Town News.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 242, 8 July 1876, Page 14

Town News.

Mr. George McLean on Tuesday accepted a portfolio in the Ministry as Commissioner of Customs.

The appointment of Mr. Thomson as Sur-veyor-General for the colony is published. A paper, by the Hon. W. Fox, on New Zealand, was to be read before the Royal Colonial Institute on May 23.

The Parliamentary ball at the Provincial Hall on Monday evening was well attended, and passed off satisfactorily.

The Speaker’s dinner was given at the Club on Monday evening. A goodly number of members were present.

We understand that the Rev. Mr. Coffey, of Milton, Otago, has been appointed to the new Te Aro church, and will take charge in October.

The following transfers of licenses have been granted by the Licensing Bench: Central Hotel, from Carl Hausman to Salvatore Cemino; Provincial Hotel, from Daniel Rivers to George Albert Deavill.

The Regulation of Local Elections Bill contains nearly 60 clauses. It is proposed that in cases of disputed elections, the Resident Magistrate for the district in which such eleotion takes place shall hold an inquiry. The Wellington Deputy-Superintendent Bill has been assented to by the Governor. Mr. Bunny was on Tuesday appointed Deputy-Super-intendent, and Mr. Robert Pharazyn Provincial Treasurer, in place of Mr. Bunny.

A sample of excellent coal, alleged to have been discovered in a locality near town, was on Wednesday brought to this office, and the discoverer alleges that there are large deposits of coal where the specimen came from. The piece exhibited is highly bituminous and glossy. We shall be glad to hear of the discovery being verified and turned to good account.

In the House of Representatives on Wednesday afternoon Sir Donald McLean, in answer to a question by Mr. Stout, gave an explanation concerning the steps taken for the arrest of Winiata, the Epsom murderer, which ought to put an end to the disgraceful calumnies concerning the Native Minister s conduct in reference to this matter, that, for the most despicable political motives, have been freely circulated.

Mr. Hursthouse on Thursday in the House of Representatives said he, like many other young men, had been taught to look up to that House with reverence and respect, but he was sure that most of the new members would be as disappointed as he had been. As for Sir George Grey, whom he had always regarded in time past as the great example for New Zealand youth, he could only say he had witnessed his conduct this session with pain.

The criminal sitting of the Supreme Court open at the courthouse on Monday next, at 10 a.m. The following is the calendar :—Jane Elizabeth Williams, stealing from a dwelling ; Elizabeth Williams and William Henry Williams, receiving stolen property ; John Osborne, larceny ; James Shannon, rape ; James Calder, larceny ; Carl Iverson and Anni Iverson, stealing from a dwellinghouse ; Albert Horner, assault and robbery ; Joseph Haudley, larceny. Before the House proceeded to business on Friday, the Premier took the opportunity of publicly acknowledging the services which had been rendered him by Messrs. E. Fox (his private secretary), and C. C. N. Barron (chief of Hansard staff), in the preparation of his paper upon beetroot. He said had it not been for the assistance of these gentlemen he should not have been able to get the paper ready by the opening of Parliament, and he was further specially indebted to Mr. Barron for haying translated many of the documents contained in the appendices. At the Resident Magistrate’s Court on Thursday morning, before J. C. Crawford, Esq., R.M., John Wilson, charged with being drunk and illegally on the premises of Mr. Coker, was fined 205., or in default forty-eight hours’ imprisonment. John Griffiths was dealt with in a like manner for being drunk and disorderly. James Kelly was charged with stealing a fivepound note and a flask of brandy from William Thompson, a carpenter, - at the Pakuratahi Hotel on the 2nd inst. The prisoner was committed for trial at the next criminal sittings of the Supreme Court. Joseph Jerry was given in charge for creating a disturbance in the Theatre Royal the previous evening ; but the prosecutor not putting in an appearance, the case was dismissed.

It is stated that his Excellency the Governor intends to have a day’s shooting at Nelson shortly.

The Imprest Supply Bill was received in the Upper House on Wednesday afternoon, and, the standing orders being suspended, on the motion of the Hon, Dr. Pollen, it was passed through all its stages.

A Provincial Government Gazette, published on Wednesday, contains the official announcement of the appointment of Henry Bunny, Deputy- Superintendent; and Robt. Pharazyn, Provincial Secretary and Treasurer. .

The Opera Company left Wellington on Wednesday in the Ladybird for Napier, where Mr Simonsen purposes playing for a season of three weeks. The company will then return to Wellington en route for Auckland. A lunatic by name Carl Friedrich Behrmann, was taken to the asylum on Wednesday, having arrived here (in Constable McMahon_s charge) by the Stormbird from Wanganui, where he was committed. The number of letters, newspapers, and book packets received by the English mail per Ringarooma at Wellington is as follows Via Brindisi—s4o letters, 418 newspapers, and 120 book packets. Via Southampton lot letters, 224 newspapers, and 84 books. Mr. C. L. Hart has been added to the list of our auctioneers in Wellington. We believe he intends going into the stock trade principally, having arranged to hold weekly sales m Wellington on Saturdays ; Lower Hutt, tortnightly ; and Masterton, monthly, in connection with land, goods, &c.

