TOWN & COUNTRY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 661, 24 October 1884, Page 16

TOWN & COUNTRY.

John Henry Lee Mclutire, Esq., M.R.C.S.E., has been appointed an additional public vaccinator, under the Public Health Act, 1876, for the Palmerston North district.

Application has been made for a patent for an invention for, aud improvements iD, telephonic apparatus by Frank Hebden, of Christ, church, New Zealand, telegraph and telephone engineer.

The traffic returns on the Wellington section of the New Zealand railways for the four weeks ending September 13 were £3564 12s 2d, as against £3766 13s Id for the corresponding period last year..

The railway returns of the colony for the four weeks ending September 13 were—Revenue (for 944 miles open), £65,176 18s ; expenditure, £54,666 5s lid. Corresponding period las; year (for 922 miles open), £62,921 7s 4d, aud £55,801 9s 3d respectively. An indisputable proof of the interesting nature of the deliberations of the House of Representatives was afforded last evening week, when on the first sound of the firebell the occupants of the strangers’ gallery fled like chaff before the wind. So complete wa3 the exodus that a full gallery was emptied in a few moments.

Letters of naturalisation have been issued in favor of Christian Ludwig Jensen, gardener, Hutt ; Christen Carlson, laborer, Featherston ; Johannes Hess, violin stringmaker, Petone ; William Lenz, cabinetmaker, Masterton ; Frederick Reyling, tailor, Greymouth ; and Heinrich Scharnweber, laborer, Rangitikei.

The firebell3 sounded a short alarm at 10.15 last night week. The cause was traced to a boarding-house in Mulgrave-street, kept by Mrs J. Grubb and owned by Mr J. C. Webb, carpenter. The fire was found to be in an upstairs bedroom, where a large flock bed had become ignited. The only damage to speak of was done by the water. The house is insured for £7OO in the Victoria office, aud the furniture for £l5O in the National. Mr Guinness’ Armed Constabulary Act, 1867, Amendment Bill is a very short one, and simply provides that so much of section 26 of the Armed Constabulary Act, 1867, as prohibits any commandment, inspector, subinspector, or other officer, or any constable, during the time he shall continue in the Armed Constabulary, from voting for the election of a member of the General Assembly, shall be repealed. A proclamation appears in yesterday week’s Gazette prohibiting the importation of apples and pears in any way infected with the insect carpocapsa pomonella, commonly known as “ the codlin moth,” or in which the said insect is or has been present in any form or stage of development, together with the boxes, cases, barrels, or other receptacles in which apples and pears so infected are or have been contained.

The attention drawn by the Press some time ago to the fact that meat in Hobart was very much dearer thau in any of the other colonies apparently ha 3 borne fruit, as the Te Anau on her last trip had a number of. sheep as cargo, which were sold at Hobart on the Ist October. Mutton at that date, says an exchange, was worth in the Tasmanian capital 8d per lb wholesale. Unfortunately carcases are not allowed to be imported, but a Bill is now before their Parliament seeking to alter that state of things. The greater part of yesterday week, so far as the Supreme Court sitting was concerned, wai occupied in trying an action • brought to lecover damages alleged to have been sustained by the plaintiff through the negligence of the defendant in burning flax on his property, whereby a portion cf a willow plantation, owned by the plaintiff, was destroyed. The case was tried by his Honor without the aid of a jury, and judgment for the plaintiff for £ls was entered up, with costs on the Resident Magistrate’s Court scale. Mr Justice Richmond, in giving judgment, remarked that the case should have beeu tried in the Resident Magistrate’s Court. The usual fortnightly meeting of the Harbor Board was held yesterday week. Present—Mr E. Pearce (chairman), Captains Williams and Rose, Messrs Wheeler, Dutbie, Heaton, Nathan, and Booth. The chairman reported that on Monday he had an interview with the Hon Mr Stout and Mr Charles Johnston on the question of land claimed by the board in place of that taken for the new Government Printing Office. He stated that they had been over the reclaimed land and looked over the sections Btill undealt with. The Premier had intimated that he would introduce a clause into the Special Powers and Contracts Act, for the purpose of compensating the board. The exact site of the piece of ground to be given to the board could not be found, as the plan provided by the Harbor Board had been mislaid in the Government offices. Mr Pearce stated that he had instructed Mr Jones to prepare another plan The Harbormaster’s report was received. The Chairman stated that the credit account of the board at the bank amounted to £2625, but that £2OOO, on fixed deposit, would mature ou the ISth. It was not intended to re-deposit this, as it would be required for contracts. Accounts amounting to £2OOO were passed for payment. No . meeting of the Wharves and Quays Committee was held during the past week, but Messrs Heaton and Duthie bad gone through the accounts and approved of them. Mr Heaton applied for and obtained leave to withdraw his motion re compulsory pilotage. Some discussion then took place in reference to the meeting called by the Mayor for Friday evening for the purpose of raising a loan for the Te Aro Reclamation. It was resolved on the motion of Mr Duthie, seconded by Captain Williams, that the Board ask the Chairman to represent to the meeting of ratepayers on Friday evening, the board s views as to the desirability of restricting the Te Aro reclamation to the line recommended by Mr Ferguson, the board’s engineer, and that permission be asked to exhibit the large plan prepared by Mr Ferguson on the wall of the Athenaeum Hall. Mr Wheeler brought the necessity of having new offices under the notice of the board, and moved that the Secretary be instructed to look out for better offices thau the present Mr Nathan seconded the motioD. Ihe Chairman stated that the Secretary had been looking out for, but had not been able to find suitable premise s . The motion was agreed to, and the meeting adjourned.

