Town News.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 243, 15 July 1876, Page 14

Town News.

Mr. Alfred Ross has been appointed Registration Officer for the election of members for the district of Rangitikei. Letters of naturalisation have been granted to Benjamin Cohen, jeweller, of Wellington ; and Louis Levin, hairdresser, of Wellington. There was an exceedingly large attendance at Mr. Duncan's sale ©f Petoni land on Thursday, and every lot was cleared at a satisfactory P rice - . ~ -i • i-il A woman, one of the patients, died m tne Provincial Hospital on Wednesday morning at a quarter to three o'clock. Deceased had been suffering from phthisis. The Hon. Sir J. L. C. Richardson with characteristic liberality, has, we are informed, contributed £3O to the funds of the Provincial Hospital, the money having been forwarded to the Deputy Superintendent, Mr. Bunny. A telegram in another column states that there are signs of more dissatisfaction amongst the employes on the Canterbury railways. This is precisely what was to be anticipated from the fact of the Provincial Government giving in on the occasion of the late strike, and fully bears out the remarks we made at the time on the weak conduct of the Government.

The following contributions have been received by the Wellington Benevolent Society : The Hon. Sir John Richardson, £2O ; Mr. W. Holmes, £1 Is. ; Mr. T. Whitehouse, 10s.; Fancy Dress Ball Committee, £5 ss. Also, for Paul, Reidal, and Young—Bishop Redwood, £1 ; Rev. Father Petitjean, 10s.; per Evening, Post, £l4 10s. 6d.

Mr. George Dixon has called at this office and exhibited two cancers, one taken from the breast of a female named Styles, of Nelson, and the other from the lip of a man. He states that the disease of cancer has been cured by his wife's family for a century back, the remedy having been communicated to them by a French physician. The cancer is taken out completely by the roots, without cutting ; and in two or three dozen of cases that he has known in Canada of persons operated upon it has never grown again. The Wellington Tramways promoters have so far got on with their work that to-day they are calling for tenders for the construction of the tramway and supply of the necessary plant and material. Now that all legal difficulties have been removed the work will be at once pushed on. It is worthy of note that the promoters have had an unsought offer from Melbourne capitalists to supply all needful capital. The promoters do not need the assistance, but the offer indicates the confidence that is felt in the venture.

-%i Mr. Joseph Blackstone, stonemason, has discovered a qtiarry of bluestone at the back of the Tinakori range, running from Mr. Gawith's house towards the property of the Hon. W. B. Rhodes. There is an unlimited quantity of stone, which can easily be quarried. The stone is suitable for pitching, kerbing, and building purposes. There is no reason to doubt the genuineness of this discovery, and should the " find," as diggers call it, turn out to be as successful as is anticipated, it will prove of immense advantage and profit to Wellington. A civil case, which was pending for some time, came before the Resident Magistrate's Court on Thursday, namely, Spreatv. Moss —an action to recover £SO, damages sustained by a fall from a horse, which threw its rider in consequence of being frightened by defendant's dog. The evidence for plaintiff was to the effect that he sustained a fracture of the collar-bone, which caused him great loss of time and money. The defence went to show that in the first place defendant's dog had nothing to do with the accident; and in the second place, that the injuries arising therefrom were not so great as were stated. The judgment of the Court went for defendant, with costs.

A special meeting of the City Council was held on Thursday afternoon to consider the Municipal Corporations and Rating Acts now before the House of Representatives. Suggestions were made for amending various clauses of these Bills, and the Town Clerk was instructed to forward copies of the same to the city members and the Premier. The suggestions partook mostly of a technical character. The Council were unanimous that plurality of votes for the Mayoralty would be improper. A majority agreed to recommend that the person paying the rate, whether occupier or owner, should be the person whose name ought to be on the Burgess' list, that is, that the column in the ratebook setting forth " by whom rate paid" should be used as the guide to the compilation of the above list. The House of Representatives adjourned on Thursday evening in consequence of the receipt of the news of the death of Dr. Featherston. When the news arrived the debate on Mr. Stout's Licensing Bill was proceeding, Mr. Wood having just finished speaking. The speech of the debate was undoubtedly that of Mr. Lusk, though it was tinged with a little intemperate language auent the licensed victuallers. He did not attempt to mince matters. He charged them openly with living by the demoralisation of the people of the colony, and pleaded hard for a law against them which should be operative. He denied that they had a vested interest to be considered; but even if the publicans had a vested interest, there were the interests of the general public and the moral and material progress of the colony to be considered as well; and these interests loudly called for restriction in the liquor traffic. He referred to past legislation to show that the policy of the law had for some time leant towards achieving this object, and conceived that there could be no reason why there should be any objection to an Act the sole object of which was to give real effect to laws now ineffective because of the protection thrown around that small but exceedingly influential body, the publicans.

When Sir Julius Vogel, in the House on Tuesday, read the telegram announcing the death of Abdul Aziz, late Sultan of Turkey, Mr. Andrew was heard to mutter, "Then, ' Abdul-as-is' is now ' Abdul-as-was.' "

It is not improbable that Mr. Clark will contest Auckland City West with whoever may come forward in Sir George Grey's interest, and it is said by those acquainted with matters that Mr. Clark's chance of election is considered excellent.

The Hon. the Speaker of the House of Representatives gave his first Parliamentary dinner at the Speaker's rooms, Government buildings, on Monday night. A. large number of members were entertained, and a novel and agreeable feature of the evening was the presence of several ladies, wives and daughters of members, who were kindly received by Mrs. Fitzherbert, and whose attendance was not the least gratifying portion of the reunion..

Eight sailing vessels and twelve steamers arrived coastwise at the port of Wellington last week. The gross tonnage of the former was 432 ; that of the latter, 3905. Four vessels arrived from foreign ports, whose tonnage was 1637. There cleared outwards during the past week for ports in New Zealand thirteen steamers, whose carrying capacity was equal to 3295 tons, and eleven sailing vessels, whose tonnage amounted to 713.

