LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Evening Post, Volume LVI, Issue 73, 23 September 1898, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A capital short story entitled " Tbe Maid aud the piade," dealing with love and adventure, will appear in the Supplement of to - morrow's Post. Miscellaneous articles specially interesting to the sex will be found in the Ladies' Column, "Agricola" supplies seasonable gardening notes, " Katipo " has a korero upon current topics, aud ia the " Sports and Pastimes " section the advent of the lawn tennis season is announced by some notes by "Volley." News in Brief, Intercolonial Brevities, Theatrical and Turf Notes will all be found up-to-date in their information. In the Legislative Council yesterday two important new Bills were introduced by the Government — viz., the Industial Conciliation and Arbitration Bill, and the Gaming and Lotteries Acts Amendment Bill. The Immigration Restriction Bill was put through its final stages. In the House of Representatives tbe accumulated questions of several days were disposed of during the afternoon. The evening was given up to further consideration of the Old Age Pensions Bill in Committee, some progress being made. There are wetter places iv the colony than Wellington. It rained on 25 days last month at Parua 8a3% in the Far South, to Wellington's 18. The total fall in Wellington from the beginning of the year to tbe end of August was 30"66 in, and at Puysegur Point it was 173"59 in. In connection with fixing the Seal of the Corporation to the contract with the New Zealand Electrical Syndicate last evening, Councjllor Devine took the opportunity to complain about the unequal quality of some of the electric lights. Some of them, he said, were little better than rush lights. The Mayor replied that after the seal was fixed to the contract the Council would liave a legal standing which would enable it to enforce compliance with its conditions, and if the lights were not up to the mark the Council could take such action as would compel an improvement. The box plan for the. return visit of " The Pollards " was opened yesterda} 1 -, and during the day over 100 seats were booked. The season is for nine nights only, and the attractions will be the two musical comedies "The Gay. Parisienne" and "The French Maid." The company will arrive to-morrow morningj and there will be a full rehearsal of the scenery and effects of " The Gay Parisienne " to-morrow night. A proclamation by the Governor of "V ictoria under the Vegetation Diseases Act is gazetted for general information. The announcement refers to certain insects and fungi, and is of interest to agriculturists. The Post Office at Tikitapu, Wellington, has been closed. Henry C. Smith has been appointed telegraphist at tbe Masterton Railway oflice, aud Agnes Franklin is now postmistress and telephonist, at Dr3 r erton. Now that so much is heard about drainage and the drainage scheme the following conclusion to the application sent in by Mi*. Rounthwaite, the cit3 r> s newly -appointed City Engineer, is interesting : — " I desire to say that to the Shone system of sewerage I have given careful consideration on several occasions, and have seen it in operation at Warrington and other towns. If honoured by your selection, I should of course make apoiut of informing myself more particular^' upon every detail in connection with it before leaving England."

The first meeting of the newlj-elected Joknsonville Town Board was btld last night. Present— Messrs. AtkinSon, Cook, Chapman, aud Retter. Mr. W. Cook was again unanimously elected Chairman. Messrs. Relter (Treasurer) and Councillors Atkinson, Cook, and Better were appointed - to aign cheques, and it was resolved that the ordinary meetings of the Board be held on the first Thursday of each month at 7.30 p.m. . The members agreed to meet on Saturday at 3 p.m. for the purpose of inspecting the roads of the district. The Basin Reserve has been booked in advance for three Sundays. The City Council has allowed its use to the Garrison Band next Sunday afternoon, to the Mitchelltown Band on Sunday, the 9th October, and to Mr. Trowel! on Sunday, the 2nd October, for a band performance in aid of a charitable object. The Gazette contains a notice to the effect that 409 acres in the Ohinewairua district (Wellington) have been set apart for lease as village homestead allotments. The Masterton Borough Council has been given the necessary power to take land required for widening Chapel-street aud extending Junction-street. Mr. D. Hall, City Missionary, is a victim of the prevailing influenza epidemic, and' will therefore be unable to conduct divine service at the Homes and Hospital on Sunday. The Wellington Festival Choral Society has decided to make a special effort to clear off a deficiency created some three years ago bj r giving two concerts of popular music in Thomas's Hall, the first "of which will be held on Thursday, 