Untitled

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9011, 26 March 1888, Page 5

Disastrous floods have occurred in Hungar}-, particulars of which have reached us by cable. Over sixty villages were submerged, and the loss of life and property is said to be considerable. A large number of graves were washed open, and the coffins swept away by the rushing waters. The situation in Europe remains unchanged. Rumours of military movements on the part of Russia are rife, while on the other hand, hopes of peace continue to be expressed by those in high position. Herr Tisza, speaking at the military council in Vienna, declared that peace would be maintained because Russia was unprepared for war. Since the return of the Crown Prince of Austria to the capital from attending the funeral obsequies of the late Emperor William a better feelling towards Germany has been manifested, and a greater confidence felt in her desire to maintain the triple alliance. Roumania ha? announced that any attempt to pass t-oops through her territory without her consent will be opposed. Bulgaria has decided not to reply to the Porte's note respecting the election of Prince Ferdinand. Further accounts of the Oporto disaster show that twenty persons were trampled to death in the panic which ensued on the alarm of fire being raised. The scene was a terrible one, as rendered frenzied by fear the panic-stricken spectators drew their knives and cut and slashed one another in their infuriated efforts to escape.' Itisannouncedthat the Right Hon. Cecil Raikes will succeed Sir Win. Jervois as Governor of New Zealand. Mr. Raikes is fifty years of age, and at present occupies the position of PostmasterGeneral in the Salisbury Government, Under Lord Beaconsheld's administration he was Chairman of Ways and Means and Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons. He is a director of a large number of public companies. By the mail steamer Zealandia from Sydney, Dr. J. L. Campbell returned to Auckland after a brief holiday in New South Wales. Among the through passengers to San Francisco are : Dr. Schwarzbach, the well-known oculist; and Miss Nina Boucicault, daughter of the famous actor-author, and sister of Mr. Boucicault of Brought and Boucicault, under whose auspices the burlesque of " Little Jack Sheppard"' is to be produced here shortly.

A pleasant outing was given to Captain Avellan and the officers of the Rynda on Saturday afternoon by Mr. Devore, the Mayor, in the shape of a drive to Sylvia Park. The journey was undertaken in an open break with four greys ; and on arrival at Otahuhu the visitors were courteously shown over the stud farm of the New Zealand Stud Company, when they expressed high admiration of the valuable collection of blood stock exhibited to them.

At the Supreme Court sitting on Saturday, a rule nisi was granted on the petition of Catherine Lynch for divorce from her husband, Patrick Lynch, on the grounds of cruelty and adultery, the rule to be made absolute at the expiration of six months. The case of Helen Kelly, v. Adam Kelly, a suit by the wife bo obtain judicial separation from her husband on the ground of desertion, occupied the Court for some time. The petitioner resides in Scotland, and her evidence was taken on commission. His Honor said the suit must be dismissed, bub as several important points were raised in the course of counsel's arguments, he will deliver a written judgment. His Honor will sit at eleven o'clock bo-day in bankruptcy jurisdiction, and to - morrow in chambers, taking bant*o business on Wednesday.

On Saturday evening the Grand Duke Alexander Michaelovitch and suite, arrived in town by the Waikato train from Lichfield. They have enjoyed themselves very much, but the Grand Duke was somewhat disappointed at there being no game or shooting. He was much pleased with the sights at Roborua and atTaupo, and gave Mr. Joshua, of the Spa, a letter expressive of his satisfaction at the completeness of the arrangements for his accommodation and that of his party. After going through the Waiotapu Valley, the party had a look at the great rift in Tarawera and the crater, but did not ascend the mountain. They came back by Earthquake Valley route, coming out at Whakarewarewa. The geysers were playing grandly during the visit of the party. During the stay at Taupo the weather was clear, and grand views were obtained of Ruapehu and Tongariro. The visit bo the Lake Country was rather hurried— one day being available for Rotorua, and another at Taupo, the rest of the time being spent in travelling. The party were driven in one of Mr. W. K. Cartor's coaches, with a spanking beam of four horses, Mr. Carter being the charioteer. The Grand Duke was well satisfied with the arrangements made by Messrs. Hayr and Co., the tourist agents, Mr. Cook (of the firm) accompanying the party, and acting as private secretary and guide to the .grand Duke.

