LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Evening Post, Volume LV, Issue 98, 27 April 1898, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

There is a point in connection with the award of Mr. Quick as to the labour dispute at the Parliamentary Buildings to which we would recur. The arbitrator blamed the Works and Labour Departments alike for the excess of labour engaged beyond requirements. Iv the ordinary course of things the Works Department would state its requirements to the Labour Bureau, aud the duty of its officers would then be to procure, if obtainable, the men asked for irrespective of numbers. In such event it is clear that the Labour Department must be held blameless. The work of the Education Board's Inspectors is increasing so much that the Chairman announced to the Board this morning that it absolutely required the appointment of another Assistant Inspector, The examination work could not be fully attended to by the two Inspectors, and 12 or 13 schools were left unexamined every year. Besides this, it was desired to enlarge the scope of the examinations. In the Wellington district a great deal more importance was attached to inspection thau was done elsewhere. This was not examination, but inspection, which was of great value. This could not be carried out thoroughly without further assistance. He merely mentioned the matter so that the Board could, think over it for next meeting. Pressure is being brought to hear oil Mr. J. J. Ramsay (says the Otago Daily Times) to induce him to contest the Tuapeka seat at t.be next general election. It is rumoured m the Waihemo district that tho Hoiu J. M'Gregor will probably be a candidate for that seat at the next general election. With reference to the Mataiira seat, the Wyndham Farmer says — Mr. Robert M'Nab will stand, we believe, as an Independent Liberal, giving a general sunport to the present Government. Mr. W. 1?. Ward has been freely mentioned as a, candidate for Wallace at the next general election, in opposition to Mr. Gilfedder, otherwise he would, almost certainly be the Opposition Party's choice for the present vacancy. lf> Mr. AVard is reserved for tho Wallace seat, then the choice will in all probability lie between Mr. M'Gibbon (Malaura)-, the present President of the local National Association, and Mr. Raj rmond (Wyndham), an ex-President. " Tea ivS a horrid thing— it is a shocking thing," said Mrs. Izett at the AVoraen's National Council. She quoted, aniidsti laughter, the case of a lady friend of hers who hud refused a cup of, tea one afternoon because she had already had eleven cuus of, tea since lunch.

The Council of the Chamber of Commerce met yesterday afternoon. The resignation of Mr. N. Reid as Vice-President was accepted, and Mr. A. W. Gellatley was elected as his successor. Mr. C. A. Ewen was chosen to fill a vacancy on the Council. The Council decided to communicate with local fitfms in reference to a communication lrom the Frozen Meat Trades' Association of London, advocating the formation of a similar organisation in New Zealand. Consideration of the question of the Pacific cable route «as deferred until information has been received from the Postal Conference at ilobart. Correspondence was laid before the meeting showing that the South Australian Government is taking steps which will oxpedite the transmission of cable messages across its lines. Mr. J. A. Taylor (Audrew Given & Co.) was elected a member of the Chamber. In congratulating Mr. Blair on his election to the Victoria College Council, Mr. Robertson, at the meeting of the Education Board thi* morning, referred to the fact that Mr. Watson, one of their teachers, and Mr. Fleming, their Assistant-Inspector, had also been elected. While complimenting these two officers of the Board, and while recognising that they would be an. acquisition to the Council, he thought Mr. Fleming should have consulted the Board about the matter. He was afraid that the itinerary of the Inspectors would suffer. Several members agreed with Mr. Robertson that Mr. Fleming should have consulted the Board before accepting the position, but it was generally recognised that it was purely inadvertence on Mr. Fleming's part that he had not done so. The list of successful candidates in the practical examinations in music held in October last by Mr. Charles Vincent, Examiner to Trinity College, London, which we were enabled to publish some weeks hack in a despatch from our London correspondent, has now reached Mr. Robt. Parker, Secretary to the Wellington centre. Miss Rose Falconer, who scored highest marks for senior honours in pianoforte playing, gains the Dresden Company's gold medal; Miss Mattie Putnam, who won junior honours, carries off the Martha Myers Memorial Medal ; and Miss Annie Cimino, as the highest in the senior honours division for solo singing, wins Mr. Brookes's gold medal. The assertion was made by the Gfovernment Valuer for the Borough of Melrose in the Assessment Court yesterday that there 320 acres more land in the