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Evening Star, Issue 12397, 10 January 1905, Page 4

Our civic officials are again vexed over an unexpected delay in regard to the Order-in-Council for the Caversham tramway. The order sent to the Public Works Department at Wellington was on tire lines of the old City order, with later additions, as embodied in the Anderson Bay order. As forwarded it contained forty-two clauses. Some of these, it was known, would require alteration, so as to meet the demands of the Public Works Department in regard to railway crossings and so on; but it was understood that these amendments were agreed to at the conference which the Mayor and Mr Goodman had with the department on the 9th December, and all concerned in Donedin are disappointed and annoyed, in the first place because of the delay in sending back the order, and secondly in learning that tho order as sent up has been chopped to pieces, for thirty-two clauses are altered, seven are cut out, and seven new ones are added. The plans came back this morning; the department has also wired that the order is posted, so in the courso of a day or two we shall learn what fresh requirements the department is insisting on, and it will then become the duty of the Tramways Committee and Noyes Bros, to try once more to please the exacting officials who have to deal with this matter. Meantime the public are incensed, since it is seen that the new line over tho hill is ready for traffic and cannot be used.

The Peninsula Brass Band played a number of sacred selections at Portobello on Sunday afternoon, though the attendance of the public was interfered with owing to the threatening nature of the weather. The band presented a smart appearance, and the items rendered evidenced careful practice, being much enjoyed by those present. Our Wellington correspondent wires: A departmental inquiry is to be held into an allegation that the fortifications on the Miramar • Peninsula were examined last week by same civilians unknown to the members of the Permanent Artillery who were detailed for sentry duty.

The Minister in charge of railways (Sir Joseph Ward) says it was not to be expected that everyone knew the advances made by the Railway Department during the last few years, or realised the additional money required to carry on the service. "During the year 1904, as compared with the year 1895, the railways had carried 4,400,805 more passengers. And other increases in a comparison of the two years were 10L296 season tickets, 353,819 parcels, 3,444 horses, 1,306 carriages, 13,299 dogs, 1,635 drays, 66,545 cattle, 2,236,457 sheep, 26,976 pigs, 95,590 tons of chaff and lime, 511,134 ft of timber, 431,897 sacks of grain, 20,964 cords of firewood, 280,206 tons of general merchandise, and* 886,406 tons of minerals. The increase in the tonnage carried had been 2,024,185 tons, and in the revenue £1,029,790. At every seaport in New Zealand the department had found it necessary to increase the accommodation, and to make alterations and improvements to meet the increased traffic. The department was further not adopting the principle of building stations which would be again insufficient almost immediately, or have to be added to in an unsightly manner. It was instead making reasonable provision for expected extensions of trade.

The monthly meeting of the Caversham School Committee, held last evening, was attended by Messrs Todd (chairman), Abel, Austin, Barnett, Bremner, Griffiths, Head, Rendei, Thorn. The Chairman reported on the success of the break-up of the school on the 21st nit, and special thanks ■were recorded to. Mrs Loasby, Miss Frye, Messrs Gtendinning, Pearce, Moxall, and the Rev. D. Dution for their favors to the children, also to the Navy League for the splendid map presented to the school by Mr T. K Sidey, MJBLR. It to bold the

An official visit was paid by"'B3s Worship the Mayor of Port Chatoers to Captain Robertson, RJNi, of ILM.S. Phoebe, to-day, anil returned by thatgemflenntn at a later hour. Captain Boberteon expressed his pleasure at the compliment paid him by His Worship the Major, and assured him .that' during hi* vessel's stay h«re every facility would be given -the : jrablio for the inspection of the Phcebe.

Ail exceptional assortment of hand-made furniture is offered at lower jpriees than ever. Bandera, 86 George street.—[Advt/J

The illustrations in the current issue of the 'Weekly Press'(on sola to-morrow morning) embrace tie news of the past week from all parts of New Zealand, An effective sketch by the. paper's special artist of the surrender of Port Arthur is given.

Mr Hendv invites inspection of the choics selection of goods suitable for Xinas presents, including silver and ebony brusbware, perfumery, pearl necklaces, atOi—TAdvt.j The annual meeting of the New Zealand Portland Cement Company will be held in the Queen's Booms, Crawford street, tomorrow, afternoon at four o'clock.

Tourists and visitors will find Hendy's Hairdressdng Booms replete with every comfort for shampooing, haircutting, face massage, manicure, etc. Strictly moderate charges. 104 Princes street.—[Advt.] The New Zealand Bowling Association's official tester will be present on the Duhedin green to-morrow afternoon, from two o'clock, for the purpose of testing bowls.

Mr Wm. Stanton, late of Stuart street and Moray place, has an advertisement in this issue announcing that ho can be consulted at Branson's Hotel from 9 a»m. on Wednesday till 2 p.m. the following day.— [Advt.] The Telegraph Department advises that the Teheran route is restored.