WELLINGTON.

Colonist, Volume III, Issue 275, 25 May 1860, Page 3

WELLINGTON.

(From the Spectator.) CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

The usnal monthly meeting of the Members of the Chamber of Commerce waa held at Messrs. Bethune and Hunter's Exchange Building, on Tuesday I6th. There was a pretty full attendance. The Secretary read the following resolutions:—

That this Chamber is of opinion it would be beneficial to the general and mercantile interest of this community if a law were passed for the more complete registration of Titles and Conveyance of Landed Property, based on the principles of the South Australian Act.

That the Secretary be instructed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Chambers of Wellington, Nelson, and Lyttleton, and invite their cooperation in bringing the matter under the consideration of the Government.

Mr. Woodward moved—" That a memorial be presented to his Excellency's Government, praying them to introduce into the General Assembly in the next session a law for the Transfer of Real Property, based on the principles of the South Australian Real Property Act.

The following is a translation of a letter received by Major Trafford, from Matene te Whiwhi, in reference to the late meeting at Otaki:—

Otaki, 10th May, 1860. To Major Trafford—Salutations to you. I have received your letter: friend, there is no bad talk among the natives of this place. There is now an evil work among the natives of this place: it is the flag of the Maori king that has come here; the people that brought the flag are determined to hoist it. We say that they must take that flag back: they will not listen. Thia is the only wrong among us: we are very sad, and so is our European Archdeacon Hadfield. We are striving to find out some way by which we can put down the thoughts (intentions) of those people. These are all the wrongs of this place: we are very sad about this flag. This is all I have to say to you. From your friend, from Matene te Whiwi. (From the Independent.)

Free Church Sabbath ScHOOL.—The anniversary of the above school took place on the evening of the Ist instant, according to intimation. The young people assembled in the church at 5 o'clock p.m., and were liberally supplied by the managers of the school. After the children were satisfied with good things, the more advanced in life had also their share of what had been provided. Carnal matters being disposed of, those of a religious and spiritual nature came to be introduced. After praise and prayer, the Superintendent gave to the meeting a verbal report of the present state of the school:—■

It was stated that about 60 boys and girla regularly attend the school, with small variations from less to more. They are taught first of all the word of God, portion after portion; the Westminster Catechism; psalms and hyms and spiritual songs; and besides being taught in separate classes, the whole school is duly examined by the Superintendent on the doctrines of the Scriptures, and on the duties of the Christian life. It might have been stated also that every month the Sunday {school Magazine and another Juvenile periodical are distributed among the children, and also the books of a religious character are supplied to them out of the library belonging to the Free Church. Addresses were then delivered to the young people by the Rev. Messrs. Woodward, Smith, Buller, Warren, and Scott, which were listened to with great] attention by all present, both young and old. The meeting was very large for the occasion, the church being quite filled. Many children and friends from other churches were present as well as ministers) and all parties felt interested, and it is to be hoped many were profited by what they heard. Between the different addresses a portion of a psalm was sung; at the close a collection was made in aid of the school; and about nine o'clock the meeting separated. It was delightful to see Christians of different denominations thus co-operating in seeking the spiritual welfare of each other and their children. "Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity."

Fire.—Considerable excitement was occasioned on the beach, on Wednesday night last, by the discovery that one of the back premises ( belonging to Mr. Swinbourne, was on fire. On the alarm being given, a number of persons were quickly on the spot, and used their best exertions in subduing the flames, which we are glad to state were crowned with success. The Liverpool and London Insurance Compauy's engine was brought round with the greatest promptitude; being close to the sea, there was a good supply of water, and the engine being worked with right good will, did efficient service. At first it was thought that it was the Messrs. Turnbull's store that was on fire, and fears were entertained that the fire would spread; but fortunately there was no wind, and through the timely assistance that was rendered, the fire was got under before it caught the adjoining buildings, although they were much scorched. We trust the Coroner will hold an inquest on this fire, as it is most desirable to know whether it has been caused hy carelessness or otherwise.

Yesterday morning, another important discoveiy was made at the Gaol, by the warden, Mr. Read. On examining the cell adjoining that formerly occupied by the Strakers, he found that one of the lining boards had been removed and three complete changes of under clothing marked Charles Straker and other articles were deposited therein. On Mr. Read assuming office he found that the Strakers were placed with prisoners under short sentences and on remand, and ordered them at once to be removed to a more secure part of the gaol, were prisoners under long sentences are confined. Had the prisoners remained there a few days longer, Charles Straker would in all probability have effected his escape, his intention being to change his clothing after the Warden had gone his rounds, as he "was in concert with the prisoner in the adjoining cell, then remove the boards nailed up against the fireplace, and effect his escape by the chimney, This is another fortunate discovery, and reflects great credit upon Mr. Read's discernment for removing the prisoners on his first inspection of the gaol after his appointment, or Charles Straker would have escaped.

Aid to Taranaki.—We have much pleasure in informing the public that subscription lists are open at banks for the receipt of aid for our fellow colonists at Taranaki. We shall be happy to publish the names of subscribers in our columns.

The Wanganui Gh rankle of May 3rd says:—A report was brought in to the Resident Magistrate here, on Monday morning, by a Waitotara native who had received it from a Ngatiruanui, that nineteen soldiers and a Maori had been killed by W. Kingi's party, at Waiongona, about six miles from town, on Wednesday, the 25th. It appears from the account that provisions had been sent out to the camp at Waitara along the road on Monday and Tuesday with safety, and that on Wednesday the escort, betrayed into confidence by the quiet, ness of the enemy, had got into an ambuscade, formed by the natives on both sides of the road among some trees; and that of the forty who formed the advanced guard twenty fell, of whom one was a Maori, whose limbs and head the enemy cut off, and hewed the body to pieces as that of a traitor. The Waitotara native stated that he did not believe the report to be true. It is just possible there is some foundation for the story, but exaggeration has no doubt been busy with it since it left Taranaki. [In our last we gave intelligence from thejjTaranaki papers of the respective dates of May 12th and 17th, and as nothing was said of the above occurrence, the reader can take it for what it is worth.— ffl. Col,]