Evening Post. SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 1881. THE ASYLUM COMMISSIONERS' REPORT.

Evening Post, Volume XXI, Issue 88, 16 April 1881, Page 2

Evening Post. SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 1881. THE ASYLUM COMMISSIONERS' REPORT.

The very able and trenchant report of the Royal Commission on the Wellington Lunatic Asylum, of which we published a summary on Thursday, will command the hearty approval of all who have perused the startling evidence given during the progress of the enquiry. The Commissioners have mosb thoroughly justified the confidence which was felt by the public in their ability, perspicacity, and impartiality, and the report, which is the result of their labours, is a document alike of deep interest and of great value. The fairness of their decision not to allow weight to the statements of expatients, unless supported] by independent testimony, or to conviot attendants of improprieties on the unsupported evidence of a witness who was insane at the time of the alleged occurrences, must be conceded to be fair as a general principle. Still it is open to the disadvantage of seeming to imply that insane patients may be liable to gross ill-treatment in the absence of sane witnesses, and may be unable to obtain either redress or future protection, because their statements are discredited and set down to mere delusion. We merely notice this point now in passing, but we shall return to it on another occasion It is of less importance in this particular case, because there was abundance of independent and unchallengeable testimony to form a crushing indictment against the persons implicated. In fact their own admissions seem to us to constitute a complete and most grave " case" against themselves. Four distinct classes of officials are dealt with in the Commissioners' report — the Superintendent, Mr. Whitblaw ; the Medical Attendant, Dr. France ; the Inspector, Dr. Skae ; and the Official Visitors, one of the latter being a member of the Commission. It is noteworthy that the first three of these are more or less severely censured, while the official visitors are allowed to go unscathed. This appears somewhat remarkable, inasmuch as the report expressly declares the legal powers of official visitors to be coterminous with tho?e of the Inspector. Tet the latter is censured for a neglect of duty, which seems to us, on the Commissioners' own showing, to be equally chargeable against the official visitors, who are not censured at all. This is the single weak point in the otherwise uniformly admirable report of the Commission, and we therefore dispose of that at starting. For the re3t of the report we have nothing but the highest praise. The Commissioners have not shrunk from the keenest probing of this deplorable public scandal, and the studiously moderate judicial language in which their conclusions are expressed conveys a far heavier censure on the persons condemned than any sensational denunciation could possibly do. Among the three officers whose conduct is thus unfavorably criticised, the medical officer, Dr. France, is least severely treated, and, in our opinion, justly so. His default has simply consisted in making no attempt to cure the mental diseases ef the patients, although studiously attentive to their bodily ailments. However grave a scandal it may be that absolutely nobody should have been appointed to discharge this all-important duty of undertaking the curative treatment of the patients in the Asylum, it is only fair to Dr. France to say that this does seem to have been the case. So far as we can learn, his duties, when he was appointed, were distinctly defined as consisting solely in caring for the bodily health of the patients, just in the same way as if they were the inmates of a hospital, or a benevolent refnge, or even a college. He never professed to treat mental disorder, regarding that as the function of an expert in that branch of medical science, which he did not assume to be. While this explanation acquits him of wilful negligenco, it increases the weight of the indictment against our system generally, and it is, as we have already remarked, a gross scandal that no provision whatever should have been made for attempting the cure of the mental disease, the treatment of which — and not merely their safe custody — is, or ought to be, the main object of insane patients' detention in an asylum. We now come with a good deal of reluctance to the case of the two officers who have fallen under the chief aensure of the Commission — Mr. Whitblaw, the Superintendent, and Dr. Skae, the Inspector. It would, indeed, be difficult to conceive a more thorough and complete condemnation than that which is passed on both of these officers. It would be still more difficult to questionits entire deservedness, or to suggest & single consideration in mitigation of judgment. Mr. Whitblaw is pronounced utterly unfit for his position on account of his " total inexperience," his " overbearing demeanour," his " hasty and irascible temperament," and his "constitutional infirmity of temper." He is declared guilty of "violent and tyrannical conduct ; " of ill-treating at least one patient in a manner so brutal as to appear " startling and improbable," until the facts were " confirmed and verified by other and independent witnesses ; " of not discountenancing the use of unnecessary force and roughness on the part of attendants towards the patients ; of compelling patients to perform improper and unsuitable work ; of " ungentle treatment " of patients generally ; of " punishing lunatics for their lunaoy ; " of permitting indecorous

