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New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 9262, 16 January 1889, Page 4

Whether the change in railway management which is to come into effect on the Ist of February will be of benefit in raising the rate of profit derived from our railways remains to be seen, but it is quite certain there is abundant room for reform in minor details. For a piece of elaborate inconsistent confusion commend us to the regulations, etc., under which railway management in New Zealand in the past been carried on. The most absurd results are worked out apparently in the most natural way by following the present regulations. The other day we heard of a settler in the Waikato district who wished to send to a town friend a hara It was packed in a small box, taken to a railway station, weighed, and after an industrious search through the_ voluminous tariff, the sender was informed what the cost of transit would be. He thought the price excessively high, but it was paid. On reflecting on the matter, he came to the conclusion that the railway official had erred in calculating the weight. His suspicion was communicated to the station master, and on looking over the figures he found that the actual weight was onehalf that first computed. But instead of this proving an advantage to the sender of the hare, he found that owing to some regulation or other the reduced weight required 3d extra payment beyond what the greater weight had done. The settler looked amazed, but scarcely less amazed are many of the settlers in the Waikato district at present. Ostensibly only three trains a week go to Tamahere, which carry mails, but it seems the railway jigger goes through the district to Cambridge daily, and yet it seems that it does not carry all the mails which could be dropped at less distant places, though we are informed it carries the more distant mails. Whether this is wholly due/to the railway, or partly to the railway and partly to the Post Office Department, we do not know, but in either case it is surely an oversight, that has only to be pointed out to be rectified. Our Waikato correspondent in our issue of yesterday drew attention to this matter, and we have received letters from settlers in the district complaining of the neglect in their | mail service. What the settlers apparently want is to have the mails conveyed by the jigger, and taken from the Hamilton station to the Tamahere and Hautapu post-offices daily, instead of tri-weekly. The mail jigger passes along the line daily to Cambridge, and so there should be no difficulty, so far as the railway is concerned, and as to the Post-Office Department, the ready willingness which has been shown in the past to accommodate the settlers, should be a sufficient guarantee that no obstacle will be imposed in this quarter. The fault evidently lies between these two departments, and the grievance of seeing a mail service pass through the district daily while a mail is carried only tri-weekly should without delay be terminated.

In his speech at the opening of the Reich stag, the Emperor of Germany, referring tn his recent tour, said it had tended tn strengthen his belief that the peace of Europe would be long maintained. Accord ing to the Dally Chronicle the Government have authentic intelligence of the safety of Stanley, but deem it impolitic to disclose his whereabouts. It 8 n . credible, however, that they would per" mit an expedition to be fitted out to search for Stanley, were they in possession of such information. The Standard enters a justifiable protest; against the protracted sittings of the Parnell Commission due to the long and wearisome recapitulation of the details of half-forgotten outrages in Ireland. The American Government hava ordered Admiral Kimberley to proceed tf Samoa,

We understand that Sir George Grey haa nob yet definitely decided when he will leave the colony for tho purpose of revise ing England. He has, however, at the consent of His Worship the Mayor (Mr Devore) promised to give him at least four! teen days' notice of his departure, so thab there will be ample time to prepare a public address, and take other steps to mark the high appreciation in which the veteran statesman and orator is held by the peopk of this city, prior to his leaving for London The quarterly general meeting of the members of the Chamber of Commerce will take place to-morrow (Thursday) at the Chamber, at three o'clock, to receive tha chairman's report. The following subjects will be brought up for consideration:-, Settlement of Lands, Settlement of en . sioners on Lands (Captain Daveney'a scheme), the Bankruptcy Laws, and the Appointment of the Railway Comniissioners.

