The Evening Star WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1883.

Evening Star, Issue 6417, 10 October 1883, Page 2

The Evening Star WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1883.

ix order to understand properly tho tenor of tho report by tir John Coodk on the improvement of the Otago harbor it is nece&ary to refer to the questions definitely submitted for his decision. In June last year Mr Bark submitted to tho Harbor Board proposals for effecting permanent improvement on the bar, "in the event of "its being made up to its old depth by the "action of the ocean after being dredged." The financial position had, it may oe recollected, induced the Board reluctantly to abandon the idea cf carrying out the complete scheme elaborated by Sir John Coodk in his report of May, 1880. Mr Barr proposed to carry out a portion of Sir JoitN-'.s plan by projecting on the western side of the entrance a training-wall on the line recommended by him, so as to "deflect the current from its " prejudicial course into one which would " bo more directed and concentrated upon " the points where the deep water is "desired." The estimate of the construction considered by Mr Baku essentially necessary was L 86,025. In April of the present year drawings of the proposed works were forwarded to the Board, and after a somewhat lengthy debate it was resolved that the plan 3 of the details be approved and at once forwarded for the approval of the Governor-in-Council. Mr Fish, then chairman, was despatched to Wellington in order to facilitate proceedings, and on May 16 he advised the Boftrcl that Mr Blackett had approved the plans but "recommended that they be sent for " Sir John Coor>E\s approval. Government "endorse this," Mr Fish subsequently suggested that Sir John should bs asked for a definite opinion on certain points. The Board agreed to this, and accordingly the plans and specifications, with a series of questions bearing thereon, were transmitted by the mail leaving Wellington on May 19. The questions were: "Whether the works "proposed to be carried out will prejudice "the complete scheme in any manner? "Whether you approve of the materials "and general mode of construction? " Whether you consider it proper or safe to "carry out tho western wall to the full "length shown? Whether you consider " the estimate which will be sent you by the " next mail a fair sum for the work ? Or, if " the whole subject should present itself to "your mind in such a manner as that you " would prefer either to advise to go on with "the contract, or for the Board to await a "full written report from you, please tele- " graph accordingly in either case." It will be seen from the report which appeared in our issue of yesterday that Sir Jo**n Cooue intimates a general approval of Mr Barr's scheme so far that he thinks it will "undoubtedly effect such a great im "provement as would amply justify the "necessary expenditure, more especially in "view of the fact that it would not in the "slightest degree interfere with the subsequent carrying out of the completed "design." Sir John, however, distinctly states that in the absence of the eastern mole there will be such fluctuations in the depth of water in the entrance as "would at times prove inconvenient to "the ingress and egress of vessels of the "deepest draft "—fluctuations which it is impossible to define with precision. He therefore directs the particular attention of the Board to tho point that works shorter than or materially differing from tho two moles designed by himself, cannot, in his judgment, "be confidently relied upon to "secure the object in view, viz., sufficient "depth of water for vessels of the largest "class at all times and Tinder all conditions "of wind and sea." Sir John proceeds to remark that the forces which create the shoaling or bar at the entrance of the harbor are of such magnitude, and so variable in their effects, that "it must of necessity be hopekes !,to expect any permanent benefit by dredging alone. The "desired depth of water can only be "created and maintained by the proper " utilisation of the immense scouring power "fortunately available in this case." He reiterates the opinion expressed in his report of May, 1880, that, should the moles be completed according to his original design, there is a strong probability of the tidal currents alone establishing a greatly improved line of channel through the sand flat known as the North Spit. Sir John enters very fully into the questions of the mode of construction of the Works and the materials proposed, as indicated in the plans, etc., submitted to him. He suggests many important modifications and alterations, which, considering his eminent position as an engineer and great experience in marine works, must be considered worthy of attention. It is, however, hardly within our function and ability to discuss them. Sir John considers it inexpedient to carry the western mole to a greater length than 4,000 ft from tho present low water-line unless the eastern mole be carried forward simultaneously. In fact, it will be preferable, he says, that "the eastern work should " take slight priority in the order of advancement over the western arm after "the latter shall have reached the point " above-named." Taking, then, the western mole at the length calculated, Sir John estimates the cost of the works at £190,000, which is more than double the estimate of Mr Bark. Sir John, however, proposes that the top or crest of the training mole should be, in parts, of a greater height, and the mode of construction which he recommends is more costly both as to work and material. The amount of £190,000 also includes 10 per cent, to cover contingencies and sea risk, and 5 per cent, for supervision and establishment charges. Tho estimate also provides for such an amount of settlement in the base of the mole "as experience has shown will " inevitably occur." Mr Bark, in his report of June, 1882, when estimating the cost at L 86,025, only appears to have calculated the labor and material.

