Evening Post. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1881.

Evening Post, Volume XXII, Issue 141, 15 December 1881, Page 2

Evening Post. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1881.

Owing to the pressure on our news columns we are compelled to hold over our leading article to-day. The San Francisco mail will arrive tomorrow by the Hawea. If »he saves this afternoon's tide at Nelson she will reach Wellington to-morrow morning, otherwise it will be the afternoon before Bhe teaches here. In compliance with a resolution introduced by Mr. Hutchison, on the 22nd of Jane btst in the House of Representatives, a return haa been prepared and published, showing the number of convicts in ihe gaols of the colony employed at trades and the various kinds of skilled and unskilled labour, the value of the work done by each, and the rate at which such valna is reckoned. The week ending the 26th March. 1831, is the period to which the return refers. We find that at Addington, 1 plasterer, 1 tailor, and 16 stonebreakers were employed, the value of their labour being estimated at £16 83. In Auckland, 2 blacksmiths, 1 carpenter, 2 shoemakers, 1 tailor, and 83 labourers, are valued at £17 3s Sd. In Punedin, 1 blacksmith, 2 carpenters, 3 shoemakers, 2 tailors, 62 labourers, and 14 female prisoners were employed, the result being set down at .£7O 7a. At Hokitika, 1 carpenter, 1 shoemaker, and 8 labourers, are valued at 16a. At Invercargil there was no skilled labour. In the Lyttelton gaol there wotb 3 blacksmiths, 7 carpenters, 1 cooper, 1 hammock-maker, 1 painter, 6 printers, 6 assistant printers, 5 shoemakers, 1 machinist, 11 tailors, 1 tinsmith, and 60 labourers, the earnings of the whole being set down at .£lO2 3a 9d ; of this sum, printers are credited with .£25 11s 3d. At Napier, 1 carpenter, 1 shoemaker, and 32 unskilled labourers are set down at j>2B 12s. Nelson, no Bkiiled labour ; earnings of labourers £Q 15a. At ISew Plymouth, 2 blacksmiths, 1 carpenter, 2 masons, and 17 labourers, valued at .£lB 133 6d. At Oamaru and Timaru there was no skilled labour employed ; 16 labourers are set down at vSI3 43. In Wanganui, 1 bricklayer appears to have had it all to himself, as there is no note of any labourers ; this individual earned £1 2s in repairing the gaol. Wellington is last on the list, and had only one skiiled labourer, a shoemaker, employed during the week in question. There were 50 labourers and 8 iema'e prisoners oakum - picking, whose united efforts are valued at £i 8 19a. The total earnings at all the abova gaols are estimated at JE396 14s 3d for the week, out of which payments for materials, &c, .£47 16s 4.Yd, were made. An inquest was held this morning by Dr. Johnston, District Coroner, on the body of William Ellson, who died suddenly yesterday whilst engaged in stowing wool on board the ship Piako. The evidence of Dr. Diverj who was firßt called to deceased, and who made the post mortem examination, proved that death was occasioned through disease of the heart, and a verdict that deceased died from natural causes was returned. Deceased will be buried with militarj honors to-moirow afternoon, and the Naval Brigade, of which he was a member, art invited to meet at the Drill Shed to-morrow, at 3 p.m. sharp, in order to attend the funeral. Members of other corps are in^ vited to join, and it is likely that a greal many will restoud to the call. The first meeting of creditors in the estat< of Orpen D. Finch, baker and grocer, was held this morning, Mr. Waterhouse in th( chair. /Ihe bankrupt is out of the colony and the sequestration waa a compulsory one, so no schedule of assets and liabilities WB3 filed. Mr. Harold Bishop was electee trustee. It will be seen from a letter in anothe: column that a movement is on foot to obtaii a remission of the fine imposed on the nnfor tunate Chinese recently convicted of playing at." Fan-tan." We have on more than on< occasion strongly expressed our opinion a: to the injustice of the treatment received bj the Chinese, and we hope to see the move ment carried to a successful issue. In the Resident Magistrate's Court thii morning Mr. E. Shaw applied to the Magis trate for directions in a case where an im portant witness in a case about to com* before the Court objected to attend, although he had been subpoenaed, unless his expense! were paid. Mr. Shaw urged that as the wit ness in question lived within a mile of the Court he was not entitled to any viaticum oi travelling expenses, and that as thejvritnesi could not lose any time till he attended the Court he could not claim to be paid till thai time. Again, there was a question of amount the witness claiming a guinea, "whirf waß a larger amount than under anj ciroumstances he was entitled to. 