Town News.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 317, 9 March 1878, Page 13

Town News.

The Hon. Mr. Larnach, we understand, just before his departure for Auckland, en route for England, sent in his resignation as a member of the Grey Cabinet and of the House of Representatives. This will create a vacancy for Dunedin.

The Suez mail, which arrived on Thursday by the Aravvata, comprised 960 letters, 95 books, and 845 papers, via Brindisi ; and 506 letters, 138 books, and 1408 papers, via Southampton.

The outward San Francisco mail, despatched on Saturday by the Rotorua, consisted of 4053 letters, 270 book parcels, and 3044 newspapers for London; and 311 letters, 8 book parcels, and 245 newspapers for America. The following is the return of patients in the Provincial Hospital during and ending the month of February, 1878: —Admitted—Males, 22, females, 4. Discharged—males, 19, females, 3. Died—l male. Left in hospital—males, 44, females, 9. Total, 53. SESThere have been several changes in hotel properties in this city lately, and excellent prices have been obtained in each case. We hear that on Wednesday the Duke of Edinburgh Hotel, at the Gorner of Willis and Manners streets, changed hands, £4500 being pa d for the lease and good-will of the premises. Mr. W. Jamieson was the purchaser. The Wellington Acclimatisation Society has just liberated the last of the salmon, making in all about 9500 young fish which have been turned out alive. Some of the first lot have been seen lately, and are twice the size they were when liberated. The society desires to thank the various steam shipping companies for their liberality in carrying the fish free of charge, and giving the attendant passages at reduced rates.

A meeting of the Wellington School Teachers’ Association was held on Saturday, Mr. Mowbray in the chair, when it was resolved to accept Count de Zaba’s offer to deliver a lecture to members of the association on Saturday next at the Thorndon school. A resolution was also carried affirming the desirability of establishing a uniform system of elassification throughout the colony, and the standing committee was instructed to take steps to bring the matter under the notice of the Minister of Education.

“ The Australian Handbook for 1878,” published by Messrs. Gordon and Gotch, is one of the best productions of its kind that we have ever seen, and it is evident that neither labor nor expense has been spared on this, the ninth edition of the work. It contains a mass of information useful to every colonist, and may be regarded as a most full and accurate record of Anglo-Australian matters. Some excellent maps are appended to this edition. As a book of x-eference it will be found all that can be looked fox-, being very lucidly compiled. Copies may be obtained from the agent, Mr. Armib, at the N. Z. Times office. The Assessment Appeal Court for the Wellington Highway District was held on Monday morning before J. C. Crawford, Esq., R.M. An application by Mr. Benjamin Smith for a reduction in the assessment of certain property was stx-uck out, in the absence of proof that he was the occupier. George James, blacksmith, Taita, had his assessment reduced from £3O to £25 a year. 192 objections were lodged by the Board on the ground that the valuator had not rated the properties at their legitimate value. Mr. Brandon, sen., was rated at £4O for two sections numbered 12 and 13, fronting the harbor, and distant from town about three miles. Mr. Ollivier, who appeared for the Board, called evidence to show that the property was under-rated, and Mr. Brandon called witnesses to the contrary. The Court fixed the amount at £SO.

SJg Messrs. T. Kennedy Macdonald and Co. held their monthly land auction sale on Monday afternoon, in their exchange land mart, Grey and Featherston streets, when notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, there was a large attendance, the mart in fact being crowded. The bidding was spirited, considerable competition ar sing for a number of the lots. The following lots were sold : Allotments 1,2, 3, 10, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 33, 34, 39, 44, subdivision of section 420, Kaitoke, £123 ; lot 69, cottage property, Douglas Wallace-street, £9O ; lot 70, cottage property, Douglas Wal-lace-street, £l7O ; lot 71, vendor’s interest in lease, Webb-tei-race, £10; lot 73, house and land, Binham-street, £425 ; lot 82, house and land, Taranaki-street, £llsO. A number of the allotments in Kaitoke were withdrawn at £5 each, and the small-farm sections at £3 10s. per acre. Lot 72, house and land, Welliugtonterrace, was withdi-awn after £1125 had been offered. Lot 74, being allotment 4, Kilbirnie, was also withdrawn at £l6O, and the two valxxable town acres 334 and 343, with residence, were l’eserved to be cut up into building allotments, £2900 being the highest offer made. We understand that £3OOO was refused from a speculator prior to the sale for these acres. A number of other lots were also withdrawn, the reserve prices not being reached. These are now open for private sale at the offices of the auctioneei’s, and application has already been made for several of them.

