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Auckland Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 4255, 16 January 1884, Page 2

Yesterday's weather all over the colony waa of that phenomenal kind with which we havo this summer got habituated. A north-westerly gale blew all day yesterday, increasing towards nightfall, when it was accompanied by rain, which foil heavily during the night. This morning, however, tho storm has cleared off, and to-day's weather is clear, breezy and bracing. In Otago, as in Wellington, the gale was of great violence. Yesterday at Dunedin there was a hailstorm, and at Lake Wakatipu an extremely heavy thunderstorm raged, the peals shaking tho buildings, and causing a good deal of alarm. The lightning was very vivid, and at times heavy rain fell. At Greymouth a great nuoritity of rain fell, and the river is Hooded. The storm fl'as also severe at Christchurch, but no serious damago is reported.

. At the conclusion of the case against Metcalf in tho Police Court to-day, the prosecutor applied for tho return .of the coat which tfio prisoner was charged with stealing. TJiis course was, however, objected to by the pawnbroker until tho 5s which ho had lent ,on the artie'e waj refunded. Higglestorui had not 5s wherewith to liquidate the mortgage, and theio appeared to every likelihood that he would lose his coat, when His Worship the Mayor, ■who was on tho Bench, kindly paid tho disputed gs, and the coat was handed over to it« rightful owrtsr.

The operations at the fire this morning were again delayed through tho bursting of a water main when the Kybec Pass pressure was put on, and had a large block of buildings been involved, the destruction of property in consequence would doubtless have been great. The defective pipe this time was on t!;o city side of the Parnell railway bridge. -Occurrences of this character are now very frequent, and lead to the conclusion that either inferior material jpr the workmanship is at fault.

We have received a copy of the first nurubej: of the "Australian Graphic," a ne,y.' illustetsd weekly.'for which Mr Cecil Gardner is the lociil agent. It is sin excellent journal, the sketches bejhgjeally first class. They are reproduced from drawing* by a new process based on the erosive action of fluoric acid on glass. This process is much cheaper than the present one of engraving, and enables the "Graphic"

There has been a good deal of speculation during tho last feu days as to what vessel will be secured for flagship at the forthcoming Auckland Regatta, and it would now appear that there is a bare possibility of the steamship Triumph being placed in this important position. Failing her, .as

there seems to be some difliculry about obtaining a large steamer, the honour will probably be conferred upon the barque Candidate, which, we understand, will be placed ;rit the disposal of the Committee if necessary.

At a mectins of the Newton Kast School Committee, held last evening, applications for the position of headmaster were received. It was resolved to recommend the Board to accept Mr D. O'Donahus, at present head-master of the Waio-Karakn, school, Thames, an successor to Mr Uiiidon, w!,o resigned.

The police have tor some time paxt licmmi engaged in a search for a youth, wellknown in town as "Sleepy" Smith. A warrant was i.-.-ucd acrainst him rocmtly,

the charge on which he was required bain;; that of garrotting a stranger near (ileeson's Hotel, and robbing him. Smith disappeared very .-udd.-nly, and all efforts to discover a trace of his whereabouts would appear to have failed.

The residents of North Shore have been granted the use of a triangular reserve facing the Naval depot for public boueiit, the Admiralty resen iu<,' the ri<f|\t to resume

possession

A girl of sixteen years named Sharpe was committed to the U'hau Lunatic A.-vlum to today by the Magistrate;-.

Mr Donald Mansim. the popular agent of the American Watch Company, Walthum, has returned to Sydney, after circumnavigating the globe and ascending some of its most celebrated mountains. He has issued a handsome Christmas card to the Company's clients, giving a beautifuily-exccuttd view of the Company's magnificent build-

ing. A great deal of mystery appears to surround the circumstances of the lire at Hullaby's slaughter-house on Sunday night. The outbreak was at tirst supposed to have been the work of an incendiary, but tin.theory has now been abandoned for the more feasible one of accidental origin. The men employed on the place are considered to be above suspicion, and a stranger could not have carried out incendiary designs without arousing tho watchdogs on the premises. It is therefore considered more than probable that tho tire has been caused by a lighted match throw n thoughtlessly on the floor during the evening,

Some sensation has been caused in social circles recently by the remarkably sudden (lisai.'pearaiiee of d local j».iy Lothario, who-u face was well-known in Ijueen-street. lie \va*i to have boon united in the honils of matrimony to the lady of his choice about a fortnight agro, and all the preparation.- wen; made for the happy event. Immediately before the celebration oi the nuptials, tliu singular youth left tho room for a moment, and to the surprise of all interested, iliil not return again. Alarm was at first excited by hi* sudden disappearance, but from inquiries since instituted, it. is believed that lie has left for "froHh Holds and pastures new."

