NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4146, 4 July 1874, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

SUMMARY FOR THE MONTH. JUKfE-JULY, 1874. [For transmission by the IC.M.S. City of Adelaide, via San Francisco .] Wellington, July 4. The General Assembly of New Zealand met yesterday, for the business of the session. The address of His Excellency the Governor will be foimd in another column. It will be seen that the Ministerial programme is indicative of work of a practical character, and that it is hoped the session may be a short one, not enduring beyond a couple of months. The following is a list of the members of the House of Representatives, It will be seen that there is one seat vacant, that for Waitemata, which will probably bo filled shortly by Mr. Yon der Hyde : —■ The following is a list of the members of the House of Representatives ; NAME. ELECTORAL DISTRICT. Andrew, J. C Wairarapa Atkinson, ft. A .. .. Egmont Bell, Sir F. IX .. .. Nlataura (Speaker) Bluett, W. J. O Coleridge Bradshaw, J. B Wakaia Brandon, A. be I». .. Wellington Country District Brown, J. C. .. .. Tuapeka Brown, J. E. .. ~ Ashley Bryce, J Wanganui Buckland, W. T Franklin Bunny, H Wairarapa Carrington, F. A. .. Grey and Bell Creighton, R. J Eden Curtis, O Nelson City Cuthrertson, J. R. Invercargill Fitziterbert, Hon. W,, C. ]M.G. .. Hutt Fox. Hon. W Kangitikci GiuusT, W. .. .. .. Collingwood Gillies, J. L. .. .. Waikouaiti Gillies, T. B Auckland City West Harrison, W. H Grey Valley Hunter. G Wellington City Ingles, 11. A. .. .. Cheviot Jackson, W. ~ .. Waikato Johnson, W. W Manawatu Katene, Hon. W.. .. Northern Maori Kelly, T New Plymouth Town Kelly, W East Coast Kenny. C. W. A. T. .. Picton

Buckie, B. M Xelson City Mu'ameumv, J. .. .. Port Chalmers May, J I’ninklin McGilliveay, L Eiverton M((;i.A.-n\N, E Boslyn McLean, Hon. 8,. C.M.G. Xapicr Mervyn. B, H. ~ .. Mount Ida Montgomery, AV Akaroa Munro. J MarsUeu Murray, AV. A Bruce O'Conor, E. J Buller O’Xetll, C. .. Thames Ormond, J. B Clive O’Borke, Hon. G. M. .. Onehunga Paeata, Hon. W' ’Western Maori Parker, C Motueka Parker, G. B Gladstone Pearce. E. Wellington City Pyke. V Wakatipn Beeves, W. .. .. Selwvn Beid, B. .. .. .. Taierl Reynolds, Hon. AT. H. .. Bnnedin City Bichardson. Hon. B. .. Christchurch City West Richmond, A. J Xelson Suburbs Kolleston, AV Avon Seymour, A. P Wairan Skceiian, J. .. ~ Bodney Sum*hard, J. ~ .. AA’aimea Shetherd. T. L Bnnstan Stafford, Hon. E. AV. .. Timam Steward. AV. J AVaitakl Studholme. J Kaiapoi Swanson, W Newton Taiaroa, H. K Southern Maori Taxamoana, K. .. .. Eastern Maori Thomson, J. AY Clutha Tolmie, AV. A Caversham Tribe, G. H. .. .. Totara A'ooel, Hon. J., C.M.G... Auckland City East AVakefield, E. J. .. Christchurch 'City East AVales, N. Y. A. .. .. Bnnedin City Webb, H. E. .. .. Lyttelton AA’eimteb, G. .. .. AVallace AAltriE, J Hokitika AVih.iams, J. AV Monjonui and Bay of Islands Wn.i.lAMsoN, J Auckland City AVest Wilson, Sir J. C., C. 8., K.C.S.l.Heathcoto AA'ood, E. G. .. .. Parnell (V acant) AA'altemata, Some injustice was done to Hia Excellencyin the summary of news for England published last month. It was then stated that Sir James Eergusson was “in parts unknown," having sailed from Auckland in his yacht the Blanche, for a cruise round the northern coast of the North Island, and had not been heard of for some time. His Excellency had then returned to Auckland, though the fact had not been reported by the telegraphic authorities. Sir James Eergusson took occasion while in Auckland, to attend the annual examination of the pupils of the Grammar School, where he presented the prizes to the successful scholars, and delivered an elaborate address, in which he gave expression to views that have since been generally approved, on tbo subjects of high-class education and the instruction of Natives. On his way to Wellington he paid a visit to Nelson, where he was the guest of Mr. Dobson, the first Mayor of that city. H.M.S. Challenger has arrived in the harbor of AVellington, from Sydney. In pursuance of his instructions, Captain Nares made a line of soundings between Port Jackson and Cape Earewell. These showed that the greatest depth between Australia and New Zealand is about 2600 fathoms. The sea deepens rapidly from the coast of New South Wales, hut the bottom is of soft sand, or mud, or ooze, until within three or four hundred miles of the coast of New Zealand. When the Challenger came into soundings of four hundred fathoms the bottom was reported as stony, and the impression is that from that point shorewards the bottom is foul. It is hoped, however, that the Challenger may be able to extend her researches as to the mystery of the sea bottom, along the AVest Coast, that a more favorable line may be found for the laying down of a telegraph cable than that with which Captain Nares has made us acquainted. In the matter of immigration, Wellington has been somewhat unfortunate of late, the ships despatched to this port either having had long voyages ; or, when they have arrived, having been found to have disease on board. Tire Waikato is now over-due. The immigrants who have been landed have had no occasion to regret their determination to try their fortunes in this Colony. They have been readily engaged—men and women, married couples and single people—either in the town or in the country districts; and their coming seems to have improved the labor market rather than otherwise, while the demand for house accommodation has been greatly beyond the supply. This is an evil, however, which probably will soon be cured. An association has been formed for the purpose of building bouses in the City, and the Government have a project in hand—described elsewhere—for the construction of moveable cottages, to bo placed at the service of immigrants who may proceed into the interior. Wages continue high in all branches of trade, as well as of domestic service, and there is no probability—even with the numbers who must now be near at hand—of the market being overstocked. The preliminaries have been arranged for a compact between New Zealand and Tasmania, under which the produce of the two Colonies will bo exchanged without the imposition of duties. This is the first attempt that has been made to introduce a system of free trade between the Colonies, and it may ho hoped that it will lead to better arrangements. South Australia is ready to join in a federal union of this kind ; New South Wales and Tasmania arc willing ; and only Victorian obstinacy and prejudice stand in the way of a union the Australasian Colonies in commercial atters. The situation has not changed during the month as regards the Maori question.

