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New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9118, 28 July 1888, Page 4

Taking advantage of the rising in Zulu, land, and tne difficulty which , the Imperial authorities are brought face to face with in that country, the Boers have assumed thn aggressive, and have invaded a portion of the TransvaaL A severe engagement i« reported to have taken place. Mr.Shepherd the British Resident, has proceeded to tho scene while Sir Hercules Robinson has been directed by the Imperial Government to inform President Kruger that the invaded district, as well as others enumerated in the cable message, has been placed under British control.

Contrary to general expectation, the European situation since the accession of the German Emperor has assumed a more pacific aspect, and although a good deal of uncertainty still exists the fear of war is sensibly diminishing. The visit of the Kaiser to the Czar is accepted in official circles in St. Petersburg as a strong guar, antee that peace between the two countries will be maintained. The comments which have appeared in the London press on the Otago Dock Loan which it is proposed to raise in the English market, will probably prove fatal to its success. At all events, the agents have deemed it necessary to extend the time for £ receiving tenders, and have also threatened an action for libel against the Hon. Robert Campbell for his letter to the Standard in disparagement of the loan. A constitutional difficulty has arisen in Queensland. The Governor was recommended by the Executive to Commute the sentence of a prisoner whose punishment was deemed to be excessive, but His Excellency declined, on the ground that it was not supported by the report of the Jud»e who tried the case. In consequence of iTia refusal, the Premier has asked His Excel- ' leucy to dismiss his Ministers. The matter however, is not likely to be carried to that extent.

The Irish Methodists are not in favour of Home Rule. They have forwarded a petition to the Wesieyan Conference, which ia now sitting, protesting against it being granted. Their action has greatly incensed the Irish party, who denounce their conduct) as unpatriotic. In recognition of the conduct of the captain of the mail steamer Mariposa in going to the rescue of the shipwrecked crew of the Henry James, which was wrecked at the island of Palmyra, under circumstances which will be fresh in the recollection of our readers, the British Board of Trade have awarded him a medal. We understand that the return from the Kapanga mine at Coromandel for the past) month was 1200oz of gold. The time for applications for shares in the Kauri Timber Company closes to-day for Auckland, but it has been announced that a week longer would be given for applications from the South and from the outdistricts, as the time allowed was rather short from the date when the prospectus was circulated. The applications received are increasing daily, and yesterday a large number came to hand. Mr. Blair is ad present in the Kaipara, but will return to Auckland in the beginning of next week. An application of a novel character was . made yesterday at a special sitting of the Supreme Court in Banco, held for the purpose. Mr. Theo. Cooper moved for an order for the committal of the defendant, James Champion, in an action in which Mr. Frank Lawry was plaintiff, for contempt of Court. Mr. Mahony represented the defendant, who was brought into Court. in the custody of the Sheriff. The contempt consisted in disobedience of an injunction issued by the Court last week, commanding the defendant to abstain for a period of two years from selling milk within a radius of three miles from the Posb Office, Auckland. After counsel had heea heard, the defendant was committed to Mount Eden Gaol for fourteen days. Thu. is the - first application of the kind for many years, the last occasion on which the powers of the Court here were so. exercised was, we believe, about sixteen years ago, when Mr. J. S. Macfarlane was brought before Sir George Arney for a breach of an injunction. . , , 7" ,

The man Frank Ryan, who, it will be remembered, was attacked with erysipelas after having had a tooth drawn by the Canadian doctors, a few weeks ago, - died at the Hospital on Thursday from erysipelas and gangrene of the face and eye. Deceased was admitted to the Hospital on the 28th of June, having been treated by Dr. Hooper, and he was seen by Dr. Lindsay, who prescribed iodoform (to be dusted on his face) and poultices, a mixture containing iron being also given to the patient. His condition improved, but it was found that lis. left eye had been destroyed, and he becaue depressed mentally, and at length sank into a state of debility, from which he aid nob rally. Dr. Lindsay has given a' certificate of death. He says that the malady by which Ryan was attacked was probably caused by the use of dirty instruments in the extracting of the tooth, which was the last molar in the upper jaw on the left side of his face. Inspector Broham submitted the particulars of Ryan's death to Dr. Philson, who has decided that an inquest will not be necessary. •

