THE NELSON SUBURBS ELECTION.

Evening Post, Volume XXI, Issue 9, 12 January 1881, Page 2

Up to the time of our going to press there was no sign of the San Francisco mail steamer at Auckland. She left San Francisco a day late, and was therefore due on this coaßt yesterday, being now a day behind time, a very unusual occurrence with the present service. The Colonial Treasurer (Hon. Major Atkinson), accompanied by his socretary (Mr..H. Blundell) left by the Hawea this afternoon for Lyttelton. Major Atkinson will -visit the chief towns of the South, and is expected to be absent from Wellington about a fortnight. Dr. Johnston, Medical Officer, and Mr. Bedward, Immigration Officer, again visited the people on the quarantine island, to-day, and report that a fresh case of measles (» child) has occurred since their previous visit. The other patients are progressing favorably. Captain Edwin prognosticates much tain from the southward within the next few days, judging from present appearances. The barometer is falling steadily to-day, but the wind holds in the south. This is nearly always a bad sign. : Mr. E. Shaw, 8.M., ascended the Bench at the Besident Magistrate's- Court this morning at half-past 9 o'clock. Charles Gessert, a German, was brought up on remand, being deemed to be of unsound mind. Sergeant Anderson reported that Gessert was much better this morning ; he was apparently recovering from the effects of a " drinking bout.' ' The man was then allowed to go at liberty. Lawrence M'Govern again appeared in answer to a summons requesting him to Bhow cause why a protection order should not be issued to his wife, Caroline M'Govern, who, however, did not attend, and the defendant explaining that he -and his wife had " made it up," the case was struck out: Harry Webb, a bootmaker, for being drunk in Molesworth-atreet yesterday afternoon, was fined 5s with the usual alternative ; and for assaulting John Thomas Sapford he was ordered to pay ls^md costs, in default, 48 hours' hard labor. This was the whole of the business. The Public Works Committee pt the City Council have recommended that the City Surveyor be authorised to take steps for the removal of all furze growing oil .Corporation land or streets, wherever deemed by him to be dangerous ; and that the 'Inspector of Nuisances be instructed to take immediate steps to enforce the by-law in reference to the removal of furze grown :on private property. " The sale of jewellery in the -estate of Mr. John Marks wa9 resumed this moraine, by Mr. Macdonald, at lot 427 on the catalogue. There was a good attendance, and the bidding spirited, but the prices, considering the value of the lots, cannot be considered high. It is expected that the sale will commence to-morrow morning at between lots 850 to 900, when the marble clock will be sold. The following recommendations, among other things, will be placed by the Public Works Committee before the City Council to-morrow night : — That tenders be invited for the completion of Herald-street and far end of South Boad, to be charged against the Loan Schedule ; that the Manners-street cabstand be abolished, and that in lieu thereof there be two stands established in the middle of Cuba-street, north of Mannersstreet, and middle of Dixon-stroet, west ot Cuba-street ; that a line of concrete flagging be laid down on the east side of Lambton Quay, between Panama-street and Greystreet ; that accounts amounting to J3423 7a 3d b& passed for payment. ■ . The Public Works Committee recommend to the City Council that a reward of ,£5 be offered for such information as will ensure the conviction of any person maliciously injuring the trees or Bnrubs within any part of the Corporation plantation reserves. The question of taking over the grand stand in the Basin Reserve is recommended to be relegated to a sub-committee of the City Council, consisting of the Basin Reserve trustees and Councillors Logan, Miller, and Stafford. A wood and coal merchant, who was summoned yesterday at the B.M. Court for allowing his horse to wander at large in Tory-street, attended en deshabille. He appeared with his shirt-sleeves rolled up, thus baring his " broad and sinewy arms," while his face was illustrated with a series of grimy patches, suggestive of a too close acquaintance with the dusky diamonds, in which he deals. Mr. Shaw, 8.M., enquired, " Haven't you got a coat ?"