Untitled

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 306, 28 December 1898, Page 4

ifr Culpan. Deputy Registrar, has received all the forms, documents and books from the head office, Wellington, in connection with the administration of the Old Age Pensions Act, andpwill be pleased to attend -to ap* plications from those, entitled to-bene-fit under this Act. -

Under a recent date the London 'Echo' publishes an appreciative notice (extending over a column and a half) of Mr W. L. and Miss L. Ee.es' 'Life and '.rimes of Sir George .Grey.' The writer, in his introductory comments, .says:—'With the growth of a wider patriotism, and a fuller Imperial consciousness, the significance of his life and work will become more clearly and Nuniversally recognised, and the biography by Mr William L. Ifees and Miss L. Kees will contribute valuably to the same result. These writers have brought to their task quite unique qualifications—a profcind sympathy with the principles which inspired Sir Geo. Grey's policy, a thorough acquaintance with the details of its application, a personal friendship with the great statesman, and a literary skill and culture which invests what might have been a dry political chronicle with the charm and variety of a romance. The book is not simply a personal biography of the most entrancing description. It embodies the essential spirit and wisdom of a character and career singularly rich in political instruction and moral inspiration.' In conclusion, the reviewer remarks. 'For fuller information we must refer our readers to the biography by Mr and Miss. Kees. which should be read by every student of colonial- history, and, above all, by every' Briton who may be destined to exercise administrative functions, requiring tact and wisdom and forbearance, in any region of the British Dominions.' In a report dated November IS, Mn* IL 0. Cameron, Inspector of Produce for New Zealand in London, states that with the advent of Australian butter the upward' tendency of prices, which had been steadily maintained for some time was-cheeked. The dulness in demand for New Zealand mut-j I ton is still the prevailing feature of | the meat market. A great increase of distribution has taken place throughout the country this season of New I Zealand lambs. The outlook for the 1 lamb trade next. >season is most en-1 couraging. ; There is a largely increased, demand that will have to ,be supplied, and if the increase in numbers sent forward is not g-reat, he believes better prices will be realised than during the last two seasons. There is, j however, a prospect of greater competition from Australia than there was last season,'and as lambs from there, in a favourable year, are of good quality, .they., are important competitors. He concludes: 'I regret that so far as [ I can learn there is no prospect- of shippers in New Zealand combining to concentrate sales of their meat at this end.'

A cyclist coming from Naracoorte, South Australia, the other evening in the dark felt an obstruction in his back wheel, and something napping against his legs. On jumping ofc to see what was the cause he found to his intense astonishment a live snake, aljout 3ft long. He Avas going at a good pace, and of course in the dax'k did not see it. However, the revolutions of the wheel (the snake having become tang-led in the spokes) had considerably' damaged the reptile, which was soon despatched. It is extraordinary that, the rider was not bitten.

Mr W.E. Alexander, writing.from Newcastle, N. S. f "W., Hays : 'Having been shown a copy of the " Auckland Star Exhibition Tvumber," I will'be extremely obliged if you will send me three copies of the same. It is a work that does credit to your proprietors, far eclipsing anything of the kind laroducetl iv this colon}'.' ;

The number of the 'Graphic '■ which, appears .tQ-day contains the continuation of the series of Exhibition, pictures which that journal is now publishing". These photogravures are in every respect■..■'first class reproductions and we"should advise our readers to secure copies of the journal every week in order, that they may have in their possession one or the most-complete and artistic souvenirs of the Exhibition obtainable. The issue is- also rich in holiday matter, pictorial and literary, suitable for the season. Holiday makers could -not invest a sixpence more profitably than in the purchase of a number. :

For the past few months many have been anxious to learn something of the work done by the Children's Good Templars Lodge. The meetings have been held weekly in the schoolroom under the superintendence of Mr Dawson,. the station and; postmaster here. /Those who attended the hall on Thursday evening- no doubt received what they hardly expected from such youthful performers, viz., a surprise combined with a real treat. The stage was. beautifully and tastefully decorated with festoons and Chinese lanterns, etc., giving the appearance of such haunts that all good children delight in. The entertainment took the form of musical nursery rhymes and action song's. The Rev. Mr Ward, after coffee had been kindly distributed a.hd partaken of, gave a short address showing the many advantages of the temperance cause. Each of the children having received a prize for diligence or good conduct, the superintendent gave a-short address. Miss Edwards as leader and conductress deserves a word ofpi-aise also Miss Hously who presided at the piano. The thanks of: the Lodge is 1o be given to the Beresford Street School. Auckland, for the uniforms for the character song and also to the local football club for the use of banner.— Huntly Correspondent.

