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Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 289, 13 December 1897, Page 4

Cable communication has been restored on the Darwin line.

Reference was made to the death of Mr J." C. Firth at the morning service in Beresford-street Congregational Church, the deceased having for many years been a member, and one who gave most liberally towards the fund for erecting that building. At the conclusion of the service, " The Dead March" in " Saul" was played by the organist. .

Mr Roderick Matheson, of Omaha, Auckland, late chief officer of the barque Kathleen Hilda, who has been studying at the Trinity House Navigation and Steam Schools, Wellington, on Tuesday last passed his examination for a certificate of competency as master of a foreign-going ship in the mercantile marine. Mr Matheson, we understand, passad an exceptionally good examination, and was highly complimented by the examines, Captains Allman, Edwin, and Marciel. Mr Matheson is a nephew of the late Messrs Matheson of Omaha, the famous shipbuilders.

The funeral of the late Mr James Wingate took place at Otahuhu on Saturday afternoon, where a lar<*e number of friends and neighbours of the deceased followed the remains to the grave. The Rev. G. B. Monro conducted a short service at the house, and the Church of England service was read at the grave by the Rev. Canon Gould. The chief mourners were : Messrs J. W. Nicholson and R. Drnmmond (nephews of deceased), J. Wigg and M. M. McCallum (of the firm of Wingate and Co.)

At the ordinary meeting of the Devenport Borough Council to beheld on Tuesday evening the Mayor, Mr J. C. Macky, will move:—"That in order to obtain a thorough inspection and regulation of all dairies selling milk within the borough, the Council do at once apply to the Colonial Secretary to have Devenport added to the contributing Board appointed under the Order in Council made on the 9th of December, 1895.''

Some idea of the magnitude of. the viaduct which is in course of construction over the Makohine Biver, North Island Main Trunk Railway may be gathered from the fact that each of the four main concrete bases for the pillars is to weigh several hundred tons, and that the rails will be laid 240 ft above the bed of the stream. Two of the bases are about half completed, and the work of excavating for the foundations on the opposite end of the viaduct is progressing satisfactorily. Nearly 300 men are employed on the undertaking.

To the Editor: Sir,—Allow me to correct the very erroneous report sent in by your correspondent in connection with the accident described as "very peculiar " which befell my horse and dray on the Onehunga wharf on Thursday afternoon, the cause of which is totally ignored in the report published. The accident was caused oy a 15-ton railway truck in course of shunting getting out of the control of the persons in charge of it, striking the dray before there was time to remove it out of the way, and knocking the horse, dray and load on to the deck of the s.s. Weka, a fair of about 12ft. _ The load on the dray consisted of machinery which was just being loaded from the Weka and is literally smashed to pieces by the fall; the horse, dray and harness are also very considerably damaged.—l am., etc., A. Cunningham.

The Auckland Naval Artillery Volunteer Corps broke up their, camp at, North Head on Saturday afternoon and. returned to town, having put in a very useful fortnight at the fort. On Friday evening the annual theoretical gunnery examination of the men took place, Lieutenant Hume, of the Permanent Force, being the examiner. The practical part of the examinations took place in the gun-pits on the hill, and the batteries were fully manned. There were excellent musters of the company all through the fortnight. .

' The annual statutory meeting of the Devenport Borough Council will be held on Wednesday evening, when Mr J. C. Macky will be installed as Mayor for a second term.

The Auckland Banjo, Guitar and Mandolin Club hold their second concert in the Opera House to-morrow night. A firstclass programme has been arranged for the occasion, including Club selections, operatic selections as quintettes and quartettes, mandolin solos by Mr George Rowe, piano solos by Mr Cyril Towsey, and vocal items by Misses Florence and Mabel Maxwell, Messrs G. Tracey Hall and Ernest Schatz.

Attention is drawn to the sale of work to be held to-morrow (Tuesday) evening in All Saints schoolroom. The articles offered for sale include a number of interesting island curios contributed by natives of Melanesia during a week of self-denial. The proceeds will be devoted to the funds of the mission.

The St. Mark's parish new hall will be opened to-morrow afternoon by the Primate. Great preparations have been made, and no efforts have been spared to make the affair a success. Besides numerous attractions in shape of amusements there will be a large Christmas tree and sale of work, proceeds of which will be devoted to the building fund. Music will be rendered' during the evening. The proceedings extend over Wednesday.