- Considering the inefficient acoustic properties of the- Court, it is not to be wondered at that the defendant understood his Worship to enquire if he possessed a colt, and though, like Captain Corcoran, striving hard to catch at what) Mr. Shaw was driving, promptly replied that he. hadn't. " Not got a coat ?" almost shrieked the Magistrate in evident surprise. " A coat F Ah, I thought you said a colt. Oh yes, I've got a coat," said the defendant." •' Then," sharply remarked Mr. Shaw, " the r next time you come to Court' see that you put it on and make yourself look respectable." He was fined Is and costs. At the conclusion of the business of the Hutt County Council yesterday afternoon the members adjourned to an adjoining room to disouss a tin of Mr. W. Crawford's pre? served beef.' The meat looked good, and smelt delicious, and the fact that four pounds of the beef, with the addition of a hot 21b loaf, disappeared in less than ten minutes, speaks volumes in favor of the preserve. A large quantity of the preserved meat and soup turned out at Mr. Crawford's establishment at the Hutt has been shipped on board-the Northumberland. We have received a letter from an Italian fisherman denying the imputation made in a correspondent's letter recently that fish sold from wheelbarrows in the streets is stale. The hawkers, he Bays, only aell fresh fish from the harbor. At yesterday afternoon's usual weekly meeting of the Committee of the Benevolent Institution, several accounts were passed for payment, including the monthly account for rations, which amounted to J3103 7s 6d--slightly in excess of the sum paid the previous month. Abont the usual number of applications for relief were dealt with, none of whi h call for special mention. An application was made by some of those -w&r are at present earning rations by breaking stones to bs allowed to earn money to pay tneir rent by the same means. They rearesented that they were being pushed for their rent, and the committee decided to accedet^ the reqae3t if practicable. Ten men- weife reported a* having earned rations during the past week by stone-breaking, doing work to the extent of .£3 Is 2d. Mr. John Edwards is tho successful tenderer for additions to the Odd-Fellows' Hall, Lower Hn£t, the price agreed upon being JJBS. The building is to be made ten fe#t wider by being provided with committee and dressing rooms. A moonlight excursion on the water is advertised for to-morrow evening. The b.b. Te Aro will leave the Queen's Wharf at 7.30 p.m.

A meeting of ,-the creditors of Mr. J. Williams, of Masterton, was to hare been held ' at the Supreme Court buildings at 2 o'clock afternoon, bttt lapsed. Mr. Shaw, E.M., proceeded to the Hutt thi3 morning, where he held a sitting of the R.M. Court. There was only one case for hearing— 'Desmond v. Compton, a 'claim for £1. . Messrs. S. 'Agate, J. Compton, and C. Hendrey attended at the Colonial Secretary's 'Office thwTlaJTa'na sawTSfe XtoO]Ter~about the division of the assets of the late KaroriMakara Highway Board. Mr. Cooper stated that the report of the Auditor-General was delivered, and he believed the decision would be given and signed this day. The deputation pointed out that they had been promised a hearing, or rather a joint hearing, so'many of a side, to discuss the report and division of assets before any decision was given. They claimed to have this hearing, and Mr. Cooper promised to lay their request before the Premier. ' _ ' The fishmarket, which has, since its erection, been, the admiration of everyone who hap seen .it/ appears, notwithstanding -its extreme beauty, to have been a failure, as it 1b reported that the lessees refuse, or are unable, to carry out their contract. This' being so, the Public Works Committee of the City Council recommend that the Council resume possession of that handsome structure, and re-let the stalls for " other purposes." Some discussion arose at yesterday's meeting of the Benevolent Committee regarding the desirableness of paying " surprise visits" to the homes