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Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 172, 21 July 1903, Page 4

A deputation from the Acclimatisation Societies' Conference waited on Sir J. G. Ward at Wellington yesterday, and placed before him the resolution carried nt Saturday's meeting. Sir Joseph, in reply, said it was intended to fix the period for shooting game from May 1 to July 31. The December shooting season would commence on December 1 and end on March 1. The fishing season would be changed from October 1 to April 15. The necessity of arranging more seasonable dates for Otago and Southland would be considered.

Mr Seddon, the Premier, wrote to the deputation of women which interviewed him upon sly-grog selling at Kawhia that he had made full inquiries into the allegations, and found that the. police were doing all in their power to suppress the traffic, and had secured many lonvietions. Their vigilance would not li« relaxed. A meeting of the deputation was recently held at Kawhia, Mr -Tames Scott presiding, and when the letter had been read the opinion was expressed that in spite of police prosecutions and severe penalties, the illicit '. ale of liquor continued in Kawhia, several ladies adding that when on the way to the meeting they had seen noisy, intoxicated men in various parts of the township. It was also stated that two women had been assaulted, and one thrown into the mud by drunken men. The speakers urged that prohibition, pren with the careful supervision of the tolicc. was a failure, ns while suspected tellers were being watched, a big trade was beinpj done by the unsuspected per

sons. The only c fleet of prohibition was to decrease the quantity of liquor and increase its adulteration, so that it maddened those Avho drank it. The •meeting unanimously passed a resolution strongly urging the Government to orant State control of the liquor trafik in the district.

The special committee appointed by the City Council to consider the state of the roll and alleged irregularities at the last election held a public inquiry last night, when remarkable statements were made. The difficulties in polling, especially for the Mayoral contest, were described, and allegations of wholesale illegalities in the preparation of voters' claims were made by Mrs Agnea E. Xicol, who supervised the canvassing on behalf of the Tramway Company. She alleged that 400 claims, which were colLectecl by a canvasser not on the roll, and therefore unable to witness them, were taken in batches to a certain person and signed, not in the presence of the applicants as required by the Act Mrs Nicol said that she supervised 3000 claims, and 700 or 800 more were collected by Tramway Company canvassers in the South Ward. The inquiry was adjourned until Wednesday.

The Tramway Company has notiiied the Parnell Council that instructions had been given for the repair of the roads in the Parnell district as early as possible. The Company's contractors had notified that they would have the matters referred to attended to, although they did not think that the settling of the stones was a matter for which they were responsible, being occasioned by the roadway outside the track area not being made up properly. This has reference to the crossings complained of.

Standing on Mount Victoria, and looking either east or west., the eye is met Avith a prospect hardly equalled m any other part of the colony. The sweeping lines of Kangitoto, the many islands and the stretches of blue water, backed by the serrated (Joromandel ranges on the eastward, and the long reaches of harbour punctuated with many points, built on almost to the water's edge, on the westward, are full of charm. These views appear in this week's "Graphic," together with several other pages of views, which show what marvellous strides the .North Whore lias made of late years. This week's "Graphic" would be worth seeing for this series alone, but it bristles with points of interest. There is a splendid fullpage portrait of the late Pope, a special supplement of the America Cup challenger, Shamrock 111., original sketches of that genius, Mark iiambourg, and his brother Boris (which were drawn from life by Heir Dittmer, at the Wanganui concert, and will serve as pleasing little mementoes of a memorable visit), and there are dozens of other photographs dealing with current events and subjects which cannot fail to interest.

The Minister for Lands states that as arrangements for the acquisition of the .Vlcunt Vernon Estate, in Hawke's Bay, cannot be made with the owners, the question of price will have to be settled by the Compensation Court. It is intended to endeavour to come to an agreement as soon as possible with the lessees of the Tamaki block, Dannevirke, of 34,000 acres, which will be thrown open for settlement.

The Onehunga Borough Council, after discussion in committee last evening, decided that all employees in the service of the Council receive one month's notice, excepting the town clerk, and that he receive three months' notice. It is understood the intention is to reorganise the borough employees and make certain alterations in the present staff.

