GENERAL NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4884, 16 November 1876, Page 2

GENERAL NEWS.

His Excellency, the Governor and Lady Normanby and suite left on an excursion trip on November 4th. to the northern portion of the Middle -Island, The appointment' of, Sir Julius Vogel, K.0.M.G., to be Agent-General forthe colony of New Zealand, appears in a Gazette issued on October 26th, the appointment dating from' the 9th of September, 1876. - We are glad to record that the now General : Government Buildings are now almost {jem-; pleted, and that in a few weeks the various dopartments will bo able to locate themselves in the new promises. Great inconvenience has been suffered both by the public and the service from the existing state of things, in addition to : the .expense .which; has been incurred for rent, <&o., and the removal of the public offices to one common centre will greatly expedite the transaction of public business.

The six o’clock train from the Upper Hutt on November 9th carried nearly 1000 passengers, which is certainly the greatest number- of passengers conveyed by any one train on the Wellington railway since it has been open for traffic.

Shorty after 10 o’clock on the night of the 4th a very brilliant meteor was seen in the northern part of the heavens. At first it looked like a falling star, with its usual train of sparks ; but on passing in a north-westerly direction, it shone for some time like a streak of fire along the path of movement. The Southland. Times has a neat little mourning border round its obituary column, and the following notice in early English type :—“Death. —At Dunedin, on October 31, 1876, the Superintendent of Otago, and the members of his Executive, deeply and sincerely regretted by all who knew them.— Requiescant in pace.” The Church of England in this diocese intend to publish the first number of their monthly paper in December. The matter was discussed at the meeting of the Synod last mouth, and there was a unanimous expression of feeling that the Church should have a representative organ, similar to that published in the Auckland diocese. The Bishop of Wellington, the Eight. Eev. Mr. Hadfield, will act as editor of the new paper, which we hope and feel sure will be a success. Tenders for the printing are invited by circular. Numerous inquiries were made at the office of this paper on the 7th as to winners of the Melbourne Cup, and judging from the anxiety of some of the querists something more than a mere kindly interest in the sport of horse racing was at stake. One gentleman- asked our reporter which horse had won, and on receiving the oft-repeated answer “ Briseis,” dropped his lower jaw and asked in a most plaintive manner, “ Now, is it straight 1” He appeared to leave the little sanctum devoted to the quilldriving of the establishment a sad man, and we felt sorry for him. A meeting of the stewards of the Wellington Jockey Club was held on November 3rd at the Empire Hotel; Mr, George Hunter in the chair. The first business before the meeting was the appointment of representatives to send to the Christchurch conference. The following gentlemen were selected ;—Messrs. Edward Pearce, Andrew T7oung, and J. Martin. An application was received from Mr. William Handley, of Auckland, to be appointed handicapper to the club. In former years the handicapping has been left to the stewards, and it was resolved to continue that practice, the secretary being instructed to write to Mr. Handley, informing him that the club did not contemplate making such an appointment. There were nine nominations for the Derby, and twenty-nine for the Wellington Cup. This speaks promisingly for the success of the coming race meeting, the nominations being in excess of those of former years. The New Zealand Herald of the 6th instant says that Sir George Grey left by steamer for the Kawau on Saturday morning, to enjoy a short respite from official life for a few days. Late exchanges contain accounts of the gale which has been raging in the North, and from which it would appear that considerable damage has been done in various directions, particularly at the Thames, which is much exposed to the fury of storms when they occur, and one of the towers which support the line across the Thames river was, as we have already stated, struck by lightning, thereby stopping communication with Auckland, which was afterwards restored. It is suggested by a Thames correspondent of the New Zealand Herald that it would be better to submerge the wire, and do away with the cost of repairs, as well as the nuisance to vessels navigating the Thames or Piako. We understand that Mr. George Hunter has sold town acre No. 210, situated in Mannersstreet, to Messrs. Mace and Arkell for the sum of £SOOO. For many years past this allotment of land has been known as Messrs. Bethune and Hunter’s saleyards. There are a number of buildings on the section, but they are not very valuable. We are informed that Mr. Hunter intends to put up new saleyards on a portion sf town acre No. 208, adjoining his well-known business premises. They will have a frontage to Lombard-street, and will be conveniently situated next to the New Zealander Hotel and Livery Stables. We have beard that the facilities afforded by the operation of the Laud Transfer Act in dealing with property were clearly demonstrated in the negotiation of this transaction. The terms of sale were only agreed upon at three o'clock on Thursday afternoon, and by one o’clock on Friday the transfer was prepared and completed by Messrs. Hart and Buckley, and the purchase money paid over to the vendor.

