A METROPOLITAN A. AND P. SHOW.

Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 133, 4 December 1888, Page 2

A METROPOLITAN A. AND P. SHOW.

When the Manawatu Railway was first completed wo urged the institution in Wellington of an Annual Agricultural and Pastoral Exhibition, which should, for - the southern portion of the North Island and the northern part of the Sonth Island, rank with the famed Christohurch Show every year. The proposal appeared at tho time to -give considerable offence to some of onr country contemporaries, who seemed to think it was put forward in antagonism to their own local shows, and that the latter wonld bo injured hy a Metropolitan Show being instituted. Tho untenable character of such an objection has been fully established, and sinoeMr. Coleman Phillips of the Wairarapa and Dr. Newman recently revived the proposal, it has met with considerable approval on all sides, and practical steps towards carrying it out are to be initiated at

a meeting of thosd intended in the Chamber of Commerce at 2.30 on the afternoon of the 10th instant. We need hardly cay that we wish the scheme every puccess, and hope that a great Metropolitan Show may be established on a Bound- basis in Wellington.

A description of the new Opera House, obituary notices of two well-known coloniste, and two letters to the Editor, appear on the fourth page of this issue. Private letters'received in this city by the last mail from Sir Julius Vogel state that he is in excellent health and expects to leave London on his return to New Zealand in February next. Rumour hath it that some important changes in the pilot service will shortly be made. According to current gossip in shipping circles, the harbour authorities are now considering a proposal that Pilot Sirams, who at present attends to the borthage arrangement?, and also take? the largo vessels out of port, shall be promoted to the vacant position of chief pilot, with charge of the station at Worser Bay, and that Pilot Shilling, who is now at the outer station, shall cpmo into the harbour to undertake the inside work. We have received a considerable number of additional letters from hon. members of the Operatic Society complaining of the action of the committee in refusing to recognise their tickets as entitling them to book seats for the first night's performance of the " Mikado." As we published three letters on the subject yesterday fnlly setting out the grievance, it is not necessary that we should insert any further letters of similar purport. It is stated that Mr. R. A. Butcher, lately editor of the Featherston Chronicle, is about to sue the proprietor of that journal (Mr. Beckett) for £600 damages for libel, alleged to be contained in a paragraph published relating to the severance of Mr. Butcher's connection with the Chronicle. The examination of Wellington candidates for matriculation and junior scholarships at the Now Zealand University is now taking place at the House of Representatives. The candidates arc very numerous. Our readers are reminded that the annual distribution of prizes at St. Patrick's Colloge takes placo this evening, whon Hie Excellency the Governor will preside The college brass band will play in the grounds at 7 o'clock, half-an-hour before the beginning of the entertainment. Electric light will again be used in the illumination of the Corporation Offices for to-night's special meeting of the City Council and the present permanent plant will be made use of for ail subsequent meetings until the permanent installation of the whole city is carried out. Mr. Celderholme informs us that there is no likelihood of any separate lighting of Larabton Ward until the permanent plant has been erected. A further instalment of the Gulchor company's material haßbeen landed from the lonic, including some of the machinery, as well as wire and iusulators. Tho death of Francis William Ogilvio Grant, tenth Earl of Seafield in the Peerage of Scotland, and second Baron Strathspey in the Peerage of the United Kingdom, which occurred at Oamaru yesterday, for the third timb within a very brief period deprives the clau Grnnt of its chief. His fatbor only Buccoeded his undo in the title in 1881, and it is not many months since the nobleman who died yesterday became Earl of Seafield. There at one time appeared very little ohance of his succession, and he emigrated to this colony, where he met with a good many ups and downs. He was, in fact, bailiff of the Resident Magistrate's Court at Oamaru, and in the aotual exeroise of the ■ unpleasant duties of that office when he received news of his fathor's unexpected accession to the earldom, and his thereby becoming Viscount Reidhaven. Unfortunately, the titlo did not bring any large accession of wealth with it, as the Seafield estates, which are oxtensivo, wore tied up for a time; but the Dowager-Con atess allowed the head of