Untitled

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7382, 17 July 1885, Page 4

The seoond of Mr. George Anguetns Sala'e artiolea on " The Land of the Golden Fleece " will appear in tomorrow's Herald. It is entitled " Four Hours in New Zealand," and is of special local interest, inasmuch as in it Mr. Sala describes his arrival at Auckland, the reception which he met with, and his impressions of the city.

The war clouds are again beginning to gather. Our cable messages this morning state that Russia is massing troops in the vicinity of the Zulfikar Pass, to whioh she has now advanced a claim. The British Government, however, decline to entertain it. The hnpor f ance of this Pass lies in the fact that it opens the way to Herat, which ie only seven days' march distant. During the negotiations with the Gladstone Ministry Russia consented to abandon the Paes on condition that Penjdeh was assigned to her. It subsequently transpired, however, that sbe also intended Maruchak to be included. To this even the Gladstone Ministry were resolute in withholding their assent. .Russia now appears to be growing bolder, and to be making preparations to hold the Pass coiltt qae coilte. The Afghan Frontier Commission has proceeded to Herat at the request of the Afghan authorities, who are taking active measures for the purpose of placing that city in a corrplete state of defence, and who are desirous of haviug the aid and service of the officers and men comprising the Commission. The regular meeting of the City Council was held laat night. There was not a full attendance, several members being absent, but there was a large amount of correipondence and genera! business dealt with. There were no questions of marked interest, except perhaps on the application of the Tramway Company to extend their tram ways'acoor ding to plans to Newmarket, via Kyber Pats. A discueeion took place as to the heights of the crown of the roads, and as to the advisability of the company laying either wood longitu■linal boards along the rails or fixing ?food blocks on end along the rails, bat nothing defiuite could be fixed. The matter of street crossings on Karangahape-road was also diecuEaed with some interest, as three wards would have to share in the expense. A detailed report oE the meeting will be found in another portion of to-day's issue.

At the meeting of the Crown Lands Board yesterday a letter was read from the Thames County Council, covering an application for £100 re the Thames Prospecting Association, in order to enable it to apply for the £200 subsidy offered conditionally by the Hon. vir. Larnaoh, Minister of Mines. The Board decided that they had no funds at their disposal, which could be devoted to such a purpose.

The Supreme Court civil sittings was continued yesterday, the cases being heard before His Honor Mr. Justice Gillies, without juries. The first case taken was that of W. J. Courtney against P. S. Brown, a claim for £200, in connection with certain claims in regard to the Ngungurn Hotel. The case occupied the whole of the forenoon sitting, and resulted in a verdict for the defendant. There was a direct conflict of testimony, and His Honor held thac there was not sufficient proof to establish the verbal agreement alleged by the plaintiff. The case of Hanks and Berry v. J. T. Knight, a claim for £250, in regard to which there was a oounter claim of £200 for breach, of agreement, was, with the consent of parties, referred to arbitration. Then followed the case of Edwin Latimer Clark, against his father and brother, which has been so frequently' before the Court in various phases, and it resulted in a judgment being given for defendants with costs. The Court then adjourned until ten o'clock to* dav.

Two accidents occurred yesterday. The first was to Mr. Samuel Blair an employ* in the Auckland Fibre Company's Works, who got his foot under one of the travellers, which went right across it, causing a fracture above the ankle. He was taken to the Hospital, and admitted to tbe aocident ward. The second case wae that of a boy, Arthur McDonald, aged 12, who was knocked down at Newmarket by some other toys, and severely strained his lef c wrist. The wound was dressed at the Hospital, and the lad sent to his home.

