THE COST OF ELECTIVE LICENSING COMMITTEES.

Evening Post, Volume XXIII, Issue 61, 15 March 1882, Page 2

THE COST OF ELECTIVE LICENSING COMMITTEES.

The various local bodies, on whom falls all the coßt of carrying out the elective' provisions of the new Licensing Act, are making very wry facea at the big bills which have come in. It may be all very well, they think, to have elective Licensing Committees, but it is intensely disagreeable having to pay for this indulgenea. They do not mind receiving the license fees, but they don t relish paying the" numerous amounts which have to come out of the fees. What with the fees of returning officers and poll« clerks, eleotion advertisements, printing ballot-paper 3, advertising result of election, notifying committee meetingß, paying travelling expenses of comrnifcteemen, defraying cost of ballot for and against new licenses, and advertising results, &c, &c, altogether run away with a disgustingly large proportion of the revenue derived from fees. So those local bodies which cannot yet make up their minds to "pay and look pleasant" are racking their brains and those of their legal advisers to find a way either of getting out of it or else of reducing the expense to a minimum. There is no doubt that a new and very bui ■ densome expense has be?n placed on the public shoulders by the elective provisions of last session's Licensing Act, which have been received with so little enthusiasm by an emancipated public. The procedure is costly and tiresome, and it is very questionable whether any proportionate advantage accrues. Undoubtedly the new Licensing Committees seem — 30 far as Wellington is concerned, at any rate — to have been most judiciously chosen and to be very efficient and capable. But could not equally good selections have been made without all this trouble and expense f Is the elective game really worth the candle ? We must confess to a good deal of doubt on this head, and we strongly suspect that it is very widely shared . y the local bodies which, out of none too ample financial resources, have to " pay the piper" for this latest Parliamentary whim.

I The Colonial Secretary is expected £0 return from Nelson on Friday next, having effected the objects for which he vjsifced that place. The Stella calls at Godley Head and Cape Campbell lighthouses to land stores on her way from Lyttelton to this port. On reaching Wellington, she will probably take the Marine Engineer on board, and proceed at once to the French Pass, in order that Mr. Blackett may inspect the beacon, which was recently damaged by being run into by a steamer, and give the neoessary instructions for its repairs. ■ ■ '

The b.B. Hawea, which arrived here thi? morning, brought from Nelson, en route for Dunedin, a prisoner Darned Frapk Oliver, who wa3 arrested thoio by Detective Ede, by virtu 3of a warrant recently issued at Dunedin, charging him with the larceny, aa a bailee, of a silver watch and gold ring and chain, value .£3B, at Papakaio on the 15th February, the property of one Archibald Dalgleish. On his arrival here, Oliver was found to be rather ill, suffering from palpitation of the heart, which circumstance induced Sergeant Anderson to send for a doctor, who, however, expressed his opinion that it would be quite safe for the prisoner to continue his journey to Dunedin. Mr. E. Hard castle, R.M., presided as usual at the Resident Magistrate's Court to-day. There were only two cases on the charge-sheet. A young man named Branch Flower Jaffreys, charged with drunkenness, was fined 10s, with the alternative of 48 hours' imprisonment. An elderly man named John Carrier, said to be a recent arrival in the colony, appeared in answer to a charge of having no lawful visible means of support. He pleaded Guilty. Constable Christie deposed to having arrested the prisoner yesterday morning, as he was "loafing about," and Constable Ironsides, the watch-house keeper, stated that since he had known Carrier — now several weeks — he had not known him either to do or look after any work, adding that the prisoner had frequently called at the police station, and begged for a night'B