The following tenders have been received by the Public Works department ; —PateaManawatu railway—37,ooo sleepers. Accepted : Richter, Namestad, and Co., Palmerston North, at Is. 4d. each. Declined: O. Kees, Palmerston North, at Is. Bd. each ; C. Rees, Palmerston North, at Is. lOd. each, if notched ; Morgan and Robinson, Wellington, at Is. 9d. ; Manson and Bartholomew, Palmerston North, at 2s. 6d. Waitara-Wanganui railway—2o,ooo sleepers. Accepted : Broadmore and Co., New Plymouth, at 2s. fid. each. Declined : Timothy O'Sullivan, Havelock, at 2s. each (did not comply with conditions); Henry Brown, New Plymouth, at 2s. 9d.; Brogden and Sons, Wellington, at 3s. 3d.; Kensington Bros., Auckland, at 3s. 5d.; Richter, Namestad, and Co., Palmerston North, at Bs. 6d.j Brogden and Sons, Wellington, at 3s. BJ'd.; John Reid, Palmerston North, at 3s. 5Jd.; Richter, Namestad, and Co,, Palmerston North, at 3s. 7d.; H. Malcolm and Co., Foxton, at 3s. 9d.; Waller and Garlick, Onehunga, at 3s. 9d.; Randolf and Walker, Palmerston North, at 3s. lOd.j George Snelson, Palmerston North, at 3s. IOJd. The following peculiar proclamation, interpreted and explained by Mr. J. O. Young, has been issued by King Tawhiao to his people:—“Te Kuiti, Waikato, 7th August, 1876.—(1.) My friends,—Greeting, who are within the house of your ancestor Apakura, within the shadow of the Supreme Power. The greetings end and the words begin [i.e., Apakura, an ancestor of the Waikato tribes, and all who are adherents of the king, are called descendants of that ancestor]. (2.) I am holy,be ye holy; lam clean,be ye also clean [i.e., the king adheres to native customs strictly, and suggests progress of European customs be checked]. (3.) It was erroneously named to this water that they were called men [i.e., it was thought in electing Tawhiao king the native tribes were toiling to no purpose, but consequent on his election the natives are able to call themselves a nation]. (4.) Wanderers and adventurers! return again to the tattoo on my nose [i.e., those that have deserted me can still come like the lost sheep to the fold]. _ (5.) On the seventh Rehua stood [or was visible], and Aunuau descended and planted the people [i.e., on the seventh month of the year Jupiter is visible, meaning that the Government of the colony exercising authority over the island, and that the dew descended during their tenure of office and caused the growth of the king to refresh the tribes, and thereby causing the amelioration of both races—in fact, the dawn of a new era], (6.) The year is sealed, the numbness is sealed, and the fighting is benumbed, and the men are benumbed, and so is everything [i.e., the sealing of this year signifies the existence of a covenant that there shall be no more fighting between Europeans and Maoris. Halcyon days]. (7.) Should the current rest before your face let it not be dammed by these two things [i.e., if the Government policy is noticed by you let it not be interfered with or disturbed by either race].! (8.) The Lord and I have joined together ; (9)j the heavens and ! have joined together ; (10) the world and F have joined together ; (11), but men have not joined together [t.e., there is no unanimity among the Maori people],—From Tawhiao.

New regulations in respect to the levying of light dues have been issued. For places in this .province the following rates are chargeable jiWellington—Vessels other than colonial trading vessels; and coasters, 6d. per ton register; colonial trading vessels, 4d.; coasting vessels, Id— Wanganui, -Eangitikei, and Manawatu— Vessels other than colonial trading vessels and coasters, fid. pet ton register ; : colonial trading vessels, 2d.; coasting vessels, except these arriving from ports in the North Island between Kapiti Island and Waikato River, Jd,

The Hutt Local Board are making great improvements in the township. Footpaths are being formed and kerbed and properly gravelled, and level gravel roads are giving place to the hitherto rough stony unshapely thoroughfares. We hear that steps are being taken to establish a large carriage manufacturing company in Wellington. The objects of the proposed company are said to be—lst, to keep capital within the province; 2nd, to be in a position to purchase in the cheapest market the best material at the lowest price ; 3rd, to employ a sufficient staff of skilled labor to enable them to execute all orders entrusted to them in any class. The Nelson Daily Times says :—“ There was joy in the house of Jervis, at Foxhill, yesterday, and the reason of the rejoicing was the successful hatching out of two young emus from the clutch of eggs that has for the past six or seven weeks been watched with sedulous care. Others are expected, and in the meantime the health of the “ little strangers ” is made the excuse for the imbibition of fluids ranging from Harley’s amber to Moet’s champagne. Joking apart, however, Mr. Jervis may be congratulated upon an interesting addition to his stock in these rare birds, the first of their kind born in New Zealand.” A case of some importance was brought before Mr. Barstow at the Auckland Police Court recently. The Cross reports that Mr. E. Perkins was charged with a breach of the Licensing Act by permitting a raffle to take place in his house, and also selling some tickets for a sweepstake on the Melbourne Cup. Mr. Hesketh pleaded guilty on behalf of Mr. Perkins, and said that the defendant was ignorant that raffles could be denominated gambling. His Worship, in commenting on the case, said that some years ago Mr. W, 0. Wentworth endeavored to dispose of his large estate, of the value of £50,000 or £60,000, on the same principle in which Mr. Perkins had disposed of Mr. Simonsen’s grand piano. Great numbers of tickets were sold, but the scheme was interfered with by the authorities, and the result of a trial in the Supreme Court was that Mr. Wentworth was compelled to return the money which had been paid for the tickets. In Mr. Perkins’s case a nominal fine was inflicted, and a second charge was withdrawn by the police. From what the News can ascertain, shearing has now become pretty general among the stations on the East Coast. Ica station, Whareama, the property of Mr. J. O. Andrew, M.H.8., is all but completed ; upwards of, 13,000 having been shorn. Brancepeth commenced two weeks ago, and is just now in full swing, turning out 20 and 25 bales per day. They will shear in all upward of 30,000. The stations bordering the coast are known to be in operation, in fact well advanced, although detailed particulars of their progress have not reached us. The class of sheep is chiefly merinos with a fair proportion of cross-breds. Hands are tolerably plentiful, the rate paid per 100 being 20s. It is estimated between ten and twelve thousand bales will be sent away by sea from Castlepoint, in addition to smaller quantities, shipped at the different boat harbors convenient to the stations on the coast. The remainder of the clip will be sent forward by dray. Nine or ten months ago Colonel Faddy, 8.A., arrived at Auckland with his two children, aged respectively eight and twelve years. He informed his friends that he had been appointed to the command of the Napier Militia District, and proceeded accordingly to take command of that district. When he arrived, the friend who had induced him to come to the colony, under promise of a military appointment, threw him over, and the poor old man, who found himself without means or friends, died of a broken heart, leaving his two children, totally unprovided for, to the care of a Mrs. Palin, the lady with whom he had lodged during his stay in Napier. When Colonel Faddy was still alive, Mrs. Palin made repeated applications for assistance to the gentlemen who placed him and his family with her, but was told in reply that if she did not like to keep them for nothing she should turn them out in the street ; and, although she was in great difficulty herself, she refused to act so inhumanly. When the Colonel died, his twofriends ordered him a pauper’s funeral, and refused to have anything to do with the children; but ultimately they made use of their influence, with a view of getting the elder boy placed in the training ship, leaving the younger one to Mrs. Palin, without any offer to remunerate her. Mrs. Palin kept and nursed Colonel Faddy, provided for his children from the day he arrived in Napier to nis death, and is now providing for his. two children, treating them »* her own. One she has now placed in a situation, where he earns Bs. a week, sending him to a night school in the evenings. The other is too young for any employment, and is consequently kept at home. It is now many months since any information has been made public concerning Miss Boss, of Maungatua, whose strange illness excited much comment a year or two back, and formed the subject of many newspaper articles. . As several enquiries have lately been made as to whether Miss Ross—who is better known as the “Taieri Fasting Girl”—still remains in the same remarkable state, we ( Otago Guardian) availed ourselves on a recent date of an invitation from Mr. Ross, her father, to visit his farm homestead, which is situated at the base of the Maungatua Range, about eight miles from Outram. We need hardly enter into a repetition of the lengthy particulars of Miss Ross’s strange and painful affliction, but will simply preface the few particulars of our visit which we have to offer our readers, by saying that the term “ fasting girl,” as applied to Miss Ross, hardly gives a correct idea of her state. On arriving at‘the house we were made very welcome by Mrs. Ross, whose unwearying attention to her daughter has set the lines of care sadly in her face, but who is ever gentle, kind, and attentive to the afflicted sufferer. We were shown into the room where Miss Ross lies on the bed that has been her restingplace for seven long years. Her face is very white and sunken, but it wears a placid and even cheerful look, that tells of a mind at peace, and over which the trials of this world have no power. We shook hands with her, and, in reply to questions as to her present diet, &c., we learned that a cup of tea and a small piece of softened bread constitute her morning’s meal. At tea-tune she takes a little sago, and at 10 o'clock a very small quantity of thin gruel. Anything beyond this she cannot eat. Her left side is quite paralysed, the arm up to the shoulder being quite devoid of feeling and beyond the power of control. Her nights are generally very restless, and she never gets more than two hours’ sleep, being awakened at the slightest movement or sound. About two months since it became necessary to change the mattress on the bed, and to do this it was necessary to raise her while the mattress was being moved. So weak is she that this caused her to faint away, and for six weeks she lost the power of speech. During that period she could not utter a word; but a fortnight since she again began to speak in a whisper, and can now converse with her family and visitors. We were much struck with her earnest, confiding faith in her Saviour, and her anticipations of a world of happiness to come, and with her complete resignation to her hard fate. But to use Miss Ross’ own words, she has found Christ, and shje knows that He has sustained her in her sore trial. Our readers will doubtless remember that during the early period of her I illness Miss Ross was for seventy days entirely ! unconscious, and during that time had no sustenance whatever. That was undoubtedly the most remarkable phase of the illness she has so long suffered. She has been visited by many medical men, but of course nothing can be done to effect any alteration in her present state. She is, however, wonderfully cheerful, and is very much pleased to see occasional visitors. No one. can see and converse with Miss Boss without being deeply impressed with the power of religion to soothe and comfort, and without feelmg that she who has so suffered, and who, through all her long and trying affliction, can say with Eli, “It is the Lord; let Him,do what seemeth Him good,” teaches a lesson that' many who chafe and fret at the ordinary annoyances of life might well profit by.

