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Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 297, 22 December 1897, Page 4

The "Star" Monthly Summary for transmission by the San Francisco mail will be published to-morrow. It will contain an extended review, of the mining operations on the Auckland gold fields during the past year.

The Commander of the German warship Falice paid an official visit to the Town Clerk this morning, attended by the German Consul. The Mayor (Mr Dignau) was unfortunately out of town, being on a visit to Wairoa, ■ A return visit will probably be paid to-morrow by Mr P. A. Philips.

An inquiry into the recent fire in Revellstreet, Hokitika, was held yesterday, before the Coroner, Mr McFarlane, and a jury of six. A roluminous evidence was elicited by Mr Beare, who appeared for the insurance companies, chiefly from the inmates of the place where the fire originated. Nothing was elicited to throw any light on the subject, and finally the inquiry was adjourned to January 7th, in the hope of some material evidence becoming available.

The Auckland Acclimatization Society held their usual monthly meeting in the Museum buildings yesterday, Mr J. Bnrtt, the president, occupying the chair. The statement of. accounts showed receipts nil, expenditure £22 19s lOd, leaving a balance of £71 18s lOd. The curator's monthly report stated that during November 16,000 fry and 4,300 yearling trout had been distributed from the hatchery. Fish are very plentiful in the rivers near Rotorua and many good baskets have been obtained. The Auckland Agricultural Association wrote asking if the Society was in favour of the introduction of bats and toads. It was resolved to reply that the Society will contribute £10 towards introducing these animals provided the Agricultural Association contribute a like amount. Reference was made to the introduction of Australian prawns and snipe, and it was decided to let the matter remain in abeyance till the winter. ■ ■ ■

The Committee of the Newton Brass Band caution the public not to purchase any tickets between the numbers 406 and 425 inclusive for the excursion on Christmas Day. These tickets having been lost, they are cancelled.

The first meeting of the Advertising and Printing Committee of the Auckland Industrial and Mining Exhibition was held at the Victoria Arcade yesterday. It was stated that the official circulars and applications for space forms had been ordered and would be ready for distribution in a few days. The committee decided to order 2,ooo'season tickets in booklet form. The official catalogue was considered, and it was resolved to recommend the executive committee to call separate tenders for its compilation and printing. Messrs Thomas Cook and Sons were appointed official tourist agents.

The weather at Wellington threatens to be rather dismal for the holidays. _ Persistent strong northerly winds prevail without intermission; in fact the amount of wind is exceptional even for Wellington. Since the end of the winter of IS9G it may be said to have been blowing more or less all the time, and since September there has scarcely been a calm day. Rain is frequently threatened but never falls, and for three months there has been none to speak of. ' ■■ ''■■' ■;■■ ■■■;■■ ; ■. ■' ' -.

At the meeting of the Auckland Harbour Board yesterday afternoon the seal of the Board and the signatures of the Chairman and members were aflixed to the address of thanks presented to Mr J. M. Brigham.on completing 25 years of service as Secretary and Treasurer. The address was handsomely illuminated on vellum, New Zealand ferns and flowers forming the ground work.

The annual meeting of the Kauri Timber Company's Employees' Benefit Society was held yesterday. Mr T. H. White (president) occupied the chair. The annual report showed that the receipts were £179 8s lid, the principal item being members' contributions, £156 18s Gd. The expenditure was £52, the principal item being accidents £37 18s 4d, leaving a credit balance of £135 19s 6d. The balance-sheet was adopted, and it was decided to pay a dividend of 19s 4d, which would absorb £106 14s 6d. It was stated that no serious accidents had occurred during the year, and that few of the accidents had been caused .by machinery, due to the precautions taken "by tlie company. Messrs White, McKinstry, Thomas, Stevens, Gibbs Sowden, and'ltedman were re-elected as the committee for the ensuing terms. Votes of thanks for their services were passed to the committee and the secretary, and a vote of thanks to the chair concluded the proceedings. The Society will hold another meeting to consider various suggested additions to rules.

In connection with Mr George Goldie's invention of a model silt-punt, the Committee of the Auckland Harbour Board appointed to examine the invention reported to the Board yesterday afternoon that the invention was a good one, and well adapted for discharging silt in deep water. Mr Goldie proposed that if tire Board would allow him the use or a punt he would fit it up with his invention, and show its success in discharging in shallow water. It was decided to defer the matter until the Board saw how the Haslani punt answered. The Chairman said that if the- Board had had Mr Goldie's invention years ago it would have saved a lot of money.

Another of the Auckland athletes chosen to visit England with the Australasian team next year has notified his inability to make the "trip. The walking champion, F. H. Creamer last evening informed Mr W. C. Speight, honorary secretary of the Auckland Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club, that business engagements would prevent his accepting the invitation.

Bathers should take warning from the fact that sharks are unusually plentiful in and around the Vvaitemata Harbour just at present. A party of yachtsmen fishing between Crusoe Island and Waiheke last Sunday caught thirteen of these monsters, ra.ngi.ng in length frym six to ten feet. A party of Waiheke Maoris, moreover, who were also fishing in the same locality, actually captured 35 sharks, some of which were very large. Yachtsmen generally report that sharks are more than usually plentiful, a fact which is emphasized by the scarcity of schnapper. Sharks have also been caught round about Kauri Point within the last week or two, and have been seen in the vicinity of St. George's Bay, no doubt attracted by the sewer, which is completely spoiling this beach as a pleasure resort. Those who enjoy a dip during the holidays should be cautious about venturing far beyond their depth.

