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New Zealand Herald, Volume XI, Issue 3995, 1 September 1874, Page 2

The analysis of correspondence laid before the State Forests Committee does not appear very favourable to this province. A large extent of the land available is not Crown land. Indeed " very little" of it is so. What was originally forest land is not much destroyed, and very little of it is as yet alienated. Clearings for agricultural purposes, and the fires of kauri gum diggers appear to have been the most effective agents of destruction. Bush reserves should be allowed to become freehold ; reserves generally are inadvisable, as they harbour thistles. The system of granting bush licences, it is said, leads to rn extravagant waste ef forest land. Inspectors of works of Highway Boards might bs appointed supervisors. Other local officers or persons settled in the neighbourhood of forest lands would, we presume, be equally eligible.

An alley off Chancery-street, knosvn as Bacon's lane, one of the dirtiest and least respectable localities in Auckland has recently been honored by a visit from the Inspector of Nuisances, acting in accordance with his appointment under the Health Act. Mr. Goldie's report, which was laid before the City Council yesterday, describes a state of things which is both painful and alarming. K umbers of persons were herded together in hovels altogether unfit for occupation, and the absence of ordinary cleanliness was truly distressing. That persons continue to exist in such a manner is bad enough, but this is not all, as will be seen by the report. The report strongly advised that some steps be taken to improve the sanitary condition, before the warm weather sets in. This is surely equivalent to saying that it may be dreaded as a plague spot, where epidemics will be fostered and pestilence secure a footing in the city. The report, with its sickening details, having been read, the Mayor moved that the Inspector of Nuisances take the steps he considered necessary under the Act, to try and stave off the evil which might be apprehended. The suggestion contained in the report was to have the street formed, with a sewer down its centre, to Ciirry off the iilth, but nothing definite was determined on that head. Mr. Goldie was simjjly requested to take proceedings under the Act to abate the evil.

Return of sick treated at the Provincial Hospital during the week ending Saturday, August 29, 1574 : -Remained last return, 74 ; admitted since, 9 ; discharged, 9 ; died, 2 ; remaining at present, 72 (males 60, females 12). —Classification of cases :—Zymotic diseases, 21; constitutional, 8; local, 25; developmental, 4; violent, 14. Two men died during the week, viz.: Ist. A.R., aged 30 years, on 23rd inst., of phthisis pulmonalis ; and 2nd, J.D., aged 40 years, on 26th inst., of heart disease and dropsy. Thanks are returned to Mrs. Howard and Mrs. Worfolk for parcels of old linen.

The third annual general meeting of the shareholders of the Thames Gas Company was held yesterday,—Mr. Owen Jones in the chair. The report and balance-sheet shewed the company to be in a very flourishing condition. A dividend was declared of 6 per cent, on the half-year— at the rate of 12 per cent, per annum. Mr. W. C. Wilson and Mr. W. Earl were re-elected directors. Mr. George Fraser was re-elected auditor. The proceedings terminated with the usual vote of thanks to the chairman.

A meeting of the inhabitants of Onehunga was held last evening to consider the resolutions of Mr. Vogel. The tone of the meeting was pretty much the samo as those which were held in Auckland and other parts of the province. The action of Mr. Vogel in compassing a partial abolition of Provincialism was unanimously condemned. A report of the proceedings will be found in another part of this impression.

We are informed that M.r. Montagu®, of the Fancy Bazaar, Queen-street, intends to give an electro-silver teapot to the exhibitor of the best cat at the forthcoming poultry and general exhibition to take place at the Market-house on Friday and Saturday next. Mr. Montague lias set a good example, and one which, we trust, will be followed by many others.