We observe that Sydney Howard Vines, Esq., D.Sc. Cambridge and London, F.R.S., Fellow and Lecturer in Botany in Christ College, and Reader in Botany in the University of Cambridge, and late Examiner in Botany in the Universities of Cambridge, London, Manchester, and New Zealand, has been unanimously elected to the Professorial Chair of Botany in the University of Oxford. The above gentleman is the only son of Mr. W. R. Vines, of Auckland, and who is at present on a visit to the old country. .

A man named Stevens, who is employed as foreman at the relief works at Waiko- ' miti, has been robbed of a quantity of clothing, &c. —his whare having been entered, and the goods stolen. No clue has been obtained as to the identity of the thief.

Mr. Glover has now taken charge of the petition to the Government in regard to the extension of the village settlement scheme which was adopted at the recent public meeting, and those desirous of signing ib can do so on applying to him. Mr. Glover will have the petition at Mr. Lundon'u meeting to-night.

We have been shown a very simple little patent for economising the consumption of gas burnt from ordinary brass burners. Ib consists of a small fan of thin metal which, when affixed to a gas jet, has the effect of making a diminution of the unburnt carbon, and thus giving a more powerful light for the same consumption. The instrument is patented by Mr. Shilton, of Greymouth, and Mr. W. [H. Hazard, gunsmith, is the local agent, by whom customers can be supplied with the fans at the low figure of one shilling. It ean be easily fixed to the burner, and ie guaranteed to give to a No. 2 brass burner the lighting power of a No. 5 jet.

\V e have to acknowledge the receipt of a copy of the August number of the Australasian Bee Journal. It is quite up to the standard of previous numbers. Instruction for spring work is given, together with an illustrated method of feeding the bees when needed. The systematic method of marketing honey is urged upon beekeepers, and it is stated that a bee company, with a capital of £2000, is being formed in Victoria by Mr. Naveau. The text of the Foul Brood and Disease in Bees Prevention Act, ISSB, is published for general information. Hivi ventilation is largely dealt with in the present number—a subject which deserve, careful study by beekeepers.

It will be borne in mind that Mr. John Lundoti makes reply to the allegations of the Minister of Lands re special settlements in the North at the Lorne-street) Hall to-night. As Mr. Lundon's speeches are always sparkling and piquant, and he has got a good subject to bring out his combative qualities, an interesting and lively meeting may be anticipated. Business begins at half-past seven, and Mr. John Buchanan, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, will be in the chair.

An inquest in respect of the recent firo which broke out at Goodwill's premises, Newmarket, is to be held on Monday next, at the Newmarket Hotel, before Mr. H. C. Baddeley, R. M. The inquiry commence! at 10.30 a.in.