Miss Pvennie, hon. secretary of the Youn°; Women's Christian Association, writes to the Sydney 'Daily Telegraph': 'In the interests of the women workers of Sydney may I be allowed to state a case which has. .just been reported to the committee of the Young Women's Christian Association by their city missionary. Visiting a dying girl at the instance of a young sister "employed in a factory, she found two women (one the mother of these girls and of tht-ee younger children), who were employed in making cloth trousers for a Sydney firm, Woi-king from (i a.m. till midnight, with the exception of. the barest possible necessary time spent in the care of the children, they were able to make 40. pairs finished throughout, except pressing, in a week, for four of which they were paid Gd, and the remainder 4-ld " per pair. The sum of. 7/3 each in the week was thus realised with a reduction of 1/ for thread, two journeys (sometimes three) being necessary, as city rents were too high for them. On our missionary' looking incredulous, the book ■ was taken down, and the story verified, the remark being made in sad truth, 'It's not living, but downright slavery.' '

A Southern contemporary says that only the -.first-class'; militia will be called out for drill about Easter. It is understood that the dress, for purposes of economy in uniform t will consist of a forage' cap and grey shirt, with the ordinary! soldier's breeks. The shirt will be a warm woollen one. of the same material worn by the sc-ttler soldiers during the Maori war.The tails of the shirts will be cut oft" and by means of a'rimning tape they are made to lit like a Garibaldi* jacket. Out of the tails two capacious pockets will be fitted up, one on each side of the Garibaldi, and thus apparelled, and armed with something" like a broom handle, as the rifles ordered from Home will not by then have arrived in the colony, the gallant militiamen will go into camp and pass through their fh"st period of drill. ; - ■

Sir Walter Butler, in an address to the Wellington Philosophical Institute referred to the native birds of the colony, many of which, he regretted, were now becoming" rare. The. huia had suffered severely throug-h. the deforesting of the country.. an.d he suggested that the Government should arrange for the snaring" of some of. these birds in order to piayS* them on the insular reserves already existing, where they could increase unmolested. Failing action on the part of the Government, the Acclimatisation Societies might/take the matter up. Concerning the tui Sir Walter referred eloquently to the svreet melodies of this well-known forest songster, and gave the reassuring information that it is not decreasing in numbers to the extent that would be imagined.

Is the present system of University education as well adapted for women as for men? The question is i-aised in an editorial in the latest number of 'The Collegian,' the organ of the Auckland University College Students' Association, and is answered in tlie negative. As an authority on the question is quoted Mr Oscar Browning, a lecturer at Cambridge,, whose experience of. twenty years has failed' to convince him of the mental equality of men and women, or of the .wisdom of giving the same intellectual training to both se.xes. Ivj the same number roi 'The Collegian' are Mr Ng-ata's poem 'The March of the Spirits?' and Messrs S.^Mays and H. D. Bamford's amusing story of 'The Woman Who Tried,' which won the prizes at. the Univei-sity Debating-. Society. 'Varsity notes and news, including the animal class lists, make up an interesting number. ■-..-,

The Swanson school breafcing-up took place on -^Thursday evening-, Dec. 23, when an excellent-programme of part songs and recitations was gone through by the children before a large audience. The building was very prettily decorated with evergreens, flowers and flags, the latter "kindly lent by Mrs James Smith. On the motion of Mr Meltam, Chairman of the School . Committee, a hearty vote of thanks by acclamation was given to Mr Phillips, the head master. -

The Agricultural Hall was again visited by large numbers of people yesterday afternoon and evening, the. wax works and numerous side shows being inspected with much interest. A stage performance was given in the evening, a varied programme being gone through. The items were allwell received, encores being freely demanded. The amusing farces 'Quiet Apartments' and 'Fancy Meeting You' wert greeted with loud laughter. -The- entertainment will in future be open from 11 a.m. till 1 p.m., as well as in the afternoon and evening. ' . . ••

Geo.Fovylds has a splendid-stock of summer suits for men and boys. Value extraordinary.—(Ad.) -

In the course of a- sermon on 'Sunday Becreations and the Claims of Rational Eeligioß,' delivered in the Protestant Hall, Sydney, the Rev. George Walters, of the Australian. Church, said that apart from mere Sabbatarianism they ought to realise the value of a Day of Rest... ■■ Marcus, Clarke, once drew a fearful picture of what the. futiu-e 'Australian would be physically, and the preacher had no hesitation in saying that if the present tendency of young people should be continued for a generation or two, no picture could be too dark with reference to the moral aspect of the Australian race. He said that as one who wa.s very far from being a strict Sabbatarian, but who was also very far from -being a believer in mere animalism as the true criterion of a man.;'--- ':■' :. . ■ '■-■ t ■, ■ •■ '

The Hospital authorities desire to thank Mrs William Coleman, Mrs Wood. Mrs Bates, Mrs Louis Myers, Mrs St Paul, Mrs H. Wallace and the Toffee girls for dolls, toys and sweets for use of children patients, and Mr A. Ividcl for several volumes "of. the ' Illustrated London Journal.' .

Inspector Cullen has received official notice that he will have permanent charge of the Auckland police dis.trict.. . ■ "

Amongst the Jspectators yesterday at the Calliope Dock was Moiisignor McDonald, who was much interested in fiie Maoris.

