Town News.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 385, 28 June 1879, Page 17

Town News.

The Bank of New Zealand is erecting temporary premises in Manners-street, close to their premises which were recently burnt down.

Mr. R. H. J. Reeves, M.H.R. for Grey ■Valley, took the oaths of the office of .Tu die® of the Peace on Wednesday morning before his Honor the Chief Justice.

The nomination for the election of a Maori representative in the room of Karaitiana Takamoana, took place yesterday at Napier. The polling day is fixed for the 7fch July. It has been resolved to establish juvenile lodges of Odd Fellows in Christchurch. These institutions have proved great success in Great Britain.

The steam er Arawata wbi. b arrived on Thursday, brought the first cons.-: ><mt of goodß for transmission to the Sydi...y Exhibition. The exhibits are from the Bluff, and comprise beer, cereals, stone, copper, and timber. A meeting of the Waste Lands Board was held at the Provincial Buildings on Thursday, but the sitting did not occupy above a quarter of an hour, only formal business being transacted.

We learn that it has been finally decided that the new railway buildings are to be erected on the reclaimed land, between Mills’ foundry and the rear of the Government Buildings. It is notified in the Gazette, as we stated a few days back, that the Rev. Charles Meysey Thompson, M.A., has been appointed Private Secretary to his Excellency the Governor, vice the Hon. Henry St.iart Littleton, resigned.

In the last issue of the Government Gazette it is stated that his Excellency has been pleased to accept of the resignation of the Hon. Robert Stout as a member of the Executive Council, and also of his offices of Attorney General and Minister of Lands.

It was rumored on good authority on Wednesday that the Government does not for the present intend filling up the post of AttorneyGeneral. Mr. Montgomery, M.H.R. for Akaroa, and Mr. Moss, M.H.R. for Parnell, are both spoken of as probable candidates for the appointment of Minister of Lands. This may have the effect of inducing the hon. member for Akaroa to come off the rail upon which he sat last session.

The satisfactory state of the finances of the Union Insurance Company was a subject of general commeut on Thursday and much surprise was expressed at the result of the year’s business. One insurance manager in this city sent a congratulatory telegram to the head office in Christchurch. The report and balanee sheet of the company will be found in our commercial columns, and will prove most satisfactory to the shareholders. The Wesleyan Young Men's Mutual Improvement Society resumed their meeting on Thursday, in St J ohn’s Presbyterian Schoolroom, Willis-streefc, which was kindly placed at their disposal by the trustees of that Church. An interesting essay on “ Modem African Discoveries” was read by one of the members. There was an animated discussion afterwards amongst those who were present on the subject. Messrs Batkin, Langdon, and Loghlen O’Brien, the commissioners appointed by Government to inquire into certain charges made by Mr. Travers, solicitor, of this city, against the Registrar of the Supreme Court, had a sitting on Thursday at the Provincial Buildings, Mr. O’Brien being in the chair. The proceedings were of a strictly private nature, and we understand that no decision was arrived at.

The following tenders were received at the Public Works Office, Wellington, for the Hokitika contract of the Hokitika-Greymouth railway :—Accepted : J. Morgan, Greymouth, £3601. Declined : J. Killock, Hokitika, £3854 ; J. Reynolds, Hokitika, £3960 ; W. Rowe, Greymouth, £4234 ; P. Dingan, Kumara, £4521 ; J. Maher, Hokitika, £4600 ; O’Connor and Gray, Ahaura, £4601; J. Clark, Hokitika, £5309 ; Daly and Riley, Hokitika, £5783 ; Martin, Morris, and Co., Goldsborough, £7332 ; J. Kirkpatrick, Reefton, £8591.

The official statistics relating to the progress of the Foresters during the past year show that on the Ist January, 1879, the Order numbered 531,176 benefit and 12,115 honorary members, an increase of 9760 benefit and 776 honorary members during the year. The Court funds amounted to £2,349,828, and the district funds to £299,331 additional—an increase during the year of £140,590 in the Court, and of £11,490 in the district funds. The new members admitted numbered 40,449, and the deaths had been 5533 members and 3553 wives and widows. The average sickness had been 8*65 days per member. In Middlesex alone there are 632 Courts, having 92,099 members, with £383,333 Court, and £81,215 district funds. The following gentle hint appeared in the last issue of the Wairarapa Standard :—“lf any of the old subscribers to this journal should not receive their usual copies on Tuesday next, they will be reminded that their subscriptions have been long overdue.”—This week the premises recently erected by Mr. Huxley, the tailor, at Grey town, were sold by Mr. F. H. Wood to Mr. Kelly, for the sum of £3OO cash. —An accident happened on the railway works at Woodside on Wednesday to a man named Smith, until lately a resident in Greytown. He was working with others on a cutting, when a slip occurred, fracturing the unfortunate fellow’s leg. He was conveyed to the Wairarapa Hospital by a number of his comrades.—Mr. Alexander Ferguson has been appointed a member of the Licensing Court for the district of Palmerston, vice Mr. J. T. Stewart.

