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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 6271, 18 May 1881, Page 2

We understand that a resident medical superintendent for the Mount View Lunatic Asylum is likely to be appointed in the person of Dr. X. H. Neill, of Dunedin.

The Theatre Royal re-opens to-night with Mr. Cary’s Baby Opera Company—all Wellington children—in a very comic opera, entitled “ Chilperic.” This opera had an exceedingly fine run some time back at Paris, and being played for the first time in the colony by children here should ensure a crowded house. Everything in the shape of dresses, appointments, &0., has been attended to in its minutest details. The performers number nearly fifty, and, with an excellent band, should make a good show. No doubt an exceedingly enjoyable entertainment will delight those who attend this evening. We regret that a local which appeared in yesterday’s issue should have inflicted pain in an undeserved quarter. It appears that there is misconception relative to the unfortunate lunatic who is in the habit of scattering a lot of written incoherencivs in the public street whenever opportunity serves. Mr. James Gannon’s name has been mentioned as that of the person so afflicted, and by us amongst others. Now it seems that he is not the person at all ; but a Thomas Buchanan, who is still in the Lunatic Asylum, is the offender. Yesterday Mr. Gannon called upon us, and in the moat rational and reasonable manner directed our attention to the mistake which had occurred, and requested we would rectify it, which we now do. We were glad to notice that he had, to all appearances, entirely recovered from his late affliction. A meeting of the creditors in the estate of Edward Garten, commission agent, held yesterday at the Supreme Court buildings, was attended by several creditors. Mr, R,. Martin took the chair. Claims duly proved were handed in, amounting in all to £7l 10s. 9d.; the principal items being £3O 17s. 9d. due to Mr. R. Martin ; £l4 Bs. to Mr. E. H. Cockrell ; £ll 2s. to Messrs. Greenfield and Stewart j and £lO 2s. 6d. to Mr. 0. Mclntyre. The total liabilities were estimated at about £IOO. Mr. Waters, from Mr. Hutchison’s office, who was present on behalf of the creditors, stated that no assets had been filed and that Garton had failed to surrender to his bankruptcy. On the motion of Mr. Mclntyre, seconded by Mr. Stewart, Mr. F, H. Cockrell was elected trustee. In reply to several anxious enquiries, a gentleman stated that there was money due to the bankrupt, lying at Messrs. Halley and Ewing’s, also that there was a piano and several other things, including a balance of £8 owing Garton over the purchase of some property which he thought could be got. The creditors could rely he would do his best in their interest. The trustee’s remuneration was fixed at the rate of five per cent. The meeting then closed.

A preliminary meeting for the purpose of floating the City of Wellington Gold Milling Company was held last night at the Athenaeum buildings. The attendance was confined principally to those who take an interest in raining matters. The promoters stated that the object of the meeting was to bring before the public the necessity of combined action in thoroughly working the land adjacent to the Kaiwarra stream, both for alluvial and reefing purposes. They believed that the quantity of gold obtained by casual tests proved that the district was auriferous, and that with systematic working it would pay. The chief object in view, however, was to drive for the reef. The gold found in the banks of the stream was reef gold, and this fact they considered was sufficient evidence to encourage the formation of a company to carry out the work. Mr. Gell, the chairman, suggested that the work be carried out by weekly subscriptions, say 2s. per week, from about 100 persons, which was just about sufficient to pay for the labor af driving and incidental expenses, until the prospects warranted the calling up of more capital and the registration of the company. A doubt was expressed by several gentlemen who took part in the meeting as to whether this plan wouid woik. It was ultimately resolved that a company be formed, and a committee was appointed to confer as to the best way of carrying out the objects of the meeting. Messrs. Barber Bros., the well-known butchers of this city, are contemplating an experiment in the transport of live stock—chiefly horned cattle —by which they expect to bring their beef to town in the beat possible condition. At present fat cattle are driven from the Patta District to Wellington, a distance of over 150 miles, a good deal of weight being generally lost on the way. It is now proposed to make use of the train from Waverley to Poxton in order to break the journey. Writing on the subject, the Mauawatu Herald says : —“ The cost of driving mobs of cattlefrom Patea to Wellington is at all times costly, not only on account of tolls, drivers’ expenses, &c., but also because of the depreciation in condition of the beasts. Messrs. Barber are in treaty with Mr. Kotherham, the manager of the railway, for a special train to bring down a mob from Waverley, and believe the cost per train will show a fair reduction on the cost of driving. Mr. Rotherham guarantees that the trip will be made in eight hours, the cattle being placed on terra firma at the Motuiti station. The only fear Messrs Barber have is that the train may cause a loss of spirits to the animals, as it has been found that sea voyages frequently affect them in such a way as to make it necessary to slaughter them shortly after arrival. They think that possibly a long railway journey may have the same effect, and, of course, if such is the case, the loss would be treater than the gain. Should the trial be made, we believe Mr. Rotheram will personally superintend the operations, he being very desirous of it going off successfully.” Should the experiment prove a success it would prove another powerful argument in favor of the early construction of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway.

