Evening Post. THURSDAY, JULY 20, 1893. SIR ROBERT STOUT.

Evening Post, Volume XLVI, Issue 17, 20 July 1893, Page 2

Evening Post. THURSDAY, JULY 20, 1893. SIR ROBERT STOUT.

♦ "It is magnificent, but it ia not war." Such was tho exclamation of a French Genera} who witnessed a famous desperate English charge> We may say almost the aame of Sir Robert Stout's speech last night. It was magnificent, bat it was not practical politics. Sir Robert Stout is a man who possesses great and rare gifts and qnalitios. He is honourable, bigh-souled, and generous almost to a fault. Ho in a man of prodigious information,, if not a prodigy of learning. He is carnoßt and sincere in. all that ho undertakes, or says, or does, although those qualities are tempered by a certain amount of instability. He is probably not a good stayer, hnt while in the mood he goes the pace, and strains every effort in tho cause he is for the time pursuing. He commands tho great power over men's minds of eloquence, but ho is not always either consistent or logical, and his feelings frequently waster his judgment. Thus last night ho commenced with what at tho first blush appeared a fine outburst 'of generous indignation, which, however, when coolly , examined, proves only to have been a piece of speoi&l sentimentality inspired by strong personal feeling, and not only having no foundation in reason, but, as shown by his own action a little further on in his speech, not acknowledged even by himself as a guiding principle. With rhetorical effect he reproved Mr. Duthie for ungenerous impropriety in criticising the policy or administration of the recently-deceased Premier, or of the absent Mr. Oadhan, bat he almost immediately afterwards proceeded to subject the policy and administration of the equally dead and absent Sir Haert Atkinson to both critioism and condemnation. It no doubt grates on Sir Bobert Stout's oar to listen to adverse criticism of any acts of one so §ersonally dear to him and so recently eparted as Mr. Ballancb, but surely ho would not for a moment seriously contend that death tapus all a statesman may have done, or that it is eithor ungenerous or improper to examine and pronounce judgment upon the works whioh necessarily live after the man has died. The acceptance of such a doctrine, indeed, would destroy tho whole science of history, and would probably exercise a moat deteriorating influence on oontemporary life. De mortuis nil ntsi bonum is not a healthy rule. If the hut wordbe read veriim, it meets all that any should bo demanded. We cannot always speak of the dead only what is good or favourable, any more than wo can do so invariably of tho living. It thonld satisfy all if only i the truth is spoken of either. And Sir | Robert Stout signally failed to show that aught bnt truth bad been spoken by Mr. Dj{THiß. _ Mr. Ballance's policy and administration are fair subjects for fair dieeosaion, and snoh discussion can do him no wrong. His responsibilities, like those of any other pnblio man, remain, although ho ia no longer alive to hear them. So will they always do, even after those who shared them and are still alive and present in the flesh havo also departed, as well as the race of contemporary critics. Passing on in review of his great speech, wo. would beg Sir Robert Stout to let the dead past bury its dead in a sense different from tho point at issue between Mr. Dcibie and himself. Laat night, with a fatally strong memory, ho in. sisted on carrying us baok to the very dawn of modern Liberalism in the history of New Zealand Ministries, and tracing and explaining tho several deficits whioh since 1878 have by the malignity of Fortune hitherto attended the offorts of all Liberal Treasurers. .Really the House and the country have had more than enough of this ancient history. We do not think even Sir Rob bet Si out Dan extraob any novel lessons— from it to enlighten the future, or. prove either a warning or a. guide. It may please Sir Robert Stout to fight bis battles over again on the Parliamentary stage, but it would be far more profitable if he were to devote his abilities and his energies to the present and the future, inbtoad of revelling in tbo past. When he did descend to practical politics his remarks were not altogether appreciative of the policy which Ministers have plaoed before the oonntry. For instance, the member for Inongahna unequivocally expressed his dissent from the Graduated Tax, whioh is not merely a financial detail, but a fundamental principle, on other than financial grounds, of the Ministerial polioy. He also strongly ob jaoted to the remission of the tax on improvements — the proposal for whioh Ministers seek most oredit from the country, and whioh they parade as tho orux of their Liberalism. In advocating a, Sinking Fund provision for the Public Debt, Sir Robert Stout, we think, showed

