Evening Post. SATURDAY, JANUARY 7, 1893. A SCANDALOUS APPOINTMENT.

Evening Post, Volume XLV, Issue 5, 7 January 1893, Page 2

Evening Post. SATURDAY, JANUARY 7, 1893. A SCANDALOUS APPOINTMENT.

The appointment of Mr. F. Pirani to a seat on tho Wellington Land Board is one of the grossest abuses of patronage which tbo Government could possibly commit. Mr. Pirani does not possess a singlo real qualification for the position, unless his political colour and being a prominent Knight of Labour can be so regarded. Under any circumstances, his appointment to the position would be an improper ono, but when tho attitude which the paper for the utterances of which ho is responsible has taken up in regard to tho Forest Reservo Special Settlement Association scandal is taken into consideration, his appointment stands out as an act of absolute indecency. It is needless to enquire whothor tho influence of Mr. Pirani and his paper was used to induce tho Government to remove the reservation, in order to give to the Association, by private arrangoment, a valuable block of land which the public believed to be securely locked np. That land was so valuablo that it was proved in evidence the other day that tho shares, on which 29s is paid-up, are regarded as worth from -£25 to .£lO each, even though a misdemeanour has to be committed, by making a false declaration, at that price. Whether Mr. Pi kan l was or is an original shareholder, wo do not know, but we are aware that ho took a warm interest in tho formation of tho Association, and it in but reasonable to «npposo that the Government consulted their leading political supporter in tho district beforo parting with tlio best portion of the Forest Reserve. Mr. Pirani was of courso quite entitled to givo what advice ho liked, iiJ^d ho is not to be blamed if ho aided to advance tho Government fpecial Settlement policy in his> own locality ; but considering tho lato history of tho Association in question, we do not think that indirect connection of any kind with it can bo rogardod as :> desirablo qualification for a scat on tho Laud Board, especially as tho

journal Mr. I'uiANi controls openly snpporlti tlio illegal frafllcing in shares which the Land Hoard has so emphatically condemned iiiid fecvernly punishod. Tho Mauawutu Standard of Thursday notices tho decision of tlio Board undor the oiguilicant heading of "A Karoo," mid then procuoclH to accuso tho Board nf having mado " a pretty iimdillc of tlio « liolo affair," dnclarofl "the forfeiture of tho sections " to be "a stop not -justified in any way by tliu cvideni'o," and iiocusch the Board of attempting to " iihiirp functions it (lops not possess " The Standard thon assorts that " tho idea of ]ionali~»iiig a man bpoaimo ho ofl'ore 1 to buy hii way into tho posnesbion of a piei'o ol hinil is about us ridiculous a stop us t-oulil pomu'lily lin droiiiul of," conveniently omitting to remember that biu'li purohuhPi us me alluded to aro illegal, and can only bo ofTeofed ufler ni'iking a falso ilccliirntion, ninl <-o committing a misdemeanour se\ei-el\ piniNlinMo by law. Finally, tho Kliinri.ml (inds tho explanation of tlio Board's proceedings in " that animus on tho Ooiiiminsionei-'H part which ho showed ho plainly duiiiig the courso ol the enquiry." Ah if this were not enough, the Stnnduril, in another article, complaining oi the delay in (illing up the \ tioancy ou th" Lund Hoard, to which tho presumptive writer has since boon appointod, twitted the Minister of Lands with " liuniK so enamoured of the Comiiii-inior.or tl.atho wishes to allow him to rulo tho rooht, without liny inconvenient members handy to pull him up with a round turn." Tho Minister of Lands has hastened to relievo himself of this reproach by forthwith appointing Mr Pikani to till tho n>le of " inconvenient member," with a mihsion to pull the Commissioner niul tlio roht of tlio Board np "with a round turn." Under tho circumstances it is fair to assume that the appointment of Mr. Piuani is intended to oxpress tho distinct Ministerial disapprotal of tho attempt of Mr. Commissioner Baker and the Hoard to enforce tho law, repress dummyisin, and put down and punis-b illegal speculation and tratlicing in Special Settlement land. Whether it is also intended to express tho Minister's approval of tho pruetino of Jnstiocs of the I'eaco certifying to blank declarations, "winking tho other oyo" at tho commission of a nußclnmoanour, and instigating and abetting au illegal transaction, is. perhaps, not quito so directly clear, but it wonld scarcely bo an unduo construction to place upon the facts. Tho Minis' or of Lands could scarcely havo moro emphatically endorsed Mr. Pikani's openly and forcibly expressed views regarding tho Commissioner, tho Land Board, tho Forest Resorvo Spocial Settlement transactions, nnd the provisions of tho law relating thereto, than by appointing Mr. Piuani to a seat on tho Hoard at tho present time.

