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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4891, 24 November 1876, Page 2

The sub-committee of the Chamber of Commerce met yesterday afternoon, and after some discussion, and having conferred with Mr. Capper, of the firm of W. and G. Turnbull and Co., and Mr. Roxburgh, representing Messrs, Joseph Nathan and Co., who have recently had considerable experience in wind-ing-up bankrupt estates, the secretary was instructed to reply to the letter received from the Minister of Justice, and- to inform that gentleman that the committee had considered the rules and regulations, which it is proposed to bring into force by an Order in Council, and thought them suitable, and that they could not suggest any alterations likely to improve their working. The question of appointing a valuer to make the new valuation required by the Rating Act was raised at the meeting of the City Council last evening. The Mayor pointed out that such an officer should be appointed, and stated that Mr. Ames, who had made the usual valuation under the old constitution, could not well perform the duty unless he was relieved from office work for a term, his duties being heavy. It was agreed to leave the matter in the hands of the Mayor to make arrangements with Mr. Ames.

The little squabbles of gentlemen of the long robe often furnish considerable amusement to the outside public. Yesterday afternoon a large audience attended in the precincts of the Resident Magistrate’s Court to see Mr. Barton and Dr. Bu'ler fight it out, not literally of course, but in a war of words, each combatant having his own particular backers. In the course of the hearing of one of the cases, Dr. Buller was examining a very intelligent looking little girl, when Mr. Barton objected to the young lady’s pa being in Court, as he might exercise a terrifying influence over her. Mr. Barton had previously, by the wav, had the Court cleared of the witnesses, and then allowed them to come in again. As supporting his view of the matter, he mentioned the practice of examining married women apart from their husbands on the sale of their lauds, and quoted an instance of an Irishman who bad been confined in gaol for seven years for contempt of court, in having been seen in the precincts of the Temple of Justice with a whip in his hand when his wife was about to be examined. Dr. Buller’s supporters looked very glum when Mr. Barton concluded; one gentleman, however, never losing his faith, and in reply to any depreciating remark simply answering, “He’s game! he’s game! I tell yer.” This gentleman was correct in his opinions, for the learned doctor came down on Mr, Barton’s case like two avalanches - and an earthquake combined —the result being that the fond parent was allowed to remain in Court.

Several members of the committee of the Wellington Club and the architect (Mr. Turnbull) met on the site for the new club house yesterday afternoon, and settled the position on which the building is to stand. The rear portion will be placed within about 40ft. of the western boundary of the acre; the club house will therefore be erected some distance from the Terracs-road, so that a beautiful view will be obtained from every part of it, and ample space left for making a suitable approach. The work of filling in and levelling is to be commenced at once, so that no time may be lost in proceeding with the [building as soon as a tender has been accepted for its erection. The announcement of the quarrel scene from the “ School for Scandal,” and the “Serious Family,” with Miss Florence Colville as Lady Teazle and Mrs. Ormsby Dolmoine, was of course successful in drawing a capital house at the Theatre Royal last night. Miss Colville’s make-up as Lady Teazle was perfect, and her acting all throughout the scene moat enjoyable. Her chaff with old Peter on the subject of never quarrelling again being most refreshing. Mr. Oily Deering deserves great credit for his Sir Peter. It was evidently carefully studied, and, as is generally the case with most of his parts, very effective. Miss Colville was most enthusiastically received at the end of the scene. The play of the “ Serious Family ” is so well known that it is unnecessary to enter into the details of the story. In the first act Mrs. Ormsby Delmaine has nothing to do; but in the second act. Miss Colville in that character had some very heavy duty, her make’up: being charming. It was in the last act, however, that Miss: Colville looked and acted her best; her; whole performance, being quite a treat. Mrs. Stoneham’s Lady Sowerby ’ Creamly . was downright rich, and Mias Lizzie Morgan in the quiet little part of Mrs. Charles, Torrens rendered moat able and efficient

