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New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 8927, 16 December 1887, Page 4

Among other items of news by cable thii morning it is stated that a diabolical plot is on foot for the murder of Mr balfour, the Chief Secretary for Ireland, and other members of the Government, as well aa for

the perpetration of a serie« nt j *" outrage.* The prime movTin^, , one con. pi racy is aid to be ,ft hams, who is reported to have coUectS'" large mm m America for the c «rXoS * hie fiendish purpose. A curious report £* from Vienna. it is stated that the dini ** tic relations between Anuria and RZ° mi * excellent, bat that the military «U na I" serious. The meaning of this U what parodoxioal statement roar »u while the Court of St. Peter.bas ! h,t tinues to express the most friendly 8 , en °tT ments towards Austria, the maeiin . Russian troops which hat occasioned bo L°i alarm in Vienna still continues Th « that the Auitrian military Council ha« • met shows that the position is rerarruTi 11 the highest quarters in Au.tria i f?.l£ with danger to the Empire. aD B h » A cable message announces the gratifvia. news that shares in the Waihi Goldm n • * Company, which has been floated Til* London market, are now being allotted The Colonial Union Co.'a third it« the Ashleigh Brook, came into port IIT ' ning from London via Sydney and N,T castle. She brings cargo for thin and other v 7' Zealand ports, also eight passengers Th* names of the latter and particular.' of iw! cargo for here will be found in our thinr/n columns. The steamer is to load f, meat, etc., at a Southern for LondoiIt is said that Mr. Beckett, Conaerra'i*. member for the Whitby Division of h North Riding of Yorkshire, who o ,£ J by the Kaikoura, and who has been atari" in Wellington, has picked up a numb*-,?? i wrinkles in Parliamentary practice from observations in ths House of Represent* tives. He is ready to back Mr. Seddon „ an obstructionist against the mo«t deter mined Home Ruler in the bouse of Cam mons ; and for mere blatauoy, he coneideri Messrs. Fish and Seddon unequalled in m Briti.h Parliament. d ,B m

The ship Rangitiki sailed for London eM lv yesterday morning, beiug to Ted to ees■ b» the tug Awhina. About a couple of h" after she had departed a man came down th' wharf in a great state of oxcitement and wished to be put on board, bat he was told that was now impossible, a< the ship jJ, by that time some twenty miles away n man (named Clark) then stated that he ; ud shipped on board as an ordinary eeam&n sad that his wife and family wet:« on the Uin henoe his anxiety to reach the vessel Th' utter impossibility of auch a course being pointed out to the man, he loft, statin > hie intention to proceed to London by one of'the direct steamers.

General Sir G. Whitmore has written the following letter to a friend, which is of interest to volunteers :—" In reply to yours of the 17th November, I am perfectly informed of the proceedings of the Smull Arms Committee at home by Captain Whitney. The arm chosen ie one which adapts many inventions. Its bore is 303, the rifling of the barrel is on the Mitford principle. The magazine holds 9 cartridges, and one in the barrel gives 10 shots. The magazine may be removable or fixed. The bullet U covered with thin copper. It ehooto point blink at 500 yards, and has no recoil, The kind of powder is not decided. Only a few rifles have been made. It will take three years to supply the army alone, and w> c an't look for any for at least four years. The principle is very similar to the rifle imported by Mr Ballance—the Reming-ton-Lee. You will see by my report of April last that I was quite alive to the necessity of getting this arm then, and recommended Parliament to buy 5000 u eoon as any were procurable, at a cost of £20,000. We can't expect money jast now, and if we had it we could not get rifles. So, with thanks for suggestion which you hare kindly made, I fear in my time the chance will aot occur to re-arm the forces. How* ever, my report will strengthen my successor, though I do not mean to go away till I've realised what I can in New Zealand, which may be some time."

The civil sittings of the Supreme Court commenced yesterday morning, and, con* trary to expectations, the whole list of cases was cleared off in one day. This was the result of several cases being settled and discontinued, others being adjourned, and His Honor was able to discharge the jurors in attendance from duty, there not being a single case left on the list in which their services were required.

A rather peculiar case under the Divoroo and Matrimonial Causes Act ocourred in the Supreme Court yeiterday in the case Moulden v. Moulden, an application to make the rule nisi absolute. The case first came before the Court iu October 1884, when tho jury found for the petitioner, Wm. Henry Moulden, finding the respondent guilty of adultery with two co-respondents. A new trial was granted, which was heard in January, 1885, and a similar verdict was returned, bub no applies" tion was made for a decree until April last, when the decree nisi was granted by Judge Ward. His Honor Mr. Justice Gillies commented yesterday on the singularity of the petitioner waiting for two years, and then applying for the degree in his absence, and of a Judge who had not heard the evidence as alleged in the decree itself, and who had no opportnnity of judging of the petitioner's misconduct, granting the decree. He refuted to make it absolute.

