THE IRONWORKERS' MEETING.

Evening Post, Volume XVII, Issue 548, 28 June 1879, Page 2

THE IRONWORKERS' MEETING.

The meeting of ironworkers held last evening to consider the reduction of wages proposed by the masters, was exceedingly creditable to the men. They displayed good sense, fairness and moderation in the tone they adopted' Fully recognising the fact that the present dulness of trade, and consequent slackness of work make it compulsory on the masters to retrench their expenditure, the men express their readiness to meet them half way. They respectfully protest, however, against the retrenchment taking the form of reduced wages, which they regard as the " thin end of the wedge," for they feel that the rate of pay per hour once lowered it would be no easy matter, even if times improved, to restore the present rate. Under these circumstances they make a proposal which seems to us an exceedingly fair and reasonable one, namely, that instead of working full time on reduced wages they should work fewer hours at the present rate of pay per hour. By this means the loss would be divided between employers and employed, each bearing their share, while, when more work offers, the men could be employed for as many more hours as might be prac:icable, and so would share in the improved state of things. This appears to meet the requirements of the case. The plea for reduction is that there is less work to be done. Under the proposed arrangement the actual pay received would be less in proportion to the decreased amount of work, but the rate of pay would remain the same, which is tbe point i naturally striren for so earnestly by the men. Unless therefore the present threatened reduction is in. reality a covert movement to bring about a permanently lower rate of wages, it is difficult to see on what grounds the masters can refuse to accept the compromise offered by the men.

The weekly supplement, published with the present issue of the Kvbjung Post, will be iound to contain the usual variety of selected matter.