irregularities in regard to the female wards ; and of tampering with official records concerning his own conduct — while his whole system of management has been of harsh restraint and even punishment. We are bound to say the sworn evidence taken by the Commission thoroughly bears out these serious charges, and mo3t clearly proves Mr. Whitklaw'b retention in office as Superintendent of the Asylum to have been a* utterly unjustifiable as was his original appointment on Dr. SKAB's recommendation—the latter a flagrant job on which the Commissioners comment with incisive severity. We have no hesitation in characterising the circumstances disclosed in the evidence as a disgrace to this city, to this colony, and to humanity itself. Unfortunate, helpless, and irresponsible beings, afflicted with the most terrible of diseases, sent compnlsorily/to a pnblic I institution for careful and curative treatment, combined with moderate and judicious restraint, such as would be impracticable in their own houses, have been subjected to illusage so shameful that one's blood boils as one reads the infamous record. It is impossible within our present limits to discuss in detail tho atrocities that are stated on oath to have occurred, and are declared by tho Commissioners to be absolutely proved, bnt we say without fear of contradiotidn they form so foul a blot on our boasted humanity and civilisation^as to be incredible were not the evidence so.tirresistibly Btrong and complete. And what of Dr. Skab, it may be asked, the highly-paid Inspector, whose advent to New Zealand "was to be the signal for universal reform in our whole system of lunatic asylums, and for the introduction of every modern improvement P Well, Dr. Skae asserts that he has no real power at all, and that his sole function is to report on the condition of asylums, and expose any abuses his inspection may detect. Assuredly this is considerably less than the country .expects from the officer whom it' pays so well, but the Commissioners' endorse Dr. Skae's view as to his powers under the Act, and the only conclusion that oan be come to is that an immediate and sweeping amendment of the Act is imperative. But it has yet to be asked how Dr. Skae discharges the very limited duties he does recognibe as appertaining to his functions. We regret to say he stands convicted on his own confession of the gravest and most reprehensible neglect. He admits that he was aware of the shameful ill-tieatment of the patients Hall and Ryan, and that he expressed his disapprobation to the Superintendent, yet, although he paid twelve visits during the continuance of the inhuman confinement of Hall for seven months in " a strait-jacket euphemistically described as a camisole," he made no minute of his disapproval in the book, and no report to tho Colonial Secretary, although — remark the Commissioners — " ono line from him might have saved the patient from seven months of totally unjustifiable torture." Surely this sentence must be taken as ' a, condemnation as complete and crushing as ever was passed on a public officer, especially as the Commission proceed — " With various modifications, the same remark applies to Inspector Skae's neglect with regard to a number of other patients ;" and, in the very next paragraph, they observe that " the irregnlarity and indecency of the continuous mixing of the sexes within the walls of a lunatic asylum is not on any occasion reported by the Inspector." We must confess our inability to comprehend the conduct of Dr. Skae in thus tacitly sanctioning the continuance of treatment which he admits to have been needless and cruel, and in taking no steps to compel its cessation. His plea that he had no personal powers is the merest moonshine, because it is admitted that by . a report to the Colonial Secretary he could instantly have procured tho remission of the inhuman restraint unnecessarily inflicted on those nnhappy and helpless sufferers. It is hardly credible that any man in full possession of his faculties and of common human feelings, could have displayed such barbarous indifference to the miseries of his fellow-creatures, of which he was able indirectly, if not directly, to procure the mitigation. Dr. Skae also stands convicted on his own admission of making a grossly improper recommendation of Mr. Whitblaw for the appointment. He laid particular stress on the urgent need of special and technical training, and yet he obtained the appointment of Mr. Whitelaw, who confessedly had no experience at all. The circumstanoes of Mr. Whitelaw's appointment, as given in evidence, will still be fresh in our readers' memory, and we need not reour to them save to remark that in this respect also Dr. Skae deserves the severe censure whioh he receives from the Commission. We must postpone to future articles muoh more that we have to say on the whole subject, which is not one that can be, briefly disposed of, but, before concluding for the present, we desire to express our opinion that the whole Colony is deeply indebted to the Commissioners, especially to Mr. E. Shaw, their very able chairman, for the resolute and unsparing way in which they have exposed this crying scandal, and also to Mr. J. H. Shaw, both for his action in initiating the enquiry, and for the skill and unwearied energy with which he conducted what may fairly be termed the " case for the prosecution." The public mind will not now be satisfied until the Commissioners' report is followed out by the Government to its legitimate issue.