We would direct Sir George Grey's attention to what at first sight appears to be a breach of official etiquette. The Inangahua Times acknowledges the receipt from the Government of the new Local Government Bill. Now the House is not in possession of this Bill yet, and it is carrying patronage too far to treat the House in this manner. The Government may say the whole thing is a mistake, and the paper really refers to the Local Elections Bill, but then a corrupt Government will say anything to screen itself from the consequences of its acts.

Some amusement was created in the Supreme Court on Thursday about a coat which was alleged to have been stolen from Mr. Hausman, late of the European Hotel. Mr. and Mrs. Hausman both identified the coat as one which had been purchased at Mr. Lewis Moss's shop some months previously. _ The man accused of stealing it, who exhibited considerable shrewdness in his defence, requested Mr. Hausman to put the coat on, whereupon the laughter in the court became general at the appearance of Mr. Hausman, for whom the garment looked much too small. Although Mr. Hausman had positively sworn to the coat as his, judging from his gestures, he did not know himself in it. This little interlude in the otherwise dry progress of the casekept every person in the court on the broad grin for a minute or two. As will be seen by our report of the Supreme Court proceedings in another column, the man referred to was acquitted.

In the Legislative Council on Thursday Mr. Waterhouse brought forward a motion to the effect that in the opinion of the Council it is desirable to make provision to enable voters at elections, whether of a general or local character, to avail themselves of the services of the telegraph for the purposes of voting. The motion, as might have been expected, was not received with much favor, the change proposed to be effected being of a character altogether too Radical, except by Captain Fraser, who, as he stated yesterday, has a fondness for Radical changes, in which case it is easily understood he might very possibly allow his feelings to overcome his judgment. Mr. Hall pointed out that the proposal of Mr. Waterhouse, if carried into effect, would open the door to personation; and Dr. Pollen explained that it must upset the present ballot, system entirely. Mr. Waterhouse retired or withdrew his motion <vith good grace, stating that it had simply been his desire to ventilate the question. He foresaw the difficulties pointed out, but considered that they might be met by legislation.

s>fc A number of the heads of departments and the principal officers of the Civil Service entertained Mr. Gisborne at a dinner at Osgood's Metropolitan Hotel on Thursday, on the occasion of his retirement from the service. His Honor the Chief Justice occupied the chair, and Dr. Knight the vice chair. The Chief Justice in eloquent terms proposed the health, and passed well-merited eulogiums on the .public and private career of Mr. Gisborne, calling attention to the fact that Mr. Gisborne and Dr. Knight, the vice chairman, had both been appointed by Sir George Grey, and were two of the oldest and most able civil servants in the colony. Mr. Gisborne, in feeling terms, expressed his appreciation of the honor done to him, and hoped that the civil servants present would, notwithstanding his errors of omission and commission, retain some kindly remembrance of him. The dinner was of the most recherche description, and was served in host Osgood's best style, in the new room recently added to his well-known hotel, which affords ample accommodation for 100 persons. The dinner passed off in the most agreeable manner possible, and reflected the greatest credit upon the host of the Metropolitan. The motion by Dr. Pollen, in the Legislative Council on Tuesday, that until otherwise ordered the Council meet at half-past two, instead of two o'clock, called forth quite a lively if not interesting discussion, although the Council have had very little to do up to the present time during the present session, and are not likely to sink under the weight of their labors for some time to come. The lion. Mr. Hall must have entertained some such opinion as above expressed, for he treated the discussion which had preceded his remarks in a funny way. He thought some arrangement might well be made so that the Council would only sit once a week, (they could get through their business, with decent expedition, in one day), and thus give hon. gentlemen an opportunity of improving their minds by an inspection of the surrounding country, which at present they could not do. Perhaps there have been less sensible remarks made in the Council than those of Mr. Hall.

