LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Evening Post, Volume LII, Issue 7, 2 June 1896, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

, + Advice has been received by the Union Steam Ship Company that the R.M.S. Monowai left San Franoisoo on the 28th May, time-table date. The Dunedin. Star understands that the" Colonial Bank liquidators will shortly apply to the Judge for directions in regard to certain matters on which they are not agreed. The burgess roll^ of "Wellington for the current year was formally passed and certified to at a special meeting of the City Council last evening. Mr. L. G. Wilkes, House Steward of the Hospital and Secretary to the Board of Trustees of the institution, has tendered his resignation. Misses Seddon, Maxwell, and Heaphy were last night elected members of the Wellington Tree Planting and Scenery Preservation Society. It is reported in Sydney naval circles, that HJM.S. Orlando, flagship of the Australian Squadron, is to return to England in January next, and will be relieved by a larger and more modern cruiser., Mr. George "Woodward, whose efforts in connection with 'the beautifying t>f the Thorndon Esplanade have been highly appreciated by the public, proposed at the annual meeting of the Scenery Preservation Society last evening that application should be made to the City Council for permission to plant a row of trees between the General Post, Office and the Shelter Sheds. Mr. L. G. Reid maintained that the spot in question was too exposed, and he suggested that the Society should select some other part of the city in which to begin tree-planting. Mr. "Woodward explained that all he desired was to show that the Society was anxious to beautify the city and its surrounding. Mr. W. CaUaghan suggested that the Society should not .do anything in the direction of planting .near the Post Office until the legality of- thje- erection of the Shelter Sheds was decided by the Supreme Court. Mr. Eeid said' hq, believed in the Society making a start, "with treeplanting, but his opinion was that the wind was too strong near the Post Office. The Society ultimately decided to" aslc the City Council to set aside an area of land which, might be planted with trees. A meeting of the Tailoresses' Union, held at the Trades Hall last evening, was well attended, Miss Christie presiding. The question of the factory log came up for consideration, and a committee was appointed to go through the log and to report to the next meeting of the Union. . A comtoittee was also appointed to consider the advisableness of holding a "social " with the object of . strengthening the financial position of the Union. ' It was decided that fixture meetings should be held at the Women's Club, Lamb-ton-quay. Miss Lee and Miss Scott were elected honorary members of the Union, and Miss Lee was appointed AssistantSecretary pro Urn:> the duties of Secretary having proved too heavy for one member. Several new members were elected. The Nelson Philosophical Society recently despatched Mr. E. Lukins on a tour to the Snares, Auckland, Campbell, Antipodes, and Bounty Islands, for the purpose of collecting specimens for the Nelson Museum. 1 The Nelson Mail says Mr. Lukins has brought back an interesting collection of sub-Alpine plants, besides geological specimens and a large number of birds, including an albatross measuring 14 feet from tip to tip of its wings, and another measuring ll feet. He also brought two live rare specimens of the all-green paroquet from the islands, whioh. will most likely be presented by the society to the Queen's Gardens. Mr. Lukins was not successful in his search for sea shells, and says the shores of the islands are not to be compared with those of Cook Strait for shells. ' . The following dates have been booked for the use of the Opera House : — June 3rd to 12th, Royal Burlesque Company; 13th to 27th, Lawton Specialty Company ; July 7th, Orchestral Sooiety ; 10th to 23rd, Williamson & Musgrove> Burlesque Company; August 19th to 27th, " Trilby" Company. « High praise is given to the Westport Harbour Board by Mr. Napier Bell, who states that it is one' of the soundest in the colony, as in spite of the' jjnunense expenditure on breakwaters and external works the revenues have always kept ahead of the charges for works in an increasing ratio, A sum of £31,650 is set down for works required at once, while an additional sum of £42,950 will be necessary for the extension and carrying out of other works in connection witn the port. This is not inclusive of railway and Tolling stock items. "We have to acknowledge the following subscriptions in aid of Mrs. Brooks, whose husb-irid died lately under specially distressing 1 ciroumstances : — Amount, already published, £10 9s ; J. Crowther, ss ; Essex, 2s ; A.C.,' 45.; Mrs. E., ss ; A Friend, ss; Ethel Lambert, Iff; Thorndon, 10s; Sympathiser, 2s 6d; James -Brown, 2s 6d; L.H.J., £1: E. Anderson, £1; M.W.A., 2s 6d ; E.H.8., 10s \ '"Widow, sa ; Brown and Dean, £1 Is ; Sympathiser, ss. Total to date, £16 9s 6d. Mr. William Smith, dentist, of Hunterville, died suddenly yesterday from failure of the heart's action. Mr. Smith served his apprenticeship at Mr. Hobys studio in Wil-lis-street, and passeil his final examination in dentistry in Dunedin only a few months ago. He was about 2;1 years of age, and was a member of tile Athletic Football Club, for several years playing in the club's team for the Junior Cup. Dr. Smith, of Rangitikei, and Mr. R. F. Smith, of the General Post Office, are brothers of the deceased, There was a fairly large audience in the Criterion Theatre last night, when the Trilby Speciality Company repeated its opening performance. The items of Miss Vaughan and Mr. Baxter .found special favour, Last year the Wellingtop City Rifles spent £50 13s Cd upon prizes for rifle-shooting. It is doubtful whether any other corps in the colony spends so uuob.