The committee of the Star Boating Club has decided to abandon the procession of boats at the opening of the rowing season this year.

The half-yearly meeting of the Wellington Ladies’ Christian Association was held at the Y.M.C.A. rooms last Friday afternoon, but so business of any importance was transacted. The Wellington Harbor Board Loans Consolidation Empowering Bill was advanced through its remaining stages in the Legislative Council last Friday afternoon, and now only awaits His Excellency’s assent. The Central Club last Friday purchased a magnificent English salmon, weighing 311 b and 3ft in length. The fish was or.e of two consigned to Air J. Myers, ot Braudon-street. The price paid was £4 10s, or about 3s per lb. The second fish, which also weighed 311 b, was disposed of privately. On the judge taking his seat in the Supreme Couit last Friday morning, Air Brandon jun., made an application for the adjournment of the trial of the case Colonial Bank v. Fraser, on the ground that it was probable that the matter in dispu e would be settled out of court. The court was adjourned to 2 p.m. at which hour it was announced that the suit had been amicably arranged.

A well attended meeting of the senior oarsmen was held at the Star Boating Club’s sheds last Friday evening for the purpose of electing coaches and a Match Committee. Alessrs C. A. Cornish, N. Barraud, aud P. P. Webb were elected coaches, aud Messrs C. A. Cornish aud G. Wiight appointed to act as a Alatch Committee, together with the captain of the club, Air R. B. Smith. A case of supposed suicide happened on the outward passage of the Doric. On the morning of September 2, three days after leaving Plymouth, Air Albert Greenwood, a second saloon passenger for Auckland, was found to be missing, aud it is conjectured that he jumped overboard during the night. It is stated that family troubles were preying ou his mind, and this may have induced him to take his life.

Air A. H. Aliles, a gentleman who is well known in Wellington and elsewhere in the colony through his connection with the firm of Alessrs Alurray, Roberts and Co., returned by the ss Doric last Friday, from a somewhat hurried visit to the Old Country. Air Miles’ many friends will be glad to learn that he has beeu admitted to a share in the business of the firm, and will no doubt wish him every success.

During the discussion on the East and AVest Coast and Nelson Railway Bill in the House last Friday night,considerable difficulty appeared to be experienced in making Sir George Grey understand that certain lines proposed to be added to the schedule did not come under the whole principle of the Bill, the Premier undertaking the task. After a long and desultory discussion, the Premier remarked irritably, “That’s the line.’’ Sir George replied innocently enough, “I thought you said it was a blind.” As the question at issue was a most delicate one, the retort was exceedingly pertinent, and much merriment ensued.

A familiar face which has been missing from the city for several months past will once more be seen in Wellington. We allude to the Hon. J. Martin, who returned last Friday from England by the s.s. Doric, looking as well as ever. The Hon. Air Martin is accompanied by several members of his family, one of whom—Mr Albert Martin—has been absent several years, during which he has graduated with honors in medicine and surgery. It must be exceedingly gratifying to old colonists to note' the progress made by New Zealand’s sons in the higher walks of life, and all will doubtless be pleased to hear of Dr Alartin’s success.

His Honor Air Justice Richmond sat in the Divorce aud Alatrimonial Causes last Friday, when the case of Monckton v. Alonckton was called on. On behalf of the petitioner, Mrs Alonckton, Air Brandon, instructed by Air E. Shaw, applied for a remand to the 30th inst. The application was granted. It is understood that the petitioner is desirous of obtaining the evidence of Mrs Lynch, the sister of Mrs Monckton, and the erstwhile paramour of the respondent Alonckton. Both Lynch aud Alonckton are at present undergoing sentences in connection with their cruel conduct to the petitioner, who, it will be remembered is a mere girl.

