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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5553, 15 January 1879, Page 2

It is understood that Lord and Lady Normanby, accompanied by Mr. E. LePatourel as. Private Secretary, and Lord Hervey Phipps as aide-de-camp, leave per Arawata on the 11th February. His Excellency will most probably travel pverland from Christchurch to the Bluff, from whence the Arawata will take him to Melbourne, arriving there on the 22nd of February, a few hours prior to the departure of Sir George Bowen. It is officially stated that communication has been restored on the Port Darwin line.

The opinion of Mr.. Travers re the claim of the Hutt County Council to 20 per cent, of the reclaimed land will be found published '• in extenso elsewhere in our columns. It may interest the Wairarapa people to know that the Minister for Public Works continues to urge ou the contractor for. the Featherston extension, and that the contractorhas promised that every exertion shall be made to pull up lost time, so that the works shall bo completed within the specified period. At a meeting of the Scholarship Committee of the Wellington Education Board held yesterday it was decided to recommend for the consideration of the Boardatitsnextmeetingthe desirableness of establishing seven scholarships of the total value of £l5O, to be given annually and to be tenable for two years. The committee propose to allocate the scholarships as follows : one of the value of £3O per annum to the Wellington City schools ; one of the value of £3O to the Wairarapa schools ; one of the value of £3O to the Wellington Country Districts Schools ; one of £2O, two of £ls, and one of £lO to be open to all comers in the Wellington Educational District, no matter from what particular school district. The committee recommend that the whole of these scholarships shall be open to competition by all children of a school age in the Educational District, irrespective of whether they are attendants at Board schools or not; and that they shall be tenable at any school under the Board of Education, or any educational establishment (at which the higher education is taught) submitting itself to inspection by the Board’s inspector, and coming out of the test creditably. The committee suggest that the scholarship standard shall embrace similar subjects to those forming the ordinary sixth standard, and further, that any candidate to be successful shall obtain at least two-thirds of the maximum number of marks. The freouent stoppages of the tramway form a drawback to the usefulness of the “ institooshun.” Human nature is very exacting, and everyone likes to have his or her threepennyworth. The pound of flesh is vigorously insisted on, and hence the stoppages get so frequent that to anyone on business it is often quicker to walk than to ride. It is very difficult to get rid of the inconvenience, but perhaps the best course (not by any means faultless, though) would be to fix various points at which alone stoppages would be made. The servants of the tramway under the present arrangement are apt to get annoyed and often very deaf when the bell rings, so that persons wishing to alight have to ride a few hundred yards further than they wished. Yesterday a scene occurred. Two little girls rang the bell, but the engine kept going, and then a City Councillor rose in his wrath and “ went” for the guard. The guard represented that the engineer was a terrible Mr. Jerkins in his way, and never would stop much when behind time. The Councillor savagely retorted that the “ gals” did not make him late, and when Jorkius eventually did resolve to stop, and our informant left the carriage, the ■ angry Councillor and apologetic guard had not finished their “ till'.” It may be added that as this tram was tuned to catch a train stoppages might have resulted in great inconvenience to some country people. The amateur concert given by the choir of St. Peter’s Church last night in the schoolhouse was very successful. Owing to the wretched weather, the, attendance was not so lar<»o as it would have been had the night been fine. The programme was a varied one, and comprised glees, solos, duets, and instrumental music. The entertainment was a most enjoyable one, and was thoroughly appreciated by those present.

The Wharf Committee have resolved to extend the two sheds on the outer T by 40ft., at an estimated cost of £230 each.

