A BAD EXCUSE BETTER THAN NONE.

Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 16, 20 January 1886, Page 2

A BAD EXCUSE BETTER THAN NONE.

♦ If tho Now Plymouth Commit too was not to be congratulated upon ita action in trying to atop subscriptions te the Stratford Fire Reliof Fund, it at least deserves credit for the ingenuity with whioh it now ondeavours to excuse that action. It is now explained that " the greater part of tho misunderßtanding between the Hawera and Now Plymouth Committees ooourred owing to a mistake in one of the telegrams sont by tho agent of the Press AsEooiation here. In the telegram tbe words ' locally Bubsoribed' appeared instead of the words 'already subscribed.' That gave a falso impression to the colony that what had boon raised in Taranaki alone wonld bo Buffioient." This is very good. Telegraph operators, preßS agents, and unfortunate compositors have many sins to answer for, and are not likely to feel the burthen of this addition to the load, but we may point out that if they are the persons to blame in the present instance the admiration whioh tho whole colony had recently begun to experience for New Plymouth, will be rudely shaken. "All the world wondered" when Taranaki was found nobly self-reliant, repudiating with scorn the idea of its sponging upon the colony for aid of any sort. The speotacle wu such a novel one, so entirely opposed to all precedent, so unparalleled in the history of Taranaki, that people generally were etruok with admiration, although a few carping individuals did remember, and point out, that the New Plymouth patriotism and self-reliance were akin to Artemua Ward's noble offer to saorifice every drop of his brother's blood in defence of Mb conntry. The New Plymouth people proposed to initiate their polioy of Belf-reliance entirely at tho expense of their burned-out brethren of Stratford. It is also unfortunate for the now vouchsafed explanation, that, even aooepting the correction by reading "already subscribed" for "locally subscribed," the amount collected does not appear to be Buf-

.fiofent even new f o meot all the oiroumstonecs of the case, arid yet a good deal has been receivod since the New Plymouth Committee endeavonred to stop the supply. That the sum is sot sufficient is shown by tho Taranaki people asking their mombers not, of conrso, " to sponge upon the oolony," but to apply to Ibo Govornment for a grant from the Colonial Treasury.

Tho EVKning Post wiil not bo published oh Friday noxt (Anniversary Day). The Eton, the Premier returned from iho South this norning. I Tho passengers for Wellington and Southern ports, who arrived by the eteatner Doric at Auokland from London yestordiy afternoou, will come on here by the Eovoraahana, due on Sunday. The Wellington cargo will also arrive by the iamo Vessel. Dr. Johnston visited tho Quarantine Station this morning, and found that. Miss Welchman, tho typhoid fever v patient, Fan getting on satisfactorily. He :s ao satisfied with the general health t>f tho passengore .thfct he r- tends to reopmmend that they released afc once. It is probable fjiat £hey will bo allowed to Oonlfl tip lo town tomorrow. Tlio ship Hurnnui camo up to the QuSSh'B Wharf thia morning. The Samoan chiefs, chaperoned by Mr£b. Baker, the Sheriff, vißited the Supreme Court and the Magistrate's Court this morning, and watched the proceedings evidently with great interest. Admiral Tryon yest9rday afternoon rocoived about 200 gueats "at home" on board H.M.S. Nelson. His Exoellenoy the Governor and the Samoan chiefs were presont. Tho visitors ttere Conveyed to and from the Nelson by the Ship's launches and the Government steamers Einemoa and Ellen Ballanoo. Tho Nelson was beautifnlly dooorated, and tho epacious deck afforded ample accommodation for an afternoon danoo to the capital music of tho ship's hand. Sir William Fox, dnrin* hin leiikuro last evening, referred to tlie want of a Sailors' Home ii Wellington. Ho remarked that it wila a disgrace to the city of Wellington that sailors from H.M. ships, or belonging to tho mercantile marine) had nowhere to lie down at night when ashore on leavo, exoept in some publichonse or in Borne den of iniquity. His blood boiled at tho thought, aud ho hoped that tho merchants of the city would ere long provide somo resting place for sailors ashore. Wo notico with pleasure that our fellowtownßinan Mr. AValter Turnbull has returned to the colony. He, his son (Mr. A. H. Turnbull), and Mr. Cock, formerly of Nelson, who is about to join tho firm of W. & Q. Turnbull &, Co., are passengers by the Doric, which arrivod at Auokland yesterday afternoon. One of the large ten-wheel engines which have boen constructed in England for the Wellington-Man&watu Eailway Company has arrived in the Huruuui, and another is known to be on board the Opawa. These engines are larger than any ordinary looomotivo hitherto seen on Wellington