Amongst the prizes presented to the Auckland Regatta Committee for competition on January 'JOtli are several valuable cups. One of these is a handsome goldplated article presented by Messrs Hay man and Co. It is to be added to the money prize in the champion schooner race. The

"Herald" cup goes with the first cutter race, Mr Lewisson'a cup with the fishing-yacht race for vessels from 4 to 7 tons, while Mr Kohn's cup will be given to the winner of the race for yacht* under 4 tons. Three handsome pictures presented .by Messrs Sargood, Sons and Ewin will be disposed of as follows :—One to the sccond-clnsa cutters, one to the second-class open sailing boats, and one to the third-class open sailing boats.

To the Editor: Sir,—l de.-iro to thank the Rev. W. Calder, incumbent of All Saints', for allowing me, with his usual courtesy, to ring out the tire alarm on tho bell of the church on the occasion of the fire at Point Chevalier. Whi'.u at Waikato, the Thames, and everywhere he hasi been, Mr Calder has always been distinguished for his neighbourly, public, spirited, and gentlemanly action. While writing on tho subject of tires, allow me to suggest tho erection of a bell and the formation of a branch lire brigade for Ponsonby Ward. Whore ill take the initiative?—l am, &c, .luiin' M. Grace, Mutual Life Association and Norwich Union.

At the ordinary meeting of the Onehunga Borough Council held on Monday evening last, the principal subject discu.-seil was "retrenchment." After a lengthy discussion, it was agreed to adopt the recommendations of the committee, the principal of which was "that tho services of.James Hnckstep bo dispensed with." Several members pointed out that they had no fault to find with Huckster), who had filled several important otlices in the district. A report from the foreman of works to the effect that the large culvert across tho old wharf-road coulil now bo repaired waa referred to the Streets Committee. It was also agreed to serve notices on certain parties who had permitted an overgrowth of furze on property in Hill-street. Several accounts having been passed for payment, Hie Council adjourned.

"East Lynne" wa.s reproduced at the Opera House. la.st evening, Miss Louise I'omeroy appearing in tho dual role of Lady Isabel and Madame Vine. The performance was a most successful one. "A Winter's Tale " v announced for this evening.

A meeting convened by circular and advertised in our columns will beheld at the V.M.C.A. Rooms to-morrow evening at 7.80, having for its object the organisation of a society to procure the ablest lecturers to lecture, and tliobuyingand disseminating of the best literature, on tho evidences of Christianity. Considering the unsettled state of men's minds, and the frequent and forcible statement of the opposite side of the question, it seems a step in the right direction to let the masses know the evidence that can bo given in favour of Christianity. A society of this kind, judiciously managed, will be of benefit specially to young men, who often too readily conclude that nothing can be said in defence of the truth of the revelation which has been accepted by the most civilised nations of the earth for the last eighteen hundred years.

A fire broke out at Wairoa (South) on Friday last, at the house of MrT. Arthur, shoemokfir. Mr Arthur wan away from home at the time, leaving his daughter in charge. Other persons were also in the house. The daughter cooked the dinner and went into tfio garden to call her brother. On turning towards the house she y/aa surprised to see Haraes issuing through tl;/3 shingled roof. Sho immediately raised an alaiiii, buj, tho lire had got too strong a hold, and within 10 minutes of its outbreak the house and its contents were reduced to ashes. Mr Arthur's furniture and tools were insured for CiO, but that sum will not neatly cover his loss, which included several' ono > pound notes. Ho had occupied tho house for eight years, and has paid the proprietor in rent double what the house and allotment cost. As the house was an old building, having seen better days and said to be insured for £100, probably tho proprietor will .spare a tenpound note to cover a poor man's loss. Fires seldom happen in this district, and people are talking of insuring heavier against accident.".—[Correspondent.]

It will be intereating to many of our readers to know that Mr Roderick Dodd, late of the Auckland Constabulary, has settled down in Itrltlah (.'olunibi!),, where the valuable property left him by a deceased relative is situated, It will bo remembered in connection with Mr Lodcl'a doparturo from Auckland that tlio "Herald" published a defamatory paragraph, in which it was alleged that he had been interviewed on the'mail steamer by sundry creditors, and that he had neglected to pay his "washerwoman" and "comrades,1 of whom ho had borrowed sums of money. Writing to a frjend in Auckland by the last mail, Mr DojJ.d, (jlludjng to the " Herald's " abusive paragraph, .says that when he left Auckland he neither owed ijia washerwoman not' his "comrades" nnything, fjnd that his creditors knew of his dopartnre and his intention to discharge his d^bts as speodily as possible. In confirmation, of tjjU we have been shown a letter from Mr ,/no. J(W who says, under date of January 14, »• The cbfef elprk at Messrs Russell and Campbell's called th;s TX^vmn^ and informed mq that Mr Dodd's dri>ft foi £111, drawn by rr.o on Mr Podd end accepted by him before leaving Ayokland, was duly paid. The money will coma in thr. usual way through the Bank of Kew Zealand and bo paid to me on arrival of the next San Francisco mail. I would not have made such largfi advaneos to Dodd if i had not implicit confidence in him, and I am glad to be able to record that my estimate of h,im has been realised." We also loam that two other small debts owing by Mr Dodd will be liquidated on arrival of tho next mail, so that he will then have discharged the promlaea which ho mado boforo ;