The Parliell Council last night resolved to ask the City Council to urge on the Tramway Company the necessity for making some other arrangements for the changing of the College Hill cars at Cuetoms-street. in place of the present system of crossing them on the Parnell section, a method fraught with danger and inconvenience to the Parnell travellers. James Douglas, a lnd aged seven years and a half, son of Mr. J. F. Douglas, of Waihao Downs, was drowned on Sunday afternoon in the Waihao River, near Waimate. The boy got on to thin ice, and the ice gave way, and he went under. His sister gave the alarm, and several men, who were about 200 yards away, rushed to spot, and saw the boy clinging to the ice, but before they could get to him he was drowned. At the inquest the jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally (U owned." The Hobsoii Bay Domain, nt Jilaclcett's Point, for which Mr Ashley Hunter in JB9O drew up an elaborate plan for a picturesque park, is to receive some attention before the coming spring. This is the result of a motion brought before the Parnell Council by the Mayor (Mr J. Fitt) last night, lie proposed that the park at Blackett's Point be planted with trees before the spring, and he pointed out that the Council was deriving a good deal of revenue from the domain. It was also pointed out that the fund had £50 to credit just now, and the revenue was about £150 a year. It was laid down by another member as a principle to be followed that money received from the public reserves should be expended in improving those reserves as public resorts. It was urged as an objection that the trees would be destroyed by the small boys, but this was got over by providing that the trees should be protected by fences. More police surveillance Avas also desired. In the present state of the iinanees it is not possible to proceed with the laying out of the park with ilower-beds, nor could it be done till the borough was prepared to appoint a caretaker. It was decided at the same time to clear the Brighton reserve of weeds. A committee consisting of Messrs. Jf'itt, ±Sasley, Thomas. Beale, and Briggs was appointed to carry out the work with the assistance of a landscape gardener.

Mr Cameron, Government Produce C'ommi-sooner, has been endeavouring for some time to have frozen meat exported from New Zealand branded in such a manner that the frauds now committed daily in the Home markets, inferior meats being palmed oil' as New Zealand, will be put a stop to. The brand he recommends is an indelible ink mark consisting of the word "M.Z." under a crown and the Imperial monogram. Yesterday a number of M.H.R.'s visited the Gear Meat Company's works, where Mr Cameron exhibited a number of carcases of sheej so branded, explaining that under the present system the tags attached to the sheep are collected by unscrupulous dealers and. placed on poorer qualities of mutton, which is then sold as New Zealand., to the detriment of the trade of the colony. Mr Cameron wishes his brand to be used throughout the colony, all the larger joints in sheep and cattle being so branded. The ink does not damage the quality of the mutton in the slightest, and does not fade out in the cooling chamber. The members viewed Mr Cameron's idea very favourably, and probably it will be carried into effect.

In a circular letter soliciting support for the Auckland Orchardists' Fruitpreserving and Packing Company, now being promoted, Mr J. H. Maekie, secretary of the Auckland Fruit - growers' Union, says: "Up to the present time the applications received, and to follow, are now in the neighbourhood of two thousand shares, and there is every prospect that the Government will liberally support the efforts of the company to start on a sound financial basis, and provide the assistance of up-to-date experts in the conduct of the business in view. It is hoped to have the company in working order before the next fruit sea-

The Onehiinga school began its work as a District High School only about three weeks ago, but it has already received 90 pupils for secondary school instruction. The energetic master lately engaged to supervise this division of the school has hitherto been coping with this large number of pupils single-handed. Next month, however, an assistant is to be appointed to help Mr Winter. The great success that the school has already attained in attracting so large a number of pupils is sufficient proof that it was urgently required in this district.

The township of Birkenhead is being increased by the erection of new shops, and at Mayfield there are three houses in the course of erection.

A large octopus was recently seen under the Chelsea Wharf, climbing up ono of the stringers. A blow from a piece of timber drove it off.

The following is Captain Edwin's weather forecast for 24 hours from <J a.m. this day: "(Strong winds to gale from between north-east and north and west, glass fall, expect rain."

Plans have been submitted to the Grey Lynn Council by the city engineer for a proposed culvert to replace the present ricketty bridge that spans Cox's Creek at the foot of Kichmond - road. The estimated cost is £850, of which each council bears half. The proposal is to put in a culvert that will be a permanent one, but only to make the road for a width of about 30 feet, and to the present level of the bridge. Mr Farrell contended that the road, if not at present made to its full width, should be raised to the permanent level, to save waste of metal. Mr Lundon argued that as £4000 had been spent on the Great North-road foimation £2000 should be expended co make the Richmond-road culvert a good job, and raise the road to its permanent level. The Mayor (Mr J. W. ShackeJford) pointed out that the City Council had full control in the matter. Finally the matter was referred to a committee to meet the city engineer on the ground and discuss the plans.

At St. Patrick's Cathedral this morning solemn requiem mass was celebrated by the Rt. Rev. Monsignor O'Reilly, of the Thames, for the rejjose of the soul of the Late Rev. Fr. Croke. Fr. Buckley acted as deacon, and Fr. Holbrook as sub-deacon, and Fr. Gillan was master of ceremonies. In the sanctuary there were also present Revs. Fr. Patterson. Adm., Purton, 0.5.8., Furlong, Tormy, Keogh, King, O'Hara and McGuinness. The children's choir supplied the music. The altar and church were draped in black for the occasion.

