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Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 68, 19 March 1908, Page 4

The "Auckland Star" picnic takes place on Saturday. In order that all the departments may participate in this social gathering, advertisers are requested to send in advertisements intended for Saturday's issue to-morrow (Friday), or as early as possible on Saturday morn-

The following is Captain Edwin's weather forecast for 24 hours from 9 a.m. this day: " Moderate to strong winds from between west and south and south-east. Glass rise; weather probably much colder."

The collision between the Union Company's steamer Wairuna and the ketch Moonah in the Auckland Harbour on the night of the 10th inst, is to form the subject of a magisterial inquiry which will be held at Auckland at the earliest convenience of the officers of the steamer, now in Australia. The marine Department Las appointed Captains John Adamson and Geo. McKeuzie to act as nautical accessors.

Mr. Dinnie, Commissioner of Police, has decided to establish a crime museum. The articles he has already collected are arranged effectively and with explanatory labels in a large case erected over the mantelshelf in his office at Wellington. They consist largely of revolvers of various sizes and natterns taken from desperate criminals. A mask and an electric lamp make a very interesting memento of a Christchurch burglary. The mask is simple, yet effective; a piece of black rag, with tattered edges and two irregular holes for eyes, a paper covering for the head being attached to keep the mask in position. A story is connected with a revolver, electric lamp, chisel and file, which survive a burglarious adventure in Christchurch. The burglar might have been quite safe, but he left his fin-ger-print upon the chisel, and the tool, falliug into the hands of the police, effectively betrayed its master. A burglary at Ainberley, perpetrated by more than one man, who met with their due reward, yields for mementoes two very serviceable-looking revolvers, one of them accompanied by a bundle of six cartridges.

The paragraph in last issue referring to the finding of some female apparel on the river bank, with the possibilities under such circumstances of the disappearance of the owner (says the "Wanganui Chronicle") resulted in the party in question calling at the police station early yesterday morning. A statement was made to the effect that her action wa§ taken with the view of frightening a relative residing in a town on the Masterton line; that she did not think such prompt publicity would be given by the police to the Press; and, considering the hoax had gone far enough, desired to make the explanation as above

Notice is given that under the provisions of the Public Words' Act, 1905, it is proposed to execute a certain public work, to wit, the construction of a police station at Eden Terrace, and for the purpose of such public work it is intended to take an area of lr. coasted on the top of Grafton-road, alongside Seabrook's factory.

The initial meeting of the "Auckland Young People's Social Society " was held in a club room of the Federal Hall on Wednesday, the 18th inst, a number of young men and women being present. The organiser, Mr. C W. Buttle, gave a lucid explanation of his scheme, which was received with much approval by those present. The objects of the society are of a purely social character, to include members of both sexes. Booms are to be engaged, and all kinds of recreation to be indulged in. It was decided to hold a further public meeting on Monday next, the formation of the society to proceed from that meeting. Several ladies asn.il gentlemen present voluntarily subscribed to the funds of the society.

The Helensville Domain Board are determined to push forward the claims of the hot springs in that district. The proximity of these springs to the city, coupled with the fact that they are easily accessible by railway, must, when the virtues of these waters are better understood by the mass of the people, cause large numbers to visit Helensville in search of health. Formerly there was no accommodation at the springs, but now there is a nice little bathhouse fitted with six enamel baths, and tenders are now invited by the chairman of the Board for the erection of additional baths and bath buildings. When Sir Joseph Ward was at Helensville a fortnight ago, it was pointed out to him that there was an ample supply of water, and the Board had in contemplation the construction, when funde are available, of a swimming bath. An accommodation house has been erected close to the springs, which will enable visitors to reside near the bathhouse. Of course, to make these baths of the grea test value to invalids it is essential that an accommodation house should be erected in conjunction with a bathhouse, so that people do not run the risk of catching cold on their way back from the hot bath. The necessity for such a place was referred to by Dr. T. Hope Lewis at the opening of the present bathhouse.

While Mr. J. Balfour, an employee of Mr. Johnstone, storekeeper, of Otahuhu, was unharnessing his horses from a waggon in the yard, one of the animals became frightened and bolted, carrying the waggon pole with it out on to the main street and down the footpath. Opposite Mr. J. Hall's premises a dog ran out and was killed. The runaway was stopped at the lower end of tho township without any further damage being done.

At the Onehunga Police Court this morning, before Mr. E. G. Allsworth, J.P., a young man named Edward Donovan was charged with drunkenness. On tho application of Constable Smith, who appeared for the poiice, accused was remanded for seven days for medical treatment.

Tho Auckland City Schools' tenth annual boys' swimming carnival will be held in the Albert-street baths to-mor-row night. A good programme of 16 events has been arranged.

When Mr. J. Clarkin, of Paeroa, entered his stables yesterday morning, he found a man named John Mounts lj'ing on the floor unconscious. He informed the police, and Bununoned a doctor, who ordered Mount's removal to the Thames into the stable and harnessed the horse, and was tailing the horse out of tho Hospital. Mounts, whose work necessitates going out at night, evidently went stable when he got jammed, as his chest and face were badly bruised, and the back of his head was swollen a good deal, or, possibly, he had been going up to the left, and had fallen.

