Untitled

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 8065, 28 September 1887, Page 4

Our cable messages state that what is now known as the frontier incident has caused great excitement in Franco, though the Berlin press treatit it calmly. It now appears that the shots were tired by a German soldier. The. matter ia engaging the attention of the French Minister of Foreign Affairs and Prince Bismarck. Trouble is brewing in Afghanistan. A regiment of two thousand men haa gone over to Ayoob Khan, and the claimant himself is reported to be soliciting the assistant of the Emir of Bokhara for an attack on Cabul. The Mizarn of Hyderabad has offered money and men to the Indian Government for the purpose of resisting the encroachments of .Russia.

Parliament will be formally opened by Hii Excellency the Governor on Thursday week, October 6. in order to be present at the opening members will have to leave by the 'e.a. Wairarapa on Thursday, or by the h.h. Gairloch or s.s. Uawea, from the Manukau, on Monday next. The Gairloch and Hawea will catch the through train from .New Flymouth to Wellington on Tuesday morning. This train reaches Wellington on Tuesday night. Tbcae »nembere who wish to be prosent at the official declaration will not bis able to leave on Thursday. Moat of the declarations are filed for Saturday, and country members who attend will not bo able to leave on Monday. It might, perhaps, be arranged to delay a steamer till Tuesday, and to have a train at iN'ew Plymouth on Wednesday morning, reaching Wellington on Wednesday night.

in our sixth pago will be found biographic* sketches of some of the new members of the General Assembly, among them those of two Aucklaud representatives — M; , , Frank Lawry (Franklin North), and Mr. K. Thompson (Maredeo.)

The now famous Maori perjury cases have at length been brought to a close at the Supreme Court. The first case called yesterday was that of Hariata, the woman upon whom it was alleged Charles Wight committed the rape, which caused Hoera to assault him and cut off his ear. .She pleaded not guilty, and Messrs. Dufaur and O'Meagher were present. The former intimated that as all his appeale for a postponement of the trials had been disregarded, Mr. O'Meagher and himself had agreed that they would not call witnesses or cross-examine the witnesses for the prosecution, as it was intended to bring the matter before Parliament, and they would therefore retire from the Court, fiie Honor briefly rejoined that their clients would not suffer. The case then proceeded, and the jury brought in a verdict of *' Guilty." Die Honor discharged the prisoner without sen. tence, with the direction that she was to come up for sentence when called upon, bat told her that as long as she behaved well she would not be called. Mariata, another of those committed for perjury, pleaded guilty, and was discharged on the same terms as ihu-iuU. Hone pleaded not guilty, but he was convicted. There is another charge against this prisoner of unlawfully wounding Charles Wight, on which he will be arraigned to-day. A nolle prosequi will be entered by the Crown in the charge of perjury against Tita, a Maori woman, who is stated to be dying of consumption.

The ordinary meeting of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board was to have been held yesterday, but owing to the absence of a quorum the consideration of the business was postponed nntil this evening, when the Board will meet at seven o'clock.

It is anticipated that tbe City Council will hold its meeting to-morrow evening in the Council Chamber. All the alterations have been completed, and the Chamber presents a very chaste and pleasing appearance.

The now famous Maori tapuing case came on again at the Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday, when a long argument ensued between Messrs. Dnfaur and Earl, as to the advisability of having it settled by arbitration. It was stated that there were 23 Maori witnesses to be examined if the cane came on for hearing. Hj| Worship Mr. Seth Smith said he would not undertake to get through 28. Maori witnesses in less than a month. Unfortunately he had net the power to direct an arbitration. Kvent.ually it was agreed that the case should be 10 decided—a very common sense resolution under the circumstances, m the whole affair is of a most trivial nature, and only involves a claim of £10.

Mr. W. O'Neil, Riverhead, writes upon what appears to be a c»se of hardship. He eay a that for two years he has been carrying on a struggle with the Survey Department respecting road accommodation to hie property at Taupaki. He states that when be bought the property there wai road access to it, connecting with the main road, bat that since then access to the main road has been taken away. According to his account he has applied to the Assistant Surveyor-General for relief under tiie circumstances, but has not obtained it. Aβ the Government have deprived him of the right of access to his property, by taking away the road leading, thereto, he thinks it would be as well that they took the whole of his property also. If they did so he would be relieyed of the burthen of paying rates and taxes upon it. Now he has to pay those burthen*, and yet the Government have taken away his road access, and refuse to grant him other means of access to it. He thinks there is a lot of humbug with the Survey Department, but he ahoaid remember that using harsh ternu ia not the beet way of advancing his cause. He should have a friendly chat with Mr. 8. .Percy Smith on the subject, and if there ia no mians within Mr. Smith's power of remedying the disability he labours under, Mr. O'Neil should state his oase to the Minister of Lands, and petition him on the subject; and failing obtaining redress from him he should petition Parliament, which will meet on the 6th October for the despatch of business. It would be advisable to employ olerioal assist' anco to prepare the neoessary documents lot the steps we recommend.