borough than was shown in the plan, and it was inferred that this was included in the estate of an objector before the Court, and had heretofore escaped taxation. The statement was denied by the solicitor of the objector, who attributed the difference in the figures to insufficient allowance having been made for land set apart for roads. The nbise of the machinery of a packingca,«e factory adjoining the Te Aro School is said to have greatly interfered with the work in certain of the classrooms at the school. Teachers have to overstrain their voices, and when the circular saws, &c, are in work it is said to be impossible to carry on some of the school subjects. The Head Master suggested that the nuisance might be abated by the erection of a brick wall between the factory and the school, but the owner of the factory declined responsibility. At the meeting of the Education' Board this morning a legal opinion from the Board's solicitor was read, expressing the view that there would be no difficulty in obtaining an injunction to compel the owner of the factory to abate the nuisance. It was decided to notify the owner that unless the nuisance is abated forthwith steps will be taken to obtain an injunction. The Assessment Court for adjusting the valuations for the city and suburbs concluded its business yesterday afternoon. Only one objection remained, that of Wm. Newell, of Adelaide-foad, the capital value of whose property was assessed at £346. On the evidence, Mr. Kenny increased the \ value to £416, left the unimproved value ! unchanged, but increased the value of the improvements from £200 to £270. Before the Court adjourned Mr. T. K. Macdonald, j Government Supervisor, expressed the *hanks of the Department to Mr. Kenny, as Judge of the Court, for the great care, atlenliou, and patieaue he bud given to the work of the sitting. It would be recognised that considerable difficulty existed in a rapidly growing city like" Wellington in ! fixing true values, but he was happy to say that in the present case the work had been carried out without friction. Mr. Kenny, in reply, acknowledged the aid which he had received from Mr. Macdonald, and the great tact dispLryed by him in the conduct of the various cases. He also expressed his indebtedness to the members of the Bar engaged for their assistance. The Executive Council has decided that the capital sentence passed upon Enoka, the Maori who brutally murdered his wife at Parihaka, shall be carried out. Mrs. Urquhart> a sister of the Minister for Lands, died in Otago yesterday, and the hon. gentleman left for the South yesterday for the purpose of attending her funeral. The Railway Department intends to place 40 or 50 new trucks on its Wellington, Taranaki, and Hawkes Bay lines in the course of a week or two. Sir James Hector, Chancellor of the New Zealand University, left for Dunedin yesterday to attend a special meeting of the Senate in connection with the loss of the examination papers by the wreck of the s.s. Mataura. The fact that Wellington householders have their dust carted away from their backyards, and don't know that they are paying for it, seems to Miss Kirk, of the Women's Council, the beginning of State Socialism. From the Ist May the telegraph office at the Wellington Railway Station will be renamed Thorndon Railway. The office has been, and will continue to be, an office for the receipt of telegrams from the general public. During the illness of District Judge Kettle Mr. Eyl*e Kenny, S.M. in Wellington, will preside at the sittings of the District Court in the West Coast districts. Mr. Haselden, S.M. for the Wairarapa, is t& take the magisterial business in Wellington during Mr. Kenny's absence. The question of military drill being introduced into the public schools of this district was mentioned by Mr. J. Robertson at the meeting of the Education Board this morning. He wanted to know whether the Technical Committee had 3*et decided anything about the offer of the Government regarding assistance to military cadets. The Chairman said the matter was under consideration, and a report would be presented to next meeting of the Board. At the meeting of the Loyal Sister Wallis Lodge of Oddfellows last evening, several members of the Antipodean Lodge made a request that the recent social gathering should be repeated at an early date, and this course was agreed to. A letter of congratulation was received from the Loyal Sistor Pearce Lodge, Christchurcu, respecting the concessions granted at the last district meeting. It was reported that a substantial surplus from the recent concert was expected. The lodge was treated to a musical evening by visiting members — viz., Sisters Taylor, Jordan, and Hornsby, and Bros. Pearson, Griffiths, Shirer, Webb, and Johnston (Nelson). Two candidates were initiated and two proposed. Mr. Arthur E. Pearce (of Levin & Co.), who took passage to ulie Old Country some seven months ago for, health reasons, returned to Wellington by thf> Aorangi from Sydney this morning, accompanied by Mrs. Pearce.

