WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 15, 11 August 1893, Page 18

WELLINGTON.

(From our own Correspondent,)

August 5, 1893. The Hon Sir John Hall, who is in his very best debating form this session, delivered a masterly and exhaustive criticism of the Budget. Sir John's has been a familiar figure in the House of Representatives for many years and his speech is always a feature in any big debate ready, fluent, and with a complete mastery of detail, and conrteous and gentlemanly withal, he has been a tower of Btrength to his party and an honour to the House— l say has been, because, with regret, I see it stated that this is the laßt session in which Sir John will take a part. New Zealand will lose much when she loses the services of this wise and courtly gentleman who has devoted so many years to her welfare.

The financial debate, which continued for eleven days, came to a close with rather startling Buddenneas on the rooming of the 28th ultimo. By some contretemps the debate collapsed on the Opposition side of the House, no one being prepared at the moment to continue. The Colonial treasurer at once took tbe floor and literally floored his antagonists. At the conclusion of the Hon Mr Ward's speech he was loudly applauded by both sides of tbe House. It is consoling to know that the mantle of the last much-lamented Treasurer has fallen upon shoulders worthy to wear it.

The Wellington Evening Post of Monday last, in an article entitled " Breakers Ahead," charges the Government with " unmistakably angling to catch the denominational vote." The Post further iayß that they believe and have reason for believing " that Ministers are prepared to sacrifice the national system of education to secure a triumph for the bastard Liberalism which they profess." The article goes on to sound a note of warning to tbe electors that the education system is in danger, and to be prepared to defend it at the next general election. The New Zealand Times (Government organ) of the next day answers the attack of the Post by characterising it as arrant humbug, and charges that paper with torturing a friendly letter to Mr Pyke on his candidature for Parliament into a device on the part of the Government to favour candidates opposed to the undenominational system. The Times wishes it to be understood that the article in question is merely the usual taciica of the Opposition, and scouts the idea that the Government have any sinister designs on the present State system. Both sides have this in common, that they are evidently Btrongly in favour of the present system and nothing but that, and as tha managing director of the Times is the Minister for Education, it must speak with the very highest authority. Ver hum sap.

At the 11 o'clock Mass at Boulcott street on Sunday last, the Vicar- General (Very Rev Father Devoy; officiated, and announced that the Rev Father Gmaty, 8. M., desired the prayers of the congregation for the repose of the soul of the Rev Mother Prioress of the Ohristchurch convent. The Rev Father Devoy also announced that the net receipts from the last social have totalled the respectable sum of £30. Tbe next social will take place on the 17th inst. The

money raised by these entertainments go to defray the school fees of impecunious parents and to the cost of erection of a shelter shed for the playground attached to Dixon street convent school. Father

Devoy then preached an eloquent and touching sermon on the Gospel of the day, which was on the deeply instructive story of the " Pharisee

«nd the publican," inculcating the noble virtue of humility, Last Sunday at the Buckle street church, which, for tha information of

your readers, is a large and commodious building contiguous to 8t Patrick's College, there was High Mass at 9.30, after which the Blesaed Sacrament was exposed for tbe adoration of the faithful until 7 p.m., when Vespers were mng, followed by sermon, procession and benediction, the occasion being the last Sunday of the month.

Tt speaks volumes for the faith and devotion to holy Church of the Catholics of this city that they support so well and so unfailingly the numerous entertainments which take place nnder religious auspices for the purpose of raising funds for the increasing demands of this rapidly-growing Catholic community. On Tuesday evening last the drill shed, or Garrison Hall, was crowded by a large, welldressed and most respectable audience to listen to an exquisite and unique concert in aid of the new infant school. To the Rev Father Patterson, of Palmerston North, belongs the lion's share of the praise, not only for the beautiful music rendered by him, but also for the introduction of novelties which highly interested and delighted the audience. These novelties were the silver tubular church bells and Bdißon's latest loud-speaking phonograph. The following programme waa rendered :— " The chimes,'* played on the bells with orchestra accompaniment, Rev Father Patterson ; ballad, " The brave old guard," Mr W. Haybittle ; trio, " The flower greeting," Misses Driscoll, Gibb, and A. Maginnity ; recitation, " The silver wedding," Mr Haybittle ; solo for piano and organ, " Irish airs," arranged and played by Bey Father Patterson ; solo, " Auld lang syne," on the Tubular bells, Rev Father Patterson. An exhibition was then given of the phonograph. Among other items was a farewell speech by Archbishop Redwood to his people before his departure to Chicago. The Very Rev Father Daweon, Adm., then thanked the ladies and gentlemen who had taken part in the entertainment. The floor waa then cleared and dancing was indulged in for some hours to the music of an excellent orchestra nnder the leadership of Mr Cimino.

It is a noteworthy sign of the times that a social gathering of the democracy euch aa tha second social re-union of the Wellington Liberal Association, which took place last Monday evening in the Skating Rink, was attended by no less than two Cabinet Ministers (one being the Premier) and by that giant in the New Zealand political arena, Sir Robert Stout. The Hon Mr Carroll represented the Government on the platform, and delivered a sensible and fluent speech, fiom which I gather that though the hon gentleman was personally opposed to woman franchise, he would make a virtue of necessity and go with the majority. For the rest of his speech he made out a good case for the Government, and advised his friends of the audience to go slowly and not expect too much. Capital should not be frightened ; there ought to be a union of capital and labour for the good of all, etc. Sir Robert Stout, who haß a fine commanding presence on the platform, albeit his hair iB scanty and the silver quite noticeable in his flowing beard, delivered a very short address, in which he advised the people to become acquainted with current politics by reading all the standard works and by observation ; for unless the people took an interest in matters political no reforms could be accomplished. The other speakers at the meeting were Mr W. McLean, M.H.R., one of the city Members, and Mr ODea, president of the Association. The audience was quite numerous of both sexes, and all seemed to drink in the utterances of their political representatives, A programme of music and song was rendered at intervals, and the usual dance wound up the evening.

Jf there is and trnth in the saying that " coming events cast their shadows before," then has New Zealand a right to look with confidence and pride to the future of her sons in the field of athletics. Prom one end of the Colony to the other was felt a thrill of pride as the telegram waa read announcing the final victory of the New Zealand football team in New South Wales, and when the men who battled so nobly and successfully arrived in Wellington on Friday morning last, right royally were they welcomed by the citizens, the band the while playing, " Seethe conquering hero comes." Immense crowds followed them to Thomas' Hall, where speeches were delivered by the Premier, the leader of the Opposition, etc. The Premier also read a handsome letter of congratulation from the Karl of Glasgow, The team will be entertained by the Mayor and citizens at a grand social in Thomas' Hall this evening, which will close the tour and put the Beal upon their victories.

In matters political perhaps the most noteworthy incidents were the Becond reading of Sir Robert Stoat's Licensing Act Amendment Bill, after an all night sitting mainly due to the gallant stand made by the irrepressible Mr fish, who spoke for four hours and thirty minutes in the vain hope of getting the debate adjourned. The division took place at 7 on the morning of Thursday and resulted in a large majority in favour of the Bill — The other incident is the resnlt of the political duel in Anckland, between MessTa Rees and Cadman, resulting in the return of Mr Oadman by a majority of 751. Thig is rather a blow to Mr Ree?, who has lost his chairmanship of committees, bis Beat in the House, and his action at law in one fell swoop. But to such a commanding figure in politics as Mr Rees must remain, all this is only a temporary check, as no doubt he will return to Wellington in triumph after the general elections.