THE LONDON MURDERS.

Auckland Star, Volume XIX, Issue 278, 24 November 1888, Page 4

THE LONDON MURDERS.

At last an arrest has been made which promises to throw some light upon the series of horrible murders which have been per" petrated during the past few months in the Whifcechapel district of London. An attempt seems to have been made to murder another woman, and she having screamed out, the assassin absconded : but from her description the police havo arrested a man who offered a desperate resistance. Resisting arrest is generally looked upon as a presumptive pi oof of guilt; but remembering tho terror of "Leather Apron," who averred that he bad to keep perdu- for fear of being lynched on the mere unfounded suspicion of being fche murderer, it i 8 natural to suppose thafc a person arrested on the charge of committing those fearful crimes should become excited and cw.b irrationally. Jb is not believed that the rn_m arrested is the notorious " Jack, tho Ripper," and should he prove to be tho man who assaulted the woman, fche probability is that he will bo found fco be a mere imitator of the arch--1 fiend. The real murderer is, therefore, I •undoubfcedlysfcillatlarge.andwemay afc any moment expect to be shocked by news of I another horrible outrage.. As fco the 1 identity of the liend in human shape who is thus revelling in gore, tho theory that ho is finding "specimens " for some school of anatomy does nofc Beem fco gain many adherents in London. The doctors, to a man almost, are opposed to that supposition, which is only natural, aa ib distinctly reflects upon their craft and is apt to engender baseless prejudices. There is some plausibility in the hypothesis that the murders are the work of a homicidal maniac, and one who has some 1 knowledge oi anatomy. J)v. George Fox, a

Dublin anatomist, says :—" The Whitechapel murderer silenced his victim by a method of choking, or pressing the lower jaw up against the upper one, the method of a bully, bub not such as a skilful anatomist would adopt, who, of necessity, should know thab a pin slit with a small knife would deprive the person of all power ol sound. The victims' throats were cut, allowing fche large vessels of the neck to pour out blood to fche risk of besmearing tne criminal—a danger which he need nofc have incurred had he known, as an.anatomist would have, how to destroy life." Still, ib is undoubted fchat fche murderer has more knowledge of the human frame than is usual wifch butchers or slaughtermen ; and ifc is, therefore, possible that the narrative of a cabman, which we published yesterday, embracing the supposed ravings of a self-accused medical man, may correctly indicate the quarter in whichYfche police should look for bhe murderer. The non-arresb of fche murderer is fche princiDal drawback fco this theory, for homicidalmaniacs are nofc always cunning, and lunacy specialists agree fchat any madman who would commit murder would be sure to show traces of his mania fco even casual acquaintances. It is well nigh impossible fco conceive of a dangerous lunatic of the kind supposed being afc large and committing so many daring crimes without, being detected or making criminating statements. If such a cunning and destructive monster is afc work, there is all the more reason for fche police authorities making extraordinary exertions to secure his.capture. It is earnestly to be hoped that the murderer, be he cool, educated and wary, or actuated by unreasoning impulse, may soon be stopped in his fiendish career.

The elections of members for the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board takes place nexfc Wednesday. For the counties of Rodney, and Waifcemata, and the Borough of Devonport, the place of election will be afc the R.M. Courfc, Auckland, Mr J. B. Stoney being appointed Presiding Officer. For tho Road Boards comprising the County of Eden, the place of meeting will be at tne office of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Eoard, Mr H. N. Garland officiating as Presiding Officer. Clause 3 of the regulations enacts that any local authority may appoint, by writing under the hand of the Chairman or Mayor, as the case may be, any person or persons residing at or near the place of meeting as aforesaid to be its representative or representations afc such meeting, and such representative or representatives shall be entitled to exercise the full number of votes which such local authority is given by regulation one