Mr. J. It. Blair was this morning reelected Chairman of the Education Board. The Town Clerk avsks us to say that if the " Ratepayer " who wrote to us some days ago on the subject of the Corporation finances will send to him, he (Mr. Page) will be liappv to supply a copy of the report he made to" the City Council upon the result of last year's transactions. " During the last ten years in Cuba," said Mrs. Ostler at the Women's Convention, " 300,000 of the inhabitants have been killed by the Spaniards; but in the same period the liquor traffic has slain 400,000 of the inhabitants of the United States." During his recent visit to Marlborongh the General Manager of Railways (Mr. Ronayne) was interviewed by a deputation of residents of Blenheim, who urged that the head-quarters of the Picton-Blenheim line should be removed from Picton to Blenheim. Mr. Rouayne gave the deputation to understand that he could not see his way to recommend the change. As the special committee set up by the Wellington Agricultural and Pastoral Association to decide upon a site for the future shows has not quite completed its labours, the general meeting of members of the Association to discuss the report will not be called until next month. i Mr. A. H. Miles, resident partner of the j firm of Murray, Roberts <fe Co., is about to j pay a visit to Great Britain. He will leave Wellington by the Aorangi ,for Vancouver to-morrow. In all probability he will return via Suez. A communication received by the Education Board with reference to the erection of a school at Island Bay has been referred for consideration to the next meeting of the Education Board. '. A conference of the Factory Inspectors throughout the colony is' to be held in Wellington next Wednesday to discuss proposed amendments in the existing labour laws. The season for shooting native pigeons in the Wellington district opens on Monday next, 2nd May. The Benevolent Trustees have decided to ask the Masterton Charitable Aid Board to refund the expenses incurred in looking after two old men whom it sent down to the Ohiro-road Home, and whom the Trustees declined to receive as permanent inmates. Bishop Wallis inducted the Rev. C. Matthews to the charge of the parochial districts of Bulls, Greatford, Sandon, and Rougotea last Sunday. The poll of Onslow ratepayers on the proposal of the Borough Council to raise a special loan of £5000 for works in the borough is .being taken at Kaiwarra to-day. Mr. R. E. Bannister, J.P., occupied the Bench at the Magistrate's Court this morn- | ing. A man named Albert Ak was sentenced I to one month's imprisonment on a charge of baying no visible means of support. Two I young girls who were taken in by the Salvation Army Home some time ago, appeared before the Court on adjourned charges of i having importuned passengers in the streets, and were ordered to come up for sentence : when called upon. One first offending inebriate was also dealt with. The quarterly financial meeting of Court Sir George Grey, A.0.F., was held last night, Bro. S. Grant, C.R., presiding. The quarterly balance-sheet and auditors' report showed that the net gain for the quarter had been £109 16s Bd. The retiring auditor, Bro. F. Holdswortb, was re-elected. Regarding the question submitted to the Registrar as to whether exemption from "regular contributions" during periods of sickness also exempted members from payment of levies, the law officer ruled that the exemption covered all regular payments, whether to the siok and funeral fund or otherwise. An application lor the loan of £300 was left in the hands of the trustees. Two new members from the Juvenile Lodge were proposed for initiation. The Court recently decided that juveniles should be admitted free of the entrance fees. During the past month the Truant Officer of the Education Board has investigated the cases of 102 children who have been absent from the school, the result being that the majority have since attended. The Mitchelltown Brass Band at its performance in the Basin Reserve on Sunday gave evidence of the capabilities and industry of its members. It is the intention of the band to hold a series of " socials " during the winter months, for the purpose of raising funds to enable the band to compete at the contest which is to be held at Palmerston towards the end of the j'ear. As the band has never taken up a collection on its own I behalf, and has always been ready to assist any deserving object, it is to, be hoped that its efforts will meet with success. Messrs. Edgar Jones, E. Fraser Jones, and John Jack, Justices, sat in the