LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Evening Post, Volume LVI, Issue 5, 6 July 1898, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

» About 20 employes at the Petone Railway Workshops have received notice that their services will not be required after Saturday next. Mr. John Duthie, M.H.R., -who has been on a visit to England and America, will return to Wellington by the Rotoiti to-uight. He is to be accorded a publio reception at the Opera House on Saturday night. The "Wanganui Acclimatisation Society desires to exchange fallow deer for red deer : with the Wellington Society. In the civil action Assets Realisation Board v. J. H. Stanley & Co., partly heard in the Magistrate's Court 33 T esterday/somedt the witnesses for plaintiff gave evidence as to custom in regard to dumping charges. To enable defendant's counsel to call evidence on the same point the case was adjourned till Thursday. There was an unusually animated scene at the outer tee of the Queen's Wharf yesterday afternoon, the occasion being the departure of the red funnel liner Waikare on her initial trip to the South Sea Islands. A large number of sightseers assembled on the wharf, and the proceedings prior to the departure of the vessel were\characterised by much bustle and activity^ The " wait" preceding the departure was agreeably enlivened by several selections of musio by the Hungarian musicians who are going the round trip in the vessel. Much humour was afforded to the bulk of the apeotators by the presence of Mr. D. Campbell, piper to the Caledonian Society, who played several of Scotia's best known airs on the bagnipes out of compliment and as a farewell to Mr. G. Wilson (President) aud several members of the Caledonian Society, who were passengers. Punctually at 4 o'clook the lines were oast off, the engines at once were put in motion, and amidst hearty cheering the Waikare was soon ploughing down the harbour and on her way to the Isles of the South. Heller's Mahatma Company continues to draw large audiences at the Exchange Hall, and deservedly so, for it is one of the best combinations of the kind that has ever visited the city. A variation of the programme was made last night, the Professor's tricks being for the most part new, and instead of Mr. Heller himself being tied up in the cabinet performance the subject — a lady— was fastened up in a sack, which was afterwards securely sealed by a gallant Jaok Tar from H.M.S. Taurauga, whose astonishment when the curtain was drawn and the sack he was holding was found to be empty was a treat to witness. Miss Talma's singing and Miss Havelock's dancing were as attractive as ever. The performance concluded with Madame Heller's extraordinary demonstration of thought-reading, which sent the audience home more mystified than ever. Tho perfornxouoe will be repeated to-night.

The fifth annual tea-meeting of theSydne}'street Primitive Methodist Endeavour Society was held in the schoolroom last evening aud was followed by a public meeting in the church. The annual report showed the society to be working satisfactorily. Its roll comprises 20 active members (14 of them being church members), 1Q associate, and 13 honorary. The amount collected during the year for Home mission work was £14 3s, which was raised in seven weeks, entitling the society to 30s presented by Mr. Goldie. Officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows: — President, Rev. 11. Hall ; Vice-Presidents, Miss Florence and Miss B. Whitwell ; Recording Secretary, Miss May Clark; Correspoudiug Secretary, Mr. E. Daniel : Treasurer, Miss L. Harris. The Birthday League in connection with the society is doing good work, and its membership is increasing. During the evening addresses were given by the Rev. Messrs. Hall (chairniau), Dawson, Woollass, and Mr. P. Mairs. St. Peter's Schoolroom was filled to overflowing last night, the occasion being a "social" in commemoration of the dedication of the church. The gathering was in every way a social affair, and ample entertainment was provided for all. The music-loving were treated to a pianoforte solo by Miss Somerville, songs by Mrs. Mackintosh, the Misses Shortt and Hall, and Messrs. Geo. Smith and It. Robiuson, whilst Mr. A. M. Palmer gave some loud-sound records from the phouograph. The phonograph was also brought into popular requisition as a sideattraction. Then three corners of the room were occupied with bran-tubs, presided over by Mesdames E. and A. Anderson, Gellatley, J. Blundell, "Wilberfoss, and Miss Caughie. The hungry had appetising refreshment dispensed by Mesdames Lyon, L. Blundoll, Bock, aud Ashbolt/ The " social " will, no doubt, result in a substantial addition to the fund for the reduction of the church debt. A meeting of Court Sir George Grey> A.0.F., was held in the court's hall, Lamb-ton-quay, last eveuing, Bro. Grant, C.R., presiding. There was a large attendance of members. The newly-elected officers were duly installed. The court passed a vote of thanks to the retiring officers, aud ordered that the name of Bro. Grant, P.C.R., be placed on the respect board, and that he be presented wiih a neck ribbon and a framed emblem. The Banquet Committee reported that very satisfactory arrangements were being made for the court's banquet to be held on the 22nd inst. After the court had been formally closed by Bro. Helliwell, the new C.R., refreshments and