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New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4216, 24 September 1874, Page 2

On tho 22nd inst. the barometer was low all over the coast, and yesterday it was still falling on tho East Coast, whilst on tho West it had risen. Tuesday showed a difference of upwards of half-nn-inch between tho barometers at Cambridge and Tauranga. At Westport there was a fresh breozo from tho oast at 2 p.m.; barometer, 2918; which increased to an easterly gale between 8 p.m. and midnight; the lowest readiug of tho barometer being

29 inches; yesterday it had risen to 29*25, and fresh winds from the eastward prevailed. At Hokitika on the 22nd the wind was fresh from the south-east, and a heavy sea on from the N.W., the barometer being at 29*19. At Kaikouras the weather was stormy, and the barometer at 29*44. At Opunaki the barometer was at 29*34, the wind light north, increasing to a gale by 2 p.m., when the barometer had fallen to 29*23. At Blenheim the barometer, in the afternoon, was at 29*41, and falling. The question of establishing a Free Public Library in Wellington has for some time been spoken of, and although the idea has been favorably received, until lately no active steps have been taken to agitate the matter. A requisition has now been signed by a number of the townspeople requesting His Worship the Mayor to take steps towards ascertaining the public opinion on the subject. It seems that the originators of the movement have it in view to secure the desired establishment by a special rate of not more than one penny in the pound being struck towards its support. A simpler and more acceptable plan would probably be to agitate for the Free Library being started in connection with the Athenaeum, an inexpensive plan generally adopted. In whatever way it is managed, the proposed institution would be a most beneficial acquisition, and one which such a place as Wellington j should long since have possessed. It is to be | hoped that the proposal will be carried into effect with energy and without delay. An accident happened on the wharf yesterday morning by which a man named William Marshall had his foot severely injured. ■ The unfortunate man was working at the discharge of the s.s. Napier, and as a sleeper was thrown carelessly down, it alighted on his foot, crushing two of his i toes bo -badly that they were almost severed, and will have to come off. It will be some time before the man can work again, which renders the circumstances of the case particularly distressing, as he had been unable to obtain work, for some time before the accident, and lias a wife and family necessarily, in very poor circumstances. To add to the distress, the woman is helpless, having been, confined only a few days ago. With commendable alacrity a subscription list for hia assistance was started on tho wharf, which, it is pleasing to record, was willingly contributed to by the poor man’s fellow-laborers and others engaged about the wharf. Several pounds were collected in a very short time, and it is to be hoped the good work will continue until something really substantial is raised. The annual meeting of the Wellington Rowing Club was held at Donecker’s Hotel last evening. The report and balance-sheet for the year just ended were submitted and adopted. The former showed the Club to be in a thoroughly solvent and satisfactory state. The receipts for the twelve months, from all sources, amounted to £157 Bs., and the disbursements for the same period were £ll4 9s. 2d., thus leaving -£42 Ba. lOd. in the treasurer’s hands with which to commence the ensuing year. The Club’s property , was appraised at £250, and, with the addition to its stock of another boat (which has been ordered from Melbourne), it will be enabled to compete against any and every class of rowing boat in New Zealand waters. Ten gentlemen were proposed as members of the Club. Last night the English Opera Company produced “La Sonnambula.” The popularity of the opera was made evident by the largeness of the attendance; and the capacity of the company was proved by the excellence with which it was rendered. This evening, for the first time in Wellington, “ Martha ” will be produced. The opera is not of the highest class, but it is abundantly entertaining, The scene of the fair at Richmond, in the reign of Queen Anne, is full of fun ; and the songs which Miss May, as Martha, introduces—especially “The Last Rose of Summer’’ — should of themselves suffice to draw one of the largest houses of the season. This fine air saved the opera on its first production, and to hear Miss May sing it —and if she is also kind enough to follow it with “Robin Adair” —is worth going a very long journey to hear. A special meeting of the City Council is called for this afternoon at four o’clock. In another column will be found an advertisement calling for tenders for supplies to the New Zealand Steam Shipping Co.’s steamers during the twelve months commencing Ist October next and ending 30th September, 1875. Tenders will be received at the company’s offices until noon of Saturday, the 26th inst.