The funeral of the late Mr. F. H. Lewisson took place yesterday. Aβ the deceased gentleman bad no near relative buried in the Jewish Cemetery, Symonds-street, permiwion could not be granted for opening a grave in that plot of God'e acre, and the interment had therefore to take place in that portion of the Waikomiti Cemetery set apart u a J jwish burial ground. There was a Urge attendance of the co-religionists of Mr. Lβ irissen and of the general public and old citizens, amongst whom he was entitled, from his long residence and business career, to rank. Amongst those present were Meitra. E. Lewis. Natchelski, M. Montague, P. A. Philips, P. Darby, Fierce Lanigan, etc. l> addition to the hearse, there were twelfl carriages.

The Australasian Union Shipping Gazette, the official organ of the Seamen's Union and published at Dunedin, of the 3rd instant, contains a large amount of matter interesting to seafaring people and others.

An action for probate of the will of George Wesley Bishop, who was killed in San Fran. Cisco by a woman with whom he had been cohabiting, hie' body being embalmed ana brought to Auckland for identification, was heard yesterday, James Rae s the executor, being plaintiff, Faith Bishop, the wife of, the deceased, who contested the will, being defendant. The • will was, however, fully proved, and probate was granted. Matters were quiet on the stock and share exchange yesterday, and but few lalee were reported. Several parcels of Land and Mortgage shares sold at 21s. There were inquiries for Union Insurance shares at 23«, Cainbr.as at 7s 3d, Manukaus at Iβ 4d, and Auckland Gas shares at £10, but holders of the latter were not disposed to quit under £10 '• D ' • Sales were reported of B»«k of New Zealand life £12 7s. Other stocks were unchanged. Amongst the cases which came up at the Supreme Court in its civil jurisdiction yeiwrday was one in which Samuel Jackion, Jan.. » solicitor, applied for probate in the «iu of Frank Wiliiam Foley, and the ******* widow,who was exluded from participainon, lodged caveat, and required that tne « should be proved in open Court The plaint in the action did not appear, and Mr. Coope (who appeared for him to ask for au adjourn ment) retired from the case when tnis was refused. An affidavit was lodged by*". Devore that the plaintiff, who was executor in the will, was absent, and it was oelieve he had left the colony, leaving no pro«J» for the conduct of the caie. An affidavit nw by Mrs Foley was very strongly worded, accused Mr. Jackson, the executor with .u nfi undue influence with her husband keep- « him In a hotel, encouraging him to dm. and with squandering her »™J»J "j£iff As there was no appearance for the paw His Honor saw no other course than to en miss the action. This, however, will •»& Mrs. Foley to apply for probate on »fojw will.-although it, of course leaves i«om . for the legatee, a brother of the d**" England, to renew proceedings on tne im will. ■ ' St. Mary's bazaar and fancy fair at Oneness. . . ' Sergeant Gillies, of Devonport, received Ulegrim yesterday morning iron, Mr. J» Bond of the Wade, stating hat » » named Richard Anderson had died suddenly in his wbare on Wednesday wghfc A 8 medical wsistance had been «Tni to £»• bod and the cause of hie death waa known. Sergeant Gillies left for the Wade to make aJraiTgemento for holding an won** upon the body. •-.

Yesterday afternoon an inquiry wan held at Gleeaon's Hotel respecting the cause of death of Edward Wm. Joseph, who was filled at Northcote under circumstances already reported. Dr. Phileon, the Coroner, presided, and Mr. B. Edder waa foreman of the jury. After viewing the body, the following witnesses were examined :—Wm. Thompson, 'who was driving the hydraulic machinery at the time; Robert O. Hill, the overseer at the Sugar Company's Works, and Sergeant Clarke, of the Water Polioe. The evidence went to show that the chain of the hydraulic lift, whioh broke, waa to all appearances in a sound state, and had been examined from time to time. The other evidence was corroborative of that already published. The jury returned a verdict of •'Accidental death," adding a rider to the effect that owners of hydraulic machinery should take the necessary steps to have the chains used periodically examined and tested.

The first annual inspection of the No. 1 company of the Boy's Brigade took place at St. James , Hall last night. The brigade at present consists of about 25 lads from 15 to 20 years of age. They were dressed in uniforms of dark blue olotb, with red facings, and brown leather belts. In the absence of Captain Logan, Lieutenant Chapnun put the company through various evolutions. Addresses were delivered by the Kevs. Maoniool (chairman), West, and Hill. Sir. Maonicol explained that the object of the brigade was the promotion of the physical, mental, and moral faculties of the members, and giving them a manly interest in Christianity. A number of hymns and solos were also sung. The drawings on view at the Choral Hall yesterday afternoon, the work of the pupils of the Girls' High School, comprised the first exhibition of studies from the round by the pupils of that institution. That the school was so largely represented this year in this respect is due to the eucouragement given by the fcrant from the Board of Education of a splendid collection of casts, the newest and finest specimens of Brucoianl'a whioh have vet reached the colonies, and of subjects especially neleoted for the sohool by lady artiets of South Kensington. The studies on exhibition yesterday, which were of crayon and sepia, were the works of the following ladies:-Misses Stewart, Rice, Bell, Firth, Eeighway, Briton, Whitelaw. The entire collection evidenced remarkable talent, espe cially so when it is remembered that only two hours per week are allotted to drawing, and that the lessons are given in poorly-lit roome. Upwards of 60 young lady pupils of the school are engaged in shading from the cait and from rrodels. and it is probable that twice the number of those who exhibited yesterday will come forward next year. A man named Alexander, a resident at Northcote, was picked up in the harbour in a helpless state of drunkenness. He, it appears, wu proceeding home in a small oingy, and after trying to pull his frail craft, he gave in, and throwing the oars away, lay down tery quietly in the boat, and went to ileep. The boat drifted down to the Queenstreet Wharf, getting caught among the piles close to the ship Margaret Galbraith. There the man was taken in charge by Water Police Constable McDonald, and eicorted for safety to the lockup.

