LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Evening Post, Volume LII, Issue 185, 29 December 1896, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The Evening Post will not be published • on Friday (New Year's Day). It is satisfactory to learn that Lady Glasgow's , health has already derived muoh advantage from, the cruise in the Government steamer Tutanekai on whioh she and the Governor are now engaged. The Tutanekai is due at the Bluff on the 6th proximo. On the way from Westport she will vi3it the whole of the Sounds. After leaving the Bluff she will prdbably call at Dunedin and Lyttelton, and then gd on to Auckland. By the Reserves and Crown Lands Enabling and Disposal Act of last session the reserve at Ship Cove, Marlborough Sounds, is declared a reserve, in memory of its occupation by Gaptain Cook, and is to be retained in its natural state. The Surveyor-General has drawn the attention of the Marlborough Land Board to this fact. Friday, Ist, January (New Year's Day), being a Post Office holiday, all branches of the General Post Office will be closed. A delivery of letters usually delivered by letter* carriers will take place over the public counter, General Post Office, between the hours of. 7 and 8 p.m. on Thursday, 31st I December. Mails for despatch on Friday, Ist January, will close at 8 p.m. on Thursday, 31st December. We are indebted to Mr. T. W. Eowe, Librarian of .the Public Library, who has a thermometer properly fitted up for the taking of accurate records— one of Hioks's best instruments, which is provided with a Kew certificate, and is exposed in a Stevenson screen near* the back of his garden in Hawker-street—for the information that the temperature recorded there )) r esterday was 81'4deg. The previous highest temperature for this summer was 75"3deg. The hottest recorded last 1 summer at the Observatory was 79deg in February, while in February, 1895, the record temperature for Wellington of 88deg was registered. Yesterday's maximum reading at the Observatory, which, from its elevated and breezy situation, would naturally be cooler than the vicinity of Hawker-street, was 77deg. A telegram from Auckland states that the Potter-Bellew dramatic season opened there on Boxing Night, when there was an enormous attendance, beating the records established by the " Trilby " season. The performance created intense .interest, arid there was an unprecedented rush to the box office this morning. All seats in the circle and stalls have been reserved for the next eight nights, premiums being offered for seats. The Southland Times says :— Captain J. A. H. Marciel, a comparatively new chum, who wag Seoretaryor something to the National Aw. in Christehurch,and who commenced an, electoral campaign on his own account under the auspices of the Association, but before he was done had gone off about due south from its principles, has been appointed by the Government to the position of examiner of masters and mates in the colony. Captain Marcietyas a defeated candidate. By the Ruapehu, which arrives here about the end of the week, a party of ninetynine immigrants will arrive under the charge of Mr. William Courtney, who has got them together during the past few months. Mr. Cdhrtney informs the London correspondent of the Christehurch Press that these immigrants are, on the whole, the best class ever yet taken out by him, and are calculated in every way to prove valuable settlers and future colonists of New Zealand. On the voyage of the ship Soukar from Liverpool to this port which ended yesterday, the assistant steward, a young man named Ernest Winters, 19 years of age, unaccountably disappeared. He was first missed on the -raoriliug of 28th November, when the vessel was bowling along at the rate of 101 knots an hour before a W.S.W. gale. No one on board had seen him go overboard. In the face of the big sea running there would have been little chance to effect a rescue. The deceased was a native of West Croydon. The signal which the Marine Department proposes should be used by a vessel requiring a tug at night is to be three vertical bright lights exhibited from any part of .her. The Wellington Volunteer Rifle Assooiation has been compelled to postpone its meeting fixed for New Year's Day until Anuiversary Day, tbe 22nd January, 1897, owing to no reply having been received from the Government as to what assistance it intends to give the Association. An incorrigible rogue and vagabond named Matthew Pickering was this morning at the Magistrate's Court sent to gaol for 12 months on a charge of having no visible means of support. Pickering admitted the charge against him. Three first-offending inebriates received lenient treatment at the hands of the Bench, two being convicted and discharged, and the third fined 5s with the alternative of 24 hours' imprisonment. Messrs. J. Jack aud A. Scoullar, the presiding Justices, also granted Joseph Zacnariah a renewal of his pawnbroker's license. The Rev. W. E. Paige, of Masterten, who is now on a visit to England, was present at the annual meeting of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel held recently at Sherborne, at which he gave an address on New Zealand and its inhabitants. He- contrasted the great -religious privileges of the English people with those of the New Zealand colonists, relating instances of deplorable spiritual destitution in the colony, and concerning the Maoris, informed his audience that they were a fine race, both mentally and physically, and in.dieated how vastly "they bad improved *inee they had been Christianised. Mr. Paige also gave some useful information regarding the physical features and productive capkcities of New Zealand, and concluded by fexhorting those present to give freely to missions with objects like those of the S.P.G. The takings at the gates at yesterday's intercolonial cricket match amounted to £47 ss, making a total of £113 10s tid fox the two daw .