6th October. The society, although able to meet its annual expenses out of current income, finds it impossible to make any material reduction in the liabilitj', and confidently relies upon the Wellington public, which has always responded so liberally in the past, to help it in its difficulty. Many of the leading musicians of the city, recognising the usefulness of • such institutions, are giving their services gratis to assist the societ3 r , and an excellent programme is assured. His Excellency the Governor, Patron of the society, and the Couutess of Ranfurly have extended their patronage. The weekly meeting of the Wesleyan -Literary and Debating Society was held in the Taranaki-street Class-room last evening, Mr. J. H. Helliwell in the chair. An able and interesting lecture on " Charles Lamb" was read by Mr. C. W. Benbow, and was much appreciated by the audience. During the evening Miss L. Watson recited " Maud * Muller," aud selections from Lamb's works j were recited or read bi r Messrs. E. P. Rishworth, J. W. Black, and W. E. Fuller. At the close of the meeting a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Benbow aud those who had assisted him. Next Thursday evening Miss Adelene Wilkius will read an essay on " Elocution." The Commissioner of Police has, in accordance with representations made by the City Council, given instructions to the police to see that the bylaw relating to the overcrowdiug of tramcars is enforced. Councillor Myers, at the City Council, meeting last night, moved according to notice : — " That, with the view of checking the overcrowding of tramway carriages now prevalent in the city, the Inspector of Vehicles be instructed to take proceedings under the provisions of the bylaws against the conductor of any I tramway carriage who allows such overI crowding to take place." He alleged that there was often excessive crowding of the tramcars. Councillor M'Gill seconded tho motion, agreeing that there was need for more cars. Councillor Barber thought it would be unwise to pass this motion in the face of Commissioner Timbridge's letter, Councillor Fraser suggested that Councillor M3'ers withdraw his motion. As to the overcrowding, he thought that the drivers aud the conductors were often not so much to blame as those people who would crowd on to the cars. It might do good to prosecute some Councillor or other " big bug." Councillor Devine said the difficulty was really a shortag^ of tramway plant, oars, &c. He thought the\ motion if passed would ba misconstrued ap.d lead to complications. After some further discussion the motion was lost. Mr. H. A. Field, M.H.R., presided over a meeting of the Council of the New Zealand Institute of Surveyors last night. The nominations of Messrs. M'Parland and Newton, for membership of the Institute were approved. The Secretary (Mr. Ward) reported having received the annual report of the Surveyors' Institute, London. Tha Council finally "approved the proposed general scale of charges for the colony, which had been adopted at the recent Conference of surveyors -held in Wellington, and ordered its circulation for adoption by tha surve}'ors throughout New Zealand. The President expressed belief that the Surveyors Bill contained no clauses that could possibly be objected to by any member, as it would be approved of by Parliament. The President was instructed to watch the Mining Bill now before the H6use, and endeavour to have the interests of surveyors in miniug districts conserved. Accounts amounting to £28 19s were passed. Mr. Justice Denniston is gazetted President of the Arbitration Court during tha absence of Mr. Justice Edwards. At the Citj- Council meeting last evening, Councillor Luke said lie hid heard that only one Corporation employe" was making concrete flagging, and, seeing the work whicU had to be done,' he thought the labour ought to be doubled or trebled, if necessary. Tha City Engineer said more labour would be available presently, a new shed in which the work was to be done having been just finished. Pacific Lodge, TJ.A.O.D., held its usual meeting last evening, A.D. Bro. G. Stott iv the chair. There was a good attendance of members and visitors. Two new members were initiated, and several proposed for next lodge night. The Stouehenge Lodge, Masterton, will pay a visit next lodge night, and will bring its orchestra of 18 performers, ' who will play at the "social" and dance to be held on the 7th prox. in, Whitaker's Hall. The evening's receipts amounted to £15. The Post Office authorities have received advice that the It.M.S. Alameda, with colonial mails from Ancklaud of 3rd September, arrived at San Francisco on the 21st, due date. Mr. Richard R, Gould ing is gazetted a clerical cadet in the Lands and Survey Department. ' " Shame " was the title of a paper react before the meeting of the Women's Democratic Union last night. Both the paper and the discussion which followed its reading were interesting. Mr. C. Wilson, M.H.E., repeated