Premises are in course of erection for the Bank of New Zealand at Halcombe.

A Money Order office and Savings Bank have been opened it Otnki. Mr. J. H. Shaw has been appointed Assistant Law Officer, vice Mr. E. Stafford, resigned.

Mr. Joseph Beswick has been appointed Resident Magistrate at Lyttelton, vice Dr. Donald resigned.

All the insurances on Te Aro House have been very .promptly paid. The companies interested were the Northern, Norwich Union, and South British Insurance Companies. Such conduct speaks well for these companies, especially at a time like the present. There was a large attendance of members at the meeting of the Working Men’s Club on Thursday. We gather from the report that the members were almost unanimous in their expressions of confidence in the committee, to whom a hearty vote of confidence was accorded. This is only as it should be. The committee have worked very hard since tha time of the late fire, and that they have procured premises within such a very short time is a sure indication of the energy which they have displayed. Major Roberts was a passenger by the Hinemoa which arrived on Thursday from the North. That officer immediately proceeds to Taranaki, to take charge of the field forces there. It will, no doubt, be remembered that Major Roberts greatly distinguished himself during the last Maori war, especially about the time when Major Von Tempsky was killed. The Hinemoa leaves to-day with another detachment of the Armed Constabulary. She will land them at Opunake, aud then proceeds to the Manukau to bring his Excellency the Governor to Wellington. At the meeting of the City Council on Thursday, when a quarter-past ten had been reached, Councillor Maginnity rose and called the attention of the Mayor to a custom which had been established prior to his Worship occupying the position lie held, viz., that when the Council meetings lasted for any length of time it was the habit of the Mayor to invite Councillors into his room to lubricate their bronchial tubes. This remark caused a smile on the face of most present, but was received with stern gravity by the Mayor, who considered that it would be better to proceeed with the business. However, he thought twice about tbe matter, aud the Council did adjourn for a few minutes, but whether into the Mayor’s room or not we will have to leave to our readers to imagine. There was one omission in the telegraphic Bummary of Mr. Ormond’s speech to his constituents, which he wishes rectified. While he objected to the land tax on the ground that it was unwise to impose a special imprest of this nature, which was calculated to disturb the confidence of English capitalists, he advocated its replacement by a general proporty and income tax. We are informed that the telegraphing of Mr. Ormond’s speech was one of the best pieces of work yet performed in the colony. Mr. Miller, of Napier, was sent to Waipavra, and he put the whole message through at an average of thirty-five words per minute. The Waipawa wire was for the occasion connected with a special wire, so that the message was sent direct. We are informed that the trustees of the Manners-street Wesleyan Church, after careful consideration, have decided to purchase a new site, the building regulations not permitting them to rebuild on the old site in wood, and briclc or concrete being beyond their means, as well as objectionable to many of the members, who fear the recurrence of earthquake* in the city. The new site consists of one acre of laud next to Mr. Charles Taylor’s property in Taranaki-street, this having been purchased from the Hon. John Johnston, M.L.C., for the sum of £4160. The trustees of the congregation are entitled to great ctedit for the energy they have displayed in the trying circumstances in which they were placed by the late fire, and we have no doubt they will lose no time in having a spacious aud ornamental church erected upon their new property. Mr. Brown, the night watchman on the wharf, discovered a lad named Short in an iroD tank on the near end of the wharf. At about twoo’clockyesterday morning. Theattention of a constable on duty was called t* the circumstance, but he was apparently of opinion that it would have been a wiser course to take the lad home to his parents than to place him in the lock-up, as it was not the first time that the lad had played truant. Mr. Brown held a different view, and he consequently took the boy to the lock-up, and gave him into the care of Constable McGrath. The young runaway is a son of Captain Short, of the ketch Elizabeth, and although he stated that he was only a day from home, the night watchman was inclined to think he had been away for a longer period. However, the lad was much more likely to feel comfortable under the care of the lock-up keeper, than if he had remained in a cold iron tank all night, and Mr. Brown will deserve the thanks of his parents for finding him out. PERFECTION.— Mrs. S. A. A. Allen’s World’s Hair Restorer never fails to restore Grey Hair to its youthful color, imparting to it new life, growth, and lustrous beauty. Its aetion is speedy and thorough, quickly banishing Greyness. Its value is above all others. A siugle trial proves it. It is not a dye. Hi ever proves itself the natural strengthener of the Hair, (The genuine only in Pink Wrappers.) Sold wholesale by Felton, Grimwadk, & Co., Wellington, Kempihorne, Prosser, & Co., Dunedin and Auckand; and retail of all Chemists and Perfumers throughout the Colonies Advice to Mothers !—Are you broken in yonr rest by a sick child suffering with the pain of cutting teeth? Go at once to a chemist and get a bottle of Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup. It will relieve the poor sufferer immediately. It Is perfectly harim less and pleasant to taste, it produces natural, quiet sleep, by relieving the child from pain, and the little cherub awakes “as bright as a button.’’ It soothes the child, it softens the gums, allays all pain, relieves wind, regulates the bowels, and is the best known remedy for dysentery and diarrhoea, whether arising from teething or other causes. Mrs. Winslow’s Soothing Syrup is sold by medicine dealers everywhere at Is. lid- per bottle. Manufactured at (4,93 street. Loudon.—A»vt.

