VITAL STATISTICS.

Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue XXXIV, 16 September 1887, Page 2

VITAL STATISTICS.

The Regißtrar-General's returns of vital statistics within boroughs during the month of August gives the number of births as under:— Auckland, 106; Wellington, 90; Christchurch, 32; Dunodin, 56; Thames, 11 ; New Plymouth, 12 ; Napier, 44 ; Wanganui, 17 ; Blenheim, 8 ; Nelson, 25 ; Sydenham, 40 ; Lyttelton, 13 ; Timaru, 18 , Oamaru, 13 ; Grey month, 9 ; Hokitika, 6; Caversham, 7 : Invercargill, 22. The number of deaths and the proportion of deaths per 1000 population were as followss— Auckland, 33, 092; Wellington, 39, 1-45; Cbristohurob, 18, I*ls j Dunedin, 32, 132; Thames, 5, J"04; New Plymouth, 3, 101; Napier, 8, TOlj Wanganui, 4, 092; Blenheim, 3, 0 99 j Nelson, 10, 1-30; Sydenham, 8, 078; Lyttelton, 3, 0 72; Timaru, 5, 132; Oamaru, 5, 087; Greymouth, 4, 1-26; ilokitika, 1, 0*36; Caversham, 8, 1-74; Invercargill, 11, 2 - 11. The total births in the boroughs amounted to 529, against 490 in July, an increase of 39. The deaths in August wero 200, an increase of 45 on the number for July. Of the total deaths, males contributed 112 ; females, 88. Sixty-six of the deaths were of children under 5 years of age, being 33 00 per cent, of the whole number; 51 of theso were under 1 year of ago. The births in August were 284, against 264 in July, an increase of 20. The deaths in August were 122, against 96 in July, an increase of 26. There were 16 deaths of persons of 6"> years and upwards— 7 maleß of 82, 79, 76, 75, 72 (i), and 68, and 3 females of 84 and 68 (2) died at Auckland ; a male of 67 and 2 females of 68 and 67 at Wellington ; and 3 females of 86, 70, and 66 at Dunedin, The total number of deaths (13) from specific febrile or zymotic diseases was not excessive 1 but diphtheria, from which there was no mortality in July, is noticed as the cause of 2 deaths, 1 at Christchurch and lat Dunedin. Out of A total of 24 deaths from constitutional diseases, the large number of 13 wore from phthisis, against 9in July and lin June. The deaths from local diseases were 19 in excess of the number from the previous month ; but the increased mortality at the four towns as a whole was rather from diseases of tho digestive and urinary system than from diseases connected with the respiratory system. Bronchitis, however, was fatal in 8 coses at Auckland and 4 at Wellington. The total mortality at the four chief towns was 122 deaths, against 96 in August. The increase is found at Auckland, caused greatly by bronchitis, and at Wellington and Dunedin from various ]ocnl diseases.

A very interesting and full description of tho harbour defences of tho colony will bfi found on onr fourth page to-day. In onr Supplement with to-morrow's issue will appear, among other sojootions, the following:—"A Perfumed Puppy;" "Temperance;" " Same Old Thing;" " The Paris Abduction Case;" " Measuring the Queen's Mouth;" "An Aotor'a Dilemma;" "De Properess Way;" "Henry's Rival j" "A Novel Fire Escape;" "A Human Cprmorant;" "Poetic Differences in Women ;" "A Costly Diamond Necklace:" "Mr. Irving on his Profession ;" " Parsons and Persons:" "The Story of Two Portraits;" "Medicinal Value of Lemons;" "Newß in Brief;" "A Distressing Story of Starvation;" "One He Didn't Take." We understand it is probable that Sir Julius Vogol will, in response toa numerouslysigned requisition, pay a visit to Napier and speak there on Saturday evening. Tie close of Mr, Fisher's meeting at the Lyceum last night was extremely nowy. Mr. W. Wallis had proposed a vote of thanks to and confidence in.Mr. Fisher for his address, when a Mr. Lacy rushed frantically upon the stage waving over his head a mass ojf notes, evidently intended as aids to an oration in support of an amendment he intended to propose. The noise was deafening as he proceeded to speak, and his voice was drowned in boohoos and general uproar. When a lull occurred, he said he insisted pn moving an amendment, and he glared ferociously at the Chairman, who tried to get a hearing for him, but could not succeed. At last, after the din had continued abont five minutes, the Chairman made a speaking trumpet of his hands and yelled out to the audience, " Wijl yon hear Mr. Lacy ? " Tho audience yelled variously — some " Yes," mpre"No." The majority settled it, and the Chairman declined to put the amendment. Tiio motion Was tfien put ''and carried,* '

