Untitled

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 6297, 23 January 1882, Page 4

The Hon. Mr. Hall is to visit the Waikato. The first instalment of the Property Tax for the half year -which commenced Ist of April, 1881, is payable on the 15th of February next. The second instalment in respect of property for the half year commenced on the Ist of October, 1881, will be payable on the Ist of March next ; while in respect of fire, marine, and guarantee premiums, this instalment will be payable on the Ist of May. The Compensation Court, sitting duriDg the three last days of last week to hear claims against the Government on account of land taken for the purposes of the Kawakawa railway or injuriously affected thereby, concluded its labours on Saturday by making the following awards :—Hohepa Whatonga, £61 17s 6d, as against £230 claimed ; Marsh Brown, £81 15s, as against £2500 ; Hemi Tautari, £150, as against £400. Bryers and Triphook claimed £064—dismissed without prejudice, the land being unsufficientl}' described. Te Pu-kutu, claim £■700, dismissed without prejudice for a similar reason. Triphook's leasehold, claim £300, dismissed. J. R. Triphook, claim £70, dismissed, the land having been bought from a native grantee but not subdivided. On Friday twenty-six members of the Naval Brigade assembled at the rifle range, to compete for the money prize 3 given annually by the insurance companies in recognition ' tion of the services rendered by the brigade, on the occasion of fires. The first prize was won by Petty Officer F. Smith with a magnificent score of 73 out of a possible 84, although the weapons used were carbines, and there was a strong gusty wind blowing. At the monthly inspection parade in the evening Captain Le Roy, on behalf of the brigade, presented to Lieutenant Smith a very handsome silver star with ribbon attached. It bore a suitable inscription on the reverse side intimating that it was presented in'recognition of the services he had rendered to the brigade. Lieutenant Smith suitably acknowledged the handsome present and the kind feeling expressed by the com pany towards him. The annual sports and picnic of the railway employes took place on Saturday. There were about 2500 people present. Sir G. M. O'Rorke, Mr. Moss,'M.H.R., Major Harris, M.H.R., aud Judge Macdonald, aud other gentlemen from Auckland and Waikato attended the picnic during the day. We give a full report of the affair elsewhere. At the Police Court on Saturday a cowardly case of larrikmism was dealt with in such a manner as is little calculated to teach this rapidly increasing element respeut for the law. An old man named John Hughes, who is suffering from weak eyes, was on the watermen's steps bathing his eyes with sea water, when a groupof larrikinscame past. One of these scampe picked up a stone which he threw, striking the old raa'i on the head, and endangering his life, for had he tumbled into the water, the chances are that he would have been drowned. The offence was conclusively proved and partially admitted, with the hollow excuse that although he threw the stone he did not intend to hit the old man. The presiding Justices, although the same larrikin had been previously convicted of a similar offence, thought the ends of justice would be met by imposing a fine of 2s and costs. The result of this mistaken clemency is everywhere apparent. No later than last evening a larrikin standing on the Park, threw stones at some of his comrades across Bowen-street, near its junction withViotoiiastreet, and when remonstrated with by a gentleman, who narrowly escaped being struck by one of the missiles, he answered in a most impertinent and abusive manner, but coward-like be sneaked off when threatened with a prosecution. This lad appeared to be about 16 years of ago. One thing which attracted the attention of Tawhiao's natives on reception day, was that the Catholic clergy were the only ministers present at the procession ; and that, at the Choral-hall banquet also, the old Protestant missionaries were again conspicuous by their absence. The Maoris are wholly unable to account for this conduct, and it certainly requires some explanation. In cousequence of the rough weather at New Plymouth, Messrs. Bent and Bachelder's Minstrels, who were announced to appear tonight in the Lorne-street Hall, were unable to embark on board the Hawea, and therefore the opening performance has been unavoidably postponed until to - morrow evening. They will positively arrive by the McGregor, but their stay will be limited to five nights. A number of the natives now in town from the Waikato attended the 11 o'clock service in St. Patrick's Cathedral yesterday. Father Walter Macdonald, who'officiated, addressed them in their own language. The church was crowded. iu the list of scholarships awarded published in Saturday's issue appears "Esther Bloom, Onehunga."' It should have been Esther Bloom, Wellesley-street Wast. The teachers and elder scholars of the Primitive Methodist Churches in Franklin-raad and Alexander-street will hold their annual picnics on the 30th iustaut. It is expected that the picnic: of the former will take place at the Tamaki and the latter at the Titirangi Ranges. Mr. P. Doran has secured the Helensville Hall for the 2Sth and 30th instant, so that possibly the Kingites will have another opportunity of seeing the acrobatic performances which on Friday evening, at the Theatre Royal, pleased them so greatly. Mr. Thomas Seaman, of the Lake, and at 36, Insurance Buildings, Auckland, has been appointed Superintendent Collector of Agricultural Statistics for the counties of Rodney, Waitemata, Eden, Manukau, Coromandel, Thames, and Piako.