The idea of holding an Inter-colonial Exhibition at Dunedin is being warmly taken up, and the success of the project seems assured. A large meeting of shareholders of the Exhibition Company was held last night. The committee proposed a long Use of names, and ifc was resolved, subject to consent being obtained, to make the following appointment.. : Pafcron, His Excellency the Governor : president, Mr John Roberts ; vicepresidents, Sir H. Atkinson, Sir J. Hector, Sir G. Grey, Sir W. Fitzherberb, Sir G. M. O'Rorke, Sir J. Hall, Sir R. Stout, Justice Williams, the Mayor of Dunedin, fche Hons. Reynolds, Oliver, and T. Fergus; executive commissioner, Mr R. P. Tvvopeny ; commissioners, Mayors of Auckland, Napier, Wellhgton, Taranaki, Blenheim, Christchurch, Hokitika, Titnaru, Oamaru, Invercargill. The committee appointed number over 100. Ifc was resolved thafc as the sum of £10,000 was subscribed, the directors should bo empowered to proceed with all things necessary. It was then decided to increase the capital to £15,C00. The chairman mentioned that he believed fchafc £10,000 would be subscribed in a few days.

Ifc would appear there are some good jokers in the country as well as fche town, aud some grown-up colonials who have nofc forgotten their more youthful days when tin-canning was all the rage. Not long since, a new settler residing less than a hundredmilee from Ohaeawai, Bayof Islands, brought, home his bride from Auckland. The canning clement noticed' when a drayload of goods was being unpacked, a caxe of whisky, and evidently, bent on a good spree, came out strong wifch their kerosene tins, and soon succeeded in making night hideous. Now the bridegroom gob tired of this fun, and thought ib was time he had his joke. What did he do bub sort out the whitky case, and hand it to fche "boys" as a present. While they carried ifc away in high glee up one road, the bride aud bridegroom slipped out of the back door, and went down another, having decided to spend the first night in a more secluded habitation. The " boys " managed a mile with their load, and then thought it time to drink the health of all and sundry ! The. case was opened ; result —bricks ! A walk back fco fche shanty— yells, groans, and hisses !

A man named John McDonald was arrested this morning in Grey-street by Constable Russell. He i 3 charged with having stolen a quantity of tools from the factory of James Bruce, in Wakefield-streefc, the tools being the property of Isaac Duane.

An inquest on the body of Frederick Butler, who died suddenly at his residence, Newton Road, yesterday morning, was held at the Prince of Wales Hotel, Hobson-sfcreeb, this forenoon, before Dr. Philson, Coroner, and a jury of which Mr P. Twohill was chosen foreman. Clara Butler, widow of the deceased, gave evidence as to the circumstances surrounding the death. Dr. Henry Walker deposed to being called in to attend the man. He found him dead. He had since made a post ■7nortem examination of the body. It was well nourished and showed no marks of violence. In his opinion death had been caused by bemmorrhage through aneurism. Witness had attended deceased previously, but not for epilepsy. The jury without retiring returned a verdict that deceased had died from natural causes resulting from aneurism. The Coroner remarked that the doctor's evidence quite disposed of the idea that death had resulted from apoplexy.

The regular monthly meeting of the New Zealand Beekeepers' Association was held in Mr Hopkins's office yesterday afternoon, Mr G. L. Peacocke in the chair. The report of the deputation appointed at the previous meeting to interview the shippingcompanies with regard to a reduction of fares to passengers wishing to attend the projected Bee Convention in March, was read, and a vote of thanks accorded to the managers for their courtesy in meeting so liberally fche wishes of the Committee, as already reported in our columns. A letter from the Registrar - General was read in reply to one sent to his department by the Secretary, suggesting fche addition of a column in the printed form of agricultural returns for statistics in connection with honey production. The Registrar pointed out a difficulty in complying with the Association's wishes, and a suggestion waß made by which the Registrar's objection mitrht be overcome, and the Secretary was instructed to write accordingly. Correspondence wa3 read from beekeepers, expressing satisfaction with the idea of the show and convention, some of them offering to do their best in their districts to promote its sue cess. Other matters having been disposed j of, a vote of thanks to the chair concluded i the meeting.