m)We hear H.hat Mr. C. Moody has secured a lease of the Crown and Anchor Hotel site for twenty-one years at £5 a foot. According to the local paper, on Thursday evening at about five minutes past ten a slight shock of earthquake was felt at G-reytown. The Isabella, the Wellington whaling schooner, is at last happening upon luck. An Auckland telegram states that she secured a humpback cow and calf off the Bay of Islands. At the teacher's examination held in the Thorndon school on Wednesday and Thursday about fifty-one teachers of various grades attended. The papers were duly filled in, and now await the attention of the supervisors. The number of passengers reported as having arrived at the port of Wellington by sea during the past week was 2SO from ports in the No*xth Island ; 94 came from the South Island, and five from Australia. A large number of birds were shipped for New Zealand in the Pym, but unfortunately a heavy sea washed a number of the cages off the mainhatch. The birds that were saved were taken into the cabin of Captain Stapleton and cared for. They arrived in good order, and are intended for distribution in the Patea district. The Lotteries and Art Unions Bill passed through committee of the Legislative Council on Wednesday. Dr. Pollen proposed to add words to clause 4. by which it would be in the power of justices to exempt bazaars for charitable and religious purposes from the operation of the Act, but the majority of the Council were averse to the motion, Col. Brett leading the opposition thereto. He considered that bazaars, as at present conducted, were swindling arrangements, and objected to swindling under the cloak of charity or religion as much as any other kind. The discussion on the subject had a tendency to be humo/ous ; but nevertheless the division list showed that the feeling upon the subject was genuine, there being thirteen against the motion and seven for it. «?• It has been mentioned on one or two occasions that there is a want of dignity sometimes in the proceedings at the Resident Magistrate's Court of Wellington, and it may be said, perhaps, without giving offence or reflecting upon his ability, that this is mainly owing to an over leniency on the part of. our worthy Resident Magistrate, Mr. J. C. Crawford. An instance of the kind of thing mentioned occurred on Monday during the hearing of a case, Riddiford v. Stanford, a claim to recover possession of a tenement. It appeared that Stanford was employed by Mr. Riddiford to act as a groom and general servant, an agreement being drawn up to that effect, and part of the contract was that Stanford should be supplied with a cottage to live in. According to the evidence of plaintiff, Standford was dismissed in consequence of disobedience and drunkenness; but he refused to surrender possession of the cottage. During the hearing of the case the defendant behaved in a most unseemly manner, assuming the right to wander as far from the question as possible, in cross-examining the witness, and dictating to the Bench as to certain points of law, of which, it should be needless to say, he knew as little as he did of decent behaviour. Such proceedings as this cannot but make the Court appear ridiculous in the eyes of the washed and unwashed of those who attend it, and the Magistrate would do well to make an example of some such insolent person. Even yesterday Mr. Crawford,, whose patience and goodnature are almost as much to be deprecated as admired, failed in maintaining his calmness when, having delivered judgment in favor of plaintiff, Mr. Stanford was pleased to observe that no justice was to be obtained from that Court, and he threatened to commit him for contempt of court. Had he committed Mr. Stanford in reality, it might have had a salutary effect upon that gentleman, and would certainly have acted as a warning to others of class. ) '■&* A very melancholy case of sudden death occurred on Monday, the victim being Mr. Daniel Keefe, well known in the city as the crier and usher of the Supreme Court. Some minutes before the court opened Mr. Keefe went into the anteroom leading to the offices of the Registrar of Births and Deaths, and when there remarked to the housekeeper, Mrs. Keetley, that his throat felt dry, and stated his intention to go for a drink of water. He went .to the filter and filled a tumbler of water, but immediately afterwards staggered, and would have fallen but that the housekeeper, who heard him give expression to some exclamation, caught him in her arms, and prevented him from falling quite prostrate on the floor. A messenger was sent for medical assistance, and Dr. Diver shortly afterwards arrived ; but the unfortunate man was past human aid. An inquest will be held to-day at the morgue, to which place the body was conveyed. ' Mr. Keefe's death will be regretted by a number of people, for he was generally liked and respected. Deceased had held his appointment for four years. He was an old soldier, had seen a good deal of active service, and was distinguished for bravery as well as many other good points of character. It is said that the cause of death was apoplexy. The late Mr. D. Keefe was buried on Thursday with military honors, there being present also a large number of citizens. The procession started from the house occupied by Mr. Keefe when alive, the order being as follows : —First came the Armed Constabulary, next the Artillery and City Rifle Bands, then a gun-carriage with the coffin, which was covered by flags ; the mourners and many friends and acquaintances of deceased came next; the volunteers, of whom there was a large muster, bringing up the rear. Prom the house the procession proceeded to the Cathedral, where service was read, and thence it moved on towards the graveyard, the bands playing the " Dead March." Arrived at the "Lord's Acre," the coffin was lowered into the grave prepared for its reception. The usual salute was fired, and the burial service read, leather McGinnit being the officiating clergyman.

In the House of Representatives on Tuesday afternoon, Mr. Pearce gave notice to introduce the Wellington Corporation Municipal Loans Consolidation Bill ; and Mr. Brandon gave notice to introduce the Wellington College Reserves Bill.

On Tuesday evening, on receiving a copy of the important cablegram which appears in another column, Sir Julius "Vogel rose in the House and read the news. The announcement of the calm prospect in Europe was received with cheers.

The Juries Act Amendment Bill exempts railway officials and workmen from service on juries, and the 6th section provides—Jurors after having been sworn may, in the discretion of the Judge, be allowed at any time before giving their verdict the use of a fire when out of court, and be allowed reasonable refreshment, such refreshment to be procured at their own expense. .From what was stated by Inspector Atcheson on Tuesday in the Srq:>reme Court, it would appear that in getting hold of Coyne and Buchanan, convicted of larceny, the police have succeeded in putting out of harm's way, for a time at all events, two members of a notorious gang of thieves. It may be hoped that the sentence passed on these two may have the effect of breaking up the gang.

sflThe usual, weekly meeting of the Wellington Literary Association was held on Tuesday in St. John's schoolroom. There was a larger attendance than usual, the Rev. J. Paterson, president, occupying the chair. The business of the evening was the reception and discussion of two essays on the Maori race, one being contributed by Mr. Wilson, who, as is well known, takes a great interest in the natives, and the other by Mr. J. Kirker. The former treated his subject from a poetic and heroic point of view, the other being more of a practical kind. The discussion which followed was very interesting. The arrival of the ship Camperdown dis- ! closes a singular circumstance. As the ship 1 was approaching Nelson she spoke the Edwin Bassett in the Strait. Now, it happens that Captain Paton, of the Camperdown, has a brother whom he had not seen for nineteen years, and with whom he has not corresponded for nine years ; and having heard that his brother was in command of a New Zealand collier, he hailed the Edwin Bassett and inquired if his brother commanded her. He was answered "No ; that his brother was in command of the Robin Hood." Well, the ease with which information was obtained at sea, struck the first mate, Mr. Woods, and he also has a long lost brother, of whom all he could ever learn was that he was on a collier in New Zealand ; so, on speculation, he hailed the Edwin Bassett, and asked if his brother was there ; and the answer was, "No ; that his brother was first mate of the Robin Hood," of which Captain Baton's brother was commander. It would appear that New Zealand offers peculiar facilities for discovering relations, since the first mate, Mr. Woods, has a biother-in-law also on board of a New Zealand collier, being captain of the brig Neptune. The usual monthly meeting of the Wellington Teachers' Association was held in the Sydney-street school - room on Saturday, at eleven o'clock. The following members were present:—Mr. Mowbray in the chair, and Messrs. Holmes, Willis, Sinclair, Newlyn, Thomson, Young, and Mrs. Wilkinson. The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed. The President read a letter from the Secretary of the Board, in reply to a resolution forwarded from the association, suggesting the desirability of founding more scholarships. The letter stated that in the present transitional state of educational matters, and in the absence of funds at its disposal, the Board could not entertain the proposal at present. Mr. Mowbray announced the result of the deputation to the Superintendent of the province, seeking help for an invalided teacher. It was also resolved that the Secretary be instructed to send subscription lists to all head teachers in the province, requesting them to exert themselves in their respective localities for the furtherance of the above object, and that the editors of all newspapers be requested to receive subscriptions. The debate on savings banks in schools was adjourned until the next general meeting. The leader in the last number of the Educational Gazette was brought under the notice of the association, and caused considerable discussion, the members sing their disapprobation of the article. The editor defended himself at considerable length. nevf brick-making machine near the site upon which is to be built the Provincial Hospital, is now fairly in working order. The machine is an American one, and possesses all the latest improvements in those manufactured elsewhere, and many additional advantages. It is capable of producing 11,000 bricks per week of the best quality. The machine is driven by a 14-horse-poAver engine, which was purchased in this colony. It will of coui'se be manifest that there is very much less labor attached to the manufacture of bricks by machinery than by hand, it being only necessary to take the clay from the bank and deposit it in the mill, from which the bricks are taken ready for the drying sheds. The bricks made by the machine under notice are undoubtedly of a much superior quality to those made by hand. They come out hard-pressed and solid, and require only four days' drying, when they are in a condition to be placed in the kiln ; and being burnt, they have this advantage over the hand-made bricks, that they are not so porous, and will not "take the water," as it is technically known. As to the general work in connection with the preparations for erecting the hospital (Mr. Toxward is the architect),, it may be stated that prison laborers are employed constantly carrying clay and attending the machine, besides excavating for the site of the new buildings, and making the necessary roads. There is also in course of erection a German circular brick kiln, by which a great saving is obtained in the matter of fuel. Everything is proceeding satisfactorily, and we understand that the foundations of the new building will be laid next spring.