; : — — —• —■ =^3^. A matter of some importance to claimant, for compensation under the Public Wort Act was raised in the Compensation Com before Mr. Justice Gillies on Saturday n is known that awards made by the Coma., sation Courts constituted under the F u fc Works Act cannot be taken up until all tfc costs are paid, including the assessor's {J " But," to put it in the words of Mr. Justin Gillies, "how would it be when the claim i, dismissed ?" The claimant, in such case hju to bear the penalty of an adverse decision and pay costs, yet it would seem the assessor's fee is not, in such'case, provided for. The assessor nominated by the Government in every case safe enough, but it is not so with the assessor who may be nominated bv the claimants. It was stated that an alteration in the law was necessary to compel a n claimants to the assessors' fees with the claim, or before the day of hearing. The Rev. Mr. Macfarlanc, lately missionary at New Guinea, is about to visit thi Congregational Churches of the colony j D connection with the London Missionary Society. He will arrive in Auckland by the s.s. Hero next Friday. Mr. Macfarlane is expected to deliver an address in the Berca-ford-street Church at a social gathering next Friday evening. The utter failure of the catering arrange, ments at the banquet to Tawhiao on Friday night has caused the Maoris to feel very much pity for the committee. One of th e Kingites said on Saturday that they heard that £400 bad been collected to cnterta'n the visitors, and when they saw the food eet on the tables on Friday nLht, they said, one to another, *' Where is there anything here to represent £400?" The Kinases think there was something very wrong, but they believe it is not their business to inquire too nicely about it. At a meeting of the Parnell School Committee, hell on Friday night, Messrs. F. J. Moss, M.H.R., and Mr. P.. Laishley, jun., were nominated as candidates for two of the vacant seats on the Board of Education. We understand that Captain McKenzie has been nominated by the Graftou-road School Committee. The eighth annual meeting of the Canterbury Branch of the Anglo-Jewish Association was held on January 15, in the schoolroom adjoining the Jewish Synagogue, when a good attendance was present. The president, the Rev. I. Zachariah, in an exhaustive speech, gave a full history of the association up to tiie present time, and also a resume of its work during the past year. He dilated at length on the manifold advantages its existence was—not only to the Jewish community, but to suffering humanity throughout the world. Referring to" the local branch, ho expressed regret that more interest was not shown l>y some of the influential Jews in Christchurch, who were conspicuous by their absence, and he hoped the time was not far distant when not only the Jews, but our Christian brethren, would be induced to take an active part in the management of our various branches in New Zealand. The following gentlemen were re-elected for the next term : —Rev. I. Zaihariah, president and treasurer; committee, Messrs. I. Herman, S. Nashelski, P. Selig, and M. Cohen. Mr. L. Cohen was re-elected secretary. Votes of thaiiks were passed iu favour of the past officers, and also to Messrs. M. Harris and Co., for valuable services rendered to the society, and the meeting closed. Mr. Cnry's Juvenile Company will commence their operatic season at the Theatre Royal this evening, opening with Gilbert and Sullivan's comic opera, "The Pirates of Penzasce." Hence tney have boon called the "Juvenile Pirates," a title which is likely to cleave to them. Judging by the very eulogistic terms in which their performances have i een criticised, they will be great favourites. Little Miss