NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 10062, 14 June 1898, Page 4

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Complete arrangements have been made for his Excellency the Governor's reception at Kaiapoi. The Right Hon. the Premier is to be present. It is understood that Bishop Grimes will return from his tour about August. The services of the Christchurch Volunteer Cycling Corps have been accepted from May 20th. Mr J. N. Batham, Deputy District Land ■Registrar, is appointed at Napier in the absence of Mr T. Hall on leave. The last " Gazette ", explains tnVee blunders made over the appointment of the last batch of justices. A large number of delegates to the Agricultural and Pastoral Conference, which begins on Thursday morning, have arrived. The conference will begin in the Chamber of Commerce at ten o'clock. Mr J. A. Mc Arthur has resigned the position of chief clerk in the Public Works Department in Wellington owing to ill-health. The Auckland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board has informed the local Police Inspector that persons suffering from delirium tremens will not be received in the hospital. Passes were issued by the Government for an escort of the C.V.C. to proceed from Christchurch to Akaroa in connection with the visit of bis Excellency the Governor to that place. The Committee of theJNatives'Association met last evening, the president (Mr W. Recce) in the chair. It was decided to hold a geueral social meeting of the Association next Tuesday evening at the rooms V.M.C.A. buildings. Messrs G. J. C. Smart, W. Poison, the Rev. C. A. Fraer and secretary were appointed a committee to make all arrangements. Several new 'members were elected. The average number of persons who make use of the Public Library, Wellington, may, the librarian (Mr Rowe) thinks, be fairly set down at from 700 to 800 daily. About 150 persons change books in the lending department ; about 70 visit the reference library, at least 150 ladies visit the ladies' room, while more persons come merely to read the newspapers and periodicals than for all other'purposes put together. ? A peculiar circumstance came out at the meeting of the River Board yesterday. This was to the effect that the Board are paying the Sylwyn County, Council for water to their own reserves, though the water taken is the property of the Board. This, it may be noted, is an arrangement made as far back as 1886, when permission was given to the Selwyn County Council to put in their head works in the river. Mr Kinsey, chief consul of the New Zealand Touring Club for this district, is taking steps to erect notice boards on hills in the Weka Pass that are dangerous to cyclists. This is following the English practice. The New Zealand Touring Club have provided the posts and enamelled iron Elacards, and the Waipara Road Board have indly consented to erect them. It is intended to mark all the dangerous' hills on the East Coast road to Nelson. The District Grand Matter under the English Constitution of Freemasons, Bro. R. D. Thomas, received by the Californian mail letters officially confirming the recognition by the Grand Lodge of England of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. It Jβ a noteworthy fact that the signature of the Grand Master- of England to the official document recognising the New Zealand Grand Lodge was affixed two days prior to the installation here of R.W. Bro. the Right Hon. R. J. Seddon as Grand Master. At a meeting of sheep farmers and others at Mason's Flat school on Saturday, in regard to the proposed saleyards for Hawarden, resolutions were carried expressing approval of the establishment of public saleyards. The following committee was appointed to interview the principal land owners at Hawarden as to a suitable site, and report at a future meeting:—Messrs James Little, G. R. Haydon, W. C. Davie, James Tait, J. W. M. Cox, D. McFarlane, A. Cowie, J. O'Carrell. In the list of inventions and patents in the " Gazette," complete specifications have been accepted from Mr P. O'Connell, tentmaker, Christchurch, for shaft tug for a vehicle; Mr P. Muirhead, farm labourer, Christchurch, twitch grubber; Mr J. H. Howe, cycle engineer, Christchurch, oycle mechanism; Mr Geo. Sydes, sailinaker, West Oxford, horse covers. Conditional specifications have been received from Mr Deßenzie Mathias, farmer, apparatus for sorting potatoes; Mr W. Q. Breece, leather dresser, Chrietchurch, apparatus for chaff cutting; Mr T. H. Mann, saddler, Waimate, attaching battens to harvester's canvas; Mr H. J. Weeks, printer, Christchurch, for producing plurality of half-tone printing blocks of the same shape ; Mr W. H. Travis, harness maker, Christchurcb, horse cover fastenings ; Mr W. C. Greig, commercial traveller, Chrietchurch, cottonreel holder. The odour of the