The Wellington Christy Minstrels kindly visited the Mount "View Asylum on Monday night and gave their enjoyable entertainment, which appeared to be highly appreciated by the inmates. Every courtesy and attention was shown by Mrs. Seager and Mr. Ingwersen to the visitors, and both expressed their thanks to the troupe for kindness in giving the perform ance. Thursday's Gazette contains —Proclamation of lands to be declared waste lands of the Crown ; proclamation of deposit of memorial plan of certain lands taken for purposes of the railway from Eoxton to Manawatu ; by-law of Wanganui Municipal Corporation ; progress report of the New Zealand War Medal Commissioners ; appointment of Edward Charles Meredith to be Clerk of the Resident Magistrate's Court at Carlyle.

In the Supreme Court on Tuesday the Chief Justice took occasion, while passing sentence on Buchanan, to call attention to a misapprehension which appeared to exist as to the citing of previous convictions. His Honor held it to be clearly the duty of the police to produce such where obtainable, as it was his duty to take them into consideration in passing sentence.

There were two or three meeting held on Monday amongst members of the Opposition, one consisted, so we are informed, of the Auckland members who range themselves against the Government. Another was composed of Otago members in a similar position. What the deliberations were about has not transpired, but whatever they were about it is generally understood that no decisive conclusion was arrived at.

A meeting of the committee of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce was held on Monday, the business, amongst other matters, being to consider a Bill introduced by the Hon. George McLean, Commissioner o£ Customs, affecting bonded warehouses. The committee considered that the Bill would not apply to Wellington. What it sought to legalise had really been the custom here for some time, and they recommended the insertion of a clause making the endorsement and registration of the transfer of bonded certificates compulsory. A point which is not frequent of occurrence in the Law Courts arose on Monday in the Supreme Court. Soon after the examination of witnesses in the case Regina v. Buchanan had commenced, a juryman intimated to his Honor the Chief Justice that certain facts in connection with the case were within his knowledge which might be expected to prejudice him against prisoner, and he wished to know whether under the circumstances it was right for him to continue sitting as a juror. Prisoner jumped at the possibility of a discharge, and protested against the injustice of his being tried by a prejudiced jury. His Honor said he had no doubt that the juror must sit, and he did not see how any facts which might be within the knowledge of one man could affect the verdict of the twelve, or even how the mind of the gentleman himself could be unfairly prejudiced. He had sworn to judge of the case on the facts brought before him, and upon nothing else. However, it was but proper that the Court should know what the juior knew, and it was necessary he should be sworn as a witness. The juror was then sworn, and gave evidence of such facts as he was aware of.

What is a work of art ? It is a question which many persons would answer in many ways, because there are, it is a known fact, differences of opinion upon this as upon other subjects, such, for instance, as the origin of man, and the caudal appendage which Darwin declares our forefathers to have been graced withal. But, " What is a work of art "is a subject which has of late much exercised the hon. members of the Legislative Council, their perplexity arising out of the grave consideration of a Bill referring to lotteries and art unions, introduced by the Hon. the Colonial Secretary on Tuesday. In connection with this subject Mr. Waterhouse related a funny experience of his. It appeared that some time back Mr. Waterhouse was at Florence, and while there purchased a piece of sculpture, the work of an eminent artist. He brought it away with him to New Zealand, regarding it, as he may be exctised for doing, as a work of art. But a man is never certain of anything in this world except misfortune, which has a way of making itself felt. Mr. Waterhouse's ideas on the subject of his art treasure were rudely dissipated. At the Customs he was " stuck up" for payment of duty on the thing. He protested that there could be no charge, as it came under the head of unenumerated articles. But the officer or officers were not satisfied, and the late Commissioner of Customs was sought for. He upheld the officers, and when asked why, told Mr. Waterhouse, who had visions of beautiful Florence still in his mind, that his piece of sculpture was " fancy goods." That was indeed fixing the thing to rights ; but still, " what is a work of art ?"

Something Worth Knowing.—True economy and pai"simony are not terms of similar import. The niggard will deny himself bare necessaries, but the wise economist will provide for the needs of himself and family at a very moderate cost, by procuring all his goods from those who import direct from the manufacturers. JAMES SMITH, Te Aro House, Cuba-street, Wellington, has been for several years in regxxlar communication with the leading British and Continental mamifacturers, and is thus in a position to supply goods of first-class value at fair and moderate rates. All the intermediate profits of Warehousemen, both British and Colonial, being avoided, the public are to that extent benefitted. The largeness of the stock of General Drapery and Clothing gives a very wide range of choice and selection, while the prices marked are such as will come within the means of all. No deviation or alteration in price is allowed—the terms being net cash without discount or reduction of any kind. Parties residing in the country can have patterns of any class of goods sent to them post free, and all orders will be carefully selected, well packed, and forwarded to their destination with that promptness and dispatch which has so long distinguished TE ARO HOUSE.

