THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M Resurrexi. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1870.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3419, 6 December 1879, Page 2

THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M Resurrexi. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1870.

Fbom the temper of the debate upon the Property Assessment Bill in the House last night it is more than probable considerable alterations may be anticipated In the measure when it is discussed in Committeo. The Opposition were unanimous in denouncing the main provisions of the Bill, pointing out that they were inquisitorial and exceptional in their application, and, in fact, characterising the measure as unnecessary. Several speakers stated if reductions were made in the cost of the Civil Service, and a slight curtailment of public works expenditure, the necessity for fresh taxation would be removed. Even many friends of the Government disapproved of the proposed measure, and while accepting the fact that increased taxation was required, suggested that an income tax after the style of that in force in England would be preferable, or even the reimposition of certain customs duties.

While the Government do not seem pre* pared to a*cept tho advice given them to impose an Income Tax, and are opposed to alter further the custom duties, yet they show a disposition to accept auy reasonable amendments upon the proposed measure, if; as stated by the Premier, they were proposed in a conciliatorj spirit, and did not bear the character of factious opposition. Sir George Grey dealt rery fully with the question at issue, and spoke very strongly against the proposals of the Government, pointing out the injurious consequences upon the future of the colony. A telegram has reached us since the above was in type that certain alterations have been made in Committee. It appears in another column.

It would b» well if » number of persons, interested in the future of the Thames, were to form themselves 'into an. association with the object to promote and foster local indus. tries." The Thames is rich in natural productions',"bat men. amongst us who are qualified to derelope important industries are frequentlj such as are without the means to defray the preliminary expenses, and a fow pounds judiciously spent might enable thorn to make a few experiments resulting in a public Rood. Within the last Jew months we, hare seen how perserer; •hce hasi rewarded Alt Edwards iv the derelopment of any industry which maj yet "attain large proportions. Mr £lant has also proved conclusively that the materials are at hand for the maaufactttre of pottery of a superior class, and many other productions lying at our floors might be turned to use if encouragement and a little monitsry assistance were given to the ingenious and the perserering men of the community. A few shillings each from a number would furnish funds to help the deserving in the direction pointed out, and if even but one permanent industry wore established in our midst, the subscribers should feel themselves amply repaid with the knowledge that they had assisted in promoting the future prosperity of the whole district. On another occasion we will refer to the subject, but in the meantime would commend the suggestion to those interested in the future of the Thames.

The Waikato Times must be in error in stating that the Government hare considered it necessary to countermand the order for the Hamilton bridge. The fact; is the bridge was nerer ordered, although the lato Minister of Public Works promised that such should be done, gcd the present Government hare not jet taken any stops, nor will they mntil tho question of the loan has been decided. The RtatemenJ; that it is* the intention of' the (government to construct the railway from tho Thames along the east bank of the Waikato river, connecting »t Taapiri is so absurd that we woudcr at our contemporary giving publicity to it. Of course the inference v that in the interest of Mr Whitaker the proposed alteration is to be made, one of the coal mines afc Taupiri beinj? the property of that gentleman, and the line to enable the Thames to be supplied with coal from that district. We have a iuimk higher nttinion of Mr Whitaker ■Oq

the honesty of the present Ministry, than to bolie?e thero ia the slightest foundation for the rumor.

Mr Ivourick, 8.M., Mr Sub Inspector Kenny, and Mr F. Puckey (interpreter), who proceeded to Hikutaia on Wednesday, liave returned to town. At' the request of the R.M., Tanrnti Paetai and Ilia hapu, accompanied by Tukukino and a few E.omata natives, came to Alloy's farm to give the cause of their difference with Mr Alley. Mr Kenriek informed them that if they would not settle the dispute he would compel both parties to give him substantial security that the peace should be preserved. A long korero then took place, and after three hours solid talking, the following understanding was arrived a t : —For the next three months Mr Alley to prosecute his sxirrey, clearing, fencing, and building, without any interference from the natives; during the same period the natives to be allowed to occupy their present cultivations, and to run their cattle on Mr Alley's land, he consenting. Mr Kenriclt undortook that a definite and final offer should be made'l)/ the Government to the natives within that period of the amount the Government were prepared to pay, the amount already offeredl (£200) having been refused by the natives; that in the event of the natives refusing the amount finally offered, Mr Alley should eject them from the land by the ordinary legal process. The natives were given clearly to understand that Mr Alley having the Crown Grant wa« the legal owner of the land. Mr Alley and the Hikutaia rangatira then shook hands, and the proceedings terminated. We must, say that Mr Kenriclt has shewn great tact in his dealings with the natives, and we sincerely trust that the reconciliation effected at his instance will be lasting.

The anniversary sermons in connection with the Shortland Wesleyan Sunday School will be preached in.the Church to-morrow —the lie?. Mr Laiililej* officiating in the morning and the Her. Mr Watkin in the evening. The latter gentleman will also give an address in the afternoon to the scholars and their friends.

Tee cost of the late trip of the Mayor to Wellington was £38; so that out of the £50 vpted for the purpose, the sum of £12 is returned.

We learn that the Grahamstown agency of the Bank of New South Wales has been constituted an independent branch, of which Mr E. F.« MeFurland is manager.

The first quarterly , meeting of llie Thames Liberal Association will be held on Monday evening at the Hauraki Club rooms, Albert street Matters of importance to the Association are to be brought forward, and a good attendance is requested.

