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New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7715, 13 August 1886, Page 5

Our latest cables inform n» of the result of the deputation of members of thb Federa. tioa League with Lord Salisbury. The Prime Minister made a speech in regard to federation and defence of the colonies. At the funeral of those killed at the Belfast riots a disturbance occurred, and another man was shot by the police. The Republique Francais says that France will not withdraw from the New Hebrides, which is probably true.

The first of a series of letters from the pen of our special correspondent, who has recently heen making an extended visit to Tarawera and Rotomahana, the scene of the recent volcanic eruption, will be published in the Hkkald to-morrow. Our representative, who is a member of the literary staff of this journal, was specially despatched to accompany Mr. Percy Smith, Assistant Surveyor-General, and camped out for some time with that gentleman and his assistants, go that he has had an opportunity of seeing all the most important and wonderful points of interest in the region of the recent volcanic outburst. The party ascended Mount Tarawera, from which they had a magnificent view of the volcanoes in the bed of Rotomahana Lake and of all the surrounding country, and they visited many other points of interest almost unknown to Europeans. The new region oi the Waiotapu Valley is described as a most marvellous one, but at present there are no tracks or roads through it. The observations made by Mr. Percy Smith lead to the conclusion that the bed of Rotomahana is now at least 250 feet below the level of Lake Tarawera, although prior to the eruption Rotomahana was many feet above Tarawera in elevation. Fortunately there is now no connection between the two lakes, or rather between Tarawera and the scores of volcanoes that now fill op the Rotomahana region.

The 8.8. Janet Nicoll arrived this morning from the Islands. The second engineer, Mr, Black wood, died on the voyage. During hur trip to the Islands every enquiry was made as to the missing cutter Sovereign of the Seas, and the men concerned in the Great Barrier murder, Cattery and Penn, but not tho slightest trace of the vessel or the deeperadoea had beeu found.

The New Zealand Frozen Meat and Storage Co. have issued a pamphlet upon the special and general manures prepared by the chemical department of the company. The several classes are sold with a guarantee that they contain certain chemical ingredients which are requisite for the kind of crop to which they are applied, or they may be varied, as the farmers desire, to suit the varying qualities of the soils upon which they are employed. The pamphlet is for distribution amongst those interested in the culture of the soil, and haa been handsomely printed at the Jlek&ld oiiice.

The Wellington football team were pas. aengere by the s.s. Tarawera yesterday for Napier, en route to Wellington. The scene on the Queen-street Wharf was a very striking one. A number of the members of the Auckland representative team, and a large crowd of tho public assembled. As the steamer swung off after the customary handshaking and farewells, cheers were called for the visitors, and most enthusiastically given. The captain of the Wellington team called upon his comrades, and they responded with ringing cheers for the Aucklandere, and one more for Warbrick, their leader. The wearers of the black and gold made many friends in Auckland. McCausland did not accompany the team, as he remains hero on a holiday trip. We understand thab the takings at the gates on Wednesday will amount to a little more than £300.

The Costlcy Boys' Institute haa made a start during the present week, only two or three boys being taken to begin with, who will be selected from the Industrial Schools and apprenticed out. The manager will have to visit each lad where employed at stated intervals, and furnish tho committee with reports as to the lad'a conduct and progress. Every arrangement is made for the health and comfort of the inmates. There is a commodious dining room, and eitting room for use of lads, on the ground floor, where are also situated managers quarters, kitchen, paDtry, scullery, storerooms, etc. On the upper floor there ar e six bedrooms and a commodious ro O m, reserved for infirmary, if neces«ary, having beautiful views. All tho baths have hot or cold water laid on, and the lavatories are of the most approved pattern. It is intended to commence the formation of a library, provision being made for it in a recess in the sitting-room. Gas is laid on throughout the building. The situation of the Institute is pleasant and healthful, being at the bend of the Richmond Road, and the institution has an acre of ground attached. If tho boys do not turn out well amidst such surroundings they must be beyond redemption. At all events they will enjoy more comforts and conveniences than nine out of every ten of tradesmen's sons in this city. Mr. Hawkins, the newly-appointed manager, was formerly a petty officer in Her Majesty's navy, and therefore may be expected to be a good disciplinarian. The committee of the Institute are Colonel Haultain, Captain Daldy, and Mr. Shirley Hill.