lines, and of a different design, at they have tenders. They are intended principally for running at a high speed on the long level lino extending from Paikak&riki to LoDgburn. On this portion of the line it iB oxpeoted that the express train will attain a rato of at least 30 miles an hour, inolnding all stoppages. The engine now to hand will bo put togothor at tho Company's workshops as soon as possiblo after it la landed, as tho company is at present rather short of engine power. A visit to the Qear Meat Preserving Works at Petono was paid yesterday by the Samoan delegates. The visitors -wero shown over the premises by Mr. Woods, the managing director, Who luoidly explained overything which ho considered would be of interest to them. The delegates also wont on board tho hulk Jubilee, bnt doolinod to enter the freezing chamber. Tboy wore shown, however, a quantity of Enow, which to them was (in article they had never seen beforo in their lives. An aocident happened in the Te Aro Baths last evening, about 5 o'olook, which was vory nearly proving fatal to a little boy namod Alfred Kdwards. Tho boy in question, who is a son of Mr. R. H. Edwards, of Marjori-banks-street, had been bathing, and when partially dressed took a run round the narrow platform on the top of the palisading enclosing the baths. In doing thia he somehow overbalanced himself, and foil into deep water inside the fence. Boing unable to swim, he would probably have been drowned had not his ones attracted tho notico of a gentleman who was preparing to take a dip, and who, hastily stripping, plunged in and managed to rescue the lad after fully two minutos' immersion. When brought to the stops Edwards was quito insensible, but under the oare of Mrs. Mooch, who rendered every assistance, ho aeon reoovered, and is now none the worse for the acoidont. Tho practico of boys running on tho platform referred to is very dangerous and should not be allowed. We have to thank Mr. H. J. Williams for a copy of the first issue of " The Australasian Oddfellow and Friendly Scoietiea' Record for the diffusion of the principles of Benovolenoc and Charity." It is an exceedingly well got np publication, and full of valuable and interesting information for mombers of the various bodioa with whose interests it deals. Tho paper is edited by Mr. H. J. Williams, of Wellington, and is oxoellently printod by Messrs. Mills, Dick & Co., of Dnnedin, in which city it is published by Mr. William fieid. A tennis matoh will take place to-morrow evening on tho Parliamentary Tennis Court between loams representing the Civil Scrvico and Parliamentary Recess Tennis Glubs. The following will be the players :— Civil Service Club— Gentlemon's double, Messrs. Hugh Pollen and E. Mason ; gentlemen's single, Mr. L. G. Eoid. Parliamentary Kecess Club— Gentlemen's double, Messrs. S. aud W. Lndbrook ; gentlemon's single, Mr. W. Ludbrook. At 10 o'clock this morning a fire broke out in Express Avenue, off Eiddiford-street, on the property of Mr. Bolton. The fire was first seen by a milkman who was in the neighbourhood, who observed large volumes of smoke issuing from tho washhonse adjoining the kitchen. An .alarm was at onoe raised, and somo men who wero employed on a building olobq by were promptly on tho scene, closely followed by the members of the Newtown Brigade. With tho aid of a few buokets of wator and a garden hose, all danger waß Boon at an end. Had not the fire been detected at such an oarly stage the cottago would no doubt have been destroyed; as it was the damage was but trifling. Sir William Fox gavo a highly interesting account of hia recent vigirto the Mother Country at the Congregational Church, Woodward-street, last evening, in aid of the funds of tho sufferers by the late fires at Stratford. Tho chair was occupied by tho Kov. W. H. West, who introduced the lecturer to his audience, which was a large one. Sir William Fox briefly but graphically sketohed his voyage' Homo, which was by the Torres Straits route, and drew a most entioing pioture of Batavia (and itß environs), which was touohed at by the steamer. Batavia, instead of being a 'large fishing village, as he expeoted to find it, was a city with a population of 1,000,000 souls, made up of many Eastern nationalties and a few Dutch settlers. He gave a most pleasing picture of the fertility of the place, anct stated that to the very summit of a mountain thousands of feet high there was verdure as green as that of the Hutt Valley. The city, which was embowered in greenery, was well drained, and possessed an efficiently managed tram system. Tho voyage was an exceptionally cool one, and in the .Red Sea the thermometer stood at 86deg, whilst in London, on the same day, the heat was registered at 96deg. The leoturer gave an interesting aooount of Miss Wilson's Sailors' Best for seamen of the navy, in wbioh were 300 beds, and also referred to a similar home