The next concert of the Wellington Choral Society will take place on the 12fch inst. It will be seen by reference to our telegrams that Mr. Stafford has resigned his seat for Timaru. It is also rumoured that Mr. Harper is also about to resign his seat for Cheviot.

The libel action—Whitaker v. Jones—which was reported to hare been abandoned, is now stated to be set down for heai’ing at the ensuing sittings of the Supreme Court, at Dunedin. A meeting of creditoi’s in the estate of Messi's. Blake and Martin was held on Friday, when Mr. S. S. Griffiths was appointed trustee. The liabilities are set down at £279, and the assets at £l5O.

An Australian paper, publishing latest news from New Zealand, says :—At Wellington, a diabolical attempt to blow up the ship Eli Whitney, then in harbor, was only partially successful. The perpeti-ators of tlie outrage have been secured.

Mr. E. T. Gillon’s interest in the Evening Argus newspaper, being one-sixth share, was disposed of by auction for the mortgagee by Mr. Bethune on Friday. Previously to the sale Mr. E. L’Estrange Barton handed in a protest on behalf of Mr. Gillon. ihe share was knocked down to Mr. R. Kent for £2O. At the meeting of the City Council held on Thursday evening, Mr. Michael Monaghan resigned the appointment of Inspector of Nuisances for the City. The only reason assigned was that the duties of the office were too onerous to be satisfactorily perfoi’ined by one person. His resignation was accepted. We understand that Mr. Lee, secretary to the Education Board, has been granted permission to frank letters and telegrams. Any letters coming addressed to him, and marked “ On public service only,” can come through the post free. A good many persons neglect to do this, and at tbe same time neglect to pay the postage ; the consequence being that a double rate has frequently to be paid at the office here. We would direct the attention of teachers and others who may have occasion to correspond with the Education Board to this matter.

A happy father, in answer to one of the numerous and interesting inquiries on the census paper, after puzzling through the bewildering instructions intended for his guidance, laid down his pen in despair and pondered. “ What is your name ?” “ State the number of inmates,” “Their age last birthday,” the latter especially agreeable to a married man who hesitates between the ire of his wife on her age being published and the penalty attached by law in case of refusal to furnish the required information. “ State usual occupation ” —this, in the line immediately opposite the baby’s calling, excited a smile. Seizing the pen, he dashed down—- “ Crying.” A meeting of the Waste Land Board was held at noon on Thursday. Present—Messrs. Holdsworth (in the chaii-), Bunny, Johnston, Pearce, and Mason. The minutes of the pre/ious meeting were read and confirmed. A letter was read from Mr. A. Cameron, in reference to the survey of certain lots on the Whareama block, requesting that the boundaries as described in his application should be adhered to, and that he should be permitted to purchase any surplus acreage, within those limits, at the price which he had paid for his land originally, viz., 7s. 6d. per aci-e. The report of the Government Surveyor on the subject stated that the surplus land referred to was not agricultural, and it was agreed that Mr. Cameron should be allowed to purchase it at 7s. 6d. per acre.

Persons qualified to vote for the election of members of the House of Representatives, but whose names do not appear on the electoral roll, will do well to remember that they must register during the present month in order to have their names on the next roll. Although there is not manhood suffrage hex-e at present, yet the franchise is within the reach of almost every adult male iu the country. Every lodger occupying a separate room, for which he pays £lO a year, can register, and there must be a considerable number who come under this category. Every man possessing the necessary qualification who has not yet had his name placed on the electoral roll should do so immediately. There seems much probability of a dissolution of Parliament taking place within the next twelve months, and in such an event as many as possible should record their votes. All who do not register this month will have to wait another year before they can have their names registex-ed.