It is evident that there is to be as little delay and red tape as possible about getting those who are willing to go on the land on the Village Settlement Scheme on their farms. Mr. London on Wednesday evening received the following telegram from Mr. Ballance :—"Proclamation will appear in Gazette to-morrow (Thursday) opening village settlement lands at Punakitere, Waipareira, and Hukerenui, on Friday, September 3, as you request." On that day, therefore, applications will be opened. If two or more aak for the same section, the applicants will draw for it.

Tho Colorado Minstrels had a fair attendance at Abbott's Opera House last night, when a most attractive programme was presented, and most satisfactorily gone through. Of this troupe, it may be said, that they tre fairly and reasonably fulfilling the pledges they have made to the public, and the applause that greets the efforts of the various performers nightly should be a convincing proof that so long as a good evening's amusement is placed before the public, so long will the company receive adequate support, The programme to-night will be entirely new. Mr. Aepinall will made his reappearance to-night, and will sing the song, " The Good Young Man That Died." Saturday is positively the last night of this company.

The parties who took up one of the unemployed contracts in Union-street, have never put in an appearance on the ground, or communicated with the City Engineer, though a week has nearly elapsed. That officer intends on Monday next to re-enter and take possession of the ground, with a view of inviting tenders afresh for the work, none of the present contractors for the other unemployed contracts feeling inclined to take over the work at the rate at which the work was contracted for. Another street contract will be ready for the unemployed in a day or two. The railway authorities have put up buildings for eighty men at Wood hill, in the Kaipara railway, including a cookhouse, for the accommodation of the first division of the unemployed to be engaged there. Of the 750 men stated at one of the unemployed meetings to be needing work, only 4i> up to yesterday had accepted the invitation to proceed to Woodhiil. Mr. Foster had offered to ration the men at 15s per week.

A match has been arranged between members of the Auckland Chese Club, third class, and the Mount Eden Clab, and will be played at the Keading Room, View Road, on Tuesday evening next. The players are — Auckland: Messrs. Sloman, Gilford, Cozens, and Green. Mount Eden : Messrs, Jourdain, Cooke, Webley, and Watkins. Two games each are to be played, the contest commencing at 7.30 p.m.

The mission services were continued last evening at the Parnell Wesleyan Church, when the Rev. S. Lawry gave his concluding address. The. text was, "Take heed how ye hear." The rev, gentleman spoke with his usual force, and was listened to throughout with great attention. Many regrets were expressed at the close of the service, that Mr. Lawry wae about to leave, and that the mission was terminating. The Rev. H. R. Dewabury will give an address at to-morrow evening's meeting.

There were three prisoners in the lock-up last evening, two women for drunkenness, and a boy named Blair for larceny of milk.

Owing to the absence of Councillor Stevenson from his place at the City Council meetings for four successive nights, bis seat for toe Karangahape Ward becomes vacant. There is a likelihood of Mr. Trenwith, sen., becoming a candidate for the vacancy.

Amongst the passengers per Rotomahana for Sydney, on Wednesday evening, was M r. 11. H. Lusk, solicitor, who proceeds thither to fill an important position on the staff of th« Sydney Morning Herald.

A somewhat sudden death took place at Lake Koad on Wednesday evening under the following circumßtancea : Mrs. Mary Brown was engaged in preparing tho evening meal, when she fell down on the floor in a state of unconsciousness, and breathing heavily. Her son and daughter lifted her into the bedroom, and the son went for Mr. Brown, who was at work in Auckland, while Dr. Parkinson was also sent for. On the arrival of the doctor Mrs. Brown was dead. The police reported the occurrence to Dr. Philson, who instructed Dr. Parkinson to make a post mortem examination. This was done, and Dr. Parkinson found that deceased had died from heart disease, a fate which it appears had also befallen her mother ; a certificate was given ascordingly. Deceased was some 40 yeare of age. She had been in the habit of taking laudanum for some spinal complaint, and a fortnight ago had taken an overdose, but Dr. Parkinson was clearly of opinion that deceased's death was the result of heart disease, and not on this occasion through the use of opium.