Sunday excursion trains were run to the Upper Hutt on October 22nd for the first time, and were very largely patronised notwithstanding the threatening aspect of the weather during the early part of the day. A man named Craig was lately endeavoring to cross one of the bays of the Great Barrier Island in a punt, and was blown out to sea. He was picked up by a passing cutter, seven, miles to the south of the island.

The Star Boating Club have added to their stock of boats, having received by the Arawata from Melbourne two beautiful clinker-built four-oared gigs. They are intended for practising and to be used in scratch matches. We understand that Mr. Gair, the secretary of the club, has given an order for three sculling boats, and the club have yet to receive two other boats which were ordered at the same time as those that came by the Arawata. It is pleasing to be able to say that Mr. Nancarrow, Inspector of Machinery, has been completely exonerated from all blame by the commission appointed to inquire into a charge brought against him by some persons for neglect of duty in allowing the boilers of the steamers Napier and Taranaki to fall into a dangerous state, and not condemning them. The evidence showed that he had condemned the boilers ; some time ago ; and that they were not in- a dangerous condition, but could last with safety for another twelvemonth to come by reducing the pressure of steam. Mr. Nancarrow, who who was suspended during the inquiry, has; been reinstated in his office.

So far as newspapers are concerned, Christchurch, in about three weeks’ time, will be able to boast of no fewer than three afternoon publications. It is intended by the powerful company which has been formed, to start the Sun on entirely new principles ; and as it will be issued in connection with the Licensed Victualler's' Gazette, the speculation will doubtless be a profitable one to those who embark in it. It may be stated that many influential residents of Wellington have taken shares in the undertaking. Mr. Pratt has been sent toMelbourne by the directors to purchase a newspaper and jobbing plant ; and it is expected tbs t the Christchurch Sun will in every way be a credit to the newspaper literature of the day. The Public Works Appropriation Bill was circulated on Oct. 2(X The estimated total expenditure for the year ending 30th June,lß77, is £2,032,286, thus divided Immigration, £136,266 ; advances for immigration purposes (repayable), £69,410 ; public works, (departmental), £17,817 ; railways, £1,300,600 ; including the Napier-Manawatu line £57,000, the Wellington-Masterton line . £137,000, the Waitara-Patea line £57,000, the Patea-Mana-watu and Foxtoh line £114,000 ; roads, £52,007 ; land purchases, £125,817 ; waterworks on goldfields, £147,460 ; coal mines, £IB6O ; telegraph extension, £46,040 ; publicbuildings, £65,963 ; lighthouses, £49,700 ; charges and expenses of raising loans, £6OOO J Otago provincial public works advances, £13,341. The appropriation for the purchaseof land in Wellington province is £28,091. We regret to have to announce the death of an old and well-known .colonist, Mr. R. D. Wallace, who died at his residence in Tasmanstreet on the 25th October. Mr. Wallace was one of the family of Mr. John Wallace, sen., who is still alive, and who came out to Wellington in 1845. The deceased at one time held the position of manager of the agency of the Union Bank of Australia at Lyttelton, and was also for many years in the service of the Provincial Government as Sheep Inspector forthe Wellington Country District. He was a painstaking and efficient officer, much liked forthe considerate and courteous manner in which he discharged his duties. Amongst his personal friends he was much esteemed for hismodest unobtrusive ways, and obliging disposition. The late Mr. Wallace lost his wife some two years ago, and by his own death eight, young children are left orphans. The deceased 1 was about 52 years of age at the time of his death.

