LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 3305, 18 September 1871, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

Da Mohan. - Tho Homan Catholic Bishop of Dunedin, Dr Moran, delivered a lengthy sermon lecture yesterday morning, at the Catholic Chapel. Tho first portion dealt very ably, from a Roman Carbolic point of view, with the infallibility of the Pope. The subject of education formed the second portion of the discourse, on which matter Dr Moran claimed the right to make some observations, because it had been said that they were the enemies of education — < the enemieo of progress. The rery contrary was the fact. The preservation of education was mainly due to the Catholic Church, which had educated the nations of Europe, and endowed them liberally by the institution of schools calculated to infuse into the mind a sound education, coupled with feelings of the highest order. The rev. gentleman quoted largely from a book written by himself in 1868, giving statistics on the state of education in Rome at that period, the Kingdom of Sardinia receiving a large share of attention. There they had their cottages, their schools of agriculture, their gymnasiums, in every district — education was brought to the door of every inhabitant in the papal dominions ; and at that moment about one in every six of the inhabitants was attending a public school. Quotations from Mr Kane, whom the reverend gentleman designated "a bitter Protestant," were cited to support the views of Bishop Moran, and even wept further in praise of the educational status of the Romish States, testifying to tho fact that the education of the common people was at least as generally diffused and as fully promoted as in Scotland, and also that it was the aim of the Papal states to keep ahead of all intellectual progress. And in the face of such testititnony they had the people of England hurling insults at them, and directing their entire powers of abuse at the Holy See; they had the press daily printing falsities so as to lead to corrupt ideas ; and unless some man had the courage to stand up and combat these falsities they would continue to prevail. At the risk of beiug abused and misunderstood, he, for one, would stand up and speak tho truth, for they had the word of the Holy Father, "Go forth and speak the truth for your church," and in the face of that he would go forth and speak the truth. Ho had heard it stated by same of our members of Parliament— and ho would repeat it in that place at tho risk of committing a breach of privilege — that the laity of the Catholic Church were in favor of secular education. Such statements were very scandalous, and it was very important that ho should give them an emphatic denial ; at least he would take the liberty of stating that he did not believe them. No man could be a Catholic and approve of secular education, the reason being that the Catholic Church had condemued that doctrine. It had been condemned in a syllabus of the Pope, in which it was laid down that no Catholic could approve of secular education at the risk of being held up as a reprobate and condemned. Therefore he did not believe any statement was true which said that tho Catholics of Auckland had risen against their Church and preferred secular education to a denominational one. If such were really the case, it was nothing less than scandalous. No man who was loyal | to the Church — no man who really was a member of the Catholic faith — could approve of secular education. Ho hoped that the people of Auckland would hear these kw words, so that they might bo able to set the matter right. Ho believed that they would say that they were one, and that they would rise up and demand the denominational system of education that they might teach their children their faith— tho principles of honesty and justice. The rev. gentleman stated that he had advocated the matter thus strongly, because he believed that nothing but strong measures would do in this age. This outline of the subject ia necessarily a brief and imperfect summary of a very able sermon.

At the meeting of the Philosophical Institute held on Saturday evening, at the conclusion of Dr Knox's paper on the Long Eared Bat of New Zealand, in the course of which he took occasion to point out the extreme similarity existing between the anatomy of the bat and that of we might not regard the bat in the light

the human skeleton. Considerable amusement was caused by Major Richardson, who begged to inquire whether of our long lost brother, and also whether Dr Knox had not unwittingly fallen on the true duo to the elucidation of the mystery of the real origin of man? To this Dr Knox replied that the flrat step to bo taken in such an investigation would be to consider the origin of woman, and that if the Major would condescend to give us a share of his vast erudition on such matters by delivering a lecture on this subject, he for one would have much pleasure in listening to it, and would then bo in a better position to answer the question.