At the Police Court to day, before Me.-srs WaddelandClomenU, Justices of tho t'eace, Harry Koodward wm charged with tape on Ellen I'ainc, and remanded till tho 25th instant. John Medoalf, alias John Johnson, alias John .(ones, on remand, pleaded

" N'otrfiuilty "to chargaH (1) of tho larceny of a silver watch and jet chain, value £2 10s, the property of Mary Ann Klkington, on August i, IW,. and (-J) of the larceny of a pilot cloth sen coat, value :SOs, the property of Churl.:s Ifiggl^ton, at Auckland, on N'ovetnber Hth, ISS3. fioth offences were proved, and a'entente of three months' imprisonment with hard labour ua.s imposed in each case.

It is exported that, arrangements for telephonic communication between Auckland and Onohunga will be completed within the ensuing week. Tin's will be a great advantage, to residents in both town and borough, and will no doubt bo largely availed of.

The Dunedin Trades and Labour Council has conveyed to the Auckland Trade ami Labour Council the entire and hearty sympathy of the trade societies ill the Southern metropolis towards* the proposed weekly journal, " Labour." which will make its lir.-t appearance on the -iHh inst. This is very encouraging to the promoter.l?, and goes fur to prove that amongst the industrial clafi-es throughout the colony there exists a perfect unanimity of feeling, and no such thing mi '' provincial jealousy."

Complaint h«s been made to us of the ffreat nuisance caused in the south-western part of the city by the wholesale depasturing of horsey cattle, and goats, upon the Surrey Hills estate by unauthorised people. Our informant states that since the property was brought into the market the neighbouring owners of such animals as we have indicated have been accustomed to drive them on to the estate whence they stray on to the streets to the danger of nocturnal pedestrians. .lame?, Brisbane, and Oxford-streets are especially patronised by tho nomadic quadrupeds.

The almanacs of the season have gone in for a mild competition in female beauty. Mr D. I. Evans Has contributed the latest addition to the gallery—a sweet thing in low-nocked dress! looking out from a leafy bower. The picture is portrayed in the most, brilliant hues of ehromo-lithography, varnished, and hung on rollers. It is dccidsiliy a work of art, and quite too ethereal to be associated with anything so prosaic as

Mr Fell, agent for the Mammoth Variety Company, tho members of which arc expected per c..«. Ktiurotn next week, has arrived in town, and i* busy with preparations for the opening. Owing to a plethora of entertainment*, the exact location of the

-hu»- is not yot decided on, but will shortly he iinnouuml in our advertising columns, ThuCaginn Bros., who are with tho Company, havo drawn lar^e houses in Victoria, New South Wale.-, and Tasmania.

Tho Melbourne Temperance societies held a grand gain on Boxing Uay last, when it was patronised by over •_'.->,UOO persons. Tho whole affair was a great success, and thoroughly demonstrated the influence of the work the society has in hand. To suit the particular tastes of so large a number of patrons, there woro meetings of every description and amusements of nil kinds, including a. lengthy programme of athletic sports, one of tho principal items of which was tho bicycle race for a machine valued at JC2'2. A prize drawing attracted a large share of uttontiol), and the day's programme evening, which was most successful in every concluded with an entertainment in the respect.

ThochildrenofSt. Mary's Sabbath-school, Parnell, had their annual treat yesterday. About 1)00 children, including the children of the Orphan Home, were conveyed by steamer to Korthcote, there being :!0 teachers in charge, besides Rev. H. (f. S. U'alpole, Captain Clayton, and Mrs Kissling. The weather was not of the best, and rain fell during tho homeward voyage, bat the party enjoyed themselves thoroughly.

A large gathering of scholars of the Wellesley-strcot Baptist Sunday school was held last night in tho school-room, Chapel-stix-et. Mr Spurgeon presided, and with encouraging remarks, presented -- certifieaten and two special prizes to tho successful competitors, Mi.-.-es Matthews and Hoyea. A vocal and musical hour Mas passed harmoniously, and with credit to all concerned. The programme was as follows :—l'ianoforte solo,'Mr Martin McDermott: vocal duct, Miss Augustus and Mijs Fowles: recitation, Mr White ; pianoforte solo, Miss Mabel Battley : pianoforte duet, Misses Culpan anil Main; vocal dust, Misses Mi Battley and C. Pearson ; readings Mr C. Brown, Mr Shaldere, and Mr Spurgcon, A vote of thanks closed the