A meeting of Court Robin Hood, A.0.F., | was held last night, Bro. White, P.D.C.R., iv the chair. The election of officers resulted as follows : — C.R., Bro. A. H. Harbottle; S.C.R., Bro. A. H. Eogers; Treasurer, Bro. J. W. Ward ; Secretary, Bro. J. T.Webber; S.W., Bro. T. Uridge; J.W., Bro. E. Hughes ; 5.8., Bro. F. M. Peterson ; J. 8., Bro. 0.. J. Johnston; Minute Secretary, Bro. K. A. 0. Fredrio ; Auditor. Bro. H. G. Milts. Two candidates were initiated, and one Joined by clearance. The danger of ohildren eating wild berries is illustrated by » fatality which occurred at Jtahotu, near Opunake, about a week ago. Two ohildren of a settler named Dunton ate a number of green karaka and other bush harries, with the result that both were taken seriously ill. The eldest child, aged about 4J years, recovered after some vomiting; but the other, aged about 3 yeaw, died before medical aid could be obtained. "Rip Van Winkle " by the Pollard Company at the Opera House again drew a numerous audience in all parts of the btilldlng. As pn Boxing Night, the splendid mounting of the opera compelled the warmest recognition, especially the intricate and tolling scenio effects in the second act when Hip meets Hudson's crew among the Kaatskijls. Musically and dramatically the work was very efficiently produced, and in these respects an improvement was noticeable on the opening performance. The principals filled their rdles with much ability— Miss MetcaUe as Gretchen being successful in her numbers, tiQtably in the song in the second act when she prays for her husband's safety among the mountains. Miss May Beatty as Katrina carried off the palm for histriottio talent and vivacity, and her singing was also very satisfactory. Miss A. Smith received a well-deserved en'tiore for the song " My Pipe." ' Mastef C. Albert's Goblin also merits special notice. Mr. Quealy's part as Knickerbocker is out of his usual line, but he filled it well, and with due self-repression, his dancing, however, being much admired. Mr. Alf Stephen's " fiip " is an exceedingly clever bit of character*aoting, and he sang his numbers surprisingly well. His praiseworthy efforts received the recognition they Were entitled to. Qn the whole, the company throughout the cast sustains its good reputation, and full houses may be expected during the ran of the work.' . The orchestra is efficient and enjoyable, but now aud then last Bight was somewhat too pronounced for the soloist. Of 99 passengers from Australia by the Mararoa yesterday afternoon, 55 landed in Wellington. f ' The best thing she can do is to go to the cemetery " was the ruffianly remark of an unfeeling brute at the Magistrate's Court this morning when told that his We looked as if she ought to be in the Hospital. The officers and crew of Huddart, Parker & Co.'s steamer Miowera have been awarded £6260 for assistance rendered to the disabled steamer Strathnevia a few months ago. Two correspondents, Mr. Thos. Herd and " Critic," write at some length on the subject of the judging at the coming Exhibition. Band Contest. Pressure on our space makes it impossible to publish the letters in full, and we therefore give the salient points of each. Mr. Herd, replying to the communication of " Baritone," published yesterday, declares that he never seconded a vote for or against any particular judge, which statement, he says, will be supported by any member of the Contest Committee. It is impertinence on the part of "Baritone" to question the ability of the Committee, which is composed of some of the most level-headed business men in the city, and. still more so to suggest that the Exhibition authorities should interfere with the work of their Committee. Anyone should know that it takes a bandmaster to judge a brass band. Mr. Grieves record as a theo- . ■ rctical and practical musician and bandsman is well known in both England and Australia. Mr. Herd, who writes somewhat warmly, says he only' knows of one local conductor who has any objection to the present arrangements. Personally he does not care whetßer there be one or twenty judges. " Critic " agrees with " Baritone," and says there was general dissatisfaction with Mr. Grieve'i judging at the contest of 1894. He regards it.as strange that the Committee should have gone to the expense of importing ft judge from Australia when two such capable judges as the Hon. Geo. Jones and Mr. Tallis Trimnell are close at hand. It is too late now to alter matters, but it shows the necessity for bandsmen keeping the Association up to the mark, and getting satisfaction one way or the other in the future. A correspondent states that a party from the Taranaki-rtreet Wesleyan Church Christian Endeavonr Society, " by their carolling on' Christmas Eve and morning, oheered the homes of many sick and poor people." The selections sung were taken from Burnham's " Carote and Chimes" and the Methodist Hymn-book. An organ was carried round in an express, and was played by Mr. Geo. Bennett. The party style