Mr. Statham Lowe has been appointed Traffic Manager of the Auckland railways. The City of Madras brought 50 tons of ammunition. Mr. W. 11. Dunning has been appointed a Cadet in the Survey Department. 'j* We understand that Mr. Amelius Smith has been appointed private secretary to the Colonial Treasurer. Mr. Dallam, a Cambridge University man, has been selected for the new Classical Professorship at Canterbury College. We have to thank the Hon. Mr. Ballance, Colonial Treasurer, for a copy of the Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Bill, which we publish in extenso this morning. We have it on good authority that there are no less than 140,000 rounds of Snider, and 100,000 rounds of Enfield ammunition stored in New Plymouth at the present time.

It will be remembered that some time ago a proposition was made by Mr. It. W. Cary to take a troupe of Maoris to the Sydney Exhibition to dance the “ haka.” We learn, however, that the Sydney Commissioners have definitely refused the offer. The Wellington Amateur Athletic Club have decided to have a handicap paper hunt across country for a distance of 10 miles. The event is to come off on the 19th July, and as there is to be a first and second prize, no doubt a large number will join in the chase. The Union Company has at length followed in the wako of all the smaller shipping companies. We learn from our telegraphic intelligence that it has been decided to make a reduction in the wages of the employes of the company.

Notwithstanding the cry of hard times on the West Coast goldfields, we notice that the tidy sum *of £l3O was realised from a single concert and ball in the small district of Kanieri last week, given in aid of the Westland Hospital.

A rumor, to tho effect that Mr. G. E. Barton had resigned his seat for Wellington in the House of Representatives, was industriously circulated *n Friday, but on inquiry wo learn that there was no truth in the rumor, and that Mr Barton is expected to arrive here by the next mail from San Francisco. The following tenders were received at the Public Works Office, Wellington, for the Bellgrove contract of the Nelson-Foxhill railway : —Accepted : P. Dey, Westport, £8159. Declined : J. Maber, Hokitika, £8253 ; J. G. Orm, Nelson, £10,804 ; Downs and Proctor, Dunedin, £16,884. The following tenders were received at the Public Works Office, Wellington, for the Opio contract of the Otautau Nightcaps Railway : Accepted—James Innes, Dunedin, £5739. Declined—D. Robertson, Dunedin, £6408 ; Kennedy, Gallagher, and Co., Invercargill, £6514 ; J. Calder, Invercargill, £6563 ; Hughes and Co., Invercargill, £6584 ; Mathison Bros., £6676. Tho total number of objections sent in against the Land Tax in the Wellington district i 3 2200, the greater majority of these being from the city. The number of objections sent in from the Canterbury district is 2800. The Appeal Court for the Wellington district will sit on July 9th, being the first Bitting of this Court in the colony. The Good Templars in Tasmania have established a building society, which continues to progress remarkably welL In the first year the profits were only £43 16s. 6d. ; whilst during the past year—the fifth of the society’s operations—they amounted to £577 4s. 4d. The dividend declared was proportionately large, as compared with previous years.

Mr. Duncan’s auction room will probably be the temporary abode for the postal and telegraphic work during tho erection of the new building for that branch of the Civil Service. It is Btated on good authority that negotiations have been pending between the Government and Mr. George Crawford, the owner of the property, and that it is very likely arrangements will be made for a temporary lease. George McLean and James Livingstone, Esqs , both influential settlers on the banks of the Waingongoro, about three miles from llavvea, and Arthur Messer and Costlett Johnston, of Keteouatea (the latter of Tura Tura Mokai notoriety), have been compelled, with tlieir families, by the threatening aspect of native matters to take refuge in Hawera.

Insurance companies are getting chary of accepting any further risks in the populous parts of the city. We heard of a case the other day where a gentleman was refused a renewal of his policy for premises in Willis-street, the local agent informing him that he had strict orders from the head office of his company not to take any insurances in the city for some time to come.

Some lads went for a sail to Somes Island on Sunday morning. They reached there safely, but on coming home the mast and sails were blown clean out of the boat. The boys seeing their danger, made a plucky effort to reach the island again, and after some hard work were successful. They have got back to Wellington safely, and speak of the kind treatment which they received from Mr. Corliss, who is in charge of the Quarantine Station.