aid towards the. success of the piece. Mias Stoneham', as Emma Torrens, was very nice, as she always is. Of the male parts Mr. Oily Deering’s Murphy Maguire, notwithstanding that, he was not quite part perfect, was by far the best, and he was very well received by the audience. Mri Sam Howard, as Animadab Sleek, found a most congenial part, his make-up-being very good and his delineation being well received. Mr. Alexder’s Danvers also deserves a word of commendation, although he has not much to say, as does also Mr. Sweeny’s Frank Vincent. The whole performance was a great success, numbers of the points being enthusiastically applauded, and the company receiving calls at the end of each act. Miss Colville is, announced to play in “London Assurance” to-night, which we very much regret to say will be her last appearance during her short stay. It is unnecessary to speak of Miss Colville’s impersonation of “London Assurance ” here, as it is well and favorably known all through the colonies, and as Mr. Bates will make his re-appearance with her in “ London Assurance ” the success of the piece is certain. It is with great pleasure we announce that Mr, Rates will continue to appear until the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. John Hall. He is a thorough favorite with Wellington playgoers, and to-night’s combination should result in Miss Colville having that most pleasant farewell from the public—a crowded and well-pleased house. The members of the Choral Society met last night in the Provincial Council _ Chamber. There was a capital attendance of instrumentalists and singers, and the practice, when compared with the previous performances, may fairly be pronounced an unqualified success. The harmonium hitherto used was replaced by a splendid pianoforte kindly lent to the society by Mr. Roxburgh, and the effect and benefit resulting from the change of instrument was very observable. Most of the members were punctual. The doors were locked at five minutes past 8 o’clock, and practice commenced at once. They were opened shortly after, and a few members who came late paid the penalty by being well stared at as they entered the hall.. The conductor, Mr. Edwards, announced that there would be practice at Mr. Hunter’s room on Tuesday evening for the band and ladies and gentlemen who have solo parts to rehearse. We are aware that it is contrary to rule to mention names, but think, in this case we shall be excused for saying that it gave everyone present great pleasure to see Mr. Herman and Mr. Isherwood in their places in the baud, and a general hope was expressed that before long another old and familiar face would also be seen, without whose valuable assistance fears are entertained that it may not be possible to do full justice to the whole of Handel’s grand oratorio. The City Council have determined upon erecting a Town-hall and Corporation offices. At the meeting yesterday afternoon, Mr. Greenfield’s motion in respect to this question, of which he gave notice at the previous fortnightly meeting, was carried. There was some discussion, and Mr. Moeller proposed an amendment to the effect—That the consideration of the question be deferred for one year. He argued that there was no immediate necessity for the building of a Town Hall, and moreover public works demanded the consideration of the Council. Other members were of a different opinion, and regarded the erection of a suitable hall as a matter of real necessity, and the original resolution was ultimately carried, as wo have already stated. We regret to have to. record the death of Mr. C. F. Hursthouse, who had been for some time in the Mount View Lunatic Asylum. He died on Wednesday evening at 6 o’clock. Of late his disease took the form of violent convulsions ; and during the two days before his death he was in a state of almost total unconsciousness. Mr. Hursthouse was a prolific writer, and as an immigration agent was very successful. Of his works, the beat and most generally known is that entitled “ New Zealand, the Britain of the South.” He was of a kindly disposition, and his death will be regretted by many. The business, at the Resident Magistrate’s Court yesterday was as follows : —A man named James Campbell, who said he. was a sailor, was sentenced to one month’s imprisonment for stealing a pipe and a purse from a man named Sayers whilst he was in a drunken sleep on the wharf. Another case of larceny was adjourned for further evidence, the accused being a man named William Daniel, alleged to have taken ss. from the till of the bar in the Pakuratahi Hotel. The hearing of the charge of larceny preferred by William Hoskins against Henry Aldridge was resumed, and the accused was committed for trial.

In the harbor yesterday two gentlemen were in a sailing boat when 'one of them was suddenly thrown everboard by the boom striking him. - It appears that the wind, which was light, took a sudden change, and carried the boom across the • boat suddenly. The party who suffered by this eccentricity on the part of the wind very soon recovered his original position in the boat, being a good swimmer, but the result might have been very different.