An Old Claim.— A bill which is at present passing through the House, entitled the Carrington Land Bill, is a measure for tine satisfaction of a just and long standing claim on the colony by Mr P. A. Carrington, Superintendent o£ Tarnnaki, who thirty years ago, purchased 200 acres of land from the New Zealand Company. He was put in possession of the land, which is now the township of Waitara, but was afterwards deprived of it by the action of the legislature of the colony. In explaining the provisions of the bill, Mr Pox said it was one of those complicated cases which it would be impossible for the House to understand. It was fully discussed by the Petitions Committee in 1868, of which the late Mr Francis Jollie was Chairman, when the committee fully recognised the fairness of the claim, and recommended that it should be left to the Government to adjust. Mr Carrington had been extremely liberal in not forcing his claim by putting it into a lawyer's hands, preferring to have it amicably adjusted; in other hands the colony might have been put lo great trouble and ex pense.. Although the sum might seem large in comparison with the investment on 200 acres.it would not appear so when it was considered that the land was now the actual seaport of Taranaki ; together with the fact that Mr Carrington had been thirty years out of his money. It would be the barest justice to make the award provided in the bill, which would enable him to select land to the value of! £1,500. The House seemed to be of the same opinion, as tho bill passed ncm. co?i.

The Poisons Act.— This is the title of an act which was read a second time on Friday's sitting of the House. In moving the second reading, Mr Gisbornesaid that before 1806 there was no special law for the regulation of the sale of poisons, but in consequence of the number of suicides, it was found necessary to impose restrictions on the sale of articles of a dangerous nature. The act o(: 1866 had been found defective, and the attention of the Government having been called to the matter, the present bill was introduced to remedy those defects. Provision is made for regulating the sale of poisons, the schedule of the bill specifying the articles which aro designated as poisonous, the sale of which by unregistered persons is strictly prohibited.

Football. — The basin rsserve on Saturday presented the appearance of a midsummer holiday. As to which of the inducements was entitled to chief consideration would be a question hard to decide between the game itself and the weather, which was sufficiently potential in its effect to create a longing for a day out, independently of any other attraction. The ground was in better condition than it had been on any occasion since the close of the cricket season, the warmth of the spring weather having caused the evaporation of nearly the whole of the surface water, which had hitherto tended to make the game anything but a pleasant one on the canal reserve. The members of the Constabulary had kindly made every provision for the accommodation of spoctators, a tent with chairs in number being provided for ladies, while seats were distributed in various parts of the ground overlooking the course, the boundaries of which were marked off with flags. About four hundred jpeople were on the ground, the ladies showing in more than ordinary proportion. The game commenced a little behind time, the requisite number on each side, seventeen, being on the ground at the appointed hour. The play was very equal for some time, the Wellington team playing at a great disadvantage in the first goal,'the wind being dead against them. After the first change of ends their play was much the better of the two, and before the play had gone very far M'lntosh ruado a very pretty easy but well direccted dropkick for the Wellington side. Two or three members of the Constabulary played very well, notably Smith, who kept the game alive by a variety of manoouvres peculiar to the game, which were very amusing to the spectators, but the rest of them were completely ontvreighted by the superior play of the lighter men. In the nest change of ends Wilkinson very cleverly got the ball behind the Constabulary goal at the north end, and his side being entitled to a placed ball Isherwood kicked the goal as true as an arrow. This was repeated at the same end with a rery difficult side kick, making three goals to the Wellington side. Another goal was made after this, and the result of the day's play was four goals and three " tries" to the Wellington side against nothing. It is due to the Constabulary to mention that they have recently lost some of their best players, a number of those on the ground having had no practice whatever. The club members played well, the result of their bard practice of late. "The Governor and Lady Bowen witnessed a part of the play from their carriage, which was pulled up on one of the side roads. When time was called each side cheered the other, a special three being given for the ladies. The Nelson players are expected over by the 27th to play the long talked of match. A proposal to give them a dinner has been mooted, in the carrying out of which tho club intend to solicit tho support of tho leadiug citizens.