It must be satisfactory to tho present Chairman of the Harbor Board (Mr Ross) to find that his opinion in regard to the construction of the western mole as a temporary expedient for improving the entrance of the harbor is confirmed by Sir John Coodk. In his address at the special meetiug of the "ity Council in February last Mr Ross ;uid : "The question whether proceeding "with the western wall other than con- " currently with that of the proposed "eastern mole at Taiaroa Head might not '•injuriously affect tho harbor, is, I think, " easily disposed of. The length of the proposed western wall is G,2ooft, and of the "eastern 1,700 ft. The latter will project "about I,oooft beyond the most seaward " point of tho headland. Until the western " wall extends beyond this point no possible " injury could ensue."

The Land Board to-day decided to holdfth inquiry on the 31st inst. with referfenoe tf) the suspected c&ses of "dummyism" at Silver Peak and Waikouaitf. At the MelboXVrfto criminal sessions W. J. Whi'te, wh'6 was convicted pf wholesale fonveries to the amount of L 8,009, received the light punishment of twelve months' imprisonment. Tho ' Timaru Herald' thinks that the sentences passed on the Roys was " an equally wise, just, and merciful disposal of one of tho most singular and most painful cases that ever cams before the Criminal Courts of this country." A meeting of members of the English Church last evening unanimously approved of Bishop Nevill's proposition to make St. Matthew's a cathedral, and the Synod are to be requested to consider the matter at their forthcoming session, There was on indifferent attendance at the Princess's Theatre last evening, uhen Messrs Stanfiold and Dark's company repeated the comedy and burlesque which occupied the boards for tho last few nights. There will be a change of programme to-morrow evening. At the Police Court, Port Chalmers, tort xy, before Messrs Mill and Elder, J.P.s, M.\rgaret .Robertson was fined os and costs for using indecent language at Blueskin, and Duncan Corbctt was fined 10s, or forty-eight hours' imprisonment, for a similar olt'ence in Port Chalmers.

A farther named Leslie was accidentally shot tht'ough the foot at the Wychcproof (Victoria) sports, held in connection with the opening of the railway on September 28. The starter of the foot-races used a revolver which had been loaded with ball cartridge unknown to tho starter, and in starting a race he held the pistol behind his back and fired on to the ground, and Leslie, who was standing near, received the ball in his foot. , The 'Australasian,' to whom the question of the disputed try in the WellingtonAuckland match was referred, has the following in its replies to correspondents : "The question you ask is rather involved, but we think that as Wellington scrummaged the ball off, instead of insisting on acting on tho referee's decision, they forfeited their claim to the try. This, however, does not seem to affect the fate of the game, which, apparently was won by Wellington." In Chambers yesterday Mr Juntice Williams took evidence in the equity suit of Bruce v. M'Gavin, in which the plaintiff claims about Li,ooo on an adjustment of accounts between him and defendant as partners in the contract for the construction of the Waitaki bridge about eight years ago. The defence set up was that an adjustment of accounts took place in January, 1877, and that the plaintiff could not go behind that, and could not charge interest on items occurring before that time. His Honor upheld the defendant's view, and ordered an adjustment on accounts on transactions subsequent to January, 1877, interest to be charged for and against each partner from the respective times each expended and received moneys to his credit and debit in the accounts. The case was then adjourned.

Concerning recent doings of the French in the Pacific, Captain Turner, of tho schooner Sybil, which arrived at Sydney on the 27th ult., reports that a French company has bought large areas of land in the New Hebrides, comprising a block five miles by ten at the island of Espiritu Santo, some area at Port Obry ; and also twenty square miles opposite Malo. They have also purchased a large area near the south-west coast of A pi, which they paid for in Snider cartridges, tobacco, and calicoes. Captain Turner also states that they went to Duron Bay, but were ordered away by the captain of the port, who said that no vessel was allowed there without permission of the French authorities at Noumea, and paying a fee of 400fr. If permission, however, was obtained from the French consul at Sydney, no fees would be charged, A case which was brought before the Committee of the Benevolent Institution at Wellington recently affords a sad illustration of the vicissitudes of colonial life. Some few years ago there resided in a country district not many hundred miles from Wellington a prosperous merchant and his wife, who were blest with a fair complement of olive branches. Owing to the strain on the mental powers, caused by the pressure of business, the father lost his reason a couple of years ago, and was committed to the Mount View Asylum, where ho remained until his death, which occurred a few weeks back. Soon after tho husband's incarceration, the wife disposed of what littlo property she possessed, and in company with her children came down to Wellington. The whole of her Bavings, together with a little cash subscribed by her late husband's friends for tho purpose of enabling her to return to her father at Home, was spent in maintaining herself and her children, who are now in a destitute condition. News had been received from England that her father was on the verge of the grave, and under the circumstances she had decided to remain in New Zealand. During the days of his prosperity the deceased prudently insured his life for L3OO. He, however, had left no will, and his affairs were bung adnvniatered by the Public Trustee, who intended to erect a cottage for the widow and children with the balance of the money after the cost of deceased's maintenance in the Asylum, etc., had been paid. The secretary was instructed to see to the necessities of the case.