It would seem that there is a lurking danger in respect to certain classes of boots packed in cues which was not until lately dreamed of. A week or two ago we noticed the outbreak of » 6re in the premises of MeeHre. Lighthand, Allan, and Co., boot manufacturers, Christchurch, caused, it was ■upposed, through spontaneous combustion. One of the boots, which are supposed to have been the cause of the fire, is now on exhibition at the New Zealand Insurance Company's office, Queen-street. These boots were hitherto regarded as quite safe articles to deal with. They are the class usually known as men's rubber-lined hip boots, sometimes called "j»nm boots." The above firm quite recently had got in sixteen cases of these boot* ; each case containing twelve pairs of boots. The consignment was stored in the company's brick cellar. After the cases had been on the premises for some time, one night two of the employes who were working in the office became sensi bio of a peculiarly offensive smell, and on looking down a hole in the floor used for the hauling rope from the cellar, they noticed that flames were rising from two of the cases, threatening the joists of the floor. The fire was promptly extinguished, and on an examination being made it was found that 24 pairs of boots were more or less damaged. The cases burned were in the centre of the coneignrmint, hence the idea of spontaneous combustion. An examination showed that the fire had begun in the innide of the case, end It has been recollected that in a previous consignment of similar goods many of the boots were fonnd to be blistered, which was then blamed to bad stowage, It would appear now that the blisters arose from the heating of the material of winch the boots were made, and that the goods wore opened none too soon. It is evidently necessary that drapers should 1 be very careful in regard to the stowage of large quantities of ladies' rubber waterproofs, which are made of similar materials as those of which the combustible boots were made.

The able address on Freemasonry, delivered by Bro. Josiah Mariin recently, in the Freemason's Hall, on the occasion of his Installation as master of the Prince of Wales lodge, and to which brief reference wbs made at the time, is, by desire of the lodge, being published in pamphlet form. It is au able and lucid exposition of the principles and symbols of the mystic order, which it eums up as follows :—lts foundation is uueelfiehnesa, its base morality, its structure knowledge, its cement friendship, and its epex truth.

Laat night tbe anniversary of the Devonport Wenleyan Sunday School was celebrated by a very pleasant soiree and entertainment at the Devonport Wesleyan Church. The ladies who presided at the teatablus were Meidatnes Owens, Henderson, and Spraggon, and Misses Henderson, Mason, Kelson, Wood, Brown, Tan&eld. Trayes, and Porter. At the public meeting, which was held at the conclusion of the tea, the Rev. H. R. Dewsbury occupied the chair, and addrP3ses were delivered by the Kev. H. Lewis, on ".Religious Education ;" and Rev. 11. Bull, en "The Essential Elements of Successful Sunday School Work." Mr. A. Cox re viewed the past year's work,and Mr. S. Woods also spoke. The report, which was read by the secretary, Mr. N. P. Edson, showed that tbe Sunday school was in a flourishing state both with regard , to school work and financially. Owing to the very inigratorv character tf the population, no fewer thau 65 children were admitted during the year, end 76 Withdrawn. Altogether, the number on the roll was 173, and the average attendance during the year was 106. The balance-sheet was read by the treasurer, Mr. J. G, Henderson, and showed receipts, £5S 13s od ; and expenditure, £41 9s 41 ; leaving a balance in hand of £17 4s Id. In the conrse of the evening hymns and other musical selections were rendered by the choir. «The uhurch itself was prettily deeorated with flowers and evergreens.

The weekly meeting of the St. John's Musical and Literary Society was held on Monday evening, when, owing to this miserable night and the interest taken in the election, the attendance was not so good as i.sail. The subject was a lecture on "The Circulation of the Blood," by Dr. Lawry, which wag remark»by interesting and liitened to with great'attention. At the close, Dr. Lawry illustrated his remarks by showing the foot of a frog through the microscope, which revealed tbe circulation of the blood. He also explained the action of the heart. by dissecting that of a sheep. A number of questions were asked and answered.

