HARBOUR BOARD FINANCES.

Auckland Star, Volume XL, Issue 136, 9 June 1909, Page 4

HARBOUR BOARD FINANCES.

As the Chairman of the. Harbour Board told its members at yesterday's meeting, the steady growth, of its revenue is a subject for hearty congratulation. The total receipts of the Harbour Board from all sources last year amounted to over £141,000; and the net

revenue shows an increase of over £8,000 above 1907. The profit upon last year's transactions was £26,350, and after writing off f25,000 for depreciation, the Harbour Board starts the year with a credit balance of £21,380. The increases in capital value during 1908 amounted to over f 140,000, and the net value of the Board's property at the end of December Qast reached the huge total of £1,246,450. All this is very encouraging; but it etems to us that the Harbour Board will be all the better off for paying careful attention to the warning that Mr. Mitchelson introduced into ihis remarks nbout the flotation of loans. We agree entirely with the chairman that not even a buoyant revenue, and a splendM list of assets justify reckless -expent'iture in borrowed money; and we hope that the Harbour Board will follow the course that the chairman recommends, and confine its expenditure on loan account to the limit of £100,000 a year. This represents a large outlay on borrowings, for a public body that holds &o strong a financial position; and ue trust that the Auckland Harbour iioard will not be induced by over-con-fidence in the value and permanence of its resources to indulge in precipitate or ill-advised expenditure or the flotation of euperfiuous loans.

J The weather forecast supplied by the Rpv. D. C. Bates for 24 hours from 9 a.m. this day is as follows:—"Southeasterly moderate to strong winds; cool, changeable weather; probably very cold night; glass little movement: a change expected a.fter 48 hours." A police constable, giving evidence at the sitting of the Manukau Licensing Committee yesterday created some amusement by saying that before the Act relating to bona-fide Sunday traveller* came into force, it was customary to see traps of every description being driven out of Auckland through Ellerslie, along the Great South-road, "It was like a funeral procession," said the constable. "From 9 o'clock till 1 o'clock the procession kept up, men driving in every description of vehicle round St. Helier's, through Panmure, Howick. and Otabuhu." "Did they get liquor all tha way?" asked the chairman. "1 don't know.' , replied the witness, "but they had liquor in them, and 1 have seen kegs of liquor in the traps." '"Yes, and on returning they would want more liquor, as long-distance travellers, ,, added the sergeant of police, amid some laughter. A shunter on Railway wharf at Onehunga, named \V. Lincoln, had a narrow escape of being crushed to death yesterday morning. It appears that Lincoln was engaged uncoupling a train, when one portion went off the rails and skidded past him, jamming him between two carriages. Fortunately, the accident was witnessed by Mr. .7. J. Shaldrick and others and they came to his rescue. Dr.. Tresidder wag sent for and, upon examination, hn found that no bones had been broken, but that Lincoln was very much bruised.

The medal presented by his Excellency thp Governor for the best all-round boy on the Government training ship Amokura ha* been awarded to Petty Officer Gis>. Woods, of Aoroa (Kaipara). Woods, who is under Iβ years of age, has gained the highest marks for general efficiency arhongst all boys who have bppn over 12 months on the ship. The runner-up for the medal was Blair Cullen, of Gore, aged 10 years.

Mr. .T. T. Stephenson has received a letter from an official of the Royal Astronomical Sociely, which contains interesting information regarding Halley's oomet. The writer states there are. no further developments at present. There havo been one or two notifications of the comet being found on photograph plates, but these proved erroneous- The writes states he thinks Cowell's Cromnnilins have determined the orbit, and the perihelion distance is 0.34, while the earth is 1.0 The comet is expected to come witnin 121 million miles of the earth on May ISth, 1910."

At a meeting of the Kaipara Railway League last night (telegraphs our Dargaville correspondent), a resolution was passed urging upon Government the necessity of extending the Kaihu railway to Waima. It was further decided that a telegram be dispatched to Ml Stallworthy, M.P., asking him to arrange a deputation of northern and southern members, who recently visited Kaihu in connection with the Timber Commission, to wait upon the Minister for Public Works requesting the early extension nf the Kaihu-Waima section." There are about ten miles of partly-constructed works to complete, and the estimated amount required is about £10,000. The Minister for Public Works gave every encouragement when lip recently passed through the district on his northern tour, and if the railway is completed to Waima, millions of feet of standing timber will be miller! which at present is inaccessible.