'Ihe Magistrate said that under the 40th clause of the Resident Magistrates Act, witnesses were- entitled to claim expenses, and it was for Mr. Shaw to tender such a sum as appeared to him reasonable. If the witness in question refused to appear after this had ,b,een. tendered, and did. not answer when called on his subpoena, he mnst take the consequences. Under this ruling some expenses at least mnst be tendered by parties subpoenaing witnesses in civil cases, and ii they refuse to appear because the amount ia not deemed sufficient, those refusing do so at their peril. . . ' The various , volunteer companies have be«n requested to assemble at the Drill-shed to-morrow at a quarter to 3 o'clock, tc attend the funeral of , the late Seaman iillson, of the Wellington Naval Brigade. * We would strongly advise all possessing canine favourites to keep them under immediate supervision, or have them tied up, for in various parts of the town valuable doge have been recently poisoned. Ome owner complains that he has lost a very valuable imported English terrier, and dogs of all degrees have come to an untimely end by this dastardly practice. Dr. G. W. Cole writes to us as follows :— "Would you allow me to state that the assertion of Barrett, that I attended hta mother six weeks ago, is absolutely false. Five months ago I paid her one visit, viz., on the 16th July, and have not seen her since." The prizes at the Newtown school will be distributed to-morrow morning, at 11 o'clock. Mr. J. M'Dowell has just received the third prize in the Art Union of the Royal Association for the Promotion of Fine Arts in Scotland. It is a very large oil painting, entitled "Morning," by John Nesbit, Edinburgh, and is valued at 63 guineas. The picture represents a forest scene, with the early morning sun gleaming through the thick foliage, the effect being very fine. The painting, which is handsomely framed, will be exhibited ia the Lambton Quay window of Messrs. M'Dowell's shop this evening. It may be mentioned, as showing the encouragement given for the introduction into the colony of works of art, that the duty upon the picture amounted to upwards of £7. A correspondent writes to us : — " When ereoting the monument to Mr. B. Rhodes in the Cemetery, tho workmen, in hoisting the stone, made use of the memorial erected by the officers and men of the A .C. to Lieut.Colonel St. John. In doing so the top*>f the latter was carried away, and it is high time that the damage was repaired. A few'Bhillings out of the reward fund would complete the lettering." ..,, An ordination service will be held next Sunday morning, at St. Paul's, wheft two candidates will be admitted to deacons 1 orders by his Lordship the Bishop of&Wellington. y «_ Tha various State Schools in the oity%jeak up for the Christmas holidays to-morrow, when the usual distribution of prizes will take place. The anniversary meeting of the Hope of Wellington Tent, Independent Order of Bechabites, was held in the Reohabite/Hall last evening. After an excellent tea, "provided by Mr. Godber, of Cuba-street, had been done jostico to, the meeting commenced. Bro. F. H. Fraser, who oeoqpied the chair, first called on the Juvenile Becbabites to sing the opening ode, which was done by the youngsters in a very hearty manner. The secretary read a short account of the Tent since its institution on the 13th December, 186t>, from which it appeared that the members at opening were only 12, and how tbey numbered nearly 150. 'J hg funds had increased irom £Q to J21700 during the 15 years. Some of the years there bid besn no call on the aick fund, and only 7 members had died during the existenae of thii Tent. It also showed that tho Tent had been the means of extending the Order to 30 different places in the colony. Songa, readings, and recitations fallowed, and were very creditably rendered by Mr. Billman, Mr. Kdwardi, Mrs. Coilings, Mr. H. Bennett, Mies fraser, Mr. Swallow, and Master Dixon. During the evening, the chairman, on behalf of the officers and members of the Tent, presented Mr. John Okell with a handsomely-framed illuminated address and a solid silver inkstand, aa a token cf esteem and respect. The ode brought the proceedings of a very enjoyable evening to a close. Mrs. H. Bennett presided at the piano with her utraal ability. ; A very pleasant re-union of the Safe Retreat Juvenile Temple .took place last evening at th 9 Good Templar Hall. There was a good attendance of members, and the programme consisted of games, piano dueti, songs, and recitations. At intervals cake, fruit, and lollies were given out in abundance. Annie Fitzgerald wa3 presented with a medal and book as the first prize for singing; during the quarter. The meeting yne brought to a close at 10 o'clock by three cheers being given for the superintendent, matron, and the Temple, all having enjoyed tiemsekes thoroughly.