In the Legislative Council this session a great deal has been heard of trustee com panies. There have been before the Council in different stages at the same time the Perpetual Trustees, Estate, and Agency Company of New Zealand (Limited) Bill, the Trustees and Executors Shareholders Liabilities Bill, and the Trustees, Executors, and . Agency Company Amendment Bill ; and it is hardly to be wondered at that considerable confusion arose as to the objects sought to be attained by these various measures. Last Friday the Perpetual Trustees, &c„ Bill came up for third reading, and the Hon. Mr Waterhouse moved the adjournment of the debate. The Hon. Air Alfiler, who had charge of the Bill, humorously remarked that it was righly named “ Perpetual,” inasmuch as it had been before the Council on seventeen separate sitting days. It will be a relief to see its title disappear from the Order Paper altogether. From our parliamentary report it will be seen that the extraordinary course of calling attention to the presence of “ strangers,” was resorted to in the Legislative Council yesterday afternoon week. Immediately after prayers were read, the Hon. Air Nurse rose for the purpose of giving notice of a question wnich he intended to ask the Government. He began to state the terms of the question, but had only proceeded as far as the words “ By what right,” when the Colonial Secretary, evidently anticipating what was coming, instantly sprang to bis feet aud called attention to the fact that there were “ strangers in the House,” at the same time expressing regret that necessity should exist for having recourse to this extreme step. “ Strangers,” including the gentlemen of the Press, were at once requested to withdraw, and as soon as the galleries had been cleared, the doors were locked and the Council remained in secret conclave for a space of nearly forty minutes. At the expiration of that time the doors were unlocked, and strangers were graciously permitted to return to their places in the galleries, but by this time the Council had got into Committee on the Perpetual Trustees, Estate, and Agency Company of New Zealand (Limited) Bill, and the “Lords” were doing their best to look as if nothing unusual had happened.

The Napier people have resolved to erect a fitting recognition of the good works of the late Very Rev Father Forest, aud a committee has been appointed to carry out the proposal. The proposed memorial is estimated to cost £2OO.

Air Stewart was to move in the House of Representatives, yesterday Th it, in the opinion of this House, power should be given to school committees to sanction the reading of the Bible in the public schools, subject to a timetable and conscience clause. *

The day commenced on Sunday with a heavy fall of rain and hail, the wind at the same time blowing from the southward. Towards noon it cleared up, and the latter part of the day was beautifully fine. Soon after 10 at night, however, another change set in, and rain began to fall, aud the weathsr was singulary unsettled till yesterday, when warmth again prevailed.

In the Legislative Council Wednesday, the Hon. Captain Fraser asked the Colonial Secretary if, when the vacancies in the Council are being filled up, the Government will take into consideration the preponderance of North Island members in this Council, and particularly the number of the Wellington members ? Hon. Air Buckley replied that the question was one to which considerable importance must be attached in the present condition of the Council. (Laughter.)

The Coroners’ Juries Abolition Bill (Mr Guinness) provides that, notwithstanding anything contained to the contrary in the Coroners Act, 1867, it shall not be necessary at any inquest or inquiry held by or before any coroner, deputy-coroner, or other officer by virtue of his office that such inquest or inquiry shall be taken and made by jurors, as provided by that Act, but every coroner shall hold every such inquest or inquiry sitting alone, and every finding by such coroner shall have the like force and effect iu law as a verdict found by a jury.

The torpedo boat was- taken out for several trips Wednesday with a number of members of the General Assembly on- board. Some very fast steaming was done, but no steps were taken to gauge correctly the rate the boat-was travelling at, although on her first tripshe did the distance from Petone to the Railway Wharf in about 21 minutes, indicating an average speed of 16- knots, the distance being about six miles in a straight line. On her last trip she actually steamed round the s.s. Hawea, which was going out at full speed to tow the ship Pleione into port. Thep.s, Lyttelton reached Jackson’s Head 3 the Beene of the wreck of the Lastingham, on Wednesday last week, and was safely made fast with the moorings taken over.. Several divers went down and examined the fore-part of the vessel, and report favorably of the situation of that part, beiDg of the opinion that they will be able to recover a great part of the cargo, some of which has already been brought up. The after-part of the vessel is, however,, much hampered with the rigging, and the divers were unable to get at it. A schooner will be chartered to bring the cargo over to Wellington.