Our " Saturday Extracts," published on the fourth page of to-day's paper, include " Terrible Scene at a Fancy Festival," " A Modern Claude Duval," and " A Runaway Match on the Ohio." The Evening Post will be published as usual on Monday. The sitting of the District Court has been adjourned till Friday next. There is only one case on the list, viz., Johnston v. The Pelorus Saw Mill Company. The R M. Court will sit at half -past nine o'clock on Monday morning next, an hour earlier than usual. To-morrow, being Easter Day, the offer tories at the Anglican Churches will be handed over to the respective incumbents as " Easter offerings," according to the direction of the Diocesan Synod. The morning train to Wairarapa yesterday was crowded to excess, indeed its departure was delayed for nearly a quarter-of-an-hour, owing to the necessity of adding more and more carriages to accommodate the continually arriving stream of passengers. Nearly 300 booked from Wellington, and many more were picked up at the wayside stations, so that the train was one of the most profitable yet run on the line. The pleasure of the journey, however, was spoiled by the unconscionable delays on the way, owing- to which the train was 45 minutes late in arriving at the Summit, and the inward train from Wairarapa, which [crossed, it there, had to wait all that time before it could proceed to town, where it ultimately arrived half-an-kour late in consequence. The outward train was taken by one engine as far as Upper Hutt, but two were required over the rest of the distance. A large number of excursionists went out to Wairarapa by the ordinary 3.30 p.m. train on Thursday, and many travelled to the intermediate stations. The weather was perfect, and no accident of any kind occurred to mar the success of the day's work. A reward is offered for information regarding the fire on Mr. J. C. Crawford's run, on the Peninsula, yesterday. The fire is supposed to have originated on the part of some wantonly-disposed person, and has committed about £50 worth of damage. Had a high wind prevailed at the time probably several hundred sheep would have been destroyed It is to be hoped that if the fire was the deliberate and wilful act of any person he may be speedily brought to justice. Between 300 and 400 volunteers embarked on the Government steamer Hinemoa on Thursday night en route for Nelson, where they are now taking part in the encampment. The Railway Wharf, from which the steamer sot out, was thronged with people desirous ot witnessing their departure. The Queen's Wharf was also crowded with persons hurrying to the various steamers which had been laid on for excursion trips to different resorts. A telegram received from Nelson to-day states that the Wellington Amateur Dramatic Club gave a most successful sacred ooncerb last night, at that place, the proceeds of which were for the local charitable institutions. It is satisfactory to find their efforts thus appreciated The number of patients at the Wellington Hospital includes 43 males and 11 females. During the week 3 of either Bex have been admitted, and 1 male and 2 females discharged. One male and 1 female died during that period. The receipts of various presents is acknowledged from the Hospital authorities — an airbed, from Mrs. Anoell; hot-cross buns, from Mrs. Clapham; linen, from S.J.F., Mesdames J. H. Wallace, M'Greeney, and Den ton. Mr. Robert Ward, R.M. of Marten, has been appointed coroner in the room of Mr. Piers bJ. Warburton, resigned. The glorious weather which prevailed yesterday had the effect of inducing all who could to participate in the general holidaymaking. The steam-launch Waiwera took a large number of persons to Lowry Bay, while smaller craft were also brought into requisition, a~d were to be seen about tho harbor in all directions. Numerous pleasure-soekers availed themselves of tho arrangements made by the railway authorities, and othere again formed themselves into picnic parties and enjoyed a few hours' fresh air in the countrji The city itself presented quite a forsaken appearanoe throughout the day.

