THE COAL INDUSTRY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 269, 14 November 1890, Page 2

THE COAL INDUSTRY.

The Government have artived at a prudent decision in determining tbafc no further coal-mining leases on Crown lands shall be granted until the whole question of coal supply has been fully ventilated. The recent strike, and the narrow escape the Railway Cqmniiseioners had of being compelled to suspend for want of coal, in consequence of the extent; of the efciiko, point to the necessity which in the opinion of Sir George Grey existe " for the Government working a coal mine of their own." Sir George has in view an extensive scheme for nationalisation of the whole of the coal mine,s of'the colony, but ib would be too much tq expect the Gqverqment to have such a radical reform now in contemplation. Mr Mitchelspp, speaking on behalf of the Minietry, hae stated that their object in declining at present to grant nny additional leases of coal-bearing lands is to permit of due precaution being taken to avoid monopoly. During the lest session of Parliament, frequent reference was made to monopoly in the coal trade of the colony, and this was one of the strongest arguments puti forward in favour of a measure providing for the opening up of a new field at Ngakawa, near Weetport. Whether these allegations be true, wholly or only in part, we have the experience of New South Walea to show that tijonopply in coaj is a bad thing for the colony at large. The monopoly of coal lsn.dg, it is said, has done a great deal towards retarding the growth of the coal trade in that' colony. Most of the mines are owned by a few individuals, and in sqme cases the owners are classed amongst the much-abused ''absentees." To show the grasping nature of souno of the syndicates which hold these miqes, it js mentioned that the Australian Agricultural Company at qne time claimed the right qf minipjr for coal all over the territory which now embraces the enormous colonies of Victoria, Ne?r South Wales, and Queensland. Some of the mine-owners are likewise credjted with making princely fortunes * by subletting tjieir lande ; fcjiey charge, ib is eaid, one shilling and threepence per ton royalty upon the coal raised, and pay >the State only threepence per ton. Many persons and syndicates also hold mineral leases of extensive area, which they hold in the hope of some one else striking coal, and thereby giving an increased value to their property! o)iea'p fi e » belongs fcp the people by right of inheritance, and our Government will do well to conserve this right by taking every precaution to prevent any jnonqpoly of pur cpal-bearing lands, whioh, in the end, niqet lead'tfj thir injury, v$ mte m W» wv\m and the consumer, but the colony ac a whole;

Wo rogrefc to learn that Sir George Grey is so seriously indisposed that his medical advisers have forbidden theadtnission of »ny visitors. Although his condition is not considered critical, absolute rest and quiet are indispensible to his restoration. Under these circumstances, persons who aro anxious for the veteran stateman's speedy recovery can most readily contribute to that result by refiainhig - from calling afc the house until an improvement in hia health has become fully established.