Our Thames correspondent writes that a dispute which will no doubt prove of; a serious nature to the Thames County Council has arisen between that body and the District Railway Engineer in reference to his occupation of Omaha Quarry for ballasting the railway line now being formed between Paeroa and Thames, unless a more liberal arrangement can be made than the alternative proposal of Mr Vickerman : i.e., to move five chains to the eastward of the present pit and start another face in-the quarry. The County Council applied in 18S2 for it to be set aside as a reserve for road metal. It was surveyed, the road into it made, and the freehold of the triangular strip of land which lay between the quarry and the road, acquired—all out of County revenue. But it appears the Council's right to the quarry was only permissive, as the reserve, though acquired, was not gazetted as a County reserve, and hence the resumption of it by the Minister of Railways for ballasting the line. All the metal required for keeping Thames—Hikutaia Road in repair is obtained from this reserve, and the Council are strongly protesting against the action of the engineer. The assistance of the Minister for Railways and the member for the district has been solicited.

Tliere is now on view in the window of Mr J. Howden, watchmaker, Queen-street, two watches and two racquets, which are to be presented to the successful competitors at the distribution of prizes, notilied elsewhere in to-day's issue, in connection Avith the Auckland College and Grammar School, on Thursday evening next. The engraving of the names has been artistically executed by Mr Howden. The names of' the successful competitors for the watches are H. W. Te Paa and F. J. Sharland, and for the racquets Misses M. G. Basley and Daisy IJdy.

A wrestling match of unusual interest has been fixed between A.Skinner, of Scotland, who has recently won the middleweight championship of the South Island of New Zealand, and the Avell known champion of the North, J. W. Sutherland, whose plucky contests against the veteran Donald Dimiie are still fresli in the memory of all lovers of athletic science. The men are within a few pounds of the same weight, and although the former is only twenty-two years of age, he has already proved himself in the front rank as an all-round athlete in this country. A close contest is expected to eventuate.

The Royal Burlesque and Comedy Company gave their usual entertainment in the City Hall on Saturday evening. There was a large audience, and the frequent recalls showed how much the programme was appreciated. The minstrel first part was very well received, the comic songs of Alf Diamond and C. Hugo being very well enjoyed. The farces were enacted with the usual skill and ability of-the company and elicited roars of laughter.

To-morrow (Tuesday) evening the benefit concert tendered to Mr John Henry by the Burns Club takes place in the Foresters' Hall. Mr Henry being laid up with a severe illness is deserving of sympathy, he having been always ready to assist others in need with his dancing. The tickets have already been going off freely. An excellent programme has been prepared, consisting of songs, duets, quartettes, recitations, and Highland dancing. Miss Fitzpatriek, Mr Ferriday, Mr Higgott will contribute songs.

A very successful concert trip through the Kaipara and Wairoa districts has just been completed by a party consisting of Misses Mary Day, Millie Peak, Midgley, and Messrs Edgar Walton and Lloyd. The various items were much appreciated • Miss Peak's violin solos being much admired, as were Miss Day's and Mr Walton's vocal efforts. Miss Midgley accompanied ably.

The Wellington branch of the New Zealand Natives' Association publish in our advertisement columns particulars of their sports carnival and art union to be held at Wellington on January 22nd. The prizes are first-class. The two special Bicycle Handicaps should prove sufficient to secure a very large number of entries from other parts of the colony. Given a line day there should be a record attendance at the sports on the Basin, the track on which, by the way, is to be specially laid out and prepared, a committee of the foremost bicycle riders in Wellington having undertaken to superintend the work, so that the corners can he negotiated in safety by the riders. Special care will also be taken to have the track thoroughly rolled for at least a week before the sports. In connection with the sports carnival an art union is to be drawn. There are 25 handsome pictures to be given as prizes, and in addition to these the winners are to be presented by various firms with presents varying in value, from £110 to £2. The winner of the hrsfc prize will be presented by the. Dresden Piano Company with either a Broadwood and Sons or a Lipp and Sohn piano, as desired. Each of these pianos is valued at £110. The winners of the second and fourth prizes will be presented by Messrs Inglis Bros, with " Raleigh " bicycles, valued at £31 and £30 respectively, and the winners of the third and fifth prizes will receive from Messrs Jenkinson and Co. a specially - built " Champion" and a "Cleveland," valued respectively at £30 and £27. The other 20 prise winners will receive presents of a proportionately valuable kind. To show that the donors of the various presents are not placing an exorbitant value on their presents, the committee undertakes to find purchases for any of the presents not to the taste of the winners of the prizes, less a small commission of 15 per cent, for its trouble, at their face value.