Yesterday, being Good Friday, the day on which the Church commemorates the crucifixion of the Redeemer, divine service was held in the Anglican and Koman Catholic places of worship in this city. The services were of the mournf al and penitential character usual on that day, the ordinary musical accessories being 1 almost entirely omitted. The fine bells of St. Peter's Church were muffled and tolled as a funeral peal, the effect being exceedingly solemn and impressive Wesleyans in all parts of the world will read with regret the announcement of the deith of the Rev. Dr. Punshon, who was generally admitted to be the most eloquent I preacher which that body possessed. The Eev. W. Morley Ponshon, LL.D., was born in 1824, atfDoncaster, where his father was a draper. At the age of 14 he entered the office of his grandfather, a timber merchant, but it was not long before bis strong predilection for the Bacrod calling to which he subsequently devoted himself made itself manifest. At the age of lll6 1 he became a Wesleyan local preacher, and after a short probationatthe Wesleyan College,Biohmond, he was- appointed to his first pastoral charge, at Marden, Kent. At the age of 21, when he was at Whitehaven. Cumberland, his fame as a preacher had become noised abroad, and people came for miles to hear him preach . He subsequently visited London, and his reputation both as a preacher and as a leetnrer rapidly extended. It was the matter, rather than by the manner of his eloquence, that most impressed his hearers. Like the Sot. Paxton Hood, the celebrated Congregationalist preacher, Dr. Pnnshon was unfortunate in having a voice positively disagreeable in quality — at least to those hearing it for the first time. He had a rare command of language, however, and carried away by hie glowing periods and similes, and by the earnestness of his manner, the listeners soon found themselves delighted and absorbed by his eloquence. In Dr. Punshon left England for Canada, where he married his deceased wife's sister The lady with whom he formed this connection died in October, 1871. Dr. Punshon was five times elected President of the Canadian Conference. He returned to England in 1873, and in 1874 was elected President of the Wesleyan Conference for the ensuing year. Besides a number of sermons and lectures, Dr. Punshon has published a small volume of poems. A small volume of smoke was observed to issue from the Basin Reserve yesterday afternoon, and on examining the spot it was discovered to proceed from underneath the ground, where some dibris was smouldering, in consequence, no doubt, of the protracted heat lately experienced. Some years ago this spot consisted of a bog, whioh has since been filled in. " T.5.M.," Boulcott-street, writes to us as follows : — " I beg through the medium of the Post to sugpent that, instead of inspectors being sent to watch the householders wasting water, they would do well to watch the larrikins who, at night, prowl about, turning on taps, to the great annoyance of the residents. Two nights ago I turned off the water three different times. Last night I turned the tap extra tight before going to bed, bnt was Boon awakened, with the noise of persons running past, to find the tap in full swing. Thiß, I think, should come under the duty of the police as well as the notice of the Water Committee." Messrs. Henry Hall, J. M. Speed, A. Gray, E. L. Barton, and J. Connolly, have been admitted and enrolled as barristera of the Supreme Court of New Zealand; and Messrs. J. Chubb, Cave, and Brown, English barristers, have been admitted to the New Zealand Bar. The Theatre Royal will be re-opened this evening, when the " Danites " will be produced here for the first time, with Messrs. Hamilton, Wallace, and Riggs in the leading parts. New scenery has been specially painted for this drama by Mr. J. H. Willis, the clever scenio artist of Dunedin, and judging from the enthusiastic reception of the play elsewhere, and from the splendid caßt, it bids fair to enjoy a prosperous run if creditably presented. Mr. Walter Reynolds has organised a new dramatic combination, which will occupy the Academy of Music to-night. " Oliver Twist " has been chosen for the opening performance. Miss De Glorian and Mr. Harry Power, recently of the Lydia Howarde Burlesque Troupe, are lined for parts. A cricket match, between the Karori and Rising Star (second eleven) Clubs, was played on the Basin Reserve yesterday. The Rising Stars won on the first innings, scoring 79 to their opponents' 78. Messrs. Bunny and Beetham addressed a meeting of their constituents at the Town Hall, Greytown, on Wednesday evening. The Mayor presided. There was practically nothing new in either of the addresses. On the motion of Mr. Revans, seconded by Mr. Tully, both members received a vote of thanks. The Waxwork