FIFTY YEARS AGO

Evening Star, Issue 23444, 8 December 1939, Page 3

FIFTY YEARS AGO

FROM STAR' FILES The following attendances ivere recorded at the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition: —Tuesday, November 26, 1899 (opening day), 8,831; Wednesday, 4,576; Thursday, 3,551; Friday, 3,518; Saturday, 4,065.

Dom Pedro, the deposed emperor of Brazil, who ‘arrived at St. Vincent, states that General Fonesca the leader of the recent revolt in Brazil, refused an interview with him prior to his departure from Bio.

'From London.—The absence of Mr Parnell from the recent Nationalist meetings is causing considerable, comment throughout Ireland, especially so as his whereabouts are at present unknown to the public.

A well-attended meeting of farm labourers was held at Kaiapoi to discuss the labour question, and a resolution to the following effect was passed;— “ That the labouring classes of Kaiapoi suggest that 9d an hour be the standard price of work and that eight hours constitute a single day’s work, overtime to be paid for at 9d an hour.”

From Berlin.—ln the Reichstag Count Herbert Bismarck, in supporting the votes on the estimates for the maintenance of German protectorates,

dealt at length on the benefits that 'Germany had already derived from acting in accord with Great Britain. Referring to the anti-slavery conference now sitting at Brussels, he trusted that its decisions would lead to reducing the slave trade.

The headquarters of the Salvation Army in Queen Victoria street, London, were destroyed by fire.

The King of the Belgians has con gratulated Stanley on the success of his expedition.

. The Irish National delegation arrived in Dunedin. Mr John Dillon, M.P., was met by a large and enthusiastic crowd or men, women, and children. It was announced that Sii Thomas Esmonde would arrive several days later. Several addresses were presented’ to Mr Dillon welcoming the delegation and expressing sympathy with its cause.

A meeting of, delegates of friendly societies at Wanganui carried these resolutions : —“ That this _ meeting strongly protests against the introduction of the Railway Employees’ Insurance Bill, as it considers the same a direct blow to the existence of friendly societies, owing to the large number of railway employees belonging to different orders.” “ That in the opinion of tliis meeting the time has arrived for the different orders to act in_ unison on all matters concerning friendly societies; and recommends lodges to appoint three delegates to form a Vigilance Committee, and _ endeavour to make the movement universal throughout the colonv.”