Untitled

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 9322, 27 March 1889, Page 4

The object of Count Herbert Bismarck's visit to England is now stated to be not the. formation of an alliance between England and Germany, but merely to discuss with Lord Salisbury the colonial and foreign policy of the latter power. His reception in England is likely to be the reverse of cordial. It is well known that the Prince of Wales declines to meet him. His manners are said to be arrogant and offensive. His Holiness the Pope 13 stated to be suffering from fainting fits. An awkward dispute has arisen between Sir Charles Russell and the AttorneyGeneral with reference to Pigott's letter admitting that he would be unable to stand the ordeal of a cross-examination. Sir R. Webster stated in the House of Commons that he had handed the letter to the counsel for Mr. Parnell several days before Pigott was called. Sir Charles Russell retorts, however, that he did not receive the letter until after Pigott's flight. Mr. Gladstone is to preside at a banquet to be given to Mr. Parnell.

A dinner party was given by Admiral Fairfax at Government House last evening to a number of leading citizens. The fine band of H.M.s. Orlando played a number of choice'lnusical selections 011 the balcony.

The Minister of Education (the Hon. G. Fisher) left for Wellington yesterday by the s.s. Taknpuna. Yesterday afternoon the Native Minister (the Hon. E. Mitchelson) left' for the Thames, bub may possibly get back on Thursday to the Orakei native meeting, though of that there is no decided certainty. The Defence Minister he Hon. Thos. Fergus) and the Hon. Mr. Stevens may be expected by the Wanaka to-morrow.

Among the passengers by the s.s. Wainui from Wellington to-day will be the Rev. Charles Spurgeon. The welcome meeting, which has been arranged by the officers of the Tabernacle, to take place to-morrow evening, will be a representative one of the various denominations in the city, and not confined to the members of the Baptist Churches only. Mr. C. Spurgeon will, of course, take part in the proceedings. During the absence of his father from the Metropolitan Tabernacle he oftentimes occupies the platform at the Sunday and week evening services there. On account of ill-health from overwork Mr. Spurgeon was advised to take a sea voyage, and as much as possible cease from all preaching. It is to be hoped that the voyage out will have so far improved his health as to enable him to preach occasionally during his brief visit to Auckland.

This afternoon a cricket match is to be played in the Domain between elevens representing H.M. Squadron now in port and the United Cricket Club. The officers and seamen will put in the strongest team that can be got from the various warships, and United will be well represented by the following players : — Testro, R. J. Yates, \V. Stemson, A. E. Whitaker, A. McDonald, W. Harvie, Turbot, J. Mumford, P. A. Robertson, W. Hawkins, C. McKinney, W. Johnson. Play will begin at one p.m.

The Orakei native meeting commences 'o-day at ten o'clock, and all the chiefs of mportance who intend to be present have pretty well now arrived. A number of them have not come, either through sickness, holding native meetings in other districts, or tangis, but have sent representatives or delegates. The Waikatos have sent Patara te "Tuhi and Honana; Maihi Paraone Kanohi, of the Ngapuhi, has sent Hoterene and Herai. Several chiefs from the south part of the North Island—viz., Major Kemp, of Wanganui, and his follower, Te Karoro, Hoani Makarauri, Hoani Taipua, M.H.R., Hamita Te Aweawe, Wi Patene, Rev. W. Turipona, Eru Te Uremutu, Mere Nikorima Poutotara, Matenga Taiwhanga, Te Rauangaanga, and other distinguished chiefs, left yesterday morning in one of Paul Tuhaere's whale bouts for Orakei. The first day's proceedings will be principally confined to addresses of welcome and preliminaries, the real political business being dealt with to-morrow. The Native Minister will endeavour to get back from the Thames to-morrow or Friday, but his movements will be governed by the state of matters re the Piako block on reaching the Thames. The ferry boats will leave for Okahu to-day at half-past nine a.m., eleven a.m., and quarter-past two p.m. By the former boat a number of Northern chiefs will leave.

