Evening Post. TUESDAY, JULY 25, 1893. THE PREMIER AT DAY.

Evening Post, Volume XLVI, Issue 21, 25 July 1893, Page 2

Evening Post. TUESDAY, JULY 25, 1893. THE PREMIER AT DAY.

♦ The reoont Conference of Railway Employes deserves more than a passing notice. It was convened for a purpose which should command general approval and snpport. It would doubtless have leceived both from the Government had it not boon for the strained relations exUtiug between the Premier and tne luiilway Commissioners. The latter lia-vo prepared a Bill providing for retiring allowances, sick pay, and insurance (both accident and life) for tho oxtonsivo body of men under their control. This measure has been most carefully workod out, and as the system it proposes to establish will be entirely of a voluntary character, the Commissioners wished it to bo thoroughly discussed by those it. would affect before Roiug with it to Parliament. The railway employes, concurring iv this desire, proposed to arrange a conference of delegates, and the Commissioners concurred. The delegates were elected in a manner to onßure their possessing a thoroughly representative character. They, in faot, fairly represented all grades and classes of the railway service, and the orderly, businesslike, and intelligent manner in which they conducted their proceedings during the late meeting was deserving of tho highest praise, and set an example which might with groat public advantage be followed by more protections representative assemblies. Several modifications having been made in the measure and concurred in by the Commissioners, subject, of course, to actuarial verification, the Chief Commissioner and delegates proceeded to interview tho Premier to ask tho Government to assist their efforts to render their branch of the Public Service in the very best sense of tho word self-reliant. To the head of a democratic] Administration who has himself been a railway operative, tho delegates were entitled to look for tho warmest sympathy and the most gonerons encouragement. IC they expected either they must hnvo been grievously disappointed. Mr. Seddok s tono was antagonistic from the first. He bristled with points of objection like an angry hedgehog. Hn tried to be dignified, diplomatic, and cautious, but he did not succeed. It was evident from the first words he uttored that the railway men had committed an unpardonable sin in for a moment ontertaiuing any scheme emanating from tho Commissioners, and that Mr. Seddon was determined to thwart and defeat any such sohemo. Ho raised the most puerile and ludicrous objections. His objection to I'ublio Sorvants meeting during the Parliamentary sossion to oonf<ider or promote legislation affecting their interests was far-fetohed in the extreme. It oame with especially bad graoo from Mr. Seddon, when the circumstances attending the general Labour Conference, at the time of the great strike a few years ago, are recalled. It was particularly absurd from tho head of a Ministry two members of which have recently accepted with apparent pride and flattered satisfaction testimonials from a Government emnloyo who represents another trado organisation, most of the members of whioh are in the Government Service Then Mr. Seddon attempted to call in question tho representative character of tho delegates to the Conference, bnt tho vindication was too straightforward and complete to render further contention possible. Mr. Seddon next insinuated that the Conference was a " put-up thing " by the Commissioners, and again he was bowled out, for the suggestion oame from the Dunodin section. Mr. Seddon tried to take np the broadly statesmanlike role, in refusing to recognise a distinction between tho Railway Department and other branches of tho Public Servioe. He was immediately cleverly Hansardised, and his objections were effectively and effeotnally answered in his own words and by his own argumonts. Ho attempted to shelter himself behind the Friendly Societies, and was at onoe met by a practical reply from an officer of great experience in such sooieties. He Bought refuge in the Bailwoy Servants' Union, but was confronted by a delegate who was a member of that Union. His professed oaro

