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New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 7841, 10 January 1887, Page 4

Tub holidays having been got over safely, it is thought in various quarters appar« sntly that it is high time matters political ihonld be looked after. Our Wellington correspondent sends us a collection of facts and fancies from the Empire City, some of which are worth noting. That a Wellington newspaper should abuse the Ministers because at the holiday time moat of them absent themselves from the Government offices for a time, it not worthy of much remark. The Wellington papers are always at that, and cannot see that Wellington is not really the capital city of New Zealand, except as being the place where the Government offices are, and that if Ministers were to stay in Wellington and never to leave it, they would completely lose touch with the country. Ministers are all doing something or hearing or seeing something which may be useful to them in the discharge of their functions, except perhaps Sir Julius Vogel, and he requires a prolonged re» sidence at Waiwera to repair the fatigues of last session, and to strengthen him for the labours of the coming session. The next subject discussed by the Wellington papers is one on which we have recently spoken, namely, the reform of the Legislative Council. The New Zealand Times says that if the Government desire to reform the Legislative Council they have only to refrain from making appointments till the Council is reduced to thirty or forty membera. This plan, however, can scarcely "be expected to be adopted. The present Ministers may say, that if they refrained from making appointments they would simply leave the greater scope for their successors in office, and so they would lose . the. chance of putting their friends into positions of political power, simply to enable their opponents to exercise the larger amount of patronage. It seems almost hopeless to expect reform of the Council, seeing that any measure for that purpose has to be passed through that body itself, and no body will ever reform itself (unless under tremendous outside pressure), because,' by so doing, it declares that at present it is bad and corrupt. The only chance for effecting anything is to get it done on the ' score of economy. There are, it seems, people uncharitable enough to think that the Government are only humbugging in this matter of reform of the Council, and that they want to mix it up with the Representation Bill, uo that neither Bill shall be passed next session. This is a subject on which Ministers will require to be looked after by Northern members. We must. have the Representation Bill, but the Legislative Council has existed so long in an unreformed state, that New Zealand will not perish if it remains in that condition for another year. Wβ have a good deal in our correspondent's telegram about the marshalling of an opposition to the Government, but nothing at all very definite. Major Atkinson may almost be said to have resigned his position as leader of the Opposition in consequence of the prolonged illness of his wife, and hope is now centred in Sir John Hall. But as yet no programme of opposition has been laid uovm. The Opposition have done nothing at all during the recess, and Ministers, watching the indications of the public mind, may take up any ground they choose, even that of zealous retrenches of public expendi* ture, whereas they were placed in office with the declaration that they would borrow largely and make the colony go ahead by leaps ; and bounds." If the leaders of an Opposition utter not a word during a whole recess, it cannot be wondered at that the country should for* get its existence, and ignore it.. The firmness with which the Government of the United States discountenances any thing calculated to involve the country in international complications is strikingly shown in its action towards Samoa. To our eyes the attitude taken by Consul Greenbaum with reference to Samoan troubles, when under the advice of Mr. Bees he threw the protection of the Stars and Stripes over King Malietoa, seemed a noble one, and we felt pleasure in com* paring the spirited action of America with the timid.; and vacillating policy of England ; but unfortunately, as we see in the President's message, it was an act of " over-zeal" and Mr. Greenbaum was ; recalled in consequence. There is no doubt that the spirited conduct of the Consul had an excellent effect, the German officers appear to have been paralysed at its audacity, and the rebel chief who had been tormenting the legitimate King, and who had seemingly been incited thereto by the Germans, at once made his submission, and law and order have reigned in the island since. All these good results have flowed directly from Mr. Greenbaum's running up the Stars and Stripes; pity is that it has resulted •in disaster to , himself. It was reported that Prince Bismarck could not understand it, and was as much taken aback as his officers in Samoan waters, and the American Government could not; understand it, so Mr. Greenbaum was invited home to explain, and now we see that he has been kept there. As adviser to the Crown of Samoa and I the representative of the United States, M ■•. Bees has certainly been a success so far as putting the relations of the various nationalities down there promptly on an intelligible