TOWN & COUNTRY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 662, 31 October 1884, Page 16

TOWN & COUNTRY.

, Letters of naturalisation have been issued to Peter Anton Disch, mariner, of Wellington; and Peter dophus Christensen, boardinghousekeeper, of Masterton. A new list of subscribers to the Telephone Exchange, containing the latest additions, has just been issued. The exchange now numbers 189 subscribers.

The following gentlemen are gazetted trustees for the maintenance of the Wellington Jewish Cemetery :—Messrs Jacob Joseph, Joseph Joseph, Benjamin Cohen, and Lionel Lewis Harris.

The Masterton Borough Council, in response to an expressed desire on the part of ratepayers at a recent public meeting, have decided to take advantage of the borrowing powers conferred by the Municipal Corporations Act, and erect gasworks themselves. They have resolved, subject to arrangements, to accept an offer from the Wairarapa Gas Company. Messrs Cole and Co., who recently sent a trial shipment of frozen fish from Auckland to Sydney, in the refrigerator of the Wairarapa, are so well satisfied 'with the financial result of the experiment, that they have engaged five tons of space in the steamer’s chamber for ten months. They intend to fill it every trip the steamer makes. The fish are caught at the Thames, fifteen boats being engaged in tbe work. In the House of Representatives last evening week Sir George Grey, with the “permission of the House,” withdrew his bantling, the Constitution Amendment Bill. Sir ’George gave no reason for the wise course he was pleased to adopt, but in all probability he was aware that the Bill had no chance of its being passed this session, and therefore preferred strangling it himself in its birth rather than submit to its being killed by the House. Our cable messages contain a digest of the Queen’s Speech to be delivered at the opening of the autumn session of the British Parliament. It will also be seen that Lord Salisbury, the leader of the Opposition, has been stoned during his visit to Dumfries. This -will give some indication of the bitter feeling which has been created at Home through the rejection by the Lords of the Franchise Bill, and the stumping oratory of Honest John Bright, and the “ grand old man ” during his Midlothian campaign. The following Canterbury gentlemen have been appointed commissioners to inquire into the condition of the unemployed workmen in the Provincial District oE Canterbury, and to report cn the causes of any want whicn may exist among them :—Messrs J. D. MacpherEon, insurance manager ; J. Whitelaw, architect ; T. Carmichael, builder ; E. F. Corley and William Powell. They are empowered to meet at such places as may be deemed expedient, and to call for persons and papers. The report is to be sent in within thirty days from October 21,

The final performance of the Marionettes was witnessed by a good audience on Saturday evening, the dress circle' being well filled. A matinee held in the afternoon was also very successful, the theatre being packed in every part.

Attewell, one of the new men in the next English eleven to visit the colonies, is decidedly a “ warm ” bowler, if his recent performances are any criterion. In the AustraliaNorth of England match his bowling analysis waB —first innings, 23 overs, 13 maidens, 18 runs, 5 wickets, and in the second innings, 28 overs, 17 maidens, 30 runs, 4 wickets.

The Sydney people boast that they have a little female Mozart in their midst. Her name is Elsie Stanley-Hall, and she is one of Madame Hellermann’s (nde Mdle. Charbonnet’s) pupil 3. The little mite is between seven and eight years of age, and in theory classes she competes with girls of sixteen and thereabouts. The difficulty is to find pieces for her to play possessing sufficient difficulties without going into octaves and heavy chords. As is the case with most geniuses, the drudgery of practising is to her a labor of love, and it has often been found necessary to lock the piano for fear that the incessant practising may interfere with the little one’s health.

An extraordinary scene took place at the last of Mr Gerald Massey’s lectures in Ballarat, before an audience of about 200 persons, including a few ladies. The lecturer dealt with the question, “ Why does - God not kill the Devil,’’ propounded by Man Friday to Robinson Crusoe. When Mr Massey was speaking upon what he was pleased to term the “ orthodox God,” the Mayor of Ballarat East, who was acting as chairman, got up and said : “ For my part I cannot listen to this twaddle —to the terrible manner in which he alludes to God. I ask every Christian man who has regard for himself, for his Maker, for Christ, and for the Bible, to leave the hall and not listen to such twaddle-.” Mr Walker then left the platform, followed by the hisses of some of the audience. About a dozen people left the hall, and applause was then given for the lecturer. The lecture was then continued,

An inebriated Maori found his way into the strangers’, gallery of the House of Representatives last night week during the discussion of the Printers and Newspapers Registration Act Amendment Bill, and in a very audible voice uttered some gufcteral but unintelligible sounds which, apparently, were expressive of his dissent to the measure. The man, at length, became so pronouuced in his objections to the measure that the Speaker called attention to the fellow’s conduct, and said that he very reluctantly would, for the first time Eince he had held the position of Speaker, have to order the removal of the disturber if he did not behave himself. At this juncture two members of the Armed Constabulary rushed to the strangers’ gallery with a view to eject him. The inebriated son of the soil, however, was too weighty for the peace-guardians to remove, but on the interpreter addressing some few words to the Maori from the bar of the House, the man left the Chamber.

The second popular entertainment given at the Athenaeum Monday evening by the Wellington Amateur Dramatic Club, in aid oE the funds of the Cricketers’ Association, was, if possible, a still greater success than the first one. Long before the performance commenced the large hall was packed to excess, and numbers were unable to obtain admission. The programme was a large and varied one. At the request of numerous friends, the first part of the last entertainment, consisting of Christy Minstrelsy, was repeated, and was received with applause. The second part was new,and opened with an excellent selection performed by the clnb orchestra. Several songs by Misses Randall and Grant, Mrs Wills, Messrs E. J. Hill, Stanfield, and Corliss, together with a vocal duet, “Sol Fa,” by. Miss Eandell and Mr Prouse, and a recitation, “ The lost d°g.” b y Haybittle, made up the second part of the entertainment. Mr E. J. Hill sang “ By the brooklet ” for the first time. The words, which are very pleasing, we-e written by Mr H. B. Bridge, and the music was composed by Mr George Robertson.

In his report on the dairy factories of New Zealand, Mr G. Bonnor says in reference to tbe Greytown factory :—No fault can be found with the manager. The cheese was sound and possessed of good keeping properties, and will take a respectable position either in the colonial or London market. The quantity sent to London realised 66s per cwt., a little over 7d per lb. If I am correctly informed, the farmers make no conditions, saving the price of the milk. They are at perfect liberty to supply the factory when milk is plentiful and butter cheap ; but, when butter rises in value and milk is richer in quality, they politely withdraw their patronage, and the factory is closed ten weeks earlier than it ought to be. In the flush of the pasture the milk is thin and will not make much more than 14oz of cheese to 101 b of milk ; in March and April you may safely calculate upon from 17ez to 18oz of cheese from 101 b of milk ; so it will be seen that the milk is worth considerably more at the close of the season than it is at the beginning. The whey of some factories has returned the company over £IOO, but the Greytown factory made the farmers a present of this valuable commodity. The Carterton factory is thus referred to :—Carterton Dairy Factory has been in operation during the former part of last grass season, but closed its operations, like the Greytown factory, ten weeks earlier than it ought to have done. To engage expensive labor, and leave little to do for the manager for part, of his time, is only the road to ruin, Ihe quality of the cheese now on hand, valued at £62, is mild -and of a pleasant flavor, and would be classed with the double Gloucester in'London. Tbe factory is conveniently situated in a fine district for keeping cows ; any amount of milk may be procured, and, with proper management, a splendid Cheddar cheese may be made, worth in London from £65 up to £74 per ton.