or the 'loveniinciit and other Insurance 'otitjmiK s uiis pliou tt to bo entile]}' nnicwwuy, .md »ln i n nt l.i-t he thought lio •aw an opportunity of scoring by reliomontly Aieeting on tho part of tbo poor employe's to :hc piovision about increased benefits for increased contributions, ho was fairly knocked down by tho stato.nent that thu provision had been specially asked for by the very class of employe's on whoso behalf he proto=sed to object. In f«ct, Mr. Skddon was cornered at every point and lml to rotroat on the general linos of ciiiulLinvr his collongues, actuarial calculations being needed, thn duty of the Government to deal impartially with all branches of tlip Public Service, niid tbo amount ot pecuniary aid required from the Stato. With generalities ot thU kind ho bo«ed the delepates ont. It whs made perfectly evident throughout the piocecdinga that tho Sliuisterial objection to tho BLuemo proposed lies in its origin, not in its principle or details. The Government -would williugly bribe tho Kailway Sor\ ioo w ith even greater concessions than are zio;\ asked for, if they wero soufrutdircctly. and not through the (Jommissioneis. The Government evidently n islics the Scrvieo to understand thai loyalty to tho Commissioners is treason to it, and that nothing is to bo obtained from tho Government through their medium or interposition. This was tho obvious deduction to bo drawn from the Premier's manner and words yesterday. Iti impropriety mast bo manifest. The self-reliaut Government winch hungers for tho yationage of tho l'ailway Service will not permit the department to beooino self-reliant. That department must look to tho Government for support, instead of finding it in its own chiefs. Yesterday's proceedings embodied n paltry exhibition of political inennncss and something very like spite. Evidently tho Eailway Service lias nothing to expect fiom tha present Ministry or Premier unless its members are prepared to give in return tor what they may receive unstinted political support. Mo bettor cv. donee could be furnished of the Biidcfciriiblcnoj" of placing the railw ays under Ministerial control than has been afforded by Mr. Seddon in his treatment of tho Railway Insurance question and tho Conference upon it.

Tho J524 1 stakes which aro to bo lun for all over the colony in tlio coarso ot a fow moi'ttis aro likely to attract a very largo entry. Ihcro will bo very few walks-over, and in almost evoiy inbtanee a large field will start. Tho number of people who would like i! 210 a year for three months' work is, of course, very large, and is not likely to be reduced by any self-entertained doubts as to perfect ability to perform tho duties required. The colony will probably be astonUhcd to learn what a vast nnmbor of men it possesses who deem themselves admirably qimlifioil to fill a legislative position at tho price. Of course this payment of members is one of the great planks of Colonial Liberalism, but its effects aro likely to prove pomowhat embarrassing to the Party leading and wire-pullers. It » ill be l-Linombered that at a comparatively recent election it was Hi 1 down a-« the duty of a Rood Liberal to vole fov "a broomstick or a Chiuamuii " if tho Ministry desired support of that kind. The salary of £210 a jear attached to a seat is, however, likely to disturb the passive obedience of the l'arty iv many directions. The choice of candidates will "not he left altogether to Minister*, nor will every Liberal deem it incumbent on him to subordinate bib ow n aspirations or dpxiros to the will of the Ministry. Tho old Liboiol axiom that ono man is as good an another will probably assort itself iv many and unexpected directions, and the one man, or the ■nun; men who think they would do creditio the position, and arc hiiro that the .