A couple of somewhat alarming accidents happened at the Waingawa crossing on Saturday (says the Wairarapa Star).. The victims of the first were Captain Francis and Sergeant Lawrence,' of the Salvation Army. They were driving towards Carterton in a buggy, when, about the middle of the river, the horse got entangled, and plunged its head beneath the shaft. Captain Francis sprang out, and underwent total immersion ; but Lawrence, holding the reins, succeeded in reaching the bank with the los3 of a shaft. Shortly afterwards, a Scandinavian, with a mare and foal, finding the river flooded, put the foal in front of the saddle, with the unfortunate result that foal and rider were bucked off into the river. The rider’s foot caught iu the stirrup, and horse and man, washed down by the current, would probably have been drowned, had not Air Rainer and another Taratahi settler thrown him a rope, with the'aid of which they were hauled ashore.

The members of St. John’s Presbyterian Caurch are to be congratulated on the manner in which at least part of the loss sustained some time back by a disastrous fire is being made good. A very tiicely-desigued schoolhouse.is being erected on the site of the old one, aud facing Dixon-street, by Air James Wilson, builder, according to designs prepared by Air Thomas Turnbull, architect. The building is 47ft wide, SOft deep, aud two stories high. The basement, which is formed by the sloping nature of the groun !, contains a class-room 3-8-ft by 15ft, akitchen 16ft by 15ft, a staircase aud toilet rooms. On tbeground-floor is situated a large schoolroom or lecture-hall, 60ft long, sift wide, and 21ft high, capable of seating 500 persons. Until a new church has beeu erected this hall will be utilised for the Sunday services. The vestibule leading into the hall is Bft wide, and ou each side of it there is a class room 18ft by 14ft. The structure is built of wood, chiefly totara, and is roofed with iron. Seven windows, two of which are double, on each side, light the building, while the ventilation is effectually provided for on Boyle’s system. The premises are expected to be ready for use about the middle of next month.

Iu the House of Representatives Air k£acandrew was to move, That, in view of tfie steps which are to be taken during the recess towards submitting to this House, at it ns-xt session, proposals for securing local selfgovernment, this House is of opinion, (1) That no proposals for local government can be efficient in themselves or satisfactory to the country which do not provide that the people shall be relieved of all taxation at the hands of this House, other thau such as may be necessary to cover the interest on the colonial debt, the cost of defence (ether than local police)., of the Supreme Court, telegraph, post office, immigration, ocean lighthouses, and legislative departments. (2.) That all other matters affecting peace, order, and good government, inclusive of the construction and working of railways, shall be placed under the absolute control of local governing bodies ; and that to enable such bodies to perform (heir functions, they should have the whole of the railway revenue and land fund arising within their respective territories, and also should possess such powers of legislation as shall enable them to raise the necessary funds in such manner and from such sources as they shall see fit, and also to provide for the proper local government ot their respective districts.

The Greytown Butter and Cheese Company began the season Monday morning with 200 gallons of milk. Nominations for the Spring Meeting of the Wellington Racing Club were received at the Empire Hotel Monday evening. The entries for the various events were unusually numerous, as will be seen by reference to the sporting column.

Captain Richardson, of the barque H. J. '• Libby, which arrived at Lyttelton from Boston on Saturday last, was badly stabbed on -the voyage by one of the crew. The captain’s account of the affray appears in -another column. His Honor Mr Justice Richmond had arranged to sit in Chambers on Saturday last, with a view to determining the petition of Gray v. Gray. On the application of counsel, however, the case was adjourned to the 30th instant, to which day the two other divorce cases have been adjourned. The almost incredible statement is made in a cable message that retail butchers in London are paying a higher price for New mutton than for English. As another and later message quotes frozen mutton at to 6£d per lb, it is fair to assume that either some mistake has been made or English mutton has fallen in price considerably. During “ the crisis” there were some short sittings of the House of Representatives, but ’the very best on record in the way of brevity was achieved Monday eveniog, when the House met at 7.30, and rose again as soon as progress •could be reported from committee and leave obtained to sit again. Attention is directed to an announcement elsewhere by the New Zealand Land Mort- ; p-age Company (Limited). The subscribed capital of the company is £2,000,000, .£IOO,OOO of which is paid up. The directorate —ah influential one—is given in full. Mr R. M. Simpson is the Wellington agent, the headquarters of the company being at Auckland.