A large English mail came from Australia by the Wakatipu to-day. The Telegraph Department has been advised that the Port Darwin overland line has been interrupted north of Barren's Creek since 9 o'clock lastwright, and that inspecting parties have been sent out. The obstruction probably accounts for the scant supply of European cable news received today. The popularity of the leaflets to farmers and gardeners published by tbe Department of Agriculture is very plainly shown by the great demand for them which comes from all parts of the colony. The special edition of the reports of the Government Biologist, Mr. T. W. Kirk, F.L.S., for 1895, is already exhausted, and several of the leaflets are also' out of print. When it is considered that 10,600 copies .are printed of each of these leaflets, and that 36 newspapers reproduce them in full, the electro-illustrations being, supplied by the department, a very good idea of their popularity niajrbe gained. The speoial edition of the. Biologist's report, copies of which as stated are now exhausted, found such favour with the experts of the other colonies that two of the Australian Governments asked for aild obtained permission to reprint and circulate them in their respective colonies, the electro-illustra-tions being supplied for this purpose by the New Zealand Government. A peculiar and painful accident took place at the residence of Major Keddell, S.M., Oamaru, last week. A large mastiff was lying Under the table, and as Mrs. Keddell entered the room the dog sprang up, it is said, 'playfully, and snapped at Mrs. KeddeH'a •' .face,- making' a wound in the cheek winch- had to be drawn together by a dozen stitches. , The latest bankrupt is John Henry Palmer, of Island Bay, builder. Prom a statement of his affairs submitted by the bankrupt, his total debts are seen to be estimated at £413 17s 6d, and his total assets at £733 10s, leaving an estimated surplus of £319 12s 6d. The principal unsecured creditors are: — Stewart & Co., £130 ; — Harman, brioklayer, £65 ; — Goodwill (Auckland), £60; Union Sash and Door Company (Auckland), £33; Public Trust Office, £22; Commercial Agency, £20 10s; J. B. Topp, £12 10s ; John Beck, £10 10s. The secured creditors are :— The Wellington Trust, Loan, and Investment Company, which for a. debt of £600 holds a security valued at £1000; Mr. Travers, who is secured for debts amounting to £580; and Mr. Jameson, grocer, who holds a security estimated at £2100 for a debt of £1200. The Creditors in the estate meet on the Bth inst., at 11 a.m. . Eighteen estates were dealt with by the Publio Trustee last month. The largest were : — Thomas Clunie, Opoiti, Auckland, £1000 ; James Richards, Brunnerton, £430; John Morris, Brunnerton, £400 ; Henry W. Neighbour, Rotorua, £340; Isabella O'Rourke, New Plymouth, £110; Alex. Robertson, Auckland, £110 ; John J. Wakeman, Makairo, Auckland, £106. j The, Public Works Committee of the City Council met last evening, and decided to present the following recommendations at Thursday's meeting of the Council: — That permission to carry on business as plumbers be granted to Messrs. R. A. Hearn and W. H. Honour till the examination by the Technical School in December. That a drain be laid at the right-of-way off the zigzag at Hawker-street, the estimated cost being £12. That consent be not granted to the application of Mr. W. Booth for permission to form a right-of-way 40ft wide at Town Acres 953 and 955, Riddiford - street. That the request for repairs at Lawrence - street be considered with the ■ schedule of street works already prepared. That the license of H. Brown, cab-driver, be suspended for one month on account of disorderly conduct. That the Harbour Board be" informed that the Council does not see its way to take any action with reference to the Board's application re porters and expressmen, the Council being of opinion that the Board should make such regulations as seem to be necessary. That steps be taken to cause removal of two old buildings (one in Roxburgh-street and one in Abel Smithstreet) reported to be unfit for occupation. A meeting of the Citizens' Institute was held last night in the Exchange Buildings, Mr. C. T. Richardson presiding. Mr. E. L. Burgess delivered an eloquent address on "The Life and Political Career of Gladstone." He referred to Mr. Gladstone's extraordinary scholarly attainments and the varied nature of the subjects he had mastered, and adverted in enthusiastic language and with copious extract to the great part he had played in British politics during the century. Mr. Burgess admitted the weakness of the great statesman's foreign policy, and thought that he had perhaps a tendency to " sail with the stream " rather than create a public opinion ; but he extolled the robust piety and deep theological learning of Mr. Gladstone", and claimed that as an orator Mr. Gladstone rivalled the giants of the past century, uniting a marvellous eloquence with a beautifully clear and resonant voice. Four times he was Prime Minister of England, and he had been perhaps the best abused man in Europe. His Home Rule convictions had alienated from him the support df many of his most ardent colleagues, but