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New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8283, 16 June 1890, Page 4

Although there is nothing apparently in the condition of affairs in Europe to excite alarm, it is evident from the renewed efforts which the central Powers are making to increase their fighting forces, that the situation is regarded by those best able to judge of it as extremely precarious. Germany is, in spite of Parliamentary oppusitian, making strenuous endeavours to augment, very considerably, her army, while Austria is following in the same significant direction. According to the Austrian Minister of War the peace of Europe is insecure, and on that account he urges the necessity of Austria making necessary military preparation. A curious rumour is afloat in Paris. It is said that General Boulanger is likely to lead an expedition into Africa in the interests of France. Changes in the Salis bury Ministry are spoken of. Rumour joints to Mr. Smith being elevated to the House of Lords, and being succeeded by the Marquis of Harrington, and Mr. Matthews being supplanted by Mr. Chamberlain. A motion proposed by Mr. Ackland in favour of devoting the surplus to education instead of to compensating publicans for loss of their licenses was rejected by a majority of 31. The session of the General Assembly will open at Wellington on Thursday next, and the majority of the Auckland members proceed by the s.s. Takapuna to-morrow, which leaves the Manukau at half-past nin6 a.m., and the latest train for passengers from the Auckland Station is twenty minutes to nine a.m. Mr. R. Thompson, M.H.R. for Marsden, goes overland via the Lake Country and Napier to Wellington. Amongst the passengers who are on board the mail steamer Mariposa en route for San Francisco are :—Sir Hector Croft, a barrister of repute from London, who is on his way home after a pleasure tour through Australia; Mr. Thos. B. Merry, who has been purchasing blood stock for California ; Captain Hector, the commodore skipper of the Peninsular and Oriental Company's fleet, on a trip with his wife to the old country ; and Captain Von Schmidt, a Californian marine engineer of fame, who has been superintending extensive dredging operations in Port Phillip. We wish to draw the attention of our readers and those who may be seeking "fresh fields and pastures new," to the following extract from a private letter received from Natal, South Africa, last night, by an old colonist to a relative now residing in New Zealand, viz.—"l would strongly advise you to give up all idea of leaving New Zealand for here at present. The goldfields in South Africa are very different to what the Australian diggings were in their earlier days. In Australia the gold was found without much labour. In Africa it is only in the quartz, and the average find in a ton of quartz (which is about a cart-load) and has to be then crushed, ground, and sifted very fine, then washed ; and after all their labour on it, if they, can only realise about two ounces of gold it is as much as they can expect and do not grumble. lam informed that the pioneers who went to Barberton and Johannesberg were very sanguine, and built a large town in each place, but we have heard lately that there is much distress and want of employment in both towns. When it was explained to me that the cost and labour of obtaining about 2oz of gold was more than the precious metal would realise I felt thankful I had not advised you to return and try your luck here. People without means should not attempt to come here, as most of the subordinate labour is performed by natives, who flock there from all parts, and Indians also who have been long domiciled in Natal." On inquiring at the Hospital last night as to the condition of Mr. Turtle, our reporter was informed that there was no change either for the better or otherwise. He is at present in a state of unconscious ness. The funeral of the late Mrs. Matthows, wife of Mr. E. J. Matthews, the wellknown builder and contractor, took place yesterday afternoon at the Symonds-streefc Cemetery, the burial service being conducted by the Rev. J. Chew, of the Beres-ford-street Congregational Church, assisted by the Rev. T. Hamer. Notwithstanding the unfavourable weither there was a good attendance of old settlers to pay the last tribute of respect in following her remains to their last resting place. The deceased lady was a very old colonist, having been with her husband over 40 years in the colony. She had been ailing for some time past, and passed away at the ripe age of 78. On Saturday afternoon another distressing accident occurred at football. A youth named Percy Fountain, while playing for the University Club against Ellerslie was trying to stop a dribbling rush of a couple of" opposing forwards when their legs came in heavy contact, and Fountain's limb was broken above the ankle. He was conveyed to town in a break, and had the fracture attended to with all possible promptitude. Tho attendance at the Art Gallery still keeps up, notwithstnding the advance of the season. _ Among the latest additions to the collection on loan is a fine little painting of the 16th century, illustrating a scene in a Spanish town. The picture has been lent by Mr. S. Shirley, in whose family it has been on heirloom.