Lena Robinson is the priina donna, ami Maa'ev George Williams the principal tenor. This young performer is 11 years of age, but his voice is described as of very rich quality. Master Willie Cary plays the Pirate King, and his siuging and acting are said to be full of spirit. Master Smith plays the police sergeant. Policeman • 1 is represented by Baby Robinson. Master Wyatts is described as having made a great hit as the MajorGeneral. The company is full appointed, the property and scenery excellent, and the orchestra, under Mr. Cemiui, very good. A correspondent of the Waikato Times, representing the Waikato Cricket Club, writes : —" Wo are rather inclined to suspect that the true reason of the refusal of the Auckland players is jealousy, as they know full well the Waikato is likely to play much better against the Englishmen than they themselves expect to do. ludced, our suspicions on that score are pretty well substauttated \vhen we take iuto account that not oae of the Waikato cricketers, who number about 120, are selected to play with Auckland in the forthcoming match. There 13 a great deal of indignation and contempt for the mean behaviour of Auckland felt throughout the whole of this place. We need not recount the way the Waikato was treated by Auckland Inst year, for which some of the latter were so much ashamed that when they came to Waiko to to play in last year's football match they voluntarily promised that if ever they had the chance they would make every amend. However, the inconveniences the Waikato has been put to by the petty jealousies of a few of the Auckland players are too well known, and of too mean a character to warrant their being further commented upon. Perhaps the Auckland representative '22 will come up and play a 22 of the Waikato after the English match, as the English are supposed to play a Provincial team, and not one from the city of Auckland alone. To vindicate their honour as the best 22 in this prorince, tLe Auckland 22 are in honour bound to vanquish any of the others in the province." Mr. Garrard writes contradicting the statement that the fire in Brunswick-street was probably caused by a vagrant sleeping about tho premises. He says that the building was securely fenced round. i*s he resides in the vicinity, he claims to speak with authority in the matter. It lias been a subject of common remark among the citizens, and also among the natives, tnat none of our old Waikato missionaries took the opportunity yesterday to hold religious services with the Maoris. The Hawera Star of Monday last has the following : —"A rather hard case came before the R.M. Court to-day. A young woman named Coffey appeared to take out a summons against a man inmed Ross, t» obtain support for his illegitimate child. She stated she had come all the way front Auckland on his representation, spending her last sixpence iu travelling, but on arrival, she found he had made himself scarce. Under these circumstances, she wanted a summons, but had no money to pay for it. A summons was granted by Mr. McGuiro and Captain Wilson, J.P.'s, the charge being remitted, but it was found the case must be heard before the Resident Magistrate, whose next sitting had !een fixed for Thursday week. As the poor woman had no money, the question arose how should she maintain herself and child among stangers ; but two or three gentlemen interested themselves in her behalf, and a dozen charitable townspeople eubcribed TiOs, which will be sufficient to keep her until the case is heard." On Saturday evening a number of the Kingites, staying at the Governor Browne Hotel, amused the Europeans by performing several hakas. Whitiora and Tuata were the ruling spirits, and entered thoroughly iuto the fun of the thing.