Those who are only able to look a very short distance back on the history of Wellington, will acknowledge that difficulties in the way of travelling inland have been overcome with great rapidity within the last few years. At one time it was an important journey to the Upper Hutt. Things are changed now ; but we heard on Nov. Bth of an excursion made by two gentlemen that is quite worth relating. The Rev. Mr. McKee started on horseback from Featherston on Wednesday morning, caught the Upper Hutt train, and arrived at Wellington in. time. to attend the meeting of the Wellington Presbytery, held at 11 o'clock. Having taken some lunch at 1 o’clock, this energetic minister left Wellington again by the 3.20 train in order to reach home at night, when he had to baptise a child-; and in the morning to conduct a marriage ceremony. We leam from Auckland that a terrific whirlwind occurred on the 3rd November at Cox’s Creek, which struck Warnoek Bros. Soap and Candle Factory, 100 feet long 30 feet wide. The force of the whirlwind drove both walls out, scattering the weatherboards and roofing far and wide. The blocks en which the building stood were knocked out of position, and boards and bricks were carried a considerable distance. The brick smoke-stack was blown down, James Warnoek and one workman were in the factory at the time ; both were injured. The latter’s sight was injured from potash being blown into his eyes. A hut some distance off was lifted bodily, but not destroyed. The tornado next struck Reid’s farm buildings a quarter of a mile away, lifting it into the air, and carrying fragments in all directions. Sheets of corrugated iron were carried two miles. Wamock’s loss is £SOO. The total damage is'estimated at £IOOO.

There is every appearance of a revival of quartz-mining in Otago this season. This branch of mining is at present receiving considerable attention in the Tuapeka district; and from the Lakes we have intelligence of prospecting parties whose labors promise well. Attention is directed by the Cromwell Argus this week to the operations of the All Nations reef at Macetown, whence stone exceeding in richness any hitherto brought from there has been sent down. The quartz is fairly studded with the precious metal, and we are assured that the samples shown .were not by any means exceptional in their quality, many other pieces from the same blast being even more valuable. The stone was taken from the claim some sixty feet in the hill ;-and the reef presents splendidigold-bearing points throughout. Previous to bringing machinery on the claim, it is the intention of the proprietors (seven in number) to thoroughly test the reef. A meeting of the Wellington Waste Lands Board was held-on October 25 in the Provincial Government; Buildings. Present—The Commissioner of Crown Lands (Mr. J. G, Holdsworth), the Chief Surveyor (Mr. H. -Jackson), and Mr. E. Pearce, M.H.R. A letter was received from Mr. Hickson intimating that ha did not mean at present to press his claim for compensation in respect to the land at Lake Alice, Rangitikei, but that he reserved the right of taking such future steps in the matter as might seem advisable. The following letter was received--by the Chief Commissioner and read :—“Sir, —As no decision, has been arrived at by the Waste Lands Board respecting my selection near Alfredtown, and as there does not appear much prospect of a decision being arrived at, I have the honor to request that you will be good enough to inform mewhether the Board will refund to me theamount paid by me in respect of such selection. As J cannot safely use or dispose of the land—for if the decision of the Board be adverse, I should lose it entirely—it is hard that I should" be taxed annually to the extent of the interest on the money, for if the money should be returned in case of an adverse decision the Board might possibly decline to sanction any allowance to me for loss of Interest.— W. R; E. Brown.” Mr. Pearce moved,’and it was carried, that the money should be refunded as requested. Regarding Mr. R. Langdoa’s application, the land was declared pastoral, on the certificate of the district surveyor. Mr. Pearce remarked that he might not again beable to sit on the Board, as it had been decided in'Parliament that members of Waste Lands Boards should be disqualified from holding seats in the Parliament of the country! Regret having been expressed that the Board should lose the valuable services of Mr. Pearce,, the Board adjourned.

A lkdy named Mrs. Hague, who arrived from Lyttelton a few 1 days previous died in,the hospital bn the 24th November., She became 21 during 'the passage, but it was thought to be nothing more serious than sea sickness. We, understand that Mr. Pearce, M.H.R., is about to visit England. He is making arrangements to leave at an early date, so that he may be able to return to the colony in time to be in his place during the next session of Parliament.