the family, and his son in New Zealand, a moderate income Viscount Reidhaven resigned his position in the public service, and determined to settle in Oamaru. He oontestid the representation of that district in Parlfament soon after, but was defeated. Since his accession to tbo earldom he has talked bf paying a visit to the Oid Country, but always with a determination of returning to New Zealand as his permanent home.' A few weeks ago he was seized with serious illness, and although the best medical aid was procured he, after a very temporary rajly which inspired his friends and family with •hope, expired yesterday) His son, eje>pn years of ago, now succeeds to the titlo, and will iv course of time, we believe, suooebd to tho large family estates. The Countess of Seafield has, we understand, several other ohildren. The lafco earl, even when plain Mr. Grant, was very popular with all who know him. _ j The election of four gentlemen to represent the local bodies on the Board of Hospital Trustees took place yesterday. The delogates present were— Councillor Seed (in the chair), representing the City Conncil ; Councillor Taylor, Hutt County Council; and "Councillor Beßt, Horowhenua County Coun,oil. .'Messrs. D. Speedy, George Allen, C. M. Luke, and F. H. Fraser were returned as members of the Board for the ensuing yeir. Thomas L. Toraperly, who was arrested yesterday afternoon upon a charge of having threatened to commit suicido, was brought before Mr. Robinson, R.M., this morning. The accused, in answer to the charge, said that he hod no idea of committing suioide, but physical and mental depression, from whiob he had been suffering for some weeks, had caused him to aot in an eocentrio manner. The police called evidence to the effeot that the aoonsed went iuto a chemist's shop in Cuba-street and enquired for several poisons which he said he wanted to use upon a dog. His manner not being that of au individual altogether in his right mind, the ohemist refnsed to comply with his request. His Worship decided not to deal with the oase at present, bdt'remanded Temperley for a week, so that an examination might be made by a medical man as to his mental condition. Tho committee of the Musical Festival entertained the members of the orchestra and the soloists at supper at the Club Hotel at the conclusion of last night's performance. _ The health of those concerned jn bringing about the musical success £ was heartily drunk. • « The monthly meeting of the Hutt Town Board was held in the Board's Office last evening. Present — Commissioners J. Cudby, W. A. Fitzherbert, E. Hayes, J. R. Ransom and tho olerk (Mr. Hall). In the absence of Commissioner Cleland, Commissioner Fifczherbert was voted to the chair. The minutes of last meeting were read and oonnrnifed) A letter was read from Messrs. Buckley, Stafford and Treadwoll, stating / that the Uudor-Secretary for Lands had informed them that the necessary Bteps were being taken for having the road from Alicetown gazetted as a publio road. A letter was read from the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Taita Cemetery, stating the progress that had been made in preparing the cemetery for use, and asking the Board for a further grant in aid. ,Commissionor Cudby proposed, and Commissioner Hayes seconded, that the sum of .£lO be voted towards further improving ' the Taita Cemetery. Carried. It was deoided to call a special meeting for the next meet ing to pn,EB the by-law with reference to the driving of cattle. Commissioner Ransom proposed, and Commissioner Cudby seconded, that the Collector be instructed to sue all ratepayers who were in default. Carried. Accounts to the amount of £7 10s were passed for payment. The Board then adjourned. 1 g ' Mr. Carson, of Wanganui, reb'ently paid a visit to Wellington, interviewing Ministers on various matters. Among others he saw the Minister for Lands, and urged the advisability of giving further publioity to land •sales. Mr. CarVpi ßeported to the* Chamber of Commerce, Wanganui, that he found' the Hon.' Minister of Lands "aperfebtißtick." who said .he <*• thought 'he! was 'doing Wy well " with his niaps, &o. This did not suit Carson'B views, and he put a direct question — " Don't you think it is the duty of the Government to lead the people in the way of settlement ? " " No," replied the Minister, " and with tho No," said Mr. Carson, "he'left the room, so that I could do no more." On this the Manawatu Times remarks:— "Mr. Richardson is a deoided clog to the progress of the oolony at the present time, and the sooner he ia shifted from office the better. Prosperity is returning, and there jb no surer way of making it permanent than by settling the land. Recently from every rjart of the colony complaints have been made that the publio have no proper means of becoming informed as to what lands are available for settlement, and Mr. Riohardson