themselves the Musical Helpers, and are under the conductorship of Mr. W. E. Howe. The Matron of the Alexandra Home acknowledges, with thanks, the following donations , for Christmas : — Prom Lady Stout, a Christmas cake; Messrs. Barber and Co., a side of lamb; Mr. Crawford, a Bucking pig; and Mr. Wilton, cordials, A match between the Wellington and Oroua Polo Clubs played at Foxton on Saturday resulted in the defeat of the city representatives by ten points to one. The teams were as follows : — Wellington — P. Baldwin, 1 ; A. Cooper, 2; P. C. Skerrett, half-back ; and L. Tripp, full-back. Oroua— A. Strang, 1 ; J. Strang, 2 ; 0. Robinson, half-back; and J. M'Lennan, full-back. In deference to the wish of the athletes engaged at the Caledonian Society's Gathering on New Yearns Day at the Basin Eeserve, a handicap long jump has been added to the lurt of events. The Secretary,, also requests that all cash, butts of tickets, and tickets unsold be sent in, the date of receiving them being notified in our advertising columns. We are also informed that the number of entries on the day of the sports will not fall tat short of 350. So, given a fine day, the Caledonian-Society should reap a harvest on the first day of 1897. The tickets for the grand art union are also in great demand. - A good thing must be seen to be appreciated, and Mr. Fuller's Myriorama Entertainment, now given nightly at the Exchange Hall, is distinctly a good thing. The views— which last night were the same as those shown on Boxing Night, and represented a trot around the world — could hardly ba surpassed for beauty and distinctness, added to which some very novel mechanical effects are occasionally introduced. An excellent programme of music, both ■ instrumental and vocal, and several recitations fill in appropriate intervals, and several of the selections are illustrated by lantern views. In Auckland this form of entertainment became so popular that the hall occupied by the Fuller Company was crowded nightly. Much time was occupied at the Magistrate's Court this morning with % charge of, assaflld brought by Thomas W. Geise against Charles Crawford. After hearing lengthy and contradictory evidence the Bench (Messn, J. Jack and A. Scoullar, J.l'.'g) came to the conclusion that an assault had been committed, but as there were extenuating circumstances they let the defendant off lightly with a fine of 10s, allowing him * week in which to pay the money. Mr. Hindmjtrih appeared for defendant.

Mr. James Clark was to-day elected unopposed to the vacant seat on the Melrose Borough Council, representing the Kilbirnie Ward of the borough. The Post and Telegraph Department did phenomenal and exceptionally heavy work at Christmas time, and has fairly earned the right to be classed as equal to any similar branches of the Publio Service in any part of the world. The local Post Office officials were working on Wednesday last from 9 a.m. till midnight, and during those hours, owing to a San Francisco, a Brindisi, and a large Southern mail, were kept hard at it, and handled upwards of 75,000 artioles— that is, letters, money orders, parcels, &c. In the Telegraph Department on Thursday a double staff was at work from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and the officers were simply hard driven for all that time. The forwarded messages from this office were 1997, those received for delivery 1883— id each case double the amount of an ordinary day's work. The transmits were 2607, an increase of 1200 on the average day, and the gross total 6487. Mr. C. Robertson, the officer in charge, says that in all the 20 years of his experience here it was the heaviest day's work he has known, and yet, thanks to Mr. Logan's up-to-date instruments, the staff kept level with it throughout the day, and at no time wat there a block, as in former years. The publio should recognise from this test that they have in the New Zealand Telegraph Service operators second to none in the world, and instruments and appliances up-to-date in every respeot. The Post and Telegraph Department may be said to have surpassed itself this Christmas, and the officers are entitled to the thanks of the publio for such good work. Of course the sixpenny telegram has had a lot to do with the increase in the number of messages A special meeting of the Feione Borough Counoil was held last evening. Present— CouncillorsMotb.es (in the chair), Ballinger, Cook, Austin, and Findlay. Two tenders were received for the formation of Victoriastreet extension, but neither being considered satisfactory, it was deoided to call for fresh tenders. Mr. C. Nelson was appointed Ranger. Mr. W. J. Percy's tender for forming a culvert at Ridler's Creek at £11 18s was accepted. Trials of learned counsel.