The valuation of city property for the year 1876-7 has been completed'by Mr. J. Ames, and handed to his Worship the Mayor. _ The annual value of rateable property in the city is £169,609, upon which a rate will be struck at the next meeting of the City_ Council. The tenders for the extension of the waterworks were opened at the meeting of the City Council on Oct. 26th, and that of Mr. Saunders, for £17,195, was accepted. It was resolved also to enter into arrangements for a supply of water during the summer. , A historical personage died on October 23rd at OtaH, the son of Te Kauparaha, Tamihana Te Kauparaha. The father was a well-known maker of colonial history. The son followed in his father’s footsteps. Tanuhana leaves a successor, now being educated in a European school. ... We are indebted to Mr. Monteith for the following return of patients in the Provincial Hospital during and ending the month of October, 1876 ;—Admitted, males 15, female 1; discharged, males 10, females 3 ; died, males, 3, female 1; left in hospital, males 37, females 6. Total remaining, 43. ' ■ It has been stated that Henry Bunny, Esq., late Deputy-Superintendent of this province, will be appointed General Government agent here to administer Wellington affairs and perform the duties of Superintendent, Provincial Secretary, and Provincial Treasurer, during the continuance of provincial appropriations, ■up to 31st December. - It is with regret we have - to chronicle the death of Mr. William Tonics, another of the early settlers of this province, who expired at his residence, Cnba-street, on Hovember 2nd, at the age of 70 years. Mr. Tonks arrived here in the ship Birman in March, 1842, was in business for some time at Te Aro, and afterwards oh Lambton-quay, but retired a number of years since. During his retirement he em-ployed-his time in acts of philanthropy and charity, and his kindness and liberality will be long remembered by; the recipients of his bounty. He leaves seven children, fifty-four grand and great-grand children, and a very large circle of friends, to lament their loss. The new building to be erected for the purpose of providing office accommodation for. the New Zealand Insurance ; Company promises "to be one of the most handsome and substantial structures in town. It is to be built vrith frontages to Featherston-street and Brandon-street, and will be of; tim Italian •order,/the materials used being principally brick .and cast-iron. . It will occupy a space 45ft. i 31ft., -its altitude being ; 40ft.’ The front elevation will be very ornamental. Oji the ground'floor there will be a large public office,' manager’s room, &c,, with lavatories and all such necessary adjuncts ; and upstairs there will, be the offices available for letting. A feature;of the public office will be the very handsome furniture and fittings, composed of tastily-arranged and fantastically-carved Hew Zealand woods. ■ Mr. Turnbull is the architect, and no doubt the building when completed will be a credit to the city. • Active preparations are being made for building a public hall, with which isto be connected, a skating rink. The building is to be erected in front of the Foresters Hall, Mr. Turnbull. being the architect, Mr. W. ; J. Roberts'the builder. - A public hall is really a necessity in this city, there being no accom-modation-of the kind here at present. :: On several occasions of late the want has been »adly felt, and it seems strange that Wellington should; be the only town in the colony of considerable size which is without such ah institution.- The building we speak of is to be of large dimensions, the upper storey being, set apart as a ball-room, and from the plans, we should t.binir that the building will not only be a great ornament to the efty, but will supply a want which has- been long felt here., . The lower portion of the hall will be occupied as a skating rink as soon as -finished. We wish the promoters every success. The Hon. the Speaker of the House of Representatives has had prepared a schedule of the business transacted in the Parliament during the session which closedon Oct. 31. Thirteen special select committees and as many standing com-mittees-were-appointed. : The questions asked of Ministers numbered 250, and there were 763 entries in the journals of the House —of notices of motion, 238; of orders of the day 625. There were 54 orders for papers, and the papers laid upon the table of the House numbered 187 —by command, 111 ; in return to orders, 47 ; by Act, 7 ; by leave, 22. Prom the Public Petitions Committee 227 reports were received; from the Hative Affairs Committee, 70 ; from other select committees, 6 ; from standing committees, 42 ; in all 315. The record of the work done is in striking contrast to that done last year. There were 85 days of sitting, as against 59 last year ; hours of sitting before midnight, 698 h. 40m., as against 351 h. 45m. last year ; hours of sitting aftermidnight, 155 h. 30m., as against 66h. 30m. last year; daily average, lOh. 28m.; that of last year, Th. sm. The contrast between the number of hours after midnight occupied in the respective sessions is very remarkable, ■when it is remembered,that at the commencement of the session a great point was thought to have been made by the Standing Orders Committee against late sittings. The orders ■were so amended that no new business could be taken after half-past 12 ; but notwithstanding that regulation more than, double the “wee sma’ hours” were sat out than in the previous session. The public Bills before the House reached the total of 182, as against 144 last year. There was a striking difference in the number of divisions of this session and that of last session. During the session of 1875 there were 94 divisions ; in the 1876 session the divisions taken were 345. The prospectus of the Wellington Tramways Company has been issued, and to which is attached a large amount of valuable information on tramways. The prospectus shows the estimated revenue and expenditure, with a return of a most handsome profit, and if we may judge of the number of people who travel by tramways in the cities and towns in England and America, in comparison with the population, the Wellington estimate, as the prospectus states, is “ an exceedingly low one. The promoters have, we understand, prepared their calculations with the greatest care. “The contract for the construction of the line has already been let, and the contractor is under heavy penalties to complete the line on or before, the 29th day of December, 1877 ; and as the whole of the other arrangements for the complete running of the tramway have been made, the promoters guarantee that it will be In active operation not later than the month of December, 1877 ; they hope to complete it considerably before that- date.” The rails have already been ordered from England, and everything is being done to have a tramway in Wellington which, for completeness and equipment, will not he surpassed anywhere. On account of the great traffic of the city being along one line of streets (the tramway route), Lambton-quay, Willis-street, and Man-ners-street, Wellington thereby possesses a peculiar feature ■ of success for tramways not possessed by other cities. The tramway cars will also have the advantage of being propelled by steam instead of horses, which will effect! a saving of over £3OO a year for each car. Xho Paris special correspondent of the London Times stated that the actual saving in Paris of steam-power as against horse-power is represented by the difference between 16s. per day lor steam and 60s. per day for horses. The cars are to be supplied by Stephenson and Company, of Hew York, and will be fitted up with all the latest improvements and comforts. We fully indorse the following statement by. the promoters:—“ The investment has also the one great advantage, it is under the daily supervision and control of each shareholder, and it may well be said that-it is a blatter worthy of congratulation that the municipal authorities of Wellington havp been the first in the Southern hemisphere to recognise the importance and benefit of steam tramways, and that Wellington trill have the honor of being

the first city in the hemisphere in which such tramways will run." We wish the undertaking the best success. The sixth half-yearly meeting of the national Insurance Company held on the 13th Hovember, From the . report. submitted it appears that the total receipts for half-year (including £6563 6s. Id., carried forward from previous balance), have been £51,890 10s. 9d. The expenditure for same period has been £38,461 17s. Id., leaving for - distribution £13,428 13s. Bd. This sum the directors recommend should be appropriated as follows; To payment of dividend at rate of 20 per cent, per annum, £5000; to be carried forwars to next half-year, £8428 18s. Bd. Provision has been made in the accounts for £785614d. 6d. unadjusted losses, also reinsurances in Marine department, and all known liabilities at date of closing books, which have been duly carried to profit and loss account. Owing to the heavy losses the directors are unable to recommend that any sum be carried to reserve fund at this balance.