The local produce market is quiet. In farm and dairy produce prices remain the same as last week ; butter being at 6d, sd, and 4(J per lb ; eggs, 8d per dozen wholesale, and 9d retail; cheese, 3|d to 4d per lb. The kauri gum market is firm and unchanged. The gum supplies for the present mouth to date are 275 tone. At the City Council meeting last evening a lotter was read from tho Secretary of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board drawing the attention of the Council to the facto that on Wednesday, 26th inst., tho four representatives of the city should be elected for the Board. It was decided to call a meeting of the Council for noon on that day to elect the four members. lie tho eligibility ot deputy returning officers to vote at election, as to which diversity of opinion exists, Mr Seaman, Returning Officer for Waitemata, has the official opinion of the Government, for the satisfaction of his 26 doputies and others employed, that they are not procluded from voting. It is expected that the Audib Department will take proceedings against the City Council for a refund of certain moneys spant on the Jubilee celebrations, and dieallowud by the Department). Permieaion was {jiven the representative of the Department last evening by the Council to examine all accounts and obtain all necessary information. A case was heard by Dr. Giles at the R. M. Court yesterday subsequent to our going to press. The plaintiff was Mr W. It. Cook, and the defendant Mr A. Barnaby. The former was represented by Mr Campbell, and the latter by Mr Buckland. Tho claim was for £5 10s for the hiro of a sowing machine, and damages for detention. After hearing the evidence His Worship gave judgiaont for defendant with costs £1 la. A now complaint has been laid in the Police Court against Mr Thomas Quoi.for affiliation, in respect of the charge laid against him in August last by Mrs Thornton, of Kaipara. The case is set down for Tuesday next. As before, Mr Frederick S=hort)und is acting for Mre Thornton, aad Dr. Laishley for Mr Quoi. Mr P. Melnfcyre, who line for some considerable time represented the Audit Department in the Auckland district, loaves to-day for Wellington to take charge of tho district which has its headquarters in that town. The appointment is promotion to Mr Alclntyre, and while everyone who has met "him in a business or social way duringliisetayhoio will regret, bis departure their regret will be tempered by the knowledge that euch departure is to hiß worldly advantage. Mr Mclntyre camo prominently before tho public in regard to the Doan frauds at the Thames. Hβ ie succeeded in Auckland by Mr G. H. Smith, who comes from the central office. A slight passage-at-arms occurred last night at tho meeting of the City Council, between Hie Worship the Mayor and Cr. Cooper. The much - vexed question of works in England-street wi.h under discussion. Cr. Cooper seconded the motion of Cr. Laren after asking for a slight explanation, and eayinp a word or two. Shortly afterwards Cr. Cooper rose bo speak to the motion, bufcwaa ruled out of order by the Mayor. Cr. Cooper contended that according to the standing orders he had a rights to epeak. The Mayor, however, remained firm to his ruling. Cr. Cooper then suid, " It's no uee my remaining here," and at once retired from the Council Chamber, remaining outside while the rest of the business was transacted. Tho question of T. Slator'u bankruptcy came up at the City Council meeting, on a memo being read asking whether the Council desired to oppose the granting of an order of discharge when Slacor applies for it to tho Court. It wafl decided not to oppose the application, the Mayor stating that the Council wished simply to assort their right to the money. The Rev. G. B. Monro, one of the delegates from the Ministers' Association to'the Baptist Union Conference, speaking at the Tabernacle yesterday morning, said the Ministers' Aesooiation had beencorieiderably exercised over the smuggling of drink into the island of Rarotonga against the expressed wish, cjirecbiops, atvi orders of the Queen of Rarotonga, and stated that the Association were moving the Government of this colony, from whonce a quantity of the liqqor came, to take steps to preyaub the continuance of the, evil.

The following motion of Cr. Goldie's in regard to the city water mains was carried last evening :—"That immediate steps be taken to complete the reticulation of tha city water mains, to include the layr ing of mains from Fort-street to Jer-myn-street, Shprt-etreeb bo Beach Road, and Beach Road to Strand, so that the industries and the kerosene stores in that neighbourhood may stand a chance of being saved in the event of fire." Cr.Goldie also made his motion include certain work mentioned in a memo on the matter frcrni bhe City Engineer. Mr Anderson cays that several places have not perfect circulation, and it ia desirable that these connections should be made. The Council's own men can do the work at odd times,, the pipes being in stock. The arrangements for the Sunday-Bchool Industrial Exhibition are almost complete. The Committee of the Sunday-sphool Union has now got possession of the Drill-shed, and the carpenters and other workmen are hard at work, under the direction of two or three members of the (Committee, erecting stalls and getting ready for the setting out of the exhibits. The rpof of the Drill-shed has been whitewashed to give it a more respectable appearance, and to improve the light). The rough parts of the floor have been covered with tan. Extra gas supply is being provided for. Most of pur schools have already got their exhibits from the scholars, and are packing apd ticketing them ready tp forward to the buildipg tomorrow. A few packages from country schools have already been received. All exhibits (except those in cppke,ry, plants and flowers) are receivable at the shed from noon to-morrow. A fire policy will be t&.ken put to cover all the goods in the building. Watchmen will be on duty every night to see that no harm comes to the exhibits. There are to be concerts every eveniijg by various school choirs, the leading bands will attend &nd plsy selections, and various mechanical appliances apd other objects of attraction and interest will be placed in the building. Refreshments will be obtainable at reasonable prices. No pains are being spared in the arrangements, and everything is being done to make th,p Exhibition a thoroughly good one. A somewhat peculiar breach of warrant case was tried yesterday at the Resident Magistrate's Cqurb, in which judgment was given in the afternoon. Mr Michael Lynch bought a horse in October last from Mr Timothy Hayes, with a warrant that it was sound and free from blemish. Bub Mr Halstead, veterinary surgeon,, yesterday deposed that it was unsound and practically valueless, and mujifc h,a.ye, Ijeen, gp, fpy the past 12 months. ' Jμd.gmenb was given for ii\e pJjjlntifF, with, costs. Dr. Laishley acted for pSaintiffj'and Mr G. N, Brassey for defendant).

