going home from church on Sunday evening, slipped off a footpath kerb and broke his ancle.

Mrs. Eysaght, wife of Mr. E. Eysaght, late of the Customs, died suddenly on Wednesday evening. Mrs. Lysaght became suddenly ill in the street, near the Market-hall, when she fell to the ground. She was assisted to her home, and soon afterwards expired. An Australian telegram in another column relates that the vintage this year will _be smaller than usual. Still a recent Victorian paper states that it is estimated that 30,000 bottles will be required for sparkling wines manufactured in one vineyard.

A copy of a Provincial Government Gazette published on Friday morning arrived in this office on Saturday afternoon. It contains amended by-laws of Kaiwara Local Boaid, return of Provincial Government land sales for May, notification of the acceptance of tenders, &c.

A sharp shock of earthquake was felt at Karori on Thursday night at 20 minutes to 7 o’ clock. It lasted for several seconds, appearing to travel from the north-east, and was accompanied by a distinct rumbling noise. Our informant states that it shivered the shingles of his house, a large one. A slight shock was felt in town at about the same time.

The following tenders were received at the Public Works office, Wellington, for the Westport station contract Mount Roclifort railway:—Accepted : Wm. Smith, Hokitika, £30,070. Declined: Butler and O’Connor, Grcymouth, £31,485 ; David Proudfoot, Dunedin, £32,359 ; John Henderson, Wellington, £32,458 ; T. H. Kerr and Co., Christchurch, £33,433; W. IE Topliam, Westport, £34,496 ; P. Dey, Mosgiel, £37,206. The fancy dress ball held in the Odd Fellows’ Hall on Thursday was well attended. It was undoubtedly the most successful of those reunions which have as yet taken place in Wellington. The committee’s endeavors were rewarded as they deserved to be. _ The hall was tastefully decorated, the music was excellent, and the costumes of the dancers were on the whole better and more varied than they have been on previous occasions, excellent though they were then.

The following tenders were received at the Public Works Office, Wellington, for tließangitawa contract, Wanganui-Manawatu railway : —Accepted —A. Nathan and J . Wilkie, Wanganui, £9958. Declined—Thomas Denby, Wanganui, £9996 ; S. Brown and Co., Wellington, £11,900; Jno. Gwynneth, Wellington, £11,972 ; Jno. Whittaker, Dunedin, £12,896 ; Saunders and McKirdy, Wellington, £l3, 722 ; Colonists’ Aid Corporation, Feilding, £15,011; James Lockie and Co., Wellington, £15,727 ; Wm. Rowe, Turakina, incomplete. After the lists had been made up in one of the divisions on Wednesday, it was reported to the Speaker that a member in the House had not voted. The Speaker told the member (Mr. Macfarlane) that he must vote, and that hon. member then said he should be compelled to vote with the Opposition, although he had no wish to see on the Finance Committee a member who would obstruct public business in the way Mr. Rees had done. Several other members paid the amiable Rees, who is admirably adapted for a Victorian Stone Waller, similar compliments. The new dramatic season, which is to commence at the Theatre Royal on Monday next, under the lesseeship of Messrs. Bates and Howard, promises to be a great success. Mr. Bates, who is at present South, is sending up a large number of new and old favorites. The management have made arrangements with several “stars,” to follow in quick succession after our old favorite Mrs. Bates, who has determined to settle in Wellington, although advantageous offers in numbers are arriving daily to engage this favorite artiste. The management are determined to give their patrons a succession of new plays and to show every « star” that comes to New Zealand.

In Saturday’s issue we published a short account of a coach accident on the river Otalci which took place on Friday. On Saturday the police received a telegram from the district constable at Foxton chronicling the bare fact, but nothing was said as to whether the body of the man Geary, who was in the coach at the time, had been found. Subsequently, a private telegram was received in town, stating that some parts of the coach and a few pieces of drapery were picked up ; and still later another private telegram was shown to the police, stating that Geary’s body had been found. An inquest will, of course, be held. Geary was well known in this city, having been an old Wellington resident. We observe that the Government have notified their intention to sell the Lowry Bay estate. It will be remembered by many that this estate was purchased by the Government of the day as a rural retreat for Sir George Grey, when Governor of this colony. Very considerable improvements have been effected in the erection of buildings, drainage, and grassing of the flats, &c. We think we may say that most of our citizens have, on holiday occasions, enjoyed a ramble over the pleasant beach and the picturesque wooded ranges of the estate, and admired the panoramic view of the harbor and city and the snowy mountain tops of the Middle Island. A gentleman with a taste for yachting, fishing, or shooting could hardly find a more inviting property. With a moderate expenditure the place might be converted into a capital sheep farm, there being plenty of level laud, well grassed, for a suite of paddocks, and the buildings might be converted into a first-class seaside boardinghouse, an establishment greatly wanted in the neighborhood of Wellington. We have little doubt that, whenever put up, this splendid property will excite keen competition.

The following successful tenderers are gazetted: Korokoro bridge, J. A. Petherick, £249 ; Wangaehu bridge, G. McKay, £129 ; Manawatu bridge, Jules and Wilson, £6900.

Information was received by the police on Wednesday to the effect that a man named Johnson had shot himself at the Manchester block, in the Manawatu district. Nothing was said as to whether he shot himself accidentally or otherwise, or whether he was dead.

The quarterly meeting of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce was held on Tuesday, when it was decided to ask the Minister of Justice to extend the jurisdiction of the Wellington Resident Magistrate’s Court to £IOO, and to endeavor to rent chambers for the mstitution. A number of new members were elected.

There was a complaint published some evening’s ago purporting to have come from the captains of vessels trading to Rangitikei, and stating that, to their annoyance, the beacons on the river were not painted. The complaint would have had a better permanent effect had it stated the fact that there are no beacons on the river to paint.

It is, we believe, the intention of the Education Board to extend their connection with the Protestant schools, on the terms which have heretofore obtained. The necessity for this was caused in consequence of the Board having included the Protestant schools in the resolution to sever connection with the private schools of the province.

