West Coast Times. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1867.

West Coast Times, Issue 690, 20 December 1867, Page 2

West Coast Times. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1867.

Several Colonial statesmen have been sent " home " on special missions to represent the Colonies. Mr Parkes and Mr Dalley went as agents for Now South Wales ; Mr Vcrdon as special ambassador — to use a Court expression — from Victoria ; and Mr Crosbie Ward as Provincial agent for Canterbury. Mr Fitzherbert is about to proceed to England as the representative of the Colony, in connection with certain contemplated money transactions. Mr Fitzherbert is the author and exponent of the financial schemo of the Stafford government. It was his speech in the House of Representatives, that ably unfolded the policy of converting and consolidating Provincial stock. In sending home agents— especially those charged with financial measures, it seems a matter of very great importance that they should be accredited. In every instance that wo can call to mind, the colonial representative has left his colony with a certain amount of prestige attached to him. Mr Fitzherbert seems likely to leave New Zealand underj y«y different &uspieei,

He goes to represent the policy with which, his name is identified, but he leaves "Wellington under circumstances little flattering to him, and little calculated to carry abroad the impression that lie enjoys in auy marked degree the confidence of the peo; lo he leaves. We might pass over without comment the fact, that a complimentary dinner to a colonial minister, on the eve of his departure for Europe on a public mission, was attended by only some thirtyfive or thirty-six guests, and these collected with, difficulty — were it not for the great significance attached to the circumstance bj" Mr Fitzherbert's own language, in returning thanks for the toast of his health. Pie had not the art to conceal tho deep disappointment which the occasion afforded him. And his language was altogether undignified, and unsuited to the circumstances in which he was placed; the position he held in the Councils of the Colony; and the object with, which lie was visiting Europe, Mr Fitzhcrbert, in alluding to the paucity of the attendance at this farewell banquet given to liim, complained that, " old friends of a quarter of a century's standing had not the courage to say farewell to a man who had served them honestly, truthfully, and well, and had lost many a fortune in doing so" — and spoke with "sorrow and shame" of those who "cringed up to him in the streets witli paltry excuses.' 1 He said, " had it not been providentially a wet night, and he, therefore, able to come to the dinner in a covered cab, he would have slunk down back ways, and crept up back streets, sooner than walk down the Beach of Wellington, where any demonstration of good feeling towards him was looked upon as a crime, so determined were some that a dinner should not be given to an old settler. It was because it was stated to have been a political dinner, forsooth, that in. this town— that was its proper appellation — a growing town, though it arrogantly called itself a city — it was considered a crime to ask a gentleman to dinner— a gentleman who had lived in the country for almost a quarter of a century, and had devoted what talents he may have been possessed of to further tho interests of that country. It was a lieiuous crime to meet such a man at a political dinner, and to wish him good-bye. Mr Fitzherbert declared that, as a public servant of long standing, he had left some " imprints on the sands of time." He would have refused, in consideration of the dignity of the office he held — he said — to attend an entertainment such as might have been acceptable to him in his younger days, when lie was simply William Fitzherbert, at which he might have been hailed as a "jolly good fellow." It would now be "beneath his dignity, as an officer of Government, to accept on invitation to eat and drink at a public gathering/ in the character of au old boy, or a good old fellow." A political dinner seemed, however, a crime. The following sentences are of a very racy character :—": — " A dinner is a crime j and people are afraid to attend it ! Truly they aro in a peculiar and degraded position ; in a free country — a country that boasted of its independence, men were afraid to dine witli au old friend ; dared not presume to hold opinions adverse to those of an oligarchic coterie ! He knew nothing more diastrous for a country. In this town the metropolis of New Zealand, the people, with all tlieir boasted independence, were not free ; they were but slaves to a small self-consti-tuted oligarchy, which governed them; held them in ; prescribed for them, and told them not to wish good-bye to an old settler on his departure from the country, He had a recipe ho would give for governing a country ; it was very simple very easy, very effective. First, ♦ buy up the press ; ' second, ' proscribe every political opponent of intellect and courage, and then send him away like a dog."' Further on iv his speech, Mr Fitzherbert said :—" Old friends were afraid to be seen sitting at tho same table with him : lie was a political leper, and, when invited to meet him, men whom he had lookedion as friends sent the same old excuses which nearly two thousand years ai'o had been exposed in so graphic a manner. Ho was sorry for such, men; ho was hurt; lie was grieved at such a state of things."