£2lO would inereaso thoir own credit, will not consent to self-effacement iv favour of ony Ministerial nominee AVo theroforo expect to see a very largo entry of Independent Liberals for the Parliamentary Stakes. It would bo difficult to imagine anything moro paltry than tho conduct of tho new Legislative Councillors in going crying to tho Ministry to complain that the Kiilway Commissioners have only gi\ en them httlo leather booklets instead of pretty gold trinkets — unless, indeed, it be the conduct of tho Government in listening to tho complaint, and ordering the Commissioners to give the " Honourablos " tho toy. Tbo Commissioners advanced very good ieaEons for substituting leather passes for pold discs, but of course the grievance was ono of sentiment, not of reason, on the pait of tho new members, 'llio privilcgo of freo passage on tho railways would be deprived of moio than half its value if theso gentlemen were ohliircd to fumble in their pockets to take out their passes tor inspection by an iiiqui=itivo guard, instead of bring able to point in a lordly manner to the tiiuket dangling trom their watch-chain, and so impressing all their fellow-passengers with a becoming son*e of deference arising from a knowlcdgo of thoir being real live members of Parliament. Tho Commissioners would act wisely if, ou the dissolution ot tho profionl Parliament, they would call in all the gold pisses at present iesued, and substitute leather tickets for them in all oases to tho members of the new House, as well as to all members of tho Council. Tho Minister fur Labour unJ Kdueation must bo accumulating a vh.y interesting collection of testimonial', which in multitude and variety will foon ii»".il the collections of the most rei owned patent medicine vendor.s or travelling quacks. Tho Typogranhical Society Prccident s testimonial to tho Ministerial Manager is now supplemented by another equally valuable document, emanating from Mr. Kdcn George, the Major of Ohr Rtchureh, who has rnMied into print to defend the Miuioler from an expiession of concurrence by the Town Clerk of tho Cathedral City in thn scathing censure passed by Mi. H. D. 8011, Chairman of the Municipal Association, on tho Ministerial action. The condnet of Mr. George in disowning tho official communication from llio Town Clerk will be appreciated at its true valuo by thoso who understand the relations which exi^t between the .Mayor and the City Council and Municipal officers of Christchurch. Mr. Georp;e't> telegram is as characteristic of tho individual as is Mr. Hooves' publication the of communication. Ministers seem desirous of extending tho co-oporative bystem to other matters than public work-. Mr. Ward evinces a peculiar partiality for tbo principle. 'When he fought to bring about a reduction of eablo charges ho did it on this principle, inviting the cooperation of individual merchants by way of guarantee. Now ho wants tho Wellington City Council to co-operato with the Government in maintaining the Cook's Strait cable, and tho Duuodiu City Council to co-operate in making certain nccessruy alteration s in the local telephone system. These special developments of tho co-operafivo system may bo in accordance with tho Ministerial ideas roga-ding a self-reliant policy, but wo do not admire the principle of i dying on local Corporations to carry out what are the proper functions of tho Government.

Two coiumus ot reading-matter — including our reports of the meeting of J. L. Jlorrison's creditors and of tlio presentation of prizes at the Technical School, and a Woodvino news lettor— will bo found on the fourth page. Mr. R. A. Butohor, of Foatherston, takes exception to our characterising the late mooting of Liberals in lhat town as a farce, and also dciiioa tlmt it was callod at tho request" of tho Preraior. Mr. Butcher should address bU complaints to tho local papers, tbe reports in which fully bore out our statement in regard to both points. Mr. Butcher adds that tbe 1(5 gentlemen invited by circular are v ell-known and highly reapeetod settlors, and included several prominent meinborn of tho late Sir. Henry Bunny's election uonnmttco. Wo do not wUh to contest tho statement iv any way, or to inko exception to the alleged object of tlm meotmgs convened by Jlr. Uutchcr to select one candidate from the several aspirants. The Hospital Trustees to-day, in conse(ineuco of the absence of tho Chairman, further postponed consideration of the question of tho