On Friday night a large landslip occurred at the rear of the Melbourne Hotel. It rather startled the young man who sleeps at the back of the little bar, which at present represents the hotel that was. The slip was caused most probably by the workmen engaged in excavating the hill at the back having taken away too much earth from the base.

In the Legislative Council on Tuesday Mr. Waterhouse asked for an explanation why the correspondence between the Governor and the Secretary for the Colonies had not been laid upon the table of the House, and Hr. Pollen explained that the papers would be laid upon the table as soon as printed, _ some delay in the matter having been occasioned by the absence of his Excellency from the seat of Government.

The usual lecture to young people will be delivered at the Terrace school this afternoon, by the master. Subject : “ Matter and Motion,” No. 3. The following is a synopsis of the lecture :—Mechanical powers, primary. 1. The lever, various kinds of levels, compound levers. 2. The inclined plane. Secondary powers : 3. The pulley. 4. The wheel and axle. 5. The screw. 6. The wedge. The lecture will be illustrated by diagrams and experiments. The fifteenth lecture to the young at the Terrace school was delivered on Saturday afternoon. The subject was “ Matter and Motion, No. 2.” In this instance the lecturer explained the laws relating to moving bodies, directing attention to common and relative motion, centre of gravity, the flight of projectiles, falling bodies, &c. The lecture was illustrated by a number of experiments. The attendance was not so large as usual, in consequence of the unsettled state of the weather. Mr. G. W. Collier, an actor well and favorably known throughout the colony, has arrived in Wellington. He came from Auckland, where he had been playing for a considerable time with great success. Mr. Collier purposes opening the Odd Fellows’ Hall for a short season, and he will there give an entertainment of a novel and at the same time very attractive character. He will deliver a lecture on his own experience of the theatrical stage, and in order to prevent there being a suspicion of dryness about the entertainment, he will intersperse his remarks with imitations of actors and vocalists well known in the colonies. The polite Speaker of the House of Representatives will have quite enough to do if he endeavor to make some of the Opposition shining lights as polite as himself. W hen the hon. gentleman was a debater he could make more sarcastic remarks than anyone else; but then his sarcasm was refined, and naturally enough he is severe on members who spoil the effect of their compliments by blundering them. Mr. Reader Wood on Friday, whilst expressing his high opinion of the Premier, remarked that the arguments of Sir Julius were the arguments of an idiot. The Speaker corrected Mr. Wood immediately, saying he was not going to discuss whether the arguments of the Premier were the arguments of an idiot or not, but perhaps it might be as well if the hon. member would express his feelings in Parliamentary language. Mr. Wood was unequal to the task, so he withdrew the expression instead. The Licensing Court sat on Tuesday to hear an application by Mr. Barton for a rehearing of his application for a license for the Aimy and Navy Hotel, which, it will be recollected, at the annual meeting of the Licensing Bench was refused a license on the ground that the house was too dilapidated and totally uninhabitable. Mr. Barton in the first place spoke at considerable length with a view to show that the Court might, if it wished, rehear the case, and then stated that there were circumstances in connection with the case which made it highly desirable that the application should be re-lieard, he having been given to understand that in the evidence brought forward by the police there was a good deal of gross misrepresentation. Mr. Crawford, after a very brief consultation with his fellow commissioners, stated that the Be. ch had decided not to have a rehearing, without going into the question as to whether they had the power or not. Mr. Barton characteristi- , cally persisted, and reiterated that he could produce evidence which would show that the Bench had been misinformed. In reply Mr. Crawford said the Bench would not hear the evidence, which was a settler, and Mr. Barton, though probably much against his will, retired in silence.

