NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 10059, 10 June 1898, Page 4

NEWS OF THE DAY.

. The Takapuna, with the southern portion ,-- oi the San Francisco mail, left .Wellington ; at eight o'clock last night for Lyttelton. The Krtoiti lett at the same hour for the north, and a supplementary San Franoieoo mail goes by train from Wellington to-day to catch her at New Plymouth.

His Honor Mr Justice Denniston will sit in Chambers to-day at 11. a.m. At the conclusion of the Chamber business the case of in re George Beatty, deceased, will be resumed in banco.

MrAiotley Meadows has just received ft communication from Western Australia, stating'that the Coolgardie Exhibition has been postponed until March next, partly on accountof the Auckland Exhibition in September, and partly on account of the American war, which will prevent exhibits from America and the Continent reaching the exhibition. ' v

The case of Peake v Marciel was heard at nisi prius yesterday, and after taking what evidence was forthcoming, the argument of the legal points involved, on Which the ease mainly turns, was adjourned to banco at 11 a.m., on the 22nd met. , '

At the Assessment Court for the consideration of the Glenmark oaee, at Rangiora yesterday, 4 evidence was given by A. Earshman, D. McMillan. W. B. Clarkson, J. W. Overton, '«*<*; H. F. Gray, after which it was decided to hear learned counsels' addressee at Christcharoh Court at 2.30 p.m. to-d*y.

With reference to the remarks of a cab< man, which appeared in Wednesday's issue. of this paper, that it was a common practice among cabmen to accept articles in pledge for the future payment of their fare, the cabmen in Cathedral square on Wednesday held a meeting, at which a resolution was passed expreasing indignation at the statement, and asking the City Council to be more careful in granting licenses to cabmen in future.

Mr G. Burgess, who, in proposing the toast of "The Amalgamated Society of Engineers" at the farewell to Mr W. C. Foster; Raid that he had resigned from that society " through no wish of hie own," explains that his meaning was, that he ceased hie connection with the society over ten years, ago from purely private reasons.

Old Christchnrch playgoers will be in* terested in learning that Miss Jennie Nye» a great favourite in the days of Hoskins am Lydia Howarde, is a member of the Cowan Dramatic Company, which opens at Dunedifl • on Saturday next. MiseNye was connected - with the clever little company under the management of Miss Lydia Howarde end Mr Bhepperson that gave comic operas to. the Gaiety Theatre, now known as Princes street, in connection with Warner's Hotel* the erstwhile theatre having been converted into bedrooms and sample rooms. Solange Navaro, afterwards Mrs Fred Digby, Mr Harry Power, and Mr H. *. Harrison, now conductor of Pollard's Opera Company, were also members, of the same company. The annual meeting of the parishioners of St. Albana Church, Ohoka, was held on Tuesday evening, the Rev. Wm. Cruden in the chair. The chairman read the report and balance sheet for the past year, showing a credit balance of £2 to the general offertory fund, and £2S 18s Id to church repairs and painting fund, £1 Is 10d to chancel fund, 82 to organ fund, and a debit balance of £5 lie 5d to tlie stipend fund, the church debt being f ally paid off during the laat year. Tho balance sheet was adopted. Votes of thanks were accorded to those who had assisted in raising funds for painting and repairing the church, and erecting a new fence, and to Mr Baker for improving the grounds, and tethe organietf Sunday-school teaohere and secretary. Messrs E. Lord and E. H. Baker were elected wardens, and Messrs P. Joyce, B. Mehrtens, J. Aschen and S. R. Wright vestrymen.

Special.—lf you require a tonic take the best—Syrup of HypophosphHea. Barnett, chemist, lib bottles 4e 6d, Jib 2s 6d. 2200

His Honour Mr Justice Denniston has issued an order to the Registrar that no type-written documents for record in the Court shall be accepted in future except first copies and on hand-made paper, i.e., not on flimsy.

Six "Button's Flonr-ball" potatoes, weighing 151b, grown by Mr Thomas Prtsnby at Woo'ston, were exhibited at the meeting of the A. and P. Association ycstcnlay- Tho size and excellent shape of the poUttoea was commented on in terms of astonishment at the meeting.

