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Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 253, 1 November 1897, Page 4

The following is the return of the number of births and deaths in the following boroughs during the month of October, 1897 :-Auckland, 90 births, 22 deaths ; Birkenhead, one birth, no deaths ; Devonport, two births, three deaths ; Newmarket, two births, no deaths ; Newton, three births, two deaths; Parnell, iour births, two deaths. Total births registered in the district of Auckland during October, 151 ; total deaths ditto, 57.

Herbert Peake, of Ponsonby, clerk, has filed a petition to be adjudged a bankrupt. His liabilities are £164, incurred chiefly through Veing out of work in 1891-93, and bis assets are £35 10s. He has a wife and six children to support.

At the Police Court on Saturday, before Mr H. W. Brabant, S.M., HughGunn was charged with failing to provide for his wife and children, and pleaded not guilty. After hearing the evidence, His Worship ordered defendant to pay 10s a week towards the support of his wife, and 2s 6d a week for each child. Mr Brookfield conducted the prosecution, on behalf of theSociety for the Protection of Women and Children.

Some interest lately having developed with regard to another astronomical avalanche in the form of a comet, which, it is predicted, is to shatter this planet, the New South Wales Government Astronomer, Mr H. C. Russell, has furnished some interesting data of past similar scares :—To go no further back, Mr Russell says, in 1773 it was definitely predicted in Paris that on May 20th of that year the mighty comet of 1680 would come into collision with the earth and utterly destroy it. Again, it was predicted that "the earth would be- destroyed by a cotttet on July 18tb, 1816. At that time a great writer said, "Superstitious ideas are slow in relaxing their hold, and reappear from time to time amongst us." Again, it was predicted that the comet of Biela would destroy the earth on October 29th, 1532, and, like previous predictions, not a sign of injury could be detected even by the most credulous. Again, it was predicted that the great comet of Charles V. would destroy the earth by fire on June 13, 1857, and the fears of the credulous were raised to the highest pitch only to be disappointed. Once more Aye have the old scare raised to terrify the credulous. A comet will collide with theeartli and destroy it. Eighty-one years have passed since Hoffmann wrote of the superstitious ideas and popular ignorance which could be terrified by predictions of coming comets, and the boasted progress and enlightenment of the nineteenth century leave us as ready to believe in comet stories as our fathers were 100 years ago.

Mr R. D. J. Fitzgerald, who has been acting recently as gardener to Mr H. Howe, M.L.C., of South Australia, one of the Federal Convention delegates, and who has had a very chequered career in the colony, has received a cablegram informing him that by the death of his cousin he has succeeded to a property worth £300 a year, and has been brought into direct succession to the Barony of De Rosthe, premier barony of England, though not a very rich peerage. Mr Fitzgerald, who is a near relation to the Duke of Leinster, inherited a fortune of £35,000 when he came of age, but spent it all in horse" racing and other similarly effective ways. At the age of 22 he was captain in the Royal Irish Rifles, subsequently serving in Beehuanaland under Sir Charles -Warren. He arrived in Victoria two years ago, and South Australia shortly afterwards, in a thoroughly destitute condition, and before his history was known received great kind, ness and monetary assistance from Mr Bonython, proprietor of the " Advertiser," for which paper, he wrote several articles. He is also something of a poet. He is in bis 37th year, and is a cousin of the Marquis of Dufferin, with whose son, tbe Earl of Ava, he served in Africa, Mr Fitzgerald goes to England at an early date.

An examination in mechanical engineering will be held in Auckland about April next by the City and Guilds of London Institute, and very soon the number of papers required will have to be forwarded. A class in this subject is being formed by Mr W. I. Robinson at the Wellesley-street School technical classes, to whom intending candidates are requested to apply and give their names. This is one of the cardinal subjects of a technical school, and as laid down by the City Guilds represents mechanical engineering up to date on the lines of the most approved English and Continental methods. The examination covers two nights, one for theory and the other for practical- work, and pupils can select the practical branch which they are prepared to take. The pupils of these classes did well at the machine construction examination of last year, and it is to be hoped they will follow up their studies and prepare for this higher examination to be held next year.

