VITAL STATISTICS.

Evening Post, Volume XXX, Issue 75, 25 September 1885, Page 2

VITAL STATISTICS.

The Registar-General's üßual return for the principal Borongh3 Bhowa that during August the number of births was as follows : —Auokland, 114; Wellington, 84; Christchurch, 31 ; Dunedin, 58 ; 'Ihamea, 20 ; New Plymouth, 8 ; Napier, 31 ; Wanganui, 13; Nelson, 9; Sydenham, 43; Lyttelton, 22; Timaru, 12 ; Oamara, 16 ; Hokitika, 10 ; Caversham, 18 ; Invercargill, 15. The number of deaths aud the proportion of deaths to population were as follows : — Auckland, 35, 122; Wellington, 2i, l - 04; Chriatohureh, 14, 085; Dunedin, 32, 128 j Thames, 5, 0-93 ; New Plymouth, 7, 182; Napier, 4, 002 : Wanganui, 1, 019; Nelson, 12, VC4; Sydenham. 12, 1-23; Lyttelton, 3, 0#64;0 # 64 ; Timaru, 3, 0 68 ; Oamaru, C. 090 ; Hokitika, 3, 1 03 ; Cavereham, 2, 0.46; Inveroargill, , 7, 1f32.l f 32. Tho total births amounted to 504, against 518 in July, a decrease of 14. The deaths in August were 170, an increase of 10 on the number for July. Of the deaths, males contributed 93 ; females, 77. Fifty-nino of the deaths were of children under 5 years of age, being' 34*71 per cent, of the whole number ; 39 of there woro of children under 1 year of age. In. the four principal boroughs, Auckland, Wellington, Christohuroh, and Dunedin, the births in August were 287, against 317 in July, a deoreaso of 30. The deaths in August were 105, against 112 in July, a decrease of 7. There were 11 doaths of personß of 65 years aud upwards ; three malea of 85, 74, and 68, and three females of 80, 67, and 65, died at Auokland ; a rnalo of 73 and a female of 73 at Wellington ; a male of 71 at Christohurcb ; and a male of 76 and a female of 81 at Dunodin. The mortality from zymotio diseases was again low in August. Four of the 10 deaths were attributable to syphilis, 2 having been those of yonng ohildren. There were 2 deaths from diphthoria ; lin Auokland and lin Wellington. There wore 3 deaths from alcoholism. The deaths from constitutional diseases were 20 in August, 'against 21 in July. Of those, the deaths from cancer were 6in August and 4in Jnly ; phthisis caused II deaths in each month. Local diseases were slightly more f»tal in August, the deathß having been 61 in that month, against 58 in Jury ; but, while diseases of the nervous system caused fewer deaths (15 in August, against 19 in July), diseaees of the respiratory organs were more prevalent, the deaths having been 14 in July and 20 in August. There were no violent deaths registered during the post month ; an exceptional feature in the monthly report.

