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Thames Advertiser, Volume VII, Issue 1894, 14 November 1874, Page 2

It will be seen by our Auckland telegrams that Mr 6. M. Seed, the Provincial Treasurer, has resigned his seat in the; Executive. Some mouths ago it was reported that Mr Reed desired to leave .-the cares of office, and tlius relieve himself of the "muzzle" which had beeu placed upon him by his appointment as 1 Treasurer, but the event was postponed until the proposed'visit of the Suparintendent and MrSheehaa to England brought matters to a crisis. Mr O'ltorke was lately taken into the Executive, but it is, understood now that the -. object in doing that , was to fill up a place" during Mr Williamson's absence in England, and that Mr O'Rorke would resign his place in the Executive before the next' meeting of the Council so as to preserve his situation as Speaker of that body, Mr Reed's resignation will be a strong reason in Mr Williamson's mind inducing him to forego his visit to England. : It is a mistake, we think, for any journalist of standing and influence—especially one who professes to be a free lance—to tie himself body and soul to one particular political party through the acceptance of a paid office. Moreover, Mr Keed and the late Mr Beveridge,' prior to accepting office, professed opinions on many of the leading political questions of the day in direct opposition to those held by the present Superia ; tendent and Provincial Secretary, and it was from the first doubted whether, the "coalition'.' would be of a lasting nature. Mr Keed will do far more service as a " free lance" than he could-ever hope to accomplish as Provincial Treasurer.'; - Win his successor is likely-to be the telegram does not state. There are several hungry members of the Council who will be in a,very anxious state until the. vacancy is filled up.

An accident occurred to two men working in the Old VVhau mine about mid-day yesterday, named respectively Joseph. Kane and Thomas Hetherington. They were employed in the . winze workings on the Black Angel reef,'when, without any warning, a lump of mullock fell on them out of the hanging wall.; Hetherington s injury was only slight;: his hand and arm were bruised. Kane did not escape so well. He was struck on the side, and feeling that his injury was more serious than a mere external bruize, he came down to : Mr Sandea* chemist» shop, where he was examined by Dr Lethbriijge. It was found that two ribs were broken. Kane did not proceed to the hospital, but went to his own house in upper Albert-street. We notice that Lieut, floskin of No. 2 Company, 8.R.V., formerly champion shot of the colony, who has been for some time absent in Taranaki, has returned to the Thames to eutsr into the qualification competition, in order to be able to take part in the firing for the Colonial prizes in January next. Mr Uoskin bein" only on leave of absence from his company.has not been transferred to any corps in Taranaki, and has therefore been compelled to return in order to qualify himself as a member of the company to which he still belongs. He visited the new rifle range yesterday, and practised at the qualification ranges with some success, although he had a strange rifle, as well as a strange range. We have received intimation from the Maori committee at the church at Kirikiri, stating that'the church at that place has now been completely finished. The Kishop ot Auckland has announced that on Monday, the 30th of November, he will be at the Kirikiri, and will open the church. On the preceding day (Sunday) the Bishop will be at Shortland. We learn that Sir Donald McLean, the Native Minister, is expected at the Thames on Tuesday or Wednesday next. Tne New Zealand Gazette of October 30 contains a series of rules in reference to the Imprisonment for Debt Abolition Act. No order of commitment is to be made,unles3 a summons to appear and be examined on oath shall have been personally served upon the judgment debtor. The rules give minute directions as to the procedure to be taken by creditors who apply for judgment summonses, The brigantine 'Hndeavour,' 79 tons, Capt. Dick, arrived here yesterday from Oamaru, via Napier, with a cargo of 220 sacks wheat from the former place, and 10 tons of Volunteer requisites, consisting of targets and appliances removed from Napier to the Thames in readiness for the forthcoming annual meeting of Volunteer representatives for prize firing.—The brigantine 'Flirt,' which arrived in Auckland from Oamaru on Thursday, with a cargo of grain, reported the brigantine 'Endeavour,' bound from Oamaru, via Napier, to the Thames, lyiug weather bound in Hicks' Bay. We learn that the Eev Father Lonergan will leave for England by the next San Francisco mail, having resigned his connection with the Church in this province. The Qrahamstown Qiwiting Club will assemble on their grounds near the Glasgow Arms, this afternoon. The Thames Scottish and band will parado this evening, and firing for' the .medaUnd grogsis ptizo Will 'tajte. oaj» \