On our fourth pago will bo found an intorosting exposition of the Russian viow of tho vexed Pamir question, a number of correspondence letters, tho statistics of Crime in Wellington, and much Sporting, Cycling, and Athletic news. A Gazette Extraordinary issued to-day further prorogues Parliament to Thursday, 13th April. A correspondent, who bbonld know, indignantly denies that thero is any ground for legitimate complaint regarding delay in tho transaction of business by correspondence with the Land and Survey Department. Ho asserts that sinco the Lands Department was amalgamated with the scientific branch, tho system has been reduced to absolnto scientific precision, and ho describes tho process. Evei-y letter now received is mado the subject of a careful observation by theodolite, tlio azimuth is taken as woll as cross-bear-ings,and the levelc are acenratoly ascertained. Tho document is then traversed, triangulated, and sect ionised, tho boundaries carefully determined and measured, after which the average angle of inclination of tbo handwriting is calculated, and, finally, a correct plan drawn to scalo is made of tho letter and its cover, all stamps, postmarks, &c, on the latter being carefully plotted. Tho document is thon put asi3o until some mombcr of tho non-scientific and mcroly clerical staff can find time to read it to find out what it is all about, and, if necessary, to recommend somebody to do something about tho matter referred to. Of course, tbo_ scientific treatment, in whicl^ accuracy is tho principal point to be considered, cannot be hurried. Tho mails ex Arawa, from London via Hobart, should arrivo hero about Fiiday next. Tho number of applications received by tho City Council for the position of Resident Engineer to carry out tho sanitary schemo for the city is 87. Those aro now under tbo consideration of tho Consulting Engineers and Mr. Maxwell. It has been decided by tho Government to apply the co-opcrat-ve principle in connection with the painting of the Supreme Courthouse. The matorials and plant will bo supplied by the Government, and a contract will be lot on a valuation to bo made by tho officials of tho Public Works Department. Other public buildings in tho city will in all probability be painted by men working on the sumo system. A tologram recoivod by tho Under-Secre-tary for Works states that tho Gairlochf ¦which has twin enginesj broke her starboard crank shaft during the voyago from Onehunga to New Plymouth yesterday, but nevertheless managed to reach tho latter port in good time, by means of tho port engine. Sho is now on her way to Wellington, where tho necessary repairs will bo effected by Messrs. W. Cable and Co. At tho timo of the aocidont the stoamcr was on hor way to Wellington, via New Plymouth, to undorgo tho necessary half-yearly overhaul. Mr. T. W. Pou, of tho Native Department, was recently on a visit to tho Maori sottlemont in Queou Charlotte Sound, and gave the inhabitants some valuable advice on the subject of sanitation. Quito a number of natives recontly died at Waikawa and other settlements from fever, and Mr. Pou is anxious that thoro should bo an improvement in the sanitary arrangements of tho various kiiangas. Tho Minister for Labour has rcceivod a letter from tho Sfato Arbitration Board of Massachusetts, United States, apking him to forward it a copy of the Conciliation Bill of last session, together with a report of any debates upon it, and also any papers relating to lii 3 department. The Board also forwarded a number of papers containing information about the working of the organisation. Mr. Reeves intends to accede to the request. The Conciliation Bill is at present being carefully revised by the Crown Law officers. Mr. Eitcbie, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, has sent a cablegram to the Premiers of tho sister colonies notifying them that New Zealand has boon declarocl free from disease within tho moaning of the Sheep Act. By next mail he intends writing to each Government, requesting tho removal of the restrictions on the importation of New Zealand sheep. A number of valuable rams havo already been purchased in this eplony by Australian breeders in anticipation of the removal of tno