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Auckland Star, Volume XL, Issue 213, 7 September 1909, Page 4

The following is Mr. D. C. Bates' weather forecast for 24 hours from 9 a.m. this day:—"Moderate to strong westerly winds; expect unsettled and cloudy weather; glass fall slowly.' .

In order to bring the telephone system up to date, the Telegraph Department has completed the work of substituting lead-covered cables for those formerly in use. It is now contemplated to lay underground rabies in Shortlund, Queen, Swanson, and Fort-streets, where the mass of wires overhead is becoming too great.

A Maori marriage contracted aeeor.ling to native custom does not carry with it thp benefits or disabilities of t'ae Destitute Persons Act. So decided Mr. C. C. Kettle, S.M-, at the Police Court this morning. The matter which raised tin: point was an application for the rehearing of a case in which a maintenance order had been made against Pa ho Pai for the .support of his wife and family. His Worship gave it as his opinion that the Court's jurisdiction was confined to marriages solemnised according lo New Zealand and British law. Maori marriages were recognised in the Native Land Court. He advised the natives that they should apply to their member lo bring the matter before- the House, if they dosire an alteration in the law. While the case was being dismissed Mrs. Xikorimn, who was acting as interpreter, received a telegram from Mr. Carroll, ami when the Magistrate read it, he said his opinion was supported by that of the Xativa Minister. The re-hoaring wa> granted, and the proceedings quashed. Mr. A. K. SkeltOn appeared for the defendant.

As a result of the recent negotiations between Parnell Borough Council and the ! City Council on the question of an im- ; proved water supply to the borough, the. j Waterworks Committee of tlie l'nrnell I Council reeomniPiided Inst night: '"That the City Council be informed that in view i if its decision that it cannot agree to \ lay a 6in main from Khyber Pass reser- ! voir to supply Parnell, this Council, upon I reconsideration, agree to the city's pro- j posal. and request that the city as soon as i possible give Parnell an increased supply ! by means of the enlarged main to be laid in the Grafton district." The recommendation was adopted. j

The remarks of Mr. .Justice Edwards in tlie case hoard at, Auckland, relating to the standard of care expected from tramway conductors, were referred to wiLh approval by Mr. J. A. Flcsher at a meeting of the Christehureh Tramway Board yesterday. Mr. Fleshcr said that in Chrislchurch some of the conductors were not as careful as they might be in regard to the safety nf passengers, and he' would like to see the judge's observations printed and included in the rule book issued by the Board for the guidance of conductors and motormen. Mr. Flesher moved in that direction, and the motion was seconded by Mr. \V. Reeee and carried. At ls«t night's meeting of the Areli Hill Road T>oard tin- chairman. Mr. .1. Jenkin, reported as to the st-eps that had recently been taken by the Drainage Board in connection with the Arch Hill Gully drainage scheme. He s.iid that the estimated cost of the scheme, which sonic years ago promised to run into about £ had now dwindled down to about £tfooo. The space that the district would use would hi' only about that of a 6in pipe, and the Board's j-hire of the interest on the, C.i 00.000 loan would bo about fid in the i' on the Board's annual valuation. He thought il would be disappointing to have the work done as now proposed. It was decided to advise the Drainage Board that the Arch Hill Board agrees witli the, resolution pass?d at the joint meeting of local bodies, held at Eden Terrace recently. Wellington supremacy in the athletic field on Saturday has not escaped the editorial notice of the daily papers. The "Post" makes this reference to the matter: "About a year ago Auckland had all four shields, and the topmost city of New Zealand geographically was indeed 'suprema a situ/ Wellington can ungrudgingly give the rival city hearty praise for its prowess in the arena of amateur sport by having possession of the four trophies simultaneously. The Northern centre established a record very difficult to equal, and it stands as a perpetual challenge to the other centres. It is not likely that Wellington will enter a challenge for the Ranfurly Shield this season, and it is thought that Canterbury will lie the strongest competitor for the Plunket Shield in the summer, but Wellington, with two shields as an extra incentive, may well make a vigorous endeavour to increase the number. This healthy rivalry on the field of play may have effects far more extensive than the earnest contesting athletes realise. Experience has often proved that rivalry in one department of activity fosters rivalry in another."

