LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 3336, 3 November 1871, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

The Patent Slip.— A. meeting of the directors of the Patent Slip Company was held yesterday afternoon. Six tenders for the erection of the slip were received, but it was agreed by the directors that none of the tenders should be accepted. The Ceeeal Duties.— Mr Thomson, member for Clutha, opposed these duties, although his district might not have to pay a great amount under their imposition. Still, he had made a calculation of the proportion of expense to which each town of the colony would have to pay towards defraying the cost of the Colonial Treasurer's visit to England, and he found that the township in which he resided would have to pay £34 If he had to pay that amount under the duties he would not object, but he did object to paying it both ways, and as they had to pay for the Treasurer's trip, whether they liked it or not, he should vote against the duties. Peivilege. — In the Legislative Council yesterday, the Hon Mr Sewell drew the attention of members to statements which appeared in the " Evening Post" as having been uttered by him on the occasion of his announcing to the House his resignation from the Ministry. He had been reported to hove said that there was a general want of harmony in the Ministry. He altogether denied that he had niide use of the language imputed to him. What he intended to say, and what he did say, was to be found correctly reported in "Hansard," which report had not undergone revision by him. It would be there found that he had stated that there was no greater want of harmony in the present Government than was to be found in all other Governments. Seegeant-at Arms. — Dr Greenwood, the Sergeant-at-Arms in the House of Representatives, has for some time been unable to attend to his duties in the House in consequence of indisposition. He has now, however, so far recovered as to be able to resume his duties. R.M. Covrt. — The only case heard in the Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday was a charge of drunkenness, the offender being fined. One or two civil cases, wLiela were of no public interest) were disposed of. Cricket. — The Star Cricket Club, we understand, have agreed to challenge the Wellington Club to a friendly match, to be played on the Prince of Wales Birthday. Soieee. —It is intended to hold a soiree in the Odd Eellows' Hall, on the 13th inst., in aid of the Catholic school in Boulcott street. New Steam Service. — By a telegram from .Nelson we are informed of the intention of Messrs M'Meckan, Blackwood & Co to supplement the number of steamers they have already engaged in the New Zealand trade by despatching the Albion from Melbourne to Auckland, and thence to Napier, Wellington, and southern ports, and by placing another of their vessels on the line between Melbourne, Hokitika, Taranaki, and Auckland — probably Manukau. Meteorological.— By Mr Gore's record of meteorological observations for the month of October, we notice that on twenty-seven days the direction of the wind at Wellington was from the northwest, and that on the remaining four days the wind blew from the south-east. Silver Pen. — Prom the lady who write9 under the signature of " Silver Pen " we have received several humorous poetic sketches of proceedings in Parlin» inent, but have been prevented from publishing them in consequence of other demands upon our space. The fair authoress has a fine sense of humor, and displays great readiness in rhyme. The sketches well deserve publication, and we understand that they will receive this in the form of a pamphlet, which is now being printed. In that form we have no doubt they will be extensively purchased and perused by members of the Assembly and by others. The s.s. City of Adelaide.— The Australian Steam Navigation Company's fine steamer City of Adelaide entered Wellington harbor yesterday afternoon, having made a rapid passage hither from Auckland. There was little inducement yesterday for anyone to venture out-of-doors or upon the wharf, which was exposed to the full force of a strong nor' wester, but a considerable crowd assembled to witness her arrival, and all who visited her concurred in describing her as one of the finest steamships they had seen. As described by Auckland contemporaries, " she is certainly one of the finest steamers that ever visited these waters. Indeed, it is difficult to imagine that any improvement could be made. The machinery could hardly be excelled by the works of a chronometer, and is kept in a state of cleanliness and pojiah that will do credit to any of Her Majesty's ships, and indeed the same may be said of every part of the vessel. The accommodation is also in a style of elegance and comfort seldom surpassed ; and all the latest modern improvements have been made use of in the various apparatus, such as the steering, cooking, &c. As a specimen of what modern skill and ingenuity can effect, she is well worthy of inspection. Should she be placed permanently on the trade proposed by her owners, the A.S.N. Company, and under the command of Captain Walker, whose character as a seaman and gentleman had preceded him to this port, we are confident that both the City of Adelaide and Captain Walker would become great favorites with the travelling portion of the public." Coebespondncb. — We are compelled to hold over several communications, including the letter of " Private" on the CarIyl9 Light- Horse Volunteers, and correspondence forwarded to us by Colonel Brett, relating to the drainage in Mulgrffve street. Coromandel. — A correspondent informs us that it is the intention of some members of the Fourth Estate to start a newspaper at Coromandel. A printingplaut has for some time been on the spot, but hitherto there had not been sufficient encouragement to tempt its owners to put it to its proper use. Teadb in Auckland.— A private correspondent in Auckland gives rather an unfavorable account of the state of trade there. He says :— " Everything is very dull here. The goldfielda appear to have collapßed for the present."

