Untitled

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9057, 18 May 1888, Page 4

We observe that Mr. Samuel is about to introduce his Divorce Amendment Ac into the Assembly, and it is said that it will be in such a form as he believe "will save it from the fate of disallowance at the hands of the Home G° ve J"!!j ment, which has overtaken the x* l ' l passed on the subject by the Legislature of New South Wales." Now this is exactly what should not be done. >> e observe that the Bill formerly pass* by the New South Wales Parliament, and from which the Royal Assent «» withheld, has been re-introduced J that Parliament and read a second tuu with an overwhelming majority, there is no doubt that it will P*J through every stage, and will be ag, presented for Her Majesty's «se>J«| and there can be as . little doubt th» the New Zealand measure for d ivo» went home in almost identic* terms, it would not only n & the position of the New South Wa J measure but ensure its own acceptau It will be recollected that fear o & flict in the marriage relations in , different colonies was i the ' indeed almost the only, objection rau to the allowance of the -meaeuw* { from Sydney, and the the New Zealand Bill from tbatjg of at Sydney the worse the chanc either. It is mutual support u> wanted in the absence of tedera tion; -and as the, New Soiltli" measure for facilitating divorce m«J clamant cases, and which it4>Eg; * won. nigh'commendation at Ho* lS

well as in the colonies from authorities on the law of divorce, must be equally applicable to New Zealand, probably the very best course that could oe taken by Mr. Samuel would be to model his }New Zealand measure on the New South Wales Bill : and certainly, at least, his doing 80 will increase instead of lessening his prospect of obtaining the Royal assent ; for it will indicate to Imperial Ministers the prevalence of a desire throughout all the colonies for giving relief from the marriage-bond in cases ■where from circumstances it may have become cruel and intolerable.

The question of Imperial defence, and the preparedness of England in the event of war, continues to engross public attention et Home, and to afford a subject for discussion both in and out of. Parliament. The resolutions of the Government with regard to the defences have boon carried in the House of Commons. Lord R. Churchill, who, it will be remembered, resigned the Chancellorship of the Exchequer in consequence of the Cabinet declining to sanction his proposals for expending a large sum of money in placing the Imperial coaling stations in an adequate state of efficiency, has been speaking at Preston on this subject, and paints a very bhick picture of tho unreadiness of the army and navy in the event of war breaking out. Tho London newspapers continue to comment on tho ColonialChincse question, the general tenor of their remarks being favourabls to the desire of the colonies to protect themselves against tin influx of Mongolians. The attention of the Chinese G Dvernment fe also directed to the question, and they have forwarded a despatch to the British Cabinet protesting against the action of the Australian colonies as being opposed to the spirit of the treaties made between England and China.

It will be seen from a private cablegram tehich we print in another column that tho Weeleyan Conference at present sitting in Melbourne has refused by an overwhelming majority to grant a separate Conference for Jsew Zealand.

For the first time in its history the New Eealand Medical Association will hold its annual meeting this year in Auckland. It trill assemble on Wednesday next, when papers on various subjects connected with medical science and public health will be read The members will be entertained to

b dinner in the Northern Club during their etay, and a proposal has been made to hold n conversazione in connection with the gathering, in the Auckland Institute.

An inquest was held at the Avondale Asylum yesterday afternoon, before Dr. Philson and a jury, upon the body of Mrs. Swen. who died there yesterday. A verdict of "Died from natural causes" was returned.

At about a quarter to nine o'clock yesterday morning the fire bell at the junction of Grey and yueen streets rang, but fortunately there was little to cause alarm. It appears that a little extra smoke was seen issuing from the chimney of the block of buildings, the upper etorey of which was formerly occupied by the Young Women's institute. The boll was rung by some young , lads who observed the smoke, but the ahum and its cause stopped simultaneously, and the Fire Brigade was not required to turn out.

The Newmarket Borough Council met last night for the transaction of the usual fortnightly business, which was mostly of a routine character. A report of the proceedings is published elsewhere.