Once more we must direct the attention of the Government to the vexatious delays to which our telegrams from the disturbed native districts are subject. We complained of this in our last issue, and similar delays occurred yesterday. Surely, even if there be a press of work on the wires, the Government might arrange for short messages to the evening papers to have precedence, now that the public mind is so greatly exercised, and so much anxiety is felt as to the possibility of a native outbreak, and every item of intelligence is looked for with such eagerness. Owing to a misprint in our report of the deputation to the Premier and the Minister for Public Works yesterday, the meaning of a reply given by the deputation to Mr. Macandrew was reversed. What they stated was that the public opinion of Wellington was decidedly adverse to the railway station being retained in its present site. This might have been gathered from the general tenor of our report) but in order to prevent misapprehension, we think it advisable to make the correction. In reference to the difficulty reported in our telegraphic columns to have occurred in regard to the Timaru water-pipes, we are informed by Mr. £. W. Mills' manager that the amount named is considerably overstated, and tbat tbe difficulty is a technical one, which, it is expected, will very shortly be set right. The Arawata, with tbe outward Suez mail, does not leave this port until Monday afternoon, instead of to-morrow, the regular date. Mr. Henry Jackson addressed the Hutt electors at Wainui-o-mata on Thursday night. His speech was to much the same effect as those previously delivered by him. In answer to questions the candidate stated that he disapproved the land tax on the grounds of its being unfair in principle, being a class tax. He preferred an income tax, because it would be an " all round tax." He thought tbat the present Bankruptcy Act required amending, as it rather encouraged persons to become insolvent than otherwise. A vote of confidence wa3 proposed, but objected to, because, if carried, it would pledge those present. A long discussion ensued, when finally a vote of thanks only was accorded on the understanding that Mr. Mason was to be treated in the same manner when he addressed them. The meeting was well attended and orderly throughout. Mr. < Jackson addressed a meeting at the Taitai last evening. The attendance was thin, on account of the wet weather. A vote of thanks again was accorded. Tbe proceedings were very orderly. The only question put was that as to I Chinese immigration, to which Mr. Jackson replied as before. j Councillor Allen writes to say that he voted against the payment of compensation to Mr. J. Dooley, contractor, for the loss of his house, «nd gave notice that he wou'd move, nt the next meeting-, that the resolution be rescinded, as he considered there was no cage made out for compensation. The sad intelligence brought by telegram of the suicide of Mr. George Noble Gair, Manager of the National Bank of New Zealand at Tauranga, created a very painful sensation in Wellington, where the deceased gentlemaa was well known, and deservedly popular. Up to a comparatively recent date, the lato Mr. Gair was secretary to the Inspector of the Bank, and resided in Wellington, where he took an active part in promoting all athletic pursuits, espgcially boating, in which he was a perfect enthusiast. He held for a long time the post of Secretary to the Star Boating Club, in which capacity he worked with untiring zeal for the welfare of the club, and his departure from this city was felt to be a severe loss to the club. Socially, he was a universal favorite, and the news of his untimely death, with the deplorable manner of its occurrence, has been received with deep and general regret. Our lady readers may utilise the skins of ' rabbits and at the cost of comparatively little trouble and outlay, supply the forces sent to " the front " with comfortable socks for their boots. A sample pair have been left at our office (where they may be inspected), by a lady, who gives the following directions : — Stuff fresh rabbit skins very full of grass, leaves, or anything, then place them in the sunshine or warm place to dry. When thoroughly dry cut the shapes and stitch roughly on to thick cardboard (which may be procured at any drapers). We would remind tho public that the dramatised version of Wilkie Collins' celebrated novel, •' The Woman in White," will be produced at the Theatre Royal this evening, when Mr. Wybert Reeve will appear as Count Fosco, upon the successful portrayal of which character Mr. Reeve has been complimented by the author. The attendance at the Theatre last night was, considering the state of the weather, very fair. Mr. Reeve will be supported this evening by Mr. J. B. Steele, who is an old favorite with the theatre-going public. The promoters of the service of song at the Sydney-street Primitive Methodist Church last night were very unfortunate in having such unfavorable