The City Schools Committee at their meeting last evening considered the proposed improvements to the Wellesleystreet school playground. The tender of Mr J. Farrell to tar and sand 3,000 yards and build a stone Avail 150 feet long and a concrete channel for £53 was accepted. It was decided to pay caretakers' salaries on December 23rd instead of January Ist.

On Thursday evening in the Foresters' Hall the scholars and friends of the Grafton school will give what promises to be a most enjoyable concert, comprising vocal and instrumental selections, tableaux, recitations, picturesque dances, readings and dramatic scenes. The proceeds arc to be devoted to the purchase of science apparatus.

An attractive number of the " Graphic" makes its appearance this week. It is full of reading and pictorial matter relating to Christmas, and will be found the very thing to while away a spare hour or so during the holiday season. An abridged list of the contents appears in another column. Our readers will bear in mind that it is also the mail number, and, thei'efore, most suitable for transmission to friends in the Old Country. Intending purchasers should secure copies early.

The American Vaudeville Company's first performance is to be given at the Opera House on Friday evening next, when quite a large number of artistes will make their first appearance before an Auckland audience. The Company includes Mr Burke, eccentric comedian and clog dancer, and Ganza, a clever performer on the wire rope. -•. A largely-attended meeting of the Auckland House Painters' Union was held iast night in the Tailorewses' Hail. After it had been pointed out by the Secretary and several members that it couid be proved that several firms in town had broken their agreement entered into with the Union, it: was unanimously resolved on the motion of Mr D. Taylor, seconded by Mr 0. Wiebe; j "That this Union take steps to state a; ease before the Arbitration Board and that i a Committee be appointed to draw up the j case."

Nominations for the vacant seat on the Onehnnga Borough Council closed at noon to-day. Two nominations were received— Messrs S. R. Skinner and J. J. Shaldriek. Tlie election takes place on January sth, 1898.

On Thursday evening the Helping Hand Mission commenced a series of tent services on the reclamation near the wharf, at the back of the Waverley Hotel. The Mission will continue for 11 nights. On the opening night Mr Huxtable will speak and sing, as will also Mr A. C. Drown. These meetings arc specially held for the large numbers of men who come from the gumfields and country districts.

The attention of athletes is directed to the advertisement of the Eight Hours League in another column to the efi'ect that the time for receiving entries lias been extended till Friday evening next, Christinas eve. Acceptances fire due on the following Friday evening-. A hurdle race lias been added' to the programme, the prizes being £2and£l, for which post entries will be taken. Just opened at Geo. Fowlds" yachting sweaters 2s 6d each.—(Advt.)

The Ness memorial stone; which is to be placed over the grave of the 'bus-drive* who was killed in the railway crossing accident, has been completed at the work! of Messrs,.Thomas and Son. It bears tW following-inscription :-"In loving memory of William S. Ness, who was accidentally killed at the Auckland railway crossing October 1, 1897, aged 30 years. Erected by the employees of the Auckland Tramway Company and those of F. Andrew and Son. '1 he Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.1"

The sacred musical festival and pictorial concert to be given at the Opera House on Christmas night (Saturday next) promises to be a very.great success. Amongst the vocalists assisting are Misses Fitzpatrick and Birdie Butler, and Mr George Higgott. Miss Jeannie Pollock will render a Christmas story, which will-bepietorially illustrated. A great attraction will be the exhibition of Milton'ssacred drama " Paradise Lost," leading up to the first Christmas morn. „_ -, t - ; , :: : , • We are.requested- to state that "Smithson s Creek bridge at Upper Waiwera is dangerous, and that the' Waitemata County Council have closed it for repairs. The mission conducted by the Very.Revv Father Ginaty in the districts under thf pastoral charge of Monsignor McDonal<k namely, Panmure, Howick, Ellerslie, eke concluded yesterday morning, and mts attended with the most gratifying results. The little boy who was so much.admired as he walked down the street got his suit from Ernest Moore, clothier and mercer, 240, Queen-street. Hundreds of boys have been suited there since.—(Advt.)

Ladies' Mouses in great variety. A special line with detatcha"ble cuffs and collars at2s lid. Specially cheap.—D.S.C. —(Advt.)

Very special — 900 yds twill summer homespun, Is per yard; immense stock of other dress fabrics all marked low.—Smith and Caughey, dress merchant and family drapers.—(Advt.)

Chiffons, plain and brocaded, suitable for blouses and dresses", also .shot silks in newest shadings. —P. S. C. —(Advt.)

New cameo figured ruby glass in biscuit jars, water sets, sugars, etc. Tanfield, Potter and Co.—(Advt.)

Bought a desperate job lot of 50 dozen white, coarse straw hats to.be cleared right out at Is lid, well worth 3s 6d.— Ernest Moore, 240, Queen-street.—(Advt.)

I,2ooyds fancy.floral lustres, excellent value, Is Jd per yd; Immense assortment of other dress fabrics, all good value.— Smith and Caughey.—(Advt.)

Bought specially for Christmas trade 350 men's, youths', and boys' Kaiapoi tweed suits. Good patterns and cheap, at Ernest Moore's, 240, Queen-street, next to Tanfield and Potter.—(Advt.)

A special show of linoleums, hearth rugs, door mats, stair carpets, carpet square in Wilton, Brussells, and tapestry. -D.S.C.-(Advt.)

Some very choice suitings have just been opened up by Geo. Fowlds for the Xmas trade.—(Advt.) ....

Country visitors .will be well repaid by a visit to Ernest Moore's clothing and outfitting establishment, 240, Queen-street, next Tanfield, Potter, and Co.—(Advt.)

Sox, undershirts and pants suitable for summer wear. Geo. Fowlds keeps a great variety and gives good value.—(Advt.)