At the Chamber sitting of the Supreme Court yesterday another phase of the compensation case, Other v.. the Waitemata County Council, in regard to the land at Devonport, now occupied as .a cemetery site, was brought before the Court. In the early days of Auckland Messrs. Rigg and Other obtained a Crown grant of the whole of what is now Devonport as a cattle run intending to fence across the Narrow Neck' which was the only fencing that would be required. In process of time these gentlemen went to England and died. The land for the cemetery site was taken, and compensation having been claimed by the representatives of the grantees, £600 was allowed. Mr. Reader G. Wood, as agent) for Mr. Rigg's executors, obtained £300, but as sufficient proof had not been lodged on. behalf of Mr. Christopher Other, the heir and nephew of. the original grantee it was mutually arranged to pay the money into the hands of the Public Trustee, and the application before the Court was for an order to # have this money now paid over to Mr. Prior, attorney for Mr. C. Other, Mr. Hesketh supported his application, with all necessary documentary evidence, to establish Mr. Other's title, and Mr, Campbell, who appeared for the County Council, not opposing, the order was made. There is yet another • phase of the transaction to come before the Court, for since tha award was made, Devonport has been constituted a borough and taken out of the aitemata County, and the cemetery being in the borough, the' County Council, by action, will seek to recover tho amount paid for compensation in regard to it from the borough. This is to form the basis o) another Supremo Court action. ■ Since the general resumption of work at the Thames a number of parcels have been forwarded to Auckland for treatment at) Messrs. Fraser and Sons' pans. They are ior the most part test lots from various i parts of the peninsula, and some of them have given very fair results. - There aro several parcels still remaining for treatment. Owing, doubtless, to the - hot weather the consumption of water has very largely increased, while an immoderate consumption by consumers who have extra supply for garden hose, will, we-are informed, render it necessary to give notice, under terms of conditions of supply, to discontinue tho same (and refund the payments made for the unexpired term paid for). Failing compliance with this notice, the Council can cut off the supply to. tho. premises. It is alleged that some persons . allow the hose and other appliances -to run night and day. Taking the ordinary averagea large one —the pumping returns of. about 2,000,000 gallons in the 24 hours show that a* very large and reckless waste is going on, Trhich, if continued, must result in the suburbas boroughs and Road Boards having the* present supplies largely curtailed, if not discontinued. Allowing 30 gallons per head per diem for a population of 40,000, there must be a waste going on of aboun SOO.OOO gallons, or very nearly that quantity, per day. To show the reckless use by some persons, it is stated -that one of the suburban boroughs put on a meter to a supply, when 10s was paid for hose, and the meter showed that some 280,000 gallons was used at a cost of £14.

An inquest was held yesterday at Gleeson's Hotel, by Dr. Philson, Coroner, on the body of an old man named William Johnson, which was discovered on the previous evening lying dead in the backyard of a dwelling in Alexandra-street. A pod mortem examination bad beea made by Dr. Lewis, who deposed that death was th( result of rupture of the heart. Mrs. Ellen Hart gave evidence to the effect that deceased had lodged with her for f our years, was single, and had no relatives. About four o'clock on Sunday afternoon he complained of a pain in his chest, and she gave him some rhubarb, and offered to procure medical assistance, but he declined to allow it. At 8 o'clock on Monday on being asked if he felt better, he replied in the negative. During the day he had been about the yard, and at 7.30 in the evening her father, Mr. Nankerville, told her that Johnson was lying dead in the yard, where ho had to lean against the fence. Mr. Nankerville gave corroborative evidence, and Constable Grey also deposed to removing the body to the morgue. Deceased was a bootblack by occupation, and 66 years of age. It seems that be had told the parties he lodged with that he had money in the bank, enough to keep him for a month. He would not go to bed, but often slept in his clothes, and was not regarded as thoroughly sane. The jury, after hearing the evidence adduced, returned a verdict of " Death from natural I causes."

The proposal to hold a fire brigades demonstration has been abandoned so far as Invercargill is concerned. The primary reason of the failure is no doubt the withdrawal by the Government of the subsidy of £25 paid to united fire brigades, and which was the chief factor in the success of the previous demonstrations. Another cause assigned is that the insurance com panies, banks, and mercantile firms will not contribute sufficiently. It is also urge" that the public do not interesb themselves in the demonstration, and that very Jew entries of brigades have been received.

No doubt many of your readers, writes a Sydney correspondent, will feel very sorry when they learn that Mrs. Catherine Mulligan, formerly of Auckland and the Thames, has passed away. Mrs. Mulligan was a very old resident of Auckland ana the Thames—in fact, was one of the first on the Thames Goldfield, and will be well remembered as proprietress of the Governor Bowen Hotel, Grahamstown, and also the Victoria Hotel, Shorthand, and other hotels in Auckland. Her illness was of snore duration, and she passed away on the lauj November very peaceably. She leaves three grown up sons to mourn their loss, one of whom is in Sydney, one in Melbourne, and the other at Kaipara, New Zealand.