The following incidents will interest some of our readers, as the Mr. M. Brown and Muter L. Brown referred to were formerly residents in Auckland, being soi.h of the late Mr. Samuel Brown. The Sydney Morning Herald says :—" An act of great gallantry and presence of mind was performed on Saturday morning at Petersham railway Btation. The ten minutes to nine a.m. through train to Sydney was approaching the platform, at which it had not to atop, at a high rate of spoed. Just as the engiue made its appearance a railway emploje slipped backwards across the metals, and was in immediate danger of being cut to pieces. The atationmaster (Mr. M. Brown) without any hesitation jumped from the piatfor.n and endeavoured to lift hia subordinate officer, but, owing to the heavy weight of the latter, was scarcely able to do so. Nothing daunted he clung to him,-and with the assistance of a porter, who was on the platform, succeeded indragging up himself and the man jaat aa the train whirled past." A correspondent in the same journal, referring to the Petersham railway accident, commends Master L, Brown (brother of the iocal stationmaster) "for his manly conduct iu the railway mishap at Petersham, and in trying to remove the most inflammable goods from the burning train."

An old man named Robert Dickeon, who •was completely paralysed, was brought up yesterday by tho cutter Morning J-ight, from Waiheke. On arrival at the wharf, Dickson was handed over to Sergeant Clark, of the Water Police, who got a cab and removed him to the Hospital.

A treat for all admirers of inauly strength and agility is in store to-nitj'nt at the Opera House on the ocoasion of Proteseor (Jarrollo's annual athletic carnival. The excellence of the show has been sufficiently proved in years past to guarantee a large attendance, and to-night special attractions are offered in addition to the usual display of gymnastics and calisthenics, in the distribution of trophies to the winners at the late athletic competition, a Humane Society's medal to Mr. Peak for the gallant rescue of a drowning person, the Auckland Rugby Union's cups for the season of 1887 to the Ponsonby Club, while the concluding boxing melee will, if report and rehearsal are any warrantry, exoel in fun and grotesquenees the beat farce ever produoed by a nigger show. The No. 3 Battalion held their usual fortnightly inspection parade last evening at the drill-shed. There wae a good muster of all tha companies. Lieutenant-Co'ouel Mahon was in command, and the officers of tho battalion were all present. ' Th« men were pat through various exercises in company and battalion drill before the inspection.

The question of effecting alterations at the Art Gallery and the decorations has been referred to a'committee of artists fur their consideration arid an expression of their vlewi. No report has yet been received by the City Council.

To-morrow evening Mi&s Georgia SmithBOD, "the Female Maccabe," will open a ■hort aeJlßon in Auckland at Abbott's Opera House. Mies Smitheon Is an artiste of conBiderable ability, and her versatility ie remarkable, as in serious drama, opera bouffu, or light comedy she has scored very gratify ing success, whilst ehe excels as a danseuee, and in the " lightning changes " which form a. special feature of her entertaineaente, ehe ienaid to rival the great Maccabo himself. Together with thia, Mies Smithnou has acquired considerable reputation as a oanta trice, and she singe the leading numbers m "La Fille de Madame Angot," in which Opera she Will also appear to-morrow evening. She possesses a rich and flexible voice, Killed to a graceful style of acting, and the Australian and Southern press speak in high terms of the excellence of her entertainments. The Gospel Temperance Mission started regular evening meetings on Sunday last at 4he Weeleyan Church, Pamell. Mr. Caughey presided, and spoke of the aggressive ■work of the Mission. Hβ was followed by Mr. J. T. Qarliok. who drew attention to the necessity for church members to render practical aid to tho cause. Mr. VV. E. Cook and Mr. Hayter delivered addreeses. A local committee is to be formed immediately. A man named John Tring was admitted to the Hospital yesterday, having eustained a cut on the head from a billet of wood.

A football match was played at the Pahoi on Monday last between the Puhoi and Orewa teams. A hard-fought struggle resulted in the Pahoi representatives winning by seven points to nil.