Advice to Mothers ! —Are you broken in your rest by a sick child suffering with the pain of cuttiug teeth ? Go at onee to a chemist and get a bottle of Mbs Winslow’s Soothing Syrup. It will relieve the poor sufferer immediately. It is perfectly harmless 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 AVinslow’s Soo - ing Syrup is sold by Medicine dealers [everywhere a s ljd. per bottle

The Spring Show of the Wellington Horticultural Society will be held in the Drillshed on November 13.

At the annual meeting of the United Press Association, held Wednesday at Christchurch, Mr G. Humphries’ appointment as manager of the association was confirmed. Mr A. Fraser was appointed assistant. It will he seen on reference to our parliamentary reports that the Legislative Council has rejected by a large majority the School Committees Election Bill, introduced into the House of Representatives by Mr Steward. The Auckland Herald says Tawhiao is fond of alluding to his English trip and its many incidents. He says that he is now fully convinced of the power of the pakehas, and that there is scarcely anything which they cannot accomplish. An old settler, Mr John McKenzie, who arrived in Wellington in 1851, and for several years carried on business at the Hutt as a storekeeper, died at Woodlands, North Wairarapa,on Wednesday morning, at the advanced age of 75. Lieutenant Dixon, Foreman, Morris, Firemen T. Creswell, M. O’Meara, H. Martin, H. Hounslow, R. Allan, W. Peacock, and C. Ewington will represent the Masterton Brigade at the forthcoming Fire Brigades’ competition in Wellington.

The part of the Lastingham’a cargo brought over from Jacksons Head by the s.s. Mohaka on Sunday last was sold by auction Wednesday. It consisted of seven and a half tons of corrugated iron, four and a half tens of wire, two casks of vinegar, and various small , lines, and realised over £l2O. The Hon. Mr McLean was to move in the Legislative Council, yesterday, For a return of land available for concession under clauses 7 and 8 of the East and West Coast (Middle Island) and Nelson Railway and Railways Construction Bill, together with a map showing th 6 position of the land. The Speaker of the House of Representatives Wednesday afternoon ruled that it was unconstitutional to place the subject matter of a Bill in a resolution, which Bill had been thrown out in the other Chamber, as such a procedure tended to override the action of the Legislative Council. He thought, however, that the amended resolution (which had reference to the District Railways Bill) was in order.

In the House of Representatives Wednesday Mr Macandrew, as chairman, brought up the report of the Standing Orders Committee. The report was rather lengthy, and the only prominent feature in it was that in future sessions the House should sit during the session at 10.33 a.m., and should not adjourn later than 5-30 p.m, with an adjournment at 1 o’clock for dinner. This recommendation was received by the House with convulsive laughter. The Government Insurance Association Bill passed through committee in the Legislative Council on Wednesday,, trifling amendments being made to it. The feature of the Bill to which much objection has been offered in both Houses (the provision that the Colonial Treasurer shall be chairman of the governing board) was retained intact, after a good deal of discussion. About the most important of the amendments made was the Expunging of that part of the Bill whicn provided that the Government might take up the accident insurance business.

While thej3.s. Kennedy was crossing the bar at Wanganui on Monday afternoon, a boat containing two men was observed to capsize, and a boat was lowered from ■ the steamer to render assistance. The two men, who were clinging to the upturned boat, were picked up and landed in safety on the breakwater. They had been engaged in taking soundings on the bar in the pilot’s boat, when the breakers washed over them and upset the boat. Had it not b-.ea for the timely assistance of the Kennedy, the two men would probably have lost their lives. The change of management of the Colonial Insurance Company is an event demanding more than passing notice. The institution is eminently local. It was born and reared in Wellington, and its welfare is of moment to many of our citizens. The company has been conducted on good sound principles, and the retirement of the popular and genial general mauager, Mr G. E. Graham, under whose hands the company ha 3 grown up, will be much regretted. Hi 3 withdrawal from the position takes place Saturday (to-morrow), aud he ia to be succeeded by the assistant manager, Mr Allan, a gentleman who has been associated with the company since its initiation, and with the city of Wellington for over thirty years. Than himself, no one is more fitted to undertake the onerous duties of manager of so large a concern, aud we feel confident that uuder his control it will continue to advance and maintain a high-class position amongst the other insurance companies of the colonies. At Wednesday’s meeting of the Education Board, the documents relating to the complaint of Mr Larkins about the illtreatment of his children by Mr Price, the teacher of the Wadestown School, were received, ia accordance with a resolution passed at the previous meeting. Mr Larkins wrote to the Wadestown Committee, complaining that Mr Price had illtreated his boy by striking him on the ear, causing it to fester, and laying him up for two weeks. Since then Mr Price had caught the same boy by the “scruff of the neck” in such a way as to nearly choke him. He was further charged with having squeezed the arm of Mr Larkins’ little girl until permanent purple mark 3 were produced. In answer to this, Mr Price denied having illused the children, and stated that Mrs Larkins had come into the school and made use of the most opprobrious language towards him, in the presence of all the children, like a mad or drunken woman. The boy was as audaciously wilful a lad as he had ever met, and the Larkins children were the worst behaved and most backward in the school, which was by no means a model one. The Chairman of the local committee reported that he had investigated the matter, and found that the complaints were a series of exaggerations and misrepresentations, which had a demoralising effect on the other children. There was no reason to be dissatisfied with Mr Price’s conduct. The board decided to acknowledge tbe receipt of the correspondence, and io. Eend a circular to all the teachers, instructing them to refrain from striking the children about the head.

W. H. Daily, a noted swimmer of San Francisco, has taught more people to swim than anybody else in the land, and has saved the lives of thirty-two drowning people. He is in the neighborhood of 45 years, smoothfaced, and stands six feet in his stockings.

The Local Bills Committee of the Legislative Council have reported in reference to the Wanganui Harbor Board Empowering Bill that they find that a portion of the Rangitikei district will be benefited by the works proposed, and that that district ought therefore to be brought under the provisions of the Bill. No such provision is made in the measure, no mention being made of the Rangitikei district, and the committee therefore desire if it is within their power (the point being left to the Speaker to decide) to include such portion of the Rangitikei district. Sir William Fitzherbert said he would gave the matter consideration, and express his opinion in due course.

Consideration of the East and West Coast (Middle Island) and Nelson Railway and Railways Construction Bill occupied a greater portion of yesterday week’s sitting of the Legislative Council. For the most part the speeches made were in favor of allowing the Bill to be read a eecend time, but in almost every case intention was expressed to propose important amendments in committee. One of the principal and most numerously favored of these amendments was the striking out of that clause which provides that the Governor in Council may, under certain conditions, take over the work, paying a certain percentage to the company. Rather a novel construction was put on the measure by" the Hon. Mr Chamberlin, who expressed the opinion that if passed it would “ shake the foundation of society, and interfere with civilisation.” Mr Reeves delivered his first speech in the Chamber, strongly supporting the Bill. Some little anxiety was occasioned in the House of Representatives last night week as to what had become of that important officer of the House, the Sergeant-at-Arms, or, to give him his correct title, “ Maceman ” Horne. On the House going into committee upon the Dog Registration Bill, Mr Hamlin took the chair with the mace upon the table. The involuntary honor paid to the Chairman of Committees was no doubt fully appreciated by that gentleman, but the dereliction of duty on the part of such a stickler for etiquette as the Sergeant-at-Arms is admitted to be was altogether too bad. Two clauses of the Bill had been agreed to before Lieutenant Horne came, into the House and hurriedly removed “ that bauble.” Some hon. members now assert that the two clauses which were passed before the mace was removed are illegal. The fearful complications that may yet arise out of this apparently unimportant incident are quite too awful to anticipate.