His Honor Judge Richmond left Wellington •for Blenheim on Monday afternoon, where he will conduct the half-yearly sitting of the Supreme Court. Thence he proceeds to Nelson to dispose of similar business, at the conclusion of which he returns to Wellington to open the Appeal Court on November 3. Members of the General Assembly, resi- • dents of Thorndon generally, and Mr "Vincent Pyke in particular, will be glad to hear that at Monday’s meeting of the Public Works Committee of the City Council, it was decided to keep the street lamps in the vicinity of the * Parliamentary Building lighted all night during the session. A member of the House of Representatives who is credited with a profound knowledge of envineering matters, expresses the opinion that the construction of the East and West Coast (Middle Island) and Nelson Railway will cost not less than a million and three -quarters. He favors the Arthur’s Pass route, but adds that on both that and the Cannibal -Gorge route .great engineering difficulties are to be met with. McKenna, one of the Wairarapa gold prospectors, has been arrested for an alleged attempt to abscond from his bail. His mate Perry, has succeeded in getting away. It is said that a number of the leading residents of Masterton have in consideration the project of presenting Mr Robert Hornblow with a -testimonial, on account of bis energy in exposing the alleged gold reefs swindle in that district. Some little discontent exists amongst the members of the police force in this city, owing to the fact that they are all told off for duty on the Sunday just the same as any other day, In Auckland the beats are worked with half 'the usual number of men on the first day of the week, and with no bad results eo far as •any increase of crime is concerned. The men •men here argue that if a large city like Auckland can be looked after on the Sunday with half the staff, a quiet and orderly community like Wellington can easily dispense with the full patrolled beats. Our cable news this week announces the death of the Duke of Brunswick, at the age of "78. ‘From Men of the Time we learn that William (Agustus Louis William Maximilian Frederic), Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenliittel, born April 25, ISO 6, was the younger son of Duke Frederic William, who died in 1823, and brother of the ex-Duke Charles Frederic Augustus William. He assumed the reins of government April 25, 1831, at the request of the Germanic Diet, upon the compulsory •flight of his elder brother, the late Duke of Brunswick, whose name afterwards became well known in London circles. The late duke, according to the Almanach de Gotha, was a fleld-marshall in the kingdom of Hanover, and a general of cavalry in the Prussian service. One of the best meetings wa3 held on Thursday last week in connection with the Star of Wellington Lodge, at No. 9 room, Athenaeum, when Bro. W. Johnson, W.0.T., occupied the •chair.' No less than eight candidates were presented for initia.'on, and were added to the roll of membership. The sisters kindly handed ■round cups of tea and cakes during the evening. A good programme was gone through, •consisting of soDgs and recitations, which the audience appeared to appreciate. The presiding officer having stated that Bro. John Sinclair was about to leave for Poverty Bay, a •resolution was carried by acclamation thanking that gentleman for his past services, which >had been of a most valuable nature. A hope was also expressed that he might be the means •of establishing the order at Gisborne. Bro. Sinclair made a suitable reply. The proceedings came to a close in the usual way at 10 o clock.

It is understood that His Honor Mr Justice Richmond will not appoint a day for the adjourned hearing of the action Toomath v. Grace, until his return from the Nelson Circuit. Mr A. D. Willis, of Wanganui, has sent us some pretty specimens of Christmas and New Year cards, published by him at Wanganui. The cards represent views of various picturesque spots in New Zealand, and are very artistically executed in chromo-litho-graphy. It is understood that the position of general manager to the Colonial Insurance Company, vacant by the resignation of Mr G. Graham, has been conferred upon Mr Frank Allen, the assistant manager of the company. Mr Allen is a popular man, and the appointment will doubtless commend itself to the customers of the institution.

Yesterday week a meeting of creditors in the estate of James E. Barrett, boardinghouse keeper, Wellington, was held in the Supreme Court Buildings before the Official Assignee. The liabilities were sworn at £B7 17s, the assets being nil ; the debtor's furniture and household effects being covered by a dill of sale to Mr A. Fanner. The bankrupt, who stated that he was not in a position to make any offer to his creditors, said that he attributed his insolvency to the shortness of the last Parliamentary session, his principal boarders being members of Parliament. No decision was arrived at and the meeting closed. Mr Milner Stephen had arranged to give on Saturday a public healing of: the poor at the Athenseum, accompanied by an historical account of magnetic healing and practical illustrations of various modes of treatment, but owing to no sick and poor people responding to his invitation he had to postpone his lecture. The attendance was very scanty, and Mr Milner Stephen expressed seme surprise at this, stating that a year ago when he lectured at the same place the hall wa3 literally packed, and numbers were unable to gain admittance. However, he attributed his want of success to the great counter attraction of the public sports at Newtown, which were favored by such beautiful weather. His Honor Mr Justice Richmond is evidently one of a large number of old colonists who deprecate the wholesale, senseless, and reckless denudation of the forest lands of the colony. During the examination of a witness in the Supreme Court yesterday week in a case wherein the plaintiff sued for the destruction of a portion of his willow plantation, hi 3 Honor expressed his satisfaction, alluding to an assertion made by the witness, that a person could be found courageous enough to speak a word in favor of our native bush. His Honor remarked that it was pitiful to see the ruthless destruction of the bush by 3ettlers. Mr Travers fully concurred in the remarks of his Honor, and added that in many instances the Government insisted on settlers clearing a certain portion of their forest land selections. The return moved for by the Hon. Mr Hart at the commencement of the present session showing the number and amount of money orders issued by the Post Office in favor of certain “ sweep ” promoters, has at length been prepared and presented to the Legislative Council. It merely relates to the months of June and July last, and is as follows :—Adamastor, 4 orders, £3 ; Phoenix, 3 orders, £2 ; Boaz, 166 orders, £lB9 ; Fortuua, 54 orders, £62 ; A. Leo, 1 order, £2 ; Robin Hood, 12 orders, £6O ; Jubal Fleming, 2 orders, £1 ; Adam Bede, 40 orders, £73 ; total, 342 orders, £392. As mo3t of the money invested in consultations is transmitted in pound notes, and not through the money order office, the return is of little or no value as a guide to the extent to which speculation of this kind prevails in the colony.