pf those persons" whose names are on the books of the Institution as being in the receipt of charitable aid. The suggestion was made by the 'Rev. H. Van Stayeren, and was warmly supported by the Chairman of the Committee, -who considered that such a course would assist the Believing Officer in his duties very materially. It was unanimously determined to accept the suggestion, and that lists of these persons be placed in the hands of each member of the Committee, so that when one chanced to be in the neighbourhood of a house where any of such people reside, he could " drop in and see matters for himself." Mr. Ketten gave his second pianoforte recital last night in the Theatre Boyal. Owing to pressure on our space, we are unable to give a detailed criticism of his performance, and must content ourselves with recording that he played magnificently as ever, especially in his own very clever compositions, and the waltz and mazurka of Chopin, and the two pieces by Liszt, evidently favorite composers of Mr. Ketten. The transcription of the beautiful " Spinning Song" from Bichard Wagner's magnificent opera, "Der Fliegende > Hollander," was especially fine, his execution and expression alike being superb. It -is hardly necessary to say that every solo was most enthusiastically applauded by the audience: Mr. Ketten will give his third recital to-night, when special attractions will be Beethoven's " Sonate Pathetique," Weber's " Invitation 4 la valse," and pieces by Schubert, Chopin, Mendelssohn, and other great composers. A resident in Arthur-street, named Mrs. Williamson, was alarmed on going np-stairs yesterday morning to find the upper rooms full of smoke. Assistance having been procured, the fire was fortunately extinguished with a few buckets of water. It ia believed that a spark from the chimney was driven under the Bhingle roof by the wind, thus causing the fire. The damage done is not serious. The Regatta Committee met last night, and fixed upon the amounts of the various prizes, which will be found duly advertised in another column. With regard to the flagship, Captain Rose stated the committee would no doubt be granted the use of one of the New Zealand Shipping Company's vessels, but he could not yet say which it would be. It will be seen that the prizes for the first-class yacht and coasters' -race have been considerably inoreased. Yesterday afternoon, before Mr. Shaw, 8.M., Thomas- Dennis appeared^ on remand j to answer, afcharge of having in August last feloniously stolen a kitchen range, value .€2O, the property of David Bell. Mr. Forwood appeared for the prosecutor, and Mr. Chapman for the prisoner. The information was subsequently amended to one charging the prisoner with being the receiver of the property, knowing the same to have been stolen". ' witnesses were examined for the prosecution, including .Messrs. D. Bell, J. E. Baker, A. Hasell, George; Harris, and Constable Walsh.* From their evidence * it appeared the range was at one time located in premises known as Moore's Dining-rooms in Willis-street. Mr. Bell was the owner of " these premises, and Mr. Moore being behindhand in his rent to the extent of JJI7 10s, a distress warrant was Beryed and exeonted. Mr. Moore then became insolvent, and Mr. C. A. Baker, who at that time was acting as Mr. Bell's agent, was appointed trustee to the estate. In addition to the 'sum of £14 paid to Mr. Bell towards liquidating the amount- of the rent, Mr. Baker presented him with the kitohen range and other articles to .make up the balance. Suddenly, it was discovered that the range had been removed from the premises, and all efforts to trace its whereabouts failed until a week ago, when it was found in the possession of the prisoner. The further hearing of the case was adjourned for a week. ' .The employe's of the Wellington Gas Company held their annual dinner at the Fsrester's Hall, Tory-street, last night. About thirty persons sat down to a well-laid table, -among the number -being Mr. F. A. Krall and Hon. C. J. Pharazyn (directors), Mr. J. R. George (manager), Mr. Levin* M.H.R.. and Mr. S. Brown. Mr. Krull occupied the chair. -After the eatables anjd loyaf tpasts had been disposed of, Mr. Wise proposed' "^The