Some sharp passages took place at the meeting of the Tramway Company on Monday. Mr. Jackson stated that he resigned the position of manager because of the irregular manner in which things were conducted by the board of directors. Mr. Travers replied that Mr. Jackson’s resignation of the position was about the best thing that ever happened to the company since its establishment. There was some quiet laughter ; but Mr. Jackson did not at all relish the satire of the legal gentleman, for he interjected that he could manage the company’s affairs better than most of the directors, at all events. ’

Mr. John Duthie has been appointed a Visiting Justice of the Wanganui gaol. A portion of land in the town of Wanganui, near the Odd Fellows’ Reserve and tho Queen’s Park, has been invested in the public library of that place. Tho following gentlemen have been appointed Justices of the Peace:—Messrs. C. J. I-larrison, Marton ; R. Langdon, Wharaama ; and G. A. 11. Rockel, Carnarvon. Messrs. D. Scannell, H. E. Kenny, and A. LeGraud Campbell have been appointed Judges of the Assessment Courts for the counties of East and West Taupo, Hawke’s Bay and Waipawa respectively. Mr. G. W. Harvey will be Deputy District Judge for Dunedin. It is notified in the supplement to the Gazette issued on Monday evening that objections to the valuation list and claims for exemption for tho City of Wellington will be heard at the Resident Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, the 9th July, at eleven o’clock.

Mr. William Hoskins arrived from Christchurch on Friday, with the object of making arrangements for the appearance of Mr. Baldwin in Wellington on July sth. Mr. Baldwin has been recently travelling through the Australian Colonies exposing spiritualism, his revelation being very startling, and affording a large amount of useful information, combined with innocent amusement.

A writ was on Friday issued for the election of a member of the House of Representatives for the Hutt district, to fill the seat rendered vacant by the resignation of Sir William Fitzherbert. The last day up to which nominations will be received is Monday, 30th instant, and the poll will take place on July 2. Two local candidates have already announced themselves, namely, Mr. Thomas Mason and Mr. Henry Jackson. Arrangements have been made by Messrs. Hiscocks, Hayman, and Co. for the services of Lyster’s Opera Company, the Lingards, and an Opera Bouffe Company, which comprises 24 members, amongst which are the Stewart Family, who have just recently been amongst us. It is stated on good authority that the Theatre Royal has been secured for a period of twelve months by Messrs. Hiscocks, Hayman, and Co. A very large and brilliant meteor, apparently 8 or 10 inches in diameter, was observed yesterday morning at about 2.30 over Mount Victoria. It was travelling rapidly in a S.E. direction, and directly it got behind the hills there was a bright flash, which lit up the whole town for about two seconds with a clear white light. Every object could be plainly seen for miles round.

The sites occupied previous to tho fire by the Nag’s Head and Royal Oak Hotels were not destined to remain long unoccupied, for on Friday the ground was cleared of debris, and temporary premises are now being erected. No doubt other owners of property in the vicinity will soon follow the example that has been thus set, and in a short time the ground which was devastated by the fire will be covered by larger and more substantial buildings. Daring the meeting of the Tramway Company on Monday, Mr. Travers went on to explain that the amount due to Mr. Brown, the contractor, would have to be settled in a Court of Law by’ a Judge, several lawyers, and twelve good men and true ; whereupon a shareholder remarked that “ the lawyers always come in for their share.” The serenity of the learned gentleman was not in the least disturbed, as he coolly replied, “ Oh, yes, the lawyers always fall in for the thick end of it.” Doubtless Mr. Travers was not far wrong. We understand that a special meeting of the Choral Society wa3 held on Friday night at the Athenaeum ; but we regret to state that we were not favored with an intimation of the fact by the secretary. We have heard, however, that it is intended to give a concert on two successive eveuings at the Athemeum, and that, as the hall will not be quite large enough to accommodate all the subscribers, it has been decided that there should be a kind of alphabetical division for the two evenings. A well-known Hebe who dispensed alcoholic and other liquors in an hotel not a hundred miles from this office, became enamored of one of the Armed Constabulary, and left a few days ago for the front. The object of her affection left a fortnight ago, and it is said that from that time she knew no peace. She mixed the most curious decoctions for her customers, till at length they dropped off their usual calls, not believing in the style of “mixed drinks.” Miss eagerly perused the telegrams in the papers referring to native affairs, and at length she thought war was imminent. Her pent-up feelings could stand the awful suspense no longer, and she made up her mind “ to go and join the army, a soldier for to be.” She has at length departed, not, however, to soothe the savage breast, but to attend to the object of her affections, should he require any tender assistance. Some alterations have been made in the rates charged on the Government railways. Commercial travellers will be allowed to take samples as ordinary luggage, free of charge, provided they do not exceed 1121 b. in weight ; but for every 561 b. .above this weight, a charge of Gd. will be made for every fifty miles, or fraction of fifty miles. The same regulation will also apply to theatrical luggage. Children under fourteen years of age will only be charged half rates for season and privilege tickets. The following will be the wharfage rates at the Foxton and East Town wharves, in connection with the Wanganui-Manawatu railway:—Goods of all kinds, at per ton, 2s. 6d.; receiving and delivering, at per ton, Is.; timber (white pine), at per 100 superficial feet, Id.; timber (other), at per 100 superficial feet., 3d.: Cattle and horses, per head, 6d.; sheep, pier?, goats, &c., per head, 2d. ; wool, per bale, Gd.; drays, carriages, &c., four wheels, ss. ; dra\ carriages, &c., two wheels, 2s. 6d. Timbar : - maiuiug over one week to be charged 2d. p- :• 100 feet superficial per week.

