Evening Post. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1893. THE NEW LICENSING LAW.

Evening Post, Volume XLVI, Issue 75, 26 September 1893, Page 2

Evening Post. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1893. THE NEW LICENSING LAW.

The Ministerial Licensing Bill, as amended in conference between the two Chambers, is now finally passed. When goaded into dealing with the question, the Premier promised a Bill which would satisfy all parties. It was a foolish boast. The Bill which is now about to be placed upon the Statute Book, instead of gratifying everybqdy -will satisfy flq ,one. Under pertain ojrenmßtancQe.this might Bok'altogetijGn.indicato any great demerit in the 'Bill/ A' dompudmise 'between 'extreme opWJjns'mip;y;be^very rrdeßfrAblfeone,inither r deßfrAblfeone,inithe genqral' interest, jeaii a Bill dißta.staf.ut to extremists on' both eide's -might n'evertholefs bd n'very^good measure in the interests of the general public. But tho prosent Bill does not in any way nit this happy medium. It is not a good Bill for any section of the public, or for the public collectively. We objeottoit as embodying a vicious and detsstablo principle, that of the direct vote. That it snrronnds the exercise of this vote with conditions which will practically nullify its operation, in no way modifies our objection to the provision. Our objection is to the principle of diroct interference by popular vote with any question of the making or administration of the law. We regard Bush interference as contrary to the whole spirit of constitutional and representative government, as ivoll as dangerous to tho liberties of tho people. It is an approach to the tyranny of mob law, which takes no cognisance of argument or reason, and has no regard for the right* of. minorities. Wo object to tho tyranny of irresponsible numbers. Tho Licensing Bill recognises this principle, and is therefore a bad and dangerous measure. 'Jhe recognition, however, will be of little practical value to those who look to the direct vote to enable them to reduce or abolish tho sale of intoxicating drink. The provision that no direct vote shall interfere with tho etq.tus quo in regard to the number of licenses, unless one-half of the number of those who aro entitled to do so, vote, is in ifcself a perfectly fair and reasonable one, but it will in practice, as applied to tho en. larged electoral districts, prevent the direot vote being made effective. We do not think that there are many of the .new licensing dißtriots in which a poll of one-half of tbo registered electors is at all likely to be recorded for many years to come. The admission of womon to tho franchise materially increaEes this improbability. We hare bpen utterly surprised at the short sigfatcdnesa of "the trade" in its recent agitation agaiijst Womanhood Saffrage. In conjunction with fche direct vote sanctioned by the Licensing Sill, and the requirement that one-half the electors must vote to render a poll effective, the enlargement of tho olcotoratas by the admission of women must greatly increase the difficulty of getting half the registered electors in any district to vote. It would say in this city, probably be easier to get two-thirds of 6000 electors to vote than it will bo to get one-half of 12,000. Taken in connection with the now Licensing Bill wo look npon the introduction of Womanhood Suffrage aa in effect decidedly favourable to "thu trade," and almost certain to result w giving an assured three yearß* tennre to all licenses. We cannot aay that we are altogether satisfied that this should be so, because we hold very btrongly that in many places there are far too many licenses, and we are ainooroly sorry to think that the licensed tenure of mero grog,Be]ling shops should be seaured or extended. We would like to see all such houses swept out of existence. As the Lioonsing Bill, as now passed, will tend to protect and perpetuate, or prevent a reduction in the number of, such establishments, we do not consider it a measure beneficial to the best interests of the people Against this, however, has to bo put the consideration that the tonure of well-conducted licensed houses which meet public requirements in other and more important respects than the sale of liquor, will also be extended and secured. This is certain}? yery desirable. If the liqnor traffio is ever to be brought under proper control and deprived pf its evil influences, it must be by giving security of tenure to those who invest capital in the conduct of first-ulass' houses for the accommodation of the public. When seourity, dependent on good oondnct, is given to the trade, the investment of oapital will be increased, the real requirements of the people will bo well provided for, and a KpoA class of men will be encouraged to engaga in the trade, and will take care to conduct the business respectably. The enlargement . of the licensing districts, like tho extension of the electorates, in some degree modifies the evil of tho direct vote. That the administration of the law by the now Committees in the enlarged districts will or can be offioiant or satisfactory, we do not believe. It is quite impossible that in largo country olootoral districts Committees can bo formed oompetentfor the performance of the duties. It would have been far better to have vested the power in the hands jai the Resident