At the Imperial Opera House last night “Amos Clarke” was repeated for the last time to a capita! downstairs audience. An application from the land tax valuers for permission to copy the City Council's assessment of Cook and Te Aro Wards has been declined. We are requested to state, in the case of the ■ Mount Cook school committee, the election to be held on the 2/tlx instant will take place in the boys’ school. A survey of the land on which the Post and Telegraph Offices will stand is now being made preparatory to plans and specifications being prepared in the Colonial Architect’s offiae. James Murphy was flogged at the gaol at 9.30 a.m. yesterday, in the presence of Dr. Johnston, Sir. M. Bead, and Turnkey James Donaldson. The Town Clerk has written to the Government, asking when they will be prepared to receive a deputation from the City Council with reference to the immediate construction of the railway wharf. The Hutt County Council resolved yesterday to obtain the opinio* of Mr. Robert Hart with reference to the Council's claim to onetwentieth of the reclaimed land and other provincial property.

“ Conrad and Lizette ” drew a fine downstairs house at the Theatre Royal last night. Tbo songs and dances by Messrs. Baker and Farron were as usual heartily applauded. Tonight “ Liza Eccles ” will be produced.

It will be remembered that some months ago the Hutt County Council passed a resolution having for its object the abolition of tolls on the Hutt bridge. Consequently, no further tolls will be charged after the 31st of this month. Had the Council thought over the matter a little more, their revenues would have been increased by the extra amount derivable on race days, and some regret was expressed by Councillors yesterday that the time for collecting tolls had not been extended a fortnight longer. To-night, Mr. Rignold will taka his farewell benefit at the Imperial Opera House, when an entirely new programme will be submitted. Mr. Rignold’s talents as an actor have so thoroughly impressed themselves on the minds of the playgoing public that if ho gets his deserts the house will be crowded in every part. Mr. Rignold will appear as William, in “ Blnck-eyeJ Susan,” and in this as in almost all the other parts which he has undertaken he has gained high encomiums from the Press and the general approval of the public. The programme for to-night is a very long one, and in consequence punctually at eight o’clock the curtain will rise to the first act of “ Alone.” No delay will take place between the acts, and the public are requested to take their seats early, so as to enable the play to open punctually. A meeting of the College governors was held yesterday afternoon. Present : Hon. W. Gisborne (chairman), his Worship the Mayor, Rev. J. Paterson, Dr. Hector, Messrs. Brandon, Jackson, and Hutchison. The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed, the chairman said the first business was the consideration of the report of the Reorganisation Committee. Mr. Brandon thought that as the consideration of the report would probably bring up tho names of individual masters, and their respective merits might have to be discussed, it would be as well that the reporters should not be represented. He moved that the representatives of the Press be requested to withdraw. Mr. Jackson seconded. He thought a good many personal matters might crop up which the governors would desire to speak of in private. Mr. Hutchison opposed the motion, stating that he believed the shroud of mystery which had in the past surrounded the doings of the governors had been one of the main causes of non-success. Ho could not see that personal questions were likely to arise, and if so, he felt that Mr. Wilson’s interest would best be served by the fullest publicity. Dr. Hector and the Rev. Mr. Paterson supported the motion, which was duly put and carried. The reporters then left. Subsequently the secretary informed our representative that the report had been considered, and the governors had decided to offer Mr. Wilson the office of principal at the salary proposed by the report, and to advertise for a second master, to teach classics and English, a mathematical master, and a teacher of modern languages. On those portions of the report which deal with the fees to be charged, girls’ school, and other matters, no decision was arrived at.