- "'"■ ■ "BgßJßgg^g^p^ It appears, says our Helensville correspondent, that the human remains found on Ohinekura Island, Kaipara River, are not likely to bo those of Mr. Veness, the com mercial traveller drowned off the Minnie Casey in 1878, as at first supposed, but it is more probable are those of Charles H Smith, master of the cutter Telegraph' plying between Helensville and Wairoa' who was drowned in 1876 by being knocked overboard by the jibing of the boom near the Hot Springs Creek, a little below where the remains were found last week. Captain Rawson states that from the position i a which the remains were found it was impossible for them to belong to George Veness. At the time of Veness falling overboard the Minnie Casey was anchored below Shelly Beach, and a strong tide running, the body would consequently be carried seaward, and not tin the river Mr. W. McLeod, wh£ was with Veness the evening of his departure, states that he wore a light suit of clothes, and he distinctly remembers hi* having a set of large gold studs in his shirt front, while the remains of cloth found under the skeleton resemble dark serge , and one bone stud and one ivory stud with metal top were picked up. An inquest was hold on Saturday, before Mr. Sinclair, J.p. coroner. From the evidence of Constable O'Brien, it seems there were found with the remains a threepenny bit dated 1573 three coppers dated 1874 and 1875 respectively, and two buttons, and some metal remains of braces. The evidence of Dr. Bell was to the effect that the bones were decayed, but the skull was in good preservation. The remains were those of a European, apparently 30 to 35 years of aye. The public records show that Smith was drowned from the cutter Telegraph in the Kaipara river, on the 6th of September, 1876. No other persons had been drowned in the Kaipara river for a number of years whose bodies had not been recovered, with the exception of Veness and Smith. The jury returned an open verdict in accordance with the evidence; but, from the surrounding circumstances, it is believed that the remains found are those of Charles H. Smith. He was a German by birth, and had a brother keeping a restaurant at Sydney. Shortly before his death he was negotiating with the owner of the cutter to purchase a half, share in her, and his brother in Sydney sent him over the money to complete the transaction, which was never carried out; but it is said that, on inquiries being made at the Bank after his death, it was found he had withdrawn the money. What became of it therefore remains a mystery. It will be remembered that a few weeks ago an employee of the Auckland Tramway named Wilson died suddenly at Ponsonby, leaving a widow and three children unprovided for. As Mrs. Wilson had friends in Manchester who would take care of her, it was determined by those interested in the poor woman to raise funds to send her and her three children home. Mrs. Freeman, wife of Mr. Freeman, the superintendent of the car factory of the company, undertook the work of collecting the funds, and succeeded in obtaining the necessary amount, a portion of which was obtained through the medium of the Herald, being left by donors at the Queen-street publishing office. Passages to England were secured by Mrs. Freeman for Mrs. Wilson and family, and they sailed from Wellington in the s.s. Aoranei last week.