Our Saturday Supplement to-morrow will contain the following : — Extroordioary Cruelly on the High Seas, Agnostics Cannot be Masons, Ico in London, Killed and Eaten in Dumb Show, A Popular Girl, The Zulfikar Pasa, Infant Incnbntion, Bismarck's Supreme Motivo, As Others See Us, Improving the "Race, How They Carried the Great Man to Plaoorvillo, Extraordinary Case of Concealment of Birth, Women's Rights in Nebraska, A Cash Railway, Novel Origin of Earthquakes, The Post Office in Japan, How Peter Bennett Won Hia Caso in Court, Another " Milord " Story, Concert-pitch, Custom in Franoe, The Foundation of Melbourno, Temperanco Column, Items tor Ladies, Sporting Notes by " Vigilant," &c. The Government do not intend to appoint a Koyal Commission to enquire into the causo of the prevailing depression. They intend to take steps to remove the cause without having recourse to a Commission. The Minister of Lands (Eon. J. Ballanoe) has undertaken the organisation of tho Agricultural and Forest Department under the Forest Conservation Aot, passed dnring the recent session. Tho Premier left for the South per s.s. Tongariro early this morning. He w expeoted to return in a week or tan daya_, when Mr. Ballauce will take a short holiday. Mr. Larnaob, who has been ill for some timo, is elowly recovering. A Post .Office Money Order and Savings Bank Offieo will be opened at Newton on the Ist of Ootober. An Order in Counoil passed by her Majoßty at Windsor on 21th June, rendering the Colonial Attorneys Belief Aot and its amendments applicable to New Zealand is gazetted. This will enable New Zealand solicitors to obtain admission as solicitors and attorneys in the United Kingdom. The following appointments as Registrars of Births, Deaths, and Marriages and Vaccination Inspectors are gazetted : — Sydney Arthur Pull, Wainui ; Miohael Cropp, Porangahau; Duncan M'Callum, Danevirk ; William Gibb Crawford, Woodville; John Mackenzie, Castlepoint. Amongst the olauseß in the report of the Publio Works Committee of the City Counoil, presented at last night's meeting of the latter body, waa one whioh recommended that the oharge for water supplied to private consumers outside the municipal boundaries should be la 3d per 1000 gallons. Councillor Richardson moved that the charge should be Is only. This was seconded by Councillor A. W. Brown. Counoillor Smith thought that Is Gd would be quite little enough to ohargo. The amendment was carried. A counoillor remarked that people outßide the city would now get their water at a cheaper rate than the ratepayers. We have to chroniolo the arrival, by the Wairarapa this morning, of ten large oases containing young trout fry, the first instalment of apresent of 20,000 generously given by tha Canterbury Acclimatization Sooiety to the Wellington and Wairarapa Society. 'I he fish arrived in a healthy state, and havo been taken to the Hutt river for liberation. We would remind our readers that the annual meeting of our local Acclimatization Society takes place this evening at 8 o'clock in the Museum Lectureroom, when it is to be hoped that all who are interested in the work will attend. At the conclusion of the hearing of a debt case in the Magistrate's Court thia^norning the solicitor for one of the suitors applied for tho expenses of a witness whom ho had summoned. Upon the production of the subpoena it was discovered by the Clerk of the Coutt that although it had been signed by a Justice, it had not been stamped, in acoordanoe with the requirements of the Act. Mr. Wardell, 8.M., while allowing the expenses of tho witness, remarked that in future he ' would' not allow witnesses' expenses in cases whore subpoenas had not been shown on the plaint as having been stamped. His Worship also pointod out that Justices of the Peace were liablo under the Stamp Act to a penalty of £20 by signing subpoenas for witnesses in civil oases which did not bear a stamp, and the person serving suoh a subpoena, he added, was also liable to a similar fine. Private tolegrams from Auokland represent tho condition of the quarantined cironß there as most deplorable. There are 20 employ 63, who, of ooutbo, are thrown ont of work, and tha volnable animals are confined in an open hulk moored in the harbour. Unless they are allowed to land the proprietors will be utterly ruined. Surely something should be done to provent such a result. If the Australian Governments were oommunioated with we believe that no objection would be raised on their part to the - landing of the circuß. We have been shown by Mr. H B. Parsonage a letter from a member of the Christchurch Band expressing surprise and regret at the statement published as to the band having been drugged. Ho says that no such suspioion ever entered the minds of the majority, and that they think the parched condition of their lips was easily accounted for by the exoitement of having to play 6efore suoh a large audienoe. The writer also, on behalf of the band, thanks the citicensof Wellington for the kind attentions shown to them. The lumpers' strike Btill ciyitinuos. The non-union men who oame up m the Dorio to work her cargo here returned to Port Chalmers via Lyttolton by the s.s. Penguin today. The following are the latest aooessions to the Telephone Exohange:— J. E. Evans, saddler, Lambton Quay; the Library, Supreme Court Buildings ; A. Compton, builder, Bouloott-street. The Executive of the Exhibition have offered a speoial prize for native plants in pots to be exhibited at the forthcoming Flower and Plant Show, to be held on the Ist and 2nd Ootober next. Particulars of this and other additional prizes are to be found in our advertising columns.