lighting of tho new wing ot tho Hospital with electricity or c-is When tho subject was mentioned, ilr. Kobbell remarked that ho fully approved of tho operat-ing-room being provided with tho cleotri<; light and he was prcp.irod to go tho length of moving that the Trustees should obtain an estimate of the cost of providing the necessary apparatus, with n. view to the Trustees having their own olectrical plant. An impression provails that as tho salaries of head school teachers are based upon the attendances, (hu reduction in tho musters at tho various schools in oonsequonoo of the measles will considerably affect tho salaries of some of tho teachers. This is not tho case, tho Education lioird having decided, in tho event of the Government deciding to pay only by results, to make up whaforet doficipney there may bo. One wolMcuown iloinmie, who rule 3 a largo city school, ha 3 maintained the avorago p.ttoudtneo by personally canvaHeiug parents to tend their children to school. Yo3terday the Library Committee of tho City Council had personal interviews with four of _Jho five gpntlemen selected from the candidates for the Librarianfihip of tho Public ljibrnry. They are understood to have agreed upon a recommendation, which will bo submitted to a. special mooting of the City Council to be held on Monday evening. " Observer" writes to us from Charleston making serious complaints againct tho Public Trust Office for its neglect or delay in winding up certaiu intestate estates, especially those of W.Hill.butoher, Murphy, bootmakei, and Thos. Powell. Probably mention of tho complaint will he suflioiont, without going into tho details given by " Observer." Captain Groenstreot intends taking his steamer, the IMmutaka, throngk the Straits of Magellan on tho voyago Home, should the woather provo favourable. This route gives passengors an opportunity of seeing some mivgnificont scenery , at tho samo timo making a plcasnnt diversion in a long Boa-voyage. It is the intention of the Now Zealand Shipping Company to instruct tho ooinmanders of all tbeir passenger steamers to prooeed via tho Straits when practicable. 'I he Bimutaka was taken by this route on her hist trip Homo, and the passengers expressed themselrcs greatly pleased with whit tboy saw. Mr. J. F. Fitzgorald, of Wellington, acted as judge in the pigeon inatoh between Neloon pigeons on I'riday. Seven birds were liberated at Pictou, which is 40 miUs in a straight lino from Nelson, and Mr. R. P. GibboW Bell Buoy reached home in 05 miautes. The establishment of a dining-car in conneotion with the express service on tho filanawatu Railway has proved such a success that the company nave deoidod to plaoe a larger carriage on the line. Tho new ear, which will bo twioo as'long as tho ono now in nse, is being fitted up at the company's workshops, and will be placed on the line in about two months' time. The intcrnM arrangements are to be an improvement on those in the present oars. The passage is to be larger, and on one side a table will run the whole length of the car, while on the other side will be a number of small tables, as at present.

A short sitting of the Supremo Court was hp'd tliw morning, the Chief Justice presiding. In tlio case of J M. Cleland v. K. K. lddumuds and wife, a claim of lla (id in connection with a mortgage, judgment was given by eoiisent for .£lOO without coats. Mr. Dovino appoared for plaintiff, and Messrs. Lkorrett and Brandon for defendants. The case of James Gallagher v. Jos. Michael O'Connor, Elizabeth Gallagher, nnd others, a suit in connection with the adlmmstiation of the estate of Bernard Galligher, late of Grey town, was also culled on. A question of law was roferred to the Banco Comt, and the remaining portion ot the action was ailjonrncJ until the next sitting t.t trio Supreme Court. Mr. Doviue was lor Iho plaintiff, Mr. Gully being for the defendants. A resolution was passed by the Hospital Tiustoos at their meeting to-day condoling witli tho widow of the late Mr. Samuel Dunks, and logrotting his death. The Rpv. 11. Van Suiveien, in proposing the resolution, said that the late Mr. Dnnks was an old colfcague, having for a