Magistrate, with, if necessary, a couple of Commissioners to assist him. However, as tin* (V mtiiitti'"* ln\' In IMI rotiinprl, it Iwell that tlie> IlllM' ln'i'U piovuled with coniprtutit Chairmen ill tho 1 cisohs of I<endent Mngibtr:ited. To the Club clauses of the Bill, oven ns modified in conference, we take exception on tho ground that Cluba are entitled to tho fame privacy as private bouses. Instead of beiug the private bouse of a tingle Jndividnal, a Club is the private house of anumbor of individuals who subscribe to bear the expense of it-", meintenanco. Clubs should not there'ore. any moro than private houses, be subject to police interference or control. The. law, apart from the Licensing question altogether, should be strong enough to prevent Clubs becomiuf gutnb'iug dons any more than private bouses can now become so. It is a dangerous imio\ption to phvo Clubs under Government supjrvtaon. That the irresponsible povor ot committees to shut up licensed Ijohso? without rykuie or reason for the sake of a fad hn» been taken an ay, is one of the good f cr.lmrcs of tho Bill. On tho wl'olo, however, wo wonld rather have Been the Bill thrown out than placed on the Stituto Look, even in its modified and improved form. It would hava been better bad the whole question beon left over until the new Parliament was able to deal with it. Tho pnssing of this Bill will certainly fail to remove licensing from the list of burning quostions at tbe coming elections. It will, perhaps, more than ever bo introduced as a factor m every contest, bnt il>o B'U now paised, of course, practically settles the question for the next throo yo ..rs so fur as any alteration in the lawregulating the granting of liceiiEOi is concerned. The first poll 3 under the now Bill will bo iakon before the new Parliament meets, and tbo results then arrived at will bo binding for three years. Tho now Parliament will Cud its hancls tied. It cannot legislate to interfero with tho vested intoreets which will have been created and havo arisen imdor the losit lotion of the present session , In fact, tho Parliament now about to bo olocted will be quite powerless to deal efficiently with the diink question, because any legislation on its part will havo to remain inoperative until still anotlier goneral oleatiou takes place, and the Parliament to suocecd it will havo power to ropeal beforo it becomes operative anything which tho Parliament to be elected this year may en.ict. Looking at tho prcsont Bill as a whole, wo think its provisions aro moro favourable to " the trade " than to tho Temperance Party.

The Government has done its best to stir up dissatisfaction in the railway service against the Commissioners. The Premier, especially, lias done this both openly mid ccvortly. regardless of tho injury he was thereby doing to the people of the colony. If the truth were kiior.-n wo have little doubt that tho recent meeting of railway servants in Dunedin to protost against the insurance schema promoted by the Commissioners was secretly instigated by Ministers. Mr. Edwards, the Sscretary ol the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, who is not himself a railway servant, was tho ostensible mover, and his chief objection seemed to be that the echcrae would bind tho men to the service. The newspaper report of the proceedings shows that Mr. Edwards did not have things altogether his own way. There were about 160 railway employes present, and (bo Star describes tho proceeding:) as havin? been at one time " lively." " Ono " speakor, in iho most pungent Doric, quoting "' frcm published figures of tho society, and •' as proving the necessity for the Bill, men"■tioncd that the society had failed tr> raise " two £10 death benefit payments in one " month to widows of deceased moinbrra, " which indicated that there could not bo " 1000 fully financial members, as tho levies " were only two of one shilling each. Sovoral " of tho delegates explained away misatate- " inents as to their being non-roproscntativo '■ of those in favour of tho Bill, and poiutcd " out it 3 many advantages to the service." A resolution condemnatory of tho Commissioners' sc.hcino was moved, and thn fetur says : — " Amidst orios of ' Lost," this " motion was declared to have been carru d, " though hands for and against were not " counted." Mr. Edwards then went on with another resolution, condemning- the action of the railway PinploycJs who took part in the late Conference under sanction of the Commissioners, in Wellington, and again, says the Star, " it was some timo " before a seconder could bo found, bnt '■ eventually it was duly put from the chair. •' Ono influential mamber of tho Uuiou urged " that the resolution should be withdrawn. " The seuso of the meeting may be said to " have been adverse, because very few hands " were held up for the motion, while the " Chairman did nottbiuk it necessary to oall " for a show of hands against." It is nnnecessary to comment on such proceedings. Tho report shows how little rohauoo is to be placed on the statements of tho Premier adverso to tho Commissioners based on proceedings of this kind. It stems to be generally understood that the House is willing to ngreo to tho compromise with the Midland Railway Company recommended by the Public Accounts Committee if the Government will give a lead. We sincerely trust Ministers will do this. It will bo a scandal if the session is allowed to close without some definite arrangoment of thin matter being come to, and tbc colony cannot possibly expeot to settle the difficulty on moro favourable terms than those now proposed, and uliieh the company is willing to accept. If a settlement is not arrived at tho colony will bo plunged into litigation, through whioh it must snffer in credit and in purse, whatever the ultimate verdict Under present circumstances it is in every way desirable that tho construction of tho railway phould bo assured on tho fair and reasonable terms now open to acceptance, Tho women of Wellington must wake up and register. There must be at least between 5000 and COCO women in the city who nr> entitled to tho franchise, and tho namca of at least thrco-fourths of thc.