— Scene, Magistrate's Court. Witness in assault case under examination. Lawyer— " Whereabouts do you work ? " Witness—" That's no business of yours." " But you must tell me where you are working ? " " Well, I'm not working here." " What do you work at ? " "Oh, my trade." "Well, whereabouts do you work at your trade?" "All over Wellington." " Yes, but just now ? " "Can't you see I'm not working just now." "Well now, will you be good enough to tell their Worships whom you work for ?" " I never asked their Worships where they worked. It's no business of theirs." And the witness then went into along dissertation upon the attacks made upon his " charaokther " by the " persecuting" counsel, while the learned counsel tried to look as if he rather enjoyed it. In this issue the Caledonian Society publishes the handicaps for its gathering on New Tear's Day. The entries for the Grand Handicap are very large, and some of the best amateur talent in New Zealand is amongst the entrants. Mr. R. H. Hooper has been elected to full membership of the New Zealand Institute of Journalists, not to assooiate membership as stated the other day. A small Brindisi mail dated London, 20th November, and a heavy. Australian mail came to hand by the Mararoa last night. The new steamer Admiral will make what promises to be an enjoyable excursion to the Marlborough Sounds in the New Year holidays if sufficient inducement offers, leaving the Queen's Wharf on Friday morning, and returning on Sunday evening. The movements 1 of the vessel will be left entirely in the hands of . the excursionists, and there will be an opportunity for visiting the Picton Regatta, if that be desired. The opportunity for a pleasant outing is a rare one. An advertisement • elsewhere gives particulars. Meanwhile the Admiral will make fishing excursions and also moonlight trips, with the German Band now in town on board. Some of our readers may remember that shortly after the visit of the Countess of Waohtmeister to this colony early in the year, the various branches of the Theosophical Society in New Zealand were formed into an independent section of the society. Since the formation of the section there has been a, considerable increase in the member? ship of the society, and much interest has been aroused in theosophical teachings by the lecturing tours of Miss Lilian Edger, M.A., General Secretary of the section. On 2nd and 3rd January the first annual convention of the New Zealand section will be held in Wellington, and delegates are expected to be present from all parts of the colony. On Sunday evening there will be a public meeting, when addresses will be delivered by some of the delegates from other branches of this colony. Particulars of this meeting will be' found in our advertising columns. Mr. Draffin also notifies that he will be pleased to meet enquirers at the Theosophical Rooms on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. Parkinson's Star Almanac and West Coast Directory has reached us. and we find it as usual a valuable medium of reference for the West Coast of this island, and also a useful publication in many, other respects outside the mere direotory.- It is an exceedingly creditable production from the firm of Innes & Co., of Hawera. Mrs. Draffin, of Auckland, will deliver two lectures in the Exchange Buildings, the first this evening. The titles of these lectures will probably arouse some interest in the subject of Theosophy, and those who wish to hear what the tbeosophical teachings are cannot do better than attend and take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions at the close. The Hospital authorities thankfully acknowledge the- following additional donation* to the patients' Christmas Fund : — E. W. Mills, £1; E. T. Taylor & Co., £1 Is; W.E.8., 10s; R. Hannah & Co., £1 Is ; Sargood, Son & Ewen, £2 2s ; H. P. Higginson, £1; Dr. Anson, £1 Is; Dr. Pollen, 10»; Dr. Collins, £1; cake from Messrs. W. Tonks, J. Godber, Mawson, M'Ewen & Churchill, John Skinner, and Mrs. Sanderson; two gallons cream from Finn, Rigg, & Co. ; one dozen cordials from Mn. Beacon ; biscuits, lollies, and muscatels from T. B. Coveney ; two tins biscuits from Wellington Biscuit Factory; three bottles Constantia from Mr. J. Jack ; nikau palms and ferns from Mr. Bartholomew, of Levi n, and carriage from Levin to Wellington by the Manawatu Railway Company ; eight dozen zerade from Thomson, Lewis, & Co. ; cake for children from " Anonymous " ; parcel for children from F. and R. Kebbell; parcel from D.1.C. ; do., Te Aro House ; do., Miss Harding; do., Winton& M'Lauchlan, also the loan of a large quantity of glass and earthenware ; parcels from H. J. Rodgers & Co., Geo. Winder, Wilkins & Field, George Denton, Whitcombe & Tombs, Cameron & Christie, Mackay Bros., J. B. Innes, B. i Cohen, T. J. Thompson, and Kempthorne, Prosser & Co. The Trustees sincerely thank those who all through the year contribute to the happiness and enjoyment of the patients by supplying flowers, periodicals, music (vodal and instrumental), and the New Zealand Times and Evening Post for a j daily supply of their papers. Further, they thank Mr. Whitehouse, who gave the patients a great treat on Christmas afternoon [ with the phonograph.