Bishop Redwood made a few remarks during tho distribution ot prizes at the Convent School yesterday, which will commend themselves to every parent in the community. After compimenting the pupils on their proficiency in all the branches of instruction in the school, he said he had to mike a few observation b which would, perhaps, run counter to thtir ideas of acquiring a knowledge ot German, French, fancy needlework, and fine things of th 9 kind ; but the subject on which he desired to speak was, to his mind, of more importance than all the rest. He hoped the yojffirg ladie3 would complete their education at home, and perfect themselves in household work, for it was a thing which would last for a life time This cJould not be taught in a Convent. 1 here were thousands of things to be done at home which were necessary for domestic happiness, therefore he hoped when the young ladies were told to do household work they would be delighted to do so. It would stand them in (rood stead throughout a lifetime, and they would not only be able to bear themselves with proprinty and elegance in society, but they would be able to render those with whom they would live through life comfortable, happy, and contented. This he defied them to do unless they had a proper knowledge of household work. Even it they became the highest ladies in the land, and never had to soil their fingers, it was still necessary that they honld be able to see that those under them did their duty. Nothing could be mora important than this in a colony like New 'Zealand, where it was so difficult to get good servants. Half of the mistres-es had to teach their servants ho*w to go about their work, and if a miatrcs was ignorant of it hetaelf, what misery there would be in the house ! Therefore, he hoped the pupils leara to cook and do laundry work, He warned them not to despise those who had such knowledge, and endeavoured to chow that other accomplishments were enhanced by the possession of such acquirements. His Lcrdship conclnded : — "Don't think what you acquire here is all the education necessary, 'lhe greater part must be learnt in your horne 3 . If you hearken to what I say, and carry out in your lives what I reoommend, you will be a iredit to yourselves and a joy to the homes in which jou live." A conoerb in aid of the Thorndon Schoo* Prize and Pic-nic Fund will bo given by the children of the school in the Church-room, Tinakori-road, this evening, when the pnzo kindly offered by Mr. B. Smith for the best song or duet will be competed tor. We are requested to remind members of the medical conference in connection with the Friendly fc'ooietiea, that the adjonraed meeting will be held this evening at 8 o'clock. The advance agent of the celebrated violinist Herr Wilhelmj, Signor De Vivo, has made arrangements tor the appearance of the eminent musician at the Athenaeum Hall. The season commences on the 23rd inst., and will oxtend over a few nights only. Here Wilhelmj will be supported by Mr. Max Vogrich, piani«t, and Mdlle. Conron, who is said to be a very rising young vocalist During the week ending Tuesday la3t the admissions to the Hospital were — males, 5 ; females, 2. There were discharged 2 malea and 1 female. Died, 1 female Remaining in the Hospital — males, 51 ; females, 17 ; total, 68. A meeting of direotors and shareholders in the Harbour Steamboat Company was called for last evening, but owing to a large number ot the chief shareholders being out «f town a quorum could not be mustered, and the meeting was necessarily postponed. A meeting of tho officers of the Wellington Salvage Corps was held yesterday afternoon. Mr. Thomas Ballinger was appointed first lieutenant for Te Aro Ward, and Mr. George Remington second lieutenant. Mr. J. X Evans was elected treasurer, vice J. W. Stevenson, resigned. A little girl, aged 19 months, daughter oi Mr. John Taylor, of