LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Evening Post, Volume LII, Issue 58, 31 July 1896, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

We have received a number of further letters in continuation of the controversy upon the Irish Scripture Text Book question. As, however, .the subject loses much of its interest from the fact that it is now certain that there can be no legislation upon it this session, and as both sides have had full opportunity of ventilating their views, we see no advantage in continuing the publication of the correspondence. We have to thank the Postal Department for a copy of tightest issue of the Post and Telegraph Handbook,— the capital little waistcoat-pocket offshoot of the Post and Telegraph Guide, which contains in convenient compass all that most people need to know about the mails and telegraph arrangements. The Land Board has forfeited the interest of Mr. W. TV. Bodmin in seotion 2, block 14, Mangahao, for non-compliance with the conditions. A bonus of £200 is offered by the Government for the discovery and working in the colony of a deposit of marketable mineral manure. letters of naturalisation have been issued to John Benson, of Wellington. For the future examinations in Wellington of candidates for steamship engineers' certificates will be held during the first week in February, June, and October. Hr. F. Bradey has been appointed to represent the Upper Hutt and Pahautanui Parochial District in the Diocesan Synod. A change for the better is reported to-day in the condition of Harry Muller, who was injured "by falling from the scaffolding at the new portion of the Eoyal Oak Hotel. The Teraperance Political Committee of Dunedin (which claims to represent fully 40 ohurches, endeavour societies, labour unions, franchise leagues, and temperance bodies generally) has telegraphed to the Premier urging upon him that it be stated in the new Licensing Bill in clear and determinate language that no bottle licenses shall exist after June, 1897, The following resolution was passed by the Trades Council last evening :— " That all the Labour organisations in the City be asked to submit the name or names of any person or persons chosen by them for the position of Labour candidate for the City ; in the event of more than one candidate being nominated, a ballot, or ballots, be taken of the organisations for the final choice ■ the nominations to close on 19th August.", The Council also decided that if more than one candidate is nominated a meeting of all Labour organisations should be called to allow the candidates to express-, their views before taking the ballot. n ... , .' ' ; A painful and serious accident occurred at Aramoho, Wanganui, on Wednesday. A little girl named Christie by some means pulled over a kerosene tin full of boiling water and fell into the water. She is now 'in a very precarious condition, and is hardly expected to recover." The inclement weather yesterday seriously told against the success of a combined social gathering and sale of work 1 held in the small room at the back of the Choral Hall, Cour-tenay-place, in aid of the Women's Christian Temperance Union. This useful and deserving institution is very much hampered, and the scope of its operations much limited, through want of funds. What is most needed just now is a building which the society can use as *its head-quarters, rooms for this purpose having hitherto had to be hired. To put an end to this and to initiate a fund for purchasing the desired, new building yesterday's "social" was arranged, but we are afraid it will not help the Association much, as the attendance was very small, and the sale of articles on the stalls ' could not have been heavy. The musical programme, consisting of solos, part songs, and pianoforte selections, was contributed to by Mrs. Godber, Mrs. Howe, Mrs. Samson, Miss Firth, Miss F. Firth, Mr. Griffiths, Mr. Frew, Mr. Nicol, and Mr. Eichards. The stalls were presided over by Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. Helyer, and Miss C. Kirk. In opening the proceedings the President (Mrs. Kirk) enlarged upon the amount of useful work which could be carried out by women on Temperance lines, and said she trusted that the result of tho gathering would be that the society would become better known, that its membership would largely increase, and that they would make a good start towards obtaining rooms of their own. Mr. W. M'Lean left for Sydney by the Mararoa yesterday for the purpose of disposing of the properties in connection with the drama "The Land of the Moa." On his return he will announce himself a can* didato for the city at the general election. The Trades Council met last evening, Mr. A. Collins (President) in the ohair. It was notified that the Boilermakers' Society had appointed Messrs. J. Thompson and F. 1 M. Murray as its new delegates. The Otago Trades Council wrote that an Eight Hours Bill had been a plank in its platform for the last six years, and that the members returned for Dunedin City and Suburbs were pledged to it ; also, that although the Council aimed at the total abolition of the Upper House, it would be willing to do anything to aid in the improvement of the Chamber. The promoters of the Petone Boys' Brigade can fairly be congratulated upon the initial result of their movement. Last ' evening, despite the inclemency of the weather, a large number of boys attended at the Petone Drillshed, and 59 of their number were enrolled. These were divide 1 into squads and put through facing drill by Captain Isherwood and P.O. Smith. Considerable interest was evinced, and it apparently only remains for careful management to ensure the success of the movement. , The Secretary apologised for the absence of members of the Wellington Boys' Brigade on account of the bad weather. Captain Isherwood announced that the Rev. A. Thomson had been appointed Chaplain, and that next Thursday evening he would appoint the non-commitsioued officers. According to a late issue of the London Daily Graphic, a man between 70 and 80 years of age was found by the police wander, ing about Lavender Hill, Battersea, and being unable to give an account of himself oi his friends, was conveyed as a " wandering lunatic " to the Wandsworth and Clapham Union. It was then discovered that he had in his possession a pocket-book containing nearly £40 in gold, and an envelope addressed " W. C. Denheson, ' Dannerverke/ Hawk's Bay, New Zealand."

The following are the vital statistics for Wellington for the month ending to-day:— Births, 111; deaths, 30; marriages, 43. Forty-eight stray dogs were captured in the streets by the Corporation officials last week. The large number of 60 bankruptcies have occurred in this district since the beginning of the year, as against 29 for the corresponding period of last year. The question of the Momahaki valuations cropped up at the meeting of the Land Board to-day. It will be remembered that, against the urgent solicitations of the Land Board, the Lands Department about two years ago offered 1200 acres of good land for lease at absurdly high rentals, and though it was all taken up, it was predicted that the tenants could not possibly pay the rentals. This has proved correct, every tenant having forfeited, although improvements up to £300 a-section have been made, and now the question of the real value of the land and of the improvements) has to be faced. The Ranger estimates that the land has been overvalued at from £4 10s to £2 an acre, but his valuation of the improvements is objected to by the lessees as too low. The Board decided to get an independent valuation made of the improvements. As precautions against the introduction of the tick pest, yesterday's Gazette prohibits the importation to this colony from Queensland of cattle, horses, and sheep, also meat, skins, hides, hair, bones, horns, &c., as well as of all hay, strawj and fodder, or fittings which have been used in the transport of such stock or things. Councillor Praser thinks it is a thousand pities, besides being a great waste of money, that the Drainage Department should be allowed to cut up newly-formed streets in ♦ihe way it has been accustomed to do. The* City Council has accepted an offer from Mr. James Laird, the well - known W&nganui nurseryman, of 60 well-grown Oriental planes trees to be planted on Arbor Day. v Messrs. Briscoe, MaoNeil & Co. are the successful tenderers for supplying the City Council with 170 tons of water mains and fittings, and the tender of Mr. C. Cathie has been accepted for making new uniforms for the members of the Municipal Fire Brigade. The cloth for the uniforms was imported by the Fire Brigade Committee from England at a cost of £55, exclusive of £15 charged by the New Zealand Customs for duty. Councillor Barber objected at the Council meeting last night to the cloth being purchased outside the colony. It could, he said, be made by colonial mills, and they ought to encourage local industries. Councillor Harris, Chairman of the Fire Brigade Committee, said they had tried New Zealand cloth, and could not get anything which would wear. It was a special cloth, which could not be made in the colony. Councillor Barber was satisfied that it could, and said so. A new company, to be known as the • Wairau Meat Freezing Company, Limited, having a capital of £20,000 in £1 shares, was formed at Blenheim a few days ago. The proposals adopted are that the company this