The funeral of Mr Frederick Ledger, upholsterer and undertaker, of Parnell, will leave for Waikomifci cemetery afc 1.30 tomorrow. Mr Ledger carried on business iv Parnell for eighteen years, during which time he was oleoted to the Borough Council, the Licensing Bench and other local bodies, positions which he filled with ability and integrity. His illness, diabetes, had for & long time incapacitated him from actual busing-

The Bucephalus 13 going to Dunedin to load horses for Calcutta. Two hundred head will be shipped from Dunedin and Wellington, and 100 from Lyttelton, and will comprise a few thoroughbreds for racing. Aba meeting of the Dunedin shareholders of the Equitable Insurance Association held last night, fche report submitted by the chairman recommended very strongly to carry on business, and a resolution to thafc effect was carried unanimously.

There is now every reason fco believe fchafc tho arrangements for holding our annual regatta will be taken in hand enthusiastically, and carried fco a _ successful issue. The meeting for fcho election of a committee will be held on Wednesday evening next, and His Worship the Mayor has accepted an,invitation fco preside on the occasion. -Mr C. C. Dacre, tho energetic Secretary, has received assurances from a number of representative citizens fchafc they will be present; on fcbe occasion, and will co-operate heartily to secure the success of the movement. Under these circumstances, it is to be hoped thafc the revival of interest, will be general, . and fchab enthusiasm which is a proverbial stimulua fco activity, will bo stirred up in the bosoma of all who have ab heart the interests of yachting and rowing. The hands of the Committee would be greatly strengthened by a large meeting of sympathisers, and we fcrusfc thafc in this respect the most; sanguine expectations will be fulfilled. The proposal to secure championship trophies to be competed for from year fco year is receiving attention, and there is every .reason to expect that if carried infco effect this plan will do much to restore public interest in the various amateur contests on the pro«

gramme.

By the s.s. Richmond, which left for the Islands this afternoon, Messrs A. and G. Bartlett, watchmakers, Queen-street, despatched to Tonga a large eight-day turret) clock, which has been ordered by King George for the purpose of being placed in position in the tower of his Royal Chapel at Nukualofa. The clock ' and fitfcing9 form a fine piece of workmanship, and, no doubt the good people of Nukualofa' will feel a pardonable pride in their new acquisition as adding one more link to the chain which binds them to " civilisation " and New Zealand. Tho clock is about the same size as the Towa Ciock in the New Zealand Insurance Buildings, although the nail, which is a ;convex copper one, is not quite so large, being five feet in diameter, while the Queen-street one is six feet. The bell which accompanies the clock weighs 3cwfc, and'can be heard ats a very considerable distance. All the latest, improvements and inventions in the way of correct time-keeping have been utilised in the clock's manufacture, and altogether ib is a credit to the firm which put it together. Mr Shirley Baker, junr., takes charge of ib on the trip down to Tonga and superintends its erection. In another part of the church tower is to be placed a complete peal of bells, which have been ordered by King George.

The Tonga Government have issued, under date November 6th, the following hydrographical notice in the "Governments Gazette " :—'' The datum to which all soundings taken during the survey of 188S have been reduced—is 9ffc. 09Ain. below s.

Bench Mark f_ chiselled on the Western face of the Blue Stone forming the pedestal of the Monument to Prince Wellington, in front, of King's Church. The Bench Mark afc tho time of cuttin fe was 1.97 feefc above the level of the ground, immediately underneath. A. M. Campbell, Chief Harbourmaster." Tho information wa« supplied by Captain P. Aldrich, R.N. of H.M. Survey Ship Ege'ria.