SOCIAL. During the past mouth the following contributions were made to the Colonial Museum Four fantails’ nests, obtained at Picton—Miss Campbell, Sydney Street ; a collection of Maori adzes and flakes, from an ancient camp near the Kakaia River, Canterbury—Survey Staff ; two nests of the mason wasp—one from Mr. Dalrymple, and one from Mr. Golder; a specimen of the rail (Rallus phillippensis)— Mr. A. J. Hadfield; a fish (Plectropoma huntii), from the Chatham Islands, new species—Mr. Hunt; a fish (Manrolicas Australis), new species, from Preservation Inlet'— Sir James Fergussou ; a fish (Haplodactylus meandratus), from Pickersgill Cove, Dusky Sound—Sir James Fergusson. Both these latter specimens were obtained during the cruise of his Excellency’s yacht Blanche, in the mouths of January and February last. Besides these contributions, some valuable specimens of fossils and rock formation, obtained during the summer months by Dr. Hector and Mr. McKay, have been added to the collection in the Museum, but have not yet been arranged through want of accommodation.

The members of the Geological Survey Staff have been so zealous in their field operations during the past summer, that the cubic space available at the Museum proves utterly inadequate to the classification and arrangement of the various geological specimens procured for the purpose of illustrating the character of the country explored. For some time past, the crowded condition of the Museum has impressed upon visitors the fact that the Colonial Museum is miserably deficient in space for display; but the Museum officials are endeavoring to make the best of the means at command, by re-arranging the geological department with a view to economising space. In about a fortnight, the geological specimens recently collected will be displayed in such a manner as to convey a proper idea of the resources of the Colony. This department of the Museum will then afford much information to those members of Parliament who, judging by their speeches of last session, take a great interest in the operations of the Geological Survey Staff. An extraordinary general meeting of the Public Hall Company has been held for the purpose of confirming certain special resolutions, which were carried at a previous extraordinary meeting held on the 4th May. There was a full attendance of shareholders. It was proposed by Dr. Johnston “That the capital of the company be increased to £12,000 by the issue of £5,000 fresh shares of 30s. each, Mr. G. Hunter seconded the motion, which was carried. The next resolution to the following effect was also proposed by Dr Johnston:—“That the directors may employ any portion of the assets of the company in erecting a new building or new buildings upon the laud leased by the company, and may let the same in such manner and upon such terms, or otherwise deal with and manage the same as they shall think best for the interests of the company.” Mr. J. R. George seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. The two-storey building adjoining Wrigglesworth and Binn’s photographic studio, lately occupied by Mr. Miller, confectioner, is shortly to be pulled down to make way for a large mercantile establishment to he erected for Mr. Jacob Joseph. The new premises will be occupied by a mercantile firm who have lately fixed upon Wellington as a favorable field of operations, on account of its central position and the advantages it possesses for carrying on commerce with all the other ports of the Colony. Wellington walkingsticks have always had a peculiar attraction in the eyes of visitors from Australia and elsewhere. It seems that in Dunedin and Christchurch, as well as in Australia, the supplejack has come into general use. A dealer in town has received from a Dunedin firm an order for 1000 sticks, which will probably, after due preparation, find their way into the Melbourne market. The last general meeting of the Wellington Building Society was largely attended, and the report of the secretary as to the business was considered highly satisfactory. The number of shares taken up has reached 1370, and the applications for money are so numerous that the premium established at the starting of the society has been maintained, and from the steady call upon the funds for the purposes of purchasing land and the building of houses, the society appears to be in every way a success.

It may be mentioned as indicating the advantage of the water-supply from the reservoir that several firms in the City have ordered hydraulic engines to supersede hand labor, and, in some cases, steam. The economy of the water-engine is its principal recommendation, but in many other ways—in cleanliness, for instance—it is much preferable to the steam engine. One of these engines will arrive in about a week.

The percentage of births in the AVellington district since the beginning of the present year is fully two-thirds in excess of that of previous years. From the Ist January to the 20th June the number of births registered was 361, the deaths 190, and the marriages 107. During the first two months of the year the number of deaths was somewhat alarming, but with the cessation of the hot weather the average has receded to its normal rate. Hitherto the average of marriages for a year has been about 160, but the record for the present halfyear shows a decided improvement in the matrimonial market.

It is with great regret we announce the death of Mr. John AV. Vanes, from consumption, on June 22. Mr. Vanes came over to AVellington some two mouths ago, in the hope that a more bracing climate than that of Sydney would restore him for a time to better health than he had for some time enjoyed. Since his arrival he has been engaged on the staff of the Wellington Independent and New Zealand Times, having come from Sydney with a high reputation as a shorthand writer and Parliamentary reporter for the Morning Herald. Mr. Vanes was highly educated, and a very talented musician, having acted as organist in many of the Australian churches. In Sydney ho had also been a teacher of mathematics in the College. He was the son of a clergyman in England, but is understood to have had some relatives in the Colony from which ho came to Now Zealand. He was a member of the fraternity of Ereemasons. Though he gained strength after his arrival in AVellington, the hitter weather which has lately prevailed prostrated too much his already enfeebled constitution, and brought on a relapse, from which he never rallied.