A meeting of the Board of Education was held on Wednesday. Present—the Hon. C. J. Pharazyu, the Rev. J. Ross, Messrs. Beetham, M.H.R., Bxmny, M.H.R., Dalrymple, Watt, and Toomath. It was stated that the credit balance at the bank was £BB 4s. 4d. Tbe Board then proceeded to open the voting papers sent in by the several school committees for the election of members of the new Board. The following was the result :—G. Beetham, M.H.R., 22 ; Mr. E. Toomath, 20 ; Hon. W. Gisborne, M.H.R., 18 ; Rev. J. Paterson, 17; W. Hutchison, 16 ; H. Bunny, M.H.R., 16 ; Archdeacon Stock, 14 ; W. A. Fitzherbert, 13 ; Hon. G. J. Phai-azyn, 13 ; C. Pharazyn, 13 ; Rev. W. H. West, 11 ; T. Kir!<, 10 ; J. R. Blair, 9 ; W. BeAham, 9 ; Rev. B. W. Harvey, 7 ; W. It. E. Brown, 5 ; Rev. J. A. Newth. 5 ; G. H. Oi-dish, 5 ; H. Udy, 5 ; A. Koch, 1. Messrs. G. J. and C. Pharazyn and W. Fitzherbert having each polled the same number of votes, a ballot was taken, which resulted in the Messrs. Pharazyn being elected. The total result is that the following gentlemen are elected members of the new Education Board : —Messrs. G. Beetham, E. Toomath, W. Gisborne, Rev. J. Paterson, H. Bunny, W. Hutchison, Archdeacon Stock, C. J. Pharazyn, and G. Pharazyn. The following gentlemen were elected yesterday mombera ot the Wanganui Education Board, Wanganui havingbeen made a separate district :—Messrs. Dalrymple, F• >x, Sansmi, lUtthie, Watt, Ross, Bryce, \V ill.au.and Jones.

By reference to our telegrams it will be seen that there has been a capital crushing at the lYelcoxne Company’s mine, Reef ton. At the Supreme Court on Tuesday, George Gilbert, storekeeper, applied through his solicitor, Mr. Quick, for his discharge, which was granted, there being no opposition. Abraham Scott, of Wellington, hawker, has filed a declaration of bankruptcy. The first meeting will be held at the Supreme Court buildings on Wednesday, the 13 th instant, at noon. An emergency meeting of the UnioD Chapter Royal Arch Masons was held on Thursday evening at the Masonic Hall, Boulcott street. There was a large attendance of companions, and two brethren were exalted. The City Council, at the meeting on Thursday increased the bonus of £SO, proposed by the Works Committee to be given to Mr. Charles O’Neill for extra services rendered, to a sum of £IOO, the Councillors generally at. the same time expressing their high appreciation of his energy in behalf of the city and its improvements. We were shown yesterday a specimen of baked clay from Messrs. Howard and Standen’s claypits at Karori. It appears admirably calculated for the manufacture of gingerbeer bottles, flower pots, jars, &c., and by the judicious outlay of capital and labor another local industry may spring up in the locality, which may ultimately attain considerable importance. A young man, calling himself a Russian Count, who has been staying for some time lately at the Empire Hotel, and subsequently at Hillen’s Hotel, Panautanui, has been arrested at Otalci, on charges of uttering spurious cheques and obtaining goods on false pretences. It is stated that his real name is Jacobson, and that he is a son or other near relative of the present Bishop of Chester. The funeral of the late Mr. Thomas Eraser was very largely attended on Saturday. The fire brigades were largely represented, and a volunteer band accompanied the procession. There were two incidents in connection Avith the funeral which attracted the attention of the spectators. One Avas that of starting a pair of horses belonging to one of the fire brigades which Avould not move slowly, but tried to rush off at a rapid pace, as to a fire, and as it was found very difficult to hold them in, fresh horses were substituted. The second incident was that of a person who was following the remains of the deceased falling doAvn in a fit, and it Avas feared for a feAv moments that he was dead, but assistance was procured, and he soon revived. At about three o’clock on Sunday morning the firebells sounded their notes of Avarning, and although that Avas an hour Avhen almost everybody was in bed, it took only a very few minutes for a very large number of people to assemble in the streets enquiring the Avhereabouts of the conflagration. The brigades, Avith their accustomed promptitude, lost no time in getting their engines ready and proceeding to the scene of action, being directed by the flames which came from the vicinity of the Botanical Gardens. On arriving on the spot it Avas discovered that a mass ef fern and ti-tree Avas on fire, but that no serious results to life or property Avas to be apprehended. The fire was quickly extinguished without any appreciable damage being done. 3?. The lights and shades of Mr. G. E. Barton’s character are thus portrayed by a Wellington correspondent of the Hawke's Bay Herald : “ Mr. Barton is a member of the Club ; a jovial, pleasant man in company ; plays dance music on the piano at evening parties, and at dinners and dances is always as merry as a grig. He tells lots of good Irish stories, and is always brimming with Irish vivacity. He is about fifty-five years of age ; a small man with iron-grey hair and beard, but active and full of spirits. On the other hand, he is a most irascible, hot-headed, tempestuous old gentleman. In Melbourne he was always quarrelling Avith someone, and as he had no professional income, was obliged to visit Dunedin. There he Avas incessantly quarrelling Avith the Judges and magistrates, and was knoAvn as a most cantankerous person; He quarrelled fearfully, too, Avith Macassey, “ Darkie” Smith, and other lawyers. In short, his whole life has been one unceasing strife. He is always fancying that he is being snubbed and sat upon by someone, and in consequence is always boiling over with rage.” A dramatic and musical entertainment, in aid of the Convent schools, Avas held in the large hall of the Catholic school, Boulcott-street, on Tuesday evening, under the patronage of the Hibernian Society, the services of Avhose fine brass band were volunteered for the occasion, and added not a little to the success of the evening’s amusement. There was a very full attendance, the hall being literally crammed, and those Avho came late had to content themselves with standing room. An excellent bill of fare was provided. The first part comprised selections by the band, the ■drama of “ The Brigand and his Son,” in which Messrs. Davis, Whitaker, Gibbs, McNamara, Kirk, and McGuire took part, the song, “Thou art so near, and yet so far; the duet, “I know a bank,” by lady amateurs; and the glee, “ Now is the month of maving,” by the Cathedral and St. Joseph’s choirs, which were each and all heartily received and deservedly applauded. The second part consisted of selections from the opera of “Attila,” folloAved by the laughable farce entitled “ A Sudden Arrival,” in Avhich Messrs. Whitaker, Davis, McNamara, Gibbs, Bryan, and Neal took part. Some excellent selections by the band came next, and Avere succeeded by the snugs “ We parted by the river side,” and “ Sweethearts,” Avhich Avere charmingly rendered by lady amateurs. The glee “ Good night, thou glorious sun,” by the Cathedral and St. .Joseph’s choirs, and the finale “ God Save the Queen ” conclued a most enjoyable entertainment.

