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New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9076, 9 June 1888, Page 4

Our cablegrams this morning convey the gratifying intelligence that the New Zealand loan has been a pronounced success in spite of the hostile attacks of the London financial journals. The situation in Europe does not appear to have undergone any alteration. Russia appears to have subsided into a condition of quiescence, while the other Powers seem to regard the position of affairs* as less critical than a week ago. The erection of a costly rcredos in St. Paul's, said to have cost £30,000, ie likely to lead to litigation, proceedings having been commenced against the Dean and Chapter to remove it, on the ground that it is idolatrous.

At the recent meeting of the Chamber of Commerce, the question of duties being levied upon goods transhipped was raised^ and the Treasurer was communicated with by telegraph on the subject. Sir H. Atkinson replied as follows :—" There must have been some mistake. No duty will be charged on goods transhipped. I hope matter is now put right." To this the chairman of the Chamber of Commerce replied as follows :—'' Thanks for telegram re transhipment of goode. Have interviewed Collector of Customs, who will communicate with you."

A meeting of the Political Reform Association was held yesterday to receive the report of the committee in regard to the tariff and other matters connected with taxation. Mr. J. MoLachlan presided. There was a fair attendance and considerable discussion, and finally the report was adopted. The proceedings are reported in another column.

The Bank of New Zealand authorities (says the Waikato News) are making several alterations in the managers of their estates in Waikato. Mr. Nicholas I. Hunt, who, for some years past, has been the manager of the Gorton Estate, has been promoted to the managership of Matamata, and leaves shortly to take over the duties of his new position. Mr. Hunts departure from Cambridge will be cause of general regret, as he is deservedly popular all round. His promotion to the managership of so large an estate as Matamata is, however, a tribute to his ability. Mr. Hunt will be succeeded at Gorton by Mr. Seddon, jun., late of WaitoaA telegram as follows was received yesterday by Mr. S. E. Hughes :—•" Port Albert Agricultural Society have passed a resolution unanimously condemning the Codlin Moth AsL'i

His Honor Mr. Justice Gillies returned on Thursday last from the sittings of the Court of Appeal at Wellington, and will open the criminal sittings of the Supreme Court on Monday at eleven o'clock. l n order to clear off accumulations His Honor will sit in Chambers at half-past nine o'clock on Monday morning. In another place we publish the list of criminal and civil cases set down for hearing at the prosent sittings of the Court.

It will be recollected that recently Geo Williams and Emily Bertha Miller wero arrested on a charge of falsely representing themselves to be man and wife, and thus obtaining employment from Mr. Thompson at Shaftesbury, near Te Aroha. It transpired that they were not man and wife, th e woman being the wife of Mr. George Miller of Hokianga, and having eloped with Wfl. Hams, , passing &% his wife. Mr. Griffiths solicitor acting for Mr. Miller, haa now filed a petition for divorce on the grounds of his wife's adultery, and Williams is mads co-respondent. The papers have been dulyfiled in the Supreme Court, and a copy of the petition forwarded to the AttorneyGeneral, but the citations have not yet been served.

Yesterday afternoon H.M.s. Egeria, Captain P. Aldrich, returned to this port, after a six weeks' surveying cruise between New Zealand and Tongatabu. She will make a stay of about ten days.

The anniversary entertainment of the Grafton Band of Hope was largely attended on Thursday evening, and a first-class programme was submitted to the audience. Mr. A. F. Burton, the newly-appointed secretary, read a very encouraging annual report and balance-sheet, showing income £13 10s 6d, leaving a credit balance of £11 8 ' The chairman, Rev. Mr. Salter, delivered a spirited address on "Prohibition." The evening's programme included and recitations, by members ; glees and musical selections, by the Newmarket band and the Grafton choir, under the direction of Mr. Gatland ; pianoforte duets, by Miss Davidson and Mr. Adams ; violin solos, by Messrs. Bush and Sheffield ; a humourous poem, by Mr. Blackman ; English and Scotch airs on musical glasses, by Mr. Laughton ; " Lord Dundreary's Proverbs" (in character), Mr. Comrie ; and " Imitations of an Auckland amateur concert" (very amusing), by Mr. Harrison. The whole terminated with a general vote of thanks and the Benediction, pronounced by Mr. J. Burton.