' A curious and unique inquiry, under the Lunacy Act, came before Mr. Jusfce Gillies, at the chamber sitting of {he Supreme Court yesterday. Mr. Macrae, Acting for Mrs. Fen wick, the petitioner, ttjtde application at a previous sitting, thatflis Honor should make an inquiry as to wbefier Ralph Green Fenwick was of unsojnd mind, and incapable of managing his >wn affairs. The inquiry was held yesterjay. The patient was in attendance, and kvas , questioned by His Honor. His ans\fers, when given, were clear and decisive, ans his comments and remarks lucid and aggerated. The only question on Mfoich he would not give a decisive answer wis as to whether or not the petitioner in Court was his wife. To the suggestion of Mr. Macrae that this doubt was caused by a spirit communication, he contemptuously .remarked that he never had any conversation with Mr. Macrae in regard to spirits. His Honor pressed the patient as to tether he could not identify his wife, the mother of his six children, but he gave no answer, averring that that could- have nothing to do with the question of his sanity or otherwise. After the jptient retired, His Honor told Mr. Maciie he would require much stronger evidence than that produced to convince him thsit the patient Was of unsound mind, and mfit to manage his own affairs. It appeals Fenwick has been an inmate of the Asylum for about two years. Recently his wife obtained information of some property which would accrue to the family, and in order to enable her to deal with it, tie Court had to inquire whether or not the tian was capable of managing his own affairs. The proceedings are reported in another column. : v An important report from tie headmaster of the Free Night School, in regard to the attendance, management, ? and discipline of the school, was submitted to the Board of Education at its ordinary meeting yesterday. The weakness o; the present system was strongly commented on, more especially in regard to wanfof power to enforce discipline or attendant, and the matter was deferred for a genoralreport, as well as for reference to the inipectors in regard to a system for the school' The poultry show continued open yesterday. The weather was unfavourable, but the attendance during the afternoon and evening was fully up to expectations, numbers flocking in from the markets to see the show. In regard to dead table fowls, the judges gave their decision. The class was "Best table fowl, dead, breed or cross to be specified." The first prize was awarded to Mr. G. Hulme, the second to Mr. J. D. Webster, the third to Mr. C. A. Col Lings, and Mr. Kemble's ethibit was highly commended. In regard to this show there was a curious division of opinion • amongst the judges as to awarding the special prize.. The fowls were splendid ones, and the competition for weight was a feature. That shown by Mr. Hslme was a Brahma hen, that shown by Mr. Webster was a cross between a Langsian and a Cochin. Each bird weighed 811, and the judges divided the special prize bit ween the two competitors. A meeting ol: the committee was held in regard to the advisability of holding a dog show this seas®, but the matter was deferred for further consideration. | Last evening the friends of ill Saints' Sunday-school, Ponsonby, held their annual conversazione and concert. There was a large attendance, the room being filed. The Rev. W. Calder, the incumbent, presided, and was supported by the Rev. J. Bates. During the evening the following programme was gone through :Pino solo, *' Spinnlied," Miss Maggie Chapmin ; song, J Close to the Threshold," Mrs. Ejdy (with violin obligato by Mr. A. Eadyjj; song, " The Beacon," Mr. Knox ; voal duet, | Murmuring Sea," Misses Reid aid Chapman ; song, "Cradle Song of thj Poor," Mrs. W. W. Taylor ; song, " The Scout," Mr. Chambers, song, '' Remembeil Me No More," Miss Reid ; address by theßev. J. Bates; address, "Home Influence," Mr. Neil Heath; song, " Love's Old? Sweet Song," Mr. Chambers; song, " The Old Cathedral," Mrs. Eady; pianc duet, "Zampa," Mrs. Buchanan and Hiss A. \Dixon; • song, "I Fear no Foe 3 ' Mr. " Knox; piano solo, " Polonaise, No. 4, Chopin," Miss 'Jessie Adams; Mional Anthem. During the evening refreshments were served, and all present seemol to enjoy themselves highly. j . • . The half-yearly meeting of - the Auclland v Working Men's Club was held last evaing. Major Payne, president of the club, sccupied the chair. The business was ? of a f)ied the chair. The business was of a ormal character, but special reference was made to the loss the club had sustained by the death of the late Mr. H. Ridings who had been treasurer of the club since is inauguration. .. , | ; A fire occurred, yesterday morniig in a, four-roomed cottage in Selwyn-Sreefc, Onehunga, occupied by George Green. Some [linen on a clothes-horse was being warmed before the fire, when it was sized by the flames, which spread to the mantelpiece and wall paper. Green, who wis in the kitchen preparing the breakfast, hurried into the room, and with some difficuly extinguished the flames, but a . quantty of linen, the property of the Auckland Hospital,; was burned and scorched, j Mrs. Green has a contract for laundry wcrk in connection with that institution. The linen was uninsured, but the Hdpital authorities have security for the property. There were no insurances on the buiding, the damage to which is, however, trifing.

Acting on information, the Water Police, fit an early hour this morning, arrested a man named James Bailey on a charge of being a deserter from H. M. Nelson; It is ted that the man left the ship )n the occasion of her last visit to this port, and has since been working in the neighbourhood of Nort'ncote.