Exhibition, at St. George's Hall, is announced to close positively on Monday night, in consequence of other engagements. A more complete itinerant exhibition of the kind than Messrs. Christofani and Co.'s has not visited New Zealand, and the opportunity of seeing it should not be missed. More splendid weather than that which favoured the moonlight excursion on the harbour last evening could hardly have been desired. The p.s. Manawatu was crowded with passengers, and if anything the affair was even more successful than on the previous occasion. There was a band on board, and the steamer was decorated with Chinese lanterns, which added greatly to the attractions. Mr. Jewell, under whose supervision the arrangements were carried out, is to be congratulated on the success of his efforts, the exenrsionists appearing to enjoy themselves to the utmost. Dr. Simms delivered another of his interesting physiognomical lectures at the Athenaeum Hall last night, dealing particularly with the eyes, nose, ears, and mouth. As üßual, the lecturer succeeded in keeping his audience in good humor from first to last. In his efforts to keep his lectures from becoming tedious, however, Dr. Simms is apt to make them a little discursive. For instance, last night he devoted a good deal of time to describing trichina, and various other forms of animalcules— a subject interesting enough its way, but hardly germane to a lecture on physiognomy. In the course of his remarks. Dr. Simms pointed out the difference in configuration between a musical and an unmusical ear — the former being described as small, standing out well from the head, and broad and well-rounded at the top. Two of the " softer sex " and five males ascended the platform at the conclusion of the lecture for the purpose of being publicly examined. This, as usual, proved a very interesting part of the proceedings, and the doctor's diagnoses seemed to be, on the whole, exceedingly accurate. A correspond«nt, signing himself " C.N., scholar of the High School of Engineers and Architects, Berlin," writes to us as follows :—": — " Seeing in your paper a paragraph as to the bad acoustic properties of the new Supreme Court, I went yesterday for half a minute to see it. Take the high dado away, plaster the walls, and drape the windows, and the echo is gone." A few evenings ago the officers and memberß of the Karori-Makara United Lodge, thirty in number, went to Makara and held an entertainment. It was very well attended. Addresses and singing formed a considerable portion of the programme, and eleven candidates were initiated. The G.W.C.T. presided. The outcome of this meeting will be the formation of a new lodge, and the Good Templars are to be congratulated on the commendable efforts they ara zealously putting forth in the cause of temperance. The Star of Wellington Lodge held its weekly session last Thursday evening at the Athenaeum, when Bro. W. Johnson, G.W.C.T. presided. Three candidates, seamen on board the Alastor, were duly initiated. Bro. Hall, the City Missionary, Baid a few words respecting the earnestness that members should exert in the temperance cause, stating some of the Bad instances of the effects of drink whioh had been brought under his own notice. During the early part of tho ¦wock, the G.W.C.T., Bro. W. Johnson, visited the Upper Hutt, it having been previously arranged that there should be a temperance meeting. Sufficient persons gave in their names for the formation of a lodge, and it was immediately constituted by the G.W.C.T. The name of a lodge that was formerly in existence in the same locality, viz., Haste to the Rescue, was adopted. Bro. Bntler ia the W.C T., Bro. P. Johnson is the secretary, and Bro. G. Wyeth is the lodge-deputy. The lodge is to meet every Thursday evening, at half-past 7. A enrious story is related by theßangitikei Advocate. An individual, whom it calls M'Full, had been imbibing rather copiously, and was going home in a dray in company with a bottle of whisky and several other friends. In the course of the journey M'Full must have fallen out from the tail and of the dray, where he was Bitting in company with the whisky bottle, for after the friends had got about five miles from the township they became aware that he was missing. They pulled up, proceeded to make a search, and found him about half-a-mile in the rear. They brought him along to where the hors9 was standing, and, inspired by " bold John Barleycorn," he began to punch the horse's head. The animal, not liking this unprovoked assault, " went for him," and, striking him with his fore foot over the left eye, rushed right over him, and bolted at the top of his speed. The unfortunate man was picked up senseless, and hits companions had to go back to the township from which they had Btarted for a conveyance in whioh to carry him home. .