The Australian news by the s.s. Otago at the Bluff is unimportant, all of importance having been already anticipated by cable. The charge for perjnry against Trowell is being held in abeyance ; there is an improved demand for rum ; there is a good demand in the market for Bank shares ; the Opera Company and Theatre Royal shares are in demand.

The usual lecture to the young was delivered in the Terrace school on Saturday afternoon. The lecture was the sixteenth of the series. The subject was " The Mechanical Powers." The lecturer spoke of the various kinds of levers, the wheel and axle, the pully, &c, illustrating his subject by diagrams and experiments.

We regret to say that the Bishop of Waiapu has been obliged, in consequence of ill health, to resign his see. The Righb Reverend Dr. Williams, who came to New Zealand as a missionary in 1826, was consecrated at Wellington in 1559, being the first bishop consecrated in New Zealand. It would thus appear that he has been actively engaged in the work of the Church in this country for half a century. Some discussion arose in the Legislative Council on Wednesday on the motion of Mr. Hall, that having regard to the large aggregate amount of deposits in the Post-office Savings Banks, it is, in the opinion of the Council, highly expedient that the terms upon which repayment of those deposits may be demanded by the depositors should be considered by the Colonial Government. In putting forward the motion the hon. gentleman pointed out that the total deposits in the savings banks of the colony amounted to nearly three-quarters of a million pounds, and the system which the Government worked upon was to invest this money in New Zealand securities held in New Zealand. In these circumstances he thought that under certain conditions,such as the demand for repayment to a very large amount, the Government might be put not only to great inconvenience, but might find it impossible to meet the demand at once. By way of applying greater force to his remarks, he referred to the crisis in connection with the savings banks of France in the year 1848, and afterwards directed attention to the improved system introduced by the Austrian Government, suggesting that the Government of New Zealand should effect an alteration in the rules applying to savings banks, and decide that the whole of the deposits should not be repayable on demand. After remarks from Mr. Waterhouse and others, Dr. Pollen replied to the effect that the subject had been previously obtruded on the attention of the Government. He thought the action proposed by Mr. Hall would not have a beneficial effect, but that to make a sudden alteration such as that suggested would be to expose a feeling of insecurity, and thus destroy confidence in the savings banks. _ While giving the hon. gentleman every credit for sincerity in the proposal he had made, said Dr. Pollen, it was a fact that the contingency he mentioned was one very unlikely to arise. The discussion terminated, as usual, after the reply of the mover. No objection was offered to the motion being carried, as Mr. Hall had taken the precaution to put it in a form which could not possibly commit the Government to any particular line of action, a wise precaution probably, because, had he acted otherwise, the. fate of his proposition might have been the reverse of that which it actually met with. —— : ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, THORNDON". The annual meeting of the parishioners of St. Paul's, Thorndon, was held in the Sydneystreet schoolroom on Monday. The attendance e was larger than usual. The Rev. B. W. Harvey, incumbent, occupied the chair, and opened proceedings by prayer. PROGRESS OF THE YEAR. The Chairman, in a short address, referred to the progress made during the past year, and expressed his great thankfulness that so many and great blessings had been vouchsafed to him. The financial position of the church he would leave to the churchwardens to deal with, merely saying that he believed the reports and balance-sheets to be submitted would prove satisfactory. The spiritual progress of the church had, he was happy to say, been marked. Taking first the Sunday-school, he had to report that the number on the books had increased, and the average attendance, especially that of the elder children, was much better than before, and besides, teachers came forward more readily. Their Bible classes had increased fourfold, and the list of communicants also showed an increase. The average attendance had now reached thirty-nine per celebration, er an increase of two upon the average of last year. He referred to the additions to the church, which had added not only to the looks of the structure, but had given much more sittingroom, and had improved the acoustic properties of the building. There was one matter to which he desired to ask attention, viz., he had an inclination to avail himself of an offer made some time since by the congregation, and employ a curate. The parish was becoming very large and important, and the work increasing,- and he thought it very probable that as soon as he could meet with a gentleman of the same mind as himself, and with whom he could work well, he would call the parishioners together and ask them to authorise the employment of a curate. (Hear, hear.) He felt deeply thankful to the vestry, the choir, in fact, to the whole parish, for the assistance which had been rendered him. THE REPORT. The following report was read by Mr. Henry T. Clarke : The churchwardens and vestry, in presenting their annual statement for the year ended 30th June, 187(5, have once again the pleasure to inform the parishioners that the prosperous condition of the parish upon which they were congratulated last year still continues. The alterations and enlargement to the church, the contract for which was taken before the close of last year, have been completed, and the manner in which the operations have been carried out reflect great credit upon the builders and the architect who kindly undertook to supervise the works.