The returns of hemp graded in the Dominion during May "show n total of 647H bales, an increase of 1114 bales on the corresponding period of 1908. The hemp graded for the 12 months ending 3Lst May was 7.5,470 bales, a decrease of 39.474 bales for the 12 months.

The question of a bankrupt's liability was involved in a civil action in whicii the Te Aro Loan Company sued G. H. Lusk for £29. it appeared that Lusk. while a bankrupt, signed a promissory note in renewal of a promissoiy note given before h e was adjudged a bankrupt. Dr. MrArthur held that tiie original note was n debt payable in bankruptcy, and that under section 13:2 of Hie Bankruptcy Act, the order of discharge released the bankrupt from that debt. Judgment was entered for defendant.

The output of coal from the mines of Westport district during May was 56.155 tons, and exports 52,721 tons. Of this latter quantity 4352 tons were shipped to foreign ports, viz., To Matupi 1328 tons, to Jaluit 1101 tons, and to Sydney 1770 tons. The Westport Coal Co.'s output for the month was 43,685 tons, and exports 40,736 tons; WestportStockton Company. 6591 tons and 6250 tons; Seddonville State Coal Company, output 4650 tons, and export 4510 tons.

The Westport branch of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants°is agitating for a grant of a half-holiday for surfacemen. The movement is receiving very general support from branches of the society throughout the Dominion. The executive will bring the matter before the Minister for Rail-ways.

At the meeting of the .Nbrthcote Borough Council last night, Cr. A. AVaterworth referred to the letter sent by the town clerk to the Birkenhead Borough Council, stating that the latters letter declining the offer of water at 1/ per thousand gallons by meter only, and submitting proposals for taking water on a partnership basis, was "received" fey the Northcote Council, whereas the minute read: "Received and referred to the Legal and Finance Committee." Cr. Waterworth said by the omission to state that the consideration of the letter was referred to the committee, an unfortunate misconception had risen in the minds of the Birkenhead Council, who were under the impression that negotiations had come to an end for the present. He thought the >error should be rectified. Cr. Van Veen moved that the town clerk be instructed to write a further letter to the Birkenhead Borough Council informing that body that their letter was not disposed of, but had been referred to tbe Finance Committee. He concurred with the remarks of Cr. Waterworth. Cr. Waterworth seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously, an amendment, moved by Cr. Hunt, to defer communicating further until the Council nad considered the letter and were in a position to reply to it, not finding a seconder.

The Auckland Art Society's exhibition ill Coburr-street was -well patronised last nighf The exhibition way open again this afternoon, and will be continued to-night, when refreshments will be dispensed by the ladies of the Society.

A lad aged eight years, son of Mr. John MouldPS. met with a serious accident at Kiritehere, near Kawhia, last Thursday. The boy found a detonator, and to show his younger brother and sister "'some fun" placed the cap in a lighted randlp. the result being a violent explosion. The boy was badly hurt, receiving injuries to hfl face, the ends ot two fingers weje hlown off, and many other marks -were left on his hands and body. The two other children also received minor injuries. Dr. Jenkins attended the sufferers, who are now progressing favourably.