Handsome testimonials have been presented to Robert Cunningham, W. Spargo, and James Gull, by the Royal Humane Society, for savin Mr. McKay, who fell overboard into the River Waikato, Rangiriri, Auckland, New Zealand, on January 4 ; and Miss Coley, who also fell into the River Waikato on January 7. Constable Coots, of Otaki, on Wednesday arrived in charge of a man named I redericlc Freeman, convicted of assault upon a woman named Andrews. He was also convicted of having used threatening language towards, and resisting the constable. On the first charge, he was sentenced to two months imprisonment, and on the last to three months. Upon arrival here Freeman was conducted to the gaol. A very serious accident occurred at 2 o’clock on Tuseday afternoon, at the harbor reclamation works. A carpenter named Morris was riding on an empty truck, which suddenly struck against another truck, and owing to the force of the concussion, he was thrown off. in falling, his foot was caught between the trucks, and was broken. He was immediately removed to the hospital, where, on examination, it was found necessary that his leg should be amputated. Morris is a married man. We understand that the agents of the different insurance companies have signified their willingness to combine in subscribing £250 to the Central Fire Brigade, towards the purchase of the gymnasium in Brandon-street, on condition that the Corporation subscribe a like amount. The subject of this condition will be brought on for discussion at the City Council on Thursday next. At last meeting an application was read from Superintendent Moss for aid on behalf of the Central Brigade, and the general opinion of Councillors then appeared to be that both brigades must be treated similarly, and that whatever sum they decided upon contributing towards the protection of the city from fire should be equally divided between the Central and Wellington Brigades. In all probability this course will be definitely decided on at next meeting.

At the Theatre on Wednesday night Mrs. Bates and the new dramatic company appeared to a crowded house. If possible Mrs. Bates has improved on her previous delineation of the Queen in the excellent play of Elizabeth, making every point tell with the audience. The part of the Earl of Essex was admirably sustained by Mr. Bates, who has a fine conception of the character. _ The frequent and enthusiastic applause which greeted the performance was well deserved, for rarely have such talented artists appeared in Wellington. The inferior parts were excellently well rendered by Messrs. Stoneham, Deeriug,. Holloway, Metcalf, and Howard, and it is quite unnecessary to say that Miss Jessie Raymond and Mrs. Stoneham did full justice to the comparatively small parts of Lady Sarah Howard and Lady Burleigh m the play. The company as a whole is one of the best and strongest we have ever seen in Wellington The piece was capitally mounted, the musical selections were very appropriate, and everybody was letter perfect. A sitting in banco (before the Chief Justice) waa held on Wednesday in the Supreme Courthouse. The business was as follows Holder v. White—Mr. Chapman _ appeared to show cause on behalf of plaintiff against the rule obtained by defendant on May 31, for a new trial, or leave to enter a nonsuit. jVli. Travers appeared in support of the rule. After counsel had laid their respective arguments before the Court, the Chief Justice stated that he would take time to consider bis judgment.— Harrison v. the Solicitor-General and Others This case, which has been before the Court for some time, was brought up again, the direction of the Court being asked on certain matters. Mr. Hart appeared on behalf of Mr. Harrison, trustee of the will of George Rees, deceased ; Mr. Allan appeared for the Soli-citor-General ; Mr. Bell for the heir-at-law ; and Mr. Brandon for the Education Board of the province of Wellington. The result of the hearing was that the several. defendants have leave to idead or amend their pleadings within three weeks; and leave was also given to state the cause, by consent of the parties, foi the Court of Appeal.-—Guinan v. Bell J- n this case Mr. Bell applied for a rule nisi to set aside an order made on May 18, 1876, on various grounds. The rule was granted, and made returnable on Tuesday, July 18. The Court then adjourned.

The total quantity of land under tillage iff Victoria is stated to be 1,126,831 acres ; purchased or selected, 13,"084,233 ; number of holdings, 40,852. Mr. Rees, finding that more important business than the discharge of his legislative duties requires his presence in Auckland, b as paired with Mr. Bunny for one month, in order that he may leave Wellington for the period mentioned.

The folio-wing is a' return of patients in the Provincial Hospital during and ending the month of June, 1876 :—Admitted: males, 9; females, 2. Discharged: males, i2; females, 3. Died: male, 1. Left in hospital: males, 38; females, 8. Total remaining in hospital, 46. During the past week nine sailing vessels arrived in our harbor, with a tonnage of 601 tons. The registered tonnage of the 12 steamers which arrived was 6963 tons. Only five small sailing vessels, the total tonnage of which combined amounted to 197 tons, cleared out at the Customs last week. On the other hand, 13 steamers cleared out during the same period, with a registered tonnage of not less than 6963 tons.