=o ought to appear on the main electoral roll To secure this tho namo3 must be sent in prior to the sth October. Tho process of registration is, apparently, proceeding much more rapidly in other parts of tho colony than in Wellington. The number of registrations in each of the other chief cities is considerably larger than in Wellington, although the Wellington city distiiot contains the largest population. Even little New Plymouth has already enrollod moro women as electors than Wollington. This should not be. Wo desire to impress upon women that tho exercise of the power conferred upon them has now become a duty, whether they desired its possession or not. 'lhoy must not shirk their responsibilities, nor mnst political power bo allowed to centio in tho hands of any one class or grade of women. Every women o.wos jtio hersolf, her sex, and the colony in wlrfcli her lot is cast, to use the power whioh Parliament has bestowed upon nor. Wo again, urge every woman in thd community to place her name on the .electoral roll, i.,turi '1 "g r a t TligEidu'oitioi^ Board will'to-mo'rrojivjhave. again to consider, the' question of tile scale of salaries f.or'^ female teachers. At, least, jye presume that .jthp. Committee appointed at the last mooting,' on Mr. Young's motion, will bring up a report.' If it does so wo oan only trust that it will be in favour of justice to the women who are now ao much underpaid in comparison to the pay given to men for precisely similar work. The Board's means are necessarily limited, but a more eqnilablo division of the funds at its disposal is surely possible. Whatever tho report of tho Committee may be, it ig to bo hoped the Board will do an act of justice towards its underpaid female teachers, and increase the salaries in at least the lower scale. It is difficult to take seriously the platform of the Liberal Association as adopted at last ni-jht'B meeting and published in another column. It is not merely revolutionary in many respects— it is absurd an 3 practically -impossible. With some of the propositions we shall deal on a future occasion. That any body of ordinarily intelligent men oould have been misled into Biibscribing to such a programme is astonishing. Two and a quarter columns of Parliamentry report will be found on the fourth page. During August ]08 Wellington unemployed were dealt with by the Department of Labour. At the present time tho number of men employed on Government works is as iSio }V ti T& °%i, s a , ud K"lwiys (co-operative), 1118 j PuWf o Works Department, 752. Mr. Justico Richmond is again indisposed, and was unable to attend to several matters set down for hearing to-day in Chambers. For 20 weeks' work under the present contract, tho big dredgo employed by tho Harbour Board has lifted and carried away 96,020 tons of silt from the vicinity of tho wharves. Since Iho 18th of this month, 5-055 inches of rain has fallen in Wellington. Tho finances of tho Board of Collego Governors were never in suoh a satisfactory state as they are at tho present timo. The amonut to credit of the working account is about ±'1000. A joint deputation from tho Chamber of Commerce and the Harbour Board intorviowod tho Public Works Commilteo of the City Council last night with reforonoe to declaring a publio holiday for tho Eight Hours Demonstration. The matter was fully discussed, and the Publio Works Committee deoided to recommend that the consent of the Council to a holiday on the 25th October be not granted, tho Committne considering that a holiday on that day would be very inconvenient to the trade of the city, but they would be quite, willing to oonßider the question of sanctioning a holiday for the purpose at some more convenient time. Tho Committee of tho Harbour Board has deoided not to grant a holiday to the wharf staff, and employers who belong to the Chamber of Commerce will also deoline to observe tho 25th prox, as a holiday. Amongst the communications laid before the Board of College Governors this morning was a request from Messrs. F. C. Hatch, E. C. Easby, and G. Webb, who hold subleases of the Board's endowments in ToryBtreet, to Bfc allowed to build up to the line of tho street. The Chairman pointed out that the leases provided 4kat no premises were to be ereoted within 10 feet of the street linp. Mr. C. B. Izard said he thought the lessees should pay something eitra if the Board granted their reqnest. If they were allowed to build up to the Btreet line, they wonld certainly be getting a concession, and they should give something for the waiving of the condition. The Chairman said that thoy would not pay anything. The first question for the Board to deoida was whother it had power to grant the request. Mr. Izard — Wo cannot afford to be generous. On the motion of Mr. J. Young, seconded by Mr. Izard, it was agreed to take a legal opinion on the subject. J. Edwards, the "Amnriban Salesman," who lately appeared at the Skating Rink, digQlaims by advertisement any oonneotion with the person assuming that name whose carry ings-on were mentioned in & news-letter from our Woodville correspondent published yesterday. Wo have received from the manager of the South British Insurance Co. an advertising date-box, adjustable for any year.

