SUMMARY FOR EUROPE AND AMERICA.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 3292, 2 September 1871, Page 2

SUMMARY FOR EUROPE AND AMERICA.

The great event of the month has been I the opening of the first session of the j Fifth Parliament of New Zealand, which took place with the usual formalities on the 14th August. As is the rule on such occasions, members of both Houses as-sen-bled in the Legislative Council f.o hear the Governor's writ read by Commissioners, and the day following, tbe faithful Commons having been previously sworn in by his Honor Mr Justice Johnston, the now Parliament was formally opened by his Excellency the Governor in a speech setting forth the reasons why he had so convened them. On the first day, after the writ was read, the members of the House of Representatives, repairing lo tbeir own chamber, elected as Speaker the Hon. F. D. Bell, a member of the Colonial Executive, and well-known at home as the colleague of Dr. Featherston (now Agent-General) in tbe mission to England, Mr O'Rorke, member for Onehunga, being elected Chairman of Committees. The address in reply was moved in the Legislative Council by tbe Hon. Col. Brett, from Canterbury, and seconded by the Hon. W. B. Rhodes. Wellington, and in tbeHouse of Representatives by Mr E. Pearce, member for the City of Wellington, and seconded by Mr Richardson, member for the City of Christchurch. The Hon. Mr Stafford, exPremier, mude a few remarks, in which he dissented in some particulars from some ofthe gratulatory sentences in the speech, and especially fromthe statement which it contained that our relations with tho natives are improving, which wns very ably answered by the Premier. His Honor the Superintendent of Auckland, who represents the City of Auckland in the Assembly, spoke much more bitterly in opposition to the Government, and was answered with much readiness and address by the Colonial Secretary. A few more speeches followed on each side, but no amendment being moved, the address was put and carried on tbe voices. Thereafter, the usual sessional committees were appointed. . The new Assembly contains no fewer , than forty new members, many of whom [ seem to have laid it down as a maxim never to give a silent voto. The consequence is that out of a House of seventyeight members we have about as many speakers as in the House of Commons. Many of them have moved for valuable : returns, and shown by the remarks they make on almost every subject that comes . before them a praiseworthy zeal in their i parliamentary duties. The rush for returns has considerably abated, and one or ! two of the more loquacious have learned that the Assembly adopts the ! maxim — " that speech is silver and . 6ilence is gold" There is no organised opposition to the Government, but one or two attempts have been unsuccess- -. fully made, by aggressive questions, to • catch them tripping. It is but fair to - note tbat the members of tho late Government who have seats in the new t Parliament — the Hon. Messrs Stafford, Fitzherbert, and Hall — neither originate I nor support these unusual, undignified, ■ and unparliamentary proceedings. The Hon. tbe Colonial Treasurer returned from his mission on Sunday week, very ■ much indisposed. As Postmaster- ) General, he has, in America, concluded f a very favorable contract, almost identi--1 cal in its terms with the resolution of i the late Parliament, and as Colonial , Treasurer be has succeeded, as our i home readers are fully aware, in raising on favorable terms the portion of the loan they authorised. He is rapidly recovering, and busy with the prepara- * tion of the Financial Statement. The i important character of the .business , before the new Parliament may be ! learned from the following list of papers, in addition to the usual departmental reports, laid on the table by the Minister of Works : — First Annual report of the Minister of Works ; Acting Engineer-in- Chief's report; papers relating to roads in the North Island (three sels); roads in the South Island, tramways in North Island, four sets of papers relating to immigration, containing general reports and correspondence ; an account of the remarkable success of the Scandinavian immigrants sent out by Commissioners Featherston and ' Bell ; copies of regulations approved of by the Governor in Council for introducing immigrants into the Provinces of Wellington, Hawke's Bay, Canterbury, and Otago, and papers showing the demand for labor in tiiese provinces ; papers relating to the purchase from tbe natives of tbe Seventy-mile Bush, to tho supply of water on the goldfields, and no fewer than eleven sets of papers relating to railways. Never was such an array of work done put beforo any of our Parliaments ; and never was any Parliament called to consider questions of such magnitude and transcendent importance. Of the departmental reports, that of the Government Insurance and Annuities Department may bo briefly summarised :— The insurance system was practically brought into operation in New Zealand on Ist March, 1870, and from that date up to 30th June last, according to tho report of the Annuities Commissioner, 067 proposals for assurances, amounting to £•295,874, have been recoived (more than half of this number were received during tho last quarter), of which 448 have boen accepted and taken up, and polices issued amounting to £205,374, at an annual premium of £5,810 4s Bd. The number declined out of the 667 proposa'sis7s for assurances, amounting to £31,300 ; this may be taken to show that great care is exercised in the selection of lives. The number of proposals , not taken up on 30th June was 30, and 114 were under consideration on that date ; tbe large proportion of the latter class is attributable to the fact, that many of the proposals were then of quite recent date. There had tben also been recoived fifteen endowment proposals, of which ten were completed, and seven annuity proposals, of which ten were granted.