for Boldiors, \raioh had been established by MiBS Robinson at Pottsmouth. He also alluded to the magnificent workshops in Derby belonging to the Great Midland Railway Company, in which 10,000 people wore employed. He visited the operatives while at their breakfast one morning and addressed them, and during a discourse* of 20 minutes he not only gave them a leotnre on Now Zealand but also a temperance address as woll. The working classos in England were at presont in an infinitely bettor position than they had ever been, whilst the landlords were in an infinitely worse position, owing, strango to say, to the abnndance of grain and meat which for years past had flowed into England. The importation of New Zealand mutton h&d had the effect of putting the English farmer's pipe out, and the landlords were now carrying on their farms themselves at immonse losses. Before concluding, the lecturer referred to the amazing Btridos the gospel temperance movement had attained in England during tho past few years. A- vote of thanks to the lecturer brought the proceedings to a termination. During his remarks on Temperance last evening^ Sir William Fox stated that the moat eminent phyticians were net only teetotalers themselves, but also avoided, except In extreme cibbb, the use of alcohol in prescribing for their patients, and he expressed tba hope that dootors in New Zealand would follow their English professional brothers' example. To hiß mind it appeared that the prescribing of alcohol was very similar to a watohmaker sending a delicate gold watch to be repaired by a blacksmith across tho road. It was all Btuff for anyone to say they wanted stimulants. He always carried his stimulant about with him when travelling, and that was a bunch of sound, clean raisins. A summons was taken out on the 18th instant against the New Zealand Government Insurance Board by Mr. Swift, late of the Annuities Department, to recover the sum of .£2O, alleged to be due by the Board to him for overtime. Messrs. Buckley, Stafford & Barton have accepted service on behalf of the Board, and Mr. Jellicoe represents Mr. Swift. The case is set down for hearing on the 28th instant,

The 8.8. Tainni took her departure Bhortly after midnight, the repairs effected to her steam-pipe by Mr. J. £. Hayes having been aabjeoted to the most severe tests, and withstood them perfootly. Mr. Nanoarrow (Government Inspeotorof Machinery), Captain Barlow, and Mr. Waddell (Chief Engiueer of the Tainni) wore present at tho tests, aid eipres»ed the'tnselveß perfectly satisfied with ,tho way tho work had been done. The -ripe was replaced in position during the evenng under Mr. Hayes* supervision, and the vessel departed on her voyage. Thero is every prospeot of the Anniversary Regatta on Friday proving quite as successful as any that havo preceded . it. The j number of entries i 8 expected lo b& fairly large, and there is little doubt that in most instances tho finishes will bo closo. A tonoared cutter race has been added to J,ho progrinimo, and it is itndo.retood *hat two ortws from the NoJbojj and en« fnta the Wellington Na7al Artillstfy will tako part ia it. Tho first prizo has Jbeen fixed at .£lO. pj^ j' nB socond at £■!,. The Ploior- ao Jj fl a g. ship, and wij 1 , "o0" o0 mO oroil off the northern Cliv of the Queen's Wharf. The Garrinon Band will be stationed upon her miin deck, and will play at intervals during tho day. The Government launch Kllou Ballanoe ha? been placed at the disposal of the Bcgatta Committeo, and will bo used by the starter. Luncheon will be provided On board the flftgehip by Mr. Walter freeman at a reasonable rate. The Mayor, acoompanied by Councillors Mackenzie, Richardaon. Quick, Wilson, Edwards, Coombe, Smith, and Mr. Loughrey, the City Engineer, paid a visit to the waterworks at Waiilni o-thula this morning. It is Understood that the visit does not iv the slightest degreo portend any likelihood of a water famine occurring, but was merely undertaken for the purpose of inspecting the resorvoir, &c. Tho provisions -if the Hospital and Charitab!o Aid Aot would appear to be as far off From boing understood as over they wore. TnoEov. H. VanStavoron. whb oooupied the ohalr at the mooting of tHo Benevolent Bboiety yesterday, remarked that tho present was the last occasion ou which the oommittee wonld moot, as the affairs of the society would bo taken over within a few days. Mr. Panks said this was a misconception on tho part of tho Chairman. The oommitteo would continuo to odminiater the affairs of tho society till they were formally taken over. No one e'.se hazarded any opinion in tho matter. Mr. A. G. Johnson (Sooretary) stated that the petition for the incorporation of tho society was quite ready to bo sent in to the Colonial Secretary for presentation to tho Govornor. In tho Magistrate's Court to-day, when tho cases of E. H. Goldsmith v. Jamoß P. Lo Souer were called