At the annual meeting of the Wellino-. ton Woollen Company the Chairman of Directors said it had 'been decided to enlarge the company's premises in Wellington, at a cost of £3,500, and it was proposed to raise this amount by calling up on the second issue of shares instead of mortgaging the building. The calls would be made easy of payment. Messrs A. Warburton and A. E. Gibbs were re-elected directors.

In a sermon in the Pitt-street Wesleyan church last night, the Rev. W. J. Williams, preaching from the text, "Righteousness exalteth a nation," commented on the return of Mr J. G. Ward to the House of Representatives, and expressed the opinion that an undischarged bankrupt should not sit in the House to assist in law-making, whatever might be the law on the subject.

The death is announced or an old m m nist, Mr John Darrach, shipbuH^g t 'fl Malnirangi Heads,, in'his 81st year \? { Darrach, who came out from ,'__ i B Edward Island many years ago, w O6 If large number of Auckland vessels', and r one of the best-known shipbuilders in tT R province, fl

A boating accident caused considetnM excitements the end of the Queen-st Wharf about noon yesterday. One of a Auckland Rowing Club's whalehoats \\ Rewi, with a crew of new members, stroW by Mr Jas. Negus, returning fw <r George's Bay, sank about 50 yards off a front of the Queen-street Wharf. _\ jjJ squall prevailed at the time, and, the m being overpowered, the boat was throvlv broadside on and swamped. The-lo crowd on the wharf became very excitpx and preparations were made to throw ft' life-buoys, Avhen another whaleboatwhu had been prevented by the weather fro passing under the wharves came round ft" corner and rescued the crew. The rescrifr party, Messrs Ru_Eell, Luhning, p. yyAZ R. J. Strong and J. McGuire, were hi cheered on their arrival at the wWI They afterwards • secured the whaleW" which in the mettntime had drifted i ___[ down the harboui, and towed it ashore at the Breezing Company's Works.

The Paulton-Stanley Company htmU their season at the Opera House to a sue. cessful close on Saturday evening, -wW Mr Harry Patdton's original comedy "Niobe," was revived. There 'fift'l crowded attendance in all parts of tk house, and the hearty laughter which- U lowed the progress of Peter Amos Dunn in his comical bewikierment. testified to the thorough enjoyment of a cleverppa 7] a7 cleverly represented. Miss Stanley mad e a very favourable impression in the title role, while Mr Paulton scored heavily in the part of Petramos. The other cha__ c . ters were ably sustained, and the play as. whole was a distinct success. The Company left this afteraoon for Wellington W the s.s. Takapuna. ° ,

A 'First Aid 3 class in connection with the St. John Ambulance Association has just been started at Whangarei, that indefatigable advocate of Ambulance instruc. tion, Mr E. Boult, being the. honorary secretary, and Dr. Sweete having kindly consented to give the lectures. In the city the course is drawing towards a close, the ladies' nursing class being the only one'still in session. The re-examination of male pupils will take place shortly, and the secretary invites those wlio intend to present themselves to send in their names to him as soon as possible.

All persons in the borough and district of Newton and Archhill interested in .the forthcoming Floral Fete of the.ladies Benevolent Society are invited to meet at the Epiphany schoolroom on Tuesdayevening.

The annual athletic sports of the' Auckland College and Grammar School are to be held to-morrow in the Domain Cricket Ground. The programme consists, of 57 events, including three old boys' races, Particulars of the time at which the principal races are to take place are published in the advertisement column. .Impels Band will be in attendance, and,'as usual, afternoon tea will be provided by the girls of the school. Given fine weather there should be a very large number of visitors.

