NEW ZEALAND.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 9092, 1 May 1890, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND.

[Per Press Association.] AUCKLAND. April 30. The early closing movement is extending. Several citizens have subscribed money in aid of the cause. There is promise of keen competition ia the Auckland-Tfaames trade, and, in addition to two steamers now running, it ia said a new vessel will be built. The Governor left by the 9.30 train this morning for Lichfield, where he will have a day’s shooting. Ho will then proceed to Tamuri, Taupo/i’arawera, Mohaka, Napier, and Wellington overland, accompanied by Mr Walroud, Private Secretary. The Countess leaves for Wellington by the Hinemoa, but tho time of her departure is uncertain. Among tho passengers by To Anau for Sydney, yesterday, were a detective and a lawyer’s clerk, of Sydney, who had succeeded in tracing out Joseph Thomas Levien in Marlborough, who is heir to a property in the heart of Sydney worth .£75,000. The property was left by Levien’a grandfather. Levien was working at a mill in the Kaituna Valley, Marlborough. Sir Walter and Lady Bailor, who were passengers from Sydney by the Mararoa last night proceed on to Wellington by the same vessel to-morrow. BULLS, April 30. A practical test wus held yesterday of a flax cleaning machine, in. the presence of several hemp millers and Mr W. T. Gale. Two or three tons of green flax wore put through during the day. Only the mechanical portions of the invention were tried, and the general opinion expressed was that the character of the work done, considering the newness of the machine and the difficulty of adapting the pulleys on the main shaft to its required number of revolutions, was fairly satisfactory. So far, however, tho work is not quite equal to that of the best machines now in the market, but tho Manager will submit the whole process to aa exhaustive test during the week and report. WELLINGTON, April 30, The Early Closing Association have requested their delegates to the Trades and Labour Council to broach the subject of payment of wages on other days than Saturday, aud suggest that Monday would be preferable. At a meeting of hotel proprietors and others this evening, the proposed increase in the price of beef and mutton by the butchers from to-morrow was discussed, and a Committee appointed to report on tho question ox establishing a co-operative butchery. The Sweating Commission assembled this evening to discuss the report to be presented to Government. The draft report drawn up by Mr Pulton was discussed for a time, and further consideration postponed until to-morrow evening, ■when it ”is expected the report will be finally adopted. GREYMOUTH, April 30. Tho Coalpitheath mine at Brunnerton has been accidentally flooded. It is expected to bo several days before getting to ■work again. ! DUNE DIN, April 30. At a well-attended meeting this afternoon, a resolution was carried, that it is desirable to establish a Public Art Gallery for Dunedin, and as a step in that direction, that a fund be raised to purchase Waterlow’s “ Sunny Hours,” and as many other pictures aa the funds will permit. The meeting was very enthusiastic, and over ,£l3O was subscribed in tho room, a strong Committee including many ladies being appointed to canvass. At a meating of the Hospital Trustees to-day, it was decided to alter the system of nursing, ia the direction of employing all female nurses under a matron qualified to superintend, except in one ward in which special male cases shall be treated, and a male attendant employed. As soon aa the funds already collected are handed oyer,

ha building of a nurses’ home will be proceeded with. Tho United Hercules Company washed up 71os in a little over four days’ washing.