A Church parade of the Thames SoDttioJ, company, band, and cadets took SuDday last to the Presbyterian Church when they were accompanied by their r Z' rades of the Naval Brigade and No 2 H raki Rifles. _ The other Volunteer were also invited, but were unable to hp present. There was a splendid muster up as follows :—Scottish Company GO K,„T 20; cadets, 20; Naval TO- ban? 20: No. 2 H.R.V., 30: total, 220. Th Rev. James Hill, Honorary Chaplain of th** Scottish, preached a; special sermon on th 6 occasion, taking for his text "Render Cc-esar the things that are Ca.-sar's, and nnto God the things that are God's." The parade marched to church right-in-front, and re turned left-in-front, both bands playino alternately. Major Cooper was in eommancf and carefully inspected each companv on falliug-in. Before the parade was dismissed square was formed, and the Major eomr'i' mented the corps present for their excellent musters. He believed the Scottish and 2S avals shewed the largest attendance at drill and parades, and had the greatest proportion of good shots of any two companies in New Zealand. He said also that A'o. o H.R. V. had long had 2 name for having some of the best shots in the colony, and he was glad to see them again coming to the front in regularity at drill, for the three principal requirements in a Volunteer were regularity at and attention to drill and good° shootiiw Captain Miirray, on behalf of the Scottish thanked the Naval Brigade and No. 2 Company for their courtesy in accompanjin.* them to church, and he promised, on behalf of the Scottish, a return compliment ■when occasion arose.—Thames Advertiser.

The following paragraph (as reported in Halliard) occurred in the Fremier'a speech on "provincial changes'' in reference to the provision to be made for the Superintendents of the various provinces, should the changes proposed actually take place. The Premier said:—"There is one.case which as a recognition of a lite-long devotion to the service of the colony, the Government deem it but fitting that the provision 1 have referred to should bo made a provision tV life. I refer to the Superintendent of Auckland. ... I know that in thst great province of Auckland the question will lae asked by many, ' What provision is to be made for one who has devoted the energy of a lifetime to the service of the province : T ' It is therefore right- that such a question, which will naturally arise in the breasts o't many men should be set at rest; and 1 repeat that, in the opinion of the Government, a life provision should be made tor the honorable gentleman who is now Superintendent of Auckland."

A meeting of tho Auckland Racing Club Committee was held yesterday at the Auckland Hotel. The following members were elected to fill the respective offices during the ensuing year : —President, James Watt, Esq., Vice-President, Thomas Morrin, Esq.; Stewards—the Hon. James Williamson. Captain Fraser, Major Walmsley, John Cosgrave, Esq., and Samuel Morrin, Esq.; Judge, Captain Beckham; Handicapper, Mr. Joseph Bennett; Starter, Mr. Robert Wynyard ; Clerk of the Scales, Mr. W. J. Marks; Clerk of the Course, Mr. T. A. Brown. The Annual Race Meeting is fixed to be held e.s follows : —lst day, Boxing-day ; 2nd day, Ist January, 1575; 3rd day,-2nd January. On the firs-; day the Auckland Cup Handicap, of 200 sovs., with a sweep, stakes of 10 sovs. each, will be run ; distance, two miles.

The Vivian Royal Comique Company appeared again last evening at the Prince of Wales Theatre, before a good audience. An entertaining programme was gone through, the most conspicuous items h.*ing Mr. Arthur Vivian's comic impersonations and entertainments, Miss Melvile's ballads, Messrs. Mason and Franklin's negro delineations, and Mr. Booth's farce of "The }>"ew Chum." This latter, replete with local allusions, afforded much mirth, as did also Mr. Booth's local sor.g. The applause was frequent and enthusiastic throughout the performance, which appeared to be thoroughly appreciated. A change of programme is announced for this evening, and some newartistes will appear. Wednesday evening is announced for Arthur Vivian's benefit, when Madame Blanche, the lady gymnast, and Johnny Gourlay will take part.

The Streets Committee of the City Council yesterday recommended a number ot improvements, the chief of which was the formation and drainage of Hobson-street. The report also suggested that the footpaths of Hobson-street should be re-kerbed and asphalted, providing tee residents would contribute one-half of the expense. To effect the whole ef the proposed improvements would, it is estimated, necessitate an outlay of £12,229. The report was allowed to stand over, and will be brought up for consideration at the next meeting of the Council.

Referring to the action of the Lords in throwing out the Highway Boards Empowering Bill, the Wellington Evening Post remarks: —" Truly, this Council is becoming a public nuisance, and must be either made elective or swept away altogether. On questions affecting property its legislation is for the moat part as mischievous as might be expected from a mere club or lounge of k 'ge nmhoklers, retired military men, and nouvecaix riches, who lookup with snobbish reverence to the two former classes of persons."

The fifth annual meeting of the Caledonian G. M. Company took place yeeterday, at the office of Mr. Tothill. There was a good attendance ,1 shareholders. Mr. C. J. Stone occupied the chair. The directors' and mine manager's reports were read, as also the yearly accounts, which were unanimously adopted. Mr. Stone, who retired from the directory by rotation, was re-elected. A detailed report of proceedings will be found elsewhere.