rJWe notice in our obituary column the name of Mr. George Curtis, of Tinakori-road, a very old settler, and one Avho was much respected. Mr. Curtis arrived in Wellington in the ship London, Captain Shuttleworth, in 1840, and leaves a numerous family of children and grandchildren to mourn his loss. A little excitement was created on the Queen’s wharf on Friday afternoon, just previous to the sailing of the steamer Hawea for the Southern ports. About three o’clock a mob of twenty horses were driven dovm the wharf for the purpose of being shipped for Canterbury. Detective Earrell Avas also on the wharf about this time, and it was soon observed that the officer Avas scanning the horses in what appeared to be a very inquisitive manner. It soon transpired . that something was wrong, as the detective picked out several horses, one Avhich had actually been shipped, and others which were on the wharf. The affair ended in the captain declining to receive any more of these horses on board, and ordering those that Avere on board to be sent ashore again. We believe that a regularly organised system of horse-stealing has been carried on for some time in the Avestern districts of this island betAveen Wanganui and Otaki. We would advise the settlers in those districts to muster their horses without delay, ana communicate with the police should they find any missing.—[Since the above was written we have been informed that a man named Bill Neil Avas arrested last evening at Greytown by Constable Byrn on instructions received from head quarters at Wellington.]

A New Zealand Gazette, issued on Thursday, notifies the appointment of several Maoris as trustees under the Maori Real Estate Management Act, and also fixes the sittings of the District Court at Timaru for the despatch of civil business on the first day of every month, and for criminal business on the Ist March and 6th Sept. in each year. J. H. Whitelaw is gazetted keeper ofthe Wellington Lunatic Asylum, the appointment to date from 7th of June last. The Hon. W. Gisborne is appointed a governor of Wellington College vice T. W. L. Travers, Esq., resigned. Official notice is given of the proposal by the Borough Council of Palmerston North, to borrow £IO,OOO for the following works (the principal sum and interest to be secured on the general revenue of the borough) :—Eor making streets and footpaths, £4OOO ; for clearing and forming bush section roads, £ISOO ; for road to botanical garden and racecourse, £SOO ; for square improvements, £SOO ; for municipal buildings, £SOO ; for sewerage and drainage, £3OOO. His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to appoint Isaac Richardson Vialou, Esq., Mayor of Hamilton, to be a Justice of the Peace under the Municipal Corporations Act, 1876; Major William Griffin Stack (New Zealand Militia), is appointed to command the Militia and Volunteers in the Wellington Militia District. Mr. Stafford’s resignation of his seat in the House of Representatives for Timaru is notified.

