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New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9009, 23 March 1888, Page 5

Our cable despatches to-day state that the health of the German Emperor is improving, and that the hope is entertained that a permanent change for the better in his condition has taken place. On the other hand the Prince of Wales is credited with the extraordinary statement that the Emperor is doomed, as his malady must have a fatal termination. His Majesty, however, has been doomed so often, and has had so many miraculous escapes from cancer and conspirators, that notwithstanding the illustrious character of his latest pro]met of evil one may still be permitted to cherish the hope that his end is a far way off yet. According to an Italian military journal published in Rome, war between France and Italy was in imminent danger of breaking out, and was only averted by the prompt measures adopted by the Italian Government. Another theatre horror is reported. At Oporto a lire broke out in a theatre during the performance, and eighty occupants of the gallery, unable to effect their escape, perished in the flames. The lot of the Irish tenants is in a fair way of becoming an uncommonly enviable one. Having in a measure got rid of the incubus of arrears of rents, a paternal parliament has now relieved them in the same way of their other debts. The Local Government Bill introduced in the House of Commons is condemned by the Conservative press, and eulogised by Lord Hartington.

Telegraphic communication between Auckland and Wellington was again seriously delayed last night owing to a break at a point /south of Napier. These breaks are of constant occurrence, ' and greatly retard che forwarding and receiving of messages. Considering that Auckland is the most important telegraph otliee in the colony and the best paying, the apathy displayed by the (Government in ensuring it against these serious delays and annoyances is doubly reprehensible. The Hon. Mr. Mitchelson will be in Auckland in the course of a few days, and it is very desirable that the presence of a Cabinet. Minister in the town should be taken advantage of by the business community to urge upon the Ministry the imperative importance of taking action to provide against the recurrence of these interruptions in telegraphic communication.

Yesterday Admiral Fairfax was busy in connection with matters relating to the departure of H.M.s. Nelson for Sydney. In the afternoon the Admiral and .Mrs. Fairfax were present in the Albert Park at the performance of the Russian band. Mrs. Fairfax, Miss Dundas and Mademoiselle Ameris were at the Kindergarten promenade concert in the evening, but the Admiral was unable to attend. To-night, Admiral and Mrs. Fairfax have notified their intention of being present at the organ recital in St. Paul's Church, and will also be present in the afternoon at the Royal Horticultural Society's Show.

The criminal sittings of the Supreme Court were completed yesterday afternoon. Archibald Douglas, arraigned on a charge of administering medicine to procure abortion or miscarriage, was found guilty. Owing to his great age and previous good character, he was sentenced to only six months' imprisonment, without hard labour. The civil sittings of the Court commence at ten o'clock this morning.

The Rotomahana brought up from the Thames, yesterday, four boxes of gold (37070z) consigned to the Bank of New Zealand.

Mr. W. R. Wilson, the purchaser of the New Find mine and battery, is an old New Zealander. He spent several years on the West Coast during the early and palmy days of that locality. He paid a visit to this province some years ago. He had then been very ill, but was greatly improved by the use of the baths at Rotorua. especially by one at • Whakarewarewa. When Mr. Wilson left for New Zealand this time, hr was so disabled by rheumatism that he had to get down to "the steamer on crutches. He spent three weeks at Rotorua, patronising chiefly the baths at Whakarewarewa. He has now thrown his crutches away, and walks as freely as any man.

Yesterday afternoon Captain Avellan and several officers of the' Russian warship Rvnda paid a visit to the Calliope Dock. They proceeded direct to the dock wharf from the corvette, and were received by Mr. W. R. Waddel, Chairman of the Harbour Board, Messrs. M. Niccol, J. M. Brigham, P. Lanigan, dock contractor, and Captain Burgess, harbourmaster. The party made a thorough inspection of the dock, pumping' machinery, &<■., and the Russians expressed a very high opinion of the extent of the dock, and the completeness and efficiency of the appliances.