Forest Culture. — Mr Hall has introduced into the Legislative Assembly a bill (which has passed its second reading) for the purpose of subsidising or encouraging the planting of forest trees in the province of Canterbury by the granting of two acres of land for every acre so laid down. Members on all sides of the House spoke in favor of the measure, at the same time suggesting that it should be made a general one. In speaking on the subjeotj Mr O'Neill advanced some instructive and interesting observations on the conservation of the forest trees of New Zealand and the means adopted in many countries for the preservation of what they justly consider a source of wealth — their timber growth. Some of these countries impose the condition that for every tree cut clown auother shall be planted, while others insist that two shall be substituted for every one felled. Ho attributed the flooding of rivers to the destruction of forests, stating that the recent floods in the Hutt river were clearly attributable to thia cause. Mr Peacock aud Mr Brown, Canterbury members, thought two acres not sufficient return for the expense of planting, the

former gentleman proposing thafc the amount of land given should be four acres instead of two for every one planted. SirD. Monro corroborated the general view as to tho value of forest culture, mentioning the fact that there was plenty of country in the Nelson province absolutely valueless for want of timber. Mr Reeves, in common with others who had spoken, agreed that the adoption of such a measure would be tho introduction into the country of a useful institution, though he did not agree with Mr Peacock that the amount of land to be given should be four acres. The bill itself was a move in tho right direction ; but the amendmont went in the wrong direction. It was the duty of tho stato to be careful in disposing of free grants ; their object should be to give encouragement, not compensation. It would be wrong to compensate what would very likely become a means of private investment. He was strengthened in his opinions on the matter by the experience of the neighboring province of Otago, whore they proposed to give the land planted and nothing more, and if that was sufficient inducement in Otago two for one should bo enough in Canterbury. They should also be careful to limit the amount taken up ; it would be desirable, as a safeguard, to limit the amount to 200 acres. Mr Swanson threw the humorous even into this raattei\ by pointing out that tho bill should be amended, because he understood from the reading of the clause as it stood that tho plauted acre was to be handed over to the Government in exchange for the two improved ones. In that case the gain would be a loss. However, if the Government were to give over the two acres they ought to have something to say as to the kind of trees to be planted. Mr D. M'Loan observed that, according to the way the timber of the colony was being destroyed, it would leave much of the find land ok the colony destitute.

A Patent Office.— On Friday after noon, in asking a question with reference to the exhibition of the railway plans, Mr C. O'Neill took the opportunity of pointing out to the Government that he hoped they would provide some little accommodation for the exhibition of the patterns, models, and specifications deposited under the Patents Act of the colony. It was well known, he said, that the Imperial Government had sent out to the folony a number of patterns, and, there being no accommodation for them, they were at present lying at the Custom-house. In Melbourne, and more especially in New York, the patents offices were looked upon as very important parts of the state service. In the latter office were preserved the well-known agricultural statistics of America, where they had besides one of the best libraries in the world. It was because he know tho Premier had examined the office in New York and knew its value to the state that he drew Ms attention to the matter, in the hope that some kindred establishment would be instituted in New Zealand.

The Late Fatal Accident at Nelson. —The " Colonist" of the 15th gives the following particulars of the accident by which three lives were lost on the Nelson Boulder Bank. A boat belonging to Mr Arthur Elmsiie, of the French Pass, left there at half-past sis yesterday morning, bound for Nelson with passengers and cargo. The passengers were Mr Watson, Mr and Mrs Stephen Leaver and infant child, and Miss Caroline Reynolds, the latter being a niece of Mr Elmsiie, who was returning home after a three weeks' stay with her undo. The boat was in charge of Mr Wm, Webber, who was assisted by Mr Hamilton. The boat arrived at the Lighthouse about a quarter past seven in the evening. Mr Webber determined, against the wishes of the passengers and his assistant, to take the passage across the Boulder Bank. The tide was at flood, aud there was insufficient water, consequently the boat grounded. The four men got out and attempted to drag her through, but she got broadside on to the rollers, her lee-gunwale being under water. Another roller turned her weatherside up. Immediately afterwards the passengers were struggling in the sea. She then drifted into deep water, Mr Hamilton being the only one able to retain his hold of her. Mr Watson and Mrs Leaver also managed to reach the boat. Messrs Watson and Hamilton placed themselves at the end of the boat, and contrived to keep her keel upwards, Mrs Leaver clinging to the centre, by the keel ; and while in this position her infant was brought within her reach by the tide, when she grasped it, but it is believed that it was then dead. At that time, Mr Leaver drifted past them, apparently supported by an oar. Their continuous cries for help at length attracted the attention of Mr Kidson, the Lighthouse-keeper, who pulled his boat to the spot, and succeeded in reßcning all that remained of the party, Mr Webber and Miss Reynolds having disappeared from amongst them, neither having been seen after the boat capsized. Mr Leaver, when picked up by the boat, was in a very exhausted condition, The survivors were conveyed to the Ship Hotel, where every assistance was afforded, and Drs Vickerman and Farrelle were quickly in attendance, as well as Dr P. Haynes, of H.M.S Basilisk, who kindly offered his services. The pilot-boat's crew immediately proceeded to the scene of the disaster, and made every effort to discover traces of the missing persons, but without success.