The down trip from Rotorua to Auckland is now done under thirteen hours. Visitors from the Lake Country state that Lakes Tikitapu and Rotokakahi have considerably increased in height, as has also TaraweraThe site of the old Rotomahana Lake is now filled up with water, and the lake is larger than before the eruption. There u a probability, it is said, of the water breaking through the sandy embankment an making its way to the Ariki. There area number of steam-holes active on the m ftl of the lake, and the fumes arising from .w» rift on mount Tarawera indicate that tnero is still some activity. There are pIM» still on the mountain where a stick arivw through the top layer of stuff becomes ignited with the heat. In some locality the fern is springing up fresh and greo" again. f; . Although the typhoid season Is now in, there are very few cases of infectious au ease reported to the Sanitary The sanitary condition of the city is very fair, and typhoid has not as yet scourge" it. as was the case last summer.

L = Yesterday morning Mr. E. Heskefch men-, tioned the Women's Home business to His Honor Mr. Justice Gillies in chambers. His Honor had asked for certain information regarding it, and explained to Mr. Hesketh that what ho desired was the constitutions of tho three Homes mentioned by the learned counsel. Mr. Hesketh will supply these. Wo have been furnished with a copy of the memorandum and articles of association of the Auckland Reformatory and Women's Home (the Mount Roskill Home), and the information it contains may bo of interest to the public at the present) juncture. The Auckland Reformatory and Women's Homo was by Order-in-Council of 3rd August, ISSfi, permitted to be registered as a limited company, without the addition of the word limited," under the Companies Act, 1882. It is stated that tho objects for which the Association is established are, (ft) to incorporate as a company or association, as well the persons who then held the moneys hereinafter mentioned, as all other persons who should from time to time subscribe or contribute to the funds of the association ; (b) to take over and receive from the Hon. Colonel Haultain, Messrs. Robert Walker, Charles Alexander, Philip Herepath, and Hugh Hart Lusk, i'SiX), and all interest thereon and accumulations thereof, held by them as trustees of a hind known as "tho Auckland Reformatory and Women's Home Fund ; and also to take over and receive from Messrs. Henry Brett and Hugh Hart Lusk, £200, and all interest thereon, and accumulations thereof, held by them as trustees of moneys voted by the late Provincial Council of Auckland for the establishment of an institution to bo called or known as the Auckland Reformatory and Women's Home, and to give valid receipts and discharges for same; (r) to provide a home for destitute and fallen women, and to promote their social comfort and moral and spiritual welfare, without respect to their nationality or religious belief. Other provisions follow (1) It shall not bo competent for the association or committee to exclude religious teaching on any account whatever, and such religious teaching shall be allowed as the several inmates of tho home may respectively desire or require, subject to reasonable rules and regulations. Under section 4 it is provided that in the contingency of the dissolution of the association, any surplus after payment of liabilities is not to be paid or distributed among the members of the association, but should be transferred to some other institution or institutions having similar aims, to be determined by a majority of members of tho association at or before the time of dissolution, and in default thereof by such Judsrc of the Supreme Court as may have acquired jurisdiction in the matter of public charities in the Auckland provincial district.

Another blank in the list of our old colonists has been caused by the death of Mr. David Hay. of Parua Bay, Whangarci Heads, father of Mr. John Hay, of Hazelbank, Auckland. A native of Leuchars, Fifeshire. Scotland, he emigrated fully half a century ago to New South Wales, whence, after a brief sojourn, he found his way to New Zealand, and ultimately settled on his farm at Parua Bay, where he lived until his decease. Possessed of a strong constitution, lie encountered with comparatively little injury not a few of the hardships experienced by the early settlers of the colony. But for the last few years his health had been failing him, and about three weeks ago he had an apoplectic attack, from which, though he partially rallied, there was little prospect of his recovery, and at the ripe age of SI years he, on the 14th Inst., passed peacefully away. He leaves a wife and family, with a large circle of friends, to mourn his departure.

It is rumoured that there is still likely to be some difficulty about the Refuge site, which it was popularly thought had been finally fixed at Epsom. It seems that only five members of the Charitable Aid Board voted for the site, instead of six as reported, and one of these has recanted, making the number in favour of tho Epsom site only four.