restrictions. His Honour the Chief Justice has given judgmont in the caso of Osborne against Mildrell, argued a few weeks ago, in which the plaintiff, a married woman, sought to obtain payment of her share in a capital fund, of which the defendant is trustee. His Honour upheld tho defendant's contention that the plaintiff was only entitled to the incomo during coverture, and that sho could not anticipate hor income. Costs were allowed and directed to bo paid out of the accumulation of plaintiff's incomo. Messrs. Buckley, Stafford, and Treadwell, were solicitors for the plaintiff, and Mossrs. Brandon. Hislop and Brandon, for defendant. lioferenco was mado at the meeting of tho Port Nicholson Yacht Club last ovening to tho loss which the yachting community in New Zealand have sustained by tho doath in Auckland of Mr. John Waymouth, and it was resolved, on tho motion of Mr. A. E. Doan, seconded by Mr. J. 14. Gibbons, to write to tho Auckland Yacht Club, of which tho deceased had been a very prominent member, expressing deep regret at his demise. The Hawera Star has ohanged hands. Tho editor and proprietor, Mr. J. C. York, is about to leave tho colony to reside in England, and he has disposed of tho property to Mr. W. A. Parkinson, who has been connected with the paper for many years. Mr. H. Barry, late second officer of the ship Crusader, has been promoted to the position of chief officer of the ship Jc3sio Headman, now lying at Picton, vacant by tbo death of tho lato chief officer. The vacancy on the Crusader caused by Mr. Barry's promotion has been filled by Mr. Conrad Mahonoy, an apprentice of tho vessel, who has recently passed an examination entitling him to tho holding of a second mate's certificate. Tho D Battory of Artillery is about to lose Captain St. Hill, as ho has decided to take up his residence in the country. His departure will be very severely felt by tho corps, because it is mainly owing to liis energy aud ability that it is now in &uch a flourishing stato. Thero is no moro popular or efficient officer in Wellington than Captain St. Hill, and it is to bo regretted that tho force is about to loso ono who has taken a very lively interest in the volunteor movement. Tho remarkable natural phenomenon to which we recently called attention — tho conversion by a to far nnoxplained froak ot nature of a dish of blue-water into a won-derfully-intricate and beautiful design — is to bo exhibited on Monday afternoon, next door to Tippler's grocery, Lambton-quay. Mr. H. W. Robinson, R.M., was occupied for a considerable time yesterday afternoon, in the Magistrate's Court, in hearing a complaint brought by a young woman against the putative father of her illegitimate child, for failing to contribute towards its support. Tho contention for tho defence was that the defendant was released from all claims against him, so far as tho paternity of tbo Plaintiff's child was concerned, by virtue of a deed drawn up in legal form, and duly executed and witnessed by tuo Wellington solicitors, both of whom aro since deceased. Tbo deed was put in and was duly signed by the plaintiff, from which it np. pearod that in consideration of a gift of £M tho mother for ever releases, acquits, and discharges tho defendant from any future claim so far as the child referred to is concerned. Counsel for the plaintiff, whilst admitting that his client had received tho .£SO, contended (hat it was not a, sufficient disclmigo from futnro liability inasinnch as it was clearly set forth in f-ection It of tho Destitute Persons Act, 1877, that no deed relating to a comproiniso in an affiliation caso is \alid unless it bears upon its-face tho sanction of a lfes"tli'iit Magistrate'^ Section 11 ol tho Act provides that the, Resident Magistrate may agree to tho mother of an illegitimate child accepting, in full discharge of all liability, a sum of not loh.s than £oO or more than £VIH. It wa-> further submitted that, as no magisterial sanction appeared on the deed, which hoi c date 3rd October, 158.5, tho instrument referred to was null and void. His Wort-hip held the objection to bo a fatal ono, but adjourned the ease till Tuesday next, with a ¦\ iew to v compromise being arrived nt between tho parties to the action.