The Mew Zealand Government Insurance Department entered on Monday into possession of the ground floor of their new buildings in Lower Queen street, which forms the new officer of the department. The upper floors are not finished ; but it was deemed advisable by Mr. Speight, the local manager, through the "roar" for.retrenchment, to get in as soon as possible to avoid the rental running on at the old offices. The new public offices are very commodious and convenient, the fittings being all of polished kauri. At the rear is the manager's office, and adjacent ia the medical officer's and travelling agents' rooms. There are also a strong room, stationery room, and lavatories on this floor. The first and second floors are subdivided, and it is intended to concentrate several Government departments here, — amoDg them those of the Official Assignee and Public Trustee, etc. Access is obtained to these floors by means of a commodious passage from Queen street and also by an entrance from the right-of-way. There are strong rooms on each floor, and lavatories on the top one. All the fitting are of local workmanship, furniture, blinds, mantelpieces, and tho whole of the interior is plastered with Blaikie's " Patent Fire Piaster," as a protection in case of fire. The whole of the work, alterations, fittings, etc., have been completed well within the vote allocated of £4000. The offices will be fiuiehed in about three weeks. It is computed that the letting of them will bring in a fair interest on the capital invested in land and buildings.

On Sunday afternoon one of the Northcota ferry steamers picked up a flat-bottomed boat or punt, floating bottom upwards in the harbour, on the west side of the Northcote Wharf, and an overcoat and hat on the east side of the same wharf. Some loaves of bread were found floating about. The boat wan 12 feet long. 3 feet wide, and 14 inches deep ; does not appear to have been painted, but the bottom of the boat was tarred inside and outside. Constable O'Brien made inquiries at the Sugs.r Works, Birkenhead, etc., but could not find anyone reported as missing; but information was received that two young men had been gunv» digging iu Shark Boy, new tit. Helier's Bay, who were accustomed to go to and from Ponsonby in a punt. The punt, however, did not answer the description. In the coat pocket was fonnd a memorandum, dated March 7, 1887, but unsigned, and a time-table, with calendar, and several diary entries in memorandum pages. The writer speaks of leaving Broderick's to go to Onehuaga, and of being at Masaey's. One entry is: " McLeod, September 10," and then follows a list of groceries. Bishop's account, ditto. To Hepburn (then follows list of groceries), signed D. MoLennan, Brick and Tile Works, Henderson." No word has been received at the Police Station of anybody being missing in that quarter. The hat and coat are at tho station for identification.

The close of the term of Mesdamee Revitt and Hallett's quadrille assemblies was celebrated yesterday evening by a social gathering held at the Masouic Hall, Princes-street. There was a large attendance, excellent music being contributed by Messrs. Reid and Davis , string band. The programme was opened at eight o'clock, dancing continuing till aa early hour this morning.

A well is being sunk at Oxford Terrace, Christchurch. A splendid flow of water was struck at a depth of 200 ieet. The strata through which the boring has been passing lately is a stiff blue clay, which prevented a sufficient percolation of the water to enable the flow to be obtained. When the boring was down to 195 feet a quantity of log manuka was brought up.

The Wellington Press of September 21, writes as follows : —"Should the elections go as heavily against the Ministry as there seems every hope of at present, a speedy revival of confidence and activity in -.11 branches of trade may be looked for. ■ Persons from home who are in a position to speak with authority affirm that Kew Zealand is losing two or three hundred thousand pounds a year by depreciated credit, in cousequence of the Stout-Vogel Ministry being in uffiae."

Mr. F. G. Ewingfcon acknowledges with thanks the receipt of two large parcels of magazines for the inniatej of the Lunatic Av luii), and £2 gent to him by Dr. Ketulerdiue for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animalt.

It will be »epn on reference to our advertising columns that Messrs. T. and S. Morrin and 00. (Limited) have been the successful tenderers for the whole of the well-assorted stock in the assigned estate of D. H. McKenzie. It is now being removed to their ship-chandlery department, Lower Queen-street, which is under the direction of Captain H. F. Anderson, so well and favourably known in the shipping interest for many years. The stock in the above department wiU bo the most varied and complete of Its kind in New Zealand.

To-day, at twelve, at Dunblane Mirr, Mr. T. M. Jackson sells some choice volcanic site? at Mount Albert. Two of them contain grand orchaid trees, now full of bloom, and bearing well. The other lot fronts the main road. A paragraph appeared in yesterday's issue referring to the cost of removing nightsoil by railway, which was givon as i'iiQO per annum. The word* "at Dunedin" were inadvertently omitted, the figures referring to that city.

A correspondent sends the following, to wliich he desires an an3wer :—" A. makes a wager with B. on the 24th of August, that Shera scores more votes at the election for City West than Morrison. On the 21th of September A. asks B. to pat up amount of wager. B. does not do so. Does the fact of B. not patting up his money make him in any way lees responsible to A. for tho amount of wager ?" —Certainly not; whether B. put up his money or otherwise he is bound to adhere to his wagor, unless released by A.