Since our last visit to Corder Bros, and Co.'e Agricultural, Drain, Tile, and Sanitary Pipe Works, Poneonby, considerable improvements have been effected as regards machinery for the manufacture of drain pipes ami bricks. New shedding accommodation with lifts haa been provided. The improvements in kilns and buildings have cost some £1000 to £2000. The firm have just be«n induced to commence the construction of a terra cotta kiln, with a view of going more extensively into terra cotta ware, a branch of industry much neglected since Mr. Boyd'a death. They are manufacturing ornamental fronts for houses, some of the designs being for ueein the fronte of the new shops beirg built for Mr. J. Halyday, opposite Messrs. McArthur and Co. All kinds of pottery are aleo being turned out—jam jars, bread pans, butter coolers, &c. Ot drain pipes a large quantity are being manufactured, the sanitary pipes ranging from 3'inch to 24-inch ; also flower pots, vases, pedestals, chimney pots, square, octagon, and round. The output of bricks can be made at from 15,000 to 20,000 a day. In order to be in prompt communication with the city, the works have been connected with the Telephone Exchange.

A chimney took fire in one of tho houses at the bottom of Liverpool-etreet last eveniug, and after flaring up fiercely for a few minutes the fire was suppressed.

With characteristic energy, Mr. J. Macrae, of Wairoa, but now of Palace Hotel, Rotorua, has entered into arrangements for enlarging and improving the Palace, so as to be in a position to meet the demands of the coming tourist season, tie is at present in town arranging for the execution of the improvements.

At the meeting of the City Council yester» diiy, »deputation from the Tramway Co. waited upon the Council to ask for a remission of the penalties incurred by their not completing their works within the time specified in their agreement with the construction. After some , discussion, it was resolved that the tines should not be enforced.

The Argu3 special correspondent at the Colonial and Indian Exhibition makes some remarks on the art contributions of Zealand. Those respecting Auckland artiste will be read with interest. Ho eays : — "To the series of pictures by Mr. Charles Blomfield, which illustrates the volcanic wonders of New Zealand, it is natural that we should attach a peculiar interest. I have seen several photographic representations of the geyser country, and a few paintings, but certainly nothing that conveys an idea of the extent and wonderful formation of the 'Terraces'with anything like the effect of these paintings. . . . These works are much more interesting than Miss Gordon Cumming'e sketohee of the same scenes; there is a poetical feeling in the delineation of them. It is a mystery, indeed, why Miss pictures of the wonderful geysers and Terraces, which have a sort of fascination for our imagination, should be placed in the court of the colony, while Mr. Blomfield's and Mr. Barraud's pictures of the same wonders of Nature are put away out of human ken, on the top gallery of the Albert Hall. Mr. Kenneth Watkius, of Auckland, is the painter of two pictures of equal interest, although widely different subjects. One is called "The Li aunt of the Moa," and shows us that ancient bird, in fancied sovereign security in a beautiful grove of primeval trees. In the distance two figures, suggestive of the aggressive aboriginal, are indicated rather than defined. The moa is a fat and comfortable specimen of its vanished race, with a singularly intelligent head, and something about its neat feathered legs which reminds me irresistibly of Mr. Pickwick's when he addressed tho club. The same artist exhibits a picture of ' Maoris Rafting Kahikatoa, Waikato River,' which has a great charm. The impression of space, distance, and solitude is admirably conveyed. Miss Kate Ridings, of Auckland, also deserves honourable mention for her ' New Zealand Flowers." ,

A correspondent, " Inquirendo," writes respecting the recent trial of local ammunition :—" In a recent issue of your journal a report ia given of a trial of the looally made ammunition. The compiler of that report states that the cartridge cases were easily extracted. I am glad if that is true, for some which I have tried were very bad indeed. I think, before a large quantity is in store for iesue to the volunteers for general use, that tho authorities should have a, fair trial of iocal v. imported ammunition. This would only be fair to us who may be (jailed upon to use it in defence of the colony. We should be in a queer fix if our rifles were unfit for further use after firing one round until we could procure a billet of wood or a lump of lead wherewith to knock back the breechblock. The volunteers generally are anxious that the local stuff shall be a success. They are interested in it, in that there will always be a sufficient quantity (for emergencies) in the colony. A short time ago there was not a thousand rounds in all Auckland."

The Auckland Gardener's Horticultural Society will hold a show in the City Market on Saturday week, for camellias, cut flowers, pot plants, oranges, lemons, &c. A number of prizes being given for competition, and certificates of merit awarded to other exhibits. A gift auction will be held at the close of the show.

