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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5679, 12 June 1879, Page 2

With reference to the Speakership of the Legislative Council, it is understood that it has been pretty well settled that the Governor will be advised to nominate Sir William Fitzherbert to that position. The Premier and Sir William Fitzherbert had a long interview on Tuesday afternoon, when matters, we believe, were fully discussed. Further communications yesterday are said to have led to an almost definite settlement. The statement that Sir William was likely to take the position of loader of the Opposition was entirely without foundation. Had he chosen to return to the turmoil of party politics, probably he would have at once taken high office in the Cabinet. Mr. O’Korke will, in the event of Sir William’s translation to the Upper Chamber, he the Government candidate for the vacant post of Speaker of the House of Representatives, and it is the general opinion that his appointment would not be disputed. Should the Government propose Mr. Hamlin as Chairman of Committees, we have no doubt that it would be the signal for a trial of strength between the Opposition and the Ministry, with every chance of defeat for the latter.

The business transacted at the Education Board meeting yesterday was not of very much importance. The way in which Mr. Barton’s bill of costs had been taxed down from £446 to £l6O odd, was enough to make laymen donbt the accuracy of their lawyers’ charges. The question of the appointment of supernumerary teachers cropped up in connection, with .the payment of a portion of his salary.to Mr. Clare, and it is probable that the matter will be very fully discussed at a •future salting. It ’appears to ua that some supernumerary or extra teachers must he .retained by the Boat'd in order to provide (fonjllle usual vacancies by sickness or death. Whether ■they are nominally attached to any one school 'or not will make no real difference as" they

would be equally available for transfer where required. This would get over the technical difficulty which was brought./forward by Mr. Hutchison, viz., that the local committee bad not been consulted according to the terms of the Education Act. It will be seen that the proposal to erect two large schools, one in tipper Willis-street and one in Thorndon, was agreed to by the Board. The Harbor Board question was before the Chamber of Commerce yesterday, and it was resolved to take action without reference t» the Corporation. Some important information on the matter was given by the Chairman as the result of an interview between the Premier and himself. A full report will be found in another column.

We have great reason to complain that the work of securing the representation of this city at the Sydney Exhibition has been completely muddled, owing to the inertness displayed by the gentlemen forming the local committee. While the local committees of Oamaru, Timaiu, Invercargill, and places of even less importance, to say nothing of those at the larger centres of population, have been working well to secure a creditable representation of their respective districts, the Wellington Committee has done next to nothing. For two or three dajs, we believe, they did show signs of a little life, and went out canvassing for exhibits, but it was by no means a thorough or creditable canvass, and many of the persons whom they put down as exhibitors aver they never received any visit from the committee nor promised anything. This imperfect canvass over, the committee evidently considered they had done enough, and contented them-elves with asking that the secretary to the Royal Commission, an officer paid to do the executive work of overlooking the doings of committees in all parts of the colony, should take up the particular work of seeing to Wellington exhibits. We do not like instituting unfavorable comparisons between the doings of Wellington and other places, but we must say the Wellington committee has shown culpable carelessness iu the matter. No one ever heard of them holding any meetings ; we are almost certain they never applied to the Commission for the money that was appropriated to their use ; in fact, they have been dilatory to a degree—and the appeal made by the chairman of the committee to the members of the Chamber of Commerce yesterday to do an indefinite “something” was a fair sample of their proceedings throughout. Mr. Eustace Braudon has just completed specially for the Sydney Exhibition three water color drawings descriptive of some of the magnificent scenery abounding on the West Coast of the Middle Island. One is a picture of the entrance of Hall’s Arm, Smith Sound. Hall’s Arm runs in a distance of three miles, and has never been explored thoroughly, but that part which has been explored has discovered scenery of a remarkable character, striking in its physical features, and abounding with vegetation of the most brilliant hues. Mr. Brandon has selected a charming spot for a sketch, and his handling of it has been most natural and artistic. A view of the entrance t» Milford Sound on a misty morning is also very pretty. The' fog clouds are just lifting off the surface of the water and enveloping the base of the surrounding peaks, and the snow lies thickly on the higher altitudes of prominent features, such as the famed Mitre Peak. A moonlight scene is one of the best things we have seen from Mr. Brandon’s brush. It represents a view looking out from Milford Sound, anil the crisp silvery moonlight falling on the glistening snow, and streaming into the recesses of the Sound, with the fanciful forma the shadows take, are excellently reproduced. The pictures will not be the least interesting of the New Zealand exhibits, illustrating as they do our beautiful scenery, and also the abiiities of local artists.