The steam launch ' Fairy' has been purchased by Captain Souter, for the river Thames trade, Some members of No. 2 Company, H.8.V., assembled at the rifle range yesterday to compete for the cup. The scoring was moderate, the highest being that of Vol Kemp, 40 points. The ranges were 400, 500, and 600 yards, 5 shots at each. The competition is not finished, as several members who were unable to attend yesterday have to fire to-day. In the evening the company met for drill at their drill-shed, Grahamstown, aud mustered very strongly. The Hifle Kangers paraded at the same hour and place, and ;-erge,mt-Major Grant put the two companies through different manoeuvres, which were very creditably executed. Major Cooper was in attendance, and expressed the pleasure lie felt in witnessing the progress they had made, and said he felt quite sure that if they continued to progress in the same manner they would have nothing to fear iu their comparison with other companies The men then fell in- for battalion drill, with the major in command. Lieut Hoskiu appeared at this parade after some months'absence iu Taranaki, and was heartily welcomed by the men of his company. The ltev Mr Oliver, of ' uckiand, will preach the anniversary sermons of the Shorthand Wesleyan Sunday School 'o-morrow, mornrgand evening and on Tuesday next the annual soiree will beheld.

It is gratifying to find that the facilities for loading timber at the Thames river mills of Mr John Gibbons are beginning to be appreciated liy luastfjjuund charterers of vessels trading to this Only last week we had to chronicle the departure of the brig 1 Drover' loaded at these mills, and to-day we have to notify that the brig ' Itio Loge' has compiled her lo iding of 180,000 feet at the same places, whilst the brigsntine 'Endeavour' and baiquentine ' Prince Alfred' will proceed there next week to take iu carg r es of sawn timber. The ' Kio Loge * lias taken on board some 360 tons of timber at the mill in nine days, and was piloted down yesterday. Captain Anderson expresses his surprise at the ease with which he could navigate the Thames river, and says he was prepa-ed, from repot ts he had heard, to. encounter considerable difficulties in going up and down the river. The following letter, addressed by Captain Anderson to the millowner, Mr Gibbons, will be road with interest by all interested in the timber and shipping trade of the port of Thames:— " Grahamstown, 13th November, 1874. Mr John Gibbons Dear sir, —This being the first time of my loading timber at your mills, I beg to thank you for the facility you have given me in doing so, and also to certify (as a guide for other vessels coming here) as to the despatch I have received in taking in cargo at bptli your mills, having filled up tny vessel with ISO,OOO foet timber in nine days, and in consequence of being able to do so aud to_ go up the river alongside the inills without any difficulty and load in any weather, I will always be glad to charter my vessel again to this port, and recommend owners of other vessels to do the same.—Yours truly, Wm. Anderson, Master brig 'Rio Loge,' of Lyttelton, 241 tons register." The barquenliue 'Prince Alfred' arrived in Auckland yesterday from Lyttelton, with a cargo of grain, produce, &c., a portion of which is on account of her owners, Messrs Osborne Bros., of this place. After discharging her Auckland cargo she will come on to the Thames and load timber at the mills, for Lyttelton.

Two "knights of thehammer 1 ' doing business in the same street in Qrahamstown came to loggerheads yesterday, and an assault followed, the merits of which will be discussed before the Resident Magistrate. Firing to determine the choice of district representatives will take place next week at the j'arawai Range. The Navals will assemble at the'range on Tuesday morning in two squads, under Captain Brassey: the T,R.R. and No. 3 ff.R.V on Wednesday, under Captain Hazard; and the Navals and Ko. 2 H.R.V. on Thursday, under Captain Murray. The Rev R. Laishley, who has come to the Thames as pastor of the Congregational Church, Mary-street, will commence his regular ministrations to-morrow. The industrial exhibition in connection with the Sunday-school Onion in Auckland was attended, on Wednesday, by nearly 900 persons, who inspected the numerous and varied offerings of industrial skill produced by thousands of little hands, with feelings of appreciation and de'ight. The new barquentine 'Falcon,' just built in Auckland by Captain Bendall, is now fully loaded, and is expected to sail for Dunedin today. Her cargo consists of 140.000 feet of timber, shipped by Mr C. A. Harris. It is singular that the first prizes in Calcutta sweeps on the Melbourne Cup got up in Dunedin and Auckland should have fallen to youths, who thus become possessed of a sum of £500 each. A Dunediu telegram says:—" The first prize of £500 in the Dunedin Calcutta Sweep on the Melbourne Cup was won by a boy at the Taieri, who last week offered to sell his ticket for £5 to a Dunedin sporting man, who refused to buy." The Echo, referring to the Auckland sweep, says;—" The prize winners in Mr Abbott's sweep on the Melbourne Cup are as follows:—First prize, £500, James King, Haricot; second prize, Mr Musjid, Protos; third prize, by Messrs Giles aud Grattan. King, who is the lucky holder of the winning ticket, is quite a lad, and resides at Coromandel. This money, should he use it carefully, will give hiin an advantage that few young men have in beginning life, and the expenditure of a pound in purchasing the ticket in the sweep may, perhaps, be the means of his amassing a handsome fortune." We do not agree with the conclusions drawn by our young contemporary, the Echo, from the result of these investments on the part of mce hoys It is more than probable that the effect upon them will be very different to that predicted, aitJ, besides, hoys ought not to have facilitiej afforded , them for gambling, possibly before they are even earning money.

