Nelson Evening Mail. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1894

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXVIII, Issue 263, 14 December 1894, Page 2

Nelson Evening Mail. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1894

IT seems that the French newspapers after all the efforts on the parb of their nation to win the friendship of Russia are alarmed at the result of the visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales to Russia. It is stated that the Emperor of Russia told the Prince of Wales that so long as he lived friendship should prevail between his country and England. The family ties between the reigning houses of the two countries are now very strong. They are triply connected, and though intermarriages between royal families do not always prevent -wars, in the case of a country like Russia they count for a good deal. The present Czar like his father apparently likes his English relations, and it would give him pain to be estranged from them as be necessarily would be in the cas© of a -war between the two countries. Though even a Russian Czar is part of a system, and has not the opportunity on all occasions of exercising &is pwa wUI, when he

sees his way clear and knows what he wants his power is tremendous. This has already been seen in the few weeks during which the present sovereign has reigned. tie has declared that the administration of the government of Poland must proceed on milder lines than previously, and he has even allowei an old and trusted officer of the Empire to retire because he believed that the only way to manage the subject kingdom was by strict repression. In spile of the declaration of the Cz*r it is not to be expected for a moment that Russian aggression in Central Asia will cease, or that Russian diplomacy will no longer be tortuous, bufc, if the story telegraphed is true, it is something to know that those sources of danger to the peace of the world will not be wholly unrestrained.

It is not surprising that the members of fche Shipmasters' Association resent the suggestion in the New Zealand Times that Captain M'lntosh was intoxicated ac the time of the loss of the Wairarapa. Tlie evidence was complete thafc he was not only then perfectly sober, but that he was never given to excess in liquor. The charge is perfectly unwarranted and ought never to have been made. A much more likely way of accounting for his conduct is that suggested by a Dunedin medical man, who had attended him, namely that lie had never got over a bad attack of influenza. Captain M'lntosh was not by nature a fool or a coward. He had commanded ships for many years with credit to himself and to the complete satisfaction of his employers. He was a man of sober habits, aud what went wrong with him on thafc fatal day is a mystery which will never be solved, bufc can only be guessed at. There is quite enough of responsibility for loss of life resting on him without adding the imputation that he wilfully unfitted himself to do his duty. The Shipmasters' Association is quite righfc in resenting an unjust reflection on the character of a late member of the body, but it is not easy to see what good can be done by consulting a solicitor on tlie matter. The Association cannot recover damages from the newspaper, and unfortunately if any relation of Captain Mcintosh could legally do so, his failure to do what was required from .a man of his position was so glaring that no jury in the world could give damages against any one for even the most unjust suggestion as to tlie cause.

At the distribution of prizes to the pupils of the Town schools yesterday, Mr Topliss, one of the members of the School Committee, made a few remarks. He spoke of the importance of physical culture. He was glad to see that the masters were taking part in cricket matches, and that the Central School had acquitted itself well. He hoped that it would win the third class championship. He also hoped that a Cadet corps for the school would be established, and was sure ,that the movement would have the help of the School Committee and Education Board. The lawn tennis ground for the Toi Toi Valley School was not being forgotten. Mr Graham desired to explain how certain members of the School Committee were absent. Their absence was certainly not due to any want of interest in the schools on their part. The JRev Mr MaoKenzie and Mr Haddow were away from Nelson, and Mr Johns was kept away by business.

The following is the list of winness of Certificates granted to pupils of tlie School of Music : — For Singing : Misses E. A. Hall, Robertson, Dixon, Scaly, E. O. Heaps, Mr P. Kidson, Mr R. Black. For Singing and Violin : Misses Francis, C. Hunt. For Singing and Pianoforte : Misses Cachemaille, M. H. Harley, M. Pitt, F. Edwards, Talbot, D. Webb-Bowen, Lightfoot. For Singing and Violoncello :Mr Crump. Por Theory : Misses F. Scaly, Kidson, M. A. Boor, M. B. Richmond, L, Gibbs, N. Gibbs, Mr B. A. Branfill, Mr H. W. For Pianoforte : Misses Kempthorne, K. Ensor, J. E. Cuthbertson, E. Bell, J. Wright, F Webb-Bowen, E Perrin, N Lavestam, —

Kempthorne, A M Tasker, C St John, Masters A Sclanders, J A Kempthorne, and H S Kempthorne, For Violin : Misses Houlker, M Shone, "Winifred H Irvine", Mr F Shallcrass, Masters F Houlker, T. Scoft, and F Strong. For Violincello: Mr H Kidson, Master H Clear. For Viola: Mr J S Street For Oboe: Master L Jacobs and Master Fell.

We learn that the light recently, erected on the Waimea Sands by the Marine Department is giving muchsatisfaction to mariners, and is highly appreciated by them. The light on the bsll buoy has not gone out for a long time, still it is not to be depended on in rough weather, and the light on the Sands being very bright is a capital guide to masters of vessels when crossing the bar.