At yesterday's meeting of the Harbour Board the report of the engineer respecting approval of two contracts for totara piles for the Railway wharf was an item on the list of business done at the previous meeting of the Board in committee, and awaiting the Board's adoption. Mr. Bradney, however, questioned the action of the engineer in the matter, desiring to know the reason of certain apparent discrepancies between the cost of two lots of piles. Mr. BraJney further moved that the item in question \>e referred back to committee, in order to enable him to obtain the opinion of an expert on the matter. If r. were fonud that the end justified, the means, the Board should pay for the expert's opinion, and if it were found that the end did not justify the means, he would defray the cost himself. It practically meant that Mr., Bradney was accusing their officer, the engineer, of collusion with the contractors for the supply of inferior articles, and -was not merely a reflection, but a, direct insult to the engineer, objected Mr. Xapier, and the motion was lost, the item being- approved as recommended. The latest reports as to unemployment show that in Auckland for the week ending June sth 43 married men arifl 106 single men registered their names with the Department. In Wellington during the same week there were 130 names registered, of whom 30 were married. In t'hristchurch 117 married men and' 44 single men registered, and in Dunedin eight applications -s-ere received from married men and four from single men. A number were assisted to work in each centre. During the present year a larger number of men is being employed on public works and Toads than in any year since .1904. These are the figures:—April, 1004— Public works, 2338; roads, 1563; —total, 3901. In 1805, 2197 and 2042:—total, 42: in. In 1906, 5127 and 2749;— total, 7876. In 1907. 3245 and 2126: total, 53T1. In IPOS. 3163 and 2673:—t0tal 1 sMfi. Tn 190!), 4616 and 4246:—t0ta1, 8862. The Premier points out that the Government has done its best to employ as many men ,->s possible on reproductive works. The Government has pushed on the contract for the Auckland Post Office, and proceeded with the foundations of the Wellington Post Office, and in other ways has met the situation. Those who assert that the Government is not in possession of proper information are entitled to their opinion, says the Premier, but the fact remains that the State-organised labour bureaux, if they dnn't completely reveal the whole extent of unemployment, are the only effective means of obtaining reliable information as to the general condition of the labour market.

The matter of the abolition of district courts in Xew Zealand -was yesterday brought before the Thames County Council by a deputation consisting of Messrs. Clendon and Miller (solicitors). Mr. Clendon remarked that the Thames Court had been a great convenience to the district, and had saved considerable expense, as many cases had been settled before it' which would have entailed much greater expense if taken before, the Supreme Court. He especially referred, in this connection, to mining appeals. At the request of the deputation, the Council agreed to support the protest of the profession throughout the district, °in asking the Minister to reconsider the matter.

Mr. J. H. Gunson ha.s given notice of motion as follows, for the next meeting of the Harbour Board:—"That a com s - mittee comprising the chairman, Messrs. \V. E. Hutchison, J. B. Macfarlane, W. J. Xapier, and the mover, be set up to carefully estimate the value of the Board's a-ssets; and that prior to presentation for audit purposes, all statements of accounts, eta, be submitted to the Board for consideration a.nd approval."

To-night, at the Leys Institute, Ponsonby, a competitive debate will take place between the Debating Society connected therewith and the Marist Brothers' Society. A representative team from each will discuss the question: " Who ha s done more good to humanity: the inventor or the statesman?"

An agency of the Bank of New Zealand will be opened at Taumarunui on Thursday, the lOth, and will be open thereafter on Thursday i n each week.

Cream nestling cloth, just received at McCullagh and flower's, 52in wide for child's coats, hats, etc., 3/6 yard; corduroy and plain velveteens, 1/3J to 3/3 yard; cream taffeta, 1/3J to 2/11; Cashmere and other children's cloths, all colours, 1/lli, 2/^.— (Ad.)

One of the Best.~A ready-to-wear suit in our make is one to look well in and to save money on.—Geo. Fowlds.— (Ad.) Ladies' winter coats, 12/11, 14/6 16/fi 1-/11, 18/6. 19/11 each, all new styles:' maids' nnri girls' cravenette coats 12/6 each; all maoks and rainproofs reduced for the sale.—Rushbrook and opposite the Town Hall site. (Ad.) Rugby Union Annual for 1909, price 6d., at si Star " Office and stationers.

An indignant letter fxom an irate land, lord was read at last night's meeting of the Epsom Road Board. " I am,"" he wrote, '• the owner of a house in Owen'sroad next to Mr. > s property, which I let, the rent from it being part of my mcome, so that I can ill afford to have it tJ "" Mr - ' *am told > has abou t 20 dogs, and the kennels are on! V about three yards from my house, and the incessant yelping is very annoyin<* to the neighbours. I have recently "lost a good tenant through the noise of the dogs, and fear I shall lose another." He asked if there was 'k by-law prohibiting people from keeping animals -which were a: nuisance, and if so would the Board enforce it? The hopes of the writer of getting the dogs removed were, however, doomed to disappointment, for the Board's foreman reported that there tvas no such by-law, and the Board could not do anything. There were 27 dogs o n the section in question, 11 of which were registered, while the rest were under the age of six months.