himself not qnito up to date in the approved principles of modern fiiinneo. He failed, moicovcr, to e\pu*rH hie opinion oh to tbo Miiii.itoiial pohev of increasing tho l'Qblio Debt by the absorption m aid of rovenuo of largo accretions of Sinking Fund, although the course of his speech afforded several convenient opportunities for referring x> this point. Sir .Robert Stout's forte, however, is not finance, and the parts of his speech which ho devoted to this snbject were tho weakest of nil. His deep regrets for tho perpotu-il W«o must havo provod as conR0I111? to Mr Kor,LESTON U3 accusatory to Mr. M'Kks/ik, wlulo his unequivocal condemnation of 1 ho oloriml least) must certainly havo been ungrateful to tho ears of tho Minister for Lauds Sir Robert Stout's peroration on individualism and the functions of tho Stato was vary fine in its way. It would hivo been worthy of all praise on the public platform, or admirable in a magazine article, but it was out of place in the disonseion of practical politics by Parliament, and was a long way over tho heads of most of those to whom it was addressed. But oven hero Sir Robert Stout, with iconoclastic zeal, set himself to work to destroy one of tho idols of tho Ministerial polioy. Does he not know with whatevidont gustatory enjoyment each occupant of the Treasury Benches dwells on tho term " solf-relianco," however little they understand its trne moaning? Sir Robert Stout's desired obliteration of individualism by expansion of the functions of tho Stato would neoes3arily prove fatal to self-reliance, as well as to other demonstrations and assertions of self, unless, indocd, bis social revolution Bhould go so far that each individual might, liko still another Frenchman, prondly flatter himself with the boast, " I am tho Stato." This possibility opens np such a vast field for speculation that we must quit the subject with Taut another word of corcjial welcome to Sir Robert ctout on his reappearance on the political stage in a leading part.

Last night was a kind of "(show" night in tho House of Representatives. Had the galleries been filled with the most refinod and oritijal audience the Empire could furnisb, no New Zealander would havo had reason to feel ashamed at aught that audience would havo seen or heard. Tho speeches of Sir Robert Stout and of Cantain Russoll would Imvo satisfied tho most oritical, and the verdict on the spocimen would havo been that tho New Zealand Legislature waa composed of material of a very high stamp indeed, and snch a verdict would have boen justified by tho evidence before the critics, although unhappily tho bulk falls far short of the high standard of last night's sample Captain .Russell is not an orator, as Sir Robert Stout is, but lie is more than merely a good speaker, and, divested of oratorical ornamentation, the solid foundation of Captain Russell's speeches was at least equal in quality to that of Sir Hobort Stout's, or any other political deliverances such as no are wont to hear in the House. Captain Russell invariably speaks good, sound, honest common sense. He thoroughly means what bo says, and always says what ho means, in a clear, forcible, logical, and gentlemanly manner His spcDeh last night was au excellent one, both in matter and manner. It was no slight tost of both that it was delivered to a Houso in which tho cultured tones of Sir Robert Stout wero still echoing; but yet Captain Russell did not at all suffer by the comparison. Wo aro not sure that he did not really pain, for the effi'ct of his earnest and simple words was to impress tho roflectivo and practical mind perhaps more dpeply than the raoro abstruse theories which Sir Robert Stout clothed in language of more studied oloquence. The two speeches were a credit to tho Legislature and tho colony, as well as to the members who delivered them. Mr. Dutbio is not an orator. Ho is not