A sale of work on behalf of Dr. Barnado's work among the waifs and strays of London Avas held at Takapuna, in .the Lake Hall, on Saturday, Octoberjlht. The Hall presented a very gay appearance, a Christmas tree having been provided and dressed with dolls, and a number of the smaller fancy goods. A fancy stall, art stall, baby linen, and a refreshment stall bompleted the picture ; and as sooi^as the Hall was thrown open,at 2.30 p.m., stay of children entered eager to see wktm to be seen and to spend their pennies. A. brisk trade was done with the little folks during the afternoon, and intheevening the hall was well filled .With the seniors, a promenade concert having beet, arranged for their entertainment. Everything passed off very pleasantly, and hetween £6 and £7 were realised, which together with the £7 realised by the previous sale in Auckland, at the V.M.C.A., will form a • nice Christmas gift for the good Doctor's poor little waifs. The promoters of the effort desire to take this opportunity of thanking all those kind friends who gave such efficient help. .'• ;

An excellent variety entertainment was given in the City Hall on Saturday night, twelve performers appearing in a new and pleasing programme. The farcical sketches, " La Belle de Ville" and " The Second Mis Tank-a-way," caused great amusement.

The Auckland Kennel Club Show was brought to a successful issue on Saturday night. During the two days the show was well patronised. The judge in his report to the Committee records a great improvement in the quality of the exhibits above last year, and states they were show ia better condition.

Special services were held at St. Benedict's Church on Sunday, to celebrate the 22nd anniversary of Dr. Egan's ordination to the priesthood. In the morning Hadyn* Imperial Mass was rendered, the solos being taken by Misses Campion, and Lye, and Messrs A. G. Murphy and Pansb. During the offertory Miss ' Campion sang '' Salve Maria." Abt's " Aye Maria "was performed at tbe evening service. Solos were given by Miss Campion and Miss w. Campion, the former being accompanied ov a flute obligato, played by Dr. Egan. A duet was also sung by Miss Lye and all Murphy.

The formal inauguration of the "pioneer track" to the top of Rangitoto Island is to take place on Wednesday afternoon, when ferry steamers will run special excursions to the island. The new track » in good order, and the trip to the top ot the mountain should not take more than half-an-hour. Ferry steamers will run down to the island from noon on Wednesday, and the ceremonial of speech-making by prominent citizens will take place a. the summit about three o'clock. Threefourths of all the steamer fares will S° towards the further improvement of W mountain. Tbe Rangitoto Island Domain Board will provide a band to lend ad<u« tional attraction to the proceedings. The Southern cyclists who attended the Auckland Cycling Club's Carnival were entertained by the Club at a smoke concert on Saturday evening, at the prince Arthur Hotel. On Sunday the vjatoo. were taken for a drive out toLakelaKa puna. The majority of the Southernem left to-day by tbe s.s. Takapuna. On Saturday afternoon, whilst com^g through Gorge Road, between Kajan^. hake and Owharoa, the County Coubcu road roller, drawn by six horses, struck horse ridden by Mr Chandler, storekeeper, of Waihi, who was passing it, and.?rL t its leg. Mr Chandler escaped wit-ouv injury. The thirty-third anniversary of; thei Nejj ton Congregational Sunday-school -w» celebrated yesterday by the customary a day services at the Choral Hall, building was crowded to excess at w service. Special hymns were sung dj -J scholars aided by an efficient ore^y and, as usual, conducted by Mr •& , Wood. The Rev. W. J. WiUiamspreac^ in the morning and the Rev. F. Warner night. The. afternoon gathering^ dressed by Pastor J. Clark and the wp intendent, Mr E. Wood, the lattwrsayin. few words of welcome to the old^scjw present. He also invited them to w»* a reunion to be held on the evening 9th of November. The customary *» will be held on Tuesday evening. _ Remnants various at salvage JjJJJJLi Elliott-street.-Tonson Garlick Com* -(Advt.)