The special committees of the City Council and theSelwyuCounty Councilnietyp:-:terilay afternoon to take the abattoir question into further consideration. After an hour's conversation it was decided to advertise for sites.

Tlic Hon. John M'Kenzie, Minister for Lands, aildiessed a meeting at Uppt-r Iliccarton ik'hotlri'c m 1/t.st night. Mr W. Boag presided A vrte of thanks and confidence proposed at the end of the address wan received with mingled ayes and noes, but the Chairman declared it to -c carried unanimously. Cheers and groans were also given for both Hon. Mr Itolleston and Hon. Mr M'Kenzie. The Minister will receive deputations at the Terminus Hotel from 10 a.m. to-day.

At the close of the last meeting of the Templcton Road Board the Chairman, on behalf of the members of the Board, presented Mr O. F. Carpenter (who was a member of the Board for twenty-nine years) and Mr James Can , (who was eight years a member) with silver-mounted walking sticks suitably inscribed as small mementoes of the high esteem in which they were held.

At the annual meeting of the Ashley Licensing Committee a motion was passed expressing disapproval of the introduction of political interference in purely local nutters, and stating that in the opinion of the Committee if any recommendation has to be made to the Governor, it should be made by the Committee elected for the ipecial purpose of dealing with such matters v licensing, &c, and not by the member for the district.

The Gate Pa episode in connection with the supplying of water by the Maori enemy to Colonel booth when he lay dying, is causing much controversy at Tauranga (telegraphs the Auckland correspondent of the "Otago Daily Times"). A report is current among the natives there that the Government intend to make some recognition of the services rendered to Colonel Booth when wounded, and with intention are inquiring as to the person to whom the credit belongs. There aro two living claimants to the honour (including Mrs Foley) besides Rawiri Phirake, the deceased chieftain, and some of his relatives are seeking to establish themselves as his next of kin, with a view to obtaining any benefit that may accrue from the chivalrous deed credited to him.

The Lyttelton Harbour Board held a epecinl meeting yesterday to consider counsels' opinion on'the subject of the sewers through the reclaimed land, which the Lyttelton Borough Council have given notice they intend putting in. A lengthy discussion took place in Committee, and on the Board rcsn-nung there was quite a crop of lesohitions ai.d amendments. At the end two members of the Board left, and the Chairman was at one time of the opinion that there was not a quorum. However, the faithful few held thy fort, and ultimately a motion was carried to tlhe effect that a conferiune of three members of the Board ■ml three «jf the Lyttclton Borough Council should be held to consider what concessions could be made.

A meeting of the committee of the Industrial Association was held last night. Present—Messrs Hancock (in the chair), Kirk, England, Maddren, Waller, Triegs, Buchanan, Cogan, A. W. Beaven, Howland, 6. R. Hart and Captain McClatchie. The report of the Early History Committee was brought up by Mr H. B. Kirk and adopted. The following were appointed a permanent Early History Committee:—Messrs R. Allan, Frostick, Triggs, HaH, R. C. Bishop, Waller, Hancock, Exall, Howland, England and Captain McClatchie. The committee were given power to add to their number, including gentlemen who could give assistance who were non-members of the Association. Messrs H. D. Pine, G. Tombs and W. Moor, Jan.,-were elected members of the Association. It was resolved to send a letter of condolence to the relatives of the late Mr W. Graham, of Lyttelton, who had been an active supporter of the Association's exhibitions.

A pleasant dinner was given at the City Council Chambers on Wednesday evening by the Mayor (Mr Charles Louisaon), the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Navy League (Mr E. W. Roper), the Chairman of the Harbour Board (Mr Frank Graham),and the Mayor of New Brighton (Mr R. C. Bishop), to Captain Hamilton-Brown and the officers of H.M.S. Tauranga, and a number of other gentlemen, including Judge Denniston, Mr W. Recce (Preeidont of the A. and P. Association), Lieutenant-Colonel Francis (representing the Volunteers), and Captain Marciel (Secretary of the Navy League), were present. The toasta of "The Queen," " The Governor," *' The Army and Navy," "The Volunteers," and " The Bench," were duly honoured. The officers of the Tauranga expressed the opinion that the New Zealand station was preferable to any other, and one and all referred in complimentary terms to the enjoyable evening which they had spent.