Inquiry has been made as to what became of the unemployed organisation known as. Black's Thirty - five." When the Charitable Aid Board declined to hear Mr. Black as leader, but simply as to his own necessities, the organisation burst up. A number of the men preferred to look for work elsewhere rather than be keelhauled by the Board, consequently only some three or four men have been left on the hands of the Board, to its great-relief.

At an early hour yesterday morning, Constable Howell, who wad on duty on Queen-street Wharf, descried a man walking rapidly up the Wharf, attired in very scanty costume. He was under the impression that the devil was after him. The constable and Sergeant McMahon got the poor fellow to the station. He was brought up yesterday at theiPolice Court, and remanded for a week.

The members of Court Victoria A.O.F. held the third of their popular concerts in the Devonport Hall last evening. The attendance was very large, and a very lengthy programme was provided. Songs were contributed by Mrs. Cottingham and Mrs. Irons, the Misses Thornton and Marsden, Messrs. Lankham, Marsden, Croll, North, Anscombe, and Garrett, and recitations by Miss 11. Webb, Messrs. Webb and Shakespere. During an interval <efreshments were handed to each person in jhe audience. A dance for the young people oncluded the entertainment.

For many years past, as oar readers are well aware, the late Mr. Albietz, carried on the industry of grape growing and wine making in the Mangawai district. Since his death, his widow has sold the place to Mr. Sharp, formerly engineer of the s.s. Ruby. Mr. Sharp intends to carry on the industry Mr. Albietz began, and if possible improve it. We have tested a sample of last year's vintage. It is a young wine, which will doubtless improve with age, and more resembles claret than any of the classes of wine usually found in the market. It has a rich fruity taste, and with careful manufacture and maturity will no doubt gradually become a favourite drink with those who desire a pleasant drink without it being of a strongly intoxicating character. We have received a copy of Sharland's Trade Journal of the 7th instant, and note with pleasure a short introductory article by Mr. Theo. A. B. Piesse on the interesting industry of "Flower Farming." Furher articles on this subject are f)romised by the same gentleman. A ull description (illustrated) is given of the Holloway Sanatorium and Royal Holloway College, the munificent gift to the nation of the late Mr. Thomas Holloway of pill and ointment fame. The total cost of these two buildings was over a million sterling. The "Gleanings" and "Jottings " columns are well represented, as are also the correspondence and market reports. "Food Tables," "The Novelist," &c, help to complete a very creditable number.

We understand that Mr. C. Blomfield's recently-executed picture, " Castle Rock, Coromandel," has been purchased by His Worship the Mayor (Mr. A. E. Devore) with a view to its presentation to tho Art Gallery. A suitable plate with inscription is now being affixed to tho picture. An interesting relic of the days of tho Paris Commune, 1871, has been lately presented to the Art Gallery by Mr. C. D. Whitcombe. It is a photo, of the gallant and ill-fated Lieutenant Rossel, who bore himself so bravely at Metz, escaped through the German lines, and finally joined the Commune, only to be afterwards tried by court-martial, and sentenced to death. Ho was shot on the plains of Sacery, near Paris, on the 28th November, 1871, after the British Government had vainly used its influence on his behalf to prevent the extreme sentence being carried out. By his death France lost a brave and promising young engineer officer. He was a Huguenot sad a schoolfellow of Mr. Whitcombe.

It is expected thab the water consumers' rate due at the close of the year, will be got in this week. Thereafter it is the intention of the City Council to issue summonses for the cases of unpaid general fate, struck last June and now overdue. J-he water supplies will bo cut off to-day Without further notice where tho water rate still remains unpaid, so consumers had better put in an appearance at the Municipal Treasury office.

n?V i? re *° scarcel y a street in tho town in which telegraph wires are put in which »oys kites, with their strings and tails, are ", ot * i be seen entangled aad suspended ;•.) «ie telephone wires. One or two case.- of worses bolting in vehicles have o-.-c::-. ! wough these unsightly appendages ::: -.-