'"^Auckland Kennel Club prize list hti An Say the name of Mrs G. PubJlsh i.Lady Bensoh should have apthe iirst prize winner for pugs. of Condy's Fluid notify Tbe.Lvfind-it necessary to remove to that Snsive premises. Communications Suture be addressed to : Condy's Works!^. Coswell Road, London, E'°' ~_m_v>tiisofthe Equitable TerrainTheP3 S SoW(Starr-Bowkett mg u^ ertised i n this issue, the <!' of the new venture being Mr A. Kvlme No. 97, Queen-street, AuckP«k Home, i^ fa n<m prefcty weU laD j ____.nd by investors. In this partishares are divided into ten <** Af 1 000 shares of £200 each. The fS 'is "partially subscribed and the ggji -hares ire now offered to the pUJhe Australian boy politician, Mr J. P. m r^lfield will make his debut before an !\S audience in the City Hall th s Af £v\ evening, when he will give his (Jl°£ yecurl on "How I Beat King do or the Story of a Reclaimed r\.-.L" Mr Thomas Peacock is to and the admission is free. As Mr Kid brings with him the reputation of STa clever and powerful platform ler a very large audience should St his first appearance. " flneof themostinteresting exlnbitsat the Jhcoming Children's Flower Show should ii the bouquets made up by the scholars of ?Ip district schools under the superintend!P of then teachers. There are to be two Ss for each Standard. Any or every iWld may compete proivded their bouquets lomade entirely by themselves. It hnuld'he an incentive to teachers and dittos to see how many prizes their school mar claim from the Committee, and should L very- attractive to the parents of the Sldren competing. There will also be the : L a l competition among children for kiQuetsand baskets, etc., made up under the supervision of ladies at the Drill Shed, _ every opportunity -is afforded our Lenile population of displaying their aste. .Competition is invited from all who take an interest and the committee % f ee i obliged to those ladies who have lnndlv exhibited before (as well as to any others) who will forward specimens. Entries should be made at once to the various headmasters. This evening the original Banjo, Mandolin and Guitar Club will give a concert in the Opera House. An excellent pro.ramme has been provided, and the welljaown merit of the Club should ensure a 1 larce attendance. No other instruments haf the banjo, mandolin and guitar will be used, the Club being now strong enough to fcpense with the piano. The Club will perform six items, and other musical numbers will be contributed by Misses Sybil Lewis T. Hargraves, Herr Zimmermann, and Mr R- Norman. Mrs Robin Hay and Miss Thorpe will act as accompanists, uhile Herr Zimmermann is conductor, and Mr A. A, Partridge leader.

Ernest Moore's monster gift sale. Palmer's stock—White shirts, reduced 4s 6dto2slld; Charley's Aunt, 4s lid to 2s lid; woollensox, Is to 6d ; silk Derby and how ties, Is 3d to 6d.—240 Queen-street, nexfe-anfield, Potter, and Co.—(Advt.)

Special. — Heavy Knickers for boys' school wear, 2s 6d, at Ernest Moore's gift sale, 210, Queen-street. —(Advt.)

Washing suits and blouses, cheapest in iovm, at Ernest Moore's gift sale of Palmer's stock, Queen-street. —(Advt.)

At Ernest Moore's gift sale of Palmer's stock little boys' suits reduced to 2s lid.— 210, Qveen-street.—(Advt.)

Smith arid Caughey have a full range of their celebrated French shirting cambrics in newest designs for blouses and dresses. -(Advt.)

Straw hats 1 Straw hats ! Straw hats ! The most wonderful value ever seen ; 200 dozen to'select from. Selling for what they will fetch at Ernest Moore's monster gitt sale of Palmer's stock. Note address: Next TanfieM and Potter.—Advt.

.Travelling trunks, Gladstone and brief bags, portmanteaux, half usual price. Ernest Moore's gift sale Palmer's stock.— Advt.