Captain Edwin wired as follows afc 11.40 a.n?. to-day:—"lndications glass further rise, and cold night." Afc the R.M. Court to-day, before Dr. J. Giles, R.M., orders were made in the following: judgment eummons case? ; — Ebenezer Buchanan and John Buchanan v. F. W. Lipsoombe, £7 5s 6d, £1 to bo paid on the 2lst inst., and lQe a week afterwards. Civil Service Supply Association v. Henry Schussler, £4 5s 9d, to be paid in three weeks. In the caee Alfred Rogers v. Charles W. Cave, , the defendant appeared in person and was examined as to his means, but no order was made. A defended case ; A. Hasell v. W. B. Morrison, claim £25 damages for allesed worrying of sheep by a dog, which was commenced yesterday, was continued to-day, and occupied the Court up till a lute hour in the afternoon. Mr Theo. Cooper appeared for the plaintiff and Mr S. Heeketh for the defendant. Mr Henry Hayr, who died afc Epsom on the Bth inst., at the age of 81 years, was one of the oldest of New Zealund colonists, and was associated with Epsom and the neighbourhood of the Three KingH for nearly half a century. Mr Hayr took a keen interest in local affairs. He was for several years a member of the One Tree Hill Road Board, and did a great deal towards making the district. Hβ also took great interest in everything calculated to promote enjoyment of young people, and there was seldom an entertainment or a local race meeting during the last 47 years of hie life that he did not attend, though he never gambled. He also took a warm interest in the politics of the country. Mr Hayr retired from business upwards of twenty years ngo, and about that time he paid a brief visib to England. Sevon years ago he was deeply affected by the loss of hie wife, who died just before they had completed their jubilee of wedded life. Up till a few weeks before hia death, Mr Hayr maintained wonderfully good health, but ckiring the last fortnight he was gradually sinking , , and during fcho last week he was in a semi-conscious state, in which he passed away peacefully. The funeral took place on Sunday last and the in torment took plapo at the Epsom Cemetery, the chief mourners being his only eon, Mr Jas. Hayr, and grandsons. The London Bellringere produced a new programme last nighi At the Opera Houee, when there wasi a large attendance. The overture "Melange" was well played by $he quintette band, and " Rule,Bribannia," "The Watch on tho Rhine," and selections from M LeeClochesde Cornevillo " worenicoly played by the Bellringers, who were as usual encorod. Herr Yon der Mehden manifested his usual ability as a performer on the cornet, "Gavatina" being rendered excellently, and as an encore "The Last Rose of Summer." Messrs i\ and E. Faust created great amusement with their funny talking violins, also in the burlesque musical act, during which bella are played with both hands and feot. Mr E. Fauet and H. Mehden performed a duofc on the mandoline and guitar, which was highly appreciated. Herr Yon der Mehden also played selections on tho metalophono, flower pots, and bottles, for which he was encored. The wonderful Rialey performance was repeated by the Brothers Edward, Eugene and Victor, and the latter also sang "I'll Take You Back Kathleen." Mr Gus Lynch eang various comic songs and Eugene repeated his, budget of comicalities. The entertainment terminated with an amusing pantomimic sketch entitled " The Village Torment." The performance was highly interesting throughout. To-morrow afternoon there will be a matineo bo which the children of the Oiphanages are to be admitted free. A Wellington correspondent wires: "Mr J. L. Toolo, the lamous English comedian, concluded laeb night the most successful season ever known in Wellington. The Opera House was crowded nightly. Mr Toole is the greatest comedian ever seen here, and is eupported b)- an entirely new and tho most excellent all-round company of comedians over brought to the colonies. Nothing: is talked about bub Toole and the company, and they have certainly made a lastipg name in Wellington. They proceed to Wanganui, Palmerston and Napier en route to Auckland and Sydney." In the Appeal Court at Wellington yesterday the case Berry and Others v. the Public Trustee and Others relating to the interpretation of the will of the late G. Leatherdalo was argued, the testator bequeathed all his personal estate to three persons, viz., the plaintiffs, and his real estate to one person, who, however, predeceased him. The question brought before the Court now is whether the lapsed boquesfc belongs to the, next of kin or should follow to the personal estate. ThenHonours decided that the lapsed legacy of tho real estate should pass to the persons indicated in the testator's will as heire of his personal estate.