Small boys who will patronise cab steps and hang on to any vehicle they can catch, should take warning by what occurred on Monday. A young scamp who had been riding on a cab step got his leg caught when attempting to dismount, and was dragged along the ground for a considerable distance. Fortunately the street was very muddy and soft, and therefore he was more frightened than hurt when the" cab pulled up. From our telegrams it seems that a man named McNicol, pretty well to do in Christchurch, was on Monday sentenced to eighteen months’ imprisonment for perjury. He was convicted three months since, but at the last sitting of the Court of Appeal in Wellington it was attempted to quash the conviction owing to alleged informalities in the indictment. The Court, however, declined to interfere, and defendant was ordered to submit himself to judgment at the next sittings of the Court, which commenced on Monday. The Bill for constituting Education Boards throughout the colony has been circulated. It retains all existing provincial legislation on the subject not repealed by the present Bill, and so far as absolute interference with the existing systems of education goes, there is no repeal. All education rates are abolished. Practically existing Boards are to continue in office until February next, when new Boards will be chosen as follows :—Two members appointed by the Governor, one by the Judge in whose district the educational district is wholly or mainly situated, and not less than five or more than twelve by persons on the electoral rolls or holding miners’ rights or business licenses within the district. Education, with the necessary exemptions, is to be compulsory. Some time ago an article appeared in our columns in answer to remarks made by Mr. Vincent Pyke, in his capacity as Resident Magistrate at Dunedin, concerning the Wellington police and the New Zealand Times. In the course of the article Mr. Pyke’s ability to speak sense or to write English was questioned. Mr. Pyke, as an author of some repute, felt naturally aggrieved at these observations, and we have much pleasure in assuring him that they were in no way intended at the time to convey any reflection on his success as a writer or speaker, and are freely withdrawn by us if Mr. Pyke considers that he was or is likely to be affected by them. At the same time we express regret if they have caused him pain. Indeed, we may now say that we have learned from Mr. Pyke’s publisher that a fourth edition of his novel, in reference to which comments were made by us, is in preparation. A meeting of the committee of the various friendly societies in this city was held on Thursday in the lodge-room of the Odd Fellows’ Hall, to consider the Bill now before Parliament amending the law relating to these societies. Mr. Marshall was in the chair. Several communications were read from lodges in other places, on the whole expressing an opinion unfavorable to the Bill. The Auckland committee of the combined societies have appointed the Wellington committee to act on their behalf. The Dunedin committee are unanimously in favor of the Bill being postponed till next session. The Wellington committee postponed any action till replies had been received from lodges at Grahamstown, Christchurch, Nelson, and Grey mouth, but the sub-committee were instructed to wait upon the Ministry, and request that the progress of the Bill be delayed till after all the correspondence had been received. The meeting then adjourned till next Tuesday evening. The tenderer whose offer for erecting the New Zealand Steam Shipping Company’s offices had beenaccepted, on Thursday threw up his tender, on the ground that he had made a miscalculation, and that of Mr. W. J. Roberts, which was very little higher than Mr. McKenzie’s, was accepted, and the work will be proceeded with at once. It may be stated that the buildings are to be erected at the corner of Custom-house-quay and Brandon-street, and from the designs drawn by Mr. C. Tringham. They are to be of the Italian order of architecture, and various ornamentations which have been provided for will add to their general appearance. The block will be 45ft. by 38ft., the front elevation reaching an altitude of 34 feet. In the front there will be some eighteen windows, each being divided by rusticated pilasters, and those in the upper storey surmounted by circular heads, the lower one by segmented heads. The upper and lower storeys are to be divided by an ornamental stringcourse, with carved patereras. So much for the exterior. In the interior, on the ground floor, will be a vestibule eight feet wide, large public office, boardroom, private office, and a large storeroom ; the upper flat being in one large apartment, connected with the lower storey by a geometrical staircase. The whole of the fittings are to be constructed of cedar polished. The contract expires on the 14th of October next.

The first of the Parliamentary dinners was given by his Excellency the Governor on Saturday evening. A number of members of both Houses were present, but Sir George Grey was not amongst the number. The number of persons who arrived at the port of Wellington by sea during the past week was 236. Of these 139 came from ports in the North Island, 68 from the South Island, and 29 from Australia. The following candidates have passed the Civil Service Examination : —Ered. W. Frank - land, of Wellington ; William Alex. Sim, of Wanganui ; Ernest Gregory Pilcher, of Wellington ; Henry J. Luxford, of Wellington ; William D. Lyon, of Wellington. At a recent meeting of the Tasmanian Royal Society acknowledgment was made of fern trees and seeds from Dr. Cui’l, of Wanganui, and a portion of the submarine telegraph across Cook Strait, broken nine and a half years after submersion, presented by Mr. J. Young, of Wellington. Thursday’s Gazette contains —Proclamation of alteration in postal rates; alteration of toll charges at Manawatu bridge; assent of Governor to a railway constructed under Kaitangata Railway Act; official notification of acceptance of office by the Hon. George McLean; Land Transfer Act notices, &c. The Legislative Council lost no time in passing the Wellington Rivers Bill, on the Hon. Mr. Waterhouse pointing out the urgent need of the power which the Bill gives being placed in the hands of the Board of Conservators, in order that something may be done towards preventing the destruction caused by the overflow of the Waitangi river. It was introduced into the House of Representatives on Eriday afternoon, read a first time, and the second reading fixed for Wednesday. On Saturday evening a number of Masons of Wellington entertained Messrs. Newland and Whitcombe at dinner at the Panama Hotel. It will be remembered that these gentlemen were accredited by the Taranaki Masonic Lodges to represent them at the installation of Sir Donald McLean ; but owing to the detention of the Hawea by stormy weather, they arrived too late to be present, which was much regretted from the circumstance that Mr. Newland occupies the distinguished position of being the oldest Master Mason in the colony. Sir Donald McDean was present at the dinner on Saturday evening, and everything went off very pleasantly, Mr. Light having prepared an excellent dinner.