The Helping Hand Mission have arranged to hold their annual excursion on Boxing Day at Henderson. They have secured botfi the racecourse and the bush beyond, so that there will be an abundance of shade and .water. Two trains will leave the Auckland station, and arrangements are being made so that everyone will be accommodated. Last year the excursionists numbered 2,300, and it is expected that, given fine weather, there will be an equally large attendance this year. As the fares are low, this should be one of the most popular outings of the season. Particulars appear elsewhere.

The Hamilton regatta is to take place on the Hamilton Lake on Thursday, December 30th. A number of rowing and swimming events and Maori canoe races are on the programme, which is a comprehensive and attractive one. Special trains ase to be run from all parts to Hamilton for the occasion.

Messrs Baker Bros, will sell on Wednesday next, hy order of the mortgagee, a block ot 93 acres, known as the Motutara Reserve, and situated on the West Coast, about six miles from the Waimauku Railway Station.

The Northcote School children gave a very pretty entertainment in the Gladstone Hall on Eriday evening, the financial object of which was to meet the cost of prizes and the annual picnic. The large hall was crowded. In arranging the entertainment Mr Taylor and his assistant teachers were helped by members of the School Board. The programme included some excellentlyrendered contributions from the Misses J. Pollock, Smith, L. Currie, Lye and Jackson. There were songs and drills by the children, who formed a pretty group on the stage, and the last hour was' devoted to a farce, "Billy Doo," in which four local residents, Messrs Whatford, Eyre, Haultain, and Cadness took the parts. *

The Auckland Polo Club held a practice match on Saturday afternoon at Hunter and Nolan's paddock, Green Lane. After noon tea was provided by Mesdames Haines, Morrin, and Purchas.

Owing to the civil cases of the Supreme Court having been all disposed of, there was no sitting of the Court to-day. Tomorrow His Honor holds a sitting in chambers. On Friday a special sitting m bankruptcy will be held. The vacation commences on Monday next and does not empire until the 31sfe January, 1898. The Supreme Court offices close from 10 to 1 daily during that period, excepting from the 24th December to 3rd January, when they will be closed all day. The village of Panmure was en fete yesterday, the occasion of the first official visit of Bishop Lenihan to the Catholic Church. Accompanied by the Very Rev. Father Ginaty and Father ,Gillan, his Lordship Mas welcomed by Monsiguore McDonald in his usual kindly manner. After the mass, a procession of the Bishop, priests, and people was formed ; they marched to the well-kept cemetery, where the usual prayers were offered for the dead. On the return to the church, the Bishop administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to about 60 children and adults. Father Walter, assisted by kind friends, entertained his numerous visitors, and before the Bishop left he was presented with a purse of sovereigns by the parishioners. His Lordship left early in the afternoon, with a hearty good-bye from the priest and people.

The New Zealand championship lawn tennis tournament is to be held in Auckland this Christmas, commencing on the 27th inst. The matches are to be played on the Mount Eden and Epsom lawn, which will be closed at the end of this week in preparation for the tournament. A water supply has been laid on the ground, and very satisfactory arrangements are being niade for the gathering of tennis players. Competitors are coming from all parts of the colony, and the tournament is expected to be an interesting and exciting one. A Christchurch exchange states that a number of Canterbury players are likely to come to Auckland on their own account to uphold the reputation of their Clubs, and their province. Among those mentioned as probable competitors at the Championship meeting are Miss K. Van Asch, Mr W. A. Styche (Canterbury Club), Mr J. MeLeod and Mr J. Sinclair (Linwood), and Mr C. Garcia (Canterbury College).

