WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XX, Issue 44, 19 August 1892, Page 18

WELLINGTON.

(From our own Correspondent.) August 13. It will be a abock to the Conservative and Unionist journals tbat have beco engaged during the past fortnight in lauding Sir George Grey to the ekiev, to find the old veteran sending a congratulatory letter to his brother octogenarian, Mr Gladstone, on his victory, and advising him not to grow faint in tbe carrying ont of his great work. Tbe message was signed by all tbe Ministers and all the Native Members— 3B in all. The Upper House, or at least that part of it who are opposed to Home Bole, must see that there are yet a few people in New Zealand who are not opposed to that " detestible policy of Home Rale." One wonld think that after the Clampett fiasco tba religions people wonld be a bit more careful in their selection of notable strangers to assist local talent in developing tbe spiritual life of the people. One of the latest adventurers of this class who has been amongst xxa is a gentleman who passed himself off as a son of Sir Wilfrid Lawson. He was here some time ago, and it is alleged passed some cheques to people here at the same time, forgetting to make dne provisions at tbe bank for their payment, and bank-managers are each a nasty, disobliging lot tbat they never make allowances for a fellow's forgetfulness in tbis way, even if it is the result of too much devotednesa to things spiritual. When the of the great teetotal champion was here abont a month ago it is said tbat be occupied a local pulpit on a Snnday, and was even to have spoken at a public meeting at the Opera Honse on compensation to pnbhcam, but in the latter case I dare say too much publicity was not desired by him. Several of his newly-acquired religions and temperance friends saw in him many characteristics of his noble father. Mr " Lawson " has admitted to the Auckland police that he servtd a term of twelve months in Lyttelton Gaol, and that he sailed under the name of Clapham and half a dozen other aliases down south where, rumour hath it, tbat a prominent and reverend prohibitionist, finding him departing from the path of temperance, administered some corporal punishment in a way that only an athlete could. It will be remembered by some of my readers, tbat last year the Petition Committee of the House of Representatives recommended that Mr C. O'Malley, formerly court crier in the Supreme Court Christcburcb, be paid as compensation the sum of £50 for the loss of his office. The Government ignored the recommendation then made, and Mr O'Malley has been up here this year again advocating his right to compensation, and I am glad to say that the committee again recommended that he should get the amount voted last year for tbe loss of bis post. 01 course the payment of the money rests with the Government, but I Bhould think they would not set at naught the expressed opinions of two committees. It is strange, tco, that Mr O'Malley should have to ask a Wellington Member (Mr Fisher) to fight his battle. The " Lords," having had nothing much else to to do, have been discussing the Bible-in-Schools Bill, and, ns was naturally to be expected, threw it out. The debate on the subject was not uninteresting, as showing the great diversion of opinion on religious subjects which prevail amongst those whom we expect to know better. One gentleman said there was a high state of morality even previous to the Bible, whilst another flatly contradicted him and said there was no such th'og prior to the days of Christianity. The sleepy Members of the Upper Honse prove to be useful now and again, and I dare say many of the Lower House legislators were very glad when eueh a bone of contention as Bible-reading in the public schools was spared them. A monster Catholic social was held on Thursday night in the Rink, where upwards of 900 persons, it is computed, were present, including tbe Very Rev Fathers Devoy, Dawson, and Dr Watters. Tbe first part of the entertainment consisted of a Christy minstrel performance given by the members of St Mary of the Angel's choir, assisted by outside friends. A very efficient orchestra, under the conductorship of Mr Cimino, played the accompaniments. At the conclusion of the minstrel portion of the social the floor waß cleared and dancing was indulged in for a couple of hours.