season shall only erect works necessary for killing stock and conveying carcases to Picton, the meat to be frozen on sailing vessels at that port. In order to prevent the "dead-heads" from defrauding the Athletic Park Company of entrance-fees by remaining outside and yet viewing what goes on within the encloBure, a large hoarding is to be erected in front of the high ground where this species of humanity most do congregate. The hoarding will be in position before the Wel-lington-Canterbury representative match, is played on Saturday week. Copies of the bylaws m force in other parts of the colony in relation to street lectures and meetings are to be obtained by the City Gouncil, with a view to adopting similar regulations. The Inspector of Police drew the Council's attention to the matter last night, forwarding a constable's report on a case of obstruction, with an addendum to the effect that a similar case brought into Court about a year ago was dismissed. The Mayor remarked that the Corporations of Dunedin, Christchnrch, and Auckland had { bylaws dealing with this subject such as he had endeavoured to introduce, and the London County Council was framing similar legislation. At present it was of no use for the police or anyone else to make complaints. Councillor Anderson suggested that a portion of the reclaimed land should be set apart for these meetings, but the Mayor said it would not suit these people. Councillor Higginbottom expressed the opinion that the police had all power that was required, and should be told to do their duty. The Fine Arts Exhibition was attended yesterday by a considerable number of visitors, notwithstanding the wretched weather. Two very fine exhibits in the shape of paintings by the late Mr. Robert Atkinson, lent by Lady Glasgow and Lady Alice Boyle, have been added to the walls, further increasing the attractions of the exhibition. The list for intending visitors to the Wellington College Old Boys' Association's annual ball will close to-morroT*. Last night's boisterous weather accounted for the moderate attendance at the Opera House, where the Elite Company gave another of its enjoyable performances. What the audience lacked in numbers it made up in enthusiasm. The trapeze feats of Messrs. Moreney and Trevoe, the clog-dancing of Messrs. Delohery, Craydon, and Holland, and the wonderful serpent-like motions of M. Hyman, were singled out for special attention. A farce of more than ordinary merit, entitled " Slattery's Home," in which Mr. Craydon scored a great hit as Mrs. Slattery, concluded the performance. A complete change of programme is billed for this evening, when the spectacular " Black Watch Clog Drill" will form the chief attraction. The Star of Wellington Lodge, 1.0. G.T., held its usual meeting last evening, Bro. Andrews presiding. Five new members were enrolled. The election of officers took place, Bros. Andrews and Reay being returned Chief Templar and Secretary respectively. At Government House last night the comedy of " Our Boys " was repeated, and despite the wretched weather there was a good attendance. The performance was much more even than on the first night, and applause was lavishly bestowed upon the performers. A terrible accident occurred a few days ago at the Shamrock claim, Addison's, by which a man named J. Hepburn was partially buried through the falling of a face of rock. ■ The matter for wonder is that he was not killed on the spot. In addition to losing most of the teeth of both upper and lower jaws, both jaws were found to be shattered to pieces and dislocated. Dra. Willis and Macdondl succeeded in reducing the dislocation on one side, but owing to the shattered state of the lower jaw on the opposite side the dislocation could not be reduced. Acting on the advice of the medical men, the injured man will be brought to Wellington, where it is thought that by the aid of the fymtgen process and better surgical appliances more may be done for him than in Westport. The organ recital by Mr. Maughan Barnett, which waa to have been held in St. John's Church to-night, is postponed until Friday next, owing to the inclemency of the weather. ' *Mrs. Broadhurst's art union has been drawn . Several of the best prizes, inSSuding the first, have come to Wellington,