lodgings. The prisoner here interpospd that he had worked of late whenever he could obtain employment. The information was dismissed without comment. At the inquest on the body of Elizabeth Foster at Wainui-o-mata on Monday last, the jury returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes, viz., from inflammation and congestion of the lungs. This was in accordance with the medical testimony of Dr. Tripe, who had made a post mortem examination of the body. Several witnesses stated that Freeman, with whom the deceased lived, had invariably treated her with the utmost kindness. The following is the business for disposal at to-morrow's meeting of the City Council : — Consideration of tenders for formation of portion of Wright and formation of Hargreaves streets, and for the supply of road metal for Hugh-street and Express-avenue ; confirmation of by-law passed Cth Febrnary, 1882, amending the building regulations re shingle roofs in No. 1 building district ; consideration of reports of Hospital Management Committee and Public Works Committee. The Public Works Committee think it inadvisable to carry out any permanent works in Bolton-street or Wesley-road until the survey of the city is completed, but they recommend that temporary repairs be effected. The ordinary weekly meeting of the Com* mittee of the Benevolent Institute, held yesterday afternoon, was attended by the following gentlemen : — Mr. J. G. Holdsworth, (Chairman), Revs. H. B. Bedstone and H. Van Staveren, the Mayor, Oounoillor Allen, and Messrs. B. Smith and A. G. Johnson (Secretary and Relieving Officer). The case of a man discharged from the Hospital as incurable provoked a discussion on the desirableness of erecting a building for the accommodation of aged and infirm people. In connection with this subject the Mayor mentioned that in January last he had forwarded a circular to some of the wealthiest members of the community, pointing out the want of an asylum for the aged and indigent in this city such as wa3 to be found in nearly every large city in this colony and in every city in Australia. In this circular he also expressed his belief that the Corporation would be willing to grant a site of four or five acres on the Town Belt, and he had every reason to believe it would not bo difficult to raiae £2000 towards the object in view by private or public subscriptions. This was the object, he added, to which he had proposed to devote half the allowance paid to the Mayor He regretted, however, that the project had mot with very little encouragement, Mr. W. H. Levin being the only gentleman who had promised pecuniary assistance. The Chairman remarked that this subject had been very frequently discussed by the Committee, and he was glad to learn that the Mayor was with them in the matter. The conversation thon dropped. A sub-committee of the Public Works Committee, consisting of Councillors Danks, Greenfield, Logan, and Maginnity, being a Councillor for each ward, has been appointed to make special enquiries and report as to the alternative schemes proposed for the Glenbervie Terrace extension, viz., the extension of the terrace through the Cemetery reserve, or the widening and lowering of the present right-of-way at the end of Sydney-street. Considerable interest was taken in the cricket match which took place at the Newtown Park yesterday between the Postal and Telegraph and Audit and Treasury Departments. Towards the aft irnoon a large number of civil servants put in an appearance. The Hon. the Colonial Treasurer, the Postmaster-General, and tho ControllerGeneral arrived on the ground after lunch, and took a lively interest in the match. The hearing of the charge againsfc Ellen Fuller, in connection with the late fire in Mulgrave-street, came to a conclusion shortly before six o'clock yesterday evening. The evidence adduced was substantially the same as that taken before the District Coroner at the preliminary inquest, with which our readers are already familiar. The prisoner, who reserved her defence, merely remarking that she was not guilty, and that the witnesses for the prosecution had been telling " stories," was committed for trial, being allowed bail in her own recognizance of .