Mr. Laboiichoro, in Truth of 2Hli November, refers again to the Pluininer caao, concoming which a eorroepondont luia givon him soino further piirliculiu'd. Mr. Laboueheie, uflor gmng lull uon^hloratinn t<> pll Uio tucln Hiiyn :—'"l: — '"I still full to understand how nil the ltllcfroil sliootiiifr conlrl luiro gone 011, or lieon jiiHliiicd, if tlio pursuers had no win-innt for thy arrest of tho man; or how, even upon tho cotiatublo'h own account of tho mutter, ho could havo escaped boing put upon his tiial many connlry where Englihli law in supposed to prevail. " Mr. Lnboui'liore is an English Radical, but lio ovideutly i.s unawaio (if Iho bcaulioa ot Liberal administrati-in in a colony, or ho would not oxprehi hiirpi-i.su nt English law beinj; ilisicgardud when its observance) would not suit Ministers. Recently a cablegram wnn roeeived by a Wellington gontlcmnii, who iH a nephew of Mi.J. 1.. Kilts, to (he effect Unit, flint penileman wan dead. Wo wrote an api>reoiaiive notice of (ho "deceased," nn example which was followed throughout the colony. The Sydney mail places a different aspect vi on tho mutter, and i'iowh that it was Mrs. Kilts, and not Mr. KitU, who died. In tnuisiuiHiion "Mrs." biwl been transformed into "Air." in tho cablogiam. While condoling with Mr. Kitts upon tho lobh of his lift) partner, and rogrolting the sorrow which ho him oxporipiiocil, wo can exprcHs gratification that Iho veteran treasurer still wir\ivfß. Tho erroneous announcement made in our colunin.s has afforded him nn opportunity of learning tho estimation in which ho is held throughout Iho colony. Iho sheet at the Magistrates' Court todivy comprised only two charges of drunkenness and one of obstructing tho polico. A first offender, on the charge of drunkenness, wiib fined ss, or 21 hourb' imprisonment. Robert Trainer, a ma to of Iho previous prisonor, who obstructed Constable O'Keilly in his arrest in Willis- street last night, pleaded Guilty, and was fined 21s, or 48 hours' incarceration. Hannah M'G'arthy, alum Peully, an hiibitia' of tho Court on charges of drunkonnoss, was sont to guol for M dajs' hard labour for having boon helplessly drunk yosterday. Mr. W. Littlejohn, J.P., presided. It is rumonred in connection witli sovoral changes that aro to take place in tho Union Steam Ship Company's) sorvico that Captain Ewen will assume oommnnd of tho Wakatipu. Captain M'Loan (late of tho Janet Nicol) of tho Pukaki, and that Mr. Gray, who is at present acting as chief ofHcor of tho Rotomahana, will tnko charge of tho Janet Nicol. Messrs. Richardson, Word and Roardon havo accepted tho tender of Messrs. Gillon and Hayes, for tho sum of £005 2s, for the formation of Marion and Espio strpet.s, on tho late Hon. John Martin's property, Taranaki and Ghuzneo streots. Tho unsuccessful tondorers wore-C. Lambcrg, .£919 19a Gd ; J. K. Powell, .£947 12s; G. 11. Baylifcs, 41012 7s ; Barlow & Co., 41317 7s (id. In ordor to bring tho Wellington Trades and Labour Council more directly in touch with tho public, and to further cement tho bond of friendship between tho workers and their friends, tho Council has decided to hold, at intervals, entertainments of a light and recreative nature, which they trnst wili not only bo enjoyable to those who participate, but at the anmo time strengthen the hands of the Council in their endeavours to better the condition of the workers. An advertisement on tho subject appears in another column. _ Tho contract for building tho central station of tho New Zealand Electrical Fiyndicato •was lot yesterday to Messrs. 14. Carmichael and Son, builders, and it is to bo finished by tho 31st of May next, under penalty. Tho building is to occupy a site on tho To Aro reclamation, in Harris-street, which is at present unformed. It will have a frontago of 80ft and a depth of 150tt, the front part being apportioned into offices, and tho boilerhouse and ongine-room situated at the rear. There will bo fonr boilers, capable of snppl> ing steam to four steam engines of 120 indicated horse power, and ono of 40 indicated borso power. Kadi of tho large engines will drive a dynamo by ropes of prepared cotton, and each dynamo will be capable of supplying 1500 incandescent lamps of 8 candle power cfl&b. In the main flue of tho boilers, a fuel cconomiser will bo inserted. Tho smoke stack in connoclion with tho building will bo of octagonal shape, and tbo same hoight as tho Instructor chhnnoy. Provision is made for putting down more engines, which will bo available for running thy public lighting by steam, in paso of shortness of water, as provided for in tho company's contract with tho Corporation. With