The Chairman of the Board of College Governors (Mr. J. It. Blair) incidentally moniioiio.l this luoruinjj that it would bo a gond thiugf for that body ii half ltg t( nants in the uouutrt weie to surrender their li'isea, ns ouing to Iho rapid inoreabo of settlement in tin Well'ngton distiiet much higher rentals could now 1 o obtained for tbe land than it had fetched some years ago. The Corporntion Inspector is proceeding against a nnmher of persons for failing to register their doga. The cases \i ill .be heard this week. The City Council will on Thursday evening consider the following proposal by Councillor Barber — " That in view of the large quantity of material required for street improvement purposes, a committeo consisting of Councillors Hariis, Vogol, Peiity, Pcthorick, and tho mover bo appointed to consider tbe prac! icability of obtaining it at a less cost to tho city." A few days ago Mr. J. P. Firth, Principal of the Wellington Collo&o, suggested to the Chairman of the Bo.ird of Governors that the annual examinations in connection with the institution should bo condaoted by outside persons. He mentioned that Professor Haslam, of Canterbury College, had generously offered to examine the higher forms in Latin, freo of charge, and ho asked that arrangement? should bo made at once to tceure o!be» examiners. The Chairman in'onncd tho Eoiid (his morning that ho bad authorised TJr. Fii i.h to make tbo neoessary rrian<jemenls, and on tho motion of Mr. C. E Izard, s-oonded by Mr. J. Young, his action was approved. Tho adjourned general meeting of the Wellington Liberal Assoc'ation hold last night wai wholly taken uu with considoration of the platform, which is published elsewhere. A resolution will be proposed at tho next incciing to stvike off the roll the names of all members who are more than Wo months in arrcar with their subscriptions. Mr. J. O'Doa, President, ocenpied the cbair. During'tho evoning" Mr. C. W. Tanner took occasion to oxpress his thanks to members for Iheirassistanco to him in tbe recent municipal election. A recommendation by the Public Works Committee of tho City Council tbat the uso of tho Basin Reservo should be granted to the Amateur Athletic Club for tho sports on 2nd December, is to he discussed by the Council on Thursday evouing. Yesterday afternoon a yonng man named Henry Evans was admitted to the Hospital suffering from a fracturo of the small bone of lux left leg, and a sprained ankle, sustained by a fall in stepping from a steamer to the wharf. The accident happened a day or two ago. but Kvans was not aware that bis leg was broken until yesterday, when Dr. Mackin was oallo 1 in to too him. The Pnblic Works Commi tee of the City Council has decided to recommend as follows: — That consideration of a request for tho extension of Allen-stroet to Victoriastreet bo postponed un'il the ne\t mooting of tho committeo ; that tho City Surveyor bo instructed to present a further report upon ,the request for repairs to the Ohiro-road ; that the City Survoj or report upon a request of the promoters of the Convalescent Homo for leave to construct an approach to the Home through a portion of the Town Belt from Shannon-street to Hay-street ; that tho request of Mr. M. Boyd for a wator service to his woiks in Allen-street be granted on his paying half tho cost of the same ; that the offer of Mr. A. Land to advise the Council with respect to a smoke-consuming apparatus for the Destructor bo acoep'ed with thanks ; that tho rosignation of Conncillor Tatnm from the Library Committee bo accepted, and that Councillor Willeston bo appointed in his stoad. Tho quarterly meeting of Court Robin Hood, A.O.P , was hold last night, Bro. B. Meyor, 0.8., presiding. Several of the District Officers attended, and were