his indomitable courage, personal magnetism, and untiring energy always made him a power to pc reckoned with. The essayist, with the ardour of an enthusiastic admirer, quoted many of the G.O.M.'s perorations, and expressed the opinion that " take him all in all, we sllaH' not look upon his like again." Mr. Burgess was given a hearty vote of thanks. At the next meeting Mr. E. Tregear will read a paper on " The First Labour War." A company has been formed in New York to manufacture what are to be known as upright bicycles:. The machines for men and women are the same, except that the latter have the addition of a guard over the rear wheel to protect the skirts when blown by the wind. The frame is a triangle, two sides of which are.formed. by. the front and rear forks, with the seat on the apex. To steer, you turn the front wheel as in the ordinary safety, but the handle-bar passes behind the rider and a little lower than the seat, so that the rider grasps the handles by dropping the arms at the sides. It is apparent at a glance that this construction mokes a stronger frame with the least weight. The road wheel weighs less than 201b. What is of the greatest interest to women, 'and to all who ride for health and pleasure, is the position of the rider, who sits upright, with shoulders back and head up. Probably nothing connected with the bicycle has subjected it to so much criticism as the bent back of the scorcher. The annual report of the Wellington Kennel Club, to be presented at the meeting to be held on Thursday evening, states that the membership roll increased during the year by 15. The committee regrets, however, that there is still great difficulty in collecting subscriptions, and } after very careful consideration, it was decided to write off the namest of 55 country and 20 city members. The committee urges its successors to take vigorous action regarding non-payment of subscrip'tiohs. The initiation of a produce stakes competition for all breeds, and the removal of the head-quarters of the New Zealand Kennel Club to Wellington, are referred to with satisfaction. ' A concert and afternoon tea will be held at the Thorndon Infant School to-morrow afternoon, in aid of the Kindergarten funds. In this connection Miss Page, mistress of the school, thanks all who have contributed either in kind or in services towards the arrangements for the gathering. 'A boxing match between J. Donovan and R. Robinson is advertised to take place at Dentice's Gymnasium to-morrow evening, with other display*.

In accordance with the promise made some time ago that the fair sex should receive further special consideration in the allotment of accommodation at the Parliamentary Buildings, the room opposite the present waiting-room, hitherto used as the Private Bill office, is being fitted up as a waitingroom for women, and will be so used during the coming session. In some remarks which were addressed this morning to two prisoners who were before him for sentence for swindling by means of forged cheques, the Chief Justice raised a somewnat important social question, namely the want of some organisation which would take in hand a prisoner on his release from gaol. His Honour had always thought, ever since he had had the administration of criminal justice, that there ought to be a sort of attempt made when men came out of gaol to provide them with funds and help them in other ways to lead a better life. So far as he knew, nothing was ever done in that direotion. The few shillings usually given to men by the authorities on the completion of their terms was, in the majority of cases, immediately spent upon drink, and the men, being thrown upon their own resources, relapsed again into crime. His Honour's remarks are apt, and may be commended to the attention of those organisations in our midst whioh are striving for the regeneration of mankind generally. Mr. M. C. Hickey has resigned the position of Chief Clerk in the City Drainage' Engineer's office, and has been succeeded by Mr. S. J. Watson. The tender of Messrs. Briscoe, MacNdll and Co. has been accepted for the supply of 30 tons of galvanised iron for the construotion of the Wellington Industrial Exhibition buildings. The price is £16 2s 6d per ton. Court Robin Hood, A.0.F., met last night, C.R. Bro. O. Johnson in the chair. One candidate was initiated. Nominations of officers were received as follows^ — C.R., Bro. J. George ; S.C.R., Bros. A. H. Harbottleand P. Gosney; Treasurer, Bro. J. W. Ward ; Seoretary, Bro. J. T. Webber ; S.W., Bros. B. Ifcyer and E. Hughes ; J.W., Bros. A. H. Rogers, E. Hughes, and W. G. Goss; 5.8., Bros. A. H. Rogers and E. Hughes ; Minute Seoretary, Bros. R. A. C. Fredric and R. G. Newell. The weekly meeting of the Women's Social and Political League was held last night. Mrs. Seddon, President, was in the chair, and the room was packed with members. Mrs. H. B. Mason read, a paper on " Education," upon which a discussion followed. Next week there will be an open night, and the Hon. John Rigg will give a lecture on "Past, Present, and Future Legislation." Emile Lazern, the conjurer, well known in Wellington, after finishing a very successful season in