That irrepressible ecoentrio individual John Smith Harris, better known by his self-imposed appellation of the " Whiffler," entered the Magistrate's Court this morning just aa Mr. Wardell, E.M., took his seat on the Bench, and addressed his Worship. Having said that he desired to ask the advice of the Bench, he said yesterday afternoon he had business at Mr. 1 ravers' office, and knowing that a lawyer's time represented money ("as," parenthetically remarked Mr. Harris, "so doea your Worship's time and mine represent money"), he told Mr. Travers he would be brief. Mr. Travers, who was brushing his co&t, turned the handle of the brush and knocked his cigar out of his mouth, at the same time inflicting a blow upon his nose, the mark of whicfi he would perhaps carry to hia grave. Mr. Harris here took a olothes brush from a parcel, and brandished it in front of and close to the Bench, and informed the Magistrate that that waß the weapon with which the blow had been inflicted. He desired to be informed if his proper conrse would be to go to a solioitor. Mr. Wardell replied that therein !• mutt please himself.. The " Whiffler," exclaiming —"Then I'm off to Buckley, Stafford, and Fitzherbert," and flourishing the clothes brußh in his hand, hastily strode from the Court amidst a suppressed titter on the part of those present. Ihj fire whioh was Btill burning at Thorndon as the Evkning Posr went to press yesterday afternoon completely gutted the premises, which are exceedingly old. Fortunately, however, the flames were got under soon after the arrival of the Fire Brigade, under Superintendent Whiteford, and were confined to the house in whioh they originated. The destruction of the building itself, save for its old associations, is not a Bubject for regret, aa it was exceedingly dilapidated, and indeed scarcely fit for habitation. The loss of her furniture, however, will prove a most serious one to the tenant, Mias Georgina Brady, a schoolmktresa, whose oooupanoy of tho place had only extended over a period of about ten days. Miss Brady is unable to account for the origin of the fire. She states she left homo about 1 o'olock yesterday afternoon, at whioh time a small fire was burning in the grate of a room on the ground floor, and it is snrmised tho embers must have fallen through the hearth, and so communicated with the woodwork of tho dwelling. The house, a briok one, was one of the oldest landmarks in the city, and was built about 40 years ago for an hotel. After several mutations it was occupied for Beveral years by the late Dr. Featherston, then Superintendent of the province. Some Beven or eight yeara since the place was purchased by the late Major Heaphy, whose widow still owns the property. The house was insured in the National office for £400, but the furniture was uninsured. The water pressure yesterday during the progress of the fire was all that could be desired. Th<s only orimmal business at the Magistrate's Court this morning waa that of a first offender for having been drunk yesterday. A fine of 5s was imposed, or the usual 24 hours in default. Why vehicles drawn by two horses harnessed to a pole shonld be allowed to emerge suddenly upon the footpaths without any warping to passers-by, while one horse vehioleti are forbidden to do fo, we do not profess to understand. The fact of there being two horses or the manner in whioh they are harnessed doea not make any differonoo in regard to the danger to passersby, who run the risk of being knocked down by the rush made to got over the crossing. It is no donbt easier for the driver of a pair to direct them from his seat on the vehiole than if he was at the head of tho near-side horse, but tho question is not of' the convenience of drivers, but of the safety of men, women, and children who pasa along the footpaths. If a driver cannot manage his horses while at their heads then, for the safety of the public, vehicles with two horses shonld also have two men, one to drive and one at the heads of the horsea when coming out of rights-of-way or yards on to tho footpath. We hope the City Counoil will pause before finally adopting Councillor FitzGer&ld's proposed amendment of the by-law on the subject. It would appear, judging by the audiences whioh are nightly becoming