Some forty officers are engaged under the Survey Department for the past month on connection with the Property Tax Act. Sixteen men are employed in searching the deeds in the Registry Office, and the balance id the department iu drafting the maps showing the alterations, and they are workmg about twelve hours a day. Every private subdivision of property has got to be ehowu on the maps, and the maps and roads have to be ready by the let August. Formerly the Government did not provide the aessssorH with complete data as to subdivisions, and this is now being done. We learn that Mr. Murray has been urged by telegram to become a candidate for hit old constituency of Bruce. We nnderstand, however, that in the present most unsati»factory state of politics in the House Mr. Murray doee not see the hope of doing that public good which would justify him in diverting his time and attention from his private concerns. We gather that he regrets now not having consented to Mr. Ormond'e wish in 18S0 to unite with him in forming a party, independent of old traditions and family intrigues, which would aim to «ecure prudence, thrift, honesty, and simplicity in the conduct of public affairs. Last night, about half-past tea o'clock, Constable Christie had his attention attracted to the offices of the Victoria Mutual Life Insurance Company, situate above the premises of Mr. H. Atkins, draper. A light was seen suddenly to spring up in the apartments, and from the way in which the light kf pt flickering it was evident it did not owe it* origin to the fact of anyone working in the office after hours. After knocking at the side-entrance door for some time and receiving no answer, he procured a ladder at the British Hotel, and mounted to the verandah, where, on looking through the window, he discovered a coal fire blazing away in the office grate. The theory is that the tire had smouldered in the grate during the early part of the evening, and had broken out afresh into flame through some cause or other. Another remarkable run has been accorded Messrs. MacMahon and Leitch'a latest production, " The Light* o , London." A capital house greeted this really fine spectacle laat night, when it was "staged "for the seventh time. To-night and to-morrow night's houses will witness its laet representations, as it mast be withdrawn fur the production on Monday of another fine play of equal fame, "The Two Orphans, "which is now in active preparation. The management are clearly determined that one powerful attraction shall follow another in rapid succession, and this accounts for the remarkable success that has crowned their every essay. The gas mains are now laid from Auckland as far a« Mount Smart-road. The tank for the gasholder has been already completed at (Jnehuoga. The gasholder and other machinery will be placed in position with all possible despatch. The mud-ecraper has been brought into requisition in Fort-street, and not before it was wanted, as that thoroughfare has been in a wretched condition for pedestrian traffic for some time past. A man named Heber Springall, a surveyor's assistant at Kaipara, while felling a tree, slipped his axe ou a lock, and struck hii knee, inflicting a large gash. He was brought down to the Hospital yesterday, and his injury was attended to by Dγ, Girdler, acting House Surgeon,

The Auokland Glee Society, which has now been in existence about four months, gave their second concert in the Choral Hall, last night, for the benefit of the Female Prieon Gate Brigade. The concert opened with the glee, "From Oberou in Fairy Land" (R. J. S. Stevens), which was capitally rendered by the society, but Mr. S. Hall did not quite tind the range of the hall for Gatty's well known song, " True Till Peath." Sir A. Sullivan's song, "Will He Come," by Miss F. Edmonds, and "The Old Cathedral" (Ciro Pinsuti), suog by Miss Walker, were good item*, and deservedly applauded. Mr. J. H. Edmonds, the conductor of Bhe society, was in good voice, and earn? the well known eong, "The Old Sexton," capitally, and the first part concluded with R. Spofforth's glee, " Come Bounteous May," by the society. Other numbers were also well rendered. The glee, "Queen of the Valley " (Dr. Callcott) was prettily rendered by the society. Mr. E. Walker sang " Children's Home" very sweetly. Kussell's fine descriptive song, " Man the Lifeboat," was done full justice to by Mr. J. H. Edmonds, and was warmly applauded. The other numbers were : Duet, " 1 heard a Voice " (S. Glover), Misses Edmonds ; gloe (unaccompanied), "Sweet and Low" (J. Burnby), society; sons;, "The Ked Cross (V. Gabriel), Mrs. J. P. Johnson ; quartette (humourous), "Pro Phundo Basso " (Bliss), Mrs. J. P. Johnson. Miss Wild and Messrs. Kilpatrick and Edmonds. The concert concluded with the ele,?, "When Uinds Breathe Soft" (S. Webbu), admirably saDg by the society.