A three-roomed house at Ta.pu, belonging^ to.: John F. Ludwig, a miner, was destroyed by fire on the 23rd inst. The damage was estimated at £125, nothing.being*'.saved.:.- \

A united open-air meeting is to be held in Western Park on next Sunday afternoon, at which addresses will be given by Revs. Kelly and Clark. The brass bands of the Helping Hand Mission, the Union Free Church and the Central .Mission will take part. Evangelist "Robertson of Melbourne will speak, sing t and . conduct the meeting.

A- monster picnic to Henderson on Monday, January 2nci, ■is elsewhere announced in. connection with the Central Mission. A camp-meeting-in the afternoon will be conducted by Jihangelist Robertson. A train will leave at 8.30 returning at'4.3o and 7.30.

The Central Mission tent was crowded last evening- to hear Mr Robertson the evangelist. The address was from Isaiah 53, G, being- listened to with rapt attention." Mr Robertson is announced to speak to-night..jipon 'The fallacy of Conditional Immortality.' ' ' ■

A prisoner working at, the North Head forts effected his escape early this; morning and gave the garrison a good deal of trouble "before he was recaptured. The Permanent Arfllery,scoured the neighbourhood and nrlor three horirs discovered the man hiding in the furze. He was promptly t.iken into custody.-

Oh Christmas Day Miss Richards, of St. John the Baptist's Church, Parnell, was presented with a silver tea ser-

vice by the choir' and parishioners. Miss Richards has acted as organist for the past eight years, and is now severing- lier connection with it on the occasion of her approaching marriage. .The gift was accompanied by an address, to which Miss Richards suitably responded. ;:

As is notified in another column the Gladstone Coffee Palace "(late Marine Chambers) is now open to the public. The situation is convenient to railway and shipping, the furnishing is complete, and the dining rooms are large nnd comfortable. The* whole is under the immediate supervision of the well-known caterer Mr Harry Bennett. • :

One of the most popular outings .of the 1 < litlay season will be the picnic &i?cJ roving- regatta of the West End IJowJAg Club, which will again be held on the Tamaki. The fine favourite steamer Wakatere has been engaged to run two.trips, and the Waiotahi is to be in readiness should there be too many excursionists for the Wakatere on either trip. The rowing regatta will be a special feature of the outing, and the club have just received two more practice boats, which will be used at the regatta. The club have now six boats in all of this particular class. The prizes .(five silver watches), presented by Mr A. Kohn,"are on view hi his window during- tlie day, and at the Exhibition each "evening, and have.been greatly admired. The committee of the dub promise that no effort will be spared to ensure a pleasant,daj-'s outing for patrons.

Good News for Children, useful and ornamental presents for boys'. and girls' at half cost prices. Come and see. No charge in D.S.C., City Hall.— (Ad.) . ;

Those who could not get attended to on Christmas Eve at Geo. Fowlds' will have special attention this week (Ad.)'

Carpet Squares 3/11, 4/6,-5/11 each, Stair Carpet, sfd and 63d per yard.' Bedside Carpet. 1/6. Sale now on D.S.G, City Hall.—(Ad.)

Everybody . delighted with the beauty and cheapness of tennis shirts at Geo. Fowlds'.. White shirts with collars, 4/6.—(Ad.)

Visitors can save 25 per cent by purchasing their drapery, clothing, "and furniture from the D.S.C.. durin°- the Eemoval Sale now on.—(Ad.) ■

Great rim on straw hats at Geo. Fowkls'. Soiae choice lines left vet" Beautiful neckties and silk handkerchiefs.—(Ad.)

. Visitors, note—Men's Sox 3"pairs for If, Charley's Aunt Shirts 2/6, worth 4/11; Tillie and Henderson celebrated White Shirts 2/11, worth 4/11. DSC City Hall.—(Ad-.) . . '

Important to visitors: Smith and Caughey have made a special purchasp of 4200 \vards of job dress fabrics' which; they are selling- much under wholesale prices.—(Ad.)

0000 Articles suitable for Christmas presents for old and young-, now filing- at half cost price. Bring- your children and see our exhibition. DSC City HalL—(Ad.) " ' ■'

A very fine exhibition of colonial production can now he seen at the JJ.o.U, .who have purchased 'from the Ivaipoi Woollen Co., samples of all the goods they manufacture, including * en, s- youths' and Bciys' Clothing 0, Men s Underwear, Blankets, Eim-s Toadies' wear, etc.,. etc., at a very heavy discount. Now on Sale at :the City itbA^i cent; oif llsual price

5000 Yards of Print 2^l and 3M usual prices Gid and 7M; Dress Ser^e 42in. wide, all colours, C|d per yard Sale-now on. D.S.C.,City Hall.—(Ad.)

500 Mens' Suits, "all samples, fmm 18/11. Men's Singlets from 9d, White Callico from l/li doz. White Honey-