A large meeting of justices was held in the Resident Magistrate’s Court yesterday, in answer to a circular requesting their attendance. Mr. Mansford, R.M., explained that there was so much business that it was necessary that a portion of the police business should be disposed of by the justices. After a short consultation a list was made out in which three justices should preside twice a week. A report of what took place appears elsewhere. We understand that a series of lectures are being organised by Archdeacon Thorpe, of St. Paul’s Church, towards defraying the expenses incurred in connection with the church room, Tinakori-road, a building recently erected by the Diocesan Committee, and rented by the vestry of St. Paul’s for parish purposes. Several gentlemen have kindly offered their assistance, and the first lecture will bo given on Monday evening next, by S. H. Cox, Esq., F.G.S ,tho Assistant Government Geologist, upon water and its forms, illustrated with experiments. The price of admission is to be one shilling, and we anticipate a large attendance, particularly of the parishioners, who by these means can assist the vestry very considerably in reducing some of the very heavy expenses necessarily incurred in connection with the new church room. We are informed that the members of the St. Paul’s Church choir purpose saving another of their popular entertainments in the same building about the end of the present month.

A soiree dansantc . will be held in the Atheiia’um Hall on Friday, the 20th instant, the proceeds of which will be given to the Athenmum, to refund the money stolen from the library desk last April, for which the librarian is held responsible. No efforts will be spared to make it successful ; every part of the hall will be cleared and prepared for dancing ; the large room—No. 4 on the first floor—will be fitted up as a refreshment room ; and the ladies' reading-room and the gentleman’s smoking-room will be severally turned into cloak-rooms for the occasion. Invitations will be issued by the committee, and we are requested to state that should any persons not receive such invitations they will, on application to Mr. Hamilton, librarian, be able to obtain them. We have no doubt that for such an object, coupled with the many advantages the building offers for enjoyment, there will be a large attendance. In the case of Neilson v. the Tramway Company, heard before the District Judge and a jury of four yesterday, the plaintiff was awarded £35 damages. It appeared from the evidence of the plaintiff that, whilst travelling in the tramway cars last December, and whilst they were rounding the corner of Sussex and Vivian streets, Mrs. Neilson, who had a child in her arms at the time, was thrown forward, and met with a severe fall, by which one of her knees got badly hurt. She had been laid up in bed for three weeks, and Dr. Harding had been attending bar during that time. The action was brought to recover £2OO ; but, as we have already stated, the jury awarded £35. A full report appears in another column. It is with feelings of very considerable regret that we have to announce the death of Mr. W. H. Harrison, who was connected with this colony for a number of years, both as a journalist and as a member of the House of Representatives. He was connected with the Wellington Independent lor about two years ; but when that paper merged into the New Zealand Times, some changes were made in the staff, and soon afterwards Mr. Harrison left for Greymouth, where he became the editor of the Qrcy River Argus. This position he held up to within the past few months, when ill-health and suffering, caused through cancer of the jaw, induced him to go to Melbourne, in the hope of finding relief. Unfortunately, however, the trip was in vain, and he succumbed to the disease about a fortnight ago, at the comparatively early age of 45 or 46 years. Mr. Harrison represented Grey Valley for some time in the House of Representatives. We believe that he leaves a wife and three children to -mourn his loss, and we regret to hear that their circumstances are not such as the friends of the deceased gentleman could wish them to be.

It is not often that robberies are attempted on members of the police force, but a case of the kind occurred a few days back near Fielding, at the residence of Constable Price. Strange to say, a quantity of notes was kept in the house, and £75 worth was stolen—it is supposed by a man who had been -working about the premises. The Marquis of Lome is just experiencing his first difficulty as Governor-General of Canada. Last year the Lieutenant-Governor of Quebec, M. Letellier, dismissed his Prime Minister, M. Deboucherrille, and his coleagues. The step was considered unconstitutional, and the Canadian Privy Council, which is virtually the General Government of Canada, recommended the dismissal of the Governor. Lord Lome has declined to ratify the suggestion of his Ministers, and on Friday, April % Sir John Macdonald informed the Parliament that the Viceroy had referred the matter to the Home Government. The position is exceedingly critical. . If Sir Michael Hioks-Beach endorses the recommendation of Lord Lome’s Ministers, then Lord Lome will have been reprimanded. If, on the other hand, the Colonial Secretary supports the policy of the'Queen’s son-in-law, then it seems certain that Sir John Macdonald’s Government, although if commands an overwhelming ma-j jority, will resign.