At the Police Court yesterday morning, before Messrs. C. C. McMillan, J. Newman, and J. M. McLachlan, there were seven cases of drunkenness and disorderly conduct heard. Four were lined ss, and the rest l()s nnd costs. A woman named Holt was also charged with use of insulting language, but the case was struck out, there being no appearance of the accuser.

Recently, when the deputation from the Financial Reform Association waited upon the Honorable Mr. Fisher, Minister of Education, at the Northern Club, during his late visit to Auckland, a statement was made by a member of the deputation to the effect that there were 2000 houses in Auckland without occupants. This was considered at tie time somewhat an exaggeration, and since then the Mayor (Mr. A. E. Devore) has taken measures to find out the truth of the statement, and Mr. Gulliver, in the course of his duties about the city, has been investigating the matter. The result ia that it hits been found that instead of there being '2000 empty houses, there aro really 757, certainly not over SOO.

During the Police Court proceedings yesterday morning , , which were held by a "Blue Ribbon Bench," Messrs. McMillan, McLachlan, and Newman, the latter suggested to Inspector Broham, who conducted the police cases, that he would do well to eummon the people who supplied liquor to men already well on tho way towards in'toxication, and so try to stop the evil that way. Inspector Broham replied that the hands' of the police were tied, as they could not get at the publicans, who would shield themselves by saying they had given instructions to their employe's not to sell to drunken persons, and if summonsa<j were teeued he would have alight hope of convictions. Mr. Newman rejoined that if this were so, then the next best thing to do would be to make representations to the licensing committees of such houses as were in tho habit of supplying drink as stated. liinj>ector Broham promised he would do vhnc he could in the matter.

A valedictory soiree was tendered to Mr. T. L. Wilcock on Wednesday evening in the Temperance Hall. About 200 friends eat down to tea, and a most enjoyable evening was spent. Mr. Wilcock has been a prominent temperance worker in Auckland, und the various associations were represented among the speakers, the order being fc* follows :—Air. E. Carr, who occupied the chair; Mr. E. H. Taylor, of the Thames ; *|r- W. R. Cook, soc. G.T.M. ; Mr. J. Tremaine, A.T.A. Society ; Mr. J. T. GarJJCk, President G.T.M. ; Mr. J. Jonkin, kood Templars ; and Messrs. J. French, J. 'letcher, and J. Dixon. In the rear of the platform was displayed the benediction, "God bless and prosper thee, our brother. Farewell," and all the speakers bore testimony to Mr. Wilcock's ability and willingness to work, and wished him all success. Mr. P. Beecroft, on behalf of the New Zealand Evangelistic Association, presented Mr. Wilcock with the copy of an address, which ie to be illuminated and forwarded to him jn bunedin. Mr. Wilcock replied in brief but luippy terms, expressing his appreciation of the honour done him, his regret at leaving so many friends, and his determination to devote his whole life to the proclamation of the good newa of " Life only in thrist." The choir ably rendered several Bacred selections, and Mrs. Collings and Mi-su Dixon gave aolos. Mr. and Mrs. vv ilcock leave for Dunedin by the Wairarapa D-day.

In future the evening technical classes in connection with the City Schools Comjnittee, which are now started, will bo held to the new Napier-street school. The second lecture of the course will be given on the evening of May 23rd, by Mr. Jobiah Martin. A set of lithographed drawings j>ave been received from the Working Men's l/Ollege in Melbourne, for the teaching of architectural drawing and building con-