Sydenham sewage case again pervaded the Council meeting of that borough last night. Cr. Taylor, in submitting a statement of the law costs, which the Council had requested the Drainage Board to furnish, said there had been wasteful and needless expenditure. Witnesses had received money who had never been called, and no less than nine councillors received money. Seventy witnesses were called, the evidence of about fifty of whom was not material, and the calling of whom increased the expense enormously. Some of the councillors present denied these statements. Cr. Taylor instanced several persons summoned, and not called, but paid. Cr. Cutler at once combatted all Cr. Taylor had said, and accused him of purposely staying away from the most important meeting of the Drainage Board, at which proceedings were instituted. Cr. Taylor denied that he was absent. Cr. Muffett accused Cr. Taylor of attempting to gain popularity in view of the coming election. Several councillors whose names had been mentioned as having received money, spoke in a similar strain. Cr. Taylor, in reply, said it was due to the ratepayers to know how their money was spent. He defended his action ia dealing with the matter*

The Premier called at Lyttelton iv the Hinemoa yesterday morning, and was met by Mr J. Joyce, M.H.R., and Mr S. Saunders. After a brief stay he left for Akaroa, his daughter, Mrs Bean, accompanying him. There were last week .seven bankruptcies in the colony—three farmers, a labourer, a storekeeper, a miner and a rabbiter. The Feast of the Sacred Heart was" observed at the Pro-Cathedral on Sunday, when processions and special cervices took place in connection therewith. Another new musical organisation, the City Orchestral Society, has been established in Wellington. Herr Lehmann is the conductor. Chief Detective Chrysfcall went south to Dunedin on departmental business yesterday by the express. Mr Sears writes that he did not say at the inquest concerning the New Brighton fatality that his late daughter used to help Mrs Wells with her domestic duties but Mrs Taylor. At the meeting of the Waimakariri River Board yesterday an expenditure of £150 was authorised for a new wing at Mason'B Flat in connection with the overflow embankment at Mason's Flat. In connection with the tenders for cement at the Waimakariri River Board meeting all three tenders were exactly alike. After some discussion that of Mr H. B. Kirk, being from a local man, was accepted by the Board. A mild sensation was created at the corner of Durham and Tuam streets yesterday owing to a man falling down in a fit. He recovered in a short time, but not before quite a crowd, including a couple of policemen, had gathered at the spot. The numbers polled by the respective candidates nominated to represent the school committees on the College Board of Governors are as follows :—Rev. Geo. Barclay 29, H. G. EU 51, J. L. Scott 80, informal 7; total 167. Mr J. L. Scott has therefore been declared duly elected. Mr Cyprian W. Bridge, whose death was announced yesterday, was a well-known colonist, who was held in high esteem by a wide circle of friends. He was the eldest son of the late Colonel Cyprian Bridge, of the 58th Regiment, and was born in Auckland during the etirring times of Heke's war. For many yeaYs the late Mr Bridge was Postmaster and Clerk of the Court at Akaroa. It was understood yesterday in town that the Premier will give a political address in Christchuroh "next Thursday night. Our special reporter at Akaroa telegraphed last night, however, as follows/:—"The Premier is not sure if he will speak at Chnstohurch until he receives replies from there. If he does speak it will be on Thursday; and his speech will not cover the ground traversed in his Akaroa address. An old woman named Mrs Bose Lanceley left her home in Lytterfcon at 6 p.m. on Sunday, with the avowed intention of going for a walk, but her son, with whom she lived, has not since heard or seen anything of her. She is supposed to have come to Qhristchurch, and the police are .enquiring for her. She is about sixty years of age. At the meeting of the members of the Conciliation Board yesterday, Mr Chalmers referred to the award of the Court in the bakers' dispute, of which he said the employers had received no notice, except what they saw in the papers. Mr Greig pointed out that the award had been discussed, and appeared to have been regarded as satisfactory by them. The Societje Francaise, through Mr F. C. Hall the Vice-President, "have received an answer from the new French Consul for New Zealand, the Comte de Courte, acknowledging the receipt of their congratulatory resolution on his acceptance of the office of Consul for New Zealand. He also expressed the hope that he would be able to do himself the honour of visiting Christchuroh in a short time, when