regard to tho private lighting, we are informed that already several hou=es in town have been "' wired," ready for connection when tho station is completed, and persons who wish to havo their premises lightod whon tho private lighting plant is set going, about tho first week in Juno, should coinmunicato with the company immediately. Tho Dampier Dramatic Company produced a version ot "East Lynno" at tho Opora House last night. It was an adaptation made by Mr. Dampier during his management of the Alexandra Theatre, Melbourne, and while closely following Mrs. Henry Wood's novel, possesses tho merit of playing quickly, and consequently the curtain fell upon tho deathbed scene at a reasonably early hour. Miss Lily Dampier is to be congratulated upon the manner in which sho acquitted horself in Ihe dual rule of Lady Carljle aud Madame Vino, her acting in the last sceno with hor little child being suffic iently natural to move moat of tho fair sex in the audience to tears. Miss Roso Dampier win not at homo in the part of Barbara Hare, but the"Corney" Carlylo of Miss Merton proved very acceptable. Mr. A. Dampier enacted tho ruthless scoundrel Captain Lovison in an impressive manner. This oveniug- is the last night of tho season, and the bill will be the highly sensational drama of " Tho Black Flag," in which some remarkable scenic and mechanical effects will be shown. Tho plot is simple. Harry Glyndon is sentenced to Portland Gaol for robbery and an attempt to murder bis stepfather. The real criminal is his half-brother Jack, who being sent to London to bo educated, falls into dissipated ways, forces hi 3 own father's name, and in order to got money to pay the forged bill, commits the deed which his half-brother, through a chain of circumstances, has to suffer. Around this main point a clever story is woven, in which aro shown parental sternness, tho devotion of womankind — in fact, tho good and bad side of human nature. After much buffering, the hero triumphs, the guilty man is unmasked, and all ends happily. Tho piece is made especially attractive by tho fine scenery. One scone in particular, wherein the prison walls disappear and two of the characters aro scon escaping in a boat, is said to bo extremely effective As the " Academy " alluded to has been extending its operations to New Zealand, tho following extract from Truth of 17th November may prove of interest as a warning :—": — " The soi-disant ' Professor' Boattcber, with his ' Parisian Inventors' Academy,' is also as busy just now in his way as Sir Somcrs Vino is in his, or Albert Sturman, LL.D., in his. Bcottchor's trap is specially baited for tho commercial world, and it is humiliating to sco appended to his circular tho long array of British manufacturers and tradespeople, chiefly provincial, who have been induced to purchase of Boettchcr hi** ' First-class Diploma ' aud ' Great Gold Medal (gilded) ' at the price of £2, carriage free. Provincial newspapers would be doing a really useful work if they would warn country simpletons that tho ' Parisian Inventors' Academy ' is a bit of empty humbug, and that its Great Gold Medal (gilded) is worth no moro than a pawnbroker will advance on it." The Drillshed has been taken for tho Wellington season of Hpyes' Allied Circus, which is to open on Thursday next. Extensive preparations for the opening are being made by Mr. Cameron, tho company's advanoe agent, and no pains are to be spared in making the Drillshed comfortable. Its suitability for a circus was abundantly shown during the late season of Wirth's Circus there. Our coming visitors have been doing good business in the South. Tho Oddfellows' Hall, Lower Hutt, having boon destroyed by firo, a few members of tho Rose of the Valley Lodge mot on tho site yesterday and unearthed tho foundation stone laid on Ist January 1857. Tho stone was lyine 3ft below the surface, and among {ho>e who assisted to take it np was Bro. Cudby, P.G , who was present at tho lajiug of it 30 years ago. The manuscript which had been placed in tho receptacle in tho stone had crumblod away, and singular to say thcro was no trace of tlio coins that had also boon put into tho opening. The inscription, which was not very legible, was as follows :—: — " Bis dat gui cito dat. To commemorato the erection of the Hall for tho Rose of tho Valley Lodge, No. 4319, M.U.I 0.0. F., this plate is inscribod, and was laid ou Thursday, Ist January, 1857, by William Fitzborbert, Esq., who munificently gave the land in perpetuity for tho purpose of aiding and furthering the progress of so useful a body, .in prcsenco of J. TVluir, P.G M., E. Haslam, D.P.G.M., T. M'Kenzio, C.S., tho