On Saturday, at the Police Court, a prohibition order was granted against an old man named John Irwin, at the instance of his son. The Magistrate inflicted severe sentences on two women for using obscene language in the public streets. This bad practice is stated to be on the increase. The Single-tax controversy is pretty well understood in Auckland, but, according to the Brunner News, the miners have not yet " caught on " on the West Coast: —" Apropos of the lecture on Single Tax, not a few objected to attend Mr. Hill's meeting, because they did not agree with a policy that proposed imposing a tax on the single men during hard times. And such is fame !" This evening, at eight o'clock, Sir William Fox will deliver his promised lecture on Egypt to the members of the Auckland Institute and their friends. In addition to making use of most of the chief modern sources of information, Sir W. Fox will draw largely on his own personal recollections of the country, and will exhibit water colour sketches of many places of interest. We feel sure that there will be a large audience for the lecture. Last month a bold robbery was committed at a house in Mount Eden Road, belonging to Mrs. McNaughton, of Tamaki. The house was unoccupied, and one of the windows was removed bodily, as well as nearly all the locks on the doors, and some keys. Detective Herbert investigated the affair, and as the outcome an information has been laid against a man at present undergoing a term of imprisonment at Mount Eden Gaol for larceny. The case comes on to-morrow. The Early Closing Association is making headway in its'efforts to induce firms to close earl}'. Among those who have th us given in their adhesion to the movement is Mr. W. Earle, grocer, of Queen-street. From advertisement it will be seen that ha will in future close on week days ab six and on Saturdays at ten p.m. sharp. A meeting of the Board of Management of the Auckland Printers' Association was held on Saturday evening, at the Foresters Hall, when a new code of rules was submitted. These rules provide for the admission of lithographers, stereotypers, bookbinders, paper-rulers, &c., as members of the Association, and several gentlemen connected with these branches of the printing profession were present and gave in their names for membership. The final adoption of the rales and other matters of importance iv as deferred till next Saturday evening, when another meeting will be held. Judge Denniston, referring to the refusal to discharge a labourer, said. : " I say emphatically Bankruptcy Acts do not meaD, and, as far as I can help, shall not be applied, in cases of a non-trader who incurs debts, and, without an alteration in his circumstances, asks for discharge." The Sydney Morning Herald, of the 10th instant, has the following :—" The interest taken in the fish importations from New Zealand was shown by the numbers of persons who made inquiry yesterday on board the steamer Mararoa as to whether a further shipment had arrived. She has brought both fish and game in her refrigerators. The lot comprises the following fine varieties :—Blue cod, trumpeter, salmon, trout, wario, soles, flounders, butterfish, dorys, schnapper, kawhai, kippers, and smoked fish ; and the game consists of pheasants, quail, wild pigeons, kakas, etc." For some time past rumours have been in circulation to the effect that a new industry, in the form of ironworks, was to be started in Onehunga, but nothing definite could be learned about it. Three weeks ago, however, a firm, under the name ot Messrs. Gettings and Co., leased from tin Borough Council the market reserve, containing seven acres, for a period of 21 years, with a right of renewal for a further tern of 21 years, at the expiration of the lease, and immediately afterwards tenders were called for buildings to be erected on the ground. A commencement has already been made with the erection of the works, so that it is evident the promoters do nob intend to lose any time in launching their new industry, which we understand is to be a galvanised bucket and tub factor}'. To-day, at noon, Sir G. M. O'Rorke will lay the foundation stone of the building; after which a champagne luncheon will take place. During Saturday, there was on view at the stationer's shop of G. J. Jackion, a handsome silver trowel, suitably inscribed, which is ta be presented to Sit G. M. O'Rorke on the occasion of laying the stone. In addition, there was to be seen on view a set of horseshoes manufactured from the Manukau ironsand, and beautifully mounted; It is probable that the new factory will be in a short time an extensive one, as a mill for the rolling of sheet-iron is to be erected. The action of the Government in liberating stoats in New Zealand, says a correspondent, "Is unwise and opposed to the interests of settlers. Stoats do not confine themselves to a rabbit diet. Native and imported birds and animals, the occupants of the fowl yard and newly dropped lambs will be killed by these bloodthirsty creatures, and even babies in their cradles will not be safe. When the purpose for which the stoat has been imported is accomplished, and bunny wiped out, it will be found a far more difficult task to get rid of the rabbit destroyer." Several letters to the editor have bad to be held over.