juryroom yesterdny to hear civil business. The following plaintiffs obtained judgment by default:— F. H. Adams v. T. Walsh, claim £20, judgment for £2; New Zealand Drug Company v. J. L. Watson, £17 13s 3d; same v. J. Churches, claim £2-i 14s lOd, judgment for £20 ; H. J. Rodgers & Co. v. S. Murray, claim £6 Os sd, judgment for £5 10s sd ; same v. A. O'Connell, claim £4 7s, judgment for £3 7s; same v. W. Blake, claim £1 Is 9d, judgment for 10s 9d; same v. H. Carter, £2 7s ; same v. F. Lawton, £1 5s ; Donovan and Armit v. A. Gower, £1 10s ; Preston & Co. v. H. Armstrong, £2 13s 6d ; A. Sample v. J. Johnson, £6 155. Judgment summonses — Mantheel and another v. T. Cotter, defendant to pay £1 10s forthwith or go to gaol for seven days ; S. Horn v. Y. Lee, defendant to pay £5 4s at once, with the alternative of seven days' imprisonment ; J. B. Hulbert v. E. J. Campion, defendant to pay £1 6s within one month, in default to undergo seven days' imprisonment ; T. Price v. J. Gardiner, defendant to pay £9 19s 4d within one month, or go to gaol for ten days. The annual meeting of the Terrace Congregational Church was held last evening in the Schoolroom, Bowen-street. The pastor (the Rev. J. R. Glassou) took the chair after the tea-meeting. The annual report, already summarised in our columns, was read by Mr. W. Knowles. Addresses were given by the Rev. C. S. Ogg, Captain Daldy, of Auckland (one of the oldest Congregational members in the colony, he having come to New Zealand in 1845), the Revs. W. S. Fernie, W. A. Evans, and E. Doddrell. Miss Evan's, Mrs. Clayton, and Mr. Dumbell contributed musical items. The Ladies' Bracelet Race in connection with the Port Nicholson Yacht Club is to be sailed ou Saturday next. The course is to be from the Thorndon Yacht Shed, round a buoy off the Pinnacle Itoek9, and back. Mr. M. Laing has resigned from the committee of the club, and Mr. W. R. Symons has been elected to take his place. A nautical exhibition is to be held hy the club on 29th and 30th June and Ist aud 2nd July. The ladies who assisted the club to carry out the " At Home " at Day's Bay are to receive a hearty vote of thanks for their services. The weekly session of the Star of Newtown Lodge, 1.0. G.T., was held last evening in the Wesleyan Schoolroom, Riddiford-street, Bro. G. Petherick, C.T., presiding. The election of officers resulted as iollows ; — C.T., Bro. Cox ; V.T., Sis. L. Robertson ; Secretary, Bro. A. P. Hope ; AssistantSecretary, Sis. Spedding; Financial Secretary, Bro. March ; Treasurer, Bro. Gridley ; Chaplain, Bro. Stone ; Marshall, Sis. E. Tyson ; Sentry, Bro. S. J. White ; P.C.T., Bro. G. Petherick ; Press Reporter, Bro. A. P. Hope. The Harmony Committee submitted tiie programme for the quarter, and reported that the lodge anniversary tea and concert would be held on Queen's Birthday.

Captain Edwin advises us that the barometer will be low in the South on the 2nd or 3rd of next month, and there will probably be northerly gales in most parts of the country southward of Napier and New Plymouth. In future the Wellington Education Board will meet at 2 p.m. instead of at 10 a.m. No communication has yet been received in Wellington as to the intentions of the debenture-holders of the Greymouth-Point Elizabeth Company with reference to the seizure of the Brunner coalmine in satisfaction of the judgment recently obtained by the relatives of the men killed by the explosion in the workings. The miners who have been thrown out of work by the stoppage of the mine are chafing at the loss of time, but more particularly at the fact that the company is unable, owing to the charging orders issued by Mr. Jellicoe, solicitor for the claimants in the recent actiozi, to find money to pay the wages due to the employes prior to the seizure. A three-roomed cottage at Pahiatua, owned by the Masterton Building Society and occupied by Mr. T. Little, was burned down yesterday morning. There was an insurance of £25 on the furniture in the Queensland office. The house was also insured. Mr. F. W. Christian, of Wellington, who spent some years in exploring the ruins ou Easter Island, has abandoned his intention of becoming a member of the party which is being organised in this city to make scientific researches in the South Pacific. He will leave'the c'oloiiy for Great Britain at an early date. The following donations have been made to the funds of the Sailors' Rest: —Collected by Mrs: A. Spencer —Messrs. E. W. Mills &Co., £1 Is; Mrs. Col. Hume, 10s; Mr. Chas. Smith, 10s; Mesdames Mason, S. P. Smith, Gear, "W". Pharazyn, Newman, W. R. E. Brown, Tutchen, Sutherland, Mfolyneaux, J. W. Butt, and