Untitled

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 9437, 7 August 1889, Page 4

The situation in Crete is growing more serious, and conflicts between the Turkish troops and the malcontents are reported. The Christian inhabitants are leaving the island. According to a statement made by Sir Jame-s Ferguson, the present condition of affairs is not due to any revolt against the authority of the Porte, but to the quarrels of political factions. Russia, ever eager to avail herself of the opportunity of pestering her old enemy, has called upon the Porte to maintain order in Crete, and afford adequate protection to the Russian residents there. It is reported that the object of the German Emperor's visit to England is really to learn for himself the true state of feeling towards Germany. General Boulanger has Issued another manifesto. These documents help to keep him in evidence. Without them he would be in danger of relapsing into obscurity. What is known as " the Liverpool mystery" has developed a new phase, and it is now likely that Mrs. Maybrick will be acquitted.

Mr. Vailc contributes his fifth article on our railway commissioners and their powers, which will be found in another column. In ib he calls attention to the remarkable success of the Prussian State railways, It appears that the not earnings of that portion of the Prussian railways which is owned by the State pays the interest not only on the national debt of Prussia but also on the debt of united Germany. Mr. Vaile contends that if outrailways were intelligently managed in the interests of the wholo community they could easily be made the interest on our debt.

The member for Newton, Mr. Withy, arrived yesterday by the Te Anau, from Wellington, partly on private affairs, and partly to recuperate after the stonewall. He considers the compromise effected between town and country in the matter of the Representation Bill, as a very fair one. Mr. Withy has no intention of delivering any public address on the political situation during the two or three days he will remain here, as he thinks the late stonewalling proceedings have sufficiently ventilated the questions at issue. He returns to Wellington by either to-morrow's or Friday's steamer. As to the length of the session, he does not venture to express any opinion, bub hopes that after so much talk it may be possible to get .to the real business of the country, and transact it.

Some correspondence has passed between the Defence Minister (in whose charge are all public buildings) and the Auckland municipal authorities relative to Government House, which seems to indicate that the difficulty between the Government and Earl Onslow as to its occupation has been satisfactorily arranged. The Town Clerk (Mr. P. A. Philips) had written to the Defence Department asking permission for the citizens to have access to the grounds' of Government House. Mr. Arthur Bell, engineer, writes in reply acknowledging the receipt of the letter, and stating that he is directed by the Defence Minister to inform him that while the Government have no desire to place any restrictions upon previous custom, during the past season, it is now proposed to put the grounds in order in anticipation of His Excellency's next visit. It is proposed to do the work by prison labour, and as there are obvious objections to the public having access to the grounds while the prisoners are at work, the grounds will be closed to the public while the prisoners are so employed. When the grounds are put in order, the Defence Minister does not think it advisable to re-open them, except under special conditions, till His Excellency's dates of movements are determined.

The little brochure of Captain Ash by, of London, intended for private circulation, is entitled, "New Zealand, the Land of Health, Wealth, and Prosperity; its Pre sent Position and Future Prospects." It consists of about 100 pages of printed matter, and is illustrated with views of Auckland, Wellington, Christ-church, and Dunedin. It will be issued shortly, and about 1500 copies circulated abroad; and Captain Ashby in a letter to us states he hopes " it may be the means of doing some good for that country in which I spent so many happy day.*." The publication has been delayed through some of the illustrations having proved unsatisfactory. Captain Ashby has now arranged with Waterlow and Sons, Limited, to do the views of Auckland, and this will of course delay the book, which has been ready for weeks past, only awaiting the illustrations.

The Government seem in no hurry to publish the exhaustive report on the Otorohanga caves prepared by Mr. Humphries, Commissioner of Crown Lands. He spent two or three days in the caves getting photographic views of their wonders, and has had a number fitted with slides for limelight views to illustrate the lecture which he will probably give shortly on the subject at the Auckland Institute. The report gives the fullest instructions as to the best method of inspecting the caves, the use of the magnesium light, etc. Is is doubtful whether the Government will at present install the electric light, as with due care there is no reason why candles or torchlight should injure the stalactites. The''Maoris are fully alive to the necessity of putting down vandalism with a strong hand, and may be depended on, as their own interests are involved, to see to it that nothing in the caves is defaced or mutilated.

