VITAL STATISTICS FOR APRIL.

Evening Post, Volume XXI, Issue 117, 20 May 1881, Page 2

VITAL STATISTICS FOR APRIL.

? The Registrar-General's vital statistics of New Zealand for the month of April, 1881, are just issued. Comparison of the four cities of this colony — Wellington, Auckland, Christchuroh, and Dunedin— Bhows Wellington, as usual, far away at the head of the birth-b'st, the number of births recorded during the month being 79 in Wellington (population, 20,535), as against 63 in Dunedin (population, 23,959), 50 in Christchurch (population, 15,156), and 39 in Auckland (population, 15,022). Among the smaller towns, Ihames and Napier each had 22, Nelson and Oamaru each 20, the rest being much lower. In regard to the death-rate, the exceptional drought and bad and deficient water supply had a marked effect on the Wellington mortality, no fewer than 33 deaths being registered in this city (equal to 1 61 per 1000 of population), as against 23 in Christchurch (152 per 1000), 29 in Dnnedin (1-21), and 13 in Auckland rtVBl). Among the smaller towns, Timaru (21 1 per 1000) and Hokitika (1 87) had the heaviest deathrate, and Napier (030), Thames (0"69), and Nelson (0 74) the lightest. The births and deaths both showed a numerical decrease — 36 and 25 respectively — as compared with tbe preceding month. Of the deaths, males contributed about 52 per cent, and females about 48 por cent. Children under 5 years of age contributed 48 per cent., and of these 70 per cent, were under one year. Tho same causes which caused the mortality to be so heavy in Wellington produced a large crop of zymotic diseases. Typhoid fever caused 5 deaths in Wellington out of 7 in the whole colony, dysentery 6 in Wellington out of 7 in the colony, and diarrhoea 4 in Wellington out of Bin the whole colony. These unsatisfactory figures preach most forcibly the urgent necessity of improving the sanitary condition of onr city, which naturally has the capacity of being the most salubrious in all New. Zealand.

It is understood that the vacancy in the Cabinet, created by Mr. Oliver's resignation, will not be filled np before the session. No ; definite arrangements have been made in regard to the temporary allotment of jthe Public "Works portfolio. The Premier left by the Taiaroa this afternoon for Lyttelton. He will address his Selwyn constituents next week, and will return to Wellington about Sunday week. We mentioned some time ago that the Home detective authorities were anxious to learn the antecedents of two men named Frederick Seymour alias William Smith, and James Grant alias T. Harnett, who shortly after their arrival in London, in February last, by the ship Melbonrne, from Sandridge, Victoria, repaired to Edinburgh, in whioh vioinity they committed several highway outrages. It will be remembered that they were both arrested immediately after one of those outragos, when Seymour shot himself dead with a revolver. His companion attempted to follow his example, but was unsuccessful. As they are supposed to have been in New Zealand for a number of years, their photographs have been forwarded to this colony in the hope that the men may be identified. The photographs will be placed outside the Police Station, Lambton Quay, at once. It is said that the portrait ot Grant has been recognised in Christchurch as that of a man named William Watson, -who resigned his position in the Constabulary force in Octo-. ber last with the view of proceeding -to Australia and thence to.London.

