LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Evening Post, Volume LVII, Issue 69, 23 March 1899, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

♦ The Post Office authorities have been advised that the colonials mails which left Auckland on the 18th February arrived in London on the morning of the 20th inst., two days early. Mr. Justice Denniston's present intention is to leave for the South to-morrow. The Chief Justice, who is at Wanganui, is expected back in Wellington on Monday night. The Commissioner of Police (Mr. Tunbridge) returned last night from his visit to the Auckland district. Mr. Ruddick, the Dairy Commissioner, has left on a visit to the East Coast. He will probably be back at the end of next week. The new Superintendent of the Fire Brigade (Mr. Hugo) has prepared an important report as to a reorganisation of the Brigade, the condition of the plant at his disposal, etc. The report is now under the consideration of the Fire Brigade Committee, which will make certain recommendations in reference to it at the meeting of the Council a fortnight hence. The opening of the railway to Ihe Thames has enabled the authorities to arrange to continue the running of express trains between Auckland and Rotorua and between Auckland and Te Aroha all '.he year round. In past years the express services between those places have been discontinued at the close of the summer. Sunuorters of the extension of the municipal franchise will be surprised, and no doubt disappointed to learn that though claims for enrolment may be had at the Corporation offices, and both newspaper offices, so far only between 70 and 80 claims have been sent in. The Town Clerk has not yet definitely fixed the date beyond which he will receive no further claims, but unless they are sent in by the first week in April, it will be almost impossible to complete the new burgess roll by the 14th April, the date by which it has been decided it must be completed. There were 63 passengers from Australia by the Tarawera last night, and of these 41 landed at Wellington. The Secretary of the Education Board, Mr. A. Dorset, has been appointed to audit the accounts of all school committees in the Wellington Education district. In order to facilitate as much as possible the preparation of the accounts, the Board supplies committees with specially prepared cash books. A circular has been sent out to committees asking that the accounts may be sent in as. early as possible, in order that the audit may be completed and the summary of, school accounts prepared for the Education Department. Dr. Prendergast Knight has decided to retire from the contest for the vacancy on the Senate of the New Zealand University caused by the death of the Rev. W. J. Habens. The retirement is in favour of Mr. Cohen. A witness in the Supreme Court, who yesterday referred to one of the parties concerned in the case before the Court as a "lying hound" if h& had made statements attributed to him by counsel, was sharply reproved by Mr. Justice Denniston, who said he would not permit language of that sort to be used in Court, and the witness had better " make a note of this" for future guidance. Messrs. Barber and Co. have secured the contract for supplying Her Majesty's warships calling at this port with meat and bread for the next 12 months. Mr. A. E. Mansford, formerly well known in Wellington as a journalist, and now settled as a man of means and leisure in Nelson, has formally announced himself as a candidate for the Nelson seat at the general election. His political hue is not indicated. Messrs. Turnbull and Watkins sold by auction yesterday the equity of redemption of seven sections, totalling 492 acres, in the township and suburbs of Shannon, subject to a mortgage of £2100. The purchaser was Mr. P. Nathan for £800. Two boxes of bullion, valued at £7238, were forwarded to London by the Rangatira this morning from the National Baiik. The Petone Druids were accorded a bumper house last evening at a benefit concert arranged by them in aid of Bro. H. England, who is at present in the Hospital. An excellent programme was submitted and received frequent marks of approval.