On Monday evening a dramatic performance will be given in the Opera House in aid of the funds of the Ladies' Benevolent Society, an object which ia deserving highly of public support. The performance—which is announced as under the patronage of the Mayor and City Councillors, Colonel Shepherd, and the various officers and men of the volunteer corps and naval brigades, Superintendent Hughes, and the members of, the Fire Brigade—will consist of the attractive and sensational play of " Borealis, or the Seaman's Star," which was produced some time ago. The various artistes who on that occasion so successfully rilled the several roles will again sustain their respective parts, including the two exceptionally clever childaotressess Miss Thornton and Miss Andrews, of whose performance it is impossible to speak too highly. The piece will be elaborately mounted, Mr. Thornton, the wollknown scenic artist, having painted some very fine and effective scenery for it. It will be noticed from an advertisement in to-day's issue that Colonel Shepherd has granted permission to volunteers to appear in uniform, and that the Artillery Band will play a number of selections previous to the performance. Considering the laudable object of the entertainment, and the great expense and trouble which have been involved in its arrangement, we hope there will be a liberal response on the part of the public, and that the Opera House on Monday ovenng will be rilled to its fullest capacity.

A handicap sweepstakes has been arranged to take place to-day, between the whole of the members of the Gordon Rifles, at the Mount Eden range, and it is expected that the match, which was arranged some time ago to take place between the recognised first team of 10 against anyother 12 in the company (and postponed until to-day, on account of the unfavourable weather) will also take place. Fine weather and a good attendance of members only are desired..to make the shooting- a success.

We are sorry to learn that Tβ Hira Kawau, of Orakei, is very ill. There is something wrong with his throat, and he believes it is the same complaint as affects the Emperor of Germany. Te Hira is a son of old Apihai te Kawau, who was the principal chief of all this district in the old time, and sold the land on which Auckland stands to the Government.

Tawhiao and several chiefs of his party hare arrived at Mercer, bringing with them from the Upper Waikato the bones of Potatau, the first Maori King, and several others of their ancestors. It is said they are going to place these remains at Kaipara, although we should think that an unlikely place, Doing outside of the land owned by the Waikato tribes. In all probability the natives will not tell where the remains are deposited. Tawhiao will visit the native settlement at Waiuku, and then will come on to Mangere.

Mr. G. W. Basley, Deputy Registrar of the Supreme Court, was yesterday sworn in as Sheriff of Auckl&nd, before His Honor Mr. Justice Gillies. Mr. Basley had made no application for the appointment on the resignation of Mr. H. C. Baddeley, although he was one of the applicants at the time Mr. Baddeley was appointed successor to the late Major Green. In a letter published in Wednesday's paper signed " Joseph Ormrod," respecting the difference between the qualities requisite to manage the railways here and in England, the word "operator" was used, but was misprinted " operative. In this particular case there was a great deal of difference between the meanings of the words.

Mr. Duncan Wright conducted evangel istic services in the Presbyterian Churca Avondale, on Wednesday, Thursday, anc Friday. The attendance increased eaci evening, and also the interest manifesteo in the meetings, and it is believed muct good will result. Mr. Wright commencek at St. David's on Sunday. Those who remembes his visit there nearly two yeara since, are hoping for good results from this mission.

It will be recollected that some time ago competitive designs for laying out One-tre« Hill as a domain and ornamental grounds were called for and a prize of £25 was offered for the successful design. Nineteen designs were sent in, and that of Mr. Louch, under the motto " Puriri," has been accepted. Mr. Louch, therefore, wins the prize, but it has not yet been decided when the plan will be carried into effect.