It is hard to believe that this maudlin twaddle — and a good deal more of itcontained in the same speech — could come from Ibe lips of the same man who recently delivered one of the most able and comprehensive statements on the finances of the colony, to which, the General Assembly has yet had the opportunity of listening. Iv the House he appeared to maintain his dignity, and certainly displayed great ability. But the colony will bo most unfortunately represented at home by a Financial Agent capable of speaking of the capital of the colony, whose agent he appeared, in such language as we now quote. Mr Fitzherbertsaid "The people of "Wellington had not yet risen out of the little petty money-grubbing hole into the free air of liberty; they were the slaves of an oligarchy which ruled them with an iron hand. He warned the people of that wretched money-getting place, the metropolis of New Zealand, that if they were so abject, so despicable as to sacrifice their opinions, their feelings, their all» to the indomitable will of ono man, their downfall was certain, and the retribution would be swift. Until a day or two before he had deemed it hardly possible that Englishmen could be so degraded in spirit, but ho now found the acnio of meanness had been reached, and he was ashamed to belong to such a community. He said deliberately, lie was ashamed to be a member of such a dastard community."

This is the gentloman tho colony is sending homo to negotiate some delicato financial transactions, He was about to

leave Australia, as lie said, on " an important mission, which, if successfully accomplished, would hare the most beneficial results." It is to be hoped that he will not carry his Wellington speech in his pocket, and that no stray numbers of the papers containing a report of it will find currency at home.