Of the Telegraph Department, the adoption of a shilling tariff as now followed at home, renders a brief abstract of its business of mote than ordinary interest. The report shows that the number of private, press, and provincial service telegrams which in 1870 was 128,545, more than doubled itself (253,582) in 1871, on the adoption of the shilling tariff. The total value of business done, and the total expenditure, were in 1866 £6045 and £6377 ; in 1871, £32,296 and £32,598 ; almost exactly the same relation heing apparently maintained ; but whereas it cost on an average close upon five shillings to send each telegram in 1866, it cost in 1871 a fraction over' two shillings. On the whole, the progress of the last five years, says the report — and so will ali say who read those figures — cannot be looked upon as otherwise than highly satisfactory, and as suggestive of a still greater increase in tbe business of the department. The remarkable success of the Government Savings Banks we have mentioned in our Summaries for home readers, and the report laid upon the table of Parliament this session is a striking evidence of its growing success. The deposits for the year amoiiQt in round numbers to £264,000; withdrawals to .6210,000; total expenses, £10,000 ; leaving an actual revenue to the department, after paying salaries and all expenses, of nearly -£5000. A report from the Begistrar- General of land for the first time appears among our departmental reports. As the question of land transfer is occupying attention at home, we subjoin a few extracts, from the very able and interesting report drawn up by Mr Moorhouse, the Registrar-General of land : — As may be gathered from my estimate of the amount of business for the next financial year, I am very confident that the system will be in New Zealand a very great success. By correspondence with the Fegistrars* General of the neighboring colonies, I have ascertained that in uo case has the success of Mr Torrens* system been at all equal to the rate of progress made in New Zoaland during the first few months of its working. So far as I have had an opportunity of judging, tho legal profession generally hns not been more zealous in its acceptance of the measure than might have been expected by those who are in a position to judge of the extent to which the interests of the lawyers were likely to be affected. As a rule, the eminent lawyers of the colony unhesitatingly confess the very great boon which this measure has been and is likely to be tothe public, and have assisted greatly in introducing busiuess into some of the offices. But the material, profits of conveyancing practice will be so seriously disturbed by the public acceptance of Mr Torrens' scheme, that it is not natural to expect to see lawyers as a body voluntarily exchanging the present emoluments of praotice for the comparatively insignificant fees derivable under the Land Tranfer Act. It has,, however, throughout all the districts, been a matter for congratulation, that the legal profession have in very few cases exhibited that hostility which, had it been exerted, would not uuder the circumstances have occasioned any surpriseOne circumstance, however, may be stated as significant of the legal appreciation of the uses of the act, namely, that most of the titles submitted for registration by the profession are in some degree defective — not radically bad, yet not easily marketable. These titles are called by tbe profession " holding titles," as contra-distinguished from " marketable titles." In fact, the department is indebted to the legal.profession for a large number of troublesome titles, involving inconsiderable values, and in respect of which the the prospect of professional fees is not encouraging. In dealing with titles of this class, my instruction has been to render, through the office, every assis tance in the amendment of the title previous to its being registered, and so guaranteed by the Government ; but in no case is a title which involves any patent risk of a call upon the Assurance Fund to be entertained. Under the law, and the practice of the department, any title, however long and complex, may be investigated at a cost to the applicant of five' shillings only j for, in the event of our declining to issuo a certificate, we return all the fees deposited, with the exception of that amount. This scrutiny in a private office would cost the client a sum varying from one guinea to five hundred pounds. Of the subjects that have already been discussed by the new Parliament by far the most important is the Education Bill brought in by the Premier (Hon. W. Fox). It is believed that this important measure, after some modifications, will be passed into law. The House of Representatives