The immigrants still remaining in the barracks are now employed on O’Malley’s contract. They work in connection with the reclamation daily, and lodge in the barracks, where some of them have wives. All the single women have found employment. The next immigrant ship expected is the Camperdown, which started from England in April last, with 400 emigrants. She will probably arrive at Nelson next month, but will in all probability come to Wellington subsequently, as some of the emigrants are destined for this, province; and she will very likely take in a cargo here before starting on the return voyage. The Christian Brothers will, we understand, take over the control of the Hill-street Catholic school on the termination of the midwinter vacation. They will not take over the Boulcott-street school until August next, at the conclusion of the six months’ notice which, according to agreement, had to be given by the Board on signifying their intention to sever their connection with the Catholic schools. There was a large attendance at Mr. Duncan’s auction sale on Tuesday. The interest in Mr. Sam Howard's lease of the Bank Hotel, terminating in twelve months from date, but with a right to a new lease of seven or ten years at £6 per week, was bought by Mr. Andrew Young for £7 per week. The lease of the Panama Hotel, which also has about twelve months to run, but with the same right to a new lease on the same terms, was knocked down to Messrs. Mace and Arkell for £6 per week. The inquiry in connection with the wreck of the barque Heversham was held on Eriday in the R.M. Court. The hearing of the evidence occupied considerable time, and the witnesses generally concurred on one important point, namely, that the vessel was at the time she struck at too great a distance from the shore to have collided with Tom’s rock. As the weather was misty, however, the witnesses may have been all of them incorrect in their computation of the distance, but Mr. Crawford, in delivering the judgment of the Bench, considered it necessaoy to point out that if the evidence of the witnesses were to be entirely trusted, it would be necessary for masters of vessels to observe greater caution when takiDg their vessels through the Strait. It is scarcely possible that a rock so high as that which the Heversham struck on could have escaped notice so long by nautical men ; and therefore it is but natural to assume that the master of the Heversham and ether witnesses who were present at the time of the wreck, must have been deceived in consequence of the hazy weather which it is known prevailed at the time when the unfortunate occurrence happened. The lovers of the divine art assembled on Saturday afternoon in considerable numbers, by private invitation, at Mr. Hunter’s room, to enjoy a most admirable selection of choice music given and executed by Mr. C. B. Poster, pianist to the Simonsen Opera Troupe, supported by Mr. Thompson, violinist, and Mr. Anderson, vocalist. The company present, the ladies predominating, expressed themselves as charmed beyond measure. Mr. Poster proved himself a veritable artist. His taste equals his brilliant execution; all that he did was well done, but in the fantasia shadowing forth a dying poet, and in Schuloff’s “ Carnival de Venice,” he fairly carried away the feelings of the audience by the passionate expression of the first imaginative composition and the delicate but sparkling execution of the latter, the brilliant passages of which were played with marvellous neatness and precision, really leaving nothing more to be desired. Mr. Thompson delighted the company with his splendid performance of Sainton’s celebrated fantasia for violin and piano, and Mr. Richardson greatly added to the enjoyment of the treat by his unaffected rendering of two favorite songs, both given in a manner reflecting great credit on the singer. The piano used was of course the grand instrument belonging to the Choral Society, and under Mr. Poster’s manipulation its merits were fully displayed. At the conclusion of the entertainment most of the audience personally congratulated Messrs. Poster and Thompson on their brilliant talents, and thanked them for the treat afforded. Many present expressed their appreciation of the kindness of Mr. Hunter, who is so willing to grant the use of his fine room for purposes of this kind. The conduct of a witness in a case which came before the R.M. Court on Tuesday was fitly termed disgraceful by Mr. Crawford. It was an information laid by the police against Mr. Valentine, of the Prince of Wales Hotel, for a breach of the Licensing Act, in having on Sunday sold a bottle of brandy. The evidence given showed that some time since Mr. Valentine sold to one Delahunty a piece of ground, a deposit of £lO being paid. Repenting of his bargain, the buyer went to Mr. Valentine and asked him to cancel the deed of sale and to return the deposit. The absurd request was refused, and Delahunty and another man went to a publichouse and concocted a plot by which Ryan was to get a bottle of brandy on a Sunday from Valentine, and under threat of informing against him at the police-station, force him to agree to the cancellation of the sale and the return of the £lO. On Sunday Delahunty gave Ryan seven shillings, with which he went to Valentine’s Hotel and asked for a bottle of brandy. Mr. Valentino refused to serve him, but on Ryan trembling violently and manifesting all kinds of grief at the sickness of some dear friend, the landlord gave way and served him. Immediately after Ryan left he returned with Delahunty, who knocked at Mr. Valentine’s door, and holding the bottle of brandy up he used very bad language towards him, and said, “ I have got you now, and Sergeant Monaghan will settle with you to-morrow.” Mr. Valentine returning no answer and making no offer to compromise the matter, Delahunty next day informed against him. Neither Ryan nor

Delahunty made any attempt to deny these facts, and rather seemed to wish to impress the Court -with the necessity of respecting them as remarkably smart fellows. Mr. Buckley asked the Bench to dismiss the case, on the ground that the spirit of the Act was not broken by serving liquor when urgently required for the use of the sick; and secondly, that if the Court considered itself bound to take notice of the sale, he should submit the case had not been made out, inasmuch as the prosecutor, on whom lay the otius probandi, had not submitted evidence to show that Ryan was not a lodger. The Bench dismissed the case, and said the conduct of both Ryan and Delahunty was disgraceful. It is worthy of remark that according to the evidence of Dr. Von Mirbach, he and Dr. Harding visited the hotel the same day, for the purpose of getting a bottle of brandy for a patient to whom they had decided to administer a stimulant, and that Mr. Valentine refused them until they explained to him that the liquor was really required. A very successful musical and literary entertainment was held in the Congregational schoolroom on Tuesday evening. The attendance was large, the room being comfortably filled. The programme commenced with the chorus “ Hail sweet morn,” after which the song, “ The Rescue,” was got through in a very creditable manner by a gentleman amateur. A recitation, “ The Death of Roderick Dhu,” and a duet, “ The Gipsy Countess,” were also well performed. Two songs and a scene from the “ Knights of the Round Table ” were the next on the programme, and were got through in a manner which showed that no small amount of pains had been taken. A reading, a chorus, and a recitation were next performed by various members in a creditable manner. The next on the programme which calls for special mention was a comic song, “ The Bashful Man,” which was sung by gentleman in a manner that well deserved the encore bestowed upon it. A dialogue was performed by several members in a very creditable manner. The song “ Kathleen Mavourneen’ ’ was one of the best pieces of the evening, and did infinite credit to the lady who sang it. A piano duet by two ladies was a very neat performance, and the quartett and reading which followed were none the less deserving of praise. A comic song by a gentleman, and the chorus “ Away, away,” were the last on the programme. The National Anthem having been sung, one of the most enjoyable entertainments of its kind was brought to a close. In the Resident Magistrate’s Court on Saturday, before J. C. Crawford, Esq., R.M., Donald Cormack, charged with vagrancy, was sent to gaol for one month. Mrs. Murphy, landlady of the City Hotel, was charged with assaulting one Park Neville. Prosecutor stated that at 12 o’clock on the night of the 19th inst., while engaged in conversation with the Rev. Mr. Cooper, he heard defendant call out to them to go to bed. He did not do so. Defendant then caught him by the shoulders, and pushed him about. He then wished to leave the house, but she refused to let him. He afterwards went back to Mr. Cooper’s room for some gin which he (witness) had left there, stating at the time that he would summon Mrs. Murphy if she had taken it away. Mrs. Murphy then assaulted him by taking hold of his collar and pushing him into his room. He was perfectly sober at the time of the assault. He did take out a summons against defendant, and on returning to the hotel after taking out the summons, she would not allow witness to go in to dinner, and assaulted him with a horsewhip. The Rev. Mr. Cooper gave evidence to the effect that on the night in question, while he and prosecutor were together in witness’s x’oom, defendant rushed in and pulled prosecutor out of the room. Next day witness and prosecutor were sitting in the dining-room, he heard a noise, and looking round saw defendant assaulting prosecutor with a whip. His Worship said that the assault committed on the 19th was not only justified but meritorious. With regard to the assault committed with the whip, he thought Mrs. Murphy should not have taken the law into her own hands. He would fine defendant 55., and costs. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. The quarterly meeting of the members of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce was held in Mr. Hunter’s room on Tuesday, June 27. Mr. Levin being in the chair. MINUTES. In the absence of Mi*. Carroll, the secretary, Mr. Le Cren read the minutes of previous meeting, which were duly confirmed. THE CHAIRMAN’S ADDRESS. The Chairman said the fh*st matter arising out of the minutes to which he had to refer, was that which had reference to the Debtors and Creditors Act. Some short time since, it would be remembered, the matter was brought before the Chamber by Mr. Stuart. Since then it had been learned that the Government intended to introduce a new Bill, and the committee had secured a copy of the Bill, and would hereafter, if necessary, put before the members of the Chamber any suggestions they might have to make to remedy any possible defects in it. In the meantime the committee had, directly on receiving the Bill, handed it to Mr. Stuart, and it was satisfactory to know that that gentleman considered the new Bill would remedy the most prominent defects of the old Bill. After mentioning what had been done in respect of establishing a Harbor Board, the chairman said the committee had considered the proposal of Mr. Duncan to get the jurisdiction of the Resident Magistrate’s Court at Wellington extended; and on discovering that the Government had power to extend the jurisdiction to £IOO, had determined to recommend the Chamber to make application to the Minister of Justice to exercise his power in this respect. There was another matter to which he desired to call attention, as having been discussed by the I committee, viz., the desirableness of securing suitable premises. One or two offers had been made to the committee; but so far they had