Some time ago a good deal of discussion arose respecting the large charge made by the Railway Department for conveying a quantity of salt from Helens'ville to Auckland, which had been brought by a ship coming from Australia to the Kaipara to load up with timber. This has been taken into consideration by the Railway Commissioners, and steps taken to prevent the recurrence of such a thing. The following order has been issued in connection therewith :—" Goods of classes A, B, C, D [that is, merchandise] ex ships from ports outside Kaipara Heads, Helensville to Auckland, will be charged 10s per ton by ship's manifest or by weight or measurement, at the option of the department." Vessels can now bring a cargo to the Kaipara while coming there for a load of timber. Some cases of importance to shipowners and masters, as well as. merchants, etc., were heard before Dr. Giles at the Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday, and are reported elsewhere.

The Dock Committee of the Auckland Harbour Board recommended yesterday, in reference to the injury to Calliope Dock, that Mr. Stewart's report as to the injury to the pumps, and their treatment, be adopted, and that that gentleman be requested to prepare plans and specifications, with a view to calling tenders for the work. Mr. Stewart wrote that he was desirous of undertaking the repairs, but he feared he could not do so under open tender. He would prepare plans and specifications for a selected contractor, for the sum of £120, but if for open tender his fee would be £175. If he undertook the repairs, his charge for his report would be £25, and if not, the fee would be £52 10s. It was decided to adopt the recommendation of the Dock Committee, provided Mr. Stewart's remuneration did not exceed £120 for the preparation of the plans and specifications, and £25 for the report already given.

Yesterday a person advertised in the Herald that a parcel containing one £5 and several other notes had been lost on the previous day. We learn that a boy named Willie Gorman, residing with his parents in Albert-street, in company with another boy, whose name he gives, both attending City East School, had been passing the Opera House on Monday about 12.30. They there found a brown paper parcel on the footpath, which, on opening, was seen to contain a £5 note and at least one other bank note, together with some papers. The boy Gorman wanted to divide, but he states that the other boy went away with the whole. He reported what he had found on returning home, and his mother and the boy informed us of the above particulars yesterday, after knowing that the money had been advertised for. They subsequently reported the occurrence ■to the police.

There have been frequent complaints made at various times of the neglected state of the cemeteries in which lie the men of the Imperial and naval forces who died in action, etc., durin? the Maori wars Occasionally a spasmodic effort has been made by the Colonial Government to repair the dilapidated fences and renew the head boards, buo in the majority of cases these cemeteries have been left to ruin and neglect. There is nothing on which officers and men of the Imperial forces have felt so strongly, as betokening a want of gratitude for the services rendered by the brave men who laid down their lives on behalf of the colony. During the present week an ex-non-commissioned officer of the ISth Regiment, who has arrived from Melbourne, has been up country looking at the graves of some of those who fell in action during the Waikato war, and was not deeply impressed with the reverence which has been shown to the fallen dead. He had some difficulty in rinding the lines again of Ring's Redoubt, on the PapakuraWairoa Road, and in finding again some of the old battle grounds up the Great South Road, owing to the changes in the face of the country since the Waikato camnaign of 1863.

The annual presentation of diplomas of the University of New Zealand will take place in the Choral Hall on Friday, August 16, at S p.m. Eight diplomas one of Master of Arts and seven of Bachelor of Arts— are to be presented by Professor P. 1). Brown, who will act on behalf of the Chancellor of the University. t The eminent tragedian, Mr. Fairclough* whose name is celebrated amongst playgoers, but who retired from the stage some years since, is in Auckland. He will remain here during the stay of the Simonsen Opera Company, Mrs. Fairclough (Miss Elsa May) being the prima donna of that troupe. If Mr. Fairclough, whilst here, could be prevailed upon to take part in some Shakespearian scenes, his appearance would be welcomed with great pleasure by those who remember his performances in Auckland nine years ago, when he last isited this city.