Tor more than twelve months past numbers of citizens have been anxiously awaiting a fall in the price of timber in order to erect residences for themselves and escape the heavy demands of landlords. The wished-for change seems now farther off than over, for despite the frequent arrival of timber-laden vessels from the Sounds and from Hokitika, the price of timber has been raised Is. per 100 feet during the past few days. It is reasonably argued by those in the timber trade that the consumption is so enormous that all timber easily accessible is speedily cut down, and that as the forests, as it were, recede from the mills, the expenses of falling and cartage must become greater. The price of timber in Holdtika may bo referred to as a case in point. Hitherto the supply of timber for the mill has been close at hand, but the quantity cut down has been so great that present supplies are more difficult to obtain, and the price lias gone up Is. per 100 feet within the last fortnight. A very admirable, and, no doubt, accurate map of the Province of Hawke’s Bay lias been published by Mr. Burrett, of this City, under the authority of the Provincial authorities. It has been compiled and drawn from official sources by Mr. A. Koch, of Wellington, who must have bestowed very great pains, care, and skill upon its execution. It is one of the best pieces of work of the kind which wo have seen in the Colony, and the publisher contributes to its perfection by the use of good paper and by superior workmanship. The steamship Atrato, which has arrived at Port Chalmers, after an adventurous voyage, brings to the Colony 702 immigrants—ls 9 for Otago, and 003 for Canterbury. She has been placed in quarantine, having on board three

cases of measles under treatment. There were 33 deaths during the voyage—all of infants, except one, aged 17, who died of croup. Sixteen of the deaths were from diseases which were not contagious. The ship Northampton, which had previously arrived at Lyttelton, and which has also been placed in quarantine, left London Docks on the 18th of March, and Gravesend on the 21st. Sickness broke out five days after her departure. Thirteen cases of modified small-pox occurred during the passage. There are still three cases under treatment, and, according to the latest telegram, another is reported to have happened. Seven deaths occurred during the passage—one from typhus, one from heart disease, and five deaths of infants.

It is rumored that the General Government intend erecting a new Supreme Court-house in Wellington as soon as an eligible site can be found for the purpose. Mr Robinson, Superintendent of the Colonial Court at the Vienna Exhibition, has drawn up a report, by which it appears that out of forty British Colonies only eleven sent exhibits. Specimens of the fibres, wood, oil, spices, and similar products sent are to bo placed in the Vienna Polytechnic Hall, where they will form the nucleus of a permanent British-Colonial Exhibition. Mr Robinson, at Vienna, received numerous applications for samples of colonial products, and he requests that the firms who send these should give him information as to prices. In the official catalogue South Australia appears with two-thirds of a page, and New Zealand with twenty-four pages. By the complete census returns, we learn that the total number of Chinese in the Colony is 4,796, as compared with 2,640 in 1871. The present population is thus distributed :—ln Auckland 6, in Wellington 3, in Nelson 320, in Westland 898, in Canterbury 11, and in Otago 3,558. There is only 1 Chinese woman in the Colony ; in 1871 there were 3.

The half-caste population of the Colony seems to have slightly increased since 1871. Then the number was 1,455, now it is 1845. Of these 944 are males, and 901 females. They are thus distributed :—ln Auckland 858, in Taranaki 39, in Wellington 82, in Hawke’s Bay 147, in Marlborough 89, in Nelson 28, in Westland 4, in Canterbury 46, and in Otago 552. In all the Provinces of the Colony but two the number of inhabited houses has increased considerably in the interval between the census of 1871 and 1874. The two exceptions are Nelson and Westland, the falling-off in the number of domiciles in these Provinces being no doubt due to the departure of the mining population to other fields within and beyond the Colony. In Nelson there were 5819 houses inhabited in 1871; now there are 5703. In Westland there were 5457 in 1871, whereas there are now only 4642. The numerical increase in the other Provinces has been as follows:—From 13,667 to 14,104 in Auckland, from 987 to 1158 in Taranaki, from 4779 to 5328 in Wellington, from 1215 to 1617 in Hawke’s Bay, from 1012 to 1225 in Marlborough, from 8747 to 10,518 in Canterbury, and from 15,463 to 16,975 in Otago. The total increase was from 57,146 to 61,270.

The disposition of the Government evidently is to liberalise as much as possible the regulations relating to the combined use of the telegraph wires and the Post Office. AVe lately intimated that the use of the wires for the transmission of special information would be given to Chambers of Commerce and other public bodies at rates identical with those charged to the Newspaper Press. In the Gazette of yesterday another announcement relating to the same Department is made, to this effect : —• 1. Telegraphic messages originating in the Colonies of New South AVales, Tasmania, and Queensland, may be transmitted by post as letters for delivery in New Zealand, without any payment for postage; and letters addressed to any officer of the Telegraph Department in charge of the Telegraph Office at any port or place in the Colony of New ■ Zealand, eoutainiug any such telegraphic messages for transmission, with no writing other than the necessary directions for transmission, may be transmitted free of postage. 2. Every such message or letter shall hear ou the outside of the cover, above the address, the words “ Telegraphic message only,” and shall be posted to its place of destination by the officer in charge of the Telegraph Department by whom it shall be received ; and every such officer shall, immediately before posting such letter, subscribe bis usual signature across the face of the cover of such letter or telegraphic message.

The number of sheep in the Provinces of Otago and Canterbury at the beginning of this year were :—Otago, 3,374,532 ; Canterbury, 2,813,601 ; total in the two Provinces, 6,198,133. The increase during last year in eachProvineenumbered—Canterbury, 217,651; Otago, 65,145 ; total increase, 282,796. It is highly significant of the practical sense of the settlers of Canterbury, as it is also significant of the readiness with which domestic servants find homes of their own in the Colony, that among the women who became wives in that Province during the past ten weeks, fifty described themselves as having been in domestic service.