Councillor Smith was not quite satisfied yesterday with Mr. Travers’ opinion re the claim of the Hutt County Council to 20 per cent, of the proceeds of the reclaimed land and other provincial property. He thought the Council ought to consult somebody else on the subject, and in the innocence of his heart he suggested the Attorney-General ; but a general cry of "He’s in the Opposition” seemed to convince Councillor Smith that in the person of the Hon. Mr. Stout the Council was not likely to discover a Portia on a subject of such delicacy. The sixth anniversary of the Thorndon Wesleyan Church has just been celebrated. The usual sermons were preached on Sunday to good congregations, and last evening the annual tea and public meeting took place. The tea was provided by the ladies with their usual liberality, and the inclement weather alone prevented entire success. There was, however, a pretty good attendance, and everything passed off satisfactorily. At the public meeting the Rev. Mr. Williams presided, and there were addresses given by the Messrs. Bedstone, Harrington, Westbrook, and others. The report read by Mr. Watt had the followin'* : “ The attendance on the Sabbath services, while not yet by any means what the trustees could wish it to be, has yet during the year shown pleasing signs of improvement. One drawback to the prosperity of this church is that so many who from time to time have worshipped and worked with us, have moved away to distant places of residence. It is scarcely too much to say that, had all the friends who have joined us here remained with us, this would have been one of the strongest churches in Wellington. During the past, year some who have been associated with us from the beginning of our work have had to leave. We rejoice, however, to think that they will carry with them to their new homes tile same desire to be useful in the Master’s service, and we are glad too to find that as old faces disappear new friends are found still to carry on the work.” The financial statement was of a satisfactory character. During the evening the Manners-street choir, Mr. Manning presiding at the organ, gave pleasing selections of sacred music. A vote of thanks to the ladies, the choir, &c., was passed on the motion of Mr. Lawrie, and proceedings terminated about 9;30 with the benediction. Messrs. Jeremiah O’Brien and Michael Toohey, sureties for Messrs. Neil and Goddar, contractors for the making of 265 chains of the Muugaroa-Waikanae line of road, were released from their sureties yesterday for reasons which appear in our extended report of the proceedings of the Hutt County Council,

We understand that a testimonial is now being got up in the Wairarapa for Mr. WakeHn, the well-known editor of the Wairarapa Standard. Mr. Hastwell, of the firm of Hastwell, Macara, and Co., has taken the matter in hand, and heads the list of subscribers with a good round sum. Both as a journalist of twenty-fire years standing and as an active participator in all public affairs of local interest Mr. Wakelin has earned the good will of his fellow-townsmen. This testimonial will but be a token that his services have been generally recognised and appreciated. We are informed that owing to the death of Colonel Hamilton, of Colello, the Enfield Estate will pass by inheritance to his nephew, Mr. Vernon Hamilton. By an oversight, we presume, the gentleman who gave us the information omitted to leave his name or address. We understand that the property left is worth £40,000 per annum, and the heir is supposed to be working on a station in the Wairarapa. News of the death was sent to our informant by cable. The Agnes Donald, from Fiji, brings the following news :—The schooner Lady Palmerston was wrecked on a reef off Batik!, bound to Samoa. The vessel is partly insured. The cargo is a total loss, and was owned by Mr. Fisher, of Levuka. The three-masted schooner Winifred reports that the natives at Obau fired on a boat’s crew, wounding a seaman with poisoned arrows. When taken on board the wound was lanced, and was well washed out with nearly pure carbolic acid. A native in the boat pulled out the arrow. The Hntt County Council, at its usual monthly meeting yesterday, unanimously resolved that the chairman should write to the Colonial Secretary, asking the Government to abolish all existing pounds within the county. This step is taken with a view to the Council establishing new pounds and fixing the seals of fees to be chargeable therein.

The Hutt County Council declined, yesterday, to allow coaches carrying mails to go through the Kaiwarra tollgate free of charge. It was stated this was the only tollgate used by mail coaches in the county, and that the mail contractor used fifty miles of road within the county boundary on the way to Wanganui.

The members of the conference of school committees which met last Friday will be glad to learn that the question of penny banks has been brought under the notice of the Education Department. All arrangements have been pretty well perfected, and the new experiment will commence when the schools reassemble. The necessary books and forms would have been issued before this had it not been for the block in the printing office. No difficulty is anticipated by the authorities in regard to the account keeping. Penny-bank journals have been prepared by the postal department which will render the account keeping a very simple mattei. These journals will be forwarded to the Central Board, for distribution to the local school committees. It will rest with them to appoint trustees and treasurers. In many cases the master will probably undertake this duty of cashier. In England there has been no difficulty, as we are informed, in finding volunteers for the office. Under the new regulations any individual scholar having saved five shillings may at once transfer his account to the Post Office Savings Bank without expense, as the two banks will be connected. This establishment of penny banks has long been under consideration, and is now likely to be at once started in all schools where there is likely to be a sufficient number of investors to make it worth while.