considerable number of yours boon an active and sorviceablo member of the Hospital Tru-tces. Mr. Willcston seconded tlio motion, and, with Mr. G. Allan, endorsed the sentiments osprcssed. A letter conveying tho Trustees' condolence was ordered to bo sent to Mrs. | Danks. Tho principal, business at the monthly mooting of the Collogo Governors • this morning was passing accounts amounting to about X'3";s. The mooting was attended by Messrs. J It. Blair (Chairman) and J. Young, fc-ir Jamo3 Hector, Dr. Henry, and I!ov. J. Pator^on. The follow ing- are tho successful tenderers for local supplies to tho Union Steam Shi,> Company's vessels for twelro months from ls^ August:— Meat, Gear Meat Company; bread, M'Kweu & Churchill; hams and bacon. Wellington Bacon Curing Compnny ; fish, Ku'gs ie Cross A correspondent writes to announco tho discovery of a five-leafed clover, and desires to know " tho meaning of it." Wo presume what is desired is any legendary or mystical meaning nUtoliod to tho five-loafed clover or shamrock. Perhaps some of our readers can inform ut> of its Mgnifiennoo, if it has any. Throe men, who happen to be known, wont into a leading hotel in tbo city the other day and asked for drinks on credit. They were refused, and in rovougo, übilo tha barmaid's back was turned, they deliberately dostrovod four chairs with their penknives, and then decamped . Tho landlord is now waiting for their return with a leg of one of tho chairs Mr. M"ludoe, mirsoryraan, of Epsom, Auckland, purposes sending down for Arbor Day, to bo planted on tho Esplanade, a con-s-ignment of hardy plants. Mr. Condon, of the Pier Hotel, has also given him an order for trees for Arbor Day purposes. As was stated in tho columns of tho Post last nook, in January of last year Mrs Crawford, landlady of tho Imperial Hotel, Cuba-street, missed a valuable clock from a sitting-room, and she did not soe it again till a few days ago, when she noticod it in tho parlour of Mr. P. Casey a publican at the Lower Hutt, who said ho had bought it for £1 from c, man named Ernest Gnndlath. This man was arrested yesterday by Detective Herbeit, and when brought before Mr. Mni'lin, K.M., this morning, ho pleaded Not Guilty. His Worship considered a prima facie case wai made out, and committed Gundlach for trial. B.ul was not asked for. A very heavy northerly galo etruck iho s.s. Wamui during the passage from West, port to Nelson. The vessel left Westport it 0.30 p.m. on fcaturday afternoon, and at midnight experienced tho full for"o of the pale. Sue was deeply laden, and the seas swept on board w-th terrific force. Fortnnatelv, beyond the cvnryingnway of a few minor portions of tho woodnroik, no damage was done. The yo=sel arrived off Xcleon on Sunday morning, but owing to thchea\y icarunirng E he was unable to cuter until yoatcrdn} morning. Captain Lambert was sci/.ed « it'll an attack, of plcnrisy nt Westpo.rt, ami consequently wns unable to give much attention to his duties. He in to remain behind next trip, and Captain Abraius, of tho Moa, will take temporary command of tho \pssel. Sir. Martin, R.M., had before him to day a caso involving tovoral charges of Sunday trading againstßenjammOxner. late lioonso'c of the Viclwii Hotel. Abel Smith-street, Inspector Ponder conducted tho prosecution, niid Mr. Skcrrett nppearod for tho defence. Iho lirst information heard was one fot having sold liquor early on Sunday morning, 2nd Jnly, to Lilian Leonard. Leonard - ovidenco was to the effect that she visited tho defendant's hon->c after 11 on Saturday night, Ist July, in company with a woman named Wilson and tiro or tlirco men. She aud tbo oth»rs had several drinks, botli before and after midnight, and they all lefl the hotol i( moro or less boo/.y " about 2a m on Sunday, tho 2ud July. Wilson was called blither memory pro-ed e\credin<?ly trencher ous as to nhother sho had had had nny dvinli on the morning in question. Tho dofendaut deposed ho was ill that night, and as then were a number of drunken people abonl he closed the hotel at seven minutes to 11 Daniel Buck lay, defendant's barman, sail hu returned to the hotel ut 11.15 p.m on thi night in qnostion. and