A New Zealand Gazette was issued last night. It contains—Rates for freight and insurance for horses, cattle, vehicles, special goods, and also by-laws l and regulations on certain of the New Zealand railways ; appointments of a number of trustees under the Maori Real Estate Management Act, 1867 ; dates of sittings of the Otago Goldfields District Court ; notice to- persons in whom is vested ecclesiastical authority over religious bodies, &o. Messrs. Kohler and Bent repeated their entertainment in Mr. Palmer’s store last night. There was a good attendance, and the performance was as usual thoroughly enjoyed by all. We notice that to-night will be their last appearance in Wellington, and we recommend those who have not paid them a visit to do so. Mr. George Downie, a pressman well known in’ Wellington, and generally liked and respected, left by the Lyttelton last evening to take the editorship of the Marlborough Express. Mr. Downie is a member of the Hansard staff of reporters.

We understand that the committee of the Wellington Club are desirous of making an arrangement with Mr. Hausmann, who purchased the old Club-house, so that the members may still have the exclusive use of the building until the new Club-house is ready for occupation.

Eegarding the proposed new submarine tunnel, Iron writes :—“ Stimulated doubtless by the project of joining England to the Continent by a subway under the Straits of Dover, which has arrived at its first practical stage, a Madrid pamphleteer proposes to tunnel the Straits of Gibraltar, and unite Europe with Africa, while turning the flank of the fortress of Gibraltar, on the English occupation of which the Spaniards have long looked with an evil eye. He suggests that the passage should commence between Tarifa and Algesiras on the Spanish and come out between Ceuta and Tangiers on the African side. The submarine part of this tunnel would be little more than a third of the length of that between England and France. On the other hand, as the maximum depth af the sea at the point in question is 600 fathoms, and -as it is proposed to leave 300 ft. of rock between the arch of the tunnel and the sea bottom, the tunnels of approach would have to be nearly six miles long on each side. The cost is estimated at about four millions sterling. It is very questionable, however few the engineering difficulties, whether subh a work could ever become a commercial success ; but in connection with The submarine way under the channel, it would, as its projector points out, allow of an overland railway route to India without change of carriage." 1 'His Excellency the Governor has appointed John Hogan Campbell, Esq., Josiah Clifton Firth, Esq., Benjamin Tonks, Esq., Joseph May, Esq., and william Pollock Moat, Esq., to be Commissioners of the Waste Lands Board of Auckland; and Alexander Kennedy, Esq,, Charles Lambert, Esq., Thomas Kennedy Newton, Esq., Henry Stokes Tiffen, Esq., and the Hon. George Stoddart Whitmore, M.L.0., to be Commissioners of the Waste Lands Board of Hawke’s Bay. Mri Thomas G. Richardson has been gazetted to be Inspector of Cattle under the Diseased Cattle Act for the district of Wellington.

Surgeon Edward Waddington, M.D. (New Zealand Militia), has been gazetted surgeon in the Armed Constabulary. John Thomas Tylee, Esq., has been appointed Commissioner of Crown Lands for the provincial district of Hawke’s Bay. The times of meetings of the Canterbury Waste Lands Board have been fixed for Monday and Thursday in each week ; those for the Hokitika Board for the first and third Wednesday in each month. A gang of thirteen shearers were engaged last week in the Wairarapa to proceed to Marlborough. The rate to be paid per 100 is 165.; which, strange to say, is according to the local Press, ss. per 100 less than was demanded in the Wairarapa. The purchaser of the old Athenseum building has not lost any time in undertaking the work of its removal. It will not be long before the piece of ground so well known as the site of the Athenseum will be cleared, and we may hope to see the new building erected before the end of next year.

We leam by telegraph that the LydiaHowarde Troupe opened on Wednesday night at Camara in the Masonic Hall to a good house, the pieces chosen being Herve’s burlesque ‘ Chilperic,” and Dibden’s burletta “ The Waterman.” The company met with a hearty reception, and quite fulfilled expectations. The troupe appear two more nights, after which they proceed to Dunedin. His Excellency the Governor has issued letters of naturalisation to the following persons :—Moritz Mark, medical practitioner, Christchurch; Otto Peez, civil engineer, Christchurch ; Joseph Kussek, farmer, Puhoi, Auckland ; Hans Jorgensen Bai, Martin Petersen, Eredrik Morteusen, Lorenz Christensen, Johannes Engebretson, Eredrik Jensen, Anders Fredsberg, Amund Amundsen, Christen Jensen—all settlers, Hawkes’ Bay.