£2OO, and two sureties of -£100 each. Failing to obtain the necessary snreties, the accused was taken to gaol to await her trial. A man named J. Fern, overseer caulker for the Corporation on Mr. M'Kirdy's Wai-nui-o-mata contract, had his leg broken yesterday by a fall of earth. He was at once brought into town, and Dr. Diver having temporarily set the limb, the sufferer wa3 taken to his residence, where Dr. Cole took him in charge. The break is a serious one, and Fern will be unable to get about again for at least two months. A Napier correspondent informs ua by telegraph to-day that there ib a great scarcity of carpenters there, the building trade being brisk both in town and country. The Mastodon Minstrels, who open at the Theatre Royal on Monday next in " Uncle Tom's Cabin," have been strengthened to the number of 50 for the effective presentation of the drama and that by which it is to b9 followed — " Tho Slave's Revenge." At the meeting of the City Council tomorrow evening the Public Works Committee will, inter alia, recommend .-—That the sum of £15 be contributed towards the expense of giving an access to the road through tho Town Belt at the end of Marjoribankg-streot, the said sum to be given in full of all claims on the part of Mr. E. Reeves, and the offer to be made without prejudice ; that in all cases where complaint is made of the nuisance caused by the smoke from a brick kiln, six months' notice be given to the proprie- j tors to erect a chimney shaft for abatement of the nuisance, failing which that steps be taken for removal of the brickworks altogether ; that some of the spare 24in waterpipes be used for the Btorm-water drain, to be laid down through the reclaimed land ; that tenders be called for painting all the Fire Brigade Stations; that accounts amounting to £474 5a 8d be passed for payment. The regular session of the Pioneer Lodge waß held on Monday oven'ng, at the Good Templar Hall, the attendance being good. The lodge was officered by P.W.C.T. Bro. W. Nutt, acting W.C.T. Several candidates were introduced and initia* ed into full membership. Bro. Read, who has just returned from a visit North, gave an interesting accouut of the progress of the Order where ho had visited, and also convoyed the fraternal greetings of eeyeral lodges. Songs and readings were given by various members, tho meeting being brought to a clone at the usual time. " Scholasticua " writes to us, under date Wellington, 14th March, as follows :— " If your correspondent re night school in yesterday's issue had made enquiries he would have found that a night school is being successfully conducted at the Willis-street school, although not under the immediate auspices of the Board. There is at present an attendance of abont 20." Ihe bazaar at the Arcade, in aid of the Webb-street Primitive Methodist Chnrch, was continued yesterday, and brought to a successful close last night. There waa a good attendance, although, of course, not so large as on the opening day. A choice selection of music was given by the Artillery Band during the evening. The total proceeds amount to between £220 and £230, a result that must be regarded as highly satisfactory. There is still a large quantity of goods remaining unsold, and probably some nuans will be adopted of disposing of these. An indignant correspondent, Mr. G. Hay T ward, of Taranaki-street. writes to us as follows:— "Would you kindly give me a short space in your paper to ask the tinker or botch carpenter, who is continually hammering about in some back premises in Arfchur-Btreet, near the end of Taranakisfcreet, till late at night, whether he does any work in the day, the same as his neigh bours P or if he has any children of his own who require rest ? If he has, he will kindly think of other people, and do his tinkering by day." Our readers are reminded of the grand i ratumn show of the Horticultural Society, i ivhich takes place at the Arcade to-morrow) 1 Mid promises to be of an unusually attractive c sharactex. The doora open at two o'clock, md a band will be present in the evening.