even a good speaker, although lie is improving in his delivery. fio, howoYor, never speaks at random, or for the mero sake of hearing his own yoioo. If it is not a more pleasant voice to his own ears than to those of others, ire can scarcely wonder at tbid, for the greatest flatterer would soarcoly pronounce his tones to be musical Mr. Duthi*, howovor, always has something to say which is worth hearing by those who can appreciate sound common senßO and good practical judgment, even if not clothed in honeyed accents. Thoro was a great deal of suggestive matter in what Mr. Duthie said yesterday — matter which demands enquiry, and suggests reflection. It was a plain practical speech by a man admittedly looking at the situation from a Party point of view, but quito awaro of the folly of making or implying statements or accusasations which wero not susceptible of proof. It was Mr. Duthiffs solf-imposed duty to search out ths weak sp -ta in tho Ministerial policy and administration, and this ho did very "effectually and effeo'ivoly. Tho Minister of Education is nothing if not smart. Ho is sometimes in suoh a hurry to bo smart that bo leaves himself open to crushing retort. Last night Captain Russell was in gracoful torms referring to tho now Minislor, Mr. Montgomery, as a representative of Liberalism as it was formerly understood. Instoad of letting tho complimont pass, Mr. Koovc3 sailed tho opportunity to be smart by assuring Captain Russell that bis new colleague's Liberalism was quito up to date. The retort Is obvious. When good old legitimate and standard plays are brought up to <Hto thny *ira iuvari-ibly burlesqued. If Mr. Montgomery, good, sturdy old Libeial as ho is, were to array himself in the motley Liberalism which Mr. Reeves disports in. there wonld bo an exhibition of more genuine burlesque than any with which Mr. Lonnen recently favoured us. We decline to believe that Mr. Montgomery could descend to tho lovel of Mr. Keeves, in Liberalism or anything else. Mr. Montgomery represents tho bost traditions of the old school of politics ; Mr. Reeves embodies tho worst features of tho present degenorate school. We fear that Mr. Jackson Palmer's rccont unpleasant experience in the Government Building 3 disordered something moro than his attire. His ideas on tho subject of English composition appear to havo become somewhat mixed, if wo may judge from tho questions he has put on tho Order Paper. Two of these questions commenco with a proposition "that considering" something or othor, "will tho Government" do something elso? We should also like to know how farmers can "receive" a loss, whether from the depredations of pheasants or tho vagaries of politicians. Tho latter aro sometimes received ungraciously. Mr. E. M. Smith is eicroised in mind on the aubjoct of the unemployed- not tho vulgar unemployed who want pay although not anxiouß for work, but tho superior Legislative unemployed, who are paid withont being supplied with work. He wants all tho Local Bills now on the Order Paper of tbo Houso of Representatives to be sent by some magical process of transport to tho Legislative Council in a batch, so as to provide the honourable gontlemon of tbo Conncil with something to do. Mr. Smith has ovidontly been studying Dr. Watts, and fears for their moral welfare if left with idle hands. Cbristchurch Truth is soraewhttt abroad in reference to tho Criminal Codo Bill. In tho first place, it attributes tho authorship to Sir Patrick Buotlov. This is inoorrect. The Bill was originally drafted and introduced by tho Hon. My. Tole when AttorneyGenoral, and i. is closely founded on the Criminal Codo Bill drafted at Homo by that eminent jurist, Sir Fitzjamos Stephen. Truth denounces tbo measure as monstrous, inhuman, and only fitted to a nation of slaves in tho punishments it decreos for various offences. Ai a matter of fact, the Bill only proposes to codify and consolidate tho law as it stands in regard to tho puniskment of offences. Wo boliovo wo tiro correct in saving that no new or inoroased punishment is provided for, althcugh in certain cases the legal puiitahnients for offences havo been reduced and modified. The Bill rather tompers the present law with moroy than increases its severity, and, as wo pointed out a few days ago, ie possesses the great merit of providing for the constitution of a Court of Criminal Appeal.