The City Market was in years gone by a thronged and busy scene, but for years past has been almost deserted, save by a few fruiterers, and old marine storedealers, ft nd a white elephant to the City Council. Kut now there seems to be quite a change, enterprise and energy, order and cleanlb ieS now reign. Marine stores are giving place to sightly produce, and there is an aspect of business which gives promise of the old times. Farmers and market gardeners are induced to bring their produce and meet the customer without tho intervention of the obnoxious " middle man." Storage is provided ; weigh bridge ; servants' registry office ; bait stable; standing room for vehicles ladies' room, and every convenience for the public. There is no reason why the City Market should not ;-,!l the want for which it was designed, an d it the present lessees carry out their programme of improvements, they should ha* every facility which the " City Fathers " can grant to them. The Waitara settlers' steel paddle steamer Terranora, which arrived at Onehunga at throe o'clock on Saturday afternoon from Wiiitara, brought nearly "a full cargo of ttoek, comprising 76 head of fine cattle and •.'til sheep, besides a quantity of general cargo. Bead wind and lumpy sea tended to protract the steamer's passage beyond the usual time, but being a good sea-boat ami very steady, the cattle and sheep evidenced, en being landed in faultless condition, that they had not suffered by being fouie two or three hours longer in transit than usual. This fact goes far to confirm the expectations of her owners, that the steamer would be eminently suited for the trade in which they have embarked her, viz.. the conveyance of stock from Waitara and West Coast ports (all of whichjhor light draught of water enables her to negotiate at any state of the tide) and Manukau. By reference to our shipping column it will be seen that her departure from Onehunga I; is been postponed till one o'clock p.m. to-day. A Southern journal thus refers to the newly-formed Postal and Telegraph OtHcers' Society :—" Wonder has frequently been expressed how it is that such a strong force of workers as the telegraph operators have not formed a Union. There would be some pease in that, though there would be very little in turning out on strike. That was tried once, but it resulted in ignominious failure. Whereas, if a Union were formed it would doubtiass have the effect; of putting a stop to a great deal done in the department that is unfair t'i the operators and objectionable in many ways. There is n great deal too much favouritism in the department. It is a cr.se of 'kissing goes by favour,' and it has been so for years. During the »eigu of Dr. Lemon was about the only time when it could be said to be in the j>owcr of the head of the department to mete out even - handed justice to all: but somehow or other even then, while some few were allowed to climb over the heads of their seniors in the service, others, from no apparent cause whatever, were kept back and poorly paid. It may be asked why a young, energetic, ami capable official like Mr. Gray, did not make an alteration for the better upon the amalgamation of tho postal and telegraph departments a few years ago ; because, as a matter of fact, the officers are worse off thai ever they were before, the incongruities of pay and promotion being more general than ever they were. Well, the explanation is very simple. The present Govern cent, as well as their predecessors, looked for revenue from every department of the public service. What has been said of the telegraph branch might also equally apply to the postal branch, as both are conducted anyhow as regards the treatment of the officers: the only essential in the eyes of tho Government is to show a profit on the managementthe greater the better." There was a fair muster of seamen and friends at the Sailors' Rest Mission Hall, on Saturday evening last. Mr. Tremain presided, and Miss Tremain officiated as pianist. The concert (a miscellaneous one) was opened with the hymn "Rescue the Perishing,'' which was followed by a short and pithy address by the chairman. The next item was a piano solo, well executed by Miss Caley, which was followed by a song, " The Very Worst Girl in School.'' by Miss Picard, who also sang " Won't You Buy my Pretty Flowers ;" both pieces were creditably rendered and well received. Master W. Macdermott then gave a recitation. Mr. Vinicombe contributed two songs in his usual good style. A piano solo by Miss Tremain followed, after which Mr. Macdermott gave an interesting address on the early pioneers of the temperance movement. The Misses Nodder and Miteham sang a duet very nicely, and Mr. White recited "The Sailor's Vow." Mr. Buchanan contributed a humorous song, and Mr. Kobinson a comic recitation. Miss Waymouth sang " Barney O'Hea," while as a closing piece Miss Mitcham pleasantly sang " The Christian's Goodnight."