An adjourned meeting of the Board of Education was held on Thursday. Present —Messrs. J. O. Pharazyn (in the chair), Beetham, Bunny, Toomath, Dalrymple, Watt, and the Rev. j. Ro3s. The letter from Mr. J. Young, secretary of the Teachers’ Association, which has been already published in our columns, was laid before the Board, and a resolution was passed that the letter should be returned with an expression of opinion from the Board that the association had exceeded its legitimate functions in the matter. A letter from Mr. Gordon, assistant master of Mount Cook school, complaining of his treatment by the head master, Mr. Everiss, was referred to the latter gentleman for an explanation. A communication was read from Mr. Doherty, assistant master at Te ,Avo School, making complaints as to classification and salai’ies, and the Board declined to entertain the matter, and resolved to dispense with Mr. Doherty’s services in a month. A memorandum from the secretary was read, stating that the Government Avould grant half an acre of land on the Thorndon reclamation, near Pipitea-street, as a site for a school. It was observed that an acre on another part of the reclamation would be more desirable, and a deputation, consisting of Messrs. Pharazyn, Beetham, Bunny, and Toomath, was suggested, to wait upon the Government in order to obtain, if possible, an acre near the Government Buildings. Ultimately ic Avas agreed to accept the half acre offered, and to endeavor to obtain another half acre contiguous to it. The tender of Mr. Wilson, at £693, for enlarging the Terrace School, and of Mr. Scalley, at £SO, for excavations at Mount Cook School, were accepted. It Avas agreed that a larger site than the present should be purchased for school purposes at the Upper Hutt. The application for improvements to the Karori School Avas referred to the new Board. At its rising the Board adjourned until the 27th inst. m DEATH BY DROWNING.

It is with very sincere regret that we have to record the death of Mr. Alexander Reid, a vvell-knoAvn journalist, under somewhat mysterious circumstances. Mr. Reid, it appears, came on board the steamer Taupo at Lyttelton on Tuesday evening, having taken his passage to Auckland, Avhere he Avas going on a visit to his brother. During the evening Mr. Reid was several times on deck, and from enquiries made on Wednesday we hear that he appeared to be in good spirits. Mr. Eugene O’Conor, a felloAV passenger, Avho has known Mr. Reid fox* many yeai's, seems to have been the last pei'son xvho saxv him. At about half-past ten o clock at night Mr. O’Conor, who Avas in the smokiogl'oom, saw Mr. Reid standing on the deck near the door of the room. The steamer was at that time rolling heavily, but no idea of there being any danger of an accident Avas entertained. From that time nothing more was seen or heard of Mr. Reid, Avho, it is thought, must have lost his balance in a sudden lurch of the vessel, and fallen overboard. Erom Avhat we can learn, there seems no reason to think that he contemplated suicide, and those who

knew him are avvax*e that he was aboxit the last man anyone would suppose likely to commit self-destructioix. A letter from Mr. O’Conor, which appears in another portion of our columns, beax*s strong testimony to the probability of the sad occurrence having been pure accident. Mr. Reid has been long and favorably known as a journalist, and was deservedly held in high esteem by his brethren of the Press, who admix-ed his talents and liked him as a genial companion. He Avas for some time employed on the editorial staff of the Wellington Independent and Neav Zealand Times, as well as on other local journals, and latterly, until a recent period, was sub-editor of the Chibstchurch Press. He was the son of a neAvspaper proprietor and editor in Scotland, and had been ti-ained from his youth to journalism, in Avhich calling he was thoroughly proficient. He had travelled a good deal, and had been connected Avith newspapers in Canada, the United States, and Australia, before coming to New Zealand. He was engaged on the staff of the Otago Times when Sir Julius Vogel was editor of that journal, and some of the special reports relative to the then neAvly discovered goldfields of that province, from Mr. Reid’s pen, enhanced the high reputation he brought with him as an accomplished descriptive writer. Mr. Reid was about forty-three years of age and unmarried. A large circle of relatives and friends, to each and all of whom he was greatly endeared, Avill long lament his loss.