music were indulged in, songs being contributed by Messrs. A. Cole, W. Lightfoot, Babbington, and Grant. There are now 87 persons in the Benevolent Home. Of these 56 are men. Our Kaitoke correspondent writes : — A most enjoyable and well-attended concert and dance was held in the Kaitoke School- . room on Friday evening, in aid of the piano fund. The following ably contributed :—: — Miss E. Evans, Mesdames Broadbent, Martin, and Dowling, Messrs. Harrison Brothers, Puddick, Wilkins, and Martin. Miss Martin and Mrs. Fletcher played the accompaniments, and Mr. Puddiok supplied the dance music. The bicycle which was reported as having ■been stolen from outside the National Hotel, Petone, has been returned to the owner through the) ) police. It was found on Waterloo - quay by a constable, having apparently been ridden into town by the culprit. ' The remains of the late Mr. R. Scott were interred in the Presbyterian portion of the Sydney-street Cemetery yesterday afternoon. The "Working Men's Club was represented by Messrs. Paul Coffey (President) and L Oughton (Vice-President).as well as several committeemen and members. The' club sent a beautiful wreath. The Rev. J. Paterson read the burial service. Last evening the Rev. W. C. Woodward concluded a three day's Temperance mission at Petone in connection with the local lodge of Good Templars. The lantern lectures given in town were repeated, and there was a fair attendance at each entertainment. Lieut.-Colonel Hoskins, Majors Birkenshaw, Cain, Holdaway, aud Bennett, accompauied by the band attached to the Wellington branch of the Salvation Arm}', visited Petone last evening. Each of the officers gave a short address in the local barracks, which was crowded to the doors. Plaintiffs secured judgment in the following civil cases, heard before Mr. H. Eyre Kenny in the Magistrate's Court yesterday : — Yerex and Jones Co. v. Marie Alexander, £14 7s (id ; G. Voiseller v. G. Bradley, £1 Os 6d ; E. Arnold v. J. D. O'Neill, 16? ; J. W. Hoare and Co. v. H. Mercer, £6 4s 9d ; W. Wilson v. B. Scott, £1 11s 6d;M. Bohanv. C. Richardson, £11 13s, and possession ordered to be given on the 11th ; J. K. Hamilton v. F. Pete, £2 16s ; Wellington Carriers' Union v. E. Spencer, £2 lls 6d ; A. W. Lawson v. W. J. Hunt, £2 lls (this case \i{as reinstated, to be reheard on the 7th). It was stated at the meeting of the Benevolent Trustees yesterday that a woman who is now -in receipt of oharitable aid was found some time ago to have pawned no less than £200 worth of goods which she had purchased shortly after her marriage many j years ago. The Police Commission is still considering its report. With regard to the proposed amalgamation of the Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and that for the Protection of Women and Children, the Committee of the latter body has decided to hold over the matter until the annual meeting in October next. In the meantime, the Secretary is to obtain details of the working of the kindred body in Auckland. The Committee acknowledges with thanks the following subscriptions: — Mr. C. Smith and Dresden Co., £1 Is each ; Mr. D. Anderson and Mrs. Glasgow, £1 each ; Mr. Wilton and Mrs. Herman, 6s ; Mrs. Danks. 10s ; smaller sums, 6s 6d. Mrs. Mayer, Custom-house-quay, is also thanked for a parcel of clothing for children, and for her kind offer to make up materials for cases of necessity. Six inebriates were punished for drunkenness in the Magistrate's Court this morning, one of them, Thomas Trudgeon, being fined 10s, in default 48 hours' imprisonment. Another, who kept up an incessant chatter all the time she was in Court, was remanded for medical treatment. The case of Tompsitt v. Young, a suit as to the possession, of the Manukau Hotel, which was to have been heard in the Supreme Court to-day, has been settled out of Court. Last night's concert at St. Thomas's Schoolroom, Newtown, passed off very successfully, and was well attended. Though ~iven at rather short notice, songs were con- . United by Mesdames Mason and Perrim and Messrs. Robert, Calton, Warboys, and Powell ; a piano solo by Miss Powell ; and two very sweet items by Mr. Gaby's glee :" irty completed an enjoyable programme. Under the auspices of the Single Tax League, in Room No. 3, Exchange Buildings, to-morrow evening, Mr. Ignatius Singer, F.C.S., will deliver a lecture entitled " Rights of Property." Admission will be free, and discussion is invited. It is sometimes very difficult to buy recognised high-grade bicycles at exceptionally low prices, but the Goold Bicycle Company (Limited), of Harris-street, are now offering a few travellers' .samples— Red Birds and Black Birds— slightly soiled, at less than wholesale price, and guaranteeing thorn for 12 months. Only a direct factory branch could offer such inducements, and we advise purchasers to give the company a call. — Advt. ,