VYo have received a letter from Mr. T. B. aannaford protesting against the fixing of we Upper Queen-street levels. He says :— ho sure as they are fixed and carried out, I? Burel y will Queen-street, as the main rough street, be injured for evermore. " is pitiable to see tho apathy that exists ami u nd over tho ,no6fc vital matters ; «u that certain parties in and out of the 'V Council are going to have a walk over, Jf?,"? as they like for the sole enrichment «their several pockets." bJnl em P}°yt» of the City Council have *W busy during the week in constructing "at promises to be * piece of very good *. in the shape of a footpath in PatterJr;. tr r l ' and in front of Freeman's Bay •aleS? -T ■?/ CoUee Hill. When comtafcJV will be appreciated, and be a %t n „ coon to the numerous pedestrians " 80 use it every day. .highly interesting and instructive leeKillon'u- 2 hvered in the Otahuhu Public ja"" VVedneeday (evening, by Mr. A. G. f* Effect^ he l7 sub J ec u t being "Alcohol, and K™ -n^ 1, the HumaD Body-" The ••Re II" by a number of very •Uy in mT-* 1 Charte ' wuich Helped mat erf. •"isretoitl e lec turer"s remarks fully •*<! Mrw t> ere was a ood attendance, r > VV. R. vvilis was caJled to the

At St. John's Church, Ponsonby, last evening was gathered one of the largest audiences that Pastor George Miiller has had during his week-night services since his arrival in the city. The church was nllod ; every pew was occupied, seats had to be placed along the aisles, and the vestibule was also full. The Rev. C. H. Garland conducted the opening , service, and the Rev. D. W. Runciman was also on the platform. Pastor Mullor chose for the subject of his address Isaiah liii., 5, 6, "He was wounded for our transgressions: He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." The discourse was full of expression and feeling and earnestness. The preacher made a moving appeal to his hearers to try and realise the love that God bore to man in offering His own Son for the sins of the world. Hβ then dwelt upon the all-power-fulness and completeness of tho sacrifice and atonement, stating that all God wanted man to do was to own himself a sinner, repent of his sins, and in that contriteness of attitude ask, in the name of Christ, for forgiveness. If this were done, rest and peace of mind wero assured, and man could look forward, if he continued to strive after holiness, with confidence to the hereafter. The test of a true Christian, he said, was whether a man had but one object in life to life for—the glory of God. The address made a great impression upon those present. Pastor Miiller preaches on Sunday morning at Pitt-street Wesleyan Church, and in the evening at tho City Hall. We were shown yesterday by Mr. James Condon, of the United Service Hotel, one of the largest eels we have seen for some time. It measured 4 feet 3 inches long, was 13 inches in circumference, and 6 inches in diameter. The eel, with several rbhera almost as large, came from the creeks near Western Springs.

It will be satisfactory to learn that our local picture gallery is to have one of the best of Mr. YVatkins , paintings placed in it. Recently a number of Mr. Watkius , pupils, past and present, clubbed together to secure one of his works as a donation to the Gallery, and in connection with this proposal the following correspondence has taken place :— " Auckland, 10th May, ISBB. K. Wntkins, Esq.: Dear sir,—A strong desire having been expressed that one of your pictures should be placed in the Art Gallery of this city, some of your pupils have interested themselves in the .matter, and (together with a donation received from Dr. Campbell) tho sum of £20 has been collected by thorn for this purpose. As it is natural that you should wish to be represented only by one of your best works in this city, in which you have so long and zealously worked for the cause of New Zealand art, it has been suggested that the picture called ' The Home of tho Cormorant ' should bo the one decided upon. We should therefore be pleased to know if you would be willing to dispose of the picture to us for this sum for the nboveinentioned purpose.—We are, etc., Committek." Mr. Watkins replied as follows :—" Ladies and gentlemen,—lt was with the greatest pleasure that I received your intimation that your committee had selected one of my paintings for our Art, Gallery. The sum also collected is ample from a pecuniary point of view. I certainly did intend presenting a painting of my own free will to our Art Gallery, but the one you have chosen is better than any I could have afforded to give. ' The Home of the Cormorant' is a characteristic incident of our beautiful northern province, and is one of my best, if not the best, water colour I have done. Trusting you will reserve forme the copyright.— J am, &c, Kenxeth Watkins." The French Government (writes our London correspondent) have just advertised for a hundred young women willing to enter into the contract of marriage with an equal number of French emigrants, inhabiting an island lying in the vicinity of Noumea. A free passage to the Pacific, and the present of a few hundred francs, increased the attractiveness of tho bait, and the brides expectant are now tn route. They would, probably, not have been deterred had the French Government been ingenuous enough to have informed them that the Isle 01 Pines was their destination, and that for emigrants they might read " habitual criminals."