Messrs. Barry and McDowell, who have just completed their contracts for the new Hospital, are said to be the successful tenderers for the new Supreme Court House, the price being stated at £28,00.0. The following tenders were received at the Public Works Office, Wellington, for the Riverton coutract of tho Riverton-Orepuki railway: —Accepted—D. Robertson, Invercargill, £21,700. Declined—Taylor and McKenzie, Invercargill, £23,408. A telegraph station has been opened at Kingston, which is situated on the Southland side of Lake Wakatipu. Small steamers run from thence to Queenstown, a distance of about thirty miles. A good deal of settlement has taken place in the vicinity recently. The following tenders were received at the Public Works Office, Wellington, for the Dunedin railway station reclamation contract of the Waitaki-Invercargill railway :—Accepted : W. Bell and E. Pritchard and Co., Dunedin, £58,457. Declined : E. J. T. Price, Dunedin, £69,175 ; J. Monday, Dunedin, £73,622 ; J. McKay, Dunedin, £75,985 ; D. Proudfoot, Dunedin, £38,000 (informal). The man William Persse, who was found living in a cave at Lyell Bay, was charged before the Resident Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday with vagrancy. The accused pleaded not guilty. After hearing the evidence, their Worships thought it was only a case calling for sympathy and assistance, and the accused was discharged. He afterwards received some clothes and other necessaries from the Benevolent Society ; so that the poor fellow will be none the worse for his arrest, after all. The Manners-street Wesleyan congregation are losing no time in raising funds for the purpose of erecting a church to re-place the one recently burnt down. The question of site has not yet been decided, but a meeting of trustees was held on Wednesday to consider the subject. Meantime the money is coming in freely, something like £ISOO having already been promised; the greater portion of this amount being contributed in three days. We understand that collections will be made in all the Wesleyan Churches in the colony on Sunday, on behalf of the building fund.

Some commotion was caused in Willis-street on Wednesday evening, about 8 o’clock, by the keeper of a restaurant endeavoring to eject from his establishment someone whose presence there appeared to be decidedly objectionable. A crowd collected round the doorway, and angry words being freely used by the contestants, seemed to be but the prelude to blows, when happily—and we desire to make special note of the circumstance as being in direct contravention of the proverb that policemen are never to be found when wanted—a peace officer appeared upon the scene, and order was speedily restored. The Volunteer Artillery had a parade on Tuesday, and a large force mustered. After going through several evolutions in a highly creditable style, an adjournment was made to the Central Eire Brigade Station, where Captain Moorhouse delivered a few parting words to the band, which has now severed its connection with the Artillery, and intends joining the Naval Brigade. We believe that, although tlie band has left the corps with which it has been so long identified, a kindly feeling still prevails between them, and Captain Moorehouse has endeavored to make the separation, which was inevitable, as pleasant as possible for all parties. Some interesting explorations were going on in Willis-street on Tuesday at the midnight hour, just outside our office. There were a lot of anxious inquiries as to what it all meant, and it was suggested by some of the more facetious of the passers-by that probably the men who were at work were in search of a continuation of the reef which was said to be discovered by Mr. Moore in tlie vicinity of Waiuuiomata some time back. One gentlemau especially, who has had a good deal to do with street formation and waterworks, appeared to be very much interested iu the operations of the pick and shovel, and expressed a determination to stay up until daybreak, in order that he might have a share in any treasure which might be unearthed from the “ hidden deep.” Our own curiosity got somewhat excited ; but we were much disappointed to find, on making inquiries, that the half-dozen meu, with their half-dozen lanterns, were only in search of a broken water-pipe. Up to the time of our going to press the click of the pick was still audible, and the well-known form of an erstwhile City Engineer could be seen outside our wiudows with his gaze fixed intently upon what was going on. From the report of the proceedings of the Education Board on Wednesday, which will be found in another column, it will be seen that a disturbance took place, which will be deplored, as detracting considerably from that respect which, according to one of tho members, is due to them as a public body. The scene arose out of a motion made by Archdeacon Stock for payment of expenses incurred by tlie members for lunch, &c., while attending Board meetings, the mover instancing his own experience, which appeared to be limited to the purchase of some buns, iu support of his motiou. He considered, as the newspapers were always snubbing them, their desultory manner of transacting business beiug found fault with, that tlieir expenses should be paid, otherwise he would not have takeu action in the matter. We cau only say that uo greater proof of the manner iu which time is frittered a.vav at these Board meetings could be afforded than by yesterday’s proceedings. The whole of the business brought forward could have been got through by men of ordinary business capacity in a couple of hours. If valuable time were not so persistently wasted by the Board there would seldom be any necessity for expenses for lunch being incurred. With reference to the ui turbance referred to above, we may state f iat public opinion is decidedly iu accord with toe Rev. Mr. Paterson iu the action which he took.