PRESENTATION TO MR. JOSEPH NANCAEEOW. On Friday afternoon a number of gentlemen (principally personal friends of Mr. Nancarrow) comprising old and valued residents in the colony, met at the Occidental Hotel to make a presentation to that gentleman prior to his leaving the colony on a trip to England. His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair. He stated that he had been i*ather taken at a disadvantage in being called upon at a moment’s notice to preside upon such an occasion, as he understood that Mr. Hunter, the member for the city, was to have taken the place. He had not the slightest hesitation, however, in officiating, as when he looked around him he saw that they were all Mr. Nancarrow’s friends, and as well acquainted with his good qualities as he was himself. He (the Mayor) had known the gentleman for the last 22 years, and he had every pleasure in wishing him a pleasant trip to England, and a safe return to the colony again.

Mr. R. S. Ledger then read the testimonial as follows ; To Joseph Nancarrow, Esq., Inspector of machinery.

Dear Sir, —Your contemplated departure for England affords us the pleasing opportunity of expressing to you the feeling- i f estimation and regard in Avhich you are held. Connected, as most of us have been with you in your official capacity, xve have had every opportunity of observing the faithful manner in which your duties have been performed ; while your unvarying courtesy and kindness have won the esteem and respect of those with whom yon have been associated. As a small token of our regard, we ask your acceptance of the accompanying souvenir ; and, wishing you a pleasant voyage, we hope soon to Avelcome you back to our shores.—(signed) J. Dransfield (Mayor of Wellington), Chairman ; It. S. Ledger, Hon. Secretary, upon behalf of the subscribers.

Wellington, New Zealand, March Ist, 1878. Mi*. Ledger stated that the amount collected at present xvas £l2O, and there xvere sundry other lists yet to come in, both from the Northern and Southern pai’ts ofthe colony; consequently it was proposed to present Mr. Nancarrow with a purse containing a cheque for a £IOO, and the balance could afterAvards be sent to him wherever he directed.

The toast of the guest having been drunk, His Worship the Mayor then handed him a pui*se containing a cheque for £IOO, and in doing so observed that it was only a small testimonial from his fellow colonists. He (the Mayor) could only say that if he was in Mr. NancarroAv’s position he Avould feel proud of it. It was a great credit to a man like him to be able to leave so many friends behind him, as there was nothing that a man could be so proud of as to feel that he Avas respected by such a large body of his fellow colonists. (Cheers.) Mr. Nancarroav, in accepting the flattering address, together Avith the purse, observed that he felt very much gratified indeed at what had been done for him, and could not but express the great pleasure and satisfaction it gave him at seeiqg, so many of his pei’sonal friends around him. It was indeed pleasing to feel that he had made himself so i*espected, and it Avould be an especial pleasure to carry that testimony to the many friends he had in the mother country. Some of the gentlemen present, perhaps, could remember the first steamer which traded to the colony; Avhen the Nelson ari-ived in April, 1854, and ran along the coast; and he felt pi*oud to say that he Avas on board of that steamex*, and had been connected Avith the coasting steamers ever since. That steamer was sent Home afterAvards, as the proprietors thought it woxxld not pay. But now, Avhat was the result ? Why, that the colony had 135 steamers—a fleet, the like of Avhich he had no doubt he Avould not find around the coast of England. (Cheers.) The Union Steam Shipping Company’s fleet in itself was a credit to the colony, and shoAved hoAV well they Avere advancing in national progress. The kindness he had all along received, and which had exhibited itself upon that occasion, might make them assuredly believe be would never foi*get NeAv Zealand. In conclusion, he bad to thank them for their flattering testimonials. (Cheers.) Song —“ For he’s a jolly good felloAV.” Mr. Nancarroav proposed the “ Health of Mr. Ledger ” with a feAv brief and appropriate remarks. Mr. Ledger, in i*esponding, referred to the many years he had known the guest, and to the coastal trips he and other gentlemen present had made near a score of years ago. He likewise observed that there would have been many others present but for the pressure of business in consequence of making up the homeward mail, and stated for that reason he