The following description of life at Broken Hill, dated 19th April, received by a gentleman in Hamilton from a relative employed by a gold mining company there, may be depended upoti :—" The town swarms with hotels of different kinds. Some are fine two and three storeyed buildings built of brick, while others are mere shanties. The population of the town ia about 12,000, but there aro so many mines in the vicinity employing a large number of imea who do all their business and shopping n the town, that you may call the business population at loust 20,000. There are establishments of every description, and they all seem to do a good trade, but the rents in the main streets are very high, as much as 30s per week being paid for one room about 12 feet square. The only artisans who are in brisk demand are carpenters, bricklayers, and blacksmiths. Carpenters regularly employed receive 12s 6d per clay, but casually employed on short jobs get 15s per day ; bricklayers and blacksmiths get 12s per day. There are three newspapers published on the field. As to the health of the place, it is one of the worst in Australia. There were 50 deaths from typhoid last week. I have just recovered from blood-poisoning, having been laid up in bed a fortnight with festering sores all over, and nearly mad with pain."

In an interview published by a Southern paper Mr. James Mills says:—"ln my opinion what is at the bottom of the present stagnation is not so much our public indebtedness, although that is heavy enough, but our large private indebtedness. A vast number of properties are over-mortgaged to our financial institutions which are afraid to realise. It suits them better to keep the securities on thoir books at a fictitious valuation, in the hope that something may turn up to their advantage. The nominal proprietors are really insolvent, and have neither money nor heart to improve and manage their properties as they should be managed. We want to get rid of these insolvent proprietors. Let the mortgagees realise, and when it becomes known outside that properties in New Zealand can be got at fair values, I feel sure men with means will bo attracted to our shores from the neighbouring colonies and the old country. We want capital as well as population, and if we drive away the former the latter will follow. It is going on as we see at present." At the Wesleyan Conference in Melbourne the Rev. George Brown called attention to the difficulty experienced by the Rev. Tear Tack, a Chinese member of that conference, in coming to Victoria. After having secured a passage by the Gabo, in Sydney, the company declined to bring him, although he was a naturalised British subject. After some discussion, it was stated that the Rev. Tear Tack came overland by train, aud was now in Victoria. The matter then lapsed.

Tho following intimations aro from Lloyd's Weekly of April 1 and April 8 :— George J'erkins, able seaman, has not been heard of since he sailed in the Paroora (belonging to the New Zealand Shipping Company) for New Zealand, in 1885. His widowed mother writes for tidings. Henry Poulton was last heard of in New Zealand in 1872, when he said he was working at the Rangitata bridge, then in course of erection. In writing to his mother last he gave the addross, "Post Office, Timaru," and it is she who now seeks him. Henry and Alfred Fawkes (father and son) wont out to New Zealand about 15 years ago, and 12 years ago Ann Maria I'awkes (daughter of - tho former) heard from an aunt, now deceased, that her brother was a prosperous farmer in New Zealand. She would like to know if her father is still living. William George Harding loft in tho Taranaki for New Zealand in August, 1882, as a blacksmith, and has not been heard of since. His father writes. Mary Ann Cummin (nee Macdonald) sailed in the Jabilee for New Zealand in March, 1873, and has not been heard of since 1880, when she was at 27, Ed ward-street, Redfern, Sydney. Her poor father longs to hear of her. A sufferer in an infirmary would like to trace his father and brothers and sister, believed to be in Australia or New Zealand. They went out at different times. Mr. Charles Fowke, the father, a land surveyor, was last heard of at Brisbane 10 years ago ; Charles Fowke, tho younger, sailed with his family for Auckland 12 years ago ; Edward Fowke, carpenter, went away with his three children 15 years ago ; and Mktilda Fowke, who went away about 1868, married an officer in the Australian army named Bell, the eon of a doctor.