come to no conclusion in the matter, and they desired an expression of opinion from the members generally, and would prefer receiving instructions as to what amount of rent they would be willing to grant. And here it might not be out of place to say a few words with regard to the financial position of the Chamber. They had at present a fixed deposit in the bank of £2OO, upon which interest had accrued to the amount of £6 Bs. 4d. There was a balance on the open account of £79 18s. 2d., and cash in the hands of the secretary to the amount of £4 45., making in all £290 10s. 6d. There were at present on the books 73 members, 60 of whom had paid the subscription due for this year ; and he had very great gratification in stating that a number of new members were to be balloted for directly, and that some six or seven other names had been received, but too late to allow of their being submitted to the present meeting ; and besides these a number of other gentlemen had expressed readiness to become members if suitable rooms were secured. Therefore the annual income of the j Chamber might fairly be estimated at £IBO or £l9O per annum, and the capital to start with j might be taken at £230 or £240. Of course a considerable amount of that capital would be ! required to furnish the rooms and form the ! nucleus of a library. What the committee proposed to do was to ask the members to | sanction their entering into arrangements for 1 securing rooms at a rental of not ex- | ceeding £IOO per annum ; and he hoped ! that proposition would be accepted, because : he believed that if the Chamber were to be carried out successfully, the sooner a habitation for it was obtained the better. EXTENSION OF RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S JURISDICTION. Mr. Duncan moved, — That this Chamber is i of opinion that the jurisdiction of the Welj lington Resident Magistrate’s Court should be ■ extended to £IOO, and that the chairman of this Chamber of Commerce is hereby re- ; quested to communicate with the Minister of | Justice, in order to the carrying out of this proposal. He did not think it necessary to urge the importance of the change. That must be apparent to every one ; but he desired to thank the committee for having taken into consideration his suggestion in regard to this matter. Mr. L. Levy seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously. PREMISES EOR THE CHAMBER. Mr. Bannatyne moved that the committee be authorised to provide suitable accommodation for the Chamber at an annual rental not exceeding £IOO. He sp»oke of the necessity of such a place being secured, and believed for the sum named a suitable place could be secured. I Mr. Primmer seconded, although he did not I think a suitable room could be obtained just i now. However, it was as well to give the com--1 mittee the necessary authority, and if a room became available, then the committee could secure it. It might be that after the political changes contemplated were carried out, they would be able to get rooms in the present Provincial Government buildings. Por the present they might perhaps induce Mr. Hunter to accept rent for the room they had used in the past. Mr. Hunter expressed his willingness to allow the Chamber to use his rooms,, but he was not disposed to accept rent, which would entail the giving up the large room to the exclusive use of the Chamber. He was decidedly of opinion that the Chamber should secure a habitation of their own, and hoped a suitable place would be got soon ; a false step in the selection of a room might lead to the failure of the institution. Mr. B. Smith suggested delay for the present. It was probable if the new Harbor Board were constituted that it would require chambers, and if the committee waited, the two bodies might co-operate and buy a piece of land in a central place, and erect upon it a suitable building. Mr. Duncan, while fully agreeing with Mr. Smith, and believing that if the Chamber were in any difficulty in respect of funds, it would be assisted by the liberality of individual members, still hoped the resolution would be carried. If the Chamber secured suitable premises no doubt it would become a most valuable institution—a kind of exchange where business men and strangers might meet. The resolution was put and carried. NEW MEMBERS. The following new members were elected: — Mr. Green, manager of National Bank ; Mr. Roxburgh, Mr. Perrier, Mr. Self, Mr. G. Crawford, and Mr. Dawson. The meeting then terminated. GOVERNMENT BANKING ACCOUNT. Purther correspondence relating to the above was on Thursday presented to both Houses of the General Assembly, by command of his Excellency, as follows : The Superintendent, Bank of Australasia, to the Secretary to Cabinet. Bank of Australasia, Superintendent’s Office, Melbourne, June, 1876. Sir, —I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication, No. 10, of the 17th ultimo, respecting the correspondence which has taken place between the New Zealand Government and this bank’s chief representative in that colony, in relation to the tenders lately called for the conduct of the Government banking business there. Your full remarks, under their various numerical headings, have had my most attentive perusal, and I much regret that their general tenor should evince so hostile a feeling towards an institution which, for the last forty years, has conducted business operations with the several Governments of the Australian colonies under the most amicable relations. I refrain from discussing the many points referred to by you in Mr. Morrah’s letter, as such a course would be now to little purpose, and would but serve to intensify the feeling