The inquest on the six-weeks-old infant which was found dead in bed by its mother on Monday morning was held at the Suffolk Hotel yesterday. The mother's evidence "was given, and Dr. Harding Porter stated it was quite possible the child died as the result of malformation of the heart and a slight hemorrhage of the lungs. A verdict of death from natural causes was returned.

It is often that witnesses in the Supreme Court box are visibly tangled in giving their evidence, but seldom that their difficulties with the authorities are accredited to tie tangling influences of a phonograph record. °But when a witness, -who is at present in custody, appeared this morning to give certain evidence, Mr. Lundon, by way of preliminary explanation of his unfortunate predicament, remarked: "You got tangled up trith some phonograph records, I believe?" And the questioned one replied in the simple affirmative; '"Tangled up with phonograph records!' What does that mean? I can understand being tangled up with barbedwire, but how can a man be tangled up with phonograph records?" inquired his Honor. "Oh, it was a little matter of trouble I got into over breaking some records. I got three months for it," elucidated the entangled one. Correspondence has passed between the Tourist Department and the Northcote Council with regard to the latter taking over Kauri Gully Reserve. In reply to the Council's application for a grant, in consideration of it assuming full control and responsibility of administering the reserve, the Commissioner of Crown Lands WTote offering £20 per annum for two years. This was not considered adequate by the Council. It was pointed out that the department -was at present employing a ranger, and would be relieved of this expenditure ty the Council taking over the reserve, in addition to which it was the intention of the Council to underscrub, make footpaths, etc., lay on the water, and make the gully attractive. Cγ. Hunt said thousands of visitors from Auckland and elsewhere visited the locality in the summer months. On the motion of Cr. Van Veen, seconded by Cγ. Fraser, it was decided to again -write to the Commissioner asking for an annual i grant of £40 for three years.

Advice has been received that Captain E. Crosby Roberts, RJST.E., of the, Whit« Star servire, has been appointed commander of the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company's B.M.S. lonic, vice Captain S. A. Arming, R.X.R. Captain Eoberts ■was formerly second officer of the old lonic, then chief officer of the Gothic, and latterly, among other vessels,, has held command of the Persic. Hβ is said to be- one of the most popular officers in the White Star service. The lonic is at present on her way from Plymouth to Wellington, and is due thereon the 15th inst.

Mr P.. B. L. Sabine Paslerg whose death was reeentiy reported at Rotorua. was born in 1832 in Westmoreland, Eng land. He was the second son of the late Admiral Sir Thomas Sabine Pasley, Bart, X.C.8.. who was the commander-in-chief of the fleet at Portsmouth. Mr Pasley was educated at Cheltenham and Haileybury Colleges, and passed the East Indian Civil Service examinations. He spent some years in Bombay in the East Indian Civil Service, and then returned to England. Afterwards he went to Australia, in the days of th~e Ballarat rush, and occupied a Government position in Victoria. He came to Xew Zealand in 1862. and was a short while in the Mackenzie Country. Canterbury. Then he took up an_estate in Southland, in which province he'&emained until 1907. Then he came to Rotorua, and resided there until the date of his death. He took an active interest in the Invercargill Athenaeum, and was for many years a member of the committee. He leaves a. widow and a family of four sons and three daughters.

Three-dome white kid gloves, 1/11; Dent's, in beaver and browns, 2/6; violet and navy kid, 3/11; long white kid 3/11; black ditto, 4/11: long eilk gloves, 1/6, 1/11. 2/6; fabric gloves, lOid., 1/-, 1/3, 1/6, up; special line of ribbed cashmere hose, 9*d.; superior ditto, plain or ribbed, 1/3, up.— At McCullough and Gower.— (Ad.)

Umbrella Weather.—Don't be caught by any showers; get a stick from our selection, 3/11 and upwards.—Geo. Fowlds — (Ad.)