hns passed a resolution to the effect that the verdict of a majority of not less than two-thirds of a jury be henceforth received as the verdict of the jury— so that the timeI honored principle of unanimity seems likely to be doomed. Another decision repugnant to the law of England has been arrived at in the other Chamber, a bill legalising marriage with a deceased wife's sister having passed the second reading by a majority of one. A new insolvency bill has b.en also introduced, containing some much-needed reforms, as also a bill for abolishing imprisonment for debt. Until the financial statement is made, there will be no other of importance introduced, nor \fej\ there be any trial of the strength of^e parties in the House. The appointment of Dr. Featherston a. Agent-General, and the election of Mr Dillon Bell as Speaker, leave two vacanies in the Oabinet. The Ministry, it is said, have offered these seats to'the Hon. Messrs Stafford and H all. And all moderate politicians and the public outside have highly applauded the course taken, as these two gentlemen helped last session largely to carry the measures of the present •Government into law, and can join in their udminig-

tration without any sacrafice of consistency. The former is reported to have declined, but it is not at all unlikely that "both may yield to the pressure of popular opinion, and give tbe colony tho benefit of their administrative abilities. NATIVE AFFAIRS. The fact that the vice-regal speech disposed of this Department in one short sentence sufficiently shows the great change that has been effected by the present Native Minister. The only incidents of the month are the fol lowing : — A large meeting of natives was held at Pariaka. Mr Parris was present. The natives said the wires and roads may come across their lands. On the 18th ult. fires were seen on the Wuipaua river, a branch ofthe Kuakituri. The tracks of Te Kooti's party were found, and shortly afterwards a woman was taken prisoner, who gave information that Te Kooti was camped close by. Arrangements were made to Burprise the camp, which was accordingly rushed. Four men were killed, and eight.?., stand of arms, with everything else in the camp, fell into our hands. Te Kooti and most of the men escaped by swimming a river which bounded the camp. The force under Captains Preece and Mair wore, at the time the attack on Te Kooti's comp was made, destitute of supplies, and had after his escape to return for provisions. They were ready when tho messenger left camp to start again in pursuit, Major Ropata had not been communicated with since his force went into the bush. A circular has been sent round by the Defence Minister. o officers commanding the Armed Constabulary, informing them that every officer is to consider himself as on picket duty, and is expected to make himself thoroughly acquainted with all matters relating to the post under his command, including topographical knowledge of the most minute kind possible. Reports are requested from officers as to the nature of the country in which they are located, including all natural features, the numbor, names, and characters of the streams, swamps, character of rocks and soil, timber, number of settlers, stores, and food, &c. ; also on roads, horse, dray, and foot native tracks, &c— officers to give their ideas as to the strength of positions near their posts, whether available for attack, or defence, and what means of fortifying them are to hand. The opening of the Colonial Parliament has naturally been an event of prominent interest and importance among the incidents of the month in the city which is tho Seat of Government. Ifc was tho more interesting as tho opening of a new Parliament— the fifth in fcbe history of New Zealand under its present constitution. From considerations of convenience the actual opening was by commission, and on the 14th of last month, but thero was on the following day a formal opening by the Governor in person, and that day partook much of the character of a public holiday. Q_he Armed Constabulary, No. 1 Company of Volunteers, the Veterans, and Cadets formed a guard of honor to his Excellency ; the Artillery fired salutes ; and inside the Assembly buildings Captain Moresby and the officers of H.M.S. Basilisk were assembled. His Excellency, who appeared in the Windsor uniform, read the opening speech from tho Hon. the Speaker's chair in the Legislative Council, in the presence of the members of that House, the members of the House of Representatives, and a large assemblage of ladies and leading citzens, Lady Bowen being also present with her family. The weather was favorable, and the ceremony was altogether imposing and attractive. The Hon. Mr Yogel, for whose return the opening of Parliament