larger at the Theatre Royal, that the popularity of Mr. Wyberfc .Reeve, instead of diminishing as the season is drawing to a c'oßo, is increasing. Last evening the theatre was well filled in every part. The attraction was Sardou's play entitled "Diplomaoy," whioh was bo well received when it was first produced by the oompaoy on their former visit here. The cast is sufficiently strong to require the appearance of nearly every member of the company, each of whom appears to bs eminently fitted for hia or her part. Of oourse the chief interest in tho piece iB centred in Henry Beauclerc, who, in the hands of Mr. Wybert Eeevo, was represented just as the author no doubt intended he should be played — as a thoroughly shrewd, business-like man of the world, yet withal kindly-hearted. The remaining characters were ably sustained. This evening Mr. Keevo will take a well-deserved benefit, and on this occasion — if the efforts of a genuine artist, an energetic stag*) and business manager, and a genial gentleman are considered worthy of publio recognition — he will be acceded a bumper house. "The Philanthropist," a oomedy new to playgoers here, will be produced to-night, in the presence of his Exoellenoy tho Governor and suite. The following new patents have been applied for : — An improvement in the. knife of the "Triumph Ti-troe Cutter," by Henry Reynolds, of Taupiri, Waikato ; a washing and cleansing fluid, to be known as " CaßSon & Co.'s Invinoible Cleanser and Washing Fluid," by George Samuel Caason, of Dunedin, accountant ; August's Economic Blended Hair Mattraes, by Herman August, of Inveroargill, upholsterer and cabinetmaker ; Improvements in gas-motor engines, by John Henry Cooksedge, of London, gentleman. A Benefit Builditg Society on a new plan is about to be started in this oity. It is termed the United Mutual Benefit Building Society, and is to consist of 1000 shares, with a weekly subscription of 2s 6d per share. The funds are lent to membors on a plan whioh differs altogether from that generally adopted by such societies, but the system, although new in this colony, is said to have worked admirably in the old country and in Australia. Tho "Orators' Night" of the Wosleyan Mutual Improvement Class came off with fair sucopaa laßt evening. The Rev. Mr. Isitt presided. Various readings, illustrating modern oratory, were rendered and discussed, and altogether a pleasant evening waa passed. Next Thursday ovening will bo "Journal" night. Tho following arc the majority of oharaoters which are to be represented at the costume cricket match on the Basin Reserve to-morrow :— Wellington Crioket Association team— Man-of-war's Man, Naval Brigadesman, Ole Pete Brudder, Pirate Lieutenant, Happy Ole Pete, Jack Tar, Gold Digger, Pirate King. Policemen B, Ancient Order Forester, Fat Boy, Militiaman. Wellington Amateur Dramatic) Club's teamYokel, Sailor, Clown, Pantaloon, Dwarf, Brigand, Gobo. The remainder of the oharaotera have not yet been decided npon. The Wellington Garrison Band will play a ohoioe selection of music during the progress of the match. There was a fairly good attendance at the half-yearly meeting of members of tho Pctone Institute last evening, when the report and balance-sheet, showing the institute to be in af cod position, were read and adopted. The library comprises a well selected assortment of 400 volumes, and a further addition has been ordered and expected to arrive in the course of a few daya. The new Committee consist of Messrs. Kirk, Molpney, Henry, London, - Clark, with Mr. Curtis as Secretary. The Librarian (Mr. Naylor) was re-elected, and Messrs. Comber and Joplin wero eleotcd auditors. It wo 3 decided to abolish the entranoe fee and reduao tho subscription of youths under 18 to 4a tho term. Votes of thanks to Mr. J. W. Ashcroft, tho late Seoretary (who has left the district), and tho retiring Committee concluded. the business. A meeting was held at the Mount Cook Boys' School last evening for the purposo of forming a cricket club in connection with the abovo school. The following officers were elected :— President, Mr. C. Hardy ; Deputy, Mr. Cox ; Captain, L. Isherwood ; ¦ Secretary and Treasurer, C. Ralph ; Ccmmittee, H. Edmonds, S. Tripe, F. Young, and G. Priotor. A very extraordinary case occupied