A meeting of milk suppliers at Tuakau was held on Friday last in the Tuakau Hotel. There was a large attendance of the settlers and Mr -I. Grant was voted to the chair. The Chairman briefly introduced, to the meeting tho object for which it had, been convened, namely, to obtain an increase^ of Jd a gallon. Messrs Fry and Spragg, representatives ot the Dairy Association,! were in attendance, and, after hearing the views of many of those present, stated their willingness to comply with the request. This is very satisfactory to the farmers,who now get 2id per gallon to date from Ist mat. A vote of thanks to the Chairman and the meeting closed.—(A correspondent. )

The mean skunks who steal flowers are playing it very low indeed. On Thursday,, in broad daylight, the modest garden of W. G. Garrard was entered in the temporary absence of the " the missus," and pansy, fuchsia, and other plants were carried away. Things are coming to a pretty pass when the flower garden of a humble dog-catcher ia nob secure from the raids of depredators.

This is how the now famous Burdetb case presented itself to the "New Zealand Tablet" :—" A petition, we see, is being signed in Auckland on behalf of Sir Charles Burdetfc, severely sentenced for having gathered a few flowers in a public place. The sentence, even if allowed by law, was outrageous in the extreme. In fact, ib would be much better nofc to ornament' parks and public places by planting flowera In them, if a consequent necessity be that of punishing people severely. The offence of gathering flowers is one that no one of any common sense can look upon as extreme in itself. In fact, there are people, and respectable people too, who cannot be brought to look upon it as an offence ab all. To bring people, therefore, into the danger of incurring a heavy sentence and losing their characters by such a trifling and almost ludicrous matter is unfair and unjust. If the flowera cannot be otherwise preserved, public places can very well do without them. Sir Charles Burdett should be released at once, and with an apology for the treatment given him."

The All Star Company was favoured with a large audience at the Opera House last evening, the reduced price evidently having had the desired effect. An excellent programme was presented, the minstrel performance, with four end men, including many good items. Sylvo and the Donaldson Brothers again astonished the onlookers, and other very good items mada up an enjoyable evening's amusement. The final performance of the season will be given to-night.

A polo match was played last evening ab the Parnell Eureka Skating Rink—Eureka v. Allcomers—and was witnessed by a crowded attendance. The contest afforded much amusement as well as excitement, the game eventually being won by Eureka by 5 goals to 3. In deference to the desire of the Caledonia team the match, Eureka v. Caledonia, has been postponed till Tuesday evening next.

The Police Court sat till a late hour yesterday hearing evidence in the ca.se of John Dignac, alias Dinan, alias Ginger, alias the Waitemata Pirate, who was charged with stealing a quantity of gum from Paremoremo. A large number of witnesses were examined, and ultimately the prisoner was committed fco take his trial afc the next Criminal Sittings of the Supreme Court.

The first of a series of monthly Gospe^ temperance meetings was held in the Presbyterian Church, Avondale, on Friday, Rev. C. Worboys in the chair. Mr T. Renshaw gave an interesting lecture on " Alcohol," with chemical experiments. Recitations were given by Adam Nicbol, nnd Mr Bell, solos by Mr Bell and Miss Worboys. There was a good attendance. 19 signed the pledge, a majority of them being young men. The chairman announced fchab there is the probability of a cricket club being formed by the society.

The summer weather has come at last, and, wifch ib, special bargains in summer coats at) Fowlda'a.VictoriaArcade.—tAdvti,)

Exhibitions of views by the aid of very powerful apparatus direct from the firm of Archer and Sons, Liverpool lantern specialists, are to be held in the Primitive Methodist Churches, Franklin Road, on Monday and Tuesday, and in Alexandra-street on Wednesday, Thursday, aud Friday next. The pictures, numbering 500, are entirely n6 w to Auckland, and embrace tho Cathedrals of England, statuary, instantaneous photographs, American, and Hawaiian gcenery, etc.