his entertaiuing lecture on " The Humorous Side of New Zealand Journalism" before St. Peter's Club last eveuing. A vote of thanks was passed to the lecturer, who complimented the Vicar and the members on the great success achieved by the club, and promised to give another lecture next session. Mr. William Meredith, chief officer of tha s.s. Duchess, who has been studying at Mr. Gifford's Navigation School, Wellington, has passed his examination as master of a steamer plying within restricted limits. An exhibition of cookery interested the members of the Women's Social and Political League dnriug the greater part of last night's meeting. A number of new members were elected and others proposed, and it was decided to ascertain definitely what, help tha Newtown Brass Band required from, the League*

An application for permission to erect th,ree houses on two sections of land at Burnell-avenue came before the Council last evening, the Public Works Committee having recommended that the application be not granted. Councillor Lingard thought it rather inconsistent to refuse permission in this case, as the site of the houses was not in a congested portion of the city. Permission had been granted in the case of houses in Tinakori-road under circumstances which were not so favourable. He moved that the word " not " be deleted. Councillor Devine seconded the motion pro forma. He would rather have a report on the matter, as he seemed to have somewhat misunderstood the position and the looality when speaking about it previously. He only wanted the man to have justice. Councillor J. Smith thought Councillor Devine was iuconsistent, and he said that if this permission was granted it would be unfair and the locality would very soon become cpn- . gested. Once grant this and many others would follow suit with similar applications. Councillor Luke supported Councillor Lingard's proposition. Councillor Anderson said he would vote against the application. One blunder had been made in connection with a similar previous application and he did not see why they should blunder again. Councillor Barber ursjed that the Council juould stick to its resolution in this matter, otherwise it would make itself look ridiculous. Councillor Izard did not think the Council ought to make a second mistake, and he opposed the motion, which on being put was lost on the voices. The application was thus refused. Mr. A. P. Seymour has been re-appointed a member of the Marlborough Land Board. Mr. George M'Lean, of Manaia, has resigned his commission as a Justice of the Peaw. ' * There was an unrehearsed incident at the magician Dante's performance in Gisborne on Monday night. Most playgoers in Wellington are familiar with the concluding part of the evening's entertainment "Around the World in Five Minutes," by the medium of a large map from which each country yields her national flag at the touch of Dante. Unfortunately for the success of this particular item on this occasion the map did not wait for its cue to vanish, and before the Professor bad fairly started on his journey it fell to the ground, revealing Mdlle. Edmnnda — who was to represent Britannia on the vanishing of the map — posing behind it, with her arms full of the magic flags. Needless to say the trip Was postponed for that evening. Councillor Fraser thinks there ought to be greater facilities given for better supplies of fresh fish in Wellington. Councillor Smith, speaking on the same subject, said he had knovvn bad fish sold in the town. Councillor Devine had had the same experience, and urged that thsre ought to be a proper fish market, or a thorough supervision of tish hawking. Councillor Barber knew of fish cleaved in the streets and the offal thrown about. Councillor M'Gill said the greatest care should be exercised in seeing that none but gbod wholesome fish was supplied. The foregoing remarks were elicited by the reading at last night's City Council meeting of a Tetter from Mr. T. Knigge with reference to selling fish in the streets. On Wednesday, when Miss Emma May Swiney (eldest daughter of Mr. Charles Swine}', of Adelaide-road) was married to Mr. Albert Tasker at Trinity Webleyan Church, the ceremony was performed by the Rev. W. Baumber, assisted by the Rev. A. C. Lawry. The bride was dressed in cream figured mohair, trimmed with ivory lace and cream satin, and she carried a shower bouquet. The chief bridesmaid was Miss Alice Swiney (sister of the bride), who was dressed in white lustre, trimmed with ivory lace and white satin, and the other bridesmaids were the Misses Wilton (cousins of the bridegroom; and Mabella and Rita Thew (nieces of the bride), all being dressed in white cashmere, trimmed with lace and satin ribbons. Mr. R. Warren was best man. The bridegroom's gift to the bride was a piano. Councillor M'Gill complained at the City Council last evening of the manner in which the rubbish carts in the streets were filled. They were so