recei\pd tho key ol tho bar from Mr. Oiner The bar was ulosei and the light was or.t. and tho only persor ia uny of the downstair rooms was a boaider 'I'M* witness declared bo did not seno anj drink after 11 p.m. that night, and ho was in boil before midnight. Uhe ovidoucc throughout was of a most contradictor) character. His Worship said ho wonld taki time to consider the evidence, and mcanwhih the other informations against tho defendant would he adjourned. Tho first session of tho Wellington Uiuor. Parliament was opened last night in Pt John's Schoolroom by his Womlup tlu Mayor, who noted as Governor. Thero wa' a large attendance, including a number oi ladies Tho Union is formed of delegates elected by tho 1 -o\eral debating and literarj societies in and around Wellington, and is intended to strengthen tbo societies fron which it is formed, and to encourage in it ! members the habits of Parliamentary do bate. In his ope ling speech, his Worshiy pointed out how tho Parliament might be put to good Eorvioo by encouraging in its members the careful study of tho great political questions that aro now demanding solution from the pooplo of Now Zealand Foremost among theso ho mentioned State Socialism, and asked tho mombors to care fully consider what ip meant, and what wa 1 likely to come of it. The principlo oi graduated taxation was suggested as n partial remedy for tho unequal distribtttioi of wealth. He aUo nakrd tho members whether the best way of settling the lane question was by adhorim? to the per petnal lease system. The education qnes tion was very important, and ho bope<' tho country would endeavour to secure as much as possiblo of tho Crown lands as en dowmen's for secondary and Univer.->itj education. At tho conolusion of tho Speed from tho Throno tho Houso elected Mr. W. B. Hudson Speaker, but as that gentlemar was absent, the chair wax temporarily filloc by Mr. W. G. Tustin. Mr. J. H. Hall wai elected Chairman of Committee and Mr. H B. Vogel was cal ed upon to form a Cabinet and occupied tho Premiership until tin House rose, when he resigned Mr. D Gain then undertook to form a Ministry, anc to bring down a policy at tho next sitting During' tho consideration of the rules, tin proceedings « ero freshened by a few gentle breezes among tho membors. Tho Houas will next meet on Monday, iHi Augnst. Two women, named Maud Kslall ahc Rebecca MTauchlan, appeared bofore Mr Mitrtin, E.M., in the Magistrate's Court to-day, charged undo* the Prisons Act witr hiving attempted 16 s " conniiunicatfl witl prisoners of tho Crown yostorday afternoon aud albo with having assaulted Prisonwarder Nolson. It appeared from tho ovi deneo of Warders No!s>on and Spears thai yontorday, after iho day's labour at Mount Cook ponal establishment, a gang of CC prisoners was being marebod back to the Torraeo Gaol in charge ot several warders When tho gang had reachod Arthnr-stroet. four women, of whom the accused woro twoj rushod towards tho prisoners, and when -vilhiua \ard thf.y wero held in eheak hj Warder Nolson. This appeared to enrage the viragoss. who picked up road-metal, v.hiuh they hurled ngainst Nelson, at the Fame timo levolHng threats and opprobrious opithets atone of tho coimcts. Mr. Garvey, the Governor of tho Gaol, Baid tho prison officers frequently onconntored considerable difficulty in csnovting prisouors in Range through the si roi>t«, owing to "spielers"" and loose uoiiien. who endeavoured by voice and gesture to cxoito thorn. The Resident Magistrate said it was to ho doplored th'it prisonors had te-^o marched thrnvgh tho streets, for maiij -reasons, but so far us lay in his onw-T iie would not allow prisoners to to f^tJ3?»orod with, either by frionds ot puoiueb. ' Ho sentenced tho women, who protested their iunoconco, to throe months' hard labour. Tho associates of the Girls' Friendly Society held their annual meeting in tho Lodge, Vivian-stroot, yesterday afternoon. Keports wore presented by tho Kocrotary and Treasurer detailing tho woik dono by the Society, and showing it to bo in a sound financial position, with a steady increase in tho number of boarders. The report and bxiaucc-sheet wero