reoeived with the usnal honours, arid D C.li. Bro. Pobson an 1 the District TreaMiror, Bro. H. Birch, addi'ossed tho lodge on matters of interest. A vote of thanks was passed to the oflicers for their vi«it. P.C.R. Bro, E, G. Powall was appointed to represent the court at tho annual District Meeting, and Bro. F. W. Colo was elected auditor. Relief was voted to a distressed brother. Soveral items of music, &c , were rendered after the regular business had been disposed of. A telpgrain from Christchureh states that Bland Holt opened his season at the Theatre RO3 al on Saturday night to a crowded house. Mr. Holt mot with an enthusiastic reception on his appearance on the stage, and the piece was splendidly stagod, and greatly appreciated by tho large audience. Tho Public Works Committee of tho Citj Council was waitpd on last night by a deputation of Rolleston-sticet roiiidents, who asked that a street should bo formed to give access to sections which are now in the market. II was resolved to recommend that a commit, tee, consisting of the councillors for Cook Ward, with one representative from paeh ol tho other wards* should vi6it tho spot and report to the next meeting of the Committee, and that the committee should, alao report upon a right-of-way applied for on behalf ol the Ncwtowu Bowling Club in respect of c portion of town acre 83, of which the elul holds a lcaso. The quirtcrly mooting of tho Loyal Britannia Lodgo, 1. 0.0 F , M.U., was held lasl evening, Bro. A. Mnnro in tho chair. The election of officers resulted as follows :— N.G., Bro. W. H. Payno ; V.G., Bro, P. W. Fielder j Elective Secretary, Bro. C. S. Godber. The new system of medical benefits camo into operation, there being over 20C coupons issued to mombors. Delegates to the Demonstration Committee were appointed as follows I— P.P.G.M. S. Waters, P G. W. Madeloy, P,G. W. J. Williams. Tho performance ot Cogill's Minstrels at tho Opera House, lust evening, was witnessed by a large audience. Tho entertainment was very successful, most of tho items beiu<r oncored. To-morrow evening there will be another change of programme. Another very pleasant gathering under tho auspioos of the Wellington Sociological Society was hold in Thonias' Hall last night. It took tho form of a dance, with musical and other items interspersed. Mrs. Ashton and Mr. Kignrlsford contributed songs and Messrs. Savicri and M'Larcn recitations. Tho dance music was supplied by Platt'e String Band, and Mr, Robinson acted as master of ceremonies. Xliero was a largo attendance. A concert in aid of Mrs, Nixon and her family was given by the Star Gymnastic Club in tho Princess Theatre last night, and was largely attended. Songs were contributed by Messrs. J. Keid, H. Cranby J. Phillips, Woodcock, Armstrong, Naylor (oncored 1 , J. Maxwell, T. Hall (encored), and W. Cranby. Trapeze feats were performed by Messrs. W. G Brett, W. Milligan* P. Smith, and W. Le Berte, and an Irish jig was given by, Mr. J. Maxwell, after which _Mr. Walter^ Le Ber.to showed his abfity as a slack- wire walker. An amusing donb, lo song an 4 danee — " Roya^Darkiea.^— brought; tun flr^t part of the programme"' to a close. In the second ha]f, Mr. J, Eoia gayo an exhibition with tho Indian clubs, Mesgra.. W.'G-.