The annual inspection of the Kaiwarra Rifles took place on Tuesday evening, nearly every member being present. Major Butt 3, the Inspecting officer, expressed himself very much pleased at the state of the arms and accoutrements, and also intimated that the annual class firing would commence on the second Saturday in November. After the inspection the annual meeting was held at the Rainbow Inn, Captain Cameron in the chair. The balance-sheet was read and adopted, showing a credit of £44 14s. Private J. Ballinger was unanimously elected secretary and treasurer for the ensuing year, and the following were elected as a general committee to act with the officers :—Sergeant Yeatts, Privates E. Coleman, Darrell, Gold, and E. Taylor. It was also decided that the second match for the company’s prizes should take place cn Saturday next at 2 p.m., the ranges being 300, 500, and 600 yards, five shots at each range. The usual vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the meeting.

The torpedo boat intended for Wellington was taken out under steam for the first time 'Wednesday morning by Captain Fairchild and Mr Blackwood, the .first engineer of the Hinemoa, and was found to work very satisfactorily. Later on a trial was made with both the Auckland and Wellington boats, when the former was taken charge of by Captain Fairchild and Mr Blackwood, and the latter by Captain Horne, R.N., assisted by Mr Maguire, the engineer of the Wellington Meat Export Company, and the second, engineer of the Hinemoa. The boats made several trips round the harbor, and raced each other to Soames Island, the Wellington one gaining a slight advantage. His Excellency the Governor witnessed part of the trials. The torpedo boat intended for Auckland is fitted up to carry both a Whitehead and a spar torpedo while the one that is to remain here will carry a spar torpedo only. The funnels of both boats have been lengthened to obviate the inconvenience caused on former trips by the smoke and soot blowing into the faces of those standiug on deck.

The prevalence' of throat diseases is excuse sufficient for publishing what a correspondent to an exchange writes : —“ Should yon or any of your family be attacked with diphtheria be not alarmed, as it is easily and speedily cured without a doctor. When it was raging in England I accompanied Dr. Field in his rounds to witness- the so-called wonderful cures he performed, while the patients of others Were drooping on all sides. The remedy to be rapid must be simple. All he took with him was powder of sulphur and a quill, and with these he cured every patient without exception. He put a spoonful of flour of brimstone into a wine-glass full of water, and stirred it with his finger instead of a spoon, as the sulphur does not readily amalgamate with water. When the sulphur mixed, he gave it as a gargle, and in ten minutes the patient was out of danger. Brimstone kills every species of fungus in man, beast, and plant in a few minutes. In extreme cases, in which he had been called just in the nick of time, when the fungus was too nearly closed to allow the gargling, he blew the sulphur through a quill into the throat, and after the fungus had shrunk to allow it, then the gargling. He never lost a patient of diphtheria. If a patient cannot gargle, take a live coal, put it on a shovel, and sprinkle a spoonful or two of flour of brimstone upon it, let the sufferer inhale it and the fungus will die. If plentifully used, the whole room may be filled to suffocation ; the patient can walk about in it, inhaling the fumes, with door 3 and windows shut. The mode of fumigating a room with sulphur has often cured most violent attacks of colds in the head, chest, &c. t at any time, and is recommended in cases of consumption and asthma.”

V • Shannon has been elected to the vacant seat on the Wellington Edncation Board. The other ■ candidates were Messrs J. Young (late head master of the Terrace School), and J. Taylor (of Tawa Flat),

Did you break any of the rules at school to-day, Philip ?” “ No, sir.” “ Then why do you look so crestfallen?” “Because the teacher broke a rule.” “The teacher broke a rule, you say ; how so ?” “Over my head;, that’s why I feel so badly.”

The Taranaki Herald says :—The sickness at Parihaka has now completely abated. All the invalids are recovering rapidly under the treatment directed by Dr, O’Carroll, and no . fresh cases have occurred. It is to be hoped that the natives will for the future study the wholesomeness of their .surroundings. The Wellington College Reserves Confirmation Bill passed its second reading in the House of Representatives Wednesday, and was ordered to be committed next day. As the opposition of the hon. member for Kumara and that of Mr Macarthur has been withdrawn, it may reasonably be supposed that the Bill will now successfully pass the shoals of committee, and will become law.

In a letter to the London Daily News, a correspondent at Nelson thus refers to the Ministerial changes in this colony :—“ The crowning political evil is the growing tendency of the higher-class men to abandon politics. They become utterly disgusted with the whole thiDg, and so the destinies of the colony fall under the control of ‘ needy and seedv adventurers.’ ”

The body of a youth named Smart, who' drowned himself in the Yarra for love of Miss Emilie Melville, has been recovered. At the inquest the evidence showed that the deceased was fifteen years of age. Along with a letter, in which it was stated that he died because he loved Miss Melville too well, was a memo, containing a list of the operas in which he had seen her. The jury returned a verdict of suicide while in an unsound state of mind.

The following is a good example oE the difference punctuation makes in the meaning of some things. Here is an account of the appearance of Lord Palmerston in the House of Commons, taken from an old English Country paper :—“Lord Palmerston then entered on. his head, a white hat upon his feet, large but. well polished boots upon his brow, a dark cloud in his hand, his faithful walking-stick in his eye, a menacing gleam saying nothing. He sat down.”

It will be seen by our cable messages that reports have reached England that Khartoum has at length succumbed to the enemy. In the absence, however, of confirmatory intelligence, it would be well to accept the statement guardedly. Another item from Cairo states that the Mudir of Dongola has been appointed temporary governor of a new province foimed in the Soudan. This step has been taken, doubtless, for two reasons — first, as a reward for the Mudir’s loyalty to the Egyptian Government ; and, secondly, with the view of preventing that dignitary from entertaining any thoughts of treachery. An item is quoted from the . London Daily Telegraph, which states, “ on the best authority,’’ that England has offered to mediate between France and China. It is extremely likely, -not only that England has offered to mediate, but that her offer will be accepted ; for France has throughout shown by her halfhearted and dilatory operations that she would willingly accept “ peace with honor.” From Adelaide intelligence is received that the s.s. Orient has arrived with the English team of cricketers on board.

A lively scrimmage for possession took place at the Terminus Hotel, Christchurch, on Saturday last. It appears that an action in the Supreme Court is pending in connection with the establishment, and the bailiffs have been in possession for some weeks. On the day mentioned, according to the Lyttelton Times, Mr Louisson, the owner of the property, arrived with a posse of bailiffs to seize the furniture. This, however, whs resisted by the licensees of the hotel, aud a general scrimmage took place, the licensees being overpowered by the superior numbers of Mr Louisson's bailiffs, and by the stern countenance of Sergeant Wilson, who was accompanied by another sergeant and two or three constables. However, the licensees made a verj stubborn resistance, aud if they could not save an article of furniture, such as a table or a chair, they would not let it go without leaving some mark of their dissent from the proceedings, such as pulling off legs, &c. In the midst of the erabroglio a well-kuown commission agent of' Christchurch arrived on the scene, and at once proceeded to a.-sert his authority by laving hold of an article of furniture, and attempting to prevent its removal, but he was speedily set upon by two or three “ bums,” who knocked him down in the most unceremonious manner. After this, he thought discretion was the better part of valour, and retired from immediate interference in the tussle. The licensees kept it up for some time longer, but at last gave it up, and allowed the bailiffs toproceed with their disagreeable work without further interference.

Hanlan in presenting the prizes at St. Philip’s Grammar School to the boys who had been successful in the school sports, said, addressing a wee boy, who gazed with awe into his face, “My brother athlete, I wish yon to succeed, and in wishing you to succeed, the only advice I give you —without which yon can never succeed—is to be a good boy. Take all possible care of yourself, keep away from bad company, use no liquor of any kind, and do not smoke. If you act upon that advice I see you have brth the mental and the physical capacity for success.” Speaking subsequently, in the course of his remarks Haolan said, “ All the advico I can give to my brother athletes is that if thej would make a success in the athletic world they must take care of themselves. I suppose I was 23 years of age before I knew the taste of a glass of liquor or even smoked a cigar. And it is to this that I attribute my success. My advice to athletes is to keep away from intoxicating liquors and tobacco, without which there is not the least use in any of you trying to excel. From my own experience I know that, although as far as your physical constitution is concerned you may be the greatest wonder in the world, there is no chance for yon if you do not care for yourselves as I suggest. I don’t suppose that any of you will enter into the professional world, but whether you do or not, always row to win.”

