POLITICAL NOTES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 184, 6 August 1898, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES.

(By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.)

WELLINGTON, this day, SCHOOLS AT LIGHTHOUSES.

The following paragraph appears in the, report of the Marine Department as regax'ds schools at lighthouses: —'It may be mentioned that most of the Education Boards grant capitation on the children attending the schools, and the keepers are thus assisted in the payment' of the teachers' salaries, and the schools are inspected by the Boards' inspectors. So far as I am aware th© Auckland Board is the only one in the colony which has refused to grant any assistance, and the keepers in the Auckland district are therefore at a disadvantage as compared "with those in other parts of the colony. Both the Minister 1 of Education and this department have urged the Auckland Board to give some assistance, but without effect.' , THE LEGISLATIVE, COUNCIL; In the Legislative Council yesterday afternoon the Unclaimed Moneys Act was finally passed. The Welling-ton Harbour Board and Corporation Empowering Bill was read a second time. The Law Practitioners Act Amendment Bill was considered in committee, reported without amendment, and read a third time. The Council adjourned at 4.30 p.m. until next Wednesday week. ARISTOCRATIC ABSENCE OF MIND. A newly created lord during the early part oi the proceedings of the Legislative Council yesterday was observed to be smoking a short briar pipe, but suddenly the heinous impropriety of the act seemed to dawn on his mind, and the offending 'dhudeen' was quickly hidden away. THE TERROR OF HANSARD. . The Hon. J. G. Ward, who ever since he was elected to Parliament has been recognised as the terror of' Hansard, put up another record on Thursday night. Speaking on the Imprest Supply Bill, he spoke for half an hour, vuth extraordinary rapidity, ( but clear and distinct utterance. During ten minutes he spoke 2271 words, an avei*age of 227 words a minute. The 'whips' of Hansard say that when the hon. member for Awarua is really in his best form he can run away from any other speaker in the Southern Hemisphere. 'Nevertheless,'1 Mr Ward admits that the Hansard report of his speech was wonderfully accurate. PETITIONS. The Petitions Committee upon the petition of J. Brooking and sixty-nine others, and George Hill, of Devonport, Auckland, praying for further compensation for discharge from the torpedo corps, or suitable employment, report that the Committee is of opinion that the Government should find Hill suitable employment without de- '■ lay. Mr Houston to-day presented a petition from residents of Peria, asking a grant of £400 for widening and bridging the road leading from Peria into Block V, Maganganewha. JOTTINGS. Mr Herries wants the Government to open lands for close settlement in the Bay of Plenty. Mr Monk intends to call the attention of the Government to the alleged j arbitrary treatment by Mr Moss at a public meeting1 at Rarotong-a.

During last year twenty-seven lives were lost in the colony by wrecks and casualties, viz., twelve from the Zuleika; thirteen from the Tasmania; and one each from the Clematis and Maud Graham. The loss of life in 1596-7 was fifteen.

Mr Millar is enquiring whether the Minister of Marine will take steps to at once stop the issue of continuous discharge forms for seamen and have them replaced by single forms as is customary in Great Britain and the Australian colonies.

A supply of first-class standard bar--ometers, barographs, and thermometers have been procured from England for weather reporting and are now being* sent; to the important stations.

The marine report states that the erection of a lighthouse tower anrt other buildings at Cape Palliser was completed in October last at a cost of £6,243. It is suggested that arrangements should be made to connect Cape Palliser, Dog Island, anil Puysegur Point with the telegraph system of the colony, the other principal lighthouses being already connected.

The erection of a lighthouse on East Cape Island having bee.ii decided on, plans and specifications for the work have been prepared.

The Premier intends moving that the correspondence between the Audit Office and the Treasury relating to: the refusal of the Audit Office to decline to pass three issue requisitions be referred to the Public Accounts Committee.

'The gentlemen we put in the Legislative Council are thfi only live members of it,'—The Minister of Lands on the Government calls.

Mr •Montgomery describes the Prehicr as the. guileless fly who was enticed into the banking web by MiJohn Murray.

The President of the Banking Committee, was the guide, philosopher, and friend of the Premiers Hand-in-hand they kept the bridge which guarded the way to the bank's secret*. —Montgomery.

MEETINGS, ENTERTAraENTS. ETC,

Steamers will run at intervals from the ferry tee to-morrow afternoon to the warship Torch, first steamer leaving at a quarter to two. The benefit, concert and dance in aid of the widow and children of the late Wm. Dithner has been postponed till Wednesday August 10th.

Our readers are reminded of the lectures to begiven next week by Professor Dunkley in the Salvation Army Barracks, Newton, the first lecture to be given on Monday, Bth inst. The Professor is reported to be skilled in the art of phrenology, eloquent also. . . •

A ten nights' mission by Mrs Smalley,. wife of the Rev. J. S. Smalley, of Masterton, is announced to be conducted in the Central Mission Hall, Albert-street. The opening service will be held to-morrow evening, her subject as advertised else--where is " The Chief Want of the Church,"

Another entertainment will be given in the Eden Terrace Public Hall on Monday night by John Budd's cinematograph and phonograph recently shown at the Opera House to crowded audiences. He has also secured the services of Mr John J..Ritson, eccentric dancer and comedian. Mr Budd starts on a tour on Tuesday morning.

