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New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 8928, 17 December 1887, Page 4

• The Paris correspondent of the London Times brings a serious accusation against M. Grevy, the ex-President of the French Be* public. He asserts that the original letters writen by M. Wilson, his son-in-law, to Madame Limousin, were burned by M. Grevy because they compromised h' ms ® ' and . that it was by his advice that Wilson re-wrote them, leaving out t a incriminatory passages. General Boulanger having been invited to become a sen* < declines on the ground that, in the corn g war, France will need generals, not S ,Bla A general on active service cannot becom . member of the Senate. Lord Brassey written a letter to the London T"® 68 , 0D 4 subject of the defence of Port Darwin Albany, which that journal backs up 7 ' weighty language, dwelling upon the f r0 " J* imprtaDoe of W»li. « ; .«»»* of the empire, and the possibilities of its pW ing a principal part with England in dete , inf the British dominions. The F nno 'P military organ in Russia justifies the mwaii g of Russian troops by the preparations of U many and Austria for invading Russia, » indulges in some defiant utterances, wb have had the effeofc of depressing the Con«. cental bourcet.

The Herald of next Saturday, which will consist of sixteen page*, will contain, besides the usual features of the Saturday issue, a timber of Christmas stories, poetry, puzzles, and games (illustrated). It will be, in faot, . textbook for the holidays and » repertory of amusements for the season. An article j- v Mr. C. Blomfield, artist, will also be rrablished, desoriptive of some of the most striking scenes of the Taupo and Wairakei districts, with engravings from sketches made by him. At the Board of Education yesterday the chairman read the following statistics in reference to the work of the Training Col„P i. Number of students who have attended since opening in April, ISB2, 109. 2 dumber of ex-students who are still teaching in the public sohools of the colony, 70 3. Number who have died or who have led the servioe, 12. 4. Number at present attending, 25 ; average number of uncertified teachers on correspondence roll from 1882 to ISS7, 60; number of pupil teachers uncertified and certified teachers attending on Saturday, about 170 ; pupil teachers attendina classes on Monday and Thursday afternoons, 50. Of the above students 27 matriculated, a few before, most after, entering the College. After a lengthy passage of 154 days, the barque Lurline came into harbour last night from London and Sharpness. The length of the passage is, however, aooounted for by the fact that she had to put in at three different ports for medical assistance for the master of the vessel, Captain Gibbons, who was eventually landed at Port Elizabeth and from there the chief offioer, Mr, Laws, has been in command. One life was lost during the voyage under circumstances reported in our shipping columns, where a report of the vessel's passage will also be found, with particulars of the vessel's cargo,

The widow of the late Rev. John Hobbs died yesterday afternoon at her house in Beresford street. Mrs. Hobbs had attained the age of SS yeinrs, having coma to New Zealand with her husband, who was one of the early missionaries, about half a century ago. One of his sons is Mr. Riohard Hobbs, JI.H.R. The position of a missionary's wife in the early days was one of no little anxiety and responsibility. Sometimes tho mission station was surrounded by fierce natives, who could only be placated by delicate tact. The missionary's wife had often to face occasions of difficulty and even dauber, and upon her lay the chief burden of Christianising and civilising the Maori women. Mrs. Hobbs was always equal to her duties. Reference will be made in Pittstreet Wealeyan Church, to-morrow evening, to the deceased lady.

Owing to the holidays, the Herald Monthly Summary will be published on Saturday (31st instant), instead of the usual day, Monday. The mail per K.M.s. Zealandift will also close earlier than usual, newspapers being received up to half-past eleven a.tn. on Monday, 2nd proximo.

We understand that there is a probability of another book upon the Northern part of isew Zealand being soon published. The publishers are likely to be Messrs. Sampson, Low and Company, London, and the author is Mr. P. W, Barlow, who has been for several years a settler in the Matakohe distriot. When the work is published wo ■hall take an opportunity of noticing it.

We are sorry to notice the announcement of the death of Henry Johnson,, son of Mr, Mr, H. D. Johnson, Government Agent at Kotorua. The young man came to Auckland a few years ago, and for some time served as a compositor in the Herald office. He was amiable, steady, and well-behaved, and anxious to qualify himself for the duties of life. It was found however that the labour of a compositor, with the late hours which necessarily have to be endured, was too much for him, and at length he went back to Rotoirua. Some months ago he was brought to Auckland, the climate being milder here, but the medical man who attended him gave no hope that he would recover from the disease from which he Buffered, consumption. _He passed away quietly yesterday morning. His father was with him when he died, having been sum* moned from Rotorua about ten days ago.

