LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Evening Post, Volume LVII, Issue 33, 9 February 1899, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The Government has decided to offer a reward of £25 for information which will lead to the arresfc of the man Aldridge, who escaped from Mount Cook Gaol a few days ago. Owing to the pressure of work Messrs. Sharp, Stewart and Co. , of Glasgow, have not been able to complete any of the ten locomotives ordered by the New Zealand Government as soon as they expected, and will not be in a position to send the first batch of them from their establishment until June. The Railway Department hopes to have the whole of the engines at work in August. Mr. Justice Edwards is due at Christchurch next Monday, and at Dunedin on the 25th inst., in order to preside at sittings of the Arbitration Court, but in view of the length of the criminal calendar of the present Wellington sittings, and the absence of the Chief Justice at Napier, it is probable that the Arbitration Court business will be adjourned till a later date. After disposing of the Dutredin arbitration work, his Honour is due at Auckland on similar business, and he will then return to Wellington to deal with disputes which are awaiting the decision of the Court here. His Excellenoy the Governor has intimated his willingness to present the certificates and medallions in connection with the St. John Ambulance Association this month. The new Committee ia working hard to awaken interest in the affairs of the Association, and a prosperous year is expected. The Minister for Lands proposes, according to a Southern paper, to leave for England during the first week iv April, and to he back ia the colony about October.

The Premier, who only returned to Wellington on Sunday after a lengthened absonce in Canterbury aud Westland, left for Duuedin last night for the purpose, it is stated, of delivering a political address there. It ia understood that he will also speak at Christchnrch later on. Many of our contemporaries have published statements concerning the plans and intentions of the Opposition during the coming political campaign. In the majority of cases the statements are quite without foundation, and appear to have originated with the man in the street, or in the mind of some scribe hard pressed for news matter for his journal. The pages of many country papers, too, are well stocked with the names of intending candidates at the forthcoming general election. Mr. So-and-So is to oe a candidate, or a likely candidate, in the Opposition, or, as it may be, Liberal interest, and so on. This often leads to misapprehension, as it conveys, the impression that the candidate is standing with the approval and support of the leaders of the party, whereas he is frequently quite unknown to them. There is every indication at the present time of a plethora of candidates on both sides, though no doubt many will fall out before nomination day. Mr. Michael J. Mulligan, a very old settler in Wellington, died at Claremont House, Wellington-terrace, on Tuesday. The deceased, who was a native of County Mayo, Ireland, was about 72 years of age, and came out to Australia when a young man. After spending some years on the diggings, he arrived in Wellington about 30 years ago, and, in conjunction with his late wife, who was a practical watchmaker, he entered into business as a watchmaker and jeweller on Lamb-ton-quay, in the shop now occupied by Messrs. Davis and Clater. Business prospered, and about 15 years ago Mr. Mulligan sold out to Messrs. Littlejohn and Son, and retired on a competence. Of late years, however, he lost the bulk of his property, and for some time before his death he was maintained by a small annuity from his late wife's estate. The deceased leaves two grandchildren, who are being brought up in the Wellington Convent. Mr. T. E. Taylor, M.H.R. (writes a correspondent), has commenced a lecturing tour which he has undertaken in the interests of Parliamentary reform and Prohibition, and is at present working through Clutha and Southland. It is his intention to speak on the average at least four nights a week during his campaign. Judging from the number of requests he has had from all parts of the colony that for the sake of political purity and the exposure of political corruption he should visit here and there and speak, it would seem as though the colony is stirring itself and growing anxious to cast off the burden of Seddonism. So numerous have been the applications for his services that it will be impossible in the time before the next session to accede to them all. After spending