A Scottish entertainment of a very pleasing character was given last night in the Masonic Hall, Karangahape Road, and there was a fair attendance. Mr. Ferguson cave a lecture on Scottish poets, his lecture being illustrated by songs given by a number of ladies and gentlemen, after which a number of reels, strathspeys, &c, wer ? danced, the dancers being in Hignlana costume. At the Foresters' Hall, Karangahape Road, last evening, was exhibited a magic lantern entertainment comprising a series of views of Australasia and Europe, interspersed with humorous sketches. The nau was packed with children, who seemed w enjoy the exhibition exceedingly. In the lock-up last evening, there were two cases of drunkenness, and a man namea Michael Coyle, arrested by Constable Lilies from Napier, on warrant for having done malicious injury to the property « Elizabeth Burton, Wellesley.street, Napier, to the extent of £3 on March 2nd. " Bono pro Publico" writes, complaining that in awarding the prizes at the SkatinCarnival there was a great deal of un air ness, and instances the costume of yuee Elizabeth, which, although a magnihcenß dress, was unsuitable for' rinking.. £ failed to see why the Waterbury Wag should gain a prize, as in his opinion thj sandwich man was the most original, » suggests on future occasions the. pro should consist of medals with suitoWe inscriptions, and as to the judging, he » " every person, on enteringr the rink, w furnished with a card, specially printed. which to note the costume each> thoug neer, both of Auckland.

The Wellington Catholic Times reviews Ihe Papal decree published amongst the ews by the last San Francisco mail, and Lvb that the text, if it be an authentic translation, contains indications that the decision of the Apostolic See has been arrived at on incorrect, or at least insufficient information, or on correct and sufficient information wrongly construed. The article, having pointed out that the decree •tntes that it cannot be considered " permissible that rents should be extorted from tenants and deposited in the hands of unknown persons, to the detriment of the landowners," proceeds as follows : —" Now, the Plan of Campaign, as we have been taught to understand it by those who conceived this ingenious weapon of defence, was not instituted by any means for the purpose of ' extorting' rents from ♦ho tenants to the detriment of the land\rrrdt, and though in some few instances, none'of which, however, have come under public notico, an illegitimate use may (rive been made of the Plan, in the vast majority of cases the tenants, of their own free will, have unanimously agreed to have recourse to ib for their own protection, and for the protection of tho mo? t vital interests or their families." The Times does not accept as definite or authentic the text of the decree as published. The re-discovery of gold in Ceylon (says the Ceylon Observer of April 25), through a period of appreciable nuggets (one or two wciirhin? over an ounce each) in tho Akuressa or rather Morowaka district of the Southern Province, is amongst the interesting news of the week. The diggings are alluvial —indeed, the gold ha:s been found in digging on the side of a stream for m? ; but the circumstances are favourable end promising, and the site deserves to be thoroughly explored.

About H o'clock last nig'ife Constable McCoy arrested a sailor who was drunk and disorderly, and using obscene language in Queen-street, near the Wharf Hotel. The man, who gave the name of Thomas McLoodi was m company with a number of companions. When arrested he struggled violently, and the constable got his knee so seriously hurt that he had to go off duty.

A correspondent suggoste that now that •'The Kfliiri Timber Company" is successfolly floatod, it is sincerely to be hoped that e Fimilar syndicate may be formed in connection with mining interests ab the Thames. Deep sinking will never takeplace as long as the ground is held by a lot of small claims, as it is only by amalgamation of interests that the quality of the ground can be successfully developed.

The Thames Rifle Rangers have decided to disband, and will tender their resignation flt once

Tho Kansas Legislature offered a bounty of 2 cente per lb on all sugar made from Borghum, beets, or other sugar-yielding crops grown in the state ; and Congress made an appropriation to encourage experimenta in the diffusion process. Stimulated bv those offers, the Parkinson mill at Fort Boot secured a supply of cane from the farmers in the vicinity by contracting for it in the spring. In its operations in the fall it consumed 2540 tons of cane, grown on 400 acres of land. The product was 535,5261b of sugar, worth 5| cents per lb —13,55>1k101; of syrup, worth 20 Knte per gal—10,20Odol; 467 tons of seed estimated at TOOOdol, to which is to bo added the state bounty of 2 cents per lb on the sugar —4716d0l — making the whole receipt* 34,476d01. The expenses were : 3540 tons of cane at 2dol per ton—"GSOdol; P67 tons of seed at 2dol per ton—l!343dol; labour, fuel, salaries, insurance and incidentals—l 1,13*2d01: total, 21,746d01. This leaves a net profit of 13,299d01. The State lav, giving a bounty, required that the sugar should contain 90 per cent, of crystallL*ed sugar ; the quality of the article made et the mills was 93 per cent. This is a pood season's work, certainly. Deducting tho bounty of 2 cents per lb leaves a net profit of 5516d01, which is 25 per cent, on the investment.