The labor question cropped up again on Oct. 30th in the Legislative Council,-when the Immigration'and Public Works Appropriation Bill was being considered. The Hon. Mr. Waterhouse looked upon the proposal to introduce a further supply of male immigrants as dangerous,to the welfare of the laboring class in New Zealand at the present time, and stated that in the Wairarapa there were numbers of men well able and willing to wort who could not find employment. The Hon. Mr. Robinson then rose and said that in his part of the country such was not the case, and with regard to the price of labor, about which so much had been said, he begged to,' record his opinion that high wages were an indication of-prosperity, and he should be happy to see the price of labor 50 per cent higher than it was at the present time. The Hon. Dr. Pollen thought the state of affairs which the Hon. Mr. Waterhouse had depicted as existing in the Wairarapa must be peculiar to that district, and could scarcely understand the cases he had mentioned being genuine cases of distress, considering the means of communication which existed between the different parts of the colony, and. he knew for a fact that in no other part was there such distress; but on the contrary, laborers were scarce. ■

A; fire occurred at Blenheim at two a.m. on November 2nd. Ewart’s Hotel, Telegraph Office, Post Office, Court House, Government Buildings, Lichfield, draper; Masonic Hotel, Club, Carter and' Tait’s stores, Litchfield’s grocery, Hustwick, druggist; Hunter, jeweller; Augustus’ shop, empty; Lewis’ fancy goods store' ■ Presswood, watchmaker; Laurence’s general store ; Warner’s ' old shop ; Rogers, solicitor; Campbell, painter; Smith, tinsmith;, and two cottages; Eyles, cabinetmaker, shop and two residence cottages, all burned to the ground; The origin of the fire is a mystery. It was 'discovered by several persons who saw the centre of the Government Buildings in a blazei A strong wind from the west ■ carried the flames across the square, igniting Augustus’ old shop on the roof, thence along High-street. For ‘some time the brigade hoped to stay it at Lawrence’s, but it crept round the burnt cottages beyond Campbell’s and Taylor’s. Robinson’s and i Siven’s were saved with great difficulty. Meantime a fire worked _ from Augustus’ till it met a gap. near Rogers’ ; no help could be given except carrying things out. On the western side the fire beat back, igniting Ewart’s Hotel, hall, and.stables, which were saved. The Bank of New Zealand had a very narrow escape, and is charred all over. Every place'named is cleared away, only a few chimneys standing.. The aggregate losses of the insurance companies are—-New Zealand, £2800; National, £1450 ; Imperial, £2400 ; Standard, £IBSO ; British, £2350 ; Victoria, £1560 ; Norwich, £1250 ; Batavia, £950 ; Liverpool and London, £BOO. Total, £15,401. Several losses are estimated at double. The telegraph is camped out in a tent in Seymour-square. • ;In i regard to the administration of the affairs of the different provincial districts, the following proclamation appears in the New Zealand Gazette published on Nov. 9th ; —His Excellency the Governor has been pleased, in pursuance of the twelfth section of the- Abolition of Provinces Act, 1875, by warrant under his . hand, to appoint the undermentioned gentlemen to perform those duties and exercise those powers within the provincial district set forth opposite the name of each respectively, which might, if such duties and powers had to be performed and exercised within the respective provinces hitherto designated by the names of such provincial districts, be performed or exercised by the Superintendents thereof. His Excellency has also been pleased, in pursuance of the eighth section of the above Act, by warrant under his hand, to appoint the same gentlemen, within' the same provincial districts, to perform and exercise all powers, duties, and functions, which, immediately before the date of the abolition of provinces, were invested in or to be performed by the Provincial Treasurer, Provincial Secretary, or other public officer of the respective provinces so designated as aforesaid:—Reader Gilson Wood, Esq., Auckland ; Frederick Alonzo Carrington, Esq., Taranaki; John Davies Ormond, Esq., Hawke’s Bay; Henry Bunny, Esq., Wellington ; ’ Arthur Penrose Seymour, Esq., Marlborough ; Oswald Curtis, Esq.; Nelson ; the Hon. James Alexander Bonar, Westland ; William Rolleston, Esq., Canterbury; the Hon. George McLean, Otago. The leave taking of the members of the • Assembly on the night of Obt. 28th was celebrated in a most becoming manner. After the -conference between the. Lower House and the Council was over, faint echoes of distant music were heard in the reporters gallery. On coming down into the lebbies, quite a touching scene presented itself, Mr. Sheehan and Sir Robert Douglas performing prodigies on the violin, being relieved occasionally by Mr. Joyce. Mr, Rees was in full possession of a drum, and report says that on the funeral procession of the defunct provinces, at which he officiated as chief mourner, he executed the “turn turns-'’ in the “Dead March” in truly artistic style. After the rising of the House, a procession was formed to the wharf, “ Glory Hallelujah ” being sung in full voice down the street, with musical accompaniments, a tin whistle having been added to the band. Mr Larnach headed the procession, officiating as a “ dancing dervish,” although not in costume. His performance was very much admired by the spectators, especially in some effective pas des deux executed in conjunction with another hon. member. Several martial airs were played da the wharf as a compliment to the Otago-members, and all went aboard -the Hawea, the steamer for the South, where the “Maraellaise” was chanted in fine style, Mr. Rees doing- great execution with the drum. It was then formally moved by Mr. Sheehan that the House should adjourn to the Taupo, which was carried nem. con., and at once given effect to. , After some convivial and warlike toasts, “Auld Lang Syne”; was sung in full-chorus, all joining hands-and dancing round the table. The Southern members then retired to their own steamer, which soon casfloose from the wharf. Far across the bay in the stilly darkness of the: night, two sweet voices—supposed by our reporter to be those-of the members for the dlutha and Roslyn—echoed in delicious harmony, “ Scots wha hae wi Wallace bled.” By some means or other a Scotch member had got on board the Northern boat, and delivered an eloquent lecture on the value of porridge as a training material for the ensuing hostilities, which was very favorably received by the Auckland members. Cheers were then given for Sir George Grey and “no surrender,” answered by jeers and groans -from, the wharf. The steamer then got away, _ the dying cadences of “We won’t go home till morning” being gradually less and less audible as our reporter wended his homeward way up Willisstreet. -