A Coromandel contemporary says that a meeting of the Kev. Mr Dewsbury's congregation was held at the Chapel, to discuss amongst other matters the question of inducing the rev. gentleman to remain permanently amongst his people at Coromandel. The meeting was necessary owing to communications which had been passing between tho reverend head of the Wesleyan Church at Auckland, and a number of the Waikato settlers. Mr Kusobius Wilson, of the firm of Messrs Kenshaw and Wilson, was voted into the chair. It appeared from the discussion which ensued that Mr Dcwsbury had no desire to leave Coromandel, on the contrary, he liked the people. On the other hand he gave entire satisfaction to the members of his congregation, and, as we all know, he is very popular with all sections of the community. A resolution in favour of his remaining here was carried with a hearty unanimity. 'I lie decision arrived at must he a source of gratification to Mr Dewsbury, especially at the present moment when he is absent in Auckland, undergoing his final theological examination before entering into full priest's orders. A discussion followed on the question of obtaining a suitable site for the new church, the means of erecting the same, aud other matters relating to the welfare of the Coromandel branch of the church, but no decision was arrived at. The present church, it is well known, is not nearly large enough, and we are therefore glad that the matter was well ventilated, as it will certainly lead to some immediate action being taken. It is generally known that the visit L .Europe,

contemplated by the Superintendent, is still contingent on his "delegated powers" being transferred to the Deputy-Superintendent. Those powers, which are more commonly known as affecting the administration of the lioldlields, are prescribed in the following Acts:—The Marine Act, 1867; Goldlield's Act, I860; Gold Mining Districts Act, 1873; Golfields Act Amendment Act, 18G8; Lunatics' Act, 1868; Waste Lands Act, 1858, sections 3, i. and 5; Public Health Act, 1872, sections 53 and 77; Prisons' Act, 1873, sections 41 and 50 If the powers therein defined are not re-delegated by the Oovernor to the Deputy-Superintendent, it is neediest to say that the trip cannot be underv^«r.

The case of Avery, brought up from the Thames to give evidence in the Wakefiehl-street fire investigation, is really a hfirrl one (says the A uckiand Evening Star). Hi? mother occupied a smalt building at the rear of Kemsley's shop. This little cottage was burned and all their belongings. Avery happened to be'up from the Thames at the time, and on returning to work was brought on warrant to give evidence. It is not enough that he lias lost everything, even his situation, and his household goods were not insured; but lie is forcibly brought up a second time from the Thames at his own cost, and nobody is liably for his expenses. Mr Beckham rightly interpreted the law when ho stated that he was powerless t? give legal redress. Avery is a poor man, and Ilia case is a genuine hardship, inflicted under legal process. We shall be anxious to know if the insurance companies concerned in this case will take advantage of his helplessness and refuse him redress. The Auckland Star says" It is our sad duty to record the accidental death of George Graham, Esq , father of our respected citizen, Mr Walter Graham, of Queen-street. We have only been able to glean a few particulars, as the report of his death came like a thunderclap upon his friends, and the details are hardly known. It seems that the deceased gentleman has been ailing for some time, tie has had peculiar and excruciating pains in the head, arising from some unknown cause. For the good of his health he hul he-en residing with his son at his resilience, Jtemuera, for some time past, which was tolling favourably upon his health. He was left this morning in his usual spirits. He complained sometimes that he thought from the severe headaches that ho might be the subject of fits. But it is not supposed that his death had any connection with this. It is apprehended by those who can best judge, that he must have stumbled ami overbalanced himself, falling into the well, and thus ended his period of life. He has been in and about e uckiand for more than 27 years. He held the most responsible pn-ition in connection with the Barrack Department when and after the troops were stationed h<-re. He was very beloved for his benign and pleasing disposition — kind to all; and led a life of devotion, which fitted him for any sudden exit from earth. He felt more than lie was free to express. The deceased gentleman was upwards of 70 years of age. since the above was written we have received further particulars. Mr Graham was seen by Ms wife to lift up the lid of the well and fall down. She raised an alarm, and Mr Chas. i-'utton, who was at hand, assisted with another in getting Mr George Graham out. He was quite dead. The head of deceased was bruised, as if he had st'uck it while falling against the side of the well. Dr Ntackwcll was called, but pronounced life extinct. An inquest will he. held " f The first session of the annual district meeting of the Wesleyan church began in Auckland on Tuesday. There were present the Kev. A Reid (chairmanof the district), and Kev. Messrs. Mobbs,' .Wallis, Warren, lawry, 'Httos, Schrackenberg, Butin, Itouse, Oliver, 'Clio ua«, Dcwsbury and Carr. When the question, " Have any ministers or preachers on trial died during the year?" was proposed, a touching and reverent tribute of brotherly affection was paid to the Christian worth, and the amiable and gentlemanly character of the late Kev. George Buttle. In reply to the usual annual inquiries concerning the moral and religious character, teaching, discipline, and efficiency of the ministers of this district, no objections were raised. Change or re-election of stewards, settling chapels on " model deed," the impoitance of society meetings, and annual audit of