The poultry exhibition has excited a gre.it deal of interest, and, we are g'ad to learn, is likely to be a perfect success. The entries close on Wednesday afternoon, at 4 o'clock, so that intending exhibitors should lose no time making their entries, as '-he catalogue will have to go to press on Thursday morning. JCo pains will be spared to make the aflair what it. ought to be. A band will be in attendance during the afternoons and evenings of Friday and Saturday.

An accident happened, in Upper Symondsstreet yesterday afternoon. A iir. Barnett was dri\"ing a horse and buggy down the street, when the horse came into collision with a passing Tehiele, anil, being startled, dashed forward at a furious pace. The occupants of the buggy, Messrs. B;irnett, sen. and jun., and a friend, lrere thrown out, and sustained slight injuries. The buggy was considerably damaged.

At a meeting of the committee of the Waiuku Agricultural Society, held in the Gommercial Hall on the 2Sth ultimo, it was resolved that the society offer first, second, and third prizes for the best crops of mangold wurtzel, the quantity to be not less than half an acre, the crops to be judged in April, 1575, only members of the society being allowed to compete for the prizes. Non-members may exhibit.

State of Her Majesty's Gaol, for the week ending August 29, 1574: —Awaiting trial, 5 males, 1 female; sentenced to penal tude, 37 males ; sentenced to hard labour, 7o males, 21 females; default of bail, 2 males; debtors, 4 males ; received during the week, 9 males, 4 females; discharged daring the week, S males, 5 females : total in gaol, 121 males, 22 females.

Three candidates have been nominated toi the City Council, three seats in which will shortly become vacant by effluxion of tune. The following are the names of the gentlemen nominated :—Messrs. G. Holdship, W. J. Hurst, and H. Brett.

We are glad to learn that Captain Casey, with a spirit of fair play, has decided to submit to arbitration the question of master and crew's participation in the benefit of the recent award between the Lady Bowen and Miltiades.

Mr. Holdsliip's motion, to reduce the area of the city in which the building regulations shall be in force, was yesterday carried at the City Council aftcr some opposition.

Some>o£ our readers will remember a wellknown friend under the title of DeputySurgeon General W. A. Mackinnon, C.B. WhSe resident in this province his urbanity and -skill won the respect and confidence of all wlio liad the privilege of his acquaintance. The following paragraph, as giving honor where honor is due, will be read with pleasure by his friends :—'l'll i numerous relations and friends in Invernesshire of this well-known and distinguished officer must have been much gr;;.iSed with the very mailed approval of his services as principal r.icdical Officer of the Ashantee Expedition, conveyed by Sir Garnet Wolseley in. his despatches, and this gratification will be much enhanced •by notices which have recently appeared. Her Majesty, as we formerly stated, paid a -visit to the Royal Victoria Hospital at Netley, for the purpose of seeing and personally expressing her sympathy for the brave fellows there who have fought and suffered in the service of their country, and the Morning Port, in describing some of the cases, ad- j verted to that of a soldier of the 42nd, whose caroted artery was tied ou the field of Amoai'ul by Surgeon-Major Mackinnon. What would a London surgeon, however eminent, think of having to perform even a sli"liter operation at a moment's notice, on the cround, in the midst of thick bush, swarming with concealed foes, whose balls and slug:?, cutting through leaves and branches, were as likely a.i not to make the surgeon and his assistants fresh subjects for the"handicraft of their fellows ? But there, safe at Netley, stood the soldier erect and well, the wound little more than a scar, a living testimony that the surgeon's hand had been as cool on the Ashantee field as if he and his patient had been in the quiet wards of the Royal Victoria Hospital. The Prince of Wales presiding at the animal festival o::' the Royal Medical Benevolent College, spoke fc-elingly of the services of medical officers generally and specially of the coolness ami courage of our countrymen on the b;?ttle::ield of Amoaful. His Royal Highness said: —"I would only mention the case of a medical officer with whom I have the happiness to be personally acquainted, who in the late war performed, under very difficult circumstances, a skilful operation on an unfortunate man who was wounded. Not only, probably, was the life of the patient in his" hands, but his own life was in danger, because, ac the moment of the operation, he was under the heavy fire of the enemy who were in ambush. (Cheers ) I mention this as one of those instances in which medical men of both the army and navy are exposed to very great danger in the course of their services" (Cheers.) It is always a source pleasure to us to have to record public .-.trvices rendered by Highlanders, and we

nave k;ul the pleasure of doing so in the case of the subject of this notice on every occasion 011 which the British Army has been engaged in any part of the world for the last twenty years, with the single • exception of t l 'Abyssinian expedition, when Dr. -Mackin ■ .11 was serviup at Netley as Assistant Professor of Military Snr t ,'. ry. -It. \lackinnon was very deservedly promoted io his present rank on his return from Asliaritee.