Prominent amongst the high-class hotels of Wellington is the Metropolitan. The hotel, as it has been known for years past, has achieved the reputation of being one of the most comfortable and select houses in the colony, but recently many additions and improvements hare been made to it, which will enable the proprietor, Mr. Osgood, to carry on a more extensive business than formerly. A large piece of ground in Molesworth-street adjoining the old hotel has been built upon, giving, with other enlargements, some seventeen additional bedrooms, and a very spacious dining-room capable of seating comfortably at table 100 persons. The hotel as a whole is now one of the largest in the colony, occupying with outbuildings a space of one hundred and ten feet, and the internal arrangements for the accommodation of visitors are very complete. Being out of the middle of the city, and adjacent to the public buildings, it is much resorted to by members of the General Assembly, and it is pleasing to note that Mr. Osgood’s enterprise in enlarging his premises is meeting with the anticipated reward. As was anticipated, the question of the purchase of the Gas Company’s works by the Corporation came before the Council on Thursday, and resulted in an expression of a desire on the part of the chairman of the company for fresh negotiations being opened. In fact, the first conference between the Council committee and the company’s committee was a little slow. Both parties were angling, and the company in mentioning the price, which the Council considered preposterous, seems only to have been actuated by the desire of getting an offer from the Council, in the hope that it might be more than what they really expect to get. Evidently there was some insincerity, because it now appears, according to Mr. Pharazyn, that the directors are willing to recommend acceptance of a “ reasonable ” offer from the Council, and this notwithstanding the fact that the Council desired to break off all negotiations, considering the terms of the company completely unapproachable. However, the delegates are to meet again, but the company must greatly reduce its estimate of the value of its plant if the negotiations are to bear fruit.

A little agitation was worked up in Willisstreet on Eriday afternoon by the bolting of a horse attached to a dray. When the horse started, the driver, a man named Smith, was on foot, and he rushed to one side of his head, while a policeman named Waglan pluckily ran up and grasped the rein on the other side and held on most courageously. The driver lost his hold and was thrown to the ground, and the cart passed over one of his legs, the horse having kicked him on the head just previously. When he was picked up Smith was unable to speak. He was taken into the Union Hotel, where he received the necessary attendance, Dr. Doyle being present. In the meantime, the horse proceeded up Willis-street at a furious pace, and, en route, shifted the position of a Corporation cart considerably, then turned McDowell’s corner, and bolted up Lambtonquay, where several persons endeavored to arrest his progress by rushing at him sideways with arms extended like bat’s wings, and screeching like owls. The horse did not calm down with this treatment, but quickened his pace, and did not stop until he arrived at Thomdon. Several persons who saw the accident in Willis-street, and even Smith while he was lying a sufferer on a sofa in the Union Hotel, spoke flatteringly of Constable Waglan’s attempt to stop the horse.

Sub-Lieutenent William Scott, of the Wellington City Rifles, has been appointed to be Lieutenant. Date of commission, 18th May.

A reward of £SOO has been offered for the capture of Henare Winiata, who, at Epsom, on 27th January last, murdered Edwin Packer. Letters of naturalisation have been issued to Ah Tong of Palmerston North, carpenter ; Wong Cliee, general dealer, Wellington ; Eranz Englbert Alfrid Muller, of Wanganui, hotelkeeper. The late heavy rains caused a few small slips on the Hutt-road, and in one place a large hole has been caused. A couple of horsemen were proceeding towards the Hutt on Sunday night, when one of the horses put its foot into this hole and fell. The horse’s leg was broken, and the rider was cut about a good deal.

It has been decided to inci’ease the Hansard staff, and the new member appointed is Mr. Geo. Downie, a pressman who has been connected with various papers in the colony for some time past, and has also been chief of the committee reporting staff. Mr. Downie has always been recognised as a very rapid shorthand writer and an accurate and careful reporter, frequently having been complimented on his work in connection with Parliamentary committee reporting. His gentlemanly demeanor and kindly disposition have made him a favorite with his brother pressmen wherever he has been, and all will be glad to hear of his promotion. A decidedly successful entertainment was held in the Primitive Methodist schoolroom, Sydney-street, on Tuesday. The room was well filled, and a very pleasant evening spent. The opening piece in the programme—a pianoforte duet—was excellently rendered. The well-known chorus, “ Watch on the Rhine,” followed, and was given with spirit, and the duet which came next narrowly escaped an encore. Our space, however, forbids us noticing in detail all the songs, choruses, &c., comprised in the programme, but the “ Charge of the Light Brigade,” “ She wore a Wreath of Roses,” and the duet, “The Elower Gatherers,” as also a comic song by a gentleman, are deserving of special mention. The pianoforte selections highly delighted the audience, and one of them was loudly encored. Several readings and recitations were given during the evening in a manner which did the performers great credit.