James Kirwin died at the Waihi Hospital yesterday as the result of an accident to his spine some two months ago while working at the company's waterrace. Deceased was 69 years of age.

Mr Roger W. Kingdon, a well-known solicitor, and a son of Mr Samuel Kingdon, a pioneer and lawyer of Nelson, died on Saturday night at the early age of 44, of heart disease. He leaves a considerable amount of property, having been concerned in numerous local enterprise;?. With reference to the paragraph in our issue of yesterday as to the slippery state of Queen-street yesterday morning, we are informed by a representa Ire of the Neuehatel AsphaLte Coni-j-any that this state was caused by the fact that, the street had not been cleaned on Saturday or Sunday owing to the excavations made for lifting the tramlines. It the street is not kept thoroughly clean it will be slippery. At the Thames Court yesterday, before Mr R. S. Bush, S.M., James Lidgard, Harold Hayward, and Charles and William Taylor, four fishermen, were charged witn having in their possession ou the 7th hist, certain flounders under the regulation size of 9in. Defendants pleaded not guilty. After hearing the evidence His Worship cautioned the defendants, and dismissed the informations on the accused agreeing to pay the costs of the prosecution, Lidgard and Huyward paying 27/ and the two Taylors 18/. Lidgard and Hayward were also charged with having "stalled" fish with their nets whilst fishing on the Piako mud flats. Defendants pleaded not guilty. The magistrate deferred his decision until August 3, and stated tha.t if the power had been in his hands he would have ordered the return of the boat and nets which had been confiscated by the inspector. The inspector said that after such a remark from the Bench he would recommend to the proper authority that the boat and nets should be returned to the owners.

The amendment carried by the Grey Lynn Council at its meeting a, fortnight ago asking the Tramway Co. to grant various concessions as a consideration for signing the trust deed has not resulted in any settlement so far, as at the council meeting last night a letter was read from Mr P. M. Hansen stating that the company* could not agree to the new terms asked for. Amongst the concessions asked was that half fares should be charged for children on all the lines at present constructed, or laid down in the future, also a 'bus service to connect the present terminus (Arch Hill) with the Ponsonby circuit. The company previously agreed to half fares on the existing line, but the other conditions have not been accepted.

To-morrow night will be given the first of the two extra concerts by the prrat' pianist, Mark Hambourg. The event of the evening will be his playing iov the first time in NeAV Zealand Rubinstein's magnificent "Concerto in D Winor." The orchetral accompaniment u:ll be played on another piano by Mr '•eorge Boyle. Another great attraction will be the repetition by special request of Chopin's "Sonata" in B flat minor, including the Funeral March. Mark Tiambourg will also play Liszt's "Rhapsoc'ie No. 2." The remaining items will roach the same high level as all that tbe great pianist and his company have pat before the Auckland public.

A 'bus will leave the Waverley Hotel n.t S p.m. on Thursday for the Reinuera JYlo Club's Ball.

Fox's vicuna suits, pure indigo dye, to measure, 79/6, perfect fit and best workmanship, at Smith and, Caughey's great fair.—Ad.

Our country readers are reminded that they can get tip-top creamy Ceylon farmings at 1/ per lb from John Earle and Co., direct tea importers, Queen-st. —Ad.

Men's tweed trousers, reduced to 2/11, 3/6, 3/11; men's all-wool Kaiapoi tweed suits, usual price 29/G, to be cleared at 14/11 during Smith and Caughey's great fair.—Ad.

Bargains in mercery at Milne and Choyce's clearing sale; white kid gloves 9d pair, all sizes, usual price 1/11 and 2/6 pair; fashionable silk neckties clearing at 6d, 1/ each, usual prices 1/9, 1/11, 2/6; boys' shirts, up to 12 years, in flannelette and Oxford, at 1/ each. —Ad.

Gentlemen will find Smith and Caughey's clearance fair a splendid opportunity for purchasing rain coats and mackintoshes at greatly reduced prices; Chesterfield coats from 13/9.—Ad.

We have extended our premises to make room for increased business. Come and see our splendid stock of furniture. —Simmonds and Spragg, Newton. —Ad.

Immense reductions in boys' clothing during Smith and Caughey's jfreat fair; D.B. reefers 3/11, covert coats 5/6, Talma coats, mackintoshes and tweed overcoats all reduced to clearing prices.—Ad.

Woodware, wire mattresses and upholstery, own manufacture, best value —Simmonds and Spragg, Newton. — A-α

Felt slippers will be cleared out n very low prices; we are marking ihn

regardless of cost, as they nr.'.at

cleared.—Smith and Caughey's C!v

Clearance Fair. Now on.—Ad