Running off with a Guy Favrkes may b.e done in fun, and yet lead to eerious coneequences. Two lade named Samuel Donaldgen and James Gallagher were charged at the Polico Court yesterday before Messrs H. Jervie and H. Wade, justices, with having pn the sth of November, at Mount Eden, stolen one coat and a pair of trousers belonging to Herbert Oharlea Houghter. Mr F. Baume appeared for the defendants and pleaded not guilty. The complainant was a little follow about ten years of age. It appeared from his abatement that the defendants ran away with his Guy Fawkes. The Bench dismissed the information, after having cautioned the lads nob tq indulge in larrikinism. The old Maori belief in mabutu, or witchcraft, is shown to be still strong by an incident reported from Gisborno. A Poverty Bay Maori named Tatana Mtffcatu has made an application nt Giabprne for sureties for the peace against two other natives on the grounds thab they accu.Be ,him of practicing witchcraft, and thereby causing the death of Paku, which accusation, if helieved in, would according to native custom justify the killing of him ; also, thab one of the defendants said that " If Paku dies I shall shoot Tatana," and after Paku's death persisting in threats to shoot him. There was a very short sitting of the Police Court this morning. One first offender charged with drunkenness was fined 5s and costs; Eliza McGinn, for a second offence, was fined 10s and costs, with the alternative- of 40 hours' imprisonment. John William Bible, also charged with drunkenness, being in a very bad state, was remanded till Monday to permit of a recovery. Henry Bentley wae charged with allowing the contents of a privy in Vprmqnt-street to be offensive. The evidence given showed that Messrs Baker Brothers, agents for the owner, had instructed the nightsoil contractor to remove the nuisance, bub not to the satisfaction of the Sanitary Inspector, who now proceeded against the tenant because, in a previous case, the Court had ruled he had no case against the landlord. The tenanb had only been in occupation three weeks. The Bench came to the conclusion that the party in occupation of the premises did not commit the nuisance, and dismissed the case. The presiding justices wore Messrs G. S. Graham and G. S. Kissling. The Obago Anglioan Synod took up the questipn of religious instruction in schools yesterday. Mr Quick moved a resolution approving of the Private Schools Bill, but as there was another motion on the order paper the two were taken together. The motion in favour of the Private Schools Bill was rejected, and th,e following carried i n t>6, opinion pf this Synod top JSdupation Apt ghoqfd fee. m amended as tp permit ministers of-religion to"give religious instruction in the State primary echoola during school hours."

One of Mr Webbo's enjoyablo mimical evenings waa held in the showrooms of the London and Berlin Piano Co. last evening. There was a good attendance, and the following programme was gone through : — Trio (op 1 No. 3) "Allegro con brio" (Beethoven), violin, Miss Freda Marsden, 'cello, Mr W. Davies, piano, Air W. H. Webbs; eong, "Alone oa tho Kaffc" (Rodney), Mr McCarthy ; piano quartette, " Valao Brilliant " (Wieniawski), members cf piano quartette classes j violin solo, "11 Trovatore" (Verdi-Singelee), Miss Freda Marsden ; song, " Only Once More " (Moir), Mrs Wright ; concert duo (for two pianos), " Belisario" (Goria), Miss Taylor and Mr Webbe ; song, "The College Belle" (Kellie), Miss Aubin ; march, " Militaire," on thrco pianos and two organs, for 14 hands (Clark), members of piano quartette classes (Mr Webbo's pupils); brio, "Hondo all Onganrse " (Haydn), Miss Maridon, Messrs Davies and Webbe ; soiio-, "Let Me Love Theo" (Arditi), Mr A. L. Edwards ; piano bolo, " Traumonder See " (Spindier), Miss Taylor ; sacred song, "Are Maria" (Bach-Gounod), Mrs (with violin, piano and organ accompaniment) ; finale, "Chanson Russe," on seven pianos and organ (Smith), members of piano quartette classes (Mr Wobbe'a pupils).

