THE CONTRACTORS AND WORKMAN'S LIEN ACT.

Evening Post, Volume XLIV, Issue 154, 30 December 1892, Page 2

THE CONTRACTORS AND WORKMAN'S LIEN ACT.

The sudden departure of two bush contractors without paying thoir hands has led the Pahiatua Star to look into tho provisions of tho Contractors and Workman's Lien Act, which comes into force with the new year. The rosult of the inspection is sornowhat startling. The Star expresses its belief that the Act does not apply to road or bush work, and that its provisions will fail to afford any protection in such casos of levanting as have recently occurred in that district. In support of this view it quotes the interpretation clause of the Act as follows : — '" Work includes any " t work or labour, whether skilled or " unskilled, executed or done, or com- " menced to be executed or done by any " person of any occupation upon or in con- " nection with — (a) The construction, '' decoration, alteration, or repair of any " building or other structure upon land ; " or (b) the development or working of any " mine, quarry, sandpit, drain, ombank- " ment, or other excavation in or upon any " land ; or (c) the placing, fixing, or erection " of any materials, or of any plant or " machinery, used or intended to be used for •' any of the purposes aforesaid; or (d) the " alteration or improvement of any chattel 11 —and shall include tho supply of any " material used or brought on the premises " to be used in connection with the work." There certainly does not appear to be in this definition of work anything applicable to bush felling or road making. It will be a matter for mnch regret if the Act does not protect those employod on suoh work. On our fourth page will be found sporting intelligence, including an intimation from the Otago Racing Club that it will defy the New Zealand Jockey Club when formed. Thero aro several letters to the Editor, a report of the fight for tho Chess Championship, in which a Wollington man leads, and tho conclusion of the Tennis Tournament, in which Fonwick defeated the last year's champion, Harmon, and once more took the championship fo Hawkes Bay, the Ladies' Championship going to Canterbury with the Championship doubles, and Williamson's Opera Company securing the singles handicap. Our Saturday Supplement this week will contain a series of stories and articles, including tha following : — " Euth Delmar's Dream," " A Canadian Experience on Christmas Eve," " A Discontented Baby's Diary," "Christmas Eeminiscences," "Advice to Girls," and " Christmas Cnstoms."' The " Ppzzle Column," the " Ladies' Column," and "News in Brief," will be found, as usual, replete •with instruction and amusement. 1

An epidemic of dynamite seems to have .set in with the Cliristmas season in various parts of the world . The explosion in Dublin has been followed by similar attempted ontrages in New York 'and Paris. It will pos-->i^blj- rnUzle the anti-Home Ruler- to connect Mr. Gladstone or his policy with these latter attempts. Considering the associations "f Christmastjde, these occurrences can scarcely be rega'-deii <*« ncasoiiable. Mir. William Sinclair, of Blenheim, has announced his intention of opposing Mr. Buick for the Wairau teat at the next ereneral election. Mr. Sinclair professes Liberal opinions, although challenging the seat of the Secretary of tho National Liberal Federation. The fall strength of the local police force— about 42 men — have been Ordered for patrol duty in the streets to-morrow night, New Year's Eve. Any attempt at larrikinism will be promptly suppressed. A consideral»lo number of the constables will be in plain clothes. The New Zealand Shipping Company has received information to the effect that tho Tongariro from London via Capetown and Hobart pa=sed Farewell Spit at 9.30 o'clock this morning. She should therefore arrive here between 6 and 7 o'clock this evening. An action for libsl is threatened against the Katipoj the Post and Telegraph organ, u-nless the tiamo of the writer of a professed character sketch in the last number is given up. It is fcaid that " Phil," the subject of the sketch, is readily identifiable. Sir Charles Lilley, who has been staving at tho Hutt for the past fortnight, intends to leave for the Hot Lakes next week. Tho Minister of Education arrived from the South by the Wakatipu this morning. The committee which has the matter of the testimonial to Inspector Thomson in hand intimate that