The following is the report of the Select Committee of the Auckland Provincial Council on Mr. G. V, Stewart’s proposed Special Settlement at Katikati :—“ 1. The correspondence and evidence submitted to the committee have disclosed the fact that the good faith of the Province and Colony is pledged to Mr. Stewart to such an extent as to render it necessary to make the reservation of the Katikati land as requested by him. 2. That the committee are further of opinion that Mr. Stewart is acting earnestly and in good faith in endeavouring to carry out ins scheme of special settlement, and nothing has transpired under investigation which would justify them in entertaining any doubt of the genuineness of Mr. Stewart’s proposals and of his ability to carry them out. 3. That, to afford Mr. Stewart a reasonable opportunity to carry out his part of the agreement, the lands above referred to should be reserved for his special settlement until the 31st December, 1875, upon conditions set forth in the Agent-General’s letters of the 15th July and 23rd April, 1873, and subject to such conditions and stipulations as the Government and Mr. Stewart may further agree upon before Mr. Stewart leaves the Colony.” An interesting incident of recent occurrence is the launching a steamer into the waters of the famous Lake Taupo. The experiment of placing steam vessels on the magnificent lakes of the South Island was first made subsequent to the great Dunstan rush, when one of the small iron steamers plying in Port Otago was conveyed by dray to the shores of the lake, where she continued to trade for several years, conveying minors and their stores to the remote localities whore gold was sought for and obtained. Since then several other steamers have been built on the shores of the same lake, and steam communication on that magnificent sheet of water has done much to promote the settlement of the district, and to contribute to the convenience and pleasure of hundreds attracted thither by its picturesque surroundings. Tho placing of a steamer on Lake Taupo is necessarily more of an exx)oriment than was tho introduction of steamers on Lake AVakatip, the prospect of tho traffic proving profitable being as yet but slight; but tbo fact is a gratifying illustration of tho peaceful state of that part of tho country, and the presence of such a vessel on the waters of the Lake will doubtless in a very short time develop a local trade, and prove especially convenient to the increasing number of visitors who are now being attracted to tho interior in search of health and the picturesque. The building of tho steamer, christened tho Victoria, has occupied some six months. A sulphur-bottom whale, seventy feet long, rvas recently cast ashore near Picton. Tho sulphur-bottom is a species of Avhale never caught by tho whalers now-a-days, partly on account of the small quantity of oil it yields, but principally because of tho danger attending it capture on account of the extraordinary rapidity with which tho sulphur-bottom moves through tho water when struck. Tho animal is a desideratum much sought after by naturalists, and as many inquiries ia regard to this

species of wliale have been received from the British Museum, where no specimen of it is to be found. Dr. Hector took immediate steps to secure the skeleton, which is now stored at Picton.

Two large boilers have lately been turned out from the foundry and ironworks of Mr, E. W. Mills, of this City. One of these was drawn through the streets lately on its way to the work in which it is to be employed—at the brewery of Messrs. Mace and Arkell. There was held, on June 15, in Messrs. Bethune and Hunter’s buildings, a meeting of the vestries of St. Paul’s and St. Peter’s, for the purpose of considering the propriety of erecting a new Anglican Church in the City. The following were the resolutions arrived at : —l, That a new district be formed out of St. Peter’s parish between the Cricket Ground and the harbor. 2. That a suitable site be procured, and a church erected thereon. 3. That a parsonage be, if possible, erected, and the services of a clergyman be secured for the new district. 4. That a public meeting be held at Messrs. Bethune and Hunter’s, on Monday, the 22nd instant, at eight o’clock, to which all church members are invited. As the Rangath’a was lately making her way down the East Coast, and when oft Portland Island, those on board saw some strange objects about two miles away. The steamer was headed for the place, and the objects turned out to be a crew of Maoris in a whaleboat, who were towing behind them a large whale, which they stated had been dead some days. The operations of the Permanent Equitable Building and Investment Society afford satisfaction, not only to the directors, but also to the shareholders. On June 15, the first monthly pay day, there was a rush of business at the office. We understand that considerably over 1300 shares have been allotted, while the permanent character of the society induces a continual stream of fresh applications for shares. The completion of the large new premises lately erected by Mr. E. W. Mills, iron merchant, of this City, was marked during the month by the raising of the typical lion to his stand at the top of the building. The new store, which stands next to the National Bank, communicates with the old offices in Hunter Street, but has the advantage of an additional front. It is one of the three-storey buildings of which there are only a few at present, but which will spring up fast on the reclaimed land as the trade of the City increases. The ground floor is spacious and commodious, and affords room for the stowage of large quantities of hardware and other goods. The communicating staircase springs from the centre of the ground floor, and gives an easy ascent to the first floor, the second floor or uppermost storey being but a little height above the first. The three flats together will accommodate a very large amount of merchandise.

It is something to the credit of the ratepayers of the City, and also speaks well for the prosperity of the place, that of the amount of £4368 16s, the total rate struck for the current year, £4009 6s. 6d, has been collected, leaving the small outstanding balance of £269 9s 6d.

A lost child, Ettie Needham, who has been missing from her parents’ residence at the Upper Hutt on a Sunday afternoon, was found on Thursday following about a mile from her home, by. a gii’l named Hogan, who was out in search of cows in Hogan's Bush, near Barton. The poor child was alive when found, but was in a very exhausted condition, having been exposed for four days and nights to the bleak -weather of the past week without sustenance of any kind, aud without clothing such as would afford protection from the wintry blasts. She was promptly conveyed to Mrs. Hogan’s house, where restoratives were administered by Dr. Wilford, hut the trial upon the system had been too severe, and she expired between eight and nine o’clock next morning. The annual meeting of the Society of Cordwainers was celebrated ou the 23rd June by a dinner at Host Donnecker’s, at which twenty of its members were present. Mr. Horrocks, seci’etary to the society, in the absence of Mr. Henry, was voted to the chair. After an address he gave a brief review of the year’s proceedings, which was received with satisfaction; the finances in hand showing the very flourishing state of the society. The Registrar of births and deaths has proceeded against four out of 100 persons who have neglected to comply with the clause in the Public Health Act, which requires that every parent shall forward to the Registrar a certificate, signed by a medical man, testifying to his child having been vaccinated. The following is a list of contributions made to the Colonial Museum during the past month ;—A collection of fossils showing the crag formation of Suffolk—from Mr. W. Crowfoot, of Norwich, England; a collection of natural history specimens—from the Zoological Museum, Stockholm; two pocket handkerchiefs made of paper of the mulberry tree by the Chinese—by Mr. E. Burton, Siamese troupe. At a land sale at Vennell’s rooms a few days ago, a section at the corner of Pipitea street, opposite the Hospital, brought £6 15s. a foot. Prosperous as are the times, this price was regarded as a little beyond the mark, and tho bidding was, therefore, confined to two persons, although there was a very crowded attendance of speculators anxious to invest. The section was started at £6, and after three bids it was knocked down at £6 15s. to Mr. Eiverton, of the Hutt. A section in Webb street fetched 19s. a foot, three others being withdrawn.