Yesterday's Parliamentary proceedings aro roported on tho fourth page. On Wednesday afternoons, when ao many places of business are closed, the postmen find considerable) difficulty in discovering a safo place wheroin to deposit letters for many of tho holiday-makers. Comparatively' few of the closed premises have lottor-boxea or slots, and it is, we believe, contrary to the rcgnlationH for postmen to push letters nnder the door, whioh is often the only appiront way of disposing of them. Shopkeepers, therefore, who- keep holiday when the postmen are at work, should make somo provision for receiving their letters on delivery. Miss Ellen Gallagher, who has been left a legacy of .£25 by the late Sir W. Fox for her faithful services as nurse, is a resident of Wellington. When the deceased gontlcman was in this city about three months ago ho was seized with illness, and was nnraed by Miss Gallagher at tho residence of Sir. E. B. Browne, bir William, before rstnrning to Auckland, expressed to her his gratitude for tho way in whioh she had attended him, and before bo died he altered his will so as to provide that she should receive a small sum of money as a recognition of her services. "F.S.P." writes oalling the attention of th» City Council to the particularly muddy state of the crossing at the corner of Taralinki dud Arthur street?, where there is a heavy through traffic An example has been made of the foot, balltr who caused the fracat at the close of the match between Poneke and Fetone Clubs last Saturday. The ciroumstances woro investigated by the Managing Committee of the Bngby Union last night, and it was deoided to suspend, for the remainder of the season, Haggor, of tho Fetone Club, who strnck the lino umpire (Mr. W. Hare). Tho Committee also resolved to request the Poneke Club not to appoint Mr Hare to the position again. The action of the Committee will, we feel sure, meet with gonorftl approval, and it is to bo hoped that equally prompt steps will be token in the case of any farther ebullition of feeling. David M'Donald, a young man with several alia*es, who enjoys tho reputation of being an old thief, was brought before Mr. Martin, R.M., in the Magistrate's Court to-day, charged with having broken into the National Hotel last night. About 8 o'olock Mrs. White, wifo of the licensee, heard a noise in one of the bedrooms on the ground-floor, and on entering blio saw the legs of a man disappearing under the bed. There was a light in her own bedroom, which was adjoining, and the window of that room had been'raised the screamed, and ran out of the room. A lodger saw the prisoner run through the hotel passage, and scale the baok gate He was then, captured and given into custody. Mr. white's oosh-bof, containing a sum of money, was in the room adjoining that in whioh the man was first seen, and the contents of a trunk were strewn abont the room. Prisoner elected to give evidence on his own behalf. He said he wot not in the room, but only in tho passage of the hotel, and was drunk at the time. He did not know why he ran away and got over the fence. Prisoner was committed for trial, bail being allowed in two sureties of JE2S each,'

An attempt was made a fow nights ago to burgle the premises of Mr. M. Traooy, bootmaker, Willis-stfoot. A man triod to get up to tlio top window by climbing on to a meatsafe whioh was sending at the rear of the noxt shop. Some spouting whioh he was holding on to gave way, and he fell, bringing the safe with him. Tho inmates were aroused by the noise, bnt the man had made himself Eearoe boforo they were able to get ont. Captain Moffatt, formerly of the s.s Maori, is now in command of the Pakeha, which arrived nt Port Chalmers from London yostcrd.iy afternoon. Captain Scotland is expected to luivo command of the Shaw, Savill .nd Albion Company's new cargo steamer Toihoka, 5500 tons, which leaves London for tho colony abonfc Ootober. 4 Application waß made to tho Patent Officer yesterday by Messrs. YV. E. Haseldcn and 11. Hall, o* behalf of Mr. J. Oaborno, of Canterbury, for leave to amend a specification to an application for improvements to clovercleaning machinery. Mr. W. Hnghes opposed on behalf of Mr. Greonslade, of Canterbury. The amendment was allowed. Mr. Hughes has given notice of appeal. On Monday afternoon tho till of tho White Horse Hotel, Ngahauranga, was robbed, during the absenco of Mr. vi oddington, the licensee, in another part of the hon'.e. Over j£s was stolen. Tho not proceeds of the tableaux vivanli entertainment in aid of St. Mary's Infant School Building, amounted to exactly .