The seventh annual report of the Botanic Gardens Board has been published. It is an interesting record, as showing, tho progress made in the chief recreation ground of Wellington. The expenditure under the head of labor during; the past year has been larger than usual, in consequence of the addition to the extent of the domain-which has lately been placed.under the control of,the Board. TW» expenditure covers the erectioh of seats, cleaning and widening of paths, under-brush-ingj.and the extension of permanent plantations, The bridges and, roads, in the old portiißn'faf the gardens, which' have now been in

use six years, have also required extra outlay for their repair, and the substitution of 9-inoh culverts in place of surface drains, which formerly, led to considerable damage during heavy rain, was also found to be necessary. The nursery grounds have been greatly improved by the erection of additional screens and more thorough drainage. The Board also found it advisable, for the more yerfect protection of the newly-acquired portion of the gardens, to erect a ranger’s cottage, which, however, is yet unoccupied, owing to the deficiency of funds. The total number of trees planted out since last - report is 657, and about 300 plants have been distributed to various public reserves. Over 6000 conifer trees have been raised from seed, and will be available for distribution when sufficiently advanced. Valuable contributions have been received from Mr. Justice Gillies, Mr. Ludlam, the lion. Mr. Mantell, and other persons ; and shipments of plants to the number of 7354 have been received from Kew Gardens, which were selected under Dr. Hector’s superintendence, for Government. This shipment was of an experimental character, to test the best method of transmitting plants from Europe. The expenses incurred by the Board in connection with these'large'Government consignments have materially trenched on the funds at the disposal of the Board for the management of the domain. The report contains a list of pines raised from seed, the total number being 6291 ; and a large amount of statistical infonnation is given respecting the plants in the gardens, and the report concludes with the rules and retaliations relating to the gardens framed by the Board. A conversazione was given by Dr. Hector, C.M.G., at the Museum buildings on the 21st October; There was a brilliant assemblage, and the collection of objects of art, principally collected during Dr. Hector’s visit to Europe, was exceedingly varied and interesting and instructive. Photographic illustrations of the Philadelphia Exhibition were given in the Lecture Hall at 9 p.m., the views being exhibited by means of the limelight, and each scene being accompanied by a few remarks in explanation by Dr. Hector. The' views were brought out splendidly. Prior to this visitors had amused themselves by studying the exhibits in various parts of the building. These comprised : In south wing—lllustrations of diamagnetism, spectrum analysis, voltaic decomposition, voltaic synthesis, hot blast blowpipe, electric pen, electrical apparatus, (exhibited by the Telegraph department), microscopic structure of -the auriferous’ rocks, specimens from the Colorado and Nevada mines. In gallery.— Dioptroptic apparatus (3rd order), fountain lamp; with Captain Doty’s patent burner for paraffin, (exhibited by Marine department); photographs of railway bridges, locomotives, &c., (exhibited by Public Works department); photographs of New Zealand scenery (by W. T. L. Travers, Esq, and H. Deveril, Esq.) ; photographs 'of American scenery; photographs by Challenger expedition. There were also railway ticket printing and counting machines sent by Mr. G. Didsbury from the Government Printing Office. Both machines were in full-working order, and_ their ingenious; mechanism was much admired even by some of those who are supposed to be pretty conversant with the arts and mysteries of printing. Refreshments were served in the Maori House at 9.45. The evening was exceedingly pleasant, and all present felt very deeply indebted to Dr. Hector for the treat he had afforded them.

A bullock bred by Mr. Meredith of Riversdale, says the News Letter, was recently brought down from the station on his way to Wellington, and promised to average considerably above the common. He knocked up near Blairlogie, and he was left there until the next mob came down, which brought him to Master-, ton. Crossing the Rimutaka he again gave way; and it was evident he could not travel to Wellington. He was killed for Mr. Oakes’ men, who no doubt found him a treat. The animal’s weight, after all his hardships, was 1044 pounds. . A man named Kiely obtained a verdict in the Supreme Court, Christchurch, for £l5O, for, assault and illegal detention. Kiely was travelling oh the railway, and after the tickets had been Collected the guard returned, saying that the ticket given by Kiely was not for the'full distance, and demanded the balance of the fare. Kiely denied that the ticket was his, whereupon he was forcibly removed to the guard’s van, but set at liberty without comment when the train arrived at Christchurch. The Provincial Solicitor gave notice that he would move for the verdict to be set aside on the ground of a legal informality in the plaintiff’s declaration. , -