olKcors and brethren of tho Lodge, and a large assemblage of brethren from tho following Lodges : —Loyal Britannia, the parent Lodge, the Antipodean, the Good Intent, the Wellington, and tbo Kinapora, Porirua. Engraved and presontod by J. H. Mariiott, P.P.G.M." '" Tho Broken Idol " was repeated by tho Holloway Company at tho Theatre Royal labt evening, when many of the defects incident to a first production wore remedied, and tbo comedy was smoothly played. This evening Air. Frank Harvey's drama, "Tho Wages of Sin," ono of the groatcst successes of the company's previous season in Wellington, will be place on the boards by special request. The United Tcmpcranco Workers hold a mooting last evening in tho Congregational Schoolroom, Conrtenay-placo, at which a lnrsc amount oi business was transacted. Amongst other items of public concern, tho mont impottant «cro tho setting up of a coaimitteo to tabulate tho members' names, as well as tho--o of several prominent teiiipc-iance workers not ycf mcmlicis of tlio Fock'ty, pointing out by circular that one of tlio ol jeets of the Assoeiition was to engage in all aggressive and other tempcra'ico work, and inviting co-operation. The quostion of a Tcmpcranco Working Men's Club was mooted, and a committee set up to obtain data on tho subject, a report to bo Hubmittcd to next meeting. It is not generally known that this Society is in exigence, but its vigorous life is already being felt, and vi ill bo moro apparent ns time goos on. Membership is open to all total abstainers who desire to be actively engaged in temperance work, the yearly subscription being nominal to cover rent and secretarial expenses. As the members, with few exceptions, are members of the various Friendly Societies already officially represented in tho Demonstration for tho 23rd instant, it was felt to bo unnecessary to havo tho Society, which baring boon inaugurated in September last is still in its infancy, more fully in evidence thereat. All temperance workers aro cordially invited to join tho Society, which is ini'-octari.in and non political, and just what its title describes it as — An Assembly of United Temporance Workers. The Now York Lifo lusuranco Company forward* us a pocket calendar aud some of the Company's literature.

Mr. John Ulackott ia still in a critical state. Dr. Alison in attending him. Tlio Rev. IT. Vim Slavoron wishes to acknowledges tlio receipt of JCIO 10» from Mr. ifi JO. Nathan, £2 2s from Meesra. JJannatyno and Co., and .Cl Is from '' A iViend," ifi nid of tlio Benevolent Homo. Tlio United FiirnierH 1 Alliance, Limited, is progressing vigorously, and taking a hold on tho agricultural community. Tlio first issue of t-hures wns closed on tho 3rd instmit with 'JfliJ hlmroholdcrs, uubacribing 1 38S0 shares. Considering that tho Company has only been in oxistenco a few mouths, those figures speak lnuoh in favour of its position and the estimation in which it is hold. A fow diiyH ago, "'t Johnsonvillo, before local Justices, a pei*.on was charged, under ilia I'olioo OftoncrH Act, witJi leaving Homo sheep in pono for several days without food or water. It appeared, on tho hearing, that tho owner had made arrangements with Homeono to feed nnd wuter tho hhoep, bnt that this had not boon dono. 'J'ho Bench, thcrot foro, no doubt properly, held that tho owner was not liable for tho neglect, and tho charge w.-is diMoifsed. Tlio person who had untlortakrn to look aftor tho animals might bo linblo lor nonloct fo the owner, but It ncoms doubtful if ho would bo criminally l'opponHiblo for not performing his agreement. Certainly (lie law in defective) if no ono fan bo held personally liable to punishment for fho ornnl treatment the unfortunato animals were subjected to. Tho first monthly meeting of tho Wellington Camera Club wiia held last ovoning, Mr. C. Uulkc, President, occupying the chair. Tho attendance of members was not largo, poshibly owing to tho holiday Beaton. Sovoral of thoso picscnt exhibited views which they hnd taken, and the Frcaidont delivered a Bhort and interesting address. Tho romaindor of the evening was passed in a conversational way. It was decided that tho next meeting hlionld be held the first Friday iv February, and inombors arc requested to brin? views for exhibition. It will bo good news for New Zoaland playgoers that Miss Myra Kemblo lias now finally fixed her New Zealand tour. Mr. J. St. Clair, now managing tho Holloway Company, and who managed Miss Kemblo'B last tour, ha« taken tho theatres for Bcasonß commencing as follows : - Open at Dunodin 4th October, Christchnrch 30fch Octobor, Wellington 13th Novomber, Auckland 