The following particulars of the charge of receiving stolon property against Thomas M'Clcland, who has just been sentenced to four years' imprisonment at Wellington, will be interesting to our readers :—Julius Petersen and Harry Plimmer, both youths who had been employed in tho wholesalo boot department of Messrs Turnbull, Smith, and Company, had met the prisoner at a dancingroom at Tc Aro, and after becoming acquainted, they began taking boot uppers to his shop, receiving 2s and 5a a pair, the trade price being 7s 6d. Their practice was for each youth to take one or two uppers concealed under his waistcoat, and sell them in the evening to M'Cleland, he giving them just what he thought fit. Both youths stated that M'Cleland suggested to them, in the first instance, that they might bring him uppers. He told them he used to have uppers brought by a boy named Hunt, from his father's warehouse, when M'Cleland had a shop in the Arcade, and had given him cheques for L 5 to LlO a month. That induced them to begin taking uppers to his shop. M'Cleland had first asked Plimmer, in the Apollo Rooms, if he could bring a pair of 6's and pair of 7's elastic-sido uppers. Plimmer said ho could, and did so. After that, he took about ten pairs, and Petersen took the same number. One pair of sample uppers being missed from the warehouse, inquiry was made, and tho boys then told M'Cleland, who said they had better take that pair back; and they did. One boy was afterwards detected taking a small pair of made-up boots, and this led to a revelation of the whole practice. The first annual celebration of the opening of the Cargill road Wesleyan Church was held on Sunday last, when sermons were preached to large congregations by the Revs. Messrs Berry, Murray, and Smalley. The customary soirde came off last evening, and proved an unqualified success. The church had been most tastefully decorated by the young ladies, under the able superintendence of Mr Palmer. As it was tho first occasion of spreading a tea in the building, some doubt was expressed about the capacity to accommodate as many as were expected. However, by a judicious arrangement of space 270 were seated at the first tables—the total attendance reaching nearly 400. The tables were presided over by Mcsdames Smalley, Bridgeman, Duke, Rainton, Clark, Palmer, Emerson, Hindle, Southam, Rowland, M'Lean, Hyde, and Miss Beck. The ladies had provided the edibles in fiist-elass style, and after all were satisfied the church was cleared for the public meeting. Every part was crowded, many being obliged to stand in the aisle. Tho Rev. J. Berry presided, and was supported on the platform by Revs. J. White, W. Thomas, and J. S. Smalley, who subsequently delivered addresses that were warmly received by tho audience. Tho Rev. J. S. Smalley, in the course of his remarks, stated that in the whole history of the Now Zealand Wesleyan Church only one ordained niini.-itur had resigned in favor of another Church. Some few others, whose names had appeared in the papers, were cither home missionaries or probationers. The probation of four years gave men of unsettled views time to reconsider their position before ordination. The financial report showed the whole church debt to have been liquidated, with a balance towards payment of the land, tho money for which had boon advanced by a gentleman of Trinity Church without interest for three years. The present anniversary service bar) yielded between LoO ai;u L4O. A «aic of ladies' work would be held on Monday, 22nd inst., in Clark's Hall, South Dunedin, still further to reduce tho debt on the land. Tho usual votes of thanks closed a most successful gathering.

It is Staled.that over 300,000 rabbit skins have been obtained on Cargill and Anderson's run at Miller's Flat. ■ v . , It is understood, that half-yearly sittings of the Supreme Cputf.will be. established In Oamaru after the new year. The body of James Galloway, who was drowned at the mouth of the Shag River, was recovered by the police yesterday.

Criminal assaults on children are again becoming unpleasantlynumerous. AtChristchurch yesterday John Wilson was committed for trial for assaulting a child nine years old at Sydenham. Wo understand that the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, after making an inspection of the Benevolent Asylum, has come to the conclusion that, with the existing state of things, it would bo impossible for the Committee of tho Institution to make provision for inouiables from tho Hospital. The second of the Blue Ribbon mission meetings was held last evening in the Moray place Congregational Church, under the presidency of the Rev. Dr Roseby. Addresses were delivered by tho Rev. J. Kirkland, Messrs J. G. Frascr and Lowe; and Mr Brunton's choir again lent valuable assistance.