The unfavourable reports concerning the state of <;he Melbourne Hospital induced Mr. Zox to ask the Premier in the Victorian Legislative Aseembly on July 27 what the Government proposed to do. Mr. Fitzgerald'a announcement that he will not perform any more operations in the institution, following as it did othor very damaging statements, has produced "a scare," and persons sorely needing relief are afraid to enter the hospital, Mr. Gillies replied that it would have been better had Mr. Fitzgerald not taken that action at this particular juncture, and had he kept his opiuion to himself. The Government will willingly do anything they can to remedy the existing state of things, but they have to face the fact that there is considerable difference of opinion among professional men as to whether or not the hospital is in the condition described. A vast expenditure would be involved in the erection of a new hospital on the prasent site, or in building another elsewhere, and the Government cannot move in either direction unless they have unquestionable professional judgment to guide them. In order that he may do something to put an end to the unsatisfactory condition of affaire the Premier undertook to communicate with the Hospital Committee to ascertain their views on the subject.

Referring to the speech made by Mr. Gladstone in the House of Commons when introducing his Home Rule Bill in f> pril last, the Shorthand Magazine states: —" For three hours end 25 minutes he kept the reporters pencils going, and in that time he rattled off 24,700 words, or nearly a dozen columns of The Times. His rate-that is, hia average rate—of speaking was, therefore, just a fraction over 120 words per minute. The rough estimate made by the post ofEce authorities shows that the number of words telegraphed out of London on the oooasion was about 1,500,000, being almost twioa as many as on any previous occasion, the highest record hitherto being SGO.OOO words. The streets of New York that evening were vocal with the newsboy's cries, ' Extra— Gladstone's Home Rule speech,' and the papers are said to have been bought as eagerly as if they announced the result of the Presidential election. Next day the New York papers presented a remarkable spectacle. The Times devoted its entire first page to the subject. The Herald gave ten columiiß, and the Tribune seven. Most of the leading English journals gave the speech verbatim, and several of them broke it up under its natural headings."

The Lyttelton Times of August 6 states :— "Messrs. Mateer and Parker's service in the Baptist Church last evening wae well attended, and Mr. Parker's solo singing is evidently much enjoyed. Mr. Mateer preached a powerful sermon from the words, 'Ye must be born agaia. , "

A grand concert and dramatic performance will take place this evening in theDevonport Hall, in aid of the Trinity Church Bazaar Fund, in which choice and instrumental items will be jjiven by loading amatenre. The entertainment will conclude with the sparkling comedietta " Borrowed Plumes."

So far the police have not been able to ascertain the whereabouts of the drunken man who was stated to have been robbed the other night in Princes-street by two men now in custody, Ryan and Freestone. The men are to be brought up to-day on remand.

The meeting of representatives of Rowing Clubs to consider the steps to be taken for a fitting opening of the boating season, which was to have been held to-night, has been postponed till next week.

Messrs. Watson and Murray thank those who assisted in saving their property at the Eden Terrace fire.

The Newton Coffee Palace has been opened by Mr. F. Kobinson in Garrett's buildings, Karahgahape Road, and in connection therewith a restaurant, where refreshments can always be obtained.

The Auckland assembly dance will take piece in the Masonic Hall, on Tuesday, the 28th, and not Wednesday, the 18th inst.

A conversazione, under the auepicos of the Youug Men's Christian Association, is advertised to take place in the City Hall on Friday, 27th inst. The committee expect to have the assistance of various friends to prepare an attractive programme, tull particulars of which will shortly appear.

Iα another column an advertisement invitee the public to celebrate the centenary of the publication of Burns' Poems and Songs. The poet is dear to the hearts of his countrymen, and to the world, and no doubt there will be a hearty response. Mr. Justice Gillies, the President, was to have lectured, but is unable to do so through ill-health, and Dr. Wallis takee the position of lecturer. The society wm established here on the poet's birthday, 25th of January, 1885. It is now federated with the head club at Kilmarnock, and all other Burns' Clubs throughout the world, and the members are eligible to visit lodge meetings anywhere. A programme of songs, &c, is preparing, and a treat may be oxpected on Monday night.

Tenders for enlargement, additions, and to erect a now storey on the Pior Hotel, Albertstreet, woro received by Bleesre Paul and Fripp, architects. QueeD-street, yesterday, as follows : Robert Kay, £1398 (icoepted) ; Hancock, £1459; Matthews, £1480; McColl, £1488; Wiigley, £1500; Kose and Clarke, £1503; Lynch, £1507 ; Mell, £1525 ; Todd. £1530; Clesuorn and Rosser, £1544 ; Holland, £1559 ; £1564; Rhodes, £1573 ; Julian, £1672; McLeun, £1710; Lee Bros., £1770; KuxNell, £1786 ; Ellin»ham, £1883; Stephenson, £1885; Blewdon, £2143; Constable, £2157.