Burns Dramatic Club produce the" comedy "Not Such a Fool as He Looks' at the Foresters' Hall, Karaagahape Road, on Tuesday, 16th August. The piece has been well cast, and the whele will be staged under the management ot Mr H. Young, who has had considerable experience in amateur theatricals.

Mr W. W. Collins delivered an interesting lecture last evening in the Tailoresses' Hall, Cook-street,, the subject being "Pioneers and Discoverers in the Realm of Thought." The lecturer spoke of some of the greatest men of the age. To-morrow evening in the Oddfellows' Hall, Cookstreet, Mr Collins delivers his final lecture. Subject: " Some Ancient Myths and their Relation to Modern Beliefs."

On Monday evening the Young Ladies' Orchestra will give a concert in the Choral Hall, the full programme of which appears in our advertising columns to-night. The orchestra are to play several movements from Haydn's Fifth Symphony, Bonheur'ss " Imps' Revels," and a " Graceful Dance ' from Sullivan's incidental music to " Henry VIII." Madame Chambers is down for two coocl songs, while soags by the Rev. A. Mitchell, a piano solo by Miss Ettie Myers, and several glees complete an excellent programme.

An unwelcome party described as the "Greek refugees" arrived at ■ Nhill, Victoria, recently from Lillimur, and camped on the railway reserve, where they form the object of much curiosity. They are 23 in all, and are miserable, half-starved looking creatures. They are most importunate beggars and most undesirable visitors. The Kaniva people, rather than have them there, forwarded to Lillimur the expenses of the contingent to Nhill. They intend staying at Nhill until their next stage of the journey is subscribed for, and in order to get rid of them this will quickly be raised.

In our advertising columns will be found a notice of a conversazione t« be held on Thursday, August 1 lth, under the auspices of the students of the Auckland UniversityColl ege. A musical pregFamme -will be provided by the Musical Students' Association, and the diplomas gained in the last examination will be presented to successful students. The College j laboratories will also be thrown open for visitors' inspection during the course of the evening. All students, : past and present, and their friends, as well as those who take an interest inHhe work of- the-College,-^, are specially invited to attend. ~ , V;'

St. Mary's Parish Hall, Parnell, was crowded to the doorson Thursday night, ou the occasion of the monthly social under the auspices of the Women's Guild in connection with the Church. An unusually good concert programme was known to have been prepared by Mesdames Harry Gilfillan and Scaly, in whose com-, petent hands the arrangements were, and this doubtless had the effect of causing such a large attendance. From .first to last the concert Avas a distinct success, and the appreciation of the performers' efforts shown by the audience must have been as gratifying as it was hearty. Miss Power's pianoforte solo, exceeding well played, was the first item. Among the others were two songs by Mr Robin Hay, who /was in excellent voice, and one each from Miss Mabel Max* Svell ("Home, Dearie, Home,") and Mr Gibson, all of which were encored. Mrs Rawson and Mr Gibson delighted the audience with the duet " La Belle Napoli," and were recalled. Illustrated action songs "See Saw," by twenty-five children (trained by Miss Eice), and " Three Jolly Sailor Boys" (with hornpipe), by the Misses Rice (3) and Sloman, met with the same, recognition. Miss Elsie Gillillan had to submit to _an imperative encore for her. artistic rendering of a violin solo, selections from "II Trovatore," and in response to the demands of the audience the child violinist gave the intermezzo from " Cavalleria Rusticana " in charming style. A couple of plantation songs by a double quartette added greatly to the enjoyment of the evening, while Mesdames Scaly and Hay and the Misses Rice, Moss and Maxwell lent valuable aid as accompanists.