the present month in the Southern districts, Mr. Taylor will come North and spend March in working through Taranaki. Mr. C. Coleridge Farr commenced his preliminary operations in connection with a magnetic survey of the colony in the neighbourhood of Port Chalmers on Monday. He is to be assisted in every practicable way by the Government Survey Department, aud he has had placed at his disposal instruments lent to the New Zealand Government by the Imperial authorities at Kew. The object of the survey is to determine what alteration, if any, has taken place in the ! variation of the mariner's compass. Wellington College, under the able Principalship of Mr. J. P. Firth, is now the most 'popular secondary school in the colony. Since Mr. Firth took charge of it, the attendance has gradually increased until there are now about 290 boys under his care. This is a record number for the College, and is undoubted evidence of the popularity of the institution. The present number of pupils at the Girls' High School is 85. Among the visitors to the city at the present time is Alderman Roberts, a gentleman who has been connected with the Corporation of Manchester for some 30 years. Mr. Roberts is on a pleasure trip, but at the same time is taking advantage of his presence in the colonies to inspect the branches of his firm (Messrs. J. F. and H. Roberts) at Wellington, Sydney, and Melbourne. A large shipment of bullion was brought f rCm the West Coast by the Haupiri this morning. It consisted of three boxes valued at £11,482 from Greymouth, three boxes valued at £11,220 from Hokitika, and one box valued at £3986 from Westport, all consigned to the Bank of New Zealand, in course of transit to Auckland. The number of passes secured by Wellington College at the December examinations of the New Zealand University was 27. Twenty-one of its candidates matriculated in the ordinary course, one matriculated on Junior Scholarship papers, three passed the medical preliminary examination, one got " credit " on Junior Scholarship papers, and one gained a Junior Scholarship, being fifth on the list. From the Timaru Herald we learn that Mr. M'Kerrow, Superintendent of the Land Purchase Board, Mr. Sidney Weetman, Commissioner of Crown Lands, Messrs. M'Millan and A. C. Pringle, members of the Canterbury Land Board, accompanied by Mr. M'Gowari, Commissioner of Taxes, inspected the Pareroa estate last week, with the object of purchasing it under the Land for Settlements Act if considered suitable. For some time back farms on the estate have been selling freely, but there are still nearly 8000 acres left. The party then left for the \ Levels estate, to inspect a block of 10,000 i acres or so there, and from the Levels they j go to Three Springs, Fairlie. It is hoped, adds our contemporary, that a purchase will be effected, as the lands mentioned are all suitable for close settlement, and are handy to the railway and to the best of roads. The directors of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company were waited upon yestefady by Messrs. J. Davies, C. K. Wilson, F. L. Garland, C. Williams, and F. G. Roe, who urged that a stationmaster should be appointed to Levin, and that proper accommodation *at that place should be provided for goods and passengers. The deputation presented a petition from the residents praying that the facilities in question should be arranged for. Mr. Davies and those associated with him pointed out that the traffic to and from Levin was increasing, and that there was a station master at Shannon, though less business was done there than at Levin. Through there being no station at Levin goods were lost or stolen, and owing to the trucks not being promptly handled, much delay occurred in bringing stock to Wellington. The directors promised to give early and careful attention to the matter. The Virginian quail sent out to the Wellington Acclimatisation Society by Mr. Ayson has been distributed, 20 brace going to Dunedin and Christchurch, 10 brace to New Plymouth, the Corporation reserve at Wainuiomata, Pahiatua, and Paraparaumu, and five brace each to Mr. Grace's at Lower Wainui, Mr. Reid's at Paraparaumu, and to Waikanae, Hunterville, Palmerston North, Otaki, Eketahuna, and Alfredton. The quail are splendid game birds, and in size and habit are very like the partridge. At the last meeting of the Invercargill Athenseum Committee, a grant of surplus books was made to the Collingwood Institute (Nelson), the library of which had been destroyed by fire. Mr.' G. Hutchison is about to open a campaign in his own electorate, where he will deliver several political addresses.