When the additions to the church were completed the re-arrangement of the seats became necessary so as to makefile most of the space availably as jell as render the internal arrangements uniform and more C °The n vestry would take this opportunity of those seathoWers who, to enable the b contractors to carry out this plan, consented to give up their long established sittings, andbe moved to other parts o church, in some cases, it is feared, at some mconve nience to themselves. mtintrs of A handsome pulpit lias been added to the fittingl ot the church and supersedes the unsightly and not very safe temporary structure raised for the accommodation of the officiating elergyman. With respect to the new organ, th? organ com mifctee have much pleasure in reporting that since [he last annual meeting of the parishioners satisfactory progress has been made by Messrs. and Co y towa g rdsthe completion of the It s still more satisfactory to re P o^*^ ntl °™ fpaid high reputation enjoyed by those gentlemen a paiu atrent was rendered unnecessary; and it is to tnar the committee have been able to add the hydraHfc apparatus which only was required to Mr. Barraud leads the commtttee to believe that the organ will be turned out of Sand wtthS the time specified by the builders and Wore The end of December next it is expected that the instrument will be out and erected in its place m The committee have received other assurances of the good faith of Messrs. Lewis and Co and they consider it a subject for congratulation that those gentlemen were entrusted with the « order Your vestry desire to express their thanks to Mr. W H Warren, the lion, secretary to the organ committee, for his indefatigable services, and also to record their sense of his liberality in instructing the builders to throw into the instrument the commission to which, by the rules of the profession, he is justly ei Your d vestry are also'under obligations to Dr. Buller for his endeavors to obtain a passage for the organ, freight free, from England to Wellington. The stained-glass windows Purchased by Mr. Barraud with the £2O placed by Mr W. H.A\ . Davis of Mulgrave-street, at the disposal of the Rev. Mr Harvey for purposes of the church, have arrived, and have been put up in the north aisle as intended. The revenue of the church for the, pas; year (including balance brought down) amounts to £1413 15s. Sd The whole of this sum, with the exception of £3, itas been raised from the ordinary sources; of revenue. The general offertories have increased, and this year amolnTed to £642 2s. Bd., just £4l higher than last ye Tlie special offertories in the aggregate show a slight falling off. The vestry are aware that good reasons can bf assigned for this, but they would at the same timei again venture to commend these offertories, especially those for diocesan and missionary purposes, to the special notice of those who desire to see other districts and other communities in the enjoyment of the same Christian privileges we possess. ;,„.„,, With regard to the church accounts, the churchwardens hive thought it advisable and more convenient to keep the general account and the church enlargement and organ account separate ; and they are presented to you in that shape. It is with satisfaction the vestry draw your attention to the fact, that after meeting our engagements with our creditors, they have been able to fP ay the sum of £353 out of the general funds into the buildmg account, and there is still a balance of over £47 in the hank The churchwardens have drawn the attention of the vestry to the circumstance that the auditors report that for some years there has been an amount of £1 2s 2d. in the bank, in excess of the balance shown in the cashbook. This amount they recommit should be brought to credit of church account, which has accordingly been done. The vestry desirls to record its thanks to the choir for their valuable aid during the past year. It is also due to its members to state, that the marked improvement in the musical part of the services since the choir occupied the new seats provided for them on the floor of the church, is a subject of general feel that they would fail in their duty did they not testify to the efficient manner in which toe verger, Mr. Thomas Carr, has carried out his onerous and not always very agreeable office, and to inform the parishioners that as the enlargement of the church has considerably increased his labors they recommend the incoming vestry to raise his salary, and allow him a gratuity for past services. The vestry also records its thanks to Messrs. D. Anderson, jun., and Barraud for their services in receiving seat rents. m This was adopted unanimously. THE SUNDAY SCHOOL. Mr C P. Powles then read the report of the Sunday school for the year. This was of a very satisfactory character, showing that there had been a large increase in the number of scholars, the ordinary attendance now being upwards of 200 ; and there had been a great improvement in regard to regularity and punctuality. The staff of teachers, including superintendent and librarian, now numbered 21; and as showing the greater interest now.bemg taken in the work, it was mentioned that on a recent occasion no fewer than six gentlemen volunteered their services in answer to an appeal made in the church, for further assistance. It was noted that nine of the elder scholars have this year presented themselves for confirmation. Fifty volumes have been added to the library during the year, and the weekly issue was now about 70. Thanks were returned to the choir and the congregation for assistance, and gratitude to God was expressed for blessings showered upon the undertaking. POWER TO VOTE.

A discussion arose as to whether persons present, who had not signed the usual declaration of membership, were entitled to vote,seemg that one of the sections of the Act of Synod expressly forbade that. The Chairman explained that the rules laid down by the Synod were passed with the object of building up a thorough system of church government in the colony, but it was recognised that to carry out strictly hard-and-fast rules which the people had not hitherto been used to would be injurious. Ihe practice, therefore, in this respect had been to take the votes of any person present unless challenged ; but if challenged, then the rule was made binding. Thus members were Sradually falling into the desired course and sWinff the declaration ; but in the meantime no one was prevented from having a voice in the management of affairs. A resolution had been proposed, urging on the Synod the desirableness of amending the rule ; but on this explanation being given and several members expressing themselves as favorable to the continuance of the rule, the resolution was withdiawn. , . ... ~ Anumber of those present then signed the roU

ELECTION OE OFFICERS. Mr. Henry T. Clarke was nominated and accepted the office of minister's churchwarden, and Mr. P. W. Riemenschneider, parishioners' churchwarden. The following gentlemen were elected a vestry :—Dr. Kemp, Col. Gorton, Messrs. Powles, K. Lee, J. E. Smith, Anderson, McKellar, Marchant, Garrard, and Govett.

CHANGE IN THE HYMNAL. Mr. LEE brought before the meeting the queHtion of changing the Hymnal, and sub.