on, there was no appearance of either pal-ty. The informations charged tho defendant with using threatening and obscene language. The matter being a question which affects public morality and deconoy, tho polioe intend swearing fresh informations against Le Senor. Major Ecoles having resigned his appointment as A.D.C. on the Governor's staff, in order to return to England, Kib Excellency has, we are glad to learn, appointed Captain Spencer Mansel Medley, U.K., to that poßition. Captain Medloy has been oonneoted for many years with Now Zealand, and the present is not the first occasion on which he has held an appointment on the Governor's staff. Vory many years ago, wheb Captain Beauohamp Seymour, now Lord Alceater, was Commodoro on this station, Captain Medley was a lieutenant on board H.M.S. Fawn, from which vobbol ho waß promoted to H.M.S. Polorua then commandod by Captain Seymour. After reluming to England ho obtained loave and retnrned to New Zealand, where he married a Wanganni lady* tho daughter of the Eov. Mr. Taylor, and his Excellency Sir Georgo Grey, the then Governor, appointed him Private Sooretary; This effico he held until ho was obliged to return to the service, and on going Home he was appointed to a veesel on the China station, where he saw eervico for Bomo time, and gained tho medal he is now entitled to wear. In 1871 Captain Medley retired from tho eervico with tho rank of Commander, and commuted his pay. He returned with his wife and family to New Zealand some 18 months ago, and during tho recent war scaro was temporarily appointed to oharge of the navtl defences in this port. Tho departure) of Major Eooles will be greatly regrotted by a large^oirolo of friends, as during hifl residence he has made himself generally popular, and has evinced a great interest in the Volunteer movement and tho defences of the oolony. A very enjoyable gathering was held in the Good Templar Hall last evening, when tho members of the Pioneer and St. John's Lodges of Good Templars entertained the visiting brethren from H.M.S. Nelson to a social tea. 1 here was a largo attendance, the hall being oomfortably flllod. Tho obair waa occupied by Bro. Kennedy, D.D., who, in a few appropriate wordß, oordially welcomed the seafaring men, and hoping they would onjoy thomeolves. A capital programato had been prepared by tho sißtors of tho Harmony Committee, and was carried out very eucoesafully. Songs were contributed by Broß. Bennett, Hare, Manning, Chußack, Jackson, Johnson, Farron ; Siatora Boyd, Johnson, Webb, and Biohards ; and recitations were also given by Bros. Young, Chuck, and Sistvr Wobb. Several of these woro oncorod At intervals an abundant supply of refreshments waa handed round, to whioh ample justice was done, and after a most enjoyable ovening, the proceedings wero brought to a olobo in the usual manner at 11 o'olook. At a meeting of tho Druids last night, arrangements for tho fdto on Anniversary Day wero oompletod, and it was decided that members of tho order should meet at S 30, at the Fire Brigade Hall, Manners-street, on Friday morning next, to form a procession to maroh to the Kailway Station. Sports will be held at iSloomfield during the day, and the proceedings should be very enjoyable in overy respeot, if the weather is fine. The ordinary meeting of tho Benevolent Soqiety was held yesterday afternoon, at whioh were present-pThe Eev. H. Van Staveren (in tho ohair), Messrs. B. Smith and S. Danks. A number of oases were brought boforo the committee, but noco of them possessed any extraordinary featuros. The case of a man who was on the books from alleged illhcalth was referred to. Ho had been examined by Dr. Hasel!, and had been reported by that gentleman as boing fit for work. The case was struck off tho books. Rations wore granted in a number of instances, either to Bingle persons or to families who wero in distress. The oase of a child who was under the care of the committee, and who was supposed to havo been -adopted by a person in tho country, was roported. The ohild had been returned to tho person who had formerly looked after hor in town. It was decided that this person should bo remunerated for her trouble. Tho thanks of the committee wero ordered to bo conveyed to Mr. FitzGorald, chemist, for a parcel of clothing. A private pertormanco of Robertsou'a favourite comedy "School" was given at the Thoatre Royal last night by the members of tho .Wellington Amateur Dramatio Club. There was a largo and fashionable attendance, inoluding his Excellency tho Govornor and a party from Government House. The cast of characters was a very strong one, and we have seldom scon the leading members of this popular olnb to more advantage. They had the good fortune also to be assisted by Miss Lena Wyatt and a bevy of very competent and attractive lady amateura, whioh enablod the sohool scenes to be presented with charming offoot. The audionoe