Mr Van Hagen, who arrived yesterday ir the Myrtle, from Samoa and Tonga, informs us that he is the bearer of a petition, signed J£ a number of-persons in Tonga, to Sii Srthnr Gordon, asking him to use his fuYhority as High Commissioner of the Western Pacific to prevent the Rev. Air. Baker from returning to Tonga. An accident happened to one of the Fonsonby omnibuses on Saturday night■ »*>out 11 o'clock Just after passing the Ponsonby Hotel the axle of the omnibus broke, injuring toffrent part of the omnibus, but none of the passengers. A start will he made this morning to pull down the old Savings Bank premises, with a view to commencing the new bank building. The p.s. City of Cork proceeded to the Quarantine Station on Saturday with provisions. No change is reported. The Myrtle, which arrived from Samoa vesterdav brings no news of importance. Si w«quielwben she left. Still a spirit of unrest was seething amongst the natives, and an outbreak at any time would not be surprising. After all, Maheatoa is more a titular kin", than one wielding sovereign authority. Trade is no better, and the natives are making but little copra. It is thought that for the islands to be under the strong government of one of the Great Powers would result beneficially. Stability is the thing most required juetnow. Messrs. James Irvine Wilson, Robert Thompson, James Harrison, Walter Simpson, and Robert Reyburn have been gazetted trustees for the maintenance of the Whangarei public cemetery. The Rev. J. T. Warlow Davis, M.A., of Svdney, and who is at present on a visit to Auckland, conducted the service at the Congregational Church, Beresford-street, last evening. The church was crowded in Ml parts, and forms had to be placed along the passages to accommodate many. The subject of the discourse was " The moral and religious aspects of the census recently taken throughout these coionies," and the texta chosen were Ist Chronicles, 21st chapter, and Ist verse, and Second Book of Samuel, 24th chapter, and Ist verse: " And Satan stood , »p against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel," and "And again the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Jiulah."' At the conclusion of his address, Mr. Davies said : " As an old resident of this colony, I rejoice with you in the turn that atiairs have now taken. A little more than fifteen years ago, in landing in this country, the most striking sight I saw ■was the remnant of the last English regiment filins from the Waikato on its way homewards. Since this there has been fifteen years of anxiety, and the Northern Island has been in a state of depression and difficulty. With you, I thank God at length the clouds have melted from the skies, and the native race has become reconciled to you, and it is a breaking of the morning upon the long and anxious night through which you have passed." Mr. Davies in closing said : —" Whilst 3'ou are taking account of the progress of this beautiful colony of New Zealand, recognise God in your affairs—consecrate to Him the national life and energies, and build up an empire that shall be enduring, because it is based upon the firm foundation of righteousness, and not on the shifting ami treacherous sands of worldliness and impiety." Mr. Davius delivered his address with much earnestness and force. Mr. Robert Mair has been gazetted registrar of electors lor the electoral district of Mar3ilen in place of Mr. C. Haselden ; and Mr. Frederick James Burgess has been appointed to a similar position for the electoral districts of Thames and Coromandel, nice Mr. A. J. AUom. A number of the chiefs belonging to Tawhiao's party went out to Mr. J. M. Shera's residence yesterday in two breaks, in response to an invitation from that gentleman. Most of tiie leading men were present, including Tawhiao's three sons. A splendid cold collation was provided fer them. Several gentlemen were present to meet them, among whom were Mr. Joseph Tole. M.H.R., and Mr. J. M. Fraser. On the return to Auckland a number of the party called upon the Very Rev. Father Fynes, V.G., where they were also suitably entertained. The 20-feet sailing boat Imp was brought from Russell on Saturday by the Glenelg, to take part in the Auckland Kegatta. The weather was very severe on Friday night snd Saturday. A heavy gale blew from the north-west, and was far-reaching in its effects—as news from the Thames, Tauranga, Waitara, and elsewhere, testifies. On Friday the rain poured down almost continuously, but on Saturday it took the form of fierce squalls at intervals, becoming lighter as the afternoon wore on. Yesterday the wind blew strongly from the westward, but, with the exception of one or two light squalls, there was no rain. There was a very high tide on Saturday morning, but, to counterbalance this, the ebb seemed to be greater. Yesterday afternoon the ferry steamer Tainui, in leaving the Victoria Wharf, North Shore, stuck for about two hours, the Devonport being put on