trust accounts, having been considered, an animated conversation took place with reference to the paucity of candidates for the ministry in this district. The alleged reason, according to some, was that the very scanty stipend offered by the Church, does not serve as a sufficient inducement to young men of promise and culture to leave a position in which they are already serving God and the Church, in order to enter the ranks of the Christian ministry. It was agreed to recommend the Conference to separate Coromandel from the Thames Circuit, and to constitute it a distinct circuit. The Wesleyans of Timuru, in the province of Canterbury have just completed a bazaar in aid of their.Church Building Fund, which realised £420, out of which only £30 had to be deducted for expenses. The justices who presided at the Magistrate's Court, Onehunga, on Wednesday, fined Mr J. Gwynne of the Prince Albert Hotel 20s and costs, for allowing a game of yankee grab in his bar, for three drinks.

The Mio trusts that there may be nothing of the Vhangamata and Hikutaia reminiscences in the opening of Ohinemuri, and that Government favourites will not be recipients of good land, while the general public ate left out in the cold. 17e (Auckland Star) see by our Danedin telegrams, that Captain Button is preparing a skeleton moa for the Auckland Museum. It is very kind of Captain Button, and we are very much obliged to him for the moa. But what are we to do with it? and where shall we put it ? We would suggest that a hole be cut in the roof of the Museum so as to let its head out, and it would thus become a conspicuous and an interesting feiture in the scenery of Princesstreet. This moa is a relic of a past age; so is the Museum, and we think that if a suitable building were erected to contain both, with a view of the antediluvian boulders in glass cases, the whole would constitute an interesting memento for coming ages. The Post (says the Wellington correspondent of the Auckland Star) recurs to the story of i-ir Donald McLean being likely to be appointed Governor of Fiji. It says"ln wellinformed circles it is now generally understood that the Home Government has communicated with Sir Donald McLean on the subject, and that it is probable he will accept thehonourproposed to be conferred upon him" After denouncing the Native Department as an intolerable burden, it thinks that "the colony will be thankful at Sir Donald's departure,

which must prrsage the dissolution of the mysterious Department which has so long been protected by a feeling of superstitious dread and respect for the undoubted services of the great mystery man No hand has jet been found sufficiently powerful or irreligious enough to overthrow the old superstition, and it will probably endure | as long as Sir Donald McLean is high priest; but we venture to predict that if he is translated to a higher sphere he will not be able to bequeath bis mautle to any successor. Mr Ormond may, and piobably will, seek to clutch aud wear it, but the garment will not fit, aud public opinion will soon pluck it aside, and then, when the real nature of the structure which has been erected under the title of the Native Department is seen, the cry of long-deluded victb, will be, 'Away with it!' Ibe to adds' W e |, c ij eve t ] )e e | evat i on 0 f R.r llonald will g,v e general satisfaction, both to his friends and his opponents. No one with generous instincts can fail to be gratified at seeing a gentleman who, we understand, for a considerable period of his life occupied the humble position of wood and-water Joey to the natives on one of the islands in Uauraki Gulf, now bearing a title of high honour, conferred by hor Majesty, and about to be raised to the position of chief ruler and representative of her Majesty in one of the most interesting and promising dependencies of the l»titish Kmpire. Such an illustration is worth a thousand homilies on what may be done by honest, persevering industry, and strong force of character. The guerdon of praise will be r given to Sir Donald for even by those ' who feel as most now arc beginning to feel, that he and his Native Department are an incubus under which New Zetland groans. We make all allowance for tho difficulty of bringing down a war establishment with all its hungry hangers-on to a position consistent with present requirements, and to shake off the pensioned rebels whoso rebellious instincts have been held in abeyance by keeping their stomachs full. But the removal of iSir Donald McLean to another and more honorable sphere ' will give the opportunity to another hand of dealing with native altos, and a department that is not only an intolerable nuisance, but a. , fcliAW} t? q#k rntwipd «wl que