The steamer Wakatipu arrived on Monday evening from Sydney. She had a most tempestuous passage across, and lost her fore cabin steward, named Dawson, overboard. The decks were filled with water nearly the whole way over, and considerable damage was done aboard. A report of her passage will be found in the shipping column. The following tenders were received at the Public Works Office, Wellington, for the Wanganui workshops coutract of tho WanganuiManawatu Railway :—Accepted : Gibbs and Pinches, Wanganui, £1436. Decliued : G. Rosinskey, Wanganui, £1640 ; Alexauder aud Macfarlaue, Wanganui, £1963 ; John Randall, Wauganui, £1991 ; Alex. Reese, Wellington, £1995 ; N. G. Bassett, Wanganui, £2058 ; Jas. Russell, Wellington, £2153]; Robt. McLean, Foxton, £2477. Mr. Cary’s concert at the Atbenreum on Monnight was crowded to excess, and before eight o’clock a large number of persons were refused admittance. The programme was longer than those hitherto given, but was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience. Probably the gem of the evening was a harp solo “ The Men of Harlech,” by Mr. J. M. Morgan, who was most vociferously encored. A duet, by quite a youth and a lady amateur, was also loudly applauded. Several lady and gentlemen amateurs rendered some capital songs, and were well received. Miss Smith played two fantasias on the piano, very creditably, and with nice taste, and the same you ng lady also accompanied the vocalists. This concert was decidedly the best of the season. Definite arrangements have been made by the Working Men’s Club with Messrs. McDowell Bros, for the use of their upstairs premises. It will be seen from our advertising columns that a meeting is called for to-morrow evening, at eight o’clock, when tho committee will be prepared to lay all their plans before the members. The meeting will be held at the new premises, so that the general body will have a good opportunity of judging of their suitability or otherwise. From a personal inspection, we cm say that, considering the emergency, it would be difficult to find either a more suitable situation or premises. Tlie committee have worked very hard since the Club was burnt down, and deserve not alone the hearty support of the members, but a lai’ge amount of commendation as well, for the laborious duties which they have performed.

There was a regular rush at Te Aro House on Saturday, and so hard had tlie employes to work, and so much were the goods tossed about, that the shop had to be entirely closed between the hours of four and six o’clock in the evening. After seven o’clock another flood of people set in, and up to about eleven o’clock the doors had to be kept closed, in order to prevent too great a crush. As some of the customers got served the doors were thrown open again, and other batches were allowed to pass in. Whether it was that the public sympathy was aroused for such au old landmark having escaped the perils of the late fire, or whether it was that bargains were expected consequent upon the damage doue by water to the goods, certain it is that immense crowds gathered round the place. It is announced in our advertising columns that the premises will only be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during this week. Owing to the fierce gale blowing on Saturday, it was decided not to play such an important match as that between the Athletic and Wellington teams on the day named, A. large number of spectators had congregated on the Basin Reserve, iu spite of tlie weather, in the expectation of seeing the arranged match. A scratch match —nineteen a side—was played instead, and as all those picked to play in the club match were present, a very good game was the result. The strong wind, however, confined the ball to tlie northern end, and it was dangerous for those playing against it to kick iu the air, as the bail was carried immediately about 20 yards behind tlie kicker. Lynch and Hickson each obtained a touchdown for the side picked by Mr. Davey, who turned the first into a goal. A. Thomson, for the other side, was especially conspicuous by his good play. We were glad to observe on the field again Mr. George Campbell, who has been precluded from playing for two seasons by a sprained ankle, obtained while training for boat-racing. Although his foot prevents him from playing forward, he still shows himself almost as powerful as ever. The club match will take place the Saturday after next.

A supplement to the Government Gazette, which was issued on Monday, contains a notification to the effect that the Hon. William Swaiuson lias been sworn in as a member of the Executive Council of New Zealand. The Hon. Mr. Swainson is a very old politician, and there will be few in the colony, we should imagine, but will be glad of the honor which has been conferred upon him. Mr. Swainson was a member of the Executive Council prior to the introduction of Responsible Government into the colony, and occupied the position of Attorney-General for a period of about 15 years, from the 10th of August, IS4I, to tho 7th of May, 1856. Although Mr. Swainsou was not a member of the General Assembly, which was opened for the • first time on the 27th of May, 1854, he remained in office until the establishment of Responsible Government in the year 1856, as id also .Mr. Alexander Shepherd and Mr. Andrew Sinclair, who occupied the posts of Colonial Treasurer anil Colonial Secretary respectively. The mention of these names recalls a very early page iu the history of New Zealand, and brings us back to the time when Sir George Grey, K.C.8., was only simple Captain Grey, and reminds us’of the time when Captain William Hobson, R.N., represented tlie authority of the Crown in this colony. Mr. Swaiuson has now been so long out of view that he will scarcely be known by latterday colonists, but all those who shared in the early struggles of the colony will remember him, and will be glad to hear of the honor which has been conferred upon him.