Some time ago attention was called to tho action of some Lawn Tennis Clubs in cutting up the lawn in front of Government House, with the aid of cheap prison labour, aud forming a lawn tennis ground, with boundary bank of several feet in depth, where, on State occasions and ceremonials, the pablic were wont to congregate. The public criticism whioh ensued attracted the notice of tho Government to the matter. The past could not be recalled, but the Government took steps to prevent any repetition of such conduct, or of private clabs attempting to exercise vested rights in the public estate. A gang of prisoners are at present engaged, in charge of a warder, and under the supervision of the cuetodian of Government House, Mr. Gillespie, in cutting down the bank which formed the bonnd<ry line of the lawn tennis ground, and sloping it off to an easy grade, in tome oasiss as far back as 34 feet, in order to prevent accidents, and also to give the public easy access to the grounds in front of Government House on State occasions. The coet of the remedial operations are being borne by the clubs which first tampered with the grounds, and the authorities have let them dov.ii easy by allowing prison labour to be utilised. A belt of flowering shrubs will be planted on the boundary of the lawn tennis ground.

The third and la«t of the organ recitals, given in the Congregational Church, Beres-ford-street, in aid of the organ fond, was a decided success last night, and, magically, it v.-is the best of the series, although the audience was not quite as large as on the previous oecaiiona. Mr. Neville Barnett, F.C.O. (organist of St. Matthew's) performed the major portion of the organ pieces in a moat masterly manner. He opened with a concerto in F, from Handel, in which the instrumentation in the allegro, audante, and fugae parts were admirably brought out. Mr. J. Edwards, who was in capital voice, followed with the beautiful area from Mendeltsohn'aSfc. Panl, " B* thou faithful unto death." The next number, an adagio in G, from a symphony by Haydn, followed by an andante in C of Mendelssohn, by Mr. Neville Barnett, were very fine pieces of instrumentation and peddling. The arrangement of stops in the latter piece, to imitate a violin accompaniment, was very fine and certainly the beat item. " With Verdure Clad," from Baydo's " Creation," was very tweetly and effectively sung by Miss Bleazard, her soprano voice being heard to great advantage. Anandante in D by Silas and a march in D of Lemmens brooght out in contrast the beautiful tone of the organ, ad'mirably interpreted by Mr. Neville Barnett's correct execution. Miss Mannseil sang, "0, Rest in the Lord " ("Elijah"). Mr. Vincent Rice playing the organ aocompaniment in a very tasteful manner, while two offertoiree from Batiste, an A flat major and an F minor, was another rendering of the lond and low notes of the organ by Mr. Barnett. A dnet, " 0 Salutaris," composed by Mr. Neville Barnett, was well sung by Messrs. Knox and Edwards, their voices blending splendidly. A trio, "Ti Prego O Madre Mio," by F. Carschmann was well sung by Mr*. Cbadwick and Mr. and Mrs. Prime, Mr. Hcoton accompanying on the organ. Mr. Abel followed with the bass •010, "Nazwreth," from the "Messiah," and Mr. Barnett concluded the recital with an adagio in B flat from Spohr and J. C Danster'* march in F, which tested the full power of the organ. Although the amounts received from the recitals are not yet made up, it is understood that they will result in a substantial addition to the organ fund.

A meeting in connection with the Goapel Temperance Mission was held last evening in the Baptise Tabernacle. The Rev. S. Macfarlane presided, and was supported Oα the platform by the Revs. Thomas Spurgeon, C. Worboys, Messrs. Newman and E C. Carr. There was a good attendance, about 700 being present. The Chairman, in his opening remarks, justified the recent action of the licensing committees, and stated that the leading journals of the city had practically endorsed their proceedings. The Temperance agitation had been condemned, but nearly every political blessing and privilege the English people enjoyed bad been won by agitation. Mr. E. C. Carr endorsed the Chairman's sentiments concerning the action of the licensing committees, and defended them from the charge of oppressing the widow and the orphan. When he looked at some of the widows who had grown fat and rich on the liquor traffic, he felt there were widows and widows. Be thought it was a discreditable thing for the Government to raise any portion of its revenue from the demoralisation of its people, and they did so when they licensed publichounes. Rev. 0. Worboys also spoke on the question of Goaptl Temperance, and moved a resolution, which was carried, deprecating any alteration of the Licensing Aot, and denouncing the recent attempt to disfranchise women, though according manhood suffrage id Eocal option elections. Rev. T. .Spurgeon took as the title of hie subject, "Red, White, and Blue." The first denotiuu danger, bloodshed ; the second, purity ; and the third, Temperance, a position which he fortified by a quotation from P'xodus.—A vote of thanks wan passed to the pastor and trustees of the Tabernacle. Mr. Spurgeon returned thanks. A petition praying that no alteration may be made in the Licensing Act was largely signed. Some choice Temperance hymns were sang by the Band of Hope choir under the conductorship of Mr. R. Tudehope.