The Btarting of evening newspapers in New Zealand does not appear to be a very safe or profitable means of investing one's money at the present time. We notice that a meeting of the shareholders in the Telegraph, an evening paper started at Christchurch some months ago, is convened for tho purpose of considering a resolution to wind up the company and appoint a liquidator. Referring to the discontent of the Wellington citizens at the delay which usually takes place in bringing down the 'Frieco mail from Manukau, the Rangitikei Advocate says that the settlers on the West Coast (excepting residents in Wanganui) are in every whit as bad a plight while the mail is taken round via Nelson, Picton, and Wellington. During the reception of Laycock at Melbourne, J. Thompson said that it was false that Trickett had sold his race. In consequence of the rumor, Trickett had told him that he would not return to Australia until he had again fought the battle out with Hanlan in America. Laycock also 1 bote testimony to the genuineness of Trickett's pulling. Mr. Florence W. M'Carthy writes to the Christchurch Press, distinctly contradicting the following statement of the Lyttelton Times' special correspondent: — "The Gevernment had appointed a reporter (Mr. M'Cftrthy) to a position on the staff of Sir William Fox and fir Dillon Bell (Royal Commissioners), on the express understanding that he should supply the Christohurch Press and other Ministerial organs with ' approved' reports of the Commissioners' doinga." Mr. M'Carthy characterises this statement as a "fabrication," and proceeds to say — " I was not appointed by the Government ; I never sought that or any other appointment at their hands ; and, as far as I am aware, I am personally unknown to every member of tho Cabinet. Neither was there ttny 'express understanding I ,' or any other kind oE understanding, that I should supply the Christchurch Press or any other Ministerial organs with ' approved ' reports, or reports of any kind, of the Commissioners' doings. So far as the appointment was concerned, I did not know Government in the matter. The appointment wa3 conferred on me by Sir William Fox, and it was the merest accident that I obtained it. I had no influence with the Government, and had never spoken to Sir William before I waited upon him respecting the appointment. As to the telegrams I sent, I may say that I only thonght of sending them when I found tho sittings of the Commission were open to the public. Upon finding that to be the case, I sent occasional telegrams at such times and to such papers as my humor dictated. I did not pretend to send, reports of the proceed* ings. Remuneration was not referred to on either side, though subsequently some papers were good enough to voluntarily recognise my services by a money payment. Amongst these was the Press, so that it will be eeen that journal was not indebted to the Government at any rate in tho matter of these telegrams." The Sydney Morning Herald furnishes a report of an examination meeting in the Insolvency Court, Sydney, on the 28th ult., in the estate of W. L. Murdoch, the captain of the Australian Eleven. Alexander Bannermann, in reply to questions from Mr. De Lissa, who appeared on behalf of a creditor, was unable to say whether any profits had been made by the team, neither could he say who received the profits if there were any. Gilbert Murdoch, the insolvent's brother, was also examined, and claimed the insolvent's share of the money earned by the team. The insolvent, this witness said, had his expenses paid ; he had no other interest in the speculation. Witness and the insolvent were members of the firm of Murdoch and Murdoch, solicitors, who dissolved partnership in June, 187t>, on account of the slackness of business. Ho certainly did not tell Mr. De Lissa that the insolvent had assigned his share in the venture to witness for .£SO, but he told him he could show him the butt of a cheque for .£SO, which he (witness) had paid for a share in the Australian team. Mr. Thomas Spur r eon, speaking at a meeting of the Young Men's Mutual lmprovment Society at Dunedin a day or two ago, said he thoroughly believed in relaxation of some kind from business, and pointed out that it was a mistaken idea that a good Christian must always wear a face " as long as a fiddlestick," and refrain from enjoyment of any kind. Sports, however, might be indulged in to far too great an extent, and be considerably abused. For instance, the game of cricket had of late been occupying too much of the people's attention, an altogether unnecessary and extravagant amount of fuss having been made over the Australian Cricketers during their recent visit to England. Dancing was an enjoyment which he considered should be avoided, partakers not only losing their heads, like St. John tho Baptist, but sometimes also their hearts and souls. Theatres he described as " hotbeds of infamy " and " gates of hell." Whenever he saw people