stituting, in place of that at present-in use, "Hymns Ancient and Modern. He said he did not lay claim to any special knowledge in the matter of church music ; but as one ot those who last year suggested a change, he again brought the matter forward. If in order he should move a resolution. m The Chairman said he would be quite in order, and explained that in conversation a day or two since, the Bishop seemed to indicate that if a change were asked for he might not be disposed to veto it. However, he should not like to see the meeting itself strongly to any course, because the General Assembly would meet in January, when very probably the whole matter would be fully clisCT-TSSGCI Mr. Lee then moved a resolution, expressing the opinion that a change would be desirable. He spoke in favor of the new edition of " Hymns Ancient and Modern " being adopted, and said although he was aware that Mr. Clarke and others were opposed to that book, he was not afraid of its being introduced. It was very generally used in England, and in some parts of New Zealand. This was seconded. Mr. Clarke said as he had been referred to he would at once express his opinion. Last year he had opposed the substitution of " Hymns Ancient and Modern" for the hymnal now in use, and his opposition had only been strengthened during the past year. The reason why he had not liked the book was because of the very objectionable teaching in some of the hymns. The 376th, for instance, was an illustration, for he considered that were such a hymn admitted into an English church it would be so admitted in direct contravention of the twenty-second article. Mr. A. M. Smith, Mr. Warren, and others supported the resolution, but eventually an amendment appointing a committee to consider the matter was carried. This terminated the business of the meeting. THE WELLINGTON ARTILLEBY ■& COMPANY. Tuesday was the anniversary of the formation of the Wellington Artillery Volunteer Company, and the following is a report of the various events in celebration of the same : PRESENTATION TO CAPTAIN PEARCE. At seven o'clock the members of the company mustered in force at the drillshed, Willisstreet, Colonel Reader, officer in command of the district, and all the officers of the company, being present. The men having been put through several movements in company drill, an open square was formed. Lieutenant McTavish then approached Captain Pearce and said : In the name of the members of the battery (officers and men) I have much pleasure in presenting to you a silver-mounted sabretash, which -we trust you will accept from us and long continue to wear, as a small token of the unanimous feelings of regard and confidence which we feel towards you, as well as of that spirit of harmony and hearty co-operation between officers and men which I feel quite proud to say is largely due to your influence and good example. I feel, sir, that it is quite unnecessary for me to refer, or do more than refer, to the very many acts of kindness and liberality which have made you so deservedly popular as our captain, as those acts are so well known and highly appreciated, I shall therefore not make any lengthened remarks, but simply make the presentation on behalf of the company you have so ably and satisfactorily commanded. Captain Pearce, in reply, said : Lieutenant McTavish and members of the battery. To say that I have been taken unawares—that this has come upon me unexpectedly —does not fully describe what I could wish to say. Perhaps as a public man, and as one accustomed to speak in public, I ought to be able on all occasions to express in suitable words what I think and feel. But there are occasions when a man may be pardoned for being both confused and perplexed. I confess I am perplexed to understand how I have so thoroughly gained your good will; and it has made me somewhat confused to think how little I have done to earn it. Ido not know how properly to thank you for this further expression of your kindly feeling. I have already been presented by this corps with a very handsome sword, and this gift completes in a most handsome manner what you have already done. I will not attempt to thank you. I can only say that I reciprocate the kindly feelings you have been good enough to express towards me. (Hearty cheers.) The Band: "He's a Jolly Good Fellow." Captain Pearce having received the sabretash from the secretary, Mr. Garrard, who placed it in position, The company was formed into marching order, headed by the band, and they proceeded up Willis-street, afterwards turning into Eambton-quay, and eventually halted in front of Mr. Charles Brown's Post-office Hotel, ■where the order was given to dismiss, and the officers and men entered the hotel, where a dinner, or supper, had been provided to the order of Captain Pearce, and to which the company were invited. the dinner. Host Brown may be congratulated on the excellence of the spread he provided, and it speaks promisingly for the success of the hotel of which he has quite recently become the proprietor. The viands and wines were of the very best, and of everything there was more than plenty, while the attendance of waiters was more than usually large. Under these circumstances, it is needless to say that the company enjoyed themselves thoroughly. There were three tables running lengthways of the room, and one ran straight across at the head, at which were seated the commissioned officers of the company. Captain Pearce occupied the chair. lie was supported on the right by Colonel Reader, officer commanding the district, and Captain Stevens, commanding the cadets; and on his left by Lieuts. McTavish and Fox. Dinner being finished,

The usual loyal and patriotic toasts were proposed by the Chairman, and drunk with honors.

Captain Pearce then said it was well-known that they had not only come there to dine together and enjoy themselves, but to transact business, to which he thought it best to proceed at once. The first thing to be done was for him to call upon the secretary to read the minutes of last meeting. Mr. Garrard read the minutes of the previous meeting, which were adopted. The balance sheet was then read, the liabilities and assets being as follows : LIABILITIES. £ S. d. To members's subscriptions for year ending 30th June. 1577, deducted from capitation, 1875-6 ff }f » „ Capitation due to band ™ a „ Honorarium, secretary 10 10 0 „ Ball account J J* * „ Credit balance C 5 14 b £l5O 8 4 ASSETS. £ s. d. By subscriptions due and unpaid .. .. 0 15 0 ~ Amount owing by members for uniforms, but not due 88 11 0 ~ City Rifles, share of gas 0 15 0 „ City Cadets, „ g 15 0 ~ Uniforms in stock ? 2 „ Ammunition in stock -IS? „ Cash at Union Bank 52 2 4 £l5O 8 4 Captain Pearce regarded the statement as eminently satisfactory. It was the ninth annual statement presented to the members of the corps, and he thought it was most gratifying to find that through all those years the affairs of the company had been so carefully attended to by the committee. With regard to the battery, he supposed that there were perhaps only some six or seven of the original members now present. However, notwithstanding that this was the case, he did not think that the company had lost any of its efficiency in any respect whatever ; and he believed he saw around him men as good and as able for their duty as those who formed the original battery. (Cheers.) For himself, he had been seven years captain of the battery, and he could only assure them that he looked upon it as a great privilege to be at the head of a body of men who had conducted themselves so well, and who still maintained for the corps the credit of being, if not the best, at least one of the best corps in New Zealand. After some remarks from Messrs. McCredie and Lyon, the balance-sheet was adopted. Quartermaster- Sergt. Garrard was re-elected secretary. The election of a committee to manage the financial affairs of the company was the next business. Two members of the old committee expressed themselves unable to perform the duties" pertaining to the office, owing to pressure of other business. They were Quarter-master-Sergeant Byon and Sergeant Grey, and for these were substituted Gunner Scott and Bandsman Turner. With the above exceptions, the committee of the previous year were reelected. Captain Pearce then rose and said he regretted to be obliged to say that probably at the end of the present year he should -not be able to place the drillshed he had provided for the use of the volunteers any longer at their disposal. He had always been glad to see them ; in fact, he had built it partly on purpose for the use of the volunteers of Wellington, but he had always had the feeling that he should some day require it for his own use solely. He thought it right to state why he was now compelled to take the course he had indicated, so that they might not accuse him of want of zeal in the cause of volunteers. The fact was that the property was only leasehold, and the lease expired at the end of the year, and he must then give it up. He had applied for an extension of the term, but it was refused, and he should be obliged to take it entirely for business purposes. They would believe him when he said that it was with great unwillingness that he told them he should be obliged to close it for drill purposes in December next. He thought it right to mention this matter, because it would be necessary to make some other provision. No doubt it was the duty of the Government to provide drillsheds for volunteers. Unfortunately New Zealand was peculiarly situated in matters of this kind. In every other province drillsheds had been built at the expense of the Provincial Government ; but here the Government had not seen its way to do so. There was a few months ago some little agitation on the subject, which resulted in the Defence Minister being asked to see what could be done, and he thought that if steps were now taken to draw attention to the fact, something effective might result therefrom. This was one of the subjects which the committee might take up, and at as early a period as possible. The foreshore was now being reclaimed, and a part of it might be set aside for a site upon which to erect a shed. Mr. McTavish called upon the company to fill their glasses, and said : I have a toast to propose which I am quite sure you will drink with heartiness. It is "The Health of our Captain. (Prolonged cheering). I feel that the simple toast is in itself a whole speech, because it really conveys everything that can possibly be said. But I think while proposing our Captain's health I should make a remark with reference to the subject he has just brought under our notice. We have been very largely indebted to him for allowing us to use his shed so long, and it is an act of liberality for which we have to thank him very much. Still, at the same time there is no doubt that if any private individual does what really ought to devolve upon either the Provincial or General Government, it results in their not seeing the necessity for performing the duty, as they will do when the provision made by Capt. Pearce will no longer exist for us. I would associate with the toast a vote of thanks to our Captain for having so long supplied us with a shed, at a cost to himself which perhaps we cannot easily estimate, and it is much more than we had any right to expect him to do for us. I quite agree with