At last night's meeting ofLole City Council a " round-robitt," signed by Several cont^aoto'ra, Was read, complaining that the plans and specifications had not been adhered to in tbe case of several Corporation contracts, notably Wallace and Bidwill streets. In a " P.S." they added, "We intend at a future date to refer to Pirie and Brougham streets." Councillor Greenfield eaid it was a serious matter, and moved the appointment of the Mayor, Councillors Allen, Danks, Maginnity, and Greenfield as a committee to enquire into the charges made. The resolution was carried. The provisional meteorological report for April, 1881, is published. The report again appears in an incomplete form, the results of only three cities— Auckland, Wellington, and Dunedin— being given, and Certain items omitted even in regard to these limited number of stations. The mean temperature of the air was above the averaee in all cases, the excess being 0"8 deg. at Auckland, 2"0 deg at Wellington, and 2*4 deg. at Dnnedin. It is curious that the highest temperature recorded was the same, 73 deg , at all three places — in the north, south, and middle of the colony alike. The lowest height of temperature, however, differed considerably, being as follows :— Auckland, 49 deg. ; Wellington, 45 deg. ; Dunedin, 40 deg. The rainfall was greatly below the average at Auckland and Wellington, the deficiency being nearly 50 per cent, at the former, and 68 pot cent, at the latter place. At Dunedin tho rainfall was more than double the average amount. During the voyage of the s.s. Wakatipu from Port Lyttelton to Wellington, to-day, a Chinaman — a Bteerage passenger — died from the effeots of consumption. The deceased was on his way to Honjjkdng, the goot of bis p"a*6age having been subscribed Dy a number of his countrymen in Dunedin, where he had been residing. On the arrival of the vessel in port his body was removed to the Morgue, and Dr. Johnston, the City Coroner, was at once communicated with. After enquiring into the circumstances of the case, the Coroner deoided that an. inquest was unnecessary, and gave an order for the interment of the body. Argument in the case Maitland v. Pritchard, which was commenced in the Court of Appeal yesterday, was concluded this afternoon, when the Court delivered judgment for defendant. Some correspondence between the Inspector of Nuisances and a ratepayer named Lambert, in reference to a letter in the Evening Post complaining of a drain on the Terrace, was read at the meeting of the City CouncU. last night. Mr. Lambert, in nis concluding letter, said that he did not wish to reflect on the Inspector of Nuisances, who he knew had done his best in the matter, but only to bring the nuisance once more before the Council, 'i he Mayor said he was not aware that their officers were called upon to notice what appeared in the newspapers, and he did not know why Mr. John- j son did so in this case. It was a bad prec3- I dent to adopt. There was absolutely no reliance to be placed in any of the state- i ments appearing in newspapers. (Laughter.) He stated that from his own personal knowledge. Councillor Yottng — As a newspapefman? (Laughter.) The Mayor— lam very sorry to say it. (Renewed laughter.) Councillor Young— Of course, as you are a newspaper man, we bow to your decision.. 'Jhe Mayor — You bow to my decision as Mayor in this instance. (A laugh.) The discussion then dropped. The fortnightly meeting of the Wellington Gardeners' Mutual Improvement Society wbb held last evening, when the merits of different varieties of grapes for late use were discussed. 'There was also a discussion on the American blight, which affects apple trees One member exhibited a bunch of grapes — Mrs. Pince's muscat— weighing two pounds three ounces ; also a magnificent flower spike of Yucca Gloriosa.™ The chairman of a country school committee a day or two ago had occasion to forward a communication to the Wellington Board of Education, and he addressed his letter thus — " The Board of Education, 0.P.5.0." He evidently thought there was only one Education Board in the world, for he omitted to mention the name of the place to which he wished the letter to go. The words, "The Board of Education," were scrawled almost on the top rim of the envelope, and " 0.P.5.0." was written in the middle thereof. Notwithstanding the singular manner in which the epistle was addressed, it did reach its destination. The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the Waste Lands Board took place yesterday, being attended by Messrs. J. &. Holdsworth (Chairman), H. Bunny, T. Mason, and E. Pearce. The sohedule of land Bold since the previous meeting showed the area applied for tp be 1327 a. 3r. 2p., the amount of deposit received .£640 ss, and the value of the land .