The Taranaki Herald. PUBLISHED DAILY WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 1893

Taranaki Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 9682, 26 April 1893, Page 2

The Taranaki Herald. PUBLISHED DAILY WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 1893

Whatever difference of opinion there may have existed at the time .of the selection of Mr Westby Brook Perceval as Agent-General, there can be no doubt now that he ha 3 fully justified the choice made. He has fulfilled the opinions of his friends, and though an untried man with no political standing, he has already made himself liked at Home amongst that class of people who desire information concerning New Zealand ; and it required considerable skill to disabuse the minds of the British public regarding many things in connection with this colony. Mr Perceval has not been in London more than a couple of years, yet the has won for himself golden opinions, and shown a knowledge of colonial affairs respecting which thero were so many ready to say when he left New Zealand he knew nothing about. By his addresses at the Colonial Institute and elsewhere, it is evident he has created an unusually favorable impression as a lecturer, for he is continually being called upon to say in public something regarding the colony he represents. Pointing out New Zealand as a land for tourists, Mr Perceval claimed that the scenery of the colony possessed a grandeur, and was of greater variety than to be found in any other country ; that it offered, in addition, one of the Empire's most important colonies to study ; a j native race remarkable for its physique and intelligence ; the social life of a new generation of Britishers.and last, but not least, a bright, bracing climate to see it all . Having worked up the tourist to enthusiasm, ho has now set himself to work in trying to persuade the men of small means to emigrate to New Zealund. He has started an " Information Bureau " at the Agent-General's office for supplying information regarding the colony. In this office aro to be found books of reference, statistics, colonial statutes, handbooks, trade circulars, newspapers, maps, &c, and an officer is always in attendance to assist persons to obtain tho information required. He has lately published a most attractive little book entitled " Farming and Labour in New Zealand," giving every information respecting the colony that the British working farmers who have thoughts of leaving the Old Country for a new one may require Mr Perceval, also, finding that tho high rates of passage money in the past precluded many from going to New Zealand, has made arrangements with the New Zealand Shipping Company for a rcduc tion in the passage rates in cases recommended by him. For tho present tho Agent-General is only prepared to recommend reduced fares in cases of persons possessing fixed incomes, or a capital of at least £100, with £50 additional for each child over twelve years, but no doubt greater concessions will bo granted if the plans work out successfully. It is doubtful, however, if the reductions made are enough to induce people to come here who would otherwise go elsewhere. The cost of a passage to Canada may bo roughly estimated at from £5 to £7 10s, and by arrangement

with the Shipping Company the coat to New Zealand is to he £13 for the steerage ; in the other classes there is a reduction of £B— viz, from £36 15s to £28, and from £26 5a to £18 18s. However the project is a step in the right direotien, and % if Parliament will also help in the matter by a substantial vote out of tho " surplus" a great benefit will accrue to the colony from the scheme. Mr Perceval has ceit^inly proved himself to be a " right man in the right place" and we hope he may for many years be allowed to represent New Zealand in England.

In the Supreme Court on Tuesday, upon the motion of Mr Hoy, tho Registrar granted probate of the will of Goorgo Hodson, late of Waihi, farmer, deceased, to the executrix named in the will. In tho R M. Court on Tuoeday, an interpleader cse waß heard. Mrs Isaacs, of luglowood, claimed goods seized by the bailiff un ler distress in the case of Shearer v. Isaacs. Mr Kerr appeared for Mrs Isaacs, and Mr Roy for Mr Shearer. Evidence was given by Mrs Isaacs, Leah Isaacs, and Joseph Isaacs for the claimant's sido ; and tha judgment creditor gave evidence for himselt. The RM. made an order for the delivery of the goods claimed to Mrs Isancs, tho matter of costs to stand over for consideration. Tho Hon Mr SeMon ha* received a letter from Lord Onalow on the New Zeifrozon moat trade, and his enduavois to havo it branded on arrival Home. Lord On low does not autieipate any legislation will be enacted this session by the Imperial Parliament, as a uoinini tee of enquiry will require soino colsi lerab'e time to co lect the evidence on the question, but trusts that next session something may be dote to piuco the trado on a fair basis. An important salo of furniture is advertised to bo h9ld by Mr Ncwtfln King on Wednesday next, when the whole of Mr F. A. Ford's household effects will be sold at tho hainnicr. Tho value of the native reserves in tho South Island Imß been assessed at £534,231. Billiard Table,'— Three-quarter size, Gas pendant, slmdos, cues, balls, resr, ! marker, dining room table top, new cloth; as good aa new, to be sold by auction at F A Foul's lurnituro Palo on 3rd May by Nowton King. — Advt.