"A man has no right to be hanging about billiard rooms, and shouting br-er for his friends when his wife and family are in want of support," said Mr. Kettle at the Police Court this morning, "and when a man comes and tells mc he has been doing this, he goes to gaol." This remark was called forth by defendant in a maintenance, case producing a book of his expenditure, showing among other things money paid for drinks. Mr. Dunlop pointed out that it was not a large amount, but his Worship replied that straws showed which way the wind blew. Counsel asked if the view expressed were not a rather extreme one, seeing that the whole amount expended was two shillings. Mr. Kettle: -'That is my view. It simply means this, that if the husband does not do his duty and support his wife she must appeal to the Charitable Aid Board, and her expense falls on the ratepayers/

Sir John Logan Campbell, of Auckland, has presented a large copy of his portrait to the National Defence League at Christehureh. In handing over his portrait at the meeting of the committee of the League, Miss Helene Cross said that Sir John was patron of the parent League in Auckland, of which the Christchurch one was a branch. Sir John had shown more public spirit than any other citizen in New Zealand by the generosity of his gifts. Ho had not only presented a princely park to the country, but he had spent much of his time since in laying it out and considering the best means of improving its beauty and its usefulness. They must be proud that Sir John was first patron of their League, for he had proved his patriotism, in the highest degree by doing the very best for his people and his time, and now, after he had passed the age of 90 years, he still took great interest in the welfare of his country. It was no wonder that i the people of Auckland, who recognised j his public spirit, showed their gratitude ; by erecting a statue to him during his j lifetime. It was such people as Sir John | that every city needed —men who had the best interests of their city and country at heart. If all were as patriotic, the Defence League would have every man, woman, and child in New Zealand as members.

For a number of reasons Csays our Wellington correspondent) Mr. P. Hally (Conciliation Commissioner) objects to the newspapers being represented at Industrial Conferences. Firstly, he holds that the business of these Conferences is of a private nature, a matter between the employers concerned in an industry and the employees engaged at it. Secondly, he has found that many sensible and intelligent men belonging to both parties feel that they are under restraint -when they notice a reporter making notes of their remarks, and, as a consequence, often refrain from expressing an opinion. On the other hand, there are others who can never pay enough if they think their ideas will Vh' read in a public newspaper. Consequently it happens that oftentimes statements are made that convey wrong ideas, and the proceedings are unduly delayed. Of course, the results of the Conference, he says, are always supplied to thops who desire them. Thirdly, he is of opinion that it would be impossible for him to conduct the proceedings in a conversation, or, if you wish, a free and easy manner, if the Press were represented.

The following are the fixtures at the Supreme Court for the remainder of the week:—To-morrow morning, at 10 a.m., his Honor Mr. Justice Edwards will pass senV'ne? upon Herbert Birkett, the tram conductor, convicted of manslaughter; afterwards there will be a sitting in banco. On Thursday morning, at 10.30, prisoners will come up for sentence; at 11 a.m. his Honor will hold a sitting in Chambers. Subsequently, if time permits, there will be a sitting in banco. On Friday his Honor the Judge will leave for Xew Plymouth to take circuit sittings there nn Monday. 13th inst.

'• It says much for the wonderful tp- ' cuperative powers of t'nU country," said the Hon. D. Buddo, Minister for Lands, to a "Star' , reporter, "that despite the recent unsatisfactory state of the labour market, and restriction of trade, by reason of financial stringency, and other causes, this country has not only held its own in the time of stress, but now shows practically no signs of its effects. A return from the RegistrarGeneral's Department for the pnst seven months shows that the excess of departures over arrivals was only 659. It must be remembered, when taking these Fjrures into consideration, that a great many shearers and slaughtermen leave Xew Zealand in the autumn for Australia, where the work begins much earlier, and return to Xew Zealand in December. Our progress in attracting population to the Dominion has been far ahead of any Australian State with the exception of Westrnlia, and this fact should be borne in mind when the cry is made that we are losing population."