A rather peculiar case occupied the attention of the Chief Justice and it special jury yesterday. A Mr. Gollop, a publican of Napier, sued Inspector Atchison for £2OO, by way of damages, for having published of and concerning him a certain defamatory matter. It seemed that Gollop was applying for a public-house license in Napier, and the libel complained of was a telegram in which the Inspector said Gollop had been implicated in a robbery at the Pier Hotel, insinuated that he had been guilty of some impropriety at Nelson, and stated that he was not a proper person to hold a license. Defendant put plaintiff upon his proof of everything, and this imported into the case the difficulty of getting hold of the original telegram. Dr. Lemon, generalmanagerof telegraphs, declined to produce the telegram without the consent of either defendant or Inspector Scully; but a happy thought struck Mr. Travers, plaintiff’s counsel, and when Inspector Scully refused his consent the learned counsel casually remarked that plaintiff would have to sue Inspector Scully, as he was the publisher. Mr. Scnlly at once knocked under, and gave his consent in writing, so that the original telegram was got in evidence. This, however, was of little avail, for Mr. Buckley took an objection which his Honor held to be fatal to plaintiff's case, viz., that the occasion on which the telegram was sent made it a privileged communication, and that plaintiff could not recover. Mr. Travers therefore was forced to accept a nonsuit.

A new schoolroom in connection with the Thorndon Wesleyan Church has just been opened. It is very commodious, being 50ft. by 30ft., and is handsome withal, tho architect, Mr. Fraser Jones, having designed a building especially calculated to meet tho wants of this large and increasing school, and the contractors, Messrs. Hunter and Menzies, having faithfully and well given effect to his design. The amount of the contract was £285, but fittings and seats, &0., have (increased that amount by about £6O. The building was formally opened on Sunday by the Rev. Thomas Williams. The trustees have received such liberal assistance from the congregation, especially the ladies, that they have teen able to erect and furnish the building without going into debt to the extant of a single shilling. In the first instance there were collections to the amount of £39 6s. Bd., and then a grand bazaar brought in £394 2s. lid. There were expenses to the amount of upwards of £6O, but it is expected this will be met by the balances of cash and goods in hand. During the gale which commenced about one o’clock yesterday morning a good deal of damage was done. Chief among the sufferers was Mr. Edwards, the contractor for the new Foresters’ Hall at Tory-street. The framework, which was of very heavy timber, had just been erected, and was partly walled in with corrugated iron. The force of the gale was such as to hurl the whole structure to the ground, doing considerable damage to the framing and breaking many of the timbers into fragments. We trust that tho damage done, which was supposed to amount to several hundred pounds, may prove to have been somewhat over-estimated. Some injury was done to a part of the framework of the United Methodist Free Church, which is in course of erection at Courtenay-placa. The framing here was also blown down, but comparatively little damage was done, and yesterday afternoon a good deal of the wreck had been cleared away, and there seemed to be but little trace left of the mischief wrought by the gale, except that one section of the framework was still resting against the school-house at the back of the building. Several minor disasters were reported. By telegraph we hear that the Wairarapa coach was blown over near Tauherinikan. Two passengers were slightly injured.

We are requested to draw the attention of capital lists and others to the important land sale to be held at Messrs. Benjamin Smith and Ga.’s auction rooms, Lambton-quay, this day, at half-past 2 o’clock. Among the properties for sale are t-iwn section 116, with house, &0., delightfully situated near Orientalterrace; also, allotment with comfortable dwellinghouses in Baulcoit-street, Lewisville, Kent-terrace, Martin-street, and Kilbirnie; allotments in Featlierston, Karori, &c.. particulars of which can be seen in our advertising columns.