Mcc, and Messrs. W. E. Brown, J. F. Sutherland, Edmondson, J. D. Davidson, and A Friend, 5s each; Mesdames Davy, Barber, Ashcroft, Tanner, and J. E. Smith, Lady Douglas, and Messrs. M. Duignan, W. F. Parsons, and J. H. Owen, and T.D.M., F. 8., and J.M., 2s 6d each; from Mr. G. Clapham, ss. The local office of the Union Steam Ship ! Company has been advised from headquarters that the passenger accommodation for the Waikare's South Sea Island excursion trip is filling fast. The accommodation for married couptes has been taken up, and provision can only be made for gentlemen and a limited number of ladies. Early application is absolutely necessary to secure booking. The following tenders have been received by Mr. J. ODea, architect, for the erection of a brick building on the Reclaimed Land at Te Aro for Mr. Peter M'Ardle :—J. Hunter, £940 (accepted); Graham & Co., £988; M. Murdoch, £1045; Peterson & Martin, £1059 17s; Dement & Barron, £1120; J. Russell, £1179; D. M'Lean, £1192. Messrs. St. John and Hayman's Australian Dramatic Company will commence their farewell I season at the Opera House tonight, when they will present the sensational drama in four acts " While London Sleeps," an entirely new and original piece, abounding with sensational incidents, interspersed liberally with comedy scenes. The personnel of the company is almost identically the same as when here last year. Mrs. Harrie Marshall is still the leading lady, and is supported by Mr. Irve Hayman, Mr. Bert Baile.y, and other old favourites. The cast of " While London Sleeps" is a very strong one, and Southern contemporaries speak very highly of the production, which, as it is humorous throughout, should form an excellent attraction for race night. The Palace Vaudeville Company, of which the bright, particular stars are Miss Gladys Leigh aud Mr. H. J. Enimett (of ventriloquail fame), opens at the Exchange Hall this evening. Everything new and up to date is promised, and as popular prices prevail the company should meet with a good reception. » Wednesday Popular Concerts under the management of Messrs. R>. Hall and A. Savieri will be held at the Skating Rink during the coming winter. The programme will appear in a future issue. The Commissioner of Crown Lands gives notice as to blocks of land open for selection, both for cash- and on lease; and also as to an auction sale of land to be held at Wangauui on the 25th May. By special request Mrs. Plunkett, of the Australasian Society for Social Ethics, will repeat her paper given at the Women's National Council on " The Down Deep Cause of All Our Troubles " on Friday evening in | the Philanthropic Society's room, Exchange ' Hall, Lambton-quay. All interested will be most cordially welcome. The annual social gathering of the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners, which is to be held in Thomas's Hall next Friday evening, promises to be very successful. Miss Hawthorne's string band will supply the music. Particulars are advertised elsewhere. i A meeting of the Painters' Union will be I held at the Rechabite Hall at 7.30 p.m. on Friday. Ladies who desire to be in the fashion will note an advertisement on the second page by the New Zealand Clothing JTactory, Latnbtonquay. The company is making- to order ladies' Madeline waterproof cloaks, the new style full bishop sleeves and straight back. Waterproof coats are one of the specialities of the establishment. Mr. J. M'Lean, jun., ironmonger, advertises a shipment of tools and general ironmongery, just landed, at his usual low prices. Mr. W. Parker, of the Medical Hall, Manners-street, calls attention to a tasteless cod liver oil and a new assortment of perfumes and toilet requisites. Messrs. A. G. Tame & Co. invite ladies to visit their rooms on Friday next, when they promise to offer as fine a lot of solid silver and 0.p., Wedgwood, and other ware as ever appeared in an auction room. Embraced in the same lot are cut glass, fancy and plain table linen, bedioom linen, ornaments, curios —in all, ten cases —and as their instructions are to sell, the lob must be cleared. The sale starts punctually at 1 o'clock. Messrs. Harcourt & Co. announce that on Wednesday next, the 4th May, they will sell by auction, without reserve, the household furniture and effects contained in the residence, No. 113, Adelaide-road, by order of Mrs. Geddes, who is leaving Wellington. Messrs. A. Gr. [Taiiie & Co. will sell at Upper Hutt to-morrow dairy cows and cattle. Messrs. Abraham & Williams hold a sale of stock to-morrow at Palmerston North. ' j I