The Wairarapa Daily. FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 1879.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 2, Issue 114, 21 March 1879, Page 2

The Wairarapa Daily. FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 1879.

To the present committee of the Mastorfcon Institute the Masterton public are indebted for the handsomest and most commodious building of its character in the Wairarapa, and if the Masterton public do not as yet fully appreciate the boon, it is probably because the casket is as yet but indifferently filled. The committee has fairly furnished the building, and secured the services of a competent custodian; but in providing readable books for the library, and a proper supply of literature for the reading room, it is all behind, If, during the few weeks that the Institute has been open, a certain amount of inexperience and inattention has been manifested, the committee may be forgiven, especially when it is remembered that it displayed great enterprise in building so large a structure, and arranged financial difficulties in a commendable manner. At the same time, it is necessary for the welfare of the Institute to point out shortcomings which, we feel assured, will in time be rectified, The papers on the readingroom table are but few in number, and as with twenty-four hours it would be practicable to obtain a better supply, there is little excuse for the meagre appearance of the table.. The books in the library arc chiefly "Ancient Mariners," and the new volumes which have recently been added are of a class which are not in general demand; and as a whole the library may be said to be less attractive than the reading-room, In a few days a rate will be collected in Mastetod towards the support of the Institute, and it is very probable that

ratepayers will expect something move for their money than half-a-dozen newspapers and a small stock of fossil literature. To conduct any Institute in such a manner as to make, it popular aud profitable is not an easy task,' and a good deal of time and attention must' yet lie devoted to the development of the Masterton Institute before it can be pronounced a success. The cornraitteo should endeavor to find out the wants and requirements of those who frequent the Institute, and, as far its possible, to supply tliem. In this ditection, a suggestion book, placed on the reading-room table, might be of considerable use. Greytown is not half as populous as Masterton, but its Institute is a much livelier and more attractive place. We trust, however, in due time tlie present committee' at Masterton will endeavor to work up'a greater interest on the part of the public, and make the Institute in every respect worthy of the capital of the Wairarapa. The committee of the Greytown Institute —by lotting rooms at moderate charges for meeting, both big and little, by organizing winter readings and by numerous other little movements—have, year after year, not only brought in a sufficient animal income for the support of the Institution, but have made it a popular place of resort for all classes in 'the community. This committee has been a practical example of' how an institute in a country township may be made successful,

To-night the Masterton Borough Council considers building regulations, In conjunction with this subject, it might be wise to alter the present method of passing plans. Hitherto, the work in this department has been been mainly relegated to Or Ilussell; but in the absence of proper regulations the business has been more or less a farce, Indeed at one time we have noticed plans reported upon first and passed afterwards, and at another we have observed a plan passed first and reported upon afterwards. All this, however, has been of very little consequence. A certain amount of feeling lias, however, been engendered by the fact that Cr Russel is an architect, and has the power, when plans are referred to him from other architects, to exercise a criticism which cannot be regarded as either legitimate or fair. The passing of plans, now that we have proper building regulations, will no longer be a matter of form, and it would be as well to appoint some one to advise the Council oil all plans submitted, who would be able to act in an independent manner, and who would not act in a double capacity with reference to them. The Council should avoid being unnecessarily offensive to the different architects who irom time to time send in plans.

Mr J, M. Girdlestone is instructed to soil, on the 27th inat,, the household fuvnituro of Mr P, Donecker. The sale will be without reserve.

Messrs M. Caselbcrg & Co. have been very successful with their salvage sale at Featherston,and propose winding up their salvage series with a sale at Carterton. Twelvo acres of old workings in the Wallsend coal-mine, New South Wales, have sunk, burying several men. All but one was saved.

Notwithstanding the every extraordinary efforts made by railway thedepartment to keep the line clear of grain, there was no less than 22,458 bags at the various stations on the Canterbury sections on Thursday evening. The secretary of the Masterton Fire Brigade is about to canvas for subscriptions to the funds of the brigade, to enable an additional engine to be purchased —a steam one if sufficient can be raised. The grant made by the Borough Council will only purchase a bell, and as the insurance companies are not likely to render any further assistance, it is to be hoped the people of Masterton will help themselves in a sufficiently liberal manner to put the brigade on such a footing that it will bo really effective.

The promenade concerton Monday next, in aid of the Masterton String Bund, promises to be ii very successful one. A goodly number of lady and gentlemen amateurshave consented to take part in the programme, and their efforts, in conjunction with selections by the band, and the dance which is to conclude the programme should provide a most enjoyable evenino's amusement. The catering has been entrusted to Mr Prentice, who will supply refreshments and "the cup that cheers but not inebriates"—the committee having wisely determined, to prohibit the disposal of strong drink. The programme will appear in our next issue. One of the Wellington papers has made a severe attack on the Government in connection with the recent dismissal of the Chief Surveyor, but while warmly advocating,Mr Jackson's side of the question and pointing him out as a victim, the Chronicle advances no facts to show that either the Government or the Commision appointed by it to make inquiry into the charges brought against the Chief Surveyor by his superior office have come to a wrong conclusion. All the facts as yet disclosed indicates that Mr Jackson did not carry out implicitly the instructions of the Surveyor-Genoral and if so it would have been almost for the Government to have taken his part by so doing insubordination in the Civil Service wqulcl have been prevoted.

Mr Wardell intimated to the Bar yesterday that for the future he desired the practice of counsel addressing the court on the facts of civil cases to be discontinued, Mr Bunny objected to the discontinuance as the counsel for the plaintiff could not anticipate the line the defence would take, and would be placed at a disadvantage, Mr Skipper said that in England the practice -was allowed, and thought that it would be sufhcient if counsel were restricted to speaking once at the conclusion of cases. Mr Wardell pointed out that at the Wellington, Christclwrch, and Dunedin Courts addresses werenotallowed. Also that counsel might by prior consultation settle the points to be discussed in any case, so that plaintiffs would not be placed at any disadvantage. Mr Bunny expressed his belief that, at Nelson addresses were allowed. Mr Skipper pointed out that cases were often put into solicitors hands in a very hurried and imperfect form, and that reason they could not arrange the line of defence prior to the case being heard. At the wish of Mr Bunny the court make, no direct rule till the Bar had had an opportunity of consulting together on the subject

Tho insurgents in Noijinua tire surrendering in hundreds, including many chiefs. Lust year out ot 121 pining accidents in Victoria, 40 persons were killed ;and lOOiiijui'tu . ' A firm m C.itriara is about to lay four ships on the berth for • tl'ie United King-' dom, to be loaded at thj breakwater. A meeting of shareholders and Director!; of the Permanent Investment and Loai,: Association of Wairanipa was. held oi Tuesday, when the action previously takei to amalgamate the Cartertoli-Taratahi Investment- and Loan. Association with ,thi Wairarapa Association was confirmed.