We have to hand the third and fourth volumes of "The Ancient History of the Maori," by Mr. John White of Wellington. Tho third volume is occupied with an account of the Horo-uta or Taki-tumu migration, and is illustrated by sketches of Maori dances, and of the weapons and ear ornaments of the Maoris. The fourth volume is devoted to the Tainui migration. In it arcgiven some interesting legends and stories relating to the tribes on tho Auckland isthmus, the Thames tribes, the Ngatimaru and Ngatipaoa, and the Ngaiwi residing at the pa at Mount Eden. The story of the elopement of Puhihuia and Pongais lengthily given. Sir George Grey's translation of this story as given from his collection was published in our Christmas Supplement. The story of Hotonui's migration from Kawhia to Hauraki, as also* that of his reunion with his lost son, Marutahu, is told at great length. This is one of the stories in Sir George Grey's collection, and is one of the most romantic of the series. All the legends in connection with tho introduction of tho kumara aro recited, the honour of having introduced it being claimed and hotly contested by the descendants of each migration. Mr. White says this article of "food being most highly prized by the Maori, tho seed was selected with the utmost care ; the place where it should be planted was carefully chosen by the priests ; every seed tuber was the subject of a special incantation, and was received from the hands of the priest by a member of the tribe who could be relied upon to imbed it in tho orthodox position, namely, with the tapered end a littlo elevated and pointing to the rising sun. At special periods of its growth, the priests were required to chant other incantations and perform ceremonies to insure an abundant crop, and at tho time of harvest, the first fruits of the crop wore sacredly presented to the gods with ceremonies and incantations, in which tho priests alone took part. The illustrations in the volume are illustrative of the arrival of guests at a feast, a wharepuni, tomb of Potatau's daughter, and portraits of To Rauparaha's elder brother and of his two nieces.

An order was granted, yesterday, for winding up the Moanataiari Extended Goldmining Company, under the direction of the Supreme Court. This step was rendered necessary in consequence of the measures taken for the voluntary winding up of the Company having proved abortive.

An ordinary drill of the Waitemata Naval Artillery was held at the drill-shed last night, Captain Kitchens being in command. There was a, fair muster, and Captain Kitchens took the opportunity of putting the men through a useful course of squad and general instruction drill, which proved very satisfactory.

Mr. Henry Travers McLean, who for somo time has fulfilled the duties of assistant librarian at the Supreme Court Library, and who while doseharging these duties has diligently pursued his legal studies, was yesterday, on the motion of Mr. Button, admitted and enrolled as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand. Mr. McLean's courteous and obliging manner and disposition have made him a universal favourite with the members of tho profession, and with all who have been brought into contact with him, and all will join in wishing him a prosperous career in his profession.

The United Methodist Free Churches district meeting commenced its sitting in Pitt-street Church, Auckland, yesterday. The Rev. E. 0. Perry was elected chairman for the second time, and Mr. Win. Flesher was re-elected secretary. At the request of some of the Auckland friends, it was arranged that the hours of sitting should be from four till six and from seven till ten, except otherwise determined. Rev. S. Macfarlane, the Chairman, the Secretary, Rev. J. Edwards, Rev. F. B. Button, Messrs. W. R. Bridgeman and Knight were elected members of the Stationing and Finance Committees. Rev. J, Wrigley, Rev. F. B. Button, Rev. S. Macfarlane, and Messrs. Bridgeman and Booth were elected a committee to report on the numerical and spiritual state of the district. The afternoon session was occupied with the minutes of the District Committoe and the last district meeting. Business was also done in relation to the settlement of trust property in the Woodville circuit. At the evening session, after devotional exercises, the business arising out of the minutes was taken. A letter was received from the Rev. John Thornley, who had been appointed to represent the' New Zealand district in the last Annual Assemblv, and the Rev. J. Parkin, who intends v.siting England, was appointed representative to the Assembly of ISS9.

The strawberry season this year has nob been a good one, and is now almost over. Yesterday one fruiterer stated that it was with difficulty he obtained 12 boxes for his customers that morning. Formerly, it is said, strawberries used to be in the market for almost nine months in the year, and the present diminution in the supply is said to be due to the growers not planting sufficient new areas with fresh plants.

