LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Evening Post, Volume LII, Issue 14, 10 June 1896, Page 5

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Some of our readers express surprise that we have not yet made any comment upon the recent extraordinary proceedings before Mr. Justice Williams in the Supreme Court at Dunedin. To these we desire to say that until the judgment shall have been delivered comment would be improper. When the decision of the Judge is made known, we shall- not receive it in silence. Concerning the Chinese in Wellington, the Premier said last night that he was in possession of a police report which showed that in some respects affairs in the Little Burke-streets of Wellington were as bad as the state of affairs recently disclosed in Dunedin. There was no mother in New Zealand, if she was true to her offspring, her sex, or her race, who ought not to help the Government in imposing restrictive legislation. There were two ways of dealing with the question— one by passing legislation preventing their coming to the colony, and the other by empowering the local authorities to frame bylaws for the regulation of those who are already here, under which all Chinese engaged in trade should be compelled to apply for licenses. The general rate of the Hutt County Council for the ensuing year will be threefarthings in the £ within the Belmont, Epuni, Horokiwi, Mungaroa, Porirua, and Wainui-o-mata Ridings, and one farthing in the £ within the Makara Riding. Mr. M'Kellar, who 'has been transferred from, the Wellington to the Wanganui branch of Messrs. Sargood, Son & Ewen's business, received yesterday a presentation from his fellow employe's, Mr. «f. A. C. M'Eldowney, on their behalf, handing him a valuable gold-mounted pencil. Miss Lucy 0. Mowbray, of Wellington, has been appointed by the Wanganui Education Board as cadet in the Bunnythorpe school. . An offer by Mr. S. Benge to give three acres of land at Akatarawa for the purposes of a public cemetery, has been accepted by the Hutt County Council. The Premier said last night he had been told that sweating was going on to a large extent in Wellington. If anyone was brought under his notice in an official way the Government would take expeditious and drastic steps to stop the evil. He believed the complaint related, in a great measure, to people who took work to their homes. Government hoped to deal with the question during the approaching session. Amongst the cases dealt with by the Benevolent Trustees at their meeting yesterday were the following : — A street singer with a little boy to support, and who has commenced a new life under the guidance of the Salvation Army, was helped on her way by the Trustees deciding to temporarily support the child- Three strong-looking young fellows, seafaring men, who had left the,ir respective boats on account of rows with the officers, applied for assistance. The Trustees gave them an order for bed and breakfast, and told them then to shift for themselves. A dilapidated-looking individual, who when he was in the Benevolent Home complained of almost everything that was done for him, applied to be again taken in. The Chairman said that some of these men did not know when they were well off. This particular man refused to obey the rules of the Home, and had ultimately been discharged for drunkenness. The Trustees decided to give the man one more chance, conditionally on his abiding by the rules of the Home. Mr. C. R. Carter 'has presented to the Carterton Borough Council, in a frame, the memorial which was submitted to the SuperinteriUent of Wellington in 1859 by the residents of what was then called Threemile Bush, asking that the name of the township should be altered to Cartervale, with Carterville as the designation of the' principal centre within it. Mr. Carter was principal promoter of the small farm settlements in the district, and hence it was that his name was specially honoured. The Superintendent acceded to the request, but with the slight variation of name with which all Wellingtonians are now familiar. The latest subscriptions to the funds 6f the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are — Collected by tho Inspector —Mr. A. Pearce" and Mr. W. Crichtori 5s each, and Mrs. Winter 10s ; collected by Mrs. Tarnm — Misses Cook, M'Gowan, Me) p er, Young, Woods, and Eilliher, 2s 6d each; collected by Mrs. Lingard— Mrs. Collins 2s 6d, Mrs. R. Gibson ss, Mr. J. D. Cruickahank 10s 6d, and Mr. A. Hall £1 Is. A poll of ratepayers is to be taken in Fielding on Friday, to decide whether or not the borough shall be lighted by means of electricity. In connection with the Wesleyan Literary and Debating Society, Mr. R. B. Williams will deliver a lecture on " J. G. Whittier " in the Wesleyan Schoolroom, Taranakistreet, to-morrow evening. Admission will be free, and the public are cordially invited to be present. A court of female Foresters was opened at Palmerston North this week. It started with 20 members, and Bister Kate Downey was installed as Chief Banger