It will be recollected that we recently published a letter written to the Harbour Board by Mr. P. Lanigan, contractor for the Calliope Dock, in which he blamed the inspector, Mr. J. H. Swainson, as having caused the accident which occurred to the caisson a few days prior to the opening of the dock. Mr. Swainson, in reply, wrote to the Finance and Legal Committee, to whom the matter was referred for consideration, stating that the incident referred to was distinctly attributable to an oversight, and not, as alleged by Mr. Lanigan, to any want of knowledge on his {Mr. Swainson's) part. He pointed out that Mr. Gouk's letter in explanation, correctly detailed what had previously happened during the morning, and the change from pumping out the bilge-water in the caisson to pumping out the dock had only shortly been made when the chairman and the committee of the Board arrived, and calling him (the inspector) from his other duties, requested him as well as the contractor to accompany them round the dock, for the purpose of fixing the fencing and other arrangements for the opening ceremonies. Mr. Swainson refers in strong terms to the behaviour of the contractor on this occasion, and claims that Mr. Lanigan's conduct caused him so much annoyance that he forgot on the departure of the committee that the water, previously let off for the purpose of floating the caisson, should bo replaced from the harbour, and the increased buoyancy due to the rising tide .overcame the factional adherence, the occurrence complained of being thus caused. Mr. Stephenson, the engineer at the Auckland Craving Dock, had assured him (Mr. Swainson) that such an incident was of everyday occurrence at that dock, and that nothing was thought of it. The caisson did not rise 3 feet instead of 4 feet, and had it shifted on end 15 inches, it would not necessarily, even then, have gone up the dock, as it would in that case have been jammed in against the masonry at the mouth of the chamber. As a matter i of fact it did not move l\ inches on end, ! nor was it possible to move it as Mr. Lanigan had stated. Mr. Errington, dock engineer, also wrote on the subject, and said that the circumstance was a rather unfortunate one ; but as no injury had resulted to any part of the work, the less said about the matter the better. No doubt the margin of safety as a flotation allowed by the makers was but limited, but as he had arranged certain plans, an accident such as had taken place could not possibly occur again. He contended that the statement made as to the caisson lifting 4 feet and moving endways 15 inches, was rather exaggerated, as the caisson being locked by ' the gear, the endways movement was very ! little. I

It is with great regret that we have to announce the death of Captain J. B. Morpeth, of the Ponsonby Naval Volunteers, which took place yesterday afternoon, at the comperatively early age of 42, at Ids residence, St. Mary's Road, Ponsonby. He is another victim to typhoid. It was at the opening of the Calliope Dock that he first felt the symptoms of the disease which carried him oil'. He went away to the parade without his breakfast, and throughout the forenoon was with his men in the hot sun. The treatment, of his men on that occasion no arrangements being made for refreshment of the volunteers—greatly worried and annoyed him, and at the close of the drill he marched his men back to town, and saw to their being suitably refreshed at his own expense. While hot and thirsty, and fasting, he took an iced drink, and on his return home he at once complained of feeling ill. Notwithstanding his indisposition, he attended to his business up till the last fortnight, when he was compelled to go to bed and send for medical aid. Three doctors were called in, but they gave little hope, as time went on, to his relatives. Last -week he seemed to rally a little, but yesterday at noon he greatly changed for the worse, somewhat suddenly, and died at half-past two in the afternoon, having been unconscious for the most part for a week previous to his death. The deceased gentleman was born in Canada, and came in 1859 from Prince Edward Island in the ship Prince Edward, his father, the late Mr. H. D. Morpeth, having brought a party of immigrants from that island. The deceased, on the outbreak of the Thames goldfields, went to the Thames, where he was engaged iu storekeeping. He afterwards removed to Auckland, where he has been for many years in business as a sharebroker and mining agent. Captain Morpeth has always taken a lively interest in volunteer matters. He served in the Auckland volunteers in the Waikato campaign, and got the New Zealand medal. On the formation of the Ponsonby Naval Volunteers, he was elected captain, and has always been a favourite with his men and with his brother officers. Deceased leaves a widow (the daughter of Captain Lambert, of the Military Train) and one son, also four brothers and three sisters, to mourn their loss. The funeral will take place to-morrow afternoon, and no doubt the volunteer authorities will accord military honours to the deceased officer. Great regret was expressed yesterday when the tidings of the death of Captain Morpeth became known, as he was universally liked and esteemed for his courtesy of demeanour and integrity.

Typhoid fever has claimed another victim. Mr. Robert Adams, music teacher, son of Mr. James Adams, Vermont-street, Ponsonby, died of that fell disease yesterday afternoon. He was only twenty-two, and was a young man of much promise. His musical abilities were considerable, and his services were in great request at concerts and other entertainments. He possessed a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, by whom the news of his early death will be received with deep regret.

On Sunday afternoons a number of larrikins are accustomed to assemble at St. Mary's Point to while away the distressing tedium of the day in the cheerful pastimes of pitch and toss, card playing, and dice. Yesterday afternoon Constable MeConnell, of Ponsoiiby, turned up promiscuously with the effect of bearing a hand. There was, however, a general stampede, the boys taking to the water to get out of reach of the majesty of the law.