20th December. A featuro of tho season is to bo fho production of some famous modern dramas which Now Zealandcra have not yet had an opportunity of seeing, such as Hnddon Chambers' "Idler" and Pinero's " Profligate." Iho tenth annual meeting of thp New Zealand Educational hutlitnto will bo held at tho Glrle' High Schodl on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday next, commencing at 10 a.m. each day. Tho Secretary invites all interested iv education to attend. Mr. Suckling-Baron, managing diroctor of tho New Zealand Electrical Syndicate, has received a cablegram from headquarters in England, stating that tho sito for a station inChristchurch, wherotho company intend to commence private lighting operations, has been procured near the .Railway Station. Plant lias been ordored, and will no sent out to the colony shortly. Tho installation will probably take plnce about tho end of the present year. Wo aro informed that tho company lias received very encouraging promises of support from the Chvistohurch people. Tho Port Nicholson Yacht Club has paid a graceful compliment to Mr. John Coutts, who has retired from tlio sport after a connection of 25 years, by making him a life honorary member. It is statod on tho very best authority that Major Pnrnell, of Wanganui, who was a runner-up for tho Champion Belt last year at Trentham, donics that he will shoot as a member of tho Potone Eifle Club at this year's meeting of tho New Zealand Eifle Association. Tho Wellington Concert Party have just returned from thoir holiday jaunt along tho West Coast. On Monday night a concert was given to a packed honso at Hawera,' when every item was oncorod. Thoro was a good audience at Patea on the following night, and at Wanganni on Thursday. As a wind-up to tho tour tho party propose to give a concert in Wellington about a week hence. A largo and appreciative audience gathered in tho Khandallah Public Hall last evening to listen to tho JJev. J. K. Elliott's lecture on " Witches, Ghosts, and other Superstitions." Mr. Wilson Litilejohn boing in the chair. The rov. gentleman was both instructive and hnmorous in his treatment oftho subject, tracing many popular Buporstitions to their source, and interspersing his remarks with ghost btorios sufficiently uncanny to satisfy Mr. Stead himself. While admitting that somotimos occurrences take place which seem to bo beyond hnnmn explanation, ho deprecatod belief in any such superstitions. A hearty vote of thanka was accorded to tho lecturer, on the motion of the Chairman, who mentioned that the Sunday-School funds would bo substantially assisted by the proceeds of the lecture. The Bilsh Advocate says that there is a report going tho rounds in Makotnku that gold has been found in tho Euahino rango at last. Tho finder is a man named Miller, from the German lino. The specimen was found in clay and half-formed rock. Mr. Gribblo, managor of the Kopua mill, and who has beon managing a gold mine in Australia, washed and analysed the spocimen, and says it is a splendid sample Mr. Miller has gone to Napier to take out a prospector's license. A correspondent asks to be informed of the method of dissolving indiarubber, so as to rjntlec it suitable for use in the manufacture of rubber stamps. Twelve privates and an officer of the Victorian Defence Force aro to be pent to England at tho expense of Sir William Clarke to take part in the British Military Tournament at Islington. Mr. Pymont, a Waitotara publican, is said to have announced his intention of standing for Waitotara in the Labour interest. Madams Bahnson is again in Now Zealand haying arrived in Auckland by tho Manapouri. She is to give a concert in the Northern City assisted by Mr. T. M. Jackson, the Auckland tenor, who has been studying under her in Molbourne. Thoro is every prospect of a big attendance at the benefit to bo given the Benevolent Home by tho Holloway Company on Monday, and which closes tbe company's season. This week's Canterbury Times, in addition to the usual woll-ai ranged bnpply of general news, contains very interesting reports on laud settlement iv Tarauaki ami Now Zealand dairy produce, nud particulars respecting tho recent important Anglo-Colonial law case — Turnbull and others v. T. W. and J. Walker. Iv our Wanted column, R. HanuaH & Co. announce the arn-ival of a second shipment, ox Toiisariro, of thnso ladies' and children's ta-i and ciunas shoes which caused tho great rush at their establishment during the Christmas week. The new «;ooda are marked off at New Year's gift price i. Kirkcnldio & Stains pub'ish in an advertisement a price-list o£ Indies' gloves. The firm