CHARITABLE AID.

Evening Post, Volume XXII, Issue 96, 21 October 1881, Page 2

CHARITABLE AID.

Tho manner in which the oommitt9o of tho Benevclent Institution distribute charitable aid is sometimes open to serious question. The funds are provided by the public, and the function of the committee is to relieve only those who aro unablo, from sicknes3 or other misfortune, to obtain a means of subsistence. Tho committee, however, exercise a far wider field of charity, and those who have of lato watched their proceedings cannot have failed to observe that if they have not left undone that which they ought to have done, they have done that which they ought not to have done. Giving rations to tho destitute, wherever the applicants are deserving, is right and proper; that is exactly what they have been appointed to distribute the funds for; but paying tho passages to Sydney or other distant places of wives and families who have been deserted by their legal projectors, devoting sums of money to people who desire to seek fresh fields of health or labour, though commendable enough in a matter of private charity, goes beyond the scope of the functions of an institution distributing public money given merely to prevent people from absolute starvation. Yet things of this sort have been done, and the records of the proceedings of the committee at thoir Jast meeting will show to what extent tho practice has obtained. Money was then voted to convey to Newcastle two women whose husbands had deserted them, and would probably have nothing more to do with them in New South Wales or any other place. Money was also voted to bring from Patea a sick man who had been scut there for his health at the expense of the jublic, and whoso wife and six children have for a long timo been in receipt of rations ; and, further, £i was actually granted to bring from Fiji the chid of a womaa who is in a fairly remunerative situation in a public institution in this city. Trne, in this case the woman said sbo would be willing to refund the money by instalments ; but, even so, have the committe a right to become loan agents in this way when dealing with funds for charitable aid ? They may find that they hava established a precedent which will laud them in a dilemma. Even the practice of paying rent has already led to abuses. Unprincipled mendicants know they have only, to come to the Institution with a plausible' tale to receive all or part of their weekly rent c and it ia well-known that landlords, who hay tenants in arrear, have threatened to turn them out on the streets unles3 the Benevolent Institution guaranteed the rentin future. And the Committee, knowing that tins would bo done, and that they may havo a whole family on their hands, usually do agree to pay the rent. So it is with the practice of paying the passages of wives to some distant place. There have been Beveral instances in which women have applied to be sent to their husbands, at the cost of the public, when there was a strong suspicion that their husbands were earning good wages, and at Tuesday's meeting of the Committee one woman was granted assistance though there was every reason to believe her husband was in profitable employment. It is time the Committee seriously considered the position they have drifted into, and fixed some limit to their operations, from which they will not depart save under very exceptional circumstances.

It is understood that another very long meeting of the Executive Council, lasting over an hour, took place at Government House to-day, and that an important Cabinet Council is being held this afternoon. No information has transpired as to the nature of the business, but rnmonr connects it with the latest development in native affairs. A meeting of the creditors of R. Fielder, of Wellington, olerk, was convened for yesterday, but as no creditors attended, it lapaed . The liabilities are £88, «sd usaets £20. i

