SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1899. AUSTRALIAN FEDERATION

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 29, 4 February 1899, Page 4

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1899. AUSTRALIAN FEDERATION

All the Premiers assembled at the Conference in Melbourne express themselves as satisfied with the amendments which have now been made in, .the Bill creating a Federal constitution, and they declare their conviction that the colonial parliaments will at last agree to the creation of an Australian Commonwealth. Mr Reid, the Premier of New South Wales, has hitherto steered such an uncertain course in relation to this movement that we cannot yet feel altogether sure of him;-but the result of the Federal poll on the last Bill, which was less favourable to New South than the present one, has not been lost on the Premier of that colony, and if he now throws himself heartily into the campaign on the side of federation, we have little doubt that the requisite majority will be achieved in the mother colony. It has, after all, been found impossible to improve upon the Braddon clause ensuring the several provinces a fixed proportion of the Federal revenues; but its operation has been limited to ten years, in the belief, no doubt, that the Federal Government will be finally established by that time, and the relations between the Provincial and Central authorities will have undergone such modifications as to admit of better and more permanent financial arrangements. The concession of the capital to New South Wales, although limited by the condition that it must be at least 100 miles from Sydney, and planted upon territory under Federal jurisdiction, removes one of the chief objections which was offered to the Bill framed by the 1898 Convention. -The other changes in the Bill are of a liberalising character, tending to reduce the power of the Senate over the popular chamber. The; smaller colonies relied chiefly upon the Senate's right of veto as a protection against undue interference by the Central Government with provincial autonomy, and probably Mr Kingston's reservation of the, amendedBill arises from a doubt whether South Australia will accept the amended clauses, under which a bare majority will decide when the two chambers sit together, and any bill twice passed by either chamber may be put to the popular vote. Still, the Federal spirit is so strongly aroused in. South Australia and Victoria that we do not anticipate any difficulties arising in those colonies. The concurrence of New South Wales and Queensland is less assured. We sincerely trust, however, that the result of these negotiations will be the early inauguration on the Australian continent of a united and vigorous Commonwealth.

Everyone -who likes a clever story of love and mystery should read 'The Bride Elect,' -which is commenced on page 2 of the 'Star' Supplement tonight.

Our Cycling notes appear to-night on page 6 instead of in the Supplement.

There ■will be a, meeting of .the Grey Memorial .Committee.at: ttie Municipal Buildings on Monday evening at eight o'clock.

The regatta rowing races, postponed from Anniversary Day, were to have been held in the harbour this afternoon, but owing to the rough water it was decided to-day by the Northern Rowing Union Committee to further postpone the races. The question of fixing the date for these events is now* in the hands of the Auckland Eegatta Committee, who will meet next Wednesday evening.

Bathers are warned that sharks are very plentiful in the harbour just now. To-day some men employed by Mr William's, fish, dealer, caught a shark which measured ten feet, in length. Another shark, which was hooked, but succeeded in breaking away, appeared to be about fourteen feet long.

Archdeacon Dudley, writing from Florence on December 7th to a friend in' Auckland, appears to be in very good spirits and says he is well. He had been three weeks in Rome and five days in Naples and was. just going on to the Continent.

A boy named Heath, of Karangahake, aged eight, who was committed to the Industrial School on Thursday, and had been in Sho.rtland Gaol waiting' an opportunity to be sent to Auckland, escaped from gaol last night. It is surmised that, he made his exit through a ventilator, and has gone to Paeroa. . .

Mrs Harrison Lee, the Victorian temperance worker, addressed a large meeting in the Church of Christ, Weststreet, Newton, last evenig, the subject being 'The House the King Built.' Mr G. Aldridge presided. Mrs Lee addressed the children, showing the effect of alcohol on the human frame, and afterwards denned the duty of parents to their children. In reply to a question Mrs Lee stated that instruction in temperance is now being given in all the Australian colonies in the schools.

Rev. J. Walter is announced to give farewell addresses at the Central Mission to-morrow.

Morris Copeland, trading1 as M. Copeland and Co.. Merchants, yesterday afternoon filed a petition in bankruptcy.

The Rev. R. Wilson, formerly of Mt. Eden Methodist Church, has been appointed to the charge of the Unsectarian Gospel Mission, Foresters Hall, iNewton. The inaugural meeting1 takes place to-morrow evening- at 7 o'clock, when Mr Wilson will give an address on ' The Greatest Question of the Day.'

The premises of Colegrove and Co., tea merchants, Fort street, very narrowly escaped total destruction .by fire yesterday afternoon. At about four o'clock a quantity of smolce was seen issuing from their mixing and drying department, where it wai> found some 300 or 400 paper bags had caught fire from a gas stove. For tunately Mr Colegrove was near and quickly battled with it and succeeded in confining the fire to the drying cupboard by means of a sail cloth. The iire was afterwards extinguished with a few buckets of water without outside help,and beyond the rather severe blistering of Mr Colegrove's hands but very little damage resulted.