going to those places of amusement he felt inclined to say, " Let the pigs have their waßh," for those who found pleasure in the immoralities of a theatre had no hope of enjoyment in eternity. Two men, arrested for shooting at three persons in Edinburgh and severely wounding them, are sußpected of being " known to the police" in New Zealand, and the chief constable of Leith has accordingly written to the police of this colony for information. It appearb from his letter that, alter tho outrage, the two men were apprehended at Leith by two of the local police-sergeants On being conveyed to tho station-house they shot at with revolvers and severely wounded the two sertreants. Tho men escaped, but were pursued by other members of the police force, and after repeatedly firing at their pursuers, and seeing they could not escape, one of them fatally shot himself through the head. The other man, after attempting to shoot himself, was apprehended, and is now in custody awaiting his trial. The man in custody gave the name of James Grant, and said his companion's name was Frederick Seymour. Subsequently he admitted that these name* were fictitious. Grant hints that he was a bushranger, and guilty of serious crimes — supposed to be murder — in Victoria or New Zealand. Seymour, Grant, and another man left Melbourne, in November last, in a ship named the Melbourne, for London, where they arrived on the Ist Febrnary. They worked their passage Home. Seymour took the name of William Smith ; Grant the name of T. Harnett ; and the third man, who is supposed to bo in London, called himself Harrison. The following description of the men is appended to the letter : — Frederick Seymour, alias William Smith — About 21 years of age ; 5 feet 7or 8 inches in height ; ordinary make ; full face : ruddy completion ; dark hair ; slight brown moustache ; no whiskers. James Grant, alias T. Harnett— About 26 years of age ; 5 feet 9 inches in height ; ordinary make ; reddish hair ; thin whiskers, and shaved on cheeks ; slight reddish moustache ; fresh complexion, and a little freckled ; hazel eyes, and a long sharp nose. By a newspaper from Capetown, dated 15th February, intelligence has been received of the death by drowning of Mr. M. Whitridge, formerly a draper in Shepherd's Buildings, Timaru, who left that town for South Africa some months ago. The accident occurred at Umgeni Falls, Howich, Natal. Mr. Whitridge, who is described as a transport rider, had his waggons outspanned on the city side of the river. In the evening he went back to Howich to dine at a hotel, intending to return again to his waggons. It was raining when he started back, and it being pitch dark he was unable to find his waggons. He asked some Dutchmen, whose i waggons were ontspanned four hundred ! yards nearer the river than his own, to show him the way, but they refused to venture abroad on such a night. A Kaffir was induced to go with him on his promising a reward of 10s. They went off, and nothing more was seen of Whitridge till his body was found at the foot of the fall three days afterwards. The deceased was 53 years of age, and leaves a wife and three children. The ordinary time-table of the Wellington City Tramways is advertised to be suspended on Monday, and extra trams will be run for the convenience of holiday-seekers. An advertisement elsewhere notifies that a committee has been formed for the purpose of "acknowledging the services" of those who were the means of promoting the recent Asylum enquiry, and all who are anxious to have their names added to the committee are invited to meet at the Albert Hotel on Tuesday evening next. It is proposed, we understand, to hold a public meeting at the Arcade on the subject at a subsequent date. The favorite steamer Waiwera will leave the Queen's Wharf on Monday, at 10 a.m. and 12.30 p.m., taking excursionists and picnic parties to Lowry Bay. The s.s. Moa will make two trips only to Lowry Bay on Monday. If the weather is fine she should be well patronised. Refreshments, we understand, can be had at the Bay. " The Davis Vertical Feed Sewing Machine," for which Messrs. H. C. Fiske and Co. are the sole agents for New Zealand, may now be seen at the establishment of Messrs. Holiiday and Co., Lambton Quay, working under the guidance of Mra. Fiske, the travelling agent. This machine received the only first prizes at the Sydney and Melbourne Exhibitions. We have seen the machine at work here, bnt space forbids anything like an exhaustive description of its qualifications in these columns. While possessing all the advantages of the ordinary sewing machines, it is adapted to a range of work not to be found in connection with most other machines, and is, moreover, of remarkably simple construction. Persons anxious to witness its capabilities cannot do better than call at Messrs. Holiiday and Co.'s, where they may also learn further particulars than can here be furnished, and receive specimens of the work it turns out.