had to apologise for the absence of Mr. E. W. Mills, Avho, being shorthanded in the office, coxxld not attend. Mr. Seed next proposed the health of his Worship the Mayor in a feAv appropriate and complimentary remarks, stating that he had done his duty as a Mayor and a man. The toast having been duly honored, The Mayor stated that in being present that afternoon it was only part of his public duty, although he was sorry he had not had longer notice of it. He thought he had shown the citizens of Wellington that he was always very careful to avoid a political part in. regard to any public proceedings during the time he was in office, and if there was one thing he took credit to himself for it was that he had avoided taking a pai*ty view in public matters. But Avherever large classes of the community were gathered together, they would find he would not fail to do his duty. (Cheers.) Several other toasts followed, and the company separated Avith many wishes for a safe and prosperous voyage to Mr. NancarroAV.

THE WORKING MEN’S CLUB. The city of Wellington already possesses numerous institutions for the comfort and convenience of the general body of the public, and one of the latest established—the Working Men’s Club—after a few months’ existence has so increased in importance that it has been found necessary to secure larger premises, a ite for which has been obtained in a most central position in Manners-street, from Messrs. Eddie and Jack, Avine and spirit merchants. The situation is one of the very best that could have been obtained for the purpose, and as far as appeal’s at present, the club has secured an excellent bargain from the firm referred to, Avho, although they will occupy a portion of the new building <m the ground floor at the rear, will leave the most ample space for all the purposes of the club for many yeai's to come. The intended building Avill be three storeys in hei.htand 51 feet Avide, with a depth of 46 feet; the total height of the front will be something like 48 feet. On the ground floor there will be two fine front shops 11 feet in height, with an entrance between of about 7 feet Avide leading up a staircase to the club apartments, and immediately behind the shops Avill be situated the warehouse of Messx’s. Eddie and Jack. The first floor upstairs comprises a capacious billiard-room, extending along the Avhole front of the building, by a depth of 18 feet, therefore allowing plenty of room for two of the largest size billiard-tables, together Avith a club-room 45 feet by 14 feet, and a commodious bar, which by means of a spacious vestibule, pi’ovided with arches enclosed Avkh revolving shutters, will be made available to the billiard and club room as Avell. The upper floor comprises a committee room and an extensive librai’y in front, the latter being 26 feet by 24 feet, whilst the committee room occupies the rest of the frontage, and at the rear of these apartments will be situated the stewards’ rooms, kitchen, &c., together with the lavatories and other conveniences requisite for the use of the members of the club. The front of the bxxilding Avill be after the Italian style of architecture, Avith circular headed Avindows in the two upper storeys. When completed the structure will no doubt be a credit to that rising part of the city. The contractors for the building, which will be of wood, are Messrs. Mitchell and Thompson ; the total cost being something like £I6OO, and the whole to be completed by the 15th May. The plans, &c., have been prepared by Mr. Charles Tringham, architect, Molesworth-street, and there can be no doubt when the building is completed it Avill be found a most convenient structure, and it must necessarily prove a lasting acquisition to one of our most useful public institutions for the’Avorking classes. COMPENSATION COURT. Tuesday, March 5. (Before his Honor the Chief Justice, W. M. Bannatyne, Esq., and Captain Thomas.) STEAVART V. THE CORPORATION. In this case the claimant, Mr. Stewart, sought to recover compensation for land belonging to him Avhich the Corporation had taken in connection with the formation of Cuba-street. Mr. Izard appeared on behalf of the claimant, and Mr. Travers for the Corporation. In opening his case, Mr. Izard stated that the City Corporation, being desirous of making a continuation of Cuba-street, applied to the Governor for the necessary powers, and the land now in question is land which Avas taken under the provisions of the Public Works Act, by proclamation dated 22nd of August, 1877. The land was of considerable value, having a frontage to Manners-street on the one side, and to the harbor on the other. The necessary notice had been served upon the City Council embodying the claim, and the Council had agreed to give the claimant £2050, Avhich he deemed insufficient. Of the claim of £7133 6s. Bd., a sum of £SOO Avas for a part of the land not taken, but injuriously affected by the action of the Corporation in respect to the main portion. Evidence was taken as to the value of the land in question, . to shoAv that the claim Avas reasonable. The Court adjourned at 4.30 o’clock. Wednesday, March 6 th. STUART V. THE CORPORATION. This case Avas continued from the previous day, and the evidence having been taken it was simply reserved for jxxdgment. In giving judgment, to-day, his Honor stated that the Court was unanimously of opinion that the compensation to be paid by the Corporation should be the sum iff £3OOO, and the Court was also of opinion that the sum of £SO should be paid to Mr. SteAvart by Avay of costs. Mr. Izard mentioned that, Avith his brother practitioners, they had reckoned the expenses at slightly beyond the amount awarded by his Honor. His Honor observed that the lump sum had been agreed upon, and it was better then not to be altered. In ans Aver to Mr. Izard, he further stated that the award made by th*