Yesterday week a lad in the employ of Mr F. Liardet captured a fish in shallow water at Lyell Bay, which, but for its size, would appear to be a veritable English mackerel. The dark green and regular spots on the fish certainly favor the idea that it is a descendant of its British prototype. Its length is exactly 18in, and the fish turns the scale at The specimen will he forwarded to Dr Hector, and will doubtless figure in the Colonial Museum. About three years since an English mackerel was caught in the waters of Port Nicholson, and being regarded as a curiosity, was presented to the Colonial Museum, On the accepted truism that as good fish are in the sea as have been taken from it, it may be imagined that there is a shoal of mackerel in our waters at present. It remains, therefore/ with our local fishermen to disprove the assertion of some of our legislators, that the fish this side of the strait, are not worth catching, not to speak of cooking. A special meeting of the City Council was held at noon yesterday week for the purpose of arranging the programme in connection with the meeting of citizens, to be held this evening at the Athenaeum Hall, relative to the loan for the Te Aro reclamation. There were present Councillors A. W. Brown (in the chair), Quick, Williams, Wilson, Pethfjrick, Dauks, and Richardson. Owing to the continued illness of the Mayor, who is in Nelson, it was found necessary to appoint another chairman for to-night’s meeting, and the choice of the council fell upon Councillor A. W. Brown. The following is a draft of a resolution which was drawn up and agreed to as affirming the advisability of raising the loan : —“ That in the opinion of this meeting it is advisable to borrow the sum of £75,000 for the purposes of the Te Aro Reclamation, by way of special loan, on the security oi a rate of 4d in the £ on all rateable property in the city.” This concluded the business. In introducing a Bill to amend the Printers and Newspapers Registration Act, 1868, at yesterday week’s sitting of the House, Sir G. Grey pointed out that the law at present prevailing was oppressive in its penalties for omission to attach imprints. Mr Macandrew suggested that a provision should be added to the Bill, making it compulsory that every writer in a newspaper should sign his name. Sir George Grey replied that he had in his possession now a Bill for that object, but he did not think it would be advisable to hamper the measure he had just introduced by embodying this proposal in it. The Premier said the Government would help to push the Bill on. He suggested, amidst considerable merriment, that parliamentary specials should also be compelled to affix their names to what they wrote. Some people are unkind enough to hint that if the latter suggestion were adopted, increased facilities would be offered to hon. members to bring their 'names prominently before the public.

Mr J. J. Turnbull, of the Middle Temple, barrister-at-law, has taken out his certificates as barrister and solicitor, and intends practising in Wellington. He has secured offices at the Chamber of Commerce, Lambtonquay.

In the Legislative Council on Tuesday afternoon the Colonial Secretary intimated that His Excellency the Governor, acting on the advice of his advisers, had been pleased to call Mr William Reeves, of Christchurch, to the Council.

The balance-sheet of the late Oriental Bazaar shows the total receipts to have been £l4Ol 2s 8d ; expenditure, £253 18s Id ; balance, £1147 4s 7d. The fund, including donations and an item for sale of scenery, stands at present at £1254 14s 7d. Aid in behalf of the St Joseph’s Orphanage, perhaps better known as the nuns’ orphanage, is earnestly solicited. The children who are under the kindly care of the good sisttrs now number seventy-one, and the expense of providing for so many taxes to the uttermost the resources at command. Donations of clothiDg or money will be thankfully received. A meeting of volunteer officers was held at theEmpireHotel Tuesday night for the purpose of amending and suggesting alterations to the rules for the consideration of the Defence Department. Colonel Pearce occupied the chair, but the meeting wa3 not open to the Press.