evidently thinks it his duty to perpetuate the system of keeping wonld-be settlers in ignorance. Mr. Richardson must go ; the polony cannot afford to miss its opportunities because of the stupidity of those in office. The time has arrived when! action is needed to seize the opportunity, and now the man who will take it is wanted." Tho quarterly meeting of the Thorndon Licensing Committee was held at the Corporation offices at noon to-day. Present : Mr. C. T. Richardson (ohairman), Messrs. W. Tinney, W. F. Parsons, and J. E. Hayek. Inspector Thomson represented the police. Unopposed applications for the confirmation of temporary transfers of licenses were granted as follows : —Railway Hotel, Thorn-don-quay, from John Murphy to Daniel Dealy; Karori Hotel, Tiuakori-road, from Thomas Langdon to Maurice Drury. On the application of the Public Trustee, permission was granted to Mrs. Brady to carry on the business of her late husband at the Thistle Hotel, Mulgrave-street, for three months. This conducted the business. Christinas music in Wellington promises to be more than usually plentiful this year. For some weeks the choir of. the Wesleyah Church have been .preparing for a p«form> anca of " The Messiah," to be given on the eve of the festive season. Rehearsals are also in progress by Mr. John M'Glashan's orohestra and a strong choir, of selections from "The Messiah, , "The 'Creation," and Mozart's Twelfth Mass, to be given shortly in connection with St John's Presbyterian Church, with both organ and orchestral accompaniment, and St. ohoir are also preparing "The Messiah. " ' Now another special treat of the came kind is talked of, for it is proposed 'that the Festival Choir shall also give a performance of " The Messiah," and the idea is likely to be taken up. The preserving works of the Wellington Meat Company are about to be shifted from the Willis-street shop to Ngahanranga, where the company's slaughterhouses are situated. This is -in connection^with the scheme for the concentration of- the town business in the new premises in oourse of erection On Lambton-qnay; Tenders f^r the erection of the necessary buildings are now invited. Tho proernmmo of the concert to be given at the Lower Hutt to-morrow evening in aid of the Roman Catholic Church appears in another oolumn. The ladiea' and gentlemen vrho are giving their services include many^ talented tamatenrav and those who tike tickets may expect a musical treat.

During the past month 23 patients in the Hospital consumed 125 pints of wines, spirits, and malt liquors, being at the rate of 5i pints per head. During November of last year 12 patients consumed 177 pints, at the rate of ltf pints per head. The liquors last month were supplied on the orders of the following meJical men:— Dr. Collins, 4 patients, 19 pints 16 oz; Dr. Martin, 8 patients, 32 pints 12 oz ; Dr. Cole, 3 patientp, 39 pints 2 oz ; <J>r. King, 4 patients, 25 pints 14 oz ; Dr. Fell, 4 patients, 25 pints 14 oz. To-morrow evening the Cake Fair, Produce Market, and Sale of Work, in aid of the Girls' Friendly Society, which has attracted considerable attention lately, will be opened by His Excellency the Governor. The Fair, which is to be held in the Drillshed, will last four days, ending on Saturday evening next. In addition to the various stalls of_ fancy work, produce, flowers, Ac, there will be numerous side shows, and every .evening the maypole and oountry dances will be performed, under the direction of Mr. Johnson. St. Peter's Bellrinfrers and the College boys will also give performances. The energetic secretary and a corps of ladiea are now busily engaged getting tho Drillshed ready for the opening. The stage decorations, Ac , will be tho same a3 those used at the Musical Festival. As a large number of ladies and gentlemen are assisting, there is every prospect of the Fair being a success. Four of the New Zealand representatives who took part in the recent bowling contests in Victoria, yesterday afternoon played a friendly match with a similar number of local players on the Wellington Bowling Club's green. The visitors were victorious, after an interesting game, winning by six points. The teams and scores are as follows : Representative team— Messrs. Greenslade, Marsden, Jas. Jack, W. Thomaon (skip)---15. Wellington team— MeEsra. Lindsay, Sample, Lambert, Campbell (skip)— 9. The visitors, who are nil Southerners, returned home by the ss. Manapouri, which left this port yesterday afternoon. The complimentary benefit which wan last evening extended to tho employed of the Columbia Skating Kink turned out an unquestionable sneooss, several hundred porsons attending. A very good evening's amusement was provided, including a olever exhibition of faucy and trick skating by Master Martin Keegan ; a "musical masher," impersonated by the manager (Mr. T. H. Wootton), who was very amusing; and a football match— Columbia