footing, and it is no small feather in his cap that he unquestionably gave a start to the Prince Chancellor. The only thing to be regretted is that Mr. Greenbaum did not fully realise the nonintervention policy of his country, and that in consequence he has now been lef* to chew the cud of bitter reflection. Military preparations continue to be tin order of the day. Russia is now following the example of the other Powers, and is arming her troops with, repeating . rifles, France is adding to her already vast stores of deadly missiles, while Germany is doubling her garrisons in Aliace-Lorraiae. On the other hand the Emperor William has written a letter, which was, no. doubt, intended to have a tranquillisiag effect, in which he makes reference to his efforts to maintain peace. The Bulgarian Regents have addressed a fira'acd dignified; note to the Russian Government, reiterating their resolve to secure right : and' justice for Bulgaria. The relations between Turkey and England appear to be of .a , more , cordial nature. The Sultan sent a New Yew'* greeting to the ? Queen, and seems to have been particularly gracious to Sir W. White, the British Ambassador, at >an:interview accorded, to the latter. x The vacant portfolio of Colonial SeoreUry in the British Cabinet hat noli yet been oiled. , ; •

On Saturday last the ship Rakaia, from London, came into harbour with a full general cargo and two passengers, after a somewhat lengthy passage of 113 days. A passenger named C. Johnston died during the passage, of consumption, and was buried at sea. The Kftkaia is to be berthed at the Queen-street Wharf to-day, there to commence the landing of her cargo. In our shipping columa will ■ be found particulars of her voyage. |§iThe R.M. B.B* Zealandia, with the English and . American mails, arrived in port on Saturday evening last, and was berthed alongside the Queen-street Wharf. After landing mails, passengers, and cargo, the Zealandia proceeded on to Sydney at four o'clook yesterday morning. In the matter of passengers the steamer was not) very liberally patronised, and the same may be said of her cargo. The postal authorities with commendable energy soon had the mails landed and the sorting commenced, and not only were the mails distributed into the private boxes, but a delivery was made at the office, a boon " that was greatly appreciated by the public. The Southern portion of the mail was sent on by the s.s. Hawea from the Manukau. She started from Onehunga at about six o'clock yesterday morning.' Amongst the Zealandia's passengers was an embassy from King Kalakaua, of the Hawaiian Islands to King Malietoa, of Samoa. The embassy consisted of the Hon. J. E. Bush, his private secretary (Mr H. E. Poor) and Mr. J. D. Strong, an artist. The embassy are to return to Honolulu on the next trip of tho Zealandia. The Zealandia's dates from London are to the 2nd December ; New York, 12th December ; San Francisco, ISth December ; and Honolulu, December 25. A company, with a capital of £2,000,000, in £10 nhares, has been registered in London, to construct and work a cable connecting Vancouver Island with Australia and New Zealand. The criminal sittings of the Supreme Court will commence at eleven o'clock this morning, and it is necessary that jurors, witnesses, etc., should be promptly in attendance at that hour, when His Honor will charge the Grind Jury. On succeeding days the Court will sit at ten o'clock in the morning. The calendar. which we publish in another column, comprises 33 cises. It has been decided not to take the charges of wilful murder against Caffrey and Penn until this day week. Th« following report has been received from the Inspector-General upon the Auckland Grammar School—" Oct. 8, 1886.— The number of pupil* has suffered considerobl-. diminution since my last visit. I fail to observe anything in the management or course of instruction to account for this. Except in point of numbers, I think the school has been for some years steadily im proving, end I have never been better pleased with it than on the occasion of this visit. I consider that the instruction given here is very systematic, accurate, and thorough." We learn from an American paper that Captain Hondlet, late of the barque William H. Dimond, was on December 2 appointed captain of the steamship Australia, of the Oceanic line, vfcs Captain Webber, Who intends settling down in the colonies. Somewhat of a sensation was caused in Queen-street at about half-past eight o'clock last evening by a young woman falling in a fit nearly opposite the Albert Hotel. A large crowd collected, but the constable on duty, observing what was the matter, had her promptly taken into the Albert Hotel. Hera Mr. and Mrs. Montague at once produced restoratives. The fit was a very severe one, the spasms lasting at intervals over as hour. The young woman, Whose name is Egan, resides in Lome-street, She has been subject to epileptio fits for some years, and recently they have become very severe. Her sister and ether female friends were with the unfortunate girl when she fell 'sat night. On Saturday night the "Silver King" Dramatic Company gave a performance at the Opera House for the benefit of the sick and accident fund of the Auckland Fire Brigade, and there was a fair attendance, although not so large as we expected to see ; but we are informed that numbers of tickets were sold which were not represented