One of the Maoris who was wounled in the native feud at WhSngarei was biought to Auckland by the steamer Stormbird last night, and taken up to the Hospital in a cart. His name is Wellington, and ie has been wounded by a bullet, which struck him on the arm, piercing it in two places. His condition ie rather serious, and he is receiving every attention. f

The Otago Daily Times of June 23 has the following :—" We are requested to state that there is no truth in the statement made by a correspondent, that someof the Canadian medicines were made 'tip and bottled in the New Zealand Drag Company's premises, Stafford-street. Tie company has never had anything to d) with the Canadian doctors." !

Notwithstanding the heavy ran on Thursday evening, there was a capital audience in the Franklin Road Church, to hear the Rev. C. E. Ward lecture on "Oliver Cromwell." Mr. Ward spoke for over an hour and a-half, securing theinterest and appreciation of the audience, and was frequently applauded. The Newfccn Brass Band was present, and rendered s»me excellent and appropriate music. At the close, hearty votes of thanks were given to Mr. Ward and the Newton Band.

At the Bcresford-street Congregational School-room, last evening, the concluding prizes were given in connection with the *'Midwinter Tree." The school-room was very nicely decorated with various lands of ferns, plants, . evergreens and Chinese lanterns. The room was apain as well filled as On the previous evening, and everything went Off in the pleasantest manner. During the evening a number of musical selections were given by the choir and friends of the congregation.

A good many people are curious to know why the Calliope Graving Dock is not formally taken over by the Harbour Board. The reason is, we are informed, that the engineer and the contractor are now going into the question of final accounts, and as a great many of these are on the basis of the schedule prices, the calculations are necessarily prolonged. Meanwhile, howevir, the dock is open and available for anj ships that may require to enter it.

A meeting of the Onchunga ratepayers Was held in the 1.0. G.T. Hall last night to consider tho Council's proposal to borrow £2000 to clear up the remaining liabilities in connection with the waterworks contract, and was most successful, the meeting being almost unanimous in extending the payment Over a period of 26 years.

The box plan for the coming operaseason Of " The Pirates of Penzance" is open at Wildman's, Shortlnnd-strect, and a large number of seats have already been reserved, Bo that those wishing to secure goodplaces should do so without delay. Tho rehsarsals &ra progressing satisfactorily, and considerable expense is being incurred in th» production of the opera. The costumes to be worn have been made after special designs from London, and now soenery has been painted for the occasion.

[ Yesterday afternoon, about a quarter to four o'clock, when the Rotomahana was on the point of taking her departure for the Thames, she gave her usual whistle as the signal for starting. This startled a couple of horses harnessed to a cab belonging to Messrs. Pullan and Armitage, and in the care of a man named William Pooley, and caused them to run away. They took a course up the wharf and along Queenstreet, and just after passing the end of Shortland-street a man named Joseph W. Grey, of Ponsonby, very pluckily ran to the horses, and witching the reins ' held them, and brought them to a standstill. At the time Queen-street was more than usually crowded, and the horses could not have possibly run much further without serious damage either to the cab or to other property, and Mr. Grey deserves very great credit for the prompt and energetic act resulting in the stopping of the runaways. As it was, there was no damage done to either horses, cab, or by collision.

Some excellent photographs of the interior of to. Mary S new church have been taken bv a lady of the congregation. They will be sold for the benefit of the Home Mission Fund. W hen the Bardell v. Pickwick trial scene was performed at St. Sepulchre's schoolroom some months since there was a sort of implied understanding that it would be repeated at a future time, in aid of Epiphany Church Fund. The vestry have accordingly arranged with the performers to produce it at bt. James' Hall on Friday, August 10th. It will be followed 'by a selection of music and a farce. Full details will appear in our advertising columns shortly. _ The first musical lecture of the Auckland University College term is to take place in the Princes-street room on Monday evening.. the 30th inst., at eight o'clock. ~ OnMonday evening the cantata of " Esther, the Beautiful Queen," will be given at the loung Men's Christian Association by a choir of 60 voices, assisted by members of the Orchestral Society, and conducted by Mr. S. Tarifield. A large gathering is expected. The Rev. J. S. Hill will preside.