-Brett and the Le Berte Bros, contra buted a triple-statue act, the Cranby Bros, appeared in a sketch, "The Hourigans," anl a faroo entitled "Commeroial Travellers," by MesErs H. Cowan and Vincent Mageo, brought the performance to a olose. The hall was cleared for dancing. Messrs. W. G. Brett (Manager) and W. M'Namara (Hon. Sec ) and the various perfemers are to be congratulated upon the result of 1 heir efforts. Tho local shipwrights celebrated the twentieth anniversary of their society by holding a dinner at Bowio's Hall last evening. Tho hall presouted an exceedingly pretty appoaranco, being gaily decorated with bunting, ferns, the banner of tho trade, and articles omblcmatical of the shipwrights' calling. About 40 wcro present, and tho chair was taken by Mr. Ficot, President of tho Society (supported by Messrs. Fisher, Duthie., and M'Lcan, M.H.R.'s), and Mr. S. Williams filled tho vieo-chair. Apologies for non attendance, owing to. pressure of Parliamentary duties, woo received from the Premier and the Minister for Labour A first-class cold collation was provided by Messrs. T. Rowell £ Son, of Cuba-street. Aftor tho usual loyal and patriotic toasts, Mr. P. Coffey proposed " The Parliament of New Zealand." Messrs. G. Fishor, J. Duthio, and W. M'Lonn responded. The remaining toasts were " Our Employers," proposed by Mr. W. Watt, and responded to by Mr. Patorson (Wellintrfcon Pn-tont Slip Company) ; " Tho Wellington Shipwrights' Society," proposed by Mr. G. Allen (the oldost shipwright in Wellington), responded to by tho Chairman (who gave an interesting acoonnt of the work performod by the sociatv as a benefit institution) t " Kindred Societies," proposed by Mr. E, Hnrlnton, responded to by Mr. 0. F. Worth, sen. j " The Press," proposed y Mr. S. Williams ; " Messrs. P. Coffey and D. Campbell, 1 ' two of the founders of tho sooiety ; " Tho Younger Members of the Sooiety," proposed by Mr. P. Coffey. and responded to by the Chairman; and '' Tho Caterer." Songs wero given by Messrs. Picot, P. Coffey, J. Bringanß, S. Williams, E. Hurlston, H. Self, Manloy, W. Coffey, C. P. AVorth, B. P. Collins, and Sorensoo ; an instrumental duot by J. Bringans (cornet) and W. Jones (piano); a song and dance by Mr. D. Bowie; and a recitation by Mr. W. Coffey. Mr. W. M ■ Jones played the accompaniments. Mr. G. Allen, in leaving the room, received three hearty cheers. The management was highly creditable to the committee, which consisted of Mejwrs. Pioot (President), P. Coffoy, W. Watt, S. Williams, M'Cormaok, J. Caghman, and E. HurUton (Seoretary). A plain and fancy dreßs ball in aid of the Accident Fund of the Wellington Fiie Brigade took plaoe at the Skating Rink last evening, and was well attended. Some of the costumes wore unique The floor was m splendid condition. Mr. Dean's atring band providod the music, and Messrs. H. and W. Jenkins and G. Clarlc wore masters of ceremonies. The catering was carried out by members of the committee, thoir wiveß and relatives. Tbe affair was a moßt emoyablo one, for whioh orodit is due to the Committee of Management— Captain Koms'ley, Messrs. Barrett, Woodward, H. and W. Jenkins, Botberham, Clark, Farmer, Church, Lett, Webb, and Lepper (Seo'retary). It will be rememberod that about twelve months ago a very brave aotion vu performed in Bendlgo, Viotoria, by a young Cornish minor nao.ed Bogers. At the risk of his own lifo Rogers saved that of his mate. He was made tho recipient of a parse of sovereigns and numerous testimonials. On the day after the occurrence Mr. Thos. Bracken, who was then in Bondigo, paid a tribnte in verse to the young hero. The lines appeared in the Bendigo Advertiser and were recited in the local theatre, and afterwards in the Melbourne theatres, evoking on each oooasipn entl)unjastio applause. Those who intend to patronisp Mr, Roberts' bonofit on Thursday evening will be pleased to learn that Mr. P, W, Haybittie will, by speoial request, reoite the piece, which is entitled "Rogers of Eaglehawk." This shonld prove one of the features of the entertainment. The Hawora oriokotors are importing a professional "ooaob," from Victoria. Mr. MiJls, of Esaendon, i« the person engaged, and he is to come over without delay.

The annual meeting of the Te Aro Lawn Tennis Club will be held on Friday evening.