According to the Bangitikei Advocate, svhich journal always displays a singularly iccnrate knowledge of &:r William Fox's views and deep sympathy with hia ideas, Sir William has just been offered a Beat in the Legislative Council, but has declined the honour. Sharks are still numerous in the harbour, and bathers had better be very careful. The other day a large ope attacked the boat of the s.s. Moa, and bit a large piece out of one of the oars which the captain was using in sculling. Sergeant M'Ardle thia morning bronght down from Maaterton a prisoner named John Dixm, who has been sentenced to 28 days' hard labour in the Wellington Gaol for vagrancy. The steward of the Hospital acknowledges the receipt of a donation of vegetables from Mrs. Biggs for the use of the patients. Following is the Hospital return for the week en-ied Tuesday last :— Patients in Hospital at last date — 63 male 3, 23 females ; admitted during the week— 5 males, 1 female ; discharged — 12 males, 5 females : dead — 1 female; in Hospital at 'present date— s6 male3, lß females. There were S2 patients in tha Hospital, and 124 out-patienta, on Saturday, the 11th inßt. The Theatre Boyal was well attended last night, when "Kerry" and "Dear Joe" were repeated. In the former piece Mr. Williamson's acting elicited enthusiastic applause as on the previous occaeion, and those who have not Eeen this clever actor in the role of Kerry have missed a treat, as the play will not again be repeated hire. " Dear Joe" was produced even moro spiritedly than on Monday night, Mr. and Mrs. Williamson playing with much feeling. Mrs. Williamson's acting in the first and last acts was very natuial, especially where she sings, in a sweet and touching manner, the song "My Own Dear Joe." To-night " Snowball" and "The Chinese Question" will bo repeated, and to-morrow night the company will conclude their eeason. The plays produced by this excellent company have delighted large audiences night after night. They have been placed upon the stage with the utmost care in regard to sets and properties, and the acting of the leading artists has been exoellent in every respect. A disagreeable accident happened in a most extraordinary manner to Mr. J. W. Lang, lessee of the To Ore Ore tollcate, on Monday morning. He was in the act of throwing some bones — the remains of his breakfast — to a dog, when, on reaching the door, he trod on the back of a favourite cat, and the latter, gliding from beneath, threw Mr. Lang forward on the road, breaking both bones of hia left leg a few inches above the ankle. Dr. Hosking, adds the Star, was promptly in attendance, and did everything possible for the sufferer. J The Wairarapa Star of yesterday tolls the following story of an elopement from Mauriceville; — " By the 2 p.m. train to-day a resident of Mauriceville, who boasts but a moderate acquaintance with the English dialect, took his departure from Masterton for Wellington. He was in a fearful Btate of excitement, and ready, apparontly, to do anything of a desperate nature. The cause of his agitation was found to be the elopement of the wife of his bosom, with his hard earnings for the last two years, and four children, the result of seven year 3* married life. The cause of the elopement is alleged to be a we.i-known contractor and carpenter, who is i said to have spent a convivial ovening in the bosom of the family last night, and, having plied the husband well with liquor, took the hour of midnight for facilitating the flight of all that was near and dear to him, driving the wife and children to Masterton in a brake. It waa found that the family had gone on to Wellington by the early train, hence the pursuit. Ihe enamoured cause of the elopement remains in this neighbourhood, watching, it is assumed, how the land ließ." A new arrival from New Zealand, eDgaged on the Sydney water supply works at Appm, had his head blown off by a stone from a blast recently. He stood about sixty yards away from the " shot." In reference to the alleged " thumbscrewing" of an immigrant to Maryborough on board the Queensland immigrant vessel Scottish Wizard some time ago, a lengthened inquiry has been held into the charges preferred. Says the Maryborough Chronicle : — " The result of the recent inquiry by the local Immigration Board into the complaints lodged against the dootor, captain, and ofnoers of the immigrant Bhip Scottish Wizard, is, that the Government have considered the Board's report, and decided as follows:— Dr. Woodward to be fined «£SO, and debarred from further employment in the immigration service ; Captain Scales and all the present officers of the Scottish Wizai d to be also debarred from future employment on any vessel conveying Government immigrants to Queensland. The decision may appear Bevere, but where so un-English a thing as ' thumbsorewing ' takes place, everybody in authority on board must expect to receive the taint ; and if the reputation of our immigation service is to be maintained, severe measures cannot be altogether condemned. An important advertisement of Messrs. Harris Brothers, of Marton, announcing a sale of land on the 25th of this month — the Bannockburn Estate, 2000 acres in lots, as per plan, appears in our advertising columns. The estate is within two miles of the townshipof Hanteville, through which the MartonMurimofcu road passes, and adjoins the estate lately purchased by Mr. Silver, of London, from Dr. Bullor, which estate is being prepared for extensive improvements. The surrounding properties are all in the hands of industrious farmers. This sale, it is pointed out, affords an excellent opportunity for the settler of moderate means to become a proprietor of a valuable freehold in a rapidly improving district.