subscribers may pay tho amounts they propose to contribute at tlie Evening Pobt oflioe. The, Coroner has hxed 9 o'clock to-morrow mr^niilg, at the Morgue, for an inquest on tho body of the child whoso death was reforred to in last night's issue. The Penguin, which is expected to arrive on Sunday morning, will bring up tho mails ex Talune at the Blnff. Mr. M'Cle.an, the Government voterinary surgpon, Tesigned yesterday, and severs his connection with the Government service at tho end of tl'c present year. Tho Stock Department is souduiT t'a England for two veterinary imgeons, one to be stationed in Jti<s ftorth Island and tho other in the Sontli island, who will be required to travel through their respective islands investigating all matters connectod with tho d"-oases of stock, and giving information to farmers upon them. Messrs. R. Walker, Charleston ; J. H. Reynold.-!, Picton : and Henry Collott, Petone, have resigneJ tho Commission of tic Peace. Third-class Inspector M' Govern, of the polico forco, has been promoted to tho second-class. Jurisdiction in bankruptcy under tho new Act has been conferred on the several District Courts, including that t>f tlib Wairarapa; Tho passengers tor tho North by tho Takapuna la.ft night included Mr. and Mrs. C. KOll3 Marten, who aro en route to England. It ia their intention to go across from Auckland to Sydney in tho Talune, catch tho Oruba and travel in her as far as Naples, at which port thoy will begin tho overland journey. They will bo absent from the colony for at least 18 months. A correspondent asks tor a recipe which will remove salt water stains from black cloth. An unusually large number of persons arrived by the Manawatu train last night. Accommodation was so limited that an Auoklauder who boarded the train at a station in Hawkes Bay was obliged to stand on tho step of a carriage for fully 50 miles, and was glad to bo ablo to complete tho remainder of the journey to Wellington on the platform. A3 has now been the case for a c'onsiderablo time, the pnssoiiifers were lond in their complaints of tho stoppages by tho through train. As long- as through passengers aro on tho Government line at tho Hawko's Bay end they are brought through by express with few stoppages, but directly they reaoh the Manawatu sorvice thoy find themselves in what was yesterday practically an unusually big goods train, stopping at every little platform. It ia a groat pity that the company do not see their way to scpara'o their goods and passenger traffic. The hurricano at Fiji has brought an old acquaintance once more before the public. Wo refer to the barque Chasca, now reported to bo partially dismasted at Suva. It will bo rem'emberod that the Chasca a few years ago dodged about Cook Strait in a mysterions manner, her commander professing a desire to make this port, and attributing his inability to do so to bad weather, which apparently prevailed only on board. The Chasca thon sailed under American colours, but, if we remember rightly, she was sold after that memorable voyage, and, it would soem, now hails from Sydney. Dr. Whitehead, who was btruck on tho head by the fall of tho firebell at Petono on Wednesday night, is btill confined to bis room, but hopes to be about again in a day or two. Last night a labouring mnn named Charles Oft lodgod a complaint at tho Te Aro Polico Station that ho had been robbed of £S in a brothel in Frederick-street. Acting on tho information, Constable Quirke arrested a woman named Margaret Martin on suspicion of having committed tho theft, which she denied. Sho was brought up at tho Magistrate's Court this morning on tho ohargo, and was remanded by tho sitting Justice, Mr. J. Bourko, for a woek, on tho application of tho polico. In recording the excellent work done at the fire at the Hutt yestorday, we made special mention of Mr. Gilpin. a Governniont engine-driver. -This should have been Mr. Gregg', a fireman on the line. A man named Georgo Humo was approhended last night by Constable Johnston on a warrant issued under tho Destitute Persons Act. Hnme had been ordered to contribute towards tho maintenance of his wifo, the alternative being a months's imprisonment. Having disobeyed tho order, he will now havo to go to prison. Tho Dnmpier Dramatic Company continue to draw good houses. Tho fifth representation of " Robbery Undor Arms "was given last evening, and was well received. Tho pieco will be played again to-night, and