Mr. J. H. Williams gives van emphatic denial to a report which is current that he has sold the steamers Duchess and Duco and the Day's Bay Estate to a Wellington syndicate. A cable message that reached this colony a few days ago stated that the Russian Government had prohibited the circulation of Mr. W; T. Stead's magazine The Review of Reviews in Russia. In the form in which it reached the Melbourne papers, the message made it appear that it was "War Against War," the new paper established by Mr. Stead in support of his peace crusade, that came under the censor's ban. The police cases in the Magistrate's Court to-day were quickly disposed of. Three first-offending inebriates appeared and were convicted. One was fined 5s or 24 hours, another discharged, and the third, having a cart and horse in his charge at the time of his offence, was fined 10s ov 48 hours' imprisonment. James Groves, a recent arrival from the country, was sentenced to 14 days' imprisonment for obtaining board and lodging by means of false pretences. Inspector Fender. said that this sort of offence was becoming far too common. His Worship (Mr. Kenny, S.M.) coincided, and remarked that he had already had a number of judgment summons cases before him in which men had imposed upon boardinghousekeepers, and he had expressed his determination to send all such offenders to prison without option. The hearing of a charge against William Green of using obscene language was adjourned till Monday. Two tenders have been received for the construction of the iron viaduct on the Piripiri section of the Wellington-Hawkes Bay railway. Both are from Christchurch. Up to the present some ten applications have been sent in for space for industrial exhibits at the ceremony in connection with the opening of the new Technical School building, in which the Wellington Industrial Association, as a contributor to the cost, is to have its headquarters. The exhibits will be solely by members of the Association, and illustrative of the industries which are promoted in this city. The idea is, when the Association has become permanently settled in the premises, to have exhibits of industries always oo view, which, it will be readily acknowledged, must be an excellent advertisement for the city, as well as for the producers. A committee meeting convened for Tuesday night in connection with the opening proceedings lapsed, but will be held next Tuesday, A meeting of the General Committee appointed in connection with the testimonial to be presented to the Hon. John M'Kenzie is advertised to take place in the old <~ -amber of Commerce, Lambtonquay, to-morrow afternoon at 4 o'clock. A list of business places at which sheets ■are lying for signature is also given. ,The intention is to bind these signature sheets in album, form, together with an illuminated address, for presentation to the hon. gentleman. At a meeting of the directors of the Southland Irish Athletic Society last Thursday night, the protests against John Murphy, the winner of the Sheffield and Flying Handicaps at the sports on Wednesday, were considered. Murphy was questioned at length as to his antecedents, and stated that he had been employed ."n freezing works in Wellington for six months, and had competed at Otaki. Previously he had been in Western Australia, and his athletic career had only extended over eighteen months. The matter was postponed for a fortnight at the request of B. Bain, who ran second in, the Sheffield. Messrs. Gilruth, "Reakes, and other Government officials visited Mataura last week in connection with the supposed outbreak of swine fever among , Messrs. M'Ewan and Sleeman's pigs at the dairy factory, and the whole nerd of 94 were slaughtered. The Southland Times says it was discovered that of 62 pigs old enough for consumption, only three were diseased. The slaughter will entail a heavy loss on the owners of the pigs, as the Government allows only half the value of the slaughtered animals, and for some of the young pigs no compensation. Worries in connection with bazaars and "begging expeditions," remarks a Glasgow paper, is the reason assigned by the Rev. W. W. Jackson for throwing up his pastorate of St. Modan's Parish Church, •Falkirk, and seeking a change in New Zealand. Is there rest from such tortures in this colony? The presentation of trophies in connection with the Tobacconists' and Hairdressers' Picnic at Day's Bay was made by Mrs. Wahren last night. Mr. J. Downed, on behalf of the Committee, thanked all who had contributed to the prize fund. The remainder of the evening was spent in social enjoyment. The Wellington Homing Pigeon Society flew a race from Wanganui to Wellington recently which resulted in a win for ftfr. M. Clark's Marchioness, with a velocity of 882 yds per minute, Mr. F. Chambers's Comet (879 yds per minute) being second, and Mr. W. Bailey's Queen Bee (757 yds per minute) third. This race closes the season, and was confined to hen birdsalone. The quarterly meeting of the Loyal Antipodean Lodge of Oddfellows, M.U., was held last evening, Bro. N. Seddon, G.M., presiding. There was a large attendance of members. After the routine business was disposed of three candidates were initiated and two proposed for membership. The Chairman, in his address, reminded members of the church parade next Sunday. The receipts for the evening amounted to £204. Jupp's Band has been granted permission to use the Basin Reserve on Sunday next, 26th, when they will play the two test selections of the Palmerston Nor-n Band Contest. Mr. Geo. H. St. Hill (son of Canon St. Hill, of Napier), at one time Captain of the D Battery of Artillery, Wellington, was married in London at the end <f January to Miss Ammabel Maryon-Wilson, daughter of the late Sir Spencer MaryonWilson. Mr. and Mrs. St. Hill are now on their way to visit New Zealand. Mr. St. Hill, it will be remembered, left Wellington about seven years ago and took part in the Matabele and Mashonaland troubles. He afterwards became admin-, istrator of a large exploration company formed in London to operate in territory under British control in Africa, and he still retains that position. At the anniversary "social" of the Tara-naki-street Wesleyan Church last evening, several speakers referred to the past services of the Rev. W. Baumber, who has been appointed to Christchuroh, and spoke most eulogistically of them, and all agreed that during his stay in Wellington Mr. Baumber had worked energetically on behalf of the Wesleyan Churches in this city and had been rewarded with success, and' his loss will be greatly felt. He is not to be alloyed to go, however, without some recognition of his services, and a farewell meeting is to be held on Wednesday, the sth of April. Lovely weather prevailed yesterday for the athletic sports at Otaki. The attendance was large, and everything passed off pleasantly. The principal events resulted as follows : —100 yds Handicap— W. Burr, 1; F. Cootes, 2 J. M'Phee, 3. 440yds— W. Hughes, 1; W. Burr, 2; J. M'Phee, 3. 220 yds —D. M'Phee, 1; W. Burr, 2 ; W. Watts, 3. 220 yds Hurdles— F. Cootes, 1. Half-mile Race — J". Milne, 1 ; J. Fitzpatrick, 2 ; C. Wilson, 3. One Mile— W. Wilson, 1; P. Mullins, 2C. Wilson, 3. Forced Handicap — W. Ar* nott and W. Watts ran a dead heat.