£OO. Tho further examination of Thos Roulston, commercial travollor, at prosent a storekeeper in Feathoi-3ton, in relation to his business transaction* with Newton Fairs, Hawora, a bankrupt, was resumod yesterday, before Mr t Martin, R.M. Mr. Deviuo appeared for Mr. ltoulston, and Mr. Young for tho Official Assignee. Witness said that abont two \ ears ajro lie mot Fairs in Wellington and asked him for an 1.0.TJ. for JB2O duo to him for money advanced to pay for the Blenheim business bought from Mr. Ponny. Wilnoss obtained the 1.0.U.. but this was subsequently destroyed, and ho received an I O U. for JESO about two months ago for other advances made. no never received a cent from fairs at any time in liquidation of this amount, and Fairs' statement to tho contrary was inoorroot. Fairs, before filing, said ho would pay witnoss overy ponny he owed him. Fairs also said the 1.0.TJ. could always bo ronowed. Witnoss had proved his debt against tho estate without having had any conversation with the debtor oii tho subjoct. Fairs know nothing of witness' intention to prove in tho estate, nor had tho debtor ever suggested that witneFß should provo his debt. Roplying to Mr. Dovine, witness stated ho did not prove his debt at tho private mooting of creditors because Fairs told him ho would bo all right with tho 1.0.TJ. The evidence will bo forwarded to Hawora. A long sorvioo medal is to be presented to Chief P.O. Armstrong of tho Wellington N.tvals at tho next parade of that company. The ruustor of the corps hißt night was a very good one, 66 being present. Lieut.Commander Duncan was in command, and Lieuts. Bell and Humo were also present. Tho mon were inspected by Lieut.-Colonel Newall, and wore afterwards put through manual firing and sword-bayonet exorcises by Leading Seamen Moore, Carmichacl, and Qell. Sorgt. -Major Finn also gavo them musketry drill and physical exeroiies. Tho annual mooting is to bo held on Wednesday, Oth August. In the Magistrate's Court, before Mr. Martin, H.M., to-day, two sailors named Thomas Tully and Charles Wood, for having broken a larpo window in the Duko of Edinburgh Hotel, were fined 5s each, and ordered to pay 20s each for the damage, or go to gaol for ftvo days. Tully had also bi>en dmnk and disorderly, for whioh ho was lined 10*!, or -IS hours' imprisonment. One first offender was punished for drunkenness. Walter George Curtis wa9 fined ss, together with lls damages, for having broken a window in tho house of Eliza Bubear, or in default four days' imprisonment. Tho Uev. Father Dawsf n is endoayonring to raiso sufficient funds for tho erection of a suitable building in tho place of tho ramshackle wooden strnotnre which lias so long done duty as an infant school in connection with tho local convent. An ontertainmont U to be given at tho Drillshcd on tho Ist pros. At a meeting held last night committees were chosen to make tho necessary arrangements, Mr E. L. Burnes being appointed scorotary and Mr. J. O'Meara treasurer. Father Patterson, of Palmoraton North, lias lent a sot of silver tabular church bells, imported for use in tho belfry of his Church, and also a large phonograph. A capital programme is boing arranged, and will appear in Saturday's papers. The annual moetmg of St. Paul's parishioners will bo held this evoning in the Paioahinl Koom, Tinaltori - road. In the annual report, the vostry states that, owing to tho increased assessment of .6100 to tho General Chnrch Fund, tho heavy expenditure for repairs, and tbo balance due on the Organ Fund for alterations, they are not in a position to show a credit balaoco for the year. Tho debit balance amounts to -£2!1 15s lid, which, however, tho peat-rents unpaid to tho end of tho year w ill bo sufficient to cover. Tho receipts fov tho yoat amounted to JH3SS Ids 4d, including .£7(l 2s 3d balauco brought forward from last year. The expenditure was .£1415 15s 3d. A bequest of .£lOO, left by tho late Mr. G. P. Clapham, has boon received from Mr. G. J. Clapham, trustee, and has been übod for the purpose of reducing tho debt or the churchroom. From tho same estate £50 has beon received and devoted to tho benefit of the schools. Tho sum of .£2OO has also boen received from Messrs. W. H. Levin and J. H. Bethunc, the trustees of tho estate oi the lato Miss Lewis, which has been invested for tho benefit of St. Paul's Church. Tho vestry thanka a member of the Church for defraying the cost of completing the organcase and decorating tho pipes. The report oiprcB6C3 thanks to tho choir for its services, and to the Rev. Messrs. Sprott and Tisdall for their successful exertions in connection with the establishment of a Boys' Club in tho parish. The Treasurer of tho Convalescent Home acknowledges the following additional subscriptions and donations : — Mr. I). M'Lean (Hawke's Bay), £20; Mr. Shoriff (interest on fund), .£5 ss ; Mrs. T. C. Williams and Mr. E. B. Brown, .£3 3s each ; Miss Duthio, £i 2s ; A Friend, £2 ; Mosdames Komber, M'Kelvie, G. Hutchison, Crawford, and A Friond, .£1 Is each ; Mesdames Beotham, Paul Hunter, and D. T. Stuart, .