to-morrow ovoning it will givo place to Honry Pottit's work, "A Royal Pardon, or Hearts and Homes." The summoned meeting of the Loyal Rose of the Valley Lodge of Oddfellows is to bo held in tho Mechanics' Institute Lower Hutt, to-morrow night, and until further notico tho fortnightly meetings will bo held thero. There was another large audience at tho Theatre Royal last night, when " My Jack " was presented by tho Holloway Company for the fourth timo. The pieae was woil played, and laughter was general. On Monday evening it will bo withdrawn in favour of a fivo-act drama entitled "The Workman," by Frank Harvey, author of "The World Against Her," " A Ring of Iron," &c. Yesterday evoning Charles Wooloott, a five-year-old son of Mr. H. Woolcott, who has charge of tho Brandon-street Fire Brigade Station, met witli a serious accident. Tho little follow intonded to slide down the pole which is nsed by the firemen as a quick moans of descending from the upper storey, whore the sleeping rooms are situated, but he must have lost his grasp of tho pole, as ho fell headlong on to the concrete floor below, a distance of about 12 feet. He was picked up by Sergeant Donnelly, Inspector of Weights and Measures, who happened to be in his office, which is close by. Drs. Henry and Pollen were called in, and subsequently tho boy, who had sustained conoussion of the brain, was removed to the Hospital, where ho is now progressing as satisfactorily as can be expected. The quarterly summoned meeting of the Pacific Lodge, No. 204, U.A.0.D., was held last night, in the lodgeroom, Cuba-street, Bro. J. Mackay, A.D., being in the chair. Thero was a large attendance of members. The new medical officer of the Lodge, Dr. James, was duly initiated into the ancient rcj'steries of Druidism, after which some important business was transacted, the most notable items being tho passing, by a unanimous vote,' of the motion by Bro. D. P. Snaddon, that on tho death of a member a levy of Is per mombor sliould bo struck, such levy to be handed over to the widow or other relatives ot the deceased, in addition to the usual funeral benefit. It was also resolved that the Lodge should celebrate its seventh anniversary some timo in February, a committee being appointed to carry out arrangements. A notico of motion, tabled by Bro. Mackay, " That the Lodge pay tho contributions of sick members," wa3 defeated through a point of law raised by the Secretary. Some other routine bnsiness being transacted, tho Lodgo was closed in due form at 10.15 p.m. Officors of the Excelsior Tent of Rcchabites for the ensuing quarter wore elected, at a meeting hold last evening, as follows :—: — Chief Ruler, Bro. J. C. Cartmer ; Deputy Ruler, Bro. R. Williams ; Secretary, Bro. W. J. Gouden ; Treasurer, Bro. R. Fnrness. There was a good attendance of members at the meeting, and among tho visitors was a brother from Geelong. In a notification appearing elsewhere, the United Friendly Societies Demonstration Committee invite all Friendly Societies which, by n._ny oversight, have not been already officially notified, to join in tho demonstration, and to send delegates to the meeting to bo held on Thursday evening nest. Court Sir William Jervois, A.0.F., held its fortnightly meeting last night, C.R. Bro. R. Hill presiding. The balance-sheet for the quartor showed that the Court had made steady progress. Officers for the ensuing term were installed by the retiring C .R. , Bro. R. Hill and Bro. W. T. Claridge, P.D.C.R. Dr. Alexander was initiated as a member of tho Order. A ' earty vote of thanks was passed to the retiring officers, and it was resolved that the retiring C.R., Bro. R. Hill, should bo presented with a P.C.K. neck ribbon and a framed certificate, and that his name be placed on the respect board. Brick and tile works are about to be established in Feilding. The Hawkes Bay Herald states that the residence of Mr. John Chambers, jun., Mokopeka, and all the station buildings, are now brilliantly lighted by electricity, ?2nerated by power obtained from a turbine, his is arranged by & diversion of tho Maraetotaro Creek, which furnishes, comparatively speaking, unlimited energy. Mr. Chambers intends to drive his shearing machines by electricity next season, and to supply sufficient electricity to Mr. Mason Chambers, at To Mata, and Mr. Bernard Chambers, Tauroa, to enable those gentlemen to light their residences and drive their shearing- machinery.