We stated the other day that we felt sure that no increase of the land-tax would he agreed to hv the House. A rumor reached us yesterday from a well-informed quarter that any increase of the land-tax which may be proposed during the coming session will be limited in its application, and will be so fixed as not to affect properties of any less value than £ISOO. On properties below this value, the tax will he maintained at one half-penny. This is most remarkably clever finesse. It is evident that the number of persons owning property exceeding £ISOO in value must be infinitely less than of those own £SOO worth only. Consequently the number of interested objectors would be gre itly diminished under the present proposition, if it were carried into effect. The worst feature iu the proposed graduation of the landtax is the indirect effect it will have in closing the land market and in reducing the land revenue, not only temporarily during the present depression, but also permanently. The Ministry have already shown a fixed determination to “go for ” the unfortunate landowner, and any inclination they may show of following up the attack will but strengthen the feeling of distrust already aroused in the minds of monied men and capitalists. The latter will doubtless bo very chary about risking investments in a country where the legitimate interest on their outlay seems likely to be absorbed by the State in the name of the public. There is no sale for Crown lands now; the market is not likely to revive if the Treasurer should try to conceal the failure of the land-tax by “ piling up the agony ” on the large lauded proprietors. The Wellington and West Coast Railway, after such a prolonged delay, will soon, in all probability, be commenced. We have heard on reliable authority that the survey has been finished and accepted as far as Johnsonville, and that tenders are likely to be called for during the present month. The infomation will be welcome news to the large class of settlers on the West Coast, who have been so long anxiously looking forward to the work being commenced, and also to the time when they would be enabled to send their produce direct to the seaboard, without the vexatious delays of road carriage and transhipment. Nor will the news prove less welcome to the business men of this city. Most of them have been fully alive to the importance of railway communication with what must eventually prove to be one of the richest tracts of country in New Zealand, and the Chamber of Commerce has frequently urged the absolute necessity which existed for the opening up of the line. We congratulate all those who have had a hand in bringing matters to the present stage, and we would fain hope that the Minister of Public Works will push on the other sections of the line as speedily as possible. At a meeting of the Terrace School Committee on Tuesday evening. Dr. Newman was appointed chairman, vice Mr. Field, resigned. The resignation of the Rev. Mr. West as a member of the committee was accepted, with expressions of regret on the part of the other members at losing his valuable services. Mr. West has since been appointed an examiner for the scholarships examinations. The question of appointing the Terraco School a district high school was under discussion at the Board of Education yesterday. Although no definite resolution was come to, the feeling of most of the members appeared to be in favor of the appointment as an experiment. Time would show whether the average standard of the schools would suffer or not, and in the meantime some of the masters who urged the matter are said to be prepared to give an extra half hour’s teaching iu the day in order to encourage the movement. In any case the expense attached to high school education will be somewhat greater than at present, and this would deter the weaker committees from pressing their claims. If a considerable number of high school pupils are forthcoming the Board might take upon itself to grant the application. The Inspector would doubtless be able to give a rough estimate as to what would be a minimum number of high school pupils which would justify the Board in sanctioning the innovation. The Terrace and Featherstou Schools have set the example of applying to be appointed high schools; it would be well to decide what would constitute a sound claim before these applications were decided upon or any other similar ones were entertained. The following is the report of the Public Works Committee, to be submitted at the meeting of the City Council this evening : “ 1. That having heard Messrs. Ozerwonkaand MeKirdy, the latter has been informed that he must fulfil his contract in terms of the same he having the usual remedy for default of payment against those employing him.—2. That a schedule of works in the various wards of the city, taken from the schedule of the £100,00.0 loan, has been prepared by the City Surveyor, which works can be proceeded with at once without causing public inconvenience, and recommend that the same be proceeded with with the least possible delay. Estimated cost, £BISO, to be charged against the said loan. —The committee beg further to recommend—3. That the City Surveyor he authorised to obtain a further supply of Roberts’ small broken metal, to be used for footpaths in place of the shingle previously used.— 4. That the City Surveyor continue to lay down concrete pavement as applied for on the usual terms.— 5. That the resolution of the City Council of 29th May be rescinded to the extent that the contractor who failed to carry out the Danielstreet contract have his deposit money (£2O) returned to him.—A That Binham-street (private) be put in a state of repair at an estimated cost of £2O on the residents previously paying one half of the same.—7. That the date of expiration of registration of private carts, in accordance with clause 79 of the bylaws of Ist May, 1879, be fixed for the 31st day of March next ensuing after the date of registration.—B. That a by-law be passed to enable the houses in the principal streets of the city to bo numbered, in accordance with the request of the Chief Postmaster. —9. That a further advance of £75 on account be made to the Benevolent Institute.—lo. That the City Surveyor be authorised to proceed with all despatch to metal and repair the street’s of the city, at a cost not to exceed £3900, and that he employ day labor at stone breaking.—ll. That Little Tarahaki-street be repaired, at an estimated cost of £30.—12. That two more mud carts be obtained at an estimated cost of £lO each.— 13. That accounts amounting to £630 15s. 4d, be passed for payment.” At a meeting of the creditors of Mr. O. Emmett, a resolution was passed authorising the trustees to make over the lease of the Temperance Hotel and the furniture to Mr. J. R. Brown, on consideration of his releasing the estate from his claim ; and the meeting was adjourned for a week, for the purpose of enabling the debtor to make a proposal with reference to the payment of his debts in full—time being given, should he do so, for the estate to be withdrawn from bankruptcy.