The Bishop of Dunedin.— At the meeting of the Auckland Synod, the Venerable Archdeacon Maunsell moved, " That the President be requested to forward to the Bishop's commissary in Dunedin tho resolution expressive of pleasure at the appointment of the Rev S. Tarratt Neville to the Bishopric of Dnnedin." The motion was seconded and agreed to. Death of an Eakly Setti.ee.— We notice in the obituary column of the Auckland papers, the name ot John Campbell, Esq., one of Auckland's earliest settlers, and formerly following the profession of a surveyor. His decease will be much regretted by all who knew him, and more especially by the members of the church to which he belonged, and to which he was most liberal in gifts of land. Mr Campbell died at Mahurangi, at the mature age of 72. < Bank of New Zealand.— The twentieth half-yearly meeting of the shareholders of the Bank of New Zealand was held on the 30th, at the banking-house, Queen street, Auckland. The chair was occupied by Thomas Russoll, Esq., the President, who moved the adoption of the report. The report showed a balance available for division of £52,604 13s Bd., and this sum is proposed to be appropriated thus : — Payment of dividend at the rate of ten per cent per annum, £30,000 ; bonus of 5s per share, equal to £5 per cent per annum, £15,000 ; leaving a balance to be carried forward of £7604 13s Bd. Messrs James Farmer and Samuel Browning (the retiring auditors), were elected directors in the place of Mr James Williamson and Mr C. J. Stone, and Mr W. J. Taylor and Mr C. J. Stone were appointed auditors. The Intbe-colonial Boat eace. — A special meeting of the members of the Auckland Bowing Club was held on Wednesday last. There was a good attendance of members. After a considerable amount of discussion it was resolved to send to Messrs De Loitte, of Sydney, for a gig to bo built on the most modern principle. A committee was then appointed to select the crew to represent the club at the Christchurch meeting, and after some other business had been transacted the meeting adjourned. Me Heney Hoyt is endeavoring to j initiate several important improvements in the Sydney omnibuses. Walking Match. — What was announced as "The Great Walking Match," i in which tho old and erst* while pedestrian Gwynne undertook to, walk 18 miles in three hours, came off in Auckland last week, and resulted in a failure. After doing 14 miles, with five minutes to spare for the ground walked over, Gwynne was suddenly taken with cramp, when he was compelled to succumb ; and this at a time when he was being backed heavily against time. A large number of sporting men, and the lovers of pedestrian feats, had assembled on Mr Cunningham's paddock, Newmarket, to witness Gwynne's performance, and there was a general expression of disappointment at the breakdown of the old " ped," there being no doubt other thun that he had done his very best. A Note fbom Fiji.— 1 ' Thank God ! Here the law cannot, and never will, be made an engine of oppression, as in the colonies. Were they with one wide sweep to raze the Insolvent Court, and send half the lawyers here to pick cotton, Australia would boast an honest community and more happy homes." The San Feancisco Eoute.-Tlio " Age" complains of the exclusion of New Zealand from the late conference, and assuming that Mr Vogel has by his diplomatic mission to England, made himself master of tho situation, ridicules the idea of the British Government consenting to any postal scheme by way of the Pacific, in which New Zealand interests have not primary consideration. The " Ago" does not hesitate to say that Sir James Martin has made use of the Victorian delegates, " to get his chestnuts roasted," and that his playing off Queensland against New Zealand will, in the end, defeat the object of tho assembled delegates. There is a pretty extensive feeling of sympathy with New Zealand in this community, on ac- | count of the extraordinary pluck she has exhibited over this postal question during I the last year or two, although there are I many who consider that she has gone beyond the bounds of courtesy in her attempts to force her own schemes on the other colonies. Volunteers for Fiji,— The " Thames Advertiser," in reply to a letter from a gentleman in Wellington asking information about the corps which it was stated was being raised in the province for the FijiSj says: — We may state that we cannot give any further information than that it was rumored here that enlistment was to be for a term of years, with a grant of land. A Change. — Sixmontha ago Mr Donald Reid and his colleagues were the adored of the Mount Bengerites;- now they are regarded there with unenviable feelings. According to the local correspondent of the Tuapeka " Times " a subscription list has been started with a view to procuring funds to purchase six halters, to bo manufactured of New Zealand flax grown at Moa Flat, said halters with suitable inscriptions to be presented to Messrs Donald Eeid and four others, in recognition of their recent services. The Education Question.