The "Wellington and Southern portion of the inward San Francisco mail, which arrived at Auckland this morning, will be brought down by the Takapuna, which leaves Onehunga at 7 o'clock to-morrow morning. It should reach her^ early on Sunday afternoon. Tbo Rev. 11. Van Staveren desires to acknowledge receipt of the following additional donations toward* the Benevolent Homo:— Mr. T. G. M'Carthy. £5 s*; an anonymous donor, £o ss ; and Mr. It. Hi Govett, .£1 Is. Captain Collins left for Wanganui tlm morning, in order to confer with Major Somerville in refetence to the approaching meeting of the New Zealand Bifle Assooiatidn Both officers will be in Wellington on Tuesday. Constable May, of Masterton, arrived in town this morning with a prisoner named William Thomson, who has been sentenoed to seven days' imprisonment as an habitual drunkard, Mr. Charles Seager, owner of the hulk Omega, has forwarded a sum of .£'s to be divided amongst the crew of the Ellen Ballance and Messrs. Keals and Payne as a recognition of their eSorts in suppressing the fire on board, his .vessel yesterday afternoon. It hap been found that tho damage done by the iire was comparatively alight. The Coroner, Mr. Robinson, R.M , held an inquest at the Hospital this morning concerning the death of an Asylum patient named Arthur Hislop. Dr. Pooks, Medical Superintendent, gave evidence to the effect that the deceased, who was admitted in July, 1891, ou tho warrant of Mr. Graham, R.M., died at Mount View on Wednesday night of disease of tho brain. The jury, of which Mr. James Martin was foreman, returned a verdict accordingly. Hi«lop was an American, and previous to being placed in the Asylum ho was a prisoner at the Terrace Oaol un'dor sentence for vagrancy by the Mastortou magistrates. The whereabouts of his friends is not known. He is supposed to have been employed as a billiard marker at Timaru some timo ago. The Excekior Tent of Eechabites, at a meeting held last night, resolved to refer the ca"-o of one of its members, who died recently in the Asylum, to tho Minister for Jnstico for enquiry. It appears that at tho previous meeting of the Tent it was reported that the member in question, who was in good standing and in receipt of sick piiy, hud boon buried In a pauper's grave. Tho Secretary wrote to the Resident Doctor, enquiring if the tacts, as btated, were true, and lie reported last evening that he bad received no reply to his communication. It was, therofore, reaolvod to communicate with tho Minister regarding the matter. The Tent considers that it should havo been informed of the man's death, in which caso he would havo been accorded a propor funeral. Tho matter will come up for further consideration at the next meeting. r Tho tennis team representing the " Old Boys " of the Wanganui Collegiate School, who aro now touring in the Kangitikei District, have been successful in their matches againnt Feilding and Bangiatea t which wero played oh Tuesday ahd Wednesday. The "Old Boys' • are represented by Messrs. H. Parker, G. Marshall, F. Holdsworth, and B. Hector. The scores in tho Feilding match were as follows : — Double3 — H. Parker and G. Marshall beat K. Barton and D. Mildred, 50—38 ; H. Parker and G. Marshall beat C. Cooto and H. Lance, 50—34 ; F. Holdsworth and B. Hector beaten by C. Cooto and H. Lance, 35—50 ; F. Holdsworth and B. Hoctor boaton by E. Barton and D. Mildred, 45—50 ; total, 180—172. Singles— H. Parker beat E. A. Barton, 50—42 ; G. Marshall beat H. Lance, 50—49; F. Holdsworth beat C. H. Cooto, 50—35 ; B. Hector beaten by D. Mildred 41—50; totals, 101—176. The Old Boys' Four therefore won tho match by 371 points to 348, or by a majority of 23 points. Tho match against Rangiatea wan played on Colonel Gorton's courts, and the scores wero as follows : — Doubles. — F. Holdsworth and H. Parker beat C. Tavorncr and 11. P. Lance, 0-4, G— 1 1 F. Holdsworth und H. Parker beat Colonel Gorton and Rev. InnesJonos, 6—1, 6—1 ; B. Hoctor and G . Marshall beat Colonel Gorton and Rev. Innos-Jones, 6-3, 4—6, 6-3 ; B. Hector and G. Marshall beaten by H. Lanco and 0. Tavernor, 4—6, 4 -C. Totals— Old Boys, 48 ; Rangiatea, 31. Singles. — Parker beat Taverner, 6—o, 6—o ; Parker beat Lanco, 6—o, 6—l ; Parker beat Colonel Gorton, 6—3, 6—o ; Marshall beat Taverner, 6—1,(5—1;6 — 1,(5— 1; Hector beat Taverner, 6—4,6 — 4, 3—6,3 — 6, 6—3 ; Hector beat Innes-Jono3, 1-6, 6—l, 6-4; Holdsworth beat Colonel Gorton, 7—5,7 — 5, 6—l ; Holdsworth beat InnosJonos,G— l,6 — 1; Marshall beaten by Lance, 2— fi, 6—B;6 — 8 ; Hector beaten by Colonel Gorton, 2—6, 2—6. Totals— Old Boys, 113 ; Bangiatea, 67. Grand totals— Old Boys, 161; Rangiatea, 98. The Old Boys thus won tho match by 63 games. A singular death of a horse occurred the other day in a street in Palmerston North. Mr. F. Mowlom was riding a valuable animal, when it suddenly reared up and fell backwards doad. It nearly fell upon tho ridor. The horse had only been ridden about two miles that day. It is said that a large portion of Mr. Purvis Russell's Woburn estate, in Hawkes Bay, is about to bo cut up into allotments, and offered for sale. It is one. of tho finest properties in the colony. Tho Marlborough Express says :— -Rore Pukekohutu, tho well-known Maori chict, died at the Wairau Pa on Sunday night, after a long and painful illness, ho having been confined to his house for the last three months. Tho deceased chief was born in the Waikato, his parents being of high rank, and after tho conquest of the Wairau and Kaikoura districts by tho North Island natives he was left in charge of the Wairau Pa by his father, according to native custom. Rore was at the Wairau Massacre some 4-1 years ago, then being 16yearsof ago, and has resided in the Wairau ever since. The deceased was a staunch member of the Weeloyan Church, and was one of its principal supports in tho district. He was also a strict teetotaller, and it is mainly duo to his efforts in this direction, and by keeping drink out of tho pa, that tho tribe of Wairau natives has been kept &o well together. Altogether he belonged to tho highest type of Maori, and tho natives lose a good friend und valuable counsellor, ltovo leaves two sons, Harry and Alfred, and has a brother here and another brother in Nolson. He was Chairman of the Native School Committee, and his loss will be much felt by the school and the schoolmaster, his groat influonco always having been used for good. Tho Lyttelton Times says — Mrs. Sinclair, a very early settler in New Zoaland, died at Hawaii on 16th Octobor. Mrs. Sinclair, with her family, arrived in Now Zoaland from Scotland in 1840, and lived for a short time in Wellington and Wanganui. She sottlod in Pigeon Bay in 1843, whore tho family were well known and respected for their gonerous hospitality previous to and after the settlement of the Canterbury Province. Mis. Sinclair sold her estate in Pigeon Bay to tho late Mr. Holmes iv 1863, and afterwards settled in the Sandwich Islands, having bought a largo extent of land from the Hawaiian Government. Enquiries aro made for tho following in Lloyd's Weekly :— Fredorick Holford was last heard from in 1886, whon settlor in New Zealand ; sister Amelia inquires. James Ellis, of Bristol, wont to Christchuroh, Canterbury, New Zealand, in 1874, and married thero, but his wife died November, 1878 ; he tbon lived with a Mr. G. Temploton at Kaiapoi, Now Zealand. When last hoard from, in March, 1881, his address was care of Mrs. Street, London - street, Lyttelton, Canterbury, New Zealand; brother Alfred inquires. Robt. Morrison, Isabella, and