The member for Tauranga, Mr. Kelly, lias had an interview with the Native Minister relative to getting tho Urowera country prospected. A gold prospector has been up there for some months back, but he is unable to prospect some parts of the country owing to the opposition of the Ruatahuna. The natives desire that prospecting should be done under the authority and control of Government, to prevent trouble between the two races, and that therefore an experienced agent should be sent up to negotiate a basis of agreement, and the name of Mr. Locke, formerly member for tho East Coast in the Assembly, who has perhaps the best knowledge of the country of any European in the colony, was mentioned. Mr. Kelly has arranged with the Native Minister that Mr. Locke shall accompany him to the Urewera country after the Orakei native meeting is over. Samples of gold found in the creeks have been seen by Mr. Kelly, and he is quite satisfied that portions of the district are auriferous.

A children's fete, was given the other day at Government House by Mrs. Fairfax, wife of Admiral Fairfax. About 200 children were inviVid. A maypole dance was arranged on the lawn. Games of various kinc?s were arranged for the little ones, dancing, &c., and refreshments provided. The splendid band of H.M.s. Orlando discoursed excellent music, and the officers present took part in entertaining the little ones. Among the numerous hospitalities dispensed during the season at Government House by Admiral and Mrs. Fairfax it was a gracious act on the part of the latter to remember the little folk, who will keep in pleasant remembrance the children's fete, as "a reel-letter day." The late Mr. Fred Duke Yonge, the announcement of whose death at the age of 74, appeared in yesterday's paper, came of an old Devonshire family, his father being the Rev. Duke Yonge, of Autong, in Cornwell ; his mother was a Miss Colborno, sister of Sir John Colborne (Lord Seaton). He was born in 1816, and entered the Royal Navy as a midshipman at the age of 13, and retired after 21 years' service. He came to New Zealand in 1856, amongst his fellow-passengers being Mr. G. P. Pierce and the Rev. Robert Burrows. He was first cousin to Miss Charlotte \onge, the authoress, and was also a cousin of the late Bishop Patteson, of Melanesia. He took a great interest in Church matters, being a member of the Synod for years. He leaves a widow, and three sons and two daughters. All his friends regret the genial and kind-hearted gentleman who has been taken from them.

. V\ e understand that the Northern n u gives an " At Home" and dance to ah Fairfax and the officers of the fleeu!"" to-morrow, and that the Admiral • P ° rb ball Tuesday next. * l glvea a

Mr. John Coombe, of Wellington t, (says the Press) made a literary discover of considerable interest, seeing that it c o ? g to show how even such a past master; literary work as Charles Dickens was gun " in his writings of the most absurd inJ.n ■ sistency and carelessness. We do I remember ever Having seen the dis<W ancies here referred to alluded to bv • writer on Dickens' works, and if they have escaped the notice of critics up to the nr« sent, Mr. Coombe's discovery is a3 vahnbk as it is curious. Mr. Coombe, it appear? has been reading " Dombey and Son ' anf l' it being the third or fourth time of his rJ,i injr that delightful book, he has been read, ing it critically. Here is the result Kn has found that on three occasions Dickens lias forgotten that his own creation Can 3 tain Cuttle, had only one sound arm one of those useful limbs in the Captain's case ter minating in a' hook. We quote two 0 tho instances referred to 1. "'Clara ahov' said the Captain, putting a hand to e-icl side of his mouth." 2. " Squeezing both the Captain's hands with uncommon fervour as he said it the old man (Sol GilM turned to Florence." The third instance unfortunately, Mr. Coombe did not note but he assures us it is as glaring as the twi we have mentioned. It is possible some of our readers may have been aware of th a defects in the writing of "Dombey and Son," but we venture to think they will ba read of with surprise by the groat bulk of the admirers of Charles Dickens' works [Although the Press does not appear to K« aware of the fact, these discrepancies wer long ago pointed out.] e

The annual swimming matches of th Napier-street school took place at the Fresh water Baths yesterday morning, in the nro' pence of Mr. W. Gorrie (chairman Citv Schools Committee), Mr. Hart (headmaster) Mr. Thwaites (assistant master), and Super intendent Hughes (donor of the silver medal for championship). Mr. Gorrie ex pressed his surprise and pleasure at the proficiency of the boys in the useful and healthful art of swimming The events were as follows : —l. Swimming, under 12 years, one length, Ist prize, M. Cossar • 'VI D. McMillan. 2. Championship, 'a"i ve j medal, four lengths, W. Cossar • ° n d Mm* C. Hewson ; 3rd, E. Edwards. :{. <s\wm! ming, over 13 years, two lengths, Ist urizp W. Cossar ; 2nd, P. Smith. 4. SwimmiS in clothes, one length, Ist prize, W. (Jos-ai-2nd, E. Hart. 5. Swimming, under" 14' two lengths, Ist prize, E. Edwards; '2nd' W. Cossar. 6. Duck hunt— W. Co.' sar; capturer, M. Cossar. Mr.' Guided custodian of the baths, handed over to Mr! Hart. 5s for 2nd prize in the champiouthip race, and Mrs. Calder handed over six pretty bathing trunks, •which she had made for 2nd prizes in the various events.