The regular meeting of the Newmarket Borough Council was held lust night. Present: Messrs. W. Morgan (Mayor), Holmes, Lumpkin, Kent, Rose, Whisker. Burgess, Wyman, Bishop, and Hogg. The Secretary of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board intimated the resignation of Mr. S. T. George, and asked the Boroughs of Newmarket, Parnell, and Newton to recommend some gentleman as his successor, who would be willing to act. A letter was received from the Newton Borough Council appointing Mr. R. T. Warnock as a delegate to represent the borough in the appointment of a member. It was decided that the Mayor be appointed delegate to represent the borough. Mr. Bishop said he would wish to have their former representative, Mr. Suiter, appointed, as he was In favour of having the Refuge built at Ellerslie, which was opposed by Newton, and he proposed that he be nominated for the position. This was seconded by Mr. Rose, and carried. Dr. Erson reported a case of typhoid in Hill-street. Mr. John Garlick wrote, comElaining of nuisances caused by a neighour, Mr. Louis Schapp, in erecting a .structure similar to a stable on the front boundary of his property. A down-pipe from the roof carried the water to the footpath, ■where it lodged, thus creating a nuisance at his (Mr. Garlick's) gate. Mr. Schapp also had his vehicle washed at the side of the road, thus creating a further nuisance, and he asked the Council to protect the residents from such nuisances. Mr. Holmes, contractor for the building complained of, said the building was not finished, and should not be dealt with until it was out of the hands of the contractor. The drainage in this case was not finished. After some discussion as to why the by-laws had not been printed and enforced, the complaint was referred to Mr. Bruce, the Bnilding Inspector, to report upon.

• At a meeting of the Library Committee it was decided to recommend the City Council to grant permission to Messrs. Garlick and Cranwell to test the tubular bells in the tower of the Free Public Library. The request is likely to be acceded to, a's Councillor Atkin has been induced to take a broader view of matters. In the event of the Council refusing, Bishop Luck has kindly given permission to Messrs. Garlick and Cranwell to try the experiment with the bells in the tower of St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Some of the brewers have already picked a hole in the Ponsonby licensing nominations of the temperance party, and if beaten again would still be able to upset the elections. It appears that in the brewers' nominations the phrase used is " as a candidate for the office of member of the licensing committee," while in the temperance nominations the form used is "as a candidate for the office of licensing committeeman." There does not seem much in the contention, for in the schedule of nomination in the Act the phrase is not specified, but left blank with the words between Earenthesis (name the office). Both parties five named the office in their own phraseology. As showing the slovenly and slipshod way in which everything has been done, the very nomination forms forwarded by the City Council to Mr. Collins are of no earthly use, and will have to bo returned. They are drawn up for the nomination of city councillors, not of licensing committeemen.

It is said the cart and other vehicular licenses taken out at the Municipal Corporation offices show a considerable inLorease.

It is not always a medical man gets the thanks of his patient after recovery. Dr. Bayntun, however, has the privilege of enjoying this pleasure. A lad named J. Connor, in Parnell, has been under the doctor's care for some time past, suffering from typhoid fever and a number of other complaints, and for having pulled the lad safely through, his father has sent a letter expressive of the thanks felt for the successful treatment of his son.

The following are the names of the eight ladies whose applications for tho post of lady assistant at the Art Gallery were weeded out of the (10 forthcoming for further consideration :—Mrs. H. M. F. 'Cameron, Misses M. E. Allen, E. Ellis, Ida E. Ellison, E. Hay, A. K. Fisher, M. Gilmer, and M. G. Wells. These eight ladies are summoned to attend at the Municipal Office this afternoon, at four o'clock, when the final selection will be made.

The magnificent band of H.I.R.M.s. Rynda gave a performance yesterday afternoon in Albert Park. By three o'clock three thousand persons had assembled, a space being roped-off for the performers, and the ground kept clear, so that all might see and hear with comfort. On the band of the Russian warship coming ashore at the Queen-street Wharf, in charge of a lieutenant. they were received by Captain Gcddes, of the " A" battery, who accompanied them to the Park. The following was the programme arranged for the occasion : March, "Old Hunter" Recsner; overture, " Dutspiel," Keller Bela; waltz from " Eugeny Oneguine." Tchaykopsky ; serenade and aria (solo baritone), Apolloni ; melodic, from the opera " Life for the Czar," Glinka ; polka, Recsner ; pot-pourri from Russian songs, MasskotV; waltz, "Dorothy," Celier; pot-pourri from " Balet Mlcla," Mincus ; quadrille, Lobry ; potpourri from opera " Zigeunes," Baron Strauss; march, "Sultan Hamid," Gambra. The English Anthem. By special request. the Russian National Anthem was added to the programme. The performance was a great musical treat, and those present manifested their pleasure by repeated plaudits. At the close Captain Geddes took the members of the band to tho Albert Hotel, where they were suitably refreshed. Before parting he took occasion, on behalf of His Worship the Mayor, to thank the band for their services, and expressed regret that the stay of the Rviula was so short, as also a hope that the visits of the Russian warships might become more frequent, and the Russians and the colonists come to know each other better. The lieutenant in charge of the party interpreted the speech to the men. who at once took off their hats and gave three cheers for the Aueklanders. Admiral Fairfax and Mrs. Fairfax visited the Park during the performance of the band. There are four of the officers of the Rynda who served in the Russo-Turkish war, and two of them were in the torpedo affair in the Danube, which ended in the destruction of some Turkish gunboats.