An Order-in-Council appears in yesterday week’s Gazettegivingeffect to aregulationunder section four of the Juries Act, 1880, by which every Maori between the ages of twenty-one and sixty years, whose capacity to serve as. a juror shall have been certified to the jury officer of the jury district within which such Maori shall reside by a Resident Magistrate having jurisdiction within such district, shall be liable and qualified to serve as a juror upon all juries which may be empanelled for any trial or inquiry within such jury district, and in which trial or inquiry the person or property of any Maori may be affected. The lunatic, George Hawkins, who was missing from the Lunatic Asylum for some days, was found at Johnsonville on Thursday last week by Constable O’Farrel.l. The unfortunate man accounted for his absence in the following manner :—He left the asylum on October 9tb, and went a considerable distance into the bush to reason with himself, as he had some brain work to do. After a few days he went back to his home feeling hungry, having gone without food for six days He further stated that he was able to remain without food in consequence of having trained himself, when a boy, to do so for seven or eight davß at a time.

The Speaker of the Legislative Council last Friday afternoon gave his ruling on the question raised by the Local Bills Committee, as to whether they could include under the operation of the Wanganui Harbor Board Empowering Act, a certain district which they considered would be benefited by that Bill. Sir William Fitzherbert said he was of opinion that the committee must confine itself to the Bill as it stands, and pointed out the unfairness of bringing under the rating provision of the Act a district which had not previously received the usual official notification. At the same time, it would be within the province of the committee to move the BUBpension of the Standing Orders in order that the Council might insert a clause with the object desired.

y A meeting of the Te Aro Theatre and Opera House Company (Limited) was held at the Chamber of Commerce last Friday after noon. There were between twenty-five and thirty gentlemen present. Mr T. G. McCarthy was voted to the chair, and opened proceedings by reading an advertisement convening the meeting. He stated that provisional directors had been appointed, Mr J. P* ® alrd being the secretary. Arrangements had been made with Messrs Scoular and Archibald for the purchase of the site of the late Te Aro Theatre. Over 2000 shares had been applied for, on which deposit money had been paid. The company had been duly registered, and the meeting .was called for the purpose of electing directors. Ten names were proposed arid seconded, but as the number of the directors was limited to seven, a poll was demanded and taken, resulting in the election of the following gentlemen :—Messrs T. or. McCarthy, J. McDowell, A. Young, S. Gilmer, Dr. Diver, R. Miller, and R. Greenfield.

A meeting of creditors in the estate of William Poppens was held at the Supreme Court Buildings last Friday, the Official Assignee presiding. Mr Travers appeared for the Assignee, Mr Gully for the debtor, and Mr Brown-on behalf of Mr Cheymol. Mr Graham explained that he had called the meeting in consequence of an intimation received from Mr E. Shaw, to the effect that that gentleman intended to institute proceedings to have the amount allowed to Mr Cheymol as expenses (£IBO s=o refunded to the estate, basing his objections on the ground that the payment was illegal, inasmuch as the consent of the debtor had not been obtained to it. Mr Graham added that Mr Travers, whom be had consulted on the matter, agreed that if the consent of the debtor had not been obtained payment was illegal. A dividend of 7s 6d had been declared, and would of course have ta be paid, but the expenses incurred by Mr Cheymol would have to be deducted from the individual dividends. In reply to questions, the Official Assignee said be had not yet received from Melbourne the amount of the steamer ticket taken out by the debtor. The sale of jewellery had given a return of £4B 15s 6d. It was further stated that nothing had been discovered as to whether the debtor bad left any money in Melbourne. The first instalment of £25, part of the stake of £IOO a side, to be rowed for by George Harrington and William Hearn, was pai 1 over by Mr E. C. Batkin to Mr H int, M.H.R., at the Occidental Hotel laßt Friday . evening, and the articles of agreement were signed by Hearn, Harrington having already signed and paid his deposit some time back. The articles provide that the race shall be rowed over a course of three and a half miles, at Riverton on January 2 next, according to the Oxford and Cambridge rules, as approved of by the London boat clubs. Captain John Tall, harbormaster at Riverton, on whose behalf Mr HiiHt acted last Fiiday, is appointed. stakeholder. The second deposit of £25 is to be paid on November SO and the .balance (£SO) on December 25. The race is to be started by mutual consent, but if the men do not start ten minutes after coming to the post they will be started by the referee, who is to be appointed at the time of the final deposit. lbe referee shall also have the power to postpone the race, if the state of the weather should necessitate doing so. £25 expenses will be allowed to Hearn by his rival.

The two representatives of the Government in the Legislative Council (Hons. P. A. Buckley and Reynolds) would appear to resemble the traditional small birds who do not agree in their little nests. As a rule, when the Colonial Secretary votes with the ayes on a Bill his colleague records bis voice with the noes -’and when Mr Reynolds offers his support to a motion, Mr Buckley elects to oppose it Last Fiiday, in the course ef a debate on a Bill introduced by Mr Wilson, that gentleman said that the measure had received the support of the Premier, who wished to see it pass, and therefore he was surprised at the deter- - mined opposition offered to it by Mr Reynolds. As soon as opportunity offered, the latter hop. gentleman rose, and expressed a desire to inform the Hon. Mr Wilson that he did nt care tuppence whether the Bill was supported by the Premier or not.” Subsequently he used a saving sentence, !• the effect tha r Stout did not support the Bill as the represeni tative of the Government. “ Surely Mr Key* nolds i 3 not in the Government, |is he . said Mr Wilson. “ Oh, but he is,” replied Hon. Mr Miller ; “of course he is.’’ Here the matter was allowed to drop.

It ha 3 been decided to hold a tournament in Dunedin in January next, open to all players in Australia and New Zealand, to decide the Draughts Championship of Australasia There will also be at the same time a special match between the players ef New Zealand and a combined team of the playerß of the Australian colonies.

The Waipoua Brewery buildings, which were untenanted except by a caretaker were burnt to the ground at 4 o’clock on Saturday morning. They were insured for £6so.in the National, part of this being reinsured ip the New Zealand. The origin of the fire is unknown, but it is supposed that some ewagsmen had taken refuge there. Mr Caselberg, of Masterton, is the owner of the property. The Colonial Secretary intimated, at last Friday’s sitting of the Legislative Council, that a report had been received from the Inspector of Police at Greymoutb, to .the effect that informations had been laid against twelve persons engaged in the cockfight of which so much has been heard, and that convictions were expected in each case. The announcement was received by the Council with evident satisfaction.

A serious burst of a water main took place last night week, shortly before 8 o’clock, at the corner of Waring Taylor and Featherstonstreets. In a few minutes the force of the water broke the crown of the road, and formed a hole about twenty feet long by eight or ten feet broad, out of which the stream flowed with startling velocity, forming a miniature whirlpool. The noise of the rushing water attracted people from Lambton-quay, and before the flow was stopped the streets in its vicinity were deluged. A well-attended special service was held at the Jewish Synagogue on Sunday afternoon to celebrate the 100th birthday of Mr Moses Montefiore. The Rer. Mr Van Staveren preached a sermon on the text, Wealth and pleasure,” and argued that the good things of this world were meant to be enjoyed by mankind, and could, in the hands of a man like Sir Moses Montefiore, whose munificent, acts of benevolence are too well known to need description, be the means of doing a great amount of good. It would be interesting to learn for what reason Domesday Book, about which so much has been said and written, has not been laid on the table of the House of Representatives. \Ve understand that it has been printed and bound for three months past. It is somewhat strange that Sir George Grey, at whose suggestion the costly work was undertaken, has not thought fit to make inquiries respecting it. Is it possible that the information contained id the book can have any special bearing on the railway proposals of the Government ?