weather, which could not fail to have its effect upon the attendance. The musical director, Mr. J. Holmes Dean, is to -be congratulated, however, on the state of 'efficiency exhibited by the choir. The incidental readings were effoctivelv given by the Rev. R. D. Dutton, F.R.A.S. " A suggestion has been made that the Government hulk Omega, which at present is lying in the harbor practically useless, might be utilised as a training-ship for the Naval Brigade to practise in. The idea is a very good one, and we hope the Government will see their way to give effect to it. The Hinemoa's departure had to be countermanded at the last moment yesterday, as the detachment of the Armed Constabulary who were to proceed by her were not quite ready to start. She got away to-day. A man named Robert Hall was arrested by Detective Warren this afternoon on a charge of stealing an overcoat from tbe Bank Hotel. He will appear at the Resident Magistrate's Court on Monday. Steps are now being taken by the City Surveyor to construct footpaths on each side of Upper Tinakori Road. The road will be widened in some places, which will be a decided improvement. A meeting of the Fire Escape Committee of the Fire Police was held yesterday. It was reported that an escape similar to those used by the London Fro Brigades, with all the latest improvements, had been ordered from Messrs. Merryweather and Sons, and was now on its way here in the Loch Cree, which was expected to arrive next month. The ladders of the escape would command a height of sixty feet. Respirators to enable persons to enter rooms filled with smoke were also provided. The cost of the escape and appliances, with freight and insurance, amounted to about £160. A well attended parade of tbe members of the Naval Brigade took place at the Arcade last evening. The men, who numbered about 140, were drilled by the officers present, and went through various evolutions in a very creditable manner. About half of them wore the new i uniform, which becomes them exceedingly well. The uniform is very similar to that warn by the sailors in the British navy. Drill being over, Major Stack complimented the men on j their proficiency, and informed them that he intended to request the Government to allow the Brigade to act as a guard of honor at the opening of Parliament. It may be mentioned that the captain of the schooner Laurel has kindly placed his vessel at the disposal of the Brigade for drilling purposes this afternoon, j After we went to press yesterday, the case of List v. Holmwood, a claim for £182 as wages, was concluded. The jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff for £159. Our representative interviewed Mr. Gillet at Palmerston yesterday, and was informed that the survey of the Aorangi Block has been again stopped by the Awahuri natives. This time Hanapeka (sister of Tapita) was the chief obstructionist. According to the Herald, she not only took up the chain, but also refused to give it back. It is probable the Court will pass a severe sentence for this last act. — Wanganui Herald. In another column appears an excellent and varied programme to be given in the Athenaeum Hall on Monday night, commencing at 8 p.m., on behalf of tbe Wesleyan Church rebuilding fund. Most of the leading amateurs of the city have kindly giren their services, and, with such a programme, there should be a full house. Mr. J. Gear, the well-known butcher of this has for some time past been manufacturing soup for exportation to other parts of the world. Those who have tasted the article have fully appreciated it, and the result has been that a large quantity is consumed in Wellington. Recently, Mr. Gear has made considerable improvements in his manufactory, the object being to make the soup in larger quantities, and he has sent a sample of his '•new brew" to this office. The soup is of excellent quality, and one of its greatest advantages is tbat it can be prepared for use in a vary few minutes, as it is already cooked and only requires to be heated. It is of various kinds, such as oxtail, vegetable, kc, and is contained in 4lb. and 21 b. tins. Mr. Gear expects to find a ready sale for all he manufactures. A circular has been issued, by direction of the Minister of Education, notifying that the names of the teachers recently dismissed for falsification of their School Registers have been struck off the roll of certificated teachers. Boards of Education are requested to give strict injunctions to their Inspector to check the Attendance Registers, and to report all cases of inaccuracy not evidently accidental. An entertainment will take place in the Boukott-street Hall next Tuesday, in aid of the Convent School funds. By advertisement it is announced that the Wesleyans will continue their services tomorrow in the Manners-street Arcade. The circuit ministers will preach, and special collections will be made ia aid of the building fund of anew church. In consequence of tbe inclemency of the weather, the concert of the St Paul's Church