in her itead. The Otahuhu Rifle Volunteers, the Auckland Scottish Rifle Volunteers, the Pukekohe Rifle Volunteers, the. Tuakau Rifle Volunteers, and the Auckland Engineer Cadet Volanteers are disbanded, and the commissions of the officers of the above corps lapse under the Volunteer Act, 18S1. Detective George Jeffrey, whose name has for the last 14 years been a household word in connection with criminal prosecutions in Auckland, has been transferred to Wanganui, and will take his departure for his newsphere of duty to-day. Detective Jeffrey arrived in Auckland from Chrietchurch in July, ISB9, and joined the Auckland provincial police force, under Commissioner Kaughton. He took a prominent part in the riots, which occurred on the occasion of the contested election hetween Mr. T. B. Gillies (now Mr. Justice Gillies) aad the late Mr. John Williamson. He did street duty for a short time, and was then appointed Courtorderly. Within less than 12 months after hia arrival he v, as promoted to the rank of sergeant, and then entered on detective duty. During his career as a detective he has been connected with the tracing up and bringing to punishment of the perpetrators of a very large section of the criminal class, to whom his name has been a terror. His successor, Detective Sullivan, has arrived, and entered on his duty. Of this officer, the Wauganui Herald, in its issue of Wednesday, the 'lSth instant, writes as follows:—"Detective Sullivan has been transferred to Auckland, his place in Wanganui being filled by Detective Jeffrey. Mr. Sullivan, came to this district with a high reputation for professional skill, and indomitable perseverance. His careor here strengthens that reputation materially, and we have no hesitation insayin" that Wansanui is losing the services of one of the best officers in the employ of the Government. His work was always well done, neither time nor trouble being spared in the detection of crime. We feel eure that all classes but one—the criminal—regret his departure, and wish him every success in his new sphere of operations." The Union Company agree to convey the volunteer members of the New Zealand Rifle Association to and from Nelson on the same terms as last year, viz., return tickets, aiagle fares.

!The prospectus of the Thames Deep Leve' Tribute Company, Limited, appears in oui advertisine columns. A few days ago we ' drew attention to this important scheme. : The proposed capital is £55,000 in shares ol ! 10s each. The calls are to be limited to 3d 1 each. The shares of the company are being rapidly applied for, and with skilful management combined with economy, the scheme should prove one of the most promising on the goldficld. The -usual evangelistic services -were held ■ last evening in the Theatre Royal. There was a large attendance. Dr. Keadcrdine presided. Addresses were given by the Rer. Mr. Ridings, from Kaipara, and Mr. W. R. Vines. There were a number of tho chiefs of Tawhiao's party present, and who were . accompanied by Mr. C. O. Davis and Mr. J. C. Young, who explained masters to them. An invitation was sent on Saturday evening by the general secretary, through Mr. Davis, to Tawhiao to attend the service, but as the latter was staying at the North Shore, as the guest of Major Mair, the message did not reach him in time. Two of his sons, Tu Tawhiao and Te Ngaehe, were, however, present. Among the chiefs present we noticed Whitiora. Honana, Hone Wetere (of Kawhia), Patura Te Tuhi (the King's secretary), Te Rcweti, and a number of others, including the Northern chiefs, Hira Te Kawau, Te Hemora (of Mahurangi), and Kuatara (of the Bay of Islands). In his concluding prayer Mr. Ridings prayed for tho. King and his followers. The Kingites were greatly pleased with the reference, and Whitiora (tlic Maori fighting general at Rangiriri) remarked on coming out, "Now I know the two races are one : / the pakeha prayed for our King and us. I They were greatly struck with the large 1 gathering, which they noticed was of all { classes and creeds, and desired to know the I name of the association which conducted this new form of karakia. The singing of the hymns by the choir was much enjoyed by them. A thatching-machine—the first of ite kind in Hawke's Bay— has just been introduced to the province by Messrs. Knight Brothers, of Hastings and Olive. The straw is fed down a sloping board, and is rapidly turned out of the machine in the form of long mats, ready for thatching stacks. This is accomplished by double innchinery on the same principle as a chain-stitch sewing machine, the mats being stitched together by two rows of string, in much the same manner as the straw coverings of champagne bottles are secured. The Wellington Post says :—" It is rumoured that at the expiration of the period for which Mr. Maxwell, General Manager of Railways, has given notice of resignation, he will be succeeded in his office by Mr. Hannay, his present second in command. No official information