Tenders were received by the City Council last evening for the erection of a retaining wall in Pitt-street. Five tenders were received, and that of Thomas Mulvahill was accepted ab £57 2s 4d, the estimate being £65. The amount is to ba charged toward allocation. Mr Lawson, Official Assignee, left by the Tarawera this afternoon for the South on official business, and will be absent about ten days. The annual meeting of the Parnell Laivn Tennis Club was held on the Club's lawn on Wednesday afternoon, a largo number of members being in attendance, the President (Mrs Ruck) being in the chair. Tho Secretary (Mr Goodhue) read the report and bulance-6heeb, which showed the club had been very successful during the past season, and would commence the present season with cash and other assets to the extent of £55. The report having been adopted, the President then left the chair, ai:d Mr W. R. Walker being elected Chairman, the meeting proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing , season, the result being : — President, Mre Ruck; Committee, Miss A. Roskruere, Messrs C. R. Pollen, A. J. Diuniston and W. H. Kettlewell ; social committee, Meedames Creinonini, Waymouth, Pollen, Walker, Taylor, nnn Miss Ruok ; hen. treasurer. Miss Mowbray ; hon. secretary, Mr F. F. Ward. To-morrow afternoon will see the opening of the newly - formed West End Lawn Tennis Club. The lawn, which is situated at the corner of Jervois and Sentinel Roads, is now in splendid condition, and an energetic committee have made arrangements that should ensure it being a complete success. Members and their friends are cordially invited to ba present. An old man about 80 years of age, named Richard Chapman, who has been living in an old shanty near the Onehunga beach for many years by himself, was yesterday admitted to the Refuge. . Sergeant Greene has for some time past kept an eye upon the old man, and many eettlera have at timee visited him and helped him with food, etc., but the police were of opinion that he could no longer be allowod to remain by himself, as he wae getting more helpless day by day, and also getting in a most deplorable state. The old man has been in the locality about) 16 year.*, and seems to have no relations or friends in the colony. The mombers of the Finch Memorial Lodge, No :j 9,1.0.G-T., held their weekly tneebinfj ltiut uiglib nfc -vrheu the following officers were installed' for the ensuing quarter:—C.T., Bro. Beaver; V.T., Bro. Irwin ; Secretary, Bro. Haydon ; F.S., Bro. A. Fletcher; Bro. Turner ;C, Sis. Healy (senr.); M., Sis. E. Davadge; G., Sis. L. Blackburn; S.. Sis. J. Blackburn ; A.S., Sis. Haydon ; D.M., Bro. Hunt; P.C.T., Bro Burnett. The sale of plain and fancy work at All Saints' was well patronised yesterday afternoon. In tho evening the schoolroom was crowded. On the tables were all eorte Of articles, both useful and ornamental. The eballs were presided over by Misses Hughes (2), Henderson (2), Carter, Beale, Devore, Maeefield, Maoindoe. Bell, Oswald, Kelly, Fiolder, Gill (2), F. Langsford, Cobb, Gregory, Lusher and Francis. Flowers and refreshments were offered at other stalls, and the room presented quite a gay appearance. The musical portion of the entertainment was under the care of Mr F. Eflger. ' An orchestra was in attendance, of which Mr A. Eady was the leader. During the evening the following programme was gone through : —Overture, "Caliph of Bagdad;" tableau. "Can't You Talk?" tableau, "Tib for Tab ;■' orcheetra, :" tableaux, "Dame Durden ;" tableaux, " Excelsior " and the Amazon drill. This latter was an effective scene, as some twelve young ladies appeared attired in mimic armour and fitted. with shields and battle-axes, and went through a course of drill very creditably. " The March of the Amazona " was played by the orchestra daring this scone. The sale opened again this afternoon, and will be continued to-night.