which now exists on the part of the presen Government of New Zealand towards thi s corporation.—l have, &c., D. G. McArthur, Superintendent. G. S. Cooper, Esq., Secretary to the Cabinet, Colonial Secretary’s Office, Wellington. WELLINGTON VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE. The annual meeting of the Wellington Volunteer Eire Brigade was held on Monday at Mr. Hunter’s office. There was a large attendance of the members of the brigade, in fact they were all there, with the exception of one or two, from whom apologies were read. Mr. Hunter, agent for the New Zealand Insurance Company, was present also. Superintendent Whiteford occupied the chair. The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed, Captain Hutchens apologised for the absence of Lieutenant Crowther. The following report and balance sheets were then read : Mil. CnAIRMAN ANB GENTLEMEN, — Your committee liave much pleasure in submitting for your consideration, this their twelfth annual report, and in doing so have to thank the members for their punctual attendance on all occasions that the services of the brigade have been called upon for the past year. The casualities during the past year, they are sorry to report, have been of a more serious nature compared to those that it has been their duty to report to you at your annual meetings for a number of years back, the number of alarms being twenty-one ; comprising nine of chimneys and furze, seven of small fires, and five of serious. 1. The first occurred on the lOtli of June, on the premises of Mr. Gear, Cuba-street Cause, the upsetting of a burning candle in the hayloft, which ignited the hay. When your appliances arrived, it was found that the small hose attached to Mr. Gear’s premises had succeeded in preventing a more serious catastrophe. 2. The second occurred on the 26th of June, to a house in Cuba-street, the property of Mr. Archer. Cause, a burning log falling out of the fireplace in the absence of the occupiers, and setting fire to the wall close to the fireplace. Your plant was quickly upon the ground and stopped the spread of fire, when the damage done was but trifling. 3. The third occurred on the evening of the sth of July, the small offices situated in the market yard, belonging to the Municipal Corporation, being on fire. Your plant being close at hand was immediately upon the scene, and succeeded in getting the fire under in good time, as, fortunately, the members were not aware until all was over that there was powder stored in the adjoining apartment. 4. The fourth, a chimney in Tory-street, belonging to Mr. Andrew, on the 21st July. 5. The fifth occurred on the 26th July, in Mannersstreet ; a chimney belonging to Mr. Dempsey, saddler. 6. The sixth occurred on the 14tli August, in Cubastreet; a chimney belonging to Mr. Broadbent, watchmaker. 7. The seventh occurred on the 22nd August, in Willis-street ; a chimney of Mr. Rowley’s, barber. 8. The eighth occurred on the 25th August, on Lambton-quay; the chimney of the police barracks. 9. The ninth occurred on the 27th October, the cause being furze on fire at the rear of the Commercial Hotel, Willis-street. 10. The tenth occurred on the 30th October, in a house situated on the corner of Taranaki and Ghuznee streets, the property of Mr. Morgan ; cause, a barrel of rags getting ignited in a back room, and burning part of the wall. Your brigade was quickly upon the spot, and succeeded in stopping the progress of the fire, with trifling damage. 11. The eleventh occurred on the morning of the 18th November, in Cuba-street, to the premises of Mr. E. Garton. Your brigade was soon upon the ground, and succeeded in staying the progress of the fire in the building in which it originated, but not before the house and stock were almost entirely consumed. This being the first fire of any magnitude that had occurred in Wellington for a number of years and since the waterworks had been completed, much interest was taken by the waterworks’ authorities in viewing their power in checking the progress of the fiery element. Your committee have no hesitation in saying that the trial praved most satisfactory ; and as they will in a later part of their report compare Wellington and her water supply with other parts of the world, they resume—--12. The twelfth occurred on the 15th December, in Webb-street, the cause being furze on fire. 13. The thirteenth occurred on the 22nd December. Cause, a chimney on fire in Taranaki-place, in a house occupied by Mr. Durant. 14. The fourteenth occurred on the 28th December, to the premises of Mr. Aplin, Lambton-quay. Your brigade was soon upon the scene, and rendered good assistance in checking the spread of fire ; and with the splendid water supply, the fire was confined to the inside of the building. The walls and roof being of iron, it was subdued before breaking through, although Mr. Aplin’s valuable stock was entirely destroyed. 15. The fifteenth occurred on the 16tli January, opposite the City Hotel, Clyde-quay, the cause being the furze deposited there by the Municipal Corporation authorities igniting and being consumed. 16. The sixteenth occurred on the morning of the 19th January, at Kaiwarra, caused by the total destruction of Mr. Thomas Phillips’ dwellinghouse. Your brigade made no attempt to go, as your superintendent could see before leaving his house that all danger was over before the bells gave the alarm, and subsequent information proved him correct. 17. The seventeenth occurred on the 31st of January, at the Metropolitan Hotel, Molesworth-street. The roof being of shingles had caught fire. Your No. 3 reel being stationed there was brought into action, and prevented a more serious conflagration; when your other appliances arrived the danger was over, although a good portion of the roof was destroyed. 18. The eighteenth occurred on the 14th March, caused by the boiling over of tlie asphalte and tar boiler used by the City Corporation in the market yard. Your brigade was soon upon the ground, and succeeded in subduing the flames, but not before a valuable horse had been burned to death and a great portion of the shed attached to the boiler had been consumed. 19. The nineteenth occurred on the ISth March at Messrs. Tolley’s and Toohill’s premises, Willis-street. Your brigade was speedily upon tlie spot, and succeeded in stopping tlie progress, but not before a good deal of damage liad been done to both the abovenamed persons premises. * 20. The twentieth alarm, and most disastrous fire that has occurred in this city during the last ten years, occurred on the morning of the 26th March, to the back stores of Messrs. W. and G. Turnbull and Co. and the Empire Hotel. The plant of your brigade from No. 2 station, Willis-street, and No.l station, Taranaki-place, respectively, was first and second to arrive with great promptitude upon the scene. On arriving it was apparent that the stores of Messrs. W. and G. Turnbull were beyond hope of saving, therefore our attention was at once directed to the south wing of the Empire Hotel from both sides, to prevent the fire from getting hold of the front buildings; and with the limited space at our command, and the largeness of the buildings on fire, it was visible that the work before us would be of a hot and stifling nature; and if success were to be attained, each man would require to keep his ground without flinching one inch. And your committee here record their thanks to those members who so ably fought and conquered the flames that morning. They would also here record their thanks to the members of the Armed Constabulary, for tlie able assistance rendered on that occasion, and also on many other occasions they have rendered assistance during the year. Your committee here again record their thanks to the several donors of donations sent for your acceptance for the able manner in which this fire was stopped.