There has just been presented to the Free Library a little work by Edward Carasel, of Victoria, entitled "Maxims, Political, Philosophical, and Moral." There are no less than 3237 maxims in the volume, and even a City Councillor should be able to know " the whole duty of man" after perusing this compendium of philosophy.

The Newton police, Constables Bernard and Finnerty, are still on the look-out for the cemetery and Park Road ghost, but hitherto they have been unable to locate him.

Vigorous steps are being taken to repair the collapsed section of Wellesley-street East, which has . interrupted tramway traffic. A gan°j of men were working the most of last night. The collapsed portion of the sewer is being re-built, and the cavern will be filled up with earth from the adjacent bank. It is expected the thoroughfare will ;be open for traffic to-morrow night.'

The regular meeting of the Auckland Presbytery was held yesterday. The bonces in most respects was routine and hritl' and the most important feature was th arrangement for the reception of Princimi Dr. Kainey on hi. arrival, and during &' onef stay he will have in Auckland Tf the programme suggested is carried'out Dr. Kainey will have little rest during hi! sojourn in Auckland. At the close of th« meeting, the Rev. Mr. McCallam read a paper. on "Commercial Morality." -pu-, was to have been-delivered at a conference meeting held in St. James' Church after the last Presbytery meeting, but time did nob allow of it being done. The question of holding a fresh conference was discu««ed yesterday, and the opinion of the Presbv tery appeared to be that they were useless Mr. McCallum finally read hi? paper "to the Presbytery, and it was favourably commenced on. Arrangements were made for the induction of the Rev. J. Hill, 0 L„ telton, into the North Shore charge.

An entertainment took place yesterday evening at All Saints Schoolroom, in aid oi the funds of the Sunday-schooL The incumbent (the Rev. W. Calder) presided There was a good attendance. The following was the programme which gave every satisfaction : — Pianoforte duet, Misses Kelly; song, "Children's Home." .\[ r 7 A. Tayler ; zither solo (encored), Mr' Winklemann ; a pastoral, " Why are You Wandering here, I Pray ?" ; sonw "Dresden China," Mrs. Upton; instrumental quartette, Messrs. Beale, Skeer Robertson and Cook: song, "Soldier's Dream of .Home," Mr. Feriday; Orpheus Glee, by Messrs. Furby, Henderson,*Feriday, and Carder. A series of tableau vivants was given, "Little Red Ridin». hood." *' Pygmalion and Galatea," " Dresden China," and "Jack." The audience were greatly pleased with these, and the curtain had again to be raised at nearly every scene. The National Anthem brought the proceedings to a close. This evening there will be a children's soiree followed by a gymnastic display by members of All Saints' Athletic Club, and a variety programme by the Guild, Christ} Minstrel troupe.

Ac the St. James' Literary Society last evening, Mr. Eugster read a paper on New Zealand, entitled "New Zealand Through Swiss Spectacles." Mr. Kugster was°a member of the Helvetian settlement at Pukekohe, but is at present engaged in business in town. His views on colonial matters were those of a cult ured and travelled man. He is of opinion that mud: of the depression existing is of our ov,i making, and arises from colonists having desired to achieve prosperity by other methods than the time-honoured ones of industry and thrift.

There were in the lock-up last evening three prisoners on charges of drunkenness! and Edwin Hill, arrested by Chief Detective Chrystal on a charge of larceny of an overcoat and pair of gloves, the property of Mr. Blakiston, from the reading-room of the Free Library. The articles were missed yesterday, and a man had been seen hovering about. Detective Chrystal saw a man in town answering the description, and after a few questions he arrested him on suspicion. A pawn ticket was found on him for the overcoat and gloves. Hill is not known to the police.

The Auckland police have been making inquiries as to the identity of the woman Maria thorn (said to hail from Auckland! who was found murdered in the Centennial Park, Sydney. It has been ascertained that a woman named Maria , who left Auckland not long ago for Sydney, and who it was conjectured might be the woman, had gone on to Brisbane.

There was a fair attendance last evening at the Columbia Rink. To-night Professor Rollinson, champion bicyclist, and Master Harrison, of Auckland, will give an exhibition of trick and fancy bicycle riding.