t jThe Hinemoa ia under order 3 to leave this evening for Opunake with 50 or 60 Anne 1 Constabulary. Very gratifying telegrams have been received from Major Mair in regard to Tawhiao's attitude, especially with respect to railway extension. In an interview with Major Mair, Tawhiao expressed great interest in railway construction, and gave utterance to a hope that Alexandra would be found a suitable PQft of departure for the extension 01 the railway southward instead of Te Awamutu. His people are still cultivating very largely. Tawhiao also inspected a new bridge just built, and intimated his pleasure at such workß being carried out. Mr. Bryca has arrived at Wanganui, where he remaina to-day, proceeding to Opunake to-morrow on his way to the Pungarehu camp. The sudden orders given to get H M.S. Emerald ready to proceed to sea, and convey Sir Arthur C+ordon back to Wellingtdn, created, .we hear, an immense sensation not only in Fiji, but also on board the Emerald, wfc _>re it was reported and currently believed that a frightful war had broken out in New Zealand, and that half the population of Wellington had been massacred. The Emerald's men were out on leave as usunl, and were collected in the greatest hurry. Jt is said that certain intelligence, which was conveyed by a steamer from New Zealand to Fiji, led to the sudden change of plans. Ihe Mayor informed the City Council last night that the City Engineer would be prepare to lay complete plans of the Te Aro Reclamation before the next meeting of the Council. There is no fresh intelligence from the West' Coast fco-day regarding Native affairs. A new tariff of railway charges is about to be isSued by the Government, containing seveal material reductions in the rato3 of freight. Sergeant Anderson, being required as a witness in the Stormbird silver robbery case at Wanganui, has left town for a few days. Meanwhile Sergeant Price fills his place. In our last issue we briefly recorded the fact that Mr. Turnbull, architect, of this city, had been instructed by the Government to prepare plans for the new Post and Telegraph Offices with the least possible delay. This ib eminently satisfactory. The present buildings, which are nothing more than an apology for such offices, have long been a disgrace to the capital of New Zealand. They are in a most dilapidated condition, injurious to the health of those whoso fate it ii to work therein, are wretchedly inadequate to the present requirements of the place, and are old, inflammable, and things of patches. The Postmaster-General (Hon. W. Johnston) ia deserving of the gratitude of the city for having succeeded in securing the voto for the new offices, which we hope to see in progress of erection very shortly. A reminder is given of Mr. Hautrie West's orchestral and ballad concert, at the Athenaeum Hall, to-night. Among the prdinotions recently made in the A.C. force at the " front" may be mentioned those of Sergeant-Major Powell from the East Coast and Sub-Inspector Gordon. The latter has been appointed Adjutant to the Constabulary in the district, and the former has boon promoted to the rank of Sub-Inspector. Tho strength of the force at Pungarehu is 353. Tho fortnightly meeting of the Harbour Board was held yesterday afternoon. Present— Me'Srs. j ovin (chairman), Jackson, Coffey, Nathan, Poarce, Hutchison, and Captain Rose. Messrs. Jackson and Coffey brought up a report on tho condition of tho chains along Waterloo Quay. It was found that many of the hooks were broken and the chains lost, and that the chains were too hea-yy. They recommended that tho present chains be removed and lighter ones substituted : that tho Harbourmaster should see the chains properly fixed by day, and the night-watchmau should perform that duty at n'ght. The report was adopted. Accounts amounting to i>753 G3 3d were pas=ed for payment. The chairman stated that tho tank book showed a debit balance of .£25,072, and that worth of debentures had been sent !o Melbourne. Messrs. M'lntyro and Co. wrote with reference to charges for ba'last, and the exemption of the Moa from dues, and the matter was left to tho Wharf Committee to consider. The Harbourmaster presented the Board with a map of a dock for the harbour, which was received with thanks. In answer to a question by Mr. Hutchison, the Chairman said ho saw no objection to granting licenses to persons to put up boat-houses along the foreshore. Captain Rose and the Chairman were appointed a committee to interview the Government and ask for a Bite for a Sailors' Home. Tenders were opened for the right of erection of bill-boards on the Queen's Wharf, and tho tender of Messrs. Blundoll Bros, was accepted. ' ' The ratepayers will bo glad to hear, on the authority of the Mayor, that the halfyearly accounts of the Corporation show that the latter has kept within the estimates for the period named. Councillor Maginnity drew attention last night to the fact that the City Engineer had beon blamed for the cutting down of the posts, erected at a cost of some .£200," to indicate the fire-plugs, whereas, as a matter of fact, it had been done by resolution of the Council. He thought it one of the best things the Council ever did to have them erected, and ho could not say it was the best they ever did when they had them removed. Councillor McKenzie replied that the posts were removed because tho Conuoil were threatened with actions by persons who had run against them. Councillor Stafford said he agreed with the City Solicitor that the Corporation would have been responsible in the event of accidents happening. Councillor Maginnity said ha only mentioned the matter iv order that the blame might be laid on the proper shoulders. In the same way the City Engineer had been unjustly blamed when the Corporation ordered kerbing that would have lasted 10 or 12 years to bo taken up and fancy concrete kerbing substituted. The discussion then dropped. At the Resident Magistrate's Court to-day, before Mr. J. H. Wallace, J.P., George Lennard and Bridget Murphy appeared on remand, charged with creating a disturbance in Peter-streot on Sunday laßt. They were each fined ,£L and costs. There was no other business. A meeting of commissioned and non-com-missioned officers of tho Wellington volunteer force was held at the Empire Hotel last night, at which the whole of the companies were represented. Lieut.-Colonel Pearce, who had convened the meeting, presided. He cx t lamed that he had adopted this step for the purpose of enabling them to discuss what arrangements ought to be entered into in connection with the next anniversary of the Prince of Wales' Birthday (9th proximo). The general feeling of the meeting was in favour of a review and sham fight being held at the Lower Hutt on the occasion in question, and this course was finally decided upon, a committee- being appointed to arrange for the cat -ring, with instructions to inform Colonel Pearce a3 early as possible of tho nature of the arrangements. Colonel Pearce stated that he intended to invite tho Wairarapa volunteers to take part in the proposed review and sham fight, which he anticipated would be a great bucoess. He added that he had arranged for the conveyance of the men by the railway. It was agreed to impose a uniform charge of one shilling for admission to the grand stand. It was proposed that in the event of H.M.S. Emerald being in port on tho 9th, Captain Maxwell should be asked to allow some of tlio marines and blue-jackets to join in the affair ; this was left in the hands of Colonel Pearce A suggestion was also made that the review should be held on the Waimate Plains, respecting which proposition Colonel Pearce mentioned that having heard t was likely to be made.ho had instituted enquiries, and found that at present every available tent was required by the Govprnmontto coyer the A.C. men. This was therefore a fatal objection to the suggestion. He further remarked that he could not see what good could be obtained by merely holding a review there and immediately returning. He could understand tho whole volunteer forces of New Zealand going there for a month. The subject then dropped, and the meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the chairman. By means of a private telegram we learn that the drawing in connection with Abbot's .£IO,OOO " Consultation " on the Melbourne Cup took place last night. So great had been the eagerness of the public to embark in the last extensive speculation of this kind before the coming into force of the Gaming and Lotteries Act, that every ticket had been taken up. In fact, it is stated that several tickets might have been disposed of at a premium. The Melbourne Cup will be run for on Tuesday, the Ist proxo., on whioh | date also the Act mentioned comes into full operation. Out of the tickets sold at the Pier Hotel in connection with this sweep the following have been successful :— 3729, 3742, Pawnbroker; 5497, .£l2: 6910. Velox ; 7752, Venus ; 7754, £100. Complaints are frequently made as to the way in which mobs of horses are driven along the Polhill Gully road, and an accident occurred this morning from this cause. While Mr. Short's milkoart was standing on the street some horses were driven aloDg at a furious pace, and started the horse attached to the cart. The vehicle was eventually capsized near Mr. Drausfield's residence, and the milk tins thrown out The lids of the latter being, fortunately, closed, only a few quarts of milk were lost, but both cart and harnesa were damaged. It is announced that the services which have been held in the Academy of Music on bundayß.in connection with the Church of I Christ, will be held in future at the Princess I Theatre, Tory-street.