proceeding

In the "l'all Mall Gazette" of 6th December last there appeared an article recounting the extraordinary swimming feat of Captain Haultain, i\t Whangarei Heads, on 9th September. It calls the liero vi the exploit tho " New Zealand Captain Webb," and goes on to say : —'"The. threemile swim on a cold night in a storm would ment, though far from being an unparalleled one ; but when it was, as in this case, preceded by half an hour of waiting in the water for the boat to come back, in clothes such as would havo sent an ordinary swimmer to the bottom in five minutes ; then, supplemented by the extra task of disrobing under such circumstances, not to speak of the tirst futile attempts to reach the nearerrhoro, it would be hard to imagine a greater test of human endurance. Captain Haultain has, it appears, been long noted as a famous swimmer."

Mr K. D. Sykes, the founder of tho Auckland Turkish baths, and inventor of the patent portable circulating hot-air bath, has been engaged by Mr Robert Graham to superintend his new hydropathic establishment at Waireke, near Lake Taupo. Mr Sykes is a hydropathist of great experience, and possesses many testimonials from leading medical practitioners throughout tho colony to the value of his baths in the treatment of various diseases. In securing his services Mr Graham has gained an assistant whose connection with the Waireke establishment will give confidence to invalids who are desirous of trying the renovating virtues of the hydropathic system. We learn that Mr Sykes's hot-air buth, which has been patented throughout the colonies and in America, is meeting with an annually increasing sale for household use.

To the Editor: Sir,—The public of Auckland are again at the mercy of tho Fire Insurance Companies. The premiums have been raised at a jump, in somo cases over !0O per cent. If you call upon them to do business, they will inform you "that the rates are raised," and bring out the combination card to let you know the figure that they havo arranged to bleed you at. The English offices that camo with bleat of trumpet to do away with monopoly and give fair competition to the public have joined the enemy, and do not reiuse a share of the spoil. At tho late meetings of three of tho Fire Insurance Companies, two declared a dividend of 15 per cent., another 20 per cent, ; besides, ouo put aside £11,000 to the reserve fund, arid the other £45,000 to tho reserve and investment fund, and tlie?e profits were made under tho old rates of insurance. What do tho managers want, aud how much will satisfy them ': What a fine business tho fire insurance would be if in a little back room a dozen managers and agents could settle the price of the premiums, and havo no competition ! and how cheerfully they could divide the plunder amongst themselves afterwards ! but the business men of Auckland are not likely to submit their stocks and buildings to thin bleeding system long. Some will discontinue insuring, others will look out and bring new companies, and the local companies will have to seek abroad for business to replace that which they will lose at homo.—l am, &c, A.R.

The ordinary ineeting of the Onohunga Chamber of Commerce was held last evening. A letter was read from Mr 'Mills, Managing Director of the Union Company, referring to the efforts which the Chamber had made towards elTecting improvements for accommodation of vessels in harbour, expressing the heartiest sympathy with tho movement, and stating that the directors of tho Company will be glad to support their efforts in every way. A vote of thanks was passed to tho deputation which interviewed the Minister ot L'ublic Works on this matter. A discussion on the borough .sc.tio.oli; tljen ensued, tho result being fhat very unfjjvqurable remarks were made wiUi r.eferencp to tho prespnt build: ings, It was considered, h.qv/pver, that thjs subject would be fully ventilated at a meeting of householders arranged to be held en the 28th inst. With reference to the establishment of a Grammar School in Onehunga, it was agreed to write to Sir Maurice O'Korke, inquiring1 in what manner the Chamber could most effectually cooperate with him in securing this object, which he had referred to in n, letter. Dr. Scott (Mayor) was unanimously elected a member of the Chamber. This concluded

About nine o'clock to-morrow morning Messrs Sims and Brown, of North Shore, intend to launch a new achooiier, built to the order of a Fiji ('ompany. She ia a pretty vessel, which will register about 45 tons. She will leave here in charge of Captain Champion, of Fiji.

A meeting of Catholic residents of Ponsonby is convened to be held in the schoolroom of St. Mary's Convent tomorrow (Thursday)evening, at S p.m., upon important business.

Special Evangelistic services are being held this week in St. John's Wesleyan Church, Ponsonby. Commencing on

Monday evening last, these meetings have been successfully carried, on, and are intended to take place every evening during the week. The attention of residents in the district belonging to all denominations is called to these interesting and profitable gatherings.

The District Court was occupied tor a considerable time yesterday with the case of VV. Mowbniy v. A. Buckiand, the points of which were briefly stated in our last evening's issue. Evidence having been taken on both sides and counsel on both sides having addressed the Court, His Honor deterred judgment. The Court then adjourned.

Bkktt's ArcKLAXD Almanac and Provincial 11-iN'Duooc, for ISBL is now on sale at nil booksellers.