Our Waipu correspondent, writing on the 23rd insb., says A diabolical outrage has been perpetrated during the past, week on a valuable pointer dog, the property of Mr. N. J. Campbell, storekeeper, by some evildisposed person, by scalding the poor brute with hot water. My attention was directed to the injured dog, which was suffering excruciating agony, with its rump and sido laid bare to the size of a large dinner plate. The hair was pulled clean on.

In the Scottish Court of Session a decision has just been given which is of much interest and some importance to all makers and users of barbed-wire fencing. The case was one in which the Elgin County Road Trustees were against the Rev. John Brodia Innes, Milton Brodie, Elgin. The defendant had erected a barbed-wire fence at the side of a wood, which is his property, bordering a public road. The trustees sought to have it declared that the erection of fences composed wholly or partly of barbed or pointed wire extending alone the Fide of a public road was illegal; to have the fence in question removed ; and to have defendant interdicted from placing similar fences alongside the public roads or highways in the county of Elgin. In the result, the plaintiffs were successful, and substantially secured the verdict of the LordPresident in their favour on all the counts.

Through some occult cause or other fcha city gas supply has been very indifferent during the past few days. Last night the district east of Queen-street was quite m & state of gloom. At the police station the detectives had not light sufficient to write out their service reports, or to read the communications awaiting them, while Inspector Broham stated that he had not seen the gas so bad since his arrival in Auckland. The Gas Company is evidently no respecter of persons, for Government House was served just the same. Invitations had beei issued for a select dinner party, but it was found necessary to supplement the gas by candles in order to give the guests a fair show of making each other's acquaintance.

The usual Gospel Temperance meeting was held in the Protestant Hall, Karangahape Road, on Sunday evening. A very large audience gathered, to hear a farewell address from the Rev. C. H. Garland, who has during his residence in Auckland gladly rendered very valuable assistance to the cause. There was a full muster of the choir, under the able conductorship of Mr. Ryan. Mr. W. Ambury presided. After the usual opening exercises, Mr. Ryan sang a solo in his original good style of years ago, which was rendered with excellent effect. Rev. Mr. Garland, in a very earnest address, appealed to those present to persevere in the work and endeavour by individual effort to save the drunkard, and banish the drink curse from our land The Chairman, in a few appropriate remarks, in the name of the Gospel Tomperance Mission, wished Mr. Garland success in his new sphere of labour. The meeting closed in the usual way.

Mr. T. F. Cheeseman, the secretary of the Acclimatisation Society, has received a circular from the Colonial Secretary's Office, stating that the open season for native game will commence this year on April 18 and extend until July 31. The season has usually opened on April 1, so that sportsmen should take notice of the alteration,, and so avoid rendering themselves liable to proceedings for a breach of the Animals Protection Act. Several of the Acclimatisation Societies, including the Auckland branch, recommended that the season should commence on May 1, but others ! supported the old date ; and as the Governj ment were anxious that the period of the j season should be the same throughout tho colony, the intermediate date of April la, I which will give sportsmen the benefit oi i the Easter holidays, was selected. me I season for imported game (pheasants an quail) will begin on May 1, as in prewou years. The following subscriptions have been received by Dr. Wilkins on behalf of ' • Skelton, armourer's mate of R.M.s.biwtf • —Mr. Napier, 2s 6d ; Win. Mc Arthur a Co., £1 Is ; Mackay, Logan, and Co., > Sargood, Sanderson, and C 0.,£1 I 3 if r , I bale! Clark and Sons, £1 Is; Arthur Wright, 10a; W. J. Hill, 10s. The charges of false pretences preferred against C. E. Madden, she well-known s citor, and E. H. Jaggar, were heard yesterday before Dr. Giles, R.M. 'I he c ' i „ against Mr. Madden was dismissed, bu other prisoner was committed for trial. An accident occurred yesterday the Queen-street Wharf to Mr. Joseph bridge, of Ponsonby. He had taken c , an express load of goods to a steamer, was busy unloading them when an vehicle came, and he got accl y jammed between the two traps, ge ° some of his ribs broken. The funeral of the late Mr. E. PMiles took place yesterday. The iu - was very plain and simple, no hearse n used, in accordance with what would been the wish of the deceased gentleman. The coffin was of polished rimu, with brass, mountings, on which was a cross and re ' , of natural flowers.. The internment tool, place at the Purowa Cemetery, the Kev. ' ■ Calder, incumbent of All Saints , 1 onsoi . > reading the burial service in an iul l manner. The funeral was private, there being bub a few relatives and friends pre sent. The arrangements were under-tho superintendence of Messrs. Winks an Yesterday a woman named _ lheresa Hand was found in Queen-street m an ex - cited condition by Constable Howell. Sh was under the impression that AlexamL Lynch (who was drowned a year ago) following her about, and that she had sco him beating her daughter. Constab 0 Howell arrested her on a charge of drunken ness, and in the afternoon she was remanded by the Resident Magistrate to tho Hospital for medical treatment, as she was apparently suffering from delirium tremens.