The Premier's meeting at the Skating Rink last evening was a rather noisy one, a large section in the background being particularly demonstrative. One person who had taken a prominent part in this unrehearsed accompaniment to Mr. Seddon's remarks, no doubt emboldened by the free-and-easy tone of the meeting, and backed by the plaudits of his friends, announced his intention of taking part in the proceedings, and, with hold mien and " touch-me-who-dare" air, marched up the hall and clambered on to the platform. He evidently expected a hostile reception, but when the Chairman (the Mayor) courteously offered him a chair and the Premier expressed his pleasure at seeing him there, he was so nonplussed that he sat there like a lamb for the whole of the remainder of the proceedings — the quietest man in the hall. During the past few weeks the Inspector of Dairies has tested no fewer than 100 samples of milk from all parts of the Wellington distriot. Mr. Wayte, Government Dairy Expert, was present when one of the tests was being made, and was so satisfied with the working of the recently-imported apparatus that he has decided to procure | a similar instrument for his own use. The Inspector informed the Dairy Regulations Committee yesterday that the butter-fat result of the test* was very high — viz., 47, the standard being 25. The lowest test was 2-8, and the highest 8 per cent. On the whole, he was satisfied that the city was j supplied with a very satisfactory artiole. The Mayor of Melrose and Mr. Burridge (Petone) considered the standard fixed was too low. The Inspector was directed to take a dozen samples from the delivery cans, and have them tested. Three conseoutive pairs of twins were registered at Pahiatua during last month. Mr. W. M. Ward has been instructed by the Hutt County Council to impound cattle straying in the Horokiwi Riding, and also in all parts of the Porirua Riding except on the Ohariu roads, which are to be kept clear by Mr. F. Hook, jun. Mr. D. Milligan, in his lecture at the Kent Terrace Church last night, stated that Miss K. Marsden, of leper fame, had told | him, when he was in Chicago, that no paper had done more to harass her work and cause her annoyance, both in England and America, than the Evening Post of Wellington ; which, in the light of recent revelations, showed that the Post had done an important service to the public of both countries. I A few days ago an appeal was made through the columns of this paper by Mrs. Fulton on behalf of a widow and her children. ; At the meeting of the Benevolent Trustees yesterday afternoon, Mr. T. W. M'Kenzie, referring to this case, said it was simply shameful the manner in which these appeals for assistance were sometimes made. He had nothing to say against the unfortunate woman, but he knew that a fortnight ago the Ladies' Dorcas Society of one of the Presbyterian Churches had met and made articles of clothing for her children, and had gone to see her comfortably attended to. This woman was also receiving rent, rations, and fuel from the Benevolent Institution, and in the face of this he objected to such appeals being made to people who did not know the assistance that was already being given. Mr. Baylis agreed that it was not right that the benevolenl public should be called upon to contribute to the assistance of persons who were already receiving such an amount of aid. Mr. Johnson, Relieving Officer, said the family had been in receipt of 5s a week and 4£ rations per day for some time past, but recently the husband died, and the rations were reduced to 3£ per day. Other Trustees spoke in a similar strain, one stating that the widow had also received £5 from a society to which her late husband had belonged. The Trustees requested that the members of the press should j mention their reference to the case. In justice to the lady at whose instance .we published the appeal referred to, we desire to say it was the result of a misapprehension as to her request. By mistake, she left "with us a document that contained particulars of the case. What, it appears, she really wanted, was some notice of a benefit concert that is to take place, the proceeds of which are to he devoted to the purchase of a mangle. All this was explained to us in a letter received yesterday. The final performance of " Fra Diavolo " ! was given by the Royal Burlesque Company last night. This evening " Dick WhittingI ton," which has been brought up to date, j will be staged. On this occasion the ladies I I of the company will be tendered a benefit. j Several members of the late Trilby Company, including Miss Amy Vaughan and Mr. Harry Baxter, have given their services, and with such an excellent programme a bumper house is anticipated. A number of moa bones have been discovered on Mr. Henry Cook's farm at { Makara. Some of them are much charred, ' a bush fire haying passed over the locality where they were found. Moa bones have also been found at different times in the Terawhiti district. An incorrigible old man who has a deep- j rooted objection to the rules of the Benevolent Home, yesterday made a strong appeal to the Trustees for a little freedom. He pleaded hard, and he pleaded well, and, all other grounds failing, he suggested that surely he would be allowed out of the boundaries of* the Home to go to church on Sundays. His very daring almost gained him the day, the Trustees being for the moment paralysed by the impudence of the old rascal. They recovered sufficiently, however, to admonish him on the necessity for his attending worship, but thought he could get quite sufficient of church in the Home. The Wellington Navals' minstrel company gave a capital entertainment at the Boys' Institute last night, in aid of the Boys' Band Uniform Fund. The hall was crowded by an appreciative audience. Songs were given by Gunners J. Donaldson, T. Hall, Broomhall, T. Stead, J. Ross, A. Bell, W. Houchen/. W. Hare, Aid A. Williamson ; instrumental solos by Bandsmen Pelham and Oakes, and a quartet and two selections by the hand. A farce terminated an enjoyable programme. Gunner W.-Hare supervised the arrangements, and Mr. A. Williamson played the accompaniments. The Navals have decided to hold a social gathering in Thomas's Hall on the 29th inst., in aid of the Garrison Band Instrument Fund. Messrs. Briscoe, MacNeill & Co.'s tender at £16 2s 6d per ton, has been accepted by the Executive of the Wellington Industrial Exhibition for the supply of ironwork. The terms on which Mr. T. Price, of Petone, has entered into the contract for the supply of timber are —la lOd per 100 ft for rough timber, and 9s 6d per 100 ft for dressed. Two football accidents are reported from the country districts. Harold Greville, at Pahiatua, had his collar-bone fractured, and Nils Olsen, of Norsewood, broke one of his legs. Sir Robert Stout delivered a lecture last night at the meeting of the St. Andrew's Literary Society, taking as his subject " Glimpses of English Life in the Last Century, seen through the pages of Addison'js works." The lecturer gave an interesting sketch of the life of Addison, illustrating his remarks by extracts from "The Spectator." A vote of thanks was given to him by the society. A boxing competition for the middleweight championship of New Zealand, between W. Campbell and S. Hill, will take place on Saturday, 20th inst. The Wellington Navals' social gathering in aid of the Garrison Band's instrument fund is advertised to be held in Thomas' Hall on j I Monday. 20th Juno