The opening services in connection with the Grafton-road new Wesleyan Church will take place on Sunday next. The Rev. R. Bavin will officiate in the morning, the Rev. A. J. Smith in the afternoon, and the Kev. J . Robertson in the evening. On Wednesday evening a public commemoration and praise meeting will be held in the church. Applications for sittings in the new church can be received at Mr. John Barton's store, Grafton-road, during the day, or at the new church from seven to eight to-night. There were three persona in the lock-up last evening for drunkenness. A service of song, entitled "Little Minnie,'' was rendered by the choir of the United Methodist Free Church in the Ponsonby Hill last night. There was a good attendance, the hall being nearly tilled. Mr. Hennet, the President of the St. Stephen's Band of Hope, presided. The Chairman made a few introductory remarks. The connective readings of this service of song illustrates a touching incident which occurred at the time of the American Civil War. Mrs. Worboys read the narrative in a clear and effective manner. The musical portions of the service were Uken as followe :—" The Beautiful Throne," choir; "Easter Hymn," choir; duet," Goodßye," Mies Dunn and Hill; " By and Bve," Missand MasterG. Warren ; " Lift the Heart," Miss Warren, Mrs. Williams, and two gentlemen; " Angels Ever Bright," Mies Warren ; " Minnie's Prayer," Mr. Charlee Dent (encored); " Will the Angels Oome ?" choir. Votes of thanks to the Chairman, choir, reader, and organist, Miss Platt, were passed on the motion of the Seoretary of St. Stephen's Band of Hope, and carried by acclamation. Mr. G. Fisher, member for Wellington South, has had his speech made during the financial debate reprinted from Hansard in pamphlet form. " Junius Hibernicue" writes a long letter in reply to the statements made by Mr. D. Goldie as to the tendency of Catholicism. It is too much of mere theological controversy for our

1 There was a very excellent attendance at the St. Matthew's Winter Entertainment given last evening, and the programme rendered proved a most attractive one, and was excellently rendered. The performance opened by the pretty comedietta, entitled, " The Little Sentiuel," the various characters beinu ablv sustained b-.Jthe members of "Our" Dramatic Comply, kindly assisted by Mrs. Lachlan McGowan, whope efforts it is almost needless to say. were highly appreciated. A petite concert followed, in which the assistance of the Misses Stevens and Mr. Joseph Hanna proved most valuable. The entertainment closed with the farce of " My Turn Next," and the rarious characters ■wore so well sustained as to send the audience home in the best of humour. On Monday next a lecture on "Spectrum Analysis" will be given, during which a number of illustrations and experiments will.be shown. Admission to tho lecture will bo free. In our advertising columns to-day will be found a lint of forfeited share i in t'<e Caledonian Low Level Goldmininjj •'oniM«ny, which will b» sold hjr public auction At Mr Greenwood's mart on the 25th instant, unles< ciils and expenses are paid before the sale. In connection with St. Barnabas' Cbnrch, M«nnt Eden, a magic-lantern entertainment will bs piTcn in Wane's Hall this evening. Today, at noon, K. C. Greenwood will sell, at his nurt. Vulctn I.ano. by order of th» Kcj'Strar of th i Supreme Court, a sutistantlal ulgUt-roooied house, on nil allotment with forty Ret fronta<e to fymouds-street, situated In healthy locality, with tine view.