A General Government Gazette was published on Eriday, containing—Order in Council, declaring digitalis (commonly known as foxglove), carbolic acid, nitric acid, sulphuric acid, chloral, and chlorodyne, to be poisons under the Sale of Poisons Act, 1871 ; Order in Council, fixing price of certain forms under the Merchant Shipping Act Adoption Act, 1869; Order in Council, defining the term “ notice” used in the Telegraph Service of Notices Act, 1872, as including all notices and other documents of every kind in the course of proceedings in the Supreme Court, which the Supreme Court or any judge thereof may by order require or permit to be served in the manner provided by the said Telegraph Service of Notices Act, 1872, and the regulations thereunder for the time being in force ; Order in Council, notifying Governor’s assent to construction of railway from Dunedin to Anderson Bay; appointment of the Bay of Plenty Times as a bankruptcy Gazette; reservation of two acres, at Ross, Westland, for school purposes; disbandment of the Turakina Cavalry Volunteers. The Simonsen Opera Troupe appeared for the last time on Tuesday night at the Theatre Royal. There was a good attendance, as might have been anticipated, for we have never before had a company in Wellington who in every respect could claim greater consideration from an admiring public than this company. The programme commenced with a concert, during which Mr. Simonsen performed two of his excellent violin solos, which were greeted as usual -with hearty demonstrations of approval. After this followed three operatic acts —one from “ Martha,” one from “ Norma,” and one from “Maritana.” It should be needless to say that the performance of each of the members of the company in these diferent pieces was received with general and hearty applause. The company depart for Napier to-day at ten o’clock in the Ladybird, and with them Mr. Keith, the energetic agent of the company, to whose exertions is due not a little of the success which has attended the company during their stay in Wellingten. The Opera Company expect to return to Wellington in about three weeks, and will in all probability play a short season here before going to Nelson, whence they proceed to Auckland. A telegram records the death of ITenry Kingsley. “ Men of the Time” mentions that he was a brother of the Rev. C. Kingsley, born in IS3O, and was educated at King’s College, London, and Worcester College, Oxford. He left Oxford in 1853, and proceeded to Australia, where he resided five years, returning in 1858. He has contributed to the “North British” and “Eortnightly Reviews,” and to “Eraser’s” and “Macmillan’s Magazines.” His best known works are “ Recollections of Geoffry Hamlyn,” published in 1859; “Ravenshoe,” in 1861 ; “Austin Elliot,” in 1863 ; “ The Hillyars and the Burtons: a Story of Two Families,” in 1865 : “Leighton Court: a Country House Stoi’y,” in 1866 ; and afterwardr published in the “ Gentleman’s Magazine,” “Mademoiselle Mathilde.” Since then he has written three novels: “Stretton,” “ Hetty,” 1871 ; and “ Old Margaret,” 2 vols., 1871. Leaving his work of story writing for a time, he undertook the editorship of the Daily Review, the paper which represents the Eree Church party in Edinburgh. Finding a difficulty in getting a war correspondent, the went to the campaign himself, was present at the battle of Sedan, and was afterwards the first Englishman in the town. After eight weeks of experience as war correspondent, Mr. Kingsley returned, and, giving up the Daily Review after eighteen months’ editorship, we believe* took to his old work as a novelist.

The musical and literary entertainment given in the Dixon-street schoolroom on Tuesday evening may be looked upon as a decided success. The first part, consisting of sacred anthems and solos, passed off well. The songs “He Wipes the Tear from Every Eye,” and “ Ruth and Naomi,” were encored. The solo “ Honor and Arms,” from “ Samson,” was well rendered by accompanist and singer. During the interval Mr. Frost gave some amusing remarks and practical illustrations of phrenology. In the second part the glees “ Hark, the Lark,” and from Obex-on in “Fairy Land,” were received with enthusiastic applause. The remaining part of the pi-ogramme, consisting of songs, duets, readings, and recitations, also elicited much applause. The room was filled with an inte.rested and appreciative audience, and the entertainment was decidedly the best ever given in that schoolroom. WAREHOUSED GOODS BILL. Mi*. G. McLean has introduced a Bill into the House of Representatives, which has for its object the defining of the law l'elating to the rights of unpaid vendors of goods and merchandise stored in bond and free warehouses. The preamble runs thus :—Whereas goods and merchandise liable to the payment of Customs duties are commonly stored in bonded warehouses prior to the payment of such duties, and when so stored, the person importing and warehousing such goods and merchandise obtains from the warehouse-keeper warrants or certificates acknowledging the receipt thereof, and undertaking that such goods and merchandise shall be delivei’ed up to the bearer or holder of the said warrants or certificates upon production thereof, and upon payment of the duties, rents, and charges lawfully deraandable; and whereas in the course of trade or commerce the said warrants or certificates are frequently delivered over by the original importer and bonder of the goods and merchandise to some other person on a sale or pledge of the goods and merchandise represented by such warrants or certificates, and the said warrants or certificates thereupon often pass from bond to bond without the said goods and merchandise being actually delivered, or any transfer of ownership being recorded in the books of the ware-house-keeper ; and whereas it has frequently happened that upon the non-payment of the price payable to the original importer or bonder of the goods and merchandise of the first vendee thereof, the said importer or bonder has, as an unpaid vendor, succeeded in stopping the 1 delivei*y of such goods and merchandise to the sub-vendees thereof to whom the said warrants or certificates have been delivered, or to other persons to whom the said warrants or certificates have been bona fide pledged for value ; and whereas it is also desirable to make provision regarding the right of all unpaid vendors of goods and merchandise, either non - dutiable or whereon the Customs duties have been paid, when stored in wharehouses commonly known as free warehouses, and such goods and merchandise are represented by warrants or certificates transferrable ,by delivery: Be it enacted, &c. The marginal notes of the various clauses are as follow : 1. Short title.

2. Unpaid vendor’s lien determined on delivery of bond warrants to bona fide holder for value.

3. Possession of warrants prima facie evidence of ownership. 4. The registered transferee of warrants to lose his right of lien of warrant afterwards delivered over bona fide and for value. 5. Warrants of free goods put on the same footing as bond warrants. 6. Vendors’ lien not prejudiced save as against bona fide sub-vendors or pledgees for value.