Mr T.. Hutchison, S.M., will hold a court sitting at Otahuhu on Monday next in order to hear claims for old age pensions. Sergeant Greene, of Onehunga, is Deputy Registrar, and will be in attendance. Captain Jackson, S.M., will sit at Mercer, Pukekohe, Waiuku and other -townships to hear other claims for old age pensions.

Mr Histefl, well-known in drapery circles, announces by circular enclosed in this issue, that on Monday next he opens his new drapery business in Ponsonby, near the Three Lamps. The stock'is perfectly new, and selected with Utmost care, both as to style and prices. The public are invited to step in and view the materials in rich profusion in every department. Mr Histed means to make a name for his shop, arid the prices are marked at the lowest.

Last, evening" a social and tea to formally welcome the Eev. R. H. Lambley, M.A., who has recently come over from Melbourne «vith a view to reporting upon the condition of the Auckland Unitarian Church to the British and Foreign Unitarian Association, was held in the Church, Pittstreet. At the 'musical evening,'' the Rev. Lambley presided. The following programme* was gone through: — Trio, (piano and 'cello), Miss Leech, Mrs Newland, and Mr Parkin; song, Mr Wilkie; cornet solos, Mr St. John; song, Mrs Macklow; recitation, Mr Simpson; Violin solos, Mr Hood; song, Mr Waters; song, Mrs Leers; song, Mr Peace. Mr Lambley will preach twice next Sunday, and lectiires also in the church on Fridajr evening next,

An amusing incident happened during the progress of Messrs Colegrove and Co.'s fire yesterday. Their premises adjoin those of Brown and Stewart, and lately, under instructions from the Inspector of Factories and the Superintendent of the Fire Brigade, a trap-door was cut in the floor of Brown and Stewart's factory just over an unused stairway in Colegrove and Co.'s. This was to be the exit should the main staircase in Brown and Stewart's catch fire. The girls from Brown and Stewart's made for the trap-door when the alarm of fire was given, and dropping down through the trap, tumbled over empty tins, boxes, etc., all over the place. Had the fire not been suppressed the result might have been Aery serious, as all these girls would have been precipitated into the fire. They no doubt thought as the new exit was handy they would try it, instead of coming out in the usual way.

The social given in the Public Hall, Panmure, under the presidency of Monsignor McDonald, last evening, resulted successfully. The music was everything that could be desired, while the refreshments supplied by kind friends met with appreciation" on the part of the audience. Monsignor McDonald, in his opening remarks, referred in a very happy manner to the unique gathering of old colonists,yesterday at the Exhibition buildings, and did not fail to say some kindly words in reference to the great care bestowed on the numerous friends who came from all quarters, and which was so, much appreciated.

Mr and Mrs Boult notify by advertisement that they will be in attendance at their rooms, A.M.P. Euiid-ing-s, from 11 to 1 o'clock each day next week, for the purpose oC receiving intending- pupils. Mr Boult's capabilities as a imisieian are already known in this city, he having- resided here for the past couple of years. Mrs Boult, who arrived by the Waihora this week', will in future take the pianoforte pupils. Upon leaving- Adelaide, Mrs Boult. was given a great farewell, at which she was presented with an address by the Acting-Gover-nor. Mrs Boult was educated at the Berlin Consefvatorinm,

• Another excellent pcx-formanco oi Me Harry Rickards' clever variety company ' was given in the Opera House last night. The various songs, comic sketches, etc.. were most successful, and there were numerous encores. Mr Bellman and Miss Lottie Moore appeared in a very amusing musical sketch ' A Season in Acting, in which the dialogue and acting, a.» well as the comic songs, were most diverting. The clever burlesque ol Antony and Cleopatra was specially funny' and caused a great laughter. Miss "Moore earned loud applause her splendid dancing. The cosier songs of Mr Rickards and the light nin<>- changes and ventriloquistic feats of Biondi were also highly appreciated and were exceedingly clever. Ine last performance of the company wiii be given this evening,when a specially attractive programme will be submitted.