Niblett-stroet, Wanganui, got hold of Rome lucifer matches which were left within her reach and sucked them. She was attended by Dr. Earle, but all that could be done proved unavailing, and the child died yesterday morning. Following ia a copy of an address presented t« Mr. John O'Kell :— " We, tha officers and members of the Hope of Wellington Tent, No. 1, District No. 86, 1.0 R., think that this our fiifteenth anniversary affords us a good opportunity to expiesa to you our appreciation of the way in whioh you have worked for the advancement of this Tent during many years. You have been elected to, and filled, with satisfaction to the members and with credit to yourself, all the offices in connection with the Tent, and the office of Treasurer which you now hold, you have occupied for eight terms of office. We, therefore, Ifust you will kindly accept, along with this address, the accompanying silver inkstand, as a slight acknowledgment of your valuable services, and also as a small token of tho high esteem in whioh yon are held by the members of your Tent. Hoping you will be long spared to work in the oause you love so well, we are, dear Brother, yours in the bonds of the Order. Signed— Gaorge L. Jehness, Chief Ruler ; John Dent, Deputy Ruler; Eiohard Davie3, Past Chief Ruler; Francis H. Frasor, Secretary. The Governor's aide-de-camp and private secretary (says the Feilding Onrdian) have been making a tour of the district in a dog oart, driving tandem. They drove through from Masterton, intending to go to Wanganui and return to Wellington, via Foxton. The health of one of the gentlemen, however, would not permit of this programme being carried out as intended, and it is decided now to return to Wellington direct, taking the sea-beach route. The two gentlemen are very much pleased with the scenery of the cowntry through which they have travelled. Reviewing the results of tha general eleotions, tho Otago Time 3 remarks that "it is satisfactory that there will be an Opposition strong enough to impose salutary checks on the party in power, a,nd equally satisfactory that the be3t Administration which New Zealand has ever seen is still manifestly supported by the colony as a whole." An accident by whioh a man named William Grace lost hia life occurred on the Wanganui river about 5 o'clock on Tuesday afternoon, it appears that he and his mate, Daniel Harris, had gone down the river during the day in a canoe. A sudden squall caught the sail and capsized the canoe in a twinkling, turning her bottom upwards. Harris clung to the canoe, and with difficulty managed to sustain himself above water. Grace, who was able to swim, struck out for the shore, but before he had proceeded far he sank, and did not rise again. Harris was rescued by some persons who saw the accident and put off in a boat. The accident occurred through the sail having been made fast to the canoe. At an inquest held on tka body of Adam Callanrior, who was suffocated in a coalpit at Saddle Hill, Otago, by chokedamp, the evidence revealed tho putting into practice of a most extraordinary plan to revive the unfortunate man. After he was got out of the shaft, at which time not a sign of life was apparent (says the Otasjo Times), the miners " dug a small hole in the ground, placed the body with its face in the hole, and put some of the mould they had taken out of tho hole over his head." One witness explained that the face was not in actual contact with the ground, it was only in the hollow, with a trifling quantity of earth thrown over the head, and added, " This is a common practice amongst miners ; I have repeatedly seen it in Ayrshire." Dr. M'Caw expressed the opinion that it was most irrational treatment, in which dictum most sensible people will probably agree with him. Mr. J. Monteith has been appointed agent for Lister's effervescing saline, said to be a cure for mdi gestion, liver complaints, &c.