£1 each ; Mr. Tisdale, 10s Gdj Mr. Ferriss, 3s; A Friend, ss ; per Mrs. Friond, 7s (id ; per Mrs. Janisoh, Mi 4s. Tho Bovontli annual report ,of the Directors of the Wellington Bu;lding and Lnvestmont Company (Limited), to bo submitted at the meeting to be bold in the Chamber oi Commerce Hall on the 28th inst,, shows that the net profit on the year's business, including £328 7s lid bronght forward from last year, amonnts to .£2702 Is lid. An interim dividend of 4 per cent was declared and paid in January, and it is now proposed to pay a further dividend of 5 por cent, (making 9 per cent, for the year) j this will absorb .£1732 10s, lcaviug o balance of X3G9 lie lid. Of this amount of i9fl» 11s lid it is recommended that £750 bo carried to reserve fund (which will thou stand at .£37oO) ; and that the balance, £219 11b lid, be carried forwaid to tho onsuing year's profit and loss account. An amount of .£l7l Its 2d lias been written off securities, which tho Directors think is ample provision foi any possible loss. The business of tho company during tho year has been both sound and satisfactory Tho slight falling off in the amount is to bo attributed, not to the want of opportunity, but to selection by the Directors. Tho conditions which involve a country in- serious financiul trouble are happily absent in Now Zealand afFah-B Values have been normal for years, speculation in real ostato having beon non-existent sinoe 1879. This being admitted, tho Directors have none the lesa realisod that the utmost vigilanoa and prudenoe was required of them in conduoting the business of the company. Messrs. J. Barry and P. Ooffey are the Directors who retire from the Eoara, in accordance with tho articles of association, and, being eligible, offer themselves for re-election. The Auditors, Messrs. D T. Stuart and John Scott, offer themselves for ro-eleoiion. There was insufficient seating-room at the Skating Eirjk last night for the usual Wednesday Popuhir Conoort, tho olocutionary contest announced for the sooond part of the programme no donbt proving the attraction. Tho cbiof fault to be found with tlio ontortainmont was its length. Tho ahsnrdity of trying to work off 23 items ia the space of two hours ought to have boen apparent to the management boforohand The recitations werj much too long, tho majority of tho competitors seeming to be under the impreseion that quantity was the main point. 'J hoy should have boen limited to a certain number of lines. In eonsequonoo of this oversight it was after 11 o'olook when the judge guvo his decision. In the concert, Mr. Walter Robarts, who is passing through Wellington on his way to Ameriot, oarrioa off tho palm. He has a pleasant baritone voice, not strong, but very masio&l, and he reoeived an encore for both of his Rejections, " Plymouth Sound " and " Soldier Jim." The remaining items were songs' by Misß Annie Curtice, Mr. E. J. Hill, and Mr. Arthur Glyn (oomio), a well - executed instrumental qnartet by four members of tho Garrison 3and, and some selections by Jupp's Band. Miss A. Little was the accompanist. There were 15 competitors, inoluding two ladles, in tho olooutionary content, which occupied two hours, and the award made by the judge. Mr. A. S. Paterson, was as follows : — Mr. J. Sheridan, " Christmas in the Workhonso," 55 points, 1 ; Miss M. JCendall, • Nothing to Wear," 52 points. 2 j Mr. W. H. Pasooe, "The Charge of the: Light Brigade," 51 points, 3. The decision, although it may have been oorreot aooording to elocutionary laws, was pot altogether j popular with the audienoe, some of whom, i by tho way, showed exceedingly bad taste in laughing aloud and making absurd interjections while some of the more pathetic recitations were being given. A comio singing contest is announced for next week The first popular conoort under tho auspices of the Petone Orohostral Society attracted a large audience at the local Oddfellows' Hall last evening, and proved most anooessful. The programme oomprised two selections by tho Orchestral Society, "Sultan" and '• Colleen Bawn," Mr. P. J. Parson oondnoting ; songs by Miss Parsons and Messrs. T. M. Wilford, G. Parsons, and E. J. Gormley ; a vooal duet by Miss Parsons and Mr. P. J. Parson, and a pianoforte solo by Miss Hamilton. All the itemi were well received, the performers being warmly applauded. Tho -accompaniments were efficiently played by Mist Hamilton and Mr. Wilford. It (s tho intention of (he promoters to hold a series of oonoerts, and judging from- tho manner in whioh last night's was patronised, they should prove a financial Buooeag. The mission of the Helping Hand Evangelists, in the Hunter-street HallJ oontinues to be very successful.' To-night a praise meeting will be held, and to-morrow evening the Evangelists will 'giro their popular lantern-lecture on " Sooial and Rescue Work in Auckland."