At the great sale of Malcolm's warehouse salvage stock to-morrow, at 9 a.m., ladies' moirette skirts, 1/6J, 1/11, 2/11, 3/11, 4/11, 5/11, and better qualities at big reductions. Divided skirts, 1/, 1/6, 1/11, 2/6, 2/11, to 5/11. Grey and Ford, Ltd.. "The Old Beehive," Newton.—(Ad.)

Strong Jf.Z. flannel (unshrinkable), BJd yard. All flannels at clearance prices. Sale now on.—Rushbrook and Bridgman, Queen-street. — (Ad.)

For the smartest ready-to-wear costumes and jackets, fashionable style, fit and faultlessly cut, marked at lowest possible prices for the quality, don't fail to see ours. Inspection invited- No one pressed i?o purchase.—McCullagh and Gower for all-round value.— (Ad.)

Swagger items for young men. Dressy men will like our tasty designs in fancy handkerchiefs and sox.—Geo. Fowlds (Ad.)

Goods damaged by water only. The salvage stock of Robt. .Malcolm's, I>td., warehousemen, will be tired out et Grey and Ford's, "Old Beehive." Newfcon, tomorrow, at 9 a.m.—(Ad.)

Furs! Furs!— Our fine stock of boas, stoles, muffs and sets are clearing at greatly reduced prices. Sale now on. —Rushbrook and Bridgman, opposite the Town Hall site.—(Ad.)

Check 6kirts. plain coats. This stvlieh fashion can be carried out for 19/11. See robe lengthi, 19/U and 29/11, at McCullangh and Grower's; also the new woven "Sun-Ray"' striped robes, at 29/11 each.— (Ad.)'

Splendid assortment of veilings, in Russia and fisher net. in black, magpie, Nattier, fabric, brown, sky, emerald, moss, and bronze green, in plain and 6[)ot. from 1/-, 1/3, 1/6, 1/9. 1/11. 2/3, and 2/6 yard; complexion veiling, at 1/9, 1/11, 2/3, 2/6, to 3/6 yard.—MeCullaga and Gower for veilings.— (Ad.)

both bemg incarceratedl a< ter being released from W S^* comes in. She came South * l0 "f J** her friend, &£»* ed that the latter Tv as corrS?" with :her young mM in SvfcfeT^* ■M .Upprt Into ti. taX. ,t g£3r she in sore Medj Md *£** friend's name to the letter. S^? that the young man was overjoyed a?,, sent the money. J'V.wvand T *" J. It. Warburton Auditor and (W^rT , General,, E. J. CoUins {6 ec?eiStt Treasury), P. Heyes (ComSwrf Taxes), and W. R. Morris [UsiSf retary to the Post and Tewj£ partment) to examine the keeping the accounts ol ifce toStv partme-nts O f the pnWic object of determining -whether sibk to rearrange and simnlify tt.C cedure incidental theretoTird the cost .of administration, ana t&S late proposals for any may be deemed necessary. Hwedimfc tee is also to carefully consider thsX tive merits of the system? of <W» pre-audjf of accounts, aid. import thereon. ' —f ■•?'

Second Regiment Auckland- MfluaW Rifles held a most successful -m day at Hamilton on Monday uS« ?^ Te conditi °ns,- the Mtr-fie dUW rounds averaging 4.7 -per cent Ti» competition for the Regimental ShMJ ■held in the afternoon was troa V« squadron with 169 points, scores being: B Squadron, 157j D-&m*d. Ron, 149; E 139. an attack on the camp was succeisMv resisted. In the midst of a attack the horses stampeded, but w«* mV dued, the work being carried out h"«a excellent manner. The Hamilton High School CoßsiHied on Monday carried a resolution thaitht Board of Education. be : informe! that the committee never yet-asked for foe disestablishment of the District Jffigh School, as at no time las the atteadiace at the High School oeen such , .«. to qualify foj? disestablishment under- the Act, and in order to secure tie £3StO originally authorised by Cabinet in ■Dβcember, 1908, for the combined JMsfaiet High School and technical School at Hamilton, the Board be urged to-request the DepaTUnent of Education to proceed on the lin«s laid down by Mr. Hogben in a letter to the Board last December, wherein he stated that half the grant is on account of school buildings anil-half on account of technical school buildings. The headmaster's report showed: Koll numbers: Primary , school 400, secondary oojaiind attendances for May, , 333 and 46. "