The following passengers were booked at Wellington for London by tba P. & O. B.N. Co.'b steamship Rome, leaving Sydney on 30th September :— Mr. and Mrs. L. Vinoont, Miss Leckie, and Mr. H. Mnlcaater. There was some amusement at Mr. Fisher's meeting last night, over a decidedly vague question asked by an elector of the candidate. The question was — " Have you seen a letter in the New Zealand Times of last Saturday, and what answer nave yon to maker" Mr. Fisher said he had seen no letter that he recollected, and asked what it was all abont. _ The elector repeated the question as originally put, and said Mr. Fisher knew all abont it. Mr. Fisher again demanded to know what it was he was required to answer. There was a lot of laughter ovor the way the question was put and re-put by several persona evidently opposed to the candidate, and the air of innocence upon Mr. Fisher's face, which indeed expressed a perfect blank. At last Mr. William M'Lean got up and asked— "Did you write a letter in the New Zealand Times on Saturday week, signed ' Thorndon,' and which I accused you of writing last Saturday?" Mr. Fisher put an end to the controversy by his brief but touching reply — " After your impertinent letter, I decline to answer your question." Then followed a conglomeration of hisses, boohoos. . and applauso, which wa9 perfectly deafening, but no further question was put on that particular subject. Mr. Duthie, Chairman of the Harbour Board, drew the attention of that body yesterday to the fact that the revenue showed a considerable falling off. Pilotage, port charges, and harbourmaster's fees showed a decrease for the eight months ending 31st August of £530 as compared with the same period last year, being equivalent to a decrease of #800 per annum. Last year a surpliiß was shown in those departments of £1 13 1. In his opinion the exemptions to the large mail boats had something to do with the decrease. The Chairman also pointed out that the shipping had decreased as well, the returns showing 184 vessels and 8172 tons less for the eight months than during the corresponding period last year. The loss to the Board from the deduction of the charge whioh used to be made for overtime amounted to Jt'4B2 4s 3d for eleven months. This charge was taken off with a view rather to. encourage trade, but, as a matter of fact, the loss hod been greater than the incroase of trade. The men working at night did not give the same amount of labour as in the daytime am there were the expenses of lighting and storing. Mr. Justice Richmond has reserved judgment in the case of Soagar v. the Corporation. The addresses of counsel wero not finished until a lat« hour yesterday afternoon. Plans of the new sheds which tho Harbour Board intends to erect on tho Queen's Wliarf wero laid "before that body yosterday. The Chairman moved that tonders should be called for the erection of the shedß. Mr. Dransfield asked whether it would not be desirable, in the present state of trade, to defer the creation of tho buildings. The Chairman said the Board badly needed storage accommodation, and as tho wool season was approaching he did not think the matter should bo deferred. Curiously enough, tho department showed an increase of revenue. The motion was agreed to The following new patents have been applied for: — A non-explosive improved longwick tube for kerosene lamps, by Thomas Ham Hodge, of Fort Chalmers, master mariner; improvements in wool-opening maohinery, by John David McKean, of Auckland ; an improved eleotrio battery, to be called " Vanes's medical bittory," by Robert Newton Vanes, of Dunedin, medical electrician ; for giving alarm in case of fire, to be called "Butcher's automatic fire alarm," by Edward Butcher, of Rangiora, watchmaker ; for the better growing of grapes, to be oalled " Hale'e patent ground vinery," by John Hale, of Nelson, nursery gardener; improvements in apparatus for compressing ensilage, by Edward Thornton Blunt, of England, farmer; for McKay's patent toasting-fork, by Daniel McKay, of Rangiora, tinsmith; for ensilage hay-compressor, by Hermann Finsch, of Norsowood, carpenter ; an improved method of hydraulio-dredging, by James Wolman, of Alexandra South, Otago, engineer; an improved process for cleansing wool and other products, applicable also to the extraotion of oils and Bimilar purposes, together with an apparatus for carrying the same into effect, by Ignatius Singer, of Adelaide, South Australia, chemist, and Moritz Wolff Judell, of Adelaide, importer. Entries for the Wellington Football Club's sports olose at tho Post Office Hotel at 9 o'clock this evening. Tho kicking events take place on the Ist October. Messrs. E. C. Batkin and A. Young have consented to act as timekeeper and starter respectively. It is expected this year's sports will be even better than those of last