adopted. Tho following: ofiicors wero oleotod for the ensaink yoar : — Proaident, Mrs. FitzGerald j Vice-Presi-donts, Mesdames Hadnold, Morrah, and Grant ; Treasurer, Mrs. Tanner ; Seorotary, Mrs. Pollen ; Council, Mosdwnos Fancourt, Stook, CofFoy, bprott, Ruthorfurd, Mason, Eedward, Andoraon, Williams, nnd Goro, and Mins Greenwood It was arranged to hold the annual fostival of tho Sooiety in St. Mark's Sohoolrooin on 22nd Angus!,. The meeting terminated after passing votes of thanls to last year's offioera. The Pastime Dramatio Company gave a performance at the Princess Theatre last evening in celebration of the 20th anniversary of tho Star of Wellington Lodge, 1.0. G.T., bofore a moderately large and an appreoiutivo audionoo. "Hearts of Oak," a doinestio drama in two aots, by H. C. Jones, was first performed, tho sovoral characters being takon by Misses A. Berry and Caloinai, and Messrs. H. Wyatt, li. Rigarlsford, J. D. Smith, G. Petherick, J. Glover, and Harris. " Old Gooseberry," a comedy in ono aot, concluded tbo entertainment, Misses E. Bell and B. Kelly, and Messrs. Ulover, P. A. Savieri, F. W. Dean, and E. Beay, filling the respective parts. Mr. K. J. King furnished the musical accompaniment to the performance. Mr.Tloyd, W.M. of theßangatiraMnsonio Lodge, No. 71, Hunterville, has presented to the lodge a piece of land, 40 feet by 120, &a a Bito for a Maaonio Hall. The Manawatn Timo3 states that a somewhat uniquo cup is now being constructed for the Otaki Maori Racing Club. It is made of matai timber, and the turnery has been dono by Mr. B. Rush, tornor at the Paloierston Sash and Door Faotory. The oarvingr is being done by Patnaka Taueho, of Ohau. The onp stands abont two feet high, and is being elaborately carved in genuine Maori fashion, and inlaid with pawa sheila. A carved horse will stand at the top if the lid, and the whole design and conitruotion will refleot great oredit on the Maori artist.

The uonal meotinor of tho Hospital TrnsCO3 this morning wan attended by Messrs. }. Allen lin the chair), G. M. Kobooll, C. K. iVilleaton, J. Banks, G. H. Riylis, R. C. f irk. and Eev. H. Van Stavoruu. It was itated that Mr. P. H. Fraßor (Chairman) was mavoidably absent through sickness. The House Comraittea was authorised to decido vhethcr communication between the top itory of the original building and the new ving-to effect which would coat £21 odd — ivas reqnired at present, and alao whetfapr Mr. Campbell Colquhonn, the contractor for ihp now uin<r, phould bo granted an extension of 10 weeks fiom tho 24th August for :he lulnlrocnt of the contract, as recommended by tho architects, Messrs. Cloroatid Richmond. Tho Secretary reported that tho District Board was four mouths in arreav with its payment of tho subsidy duo to tho Hospital, only JEBOO havinj bean leocived ni> to the present time. The subsidy for the n holo year was .£0920. The Chairman remarked that tho financoß of tho Trustees were very low, bnt tho bank would advance Buflicieut to pay salaries Mr Kirk, Chairman of tho D'strict Board, said he would make enquiries as to the reason for delay in making the payments due. Tho members of tho Wellington Debating Society are notified that their meetings luvo h^on altered from Tuesday to the original evening, Wednesday. The dobate to-morrow, 20'tli inst., promises to bo of an exceedingly intcrcstiug nature, and, as busines of great importaiico to members will be brought, fornard, a largo attendanco is anticipated. Mrs. Rhodes has eivon a donation of J2lO for pr 703 in the cut-nag -horses classes at tho next thow of the Wellington Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Feist & Harrow by, of the Hntt, bave contributed £2 2s to the prize fund. Tho Rev. E. A. Lytken delivered nn able, interesting, and inslrnctiTO lectnro labt evening, in the Wosloyau Schoolroom, Tnranakistrott, on "Prison Life in Siberia" Tho rev. gentleman has frivon free lectures to the puhlic school «:hildr<»n. To-night ho lectures in tho Webb-streot Church. The Well ngton Coach makers' first social gathering was hold lust evening, in the licchabitc Hall, about 80 porsous boing present. S> iss Bihnan and Messrs. Groanoy