We learn that Sir George Grey has kindly consented to preside at the lecture of Mr. W. Jones, on " Personal Experiences in War Times," in connection with international arbitration, which is to be delivered on Friday evening next, at the rooms of the Y.M.C.A. Mr. Jones yesterday showed us some curious documents in connection with his mission work as a member of the Peace Society. The first was a firman of the Sultan of Turkey, given to him on demand of the British Ambassador, Sir Henry Eliotfc, in 1876, and was his authorisation for proceeding to Bulgaria, and placing him under the protection of the local Governors. It is in the Turkish language, and lias to be read from bottom to top, and right to left. The pa-raphe or signature of the Sultan being at the top. The signature is a work of art, and almost impossible of imitation. In 1870 Mr. Jones received credentials during the Franco-German war as Hon. Commissioner of the Society of Friends for the relief of the distressed peasantry of Franco. The seals attached are of some interest, as also the signatures. There are the seals of the city of York, of the Lord Mayor of London, the Mayor of Middlesbro"' (the town in Yorkshire in which Mr. Jones resided), and of Count Bismarck, cousin of the Imperial Chancellor, and lirst Governor of Alsace and Lorraine, and that of the Mayor of Nancy. Appended arc the signatures of Cardinals Manning and Antonelli, President Cleveland, of the United States, of John Bright, John G. Whittier, the American citizen, and many eminent citizens of France. In ISS7, some 'J:?.'-? members of the House of Commons signed a memorial in favour of a treaty of peace by arbitration between the United States and England and her colonies, and it was presented by eleven members of tho House of Commons to President Cleveland, who expressed his entire sympathy with it, but the movement was interrupted by the Presidential election, but will be resumed with every prospect of success, One hundred and eleven members of the Chamber of Deputies have also petitioned the Prime Minister of Franco for a similar treaty between France and the United States. Mr. Jones was a delegate to the inter-colonial conference of the Society of Friends at Melbourne. He has resigned the secretaryship of the Peace Society, having been successor to the late Henry Richards, M.P.. in order to fulfil his present mission. He goes on to China, Japan, and San Francisco, and back homo. Some farm out-buildings, the property of William Spencer, were destroyed by tire at Mornetai on Monday night. The contents consisted of produce, farm implements, Ac., and were consumed. Two calves were burned alive. The origin of the fire is unknown. The building was insured for £00 in the New Zealand, but the loss is estimated by Mr. Spencer at £-'20.

With reference to the house of Mr. Michael Finnerty, of Panmure, destroyed by tire, the insurances are found by the police to be £50 on the house in the Liverpool, London and Globe, and the furniture, etc., in the New Zealand. Nothing has transpired as to the origin of the fire.

The Auckland Swimming Club's Carnival on Saturday promises to be a great success. Admiral Fairfax has promised to aid the club in all matters regarding the removal of H.M.s. Dart, and both he and Mrs. Fairfax will probably patronise the ports. The committee have made all the needful preparations, and the events are expected to go off without a hitch. The entries for all the races (which include events for naval officers and seamen) are very numerous, and for the convenience of sj>ectators each competitor will wear his official number on his back and shoulders in figures four inches long. Good weather is the only thing now needed to make the affair a decided success.