Sydney, has sailed for London, where he will perform at the Crystal Palace. Improvements are being made at the State Farm at Levin by the erection of two new cottages to replace the temporary structures originally erected. An amusing discovery (says the , Paris correspondent of the Daily Chronicle) has been made in the archives of the French Foreign Office, in reference to Royal and Imperial visits. In 1867, when the Sultan Abdul Aziz was invited to the Paris Exhibition, the Turkish Ambassador explained to Napoleon 111. that no Sultan could leave his own territory unless as an invader. The Emperor courteously stretched a point, and it was arranged that in the official pipers at Constantinople the grave announcement should be made that the French Government had ceded a portion of territory to the Sultan. When Abdul Aziz returned, a document was sent restoring the same to France. Of course it is impossible to find out at the Quai d'Orsay whether a similar arrangement was made when the Father of the Faithful visited England. A bicycle valued at £200 was recently exhibited in New York. All the connected parts were overlaid, everywhere possible, in most artistic, exquisite, and original designs in wrought silver. The handle-bars, pedals, cranks, sprockets, hubs, balls, cups, and spokes were silver-plated. The brake was covered with gold and enamel in artistic designs. The spoke nipples were of gold, and glistened through rims of highly polished mahogany. The wheels were fitted with fine specimens of G. &J. corrugated tyres. The saddle was constructed of fine, highlypolished leather, hand-carved in fanciful designs, with solid gold mountings. The handles were of solid ivory, turned in a neat spiral design, and were tipped with jewelled silver, crowned with a circlet of beautiful pearls, surrounding a huge amethyst, while in either handle tip were set similar specimens of the gem. In the head of the adjustable handle-bar set screw, and at the end of either rear fork diagonal tube, were set handsome turquoise gems. A most sensational suicide occurred recently in Birmingham. A man named Thomas Anderson suffered so incessantly from toothache that he blew out his brains with a rifle, pulling the trigger by means of a string loop in which he inserted his foot. He left a letter which said, " The toothache made me do it. I'd rather die than stand it any longer, so here goes. Good-bye." Mr. Maughan Barnetf s third series of six concerts will commence on Friday week in Thomas's Hall, when an attractive selection from the works of Schumann, Grieg, Schubert, and, other composers will be performed. Subscribers' tickets may now be obtained at the Dresden Rooms, or from Mr. Maughan Barnett. Messrs. Laery & Co. will sell to-morrow, frnit. One of the moat important items of a lady's toilet is undoubtedly gloves. A wellgloved hand plays an important part in the effect produced by a perfectly-attired woman. Ladies being well aware of thia fact, are naturally invariably anxious to obtain for their wear gloves which will unite an elegant appearance with the comfort of a perfect fit. To all such unxious enquirers we would recommend an immediate visit to Te Aro House. • There they will find unquestionably the finest stock ot gloves ever exposed for sale in Wellington. Particularly would we refer to the kid gloves, an endless selection of which has just been received from Dent, of London, the best maker in the world. Perfeot.flt and finish are the leading oharacteristios of this make, whioh, from the lowest quality at Is lid to the best at 6s 6d per pair, are now to bo obtained in all shades and sizes at Te Aro House. Evening gloves have been made a speciality in this fine importation. Tho extra long Sudde kid gloves just reoeived are the mont perfeot of their kind. Silk gloveß for evening wear are also shown in fascinating new shades, a beautiful assort- I ment being shown of elbow-length gloves, marked at the wonderful price of 2<\ 3d. An advertisement on the third page gives a few particulars of these beautiful goods, but ladies are adviied to see them for themselves by inspecting the windows or visiting the glove counter at Te Aro House. — Advt. This is an advertisement, end so ia our Novelty Department. Vox sometime past we have had so many novelties sent to ns by onr English and AowYork agents that we •have put them together under the tsh&rge of a competent assistant, whose sole duty is to explain their working to any of the public who will accept a cordial invitation to inspect them. Eemember, everyone is invited to inapeot, but no one necessarily expected to parohase. Wilkins & Field, Manners-street, Wellington.— Advt. In the matter of cooking ranges we are leading New Zealand. The development of this branoh of industry is tremendous, and a great boon to the oity. For a high-class cooking range, ask for Luke & Co'.'s. They give points to all others ; they have no equal for beauty, strength, or eoonomy ot fuel; they cook in far le*B time than any known range ; they have advantages not known to other makers. Do not make a mistake and bo misled in buying any other range In doing ho there in only one regret, rud that for all time. — Advt.