The inhabitants of Featherston are complaining sadly, writes our correspondent, at not having a resident Registrar of Brirths and Deaths here. It seems preposterous that people should have to travel eight miles to Grey town to register a birth or death. 1 think our member, Mr Buchanan, if spoken to, would move in the matter ; anyway, it is a necessity, and the Government should grant the request at once. Another grievance we are suffering from is the want of a second Justice of the Peace. I knew an instance last week of a person here waiting three days to make a declaration in consequence of the only Justice of the Peace being in town. Surely that might be granted. The chairman of our Town and County Road Board could well act in that capacity.

-According to netvs received from Jackson’s Head by the steamers Stella and Mohaka, a large quantity of cargo has been recovered f r( .m the wreck of the Lastingham at that place. Although the state of the weather up to the present only permitted the work to be carried on for two half days, about 38 cases of corrugated iron, a cask of chain, 120 bundles of hoop-iron, and several ca3es of beer and whisky have been got out of her. She ib now lying on one side, 38ft from the outer edge of the rocka, the highest part of her bulwarks being about six feet below the surface of the water. She has broken into two pieces,, and lies in a very favorable position for the divers to get at the railway iron. The Mohaka was over there from 8.30 to 10 am on Sunday, and arrived here that evening with a full cargo of the recovered goods.

Our Featß&rston correspondent writes : The annual examination of the Featherston School commenced on Monday morning, 20th instant, and was continued through Tuesday and part of Wednesday. At the conclusion, Mr Lee, the inspector, stated that the school had passed a good examination, notwithstanding that there had been a change in the teaching staff during the year. He also took occasion to compliment the scholars on their good conduct, and added that they gave him no trouble as an inspector, inasmuch as there was no attempt at copying. The following candidates were successful in passing : Standard I. —E. AtkinsoD, L. Jaseley, S. Han wick, Maggie Murphy, S. Mann, N. McDougall, F. Moore, J. Robertson, M. Spackman, M. Worsley, E. .Worsley, Alfred Anderson, W. Atkinson, W- Benton, J- Burt, K# Burt, O. Bezar, E. Cording, H. Cundy, L. Hannam, J. Kensey, J. Lawry, C. Scippage, Augustus Lorßtenson, H. Urquhart, A. Viles, G. Whiteman. Standard 11. —A. Abbott, W. Abbott, W. Bunny, H. Lurlong, E. Hodder, S. Murphy, F. O’Neale, T. Saunders, E. Shirley, S. Smith, G. Toogood, G. Lorstenson, H. Willis, J. Woodman, J. Worsley, G. Yule, K. Abbott, A. Bennett, L. Bunting, G. Cundy, M. Fellingham, F. Hunwick, M. Keys, N. McSbane, E. Monckton, A. Murphy, S. Riddick, R. Sheen, B. Spackman, S. Webb. Standard lII.—H. Bezar, J. Craig, G. Keilingham, W. Judd, Lewis Keys, Henry Murphy, C. Reid, C. Speakman, A. Viles, W. Willis. H. Anderson, B. Burt, B. Donald, E. MoncktoD, C. McSbane, N. Riddick, C. Willis. Standard IV. —B. Bunny, C. Burt, F. Bezar, T. Greatbatcb, J. Jacksor, B. Keys, A. Keys, S. McDougall, D. Robertson, W, Smith, E. Toogood, R. Vennell, to. Whitworth, J. Fry, A. Knight, N. Monckton, G. Yule, A. Burt, iV. Viles, D. Donald. Standard V.—G. Coe, J. McDougall, F. Monckton, E. Saunders, R. Yule, A. Bennett, F. Bunting. Standard VI. —E. Bunny, O. Bunny, •N. Bunting, J. McDougall, A. Locker, A. Toogood, A. Keys, and Kate Riddick. Out of the above candidates fiftyfive were said to have made “strong ” passes. Better results have been obtained at this examinations than for many years past ; in fact, since Mr Girr left the district.

The office of the Engineer for' Public ] Works, Pipitea Point, has been connected J with the Telephone Exchange under letter E, I No. 160.

Mr W. A. Thomson, manager for the Equitable’Life Assuranoe Society of United States, was a passenger from Auckland by the Wairarapa on Sunday. Messrs Arthur Warburton and Co. report the following returns of amalgam from the Reefton mines for the week : Welcome, 6150 z; Keep-It-Dark, 3190 z ; Fiery Cross, 210 oz ; iDkerman, 3350 z ; Globe, 1370 z. We notice by the report of the examiners of the September Law Examination, that Mr John Thompson is the only successful candidate from Wellington. Mr Thompson is managing clerk to Mr E. Shaw, the wellknown barrister of this city.

By the s.s. Hauroto two natural wonders arrived from Sydney on Sunday. They consist of a full grown horse only seven hands high, and a cow with five horns, and were sent on to Christchurch to be exhibited there. I hey will be on view here on their return from the Bouth.

News by telegraph was received in town last Friday recording the death by drowning of Mr Decimus Atkinson, brother of Maj >r Atkinson, by the upsetting of a boat at Pabi, in the province of Auckland, about eighty-mne miles from the city. The many friends of Major Atkinson will heartily sympathise with him in his loss.

Volume XV. of “ Proceedings of the Royal Colonial Institute ”is to hand. The book is an exceedingly interesting one, containing, as it does, papers bearing on the political and social phases of colonial life. Amongst the subjects treated are “ The Education of the South African Tribes “ The Australasian Dominion,” by R. Murray Smith, Esq., C M.G. ; “The Mineral Wealth of Queensland,” by C. S. Dicken, Esq. ; “ Seventeen Years in the Canadian North-West,” by A. Begg, Esq. ; “ Irrigation in Ceylon—Ancient and Modem,” by J. R. Mosse, Ksq. ; and “The Straits Settlement and British Malays, by Sir Fred. A. Weld, K.C.M.G.

The Rev David McNeill, who has fulfilled the ministerial duties of St James Presbyterian Church, Newtown, during the past eighteen months, leaves this week for Canterbury, and a number of his friends considered his approaching departure a fitting opportunity to tender him some tangible token of the feelings with which he is regarded by them. Accordingly a deputation waited upon Mr McNeill at his residence last Friday afternoon, and in the name of the subscribers presented him with a small souvenir as a mark of the respect and esteem entertained towards him by those to whom he has ministered daring the period mentioned, and at the same time assured him that, while regreting the necessity for his departure to another sphere of labor, pleasure was felt at the prospect of his filling a more important position, and that the best wishes of his friends here would follow him in his future career. Mr McNeill warmly expressed his acknowledgments of the kind feelings entertained towards him.

The following applications for patents have been made :—For improvements in oresmelting furnaces, for an improved process of treating finely-divided auriferous and argentiferous material prior to smelting it, and for improvements in the construction of air-blast smelting furnaces, J. D. La Monte, Surreystreet, Darlinghurst, N.S.W., metallurgist ; for improvements in apparatus for shearing sheep, Frederick York Wolseley, Walgett, N.S. W., gentleman, and R, P. Park, Yaria Bank, Melbourne, engineer ; for an invention for a movable and portable machine, whereby the force of the wind is utilised for the propulsion or drawing of various agricultural implements over the land, for the purpose of ploughing, harrowing, &c., H. Chamberlain, Auckland ; for an invention for the purpose of copying writings, plans, drawings, designs, music, &c., called the “Berrygraph,” J. Berry, Suva, Fiji; for an improvement in hydraulic universal joints for gold mining and other purposes whereby the full flow of water can be obtained through the joint in any position, J. Anderson and A. Morrison, both of Dunedin, New Zealand, metal merchants and engineers ; for improvement in apparatus and appliance for warming and ventilating private and public buildings by steam and hot water, F. H. Asbury, Dunedin, heating and. ventilating engineer ; for an improvement in wire strawers, by making them hollow, to admit of a key in the end, and for an invention for self-adjust-able stops on wire strainers, VV. Wells and G. W Sturgess, both of Sydenham, Canterbury, engineers; for an invention for washing clothes, &c., to be called “Smith’s Lightning Washer” A. W. Smith, Riccarton, Canterbury, mechanical engineer; for an improved union-spring stretcher, for bedsteads, &c W J. Dalton, Auckland, civil engineer.