The entries for the Ponsonby Regatta will be received on Wednesday next at the clubroom, Ponsonby, and the yacht and sailing boat races will be sailed under the Auckland Regatta rules, and all rowing races under the Auckland Rowing Association rules.

The entertainment provided at the Temperance Hall on Saturday evening was the service of song entitled "Buy Your Own Cherries," given by the Auckland Total Abstinence choir, under the leadership of Mr. J. Ryan. This choir has only been lately formed, and showed by their rendering of the different solos, quartettes, and choruses that they will be by-and-by capable of better things. Everything went smoothly from beginning to end, which is not usually the case at an initial performance. Miss Brame was accompanist, and acquitted herself well. Mr. Ryan sang the solo, "Keep a Brave Heart Still," which just suited iiis fine bass voice. Mr. F. E. Harrison iwl the connective narrative. A vote of thanks was given to those who took part. Next Saturday evening an excellent programme will be given. The chair will be taken by Mr. R. Cook, and Mr. West, from the Thames, will give an address.

The final races of the Judge's Bay Regatta were held on Saturday afternoon. The eighteen-foot sailing boat race was won by Kissling's Arrow, Harington's Eilleen being second, Bailey's Beata meeting with a slight accident. In the girls' pair-oar race, Miss Kilfoyle and Miss George won, Miss Peachey and Miss Slater being second. lb will be recollected that during the recent police changes Constable William Coughlan was removed from Kawakawa to Auckland. To show the appreciation in which this constable was held by those in the district who were most intimately acquainted with him in his public capacity, a testimonial has been forwarded by Mr. Clendon, R.M., and Messrs. T. P. Moody and H. Caldwell, Justices of the Peace resident in Kawakawa, in which, after stating their knowledge of hijn for many years, they testify to their appreciation of his high character, and the efficiency and forbearance with which he discharged his duties, and heartily wish him and his family every happiness and prosperity.

The members of Brough and Boucicaulb's " Little Jack Shephard Opera Burlesque Company will arrive here from Sydney tomorrow, and will make their first appearance in New Zealand on the following evening at Abbott's Opera House. The company is an exceptionally strong one, while the piece itself is said to be of a very attractive character.

On Saturday a party of gentlemen went down from Auckland to the Lake Beach in the Ferry Company's Britannia, their object being to see the fine new building, nearly completed, at the Lake by Mr. E. Harrow for a hotel. The party were landed at the northorn end of the beach, the trip down being accomplished within threequarters of an hour. The gentlemen were shown over the building and the land attached by Mr. Harrow, and all present greatly admired the variety and extent of the views obtained from the windows and from the tower which surmounts the hotel. Mr. Harrow invited all present into his house, where liberal provision had been made for refreshment. Mr. E. W. Alison, chairman of directors of the Devonport Company, proposed the health of Mr. Harrow and success to his enterprise in the hotel. He referred to the energy and liberality which Mr. Harrow had always shown in regard to everything connected with the Lake Takapuna district, and said it was obvious from what they had just seen, that he was determined to spare neither trouble nor expense in order that a high-class hotel should be established, which could be carried on so as to be a benefit to Takapuna. Mr. Harrow acknowledged the toast. Dr. Walker and Dr. Girdler, who were present, said that such a hotel as that they nad seen erected in that district, which was unsurpassed in salubrity and unequalled in beauty amongst all the suburbs of Auckland, would be of great use as a place to which medical men could send convalescent patients. Captain Clark, of St. Heliers Bay, proposed success to the Devonport Ferry Company, which had always shown great energy in supplying the wants of those suburbs which depended upon a ferry service for communication with Auckland. Mr. E. W. Alison replied. The party then re-embarked.

On Saturday evening the Rev. E. A. Telfer gave his popular lecture on " The Boys of Deny" to a goodly audience in the Pitt-street Wesleyan Church, among them being the Grand Master of the Orange Order in New Zealand, and a number of Orangemen. The chair was taken by Mr. Wm. Thorne, who briefly introduced the lecturer. The lecturer at the outset, hastily sketched out the early history of Ireland, and showed that for seven centuries the Christian Church there had been free from spiritual despotism and tyranny. It was the Pope Adrian in handing over Ireland as a tief to the English Monarch, without consulting the wishes of the people, who first laid the foundation for that racial hatred which had lasted now for centuries. A brave people like the Irish were worthy of better things than the miserable state in which they lived. If Ireland were cultivated like the Lothiansof Scotland it would carry thirty millions of people, yet Ave millions only were always in a chronic state of starvation. He trusted that both parties in politics in the old country would join together to bring peace and contentment to that island, that the darkness of the majority of its people might be removed, and the people freed from priestcraft and spiritual despotism. The story of the siege and relief of Deny was then told in heartstirring language, the more telling passages being heartily cheered. But for what was accomplished at Derry and the Boyne, he said, England would probably have sunk into a little priest-ridden island, having about the status of Spain among the nations of Europe. The lecturer concluded by reciting a poem of his own composition on " The Relief of Deny,' - and sat down amid great applause. To-night he will lecture in St. John's Wesleyan Church, I'onsonby, on George Whitfield, the Pulpit King." Admission is free, but a collection will be taken up in aid of the circuit fund.