.Fifty men of the Armed Constabulary left for New Plymouth in the Government steamer Stella on Sunday afternoon. A portion of the new recruits were sent on from .Napier aud other places a short time back, and some of them have already seen service under Colonel Whitmore. Altogether, they appeared a very soldierlike lot of fellows, although half a dozen or so might be denominated as belonging to the awkward squad. A well deserved compliment was paid to Captain Wheeler, of the steamer Wakatipu, for the able manner in which he brought his ship to port through the late severe gales. The following address was presented to him on Monday by the steerage passengers: —“Wellington, 23rd June, 18/9.—Sir, —We, on behalf of our fellow steerage passengers, beg publicly to show our appreciation of the able manner in which you have, with the aid of Divine providence, and the officers under your command, guided your ship through the perils and daugers of the recent unprecedented bwisterous passage from Sydney to this port. For, notwithstanding the fine sea-going qualities of your good ship, we feel confident that without the able management of yourself and officers, we could scarcely hope to have reached our destination. Although thankful for having reached the haven in safety, we deeply regret the loss of one of your ineu overboard during the height of the storm. Trusting you may ]jvc to still successfully guide your ship through the dangers of the deep, as von have in this instance —We remain, sir, on behalf of our fellow passengers, yours truly, Thomas Saxon, H. J. Hurman.” Even Cabinet Ministers do not escape the ordeal of a public meeting, especially when they arc promoters of a company, and afterwards occupy the posts of directors. At the meeting of the Tramway Company on Moning, Mr. Jackson pointed out that it was uiifair to ask shareholders to incur further liabilities, when the fact was that some of the directors —and he instanced the Hon. John Sheehan, Native Minister, as one— had never paid a penny since the formation of the company. A shareholder quietly informed Mr. Jackson that he would be a clever fellow who could get any money from the lion, gentleman, aud he would need to be a much smarter man than either Mr. Jackson or the speaker. Mr. Travers explained, in justice to the Hon. Mr. Sheehan, that he had placed his debentures at the disposal of the board of directors. But the public, aiul a good many shareholders as well as Mr. Jackson, will be inclined to think that those who are promoters of a company should, at all events, set a good example to the general body of shareholders, even if the said promoters should happen to be Ministers of the Crown.

Two men named Geo. Guthrie and William Oakley were charged at the Police Court on Friday with stealing certain articles, supposed to have belonged to some of the sufferers by the late fire. Detective Sullivan stated that he arrested the prisoners on suspicion of having stolen property in their possession. Mr. FitzGerald appeared for the accused, and said, though he recognised the necessity the police were° under of acting with promptitude, yet the present was an exceptionally hard case, as the police had visited the house of the accused and searched it in a reckless manner. The wife of one of the prisoners was very much upset, and one of the children had been taken ill in consequence. The Bench sympathised with the accused, and thought Detective Sullivan had acted rather harshly in the matter. In dismissing the accused, the Bench said they left the Court without the slightest stain on their characters. In reference to the child being taken ill, the police informed us last night that such was not the case, as when they (the police) opened some bags in which several hats aud portions of theatrical wardrobe were found, the children commenced laughing, and tried the bats, &c., on, remarking they wondered where the things came from. So far as Detective Brown is concerned, he had nothing whatever to do with the arrest of the men.

Whatever may be the feelings of the French people concerning the death of the young Priuce, who was killed whilst doing service with our troops when fighting against the Zulus, there will be but one feeling amongst English-speaking people namely, that of regret for one so young, and whose hopes were at one time so bright and promising. They will also sympathise with her who is now so prostrate, because iu all the halo of her glory she proved herself to be not only an Empress, but a true woman as well. They will remember that when the plague filled the hospitals of Paris, she was in daily attendance upon the sick, and that her purse was at the disposal of the afflicted aud their families. The following particulars from “ Meu of the Time ” will, therefore, be read with an interest which will be tinged with sadness : “ Napoleon (Prince Imperial of France), Eu<rbne Louis Jean Joseph, son of the Emperor Napoleon 111. and the Empress Eugenie, was born March 16, ISSG. For some time great fears were entertained on account of tlxe delicacy of his health, which improved considerably iu the summer of 1867. In 1870 he accompanied his father to the seat of war, and was present, on August 2, at the capture of Saarbriick, when the Emperor telegraphed to the Empress at Paris this memorable despatch: —* Louis has just received his baptism of fire. He showed admirable coolness, and was not at all effected. A division of General Frossard has captured the heights which overlook the left bank at Saarbriick. The Prussians made but a short resistance. We were in the front rank, but the bullets and cannon-balls fell at our feet. Louis has kept a bullet which fell quite close to him. Some of the soldiers wept at seeing him so calm. We have only lost one officer and ten men killed.’ After the disastrous defeat at Sedan the young Prince made his escape to Belgium, and crossing from Ostend to Dover on September G, proceeded to Hastings, where he was joined by the Empress three days later. He has since resided with hU illustrious parents at Cliislehurst.”