Among the books recently added to the Free Public Library is " Firth's Reminiscences of New Zealand" (two vols.), which has been donated by Mr. G. P. Pierce, of the New Zealand Insurance Company. The Medical Superintendent of the Hospital, Dr. Collins, now that four acres of land have been added to the Hospital grounds, is having a tennis court, for the use of convalescent patients and the Hospital attendants, made. Convalescent parents and men from the Old Men's Refuges are engaged on the work. There was a meeting of the journeymen Bakers' Union at Robson's Rooms, on Saturday evening, when some important business •.vas transacted. The Union is continuing its work of shortening the hours and bettering the condition of the men. The Mount Albert Mutual Improvement Society held their weekly mooting at Ferndale last Friday evening, My. J. Tonson Garlick presiding. The evening was devoted to extempore speeches on the following questions :—" How do the Advovocates of the Single Tax propose to introduce it ':'' "Is Parnell a Traitor or a Patriot ?" and the third question related to Professor Walker's critique on Bellamy's " Looking Backward." The subjects were introduced by Rev. Dr. Hooper, Messrs. G. Mcßride and H. W. Wilding respectively. The single tax question caused an immense amountof discussion. A vote was taken re Parnell, resulting in the majority declaring him to be a traitor. Misses E. Thomson, A. Dixon, and Mr. C. Dixon contributed musical selections. The president, on behalf of the class, expressed regret at the approaching departure of Mr. Wilding and family. The Rev. Dr. Egan has been confined to his room for the past week owing to a severe injur)' to his leg. We are glad to state, however, that he is now recovering. Yesterday, the feast of the Sacred Heart, high mass was celebrated at the Church of "the Sacred Heart, Ponsonby, by Father Lenihari. There was a crowded congregation. His Lordship Bishop Luck preached an instructive and forcible sermon, speaking of the love of the Sacred Heart for man. Haydn's mass in C was rendered by the choir, who sang with excellent spirit. Tho soloist- were : —Miss R. Tole. soprano; Miss M. Tole, contralto Mr. J. A. Tole, tenoi ; Mr. Parrish, bass. During the offertory Mr. J. A. Tole sang Mine's " Ave Veruin," with chorus. The organist was Miss M. Tole, and there was also a good orchestra, Mr. R. Mahoney being _ first violinist. In the evening the Bishop again preached. The "Credidi" and " Salve Regina" of Eslava, Dr. Richmond's "Responses," Glover's "0 Salutaris," and Wallace's "Tantum Ergo," were the principal musical pieces, whilst Zingarelli's " Laudato" was also given, Mr. Tole singing the solo. The high and side altars, and the whole of the sanctuary, were splendidly decorated, there being a great profusion of flowers and plants, disposed with great taste. A beautiful veil, made and presented to the church by Miss R. Tole, hung before the tabernacle. The little altar in the body of the church, with the statue of the Sacred Heart, was also neatly adorned with flowers. In the afternoon there was exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament, attended by large numbers of worshippers, including the Children of -Mary, and a large number of the inmates of St. Mary's Orphanage. About 30 children, instructed for some time past by the Rev. Father Lenihan, received their first communion at the early mass. There were in the lock-up last evening, three men and one woman, all on charges of drunkenness. One of the men, James Boyd, is also charged with a breach of the Malicious Injuries to Property Act, by breaking a window valued at £2 ss, property of Mr. Paul, Chapel-street.

A corresponded sends us a copy of » report sent by Mr. George M. Mitford to the Colonial Secretary in 1864, relative to the discovery of coal at the Bay of Islands at that date, and which he thinks is of interest at the present moment now that attention is being attracted to coal leasing country between Whangarei and the Bay of Islands. We quote a passage or two : —" The discovery was made about two weeks since, on land belonging, I believe, to Maihi Paraone, by some natives while engaged in searching for kauri gum in the bed of a small stream which runs into the Kawakawa river. I felt considerable surprise»and no little doubt upon the subject when it; was first announced, from the apparent absence of the usual formations indicative of the presence of coal; ancUknowing how the importance of such discoveries are frequently magnified, I determined to visit the place myself and form my own judgment upon the matter. The cretaceous formation which composes the hills in the district of the Bay of Islands (except in ono or two localities whore the quartz has broken through) is continued up the Kawakawa, and beyond the point in question. The existence, therefore, of coal would not bo suspected by a casual observer, there being nothing to indicate the presence of it. Near the bottom of the valley, however, through which the creek above alluded to flows, oolitic sandstone makes its appearance, not in the vast deposits we have been accustomed to -see in England and Australia, but in apparently a thin layer. In this, however, I may bo mistaken, as the hills are so covered with soil and vegetation that, without actually digging