Among the passengers by the s.s. Manapouri yesterday was Mr. Noel E. Ruck, of the Switchback Railway and Outdoor Amusement Company, in order to put up switchback railways in New Zealand, commencing first in Auckland. He hits arranged for a section from the Harbour Board, adjacent to Firth's Roller Mills. Mr. Ruck hopes to open in a fortnight's time. He has brought with him from Australia some experienced men, and is also employing additional labour here to work under their supervision. The length of the "switchback" will be 400 feet, with double lines. After the car is released by a lever, its own momentum carries it over a series of graceful curves to its terminus. The return is effected by a series of curves traversing the others. The indicator at the Melbourne Exhibition showed that 300,000 passengers were taken over the switchback railway without a single accident.

A sitting of the Thames Assessment Court, for the purpose of hearing and determining objections to the new valuation list recently prepared for the borough, was held yesterday, Mr. H. W. Northcroft presiding. Only a portion of the objections lodged were heard, consequently there will be another sitting of the Court to-day,

" Missing at Lloyds " was repeated at the Opera House last evening. It will be seen by advertisement that "East Lynne " has been billed for nest Friday, Saturday, and Aionday. " The Woman of the People," which was to have been produced next Saturday, is now underlined for Tuesday. The Fisk Jubilee Singers were fairly well patronised yesterday evening, and were, <\3 usual, frequently encored. Those who wish to hear the Fisk Singers, and have not yet done so, should avail themselves of the opportunity this evening, when the concluding performance of the season will be given.

At the Zealandia Rink last night John Eaton succeeded in lowering the previous record (which was 4min ISsec) by ITsec, doing one mile in 4min Isec. The Two-mile Handicap for the medal was won by Joseph Pelham, Eaton, who gave him 4 laps, being Becond, Knox, Harvey, Diamond, and Peterson following in- the order named. We estimate the spectators at 1500.

The Cincinnati Price Current had received reports of the pork industry in the Western States of America, the reports representing places iu which 90 per cent, of the total packing had been carried on. The total number of hogs packed during the season is returned at 3,380,000, as compared with 4,130,000 in 1887-8, thus showing a decrease of 750,000. The season is not yet over, but it is believed that the reports furnish information sufficient to allow of an approximate estimate of the entire season's packing, which is given as 5,320,000 hogs, against 5,921,181. Thus the deficiency for the whole season is expected to be about 600,000 hogs. Last year there was a still greater decrease, as compared with 18S6-7. The latest estimate is the smallest for eleven years. It is about 13£ per cent, less than the average for the five winter seasons previous to last year. It is said, however, that the season has been so favourable to pig-feeding that the average weight of a carcase will be heavier than it was last year, so that the votal weight of pork packed will not be much less.

A musically illustrated service of song, entitled " Harry .Lee," will be given at St. Stephen's Church, Ponsonby, this evening.

Tenders for Council olScc3 and Firi. Brigade station are invited by the Newton Borough Council.

Mr Joseph L. Innes, Lie. T.S. Col., London, notifies in our advertising columns that he is prepared to conduct any of the examinations of tne Tonic Sol-Fa College. Further particulars in advertisement.

Applications are invited for the position of toaster for the Elani School of Art and Design. The Ponsonby Baptist Sunday-school anniversary will be held on Sunday next.

We noticed that between five and eight last evening a portion of the Auckland Fire Brigade were busily engaged pumping out the cellars at the premises of Messrs. W. 11. Feuton and Co., Queen-street, the scene of the late fire, and we have no doubt that there must been considerable damage to their stock by water, judging from the quantity of water thrown out by the pump. We also notice, by advertisement, that the above well-known farm intend holding a great salvage sale, commencing on Thursday next at eleven o'clock, when, no doubt, the public will take advantage of the great bargains offering.

The shipment of new winter jackets, mantles, dresses, and millinery by the Arawa for McMaster and Shalders, has just arrived In time for the great change in weather.

Our wicker chairs being elegant, comfortAble, and cheap are meeting with expressions of approval from every purchaser. Our exhibits of superior basketware and wicker furniture have gained seven first prizes, medals, etc.— Cole. No. 1, Wellesleyfitreet Fast.