had been wisely delayed, reached Auckland by the Nevada on Wednesday, the 16th August, and Wellington on the Sunday following, intimation of his arrival having in fche interval been received here from Tauranga by telegraph. Mr Yogel had to leave bis family at San Francisco, on account of ill-health, and he was himself far from well when he landed, but ho has since somewhat recovered. On arrival of the Nevada, Captain Fairebild had tho Luna's boat in readiness to take off a select party consisting of the Hon. Mr Fox, the Hon. D. M'Lean, the Hon. Mr Gisborne, the Attorney-General (Mr Prendergast), and othera. A considerable number of people were waiting on the wharf, .although it wi* b nearly dark when tho Nevada came into harbor. The greeting of welcome having been gone througb, the party returned in the Luna's boat, the Hou. Mr Yogel coming ashore in tho Custom Houso boaJ. On the day after his arrival he took the oath and his Beat as a member of the new Parliament, and has since beon occa.fi nally present in the House, besides having preparod an elaborate report of fche results of his mission to England, and otherwise addressed himself to the proper work of the session, of which he takes so large a share. Tho portrait of Sir Charles Clifford vow adorns fche walls of the House of Representatives, having beon presented to tho House by Sir Charles. This kind attention on the part of ifcs fir.t Speaker was evidently fully appreciated by the House. In connection with a motion on the matter, graceful tributes were paid to Sir Charles by tho Premier, and fche Hon. Messrs Fitzherbert and Hall. According to the former, the portrait is a striking likeness, and the work of no mean artist. Tlie Royal Flax Commissioners, and, chief of these, Dr Hector and Colonel Haultain, have exerted themselves successfully in arranging, in the Museum building, a most instructive exhibition of flax, wliich might appropiiulelj bo transferred in its entirety to England, so important is ifc as an illustration of what has been and can bedone in the manufacture of the New Zealand flax plant. The exhibition is the more interesting by the Commissioners having procured, from all parts of the world, samples of vegetable productions bearing affinity to the flax plant, and samples of the articles into which they havo been converted, or the processes by which that conversion hassbeen accomplished. There are, for instance, samples of Egyptian flax, Italian, Eussian, Bombay, Manilla, and Sisal hemp, and Aloo fibre, accompanied by descriptions ol tihe broaking strain of the samples, of fche cost of fche fibre in London, and other particulars interesting in their trade relations. As subjects of comparison thero aro also sent from England samples showing the qualities of flax mosfc in demand, and samples according to the brokers' classification of flax as sold in the London market. These, with cord, rope, sack ing, and other arfcicles into which flax is no w transformed, constitute tho exhibition, so fai > aB ifc illustrates the progress of its manufacture i in tho hands of Europeans. But perhaps the \ most interesting feature of the exhibition ii that by which is illustrated the extraordinary skill which tho natives have acquired in theii manufacture of tho plant. There aro some mats, robes, and fancy articles, the texture dye, and design of which aro indeed astonish ing when ifc is considered that they aye tht production of handwork, and not of elaborati machinery or chemical applications* In several issues lately, we have had ocea sion to report the results of experiments ir Sionverting Taranaki sand into steel, whicl have been successfully conducted hy M: Smith, Govewiraeni Armorer. Sevoral o

these experiments, which have been conductod in the presence of members of tho Assembly and other gentlemen, havo been mosfc interesting, and the results have been highly satis-factm-y. At one of these experiments, Mr Smith put somo of tho ore as it came out of the furnace into a crucible, and tho metal was soon a boiling liquid. Taking the crucible up, he poured the metal into two moulds lying ready besid.3 him, and in a minute or two took out therefrom, to the suprise of the visitors, a bar of steel and a hatchet head. The steel was close in texture, and with a little manipulation, was shown to bo susceptible of a high polish. When struck it gave a clear melodious sound. Among the visitors wero several well acquainted with blast furnaces, and after a careful inspection of Mr Smith's, thoy _ pronounced unhesitatingly that he had established beyond a doubfc that the metat could bo tapped out of a blast furnace. Tho separation of tho metal is, by the process, most completely effected— the slag being almost free of any metallic substance. Since