The official report of the Vienna Exhibition gives the annual "output" of iron in the producing countries as follows : England, IS7I, 134,064,227 cwt. : Zollverein, German Bund. IS7I, 33,296,042; France, IS7I, 23,620,000; Belgium, IS7I, 11,406,450 ; Austrian Hungary, 1871, 5,492,122; Russia, IS7I. 7,208,141 ; Sweden and Norway, 1871, 0,133,347 ; Italy, 1572, 1,474,150; Spain, IS(>6, 1,474,150; Switzerland, 1572, 150,000; total for Europe, 227,793,099. North America, 1572, 46,900,000 ; South America, 1,000,000; Japan, IS7I, 1S7,000; other countries i:i Asia (approximated), 800,000; Africa. 500,000 ; Australia, 200,000 : total for the world, 276,500,000 cwt. It appears from this statement that England produces more than one-half of the whole amount, North America about one fifth, France about one twelfth, and Belgium one twenty-fourth, these iuur constituting the great iron-produc-ing countries of the globe.

The new Burgess 801 l for 1573-4 was laid on the table at the Council Chamber yesterday. There are 121(5 names on the roll, a very large number of persons having been disqualified for the nonpayment of rates. The roll contains two names more than- the previous one, for 1572-3.

It is csated in the columr.3 of a Dunedin contemporary that the entire population of the Fair Isle, situated between the Orkney and Sheland Islands, is about to leave for Xew Zealand. The population numbers from 200 to 300 souls.

The I.ui;a is due in the Manukau this rooming's ride with the Suez mail and members of the Assembly, ilr. Thomas Ilussell will also be a passenger.

Robert Mair, Esq., of Wangarei. has been appointed to be an interpreter under the Xative Land Act, 1873.

Mr. Joe Small is again in active service on the stage. He is now performing in Invercargill.

So great has been the demand for Mr. Case's improved flour-mills and dressers that it exceeds the supply. Mention has repeatedly been made of the efficacy and usefulness of these machines, and their fame has long since reached into the heart of Maorido.n. Last week some Kingites appeared at Mr. Case's workshop, in Wakefield-street, and producing sixteen pounds sterling, demanded to be supplied with one of his flour mils, asserting that the King had recommended them to make the purchase. iVo machine of the description they required being ready. Mr. Case was compelled to keep them waiting two daj-s, but they would not forsake his premises until the mill was completed, and having paid the price placed it in an express, and drove away exultingly, asserting in the exuberance of their feelings that Mr. Case and his flour-mills were very much kapai. Ther<*. is no doubt that these portable flour-mill) are extremely useful not ■only to the Maoris but also to settlers in outdistricts, where, instead of conveying their wheat a long distance for the purpose of having it converted into flour, they can at a small cost in the original outlay grind it themselves on the premises. The mill is capable of producing line flour, seconds, and sharps.

The assessment list of the Devonport Highway District is deposited at the Postoffice, .Devonport, for tl.e ratepayers' inspection.

A meeting of those interested in re-organ-ising the Papakura Association will be held at the Globe Hotel, Papakura, on Wednesday next, at 3.30 p.m.

A public meeting will be Ik' " at the schoolroom, Woodside, on Thursday "ening, to take into consideration the rcmovt.i of the Otahuhn toll-house.

The annual general meeting of the members of the Auckland Cricket Club will be held 011 Thursday evening next, at the Thames Hotel, commencing at 7.30 p.m.

Sixty cases of New Zealand wine, of excellent quality, mil be offered at auction to morrow by Mr. W. Dovrden, at Mr. J. Wendel's premises, Grey-street.

The annual meeting of the Long Drive Gold Mining Company will be held at Mr. Tothill's office on the 7th instant.