by the purchasers. Byron's popular comedy, " Our Boys," was very effectively produced, and the principal characters were admirably sustained, Mr. E. B. Russell especially making an excellent Butterman, and Mr. Vernon was equally successful as Sir Geoffrey Champneys. At the conclusion of the second act the Fire Brigade mustered on the stage, and Mr. Vernon recited amidst loud applause a spirited poem, "The Heroic Fireman." At its termination he thanked the audience on behalf of the company and the Fire Brigade for their attendance and patronage. Mr. Superintendent Hughes, on behalf of the Fir* Brigade, tendered their sincere thanks to the "Silver King" Company, and also thanked the audience for their attendance. The third act of the comedy was then proceeded with, and the audience testified their appreciation by loud and hearty applause. On Saturday afternoon an Inquest was held at the Hospital, before Dr. Philson., Coroner, on the body of Walter Henry Bricrly, a boy six years old, who was killed by being kicked by a home on the 4th instant under circumstances already reported in the Herald. It appeared that deceased with two other boys were playing at cricket In Whisker's paddock, Newmarket, when the ball was struck close to a horse which was grazing near. Deceased ran after the ball, and tried to drive the horse away that he might get it. The horse kicked him on the head, and, as was subsequently discovered, inflicted a compound fracture of the skull. The boy was not conscious afterwards, He was taken to the Hospital by his lather, and died there on Friday afternoon. No blame appeared to be attached to anyone con : earned, and the jury returned a verdict of " Accidental death." Messrs. Fraser and Tinne's annual picnic to the engineers and workmen employed in the Phoenix Foundry took place on Saturday last, and, like all the previous ones, proved most successful. For the occasion the p.s. Enterprise was brought Into use, and at nine o'clock a.m. she started from the Qaeen-street Wharf en route for her place of rendezvous—St. Hellier's Bay—well tilled with a merry crowd of women, man, and children, and, to add to the gaiety, a band was on board, which during the run down played a number of selections of music. On arrival at St. Hellier's games of every description were entered upon and kept up with vigour throughout the day. A capital luncheon was provided, to whioh everyone did ample justice. Shortly before seven o'clock the steamer returned to Auckland, and before separating three hearty cheers were given for Mr. and Mrs. Fraser, and the members of their family. The trip, as we have said, proved a most pleasant one, and was most heartily enjoyed. The Lake and Big Bay troops of Auckland cavalry were out for drill at tilting, cutting off Turks' heads, &c., on Saturday. The horse of a trooper named George fell when going over one of the hurdles, which had been fixed for the jumping. The rider was thrown, and was struck by the hoof of the horse in its plunging. George was hit in the head and face, and it was thought at firat that he was seriously injured, but after a time he remounted, apparently not much the worse. The Perman Variety Troupe will terminate their season of performances at the City Hall to-night, but will reappear in their most attractive form at the Opera House on the following night. In order to prevent any diasappointment the managers have reduced the charges to popular prices— 2«, and Is, The Silver King Company will give a benefit performance to-night to Mr. R. B. Wiseman, who has been the agent of the company during the tour of the colonies, which hits just been completed, and we have no doubt the numerous friends Mr. Wiseman has made in Auckland will rally round him and make the benefit a success. The following is a copy of a letter sent to Mr. Wiseman by Messrs, MacMahon and Leitch— "Dear Sir,— a slight mark of our appreciation of your good services to us as our business manager during the New Zealand season just concluded, we have much pleasure in placing the Opera House at your disposal on Monday evening next, the occasion of your complimentary benefit.—We are, dear sir, yours faithfully, MacMahon and Leitoh." On Saturday evening the variety entertainment by Messrs. Smith and Perrman's Company was again successfully given, there being an entirely new programme of songs and dances. iEola and Signor Gonzola were •gain applauded for their sensational cannon performance, and the farce " Midnight Intruders" created much fun and laughter at the close. It is announced that on and after Tuesday the company will appear in the Opera House, and on Saturday wiU give " Fun on •she Bristol,". ' i