Choir, which was to have taken place last night, has been postponed until Tuesday next. The holders of tickets who attended last night were entertained with some excellent music, and their tickets were returned to them^ on leaving. In reference to]the explosion which we mentioned last evening as having occurred in the house of Mr. F. C. Binns, College-street, yesterday morning, the |Secretary of the West Wanganui Coal Company informs us that dynamite is not used at all in their mine, the soft nature of the coal rendering it unnecessary. The dynamite, cartridge, which caused the explosion in Mr. Binns' fireplace, and the copper case of which was found among the debris, must either have deen dropped accidentally among the coal or else placed there maliciously. We regret to learn tbat the effects ef the explosion have proved more serious than at first supposed in the case of Mrs. Binns, who is still suffering severelj from tbe blow she received in her face; one of her eyes being seriously injured, causing her intense pain. The occurrence appears as extraordinary and inexplicable as it was unfortunate Mr. Henry Corbett ha 9 iavored us with the following further communication :— " 27th June. Editor of Evening Post. Sir— For ' letters' sake say that 1 said ' bold theft,' &c. Ia self-right, sense, and legality I scorned the question ' where.' If anything could so find owner I should be glad to tell. They lied in social virtue to make me thief : though they hid tbe dog so long at risk of implication ; acting the revulsion of shame, such would make murderer of the ' Good Samaritan.' Pray don't let Justices in spleen thus demoralise the people.— Yours, kc, Hbnry COBBBTT." The Duke and Duchess of Connaught went to Algiers during their honeymoon, and notwithstanding the outlandishness of the place they appear to have enjoyed themselves thoroughly. While at Algiers they were entertained by the British Consul-General at that place, Colonel Playfair, brothers-in-law of Mr. C. C. Graham of this city. In a letter written by Mrs. Playfair to Mr. Graham, the lady says : — "L escorted them about to see all the sights of interest in the town, and they did not hesitate for a moment to take off their shoes in going into the mosques and walking in barefooted. . . . The Duchess is very pleasing-looking, and simple and natural to talk to, and the Duke is charming and very good looking." Before leaving Algiers the Duke presented Colonel Playfair with a full-sized portrait of himself and the Duchess. Between 10 and 11 o'clock last night an alarm of fire was raised in Government House, but fortunately we have not to record any serious damage. Tbe passages of the house were certainly full of smoke, but where it came from nobody was able to ascertain, though the gas-fitters were sent for, and other assistance was called in. The smoke remained in the building for some minutes, and then vanished as suddenly as it had appeared, and even now nobody can tell where it came from. By a typographical error the opening of the I New Presbyterian Church, Wellington Terrace, | was announced in our issue of yesterday to take place on tbe 30th instead of the 13th of July. Shareholders in the Wellington Patent Slip Company will, doubtless, be glad to hear that a dividend has been declared, payable at the Company's office, Courtenay-place. The following paragraph from the Melbourne Daily Telegraph of the 14th Instant will be read with regret by old members cf the Wesleyan Church in Wellington, Mr. Fisher for many years before his departure to Victoria being the leader of the choir in the Mannersstreet Church :— " Mr. William Fisher, a highly respected resident of Williamstown for the past twenty-six years, died suddenly last evening. He was conducting the choir practice at the local Wesleyan Church on Thursday evening, when he was seized with paralysis. He was taken to his home, and never recovered consciousness." The Wanganui Herald of 25th June says ;— At tbe Palmerston Police Court yesterday the Mayor of the Borough, Mr. G. M. Sne'son, who carries on the business of an auctioneer there, was charged with a breach of the Arm 3 Act, in that he sold a gun to a man named Pepper at auction, and allowed the purchaser to take the gun away before he had got a license for the same. As the offence is one which cannot be dealt with except by a superior Court, the Bench had no option but to commit Mr. Snelson for trial, as the facts of the case were quite clear as to the breach of the Act. He was committed to take his trial at the next sitting of the District Court at Palmerston, and admitted to bail on his own recognizance of £10. The case caused a great deal of interest in Palmerston where defendant is, as before mentioned, Mayor of the Borough. There was no intention on Mr. Snelson's part to evade the provisions of the Acl as he sent and procured the necessary license without delay, and unfortunately gave possession of the gun to the buyer before the license was issued, which led to the present unpleasant fix he is in. Under the circumstances it is hardly probable tbat the Government will prosecute further. A great sale of drapery is now being held at C. Smith's, Devonshire House, Cuba-street, where bargains are the order of the day. The cutter Annie, which was stranded at Wanganui Heads on Friday last and sold by auction on Monday for £175 to Mr. Bassett, has been successfully floated and taken to a place of safety, where her cargo of drain tiles will be discharged. The speculation has been a good one to Mr. Bassett and the two others who, we understand, joined him in the venture, as the hull of the vessel is but little injured, while her cargo of tiles are, it is believed, hardly damaged at all. Messrs. Bassett, Shaw, Denby, and Mitchell (says the Herald of Wednesday) worked at her all last night, and had the gratification of seeing their efforts crowned with success at high water to-day. We understand that the fortunate trio will clear at least £500 by the success of their attempts to float her off. Messrs. Davis and Co., photographic artists, have just completed a life sized photograph of Mr. Godber, father of Mr. James Godber, of this city. It was taken from a group which was photographed at one of the annual gatherings of the Dixon family on the Basin Reserve. The picture reflects great credit on the artists.

Messrs. J. H. Bethune and Co., will sell at their rooms, ci Wakatipu, on Monday, at halfpast 1 o'clock, a consignment of choice plants and fruit trees, from the celebrated nursery of Messrs. Ferguson and Sons, Camden,New South Wales, including many new varieties. We understand the shipment has arrived in splendid order, notwithstanding the tempestuous passage experienced by tbe steaoler. ONH pound free chets !— The proprietors of Wolfe's Abomatio Schiedam Schnapps, to induce the destruction and prevent the improper use of their wrappers and labels, and thus further protect the public against fraud and deception, have inclosed in the wrappers, or under the label on the quart bottles, since Ist October, 1878, and continue to inclose in every day's packing throughout the yeah THREE £1 OKDERS, which are drawn upon the undersigned, and which will be cashed by their agents. To secure these gifts, the public must be careful to ask for, and accept nothing but the Genuine Udolpho Wolfe's Schnapps, with our name upon the top label. M. Moss, "Wynyard Lane, Sydney. Jacob Joseph & Co., agents for Wellington.— fADVT.]