he would be pleased to reciprocate the kindly expressions of welcome from the Society. The -quarterly- meeting of the committee of the 3t. John Ambulance Association was held yesterday afternoon in the City Council library. M* JohnCouaalin the chair. Mr Gapes's resignation was accepted witfc> regret. It was resolved that a record of the services of the late Mrs Gibbs to the Association be placed on the minutes. Mrs Gibbs was a member of the committee from the foundation of the centre in 1885, constant in furthering the work of the Association, and active in working to augment its funds. The secretary reported that nine cases of removals of invalids had been performed with the horse ambulance since last meeting. A branch had been started at Blackball, Greymouth, where Dr. James Howard was instructing the miners in first aid. At Amberley a branch had been formed with Mrs Kompthorne hon. secretary and Dr. FitzHenry instructor. The secretary was authorised to call a meeting and assist Mr Banks's project of forming a men's ambulance corps. A meeting of the members of the Conciliation Board was held in the Provincial Council Chambers yesterday to elect a chairman. Messrs J. Greig, T. Gapes and S. Chalmers were present, Mr Williams, the other member of the Board, was absent in Dunedin. A telegram was received from Mr Williams, asking that the election of a chairman should be adjourned until his return, as the bootmakers' dispute in Dunedin had nob been concluded. A discussion took place whether a chairman could not be elected from one of the members, in order to allow the Board to sit in connection with the rehearing of the carpentere' and painters' disputes, which should take place to-morrow and on Wednesday. Eventually it was decided to postpone the election of a chairman, and also dealing with the disputes until Mr Williams's return. The following information fs from the monthly return published by the Department of Agriculture, Showing the quantity and value of certain exports from New Zealand during the month of May :—Butter, 6028 cwt., valued at £32,489 ; cheese, 5207, £9998; frozen beef, 11,987 owt., £12,784 ; frozen mutton, 119,623 carcases, £64,059 ; frozen lamb, 193,835 carcases, £89,021. The totals for the previous four months were — Butter 50,587cwt, valued at £200,260; cheese 45,707cwt, valued at £88,701 i frozen beef 32,983cwt, £37,316; frozen mutton 625,584 carcases, £339,842; frozen lamb 677,390 carcases, £300,616. - The Christchurch exports in May were-r— Butter 52cwt, valued at £296; cheese 226cwt, £445; frozen mutton 36 917 carcases, £18,400; frozen lamb 103,394, £46,147. Special.—lf you require a tonic take the best—Syriip of Hypophbsphites. Barnett, chemist, lib bottles 4s 6d, Jib 2s 6d. 2200 Gifts.— £1500 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.. Next competition oloses last day of June (this month). Dr. Rentoul, of Melbourne, writes:—" I made a minute and prolonged examination of the various high-grade cycles ; the result was my conviction that the "Osmond" is, without fear of rival, the one supremely best bicycle as yet constructed. My use of it has proven this conviction true. Of half-a-dozen high-grade makes of cycles, it may bo said it stands unique. It is the king amongst the peers, and, in addition, to its positive qualities, it has a unique comparative claim. Unlike most English Companies, the "Osmond" Company stand loyally to the principle of building One Grade Only, and that the highest grade possible. Thus jt avoids hanky »p&nky tricks of trade." Comment is unnecessary. Call and see 1898 " Osmonds " at the D.LC. Agency. 238 For seven days only—Shaw, Robinson and Co. are showing some wonderful bargains. Tweed dress lengths from 3s lid, velveteens from Is, blankets from 7s lid, colonial flannel Bgd, table damasks sheetings from 9&4, ladies and children's mackintoshes at half price, flannelettes from Iβ lid per dozen, men's tweed trousers from 6s lid, worth 8s 6d, colonial tweed auits 24s 6d, knitted sox 4£d, and working shirts from Is lid. 213 Cashel street, opposite Pbess office. 2852 In addition to a large manufacturing trade from 30 to 50 bicycles can be repaired daily at the Zealandia Cyole Worke—O&tea, Lowry and Co., largest makers of oyclee in New Zealand.-tAdvt.J