Yesterday morning at the Resident Magistrate's Court, Dr. Giles remarked that he thought the sum of three guineas for counsel's fees in a case where the amount is above £20 was too high. There were instances'in which it went against his grain to award such high costs, and he' intended to consider the matter. He was of opinion that a scale of costs should bo drafted, and the amount in each case might depend upon whether the action was defended or not. The present fees, in a case where the amount claimed was above £20, pressed unduly upon the defendant.

The immigration and emigration returns for the month of April last show the total arrivals in the colony to be 725 ; the total departures from the colony 1725 ; and the total estimated population of the colony on the 31st March last 646,913. Writing on April 6, our London correspondent says:—"Sir William Pearce, Bart., M.P., is believed to be financially interested in more than one New Zealand concern. It is satisfactory to note that he regards the so-called • depression ' under which the colony is supposed to be labouring, with easy indifference. He has just had built for his personal use one of the most perfect yachts ever launched on the Clyde. It is 735 tons, 216 A feet in length, 27 feet in breadth, and 19 feet in depth, and will be propelled by triple expansion engines, indicating 1400 horse-power. The accommodation is spacious, well-planned, and replete in all respects. The cabins are luxuriously furnished, and the yacht will be supplied with a complete electric light installation."

A meeting of representative tradesmen was lately hold in Christchurch to consider the necessity of taking combined action in consequonce of the competition from church bazaars. It appears that tradesmen are frequently called upon by customers to contribute, gratuitously, goods of various kinds to bo disposed of at bazaars. These goods having been obtained for nothing, are often retailed by the stall-holders at prices less than they would be sold by the tradesman, who is thus " hoist with his own petard." After some discussion, the meeting was adjourned. Wβ learn from our London correspondent that Mr. E. A. Petherick's " Bibliography of Australasia" is now appearing in his magazine, the Torch. He shows that a project was on foot, even in the days of the Virgin Queen, to settle the unknown lands of the South. King James I. was also fruitlessly petitioned for liberty to colonise " All ye lands in ye south parts of ye world called ' Terra Australis.'" Later on, but still half a century before Captain Cook's discoveries, a certain Captain John Welbe, who circumnavigated the world with Dampior between 1703 and 170(5, made certain " proposals," in which he referred to Australia in the following singular terms :— " Having many extraordinary opportunities of satisfying and informing myself of what discoveries have been made by order of the Viceroys of Peru for 150 years past, I am thereby well assured that the islands named St. George's Islands, New Wales, and some other islands thereabouts, which abound with mines of gold and silver, belong to no European prince or State, and are therefore free for the first discoverer to take possession of, which mines the undertaker doubts not to prove will enrich the British nation upwards of £50,000,000 sterling if taken possession of." It may console Sir Henry Parkes to find the name of his colony so much older than he considers. It is certainly very singular that, by accident or design, the future mineral wealth of the continent should have been so accurately predicted.

A curious double bankruptcy has occurred at Masterton, Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Pelling, formerly carrying on a confectionery business, having been adjudged bankrupts on separate petitions.

The members of the English football team were present at the Columbia Skating Rink last night. A polo mutch, in which the visitors will probably take part, is to be played at the rink on Monday evening ; and it is likely that a skating race between the English footballers will bo held at tho Columbia Rink during their stay in Auckland.

A Government drill of the Auckland, Ponsonby, Waitemata, and Dovonport corps of Naval Artillery will be held at the Drill-shed this evening at half-past seven o'clock. Cap-tain-Commandant Leßoy desires that every member will make an endeavour to be present, and that the band will also be in attendance. In consequence of next Thursday being Queens Birthday Mr. A. Buckland's usual sale of stock will be held on Wednesday, May 23rd, at one o'clock. All stock must be sent by rail on Tuesday.