It is stated that the Provincial Government have under consideration a proposal to erect a number of cottages for the accommodation of the immigrants constantly arriving, so as to obviate the annoyance and inconvenience to which the newcomers are subjected ou account of the scarcity of dwelling-houses. The scheme of the Otago Provincial Government has proved eminently successful, and no doubt if the. Provincial Government of Wellington adopt a similar plan, the project will be attended with an equally gratifying result. It will give some idea of tho work tho steamers of the San Francisco line have to do, when we state that the steamer Tartar, previous to sailing for San Francisco on tho voyage on which she is engaged, took on board not

less than two thousand tons of coal. We understand that orders have been sent to Scotland, by Messrs. McMeckan, Blackwood, aud Co. for a new steamship for the New Zealand branch of their fleet, and that Mr. Waugh, lately chief engineer of the s.s. Tarama, has been sent Homo to superintend the construction of tho vessel. She will have compound engines and all tho latest improvements, so as to maintain worthily tho reputation of the lino. .

The appointment of Mr. William Gi’ay as Secretary to tho General Post-office of tho Colony is gazetted, tlxo appointment dating from May 1 of this yoai’. The Hospital Tx-ustees aro about to disoxxss a proposal for tho extension of tho present building at the Thorndon end of the City, which has for some time past proved utterly inadequate to tho accommodation of the number of patients who present themselves for admission. Tho present difficulty is tho want of funds, hxxt it is incumbent on tho trustees to make a strenuous effort to hiiug about a better stato of things.

A suitable building for the Civil Service Club of Wellington is talked of. It is proposed that a building, with over seventy bedrooms, should bo erected ; and it is understood that the promoters have made application for a site on the laud proposed to be reclaimed from Pipitca Point southwards. The capital is to be found by a company with limited liability. Consequent upon the representations of a seaman belonging to the barque Chevort, as to the loss of one of her hands overboard during the voyage to this port from Newcastle, the Collector of Customs instituted an inquiry into the matter and found that there was no misrepresentation in the statement of the seaman who brought the circumstances of the accident under public notice. The Collector purposed holding an official investigation, but a question having arisen as to whether a French vessel is subject to English Custom House forms, it has been referred to the AttorneyGeneral. In opposition to the statement of the seaman, the captain and mates of the

barque state that she was rounded-to when the man went overboard, but that he went down almost immediately, and that it would have been useless to lower a boat. CONTRACTS FOE PUBLIC WORKS. Mr. McKirdy’s tender for the formation of the Mungaroa section of the Masterton railway, has been accepted. The amount of the tender is £57,752.

The following tenders were received for the erection of a fourth-class railway station near the Criterion Hotel, Upper Hutt :—Accepted: Charles McKirdy, Wellington, £305, with earth platform. Declined: Samuel Brown, Wellington, £479, also with earth platform. The following tenders were received for the formation, ballasting, and laying of the permanent way Rxverhead Contract, Kaipara Railway : —Accepted—Daniel Fallon, Auckland, £14,877 ; declined—Wm. Kirby, Auckland, £15,984 15s. ; J. Lackland and J. Welsh, Parnell, £10,855 2s. 6d. The following tenders were received at the Public Works Department, for the construction of a railway bridge over the Wanganui River : —-Accepted Rundell and Bassett, Patea, £14,831. Declined —H. McNeil, Palmerston North, £15,884 ; J. Lockie, Wellington, £19,649 ; C. McKirdy, Wellington, £20,445. The following tenders were received for the Grey Gorge Bridge of the Brunner Railway ; —Accepted —E. B. Garven, Greymouth, £4595. Those declined were ■ —T. W. Hungerford, Greymouth, £4624 ; Nottle and McMillan, Greymouth, £4950 ; William Smith, Hokitika, £5209 ; Keith Bros., Greymouth, £5524 ; John McLean, Greymouth, £7106 ; G. H. Cheverton, Greymouth, £BIOO ; Dent and Dartnell, Greymouth, £10,984 ; and E. Lockington, Greymouth, £6094.