This morning at the Police Court, a well dressed woman of very respectable appearance pleaded guilty to stealing a quantity of articles trom the shop of Messrs Smith and Caughey, drapers, Queen street, of a total value of £1 1 l/7i. Sergeant'Clarke said the woman's conduct was inexplicable; she had always been known as an honest, respectable woman, and as she was in regular employment there was nothing to drive her to theft. The accused was unable to explain why she had stolen the things. Mr Brabant, S.M., took a lenient view of the case, in view of the prisoner's previously good character, and admitted her to two months' probation. Joseph A.Morris was charged that with intent to defraud he did obtain 20/ from James Carson by false pretences, to wit, by pretending that he was authorised by the Sun Fire Insurance Co. to effect insurance on their behalf. The case was remanded till the Bth inst., accused being allowed bail, self in £40 and two sureties in £20 each. For drunkenjiess, Margaret Summers was fined 10/, or 48 hours; Margaret Braslin, 40/ or 7 days', while Annie Dunn was sent to gaol for a week. Two first offending 'drunks' were discharged. A small boy named Frank Herbert Nicholls wras committed to the Auckland Industrial School on the application of the Charitable Aid Board.

A meeting of the Executive Committee of the Franklin Agricultural Society was held on Thursday evening, Mr Ge*orge Ballard (president) in the chair. After the correspondence and several minor matters had been disposed of, the President stated the result of an interview held with Mr Grant, the traffic manager at Auckland, and after discussion it was decided that a guarantee be given by the Society for a second excursion train, leaving Auckland about 1 p.m., to arrive at 2.30, returning at .7 p.m., the riding competitions, bicycle and foot races to commence immediately on arrival of the train. „ sub-committee was appointed to carry out the sports programme. Arrangements have been made by the committee to provide seats for the visitors. The committee are doing their iitmost to make preparations for the pleasure and comfort of the expected visitors, the Sports Committee subsequently drey/ up their programme of events," which will include ;he riding and chopping competitions. .It also provides for bicycle and foot races, and will make a very attractive addition to the day'i proceedings. '

Mr T. Harle Giles' business? and J training" college, Lower Symonds street, has re-opened. . Pupils are. enter ingl freely and ; the college..bids fair to start with a considerably'increased roll number. 'A special characteristic of the college is that individual instruction is given and backward pupils receive the most careful attention. Mr Giles lias secured the services of Dr. MeArthur, who will attend the college on special days and evenings throughout the year, to give instruction in examination subjects. Dr. McArthur also prepares for the various teachers' examinations by correspondence. Pupils are prepared either for business pursuits or for, the various professions. ' The certificates issued by this college up to and including the Sixth Standard are accepted in all departments of the Government service, hence it is not now necessary for parents to keep their children at the primary schools in order to pass the higher standards. No special terms are kept in this college, the quarter begins from date of entry. Mr Giles will be at the college on Monday next at 9.15 a.m. to seft parents and enrol new pupils. Prospectuses may be had from Mr G. T. Chapman's, stationer, Queen Street, or on application to the principal. To-morrow steamers will leave the Ferry Tee for the fishing grounds, Motutapu Island, and St. Helier's Bay, particulars as to t; acs of leaving for same being published in another column. Mr MacDuffi Boyd, Professional Violinist, Karori Road, Wellington, writes: 'I have suffered for year • from indigestion, dizziness, and headache. I have tried everything in the shape of patent medicines ana have found no relief. I have the greatest pleasure in saying that I have tried Nurse Woodward's Health Syrup, and found, after using one bottle, instant relief, and would recommend it to all those who suffer from this most troublesome affliction, especially professional musicians.'—(Ad.)

•As for C.S. Corsets; cloclr-spring steel practically unbreakable. All drapers.—(Ad.) ...."".

You can procure a Man's All-wool Serge or Tweed Suit for 13/11- during Smith & Caughey's Summer Fair.— (Ad.) ; ..

Furniture Sale.—Our great furniture sale is such a success that we have decided to keep it on for a few days longer—only a few, mindr^-ou.— Tonson Garlick Company (Limited). —(Ad)

Fowlds' great clearance sale is still on. Don't miss the opportunity of getting a first-class suit to measure for 55s. —(Ad.) .. .

Immense reductions have been made in Gents' Summer Clothing at Smith <fc Caugbey's Great Summer Fair; a Tennis Suit for 5/11. —(Ad.)

The stock must be cleared out. Silk handkerchiefs, 3d, 6d, 9d, Is; men:s belts, 4d each; boys' collars, 3 for Is, at Fowlds' great clearance sale.—(Ad.)

Smith & Caughey are selling to-day a- line of Boys' All-wool Cream and Cardinal Serge Blouses for 1/11 each, usual price 5/11. —(Ad.)

Portmanteaux reduced to 7s 6d; hard felt hats reduced from 4s lid to 2s Cd; soft felt hats reduced from Is lid to Is, at Fowlds' great clearance sale. (Ad.)

Just Arrived.—A large shipment of Japanese furniture; being later in the season we are selling it off at a great discount to clear before stock-talcing. —Tonson Garlick Company (Limited).