It does not appear to bo generally known that by a regulation of the Admiralty and Colonial Office the commander-in-chief of naval and military stations is entitled by courtesy in the Australasian colonies, the Dominion of Canada, and India, to the title " His Excellency." As a matter of fact all the Australasian Governments in their correspondence with Admiral Fairfax so address him. New Zealand is the only exception, and that arises simply from their ignorance of official etiquette.

At a recent sitting of the Sydney Legislative Council a most disgraceful scene t >ok place, in which the knight larrikin, C. McElhone, was the leading figure. In addressing the Minister for Education, the following were some of the choice epithets used : —" You lousy Scotch coward," " You Scotch dog," " You cowardly liar," " What about your rotten tea ?" Ac. A pugilistic encounter was with difficulty averted.

A meeting of the Ponsonbv Regatta Club was held last night in the Pen son by Club Hotel, Mr. F. W. Edwards presiding. The report of the Course Committee was read and adopted. It was decided to arrange for steam communication to the flagship from Queen-street and Ponsonby, and the matter was entrusted to a sub-committee. The time for receiving entries was fixed for Wednesday, the '-JSth inst., from eight to ten p.m., at the Club Hotel, the entrance tees to be 5 per cent, on the first prizemoney. The election of officers for the conduct of the racing was then decided, Captain W. Farquhar being chosen starter, Mr. W. J. Rees umpire, and Mr. T. T. Masetield judge. It was resolved to advertise for tenders for a band to supply music on the flagship on Easter Monday. This was all the formal business, but it was stated that the whole arrangements for the meeting were beingcompleted to the satisfaction of the committee. Subscriptions were coming in fairly well, while the number of entries promised to be very large. Altogether the regatta for 18SS bids fair to be a thorough success, and once again a permanent annual fixture.

At the forenoon session of the Rink yesterday there were 10." ladies present, the largest number that has yet attended since it lias been opened. As a means of social recreation it is superseding evening dances.

On Wednesday evening Captain Avellan, of H.I.R.M.s. Rynda, entertainedtheofficers of H.M.s. Nelson. A very pleasant evening was spent, the band playing at intervals some choice selections of music. To-day, by permission of Captain Avellan, the Rynda will be open for inspection, as also on Sunday next, from two to half-past five p.m. The Devonport Ferry Company will run steamers at intervals to the Rynda. Return fare, sixpence.

The twenty-ninth annual meeting of the Australian Mutual Provident Society will be held in Sydney on Wednesday, the 16th May, for the purpose of receiving the annual report, electing two directors, declaring the amount of divisible surplus for the year ending 31st December, and of receiving the report and recommendations of the directors on the society's scheme of superannuation.

Among the passengers by the Mararoa yesterday for Wellington was Professor Thomas, who proceeds thither at the instance of the Government, in order to make investigations as to the disease which has broken out among the rabbits in the Wairarapa district. This disease has thinned out the rabbits, and the question he is desired to solve is whether the disease can be transferred to other districts, so as to reduce or eradicate the rabbit pest.

There were a large number of visitors yesterday at the Art Gallery, many of those visiting the Albert Park taking a look in and inspecting the pictures.

A very pleasant meeting was held last evening in the Temperance Hall under the auspices of the Gospel Temperance Mission. Mr. Garlick, the president, presided. One special feature of the gathering, which took the form of a " coffee social," was the wonderful feats of physical strength performed by Mr. John Moss. A considerable proportion of the company were young men, who were much interested in the performance, expressing their appreciation by prolonged applause. Mr. Moss made a brief speech, showing the evil to young men mentally, morally, spiritually, and physically, by conforming to the drinking habits of the day, and exhorted them to virtue and temperance. He still keeps open a challenge to contest feats of strength with any other athelete in Aucklandexcepting total abstainers. We have to hand a pamphlet on "The Hob Springs of Rotoruu," by Dr. Alfred Ginders, the medical superintendent of the Government Sanatorium, Rotorua. It is reprinted from the New Zealand Medical Journal. An excellent description is given of the baths and of their curative properties. Speaking of the shower baths, ho says:—"These works have been designed and executed by Mr. C. Malfroy, C.E. The skill and ingenuity displayed by this gentleman in the application of hydraulic ejectors to the raising and lowering of the temperature, and the production of artificial drainage on a dead level, are beyond all praise."

The Auckland College and Grammar School swimming matches take place this afternoon at the City Baths. The programme consists of fourteen events, including a tug-of-war and wreckers' competition — boat to be upset in deep water by its occupants, who are fully dressed, the first to get astride the keel wins the prize. Over a hundred entries have been received, and with fine weather a good afternoon's sport may be expected. First race to start rffc half-past one.