The ways of the legal profession, like the heathen Chinee, are sometimes peculiar. In a case recently in the Supreme Court a learned counsel was urging the postponement of the legal argument to a future date. Lightly skipping over the question as to nonreadiness, the counsel urged with great respect that a* the case was one of considerable importance, and the reporter of the authorised Law Reports wan not pre sent, the proceedings being at nisi prius, it was advisable to hoar the argument in banco, when it would duly appear. His Honour however, strongly objected to the postponement on this ground, and then came the other, viz., that counsel was not quite prepared to go into the argument that day, which was really what the Americans call "comingdown to hard pan." Meanwhile, hie learned brother on the other side, like Brer Rabbit, lay low. Ultimately, after a little argument, the required postponement was granted.

Business Notice.— W. Strange and Co. nave recently secured a series of exceptionally cheap lines, which they are now retailing at correspondingly low prices. It would take a column to tell you all about these purchases. Wβ can only briefly mention two or three of them. First, there ie a Urge i o t o f ladies' jackets, very stylish, seasonable goods. These are offered at 10s 6d, 123 6d to 19s 6d each, the usual prices being from 35s 6d to 37s 6d. Then there is a warehouseman's entire stock of fancy dress goods, consisting of close on 6000 yards, and comprising fancy tweeds, *11 wool serges, &c. These are offered at 40 per cent, off usual retail rates. Thirdly, there is a wonderful line of ladies' and misses' macintoshes, very stylish garments, hardly two of them alike. These aro marked *t about half usual prices. Inspection invited. 4041

A very successful auction sale of TasJnanion fur goods was held at Mr Charles Clark's rooms yesterday, when the bulk of the large number catalogued were disposed «t The balance will be for sale privately till noon on Saturday. 4044

In addition to a large manufacturing trade worn 30 to 50 bicycles can be repaired daily •* the Zealandia Cycle Works—Oates, «»wry and Co., largest makers of cycles in «ow Zealand.—[Advt.]

Are you Removing?—lf so, employ the "•Z. Express Company, who have skilled •neu and large furniture vans. Removals undertaken by road, rail or sea. Good •torage accommodation. Corner Manchester »nd Heretord streets. 3842

Gifts.—£lsoo to be given away free in prizes of ladies' watches, albums, workboxes, work-baskets, &c, for Crown brand tea coupons by Hubbard, Hall and Co.. ««t competition closes last day of June (this month).

For seven days only—Shaw, Robinson and Jjj°- are showing some wonderful bargains. Tweed dress lengths from 3s lid, velveteens from la, blankets from 7s lid, colonial nannel Bfd, table damasks 9sd, sheetings from 9£d, ladies and children's mackintoshes at half price, flannelettes from Is lid per dozen, men's tweed trousers from 6s lid, worth 8s 6d, colonial tweed suits 24s fh knitted sox 44d, and working shirts worn Iβ lid. 213 Caahel street, opposite ?&£ss office. 2862

Dr. and Mrs Lamb returned to Sydney from Ambrym, New Hebrides, by the steamer Ysabel, on May 26th.

At a meeting of ladies at- Westport, it was resolved that a female ward, to be called the Gladstone Memorial Ward, should be erected in the Westport Hospital by the women of the Buller district, the necessary funds to be raised by a subscription of not less than sixpence from each woman in the district.

At a meeting of the South Canterbury Board of Education Miss M. Pringle was appointed mistress at Waitohi Flat, Mrs sole teacher at Gapes Valley, and Miss McKay at Station Creek. Miss Mcllroy waa retained as sixth assistant at the Timaru main school on full pay till October next. The average had gone down so much that her services would have been dispensed with in accordance with the regulation, but a resolution was passed retaining her, so that the school might not suffer. Thirty-seven applications were received for the head mastership of the Timaru South school, and two South Canterbury teachers were bracketed equal for the approval of the committee.