21. The twenty, first occurred on the 22nd May, to a stable in Taranaki-street, the property of Mr. Hill. Your plant was quickly upon the ground, but only to find the stable doomed, and our attention was principally directed to the adjoining building, where we, in conjunction with the Armed Constabulary, succeeded in our endeavors in stopping the spread of lire. Your committee in their last annual report stated that an application had been made to the Municipal Corporation for its sanction to a piece of land in Taranaki-place, for the purpose of giving your brigade an opportunity of erecting premises large enough for your requirements to house the increased plant at your disposal. They also stated that a reply had been received from the Council, in forming them that their application had been referred to the Waterworks Committee; but up to the date of your last annual meeting they had not received the decision of that committee, although four months bad elapsed. The day after the publication in the New Zealand Times of your last annual report the long-looked-for answer arrived, apologising for. the delay ; also with the information that the Council could not grant the request. And as the question of the brigades will be before the Council at its next meeting, your committee will repeat their application. Truly, where ignorance is bliss ’tis folly to be wise, and the fire brigades of Wellington appear to have been contented in that position for many years. They have contented themselves by begging from door to door their own subsistence, and with a small annual grant from the various insurance agencies, and what they can raise from a small handful of their generous fellow citizens, who have always given their mite freely in the support of an institution which protects thousands of their fellow citizens who do not contribute one farthing to its support, and also to the support of that Municipal Corporation which has hitherto refused their aid to grant any support to a body banded together to protect the ■walls of its city against the ravages of fire. Wellington is the only city in New Zealand and the Australian colonies whose fire brigades have to beg their own support. In Christchurch the Corporation pays all the working expenses of its fire brigade throughout the year, and also provides engine-stations and other appliances; and the Corporation, jointly with the insurance agents at the present time, is erecting a fire brigade station at a cost of £2OOO, the foundation stone of which was laid on the 24th of May last, and when completed it will be a credit to that city. In Dunedin the Corporation there occupies the same position; also the same with Invercargill. In some of the Victorian cities the Corporation occupies the same position; and in others, such as Ballarat, the Corporation grants them an annual allowance, but sufficient for all their working expenses. In Ballarat there are two municipalities—Ballarat City and Ballarat Town —each supporting a fire brigade by an annual donation each of £450; but in all the above cases the insurance companies pay an annual contribution to the funds of the Corporations. Coming to the water supply of Wellington, and comparing it with other parts where your representatives in their late tour can testify by ocular demonstration, they say that Wellington is better supplied with water, as far as pressure is concerned, than any city they visited in Victoria. At the Melbourne Fire Brigade station a record is taken four times in every twenty-four hours ; and in looking over those records during the month of May last the pressure only reached lOOlbs. per square inch in one instance during the whole month, and that at midnight. The lowest pressure recorded during the month was 201bs. per square inch ; the general record during the day was from 251bs. up to 351bs. At Ballarat the highest pressure recorded in the same manner was 1051bs. at midnight, but during the day from 551bs. up to 701bs. At Geelong there was no record kept, but when seen during the day the pressure guage stood at 601bs. In Dunedin there was no guage to indicate, but the Dunedin people reckon their pressure to be 1501b5., therefore Wellington, with its pressure of 1401b5., will rank amongst the first of the Victorian towns for pressure. . As you are already aware, your brigade received an invitation from the Fire Brigades’ Demonstration Committee at Ballarat in the month of March last, inviting you to take part in their annual competition on the 23rd and 24th of May. Your brigade accepted, and sent a team to take part in the competition, with the idea that by meeting such a large number of brigades and seeing their appliances and their mode of working, some valuable information would be gleaned for the management of your brigade. They have not only gained this information, but they also sustained the credit of your brigade throughout Victoria by cairyinglof the third prize in the hose and reel practice. It is therefore with much pleasure that your committee here record their warmest thanks to those members comprising that team, for the able and efficient manner in which they acquitted themselves at Ballarat; likewise to Captain Steet and members for Ballarat city, Captain Morris and members of the Ballarat fire brigades, for the kind and hospitable way in which they treated your representatives while there, and for the placing at their disposal their reels and hose to enable them to take part in the Victorian competition ; also to Captain Christy and members of the Geelong, Superintendent Hood and members of the Melbourne, Captain Ballinger and members of the Carlton Brewery, Captain Boss and members of Invercargill, Captain Atkinson and members of Dunedin, Superintendent Harris and members of the Christchurch fire brigades, for the kindness shown your representatives while on their way to and from Ballarat, hoping that should they ever visit this city the compliment will be returned. Your committee will also here record their kindest thanks to Sir Julius Vogel, for the interest he took in getting Messrs. McMeckan and Blackwood to reduce the passage money to and from Melbourne. To the insurance agents of this city for their liberal donation. To those gentlemen who privately assisted with their subscriptions in|raising the expenses of the expedition, and to you, as members, in voting the remainder. The trip cost £ISO, and your committee have every reason for saying that the above money has not been spent in vain. It is the intention of the firemen in New Zealand to have their annual gathering, and invite their Victorian brethren to New Zealand for a trial of skill. The first will probably take place in November, 1577 ; and a number of the brigades in Victoria have signified their intention to accept the invitation. Your committee have to report that the number of members upon the roll is forty-seven, and that the plant at your disposal is all in good working order. This evening all your officers retire, but being duly nominated, are eligible for re-election. By your treasurer’s balance-sheet the amount to the credit of the general fund is £lO7. But as there is an asset due by the insurance agents of £36, that your brigade paid for watchmen at the late fire at Messrs. W. and G. Turnbull’s stores, when received it will make your balance £143. Your accident fund is also in a good condition, the balance to your credit being £l9l 9s. 9d. in the Postoffice Savings Bank. Your committee, -with your consent, think that they may judiciously, at higher interest, invest a portion of it. They also express a hope that you will watch over and increase it as much as passible, as should any accident befall any of you in attending to your duty as firemen, it will be pleasing for you to know that sufficient funds of your own are at the disposal of your fellow-firemen to render assistance when required. We hope it will be always the pleasing duty of your committee to report annually that no accident has occurred. Your committee express a hope that you will attend to your duties throughout the year just commenced as you have attended to them in the past. In concluding this report, your committee would ask you to record a vote of thanks to Mr. Hunter, for his kindness in placing his room at your disposal for this meeting, hoping by this time next year you will be in possession of a suitable hall of your own. They also here record a vote of thanks to Messrs. E. Pearce and G. Hunter, for auditing your accounts, at great personal inconvenience to themselves, for the present year. Ever remembering your motto, “United to save, and always ready.” Subscriptions received by the Wellington Volunteer Fire Brigade for working expenses for the year commencing June, 1875, and ending May 31, 1876 : —lnsurance companies (annual grant), £100; Vogel Deception Committee, £ls; General Government, £5 55.; James Osgood, £5 55.; E. Pearce, £3 35.; Bethune and Hunter, £3 35.; Thompson, Shannon, and Co., £3 35.; Levin and Co., £2 25.; W. M. Bannatyne and Co., £2 25.; W. and G. Turnbull, £2 25.; A. P. Stuart and