Wrifcj>g cf the eaj'ly opening of the •nacive game season this year frhe Hastings Standard says: — "TJe decision of the Government in this matter has not, wo are advised, been arm eel at upon the recommendation of the Acclimatisation Societies. On the contrary, these societies have protested strongly against the season being opened at so early a date. In this district it means nothing more nor less than slaughter, for young birds will hardly be feathered by 31st March. The Government, in pandering to the denizens of the larger towns and affording them an opportunity of shooting during the Easter holidays, is inflicting a severe blow upon Acclimatisation Societies, which have done so much to protect native game and to further the interests of genuine sport. The Government professes to be in sympathy with the work of Acclimatisation Societies. It expends considerable sums of money in assisting these societies. And yet, in an insane moment, it countenances an act which at once destroys the work of years. Why, we ask, should the interests of a few unsportsmanlike individuals bo considered? Why should the murder of our native game be sanctioned? Why should the opinion of the Acclimatisation Societies be ignored? In the name of Honest sport we protest, and appeal to every true sportsman in the district to show by their conduct that they deprecate the scundalbus and wanton destruction of game which the Government would encourage." A meeting of the creditors of R. A. Woodger, formerly a seedsman in Moles-worth-street, convened for to-day, was adjourned on Mr. Wilford's application until Saturday. Mr. Wilford expressed his desire to examine the bankrupt 'on behalf of certain creditors. It is estimated that a surplus will be shown in the estate if, certain expectations with regard to some properties are realised. "Sheep-breeding in New Zealand" is the title of a publication which has reached us from the office of the Christchurch Press Company. It consists of a series of articles which" originally „ ftppeared in the Weekly Press, and which were written by -well-known sheepbreeders in various parts of the colony. The articles contain the opinions of men who have had many years' experience and practical knowledge of the several breeds of sheep kept in different parts of the colony, and it adds to the value of these opinions to find how different is their experiences and methods. Climate and locality naturally enter largely into the sheep-farmer's calculations, and the adaptability of the Lincoln to the North and the Leicester to the South, as well as other breeds, is fully debated, with the added value of personal experiences of men who have grown grey in the industry. Thirteen breeders are asked to specially write upon these pertinent points: — 1. Given, a merino ewe from which it is intended to breed a crossbred lamb, what breed should supply the ram? 2. What should be the next cross? this question involving the further one : Should the progeny be frozen as lamb or retained as part of a breeding flock? 3. What should be the next cross (a) for the fat lamb market, and (b) for the standing flock? By the medium of these leading questions, valuable opinions are elicited as to which are the most useful and profitable sheep to keep in the colony, and those who are thinking of going in for sheep-breeding, as well as those who are already following that avocation, will find in this phamphlet many hints and much advice that will save time, worry, and expense. The writers of the articles include Messrs. H. Overton and W. ActonAdams (Canterbury), C. W. Reid (Otago), D. M'Lean (Hawkes Bay), W. Macfarlane. and A. W. Rutherford (Amuri), J. G. Wilson (Bulls, Wellington), A. A. Fantham (Taranaki), and S. T. Seddon and J. Bavugh (Waikato). " There is also included an article on "The Largest Flock of Shropshires in New Zealand." The Thorndon Cricket Club will hold a meeting at the Shamrock Hotel to-morrow evening to deal with urgent business. The Mighty Alok, a tonio to be taken before the business of the day, for invigorating and refreshing the weary worker, is advertised by Messrs. Castendyk & Focke, the Wellington agents. Messrs. Macdonald, Wilson & Co. will hold a sale to-morrow, commencing at 11 o'clook, of an English consignment of Russian, American, and Australian furs of very varied kinds. Catalogues can be had on application, and a gaslight display will be held to-night, from 7.30 to 9 o'olook. Intending purchasers are reminded that to-morrow, at 2 o'olock, Messrs. J. H. Bethune & Co. will commence at their rooms, Featherston-street, their unreserved gale of a consignment of 1500 volumes valuable books.