7. Goods not to be transferred in books of warehousemen except on production of warrant.

8. Special contracts restraining negotiability of warrants permitted. 9. Warehouseman’s lien not prejudiced by sale or transfer of goods. 10. Interpretation clause. 11. Act to come into operation on the Ist November next. CITY COUNCIL. The Council met on thursday afternoon at 4 o’clock. Present —His Worship the Mayor, Councillors George, Moss, Gillon, Greenfield, Pharazyn, Cleland, Dransfield, and Rainie. The - minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. THE EIRE BRIGADES. A letter was read from the Wellington Volunteer Brigade, asking that a portion of the Market reserve be set apart for the use of the brigade, and stating that they were willing to pay a fair annual rent for the portion so set apart. Councillor Dransfield thought it would be as well to postpone granting the request, as there was now a Bill before Parliament giving the Council extended powers over the land. At present the utmost they could do was to grant a lease of the land for fourteen years. Several Councillors were of opinion that the Council should make the grant as far as lay in their power. A letter was read from the Central Volunteer Fire Brigade, asking for a grant in aid. Councillor Moss said that he had received a letter from Mr. Johnston, on behalf of the various insurance companies, stating that they would be willing to make a donation of £250 to the Central Volunteer Brigade, on condition that the Corporation gave the same amount. He also read telegrams from other brigades in New Zealand, showing that the Corporations of the cities subscribed liberally towards the support of fire bi’igades. . Councillor Gillon proposed that £IOO a-year be granted be granted to each of the' two brigades. ’.

The motion was seconded by Councillor Cleland. Councillor Greenfield proposed that the sum be £l5O for the first year, and £IOO ayear afterwards. Councillor Dransfield thought that any motion of this description should be carefully worded, so that the money should be applied to the purposes for which it was granted. He wished to know if either of the brigades broke up would the property be distributed among the members.

Councillor Moss was not prepared to answer the question ; but if the grant were accompanied by a provision that the Council should have control over the property of the brigade, they would not accept the gi*ant. Councillor Pharazyn was of opinion that the insurance companies had not acted over liberally in the matter, as they received more benefit from the brigades than the Corporation. The insux*ance offices drew something like £15,000 a year from the city.

Councillor Dransfield said that Councillor Pharazyn was evidently not fully informed on the subject. The amount he named must include marine risks. With regard to a grant to the Wellington Volunteer Eire Brigade, he said that the Council had previously signified its intention of ti'eating both bi’igades in precisely the same manner. But the fact was, that whilst the Centi*al had prepared plans showing what was to be done with the money, the other brigade had neglected to do so, andhad simply asked for a grant because the Central Brigade did so.

The Mayor informed Councillor Dransfield that the Wellington Brigade had asked for assistance as early as Eebruai*y last. He thought in the present financial position of the Council £IOO would be sufficient to vote to each brigade. When the Council was in a better position a larger amount might be granted. After some further discussion, the following resolution was agreed to, —That the Council will grant to the Wellington Volunteer Eire Brigade a lease of a site on the Market reserve, for an engine site and reading-room, for the full term within the power of the Council to grant; and will also grant to the Wellington and Centi*al Volunteer Eire Brigades £l5O each this year, and £IOO per annum thereafter; the grant for the current year to be devoted by each brigade to the erection and maintenance of an engine station and reading-room, subject to the approval of the Council. THE GAS QUESTION. Councillor Dransfield proposed that the Council take no further action in the matter. The committee had met the board of directors of the Gas Company, but the dii*ectors declined to make any recommendation to the shareholders to accept a lower figure than that originally fixed. Councillor Pharazyn said the last speaker was evidently laboring under a misapprehension. As chairman of the board of directors he could say that they were willing to meet the Council in a fair spirit. Councillors Gillon and Cleland corroborated what had fallen from Councillor Dransfield. Councillor Dransfield withdrew his proposition, and the committee appointed to deal with the matter was continued. public works committee. The following report of the Public Works Committee was brought up and adopted : 1. On an application from Messrs. Gisborne, Brandon, and others re drainage of their premises, Boulcott-street, recommended that if the petitioners contribute £22, a main drain be laid down in the street as suggested by the City Surveyor, and connect with drain in right-of-way known as Plimmer’s steps. 2. In the matter of an account sent in to Mr D. Anderson for his share of cost of some drainage works at the junction of Dixon and Willis streets, and which account Mr. Anderson disputes, the committee advise that the account be reduced by 25 per cent., Mr. Anderson having agreed to pay the same with that reduction. 3. On the petition of the residents in Wordsworthstreet for a lamp, the committee advise that if the petitioners will undertake the lighting, &c., &c., the lamp be put up. 4. On a letter from the manager of Gas Company, the committee advise that if the Surveyor is prepared to do so, lie take up the lighting of the lamps as soon as the present moonlight nights are over, the company paying for the same from the night of commencing till the 19th inst. inclusive, the present contract then ceasing, and the new one by meter system coming into force. 5. A complaint from Messrs. Levm and Co. and Dr. Johnston as to the way in which the contract for the formation of Grant-road and Park-street; also, an application from Mr. John Adams for a bridge to be placed across Kent-terrace drain, opposite acre No. 288, have been referred by the committee to his Worship the Mayor, to inquire into and arrange. 6. On the application of the weighbridge-keeper, the committee advise that a stove be placed in the weighbridge house. 7. Becommended that Mr. Williams be written to and requested to make good the footpath in Willisstreet between Boulcott and Dixon streets, damaged by the removal of ballast by him. 8. The committee advise that the attention of the Harbormaster be drawn to the continued removal of shingle and stone from the beach round Oriental Bay and road to Patent Slip, thus lowering the level of the beach, so that the sea is encroaching on the road. 9. Complaints have been made to your committee as to the way the contractor for removal of niglitsoil carries out his contract. On enquiry being made, the committee in the particular instances referred to find that the fault lay with the complainants, who, though obtaining the services of the contractor for a length of time, neglected to pay their accounts, and then the contractor ceased to attend to them. Your committee recommend that the of Nuisances be instructed to summon all parties failing to keep their closets and yards clean, unless the fault should be with the nightsoil contractor, who m that case would require to be reminded of his duty. 10. The City Surveyer’s attention is drawn to the following matters : —Buts in Dixon-street near Mr Hunter’s: slips in cutting on road to Evans Bay should be attended to at once; to put a 12in. pipe through footpath at foot of cutting from gaol, top of Ingestre-street; fixing permanent levels of Thorndonquay, Sydney and Mulgrave streets. THE BURGESS ROLL. Councillor Gillon moved, That the names of all ratepayers who have paid rates on properties within the city prior to the 20th June be inserted on the Burgess roll in respect of the property for which such ratepayer has paid rates. He had found out that a departure had been made from previous years in making up the Burgess roll, the names of occupiers of properties being placed on the roll whether they paid the rates or not. The consequence was that many owners of property were disfranchised.