The result of the voting at the recent election for the representative of Labour on the Court of Arbitration, was as follows: ——McCullough, 125 unions, comprising 12,260 members; Slater, 110 unions, comprising 13,533 members. If, howover, informal votee are added (which include the railway votes), the result is as follows: —McCullough, 141 unions, comprising 10,041 members; Slater, 119 unions comprising 14,054 members.

At the Dannevirke Athletic and Cycling Club's sports moating, in the tiremon's two-men coupling event, B. Nuttail and H. Drinkwatcr put up a New -Zea.land record of 335. The previous best record for this event is said to be by the New Plymouth team at the Exhibition, viz., 35 4-ss.

In Messrs. A. Eady and Company's window in there is displayed the Besson Challenge Shield, the coveted trophy of all Brass Band's in the Dominion. The shield, which carries with it the championship of the Dominion, was held by the Wellington Garrison Band for four or five years; then Wanganui Garrison asseraed their supremacy, and became the holders for some years. At the Exhibition Contest at Christchurch in February, 1907, Kaikorai Band (Duncdin), gained the highest score in the aggregate, and the shield went to Dunedin. From the far South it has come to the far North, for the Auckland First Battalion Band returned home from >iew Plymouth a little over a fortnight ago with it in their possession, having gained the highest aggregate number of points for music in the selections and march. Thus, for the first time in the history of Auckland, it has within its gates the Champion Braaa Band, of New Zealand. There is no doubt that Bandmaster Mohr and his men will make strenuous efforts to retain possession of the shield, and a movement is on foot to assist them by forming a citizens' committee to take over the financial responsibilities of the band. The following officers have been elected by the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants: President, Mr. W. A. Veitch (Wangauui); vice-president, Mr. F. Hutchins (Invercargill); executive council, South Island —Messrs. P. J. Barry (Dunedin), J. McNab (Oamaru), J. Whitham (Greymouth), North Island—Messrs. R. Moore (Petone), T. Wilson (Palmerston North), J. Walker (Cross' Creek), S. G. Smith (New Plymouth); treasurer, Mr. R. Moore; trustees, Messrs. Lees, Ryan.

Among the most successful, public functions in connection with the Methodist Conference, which closed its sessions last week, was the rendering of the oratorio, "Elijah," in the Choral Hall, on the 2nd inst. The following resolution, in reference to this event, was inadvertently omitted from our report:—"That the cordial thanks of the conference be presented to Mr. E. J. Gatland (conductor), Mr. W. T. Sharp (organist), and the musical friends associated with them, for their very successful rendering of the oratorio, 'Elijah,' which provided a rich musical treat which will not soon be forgotten."

Referring to the action of the Hawke's Bay Education Board, regarding Bible reading in schools, the Minister for Education thinks that the Nelson system of Scripture lessons in State Schools must have led to a misapprehension in Napier. In Nelson the Bible is read in the schools to some extent, and the Scriptural teaching is done outside the State time, children not being obliged to attend the class. " That system," added the Minister, " has been adopted in several places, and as far as" I can see it does not conflict with the Act. So long as definite houra are given to secular instruction, the requirements of the Act are complied with, and the religious lessons are given by voluntary arrangement outside the ordinary school hours."

Up to the present 124 burnt-out settlers in the Wellington land district have been supplied with grass seed by the Government, or with orders to procure It. The amount represented is £5468. In the Blenheim district 16 applications have been granted, representing £ 1400.

Negotiations with regard to securing Mr. Strong's house *t Palmerston North as a residence for the Governor while Government House is being used for Parliamentary purposes, have not so far been successful. It is understood that the house is not large enough for the purpose.

A faint idea of what "compensation" under Mr. Balfour's licensing Act of 1904 means is conveyed in the recent announcement that the compensation authority for the City of London last month awarded £214,749 in respect to seventyseven hotels ordered to be closed up.

Ten years ago China possessed only two or three hundred miles of railway line in North China. Now she has 3539 miles constructed and in operation, 1285 miles under construction, and 4174 miles projected and sanctioned.

Owing to the overheating of' one of the sandpapering machines in Messrs. Tonson tiaxiick's workshop, in an outbreak of fire occurred yesterday. The flames were soon extinguished by the City Fire Brigade, the uaniage amounting to about £60 or £ 70.

In view of the decision of the Wellington Harbour Board to provide dry-dock-ing facilities for vessels of the Dreadnought type, and the report recently made by the engineer of the Auckland Harbour Board as to the cost of enlarging Calliope Dock, to suit the requirements of the larger class of vessels now frequenting this port, the following paragraph from an exchange is of interest: 'KSreat Britain's naval policy oi increasing the number and size of warships lays the foundation of a dock problem. With the exception of one private dock at Newcastle, and another projected at Grimsby, there is not one single British dock on the North Sea accessible to the new types of big ships, and the provision of one dock at Rosyth will not go far to remedy weaknesses in this direction. At the best, in the distant future, the British navy -will have but three docks for Dreadnoughts in the North ftea, where the German navy will have eight. A large vote for dock accommodation is as vital as a large vote for new battleships. England has here to make up much leeway, and to undo the consequences of four years' neglect of Rosyth—four years of accumulation of liabilities and responsibilities.