A new hotel is about to be built to replace the old Star Hotel at Otahuhu, to the order of Messrs. Murray and Watson, brewers. The plans and specifications have been prepared by Messrs. Keals and Sons, architects. The new building will be constructed of brick, and two storeys in height. A spacious balcony occupies tho centre of the facade, which is surmounted by an ornamental balustrade with pediment at angle. On the ground floor is a bar, billiard-room, large dining-room, four sitting-rooms, and kitchen. The top floor is subdivided into two sitting-rooms and eleven bedrooms, with bath-room, etc.

The Caledonian Society give their first entertainment this evening at eight o'clock in the Protestant Hall, Karangahape Road. Members and intending members only will be admitted to the convivial party, which is sure to be a large one, judging from the number of ladies and gentlemen who have already enrolled themselves as members of this young but flourishing society. The entertainment will consist of songs, readings, and recitations.

A nasty accident occurred yesterday to a seaman on board the barquentine Jessie. He was engaged receiving timber from the wharf and stowing it in the vessel's hold, when a heavy flitch was shunted down on top of him without warning. Luckily ho observed it just in time to save the heavy log from striking his body, but the end caught his hand, and lacerated it most severely. Captain Dilner attended to tho wounded member, and found that though the hand was split and torn a good deal, no bones were crushed or broken.

The Rose Casey took over forty passengers on her last Saturday excursion to Waiwera and Mahurangi Heads, being brought back at a seasonable hour for business on Monday morning. The tourists speak highly of the trip.

The Savage Club will not hold a moonlight excursion this month, owing to the holidays having interfered with the arrangements.

A Maori patient in the Avondalo Asylum died on Monday. An inquest will be h eld to-day, at three o'clock, by the coroner, Dr. Philson.

The Bootmakers' Union have not yet Succeeded in settling their little difference s with the Messrs. Garrett Bros., and it has been resolved to keep the shop still "on strike." Among tho changes in the management of the Union, Mr. Rhodes has resigned the secretaryship and been succeeded by Mr. W. "H. Bird, while Mr. Gladding has been re-elected president.

The annual picnic of the employe's of the Colonial Sugar Refining Company in Auckland and at their mill at Chelsea will bo held shortly. The company give an annual donation of £25 to this re-union and the day's pay to the hands.

By advertisement in another column it is announced that the valuation list for the borough of Parnell is now open for inspection at the Council offices, and objections have to be lodged on or before the 15th February.

Mr. Basstian, of Dunrobin, Invercargill, reports that fish about six inches long have been seen in a tributary of the Apirama, in which young salmon were placed last year, and in which trout have never been liberated.

Last night aboub eight o'clock a bright glare of fire was observed on the farther shore of Shoal Bay; bub as the flames died out of sight within five minutes, those who ii'jciccd them came to the nclusion that tiie outbreak was only the burning of some scrub or gorse. ,

The Auckland Burns Club intend on Friday, the 25th instant, to celobrato the birthday of Scotland's great national poet in a suitable manner. The programme will have two distinct features, one part providing an intellectual and the other a material feast. There will be choice Scottish music and readings for the first, and lots of good Scotch cakes and, of course, a haggis for the second ; it may be safely predicted that a most enjoyable evening's entertainment will be provided, which on this occasion is to bo confined to members of the club and friends whom they invite.

Wo have received from Mr. James A. Haslett, chemist, of IS4, Queen-street, a fresh issue of his yearly calendar and mailtable. It is tastefully executed in gold, red, and neutral green upon a white glazed card, and looks very attractive. It forms a useful companion to the business man or lady correspondent, and can be carried in the vest pocket. This is the sixth year of issue of Mr. Haslett's calendar, which is distributed gratis. The design and workmanship are from tho Herald printing office.

The sale of Pupuke Estate, Lake Takapuna, takes place to-day, and a groat deal of public interest is being taken in regard to the sale. The situation of the estate is a most unique one, and it has been most judiciously subdivided into large sections varying from one acre to lb' acres each. There can be no two opinions that the present is a desirable time at which to purchase convenient suburban property, and as the Lake district has made such marked progress during the past two years, and the demand for good sections in good positions at reasonable rates still continues, it is expected there will not only be a large attendance at tho auction, but that the bidding will be brisk. We are informed that it is the intention of the vendors to sell, and there will be no high reserves.

The general meeting of the New Zealand Accident Insurance Company will be held on Wednesday, January 30. The annual general meeting of the Auckland Working Men's Club will bo hold on the 25th instant.