Directors," which was briefly responded to by Messrs. Krull and Pharazyn, both expressing their pleasure to ccc the Bame faces year after year at their social gatherings, as it showed that a thorough good feeling existed between employers and employed. The efforts of the latter had done'ffitioh towards making the Wellington Gas Company the most successful company in Wellington. Mr. S. Brown next proposed "The Employe's," coupled, with the name of = Mr. Birch, the manager of works under Mr." George. Mr. Birch, in responding, spoke of the benefit of the employers and employed meeting together in a Bocial way once a year. The men would in future strive aIL the more to merit the approval of the directors. Mr. Krull proposed " The Health of the Manager, Mr. J. R. George," who briefly responded. The other toasts were "The Visitors" and " The Press," proposed respectively by Mr. South and Mr. George. The Excelsior Lodge of Druids, No. 97, held its half-yearly election of officers last evening. - There were a number of candidates for each office, and after a close contest the result was as follows : — Arch-Druid, Bro. T. G. Boon ; Vice- Arch, S. Dyer ; Secretary, Wm. Howden (re-elected) ; Treasurer, H. G. Cloridge (re-elected) j A.D. Bards, IBros. A. L. Green- and A. Crombie ; V.A. Bards, Bros. J. Bonner and E. Biddle; Inner Guard, >H. C. Cato ; 0.G., F. Scobie ; Auditor; F. Harper; Minute Secretary, Bro. Wm. M'Lean. The ceremony of installation was performed by Bro. W. Bishop, PastArch. The Secretary afterwards read the balance-sheet .and auditorfs. report for the past half-year, which showed the Lodge to be in- a highly satisfactory financial condition, both the sick and management funds having large credit balances, without any liabilities to meet. The roll of members also Bhowed a considerable increase since the last return. A hearty /voteofiihanks was ordered to be recorded on the minutes to Bro. Past Arch Bishop for his many services to the Lodge-; also, a proposition that he be nominated to the Grand Lodge as District President was unanimously, .agreed to. During the meeting, the Fete Committee reported 7 having arranged favorable terms for the use of M'Nab's, Gardens, Lower Hutt, and also with the'Bailway Department, Mr. Ashcroft, the general manager of the line, having met their wishes in a liberal .and courteous manner. The various preparations were in a forward state; a number of applications had- already been ¦ made for tickets, and they were " satisfied, if favored with fine weather, the demonstration on Anniversary Day would prove to be in every respect a complete success. In our advertising* columns will be found the programme for the Wellington Amateur Dramatic Club's, grand fashionable performance on Tuesday evening next, the 18th instant.' The programme will consist of H. J. Byron's |three-aot comedy, "Dearer than Life." The piece has been ably and carefully cast, and will absorb the-.full-strength of the club. The performance wilf conclude with a locally-written burlesque 1 , entitled " The Very Witty Diggings," introducing several of our well-known and favorite amateur vocalists in new songs, with full orchestral accompaniments by the club's band The performance will be under the patronage and in the presence of his Worship the Mayor, Lieut.-Ctol. Pearce, tie officers of the various volunteer corps, the various foreign consuls', and the elite of Wellington. The proceeds of tha performance will go to supplement the fund being raised by the Wellington Cricket Association to suitably entertain the Australian Eleven during their visit to Wellington. Both pieces have been in active rehearsal for some time, and, from the success that has always attended -the efforts of the club, both financially and dramatically, together with the object for which the performance is given, a bumper house is expected. Mr. A. G. Johnston yesterday drew attention to a letter which appeared in this journal a few days ago, respecting a child whose parents' had disappeared, and which had Fallen into the hands of a notorious woman. He corroborated the statement that the woman in question, had since been paying 10s per week to a friend for the care of the ©told.