Mr. Stillman, one of the American insurance delegates, has left for the Lake Country to see the Wonderland before returning to the United States by the out ward 'Frisco steamer. Mr. Brora well, hi; coadjutor, was unable to go, owing to various insurance matters having yet to be fixed up. They have abandoned all idea of seeing any of the Southern portion? oi the colony.

In connection with the discussion abw: a cemetery for the North Shore, a correspondent suggests that the best place would be at O'Neill's Point. There the mm beautiful cemetery in New Zealand could be made.

The latest report from the District Hospital is that Professor Carrollo is slightly improved in condition. It is understood he is suffering from low fever. A man named Bullen was admitted into the Hospital yesterday, from Surrey Hills, suffering from typhoid.

At the Police Court yesterday, two persons were punished for drunkenness. A charge against John Murphy of having evaded the payment of toll upon the Mount Eden Road, was dismissed, each party to pay his own costs. Mr. Stone appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. Tole foi the defendant. The magistrates were Messrs. Clayton and Walker, J.P.'s.

"A Magistrate" writes regarding "the Gabbcase." He endorses Mr. Newcorabe'6 action, and comments somewhat severely on Mr. R. Stewart's letter on case and conduct in relation to it. Mr. Newcombe also returns to the charge in reply to Mr. Stewart, and in assertion of Gabb's inno cence, but the subject has been sufficiently ventilated.

Another very successful concert was given last evening by the Payne family at Devonport to a crowded audience. These talented musicians will appear to-night at Onehunga.

A syndicate has been formed in Wellington since the withdrawal of Cobb and Co., to run 'buses in opposition to the Tram Company. '

The Bridge Hotel at Kaitangata, Ota-o, a hall attached and a cottage adjoining, have been burnt down. The insurances are :—National, £341; New Zealand, £351 j Victoria, Standard, Xorwtch Union, Liverpool, London, Australian Alliance, £*2SI each.

At Christchurch, yesterday, Hugh Wilson, a lamplighter, committed suicide -by taking strychnine. He had been living apart from his family for some time.

Yesterday evening an entertainment was held in the Young Men's Christian Association Rooms in connection with the anniversary of the Young Women's Christian Association. At 6 o'clock a good number oi members sat down to a bountiful tea provided by the committee, while a musical and limelight entertainment was given later. There were about 300 persons present at the latter, Mr. J. L. Wilson presiding. After the meeting was opened with prayer a pianoforte solo was very nicely played by Mrs. Edwin Stone. A vocal trio, " Queen of the Night, was then rendered in pleasing style by Misses Best and Mr. Johnson. The solo "The Better Land," by Mrs. C. JoStone, given with much expression,followed: after which Miss Maunsell sang " Lo ve ot The World." A verv pleasing number was the duet, "The Wind and The Harp, "j Mesdames Savory and Stone, while Mr. Johnson rendered "Man The '; Lifeboat, with much spirit. The solo " When Thoi Passest Through The Waters," by Mrs. Ring, concluded the musical portion, a'W* which the Rev. J. S. Hill exhibited a beautiful and varied collection of views undjr tne limelight. Among these were a series representing the incidents of G. R. o| * graphic stories of "In the Signal-box, » " The Lifeboat," of which Mr. W. C «• J )C n Dowell recited the descriptive a simple yet powerful manner. /The sa gentleman afterwards read the fa ffll „ story of "John Tregenowcth : His Mark, - which was similarly illustrated, with van - : acceptance. _

The Birkenhead and Northcote Chora Society, this evening, hold their second co cert in" the Gladstone Hall, Northcote. programme includes some choice a " _ dees, songs and instrumental selection-: fate boat has especially been arranged' visitors from town. . , c Professor Fischer will give a plain anal > dress ball, in the Masonic Hall, ;. : rru street, on Wednesday evening. n The concert of the Eden and Epsom gfc Tennis Club will take place on *«*f»» t proSepulchre's schoolroom. An excew « onr gramme is provided, as will he seen j advertising columns. _ ,g^ The annual conversazione or soiree Andrew's Presbyterian Church »*» fa\L to-morrow eveuinsr, in the onon» . (a There will be choir music, overture* ■ tions, action son ? by the children Bt curious exhibits, &c.