Shortly after 1 o'clock this morning' Mr. F. "Gilford, of Little Pipitea-street, discovered tho engine-house of Staples's Brewery to be on fire. A quantity of bags of rubbish, coal, &c, had caught alight close up to the boiler, Very little damage was done, the Fire Brigade being quickly in attendance. An action in which Mary C. S. Boulter claims £200 damages and an injunction from J. U. Meyer is set down for hearing in tho Supreme Court to-morrow. Sir Robert Stout delivered a lecture before the St. Andrew's Literary Society last night on "Spain, its Greatness and its Decadence." He traced the history of Spain from the planting of colonies by the Semitic Phoenicians to the present day; dwelt on the inroads of Franks, Romans, Goths, &c, and dealt with the rule of the Moors and their expulsion. He referred to the religious strife of which Spain was the scene—fights between Ariaus and Catholics, Moors aud Christians, Catholics and Jews, &c. Sir Robert pointed out that 66 out of every 100 adults could not read and write, and only about half of the children attend school. He pictured how great Spain once was, aud what she might have become, aud showed that during recent years she had shown signs of advancement, but her attempts to obtain uniformity of belief had driven from her all men. of marked individuality. The lessons to be learned from Spanish history were many, and would be of service to us if we pondered them. The Rev. C. S. Ogg occupied the chair, and a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the lecturer. An interesting lecture was given by the Rev. J. R. Glasson in the Courtenaj'-place Congregational Church last evening on " The Early History of Congregationalism." The Rev. W. S. Feruie was in the chair. The lecturer dwelt on the beginnings of Congregationalism, dealing with the first church in the reign of Mary, aud referring to it as being the earliest form of church government among dissenting bodies. The lecture was illustrated with limelight views —50 in number, prepared by Mr. Henton. The lecture was in aid of the funds of the Congregational Union. The box plan for the Dampier concert, to be held next Monday, was opened at the Dresden Rooms yesterday, and from the satisfactory booking and brisk enquiry for tickets the concert promises to be a great success, and to amply justify the warm interest which has been taken in the talented child violinist by all classes —from His Excellency the Governor downwards. Last night's meeting of St. David's Literary and Social Club, Petone, consisted of an exhibition of and discussion upon "Hobbies." Next Tuesday the question '•'Should Women enter Parliament?" will be discussed. At a meeting of the directors of the No. 5 Co-operative Building Society of Wellington held last evening, Mr. J. Graham was unanimously elected Chairniau of the society for the year. Mr. T. Waugh, a member of the Hutt Borough Council, writes to us denying that he was the mover of the resolution at Monday's meeting in favour of reducing the valuation of properties affected by flood. On the contrary, he says, he opposed the motion. Members of the Star Boating Club are reminded that nominations for the annual ball will close on Saturday next, and that the limit is being rapidly reached. The Te Aro Dramatic Club repeated the comedy " The Confidential Clerk" at the St. Patrick's Hall last eveniug before a large audience. On the motion of the Very Rev. Father Devoy a hearty vote of thanks wai given to the performers. The final rehearsal • for the Wellington Festival Choral Society's concerts will be held in the Opera House to-night, commencing at 7.30 o'clock. A full and punctual attendance is particularly desired. The Town Clerk of Lower Hutt invites tenders for the delivery of boulders. Our readers are reminded of the popular concert at the Skating Rink to-night. The programme includes well-known vocalists, who will all contribute popular items. An important meeting of the Lancashire Society of Wellington will be held at the Trocadero to-morrow evening. Teeth extraction guaranteed painless by latest process.-The London Dental Company, Mee's Building, Lambton-quay.— Advt. Wrapped copies of the Canterbury Times, for posting by the San Franisco mail, may be obtained to-morrow either at the local office, near Q-.P.0., or outside GLP.O. Those posting papers to their friends by San Francisco mail to-morrow are notified that they can obtain copies of the New Zealand Graphic wrapped ready for addressing either at the local branch office, Custom-house-quay, or outside G.P.0., to-morrow. The agents for Watson's noted three-star whisky have a striking 1 advertisement in thi» issue. Thiß brand of whisky ia, we-are told, rapidly finding its way into public favour. Mrs. Male, of Lambton-quay, specialist in coats and skirts, announaes that she is on her own account, and that ladies should interview her direct. Messrs. Wardell Bros. & Co. call attention to another fall in the price of flour, and also to their prices of kerosene, tinned and evaporated fruits, and sugar. Mr. G. Mawson, of Cuba-sbreet, was the caterer for the ball held by the Wellington Rowing Club on Monday evening. The sale of unredeemed pledge* will be continued at Laery & Co.'s rooms to-morrow. A large number of articles were sold to-day, but owing to tho length of the list quite half the goods could not be submitted until tomorrow. Messrs. Hornblow & Co. announce a large and varied sale of plants, shrubs, ferns and mosses, orchids, furniture, &0., for Friday, at the firm's Willis-street rooms. Every line will be sold without reserve. The lines to be offered will be on view on Thursday evening, from 7 to 9.30 o'clock. Mr. W. F. Shortt will soil at bis mart tomorrow, miscellaneous goods. Messrs. Abraham <fc Williams hold a. sale of stock at Palmerston to-morrow. Messrs. George Thomas & Co. sell at their rooms to-morrow an assortment of splendid rattan furniture.