Co., £2 25.; J. E. Nathan, £2 25.; Johnston and Co., £2 25.; W. B. Bhodes, £2 25.; W. W. Taylor £2 25.; Krull and Co., £2 25.; Standard Insurance Co., £2 25.; J. andT. Kebble, £2 25.; Moorliouse and Staffold, £2 25.; Bank of New Zealand, £2 25.: Union Bank of Australia, £2 25.; Bank of Australasia, £2 2s ; National Bank, £2 25.; A.M.P. Society, £2 25.; Trust and Loan Company, £2 25.; N.Z.S.S. Co., £2 25.; Wellington Gas Company, £2 25.; X.Y.Z., £1 Is.; Greenfield and Stewart, £1 Is.; B. P. Collins, £1 Is ; Pascoe and Go £1 Is.; A. de B. Brandon, £1 Is.; Wlnttem, Niffiiolson, £1 Is.; E. W. Mills, £1 Is.; Shaw and Sons, £1 Is.; Hart and Buckley, £1 Is.; Barraud and Son, £1 Is.; Wilson and Bicliardson, £1 Is.; Kvrkcaldie and Stains, £1 Is.; Sample and Co, £1 Is.; W. Clark, £1 Is.; Thomas Lowe, £1 1.; H. F. Logan, £1 Is.; G. Moore, £1 Is • Peter Laing, £1 Is.; John Plnnmer, £1 is.; B. Smith and Co., £1 is.; Samuel Alcorn, £1 Is.; Waddell and Co., £1 Is.; Stevenson and Stuart, £1 Is.; J. Dransfield, £1 Is.; T. and W. Young, £1 Is.; J. McDowell and Co., £1 Is.; James O Shea, £1 Is.; Mills and Co , £1 Is.; Mace and Arkell, £1 Is.; Geo Crawford, £1 Is.; W. Nicholson, £1 Is.; Edward Dixon, £1 Is.; B. Somerville, £1 Is.; M. O. Gandy, £1 Is.; W. Light, £1 Is,; John Valentine, £1 Is.; T. Whitehouse, £1 Is.; John Thorburn, £1 Is.; J. and H. Barber, £1 Is.; L. Levy, £1 Is.; Dr. France £1 Is ; Dr. Grace, £1 Is.; Dr. Harding, £1 Is.; B. Port, £1 Is.; J. G. Allan, £1 Is.; Halley and Ewing, £lls.; 1. J. Mountain, £1 Is.; Joseph Paul and Co., £1 Is.; Charles Brown, £1 Is.; P. Moeller, £1 Is.; Martin and Downes, £1 Is.; G. Ilausman, £1 Is.; James Smith, £1 Is.; Travers and Ollivier, £1 Is.; Andrew Young, £1 Is.; F. Cooper, £1 Is.; Wellington Club, £1 Is.; James Gear, £1 Is.; W. B. D. Mantell, £1; W. Fife, 13s. 6d.; E. Wilson, 12s. 6d,; Lyon and Blair, 10s. 6d ; Alex McDonald, 10s. 6d.; E. H. Crease, 10s. 6d.; J. A. Allan, 10s. 6d.; AY. V. Jackson, 10s. 6d ; Casey and McDonald, 10s.; 11. Bead, 10s.; C. 11. Lowe, 10s.; J. and B. Sloan, 10s.; Murray, Common, and Co., 10s.; A. McLean, 10s.; A. and J., 10s.; James Huxley, 10s.; D.A.J., 10s.; J. 11. Cook, 10s.; B. M. Cleland, 10s,; J. AVatt, 10s.; James Lawne, 10s.; AY. Muggins, 10s.; M. J. Mulligan, 10s.; A L., 10s. ; John Brady, 10s. ; B. Hannah and Co., 10s.; AV. Tustin, 10s.; John Quin, 10s.; J. Livingston, 10s.; J. T. Love, 10s.; S. S. Griffiths, 10s.; Edward Anderson, 10s. ; AYarburton and Goodman, 55.; Nemo, 55.; G.AY.S., 55.; W. Cook and Co., 55.; AY. Freeman, 55.; AY. Tinney, ss. ; D. Chisholm, 55.; Mrs. Old Smith, 55.; Mrs. Francis Hamilton, 55.; H. E. Liardet, 55.; John Bertie, 2s. Od.; C. Ambrose, 2s. 6d.; J.L., 2s. 6d.; T. Jones, 2s. 6d.; AV. and L., 2s. Gd.; Algorio, 2s. 6d.; B. H. Carpenter, 2s. 6d.; Taylor and Co., 25.; M. Tong, 25,; T. Smith, 2s. Edward Hutchings, Hon. Treasurer. Subscriptions received by the AVellington Volunteer Fire Brigade in aid of sending representatives to the competition at Ballarat Insurance companies, £SO ; Sir Julius Vogel, £5 55.; Sir Donald McLean, £5 55.; Edward Pearce, £5 55.; Bethune and Hunter, £5 55.; his Excellency the Governor, £5 ; Johnston and Co., £3 35.; Joseph Nathan and Co., £3 35.; Thompson, Shannon, and Co., £3 35.; Levin and Co., £3 35.; Union Bank of Australia, £3 35.; E. Bichardson, £2 25.; Jacob Joseph and Co., £2 25.; John Staples, £2 25.; AV. B. Bhodes, £2; H. Hall, £2; AY. and G. Turnbull, £1 Is.; Krull and C0.,£l Is.; AVliittomNicholson, £1 Is.; Hart and Buckley, £1 Is.; W. M. Bannatyne and ©0.,£115.; J. Croker, £1 Is.; AV. Hutchison, £1 Is,; AV. Fitzherbert, £1 Is.; James Osgood, £1 Is.; Greenfield and Stewart, £1 Is.; Samuel, Ladd, and Co., £1 Is.; J. Budge, £1 Is.; Pascoe and Co., £1 ; B. AVilliams, 10s. 6d.; T. Lowe, 10s. 6d.; W. Nicholson, 10s.; AV. Munro, 10s.; A. de B. Brandon, 10s.; X.Y.Z., 10s.; Colonel Moule, 10s.; AV. Fife, 55.; J. Livingstone, 55.; D. Firmin, 55.; A Friend, 55.; J. Fenton, 55.; produce of performance at the Theatre Boyal, £ll 7s. A. AYhiteford, Superintendent. Balance Sheet of the AVellington Volunteer