An important point was raised in the Legislative Council on Tuesday—namely, as to whether local Bills introduced by the Government should be referred to the Local Bills Committee. The difficulty cropped up in connection with the Greymouth and Westport Harbor Board Bills, which were introduced from the House of Representatives. It was decided to refer the matter to the Standing Orders Committee.

Notice was taken a few days ago, by a contemporary, of a brocoli weighing 141bs, which had been brought in from the Hutt for inspection. A specimen of the same class of vegetable from Wellington-terrace, just to hand, would, however, cause the Hutt prodigy to ignominiously hide its diminished head. The terrace brocoli was 54in in circumference, and turned the scale at 201 b.

On it becoming known that the motion for the second reading of the District Railways Leasing and Purchasing Bill would be strenuously resisted in the Legislative Council, the gallery was speedily occupied by a large number of members of tbe other Chamber, who exhibited a keen interest in the scene which was being enacted below. The substantial majority which declared against the Bill, appeared to take not a few of the people’s representatives considerably by surprise.

Hon. members of the Legislative Council were considerably amused Tuesday afternoon by a question of the Hon. Mr Wilson as to whether the attention of the Government bad been called to certain cock fighting alleged to have taken place near Greymouth, and whether any steps bad been taken, or were to be taken in reference to the matter. The Colonial Secretary, in replying, was apparently fully alive to the ludicrous side of the question, and a titter went round the Council, much to the surprise of Mr WilsoD, who inquired indignantly “ What there was to laugh at.”

The usual weekly meeting of the Benevolent Society was held at the Council Chambers on Tuesday afternoon. Present—Mr George Allen (chairman), Rev Mr Van Staveren and Mr J. E. Smith. The wife of a man who had come here four months ago from Dunedin, but hai been out of work for six weeks, applied for assistance for herself and children. It was resolved to supply the family with rations. An oil and color shopman, with a family, who had come out from Home in the Aorangi a month ago, but who had not been able to find work, applied for rations, as he had no food, and his application was granted. Several unimportant cases having been dealt with, the meeting, which was an unusually brief one, adjourned.

The Finance Committee of the City Council were to report at the council meeting last night that a proposal has been, received from Mr W. T. L. Travers, the late city solicitor, that in lieu of proceeding with the taxation of his costs, the council*shall pay him the sum of £llOO (£BOO thereof on 7th November next and balance on 3rd January next) and release him from rents and rates due by him to the corporation. The committee state that the effect of Mr Travers’ proposal is to reduce his claim for costs by £252 2s sd, instead of proceeding to a taxation thereof ; and recommend—“ That the following offer be made to Mr Travers—namely, that the council pay him £IOOO in full of all claims and give him a release from all rents due by him, and rates (excluding the second instalment for this year, which he must pay), the Baid amount to be paid, £SOO on 7th November and £SOO on Ist April next, all papers to be given up on payment of the first instalment.” It will be seen that the recommendation of the committee would have the effect of reducing Mr Travers’ claim for costs by £352 2s sd. Steam was got up Tuesday for the first time since she has been in the colony in the torpedo boat intended for Auckland, and Bhe was taken out for a spin to tkeHeads and back by Captain Fairchild. Besides the captain and crew, which consisted of five men, there were on board Captains Anderson and Bendall, two Press representatives, and several other gentlemen. The little steamer started from alongside the Hinemoa at 2.30 p.m., and went out nearly to Pencarrow lighthouse, returning by way of Worser and Oriental Bays, and round Lambton Harbor, coming back to the Hinemoa at 3.45 p.m. No log was used, and there was no attempt made at determining her speed, but she must at times have gone at Jthe rate of considerably over 15 knots an hour. The trial, which was merely a preliminary one for the purpose of testing the engines, gave great satisfaction to all on board. At the Heads, where a considerable swell was running, tbe steamer showed herself to be a very good sea boat, and the engineer was well satisfied with tbe working of the engines, which, according to his statement, weDt like clockwork. The consumption of coal during, the trip was about 7cwt, The torpedo boat did her best to catch up the Manapouri, going out to Lyttelton, and was gaining on her, but the big steamer, having bad a good start from the wharf, got too far out to sea to be followed up.

Tbe two four-oared inrigged boats Castor and Pollux, sold to the Blenheim Rovriug Club by the Star Club, were successfully shipped by the Rotorua for Picton on Monday.