Hia Honour Mr Justice Dennis ton, accompanied by Mr Thomas, registrar, and Inspector Broham, left by the express yesterday to open the sittings of the bupreme Court at Timaru to-day. THE NEW STAMPS. Since the new issue of postage stamps waf brought into circulation, on the sth April, the various post offices in the colony have made sales amounting to over £31,000. It is considered probable that quite half the stamps have gone into the hands of collectors and dealers. THE DEFENCES. An Auckland Press Association message says:—The Hon. T. Thompson, Minister of Defence, had a conference with Sir Arthux Douglas, Under-Secretary for Defence, in connection with the sitting of the Defence Committee. The Committee has visited several points on the coast where it is considered a lauding might be effected. AN APT RETORT. The retort snnoful. At the last meeting of the Invercargill Athenseum Committee a • complaint of incivility on the part of the librarian was considered, and it was resolved "to refer the writer, whose subscriptions are several months in arrears, to the rules." PIERCED BY A PENCIL. , Mr C. Baynes, a railway booking-clerk, who died recently at Goulburn, New South Wales, was the victim of a most extraordinary accident. He hurried out of his office to take the tablet from the driver of t>, train then entering the station, under the impression that the train was on the centre raila He was stepping off the platform when he was struck on the head by the engine, and thing back. A long lead pencil, winch he was carrying with the sharptia-d end between his teeth, was driven through tho back of his mouth to the base of tho brain, a distance of three and a half inches, when it Droke off close to the flesh, necessitating the use of forceps to extract. Mi Baynes progressed favourably for some days, but innammation of the brain supervened, and death followed. Mr Baynes had been in the railway service for thirteen years. THE HON. J. M'KENZIE AND THE BANK OP NEW ZEALAND. Our Wellington correspondent telegraphs: ( —"In reference to the statement of the Hon. John M'Kenzie regarding a Wellington linn which had an overdraft of £34,000 at the Bank of New Zealand, and for which he alleged the Bank had no security for onetenth of the amount, I now lean) on undoubted authority that the firm's position has been acurately ascertained, and that an independent \aluation shows a clear surplus of £12,000. In view of this, the extraordinary statements of the Minister are likely to be brought under the notice of Parliaj ment. ' PUBLIC RECEPTION OF CAPTAIN RUSSELL. Captain llussell is to leave Sydney in the Monowai on the 21st, and should arrive ia ■ Wellington on Sunday, 26th. Our Wellington correspondent telegraphs:—"A public reception will be given to Captain Russell in the Opera House on the following Mon« day, when he will be welcomed back to New Zealand as Leader of the Opposition. At this function a very large attendance is anticipated. The whole of the members of the Opposition will occupy seats on the platform, and short addresses will be delivered by the prominent members amongst them. Mr Duthie is expected back on the 7tii July." DEATH OF A PIONEER. Mrs Ann Webb, who died at Gisborne recently, waa (says the "'Poverty Bay Herald , ') born in the second year of this century, and waa at the date of her death ninety-six • years old She- had been sixty years a colonist. She left England in one of the first two emigraut ships, the Duke of Roxburgh, and after ft passage of nine months arrived in Wellington in 1339. She experienced all the roughness of pioneer colonial life, and doubtless her experiences, could they have been collated, would have filled an interesting volume. She well remembered the Battle of Waterloo. Mrs Webb had a. splendid memory—in fact, all her faculties lemained unimpaired to the end. A MISSING BRIDEGROOM. An exchange reports that arrangements had been made at a private house in the North Island for celebrating the mivniuge ot a young, couple, and the wedding breakfast was laid out and tihe guests invited had assembled, but seme time had elapsed before it became known that the bridegroom was missing. He (did not put in an appearance. In fact, being met on the road, reminded that it was nis wedding day, and asked whethur it was his intention of being present, he replied, "Net if I know it." THE WELLINGTOnIrEADING PUBLIC. The Public Librarian in Wellington (Mr T. W. Rowe, M.A.) gives the City Council some interesting statistics with regard to the issue of books by various popular authors {says the "Post"), and also makes the following remarks thereon: —"Marie Corelli, owing to a gradual increase in the number of copies of her works, heads the list, displacing Mrs Henry-Wood, who had been first for three years in succession. Miss Braddon remains second, while Mrs Henry Wood falls from first to third place, and Rider Haggard from third to fourth. Baring-Gould, Boothby, and Doyle show an increase of popularity, ■ while Mrs Hungerford and Kipling show a slight, and Mittord and Weyman a considerable, falling-off in popularity as compared with the previous year. Annie S. Swan; John Strange Winter, J. Hocking, Adeline Sergeant, Curtis Yorke, and Gilbert Parker are inserted in this list for the first time, while Crawford, Fergus Hume, Besant, and Rice, Edna Lyellj Crockett, and Dora Russell have been omitted from it."