v. Mahakipawa. The latter item proved a capital content, and was eventually won by the Columbia team, who were captainod by G. Crombie, by two goals (potted by O. H. Gillon) and two tries to two tries. The Mahakipawa players were captained by G. S. Hill. The musical selections dnring- the evening were rendered by Minih'e's Band, who gave their services free, and an excellent item performed was the "Columbia Waltz," a composition by Mr. F. L. Dean, a copy of which has been sent to U9. The rink, we understand, will be opened for a week during the Christmas festivities but tho regular session will not commence until March next. Miss Fanny Robina, who was here recently with the Brough-Bouoieault Company, has been engaged to sustain the burlesque role of Faust at the London Gaiety. , Some time ago tbe Western Packing Company, of Patea, obtained a contraot for tbe supply of 9000 cases of preserved meat to the Government of the Netherlands. The first instalment of 400 cases arrived in Wellington by tbe Wayerloy last night, and will be shipped to Europe at the first opportunity. About six tons of the present season's cheese is now accumulated at the Taratahi Dairy Factory, and Mr. E. O. Canavan, seoretary of the Co-operative Company by which the establishment is now owned, was in town yesterday, arranging for the sale or export of the stock. It is probable that the lot will be oonsigned to a firm of Wellington merchants to be sold at the company's risk. A most impudent instance of a spieler "fleecing" a working man out of £1 occurred on Friday last, and is deserving of publicity. On the day mentioned, a working man, named OBborne, was in one of the city hotels, whqre he f picked up a casual acquaintanoe, to whom lie mentioned that; being out of'worK, he* should like to* hear of a billet. The acquaintance, who afterwards was pretty conclusively proved to be a " spieler," invited Osborne to meet him again during the evening, and he would put him in the way of getting work. The appointment was kept, the spieler turning up with the utmost punctuality at the appointed hour. Walking up the street, the couple were met by a third mm, presumably a friend of the Bpieler's, who nsked that, individual for the payment of a debt <bf"i!4 After? some persuasion, Osborne was' induced tolend'the money to his first acquaintance upon the understanding that it was to bo returned shortly afterwards on their return to the hotel, at whioh the spieler represented he was staying. Osborne got tho money from his lodgings, >end handed it. over. 11-Adjournment1 1- Adjournment was Hhen made to an hotel, \vhere; after treating the lender of the money to a drink, the epielor observed he would go and get the money, and return the loan. Perhaps he was absent-minded, but in any case he had riot returned with the money up to the time the case was reported to us, and Osborne now contemplates p'laoing .'the, {matter :< in the hands of the deteotives. As he is "able to give a pretty accurate description of the man who, he alleges, so deliberately swindled him, probably something more will bo heard of the affair. A successful sale of work and sooial meeting was held at the Courtenay-plaoe Congregational Church last evening. Tho various stalls were presided over by the following ladies i — Mesdames Dowdeswell and Bingham, the Misses Mitcaff (3) and Francis. During the evening the following profrrammo was gone through: — Selections on the bells, Miss Russell, pianoforte duets by the Misses Knapp, recitation by Mr. Anderson, song by Mrs. Chapman, violin and piano duet by Mr. and Mrs. Frew, reading by Mr. Swallow, song by Miss Mitcaff, pianoforte solo by Mjss Neill, song by Mr. Frew. Great' credit is due to the ladies for the admirable way in whioh they have worked for the interests of the church. Mr. Robinson, R.M., this morning gave judgment for the plaintiffs, with oosta, in the following civil cases:— G. Harris v. E. J. Foothead> ilb'lss;i.W. Smith v. P. Gilbert, £lh 5s 4d ; Wellington Loan Company v. S. Harris, .£l4 3s ; J. Bock v. Mrs. C. Jackson, £3 125. An informal meeting of creditors in the bankrupt estate of Wm. Hooke was held at the office of the Offioial As'aignee'thia morning. Tho debtor, under examination ,»tated that he was a married man, with a wife and three ohildren. Two years ago he became bankrupt, and since that time, with the exception of three months, when he was altogether ou6 of work, he had been employed as shopman with R. Hannah & Co., at a salary of i>2 10a per week. During the three months he 1 was out of work he incurred a debt of about J3lO. His wife had been Biok for about four or five months. Pressure by his creditors was the cause of his filing. Debtor borrowed £5 5s with which to file. The Pioneer Lodge, 1.0. G.T., held its .usual -weekly fission- last • evening, at the G6dd Templar PHall, Manners-street. The business being over, the