The members of the Wellington Rugby Football Union, together with a number of friends, met on Saturday evening at the Post Office Hotel to witness and take part in the interesting ceremony of presenting to the Wellington members of the New Zealand team of footballers who distinguished themselves in Sydney tome little time ago, and trophies to locally competing teams. lathe absence of Mr W. H. Levin, Dr Hutchinson took the chair, and in a characteristic speech, full of interest to his on his favorite theme—athletics. He urged the formation of a strong athletic union which would enfold the youth of the city, and the erection of a building where healthy exercise and amusement could be obtained at night in all weather. He was listened to with great. attention by a thoroughly sympathetic audience, who frequently applauded his well-chosen and happy remarks The medals, which bear the Maori inscription, “May your strength be everlasting,” were then, with appropriate sentence?, presented to Messrs Webb, Roberts, Dumbell, and Davy, Mr Udy, the other representative not being present. The trophies were presented as follow Senior cup, Athletic Club; junior cup, Wellington Clubs second Fifteen : Asher Cup, Foneke Club. The recipients suitably responded. Dunng.the eveniog a number of songs and recitations were given by our best known amateurs. Mr Foster of the Marionette Company, was also present, and gave some pianoforte selections in a masterly style. The evening was one of the most enjoyable ever spent in connection with athletics in the city.

A so ; ree given at the Oddfellows’ Hall, Featherston, last Friday evening, passed off most successfully, about sixty couples being present. The proceeds go towards paying for the piano lately obtained for the hall by the Unity Lodge of Oddfellows.

“ Ivo ” delivered a lecture at the Lyceum Sunday evening on “ Chinese Gordon and the Taeping Rebellion.” There was a good audience, and the lecture was well appreciated. During the evening selections of music were performed by the Freethought Band. The entries for the Wellington Jockey Club’s Spring Meeting, which appear in our sporting column, are highly satisfactory. The numbers are unusually large, 24 entries having been received for the big events. It is worthy of note that the once great Mata appears in the list.

The rifle match fired on Saturday afternoon by teams representing the Napier Rifles and the Wellington City Rifles, resulted in a victory for the Napier men by 14 points. The total score of the City Rifles was 422, Volunteer Bowie making the highest score with 64 points. The Auckland men did not fire. In London an association has been formed, the title of which is, “ The People’s League for the Abolition of the Hereditary Legislative Chamber.” The movement began with a design to reform the Upper House, but after much discussion it was decided the object of the league should be the abolition of the House of Lords, and not its reform. Mr Todd, the chief officer of the s.s. Hauroto, who, it will be remembered, had hia leg injured by the kick of a horse at Lyttelton some time back, and was subsequently laid up in Sydney from that cause, returned to New Zealand by that steamer on Sunday. He has not yet resumed hia duties, but goes on to Dunedin, the headquarters of the Union Steamship Company. A meeting of the Committee of the Wellington Regatta Club was held at the Pier Hotel Monday evening, Mr Martin Chapman occupying the chair. The bal-ance-sheet to be presented at the annual general meeting on Monday next was submitted, and it was notified that all subscribers to the regatta fund are members of the club. It is stated that Mr Seed, Secretary of Customs, has been granted an extended leave of absence, on account of ill-healtb, and that he will proceed to England by the s.s. Doric. Lieut Colonel Reader, Under-Secretary for Defence, was a passenger for Nelson by the Wanaka on Monday afternoon, leave of absence have been granted to him also on account of ill-health.

We have to acknowledge the jeceipt from Messrs Cazneau and Connolly of the first two of a series of photographed caricatures, illustrative of the political situation as far as it has been developed. We understand that the series will be continued till the prorogation, and will constitute a sort of comic pictorial history of the second session of 1884. Many of the likenesses of our more prominent politicians are admirable, and the pictures are capitally designed. There will probably be a rush to secure copies, and early application is therefore advisable. The publishers are Messrs Cazaeau and Connolly, the well-known photographers. By cable we learn that news has reached Sydney that the s.s. Chang Chow, bound from Newcastle to Hongkong, has been wrecked on the coast of Queensland. Her passengers and crew have been saved. It will be remembered that the Chang Chow arrived at this port from Foochow, via Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland, on September 22, and left on September 24 for Hongkong, via Port Chalmers and Sydney. When she left Wellington she had twenty-five Chinese passengers on board, but this number would no doubt be largely supplemented ere she finally left Australia. She was a vessel of 1109 tons, and was commanded by Captain Young. Messrs Johnston and Co. were the Wellington agents of the Bteamer, which belonged to the China Steam Navigation Company. The death of so well known a citizen and old colonist as Mr Peter Laing, which event took place early on Saturday morning, naturally created Siime astonishment and regret, particularly as the deceased gentleman had ever shown a sympathetic, generous disposition, and was in consequence universally liked. It appears that Mr Laing, who had not been very well for a fortnight previous, and who bad, on the advice of his medical adviser, been sojourning at his residence, Bloomfield, at the Lower Hutt, for a few days, retired to re3t on his town premises in apparently good spirits about 9 o’clock on Friday ‘ night, having just returned from a stro'l with his manager (Mr PhelpsJ. One of the assistants (Joseph Hancock) was deputed to wait on his master during the night, should his services be required. Hancock, after seeing Mr Laing asleep, lay down to re3t, and was awakened shortly before 4 o’clock by hearing a noise comiDg from his master. Hurrying over to the couch, he found Mr Laing in a fit. The foreman of the bakehouse was immediately despatched for medical aid, and Dr Diver was quickly in attendance, but arrived too late to be of any assistance, death from apoplexy ensuing within a minute or two of his arrival. It is said that the deceased gentleman had a similar fit some two years ago. Mr Laiug, who is understood to have been a bachelor, was some thirty-five years of age when he landed in Wellington from the ship Mariner, in the year 1849, and immediately started in business as a pastrycook and confectioner, in the well-known shop on Lambton-quay, distinguished of late years as the “ Red Hoase.” His skill as a pastrycook and wedding-cake manufacturer soon attracted customers, while his genial manners secured him many friends. Many a marriage feast his hands prepared, and many a delicate palate his toothsome dainties tempted when all else failed. He was a steady, reliable patren of the drama and music, and was in consequence a well-known habitue of the theatre. .lie was reputed to be somewhat wealthy, but we have it on good authority that he died comparatively a poor mao. It was also thought that he had no relatives in the colony, but we are informed that a younger brother is still out here who has been engaged in various pursuits, mostly of a mining description. Deceased had attained his 73rd birthday on the day previous to his demise. His remains were interred in the Presbyterian portion of the cemetery on Sunday afternoon, and were attended by a large and thoroughly representative concourse of people

It is notified by the telegraphic authorities that on and from the Ist prox., the telegraph office at Ealing County, Ashburton, will be closed.