Jane Faulkner, brothor and sisters, wero taken by their father from Forres, N. Scotland, to Otago, New Zealand, about 1818 ; an aunt (Margaret Simpson') wishes for nows. Samuel and Jamos Clark left Blackheath for New Zealand 20 years since ; sister Mary Ann is anxious for news. William Henry Swain is anxiously enquired for by his brother Henry. His last address was Union Hotel, Wellington, New Zoaland. George Gammon was last heard of in 1886, when living in Wanganui, New Zealand. His aged father, brothers, and sisters ask ; also for his brother, John Gammon, last heard of nine or ton years ago digging for gum in Auckland. Lewis Horley, sailed from Portsmouth in 1887 for New Plymouth, and has only written Home twice since. Once when staying at a large temperance hotol in New Plymouth, kept by a Miss Courtney, and secondly when in Taranaki working on a flax farm three years ago ; his sister Ethel would be glad to hear tidings of him. Walter Scott, with his wife, mother, and sister Kmily, aailcd for New Zealand on 20th April, 1854, and was last heard of in 1857 ; his sister Louisa's daughtor inquires. Mother is dead. It is practically sottled (says the Melbonrne Age), though not yet arranged according to strict official routine, that the Federal Council oi Australasia will meet at Hobart on 26th January next, that being tha national holiday proclaimed in commemoration of the first settlement of Australasia. The Federal Council Referring Bill, introduced 'into the Victorian Legislative Assembly by tho Premier, has been circulated, and requests tho sanction of Parliament to refer three different subjects for the consideration of tho Federal Council. These are set forth in the following terms : — " 1. Tho discipline and government of the garrisons established or to be established and maintained at Thursday Island or King George's Sound or any other place within the Australasian colonies, at the joint expense of those colonies or any of them. 2. The trial and punishment in one colony of offenders against the laws of another colony. 3. The enforcement by the Supremo Court of one colony of any process of the Supreme Court of another colony directed to compelling tho production in such last mentioned Court of any improved will or testamentary document in the possession of any person resident in such first mentioned colony, and which said will or testamentary document devises or bequeaths property situate in the colony from the Supreme Court whereof snch process issues, and is required by the executors or trustees appointed by such will or other tastamentary document, and who are resident in s-uch last mentioned colony, for the purpose of obtaining probate of such will or testamentary document or registering the same in such last mentioned colony." The following is the way in which the cremation of a Chinese leper was lately carried out at the Victorian Quarantine Station, Port Nepean:— A pyre was made, consisting of about three tons of wood, saturated with kerosene, and the body, enclosed in a shell, was placed on it. Dr. Gresswell applied a match, and in little more than two hours the body was consumed, Eave a few calcined bones. These were collected and placed in a special receptacle, and buried in the quarantine cemetery. The leper, who will now become somewhat historic in the annals of cremation, bad been at the Quarantine Station for over three years. For some time past he was insane through the terrible ravages of the disease, and presented a most loathsome spectacle. The gentlemen who witnessed the cremation state that there was nothing' in connection with it that could have offended the susceptibilities of any person apart from the merely sentimental objection, which is the principal bar to the general adoption of the practice.