The new convent recently erected for the Sisters of St. Joseph at Temuka, is a substantial two-storied building in brick, and adjoining is a handsome oratory, the gift of a parishioner to the sisters. The contractor for the building was Mr A. Frew, and the subcontractors Messrs E. Hall, C. Bates and J. H. Walker. Owing to the exertions of the Rev. Father Fauvell, the building has been opened practically free of debt. The consecration of the convent was performed by his Grace Archbishop Redwood on Sunday last, when there was a very large attendance, representing all denominations.

A meeting 'of master bakers was held list night, at the Shades Hotel, to consider life award of the Board of Conciliation in the recent trade dispute. The general expression «>f opinion was in the direction that the Board, of Conciliation favoured the case of the men rather than that of the masters, though it was shown that the latter had made such concessions to the men as it was possible for them to do, to be just to themselves and fair to the men. However, judging by the results ot other disputes that had come before the Arbitration Court, they did pot think it worth their while to waste time and money to proceed further with the case, but would abide by the decision of the Board of Conciliation, though it would mean serious retrenchment in many instances, and it was feared would throw many out of employment. Considerable discussion took place with regard to the wholesale trade; it being pointed out that there were many grocers who made a leading article of bread, and cut down the price lower than the manufacturer, himself could possibly retail it at, leaving no remuneration for themselves. This was considered one of ths chief reasons why the trade was, as it had been tliDwn, in such a low condition. The grocer did not depend upon the article for a living, whereas the baker had to do so. A unanimous vote of thanks was passed to Messrs W. Edwards and W. rhomso.i for their able representation of the trade before the Board of Conciliation. The noting deprecated the sweeping charges maJe against the trade in genera] by the representative of the Union during the hearing of the case as to the treatment of the men. it was pointed out that some of the witnesses for the Union had expressed themselves satisfied with the treatment of the employers. The meeting then adjourned until to-morrow evening for the purpose of considering tho formation of an association, and the matter of the wholesale trade, &c. VOLUNTEERING IN THE CIVIL SERVICE. The Government declines to allow the Civil Service Corps or the Post and Telegraph Office Corps to drill in office hours. GAS IN THE RAILWAY CARS. It is stated (says a Press Association telegram from Wellington) that the cost of the gus appliances for the railway trains will be £30,000. IMPORTATION OF BICYCLES. The number of bicycles imported into the colony"durh\g the March quarter of 1898 was 1955, of a total value of £19,563. The value of materials imported were of the value of £18,155, and the duty paid amounted to £5803. For the corresponding quarter of 1897 the figures were: — Machines 3438, value £38,838; materials £15,424, duty paid £8116. The figures for the past six months for Wellington are:—Machines 2104, value £20,687; materials £6870, duty paid £4718. THE TUBERCULIN TEST. While Sir Park was in Marlborougb, he applied tho tuberculin test to 400 cattle supplying milk totheTua Marina cheese factory, with the result that in only ono case was disease revealed and the animal destroyed. Mr Park's investigations lead him to regard the ilarlborough district as the most healthy in the colony as far as stock is concerned. . CANTERBURY FROZEN MEAT COMPANY. The Directors of the Canterbury Frozen Meat Company have declared their usual interim dividend at the rate of 8 per cent per annum, and in addition to that, in accordance with a promise made at the annual meeting, they are making a return of the freezing dharges to clients. At the annual meeting it was stated that should the support given, warrant it a rebate would be made. The large quantity of stock which has been dealt with, an account of which we published a short time ago, showed tihat the season, had been a record one for the Company, and a rebate will be made of 10 per cent, on the net freezing charge to those clients who also had their skins fellmongered by the Company, and 7£ per cent, to those who sold their skins.

MR C. LEWIS AND THE HON. J. M'KENZIE.

Mr Charles Lewis, M.H.R., will give an address this evening at the Theatre at eight o'clock, in reply to the speech last night at Riccarton of the Hon. John M'Kenzio. It will be seen from the report which we publish in another column that the Minister for Lands has supplied plenty of debatcable matter, and there is little doubt that Mr Lewis will be ready with an effective reply. His promptitude in coming forward is generally commended, and his speech ie looked forward to with some interest. The dress circle will be reserved for ladies and their escorts.