year, which were very sucoessfnl. Plans of the boathouse which the Wellington Rowing Club proposes to erect at the foot of Cuba-street, were laid before the Harbour Board yesterday, and approved, subject to a looation plan being approved by the Engineer. His Excellenoy the Governor suggested at last night's meeting of the Acclimatization Society that it would be well to oonßider whether steps should be taken to have the Botanical Gardens handed ovor to the Society. Captain Humfrey pointed out that there were financial difficulties in the way, the gardens being entirely of local interest, whereas the voluntary subspriptions by which the society was supported came largely from the AVairarapa distriot, and tho country rosidents wero hardly likely to subscribe very freoly for the support of tho gardens, Mr. W. H. Beethan said that os soon as there wero surplus funds they could Wdll"be spent as suggested by hisExcelloncy. Sir James Hector explained that in accordance with an arrangement made some twelve years ago between the society and the governors of the gardens, a portion of the grounds had been set apart for acclimatization and zoological 'purposes, and had been kept froe in the hopo that it would be utilised for thouo purposes. Though the actual conversion had not yet taken place, the matter had not been loifc eight of. It was simply in abeyance. The Bubjeet then dropped. The firebells rang out an alarm a fow minutes after 2 o'clock this morning, an outbreak having occurred in tho- shop of Mr, W. Ramsay, saddlor, nearly opposite tho Arcade in Manners-street. The constable on duty in that thoroughfare noticed a glare in an upper room next the street, and at once alarmed tho men at tho Central Fire Brigade Station, who turned out with great promptitudo, and extinguished tho flames before very much damago had been done. _ The fire broke out in a room upstairs in which a harness sewing machine and i quantity of hairused for stuffing horsecollars was stored. The origin is unknown. Mr. Ramsay, who lives at Nowtown, was on the premises at 9 o'clock, and informs us that when he left there were no signs of fire anywhere. The Brigade obtained access to the building, which is owned by Dr. Graoo, by breaking an upper window, and after playing a stream of water on to the flames the latter wore extinguished. Tho ceijing and one of the walls of the room in which the fire broke out have been almost burnt away, and tho sowing machine has been completely destroyed, whila the goods in the work room and front shop on the lower floor have been damaged by tho water which came through the floor. The stock was insured in the Liverpool, London and Globe Office for £350. The Government Lifo Insurance Department announco that a Tontine Savings Fund Section has been started in connection with the business of the office. Tontine policies are now being issued both to new and existing ordinary policy-holders, and it ja stated that all profits in this branch are to be set, apart to bo divided among the survivors in the year 1900, A feature of the system to whioh attention is called is that tho principles of tho Tontine and tho mode of keeping tho accounts are not kept sooret. The ease against Michael Thomas Ryan, who was charged with intending to desert his wife and child, was struck out at the Magistrate's Court to-day, owing to the nonappearance of the complainant. Costs amounting to Sis were allowed to the defendant. The Annual Smoke Concert of the Phoenix Cricket Club is to be hold to-night at th« Post Office Hotel. Last year's gathering was a very great miccoss, but we understand that the present one is expected to surpass it. Lieut.-Col. Butts has consented to allow tho Garrison Band to play at Newtown Park to-morrow afternoon during the Costume Football Match. Tho membors of the band are requested to meet at ths Post Office Hotel at 2 p.m., when a drag will convey them to the ground. Some mischievous Newtown boys set firo to a quantity of gorse near the houses in Russell-terrace yesterday afternoon, and raised such an alarming column of smoke that tho suburban fire bells wero rung. The flames lasted for about 20 minutes, but were then subdued without any serious damage having been occcasioned, though for some time tho adjacent houses were thought to be endangered. The JJpwJ»wn hose reel was early on the scene. The names pf the boys j to whose pranks tho commotion was dup are known, and proceedings will be instituted with a view to their punishment. The little steamer Waverley was deoidedly tho .oentre of attraction on the Queen's Wharf thjß morning. From 8 o'olook to 10 a continuous etrigg