Councillors George and Cleland supported the motion. The Mayor said there seemed to be two counts in the indictment brought against him by Councillor Gillon. The first was that as Mayor he had no right to have anything to do with making up the Burgess list, or at least, that he (the Mayor) had no right to do so without consulting the Council. He had no belief in any such theory. He had no notion of being a mere lay figure in municipal arrangements. The ratepayers did not send him to the Council to let things go on anyhow, but to do some useful work for them, to see that the public business was carried on correctly, and wherever there was anything to be done for the interests of the ratepayers that he could do, he meant to do it. He was always glad to consult the Council and to carry out its wishes, but it would never occur to him to ask the Council whether or not he should carry out the provisions of the Act under which it was constituted. That seemed to follow without asking. But if the Council now instructed the Town Clerk to make up the Burgess list in the style recommended by Mr. Gillon, he would no doubt do so. _ The second count was that injustice, great injustice, had been done, and the inference wished to be drawn was that the Mayor was the guilty party. He might defend himself by the good and sufficient reason that he was only seeing the law carried out; but he did not care to shelter himself under any such reason, as he was not aware that anyinjustice had been done ; and he might say that he was as much opposed to injustice as any member of the Council could possibly be. The Miayor then stated what he understood the principle of the Municipal Corporations Act to be with reference to the Burgess list—that it was voting by payment of rates by occupiers, not owners as such, and that every person who on the 20th day of June was in the occupation of any rateable property, and whose rates were paid, had a right to have his name inserted in the Burgess list. Of course, there might be exceptions to this rule, and the Revision Court sat expressly to obviate any hardship or incongruity that might arise in the application of the law. The Council might be quite sure that no ratepayer who had a right to vote would be excluded from that right. He sympathised with the principle of diffusing the franchise as widely as possible—that the humblest occupier of a house in the city should have a voice and a vote in its management. 'When the Town Clerk was about to to make up the Burgess list he asked his (the Mayor’s) opinion, and he gave it to him. But inasmuch as the Act is not so distinct and definite as could be desired, the Town Clerk very properly took the advice of the City Solicitor, and on that advice the Burgess list was prepared. He hoped this explanation would be satisfactory to the Council and to the ratepayers ; and if any mistake had arisen in connection with the name of any ratepayer, there was ample time and every desire to have it rectified. Councillor Moss objected to the motion being put without notice. The Mayor ruled that the motion was in order, whereupon Councillors Dransfield and Rainie left the Council Chamber. • The motion was then put and carried. RESERVES.

The Mayor gave an explanation regarding a Bill promoted by the Council seeking for larger powers of dealing with the city reserves. Some persons seemed to suppose that power was sought to sell the Town-belt. It was not so. No member of the Council wished to sell any portion of the Town-belt, and they could not obtain the power to do so even if they wished for it. The Bill provides for dealing with the Town-belt subject to the special trusts affecting it, and these trusts set forth that it shall be unalienable for ever. There was certainly no idea of disturbing such a provision. The Council then adjourned. THE HON. MR. WATERHOUSE AND THE WANGANUI ELECTORS. TO THE EDITOR OP THE NEW ZEALAND MAIL. Sir, —Will you permit me to make a few remarks upon the speech made by the Hon. Mr. Waterhouse in the Legislative Council on Thursday last, with a view to clear some of the very “ corrupt” ideas which that gentleman entertains of the whole constituency of Wanganui. The awful impeachment made by the hon. gentleman against the Wanganui folk at the late election, certainly calls upon him to display his utmost zeal, vigilance, and activity in arraigning before a select committee of the House some of the ringleaders in the (aS he terms it) disgraceful bribery and corrupt business at the Wanganui elections. It does frequently happen that one or two black sheep will be found amongst a constituency numbering eight or nine hundred, but for the whole to be corrupt seldom occurs, yet such is his sweeping accusation, for he says : the political conscience of Wanganui was essentially corrupt, and that there was a state of corruption in that borough that called much for legislative action.” He told the House also, “that at a very early stage of the proceedings the constituency was in the market, and open for purchase.” And he refers to a letter written by Mr. Einnimore, and to a speech made by Major Atkinson, to support this most outrageous statement. Now, sir, in Wellington you have, or had residing, a Mr. Bones ; in Dunedin they have a Mr. Grant ; in Wanganui we had (he is off to England now), a Mr. Einnimore, and the Hon. Mr. Waterhouse considers himself perfectly justified in casting a slur upon the whole of the community for the erratic effusions of this class of genus homo. It so happens that the letter referred to was published in a newspaper most strongly opposed to the return of Sir Julius Vogel and Mr. Bryce, and may have been published to damage their interests—anyway, it was the laughing-stock of the whole district, and itis now wonderful to find a gentleman in the position of the Hon. Mr, giving it his most serious