thafc time Mr Smith has beon producing hammers, chisels, drills, largo ingots, &c, to illustrate" the various properties of the steel made from tho sand. Wifch tho small sum at his disposal, he has, in seven weeks with many interruptions, achieved better results thau the continuous experiments for two whole years of a firm at Taranaki with an expenditure of £5000, and hopes are entertained that the result of all the experiments will be to direct fresh attention to one of the most important resources of the colony. A contest for a seat in the City Council was one of the incidents which happened contemporaneously with tho opening of Parliament, and which suffered in interest consequently. The contest was between Mr Buckley and MiAnderson, the former of whom was elected by a majority of eighty. At the Mount Cook Barrack Ground, early in the month, some athletic sports were held, at which tho Governor and Lady Bowen were present, among an assemblage of several thousand persons. Bird, the champion runner, sailors from H.M.S. Basilisk, and some local athletes took part in tho sports. The annual dinner of the Wellington Artillery Volunteers waß a pleasant social incident. Captain Pearce occupied the chair, Lieutenants Brandon and Pilcher the vice chairs. On the right of the Chairman, tho Hon. the Defence Minister, Colonel Reader, E. W. Mills, EEq, Dr' France, kc ; on the left the Yen Archdeacon Stock, Colonel Harrington, and othera. The Supreme Court sits on Monday, for the trial of criminal charges against only four persons — Patrick Curbetfc, assault with intent ; Patrick Condon, obtaining goods undor false pretences ; Frederick Haselden, stealing a watch ; and John M'Kenzie M'Donald, murder and arson. Scott's centenary was nofc publicly celebrated in Wellington, but in Dunedin, Chri.tchurch, and Lyttolton, great prominenco was given to its celebration by banquets and balls, and sdme of the speeches afc the banquets have formed quite a refreshing feature in the reading columns of colonial newspapers. In Dunedin, tho intention is to establish, in connection with the University, a Scott scholarship. Our obituary has, within tho past few days, contained the' name of tho Rev William Kirton, the Presbyterian minister of Kaiapoi. Mr Kirton was for many years minister of the Scotch church, Lambton Quay, where he labored with much acceptance, and his death willbe d. eply regretted by a largo circle pf friends Mr Kirton arrived in Wellington* in 1850, and officiated here some fifteen years before he removed to Kaiapoi, Canterbury, where had a call, and performed his ecclesias tical duties there up to a fortnight beforo his death. Another death noticed in our obituary is that of Mrs Robert Richmond, of Karori, who died on Sunday nighfc at the advanced age of 79 years. With hor husband Captain Richmond, the deceased lady was among fche early settlers of the provit.ee, and loaves behind her a numerous circle of descendants and friends, Sfc Stanislaus Joseph, a Sister of Mercy, who had recently gone from Wellington fco Nelson for tho ber .e!it of her health, died thore on August 17th. The funeral was conducted according to the rites of her church, and with much ceremony and respect;. The annual district meeting of Odd Feilowb waa recently held. From tho anuual reports, compiled from tho returns of the sereral lodges by tho corresponding secretary, P.G. E. Banni. tt- r, it appeared there were 507 • members good on the books ; 59 new members had been initiated during the yoar, and 47 had left the order ; 43 sick members had received £326 18s 6d. exclusive of mediciue and medical attendance, and £90 had been paid in funeral donations. The total funds of the district amounted to £5g67 lis lid, being an increase of £118 15s 9d. During tho year two new lodges have been opened — ono at Meanee, Napier, and the other at Greytown, Wairarapa, with prospect of success. P.G. Thomas Meadeley was elected Grand Master j P.G. N. Valentine, Deputy Grand Master ; and P.G. Edwin Bannister retained tho office of Corresponding Secretary. Applications were received for tho opening of two new lodges, ono at Featherston and the other at Masterton, which were granted. At a meeting of Freemasons, in Barrett's Hottl, the preliminary Bteps were taken for the formation of a Lodge under the Irish Constitution. Heavy floods have occurred in the West Coast rivers of the province of Taranaki During one of these floods, the ferry boafc on tht Patea river capsized, when Mr Halcombe, of Wellington, tho miilman, and two ferry hands were on board. The boat ran foul of the punfc wire, and went ovor immediately. All the passengers got hold of tho wire rope, along which fchey manrged to work themselves nearly to tbe shore. Mr Haleome had a very