The San Francisco News Letter contains some railway statistics that, though not very stupendous, may be read with interest here. They are as follow :—“ The net earnings of the Nevada County narrow gauge railroad in the month of August were 4427d015. 23c., the official returns being as follows : —Receipts (exclusive of mails), 7949d01a. 50c.; expenses, 3522d015. 27c.—net profits for August, 4427d015. 23c. This little road, running between Colfax, Crass Valley, and Nevada City, a distance of twenty-three miles, was completed only in the middle of April last, and yet see the above result. It shows conclusively that narrow gauge railroads can be profitably constructed while opening up parts of our State that were heretofore dependent upon the stage and waggon for communication with the larger cities.” In the matter of horseflesh (says the News) the Wairarapa and neighboring district would seem to have quite distinguished themselves at meetings held lately in Canterbury. The horse which took first prize as best jumper and the one which took first prize as best hack at the Pastoral and Agricultural Society’s exhibition, hailed from the Wairarapa. Then, again, the horse that carried off the stakes at the Metropolitan meeting was likewise a Wairarapa horse. The best horse suitable for getting weight-carrying hunters came, hot exactly from the Wairarapa, but from an (adjoining district—Wanganui A triumph of that kind speaks well for the Wairarapa stables. The unemployed agitator, McLaren, was rather severely dealt with by the Commissioner of Customs lately. The Dunedin Star gives the following account of the matter :—Piecework v. day labor was a moot question at the unemployed’s deputation, and it was stated by Mr. Blair that the men at work on the railway works at Waikouaiti were averaging 6s. 6d. per day at piecework. McLaren pointed out that some able-bodied men might be' able to earn that amount, while others, such as himself, would not make more than 3s. “ But hard work and you do not agree ; you prefer earning your money more easily,” was Mr. McLean’s reply. McLaren asserted he had not come 17,000 miles to work hard, nor did he intend to.

In writing of the dedication services of the new Knox Church, the correspondent of the North Otago Times whose nom de plume as “Diogenes,” says of its pastor :—“ Hia homely ways are very amusing sometimes. He often ‘ mixes up ’ the candidates for baptism, and mixes mistakes about names, but on Sunday last he outdid himself by suddenly exclaiming—- ‘ Hoch, what’s this ? we’re a man short !' and then, after a brief conference with the blushing mother, who had got separated from her husband in the church, the doctor turned round and beckoned to that worthy, who was at some distance, and called out, to the intense amusement of the people, the youngsters especially, ‘Eh, Mr. So-and-so, come awa man, come ! ’ and so the bashful swain had to come forward, apparently with some reluctance, and take the vows.’ Probably no other man in Dunedin could do such a thing with such perfect naturalness and simplicity.” Prom official information supplied to the Lord Mayor of London, it appears that there will be dependent upon the public generosity, owing to the recent disaster on board the Thunderer, 24 widows, 51 orphans (21 boys and 30 girls), and 26 other relatives, besides some of the injured and maimed sufferers. The Government has granted a pension of £IOO per annum to the widow of the chief engineer, and a gratuity of a year's pay to 15 widows and 3 mothers of the stokers killed. A small pension will be granted to the 4 widows of the dockyard men, but the widows' of the contractors’ servants will be without any support. The amount subscribed to the Portsmouth committee is £6364, while that sent to the Lord Mayor in addition is £982, or nearly £BOOO in all. It is roughly estimated that at least £14,000 will be required to meet the necessities of the case, and probably a much larger sum, and in this light both the Lord Mayor and the Mayor of Portsmouth are making every effort to collect what is needed.

The Southland Times , speaking of the Western District railways, about which there was some little stir, last session, says ; Provincialist politicians frequently make use of the term corruption when referring to the party who have introduced the new system of local self-government, but in doing this they forget the old Scriptural adage about the beam and the mote. Not long ago some gentlemen were conversing about the Western district railways transaction, and a satellite of provincialism, who happened to be present, remarked that a certain contractor was perfectly right to put in a large claim for compensation, notwithstanding the Brummagem character of the material on which that claim was based. The political morality of this man may have been exceptionally low, but he was and is a staunch provincialist, and a man's character and the company he keeps are generally made of the same staple.