£1425 os6d. Mr.,T. A. M'.Kenzie applied for leave to purchase an island in the Ransgitucei river" at a nominal price, but the Board delined to grant such leave. A request that section 41, block X, Maugaone district, might be -transferred to F. Fritz was acceded to.. The Under-Secretary requested that all documents relating' to de-t ferfeia^paynient sections withiii jthe- We=t Uo®dißsi6SSr*Weriry: Some othercorrefponJ dence of an unimportant nature having'been dealt with, the Board adjourned. A new p«sfcn)fficß™haiß~ been—opened at j Pahiatua, in the Wellington District. Three "violent" deaths (i.e., resulting from other, than Jt natural V causes) occurred in New Zealand last month, all in Dunedin and all due to " accident or negligenoe," viz., one " crushed by machinery," one from scalding, and one from suffooation. j , „ The following appointments of postmasters in the Wellington Postal- District are gazetted:— T. Mills, Alfredton; C. Dahl, Campbelltown ; H. F. Smith, Clareville ; W. J. M'Laren, Featherston ; J. H. Stevens, Feilding; R. C. Black, Greytown; J. B. Gould, Halcombe ; J. G. Mackay, Kurupuni; H. Manns, Pahiatua ; C- Bell, Paikakariki ; E. M. Lowater, Terrace End; P. L. Payne, Upper Hutt. " Chilperio" was repeated at the Theatre Royal last night by Cary's Baby Operatic Company to a good house. The performance ran far more smoothly than on the preceding evening, several encores being demanded and acceded to. Lena Robinson again won golden opinions in the part of Chilperic; she is every inch a little king. The arch-drnid, Divitiacus, finds a very worthy exponent in the person of Master RiohaTd Smith, who sings the opening solo, " Priests of the grove," in nice~ style ; and to Miss Annie Smith is allotted .the part of Fredegonda. Miss Brett maked'a pretty little page, and Miss Schlarake is very successful as Landry, the peasant. The choruses most worthy of mention are the " Rain Chorus," " Here comes the beauty," "A butterfly lived," and " With jest and, , song." To-morrow afternoon an extra performance will take place. Owing to some misstatement having been made a few days ago, we are asked to remind our readers that Mr. Robert Stout's lecture this evening will be delivered at the Academy of Music. Ihe chair will be taken at 8 o'clock by the President j»f ;#iev Working Men's Club. The subject of " The Irish Question," and the lesson that may be learnt from it, is one of general interest; to all colonists, bnt possesses no doubt peculiar interest to those who hail from the Green Isle. An inquest was held at Featherston on Monday on the body of a man who was found dead in Abbott'B Creek on the .previous morning. Eustace Transom stated that at 9 o'clock on Sunday morning last, while on the road from Mr. Harrington* to Featherston, ho saw the dead body of a man in a part of Abbott's Creek where there was a depth of only 6 inches of water. The body was lying face downward, the arms being bent under the body. Witness went for-Mr. Harrington and a constable. Mr. Harrington gave corroborative testimony., Arthur Chamberlain-deposed to seeing the deceased twice on Friday last, when he appeared to be quite well except that he was a little lame. Dr. Spratt gave evidence to the effect that death was caused by falling into the w^ter while suffering from a fit of apoplexy. A verdict was given in accordance withlthe medical testimony. A man named James Watson was brought up at the R.M. Court this morning, oha&ed with drunkenness, but this being his first offence, he was discharged with a oautjftn. No other business was transacted. A meeting of the Star Boating Club took place at the Pier Hotel last night, Mr. Knapp, the captain, presiding. Messrs. Greatrex and Galway were elected members. It was decided to* purchase the outriggedfour offered by Mr. T. Henderson, of Auckland. MrT Johnson Thompson was appointed as auditor vice Mr. A. W. Budge, resigned. Notice was given by Sir E. O. Gibbes thai at the annual meeting he would move thafrthe name of the club be altered to that of, " The Wellington Rowing Club." A roramititee was appointed with a view to inducing the Harbor Board to set aside a permanent reserve for aquatic purposes. ' " American Humorists" iN^fne title joT 4 very interesting paper read w- last nignt?sl meeting of the Wesleyan Mutual Improjp4 ment Society by Mr. R. Wj Brtfira. l ~Tief annual meeting of the Society tqjfees pbee next week, when the usual report wilEboi presented, and the election of offißsrs |Kll' take place. , . s j A couple of scratch football matches will be played to-morrow* afternoon. The fUsi? will be between teams picked from, the fifst thirty playerß on the ground, who will play for an hour, when fresh eides will be picked up. Ab it is intended to play the annual' match, Civil Service v. Town, on the following Saturday, a good muster of playen is hoped for. • 7 ' '