A serious accident occurred to a child of fllr J. J- McCrae'.s in Princes-street, Onehunga, yesterday afternoon, through being run over by one of Capt. Pamell's carts loaded ffith firewood. The child, a fine boy only one year and nine months old, was standing in thestreet near toMrMcCraeshouse, whenthe o ffwhoel of fche cart came in contact wifch the child and passed over the groin and thigh, inflicting serious injuries, ifc is believed, internally. ■ Strange to say, no bones were broken. Dr. Erson promptly attended to the requirements of fche little sufferer. The driver, Robert Hunt, was sitting on the cart afc the time, and his horse was only going afc a walking pice.

On Sunday last anniversary services were held in connection with the Takapuna Wesleyan Sunday-school. Sermons suitable to the occasion were preached by the Revs. J. Dukes and J. S. Rishworth. On Thursday the anniversary tea-meeting was a success in spite of the damp evening. Upwards of 150 persons sat down-to tea, and did justice to the good things provided by fche ladies of the congregation. At the public meeting held afterwards the district gchool-room was crowded. J. Barber, Esq., °f Northcoto, presided. Addresses were delivered by Revs. Carr, Duke., and Griffin, and Mr Marshall. Tiie report showed that the scnool was in a healthy state, financially and otherwise. Several sacred songs were well rendered at, intervals by'the choir of the Birkenhead church, gnder Mr Thompson's able leadership.

An excursion to Tauranga has been gtgaaised by the Northern Steamship Company for next week, and. the programme presented for the trip is a most inviting one. The great attraction ab Tauranga next week is the animal regatta, which promises to be well worth witnessing, as most elabbrato preparations have been made for the event by Tauranga residents. The excursion, which extends over a week, will cost the holiday-maxer from Auckland only 55s for the entire trip, including gteamer fare and hotel charges at Tauranga. The Northern Steamship Company's tine steamer Clansman is to be tho excursion vessel. She leaves the Queen-street Wharf on Thursday next at 7 p.m. reaching Tauranga, nevt morning, St. Andrew's Day, in time for the regatta, and returning a week from that date. This first excursion of the season ought to be extensively patronised by Aucklanders, as the week's stay at Tauranga aflords ample time lor visiting the famous Oropi Bush, the site of the (...tePa, iJauiit'anui Bluff, and the various other interesting and pretty localities in the district. Tickets are to be obtained from Air B. F. Griffin, in Mr Witheford's office, Victoria Arcade.

There is an advertisement in our auction columns which deserves special attention. It relates to an auction sale of a. valuable block of land at Henderson, 11 miles from Auckland, on Wednesday week, December sth, by Messrs Tonks and C 0.—640 acres cut up into sections of from 3 to 29 acres, to suit purchasers. The block is adjacent to the Henderson laiiway station, on the Great North Road, with a long water frontage to tho Whau, and is admirably suited for the moss proiitabie classes of farming— fruit farm., market gardens, nurseries, or poultry farms. It is also beautifully adapted for villa sites, the views being lovely. Trains on any Saturday run from Auckland at 7 a.m., '10.55 a.m., and 4.30 j_.m. at specially low rates, so that intending buyers can easily visit the spot before the sale. The terms are easy ; and as the vender is determined to sell, those who desire to obtain a valuable small farm or a beautiful site for a suburban home, need not be prevented from coming to the sale, or bidding at the sale, by thinking that any high reserve will be placed on tiie land by the seller. We advise all to visit the land, and to buy.

Messrs Thomas Coolc and Son have already had at their Auckland oflice numerous inquiries for tickets to Europe, India, Japan, etc., arid as an example of what they can do for tourists we may mention that as soon as the doors were opened on Wednesday last, they issued to a passenger from America by last steamer the following combinations of tickets :— Union S S. Co. to Wellington, deviation to Nelson, coach to Greymouth via Woetport, coach to Springfield through Otira Gorge, train to Christchurch, steamer to Dunedin, train to Kingston, steamer to head of Lake Wakatipn and back to Queenstown, coach to Lake Wanaka via Crown Range, coach to Lawrence via goldfields district, train to Dunedin, West Coast Sounds excursion and back to Port Chalmers, i'ort Chalmers to Melbourne.