The Rev. Mr Watkin will preach in the Congregational Church to-morrow morning, and in the evening, the Rev. Mr Laishley will preach a special sermon, having reference to the establishment of a free library.

In the case Turtle y. Bennett, judgment was given plaintiff for £30—with costs £14 15s.

Mr Thomas Hawkins will preaoh in the Good Templar Hall to-morrow evening. •

Kefebbino to the return of cab hire paid by the late ministry, a contemporary facetiously remarks that one of the reasons the Grey cabinet went out was, because they had been cabbing it too much.

Sunshine calls the proposed tax on split peas a half-and-half sort of measure.

The Property Assessment Bill is to come on for discussion to-morrow, but a very general impression prevails that there is not now, and, probably, never was any serious intention .to pass it into law this session, as it is not required to meet the deficit this year, and would not, possibly, be brought into operation in time to do so. It is thought it can well be left over till next year. In all probability, if it goes into committee. Ministers will: propose to exempt all descriptions of personal property, and confine it to real and invested estate only.—Herald

. A cobbispokdbht writes suggesting that as Mr Edgar has challenged any ten' Ministers of the Gospel to an argument upon the' several theories set up by Mrs Britten, the challenge should be taken up, a hall hired, and <he proceeds devoted to charitable institutions. We quite differ from our correspondent. We were prepared for a good deal from Mr Edger, but were surprised that he should coma forward, and avow himself anxious to be a champion knight on behalf of a lady who is quite competent to talk for herself. We should be glad to think that the motive prompting Mr Edgar to the rash declaration was rather gallantry than a desire to serve the cause of truth. It would bo greatly to be regretted if his challenge were taken up. To get up argument about the different " spheres •' in the spirit world, about what is the nature of the spirit of a worm, about how tho spirits of husbands and wives are to unite in the next world, would be utterly useless and somewhat degrading.— Herald.

We have received from the publishers the first copy of a neat little weekly comic journal called " Sunshine." This latest addition to the current literature of the day hails from Dunedin. The gel-up of the little paper is first class, and as it fairly bubbles with humor, it should speedily become a faronte throughout the length and breadth of the colony. It is certainly one of the cleverest publications of the kind we hare seen for a long time.

Mb Williih Eowe went south yester* day, his destination, it is believed, being the Empire city. It would appear that ever since Mr llowe's presence ceased to grace th« House of Parliament, his party have been at sixes and sevens. What do they know of tha " Inns and bouts " of political jobbery! Mr Kowe has therefore gone to the assistance of the Ministry, and by a little judicious engineering keep them clear of the difficulties that momentarily beset them. Who but a Bowe could render futile the wiles of a Sheehan, a Speight or a Macandrew. We are sure that he will bo the right man in the right place and have no doubt but that the situation will suit William immensely.

Messes W. Boon and B. Walker, who are on the evo of departure to Sydney were entertained at a luncheon at the Provincial Hotel last evening, the viands and- liquers being supplied in Host Williams' best style. About 20 sat down to the reclitrche repast provided. " The Guests of the Evening " was proposed with enthusiasm, and responded to feelingly; other toasts followed, and a molt enjoyable evening wai spent.

A numbeb of telegrams and other items of interest have been crowded out.

The Chairman of the High School, Mr McCullough, received a telegram last evening from Sir G. Grey stating that everything possible was being done towards getting a vote for the High School, and that in a day or two he waa to get a reply from the Government. After interviewing the Government in Wellington, Mr Sheehan, at the request of the Chairman, asked the Government for a vote of money, and following this matter up, the Thames representatives anticipate getting a vote of money to euable the school to be started. [Since the above was written, a telegram came to hand—published in another column—upon, the subject.]

The mail for Auckland will not close till 8 o'clock this evening. The Postmaster aware of the fact tbat there is no boat from the Thames on Monday has taken this course.

The usual quarterly competition for the Thames District Belt took place today. There were 43 entries, and of these 22 fired this morning. The ranges were 300, 400, 000, and 600 yards, fire shots at each, and small bull's eye at 300 yards. P.O. A. Thomas, T.N.8., made the top score of the morning squad—7o points— with the carbine champion, Lieut. Gordon, T.N.8., one point behind him, and Yols. Weir, JS 70. 1 T.S.V., and Seaman Armstrong, 3rd and 4th respectively, wilh 61 points. The firing of the afternoon squad commenced at 1 p.m., but it is not likely that Thomas' position will be threatened; He shot splendidly, making the possible at 400 yards.

Under the American Property Tax Act, which we are told is the " model" on which the Act now before the colonial legislature is framed, false teeth, it is stated, are taxed as personal effects. This opens out, so to speak, a wide field for taxation. In the event of any difference of opinion, "The Secret Three'" will look at a man's mouth as if he were a two year-old colt, to see whether he has been indebted to the dentist for his ivories —molars plated with gold or stopped with silver, of course charged extra. .;

Babqain9 negotiated daily from 2 to 5 p.m. in iron bedsteads, door mats &c, to effect a speedy clearance. A large stock of pianos and harmoniums now on sale, for cash or monthly payments. J. Gbigg, Pollen street. —[Advt.]

Tee survival of the fittest! Is it really true that a thing of beauty is a joy, for evir ? Test it by purchasing some cho cc article from M. J. WIiiKKS, Watchmaker and Jeweller, Shortland, for he baa many be mtiful things in gold and silver suitable for Christmas presents, Belling at prices to effect a clearance. Established 1867.—[Advt.]