The Telegraph Rowing Club, Blenheim, which has been recently formed, have purchased a tour-oared outrigger from Mr Taylor, boatbuilder, of Clyde-quay. The boat, which is in first-rate order, will no doubt prove to be the nucleus of a fleet for the oarsmen of the Wairoa river.

A burst of somewhat unusual dimensions took place in a water main about half-way between the Brunswick Hotel and Logan’s corner in Ingestre-street, at 5.30 pm Monday. Tbe water rushed up out of the road with tremendous force, in a jet about 2ft 6in wide and 6in thick, and was projected to a height of about 70ft over the houses on one side of the road. A large crowd of people speedily collected to witness the spectacle, which lasted for about half an hour, when the turncock arrived and stopped the flow. The street was inundated for a considerable distance, and large quantities of water penetrated the chimneys into several houses.

A well-attended meeting of the Women’s Blue Ribbon Union was held on Tuesday afternoon at the Bethel, Herbert-street, A large number of those who were present make a point of attending at almost every meeting, and take great interest in the proceedings, which are entirely carried out by ladies. Mrs S. Costall occupied the chair. Mrs Wright addressed the meeting in an excellent speech, urging those who bad not joined the union to do so at once, and they would not regret taking the Btep, which would be for their own and others’ benefit. A reading from the “ Life of Christ ” and a vocal solo were also well given. A number of new pledges were taken. The working committee was added to, as it was found not strong enough. A daylight parade of the garrison was held at 5 a.m. on Monday. The D Battery of Artillery met at the drillshed, under Captain McCredie, while the other corps mustered at the Mount Cook Barracks, and were put through the various movements and exercises by Major Butts. The officers present were Captain Loveday and Lieutenant Tayton, of the Guards ; Captain Crowe and Lieutenant Waldon, of the City Rifles ; Lieutenants Hislop and Wallace, of the Naval Brigade ; and Lieutenant Steele, of the Wellington Rifles. Two corps, the Naval Artillery and Wellington Rifles, did not turn up in number required for the capitation. At the close of the parade, Major Butts presented Private Asher, of the Guards, with the prize provided by the officers for the most soldierlike member of that corps.

A novelty in the way of funerals took place in Wellington on Tuesday afternoon, the occasion being the interment of the remains of a Chinaman named ChoDg Wow, who died at the hospital a day or two ago. The procession left the hospital at about 2 o’clock in the following order :—First, the undertaker walking by the side of a Chinaman with a white puggaree wound round his hat, who distributed pieces of perforated paper along the road ; the coffin, borne by five Chinamen, carrying in addition a brandy box and a sack ; then the friends, who were very numerous, each celestial smoking a cigarette. When the cortege arrived at the English cemetery, where the deceased was to be interred, the gentleman with the puggaree removed the lid of the coffin and exposed to view all that remained of the late Chinaman. Out of a bag he produced a new wideawake hat, which he placed on the head of the corpse, A new white shirt ani two pairs of socks were thrown into the coffin, and a pair of Chinese slippers, minus the soles, were placed on the -feet of the deceased. A number of Chinese tapers, or rushlights, were then stuck into the ground and lighted, emitting a smell like that of incense, during which process the mourners threw about fifteen shillings’ worth of silver into the coffin, together with a paper on which Chinese characters were inscribed. The lid was then screwed down, and the coffin having been deposited in the grave, the Chinamen distributed biscuits, lollies, apples, cigars, and several bottles of brandy among the Europeans present, all of which bad been conveyed to the cemetery in the coffin. This concluded a very novel and interesting ceremony. The Premier, on Tuesday, gave notice that the Colonial Treasurer would move the following to-day : “ That this House will, on Monday next, resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole, to consider the following resolution :— ‘ That the difficulties surrounding the railways constructed under the District Railways Act, and the hardships to which the ratepayers are subjected in connection therewith, are such that this House considers the Government should seize a favorable opportunity to acquire the said lines, the cost not to exceed the value ascertained by a court of inquiry, presided over by a judge of the Supreme Court, based on the actual cost at which, at the time of construction, the railways could have been constructed, less depreciation and deterioration since from a reduction in market value and wear and tear, plus any amounts the company-owners of the said railways have been or may be authorised to levy on the ratepayers up to the 31st March last, it being made a condition that all proceedings against ratepayers shall be stopped, and all amounts received from ratepayers be returned to them, the Government to pay one-third in cash for tbe said railways, the balance to bear 4 per cent, interest, and to be paid in four equal annual instalments ; tbe Government next session to introduce a Bill to make the latepayers liable for one half of any amount short of 4 per cent, which the railways yield after paying working expenses, plus the cost of raising the rates.’ ”