Yesterday, Mr. Schofield, of Onehunga, who has taken out a patent for fowl food for egg production, showed us what he said was a fair sample of eggs laid by hens using his food. The eggs averaged lib 9Joz per dozen, and the average weight of eggs 'n the shops was found to be lib BJoz per dozen. Mr. Schofield has completed arrangements with Messrs. L. D. iNathan and Company for acting as agents for the sale of his egg producing food. The stewards of the Otahuhu Racing Club yesterday forwarded cards of invitation to tie officers of H.M.S. Diamond, now in port, for their race meeting which takes place to-day. The Auckland Political Financial Associaton have forwarded the following to Messrs. Goldie, Withy, and Monk, with a request that they should obtain the information "A return of the total sum paid by the colony under the head of pensions, compassionate allowances, or compensation for loss of office, made np to the 30 th November, ISS7, and the amount for which provision is made for the financial year ending 31st March, 1888; also a statement giving the names of all persons to whom paid with the annual sum paid to each, the date they entered the public service, the date they ceased to perform their duties* and the salaries they received when first appointed, with the annual rate paid on their leaving the Government service."

A correspondent writes to say that many are under the impression that grand jurymen are paid. They are not paid, and never were.

At the Protestant Hall, Newtoii, yesterday, a largely-attended sale of work was held in aid of the funds of the Primitive Methodist Church, Franklin Road, a Christmas tree being also on exhibition, under the charge of Misses Chambers, and Hales. Mcadames Wilson, Cullen, Walker, and Ward, and suveral young ladies, assisted in the charge of the four fancy-work stalls ; whilst Mesdames Chambers, Maynard, and Weeks presided over the refreshment table, and Mrs. Barker and Mr. W. Hudson over the art gallery. A piano, which discoursed selections of musio during the day, was lent by the London and Berlin Piano Company. In the evening the Newton Brass Band were In attendance. The sale will be continued to-day. The "0" Battery Artillery hold their annual shell practice this afternoon at Fort Resolution, when about twenty rounds will be fired from one of the 64« pounders. All those who take any Interest in the Battery are invited to be present to watch the firing. The target will be moored between the Sean Rook Lighthouse and Kohimarama, well out of the line of navigation, and it is to be hoped that all sailing boats and yachts will keep well out of the line of fire, so as not to delay the shooting. The young ladies attending Miss Vailes private classes received their prizes and dispersed tor vacation yesterday. As is usual in this school, the Board of Education papers for scholarship and pupil teachers' examination were, used as examination papers, and the examiner reports the work was " highly creditable to pupils and teachers." A sale of work waa opened at the Forester's Hall yesterday afternoon in aid of the funds of the Epiphany Church, Newton. The fancy goods with which the stalls are stocked are varied and beautiful, and include drapes, cnshions, toilet covers, and the usual collection of plain and less ornamental though perhaps more useful articles. A costly hand-painted screen and a valuable inlaid work-box are amongst the goods offered for sale. The stalls are presided over by Misses Errington and Thomas, and Mesdames O'Callaghan, Lipscombe, New* begin, and Uaaber. The sale will be continued this afternoon and evening, and in the evening a Christmas tree, laden with handsome gifts, will be displayed. Our Hamilton correspondent telegraphed yesterday :—Messrs. William Wood and William Taylor were the only candidates nominated for the Hamilton Borough Council to-day. Mr. Wood, it is understood, will got the East Hamilton block vote.

Last night "Human Nature" was preMuted at Abbot's Opera House, and there 'San a very fair attendance to witness its Production. To-night it is to be given for the last time; and on Monday the performance will be for the benefit of that sterling 10 tor, Mr. George Leltoh. By special request, '' Harbour Lights" will be again staged, and •no capital comedy of " The Librarian" will *Uo be given. On the last-named evening we trophies given by Mr. Leitch to the Volunteers who • assisted in the drama of " Human Nature" will be presented. Mr. W. K.. Bishop, manager for Bland Holt's company, left Wellington for Auckland by the Wairarapa yesterday to arrange Jot the company's season here.

| The catalouge of Sir George Grey's colleo- ! tlon at the Free Public Library is now complete, "and ready for the printer, Mr. W. R. Cook having been engaged for the pa«t six months in its compilation. Mr. E. Shillington, librarian, and his assistant, Mr. W. L. Covert, are busily employed in the preparation of the catalogue of the books not included in the Grey collection, and the manner in which the work is being performed reflects muoh oredit upon these gentlemen, who have gone to considerable trouble to present to the publio a list showing as far as possible the oontents of the volumes which come within their department, The oatalogue is being so compiled that with the title of eaoh boob will be given a summary of the contents of the volume—a useful means of directing attention to information within the book which may not be indicated in the title. Tenders have been called for printing the catalogues, and the conditions stipulate that the type used shall be brevier, three months to be allotted for the work. The catalogue shall he prefaced with a report of the opening of the Free Public Library, and 100 oopies of the document will probably be printed ; but it has not yet been decided whether the list of the Grey oollection and that of the other books shall be bound in one volume. Mr. Shiilington is of opinion that a separate catalogue will have to be printed for Sir Geo. Grey's works, since the other portion of the Library is continually being added to. A performance of Handel's "Messiah" was given by the Ponsonby Choral Society last night in the All Saints' Schoolroom, which held a large audience, owing to the doors being thrown open free to the publio ten minutes before the concert commenced. The solos were allotted to Mrs. Upton, Mrs. Dacre, Mrs. Bartley, Mrs. Edger, Mrs. Judson, Miss Barnes, and Messrs. Barnes, Taylor, Cardtfr, and Prime; the air, "But thou did'st not leave," sung by Miss Barnes, with its telling bassoon aocompaniment, excellently played, being one of the most effective numbers. Mrs. Prime appeared to great advantage in the air "O, Thou That Tellest," and Mrs. Edgar gave an excellent rendering of "He was Despised." Mrs. Judson's singing in "I Know that my Redeemer," and Mrs. Bartley's rendering of " He Shall Feed," deserve a word of special praise; in faot the solos were as a whole well sang, and more might easily be said in favour of them. The singing of the choruses throughout was characterised by spirit and promptness of attack; thanks to the careful training and clear deoisive boat of the conductor, Mr. Tallis Trimnell, there not being a sign of hesitation in any of them. The orchestra, led by Mr. C. Hemus, was quite equal to its task, though occasionally it showed signs of not being quite in tune in the early part of the evening. As this is the last concert of the season, we will take this opportunity of congratulating the Ponsonby Choral Society upon having successfully given such important works as Uowen's '■ Rose Maiden," Weber's " Jubilee Overture," and Schubert's delightful overture to Rosamunda. It is doing good work, and has our best wishes.