the suggestion of Capt. Pearce, that action should immediately be taken to lay the matter before the Defence Minister. It would, of course, have to be done in concert with the other volunteer corps, with whom the secretary should communicate, and a meeting should be called to discuss the object in view. Having said this, I now have simply to ask you to drink to the good health of our Captain, and at the same time to thank him for his liberality to the volunteers. (Cheers). The toast was drunk with honors.

Captain Pearce, in responding, said : It is hard for me to say how much I am indebted ta you for the very cordial manner in which you have received the toast. It has been a great pleasure to me to be connected for so many years with the Wellington Artillery ; and I assure you my interest in the corps has never for an instant abated. I would just make one further reference to the very handsome present you have made me this evening. I could not when you made me that presentation express as I ought to have done my thanks and aeknowledgments to you, and I feel very unable to do so now. But I beg to assure you that although I do not say much, I am not insensible to the kindness shown me. I hope the battery may for many years continue to maintain the position which it occupies now. (Cheers.) Before I left my duties in the House this evening, I promised that I would be back by 10 o'clock, so if you will permit me to ask Mr. McTavish to take the chair now, I shall be much obliged to you. I should like to remain, but as this is a Government night, one does not care to be absent from one's place. I wish you all good night, therefore, and I hope this time next year we shall meet again, and under circumstances as pleasant as now. (Cheers.) Captain Pearce then left, the company rising as he left his seat ; and Lieutenant McTavish took the chair.

Lieut. Fox xaroposed " The Health of Colonel Reader," and in doing so said it was well known that volunteers generally were largely indebted for success to the aid of an experienced officer such as Colonel Reader was. (Applause.) Col. Reader briefly responded. He thanked them cordially for receiving the toast of his health so heartily. He was pleased to meet them, not only as commander of the district, but as a friend. He did not use the word friend lightly, for he did not believe that these meetings clashed at all with their meetings on parade. Sergt.-Major McCredie proposed the health of the officers ; responded to by Lieut. McTavish.

Lieutenant Fox proposed the health of the band, and Sergeant Grey responded. The toast of " The non-commissioned officers," proposed by Lieutenant Fox, was responded to by Sergt.-Major McCredie.

The last toast on the programme was proposed by Lieutenant McTavish, being " The Health of Lieutenant Mo watt."

During the evening at intervals there was no want of conviviality. Several members of the company being good singers favored those present with some vocal performances, which were received with lively demonstrations of approval, and the excellent band of the company by its performances added largely to the general harmony. As will have been noticed, the business and pleasure of the evening was, as Americans would say, " kind of mixed up." But it was decidedly an improvement on the ordinary mode of conducting annual meetings, and it would be scarcely possible to conceive of a more enjoyable evening than that spent at the Post-office Hotel last night. WELLINGTON CHORAL SOCIETY. The members of the Choral Society met at Mr. Hunter's room on Friday evening, for the purpose of considering the present position of the society, and to determine the future course of action to be adopted. After a very long discussion, it was resolved that an appeal should be made to the public, with a view to increasing the number of subscribers, as it was felt that unless the annual income of the society could be augmented, it was hopeless to think of continuing the existence of the institution. It has struggled on for the last two or three years without receiving the amount of support it had a right to expect from the public residing in the capital city of the' colony. The committee therefore felt that they would not be justified in commencing another season unless it was certain funds would be at their disposal to meet the necessary expenses, and they decided that this ought" to be made clear to the public. In the event, however, of the appeal being responded to, and the list of subscribers being increased, then the committee will endeavor to engage a competent and able conductor ; and it is fortunate that the services of a gentleman in every way qualified can be obtained. If it can be arranged that the new conductor will be supported by old and tried friends, the committee will request members to resume the weekly practices, and the society will make a fresh start under very favorable auspicies. It would be a waste of words to point out the advantage of keeping up such a society. The benefit must be apparent to every member of the community, and it will be a disgrace to Wellington if the society should be permitted to die an unnatural death.