heaped up with rubbish that it fell about the streets. Councillor Devine said this was an abominable nuisance, aud something ought to be done. The Mayor said the matter would receive attention by the Inspector of Nuisances. The benefit entertainment organised on behalf of Mr. T. G. Fitzgerald attracted a moderate audience to the Exchange Hall last night. The programme was a diversified one, embracing quantit}-, and sometimes quality. But it apparently satisfied the audience, which invariably demanded the usual encore. Perhaps the most noteworthy items were Miss Clark's serio-comic songs, the ventriloquial entertainment of Mr. S. Kindley, aud the acrobatic " turns " of the Roselle Surprise Party. An audience which filled every available seat attended Mr. Maughan Barnett's 16th organ recital at St. John's Church last night. The recital opened with a " Choral "Song " by S. Wesley, played with power and visrour, aud happily contrasted with a graceful " Allegretto " for the soft registers by the well-known English organist, Edwin Lemare, which followed. The strictly classical in organ music was represented by the massive " Sonata in D minor " of Mendelssohn, which is possibly the most <iilFicult of the six. It served to exhibit to the full the sonorous power and richness of the organ, while the artistic ability of the organist was amply attested by the precision and the fine expression with which all three movements were interpreted. The last item in the first part of the programme was the ever-welcome "Communion in F" of the French composer, Jules Grison. The beautiful melody, with its rippling accompaniment, was most daintily played, its only fault being its brevity. After the collection Lemmens's "Storm Fantasia" was played with impressive effect, the raging of the storm itself being made positively thrilling. The delicate "Andante in, A Minor" and the striking " Offertoire in A" of Batiste, were played with much taste and executive skill. The "Cornelius March," by Mendelssohn — composed in honour of the visit of the famous painter Cornelius to Berlin — a composition of much pomp and vigour, concluded an enjoyable recital. Professor Pannell, swimming instructor, has asked the City Council to grant him permission to enter the Thorndou Baths at all hours. He said that a number of ladies ■would be unable to avail themselves of his services as instructor if his request was not granted. He especially wanted permission j to go to the Baths in the afternoons. The application was referred to the Baths Committee. That the faculty of vision shapes largely the destiny of man, warping or fashioning his fate or his moral nature, most people will agree. The subject is brought under notice by receipt of an interesting booklet entitled " Our Eyesight, its Care and Preservation," by A. Levi, the well-known consulting optician, of Lambton-quay. Mr. Levi says he has so often been asked why so many peope — young, middle-aged, and old — require to wear glasses in the present day that he has compiled the brochure as an answer. Valuable hints are given regarding the eye and its care and assistance, and the various tests are explained in simple language, illustrated by numerous photographs. Several peculiar out-of-focus pictures show the difference between normal and defective sight. The booklet has a ■ very striking cover, and the process engravings are reproduced with due regard to light and shade, ,the whole of the fine printing reflecting • credit upon the job-printing department of the Evening Post. '

Complaints are made, substantiated by reliable authority, that there is insufficient water on some of the higher levels to carry off the sewerage, and that it accumulates at the joints of the pipes. This is said to be most noticeable in the vicinity of Austinstreet, and it is feared — not unnaturally — that unless the alleged defect is remedied it will create a dangerous nuisance. On enquiry at the Town Clerk's office to-day we were informed that no complaint had been received lately in regard to the drainage. A parliamentary debate was held by St. Mark's Parish Club last nijjht, the subject being the second reading of a Foreigners Restriction Bill. The Bill was brought in by the Premier, Mr. F. Banks, who • hid as his colleagues in the Ministry Messrs. Avery, sen., Collie, and G. W. Morgau. The Leader of the Opposition was Mr. It. Bra}', the other prominent members on that side being Messrs. J. D. Avery, W. R. BlovV, and P. Bray. After a spirited discussion a division was taken, which resulted in a tie, aud the Speaker gave his casting vote in favour of the Bill. It was announced that the business for next Thursday would be an evening with Sir Walter Scott. " I look upon alcohol as being a poison — like morphia and other drugs — and when once it has got into tho system the blood is poisoned and it cannot be got out, or the effects overcome, for a very considerable time," said Dr. Collins in the Magistrate's