and T. Cooper contributed sonjjs, and Messrs. C. King, W. Smith, and A. Wilson instrumental nuisio, a stump speech was given in dwraotor by Master F. Carr, and Mr. C. Hale gave a humorous roeita ion. At the close, Mr. Geo. Luko moved a hourly voto of thanks to tho committee, and oxprcsEcd the hopo that thin ivus tho fnrfiiiniicr of a series of such gatherings. Tho accompaniments and dauco music wero snppliod by Mr. W. Smith, and tho refreshments by Mr. Skinner. Iho scholars at (ho Central School. Boulcott-'-treet, entertained tho mombers of tho Boys' Institute with a musical and olocutionaiy programme last night in the Institute Building. It is understood that Messrs. R. Hannah and Co. contemplate the erection of a largo boot-factory and tannery at Khandallah, on tho Manawatu Railway line. Tlicru are several fino sites and n plentiful supply of water in that locality. A concert is to be held at Khandallah tomorrow evening in aid of tho fnnd3 of the local school. Several Wellington amateurs have promised their assistance. A special train will loavo for Khandallah at C.50 o'clock, returning at 10. To-ninrrow, ut 2 o'clock, J. H. Bctuune & Co. will sell by public smction at their rooms. Petrh»»r»t ii-^trrct, a larpe consignment of cnofco plant-* from Sir. James Lnirrt'a celebrated E^mont .Vnr'-ory, Wiuwimn, iucluilinf; 150 new nml rare roßcs, large cainelli'is, n/iieus, rliodoleiidrous, mul otlipr llowerine shniln, nil nsiortmeiit of lie'juti'nl bulbs, nnd Bplen<li'Hy-selectetl fruit trees in ot-at. \.inoty, ns nor citalo^ut 1 . Tbe plauti, I l>"ii g of the butt kinds, arc worthy of specml ntf'-iitum. Mis 9 Forbes announces in nuotber column that she lia-j now coninifiiceil cli= e e3 m Iho Excelsior ilre-s-cuttiuß, Uttiui:, ami <li upui^ system. Miss Fmbcs' crclciiuila. nlnch wo In^o oxiiuiiaeJ, bjnr bleb tcstimi'iiy to tbis value placed upou her system by ladies to nhoiu sbu has tiniKlit it. I.aery & Co. will sell tu-morroi7, furniture, kc. W. P. Pbortt will sell to-oion-ow, crockery, fnncj Kooi}^ t Ac. Cburcbvvard & Co. will soil to-morrow, fruit, Ac, Ouu great salvase silo at To Aro Houso has earned for itself a name for tlo gonuino quality and oxtraordinary chcapiiehs of the lots offered. It has boon " tbo talk, of tue city," and people have found that they have bought "• Mi- bent goods in the beet market, and at the loivett prices." Nothing has over yet surpassed or over equalled it in Wellington. Wo have received three separate t>hipinonts for tho salvago bale, and each has been prolific of woudorful and welcome bargains. Wk have still largo supplies on hand, and are for this week bringing forward fro«h lots. Those will bo fully equal in quality and cheapness to anything as yet offered. Theke will during this week ho wonderful opportunities for all classes of customers, but more especially would wj urgo nn aarly visit from thrifty housekeepers and those with limited means. To them our iidvicc is— Bin/ nil j/oh trnnt now. It is not often that tuch a salvage salo occurs. l)o not miss its advantage"!. A little cash v. ill go a long way. Ten sbillinga or a pound noto will purchaso a parcel « orth three times the money. Lose no timo, therefore, in visiting the salvago salo this week at To Aro House. — Advt. Mkssks WiLKiMS & Fielb have just recoived another large shipment of tho sixpence Pocket Magic Bunks for which there was such a run a tew months since. These banks hold ono pound in sixpences, and canDot be opened until thp fortioth sixpence is put in when it comes apart by means of a spring oa tho bottom. When the bank is empty the bottom is put on by means of tho =amo spring, and tho banks aro then ready for refil ing. By this it will be seen thero is no chance of spending the money until ono pound has been saved up. Ihe price is ninepence each.— Advt. Don't Lose Heart. — Wo may still enjoy our breakfast by providing ourselves with the finest mild curod Canterbury bacon and hams from Wivrdoll Bros. & Co. — a luxury never to bo forgotton. The following alao are seasonable: — Selected dates, 6d porlb; cooking figs, 6d por lb j prunes, 10J por lb ; finest mild Akaroa cheese, 5d per lb. — Advt.