narrow eseapo, boing furthest off, and oncum- , bered with heavy clothes and long mackintosh. After struggling through tho current he was , too exhausted to work himself up the rope i where it rose from the water, and a man named James Ryan, at great risk of his own lifo, went to Mr Halcombo's assistance. After one unsuccessful attempt he made a second effort, and fartened a ropo round his body, ' whero be was dragged ashore after nearly half an hour's immersions. The Wellington mail • bags wero recovered near the heads. Mr Douglas, of Dunedin, has recently in- ; vented a boat-detaching apparatus, intended i to be used when vessels are underweigh. Ifc i was tried here recently, on board the steamers Wellington and Taranaki as they were leaving > fche harbor. Boats wero lowered as tho vessels wero going at full speed, and with perfect . success. It is in freeing the boat when lowered j that tho morit of the invention lies, and it is s an invention both ingenious and scientific. Similar experiments to thoso described have - beon made with ifc alongside H.M.S. Basilisk, • in tho presence of Captain Moresby, who , highly approved of ifc, nnd intimated his inten- , tion of communicating with the Admiralty on f the subject. j Tho Edinburgh Castle is now a full ship, • having on borrd 745 bales wool and skins, 711 ■ bales flux and tow, 1840 pkgs tallow (420 i tons). 843 kegs butter (30 tons), 3 cask- oil, - 289 hides, 9 casks salt meat, 20 pfegs leather, 3 7 cases curiosities. She has cleared at the j Customs to-day, and this fact speaks well in • favor of the despatch given afc this porfc. It • wi'l bo in tbo remembrance of some that the i- Gloucester, last year, discharged and loaded . in about two months, anp the Edinburgh 3 Castle, though a larger ship, has actually been 3 less than that time in port, thus showing that j our productions ore steadily improving, r During his short stay among us Captain Cape 3 has made many friends, who wish him a quick , and pleasant passago to his destination. H.M.S. Basilisk, ifc is said, i 3 soon to leavo a Wellington harbor for a cruise as far as c Nelson, which, with all its attractions, rural ov marine has lately been seldom visited by fche - men-of-war on fcho coasfc of New Zealand. _ Iho Athenremn building has lately beon _ considerably improved by additions and alterr ations of its interior fittings, which now f J include a small stage and proscenium. Their

J. J.JLJ-J » • *»-•-- - — completion was celebrated hy an entertainment givon in aid of the cost of tho same by tho Early Closing Association. Greville's Telegram Company have opened a Commercial Eoom here in connection wifch their telegraphic agency business. Their room is extremely well fitted up, is centrally Bituated, and is suppliod with an immense number of English, Australian, Amencnn, and New Zealand Journals. Some disarrangement was caused in connection with parliamentary proceedings, by the compositors engaged on tho production of " Hansard" demanding a higher rate of wages, but, after bouio delay, an arrangement has been come to by which tho work of the Government printing office is again proceeding without impediment. There has been more than an average number of soirees, concerts, amateur theatrical performances, lectures, and meetings during the month. Soirees have been held by the Rechabite Society, the Primitive Methodists, and other bodies. Concerts have been given by the Choral Society, and by amateur minstrels on board H.M.s. Basilisk. Tho Bishop of Wellington, Archdeacon Stock, and the Superintendent, the Hon Mr Fitzherbert, have given lectures, and others are promised by the Hon Major Richardson and Dr Hector. Tho theatrical entertainments have heen by the Press Dramatic Club. The meetings held havo chiefly been in tho rural districts, and havo been held in connection with a vexed question —tho Highways Act. There have been three slight shocks of earthquake in the p.*ovinco of Canterbury lately, and the last of these, on Thursday, was felt in Wellington by thoso who were awake aud sufficiently sensitive at 2 a.m. A boy named Walter Harris, who was last seen fishing from the piles under the Queen's wharf, has been missing now for a number of dayp. John Browu (cook), and -Tames Dick (seaman), have been drowned on the passage of the schooner Dunedin from Oamaru to Auckland. A native woman was recently found in a dying state in lur own hut at Ohinemuri, Auckland, and she soon afterwards died. An inquiry as to the circumstance has not determined whether the wounds wore murderous or self inflicted. Beyond these accidents, and the oireumstanoes which aro to form the subject of triai at the Supreme Court on Monday, the month has beon characterised by an absence of crime or casualties.