Snow Stokm in Soutiilakd.— ln In vercargill on Tuesday last the snow lay to a depth of some inches, a circumstance unknown in the place for the past twelve years. As the day wore on, assisted by passing showers of rain and sleet, it commenced to melt, and as a matter of course the streets and thoroughfares were reduced to a wretched state of sloppiness. At the Bluff the enow lay in some places down almost to the water's edge until an ad vanced hour on Tuesday, and from the appearauco of tho surrounding country, the fall appeared to have been pretty general. Writing from tho Mataura Perry, the " Times" correspondent reports that the low lands had a coating of snow, in many places, half a foot deep. The lambing season having commenced, apprehensions were felt for the safety of the young ilocliß. The snow storm does not appear to have extended in equal severity further cast than Bnlclutha.

The New Zealand Medal.— The members of tho permanant staff of the 2nd Warwickshire recently assembled at the Barracks, Leamington, in review order to witness the presentation of a New Zealand medal to Sergeant- Major J. Mark, by Captain E. D. Knight, adjutant, commanding the staff. Captain Knight, in complimenting the sergeant-major on his much-prized recognition of his gallant seevices, said :— " It affords me great pleasure to present you with this medal. I have presented many in my life, but never with so much pleasure as to-day. I am sorry to know that a period of nearly twenty-five years have elapsed since you were in the engagements for which the medal is now given, and also that so many are dead who were entitled to the same

decoration, but never received it." Sergeant-Major Mark, late of the 99tli Regiment, now sergeant-major in the 2nd Warwickshire Militia, served in the 99th, Regiment two yeara, and in 1845 and 1846 was present at the storming of the Kawiti's pah at Ohaewai on July 1, 1845/ and destruction of the Sanu on July 10. Again at the destruction of Arratuaua pah on July 16, also at the capture and destruction of Kawiti's pah at Euapekapeka in January, 1846. At the storming of Kawiti's pah at Ohaeawai on July 1, 1845, he carried his wounded brother, Sergeant David Mark, late of the 99th Regiment, off the field, and also assisted in taking two officers to the rear, both wounded. The sergeant-major is in possession of the medal for good conduct and long service. A New Zealand Wabbiob in Tmovble. —William Norris, 30 years of age, was recently brought up in custody before the Lord Mayor, charged with obtaining money by false pretences. Mr Haydea attended, from the War Office to prosecute. The prisoner had been a soldier in the 43rd Regiment, with which he had served in New Zealand, and he had obtained a medal. He was discharged in 1806, and in July, 1868, he joined the | army reserve force, being enrolled by Captain Bruce, the staff officer of pen- J; , sioners of the 2nd North London District, jt On that occasion he was paid £1 enroled ment money, and 15s bounty. By the agreement he also received 15s a quarter, the condition being that at any time during a period of five years he should join his regiment if required to do so. The bounty, Captain Bruce said, had since been increased to 4d a day. On December 16, 1868, the prisoner was again enrolled by Col. Pigott, the staff officer of pensioners of the East London District, and was paid another £1 and bounty, and three days afterwards he was again enrolled in the reserve by Staff Sergeant Bleach, of the Woolwich District, and was paid £1 5s 9d. In each of these districts he had called for payment of the quarterly bounty, and in consequence of •the recurrence of the same name and description the fraud was discovered at the War Office, and orders were issued to pay him no more money and to give him into custody. At the Woolwich District he had not called for his bounty since June, 1870. The Lord Mayor committed him to take his trial at the Central Criminal Court.