— At the meeting of the Auckland Diocesan Synod, held last week, the Rev. F. Gould moved : — " 1. That this Synod regrets that the General Assembly of New Zealand has not passed the Education Bill lately brought under their consideration, inasmuch that the bill contemplated the recognition and aid of denominational schools, and permission, when local boards desired it y to have the reading of Holy Scriptures, and the use of daily prayer. 2. That this Synod desires to impress upon every member of the.Church the importance of using every effort to obtain from the General Assembly in the next session an Education Bill involving the same principies as were contained in the bill abovenamed. 3. This Synod considers the Common Schools Act of the province of Auckland unsuitable to the wants of this province. (1) Because it is in its main provisions inoperative. (2). Because it practically leaves the greater part of the money voted for schools to the absolute and uncontrolled disposal of the Board of Education. (3). Because the offices of inspector and secretary are filled by one person* (4). Because it is impossible for any right-minded teacher to comply with the terms of clause 31. which enjoins thai the instruction shall be purely seoular and that morals be taught. 4 This Synod is of opinion that as a temporary measure the main provisions of the Education Act of 1857 would again secure a fair encouragement to educational efforts in this province. 5. That a memorial bo drawn up by the President and signed en bohalf of this Synod, and presented to the Pro- 1 vinoial Government at its next session, I praying that they will prepare the scheme of an Educational Act for the colony, and that in the meantime they will pass an Educational Act, embracing in its main

provisions those of the Education Act of 1857." The Rev, W. Taylor moved a rather lengthy motion as an amendment to the whole question, having for its object the appointment of a committee to draw up a petition on the edcation question for presentation to the Provincial Council and the General Assembly at their next sessions. The amendment was carried. The Colonial Confeeence.— The Chief Secretary of Victoria, in a speech recently made in the Legislative Assembly, has related the history of the late intercolonial Conference so far as the postal scheme then agreed upon is concerned. Amongst other things, he tells how it happened that New Zealand was not represented. The conference, it appeare, was convened at the instance of the New South Wales Government. When, observed Mr Duffy, Sir James Martin originally asked whether this Government would send delegates, I replied that we would, and as the conference was to be held in Melbourne, I inquired whether it was his wish that we should summon the other colonies. Ho replied no — that his Government would summon them, and he omitted New Zealand. Mr Duffy further informs us that some feeling, which he does not undertake to describe, but seme ill-feeling, exists between New South Wales and New Zealand. The former complains of " some offence," which she alleges the latter has oommitted. This, we believe, will be news to most people. The Lyell Quartz Reefs.— The following telegram is dated Westport, October 28 :-— " Zala, manager of the Alpine Company, arrived yesterday, bringing the first yield from the Lyell reefs. 147 tons 15 cwt. quartz yielded 364 ozs. 19 dwts. amalgam, 186 ozs. 5 dwts. retorted gold. The amalgam was taken out of the ripples only. The plates, blankets, and stamper boxes, were untouched. The last 30 tons crushed yielded 87 ozs.— J. D. Fisher." The Claim of Messes Whitakeb and Lundon. — The opinion of the Attor-ney-General on questions raised by the Hon Native Minister in relation to the claim of Messrs Whitaker and Lundon has been laid upon the table of the House. We shall endeavor to publish it to-morrow.