into the bank, the true nature and extent of the rocks cannot be ascertained. Immediately under the oolite appears the usual slaty shale covering the* coal seam. You will perceive, therefore, from the above description that the coal belongs to what is usually termed the secondary geological period, and is therefore true coal, and not lignite or the brown coal of the tertiary period. I was subsequently informed by a native that tho coal appears also at Waiomio, a distance of five miles off. I send you some specimens of the coal, the overlying shale, and tho oolitic sandstone ; also a fragment I broke off the petrified stump of a tree which was lying close to the spot, and evidently belonged to the oolite." Mr. Rolleston has consented to come forj ward as a candidate for Halswell. The "Northern Luminary, published at Kawakawa, has the following on the movement, of the coal miners there:—" The demand made as to the officers, excepting the manager and underground " boss " is inexplicable. The manager states that it is a thing unprecedented, and out of all reason. We learn on good, and, we may say, the best authority, that if any ofiicer joins the Union, Mr. Moody will discharge him forthwith. This is no secret, because Mr. Moody has giver, his officers notice to this effect. The idea of otlicers of a company banding together with the workmen is surely not the ' correct thing.' Men must be 'men's men, or masters' men.' They cannot be both. Though we know for a fact that the employees of the Coal Company have been well treated (during the past) : they have earned good wages ; they have been in regular work ; and, all in all, better oft' than any other class of workmen in the colony. They are satisfied, but they have been stirred up, frightened, and moved to take action against their better judgment, by the agitators who flourish so luxuriantly in and out of Greymouth and Westport centres of mining industry. By all means let our miners form a Union. It is a good thing, if well managed. But beware of ' killing the goose that lays the golden egg.' Coal-mining in Kawakuva is not a ' golden egg.' It has been (unfortunately) for many years an ' incubus,' neither a thing of beauty nor a joy, but a great sorrow to the shareholders. Let us hope that the men of Kawakawa will not, by any action they may take, make it a sorrow to themselves." The usual evangelistic service in the City Hall last evening, was addressed by Mr. J. T. Arundel and Mr. John Butters, from Edinburgh. Rev. A. J. Smith also took part in the meeting. Mr. W. Brakenrig presided. The coal export last week from Westport was 3070 tons. At the Opera House on Saturday evening, Cellier's bright and sparkling opera, "Dorothy," was performed for the last time, before a large audience, by Williamson, Garner, and Musgrove*s Company. The principal singers were repeatedly applauded, and encores were frequent. To-night "The Yeomen of the Guard" will be produced. The second lecture of the fifth annual course given under the auspices of the Howick and Pakuranga Literary Society, was delivered by the Rev. C. Worboy9 in the new hall, Pakuranga, on the 10th inst., subject " Talkers and Talking : or, the Gift of the Gab." Mr. Hugh K. Gilmour occupied the chair. The lecture was most interesting and instructive throughout. The lecturer was in his usual racy and humorous vein, and received applause repeatedly during the evening, also a most hearty vote of thanks at its close. "Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, there was a good attendance. A general meeting of the members of the New Zealand Institute of Surveyors will be held at the Survey Office, Custom-street, on Friday, 27th instant, at three p.m., the business being draft of proposed incorporation and other matters. A meeting of the Auckland Athenamm will be held this evening in the Society of Arts' room at eight o'clock. The following tenders for the erection of additional raw sugar stores at the Colonial Sugar Co.'s refining premises at Chelsea, were received on Saturday : — Alexander Keyes, £815; James Furey, £948 10s; riglev and Mathews, £s;J7 : W. J. Cameron, £965} Hugh Grey, £897; Alex. Watson, £980; Jones and Fairweather, £929; J. Swanson, £990; W. G. Smith, £930; J. Ellingham, £991 ; Davies and Evans, £1147. To-morrow at eleven o'clock Mr. Gabriel Lewis will offer for sale a large consignment of brass mounted bedsteads, of novel design ; also, general furnishing ironmongery, clocks, etc., comprised in 67 package?, being now landed ex Waimate. For further particulars see advertisement. The first lecture in the winter course in connection with the Young Men's Christian Association takes place on Friday next, when Mr. C. E. Button will deliver a lecture on "The Catacombs," illustrated with limelight views. Tickets for the course are now distributed, and may be obtained at the booksellers, or at the rooms. A splendid chance for Aucklanders to perfect themselves in the art of riding with grace and safety is now offered by Messrs. Wirth Bros., the circus proprietors. They purpose to establish a select school for the tuition of the art of equitation Quiet, steady horses, with all proper equipments, will be provided, and that the teachers will be competent goes without saying. Miss Marizles Wirth will supervise the ladies' class.