The following tenders were received for the Kakauui and Island Creek bridges ;—Messrs. Brogden and Sons, Wellington, £6,636 (accepted), and the following declined ; —S. M. Baird, Dunedin, £8,558 ; A. M. Campbell, Dunedin, £10,482 ; W. D. Murison, Dunedin, £7,100 ; Allan and Stumbles, Timaru, £6,487. We may add that Messrs Brogden aad Sous having the contract for the line of railway on which these bridges are situated, the advantage of having one contractor for the whole work occasioned the acceptance of then’ tender in preference to that of Messrs. Allan and Stumbles, although the latter was slightly under that of Messrs. Brogden. The following tenders were received for the Mungaroa contract of the Wellington and Masterton railway (formation only):—Accepted—C. McKirdy, Wellington, £55,752. Declined—H. E. Oakes, Wanganui, £57,694 ; John Brogden and Sons, Wellington, £02,367 ; James Cruickshanks, Upper Hutt, £59,000 ; J. R. George and Co., Wellington, £58,600 ; Collie, Scott, and Co., Wellington, £77,709 ; James Lockie, Wellington, £59,558 ; William Strachan, Wellington, £56,989 ; Secular and Archibald, Wellington, £89,783. 1 The following is published as the list of successful and unsuccessful tenders for the construction of four steam launches for the Government, to be delivered at Auckland, Wellington, Lyttelton, and Dunedin :—Accepted—Eraser and Tinne, Auckland, £2400. Declined—A. and E. Price, Thames, each, £585 ; Masefield and Co., Auckland, £2500 ; E. W. Mills, Wellington (informal), each, £545 ; John Anderson, Christchurch each delivered in Lyttelton, £665, elsewhere £715 ; Sparrow and Co., Dunedin—each delivered in Dunedin, £645, Lyttelton £605, Wellington £670, Auckland £675 ; Kincaid, McQueen, and Co., Dunedin (with Field boilers), £2316 ; Hambleton and Co., Dunedin, each, £906 ; C. M. Bridge, Akaroa—offer of one steam launch, two years old, for the sum of £4OO. A DRY DOCK FOE WELLINGTON. A deputation from the City Council, consisting of His AVorship the Mayor, Councillors Dransfield, McKirdy, Greenfield, and Rainie, has waited upon His Honor the Superintendent to urge upon the Provincial Executive the advisability of furthering the interests of the City and port by the construction of a dry dock in connection with the Te Aro foreshore reclamation works, and also to obtain the sanction of the Government to the erection of a platform along the breastwork for the purpose of increasing the wharfage accommodation of the port. His Worship the Mayor having read the resolutions passed at the special meeting of the City Council, the subjects embraced were discussed in an exhaustive manner. His Honor said in reply, that, anticipating the nature of the representation of the deputation in reference to the dry dock, the Executive had held a meeting, 1 at which the opinion prevailed that before the subject could be approached in anything like a business-like way the deputation and the Government should have before them a well-con-sidered report astothehestsiteor sites in the harbor for a dock. The deputation having expressed their agreement with His Honor, it was under stood that steps should he immediately taken by the Provincial Government to obtain such a report, upon the completion of which the deputation and the Provincial Executive should again confer and, in the event of their agreement as to the suitability of any one site suggested, the next step would be to obtain an accurate professional estimate as to the cost of constructing the dock. It was considered premature to discuss the question as to who should bear the ultimate cost, but His Honor carefully guarded himself against any acknowledgment ou the part of the Provincial Government of their liability to construct the dock at the cost of the Province. In reference to increased wharf accommodation, the Superintendent said the Government fully recognised the importance of increased wharf accommodation, but having regard to the valuable estate conceded to the Corporation without cost, and the excellent bargain they had made in the purchase of the reclaimed land and wharf, it could not be expected that the Government, without forgetting their duty to the rest of the Province, should make any further concession. The deputation asked whether the Government would make inquiry as to what would be a reasonable sum for the land wanted, to which His Honor gave an affirmative reply. NEW ANGLICAN CHDECH FOE THE CITY. In accordance with a resolution passed at the late meeting of the vestries of St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s, at the offices of Messi’s. Bethune and Hunter, on Monday last, a public meeting was hold at the same offices last night, for the purpose of more fully discussing the best method of carrying out the proposals indicated in the several resolutions agreed to at a previous meeting. Some twenty-three members of the Church of England, including the Right Rev. the Bishop of Wellington (presiding), the Yen. Archdeacon Stock, the Rev. Mr. Harvey, Dr. Kemp, Mr. J. E. Fitzgerald, Mr. L. Stokes, Mr. Barrand, Mr. B. Hunter, Mr. J. E. Smith, and other vestrymen and churchwardens, assembled. The Bishop stated that the populationhad increased so much during the last two or three years that it was evident some further provision should bo made for the spiritual wants of members of the Church of England, and the erection of a now church and definition of a new parish seemed the most advisable way of meeting the want. The first resolution, “That a new district he formed out of St. Peter’s parish, between the cricket ground and the harbor,” was now before them, but was found to bo too indefinite as to boundaries, and Dr. Kemp proposed as an amendment that Taranaki Street should ho made the boundary line between the new parish and that of St. Peter’s, Jand this division was adopted. With regard to a suitable site for the new church, it appeared that several likely sections had been examined by some of the members acting as a committee, of which they had selected two as offering the best sites, one in Tory street belonging to Mr. Kobbell, at an upset price of £I2OO for the whole piece of laud, with tho understanding that any part of it only might ho taken at a proportionate rate, and another belonging to Mr. Do Castro. The meeting, however, was of opinion that tho question of the sito should bo determined more precisely by a regularly appointed committee, and ou Mr. Fitzgerald’s motion a committee consisting of His Lordship, the Von. Archdeacon Stock, Mr. Wallace, and Mi’. Sheath, was chosen to take the matter in

hand and report at the next meeting. The Bishop stated that from certain communications he had received lately he had learnt that the Rev. Edward Grainger, late incumbent of All Saints Church in Dunedin, was on his way out to Wellington ; and though he had originally thought of requesting him to take charge of the Patea district, where a minister was urgently wanted, he now thought he would be a good man for the new church, as he was a good promoter and an excellent musician. Mr. Stokes proposed that the minister should be guaranteed £3OO a year including house rent, for six months, the sum to be made up by the parishes of St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s equally ; but the Bishop was of opinion that Mr. Grainger would not accept the guarantee for six months only, and it was agreed to extend it for a year. Funds for the new church will probably have to be raised partly by subscription and partly on the security of the site, but those present did not seem to think that any serious pecuniary difficulty would have to be encountered.

WELLINGTON JOCKEY CLUB. At a numerously attended meeting of the Wellington Jockey Club, held during the month, the following nominations for the Wellington Jockey Club Derby of 1874 were made :—Mr. Walter Brown’s Voltaire, by Traducer out of Maid of the Mist ; Mr. T. Quinlivan’s Maid of the Mountain, by Traducer out of Myrtle; Mr. John -Walker’s ch. f. Glenavy, by Traducer out of Sweetmeat; Mr. John Walker’s ch. f., by Traducer out of Policy ; Mr. C. P. Barker’s br. f. Remnant, by Caledor out of Gitana; Mr. T. Delamaiu’s Elfin King ; Mr. J. Stevens’s Ranakia, by Traducer out of Estelle ; Mr. W. Walter’s ch. f., by Towton out of Symphony ; Mr. J. Murphy’s b. c. Hercules, by Ravensworth out of Polly ; Mr. James Watt’s Rangi ; Mr. James Watt’s Tioko; Mr. James Watt’s Ngaro ; Mr. James Watt’s Toi ; Mr. James Watt’s Wainui; Mr. J. Emerson’s Guy Faux ; Mr. Redwood’s Wainui; Mr. Redwood’s Tctoko ; Mr. Redwood’s Ngaro. The number of entries is by far the largest ever made for any Derby nan in New Zealand, and it is expected that the meeting of next year will be equal to that of the great racing metropolis— Christchurch.