PHYSIQUE IN THE BRITISH ARMY.

Those who declare the British army is going to the dogs, and that the physique of our soldiers is not what it once was, must change their opinion (says the London " Daily Telegraph ") when they hear of the stature of the cadets at Woolwich and Sandhurst. The Military Board of. Visitors declare, indeed, that the average height of the budding officers at the first-mentioned place is sft 9in, and of those at Sandhurst sft Not unnaturally the Visitors have in their formal report expressed their great satisfaction with the physique and build of the cadets.

EXEMPTION FROM JURY SERVICE,

At almost every session of the Supreme Court (remarks the " Post ") Judges are pliej| with applications for exemption from meln^

bers of the dental profession who happen to be included in the jury pane]. The other morning the Chief Justice, in excusing one of these citizens, said that after the present session he would not excuse any dentist* If the Legislature did not feel disposed to exempt the dental profession, he could not make any distinction in regard to it. THE MARTIAL SPIRIT. During the course of the proceedings ai the District Court, Palmerston, on Saturday morning, the legal atmosphere became decidedly warm owing to the fact that one of the solicitors engaged in settling the costs in a case before bis Honour ventured to remark that his friend on the other side was anything but a truth-teller. According to the " Standard," the legal luminary thus addressed, when the Court adjourned, threw off his wig and gown and seized — *s venturesome brother at the bar by the arm and dragged him out of the Court-room, inviting him in the meanwhile to prepare for action.

This invitation, however, was declined, and as there was no prospect of inducing his friend to "square up" the martial spirit within the offended lawyer subsided. REMARKABLE FALL OF HAIL. ■ A noticeable fall of hail occurred, at Terrace End, Palnierston North, the other day. The ice fell in the shape of crystal crosses, daggers, and Bah. bones. The latter were like the bones in the spinal column of a schnapper, and the longest seen by our informant (says the Napier " Daily Telegraph") was, by actual measurement, an inch and seven-eighths from point to point. A THINKER, NOT A TALKER. Mrs Harfleet, the wife of a bluejacket on board her Majesty's ship Alarm (according to the London "Daily Telegraph"), has a horror of silence, and her domestic ltribulations arose from the fact that her husband did not participate in her idiosyncrasy. Like his lavourite parrot, he thought volumes, but spoke never a sentence. When his good dame gave him a bit of her mind he "shivered his timbers" or " spliced his halliards" in silence, leaving all the speaking to his better half. His constant rumination, whicn never attained the point of vocal incubation, broke Mrs Harfleet's heart to such a degree that the gallant tar bade her a silent farewell, and joined his ship, " for better, for worse," leaving bis wjife to sue him for alimony, if so she thought fit. This she did before Mr Marsham, the Westminster magistrate, to whom she complained bitterly of the sailor's taciturnity. For hours he sat without saying a word, and that worried her. Oh, no, she could not think of living with him again —their dispositions were so different. Mr Marsham, in making an order for 6s a week, remarked that the trouble arose partly from the lady's own fault. &he should think the matter over and remember that sailors were great thinkers, but poor talkers. FRENCH OF "FRENCH'S ACTING EDITION/ Most people who have visited London have noticed in the Strand, close to Somerset House, Lacy's shabby but dignified looking theatrical book shop—a suggestion of mystery in the small stock of goods in the window, mostly acting editions of plays, in paper covers, and scraps for theatrical makeup. The proprietor, Mr French, has just died. He was one of those Americana, says a London correspondent, who have conquered London. His knowledge ofvfche stage and of actors and actresses was encyclopaedic. An immensely rich old bachelor, he adopted in later life half-a-dozen ladies and gentlemen, whom he used to invite to meet each other at regular intervals, they naturally expecting that his fortune would be divided amongst them in proportion, to their kind and virtuous behaviour. One day he married a young wife, and to her left all his money; but the excellent habits inculcated upon his adopted sons and daughters remain so much to the good.