of drays was obsorved bringing cargo of all kinds to her side, until general comment was excited, and people asked one another how it was that trade with Patea was so brisk. The explanation afforded was that the Waverley, having been detained by bad weather on the coast, is a good deal behind time in making this trip, £he result being that an unusual quantity of cargo bos accumulated, causing a rush to get it shipped. At No. 9 room, Athfln^uw, too §tar of Wellington Lodge, 1.0. G.T., held its'wyekly session last evening, under the presidency of Bro. Andrew Gray. There were visitors from Chriatchurch, Newtown, Kuiwarra, and lodges in other parts of the colony. An addition jros made to the roll of membership. Bro. Johnson reported that the United Committee mot the previous evening at the Templars' Hall, Manners-street, and that they were of the opinion that in order to meet the expenses of the amalgamated Grand Lodges, a moonlight marine excursion should tike plaoe, and that a subscription list be opened in the varions lodges. The lodge, after the matter was ventilated, passed a resolution which more than embodied this, for an addition was made thereto in tho shape of having a monster grand concert. It was stated that as the Grand Lodee session next year wi 1 bo of more than ordinary interest, owing to the celebration of the union of the Urde*, a large number of dolegates will bo pro>ent from every part of the colony, and, in order to meet the expenses, it will be necessary to raiso about £50, a sum which can eas.lt bo collected if all pat the shoulder to the whu-1. The singing of several excellent songs and in unanimous vote of thanks to tho vis ton ironght a most harmonious and largelyitt'ended session to a oloae.

An amended by-law, excluding- present officers of the Harbour Board from the rule that a person who is over 45 yeara of ago should not be eligible as a pilot, waa passed by the Board yeßterday. Regulations for trout and perch fishing in the Wellington district are gazetted. Mr. Hanson Turton, of Dnnedin, is appointed a Trust Commissioner under " The Native Lands Frauds Prevention Act, 1881." The steamer Hauroto, which passed through Wellington to-day, had on board for Sydney, from the South, 1375 tons colonial produce, two horses, and one cow. She took in about 50 tons here. Mr. W. Grace presented the following report on the red deer of the Wairarapa district at last night's meeting of the Acclimatisation Society :— " I am glad to bo able to state that I was not mistaken last season as to the rapid increase of the red deer in this district, for during the months of March and April last a mob of between sixty and seventy oould be seen every morning feeding on a patch of turnips — the property of Mr. John Martin, jun.— on part of the Huangaroa station; and this winter numerous herds hare been seen on the Manngaraki range, as many as nine full-grown stags in one herd. It is also gratifying to report that settlers and natives, especially Wi Mahupukn, who owns the Long Bush run, continue to preserve and allow no deer to be shot out of season. I think, now that they are becoming so numerous, it would be advisable for the Society to have some of the young fawns caught and reared by hand. This could easily be done, as they soon learn to drink milk, and become very tame and docile, and when old enough they could be liberated in other parts of the province where the county is suitable." We have to acknowledge receipt of £7 10s for the Shotter Fund, being the proceeds of a danoe given at Makara. Harriet Deakie, who was rescued from a watery grave opposite the Thorndon reolamation yesterday afternoon, was brought before Mr. Wardell in the Magistrate's Court to-day on the charge of having attempted to commit suicide, and the police asked that she should be required to find sureties of the peace. Charles Sargent, a lad in the employment of Mr. Harman, j boatman, deposed that he saw accused ! throw herself off tho breastwork, and jumped into the water after her, the wind in her ! dress keeping her at the surface in the j meantime. On the application of Inspector Brown*, accused was remanded until Wednesday next. The Mohawk Minstrels will give a saored concert on Sunday evening at the Opera House. Full particulars will be advertised to-morrow. A meeting of the United Butchers' Association was held ia Bowley's Hall, Cubastreet, last ovening, Mr. A. Forsyth occupying the chair, for the purpose of considering matters in connection with the annual picnic. Mr. Eichard Lett was elected Secretary, Mr. Joseph Hitohen, President, and Mr. D. Taylor, Treasurer, those positions