A pleasant entertainment was held yesterday evening in the Imperial Hot-el by the members of the lately disbanded Queen's Own Rifle Corps. The feature of the proceedings, which took the form of a smokeconcert, was the presentation to Mr. J. H. Ket;p, late captain of the company, with a large and handsome shield containing the photographs of the whole company, 53 in number. After the usual loyal toasts had k*>en honoured, Lieut. Bayley in an appropriate speech made the presentation, expressing a hope that the picture wouid be a reminder to the recipient of the pleasant hours spent with his comrades of the Queen's Own. Mr. Keep replied in a few well-chosen remarks, in which he briefly sketched the career of the corps from ite formation to its disbandment. The healths of "Captain Keep," "Lieut. Bayley," " Absent Friends," etc., were then drunk, and the remainder of the evening was spent in singing, etc., contributions —patriotic, comic, and sentimental—being given in excellent style by Messrs. Armstrong, Keep, Anderson, Gerrand, Rogerson, Stuart McDonald, and others. The proceedings terminated at ten o'clock.

By advertisement in another column it is notified that water-consumers' rates fall due on the 30th of the present month, and require to be paid before that date.

An extraordinary charge of fraud wa3 investigated at Patea recently. From the statement of the prosecutrix, it appeared that the accused Steele had impersonated a cousin of hers of the same name, whom she had never seen. This cousin, it appears, landed in Auckland four or five years ago, and for some time had corresponded with his relative, and had exchanged photographs. A short time ago, according to the statement of the prosecutrix, she wrote to Auckland with a view to reriving the correspondence, but the letter fell into the hands of the prisoner, ■whose assumed or real name was also Steele. Ho replied to the communication stating that he had met with an accident which had interrupted the correspondence, and in the same letter requested the loan of a «um of money until he had an opportunity of drawing upon a bank which he pretended held some £700 belonging to him. The money was duly sent, and fresh demands from the same quarter were afterwards forthcoming. A few weeks ago the accused Tisited Patea, and called upon his pretended ooasin, who then discovered the fraud that had been practised upon her. The man was arrested, and he now awaits trial before the Bapreme Court.

A New York paper is reponsible for the following :—There is on exhibition in this city what is claimed to be probablo the smallest horse in the world, for it weighs only 731b, and stands only about 33 inches high. He is a recent arrival, is a native of Yokahama, Japan, and belongs to the family of hardy and diminutive ponies common in Japan, but he is the Lilliput of his race. Yen Hoc, as he is called, Iβ very thin just at present, owing to hardships which he was obliged to endure during hia-voyage across the ocean. He came over on the ship Ariel, which was 158 days in making the trip from Hong Kong. The ship ran ehort of provisions, and for days Yen Hoc lived on nothing but a few handfuls of rice. On his arrival hero he was so wedc and thin he could not stand up. His age in four years, and he is the property of Policeman Benjamin, a present from a sea captain to whom Benjamin was of some assistance in recovering stolen money several ywire ago."

Mr. B. McDonnell, the popular host of the Uretara Hotel, intends at an early date to weet a large hotel on the site of the old post office, the present house being built on the low {.'found along the river, and standing on a email allotment.

Attention ie called to the extensive trade Sale of oilmen's stores, teas, dried fruits, etc., to be held by Messrs. B. Tonks and Co. on luesday next, at eleven o'clock.

Once a year the Young Men's Christian Association hold a public meeting before commencing the winter course of lectures, etc., at which addresses are given by friends °f the institution. This year the meeting takes place on Monday next, and will be unuHually interesting, m Pastor George Muller lias kindly consented to deliver a *I>ecial address to the Association and its "■lends. A statement of the jxwition of the Association will also be submitted, and adQreeses given by the Revs. Andrew Carrick *o<l Thomas Spurgoon. The committee attach great importance to this meeting, and -tut that there will be a very large attendance. A collection will be made on behalf W the Association.

A gift auction, in aid of St Matthew's J-«nurch fund, will commence on Friday evening, 14th inst. Numerous contributions have wen received. The proceedings are to be *£F d "y. some choice music, ihe rinks were fairly patronised last night, especially the Columbia.