The trust deed, placing the Basin Reserve under the control of the City Council, having been signed for some time, it i 3 . very strange that the Cricketers’ Association, which was so anxious to obtain some definite protection for the work intended to be carried out oa the reserve, seems to have let the matter drop. It will be remembered that a deputation from the association waited on the Public Works Committee some time back in reference to the trust deed, and it is now desirable that the association should ascertain its position with regard to the ground without further delay. There are some scoundrels in Greytown who deserve the lash, says the Standard. Last week Mr Andrew Young,, tailor of Greytown, gave evidence in a case in which a person was charged with disturbing a meeting of the Salvation Army. He spoke pretty plainly what he thought of the individual in question, and from a conversation overheard by a resident afterwards, it is believed Mr Young has been the victim of an act of spite. On Saturday night, between 12 and 1 o’clock, the windows of both his establishments were smashed in, sixteeu panes of glass being broken. It is probable that the perpetrator knew that the local constable wa9 engaged at another part of the town with a Maori, and so took advantage of this fact. The outrage has created a feeling of indignation on all sides.

In the Legislative Council on Monday, Hon, Mr Waterhouse pointed out that an important Ministerial statement had been made in another branch of the Legislatnre. It was usual, he continued, when such a statement was made in one chamber for reference to be made to it in the other branch of the Legislature, and he would, therefore, ask whether the representatives of the Givernment had any statement to make- The Colonial Secretary asked what statement was alluded to. Hon. Mr Waterhouse replied that the statement he referred to appeared in the Press, and had been read by the Premier from a printed slip. Hon. Mr Buckley : I know nothing about it. Mr Waterhouse thereupon remarked that it was evident that the statement had not been considered in Cabinet.

The second daylight parade of the Garrison volunteers took place on Monday morning, the reveille being sounded at 4 o'clock. The various companies fell in at 5 o’clock, at the Mount Cook Barracks, and were marched to the Basin Reserve. Prior to the general drill, the band, officers, and non-commissioned officers were inspected by the adjutant. After the march past, Major Butts exercised the men in the new skirmishing drill adopted by the British army. The following companies were represented c—Navals, Lieut. Hislop, 42 rank and file; City Rifles, Captain Crowe and Lieut. Walden, 40 ; Guards, Captain Loveday and Lieuts. Tayton and Coogan, 40 ; Wellington Rifles, Captain Shannon and Lieut. Steele, 25. The Artillery, with 42, fell ip at the Drillshed, and were in command of Captain McCredie and Lieut. Lyon.

The Beet Root Sugar Bill, introduced by Sir Julius Vogel, provides that the Colonial Treasurer shall pay out of the consolidated fund one half-penny per pound on the first 1000 tons of sugar produced from beet root or sorghum in the colony. It is further stipulated that no duty shall be levied for fifteen years on sugar produced in . the colony from beet root or sorghum grown in the colony, while the present import duty of one half-penny per pound continues ; but, if the latter duty is increased, an excise duty may be levied on sugar produced in the colony, always providing that the excise duty on the local article is one half-penny less than the import duty. In the event of the import duty being reduced or removed during the next fifteen years a bonus equivalent to such reduction is to be paid to persons producing sugar in the colony. The Hon. Mr Mantell was to have asked the Colonial Secretary in the Legislative Council Monday, a question as to whether the present arrangements for punishing prisoners for offences committed in the gaols of the colony were sufficient to prevent a recurrence of such punishments as were formerly inflicted, notably in Dunedin. Hon. Mr Mantell, however, asked, and obtained leave tc withdraw the question, explaining that he understood a member of the Council wished to make a personal explanation. Hon. Captain Fraser thereupon rose, and indignantly questioned the right of Hon. Mr Mantell to make such a statement as that just delivered. He proceeded to explain his action in connection with the Dunedin Gaol, quoting Hansard to show that he had many years ago urged that such reformation should be made iu the prison regulations as would relieve visiting justices of the power to impose sentences of imprisonment for prison offences. Hon. Mr Mantell subsequently explained that his object in putting the queation had simply been to ascertain whether the anticipations of the Royal Commission which reported on the subject had been realised.

We have received a copy of a very admirable work by J. H. Kerry-Nicholls, entitled “ The King Country,’’ being a" record of the journeying and observations of the writer over eight hundred miles of the more interesting parts of the North Island of New Zealand. The volume is royal octavo, in cloth, printed in large type, is profusely illustrated, .while the style of the author is free and entertaining, disclosing the faculty of cljse and accurate observation. He has visited every place of note in the North Island, and has given to his readers a wonderfully faithful description of all he saw. Mr Nicholls’ wanderings, were also guided by the higher objects of science, and these he has served truthfully and well. His book has gone the rounds of. the English Press, and has met with nothing but good words from our British contemporaries. To quote one, the London Daily Telegraph—- >« Mr Kerry-Nicholls has made a very successful journey, and has placed tha result before the world in a graphically-written volume, valuable fir its scientific data, and amu-ing to the general reader on account of its lively sketches of little known tribes and store of humorous anecdote. Of special interest are the descriptions of a journey through the marvellously interesting region familiarly known as the wonderland of New Zealand, and the - exploration of the King Country.” The well-known publishers Sampsod, Low, Marston and Co., London, launched the work upon the sea of public opinion.

It will be observed frum a notice of the Ministerial caucus that the Wellington College Reserves Confirmation Bill is among the measures which the Government have elected to proceed with. The Auckland Star says that a Mr W. W. Crawford has made, application for letters patent to be issued for a factory refrigerator butter package invented by him. This is intended for conveying pats of butter from the factories to the storekeepers in a hard and firm condition in the ho test summer weather. Those stoiekeepers who have been compelled in previous summers to buy butter in a liquid state will probably appreciate this boon. The police have met with a difficulty in connection with the charge of horse-stealing preferred against Irwin Stephen. It appears that the animal, which was alleged to have beau stolen at Otaki, is an aged grey back, and no trace whrtever is to be found of it. The accused, who would appear-to be possessed of considerable shrewdness, obstinately refuses to give any information, knowing that by so doing he would lay himself open to conviction.

A well attended general meeting of shareholders in the Lastingham Salvage Company (Limbed), was held on Tuesday evening, for the purpose of electing directors, &c. Mr Hasell occupied the chair, and Mr W. Bishop, junior, officiated as secretary. The following gentlemen were elected directors :—Messrs Travers, Bishop, Hasell, Flockton, Leech, and Captain Eckford (of the Mofcaha). Messrs Collins and Martell: were appointed auditors. After a lengthy discussion on the position of the wreck and the mode of working, during which it was stated that about £l5O worth of cargo had been brought over by the Mohaka, and that additional divers’ dresses were expected to arrive on til a Fiiday next, the meeting terminated. The usual weekly meeting of the Benevolent Society was held at the Council Chambers on Tuesday afternoon. Present—Mr George Allan, in the chair, Rev. Messrs Hinton, Redwood, and Van Staveren, Messrs Warded, 8.M., J. E. Smith and B. Smith. A communication was received from the police regarding ihs two-year-old child of a woman sentenced to a term of imprisonment for larceny. The child had, up to the present, been in charge of a woman who brutally illtreated it. It was resolved to request the Ladies’ Committee to look after the matter. A man who had got a situation up country through ihe society, wrote expressing his satisfaction with the place. The case of the deaf and dumb saddler who wanted a passage to Auckiaud again come before the committee. After some discussion, no action was taken. The case of an old man seventy years of age, who was out of employment, but was perfectly willing to work, was then considered, and it was,resolved to keep him for a few days until employment was found for him. The" celebrated “Ministerial statement’’ cropped up iu the Legislative Council on Tuesday afternoon, when the Hon. Mr McLean, having moved the adjournment of the Council, alluded in strong terms to the odium east upon the chamber in consequence of the statement. He refused to believe, however, that it referred to the Council, but rather inclined to the opinion that it had been meant to bring the Government party under subjection. He quoted figures to show that the North Island members had not been in a majority against measures affecting the Middle Island, instancing the District Railways Leasing and Purchasing Bill, on which seven members from each island had voted with the noes. There were 24 Middle Island members in the chamber, as against 22 North Island members. He did not object to people getting out of difficulties by back ways, but he did object to bad motives being imputed to the Council. Hon. Mr Buckley, who denied that he had said on the previous day that he knew nothing about the statement, 3aid the “statement” did not reflect on the Council. He added that no one recognised more fully than he did the rights of the Council. The matter then dropped.