The area of the land offered for sale at the Land EoarK Office yesterday was 33,498 acre?. There wcr« 70 applications, the details being as follow Mr- MRngolraj Cofcl Creek Block— Occupation, with right of purchase, 22 ; lease in perpetuity, 21 ; cash, 1; area applied for, 15,872 acre=. Wharita Block — Occupation, with ricrht to purchase, 0 ; leaso in pfrpeluity. 3 : area applied for, ll,oiOacre.=. OtaMiakapua-^Janffawharariki Block — Occupation, with ri^nt c* purchase, 7 : lease in perpetuity, (J : area applied lori 5250 acres. Otaranoho Block — Occupation, with right of purchase, 1 : area applied for, 133G acres. There were 33 applications for occupation with right of purchase, 30 for lea«ea in perpetuity, and 1 under the cash system. A ballot win, taken this morning and resulted" as follows 1 — OtaiaakapnaManpawharariki Block— T. K. Burnett, G. M'Gieffor. J. E. Jacksrou, A. N. Galpin. Wharita Block— J. Koptirfe, W. Bratuler, Mangaira Coal Creek.— G. H. £isaer, Q. H. Parnell, E. Wither, T. J. Clapham, J. Pettiffrew, S. Pally, C. Moore, W. Armstrong. &. K. Williams. Th» TAbbil p]ftgn<" haa not hitherto been expected to furnish rom.kDCc. Kv«tj- man's hand has been again=t bunny, ami ir' rrnni has felt remorse ; but, if wo aro to believe the Marlborough Time", this state of thing* is past. According to tho Tiraos sundry rabbit-slayers around Blenhieni are^ haunted by tho ghost of a black rabbit t^h^ch tlie3' profess to hare fired at, but which has so fir shown jtso\f . as is the nature of ghosts, shot ana ballet pr,oof. Apparitions of animate occur tbrtmg&OTrt most folklore, and every true Highlander believes in the phantom or enchanted dear, usually milk white, which was the Banshee of some Scottish clans, and which it was sought to stop with bullets cast from silver, but a phantom black rabbit in the neighbourhood of a tinning factory is a new and somewhat appalling development. Fancy tho average rtlnholder haunted b.y the gliostg of rabbits h« has caused to bo slain ' Thi' post of Minister for Lands and Agriculture would" bocome a nijrhtmare. The Otago Daily Times says that among the tourists now visiting the colony is Mr. W. H. Lever, senior partner in the firm of Lover Brothers (Limited), Port Sunlight, Birkenhead, England, the largest soap manufacturers in the world, employing over 1100 hands, the works, wharf, and village standing upon over 50 acres. Tho village is unique iv its character. The workmen live in wellappointed houses, having gardens. These houses ore built by tho firm, and no rents are paid otiitir thau for, ropairs and taxes. J j Tho village is managed bj a council, elected principally by the workmen. A large fecre*tion, lechire. and concert hall is provided, and limelight views of Now Zoaland will no doubt bo shortly scon in tho lectnro hall. At the last election Mr. W. H. Lover contested Birkonhead in tho Liberal interest. He is closely connected with two largo produce companies in Lancashire. Through the medium of the photographic apparatus at tho Melbourne Morgue several identifications of persons missing lor a long time havo been established. The fato of Richard Carr, an erstwhile railway employiS at Bendigo, has been settled beyond a doubt, for the photograph of his body as it lay in tlie morgno has been seen by his friends and rocognised. His body was found in the Yarra on the 17th February last, but no identification could be obtained, and when an inquest was held the verdict was "an unknown man found drowned," but quito recently two persons who had been fellow employes of his chanced to see his photo at the morgue and idontificd it. So far (remarks thn Lancet) as our knowledge of English history in this century and tho last goes, thoro has only been ono octogenarian Premier — Lord Palmorston, who died at his post in his 81st year. Several of our eminent statesmen in this century — not 0110 in tho last — who had in thoir timo boon Prime Ministers attained to this longevity. Henry Addington (Lord Sidmouth, son of Dr. Addington) diod at 87, the Duke of Wollington died at 82, Lord Grey at 81, and Lord Eussell at 8G ; but long beforo their decease they betook thonißclvOo to that "blest retirement " which tho poet tells us is such a " friend to life's decline" Wo are no politicians, but wo oannofc bo insensible to prodigies df power at four tcoro In this sense wo regard witli keen iutefest the recent mental and physioal feats of Mr. Gladstone in his Midlothian campaign. Ho has already " beaten tho record " ; and if he is to bo again Prime Minister of England wo shall regard tho achievement as ono of winch tho English race may bo proud. Such a statement involves no medical approval of men even of Mr. Gladstone's strength engaging in political strife at 82. But from a physiological point of viow, such power and pluck can only excite admiration, and we heartily hnpe that thoy may suffer neither harm nor discredit by tho experiment. Mr. Justice Windeyer, of tho Now South Wales Bench, sometimes falls foal of barristers practising before him. A fow days ago ho came into collision with Sir Julian fcalomons, Q.C., who was loading counsel for tho defendants in a civil case. Mr. Want, Q.C., who was leading on tho other .side, was putting a question, whon Sir Julian interrupted, " You know that I havo been objecting to this allalong." "Of course yon have, of course you have," said Mr. Justice Windeyer, "itis no use repeating it." This did not put down tlio leader of the bar, who was as excited as a steam whistle. " Well, I do repeat it," oxclaimod Sir Julian, "I rise to tako tho objection that " But beforo ho had finished his sentence tho Judge broke in, "Well, I overrule tho objection." Sir Julian Salomons began afjain, "when hi.s Honour peremptorily ordered him to sit down. Sir Julian Salomons refused to obey. "I will have to tnko a very strong course if yon don't take your 6eat," affirmed his Honour. " You can take what course your Honour pleases," retorted Sir Julian, as he resumed his seat. Tbo storm seemed to be passing off, and Mr. Want was abput to continuo his questions, when Sir Julian got up, threw down his brief, and remarking that ho should decline to practice before his Honour again, immediately left the Court. Next day the matter was settled by both sides agreeing to " forget all about it." Tho Wellington Salvation Army Brass Band leave by the Grafton this evoning on a holiday tour through Picton, Blenheim, and Nelson. The attention of members of tho Kxcelsior Lodge, U.A.0.D., is directed to an announcement iv another column. C. Smith has a special annouucpmeut refornug to boys' and men's clothing 111 our Wanted column, to which our readers' attention is directed. Edward Anderson, "Willis-street, will keep open his retail department until 6 o'clock to-morrow. K. P. Johnson directs attention to a special annouueement in another columu. J. Edwards, Lambton-qunv. has a price-list of hats, shirts, ties, &c, in another columu. George Thomas k Co. will aell to-morrow, express, harness, Arc. A. J. Reid will sell to-morrow, iowollory, &c. Noble Campbell ft Co. will sell to-morrow, fruit, produce, &c A vert choice selection of the smartest and daintiest millinory in all the most favonrito fashions is now on view at To Aro House. Our ladies' and young ladies' trimmed hats aro perfect "Creations" of the most oxquisito tasto, and the prices are such as will be universally suitable, ranging principally from 5s 6d to 25s each, at Te Aro House. During tho present Christmas weok, in our millinory showroom, every day will bo a show day, and a change overy day of trimmod and untrimmed huts, bonnets, flowers, feathers, and a variety of lovely millinery requisites, at Te Aro House. For holiday wear wo would invite special attention to some very effectively trimmed picnic hats, 5s 6d each, at To Aro Houso, For elderly ladies we havo some very comfortable shapes in bonnets, and some very pretty lace caps, suitable for the season, at Te Aro House. An early visitto our millinery showroom would be of tho greatest advantage to all purchasers, including as it does not only a choice of the best millinery in the city, but also an attractive Christmas present, at Te Aro Houso. — Advt. Christmas and New Yoai presents. Tho largest aad best-assorted stock of Silver and Electro-plated goods in tho city is being displayed by Wilkins & Field, Manners-street. During the present month they are allowing a very liberal discount off all purchases of Silver and Fancy Goods. Their premises are thrown open for inspection, and visitors are invited to call and see their magnificent atook, whether desirous of purchasing anything or not. — Advt. SrRiNG, with its flowers and joy, s at hand— so is spring cleaning, and nothing savos time, labour, and patience like Sanitas pumice sand soap. Uso it onco and yov will want no other. It is the scouring soap of the day, and ladies in^ordcring from thoir grocer or ironmonger always say "Sond me Sanitas Soap, I tako no oilier." — Advt. 6