A lad named William Donovan fell over lie embankment at, Lower Hobaon-streec, md broke is thigh. He was removed to the District Hospital, where he la now progressing favourably.

The autumn show of the Royal Horticultural Society, which is to be opened to-day by His Worship the Mayor, promises to be one of the most successful exhibitions held by the society. The number of entries is larger than 011 previous occasions, and no doubt tho exhibits, which will consist of fruit, cut flowers, pot and foliage plants, vegetables, &c., will not be inferior in quality to those displayed at former shows. Last night a number of workmen and others were busily engaged in decorating the Drill-shed with evergreens, and erecting tables. The show is to be under the patronage of Admiral Fairfax, Captain Hammil, and the officers of H.M.s. Nelson, Captain Avellan and the officers of the Rynda. For this afternoon and evening the services of Impey's band have been engaged, while to-morrow afternoon the Russian band from the Rynda will discourse the following selections:—March, "Skobeloff" (Zotoff); French overture (Keller Bela); waltz, from ballot" Bayandere"(Mineua); "Pot-Pourri," from the opera "Corneville Bells" (Planquet); Spanish dances (Classy); polka (Faust); "Pot-Pourri," from the opera " Madame Archidine" (Offenbach); waltz, "Cordial Compliment" (Strauss); "PotPourri," from the opera "Boccaccio" (Zuppe); Stephanv, " Gavotte'' (Zeboulka); quadrille, " Warlich" (Lobry); march, " Honoloulou " (Kysten); English Anthem.

The Auckland Roller Mills (Mr. R. R. Hunt, manager) have been standing for some time ponding the erection of new and improved machinery, obtained from England. The machinery is of the latest and finest in the class of roller milling. It is made by Mr. H. Simon, of Manchester, the well-known maker of milling machinery. It hits been erected by Mr. P. J. Cullen, the representative of Mr. Simon. The mills started on Wednesday, and the muchinery is now working satisfactorily. In a few days an excellent stock of roller flour, made at the mills, will be in the market. In a few days we shall notice the machinery more in detail.

A sacred concert in aid of St. Paul's organ fund will be held in the church this evening. The programme, which will bo found in our advertisement columns, includes a number of selections of a highclass character, and has been arranged with great care and judgment. The organist of the church (Mr. J. T. Knight) and Mr. Trimnell, of St. Mary's, with Mr. H. F. Windsor on the violoncello, will supply the instrumental portion, whilst the principal vocal items will be rendered by Mesdames A. Coates, Raynes, and Williams, Misses Ring, Bealo, and Mackie, Messrs. Worrall, Smythe, and Schilling.

The concert to be given by the members of he Nelson and Impoy's Bands to-night should prove a financial success. The arrangements have been made at rather too short notice, but. the combined bands had a first-class rehearsal of their several pieces on Wednesday evening, and the object should be good enough to draw a good "house." It is very seldom the public of Auckland have a chance of hearing such a large band as these two together, numbering close on 50 performers.

At St. Sepulchre's schoolhouse, Symondsstreet, this evening, the Rev. T. H. Plant will give an address to the children of the Sunday-schools, their parents, and friends. Mr. Plant is a well-known and able member of the Mfelanesian Mission staff, and an interesting speaker. A very pleasant evening may be ahticipated.

There were in the lock-up last evening two men for drunkenness, and John Wakeham, a deserter from H.M.s. Diamond, who was arrested in the Hobsonville district yesterday morning by Detective Herbert and Mounted-Trooper Kelly. He was working as a gumdigger. There are four or five deserters still at large working in the bush. A special excursion will bejmado to .Riverhead to-morrow by the p.s. Tainui, calling at Hobsonville and Pine Island.

Messrs. Vaile and Douglas are to sell today at two p.m. several very good properties —two farms and some city property situated in Gundry-street, Newton. No doubt any one wanting cheap properties will to-day have an opportunity of acquiring; such.

The commodious livery and bait stables, iu Albert-street, so well and favourably known as Quick's horse bazaar, and now in the occupation of Messrs. Dignan and Co., will be submitted to public auction by Mr. D. F. Evans, on Monday next, '2(jth inst.

We beg to draw attention to Messrs. B. Tonks and Co.'s new advertisement in the third page of this day's issue.

In the report of the Waikato Horticultural Society's Show, the special prize for an extra exhibit of colonial-made stoves awarded to Mr. H. H. Smith, was accidentally omitted.

The City Council invite tenders for handrail in the Art Gallery.

Nominations for the extraordinary vacancy in Sussex Ward, Borough of Newton, require to be made on Saturday, 31st March. Notice is given in our advertising columns that a petition will he presented to the Assembly for the introduction of a Bill intituled The Orakei Native Reserve Act, ISSS.