Trie Parnell Council was fluttered in its dignity last night by a brief but pointed communication from the Auditor(ienenil in returning the Council's balance-sheet dealing with the 1908-9 finances. The accounts were in order with exceptions, one of which was that certain monies applicable only to the payment of interest on loans had been •unlawfully used," and another that the Council, in plain speech, had overrun the constable to the extent of £5 Hi/6. Councillors took general exception to such a slur being cast upon their business qualities and corporate commercial in-, tegrity as implied in the term "unlawfully used," while as to the £5 16/6 in excess of unauthorised expenditure limited by the Act, it passed the whole conclave to discover it out. Finally, on the motion of Cr. Thomas, it was resolved—''That the Auditor-General be respectfully requested to supply to the Council further information in reference to the tasr applied to the balance-sheet for 1008-0."

Some time ago a deputation waitel upon the Minister for Education, the Hon. Ci-00. Fowlds, and asked that the teaching of temperance subjects in our Stale schools should be made compulsory. To that request the Minister gave a very favourable reply. Asked by a "Star" reporter, this morning, what th e Department had done towards carrying out this proposal the Hon. Mr. Fowlds pointt?*} out that the syllabus already provider! for such teaching under the heading of hygiene, and that in quite a number of schools the work is at the present time being done. The Department also supplier! to the School Journal from time to time such matter as was thought advisable and this was no doubt read in all the schools- There is not a great deal more that can be done, except the proposed strengthening of the wording of the syllabus, and this the Minister proposes to have done on the first possible occasion. The revision of the syllabus conies up for consideration at a conference of teachers and inspectors to be held early next year, and this subject will then be further dealt with.

! While working on the railway wharf ' yesterday, a carpenter named George I Mills had his jaw dislocated owing to a plank falling on him- A waterside worker i named John Brierly was injured by a ' sling from the Wimmera striking him. .He received a severe shaking, but no , bones were broken. Both men are underi going treatment at the district hospital.

'It is the function of counsel to put arguments from their clients' point of view—cve.n if they don't think alike—so J long as they do not misrepresent facts or i talk nonsense."—Mr. Justice Edwards at ; the Supreme Court this morning.

■ Attention is drawn to an alteration. :of the Fairlie-Hermitage mail service, for ' which tenders are called, as per adver- ; tisement in this issue.

I A miner named Richard Farrell rei ceived painful injury to his Kip through a fall of country., w-hilst engaged driving in the Wrtioni level of the Waihi mine. Hβ was conveyed to the Hospital.

In accordance with a. notice of motion, the Mayor of Parnell (Mr. B. S. Briggs) moved at the Council meeting last night: "That the Harbour Board be requested to grant this Council a portion of the intended reclamation of Hobson Bay adjoining Parnell Domain (Reserve—say, five or six acres —for Tecreation purposes, and that a survey be made." The Mayor pointed out that the present reserve at BrigKton-road would be considerably improved if it could be added to by a piece of the reclamation, and that it behoved the Council to secure all the breathing space for its people, present and future, that was possible ■when opportunity presented. And in the course of an interview with Mr. Basley, the Council's representative on the Harbour Board, that gentleman had expressed himself in favour of the idea, as also, he believed, had the chairman. Mr. Bines seconded the motion, which was also strongly supported by Mr. Thomas, who pointed out that their present reserve at Brighton-road was oblong, and would be much improved could they prevail upon the Board to allow of a squaring process. It would then make a splendid piece of ground for eventual recreation purposes. The proposition was carried unanimously.