The pupils of Mr W. li. Webbe and Miss Spooner gave a concert for visitors on Thursday evening, when an excellent programme . was provided. Just before the final item Mr Webbe drew attention v to the numerous excellent musical journals now . published, advocating their support. * He induced several pupils to join the " Mjisical Journal Club," which he has just inaugurated. Yesterday Mr Webbe received the certificates from the Trinity College,'-' London,, for those who had entered for the practical division pianoforte playing at the uctober examinations last year, and he took the opportunity of presenting them, tie riientioneil that all the candidates from his school were successful in passing, viz: Senior division, Miss E. MeLaurin. Intermediate division (junior) •honours, Miss Florence M. Garlick. Intermediate (junior) division, pass, Miss May Cole and Miss Jessie Teasdale; the preceding pupils of Mr W. H. Webbe. Primary division, Miss M. Spooner's pupils: Miss Gertrude Spooner, MissM. IS. Scott, Miss M. Cussens. The concert programme was as follows :— Piano Quartette, "'Don: Juan," Misses G. Lambourne, Edwards, Squire, and Mr Tims; cacred solo, "AveMaria,"Madame Chambers ; piano solo, Valse in A Flat, Op. 42, Mr A. Walton ; trio (violin, cello, piano), "Adagio," Madame Chambers, Messrs Beaie and Webbe ; song, " The liiver of Dart," Mr A. L. Edwards; piano quartette, Misses E. and G. Spooner, M. Webbe, and M. Scott; song, "At Eventide," Miss L Featon ; piano solo, " Danse IJoheinienne," Miss M. Cussen; guitar solo., " Tn Old Madrid," Miss Barker ; piano antl organ duo, "Festal March," Misses A. and M, Webbe; quartette; "Khapsodie HongraiHe," Misses W. Lam bourne, Garliftk/Cole, am\ Mr Waltdn; song, "May Morning," Madaihe Chambers; piano solo, " Moonlight on the Danube," Miss J. Teasdale ; trio (violin, cello, piano),. "Barcarole," Madame Chambers^ Messrs JReale and Webbe; song, "What Might Have Been" (from "Djin Djin"), Miss L. Featon; piano duo, "Figaro," Misses F. Garlick and W. Lambourne; seng, " Kisses," Mr A. L. Edwards; piano qiia.tette "Wedding March of Gamacho," Mifw.es Mahon, Kent, Walker, and Mr Webbe.

The annual social of Court Victoria. A.0.F., will be held in the Foresters' Hall,, Devonport, on Thursday evening next. * ■ A mass meeting of workers is called f o » Saturday night next, under the auspjees J1 the Trades . and Labour Council. if| meeting is to be held at the fire beU t f, " of Grey-street^ the subject being "Railway Extension to Taranaki," On Tuesday evening next in. Si, P a t rick's Hall the Auckland Catholic Literary Society give an entertainment. R ev y Father Mahoney will lecture on " Spaia and the Spaniards," and members wiS stage a new and original absurdity entitw " The Wreck of the Saucy Puss:"* U ■ ..■-. v . ..... ■■■■ ■ ■■ I , In connection with the lolanthe socials a grand plain, fancy and trade dress ball took place in St.; Benedict's new hall l&t evening, and was a pronounced snocesi The spacious ballroom was tast«full»j ! decorated. The music was supplied by j PurceU's string band, and the catering iM in the hands of Mr Barber. One do:ea cabinet photos and an opal were awarded t« Miss F. Helander, whose costume represented "Three Bell Cigarettes," an«lwfip»-^ the dancers decided to be the belle G f the ball: A pair of gold sleeve links wer? awarded to Mr Bert Smith, the dancers having decided that he was the most comic ally dressed gentleman, he appearing as a j Irish laddie. , A concert in aid of the funds of the Anglican Church at Lake Takapuna was held last evening in the Lake Takapnna Hall. There was a crowded attendance. The Rev. Mr Latter presided, ifr Cyril Towsey Iplayed a pianofote rolo, and Dr. de Clive Lowe created aosj amusement with the songs, '• The. Giddy Little High Church Curate" and "Howtr Pop." A recitation by Miss Mona Mackayj "How Uncle Podger Hung the Picture,"was well received. Vocal items were also given by Mr F. H. Pickering and Miss Ludwiek. The second part consisted of a farce, ia one act, entitled "Dearest Mamma," th'» characters being represeated by Messrs Douglas Morrison, Chas. Darwin Cooke, 1 H. Pullen-Burry, Misses Cook, K. Pickering, E. Pickering, and Morrison. The ■ feature of the farce was Mr Burry's im- j personation of Uucle Browser. The members of the Star of Newton Lodge held their quarterly meeting in the Protestant Hall last Thursday evening, Bro. Derrick occupied the chair." Tha various officers' reports showed the Lodge to be in a good position. Bro. Lightfoot, L.D., assisted by Sisters Cann and Gardiner, in. stalled the officers for the ensuing quarter as follows:—C.T.,'Bro. M. Cook; J.T,, Sis. E. Archer; Sec, Sis., C. Harper; Treasurer, Sis. E. Lightfoot; ChapliH, Sis,: f J. Rolfe; Marshall, Bro. T. - Eeanlon;' 1.G.," Bro.,'H. Lightfoot; 0.G., Bro. J. F. Derrick; D.M., Sis. Jesty ; A.S., Sis,, A, Archer. The meeting closed with a hearty vote of tkanks to the past and installing if officers. Sis. Cann, S. J. T., installed "the officers of the Fox Memorial Juvenile1 Temple as follows :—C.T., Sis. M. Carnahan; V.T., Bro. A. McLean; S., Sis: N.; Mclntyre; F.S., Sis. K. Atkinson; M., Sis. J. McLean; D. M., Sis. G. Mclntjre; 1.G., Bro: W. Carnahaa; C, Bro. C. Hampton-; P.C.T., Sis. S. Mcl^iyre,