The latest of Sir Julius Vogel’s financial projects, says the Melbourne Leader, as regards its daring and magnitude, would do credit to the celebrated John Law, whose schemes wrought such ruin in France and elsewhere a century and a half ago. It is designated the South Sea Islands Scheme. The writer, after describing the proposals of the Bill, goes on to say :— lt is difficult to realise how any public man or statesman could have the temerity to propound a proposition of this nature —one which virtually involves the Government of the colony in a commercial speculation of colossal proportions. The immediate effect of floating such a venture must be to excite a widespread spirit of gambling in the community. Adventurers from all parts will flock to the colony to dabble in scrip, while few persons except under the most favorable conditions will settle in the islands so as to bring about a permanent trade. The shares rendered buoyant by the Government guarautee will be trafficked iu by the knowing outs. The capital -will probably be squandered, operations carried on at a loss, and finally the bubble, like many similar, will burst, leaving the unfortunate shareholders lamenting. A caucus of Ministerial supporters was held Tuesds v, about 47 members being at one time present. It was decided to proceed with the following Bills : —Codlin Moth Bill, Road Boards ' Act Amendment Bill, Westland Education District Subdivision Bill, River Boards Bill, West Coast Settlement Reserve= Act Amendment Bill, Land Act, 1877 Amendment Bill, Life Assurance Policies Bill, Civil List Act Amendment Bill, h'imher Floating Bill, Impounding Bill, Consolidated Stock Bill, Production of BeetSu~'ar Encouragement Bill, Native Lands Settlement Bilk Animals Protection Act, 1830. Amendment Bill, Sheep Act, 1878, Amendment Bill, and the Wellington College Reserves Confirmation Bill. The resolution in reference to the purchase of the. district railways was aLo considered. The discussion lasted "a long time, and it seemed for a while that no definite conclusion would be arrived at. There was a remarkable absence of unauimitv, but it was evident that the. Government still desired to be put in a position to nesetiate with the companies during the recess. A resolution to support the Colonial Treasurer's motion was finally carried, but 16 out cf the 42 present voted against it. Many bslieve that the motion will be either greatly modified or abandoned. ft is said that an effort will be made to bring the cession to a close next week.

The cable authorities notify that the Turkish route is clear.

A poll of the ratepayers on the Te Aro reclamation question will take place on November 6.

The motion for the second reading of the S'-uth Sea Trading Bill was negatived Tuesday evening by 39 votes to 28.

A special meeting of the Public Works Committee of the City Council was held Monday night. No business of any importance was, however, transacted.

At a special meeting of the Featherston School Committee, held on Saturday evening (writes our correspondent), it vva3 resolved to nominate Mr Young to the vacant seat on the Education Board.

Sergeant-Major Goodall left for Hawera on Monday, to attend the criminal sittings there. During his absence Sergeant Price will take his place and conduct the police prosecutions in Court.

The editor of the London Sportsman received an official communication authorising him to challenge either Edward Hanlan, of Toronto, or William Beach, of Australia, to row John Teemer in England for £SOO a side. Mr Seddon’s motion on Monday evening to recommit the Police Offences Bill with the object of striking out the 13th clause, referring to Sunday trading, was negatived by 59 votes to 16.

Women’s rights are being asserted in an unexpected branch of industry. Garotte robberies by women are becoming common in Dublin, and in London several highway robberies by females have lately been committed.

A special general meeting of the New Zealand Institute will be held in the Museum Hall to-morrow, when Admiral R. A. E. Scott, R.N., will deliver a lecture on “The Development of the Industrial Resources of New Zealand.’’ His Excellency the Governor will take the chair.

In the Legislative Council Tuesday evening, Hou. Mr Chamberlin, speaking on the Greymouth Harbor Board Bill, remarked, while alluding to the probable coal export trade of the colony, that they could not send coal to India. “ Why not,” said an hon. member. “Because,’’ replied Mr Chamberlin, “it is sufficiently warm there.”

The Minister for Public Works, in reply to Dr. Newman, on Tuesday, who asked whether the Government would at once proceed with the construction of the North Island trunk line, beginning at Mastertou as well as Te Awamutu, said that as soon as the construction of the line was authorised by Parliament the matter referred to would be dealt with in the ordinary way.

We notice by the telegrams' that the Premier’s house, or washhouse, in Dunedin has been broken into and a supply of starch stolen. It is fortunate that the occurrence did not take place at the Ministerial residence in Wellington, as, after the various rebuffs of the la3t few days, the Premier is likely to need all the starch he can lay his hands on to enable him to show a fair front till the end of the session.

A gentleman at Auckland, who arrived by the Zealandia, and who has been travelling on the Continent, states that it is estimated there is a falling off in the expenditure by tourists ou the Continent, through the cholera scare, of thirty millions sterling. In Switzerland, where the hotelkeepers depend solely on foreign visitors for their living, many of them are completely ruined, A telegram has been received from the AgentGeneral that Mr Herbert Inglis, of Canterbury College, has beeu successful in the competition 0 for the Gilchrist Scholarship. He is stated to be “in the Honors division ” in the matriculation examination of the London University, and his name has been sent to the Gilchrist trustees as the winner. There were five candidates. Mr Ingliß is, we understand, son of Mr John iDglis, of whose death in England intelligence recently reached the colony.

A smart piece of work was recently accomplished by a native (says the Napier Telegraph). Immediately after a number of summonses had been issued against him, he went round to several of the tradespeople who had issued the “blue pills” against him and squared the amounts, without, however, satisfying the costs incurred. His Worship, when appealed to, said if people took money in such cases without receiving their costs, he would not allow the latter later on. Moral—never accept moneys after issuing a summons except through your solicitor. The question of setting apart 10,000 acres of land near the Catlin River as a special settlement for Highland Cfofters occupied the attention of the House when in Committee on the Laud Act Amendment Bill Tuesday night, and the opinions expressed by hou. members were extremely diverse. For instance, Mr Seddon objected to the reserve being made, as he considered that no portion of the waste lauds of the colony should be set apart for any particular body of persons. The hoD. gentlemen argued that a settlement might just as well be provided for the Irish who have been evicted by the landlords, or for poor Englishmen, or even for needy cfjilorusts. Another hon. member (Mr Rollestoh) took the view that it would be far better to bring. the crofters to the colony, and, on their arrival, permit them to seek a home in the country in v.’hatever part they liked at thenown sweet will. Mr Macandrew, as a matter of course, favored the notion in favor of the crofters, to whom he gave the character of being not only thrifty and hard-working, but also exceedingly prolific, which special qualification for colonisation, he considered, ought to be taken into the favorable consideration of the House. Mr W. Whyte remarked that he thought the clause would have the effect of reintroducing the principle of free immigration iu its worst feature. After a discussion of about two hours’ duration, the clause with a verbal amendment was agreed to. Arnold’s Balsam of Horehound.—Nothing so quickly cure Coughs, Bronchitis, Asthma, Loss of Voice, and Weak Chest as this Balsam. One dose gives instant relief. Taken at bedtime, it insures repose and greatly strengthens both chest and voice. Ask for “ Ainods,” and get it. Spurious imitations are sometimes offered. Agents in Wellington—Messrs Barra ud & Son, Lam' ton Quay and Mr H. Brittain, Manners-street; Wholesale, The New Zealand Drug Co. —[Adyt.]