lodge enterod into harmony. Next Monday is fruit and flower banquet and hospitul nieht. A fraternal visit will be paid to the Rescue Lodge iext Wednesday night, & full attendance is requested. Mr. D. Hall, city missionary, thankfully acknowledges the receipt of the following subscriptions ,.ftn4 donations in aid. of -his support and the expenses of the mission work for November :— T.C., 4s; W. 8., ss; J'.Wl, sa; volunteered at Bethel, 6d; J. andR.S., ss ; J. 5.,55; G.E.J., ss; T.W.C , 2s6dj,Mi!S.rC. t 5.i;;W. C. Fitzgerald (per clerk Evening Post), £1; C.M.L., ss; Lady P., £1; T.C.W., 10s; T.W.C., 2b 6d; W.F.8.. ss ; G. Thomas and Co., ss ; total, £5 4s 6d. Also received from Mr. W. Martin with thanks, a parcel of literature for the Beamen. Tho membprs of Court Sir George Bowetr, A.0.F., held their, fortnightly, meeeting last .night in their Hall", Tory-street. 1 C.R. Bro. 11. M'Kenzie was in the oha^r, and the officers and a large number of members were prosent. After the. usual business had been coricTndod the nominations of officers for .the ensuing term took place.-the following being 1 the names submitted:— For C.R, Bros. Sheppard, Powby, 1 Clark, and Fulton ; for S.C.R , Bros. Powl y, Fulton, Clark, and Bedell ; for Sec, P.D.C.R.. Bro. P. Favell ; for -Treas., P.C R. Bro. H. Birch; for Assistant Se?., P.D.C.R. Bro. T. L. Coe; for S.W., Bros. W. Parr. Rusßell, Riohardson, andHendle; for J.W., Bros. Bedell, Russell, and Hendle ; for 5.8,., Bros. W. Cooper, Hendle, and Bedel; for J. 8., Bros. Cooper, Hendle, and Bedell. _It was resolved to make next meeting a special summoned meeting, to consider some yery important business, and every member ls'requested to be present if possible. After various songs and recitations had been given, the C.B. closed the Conrt. M ' . , A' very snoceesful. meeting .was' held at Johnaonville 1 last night by the Women's Christian Temperance Union. Mrs. Costall presided, and Miss Ftith was an able organist. The programme submitted by the members of the Union and their lady frienda was an excellent one. A hearty vote of thanks to the visitors was proposed by Mr. Mildenhall, and carried by acclamation. At the olose of the meeting 22 pledges were taken. A very successful dress rehearsal of the Mikado " took place at the Opera House last night, everything going well. . A final dress rehearsal will be held on Wednesday evening. - Seats are being reserved at Mesßrs. Holiday a very rapidly, there being quite rush on the opening of the box office, and the society will doubtless open to a orowded •SS 8 v °? 'J] lnrß . da y- An orchestral rehearsal will be held this evening. ft will he seen by an advertisement on another page that the congregation of the .Presbyterian Churoh, Lower Hntt, are using every endeavour to obtain funds for tho purpose of building a new church. The present atruoture waa erected in the year 1849, and besides being architecturally behind the times, it is well worn with age. They intend holding a baiaar in March next, and accordingly appeal to the public for help either in money or goods. They trust that they will realise, with what they liave;alr«adyin hand, sufficient .to warrant them in commencing operations. They have our best wishes in their laudable undertaking. George Thom&t & Co. wilt sell to-morrow, fruit, produce, &c. " NoWe C«nipT>^l * Co. will aell to-morrow Messrs. Freeman R. Jackson & Co. will sell tomorrow, mt JohmoirviUe, stock, ic. The near approach of the Christmas season, with its usual and nnmerous gatherings .of families, friends, and acquaintances, suggests to all careful housewives the propriety of setting their -houses in order. Undoubtedly many things will be required to brighten up tie homes, and nowhere can this bo better or more cheaply done than at Te Aro Heuse,* < „ [ Jubt now we have r opened some excellent new designs in tapestry and Brussels carpets, some- ehoioe patterns' -in linoleums, a large variety of lace, Liberty Art, Amritza

and tapestry curtains, a grand assortment of table covers, damask tablings and napkins, with an abundant assortment of quilti of overy description, at To Aro House. And also in every o' her department are we equally well prepared to supply the wanti of all customers. Our millinery is unrivalled, onr dresa fabrics are things of beauty, our mantles and oostnmea are a la mode, our parasolß, sunshades, gloves, embroideries, and a thousand other natty articles cannot be surpassed for elegance, and our prices are the lowest possible at Te Aro- Honse. ] Ik addition to this cash customers will have an opportunity during the month of December of selecting, free of cost, presents in accordance with the amount of their purchases, as per scale notified on the first page of this paper. — James Smith, Te'Aro House. — Advt. If yon 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 effect is magical. Try it and prove it. — Advt