lion. Treasurer. Audited and found correct, this 22nd day of June, 1876. A. Darrocii I A 1U Arthur Fisk f Auditors. Lieutenant Fisk proposed, and Captain Hutchens seconded, —That the balance-sheets be adopted. The motion was carried. On the motion to adopt the report, Mr. Tolley made some observations in which he advocated the introduction of steam fire engines in Wellington. Mr. Hunter spoke strongly in favor of the introduction of steam fire engines into Wellington, and stated, on behalf of the company which he represented, that it had expressed its willingness to contribute a fair proportion towards the cost of such steam fire engines. He dilated on the benefits of such an appliance, as the city increased in importance and as the buildings should be of more extensive proportions. The report was then adopted. Good conduct stripes were awarded to Branchman Brodie and Member Bird. The latter having received the good conduct stripe three times, becomes entitled to a silver medal. The election of officers was the next business before the meeting. Mr. Hunter took the chair by request. For the office of superintendent there was

only one nomination, that of Mr. Whiteford, who was duly declared re-elected by the chairman. Mr. Wilson was re-elected captain of No. 1 Company. For the position of captain to No. 2 Company there were two nominations, ' the nominees being Mr. Hutchins arid Mr. Bird. A ballot was taken, and Mr. Bird was declared elected. Mr. Crowther was elected I‘eutenant of No. 1 Company, Mr. Darroch having resigned in consequence of pressure of business. Messrs. Hutchins and Tolley were elected treasurer and secretary respectively. Before leaving the chair Mr. Hunter complimented the brigade on their general efficiency, and the success they attained in the late competition at Ballarat. A unanimous vote of thanks was accorded Mr Hunter, who subsequently left, and then some minor appointments were made, after which a vote of thanks was given to the chairman, and the meeting adjourned.

Fire Brigade, ending May 31st, 1876. d. Dr. £ s. By balance .. 139 19 8 Insurance grant .. 100 0 0 Reception Committee 15 0 0 Public subscriptions .. 139 1 0 £394 0 8 To horse and hire 28 15 6 Refreshments .. 23 7 6 Repairs to plant 15 7 6 Cleaning plant 8 10 Advertising and stationery 10 15 3 U nif orms 5 17 0 Sundries .. 45 9 8 Gas 3 5 9 Night watchman 4 16 0 Fire bell .. 15 1 8 Watchmen W. and G. T.’sfire .. .. 36 0 0 Ballarat,representatives Members’ fund, 10 per cent. 50 0 0 25 8 0 Collectors .. 13 18 0 £286 4 8 Cash in hand 0 5 0 Cash as per book B. N.Z. .. .. 107 11 0 £394 0 8 Edward Hutchings, Hon. Treasurer. Examined the above accounts, with the vouchers, and found all correct and in order. Edward Pearce George Hunter | Auditors. Members’ Fund.—Balance-sheet ending May 31, 1S76. Dr. £ s. d. By balance .. 124 9 4 Members subscriptions and fines .. 30 12 0 Donations —E. Garton 2 0 0 ,, J. Rowley 1 0 0 ,, Rechabites 1 1 0 ,, R. White ford.. 1 0 0 ,, T. McCauley .. .. 0 12 0 ,, Ten per cent, off £254 Is. general fund .. 25 S 0 „ Interest to Dec. 31, 1875 .. 5 7 5 £191 9 9 Cr. £ s. d. To Post-office Savings’ Bank .. .. 191 9 3 Cash in hand .. 0 0 6 £191 9 9 Edward Hutchings,