Colonel Cooper, speaking at a meeting of ladies held in Ohrislciurcn, with, the

object of interesting them in the Yfllnn-

teer movement, said the ladies ehould realise what a powei* they might be ia the matter. For instance, every lady going into the ballroom could xefnse, ti dance with a man who did not wearthe King's uniform. If he (the epeak*T).'wre a woman he would sooner be; a ■".wall* flower' than dance with a man who had •not the inte-rest of the British nation at heart. They should instil the same in* timent into their daughters and tnsiii servants, and in les3 than two yean there would not be a- man in Njw 2«4> land who would not be himself if he were not a volmrmf.' Aβ'« result of the meeting, Mrs. Batcaelor, tin wife of Captain Batchelor. called a m«Sfc ing of ladies, ■who formed themselves inU a committee, and guaranteed to obt*U twenty recruits for the local corps...:

An Italian firm which supplies lwn&i oil to a Wellington company writes-froa Syracuse, Sicily:—*ln the face flf foal a calamity (the destruction of M«ssia»| the public* charity has proved very J*r£, A very large amount of money-iaisei throughout the world and forwarded to responsible persons in Italy-with a'vie* to help the homeless and distressed,.bill I regret to let you know that the iaonej of the public charity is wasting by tie responsible persons without thinking to the poor homeless. Most reluoUnUy. I have to say that the money is in : tl» hands of infidel persons who are doiiij, as customary in Italy, two weights and two measures, and most indeed I nay, say aloud that many a one overtaken b the terrible calamity have received no assistance whatever."

Ask your newsagent to show you a cop* of this year's fruitgrowers' number"-« tile "N.Z. Farmer." " ft.

Stacks of dress goods, all new, saait goods, will be cleared at big reduction! at Grey and Ford's great sale of fcobtMalcolnvs salvage stock, "THe Old ; B«» hive," Newton.—(Ad.) v

Dress nets for evening -wear. Double width, white, black, etc., 1/2J, 1/Sk 1/114. to 5/11; net robes and eequia overdresses, in great variety, from 35/9 to £6 12/6. —At McCullagh ' and Gower's dress department. —(Ad.)

Warm rug?, 2/2, 2/6, 2/8. 3/, 3/8 each. Swanskin crib blankets, IOAd each. All , nigs and blankets heavily reduced fortni sale.—Rushbrook and Bridgman, Queem street. — (Ad.)

Towels, direct from best maters. Honeycomb, 2Jd, 33d, 4|d; TuxkifjV brown and white, 4}d. 6|d, Bid, IQJa» 1/OA. l/2i, to 3/9; splendid value .in roller towelling, 4Jd, o|d, 6Jd, to -I/Hi; Dowla. Forfar, and patent yarn, 3!d, ojOf 7 }d, up. McCullagh and Gower for linens. —(Ad.) ' ,

A splendid range of blouses, m « Lirge variety of original styles and materials, in flannelette, delaine, win; cey, etc., 3/11, 4/11, 5/11, to 19/11. A fascinating lot of silk blouses in Mfr Cullagh and Gower's showroom. —(Ai)|

To Working Men.—Strong tweed shirts, 4/6. reduced to 2/11; heavy ribbed uncta* pants, 2/6 and 2/11; under flannels (nnshrinkable), 2/6; Cardigans, 2/11. S»' e now on.—Rushbrook and Bridgman, 0? posite the Town Hall site.— (Ad.)

Hosiery Hosiery. Hosiery. Hundrerls nf dozens of men's, women's, and children's sample hosiery, plain *>" fancy, all to be cleared at less tha-n warehouse price, at Grey and Ford's gr&H sale of Robt. Malcolm"? warehouse §&" vage stock. — (Ad.) Rugby Union Annual ±-: 1909, price 6d., at "Star , " GSk* ireationers,r