Tho Union Steam Ship Company's s.s. Flora, which is to relieve tho Ponguin for two months while the latter vessel is undergoing overhaul and receiving extensive additions to her passenger accommodation, left Sidney on Sunday last for Port Chalmers nnd Lyttelton. The Flora has traded for some years between Sydnoy, Hobart, and the north-west coast of Tasmania, bnt, owing to the unusual slackness of trade on tho Australian side, rlio is not now required there. She will carry abont 1000 tons of cargo, and lias accommodation for 75 ' saloon and 50 ptoorage passengers. Ecinsr considerably larger than the Penguin, she will bo unable to enter Nol3on Harbour. It is, therefore, proposed that tho Flora shall rnn weekly trips betweon Dnnodin, r.yttolton, and Wellington, leaving Dunedin onch Monday and Wellington each Thursday. Under these oircumstanccs the Ivotoriui will not go further south than Lytlelton, but will run between Lyttolton, Wellington, and Nelson, thus keoping up the connection between Wellington and Nelson which the fen; uin has been maintaining. Tho Ladies' Christian Association thanks Mrs. W. It. Williams for her kind proscnt of a tou of coal for distribution. The Committee of the Port Nicholson Yacht Club mot at tho Empire Hotel last evening, there being present Messrs. Martin Chapman (Roar-Coinmodoro, in the chair), G. Moo, 11. Laing (Trea»urer), A. S. Bias, J. It. Gibbous, an<l A. H. Dean. Tho regatta balance-sheet, duly audited by Messrs. W. K. Simons and W. H. Morrah, was presented and adopted. Tho receipts amounted to ■£311-, tho biUanco now in hand being nearly .£2O. Tho Treasurer roported that the credit balance on the club account was nearly -C3O. It was announced that the three Ms had won tho handicap races, viz., Maritana, Mr. O. Moo (first class) ; Mahina, Dr. Foil (second class) ; and May, Mr. J. G. Holdsworth (third claßd), and payment of tho respectivo prizes — £5, £4, and £3 (also D.l.C.'s trophy)— waR authorisfed. The announcement was made that Mr. U. Rawson's Girola hud won tho Doivnos Challenge Cup for tho season, and that the Ladies' Cnp had been won outright by Mr T. G. Osborno's I sea It was decided to abandon tho idoa of holding a social gathering. Tho committee was notified, that it would be necessary at an early date to appoint another Secretary, Mr. A. G. Johnson, who had discharged tho duties with great credit to himsolf for tho last throe years, being unable, owing to pressure of other uork, to fill the position any longer. After passing some accounts tho meeting terminated. The sale of Tustin Bros.' stook-in-lrado (1163 lots) by George Thomas * Co resulted in a gross realisation of £103 sterling. Wo understand that the highest tender received for tho fiamo stock was £501 12s Cd. Tho case of J. Doyle (Corporation Inspector) v. Kd wards aud Palmer, contvaotora for tho erection of a building on the Reclaimed Land for Messrs. Slmrland &Co., hoard by Mr. Martin, R.M , yesterday afternoon, affords an interesting illustration of the effect of enforcing tho Corporation Building By-law 35.*4 The complaint was that "footings" on tha extension of the east and wo t walla had not been built in with the foundations in accordance with the building regulations. Mr. T. F. Martin, City Solioitor, appeared for the Corporation, and Mr. Brown for tho defendants. The breach of the by-law was not denied, and it was admitted by tho plaintiff's solicitor that tho regulations had since been complied with. It was shown during the hearing of tho caso that if the by-law was strictly enforced there would be a space of about two feet between all buildings in a street, except in capos whore adjoining owners agreed in building a party wall. His Worship said that under the peculiar circumstances of the caso he would mcroly impose a nominal penalty of Is, with 7s costs, and 2lb solicitor's fpo 'I ho Government Insurance Department move 3 iuto tho new wings of its building at tha end of tho month. Those of onr readers who feel an interest in tho Convalescent Home movement will be pleased to learn that the Trustees have now in hand a sum of .