A truism expressed by the Chief Justice this morning was that "people who owe money always have a grievance." The Dairy Regulations Committee was yesterday informed by its Inspector (Mr. Collier) that several owners of cows were of opinion the regulations were too drastic, and if they were enforced more severely than at present such people's occupation would be gone, as they now found it a diffioult matter to make a living. Mr. Collier went on to say that if those persons were obliged to go out of the business, the community would also be losers. They supplied the public at the lowest possible rate, and the tests which he had made showed that the richest milk sent into Wellington came from the smallest dairies. There was, he thought, a likelihood of the price of milk rising if the small dairy-farmers gave up business. The accumulated funds of the Excelsior Lodge of Druids now amount to about £3000. During the first six months the Lodge increased its funds by £160. At the half-yearly meeting last evening, Bro. E. H. McCarthy, A.D., in the chair, officers for the ensuing term were elected as follows : — Arch-Druid, Bro. J. O'Flaherty; Vice Arch-Druid, Bro. W. Jaffray; Secretary, Bro. P. Jennings (fourth term) ; Treasurer, Bro. P. Elliott (23rd term) ; 1.G., Bro. A. Humphreys; A. D. Bards, Bros. H. J. Harris and C. Read ; V.A. Bards, Bros. J. Isaacs and W. H. Shepherd ; 0.G., Bro. W. A. Ritson ; Auditor, Bro. M. J. Donnelly ; J.P.A., Bro. E. McCarthy ; Minute Secretary, Bro. J. Lepper. The receipts of the evening amounted to £100. The Wellington Guards' Ball Committee met last night and fixed the 17th July next as the date and Thomas's Hall as the place for the next ball. As last year's was such a decided success, it is the intention of the committee to make this as much so.^nd with that idea it is proposed to limit the number of invitations. Eriends of members would do well to have their names sent in at once. In another column notice is given that persons wishing to attend the lectures of the St. John Ambulance Association are to send their names to the Secretary, No. 1, Greystreet. This is in order that the necessary arrangements for holding the classes may be made. No doubt a large number will be desirous of attending these most useful lectures — so useful are they that everybody should go through the regular course, in order to .be in a position to save life in case of accident, or at any rate to alleviate the sufferings of the injured. We understand that there is a probability of a men's nursing class being formed, the head office having sanctioned this some time ago. 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 perfeotly-attired woman. Ladieb being well aware of this faot, are naturally invariably anxious to obtain for their Wear gloves which will unite an elegant appearance with the oomfoit of a perfeot fit. To all Buoh anxious 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 seleotion of whioh has just been received from Dent, of London, the best maker in the world. Perfeot fit and finish are the leading characteristics of this make, which, from the lowest quality at Is lid to the best at 6s 6d per pair, are now to be obtained in all shades and sizes at Te Aro House. Evening gloves have been made a speciality in this fine importation. The extra long Suede kid gloves just received are the mo-t perfect of their kind. Silk gloves for evening wear are also shown in tasoinating new shades, a beautiful assortment being shows of elbow-length gloves, marked at the wonderful price of 2a 3d. An advertisement on the third page gives a few particulars of these beautiful goods, but ladies are advised to see them for themselves by inspecting the windows or visiting the glove counter at Te Aro House. — Advt. This is an advertisement, and so is our Novelty Department. Kor some time past we have had so many novelties Bent to us by j our Knglibh and >ew York agents that we have put them together under the charge of a competent a-siatant. whose sole duty is to explain their working to any of the public who will aucept a cordial invitation to inape> t them. Remember, everyone is invited to inspect, but no «ne neeesi-arily expected to purchase. Wilkina & Field, Manners-street, Welliugton. — Advt. In the matter of cooking ranges we are leading New Zealand. The development of this branch ot industry is tremendous, and a great boon to the city. For a high-olass cooking range, aisk foi Luke &Co 's. They give points to all others ; they have no equal for beauty, strength, or economy ot fuel; they cook in far lees time than any known range ; they have advantage? not known to other makers. Do not make a mistake and be misled in buying any other range In doing so there is only one regret, and that for all time. — Advt. TTsb the safe, pleasant, and effeotual wormkiller, Mother Graves' Worm Exterminator. Nothing equals it. Prooure a bottle and take it home.— Advt. Po"K sausages, 6d per lb, made from grain-fed pork ; order early. Wardell broß. and Co., 51, Willis street. — Advt.