Advertising is developing into a fine art, and in this {Bathetic city of ours the time may come when no business will be able to flourish unless its merits are set forth in such a form as to make it a thing of beauty. One of the latest sample's of artistic advertising is tobeseen in a handsome illustrated and priced catalogue just issued by Messrs A. Woollams and Co., tailors, 90, Queenstreet. This catalogue is most creditably got up at the Stab Printing Works, and includes seven handsome plates, each containing four or five figures, illustrating the atyle9°in gentlemen's and boys' clothing, livery, etc. Ample tabular and other information is given as to the cost of different materials and styles, while directions for self-measurement are added for the guidance of customers at a distance.

The members of the Auckland City Guards are ordered out for annual inspection of arms and accoutrements for Monday evminir. Every member of the corps is liable to be called upon, not alone for a heavy fine for being absent from the muster parade, but can be made to pay the full amount of the value of his amis and accoutrements on issue to him, and inspected at the parade. A Christmas tree and sale of work, in connection with St. John's Church, Northcote, will be held in the Gladstone Hall on fche evening of Wednesday, 12th December The Church of Christ choir and friends odve a concert in aid of choir funds in the •foresters' Hall, Newton, on Monday evening next. "Alas' Brave Moor." ' Shaksperian readers and literary men should visit the Cash Boot Palace and select easy fitting boots from our immense stock. All sizes and fittings. R. Hannah and Co., 172, Queen-street.—(Advt.).

An immense stock of gent's shirts, collars, ties, hats, &c, of every description imported direct from tho manufacturers, a. Smith and Caughey's, Queen-street, and Karangahape Road.—(Advt.) ' Value Extraordinary.-Roys' and^Youths good Tweed Jackets from 5s lid, r.aiiy worth 12s Gd, at Fowlds.—(Advt.)

Fowlds, Victoria Arcade, is givine special value in clothing, hats, shirts and ntiea to-night.—(Advt.) People would cease asking the question, "Is Marriage a Failure?" if they, saw the number of happy mothers bringing then three, four, five, and even six boys _ to Fowlds's, in the Arcade, for suits, s&irts, and hats, where they get the best value in the city.—(Advt.)

Boys'and Youths' blaok lustre coats, 3s 6d; cricketing flannel trousers, Ba*, J-7; shirts, 7s 3d; and coats, 6s 9d—at Fowlds s, Victoria Arcade,—(Advt.)

Last evening St. Andrew's Choir tried the novel experiment of giving their worthy organist, Mr Wm.Culpan, and his good lady a surprise party." A oaterer having provided ample refreshment, the company numbering about 40 marohed to tho house aboufc eight o'clook. Music and dancing were enjoyed until 10 o'clock, when, prior to supper, one of the gentlemen announced that he had been deputed to say that in all eases when the choir desired co honour their friends they preferred to do so on a cheerful occasion, hence fchey had copied the American fashion of a "surprise party;" moreover, to show the harmony which prevailed, he had much pleasure, on behalf of the ladies of the choir, m presenting Mrs Culpan wifch a handsome Japanese folding screen, a tray of beautiful design, as also a ladies' handkerchief box, and begged her to think when when she looked on these articles thab 40 good hearts wished herand her husband well. Mr Culpan, on behalf of his wife and for him»e_f, thanked the choir for this unexpected display of good feeling. That he was taken by surprise they could see by the upholsterer being ab work in the house when fchey arrived, and it appeared to him as if a forest of bouquets was inarching up to the house. A pleasaut evening was enjoyed.

Miss Georgie Smithson intends to visib Tauranga on the occasion of fche regatta there next week should she have sufficiently recovered from present indisposition.