Some surprise has been created by tho discovery that Mr. Bryce's appointment as Native and Defence Minister is not notified in the Gazette issued to-day. The absence of this notification i 3 freely commented upon. The b.s." Kennedy leaves to-morrow for Caswell Sound, calling at Wanganui and Westport en route. An accident befell the Fcxton coach this morning, a short distance beyond Ngahadranga. The coach and horses wero upset over a Blight incline, but fortunately the passengers escaped any serious injury. The Lion Foundry and the freehold and leasehold sections connected therewith were offered to public auction this afternoon by Messrs. T. Kennedy Maodonald and Co. There was a large attendance at the sale, and the bidding was spirited. The freehold consisted of sections 149, 150, 151, and 152 on the reclaimed land, and sactions 1 to 4 inclusive on tho new reclaimed land, together with the foundry buildings ; and the leasehold property comprised sections 146, 147, and 143, having frontages to Waririg Taylor-street. The Hon. C. J. Phararfyn started the bidding with an offer of £ 10,0t)0, which was quickly run up to 15,500, at which pric9 the property was knocked down to Mr. Pharazyn. The leasehold sections 129 and 130 on the reclaimed land, on which iB erected a corrugated iron store occupied by Messrs. Mills and Co., was bought by that firm for ,£2500. The whole of the stock of ironfounders' patterns in the pattern-shop of the Lion Foundry was also pnrchased by Messrs. E. W. Mills and Co , for £760. In addition to the above eales, a leasehold cottage property in Pipitca-street, with two cottages thereon, was offered, and was bought by Mr. R. P. Collins for .£230 ; and a farm in tho Taratahi Plain Blook, containing 41 acres, was knocked do\frn to Mr. L. L Harris for J585. The total price realised wa3 £19,165. Councillor Dinks has given notice to move, at the next meeting of tho City Council, that, seeing the large amount of relief and assistance given to tho poorer classes of the community by tho Wellington Hospital, it is advisable that a " Hospital Sunday " be instituted, similar to what obtains in the neighbouring colonies. That to give effoot to this, the clergymen of ail denominations be communicated with in order to make arrangements, if possible, for a general collection in aid of the Hospital funds, to be taken on gome particular Sunday in all places of wonhip within the City and Hutt County. That, further, all employers of labour bo appealed to to bring tho matter prominently under the notice of thoir workmen, with a view to a simultaneous collection in ad of the same objeot. There was a fair muster of the Wellington Guards for company drill, under Lieutenant Blundell, at the Volunteer Drill Shed last night. Staff Sergeant-Major Bell was present, and partially examined Corporals Johnston and Rowlands, competitors for ser* geants' stripes, but in consequence of the meeting of volunteer officers elsewhere reported, Mr. 801 l intimated ho would resume the eiamination on Thursday week. Another new member Of the corps was sworn in, and six new candidates wero proposed. Should the Guards continue to recruit at this rate, they will shortly become a very powerful company, such as we hope to Bee them. Tho Appeal Conrt sifcs on Monday, tho 14th prox. A t present tho list contains only one case, viz., Smith v. Queen (Wellington), a demurrer removed. The Divorca Couit sits a week later. So far tho only case is one for hearing from Dunedin, viz., ClarMgo v. Claridge aud another. Lieutenant-Colonel Pearco announced at a meeting of volunteers last night that the next inspection parade would be held on Tuesday evening. A donation of literature from Government House, for tho use of the Hospital patients, is acknowledged by the Bteward. At tho ordinary weekly meeting of the Wesley an Mutual Improvement Society, held last night, Mr. A. Goddard occupied the chair, and the evening was occupied in reading miscellaneous selections from the poets, tho readers' efforts being subsequently criticised by the inembors of tho Society. Tho P' rsoverance Lodge held its weekly session at the Good Templars' Hall, at tho Lower Hutt, at the beginning of the week. Bro. Strand, W.C.T., presided. Bro. John Hall gave an earnest address upon the temperance question, which caused considerable applause. The Star of Wellington Lodgo held its weeekly session last evening. Bro. Thompson, W.C.T., occupied tho chair. 'Ihe roll of membership was further increased, and a, number of persons wore proposed for candidature. When the session was closed, the doora were thrown opon to tho public, and the room was immediately filled. The G.W.C.T., Bro. W. Johnson, occupied the chair, and gave a suitable address A long programme, consisting of songs, recitations, and dialogues, was gone through. A most enjoyable evening was spent. A report was circulated in Patea on Tuesday that Mr. Gladstone was shot. The newa caused great excitement, and the Mail was so far " taken in" as to get out an eatra on the subject, asking its readers, however, "to suspend their judgment until the news waß confirmed." We presume the Patea public are still in a state of suspense, as, of course, the confirmation has not yet come to hand. Some extraordinary effects of lightning aro reported from Naples. It appears that the pariah church of Stacchetta, five mile 3 from .Brecscia, was struck by lightning, which had been attracted by an iron cross on the clock tower. The lightning, after tearing off the hands of the clock, entered the church noar the pulpit, where the curate, Don Guiseppe Bovo, was celebrating mass before a denselypacked congregation, completely paralysod by the effect of the lightning and the fearful clap of thunder following. Many people were thrown down violently, others lifted from the pavement or thrown upon one another, and a young workman, Vitali Camillo, was instantaneously killed. The lightning entered on his lett side, drove his silver watch into his ribs, ran down his left leg, tearing up the seams of his trousers, and took off hiß heavy boots. Messrs. B. Hannah and Co., it will be seen from an advertisement, are offering some special bargains at their cash boot shop, Cuba-street. Messrs. Croskery, Hasell & Co. will sell tomorrow, fruit, produce, horsos, express waggon, &c. Messrs. Laery & Campbell will hold their usual market and horso sales to-moirow. Mr. George Thomas will cell to-morrow, fruit, potatoes, &c. Mr. Francis Sidey will sell to-morrow, furniture, groceries, fowls, &c. Messrs. Dwan & Co. will sell to-morrow, tea, clothing, holloware, furniture, &c.