Ju3t aa Mr. Ollivier had concluded the >pening of the case for the plaintiff in Wallace y. Martin at the Supreme Court ilia morning, and was about to resume his seat, a respectably-attired man at the back >£ the Court, moved, no doubt, by the Learned counsel's forensic eloquence, was unable to choke back the " hear, hear " which rose to Ms lipß. Startled by the interruption, Mr. Justice Richmond pricked up his ears, and after obtaining time to recover his surprise, indignantly exclaimed, " Show me the man who had the impertinence to make that remark, and I will certainly commit him for contempt." Anxious to earn the Judge's commendation, a zealous policeman soon "spotted" the rash individual, and placing his hand on the man's shoulder, eaid, "Here he is, your Honor." Judge Eichmond— " Take him into custody till the rising of the Court." The order was instantly obeyed. Mr. O. W. Clayton has presented the Working Men's Club with a set of the works of Shakespeare. The librarian has intimated to us that he will be happy to wait on anyone who may have books to present to the Club. A sad accident, which terminated fatally, occurred near Palmerston on Friday. A man named Edward Beardon was engaged in bush-felling in the Fitzherbert district, when a tree fell, smashing his leg in three or four places. It appeared as if the tree must have struck the leg once, and smashed it, recoiling again and again, each tame striking and smashing the leg, and finally resting on the foot, which was greatly crushed. With great difficulty he was conveyed to Palmerston, whetffe he was placed under chloroform and the leg amputated. He died, however, late on Saturday night from the haemorrhage and shock to the system. Messrs. Dwan and Co. this week disposed of, by private treaty, tho "Admiral Station," Carterton," with Btock, implements, Ac, to Mr. John Burrow, of Nelson. The property was only in their hands six daya when they disposed of it. The price has not yet been disolosed. Mr. Burrow has returned to Nelson to dispose of his property there, before taking up his residence in the Wellington Province. The country brewers complain that there is great difficulty thrown in their way of obtaining Btampa. They cannot issue their beer without the stamps, nor can they afford to take a very large supply at once ; and every time they require them they have to send a requisition in duplicate to the Customs authorities here, which entails a good deal of unnecessary delay. One brewer Bays he had an order for a large supply of beer, and, being out of stamps, sent to Wellington for them. It was ten days before he received the stamps, and, in the meantime, four hogsheads of beer went sour, so that he lost considerably by the transaction. He wrote to the Customs authorities, and received, in reply, an offioial communication, in which he was politely informed that the Government did not intend to consult his convenience. Under the Act, the police are appointed inspectors to see that the casks of beer are stamped, and a correspondent argues that surely they might be entrusted with a stock or these revenue " tickets " for the convenience of inland brewers. " The development of some, of the resources of New Zealand and attendant results," will form the title of a lecture to be- delivered by Dr. Newman, before the members of the Working Men's Club, this evening. The annual meeting of Courts Robin Hood and Sir George Bowen, A.0.F., takes place at the Foresters' Hall, Tory-street, to-night. The Masterton paper gives a detailed account of a stand-up fight between two local "..bruisers," Scandinavian by birth. The enconnter actually took place in a paddock I adjoining the local policeman's residence, the explanation being that that was deemed the safest place, the belligerents knowing that under the new regulations our constables are turned into^baUiffs, and that the polioeiuan in question was engaged in serving summonses' in civil cases. In- the report the pugilists are termed respectively Peter and Paul. After three rounds, Peter, ' ' rendered cautious by his previous experience," endeavored to increase the distance between himself and his adversary as far as the limits of a two-acre paddock would permit ; Paul, standing jn the centre, telling him to "go home" if he would not stand his ground. But Peter said he would go and have a drink first. ' It is understood that the thirsty Peter is still having his drink, and that the combat is to be renewed as Boon as he has - finished his liquor. In the meanwhile the fight stands adjourned sine die. . _ . . The Melbourne Telegraph of the 24th tilti has the following : — " It will be remembered that a week or so since a Mrs. Collins 'obtained an order from the City Court Bench for maintenance from her husband, whom' I she had followed over here from New Zea- ! lond under the impression that he was aboufc to proceed to the mother country, and leave her without the means of subsistence. Mr., Collins, who is asserted to be possessed of considerable means, was ordered to, find a substantial surety ijhat he would pay his wife a certain sum -per week, and was locked up until he found, th« surety. It appears, however, that he 1 haft not paid any of the maintenance', and ac-£ cording to the account of Mrs; Collins, when* she went to the house of his sarety yesteri; day, where he happened to be, to get an ex-,j planation, he struck her a violent blow in, the mouth, and then drove off in'a dab. Mrs, Collins then attended at the police magia- : trate'S office to report this occurrence, but was so overcome en arrival there that she war seized with a fit on the landing, and it 'took several constables to-iold her whilejt. lasted. The case, as has been before #e^ marked, "is rendered noticeable- by the fafctfc that the parties have been thirty-one years married, and have a grown-up family in New Zealand." -