We have received from Mr. W. G. Tustin, secretary to the Wesleyan Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Society, a neatly printed syllabus card for the half year, which will commence this evening. The first evening will be devoted to elocution ; the following week an essay on “ Modern African Discoveries” will be read ; which will be followed by an essay on “ Flirtation ” at the next meeting. These will show that the members of the Young Men’s Society are ready to take up all sorts of subjects. Criticisms- on our best poets will be given during the series, and scientific subjects have several evenings devoted to their discussion.

The gentleman down South who called a meeting of bis creditors about ai week since, and when asked what proposal he had to make to his creditors replied “ None whatever," may be consoled by the reflection that an offer of five farthings in the pound was proposed and accepted in Glasgow. The following appears in one of ‘our Home files received by the last mail:—“At a meeting on Wednesday of the creditors of Henry Taylor and Son, com merchants, of Glasgow, of which William Taylor, the imprisoned bank director, is the senior partner, the offer of Henry Taylor, his son, of l.jd. per pound was finally accepted. The liabilities of the firm, including the present calls on the City Bank stock, are estimated at £174,000.”

Edward Tolley was brought up at the Wanganui District Court on Tuesday, charged with stealing five bolts of canvas from Messrs. Krull and Co. Judge Shaw, in consideration of the previous good character of the accused, said that he would only inflict a very light sentence, viz., three months’ imprisonment, although he had rendered himself liable to a severe penalty. Miss Fiddler gave her first lesson on cookery at Nelson, on Monday, a good attendance of both ladies and gentlemen being present. Mr. Hunter Brown explained the objects Miss Fiddler had in coming to Nelson, after which the lesson commenced. We understand that Mr. G. S. Nicholls, formerly proprietor of the Panama Hotel, has become the purchaser of the Union Hotel in Willis-street. Mr. James Bright, who had been summoned as a juror to attend at the District Court yesterday, was fined £2 for|non-attendance.

Last night “The Two Mon of Sandy Bar” was produced to a much better house than on the previous evening, and the performance was thoroughly enjoyed. To-morrow night Miss Beatrice will take a complimentary benefit, playing the latest London novelty, A Woman of the People.” As Annie Lourieshe will sing “ I’ve heard the mavis singing.”

Dr. Agassiz, the new medical man who is about to settle in Foxtou, was a surgeon to the Flying Column during the Waikato war. Tiie Haivera correspondent of the Taranaki Herald writes :—“ The native question is the sole topic of conversation here. One hears nothing but war, and rumors of war, and every person one meets wants to know what is the latest. There is no doubt whatever the natives mean something more serious than /imply trying the question of the confiscation, as they are flocking up to Parihaka from all around. I believe all the Mokoia natives, with the exception of about four, will leave next week for there, and the Manutahi natives have gone already. The only thing I believe that has detained the former is that they have to receive large rents this week, ami they do not care about leaving the money behind, as it will most likely come iu handy ait the present. One sees only a stray Maori now and again in town, where a few months back there would lie dozens. The same state of things exists in Normanby.”