Variety is charming, and nowhere is this more strikingly displayed than in the dress department at Te Aro House. There is an abundant selection of Prints and Satteens, both plain and in elegant pompadour designs, Croam Serges, Oatmeal and Oatcake Cloths. Special steamer shipments of summer woollen Fabrics aro also to hand, bought very advantageously in the Home markets. These will be offered at correspondingly moderate prices. It is no exaggeration to say that greater variety or better value iB not obtainable in New Zealand. In addition to all this wealth of selection, unusual facilities are offered in the dressmaking department for getting dresses made as they only ought to be made. A perfect fit, that m plus ultra of really good dressmaking can always be guaranteed in the modiste's department at James Smith's, Te Aro House.— FAdvt.l Graves & Fleming will, on Saturday and following week, sell a special lot of White Everlasting Trimmings, various patterns, at 6d per dozen yards, or 1b 3d per card of three dozen. They have also a few pieces left of their 4}d Pompadour Print (warranted to wash) ; also a numerous quantity of other useful goods at their usual low prces. The Ladies of Wellington are respectfully invited to give us an early call on Saturday. We have also added to our stock a varied and splendid assortment of Men's, Youths', and Boys' Clothing, all of the very best quality and at remarkable low prices, to which we specially invite the attention of the Married and Single Gentlemen of Wellington. — Advt.