Since the last Hutt Races the stewards of the W.J.C. have had several very desirable improvements and additions made to the Grand Stand, of a character that tends to show it is their intention to spare no expense whatever in making the building as comfortable and convenient as possible for the reception of visitors. A suite of apartments, consisting of refreshment and sitting-rooms, has been erected specially for ’ the convenience of ladies and families. The furze bushes have been cut down and entirely cleared away, and the course so levelled as to permit of a full view of a race being obtained and enjoyed from the jump to the finish. The culverts and ground have had a thorough overhaul, and been put into such excellent condition that the most sceptical of owners need not have the slightest fear of running the most valuable of their stock on such a course. The saddling paddock has been considerably enlarged, aud it is intended to have the front portion of the Stand tastefully fenced in, and a commodious lawn formed and laid down in grass for the convenience of those patronising the Grand Stand who may wish to avail themselves of a promenade during the intervals between the races. An extensive and well appointed weighing-room has also been added for the use of owners, trainers, and jockeys, as also a dressing-room for the latter, which is to be fitted up with every requisite. Other improvements are in course of execution, and. no expense will be spared to make tho Stand as perfect as possible prior to the next meeting. Although not so large as some of the Stands in New Zealand, for convenience aud architectural beauty we believe it will bear favorable comparison with any other building of a similar character in the Colony, and it reflects credit on the stewards, and their architect, Mr. Toxward. A perusal of the proposed programme for the races of December next encourages the hope that there will he a very brilliant and successful meeting. The entries for the . Derby closed with eighteen nominations, out of which number probably ten will come to the post, representing the best blood in the Colony. Then there is the Wellington Cup of two hundred sovs., with a sweepstakes of ten sovs. each, which also is certain to command a very large field and make the stake a valuable one. A handicap of one hundred sovs., with a sweepstakes of ten sovs. each, is likewise on the list, and certain to be well patronised ; as also the Provincial Plate of one hundred sovs., for all horses owned for six months prior to the race by bona fide settlers of the Province of Wellington. This race should, without doubt, prove a very great inducement to owners of horses residing in the Province to come out particularly strong on the occasion, and to show that the Entire City is not altogether so apathetic, as regards blood stock, as some of our neighbors consider us to be. - Then there is a Hurdle Race of seventy-five sovs., and a Maiden Plate of one hundred sovs., besides other events, with similar amounts attached, which cannot possibly fail to attract a meeting which should hear favorable comparison udth the best meetings held in the Colony. THE VOLUNTEERS. THE COLONIAL PRIZE FIRING. Major Gordon reports, relative to the firing for Colonial prizes, which took place at Napier on tho 14th of March last, as follows ; At 6 a.m. on the 14th March the business of the meeting commenced, and was continued every day until the 26 th without intermission, excepting from occasional rain and foggy mornings, which rendered the targets invisible even at the short distances ; and so incessant was the firing that, although the competitors had frequent periods of diversion and amusement, I think the squad officers who were with me will not again desire to undertake so severe a duty. I endeavored to carry through the whole of the prescribed matches, so far as circumstances permitted, by alternate branches of the service ; first, cavalry, then infantry, and so on ; so that while cavalry were on the range, the infantry were free to indulge in cricket, quoits, or any other amusement, and vice versa, hut there was no such relaxation for the squad officers. The markers from the Armed Constabulary were active and accurate in the extreme in their signalling, but I cann t speak so favorably of the bugler, who was provided from the same force ; for it would appear that though he had been a bugler some years ago, he had not of late had any practice ; and a bugler who cannot sound is about as effective as a volunteer who cannot shoot.

In the Rapidity and Skirmishing Matches every opportunity exists (and it cannot be avoided), and I am afraid in some cases was taken advantage of, to make fictitious scores ; for when fifteen men are firing at fifteen targets which are five yards apart, and all at the same instant, it may be supposed that two indifferent shots will conspire to fire at one target, and so secure by such prre-arrangemeut a first prize for subsequent division, to the obvious loss of the honest competitor. Such a case was said to have occurred, but detection was impossible. Therefore, I think these matches should be discontinued; for, irrespective of the dishonesty which may be practised in firing them, they are injurious to rifles of any description, but more particularly to muzzle-loaders. Much more honest and real instruction was afforded by a “ Match at Moving Targets” of the skirmishing dimensions, and one which it is very desirable should be permanently introduced at annual competitions. In this instance, by the ingenuity of Mr. Christie, a wooden tramway was laid on to the target pfiatform, on which were placed, at a chain apart, but secured to each other - , five wooden 4-wheeled tracks, each surmounted by a target of the size I have indicated. These were moved backward and forward simultaneously, at tho same spreed, by n windlass at either end—the period of firing being fixed at three minutes for breach and five for muzzle loaders.

I think also that small-bore matches in competition with Enfield Rifles should be discontinued. Our rifles of this latter description have almost ceased, from long use, to be weapons of precisions, and the sighting of smallbores can be so much more accurately adjusted that a competition between two such weapons, no matter how handicapped, is unfair ; besides, no judgment is'required in using a small-bore beyond that of fixing and adjusting the sights, for when this is done any inexperienced or inexpert shot may take up the weapon and score bull’s eyes so long as his hand is steady. Such a manifest advantage cannot attach to our service weapon, and competitions between the tvo should not again take place. But I would be sorry to see small-bore matches discontinued altogether. Matches confined to anus of this description exclusively should still be embraced m the Prize Firing Regulations. In one match I had to disqualify the score made by a competitor, for having, when standing amongst the men of his squad, and when waiting his turn to fire, put a cap on his rifle and discharged it into the ground, apparently forgetting that it was loaded. The ball entered the ground only a few inches from the feet of those who were standing near him, and had the ground been stony, the consequences would undoubtedly have been serious. In another match, a competitor was disqualified whose pull-off of trigger was considerably under the minimum weight. One case of suspected tampering with a rifle lock I had to submit to the investigation of a Board of Officers whose decision was recorded as “ not proven but, nevertheless, whereasthe score of the competitor was, the investigation, exceedingly good and promising as regarded his chance of obtaining the belt, after the inquiry he could not by any means succeed in making his previous scores. I must do the man the justice to say that he was himself the first to declare that some defect existed in the lock of his rifle.

