NOTES OF A TRIP TO WELLINGTON.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume I, Issue 21, 25 May 1867, Page 3

NOTES OF A TRIP TO WELLINGTON.

Started by Cobb’s Coach on Saturday last from the Tauhercnikau, and arrived at Abbott’s Hotel, Featherston, about halt-past 10 a.m. Found that a large Assembly Room had been recently annexed to the hotel, and other improvements effected. Several parties were out searching the creeks and lake for the body of Mrs. Gaffney, who had been missing si nee'the previous Saturday. Ascending the Rimutaka found a working party busy in removing one of thoss “ nasty points” which still disfigure this otherwise good and and substantial road, and was glad to see that very great improvement would be effected at a comparatively trifling cost. Arrived at the “ Golden Fleece” Pakuratahi, about 1 p.m. where we had a good dinner. This hotel ha? just been rebuilt, and iu size and appearance reminds you of the .Panama Hotel in Wellington. Observed improvements being effected near the Gorges, and thought, as a bridge was out of the question, the approaches to the Silver Stream might he cheaply rendered better. Noticed in passing Valentine's Hotel at the Hutt that it had a very handsome appearance, and that Whitewood’s Hotel was as widely patronised as formerly. Saw, with no surprise, that the Aglionby Arms, was again being undermined by the river, and wondered what •would be the length eventually of the Hutt Bridge if it continued to extend itself at the present rate. First noticed the difference in the quality of the telegraph posts here to those in the Wairarapa. Instead of being free from sap many of them was of matai, and were not even free from bark. It is not fair to contractors that such should be allowed. It is not fair to the public, as sap of matai wood will rot in seven years. The larger portion of the posts have been erected. Arrived at Wellington, was struck with the appearanee of the lamps or lanterns which had

been furnished by the Town Board, The “ gallows pattern” lamp posts are passable, but much too heavy for the superstructure, but the things they are designed to bear, are about the most two-penny-ha’penny contrivances that can possibly be conceived, and will ever remain as memorials of the genius and public spirit of our Wellington Town Councillors. Lambtou Quay, and its shops and public houses, have undergone a wonderful transformation during the last few years, and no longer remind one of a deserted fishing village. Reaching Burrett’s, was surprised to see a crowd at the door, and was gratified to find that they were waiting for the arrival of the Mercury. Visited in the evening Osgood’s Concert Hall of Bijou Theatre, which is a credit to Wellington, and reflects credit on the taste and enterprise of its public spirited proprietor. The “ Bride of Abydos” was the principle piece of the evening, and the way it was rendered elicited raptures of applause and roars of laughter. All persons visiting Wellington from the Wairarapa should go to Osgood’s Concert Hall, where they will not fail to pass a pleasant evening. In burlesque the Company are inimitable. Miss Merton, and Miss Anstead, too, are very good dancers, with capital understandings, but the former appeared to think 100 much of her own personal appearance and too little of the characters she was supposed to impersonate. This is a fault which only requires to he pointed out to he rectified, as she has, without doubt, most of the qualities, qualifications, and attractions of a good comedian. Miss Williams, a beautiful girl, appeared to advantage as Zobedie, and Mr. Newton, made a first-class pirate, but thought more of the orchestra than the audience. Mr. Kingsley introduced a local song about the Patent Slip and other slips which created immense merriment, not so much for the matter as for the manner of it, and which is now in every boy’s month. The audience was not only select but numerous. We will pass over the Sunday in solemn silence, that being unbroken except by the ringing of church bells, which could not by any stretch of the imagination remind any body of the bells of England. On going down the beach on Monday morning my attention was attracted by a crowd of persons in front of Mr Richards’ shop. On going to see what it w r as all about I found that a pen-aud-inkjcaricature was on show representing a dream of the Provincial Treasurer as he is'taking his afternoon’s nap, iu what the “assets of the Province” appear ticketed for auction. A mountain, steeper than that of Victoria, represents the unsold land, and the whole of the assets have a very queer and rickety appearance, and make the impression that they will not fetch much at auction. This skit, was the only sign we saw of political life or public spirit in Wellington. In the afternoon paid a visit to the Town Board Office, where the Kcnnard Committee are holding their sittings. Heard the Superintendent and the Executive examined and cross-examined respectively by the AttornyGencral and Mr Travers. The evidence of His Honor was very clear and to the purpose, and that of his Executive was distinguished by twe very opposite characteristics, whether from necessity or design cannot well be determined. There was a large audience present, who paid more attention than the committee to the evidence. After the examination of the witnesses for the Government had been concluded, Mr Kennard was examined by Mr Travers. The former is a rather portly gentleman, with a massive head, and intelligent countenance, well-acquainted with the subject in hand, and looks a man not to be trilled with. Ills examination in chief was clear and decided, hut the manner too much reminded one of Professor Holloway. It was in the evening, when cross-examined by the At-torney-General, that he showed to advantage, and from his extensive experience, and intimate knowledge of the question in dispute, the Attorney-General was no match for him. On the following day the Attorney-General summed up, and Mr. Travers replied, only asking the Committee not to decide on the merits of the case, but simply place Mr. Kennard in the position that he would have been in, if the contract of Mr. Morrison had not been required to be sanctioned by the Superintendent. It is hardly possible to conceive that such a request will be refused, and yet there is an impression abroad, that the majority of the Committee will not be in favor of granting it. It is possible the majority of the Council will not be actuated by similar feelings, and that this dispute may yet be amicably adjusted. On Tuesday evening paid a visit to the Council Chamber, and saw either the items in an Appropriation or an Indemnity Bill, got through, not at a jog-trot, but in a gallop. The only man who pulled up the Provincial Treasurer was Mr. Bunny, but the latter no sooner sat down than the former started off again at a speed, for an old senator, that surprised one. There was no talking to the gallery as in the palmy days of Fox and Fitzherbert and the elder and the younger AVakefield, and the audience appeared to be made up of men who had nowhere else to go to. The District Highways Amendment Bill, was ; on the motion of Mr. Bunny, read a second time, without a division, as the objectionable principle of rating which he wished to introduce was not sanctioned by the Select Committee. The object ofthe Bill is to give increased power to large and to diminish that of small land-owners in road districts. Left the Council Chamber in disgust at the apathy exhibited by members and the public, and determined to return by the first opportunity to the Wairarapa. Found trade at Wellington exceedingly dull, owing no doubt in a great measure to there being more shops than customers. The whole town would be satisfied if it occupied a no better position than a road-side inn, at which travellers could stay and spend their money, and then take their departure. It resembles a road-side inn in other particulars to which we must not farther allude, and which is shown in the Customs Returns under the heading “ spirits.” Wc made the journey to Wellington from the Tauhercnikau in seven hours; it is not many years since it occupied two days, and found Cobb’s coachmen, going and returning very skilful, civil, and obliging.