Court yesterday. The Doctor added that alcohol absolutely perverted the whole moral tone of a human being — chronic alcoholism certainly did affect a man's morals. The Fitzherbert - terrace School entertainment arranged for the 29th inst. has been postponed until the 4th October. Our readers are reminded of the Caledonian concert to be held at the Opera House this evening. The whole programme is redolent of the heather, and particular interest attaches to the appearance of Mr. W. B. Paton, a tenor from Sydney, who in compliance with a special request has consented to add to his items " O' a' the Airts the Win' can Blavv." A final reminder is given of the performance of the cantata " The May Queen," by St. Mark's Church choir this evening. Intending competitors at the Wellington Football Club's sports are notified that entries for all eyeuts will close with the Secretary, Willis-street, to-morrow night. Your teeth extracted without pain by pure gas (perfectly harmless) at the London Dental Company, Mee's Buildings, Lamb-ton-quay. — Advt. This week's Canterbury Times contains a large number of interesting 1 portraits and illustrations. Cricketers will be pleased to know that Messrs. Cameron & Christie have this season had their bats, which include Wisden's, Feltham's, Warsop's, and Duke's croods, specially selected by an English expert. Cricketers are cordially invited to inspect their display, without the necessity of buying. Jenkineon & Co., Willis-street, give advice to cyolists on page 6. Mr. Job. E. Lindberg-, the cheap draper, Cuba-street, announces having received, ex s.s. Dnke of Devonshire, a large quantity of new and seasonable drapery, which he will sell very cheap. The New Zealand Clothing Factory draws attention to their large stocks of clothing, and claims that the prices are unsurpassed for the quality given. Mr. E. Pearce reminds the public that he has opened shipments of new seasons goods, ex Hawkes Bay and Duke of Devonshire, specially selected by his Home buyer, and popular prices will be charged, so as to make room for further shipments. Worser Bay can be reached by means of Mr. J. Marshall's "Pilot" coach, the proprietor of which addresses his old patrons in another column. Special Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday services are^idvertised for the summer on which we are entering. Shearers will note that Mr. Geo. Winder, ironmonger, Cuba-street, can supply all brands of sheep Bhears at popular prices, the Gothic having brought several cases for him, besides a large shipment of fenders, cots, and weighing machines. Mr. Lindsay's special sale of boots and shoes is announced to be drawing near its close, and boot buyers are promised that fresh bargains will be brought forward tomorrow. Pringle's announce their fortnightly direct shipment ex Gothic, and as the only direct importers of these special lines claim to offer unequalled value' and unexcelled assortments. Messrs. F. Sidey and Co. will sell tomorrow, at the Central mart, Manners-street, furniture and sundries. Messrs. Macdonald, Wilson & Co. will hold a sale on the premises, 4, Majoribanksstreet, next Wednesday, at 1.30 o'clock, of household furniture, piano, &c, details of which will appear to-morrow. Messrs. A. G. Tame & Co. will hold their usual sale to-morrow at their bazaar, Harrisstreet, at 2 o'clock, of harness horses, hacks, traps, saddles, and harness. Attention is directed to a clearing sale which tho firm will hold at Mr. P. B. Brown's farm, Manukau, on Wednesday, 28th inst., and to the spring stock sale on Friday, 30th inst., at Waikanae, the entries for which already include 100 head of cattle and 600 sheep, with others yet to come in. 1 " Messrs. Hornblow & Co. sell horses, vehicles, &c, at the Nag's Head yards at 1 o'clock to-morrow ; at 2 o'clock they sell Japanese ware, furniture, clothing, &c. ; and at 7.30 they sell Mr. Lloyd's library of books without reserve. Mr. W. P. Shortt sells to-morrow a quantity of jewellery and other goods, in an intestate estate, without reserve. Messrs. Fabian Bros. & Co. hold a sale at the Salvation Army Hall, Petone, tomorrow, of drapery, boots, aud fanoy goods. We sell ironmongery cheap, but we do not sell cheap ironmongery. We avoid rubbish. We aim to sell the best. We guarantee everything we sell. It is important that a guarantee should be understood on both sides. We do not guarantee that a1 s hammer is as good as a 2s 3d hammer. One is intended for occasional use about a house, the other for a carpenter to get his living with. We guarantee that the goods we 'sell are suitable for tho purpose we sell them for. We are not infallible, and if we are mistaken in an article we give you your money back. All we ask on your side of tho bargain is that you return it promptly. It is not the small profit on one transaction we look at, we want you to become one of our many regular customers. — Wilkins & Field, ironmongers, Manners-street, Wellington. — Advt.