A special meeting of the Harbour Board will be held on Monday evening at seven o'clock, for the purpose of considering proposed amendments in by-laws re tariffs, etc.

The Christmas tree in aid of St. David's Presbyterian Sabbath-school, which was opened on Thursday, was again open yesterday afternoon, at four o'clock, and was patronised to a degree which must have exceeded the mo it sanguine expectations of its promoters. The schoolroom was beautifully decorated with banting, flowers, and other decorations, and presented a most pleasing appearance, while the tree was again liberally replenished with sundry wares. Prior to the concert the Rev. David Bruce delivered a short but excellent speech, in which he expressed his great pleasure he had in meeting the people of St. David's, and congratulated them on their success on the previous evening, and hoped the proceedings of the evening would be equally successful. He referred in eloquent terms to his connection with the congregation in its early days, and touched on the struggles it then had for an existence, and how the many difficulties then encountered had been overcome by the Herculean strength characteristic of, and whioh had been so often displayed by, that congregation. He also congratulated them on securing their present and deservedly popular minister, the Rev. R. Scott West, one whom any congregation. might feel proud of, one distinguished for ability, zeal, and indeed, every quality requisite for an efficient pastor. He farther spoke most hopefully of the fatare of the congregation, and referred to the energetic band of workers in complimentary terms, which bespoke so much for the still greater success to be attained by the congregation in the years to come. Mr. Brace then resumed his Beat amidst applause. Rev. R. S. West, in a few well-chosen words, thanked Mr. Bruce for his excellent speech, and called for a hearty vote of thanks, which was as heartily awarded. The concert, which was under the leadership of Mr. J. H. Edmondes, was an entire success. The following items (to which Mr. Forbes ably played the pianoforte accompaniments) composed the programme:— Glee, "Smile, oh Sun," Glee Class; song, "The Storm Fiend," Mr. Edmondes ; song, "Laddie," Miss Davies ; glee, " Carnovale," Glee Class; pianoforte solo, "Jessie's Dream," Miss Kemp; song, Mr. James Robertson ; glee, " The Prayer," Glee Class ; pianoforte solo, Miss Hayes; song, "Nobody's Darling," Mr. B. Harvey; glee, " The Cloud, etc.. Glee Class; "God Save the Queen." The gross takings for the two nights amounted to the handsome sum of upwards of £43.

Offenbach's comic operas, "Breaking the Spell," and "Hose of Avergne," were produced at the Onehunga Public Hall last evening by the Amateur Operetta Company.

Subjoined is the prize list: of the Remuera Grammar School awarded yesterday, of which Mr. 1 H. T. Pycroft is master: — Latin: Form ii. a, L. C. Claude; ii. b, B. K. G. Dawson. English: A. A. Gover. Mathematics : Form ii. b, W. T. Buckland ; i. a, T. Jackson. Frenoh: Form ii 4 a, C. D. Yonge :i.a, C. Colson. Writing and drawing : C. Colson. Commended: A. T. Py» croft (prox. aco., Latin, Eaglish), F. A. Claude, H. R. Hesketb, M. Buckland.

Yesterday evening a confirmation service was held in St. Sepulchre's Church by Right Rev. Bishop Cowie, assisted by Archdeacon Dudley, and other clergy. There was a full congregation to witness the ceremony, which was conducted by the Bishop, who delivered and earnest practical address to the twelve male and twenty-two female candidates, taking as his text the verse, "Blessed are ye that are not offended in Me."

We have to acknowledge the receipt from Messrs. Sharland and Go., wholesale druggists, of their monthly price list for December., which, by the way, reflects great credit upon the Printing Department of this journal. Among recent importations and introductions therein mentioned is "Jensen's Ood Liver Oil," to which the Sporting and Dramatic News of August last devotes an article on its use as a oattle food, and states its introduction has been due to the success attending experiments made, together with the reasonable price at which the oil is sold.