At yesterday's sitting at the Lower Hutt K.M. v^ourt, before Messrs. J. Wilkins and J. Cudby, Justices, two cases were brought by the police, at the instance of the Railway Department, against J. C. Kelly, manager of the Gear Company's slaughter yards, who was charged (1) with having used indecent language at the Petone railway station, and (2) with having used insulting and abusive language to H. W: Laing, a railway servant. Mr. Myers appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. Bunny for defendant. The trouble arose out of a statement made by the railway porter that defendant had interfered with certain shunting operations in connection with the discharging of stock for the Gear Company. Defendant somewhat forcibly denied the specific charges, although he admitted that, smarting under a wrongful' charge, he had expressed his mind somewhat freely,. After evidence had been taken, the Bench dismissed the first case, and in the second inflicted a fine of 10s, with 11s costs. Mary Ann Emery, for travelling on the railway from Wellington to Potone without a proper ticket, was fined ss, with 7s costs. A. E. Smith (who did not appear) and L. Merrick, charged with having been drunk and disorderly at Petone, were each fined 20s and' 7s costs. An information against A. Dunlop for tethering a horse on a public road was dismissed, as the road in question was a private one. Prohibition orders wer* made against George, Aehu, Ano, Emma, Bella, and Alice Mary Te Puni. A civ.l case was, heard, in which Mrs. C. Sinjs sued A. A. Hobbs for £15 19s, board ard lodging of defendant's wife. Mr. Myers apneared for plaintiff, and Mr. Bunny f>r defendant. The Bench dismissed the case, each side to pay its own costs. M. Stordeur has resigned the positioi of teacher of French and German at the "Wellington College and the Girls' High Sch»ol, and is no longer connected with either of those institutions. The only delinquent brought before the Stipendiary Magistrate this morning was a first-offending inebriate, who was convicted and discharged. Mr. W. H. Pascoe, well-known in Wellington, was the winner of the first prize gold medal awarded at the Auckland Exhibition for pale ale in bulk. It was Vrewed for Mr. James Paul, of New Plymoutn. The Acclimatisation Society at Hawera suggests the establishment of a breeding station for fish and game somewhere in the Taranaki district. Adjoining soci«ties are asked to co-operate in the scheme. After service of upwards of 23 years, Mr. A. Wheatley has severed his connection with the Gas Company and purchased Mr. Payne's bakery business on Lambtonquay. On leaving the company's employ he was given substantial proof of his fellowworkers' regard for him, the presentation, being made yesterday by Mr." H. Birch, the works manager, and a gold brooch for Mrs. Wheatley was added. The Dunedin papers state chat the Rev. Dr. Bevan preached in the Agricultural Hall last Sunday afternoon ;o a congregation of 3000 people. He is to give three addresses in Wellington nexi Sunday week. Messrs. Palethorpe and liardet provided two and a half hours' amusement to a crowded gathering at the Working Men's Club last night. A serief of smart card tricks were shown by Mr. Palethorpe, while his partner performed several clean and wellexecuted conjuring acts. Both performers were heartily applauded. The club's five orchestra gave several we,l-played selections under Mr. M'Glashan's leadership. A wish has been expressed that the orchestra should appear more frequently in publio, aud the suggestion will probablj' be aoted upon. At to-night's meeting of the Wellington Camera Club, to be had in the Exchange Buildings, the subject to be discussed is " Photographic Aims," the lecturers being Messrs. Pringle, Giffoid, and Barltrop, who have always evinced ah intelligent interest in furthering the claims of photography as an art and science. f lhe meeting is open to camera men and the publio generally. The annual excursion of the employes of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company is to be held on Wednesday next. Waikanae is again the place chosen, and as the general publio have pleasant recollections of previous picnics of a like kind held there, it may be expected that a large number will join in the railway men's outing. A painter at Feilding had a novel experience the other day. He drove his trap to a place where he had some work to do, and a frjend remarking upon the number of flies about, an examination revealed the fact that a swarm of bees had lodged somewhere about the axle, and had probably been driven a couple of miles or bo. The bees were duly hived. A valuable mare belonging to a. resident at Grovetown, Blenheim, met its death somewhat strangely the other day. The owner wished to drive the animal away from a particular spot, and as it refused to budge, he threw a stone of ordinary size at it. The stone hit the horse on the leg, and, though it was not thrown with any great force, it broke the leg just above the hock- Later on the mare had to be shot. At a special meeting of