The boiling cauldron on the shoulder of Mount Tongariro is reported to have been in a state of violent eruption for several days last week, and at a distance of from 12 to 15 miles a huge column of steam could be seen issuing from the cauldron which bears the name of Katikati.

St. Bride's church picnic was held last Saturday at Patuniahoe. Arrangements had been made to provide the meals', and there was also a programme of sports, so that all present thoroughly enjoyed the outing. The Vicar (Rev. F. R. Harrison), before the picnicers dispersed, thanked all who had contributed towards the day's success.

At last night's meeting of the Trades and Labour Council, a committee was set up to go into the question of sentences passed upon prisoners, more especially as regards some recent cases. A welcome social to the Rev. A. A. Murray, lately ordained minister of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Altenroad, will be given to-morrow evening in St. Andrew's Hall, Lower Symondsstreet.

The Convention of the Women s Chris tian Temperance Union, which has just been concluded, has been a busy and a happy one. The garden party held yesterday at the residence of Hon. Geo. Fowlds, Minister for Education, was a great success. The fine weather added to the pleasure of the very large party of Convention members, local and other friends who travelled by a special train to Mount Albert. Some 200 or 300 guests ia all passed through the gate, and found great pleasure in social chat, and in strolling round the grounds. The inevitable photographer was in evidence, two groups being taken on the front steps of Mr. Fowlds' residence. Mot only were the host and hostess gracious in receiving so large a party, but a band was engaged by them to discourse sweet music, while the ladies and gentlemen were enjoying their promenades, or sitting on the croquet lawn or tennis court. Afternoon tea was also handed round for their refreshment, also kindly provided by Mrs. Fowlds. The proceeds of the entrance tickets are to be devoted to the furtherance of the W.C.T.U. work. The members of the Convention were highly appreciative of the generous hospitality and kindness accorded by the Hon. and Mrs. Fowlds, of Mount Albert. The Minister for Lands has informed Mr. Jennings, M.P., that the Commissioner of Crown Lands is at present preparing maps and schedule of land for settlement along the route of the Main Trunk line. Provision will, first of all, be made for the hundreds of men engaged on the construction works who desire to settle on the land.

The shortage of trucks is again being complained about. One architect, when asked this morning why a certain building was not being pushed ahead with faster, replied: "First, we were blocked for steel, but now the trouble is to get trucks to bring in the bricks. The customary complaints are also made about vessels being delayed at Onehunga owing to the sh.')rtai.'e of truck* to unload into.

Mr. Owen O'Conor, an English visitor to New Zealand, and a brother of the O'Connor Don, writing to Mr. T. E. Donne, manager of Tourists and Health. Resorts, remarks:—"l have no hesitation in saying that the Sounds as a whole come quite up to those of Norway, and that Milford even surpasses in grandeur and impressivenese anything Norway has to offer. I had a truly delightful trip, which came only too soon to an end. The climax to all is the Milford track. A finer piece of bush and mountain I have never beheld, nor do I think it would be possible to beat it in any other part of the world. No visitor, nor, for that matter, no New Zealander, can claim to know the country till he has visited it."

To-morrow is "Speech Day" at the Diocesan High School for Girls, Epsom. The Chancellor of the University, Sir Robert Stout, will be present at the function, and deliver an aJdress, proceedings starting at 3 p.m.

Messrs. Samuel Vaile and Sons hold an unreserved sale of freehold properties at their rooms, Queen-street, to-morrow, at 2 p.m., when they will sell a number of Onehunga properties, and also 208 acres seaside land at Waiau in the estate of the late Mr. W. T. Webb.

Last night the new parish hall erected by St. Stephen's Presbyterian Ohurea was opened by a concert and conversazione, which was well attended. The main body of the hall is 60ft. by 30 odd feet, holding about 300. It haa several useful class - rooms leading therefrom, a kitchen with every convenience for social requirements, the whole building having a fine appearance both in side and out. It cost about £800, and a pleasant feature i 3 the fact that, owing to the liberal donations of St. Stephen's people, it has been opened entirely free of debt. The Rev. Macaulay CaldweU presided, and an excellent programme was presented. The choir, under the control of Mr. Hardey, rendered, most eflectively, some part songs; solos were given by Misses McDonald, Biggs, and Hanna, and Mr. Manning. The Rev. Mr. Trotter gave a short address; and Mr. W. Steele a couple of recitations. During a.n interval, refreshments "were banded round, and altogether a most enjoyable evening was spent.

Gent's stylisE linen collars —exceptional value, 6d each, 5/C doz. See window. Smith and Caughey, Ltd. —(Ad.)