The widow of the late Mr. J. T. Backhouse, who will be remembered for his long connection with shipping affairs, died somewhat unexpectedly last evening at her son's residence, Ohiro-road. She felt well and hearty up to Christmas Day, but on that evening experienced a suddeu seizure, which ended fatally, the cause of death being inflammation or the lungs, aUpervening upon diabetes. Mrs. Backhouse arrived in Nelson about 35 years ago — her husband at that time being chief officer of one of the Panama boats — and two or three years afterwards removed to Wellington, where she has resided ever since. She leaves a family of four sons and two daughters. We have received the following subscriptions in aid of the unfortunate widow whose sad case We referred to on Christmas Eve : — A Friend, 6s ; P., 6s ; Robert Quee, 10s; Sympathiser, 2s 6d; M'Lean k Son, £2 2s ; Jrar, ss ; Sympathiser, 10s ; J. 8., ss ; A.E.S., ss ; J.H.H., 10s. The site chosen for the Catholio picnic at Belmont on New Year's Day is a wellsheltered spot close to the line of railway, with a large paddock adjoining for the sports. There is also ample accommodation in the surrounding bush for private picnio parties, who will no doubt take advantage of the cheap fares to Belmont to spend a pleasant day tliere. The City Rifles will hold a competition for the A and B Class trophies and ammunition prizes at the Polhill Gully range on Saturday next. Ammunition will be supplied to-morrow evening at 8 o'clock. "An Evening with Dickens " will be the title of a leoture, with illustrative readings, to be given by the Rev. A. B. Chappell at the Wesleyan Schoolroom, Thorndon, tomorrow evening. Mrs. Weiss, of the New Zealand Wines Store, Willis-street, advertises the arrival of new shipments of the celebrated Soler Bros.' wines, which have opened np in excellent condition, for the festive season. Messrs. A. G. Tame & Co. advertise for sale a 10-h.p. portable engine, two flax strippers, &o. ; also, a superior boardinghouse, as a going concern, situated at Thorndon. Messrs. A. G. Tame & Co. sell to-morrow, at Featherston-terraoe, furniture and effeots. Messrs. F. R. Jaokson & Co. sell stock at Johnsonville to-morrow. Mr. W. F. Shortt sells to-morrow, at his mart, condemned Customs seizures, &o. ThS Te Aro House Christmas Tree has been transplanted. It is now flourishing at Sidey's new auction room in Manners-street, between the Bank of New Zealand and the Opera House. Its branohes are laden with all manner of Chrirtmas gifts for old and young, and it would seem impossible for any single person to come away without having seen a present exactly suitable to the requirements of the case. Above all, the value offered is in all cases the value of Te Aro House. Surrounding the Christmas Tree are tables piled with more Christmas goods. Toys, dolls, oooks, pictures, ornaments, usefuls, are there in profusion. There are sixpenny tables, shilling tables, eighteenpenny tables, two shilling tables, and tables with goods at all prices. But whatever the price, the valne ia the best obtainable, and the only verdict of buyers must be that the one and only place to buy seasonable presents is next the Opera House, at the Branch Department of Te Aro House. — Advt.

Feb. 20— South Australia, 3 per cent .£839,500 May 4— West Australia, 3 per cent 750,00(1 -ei,589,50C Compared with previous years the amount is exceptionally small, as the following Sgures will show : — 1889-^11,617,800 1893— £7,551,000 1890— 6,254,000 1894 — 2,847.000 1891— 10,705,000 1895— 8,250,000 1892— 7,120,000 The local borrowings, on the other hand, bave tended to increase, and the amounts thus raised during the year were as f ollowb •— 1896. Sept.— New South Wales, 3 per cent, par ,(6472,414 Sept.— New South Wales, 4 per cent. .£lO6 54.77 C Deo. — New Zealand, 3J- per cent. par 500.00 C £1,027,184 The .figures for previous years are at inder :— * 1892 £850,000 1893 2,550,000 1894 400 000 1895 311,000