Shortly after midnight Constable Woore, while on duty in Maclaggan street, _ discovered a fire in the rear part of the biscuit factory of Messrs Murray. It is supposed that the fire was occasioned by a spark from one of the furnaces smouldering unobserved during the evening. Very little damage was dono.

Extraordinarily high prices were paid for fish in the Sydney market on the Ist inst. Schnapper were sold at from L 6 2a to L 7 4s per dozen; red bream, LI 6s 6d; garfish, L2 12s; and small flatheads, 18s per dozen. The reason for these prices was the roughness of the weather, which had precluded flßhing operations, and the fact that the Jewish New Year was coming on, and tho Hebrews deaired most strongly to obtain fish and had little regard for ooat» Tho Woody Knoll Saw-mill, near Winton, owned by Dawson and Sons, was destroyed by fire yesterday. The supposed cause was the high wind blowing down the chimney of the engine and forcing sparks out of the firebox over the mill floor. The fire was noticed about 1 a.m. by Dawson, jun., but too late to Bave anything. The timber outside did not suffer, but a quantity in the mill was consumed. The insurance waa L6OO with the South British Company, supposed to bo partly on stock and plant. There has been a considerable falling off in crime in tho Dunedin district lately, especially in drunkenness—a fact, doubtless, due in a measure to depressed times. Wo learn from Inspector Weidon that during the quarter ended June 30 last there were 1,048 offences reported to the police, 783 arrests, 185 summons cases, 24 committals for trial, 850 persons summarily convicted, and 88 discharged. During the quarter ended the 30th ult. the returns showed 805 offences reported, 585 arreote,, 161 sumitionses, 8 committals for trial, 657 persons summarily convicted, and 72 discharged. Sad havoc (says the ' Tuapeka Times ') is being made on the fish in some of the streams in the Tuapeka district. Despite the terms of the Act, which prohibits the catching of fish on Sundays, we learn that numbers of people were busy on Sunday last catching fish in a stream not many miles away. We have also been given to understand that some unfair means of securing the fish have resorted to, such as liming the creeks, etc., which is a highly reprehensible practice, and deserving of punishment. It is said that several fishes are to be seen lying dead from the effects of this treatment, which deals wholesale destruction amongst them. A decision was given by Mr M'Culloch, R.M. at Riverton the other day, which is of special interest to local bodies as bearing on the question of responsibility for accidents through tho bad condition of roads. The Wallace County Council were sued for Lls, value of a horse which broke its leg and had to be destroyed through the bad state of tho Orepuki road. The Council are empowered, His Worship said, under the 185 th section of the Act, to form, construct, and maintain all public roads within their jurisdiction. In the exercise of that power the Council had gone as far'as their funds would permit, and there was no evidence to prove negligence on the part of the Council. Judgment waß given for the defendant.

A rather peculiar transaction on the part of some settlers in the Blackstono district was brought to light at to-day's sitting of the Land Board. It appeared that the individuals referred to applied to the Board some time ago for licenses for several sections under the agricultural leasing system, and were refused. In order very probably that the land should not be disposed of in another way to anyone else, they afterwards communicated with the Government, stating that the land was required fox* mining purposes and should be reserved, and the Government acted on the suggestion without consulting the Board. It was decided to communicate with the Government on the matter.

At the inquest on Peter Matheson, who committed suicide at Gore last week, Constable Pratt Btated that when he arrested the deceased in the main street at Gore on the evening of the Ist inst. he had evidently been lying in the open air for some time, as his clothes were wet and he was trembling, Deceased then appeared to be very thankful for the shelter of the lock-up. After paying his fine Matheson said that he would abstain from drink. In his room at Waimea the constable found the following written on a piece of paper:—"l am dead and gone now, out I had nothing to do with the stables," evidently referring to the fire there a short timo ago. A verdict of temporary insanity was returned. A curious circumstance was that Peter Matheson, who works at the Waimea lignite pit, and who at first was reported to be the suicide, was one of the jury.

Lodge Ofcago Kilwinning, 417, 5.0., meet to. morrow evening.

Itoslyn Bowling Club meet in the Roslyn Council Hall to-morrow at 8 p m, Mr W. Parker Street addresses the ratepayers of Dunedin at the Lyceum Hall on Friday evenirig.

The programme ef the military sports which are to be held at the Forbury Park on the 27th inst. appears in our advertising columns. The 'Tuapeka Times' statos that Mr J. F, Kitching is succeeded in the management of Moa Flat station by Mr J. Cameron, formerly of Spjlaw station.