has, however, transpired on the subject." Yesterday about noon a carpenter named Menzies, in attempting to mount a horse at Newmarket, received some severe injuries. The animal became restive aud Menzies was thrown to the ground. He was conveyed to tho hospital where Dr. Philson attended to him. His shoulder is much bruised, and, it is feared, partially dislocated. His right shin bears a mark of a heavy blow of some sort, not unlike what would result from the kick of a horse. A horse met itj death under horrible circumstances on Mr. Dillou's place, at Awatere recently. While drawing a load of hay, the horse trod on a box of matches, which ignited. This set fire to the load, the horse bolted with its flaming freight, and was eventually burut to death. A gentleman who has recently travelled over the whole of the Manchester block informs the Fielding Guardian that the amount of land that has been cleared of bush during the past twelva months is something incredible. In many places, he says, the grass is simply rotting for the reason that the sections are insufficiently stocked. It is probable the colony is about to sustain the loss of Madame Lotti Wilmott. Last week she gave a farewell lecture in Christchurch. There was » fair audience, and madame gave an address on her " One year's experience in New Zealand," detailing the various adventures in her professional career, and touching upon the "opposition " she had recently encountered here. At the conclusion of the lecture a spiritualistic seance was held in which those who desired ascended the platform and "sat in circle" round a table on the stage. The summary of marriages in Victoria for the eleven years ending 18S0, shows that the number performed by lay registrars is rapidly increasing, and that the brides and bridegrooms who have to sign with marks are becoming fewer yearly. In 1870, 347 men and 661 women who entered into the "holy state" were unable to write their names ; and in ISSO, the numbers were respectively '221 and 216. The year 18S0 was the first in which the number of illiterate brides has been smaller than that of illiterate bridegrooms. Of the persona who have to sign the marriage registrar with marks, more are married in the Roman Catholic Church than any other. Details of the deaths during the Jast eleven years show that there is a much greater mortality in the hot months than in the cold season. For instance, during ths last eleven years the number of deaths in January was never less than 1000, and has gone a3 high as 1916, and in August the number has ranged from C 96 to 102-1. Mr. Gleeson, proprietor of Gleeson's Hotel, Hobson and Custom-house-streets, has roofed iu the handsome ball court which was erected by him with the hotel, and converted it into a well lighted and splendid racket court, and a gallery for spectators is also erested. The first games were played on Saturday, and excited a good deal of attention. Of course the alterations do not prevent the court being used for its original pnrpose—that of handball; on the contrary it improves it, for now the games can be played in all weathers. A racket club is now being formed which is expected to open with a numerical strength of 300. This is, we believe, the first racket court erected in New Zealand, and no expense has been spared to make it perfect. Mr. Gleeson has also announced his intention to present a cup, value £10 10s, as a prize to the best racket player. The game is a highly popular one, whenever the means of playing it have been provided, and Mr. Gleeson has imported a large supply of rackets°and balls by the Lusitania from England. These will arrive by the first ■teamer from the South. On Saturday afternoon the Cup Handball Match waa played between Sweeney and O'Conner, and after a very close contest was won by the former.

To-day, at uoon, Messrs. S. Cochrane and Son will «ell by auction, by order o( the executon im the estate of tho late Captain Casey, a. large number of freehold aud leasehold properties, situated in th» city of Auckland, at Devonport, Eirerhe»d, &c. The present residence of Margaret Jane Kennedy, who left Auckland for Tnuranga, in ISGS, is inquired for by her brother. T. Kennedy. A rew\rd is offered for information respecting her. The half-yearly meeting of the shareholders I in the Bay of Islands Coal Company is advertised to be held in the larze room of the Now Zealand Insurance Company's Buildings, on the Cth of February, at 3 p.m., for the disposal of business set forth in our advertisement columns. Messrs. Albert S. Mandere and Company, of London and Melbourne, olfer th'ir servicos through our advertisement columns to intending exhibitors at the coming international exhibition, to be held at Christchurch. Mr. <J. Major's retail besiness, at the corner ot Wellesley and Chapel-streets, has been disposed of to Messrs. Taylor and Entrican, and the new firm, through our advertisement columns, solicit a continuance of public patronage.