are not only sole ngents for the well-known Ernest Calvat's gloves, but they have also iv stock other famous brands. Au extensive shipment of musical iiis'ru>ncn<B was l eceived from London by Mr. Fred. Hoffmann, of the Exchange Buildings, Lainbton-qnay, by the Doric, and has nth acted a pood deal of attention. The articles comprise ma iidolius, cornets, horns, musical boxes, organs, &c, and aio of the best quality. Tbo brass instruments aro from tue factory of Silvaui and Smith, London and Paris, whohavG a reputation forexcelleut workmanship. Mr. Hollmanu has on sale several musical novelties. The attention of agriculturalists is directed to an advertisement elsewhere, in which Mr. George Winder, ironmonger, announces that having purchased at auction lii.ooo jaids of wir.i netti»g ho is selling it at about half its usual value. Tenders for tho privileges in connection with the United Friendly Societies' Demonstration ou Auuivcrsary Day nre invited elsewhere. Tbe order of services at St. Poter's Church for to-morrow is advertised. At the Weslcyan Churches to-morrow, tho services will be conducted as follow : Wesley Church, Taronaki-strcet, 11 a.m., Rev. C. Dallastou ; -C.30 p.m., Rev. J. J. Low is. Molesworth-streefc, 11 a.m., Rev. J. G. Chapman ; G. 30 p.m., Eev. W. Kirk. New town, 11 a.m., Mr. A. Hoskiug; G. 30 p.m., llev. J. G. Chapman, At the Primitives Methodist Churches, to-mor-row, the services will be conducted as follow :—: — Sydney-street, morning , Rev. W. C. Wood ; evening. Jlov. Mr. Ward. Wobb-stroot, morning, IJev. Dumbcll; evening. Rev. W. C. Wood, Newtow'i, woininsr, Bey. Mr. Ward; evouinij, Messrs. G. Rnidn.g nu<l Louden, At tho Terrace Congregational Church to-mor-row, tbo services will be conducted by the Rev. G. J. Allen. At tho Courtenay-pl.ico Congregational Church, to-morrow, tho service will be conducted by the Rev. W. Powell. At the Viriau-sl root Baptist Church, to-morrow, tho Rev. J. J. Lewis will preach iv the morning, and Mr. J. North, one of the Baptist Union students iv the evening. At tho Church of Christ, Dixon-stroot, to-morrow evening, Mr. A. F. Turner will preach as usual. Subject : " What will you do with Jesus." A Gospol service will bo held in tho Hunterstreet Hall :it 7.30 to-morrow evening. The Gospel will be preached in the Gospel Hall, Hurbert-streut, to-morrow evening. Subject: "A Koyal I'ardon, or Hearts and Hniues " At to-morrow night's meeting of tho Sociological Assocntion, there will be a lecture, entilled, " Tho Now Democratic Platform," musical selections, fco. We havo purchased a largo quantity of splendid prints, zephyrs, cotton laincs, pongeo and indigo cambrics at au immon&o reduction in price, and will offer them for ono week only at marvellous bargain prices, at To Aro House. We shall show a lot of nearly 15,000 yards of remarkably good prints — good in quality, good in designs, aud good in colourings — at tho following incredibly reduced prices :—: — For 12-yard dress lengths, Is lid, 2s lid, 3? lid, 4s lid, 5s lid, 6a Gd, during this weok only, at Te Aro House. Tub original prices of thesa dross lengths ranged from 5s Gd to 10s Cd, and we aro making a grand show of them on tho somicircular counter immediately fronting the main entranco to Te Aro lloupo. Those who can appreciate real, decided bargains will find them in those beautiful dress prints. Such qualities, and designs wero never before offered at such low prices in tho Kmpiro City. Famed as we havo always been for tho genuineness of our advertised bargains, this lot of choico prints surpasses anything wo have hitherto boon able to show at To Aro House. Wisk, prudent, nnd economically inclined purchasers will doubtless tako tho earliest opportunity for making their selections at To Aro House. — Advt. Christmas and Now Ycai presents. The largest aad best-assorted stock of Silvor and F.lectro-platcd goods iv the city is being displayed by Wilkins & Field, Manners street. During tho present month they aro allowing a very liberal discount off all purchases of Silver and Fancy Goods. Their promises aro thrown open for inspection, and visitors aro invited to call and see thoir magnificent stock, whether desirous of purchasing anything or not. — AnvT. At tho recent convention of the Women's League it was reported that an invention which would save much fimo and labour had been brought under their notice. In acknowledging tho inventor's skill, it was rcbolvod to recominond the Speedwell Washer for universal use, as with it tho drudgery of washing day entirely disappears, and tho timo occupied is .so reduced that all who use thoniouco will be dcoply gratified. — Advt. 7