Two English mails will be brought via Australia by tha Wakatipu, duo here ou Thursdpy. Mr. Martin, 8.M., presided in the Magistrate's Court to-day, and fined a fir-t offi'iuler for drunkenness in the usual amount. Eliza Jane Olson, a married woman, was charged with the wilful breakage of severul panes of glass, valued at 12a, the property of Joseph Hamilton. She was sentenced to seven days' imprisonment Charle9 Cuuningham pleaded Not Guilty to the charge of having nsed obscene language in Hainingatrcet. He was remaudei to Friday, and warrants were ordered to issue against two witnesses who failed to answer their summonses. William A. Mailman, charged with having falsely represented himself to a hotelkeeper as a traveller, was remanded for a week. Mr. Eevine appeared for the defendant. Sergt. Donnelly, Inspector of Weights and Jloagurcs, has taken proceedings against several bakers in the city for soiling bread ondor weight. Two eases brought against John and Daniel Crawford on the obargo of selling loaves under weight wore to have been her-rd in the Magistrate's Court to-day, but on the application of Mr. Jellicoo, who appeared for the defendants, were adjourned t-> Saturday next. Counsel mentioned that tl t Crawfords' cases would be regarded as | test ones. Messrs. Stewart Bros., who have a loaso of a sect'on in the Faraekaretu Block belonging to the Board of College Governors, wrote to tho Board thi3 morning a«king whether they wero entitled to compensation for improvements It was explained that tbc land had been taken up before the Act granting compensation had come into force. After considerable discussion tho Board appointed the Commissioner and Mr. C. B. Izard to go into the matter. One of Edison's improved phonographs is now on exhibition at No. 56, Willis-street. Tha price of admission i a only 6d. The first of a series of subscription chamber concerts, organised by Colonel Pat Boyle and Mr. George Becthaiu, in conjunction with Mossrs Tallis Trimnell and Robert Parker, will be given on Thursday ovoning, at the Congregational Schoolroom, Bowenstreot. Hi 3 Excellency and Lady Glasgow head tho list of subscribers, nnd will both be present on the occasion. Colonel Boyle will be glad to receivo the names of any who may wish to subscribe. Tho full programma for to-morrow's Popular Concert appears in this issue, and is of exceptional excellence. The artists are well knoun and popular. A novelty will be a Fisk Jubilee chorus sung by tho whole company, 'there are no reserved scats, so that one prico of admission only will be charged. Tho Columbia Skating Rink will bo open to-ni^ht. Tho management request that intending competitors at the fancy dress carnival next Monday will enter their names and costumes at once at tho Rink office. T. J. Thompson announces that the pile of Mr. Benueti'a iro»moii{r#ry, which he lias heea conductii'K so mcccssfvillv Jiitmv the present month, will pontivoly close on Snturdny ncif. Oeortre Thomas & Co. will sell to-morrow, saddlery, brandy, Ac. Towuseml & Paul will «01l to-morrow, felloes, spolcei, shafts, hubs, &-c. > Churcnwara & Co. will sell to-morrow, ctenr*, tobacco, br.iudy, J:c. Fremnan E. Jackson & Co. will dell to-morrow, at Johnsouville, stock. Some of the most lovely productions in washing dress fabrics, including ciimped zephyrs, orepons, and sateens, i erfectly fast in colour, and tho latest French designs,;to euit all tastes and requirements, are now on view at To Aro House. The magnificent display of millinery, trimmed and untrimmed hats and bonnets, flowors, and feathers, has received considerable additions by shipments per s s Doric. All the 1< ndim* fashions from tho best London and Paris houses aro represented, and ladies are invited to pay an early visit ot inspeotiou toTe Aro Houee. Blouses, ladies' shirts, and garibaldis are in immense variety and in groat request this season. Tho styles aro pretty and becoming, tho materials ombraco all descriptions of fabric, from the tiny pattern print to the elaborate delaine, and can bo had from 2s Cd to 19s Cd at Te Aro House. Do not forgot tho cash bonu3 to all purchasers of 20s and upwards at To Aro House.— Advt. By the late mail steamers, Messrs. Wilkin<s &. Field liavo received their new season's stock of cricket and tennis goods. Last season's trade having been such an immense succofs that there were none of these lines left ovor. Every lino, therefore, is entirely, new and frosh, and has been seleated with great judgment from tho very best English, including Jacques, Cobbett, Bartlett, Clapshaw, Aynes, Slazenger, &a. This firm, ai usual, will allow a special discount to clubs and largo tuyers. We would strongly advise our cricketing friends to make an early call, and select thoir requirements beforo tho rush ■eta in. — Avyt. Rochester La^ps are par excellence, the most agreeable parlour and reading lamps obtainable, and everyone now has a splendid chance of obtaining one Frek op Cost by purchasing a ponnd packet of " Matobless " Brand Tea. Sco Wardell Bros.' advertisement on our first pago. - Advt.