were in raptures, and at the ond of each aot called the principal performers bofore the curtain. Although it is not usual to mention names in noticing a private entertainment, yet, as the piece is to be given in publio to-night in aid of the Stratford .Relief Fund, we cannot refrain from allnding to tho conspicuous successes scored by Mr. W. D. Lyon in the oharaoter of Mr. Crux, by Mr. C. F. Key. worth in the part of Jack Poyntz, by Mr. Bailey as Beau Farintosh, by Miss Wyatt ac Bella, and by the accomplished young lady who so admirably filled the role of Naomi Tigho. The play was admirably put on, and thoee who intend going to boo it to-night may depend upon a treat. The company's fine band rendered valuablo assistanco during the evening. The Newtown Eiflos will fire a match on Friday morning at the cadet range, firing to oommence at 6 o'olock. Ammunition will be served out on the ground. In tho Magistrate's Court to-day Mr. Kirk, solicitor, who appeared in a case for tho Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, obtained a conviction and applied for professional coßts against the defendant. Mr. Kirk stated that he understood that in Auokland professional fees for the standing counsel of the sooiety in that city ware always allowed by the Benoh whenever a conviotion was obtained. The Benoh, through Mr. W. W. Johnston, the chairman, declined to accede to the application. Theßed Cross Lodge, 1.0. G.T., H.M.S. NelBon,helditeseßsionatNo.9, room,Athena:um, on Saturday last, when one member was added to the roll. There was a good muster, 43 out of 67 answering to tho roll call The Lodge was fraternally visited by the Koaoue, Star, and Star of New town Lodges. Bro. Sir William Fox, an offioor of the Bight Grand Lodge of England, also paid an offioial visit, and gave an excellent addrers on t«mperanoe, also a report of the last grand session held at Stockholm. Bro. Petherick, on behalf of the Lodges, invited the visitors to a BAoial gathering, whioh took place on Monday evening, when about 150 were present. A most enjoyable evening was spent, there being a good programme and an abundanoe of refreshments. The visitors were eaoh presented with a small bouquet of flowers, and expressed their gratification by giving three ohoere for the Star and Besoue Lodges, who responded. The National Anthem brought the gathering to a olose. The Star of Wellington Lodge of Good Templars, a'siated by the offioers and members of the Bed Cross (H.M.S. Nelson) Lodge, are to hold an open meeting this evening in No. 12 Boom, Athenasum, when Sir William Fox and others will give addresses.

Tho annual meeting of the congregation of St. John's Church was held in tho sohoolroom, Dixon-strcet, last night, the Eev. J. Patereon occupying the ohair. Th^ proceedings were opened in the usual manner, after which the r^portof the church was read anii Adopted. ,Ihe report and balance-aheet of the two Sunday sobools were read by Mr. W. Hopkirk and Mr. MKenrie, secretary and treasurer reapsc'ively. Both the reports of the churoh and schools show &n increase in attendance. The churoh balance-sheet was read by Mr. Jamei Smith, treasurer The receipts on account of revenue for th>* year from i\U sourcW amounted lb ih2sß 98 Id, and the disbursements for the same p<orlod .£l2lO 1?s lOd, thus leaving a credit balance of X 47 11b 3d. The building fund accduut shewed a cum of jg^iSO 2s Sdle 1 . ceivsd, agamet J85352 Os 10d tipended. The statement bE liabilities and assets showed a credit balance of .£9323 13 a 6d, after allowing for all debts owin^ aa a w pfoT ia e for thoße " !^^> »greod to borrow -£1200, to be added to the mortgage debt. During tho evening solos were sunif by Miss Paul and Mr. R. J. Pope, and a nnmber of anthems renderod by the choir. Kefreshments, provided by Mr. Qodber, wore handed round. Attontion is directed to tho properties to bo sold*at auction by Moaara. T. Kehnedy Macdonald & Co., to-morrow, at 2 o'clock. Ihe catalogue compriecs tho well-known business premises in Hunter- street now occupied by Messrs. J. H. Wallace &Co as auotion rooms; a nine-roomed family residence in ingestre-street and Watson- street, known &s occupied by Mr. M. M'Crediej also, two shops and dwellings in Abel Smithstreet ; and sections in Marton, Napier, and Kaikoura (Hawke'B Bay). Tho details of the various properties appear in another column. The attention of builders and others ia oallod to the extensive sale of railway contractors' plant to be held by Mr. F. H. Wood, at Maurioovillo, bear Maatorton, tomorrow, witbput reserve. Full particulars will be found in our advertising columns. Messrs. Francis Sidey & Co will sell tomorrow, an invoice of jewollery, comprising watchc?, diamond rings, eloctro-platedware, &o. The Roods will bo on view to-morrow more ing. Mr. N. J. Isaacs will soil to-morrow, the balance cf a conoigtmtont of jeirellory, diamond goods, &c, without reserve.