the executive officers of the Wellington District Ancient Order of Foresters held last evening, Bro. R. Newall, the present District Sub-Chief Ranger, was elected District Chief Rauger in place of Bro. W. Upton (Petone), who bad to relinquish the position through sickness in his family. The remaiuing District Officers were each promoted a step, and Bro. G. Key (Court Sir George Grey) was appointed District Beadle. At a well-attended meeting of Pelorus Sound settlers, which was held at Maori Bay or Saturday, it was resolved to communicate with the Commissioner of Crown Lands, requesting to be informed if there were any funds available beyond those appropriated for repairs to the track from Nydia Bay to Havelock. It was also decided to urge Mr. J. Graham, M.H.R., to use his influence in endeavouring to obtain a Government grant of £300 for the purpose of carrying out such wofk as might be necessary to place the settlers in a more convenient position for delivering their stock at Havelock by the Nydia Bay track also. The children boarded out by the Benevolent Institution, and clothed and visited by the Ladies' Christian Association, were entertained at their annual tea in the Girls' Friendly Society Lodge yesterday afternoon. In spite of the boisterous weather 41 children were present, including those TTelonging to the Levin Memorial Home. The tables -were presided over by Mesdames Hall, A. Anderson, L. Blundell, and Dudfield. Each child received a toy, a threepenny piece (given by Misses Mabel Bannister and Batt), and a parcel of sweets. Mr. E. F. Ashley, who is leaving Have. look to enter upon business in Wellington, was given a special farewell by the Maori settlers x>f Pelorus Sound, being invited to the pah, regaled with dinner served up in native fashion, and loaded with presentations. Mr. William Highman, who has occupied a responsible position in the tea department of Messrs. W. and G. Turnbull's business in Wellington, is about to take charge of a similar branch in the firm's warehouse «it Christen uroh. Mr. Highman is very popular in commercial ciroles, and is an energetic, member of the Star Boating Club. The ex-pupils of St. Mary's Convent decided last night to hold a picnic at Day's Bay on Saturday next, leaving Wellington At 10 a.m. °

# Mr. Marcus, Railway Stationmaster at Timaru, passed through Wellington yesterday on his way to resume his duties after a holiday in th« North. Mr. Marcus, who will be remembered by many of our readers as one of the guards appointed to the Wellington-Hutt line at the time of its opening, is seriously thinking of resigning his position in order to contest the Timaru seat with the Hon. W. HallJones. Despite tho inclemency of the weather there was a good muster at the Trocadero of members of the Yorkshire Society last eveniug. Mr. J. H. Holliwell's "budget" of county news— which continues to grow in interest to the members month by month — was the feature of the evening, the rewaiuder of the time being spent pleasantly with vooal and instrumental musio and other diversions. Intending members of the Wellington Amateur Athletic Club are reminded that to-night's committee meeting will be their last opportunity of enrolling prior to the sports meeting of the 25th inst. Kirkcaldie & Stains would remind their customers that Friday, the 10th inst., is tlie lasfc day for payment of accounts in order to secure discount. — Advt. It is notified that the request for tenders for the sale of the lease, &c, of the Southland Hotel, Gore, hag been withdrawn. Messrs. Maodonald, Wilson & Co. will hold a sale of landed properties at their rooms to-morrow, at 2 30 o'clock, when thoy will submit by order of Mr. Wheatley, who has removed to his business premises. Lamb-ton-quay, his compact residence, No. 67, Austin-street, containing six rooms, and fitted with all modern conveniences, in addition to which the property is connected with the new drainage system. It will be sold on easy terms. ' On account of another vendor, a comfortable cottage- property in Donald M % liean-Btreet will be submitted at an upset price of .£IBO. Full details of these properties will be found in our auction advertisement column. Messrs. A. G. Tame & Co. will sell at their rooms to-morrow, at 2 o'clock, a quantity of household furniture and effeots, piano, gentleman's bioyole, &o. Messrs. Hornblow & Co. will sell the balance of salvage at their Willis-streot rooms on Saturday, on account of Mr. Walter Boot. To-morrow, on the premisos next to Messrs. Young, jewellers, Lambtonquay, the firm will dispoße of a quantity of totara timber and other building material.

During the next week wo are making several special prices at our great clearing sale. White lead, 25s 6d cwt kegs ; Champion s, 28s 6d ; boiled oil, Us, best brands 15s 6d'; wire nails, l£in 15a 6d, 2in 14s 6d 24in 12s 9d, 3in 12s, 4in 11s 6d per cwt: lawn mowers, 12in 16s 6d, 14in 18s 6d, 16in 21s. All leas 10 per cent, spot cash. Only one kog or mower sold to each customer.— Wilkina and Field, Ironmongers, Mannersstreet, Wellington. — Advt.