A man named John Hoggie was brought to Wellington on Friday morning per s.s. Tararua from Christchurch, where he had been arrested by warrant on a charge of failing to maintain his illegitimate child. Hoggie was brought here in the custody of Constable James. A man named John Bright, a navvy working on tho railway line at Kaitoke, was brought into the Hospital on Saturday afternoon, suffering from concussion of the brain. It appears that a boulder fell on the man’s head, inflicting a slight fracture and rendering him unconscious. He remains in the institution under medical care.

There was a large muster of the Naval Brigade at the Arcade ou Tuesday evening. The Brigade baa got on wonderfully since its start, and now musters over 200 members, 140 of whom were present, 60 being in the new uniforms. The band played one or two marches, and the Brigade went through some drill in a very creditable maimer. The uniforms looked remarkably well, and as it is expected that the entire corps will have a regular rig-out at the opening of Parliament, the Brigade will be sure to show up handsomely at that demonstration, as a large number of the men are fine-looking fellows. There will be another muster on Friday evening. It is very rarely that the casting vote of the chairman is required to he given at meetings of candidates for Parliamentary honors, but it will he seen from our report of Mr. Mason’s meeting at the Hutt on Tuesday that the chairman exercised his privilege in this respect. The vote of confidence in the candidate was put to the meeting, but only a few hands were held up for it, while the preponderance of digits appeared to be against the vote. A voice from the body of the hall set matters at rest, however, by the assertion that some of the latter voters were holding up both hands, and the chairman, graspiug the situation with a facility that did him great credit, decided that the votes were equal, and by his owu vote at once declared the motion to be carried. The great bulk of those present did not vote on either side.

An extraordinary scene occurred at an auctioneer’s sale in Mowbray-Btreet on Friday morning. Mr. It. J. Duncan, auctioneer, was selling, under a bill of sale, some furniture in the house of Mr. W. J. lloberts, builder, when Mr. lloberts protested against the sale, and said he would not allow delivery of the goods. Mr. Duncan, however, insisted upon proceeding, and sent for his solicitor, Mr. Hutchison. Mr. Edwards, solicitor for Mr. lloberts, then appeared upon the scene, and endeavored to persuade Mr. Duncan nor, to continue the sale, but as the auctioneer would not listen to this advice, the police were sent for, aud directed to clear the premises, which was speedily done. The case will probably again come before the public through the medium of our Courts.

" The new Scotch church on Wellington-ter-race is fast approaching completion, and we undeistand it will be opened for public worship in about three weeks’ time. The sacred edifice, besides being one of the handsomest aud most striking structures in Wellington, will also be one in which the comfort of the worshippers will be regarded as a matter of chief importance, for the uncomfortable pews, formerly so common, will not be used; spring cushioned .seats being provided in their place. The interior of the church is highly ornamented, and altogether the building reflects every credit upon its designers and builders, and will no doubt prove au extremely attractive place of worship to the general public as well as to the ordinary worshippers.

A proclamation in Thursday’s Gazette defines the middle line of a portion of the railway from Masterton to Papatu, via Woodville. It will commence at a point in section 61, on the south bank of the Waipoua River, Masterton Small Farm Association, and will then proceed in a north-westerly direction for a distance of five miles and three chains, and will pass through or over the following lauds : Masterton Small Farm Block, on sections 01, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, and 69 ; Opaki Block, on sections 65, 56, 6,7, 11, and 20 ; and will terminate at a point in section 20, on the Opaki Block. There are similar proclamations defining portions of the lines between Ainberley aud Cook Strait, Greyinouth and Hokitika, aud the Opawa Branch Extension Railway. We have been shown a very handsome album, which is to he sent to the Sydney Exhibition as a sample of the skill in bookbinding attained by the Wellington establishment of Mr Burrett. It is a demy-folio volume, full bound in morocco, in dark green leather inlaid with crimson aud fawn-colored ornamentation work. The style is known as modern antique, illuminated, and great taste has been displayed in the get-up of the volume. The gold scroll and arabesque, all of which has been done by hand, is a marvel of neatness, and is both chaste in design and handsome without being gaudy. We understand that the gentlemen entrusted with the work were Messrs. T. Hall and R. Thompson, aud we hope that their skill and painstaking care may he rewarded with a prize or honorable mention at the Exhibition.

Mitchell’s English Opera Company, which recently arrived at Auckland from Sydney, will make their appearance in the Theatre Royal on Monday, the 7th July, for a Heason of twelve nights. All the most popular of our English operas will he produced, and it is intended to placo no less than eight upon the stage daring such a comparatively short season. The ever popular opera of “ Maritana” will have a first place, and will he followed by “ Sonnambula,” “The Bohemian Girl,” “Martha,” “II Trovatore,” “ The Grand Duchess,” “ Madame Angot,” and “ H.M.S. Pinafore.” It is intended—aud wisely, we think—to allow the prices of admission to remain as usual, and this should he the means of securing good houses for the company during its stay in Wellington. Dll’. Mitchell is here at present, makiug all necessary arrangements, and appears to l.e sanguine of a successful season,