The Mayor, accompanied by the Venerable Archdeacon Harper, ' and the Rev. Messrs Gow, Cannell, M'Donogh, and Zachariah> waited, yesterday, on the Goldfields Secretary, with reference to the transfer of tho Cemetery to the Municipal Council, as trustees for the various religious bodies. We understand that Mr Bonar promised to promote the necessary measures for placing the burial-ground in the charge of tho Municipal authorities, the interests and religious rights of the various denominations being strictly cared for. A meeting of the Trustees of the Hokitika Savings Bank was held yesterday, and Messrs Lazar and Abbott were appointed Auditors of accounts for the past year. We understand that the Savings Bank has upwards of LSOOO in hand deposited in tho bank, and bearing interest at the rate of ofc per cent. It is greatly to be feared that a dark deed of bloodshed has been committed in the Wainiea district. A miner named Hugh Carmichnel had been for some time past working by himself in a claim near his tent in German Gully. On the 6th instant, he wa3 last scon alive in his tent by a man named Frederick Dry, who had been his former mate. On the 17th instant, Carmichael's dead body was found in an advanced stage of decomposition, lying in a hole at tho back of his tent, about three feet and a half deep, and sufficiently long to contain tho body without doubling it up. A leather strap was twisted tightly about tho neck of tho decoased, and tho clothes were partially dragged oft' tho body, as if a scufllec had taken place. Information was at. once given to the polico, by whom the body was removed to the Police Station, to await tho inquest, which will be held this day, before Dr. Beswick, coroner. Inspector Brohani, accompanied by Dr. Dormott, started yesterday morning for the scene of tho murder. A man named Douglas, who had formerly worked with the deceased, has becu apprehended on suspicion. An Art Union of a somewhat novel character is advertised to come oft' during the Christmas festival. Mr M'Doiald, pastrycook and confectioner, of Revell street, announces his intention of offering prizes, consisting of a largo number of Twelfth cakes, now on view in the front bar of the Prince of Wales Opera House, a portion of which has been specially fitted up for the purpose. We may mention that Mr M'Douald holds a certificate of merit for pastry and confectionery shown in tho Dunedin Exhibition. The concert in aid of the " Dobson Memorial Fund" was an undoubted success, so far as the performance went, although the attendance, we regret to say, was but thin. Previous to the commencement the Hokitika Brass Band performed several pieces in front of the Court House, where the concert took placo. Tho entertainment commenced with tho overture to " Fra Diavolo," arranged as a duet for the pianoforte and violin, and which was splendidly given by Messrs Cullimore and Leech. Sir 11. Bishop's popular glee " Tho Chough and Crow" followed, and was well sung by Messrs Sale, South, Leech, and Smith. Benedict's song "Her bright Smile haunts Mo still," by Mrs Weir, was a fiuo piece of vocalization. The favorite duet "All's Well," sung by Messrs Smith and South, followed, and was succeeded by Dr Calcott's song " The Last Man," which Mr South rendered with great taste ; as was also " The Arab's Farewell to his Steed," by Mr Smith. The first part of the programme closed with Bishop's celebrated glee " When the Winds Whistle Cold." The second part opened with the overture to " Zampa," arranged as a duel; for the pianoforte, and which was executed with considerable musical skill by Mrs Winter and Mr Sale. Then came that first-class glee "Mynheer Van Dunok," and next Mrs Weir favorod tho audience with a very pretty song, " Afton Water." The performances of Messrs Cullimore and Leech of selections from " Masaniello," on the pianoforte and violin, were next in succession, and were loudly applauded. The next in succession was Bishop's fine glee of " Hark, 'tis the Indian Drum," which was a beautiful piece of concerted harmony. Mr Smith then wiili great effect sang—" Yes, let me like a Soldier fall." And then followed Auber's beautiful air " When time hath bereft Thee," which was well rendered by Mr South. Mazzinglie's trio— "Tho Wreath" was admirably sung by Messrs South (2) and Mr Smith, and the performance of tho" National Anthem closed the Concert. Tho musical part of this entertainment wa3 a fine specimen of vocalization and concerted music — tho accompaniments by Messrs Cullimore and Leech, were executed with great taste and skill, and our only regret was that a larger audience was not prosenfc to listen to the delicious music. Wo would suggest that a few more of these delightful concerts should be given, they would not only tend to induce a taste for really good music, but would also be of great good, not only in aid of " Tho Dobson Memorial Fund," but also for other equally meritorious purposea.

» Reliable accounts reached town yesterday of the opening of new and payable ground at the head of the Left-hand Branch of the Wainiea Creek. The rush is situated on an extensive terrace, and already numbers five hundred men, and as every shaft yet bottomed has struck payable gold, tho diggors aro sanguine that the placo will be proved of more than average -importance, and in consequence an immense area of ground lias been pegged out, and is closely held. A party of prospectors aro at work a short distance south of this terrace, and have sunk a shaft to tho depth of 180 foul-. They oxpect to bottom early next week, and should payable gold reward them, ono of tho heaviest rushes that ever took place in Westland will be the result, tho shaft being sunk in a flat that runs level for a distance of between three or four miles in the direction of Greek's Gully. Several stores have already been erected at tho new rush, and others aro going up. A most important discovery of new ground lias been made within tho last ten days, in tho vicinity of the Mikonui river (Totara), causing immense oxcitoment at Ross and Douoghue's, both places having been drained of a considerablo proportion of their population, who hurriod away to swell tho rush. As described to us by a gentleman who convened witli one of tho proipeotors, the rmh {« on *