The following sad story of a misspent life is related by the Inangahua Times :—“ The intelligence was received in Reefton on Monday morning last of the death, at Hokitika,, of Alexander Brooks. The deceased came :to Reefton from Nelson about four or five months ago, and put up at one of ; the hotels here. During his stay here he received several remittances of money from his friends in England. ' These' payments usually came through Judge! Fenton, Auckland, who it would appear, had the custody of Brooks’ income. The • last sum received by the deceased must have been for a considerable amount,' as he was enabled to keep up a protracted spree, and display the'greatest liberality in the entertain- ■ ment of the horde of acquaintances attracted by his prodigality. He left hero about a month'ago to have a look at the Kumara,-in-tending after completing his detour of the colony; to return to England. It seems that his revels were continued in Greymouth and later at Kumara, where his excesses culminated in an attack of delirium. He was taken to Hokitika and placed under medical treatment, but long outraged nature would not forgive the debt, and the unfortunate young man died as stated. Possessed of a gentlemanly and refined mien, highly educated, with all the accidental advantages of fortune, influence and friends, he! has fallen an early victim to the vice of intemperance, and thus a career commenced meritoriously in the army has been ended thus.sadly.” The following is the report of the Taita Ploughing Committee:—“The committee of the Taita ploughing match in presenting their report have to congratulate the subscribers on the success of the match. They had some difficulties to contend with in the beginning, owing partly to a want of confidence in the arrangements made, but they persevered, and the subscriptions came in freely, which the attached statement will show. The ploughing was not of tho first order, but, taking,into consideration the rough aud hard state of the ground, the average was. very fair for the'first match in the district. The financial statement' shows the total receipts to be £55 2s. 6d., and the expenditure £37 12s. 6d., leaving a balance on hand of £l7 10s. It will be observed that the whole of the money was not spent on the ploughing, the committee thinking a little amusement carried on in connection with the ploughing would tend to make the day agreeable to every one. The committee desire to thank those gentlemen who so kindly consented jto act as. judges for the match, and to assure them that their decisions have. given general satisfaction.” In our obituary of to-day may ; be observed the name of Mr. J. B, Reading, of Karori, who died on November 2nd, after an, illness of afew days. Mr. Reading was one of the earliest settlers, having arrived in Port Nicholson, in the ship Duke of Roxburgh, in 1840. He carried on business as a carpenter and builderin town for some time, and afterwards removed to Karori, where he prosecuted farming operations: He was an active enterprising settler, and took part. in all the public affairs of the district. He was,three times elected a member of the Provincial Council for Karori, and was always most assiduous in; his duties. He leaves a wife and a family of six (the majority of whom are married) to mourn his loss. His death will be regretted by a large circle of friends,’ to whom he had endeared himself by his - unaffected good nature and; unvarying readiness to assist with his counsel and advice, : As a first instalment (says the Wairarapa News) of the benefit likely to accrue to the district by the completion of tho.Taueru Bridge ;we are informed .on good'authority that the price per ton for. conveyance of- wool to Wellington’is exactly 20s. less than it Was last year—the charge Being £5 10a. as against £6 10s,

A number ’of - Melanesians, brought to Auckland for the purpose by the Rev. R. H. Codriiirton, head of the Melanesian Mission, were confirmed in Auckland by the Bishop of Auckland on November Ist. A remarkable meteor, described as being of great size and brilliancy, was seen at Tauranga on the evening of November 4th. exploded with a noise like a cannon. ■ The prorogation of Parliament on Got. 31st was not an impressive ceremony by any means. It was performed by commission, and owing to the delay consequent^on the conferences between managers of the two Houses, there was a very small attendance of the general public, and the ladies gallery was not well patronised. It was, in fact, a tame affair. ; , ~ The Waitekauri part of the new goldfields in connection with the Thames and Ohiuemuri is showing up well, according to recent telegrams, one mine there giving monthly returns of gold. Last Saturday a Press Agency telegram stated that the last month s return Sor the Waitekauri Company was 3300z5., which is not much certainly, but quite sufficient to be encouraging, when it is recollected that not so very long back all faith in the Ohlnemun and adjoining districts had departed. The progress made of late by the contractors for the reclamation of the foreshore is very noticeable.. It - would seem-that a better method of obtaining the gravel has been discovered, for the work-is certainly showing great progress,, particularly since it reached the land on whieh is situated the new Government Buildings. The tunnel scheme, from which so much was expected, has been entirely abandoned, but the work is proceeding very satisfactorily, the contractor appearing to be determined on using all endeavor to push it ahead. , . V - , It is with regret that we record the death of Mr. James Osgood, a gentleman! well known iu, this city. He 'had been unwell for a considerable time, and expired on October 27th. Mr. Osgood was proprietor of the Empire Hotel for some , time, and on leaving it left this colony for England, afterwards returning and i taking possession of the, Metropolitan Hotel. The deceased gentleman was very generally respected, and his death, will bo regretted by a large circle of friends. Some time since an interesting discussion took place in the House of Representatives on the subject of native grasses ; and at the instance of Sir George Grey it was resolved to present an address to his Excellency for a sum of £4OO to defray the cost of a work on native grasses. In the press and hurry of business the matter escaped attention, and no sum was placed on the Estimates.. Mr. Rolleston on Oct, 28th called attention to this, and Major Atkinson promised, that the oversight should not prevent, the ’Government taking steps to give effect to the order of the House, J The Hon. Sir John Richardson addressed the Council on Oot. 30th on the subject of defence, suggesting that a portion of the vote for that purpose should be devoted to external defence. He pointed out tho necessity for being thoroughly prepared in the event of the colony having to contend with a power hostile, to the mother country, and seemed to‘think that a war in which England would engage might probably arise at no distant date. The lion. Dr. Pollen did not think there was _ any danger, and looked to the cable communication with England as a safeguard against surprise in such a direction. He also pointed out the improbability of the Home Government failing to acquaint us here with their intentions to go to .war. - . We take the following items from the Kumara Times of October 28th:-—The favorable weather and the success of O’Connor and party ; have given quite an impetus to mining during the past week. The abandoned, ground in the neighborhood of the Larrikins'has been taken'up in every direction, and both prospectors and “shepherds” are havinga busy time of it, sinking being carried on'night and day.—We mentioned a few days since that O’Connor and party had struck the, wash'at a depth'of 52ft., with aprospect averaging over two grains to the dish. They bottomed yesterday, with 6ft. of wash, averaging from one to six grains per dish.—To the west of the Lucky Hit, two claims from O’Connor’s, Mullins and party struck the wash in a hollow at a depth of only 26ft., averaging from two to three grains to the dish.—Biggs and party, to the south of Mullins’ claim, struck the wash this morning, at a depth of 42ft., and obtained a prospect of one grain to the dish.—Mitchell and party, two. claims to the south of the Lucky Hit, are down 22ft., and expect to bottom, next week.—Donnolly and party, the adjoining claim to Mitchell’s, are still driving, but have struck nothing payable.—Cunningham and party, next to the last-named claim, are down 52£t., and on the wash ; but at the present depth do not consider it payable.