Mr. C. Smith, the Cash Draper, Cubastreet, oiroulates with this issue an inset giving tho prioe list of the 14 days' fale which is to precede his annual stock-taking. The third issue of the New Zealand Field is to hand, and contains fc large amount of readable matter concerning sports and pastimes, and a criticism of the management of the late championship show at Dunedin. Partioolara are advertised elsewhere. This week's number of the Weekly Press contains the usual series of illustrations, icoladisg a portrait of the famous Indian cricketer, the members of the Ohristchuroh Savage Club, and Napier amateur actors ; aid th?re is a special report on the Sydney sheep sales. Mesira. R. Holliday & Co. advert'ie their readiness to supply the famous Swan Fountain Pen of Messrs. Malic, Todd, and Bard. To those engaged in commercial and official life who wish to be up-to-date the bwan is ftlmott as great a necessity m the typewriter. Its nib being of gold, there is no rust, and, being tipped with indium (one of the hardest of metals^, it practically doe» not wear away. We know of one instance in whioh a Swan nib, after four years of constant nae, was working as we 1 as on the day it was bought ; and authors of auoh oapaoity for work as Oliver Wendell Holmes, G. A. Sala, Crookett, and Hall Came (wbo wrote "The Manxman "with a Swan) have all testified to their indebtedness to the pen in question. Messrs. Holliday also notify the receipt of a, Bupply of Ethel Turner's latest work and other of the best and Lowest I Australian publications. To-morrow morning at 10 o'olook M >ssrs. R. Hannah & Co. will commence their halfyearly sale of high-olaas boots and shoes at reductions ranging from 1(J to 50 per cent. The boots and shoes offered comprise the leading English, French, German, and American manufacturers. This sale will be continued for 14 days only, and, in addition to the imported boots Mid ahoes, every pair of the famous G brand, manufactured by R. Hannah & Co., will be reduced. Mr. E. Pear oe, of the Boot Arcade, Cuba-street, has just purchased a very large supply of sample boots and oboes ac a job prioe. These will be offered to the publio to-morrow. Mr. A. Lindsay, the working men's boot provider, has just received further supplies of men's nailed heavy working boots, the same as the last, also of heavy shooters of all sizes, whioh will be sold at very low prices at bis two shops. His usual Saturday bargains will be offered to-morrow at the Cuba-street shop. The Levin Court of Foresters advertises for the services of a medical man, to whom it guarantees £120 per annum as a nuoleus of his practice. Salei of different kinds ore just now aU the rage. Mr. Chisholm, of Cuba-street, began a Bale of jewellery and plate to-day, at whioh, bargain prices are to rule. Mr. James P.ettie, draper, Cuba-street, announces a great clearing sale, which will commence to-morrow. Some special bargains are promised to tho^e who visit the establishment. Particulars will be found in our advertising columns. Mr. F. H. Wood will hold an import mt sale of small farm properties at his Cart rton rooms on Saturday, Bth Auguat. The farms are sitnated at Gladstone, near Carterton, close to the State lohool and post and telegraph office. A dairy factory will shortly be erected within La.f-a-mile of them. The land is the pick of that fertile district, and the terms ar- exceptionally eaay. The farms range from 100 aores, including two homesteads. Further particulars cau be ontaited from Messrs. Menteath & Beere, eolioitora, Wellington, or the auotioneer. Messrs. A. G. Tame & Co. Bell at their rooms this evening at 7.30 o'olook a good selection of town properties, pariioulars of which can be seen in an advertisement. j

The last daya cf the Great Sydney Stook Sale, one of the most success ul events of the kind ever held in Wellington, are now advertised. The closing scene is to be one of sactifioe, the sole object being to clear the shelves of all remaining stook. With this end in view no reasonable offer will be refused daring the last ten da^s of the Great Sydney Stook Sale at Te' Aro Bouse. i Advbbtisxhxnts in other columns of this paper set forth in detail a few of the final quotations. The attention of purchasers is particularly directed to the prices at whioh blankets, b-dding, and all kinds of furnishings ate offered. Tho reductions in these lines are almost inoredible, and present an opportunity never likely to occur again after the expiration of the last ten days of the Great Sydney Stook Sale at Te Aro House. — Advt. In the matter of cooking ranges we are leading New Zealand. The development of this branoh of industry ib tremendous, and a great boon to the oity. For a high-olass cooking range, uk for Lake & Co.'a. They give points to all otherß ; they have Ho equal for beauty, strength, or economy of fuel; they cook in far leas time than any known range ; they have advantages not known to other makers. Do not make a mißtoke and be misled in buying any other range. In doing so there is only one regret, and that for all time. — Advt. Poke sausages, 6d per lb, made from grain-fed pork ; order early. Wardell Uros. aud Co., 51, Willis-street.— Advt.