Clause 5, page 9, Prize Firing Regulations of 1874 directed that “no Volunteer will be eligible to compete in the Colonial Prize Firing unless he was an efficient Volunteer of the year ending 31st March, 1873.” I regret to say that, in my opinion, very many of the competitors of this year were not by any means efficient Volunteers. Many of them were quite guiltless of understanding the meaning of the terms “ Half-right” or “ Half-left turn,” or even in some cases of “ Right-about turn!” I think officers commanding districts should be advised not to be too generous in the construction of the fourth paragraph of the Volunteer Efficiency Certificate when they affix their signatures thereto ; for awkward, careless, and undrilled men in the ranks, and with loaded rifles, are a cause of very serious anxiety to the officer who may be moving them, if only from one firing point to another. Besides, however able a Volunteer may be to punish an enemy in the field, it is very desirable that his friends should feel that there is no possibility of their being made hoi'S'dc* cojiibat by their own comrades. I believe that the shooting of the present year will be found to be an improvement upon that of last year ; at all events, a glance at the score of the matches by which the championship was decided will show that the practice has been more uniform than in last year’s firing,—a result which should be a matter of some surprise, when the for the most part wornout condition of the rifles is taken into consideration.

The Cavalry Champion Belt, again, by a remarkable coincidence, reverts to the Waiuku Troop 8.C.V., and decorates for this year Lieutenant Barriball, one of a family of Volunteers, all of whom are expert shots ; and, by a coincidence also somewhat unusual, the Infantry Champion Belt is carried to the same locality by its -winner, Captain Hamlin, of the Waiuku Rifle Volunteers. The final moments of the contest for this latter belt were intensely interesting and exciting, but without any disorder. The superior precision of Lieutenant Humphries, of the Taranaki Militia, seemed before his last shot to promise him the belt; but the superior carefulness in firing of Captain Hamlin made him victorious, inasmuch as the second shot of-his-’antagonist at the 6(30'-yards range of the sth match took effect, very unfortunately, on the wrong target, and was therefore scored a “ miss.” The last of the victor resulted in a tie of the aggregate scores between Captain Hamlin and Lieutenant Humphries. The Regulations decided that the better shot of these two was the competitor who made the highest score in the sth match, who was Captain Hamlin. On the 27th March, these Champion Belts and all other prizes of the meeting were presented to the winners on a parade of the representatives (at which the Volunteer Corps of Napier were present), in a very graceful and effective manner, and accompanied by an address exceedingly suitable and appropriate, by Mrs. Ormond. On this day the inhabitants of Napier provided the Representatives with a very sumptuous luncheon, as well as with a ball on the same evening ; and in order that the competitors should he enabled to participate in the pleasures of this ball, the inhabitants detained the steamer Wellington until the following morning at the cost of a large amount in the shape of demurrage, so that the Staff and Representatives have every reason to be thankful—and they were indeed so—for the great hospitality extended to them by the residents of Napier. Of the assiduity and ceaseless attention of the squad officers, Major Withers (Napier), and Captains Baillie (Marlborough), Derrom (Auckland), Pearce (Wellington), and SubInspector Marshall (Armed Constabulary), I cannot speak too approvingly ; and I trust that the officer who shall next year have charge of the Colonial Prize Firing may be as fortunate in his staff as I was on the occasion under remark ; and as regards the firing of next year should a meeting be authorised, I would ask you to recommend to the Hon. the Defence Minister that some other staff officer—and there are some who are senior in point of rank to myself—may be permitted to enjoy the honor and realise the anxieties which attach to t'.e command of these annual competitions ; for it is a duty which every officer in command of a district might very fairly he required to undertake. POPULATION OF NEW ZEALAND, 1874. The following table, showing approximately the numbers of the population of the Provinces of the Colony (exclusive of aboriginal Natives), as ascertained by a census taken for the night of March 1, 1874, including a comparison noth the numbers ascertained by the census of February, 1871, is published by the Registrar-General. It is a summary of more detailed information for the several divisions of the Colony which has already appeared in the Gazette from time to time, as received by the respective enumerators :

A prrivato telegram from Dunedin states that the Steele and Xeogh Company opreued there on Monday evening for a dramatic season. The theatre was crowded, and the performance well received.

Provinces. Population. Males. -.Females Total. Auckland ..March, 1874 „ ..Feb., 1871 Taranaki ..March, 1874 „ ..Feb., 1S71 Wellington .. March, 1874 ,, ..Feb., 1871 Hawke’s Pay. .March, 1874 „ ..Feb., 1871 Marlborough.. March, 1874 ..Feb., 1871 Nelson ..March, 1874 „ ..Feb., 1871 Westland .. March, 187 4 „ ..Feb., 1871 Canterbury ..March, 1874 „ ..Feb., 1871 Otago .. March, 1874 „ ..Feb., 1871 37,117 35,502 3,051 2,572 10,230 13,180 5,406 3,506 3,604 3,235 13,555 14,257 9,453 10,453 32,294 25,781 50,121 41,091 30,228 20,833 2,432 1.903 13,500 10,821 3,812 2,403 2,479 2,000 9,011 8,244 5,305 4.904 26,470 21,020 34,901 27,800 07,345 02,335 5,0S3 4,480 29,730 24,001 9,218 0,059 0,143 5,235 22,506 22,501 14,823 15,357 58,770 40,801 S5,0S2 09,491 Totals (exclusive of Chatham Islands) March, 1S74 170,896 128,204 299,100 Totals (exclusive of Chatham Islands) Feb., 1S71 150,267 105,993 256,200 20,029 22,271 42,900 or 13’72 or 21’01 or 16‘74 per cent per cent per cent