1 A meeting <& ihe Wellington Diocesan Trust Board was hold yesterday. Present— The Bishop (president). Archdeacon Stock, Eevfl. B. W. Harvey and T. Fancourt, Hon. C. J. PLarazyn, Colonel Leckie, Messrs. Quick, Fowles, Lowe, and Eons Marten, j The President stated that the principal business of the meeting was the appointment of j trustees for the Waneanm Endowed School, in lien of Bishop Abraham, resigned, and the late Messrs. Eobert Stokes and George Hunter, deceased. He suggested the names of Messrs. B. Pearoe, A. W. P. Haloombe and H. Ireson Jones. On the motion of Mr. Rous Marten, seconded by Colonel Leckie, the Yen. Archdeacon Thorpe and Messrs. Pearce, Haloombe, and Jones were duly appointed. t The meeting then adjourned. David Preston Player, of Wellington; hotelkeeper, and Charles Leonard Colson, of Taita, farmer, have filed declarations of insolvency. The first meetings of their respective creditors are fixed for the 26th instant. His Honor Judge Shaw presided over a sitting of the District Court this morning, when an action, Bennett v. Hutchison, came on for hearing. Mr. Bell appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. Fitzgerald for defendant. The action was brought to reoover the sum of J6200, due on a promissory note in con* noction with the purchase of a certain piece of land. The evidence adduced was chiefly of a technical character, and the oonclnaion of the case had not been reached at the time of our going to press. The City Council last night passed a bylaw authorising the destruction by any poiic© officer or other authorised person of all goats found wandpring at lafga in the borough. The" by-lawhas to be confirmed at a subsequent meeting before it becomes law. A proclamation taking, for the purposes of the Wellington- Wainuiomata water supply, certain 'lands in the Hutt, Wainuiomata, and Lowry Bay Districts, and vesting the same in the Wellington 1 City Council, ia gazetted. The following new registration fees tinder " The Land Transfer Amendment Act, 1880," were adopted at the meeting of the Executive Council held on Tuesday last:— lf not exceeding .£2OO purchase money, £1 per cent. ; on any sum over £200, 10s per cent. Two octogenarians died' in New Zealand during last month aged respectively 87 and 81 years. Both were females, and both died in Auckland. Five septuagenarians died, a male aged 74 in Auckland, a female aged 73 in Wellington, and two males aged 74 and 76 in ChristchUroh. The conversazione given on Tuesday night by the Young Men's Christian Association was repeated at the Athenaeum last evening. There was a large and appreciative attendance, the proceeds forming a very acceptable addition to the funds of the Association. Messrs. S. Deighton and E. W. Puokey have been appointed judges of the Native Land Court. The " happiest day, in his life" was a,sad, misfortune for a Derbyshire, farmer named Mr. Joseph Tym. This gentleman went to Stookport fdr the purpose of getting married. The wedding took place from the house of the bride's sister, and after the ceremony the latter provided dinner, of which roasted ducks formed a part, and of this both deceased and his wife partook. After that the married couple left for their honeymoon, and on arriving at their destination both were unwell, and were very sick during the night This sickness, which was accompanied by diarrhoea, increased, but medical aid was not called in until two days after, when it was found that deceased was so exhausted that recovery was improbable, and he died on the following day. The condition of the wife was also so critical that her depositions wore taken, but at the time of the inquest it was believed she would recover. The jury returned a verdict of "Death from natural causes, accelerated by eating indigestible food." Wellington residents who desire to visit Wanganui during the race meeting there will be enabled to do so by the s.s: Huia, which leaves here on Monday next, the 23rd instant, arriving in Wanganui early next morning. The steamer leaves on her return trip on Tuesday evening, thus giving passengers a day in Wanganui. Mr. W. M'Keever, formerly a butcher and produce dealer carrying on business in Manners-street, has taken over the bottledbeer stores recently belonging to Mr. Alexander Eddie, and announces that he has a largeistock of ale, &c, on hand, orders for which will be fulfilled the moment they reach the office. Mr. M'Keever's enterprise will doubtless meet with the support it deserves. An advertisement elsewhere notifies that members of the Wellington Field Naturalists' Club, and any others wishing to go, will be conveyed to Somes' Island in the steamlaunch Lara to-morrow afternoon. Tonks' Albion Derby Sweep on the Queen's Birthday Cup (to be run at Adelaide on the 26th inst.), will be drawn on the 23rd inst. Tickets may be had at Gilmer's Duke of Edinburgh, Hotel.— Ajdvjc. F. J. Preston advertises in another column the TTJT.aj ■ <fi A -flgpA fit«aggttfr J .Amfa»K»ta wines, wMonacewd to be in excellent condition. . , i Messrs. Dwan and Co. will sell to-morrow, on arrival of the morning train from Masterton, fat wethers. " .