The season 1909-1910 promises to be a record one as far as the Piako district :s concerned. 3lany additional farmers are going in for dairying, and agents for milking machines are doing good business. The T e Aroha Dairying Company is growing rapidly. At its central factory at Waihou there are, up to the present, 12 additional suppliers this year, while for the month of August 11,877 !bs of butter were made, a3 against 3175 lhs for the corresponding month of last year. The Thames Valley Co-operative Company, which has its headquarters at Paeroa, has acquired the business of the Manawaru Company for the sum of £ 1500, and starts business there aj from the Ist September. This should make for the prosperity of the industry, as a strong company will now carry c/n the business.

Several timber mills at Northern Wairoa are now busily engaged fulfilling orders for southern and Australian markets. Several large shipments have recently been made, and this week the Dargaville Timber Company will forward its first shipment to Australia by means of the s.s. Ennerdale, the loading of which vessel was commenced yesterday morning. Several vessels are expected shortly at Hoanga, where about three million feet of timber, already disposed of, is stacked in the yards waiting incoming vessels, whilst our correspondent understands that large supplies ahead have also been purchased. From the Tangowahine mill several large shipments to oversea ports will be made this month, and. generally speaking, matters in connection with the timber trade have brightened up very considerably during the past few weeks.

At the Supreme Court this morning Mr. J. R. Reed was discussing with his Honor Mr. Justice Edwards the order of business, and mentioned a case on the list which, he said, would be a lengthy one. The business preceding that case would occupy the court till Thursday evening. He "thought it might be unwise to take the lengthy case on Friday, seem? his Honor was going away that day. ~Hi s Honor (smiling): "Exceedingly unwise, I should say, Mr. Reed. I am, going away on Friday, and one has little matters of one's own to attend to occasionally." Mr. Reed: "Then, your Honor will not mind if we do not present any business on Friday?" His Honor: "I shall be exceedingly glad."

The following is the result of the benefit concert held in the Drill Hall, Onehumra on the 25th of last month, in aid of Mr. George Filmer. of Onehunga, as supplied by "Mr. E- Dane, secretary:— Receipts: Sale of tickets. £50 12/6; ad.ertieemenis on programme, £7 15/; donations, £2 10/; total, £60 17/6. Expenditure: Incidental, 17/6. The balance of tiH) has been handed over to Mr. Filmer by the chairman of the concert committee, Mr. J. Simpson.

Messrs. T. H. Hall and Co., agents for Messrs. Merryweather and Sons, Ltd.. Auckland, are advised by the directors of His Majesty's Theatre, Auckland, of their order for a Merryweather Asbestos Curtain for the theatre. The curtain will be the same in manufacture aritt design as those supplied to over 43 theatres in London and the provinces by Messrs. Merryweather, and practically a duplicate of the curtain that saved the Drury Lane Theatre last year. Patrons of, and players in the theatre will appreciate the directors' policy.

At the Supreme Court this morning his Honor Mr. Justice Edwards intimated to Mr. J. R. Reed that he had determined to reserve the case of Charles Rolton, found guilty at the criminal sessions of unlawful carnal knowledge, in which Mr. Reed had argued the inadmissibility of certain evidence given. His Honor said in the meantime the man would be admitted to bail in two sureties of £100 each.

Our Dargaville correspondent reports that Mr A. E. Harding purchased at the Whangarei cattle sales 200 head of fine steers. Mr Harding stated that the low price of frozen meat in England has greatly affected the stock sales, vendors having to accept much lower prices than have ruled of late.

By far the most valuable item of cargo —although it was 'but a small line— brought by the Huddart-Parker steamer Ulimaroa from Melbourne to Lyttelton, wae 25,000 sovereigns for the Bank of Xinv Zealand. The bullion, which probably more than equalled in value all the other cargo brought by the steamer, was landed at Lyttelton "in good order and condition" on Tuesday morning, and brought to Christchurch. Mrs. Mary Collis \va3 the name of the witness who appeared in the case against Mrs. Peart, on Thursday last, and not Mrs. Collins, as reported.