As our readers are doubtless aware a number of extra prizes are given to the children by the teachers at the different schools. The children appear, in their turn, to wish to demonstrate their appreciation of the kindness and attention experienced by tbem from the teachers, and have in many cases, if not. in most, made some present to the one in whose standard they are. Quite a number of graceful offerings of this nature were made to Miss Gascoigne, Miss Hounsell, Miss Sadd, and the other teachers in the Toi Toi Valley School on the occasion of breaking up, and no doubt it is equally the case in th 6 other schools. This speaks well for teacher as well as for those that are taught, showing, as it does, the bond of mutual affection which exists between them, without in any way interfering with the necessary discipline enforced on the one side or the willing obedience rendered on the other.

THE annual exhibition of the work of pupils of the Nelson College studio was opened to-day at the Girls' College, and is, taken altogether, highly creditable to the teacher, Mrs Cooke and to tho students. The work shown is chiefly of a decorative character. There are no landscapes and no figures from the life. In black and white there are numerous drawings from the round and of flowers and fruit from nature, and there is plenty of evidence of careful and skilful instruction. The handling is generally firm and the drawing good. There are a large number of representations of flowers and fruit in oils and many of them attain a decidedly «ood pitch of excellence, both in form and colour. Almost all tho pupils are girls, and it is a pity thab more boys in Nelson do not take lessons in drawing.

Through the generosity of the Principa (Mr Joynt) the pupils of the Boys' College have been presented with an asphalt tennis court, which is situated in the south-east corner of the College ground. To mark their appreciation of this handsome gift, one of the pupils in the presence of his comrades proposed a very hearty vote of thanks to the liberal donor, which, it is needless to say, was carried unanimously. We understand that the work of preparing the court was entrusted to Mr Uren, and has been most thoroughly executed by him.

The following will represent the Athletio II against the Nelson II in the Park to-mor-row: — Curtis, Cross, Clear, Barltrop, Bird, Bottrell, Davis,, Hunt, Harper, Jickell, and Blilner. Emergency: Brown.

Entries for matches ia the Nelsou Bifle Association's meeting, which will take place on Boxing Day at the new Stoke range, will close to-morrow evening. I^ieut Carr, of the Westport Navals, has generously forwarded a donation of £1 Is to the Prize Fund. It is hoped that our local Volunteers will substantially support the Association at the proposed meeting, so as to make it an annual affair.

At the Mount Morgan mine a man named William Kirkwood, aged 32, Avhile working a circular saw, deliberately laid himself on the saw afid let it sever bis head completely from his body. He leaves a widow aud live children.

Mil J. C. Blackmoke, Government Pomologist, is now on a visit to Nelson, and intends to visit the various orchards in the lje.gbbourhood, for the purpose of giving instruction appertaining to the culture of fjr uit. jt is tl.e intention of Mr Blackmore to give a lecture on this very important subject at an early date, of Avhich notice Avili be given in due time,

The annual meeting of the shareholders of the Nelson Fanners' Co-operative Association Avill be held at tAvo o'clock tomorroAV afternoon.

Messes Fitzgerald Brothers' Circus will appear in Nelson to-morrow evening, as most people young an-d old in the placo already know, The town is at present adorned with posters representing lions, tigers, and other Avild animal, and wonderful feats of ho semanship and acrobatism. There is no other show which pleases the popular taste more than a circus, and the one about to visit us is reported to have special attractions. One part ol the performance would be better left out, and really ought to be prohibited by law. The lion-taming act. or Avhatever else it may be called, is terribly dangerous, and it is extraordinary that people should like to see a fellow creature put himself in a position of extreme danger. However, apparently they do like it, and the opportunity will be given to them to-morrow evening.

Last week 5338 tons of coal were exported from Westport. Prom <sreymo«th 2398 tons ot 99&1 W& 96,(?3?jEt Umber were exiled.

At a school examination not a hundred miles away, a boy whoso f tither owned a dairy was asked by one of the examiners what his age was, and replied, twelve. The answer seemed rather to astonish the gentleman, who remarded that he was a very big boy for his age, whereupon another boy called out " He's daiiy fed, sir."

A tuple match will be fired on the Mudflat range to-morrow afternoon between teams selected from the second class shots of the Naval Artillery and Stoke Rifles.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Richmond Borough Council was held on Tuesday llth inst., at 7.30 p.m. Present, his Worship the Mayor (Mr Talbot) in the chair, Councillors Fittall, Crouoher, Papps, Harkness, and Best. Accounts were submitted— General £21 1 3s. It was resolved that these he passed for payment. A letter was read from the Colonial Secretary, acknowledging receipt of the notification of the election of Mayor. It was resolved that an application be made to the Waimea County Council for a supply of dog collars. It was resolved that the Dog Tax for the ensuing year be 7s 6d per dog ; sheep and cattle dogs 2s 6d .per dog. It was resolved that the present collector of dog tax be offered the post for the ensuing year. An application from two residents to have their properties connected with the water supply, was remitted to the Waterworks Committee to ascertain the cost of the extension of service, and report at next meeting. It was resolved that' a requisition be forwarded to the Minister of Defence, calling attention to the inconvenience sustained by the district from the absence of a resident policeman, and requesting that one be reappointed.