The extraordinary vacancies in the Auck--Imd East Licensing Bench have been filled up by the return of Messrs. Craig and J.J. Holland, who had a walk over. The Temperance party decided not to contest the two scats, but were prepared to nominate Messrs. I). Goldie and J. Newman in the event of the other side not bringing forward two more candidates.

When examined before the Official Assignee, Walter Stimpson, bankrupt, said that in February, ISS3, he married the licensee of the Queen's Ferry Hotel, who had bought the lease and goodwill of that house about two years previously for the sum of £2000, £1000 (advanced by a bank) being paid down. He took over the hotel, with all liabilities, and the business proved fairly successful, but he saw that he would be unprepared to pay the £1000 balance of the money due upon the purchase of the hotel, and which would be required by December, ISS7, and feeling some concern about the matter, he entered into speculations of which he knew very little. As a result he was now liable for nearly £8000, for which writs had been issued. Being unable to pay the £1000 referred to, he was compelled to leave the hotel, it having been arranged that he should receive £385 13s for the stock-in-trade and furniture. His debts unsecured amounted to £377*2 His lOd, and his only available asset was £53 2s 7d cash.

Mr. Lachlan McGowan, veteran actor and stage manager, who has been connected with Abbott's Opera House since its opening, and who is so thoroughly identified with the New Zealand stage from Auckland to Invercargill, is to leave for Australia by the s.s. Te Anau on Tuesday next. Mr. McGowan will be away from Auckland for a few months for the purpose of entering upon engagements in Melbourne and Sydney. The numerous friends and wellwishers of Mr. McGowan will join in wishing him all the success which his sterling talents and business capacity entitle him to.

The Columbia Skating Rink still continues to be the great attraction of the season, and on Saturday afternoon and evening there were large crowds of skaters and spectators. Many of the skaters who commenced quite recently now show remarkable proficiency. There will be an additional attraction to-night in the shape of a two-mile race between Press representatives, but as this will not start till nine o'clock, it will in no way interfere with the pleasures of the other skaters.

One person convicted of drunkenness was punished at the Police Court on Saturday, before Mr. H. G. Seth Smith, R.M. A woman named Dismoro was sentenced to one month's imprisonment, for having used indecent language in Durham-street. The hearing of a charge against Alfred Fenton, of having affixed an advertising screen to his premises, and thereby committing a breach of the city by-laws, was adjourned till Wednesday, as defendant wished to consult a solicitor. An adjournement till Wednesday was also ordered in the case of Henry Pearson, charged with being £19 in arrears in respect to an order for maintenance.

On Friday last the master and pupils of the Church of England Grammar School went to the Waibakerei Falls, several ladies joining the party, and even braving the fatigues of the long climb from Baxter's to the Falls and the terrible scramble at the end of it. There was keen competition amongst the boys to see who would arrive first at the Falls, Spooner (O.B.), Smith, and Gillies winning after a hard struggle. The bush was really lovely after the late rains, and the day was all that could be desired, the homeward drive taking place in the bright: moonlight, and Patterson's brakes arriving again at the school at eight p.m. without a single accident having marred a very pleasant excursion. lb is a great pity that wheeled vehicles cannot get nearer to the Falls than Baxter's, for the walk from there is too long for ordinary mortals bo 'be enjoyable. With good roads this would be a favourite district with Aucklanders.

Special attention is directed to the sale of those premises in Albert-street, known as Dignan's Stables, by Mr. D. F. Evans, at Ids auction mart to-day, at 12 o'clock noon. Two villa residences situated in Brown-street, Ponsonby, will be offered at.the same time and place; also shares, in lots to suit purchasers, in the Kaihu Valley Railway Company. This evening Root's popular cantata, " Under the Palms," will he given in St. James' Hall, as a complimentary to Mrs. J. H. Edmondes. The choir will number 130 voices, under the conductorship of Mr. Edmondes.

During Easter the Railway Department will run day excursion trains as follows at low fares On Good Friday, from Auckland and Newmarket to principal Waikato stations and Te Aroha ; from booking stations between Newmarket and Mercer (including Papatoetoe and Manurewa), to Hamilton, Te Awamutu, Cambridge, and Te Aroha; from Auckland, Swanson, and intermediate stations, to Helensvillc. On Easter Monday, from Auckland, Newmarket, and Onehungu, to Ngaruawahia, Hamilton West, and 1c Aroha. For further particulars of Easter fares and train arrangements see advertise-