On Saturday "Joseph Walls and Wm. Knight were committed for -trial by the Helensville Bench on a charge of larceny from,the store of Mr. Daniel Stewart, of Woodhill. Mr. Cotter defended ,the pri* soners, and Detective Walker conducted the prosecution on behalf of ,the police authorities. Walls and Knight were brought down to Auckland by Detective Walker and taken to Mount Eden to . await their trial at the present criminal sessions of the Supreme Court. * A young lad name Albert Ellesdon was arrested on Saturday, charged with stealing two rings, the property of Harry Harrison. Harrison missed the rings from his pockets while bathing with accused at the City Baths on the 26th ult., and one of the rings was subsequently found in a pawn shop. A meeting of the householders of Grafton Road school distrlot will be held this evening in the school, Nugent-street, in order to elect a fresh school committee the former committee having resigned owing to difference of opinion with the 'Education Board on the question of the length of the Christmas holidays. < V 'A meeting of the householders of the Grafton Road School district has been Convened by the Board to be held this evening in the school, Nugent-street, for the purpose of electing a school committee in place of the former committee, who resigned owing to a difference with the Board in the matter of the Christmas holidays. At a previous meeting, convened by the Board for the same purpose, tho householders present upheld the action of their representatives, and declined to elect a new committee. By the Education Aot the Board is empowered ultimately to meet such a contingency by appointing one or more commissioners to act until the next annual meeting of householders, which will be held in April; 4 but before this oan be done the law provides that the householders shall have another opportunity of electing a committee to represent them, and that opportunity will be afforded at the meeting convened for this evening, After a most successful ten weeks' stay in Auckland Professor Woodroffe gave 'his closing exhibition of glassblowing on Saturday. The rooms were crowded to their utmost capacity for accommodation; and, in recognition of the success which has attended his Auckland visit;, Professor Woodroffe gave away to visitors an extensive collection of works of art in glass, the prize for the "homeliest" man being duly awarded by a oommittee of ladies. The exhibition will open* at the Thames this week. Among the passengers by the ' Arawata yesterday were Messrs. MacMahon and Leitch, who proceed to Fiji on a holiday trip. In our obituary column will be found recorded the decease of an old and respected colonist, Mr. Charles Stichbury, who died yesterday at his residence, Clovernook, at the age of 6S. He was formerly in business in Auckland, but for years past has lived in retirement. A decision of considerable interest to relatives of inmates of the Old People's Refuge was given in the Police Court on Saturday by Mr. H. G. Seth Smith, R.M. A claim was made, under tiro Hospital and Charitable Aid Board Act, 1885, for £4 13s, as rations money for the support of the aged mother of Robert Houlden, a carpenter and large contractor at Gisborne. After hearing the evidence on both sides, His Worship said he could not see that the amount claimed could be recovered summarily under the Act, but that civil proceedings should be taken. An order for future maintenance could be obtained, but not for arrears. Under the circumstances, Mr. Theo. Cooper, who prosecuted on behalf of the Charitable Aid Board, withdrew the information, in order that proceedings : might be taken, as intimated by the, Resident Magistrate. On Saturday afternoon there was an alarm of lire given by the Newton fireball, but on investigation it proved to be only a heap of rubbish burning in Gladstone-street, near the site of St. Benedict's. In the evening there was an incipient fire in Victoria street Wert, at the residence of a man named Mc Kail, a labourer. There was no one in the house at the time, Ml*. McKail having gone out shopping. Mr. Bart, carpenter, who lived next door, forced an entrance, and, assisted by others, suppressed ' the fit by a few buckets of water. Part of the liming of the room and ceiling was charred, but the damaee slight. The property is owned by Mr. Blandon. _ , v • , ? The annual picnic of the members of the Altar Society attached to St. Patrick's Cathedral, and their friends, was held at Mrs, Lind's Gardens, Northcote, on Saturday last, and proved a most enjoyable treat. Bay View Gardens possess special advantages for a good day's outing, a fine hall for refreshments together with the use of a piano being on the grounds, , while easy access to the beach affords the pleasure of a at. all on the sands with an invigorating breeze. It is needless to say these advantages were fully realised by the party on Saturday. A word of praise is due to Miss K. Sheehan and her lady assistants, who not only provided an excellent spread, but were untiring in their efforts to ensure the enjoyment of all. Mr. J. B. Graham, Mr. P. Dignan, and other gentlemen provided sports for the young people. A valuable prize (set of jewellery), given by the Rev. | Father Lenihan, was won by Miss Carr. The Rev. Fathers Costello and Kehoe visited the grounds during the afternoon. Altogether the outing was a very pleasurable one. An interesting ceremony was performed at the Jewish Synagogue on Saturday morning. At the forenoon service Master B. Montague, son of Mr. M. Montague, was confirmed. There was a good congregation, and the service was conducted by the Rabbi, Mr. Goldstein. The service commenced at halfpast ten;o'clock,and was of a most impressive character. At the conclusion the Rabbi addressed a few words to the young candidate. The service was closed by a prayer and the singing of a hymn by the congregation. By advertisement elsewhere special jurors summoned to attend the Supreme Court on Wednesday, the 19th instant,, in the case of Lee v. the Equitable Insurance Association, are notified that their attendance will not be required until the 25th instant. '