tho attention of Mr. fctratford in the Cartorton Magistrate's Court for five hours on Tuesday last. The charge was one of assault, preferred by Peter Feariok against a Pole named Offsoski. The defendant was alleged to have compelled tho plaintiff to swallow a nauseous mixture containing beer and mustard, and to have thrust down hia throat some pieoes of m«at. On the other side witnesses were sworn, vrhoso testimony went to prove that the beer and mustard mixture was taken voluntarily by informant, who, seeing Offsoski drinking come, aakod if it was good, and was told that for the stomach it waa very good, and frequently taken by Offsoski when he required " warming up." Complainant agreed to try the decoction, and waa so well satisfied that he asked to be allowed to "repeat the dose;" this he did. He was also reputed by these witnesses to have taken tho meat complained of "of hiß own free will and accord." When the facts first became public it was rumoured that there had been an attempt on the part of Offsoski to bewitch Fearick. The witnesses for the prosecution strongly denied that they had been impressed with this idea. After hearing the defence, Mr. Stratford adjourned tho case until to-day. The Wanganui Chronicle of Saturday says : — " It was rumoured on the Avenue yesterday that Mr. Krnll, of "Wellington, who has purchased the house on St. John's Hill once occupied by Mr. F. J. Jones, is about to enter into partnership with Mr. Fieeman R. Jaokson, our well-known and muoh-respected townsman. We shall be glad should the rumour prove correct, aa Mr. Krnll will be a decided acquisition to basicess and social oirclea in Wanganui."

A call of 3a per share on the new issue has been made by the Directors of the Wellington and Manawatu Eailway Company. Detective Kir by this morning apprehended a man named George Edward Stewart on the charcro of larceny a3 a bailee. The artioles the accused is charged with stealing are * silver locket and ohain, Eome rough gold, and four soys., the property of a woman named Perry, residing at Dunedin. The prisoner was arrested on the wharf from a description of h:s person forwarded from Otago. William H. Eushforth, of Wellington, draughtsman, has filed a petition to be adjudged a bankrupt. The usual weekly eeßsion of the Star of Wellington Lodge wbb held last evening, when Bro. W. Johnßon, W.C.T., oocupied tho chair. A gentleman who had previously Jjeen a member in another part of the juritaiotion made application for reinßta'ment, and was added to tho roll. A considerable amount of timo waa occupied in conversing about matters in connection with the varioua phases of the temperance movement. It waa resolved that all the piatera thit were then present form themaelves into a committee to see about procuring a suitable banner. A musical and dramatic entertainment ia to be given at the Lyceum Hall on Monday next by the Our Boya' Dramatic Club, as-Eistt-d by Beveral leading amateurs. The proceeds are to be devoted to the f ands of Our Boys' Cricket Club. The platform of the Secular Sooiety will be oooupied on Sunday by Mr. Isaao Selby, the popular young secular orator, with a leoture on " Darwin and Moses." The popularity of tho leoturer, and the interest attaohod to the subject, should be sufficient to attract a large andience. Mr. E. J. Hill has obtained the use of bis Lite premises, next to the Empire Hotel, for the purpose of holding a clearing sale of tho stock rescued from the fire. The sale, which will commenoe to-morrow, will include men's, boys' and children's hats, caps, Bhirte, tiep, collars, scarves, &c. In consequence of the very boisterous weather last Friday, ' Mr. C. Smith will repeat his special show 'this evening. The promises will bo thrown open from G to 10 p.m. for the public to walk round and inspect the new goods and premises. No goods will be Bold during the evening. "^ Tho salvage sale of I lliott & Co.'s stock of boots and shoes ia still on at Dwan's auotion mart, but will positively close to-morrow, so that those who wish to take advantage of the bargaina offered must not delay their visit. Messrs. Laery and Campbell will Hall tomorrow, talking and singing birds, fruit, produce, horses, &o. Mr. M. J. Mulligan will sell to-morrow, jewellery, clothing, canaries, Ac.