A special meeting of members of the Auckland Typographical Association was held on Saturday evening in the Courtroom, Foresters' Hall. There was a large attendance, and Mr A. M. Donald (VicePresident) occupied the chair. The business was the adoption of a scale of charges and hours for operators on linotype composing machines. A code of rules based upon the recommendations of the recent Typographical Conference was submitted by the Board, and discussed seriatim. With one or two alterations, the rules were unanimously adopted, and the President and Secretary were deputed to lay them before the firms interested as soon as possible. Reference was made to the question of duty upon linotype machines, and the meeting took exception to a statement made by the Premier that the recent case brought to decide the amount of duty leviable under the Customs tariff had failed through the local Union not bringing proper evidence for the prosecution. With regard to the duty, the Association considered that as linotypes for one firm had been admitted at a duty of five per cent, under the decision given by Mr Justice Conolly, other firms importing the machines should be levied at the same rate. A vote of thanks was accorded the Board for the time and attention they had devoted to drafting the rules for linotype operators, and it was resolved that another special meeting be called to receive the replies of the firms concerned.

The Tairua Lawn. Tennis Club opened their second season on Saturday, November 13th. The weather was not all that might be desired, there being a high wind blowing, otherwise a very enjoyable afternoon was spent, followed by afternoon tea, kindly provided by Mrs Forsdick. The following players took part in the opening games : Miss Allen and Mr Coutts beat Mrs Boyde and Mr Forsdiqk, Miss R. Allen and Mr Meyenberg beating Miss Collins and Mr Hunt. A new court has been adtled, and the membership list shows a large increase on that of last season. The annual concert and dance was held on Saturday evening, December 4th, everyone thorougnly enjoying themselves. The programme included items by Misses Hull and Collins, Messrs Forsdick, Coutts. and Meyenberg, Miss Allen, Mrs Boyde, Mr Strugnel, Mr Boyde, Mr Furber, Mr Hudson, and Mr E. Forrest. An enjoyable dance followed.

The presentation of the prizes to the successful competitors at the recent Children's Flower Show took place .on. Saturday in the Wellesley-street School (kindly lent for the occasion by the School Committee). There was a crowded attendance of children and friends, and the prizes, numbering2ll, together with 23 certificates, of merit, were greatly admired by the audience. Gold and silver medals, brooches, an excellent selection of books, garden tools, vases, etc., constituted the bulk of the prizes, besides which there were coupons and other articles from trades people and friends. The Chairman, Mr J. Thornes, took the opportunity of thanking the public who had so generously contributed the funds from which the prizes had been purchased. He also urged upon the ; children to commence the cultivation of j their flowers and gardens at once to be j ready for the coming year, as the great success attending this year's show assured the continuance of it next year, and it was now a recognised fact that the Children's Flower Show was an institution that had come to stay. A few of the children were absent, and Mr Thornes desires to notify, through the courtesy of the press, that if the children will call at his rooms, 91 Queen-street, the prizes will be handed to them. The annual examination of candidates for senior district scholarships under the Board of Education is being held at the University College Buildings, under the supervision of Mr Peacocke. An examination at the Thames is being held under the supervision of Mr Ray. There are 34 candidates at Auckland and four at the Thames. The examination for junior scholarships will begin on Wednesday next at the following places :—Auckland (Hoffman's Buildings, Elliott-street), ,181 candidates, under the direction of Mr Petrie, Chief Inspector; Thames (Mr Ray), 14 candidates; Hamilton (Mr Grierson), 11 candidates. New muslins and prints for 4|d per yard. D.S.C.-(Advt.) Smith and Caughey have just received a special line of boys' all-wool Kaiapoi suits suitable for summer wear—splendid patterns and first-class value.—(Advt.) A nice lot of gent's silk and alpacca coats just opened at D.S.C—(Advt.) Special display of gent's summer clothing. Tennis and holiday suits in immense variety from 8s Gd the suit.—Smith and Caughey.—(Advt.) Strawberries and cream daily at the D.S.C.—(Advt.) The public soon find a good article, as proved Dy the steadily-increasing favour being accorded to " Reliable " teas.—Ad. Washing veils at the D.S.C—(Advt.) Biscuits thin and biscuits thick, Biscuits for the baby quick; But let the biscuits be the best " Picanniny " brand will stand the test. Specially made for children by J. Bycroft and Co., Limited.—(Advt.) If you want to keep cool get a summer suit from the D.S.C. at ISs Gd.—(Advt.)

Shirt blouses, new styles, detachable collars and cuffs, 2s lid. D.S.C—(Advt.)