The half-yearly financial summoned meeting of the Maitai Lodge, No. 31, U.A.0.D., was held afc the Lodge Room last evening, when there was a good attendance of members. A.D., Bio. H. Oakley, occupied the chair. The auditors' report and the balance sheet were read and adopted. They showed that the funds of the Lodge were in a flourishing condition and invested safely. Tlie number of members good on the books was stated fco be 118 The following officers were elected for the ensuing year, and duly installed by P. A., Bro. Scott, in the absence of the District President :— J.P.A., Bro. H. Oakley ; A.D., Bro. W. Rowell; V.A., Bro. J. E. Barltrop; Sec., Bro "VV. Thomson (reelected) ; Treas., Bro. T. S. Chisholm (reelected) ; A.B.s, Bros. "VV. Hobbs and C. Haggitt; V. A. B.'s, Bros. M. J. Levy and AY. Trott; LG., Bro. H. Edmondson; 0.G., Bro. Coles; Mm. Sec, Bro. J. W. Neale. By a unanimous vote P. A., Bro. Jickell was nominated as District President for the ensuing year. P. A. Bro Simpson was accorded a most hearty vote of thanks by the Lodge for his services while in the cliair, the mover of the resolution referring to Bro Simpson's bearing as an officer in highly eulogistic terms. A vote of thanks Avas also accorded to P. A. Bro Fairey and it was resolved that both these officers be presented with framed Past Arch diplomas. Two handsome presentations were made during the evening, one from the Lodge of a handsomely framed Past Arch diploma to P. A. Bro Scott, and one from the members of an elegant Past Arch collar mounted in gold to P. A. Bro Jickell. It. was resolved that on Dec. 27th a Lodge of Instruction, combined with a social, should be held at the Lodge Room, and that an invitation thereto be forwarded to the Avhole of tlie members of the Trafalgar Lodge of Wakefield. The appointment of a Committee to meet the Friendly Societies Sports Committee terminated the business and the Lodge was closed.

Mr Lock had a sale of stock at Ngatimoti on Wednesday last. There was a good attendance of people living inthe district, but although a large quantity of stock was offered, there were very few buyers in any line, especially sheep, for which there appeared to be little or no competition. Farmers generally are deploring the low price of wool, and the small demand for sheep, and express the hope that Messrs Nelson Bros, will be able* to establish a freezing hulk at Nelson or send their representative to buy up surplus stock. It appears to be the opinion of many of the principal agriculturists that it would bo wise to turn their attention to dairying and go in for separators, as butter thu3 produced realises a better price than the ordinary product.

The Nelson Boys' College will hold the annual sports on the College ground tomorrow afternoon. The sports Avill begin at 2>' clock, and should the present line weather prevail, there is no doubt there will be a number of people present.

This open meeting of the Loyal Marine Lodge held in the Port Hall last nig'it was highly successful, all tbe seating accommodation being occupied, while others stood at the open doors. A good and varied programme was presented, to which the following contributed:—Songs by Bros Croudis, Jackson, and Mr Oldershaw, and Sisters Barltrop and Larkins; recitations by Sister Goodall and Bro C. Barltrop; musical selection (cornet and organ) Bro F. and Sister M. Barltrop. The songs of Mr Oldershaw and Bro Jackson fairly brought down the house with their fun, and both had to respond to encores. The dialogue entitled "Is Marriage a Failure?" was well given, all knowing their parts to perfection. The characters were filled by the following members :— Sisters Bradley, Cass, Goodall, Batchelor, and Lines, and Brothers Barltrop, Milroy, and Walkey. Bro G. R. Simpson, P.D.D., ably fulfilled the duties of chairman. At the adjourned quarterly meeting of the Invercargill Licensing Committee, all the applications for 11. o'clock licenses were refused, the voting being five to three. A boundary rider on a Queensland station has collected 1123 emu eggs and sent them to Sydney, where they realised 12s per dozen— £-56 3s total, or more than his year's wages. The Rev Charles Spurgeon (Mr Tom*, brother) is suffering from chest complaint, and has been ordered to the Cape. He has resigned his pastorate at Greenwich, and sails on the Ist December. One unionist shearer in the Hawkes's Bay district has averaged over 200 sheep a day this season, his highest tally being 207. Mv Joshua Jones, of Mokau, has been adjudicated bankrupt in the London Court of Bankruptcy, on tlie petition of a creditor from whom he had borrowed money. Messrs Bisley Bros & Co. will sell by public auction at their rooms Hardy street, to-morrow at 11 a.m., furniture, drapery, boots and shoes, piano, bamboo blinds; soap, wire, etc. Mr W. Lock will sell to-morrow at 1 1 a.m. a consignment of wire mattresses, groceries, furniture, and other effects.