It is worthy of mention, in connection with the fatal accident to Kdward Willis Joseph, the mate of the Spitfire, who was killed on Wednesday last, that he had juet passed th« medical examination, and alao tho Board of Directors, for insurance of his life in the Mutual Life Association Society for £200.

The annual competition for the company prizes of the Auckland City Guards was held yesterday morning at the Mount Eden Range. There was a good muster, 27 men turning up under the command of Lieutenant Dormer. The conditions of the firing were : from ranges 200, 300, 400, 500 yards ; five shots at each range, at Wimbledon target*. The prizes won will be presented to the snccessfel marksmen at the inspection of the No. 2 Battalion on Tuesday next by Mre. W. R. Waddel. The following is the list of winners and the amount of the prize won by each :— Lieutenant Dormer, 77, £5 ; Sergeant Boyd, 74, £4; Corporal Taylor, 72, £3; Colour-Sergeant Stirling, 60. £2; Lieutenant Shemilt, 54, £1 103; Private Lightfoot, 53, £1 ; Sergeant Scott, 52, 15s ; Corporal Craig, 52, 10«; Quartermaster Sergeant Montgomery, 51, 10s; Sergeant Soall, 49, 7s 6d; Private W. Craig. 49, 7s 6d; Private W. Kvitt, 44, ss; Corporal Tietney, 44, sa; Private Crocker, 38, 5; Private Eady, 35, ss.

Wβ would remind our readers of Major Dane's last lecture te-night, at the City Hall. The lecturer proceedti North on Monday next, to gather information for a lecture on .hew Zealand. The title of tonight's lecture is " The Land of the Rainbow," and an intellectual treat ia in store for those attending. Arrangements have been made by the committee to prevent the crush experienced at the doora on Tuesday last. The committee of the Young Men's Christian Association desire us to state that, owing to the postponement of the lecture on Constantinople, anyone wishing the money paid for tickets returned can obtain the same. The annual Christmas tree in connection with St. John's Weeleyan Sunday-school was held laet night at the Poneonby Ha'j. There was a very large attendance, especially of children, and great interest was displayed in the giving away of prizes from tbe tree, a duty performed by Mr. Garland. Mrs. Goodaore, Mrs. Joynt, Miss Lovell, and other ladies were the organisers of the Christmas tree. Tie money collected will go towards the Sunday-school Festival Fund.

The City Council have accepted the tender Of Messrs. Wilson and Horton for binding the books of the Free Libray, including thoie of the Grey collection.

Our Ararimu South correspondent writes : —Some of the settlers sowed a small quantity of wheat as a trial orop. It is now looking well, and most of them will have good crop*. They are quite satisfied with the reeult, and no doubt next year there .will be a much larger quantity sown. Those who have pat none in assert that they can get it from town cheaper than they can grow ft. If so, it ia strange, considering the cost of carriage from Auokland by rail and toad. Farmers should have a greater variety of crops. Now that cattle are so low in price is the time for trying something else. This should be a good fruit district, and some have gone to great trouble and expense in planting orohards, which will soon be yielding a good supply of fruit; but everyone ehould plant a few fruit trees every year. They improve the look of a place, and at the same time bring in a llittle profit. Potatoes we looking well all through the district, and moat people are anticipating good crops. There is a large area under oats, and the Drops look better than of late years. The Railway Department invite tenders for tbe lease of a bookstall at the Auckland railway static n.

The popular Sill?er Star Minstrels will give a performance on Tuesday evening next, in tbe Soirboro , Terraoe Schoolroom, Parnell, in aid of the fundi of the Church of England WorkIng Men'i Society. The programme will be a Tery varied one, and will oontain comio and lentimental songs, sketches and dances, and farces. Wβ notice that *he Rev. J. S. Hill Is desirous of making the Sunday afternoon class for young men at attractive and instructive as he can. Oα Sunday afternoon will be commenced the firit of a series of lecture* on "The Jewish Tabernacle," illustrated with models and illaetratire diagrams. Young men should attend in large numbers.