The depth of water in the reservoir yesterday was registered at 16ft. 2in., showing a decrease of six inches since the previous day. The fortnightly meeting of the Benevolent Society was held yesterday afternoon, when the usual amount of business was transacted. It was stated that the Government had credited the Society with £2OO. Subscriptions of £2 2-. from Sir. J. E. Hughes, and £1 from Mr. J. F., were acknowledged. A meeting was held at Kilbirnie on Monday evening for the purpose of electing three trustees of the recreation reserve of four acres, made over to the township by Mr. J. C. Crawford, Messrs. Faulkner, Bradbury and Alexander being appointed. It was decided to fence the land, and, if possible, to improve it. Should funds not be forthcoming it will be let for a term.

G. G. Fitz Gerald, Esq., arrived in Wellington yesterday, on his way to Greymouth, where he will address the electors, and also in the various centres of population through the Grey Valley, as candidate for election to represent that constituency in the House of Representatives. His chance of election is said to be good, and many will join in wishing him success.

The Manawatu Herald states that Mr. .fames Wallace, one of the provisional directors of the Welliogton and Manawatu Company, arrived at Foxton on Monday, on a tour through the district in the interests of the company. Before he returns to Wellington he will hold a meeting at Foxton, probably on Friday evening, for the of enlisting the support of the people of that part of the district] in the object for which the company has been formed.

A bankruptcy case which recently cropped up in the Manawatu District is proving somewhat lively for the creditors who proved in it. A debt of £2OO was incurred by the estate through wrangling over several points which cropped up in an incidental manner, and as the assets are not sufficient to meet these claims, which must, as a matter of course, be paid in full, the creditors who proved their claims have been called upon to contribute to the extent of £7 each. What would be the result if some of them were to file declarations of insolvency in consequence ?

The Chess Club tournament was continued yesterday evening, with the following result : Mr, C. L. Barraud, receiving a knight from Mr. Lidbetter, was the victor. Mr. Whittem, giving a pawn and move to Mr. Tronson, won his game. Mr. W. F. Barraud, giving pawn and two moves to Mr. Croudace, proved too much for his opponent, and giving the same odds managed to score a victory against Mr, Smith. Mr. C. L. Barraud, receiviug pawn and move from Mr. Macdermott, was the victor ; and Mr. Hullett, after the best fought game of the evening against Mr. Whittem, won.

A correspondent sends the Otago Daily Times the following reminiscences of Thomas Carlyle : Carlyle says : “ Mr. Charles Darwin’s ‘ Origin of Species ’ is only wonderful to me as indicating the capricious stupidity of mankind. . . . Never could read a page

of it or waste the least thought upon it.” Of John Stuart Mill (after the loss of the first volume of the “ French Kevolutioo,” when he wished to return a sum of money advanced to him by Mil!) he says : “ Wish I could find a way of getting the now much macerated, changed, and fanaticizcd John Stuart Mill,” &c., &c.