having become vacant. It was decided to hold tho annual pionio on 16th November, and to have a Bocial gathering in the evening. The meeting also resolved that the money left after paying expenses should go towards the oxpenses of next year's picnic. Tho following committee was formed to carry out tho arrangements in connection with tho approaching pionio and social gathering :— Messrs G. Cotton, W. Smith, J. Bothwick, W. Snell, A. Forsyth, E. Bryant, B. Hendlo, W. Hammond, H. Lowe, J. Kino, F. Tucker, Q. Woods, H. Simmons, Jackson, A. Chorley, S. Smith, G. Tarrow, C. Robinson, A. Wilton, C. Henston, J. Pollook, J. Cate, A. Russell, and H. Williams. The usual compliment to the Chairman terminated tho proceedings. Constable. M'Kinnon, of Westport, arrived in Wellington this mornings escorting a prisoner named Humphries to Wanganui, where he is to be charged with forgery. Another lunatic from Wanganui was brought to tho Mount View Asylum by Constable Mackay yesterday afternoon. A meeting was held at the Post Office Hotel last evening for the purpose of drawing up articles and making other arrangements in connection with tho proposed boxing match between Charley Richardson, tho darkie, and Laing, of Wanganui. A number of supporters of both men were present, and it was arranged that the fight should take placo jn Wellington on or before the 19th October, and that the stakos should be .£SO aside. A deposit of half the money was at once put np, Mr. J. H. Riley being appointed stakeholder. Tho Mohawk Minstrels played to a fair house last night, and met with a good reception. To-night there will bo a change of programme. We call attention to the concert to be held this evening in tho Kaiwarra Schoolroom for the benefit of the Kaiwarra Hall Fund. A capital programme has been arranged, and Messrs. Minifie, Foden, and King have offered their services as instrumentalists. After the concert thora will bo a dance in which Mr. Patten will act as M.C. Attention is directed to the advertisement in another column giving particulars of the amnsemont to be derived to-morrow afternoon by visiting Newtpwn Park. There will bo a costume football match at 3 p.m., in whioh about 40 players are engaged, and at 3 30 two interesting games will be played, one between the Poneko and Wellington Clubs and the other by the Naval and Artillery Corps. The Garrison Band will play during the games. Attention is directed to Rive's T.A.C. advortisement, announcing the arrival of new goods. Messrs. W. & J. Staples have during tho past three days boon busy in re-stocking their well-known retail branch in Willisstreet, and purpose holding another clearing Bale (the hist of which must be fresh in the minds of a good many of our readers), and we ara led to believe they intend oolipsing in value and price any sale ever held in this city. It is almost noodleas, we think, to recommend people to give thoir brand (<rhioh comprises a head of tho Duke of Wellington) a trial, as the goods havo already won repute that is answering for themselves.— Advt. It is necessary to be (food rather than appear so.

Oub sprniif and summer fashions, just received by the steamers Dorio and Tongariro,_ are now on view at the Wholeialo Family Drapery Warehouse, Te_ Aro Hdubo. It is no idle aaying that our importations for tho present season are on a large scale ; that the choioo iB very extensive ; that the taste manifested cannot be surpassed, if equalled ; and that owing to the exceptional qualifications and keenness in buying of our special representative in the Homo markets, the prices will be lower than in any previons season at Te Aro House. Ladies in want of dresa fabrioa, of any and every description, will find here a variety that cannot be had elsewhere, while we have the additional attraction of firstclass dressmaking on the premises. Our millinery-room contains tho choicest styles from the most eminent Parisian artistes, while we are also showing all tho latest outcomes of fashion in walking, visiting, and evening costumes, with an equal display of taste and a largo variety of the most fashionablo mantles, at Te Aro House. It is impossible to enumerate all the novoltiea now on view, but we would respectfully solicit an early vjsit of inspection, when it will be found that for firstclass selection, immense variety, apd actual wholesale prices, there is no place superior, if equal, to the Wholesale Family Drapery Warehouse, Te Aro House.— Advt. If you have a Cough, don't neglect it, but purchase at onoe a bottle of Baxter's Lung Preserver. It is pleasant to the palate, and its effeot is magical. Try it and prove it.— Advt