terrace, situated about ono mile from tho mouth of the Mikonui river ; the sinking being deep and to the main bottom, on which resti between coven and eight feet of auriferous wash. The prospects obtained from it aro reported to be very good. Our Ross agent visited the ground yesterday, and from him we expect a reliable statement concerning the vdluo of the discovery. On Wednesday last a man was admitted into the Totara Hospital, suffering from a frightful gunshot wound in his left hand, the effect of accident. It appears he wag out shooting in the bush, and incautiously trailing the gun behind him, the hammer was caught by a supplejack and tho gun exploded, sending the entire charge through tho man's hand, shattering it in a frightful manner. It ii feared that amputation will bo necessitated to save his life. The Princo of Wales Opera House was crowded last night, on the occasion of the first appearance in Hokitika of the justly celebrated Nathan Troupe. It was an evening of most pleasurable enjoyment, combined with wonder at tlio extraordinary talent displayed by these juveniles, especially by La Petite Marion. The entertainment commenced with Boucicault's Irish comedy of "Andy Blake," which was maguificently put upon the stage, and in which La Petite Marion was most decidedly tho star. The acting of this most extraordinarily gifted child was perfectly marvellous, and her impersonation of the character of Andy Blake was a triumph in the histrionic art. It was no mere acting, but a reality which was presented— the wild, reckless, but withal kind-hearted boy, who risked his own life to save that of a fellow- creature, was beautifully delineated ; but even this was surpassed by the deep emotionVhich the youthful actress displayed when reading her father's letter— the letter of a brave soldier, mortally wounded on tho battle field, in his dying moments sent the last tokens of his undying love to his only son, commending to his care an only sister and aged grandmother. The deep pathos with which the child read this letter (for Marion is only a child), affected many of the audience even to tears. And then, again,when before GeneralDaly (MrJ.Sumll),shepleadedt!iecauseofherdeeply injured sister — there was a nobleness in her rustic eloquence which nothing could resist, and which won not only the hearts of the delighted audience, but drew forth the loudest applause. Miss Julia Nathan as Mary, played with considerable effect, and Mrs Nathan who assumed the two characters of Mrs Blake and Lady Mountjoy deserves commendation, as does Master E. Nathan as Ignatitu Muh'oony ; Mr J. Small as General Daley; and Mr Chambers, junr., as Dick Daley. Twice during this short comedy Marion Nathan was called bofore the curtain. The character of tho entertainmont was now changed — firßt came a double Irish Jig gracefully danced by Miss Julia Nathan and Mr Chambers ; — next that "Unfortunate Man," Mr J. Small, stalked upon the stage, and in his inimitable manner told in lugubrious strains the story of his illluck, a story so effectually told that it" elicited an encore. Then a solo on the cornet was given by Mr E. Nathan. The subject was selections from Flowtow's opera of Martha. The youthful musician waa accompanied by the full orchestra, but above the tido of harmony rose the full clear notes of the cornet gushing in sparkling melody, at times soft as the notes of a flute, and at others pealing forth like a trumpet. A Scotch dance was next very prettily executed by Miss Selina Nathan. And now came tho song of the night — "Finnigan's Wake" — sung in character, by Miss Marion Nathan with great effect, and which elicited a loud ehcoro. The Irish jig, which followed tho song, was danced most admirably by the gifted child, affording a pleasing example of the poetry of motion. A laughable farce, entitled "The Colonial Servant," written by Mr J. Small, affords an opportunity of displaying tho extian-dinary versatility of talent of La Petite Marion. As Bridget Murphy, she literally convulsed the house with laughter by iier sparkling impersonation of tho character. Miss Selina Nathan gave a very spirited delineation of the part of Jemima Gray, a servant of many years' colonial experience, whilst, Mr J. Chambers, as Mr JBalfour (a retired digger), and Miss Julia Nathan as Mrs Balfour (an ex barmaid), wero equally effec tivc. The night's amusement closed with the laughable Hibernian farce of " The Omnibus." And here again Miss Marion Nathan, by her splendid rendering of tho character of Pat Hooney, made the audience laugh in spite of themselves. "La Petite " was ably supported by Mrs Nathan aD Mrs Doblis, Miss Julia Nathan as Julia Ledge;; Master E. Nathan as Mr Dobbs, Master L. Nathan as tho Farrier's Boy* Mr Small as Mr Ledger, and Mr Chambers as Master Tom Dobbs. Again was La Petite called in front of the curtain, and then the largo audience departed, highly gratified with the night's amusement. This evening the same bill will be repeated, when, we believe, thero will be an overflowing house.