consideration. Mr. Einnimore took no part in the Wanganui elections ; he did not even record his vote, so that he could not himself have been much impressed with the subject on which he wrote in such dashing style. And the hon. gentleman’s reference to Major Atkinson’s speech is equally unfortunate, absurd, and ridiculous. IVlajor A.tlo.nson never addressed the constituency Wanganui in the way Mr. Waterhouse desires to make out. To a banquet given to Mr. Bryce, a private friend of the Major’s sent him a very pressing invitation, which he, the Major, responded to, and whilst travelling between Hawera and Wanganui, a distance of sixty miles, it came under his observation that the “popular question of the day” was the electors firm determination to return Six’ Julius Vogel and ACr. Bryce as their members. At the banquet, again, he perceived the perfect organisation of the committee, their enthusiasm and earnestness, and he therefore came to the very reasonable conclusion that the three other candidates in the field had not the shadow of a chance, and therefore in his speech he was talking, not to the constituency, but at the other candidates (two of whom were present) when he said that it would be wise of them to return Sir Julius Vogel and Mr. Bryce unopposed ; and I feel sure that the other candidates now wish they had only taken his advice. Perhaps we ought not to expect a member of the Legislative Council to be altogethei' a Chesterfield, but it is certainly not unreasonable to ask that he should control his tongue, and not take advantage of his position in that honorable House to cast the slur of bribery and corruption against a most respectable constituency.—l am, &c., Thos. Farrah, Hon. Sec. to Bryce-Vogel Committee. Wanganui, July 1. RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT. Monday, July 3. (Before J. C. Crawford, Esq., R.M.) BURGLARY. Joseph Hemsley was brought up on remand, charged with breaking into the European Hotel, and stealing therefrom a cashbox, containing money, jewellery, and papers. The following evidence was taken : Mrs. Hausman: On the 24tii of last month I went to bed at 1.30 a.m. I took the cashbox upstairs, and placed it in a chest of drawers in my bedroom. The box contained a five-pound note, two or thi’ee one-pound notes, a sovereign, a half-sovereign, and seven or eight pounds of silvei*. It contained also a gold scarf-ring set with six diamonds, and a gold chain and locket. My husband’s coat was hanging on the back of the door in the same room. Before I retired I saw all the doors fastened. In the morning about a quarter to seven, I found the room door open, the chest of drawers open, and the cashbox gone. I found my husband’s key, which opens the drawer of the box in which the scarf-ring was, lying on the chest of drawers. I afterwards missed the coat. The backdoor and a window were found open. I had seen the prisoner in the bar some days before this robbery. I identify, by its marks, a sixpence, produced, as having been in the cash-box. There was also a shilling with a horseshoe mark on it. Detective Farrell : In consequence of information, I made search for the prisoner on the 26th. I went to a boarding-house at Pipiteapoint. He was in a bedroom upstairs tying up his swag, which I examined, and found in it the coat produced. He said he had purchased it in Napier. On searching I found on him a purse containing 13s. in silvei-, including the marked sixpence produced. He said that on Friday night he slept among the timber on the wharf. He had only come to the boarding house on Saturday. I took the money, and on showing it to Mrs. Hausman, she identified the sixpence. She also mentioned the loss of a coat.

By the prisoner : You were in the diningroom when I first saw you, and I asked you to show me your swag. On the second time I found you upstairs and a man with you. Matthew Harrison, cook at the European Hotel : On Saturday morning I got up about twenty minutes past five. I saw some loose paper on a bench in the kitchen, and on sorting it up a sovereign dropped out. I found the divisions of the window reversed. The part that should have been up was down. I shut the window properly on the previous night. Prisoner reserved his defence, and The Bench then committed him for trial at the next sittings of the Supreme Court, Tuesday, July 4. (Before J. C. Crawford, Esq., R.M.) burglary. Thomas Hemsley was brought up charged with having stolen, on the 30th June, from the house of John Brady of the Thistle Inn, certain money. John Brady deposed : I saw the prisoner at my house on Thursday evening, accompanied by another person. I had seen him the day before in the parlor. On both occasions he went to the back of the house. The last money I saw with him was sixpence. The windows were all fast when I went to bed. In the morning one of them was down ; the fastening had been forced off. Subsequently I missed my cashbox and its contents. The locked drawer in which it was kept had been forced open. The prisoner had been living at Newell’s boardinghouse near at hand. The window opened was in the room in which he had been sitting. Patrick Joseph Newell deposed: The prisoner came to board in my house about the 3rd of June, and remained till the 27th. He had paid £1 16s. previously for part of two weeks’ board. He owed me £1 17s. My house is about fifteen yards from the Thistle Inn. Inspector Atchison asked for a remand for a week, so as to enable him to obtain a record of convictions from Auckland against the prisoner, and to complete the evidence. Remand granted.