£lOOB 0a lOd, mado up as follows :— .£216 13s 3d from last year's ball ; •£513 63 7d from tho gift auction ; .£248 Is Od from subscriptions. The expenies of tho recent bazaar, owing to the liberality and energy of tho friends of tho movomont, amounted to only .£23 4s. Mrs. Newman has boen clcoted Chairman of tho Trustees. Miss Johnston Treasurer, and Mrs. Maxwell f- ecretary. Tho Trustees desire to acknowledge the great kindness and assistances the committee received from varions donors in the town and country, the press, Minifio's and Jupp's band 3, th« manager Tramway Company, tho railways, and otherfriends who assisted. It has beon decided to make immediate application to the Government for tho subsidy, and to take steps to select a snitable site, whereon to erect a building. Tho Trustees hope at an early date to be nblo to report to the subscribers on tha selection of a cite. Tho Appletons, who are well known from end to end of the colony, aro contemplating a theatrical tour through Now Zealand shortly, in conjunction with Mr. R. E. luman, another popular aotor. Tho company, which will be a strong ono. will proilnco a number of comedies and spectacular dramas new to the colony, inclnding " The Strategist," " Wrecked " (adapted from Tennyson's " Enoch Ardon "), &c. Mr. James Pyke, who was born at the Hntt 27 years ago, died in Palmerston North from inflammation of the lungs a few days ago. It will bo noticed by an advertisement in another column that P. White challenges Bowen or any other man to another 24 hours' walkiug match. Tho first of a series of social gatherings in connection with the Wellington Navals is to be held on Wodndsday, the 16th proximo. A cheap sale of furniture in tno assiened estate of Murliu Eller. 55, Wtllis-ilreof, is advertised, and inspection is invited of the barftuim offered. Francis Sidejr & Co. will soil to-inorroir, furuitme, *c. W. F. Shout will sell to-morrow, furniture, &c. A. J. Beid will sell to-morrow, dr.ijjeiy, *c.

Ouk great salvage sale at Te Aro House baa earned for itself a name for tbo genuine quality and extraordinary choapnoss of the lota offered. It has been " the talk of the city," and people have found that tbey have bought " the best good* in the belt market, and at the lowest prices." Nothing baa ever yet surpassed or over equalled it in Wellington. We bare received tbrco separate shipments for the salvage sale, and each has been proliGo of wonderful and welcome bargains. We have still large supplies on band, and are for this week bringing forward fresh lots. Theso will bo fully, equal in quality and cheapness tp anything as yet offered. Tiie're will during this week be wonderful opportunities for all classes of customers, bnt more especially would wg urge an early visit from thrifty housok'eopera "and those I with limited 'means. To them one advice is — Buy all you want now. It is not often that suoh a salvage sale ooonrs. Do not miss its advantages. A little cash will go a long way. Ten shillings or a pound note will purchase a parcel worth throe times the money. Lose no time, therefore, in visiting the salvage sale this week at To Aro Uouso. — Advt. IIEBBHB WIMCINS & FIELD haVO JUBt roceived another largo shipment of the sixpence Poolcet Magic Banks for whioh there was such a run a few months sinco. Theso banks' hold one pound in sixpences, and oanDot bo opened until the fortieth sixpenco is put in wnen it comes apart by means of a spring on the bottom. When the 'bank is empty the bottom is put on by means of the same spring, and the banks are then ready for reul'ing. By this it will be seen there is no chance of spending the money until one pound has been saved up. The price is ninepence each.— Advt. Don't Lose Hbakt.— We may still enjoy our breakfast by providing onrsolvea with the finest mild cured Canterbury baoon and hams from Wardell Broß. & Co. — a luxury never to be forgotten. The following also are seasonable; — Seleoted dates, fid perlb; cooking figs, fld per 1b j prunes, lOd per lb j finest mild Akaroa choose, 5d per lb. — Adtt.