Court -would require to be filed in the usual way—drawn up by Mr. Izard himself as solicitor for the successful party, and signed by him the Judge of the Court. This completed the business, and the Court then adjourned. Waterworks investigation COMMITTEE’S REPORT. The following report was read at the meeting of the City Council on Thursday. The Special Committee appointed to inquire into the Waterworks Extension Contract have the honor to report as follows : They find that a contract was entered into by Mr. Joseph Saunders to construct the Wellington Waterworks for the sum of £17,195, in terms of the specifications signed by him. They find from Mr. Blackett’s report that savings were effected to the extent of £2364 Os. 6<h, thus reducing the amount of the contract to £14,830 19s. 6d. To this there has to be added the sum of £4,851 19s. for extras (see Mr. Blackett’s report of the 30th January, 1878, Appendix C.), making the total amount of the contract up to £19,682 18s. 6d., liable to be reduced by any further savings which may be effected, or increased by additions for extras. They find that up to the 17th November, 1877, several months before the contract was completed, the sum of £15,000 had been paid to the contractor, and that a certificate was issued authorising him to receive another £IOOO, or £16,000 in all. They find that on the 7th December, 1877, a cheque for £2970 was illegally paid to the contractor, being a payment on account of a claim for extras amounting to £3969 175., sent in by the contractor. This payment was made without the sanction or the approval of the Council. They find that the said sum of £2970, so illegally paid to the contractor, was refunded by Mr. Saunders as soon as he became aware that the amount ought not to have been paid to him. Thev find that the balance due to Mr. Saunders, when all the work has been completed and passed, will be £4682 195., less 5 per cent., on the whole contract —say £984 2s. lid., liable to be increased or diminished by savings or extras. They find that the sum of £984 2s. lid., as before mentioned, will be due to the contractor, three months after the contract has been completed, provided the works are in good order at that date. They find that the Engineer in charge (Mr. N. Marchant) has not given to his duties that close and vigilant attention which they required, and that he has, in the issue of certain certificates to the contractor, displayed an amount of carelessness and indifference to the interests of the Corporation, that renders his further continuance in the service unadvisable. They find that the late Town Clerk (Mr. Hester) was also exceedingly lax in his attention to his duties in this matter, his ignorance of the terms of the contract, &c. (matters on which he ought to have been acquainted), having in conjunction with the Engineer’s carelessness, led to the contractor (Mr. Saunders) receiving a larger per centage of moneys during the construction of the works than he was entitled to under the contract. They find that the action of the late Mayor (Mr. Hutchison) in signing the cheque for £2970 for extras, without examining closely into the matter, was unjustifiable, as he ought to have held the payment of the certificate over till the next meeting of the Council, or called a special meeting to deal with it. The committee exonerates Councillor Macdonald from blame for signing the cheque for £2970, as it was done in the ordinary course of business and in compliance with the practice, improperly sanctioned by the Council. The evidence discloses the fact that before tenders were sent in some of the tenderers were misled by the Engineer on many important matters connected with the specifications, in 1 consequence of which the tenders, in two cases, were £6OOO higher than they would otherwise have been. The committee call attention to the matter, because the effect of misleading tenderers in this way is to discourage them from tendering for other Corporation Works, and diminished competition must necessarily result in the Corporation having to pay higher prices for its works. The committee recommend that in future it should form part of the duty of the Town Clerk to see that the conditions of all Corporation contracts are strictly observed, and would also recommend that the provisions of clause 107 of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1876, should in future be strictly adhered to. The committee are of opinion that great credit is due to the Consulting Engineer, John Blackett, Esq., for the trouble he has taken in supervising the work, and keeping down the expenses. The cost of conducting this enquiry amounts to £145 17s. Bd., as per schedule annexed, and the committee request the Council to order an early settlement of these accounts. Geo. Hunter, Chairman. Wellington, 7th March, 1878.